A/N: Hey everyone! Thanks for all the interaction with the story, as always. It's truly bizarre to know I have so many people reading the things I write at 2 in the morning. I'm getting into exams, and because of poor life choices, they're all massive research proposals. I have almost 100 pages of papers to write between now and the last week of April, and unfortunately those don't come as easily as this story. They're gonna take a bit of a front seat, which means this story may slow down, but I'll try and stick to once a week(ish) if I can.

My writer's block for this story ended last week, and I've knocked out the rough drafts of a chapter and a half since. This willbe finished, it's just a matter of when. Anyway, this chapter is a bit of a tonal shift from the last, but I kinda like it.

Chapter 48

August 26, 1996

Remus couldn't hide his smile as he watched Harry and Daphne walking hand in hand, seemingly carefree for the first time in a while. The desolation that was the current Diagon Alley didn't deter them as they enjoyed their brief time away from the Manor, though he could see the effort behind their smiles when they came upon a newly closed shop. A few staples, such as Fortescue's, Malkin's, and Ollivander's remained, though each of the shops had elves assigned to them for when Voldemort made his inevitable move.

The danger to the Alley was obvious, and Remus greeted the numerous members of Alpha Company when he spotted them. They moved in fireteams, in an effort to not get caught out alone, with the Italian and French force manning each rooftop like unseen gargoyles ready to attack at a moment's notice.

The visit was important, or so he'd been told, and media crews from across the planet joined them on their journey through the world-renowned shopping district. Harry only agreed after Daphne begged him, though her father demanded to be part of the planning team before he allowed it. He and his wife lagged behind, as Astoria and Neville were slower in their perusal of the various pop-up shops the empty storefronts allowed.

Sirius and Charlie stood next to him, showing the impatience he felt himself, not even willing to hide it for photos from the collection of journalists. The photographers quickly realized his trio wasn't worth their time, and followed the other two groups at a surprisingly respectful distance. He had no doubt that the recent battle and very public duel had something to do with that respect, but he couldn't find it in himself to feel badly for the reporters.

"What time is the meeting?" Sirius asked, breaking the silence for the umpteenth time of the afternoon.

"Three, Padfoot," he answered with a frustrated sigh. "It's 2:40 now, so try and do the math…"

"Then we need to head to the bank! Enough of this open-air bullshit, let's get under some wards, please."

"It's like he doesn't even remember our last trip to the bank," Charlie breathed in disbelief. "Sure! You remember that place we lost forty men and four hundred goblins? Let's head there for safety…"

"He's a simple man," he countered before Sirius could respond. "Harry's more than three feet away and in public, and those two things equal crankiness when added together."

"Watch it, or you'll be on the wrong end of it. Charlie the Great here needs his reputation deflated a bit anyway, and I'm happy to make it a two-for. It'll give the reporters something to write about."

Remus laughed at Charlie's grimace, his recent media attention frustrating the younger man beyond belief. He'd been touted as 'The Saviour of Gringotts', and the 'Power behind the Power', though no one had yet been able to find their leak to the press. Charlie hated it, though his girlfriend was quick to frame the articles and hang them in multiple locations throughout her home.

"I'm tempted to let you," Charlie offered sincerely. "I've had to cast a redirect ward for mail to my house, and I can't imagine what it's like for Harry…"

"It's a nightmare," Remus agreed darkly. "He doesn't see much of it, but I do. Remind me not to make the mistake of saving the day anytime soon…"

"About that time," Harry interrupted with a grin, contrasting the frustrated looks of his three minders perfectly. "Not sure why you three are so weird right now, but get it together, would you?"

"I'll get it together," Sirius hissed as Harry and Daphne moved towards the bank and out of hearing. "I'll get it together and tie you to your fucking bed, you little jerk…"

"Harry!" Charlie called happily. "I don't think you heard him, but Sirius just said he'd tie you to… mmmph!"

Remus couldn't help but grin as Charlie was tackled to the ground, cutting off his explanation expertly, though he quickly disarmed the wrestling pair before wands could be brought to bear. The chuckles from the sudden combatants eased his anxiety immediately, however, and he returned the weapons after stern looks towards each of them. Flashbulbs proved the moment would be recorded for all of eternity, a happy realization for him, and an anger-inducing one for his friends.

"Ragnok."

"Lord Potter."

"Whoa. Okay then, Sir Ragnok, Leader of the Goblin Nation…"

"Sorry, Harry," Ragnok offered with a slight wince. "I'm just not prepared for the media coverage this meeting has drawn, and I'm… unused to the attention."

"Kick 'em out, then! Seriously. I was astounded you agreed, but I'd never hold you to anything you felt uncomfortable with."

"No," his friend countered frustratedly. "We need them, and I'll reset my brain to act more normally."

"I'd appreciate it. Why so formal?"

"You'll see…"

The answer turned his guts to ice, the goblin's tone welcoming and dangerous all at once. Harry knew Ragnok had something planned for the reporters, but he had refused to say anymore before the widely covered meeting. He squeezed Daphne's hand, and felt her return the gesture, setting his mind at ease as the reporters entered.

"Remain standing," Ragnok called imperiously, his mask back in place. "You won't be here long."

Harry watched as the reporters stumbled over themselves, none brave enough to question the Goblin Leader. Ragnok pushed through them with the help of his security force, and led the way back to the lobby without a backward glance.

He followed at the back of the group, and glanced around at his team in question. None seemed to have an answer, though they followed all the same.

"Here," Ragnok declared imperiously, before allowing time for the group to collect around him. "Ready your cameras and quills, if you would, as this is something that none living have ever seen."

His interest was peaked as Ragnok gestured him forward, and he joined the goblin in front of a large expanse of wall covered by a massive cloth. He still couldn't guess as to what would follow, but stood beside the Goblin Nation's leader proudly.

"Never before…" Ragnok began powerfully. "Never before has an army of witches and wizards fought inside our home, and never before has my Nation been as proud to fight alongside them. Before you all, and before the world, I'd like to unveil the newest, and in my opinion, the most powerful sculpture our artisans have ever created."

Harry watched as the cloth was ripped from the wall, and his eyes widened as a perfect replica of Robards' last moments were revealed, etched into the stone. The realness of the sculpture was incredible, with nothing added or subtracted from the moment his friend died avenging his new ally. Robards was on his knees, the life leaving his eyes, though his grip on Grimlock's hand was as tight as he could manage.

"My trusted Captain, Grimlock," Ragnok began. "Wasn't alone when he passed… He crossed the bridge hand in hand with a friend. With a brother. Gawain Robards proved his people's friendship in a way known only to Goblinkind, and his Commander stands next to me, an equal to that love.

"I, Ragnok, on behalf of the Goblin Nation, declare Lord Harry Potter a friend of my Nation, and bequeath upon him all the rights and protection that friendship deserves. Harry, my friend… you'd honor me by accepting…"

"Okay… what?"

Harry's intelligent question was met with equally impressive answers, silence reigning as his group took seats in his office. Daphne chose to perch on the corner of his desk, and the alluring sight was something he could grow used to.

He'd easily accepted Ragnok's formal offer of friendship, and the Wireless had been blaring the news since they'd returned from the Alley. He knew it meant more than the mere sum of its parts, but the vacant stares around him proved his friends as ignorant as he was.

He was blown away by the sculpture, and by the effort the goblin artisans put into capturing Bill's memory of Robards' last moments. After the memorial two days ago, the sight was enough to draw tears from all who knew him, with Ameilia escorting the man's inconsolable wife home after the presentation. It was a heartbreaking sight, but the feeling was easier to ignore with the confusion that filled his mind.

"Fine," he offered stubbornly into the silence. "Let me try again… okay… what?"

"I don't know," Remus offered as he met the man's gaze. "I don't think I've ever heard of a 'friend' of the Goblin Nation, and I have no clue what it entails."

"Same," Daniel agreed simply. "No idea, Harry."

"Can someone get… nevermind…"

He breathed a sigh of relief as he felt Albus enter the Manor's wards, hoping beyond hope the man knew what the hell just happened. He'd brought Bill with him, a good sign, but he was moving slower than Harry expected. He kept his silence as the pair neared the office, and opened the door with a wave of his hand when they approached.

"Harry," the man said with a smile, though he looked even weaker than he did the day of the trial. "A great day, my boy…"

"I thought so too, but I'm lost as to why. Please, Albus, take a seat."

He watched as Charlie jumped up to offer his, clearly sensing what he felt in the Headmaster. Albus accepted with a smile of gratitude, his happiness radiating despite his sudden… difference.

"The last human 'friend' to the Goblin Nation was over five hundred years ago," he began without preamble. "A man named Marcus saved the Goblin Leader of his time's life in a battle he stumbled upon, and was rewarded as he deserved. The goblins were beset on all sides by an invading force, and Marcus used his magic to turn the tides. He was rewarded with a 'friendship', and that relationship brought the Goblin Nation's military might to bear in defense of Marcus' own people.

"They proved victorious, unsurprisingly, and Gringotts itself was established at its conclusion. The Goblins have protected our money and our Alley ever since, and you've done an old man proud in your response today."

"I'm still confused," Harry countered gently, his heart sinking at the man's clear exhaustion.

"I know you are, as are the multitudes listening to their Wireless across the world. Harry… you officially have a powerful new ally, and it couldn't come at a better time…"

"Wait," Sirius offered from his seat to Harry's right. "You're saying Ragnok has promised the Goblins without saying as much?"

"I've been fielding calls from branches across the world all day," Bill confirmed with a grin. "Wizarding governments at all corners are being offered an ultimatum… support our movement, or lose their gold. Gringotts has already accepted over a thousand goblins from the nations that refused, and they've brought their money with them…"

"But what of those nations' wizards?" Charlie asked, clearly thinking ahead. "I'm assuming they're countries unwilling to support us already, but won't that draw them further into Voldemort's fold?"

"Undoubtedly," Albus offered with a knowing smirk. "But we're talking Germany for us, and Luxembourg for them… This is a good thing."

"More lives to be lost…" Emily mused pessimistically, echoing Harry's thoughts perfectly.

"But better odds for us," Sirius countered.

Harry watched as Albus followed the conversation with his eyes, sitting stiffly in his chair in a way that felt wrong. He allowed the discussion to continue around him, studying his mentor, though his gaze was quickly detected. Albus merely winked at the attention, but the weakness behind the gesture froze his heart.

"Everybody out," he declared powerfully, drawing confused looks from around the room. "I'm sorry, but I need a moment with Albus, and I need everyone out, right now."

"Charlie will stay," Albus countered, smiling calmly.

"Fine. I love you all, but if you aren't named Albus, Charlie, or Harry, please continue this conversation in Remus' office. It hasn't been used in over a year, as he prefers mine, so it should be clean as a whistle."

"Harry…" Sirius whispered as everyone stood.

"No, Pads… I'm fine, I just need a minute."

"Call if you need me."

He nodded as the man led the way, concern evident on his face. The others followed reluctantly, each sending him a confused glance, though Daphne hadn't moved a muscle. He gave a forced smile as Neville and Astoria were the last to leave, finally turning to his girlfriend. He didn't want to ask again, but her eyes proved it wasn't necessary.

She clearly knew he was upset, and her understanding gaze nearly brought him to tears. He stood as she did, and accepted the hug as best he could, steeling himself for the coming conversation.

"I love you," she whispered into his chest, nearly breaking the hold he had on his emotions.

"I love you too, Daph, but do you mind…"

"Already leaving..."

He watched as she hugged Albus tight, the first time he'd ever seen her do so, and smiled as the older man's eyes lit up in pleasure. She left the room without a backward glance, silence falling as the door closed, suffocating in its power.

He decided to not be the one that broached it, staring at his mentor in expectation, though the man was clearly content to sit in the awkwardness. Harry renewed his determination, and settled in for a long battle of will.

"Er…" Charlie offered intelligently, clearly uncertain as to why he remained. "You two sure I need to be here? I feel like I've entered an argument halfway through…"

"As do I," Harry agreed frustratedly, immediately losing the battle. "Albus? What the hell is going on?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

The man's casual response and carefree grin infuriated him, but he couldn't yet pinpoint why. Albus knew what he asked, and his reluctance to share may be a game mentors play, but he wasn't in the mood.

"Don't ruin my fun, Harry," the suddenly old man offered with a weak attempt at a glare, clearly sensing his frustration at the answer.

"Then don't have it at my expense, sir. What's wrong with you?"

"You feel it, too?" Charlie asked, his eyebrows rising dramatically.

"It's obvious."

"It's not," Dumbledore argued with a grin. "I only felt it myself after Gringotts, and I doubt any that just left the room besides Astoria and Daphne felt it at all."

"What a fulfilling response… Would you care to share more?"

"I'm dying."

The simplicity of the answer shook the two younger men to their core, and Harry collapsed back in his chair as if he was punched in his chest. His head shook back and forth in a subconscious reaction to the news, and a glance at Charlie showed the man repeating the gesture.

His brain took a long moment to catch up to his body, and he stormed to his feet to kneel at his mentor's.

"Albus," he offered desperately. "Tell me what's wrong and I'll fix it. I swear I will."

"Can you fix old age, my boy?"

"Your age hasn't affected you until now, what's different?"

"I'd prefer not to answer."

"I'd prefer you did."

"And I believe there's a saying about an unstoppable force and an immovable object…"

"I'll move you if I need to…"

"What makes you so sure you're the force?"

"The fact that you'd never objectify me, sir."

"A terrible pun, Harry…"

"The only thing available to me! Albus, I need to understand."

"I felt it at Gringotts," the man began reluctantly, lifting him from his knees and gesturing him back to his seat. "I portkeyed in with Alastor, and suddenly realized I wasn't the ally you needed. My power is leaving me, and it's a confusing thing to feel."

"Is that normal?" Charlie offered, clearly feeling the emotion Harry was. "Have your contemporaries had similar experiences at your age, sir?"

"I have no contemporaries my age... not that I'd feel comfortable asking that of. I don't know, Charlie."

"Then what is it you do know?"

"I know I watched two of my favorite students of all time do things I'd struggle with in my prime. I watched Harry organize the defense of innocents in a way I hope I would have been able to, and you, Charlie, employ those defenses so competently. I know I watched men willingly give their lives, trusting the two of you to continue the fight.

"I know I saw Harry go so far as to stun his brother in an effort to end this mess sooner, and make it up to the young man as soon as he could. I couldn't be prouder of either of you, and I couldn't love you more even if you were family…"

"No…" Harry interrupted, unwilling to hear the words coming from his mentor. "No, Albus. I love you too, obviously, but I can't accept whatever it is you're telling me."

"I'm not telling you anything of import, my boy," he countered with a smile. "I don't think my time is over just yet, but I'm retiring from the active war now that you have such an incredible replacement next to you."

"I can't be you!" Charlie countered indignantly. "Sir… I'm good in a pinch, but I'm no Dumbledore."

"I disagree. Your actions at Gringotts prove you're more than capable, and I'm done with the fight. I just can't do it anymore, it's not in me."

"You're quitting," Harry spat, though he immediately regretted the tone. "I"m sorry, but I can't lose you right now. I won't allow it."

"Then I'll be struck down at the next battle, Harry. My magic hasn't been entirely my own for months…"

"Since you gave up the Wand," he whispered, realization filling his mind and nearly stopping his heart. "Take it back, Albus! Please!"

"It would never accept me again."

"You have to try!"

"I don't," the man answered with a content smile. "What I have to do is go back to my school and ensure things run smoothly. I'm not dead yet, and I can promise I'll defend your friends with my life. What I can't promise is how long that will be for."

"Sir," Harry offered, his eyes welling with tears. "You can have all the Hallows. I barely use them, please… you can have them all…"

"And you think you'd have survived Gringotts without them?"

"I didn't even use them besides the Wand!"

"I disagree. I believe that's one of a few reasons you were able to use the magic you did, and they won't appreciate the insult."

"Then they can go fuck themselves."

"And afterwards they still wouldn't answer to me, Harry."

The firmness in his tone drew the young man up short, his eyes finding Charlie's in hopes his friend had a solution. His blue eyes mirrored the devastation he felt himself, and he turned back to Albus weakly, his heart broken by the conversation.

"So what? I sit by and watch you wither away? I can't do that, Albus."

"I almost wish I'd shared Gawain's fate," he answered with a sigh. "Giving your life for your men is an honor, and it's somehow easier to accept for those that love you. I don't believe that's my lot, however, and I'm sorry the two of you will have to watch me deteriorate. If it makes you feel better, I promise I'd rather not…"

Harry stood as the man's eyes filled with tears, his calm countenance quickly replaced by regret and a hint of fear. He moved to his side so fast he might've apparated, and lifted him into a hug that Albus returned with force.

"We still have time, sir. Give me a year, and you'll see your home at peace again."

"I'll give you all the years I can manage, my boy, and I'll be forever grateful for the last few with you in my life."

August 30, 1996

Harry sat in front of a pile each of kindling and split wood, box of matches in hand, determined to start the fire without magic. There wasn't any need for it, as his group was perfectly safe at his old home on the mountain, but he needed a task to still his mind for a moment. The male half of his original Hogwarts training group sat somewhere behind him, loudly enjoying the first bit of their weekend away, but Harry couldn't quite manage to escape his own brain to join them just yet. He slowly began to build the fire, pushing a pile of twigs and leaves into the middle of the ring of stones he'd collected earlier.

Albus' admission had hit him hard, as it had Charlie, and his team was similarly stunned when they'd been brought back in. Remus had taken the news especially hard, but Harry knew Tonks was on leave for the weekend and that she'd help the man through it. The three had traveled to Hogwarts every evening since, under the guise of helping the man prepare for the semester, though all involved knew it was more than that.

He shook himself frustratedly as he grabbed the smallest bits of wood available, layering them around the kindling in a square. He lit a match with a flourish, but he couldn't help getting lost in the small flame before applying it. He watched as the match burned down towards his fingers, wondering slightly what it would feel like if he never dropped it, but the flame was blown out by the wind before the intrusive thought could be answered.

"Harry," Ron offered gently, though the sound still forced him to flinch in surprise. "You okay, mate?"

"Fine," he answered, knowing his friend knew better.

Albus had asked that they keep the news to themselves, but had mercifully allowed Harry to tell Ron and Hermione. They, along with the Heads of Houses and Astoria, would be the only in the school to know their Headmaster was slowly dying, and the conversation with his two friends went just as painfully as he expected.

"Might wanna tell your face, then," Ron countered, his voice not quite as teasing as he intended. "Fred and George are talking about finding the griffins… we may need you to send them to bed early."

"Let 'em go," he offered, smiling though he didn't feel it. "Brunson can patch them up afterwards, and a good lesson will be learned by all."

"Or…" his friend offered with a roll of his eyes. "You get the fire going and we distract them with their uncooked dinner. You're being missed, Harry..."

The thought snapped him out of his reverie, and he lit the fire with another strike of a match. He fed the small flame as the book he read directed, and within seconds, a large campfire roared impressively.

"Grab your sausages, boys!" Ron called dramatically, quickly shifting back to his painted facade. "Three per person, so don't complain if you burn them."

"A dangerous thing to say around this group," Blaise answered, the first to approach the fire. "He means the ones on the table, Fred…"

"Too late!"

"You done brooding, Harry?" Blaise continued softly with an understanding smile, clearly picking up on his mental state.

"Wasn't brooding, Zabini," he countered, though he shot the young man a grateful nod. "Just trying to avoid hanging out with you lot as long as possible."

"Can't say I blame you. Far too many Gryffindors in this bunch…"

"If you can convince Draco to join us I'll give you my vault."

"I'll write the invitation now. Seriously though, Harry… you okay?"

"Nope," he answered honestly, though he smiled at his friend's compassion. "But I will be, so let's enjoy the night."

Blaise returned the smile and patted him on the shoulder, though his eyes widened just as the rest of the group's did, when the trees around them swayed worryingly. Harry raised a hand to set them at ease, smiling as he removed the invisibility spell on the nearby goat carcass.

"Harry!"

"Hello Grawp," he called back happily, glad to see his old friend. "We're having a boys night if you'd like to join. I brought you dinner."

The giant quickly glanced around the suddenly nervous group, though his eyes lit up in pleasure at the sight of the twins.

"FRIENDS!"

Fred and George laughed as the giant stormed over, and quickly grabbed onto the large man's wrists as they were lifted from their feet.

"Hey buddy!" Fred offered with a grin.

"Good to see you, mate!" George added.

"Er… guys?" Neville offered weakly, putting a voice to the confusion around him. "How do you three know each other?"

"Grawp's helping us with some defensive stuff for the Village," Fred answered easily.

"Grawp like twins," the giant bellowed happily in response.

"For dinner, I hope," Ron breathed in response, though his wish went ungranted.

Grawp released the pair after a happy reunion, and the giant took up one side of the fire while he tore into his meal. The sight set the others off their own for a bit, but the group's hunger quickly returned after Lee passed around a few bottles of firewhiskey.

Harry passed the bottles along each time they reached him, unwilling to let the group go without a minder. He noticed Neville doing the same on the other side of the fire, and sent his friend a smile when he caught his eye. It was returned with a roll of the eyes, and he knew they'd be playing nursemaid until the rest of the group finally found their tents.

Daphne expertly popped the first movie into the VCR, and moved back to the connected kitchen ignoring the girls around her. Angelina had decided to have a girls night since the boys had run off to the mountains, and she asked if they could have it at the Manor. Harry immediately agreed, though Daphne wasn't feeling up to playing hostess at the moment.

Her boyfriend was in pain, and if she was honest with herself, so was she. Albus' admission was a shocking one, and she couldn't quite find it within herself to be the rock Harry needed. She'd come to love the man over the last few months, for what he did for Harry if nothing else, but Albus simply exuded the 'revered grandfather' feeling. The idea of him not being around was a constant pain, but his reassurance that it wouldn't be anytime soon tempered that feeling a bit.

She shook herself as she collected a few tubs of popcorn, smiling at Winky in thanks as the elf popped away.

"You okay?" Hermione whispered as she joined her in the kitchen.

"As much as I can be," she offered honestly, the rest of the group distracted by the film's previews. "Harry's really hurting right now, and it's different from the other times so far…"

"I know what you mean. When Percy died, Ron was… different. His normal reaction to things never happened, and it's like I had to learn a whole new side to him. It wasn't easy, but I will say that knowing him in that new way made us even stronger."

"I guess it's silly to wish I'd never have to get stronger in that way…"

"It's a loss for you too, Daphne. Don't forget your own pain in this, Dumbledore means a lot to all of us…"

"I'm not," she assured her friend with a grateful smile. "The night we found out, I cried into his shoulder until I fell asleep, and Harry stroked my hair and whispered into my ear the entire time. I just wish I knew how to help him…"

"This one's different for sure," Hermione agreed with an understanding smile. "He loved Kingsley and Gawain in their own rights, but Albus is a father figure for him. He's been this unimpeachable presence since we were eleven, and they've grown unbelievably close in the last year. I wish I had advice on how to proceed, but you know him better than I do…"

"I don't know about that…" she offered awkwardly, knowing the girl prided herself on her friendships.

"Oh please. I love that boy like a brother, but you've become his everything. You know him better than anyone except Sirius, and I couldn't be happier about it."

"Really?"

"A million percent. I never thought you would be the person to ground him, but I'm so pleasantly surprised. Ron had this dream a while back, of the four of us sitting on a front porch years from now, kids running around playing, and I can't think of anyone I'd rather be sitting with…"

"Thanks, Hermione," she offered sincerely, though her smile quickly turned teasing. "I can't either, and the growth you've managed with Ron is impressive."

"My greatest work," she countered with a wide grin. "But in all honesty, he did it himself. I'm so proud of that boy I could cry at a moment's notice."

"I know the feeling."

"Then go to him. Katie brought a bunch of wine, so this crowd is likely to be passed out before the second movie even starts."

"I couldn't leave you to play hostess…"

"Then leave me," Astoria interjected with a roll of her eyes. "He and Neville are the only ones still sober, though the frustration I can feel from them is through the roof. You know Mum and Dad won't care…"

"I couldn't leave you two…" she offered, though her heart soared at the thought.

"It's not that hard," Hermione countered with a grin. "You focus on your destination, and push with your magic to move your body…"

"Seriously, Daph," Astoria added happily. "Once the girls are knocked out, there's no reason for you to be here. Winky's got snacks on hand, and the parentals are nearby… go see your boyfriend. He needs you."

"If you're sure…"

"We're sure!"

The collective answer was countered with a larger collective shushing, the other girls already engrossed in the movie, and Daphne merely smiled gratefully as she moved to deliver the snacks.

Harry sighed frustratedly as he stared into the fire, the first night away not proving as relaxing as he'd hoped. Dinner went well, with no severe burns, but Grawp heading to bed was an unsaid signal for the others' inebriation to kick in, apparently. Seamus held his liquor surprisingly well, as did the twins, but those three tipsy were more dangerous than a host of plastered others. Their list of activities grew worse and worse as the night wore on, and Harry and Neville were on constant alert to make sure nobody hurt themselves too badly.

As it stood, Terry, Colin, and Ernie were snoring somewhere in the woods without a tent, though he'd cast protective wards over the three to ensure their safety. Their discomfort in the morning, however, wasn't his problem, and he'd intentionally forgotten cushioning charms. Their planned trek into the woodland in the morning would be painful for the trio, but he couldn't find it in himself to care if they went home early.

He wished he'd kept the trip to his close friends only, but Ron's request that it serve as a 'last hurrah' for their training group was hard to deny. The others seemed to enjoy themselves, and he tried to focus on that thought as he began his vigil. Sleep would be impossible given the circumstances, and Harry had prepared himself as best he could for the hours alone. He brought books of all sorts, and his plans for Daphne's Christmas gift, but at the moment, he couldn't find it in himself to start either.

His watch was interrupted, however, as a familiar presence popped into existence next to him.

"Winky kick you out?" he asked with a grin.

"No… I felt you sitting by yourself, and thought you could use Dobby…"

"I can always use Dobby," he answered honestly, looking up from the fire with a grateful smile. "It's good to see you, buddy."

"You too, Harry. You has a bed in that tent behind you…"

"The fire is more inviting. Have you ever just stared at an open flame? I know you light them all the time, but have you ever just watched?"

"No…" the elf answered, his eyes turning towards the campfire. "It's… strange."

"It is. It's like a background to throw your thoughts on that helps you see them better…"

"What do your thoughts show?"

"What do yours?" he countered, not yet willing to share.

"Dobby sees Winky…" he supplied hesitantly. "I see Winky, and you and Daphne. The three people that mean everything to me…"

"It's like a movie, isn't it?"

"It is... I don't think I like it."

"Then don't watch, mate," Harry countered with a grin, turning to the elf and grasping his shoulder. "You should've come at the start of this. You would've had fun."

"You need your time with the boys…"

"You're one of 'the boys' to me, Dobby."

"But maybe not to the others…"

"Then they could leave."

"No," the elf answered, though his eyes showed his gratitude at the thought. "You's need time away, and I just be wanting to clean the whole time…"

"I get that, but I hope you know how much you mean to me…"

"I do, but please stop before I's start crying."

"Sorry, buddy," he said with a smile, the expression widening as he noticed his friend's glistening eyes. "I just don't want anyone I love to have any doubt as to how I feel about them…"

"I have no doubts," the elf promised with a teary smile. "And I love you too."

"I'm glad. But if I die, I order you to be okay about it."

"No good, Harry," Dobby countered with a grin. "You's promised no orders, and Dobby would break that one anyway…"

"You insolent elf."

"Yes, sir! Dobby the Deviant they call me!"

"Do they really?"

"The ones that don't understand," the elf answered with a roll of his large eyes. "Dobby feels bad for them…"

"We'll fix it. Elves will figure it out when all this is over, I promise."

"I trust you."

"You'll help me," he corrected with a grin. "You'll be the example I show to the world, mate."

"That sounds like no fun at all."

"Welcome to my life."

"It's about to get better," Dobby offered with a smile, turning back to the fire.

"What do you…"

He trailed off as he felt what his friend picked up on, and stood as his girlfriend suddenly appeared. He wrapped her in a hug before she even regained her bearings, clinging to her desperately as his heart finally settled. He turned to Dobby to ask for some privacy, but the elf was already standing with a grin, and disappeared with a pop.

"I was told you needed me," Daphne said softly, her heart in her eyes.

"Every moment for the rest of my life," he agreed immediately, snuffing the fire with a wave of his hand while he moved towards his tent.

September 5, 1996

Harry squeezed Daphne's hand supportively, picking up on the anxiety his girlfriend was feeling. He felt it too, but he forced it down as he approached the large front doors. He pushed them open with a gesture, and led the way into the familiar castle that suddenly felt foreign. Neville trailed behind them, though his excitement was more focused than the two he followed.

The rest of the 'boy weekend' went well, with Harry finally relaxing after a night in his girlfriend's arms. The pair spent far too long talking about both important and trivial things, and he relit the fire for breakfast after just a few hours of sleep. Daphne disapparated at the crack of dawn, but her presence filled him with energy that a full night's would be jealous of.

The group of teens explored widely in the next twenty-four hours, often joined by Grawp, Buckbeak, Hedwig, or a combination of the three, but the sudden disappearance of their whiskey stash proved a mystery. Neville's smug look proved the culprit to Harry perfectly, and as the group sat around the fire Saturday night, having an honest and emotional conversation, he sent a grateful smile at his brother in all but name.

Sunday, the first of September, came and went without issue, though the massive force they stationed at the platform added an extra level of excitement. Harry figured Voldemort would be hesitant to attack the newly rebuilt platform, and the intel they'd received from the prisoners proved his focus was elsewhere, but the few returning and new students that needed the transportation were still offered the most impressive send-off of all time.

He shook himself as he neared the doors to the Great Hall, glad the students were likely holed up in their common rooms already. He forced his big picture thoughts aside, and looked to his two companions with a smile.

"Ready, are you?" he asked, seeing Neville bouncing on his toes.

"Watch it," the teen replied warningly. "I'm so very pleased you two live in bliss, but my happiness came back to school. Forgive me if I'm excited…"

"Keep it together for the meeting at least. You and Astoria can have the Room after, and I don't wanna hear about any of it."

"But rest assured I will," Daphne interjected with a dangerous look.

"Oh hush," Neville countered quickly. "We'll do nothing inappropriate, as you well know, but I just miss her."

"I hate it for you, mate," Harry offered sincerely. "We'll keep the meeting short."

He led the way through the thankfully empty castle, the gargoyle springing aside as they approached. Albus bid them enter before they could knock, and Harry was pleasantly surprised by the man's appearance. It was clear that a school in session was helping to rejuvenate the Headmaster, and the familiar twinkle was as bright as ever.

His welcome was interrupted, however, as McGonagall pulled him into a surprisingly firm hug. The woman had spent the summer with her extended family, making sure they were prepared for the war, and he hadn't seen her since his combined birthday dinner with Neville.

"I'm sorry," she whispered emotionally. "After everything I've heard, I just needed a hug, Mr. Potter."

"Something you'll never have to apologize for, Professor. It's great to see you."

"As it is the three of you," Flitwick offered excitedly. "You're almost unrecognizable from the versions of yourself this time last year, and I can't tell you how thrilled I was to learn of your new friendship with the Goblins."

"I know the feeling, sir. Ragnok has honored me in a way I never expected."

"But a way you deserve, my boy," Albus interjected with a smile. "Filius has been hard at work with the goblins, developing a system to build better relations with our younger generations. An incredibly bright spot in a dark time…"

"I look forward to hearing about it," Harry said with a grin towards the small man. "Let me know if I can help in any way."

"In all of your free time?" he asked with a chuckle. "Thank you, Harry, and I'll keep you updated."

"Excuse me," Neville offered impatiently. "Not to be rude, but could we get to the purpose of this little session?"

"Mr. Longbottom," Snape answered with a smirk. "It almost seems like you have somewhere you'd rather be…"

"You know I do," he answered with a roll of his eyes. "But I'll return your student before curfew."

"Something I hadn't even considered…"

"Should've kept your mouth closed," Harry whispered from the corner of his mouth.

"Not at all," Severus argued with a foreign smile. "I respect that answer, Neville, and I may be too busy this evening to check the roster anyway."

"Excuse me while I vomit," Daphne interrupted. "Nev, we'll fill you in, go find my sister."

"Are… are you sure?"

"I'd wager you'll be no good in this planning session anyway, my boy," Albus agreed with a twinkle. "Go find Miss Greengrass, and we will see you at the first training se…"

He trailed off as the teen disappeared, and Harry had to do a doubletake to prove to himself his friend hadn't apparated. He could be heard storming down the spiral staircase, but a loud crash towards the bottom drew laughs from all still in the room.

"Now," Albus began again. "Let's figure out a possible training schedule, and try to forget what Neville and your younger sister are getting up to."

"Careful, sir."

"I believe that's one of my middle names, Miss Greengrass…"

A/N: This is one of those chapters that was tricky to end, so it may feel unfinished. Voldemort's absence will be further explained later on, but his return will be big when it happens. Thanks again for all the comments, favorites, and follows! We're coming up on 2k faves, which is wild.