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Aftermath | ||||
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Category: Post-DH/AB Characters:All Genres: Action/Adventure, Romance Warnings: None Rating: R Reviews: 5 Summary: *** The author has been reminded via the e-mail address on file that this story is listed as incomplete and has not been updated in over 2 years *** So the battle has been won. Live have been lost, and the rest are left to start a new life. What will Harry do now that his shadow is gone? Hitcount: Story Total: 4226 Disclaimer: Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K.R. Note the opinions in this story are my own and in no way represent the owners of this site. This story subject to copyright law under transformative use. No compensation is made for this work. |
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Morning’s first light came all too soon. Harry pulled back the curtains on his bed to see the sun rise and spread its light over the grounds. Some how it all felt like a horrible nightmare to Harry as he looked out the window. You wouldn’t know how much blood was spilled last night if you weren’t there. The lake was calm and the grounds were empty. Harry was told by Kreacher that the house-elves would make quick work to repair the school. By the looks of things Kreacher was right; there were no bodies left on the grounds as far as he could tell. Then Harry’s stomach growled as the sandwich Kreacher had given him last night wasn’t enough to make up for not eating as long as he had. “Good morning mate. What do you say we get some breakfast, I’m starving?” Ron had woken up without Harry noticing as he was gazing out the window. Looking at Ron made Harry realize that it wasn’t a nightmare or a dream but the truth. People died last night one of whom was his best mate’s brother. Not sure this was the best time to say it but, “Ron, I’m sorry about Fred.” Ron’s eyes dropped from Harry to the floor then back to Harry. “I know mate. I miss him too, more than anything. But it’s over now so it wasn’t for nothing. We won and I know he would be lighting off fireworks right now in celebration.” A tear rolled down Ron’s cheek. Harry moved from the window to where Ron stood and pulled him into a hug. Harry held him for a moment and then pulling back said, “Now how about that breakfast?” Ron gave a light chuckle and wiped the tears from his eyes. They headed down the stairs to the common room where they found it abandon except for a few sleeping bags. Then they heard someone coming from the girls’ dormitory. The door opened and Hermione walked into the room. “Morning Harry, Ron,” Hermione walked over to Ron and put her arms around him before she kissed him with all the words she couldn’t say. Ron seemed to have understood because he said nothing but nodded his head. “Shall we go eat then?” As the three approached the portrait the fat lady said, “Cheer up children. Wait 'til you see what those darling house-elves have done.” Stepping through portrait they saw what she was talking about. The castle looked normal. Everything was repaired and put back in its place. Suits of armor stood back in their corners and all the portraits were in place and fully occupied. As they made their way to the Great Hall they saw walls rebuilt and doors back in their respected doorways. “Bloody hell, how did they do it all?” Ron asked as he took in all the work it would take to build a wall in a night. “I told you that house-elves are more powerful than they appear. I just hope they got some rest and didn’t over work themselves.” Hermione looked about to see if maybe she could spot a house-elf still working. Harry smiled as he thought to himself of how proud Dobby would have been to be a part of the rebuilding efforts. Dobby was one of a kind and he would be missed. Harry told himself he had to visit Dobby’s grave before heading home. Then they rounded the corner and the Great Hall doors lay open, where people were seated at one of the four tables. It wasn’t long before people noticed as Harry made his way in. Dean stood up and started clapping quickly followed by Neville. Then the Weasley family joined in and before long everyone was on their feet clapping and hooting for the Boy Who Lived and Defeated the Dark Wizard. Ron and Hermione smiled and looked at Harry who turned a slight shade of red. “Ok, settle down settle down.” Professor McGonagall amplified her voice to be heard over the applause. As everyone settled down Harry, Ron, and Hermione ran to sit down with the Weasleys. Harry placed himself next to Ginny who kissed him on the cheek as he sat down. “As we all know yesterday was a dark time in our history. Many loved ones and friends died last night. I would like you all to bow your heads in a moment of silence for those we lost.” Harry closed his eyes and for the first time started to cry as thoughts of Sirius, Remus, Fred, and Dobby came pouring in. Ginny, who began to cry as well, grasped Harry’s hand under the table and leaned on his side. Harry couldn’t help but feel slightly better with Ginny there by his side. He felt stronger too, because he knew he had to be for her. “Thank you. Not all was lost yesterday though and we have much to be happy about. Kingsley Shacklebolt is officially the new Minister of Magic.” A round of applause broke out. “Also he has informed me that I am to be the new headmistress of Hogwarts.” Another round of applause rang out slightly louder. “Thank you. On the subject of Hogwarts, this year's students shall all be passed onto the next year and any missing OWLS and NEWTS will be made up over the summer as Hogwarts is to stay open due to the wonderful work of the house-elves who have repaired almost the entire castle.” This time the applause was much louder and longer. “Also any students who missed out on their education this year,” Harry could tell this was directed towards Ron, Hermione, and himself, “Are welcome to return in the next term to finish their schooling. In three days we will be holding a memorial for all those who have fallen in the war. All are welcome to stay in the castle until then. Now I think a good hearty breakfast is in order.” As Harry turned back to the table it was filled with all the eggs and biscuits he was dreaming about eating. Ron already had his face stuffed with bacon and Hermione gave him a sharp elbow to the side. “Wat?!” Ron grumbled out past all the food. Everyone just kind of laughed at him and began to dig in themselves. Halfway done his breakfast Harry turned to see Professor McGonagall standing behind him. “Excuse me Mr. Potter but I am sure you heard me say that those students who missed out this year on their learning are welcome to come back next term. I was wondering if you would consider upon returning taking up the captaincy of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. I would so like to have the trophy added to my new office. What do you say Potter?” Harry was stunned; he had no idea what to say. He thought about going back to school after it was all done but never as the Quidditch captain. Harry looked back at Ron who was nodding his head so hard that some of the bacon was falling out his mouth. Hermione had her hand over her mouth and looked absolutely amazed. Then his eyes met Ginny’s and without a word it seemed she was telling him everything he was thinking. They could be together at last and spend a year at Hogwarts away from her parents. They wouldn’t have to be apart anymore and could finally make up some of the time they lost while he was away. Plus they thought of being back on his broom soaring through the air without the fear of dementors or Death Eaters or even Voldemort made him feel free. “I would love to Professor.” “Excellent. Oh and one more thing, Kingsley sent this to me for you.” Professor McGonagall handed over the captain’s badge and a scroll sealed in wax with the Ministry stamp on it. “Thank you Professor, for everything.” She nodded and walked off. Harry looked down at the badge and scroll. He placed the badge on the table then opened the scroll. Dear Mr. Potter, I would like to ask you to speak at the memorial service being held at Hogwarts in three days. You’re a hero Harry and the people need a hero to help them during sad times. They need reason to move on after suffering the loss of a loved one and if anyone knows about losing those you love, its you. No need to rush to a decision as you have until the third day to decide. If you do come to your conclusion before then just let Professor McGonagall know. Sincerely, Kingsley Shacklebolt Minister of Magic. “What does it say Harry?” Hermione asked. “Kingsley wants me to make a speech during the memorial service.” “Well are you going to?” Ron asked. “I think you should. Fred would agree with Kingsley that if anyone should make a speech it should be you.” George had been silent the whole time during breakfast. His eyes were red and you could see the tears in his eyes. “You're right George. If it wasn’t for you Harry many of us here today wouldn’t be if not for you, myself included,” Mr. Weasley said. Harry then looked at Ginny who had started to cry again. He reached under the table and held her hand. She looked up at him with those brown eyes full of tears. With his free hand he wiped away her tears. “I think I will make the speech. I want to thank everyone who helped me along the way whom without I would never come this far myself.” Everyone raised their glasses and gave a hearty, “Here. Here.” Everyone started back in on their breakfast. Harry got up and whispered in Ginny’s ear to follow him. He led her out the Great Hall and outside to the grounds. They kept silent till they reached their destination. After a year the white tomb remained in the same perfect condition in which Harry remembered it. “When Dumbledore died I had only one thing left to do. Find the Horcruxes and kill Voldemort. Now it’s done with I can go back to a normal life. What I can’t do is go back to a normal life without you Ginny. While I was gone I always thought of you and hoped you were alright. Ginny the time we spent together before I left was the happiest time in my life. I have never felt this way about anyone before. I… I love you Ginny. And …” Before Harry could get out another word Ginny’s lips were on his. Harry put his hands to her cheeks as Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck. The kiss started out like that first kiss they shared in the Gryffindor common room. Full of passion and the unsaid feelings they had for one another. Now it was stronger as each explored the others mouth with their tongues. They held each other tight for what seemed like forever. Ginny looked up into those emerald eyes, “I love you too Harry. I have loved you since the day we met on the platform. I was scared too while you were gone because I thought I would never see you again and I never told you I loved you.” “You don’t have to be scared anymore cause I’m not going anywhere without you from now on. Let’s head back inside.” As Ginny turned to head back inside Harry remembered one last thing he promised to do. Opening the White Tomb he saw the face of his most loved Headmaster. Placing the Elder Wand back in his hand, “I hope you found peace after death as we have.” Closing the tomb Harry turned and walked back to the castle with Ginny, hand in hand. * * * * * The next couple of days passed by without any major events. Parents began to arrive to be with their sons and daughters. Everyone was happy for the most part. Being with loved ones and sharing stories about those they had lost. Harry informed Professor McGonagall that he would take up Kingsley’s offer. She seemed very pleased with his decision. Harry spent most of his time with Ginny either in the common room with Hermione and Ron or walking the grounds. As the morning of the memorial began to dawn Harry was asleep on the common room couch. Harry opened his eyes to find the most beautiful brown eyes staring back at him and the smell of flowers in his nose. “Good morning,” Ginny spoke softly as she held Harry close. Harry almost forgot that the two of them spent the night talking about what Harry would say during the memorial. They talked until they couldn’t keep their eyes open. Instead of going to their separate beds they both chose to stay on the couch wrapped in each others arms. “Morning.” Harry brushed the few loose strands of red hair from Ginny’s face. He loved the way she looked in the morning. Her hair loose and hanging down to her shoulders and how it framed her face. The look of innocence in her eyes with mornings first light. “Ginny I don’t know if I am ready to stand in front of everyone and to say something meaningful and important.” “It’s ok Harry no one is expecting you to be perfect. Everyone will just be impressed with the fact that you were willing to stand up and try to say anything on a day like this.” The door to the boy’s dormitory opened and Ron entered the common room followed by Hermione. “Oi! Would you mind not shagging in a public area?” Ron looked rather upset. Ginny turned as red as her hair. “We weren’t shagging Ronald Weasley!! Not that it’s any of your business what we do and don’t do.” Harry turned a slight shade of pink. “Just because the two of you are back together doesn’t mean I have given you my blessing.” Hermione elbowed Ron in the chest. “Yet.” Hermione just smiled at Ginny who returned the smile. Together they walked down to the Great Hall. |
| Reviews 5 |
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