Harry Potter and the Fountain of Youth
By NiennaC

Author's Note: And the finale is here! Yes, it's the end. I'm going to be busy for a while, so I wanted to get the chapters posted so you wouldn't have to wait to read it. I'll post the remaining chapters of Immortal tomorrow - for people who are reading that one, too.

Chapter Seven
Everything's Normal

"The stairs led to a dank basement, with a foot of water coating the floor. She waded through it, her eyes set on the tiny jug floating merrily along, it's gold stopper glittering beneath the soft candlelight.

Cold waves battered Elizabeth's legs as she moved slowly along, teeth chattering. Reaching forward, she grabbed the jug. It was warm to the touch, the fancy liquid inside glittering.

She could hear the fighting ragging on above her. Elizabeth stuffed the jug into her coat pocket, then held her sword aloft, prepared to the fight some more…but by the time she got back up the stairs, the Death Eaters had surrendered.

Mr. Weasley was sitting near the door, holding Harry Potter in his arms.

Elizabeth felt terribly guilty – but at least, the boy was still breathing.

H.P.

Nine Hours Later, Back at Grimmauld Place

Harry groaned, blinking. He was lying in a warm bed, the covers tucked tight around his chin. There was weight – someone was sitting next to him. When his eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, he realized that it was Hermione and Ron.

"Hey." He whispered.

"Oh Harry!" Hermione cried.

"We thought you'd died, mate." Ron whispered. He was unusually pale, making his bright red hair and freckles stick out even more.

"The Fountain water!" Harry snapped suddenly.

Ron put his hands on Harry's shoulders, keeping him still. "It's fine. We've got it, it's safe."

The painting at the far end of the room coughed, Harry stared dully at it, until Hermione said, "The water's been dumped."

"Yeah, that tree in the backyard's going to live forever now." Ron joked.

"Who was the man who bought it from Jack? How did the Death Eaters know –"

Hermione held up her hand. "From what everyone's been saying, he was a Death Eater to begin with – this man who bought the water from Jack. But, he had his…misgivings about giving it to Voldemort. When he saw us coming to get him though, he decided it was best to have his…associates to help."

"He called the Death Eaters to the house." Ron continued.

"How come your mother…" Harry trailed off. "I saw her get hit."

"I know." Hermione said. "She has this coin, this token, it's from a treasure of…ah, I think Cortez. It's got a spell on it. If you take a piece, you're doomed to live as one of the undead until all the pieces are put back." She paused. "They've done that now, and mum and dad are back to…normal, I guess. I don't really know what normal is for them now."

"It's a lot to take in." Harry agreed. "I'm sure."

"But it's nice, too. I've learned a lot from them, things I didn't think my parents could ever teach me."

"My mum was ready to rip yours though." Ron said. "When she saw Harry."

"But you're fine, Harry." Hermione insisted.

"I know." Harry said.

They were silent for a long time, then Ron said, "Train's tomorrow."

"School." Harry said.

"It's weird, after all this, to be going back to school." Hermione said. "Mum and dad are going to stay here and help with the Order."

"I'm sure Mrs. Weasley will love that." Harry laughed.

"Well, I think she can get along alright with Elizabeth and Will." Ron said. "Soon as she can forgive them for putting us in all this danger – but that Jack fellow…I dunno. I think she may murder him in his sleep – they're going at each other ever other minute."

"My mum's the same way with him." Hermione said.

"Well…here's to another year." Ron said, leaning back on the bed.

"Another year." Harry repeated.

THE END.