Inside Hermione screamed again and after the flash, the students saw Harry falling.  She was feeling the final thing she felt when viewing Harry's future.  She knew he was dead.

The students saw a huge white hand that seemed to be made out of clouds come down and catch Harry before he hit the ground.  Another hand lifted Professor Dumbledore and then both bodies disappeared into the sky.  The clouds cleared and the sky returned to normal within seconds.

The students were crying and Hermione was almost hysterical.  She and Sirius were hugging each other when she looked up and said, "The diary!  Maybe he's not…" Sirius looked at her confused but she sprinted up to the boys dorm and threw open Harry's trunk.  Digging around, Hermione found the diary she had given him for a birthday present.  As soon as she opened it, she went back into a fit of crying.  She was able to read everything.

McGonagall and Sirius came up and asked what it meant.  "He's really dead.  The diary was charmed so no one could read it until he died." She handed it to Sirius.

"Maybe there's a mistake," Sirius said not willing to give up on his godson.  "Did he do the charm?"

"Professor Figg did, there's no mistake," Hermione said still crying openly.

"I want to ask her.  There must be a mistake," Sirius yelled.

"Sirius, you saw what happened," McGonagall said looking obviously upset.

"What did happen?  What was that hand?  I'm not sure of anything.  I'm not giving up hope.  Where's Figg?" Sirius yelled.

Sirius, McGonagall, Ron, Hermione and Ginny all ran out of the room to find Professor Figg.

Harry felt strange.  There was no pain and he suddenly felt very small.  He was standing somewhere but could see no walls, no floor, and no sky. He was about to start walking when he heard. "I never doubted you could do it Harry."

Turning he saw Professor Dumbledore looking very normal.  "Professor! Harry yelled hugging the man.  I thought I saw you die."

"You did see me die Harry," the old man said looking quite happy.

Harry looked shocked. "But, that means I'm dead as well."

"Yes it does Harry," the Headmaster said not looking upset at all.

"Was I able to destroy the orb then?" Harry asked.

"Of course you did.  Didn't I tell you that you could?" Harry suddenly saw the ghost again, except this time it didn't look like a ghost it was a solid body.

Harry looked confused and heard Dumbledore say, "Harry, this is Godric Gryffindor.  A very distant relative of yours."

Harry looked stunned. "So, Voldemort is gone for good."

Godric laughed.  "So concerned with Voldemort.  He was but a small player in the story."  Harry now had a very confused look.  "The essence of evil wizards thousands of years old are now destroyed."

"Voldemort was an evil wizard, no doubt about that but evil will come and go.  That orb contained so much evil that it threatened more than anything Voldemort could dream of.  Now, that threat is gone," Dumbledore said.  "If Voldemort hadn't been so anxious to show everyone he could defeat you, he would have probably become invincible. If he had taken the time to learn more from the orb, we would not have been able to stop him."

"So then all of the students and my friends will be alright?"

"More than alright Harry," Godric chuckled.  "There will be celebrations for many days.  If I remember right they lasted about a week last time and Voldemort wasn't truly gone."

"But will people believe he's really gone this time.  They just started believing he was really back. Won't the death eaters just keep causing trouble?" Harry asked.

"Oh they'll believe.  You see when Voldemort made someone a death eater; he gave them a small bit of his power.  He could easily replenish it of course but that power became the dark mark on their arm.  If you would have just destroyed Voldemort they could have still caused problems.  But since Voldemort's power went into the orb and you were able to destroy that; any being that was enhanced by Voldemort's power will no longer be magical.  They may try to cause problems but cannot use magic to do so."

Harry smiled. "I didn't want do die, but if that was the way to end the run of evil wizards, I can't complain." Harry paused for a second. "It feels different than I expected.  Will I get to see my parents?"

Godric laughed out loud. "I'm afraid there has been a slight change of plans.  You are dead, but the deal was this realm needed a good wizard to leave your world to offset the evil.  When this realm realized how much evil was going to leave your world, they needed two good wizards.  That is why you were brought here."  Harry looked totally lost.

On the way to find Professor Figg, Hermione not being to take anymore suddenly fainted. "I'll take her to the hospital wing.  Please find Arabella," Professor McGonagall said before levitating Hermione and heading up a different corridor.

Sirius led the rest to the teacher's lounge where the other teachers had now gathered to get information.  Sirius burst in. "Arabella.  Could you have made a mistake with Harry's diary?"

"Oh Sirius.  We're so sorry about Harry.  The teachers who saw were just explaining what happened.  How did he get out there?" Professor Figg started saying while crying.

"Please Arabella, could you have made a mistake?  If the words show, are you sure he's gone?" Sirius asked almost pleadingly.

She came up to him and took the diary. "I'm sure Sirius.  I did not make a mistake."

Sirius fell to his knees right there and started crying openly. 

Professor Snape asked what the diary had to do with anything and Arabella explained about enchanting it so that it couldn't be read until Harry had died.

For the next couple hours, it was all the teachers could do to keep the students settled down.  They were all moved to the Great Hall so all of the teachers could be around. The rumors spread quickly about both Harry and Professor Dumbledore being dead.  Sirius stayed in the teacher's lounge with Professor Figg, Ron and Ginny and wouldn't let go of the diary.  He had been flipping through it and found the page where Harry had described the thought that finally allowed him to cast a powerful Patronus.  That thought was when Sirius asked Harry to come and live with him in his fourth year.  Sirius began crying openly again.  Ron and Ginny tried to comfort him and when Sirius went back to skimming the diary, he got a very strange look on his face. He quickly flipped through the pages he had just been looking at. "It's blank!" he said loudly.

The others turned to him and he stood up. "It's blank again."

Professor Figg took the diary and said, "That's impossible.  It was revealed when he died."

"Then he's not dead!" Sirius exclaimed.

"Sirius.  Something must be wrong.  That's impossible," Professor Figg added.

"You told me earlier that nothing was wrong with the diary.  He must be alive," Sirius said confidently. Just then Professor McGonagall came in.  "It's blank Minerva!  You can't read it!" Sirius said holding up the diary.

"There must be some mistake. I saw the writing myself.  Arabella do you have an explanation?"

Before she could answer Sirius yelled, "He's alive.  That's the only explanation."

"You saw what happened as well as I Sirius.  There has to be another reason," McGonagall said.

"No!  He's alive.  I'm not giving up!" Sirius said and headed out, followed by Ron, Ginny, and the teachers.

"Harry.  What Godric is saying is that you were brought here as the other good wizard.  However the change in plans is that another wizard has offered to take your place and that offer has been accepted.  You will be returning," Dumbledore said smiling.

"I don't understand.  Who is taking my place and how is it possible for me to go back?" Harry said.

Godric spoke up sounding quite cheerful. "Almost anything is possible Harry.  There is so much power in the world it is unimaginable.  And, I am taking your place.  I've been a ghost far too long and now that I have an heir who has been shown to the world, my work is done."

"No! Send Professor Dumbledore back.  Hogwarts needs him," Harry demanded preferring the Headmaster go back.

"No thank you Harry," Dumbledore quickly said. "Even by wizard standards, I am very old.  The only thing that has kept me around was the events of this day.  I got to see the destruction of Voldemort and so much more evil.  I am ready to stay here."

"But sir, I don't want you to stay," Harry said starting to cry.

"Don't be sad Harry.  I am ready for this new adventure.  Hogwarts will be fine.  I have never known a happier moment in my life, so what better way to end it." 

Harry looked at the Professor and was still crying.

"I would like to ask you for a favor before you go back," Dumbledore said looking at Harry. "Please go directly to my office.  There is a small shield behind my desk.  Place your hand on it and an alcove will open.  Remove the box.  Inside there will be four letters, two in white and two in black.  Immediately destroy the black ones without reading them.  Give one of the white ones to Fawkes and give the other white one along with the box to Professor McGonagall.  Do this directly when you get back.  Do you understand?"

"Yes sir.  Um... What is the password for your office?" Harry asked.

"You won't need one Harry.  Oh, one more thing.  Would you please allow Fawkes to live with you?  He is quite fond of you and I'm sure will enjoy that arrangement."

"Sir, I would trade with you and stay," Harry said.

"I know you would Harry.  Please do not grieve.  This is time for celebration.  Do not change your life and don't miss Quidditch for this.  Please tell Professor McGonagall to resume classes as soon as possible."

Harry turned to Godric and said, "Sir. What do you want me to do with your sword?"

The man laughed again and said, "That is your sword Harry.  It should go in your home."

"What is expected of me now?" Harry asked not knowing what he was supposed to do.

This time Godric looked very serious and said, "Nothing.  Live your life as you desire.  Enjoy your friends and experiences; you will learn something from each and every one.  I would ask that as a favor to me, you never stop learning.  You have more ability than you know and only by continuing to learn will you be able to realize it.  As you probably realized already, I had a knack for apparation and you will find that if you keep an open mind, established rules will not necessarily apply to you."

Dumbledore added, "Things won't always be easy for you Harry.  We kept you away from everything the last time this happened.  This time you will need to deal with it, but you've already been exposed to much already.  This is not the end of evil either, only true death eaters have lost their power.  There are many other dark forces in the world and they will not simply go away because of this."

Harry thought for a second and asked, "Did every death eater lose their magic?" Dumbledore nodded. "Is there any way to make them magical again?"

Dumbledore seemed to know what Harry was talking about and obviously Godric did as well.  "Of course there is.  It works somewhat like the spell Voldemort uses to mark his death eaters." Godric handed Harry a parchment and said, "Make sure you truly believe they are good before doing this."

"You know he won't accept that willingly," Dumbledore said with his familiar twinkle in his eyes.

Harry got a slight smile and said, "I can handle him."  Harry hugged Professor Dumbledore one last time and allowed himself to be sent back.

Just as Sirius and his group were getting to the entrance hall the door flew open and Harry walked in.  Harry was extremely sad and in shock about Professor Dumbledore being gone and just started walking towards the Headmaster's office.  Sirius yelled and ran to him engulfing him in a hug.  "I knew you were alive!"

"I have to go directly to Professor Dumbledore's office please," Harry said sounding very unhappy.

"Harry.  Tell us what happened," Sirius said.

"After I get to the office.  I have to go there first," Harry said in a calm and emotionless voice and just kept walking.  The group of people looked confused but walked after him.

"Where is the Headmaster Potter?" Snape asked.

Harry's head fell even more and he said, "He's dead."

The group stopped but Harry continued on.  "If he's dead, why are you going to his office?" Snape asked again.

"He asked me to sir," Harry responded not slowing down.

Even though everyone was very confused, they didn't ask any more questions and just followed Harry.  When Harry was getting close to the statue guarding Dumbledore's office, Professor McGonagall yelled to him. "We haven't been able to get in since he vanished."

Harry just continued walking and sure enough, the statue moved to the side revealing the stairs to the office.  This caused the other members of the group to stop and stare.  Once inside, Fawkes gave a long single note that filled Harry with a warm feeling.  Harry laid the sword on the desk and walked directly behind it.  Seeing the shield he began to put his hand on it and heard. "What do you think you're doing?" from Snape.

Harry just ignored the comment and placed his hand on the shield.  Just as Dumbledore had said, an alcove opened up.  He heard Professor McGonagall gasp.  Harry quickly took the box and removed the two black letters.  Using elemental magic, he summoned fire from the fireplace to his hands and held the letters until they were only ash.  Snape started to say something but McGonagall stopped him.  Harry then took the two white letters and gave one to Fawkes who gave another note and quickly flew away.  Then he placed the second white letter on the box and handed it to Professor McGonagall.  After that he looked around and noticed someone missing. "Where's Hermione?  Is she all right?"

McGonagall answered, "She's in the hospital wing.  She fainted and will be fine."

"I want her here before I answer questions," Harry said firmly.

McGonagall nodded and Ron spoke up. "I'll run and get her."

"No!  I'll get her," Harry said and then just vanished, leaving the others to wonder what just happened.

Harry appeared next to Hermione's bed. She didn't look like she was sleeping well.  He took her hand and stroked her hair with his other hand.  Almost instantly, she got a small smile on her face and looked more peaceful.  After a couple seconds of this, he saw her eyes flutter and a grin come across her face.  Almost instantly, that grin faded and she said, "It can't be. I saw the diary."

Madame Pomphrey came in and gasped at seeing Harry and quickly moved to Hermione's other side. Harry took Hermione's hand again and said, "I promise it's me Hermione.  Not a ghost, me."

She flung herself forward and hugged him tightly. "How?  The diary.  There were words."

"Shhh," Harry said, "I'll explain it all later.  Thank you for your help earlier.  I couldn't have done it without you."

"Is he gone?" Hermione asked.

"Yes.  And there's more but the others are waiting in Professor Dumbledore's office. I wanted you to be there" 

Madame Pomphrey came over. "It doesn't look like I'll be able to hold you down, but you should at least put on some clothes before running out."

Hermione blushed and Harry waited outside until she came bursting out and hugged him again.  She started asking questions but Harry wouldn't answer until they reached the office. Once there, they both sat down and Harry said; "Now you can ask me whatever you want."

The questions came non-stop.  The one he remembered most was when Professor Figg said, "Harry.  We all could read the writing in your diary.  It is blank now.  Can you explain how that happened?"

"Your charm worked perfectly.  I was dead.  That's when Professor Dumbledore told me to come up here," Harry answered without any change in emotion.

"Obviously you weren't dead Potter.  You're here now," Snape said clearly not believing Harry's explanation.

"Then Professor Figg must have made a mistake.  And then I must have dreamed Professor Dumbledore told me exactly what to do and that Godric Gryffindor was there as well.  And, I must also have dreamed that every death eater, past or present can no longer do magic," Harry said and saw Snape give a little stumble.

"What are you saying Harry?" Sirius asked.

"That it's over.  Voldemort is gone. The death eaters can't do any magic anymore.  It's over."

McGonagall asked, "How did you get out of the common room, and how did you leave this office earlier?"

"I apparated to the ground by Professor Dumbledore," Harry said calmly.

"You can't apparate at Hogwarts," Ron spoke up.

"I know Hermione is going to be mad, but she's wrong. That's what I did," Harry said. "Voldemort is really gone.  But Dumbledore is really dead as well.  Voldemort did kill him."

Harry answered many more questions and then remembered he had to say something. "Professor McGonagall.  Professor Dumbledore said you were to resume classes as soon as possible.  He didn't want people grieving for him.  His words were, 'I have never known a happier moment in my life, so what better way to end it.'"

The rest of the day was a blur.  There were many people from the Ministry of Magic asking questions.  Harry had also talked to Mr. Weasley for a while.  The people from the Ministry were saying things about a few employees couldn't travel by floo anymore and were having trouble with their wands.  At first they didn't believe Harry when he said they had been Death Eaters but Mr. Weasley promised their arms would be looked at.  Harry asked about Gallah and Mr. Weasley said that other than seeming extremely depressed, the Minister of Magic was still able to come and go.  This surprised Harry because he assumed the man was a Death Eater.

Harry heard some people talking about the celebrations that were going to happen but Harry didn't feel like celebrating.  He had just lost someone who seemed like his grandfather.  Even if Dumbledore didn't want Harry to grieve, there was no way to stop it.

Later that evening, Harry pulled himself away from the others and went to the dungeons.  Knocking on the office he heard, "What." Harry continued in.

"What do you want Potter?" Snape asked without too much venom.

"I think I can help you," Harry said with no further comment.

"Why would I want your help?  It was a fair trade.  The world is rid of that monster and people who made a bad choice are the only ones punished.  I can't complain."

"I know you had already changed.  I want to help," Harry said again.

"I'm sure there is nothing you can do.  I'm going to finish the tests this year and decide what other options I have.  I can still brew potions but not being magical makes every thing else difficult."

"I think I can do something if you let me," Harry said very firmly this time.

"No thank you Potter.  I like to think I paid my debt to your father and don't want another one."

"That's what Dumbledore thought you would say.  I really hope this doesn't cause another lifelong feud," Harry said before binding Snape to his chair.

"What are you doing Potter.  Using magic on a teacher is grounds for expulsion."

"One more word and I can silence you," Harry said before grabbing Snape's left arm and pulling the sleeve back to expose the dark mark.  Harry froze the arm in place on the desk and placed his right arm next to it.  Then he laid his wand across his arm and onto the dark mark.  Harry started saying the words from the parchment over and over.  In a few moments, his wand began to glow green and then the mark on Snape's arm began to fade.  After a couple more minutes it was completely gone.  Harry stopped saying the spell and stood up.  Then he released Snape from the bind.

"So.  Try something," Harry said, tired of looking at the strange expression on the Potion's Master.

Snape didn't look like he wanted to but tried levitating a chair that quickly came off the ground.  Snape looked at Harry as if he'd never seen anything stranger.  "Are you really the heir of Gryffindor?" Snape asked.

"That's what Godric said.  I'm not going to argue with him," Harry replied and then added. "You're not going to hold a grudge about this are you?"

Snape actually smiled and said, "No.  In fact, I haven't felt this clean in a long, long time." The Professor extended his hand and Harry shook it.

Harry turned to leave and heard. "This doesn't mean I'll go easy on you with the test."  Harry didn't turn around and went back to Dumbledore's office where Sirius was.

McGonagall came in and said, "We're going to have the memorial this Saturday.  I'm sure Professor Dumbledore wants the grieving over as soon as possible."  The Professor still had tears in her eyes.

"Professor.  He said that he was sure Hogwarts was going to be in great hands," Harry said wanting her to know that Dumbledore had confidence in her.

"Thank you Harry.  It's just hard to imagine him gone," she replied suppressing her emotions.

"He once told me that people we care for are never truly gone.  They will always be there to help and guide us.  I've always tried to believe that is true," Harry said.

Classes were canceled for the next two days before the memorial.  Harry had sent an owl to his coach and to Kristi saying he wouldn't be at practice because of the memorial.  The press had been trying to get into the castle to interview Harry but Hagrid and the teachers had kept them out.  The worst thing Harry remembered about the day Dumbledore died was telling Hagrid.  Hagrid hadn't seen it happen and was devastated by the news that Dumbledore had died.  After a few hours he composed himself but was obviously shaken.

McGonagall and Sirius sat Harry down and were trying to explain what was happening out in the wizarding world.  All magical people felt it when Harry had destroyed the orb, and the word quickly spread out of the school about what happened.  Every paper had been running articles about what Harry had done and some had also mentioned the help he received from Hermione.  Sirius and the Professor told him that he should expect people to treat him very differently.  Even within the school, the students that weren't his close friends had already begun treating him strange.  Not exactly like they were afraid of him, but they weren't coming as close.

Harry spent most of his time in the secret tower room with Hermione, Ginny, Ron and Parvati.  Ron had promised not to bring Parvati up here without the group.  Harry felt this was his special spot and Ron respected that.  The group of friends would just sit around talking.

"Have you been reading the papers?  They are all talking about how you saved the wizarding world and that everyone believes he's gone for good this time.  Hermione is becoming a celebrity as well," Ginny said looking proudly at her friends.

"So much for your nice quiet life Hermione," Harry said.  "We may have to move to a little island or something."

"I'll deal with it.  You know that things are going to be weird for you," Hermione said.

"Why?  How can they get weirder?" Harry asked confused.

"You see how even the students are acting.  Not like you're a celebrity, but like you're more powerful that Dumbledore was.  It's kind of like they're in awe of you," Hermione added honestly.

"Now, that's a joke.  It just seems like they're afraid of me or something like that," Harry said thinking of the expressions on the student's faces.

"I still can't believe you're really the heir of Godric Gryffindor," Hermione said shaking her head.

"Hermione.  How many times do you have to say that?  You're making me start to feel really inadequate," Harry said.

"It's nothing like that.  It's just so amazing.  What do you think it means?" Hermione asked.

"It means just that.  I'm an heir.  He helped me stop Voldemort," Harry replied not fully understanding what it meant to be the heir.

"He probably had some special talents.  I'm going to research what they are and I bet you'll be good at them," Hermione said.

Harry shook his head and Parvati said, "Maybe that's where he got the talents Cho always talked about."

Parvati started laughing but everyone else was looking at her in shock.  "What? Come on, she told everyone about his talents."

Harry blushed brightly.

The day of the memorial came about.  The teachers had transformed the Quidditch pitch into seating for a great many people.  Harry had taken his seat in the front row with Hermione and Ron. He heard a gasp and loud noise and turned to see Duram, the leader of the giant clan Harry had met.  Harry stood up and went over to him.

"Duram.  It's good to see you again.  I didn't know you would be here," Harry said.

"Good to see you again as well Harry.  My clan was very proud of you.  It is the topic of many discussions how you used a giant's weapon to defeat that evil.  It goes to show how our two races can learn from each other."

"I agree Duram," Harry said before returning to his seat.

Harry saw many Ministry officials as well as many old wizards that he had never seen.  The stadium and grass seating were packed by the time Professor McGonagall got everyone's attention.

"Following the wishes of Professor Dumbledore," McGonagall was saying but was interrupted by the loud song of Fawkes flying in.  The large phoenix circled once and landed on Harry's knee.  Harry immediately stroked the bird and smiled at McGonagall who continued. "As I was saying Professor Dumbledore wants to keep this part short and let you all get on with the second part.  Therefore, I turn the stadium over to him," McGonagall said and everyone looked confused.  She tapped a piece of parchment on the table and suddenly an image of Professor Dumbledore appeared. It looked almost like a ghost but then Harry thought it was closer to Tom Riddle looked when he was fading back into the diary.

"Ah Friends.  If you are gathered together watching this then I have passed.  Please do not grieve for I am sure that if you look past your feelings of loss for me you will see that it is a joyous occasion.  I say this with confidence due to a prediction Sybill Trelawny made many years ago.  Now we will see if it has indeed come true.  She came to me one evening and said that I would perish at the hands of great evil but my passing would allow a greater power to destroy the evil.  I have thought for many years that Harry Potter would be that greater power.  It has been obvious to some that he has not even begun to tap into his abilities.  My guess is that he is there with you now and was the cause of evil being defeated.  Now it is for you to judge if this has indeed come to pass or not but I believe it has.  Please do not grieve, for even as I make this statement, I am old.  I live for the day when the prediction will come to pass and on that day my time will be done.  It is not a sad thing but the beginning of a wonderful journey.  Please celebrate the journey and don't mourn the loss." With that the image disappeared and the parchment faded away.  The crowd started clapping and then McGonagall announced there would be food and drinks.

Harry stayed in his seat thinking.  Hermione got up and was talking to Professor McGonagall.  Harry could see Sirius and Lupin talking nicely to Professor Snape and this made him smile.  Then he heard, "That must have been a good thought." Kristi sat down next to him.

"Kristi.  What are you doing here?" Harry asked not expecting to see his teammate.

"Just wanted to see how my star seeker is doing.  You skipped practice." 

"I'll be ok.  I miss him a lot.  I can't believe you came," Harry said glad to see his friend.

"Can I ask you something?" Kristi asked.

"Of course, anything."

"Is he really gone this time?" she asked softly.

Harry looked deep into her dark eyes and said, "Yes. He's really gone.  No doubt about it."

"I never really had closure with my parent's death.  Somehow I never believed he was really gone before but now I do," Kristi said.  Harry leaned over and hugged her.  She went on, "I knew it was you when I felt it.  I don't know how, but I just knew it was."

"At least you're not yelling at me for doing anything stupid," Harry said trying to smile.

"Not today, but I will, don't worry," Kristi responded.  He sat and talked with her for a while and then walked her to the carriage that went to Hogsmeade and gave her a hug before she left.  Turning around he heard a familiar voice. "Always the gentleman."

"Hi Cho," Harry said suddenly feeling uncomfortable. "I didn't know you were here."

"I sat in the back.  I wasn't sure if I was going to say anything or not."

"Why not?  I thought you wanted to still be friends," Harry asked.

"I do. It still hurts to see you.  I'm really glad you came through the battle ok.  It must have been terrible."

"Yeah.  I wish he had lived.  How have you been?" Harry asked.

"Oh fine.  Still working with the twins.  I think the store is really taking off.  They're thinking about opening a second one later this year," Cho said.

"That's great.  I haven't been in a while.  Too many people for me."

"Especially now.  With you going back to the playoffs and saving the wizarding world everybody seems to think you're up there with Merlin," she hesitated "I kick myself every day for what I did."

"Don't think about it Cho.  Just try to be friends.  A lot has happened since then and I almost feel like a different person. I don't knot up inside like I had been when I saw you so I'm getting better," Harry said with a smile.

The two stood there without talking for a minute. "I should head back.  Any chance we could meet sometime for lunch or something?" she asked.

"I'd really like that," Harry said before she left.

Harry was walking back to the celebration in his own thoughts when he heard. "Anything going on with you two?" Hermione had come up.  She was trying to smile and be supportive.

Harry put his arm around Hermione and said, "Nope. How are you holding up?"

"Better than I expected.  It's nice hearing all these people say so many good things about him."

"I agree.  This has really helped me." Harry stopped and looked at her. "Having you around since it happened has helped more than anything." He gave her a big hug and took her hand to lead her back to the celebration.  Harry spent the majority of the time hanging around the giant.  He really enjoyed hearing Duram talk about his clan and life.

All of Harry's friends were noticing how the Slytherins would try to avoid him.  They saw this as just an added benefit of Voldemort being gone.  Classes started again the next week and the N.E.W.T.s started a few days later.  The Dark Arts class was quickly cancelled and Professor Steiger left.

Hermione and Harry elemental magic practiced very hard in the evening and had requested the use of the Quidditch pitch a couple nights to practice on a larger scale.  Hermione was once again very stressed out.  Harry wasn't at all.  None of this mattered that much anymore.  He hoped to do well but either he knew it by now or he didn't.  This irritated Hermione to no end.

They all had potions N.E.W.T this week and Hermione had History of Magic and Arithmacy.     The next week they all had Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms tests.  Ron and Hermione also had Herbology.

Ron got his goal of four N.E.W.T.s which tied the twins.  Harry was at four also and Hermione was now at seven.  This week ended with the final regular season Quidditch match for Harry against Spain.  Harry arrived and was almost mobbed by people wanting to talk about the defeat of Voldemort.  Sirius, Kelly, Hermione and Ginny came along since Professor McGonagall was so busy.  They left Harry to find their seats and he went directly to the locker room and changed.  Everyone was quiet as usual in the locker room, but Harry could tell the others were looking at him differently.  The coach gave his pep talk about not letting down since they had already locked up a playoff spot.

France was the visiting team and got announced first to polite clapping.  When Harry was announced it was to thunderous applause.  The entire wizarding world was celebrating the defeat of Voldemort.  The home team got welcomed loudly as well.  The match started and France was doing well against Spain and moving out to a nice lead.  The first time the snitch came out Harry and the other seeker both made grabs for it before it disappeared again.  Before either seeker had really adjusted, it appeared again and Harry was able to spin around and get a jump on the other seeker.  Soon after, Harry had grabbed the snitch and finished an undefeated season for France.

Harry quickly gave his interview and tried to sidestep any questions that weren't about Quidditch.  Kristi had just come over and messed up Harry's hair. "The first undefeated season in over fifty years.  You're going to miss one amazing party schoolboy."

"Next year after our second undefeated season I'll be there," Harry promised.

"I'll hold you to that," Kristi said before hitting fists and leaving.

That night Harry and Hermione were still practicing when she said, "Do you still want to be roommates?"

"Of course.  Why don't you?" Harry asked concerned.

"Of course I do.  I'm really looking forward to it.  I just wanted to make sure.  It seems like Kristi wants to be more than just friends," Hermione said worried about her relationship with Harry.

"I'm looking forward to it as well.  I doubt she wants anything more.  And, if she did and it bothered you at all, I'd pick being your roommate over dating her any time.  I think it will be great," Harry said.

Hermione was debating on pursuing something more with Harry but was really worried about risking their friendship.  Now with Voldemort gone, she knew Harry could open up more and get close to people.  She felt like if she didn't give it a chance with him that he could find someone else and she would just remain his friend.  She didn't want to rush anything and didn't feel like tonight was the time to say anything so she concentrated on practice.

The day came for their Extremely Advanced N.E.W.T. presentation.  All of the teachers were present.  Some of their close friends were invited as well.  Even some people from the Ministry were there.  Hermione was very nervous but Harry kept telling her they would do fine.

A large tub of water had been provided and there was already a fire going.  They took turns doing small things.  Hermione would make the water do actions and then Harry would make the fire do some things.  At first they were very basic.  Before long, they did something similar to what they had done at the holiday ball that worked very well.  Next Hermione had made a tall wall of solid water before returning it to the large container.  Harry then had the fire completely cover his body and he walked around like that for a couple minutes.  Then Harry and Hermione separated and she summoned a water creature to stand in front of her.  Harry did the same thing with fire and for the next few minutes, their creatures did battle continuing to draw extra energy from the tub of water or from the fire.  Finally, Hermione summoned a very localized but powerful storm.  Harry banished a large rock into the air and then caused a bolt of lightning to strike the rock with a loud explosion and then watched as small pieces of the rock fell back to the ground.  Hermione quickly banished the storm and their presentation ended.

Their friends who had been watching came down to congratulate them while the teachers were determining the scores.  This was the first time some of the people had seen anything like that.

"Those elemental creatures were wicked!" Ron exclaimed.  "We should send them after the Slytherins."

Hermione quickly admonished him for those thoughts.  Lupin and Sirius were very impressed and Sirius promised to try and study the techniques harder now.  Harry recognized someone he hadn't seen in a long time come up. "Fletch!  Why are you here?"

Fletch was shaking Harry's hand and said, "Arthur told me about this and since I like to keep an eye out for interesting things, I wanted to watch.  You two were very impressive."  He looked serious for a second and said, "I want to apologize for exposing you to so much danger with the orb.  We had no idea it was that bad."

"That's part of the job," Harry said with a smile. "At least it's gone now."

"Are you still going to come to work for us?  We can easily work around Quidditch," Fletch asked.

"I'd love to.  The finals are in a few weeks and then I'll be there.  I'm really looking forward to it," Harry said excitedly.

"It'll be good to have you.  See you in a few weeks," Fletch said before leaving.

The teachers came over and Harry went to stand by Hermione.  "That was a very impressive display.  You performed your actions on the three elements perfectly but since you did not use all four techniques, we can't award full marks," McGonagall said.  She was about to continue when Hermione spoke.

"One moment professor." And she whispered something to Harry.  He was shaking his head and looking uncertain but then Hermione addressed the teachers. "If we could so something from the other one would we get full marks?"

McGonagall looked at the other teachers who nodded and said, "Yes, that would be acceptable."

Hermione said to Harry, "You can do it.  I know you did it that day you were upset during practice."

Harry whispered back, "I'm ok with not getting full marks."

She pleaded, "Please do it for me.  I want us to get full marks."

"Mr. Potter.  Will there be anything else?" McGonagall asked.

Harry saw the pleading look in Hermione's eyes and said, "I'll try professor."  He put his wand back in his pocket and started trying to focus.  He tried to remember the last time he caused this to happen and remembered that he didn't really know what he was doing that time.  Harry started to get the picture of what he needed to do and within seconds the ground started shaking around them.  For a few seconds it got quite intense before he concentrated on calming back down and released the spell.

When he finally opened his eyes, he could see the look of shock and in some cases fear on the faces of the people around.  Only Hermione was beaming.  She stepped up and gave him a big hug. "I told you that you could do it."

"Very well Mr. Potter.  Full marks as well," McGonagall said still looking at him warily.

The friends went back to the common room and Harry felt relieved.  "No more tests," he said. Then he thought of something and went to grab an item out of his trunk.  He told his friends that he would be back and headed to the Headmistress' office.  It still seemed weird that he didn't need a password to get up anymore but he did knock on the door and she called him in.

"What can I do for you Mr. Potter?  Please don't tell me there is a problem," McGonagall said.

It was weird being in here.  Harry had already sent Fawkes to his home and the room seemed different without the stunning bird. "No problem Professor.  I wanted to give you something.  I won't need it anymore."  He handed her the parchment.

She looked at it and said, "What exactly is this?"

"As Fred and George Weasley put it. 'It is the secret to our success.'" Harry said and laughed.  Then he took out his wand and said, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." And tapped the parchment.  It quickly filled in to show the map of the school with little dots all over it."

McGonagall looked stunned. "Does this show what I think it shows?"

Harry smiled. "Yes Professor.  I thought you might find it useful.  The only other person I thought about giving it to was Ginny but she shouldn't be sneaking around anyway."

"Wise choice Harry.  How did you get this?"

Harry told her the story and about who had made it.  They ended up talking for a bit about the marauders.

The students were all relaxing in the common room talking about their future plans.  Ron was going to help the twins open a store in Hogsmeade and he was going to run that location. 

Parvati was going to work in a fashion store in Diagon Alley.  Hermione was going to get ready to start at the university.  They all were getting a bit sad about leaving.  This bothered Harry more than any of the others since he still considered Hogwarts his home but he tried to hide his feelings.

The final meal was a mixture of sadness about Dumbledore and happiness about Voldemort being gone.  McGonagall gave her speech and mentioned that she was proud of how everyone handled the events of the past month.  She announced that all the teachers would be returning and that Remus Lupin was going to take over the Transfiguration classes as well as become the head of Gryffindor house.  This seemed to please everyone at the Gryffindor table.

The next day, Harry rode back on the train with his friends.  This was how he met them and he wanted to end their school experience the same way.  Hermione, Ron, Parvati, Ginny and Harry were all sharing the coach back.  Ron and Parvati kept kissing each other. "C'mon get a room you two," Harry had to keep saying.

After the third time of this Parvati announced. "Actually Ron's going to.  He's going to look for an apartment in Hogsmeade tomorrow."

Ron turned bright red and Ginny asked, "Does mum know about this?" Ron shook his head no and Ginny added, "Oh, I want to be around when you tell her.  She'll be crying and saying that she's losing her baby boy."

The rest of the group just laughed about this.  Then Ginny looked sad and said, "That means I'll be all alone at the house.  I hadn't thought about that."

Ron said quickly. "You can come and stay with me sometimes." But when he noticed Parvati give him a glare he added. "Well once in a while."

Hermione quickly added, "That's ok Ginny, you can come and stay with us whenever you want."

Harry's eyes got big and the others looked at her confused. "Who's us?" Ginny asked.

Hermione didn't blush at all and said, "Harry and I.  We're going to be roommates."

Ron sat up. "What?  When did this happen?  Where are you going to live?"

Harry answered, "We've talked about it for a while. Hermione's going to move into the castle but if that's inconvenient for her school for any reason, we'll find some other place."

Hermione added, "Harry said I could change anything I wanted to make it more comfortable for me."

Ron started to say something but Ginny got there first, "And I can really stay with you sometimes."

Hermione answered, "Absolutely."

Harry looked worried and said, "Hermione, do your parents know about us being roommates?" He knew that he would be seeing them when they got off the train.

"Of course.  I asked them a couple weeks ago.  They said they were sad to see me go but was glad I wasn't living by myself.  They trust you Harry."

"Everybody trusts Harry," Parvati added with a laugh.

"Then why don't I ever get any dates?" Harry joked back.

"That's because you don't trust anybody," Ron replied.

They were just about to the London station when the door opened and in came Malfoy without his bodyguards Crabbe and Goyle. "I bet you think you're just too good for words now don't you Potter?"

Harry kept quiet but Ron spoke up. "Where are your bodyguards Malfoy?  I can't believe you came here without them.  Especially now that your father can't threaten anyone with dark magic anymore." Ron laughed.

"Why do you think my father can't threaten anyone with magic?" Malfoy spat back.

Hermione replied. "Well because all death eaters lost their magic when Voldemort died.  Surely he told you?"

"Don't expect me to believe you Granger.  There's no way my father lost his magic. No way."

Harry was still quiet but Ron spoke up with a snicker. "Then just ask him to do something when you get home.  Better yet, do something really bad and see if he punishes you with magic or just beats you muggle-style."

Malfoy's eyes got a furious look. "I swear, one of these days I'll wipe that smile off your face Weasley.  If all death eaters lost their magic, then why can Snape still do it?  I've seen him acting normal.  Well not exactly normal, too cheery but he was doing magic," Malfoy hissed.

Ron, Ginny and Hermione looked confused but then Hermione spoke up, "Maybe because he changed sides and was with us and the end."

"That's not why," Harry said calmly causing everyone to look at him, "I gave Snape some of my magic," he hadn't told anyone about this.

Everyone sat there stunned until Hermione said, "That's impossible Harry.  You can't give someone magic." Malfoy agreed.

"You said it was impossible to apparate on Hogwarts grounds," Harry replied calmly causing Hermione to get a thoughtful look.

"Snape would have never let you help him," Malfoy spat.

Harry kind of chuckled. "True.  I had to bind him and force him to sit still during the process. I wanted to leave him like that."

They were all looking at Harry until Malfoy said, "You're lying like usual Potter.  My father will be fine when I get home.  You and your little fan club will never change." He slammed the door and left.

Hermione was the first to speak. "Did you really give Professor Snape some of your magic?"

"Yes.  Godric gave me an enchantment to use," Harry said still without emotion.

"You wouldn't have done that if we were coming back to school would you?" Ron asked causing everyone to laugh.

Mrs. Weasley was the first to hug Harry when they got off the train.  Ginny came up and said loudly, "Mum.  I think Ron has something to tell you." Harry stood back and saw Ron get really red.

Harry then followed Hermione to greet her parents.  She hugged them both and Harry shook Mr. Granger's hand.  "Is it good to be out of school?" Her father asked.

"For me it is.  It's just another break for Hermione.  She can't get enough of it," Harry joked.

"Would you like to ride back to our house Harry? Maybe we could talk about you two being roommates on the way," Mr. Granger said.

Harry turned white and muttered, "Um...sure."

Hermione hit her father and said, "Dad!" 

Mr. Granger started laughing and Mrs. Granger said, "Why don't you ride with us and we'll just talk.  We're happy you two are being roommates."  Harry followed them to their car.

Later that evening Harry arrived home to find Sirius and Kelly there.  Sirius had setup the perch that Fawkes used in the corner of the main room and the large bird was sleeping there peacefully.  They talked for a while and Harry could tell that Sirius was nervous.

"I want to tell you something Harry.  Actually we want to tell you something. Kelly and I are getting married," Sirius said looking nervous but Kelly looked happy.

Harry could tell the next year would be very interesting.