I apologize profusely for the amount of time it has taken me to get this chapter out to you. I know I promised it would be the last chapter, but this chapter is already 14 pages long, and I was no where close to being done, so I figured I might as well give you what I have so you all know that I haven't abandoned this story. The only explanations I have for the 10-month delay are school, work, and writer's block.
Anyway, thanks as always to my "twin" Penelope for her support, as well as all the others who have gently been pushing me along to get this chapter written. This won't be the end of the story; I still have one more chapter in store before everything is resolved.
Chapter 10
"How am I ever going to get by without seeing your beautiful face every day?"
It was a warm and sunny day, and Harry and Hermione had chosen to spend their last full day together out in the backyard. They were currently lying on their stomachs with their heads turned toward each other, relaxing and enjoying the day. Hermione couldn't help but blush at Harry's question, but she still smiled and rolled to her side as she propped herself up on her elbow.
"Probably much the same way I'm going to have to survive without seeing your messy hair or kissing those lips of yours. It's going to be a miserable experience," she said, a small laugh escaping before realizing how true her statement was. She looked over at Harry, who agreed with her by nodding his head, but then glanced down at the blanket as if contemplating something. "What is it, Harry?"
Rolling over to his back, Harry breathed a deep sigh before chancing a glance at Hermione. He wasn't quite sure he wanted to bring this up right now, but they had made a promise to be open and talk about everything, so he gave it a shot. "I was just thinking...that maybe you could just move in here? You could just Apparate to work, or I could have the fireplace connected to the Floo Network, and it would save you having to pay rent. And I could think of many other," he continued as he scooted closer to her on the blanket and laid his hand on her hip, "reasons." He leaned forward and gave her a kiss, silently praying she didn't need any persuading.
"You don't know how tempting that is, but I don't think it's the best idea right now," Hermione replied with a soft smile. She noticed the disappointment on Harry's face, and continued with an explanation. "I want to, Harry, I really do, but I don't think we can jump into this that easily. You'll probably be starting a job soon, and I would hate for you to have to get connected to the Floo Network at this point in time; you enjoy your privacy too much."
Harry breathed a huge sigh; she had a point, even though he didn't want to admit it. As much as this week had told him just how much he needed Hermione in his life, he also knew that he needed to finish putting his life back together before the could move forward completely. If he didn't fix that first, then it would only cause problems down the road, and that was the last thing he wanted. He turned over on his side again, and saw her looking at him apprehensively. He reached out for her hand and intertwined it with his before bringing it up to his mouth and kissing the back of her hand softly and smiling warmly at her. "You're right, as usual, but I still don't like the idea of not waking up next to you every morning. I know it's only been a week, but I've grown rather attached to waking up next to you."
"Mmm, don't remind me," she replied, snuggling up to Harry. "I guess we'll just have to remember that just because we're not moving in together, it doesn't mean that we won't ever see each other. I'm sure you wouldn't mind me spending weekends here, and you're more than welcome to stay at my flat when you're in London." She looked up at him, and couldn't help laughing at the look he had on his face; it was downright boisterous. "Harry Potter, do I even want to know what's going through your mind right now?"
"Oh, it's nothing bad, Hermione. I just had this image that you were still living with your parents, but don't ask me what gave me that idea. And then you mentioned staying with you when I was in town, and I freaked for a second. But it would be nice to see where you've been living for the last year; in fact, I'm looking forward to it." He had a smile on his face, but a fear was beginning to settle in the pit of his stomach. With him and Hermione having already discussed moving in together and marriage, it was inevitable that sometime in the near future, he was going to be introduced to Hermione's parents.
Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but shut it before anything came out. She had immediately noticed the change in Harry's demeanor when the slightest mention of her parents was made, but she wanted to let it go for now. This was their last day together for a while, and she didn't want anything to ruin it. She wanted to enjoy the rest of the time they had together, not spend it reassuring Harry about the things in the future that were uncertain.
*~*~*~*~*~
Later in the afternoon, Harry lay on the couch in the library. Hermione was next to him, sound asleep, and he was looking through the Potter Family History they found the previous evening. He still didn't know what to make of it all, and he wished it had more than just names and dates in it. He would have liked to see pictures of them all, as well as some information concerning what they did for a living and so forth. However, he figured that now that he knew the names, he could look all that up and find out anyway.
He had finally made it past the first five pages of the book, and now was finding some very interesting names. A while back, he had seen the name Weasley, as well as Black. This perturbed him, because Sirius had never mentioned anything to him about them being related, even if it was distant. But he then remembered what Sirius had said about every pureblood family being related in some way. He supposed it was a possibility that Sirius didn't even know.
"Hermione."
Harry hated to wake her up when she was resting so peacefully, but she really needed to see this, mostly because he didn't believe his own eyes. Hermione shifted slightly but didn't wake, so he decided to try again, this time with a light shake of her arm. "Hermione, honey, wake up."
"What is it?" Hermione groggily opened her eyes and looked up to Harry. "Is something the matter?"
"No...well, I don't think so. I was just looking at this, and couldn't believe my eyes. I needed someone to confirm that I'm not crazy." He shifted on the sofa so Hermione could sit up next to him, and moved the book onto her lap so she could see what had gotten him shaken up. "I don't know what to think about this, Hermione. I was half-expecting to see Weasley and Black in here, but this is a bit of a shock." He traced his finger back to where he was looking before, and pointed it out to Hermione. It read Jonathan James Potter (b.1800) married Victoria Catherine Gryffindor (b.1801) in 1825.
Upon reading what Harry had pointed out to her, Hermione's eyes shot up to meet his. "Harry, this is…wow."
"Tell me about it. Hermione, Edward Potter was my dad's great grandfather. I guess the biggest question I have right now is if this Margaret Gryffindor, my great-great-grandmother, is of any relation to the man himself."
"You know who would probably know, don't you Harry? I'm sure he would at least have some kind of information about the Gryffindors. It might be the best place to start."
Harry set the book down and leaned his head forward to rest in his hands. Finding the name Gryffindor in the family history was the last thing he expected. Many people had suspected while he was in Hogwarts that he was Godric Gryffindor's heir, but there was never any evidence to prove it. And now, one year after the defeat of Voldemort, the proof quite possibly was sitting in his lap.
Soon Harry was so deep in thought that he'd forgotten Hermione was sitting next to him. He looked up slowly to see her sitting patiently next to him, waiting for him to come to grips with the new information the Potter Family History had brought him. She laid her hands over his, and smiled warmly at him.
"Are you okay, Harry?"
"Yeah, I am," he said, sitting up straight. He took a deep breath and continued. "Can you imagine the stir this would have caused if I had it three years ago? I can just see someone finding out that there was possible concrete proof that linked me with Godric Gryffindor. I no longer would be able to accomplish anything on my own, but because of my bloodlines." Harry gave a heavy sigh, and leaned back against the back of the sofa, resting his hands behind his head. Hermione nestled up close to him, wrapping her hands around his middle and resting her head on his chest.
They sat contently that way for a long time. Hermione didn't even have to wonder what was running through Harry's mind at the moment-she just knew. He was most likely beginning to question whether it was truly him that was able to defeat Voldemort, or the possible presence of Godric Gryffindor's blood. She was afraid he would begin to believe it were the truth if she didn't convince him otherwise soon.
"Harry, do you remember what Dumbledore always told us what makes us who we are?"
Harry sat up and looked at her, once again amazed at Hermione's ability to make him feel better. He knew he had a tendency to let things just as this take control of him, but the knowledge of this fault didn't make it any easier to overcome. "It's our choices, more than our abilities that make us who we are." Hermione's hand immediately covered his, and she smiled at him softly.
"He's a smart man, but I don't have to tell you, do I? You defeated Voldemort because you made good choices, not because Godric Gryffindor might have passed some abilities down to you." She turned so she was looking him square in the eye, and made sure she had his full attention. "You, Harry-not your great-great grandparents-you."
He smiled appreciatively at her, a silent thank you for once again saving him from himself. He noted they were still holding hands, and couldn't help but glance down to them. His thoughts traveled to his choices and began taking note of the ones he regretted as well as those he was glad he made. As he sat with Hermione and held her hand, he couldn't even rationalize his decision to cut himself off from everyone last year. He now knew how much he was jeopardizing his future-not just with Hermione, but with everyone that was important in his life.
"You still with me, Harry?" He looked up at the sound of her voice, and saw the concern on her face. "You spaced out for a minute. Is something wrong?"
Remembering what he was thinking about, he smiled back at Hermione. "Not a thing, love. I was just thinking about the best decision I ever made." He cupped her face softly, and leaned forward and kissed her with everything he had. She was the best thing in his life, and he felt the best way to let her know was to show her. As the kiss got deeper, he couldn't help but wish that she wasn't leaving later in the evening. With that thought running through his head, he pulled back and looked at her, a tear threatening to fall from his eye. He choked it back and stared at her a moment. "I don't want you to leave. It might sound selfish, Hermione, but dammit I don't care. I feel like I'm losing you all over again."
"Oh Harry, you're not losing me…and you never will. I'm sure we'll have plenty of opportunities to see each other. In fact, since I'm certain you know where the Ministry is, I'm counting on you to drop in and save me now and again from certain death caused by boredom. And," she said, running her finger seductively down his chest, "nothing says you can't stay a night here and there at my flat. My sofa is very comfortable." Harry's eyes got wide at the mention of her sofa. She laughed heartily at him and gave him a quick kiss that he was too shocked to return. "I'm just kidding, Harry. I would never make you sleep on the sofa...unless of course there's a good reason."
He relaxed a bit once he realized she was only joking, and breathed a sigh of relief. "I don't even know where your flat is, Hermione." He leaned back against the arm of the sofa, pulling her gently with him so she was sitting with her back against his chest. His arms went around her front, and they both sighed with the comfort they felt in each other's arms. "What's it like?"
Hermione relaxed and leaned her head into the crook of his shoulder. She felt the light kiss he dropped on her neck, and started to think of how to describe her flat to him. She'd never really thought of it, really. It was just where she lived, and ever since she had moved in, she knew there was something missing. It wasn't a home to her; it was just where she slept and stored all her belongings. She turned to look at Harry and a thought entered her mind. "I have a better question. What do you think it's like?"
He walked right into that one. Of course Hermione wouldn't be able to outwardly describe her own flat, just as he would find it difficult to describe his own house. But he knew Hermione like the back of his hand, and realized he had a good idea of how her flat looked. "Well, you obviously have tons of books. And lots of pictures on the wall, but only two of them on the mantle; one of them is a picture of you and your parents that was taken the summer after sixth year, and the other is one of you, me, and Ron that was taken about a week before I left. If I remember right, we were in the Common Room in front of the fire, and Colin snapped a picture of the three of us in front of the fire. Ron and I were playing chess, and you were as attentive as I'd ever seen you when the two of us were playing chess."
Hermione turned to face him of the sofa and fell back into his embrace. She couldn't help but smile at the fact that he knew she had that picture. She remembered that night like it was yesterday…
...She lay on the floor quietly, watching Harry and Ron play chess for what had to be the millionth time in the seven years they'd been at Hogwarts. To the casual observer, it looked like she was paying attention to the game, but her mind was on other things. Harry had been acting odd since yesterday morning, and especially since he went for a walk yesterday evening. He refused to tell her where he went, which in itself was odd.
The fact that he wouldn't tell her about it led her to believe that something serious was going on. If he had simply gone for a walk to clear his mind and relax, then he would have told her. No, this was serious, and it scared her. She remembered having a discussion with Ron last week about the war and their belief that Harry would no doubt be right in the thick of it. They had agreed that the time was getting closer, and they voiced their fears for Harry and his well-being. Vocally, they told each other that Harry would be fine and would come out of the final battle alive and well, but she knew that on the inside, they both had doubts.
Since that discussion with Ron, she had felt very guilty, almost to the point that it hurt. She recognized it as fear-of losing Harry. She had long ago admitted to herself that she was in love with Harry, but couldn't bring herself to say anything to him because of everything else he had on his plate. She hated that she doubted his ability to finally defeat Voldemort. She wanted more than anything to see that horrible evil gone from their lives forever, but just as she wanted to see it gone, she knew just how bad he could make their lives…and their deaths.
She was pulled out of her thoughts when Ron stood up. He stretched and yawned, and she realized just how late it was.
"Go on, Ron. Losers clean up tonight." Hermione's heart clenched at Harry's statement, even though she knew he was just talking about chess.
Hermione busied herself with her book (Hogwarts, A History-which she was reading for probably the hundredth time) and waited for Ron to be out of earshot before she leaned down to help Harry clean up the battered chess pieces. She looked at him longingly, and waited for him to look up.
"Is there a reason you're staring at me, Hermione?" He had a tone that suggested he was annoyed with her.
"What's going on, Harry? I know you're hiding something, and I wish you would confide in someone. You know I won't say anything to anyone, whatever it is."
Harry sat back on the floor, and heaved a sigh. He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "Hermione, I need you to trust me on this one. Trust that I have everything under control. I will tell you this: When I went for that "walk" last night, I went to see Professor Dumbledore. Please don't ask why, though. You'll find out soon enough, but this is one thing I can't get into with you right now. I hope you understand," he said as he hung his head.
"I don't like it, but I understand. I know what's coming, Harry. I'm not stupid." Harry's eyes shot up to lock with hers; he looked a second away from crying. "I'm going to bed. I'll see you in the morning."
"I never went to bed that night," Harry said as he pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I never knew that."
Hermione rested her head against his chest, and they fell into silence. Harry traced circles on the small of her back as he held her close, occasionally dropping kisses on her forehead. "I'm sorry for the way I treated you that night. I didn't go to bed because I felt horrible about it. Dumbledore asked me not to tell you or Ron about me leaving; that's why I was being so secretive about everything. I think he thought the two of you would make an attempt to change my mind, and as much as I hate to admit it, he was right. I don't like many of the things I did, Hermione, but it got rid of Voldemort, and that's all I've ever wanted. I just want a life where I'm not looking over my shoulder every five seconds."
"You've got that, Harry. Now what are you going to do with it?" Hermione asked as she lifted her head and looked into his eyes.
Without a word and almost no hesitation, Harry lifted his head and brought his lips to hers.
*~*~*~*~*~
Three hours later Harry was standing with Hermione in what was supposed to be her bedroom while she was visiting. She had moved most of her things to Harry's room after the second night she was there, but a few of her things still remained in the room.
Hermione began to do a once-over in the room to make sure she had everything. Harry sat the bag they'd packed from his room on the chair and started looking as well. "What all did you still have in here?"
"I think it was just a few books. I wasn't sure when I packed how this week was going to work out. I brought the books in the event that I spent the whole time not talking to you. It was my worst-case scenario."
Harry walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "So how many pages did you get read while you were here?" He had a smirk on his face, and Hermione had to admit that she loved that smirk of his.
"Five pages on the first night before I fell asleep. I woke up halfway through the night and that was the end of the catch-up reading. You had, and have, my full attention." She reached up and gave him a quick kiss and went back to packing her books. It was still hard for her to believe that the week turned out as well as it had, but she wasn't going to complain. Up until the time she arrived on his doorstep a week ago, she was furious with Harry. But when she came face to face with him, all that mattered was that they were together. She was aware they still had problems to iron out, but if this week was any indication they would be solved as their relationship grew stronger.
She finished packing her things, and stood up straight to take a deep breath. Harry turned to see her there and smiled. "Got it all, love?" She nodded. "I'll walk down to the alley with you so you don't have to carry all these bags yourself."
"You don't have to do that, Harry. I charmed them smaller in the first place, so it was no big deal. I can handle it."
"Woman, you need to recognize it when I make excuses to spend more time with you. I'm going to draw this out as long as possible." He took her in his arms, and kissed her thoroughly. When they were both breathless he smiled, knowing she couldn't deny him the idea of spending more time with her; it was the same thing she wanted.
*~*~*~*~*~
After they said their good-byes, Harry returned to the house and sat down on the couch. He was lonely in the house, and it was a weird feeling for him. He had been content with a quiet house for a year, but after spending a weekend with Ron and having Hermione there for a week, he no longer wanted this lifestyle. It was time for him to re-enter the wizarding community.
Sitting on the couch, he remembered the discussion with Hermione while they said good-bye in the alley.
I'm going to the Ministry tomorrow to set up a Floo connection," he told her, "I don't want you to rely on sending owls all the time."
A worried look fell upon her face. "Harry, you don't have to do that. Everything will be fine."
"I'm not being paranoid, Hermione. I can get a restricted connection. I'll set it up so only people I know will have access. Anyway, you shouldn't have to walk so far every time you want to visit. This will be…faster."
"Harry James! I should have known you had ulterior motives."
"Okay, so maybe I do. I don't see you objecting to them, though. And that Floo connection goes both ways, you know."
Excitedly, Hermione wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. It was a hug she'd given him on numerous occasions, and he would never get tired of getting a hug from her. She put all her emotion into them, and they said more than words ever could.
Remembering that moment, Harry laid down on the couch and relaxed, the memory of Hermione's hugs easing his mind.
*~*~*~*~*~
Hermione Apparated into the bedroom of her London flat, and immediately let out a long and heavy breath. She put her bags in the corner, and almost flopped down on the bed. Her eyes closed and she couldn't help but think about the healing that lay ahead of Harry. She was more than happy to be a part of his healing, but she was also proud of the lengths Harry was going to to get his life back in order. Not only was he willing to connect his fireplace to the Floo Network, but he also planned on setting up a meeting with Professor Dumbledore to discuss a number of matters.
Hermione was surprised at the direction their discussion took as they reached the Apparation point. Harry had been acting different the whole time they'd been walking, but she hadn't been expecting this; it was almost as if he felt she needed to know he was serious about getting his life back. "I'll owl Dumbledore once I get back to the house. I want to discuss some job opportunities with him as well as show him the Potter Family History and ask him about the Gryffindor line."
"That sounds like a good idea, Harry. Do me a favor and let me know what he has to say, will you? I'm curious as well, although probably not as curious as you."
Hermione knew Harry didn't have to work, but the fact that he felt he needed to, made her smile internally. It told her that he no longer felt the need to hide from the wizarding community, and that he was ready to leave the past behind him.
"I hope Dumbledore can help me decide on a career. I know for a fact that I can no longer fathom being an Auror, and playing Quidditch would draw more attention to me than I care to even think about. But I also know that I need to decide on a job that would mean something to me; I don't want to be someone's token employee."
Those words stuck in Hermione's mind. She couldn't help but think about what kind of job Professor Dumbledore might come up with for Harry. Their relationship had been strained in the past, but they seemed to come to an understanding toward the middle of seventh year that Harry was no longer a child, and therefore shouldn't be treated like one. Once that was settled, she noticed a change for the better in Harry's attitude. Even though he wouldn't admit it then, Hermione could see that Dumbledore was very important to Harry, and vice versa.
When her mind had wandered back to her flat from its long trip, she realized how dramatically her life had changed in the span of one week. It was now time for her and Harry to test the waters in the real world, and find a way to make their relationship work. It was her new passion in life-to make it work with Harry, whatever it may take.
*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning, Harry's eyes were fighting a losing battle with the sun. His first night without Hermione was a restless one, but not only because of her absence; he was also anxious to hear from Dumbledore. He had sent Hedwig to him yesterday after he returned home, asking for a meeting sometime soon.
He looked at the clock next to his bed to see it was just after nine in the morning. With a sigh, he sat up and looked longingly at the empty side of the bed. He could still see the imprint her head made in the pillow, and it made him feel better-it was almost as if everything would be fine as long as that imprint was still there.
Determined to keep moving, he set about getting ready for the day. He was going to the Ministry to tend to some matters, even though Hermione insisted they were unnecessary. As he came out from the shower, he saw Hedwig sitting on her perch holding a letter. Still in just his towel, he walked over and released the letter and read it.
Harry,
Thank you so much for your letter-it was unexpected but certainly welcome. I'm glad to hear that you've decided to move on and not live in the past.
I would be more than happy to discuss possible careers with you. I'm not sure how busy you are, but if you could make it to Hogwarts today, I think I might have something that might interest you. I'll keep this afternoon open. If you can't make it, send an owl and we can set up another time soon.
Albus Dumbledore
Harry smiled upon hearing from his former Headmaster, and proceeded to get dressed as fast as possible. He was just about ready to walk out the door when he had a thought. "Hedwig," he called, and he searched frantically in a drawer for a piece of parchment and a quill. He found both and wrote a quick note.
Hermione,
I'm Apparating to Hogsmeade this morning, and going to Hogwarts to speak with Dumbledore. I have some business to take care of at the Ministry, so I'll stop by to see you-maybe we can catch a late lunch or an early dinner, depending on how long I'm at Hogwarts. See you soon.
Love, Harry
Once Hedwig was off with his note to Hermione, Harry walked out the door and continued his journey to achieving normality.
*~*~*~*~*~
Venturing onto the grounds of Hogwarts School was honestly something Harry never thought he would do again. The night he left at the end of seventh year was difficult for him; Hogwarts was the first place that ever felt like home to him. He hadn't really thought about it, but now that he was standing on the edge of the grounds after walking from Hogsmeade, it felt like he was coming home again.
As he got closer to the front entrance, Harry began to wonder how he would get into the Headmaster's office, as Professor Dumbledore had not told him the current password to him office. His answer was soon answered, however, when the doors opened to show Dumbledore standing there waiting for him. And even though he had not yet reached the doors, Harry was certain he could see the glimmer in his old Headmaster's eyes. Upon closer inspection, Harry also noticed that the Headmaster was dressed down more than he ever remembered seeing him. Dumbledore seemed to have traded in his radiant robes for a simple and casual black.
"Professor, it's good to see you again." He extended his hand to Dumbledore, who shook it immediately.
"Yes, Harry, it's nice to see you as well. What do you say we take a walk around the grounds? It's too nice of a day to be cooped up in that stuffy office."
Harry nodded in agreement, and they set off at a leisurely pace. Minutes passed in silence, but Harry's mind was going in many different directions. He was taking in the wonderful scenery that had always calmed him, and at the same time wondering where the upcoming conversation would take him.
"Tell me, Harry…what were your first thoughts when Hagrid told you that you were a wizard?"
Dumbledore's question surprised Harry. He turned his head to the Headmaster, but Dumbledore continued to look straight ahead. Harry knew exactly what his first thoughts were when Hagrid visited him on his eleventh birthday, but vocalizing them was different; he felt the need to be eloquent for some reason. Unfortunately, Harry had never been known as eloquent. "Er…I think I was trying to decide if I was asleep and having some kind of detailed dream. The whole idea sounded too good to be true in the beginning."
"That is understandable, Harry. And have you ever spoke with Miss Granger about how she found out she was a witch?"
Upon hearing Dumbledore mention Hermione, Harry became especially curious with where this conversation was going. What did the way in which he and Hermione found out about the wizarding world have to do with anything? He thought he was coming to get career advice, and instead he was having a conversation about a topic he hadn't thought about in quite a long time. "She mentioned it once during first year, but not in great detail. Other than that, it's never come up in conversation before."
They walked in silence once again, and Harry grew agitated more and more as they continued through the grounds. If he wasn't so grateful that Dumbledore had made time for him on such short notice, he might have been mad. Instead, he held his tongue and hoped that something profound would be said soon. He didn't have to wait long.
"In the past Harry, Muggle-born students have been sent letters informing them of their acceptance to Hogwarts, and then either Professor McGonagall or I would visit them to explain the wizarding world and answer any questions the family might have. However, Minerva and I have noticed an increase in Muggle-born students, and we are frankly unable to relate to some of the problems and anxieties the students may face during their first year at Hogwarts."
Harry stopped walking and gave his old Headmaster an inquisitive gaze. "What exactly are you getting at, Professor?"
"I'm curious, Harry, if you would be interested in becoming an emissary for Hogwarts. You would visit the homes of the Muggle-born students, and answer any questions they have about the world they never knew existed. I believe you can give them the insight Minerva and I could never give, having once been in their position."
Okay, this is not at all what I was expecting. Harry looked down to the ground and scratched his head. He wasn't sure what to make of this proposal, but he had to admit that it sounded challenging. He did, however, need to know more before making a decision. He looked back up, and saw Dumbledore gazing into the blue sky, not at all looking like he'd just offered a job to Harry. "Professor…"
"Remember, Harry, that these are Muggle-born students. They have no idea that Harry Potter is the Boy Who Lived, so they certainly will not be asking for autographs. By the time they figure it out, your job will be done."
He hadn't thought of that, but he had to admit that it made the job sound even more appealing. He had always thought of Hogwarts as his first home, and now the thought of sharing that with other students was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
"Before you make a decision, Harry, perhaps you should discuss it with Miss Granger. I am certain she will have plenty to say on the subject, and I want you to be certain this is the right direction for you. It will entail plenty of traveling, but will also give you a good deal of recreational time. Weigh the pros and cons, and when you've made your decision come back and see me again, and we can finalize everything."
"Yes, sir."
"I know you have more you wish to discuss with me Mr. Potter, but I do have a rather pressing engagement. We can discuss it when you return."
"Certainly, sir. Thank you for this opportunity."
As Harry said this, Dumbledore was already making his way back up to the castle. He stood and watched the older wizard walk away, and thanked him again silently for all the help he had given him over the years. He might not have always gone about it in the best way, but Dumbledore always did know what was best for Harry, even before he knew himself.
Just as Harry was starting to start back toward Hogsmeade, he heard someone yell his name; he turned to see Dumbledore facing him, and Harry could clearly see the smile on his face. And although they were quite a few meters apart, Harry could hear him perfectly clear. "Welcome back, Mr. Potter."