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{23} NOT REALLY GOING HOME











[In the hospital wing the next day, Mia is lying in bed with her arm bandaged. She awakens, puts on her glasses, and sits up. There are cards and candy all over. Dumbledore approaches her.]
Dumbledore: Good afternoon, Mia. Ah. Tokens from your admirers?
Mia: Admirers?

"You still get shocked every time someone tells you you have an admirer," Remus remarked with a warm smile, observing Mia's reaction with amusement.

"Well, don't blame me," Mia replied, returning the smile. "I've spent most of my life thinking no one knew I existed." Her words carried a bittersweet tone, hinting at the emotional journey that had shaped her perspective.

Dumbledore: What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret. So, naturally, the whole school knows. [They both smile.]

"Well," Ron began, his voice teetering on the edge of mirth, "now everyone in the school knows."

"Yes," Mia chimed in, joining Ron and Hermione in laughter, finding solace in the lighthearted moment amidst the complexities of their shared experiences. The laughter seemed to momentarily lift the weight of their worries, forging a bond of camaraderie among the friends.

Dumbledore: Ah, I see your friend Ronald has saved you the trouble of opening your Chocolate Frogs.

"Ronald!" Molly scolded her son, her voice tinged with a mix of exasperation and fond exasperation as she addressed his well-meaning but misguided gesture.

Ron, visibly flustered, looked down with a sheepish expression, his cheeks tinged with a deep blush. "She doesn't like the chocolate," he defended himself, attempting to explain his rationale with a touch of defiance in his tone.

Mia, catching the exchange, couldn't help but giggle at the lighthearted moment. "He's right, Mrs. Weasley," she chimed in, offering an understanding smile and effectively diffusing the tension with her good-natured humor.

Mia: Ron was here? Is he all right? What about Hermione?
Dumbledore: Fine. They're both just fine.

"You're the one in the hospital bed, yet you are more worried about us?" Hermione asked

Mia smiled softly, her eyes filled with warmth. "You're my friends. It's only natural for me to worry about you," she replied, her voice reflective of genuine concern and appreciation for their friendship.

Ron and Hermione exchanged a glance, their smiles reflecting a shared sense of understanding and camaraderie with Mia, their loyal friend and steadfast companion in the face of adversity.

"Thanks, Mia," Hermione said, her eyes reflecting gratitude.

"Yeah, thanks," Ron added, nodding appreciatively.

Mia beamed at her friends. "Anytime, you two. We're in this together," she said warmly, her eyes reflecting unwavering loyalty.

Mia: But what happened to the Stone?

"I wanna know what happened too." Draco said.

Dumbledore: Relax, dear girl. The Stone has been destroyed. My friend Nicholas and I had a little chat and agreed it was best all around.

"Wait, what?" The exclamation echoed through the room, mingling with murmurs of confusion and disbelief.

A wave of concern washed over the group as a Ravenclaw student spoke up, her voice tinged with worry. "But if the Stone is gone, won't Nicolas Flamel die?"

Her words sparked a chain reaction, with others around her voicing their shared anxiety. Furrowed brows and concerned expressions filled the room as the reality of the situation sank in, casting a pall of unease over the gathered assembly.

Mia: But then, Flamel, he'll die, won't he?
Dumbledore: [sits on the bed.] He has enough Elixir to set his affairs in order. But yes, he will die.

"Oh." A murmur of realization and acceptance swept through the room.

Dumbledore's calm and reassuring voice cut through the unease. "It was a long time coming after all. He wanted to die. He had lived long enough," he assured the Ravenclaw student. His words carried a mix of wisdom and empathy, offering comfort amid the solemn mood that had descended upon the gathering.

The Ravenclaw student nodded slowly, her expression reflecting a mix of understanding and solemnity. "I see," she murmured, acknowledging the weight of Dumbledore's words.

Mia: How is it I got the Stone, sir? One minute I was staring in the mirror, and the next...

He had been harboring the question since Mia entered the room, finally spoke up.

"That's my question," Remus interjected, his tone a mix of curiosity and urgency.

Dumbledore: Ah. You see, only a person who wanted to find the Stone, find it, but not use it, would be able to get it. That is one of my more brilliant ideas. And between you and me that is saying something.

"That is brilliant." Fred and George said astounded.

Mia: Does that mean, with the Stone gone, that is, that Voldemort can never come back?

The room was filled with a palpable tension as people leaned forward, their collective hope mingling with lingering doubt. They remembered Mia's earlier warning, the unsettling truth that he could return in any form at any time. This realization tempered their optimism, casting shadows of uncertainty over their eager anticipation.

Amidst this internal struggle, there were those who recognized the grim reality that he had already resurfaced. Their sobering awareness stood in stark contrast to the individuals who, in an effort to shield themselves from fear, chose to feign ignorance, acting as if he had not returned. It was a poignant reflection of the varied responses to the looming threat, with each person grappling with their own interpretation of the unsettling truth.

Dumbledore: Ah, I'm afraid there are ways in which he can return.

A sense of fear and sadness permeated the room, weighing heavily on the hearts of those present.

Mia, do you know why Professor Quirrell couldn't bear to have you touch him? [Mia shakes her head.]

"I've wondered that same thing" Arthur said

It was because of your mother. She sacrificed herself for you. And that kind of act leaves a mark. [Mia touches her scar.] No, no, this kind of mark cannot be seen. It lives in your very skin.
Mia: What is it?
Dumbledore: Love, Mia. Love.

Tears welled up in Mia's eyes as she closed them, the vivid memories flooding her mind. She could feel the weight of her mother's sacrifice, as if it had happened only yesterday. A stray tear escaped and trickled down her cheek as she opened her eyes to the concerned faces of her friends.

Hermione gently placed a hand on Mia's shoulder. "I know it's difficult, Mia. Your mother was incredibly brave, and she will always be with you, guiding you through it all."

Mia nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I miss her so much. I still can't believe she's gone."

Ron, sitting next to Hermione, exchanged somber glances, their expressions mirroring the sorrow etched on Mia's face. "She saved you, Mia. She made the ultimate sacrifice to protect you. We'll never forget her bravery," he said softly, his voice filled with empathy.

A sense of warmth and comfort enveloped Mia as her friends rallied around her, offering silent support and understanding. The memories of her mother were a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience that ran through her veins.

Remus placed a hand on Mia's shoulder, his eyes reflecting a deep sadness. "Your mother was a remarkable woman, Mia." he said, his voice filled with genuine sympathy.

Sirius, his usually carefree demeanor softened by the solemn moment, spoke earnestly. "She was one of the bravest people I've ever known. Her love for you was immeasurable."

Mia looked into their eyes, finding solace in their words.

[Pats Mia's head gently and stands up.]
Ah. Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. I was most unfortunate in my youth to come across a vomit-flavoured one. And since then, I'm afraid I've lost my liking for them. But I think I could be safe with a nice toffee. [takes brown bean and eats it.] Mm. Alas! Earwax.

"That's disgusting."

"That's revolting," Colin exclaimed, scrunching up his face in disgust. "I once got earwax too. It's the worst."

Ginny wrinkled her nose. "Yeah, earwax is pretty unpleasant, but trust me, you don't want to experience vomit. It's a whole new level of awful. You'll hate yourself for hours."

[Mia with her arm still bandaged enters a corridor where up on a stairwell balcony, Hermione and Ron are talking. They stop when they see Mia and lean over the railing.]
Mia: All right there, Ron?
Ron: All right. You?
Mia: [as he shrugs] All right. Hermione?
Hermione: [smiling] Never better.

Almost everyone in the Great Hall smiled warmly at the trio.

[We see the Great Hall full of students eating and talking with each other. There are green and silver banners with the Slytherin symbol above their heads, already indicating the house with the most points. Dumbledore gives a slight nod to Professor McGonagall, who then clinks her spoon to her glass to ask attention from the students. The crowd falls silent. Dumbledore stands up and speaks with his magically magnified voice.]

"Yes, Slytherin won?" Charlie's tone conveyed disbelief as he sought confirmation.

"After everything these three students went through, Gryffindor deserves to win," Bill declared, his voice reflecting a sense of justice and support for his friends.

The sentiment echoed across the Great Hall, accompanied by murmurs of agreement and understanding from the students who had witnessed the extraordinary trials that Mia and her friends had faced. However, scattered complaints and disgruntled murmurs flitted through the air, with some Slytherins expressing their dissatisfaction over the unexpected turn of events.

As the murmurs ebbed, a sense of bittersweet camaraderie radiated among the students who had been at Hogwarts during the tumultuous period, their smiles intertwined with a newfound appreciation for the resilience and courage displayed by the Gryffindor trio. Despite comprehending the reasons behind Gryffindor's victory, the Slytherins remained unwilling to fully concede to the outcome, their lingering discontent casting a shadow over the celebration.

Dumbledore: Another year gone. And now, as I understand it, the house cup needs awarding. And the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor with 312 points. [There is a medium applause from the crowd.]

The Gryffindors reacted with a mixture of disappointment and understanding as the news of their house's placement in the house cup was announced, embodying a sense of unity and resilience in the face of loss.

"That's disappointing." Remus said.

Mia smirked.

Third place, Hufflepuff with 352 points. [The applause for Hufflepuff is slightly louder than the clapping for Gryffindor.]

Some students expressed pride, while others showed disappointment expecting them to be higher.

In second place, Ravenclaw with 426 points. [Applause again, this time with a slight cheer from some students.]

Ravenclaws being in second place was received with a roar of applause and cheers from the Ravenclaw students, mingled with a palpable sense of satisfaction and pride for their house's strong showing.

And in first place, with 472 points, Slytherin house. [A loud roar rises from the Slytherin table, as students stand up and clap for themselves. Hermione scowls with her hand to her cheek; Snape applauds the students of his house]
Draco: Nice one, mate. [sneers at Ron]
Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin. Well done, Slytherin. However, recent events must be taken into account. And I have a few last-minute points to award.

The scene depicted a diverse range of characters, including the Weasleys, the Malfoys, and Sirius and Remus, who were not present at the time. They were all equally engrossed and bewildered as they watched the unfolding events on the screen, mirroring the emotions of the students in the room.

[Some faces at the Gryffindor table rise hopefully.] To Miss Hermione Granger, for the cool use of intellect while others were in grave peril, 50 points. [Hermione looks surprised, while the other Gryffindor students applaud her.]

The distant clapping resonated throughout the room, prompting Hermione to smile with a hint of bashful delight, appreciating the gesture of recognition and support. The genuine display of solidarity from off-screen touched her deeply, and a telltale blush graced her cheeks, reflecting her gratitude for the heartfelt acknowledgment.

Mia: [giving Hermione a pat on the back] Good job. [Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle don't like what's happening. Hermione looks at Hagrid, who looks back to her with a proud smile.]
Dumbledore: Second, to Mr. Ronald Weasley, for the best played game of chess that Hogwarts has seen these many years, 50 points. [Ron looks even more surprised than Hermione did and the Gryffindor table is applauding even louder.]

As the clapping from off-screen added to the atmosphere, the Weasleys erupted into cheers, and Mrs. Weasley's eyes shone with pride for her son. "Well done, Ron!" she exclaimed, beaming.

"Absolutely!" Fred and George chimed in unison, giving Ron hearty pats on the back.

Sirius threw a playful wink at Mia. "Can't let Ron have all the glory, now, can we?" he teased, drawing a grin from Mia as she shook her head in mock exasperation.

Draco scoffed, his lips curling into a sneer. "Typical Weasley luck," he muttered, his frustration evident as he crossed his arms.

Hermione watched the scene with a mix of admiration and amusement. "You should be proud, Ron. You did brilliantly," she offered, giving him an encouraging smile.

And third, to Miss. Mia Potter, for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house 60 points.

The distant cheers of the Gryffindors reached Mia's ears, filling her with a sense of warmth and appreciation. Their support served as a potent reminder of the unwavering solidarity within the Gryffindor House, and Mia's heart swelled with gratitude for their enthusiastic encouragement.

Hermione: We're tied with Slytherin!
Dumbledore: And finally, it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends. I award 10 points to Neville Longbottom. [Neville can't believe what he just heard and the Gryffindors that heard Hermione's whisper are cheering the loudest. Malfoy looks quite uncertain now.] Assuming that my calculations are correct, I believe that a change of decoration is in order. Gryffindor wins the House Cup.

The off-screen cheers of the Gryffindors matched the jubilant cacophony heard on screen, resonating throughout the room and amplifying the overwhelming sense of elation. Their unrestrained enthusiasm underscored their collective pride and unity, heralding the triumphant victory of Gryffindor House with resounding zeal.

The room erupted into raucous applause, the jubilant cheers mingling with the sounds of celebration as the students reveled in their hard-earned victory.

[The Great Hall explodes with applause, not only from the Gryffindors, but also from the Ravenclaws and the Hufflepuffs because they are glad that for the first time in seven years, someone other than Slytherin has won the House Cup. Hagrid can't help himself to also cheer, and all students except the Slytherins throw their hats in the air, while Malfoy angrily throws his on the table in defeat. The Gryffindors around Mia are all congratulating her, and Mia smiles to Hagrid, who smiles back.]

As the celebratory atmosphere filled the room, a lighthearted moment ensued, drawing laughter from the crowd as Hagrid's boisterous enthusiasm and unwieldy attempts to join the celebration elicited good-natured amusement from those present.

"Looks like Hagrid's more excited than we are!" Ron quipped, grinning as he exchanged amused glances with Hermione and Mia.

"Always the life of the party, isn't he?" Mia chuckled, her eyes crinkling with mirth as she watched Hagrid's enthusiastic antics.

[At Hogsmeade station, students are walking around, getting in the train.]
Hagrid: Come on, now. Hurry up, you'll be late. Train's leaving. Go on. Go on. Come on, hurry up. [Mia hands Hedwig to a train man and walks to an open door of the train with Hermione. Hermione waves to Hagrid, who waves back. Hermione gets on the train.]
Hermione: Come on, Mia.
Mia: One minute. [She walks over to Hagrid]
Hagrid: Thought you were leaving without saying goodbye, didja?

Mia's smile, though tinged with sadness, carried a glimmer of warmth and gratitude as the memory of Hagrid's thoughtful gift unfurled within her mind.

[Hagrid takes a red album out of his coat pocket and hands it to Mia.] This is fer you.
[Mia opens the album and sees a picture, moving, of her as a baby with her parents. They are all smiling and waving. Mia smiles.]

As Mia looked upon the picture of her parents, her heart swelled with a bittersweet longing. The radiant joy captured in the photograph was a poignant reminder of what she had lost and what could never be reclaimed. The sight of her happy, complete family evoked an overwhelming surge of emotion, and she felt tears welling up in her eyes.

"We miss them so much, Mia," Remus murmured, his voice tinged with sorrow. "It's times like these that make their absence feel even more unbearable."

Sirius, his usual grin replaced with a somber expression, nodded in agreement. "We'd give anything to have them back with us, but we have to keep going for you, kiddo. They would want us to keep you safe and happy."

Mia nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "I miss them too. I wish they were here to celebrate with us."

Remus placed a comforting hand on Mia's shoulder, his eyes filled with understanding. "We all do, Mia. But they're always watching over you, and they would be so proud of the strong, remarkable person you've become."

The weight of their shared sorrow lingered in the air, mingling with cherished memories and unspoken wishes. Together, Mia, Remus, and Sirius found solace in their shared commitment to honor the memory of Lily and James, knowing that their enduring love would guide them through the pain.

As Mia, Remus, and Sirius shared their tender embrace, the hushed silence of the Great Hall enveloped them, the weight of their collective grief palpable to all who bore witness. Hermione's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she watched the poignant display of affection, feeling the echo of loss reverberate within her own heart.

Ron's shoulders slumped with the weight of sorrow, his gaze fixed upon the trio as they stood together, united in their shared pain. The somber atmosphere touched everyone in the Great Hall, as they bore witness to the raw, unyielding sadness that permeated the air.

Mia: Thanks, Hagrid. [Shakes Hagrid's hand, then hugs him tightly.]
Hagrid: Oh. Go on. On with you. On with you now. [Mia lets go] Oh, listen, Mia. If that dolt of a cousin of yours, Dudley, gives you any grief, you could always, um, threaten him with a nice pair of ears to go with that tail of his.

Amidst the somber atmosphere, Hagrid's blush and the ensuing laughter and chuckles that erupted throughout the hall provided a fleeting moment of levity. The unexpected interplay of lightheartedness against the backdrop of grief lent a touch of warmth and comfort to the collective sorrow, offering a brief respite from the weight of their shared loss.

Mia, too, found herself caught in the embrace of fleeting amusement, her melancholic smile softening into a gentle, affectionate chuckle.

Mia: But Hagrid, we're not allowed to do magic away from Hogwarts. You know that.
Hagrid: I do. But your cousin don't, do he? Eh? [chuckle] Off you go.

The laughter continued to echo through the Great Hall, filling the space with a sense of joy and connection as the lighthearted sounds uplifted the spirits of those present.

[Mia walks away, back to the train door where Hermione and Ron are waiting.]
Hermione: Feels strange to be going home, doesn't it?
Mia: I'm not going home. Not really. [The train whistles and they climb aboard. As the train starts to leave and the camera pans up over the whole scene, Mia waves out the window to Hagrid, who waves back and then waves more to other students as the camera pans far back, then the credits begin.]

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