End Game

End Game, the sequel to Soul Searching, has now begun. It can be found on this site, story number /2849639/1/ or just click on the author name above and follow the link. It will continue the story into the trio's seventh year at Hogwarts, up to and including the final battle with Voldemort.

Since fanfiction dot net does not allow chapters that are solely authors notes, here are the first few paragraphs of End Game.

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Chapter 1, Return to Hogwarts

September 1

At first glance, Platform 9 ¾ looked much the same as it did every September first. The bright red locomotive sat puffing away, clouds of steam rising into the sky. Students were milling around, dragging trunks, greeting friends, saying goodbye to parents. Younger siblings whined and were shushed.

On closer inspection, though, it was clear that this year was different. The platform was not as crowded; there would be many fewer students on the train this year. The crowd was not as boisterous as in other years. Instead of running back and forth, eagerly checking up on their comrades the students huddled together in small groups. Two sets of questions dominated every conversation. "Who's here? Who's not here?" and "Is it really safe? Do you think there's going to be an attack?"

There was a noticeable Auror presence on the platform as the Ministry was aware that this was a high profile target and was taking no chances. There was a less noticeable presence as well, visible only to the few who were in the know. The Order of the Phoenix was also here in force. Each time the barrier to the platform flared, conversation paused and everyone looked up, cataloging the new arrivals, mentally updating the 'coming back/not coming back' list as the newcomers scurried into the crowd seeking the safety of a cluster of students.

Once more the barrier flared, but this time there was a difference. Three students strode confidently through the barrier. There was no ducking, no cowering with this trio. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger had arrived.

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So, follow the link and enjoy the rest of the story! (2849639/1/)