The great hall glittered with the light of a thousand candles. I took my seat at the Gryffindor table, excitedly awaiting the sorting. Headmistress McGonagall walked to the front of the room, holding a short scroll. "Hello, students, and welcome to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am pleased to announce that this year's head boy and girl are Mr. Neville Longbottom and Ms. Ginny Weasley. Please come up here for your badges." Ginny grinned next to me and stood. I squeezed her hand, then let it go as she walked to the front. I turned to Hermione and Ron. Hermione shrugged "I figured none of us would get it. Skipping a year of school would have that effect."

Ginny took her seat next to me again. "Congrats Gin! You earned it." I kissed her cheek lightly. She smiled. "Honestly, I'm a little surprised, seeing as I broke into the headmaster's office last year. I'm just SO excited!" She opened her mouth to say more just when a group of nervous first years were ushered in. "Shhhh, the Sorting's about to start" Hermione hissed.

The hat sang a song about victory and sticking together, and each of the houses. Honestly, there's a reason the Slytherins were LOCKED IN THE DUNGEON during the battle. We're not meant to stick together. Excited first years were sorted and sat down. I thought about Teddy, who was staying with the Weasleys for the school year. He's one of the big reasons why I had to go back. Obviously, since I'm his godfather he can live with me after I graduate, but having a good job would be nice since he's my responsibility. Dang, I miss Lupin and Tonks. I miss everyone. "Are you okay?" Ginny whispers. She takes one of her fingers, and draws it across my cheek, flicking off the tear that had been lingering there. "Yeah," I whisper back. "Just thinking about...everything." She nods. I wonder if she's thinking about Fred. "Hey," I whisper "everything's going to be fine." she nods again and focuses her attention on Headmistress McGonagall.

"I'd like to make a very special announcement now," she said, standing behind the eagle pedestal that had once been the place of Albus Dumbledore. "In honor of Mr. Harry James Potter, hero of the Second Wizarding War I'm pleased to announce a new over the summer program for witches and wizards who don't have safe homes to return to over the holidays. I would also like to extend my condolences to everyone who lost someone as a result of the rise of Voldemort." A collective shudder spread at the name. "We have commissioned portraits of all those who have been lost to him and his followers. They are lining the corridors around their respective houses. We have gone to great lengths to make these portraits appear as lifelike as possible. They can conduct in-depth conversations, walk around, and even educate you. It is my hope that they bring some joy to those still struggling with their loss." she stepped down and returned to her seat.

The feast passed in a blur. I couldn't stop thinking about the portraits. Maybe my mom and dad would be there, Sirius and Remus most certainly would. Fred would be there too. Tonks, Mad-eye, maybe even Dobby. Teddy would be able to talk to his parents someday. After the last pan of treacle tart vanished, Ginny stood. "I guess I have to go help first-years now. Bye Harry." she kissed me lightly. "Ron. Hermione." she waved at them and went off to gather a herd of eleven-year-olds. Ron Hermione and I headed upstairs quickly, using the secret passageways we'd memorized over the years. We finally emerged a few corridors away from the fat lady. There lining the halls were faces. Each portrait had a plaque saying their name. I didn't know most of them. As we walked closer I spotted Colin Creevy, a few students I'd seen but didn't know, and as we drew closer to the tower, my parents. I broke into a run, dashing over to them.

"Mom...dad?" I said in amazement. "Oh, Harry! We're so proud of you!" my mom said admiringly "Did you see? Sirius and Remus are down there! We're all hanging out later." dad said excitedly. Tears welled up in my eyes. "I can't believe- I'm just so excited-I finally get to get to know you!" I stammered "I'm excited to see the young man you've become." mom replied, tearing up too. Dad wouldn't stop grinning. "I heard a couple of portraits have a really good view of the quidditch pitch! I'm so excited to see you play! You're still captain and everything!" he continued excitedly exclaiming over the game. "Um, dad? I interrupted. Can I go talk to Sirius and Remus now?" he nodded. "Bye Harry! We love you!" "I love you guys too." I high-fived the painted figure o my father and headed down the corridor. Sirius grinned at me. "Harry! He made a motion like he was running forward, but stopped when he realized he didn't have a body. "Remus, Sirius, you guys look great!" this must have been what they looked like when my parents died. Both were in their twenties. Remus's hair hadn't started graying, and Sirius was full of life, looking at them you couldn't tell one was a werewolf and the other had spent years in Azkaban. "It's good to see you! I'm so glad you decided to go back!" Remus smiled. Suddenly, I was overcome with emotion. This was too much for one night. Thankfully, Ron came to my rescue. "Harry, it's almost curfew, we need to head in." I turned to the portraits. "Bye guys! I'll see you tomorrow!" They all waved as I slipped back into the safety of the common room.