Happy reading!
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Chapter 1- All is well
The three of them walked back from dumbledore's office and were soon confronted by Professor McGonagall who urged them to visit the already crowded hospital wing. Harry did not quiet feel like meeting people right now, all he craved for was some sleep. After Hermione convinced professor mcgonagall that they were alright and all they needed was some rest, they went back to the griffindor tower for a nice long sleep which they needed the most at the moment. Back at the boys' dorm, Ron reckoned, "Did you realize it is almost 2 days since we slept?" To Harry it seemed so distant… so many things have happened since yesterday when they decided to break into the gringotts wizards bank… Harry mumbled back, "yes that was at the shell cottage" then he was fast asleep…
It was almost past three in the afternoon when they woke up and realized that they were very hungry. The boys quickly dressed up and went down to the common room. They found people here and there who greeted them with usual cheer-congratulating him, slaping his back-shaking hands. Hermione was nowhere to be found. Ron wondered if she was still fast asleep in the dorm. Then they saw her coming in through the hole carrying some sandwiches.
"I went to the kitchen to see if I can get something to eat… I overslept and missed lunch" Hermione said handing them sandwiches. "I thought you both will be hungry too" She told them. Harry and Ron gratefully finished the sandwiches.
"Thanks Hermione, You are wonderful" Ron told her.
"Tell that to me when i am not doing you a favour Ron" HErmione shot back with an amused look.
"We are leaving tonight" She informed them as a matter of fact.
"Tonight? but.. but what about hogwarts? people here who need help" Harry was suprised.
"There are healers from st. Mungo down there at the great hall… people who were seriously injured have been taken directly to st. Mungo but Madam Pomfrey could not handle this many crowd so a few healers have come here to take care of those who can be healed with little effort" Hermione told him. "We also have trains leaving at 11 am from Hogwarts from today onwards."
"what about the school? I would want to stay back and help build it again" asked Ron.
Hermione patiently stated "Ron, Hogwarts can repair by itself. Any damage to it by a wizard or witch or any magical creature can be rectified on its own. Its in Hogwatrs a History. It only needs time and some spells which I am sure the teachers of Hogwarts would be well versed at".
"I only want to talk to Professor Mcgonagall before we leave" Hermione told them.
"About NEWTS?" Predicted Ron
"Yes about that and about reopening of school too. I want to come back to finish my school"
Ron was aghast. "Hermione, you still think you should complete your seventh year?"
"Yes of course I do and you should do too Ron. We have a future to think of. If Harry wants a career as an Auror then he needs to pass his NEWT and what about you? You too want to become an Auror right? " Hermione advised.
"I haven't given much thought to it yet" mumbled Ron, he knew better than to argue with her now.
"Harry was looking around the common room. There were quite a few people in there with mixed feelings- some celebrating, some mourning, some staring at them with admiration, a girls gang stealing glances at him and giggling amongst them, some chatting about the war and some left to themselves. Suddenly everything came back to harry, the war- the loss of lot of loved ones- Lupin, tonks, colin, fred and lot others who have died in the war. There was lot others who were hurt badly, other fellow students who decided to stay back in spite of their age, those who were crying to get back home. Then he asked about the one thing he was dreading to ask.
"How is George?" Hermione made a quick glance towards Ron.
"I havent seen him after I got up" She told him.
"He is probably more shaken than any of us about Fred's loss. But he will be all right". Ron told him. He seemed to have sensed that Harry was feeling guilty of Fred's death. "It was not your fault mate. It was Voldemort's. You have stopped him haven't you?" Ron added.
They left to the great hall and met Mr and Mrs Weasley near the stairs. They told that they have decided to have Fred's funeral the day after tomorrow. They also told Harry that they did not blame him for their son's death. "He died bravely in a war. Didn't he?" asked Mrs.Weasley as her eyes welled with tears. "Harry, Fred must have a great time where ever he is now. He had his smile etched in his face when he died. It's an honor for him to die in a war against Who-you-know" added Mr.Weasley.
Just then Bill came to them. "Dad the portkey is ready, Its arranged to transport at 8 tonight."
"What about Fr..Fred?" Ron asked him feeling a lump in his throat.
"there will be a little delay to get Fred's body. Charlie is staying back" Bill told him
Harry was searching for a certain Red headed girl,but couldnt seem to spot her.
"Hermione, Have you seen Ginny?" He asked his friend a little later
"She was with Neville when I saw her today afternoon" she told him
He kept looking out for her all through the afternoon as he kept doing what he could do to help and comfort all those who were affected in some way in the war... but didnt seem to spot her until late evening...
abavi
