Well....here we are.
Like I do with all my stories, I'll have a nice little speech for all of you at the end of the chapter, but before we begin this week, there's something I would like to make mention of.
Today, the day I post this chapter, is November 24th, 2006. Exactly one year to the day since I posted the first chapter of this story. 26 chapters for 52 weeks. I can't really believe it's been a year...it doesn't feel like it. I never thought when I started this story it would last this long, or be this popular. I feel truly blessed, and again, I thank all of you.
The rest, is for the end. :)
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Chapter 26: The New Age
A repulsive sensation overtook Harry as he felt his feet leave the ground. He became queasy, his breath shortened, and the sensation of emptiness forced him to close his eyes in a grimace. A moment later, when he felt solid ground beneath his feet, the feeling doubled. Groaning, he collapsed to the ground, the cold stone of what he assumed was the dais in the Ministry, and forced one of his eyes open.
Hermione was kneeling a few feet in front of him, her mouth agape, and tears running down her cheeks.
"Wha...how..."
"Hermione," said Harry weakly. "Help me."
In an instant she was by his side, cradling his head in her lap.
"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice stronger.
"I feel...I feel like I'm dying," replied Harry hoarsely.
"Let's get you out of here," said Hermione, and in a display of strength that surprised Harry, even in his incapacitated state, she lifted him clean off the dais and hurried up the stairs and out of the Department of Mysteries.
=====
"Madam Pomfrey!" shrieked Hermione, running into the Hospital Ward at Hogwarts as fast she could a moment later, having apparated them just outside the Hogwarts Ground a minute earlier.
"What is all the ruckus, my dear child?" asked the nurse, with her back turned. "I dare say..." The nurse's face whitened as she saw Harry in Hermione's arms. "Put him on the bed there."
Hermione placed Harry on the nearest cot as gently as she could before collapsing into the chair next to it, breathing hard.
"You alright?" asked Harry through gritted teeth, though he managed a smile.
"I will be," answered Hermione, hyperventilating.
"Drink this," said Madam Pomfrey, handing Hermione a calming potion. She downed it in one gulp and her breathing softened considerably. "How in Merlin's name are you alive, Potter?"
"It's a long story," replied Harry. "But the way I'm going right now...I'm not sure if I'll be around too much longer."
The nurse quickly waved her wand over his body in a series of complicated motions, growing more perplexed with each one. Finally, a moment later she lowered her wand and shook her head in exasperation.
"I have no clue what is wrong with you, Potter," she said apologetically. "I can tell that something's wrong...but I honestly don't know - "
"Perhaps I could be of assistance, Poppy," a gentle voice from the windowsill said. Harry, Hermione, and Madam Pomfrey all turned to see the great white phoenix of Dumbledore sitting on the ledge peacefully.
"Go ahead, Albus," nodded the nurse.
The phoenix flew over and landed next to Harry on the bed, and immediately dropped two large, pearly tears onto his chest. The warm sensation calmed Harry slightly, but did nothing for his symptoms.
"Nothing?" asked Dumbledore. Harry shook his head, the feeling worsening. "Poppy, perhaps I may have a moment with Harry and Hermione here?"
The nurse regarded Albus carefully, clearly unimpressed with the thought of leaving her own ward, but nodded nonetheless and left, closing the large oak doors behind her.
"I'm sure you know how it is that you were able to come back through the arch," said Dumbledore, not wasting any time.
"I horcruxed myself," said Harry weakly, and Hermione gasped.
"It appears that you are quite right," replied Dumbledore. "You are suffering due to the lack of a complete soul."
"How come Voldemort didn't go through this?" asked Harry.
"There are precautionary measures one can take, but I hardly believe you took them," replied Albus.
"So what do I do?" asked Harry.
"You must find the horcrux the portion of your soul is locked away in, and reunite it."
"I don't even know what or where it could be," said Harry. "It could be anything."
"Ah, but fortunately, I was able to deduce the only possible answer for you," replied the phoenix, and Harry swore he was smiling. "And lucky for all of us, she is sitting right next to you."
Harry's eyes widened, and he turned to look at Hermione who was apparently equally surprised.
"My soul...is in Hermione?" asked Harry.
"Your powers of deductive reasoning continue to serve you well."
"How can we fix it?" asked Hermione, standing up.
"It's rather obvious, if you think about it."
Hermione's brow furrowed in thought for a minute, then she turned to give Dumbledore a sideways glance.
"I'll leave you both to it," he said, spreading his great wings. "I shall return in...half an hour. Hopefully you'll both be done by then?"
And without another word he flew out of the window, leaving Harry and Hermione alone in the ward.
"What did he mean?" asked Harry. "I'm in too much discomfort to try and sort out his riddles."
"It is rather obvious," smiled Hermione, drawing her wand and sitting on the bed next to Harry.
"Hermione, what're you...oh."
"You saved my life," she whispered, removing all their clothes with a flick. "Now it's my turn to save yours."
"You're the reason I came back," said Harry, as she crawled under the sheets and lay on top of him. "I want to tell you everything that happened."
"Later," she smiled. "Right now, we're making you better."
=====
"Are you feeling any better?" asked Hermione twenty minutes later, her arm draped across Harry's bare chest.
"Much," he nodded, taking a deep breath. The feeling was slowly dissipating and each breath Harry took felt as if life was being breathed into him.
"A rather pleasant way to go about repairing one's soul, don't you think?" she asked, a soft smile on her face.
"Definitely," replied Harry, turning and kissing her passionately.
Hermione drew back and looked into his eyes, running her hand slowly across his face.
"I can't believe you're here," she whispered. "I thought you were gone forever."
"I almost was...but thankfully I had some help on the other side."
"From whom?"
Harry grinned and moved in so close that their noses were touching.
"My parents."
Hermione's eyes widened and a matching grin broke out on her face.
"Are you serious?" she asked.
"Quite," smiled Harry.
"Tell me all about it.
"It's a rather amazing place, heaven," he said wrapping his arm around her body. "There's truly nothing to worry about."
"What's it like?"
"Well...it's - "
A knock at the oak doors startled them and they sprang apart. Hermione quickly grabbed the sheets and covered herself.
"Are you two decent?" came the voice of Madam Pomfrey.
"One moment!" called Hermione, and she quickly found her wand. With one flick, they were both fully clothed again, and giving him a chaste kiss, she got out of the bed. "Come in!"
The doors opened to reveal Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore (who was, when standing on the ground, just as tall as the nurse).
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Much better, sir, thank you," nodded Harry.
"Please Harry, there's no need to call me sir," chuckled the phoenix.
"I'll be in my office, Albus," said Madam Pomfrey. Dumbledore nodded at her and flew over to Harry's bed.
"We have much to talk about," he said. "I expect that you'll both have some questions?"
"Is he gone?" asked Harry. "Is he really, completely gone?"
"Yes, Harry. He is gone," replied Albus. "By killing yourself you destroyed the final horcrux, and with no pieces of his soul left earthbound, Tom Riddle was expelled from this world."
"And he can't come back like I did?"
"You had a portion of your soul left here, did you not?" Harry nodded and smiled at Hermione.
"Sir, why did Harry leave this world in the first place if his soul was horcruxed?" asked Hermione. "I mean, Voldemort didn't leave this world when the Avada Kedavra he cast on Harry as a baby backfired, did he?"
"You may also call me Albus, my dear woman," smiled the phoenix. "And no, he did not. I speculate that it's because he already had other horcruxes active, but that is pure theorization. I must confess my regret in that I don't know all the answers of the world."
"But...no one knows everything," said Harry.
"And there are some things which we shall never know," said Dumbledore. "The mystery of what happened when you cast the curse to kill yourself is one of them."
"Oh," said Harry, clearly dejected.
"I am guessing that Voldemort had, much like when he killed your parents, set up a timer of sorts, so that when the time was right, his soul would be horcruxed. Upon his domination of your body, the instructions on that timer blurred, if you will, and when you killed yourself, set them off...the nearest external object was Hermione, so the portion of your soul that you separated from your body went to hers, much like how the separated portion of Voldemort's soul went to you on that night so many years ago."
"That doesn't explain why I 'died'," said Harry.
"I think it is because the horcrux you created was faulty," replied Dumbledore. "No offense of course to you, my dear."
"None taken," replied Hermione.
"You see, I do not believe that your horcrux was permanent, Harry," said Dumbledore. "Even though Voldemort had taken the steps, you hadn't, and so a sort of 'ghost' horcrux was created...one that functioned well, but would have faded given time. Had you been gone another week, or perhaps even another day, all hope for your return might have been lost."
"How long was I gone, anyway?" asked Harry.
"Two days," replied Hermione with a slight frown. Harry took her hand and gave it a soft squeeze before returning his attention to Dumbledore.
"Albus...why did the Eternium crack when I saved Hermione?"
The phoenix regarded him carefully for a moment.
"I have my theories," he said. "But that is an answer best found without my assistance, I think."
"I see," said Harry. "How is everyone? Is everyone alright?"
"Why don't you ask them yourself?"
The words had barely left Dumbledore's beak when the oak doors flew open and Ron, Luna, Neville, Ginny, Remus, Tonks, McGonagal, Moody, (and to Harry's great surprise), Draco came barging in.
"Mate!" yelled Ron, rushing over. "I didn't believe them when they said it...but cor...you're really here, aren't you?"
"No Ron, I'm your mum in disguise," smiled Harry.
"Funny," replied Ron dryly. "How the hell did you cheat death, mate?"
"It's quite the story, actually," said Harry.
"We've got time," smiled Luna, who looked much better than the last time Harry had seen her.
"Well, simply put, I died," said Harry. "And I woke up in heaven." He could've sworn he saw Draco roll his eyes at that, but paid it no attention. "It's a real wonder, it is."
"What's it like?" grinned Tonks.
"Anything you want, is yours," smiled Harry, feeling like a storyteller the way everyone was gathered around him. "You need only but want it."
"Anything?" asked Neville.
"Anything," nodded Harry. "But you can only get raw materials. If you want something complex, like a telly or a broom, you have to make it yourself, or find someone who can make it for you."
"That doesn't sound like much fun," commented Ginny.
"It helps with the boredom, according to my dad."
Harry smiled at the silence that greeted that statement.
"Your...James was there?" asked Remus.
"And my mum. And Sirius...and Regulus...and apparently my grandparents too," grinned Harry.
"Did you...you got to speak with them?" asked McGonagal.
"Not Regulus or my grandparents, but my mum, dad, and Sirius? Yeah."
"Were they happy?" asked Remus.
"I can honestly say that they could not have been better," smiled Harry. "My mum makes this great pancake dish -"
"Chocolate chip pancake surprise?" asked Remus with no hesitation, earning him looks from everyone else.
"You know about that?" asked Harry with a laugh.
"She used to make it all the time before she had you," grinned Remus. "She stopped when she got pregnant...said she didn't need more weight than she was going to get."
"So how did you get back?" asked Tonks.
"There's an arch over there that connects with the one in the Department of Mysteries," said Harry. "You're not supposed to be able to use it...but I guess circumstances allowed me to."
"They're coming," grunted Moody, the first words he'd said since he arrived.
"Then my time grows short," said Dumbledore.
"Who's coming?" asked Harry.
"The Minister," replied Moody, his eye fixated on what Harry guessed was the entrance hall.
"There are very few people who know I still exist," said Dumbledore. "It would be wise to let it remain that way."
"Agreed," said Harry, and everyone in the room nodded.
"Well then, Draco, shall we be off?"
Everyone immediately turned to Draco, who looked down at the floor.
"You're leaving with him?" asked Harry.
"Yeah," nodded Draco.
"He and I agree that it would be best if he remained low-key for a while," said Dumbledore.
"But...I promised to clear your name," said Harry.
"I appreciate it, Potter, but there's no guarantee you can do that," said Draco. "Besides, I think I still have a lot to learn about the world, and Dumble - Professor Dumbledore has agreed to help me find my path."
Harry thought for a moment before leaning forward and extending his hand. Draco regarded him carefully but shook his hand all the same.
"You'll always be welcome in my house," said Harry.
"I might just take you up on that offer sometime in the future, Potter," smiled Draco, as Dumbledore spread his great wings and he climbed on.
"Where the hell were you hiding anyway?" asked Ron.
"In the Room of Requirement, of course," shrugged Draco. "I tell you, sharing it with that loon of a teacher nearly drove me insane though."
"Loon?" asked Hermione.
"Trelawney, of course."
There was a chuckle from everyone present, and Harry turned to Dumbledore.
"Will I see you again?"
"Undoubtedly," nodded the phoenix. "Though it may not be for a while."
"I eagerly await the day," smiled Harry. Everyone in the room bade Dumbledore and Draco a quick farewell, and a moment later they had flown out of the window and into the sunset.
"Potter?" called a familiar voice from just outside the doors, and a moment later Rufus Scrimgeour appeared, flanked by two aurors, one of which was Kingsley, the other Harry didn't recognise. "So it is true."
"That it is," nodded Harry.
"How?" asked the Minister, walking over to the bed, completely disregarding the other people in the room.
Harry glanced at the others offhandedly and shrugged.
"I'm afraid I know nothing more than you do," he said. "A bit of dumb luck, I guess."
The Minister nodded and produced a sheaf of parchment from his robes.
"This is for you," he said, handing it to Harry. "Originally it was going to be your funeral march, but since you're alive..."
Harry took the parchment and read it...it was a proclamation.
THE DARK LORD HAS BEEN VANQUISHED!
To celebrate this glorious event, a parade will be held through Diagon Alley at noon on May 14th to honor Harry James Potter, conqueror of evil, with a ceremony awarding the Order of Merlin, 1st Class to him.
REJOICE! THE EVIL ONE IS GONE!
"I won't accept it," said Harry simply, handing the sheet back to the Minister.
"W-what?" asked Scrimgeour, stunned. "Why not?"
"Because everyone who took part in the battle before I beat him had just as much a part to play as I did," replied Harry. "If you give all of them - and I mean every last person in that battle - Order of Merlin, I'll consider it." Scrimgeour thought about this for a moment.
"I bet I could work third class for most of them," he said. "Second and first for a few."
"As long as they all get the recognition they deserve, then I'll accept it," said Harry.
"Done," nodded the Minister, extending his hand. Harry stared at him for a moment before shaking his hand and letting out a chuckle. "Perhaps in the future we will be more friendly with one another, Harry Potter."
"Perhaps," nodded Harry.
"See you in three days," said Scrimgeour, who stood up. Nodding to the others in the room, he left, Kingsley shooting a wink at Harry as he followed the minister out.
"That went well," grinned Harry, hitting Ron lightly in the arm. "Order of Merlin for you, mate."
"Won't see me complaining," smiled Ron. "Kinda makes our 'Special Award for Services to the School' award pale in comparison, though."
Everyone laughed at that, and Harry noted that it was the very first time he could ever remember when everyone had laughed with such freedom and lightheartedness.
"I hate to kill the mood, but I need to know," he said. "How many people on our side died in the battle?"
"Kill the mood?" laughed Ron. "Hardly. No one on our side died Harry."
"What?" he asked. "How?"
"Call it good planning, call it dumb luck, call it whatever you want to," said Remus. "We had some serious injuries, but there was not one person on that battlefield who wasn't a death eater that didn't walk away alive."
"Wow. So tell me, where are McCleary and all of them?"
"Funny you should ask," laughed Remus. "They're down in the camp with Hagrid and Grawp enjoying Hagrid's fine drink and cooking."
"You have got to be joking," smiled Harry.
"Not in the slightest," replied Tonks. "Apparently they love those rock hard things Hagrid calls cakes...leave it to the Scottish."
"I'll have to thank them...are they going to be memory charmed?"
"I have managed to convince the ministry...after much arguing, mind you, to let them retain their memories of what happened three nights ago," said McGonagal. "Provided they don't spill the beans, of course."
"Good," said Harry. "First step towards bringing down the wall, if you know what I mean."
"Indeed," nodded McGonagal. "You will forgive me, there is much to attend to and while I would love to stay and listen to the stories, there are still many students who require attention in some form or another, and we have many repairs to complete on the school."
"Of course, Professor," he nodded.
"It's good to have you back, Harry," she smiled, before turning and leaving.
"We have to go too," sighed Remus. "There is a ton of work that needs doing."
"Can I help?" asked Harry.
"You've already done more than enough, lad," smiled Moody. "You take your rest and enjoy it. You've earned the luxury of never having to raise a finger for the rest of your life, if I may say so."
"Thank you," smiled Harry, shaking Moody's gnarled hand.
"We'll leave you six at it then," smiled Tonks. "Ta!"
The students waved as Moody, Remus, and Tonks left, shutting the doors behind them.
Harry sat in his bed and looked at the other five with him, shaking his head.
"What?" asked Neville lightly.
"A bit strange, isn't it?" asked Harry. "Two years ago we were fighting for our lives next to the death arch in the Department of Mysteries, and now the same six of us are sitting around joking about it after I just came through said arch."
"Life is odd like that," shrugged Hermione, sitting on the bed.
"It is," nodded Neville. "Listen...I hope you don't mind, but Ginny and I volunteered to help start moving supplies from the camp back to the castle...we've already been gone for a half hour..."
"Go," nodded Harry waving his hand at them. "We'll have plenty of time in the future to talk."
Neville and Ginny nodded, and smiled, linking hands as they left the ward.
"Just us four then," said Ron, sitting in the chair next to the bed.
"Are you alright Luna?" asked Harry, noticing that the blond had suddenly closed up noticeably, and was shuffling her feet.
"I feel a bit out of place," she confessed. "I'm not really part of your 'trio'."
"Nonsense," said Harry, motioning for her to sit on the bed nearest Ron. "There's no such thing as the 'trio'...not anymore. Now it's Harry Potter and his Band of Mischievous Friends."
"Sounds like a movie," laughed Hermione.
"What's a movie?" asked Ron.
"Something that muggles go and watch for entertainment, dear," smiled Luna.
"Oh so it's like quidditch then," nodded Ron...and it was quite clear that he had no clue what movies were like at all.
"Well, I think we should be off, Ronald," said Luna with a smile. "We should let Harry and Hermione have the private time that they need."
"They don't need it," said Ron shrugging. A stern glance from Luna quickly changed his mind, though, and he stood, causing Harry to laugh. "Bugger off."
"Before you go," laughed Harry, reaching for his cloak, "I have something for you."
"Oh?" asked Ron. "What is it?"
Harry fished around in the pocket until he found what he was looking for.
"A matchstick?" asked Ron skeptically.
"Hardly," replied Harry. "Do you have my wand?" he asked Hermione. She nodded and drew it from her robe, handing it to him. "Engorgio."
The broom Harry had crafted in the other world grew to its normal size, and Ron's jaw dropped as it was handed to him.
"This...this is for me?" he asked, marveling at it.
"Yep," smiled Harry. "First of the Harry Potter line. I call it the Phoenix."
"You made this?"
"Remember how I said you can get any materials you want in heaven?" grinned Harry. He watched as Ron's eyes went back and forth from Harry to the broom.
"You have got to be joking."
"Nope, not joking," laughed Harry. "Now go on outside and give it a whirl, mate. I'm sure Luna would like a chance on it too...sorry I don't have anything for you, by the way."
"It's quite alright," smiled Luna, as Ron continued to fawn over his new acquisition. "Your friendship is more than enough."
Harry smiled as Ron thanked him quickly and dashed out of the infirmary, Luna laughed as she followed him.
"Although," she said, stopping at the doors. "You could give me a nice butterbeer cork necklace for Christmas, if you wanted to."
"Done," smiled Harry. Luna winked and disappeared behind the doors.
"So much for the meet and greet," laughed Hermione, laying down next to him.
"I'm glad to be alone with you," smiled Harry.
"Well we're not entirely alone," reminded Hermione. "Madam Pomfrey is just in her office."
"I know," nodded Harry. "Doesn't stop me from doing this, though."
He pressed his lips to hers softly, extremely thankful he was with her again.
"Can I ask you something?" he asked. Hermione nodded. "Why were you at the Department of Mysteries today?"
She sighed and rolled on to her back, looking up at the ceiling.
"When you died...I...it was unlike any emotion I had ever experienced," she said. "It was surreal...but at the same time I thought I was dying on the inside...because I knew you were gone. I couldn't even cry I was in so much shock, and that made me feel even worse."
"Hermione..." whispered Harry, turning to face her.
"I sat in the camp for a day...clutching my knees to my chest," she continued. "I didn't know what to do...I didn't want to do anything. I just wanted to sit there with my memories and not be bothered.
Then I remembered when we were in the Department of Mysteries a few months ago. I didn't even tell anyone where I was going...but I figured they knew anyway. Also something had happened when you killed yourself that was very strange."
"What happened?" asked Harry.
"Your body disappeared," she said. "I assume just like Voldemort's did all those years ago when he tried to kill you."
Harry nodded.
"I got to the arch as soon as I could and waited...praying that I could talk to you like we talked to your parents. I was standing there and then all of a sudden you came tumbling out."
"I'm lucky you were there," said Harry. "I don't know how long I could've lived like that...it was awful."
"Really puts how evil Voldemort was in perspective...doesn't it?" asked Hermione.
"Yeah."
"So what are you going to do now?"
"Now?" asked Harry, sitting up. "Now I have a parade to prepare for."
=====
Harry stood at the window in his room at the Leaky Cauldron and stared down at the mass of people assembled below. Some special permits had been approved for the parade, and the width of the alley had been magically expanded to allow room for everything.
"Are you alright?" asked Hermione from the bed, who, unlike Harry, was not wearing anything at all.
"I hate things like this," sighed Harry, turning back to face her. "As if I don't get enough attention already."
"As much as I hate to say it, it's not for you," frowned Hermione. "It's for the people."
"I know," said Harry, sitting down next to her and brushing his fingers along her bare shoulders. "My last little service for the common good, eh?"
"Well, you are being awarded Order of Merlin," she pointed out.
"So are you," countered Harry with a smile.
"I don't like it...it should be second class just like Ron."
"Why?" asked Harry. "You saved my life with that Eternium."
"Technically I saved my own life," smiled Hermione. "But I appreciate the help all the same."
"Git," grinned Harry, leaning down to kiss her. "You're still okay with the thing we talked about?"
"I am," she nodded. "If that's what makes you happy, then I'll support it."
"Thank you."
"Harry? You about ready?" called Remus from the other side of the door.
"In a minute," he replied. "Best get dressed, luv."
"I'm going to look forward to the days when we don't even have to get out of bed," she smiled, reaching for her clothes.
"Hopefully they aren't too far off," winked Harry. Once she was dressed, he opened the door to see Remus and Tonks waiting for him with looks of amusement on their faces.
"You might want to consider whispering when you're telling her to get dressed," grinned Tonks.
"You uh, heard that, eh?" asked Harry sheepishly.
"We promise not to say anything," smiled Remus. "You two can make that announcement when you're good and ready."
"Thank you," replied Hermione, taking Harry's arm.
"You all set then?" asked Remus. "They're about to start."
"As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose," nodded Harry.
He followed Remus and Tonks down the stairs to the main floor of the pub, which Tom had let them use exclusively to get ready.
"All right there, Tom?" asked Harry.
"Never better, Mister Potter," nodded the barkeep.
"Harry, Tom. Harry."
The bartender smiled and nodded vigorously as he continued polishing his mugs.
"Where's everyone assembling?" Harry asked Remus.
"The alley out back...they enlarged it to make room for everyone."
"Really?" asked Harry. "That should certainly be a sight."
It was. Harry stepped out of the pub to the tumultuous applause of the few hundred students and aurors gathered in the magically enlarged alley. He had tried to convince the Ministry to let the muggles from Godric's Hollow attend, but after an hour or so of heated argument, he finally relented due to the fact that the numerous magical items in the stores might cause some of them to panic.
"Mate," grinned Ron, walking over to Harry and clapping him on the back. "You about ready?"
"Let's get this party started," he smiled.
"Alright everyone!" called the Minister, who was standing next to the brick wall. "We're about to begin!"
A loud cheer went up and Harry smiled as the beginnings of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture began to play in Diagon Alley.
"And....forward march!"
The archway opened and cheers erupted from the crowd gathered as the people began to walk forward, Harry and Hermione bringing up the very rear, flanked by Tonk, Remus, Moody, Ron, and Luna.
Harry waved politely to those in the crowd as he passed them for the next twenty minutes or so, watching as some people tried to get close enough to ask for autographs, others tossing money at them, even others holding up signs with offers of marriage.
As the parade passed Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, Harry looked up and saw Fred and George on the roof of the building working busily.
"Fireworks," said Ron. "They're going to set them off after your speech." It was customary for recipients of the First Class award to give a quick speech upon reception.
"I was wondering why I didn't see them," replied Harry. "Aren't they getting Order of Merlin also?"
"From what they've been saying, they're going to ride in on the same brooms that they left Hogwarts on, great iron peg and all."
"If that's not symbolic, I don't know what is," remarked Hermione, blushing slightly as another compliment flattering her physique was yelled from the crowd.
"He's quite right about that one," whispered Harry in her ear.
"Stop it," laughed Hermione, swatting at him.
About twenty minutes later they reached the large clearing in front of Gringotts, where hundreds of chairs and a great stage had been set up. The scene reminded Harry of a muggle graduation ceremony. Those in the parade all took their seats, and waited for the Minister to begin as he went up to the podium on the stage.
"Great people of our world," he began. "Today marks the greatest day of our generation!"
A loud cheer erupted from the crowd when he said this.
"Today, we honor those who are responsible for this triumph, in the largest awarding of the Order of Merlin in history!"
Harry tuned out the Minister as he began to call names for Order of Merlin 3rd Class, and instead focused his attention on the cheering spectators.
His eyes fell onto a red-headed woman who couldn't have been older than twenty-five. She was holding a baby wrapped in white blankets in her arms, and unlike the others who were cheering and shouting uncontrollably, she watched peacefully with a regretful smile on her face, as if remembering something wonderful from the past.
"Remus," whispered Harry. "You see that woman over there?" Remus saw the woman he was pointing at and nodded. "I want to meet her."
"Now?" he asked incredulously.
"Yes, have one of the aurors bring her over."
"Harry, everyone will see," Hermione pointed out.
"I'll duck into that shop," he said, nodding at Hennesy's Household Helpers.
"Be quick about it," hissed Remus as Harry got up and excused himself.
Harry managed to sneak into the shop unnoticed, and after a quick conversation with the owner, was left alone momentarily as the woman was ushered into the store.
"Um..." she said nervously, as the aurors closed the door behind her. "I'm sorry...I'm not sure how to address you, Mister Potter."
"Harry is fine," he smiled. "You're probably wondering why I asked to talk to you."
"Yes," she nodded shyly.
"What's your name?"
"Anna Koufax," the woman said nervously.
"You need not be so tense Anna," smiled Harry. "I mean no intrusion."
"It's an honor to even be speaking with you sir...I'm not used to being accosted by celebrities."
"Hardly," laughed Harry. "In a few years they won't even remember my name."
"That's not true," said Anna, shaking her head. "You've saved our world...we owe you everything."
"Thank you, but I already have what I desire most."
He looked out the window at Hermione, who was sitting watching the ceremony. Anna followed his gaze and smiled at him.
"You two make a wonderful couple."
"Thank you," nodded Harry. "She means the world to me." He noted a flicker of sadness cross the woman's face at this remark. "May I ask you why the father of your child is not with you today?"
"He...he was killed by Voldemort earlier in the year," she said softly. "He worked for the ministry...one of the new regulators of the floo network. The death eaters...they tried to buy him out...they wanted access to the system, but he turned them down."
"I see," said Harry.
"They killed him while the baby and I were out," she continued. "I came home and saw the mark floating over the house..."
Her voice became choked at this point, and Harry moved forward to place a steadying hand on her shoulder.
"Say no more," he said softly. "I also know what it's like to lose a loved one."
"Does the pain go away?" she asked, a tear falling down her cheek.
"It gets easier with time," said Harry, "but it never truly goes away. Tell me, what is your child's name?"
"Madeline," said Anna, wiping at her eyes.
"That's a beautiful name," smiled Harry, looking at the baby who stared back at him with round blue eyes. "I have to get back outside, but I would like to do something for you before I go." He motioned to one of the aurors to step inside.
"Yes?" the auror asked.
"A Gringotts redemption slip, please," said Harry.
"What are you doing?" asked Anna, as the auror quickly procured a slip of parchment and a quill for Harry.
"Because of my lineage and fate, I have much more money than one could ever need in a single lifetime," he said, scribbling on the parchment. "You are widowed, and a mother. I'd rather see you raise a fine upstanding member of society with the help of my gold, than to have it sit and rot in my vault." He signed the slip and handed to Anna, who gasped upon reading it.
"I can't take this," she said, trying to hand it back. "A hundred thousand galleons?"
"Believe me when I say it's less than one percent of my total wealth," smiled Harry, pushing her hand away. "I've been planning to give most of it to charity so I think using a little bit to help a mother in need counts, don't you agree?"
"I...I don't know what to say..."
"You can say 'thank you', and leave it at that."
"Thank you."
"You're most welcome," smiled Harry. Peering out the window, he saw Fred and George on the roof of the building across the street, brooms in hand. "It looks like they're about to start the 2nd class awards, so I should get going. Spend that well, alright?"
Anna nodded and watched speechlessly as Harry exited the store, taking his seat beside Hermione a moment later.
"Good deed for the day done?" asked Hermione quietly as Rufus started speaking again.
"I think so," replied Harry with a smile. "I gave a mother who lost her husband to Voldemort a hundred thousand galleons."
"That's very sweet of you," said Hermione, taking his hand and giving it a light squeeze.
"Order of Merlin, Second Class, Fred and George Weasley," pronounced Scrimgeour. Harry looked up and grinned as the twins hopped on their brooms, the infamous iron peg swinging from George's as they flew in circles above the masses to the loudest applause Harry had heard yet. Landing on the stage, they both accepted their awards to great cheers.
"Tomorrow, a one-day special at Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes!" proclaimed Fred. "Everything in the store half off!"
Another great cheer rippled through the crowd, and even Harry joined in on the applause this time around. A moment later the twins mounted their brooms, waved to the crowd, and sped off into the sky.
"Order of Merlin, Second Class, aurors Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Alastor Moody," said Rufus. Harry grinned as Tonks' face turned as pink as her hair at being called by her real name. She, Kingsley, and Moody made their way up to the stage and accepted their awards graciously, the crowd cheering in approval the entire time.
"Order of Merlin, Second Class, Remus Lupin."
This time Harry stood and cheered, which incited the crowd even more. Remus shook the minister's hand and Harry saw Rufus whisper something in his ear as he did so. Smiling, Harry watched his mentor make his way back to him, looking quite surprised.
"He offered me a spot in the auror division," said Remus stunned, taking his seat.
"Congratulations!" exclaimed Harry and Hermione at the same time.
"Thanks," he nodded, completely flabbergasted.
"Order of Merlin, Second Class, Ronald Weasley."
Harry looked on at his best friend with such pride as Ron headed towards the stage. Of all Harry's personal friends aside from Hermione, Ron was the only one to receive an award higher than third class, solely for his role in aiding Harry during his quest for the bracelet.
Harry glanced over at where the Weasley clan was sitting and chuckled when he saw Molly blowing her nose on a handkerchief.
"She must be so proud," said Hermione.
"Ron must be thrilled," laughed Harry. "After all of the competitiveness, he finally has something neither Charlie or Bill has."
"Now he just has to open a business and he'll be even with the twins," chuckled Hermione.
Ron walked back down to where Harry and Hermione were, giving them the thumbs up before taking his seat.
"And now, for the awards of the day," said Rufus, raising his hands. "Order of Merlin, First Class, Hermione Granger."
"Go get 'em," smiled Harry, as Hermione rose from her seat to the loudest applause yet. Standing near the crowd, but inside the barriers set up to separate the spectators from those in the parade, were her parents, embracing each other with tears of pride and joy running down their faces. Marilyn's leg had been expertly healed by Madam Pomfrey, and she was now walking on it as if new.
Hermione shook hands with the minister as she accepted the award, and stepped up to the podium.
"I understand I'm supposed to say a few words after receiving this award," she said, "but I'm sure my voice is not the one you wish to hear from today. So, if I may, Minister?"
"By all means," nodded Rufus.
"Order of Merlin, First Class," smiled Hermione. "Harry Potter."
Harry rose to cheering and applause so loud, he thought swimmers in the English Channel might've heard it. Smiling as he walked up to the stage, he accepted the award from Rufus, and gave Hermione a quick hug before turning to face the crowd.
"It is truly remarkable, the difference one day can make," he said as the crowd silenced quickly to hear his words. "The people who received awards here today all played a vital, and gruesome role in the one day that changed our world. That battle is now a part of our history, and it is crucial to remember history, and learn from it." He looked out at his comrades in arms...Seamus was sitting proudly among them, showing no signs of the torture that had plagued him for months. "But I'm not here to talk about the bad. Let us talk about the good! Let us talk about the downfall of that rotten bastard who called himself Voldemort!"
Harry noted that a few people still flinched at the name, but all of them were screaming their approval nonetheless.
"I stand here today, asking you to remember why the atrocities that he rained upon us occurred," said Harry, finding Anna in the crowd and smiling at her briefly. "It was because of a lack of wisdom, a lack of faith, and fear of change. I would remind all of you that a thousand great muggles aided us in the battle that day, and even though they're not here with us right now, they still deserve equal recognition."
Another great cheer erupted at this.
"I urge all of you to help the other side from time to time," he said. "I don't ask you to do it every day, but if, by chance, you see a muggle on the side of the parkway with a broken down automobile, give them a hand, treat them as if they were one of us. Times of peace last much longer with friendship, than with hate."
He paused for a moment to let the applause die down.
"Today marks the dawn of a new age. From now on, we shall not live in fear of the future, of the possibility of terror. We shall live as one; a world united in under the idea of making it a better place for our children, so that they may not have to go through the hardships that we endured. I now have one final announcement to make," he said, smiling at the crowd. "Up until this point, my life has been dictated by a madman. Who I lived with, how I spent my free time, everything. There are some of you who may have heard rumors of me attempting to become an auror." Another cheer. "I have decided to not pursue this career." The cheering quickly died down and was replaced with murmurs of confusion. "I have, instead, decided to honor the great sport that served as some of the only enjoyment I've had while battling Voldemort. Therefore, in the coming season, I shall be trying out to play professional quidditch."
"Potter for the cup!" someone in the crowd yelled, and the cheers erupted again.
Harry smiled as he stepped back and shook the minister's hand again. He was about to step off the stage when a glimpse of something caught his eye in the sky. Looking up, far, far above, a great white bird flapped its wings before disappearing a moment later.
"He's with us even when we don't expect it," smiled Hermione.
"Truer words have never been spoken," laughed Harry.
=====
"A toast!" exclaimed Molly, raising her glass. "To Harry!"
A round of applause and cheers sounded in the Burrow's kitchen...Arthur had magically expanded it to make room for a great feast Molly had prepared. The entire Weasley clan was present, along with the entire Hogwarts staff (including Hagrid). Moody, Kingsley, Remus, and Tonks were also seated at the table, and Neville and Luna were also present, sitting next to their respective significant others. And for the first time in many, many months, Percy was with them, having reconciled with his parents in light of recent events. They had all enjoyed Molly's great cooking and were now sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.
"Stop," groaned Harry. "You all deserve just as much credit as I do."
"Oh come off it mate!" yelled Fred from the other end of the table. "We didn't go around killing ourselves and then coming back from the dead!"
"Touche," laughed Harry, and everyone echoed Molly's sentiment as glasses were clinked and drinks were downed.
"Tell me you're going to try for the Cannons first, mate?" asked Ron excitedly. "I'd love to get free tickets to the matches every now and then."
"Your motives are completely unselfish, Ron," grinned Harry. "Don't you worry though, they're high on my list."
"Shame the Eternium broke though...I'm sure that would've improved your chances."
Silence greeted Ron's words, and it was only then that Harry remembered none of them knew about it.
"You had Eternium?" asked Arthur.
"Yeah," said Harry. "It cracked when I saved Hermione from Voldemort's control."
"Probably from the emotion overload," grunted Moody, and everyone turned to look at him. "Well I'm assuming you created it with love, lass."
"How did you know that?" asked Hermione.
"Once upon a time," grinned Moody, "I was just as smart as you are. You think I could've fought the hundreds of death eaters that I did and lived without some help?"
"You have it too?" asked Harry.
"Had it," shrugged Moody. "Buried it...really too powerful for anyone to have. It's a good thing yours cracked when it did. If Voldemort had gotten his hands on the stuff..."
"Pity though," said Ron. "Imagine what Harry could've done for the world with it."
"I would've had to lose Hermione in order to keep it," said Harry. "And I think the world owes me her, at the very least."
"Well said," she grinned.
"Just make sure you don't go getting yourself hurt playing quidditch," warned Molly, obviously anxious to change the subject.
"What's a few bumps and bruises here and there?" grinned Remus. "James would be ecstatic that Harry's playing."
"I know he would," nodded Harry, making a mental note to tell his father when he had the chance.
"I'm glad you're going to play," said Hermione softly. "You deserve it."
"I'm surprised you didn't have a problem with it," he replied. "You always looked terrified at my matches."
"You're much older and stronger than you were when you were eleven," she pointed out. "And besides, now that I'm used to it flying isn't so bad."
"Maybe you'd like to go for a ride now?"
"Harry, is that a double entendre?" asked Hermione grinning.
"Only if you take it as one," chuckled Harry, poking her side. "I meant it how I said it."
"Let us excuse ourselves then," smiled Hermione.
"We're going to go get some air," said Harry, standing up. "We'll be back in a while."
"None of that in the garden, mate," joked George, lifting his glass to him.
"Who says I can't do it on a broom," teased Harry.
"I have no desire to hear anything of that sort," said Ron, covering his ears.
"Don't worry Ronnikens, you'll get there too. Eventually," laughed Fred, causing Luna to smile and Ron to redden.
Harry led Hermione out into the back and summoned his Firebolt from his room. Mounting it, he extended his hand to her and grinned.
"Still trust me?"
"Always," smiled Hermione, getting on behind him.
Harry sped off into the warm night, flying just fast enough to make Hermione hold on to him tight. A few minutes later he stopped, the Burrow a tiny speck below them, the clear, sparkling sky above.
"Do you remember the first time we did this?" asked Harry, turning so he was sitting sideways.
"Of course," replied Hermione.
"I only spent one night one the other side," he said. "But I spent it flying like this. The night was just as clear as this one...and I remembered when you asked me if I really didn't want to be in a world where you didn't exist."
"Fitting time to remember it," chuckled Hermione.
"I can laugh about it now," said Harry, looking at her. "But I didn't want to stay there if you weren't with me...it's why I came back."
"Thank you," she whispered, leaning her forehead against his.
"It's such a remarkable place, Hermione," he sighed, looking at her. "Perfect white beaches, the air and water are so clean, everyone is so happy."
"It sounds like paradise."
"It is," nodded Harry. "Which reminds me, we have to go to the Ministry in four days."
"Why?"
"I promised my parents I'd have a chat with them one week after I left," he smiled.
"You want me to come with you?" asked Hermione.
"Of course, you're practically family," he grinned. "Actually, there's something I've been meaning to do, and now seems like a good time."
"Harry?" asked Hermione as he began rummaging through his pockets.
"Here we are," he said, his fingers closing around the velvet box. "I've been thinking."
"About what?"
"About how I know I love you," said Harry. "And how I know there's no one else I want to be with."
"Harry..." said Hermione, her eyes getting glossy.
"So, since we just won the war and all, I think now's a pretty good time." He took the box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a beautiful white gold ring with a sapphire set in the middle, flanked by two smaller diamonds. "Marry me?"
"Yes," she whispered. "Yes!"
Harry grinned as he took the ring and placed it on her finger, stowing the box in his cloak before she threw her arms around him in joy.
"We're going to be married," she whispered, smiling at him, tears welling in her eyes.
"Yes we are," replied Harry. "Do you think we should go spread the word?"
"In a little bit," said Hermione. "I want to fly some more with you first."
"Your wish is my command, Mrs. Potter."
"Mrs. Potter," smiled Hermione, as Harry swung his leg back over the broom so he was facing the right way. "I like the sound of that."
And they sped off into the night.
=====
Four days later...
"Thank you," said Harry, as the guard opened the gate to the elevator for him and Hermione.
"It's nice being able to come and go as we please, without having to give them reasons," commented Hermione as the door shut and they began to descend to the Department of Mysteries.
"Benefits of being 'friendly' with the minister, I suppose," laughed Harry as the door opened and they stepped out into the long hallway.
A moment later they were walking down the stairs towards the arch, Harry hoping that his parents and Sirius had figured out his farewell to them. Stepping up to it, he glanced slightly at the hole at the base of the dias, but thought no more of it.
"Do you think it'll work?" asked Hermione, holding a photograph of her and Harry celebrating after they had announced the engagement to the Weasleys.
"It should," he replied. "If humans can pass through, why can't pictures?"
"Is that you, Harry?" a voice called from the other side of the arch.
"Dad?"
"It's good to hear from you again, son," said James.
"You as well," replied Harry. "Are mum and Sirius there?"
"We're here," said Lily. "How are you? Did everything work out?"
"Yeah, it all worked out," nodded Harry. "It's a bit much to explain though."
"We literally have all the time in the world," laughed Sirius.
"Harry had used me as a horcrux, apparently," said Hermione, stepping forward.
"Oh hello, we didn't know you'd be here too," said Lily warmly. "And everything's all fixed now?"
"Good as new," grinned Harry. "We have something for you all, actually."
"Really?" asked James.
"Yeah," said Harry, taking the photograph from Hermione. "Here it comes."
With an expert flick of the wrist, Harry flung the photograph through the arch, which disappeared as it reached the gateway.
"Got it," said Sirius a moment later.
"Wow...you look gorgeous, Hermione," said Lily.
"Thank you," she blushed.
"Wait a tic...what's this?" asked James. Harry assumed he was pointing to something on the picture.
"That looks like...are you two engaged?" asked Sirius.
"We most certainly are," replied Harry, wrapping his arm around Hermione's shoulders.
From the other side of the arch Harry could hear his mother emit what sounded like a high-pitched squeal and James laughing.
"Look what you've gone and done," he said. "You've made your mother go crazy."
"I am not going crazy," chastised Lily. "I'm just so happy for both of you."
"Thanks," said Hermione. "We'll be sure to get you copies of the wedding photos."
"I wish I could be there," said Sirius. "Wedding of the decade, I reckon."
"Of course," agreed James. "You two must be the talk of the town right now."
"Especially since they awarded us both Order of Merlin, First Class," said Harry.
"Did they really?" asked James.
"Yep."
"Congratulations, my boy," laughed James, as Lily started to sniffle.
"And I've decided to play quidditch professionally."
"Ha!" exclaimed Sirius. "You owe me a new broom, James."
"You had a bet going?" asked Hermione.
"I really thought he was going to be an auror like me," said James with a chuckle.
"You never saw him play like I did, mate," said Sirius. "Bloody brilliant flyer."
They all shared a laugh at this.
"Oh, by the way, you're never going to believe who I saw in the market the other day," said Sirius.
"Who?" asked Harry.
"Snivellus," groaned James. "And I thought I was free of him."
"Are you quite serious?" asked Hermione.
"Yeah, he's here alright," replied Sirius. "Seems to be much happier though, I actually saw him crack half a smile."
"Try not to get into it too much with him, dad," asked Harry. "He did save my life, after all."
"I know, I know," sighed James. "I'm going to do my best to stay as far away from him as possible."
"Good," laughed Harry. "Well, we need to be going,"
"So soon?" asked Lily.
"The minister doesn't want us to spend to much time down here...he doesn't even know what we're doing," said Hermione. "But we could come back every week at this time?"
"Sounds like a great idea, we can all catch up on the goings-on in our respective worlds," said James.
"Next week then," smiled Harry.
"See you then!" called Lily.
"They can't see us, dear they can only hear us," corrected James.
"You know what I meant, you git," laughed Lily, as their voices began to fade away.
"That went well," smiled Harry, wrapping his arms around Hermione.
"That it did," she grinned leaning against his chest. "You have wonderful parents."
"Maybe someday we'll bring yours along so they can all meet and talk about us as babies," laughed Harry.
"That's not a bad idea," said Hermione. "After the wedding though, I don't want to hear anything about how you used to run around the house in your nappies or something like that before I marry you," she joked.
"Forgive me if I don't believe I ever did anything of that sort," laughed Harry as they began to walk back up the stairs.
"What would you like to do now?" asked Hermione. "We have the whole day ahead of us."
"Let's start planning our wedding," smiled Harry. "Molly says she knows these really great twins who are wedding planners, thinks they'd be perfect for us."
"Let's go drop them a line, then."
Harry stopped at the top of the stairs and looked back down at the arch. 'It's really amazing how much can change in a few years,' he thought, and they walked back out into the spinning room of blue fire.
=====
Four months later Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were wed at Hogwarts, Professor McGonagal conducting the ceremony. During the reception, they were visited by Dumbledore who bestowed on each of them one of his feathers and some of his timeless wisdom, before wishing them well and departing.
Neville and Ginny married shortly after Harry and Hermione, and each took up positions in the ministry, Neville as an auror working directly under Remus, and Ginny in the Floo Regulation Panel.
The death eaters captured in the final battle, along with Bellatrix and Rodolphus, were sentenced to life in the newly built maximum-security prison hundreds of meters below Gringotts. With some careful negotiations, the goblins had agreed to lend the use of their dragons to guard the prison in exchange for the bulk of the treasury to be kept in their vaults, as opposed to in the ministry itself.
With much convincing on Harry's part, Peter Pettigrew was not jailed, and instead exiled to Africa, where he lived among the rats until his death.
Very slowly, rumors of Voldemort's supporters began to fade out of the daily discussions. The biggest concerns of the adults became who would fill the vacant teaching positions at Hogwarts. It was then that Hermione was contacted about the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, and after much discussion with Harry, took the job.
Two years later, Draco Malfoy returned to society a changed man, and with Harry's recommendation, joined the ranks of the aurors alongside Neville.
As for Harry himself, he signed with the Chudley Cannons a few months after his wedding and, much to Ron's delight, was able to secure him season passes for both him, and his new wife, Luna. His greatest day-to-day concern became the paparazzi obsessed with his personal life, but that was fixed with the purchase of a nice peaceful house in Godric's Hollow near where his parents had lived. The villagers all respected his privacy, and restrained themselves from talking about Harry in his presence.
Tales of the great battle that others in the village took place in never faded from the stories though, and on occasion, from his comfortable armchair near the fireplace, Harry would hear the conversation of passing muggles outside, who would point and say, "That's the house. That's the house where Harry Potter lives."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
And that would be it. And each time Harry would smile to himself, lean back, and close his eyes. He would remember all that was, think of all that would be, toy with the stone bracelet still hanging from his right wrist, and run his fingers over the mark on his forehead, the only remnant he had left from his struggle against Voldemort: the lightning-bolt shaped scar.
And then he'd go have a slice of Pumpkin Pie.
THE END
---------------
Hahahahahaha, bet you all thought I was going to end it on the word 'scar' huh? Well I tried, but it really doesn't work that well, and I liked that last line too much not to put it in there. I made a couple references to another great fanfiction in this chapter, so Pumpkin Pie to those of you who tell me when and where.
Wow. What a road it has been. It has really been a year filled with experiences for me, this story easily one of the best. I've gotten a job, quit said job, made money playing semi-pro poker, lost money playing semi-pro poker, sat in the freezing windy rain on top of the green monster to watch the last game of the Red Sox god awful season, fallen in unrequited love, and best of all, started applying to college.
This story, much like all of fanfiction, has been the anchor to my ship that navigates the stormy waters of life. Originally, fanfiction was my escape, my reprieve from those waters. Now, it is my gift to all you other mariners, for those of you who have it harder than I do. Remember, my goal in life is to provide light for others where darkness reigns supreme. I am truly proud of this story, enough so to call it my masterpiece. There will probably be nothing of novel-length variety from me anytime within the next many months, but I've already started putting together a nice little one-shot that you all will enjoy. It'll probably be out sometime in January, and it'll be called 'Switcheroo'.
And now, I leave you with my final piece of wisdom. It is something that I think is very appropriate, given that my dreams of being a movie director didn't come to fruition, and that I moved back here instead of remaining in Los Angeles.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
As for now, thank you all. It has been a wonderful adventure, and perhaps sometime in the future, we shall all embark on another one together.
Your devoted author,
Greg S.
a.k.a. - TGF2K