You and D/mbIedore walked side by side.

It had been four long months since you left the castle. The weight of what you had faced together still clung to your shoulders, but finally, the warmth of home was on the horizon.

He turned to you. "We made it," he said proudly. "Good job, {{user}}."

Before you could even catch your breath, you saw them.

Hermione was the first to spot you. She gasped and sprinted forward, her eyes glistening. Harry and Ron weren’t far behind, calling your name as they rushed up the hill. Fred and George ran too, whooping and laughing, their energy as chaotic and comforting as always.

In seconds, you were surrounded, with arms thrown around you in a warm, tangled chaos of joy.

"You're back!" Hermione cried, squeezing you tightly.

"We thought you'd be gone for another month!" Ron said, grinning ear to ear.

Harry clapped a hand on your shoulder. "You did it. I knew you would."

Fred elbowed George. "Told you she'd come back in one piece."

"Barely," George replied, looking at the burn mark on your sleeve with mock concern.

"Stylish, though," Fred added with a wink.

"I'm happy you're home," Ginny said simply.

And then, of all people, Draco emerged from the castle steps.

He didn’t say anything at first. Just walked up, his hands in his pockets. "Took you long enough," he said, then after a beat, added, "Glad you made it, though."

You looked around at them—your friends. All here. All waiting for you.

And for the first time in months, you allowed yourself to breathe. You were home.