Hello everyone. Yesterday I was reading this chapter and I realized that there is a scope for a lot of improvement in it. Now that I write fractionally better than before, I decided to update it. All the details are just the same; just the language has been worked upon. I hope the ones who have read it already still like it and bring me some new readers. Thanks
P.S. I do not own any of the hp characters, I love them a lot, also I have added some of my characters too, you will know about them in the next chapter
The night of 2 May 1998 was quite normal in the muggle world, even though the Dark lord was defeated in the wizarding world. An occasional display of fireworks was the only thing unexpected, but it did not disturb the muggles. However as the night progressed, things got weirder. Flocks of owls taking flight (it was night so a sighting of an owl was nothing never seen before, but the number was overwhelming). Men and women wearing a strange set of clothes were seen roaming around and happily chatting among themselves. It would still be normal if it were not for the cloaks. Some of them were heard saying, "He's gone, Potter boy has defeated him. Rejoice". The celebrations were high in Britain, but in India, the extent was quite low lying. In Mumbai, a small suburb of Sandhurst road was as silent as the rest of the country. No. 3, at Sandhurst road, was not aware of the difference in their life that was about to come. The family consists of four people; Rizwan Ahmed, Aliya Ahmed( Riyazs' wife), their elder daughter Alisha and younger son Riyaz. They were a very happy family and enjoyed each other's company, more of a group of friends and less of a strict family. However, a secret was still buried deep in the heart of the husband and wife. Deep in sleep, they might be dreaming about their fears but what was waiting for them was unprecedented. What was it?
Meanwhile at Hogwarts,
"Wake up mate."
Harry stirred, but did not have the courage to open his eyes. though he was a Gryffindor, he could not help thinking 'What if yesterday was a dream? What if he was in a tent with Ron and Hermione? What if all the Horcruxes he dreamt about were just a dream? He summoned all his courage and opened his eyes. To his pleasant surprise, he was lying in his four-poster in his dormitory with Ron staring at him tired and sad, but mercifully healthy and alive.
"So all that was real", Harry said
"All what?" Ron asked looking puzzled
"Whatever happened yesterday night. For a second I felt like it was all a dream"
"You mean defeating You-Kn...Voldemort? Yeah, it was true you weren't dreaming"
"What's the time?"
"Around 11."
"Whoa! I overslept, where is everybody else?"
"Madam Pomfrey told me to let you rest. Everyone's in the Great Hall."
"Well, I've had enough rest. Let's go to the Great Hall"
Harry was very tired yesterday, but today he was all geared up. He wanted to talk to everyone, ask them about their sufferings and tell them about his. He felt a terrible pang in his chest when he thought about Fred, Tonks, Lupin, Colin and….Snape. The knowledge of whatever Snape showed him in the Pensieve was like some new life. The man who despised him the most loved his mother to this extent! It did not make much of a difference but Harry could not help feeling a little bit of affection for his potions master. Come to think of it, Snape had always helped him to a very large extent. He was the one who tried to protect Harry from Quirrell. He was the one who threw himself between Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Sirius when he thought they would be hurt. He gave them the sword; he risked his life by playing a double agent and damaged his soul just to save Dumbledore from humiliation and Draco from damaging his soul…
While changing Harry thought about yesterday, thought of Lupin, Tonks and little Ted, who like him would not get the love of his parents. He could not help feeling responsible for it. He decided to be the best godfather and give Teddy all the love and care. He looked at Ron, who seemed to be lost in thoughts himself. The usual smile had disappeared from his face. Harry knew he was thinking of Fred. Fred was like a brother to Harry too. They walked to the Great Hall together and when he entered, the sight was astounding…
Everyone who had survived the battle was busy restoring the castle to its previous glory. Harry saw familiar faces of Neville, Luna, Hermione, Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick and many more. Harry noticed Ginny looking at him and he looked at her too. Her face was tear streaked but she had the same blazing look upon her face that Harry loved. She gave him smile, which he returned and immediately he was distracted by a tall, dark and bald figure, moving towards him who he recognized to be Kingsley Shacklebolt, the new Minister of Magic.
"Hello Harry, how are you?"He asked
"I am fine, congratulations on becoming the Minister of Magic "Harry said
"Thank you Harry, though it will be difficult to gain people's trust for the Ministry after the recent happenings, but that is not what I want to speak to you about."
"Then what is it?"
"After Snape was attacked, he was brought to the Great Hall by Hermione. Everyone was against trying to save his life but then we wanted to keep him alive to torture him further, though we regret our thoughts now. We managed to save him a couple of breathes and he gave me this letter."
Kingsley removed an emerald green colored envelope from his robes and gave it to Harry, who tried to open it but it would not budge.
"It won't open" Kingsley said, "Snape said so. He also said that it will open some time to answer some of your questions."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"I have no idea! Well, let me not keep you busy any longer. Your friends are waiting to meet you"
Harry turned to see Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Neville beckoning him to join them. Harry turned to Kingsley and said "Thanks anyways, and don't worry, the people know that they are in safe hands now"
Kingsley gave a smile and Harry went towards his friends.
"Hey Harry!"Said Neville
"Hi, so what are you'll talking about?"Harry asked
"Discussing what we'll do next" Answered Ginny, she gave a smile to Harry. Harry could fell warmth in his body at being this close to her in a long time.
"So what have you'll decided?"
"I am taking up apprenticeship in Herbology; Professor Sprout asked me if I wanted to, so I said yes. Why would I refuse? It is something that I love "said Neville
"I'll be taking apprenticeship in Transfigurations, McGonagall was very happy when I asked her." said Hermione
"I still have to complete my final year," said Ginny
"Same with me, but I'll find Daddy first and then join Quibbler" answered Luna in her usual dreamy voice
"And I think we will both go for Auror training, right mate?"Asked Ron with a questioning look on his face.
"Yes, of course Ron" to this Ron gave a smile
"May I have your attention please?"
McGonagall's voice spoke from the High table
"Thank you. With the consent of all the Professors, I have been appointed as the new Headmaster of Hogwarts. I thank you all for bringing back Hogwarts to its feet, we have suffered great losses yesterday, suffered several physical and mental scars but we fought bravely. I would request you'll to keep a minutes silence for all those who lost their lives while fighting gallantly"
There was silence broken by a few sobs; Harry could not find any of the Weasleys.
"Thank you again, the New Year at Hogwarts will begin again on September first, this year's exams have been cancelled, and I hope you'll have a peaceful time now onwards"
There was cheer in the crowd, as they clapped several people met McGonagall and all the other Professors and dissaparated. Harry felt the letter still in his hands, he put it in the mokeskin pouch, which he was shocked to find was still around his neck, it was now shot of the snitch, but the letter took its place. Harry thought 'what more did Snape want to tell me? Didn't he show everything in his memories? Moreover, if not, then why write a letter to Harry?' With these thoughts in his mind, he went towards McGonagall, wondering whether there was still anything he had to face.
The family I introduced in the beginning is very important I will tell about them in the next chapter. Thanks a lot for reading and do not forget to review.