As the group headed for the Hospital Wing, something was happening to Harry, who was bringing up the rear. He was doubled over in excruciating pain, his wand lay a few feet to his right, and he looked genially to Snape and James as they realised what was happening.

“Harry!” they said together, rushing back to where he lay in the grass. “What is it?”

“Dad,” Harry groaned. “Marry Lily. You know what I told you,” he continued as the pain grew on him.

“Dad? You mean…” Sev started. James threw him a decidedly evil grin before saying, “Shut it, you soddin’ git. Go on, Harry.”

“Do not change what I told you. You must do it exactly as I said. If you don’t…”

Whatever Harry was about to say, James and Severus never knew, as he simply faded from their existence, only to fall from the ceiling of a large oval room.

“Harry,” an old voice said as he was being helped up. “Are you all right?”

It was at this point Harry realised that he had fallen from the ceiling of Professor Dumbledore’s office.

“I’m fine,” Harry started before throwing up all over the royal red coloured rug of Albus’. “It was so horrible, Professor. Being there, with my parents and not being able to tell them I was there son.”

“Quiet Harry. Conserve your energy,” Dumbledore replied. “I remember it all so well. Your father and Professor Snape came straight to my office that night all those years ago,” he recalled, offering Harry a chocolate frog as he spoke. Harry opened the box as Dumbledore spoke.

“They had explained that you collapsed not far from the Whomping Willow, and told him that you had told him enough for you to earn their trust and respect. I assured them that it was a Port Key that you had stumbled upon, and that you were just Apparating back to the Durmstrang grounds. I also assured them that they must have been hallucinating when they thought you called James your father. Now, I want you to return to the Gryffindor Common Room. Mr Weasley and Miss Granger will be waiting for you there, I presume. And, Mr Granger,” Dumbledore called after Harry as he headed for the spiral staircase that lead out of his office. “I’ve awarding you with a crest for Special Services to the School. You did a noble thing warning Professor Snape about Professor Lupin that night. It seems that your fathers and Sirius’ traits will live on in you. Goodnight, Harry.”

Harry seemed a little confused about Dumbledore’s monologue as he entered the Gryffindor Common Room only to have Hermione and Ron leap on top of him and pull him through the portrait hole.

“Oh, Harry. I missed you so much,” Hermione said, giving him a long kiss, her tongue lolling over his own. “I’m so glad you’re back.”

“Let the man breathe, Hermione,” Ron cut in. “I’m sure he will tell us all about his little trip to 1977 when he’s good and ready.”

“How did you…?” Harry asked. Hermione dragged him to the Trophy Case in the corner by the notice board.

“Awarded to Mr Harry Potter for Special Services to the School,” she read off the plaque in the middle. She gave him another of her long kisses, her tongue again lolling over his. “I’m so proud of you Harry.”