The shadows of dusk had settled on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the aftermath of the invasion that had almost destroyed the legendary school. With the exception of the main courtyard and the destroyed wooden bridge, there was little damage done to the exterior of the castle that couldn't be repaired within a week or two with magic. The inside, however, was a different story as the battles between the Death Eaters and the Aurors had caused significant damages and left blood spilled in these sacred halls. The Astronomy and Bell Tower wings were hit hard and would take weeks to fix, and the dungeons would take all summer to repair, as the only part of the castle not touched by battle was the Great Hall where the students were hidden.
McGonagall had sent the students back to their common rooms, while the Great Hall was now being used as a triage center where Madame Pomphrey and a squad of healing wizards and witches were working overtime to save the Aurors who were wounded in the fight. Minister Bones had taken a final tally that the country has officially lost half their Auror force and a good number were also severely injured, and the Order of the Pheonix had lost a few members today; thankfully, however, no students were killed despite some taking severe injuries.
Harry's wives were all exhausted as they waited for Harry's return and watched McGonagall and Amelia try to maintain order between students and faculty, not to mention that members of the press and even a few government officials had caught wind of what happened and arrived asking questions and demanding answers. The Slytherin trio of Daphne, Tracey, and Pansy were all laid out on cots after being treated, Tracey in particular was in rough shape as her magical core was essentially depleted and burns marks. Hannah was also sitting up on a cot after getting checked out and hadn't spoken as Susan helped her aunt out wherever she could to lighten the load. Angelina, Alicia, and Katie had volunteered to handle the corpses that were littered throughout the castle despite protests coming from the teachers and Aurors, but they were adamant that it fell within their duties as Ladie's Gryffindor. Finally, Penny was helping heal the wounded, Tonks was put in charge of organizing security for the castle, and Fleur was helping keep the reporters and Ministry officials outside.
Meanwhile, Su just looked around the Great Hall and sighed, "What a bloody mess."
"You know, honey, I know you said you wanted to redecorate but…damn.", said a familiar voice that caused the Ravenclaw to turn around as her eyes widened.
"Harry!", she screamed and glamped him, causing him to wince.
Her shout had drawn attention of the entire Hall and the next thing Harry knew, he was surrounded by everyone who wasn't laid out or healing someone else. Harry's already bad headache got worse with what felt like a million voices screaming at him, "Alright, calm down! One at a time."
Minister Bones, taking command as always, asked, "Did you succeed, Harry? Is Voldemort dead?"
Harry nodded, "We were victorious, Voldemort is dead…but at a cost."
Many were confused until Harry motioned for Dobby behind him and everyone had their jaws dropped at the sight of Albus Dumbledore's corpse being levitated into the Great Hall. Poor McGonagall, despite their falling out over the revelations concerning Harry months ago, was sobbing at the sight of her friend and mentor's motionless body. Dobby had levitated the former headmaster to the high table and placed his body down for all to mourn.
Clearing his throat, Harry said, "I know this comes to a shock to us all, but we need to focus on attending to the wounded, burying the dead, and preparing to send the students home."
Everyone nodded and dispersed as Harry was left alone with most of his wives and gave Su, Penny, Tonks, and Susan a big hug and kiss each before leading them over to the Slytherin girls and doing the same to them, although Tracey seemed to be mostly out of it. He noticed Hannah had stayed at her cot near enough to hear them, but didn't really acknowledge him except for the small, relieved smile she gave when she saw him alive and ok.
"Where's Fleur and the Chasers?", Harry asked.
"Angie, Alicia, and Katie are taking care of the deceased in the castle and Fleur is trying to keep the press and the Ministry outside. Speaking of which, those tossers won't leave until you explain everything that happened today and we're already getting owl's and floo calls asking questions too.", answered Penny.
Harry groaned, "I just want to sleep for a week."
Tonks smirked and leaned back on her elbows, "Sorry, hubby, but it's your job, now. Thankfully, no students were killed, though some were injured pretty badly like our mischievous snake here."
Tracey slightly raised her hand to give Tonks the bird, "Fuck you, Tonks. Next time you do the incredibly hard spell."
Everyone chuckled and Penny grew sad, "Harry…there's something you should know."
He tilted his head at her, "What is it?"
Pennelope grimaced and said, "One of the people we lost was Professor Lupin."
Harry stilled and thought he misheard her, until he saw the pitying looks his wives were giving him, and he looked over across the hall to see an injured Sirius with a hallow gaze sitting next to one of the bodies with a white sheet over it. Harry closed his eyes trying to swallow the turbulent emotions he was feeling, knowing he needs to be strong for his godfather.
Harry stood up slowly, "I'm going to go talk to Sirius and…say goodbye to Remus."
His wives all nodded in understanding and he made his way over to Sirius and the body of his old DADA professor. Harry and Remus may not have had as close a bond as he does with Sirius, but Remus had a steady guide as he became a friend and mentor to him over the last three years. Harry may not have been super accepting of his professor for staying out of his life for so long, but he did eventually come to understand and has long since moved on from any negative feelings he had for the werewolf.
Sitting down next to Sirius, Harry said, "I'm so sorry, Sirius. I know you two were almost as close as you and my father and I know how his death affected you."
Sirius laughed a bitter and sad chuckle, "You know, your father used to joke that I would be the first marauder to kick the bucket. I was the first one to get into trouble, the first to always start a fight that your father had to bail me out of, and the first to risk my life to protect the others like the stubborn Gryffindor that I am. Now, here I sit, as the last of us with nothing but old memories and regret."
Harry put his hand on his godfather's shoulder, "I don't think Remus, or my father would want you to wallow in regret, Sirius. You already did that for over a decade in Azkaban and besides, you still got me, and I'm not going anywhere. I just killed the toughest Dark Lord around, after all."
Sirius snorted, "Only you, Harry, can be so wise and caring, while also being an egomaniac."
Harry's smile turned gentle, "The best of both my parents it seems."
Sirius' eyes widened slightly, and he smiled as he and Harry and embraced, before Harry reluctantly pulled away and said a final small prayer for Remus. Moving around the Great Hall now, Harry felt the weight of the sacrifices made here today to win their freedom and he shuddered to think what would have happened had it not been for the preparation they made and destroying most of Voldemort's burgeoning army beforehand. He talked briefly with Neville and Luna, as well as McGonagall, before stopping by Ron and Hermione. Ron was laid out on a medical cot with bandages over the left side of his head and his right arm in a sling, while Hermione sat next to him with gauze on her hands but otherwise unharmed.
Ron noticed him first, "Harry, you're back."
Hermione turned toward him, "The others said you defeated Voldemort and that Dumbledore was dead. Is it true?"
Harry nodded solemnly, "Yeah, it's true. Listen, if Albus' death has made me realize something, its that holding onto these grudges isn't worth it. I can't ever forget what you guys did, nor can we get back to what we were before, but I'm willing to try for a fresh start."
Hermione and Ron looked shocked but after looking at each other and nodding, they held hands and said, "We would like that."
Harry raised an eyebrow at their action, but smiled and nodded, nonetheless. After making his rounds, Harry walked over to his wives and smiled at seeing the Chasers and Fleur having joined them. He could barely react before four missiles with different hairstyles sent him crashing to the ground and aggravating his already bruised body.
"HARRY! Thank Merlin you're alright, but if you ever do that again, we're going to take turns kicking you in the bullocks.", Angelina said firmly as the others nodded.
Harry chuckled, "Alright, I solemnly swear that I am done being up to no good."
Katie snorted before she got serious, "We finished sweeping the castle for the dead and fixed the more immediate damage, but it's a patch job at best."
Harry nodded and sighed, "It's going to take all summer to fix, and the parents will want the students sent home after today, so we can start reconstruction tomorrow."
The others nodded before Su asked, "What about the younger students and the sixth years' finals?"
Harry groaned about forgetting that, "Well, the students just got lucky because we'll have to cancel them. Work with the Heads of Houses and have the students prepare for the journey home tomorrow and I'll take care of the rest for their departure."
They each nodded and went their own way, but Pansy mentioned, "Harry, no one has seen Snape since after the battle."
Harry looked confused and annoyed before he remembered, "He wanted to speak to me anyway, I'll go see him now. As if this day hasn't been draining enough without talking to that greasy git."
The girls weakly chuckled as he made his way towards the dungeons.
Harry found the Potions Master where he usually was, sitting behind his desk with his usual scowl in his dark and dreary office. Harry really wanted no part of this conversation, especially after the day he's had, but he would be too busy tomorrow to deal with the bat's constant bullcrap. Standing closer to Snape, he noticed that he looked paler than usual, something Harry didn't think was possible, but he wrote it off as stress.
"Professor, you wanted to see me?", Harry asked.
Snape leaned back in his chair and said, "Potter, so you actually managed to emerge victorious, then?"
Harry nodded, "I did, Voldemort is dead; however, Dumbledore also fell."
Snape's eyes widened slightly for a moment before composing himself, "I see, so the end has finally come, eh Albus? Although, I died almost fifteen years ago, on that fateful Halloween."
Harry blinked, confusion giving way to slight concern, "Professor, are you alright? Do you need Madame Pomphrey?"
Snape, to Harry's surprise and discomfort, stated chuckling, "Potter, ever playing the hero like your father; although, that kindness and helpful nature comes from your mother."
Harry raised an eyebrow at that last part, "I knew you had a bad relationship with my father, but I didn't know you knew my mother?"
Professor Snape gained a wistful look, "Know her, Potter? Lily Evans was my everything, she was my savior and my best friend…and the woman I loved."
Harry choked on his own spit, "What!? You? Best friends with my mum?"
Severus decided to begin his tale, "We lived in the same town in Spinner's End as children, though Lily was born to loving parents in the better part of town, while I was born to abusive and neglectful parents on the poor side in a shack. We discovered early on that we both possessed magic, much to the disgust and anger of your Aunt Petunia, and both left for Hogwarts at the age of eleven. It was there that we had met your father and his friends, and needless to say, that first interaction would only be the start of my hatred for James Potter, who even as a child, believed he was superior to me. Children can be so cruel, and I've spent the last few hours sitting here wondering if had that first meeting gone differently, everything would be changed."
Harry narrowed his eyes, "What do you mean by that?"
Snape took a sip of some Fire Whiskey and continued, "As you already know, I was sorted into Slytherin and your parents were sorted into Gryffindor and back then, that meant you were essentially at war with one another as lines were being drawn leading up to the first war with Voldemort; although, none of that mattered to your mother. Lily still saw me as her friend and often defended me from your father and his friends bullying, but as time went on and I became more obsessed with the darker aspects of magic, our friendship strained until that day. The day that your father took his little jokes too far and left me embarrassed and humiliated in front of the entire school and, despite trying to defend me, I lashed out against Lily of all people and called her a Mudblood."
Harry tensed and balled his fists, "You did what?"
A bitter chuckle escaped Snape's lips, "I haven't finished yet, Potter. After that day, your mother broke off all contact with me, despite all my efforts to apologize and prove my undying love for her, but it fell on deaf ears. To make matters worse, your father had suddenly developed enough brain cells to prove he was mature enough for Lily to finally notice him romantically and the two quickly fell in love as I continued to dive further into dark curses and magic. They got married a few months after graduating from Hogwarts, the same day I took the Dark Mark and fell in with the Death Eaters and the Dark Lord."
Harry was silent for a few moments until he asked, "Why are you telling me this?"
Snape sighed in melancholy, "The war raged on for a few years, but it was bloody and costly to both sides, and I began spying on known adversaries to the Dark Lord, including Albus Dumbledore. He wanted me as the inside man within Hogwarts, so I applied for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts and was meant to be interviewed by the headmaster himself at the Hog's Head. It was the same day that Sybill Trelawney applied for the Divination position, and where I overheard something that would ruin my life…and yours."
A cold realization washed over Harry as he whispered, "The Death Eater that spoke to Voldemort about the prophecy…it was you."
Snape hummed and drank some more, "Now, you finally understand, eh Potter? You were always slow on the uptake, like your father."
Harry had barely heard him; Snape's drivel and insults lost to the young Potter's heart hammering away in his chest being the only sound heard. His vision was somehow becoming worse than usual as he saw nothing but red. Harry would later remember this moment as being a passenger in his own body, even as he took out his wand and pointed it at Snape with a glare that even Death himself would fear.
Snape had gently raised his arms and wand in surrender, didn't even protest when Harry disarmed him, then he said, "Calm yourself, now Potter, I haven't finished yet."
Power was radiating in waves off Harry that room began to shake slightly as he said, "You really think anything you here today say will spare you?"
Snape waved him off, without any fear, "Oh no, Potter, I know I won't leave this room alive. However, as I told you before, I died that night in Godric's Hallow with your mother. When I had realized that it was you that the prophecy spoke of, I tried all I could to protect your mother without raising suspicions, even working as double agent for Dumbledore, which continued until this day. It was all pointless though, as all our preparations had meant nothing when your idiot father's friend Pettigrew betrayed us. I've spent the last fifteen years adrift on a raft, waiting for this moment where it all ends, and the last thing I'll ever see will be Lily's eyes."
Silence gripped the room until Harry broke it, "Why tell me any of this?"
"Because, Potter, this is the end. I kept my promise to your mother on her grave that you would be protected until Voldemort was killed, and now he's gone along with Albus. You are free now, Potter. Free to live your life in a way she never could, make sure you remember that.", Snape said.
Harry stepped closer with his wand raised, "You know what, you are right about the joy of freedom, and I think killing you and giving your own freedom is too good for you. I'm taking you to Minister Bones and I'm going to ensure you spend the rest of your life in Azkaban on suicide watch with your only contact being Dementors."
Snape actually smiled at that, "I had a feeling you would say that, Potter, which is why I took matters into my own hands."
It was then, after his anger had cooled, that Harry finally realized the vial on the desk. It didn't appear to be a standard vial; it was black with a red label on it. It was then that blood started dripping down Snape's nose and he began coughing and wheezing until he fell out of his chair. It was only then that he realized the coward had taken poison.
Harry ran over and grabbed him, "You son of a bitch! Don't you die on me! Tell me where the antidote is! WHERE!?"
Snape coughed up blood and said, "Remember, Potter…love is more important…than anything. You really do…have your mother's eyes."
It was in that moment that Severus Snape breathed his final breath, pulling one over on the Potter family one last time, as Harry was left kneeling there next to his corpse to stew in rage and hatred. Years later, after his anger had cooled and replaced with the love of a family, Harry would only ever really think of Snape when he spoke to his children about the importance of how holding onto one's hatred brings nothing but consequences to oneself and their loved ones or how one's kindness can make all that hatred never exist and work towards a brighter future where everyone can be free and full of love.
After Harry had dropped Snape's body off in the Great Hall, much to the shock of everyone, the lord of the castle had promised to save all explanations for later and went to bed to get what little sleep he could get after such an emotionally and physically exhausting day, the worst in his young life, and that said a lot. Dawn had just broken over the school when Penny had woken Harry up from his sleep, apparently, he was one of the few in the castle who did since his wives were working overtime to comfort the students who couldn't sleep.
Penny helped him out of bed, "The students are all set to leave, the train should get here on time, and Minister has sent owl's and messengers to all the families. The injured students and Aurors have been transferred to St. Mungo's already, as well as the dead. If you want to sleep some more, we can handle the departure and goodbye speech."
Harry shook his head, "I'll sleep later, it should be me that addresses the students."
Penny looked like she wanted to protest but nodded in silence. After getting dressed and wolfing down a muffin, the two made their way out of their quarters and down towards the Great Hall where all the students and staff were waiting for him, as well as Amelia and several members of the Order. Harry groaned, however, when he saw several members of the press and other Ministry officials, all salivating at the sight of him, questions on the tip of their tongues. Rita Skeeter looked like a lion about to eat a gazelle.
Harry walked up to the podium where his other wives stood and spoke, "Good Morning, as you all know, Voldemort had launched a massive assault here at Hogwarts, while also attacking the Ministry of Magic in person and leaving devastation and death in his wake. However, in spite of that, I am pleased to announce that no students were among the fatalities, though a few of the older students were injured defending the school and, thankfully, are in stable condition at St, Mungo's. Unfortunately, many of our country's Auror force heroically lost their lives in defense of Hogwarts, and I want it known that without their brave sacrifices, this school would not be standing right now. As this was occurring, I dueled and defeated Voldemort himself at the Ministry of Magic and killed him for good this time, thanks to the aid of Albus Dumbledore, who gave his life to end the Dark Lord and save the Wizarding World. I'll answer a few questions."
A reporter from Wizarding World News asked the first question, "Lord Potter, while the Ministry has reported that all known or suspected Death Eaters were killed in the battle, there has been no mention of the notorious Bellatrix Lestrange. Is the insane and murderous Death Eater still at large and a present danger?"
Harry knew this was coming and prepared an answer, "Yes, I'm afraid that, while we managed to eliminate the rest of Voldemort's forces, Bellatrix Lestrange is indeed unaccounted for and still at large. While she has no support or supplies, I urge caution to all as Madame Lestrange is still the most dangerous and deranged witch of our time. She is likely in hiding, but I want to assure the public that Minister Bones and I are actively pursuing every lead on her and make no mistake, she will face the same justice as her master. That is a promise."
Xenophilius Lovegood of the Quibbler asked the next question, "Lord Potter, with Lord Voldemort dead and his army destroyed, what is next for you? What is next for our country?"
Harry smiled at Luna's father, "Well, the country has much healing to do, not only from recent months, but from the last two decades when Voldemort first rose to power. Minister Bones will speak more in depth later this week about new reforms and programs she will be pushing through the Ministry at the next Wizengamot meeting. As for myself, I will be more than content to finish my last two years at Hogwarts in peace and quiet compared to these five years of chaos with my wives at my side and, hopefully, find a career path I'm passionate about."
Much to Harry's chagrin, Rita Skeeter from the Daily Prophet spoke, "Mr. Potter, I've heard reports that Severus Snape, a reformed Death Eater, was found dead late last night. Did he receive the same punishment you and your wives deemed fit to pass as the other Death Eaters for his past crimes and well-known verbal abuse towards you and your friends?"
Harry's jaw clenched at both the mention of Snape and the accusation, but answered calmly, "Professor Snape committed suicide, and I was with him after he already taken the poison, that I swear on my magic is the truth. Whatever his past crimes, he took justice in his own hands."
Rita was annoyed at that oath being true and now public, but she recovered, "Mr. Potter, while no one will miss the Death Eaters, you and the Ministry acted as judge, jury, and executioner. Is this going to be the standard mode of operation for the new world order for those the government deems criminal, despite some might consider that the beginnings of a Dark Lord?"
Many inhales of breath and heated glares were the result of Rita's horrid question, but Harry spoke in an eerily quiet and menacing voice, "Ms. Skeeter, this is the second time you've addressed me wrong, once is ignorance, twice is on purpose, it's Lord Potter. To answer your question, my goal is to bring about justice and change to a country that has been stuck in the past while other countries have begun to modernize to catch up to the Muggle world because of the outdated and prejudicial views of evil men. Any man who commits crime will face justice for their crimes without corruption or bribery hindering that process, be they murderers, rapists, terrorists…or even unregistered Animagi."
While most went pale at Harry's declaration, Rita went pale at Harry's threat and that he knew her secret. Finally taking the hint, she sat down in her seat, unnaturally quiet. Harry was suddenly thankful that Tracey and Tonks had discovered the truth about Rita being an unregistered beetle Animagus, though he still didn't know how and he probably didn't want to.
Amelia decided to use that to end this press conference, "Alright, that will be enough questions for one day, I will answer all questions later this week. For now, it is time to send the student's home."
Harry nodded and waited for the press and other adults to follow Amelia out of the castle with a look that promised the two of them will have to talk soon, to which he nodded. When they had left the grounds, Harry motioned for Penny, Tonks, Fleur, the Chasers, and Su to take the students down to Hogsmeade station. He spoke quickly with the professors that they would discuss repairs and other matters soon and sent them on their way, leaving just him and Susan in the Great Hall, whom he asked to stay behind.
He turned toward her, "Susan, where's Hannah? I know Pansy, Daph, and Tracey are still in the infirmary, but she wasn't there."
Susan looked worried, "She's been quiet since I found her with Ernie's corpse, and she still hasn't told me what happened."
Harry sighed, "Where is she now?"
Harry found Hannah where he knew he'd find her, cooking in the kitchens despite the protest from some of the elves, which served as her safe haven when she wanted to be alone. He had learned earlier in the year that she had always wanted to have her own restaurant, so she had learned cooking at an early age from her mother; these days, however, such memories brought her more pain than joy. Harry vowed to ensure she would live her dream, and it would make her happy once again, but he knew that wasn't what she needed right now.
Leaning against the doorway after she saw him, he spoke, "Hey, Susan told me what happened."
She froze momentarily before continuing, "She doesn't know what I did exactly."
He nodded solemnly, "No, but based on the body I saw, I know what you did."
Harry was the only other person alive who knew of the dagger from Salazar, and agreed that it should stay hidden away, but clearly Hannah had used it with Salazar's reluctant blessing.
Hannah had stooped stirring and looked at him proper, "You disapprove?"
Harry shook his head, "No, I'm just sorry you were put in that position, even if you avenged your mum."
She started fidgeting with her hands, "My mother would disapprove, just like everything else I've done."
"I don't believe that. You helped save this castle and ended the Death Eaters.", he said.
Hannah scoffed, "I barely did anything, except almost die. Harry…do you feel better? Now that Voldemort is gone?"
Harry looked down, "I feel satisfied, but no, not better. My parents are still gone and nothing will fix that. However, I think this might help you."
Hannah was confused until Harry placed a small stone in her hand and said, "Think of your mother, and only her, and you'll see her. Trust me."
The Lady Hufflepuff looked confused but acquiesced to his wish. She closed her eyes and thought only of her mum, her mum who she loved more than anyone else. Who taught her to love and be kind, who spent hours being patient enough to help her cook and with homework, who died trying to protect her daughter. When Hannah finally opened her eyes, she was shocked to see what looked like a ghost that resembled her mother, who was smiling at her. It was then she realized what this stone was, the Resurrection Stone.
Hannah stared with her mouth agape, "M-Mum?"
Sarah Abbott gave her daughter a large smile, "Hello, my beautiful girl."
Hannah almost stumbled backward before Harry caught her and put her on a stool as she asked, "How are you here?"
Hary put his hand on her shoulder, "The Resurrection Stone doesn't bring the dead back to life, but it does allow you to speak with them to bring you comfort, or closure in your case. I figured you needed this."
Hannah nodded her head silently as she turned her tearful eyes to Sarah, "M-Mum, I-I'm so sorry. I-I…got you killed. I was a coward…a b-bully. Everything you hate."
Harry rubbed her back as Sarah sighed and said, "Hannah, my little girl, I could never hate you. The only thing I hated, the only thing I feared, was you going down the wrong path and I'm happy to see that you haven't. Do not let yourself feel guilty over me, Hannah, I did not fear the possibility of death when they took me if it meant you did not have to suffer. As Harry knows well, a mother would do anything for her child to protect them, even face down a monster. I hope one day you will have a child of your own to understand that."
Hannah nodded despite the crying, "I l-love you, mum."
Sarah smiled as she began to fade, "I love you too, my beautiful girl, and I will always be with you. You made some bad choices, but that doesn't make you a bad person. In fact, I'm rather proud of all you've done from what Harry tells me. Take care of your father, build a family and a life full of love, and be happy. Mr. Potter, take good care of my daughter. Goodbye, my darling Hannah, until we meet again."
Sarah faded as Hannah let go of the stone and embraced Harry as she cried hard into his chest. He didn't hear much of what she was trying to say, but he did a 'Thank you' in there somewhere. Harry just nodded with a sad smile, knowing this pain never goes away, but he was determined to be there for her forever.
Finally, by midday, all of the students had boarded the Hogwarts Express and were on their way back to London, and he finally got the press and Ministry tossers out of his castle thanks to Amelia's threats. After dismissing what remains of the teaching staff and sending his sleep deprived wives to bed, he made his way down to the Chamber of Secrets and entered the study to converse with the founders.
Harry's exhausted body slumped in a leather chair facing the paintings, "I'm going to sleep for a week after all this."
Helga giggled at him, "Now now, Harry, Pennelope told us the castle needs a lot of repair work done, and you have to get started on that before you are inundated with Lordship duties, Ministry requests, and press conferences."
Harry groaned loudly, "Maybe I should have jumped in the Veil with Voldemort."
Rowena glared at him, "That is not funny, Harry. I know next few months might be challenging, but compared to your past triumphs, this will be a breeze as you young people are fond of saying."
Harry raised an amused eyebrow at her and smiled gently, "You know, I never could have done any of this without the four of you."
Godric shook his head, "We don't believe that, Harry, and neither should you. You would have defeated Tom and his deranged minions without us. You always had the potential, Harry, you simply needed a guiding hand and the right support system to bring it out."
Harry nodded, lost in thought, as he said, "Maybe, but how many people would have died before then? What would the state of the country be if I had been unprepared? No amount of thanks I give will be enough."
Salazar waved him off, "It is we who should thank you, Harry, for it is you who has fixed our mistakes made fifty years ago when Tom became what he was. You saved our school, our legacy, and the Wizarding World. You owe us nothing and we know you will lead this country down a brighter path like we had hoped Riddle would."
Harry blushed at the praise, "Well, I don't know about all of that, but I suppose I can try, can't end up any worse. However, all of that can wait for a week."
"Why?", Helga asked.
Harry plopped over to the bed and entered the realm of dreams, "I'll be asleep, I wasn't kidding before."
Helga and Godric laughed, while Rowena and Salazar just facepalmed, and Harry for the first time in his life finally had a peaceful sleep with dreams of a family, happiness, and freedom.