Chapter 24: Amor Immensus
April 13th
In the same way that the first downfall of Lord Voldemort brought celebrations around the entire world, so also did the second. News of the defeat at the hands of Harry Potter and his two stalwart friends spread like wildfire, igniting global jubilation so great, few wizards or witches from that day forward were able to forget the exact moment they heard the news. Harry, Ron, and Hermione decided to tell their story before a quickly-summoned International Committee, so as to avoid retelling it over and over; the world waited breathlessly for more and more details.
The morning after the battle, which was only a scant couple of hours, they entered a small tribunal room. Surrounding them in a few rows that encircled the center were many Ministers of Magic from around the world as well as news reporters and several members of the Wizengamot. A lone table stood in the center and they made their way towards the place of interest as they passed through the doors. When they did, everyone in the room stood and clapped and even cheered in pride. The three of them were solemn, however. Not only were they extremely tired, having gotten no sleep since the previous morning, but there was still much to be accomplished.
"Please, everyone!" Ron said as firmly as he could, holding up his hands despite how exhausted he was. "Can we please hold this for later?" Before this year, Harry would have been surprised to see Ron subdue praise he had rightfully earned, but Ron and Hermione had transcended the boundary of what was normal. They had learned, as Harry was forced to in his very first year, that the kind of praise they were receiving came at the cost of defending something you loved and usually only preventing losing some of it. Harry had been honored his entire life, but he lost so much that it was always hard to appreciate. Ron and Hermione now understood this and it only made the worldwide celebration even more tiring when it came coupled with lack of sleep.
"Please, just let us speak and get everything out," Ron continued.
"I know you all must be very tired," Rufus Scrimgeour began understandingly. He sat in the head seat directly in front of them. "We will try to make this as easy as possible for you, so you can get your rest. At the same time, please have a little more patience with us. The entire world is breathing down our necks to produce you three. There isn't a magical person in this world who doesn't now know all three of your names."
"We want to tell the entire story and place it on record," Harry pulled out his wand and, with a whirl, produced three comfortable-looking chairs in which they sat. "So that the people will know what has truly happened without us having to retell it."
"We are all ears."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione took turns intermittently giving the entire account of what had transpired that led to their battle against Voldemort. Starting with how they met seven years previous and adding everything pertinent along the way, the story unfolded before the committee, putting a story together, that, before that day, various people had only been privied to pieces of. The alliance between Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape was explained, the two mysterious prophesies concerning Harry and Voldemort were relayed, how Voldemort managed to become seemingly immortal was described, descriptions of how each of Voldemort's henchmen died was rendered, and their conquests of the Horcruxes were disclosed. With each new piece of the story unraveled before them, more and more of the wizards and witches in the counsel room shifted to the edge of their seats, anxious to hear more.
Finally Harry described their battle with Voldemort and what had happened after Ron and Hermione had been knocked unconscious.
"I don't think anyone here quite understands, Mr. Potter," Cornelius Fudge interrupted. "You say that in the midst of your battle, you and Voldemort fought while standing still... and your spirits dueled for you?"
"You must understand that the magic that had built up in that arena could not match the fury in which we fought. Our hatred for one another built up to unimaginable levels until both of us fought on a plain in which our spirits were more powerful than our magic could have ever been. I am still a young wizard with much to learn and Voldemort far outranked me in magical skill, but in those final moments, magic had no place... and even then, I still lost."
"Why is that?" Scrimgeour asked anxiously.
"Because Harry Potter doesn't know how to truly keep hate inside himself!" a voice said loudly from near the doorway. Everyone turned to see who it was... everyone except Harry. A young-looking and very beautiful woman in emerald green robes waltzed down to the center of the room. She had long golden hair and a wild look to her that entranced many men in the room save Minister Scrimgeour.
"Hello Harry," the woman smiled at Harry warmly; he looked up unsurprised.
"Hello Rhona," he returned, folding his arms and smirking. "You look well. You weren't lying about the youth potion."
"You look terrible," Rhona winked; she bent down quickly and kissed him. Harry, in the shock of her move, did not pull away. Finally she parted, a vexingly playful look on her face. "It's a good thing you're so damn cute." Hermione stared bloody murder at her as the woman walked in front of them and confronted the committee.
"Hello Rufus," she greeted warmly.
"Sister, I am glad you are finally released from your obligations to the Library," Rufus replied, failing to hide his slight annoyance by her interruption. "But we are in the middle of something very important."
"Oh I know. That is the reason why I am here. I hold the last piece of the story you have all been enjoying." Rhona turned towards Harry, looking for approval; he nodded his consent and she continued.
"For the last year or so, it had been detected by a select few wizards around the world, including wizards here in the Ministry of Magic in England as well as by the Magistrates in the Royal Library of Alexandria, that the magic known as Amor Immensus had been used. As most of you know, this magic is known to be the unstoppable force that, according to legend, was used by Helga Hufflepuff, Godric Gryffindor, and Rowena Ravenclaw to defeat the evil wizard Salazar Slytherin.
"What you don't know is what the magic is exactly or how it is invoked. As the High Mage of the Royal Library for the last twenty years, I know of the magic and its properties, and with some convincing, I managed to persuade the Magistrates to give up the secret of Amor Immensus to the world. It is a rare and wondrous magic that was not summoned by accident by the three talented magicians you see before you- indeed, it was only a matter of time that these three people should learn of its binding and absolute powers. For in the persons of Harry, Ronald, and Hermione, you will find friendship, courage, and love so powerful, that Amor Immensus was not only expected, it was inevitable.
"Amor Immensus was used by Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, and Ravenclaw in the same way Harry, Ronald, and Hermione used it. They were united not once or twice, but three times in a bond meant for the salvation of a people and world threatened by evil. Before their great battle, they created a unifying bond of friendship and then a strengthening bond of courage; and in the final moments, the three founders united one last time in the unbreakable final link that was love. It was love for each other and for the people Slytherin threatened that brought them to their final victory. While they still loved Salazar, it was the only way to defeat him... and thus the story ended. Over a thousand years passed and the world was once again threatened and once again, the world was given a means to salvation. Harry came into the world and was born of a prophesy that pitted him, even as a child, against foes no person should ever have to face. Yet, in seven short years, he became powerful and determined. Enemies feared him and Lord Voldemort was afraid of him... but it wasn't enough and, as Harry just relayed to you all, he failed."
"But why?" Scrimgeour asked anxiously.
"Because no matter how much hate Harry mustered within him, it wasn't enough to match that of Voldemort's. His abilities were that of love, something both his parents and Albus Dumbledore recognized. His long road of learning between the magics found in love and in hate was a hard one and Harry was presented with an opportunity to use both. His hatred failed him, because he was facing hate's greatest champion, but when it came to the magic found in love..."
"It was the magic he knew not," Harry finished, understanding Rhona's words and remembering what Dumbledore had told him.
"Precisely," Rhona smiled warmly at Harry. "Of course, Harry couldn't do what he did alone. His bravery brought him to the Dark Lord's gate to be sure, but defeating him was another issue entirely, for how can love kill? Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, and Ravenclaw couldn't find it within themselves to kill their adversary and neither could Harry, which is where Amor Immensus took over. With the required help of his two friends, they bound Voldemort under the requirements of the great spell. First there must have been a union of friendship..."
Hermione nodded. "In the basement at Black Manor. We decided to be there for each other and help Harry no matter what."
"Then there would have been a union of courage."
"In the Forbidden Forest," Ron answered. "Hermione and I were ready to give our lives for Harry, and he refused to let us go."
"And finally the ultimate pact of love," Rhona smiled gently once more as Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other with knowing hearts.
"Facing our deaths, we took a silent pact on the platform," Harry said. "We all felt it as we bound Voldemort: our hearts had united into one, giving him no opportunity... giving his hate no chance."
The people in the room began to whisper excitedly to each other until the entirety of the hall was buzzing with animated and enthusiastic chatter. Rufus Scrimgeour pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his brow, completely astounded. "What a day," he understated.
"Ms. Scrimgeour," Hermione whispered carefully. She turned to her. "It was you who revealed the properties of the rifts to the Ministry wasn't it?"
"Why yes it was!" Rhona looked at Hermione, impressed. "The night I was released from the Library, I had hidden a scroll concerning the rifts in my robes. I had spent twenty years playing so nicely by the Magistrates' rules, they didn't suspect a thing. I was able to contact Gyasi Mahaado, who went to find Harry and explain how the new magic could be used to his advantage." Rhona looked curiously at Hermione. "How did you know, if I may ask?"
"It was simply actually," Hermione replied scathingly. "It was easy to see you have a devious temperament, so theft and lying would have been easy for you. Harry told us about you and about your twenty year term… something that was about to end around the time of the Ministry Gala. Information such as the rift-revealing magic doesn't just get into the open unless someone has access that few others do and they decide to release it. You had the opportunity and motive."
"Hermione!" Harry exclaimed, surprised at how she was talking to Rhona.
"Let's see," Rhona replied knowingly. "A know-it-all girl with a fiery spirit and a fierce jealousy. You must be the girl Harry has fallen for." Harry smirked while Hermione scowled. "Like father, like son. Well, I envy you Hermione. You have a good man who is dedicated to you. Don't let him get away."
"I won't," she replied with narrowed eyes. Rhona winked at Harry one more time before walking back up the walkway and out of the tribunal room. Harry leaned over and kissed Hermione gently, making her feel a little better. He looked over at Ron who was slowly beginning to nod off despite the voices that were growing louder in the room. Minister Scrimgeour noticed and pounded a mallet that quieted everyone down after a few moments.
"Let us continue, please," urged the Minister of Magic. "Now that Voldemort is no more, we must make ready to close out this business once and for all. Harry, did you have a few requests?"
"I did," Harry stood up and addressed the room. "While I was traveling, there were many witches and wizards who helped me along the way and I would like them to be honored in recognition of their help. First, I would like both Gyasi Mahaado of Alexandria, Egypt, and Ramses Arkane Beauregard of the Edifice in Bulgaria to be fully exonerated of their crimes by the Wizengamot. Without them, I would not have been able to accomplish what I did.
"Also, I would like Ambrosius Flume of Honeyduke's Sweet Shop, Viktor Krum of the Bulgarian National Quidditch Team, and Mahaado to be recognized for serving their respective countries during this war, as well as all wizard-kind. They were invaluable to me."
"This is all fine and good," Madame Bergdorf stood up and addressed the room. "But what is to happen to the prisoners we have taken?"
"The Death Eaters we captured will be sent away for good!" Scrimgeour replied simply. Hurrahs went up around the hall, arousing Ron who had been sound asleep.
"May I make a suggestion about two of our prisoners?" Harry interjected. Everyone quieted to listen. "As for Severus Snape, who was taken by Ministry Aurors, I would ask that the Ministry let him go, making sure to keep an eye on him and banning him from the teaching profession for good."
"Are you sure about this?" Scrimgeour asked hesitantly.
"No, but he did help me, and for that, I am grateful. If Dumbledore trusted him, then the very least I can do is believe his story. If he gets out of line, I will personally hunt him down."
"Very well. And the second prisoner?"
"Draco Malfoy. I would recommend he do time, but not for good. He was misguided his entire life by his wicked father. Let him learn a lesson and then be given a chance to try and right himself."
"If we did that, we would insist that he turn in his mother, who was not captured in the Valley of Fire."
"He would never agree and I would suggest the Wizengamot not pursue that route. It would be an excellent sign to the people that the Ministry is ready to move on and forget that Voldemort even existed. Should Narcissa Malfoy still pursue her old ways, I will again assume responsibility in dealing with her."
"Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger and er… well I see that Mr. Weasley is asleep again, as is well-earned. I want to thank each of you. A wonderful celebration is being prepared right now in the Courtyard of Kings, but there is plenty of time before it starts. We would like our stars to be refreshed, so go and get some sleep. I can't imagine anything being more deserved."
Harry carefully placed Ron in bed - he was out cold. They had apparated from the tribunal room instantly to the outskirts of Hogwarts and walked in through the gates. They were greeted by a huge crowd of Hogwarts students and teachers, all of them raucously cheering their heroes, despite the odd sight of Harry holding Ron in his arms while Hermione followed close behind, obviously drowsy. Ron, however, did not wake. Harry was amazed his snoring didn't wake himself up.
Hedwig had flown in through the open window, waiting expectantly for Harry. He went over and petted her - he had missed her very much. Letting Worthwhile settle down on a nearby nightstand, he went over to his bed and sat down, breathing deeply as Hermione covered Ron up under his covers.
I can't believe it's finally over. This might very well be the best sleep of my natural life.
He settled back into his bed. Hermione stood over him smiling, watching his heavy eyes droop slowly, but he still remained concentrated on her beautiful face. She lay next to him and looked at him, her eyes still shining, despite their tired look.
"We did it," she whispered.
"We sure did."
Hermione placed her head on Harry's shoulder and put her arm around his chest. He squeezed her close, wanting never to let go. Her smell intoxicated him and it led him to sleep that he not had in a very long time: the kind that was nightmare-free and full of possibility. They drifted off, knowing only each other and the sleep they had so desperately sought for seven long years.
The Courtyard of Kings at dusk was an even more wondrous sight than it was in the afternoon, especially when various lights and lanterns lit the yard that were packed full of wizards and witches from around the world. Not even at the Quidditch World Cup had Harry, Ron, or Hermione seen so many people. Shown to a grand table near the front, their names were announced through the crowds. Such shouts and cheers Harry had never imagined he could hear in his lifetime. It was so loud, that they had to cover their ears for a full five minutes.
Wandering in and out of the crowds, the three of them, as well as Worthwhile, visited many wonderful sights. Food, game, and performance stands were set up everywhere. Witches doing palm reading, fire-breathers, and various musical groups and points of interest took part in the festivities that had soon come to be known as Prophesy Day; unbeknownst to Harry, the day would be celebrated for centuries to come. Fact would become myth and myth would become legend, but the story of the "boy who lived" would never be forgotten.
Many there wanted to talk with Harry, Ron, and Hermione or just see them. Harry wanted to be there for them, but they soon began to enclose them so tightly, he became afraid they would be crushed, so they apparated back to their table, to the dismay of those around them. They were greeted, however, by many dignitaries who anxiously approached them eagerly. They looked at each other, knowing it was going to be a long night. They spent a couple hours being polite, shaking the hands of many people they did not know and some that they did. One woman even pulled Harry into an embarrassing hug that he had a hard time releasing her of.
Finally, though, they were allowed to sit and eat and talk with those also designated to sit with them. There weren't tables for everyone at the festival, but a table had been specially set up for them and their loved ones. Among them were: Rufus and Rhona Scrimgeour; Hagrid (who had already drunk a lot); McGonagall; Lupin and Tonks; the rest of the Weasley family, including Bill and Fleur, who had returned from France; Viktor Krum; and to Harry and Hermione's happy surprise, Luna, who sat happily next to Ron. Lastly, Gyasi Mahaado had shown himself after he heard of his exoneration; he was promptly invited and was placed at the table last minute. It was a good thing too - he livened up the table's atmosphere with a lot of joking and good nature, making the night a grand affair. Harry and Hermione did a lot of dancing throughout the night - a place had been set up for couples to dance to one of the bands. After the rest, Harry was able to start relaxing, and in time, he thoroughly began to enjoy himself.
After several hours on the dance floor, Harry and Hermione returned to their table where dessert was being served to them. Hermione scooted close to Harry - they did not want to spend a moment apart.
"So, Harry, what is next for you?" Minister Scrimgeour turned to Harry and asked. "I know this is early and probably presumptuous, but the Ministry is highly interested in getting you to work for us. You already outclass most, if not all of our Aurors."
"I don't know about that, Minister," Harry disagreed shyly. "My battle was about the heart. When it comes to wizarding skill, I have a long way to go yet."
"Even if that were true, you would still be extremely valuable - your ability with the wand has many professionals around the world salivating at the thought of you representing them. What do you think?"
"I would love to serve my country - there is no doubt about that Minister. I have learned that being loyal to one's home is honorable." Harry noticed Gyasi was watching Harry and listening to him. He smiled and Harry continued. "However, after we graduate, Hermione, Ron and I were interested in being taken on as apprentices as Crelix wizards and hopefully soon being independent Crelix ourselves."
"B-but Harry, surely you can't be serious! Crelix are nothing more than mercenaries!"
"I'm afraid I disagree - I have seen that being a Crelix has its advantages. As a Crelix, I would be given the opportunity to travel the world and learn all kinds of magic, making me more effective if I were to become an Auror for the Ministry. Ron and Hermione agree with me; besides, I also was thinking I might want to stick around Hogwarts for a good portion of my time. It will need time for rebuilding and revival and I refuse to let the school suffer on account of the war."
"Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley as a team of Crelix?" Rhona shook her head and whispered to Gyasi and Krum next to her. "That is a scary thought... who could possibly oppose a team of such powerful young wizards?"
"It is true," Krum nodded in agreement. "Together, they are frightful. I could hardly vish to be an evil vizard with them on my trail."
"Well, it's a good thing you're a good guy then!" Ginny exclaimed next to him. She put her hand on his arm and drew his attention. "So Viktor, tell me... how does one become a professional Quidditch player?"
"Dance with me," Viktor boldly requested of her, smiling warmly. "And I vill tell you if you haff the flying and gliding abilities of a professional, although from vut I haff heard about you Genny Weas-uh-ly, it should not take long."
"Young people," McGonagall sniffed only half-disapprovingly.
"Older folk can have a little fun too," Gyasi took the opportunity to tell her when he got her attention, his eyes dancing merrily. "Care to dance as well? Harry was telling me you are a fine dancer." His friendly, out-going manner broke McGonagall's barriers and she smiled slightly and took the shorter Gyasi's hand as he led her in pursuit of Ginny and Krum.
Harry watched all of his friends and family as they talked and laughed and enjoyed each other. They were carefree and happy for the first time in so long. Hermione put her hand on his arm and he looked at her. She smiled contentedly and he returned the favor. If the night ended in that moment, Harry would have been satisfied, but more was yet to come.
An announcement boomed over the courtyard for everyone to clear the space around the front dais where Harry and his friends sat. They all stood up while wizards in uniform came by and cleared away the tables and chairs and everything else that was nearby. The large crowds began to shift towards them. Someone laid a hand on Harry's shoulder and he turned.
"It's time, Mr. Potter," Scrimgeour said happily.
"Time for what?"
"You will see."
He was led up to the stage along with Ron and Hermione. When they became visible, the crowd let out a deafening cheer in praise of their heroes. Ron waved giddily, while Harry and Hermione just stood, slightly embarrassed. They felt good though, especially when they heard cheers from their friends and family. Hermione spotted her parents in the crowd and waved jubilantly. How they had been allowed past the Muggle-repelling charm surrounding the courtyard, Harry had no idea, but he was glad Hermione's parents came to see her achievement.
In a short matter of time, a massive amount of people almost as far as the eye could see had gathered in front of the stone stage where the trio stood. The shouts and hurrahs never let up and anticipation of something that was about to happen built them up to a frenzy.
Finally, Cornelius Fudge took the stage, his green bowler hat sitting snuggly on top of his head. He was holding a long mahogany box in one hand and his wand in the other; he pointed his wand to his throat. "Sonorus!" he commanded. Instantly, his voice boomed over the crowd.
"Welcome wizards and witches of all age, custom, and people!" his voice carried smoothly. "We are gathered today in celebration of a great event... one the entire world has waited for in hope for a long time. Today is the mark of the first annual Prophesy Day!" A roar ripped through the mass, deafening out Fudge's voice. He waited until it died a bit before continuing.
"Yes! It is the day when we mark the fulfillment of a prophesy laid down to mark the doom of our great aggressor, the Dark Wizard Voldemort!"
The crowd still irked at the name, but cheers were still heard.
"And who was the final fulfillment of that prophesy?" Fudge quickly recovered.
The crowd cheered hysterically. Dazzling shots of sparks and colorful spells shot into the night sky and soon everyone was doing it while cheering all the more. Harry, Ron, and Hermione covered their ears again, but smiled as the admiration they received did not go unappreciated.
"I will tell you that it was fulfilled not in one person, but in three! Three young wizards who stood up to so much adversary that we are awed at their achievements - their courage inspired a world devoid of hope for a long time and tonight, as a representative of the whole of the Wizengamot as well as the world... we honor them."
Cheers once again went up and the trio looked at each other quizzically. They had no idea any of this was going to happen.
"Ronald Weasley..." Fudge announced. "Come forward." Ron humbly stood in front of him while Fudge opened the box he was holding. Inside were three ornate medallions of stunning beauty. The outer rim was made of lustrous gold while it encased a plate of brilliant crystal. A small legend of a wand and a sword crossed with each other was etched into the medal and it sparkled like nothing anyone had ever seen before.
"On behalf of the Wizengamot, you are awarded the highest honor any wizard can achieve. In services to the world over, you are bestowed the Order of Merlin, First Class, for outstanding valor and bravery in the face of danger." Fudge took out the medal and put it around Ron's neck, who looked absolutely stunned. He turned towards the crowd which erupted into fracas cheers.
"Hermione Granger! Step forward!" Hermione responded quickly and stood where Ron had just received his medal.
"On behalf of the Wizengamot, you are awarded the highest honor any wizard can achieve. In services to the world over, you are bestowed the Order of Merlin, First Class, for outstanding valor and bravery in the face of danger." Again cheers were lifted high into the night sky as Hermione joined Ron where they excitedly admired their awards.
"Harry Potter... step forward!" The crowd hushed as Harry approached Fudge with deliberation. "Mr. Potter, on behalf of the Wizengamot, you are awarded the highest honor any wizard can achieve. In services to the world over, you are bestowed the Order of Merlin, First Class, for outstanding valor and bravery in the face of danger." The crowd was about to cheer one more time as Fudge placed the medal around Harry's neck; however a loud, but beautiful sound interrupted them. Harry knew the sound perfectly and he looked up quickly, as did everyone else.
High above the Courtyard of Kings, flying gracefully and lighting the sky in a bright crimson red flash, was Fawkes. She was streaming through the night sky, singing her beautiful song which was audible to everyone. The crowd went silent as it listened to its cheerfully wonderful song. Fawkes was celebrating the day as everyone else was; Harry nodded in appreciation as the bird flew higher. When it appeared that the phoenix was going to leave, the night suddenly exploded with light and color and fire that no one in attendance had ever seen before. It was as light as day as the brilliance of Fawkes' display streaked over the entirety of the crowd and infused them with such color and luster, that oohs and awes could be heard from every limit of the courtyard. It was a terrific end to the night and the crowd recovered and gave one last mighty cheer to Harry, Ron, and Hermione who waved to all of those who felt they had been saved... saved on account of three wizards' desperate love for their lives, friends, family... and each other.
END Chapter 24
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