Epilogue:

The Hogwarts trains station was quieter than usual as students hauled their baggage aboard. The hugs between friends seemed to last longer and few people laughed or cheered.

Sam Winchester stood at the edge of the platform, a steady breeze ruffling his hair. His bare ankles stuck out from under his robes which seemed slightly too small for him. Pensively, he stared back towards where he knew the castle waited.

Behind him, Castiel Milton leapt from the train after stowing his baggage. His approach was cautious, almost apologetic. There were dark circles under his eyes and his shoulders slumped.

Dean Winchester appeared behind Sam, having said his final goodbyes to Victor and Jo and even Lisa. He put an arm around his brother and Sam leaned into his side.

"Do you think we'll get to come back?" Sam asked softly.

"I'm sure we will. The new Minister personally pardoned us," Dean said.

"I guess we'll need a new potions teacher," Sam smiled faintly. "But will the headmaster allow us back?"

"He will," Castiel muttered. "He still needs you."

"I ruined everything, I guess. Even Hogwarts." Sam squeezed his eyes shut. Dean gripped him tighter and pulled Castiel into a hug on his other side.

"Nothing's ruined. It's royally fouled up, but it'll be ok," Dean reassured him. "Maybe in another place, we would fail, everyone would die, we'd lose more than we win, but not at Hogwarts. No matter who the headmasters, or professors, or students are, Hogwarts is special."

"But we'll have to keep fighting," Sam sighed. "And I just don't know how."

"We'll make it up as we go." A faint smile crossed Castiel's lips.

"We're a family. We'll figure it out," Dean said sternly, turning back to the train as the final boarding call rang out.

Castiel followed, gently touching Sam's shoulder. Sam turned back for one more glance towards the castle.

A dark smudge of clouds hovered over Hogwarts. Then a blinding ray of sunlight burst through the clouds. Sam shuddered.

"Better get on the train, boy," Bobby said, wandering up beside him. Sam turned and smiled at him.

"Yeah, we've got work to do."

The End