LIFE CAN BE HARSH ON HEROES

It had begun before the train even left Hogsmeade. Kalindra had always had an eye for this kind of thing, so she noticed it right away.

At first, it was just a few looks sent across the common room, while the students were gathering there, one last time, before heading out of the castle.

There it was, a shy smile exchanged, when they had reached the carriages. Kalindra observed, she climbed in the same carriage as he did, taking a seat facing him. When they climbed off, her shoulder would just only accidentally bump against his, and they would share a look, then a little smile.

Kalindra could see it all. She was far too familiar with this dance and somehow it amused her to see them like this. It looked, for lack of better terms, normal, carefree. They did deserve some of that.

So, when Julie took her seat on the train, right next to Kenneth and negligently let her hand rest on his on the leather bench, Kalindra smiled knowingly.

Well, even in some of Shakespeare's work, the lovers did get a happy ending.

She only hoped that, now that Julie had finally come to her senses and made up for her mess, Kenneth wouldn't be the next to screw this up.

Because being forced to assist those two as they fixed their lives was simply exhausting.

With a contented grin, Kalindra leaned closer to her boyfriend and rested her head on his shoulder. Rob had a kind smile.

"Think they'll be alright, now?" he asked, under his breath.

He chuckled at her astonished look.

"Because I was utterly clueless about you doesn't mean I don't see a few things here and there," he said.

She grinned back. Her boyfriend was still full of surprises. She found that she liked that a lot.

The Hogwarts Express started and then left the platform of Hogsmeade, a thick trail of steam trailing behind it, signifying the end of another school year for real, this time.

Ian was sitting alone.

It should have been weird, given the number of people that had been in the compartment with him at the start of the train, but Kieran had gone with Terry, Gina and Joel, in search for something to eat again.

"Last chance to eat sweets before September" said Terry.

His mother was now watching what he was eating, since she had read a Muggle book on dietetics, to his utter despair. Joel and his girlfriend hadn't been hard to convince. On the other hand, Ian knew that Kieran had gone with them only to give him some space.

It was still amazing how well she knew him. Ian was relieved to be alone for a while. He didn't want to impose his thoughts on the others, so he enjoyed having some time on his own to think. Well, 'enjoy' wasn't maybe the right term, but time to think was something he needed, in order to finally accept what had happened.

His talk with Alexander had eased his anguish, if only slightly, but he still felt haunted. His magic had taken a life, no matter how or no matter why. This was wrong and nothing that anyone would say could change that.

He needed to deal with it.

"You've got a lot on your mind, haven't you?" asked a woman's voice, although the compartment was still empty.

Ian turned his eyes away from the window and saw Aria Entwistle slowly coming into focus on the seat facing his. There was a smile on her face, but it didn't have this ironic quality she had any time she had met him. It was as if she wasn't here to be mysterious and manipulative. There was even a trace of sadness in her eyes as she watched him. That was a change so striking that Ian could notice for the first time that she was a really beautiful woman.

"Yes," he finally said, "quite a lot."

"I heard you felt bad about Herrigan's death," said Aria.

Ian narrowed his eyes, and then he sighed before nodding.

"Bad news travel fast, apparently," he said.

"All news travel fast for me, Ian Malcolm," said Aria, seriously. "But as a matter of fact, I was there."

Ian looked up sharply. She was there?

"I was in the forest," said Aria, very seriously. "My magic is what gave Herrigan his true appearance back. Yes, his real name was Herrigan. I prevented his escape."

"Why?" asked Ian. "If he had escaped, then I wouldn't have…"

"Fate tested you," said Aria. "It was harsh and difficult, but you had to be tested."

"You did this?!" spat Ian, suddenly furious.

"No," said Aria. "Herrigan did. He did when he chose his path in life. His time had come. His death was inevitable. The only thing one could decide was the manner of his passing. That was your test. Had you chosen to murder him in cold blood or in rage, and you would have failed."

"And how about not killing him?" snapped Ian.

"Herrigan couldn't give you that choice," said Aria, insisting on each word. "I saw what you did, Ian Malcolm. You gave him all the chances to back out and he seized none. I am painfully aware you have heard all this before. I have no hope of convincing you to the contrary."

"And you're surprised that I feel bad?" said Ian.

"Such feelings honour you, young man," said the witch. "And they are a sign that you passed your test. In my view of things, murder is robbing someone of his choice and control on his life. This is not what you did. You refused to kill Herrigan while he was unarmed and powerless. You only used your power to protect someone else's life. The rest is on Herrigan."

"I heard that before," said Ian. "Rationally, I know it's true, but I have to get used to the idea."

"I'm confident that you will," said Aria. "But this is not really what I wanted to tell you. I know something the people close to you don't."

"What is it?" asked Ian, curious.

"By stopping Herrigan, you didn't only save your friends," said Aria. "There was a greater meaning to it. It was a work of Justice."

"Justice?" repeated Ian, unconvinced.

"My definition of Justice may sound harsh to you, but for me, Justice is about people reaping what they sow, if you will. And Herrigan got exactly what he deserved. He was far from a beginner. Herrigan was not only a spy. He was a Master Assassin. Throughout his life, he modified his body through many spells and rituals, until he was nothing more than a faceless man, ready to slip into disguise after disguise. Through Polyjuice, he could be anyone. Young boys were a favourite of his, because it gave him easier access to many places. The rituals also preserved him, kept him going for many years. So he had a long and very busy career. As an assassin for hire, he has reached the total count of a hundred and eighty-nine killings. Wizards, Muggles, women, children… No one could be safe from him. Let me tell you that it is a blessing that none of the Hogwarts students were killed during his mission in the castle."

Ian was stunned by what she was saying. It sounded incredible, but somehow, he felt that she was telling him the truth.

"I want you to know, Ian Malcolm, that when you stopped Herrigan for good, you rid the world of a very dangerous creature," said Aria. "If you still have difficulties finding sleep, you may find comfort in this thought, someday. Many families will be relieved to learn that Herrigan has finally met his well-deserved fate."

"How would they know it?" asked Ian.

"I shall take care of that," said Aria, smiling. "Of course, I won't mention your name, and I won't bring back any thanks, because you don't want to become proud of what you did. But let me insist on it, you certainly don't need to hold on to guilt."

"Thanks," said Ian. "I'm not saying it makes it okay, but … It helps, actually."

"If I can help," said Aria.

"Why can't you always do that?" asked Ian.

"Help?" said Aria. "There are rules for my brother's and mine intervention, rules that you can't understand right now. Just know this. We are not on the side of evil. Our goal may be beyond your comprehension, but, I can assure you, your victory will serve ours. The Warlocks' victory would mean our failure. So we are, more than you can imagine, allies. We're not always what we may seem."

"That's the very first time I've gotten such a clear answer from you," said Ian, smiling.

"I'm in a good mood," said Aria, smiling back.

"Can I ask you one more question?" asked Ian.

"You can, but I'm not sure I can answer," said Aria.

"Fair enough," said Ian. "Why are you so interested in me? And also in Kenneth and the others? I mean, we're only kids."

"That is debatable, now, given what you have been through," said Aria. "But to answer your question, your teachers already proved their mettle to us and the world, so we are focusing on you, because the young always decide the future."

"I guess it makes sense," said Ian.

"Most people saying they will decide the future usually 'freak out', as you young people say," said Aria, smiling.

"I'm getting used to heavy stuff," said Ian, with the same twisted grin.

"Maybe Ariel was right after all," said Aria.

"About what?" asked Ian.

"He said that you would be taking this more easily than Kenneth would," said Aria.

"Nah," said Ian. "Kenneth is born with the weight of the world on his shoulders, so by now, he's grown into it."

Aria smiled.

"Well, this is goodbye, Ian Malcolm," she said. "Until next time."

She started to fade out of view. Ian stayed a long moment, staring at the empty space she was in earlier. She may have given him the most useful piece of information for his peace of mind. He knew that somehow, this would help, and he was grateful. But he didn't feel ready to face it, right now. It would still take some time.

Ian turned his eyes to the moving landscape outside his window. He was going home, but the thought wasn't really cheering him up.

There was a serious irony in all this. Everyone considered him as a hero, because of what had happened. But, guess what?

Life could be harsh on heroes.

The train came to a stop along platform Nine and Three Quarters in King's Cross, much to most people dismay. Kenneth couldn't say that he shared the feeling. True, he enjoyed Hogwarts as much as the next guy, but the year had been trying for him. The sheer sum of fights, betrayals, and loss was still weighing on him. Add to this the constant roller-coaster that had been his personal life, and he saw the summer break with a certain form of relief. He still wasn't sure what a roller-coaster was, but Rob insisted on using this expression and it had caught on.

But his longing for a vacation was tempered by something else. He also felt a little nervous, right now.

The looks and the smiles had been enjoyable. He now knew where he stood with Julie. He had made his point. But the question was whether Julie would act on it or not before disappearing to her home, to spend the summer in a secure, secluded home in the north of Brittany, over there, in France.

Part of him wanted to act on his own, but he felt that Julie needed to do this. Another part of him wanted Julie just to get home safe and give them the summer to sort things out. But one last bit of him wasn't sure he could stand the uncertainty for another two months.

The Gryffindor sixth year got off the train, slowly, as if to savour those last moments together as long as they could. They gathered on the platform, while the boys were getting everyone's trunks and owls. Kenneth spotted the agents of the Order of the Phoenix, who kept a discreet and distant watch over Julie, for the whole of her trip. She had seen them too. The both of them shared another look. He had a sympathetic wince, and he could see a slight blush on Julie's cheeks. Kalindra caught his eyes and winked at him. Kenneth rolled his eyes.

And then, suddenly, Gillian had joined them, to everyone's surprise.

"Er… Anthony?" she asked Fields. "I remember you said you would have to go through Diagon Alley to get home."

"Er… Yes?" said Fields, a little taken aback.

"Well, my parents came with a muggle car, and I know you live not so far from us, so..." said Gillian, "would you… like a ride home?"

"Oh," said Fields, while all of his friends did their best to hide smiles, grins and chuckles. "Er… Sure, thanks a lot."

"No problem," beamed Gillian. "Come on, they're over there."

With this, Fields turned to his friends, bid them a hurried goodbye and followed Gillian, pushing his trolley ahead of him.

"That boy does not stand a chance," said Rob, wisely.

"Yep, he's done for," confirmed Mandy. "I would pity him, but Gillian's cool."

"And on this, fellow lions, I shall take my leave," said Will, with a bow of his head to everyone. "See you next term and don't forget to write."

"You got it," called Rob after him.

Kenneth caught a look between Kalindra and Mandy. Mandy suddenly grabbed the hand of Jennifer.

"Come on, Jen," she said. "Some people want some privacy."

Jennifer began to protest, but soon was silenced. Kenneth wasn't sure, but as they walked away, he thought he heard her chuckling.

Teddy turned to Rob.

"Think she meant you or me?" he said.

"I guess both," said Rob, nodding.

Teddy snorted and offered his arm to Marion, who took it graciously, before strolling away. Kenneth had no doubt that they would find a spot where they could say their goodbyes properly before their families got a hold on them. Kalindra winked at Kenneth before sliding her arm into Rob's.

"Come on, I want my share of snogging," she said. "Plus, my cousin promised to pick me up. I can't wait to take the mickey out of her for getting engaged to a Weasley of all people!"

The couple waved goodbye and walked out of sight, leaving Kenneth alone, facing Julie. Kenneth couldn't help but smile at the thoughtful, if only a little obvious, moves of his friends. Julie sure had caught the same, because she was the first one to speak.

"Nice friends, huh?" said Julie. "So accommodating…"

"I guess," said Kenneth.

Julie took a step toward him.

"I…" she began to say. "I know I can't hope you will forgive me that easily. I mean, I messed up badly. You have every right to be angry."

"I was angry at you," said Kenneth. "But then I reasoned that you only wanted to keep me safe. And no matter what, I… I still love you."

Julie beamed at him and came leap at him in a fierce hug.

"I'm so sorry I hurt you," she said. "I will do everything I can to make it up to you. I love you, too, Kenneth."

Kenneth gently raised her chin with his finger, before kissing her, tenderly. But suddenly, Julie seemed to send tenderness to hell and kissed back with passion. Kenneth was caught in the whirlpool of emotion and pulled her closer to him.

This felt different. This felt right, finally.

When they broke the kiss, they were both smiling and fighting to catch their breath, there were tears on Julie's face. Kenneth had a lopsided grin.

"It's true you did bugger the whole thing up, though," he said.

Julie laughed.

"Alright," she said. "I guess I earned that and more. You think you can ever let me live it down?"

"I'll do my best," said Kenneth. "Just don't ever take away my choices again."

"Deal," said Julie. "Look, Kenneth, I know I'll be stuck in my home for the whole summer, but I want you to know that I'm in this for real."

Kenneth nodded and Julie had another smile, a little impish.

"Will you go to the Ball with me, next year?" she asked.

"I'll have to think about it," said Kenneth. "Okay," he added a second later.

Julie's smile widened and she kissed him again. This lasted for a little while, the both of them enjoying it immensely.

Someone coughed near her, and they were forced to break the kiss. It was Kalindra. She was back and Rob was nowhere in sight.

"Wouldn't that be your parents, Julie?" she asked, pointing to their right.

Julie turned to follow her finger, and gasped. There, looking very surprised, but amused at the same time, stood Julie's Mom, her Dad, and her sister Ariane.

Julie let go of Kenneth quickly. Kenneth felt this was more about being mortified to be caught snogging by her parents rather than being caught with him. He did feel pretty awkward, too. Julie's parents walked to them. Her mother hugged her gently and, as her father did the same, her mother turned to Kenneth.

Kenneth smiled timidly and bowed to her, with that stiff, formal bow his family usually used. Kalindra, who had been introduced to them before, only shook hands with them casually.

"Donc," said Ariane, kissing her sister on the cheek, "Celui-là, c'est Kenneth*?"

"Oui," said Julie, rolling her eyes. "Maman, Papa, may I introduce Kenneth Lionheart," she said in English. "He's…"

She hesitated on the word, sending a questioning look to Kenneth.

"Your boyfriend, I suppose?" offered Julie's mother, with an amused smile.

Kenneth had a nod for Julie, who smiled and stood a little more confidently.

"Yes," said Julie.

"Very pleased to meet you, Madame," said Kenneth, bowing again.

"Well I'm pleased to meet you, too," said Mrs Carteret in a strong accented, but otherwise correct English. "I have heard quite a lot about you. I am glad to have the chance to thank the boy who saved our daughter's life in person. We are grateful for what you did last year, young man, and this year, too, if I read your headmaster's letter correctly."

"It was my pleasure," said Kenneth, smiling.

Mrs Carteret shot an amused look to Julie.

"Oui, ça j'en suis sure**!" she said.

Julie chuckled lightly at that. Kenneth started to feel a little uncomfortable. Mrs Carteret noticed it and suddenly sighed impatiently.

"Oh, voyons***," she said. "I've never eaten anyone, you know. I have heard enough about you not to be worried about you being my daughter's boyfriend, now."

She walked to him and gave him a hug. Then Julie's father stepped in and took Kenneth's hand, shaking it enthusiastically. But then he narrowed his eyes, without letting go of Kenneth's hand.

"Pas de folie avec ma fille, quand même****," he said, frowning.

"Papa!" protested Julie.

"Oh, come on, Julie," said Ariane. "If we can't tease you and your boyfriend, isn't that stealing all the fun from life?"

"That isn't funny, Ariane," said Julie sternly. "Kenneth doesn't speak French. How can he know if you're joking or not?"

"I thought you British invented humour," said Mr Carteret, with a shrug.

Kenneth smiled. Kalindra chuckled.

"Yeah, but they kind of missed out on Kenneth when it came to delivery," she said.

"Not helping, Kallie," muttered Kenneth.

The Carterets hid their laughs well. Julie shook her head in annoyance.

"They can't stay serious for more than a minute," she told him. "So this is goodbye."

"Yes, I think so," said Kenneth. "But I'll see you soon."

"Sure you will," said Julie.

She bent closer and kissed him softly.

"Have a great summer, love," she whispered.

"I love you," he whispered back.

"I love you too, Kenneth." She said.

And Julie walked away with her family after they had bid Kenneth goodbye. She often turned to shoot him looks and smiles. Kenneth waved at her. Kalindra was beside him, waving her arms enthusiastically.

"So you met the family on the very same day you hooked up with her?" she said. "You are a quick one."

"Oh, that's very clever," said Kenneth, rolling his eyes.

"Don't worry," said Kalindra. "They're a nice bunch on the whole. The Dad's a muggle, so you probably don't have to be afraid of paternal vengeance. How lucky is that?"

"You are lucky that I tolerate your nonsense," said Kenneth, feigning a frown.

"I've always been a lucky gal," said Kalindra, smiling. "Come on, Kenneth. My parents offered to give you a ride."

"Great," said Kenneth.

They started toward the Johnsons. Kenneth felt loads better than last year on the same day. He felt a peace of mind he had only scarcely felt in a long time. At least, there was no doubt left in his mind. He was in love.

Ian picked up Ewan when they got off the train. Terry had already been found by his parents. They had parted on the promise that they would see each other during the summer. Ian could tell that Terry meant it, even if he sounded a little uneasy with Ian. Ian could understand why.

Terry was unsure of Ian's mood, and so wasn't sure how to act around him. Did Ian need him to joke around as usual, or did he need him to be serious? Ian could feel his dilemma and felt grateful for the care Terry showed for his friend.

Joel and Gina had vanished from sight, probably to share goodbyes on their own. Ian smiled at the thought of Joel having to tell his Mum that he had a girlfriend he wanted to invite over the summer.

Ewan nudged him in the ribs and pointed to a familiar silhouette walking through the barrier of the Station: John Malcolm.

Of course his parents had visited, after the whole ordeal. Dumbledore had insisted that they saw him. But they had been shocked, way too relieved to truly express what they felt about what had happened. Now, after a moment to think about it, Ian dreaded their reaction.

Ian's father wasn't smiling. He was just looking at his son. As Ian detailed his expression, a huge relief swept over him. John Malcolm's face was showing neither fear, nor disgust, nor reproach. All Ian could see was worry, deep care and Ian knew that all that his father wanted was to help him, right now.

Ian stopped in front of his father.

"Are you okay, Ian?" asked John.

"I've been better." said Ian, truthfully.

John nodded. He smiled at his son, and passed his arm over his shoulder. He squeezed it with all the tenderness of a father. Ian felt good at his touch, though he would have protested against it, a year ago.

Then, Neve Malcolm appeared on the platform. She ran to her son and pulled him into a bone-crushing hug, as John was welcoming Ewan with the same gesture. Ian's Mom whispered comforting words in her son's ear.

"You'll be okay, now, Ian," she said. "We will get through this. You will get better."

And, here, in the middle of the King's Cross station, Ian, started to believe it. Yes, he would get better. He could. With his friends and family, he could.

Ian gave into the hug, enjoying the feeling. Maybe he wasn't that bad after all, if his mother could still hug him like that. If she still loved him, then he was still the same.

"Alright," said John. "Let's go home."

"Ian?" said a voice behind him.

Ian turned and saw Kieran, who was with her parents. Gently letting go of Ian, Neve rushed to the young girl and hugged her, too.

"I'm so glad you're okay, Kieran," she said. "You were still unconscious when we visited you. I thought I was going to faint when I read Dumbledore's letter. You have all gone through so much."

"Thank you, Mrs Malcolm," said Kieran, in a whisper.

Mrs McDougall put her hands on her daughter's shoulders.

"Again, I must say how grateful we are to your son, Neve," she said.

Neve nodded and Anna let go of Kieran to face Ian. The look she had for him was serious.

"I know it came with a terrible price for you," she said. "That is why I insist on how grateful we are. You saved our daughter's life. We never will be able to repay you. I seriously mean it, Ian Malcolm."

Mr McDougall nodded gravely and Ian nodded back. That kind of debt was sacred among wizards, and he understood the meaning of it, but he didn't want to make the thanks last any longer.

Kieran walked slowly to Ian. And suddenly, both their parents decided to leave them alone for a moment. Kieran smiled to Ian.

"See you during the summer?" she asked.

"Are you staying home?" he replied.

"I need some time in the calm of London suburbs," said Kieran, smiling again. "So I will be in touch."

She hugged him suddenly.

"I'll owl you," she said. "I'll have to see you during the summer."

"Okay," said Ian.

He was deeply lost in the feeling of the hug. It was amazing. He had never felt like that before. Not even when she had hugged him in his return from Christmas break. Right now, he felt… at peace, complete.

"I realised something," said Kieran.

"What is that?" asked Ian.

"I never thanked you for saving my life," said Kieran. "I thought that was granted. I had always known you would come to my rescue, Ian. But still, I didn't say it. Thank you."

She kissed him on the cheek, and then she let go of him.

"You're welcome," said Ian on a shaky tone.

Kieran smiled and walked away to join her parents. She waved at him, and he waved back, a little numbly. When she walked through the barrier to the Muggle part of the Station, Ian lifted his hand to his cheek, where she had kissed him. It felt good, incredibly good.

He suddenly came to a certainty in his life. He didn't know where his life was going. He didn't know if his conscience would let him sleep in peace. He didn't know if his soul would carry the blood of Herrigan in his afterlife. But he knew one thing for sure.

He loved Kieran McDougall. He, Ian Malcolm, was in love. Funny it took him a whole year to figure it out and let go of the confusion and doubt. Had he always known about it? Maybe he had only found the courage now to face it.

Yes, he was in love with Kieran and that thought wasn't scary at all. Surprisingly, he found strength and hope in that.

He smiled and joined his parents who started off towards the barrier. Ewan shot him an intense look and then smiled.

"See? Told you," he said. "Now, you'll have to admit that I was right."

Ian chuckled. He didn't even think of denying it. Ewan was right. He had been right all along.

"Alright, you win this one," he said. "But you don't get your money back. The bet was only for the Ball."

"What bet?" asked John, curious.

"I don't want to talk about it," said Ewan darkly. "He cheated me out of a galleon."

Ian laughed. It was a relief to be able to laugh, as he was heading home for the summer.

Maybe life wasn't that harsh after all.

She looked at them walking all away, heading for their homes. She remembered having stood here, at the same date, a year ago, watching the same group of people. When she had brought them up to her brother, he had agreed that they could be important.

Now, there was no doubt left. The signs were all over them. Even if their teachers would be driving forces in the war to come, these children held the key to victory.

Aria Entwistle had her eyes on the young girl walking away with her parents, under the surveillance of the Order of the Phoenix. She fully didn't realise the importance of her gift, yet. Already, a shadow was following in her wake. Something Julie Carteret would see one day, would change the tide forever, in this war.

Then she looked at the Knight. So he had fulfilled the promise he had shown. How brave, how strong he had been, and he had still shown mercy. Aria wondered what Johan would have thought of his descendant. He would probably have been proud, though pride sounded like an understatement. At sixteen, the Knight had already dealt two mighty blows to the Warlocks. There was no telling how dangerous Kenneth Lionheart would be for the enemy, especially now that he had allied with the young Initiate.

The young genius. Aria was relieved to see her safe and healthy. Despite her rules not to attach to the ones she observed during her mission, she couldn't help it. She had grown fond of her. She reminded her so much of Thaeia. Bright, and yet kind and caring. She had feared for her, this year. She remained a puzzle. Aria was good at discerning someone's fate. Kieran McDougall's fate felt curious. Her role in the war was important, Aria could feel it, but somehow, she felt she had a purpose far greater than this.

And finally, she found him in the crowd. The Son of Chaos. His fate was a blur, his actions a game changer with each step he took. Aria had seen it in his mentor, but in no one as clearly as in Ian Malcolm. She could tell that he would decide the fate of the world, very soon.

She looked at them, her face pensive. She had only a short nod to her brother when he appeared beside her.

"The Brotherhood?" she asked.

"Secure," said Ariel. "I've added what power I could to their protection. We were right about Thierry."

"I know," said Aria. "I still feel sad that he had to go through all of this. Well, we have to believe she'll be fair to him."

"She should be," said Ariel. "He has proven himself enough. They all have."

Aria nodded, still looking at Ian, in the distance. Yes, the four children she was watching had been wounded, this year. They had been tested. One had known the price of arrogance and learned to make amends. One had been wounded in her flesh, coming very close to death. One had known the taste of Betrayal and the burden of embracing his legacy. And one had known the taste of a kill, to his deep horror.

They had been children, last year. Not any more. This year had been the year childhood had ended for them and now, the war was coming.

"Do you think they are ready?" asked Ariel. "They could doom us all, should they falter…"

"I don't believe they will falter," said Aria. "They may fail, but they will have tried their best."

"Let us hope their best is enough," said Ariel, gravely.

"Yes, we can only hope," said Aria. "Isn't it what we are about?"

Ariel could only nod.

Hope. Sometimes it was difficult to hold on to hope. But hope was all they could rely on, right now. The tide was rising. One way or another, it would all be over soon.

Unaware of the twins' eyes upon them, four witches and wizards, not yet adults, but far from children, now, made their way home, to heal and rest, until Fate would call on to them.

THE END

dialogue in French:

* So, this one is Kenneth?

** Yes, I'm sure of that.

*** Oh, come on!

**** No fooling around with my daughter, still.

So, at long last, here we are. That story is finally done.

Man, I can't believe how long and difficult it was to manage this rewrite. I thought I was going to give up on it. But, I must admit that I'm much more pleased with the story as it is, than as it was a few years ago. Now, as you can guess, there is a sequel in the works. I'm currently planning it out, to try and integrate all the changes I've made to Warlocks and Staff into the new version. They do impact the story quite a bit, since it will be the conclusion of the 'Shadows of Atlantis' arc, as I refer to it. I hope you will have the patience to let me do this right.

Oh, I will also have to publish a side story, either before or at the same time, so that everything is in place. Don't worry, that one is pretty short, compared to the main saga. I've already redone nearly half of it, and I'm progressing quicker than on Staff of Merlin.

I thank all the readers that had the patience to stick with me through this arduous ride. Hopefully the next one will be smoother.

See you around!

Coming soon… The Ghosts of the Tide

Ian, Kenneth, Julie, Kieran and the others face another year in Hogwarts, their lives changed since the previous term. But this year, as the Castle is overrun by strange ghosts, it seems the secret of Atlantis is finally about to emerge, while a plot threatens the children of Hermione and Ron and Alexander and Phyllis. Now it falls to our heroes to save our world from suffering the same fate as the sunken City.