Harry Potter and the Founders

By: LuvFantasy

A/N:

Well, I decided to switch it up a bit for the last chapter in order to keep the effect of the end fresh in your minds: replies first, then the story! First of all, I'd like to thank each and every one of you, reviewers and readers alike. Without your support I never would have gotten this far and completed my first "canon" work ever. It's been a long ride, and I'm so proud of all of us!!!

Robbie: Well, I shan't say yet who used the Polyjuice Potion. It will be revealed in the words to follow. Ginny as well. In terms of Amore Infinite – well, it's actually been quite a time since I wrote that chapter, but based on my memory, I believe that I was trying to show a reciprocal type event. Yes, Voldemort himself cannot withstand Amore Infinite (thus the line) however, since Harry and Hermione are the Heris of Godric and Rowena (who were both in love and passed this love on) and Vold. Is the heir of Slytherin (who tried to break their love), the Heirs themselves were expected to use their love/"their" spell to destroy Salazaar (his goal being to destroy love) while Harry's enemy, Voldemort, had to be killed by Harry's ancestor (Godric's sword). In this way, past and present were united. I hope that explained it. Thank you for reviewing, and I hope you enjoy the last chappie!

Screamingcrazyproctorlady: Yes, I felt it was important to show that Harry was still an "innocent" hero. He's not the ones in all the action/adventure movies that kill everything that moves. He is, in some degree, still a boy, which I think everyone in the books has at one point forgotten. Enjoy!

Babes: [grins Well, you'll find out if Harry is alright very, very soon. Enjoy the last bit of the story!

Tristan Cartier: I can't say if Harry's dead or not. [smiles Though it won't be a very long wait until you find out. Thank you for all your support for my story (telling your co-workers, etc.) and I hope that last chapter lives up to expectations!

Reggae Grovve: [smiles I felt the Horcrux deal explained a lot about Ginny's character in later books, though I think I should leave Dumbledore to do all the explaining rather than repeat it here. Enjoy the chapter!

sanaa: [laughs I don't think I've ever been threatened death with a spoon before. Possibly a spork, but no...never a spoon. I commend you for your creativity! And hope you enjoy the last chappie...

Juie: Thanks. I've been writing for years. It's part of my life now. I mean, I can just be walking down the street, see something and say "that'd make a great storyline!" But I digress. I appreciate your review and hope you like the end.

grannyHPfan:Well, I saw the movie on Thursday, and you can see my review of it below in my reply to Souunga. Thanks for reviewing for so long, and enjoy the last chapter!

addicted.to.HP.: Well, here it is. I hope you like it.

Souunga: Yes, all good things must come to an end. Fortunately, we still have two more movies to look forwards to before it really stops. Speaking of which, I saw OotP. (MOVIE SPOILERS) It was okay, but they killed the Grawp scene between H/Hr and added Ron. However, there was a delightfully "slow mo" scene between H/Hr when Harry has his vision of Sirius. (END MOVIE SPOILERS) Overall, it was okay. And thanks for staying with me this long. I think you were one of my first reviewers!!! Enjoy.

.xxxxxxx.

A/N: Just a random tidbit. I found it interesting that this story ended on the number 53, which is – coincidentally – representative of the numerical value of my two favorite HP books The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Order of the Phoenix. But anyways. I won't hold you back any longer. Enjoy the last of Harry Potter and the Founders.

.xxxxxxx.

Chapter Fifty Three: The Beginning

He blinked. Something was thrumming steadily about his ears … a pleasant, pattering sound. He blinked, opening his eyes, looking about himself, blurry images meeting his gaze. He was in a white room, lying in a bed; that much he could tell. He paused, trying to remember why …

Something happened to me, he thought, trying to force himself to recall what exactly had occurred. Hermione and Ron were captured by Death Eaters … I went to Dumbledore … I was brought to Hogsmeade … we went to the forest … I waited with Charlie and Sturgis in the clearing. And then the memories came, blindingly fast. Nagini was hissing at him, slicing his flesh, the same pain searing up his leg as he remembered. Aberforth had saved him. He'd rescued Ron, Hermione, and Draco with Luna's help. They'd gone back to the fight. Neville and Ginny had joined it. Ginny was a Horcrux … and Ron was missing.

A lump swelled in Harry's throat, and blearily he looked over to his right out of habit, expecting to see Hermione lying beside him in the Hospital Wing. He blinked. Bad though his eyes were, he was sure he couldn't mistake his bushy haired friend for the blurred outlines of a window. He reached out to the table by his bed, groping for his glasses. He found them and pulled them up, placing them securely on the bridge of his nose. A long crack ran down the left spectacle.

He wasn't at Hogwarts at all, that was for sure. He was lying in a simple wooden bed, on a firm mattress, his head cushioned by two pillows. The walls about him were simple white stucco, and one window had been hewn into the wall…the view to the outside world blurred by a gray wall of rain. He turned. The chair beside his bed was empty. A matching bed stood some six feet to his left, and on it a small figure was curled up, the blankets pulled up high over its occupant's head. Harry tried to push himself upright, knowing that he had to look for Ron and Hermione, he couldn't stay in here – wherever here was – not knowing their fate. But even this simple action forced him to fall back heavily on his pillows, gasping for breath. His left arm had given out completely. A cold flame of fire was running along the length of it it seemed, numbing his limb. He tried to remember why this was happening to him. In the world outside, a rumble of thunder crashed overhead. The candle on the table beside him flickered in a breeze. He looked up. The door had opened, and an old, stooped man with a long, knotted beard and a monocle pressed tightly into his eye stepped in, followed by none other than Ablus Dumbledore. The old man looked towards Harry, and surprise erupted over his face,

"Harry! You've woken!"

Harry looked at him, and then at Dumbledore. "Sir-?" He began. Dumbledore held up his hand, looking down at the healer in front of him. "Thank you, Julius, I'll take it from here."

Julius nodded, turned to go, and then stopped at the door, looking about at Harry suddenly. "I just wanted to say – 'bravo, Harry'. We couldn't be more thankful!" Indeed, the old man looked as if he might have a stroke from the happiness he now harbored. Dumbledore smiled,

"Thank you."

Julius glanced at him, caught the hint, and then smiled, closing the door behind him, humming happily under his breath.

"Sir, what's going on? Where are Ron and-!"

Dumbledore held up his hand for silence. "Peace, Harry. I will explain everything." He walked over to the chair by Harry's bed, his long blue robes flowing out regally behind him. He waved his wand at the chair, and it transfigured before Harry's eyes into an inviting chintz armchair. Dumbledore swept his robes aside and sat down, pocketing his wand as he did so. He eyed Harry.

"You are at St. Mungo's, Harry, in the Urquhart Rackharrow Ward, seventh door on the right. And it is the third of July. You have, while you slept, graduated from your Seventh Year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

Harry stared at him. He'd slept that long? He shook his head, clearing his thoughts. Time didn't matter.

"Sir," he pressed, "I looked out on the battle and didn't see Ron. He was fighting Vericia last I knew-!"

Dumbledore glanced at him. "Ronald Weasley is fine, Harry – or he will be, with a few days' healing. But I did not come here today to discuss injuries with you, as important as they are." Dumbledore had become suddenly grave, though Harry couldn't understand why. Voldemort was gone. He'd killed himself; and made sure of it by making use of Amore Infinite.

"I am here to answer any questions you might have, Harry, concerning the day of the battle between you and Tom."

Harry looked at Dumbledore, his mouth half-open, fully having expected to be forced into making a case as to why he had a right to know details… He closed his mouth, flabbergasted, and opened it again.

"Er…" He blinked. There were a million things he wanted to know, the problem was, he was having trouble remembering them. "…how did Ginny become a Horcrux? I thought you said Voldemort couldn't make Horcruxes out of living people?"

If possible, Dumbledore's expression became even graver, and for some incomprehensible reason he looked for the briefest moment over at the bed beside Harry.

"If I recall correctly, Harry, I did not say it was impossible I said it was inadvisable. Living beings have minds of their own, and are thus much harder to control. Having a portion of one's soul hidden within their genetic makeup ran a great many risks. However, I am not here to discuss Voldemort's reasoning behind his action – I feel that … others … should explain that."

"But, sir-!" Harry began, feeling cheated. Dumbledore silenced him again.

"However, I do intend to explain how he managed it." Harry clamped his mouth shut, forcing himself to remain silent as Dumbledore spoke. "During the course of this year, I had often found myself pondering the question of what Voldemort's last Horcrux was. The obvious choice was Nagini. He had a powerful connection with her, could speak Parselmouth, and often used her to perform less desirable tasks. But then there was the question of the spy within the Order." Dumbledore paused, his expression even more grave than before. "I did not doubt for the briefest moment in any of our members' loyalty to the cause. I was forced to consider other forms of communication between Tom and the spy … a connection that the 'spy' would have no knowledge of. I formed a new, secret headquarters during this time, only telling those I knew could have no such connection with Voldemort. And then it occurred to me, quite out of the blue, that Ginny Weasley could well be the spy. After all, she already been possessed by Voldemort once, and as I told you in your second year, a portion of Voldemort would always remain in her. It did not strike me until this year, exactly how dangerous that portion of Voldemort could be. Clearly, he was possessing her like he had in her first year, though slightly differently. She had become a Horcrux, not just a victim, giving him access to her mental and genetic codes. All the questions I had harbored over the years about the youngest Weasley suddenly had answers.

"Before, she had been an average student." At the look on Harry's face, Dumbledore added quickly, "Do not mistake my meaning, Harry, she was always an excellent flyer, and fairly apt at Transfiguration. But when she returned for her second year, her grades took a jump upwards. Potions, which had always been one of her worst subjects, became one of her best – as did Defense Against the Dark Arts. Changes in her character slowly appeared as well. For three years, Harry, she remained the Ginny Weasley that we had all known. But, if you will remember, Harry, Voldemort reappeared your fourth year – her third. It is then, I believe, that he realized the connection he had with her … that he had made a Horcrux.

"In your fifth year, you might recall that Ginny Weasley suddenly became a different person. She was talking to you, had become and expert in all of her classes as well as Quidditch, and, if I may say so … never had a shortage in boyfriends. Voldemort had discovered a purpose for her, but he did not achieve his goal until your Sixth Year." Dumbledore paused, as if deciding he had already said more than he needed to. He glanced at Harry,

"I think Ginny … not I … should tell you the rest."

"But-!"

"No, Harry," Dumbledore said severely. "Now, do you have any other questions for me?"

Harry glared at him for a moment, then sighed. "Someone used the Polyjuice Potion to become you. Who was it?"

Dumbledore's expression hardened. "Peter Pettigrew. However, despite the horrible repercussions this caused, he still did manage to do us one ounce of good before the end." He paused, as if too tired to continue. "He helped save Ron ... apparently your friend's taking care of him for so many years -!"

"Wait, what?" Harry demanded, trying to sit upright again and failing. "Where are Ron and Hermione? What do you mean 'save'?!"

"Hermione is in the room next to you, with Minerva McGonagall and Nymphadora. Ron is the ward for Dangerous Creature Bites."

Harry felt his blood run chill, "Vericia didn't-!"

"No," Dumbledore cut in quickly, "Peter saved him in time. He helped lead Remus to him. We were just in time. Fortunately, it takes one week for a vampire's bite – and the poison left in it – to sweep through the bloodstream, corrupt human cells, and take over the mind. He is under the careful eye of his healer, and has been recovering at a steady pace. He woke up yesterday, asking where you, Miss Granger, and Miss Lovegood are."

"What about the rest of the Order? Did the Ministry get attacked? What about Hogwarts?"

"The Ministry of Magic was attacked the same day you fought Voldemort, as was Hogwarts. Perhaps you noticed that we fought no werewolves – besides Fenrir – and no giants appeared? Minerva, Molly, and Filius were all injured attempting to hex a giant. The students at Hogwarts were forced to defend themselves with the help of the teachers that remained. No aurors could come to their aid, the Ministry was being overrun by werewolves and giants alike.

"Nymphadora, Elphias, and Emmeline were injured during the fight, and I am sorry to say several Ministry workers were killed. Currently, the Ministry lies in ruins, and much of the street above, yes, Muggles were caught in the battle as well, Harry. The Memory Reversal squad has their hands full. The Muggle world has to be repaired before the Ministry or Hogwarts, or our existence could be jeopardized."

"What's Scrimegeour doing about it?"

"Nothing." Dumbledore glanced seriously at Harry, "Rufus was among the dead in the Ministry. A vampire had ravaged him. He died a gruesome death, something I would never wish on anyone."

Recovering from this unpleasant surprise, Harry swallowed and demanded, "So there's no Minister of Magic now – we've got no government?"

Dumbledore nodded, "There were cries for my appointment, and for some time I considered it – realizing that stability was more important than my own dislike for the post, but in the end I declined. Hogwarts is where I belong…Fudge has momentarily been reappointed, until a proper vote can be taken."

Silence dragged out between them, the only sound that of the rain pattering gently against the windows, and then Harry asked,

"What about the students?"

Dumbledore's expression hardened. "Several were killed. Most of them first and second years. The Order was stretched too thin. I hurried over as fast as I could after Voldemort was killed, in time to relieve the seventh years – and the members of the D.A., as well as the teachers. Hagrid, Olympe, and Grawp arrived then and cleared out the remainder of the giants, who had already suffered spell damage despite their skin, and Hogwarts was saved. The Medical Wing there is full. Some students had to be taken to St. Mungo's, despite the fact that they would only become weaker and weaker the longer we took. Among them are some you knew well – Ernie Macmillian, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan … much of the D.A. was taken here, simply because the younger students needed immediate attention. We lost three more last night. Poppy is beside herself." Dumbledore fell silent, his ancient face lined and tired.

"Are – are they going to be okay?" Harry asked uncertainly. Dumbledore looked at him.

"We cannot say for sure. Giants are…" He shook his head. "They sustained heavy physical damage."

Harry looked away. If only he'd managed to teach the more…if Umbridge hadn't interfered, if they'd actually learned something their fifth year … if Fudge would have only accepted the truth. He must have looked furious, for Dumbeldore touched him on the shoulder,

"Without you, Harry, many more would have died that day."

Harry looked at him. "Without me, the Ministry wouldn't have taken over Hogwarts. They would have been better prepared-!"

"That is not true, Harry, and you know it!" Dumbledore said sharply. "Without you we would all be dead now. Voldemort would have met no resistance. The Order would have crumpled within weeks and been slaughtered one by one. Our world, Harry, would be gone."

Harry looked at him. "I didn't do all that, sir. Voldemort did – through his own fear."

"Exactly! His fear led to your being … the only one to ever live!"

"And do you think I wanted that?" Harry snapped, "To live while my parents died!"

Dumbledore looked at him. "No, Harry. But one day you need to accept that you did live, whether you wanted to or not, and your living, coupled with the sacrifices of those that love you most, has saved us all. There is a reason, Harry, even if we may not understand it at first." Dumbledore stood up. Harry watched him slowly. Thunder rumbled distantly overhead.

"I will leave you to sleep now, Harry. I will come back in the morning." He opened the door, gave Harry the briefest smile, and shut it quietly behind him. Harry stared at the door for the longest time, and then turned to glare out the window.

Somehow, despite the victory they had so recently won, Harry felt as if they hadn't won at all. Perhaps it was because so many innocents had died … maybe because he knew he'd never see those people again … never celebrate with them. Was it because everything had changed? He wondered. His life would never be the same again. Normality would be unattainable. Not that life has ever been normal for me, he thought dryly. All he wanted was a life, a life like Ron's. That had been all he'd ever wanted. He'd realized that when he looked in the Mirror of Erised. But he'd been robbed of that the night Voldemort came to his house, the night his parents were murdered, the night he became abnormal.

He wasn't a hero at all, he decided. He was just a boy, a boy who'd fallen into circumstances he couldn't control. It had all been chance. If just one thing had changed … his life would have been so different. He might still have parents who loved him above all else. He never would have had to live with the Dursleys … he'd never have that awful scar.

But he never would have found friendship with Hermione. If Ron hadn't insulted her, if Quirrel hadn't set the troll loose on Voldemort's bidding…

Harry continued to stare out the window as lightening flashed around the room. Perhaps he had a family after all. He just hadn't seen it.

.xxxxxxxx.

He didn't know how long he'd slept that day, but when he awoke it was nighttime. The rain had slowed to a drizzle outside, and the candle had melted down to little more than fat, yellow stump in the middle of a thick, waxy pool. He leaned over, pushing his glasses back onto his nose and looked up. He froze. Ginny Weasley was staring blankly at him from across the room, her brown eyes reflecting the candlelight, watching him unblinkingly.

"G-Ginny?" He stuttered.

She nodded slowly.

"What are you doing here?"

"Spell damage," she whispered quietly. A tear trickled from her eye. She wiped it away and blinked, closing her eyes tightly as more tears fell from them onto her pillow.

"Shouldn't you be in the girls' wing?" He asked, trying to hide his surprise.

"There was no room. They're having to turn people away at the gates," she said faintly, "We were one of the last to be accepted."

She was still staring at him, and Harry felt the hairs on his neck stand up. He looked away from her, glancing at the ceiling instead.

"So…do you want to talk?" He asked a little uncertainly.

"About my being a Horcrux?" she replied quietly. Without thinking he looked back into her eyes, quickly looking away.

"Er…yeah."

"I had no idea," she whispered. "I mean…of course I did. Sort of." She gave a kind of half sob. "But for the longest time I couldn't accept it. I didn't notice anything was wrong until my fourth year. I convinced myself nothing was happening, though." She gave a long sniff and Harry turned to look over at her, unable to hide his pity for her. Ginny continued quietly, as if she had been longing to say this for the longest time.

"And then you asked me out Fifth Year." She gave a half laugh, half sob. "I was too happy to ask why. But that was what He wanted, wasn't it? To distract you from Hermione … and there I was." This time she gave a real sob, tears streaming onto her pillow.

"Ginny-" Harry started. She ignored him as if he weren't there.

"He'd been changing me for years, making me the perfect girl distraction from Hermione. And-!" She broke off, wiping away her tears and then continuing in an even fainter whisper, "That was when I had the first black out … fifth year. I came to hours later, standing in the Great Hall, holding an empty bottle. And then I fell asleep that night, saw myself sneaking into Slughorn's office, stealing some of the Ammortensia he'd shown to your class that day, slipping it into a plate of food…

"That was the part of me he controlled obviously," She continued, "I thought it was just a dream then. But the real me was trying to surface again. I was trying to fight Him, I was…But he was too strong. And then you broke up with me at the end of the year. I accepted it at first, but then I started having dreams of you, and then you came for the wedding. I knew something was wrong with me.

"For half the year I tried to fight it. I would have half memories. I'd see myself as if through someone else's eyes … I saw what I'd been doing. I tried to tell you so many times, but somehow I always failed. I found myself on the Astronomy Tower one night, crying, and heard footsteps. I tried to hide, I didn't know what was going on, but it was only Malfoy." She gave a shudder and made a sobbing noise.

"He looked surprised to see me there. Asked me what was going on. I told him I didn't know." A silent tear trickled down her cheek. She added faintly, as if to herself, "But I can remember everything now. Everything he did for me. All the nights he talked to me and said he knew what I was going through. And then, then-!" Tears streamed down her face again. Harry watched her with growing concern.

"Ginny – Ginny are you alright?"

"And I was so horrible to him now, I can remember it perfectly. I'd chase you every time I saw you, He'd take over me, and Draco was always standing somewhere in the background … watching me." She shuddered, and Harry realized suddenly what had been going on. All of Draco's cryptic warnings about the spy…his reluctance to tell them anything, but the knowledge that he was withholding information from the Order forcing him into action. Harry frowned as a thought – so impossible it seemed laughable crossed his mind. Draco was in love with Ginny Weasley. That was why he was so angry that time on the pitch when she asked who I was taking to Slughorn's party … if I'd bring her … why he looked at her that way at Number 12 … why he told me he'd watch over her during the fight … why Hermione said he liked Ginny…

Ginny had stopped talking now, her eyes closed, silent tears streaming out of her eyes, shaking her head slowly.

"Ginny?" He asked tentatively. She opened her eyes quickly, searching the room – as if she were looking for someone.

"Ginny?"

Her eyes settled on him.

"Are … you didn't – Malfoy…?" He broke off, not knowing how to word what he wanted to say.

Ginny was continuing on as if she hadn't heard anything, "He told me he'd protect me. Neville was muttering something about Death Eaters…" she closed her eyes again, as if she could better remember what had happened without seeing anyone. "There was a hissing sound, and Neville fell down. Draco grabbed me and told me to keep running. We fell down next to something hard; a rock…He told me that he'd protect me. I grabbed his hand and squeezed it. I don't know how long we waited there, but then there were footsteps. Someone was running towards us. Draco shouted something I couldn't understand and then someone else – someone…" She broke off, her mouth trembling.

"Ginny…"

She wasn't answering him. She'd gone incredibly stiff. She'd stopped moving.

"Ginny!"

Harry tried to push himself upward, ignoring the pain in his arm, swinging his legs over the side of the bed, ignoring the whirling images. He staggered upright, hobbling towards her, falling down next to the bed, trying to shake her. The room was growing darker … fuzzier … even the flash of lightening was gray …

.xxxxxxx.

Something cold was pressed up against his forehead, and someone was mumbling incoherently under their breath. Harry gave a low moan and tried to stir … flutter his eyes…

…whispers were shooting through the air all around him, concern was buzzing through the still air of the room, someone was crying …

…a crash woke him. Bright light flashed, blinding him, and he opened his eyes, feeling for his glasses. There were shouts, a scuffle … he was forcibly pushed back down onto his pillows. The door slammed loudly, muffling the angry voices outside …

"Harry?"

He gave a low moan. Didn't they understand how tired he was?

"Harry?"

He froze. He knew that voice.

"R-Ron?"

His voice came out like a croak. Someone laughed nervously beside him, and the sounds of a chair being dragged across the wooden floor met his ears.

"Ron?" Harry asked, his voice stronger now. He reached instinctively for the nightstand where his glasses had been. A rough hand grabbed his wrist, forcing something cool into his hand. Harry unfolded his glasses, pressing them up against his nose and blinking. Ron was sitting in the chair beside his bed, looking a bit peaky, but hale – despite a long scratch running down his neck.

"Guilty," Ron replied, giving him a grin.

"I thought you were …" Harry stopped, panting slightly, as he tried to push himself up into a sitting position. Ron stood up quickly, helping Harry upwards and straightening his pillows. As soon as Harry was settled, Ron sat down again.

"I was … a week ago." At the look on Harry's face, Ron elaborated, "You tried getting out of bed, mate. You passed out cold. Gave the healers a right old shock. They thought you'd hit your head and damaged something."

"But," Harry frowned, trying to straighten his thoughts, just latch ahold onto one of the fluttering images in his mind and never let go. "I – there were voices. And a flash…"

"Oh." Ron grinned faintly, "A photographer from the Prophet snuck in two days ago and got a picture of you before Mum and Smethstone caught him."

"Smethstone?" Harry questioned.

"Your healer, Harry. The same bloke who we saw when we visited Lupin back near Christmas Break."

"Oh," Harry muttered, realizing now why the man looked familiar. Then he straightened. "The Prophet was taking pictures of me?"

"Yeah," Ron growled, "Couldn't even wait for you to get better before they spat out their next article. As if anyone's going to read it. I still don't see how they managed to print it … considering there's no Ministry of Magic building anymore."

"What did they say about me?" Harry asked, not sure if he wanted to know.

"Mum's technically banned us from buying the Prophet ever again – she's furious with them for not giving you any peace – but I snuck one in. I knew you'd be curious." He pulled a packet of folded parchment from his pocket and handed it to Harry. Harry took it and straightened it out, staring at the front page.

A blurry image of him, lying in this same bed, groaning in his dreams, took up the front page. Above it were captioned the words: One Boy's Sacrifice: 'Harry Potter, 17, lies in St. Mungo's, hovering between life and death after saving the Wizarding World from You-Know-Who [cont. on page b6'. Harry glanced over at Ron, who was watching him with a slightly worried expression. Harry tried to force a grin and gestured at the photo,

"So I really look that bad?"

Ron started to nod, then froze, unsure of Harry's reaction. Harry grinned.

"So what else do they say about me?"

"Er…" Ron looked decidedly nervous, but took a breath and said slowly, "nothing so bad as what we're used to. They go into great detail about what a hero you are, how you killed You-Know Who and…"

"And what?" Harry asked.

Ron looked away from him, "It's not that important, mate."

"Ron." Harry said sharply.

Ron shot a stubborn look at him, "Really, it's not."

"Then just tell me. Or else I'll read it for myself."

Ron sighed and looked away. "They say you're going to die. That you've given your life to saving us and…" He looked up at the ceiling, taking a deep breath. Harry watched him, feeling a clammy hand grab at his innards.

"Am I really that bad?" He finally asked. Ron looked sharply at him,

"No, you're not. You're going to live, Harry. You've been getting better daily and … it's just a publicity thing! They figure the more death predictions they make of you the more issues they'll sell!" Ron was glaring fiercely at him. He snatched the article from his hands and shredded it. "That's what I think of the bloody Prophet!" He rounded sharply, wrenching the window open and throwing a fistful of paper scraps from the window. He slammed the window shut again. Thunder rumbled. Ron turned towards Harry, breathing heavily,

"We're all going to live through this, mate. We're going to grow old and spend the rest of our lives together!"

"Ron…"

"Shut up, Harry, you're not going to die!"

"I wasn't about to say that," Harry retorted, trying to hide the bubble of euphoria that was rising in his chest at Ron's fervor for him to live. Ron's ears flushed red.

"…Oh."

Harry grinned, unable to hide it any longer. "How're your parents?"

"Dad's fine, and Mum's loads better. They released her three days ago. She's back at the Burrow with the twins and Charlie. Bill is staying with us for a bit, just so he can keep visiting Fleur. She got hit with a really strong Cruciatus Curse…"

"What about Hermione?" Harry asked, looking around as if she might appear from the shadows of the room.

"If she keeps improving, they'll let her out tomorrow," Ron answered. "She's a bit bruised, but none the worse for it."

"And Ginny?" Harry asked, looking over towards Ron's sister's form. He was greeted by silence. Harry turned sharply to look at Ron. His best friend's face had gone dark, and something flashed in his eyes.

"She was a Horcrux, Harry." He said quietly. Harry stared at him. Surely Ron didn't …

"We all know that, Ron, but it wasn't her fault!" He said sharply, not liking the expression he saw on Ron's face one bit. Ron had the grace to look surprised. He stared at Harry,

"I – I didn't mean it like that, Harry," he managed. Harry watched him.

"Then why…?"

Ron looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. "Part of You-Know-Who's soul was in her, Harry. And … and Dumbledore used Amore Infinite."

"So?" Harry questioned, not understanding what Ron was trying to get at. "It only gets rid of the bad, it's not like Avada Kedavra…"

"But He was in her, Harry!" Ron retorted, turning sharply to look at him. Harry could see that Ron was looking dangerously close to tears. Ron looked quickly away from him. "She's blind, Harry. He'd been a part of her for too long. Without him there anymore, parts of her collapsed. The healers are still trying to find out how much more of her was damaged."

Harry stared at him. That was impossible. Ginny had been watching him. She couldn't be blind… But then he remembered how her eyes had drifted, only settling on him when he'd spoken … how she'd relieved the flight with Draco and Neville through her sense of hearing only, never once mentioning what she'd seen. He was silent for a long time. Lightening lit up the room. It continued to rain.

"We were lucky she didn't die along with him," Ron continued quietly, "The healers say it could have been much worse."

Harry turned to look at him, "Why didn't Dumbledore tell me this?"

"He probably didn't think it was the right time to. He's hardly told Mum and Dad everything. They still don't know exactly why You-Know-Who was using her. And I only know that cause Ginny told me yesterday. She…she also told me she'd used a love potion in Hermione's meal last year. That – that was why it looked like she had a thing for me. Why she broke all those rules for me last year."

Harry glanced at him. Ron shrugged.

"I don't really mind though. It was weird then, when she fancied me. It didn't feel right at all. Besides, I like Luna now." He smiled at this thought. Harry watched him,

"How is she?"

"Luna's good. She's staying at the Burrow with mum and dad because her father's off." He paused, "He still hasn't heard actually, about You Know Who. He was investigating a reported sighting of Crumple Horned Snorcacks."

"Oh." Harry paused. "What about Neville? According to Ginny he got hit by a curse…?"

"He's fine. He came up with me to visit her yesterday. He left her those flowers," he motioned towards three white roses by Ginny's bedside table.

"And Malfoy?" Harry asked, looking from the flowers and Ginny's sleeping form towards Ron. He frowned. Ron had gone silent again.

"What?"

Ron glanced at him. "He's dead, Harry."

"Ron."

"I'm serious."

It was surreal. But there was, undeniably, nothing remotely entertaining about Ron's voice. He was watching Harry gravely, his face serious. But it wasn't possible. Harry had known Draco for so long, hated him for nearly seven years … and he'd just been growing used to Malfoy's snide comments … accepted he was on their side now … had even started to think of him as a brother …

"He was killed by Goyle's dad. He was protecting Ginny by the rock and murdered within seconds. Ginny would have been next, but Neville found them. He petrified Goyle and tried to pull Ginny away…" Ron trailed off, glancing at his sister. "She wouldn't leave though … she just kept hugging Draco and crying. She chased Neville off." He was watching her worriedly, and Harry realized with a shock that Ron alone didn't seem to realize what had been going on between Ginny and Draco. Ron turned away from her and looked back down at Harry,

"He's not the only one that died though, Harry. Hestia Jones, Sturgis Podmore, Snape-!"

"Snape?" Harry cut in.

Ron nodded grimly. "You Know Who killed him with Avada Kedavra. That's all we know. Lupin found him on the edge of the clearing after the fight. He probably got killed when he reported to him right before the battle. Draco's dad is dead too."

"Yeah, I know. I saw." Harry said slowly, feeling numb. He could hardly believe it. Ron was watching him worriedly.

"Well, er … I'll see you tomorrow, mate."

Harry nodded numbly and Ron walked slowly towards the door, pausing for a moment to look back at Ginny. She slept on.

.xxxxxxx.

Harry was not released for another two weeks. During that time he was visited daily by members of the Order, Ron, Hermione, and occasionally Neville. Within a few days, Harry had finally gathered together the whole story of what had been happening throughout his final year at Hogwarts. Dumbledore explained to him how the Order had been instructed to watch over him, Ron, and Hermione – more specifically Hermione, knowing full well that Voldemort was after her. Dumbledore even went into detail about the curse that was thrown at Hermione in the Department of Mysteries their fifth year, finally explaining its mystery.

"It was a mark," he had said quietly, "a sign to the Death Eaters that she was a threat, someone to be killed no matter what. You will remember that the same curse what aimed at you and Sirius, though Hermione was the only one hit directly."

Ernie, Dean, and Seamus also came up to visit Harry before he was released, a bit bruised, but looking pleased with themselves. Ernie had given him a blow by blow account of what had happened at Hogwarts, up until the time he was knocked out by a direct blow to the head, at which point Dean and Seamus continued the tale. They also informed Harry that they intended to keep in touch with him,

"I'm thinking of becoming an Auror and not working in the Ministry like me mam wants," Seamus said quickly, "They'll be plenty of work to do with all these Death Eaters loose. We'll need to fix up the Ministry and find a new prison for the Death Eaters." He looked worriedly over at Harry, "Apparently, ever since you killed You Know Who, the Death Eaters have been on the rampage. They've got nothing to lose according to me mam."

Dean glanced over at Seamus and then looked over at Harry. "I might try being an Auror for a couple of years … until the government is back on its feet. I've always loved the idea of playing Quidditch professionally."

"Well. I intend to become involved in the Ministry permanently," Ernie cut in pompously. "I think destroying the building was one of the best things to happen to our government. Lord knows the place needed a fresh take on things … system wise I mean." He took a deep breath, swelling his chest out, "I intend to run for Minister one day. It's time our government started to be fair and balanced again."

They had left an hour later, after listening avidly to Harry's side of the final battle, giving him cheery waves of farewell and informing him that they intended to stop by the Burrow in a few weeks to visit him and Ron. On the last day of his stay in St. Mungo's, Harry was surprised to hear a knock on his door, and see Cho and Viktor Krum walking.

"Hello, Harry," Viktor glowered, stepping into the room, Cho following him.

"Er…hello," Harry replied, unable to hide the surprise in his voice. He looked over at Cho. She gave him a smile.

"I vanted to tell you goodbye," Viktor continued, "I haff decided to return to Bulgaria."

"But the Order's going to be having a party at the Burrow," Harry said, "Surely you'll stay for that?"

Krum shook his head, "No. No. I haff not got the time. Besides, I haff heard somevon vants my post as Devense Against the Dark Arts teacher in Hogwarts."

At Harry's questioning glance, Krum just attempted a smile – it came out more like a demented glower – and continued on,

"No. I am taking Miss Chang vith me to Bulgaria. She is most anxious to see my home-!"

"Wait a minute, are … are you two-?"

Cho blushed furiously. Krum did not appear to know what Harry was talking about. He frowned slightly, then shook his head as if it didn't matter, and continued, "Anyvays. Perhaps vone day ve vill meet again, Harry Potter. But until then, goodbye and good luck." He offered his hand. Harry shook it firmly. Cho gave him a smile,

"Thanks – for everything you've done." She said quietly, "And good luck with Hermione."

He felt his neck flush red. Cho laughed,

"Oh come on. Everyone knows."

She gave him an awkward hug, and then hurried after Krum, who had already exited the room. Neville too came to visit Harry later that evening, just as Harry was preparing to leave.

"Hey, Harry!" He said, his face shining.

"Uh – hi, Neville."

Neville grinned. "You got released?" He pointed towards Harry's now neatly made bed. Harry nodded.

"Yeah. I'm heading off to the Burrow with Ron and Hermione."

Neville nodded, "How long are you staying?"

"A couple of weeks. You coming for the party?"

"Yeah." Neville's eyes flashed for a moment towards Ginny's now empty bed – she had been released a few days before Harry – and he flushed pink as he saw Harry watching him. He cleared his throat nervously,

"So I'll see you there."

"Sure."

Neville seemed as if he wanted to say something more, but wasn't exactly sure how to. Harry made it easy for him.

"What?"

"Uh…it's, it's not really – important." Neville muttered, "Just … just figured I'd tell you, because it's thanks to you that I…" He broke off, glanced at Harry, and then said firmly, "I've applied for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position at Hogwarts."

Harry stared at him. Neville watched him apprehensively. At Harry's silence, he seemed to deflate instantly.

"I – I knew it was dumb of me. I should just stick to Herbology, shouldn't I? Not that I don't love plants … I do, it's just Professor Sprout doesn't plan on leaving anytime soon …" He trailed off at the expression on Harry's face.

"Neville, it's brilliant! You've really improved over the last few years! You took out Goyle's dad and fought Death Eaters! You saved Ginny's life! If anyone deserves the post it's you…"

Neville's face turned incredibly red. He shuffled his feet. "But I'm just…"

"Just have some faith in yourself, Neville. You'll do fine." Harry said firmly. "You'll be one the best teachers Hogwarts has ever had."

Neville glanced at him, "You mean it, Harry?"

"Yeah, I do."

Harry had left soon after that encounter, meeting up with Ron and Hermione in the hall downstairs, checking out of the hospital, and walking slowly down the crowded Muggle streets with them. For a time, they just ambled through the Muggle shopping center without any apparent sense of direction, reliving pleasant memories in hushed tones. The minutes passed quickly, and even though they weren't expected at the Burrow for another hour, Ron began to check his watch anxiously.

"Er…maybe we should start getting ready to head over now." He said after what had clearly been several tense minutes of decision-making. Hermione laughed,

"Ron, we still have plenty of time."

Ron's ears blushed crimson. He stuck his hands in his pockets, "Yeah, well … maybe I want to spend some time with my mum."

Hermione raised her eyebrows and Harry bit his tongue to keep from laughing. Ron wilted before their expression. "Fine!" He grumbled, "I just wanted to see Luna. Go on, laugh!"

"We're not laughing, Ron. It's a perfectly logical reason. There's no need to be ashamed." Hermione said bossily, glancing towards the windows of the shop they had stopped besides. Several mannequins stood, reflected in the glass, encrusted in diamond earrings and necklaces, with a large rectangular sign hung up behind them Surprise that Special Someone. She looked back over at Harry,

"Just give me one minute. I'm off to use the loo. Stay here." She commanded, as if she suspected they might think it funny to duck into a side alley and leave her in the Muggle world. Harry grinned and Ron glanced over at Harry, smirking slightly. Hermione gave them one last you-better-do-what-I-told-you expression before entering the shop behind the jewelry store. Ron gave a loud sigh.

"So, where are you headed after the Burrow?"

Harry turned to look back at Ron. "Oh … er, Hermione asked me to her parents' house for a couple of weeks. Just so we can get acquainted. Then I guess I'll clear out Grimmauld Place."

Ron didn't say anything. As awful as the old house might be, it was Harry's last tie to Sirius and his parents; Ron could see this, for which Harry was grateful.

"Has Hermione told you what she plans on doing yet?" He asked, changing the subject.

"Uh…yeah," Harry answered, tearing his glance away from the window and back towards Ron. "She says she's still torn between S.P.E.W. and being an auror."

Ron made a gagging noise. Harry ignored him.

"What about Luna?"

"Well she's still got a year at Hogwarts," Ron replied, "And she's absolutely taken with the idea of hunting down Crumple Horned Snorcacks."

Harry raised his eyebrows. Ron continued, grinning slightly,

"I told her that she can hunt whatever she likes, so long as she promises that she'll let me come with her. And that we stay within reach of the Ministry's Floo Network. If I'm gonna be an Auror, I'd like to be able to get to work."

"So you two are … pretty serious?" Harry asked, in what he hoped was a nonchalant answer. Ron's ears reddened and he muttered something incoherent under his breath. They stood by the shop for several moments, fairly awkward now that they had broached the subject of 'serious relationships'. Then, much to Harry's relief, Ron muttered something about using the loo as well and ducked off in the direction Hermione had taken. Harry was left to his own for several minutes by the shop, which he really didn't mind. Then Hermione returned, and Ron a few minutes later. They started walking back down the street once more,

"You know," Ron stated, taking a deep breath of fresh air, "I think I'm going to miss Hogwarts."

Harry looked over at him, grinning.

"Really? I never thought you'd be one to miss homework, Ron."

At the look on Ron's face, Hermione laughed, and Harry did as well; even though deep down he knew he felt the same as Ron. Hogwarts was his home. He'd grown up within its stone walls. He'd met his two best friends there; had had his first kiss … had matured … fallen in love … defeated the man who had changed his life forever.

"Hey…do you think you could wait a few more minutes before you saw Luna, Ron?" Harry asked, stopping mid step on the street and grinning over at Ron. Hermione stopped next to him, turning to look up at him questioningly. Ron looked around as well, his ears bright red,

"Probably."

Harry started to walk again, smiling, "I was just thinking – maybe we could take a detour?"

They Apparated just outside Hogsmeade, walking slowly down its familiar side streets and up the road to Hogwarts, passing the iron gates … circuiting the forest, laughing as they remembered all of their adventures within its dark borders. They passed Hagrid's Hut and the familiar pumpkin patch. The Whomping Willow shook warningly at them, and Harry noticed it had several more dents in its trunk than usual. They reached the top of the hill and stopped as they saw the old castle.

Hogwarts stood before them, her once proud doors broken and unhinged. Huge chunks of rock had been torn from her turrets and hurtled at her, yet she still stood – proud and imposing, despite all this horror. Ron gave a low whistle under his breath and Hermione gasped faintly. But Harry just looked at the old castle, his eyes wandering to Gryffindor tower, to the window in his old dorm room, where he had sat so many times as a young boy, combing Hedwig's snow white feathers.

"How could they do this?" Hermione whispered quietly.

"They're monsters." Ron said grimly, "And we're going to catch them. For everything they've done."

Harry's eyes took in the sight. Hogwarts would be rebuilt. She would be repaired and altered forevermore. She wouldn't be the same school. Her dungeons would never be haunted by Snape's dark form again. He would never fly his Firebolt on the Quidditch Pitch anymore. He, Ron, and Hermione would never sit by the lake under the tree.

But life had not ended. He had simply closed one chapter in it. Voldemort was gone. Hogwarts was behind him. He doubted he would ever cease to be the Boy Who Killed You Know Who, but that didn't matter anymore, not when he had Ron and Hermione with him. They would grow old together, just as Ron had said, turning each page as they reached its end. Without even realizing it, his fingers slipped into the pocket of his robes, feeling the cold, metal ring lying within it and twisting it over and over again in his finger. Life had only just begun.