So much going on in this chapter! Pansy is finally getting to appreciate what the other houses have to offer (pure blood fanaticism will only get you so far, and it won't keep you warm or provide shelter or food). Obviously not all Slytherins are obsessed with blood status, but the company she kept certainly had been.

Neville is such a good soul. The reluctant Gryffindor takes quite a blow in this chapter. His grandmother dying would be a blow, but I think there would also be some relief. She always measured him by the yardstick of Harry Potter. And he never quite measured up until the end of the series, I think. So while he no doubt loved her, he really can start to be his own man now. But Professor Sprout would have been a hard loss. I think she may have been the only professor (aside from Lupin) who really believed in him.

I very much enjoy your scenes with Dudley and George. I think they've been good for each other. I especially love that Dudley has shown so much growth.

I'm so glad that you gave Hermione the insight to not be surprised with Ron not coming back to Hogwarts, and what's more, you made her supportive. No doubt part of her is disappointed, but she's right to see that he's never been much of a student anyway. he would only have gone back to be with her. He would put some value in finishing school, but he would put a lot more in fighting alongside Harry.

And I'm glad that Ginny and Harry seem to be on the same page, though I'm curious how she will finish at Hogwarts if she's planning to always be by his side.

Also, I'd like to give a "hell yeah!" to Narcissa "I will control the family's money from here on." I'm glad she's making a change to not just let the men in her life keep calling the shots.

Author's Response: Interesting observations, as always! I agree with so much of what you said ... all of it really. When I first wrote this chapter, I had Neville losing his grandmother, certainly a blow after she had FINALLY come to appreciate him for the wonderful man he was. But as much as that would have hurt, I found the chapter lacking. You hit the nail on the head! There was too much ambivalence in their relationship. Then I thought about substituting Pomona in Augusta's stead. it worked better, but no matter how close they were, she was still his teacher, not a blood relative. The solution? Kill them boh off! I know, cruel, but I truly believe it would have taken a big kick in the teeth to get Neville to postpone his plans in herbology in order to fight alongside Harry and Ron. So, there you have the advent of this particular plot bunny! I don't know why I thought Dudley and George would work well together. At first it was just the answer to the question, who would make Dudley least comfortable ... obviously the twins who tormented him or Hagrid, who gave him a pigtail, literally! Then they took on a life of their own, with Dudley blundering into an understanding of the wizarding world and George seeing that Ogden's wasn't the answer to his depression. As for Hermione, yes! She can afford to be more relaxed and open-minded now that she has what she has wanted, a life with Ron. And, I might add, a vesion of Ron that would fit well with Hermioine. I always hated that she seemed to want to fall for Ron, but only IF he grew up! I'm sorry, but I don't see that as a healthy basis for a relationship. I wanted to let Ron grow up through his own experiences so HE could feel worthy of her, and not to feel like she was doing him a favor my being with him. Does that make sense? Finally, Ginny and Harry. Yes, their gap in ages, no matter how small, leaves her with a year to go at Hogwarts. But there will always be challenges for them until and unless they form their own magical private detective agency! LOL! Fortunately, with Apparition always available, it is easier for magical folk to be constantly together without literally being constantly together. I imagine the headmistress will be more forgiving of occasional absences than will Gwenog Jones! And, yes, Narcissa has learned not to let cowardly, evil men rule her life! About time, I'd say! THANK YOU!!!

My instinct is to start off by ranting about you killing off Augusta and Pomona, but I will try to refrain. The conversation between George and Dudley was certainly interesting. I'm also glad to see that Narcissa seems to be making the right decisions with regards to fixing what is left of her family. Pansy was very fortunate to be welcomed so kindly by Neville and Hannah. The scene at the end with Harry and Ginny trying to help Neville with the help of Hannah was quite well done. Neville certainly needs the love of a good woman now that you have killed off his grandmother and favorite teacher!

Author's Response: Oh, my! Now I feel terrible. But I hated JKR for killing off Tonks AND Remus! AARRGGHH!!!!!!! My excuse du jour is that I first came up with this plot bunny when I read Jo's interviews that were held right on the heels of the publication of DH. I was left thinking the long-term careers made sense, but why would people choose such out-of-character short-term careers following the Battle of Hogwarts. I ended up thinking that Neville, Ron, and even Harry would need swift kicks to make them choose to continue fighting Death Eaters ... and what would bring Neville and Hannah together when, at last indication, he was showing signs of interest in Luna. Hell, even DH2 picked up on that romantic Red Herring! So, I put my terrible mind to work asking what and why they would each behave as Jo claimed at that time ... before the garbage about Harry being better off with a woman he had not once shown a speck of interest!!! Hope you will forgive me!

This is one of the best post final battle stories I've read in awhile! Always happy to see a new chapter! Only question I have about the attack on Dumbledore's tomb is wouldn't they have learned from Riddle's break in and had ample charms and protection spells placed on the tomb? Especially to repel dark wizards? Please keep this beauty coming!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Author's Response: Thank you! I appreciate your review very much and will attempt to address your excellent observations above!

What a dramatic turn of events. Excellent job. Thank you for quick updates. Very interesting and riveting storyline. Well done, you.

Author's Response: Thank you, again! I appreciate your faithful reviews!!