Chapter 5

Harry Potter was lying in bed, slowly slipping into the fantastical and fairytale world of his dreams. He'd lived a full life, much longer than he had even dared to hope for in those dark days of the war. He had a loving family and he knew that they were safe due to the sacrifices made by those many, many years before.

As he fell asleep, he seemed to be in King's Cross Station again. The scene was exactly as he remembered it from his brief meeting with Dumbledore, his surroundings shrouded in a light veil of mist. Yet he felt different, as if he belonged here now. Slowly, he realised that he had probably passed away. A whistle sounded, and a moment later a scarlet steam train appeared, belching clouds of steam. It was an exact replica of the Hogwarts Express, but it seemed deserted. Harry moved forward to embark on the train, Dumbledore's words from that day echoing in his mind. However, before he could climb aboard, a figure of an old man appeared, blocking his way.

"Harry Potter," said the man in a slow voice. "If you decide to board this train, you are forfeiting your right as a wizard to return to the world of the living as a ghost. You will not be able to make any contact with those who are still alive, but will be able to spend the rest of eternity with the deceased. However, if you choose to become a ghost, your choice will be eternal and you will not be able to make contact with those who have died. Choose wisely, as the rest of your existence will depend upon this choice."

Images of his family appeared in Harry's mind, first Ginny, now grey-haired and lined, but in his opinion still as beautiful as she was on her wedding day. Then came his three children, all greying and with their own families. Even as these images formed, he knew that, despite the fact that he would no doubt miss them, he needed to consider others before he made his decision. If he continued on, he would be reunited with Ron, Mr and Mrs Weasley, Dumbledore, Lupin, Sirius, his parents…the list was endless. With these people in his mind's eye, he made his choice.

"I decide to board the train, and I am aware of the consequences of my actions."

The old man bowed and disappeared. As soon as Harry entered the train, it began to move, picking up speed as it left the station. He settled into his seat, the familiar sense of excitement filling his body. As he looked outside, the landscape seemed to be bright and cheerful, yet there were ominous clouds on the horizon. Occasional flickers caught his eye, and images from the first year of his life could be seen in brief glimpses as the train sped past.

After about a minute, there was a sudden burst of green light which reminded Harry of that most fatal of curses, and the landscape suddenly turned dark, rain lashing the windows relentlessly. The images now turned to his life at the Dursleys, as grey field after grey field sped past. Ten minutes later, the sky started brightening and the landscape became more mountainous. Images from his years at Hogwarts flashed up, as the sky gradually grew darker and darker and the landscape more and more dangerous.

Finally, just as Harry thought that it couldn't grow any darker, the land flattened out and the sun came out and bathed the countryside in its golden glow. For the remainder of the journey, the landscape, although perhaps less vibrant than before, was beautiful and peaceful, with rolling hills and green meadows. Images of his life after the war flew by, and Harry thought to himself, "This gives a whole new meaning to your life flashing before your eyes, doesn't it?"

Eventually, the train slowed to a stop, and Harry stood up, stretching, and left the compartment, slowly disembarking from the train. He looked up, and saw a line of people waiting on the platform. First, he saw a mass of red hair, the telltale sign of the Weasleys—Mr and Mrs Weasley, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George (reunited with each other at last) and, last but definitely not least, his best friends Ron and Hermione. Then, he saw Remus and Tonks standing next to Sirius, and, at the end of the line, his parents. For the first time in years he could see them in person. He stood amazed, before slowly making his way towards them. They smiled warmly and welcomed him into their arms.

A few minutes later, some more figures appeared. Harry's smile faltered slightly, as he viewed those with whom he had never come to terms, or whose deaths he still had not reconciled himself to. First, there was Snape. However, even as Harry watched, he could tell that a great change had come over the man, whose face and eyes were brighter than he had ever seen them.

"Severus, despite your treatment of me at school, I am forever grateful to you for what you did to ensure my safety, at great risk to your own life. I think that this more than makes up for your earlier mistakes, and I am quite happy to forgive you completely for them," said Harry.

"Thank you. I must admit that my behaviour towards you was unnecessary and unjust. I am so sorry for my actions, but I hope we can make it up now," replied Snape, smiling. Harry was certain that they could, and, with this promise of a better future, he moved onto the next person.

Cedric Diggory was waiting patiently for his turn. "Harry, I know that you still blame yourself for my death," he said, "but I assure you that it wasn't your fault at all. If anyone is to blame, it must be Voldemort and Barty Crouch Junior, both of whom have been adequately punished for their crimes. You must stop blaming yourself for every person's death." The others murmured in agreement. Harry, although not completely guilt-free, felt much less burdened now that he had received a pardon from the dead teenager himself.

Finally there was Colin Creevey. His death had been particularly hard for Harry due to his youth and innocence. "I agree with Cedric," said Colin, "because I chose to return to Hogwarts despite the danger, and I paid the price for my decision. You are not to blame for that in the slightest. You've helped me immeasurably by bringing to account all the Death Eaters involved, so I feel nothing but gratitude towards you. You must believe that, Harry, because I do."

Once again, Harry felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and for the first time he felt truly liberated. He thanked everyone for their kindness, and they decided to stay to welcome him and celebrate his reunion with friends and family.

Afterwards, he was happily chatting to his friends and family, regaling them with tales of his children and grandchildren, whilst the others in turn told him about their recent antics. Laughing heartily, Harry reflected that Heaven was not just a kingdom of happiness and peace, but it was the land where friends and families were reunited and nobody dies.

***FINIS***