Hi there, everyone! How are all of you? Well, here it is, the first chapter of "You Were Always There: Part Six" as well as the first chapter of the new year. Wow, I can't believe that this series has come this far after so much time and hard work. I'm going to just say that as far as this book goes I will try my best to make it as fun and interesting as the others, because Half-Blood Prince was honestly my least favorite book. I will try to put my usual flare on it, and since there were some obvious changes in the last book (such as Sirius surviving the battle at the Department of Mysteries), you can expect to see some changes in regards to that, especially in later chapters. Now, if everything goes according to plan than by now I should have at least two more chapters typed up, and so the next chapter will be posted next week and I will work on the others as soon as I can so you guys aren't waiting as long.

Again, I just want to thank you all for supporting me and following me through this long journey with me, Harry and Mia, and all of the other characters, both old and new. Sometimes it's hard to imagine I was writing the first chapter of Part One over five years ago, and how popular it became. It was just a thought that popped into my head and I wanted to see if it was any good. Well, you guys obviously thought so, since I got so many favorites/follows/reviews that I was compelled to write and post the next chapter just a couple days later. Six books later here we are, so close to being done, and I already have the events of book seven planned out in my head.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this first chapter and don't be afraid to review and tell me what you think of it. I will have the next chapter up next week, and if there are any question or concerns feel free to message me! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter are not mine!

Chapter One: Awake

MiaPOV

DUMBLEDORE, POTTER VINDICATED…MINISTER TO RESIGN?...UMBRIDGE SUSPENDED…HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED RETURNS…

Mia was quiet as she read the headlines of the copies of the Daily Prophet that had come out just days after the battle in the Department of Mysteries. On the front pages she could see the embarrassed, vulnerable minister trying to avoid the cameras, while a stricken, dirty and frazzled Delores Umbridge was being removed from the Hogwarts grounds, with Filch sadly carrying her luggage behind her. She supposed in a way this made her happy, but once she registered the date the article was written in the top left corner of the page, her happiness deflated a bit at the reminder. The oldest paper she had with her, the one that finally declared Voldemort's return, was dated for June 19th, 1996, which was close to six weeks ago.

Six weeks. I've been asleep for nearly six weeks. With a soft sigh escaping her lips, Mia folded the papers and placed them off to the side before she turned to face the small window, leaning back more comfortably against her pillows. There was the light from the morning sun streaming in through the window panes, making her room light up brilliantly, not a shadow in sight. There was a perfect view of the city's tallest buildings and if Mia craned her neck, she could just make out a small tea shop sitting on the corner of a street that looked no more than two blocks away, where Muggles went in and out with their pastries and morning cups of tea and coffee, completely unaware of the magical hospital that sat in front of their faces. Looking out at the view beyond these walls, Mia had to admit she felt so incredibly lucky and thankful. Thankful to have made it, thankful to be alive, since Healer Bloom had been upright with telling her there was a chance she wouldn't have made it. The idea made Mia's head spin around and she could barely make it out at first. Healer Bloom and Matron Sienna were very patient and kind as they asked her very simple questions after she had been given water from her aching throat. They had asked for her full name, age, and birthday while Ben sat by her side, holding her hand tightly, as though he were afraid she would vanish into thin air of he let her go. Dumbledore had been there as well, looking thoroughly relieved that Mia was awake and aware, standing off to the side with a crying Mrs. Weasley as Mia was looked over. Once was established that she suffered no sort of memory loss from her head injury, that's when Mia started rounding off questions of her own.

"What happened?" she had asked them. "Where are the others? Are they all right? The Death Eaters—Harry—what's going on?"

It was then that Mia was hit with the overwhelming news that while everyone was safe, she had been in St. Mungo's with her life on a thread for over a month. This information indeed hit Mia pretty hard, and at first she couldn't register what she had heard. How could she have been asleep for six weeks? It only felt as though she had woken up from a long, very uncomfortable nap. But later on, when Mia had been given the editions of the Prophet, she knew they had to be true. All she could do was stare blankly at the headlines, shocked beyond belief and also grateful to be alive.

That had been only just yesterday, and after hours of questions, tests, taking potions and checking on the progress of her recovery, Mia was left with her father and Professor Dumbledore for some time, and her headmaster was the only one to truly set her mind at ease.

"Sir, Harry…my friends…" Mia had whispered.

"Have been tended to by Madame Pomfry's hands and will be more than thrilled to see you," Dumbledore reassured her with a twinkle in his eyes.

"What about Griff?" Mia asked, ignoring the puzzled look Ben gave her.

"He will be perfectly all right, once tomorrow comes along," Dumbledore replied.

"What do you mean?"

"That is enough questions for today Mia, you need your rest."

The last thing Mia wanted was rest at the moment. After realizing just how long she has been out of it, Mia had the frightening lingering thought that if she closed her eeys, she wouldn't wake up again. Ben had soothed her of these troubling thoughts, stroking her hair and staying with her while she fell asleep, wanting a break from the leftover pain and soreness from her injuries. From the moment she woke up that morning, she still had a hard time believing what had happened. She wondered how she could not have realized that she was asleep for so long? Mia tried to think back, to remember something, but all she could really remember was feeling the force of the attacks Bellatrix bestowed upon her, and hearing Harry's cries before she blacked out. Sometimes, if Mia tried hard enough she thought she could make out vague images in her head from some sort of dream. A dream involving sunlight, bright colors, especially pink, and a tender kiss to the forehead. She wasn't sure what this dream meant, but that's all that came to her mind when she thought of the time she was asleep, the detail getting faint and more blurred with each passing hour. Mia sighed again as she readjusted herself on the bed, trying to ignore the sore, stiff muscles in her legs when she heard a sudden voice call out her name.

"Mia!"

Mia was able to turn her gaze away from the window in just enough time to see a small boy with messy brown hair and matching eyes barge his way into the room, a gleeful, excited smile on his face. At the sight of him, Mia herself beamed a happy grin and opened her arms just in time for the little boy to jump up onto her bed and throw himself at her, wrapping his little arms around her shoulder and hanging on tightly. The pressure of his body on her stomach was enough to make Mia gasp sharply in pain, but she covered it up with a light giggle and held her little brother close to her, using her hand to ruffle his hair. She couldn't help the slight burning in her eyes as she held him, knowing that she had come so close to never being able to again.

"Mia, you're finally awake!" Brian exclaimed happily. "What took you so long?"

"Brian, you can't just jump on your sister like that!" Catherine scolded as she entered the room, looking aghast and nervous as she came over to the side of the bed. "That will hurt her, sweetheart."

"I'm sorry, Mia," Brian said, drawing away quickly and looking worried that he had indeed hurt her.

"It's okay, buddy, you're all right," Mia reassured him, still grinning as pinched his cheek playfully. "I'm so happy to see you."

"Me too, I've missed you," Brian said, settling himself so he was cross-legged on her bed and taking off a school bag that he had on his back. "Are you feeling any better?"

"I'm feeling a lot better than I was," Mia answered him. It was true, her right leg felt kind of numb, but that was only because when she was first admitted they had to force Skele-Grow down her throat in order to regrow the bones that had been broken, and she hasn't been able to walk on it yet. Even though she was slowly getting better, her body still ached most times, especially her hands, which had taken the brunt end of the fire from Bellatrix Lestrange's curse. They were still a little red and sore, but that soreness was almost gone at this point. The only real issue was the internal bruising from the Bombarda curse, and even with the potions they give her, it will take just a little while to fully heal. Yesterday Mia's matron was able to help her sit up in bed so she could be more comfortable, and ever since then, she has been in the company of her family.

"That's good, it's been boring without you home," Brian went on. "And I made you something, too."

"You did?" Mia asked. "What is it?"

"Close your eyes!"

Mia giggled again but did as her brother asked, closing her eyes tight and hearing him open up his bag, shuffling around until he found whatever it was he was looking for. Another few seconds passed before Brian gave her the okay to open her eyes. When she did, Mia saw that Brian was holding up a small model in his hands made of red clay, forming some type of figure that Mia couldn't quite make out. However, after she stared at it, she saw that there were four legs protruding from a body and there was something that looked very much like a six-year-old's version of a tail at the end of it.

"Is this a horse?" Mia asked him.

"Yeah!" Brian replied, holding it out and placing it in her hand. "I made it in my art class at school! I was going to give it to you when you came home, but I had to wait, since you were sleeping. Do you like it? I know you really like horses."

"I love it, Bry," Mia said softly, her eyes burning again as she drew in her brother in for another hug, kissing the top of his head. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm glad you're okay, Mia," Brian muttered into her hospital gown.

"Me too," Mia said through slightly trembling lips. "Me too."

"I brought you a treat, sweetie," Catherine said as she placed a plate wrapped in foil on Mia's bedside table. "Cinnamon cookies, your favorite. I also brought some of your books with me too, since the healers aren't sure exactly when you'll get to come home."

"Thanks, Mum," Mia said gratefully. "Will Dad come by later? He wasn't here when I woke up."

"As soon as he catches up on some sleep," Catherine confirmed as she took a seat in the chair on Mia's other side. "How are you feeling today?"

"Better, just sore. It still hurts to move around too much, but Healer Bloom said with some luck I may be able to try getting up and walking around by the end of the week," Mia said as Brian started taking out some of his toys for them to play with. "He says the exercise will help strengthen my muscles again. Mum…has anyone told Harry or the others that I'm all right? I tried asking Matron Sienna earlier, but she told me not to worry about that now. She was sure Dumbledore would let them know."

"I'm sure he will, sweetheart," Catherine said. "We just haven't had the chance to tell everyone you're awake yet because they've been—well, busy, so to say."

"Busy?" Mia repeated, furrowing her eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"We won't be able to reach out to them until the trial is finished today," Catherine told her, her expression somewhat hesitant, as though she wasn't exactly sure how to word what she was trying to say.

"Trial? What trial? Mum, I don't understand," Mia said, feeling thoroughly confused. "Wait, no one's in trouble, are they?

"Don't worry dear, they're not in any sort of trouble," Catherine explained to her, smiling gently. "They've been called in to testify."

"Testify? For what?"

"I think I may be able to answer that," came a new voice. Mia and Catherine turned their heads to see a very familiar woman standing in the doorway, her bubblegum pink hair as vibrant as always and the grin on her face spreading wide as she caught sight of Mia. She worse navy blue robes with black combat boots and small gold loop earrings, her eyes gleaming excitedly.

"Hi, Tonks!" Brian greeted enthusiastically as he pulled out more of his toys on Mia's bed sheets for them to play with.

"Wotcher, Brian," Tonks said as she stepped into the room. "Wotcher, Mrs. Thatcher. Mia, thank Merlin, I'm so very happy to see you're awake, I was so worried."

"Tonks," Mia said, feeling relief wash over her. "You're okay! I remember seeing you at the bottom of the stairs…"

"Just a scratch, nothing serious," Tonks said, waving it aside as she took a seat next to Brian on Mia's bed. "Had to stay here for a little while though, and I got yelled at a few times for sneaking out to check on you. You've got quite the creative brother here, he loved talking to you while you slept."

"Mummy and Daddy said telling you stories would help," Brian put in. "And Tonks was making funny faces too, it was really cool."

"Well, Tonks is a very cool witch," Mia giggled.

"Just as sweet as always, Mia," Tonks noted with an appreciative wink. "I've got some major news here, and it's going to knock your socks off, as my dad would say."

"Is it over already?" Catherine asked, surprised.

"You bet, it was all done once they administered the Veritiserum—a truth-telling potion," Tonks added at Catherine's confused face. "Didn't take long for the judges to decide."

"What are you talking about?" Mia said, looking from one woman to the other, not having a clue what was going on.

"Mia, that night in the Ministry, you stunned one of the Death Eaters, right?" Tonks asked.

"I think I stunned some of them, but what has that got to do with anything?"

"This one was coming at you, Harry and Neville while you guys were trying to climb the stairs, remember?"

"A little," Mia replied, a frown on her face as she vaguely remembered one of the Death Eaters slinking around in the shadows and she hit him with a stunner when he had started coming after Harry.

"Well, that night the Aurors arrested him along with the others that were captured and they were more than a little surprised to see who he was," Tonks continued with a wicked grin. The metamorphagus reached into the inside of her robes and pulled out a rolled up copy of the Daily Prophet. She unrolled it and placed it in Mia's lap, her grin never leaving her face. From the very top of the page, Mia saw that this was a copy of the Prophet from a few days after she was taken to St. Mungo's, but what really caught her attention was the picture on the front page. Her eyes widened drastically and her mouth almost dropped all the way down to the bed as she registered the picture in front of her that took up just about half of the front cover. The picture was of a man—a withering, terrified man holding up a prisoner's sign with matted hair scattered in patches on his head, very thin, with large front teeth and long fingernails with a quivering, twitching posture…almost like a rodent. The realization hit Mia with full blown force but she couldn't quite believe it was real. She turned her eyes towards the headline, printed in bold black letters.

PETER PETTIGREW FOUND ALIVE AND WELL! REAPPERANCE IS CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY OF MAGIC

"No!" Mia gasped incredulously.

"You caught a bad guy, Mia!" Brian said. "I told Mummy you were like a superhero!"

"What…how—Pettigrew…at the Ministry? But—"

"From what we could gather from the other Death Eaters, Pettigrew wasn't supposed to be there that night," Tonks informed her. "No one knows why he tagged along, but the second they found him, you can imagine that suspicions were raised. And as soon as his capture was released, guess who basically came strolling through the front doors?"

"No!" Mia gasped again, this time out of fear. "Sirius?! No, what was he thinking—they'll throw him in Azkaban without a second thought! Is he crazy?! We have to help him, we—"

"Mia, calm down," Catherine said, placing her hand on Mia's shoulder to keep her from shaking and trying to sooth her.

"Mia don't worry, Sirius is being helped," Tonks reassured her. "He had me and Kingsley bring him in, with Dumbledore right behind us. Giving the fact that Fudge is in some major trouble, he owed Dumbledore a say in this matter big time. Long story short, a trial date was set, and Dumbledore convinced the Ministry to keep Sirius in one of their holding cells until that time. That's why Harry and the others haven't been told about you yet, today was the final day to give testimony so a decision could be made. It's been going on for the past three days, and they gave both Sirius and Pettigrew Veritiserum, like how they should have done from the start, the idiots. Pettigrew was forced to tell everything, from his days as a spy for Voldemort to his betrayal of the Potters. Harry, Ron and Hermione were called to testify on what had happened when you came face-to-face with him two years ago, and the rest is history."

"What do you mean?" Mia breathed, hardly daring to hope in case it was dashed. Tonk's grin grew and she pulled out another copy of the Prophet, this one from today. It had a picture on the front cover as well, only this one was of Sirius being led out of a room, a distant smile on his face, as though he had been told some unbelievable news, and looking as though a tremendous weight had finally been lifted, his eyes alight with something Mia had never seen before. The headline on this edition was as clear as the last one and it sent a bolt of excitement through Mia as she read it.

SIRIUS BLACK INNOCENT! THE TRUTH UNRAVELED AT MNISTRY TRIAL!

"Tonks," Mia whispered. "Does…does this mean…"

"Yes," Tonks answered. "As of half an hour ago, Sirius is a free man and Pettigrew was sentenced to life in Azkaban."

HarryPOV

"Harry stop fidgeting, you're making me nervous."

"How do you think I feel, Hermione?"

"Why are they taking so long, what more do they need? If those buggers can't see what's in front of them—"

"You're not helping, Ron!"

"Will you three be quiet?" Ginny hissed sharply from behind them, gesturing with her head. "They're coming back in!"

At the young redhead's words, Harry's attention snapped back over to the door on the left hand side of the courtroom, which had now opened and the members of the Wizagmont were now filing back in, wearing their midnight black robes and with firm expressions on their faces, giving away nothing of what they had spent the last forty-five minutes discussing in private. They trailed in one after the other and took their seats once more in the tall stands and podiums that raised higher than all of the other seats in the courtroom. When they were all seated, Harry moved his sight back to the ground floor, where there were two chairs, each one holding a man. In one chair there was a small, quivering man whose hands were bound in iron chains to where he sat, wearing grey robes that matched his graying hair, his big eyes round and filled with frightened tears as he trembled. From what Harry could see, he was flexing his hands and making a determined face, only to moan in failure. If Harry had to guess, he figured the cowering man was trying to transform, but due to the spell placed upon him, he would not be able to.

You're not getting away this time, Pettigrew, Harry thought savagely to himself, glaring at the filthy rat. Brining his sight over to the second chair, Harry couldn't help but feel the anxious knot in his stomach as he watched his godfather's calm posture as he sat there, waiting to hear the news of his fate. He also wore grey robes with his wrists bound in chains, but unlike Pettigrew, he was not whimpering and trying to escape. He sat there with his back straight and his eyes fixed upon the wizards and witches above him. Harry knew that although he had his composure on the outside, he was sure to be just as nervous as Harry was, even though the logical part of his brain told him there was no reason for it. Standing all around Sirius and Pettigrew were many Aurors, stationed by the doors around the circular room with strict expressions and at the ready to take action if need be. Sitting all around Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were many other witched and wizards, waiting with bated breathes to see what would happen now, the majority of them from papers such as the Daily Prophet. Seated in the first row was Kingsley Shacklebolt, who was leaning in and whispering to Mad-Eye Moody, the two of them with their sole focus on the Wizagmont. For a moment, everything was quiet as the final decision was set to be made, giving Harry a brief minute to think about how stressful the past few days were.

On top of everything else that was going on, Harry was nearly beside himself with worry from the moment he heard that Sirius was escorted into the Ministry by Tonks, Kingsley, and Dumbledore. He had wanted to go in there and drag his godfather out by his robes and tell him to run. How could he just waltz up to the ministry like that, knowing he was a wanted man? It wouldn't be surprising if they decided to throw him in a cell in Azkaban right on the spot. However, Dumbledore had come to Harry and told him the reason why, and it nearly sent the fifteen year old boy sagging to the ground in complete disbelief. Peter Pettigrew—the spy, the traitor, the one responsible for the death of Harry's parents and the reason Sirius was an innocent man on the run—had finally been captured. He was found among the throng of Death Eaters that night at the Ministry and was taken into immediate custody by astounded Aurors. No one could blame them, seeing as though Pettigrew was supposed to have been killed many years ago, with nothing but a finger remaining of him. Yet here he was, sniveling and scurrying as ever, sending the wizarding world into a tirade. Once the news of Pettigrew's capture and Sirius supposed innocence, people have been in an outcry of confusion, demanding answers from the Ministry and Harry knew that Fudge was getting flustered and helpless. He had been proven that within the past year, he was so desperate to cover the truth he went to extreme measures and put so many at terrible risks.

Now, after all of that, there is a possibility that notorious mass murderer Sirius Black may be innocent because the Ministry never went through with a trial in the first place? People have been reading up on everything about the current trial that had been taken place over the course of the last three days. Ever since it started, people have been called in, such as Harry, Ron, Hermione and even Remus, to explain what had happened the night that Pettigrew's true identity was discovered. Veritiserum had been administered, not only to Sirius, but to Pettigrew as well. Every sat and listened, appalled at the man who had spoken in a low, hollow, almost hypnotized voice as the spell forced him to say how he had spied on Voldemort's orders for over a year and when the plan to make him Secret Keeper for James and Lily Potter was made, he went straight to his Dark Lord and gave away their whereabouts. After that he proceeded to be tracked down by Sirius and made it out as though he was the one who had betrayed the Potters before blowing up the street and killing all the poor Muggles that were there. At the end of every day Harry would go to see Sirius in the holding cell for as long as they would allow him before going off to St. Mungo's to visit Mia. Sirius would always ask about her progress, and Harry was always sad to report that nothing had changed. His godfather would always smile and tell him to have hope.

"She's a tough one, Harry," Sirius would say to him. "She's not giving up without a fight."

When all testimonies had been made and the evidence was presented, they had to wait while the Wizagmont gathered to discuss what their decision would be. All of that had brought them to now, waiting for what they had to say. Harry had his hands balled up in his knees, praying with all his might, and he felt Hermione grasp his shoulder tightly.

"Witches and wizards of the Wizagmont, after careful time and consideration of all evidence presented, we have come to a conclusion," one wizard with a thin mustache spoke to the others before looking down at Sirius. "Sirius Orion Black, after hearing your testament of the events of October the thirty-frst and November the first of nineteen eighty-one, and hearing the confession made by Peter Cain Pettigrew, the result of this trial can have no other outcome. Peter Pettigrew, you are hereby guilty of being an accomplice to the murder of James and Lily Potter and the murder of twelve Muggles on the night of November the first, nineteen eighty-one. The Wizagmont hereby sentences you to life in Azkaban with no chance of parole—"

"Nooooo!" Pettigrew moaned in despair, slouching forward in his seat, tears running down his pale face. "Please, have mercy…I didn't mean to do it! I didn't mean to hurt my friends—"

"Don't you dare call them your friends," Sirius snarled, glaring at Pettigrew with all the hatred he could muster.

"Sirius Black," the wizard continued over Pettigrew's wails. "In accordance to the findings in this trial, you are hereby innocent for all crimes charged against you and shall be reinstated into the magical community as of today with a clean slate. You are now a free man."

"Yes!" Ron exclaimed, pumping his fist into the air but his voice was nearly drowned out by the squabbled voices from the reporters around them, instantly talking over one another, wanting to head down onto the main floor to get a word in with either Sirius or Pettigrew, their Quick quills flying across their notepads a thousand miles a minute. Harry, grinning from ear to ear, practically leapt out of his seat and hurriedly pushed his way past others to make his way down to the main floor, where Sirius was slowly standing to his feet, appearing to be in a daze. The chains around his wrists had been unlocked the second his innocence had been declared and he was rubbing them as he stared around, as though he couldn't quite believe what had just happened, his gray eyes wide with absolute shock. Harry called to him, and that's what seemed to snap the animangus out of his revere. He looked up to see Harry coming towards him and a wide smile broke out upon his face, one that made the haunted shadows leave his eyes and the color come back to his cheeks in full force. At that moment Harry saw the face of Sirius Black twenty years ago shining through brightly, his aura that of one who was blind and seeing the light of the sun for the very first time. When Harry finally managed to get through the line if cameras and reporters who were beginning to crowd around Sirius, he was pulled into a tight embrace by the older wizard and Harry hugged him back just as fierce, happier than he had been in quite some time. He did it! Sirius is finally free! The two of the let go of each other after a minute and Harry pointedly ignored the cries of Pettigrew as the Aurors as they started to take him away, crying and whimpering for mercy all the way.

"Sirius! My old friend, please! Sirius!" Pettigrew groveled as he was led out of the door. Sirius ignored him as well, his sole focus on Harry, his smile never leaving his face.

"I'm free," he muttered with a light chuckle, running his hand through his hair. "I can't believe it. I thought this day would never come."

"Congrats, Padfoot," Lupin said as he came over with Ron, Hermione, Ginny and the others, all with bright smiles. "It's good to have you back."

"Good to be back, Mooney," Sirius grinned.

"What are you going to do now, Sirius? " Ginny asked.

"Haven't really thought that far to tell you the truth," Sirius replied. "There was a part of me that was still scared that this wouldn't work, that I'd be back in Azkaban before the day was out. But now I'm free…I'm free! There's so much to do."

Sirius clapped Harry on the shoulder, beaming.

"And there's a lot to catch up on, too," Sirius added sincerely. "I really couldn't have done it without you all, nothing I can say can ever express my gratitude. How about we grab a bite to eat, all of us? My treat."

"With what money?" Lupin asked with a raised eyebrow. "Last I checked you still have to resubmit your paperwork to your claim on your family's fortune at Gringotts, and before anything else you need a bath."

"Well you don't exactly smell like a basket of roses at your special time of the month, Remus," Sirius stated indignantly. "And way to ruin the moment for us."

"I'm starting to wish you were back in the holding cell," Lupin muttered with an eye roll, causing Harry and everyone else to laugh at their expense.

"How about we leave before we get swamped with even more reporters?' Mad-Eye grumbled, pointing over to the group that was coming over their way. "Come on you lot, get moving."

Mad-eye quickly led them all out into a private corridor off to the right, so none of the reporters would be able to follow them. All the while, Sirius kept his hand on Harry's shoulder, and the boy could hardly contain his excitement. Sirius was finally free, after all this time! He wouldn't have to hide away in caves or his family's house anymore, living off of rats and always hopping from one place to another just so he could keep an eye on Harry. Now he was free to walk along others once again, go where he wants and have the freedom that has been denied of him for so very long. Also, Harry was finally free to be with his godfather now, something he had wanted ever since the summer after third year. Once they were all out in the corridor, they heard the sound of pounding feet and Harry loomed over to see Mr. Weasley rushing down to meet them, his eyes wide and a grin on his face, looking to be bursting with news.

"Harry!" he called out as he came closer. "Harry! Kids! The most wonderful news—I've come as fast as I could—"

"Arthur, what is it?" Lupin asked in surprise.

"I'm sorry, I got here as fast as I could," Mr. Weasley panted as he came to a stop before them, breathless with excitement. "Oh Sirius, congratulations, I'm so happy you got off, this was long overdue. But I just have to tell you all, it's so incredible—I had to wait until the trial was finished, then I lost you all in the crowd when I came in—"

"For Merlin's sake Arthur, what is it?" Mad-eye said, leaning against his wooden cane.

"I've received news from St. Mungo's," Mr. Weasley said gleefully, moving his gaze over to Harry. "Mia is awake."

"Wait, what?!" Ron said as Hermione gasped after a moment of shocked silence. "Mia—what—"

"Really, Dad?" Ginny asked her mouth twisting up into a smile to match her father's. "Is she really awake?"

"Oh thank God!" Hermione cried, tear already welling in her eyes.

"When?" Sirius said, flabbergasted. "How is she?"

"She's doing well as far as Healer Bloom is concerned, still sore, obviously, but one of the first things she did was ask about you all. It happened very late last night, by the time Molly came to me with the news you lot were already here, and I had to wait for the Wizagmont's decision before I could—"

Mr. Weasley's words faded out as Harry stared at him, registering what had just been said and he could feel something huge flare up inside of him. His heart rate picked up some and he felt something stirring around crazily in his stomach. He suddenly found it a tad more difficult to breath and his throat seemed quite dry. She's awake? His Mia was awake?

"Mia…is awake?" Harry whispered, hoping that this wasn't some sort of cruel joke.

"Yes, Harry," Mr. Weasley replied. "And asking for you, of course. From what Molly said they're trying to see how she can handle actual food, and checking the progress of her healing, but—Harry, wait!"

Harry paid no heed as he took off down the corridor, unsurprisingly with Ron and Hermione right at his heels, desperate to make his way out of there and to find his way back up to the Atrium. He has to go to her, he needs to see for himself if it was true! If Mia was all right he had to know right now.

"Get back here!" Moody's voice called in irritation. "You kids are too dangerous to be set lose running around through the Ministry!"

…

Fifteen minutes later Harry found himself stumbling out of the fireplace on the main floor in St. Mungo's, with Sirius coming through right behind him. The ex-convict caused quite a few people to yelp and jump where they stood, scurrying away from them, shocked at seeing the man they were currently reading about in the papers that no doubt had just started being delivered to wizards all throughout the country. The witch at the front desk simply pointed down the corridor that would lead to the staircase, smiling knowingly.

"You know where to go, Mr. Porter," she told him. Harry needed no other encouragement as he made his way down the corridor with Sirius, and he could hear the sound of the others stepping through the fireplace as well. His heart was pounding fiercely as he moved, half of him positively overjoyed and the other half terrified that this wasn't really happening. He had prayed for weeks that Mia would wake up, and with every day that passed the despair threatened to engulf him when he would walk into her room and see her lying there as still and silent as the day before. Just the thought of being able to hold her and feel her hugging him back was like a dream and it made him pick up his pace a bit as he and his godfather quickly climbed the staircase up to the fourth floor. He could hear Ron, Hermione and Ginny speaking with Mr. Weasley behind them but he hardly listened as he walked through a door and found himself along the quiet, long corridor that led to very few rooms. There was one door at the very end and as they turned the bend, Harry saw Tonks coming out of it with Matron Sienna.

"Oh no, you don't!" Matron Sienna declared, standing in front of the door to block entry, a firm, unrelenting expression on her face as she glared at them all, reminding Harry very much of Madame Pomfrey."There are way too many of you, the girl hasn't even been awake for ten hours, wha—Sirius Black!"

"Don't worry, this old dog is harmless," Tonks reassured her brightly, smiling at them all. "What took you so long?"

"We had to stop these four from running amok," Lupin replied, gesturing to Harry and the others as they finally caught up. "We didn't want a repeat of last time."

"I would assume not," Tonks laughed lightly.

"Please, I have to see her," Harry implored.

"She is with Healer Bloom at the moment, you can't all just go bursting in—"

"It's all right, Matron Sienna."

Harry looked around to see Mrs. Thatcher sticking her head out from around the door, her eyes soft as she stared down at him and her smile gentle.

"Harry is family," she said. "He can come in."

"Well…all right then, but only him until Healer Bloom deems it suitable for the patient to receive this number of guests," Matron Sienna gave in, shooting them all a warning glare as she stepped to the side to let Harry through. His hands feeling sweaty, Harry stepped forward as Mrs. Thatcher held the door open for him, allowing him entrance to the room as Mr. Weasley suggested that they all wait in the lounge. Once Harry set foot into the familiar bright room, he found himself suddenly frozen, his limps feeling strangely weak and his breath was caught in his throat at the sight before him. Healer Bloom was standing by the side of the bed in his usual green robes, a piece of parchment and quill floating beside him taking notes as he chuckled down at Brian, who was chatting away about something involving the toy dinosaur in his hands, and there, leaning back against her pillows with a tired smile and her eyes wide open, was Mia. His Mia. Awake, aware, and alive. Before Harry even had the chance to let the shock finish its process, Brian suddenly looked his way and a beaming grin lit up his face.

"Harry!" he called out in greeting, pointing at his sister. "Look Harry, Mia's awake!"

It probably took a second for Brian's words to fully register, but once Mia's gaze shifted over towards him and their eyes locked, there was no tearing away from them. Harry's heart soared as he thought to himself that her eyes were just as blue and beautiful as he remembered, and it was only now that he realized just how much he missed looking into them. Despite how tired she looked, they were still shining with that special brightness that took him by surprise every time he caught her gaze and made him motionless. He could see Mia's body go still on her bed and her smile faded a bit as she stared at him, as if hardly believing he was there. There was an odd yet comforting silence as they stared at each other, and Harry, so desperate to get here to see her, suddenly found himself incapable of movement.

"Brian," Harry heard Mrs. Thatcher call from behind him. "Let's go get a snack from the tea room upstairs. Healer Bloom, maybe we can finish up outside?"

"Of course," Healer Bloom agreed, nodding his head while Brian pouted.

"But Mummy, I wanted to stay with Mia," he protested.

"We'll come right back," Mrs. Thatcher assured him. "Now come along, I'm sure Mia would appreciate us bringing her some snacks as well."

"But…"

"Now, Brian."

Brian pouted some more but didn't dare argue with his mother as he slipped off of the bed and followed Healer Bloom over to Mrs. Thatcher. Harry barely noticed when they left the room, closing the door softly behind them, leaving him and Mia alone. The sun coming in from the window lit up her pale face, which had a small scar on her left cheek, and there was the ghost of a bruise on the upper right corner of her forehead. Thankfully there were no scars left from the burns, although her hands and what he could see of her shoulders were still red, and due to not having proper food in a while Harry, could tell she had lost some weight. But to him, she was still the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. It was quiet for another moment before Mia's lips twisted up into a timid smile.

"Don't I get a hug?" she asked quietly, her soothing voice snapping him out of whatever it was that was holding him in place. Within mere seconds Harry crossed the room to her bed, bent down and gathered her up into his arms, very nearly lifting her off of the bed from the force of his embrace. He latched his arms around her, hiding his face in her neck underneath her veil of curls and his eyes started burning as he felt her warp her arms around him just as tight, holding him close. Harry shut his eyes tight as he felt tears building up behind them and he breathed in Mia's scent, savoring her warmth and reveling in the feel of her. He could feel Mia nuzzle her face into his shoulder and she ran her fingers through his hair.

"Harry," she whispered. "It's okay, Harry, it's okay. I'm all right."

Hearing her speak was like music to his ears and it made the tears come out faster, a couple of them trailing down his cheeks. She's here, she's awake. She's okay. Harry kept repeating this to himself over and over again as they held onto each other, neither one wanting to let go. If it was up to him, he would never let her go again, ever. He wasn't sure exactly how long they stayed in that position for and he honestly didn't care, but all too soon they were slowly pulling away from each other and Harry took the time to gaze into her face. Using one hand, he cupped her cheek and—having wanting to do this for so long—he leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss. The instant their lips touched Harry could feel that familiar tingling sensation from his head to his toes and he felt grateful to whatever it was that made it possible for him to kiss her like this again. The kiss was gentle, yet it still conveyed a sense of eagerness to show just how much he missed her and Mia pressed back, smiling into it. By the time they broke apart, Harry's head was spinning and he kept his eyes closed as he leaned his forehead against hers, his hand still against her cheek.

"Mia," he breathed. "Mia…"

After a few seconds Harry opened his eyes to stare right into hers, another tear making its way out.

"You were dead," he muttered in a weak, strained voice. "I lost you, I—I couldn't breathe, I couldn't think, I…please, please don't scare me like that again. Please."

"I'm sorry," Mia said sincerely, moving her hand so she could wipe away the tear with her thumb. "I'm so sorry I scared you like that. But you know you'll never lose me, Harry. No matter what happens I will always be there for you. Now and always."

"Forever and ever," Harry said, finally managing a smile as he leaned in to kiss her again. When they separated, Mia started adjusting herself and began sliding away from him on the bed, flinching a little in pain and then patting the empty space next to her. Needing no further encouragement, Harry climbed into the bed with her and gently wrapped an arm around her as she snuggled up against him, placing a kiss on top of her head.

"How are you feeling?" he asked her.

"Very sore, but Healer Bloom said now that I'm awake the potions should have a faster effect on me, and hopefully I can get out of bed by the end of this week so I can work out the muscles in my legs," Mia replied. "He's starting me off with small meals for now, since I went so long only on potions, and we'll see if I can hold them down with my stomach healing. He said if things go well it won't be much longer before I can go home. Where are the others?"

"In the waiting lounge, ready to get the okay from Matron Sienna," Harry told her. "Ron and Hermione are anxious to see you, Ginny's here too, along with Lupin and Sirius."

"Really?" Mia asked. "Tonks told me about the trial. Is he really free now?"

"Yes, thanks to you, I might add," Harry answered.

"I had no idea that was Pettigrew that I stunned," Mia admitted. "If I'd known I might've thrown in a couple stingers before I wrapped him up in a bow for the Ministry."

"I'm sure you would've," Harry said, rolling his eyes fondly at her. "We couldn't believe it ourselves, Dumbledore told us the day after you…after it all happened, and then Sirius turned himself in a few days later. They did the trial right this time, they gave both Sirius and Pettigrew Veritesirum and we were all called in to talk about what happened in third year and the times we've seen him since. Mr. Weasley and Lupin were usually with us since Ron's mum and your parents were with you here."

"I'm glad it's all over though," Mia said. "I'm so glad he's finally free."

"Me too," Harry said, pulling her closer.

"Harry," Mia started slowly. "What happened after I was hurt? I remember that the prophecy was destroyed, but did you ever find out why Voldemort wanted it in the first place? Why he tricked you into going to the Department of Mysteries?"

Harry fell silent at her words, remembering the conversation he had not too long ago with Professor Dumbledore. It was a conversation that changed everything, that explained why everything that happened came to be, and why Harry was caught in the middle of it all. It explained why Harry's history with Voldemort even began, why he was orphaned, and why the connection between him and the Dark Lord even existed.

"…the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…"

"Yes," Harry said quietly, trying his best to hide the sadness in his voice. "Dumbledore told me why. But that can wait until later. Right now, I'm just focused on you."

"But Harry…"

"I'll tell you later, I promise," Harry reassured her. Mia looked as though she wanted to press the issue but she just sighed and nodded, agreeing to talk about it at another time. At that moment there was a knock at the door and Matron Sienna popped her head in, looking thoroughly defeated.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," she told them apologetically. "But it appears as though you have a few more visitors and since Healer Bloom said it was all right, I've been outvoted to allow them acces to your room."

"Outvoted? By who?" Mia said. Matron Sienna sighed and pushed the door all the way open, allowing nothing less than a stampede of people to enter the room.

"The entire wizarding community, apparently," she replied.

"MIA DARLING!" Fred and Weasley hollered as they sprang towards the bed with a gigantic leap.

"Bloody hell," Ron said, a happy grin splitting his face in two. "You had us worried to death!"

"Mia, thank goodness you're awake!" Neville exclaimed, looking close to shedding tears of joy.

"I told you lot not all at once!" Mrs. Weasley yelled as Mr. Weasley shook his head at his son's antics.

"Padfoot, for crying out loud," Lupin groaned as Sirius barged into the room in dog form and jumped up onto the bed at Mia's feet, his tail wagging.

"Good to see you, Mia," Ginny greeted with grin.

"You're all idiots!" Harry heard Mad-Eye Moody shout from somewhere in the back.

"Amelia Marie Thatcher!" Hermione shrieked in anger with tears falling down her face. "You are in so much trouble!"

Well, what did you all think? I must have rewritten Harry and Mia's reunion a bunch of times, I hope the final result was satisfactory. I had a picture of things getting emotional between them, but I didn't want to overdo it, at least not yet. Also, as far as the very end I know it may seem a bit ridiculous but I thought it would be a funny scene to imagine, especially Fred and George's reaction, because if any of you guys have seen the anime "Ouran High School Host Club," my inspiration came from episode one where Hikaru and Kaoru jumped at Haruhi to force her to change into the school uniform. I thought it would be an amusing and touching moment, to remind Mia of just how much she's loved. Don't forget to review, and I'll see you all in chapter two!