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Harry Potter and the Battle for Light by DonovanPotter
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Harry Potter and the Battle for Light

DonovanPotter

A/N - here you go, my core of faithful readers!! Thank you all for your wonderful reviews and for the person who asked 'when is H/Hr going to happen?' - well, not planning any major fluff for quite a few chapters yet, but I have been putting anvil sized hints throughout each chapter (just had to say it…) with a few more in this one. Enjoy.

Chapter 6 - Where There's a Will, There's a Way

Harry spent a happy afternoon opening presents and talking to the small group of people who had come to help him celebrate his coming of age. Mr and Mrs Weasley were there with the twins, Remus, Tonks - even Hagrid had made the journey (thankfully without Grawp). Neville, Seamus and Dean were also there as was Luna and Ginny.

Harry had been uncertain when he saw his ex-girlfriend standing nervously next to Neville, remembering vividly the last time they met but then thought to himself that it was his birthday, he was away from the Dursley's forever and nothing was going to annoy him today.

As the afternoon progressed, Harry realised with a start that this would be the perfect opportunity to talk to Remus and Professor McGonagall at the same time. The party was ending - Hagrid had already left, so had Seamus and Dean plus the twins. Ron and Luna were in deep conversation while Hermione was talking to Tonks, Remus and Mr Weasley. On the other side of the room, Mrs Weasley was seemingly having a dispute with Ginny while Neville looked on - however, the new headmistress was putting on her cloak, getting ready to leave.

Quickly, Harry made his way to his old teacher but was stopped midway by a flustered Mrs Weasley.

"Harry dear," she said, slightly apologetic, "we need to be making a move. Ginny, well, she's not feeling the best." Harry looked over at the youngest Weasley and saw that she did indeed look ill, but the cynical part of Harry knew it wasn't due to sickness. So he said his good-byes to Mr and Mrs Weasley and Neville, who left with them (Ginny hadn't spoken to him all afternoon and remained hovering by the door, her eyes fixed firmly to the floor).

Hoping he hadn't missed Professor McGonagall, Harry sighed thankfully when he saw that Hermione had the professor talking to her, Remus and Tonks. Making his way over to the group, he smiled.

"Good to see you guys are still here," he said happily, "I kinda need a word."

"Well, actually Mr Potter," Professor McGonagall said, sharing a worried look with Remus and Hermione, "so do I. I apologise for bringing this up at your coming of age celebrations but it seems Albus wasn't the only one to leave you a bequest on this momentous day."

"What?"

"It seems you are named in Professor Dumbledore's will."

Harry looked at her stunned, all thoughts of what he wanted to talk to them about escaping him - Dumbledore had left him something in his will. Dumbledore, who should've been at his birthday. Dumbledore, who was now dead.

"I…I don't want anything…" Harry stuttered, trying to get himself back on track.

"I'm afraid that choice is not yours to make Mr Potter," the professor continued, her tone somewhat softer, "the headmaster made it quite clear what his intentions were on his death. Perhaps we can go over the details tomorrow? I understand you will be doing the same thing with Remus."

Harry turned his attention to Lupin, already knowing what he was going to say.

"The lawyer of the Potter estate contacted me as I am a trustee since both Sirius and Dumbledore are gone," Remus started sadly, "you have been left the two houses and everything inside them plus the funds in the Potter vault, which has been transferred to yours. I will need you to sign some papers…"

"I don't want more money," Harry struggled to say, "I don't want any of this…"

"Harry," Hermione soothed, putting a calming hand on his arm, "don't make any decisions now. Let it all sink in a bit…"

But all Harry wanted to do was yell and scream at them for once again reminding him of people who have died trying to protect him. He didn't want their money, or whatever they had left him. He wanted them back, in this room, helping him celebrate his birthday.

Turning away from Hermione and the others, Harry breathed deeply, trying to regain the control he had yesterday and then this morning, when Dudley had attempted his attack. It took a few moments but after a while, he felt able to talk calmly - slowly he turned back around.

"We'll do that stuff tomorrow, right?" he asked, noting the look of surprise on Remus and McGonagall's faces and the look of pride on Hermione's, "I - no, I mean we - need to talk to both of you about something."

"Is everything alright Mr Potter?" McGonagall said quickly, putting her cloak back down on a chair and making her way to the table.

"I guess it depends on what you call alright," Harry answered cryptically as he too walked to the table, Remus and Tonks following while Hermione went and got Ron (who was still extremely engrossed with Luna). When Ron and Luna joined them, Harry looked uncertainly at the two who weren't supposed to hear what he was going to say - but Tonks wasn't an Auror for nothing and with a smile, went to Luna and took her arm.

"Why don't we go and work on getting my great aunt, or whatever she is, off the wall," Tonks suggested before giving Remus a small kiss and left, taking Luna with her, who waved to Ron as she closed the door behind her.

Gratefully, Harry sat down with Ron and Hermione on either side, Remus sat next to Ron while McGonagall sat beside Hermione - they all turned to Harry and waited for him to speak. Taking a deep breath, he started.

"At the wedding, I told you we couldn't come back to Hogwarts because we were finishing off what Dumbledore began, what he died doing. Well, we talked about it and realised that with him gone, we really need your help and so we decided to tell you both what we're doing and why."

"Is this about the prophecy? About you being the Chosen One?" Remus asked quietly.

"Yes, partly," Harry replied, "Dumbledore had heard the real prophecy before I was born and basically it said Voldemort will mark someone born at the end of July as his equal and both can't live at the same time. Also, one has to kill the other and the other is me."

Harry watched the different reactions round the table - Hermione hung her head and studied her hands, McGonagall went deathly pale, her mouth drawn into a thin line as she exchanged looks with Remus, who looked both sad and angry at the same time. Ron just looked like he was going to be sick.

"When did Albus tell you this?" McGonagall asked tartly.

"After the mess at the Ministry of Magic," Harry replied.

"You've know this all of last year," Remus questioned, concerned, "did you two know about this as well?" They all nodded and Remus held his head in his hands.

"It's okay Remus," Harry tried to soothe, "I mean, it was kind of inevitable. He kept going after me and he has taken away from me anyone that has meant something - there is a good chance that it would be me in the end anyway…"

"How am I supposed to protect you when you've got it in your head you alone are supposed to defeat Voldemort?" Lupin asked suddenly, looking up at Harry, "we made a promise Harry, a promise to your parents to keep you safe. With Sirius gone, that role now belongs to me - but how can I?"

Harry exchanged looks with Hermione and Ron, who both looked back at him uncomfortably. Taking another deep breath, Harry carried on.

"There's more…"

"More?" Remus interrupted, "you mean, that isn't the worst of it?"

"Er, no," Harry began, "have you both heard of Horcruxes?"

"When ones sole is split into two on the murder of a separate individual," McGonagall responded, peering at Harry over the top of her glasses, "but that has never successfully been done - how have you heard about it? It is the darkest of magic!"

"Because that's what Dumbledore thinks Voldemort has done," Harry continued, grimacing, "seven times…"

"Seven times!" Remus exclaimed, "but that's impossible!"

"It makes sense Remus," McGonagall said quietly, thinking, "the creature that calls himself the Dark Lord looks nothing like the Tom Riddle we once knew. He is quite…inhuman."

"But seven times!" Remus accentuated, "there are seven bits of Voldemort out there?"

"Actually, there are four," Harry corrected, "I got rid of one, it was the diary that possessed Ginny in our second year, Dumbledore got rid of one, Slytherin's ring…"

"That's what happened to his hand," McGonagall thought out loud, "he never fully explained that."

"…and I have one in my trunk upstairs, a locket…"

"You what!" Remus exploded standing abruptly.

"It's quite safe," Ron explained, placing a hand on Lupin's shoulder and guiding him back to his chair, "well, we think it's quite safe. It hasn't attacked us yet at least."

"…so we're looking for Hufflepuff's cup that Riddle stole years and years ago," Harry continued, "plus something from Ravenclaw or Gryffindor…"

"Why those specific items?" McGonagall asked, curious.

"Because Dumbledore thought that Voldemort would use something of each of the founders," Harry explained, "and we have something from Hufflepuff and Slytherin which leaves the other two. He also thought that Nagini, the snake, held a piece and then the remaining piece is in Voldemort himself. Seven in total."

"Was Albus sure about this?" Remus asked, somewhat more calmly.

"He said a lot of it was guess work, but he was pretty sure." Harry stopped talking and let the two adults digest what he had said. Ron and Hermione also sat in silence, every now and then looking at each other worriedly. After a little while, Remus looked up at Harry and frowned.

"You three are searching for the Horcruxes, aren't you?" The trio nodded.

"And you need our help doing what, exactly?" McGonagall asked, her tone unreadable.

"Well," Harry started, suddenly feeling nervous, "we're wanting to return to Hogwarts. With conditions."

"Conditions?"

"Um, yeah," Harry continued and waited as Hermione took out the list they had made the day before and handed it to the headmistress, who opened it and began reading carefully. When she finished, she handed it over to Remus before looking directly at Harry.

"These conditions are well thought out," she said with a touch of admiration in her voice, "but I have a few conditions of my own."

The three looked at each other, knowing that all that they had asked for wouldn't be granted but waited expectantly for what the professor was going to say.

"You are to tell me whenever you leave the castle grounds, even if it is to go to Hogwarts to get a sugar quill, and you will tell me approximately how long you intend to be gone and where you will be…"

"But…"

"That condition is not negotiable Mr Potter," McGonagall continued, "the fireplace in the Head's dorm is connected to mine so getting a message to me will not be difficult. On your return from your missions, you are also to tell me immediately. If I am taking a class, you can interrupt.

"I agree to having the three of you share the Head's dorm, I will get an extra bed placed in the Head Boy's room for Mr Weasley - congratulations Mr Potter and Miss Granger, you are Head Boy and Girl for this coming year. And as a warning, the protections around the girls dormitory in the Gryffindor common room is in place on both the boy and girl rooms in the Head's Dorm repealing any member of the opposite gender trying to gain entry. Just a precaution, you understand.

"We will organise the secure Floo access you have requested and Professor Dumbledore's extensive and private library is at your disposal. You will be updated on the password to my office regularly, as would any Head Boy and Girl, and unless I am dealing with a student or confidential school matters, you will have full access when needed.

"The Quidditch Cup was not to be played this year due to security reasons. As for your studies, I think it is here that discussion and compromises need to be made. Miss Granger, I feel, will be able to cope with the extra research and excursions your quest requires while still pass her necessary NEWT papers. You two, I'm not so sure."

"That's why we were hoping for…"

"Compensations," the professor finished for Harry, "yes, I read your list. My concern is the assignments given during the school year are beneficial for the end of year exams - it is difficult to do one without the other. Allowing you to hand in shorter versions of given essays, or to miss class altogether may not be, ultimately, beneficial."

"The reality is, Professor McGonagall, we have no idea how long the search is going to take," Hermione said bravely, "we could be gone for a day or we could be gone for months at a time. What we are saying, is that when we are in school, we will take our classes and learn as much as we can but if we have to choose between finding a Horcrux or going to Charms, Charms will come second."

"I understand that Miss Granger," McGonagall replied, "and I am willing to allow you to continue your quest while basing yourselves within the castle walls. What I am trying to ascertain is how we can help you three to pass your NEWTS while you continue your extracurricular activities."

"Well, to be honest," Ron sighed, "it wouldn't be a major if I failed. Mum will just be pleased that I'm back at school…"

"And, to be frank, passing my NEWTS is the least of my worries," Harry remarked, wryly.

"Honestly," Hermione puffed, "how are you both going to become Auror's if you don't pass your exams?"

"I think that if I survive killing Voldemort, then the Ministry should welcome me with open arms…"

"You are going to survive Harry Potter!" Hermione scolded, eyes blazing, "which means you need to pass your exams to set yourself up for a future without Voldemort in it! And you!" she turned her furious gaze onto Ron, "don't just accept failure as part of who you are! You are fully capable of succeeding as anyone else if you just gave yourself half a chance!"

"Well said Miss Granger," the new headmistress interjected.

"Hermione," Harry continued as if he hadn't heard McGonagall at all, "Dumbledore, the greatest wizard ever, lost a hand to a Horcrux and then his life! What I said to you yesterday, I meant - I want to survive this and doing what we're doing is going to help me survive this. But there must be part of you that has doubts? You can't fully believe that I'm going to live…"

"I can fully believe that you'll live," she shouted at him, "and I do fully believe that you'll live, that we'll all live! That you'll win and finally have a normal life without Voldemort breathing down your neck! That there is a happy ever after! And you should too, because if you think you're going to die, you will die!"

Harry looked at her and saw the determination in her eyes, telling him that disagreement is not an option - but he still had his doubts. How can she be so sure?

"We don't know what we're doing…" he started.

"We've made a start," she interrupted, "we will find a way to find the Horcruxes and destroy them and then destroy Voldemort. The answers are there."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I believe in you," she answered softly, still looking at him.

"What if I let you down?"

"You can never let me down Harry," Hermione replied, "I'm more scared that I'll let you down. Like last year," she sighed, before her determination returned to her eyes, "but that's not going to happen again. I will find the answers and you will win."

"You know, Hermione's pretty much never wrong," Ron finally spoke, with a bit of resigned admiration in his voice and Harry found himself smiling at the comment. He was still looking at Hermione and noticed that the corners of her mouth crept upwards as well, a small blush touching her cheeks.

"You're right Ron, I don't think she's ever been wrong," Harry laughed, the mood breaking a bit. Hermione smiled fully then and finally broke her gaze away from Harry, turning to Professor McGonagall.

"We may need tutoring if we are away from school for too long," she instructed, the older woman listened with an impressed expression, "but I will make sure both Ron and Harry stay up to date with their classes. Other prefects may have to take over some of our duties because time is going to be a premium but I feel we should be able to do both the search and complete our education."

"I agree," Professor McGonagall said, smiling.

"The extra defence lessons," Remus put in, also smiling, "shouldn't be a problem. We were thinking of doing that any way. Is there anyone else you think should join in?"

"Luna," Ron said quickly.

"Neville," Harry added.

"And Ginny," Hermione suggested, causing everyone to once again turn to her.

"Ginny?" Ron questioned, "are you sure that's such a good idea?"

"Ginny is a powerful witch, smart and a good ally," Hermione answered briskly, looking at Harry, "we can't disregard her just because she's angry at me. We should give her the option."

Harry thought about it and knew that Hermione was right (again) - Ginny would be an asset in a fight. It would be difficult in the beginning, but if both Ginny and Hermione can handle being in the same room together, then so could he.

"Right," he said, "Luna, Neville and Ginny are to join us for extra defence training, if they want. But they aren't part of the search."

"Excellent," Remus concluded, handing the list back to Hermione, "I think that covers everything. But I'm afraid before I go, I need to get your instructions about…"

"Dowrgi," Harry finished, thinking, "can everything just stay as they are? I mean, Martin running the estate and looking after Godric's Hollow…I don't want to go back there, not yet."

"We can do that Harry," Remus replied, "we just need to visit the lawyer in Truro to make it official."

"Which is what we need to do regarding Albus's will as well," McGonagall put in, "tomorrow, get it all out of the way."

Harry nodded mutely, once again letting the talk of the lost of Dumbledore engulf him in guilt. He kept his eyes downcast as the professor rose and put on her travelling cloak, ready to leave the kitchen.

"We'll see you at Hogsmead tomorrow around midday tomorrow then Remus," she said to Lupin, who also stood.

"That's fine," Remus agreed, ready to escort her out of the house. They were nearly out of the door when McGonagall turned back to the three teenagers, still sitting at the table.

"Goodness gracious, I almost forgot," she remarked, "my birthday present for you Mr Potter - I have organised the Apparition examiner to test you and Mr Weasley tomorrow at Hogsmead before the usual examination early in the school year. I trust that is fine with yourself?"

"That's brilliant professor," Harry gushed, genuinely pleased, "it will make life so much easier!"

"As I thought," McGonagall said briskly, "I will see you at midday tomorrow then."

Harry watched as the two adults left, letting out the breath that he had no idea he was holding before sharing a look with Ron and Hermione.

"That went well," Ron grinned, "early Apparition tests! Excellent!"

"Thanks," Harry said, ignoring Ron and looking directly at Hermione.

"For what?"

"For…" Harry didn't finish as the door banged open and Remus poked his head into the kitchen.

"You three need to see this," he said, grinning madly before retreating. Without further invitation, they got up and went into the entrance hallway in time to see Mrs Black's picture drop noiselessly to the floor. Luna levitated the picture and began guiding it down the stairs, talking to it all the while, her normal dreamy expression momentarily absent.

"What's going on?" Harry asked Tonks, who had joined the small amazed group at the bottom of the stairs.

"Luna talked the loony old bat to release herself off the wall," Tonks laughed, "we tried everything to get that picture down over the last few years - she comes in and gets it down in half an hour! That girl is incredible!"

"She certainly is," Ron agreed before following the blond Ravenclaw back into the kitchen, oblivious to the looks of surprise and sniggering from the others watching.

The trip to Truro with Remus the following day was pretty uneventful for Harry. He signed some Muggle legal documents with the instruction that nothing changes yet, other than giving Hermione permission to have access to both houses. Harry realised that one day he would probably shift back there, that he would rather make Dowrgi his home than Grimmauld Place - but that would be after the war, when everything was safe.

He also realised that he should make a will of his own, that his possessions now were quite extensive and that if he didn't instruct legally what he wanted to do with it all, it would probably end up going to Petunia Dursley - a thought that made him quite ill. So after discussing things with Remus, Harry added to the documents at Truro that on his death, the estate would go to the people of Pennowen and managed as it was now. That small step helped put Harry at ease as he also decided to think over exactly what he wanted to do with all the money now sitting in his vault, determined that something would be in writing pretty soon.

Harry and Remus arrived at Hogsmead in time for lunch. Ron and Hermione were already there, Ron getting in some authorised Apparition practice before their test. After a quick bite at the Three Broomsticks, they followed Professor McGonagall, who had arrived while they were eating, to a small clearing just past the shops.

"I trust you remember Wilkie Twycross from the Ministry?" she asked briskly. Harry nodded, noting that the Apparition instructor from last year looked as frail and transparent than ever. The test was quick and successful with both Harry and Ron passing and obtaining their certificates. So it was a happy group that turned and began the walk to Hogwarts.

The closer they got to the castle, the quieter Harry became. Hogwarts and Dumbledore meant the same to Harry and to know that one was there without the other didn't feel right. He began to slow down, letting the others walk on without him as Ron continued to enthuse about his newly authorised Apparition skills. Remus and McGonagall were listening politely but it didn't take long for Hermione to notice Harry was no longer with them. She stopped and waited until Harry caught up, then fell into step beside him.

"It's going to be strange," she sighed, "being here without…"

"Yeah," Harry agreed before stopping suddenly, "Hermione, I can't do this! This is too difficult - Dumbledore was Hogwarts! How can I go back there?"

"Professor Dumbledore was an incredible man Harry," Hermione started, taking Harry's shaking hands in her own, "and I can't even begin to understand how you feel right now, because you and he were so close. But what I do know is that he loved this school, and he loved you. He would want you to be here where he can watch over you and where you feel safe."

Harry thought about what she said for a moment and realised that because Dumbledore was Hogwarts, it will be in this castle that he would feel the presence of his mentor the most - and that was a good thing, not bad. The greatness that was Albus Dumbledore resided in the walls and perhaps some of that greatness will rub off on him. Taking a deep breath, Harry began walking.

"Thanks," he said after a while, looking down at Hermione, who looked back at him with surprise.

"What for?" she asked.

"The past few weeks," he replied, gently squeezing her hand (that he was still holding), "it seems whenever I need some support or help, you're always there, saying just the right thing to make me feel better. It's been so difficult, what with one thing or another. Oh, and that reminds me…" Harry began digging through his backpack before pulling out two rather large keys on one keyring, "these are for you - keys to Godric's Hollow and Dowrgi. Martin will let you know of the wards and security but you have unlimited access to both places."

Hermione turned the keys over in her hands as Harry watched, curious at her reaction. After a few moments, she looked up at him with an expression he had never seen before.

"I won't let you down, Harry," she pronounced before putting the keys in her own backpack and walking off to join the others who had passed through the gates of the school and were nearly at the main entrance.

"I know," he said to himself as he paused, watching her walk next to Ron with something like pride touching his heart, making him smile. Without another thought, he jogged and caught up with them, once again walking through the large oak front doors of Hogwarts.

All damage from the battle that took place in the castle had gone - the house hour glasses were whole once more, the pictures and windows repaired. Silently Harry followed McGonagall to the now headmistress's office, Ron and Hermione also quiet as they each relieved their memories of what took place only a couple of months before. By the time they had got to the familiar phoenix, Harry's resolve was floundering and when he saw the sleeping portrait of Professor Dumbledore over the desk, he felt sick. He had seen it before, but this time it seemed to have more…life.

"Please, take a seat," McGonagall instructed, "Aberforth will be here momentarily."

"Albus's brother is here?" Remus asked, surprised.

"It seems that Aberforth has always been here," McGonagall replied, her attention drawn away as the door opened once more. Harry swivelled around in his seat to see the bartender of the Hog's Head enter the room, looking as grubby and grumpy as ever.

"You're Dumbledore's brother?" Ron rudely asked, his mouth gaping in shock.

"I thought your parent's would have taught you better manners than that Weasley," the old man said before turning to Remus, "good to see you again Lupin, it's been a while."

"It has Aberforth," Remus smiled, taking the other man's hand in welcome, "though it seems you haven't been as far away as we thought you were."

"Albus and I decided that I should keep a low profile," Aberforth answered, "and it was only Mungdungus who went to the Hog's Head who, not being the sharpest quill in the pack, didn't recognise me."

"I wish we were meeting in happier circumstances," Remus continued, "Albus's death is not only the loss of a great wizard, but also a good friend."

"He always spoke well of you," Aberforth smiled, something that looked quite foreign on the scowling face, "now, lets get this done. I don't want to be in this castle any longer than needed. Albus? Albus! Wake up you old fool, the Potter boy is here."

Harry was still watching the strange man intently, trying to see his old headmaster in the dirty face. His ever present scowl made him look so un-Dumbledore like that Harry was finding it difficult - until he smiled. The twinkle that had made Professor Dumbledore's eyes have a life of their own briefly showed itself in the darker blue of his brothers'.

"Harry?" Harry frowned, his attention distracted - he knew that voice, but surely no.

"Harry? Look at me." Very slowly, Harry turned from Aberforth and with wide eyes, looked at the now awake picture of Albus Dumbledore, sitting in his chair and staring out with the compassion that he had so often shown in his life. Harry couldn't speak.

"Right, shall we start?" Aberforth continued, ignoring the uncomfortable ness in the room.

"Give us a moment Aberforth," Albus admonished, "this is the first time Harry and I have spoken in this form." Aberforth fell silent. Harry stood and walked closer to the picture, unaware of the others in the room.

"Why?" he managed to splutter out.

"Harry, I'm so sorry," Dumbledore consoled, "you must be so disappointed with me. I didn't mean to leave you…"

"But you have!" Harry yelled, suddenly, "you have left me! You're supposed to guide me through the next bit, tell me what to do! How could you…"

"It wasn't quite planned like this, you have to believe me," Dumbledore interrupted, sadly, "but I have the faith that you will complete what we started…"

"Well, you and Hermione should start a club then," Harry continued to shout, "because I don't! They killed you! How can I beat them if they can kill you!"

"I was an old, old man," the portrait answered calmly, "and yes, I knew quite a bit about quite a lot. But my time was at an end, Harry, and I was trying to prepare you for a world without me in it…"

"Well, you didn't do a very good job," Harry mumbled.

"I actually think I did a wonderful job," Dumbledore smiled proudly, "but I was never afraid to blow my own trumpet, so to speak. My death, I must admit, came a bit sooner than I anticipated but there isn't anything to do about that now. In time you will understand the truth about what happened on the tower…"

"The truth is Snape killed you because Draco couldn't," Harry spat, "he is a traitor and a coward."

"There are always deeper, more real truths than the more obvious ones that the whole world can see," Dumbledore continued, still smiling, "but that isn't why we're here today. Today, I get to give you some things of mine you might find useful. Aberforth?"

Harry kept watching the portrait until Aberforth came and stood in front of him, giving him no option than to change his focus.

"As the last remaining Dumbledore, it is up to me to distribute my brother's bequeaths," Aberforth stated, guiding Harry away from the portrait and back to the middle of the room, "Albus wanted you to have his pensieve, Fawkes' cage, a selection of books and memories plus his collection of chocolate frog cards. You'll find them all here." With a wave of his wand, Aberforth conjured up a medium sized trunk that had Fawkes' cage sitting on top, "I'm sure we'll meet again Mr Potter; good to see you again Remus, Minerva, Albus." And without another word, the old wizard was gone.

"Good to see my death hasn't softened him," Dumbledore joked, drawing Harry's attention once more.

"Are you going to help us?" Harry asked, numbly.

"I will do all I can Harry, but I'm not…"

"I know, you're only an essence," Harry interrupted, "where else do you have portraits?"

"It seems I was a most popular subject and I have frames at the Ministry, St Mungo's, plus a few others - even the Leaky Cauldron!" Harry nodded before looking down at the small pile of stuff piled at his side, normality finally returning to his brain.

"Thank you for thinking of me in your will," he finally said, once more looking at the portrait.

"You were never far from my thoughts Harry," Dumbledore replied sadly. Again Harry just nodded before turning and quickly leaving the office, determined that this time, he would not cry.