Here's another one, guys. I just feel a desperate need to fix things! Hopefully this will offer some catharsis. Enjoy. Leave me feedback if you're feeling . . . well, alive. Thanks!

Nothing Much
by passerby

“The wand’s more trouble than it’s worth,” said Harry. “And quite honestly,” he turned away from the painted portraits, thinking now only of the four-poster bed lying waiting for him in Gryffindor Tower, and wondering whether Kreacher might bring him a sandwich there, “I’ve had enough trouble for a lifetime.”

They left the Headmaster’s office with their arms draped over each other’s shoulders, Harry wanting nothing more than to deposit the Elder Wand where it belonged so that he could get some sleep. Ron and Hermione wanted to go back to be with the Weasleys, and Harry felt that he needed to do this one alone. Forgetting about his Invisibility Hallow, he walked inside the Hall, overcome, again, with the feeling of bereavement and loss as those in the Great Hall mourned for their friends and loved ones. He was a little shaken. No one seemed to be able to spare a joyful thought for what had happened. Had he or had he not just defeated the most dangerous wizard of all times? He figured his annoyance was just lack of sleep.

He saw that Ron and Hermione were embraced by Ron’s family, and Harry turned on his heels and left the room. He strode down the hall and made a right turn. He stopped dead in his tracks at the sight. Hunched over the drinking fountain was the shape of Remus J. Lupin.

Lupin straightened up and wiped the dribbling water off of his chin. “Oh, hey, Harry,” he said with an air of nonchalance.

Harry stepped backward in disbelief. His hand went involuntarily to his wand, but he found one wand too many! He couldn’t decide which wand would be better: His Elder Wand or his phoenix wand? Which to choose, which to choose. . . . In a moment of clear indecision, Harry abandoned the idea of using a wand against this evil spirit and put up his hands which were balled into fists. “Stay where you are!” he yelled, shifting his weight between feet.

Lupin held up his hands as a shield. “Whoa! Harry! It’s me! Lupin!”

Harry dropped his defensive posture. “But . . . you’re, you’re . . . you’re . . . you’re. But . . . but . . . you’re. You’re. . .”

Lupin pulled out a pocket watch from his waist coat pocket and checked it. “Harry, is this going to take a while, because I’ve got a family to take care of now.”

“You’re . . . you’re . . .” Lupin started to yawn. “You’re d-d-d-d-d-d-dead!”

Lupin looked startled. He brought his hands to his chest in surprise. “I’m what?!” he shouted.

Harry shook his head as if to rid himself of visions. “I saw you. You were there,” he said in a tiny voice, pointing to the Great Hall. “And now you’re there,” he said pointing to Lupin. “And nowwiththewhoandthetonksandmymom. . . .“ his voice trailed off.

Lupin clucked his tongue and walked toward Harry. He put his hands on his shoulder and patted Harry gently. “There, there, Harry. Mummy can’t be here right now.” He shook his head with pity. “Why don’t we get you some firewhisky?”

“No!” Harry shook him off and put his fists back up into the air. “How are you, you know . . . THERE!” he screamed with a sad whimper at the end.

Lupin looked affronted. “What? Taking a drink? Harry!”

“I saw you lying on the floor!”

A light went on in Lupin’s mind and he started to chuckle. “Ah! That! Well, Harry, as you know, the battle was rather intense. We’ve just had a newborn, see, and I just got so tired! I knew I needed a nap, so Tonks and I took a swig of a potion that Snape had given us called ‘Juliet.’ Anyhow, we dropped right at the spot! I can’t even remember who I was battling! They must have moved us while we were sleeping. We’re both better now, though. We’re great!” he said as he puffed out his chest.

“So . . .Tonks . . .”

“Alive and well. She’s already back at the house. Teddy needed to be fed.”

Lupin draped his arm over Harry’s shoulder as they started walking aimlessly through the destroyed corridors. “So, Harry, what have you been up to?”

Harry’s eyes were wide and blank as his feet shuffled along with Lupin. “Oh,” he said absently, “nothing much.”

FIN
***

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