Chapter 1 – Tears of Sorrow and Joy

She felt a jolt in her left arm. She instinctively knew what it meant as she saw the Dark Mark fade, but didn't want to believe it. The Dark Lord was dead. She didn't need to wait until the Daily Prophet confirmed it and hailed the Potter boy as the great hero.

"If I only would have been there, I could have fought, and maybe even have died by the Dark Lord's side. There's nothing left. No meaning. My world has ended." She sat in silence as an idea began to form and take shape in her mind. "Yes, my world has ended. All that's left for me now is to make sure Harry Potter's world ends too. I will make him suffer a fate worse than death." Her face contorted into an almost inhuman expression of twisted mirth as she let out a laugh devoid of any trace of sanity.

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An exhausted Harry left the headmistress' Office with Ron and Hermione, as ever, by his side. Now that relaxation set in and the effect of the adrenaline faded the ordeal of the battle, and the hardship during the Horcrux hunt, had finally begun to take its toll. He felt the pain slowly wash over him—as though the effects of the Cruciatus curse burned through every cell of his body. The spot on his chest where Voldemort's Killing curse had struck him throbbed with a dull agony that pounded at him with every beat of his heart.

Exhausted themselves, Ron and Hermione led their friend up to Gryffindor Tower, where they removed his trainers and socks and heaved him onto the bed that had been his for six years, covering him with a quilt. Barely aware of what was happening, Harry whispered thank you through dry and cracked lips as he drifted into a deep sleep.

Ron and Hermione watched over him for a while, still in protection mode. No one knew better than they what he had been through. He'd told them how he'd discovered he also was a Horcrux. He had told them bits of what happened in the forest. They marvelled to know that Harry Potter had managed to survive the Killing curse again. He'd promised to tell them all the details later, once he'd had some rest. Now satisfied that their best mate lay asleep and safe, they collapsed onto Ron's bed and fell asleep in one another's arms.

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Ginny awoke in a classroom where the Weasleys had stayed for the night, her head cradled in her mother's lap. She remembered that the events of the previous night weren't a dream. Molly was still asleep, so Ginny sat up carefully and crept out of the room to take a walk through the corridors of the shattered castle, if for no other reason than to clear her mind. She thought about Fred and then Tonks, Lupin, Colin, and all the others.

Grief consumed her as she slid down against a wall in an empty corridor and cried. Her shoulders shook and her chest heaved with her sobs. Bloody leaking hosepipe. She didn't like crying normally, but this time it actually felt good. Finally, she thought about Ron, Hermione and…Harry.

She wasn't sure how she felt about Harry at this moment. Maybe she was still in shock and couldn't feel much at all. Part of her felt completely empty. Flashes of the battle played through her mind in a seemingly endless loop. It was frustrating. She had felt so much yesterday, seeing him for the first time in months. Then there was that excruciating anguish that flooded her very being as a sobbing Hagrid approached the entrance to the castle carrying Harry's limp and lifeless form in his massive arms.

She remembered screaming in horror as though her heart and lungs had been literally ripped from her body, knowing that her beloved Harry was dead at the hands of Voldemort. In that moment she didn't want to live, only defeat the Death Eaters, without any concern for her own safety. She'd been only inches from being hit by a Killing curse from Bellatrix Lestrange. But then, Harry miraculously appeared from under his invisibility cloak, throwing it off with a look of pure vengeance in his hauntingly striking green eyes. By Merlin's beard, Harry Potter was alive! Her languishing heart had leapt as a jolt of pure adrenaline coursed through her veins, followed almost immediately by a surge of intense anger.

Of course she was thrilled that Harry had beaten the evil tosser and lived to tell the tale, but still… Did she love him or hate him? Was she truly angry with him, and if so, could she forgive him? She didn't know. All Ginny knew now was that she needed to go to him and let whatever was going to happen…happen. Resolved, she got up from the floor, wiped her tearstained face on her sleeve, and made for her dorm in Gryffindor Tower. She hadn't been there since she was smuggled out from the Room of Requirement just before Easter, but for some reason that room was her home away from home. Stepping through the portrait hole she found Ron sitting by himself in the common room. With a weak smile, she strode over and gave her brother a firm hug. Ginny noticed how ragged Ron looked. Dirty clothes, his hair was a mess, he could definitely use a shave, but he also looked more mature. Did he really look like that yesterday? It's worse than Professor Lupin ever looked.

"Hi, Ron. What's going on? Where are the others," Ginny asked as they broke their embrace.

"Hermione's in our room watching over Harry," Ron told her. "I'm here sending away anyone who wants to try and see him."

Harry. Ginny immediately knew she wanted to see him, needed to see him, now that she knew where he was. Despite very mixed emotions flying around her heart, she simply couldn't wait any longer. "Is he okay," Ginny asked, biting her bottom lip. "I want to go up." She gave Ron her don't-even-think-about-telling-me-no look as he considered his answer.

"He's sleeping. Madame Pomfrey was here earlier to look in on him; she told us to let him sleep. He was put through a lot yesterday. We all were, but not like Harry. You might as well go on up. I won't try to stop," Ron said with a sigh and the half-grin so characteristically Ron.

Good answer, dear brother-of-mine. Ginny had started toward the stairs when she turned back to Ron again. "How are you," she asked.

Ron's gaze fell to his lap, where his fingers picked at an imaginary loose thread on his trousers. "I don't know. We won, but so much was lost. I'll be fine, I guess," Ron replied as he cast a weary glance at his sister.

Ginny returned his with an empathic sisterly look, and the proceeded up the stairs to Harry's dormitory, making sure her wand was tucked safely away in case her first impulse might be to Bat Bogey him. With trembling fingers, she grasped the knob, quietly turned the latch, and carefully opened the door. She slipped through, closing it silently behind her. She found Hermione sitting next to Harry's bed in the rocking chair she had conjured, watching him as a nurse would watch a recuperating patient.

"Hi, Ginny," she said softly noticing her friend enter the room, but with her eyes on Harry. "I think he's having nightmares."

Ginny sat next to Hermione and looked down at Harry. Not that she didn't care about Hermione, who she considered her best friend, but both witches' focus was on the wizard sleeping in the bed. This was the first good look she had got on him. Yesterday all focus had been on the battle. Harry looked dreadful. His hair was normally a mess, but now it was a doxy's nest. His face and body looked thin and by the look of it he had got treatment for minor cuts and bruises. He looked older. Glancing at Hermione Ginny realised she was in the same state and recalling Ron, he'd been in a pretty rough shape too. Bloody hell, whatever they have been through it must have been pure hell. Harry was sleeping deeply, but moved back and forth moaning, the sweat beading on his troubled brow.

"I think he's reliving the night of the third Triwizard task when he faced off against Voldemort in that graveyard. He mumbled something about Cedric a little while ago," Hermione said sadly.

"W-what can we do," Ginny asked with a tremble in her voice.

"I think the best thing we can do is just be here for him." Hermione looked up at Ginny meaningfully. "How are you? Are you okay," Hermione asked her friend.

"It's so surreal. It's over, but F-fred is g-gone, and for a m-moment I thought H-harry was... dead," Ginny replied as a single tear stole down her cheek, suppressing her own ordeal for the moment.

Hermione caught Ginny in a sisterly hug. "I know," she said haltingly, "I know." A shudder shook her body. Hermione had made it a point to keep strong for her friends. She was worried for her parents and hoping they were all right of course, but there wasn't much she could do at this very moment about them. For now, she knew she needed to be strong for her friends.

They looked back at Harry, who began to thrash about in his sleep. "No, not Sirius," Harry cried out. "No, don't be dead…Sirius!"

Ginny gazed down at Harry, her Harry, and instinctively took his shaking hand a clasped it between her own. Although she had lost Fred, Harry had lost so much more. His parents, his Godfather Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Tonks, who made Harry Godfather to their son, and Dumbledore. Professor Dumbledore's death had been so hard on him. Although Harry wasn't pleased with every choice the old Headmaster had made concerning his life, they'd forged a relationship as master and apprentice the year before the Professor's death. Knowing Harry, she figured he would probably take the blame upon himself for everyone killed in the battle. More than anything, though, there was one single emotion filling Ginny.

"I still love him, Hermione. I always have and I always will. I should be angry that he broke up with me last year. I should be furious that he walked away from me and faked his own death without a single word, but... I'm just glad he's alive!

I should have known what was really happening when You-Know-Who came from the forest with his body, but by Merlin, I should want to kill him myself for making believe he was dead! Yet, Hermione, seeing him now—like this—I…I can't. I can't be angry because I love him. And whatever he had to do wasn't his choice, he only wanted to be Harry, and not the prime enemy of You-Know-Who. He wanted to be with me, I felt it in the kiss we shared on his birthday. Hermione, I love him so much…" Ginny whispered through soft sobs, as hot tears, this time of happiness that Harry was alive, coursed down her face, spilling onto her shirt. Hermione reached over and hugged her again.

"I can't tell you how relieved I am that you're here, Ginny. Harry is like a brother to me and I've stayed by his side through all of this hell. But in truth, yours is the face, above all others, he'll want to see when he wakes. I'm sure of it."

Ginny's heart beat faster. "Did he…speak of me while you were gone," she asked hopefully.

Hermione let out a long breath. "He tried to hide his feelings and focus on what we had to do, but I know he thought of you all the time. He didn't want me or Ron to know, but he couldn't hide it from us. Not really."

Of course Ginny knew deep down that Harry hadn't broken up with her because he didn't love her, quite the opposite in fact, but Hermione's words still brought happiness to Ginny's heart.

Harry tossed again in his sleep. "I must…let him kill me," Harry sighed and the two girls paled at this revelation "She must live…love… her." Harry's body jerked violently again as if he'd been hit with a sledgehammer. He gasped and then let out a slow breath. "I...Love…Ginny…" Harry breathed as he fell back into a peaceful sleep.

Hermione and Ginny looked at each other and didn't say anything at all for a moment, but then Hermione broke the silence. "He did tell us bits of what happened yesterday, but he was half-asleep at the time." Hermione continued, "And he went into the forest because, and don't ask me why because I don't know, he needed Voldemort to kill him. In fact, Voldemort threw the Killing curse at him. The Killing curse, Ginny, and he survived it again!"

Ginny couldn't stop more tears of happiness to flow down her cheeks while one year of bottled-up love, hope and affection exploded inside her. "He loves me," Ginny whispered. "I guess I always knew he did. I mean, I was hoping he still loved me, but he'd never said it before. But then again, I'd never said it to him either."

"Then tell him you love him, Ginny, because I don't think anyone ever said that to him. At least not after his parents were killed." Hermione said, and after a moment's hesitation she added "Do you want me to stay?"

Ginny looked at Hermione in surprise. She knew Harry loathed the Dursleys but the fact that no one after his parents had been murdered had told him they loved him was almost unthinkable for Ginny who'd been surrounded by her family all her life. Even her brothers loved her and had occasionally said I love you Gin-Gin, despite they all drove each other nuts on a regular basis.

"No. I think I want to be alone with him," Ginny replied as a surge of love filled her bosom like a rose opening up to the summer sun.

Hermione hugged Ginny again, saying she would join Ron in the common room, and admonished her to call down the stairs if she needed them. Ginny still held Harry's hand, giving it comforting strokes as he slept on. The mind was spinning. What had really happened in that forest? Why did Harry want Voldemort to kill him? In fact, Voldemort thought he had. How did Harry survive? The Killing curse! No one, not even Professor Dumbledore survived that, except Harry, but how? Well, whatever happened in the forest turned the tide of the battle—there was no doubt about that. Whatever it was, it must have been what he had to leave her for last year. But he loved her. Of that she could be sure, and that was all that mattered now. He deserved a chance to explain himself to her when the time came.

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Harry felt bathed in the warmth of a bright light as he began to stir. Was he awake or dreaming? Was he alive or dead? He didn't know, but in the light he saw the one face he wanted to see more than any other. Ginny was there in the light…or was she the very light itself? Hadn't he been at King's Cross Station with Professor Dumbledore, or was that only a dream? No, it was Ginny this time…unless she too, was a dream. Harry still felt a bit confused, but he spoke into the light anyway. "Ginny. You're beautiful Ginny," Harry rasped. "Am I alive?"

"Yes, Harry," she said barely above a whisper. "You're alive." She smiled through her tears, her gaze focused on his bruised and battered beautiful face.

He still drifted in and out of sleep and his eyes were only half-open. "But he hit me with the Killing curse…you were the last thing I saw. But how can I be alive?"

"Harry, wake up. You're alive. You did it. You beat him. He's gone," Ginny said, still holding his hand. "If my voice and my touch don't feel real enough, maybe this will." Ginny caressed his cheek with her other hand as she gazed lovingly into the emerald eyes she'd missed so desperately all those months they'd been apart. She leaned down and kissed his lips, pouring all of her pent-up love and yearning into it.

Harry pulled out of his dreamlike state of half-sleep and returned to reality. Ginny was truly there at last—and she was kissing him! After what seemed like several sunlit days, she drew away. They stared into one another's eyes and Ginny could see that he was wide awake. "Ginny, it wasn't a dream," Harry asked hopefully.

He had dreamt for so long to be reunited with Ginny, but he hadn't dared hope he'd survive, or if he did, that Ginny'd take him back.

"No, it's not a dream Harry," she said, still caressing his battered cheek. She kissed him tenderly again. "I'm here."

"Did I say anything," Harry asked as if he suspected he had been talking in his sleep.

"Yes. You did…and I loved hearing it. I love you too, Harry," Ginny said with a smile.

He couldn't hold back his tears anymore. He finally allowed himself to cry. Ginny had never seen him like this. He was shaking miserably, as if all the burdens he had carried for so long finally began to break him.

As Harry's emotional dam broke, Ginny heart broke with it. She slipped into the bed next to him, wrapping her arms around his heaving shoulders as she gently pressed his dishevelled head against her breast. She nestled her now-moist cheek into his mass of raven hair and held him close while he sobbed. "I'm sorry I had to leave you. I didn't want to leave you, but I had to go," Harry explained through his tears.

"I know, my love. I don't understand, but I know. Voldemort's gone now and there's nothing to keep us apart. Nothing at all," Ginny soothed while Harry settled and collected himself.

He rose up, turned, and took her face in both of his hands. In quiet desperation he promised to tell her about the past nine months. "I want you to know it all, Ginny, but first I need to tell you this: I might have said it in my sleep, but I want to say it now—I love you, Ginevra Molly Weasley." More tears streaked down his face.

"I tried to be angry with you for leaving me behind, but I just can't. It doesn't matter anymore. Not now. You're here, safe in my arms, and I'll never let you go. You are so annoyingly irresistible and I love you, Harry James Potter."

"Then please listen now. I need to tell you everything, and I mean everything. I don't want to keep anything from you, but I couldn't tell you before, too much at stake, too dangerous." Harry settled himself against the headboard and took her soft white hand into his rough tanned one and began to tell her…everything.

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Ron and Hermione waited in the common room on the sofa, holding each other and speculating as to what might be happening upstairs in the boys' dormitory. After two hours, Ron became nervous. "It's too quiet up there. Maybe I should check on them," he said as he disengaged his arms from around Hermione and hoisted his six-foot five-inch frame off the sofa.

"Let's both go," Hermione said with a resigned sigh. She was afraid that they might come upon a scene that Ron might not be too keen on. She followed Ron across the common room to the staircase that led to the dorm and climbed the stairs to the topmost door. As they approached, they could hear Harry and Ginny talking. Talking is good. That means they're not snogging. Hermione followed Ron into the room and found Harry and Ginny cuddled up on Harry's bed, holding hands. Ginny looked both happy and deeply concerned.

Ron stopped abruptly and narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing, Harry," he demanded.

Harry and Ginny looked at him incredulously, but it was Ginny who answered. "Ron, I love Harry and he loves me, but Voldemort kept us apart. Now he's gone and we're back together again. Don't you dare go all big-brotherly on me, Ronald Weasley, or you'll be watching out for Bat Bogeys next," Ginny warned her brother firmly. She immediately regretted her threat, though, as she registered Ron's less-than-favourable leer.

Ron didn't say another word, but turned on his heel and left the room, freckled brow furrowed and sapphire eyes flashing. He left the door standing wide open in his wake. Harry and Ginny looked questioningly at Hermione, who sighed resolutely. "You two stay here. I'll talk, or hex, some sense into him." She stepped back out through the door and closed it behind her.

Hermione returned to the common room where she found Ron furiously pacing back and forth like a lion in a cage. "Hermione, he can't play with her feelings like that. Be with her, dump her, snog her on his birthday, and then get together in his bed the first thing today," Ron stormed.

"Ron, listen. She…"

"She's my sister and I don't care if he's my best friend or the frigging hero to every wizard in Britain…"

"RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY!" Ron jumped. He could have sworn that his mother had just come into the room. Hermione drew her wand, the one she'd taken from Bellatrix, and pointed it straight at her boyfriend's nose. "You are making a huge arse of yourself! Now you listen before I mute you and leave you at the mercy of Ginny's Bat Bogeys!"

She's so beautiful when she's on about something, even if she is a bit scary sometimes. Whether it was Hermione's words or her wand pointed at his face that got his attention, it had an immediate effect. Ron knew from experience that she wouldn't hesitate to hex him, so decided it would be best to just shut it and hear her out.

"Do you remember how Harry told us he'd gone into the forest because he found out that he was the seventh Horcrux," Hermione asked him with a steely glint in her eyes.

"Yeah, I remember. What does that have to do with them," Ron huffed, pointing toward the stairs leading to the dormitories, his head cocked and his blue eyes still wide and blazing.

Gods, he is so incredibly hot when he's angry. "Well, Harry talked in his sleep, and maybe I shouldn't tell you this, but Harry walked into that forest to die…for us. But above all, he went to die for Ginny so she could live. Her image was the last thing he saw before the Killing curse slammed into him.

"So…what?"

So…what? Is he kidding me? "Ron, don't you understand? Dying for someone like that…it's what Harry's mum did! It takes a very deep love to make a sacrifice like that? Harry is not playing with Ginny's feelings. Far from it."

Ron stared at her, nonplussed. "'Mione, what are you trying to say?"

Hermione thought for a few seconds and then asked him, "How many blokes do you know would say they'd willingly die for their girlfriend?"

Ron listened and silently contemplated the enormity of what his girlfriend just said to him and it finally dawned on him. She's right, of course. She's always right. Merlin, now I love this annoyingly brilliant woman.

"Harry did actually die for Ginny…sort of…" Hermione went on, "and for all of us. As a result, Voldemort couldn't touch us." Hermione looked at Ron compassionately, almost regretting having lectured him. "I don't mean to come down so hard on you, but you must understand that Harry and Ginny are perfectly mad about each other and deeply in love. Ron, this is nothing new—it's been building for years."

She reached up and brushed a lock of ginger away from his eyes so she could search them as she talked to him. She held him captive with her own chocolate pools. "Please be happy for them. Ginny's your sister and Harry's your best friend. You and I both want them to be happy, yeah?"

Hermione slid her hands over Ron's chest and around his neck. She moved against him, rose up on her tiptoes coaxing his ginger head toward hers, and kissed him full on the mouth. "How do you want Harry and Ginny to feel about us? He loves you like a brother and me like a sister…and you know Ginny and I are best friends." She laid her bushy head against Ron's broad chest and caressed his back.

Ron calmed down considerably and drew her into a tight embrace. "I guess…I'd better go up there, admit I'm an arse, and…and tell them I'm sorry. And can I tell them about us? I'd like Harry to hear it from me—that the kissing thing wasn't just a heat of…of the moment thing."

Hermione nodded and released him. Ron climbed the stairs to the dormitory, rapped softly on the door, and slowly opened it. Harry and Ginny were still sitting close together, talking and holding hands. He had to admit he felt genuinely happy for them. They looked up at him expectantly.

"Erm…look, I'm sorry I freaked out and behaved like a senseless gnome," Ron reddened in apology, "and I'm happy for you. Honest."

"Are you sure you mean it," Ginny asked guardedly.

"Yeah, but just try not to snog too much where I can see you, okay?" Ron smiled nervously and cleared his throat. "And I also wanted to tell you…well, Harry, you saw the kiss…Hermione and I sort of got together. It wasn't just a kiss in the heat of the battle yesterday. It was…erm…real." Ron flashed his patented half-grin, guaranteed to stave off the angriest of tempers, except for Molly Weasley's.

"You finally got together? Well, then, the No Snogging Policy applies to you, too," Ginny said with a snort. "My brother and my best friend—I do not need to see that. But congratulations anyway."

Harry slid off the bed, strode across the room, and crushed Ron in a brotherly bear hug. "You're the best mate a bloke could ever ask for, Ron. Simply the best," Harry declared as they slapped one another's backs.

"You too, mate," Ron said. "You too!" Both men grinned at each other, their friendship reaffirmed and a sense of family established. Hermione came into the room and looked on with a relieved smile. She glanced over at Ginny, who still sat on Harry's bed, smiling brightly.

The two couples snuggled up on the beds as Harry told Ginny, Ron, and Hermione everything that had happened to him during the battle. It was the only part of the story Harry hadn't told Ginny yet. When he finished, he looked at them all intently and said, "We can never tell anyone else about the Horcruxes or the Hallows. We do not need any wanna-be Voldemorts wandering about or a load of crackpot wizards challenging me for the Elder Wand."

"Too right, we don't," Ron said.

Ginny's head was stirring with thoughts. Finally she'd learned about the mission Harry had deemed it necessary to end their relationship for. She still thought it was a rather misguided noble decision Harry'd made, but she tried to put herself in his position about a year ago. The diary almost killed me, and Harry almost died saving me, and it's sheer dumb luck that the ones petrified weren't killed. Professor Dumbledore fell victim for a Hallow that also was a Horcrux. Harry had no idea where the others were, but he knew it would be very dangerous to destroy them. He probably didn't expect to survive. Still he knew it had to come down to him and You-Know-Who in the end. Yes, he could have recruited the Order to assist with the Horcruxes, but more people involved would've increased the chance that our side knew about the Horcruxes would've been revealed to You-Know-Who. And that could not be risked. And the temptation the Hallows pose, also justified keeping it all a secret. In truth the enormity of the defeat of Voldemort, and how far he'd pushed the Dark Arts was overwhelming. The idea of a Horcrux was sickening, and Ginny was one of few people alive with the personal experience of just how powerful they were.

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The four of them left Gryffindor Tower for the Great Hall to get something to eat. There was a lot of activity in the corridors. Those who fought in the battle, family who'd arrived, and house-elves all worked in teams, making repairs and cleaning up. As they passed by, they could hear people whisper, "it's Potter," or "it's them—Potter, Weasley, and Granger." Most of them merely wanted to thank them or congratulate them as they passed. In the Great Hall, they found a table laden with food, so they grabbed plates and helped themselves.

Harry and Ginny sat down together on one side of the table, while Ron and Hermione found places opposite them. As expected, many in the hall stole an occasional look at them, especially Harry, but no one tried to approach them. They suspected Professor McGonagall had told everyone still at the castle to leave them alone. George was the first to approach.

"Hello, George," Harry said. "Where is everyone?"

"Well…Mum and Dad took Fred…his body…home, but they'll be back soon, " he replied. "Bill and Charlie are there too, to clear the house of any curses they may encounter and cast new wards. Fleur's in the Hospital wing helping Madame Pomfrey with the wounded. I've seen other families taking their dead home. What about you lot? You okay?"

Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione could tell George was trying to put on a brave face and keep a stiff upper lip as he brought them up to date, but it was no good. The tremor in his voice and the deadness in his eyes spoke volumes. George Gideon Weasley, Jokester Extraordinaire, was slowly coming unglued. "We're still in shock, I guess," Ron replied. "But under the circumstances, I think we're all right, or as good as can be expected."

"What about you, George," Harry asked. He felt awful about last night's events that had cost so many lives, one of them Fred Weasley's.

"Like Ron said, still in shock I guess. It's unreal, but I'm glad Voldemort's finished," George said trying to swallow his tears and looked seriously at Harry "And it's not your fault anyone died, mate. The killing was Voldemort's doing. You're just the one who put an end to it. You did what you had to do."

Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry's waist and squeezed. "He's right, Harry," she said, pressing a kiss into his shoulder.

"Thanks," Harry said with a weak smile, wanting to believe it.

The five of them looked up as Professor McGonagall strode up the aisle between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables toward them, and she appeared to be in a hurry. "Professor," Harry said politely.

"Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Miss Granger, Kingsley Shacklebolt is waiting in my office. He has asked to speak with you immediately." They excused themselves and followed Professor McGonagall to the Headmistress' Office. Ginny and George assured them that they'd be waiting in the Great Hall when they were through.

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Kingsley greeted them warmly and then asked Professor McGonagall to leave. He looked tired and very likely hadn't had any sleep at all. "I have been appointed Interim Minister for Magic and I need to make an official statement about the fate of You-Know-Who, but I don't know what to say. I know you have had bad experiences with the Ministry before, but I hope you'll trust me enough to fill me in with some background into the battle last night. Now, according to Minerva, you came here on a mission for Dumbledore, looking for something?"

Harry stole a glance at Professor Dumbledore's portrait.

"You can trust Kingsley," the former headmaster said and turned to his fellow portraits "Let's give them some privacy. We can calm down the other portraits and make sure they are safe in one frame or the other."

One by one the headmasters stepped out of frame. Harry began. "I'll give you the background you want, but I'll trust your judgement as to what you'll include in your statement."

"Thank you for your vote of confidence, Harry," Kingsley said humbly.

"So let me ask you now: what was your mission and what were you looking for?" Kingsley asked.

"Our mission was to destroy Tom Riddle's…Voldemort's…Horcruxes," Harry began. He wasn't sure whether the Minister knew what a Horcrux might be or not, or if he knew Voldemort's real name.

As a former Auror, Kingsley Shacklebolt knew very well what a Horcrux was, but he had never encountered one, or even heard of anyone who had, and he was shocked that these teenagers even knew the word. "Horcruxes!" he gasped "Are you saying there was more than one?"

"Riddle created seven," Harry said.

The Minister's eyes opened wide in shock and horror. "So you came here to destroy the last one," Kingsley asked, trying to keep his voice steady as he felt nausea, despite—or perhaps because of—his Auror training.

"The last two, actually…and the one we brought from Gringotts. But then I discovered a seventh." The three friends told Kingsley about each of the Horcruxes, including Nagini, save one.

"Riddle's diary, Gaunt's ring, Slytherin's locket, Hufflepuff's cup, Ravenclaw's diadem, and Voldemort's snake," Kingsley repeated, ticking each item off on his fingers. "But that's only six. What was the seventh Horcrux?"

"Not what, sir. Who," Ron answered darkly, cutting his eyes at Harry.

"I was a Horcrux, but one Riddle never intended. It happened when his killing curse backfired as a result of my mother's sacrifice," Harry explained and the terrifying truth about Lord Voldemort made Kingsley feel sick and he seriously regretted having eaten shortly before this meeting, moments later he lost the food and vomited. This was not a sign of weakness, but a testament to Kingsley truly understanding the significance of Voldemort's secrets, and the magnitude of the ordeal the trio had been put through.

"I'm sorry." Kingsley said and cleaned up the mess with a flick of his wand.

"It's all right Kingsley. Well, because of that, the twin cores our wands shared, and the blood he took from me to regenerate, the Horcrux tied our fates together." Harry continued.

Harry went on to reveal the truth about Severus Snape and how he found out about his scar. Shacklebolt couldn't believe his own ears. So the greasy sod was loyal to Dumbledore and the Order after all! Fantastic—utterly fantastic!

"In the end, I had to sacrifice myself, but my mother's protection lived in the blood Riddle took from me, so his killing curse rebounded yet again, destroying the Horcrux, but leaving me alive and whole. I think you know the rest."

Kingsley gazed in utter amazement at these three remarkable teenagers—teenagers—who had fought so valiantly against the deepest Dark Arts far beyond anyone had faced, heard of or possibly imagined in their worst nightmares before, and they proceeded to bring down and destroy the most insidious dark wizard in history. No one in the Auror Office, not even Alastor Moody had faced anything as dark and powerful as this.

His gratitude to these young wizards and witch for their perseverance knew no bounds and there just weren't words enough to adequately express it, but he tried anyway. "I thank you for your trust. In all fairness, I'll seek your approval of the statement before I make it official. I think it's safe to say that the truth about the Horcruxes must be kept secret at all cost. Does anyone else know about them?"

"Only Ginny," Harry affirmed. Kingsley looked apprehensive, but Harry continued unabashed. "She's my girlfriend and I'll have no secrets from her. I trust her implicitly. She also deserves to know what she fought during her first year here. She didn't just fought a cursed diary. She stood up to Voldemort himself for a whole year at age eleven." The love and sincerity on Harry's face at the very mention of his beloved's name left the older man in no doubt as to Ginny's honour.

Minister Shacklebolt leaned back in the burgundy leather chair behind the headmistress' desk, thinking on all he had just heard. "Yes, I think we'd better not spread the Horcrux story any further. Horcruxes are not public knowledge as it is, and for good reason. Once we agree on the statement, I'll count on you to support it. Unity will be of the utmost importance in this matter."

"Agreed. Yeah, okay. Of course," the three teenagers answered at the same time.

"We're holding a memorial ceremony tonight on the grounds this evening. It's my wish that you be there," Kingsley continued. His countenance impressed upon the three friends that this was less an invitation than an order. "Lastly, you three," he said, pointing at Harry, Ron, and Hermione individually, "I'm asking for your help at the Ministry."

Before they could protest, Kingsley held up his right hand, palm out, to silence them. "Please think about it. We are in great need of good people. I know you hesitate, and I certainly understand, but I'll try to make it a better place. Even though You-Know-Who is gone, there's loads of work to do to restore everything to order. Again, please think about it."

The trio nodded.

"Kingsley, what happened to Voldemort's body?" Harry asked.

"It's under Auror guard in the dungeons, along with the other dead Death Eaters." Kingsley replied.

"Can you make sure it's destroyed with Fiendfyre?" Harry asked.

Kingsley looked at Harry for a few moments. "I can take care of that. A team of Aurors providing shields should do the job. It's actually a very good idea, since there won't be any remains or even ashes left to scatter. The sod will simply vaporize."

With that, Kingsley excused them and they left the office.

"You didn't tell him about the Hallows," Hermione whispered.

"Not a chance. I don't trust anyone but you, Ron and Ginny with that information," Harry said determinedly.

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When they arrived back in the Great Hall, they found that Mr and Mrs Weasley had returned, as well as Charlie and Bill. Mr Weasley reported that Percy had been held up at the Ministry and would join them all shortly. Bill told that the Burrow was in rough shape but cleared from a few curses left by Voldemort's people. There were new wards cast, protecting the property from intruders. There was need for a few repairs and a lot of cleaning and gardening, but on the whole the Burrow was in fair shape, adequate to live in as long as the repairs were made before the autumn.

"Harry dear," Molly said, giving him a big hug. He could tell she had been crying and he could only guess at her feelings about losing Fred. Her fury when Bellatrix Lestrange almost hit Ginny with a Killing curse had been the kind he never thought a loving mother remotely capable of, despite knowing Molly Weasley's temperament. She gave Ron and Hermione each a hug as Arthur greeted them. He was visibly shaken, but Harry could see he did his best to remain strong for the sake of his family.

Harry felt happier than he had ever dreamed possible. He had a family that loved him, a beautiful loving girl who was in love with him, and good friends. But still and all, he carried the heavy burden of grief for those lost in the war. He just couldn't shake the guilt, although time and time again he'd been told it wasn't his to carry. The loss of Tonks, Lupin, Fred, and the others, coupled with the thought of his orphaned Godson, Teddy, and the pain he felt for the Weasleys pierced his heart like tiny darts. I have to talk to Andromeda about Teddy. I'm his legal guardian now, and he's my responsibility. He will have a better childhood than I had, I'll make sure of it. But one look from Ginny warmed Harry to his core, soothing the pain of the tiny darts stuck in his ragged heart. The knowledge that he was free from Voldemort and his curse lifted his spirits, if only just a little. They keep telling me it's not my fault that Fred and the others were killed, but I just can't help thinking there was something I could have done differently. Something that might have saved them. Arthur seemed to read his mind.

"Harry," he said, placing a firm hand on the young man's shoulder. "George told us what he said to you and I couldn't agree more. If you're harbouring any guilt about Fred or any of the other dead, I want you to let go of it and think about all the lives you saved." Harry turned his messy head to face his surrogate father with a look of wonder in his eyes.

"You saved us, Harry. Remember, son. If it hadn't been for you, Ginny would have died under Hogwarts castle in her first year, I would have died at the Ministry, Ron last year…and who knows if Bill would have survived Greyback's attack had Dumbledore's Army—a force you trained—not been there to join the fight the night Professor Dumbledore was killed. Thanks to you, Harry, our family made it through this war in far better condition than many other families. It doesn't take away the pain of losing our Fred, but it's the truth nonetheless."

Harry collapsed into Arthur's arms as a son would into his father's. The two men allowed a few tears to fall as their grief momentarily overtook them. "Thank you, sir. I'll try to remember that," was all Harry could say as he choked back another round of sobs.

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Later that day, a Ministry owl delivered a draft of the statement for Harry, Ron, and Hermione to review and approve. Kingsley noted that it would be released to the public following the ceremony. Harry insisted that Ginny read it and offered her input as well.

The Battle of Hogwarts

Many questions have surrounded the whereabouts and activities of Harry Potter over the past year. Harry Potter, along with his friends, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, had, in fact, spent the better part of it fighting against the dark forces that had made the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named possible. Yesterday, the final battle against those dark forces took place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Staff and students, mostly members of Dumbledore's Army led by Neville Longbottom and Ginevra Weasley, fought brilliantly alongside the Order of the Phoenix, centaurs, house-elves together joining the light forces, decimating the ranks of the Dark Lord's Death Eaters in an effort to bring an end to the terror and tyranny that had spread across our world.

The battle culminated with young Mr Potter facing off in a man-to-man duel against the Dark One himself, ultimately defeating him by repelling his own Killing curse. Total casualties number just over fifty (see attached list), not including the criminal Death Eaters. A memorial/awards ceremony held at the school honoured those who so bravely gave their lives in the conflict and those who demonstrated great courage in the face of grave danger.

For utmost courage and upholding the finest values of our magical society, the following awards were presented at the ceremony:

Order of Merlin, First Class: Harry James Potter, Ronald Bilius Weasley, Hermione Jean Granger, and posthumously to Severus Tobias Snape (see separate article).

Order of Merlin, Second Class: Neville Frank Longbottom and Ginevra Molly Weasley.

Surviving Death Eaters who have been apprehended will stand trial for their crimes. Arrest warrants have been issued for those few still at large.

Kingsley Shacklebolt
Interim Minister for Magic

The casualty list and the article about Professor Snape were indeed attached, and after a thorough read, the four friends found no complaint with the statement and sent their approval with the owl.

"Blimey! The Order of Merlin," Ron breathed, awestruck.

"He must've worked awfully hard to make that happen this fast," Hermione said with wide eyes and an equally awed tone.

"Reading about it…somehow, it doesn't seem to be about us and what we'd been doing. 'Upholding the finest values…' I'd say we just tried to stay alive and did what was necessary," Harry rationalized.

Does he have the slightest clue how irresistibly sexy he is when he downplays his heroics? "So hiding in a tent for a year is what it takes to win the Order of Merlin, First Class? Neville and I actually faced Death Eaters on a daily basis all year until you lot showed up, but we only get Second Class," Ginny teased with a mischievous grin.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione laughed. "I expect there's a political reason behind it," Harry said.

"Yes, the new Ministry, led by Kingsley Shacklebolt, clearly states that it will have nothing to do with Death Eaters or the politics of the former administration. Warrants for the Death Eaters' arrests and honouring us…yes, politics are definitely at work here," Hermione concluded.

"Hmff! Will the Ministry rid themselves of their old ways? That remains to be seen. However, I want to help Kingsley because I believe he's the man to lead us into peace," Harry said. "But I want to steer clear of their damned politics. I've had enough Ministry politics to last me a lifetime!"

The Weasleys gathered for dinner in the Great Hall, along with Harry and Hermione. Once work was finished for the day, people began to pluck up courage enough to make demands on Harry's attention. They clamoured for his account of what he and his friends had been about during the past year and, of course, for his account of the battle. Harry wasn't keen to discuss any of it, since it would be published in a release from the Ministry immediately following the ceremony. Sensing their surrogate brother's frustration, the Weasley boys stood up for him so he could be left in peace.

The two eldest Weasley brothers proved more than adequate in that regard. Bill, with his battle scars and Charlie, rough-looking from his work with dragons, stayed close to Harry and did their best to look menacing enough to discourage anyone from challenging them. Ginny, of course, stayed close to Harry too. They chose to keep a low public profile, exchanging warm smiles and subtle expressions of love only they understood when they thought no one was watching.

For Harry, Ginny had been his lifeline, his every breath during all those lonely nights in the tent. Now, she was all that and more—a buffer between joy and despair—and with each passing moment, he found himself falling deeper and deeper in love with her. He had gladly surrendered his heart to her keeping, and it beat only for her.

Ron and Hermione go their share of attention as well, but they managed to avoid most of the questions. Neville had left Hogwarts for the time being, so as to be spared the onslaught. They supposed he would return for the ceremony, since Augusta Longbottom would never allow an honour bestowed upon her family to be snubbed.

Whilst Harry and Bill filled their plates with more food, Bill looked over at Harry looking a bit puzzled. "You're literally shining, Harry…Ginny too. Are you aware of that?" Bill blinked in amusement at Harry's blush and apparent discomfort. "Fear of Ginny's notorious big brothers is it, then?" Bill chuckled and placed a big hand on Harry's shoulder. He leaned in conspiratorially. "Hey, don't worry, mate. I couldn't be happier," he assured the younger man in a hushed tone.

"Are we that obvious," Harry asked with a smirk.

"Look, Harry. I'm married to a part-Veela after all. Charlie has definitely picked up on it, but don't worry about him. If Ginny's happy, he's happy." Bill paused and let Harry stew for a moment and then continued. "To be honest, I don't think it's quite registered with Mum yet since she's so emotional about Fred, she's dead chuffed about Ron and the rest of you lot winning the various Orders of Merlin, and she's relieved that no one else in the family has been lost or injured—and that includes you, and Hermione. Dad's busy looking out for all of us as the strong Head of the Family. I doubt anyone's completely oblivious, but no one's said anything either…"

Harry opened his mouth to speak, but Bill cut him off. "And let's not forget about Ron, who has eyes only from Miss Granger, if I'm not mistaken, so…"

"Ron knows all about Ginny and me. He and Hermione got together just yesterday." Harry had always liked Bill. He was, for lack of a better word, cool.

Bill laughed out loud. "Yesterday? They weren't busy enough fighting Death Eaters?"

"I guess that's what it takes. You know Ron…he's hopeless," Harry said, chuckling.

"He'll never hear the end of this. Harry, I want every living detail some time." Bill patted his shoulder and then looked at him with raised eyebrows. "If I may ask—when did this thing start with you and Ginny anyway? Don't tell me it was yesterday," Bill asked with mock suspicion.

"Actually, I think I've always loved her from the moment I saw her, really…or at least since she opened her eyes in the Chamber of Secrets." How could you have been so bloody blind? You've missed so much. Potter, you moronic ponce!

"That's kind of a weird first date, but it seems to have done the trick," Bill grinned wider.

Yeah, except I was too busy being a noble prat to really pay any attention to her. "Bill, can I ask you something—something I'm not comfortable asking Ron or Ginny?"

"Sure…go ahead," Bill said as he shifted his eyes to the right.

"Uh…right, well. When should we tell Mrs Weasley," Harry asked and then quickly added, "and Mr Weasley."

"Hmm…right. Well, knowing my Mum, I'd say as soon as possible. Again, I think she suspects, but hasn't quite taken it in as yet," Bill replied.

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After dinner Harry noticed Hagrid heading for the Entrance Hall. Harry quickly excused himself and left Ginny.

"Hagrid." Harry said as he got closer, but the gamekeeper kept walking as if he hadn't heard.

Harry caught up with him and looked up at him.

"Hagrid," Harry asked pleadingly.

"Sorry 'Arry, lots ter do." Hagrid grunted "Castle's a ruddy mess an' the grounds too."

Harry realised he'd hurt Hagrid by making him believe he was dead. And Hagrid had been forced to carry what he believed was Harry's dead body. Harry knew that Hagrid strongly disliked being treated with mistrust, and probably thought Harry should've revealed to him, he wasn't dead.

"I'll just walk next to you then, because I have to tell you something." Harry pleaded and Hagrid stopped.

"What is it then 'Arry," Hagrid asked.

Harry took a deep breath, hoping he hadn't hurt his big friend too much.

"I want to tell you I'm sorry." Harry begun.

"Fer what?" Hagrid asked.

"Blimey Hagrid, I had you think I was dead. It must've been hell for you to be forced to carry me back to the castle, but," Harry paused for a moment "I had a mission left to me by Professor Dumbledore. He knew how to defeat Voldemort, and in the end there was no choice. I had to let him hit me with that Killing curse, and surrounded with all his Death Eaters I had no choice than acting dead, too much was at stake, I couldn't risk revealing I was alive, not even to you... until the time was right."

"Bu' he hit yer wi' the ruddy Crucio 'Arry. Yer didn' move, or scream." Hagrid argued.

"He couldn't touch me Hagrid, thanks to my Mum. But I had to wait for the right moment to make my move and that was when Neville attacked Nagini, I'm so very sorry I had to put you through that, but I don't see how I could've done it any other way."

Hagrid nodded.

"Yer probably right 'Arry, an' Dumbledore was a great man, if yer were on a mission left ter yer by 'im, yer probably right." Hagrid said.

"I still wanted to tell you I'm sorry Hagrid. Because I hurt you."

"Nah. Wasn't yer fault, really." Hagrid said hinting a smile "Bu' thank yer."

Harry put his arms as far as they reached around Hagrid, who in return hugged him back.

"Now, aff wi' yer." Hagrid chuckled.

Harry watched his big friend leave for the grounds and was happy to have sorted out any potential trouble with his first friend in the wizarding world.

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Only veterans of the battle and their close friends and family had been invited to the memorial ceremony, as per Kingsley's orders. In good Hogwarts tradition that meant that news of the ceremony had spread with the speed of a Snitch, so a handful of reporters and photographers arrived, along with a sizeable crowd of gate-crashers who also wanted to celebrate the defeat of Voldemort on the grounds outside Hogwarts…and perhaps get a glimpse of The Chosen One and his companions.

Kingsley ascended a quickly-conjured stage with Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Neville in tow. Behind them followed Professor McGongall and Snape's coffin, which was levitated by Professor Flitwick and Professors Sprout and Slughorn as honour guards. Each of the four Professors as Heads of House, wore robes of their individual house colours. They turned and faced the crowd as Flitwick gently set the coffin down on a plinth at the front of the stage. The remaining members of Dumbledore's Army, their families, and the families of their fallen comrades filled the front rows. Their faces were etched with lines betraying the aftershock of battle and loss.

Kingsley raised his arms to silence the crowd. He placed the tip of his wand to his throat and muttered, Sonorus, as he began to speak. "My friends, yesterday marked the end of the Second Wizarding War. May there never be a third." Murmurs of assent wafted through the crowd. "The bottom line is that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was defeated and killed in a duel with Mr Harry Potter." A cheer erupted from the crowd as Kingsley paused for effect. "This past year has been a dark one in our community, but there was one hope that shone through that darkness: that Harry Potter was The Chosen One.

Many defiant voices spoke of him, quietly uttering prayers of encouragement under cover of night and in the privacy of their homes, but a few brave young wizards and witches actually stepped up and fought to keep that hope alive right here on the Hogwarts grounds and inside the castle, under constant threat of cruel punishment under the Cruciatus curse, severe beatings, exposure, and starvation. Miss Ginevra Weasley and Mr Neville Longbottom led a paramilitary group known as Dumbeldore's Army in the struggle for freedom and the lives of so many of their fellow students.

Miss Weasley is not yet of age, but on several occasions from being eleven years old and culminating this passed year, she did all she could to resist the tyranny of the very core groups of Death Eaters closest to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named who had taken over the school. It is my pleasure, as a representative of the Wizarding community of Great Britain, to present you, Miss Weasley, with the Order of Merlin, Second Class for your courage in the face of unspeakable odds."

A tremendous roar of cheers and applause greeted Ginny as she stepped forward to receive the prestigious award. Harry, not usually fond of attention, positively beamed as the love of his life bent slightly so Kingsley could slip the medal over her head. She's the only award I need. How did I manage to win such a beauty?

Ginny returned to her seat next to Harry, who took her hand and locked her fingers with his. He leaned over ever so slightly as whispered into her ear. "Merlin, how I love you. You are amazing." She smiled up at him with one of those private expressions only he could understand.

"Mr Longbottom led Dumbledore's Army in a team effort alongside Miss Weasley. He demonstrated enormous courage and loyalty to our cause when he, at the risk of his own young life, attacked He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, killing his vile snake during yesterday's battle. For his outstanding leadership and courage in the face of death, Mr Longbottom also receives the Order of Merlin, Second Class!

The thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd caused Neville Longbottom, the shy and forgetful boy who was almost a Squib, to blush crimson as he stepped confidently forward to receive it. Still somewhat bashful, he stole a look over the crowed and found his usually stern grandmother, who now clapped and cried and laughed for him, her face glowing with pride. Her grandson had finally proven he was every bit the fine wizard his father had been. Neville returned to his seat next to Ron as the applause dissipated.

"Today we also remember Severus Snape." Kingsley paused, again for effect, as the audience mumbled its dissent. "Headmaster Snape is the only man I have ever known to deceive He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, and he did so for a very…long…time. Severus Snape, with his cunning and talents in Legilimency and Occlumency, managed to maintain his charade before the Dark One, ever remaining loyal to Albus Dumbledore to the end.

For one year following the death of Albus Dumbledore, he worked to undermine the foundation of terror established by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, primarily within the walls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, at the same time, working tirelessly to protect the students in his charge the best he could from the savage brutality of Amycus and Alecto Carrow and their band of cutthroats.

On the night of the final battle, Severus Snape died while still trying to gather information that would lead to the downfall of the Dark One. With his last breath, he managed to pass on vital information to Mr Potter that would aid in his ultimate victory over that evil. To honour the memory of Severus Snape for his brave dedication to eradicating a terrible evil to our midst, even unto death, he posthumously receives the Order of Merlin, First Class."

Silence hung over the stunned assembly as they took in and processed the tale the Minister for Magic wove for them. Neville shocked them all as he suddenly stood up, wand drawn, and barked, "DA! Salute!" The remnants of Dumbledore's Army rose as one, drew their wands with their right hands. They raised them smartly in front of their faces and then dropped them to their sides in one precision movement as a final farewell to their former Potions Master, Headmaster, and Guardian.

Polite applause, scanty at first began to ripple through the crowd. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny stood and began to applaud, followed by the crowd. Finally, after so many years of loneliness and misunderstanding, Severus Snape received the send-off for the bravery and tenacity a hero so richly deserves.

When the assembly quieted once again and the DA had taken their seats, Kingsley continued his address. "For almost an entire year, we have all wondered: Where is the Chosen One? Except for Mr Potter himself, only two people knew—Mr Ronald Weasley and Miss Hermione Granger. These two remarkable teenagers stood steadfastly by Mr Potter's side through thick and thin, in a seven-year struggle for victory. Mr Weasley had, on several occasions, saved his friends' lives in various close calls and tight spots, and proved himself a fierce opponent on the field of battle, but more importantly, as a loyal friend. His tactical savvy, honed to razor sharpness on the chessboard, proved essential to the defeat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. I hereby present Ronald Weasley with the Order of Merlin, First Class.

A very self-conscious Ron rose to accept the award. If they only knew. The crowd demanded a speech, so Kingsley stepped away from the podium as Ron faced the crowd, blushing as red as his hair. He placed the end of his wand to his throat and whispered, Sonorus. His deep blue eyes scanned the crowd and rested on the proud faces of his parents and siblings. "Harry once told me that when someone talks about things, like what we did, it always sounds so much better than it actually was. I think he's right. We tried to survive, hiking all over the country, living rough in a tent. I certainly didn't think we'd make it, since we had every ruddy…sorry…Death Eater and Snatcher in Britain tailing us at every turn. We did what we had to do, though, in hopes that we would somehow get out of it alive and get on with our lives."

The air exploded with enthusiastic cheers and applause for the ginger-haired hero who was instrumental in the Chosen One's defeat of Lord Voldemort. He placed the end of his wand against his throat once again and whispered Finite. Ron returned to his seat between Neville and a now teary-eyed Hermione, who softly touched his face and murmured, "Have you any idea how much I love you?" He just looked into her beautiful brown eyes and shook his head no ever so slightly, giving her the crooked half-smile that could melt an iceberg.

Kingsley raised his arms once again in order to silence the crowd. "Miss Hermione Granger is described by many as the most gifted witch of her age. Her cool intellect and clever use of logic became essential to her survival and that of her friends. Miss Granger has shown courage on the battle lines and he willpower is as strong as her magic. She has saved her friends' lives on countless occasions through her phenomenal use of that clever logic she is so well-known for. She was an influential force behind the organization and training of Dumbledore's Army, the most-disciplined unit that fought in this war. I proudly present Hermione Granger with the Order of Merlin, First Class for her abounding spirit and outstanding bravery in the face of deprivation and terror."

Hermione had already resolved herself to the fact that she would be required to speak to the assembly. Ron raised her hand and brushed his lips across it as she rose and stepped toward the podium. Sonorus, she muttered as she advanced, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I can only wish that this war marks the end of the prejudices of blood purity, so that we may have a world where it's what one knows and does with knowledge that matters, and not who one's parents are. If that's what this war finally teaches, then as a Muggleborn, I can say that it was all worth it and hope that one day, I can take pride in my part in it. One day, when we have mourned those who are no longer with us."

As a tear began to fall, she turned away from the crowd, whispered Finite, and took her seat between Ron and Ginny. Ron slipped his arm behind her, looked into her moist eyes and whispered, "Have you any idea how much I love you?" She gave him an almost inaudible giggle and stared into his bright blue eyes, slightly raising one eyebrow. Ron read that look and arranged his face into an expression that could only be described as pleasure-pain. He hoped no one else noticed.

Kingsley stepped forward again and the crowd fell silent. The air crackled with anticipation as he again began to speak. "Much can be said about our last honoured guest. This remarkable young man has faced the deepest depths of evil in the forms of dark magic and wizardkind alike. He has endured the loss of his parents and suffered under the vile neglect of those charged with his care in childhood. But still—the power of love ruled over any anger or resentment he may have harboured. That abiding power with which he is so richly imbued allowed him to secure victory over that evil for himself, yet he prefers to bestow the credit on his dedicated and loyal friends." Kingsley gestured to those on the dais as well as those among Dumbledore's Army.

"He has been known by many names, most notably among them: The-Boy-Who-Lived, The Chosen One, and the Famous Harry Potter, but to his friends and family, he's just Harry." The crowd went wild before Kingsley could present Harry with his award. He was just barely able to settle the crowd so he could continue. "It's my great honour and privilege to present the Order of Merlin, First Class to Mr Harry Potter!" The crowd erupted again as a very nervous Harry stepped forward. Kingsley placed the medal around Harry's neck and shook his hand firmly. He relinquished the podium to allow Harry to address the onlookers.

The crowd went instantly silent as their Man of the Hour drew his holly and phoenix-feather wand, placed it against his throat and whispered, Sonorus. "Ron, Hermione, and I set out on a mission, on Dumbledore's orders, last year. You see, no wizard knew more about Voldemort than Professor Dumbledore." There was a whisper in the crowd when Harry said the name of the Dark One without hesitation or fear.

"This victory is Professor Dumbledore's. Many years ago, he visited an orphanage, where a boy named Tom Riddle lived, to invite him to Hogwarts. Tom's mother was a witch and his father was a Muggle. This boy became Lord Voldemort, yes, he was a Half Blood. It was thanks to Professor Dumbledore's knowledge of Tom Riddle that we were able to defeat him. Yes, we. No one of us could have completed this task on our own.

I stand here like this—today—maybe because I have some skill at duelling, certainly because of my friends who are here with me, but mainly because of those who are not here. I want you all to know that without the love of my parents, James and Lily Potter, the wisdom of my Godfather, Sirius Black, the spirit of a dear house-elf called Dobby, the abiding friendship of Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks, the brave toughness of Professor Snape, and the tutelage of Professor Dumbledore, I would have died.

Many of you may also feel as though you owe your life to someone who died as a result of this war. I felt bad about it at first, until my friend, George Weasley, having lost his twin brother, Fred, yesterday, reminded me this morning that the killing was Voldemort's doing—we just put an end to it. If what we won here yesterday is less fear and more love for our world, then I could feel good about it, even though the cost weighs heavy on our hearts now. Like you, I mourn, but I like to think that those who died would rather we go on living instead of wallowing in guilt and remorse. Let the fear of Voldemort and his name die with him."

With that, Harry placed the end of his wand against his throat and whispered Finite. He then conjured a single lily and placed it reverently on Snape's coffin. "You truly were the bravest man I ever knew. Rest in peace, my friend. Well done," Harry whispered almost silently, and then turned away as his eyes burned with tears.

"Good speech," Kingsley whispered to him. Harry only nodded briefly as he passed. He returned to Ginny's side before a deafening cacophony of applause and cheers. Ginny slipped her hand into his and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She didn't have to utter a single word. Her eyes said it all.

Kingsley thanked the crowd for attending and dismissed them. Reporters crowded around Harry, hoping to get a story. "Mr Potter, how did you defend yourself against the Killing curse?"

"The same way I did when I was a baby," was all Harry would tell them as he led Ginny into the circle of ginger Weasleys, who stood around him with their arms folded defiantly across their chests. They glared at the jostling pack of photographers and journalists, defending their raven-haired "brother" against the media assault. Even Percy cut a somewhat menacing figure as he held fast alongside his larger, and certainly more intimidating, father and brothers. Keeping Harry and their little sister safely in their midst, the Weasleys made their way toward the gates. Once outside the Hogwarts grounds, they all turned as one and Apparated home to the Burrow.

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Once the Weasley assemblage arrived at the Burrow, Molly set to making tea and sandwiches for supper. They day's events had worn them all out, and escaping the media blitz following the ceremony had their nerves on edge. Bill and Arthur had renewed the wards, so they wouldn't be disturbed by uninvited guests, not without warning. No one, not even Ron, felt particularly up for a huge meal. There was only scant conversation around the table, mostly about the speeches (Harry related how he thought Kingsley had laid it on rather thick), but the group seated there seemed more interested in their teacups than anything else. The two young couples, though, still found enough energy to raise their weary heads and gaze into each other's eyes, exchanging private expressions that reaffirmed their love for one another.

"Time for bed, dears," Mrs Weasley announced, as she assigned her extended family to sleeping quarters. "And finally, Hermione, you'll sleep in Ginny's room and Harry, you'll bunk with Ron. Off you go, now," she ordered, as she shepherded them all up the stairs. The couples parted at Ginny's bedroom door with soft kisses and warm embraces. "G'night," was all they could muster as the girls disappeared behind the door and the boys dragged themselves up to the next landing to Ron's room. Soon, the house laid peaceful and still, the silence broken only by the occasional squeak of bedsprings as someone rolled over in glorious, dreamless sleep.

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Harry had just awakened as bright sunlight stole through the window and assaulted his sleep-laden eyes. At first, he wasn't sure where he was. He had only just realised when Errol, the ancient Weasley family owl, suddenly crashed through the window on Ron's side of the room with the Daily Prophet in his talons, landing roughly on Ron's stomach in a flurry of down and feathers. The bird lay exhausted and gasping for breath with his feet in the air as Ron moved the heaving mass of wings and beak onto the bed beside him.

"Ahhrrgh...ugh! Ruddy hopeless, sorry excuse for a bird," Ron grumbled, quite put out at such a rude awakening from what had been an otherwise restful night's repose. Without a glance toward the shattered window, he waved his wand in the general direction and muttered, Reparo. The shards of glass littering the floor and the beds flew safely back into the frame, leaving no evidence that the window had ever been broken. Harry looked on amused. He was about to say something to Ron about Errol when the door burst open with a bang.

Ginny and Hermione, having been awake for about an hour already, heard the crash. The two girls nearly jumped out of their skins in alarm, grabbed their wands, threw open the bedroom door and sprinted up the few stairs to the boys' room. They burst through the door, wands drawn, hair flying, and faces pale, ready to blast the intruder to oblivion.

"Hermione! Ginny! What's the matter with you two," Harry exclaimed.

"We heard a crash and...we thought...we thought," Ginny stammered, heart pounding, her breaths coming in gasps.

"You thought we were under attack," smirked Ron, "in broad daylight...first thing in the morning...without any warning with Bill's wards in place."

Now Harry began to snicker as Hermione's eyes narrowed.

"What's so funny," a winded Hermione demanded, ready to launch into one of her infamous tirades.

"Imagine. You running to save us," mused Harry with a glint in his eye. "How romantic," he laughed. Then Ron joined him in raucous laughter. The girls were not amused.

"Then what the hell was that noise," Ginny asked, trying not to laugh herself. She didn't appreciate being made fun of, but at the same time she rather enjoyed Harry's infectious laughter. I just can't stay angry with him, especially now, since he hasn't laughed—really laughed—in such a long time.

"Errol," Harry answered.

"Oh. Enough said," Ginny sighed as she made her way toward Harry's bed. "Hopeless feathery git."

"Aw c'mon, 'Mione," begged Ron. "Don't be like that. I was just having a little fun with you. C'mon, Love. Give us a break." He held out his arms to Hermione, flashing those baby blues and the patented half-smile that melted her anger away. She walked across the room, her own chocolate brown eyes never leaving his, and crawled onto his lap and into his arms.

"I don't know why I put up with you, Ronald Weasley," she sighed as he placed a kiss on her still-furrowed brow.

"Because you can't help yourself?" He chuckled as he tightened his embrace.

Hermione smiled to herself as she laid her head on his broad chest. He drives me mad, but I just can't resist that Weasley charm.

On the other side of the room, Ginny had already sat down on the edge of Harry's bed. She no sooner than touched his hand, when he pulled her down across his chest and buried his face in her flaming red tresses, wrapping her in his strong arms. She let out a squeal of surprise and delight.

"G'morning, my beauty," he whispered huskily, breathing in her signature scent of wildflowers and strawberries. "I missed you," he mumbled into her neck as he ran his fingers through her thick hair.

"Mmm. Morning, my love," she murmured as she began to kiss up his neck toward the side of his mouth, which drove him wild. "I missed you too." Harry realised that something else had woken up as well. Merlin, what she does to me!

Just then, Errol began to stir. It looked as though it took a Herculean effort for the battered old owl to right himself enough to take flight and escape the confines of Ron's room so as to find sustenance in the Burrow's kitchen. This interrupted a healthy snog between Ron and Hermione, drawing their attention toward Harry's side of the room, just inside the door.

"Oi! A little dignity, all right," Ron called across the room to his sister and his best friend.

Harry and Ginny had forgotten they were not the only people in the room, so lost were they in the own blissful snog. Blushing, they disengaged themselves from each other and glared over at Ron, who had opened up the newspaper. Hermione took pains to smooth it out so they could read it.

"Look," Hermione shouted, pointing at a line in an article. "It says here that Ginny is the youngest witch in history to receive the Order of Merlin."

Harry draped an arm across Ginny's shoulders and declared, "That's my little warrior!" Ginny snuggled in closer, letting out a sound something like a cross between a giggle and a sigh.

Then Hermione smiled almost triumphantly. "Harry, it looks like your having mentioned Dobby in your speech started a debate about house elves."

"Imagine that," he replied rolling his eyes and grinning sarcastically. "He saved our lives, you know."

That morning's Daily Prophet turned out to be a special edition, since the entire issue had been dedicated almost exclusively to the Battle of Hogwarts, as it was to be called now, the memorial/awards ceremony, and the recipients of those awards, including a small section devoted entirely to Severus Snape. One entire spread was dedicated to Harry, with commentary containing speculation as to how Harry had managed to survive the Killing curse yet again...accompanied by the perfunctory photographs. The four friends took turns reading aloud, each to the others. As the paper passed to Ron for the third time, his countenance took on a dark demeanour and his face turned a deep crimson.

"What," Hermione asked.

"Look further down on the page," Ron said in a lower-than-usual voice. He pointed to the article he was about to launch into and looked sadly at Harry. "Sorry mate, it's just too much. I honestly don't know if I should laugh or cry...or send the writer a howler, or better yet, a dungbomb. Probably the dungbomb."

"G'on, mate. Read it. I can take it," Harry said, steeling himself for the worst. Bloody hell!

Ron read:

Harry Potter's Girls – The-Boy-Who-Loved?
Over the years, there have been numerous reports regarding Harry Potter's love life. During his fourth year at Hogwarts, Miss Hermione Granger had been his love interest, as revealed by my esteemed colleague, Rita Skeeter.

"Oh for the love of..." Harry started, knowing already where this was going. He heard Hermione sigh heavily, so he decided to let it go. They'd heard all of this before. Will they ever quit with this rubbish?

"Go on," Harry sighed.

The details are shady, though, as Miss Granger dated the famous Bulgarian seeker, Viktor Krum, who escorted her to the Yule Ball during the Triwizard Tournament held at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that year. Miss Parvati Patil turned up on Mr Potter's arm that evening; however, there is no indication that there had been any romance between the two of them. Interestingly, Harry had been observed sitting down most of the night, presumably in protest, very likely over Miss Granger, dancing with Miss Patil only when tradition demanded, meaning the first dance. We suspect there had been a quarrel between Mr Potter and Miss Granger that must have been resolved soon after, as the two of them seemed to have made up and continued their relationship.

Sniff.

Ron stopped reading. He snapped his ginger head to Hermione, who sat cross-legged on his bed, handkerchief in hand, dabbing at tears that threatened to escape down her cheeks. "'Mione, what is it? What's...oh." Damn! He reached over and put his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him and giving her a reassuring squeeze.

I was afraid of this. "For what it's worth, Hermione," Harry said soothingly, "there was a protest going on that night, but it wasn't me doing the protesting."

Ginny cast a sidelong glance at her boyfriend. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"What Harry means is that I was the one protesting, Ginny," Ron admitted. "I had been an insufferable prat because I didn't ask Hermione to the ball myself when I had the chance. By the time I realised she was even a girl...Krum had beaten me to the punch. I wanted to shrivel up and die when I—when Krum..."

"Ron, don't. It's not important," Hermione sobbed. He doesn't need to keep beating himself up over this.

"It is important, 'Mione. I was horrible to you, accusing you of fraternizing with the enemy. I was a complete arse." Ron pulled her in even closer and put his other arm around her, nuzzling her. I swear, I will spend the rest of my life making that up to her.

"Uh, excuse me, but since when do we sit around blubbering like leaky hosepipes over anything written in the sodding Prophet, anyway," Ginny said resolutely. "You're right, Hermione. It doesn't matter anymore. It's just a load of rubbish!" Have these people nothing better or more important to write than gossip?

"I know. Thanks," Hermione sniffed. A few moments later, she managed to pull herself together. "Is...is there more, Ron?"

He nodded and read on, still holding her protectively to his side.

The following year, Mr Potter was seen dating Miss Cho Chang, a girl who shares Mr Potter's passion for Quidditch, and who also became a member of Dumbledore's Army. It is reasonable to believe that the beautiful Miss Chang snared Mr Potter's heart, leading to the end of his relationship with Miss Granger.

"Merlin's pants! Where do they get this rot," Harry exclaimed as he threw himself onto his back and drew his hand down over his face.

"Harry, shut it. We know it's all rubbish, Love," Ginny teased. "What did we just say to Hermione?"

"Shut me up," Harry replied with a wicked smile.

"Can we just get on with this," Hermione snapped

"Later, Love," Ginny whispered conspiratorially.

Ron cleared his throat and continued:

Miss Chang won Mr Potter's affections and started a relationship with him. Exactly when and why Mr Potter and Miss Chang broke up we do not know.

During Mr Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts, two girls are known to have been romantically involved with him. Miss Luna Lovegood did, according to a reliable source, go on at least one date with Mr Potter, but since we have no further details, we can only assume that they had kept their relationship a secret.

"Poor Luna," Ginny sighed, shaking her head slowly.

Ron paused only long enough to acknowledge his sister's comment.

The other girl with whom Mr Potter has had a relationship is Miss Ginny Weasley. A fellow student at Hogwarts, who prefers to not be mentioned by name, states the couple were officially together and dating.

Following his return from his heroic mission, Harry Potter has been unavailable for comment and his exact whereabouts are unknown. It is uncertain whether any of these girls are in a relationship with Mr Potter at this time, although he was last seen with the Weasley family only yesterday at a memorial/awards ceremony at Hogwarts. Miss Granger was also seen in the company of the Weasleys. If there is anything we can report with any amount of certainty, it is that there are many young witches whose hearts hope that Mr Potter is still on the market, as he has been voted the Most Desirable Wizard In the Country, according to Witch Weekly.

Ron smirked painfully and tried desperately to hold back the juggernaut of mirth that began in his belly and began to move into his chest. His body shook with suppressed laughter as his face changed from pale to pink to rose to crimson.

Harry looked tired. "Ron, I can understand the urge to laugh. This is totally insane."

Ron couldn't stifle it any longer. He let go and soon the others joined in, holding their sides and falling all over each other. Except Ginny. She didn't find the gossip funny at all, especially where Harry and her family and friends were concerned.

"Insane? Insane, he says," Ginny cried angrily. "And the best you can come up with is a dungbomb? Give me five minutes with this arse of a reporter and St Mungo's will have five years work to do." Ginny huffed and folded her arms defiantly across her chest. The laughter died down as Harry reached over to stroke her hair in an attempt to calm her. She's drop-dead gorgeous when she's angry.

"And get yourself fifty years in Azkaban Ginny? Harry, don't hate me for saying this," Hermione said, "but you're obviously considered the greatest hero on this planet. Every reporter like this one, most likely a member of Rita Skeeter's fan club, will probably indulge themselves in this kind of rot, as you put it. And that goes for all of us...and Neville too. Oh look! Here's a nice piece about me, wondering how I'll handle my desire for famous wizards after becoming one of the most famous witches in the country, myself."

Harry looked around at his friends and asked, "Should I just tell the Prophet I'm with Ginny?"

Ginny looked at him thoughtfully. "Well...it will put an end to speculation about who your girlfriend is, but if you're seen alone with Hermione, or any other girl, they'll accuse you of cheating on me."

Ron and Harry glanced at one another, shaking their heads. "Damned if you do and damned if you don't, mate," Ron said as he puffed his cheeks and blew out a long puff of air.

"She's right, you know. I read some of these Potter-Krum articles about me," Hermione agreed. "Some of them claimed I was Harry's girlfriend cheating with Krum, while others reported it the other way round. Oh, and let's not forget those who claimed that I was a Muggleborn nobody who tried to snare famous wizards. It's crazy out there, Harry."

"You're not a nobody, 'Mione. If I ever hear anyone call you that, I'll—"

"Thank you, Ronald. You're very sweet," she interjected, as she crawled behind him a draped her arms over his shoulders, giving him a piggy-back hug.

"So what do we do? I don't want any of you to be treated like this by the press. Certainly not Luna or Cho either. Parvati is actually the only one they got right, more or less...and Ginny." Harry said.

"Too right! If you ask me, I say we ought to tell Mum and Dad right away. It's better they hear about us from us, rather than have them come at us in a right state after reading this drivel," Ginny said. "Then, dear brother, I'll take great pleasure helping you with that dungbomb," she hissed with an evil grin.

"You're on, Gin-Gin," Ron smiled impishly. Harry and Hermione opted to just let it go.