Hogwarts: Harry Potter’s Return from the Witcher World
Chapter 475: An Unexpected Reunion

Chapter 475: An Unexpected Reunion

The Great Hall was decked in golden hues with touches of red.

This year, there had been no surprises.

Harry and Hermione hadn’t been distracted by crises—they could focus on their studies. Even though the professors had held back a little, by the end of the year, Gryffindor still led second place by nearly thirty house points.

They’d also taken the Quidditch Cup.

A banner year for Gryffindor.

Dumbledore stood, tapped his goblet lightly with his wand—ding—a clear chime rippled through the hall.

"We’ve come to the end of another school year," he said softly.

"Every September is a joyful time—I welcome new students to Hogwarts."

"But every June is difficult—another group of students must leave."

"Children grow up, and must leave home to explore the vast world beyond."

"As Headmaster of Hogwarts, I hope you find work in what you love, build families, and lead fulfilling lives."

"But as Albus Dumbledore..."

"I say this: Hogwarts will always be your home."

He took a deep breath, lifted his wand, and gave it a gentle wave.

"Now then, let’s tally the final results."

Golden letters shimmered into view:

"First place, Gryffindor: 493 points."

"Second place, Slytherin: 468 points."

"Third place, Hufflepuff: 451 points."

"Fourth place, Ravenclaw: 449 points."

Dumbledore raised his hand: "Let us celebrate Gryffindor."

Harry summoned his Patronus and sent it flying over the Gryffindor table.

"What are you planning after graduation?" Ron asked excitedly. "I might become an Auror. Kingsley’s Minister now! Percy’s up for another promotion too."

Neville bit into a pumpkin pasty: "The Ministry’s offered me a spot, wants me as an Auror. But I want to stay at Hogwarts. Professor Sprout thinks I’d make a great assistant."

All eyes turned to Harry and Hermione.

Hermione tilted her head. "Harry and I plan to go to university first, earn a Muggle degree before deciding."

"More school?" Ron blinked, confused by their thinking.

Harry smiled faintly, eyes on his buttered bread.

"Well, first we need to actually graduate."

The others paused.

Actually graduate?

Hadn’t they already?

Harry didn’t explain. He just took a bite.

Three days later.

Ministry of Magic—Department of Mysteries.

Before the Veil of Death stood not just Department officials—but four people.

Dumbledore, Snape, Harry, and Hermione.

"You’re not coming?" Harry asked, turning to Dumbledore.

The old man shook his head. "I don’t think I’m ready."

He stared at the gently swaying curtain, a rare hesitation in his eyes. He didn’t know how to face those who’d died because of him.

Harry reached out.

Dumbledore handed him the Elder Wand.

Holding it, Harry looked to Hermione. "It’s dangerous in there. You don’t have to come."

She didn’t speak. She just tightened her grip on his hand.

Harry pulled out the Invisibility Cloak, draped it over the three of them, and stepped through the Veil into the barren land beyond.

They walked—guided by the Resurrection Stone.

Having done this before, they paused periodically to eat and drink. All manmade things ceased to function here.

The watch Hermione had given Harry had stopped—the hands frozen at the moment they entered.

They felt no fatigue, no hunger. They just walked.

Until... they reached the door.

A single elder-wood door standing alone in the wilds.

Harry drew his wand and inserted it into the lock.

Click.

He reached out and gently pushed it open.

Behind the door was not endless emptiness. Not the world of the dead Harry expected.

It was a house.

A very familiar one.

The Potter cottage.

"What do you two see?" Harry asked, not stepping inside yet.

Snape’s answer was blunt: "Your home."

Hermione echoed him: "The Potter cottage?"

The exact same image?

Was it because the Elder Wand was in his hands?

Harry took a deep breath and stepped inside.

Hermione and Snape followed.

The chill that had plagued their bodies and souls vanished the moment they crossed the threshold. Warmth embraced them.

From within the house, two people emerged.

Black-haired with amber eyes. Red-haired with green.

They knew who they were.

"Harry?" Lily Potter’s eyes locked on the dark-haired boy with catlike eyes, unable to look away. Her voice trembled with wonder.

"It’s me," Harry nodded.

His voice caught, but he managed the words, "Dad. Mum."

Lily’s eyes filled with tears as she rushed to embrace him.

James Potter stood behind, staring, overwhelmed.

He’d never imagined this moment—seeing his child again.

"You look just like James."

"You’re so tall—how old are you now? There’s no time here... we never know how long it’s been."

"I just graduated from Hogwarts," Harry answered.

"Graduated already?" Lily examined him. "That scar—what happened?"

"Professor Snape," Harry said quietly.

Snape?

The name stunned them.

They turned—and finally noticed the man by the door, doing his best to remain unseen.

"Severus..." Lily hesitated, biting her lip. "You..."

Snape inhaled deeply.

He had never found speech this hard. The realm of the dead seemed devoid of air, the void pressing on him, making even breathing a struggle.

"Li—"

He caught himself. That name wasn’t right anymore.

Another deep breath. "Mrs. Potter, to give your son that little scar... I paid with an arm."

James clapped with glee. "Oh Harry, well done!"

"When did it happen?"

"End of third year," Harry replied.

"How?" James asked eagerly. "Ambush?"

Snape sneered. "Is the brain of that arrogant fool truly filled with only such thoughts?"

"Potter was far more capable than you."

"He beat me head-on."

James puffed his chest proudly. "That’s my boy!"

"But you weren’t much of a father," Snape said coldly.

The warmth in the room instantly vanished.