Wizards, Witches and ... Muggles??

Chapter 6

That Friday morning, after the Order meeting, Rose and Laura were sitting in the Gryffindor common room. Rose had woken up from a bad dream and then woken up Laura, which is how they came to be sitting in the common room talking quietly.

"Rose, it was just a dream," commented Laura.

Sighing, Rose answered, "I know that, but I don't know. I've just got a gut feeling that something isn't right."

"Rose, you're just being paranoid because of what is going to happen," dismissed Laura.

"Laura, I haven't received a letter back from my parents. I sent mine four days ago. I have a bad feeling it just doesn't add up," moaned Rose.

Jamie-Rose had sent a letter asking how everyone at home was. Normally they would have responded to the letter straight away but for some reason they hadn't this time. Add the looming attack by Voldemort and you get a very anxious teenage girl.

"Look, you have got to calm down," instructed Laura. "They will send you a letter when they're ready to."

"Okay, I'm calm. I think I'll go get some breakfast: coming?" asked Rose, changing the subject.

"Finally, she asks something else," muttered Laura, before answering, "Yes, come on."

Both girls moved from their seats and began to make their way down to the Great Hall. The corridors were eerily quiet as most students and portraits were still asleep. The two girls finally came to the Hall, pushing the doors open they noticed that it was empty except for the teachers.

Smiling at the high table, they both made their way over to their usual places and sat down. As they did so, Laura noticed a letter and picked it up. It had Jamie-Rose written on it in a messy handwriting.

"Here you go," commented Laura, handing Rose the letter.

Rose took the letter and mumbled her thanks. She recognized her mother's writing but noticed that it had obviously been written whilst she had been shaking, as the writing was all wonky. Trembling slightly, Rose opened it up and began to read:

Dear Jamie-Rose

I have some dreadful news. Do you remember when you told us all about that man and his followers in your second letter?

I'm sorry to have to tell you that the man's followers attacked the city's main swimming pool, where your sister Sarah-Jane was spending the day with her friends.

I hate to have to tell you this in a letter as it seems so cold blooded, but your sister died in the hands of a follower. I'm so sorry Jamie-Rose. Please stay safe and take care.

We all love you,

Mum, Dad and Rochelle.

Rose finished reading the letter and handed it to Laura. It took Laura a minute to read it all the way through.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry Rose," sympathized Laura.

Shaking with anger Rose replied quietly to herself, "Followers that means only one person, Snape."

Before Laura could do or say anything to stop Rose, Rose had snatched the letter away and stood up abruptly shouting "YOU BASTARD!" and looking pointedly at Snape.

"Excuse me?" asked Snape, caught off guard.

Stalking towards him Rose bellowed, "YOU BASTARD! IF I HAD KNOWN YOU'D SELL MY NAME TO VOLDEMORT I WOULDN'T HAVE TOLD ANYONE WHO I WAS. YOU BETTER JUST HOPE VOLDEMORT HURTS YOU BEFORE I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!"

"I assure you I have not sold anyone to the Dark Lord," answered Snape calmly.

Coming to a stop, Jamie-Rose slammed her letter down in front of Snape. She waited till he had read it before commenting again.

"If I ever find out that my sister was killed by you, you will wish you didn't know me," threatened Jamie-Rose, dangerously quiet.

"I had no choice," explained Severus, realizing what Rose was on about. "All the people there had been given the Dementor's Kiss. I was merely doing her and everyone there a favour."

Rose lost her head: swinging back her fist she smashed it into Snape's face. Dumbledore, McGonagall and Lupin were on their feet in seconds.

"Are you okay, Severus?" asked Albus, as he and McGonagall helped him up.

"Fine. Two hundred points from Gryffindor," replied Snape.

Jamie-Rose made to lunge at him again but was stopped by Remus holding her back

"Let me go," commanded Rose through clenched teeth, struggling against him.

"Hitting Severus will not bring your sister back," replied Remus, thanking the gods for his werewolf strength: he was having trouble holding Rose back.

Rose went very still at these words as if they were just penetrating her mind. She's dead, she not coming back; she will never come back again, thought Rose. It finally hit her like a ton of bricks and she began to uncontrollably cry.

"I think you should take her back to Gryffindor Tower, so she can calm down, Remus. Then let's get all the other students in here," instructed Albus.

Nodding, Remus guided Rose back over to Laura who had watched the entire thing from the Gryffindor table. With one look at Rose's grief-stricken face she got up and followed them out of the hall.

Luckily, back in Gryffindor Tower the majority of the students were up. Sitting Rose on the sofa, Remus let her go and let Laura continue comforting her.

Standing at the entrance to the common room, Remus cleared his throat and said loudly, "Could you all be quiet please? Thank you. In light of some recent information we have received, Professor Dumbledore wants you all in the Great Hall straight away."

The student body was all looking confused and worried as they moved out of Gryffindor Tower and towards the Great Hall, leaving Rose, Laura, and Remus alone.

"Jamie-Rose, are you okay?" asked Remus, concerned.

"I will be," sniffed Rose. Her crying had subsided.

"Good," replied Laura. "Now, I think we should go back to the Hall."

"I don't know," responded Rose uneasily.

"You should come down," reassured Remus. "Professor Dumbledore may expect you to."

Nodding, Rose wiped her eyes, which were now red and slightly puffy. They all left the tower and went back down to the Great Hall.

Rounding the corner, they saw at least half of the younger students leaving. Curious, Remus asked what was going on and they were told that only members of DA and a select few others had been told to remain behind. Sharing knowing glances with each other, Remus, Rose and Laura carried on towards the Great Hall. Entering, the three of them went directly to their seats.

Seeing them arrive, Professor Dumbledore stood up and said, "Members of the DA and others. These times are growing darker as Voldemort gathers more followers and gains more power. So far, Voldemort has not attempted an attack on this castle but he will do. In fact, we are going to lure him here." A babble of whispers broke out, but Dumbledore continued. "However, he is still weak and with you all fighting along with Aurors and Order of the Phoenix members we will beat him. If none of you wish to fight, say so now." No one spoke or moved. "Good, be prepared. In a week's time Voldemort will attack. You are all dismissed."

An odd whispering spread though the Hall as people began discussing next Tuesday's events. The rest of the day passed in a blur for Jamie-Rose. She had cried as much as humanly possible over her sister's death and had finally admitted to herself that no matter where her sister was she'd always be with her in spirit and heart. Looking back over what Professor Snape had said, Rose was glad that her sister wasn't just a living shell. All she had to do now was apologize to him, which was easier said then done.

* * *

Severus Snape, potion's master at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry and spy for the Order, had just appartated outside of the wards surrounding Voldemort's castle.

Dressed in hooded black robes, with a mask hiding his face, Severus was just outside the doors of the mansion when the Dark Mark on his left forearm began to burn: obviously he had arrived just in the time.

He came to a chamber just off the main hall; opening the door, Severus stepped up to a high back chair and bowed before standing up and joining the circle of Death Eaters.

A snakelike man with red eyes and slits for nostrils stood up and surveyed the scene before him, whilst his pet, a true snake, wound itself up near the hearth.

"Ah, my faithful followers," hissed Voldemort. "I trust you all fed my Dementors well?"

"Yes, my lord," chorused the Death Eaters.

"Good. Now, Snape do you anything to tell me about the filthy Muggles or the school?" questioned Lord Voldemort.

Severus stepped forward, kneeled, then answered, "My lord, I have some good news."

"Well, what is it?" questioned Voldemort impatiently.

"My lord, Dumbledore is growing weak and the Potter boy will be unprotected this Tuesday, when Dumbledore plans on leaving the castle to see a Healer. With the castle unattended for the whole day, it will be the perfect opportunity for you to attack," explained Severus.

"Hmmm... that may work if I didn't think that one of the students could betray us by someone from my ranks telling them," replied Lord Voldemort.

"I am your most faithful follower, my lord. Have I not followed you since I was at school myself?" questioned Severus, hoping against hope that his cover hadn't been blown.

Taking out his wand, Voldemort answered, "It is not you I question Severus, but Lucius."

Another black hooded and masked man stepped forward before dropping to both knees.

"My lord, I am and have always been faithful to your cause," Lucius stated.

Turning his piercing gaze to the Death Eater, Voldemort hissed, "It is your fault that you did not figure out your son was on the other side, the wrong side, Lucius. You promised me a spy amongst the students: I was very disappointed in your son. But since he isn't here to take the punishment you will. Crucio."

Lucius fell to the floor in agony: as the curse was placed upon him by the most powerful Dark wizard alive it made the intensity even more unbearable.

"The... Muggles... will... be... there," gasped out Lucius through clenched teeth.

Lifting the curse, Voldemort asked with interest, "What did you say?"

"My Lord... the Muggles... that deceived you... will be in... the fight," panted Lucius.

A high-pitched laughter rang in the chamber: it was the sort of a laugh that makes all the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end and sends shivers down your spine.

"You just redeemed yourself Lucius. Yes, I shall firstly get rid of the Muggles, especially the one that lost me my servant," hissed Voldemort. "Avery, Nott, Macnair, Crabbe, Goyle, Lucius, Bellatrix - you seven and my Dementors shall attack Hogwarts. Then everyone shall see me as the greatest sorcerer in the world! Now get lost: out of my sight now!" shouted Voldemort, as Snape made to leave Voldemort called, "Severus, you stay."

The rest of the Death Eaters rushed out of the room, not wanting to incur Lord Voldemorts wrath.

"Severus, I want you to meet us at the entrance to Hogwarts to see us in so to speak. If you are not there, Severus, I will know that you turned from my path, and there can be no second chances," threatened Voldemort.

"My lord, I shall be there," replied Severus.

"Good, you may leave now, and don't disappoint me," responded Lord Voldemort.

Severus didn't need telling twice. He bowed once more before leaving the mansion and Apparating back to Hogwarts to tell Albus that the plan was set.

* * *

"Dementors are coming as well?" asked Laura.

The trio, Ginny, Laura, and Jamie-Rose were sitting in Dumbledore's office. They had been asked up to his office an hour ago and had met with Professors Snape, McGonagall, Lupin, and Flitwick.

Snape had explained everything that Lord Voldemort had said and how Voldemort had extremely gullibly agreed with the plan.

"Yes, there will be around fifteen Dementors coming," answered Snape.

"We can't see Dementors, can we?" queried Rose.

"No, Muggles can only feel the presence of a Dementor, making it highly dangerous and meaning you can't protect yourselves," explained Remus, in his teaching voice.

Sighing, Laura replied, "So we can't fight?"

"Unfortunately, Miss Blore," began Snape, "you have no choice. The Dark Lord will expect you there and if you aren't he'll know the attack was planned."

"Well, can't we just change the wards so that Voldemort can enter but not the Dementors?" asked Hermione.

"No, Miss Granger that would not be possible as Dementors are Dark creatures," explained Severus. "So you'd have to take down the whole wards leaving Hogwarts defenceless. The only exceptions to the wards imposed are those for werewolves for obvious reasons."

"So, Voldemort still has the advantage. How many DA members can do a Patronus charm?" asked Dumbledore.

"The whole group, sir," answered Harry, "but I don't know how they'd fare against fifteen Dementors."

"You have tonight to help anyone who needs it: teach them then make them face your Boggart. Then you will sleep for an hour before Voldemort arrives then all I can say is good luck. We'll all be with you Harry," encouraged Dumbledore, "You are all dismissed."

Nodding, the six of them moved out of the Headmaster's office and down to the Great Hall where everyone was waiting. Order members, Aurors, students from third to seventh year, and civilians who had volunteered to help were all inside. Dumbledore and the other teachers conjured sleeping bags for everyone.

Needless to say, that night the tension and waiting was thick in the air. The Great Hall was illuminated by the Patronus Charms people were practising, and some people found it too difficult to sleep that night.

* * *

It was nine in the morning and the Great Hall was buzzing with noise. So far nothing had happened on the final battlefront and that unnerved people.

Jamie-Rose and Laura were sitting at the high table talking quietly to each other.

"This is really beginning to unnerve me," admitted Laura.

"I know Loz, we can't do nothing but wait and be patient," replied Rose stiffly.

"Rose, you aren't going to do something stupid are you?" asked Laura worriedly.

Turning to her best friend, Rose replied, "Laura, promise me that when Voldemort asks for the Muggles you won't stand up or answer?"

"Rose -"

"Promise me," ordered Rose, cutting Laura off. "I have already lost a sister to him. I do not want to lose my best friend as well."

"Okay, I promise," said Laura, shivering. "Do you feel that?"

"Yeah," answered Rose, confused.

They both left the table and looked out of the window. They didn't see anything moving except the front row of trees on the Forbidden Forest, which shook as though it was windy, but there was no wind that day. Then a second wave of coldness washed over them

Finally realising what was happening, Rose shouted, "HARRY!"

Harry had been talking with the owner of Honeydukes, making sure his cellar was locked and that there was no way any Death Eaters could get through, when someone shouted his name and the Hall fell silent.

"What?" asked Harry.

"Dementors are on the way. We can't see them so we're not sure how long they will get to the castle: maybe five minutes," answered Rose.

"Patronus Charms at the ready," ordered Harry. "Remember, it will be the Dementors and then the Death Eaters."

"What about us two?" asked Laura.

"Stay with some people who have powerful charms and whatever you do, do not think unpleasant thoughts," answered Harry.

Nodding, both girls split up and went to a group that they hoped could protect them from the Dementors.

Sure enough, five minutes later the side doors and windows shattered and in came fifteen Dementors all heading towards the weakest people, who weren't hiding their faces so the Dementors could go straight for the kiss.

There was a loud chorus of "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" and all different animals, magical and Muggle, sprang from peoples' wands to try to drive the Dementors back.

Some of the younger one's Patronuses started to fade as the Dementors came closer and closer, sucking all happiness away from the air. Laura was with a group of third years when their Patronuses started to fade.

"Come on, you can do it again," encouraged Laura, feeling the cold running deeper into her chest.

"We can't, there's too many," whimpered a Hufflepuff girl.

"There's not. Think of everything wonderful and everything you achieved then focus it into that charm," explained Laura.

A look of determination fell across the young girl's face as she screamed, "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" and surprisingly a sea horse drove away the three Dementors.

Jamie-Rose was with an older group of students, in their seventh year, who were trying to keep their spirits up without succumbing to her own coldness.

"We'll have to go get some more help," commented a Ravenclaw boy.

"You can't, just think of something fantastic, anything, but you can't give up," encouraged Rose.

"Easy for you to say, you can't see them," retorted the boy.

"No, I can't, but I can feel them. If you give up now Voldemort wins, don't give him the chance he wants," motivated Rose.

A look of determination crossed the boy's face as he bellowed, "EXPECTO PATRONUM!"

An eagle flew from his wand and knocked the Dementors attacking them for six. After a couple more shouts of the spell all the Dementors had retreated.

"Well done everyone, but don't celebrate just yet," called Harry. His scar was searing with pain, indicating Voldemort was close by.

"DEATH EATERS ON THE HORIZON!" yelled a civilian.

"Don't attack Professor Snape, he is a spy for the Order of the Phoenix. With the others you can do as you want. Get ready!" exclaimed Harry.

The students halved themselves and positioned themselves against the walls, as did the others. Before the attack began the teachers joined those taking positions at the high table.

Rose and Laura joined back-up with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna, and waited for the attack to begin.

Turning to face Rose and Laura, Harry said, "Do not get in the line of fire."

"We'll fight the Muggle way but we promise not to do any heroics," replied Rose, as Laura nodded beside her.

"Good," responded Harry.

They turned back to face the doors. It was only a couple of seconds before the castle wards were under attack. Slowly ward after ward fell. The only ones remaining were the ones that Dumbledore and the Founders had placed upon the castle.

The attack on the wards slowly stopped and the castle fell into a spine-chilling silence. No one dared speak or even breathe for fear of giving away their positions.

The silence fell deep within the hearts of the people there, even the teachers. There was some small ticking of watches or if they strained their hearing they could hear the odd hoot of an owl.

"What do we do?" whispered Ginny.

"Shush!" answered Harry.

No sooner had this exchange happened than the doors blew open and in the threshold stood seven Death Eaters. For a moment, shock held the Death Eaters back: all the students stood there, wands pointed at them. The shock ended and they began firing their spells, hexes, and curses.

The students, Aurors, Order members and civilians come out from their places and fired curses back. The Great Hall was transformed from a peaceful chattering dining hall to a war zone.

Two Death Eaters went down and the other five retreated back out of the hall. Before anyone could rejoice another figure stepped into the hall, causing everyone to fall silent.

"Ah, Hogwarts. My last conquest," hissed Voldemort.

"Tom, you can not take Hogwarts from my hands," replied Albus.

"Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts headmaster," began Voldemort. "I don't want this school... I want the muggles that lost me my servant."

Laura gulped; Rose gave her a stern look as she stepped out from behind a group of students to face Lord Voldemort.

"I'm here, Voldemort, it was me that sent that letter to you," commented Jamie-Rose confidently, as all the teachers, students, Order members, civilians, and Aurors held their breath.

"You filthy Muggles, how you dare trick me," threatened Voldemort. "You shall die, as soon as the other Muggle steps out."

"There is no other, only me," began Rose, "You won't win this Voldemort, you'll lose and you know what else: this was all set up by a Muggle!"

"You lie!" spat Voldemort, but Rose just shook her head. She never saw Voldemort raise his wand until he shouted, "CRUCIO!"

Rose screamed in agony as the curse hit her in the chest, making it hard to breathe, her very bones were on fire and everything hurt it was pain beyond pain. Lord Voldemort never saw Harry Potter whip his wand out until he was hit with three killing curses.

"Avada Kedavra! Avada Kedavra! Avada Kedavra!" shouted Harry.

Lord Voldemort felt his essence, mind, and body die. Everything was being ripped from him, power and life. Then the blackness consumed him and he knew no more, and would know nothing more. Jamie-Rose had passed out a minute before the Cruciatus Curse was lifted off her.

The rest of the Death Eaters were stunned and bound before being shipped off to the Ministry. The students, Order members, civilians, and the remaining Aurors rejoiced. Harry also passed out; exhausted from using such powerful spells all evening. Voldemort's body was disintegrated into dust before being placed into a magically sealed jar and put in the topmost secure vault at Gringotts. No one but Dumbledore knew the exact place of the vault.

* * *

Jamie-Rose woke up in a bed in the hospital wing. Opening her eyes, she saw Laura, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny all in the infirmary by her bed.

"Hey," greeted Rose, sitting up and wincing slightly.

"I say no heroics and what do you do?" asked Harry, mocking being angry.

"He asked," answered Rose.

"Muggles," sighed Harry, "We're glad you're okay though."

"What about you, are you okay?" asked Rose.

"Better. I was released yesterday from the infirmary. But again, we're all glad you're okay," answered Harry.

"So am I," replied Rose. "So, what happened?"

"Voldemort died and his Death Eaters were taken to the Ministry and placed straight in Azkaban," answered Laura.

"Yes, good!" exclaimed Rose.

"Miss Lang, I assure you a death is nothing to get excited about," came Snape's voice from the doorway.

Rolling her eyes, Jamie-Rose replied, "I'm sorry, professor, did I steal your thunder?"

"Excuse me?" questioned Severus, dropping his mask and showing his confusion.

"Never mind," answered Rose. "I guess I shouldn't be happy but Voldemort did curse me, the bastard."

"Very well, just don't let me hear you," responded Snape, leaving the wing.

Rose just nodded as she settled back down in the bed. The last thing she heard was someone saying, "Get some rest we'll be back later."

More blackness took over her senses and Rose fell back into a comfortable sleep.

* * *

Rose was released from the hospital wing a week before the end-of-term exams began. Now the whole school knew that Laura and Rose were the Muggles, which meant they could walk around in their normal clothes.

Jamie-Rose ambled out of the infirmary to a quiet castle. I wonder why it's so quiet? She thought, confusedly.

Walking down the corridor Rose headed to her first lesson, DADA. Not having any equipment with her she would end up borrowing of Laura.

Reaching her destination she knocked once and waited for a reply. Hearing the permission to enter, Rose opened the door. Stepping in she noticed there was no one else in the classroom.

Looking up from his work, Remus asked, "Jamie-Rose, what are you doing here?"

"Well, I thought classes were still going on?" queried Rose.

"Professor Dumbledore let them off for a week before exams, I thought you were told," answered Remus.

Shaking her head, Rose replied, "No. I bet Laura didn't tell me because she just temporarily forgot."

"I don't think your best friend would do that somehow," commented Remus.

Rose closed the door and jumped up onto a desk and began talking again. Although she wouldn't admit it, she was rather enjoying talking to Remus, especially now she'd got over her crush on him.

"Can I ask you something?" asked Jamie-Rose.

"Yes, of course you can," answered Remus.

Sighing, Rose replied, "Do you think it was stupid of me to step up to Voldemort like I did?"

"I think," began Remus, "that it was rather brave of you. Voldemort could easily have killed you, you're actually lucky he didn't."

Smiling, Rose replied, "I am actually aware of how dead I could have ended up. Anyway enough of psychopaths, do you know where I might find, Laura, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny?" asked Rose, changing the subject.

"Yes, I saw them heading down towards the lake," answered Remus.

Beaming, Rose jumped off the desk. "Thanks, I'll see you around sometime, Remus."

Rose took off out the classroom in search of her friends. Running into the Entrance Hall she skidded to a halt at the doors. Pushing them open, she shielded her eyes against the bright sunlight.

Scanning the grounds, she saw Laura, Hermione and Ginny sitting under a tree talking whilst the two young men, Harry and Ron, were dipping their feet in the cool lake. Smiling, Jamie-Rose made her way over to them.

As a shadow fell across her, Laura looked up to see the smiling face of her best friend, Jamie-Rose.

"Hey, got room for one more?" asked Rose, still grinning.

"Of course, sit down," offered Laura, patting a patch of grass next to her.

Sitting down, Rose replied, "Thanks. I heard all the classes were cancelled for this week."

"Yeah, sort of congratulations," responded Hermione.

"So, how do you feel?" asked Ginny.

"I still ache a little," answered Rose, "but other than that I feel fine."

"I'm glad you're feeling better," began Laura mischievously.

"Why?" asked Rose sceptically.

"Because for one we have to take a visit to Dumbledore and secondly you have to apologize to Snape," explained Laura.

Groaning, Rose replied, "Can't we just do the first one?"

"It's best not to, Rose," put in Hermione. "Professor Snape knows how to hold a grudge."

"Fine, I'll go apologize," sighed Rose, standing up and dusting herself off.

"See you all later," waved Laura.

The two friends made their way back through the castle in a comfortable silence. When they had entered, Laura practically had to drag Rose towards the dungeons.

A couple of minutes later they found themselves outside the Potions classroom.

Shaking her head, Rose whispered, "I'm not doing it."

"Yes, you are," ordered Laura.

"What if I ... say I was scared?" questioned Rose, blocking the door.

"Jamie-Rose, you stood up to Voldemort on your own, so I know you're not scared of a simple Potions Master," explained Laura.

But Rose still refused to move away from the door. Sighing, Laura literally pushed Rose out of the way before rapping loudly on the door.

From somewhere in the back of the classroom, Severus told them to enter. Opening the door, Laura dragged Rose by the arm until they were standing in front of Snape's desk.

Looking up from his grading, Snape asked, "What brings two Muggles to my classroom?"

"Professor," began Laura, using his title, "just because we are Muggles it doesn't make us any different,"

"Fine, whatever," sneered Snape. "Is that all?"

"No, Jamie-Rose has something to say to you," answered Laura, stepping back towards the door.

"Well, what is it?" asked Snape impatiently.

"Sorry for punching you," apologized Rose. "It was just a bad reaction to the news I received. I could only think of hurting whoever killed my sister," she rambled.

She was just about to carry on when Severus interjected, "Very well, apology accepted."

"You mean - you don't mind that I hit you?" questioned Rose.

Sighing, Severus answered, "Miss Lang, I most certainly do mind that you hit me, but I noticed that you had no control over your emotions."

"Thank you."

"However," continued Snape, ignoring Rose, "if you ever do anything like that again I won't hesitate to hex you into the next millennium," he threatened.

Gulping nervously Rose replied, "I promise I won't and again, I'm so sorry."

"Very well. Now I have work to do, so good-day," responded Severus.

Inclining her head, Rose rushed out of the dungeon classroom, Laura in tow. Once they had reached the Entrance Hall again they stopped to catch their breath before going up to see Professor Dumbledore.

"That was... very brave... of you..." gasped Laura, smiling.

"Thanks..." replied Rose quietly, bent over double trying to catch her breath.

* * *

Ten minutes later found the two girls climbing the last flight of stairs before reaching Dumbledore's office.

Coming to a stop at the stone gargoyle that guarded Dumbledore's office, they gave the password, 'Pumpkin Pastels' and then stepped onto the moving staircase.

Pumpkin Pastels were the newest invention of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. If you ate one then you'd get turned into a multi-coloured pumpkin for half-an-hour. Of course, Dumbledore had found them wonderful and that's why he changed his password.

Coming to a stop at the wooden doors, Rose knocked, then entered. The two girls stepped into the circular room and saw Professor Dumbledore feeding Fawkes.

Smiling, Rose commented, "Damn, I left my camera at home!"

Turning to the voice, Dumbledore replied, "Ah, but I am pretty sure Mr. Creevey has one."

Sniggering, Laura responded, "Sorry, we didn't know you'd be... ah... feeding Fawkes."

Moving over to his desk, Albus chuckled, saying, "Do not worry yourself Miss Blore. I assure you, you weren't intruding. Please sit down, both of you."

Both friends took the two chairs and sat down, waiting for Dumbledore to speak first.

"I take it you both know why you are here?" asked Albus.

Gulping, both of them nodded. They'd been dreading this day since after the final battle, knowing their memories would be wiped.

"Please professor, don't take forever in doing it," pleaded Laura.

"Whatever are you on about Miss Blore?" questioned Albus, his eyes twinkling.

"You're going to oblivate our memories aren't you?" cringed Rose.

"I'm afraid that that would be impossible," explained Albus. "With the amount you have seen and done in this castle it would be impossible to wipe your memory without causing some sort of damage. So therefore I have talked to Minister Fudge and we have agreed that after all the help you have given you are allowed back into our world any time you wish."

Both young women sat there gaping at the aged headmaster. They weren't going to have a memory wipe: they'd remember everything!

"But you must both promise that you won't tell anyone, apart from your immediate family, about our world," continued Albus. "Also, you must stay alert if you stray into London, as some Death Eaters that weren't in the final battle will still be on the loose. Do you both promise to do as I have asked of you?"

Re-gaining her voice, Rose answered, "Of course we will do that. Professor, thank you for not wiping out memories it means a lot to us."

"No need to thank me, Jamie-Rose. Now, why don't you both go and enjoy the rest of the school year," replied Albus.

Smiling and thanking him yet again, both girls left the circular room and went in search of their friends to tell them what had happened that morning.

* * *

The six of them were sitting in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express, heading back towards King's Cross station.

It was the end of term and Laura and Rose had explained everything to Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny: about them not being oblivated and being able to come and go into the wizarding world.

"So, what are you two going to do once you get back home?" asked Harry.

"Well, we'll go back to our senior school to sit our GCSEs, then who knows," answered Laura.

"GCSEs? What are they?" asked Ron.

"They're similar to your OWLs," explained Rose.

"Oh," replied Ron.

The conversation continued, mostly what they were planning to do that summer. Harry was spending the first three weeks in America with Sirius for his first ever vacation. Ron and his family had saved up to go to Romania and visit his brother Charlie. Hermione was spending the summer at home with her family. Laura and Jamie-Rose were planning on just relaxing, listening to music and going to the cinemas.

The train pulled into the station a couple of hours later. Jumping out, they shouldered their bags and waited for the others. Once they were all together they began saying goodbye.

"Will you all keep in touch with us and tell us all about your holidays?" asked Laura.

"I'll send Hedwig with a Muggle postcard to you," answered Harry.

"Yeah, I'll send Pig with a letter to you as soon as I can," agreed Ron.

"Okay," replied Rose. "Harry, you have fun and don't go chasing any Dark Lord," (everyone laughed), "Ron, just enjoy yourself; Ginny, you do the same. Hermione, maybe we could meet up sometime: here's my mobile and home phone numbers."

"I'll try to call you," answered Hermione.

Smiling through glassy eyes, Laura added, "You don't know what it meant to us to meet you all. Please, all of you stay safe."

"We will," the four of them replied.

"Tell everyone we said goodbye and maybe we'll see you all again," put in Rose.

"Bye!" called the others.

Rose and Laura just waved as they turned and ran at the barrier. Slipping through the gateway, both girls looked around at the now apparently normal scenery.

With heavy hearts, the two girls caught the train that would take them back to their hometown for the summer and back to their families.