Chapter 1: The Day After

'That wand's more trouble than it's worth,' said Harry. 'And quite honestly,' he turned away from the painted portraits, thinking now only of the four-poster bed lying waiting for him in the Gryffindor Tower, and wondering whether Kreacher might bring him a sandwich there, 'I've had enough trouble for a lifetime.'

'Please, help me, Harry, please!' Hermione was begging him, her eyes wide. She had looked like that at Malfoy Manor. 'Crucio,' the other voice called.

'Torture,' he thought. Behind him, he saw Ron, bound and gagged, pleading. Not for himself, but to save Hermione.

'Avada Kedavra,' and there was a flash of green light. Harry panicked, not seeing the target.

'No,' he tried to call but his voice wasn't working and he opened his eyes with a start. His hands flew to his wand automatically but there was no one in the dormitory to point it at. His invisibility cloak lay at the bottom of his bed along with the Marauder's map and a wand. He realized he was wearing his glasses. He was in the Gryffindor dormitory where he always slept. And then it hit him. The events of the day before. The battle. Voldemort. It was over. His memories of the last few hours were blurry. He remembered being in the Great Hall, and then Dumbledore's office and then nothing. He didn't even know the time.

'Tempus,' he muttered. May 4 1998, 8:30 am flashed before his eyes. It didn't help. He wasn't sure when the battle had ended. Perhaps he had slept for more than twenty-four hours. And more importantly where were Ron and Hermione?

'Harry, you're awake!' he turned to see Hermione standing at the door and behind her was Ron, a packet in his hand. She looked much better than she had looked yesterday. Her face had more colour at least and her hair no longer as matted as they had been on the run. Ron looked better too but they were both sporting a few bandages.

'What's going on?' He finally managed to ask.

'Neville cleared out the dormitory, reckoned you might want to be alone. We woke up only a couple of hours ago. You've slept for more than a day. Everyone is still in the Great Hall. They have to make arrangements to take them…..' Hermione's voice faltered at that. 'Bodies,' he thought, and his gut wrenched. Fred, Remus, Tonks, Colin and so many more. Gone. All gone fighting to buy him time. 'Harry?' Hermione's voice was hesitant, 'perhaps you'd like a shower.' She nodded at the cloak. He swallowed and looked at Ron. He put down the package on the bed. A copy of the Daily Prophet and two sandwiches. Against his wish, his stomach growled. He picked up one. 'A minute, Hermione. I don't remember when I ate last.' Hermione shook her head but it was Ron who spoke.

'It's chaos down there. People are either celebrating or mourning. Kingsley came with some Aurors. They rounded up some of the Death Eaters. Some of them fled. They took away his body. The Prophet are calling you a hero. All in the course of the day.'

Harry swallowed the last of the sandwich and got up to pick the cloak. He needed to shower and urgently. 'Where are….' He stopped. He didn't know who to ask about. Thankfully Ron understood. 'Mum, Dad, George and Ginny are with F.. Fred. Percy and Bill have gone to check the Burrow. We don't know if…. if it's safe. Charlie was helping with.. with the repair of Hogwarts. Wanted something to be occupied with.'

'Sorry,' Harry swallowed again. How could he face the Weasley family after this? They had taken him in when he had no one else and he had repaid them with this. Fred. He lowered his eyes. If he looked at Ron again, he would end up crying. Ron looked away.

He suddenly remembered, 'Did anyone bring Snape's body? From the Shrieking Shack?' 'Yes,' Hermione muttered, 'I asked Kingsley. He's appointed Acting Minister for Magic. They took the body to the Ministry. I think.. I think no one is quite sure of what to do with it. But Harry, you freshen up first. Our news can wait.' She handed him fresh clothes. He didn't object. He took them and disappeared under the cloak and started walking towards the bathrooms.

Ron and Hermione waited for Harry to reappear from the bathroom. But they were disappointed. More than an hour later, there was still no sign of Harry. And Hermione was getting anxious. 'Ron, I don't understand,' she stammered, 'Is he alright? It's been too long, was he bleeding somewhere was-'

'I know 'Mione, I know. But we can hardly barge into the bathroom to check, can we? And, even if we could, which one will we check? Maybe we should go to the Great Hall, maybe he decided to meet us there?'

Hermione knew that there wasn't much chance of that but she decided to humour Ron anyway. They were both still tired and in pain and being unable to find Harry had only added to their worries. Molly Weasley met the children at the entrance to Great Hall. Her eyes were red rimmed and her voice when she asked 'Where's Harry?' was none too steady. 'Woke up just now. Wants to be alone, probably,' Ron answered softly. 'How's George?'

'Much the same. Hasn't spoken since then. Maybe you can help?' Mrs Weasley shrugged helplessly wiping her tears. Ron went to the dais where the has laid out the bodies to comfort George. Hermione stood rooted to the spot unwilling to intrude on their grief but not wanting to leave Ron alone. Finally, she decided to approach the dais. Ron was openly weeping now and she was close to tears too. Suddenly she missed her parents. Where were they now? Were they alright? She squeezed Ron's hand, not sure who she was comforting, him or herself.

She was fortunately saved from saying anything by the arrival of Kingsley Shacklebolt who was speaking softly to Mr Weasley, possibly offering condolences. He turned to them next, 'Ron, Hermione, I know that this isn't the appropriate time but could you two tell me when I can talk to Harry.. In fact, it would be better if you three come together.' Ron was still trying to compose himself so Hermione decided to reply, 'He went to get ready I think. We'll go look for him, won't we?' She looked at Ron who had realized the same thing she had. Harry had not taken the map.

Both of them, however were sorely disheartened when they did not see the dot saying Harry Potter on the map. 'Do you think he could have gone to Hogsmeade?' Hermione questioned, 'The passageways aren't still guarded, at least I think.'

'Use your brain Hermione! He wouldn't go outside the castle today of all days. The Chamber isn't on the map or the Room of Requirement. I think that's where he would go if he didn't want to face anyone.

'Oh, Ron. You're brilliant! Of course, we should go to the Room of Requirement if it's repaired!' Together, they set off for the seventh floor. The seventh floor offered a surprising site for them. Where, the rest of Hogwarts showed numerous signs of battle, the wall to the entrance looked intact despite the fire. 'Now, we just have to see if it still works,' Hermione murmured to herself as she passed three times along the wall thinking 'I need to find the room with Harry Potter in it.'

She heard Ron's gasp as a door revealed itself. The Room of Requirement was undamaged and still functioning as good as ever. She pushed open the door a crack. There was definitely someone sitting there, his face on the table, hands clenched tightly by the sides. Ron called his name but Harry showed no signs of having noticed. 'Harry,' she called again, her hands on his shoulders, 'Are you alright?' This time he looked up taking a deep breath. 'I'm so sorry. For everything. Both of you… I never imagined, especially Fred.' His voice broke. But Ron wouldn't have any of it. 'It's not your fault, mate. My family was in the Order the last time. All of us knew the risks. Fred made his choices and he knew what he was doing. Don't blame yourself for anything.'

Hermione surveyed Harry with concerned eyes. He had certainly washed up but a few tell-tale bloodstains visible from under his T shirt meant he hadn't been to the hospital wing. And would probably refuse to go citing 'there are others who need it far more than me.' The noble prat. 'Are you up to coming with us and facing certain people? Kingsley.. and well others wanted to hear the story and most people want to be sure that he isn't coming back.' There, she had said it. Now it was up to Harry.

'He's the Minister now. Right. I'm sure you're ready with a list of things we need to keep secret.' Harry's words were bitter. Of course, he would feel that way. Too many people had kept things secret from him. 'But Harry,' she tried again only to be shut off. 'But what, Hermione? I know we can't speak about the Hallows. I don't even understand what those mean to be honest and if people come to know that I have the wand, well it would be a disaster. So yes, I'll keep that secret. But the rest, well Kingsley and McGonagall deserve the truth about the Horcruxes. And Neville, Luna and Ginny too. They risked their lives for us…. For me… over and over again. I'm not Dumbledore. I trust people. I'm not saying we tell everyone but they know how to keep a secret. They've done it before.'

Hermione snapped her mouth shut having no response to this. She would have to trust Harry's judgement then. 'It's settled then. You guys use the cloak. I'll go and collect people. I'll reassure Mum and Dad too. They must be getting worried.' Ron said all three of them prepared themselves for the long talk that would follow.

Kingsley Shacklebolt was not sure what to expect when Ron had come to him and explained Harry's wishes. It was only his second day as acting Minister and already he was swamped with work. He could guess the Wizengamot's reasoning in appointing him- he was the most senior ministry official who was also a war hero, a pureblood and someone visible and diplomatic enough to gain even the detractors' trust. Still, for a moment he couldn't help wishing the mess on someone else. The argument he had had with Gawain, the head of his aurors, hadn't helped either.

'The Minister for Magic can't go alone or unguarded. Especially in the present climate. Be reasonable, Kingsley,' he had told him affronted.

'I'm going to Hogwarts, the safest place in all of Britain not a recon mission, Gawain,' he had replied in no uncertain terms but he knew Gawain had not been happy. He was sure Gawain would be even unhappier at the prospect of what he was about to do. Sitting in the Headmaster.. no Headmistress's office to hear the story of three extraordinary people in presence of three other people who were just as brave and resolute. He trusted both Albus Dumbledore and Harry's judgement.

The children trickled in slowly. Harry under his invisibility cloak, Hermione Granger speaking softly to Minerva McGonagall, Luna entering dreamily asking if she was on time and the two Weasleys, Ron and Ginny along with Neville Longbottom apologising for being late and promising more information.

'Right,' Harry began, 'Now that we are all here, first I'd like to ask Professor McGonagall if we can get a room more private than this.' He looked at the portraits. Kingsley smiled. Good instincts. Portraits are notorious gossips. If Minerva was surprised, she didn't show it. 'Of course, Potter. Follow me.' She led them all to the inner sitting room. It was plainly furnished with a few sofas and a side table. There was no desk. It was a bit cramped but then it had probably not been meant for an audience of eight.

'Thanks, Professor,' Harry started again. 'We're here because Ron, Hermione and I are going to tell you about what we were trying to do to fight Voldemort this past year. It goes without saying that this story should not be spoken about outside the group of people we have.'

The other three children in the room nodded to each other. 'Of course, we promise Harry,' Neville said, 'You can trust us.' 'I assure you, neither of us would speak about this without your permission Harry.' Kingsley felt obliged to add. Harry spoke again, 'Some of the things are going to be a shock for a few of you but I want all of you to know this. So, the prophecy, well… not all the Order members knew about it so I'll start from there. The recording which we destroyed in the Department of Mysteries wasn't the only copy. Professor Dumbledore showed it to me after. It did actually say that I might destroy Voldemort or Tom Riddle as his mother named him. Professor Dumbledore wanted me to have the best chance at it. He had been speculating how he had survived the rebounded killing curse the first time.' Harry's tone was flat, emotionless as I reciting for OWLs or NEWTs. Kingsley wondered what sort of horrors of dark magic these children had been forced to learn.

'Have any of you heard of a horcrux?' Harry's words jolted him back to reality. He winced. So that's how Voldemort had anchored his soul. Minerva looked perplexed. 'Can you elaborate, Potter?'

'Well, a horcrux is an object which preserves a piece of a wizard's soul. So long as it remains intact, the wizard creating it cannot die. But to split a piece of soul, it's required to murder. It's an exceptionally evil piece of magic.' There were understanding looks of disgust from everyone present. Minerva looked almost afraid to find out where the three learned about such things. 'Voldemort made a horcrux, then?' She asked.

'Not a horcrux. He planned to make six, splitting his soul into seven pieces.' Harry responded. His voice was still detached and Kingsley tried to hide his grimace. This went from bad to worse. 'So, Dumbledore asked to you to try and destroyed these… horcruxes.' He queried. 'Well, yes. But we had a head-start, you see. The first horcrux,' Harry continued glancing at the face of Ginny Weasley, 'was Tom Riddle's diary. I destroyed it in my second year in the Chamber of secrets.' Minerva sat up at the mention of the chamber and Ginny Weasley paled. At Ron's insistence, Harry elaborated his encounter with the basilisk. Ginny's face blanched further and Minerva was hiding tears. Even he was having trouble trying to control his expressions.

'Well, another was a ring that belonged to Voldemort's grandfather. Professor Dumbledore destroyed it and this was what cursed his hand. We had got a lead for the third and went to investigate the night he died.' Everyone nodded in understanding. Harry seemed at a loss for words. 'Continue from the wedding, Harry,' Hermione prompted. So, he did. He recounted their flight to Charing Cross, settling at Grimmauld Place and the lead about the locket. How they infiltrated the Ministry with the help of Polyjuice potion. At this, Kingsley groaned at put his face in his hands. 'I'll have to ask Gawain for better Ministry security,' he murmured. The trio who had gone to the ministry looked uncomfortable. Ron blushed, his face matching the colour of his hair.

'We didn't have much of a choice,' Ron said and Harry continued about Umbridge, Muggle-born trials and Reg Cattermole. Hermione picked up with their escape attempt and splinching. She described the time on the run and the effect of the locket. 'After this, we were lost,' she confessed looking anxiously at Ron. For a few moments, there was silence. 'I left them,' Ron told the room. 'Ronald Bilius Weasley!' His sister exclaimed. 'I know, I know. I was stupid but you don't know how the locket was making us behave,' he defended.

'Anyway,' he continued about being caught by the Snatchers, learning about the Taboo and Potterwatch. Hermione took up the story mentioning the trip to Godric's Hollow, Bathilda Bagshot and Nagini. Kingsley dug his nails in his palms, pained at the thought of what these children had endured. Why in the world had Albus Dumbledore asked so much of them, he couldn't understand. He heard Ron telling his attempts to reach back, the deluminator and finally the mention of the doe patronus and destruction of the locket. Harry started talking again mentioning the Snatchers, Malfoy manor, Dobby and Shell Cottage. 'The timings don't match,' he raised his eyebrows. They were hiding something.

The three shared a glance again. 'We can't tell you that part,' it was Harry who answered. There was a twinge of regret in his voice and he didn't press further. The story continued with the mention of their robbery of Gringotts and the escape attempt. He sighed. 'You three couldn't do anything the easy way, could you?'

'Sorry Kingsley,' Hermione said softly. She looked about to cry. Harry's face had become whiter if possible and were those bloodstains under his shirt! He braced himself. Whatever was about to come was worse. When Harry spoke, he spoke about the discovery of the diadem at Hogwarts and its destruction in the fiendefyre. Kingsley closed his eyes. Another death at the hands of the Carrows. 'That's when Riddle discovered we knew about the horcruxes. He was also very troubled by the wand. He decided that killing Professor Snape who killed Dumbledore was needed to get the mastery of the wand. He used Nagini. I reached the Shrieking Shack as he lay dying. He… He gave me his memories. That's how I knew he loved my mum and was helping us. He was trying to keep Hogwarts relatively safe. I saw him talking to Dumbledore and arranging the death. That's when I found out.' Harry stopped to take a deep breath.

Hermione was hiding her face on Ron's shoulder. They were both clinging to Harry as if he would disappear any moment. Kingsley's internal alarms were ringing and the bombshell dropped. 'Riddle had made six horcruxes that he knew of. He made a seventh horcrux the night he killed my parents. A piece of his soul split and latched at the only living thing in the building. Me.'

Kingsley tried to school his features but found he couldn't. He stared at Harry with a look of abject horror and despair. He could see similar looks on everyone's faces. 'You had to… die?' he asked when he was sure he could trust his voice.

Harry's voice was still just as impassive as it was at the beginning, only his pinched face now showing signs of strain. He determinedly continued the story about his own death, blood connection, coming back, the snake and the final end. The silence at its finishing was oppressive. More than one person had tears in his eyes. 'Oh, Harry!' Ginny Weasley was sobbing. Kingsley finally spoke, 'I can't thank you enough Harry. For everything and for trusting me enough to tell this. I promise you I won't speak of this to anyone. The horcruxes specially. We don't want a manual for future Dark Lords, do we?' There was a ghost of a smile on his face mirrored by Minerva. The mood lightened a little.

'What happened to his body?' Harry asked curious.

'We'll cremate him at the ministry in the presence of witnesses tomorrow morning. You're welcome to attend.'

'Would it be alright, Professor if we scattered his ashes in the Forbidden Forest? I know what he became but the eleven year old Riddle would have liked that. This was his only home.' And just like that Harry was offering this last grace to the man who had taken away his childhood and innocence. 'No objections if the Headmistress has none.' He managed. 'None,' Minerva confirmed.

'Good. Can anyone tell me when all the funerals are? I want to attend.'

'Harry, I think that might not be practical,' Kingsley started. It was the wrong thing to say. 'They died fighting for me, Kingsley. I have to.' He decided not to fight it. This was not the time to talk about blame. 'I'll send you the list.' 'What about Gringotts? I doubt the goblins are in a co-operative mood at the moment,' Ron interrupted.

Kingsley grimaced. 'You're right. They aren't happy. But they have appealed to the ministry and I took the liberty of setting up a meeting tomorrow. I've invited Bill Weasley. I'll try my best. They weren't very happy with the previous regime either so I'm hopeful on that front.'

'Thank You!' Harry said with feeling. Ron, however was not done. 'What about the other laws we broke? Breaking in the Ministry, impersonation and Harry and I have been apparating all over the place without a licence.' Kingsley smiled at him. 'That at least is within my power to grant. I'll get you an immunity. All three of you will have to tell parts of it to testify against the Death Eaters. We'll be giving immunity to worse crimes in exchange of information anyhow,' he commented.

I t was Hermione's turn to interrupt. 'I was hoping to ask you a favour,' she said looking at Kingsley. She briefly explained the situation with her parents. Kingsley looked down. Once again, the sacrifices of these seventeen year olds threatened to overwhelm him. 'I'll talk to the department and see what I can do. It might take a couple of days though since the borders are closed to prevent escapes,' he said gruffly. She nodded relieved. 'I'm not planning to leave before the funerals.'

When no one spoke, Kingsley started again. 'If there aren't any further questions,' he took out a Gringotts key. 'Harry, this is the key to vault 114. It belonged to Albus Dumbledore. He left it to you in his will. The ministry tried to get it opened but the goblins will only do it for you. Keep it.' Harry took it, his hands shaking. Was it his imagination or he was putting unnatural amount of effort in trying to stand straight? 'Harry, I know this was hard for you… but will you be willing for a small press statement in the evening? The Daily Prophet and others have started printing wild speculations and it's…'

' I understand. Send someone with a draft. I'll look it over,' Harry said, his words clipped. He swayed and gripped the table. His friends were around him in an instant. 'You didn't go to the Hospital Wing.' There was anger in Hermione's voice. Of course, he had not had his injuries tended to and this was a long discussion. 'I don't think it would have helped. It was Avada Kedavra after all. Not Madame Pomfrey's expertise,' he joked weakly. 'You're coming to the Hospital Wing.' Hermione's tone brooked no arguments. Kingsley wanted to say something but suddenly felt as if he would be intruding. The audience was over.

Ginny looked at Harry worriedly and not for the first time wished that he wouldn't be so noble. But then again, he wouldn't be Harry if he wasn't. Harry collapsed before even making out of the Headmistress office. Hermione gratefully accepted Kingsley's offer of levitating him to the hospital wing. No one spoke on the way, everyone giving Harry looks of concern.

Madame Pomfrey glanced at Harry and pursed her lips. She got a privacy screen erected around his bed and tried to shoo them out. No one budged except Kingsley who pleaded other business, gave a final look and left. Madame Pomfrey started running diagnostics when Harry woke up. 'What's all the fuss about. After all, I nearly died again!'

Ginny didn't like the casual tone as he joked about his death. 'Harry! Don't, just don't.' 'I'm alright, Ginny. No harm done,' he smiled. 'No harm done? You do realize apart from the cuts, burns and other scrapes you are sporting, I can detect curses, effects of Crucio and a bleeding scar on your chest I can't place. And you're malnourished and sleep deprived.' Madame Pomfrey groused trying to bandage the scar on Harry's chest. It was more irregular than the one on his forehead but still shaped like lightning bolt. Harry winced. 'That would be the second killing curse.' 'Rest,' Madame Pomfrey directed, 'All of the others too.' She left muttering something that sounded like if I get my hands on those Death Eaters. All six of them smiled.

'So, Ron, when are you going to introduce Mum to her daughter-in-law?' Ginny asked conversationally. She wasn't disappointed to see Ron turn beetroot red while Hermione cast furtive glances at Harry. Harry seized the opportunity. 'Declaring support for house-elves is practically a declaration of love when 'Mione is concerned isn't it?' He asked slyly. 'At least worth a couple of kisses.' Hermione was now blushing furiously too. Ginny was relieved to see Harry joking about something other than his death. Ron started giving Harry the updates of what had happened in the morning. Mum had taken his body to Muriel's. The burrow had been practically destroyed by the Death Eaters. Bill, Charlie and Dad were trying to repair it. And Percy had taken George to St Mungo's. They were afraid he would harm himself.

Of course, St Mungo's was filled with people injured in what was being called the Battle of Hogwarts. Most of the people in the Hospital Wing had been taken there. Her thoughts turned to Hogwarts. It hadn't fared any better in the battle. Half of the castle was in ruins, though they were trying to rebuild. Ron had graciously offered to accompany Ginny at Hogwarts and volunteer his services. Hermione and Harry had decided to stay too. Neville and Luna had declined. Neville had left to check in with his grandmother while Luna chose to return to St Mungo's to her injured father. Before long, Ginny was shooting Ron and Hermione pointed looks. She wanted Harry alone.

Ron elbowed Hermione and they hastily made their excuses to leave. Ginny immediately began without preamble. 'So what have you thought about it Harry?'

'Thought about what, Ginny?' She wasn't sure he didn't understand or was playing dumb to distract her. 'About our relationship,' she said, her temper rising. 'Ginny…. It's complicated..' He shrugged helplessly. That did it. She was angry now. 'What's complicated? Don't you love me? I thought you did. You didn't even think about what I would feel, seeing your body like that.'

'Ginny, not all the Death Eaters have been caught…. Being with me will be a risk..'

'A risk I was willing to take. I dated you when Voldemort was alive, didn't I? In case you hadn't noticed, I had a target on my back last year too.'

'Ginny, please try to understand. I can't..' Harry was pleading now. 'I don't want to understand anything, Harry Potter. I want to..' she couldn't continue. She wanted to be his girlfriend, his partner. She loved him. How could he say such things? How could he be willing to leave her behind again? With these thoughts on her mind, she left him. She didn't even know where she was going.

What she didn't know was she was leaving Harry to his nightmares. Nightmares which featured her death and torture.

A/N: Hello everyone. Please do read and review. I'm new to the site and this is my first story. All suggestions and constructive criticism are welcome. If you see any formatting or punctuation errors, let me know. I'll try to correct. The story is going to be pretty Harry centric but not exclusively. Sorry for the boring summary of deathly hallows in the chapter but bear with me. I needed to show Kingsley's reaction. My logic was that he was an Auror and a member of the Order of the Phoenix, so he's going to be a brave and compassionate person. And, however you look at it Harry, Ron and Hermione are children. Child Soldiers. So, Kingsley is going to feel at least a little guilty for not helping more. I know this is a slow chapter but it starts a day after the battle. I promise it's going to pick up soon. Thanks.