Chapter One - Begin Again

May 4th 1998

Via the Wizarding Wireless Network

'This is Vibeous Altior reporting for the Wizarding Wireless Network News. It what is already being dubbed the Battle of Hogwarts, the Second Wizarding War has ended with Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived, defeating He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, once and for all. There are mixed reports coming in at this stage but we can confirm that Mr Potter has survived the final confrontation however there were a number of casualties including; Death Eaters Bellatrix Lestrange, Vincent Crabb, Severus Snape. Former Hogwart's student and co-creator of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Fred Weasley…'

May 5th 1998

Inaugural memorial for the Battle of Hogwarts Fallen

'…Colin Creevy, Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks we salute your sacrifice on behalf of the Wizarding World and by this monument know that your names and deeds shall never be forgotten.' Acting Headmistress Minerva McGonagall finished.

Harry Potter, war hero at the age of 17, stood looking deadpan in the front row of those gathered for the memorial. He jerked as sparks flew in to the air with loud whistling and banging as they exploded high above the monument in a continuous racquet. At once he was transported 48 hours back in time, as spells flew around him and the bodies of his fellow students lay fallen on the ground. Scene's flashed before him, as he smelt smoke and death. He could vaguely hear his name being called…

'Harry, Harry!' Hermione hissed and she shook Harry's arm trying to get his attention.

Harry heard her as if he were under water and slowly refocused on the present situation around him as he felt Hermione shake his arm a second time. He looked at her horrified as the last vestiges of his flashback faded away and he realised where he was.

'Harry, McGonagall is waiting for you on stage, you need to go up there and cut the ribbon…ok?' Hermione looked at him uncertainly.

Harry nodded somewhat distractedly before walking jerkily towards the stage that had been set up next to the giant marble monolith that had been installed as a memorial to the war and those who had died. He approached McGonagall who conjured a pair of scissors and handed them over with a look of concern. Knowing what was expected of him, he took the scissors and walked to the ribbon surrounding the monument. Harry held the scissors open around the ribbon and stood woodenly for a few moments, allowing the gathered press the opportunity to take photos, before slowly closing the blades to cut the ribbon. As discussed, he walked back across the stage to McGonagall and handed her the scissors before attempting to exit the stage.

The gathered press, not just from the Daily Prophet but what appeared to be Wizarding publications from Britain and afar clambered forward shouting for Harry to say a few words. Harry sighed, realised despite best laid plans, this could not be avoided. He turned back to McGonagall who nodded at him, not in a commanding way, but in a way, that said it was his choice what he did and she would stand by him. Harry took out his wand and cast the Sonorus charm as he stepped to the centre of the stage to face the press who were still pressing forward, Aurors, Ministry officials, his friends and fellow students many of whom still had fresh tears running down their faces as they thought of who they had lost.

'I had not planned to make a speech today. This is not the day for speeches or grand statements it is a day for mourning those who have sacrificed everything so that we can continue.' Harry looked disapprovingly at the press, a few of which had the decency to looked mildly ashamed as the majority still leaned in. 'I'm not…' Harry faltered and looked at Hermione and Ron before continuing 'We're not ready for your questions at this time. The memories of what has taken place here and our losses are still too fresh. However, when we have had some time, we will come forward, and we will tell our story, because the Wizarding World needs to know, because we cannot forget the truth of what has happened, or allow others to rewrite history for their own gain. We cannot allow things to go on as they have. Change is needed, and if we can't manage it then our friends and family have died for nothing. Thank you.' Harry finished abruptly and exited the stage. The press clambered for more and shouted out question after question that Harry was not prepared to answer, so he ignored them as he returned to stand with his friends in the front row.

As he took his place next to Hermione she squeezed his hand in support and mouthed 'well done' while Ron nodded at him. Harry relaxed somewhat, glad to see he hadn't spoken out of turn.

The press finally quieted down as McGonagall retook centre stage to make some final announcements of her own.

'At this stage, Hogwarts will reopen in September for a new school year. After discussion with my fellow Professors and the Board of Governors, all students will be repeating this year due to the many disruptions. We will of course be taking in a new round of First Years. As the damage is quite extensive, we would invite our students and their families who can volunteer their time over the coming months to return this Castle to its former state. If you wish to volunteer please speak with my afterwards or send me an Owl and I will be in contact.'

Before the press got any ideas, McGonagall addressed them directly 'Thank you for your attendance, however as Mr Potter rightly stated today is not the day for interviews of further questions, so your permission to remain on Hogwarts grounds is withdrawn for the time being.' With a chorus of pops, the associated press disappeared and reappeared outside of the Hogwarts gates, somewhat bewildered and put out.

Harry turned to Ron and Hermione, 'I know you both need to spend time with your family but I think the best place for me is to remain here at Hogwarts over the summer, at least here I can be useful and avoid the chaos of the press and Ministry that I'm sure is waiting out there' he gestured vaguely towards the gates.

'It's ok mate, I figured you'd want to stay here. But yeah, I need to go home and…' he looked at Hermione, 'I promised Hermione I'd help her find her parents in Australia, and we're not sure how long that will take. But if we can, we'll come back before September and help with the rebuilding effort as well.' Ron finished with a hand on Harry's shoulder, by way of apologising for taking off for the next 3 months.

Hermione already had tears brimming 'I'm sorry Harry but…' Harry interrupted by stepping forward and giving her hug and returning Ron's gesture by squeezing his shoulder.

'You do not need to apologise either of you or feel guilty, if anything I feel guilty for not helping you find your parents Hermione but I think I'm needed here and you have Ron. I'll…we'll be fine, it's only 3 months right? How much trouble can I get in to in that time without you?'

Hermione's laugh choked off a sob and Ron just grinned weakly as he put his arm around Hermione. At that point Molly Weasley bustled over as she was trying to gather up her family. She gave Harry her token squeeze of a hug, before fussing over the shoulders of his robes.

'Well done Harry dear, what you said…', she paused trying not to burst in to tears 'it was what needed to be said.' She took a deep breath before moving on to the more practical, 'Now I presume you'll be wanting to stay at Hogwarts dear, but it goes without saying that you are welcome at The Burrow at any time and I don't want to hear any nonsense about you intruding you're just as much family as any of my own you understand?'

Harry surprised her with a return hug. 'Thanks Molly, I'll visit over the summer.' She petted his hand before gathering her clan and walking towards the gates. Harry watched the Weasley's and Hermione walk away for a few moments before looking around for McGonagall. He spotted her standing side stage with a familiar looking blond. Harry was surprised that he didn't react to Malfoy's presence with any sense of anger or indignation just curiosity. He began to wonder towards their direction and overheard what he assumed was Malfoy's response to a question from McGonagall.

'…because I don't have anywhere else to go, and because I want to…I need to help rebuild this place. Hogwarts has felt like more of a home than the Manor for the last 7 years.'

McGonagall pursed her lips before responding 'You do understand Mr Malfoy that with the trials coming up you will be trialled as an adult and you'll be expected to give a full account of your actions. I'm willing to allow you to stay for the time being but I can't promise anything beyond your trial, it depends on the outcome. If you're charged, there isn't much I can do to intervene…'

Harry stepped forward at that point. 'I will.'

McGonagall turned to Harry, 'Pardon, Mr Potter?' Malfoy just looked at him startled and blinked.

'I will intervene on Malfoy's behalf, and his mother's. Both of them saved my life during the war. Malfoy may carry Voldemort's mark, and Mrs Malfoy may have married a Death Eater but that is not enough to condemn either of them and based on their actions and my testimony I don't believe either will received a conviction.' Harry looked at Malfoy directly. 'Your father though, will pay for his crimes. I will testify there as well but it will not be in his favour.'

Draco gave himself a small shake. 'You would do that, testify on my behalf and my mother's…why?'

'As I already said, you saved my life in the manor and your mother saved my life in the Forbidden Forest. I saved your life in the Room of Requirement. There's more between us now that 7 years of petty school yard rivalry. I also do not believe that you willingly chose your part in this war. You were as much born in to it as I was.' Harry stated all this matter-of-factly.

'I…thank you.', Draco replied, not knowing what else to say at that moment.

Harry looked him straight in the eye for a moment and nodded before turning to McGonagall. 'Professor I also came over to ask if I can stay and assist with the rebuilding efforts over the next 3 months. It seems preferable to living outside of Hogwarts and dealing with the press and Ministry. I'm not ready for that just yet.'

McGonagall also somewhat shocked by Harry's defence of Draco also gave herself a small shake. 'Yes of course you can stay Mr Potter. If you can both give me time to make arrangements, I'll meet you in the Great Hall at lunch.' With that she nodded at them both before making her way to the Castle.

Draco hesitated for a moment as if he wasn't sure what to do, before turning towards the castle again.

'Malfoy there's something else if you have a moment.' Harry burst out as if he'd only just remembered.

Draco looking somewhat like a deer caught in the head lights slowed mid step and turned back towards Harry. 'After what you just said you're prepared to do for me and for my mother, I'm hardly going to deny you my time Potter. It seems like the least I could do.'

Harry hesitated as if not sure how to respond to that. Instead he just nodded before pulling a wand out of his robe pocket. He saw Malfoy tense. 'I'm not going to curse you Malfoy, I think we're beyond that at this point.' Instead palm flat he stretched out his hand with the wand in it.

Draco stared at it for a moment, before realising he was looking at his own wand. He reached out slowly, as if not quite believing it was his own wand he was reaching for before taking his wand from Potter's hand. He felt a familiar tingle in his hand when he took it. He looked at Potter wordlessly for a moment. 'I thought I'd loss this…thank you.' He saw Potter's lip twitch as if he was trying not to grin. He raised an eyebrow in response.

'It just seems your making a habit of thanking me.' Potter said now openly grinning.

'Yes, it's rather odd, isn't it?' replied Malfoy smiling hesitantly in reply.

'It's a brave new world.' Harry said straight faced, soliciting a snort from Malfoy.

They both stood there facing each other, both somewhat surprised they were having a civil, even enjoyable exchange with the other.

'Do you think we can start over Malfoy? Just wipe the last 7 years and begin again?' Harry asked.

'What do you mean?' asked Draco looking somewhat confused but curious. He saw that Potter seemed to hesitate before extending a hand towards him.

'Seven years ago, you extended your hand to me and I didn't return the courtesy, will you take mine now?'

Draco didn't hesitate, he extended his hand out and took Harry's hand.

'Harry Potter, nice to meet you'

'Draco Malfoy, charmed.'

They grinned at each other for a moment before heading back up to the castle. 'So where do you think McGonagall is going to lodge us?'