It had been a week since Sirius had been killed. While the rest of his friends were dismissed from the hospital wing that same night, Harry asked to stay longer: While he didn't think he was going to do anything stupid, he still didn't feel safe. He friends respected this decision and made sure visit him every day. Seamus only left when he was forced to – mainly to complete his O.W.L.s. Harry was given most of his tests in the hospital wing, supervised by Professor McGonagall, who had returned a few short days after the ministry incident.

Harry had just completed his second to last O.W.L in transfiguration. When the examiner left, McGonagall stood up (helped by a cane she had to use). She walked over to Harry, a big smile on her face. "You did fantastic, Potter. I would not be surprised if you got an Exceeds Expectations!"

Harry gave her a half smile as he took the seat next to his bed. He sighed and looked down at his hands.

"I understand, Harry," McGonagall said softly. Harry looked up at her. She was watching him carefully, sadness in her eyes. Harry didn't even try to hide the tears forming in his.

'It's just….it's hard, knowing I'll never see him again." Harry said, swallowing hard. He blinked as the tears started falling. Harry found himself crying every day with the loss of his godfather. The guilt was mounting and no matter what everyone told him, they couldn't change his mind otherwise: That it was his fault.

McGonagall knew what was going through his mind. "Harry. Professor Snape told me what you told him. You did everything you could, and you did it right. You told an order member. You verified that he was not at home – and breaking a dozen school and ministry rules, might I add. There was nothing more you could have done."

"If I didn't have those visions…" Harry angrily wiped the tears away and looked at McGonagall. "I hadn't had visions in months. Why did this one have to come through? Even Professor Snape said I did well!"

"Because Harry, you have been stressed. With exams coming up and dealing with your anxiety….it was bound to weaken your mind a bit. It was nothing you did wrong."

"Then why do I feel so bad?" A fresh wave of tears started falling once more.

"Perhaps you feel you have let Sirius down. But I can assure you – he would be very proud of you."

"Proud that I got him killed?" Harry sniffled.

"No, Harry. Proud that you went through the lengths you did to save him." McGonagall reached out and gently put a home on his shoulder. "I don't think Sirius ever told you. But when your father died and you two were reunited, Sirius saw himself as almost a replacement father for you."

Harry knew Professor McGonagall was trying to make him feel better. But far from doing so, he felt even worse. But instead of getting into, he just gave a kind smile and relocated to his bed. McGonagall turned to go when Harry called her back.

"Professor?"

"Yes, Harry?"

Harry hesitated for a moment. "Do I really have to go back to the Dursley's?"

McGonagall looked at the sad, desperate look in Harry's eyes. She wanted desperately to tell him no, to have him never go there again. But she knew it wasn't her decision. "I'm afraid so, Harry. But I will do my best to get you out of there as soon as possible."

Harry nodded, knowing it was a long shot. McGonagall gave him one last shoulder squeeze and left. Harry laid back on the bed, staring up the ceiling, wondering, as always, if he would ever feel happy again.

Harry didn't realize he had nodded off until he was gently being awoken. He sat up and rubbed his eyes. He realized it was Madame Pomfrey waking him. He looked at her in confusion before he realized she wasn't by herself: Snape was standing just behind her with another examiner.

"It's time for your last exam, Harry." Madame Pomfrey said. Harry nodded, stood up, and stretched.

Snape had set up a burner in the corner of the hospital wing. Harry proceeded to follow the examiner to the corner and got started on his exam.

Overall, Harry thought the potions exam went fantastic. Despite Snape being there, the examiner was very sympathetic to the few mistakes Harry made, and even went as far as to give Harry a few constructive criticisms. When all was said and done, the examiner packed up his things, shook hands with both Harry and Snape, and left the hospital wing. Harry breathed a huge sigh of relief; it was very over. No more exams, no more classes. He proceeded back to his bed.

"Potter,"

Harry turned around to find Snape still there, watching Harry closely.

"Yes, professor?" Harry asked.

Snape hesitated for a moment. He looked like he was struggling to say whatever it was he wanted to say. "You did – excellent in your exam."

Harry was a little taken aback by this. Snape had never complimented anything Harry ever did. Harry nodded his head. "Thank you, sir."

Snape nodded back and immediately left the hospital wing. No sooner had he left Hermione, Ron, and Seamus entered the room. Harry smiled as Seamus gave him a big hug. Harry held him closely, breathing in his scent.

"We saw Snape leaving," Ron said, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. "Was he last exam?"

"Yes," Harry said, still not letting Seamus go. "He complimented me."

"What do you mean he complimented you?" Hermione asked, confused.

"He said I did excellent in the exam." Harry finally released Seamus in time to see everyone exchanged confused looks. "I know, very strange."

"So, er, Harry," Hermione took a seat next to Ron. "We have about a week left before the holidays. Do you think you'll be in here until the end?" Hermione looked at him cautiously.

Harry sighed and looked at Seamus, who put a hand on his cheek. "Whatever you decide to do, my love, we support you."

Harry smiled. "I know. I want to come back…I'm just scared."

"Are you still having bad thoughts?" Ron asked.

"No…well…I don't want to hurt myself, I mean. Sirius wouldn't have wanted me to," Harry said softly.

"He would have wanted you to continue healing," Seamus said, reaching out for Harry's hand and giving it a squeeze.

"I know," Harry swallowed. "I just don't know how to deal with this…it was one thing when Cedric died…but…"

"You don't have to explain it to us, love. We understand." Seamus said. The group fell silent. Harry looked up at his friends…they were still sporting a few bruises and scratches from their time at the ministry.

"I'm sorry –" Harry started, but both Hermione and Ron shook their heads.

"No Harry, don't apologize," Hermione said sternly.

"We wanted to come with you, mate," Ron said, knowing exactly where Harry's mind was going.

"Shay – " Harry started, but Seamus also shook his head.

"You're not getting rid of me that easily." Seamus chuckled when Harry looked confused. "You're going to say sorry and that you don't want us to be together and risk my life or something stupid like that. But you need to realize, love….I would die for you a thousand times over." Seamus pulled Harry in for another tight hug. "You're stuck with me forever." Seamus whispered.

Harry knew if he had any more tears to spare, he would be weeping. Hearing Seamus say he would die for him hurt, but hearing he wanted to be with him forever…Harry couldn't help but feel hopeful for their future.