Tada! The next improved chapter!

Harry walked slowly upstairs. It was very quiet. He reached the doors of the Hospital Wing and pushed them open. People looked around at the slight noise and smiled at him. He smiled back and quickly headed for the private room. He knocked and Tonks told him to enter, so he did so.

Remus, Tonks and Andi smiled at him. "Looking for a quiet spot to have lunch?" Andi guessed correctly.
Harry nodded. "Everyone wants to talk to me after what I said."

Tonks grinned. "Mm, Hestia told me earlier. You raised a good point."

They ate lunch and talked about things. Teddy provided a large source of entertainment – his baby ways coupled with ever-changing looks.

After Harry finished his soup, he cradled Teddy for a moment. Teddy was a picture of innocence, nearly asleep. Suddenly, his head turned toward the door, then slowly over to the bedside table near his mother.

As Harry, Teddy and Tonks watched, three flowers appeared there. Two were white long-stemmed ones; the other a stalk of lavender. The lavender and one of the white flowers were tied together, by a black rose, with a third bent stem of another flower that had the head roughly snapped off. The other white flower was curled up in a peculiar way - the stem in a spiral under a slightly flattened head. Harry frowned. Did that have a special meaning? What was the code?

Tonks frowned for a moment too, then suddenly smiled. Just as quickly, the same frown slid back in place, or so it seemed. She said, sounding puzzled, "Mum, why is the Black Sisters Crest sitting on my bedside table? And why is there a second - uh - narcissus all curled up like that here too?"

Well, that solved part of the puzzle. Hang on; a narcissus?

Andromeda Tonks spun sharply on her heel, away from the window. She took one look at the flowers, gasped and said, in a quavering whisper, "Narcissa?"

A soft rustle as the Disillusionment Charm was removed, then Narcissa Malfoy was revealed. She was pale and drawn. Staring at her sister, she said, "Andi. I've been a fool."

Andi's mouth twitched. "About time you realised that, Cissa."

"Sister, please. Forgive me?" Narcissa whispered.

Andi had picked up the curled flower, and was holding it. The way they were talking – Harry was struck by an idea. When these two had lived as sisters, young girls, there would have been quarrels. And he could easily imagine that after glares had been delivered and harsh words spoken, once they'd cooled down, one would go to the door of the other's room, knock and leave her flower. If the other sister had also calmed, she would have accepted the peace offering and gone to find her sister to make up in person. And when they had needed a chat, for advice or otherwise, Harry could imagine the same happening. It was their code.

So, Harry was not very surprised when Andi unfurled the flower and offered the head to her junior. "You're my sister and will always be my sister. Of course I forgive you."

They hugged and Harry suddenly felt as though he was intruding on something private, and stepped back, towards the door of the room.

Then two loud buzzing noises were heard. Everyone jumped. Tonks and Remus exchanged a glance, then pulled out two bronze badges. Tonks' was a rainbow, and Remus', what looked like two babies suckling from a wolf. Each tapped theirs with a finger, and Kingsley's voice was suddenly heard. "Romulus and Rainbow, River is insisting upon a final 'Potterwatch' broadcast to clear things up and he's going to make a point about those who died. Now is as good a time as any to announce you're alive, I think. Come to the Gryffindor Common room ASAP."

"Understood, Royal." Tonks replied.

"We will see you there." Remus added, but looked uncertain.

Madam Pomfrey was not pleased to see them go so soon but understood why. After insisting they take it easy and come back later, she gave Remus his hourly potion, with an extra dose to take with him, and let them all go. Andi was bonding with Narcissa. Tonks insisted upon carrying Teddy, and Harry came along as he wanted to give Lee the list of fallen house-elves. Along the way, Tonks explained gently to Remus the full extent of the message. Remus was relieved, but asked her to lead in conversations.

They arrived as Lee was setting up, his back to the portrait hole (the Fat Lady had let them through without password again). Harry called out to him, and he turned, then Lee and the Potterwatch announcers who hadn't known gaped at them. Those who had known smiled and beckoned them over. "Er, how?" Lee asked, amazed.

Tonks grinned. "Long story." she nodded at the recording equipment. Lee blushed.
"Right..." he cleared his throat, "Right then. Ahhh….take your places, people."

Then he began. "Afternoon listeners. I'm River, and this is our last episode of Potterwatch! Last time, we left you with some interesting intel: the Golden Trio" (Harry nearly choked and felt mortified) "had escaped Gringotts on a dragon - which I believe is now safely in the wild - and we were all wondering what they'd do next. I was so sure that it would be something big that I changed the password to Victory!" he chuckled, then went on, "I was right. But it came at a cost." he paused. "Around me sit most of the Potterwatch team; in fact, we have all the team here – bar one. We all fought in the Battle of Hogwarts and the Last Stand. Most of us – made it. If only barely." he glanced at the Lupins. "However, one didn't. Rapier died as he lived; laughing when a curse ripped half a corridor apart. He is one of fifty-three people from our side" (Harry passed the list of elves to Lee, who sighed and went on) "and five elves who died the night before last in the last Battle." he paused.

"Before we go any further... I've debated adding this bit, but I think it needs to be said... The names will be read at the service, but I will say them now."

Harry blinked. Thanks for the warning, he thought. So that's what Kingsley had meant earlier. Then Lee began. He read out each name, including the elves. Each name was a separate jab in the heart for Harry – and various presenters.

After the list had been read, including the house elves, Lee haltingly continued, "I thought it best to get the main sad part out of the way first. They are honoured because they gave their lives to defeat V-Voldemort. Yes, that's right, the rumours are true: he's gone, killed by Harry Potter himself. And the Taboo's gone! Hooray!"

Tonks grinned. "Ahem. Isn't that our area?"

Lee gave an odd smile. "Right you are Rainbow. So, care to explain to our Pals of Potter?"

Tonks grinned slightly. "Sore do, River. I'll leave the analysing to other presenters. What I will say is about Harry. Throughout this year, we speculated on his whereabouts and his doings. Now, finally, we have heard him speak – some of us, anyway – and apparently, he was on a specific mission for Albus Dumbledore."

Harry glanced at Tonks quickly. He wasn't sure how much she knew of the 'public' story. He needn't have worried though. Tonks smiled at him and went on, "The full details of the mission, I have been told, cannot be revealed. Suffice to say Voldemort's been up to his usual Dark tricks, and the mission was undoing those to weaken him."

Harry smirked. That was a neat way of putting it.

Remus chuckled. Acting as though Harry wasn't sitting in front of them, he said, "Too right! I'm still surprised at how much they talked, though – it was a verbal battle really, save for those two spells... What were they again?"

"Romulus, don't you remember? The Killing Curse, from Voldemort..." Tonks met Harry's eyes and grinned, "And the Disarming Charm from Harry."

Remus nodded. "That's right. But a lot more than talking happened before - and even during - the so-called 'Last Stand'. The whole shebang is already being called 'The Battle of Hogwarts', which I guess is fitting." He glanced at Tonks.

"And what a battle." Neville said, "Now, listeners. Someone once said, 'Battles are never glorious, but they can carry meaning'. And after that night, I must say I agree. At roughly eleven thirty at night we were summoned from our beds by hook, crook or coin, as the saying goes and told L-Lord V-V-Voldemort – hah! I can say it! – was coming. We received our proof, then rushed the underage out. At midnight, the battle began. It was not something I'd ever wish upon any being or creature again. The numbers weren't good. It lasted 'til an hour before dawn, when we were given a reprieve thanks to V-Voldemort's self-centred nature."

"Of course, Radar, this also led to Harry being able to put the final stage of his plan into action." Tonks commented. Harry winced; that statement skated a little too close to the truth for comfort.

George grimaced in an attempt of a smile. "What, you mean giving us all the scare of our lives? Real clever."

Neville cleared his throat. "And then, Rascal, the numbers did arrive, rather late, but better than never. We gathered in the Great Hall again. There was a lot of excellent duelling which people should be commended on."

Harry smiled in agreement. Then Lee said, "Yes. And then Harry revealed himself et cetera." he paused, then looked around. "Other news?"

Hestia Jones chuckled. "Yes indeed! I think you've missed - or glossed over - a spot."

"What spot, Raven?" Tonks frowned.

Hestia touched her black hair, then went on, "The Taboo. It's been broken. The whole reason there was a need for the Taboo was because the only ones to use the name V-Voldemort were the ones who weren't afraid to use it. But I overheard Harry Potter raise a good point earlier. V-Voldemort isn't even his first true name. His true name was originally Tom Marvolo Riddle, apparently. I'm assuming there's a long story behind that. Anyway, twisted around, the letters form a sentence spelling out his pseudonym. I am Lord V-Voldemort. Harry suggested we use one of his original names if we didn't feel comfortable using V-Voldemort. I totally agree. It's about time, now the Taboo and the person are gone, that we dropped the 'You-Know-Who' tag."

She smiled wryly. "I won't call it nonsense because before I joined the fight against Him, I had a problem with saying it, too. But now he's gone. And that fear isn't necessary anymore. So why not call him Riddle?"

George's lips twitched. "As Harry pointed out, and some of us saw, he would absolutely hate it. And if it pisses his Lordship off to be called Riddle, then w-I'm all for it."

The other presenters added their assent, also. Harry smiled.

Kingsley nodded. "I have spoken to the Muggle Prime Minister. He wished to pass on his 'sincere congratulations and thanks that the darn catastrophe's over!' to all who fought, and I must extend those affirmations, too. I would like to think that, at the end of this war now, you can be proud of at least one thing you did to help. As some of you may know, I have been appointed Acting Minister. We are setting up a taskforce to clear the air and right the wrongs of this past year."

Lee took over once more. "War always costs things. Places. Property. Gold. Lives." he paused. "Fifty-eight names two days ago. Plus Death Eaters. That's fifty-three of our people and five elves with family, friends and futures. It can be easy to feel guilty about it. After a few hours, I've come up with a solution. Blame Voldemort. He is the cause of this mad war that was finished yesterday morning."

Kingsley said, "The service will begin at two hours before sunset in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. To Remember."

The presenters looked at each other, then said together, "This is the Potterwatch crew – signing off."

There was a click, and the recording equipment switched off.

Harry watched as the crew began talking. Remus and Tonks told their story, which of course caused reactions, particularly to the news of Remus' injuries.

After a while, the group headed downstairs in clumps. Tonks, Remus and Harry were some of the last. They slipped by the Hospital Wing again so Remus could collect another dose of potion. Then they went down to the Great Hall.

At the bottom of the staircase, Harry was distracted by the sight of two very similar, familiar figures. Draco and Lucius Malfoy. They appeared to be having a heated discussion that could never be called an argument.

Malfoy senior wanted to leave; but Draco was surprisingly refusing.

"Mother is busy; we must wait. We'd only be able to go to the Manor house, anyway. Like prisoners. Here's better." he said, then sighed. "Anyway, we ought to pay our respects." he muttered, looking away from his father, and Harry saw something flicker in his eyes. Ah. Draco, too, was feeling guilty.

Harry nodded at Draco as he passed. Draco nodded back neutrally. Then his eyes widened in puzzlement and surprise at the two beside Harry.

However, they ignored the stare as they prepared themselves for the Great Hall.

Harry went in first, followed by Remus and Tonks (with Teddy). They got a few stares, but the three ignored them.

As Harry settled onto a seat near Ron, he looked around, wondering why there were so many 'new' people here. So many underage people. Then he saw the familiar faces, and realised.

The student population had come back to Hogwarts. To say goodbye.

Some of their fellows would be buried here.

Harry sighed and checked the time. It was about four o'clock. There would be dinner starting at five for fifty minutes. Then the service would begin at six. The sun would set close to eight pm.

But for now he had an hour to spare.

Harry went to Ron, Hermione and Ginny. Ginny immediately asked where he'd disappeared to for the last couple of hours. Harry explained. Ron and Ginny were a bit surprised by Narcissa's actions, but Hermione just smiled. "I expect that's been coming for a while." she said.

The four spent the hour talking. They stayed close during dinner, sitting near the rest of the Weasleys. As dinner drew to a close, an odd quiet settled in the Hall. At six, Kingsley stood up on a podium to address them all.

"We are gathered today to remember the lives of those killed by both parts of this war. Named and nameless, remembered and forgotten. We carry their deeds in our hearts and I, for one, take inspiration from them."

He spoke for some time about war, love and sacrifice, then said, "...and so, I'd like to welcome Harry Potter to speak."

Harry sighed and went to the podium. "Well." he started, "There's not too much I can say that I - or someone else - hasn't already said. Except for the thank-yous. To thank you as a whole group and each of you individually. One person alone can only do so much, but a people united can do more." he looked out at them all.

"I'd especially like to thank Ron and Hermione - they have been my friends since the beginning and I'm glad about that. The Weasleys provided me with the wizarding family I didn't have. My teachers - the support you've given me is enormous and I wouldn't have known the spells I use without you. Other mentors, who guided me - particularly Remus Lupin and the late Albus Dumbledore and Sirius Black." Harry paused, seeing the embarrassed looks on many of the mentioned faces. "And finally, I must thank those who fought for our freedom - and gave their lives for it."

Harry stepped away from the platform and let Professor McGonagall take his place. She had been standing in the shadows until now, and as she stepped up to the podium, Harry saw with everyone else that she had changed into robes of a bright rainbow. Surely they weren't...?

Harry glanced quickly at George. The gobsmacked look on his face confirmed it. Then the Professor began to speak. She spoke of the history of Hogwarts and how its students could always be counted on to stand up for their beliefs...regardless of cost. Here her voice cracked. "Many of you would be wondering why I'm dressed in such bright colours for an event such as this." she spread her arms so they could see her fully. "I am wearing these because of a comment I overheard earlier today that reminded me when I... got pranked like this." Minerva looked directly at George, then said, "I swore I'd never wear these again. But... I am. Fred Weasley, just as he promised, has made me. And after all, black and emerald really are too sombre to wear all the time."

George gaped at her. Harry guessed that sentence had been used before as an explanation at the original event.

The crowd whispered to each other. Then the huge golden plaque was revealed. One by one or two by two, person by person and family by family, the names of all those known to have died in the wars were added. Kingsley read out the name/s then a family member or friend would speak about them, before their name/s were added.

Then Kingsley read out a 'surprise' name. "Regulus Black," he called, casting a look at Harry, who frowned; he didn't remember telling anyone about him, though he should have done so. Then Hermione stood and Harry realised.

"Regulus Black was Sirius Black's younger brother. In 1978, he was pressured by his parents and some extended relatives into joining the Death Eaters at sixteen." (Harry could not resist glancing over at the Malfoys at this point.) "However, after Riddle treated a family house-elf callously, Regulus awoke to Riddle's true nature. But you couldn't just back out of the Death Eaters. On our journey this year, Harry, Ron and I discovered that Regulus died trying to do what we did. Trying to unwind some Dark tricks of Voldemort. That's why he's on the Honour Roll."

Harry saw Kreacher standing near the doors of the Hall. He looked touched, almost. To the audience's surprise, Kreacher and Winky, the leaders of a small group of Hogwarts elves there to pay respects, stepped forward and gave Harry a clumsily-written tribute for the seven Hogwarts elves killed. Harry read between the lines when the time came. "Asha and Tufty were two elves who loved mischief and rebelled against the Carrows. Han was the Dessert Leader. Diego gave the elves the current recipes for much of the food Hogwarts eats at Halloween. Maddy was a sympathetic ear to any elf with a problem. Scoot, one of the oldest cooks at Hogwarts, taught many newcomers the techniques. Fago was the leader of the spice and herb patch. They will be sorely missed."

The list went on, mostly in chronological order. Harry flinched each time someone he knew was read out. The list of first-war people included all the names Harry remembered from that long-ago photo: the McKinnons, the Bones, the Prewetts... Dorcas Meadowes, Caradoc Dearborn... As well as many others, people Harry didn't know.

When Kingsley called out his parents' names, Harry was offered the podium. He stepped forward, but glanced at Remus before beginning. "My parents. Like all people, they had their faults. But Dad – James – according to his friends, was one of the most loyal, protective people you could meet, though usually with the tact of a blunt axe, and a streak of arrogance to match." (Several in the crowd chuckled.) "Mum – Lily – had a fiery temper and a somewhat cutting tongue, but was always willing to lend an ear, hand, or mind to a problem. And they loved me." His voice shook, and he stopped. Then their names were added to the plaque.

Mrs Diggory spoke about Cedric. "He was the kindest boy. He always wanted to achieve things through his own hard work and patience. Cedric took pleasure in the little moments. I'll always remember him like that."

When Sirius' name was read out, Harry spoke again. He started, "Sirius had quite the temper when provoked and could be a little reckless and…contradictory at times. However, he would do anything for his friends and those he called his 'good' family. You could tell who they were by looking for the burn marks on his family's old tapestry." (A few in the crowd smiled.) "That care cost him his life... But it's what made him such a great person." As Harry sat down, he sighed. Both eulogies were glossed-over, partial records. He was still uncomfortable about some things, given what he'd seen in the pensieve. But now was not the time for such thoughts. On a day like today, the words he'd spoken would do.

Tonks spoke for her dad, as her mum couldn't face it. "Ted Tonks was a great man. Easy-going most times unless he got truly riled. If there was something he had a strong view on, not much could stand in his way. Except a bunch of prejudiced gits under Voldemort. He was very family-oriented and protective. If there's one thing he taught me well, it's that you never judge someone until you can walk in their shoes for a while." she gazed out at the crowd for a moment, eyes shining with tears, then stepped back. Remus tentatively placed his hand on her shoulder as she sat down again and she leant into her sobbing mother's side.

George spoke when Fred's name was read out, though he'd had to gear himself up to it. "The thing about having a twin," he started, "...Is that you know each other inside out, but can still be different... I'm wearing blue and white because Fred's least favourite colour was black, but my least favourite's green." he paused. "He was a really good friend and brother, all at once... But I know what he'd say if he could; what he'd do if he could. So I'll do it. At least," he struggled a little, "he went laughing. He... He told me, before, he... He wanted that, if..." George could go no further, overcome with emotion and walked quickly to his seat before sitting with his head in his hands.

Dennis Creevey stood on the platform for a long minute without saying anything. Then he spoke. "Quite honestly, I don't know what to say. Colin was... I don't know how to describe it except to say he was my older brother."

Another pause. Then the words flooded out. "By rights he ought to have turned seventeen in a month and a bit's time. He figured that was as good as overage and that 'they need all the help they can get cos the Death Eaters are mostly buggers'. But he still all but ordered me home. Told me he'd body-bind me if he saw me sneaking back. That just shows who he was. The most protective loyal and brave brother I could have."

Dennis began crying and walked very quickly back to his seat. His parents were sobbing.

Eventually, most of the names were added. Dobby and one other elf (Kansas) who'd died in the first war trying to protect his family, the MacMillans, were also honoured. Ron spoke for Dobby, explaining what he'd done. Ernie MacMillan's uncle told Kansas' tale. Seamus spoke about his mother - just a couple of sentences. For many, that was all they could manage.

Once the plaque was practically full, but not quite, Kingsley glanced at Harry, who nodded and rose to his feet again, walking to the front.

He said, "There is one name that still needs to be added. Severus Snape." the sea of faces gasped. Many looked gobsmacked...and /or annoyed. He continued, "During the last stages of battle, Professor Snape as good as told me of his innocence. He proved it to me. He made some bad choices when he was young and impressionable. He renounced those choices when he realised the costs, and was on the side of the light ever since!"

Ernie MacMillan called, "But - Harry - what of - of Professor Dumbledore? What of this year?"

Harry sighed. "I'm sure the Hogwarts students attending last year would remember a particular injury Professor Dumbledore carried throughout? That was a dark curse. It was slowly killing him." Harry's lips quirked. "And he knew it. He, of course, was also aware of certain movements beyond Hogwarts. So, he chose his own way of dying. Through his spy, who he knew would be trusted above all else by Riddle. Anyone would have been, if they achieved Riddle's wish! And please, tell me," he said, "I know what the Carrows punishments were like, but were Professor Snape's personal punishments really that different to my previous years?"

Realisation began to dawn for some people. Harry went on, "And lastly, if Professor Snape hadn't have told me about it, the final stage in the Battle would not have been completed! Things would have been worse. And he gave his life for that." Harry turned and silently added the last name to the list, then walked away. The Hall buzzed from the new information.

Then Kingsley took the podium again. "Now, we are ready. To Remember. This plaque will hang in the Entrance Hall, opposite these doors, to remind us all of the sacrifices of war." he paused. "I must ask that all who did not know at least one of the dead personally to leave or at least remain behind here, at the castle. The rest of the group – those who knew a member of the dead - will be taken by carriage to Hogsmede."

The Hall rumbled with noise as people began talking, making arrangements. Gradually, the second group Kingsley had identified made its way to the front of the Hall and out into the Entrance Hall then down the steps beyond, to the waiting carriages.

They got into the carriages and Harry sighed when he saw how many people reacted to the Thestrals now. Tonks sighed opposite him. "So, that's happening again." she muttered.

The carriages took them down the drive, through the gates and up the road, bypassing the train station. They were headed for a large hill, one of the highest points in the village. At the site, the graves had been prepared. A few prayers were said and then bodies, wrapped in cloth, were entombed like Professor Dumbledore's. On Colin Creevey's the inscription read, "Colin Creevey. 16th June 1981 - 2nd May 1998. A lion to infinity and beyond."

Fred's grave read, "1st April 1978 - 2nd May 1998. A brilliant prankster with Rapier-sharp wit. Keep joking, mate."

Even the house-elves, at Kingsley and Harry's insistence, were buried there like the true heroes they were. Harry felt a bitter pain in his gut when they could only mark Snape's grave rather than bury him.

At the end of the ceremony, Kingsley planted, with his wand, a row of olive trees to encircle the graveyard. The two biggest trees were planted on either side of the tall kissing-gate so their branches would form an arch. Then he placed a marble obelisk directly in front of the gate, several paces inwards. And on it, he carved this poem:

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am in a thousand winds that blow,

I am the softly falling snow.

I am in the gentle showers of rain,

I am in the fields of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush,

I am in the graceful rush

Of beautiful birds in circling flight,

I am the starshine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom,

I am in a quiet room.

I am in the birds that sing,

I am in each lovely thing.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there. I do not die.

(Unknown)

Harry felt his breath catch in his throat as he read the poem. He slowly turned his face to the sky. The sun was setting, blood-red, on the horizon. Dark storm clouds of spring rain were gathering there, ready to wash away the hurt of the past year and begin the healing.

Kingsley sighed. "Goodbye, dear friends." he whispered softly to the graves, then headed back to the carriages. Harry copied him, and the rest followed.

Can anyone confirm this – I think Toy Story was released before May 1998, but I'm not sure. If it's not, who cares? It is now. And I don't know the exact origins of the poem.