Last part, please enjoy! It's been fun!

Disclaimer: Never have, never will.

The Unfortunate Necessity of Saying Goodbye

Part IV: Tying Together

Minerva McGonagall looked out over the celebrations going on, out at the rubble that was her school.

Aberforth had brought out free drinks, spoken briefly to herself and a few others, then left. For some of the families, like the Weasleys, the happiness was bittersweet. Minerva frowned; although Fred had been a troublemaker, he had always been a very kind and sweet boy. To her, anyway.

Hermione saw Minerva's expression from across the room, nudging Harry with whom she had been talking. "Look, she's upset. And no one's talking to her.. we're probably the only ones left she's got."

Everyone had witnessed Ron and McGonagall running for the castle before the fighting started. Neither Hermione nor Harry had figured how he had been found out; there just wasn't time. It was what happened in the apprehensive Great Hall moments before Voldemort had infiltrated the castle which had been surprising.

McGonagall had been giving strict orders, then all the sudden, she turned to the three of them and threw her arms around Ron, squeezing him tightly. She had mumbled something in his ear, and let go. Next, Hermione and Harry in turn were hugged tightly. "Be safe," she had said to the three of them.

And that had been the second that, after seeing Snape's memories, Harry had decided he wouldn't let anyone die for him. He had hugged Ron briefly, hugged Hermione tighter, then, much to the surprise of the entire hall, dropped a kiss on McGonagall's cheek. Finally, he stormed out, making his way for the Forbidden Forest.

Harry sighed. Dying had really changed things, and speaking to Dumbledore again had made him feel all the more better. But again, that was also bittersweet; the old man had always been somewhat of a grandfather to Harry.

Ron saw his friends making their way to the front of the room, and quickly caught up. "What is it?" He asked, concerned.

"It's Minerva; she doesn't seem happy at all," Hermione replied distractedly. "I mean, the war's over, right? The only thing it could possibly be is-"

"-Dumbledore-" Harry added.

"-because she loves him," Ron finished.

The Trio stared at each other in shock for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"She... She told you guys?" Hermione implored, her eyes glimmering with amusement. "I figured it out, but..."

"You might be the most brilliant student to walk these halls, but we're not idiots! I guessed too," Harry answered. They both turned to Ron.

"I overheard," he said sheepishly. When he got two curious glances, he simply added, "Long story."

"We'll have plenty of time for those later," Harry concluded, and the others agreed.

They were so immersed in their little conversation, they didn't really realize they were at the front of the hall until Hermione stumbled on the steps. Ron reached out to steady her, while Hermione mumbled a quick thanks.

Minerva watched her three favorite Gryffindors in amusement, their silly antics immediately brightening up her mood. They came to stand before her, Hermione grasping her hand. The elder lady smiled at her.

"Minerva, are you doing okay?" Harry asked carefully.

"I am fine, you three, go celebrate." Seeing their dubious glances, she frowned. "Really!" She insisted. "Harry, you just defeated Voldemort. Go take a pretty girl to the floor and have a good time!"

"I don't think I'm ready for that kind of-" the Boy-Who-Lived began slowly.

"Nonsense," Minerva interrupted. "I did not say to go marry..." She trailed off.

"Ah ha! You miss Professor Dumbledore!" Hermione exclaimed. Then she became a bit sad. Would the mourning ever end? "Minerva, it has been over a year..."

"And I loved him for sixty years, Hermione Granger!" Minerva broke in loudly, her anger making her Scottish brogue more pronounced. Quite a few people looked over at them oddly.

"Mind your own business!" Ron snapped. They instantly looked away, but whispers got around quickly; it was Hogwarts, after all. Though the Golden Trio attempted to calm her down, Professor McGonagall didn't seem to notice.

"You cannot just quit loving someone!" She shouted.

Suddenly, a booming noise came from the huge double doors at the front of the Great Hall. All wizards turned towards it, the more experienced ones whipping out their wands and pushing younger students behind them.

Minerva stood, the silently undisputed leader of the battle and the gathering. "Who goes there?" She shouted threateningly. "Show yourself!"

"Gladly, Minerva."

The doors burst open and, seeing who stood there, Professor McGonagall swayed dangerously, her wand falling to the floor. Ron immediately moved to support her, while Harry and Hermione moved in front of them, wands drawn. It seemed everyone was thinking the same thing:

Was the man in front of them really Albus Dumbledore?

There was a long silence in which you could most likely hear a pin drop. It was Hermione, as usual, who came to her senses first.

"What was the last thing you told Harry and me when we were about to use the time-turner in our third year, and what did Scrimgeour call Harry in our sixth year?" She questioned harshly, asking the two personal questions off the top of her brilliant mind. She figured this kind of situation –someone impersonating the Albus Dumbledore- called for more in-depth questioning, therefore she asked two different questions about completely unrelated incidents.

'Dumbledore' smiled mysteriously, then promptly replied, "I believe I told you that three turns should do it, and then of course I wished you luck. Harry said the Minister called... that he called him Dumbledore's man through and through." The old man coughed, trying to hide the emotion in his voice. Hermione nodded, tears in her eyes.

At that exact moment, something in Minerva McGonagall snapped. She lurched forward, ready to hex this man into the next century. No, that was wrong... more like the next era!

"ALBUS PERCIVAL WULFRIC BRIAN DUMBLEDORE! How DARE you come back here with that stupid little twinkle in your eye! I GRIEVED for you, you bastard!"

By then she had reached him, and, unfortunately not having magic at her beck and call without straining herself, decided to express her emotions the old-fashioned Muggle way.

Slap!

Dumbledore stared at her in shock, a hand on his aching right cheek. It was bright red and it hurt; Minerva was strong.

"I cannot believe you!"

Soon he was nursing another red cheek. Hermione, Ron, and Harry had made their way to stand behind McGonagall, giving their unconscious support. The rest of the hall stood silently, watching the fight in complete awe. There was palpable magical tension crackling in the air, even the younger wizards could sense it.

"I finally accept your death, and you appear here in front of me like I am just supposed to welcome you with open arms! And I, frankly, don't-"

The castle could've crumbled around its occupants and they wouldn't have noticed. For the Headmaster had just swooped down and kissed the words right off Professor McGonagall's lips.

She seemed to struggle against it for a short second, then she gave up and threw her arms tightly around his neck and kissed him back with just as much enthusiasm as he was showing, if not more. Moments later, his arms snaked around her waist, hooking under her shoulder blades as to bury his hands into her hair. However, he encountered a small problem, which was quickly solved by a mushy Hermione.

The bushy-haired girl, having just told off Ron for exclaiming how he would have nightmares for the rest of his life about this moment, did a small piece of wandless magic. "Accio hairpins," she sighed.

Some people who hadn't seen it at the funeral stared in complete shock at Minerva's hair unveiled, wondering how an old woman could have young looking hair. Albus Dumbledore didn't seem to care either way, though, for he had immediately thrust his hands into the silky, black, thick locks. He also made a mental note to buy Hermione Granger a very nice book on the Theory of Transfiguration. Perhaps that new one which had come out only last year.

Eventually, as it had felt like forever, the two broke apart for air.

"I love you, Minerva. I have loved you since the second you walked into my Transfiguration class for the first class of your sixth year," he declared, "and I am forever sorry I did not tell you earlier."

Professor McGonagall giggled. Yes, giggled. "I have loved you since that same year, as soon as I saw the twinkle in your eye," she admitted.

"I thought you hated my twinkle," he accused playfully.

"Contrariwise, it's my favorite thing about you," she retorted, twining her fingers with his. They were about to go in for another snogging session, when an annoyingly familiar cough interrupted the haze they were currently in.

"Hem Hem."

They both jumped apart, when suddenly they heard Ron laughing his head off. "That wasn't funny, Mr. Weasley," Minerva snapped half-heartedly, then said under her breath, "Oh Merlin, I thought she was really here..."

"I had to get you two to stop snogging for at least a second," Ron whined.

To the surprise of everyone present, Minerva let out a twinkling laugh. Albus, leaving his arm around his Minerva's waist, turned to the Golden Trio.

First was Harry. "My dear boy, could you ever forgive me? I've caused you so much pain," Albus looked down.

Harry contemplated this for a minute, then a smile broke out across his face. "Of course, Professor. I never could stay angry with you for long," he admitted. Dumbledore grinned, giving the boy a short hug and a kiss on the forehead. "I promise I shall find a way to make it up to you," he whispered to Harry.

He then turned to Ron. "Mr. Weasley... I never have known quite what to say to you. You have grown into quite the admirable young man... Ron," he patted the boy on the shoulder. "One who I would like to face in a game of chess later, if you so desire?"

"Thanks, sir. And I would like that," Ron said, blushing.

Last but not least, was Hermione. Albus bent down slightly as to look her in the eye. "Hermione, my dear. You kept your promise," he murmured, then hugged her tightly. Hermione began to cry. "I am sorry I ever forced you to do so. Thank you, you did so very well. My brave, brave girl."

Harry and Ron looked confused, but Minerva only cleared her throat. And Dumbledore got another slap in the face.

"What on earth was that for?" he asked indignantly.

"For making Hermione make that promise," she retorted.

Albus relaxed, chuckling. "Well then, I suppose I deserved that, didn't I?"

"Yes, yes you did," Minerva shot back.

Harry and the others laughed at the banter between the newfound soulmates, then realized just how many people were laughing. "Maybe we should go someplace. Somewhere quiet, where we can be alone until the Daily Prophet finds out you're alive, and you two are in a relationship," Harry offered.

Ron chuckled. "Yeah, then you'll never be alone!"

Minerva shuddered, "It seems I forgot about the press; they'll be here soon."

"Well, I've just had the most wonderful idea," Hermione began. The others expressed their interest. "Let's not be here when they get here."

"Well, Miss Granger," Minerva began, all businesslike suddenly," I do believe that is the most magnificent idea you've had in your entire educational career here at Hogwarts."

Hermione giggled.

The five of the quickly made their way into the only undamaged tower, which ironically, was the Astronomy Tower. "I do believe I thought I would never see this view again," Albus commented once they had reached the top and he had secured the door against unwanted visitors.

"Professor Dumbledore, how did you survive? Did you come back to life?" Ron asked inquisitively. The other three turned to the old man, curious looks on their faces.

"My name is Albus, my boy, and that goes for you two also," Dumbledore began, motioning to Hermione and Harry. "After going through a war together, I figure first-name basis is expected." The Golden Trio smiled. "And as for your question, I believe that is for me to know, and you never to find out."

The three children looked quite disappointed, but Minerva turned to him with a faint smile on her face. "Surprisingly, I don't much care how you returned. It's more that you're here now that is important." She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I missed you so, Albus," she breathed.

"The act of yearning for another," Dumbledore sighed, kissing Minerva's forehead. "One of the unfortunate necessities of saying goodbye, I believe."

I prefer to think of it as saying farewell," Minerva returned, looking up as to see directly into his eyes. "Then there is always a chance of it not being forever."

"I hate to cut in, Prof- Albus, but I think I know what I want from you," Harry interrupted their embrace. Minerva unwound herself from him, going over to stand with Hermione and Ron. Hermione, who's head was resting on Ron's shoulder, immediately grabbed McGonagall's hand. Minerva smiled at her.

Harry pulled the tall Headmaster down, whispering something in his ear. When he let go, Albus stared at him in happy confusion. "We were talking about it earlier," Harry said by way of explanation, nodding towards his two best friends. "And if you think it's possible…"

"Harry, my lad, let me tell you something," the old wizard offered, throwing an arm around the boy's shoulders.

"A wise doorknob once said, 'Nothing's impossible'."

HPHPHP

Epilogue

Hermione stretched, waking up early, for it was a Monday and she had to go to work. She slipped out of bed and made her way to the sitting room, where Ron and Harry were scrambling for the necessary items for work.

They had decided to live together before the war had even ended; it was hard for them to be separated. They had gone through so many things that only the other two could understand. Harry had broken up with Ginny after the war; she couldn't really comprehend the fact that he needed time. Ron and Hermione had decided they weren't good together romantically, for their goals in life were far from the each others. The Golden Trio themselves didn't have a definable relationship; they were closer than best friends, so close that whenever Harry and Hermione or Ron and Hermione went out anymore they were mistaken for lovers.

Brought out of her musing by the sound of Ron swearing, the young woman noticed he couldn't quite get his tie right. Hermione giggled, walking up to him and fixing it. "Thanks 'Mione," he said, reaching down and kissing her on the cheek.

"Yeah, make fun of my height," she quipped, hugging him around the waist. Suddenly, a pair of arms came around both of them.

"Have fun in France," Harry mumbled, pushing Ron towards the door and wrapping an arm around his other best friend.

"Don't forget to grab something to eat from the kitchen before you leave!" Hermione called.

"Yes mom," Ron shot back at her. "See ya Harry."

Ron had gotten a job co-coaching an international Quidditch team. It was his dream job, but unfortunately it meant he wasn't around that often.

"The clock struck six-thirty, making Harry jump. "That's me!" he exclaimed. "Love ya, Hermione."

She gave his lips a friendly peck. "Love you too, Harry. Now get going! Wands don't make themselves."

Harry's occupation turned out to be quite unexpected. After handling the Elder Wand, it turned out the power of the wand actually gave Harry a special affinity with the curious objects themselves. The Elder Wand itself had been returned to its true master, Dumbledore; all Harry had to do was stand back and let Albus disarm him.

After Ollivander and company got back in business, they had some serious wand building to do. Understanding that Harry had no longer wanted anything to do with the Ministry of Magic, even to be an Auror, the old wand maker had immediately taken Harry under his wing. What better way to make a living than to help young witches and wizards on their magical journey?

Hermione stood still for a moment, then began to pull her robes on over her Muggle clothes. She slipped her wand inside her sleeve; one could never be too careful, even a few years after the war. She made her way down the stairs and seated herself at the large dining table for breakfast. Her food appeared in front of her and she chose carefully. One had to be especially well fueled for her job.

"How was your rest, my dear girl?"

"Quite well, actually. Would you like some coffee?"

"No thank you, Hermione. I must say, I prefer a hot chocolate with a lemon drop. Harry and Ron?"

"Gone."

"And Ron will not return until next week, correct?" Seeing her nod, he continued. "Pity, I was truly looking forward to our game of chess."

"If I may say so, Albus, your wife is quite a formidable opponent too," said Hermione, who leaned forward to get a better view of her mentor.

"She's right, Albus, you realize you have yet to beat me," came the Scottish lilt from the other side of Albus.

"Wonderful, Hermione. Now you've gotten them in one of their little lovers' spats. I might not survive this one."

The girl turned to her ex-Potions Master. "Don't worry, Severus," she began, with a mock-breathy voice. "I'll save you."

"Wonderful," he grumbled. Then he seemed to snap out of his mood. "Miss Granger... Hermione, would you mind taking a look at a few of my newer potions? Merlin knows I hate to say it, but you are probably the second most qualified person in this castle besides myself at Potions." He groaned suddenly. "Oh, whatever is the world coming to! Ever since you, Potter, and Weasley moved in the castle, all because you three are too sentimental to leave and Minerva and Dumbledore are intent on babying you all, I've been surrounded by Gryffindors.."

As the Charms Professor of Hogwarts gazed happily at the rows upon rows of her students, the next generation, she turned to the not-so-greasy-anymore bat of the dungeons and looked the perfect picture of absolute tranquility.

"Sorry to quote Trelawney on you, Severus, but Hogwarts is my home."

Finis

~HP~HP~HP~HP

Ha! You guys really thought I'd kill off Dumbledore? Maybe JKR has the strength to do it, but no way for me! He's probably my favorite character in the whole series. Oh, and Severus was still alive because I needed him for the end, so yeah.

The doorknob saying nothing's impossible is actually from Alice in Wonderland, if you were wondering.

So, I guess this was acceptance, but as the dead person being mourned for came back, it kind of cancelled itself out, didn't it?

Sorry if the epilogue wasn't realistic enough for you guys: I always thought Hermione would teach, and Ron would do something with Quidditch. Harry was a bit unexpected, but I'm getting sort of sick of all the stories that make him a Auror… oh well. If I were him I'd be pretty sick of fighting.

And, sentimental as I am, I had to have the Golden Trio stick together. Sure, maybe eventually they'd each get married and move out, but not quite yet.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you all enjoyed. Review if you get a chance!

-lalala777-