A/N - My word people, here it is!

This is the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Oroborus Light. Over two years in the works, and it now comes to a close. I have had many ups, many down, and even more in betweens in writing this novel, and it has opened my eyes and let my creative mind work its magic.

Of course, I thank everyone who has read my story as well, and recommended it in forums, to friends, and to family. I have had people tell me they printed it to read at work, at school, and to read to their kids. I have heard from people in Australia, United Kingdom, India, United States, China, Japan, France, Canada; almost everywhere I could think of, and it humbles me to know that my little story has been read all around the world.

Writing this novel has been a wonderful experience, and I hope it has been just as wonderful for you all to read it (even with my grammatical errors!).

Please enjoy this last chapter, and thank you again to all my readers!

Chris (aka circinusphoenix)
April 4, 2008

PS - Just an added note: there are some revisions needed for this and prior chapters. It's not major revision, just some thing I need to fix up. Those should be up soon I hope.

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- CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE-

Out of the Ashes

The room was cast in an obsidian darkness, and eerie quietness. The drapes on the windows were closed, though most of them were burnt and had many holes and rips in them, allowing a dull moonlight to creep by into the room.

Sitting up and looking about, she found the room itself to be empty, with ancient fossil-like embers placed in the fireplace, as if it had been snuffed out centuries ago. The walls were scorched and pitted with blast marks from spells and soot caused by fire. Many of the paintings had their frames broken and splintered on the floor, while the furniture—once a welcoming and comfy shade of maroon—now lay in ruins across the floor in piles of broken wood and scorched leather.

Tentatively taking a step off the table which she appeared to be lying on, her bare feet touched the cold and littered carpet below, and her body shivered as the drafty air bombarded her skin.

She began to walk about slowly, wondering what had happened, and imagining the horror that might have taken place in this very room. Why was she here? Where was everyone? Did the castle fall? Was everyone dead?

She continued to pace about quietly, watching her feet to make sure she did not step on anything. Her mind was spiraling through millions of questions, and all she wanted to do is find someone to tell her what's going on.

What about Voldemort? And the Death Eaters? What about Ron and Luna? What about—

'Hermione!'

She quickly turned around, and in the process fell over from the scare as well from the sudden movement. She had reached for her wand, but her pocket was empty. The person who called her name was approaching quickly, throwing debris out of the way, while the room spun for a moment as Hermione regained her bearings.

'Hermione! For Merlin's sake, you're alive!' the voice yelled again.

'I know that Ronald, I can hear you screaming it right in front of me!' she bit back, taking Ron's extended hand and lifting herself up.

'You were dead, I swear you—' Ron mumbled as he embraced her in a bone-crushing hug, indicative more of Mrs. Weasley.

'Ron—'

'Yes, you were dead, I remember—' he continued, backing up a moment and looking over her as if some fragile piece of art.

'Ronald—'

'But then how are you alive now—' he began to ask as he squinted oddly.

'RON!' Hermione finally yelled, Ron snapping out of his stupor. 'Where's Harry? Is he alright? Where is everyone? Did we lose? Where's—'

'We won Hermione' he started, placing his hands on her shoulders to calm her down. 'Death Eaters are all out of the castle now. It's only been two days, and we still have a lot of cleaning to do.'

'Two days? I've been sleeping for two whole days?'

'Well, you were dead. Um, maybe not—I don't know' Ron stuttered.

'What about Harry?' Hermione insisted. Ron looked away for a moment, and with the simple reaction, Hermione's fingers grew instantly cold with anxiety. He couldn't be . . .

'Hermione . . . after the battle . . .'

'Hermione!' someone else yelled, coming through the portrait hole. Hermione took glance at Luna coming in, but turned back to Ron.

'We thought you were de—'

'Ron, where is Harry?' Hermione interrupted Luna, looking back at Ron almost maniacally. Luna knew her place not to be upset over Hermione's interruption.

'After the battle, after you . . . died, he remembered something that those skeleton things in the tomb said—'

'The Kas' Hermione stated rapidly, Ron nodding slowly, causing Hermione's angst to increase exponentially.

'Yeah, well, after Harry found out you were dead, he went back to the tomb. . .'

'And?' Hermione almost shouted in anger and worry.

'And we don't know.'

'What do you mean you don't know? He's your best friend for Merlin's sake!'

'We tried to get into the tomb, but the bloody door won't open, and we can't Apparate in!' Ron responded aggressively. Ron had, over the last two days, had a terrible time trying to realize that Harry might be gone, and it annoyed him that Hermione thought he did not try anything to find him.

In the two days that Hermione was lying "dead", Ron had coordinated as big of a rescue party as he could. There were more wizards trying to get to Harry than there were in Hogwarts helping with repairs and injuries. Arthur Weasley was working with what remained of the Ministry, pouring through texts in Department of Mysteries as all the departments worked on methods of extracting Harry.

Ron stayed in Egypt with the curse breakers and the other wizards and witches, trying to help out. At the time, he was the only one left alive who had been in the tomb, so he was the closest thing to an expert about it. He only returned to Hogwarts twice a day to hear from the Ministry and get updates from the professors on their efforts. This return was the second for that day, as he was going up to his dormitory to get a change of clothes for the next day.

'I need to get there, I need to find him' Hermione asserted, turning towards the portrait hole. She began to walk towards it when her legs gave out from underneath her. She fell to the floor hard, and Luna and Ron came running over to help her up.

'Hermione, you need food, and you need to regain your energy before you go running off to Egypt' Ron insisted.

'Ronald's right Hermione. You only really come back from the dead once. Twice is rare' Luna pointed out.

'I need . . . to find Har—' Hermione whispered, before passing out.

--
'Hermione . . .'

His voice echoed into eternity, and as she turned, trying to see into the shadows that engulfed her, she tried desperately to see where he was.

'Harry! Harry, where are you?' she yelled, her voice repeating back from the echoes multiple times before dying out in the emptiness of space.

She grasped for her wand, and tried lighting up the area, but it made little difference. She tried several spells, even summoning Harry to her, but nothing worked. The powerlessness of her efforts was causing her to panic and tears to fall as she continued yelling out to Harry to try and save him.

'I can't—I can't see you! Harry, where are you?' she asked again desperately, her eyes brimming with tears.

The silence that followed seemed to cause the darkness to encroach on Hermione's space, pushing towards her on all sides. She crouched down to stay in the light of her wand, and she began shaking with fear. She never liked small spaces, and this darkness continued to advance on her. As the threatening darkness began clawing at her from all sides, his voice finally returned as if a whisper, coming from all around her.

'I am in you Hermione . . . your memories, your magic, your kiss . . .'

'I . . . I don't understand, I have to save you!' Hermione sputtered out as tears ran down her cheeks. Hearing his voice so close and soft, it was as if he was right there next to her.

'The love that drives the power may yet save wielder' a raspy voice, not Harry's, echoed around her, causing her bones to shiver. 'As the wielder controlled the power to save that which he could not do without, and not to gain that which he was without, so his fate lies with that which drove the power. For the love now possesses that which the wielder must have to live, and only she can bear the trinity upon the wielder to complete the circle.'

The voice stopped for a moment as something began to form into the stone underneath Hermione. It was burning into the stone, and as she looked, she found it was a triangle, superimposed onto a circle. Her mind wondered for a moment, as she recollected seeing this image before.

'Three points, three sides of the triangle' the wicked voice continued to speak from the shadows. By now Hermione realized it was the voice of the taller Ka, the mother, from the Tomb. 'The circle must be completed now, as the sands of time continue to flow. For on the third day when the Sun touches the Tomb, the phoenix will never again rise from the ashes.'

The triangle and circle burst into flame all around Hermione, and as she shielded her eyes, her surroundings lit up and she saw Harry a few feet away, standing between the Kas from the Tomb.

'I am in you Hermione . . .'

'HARRY!' she screamed, trying to reach out to him. Harry smiled pleasantly, before suddenly erupting into flames. His tussled black hair, his bright green eyes, his body; it all burned away in an instant, leaving only the tattered remains of his clothes and his skeleton, like the Kas standing next to him.

'NO!'

--

'Hermione!' someone yelled.

She bolted up, and was suddenly held by a pair of firm but comforting arms. She had a cold sweat running all over, and she was panting heavily as the vision of Harry was literally burning into her mind.

'It's all right dear' Mrs. Weasley cooed, rubbing her back gently. 'It was just a dream.'

'A dream . . .' Hermione whispered. 'A dream! I have to go!' she exclaimed, shrugging off Mrs. Weasley's hands and getting off the bed. She was in the girl's dormitory in Gryffindor Tower, and it was only her and Mrs. Weasley.

'Hermione, you need your rest dear' Mrs. Weasley insisted, picking up the lantern that lit the room to see where she was going.

'I have to save Harry! I know where he is!'

'Hermione' Mrs. Weasley began sympathetically, stepping over and placing a hand on her shoulder. 'Harry's gone.'

'No he isn't! I have to go and save him!' Hermione persisted, grabbing up her traveling cloak and her wand. Mrs. Weasley was still trying to tell Hermione as calmly and quietly as possible that Harry was more than likely gone, but Hermione was not listening. The only thing that Hermione could hear was what the Ka said in her dream.

'The circle must be completed now, as the sands of time continue to flow. For on the third day when the Sun touches the Tomb . . .'

Running down the stairs, Mrs. Weasley pleading with her to stay, she dashed out the portrait hole, and towards the grounds. She bundled her cloak tight, and as she ran through the floors, she could see the destruction the attack had inflicted on the rest of the castle. The library was looked completely destroyed, as was the state of the Charms classroom, and she had to back up and take another route along the third floor when she came around a corner to find an entire section of the floor was gone, dropping straight down to the first floor.

Reaching to Entrance Chamber, where dozens of wizards and witches were still working to clean up everything and organize the dead in what was left of the Great Hall, she turned towards the doorway, and was confronted by Ron, Luna, and Neville. All three barred her way out, and she stopped in front of them angrily.

'Hermione, where are you going? You should be upstairs resting' Ron declared seriously.

'I'm going to save Harry.'

'Hermione' Neville started hesitantly, 'the Order has been trying, they can't get in.'

'I know, but maybe they're missing something that I'll figure out.'

'Hermione, these are the best members of the Order, and the Ministry and . . . well, everything! Dad's at the Ministry trying to figure it out, and they have the best curse breakers working it out . . . well, the best curse breakers still alive that is' Ron added with a frown.

'Hermione's right, they are missing something. It's just the like the Hidden Treasure of Yum-Yum Kittumockle' Luna chimed in.

Hermione suppressed the urge to scream at something so dumb sounding, and settled for an angry groan. Luna, of course, went ahead and explained herself anyways.

'It's true. With the Treasure, you need a special wand to open it. Last guess was a Rowan wood with Snortuckle Sheaf feather wand, but I think the chap who tried that was turned into a chicken. But Ronald told me it was the same as the tomb, minus the chicken. Only Topher's wand would work, right?' The other three all looked at each other with sudden realization, and Hermione's eyes grew bright with hope. She lunged over at Luna and gave her a huge hug.

'Oh Luna! You're the smartest girl I've ever met!' she said happily, running onto the path towards the gates. Ron and Neville glanced at Luna with smiles, while Luna observed a pig-shaped cloud in the night sky, and the three of them rushed to catch up to Hermione. Once they got past the gates—only then being told that the Anti-Apparation spells on the grounds had been neutralized—Hermione stopped and the others finally were able to ask where they were going.

'The Department of Mysteries. We need to get Durward.' She gave a quick thought and Apparated away, Ron and Neville nodded at each other, Luna glancing at another cloud, this one cow-shaped, before all three of them following Hermione.

Landing in the Entrance Chamber of what was left of the Ministry, they ran up to Hermione and began pelting her with questions.

'Why do we need that old crow?'

'Yeah, what does he have to do with anything? Shouldn't we try to find Topher's wand, if it was the one that opened the Tomb before like Luna said?' Neville added to Ron's question.

'Don't you remember that letter from Fawkes before we went to the Tomb? Only Griffin feather wands can open the tomb, and only the Veneforbis Guard have those cores! Topher's family was in the Veneforbis, and that's why his worked. Durward is also in the Veneforbis, so his will work too!' Hermione pointed out happily.

The Ministry was in heavy reconstruction and cleaning up, and the four of them running through was not really noticed by many. Only when they got to the Department of Mysteries did they get stopped by Aurors, who would not let them pass.

'No, you are not allowed down here. Turn around, and go back upstairs. The Department is closed due to break-ins.'

'We know that, we were some of the people that were breaking in! We need to talk to Durward' Ron argued, Neville rubbing his forehead in frustration.

'You four broke in- . . . take them!' the Auror yelled, other black-cloaked Aurors coming towards them. Hermione and the others struck their wands up quickly, ready to duel. They were willing to do anything that could save Harry.

'What is going on here?' a calm but gruff voice sounded behind one of the taller Aurors. They turned, and an old man limped forwards, wearing dark robes with the blue V on the front.

'Durward! Thank Merlin you're here' Hermione professed.

'We need your help—' Ron started.

'—to save Harry' Hermione finished. Durward glanced over the four of them for a moment, and then turned towards the Auror.

'Leave us now' Durward ordered the Aurors. They obeyed quickly, and left the five of them alone just outside the door to the Department of Mysteries.

'Judging that you are alive now—' he started, pointing at Hermione '—Harry went back to the Tomb?' All four of them nodded, and he scratched his bearded chin for a moment.

'What makes you think he is alive, when he most certainly is dead?' Durward asked forwardly.

'Because the Kas—the um, guards in the tomb—'

'I know what the Kas are' Durward stipulated crustily, Hermione continuing.

'They told me I could save him.'

'When did they tell you that?' Ron asked wondrously.

'Just tonight in a dream; I heard Harry too.' Hermione understood it was a leap. Normally she herself would never go on a venture based on someone's dream about someone who is in all likelihood dead. She would understand it was the person's desire to see the other alive, that they would go to any length to save them, or hold on to the tiniest hope that they would still be alive, even when that hope was long past its due date.

But this dream was just too real to dismiss, and she had to hold on to this hope. She understood beyond clarity now why Harry went to the Department of Mysteries two years before to try and save Sirius. She understood at the time it was more than likely a trap, but it did not matter to Harry. All that mattered was that someone he loved was in danger, and needed to be helped. It held the same for Hermione, and not even logic could keep her from completing this.

'I heard Harry this afternoon in my nap' Luna fluttered in suddenly, Durward giving her a strange look, as he probably did not notice she was even there before she spoke.

'You did?' Hermione asked with surprise, her brow furrowing.

'He said he liked my turnip earrings.'

Durward sighed with displeasure, as Hermione rolled her eyes in rage from the three seconds of wasted time. The old man turned back to Hermione, and Ron walked over to Luna to remind her of the seriousness of the situation. Luna replied that from Harry's comment, she thought maybe turnips might be important to his finding.

'What did Harry tell you in his dream?' Durward asked.

Hermione explained her dream, and what the Ka told her, and Durward quickly understood. When Hermione mentioned the triangle superimposed on the circle, Durward's eyes grew wide for a moment, and he hurried all of them out of the Ministry to get to Egypt as soon as possible.

Hermione knew there was a rush. Aside from Harry being there for almost three full days, the Ka explained what would happen to Harry if she did not get to him before sunrise. It did not take much for Hermione to understand that "the phoenix" the Ka spoke of was Harry, his patronus making that clear.

Hermione was still weak, and Neville and Luna hadn't been to the Wizard's Valley where the tomb was, so they all Side-Along Apparated together. The trip through the dark siphoning tube was tough on all of them, and after what felt like an eternity of being squeezed from all sides, Hermione's feet finally fell into the sand, and she fell over.

'Are you alright miss?' Durward asked, offering his wrinkled hand. Hermione accepted, and slowly got back up, letting her feet settle into the cool sand.

'I'm alright thank you. We need to get to the tomb' Hermione stressed. By this time, the darkness in the sky was beginning to fade, and in the east, the horizon was starting to lighten.

'Right, let us hurry' Durward stated. Ron lead the way towards the tomb, where even at this time late in the night—or early in the morning depending on your prospective—there were at least a dozen wizards and witches working on the doorway.

'Ron, we think we've made progress. We might be able to blast through if—'

'No, it won't work. There's only one way to open it, and he has it' Ron concluded, interrupting one of the curse breakers who were working on the tomb.

'Stand away' Durward instructed. He walked up to the tomb door, and placed his wand tip on the surface.

Speaking in whispers of what sounded like a strange language, the odd markings like those that appeared on Topher's wand appeared, this time bright red rather than the icy-blue. Durward stood back after the markings vanished from his wand, and with a loud rumble, a small opening came into existence, leading down into a fire-lit tunnel. The entire group of wizards and witches began to move forward, however Durward stopped them.

'Only I and three others may enter. Any more would cause great death' he advised darkly. The others nodded in understanding, and Ron, Hermione, and Neville moved towards the entry. They quickly agreed that Luna should wait outside, however as Neville moved towards the opening, Durward stopped him.

'No boy, you stay here. She comes' he stipulated, pointing at Luna. Neville was going to protest, but Hermione and Ron yelled from the tunnel to hurry, as the sunlight was moving ever closer.

Neville backed away, and Luna rushed forward and dove in, Durward following quickly and the opening shutting behind them.

The tunnel was much the same as before, with a sandy floor and flat smoothed walls. Torches lined the sides this time, so there was no need for wandlight as before.

Reaching Ron and Hermione, they came to the fork in the tunnel, and took the right path as before. They came to the opening in the cave where the Lethifolds were, but as they approached, Durward continued on without worry, and walked normally. Wondering, the others paced slowly into the chamber, to find it empty. Rather than question the disappearance of the Lethifolds, Ron and Hermione ran forward with Luna in tow.

They moved into the last parts of the tunnel, where the air was musty and old. Ron still did not like dark and creepy tunnels, but his will to save Harry was foremost in his mind. Hermione, her body screaming at her to stop running, was pushing forward with every last ounce of strength. Several times she fell over into the sand, and Durward and the others had to help her up and move her farther.

Finally, Hermione could see the burial chamber, and she fought against her weak muscles to get to it. The last long corridor towards the chamber seemed to take forever, and several times Hermione swore she heard Harry's voice echoing as it had in her dreams. She was not sure if it was the tiredness that was causing it, or if it was actually happening.

Ron and Luna helped Hermione the last few feet, and they entered the dark and awful smelling room. The Kas were still there, standing in front of the two smaller tombs. The blue flame that burned above the center tomb continued to flicker, and as Durward examined the room, his wandlight moved over the top of the center tomb, and Hermione's heart felt like it was being crushed at the sight in front of her.

It was Harry's body, lying on top of the center tomb. Durward rushed forward and tried to look for a pulse, but as he slowly moved away and looked down, Hermione began crying uncontrollably as her legs gave out and she fell into Ron's arms.

They were too late, he was dead. She tried as much as she could and it was not enough. All she wanted was to save him, as he did for her. She was drenched in such sadness that she did not think could exist, and as Luna moved over to comfort her with Ron, Ron looked up and his body grew stiff.

'Hermione-' he whispered.

Hermione turned, still enveloped in Ron's arms, and her watery eyes found the Kas looking at her with their dark hollows of their eye sockets. Ron helped her turn to face them, and she wiped her eyes as best as she could, but the tears continued to flow like a mighty river of sorrow.

'We know what you have come for' the taller Ka spoke hoarsely.

'And you have been told how to find it' the smaller one added.

'I- . . . I- . . . ' Hermione tried to speak, but nothing was coming. Did she still have time? If she did, it was winding down. Harry's life was in her hands, and her mind was lost. She had to focus, but it was such a heavy weight on her, nothing but panic ran through her veins.

'What do you want Hermione?' Durward asked quickly. Ron and Luna were much like Hermione, and had no idea what to do. Durward knew the scripts and history, and he knew his purpose. He had to guide the three points—the three sides of the triangle—to where they had to be. He was the circle.

'I- . . . I want Harry!' Hermione whimpered, Harry's name coming as a sputter of tears and heartache.

'Then remember your dream. Harry said he was in you, correct?' Durward asked, Hermione nodding, her tears still falling. She was trying so hard to gain control of her emotions and think, but every time she tried, memories of Harry would pour through her mind, and make her even worse.

'How was he in you?' Durward asked hastily, trying to snap her out of her state.

'In my . . . my memories, magic, and kiss' Hermione recalled, sniffing.

'Sounds like a Patronus' Luna mentioned quietly.

'What?' Ron asked nervously.

'That's the other thing Harry told me. He said he always liked my Patronus: the dancing hare' she explained. 'You use memories and magic to make a Patronus, at least I do.'

'A . . . Patronus . . . ' Hermione repeated.

Just as she looked over again at Harry's body, the blue flame above him on the pedestal began to flicker and dim. Everyone's eyes grew wide at the realization of what it symbolized.

'It's almost sunrise, bring her over here!' Durward ordered. Ron and Luna helped her over next to Harry's body, as the Kas turned and watched quietly, their skeletons scratching and cracking as their bones moved.

'Whether you use the Book or not, the same result will come to pass Harry Potter' the woman Ka spoke darkly, more as the quiet sound of a memory.

'Only one way exists to change the result, and it will lead you back here' the child Ka whispered to the group.

'When the world is lost and the snake is broken' the woman Ka spoke, Ron keeping his eyes on them carefully.

Hermione came right next to Harry's body, and her tears continued to run down her cheeks, devastated to see him lifeless on the tomb. The blue flame continued to flicker and grow smaller, and Hermione began to panic again. Her head was frantic with all the different voices.

'I am in you Hermione . . . your memories, your magic, your kiss . . .'

'We know what you have come for . . . and you have been told how to find it.'

'A Patronus.'

'The flame is dying, you must act now!' Durward snapped.

Ron moved to the other side of the tomb, and held on to Hermione's hand along with Luna, who was standing between them at the foot of the tomb that Harry's body was lying on. Ron looked at Hermione with such a determination in his eyes, her eyes could not move away from them.

'Think good thoughts Hermione, you know what to do.' The stare between the two friends last only a fraction of a second, but it gave Hermione what she needed. Ron trusted and believed in her, and with Harry's words, she did the only thing she could think of doing. Swiftly taking out her wand, she waved it above Harry's body.

'Expecto Patronum!'

At first only a wisp of cloud came from her wand, but as she closed her eyes, she buried her mind in the happiest memories of Harry. She could remember seeing him catch that first snitch on the Quidditch Pitch, remember that glance of total understanding when running through the tasks to the Philosopher's Stone.

The memories began cascading through her mind like an avalanche, and as they continued to pile through her mind more and more, her patronus finally came into existence, and her beautiful otter jumped out of her wand and onto the tomb. In the instant, she opened her eyes, and looked at her Patronus as it glanced at her.

'Bring him back' she told it pleadingly. The otter turned, and dove into the blue flame above the tomb.

'I am in you Hermione . . . your memories, your magic, your kiss . . .'

With her memories and magic now done, Hermione—continuing to flood her mind with the happy memories of Harry—bent down to return the last bit of Harry to his body, and kissed his lips softly.

The blue flame erupted into a fireball as her lips met his, and Hermione was suddenly transported back to the East Tower Common Room during Christmas.

--

'For your gift, I need you to close your eyes' Harry instructed. Hermione was intrigued by the mysteriousness of this, but went along in a playful manner.

They spent all of Christmas Eve together, and were relaxing peacefully after dinner. The two of them were sitting in front of the hearth, and decided to exchange Christmas gifts. Hermione had rushed upstairs to get Harry's Pensieve, and he liked it immensely. Now it was Harry's turn to give her gift, and her mind was very interested.

'As long as your gift isn't slimy, and moves' Hermione warned, closing her eyes and grinning. She could hear Harry getting up and moving around behind her, which made her wonder.

'Harry where are you going?' she asked, tempted to open her eyes and look to see what was going on. Harry merely shushed her, and she heard something click open then shut. Her mind was wondering about what it could be, until she suddenly felt the chill of a metal necklace and warmth of Harry's hands brushed across her skin. She quivered from the cold metal on her skin, as well as Harry's soft touch, and as he closed the clasp on the back of her neck, she opened her eyes and looked down at the beautiful silver locket.

It was Harry's mother's locket. She knew how much he cherished all his parent's possessions. Since finding the locket, she never saw Harry without it, and to be given such a heartwarming and loving gift, it made Hermione awe at his caring.

'Oh Harry' she whispered, glancing over her shoulder at Harry, who was smiling intensely. She could not believe he was giving her such a thing.

'Open it' Harry said simply. She looked down again at the silver locket, and slowly opened it, her hands tingling.

The inscription on the inside made her heart warm immensely, and tears came to her eyes. He had thought of everything, every little detail that could have been thought of, and it was all perfect. She had never been given such a gift. It was past wonderful—it was something that made her feel loved beyond words.

For months she had been feeling a lot for Harry, but keeping it as locked away as possible for fear it may ruin their friendship. While at the beginning it was hard to see, by the beginning of December Harry was starting to warm to her. With this locket though, Hermione needed no more proof that not only Harry liked her, that she liked Harry.

To my
dearest Hermione

All my love
Harry

Harry gently placed his tender and steady hands on Hermione's shoulders, and a few tears broke free, and ran down her cheeks. He was being quiet and calm just as she wished he would be.

Harry gave a squeeze to her shoulders, and she sniffled again. She continued to look at the locket, and as Harry moved around to face her, more tears came from Hermione's eyes. He looked so handsome in the firelight, and his soft smile made her smile brightly, as the tears became ones of happiness. She hated to cry in front of Harry, feeling like a blubber-face, but the beauty of his gift and his caring was a bit overwhelming to her at the time.

'Hermione, I've known you for so long, and I never want to loose you. When I've fallen, you picked me up; when I thought of turning away, you pushed me forward. You've always been there for me, even when I didn't deserve it.'

'He always deserved it and more' voiced in her head.

'I know we have a tough time ahead, and I can't go on without telling you how much you mean to me' Harry expressed warmly. Hermione had waited so long to hear this from Harry, it was all too much for both of them, and even he began to tear from it all, which made Hermione love him all the more.

'You mean so much to me Hermione, you always have. There isn't a day that passes that I'm not grateful for Ron and me saving you from that Troll in first year. I can't imagine my world without you, and the truth is' he took a hiccupped breath, as tears streamed down his face, 'I love you Hermione.'

Hearing the words aloud, Hermione's tears suddenly ceased, and her sniffling silenced. She gazed at him, into the clouds of eloquent emerald, contemplative sage, and radiant viridian that swirled in his eyes.

She always found his eyes to peer past the exterior, and down into the depths of her soul, and right now she was experiencing exactly that. His gaze wound its way into the recesses of her mind, all the way past the logic and reason, down to the most elemental foundations of her. It moved past it all, and reached the true woman under all the school work and reason.

Biting her lip, she began that terrifying but exciting lean forward. Harry was in this with her, and as they came to the pinnacle, she could feel Harry's warm breath against her neck, causing a shiver to spread all the way to her toes. She had never felt so nervous before in her life, but deep down she knew it was meant to be.

As their lips finally came together, Hermione felt like she was floating in space. The sounds and smells of their surroundings died out, and only the kiss existed in the universe. It moved so sensually and slow, but with the pressure released, it soon became fiery.

Harry gave into the moment and wrapped his arms around Hermione, which drove Hermione's heart uncontrollably. She let go of all her inhibitions and let her body free. She pushed against Harry forcefully, letting her hands explore Harry's arms and shoulders. The fire in both of them continued to grow as they deepened their kiss, and as Harry's hands began running almost effortlessly through her hair, Hermione was falling into all the passion with no intention of letting it go.

As the crackle of the fire came back to her, the kiss slowed, winding down at an infinitely slow pace, letting it gradually turn into a kiss of love and softness. Hermione felt like time itself was stopped, and the two of them were the only people left in the world. The feel of his hair, his shoulders, his face—she caressed them all slowly, until finally they looked at each other with such a gaze that moved past words. Harry looked at her and beamed brightly, Hermione so happy with it all that a smile would not do, and she laughed in his arms.

'I love you too Harry.'

--

He opened his eyes, only to squint and raise his hand to block the brilliant sunlight that was coming through the windows. Why she left the drapes open in the morning, no one would know, but it bugged him immensely, especially on his days off.

But he had to get going. There was a big ceremony at the school today, as they had finally finished rebuilding it all. It took almost two full years since the end of the war to get it all done, but Hogwarts would again be what it always was. He could not wait to see the school he loved so much, and all the friends that had moved on since the end of the war.

Sitting up in bed, he yawned loudly, and got out of bed. Glancing at the pictures on the dresser, he went into the washroom and got ready for the day. Once finished, he came into the kitchen and fixed himself a good breakfast of cereal and toast, and looked through the post that an owl had delivered earlier that morning.

'From Molly Weasley' he read, tearing open the letter.

Hello dear,

The rest of the family will be arriving at Hogwarts at 2pm for the ceremony, and we expect to see you there ON TIME! None of this walking in 20 minutes late like the ceremony at the Ministry!

I sent a package to you, and you will wear what I sent this time, or there will be trouble!

Love Mum

He looked over at the counter, and indeed there was a package. He laughed as he got up, and brought the parcel over onto the kitchen table.

'Oh Mum, I knew you wouldn't let me down' he chuckled, opening the package to find a set of black dress robes. He took them out, and was amazed that she had actually picked out a set of decent looking dress robes. He knew that if he wore his old set of robes she would be enraged, but he had to wear his old cloak. Going back to Hogwarts for the opening ceremony, he had to wear his Hogwarts cloak, which still bore the Guardians' shield.

Putting on the robes and getting his Hogwarts cloak, he looked at himself in the mirror, and a tiny bit of sadness entered his mind.

So much had happened in the past few years, many times he dreamed of being back at Hogwarts. To be only three years younger, and live in the castle like he did. To always be surrounded by his family and friends, it was something he missed. It was almost impossible to feel alone at Hogwarts and The Burrow during those days, but now that everyone had moved on, the world seemed a lot bigger, and he missed the closeness.

Seeing the time on the clock, he got himself ready to leave. He had to give a speech, something he always hated, and went over it a few times before leaving. It mentioned the past, the future; things he was not too motivated to talk about. Hermione had helped him with the speech, as it was more of something for her, but she told him he had to say what he wanted to say. He even asked Luna for help, but talking about all the new supposed Lemuratums that she said would haunt the castle grounds did not really spark his interest.

He gave a sigh, and opted to go ahead. Getting himself ready for the barrage of people and questions, he breathed in the quietness of home before thinking of Hogsmede, and Apparating away.

Landing in the town, he smiled at the buildings that had been built to replace the charred remains of the old ones. They looked almost identical to what was there before, but of course some scars could never be fixed.

He was greeted in the streets by several people, asking him about the war and things he had done. It was common knowledge now for people to know what he did in the war, and people still marveled at all the things that had occurred. Two years after however, people had gradually become less pestering to him and the family, which allowed him and everyone else to move on with more normal lives. Well, as normal as could be.

Reaching the ground of Hogwarts, he smiled brightly at the huge drape that hid Hogwarts from all the wondering eyes. Would it look the same as before? Would it feel like it did, walking through the hallways?

He knew it would never be as it was before, but all buildings go through changes, just as the people who go through them do. Everyone who had returned to Hogwarts that day had changed; for better or worse was still left to be seen by some, but the castle itself could never be as it was.

'Thank Merlin you showed up at the right time' came a voice from behind him. He turned, and grinned happily.

'Hey, I'm always on time Mum! And thanks for the robes, they fit like an invisibility cloak' he chimed happily, as Mrs. Weasley looked him over, and found a crease that needed to be wiped out on his shoulder.

'I see the cloak wasn't to your liking though?' she noted, giving a frown that quickly became a bright smile.

'Oh you look dapper. I think most people wore their Hogwarts cloaks back today' she mentioned.

'Hello son' Mr. Weasley expressed happily, giving a handshake.

'How are things at the Ministry?'

'Just wonderful, wonderful. The Minister should be arriving soon I imagine, but you'll meet him when you give your speech.'

'Right . . . my speech' he mentioned grimly.

'Oh come now, you'll do grand, isn't that right Luna?' Mr. Weasley asked, as Luna walked over. She wore her Hogwarts robes all the way down to the socks, was happily brandishing her turnip earrings.

'I'm sure you'll be wonderful. People are really interested in Lemuratrums. We sold out the last copy of the Quibbler, and the feature was on them.'

He smiled awkwardly at Luna as she smiled brightly and twiddled with her blonde hair, and his fingers began to fidget in his pockets. She gave him luck on his speech, a kiss on the cheek, and found her seat in front of the podium by the rest of the Weasleys. Hundreds of seats were set up on the grass in front of the podium, all facing the castle.

As everyone took their seats, and he went to his place on the stage, people waved at him happily, and he returned the favour. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were conversing amongst themselves, and as he looked down the row, he smiled at Luna—who was talking to Colin Creevy, who found a career as a photographer with the Quibbler and the Daily Prophet.

Looking about, he was becoming anxious as time drew near, and people began to take their seats. Once everyone had taken their place, two ominous empty seats sitting next to Mr. Weasley, the Master of Ceremonies—Professor McGonagall—took the podium.

'Welcome past students, professors, and friends, to the grounds of Hogwarts. This day has been two years in the making, and all of us have returned to these grounds to usher in a new era for our society.

'While we celebrate the reopening of Hogwarts to the wizarding world, and the continuation of education that these grounds have provided for over a millennia, we must acknowledge the terrible price that was paid by those who believed in this school, and our way of life.'

She faltered for a moment, looking down the row of dignitaries on the stage, and looked up at the sky.

'Many of us were here when the war came, and many never left these grounds when the war left. We honour our lost friends, revere their sacrifice, and cherish their devotion by standing here today, continuing to hold on to and defend what they wished to preserve.'

'And out of the ashes of the war, we have all rebuilt our world, never forgetting those who died valiantly. We have rebuilt our families, our homes, our lives, and now after two long and changing years, we have rebuilt a place that will always be a shining beacon of hope; a place that will never forget the brave, clever, fair, and cunning wizards, witches, and beings that perished to preserve it.

'Yet as we remember the departed, we look forward as well. As I look at the rebuilding of Hogwarts, I see it not as the end of a dream from the old world, but as the beginning of a new hope for the future. Let this castle stand for yet another millennia, and remind the world that you must never tickle a sleeping dragon, for within it there is a spirit that neither time nor wizard-kind can destroy.'

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, and she smiled brightly at everyone. He was very respectful of Professor McGonagall's speech, having some essence of Dumbledore's wisdom.

In the moments as the crowd began to fade, his heart began to race as he knew he was the first speech after Professor McGonagall. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley smiled up at him encouragingly, however his eyes were trying to find the two people whose seats were still empty next to the Weasleys. Where were they?

'It is my distinct pleasure to introduce the first to speak at this ceremony. He stood by his beliefs and those whom he loved, and conquered that which most thought was impossible. He overcame adversity, and in the end, helped shape the world that we now are blessed to live in—' Professor McGonagall spoke graciously. He was still trying to look through the hundreds of faces, seeing if either of them where there, but it seemed they were not. Where could you be Hermione and Ron?

'Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Harry Potter.'

Harry stood from his seat on the stage to thunderous applause, and he smiled sheepishly. He could imagine how red his face must have looked, but he tried to maintain his composure, and shook Professor McGonagall's hand.

'James and Lily would be very proud, as would Albus' she avowed, beaming at him as she turned and took her seat. Harry stayed focused on the podium as he walked forward to more applause, and after several moments of standing at the podium and looking out at the crowd, a smile broke across his face. He was still nervous, but knowing everyone was so supportive, it helped. He still wished that Ron and Hermione would be there though.

The applause began to dim, and Harry shuffled the paper that had his speech. The sweat on his forehead became all the more apparent to him as he looked down at the words, and adjusted his glasses. The words seemed blurry and his anxiety began to rise again.

Looking up again, he found the crowd had finished, and took their seats again. Hundreds of people were looking up at Harry, waiting for him to speak wonderful words and inspire everyone. His mouth was so dry, as he tried to say hello, he erupted into coughs.

Clearing his throat, and regaining his composure, he shuffled his papers again, and looked out at the people.

'Hello everyone. It's great to be here again at Hogwarts, seeing it rebuilt with all my family and friends' he said, pausing for a moment. 'Well, not all my family and friends' he added sadly, looking down at the paper again. The instant he finished the line, he kicked himself internally.

'Wonderful way to start a speech Harry.'

'Hogwarts was my home, and I think it will always be my home. Everyone remembers their times at Hogwarts, whether it be the Sorting Hat, Quidditch, or the OWLs' he added with a smile, remembering Fred and George's intrusion on one of his OWLs. He looked out again at the crowd trying to see Hermione or Ron, but still they had not shown. Even Mrs. Weasley was looking around.

'I think it's important that the people—our friends and family—who perished here, fought to save not just the people that stood with them, but the essence of Hogwarts itself. They fought for every stone that made this castle, and as those brave wizards, witches, and creatures fell, part of the castle fell with them.'

'But in the last two years, we have taken those fallen stones, infused with characters of our lost friends, and we made it right. With their strength, we put the rock-hard floors back to their rightful place, waiting for the paces of the anxious and young. With their determination, we lifted walls out of the ashes, and stone by stone, they found their places.' He paused for a moment, looking up again to try and find Hermione. 'And with their love, that love which could never—'

Glancing up, he saw her, and his voice stumbled. She was glowing in the bright sunshine. She stood at the foot of the isle between the two sections of seats. Wearing her Hogwarts robes, as was expected, Harry's mind was instantly transplanted back to three years before, seeing her in the Great Hall, walking up towards him. She looked so beautiful in her Hogwarts robes, he forgot about the speech, the people; everything.

'That love . . . that love, err . . . which could never die, we stand here today. It was with their love, and our love for them, that pulled us through the darkest times, and gave us the courage and strength to continue on.'

Hermione beamed at him wonderfully, and took her seat next to Mrs. Weasley, turning back to shake Hagrid's massive hand before looking back up at Harry.

'And continue we have, and two years later from those dark and worrisome days, we have all come back here to see what their sacrifice has given us. They gave us this castle, these grounds, and our families. They gave us our future, and for that, we will remember them.'

Harry stood back, and received a roaring ovation. He could see Hermione smiling brighter than ever before, and Harry mouthed a "thank you" to her, as most of the speech was written by her. Harry always hated public speaking.

Various other dignitaries spoke, including Neville, the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, and the crowd applauded everyone. Neville had been offered the Herbology position, however decided to teach Defence. Even with the war over, he wanted to make sure that students would be prepared, and he did not trust another person to teach the students in defence, after the myriad of professors he and the others had gone through. He had been holding the position for over a year, and was happily still alive, making it clear that the curse on the job was broken.

Once the speeches were done, the castle was unveiled, and the crowd cheered and applauded. Hogwarts had not been seen complete in over two years, and now it was just how it was. The magnificent towers, the strong stone walls, all against the pallid blue sky and course green grass; Hogwarts looked wonderful.

Everyone began to walk towards the front doors, and Harry moved towards Hermione and the Weasleys. Hermione walked forward with a bright face, and the two of them kissed each other passionately. Hermione knew that the speech would be tough, and not just because Harry had no idea what to say. Remembering all those friends who died: Ginny, Topher, Mad-Eye, Fred, Viktor, Baldric, and many others, made it almost impossible for Harry to function. They both knew that coming back to Hogwarts was going to be tough for everyone. Plus, there were other things on Harry's mind to worry him.

'What did the healer say?' Harry asked, suddenly breaking the kiss remembering why she was late. Hermione's face grew bright red, and she smiled exuberantly. The reaction made Harry laugh he was so happy, and he kissed her again, realizing what was to come.

'Umm, you two?' a voice came from in front of them. Harry and Hermione separated from their exchange, both still beaming intensely. The crowd that initially surrounded the area had moved towards the castle, and only a few were left around Harry and the others.

'So, you decided to show finally?' Harry asked Ron, who was the one trying to get their attention.

'Yes, where were you Ronald? Did you not get my package?' Mrs. Weasley asked tersely.

'I did Mum, but I was having troubles with Fionn. He was up all night and kept us both up' Ron stated tiredly. Mentioning it, Harry could see he and Luna did in fact look quite tired.

'Well I told that using Luna's . . . "odd" techniques wouldn't work!' Mrs. Weasley ranted, Ron nodding his head as always to his mother's rants.

'Yes Mum, well, we realized that, and now he's doing fine. I was late, making sure that Uncle George understood what he needed to do while I was away. Sorry Harry' Ron added, looking at his old friend with a frown.

'It's no trouble Ron.'

'That still sounds too funny to be true: Uncle George' Hermione laughed.

'And hey, why am I getting all the nagging, Hermione was late too!' Ron maintained, as if hoping to spread some of the blame off him.

'Yes, well, there is good reason for that' Hermione said, looking at Harry with a glowing smile.

'Oh, what is it Hermione?' Mr. Weasley asked.

'Well . . . Harry and I might be in need of baby clothes in the next while' she told them, her face cherry red and cheerful.

Mrs. Weasley had almost the same reaction as she had when she found out Luna was going to have a child: she cried happily.

'Oh Hermione, Harry dear!' she began, tears falling from her face. She gave Harry a compressing hug as Mr. Weasley gave a hug to Hermione, then they switched, Mr. Weasley shaking Harry's hand.

'Congrats Harry my boy.'

'Thanks Dad, thank Mum' Harry answered.

Luna gave Hermione a warming hug, and her along with Mrs. Weasley went into discussion with Hermione, while Ron came over and shook Harry's hand, which then became a hug.

'Good on ya mate' Ron told his best friend.

'Thanks Ron.'

Just then, as the group relished in the news, a large figure approached.

'How are you Hagrid?' Hermione asked their big friend.

'Jus' grand Hermione! Got me hut all in order an' such, and Grawpy's doin' just fine wit' teh Centaurs' he boasted.

'That's great Hagrid' Harry said.

'Actually, we'll have to look for a new place now, won't we?' Hermione mentioned to Harry.

'Well, you're always welcome at the Burrow dears' Mrs. Weasley expressed happily.

'New place? Why yeh lookin' for a new place?' Hagrid asked.

'Hermione's pregnant' Ron explained simply to Hagrid. Hagrid reacted much in the same manner as he did with finding out about Luna the previous year: loudly.

'Yeh are! That's wonderful!' he boomed, grabbing the attention of several people around their group, including several reporters, who started towards their group with questions ready.

'Here we go' Harry murmured. Hagrid apologized, but Harry reassured him it was not his fault.

'Mr. Potter, what is your position of Seamus Finnigan's crusade for better Werewolf rights?' one reporter asked.

'Seamus is one of my best friends, and I support him, Neville Longbottom, and Remus Lupin in their efforts, as does everyone else here' Harry replied.

'What do you plan to do now that Hogwarts is rebuilt?' another reporter asked.

'I'm not sure, but for the moment I'm going to enjoy Hogwarts.'

'Is it true that there might be a book written about your life?' a short woman reporter asked. Harry simply laughed, and the group walked towards Hogwarts leaving the reporters.

While walking through the halls of Hogwarts, Harry was reminded of all the wonderful—and some less wonderful—memories that he had within the castle. He could see differences here and there, and it reminded him that this was not the same castle. But he attempted to gloss over the changes, and focus on the consistent.

'Maybe a book about your life might be a good idea' Hermione mentioned quietly, knowing the reaction it would get.

'What? Of all the people, I would never expect you to suggest that' Harry responded evenly.

'Well' Hermione explained, looking out a window across the Black Lake, 'it would make things clear for people, and get people to listen to your actual history.'

'You know I don't like all that publicity' Harry grumbled, Hermione taking his hand and giving it a squeeze.

'I know Harry, but it could give people the right side of the story, and let them know about people who deserve to be known. Let them know about Ginny, and Dumbledore, and Topher, and Fred, and everyone else.'

Harry looked out across the Lake, as he had many times before, and Hermione gave him a kiss on the shoulder.

'Can you believe, years from now, another Potter will be walking through these halls' Hermione professed, Harry letting out a laugh.

'Along with another Weasley, oh, that will be something' he grinned, looking at Hermione's soft face.

'I love you.'

'I love you too Harry' Hermione said, giving him a warm and slow kiss, as if they were still back in the East Tower on Christmas Eve.

'I wonder—'

'—if Evander is still here' Harry finished her sentence, the two thinking of the same memory.

They briskly walked towards the library, and turned down the hallway towards the portrait at the end. Surely enough, an appreciative welcome came from the portrait, and they smiled.

'Why, if it isn't Harry Potter and Hermione Granger!' Evander expounded.

'That would be Hermione Potter actually' Hermione corrected, Evander beaming.

'Well of course! The tradition never dies!' he voiced happily. 'So, do you remember the password?'

'Err . . .' Harry wondered, looking at Hermione.

'Everlasting Magic' Hermione answered, Evander smiling.

'Very good Mrs. Potter, very good. Love is, and will always be, an everlasting magic' Evander replied happily, turning open for the two of them.

They entered the East Tower, and found the desk, the hearth, the chairs: all the same. They walked around the room, carefully examining the details of the room in awe, remembering all the memories they both had.

'I always loved this room' Hermione attested.

'So did I. It was always a wonderful thing to wake up and see you first before anyone else.'

They kissed, and as Harry began looking up towards his old room, Hermione took hold of his hand.

'You know Harry' she began, sounding a bit mischievous, 'I always wanted to see how your room looked.'

Harry grinned, and the two of them went up the stairs with haste.

--

'Thank you so very much Mr. Potter, for allowing me to write this book' Miss Crebell stated again, expressing her profound thanks.

It took a few years before Harry was willing to let his story be published, but he decided to do it not for himself, but for those who did not live to tell their stories. Few people knew the stories of Ginny Weasley, Fred Weasley, or Topher Terrwynebas. People needed to know their stories, as well as Harry's.

'I told you Lavanya, you don't need to keep thanking me. I just want to make sure my friends and family that died through the years are remembered, and my story is set straight. And for the love of Merlin, call me Harry.'

'It will Mr. Po—sorry, Harry, it will, I promise' she reassured. Harry sat back in his seat at his and Hermione's home near Bridlington. Hermione took Aiden to see Luna and Fionn that afternoon, allowing Harry and Lavanya to start on Harry's book.

'So I guess a good place to start would be when I got my letter from Hogwarts, right?' Harry asked, Lavanya waiting with her quill. Harry set a strict policy of no Quick-Quotes Quills.

'Well, I actually thought we could start earlier than that' she suggested nervously. This was going to be about his life, and she was only a young writer, so she did want to keep this story for her.

'What do you mean?' Harry asked.

'Well, everyone basically knows the story of how you lost your scar' she began, Harry unconsciously reaching up and grazing his now clear forehead. Harry remembered the first time he saw himself in a mirror after Voldemort was defeated, and he could not believe that his scar—the one thing that always identified Harry and Harry—was gone.

'But I thought we could start how you got your scar in the first place' Lavanya finished.

Harry took his hand off his forehead, and looked at Lavanya for a moment.

'That makes sense actually, though I know little of beginning of my life, as anyone does.' Lavanya nodded, and Harry took a deep breath, looking out the window at the calm sea that stretched out before the house.

He could smell the lingering scent of Honeysuckle in the air, mixed with the playful aroma of his baby, and he smiled knowing they were going to be safe. Aiden would grow up, go to Hogwarts, and live life in peace, while he and Hermione would continue with their life together.

Hogwarts, would persist as it always had, and the sacrifice of those who fought to save the castle would never be forgotten. The Houses still existed, and the Sorting Hat was proven wrong, continuing to sort new students and sing new songs. As Professor Flitwick commented in the first year back, 'well of course it can be wrong, after all, it's only a hat!'

Harry's friends and family would remain strong and together, weathering all the times to come. The Burrow would always remain The Burrow, and many celebrations continued to be held in the garden and in the kitchen.

And even thinking back to the Dursley's, they too continued on. Petunia, on news of Aiden's birth, came and held her great-nephew with pride, and ties—loose as they were—formed between her and Harry's family.

And it came to Harry, as he thought of all this, how much his scar changed his life. It made him "The Boy Who Lived", and it set him on his life path. It made him the man he was, and thinking back, he was actually glad that Voldemort marked him, because it did not just take away his family, it gave it back to him as well.

'Well, you see' Harry started, 'my scar, wasn't like any other scar . . .'

THE END

A/N - So there we are folks! Please take a few seconds, and please review, letting me know your thoughts not just on this chapter, but the story as as whole. Thank you.

And if you fancy, I have other stories in the works, including a dark and mysterious thriller titled "The Emerald Phoenix". Please feel free to read and enjoy more of my work!

Spell / Name Meanings -
Lemuratrum - L. lemures: ghosts / phantoms, -atrum: dark (Lemuratrum dark phantoms)
Fionn - Irish Gaelic Fionn: fair or white
Lavanya Crebell - Sanskirt: Lavanya: beauty / grace, L. creo: to make, libellus: little book (Lavanya Crebell to make a beautiful little book)
Aiden - Old Irish, from Aodhan, from Aodh, from Aed: fire