After Yesterday

After Yesterday

It was past dawn when Harry, Hermione and Ron walked back into the Gryffindor common room. When they had returned to Hogwarts, they went straight to Dumbledore to confirm to him that Voldemort had been defeated. Dumbledore had smiled down at them and told them he was more proud than he could ever express, before escorting them to the Hospital Wing to be treated. Cuts and bruises were bandaged and broken bones were healed expertly by Madam Pomfrey. Dumbledore then suggested the trio go back to Gryffindor Tower and get some rest, much to Madam Pomfrey's annoyance. They nodded gratefully at their headmaster before wearily making their way through the mercifully empty castle.

The three friends quietly walked through the portrait hole in single file, then came to a stop in the common room. They stood in silence for a moment.

"So..." Ron began tentatively.

"Yeah..." Harry said quietly.

Hermione was staring at the bed the three of them had slept in the night before. The Hogwarts house elves had made it in their absence, the three blankets and pillows were now neatly arranged next to each other in the middle of the mattress.

Hermione turned to her two friends. She couldn't help it - she burst into tears.

She cried for the weight that was lifted from their shoulders. She sobbed over what she had seen and experienced the day before, images she knew would stay with her every day and haunt her dreams every night. She wept for the new world they had returned to.

Harry took Hermione into his arms, hugging her tightly. Hermione then felt Ron hug her from behind, encircling his arms around her and Harry.

And the three friends cried together.

Had anyone witnessed this scene they would surely have been confused. The trio had just defeated the most evil wizard of their time. They had survived the battle they had known was coming for the previous few years. They had saved the world. Shouldn't they be happy?

But Harry, Hermione and Ron were not happy. Far from it. They were exhausted, overwhelmed and lost.

The thing that no one really thought about or took into consideration was what would happen after Voldemort was defeated. Everyone was so preoccupied with the final fight and its eventual outcome that nobody thought beyond the battle. And what no one would be able to understand was the trauma they had just experienced. They had done what they had spent their lives anticipating, yes, but the question that remained was; what happens now? What do you do when your whole life, your whole world, changes in an instant?

The three friends did the only thing they could. They cried.

When the tears stopped flowing, they remained in each other's arms, taking in ragged breaths. After standing together like that for a few minutes, they slowly released each other, wiping away the tears from their cheeks.

Hermione glanced at their makeshift bed. She kicked off her shoes and removed her jumper, not bothering to change out of her dirty battle clothes.

"Come on," she whispered to her best friends, squeezing their hands briefly. She made her way over to the mattress and lay down at its centre.

The two boys exchanged a look before following Hermione's example and shedding their jumpers and shoes. They walked across the mattress and lay down on either side of Hermione, just as they had done the night before.

"It's strange," Ron said quietly.

"What?" Harry asked.

Ron turned to Harry and Hermione. "We'll awake to a new world."

Hermione reached across and took Ron's right hand in her left one. She pulled gently on it as she rolled over and rested on her side, placing her right arm over Harry's stomach. Harry reached up and took her hand, lacing their fingers together. Ron snuggled up behind Hermione, resting his head on the crook of his left arm.

As the three best friends lay together in silence, they slowly drifted off to sleep.

~*~

Harry awoke at the sound of the portrait swinging open and footsteps entering the common room. Forcing his eyes to focus, he saw Remus Lupin enter the room a few moments later.

"Hi," Harry whispered weakly.

"Hello, Harry," Remus smiled. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. Professor Dumbledore just wanted me to check and make sure you were all okay."

"Don't worry about it. And we're fine." Harry glanced to Hermione and Ron beside him and briefly wondered how strange the three of them must look: asleep on a mattress in the middle of the common room, Hermione managing to hold both their hands while they slept. He then realised he didn't care how they looked. "What time is it?"

"About eleven," Remus replied, sitting in a nearby armchair. He paused, looking intently at Harry. "How are you doing, Harry? Really?"

Harry felt himself starting to tear up as he looked into the eyes of his former professor. "I ... I can't ... I don't..." Harry struggled to get the words out, mainly because he wasn't really ready to talk about it yet.

Remus sensed this, so shook his head. "It's okay, Harry. You don't have to talk about it."

Harry nodded gratefully. As he looked at Remus, he got the impression the older man was holding something back. "Remus, is there something you want to tell me?"

Remus sighed, shaking his head. "It's too soon."

"What?" Harry asked, holding Remus's gaze.

Remus sighed once more, then stood from his chair and sat down on the edge of the mattress next to Harry. He reached into his robes, pulling out a newspaper. "This has just been printed," he said, handing the special edition of the Daily Prophet to Harry.

Harry released Hermione's hand and took the paper. The front page had a large heading that covered most of the page. You-Know-Who Defeated Once and For All. Beneath the heading was a picture of Harry. The real Harry didn't bother reading the article.

"There is a large group of reporters at the gate of the school, wanting to know what happened."

Harry sighed heavily, closing his eyes briefly.

"Harry, I know talking to the press is probably the last thing you want to do right now. But it may be a good idea to go and speak to them - get it over and done with. If you don't go and talk to them they are likely to start making things up. But if you don't want to go, no one will force you."

Harry nodded. "I'll think about it."

"Okay." Remus made to get up, but changed his mind. "Also, everyone is coming here tonight - Order members, teachers, some of your classmates. A celebration over the defeat of Voldemort."

The last thing Harry wanted was to attend any kind of party. But he could also understand everyone wanting to celebrate.

"I'll leave you to your rest," Remus said. But before he got up, he reached across and placed his hand gently on Harry's head. "Your parents would be so proud of you, Harry. Sirius too."

"Thankyou," Harry managed to choke out, again feeling his eyes water.

Remus stood. "I'll see you soon." Then he walked out of the common room.

When he was sure Remus had left, Ron asked, "So, are you going to speak to the press?"

Harry turned in shock. "How long have you been awake?"

"Not long."

Harry sighed. "How are you doing?"

Ron released Hermione's hand and sat up, scooting a bit further down the mattress. Harry carefully shifted Hermione's arm from across his stomach and he sat too.

"I don't know how to process what happened," Ron said honestly.

"Me neither."

"I feel kinda numb."

Harry nodded slightly. "Me too."

Ron reached across and squeezed Harry's arm. Their eyes met in understanding. They both knew that they were the only people who could possibly comprehend how the other was feeling. No words were needed. They just knew.

Harry and Ron were pulled from their gaze by the sound of Hermione crying. They turned to see her covering her face with her hands, shaking uncontrollably.

Ron and Harry instantly lay back down by her. Ron curled up behind Hermione, running his hand up and down her arm in a soothing motion. Harry gently pried her hands from her face. He held her hands in his as he leant his forehead against hers.

"Shh ... it's okay sweetie ... we're here..." he wiped away her tears, though it did little good as they were merely replaced by fresh ones.

Harry moved his arm, placing it over Hermione and Ron, hugging them both to him. Ron immediately followed suit, wrapping his arm across Hermione and Harry. The two boys wanted Hermione to feel completely safe and loved. And it sort of worked, for Hermione soon stopped crying.

The three friends lay together in silence for hours, comforted by each others presence. They didn't need to say anything, for what could there possibly be to say? Hermione didn't need to explain why she woke up crying, because the two boys already knew. Harry didn't need to justify his reasons for encircling Hermione and Ron in his arm, because they wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

And when Ron started crying, Hermione simply and silently turned over and wiped away his tears while Harry tightened his hold on his two best friends.

Seeing Ron cry brought Harry's guilt to a head. The remorse he had been feeling all day exploded within him.

He had done this. He had brought such pain to Hermione and Ron, the two people he cared most about in the whole world. He should have protected them from this agony, not dragged them into it. How could he have done this? What the hell kind of a friend was he?

When Ron stopped crying, Harry sat up, perhaps a little too quickly as a wave of dizziness washed over him. He shut his eyes as he waited for it to pass. When he reopened his eyes, he found Hermione and Ron looking at him anxiously.

"I'm okay," Harry reassured them. In fact, considering he hadn't eaten in 24 hours, only had a few hours sleep in the last 48 hours and had just been involved in a fight to the death, Harry was surprised that all he had was some slight dizziness.

Harry looked down to Ron and Hermione. They were both pale and looked exhausted. And even though Harry knew his friends were stronger than most wizards, they looked so fragile and innocent as they lay on the floor.

"What is it?" Hermione asked.

Harry was torn from his reverie at the sound of her voice. He saw Ron and Hermione looking at him with concern.

"I'm so sorry," Harry whispered, head bent down.

Ron and Hermione instantly sat up, needing to be by his side. "What are you talking about?" Ron asked gently.

This time, Harry looked his friends in the eyes. "I'm so sorry. I should never have dragged you into this. I should have made you stay here while I went and fought. You shouldn't have seen that."

"It's okay, Harry," Hermione said softly, placing her hand gently on his arm.

But Harry recoiled from her touch and stood from the bed, taking a few steps away. He stood silently, his back to Ron and Hermione.

"Mate, you-" Ron began.

"No," Harry interrupted, turning back around. "How could you possibly consider me a friend, after..." he trailed off, not being able to verbalise what they had experienced the day before. When he spoke again, it was in a bitter, hard voice. "You should never have been there! But no, stupid Harry Potter was too weak to go and fight alone. And now I've dragged you into my world: a lifetime of scars and bad dreams. What the hell was I thinking bringing you into my life? I should have known that-"

"Harry, stop it," Hermione cried. She went over to him, taking his hand in hers. "Stop that this instant. I never want to hear you talking like that again! Ron and I went with you of our own free will. Because we wouldn't have had it any other way. We love you and we'd do anything for you."

"But you shouldn't have to," Harry retorted loudly, removing his hand from her grasp. "Don't you get it? You deserve better! What happened yesterday-"

"-was destined to be," Ron interrupted softly. Harry and Hermione turned to look at him: Harry with confusion, Hermione with surprise. Ron stood and made his way to his friends.

"Harry, what happened yesterday was horrifying. I won't deny it was a traumatic experience. But Hermione and I love you and nothing you could have said or done would have stopped us from being by your side." Ron placed his hands on Harry's shoulders and looked straight into his green eyes. "You know that I don't believe in Divination or anything like that - but I believe with my entire being that the three of us were meant to be together yesterday. You have nothing to feel guilty about."

Ron wrapped his arms around Harry, who remained quite rigid in Ron's arms until Ron whispered in his ear, "Just let it go."

Harry finally broke down, crying into Ron's shoulder. Ron simply ran his hand over Harry's back in a comforting motion.

At the sound of the portrait swinging open, Harry removed himself from Ron's arms and turned his back to his friends so he could wipe away his tears and compose himself. When he turned back around, he saw it was Professor Dumbledore who had entered the common room.

"Good afternoon," Dumbledore said gently as he reached Harry, Hermione and Ron.

"Afternoon, Professor," Hermione replied.

"How are you all feeling?"

Ron tried not to scoff - what kind of ridiculous question was that? "Fine, Professor," he replied instead.

"I have come to request your presence in the Great Hall. Your friends and family are awaiting you, to celebrate the fall of Voldemort."

Hermione turned to Harry and Ron in shock. Harry remembered that she had not been awake when Remus had warned them about the impending party, so sent her a meaningful look. She didn't say anything.

Harry nodded at Professor Dumbledore. "Just give us some time to get ready."

"Of course," Dumbledore said. He turned and started heading out of the common room before Harry called out to him.

"Professor, I understand there are some journalists wanting to hear from me."

"That's correct. However, do not feel obligated to go and see them if you are not up to it," he said kindly.

"I'll be fine. I think I will go and speak to them before heading to the Great Hall."

"As you wish," Dumbledore replied. "I will see you soon," he said with a slight smile before leaving them alone.

As soon as Dumbledore left, Hermione turned to Harry, bewildered. "What's going on?" she asked.

Harry filled Hermione in on Remus's visit. He decided Remus was right - it would be easiest to just go and see the press, get it over and done with. And as for the party, "People want to celebrate the fall of Voldemort. I may not be in a party mood but who am I to stop them?"

Hermione placed her hand gently on Harry's arm. "Do you want us to come with you? To see the press, I mean."

Harry nodded gratefully.

So just over an hour later, after showering and changing, Harry, Ron and Hermione found themselves approaching a great mass of journalists just outside the schools gates.

"It's not too late to change your mind, Harry," Ron whispered as they moved towards the group.

"I just defeated the most evil wizard of our time. I think I can handle a few journalists," he replied with a slight smile. Ron and Hermione returned his smile, feeling some of the tension leaving them at Harry's quip.

When the journalists spotted the trio approaching them, they immediately began yelling questions and comments at the top of their lungs. It was so loud, not a single question could be deciphered amongst the din. The bright lights from the photographers' cameras were blinding.

Harry came to a stop in front of the gates, Ron and Hermione on his right. He held up his hand and the journalists quickly fell into a hush.

Harry took a deep breath before speaking. "I am here to make a brief statement and that is all. Do not bother asking me any additional questions, for I won't answer them. Understood?"

The assembled press members nodded, slightly in shock. They had not expected Harry Potter, the boy whose history with the press was at best hit and miss, to come out and be so forthright with them.

Hermione and Ron also shared a look. They couldn't believe how calm and commanding Harry was.

"I can confirm to you that late last night, I vanquished Lord Voldemort. I am not going to go into the details, so do not ask me for any.

"Voldemorts defeat was possible only with the help of many people, far too numerous to mention. They know who they are and I give them all my thanks.

"I must make special mention of the two most important people in my life: Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. They were by my side and helped in ways I can't even begin to explain. The wizarding world owes a great debt to them both.

"I would like to conclude by requesting that the press, and the wizarding world in general, give us some space while we deal with the aftermath of this fight. Thankyou."

Harry turned and walked away, Ron and Hermione quickly trailing him. They left the assembled members of the press, who were pointlessly yelling out questions they wanted answered, and made their way back to the castle.

"Wow, Harry," Ron said, slightly in awe.

"What?" asked Harry, coming to a stop

"What you said..." Hermione replied.

"It was the truth. I may have been the one to defeat Voldemort but I couldn't have done it without you. Hell, without you two, I wouldn't have made it out of our first year alive."

"I don't think any of us would have made it through our first year without the other two," Hermione said with a slight smile.

Ron chuckled. "What were we thinking? Seriously - a bunch of eleven year olds going after a stone! Mental! If I ever have kids I hope they don't take after me - I don't think my nerves could handle it."

Harry smiled his first true smile of the day while Hermione laughed.

Harry, Hermione and Ron resumed their walk back to the castle. But when they began to approach the Great Hall, Harry's steps became slower. Hermione silently took his hand in hers as they walked. Harry turned to her. She smiled softly at him but said nothing before they both turned their attention back to the doors of the Great Hall, which were becoming larger with every step they took.

The trio came to a stop at the large, wooden doors. Taking a deep breath, Harry released Hermione's hand and opened the door.

Harry, Hermione and Ron had barely made two steps into the hall when Molly Weasley wrapped her arms around all three of them. "Thank Merlin ... I can't believe it ... I'm so proud of you ... are you hurt? ... I can't believe it ..." Molly rambled on, more to herself than anyone else.

"Come now, Molly, give them some air," Harry heard Arthur Weasley say. When they were released from Molly's embrace and the temporary darkness that came with it, Harry saw Mr Weasley had helped to pry her arms from around them. He gave them a smile before leading Mrs Weasley away, presumably to calm her down.

The trio shared a look, saying without words, 'here we go.' But at the sound of applause the three friends turned away from each other and took a look at the room they were in.

The hall was bursting with people. Harry wondered if every single person the three of them had ever met was here. And every one of them was on their feet, smiling and applauding. It was overwhelming.

"What do we do?" Hermione whispered so only the boys could hear her.

Harry shrugged.

"Bow?" Ron suggested, only half seriously. But Hermione thought that maybe it wasn't such a bad idea. If they acknowledged everyone's applause maybe they would stop. So she took Harry and Ron's hands and squeezed them. Understanding her meaning, Ron and Harry bowed while Hermione inclined her head slightly.

The plan backfired. The applause and cheering only got louder. Harry and Ron glared at Hermione. She shrugged, trying and failing to stifle her laughter.

It was contagious. Harry and Ron soon joined in and the three friends laughed together at the ridiculous situation they found themselves in. Ginny emerged from the crowd, rushing forward and throwing her arms around her brother, before hugging her two friends in turn.

The crowd finally stopped clapping and went back to conversing in small groups.

Harry, Hermione and Ron didn't move from their spot in the entrance of the hall for a good half-hour. There was a constant line of well wishers. After Ginny, there were Fred and George, Seamus Finnegan, Tonks, Oliver Wood, Luna Lovegood and finally Professor McGonagall. They accepted the thanks and congratulations from everyone, though politely refused to give any details about what happened.

Watching McGonagall walk away, Harry turned to his friends and said, "I don't know how much more appreciation I can take."

Hermione and Ron knew how uncomfortable Harry was in this situation. Despite what he had done, he would refuse to see himself as any kind of hero.

Hermione put her arm around Harry, kissing him on the cheek. "I hate to say it Harry, but you better get used to it. This is what your life is going to be like from now on."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Great. Just what I need - a lifetime of being reminded of the worst day of my life. "

Ron smiled apologetically. "It'll be okay," he said, though even he didn't sound convinced.

Harry, Hermione and Ron took a few more steps into the hall and were quickly accosted by Neville Longbottom. Then Professor Flitwick. Then Colin Creevey. Then Susan Bones. Then Kingsley Shacklebolt. Then Professor Snape, who left the trio speechless by praising their achievement and giving his thanks. They were still gaping at the retreating figure of Snape when Bill Weasley approached them. He, like everyone else, offered his congratulations, before asking if he could steal Ron away for a bit.

"Sure," Ron reluctantly replied. Bill smiled and turned and walked away. Ron glanced briefly to Harry and Hermione, mouthed 'I won't be long,' then followed his brother off into the crowd.

After Ron left them, Hermione turned to Harry. "We should probably do the right thing and mingle a little bit."

"Yeah," he agreed, though he sounded like it was the last thing he wanted to do.

"Look, there's Hagrid," Hermione said, pointing to their friend who was standing in the corner of the hall. "Why don't you go say hello."

Harry nodded. Hermione hugged him briefly before they headed in different directions; Harry for Hagrid and Hermione for Remus Lupin.

The hours passed as day turned into night. Harry, Ron and Hermione did the right thing and circulated amongst the guests, reluctantly accepting the adulation that was heaped upon them.

The three best friends were constantly at opposite ends of the hall, not being able to rejoin each other as soon as they hoped, as there was always someone who wanted to speak to 'the heroes of the hour'. The best they could manage was occasionally making eye contact from across the room, giving each other a slight smile.

Despite the party atmosphere and the obvious electricity in the air, the trio felt strangely detached from everyone and everything around them. The joyful ambience of the room felt a little foreign to them. Even being in the company of the people they knew and loved the most, they felt displaced in the room, as though they were watching the party from outside their bodies, with no emotional attachment whatsoever to the scene below.

Harry was talking to Dean Thomas when someone began tapping on their goblet. The mass of people in the hall instantly quieted and searched out the source of the noise. It was Professor Dumbledore.

"May I have your attention please," Dumbledore spoke loudly from the top of the hall.

Harry turned his attention not to Dumbledore, but to Hermione, who was standing with Justin Finch-Fletchley. He then quickly glanced to Ron, who was sitting not too far from Hermione and talking to Angelina Johnson. The three friends shared apprehensive looks. There could be only one topic for a speech and the trio didn't know how much more they could take.

"As we are here to celebrate the fall of Lord Voldemort, it only seems appropriate that we acknowledge the three wizards who defeated him. Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger."

The crowd applauded while Harry, Ron and Hermione stood uncomfortably.

"Would you come up here please?" Dumbledore said over the noise. Harry, Hermione and Ron reluctantly joined him.

"Harry, Ron and Hermione, it has been my privilege to know you and to watch you grow and learn over these past seven years. Every year, you displayed your intelligence, your courage and your loyalty to each other and to those around you. I think most people in this room would agree that we are better for having known you. So here's to you," he said, raising his goblet. "To Harry, Ron and Hermione."

The crowd raised their goblets and chanted as one, "Harry, Ron and Hermione."

After everyone took a sip from his or her glass, Dumbledore asked the trio if they would like to say anything. They hesitated, giving people like Fred and George the chance to yell, "Come on! Speech!"

Harry, Hermione and Ron quickly conferred while the crowd continued to scream encouragement. "Can one of you say something," Harry almost pleaded. "I've had enough speech making today."

Hermione turned to Ron. "Don't look at me," Ron said.

Hermione sighed. "Guess that means it's me, huh?"

Harry smiled with relief. "Thanks."

"What should I say?"

"Just thank everyone for coming," Ron replied.

"And thank everyone who helped us prepare for the fight," Harry added.

"Okay," Hermione said. She manoeuvred herself so she was standing between the two boys. "But you two are staying with me," she told them, taking their hands in hers.

"Of course," Harry replied, sounding as though he had never considered that there was the option of leaving.

Hermione took a deep breath and faced the audience, who immediately stopped their yelling. "Well, it seems as though I have been nominated as the spokesperson for our little group." She paused, unsure where to start. "The victory yesterday was due to many, many people, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them. And please forgive me if this sounds too much like an Oscar speech."

The muggle-borns in the room, Harry included, chuckled softly.

"First of all, we should thank all our teachers here at Hogwarts. You taught us much more than just facts and spells and magic. We learnt as much from you outside the classroom as in.

"Secondly, to all the Order members. Thankyou for your guidance, your friendship..." Hermione glanced at the enchanted ceiling to the starry sky above and when she spoke again, her voice wavered, "and your sacrifices."

Harry squeezed Hermione's hand in thanks of her acknowledgment of Sirius.

"To Professor Dumbledore, thankyou for letting us get away with so much," she smiled.

The crowd laughed heartily while Dumbledore winked at Hermione.

"Remus Lupin ... where are you, Remus?" Hermione asked, craning her head to search through the crowd. Remus stepped out from behind Mad-Eye Moody. Hermione, along with Ron and Harry, who had also been seeking him out, smiled.

"Remus, you were the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher we ever had. You are a dear friend and a great mentor and we love you very much. Thankyou for your kindness, your humour and for keeping the spirit of Padfoot and Prongs alive."

Remus inclined his head slightly, taking deep breaths to try and calm with emotions whirling within him. Harry caught his eye and a wave of understanding passed between them.

"And finally," Hermione continued, "to the entire Weasley family. What can I say? You took Harry and I into your family, practically adopted us. You looked after us and loved us as though we had always been a part of your family. Thankyou for everything you have done and we love you with all our hearts.

"I think that's all. Thankyou everyone for coming and have a great night."

The crowd applauded loudly. Now that Hermione had gotten her impromptu speech out, she realised that she was shaking slightly.

"Come on," Ron said. "Let's get some air." He started walking away, effectively leading Harry and Hermione, as Hermione was still holding both the boys hands.

They somehow managed to make it outside without being approached by anyone. As soon as they made it into the courtyard, Hermione felt a wave of nausea wash over her, the emotions of the previous few days finally causing a physical reaction.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked as he saw her clutch her stomach.

"No," she replied honestly. She noted Harry's sad eyes and pale skin. "Are you?"

Harry shook his head. They both turned to Ron and he shook his head at their unspoken question.

"Do you think anyone would notice if we snuck out of here?" Ron asked.

Hermione laughed a short laugh. "Yes," she replied.

"I think the question should be, do we care if anyone notices?" Harry said.

"No," Ron answered.

The two boys turned to Hermione. She had a tear streaking down her cheek. "Let's go," she said simply.

Ron wiped away her tear before putting his arms around his two best friends.

Harry, Hermione and Ron quickly and quietly made their way out of the hall and through the castle. They didn't run into anyone, which wasn't surprising, considering every person of their acquaintance was currently partying in the Great Hall.

They gave the Fat Lady the password and walked through the portrait hole, noticing that once again, the House Elves had made the bed in the middle of the common room.

An unspoken agreement saw the three friends each heading up to their bedrooms and changing into their pyjamas. When they returned to the common room, they each returned to the place they had slept the previous two nights.

They sat under the covers, exhausted but not yet ready to go to sleep.

"If I never again experience anything like the last three days it'll be too soon," Ron said.

Harry chuckled before quickly sobering. As he looked at Hermione and Ron, he suddenly realised something. "I never said thankyou, did I?"

Hermione and Ron looked at him with confusion.

"I want to thank you, both of you, for being by my side yesterday. Despite my little outburst earlier, I know I couldn't have done it without you. So... thanks," he finished lamely. He didn't think the word 'thankyou' could ever truly be enough. There were no words to explain how he felt for Ron and Hermione, how grateful he was that they were his best friends, that they stood by him when anyone else would have run a million miles away.

But looking at Ron and Hermione and the smiles they had on their faces, Harry knew that even though he could never express all the thoughts and feelings he had inside him, it didn't matter. Because Hermione and Ron understood. And that was why he loved them.

"So, what do we do now?" Harry asked uncertainly.

Hermione's smile widened as she took Harry's hand. "We live."