Authors Note: This story is set just after the Final Battle, (known herein as the Second Battle of Hogwarts) and continues through to the eventual wedding of Harry and Ginny.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter One
By Ministerial Decree
Nathan Bennett was driving carefully on the M25 just outside of London. Visibility was down to just over 50 meters, which for the time of year, mid July, was absolutely appalling. Still he was a lorry driver of 15 years experience and he knew just what to do. He kept his speed low, checked his lights were on and turned down the stereo on his Renault Magnum truck.
'I wonder what's causing this fog?' he thought to himself, cringing as a brand new, top of the range BMW sped past doing easily 90 miles an hour in the terrible conditions as he passed junction 30 for South Mimms. He didn't get an answer though as he plowed on at just 40 miles an hour towards Dover to catch the ferry to France. When this job was done, he went on holiday and could just imagine that first cerveza when he reached his villa in Spain.
Traffic slowed even further as he approached the Queen Elizabeth II bridge which spanned the Thames. Winding down the window, he pulled a cigarette from his packet then reached for the Zippo on his dashboard. A bright green flash caught his attention from further across the bridge. Traffic slowed even further until eventually it stopped. Then the cold hit him, it felt like he would never be happy again. Ice was forming on the windscreen of his 44 Tonne leviathan as he heard screaming from ahead. He sparked his Zippo, nothing happened. 'That's bloody peculiar,' he thought aloud as he tried again. 'Bloody Zippo! I've gotta be the only fool in England, who can never get a workin' lighter' he cursed to himself.
It was the last curse he would ever make, because as he was speaking, a man dressed in a black cape and mask appeared out of no where beside his truck and pointed a stick at his heart. "Avada Kedavra" the man cried, his voice full of hate as the green light and sound of speeding death reached out to claim the trucker from Sheffield. As he died, his foot slipped from the clutch and the massive six cylinder diesel carried the lorry forward. This caused a 47 car pile up which killed 28 additional muggles. Voldemort was gone but his Death Eaters still fight on.
* * * * *
Harry was vaguely aware of the door opening and footsteps coming towards him. The noises got quieter as they closed up to him and he prepared to fight off a Ron attack. Since the Second Battle of Hogwarts he had been staying at the Burrow, whilst waiting to hear from the Ministry of Magic about his application to become an Auror. Each day had started the same way, with Ron trying, and failing, to sneak in to his room and bundle him awake. Just as he was about to strike out at the body he now knew to be airborne on its way to him, he felt something brush across his lips.
Wide-awake, he scurried up the bed; shocked that Ron of all people would try that tactic to get him up. "Ron, what…" then he saw his attacker, "Oh, its you is it?" he questioned as he moved in to capture those lips again. "Good morning to you too Mr Potter," giggled Ginny between kisses. "How did you manage to beat Ron here?" he mumbled as the kiss deepened. When they came up for air, she responded. "Easy, I woke Hermione before he got out of bed. I was sure she could keep him distracted." Harry laughed, then spoke again, planting kisses on her head and face for each word he said. "My – Girlfriend – Is – The – Smartest – Witch – In – England."
"Oh, flattery will get you nowhere Harry," she responded breathlessly, "But what ever you do, don't stop trying"
* * * * *
Fifteen minutes later, as Ron and Hermione entered the kitchen for breakfast, Harry and Ginny could be seen cuddling at the head of the table. "See, I wasn't helping her in that way!" Hermione stated indignantly. Ron just mumbled and dropped into a chair, pulling the coffee pot towards him and dispensing coffee for Hermione and himself. Arthur Weasley walked in with the Daily Prophet under his arm, reached for the coffee and sat down.
"Morning children!" he beamed to a pair of "DAD!s" and two indignant cries of "Mr Weasley!" It was bad enough when Molly treated them all as kids; Arthur usually has a better grasp of how to handle his off spring and their beloveds. "Thought you guys should see this," he said holding up the Prophet so they all could see the front cover. The headline shouted: EDUCATIONAL DECREE: MINISTER SHACKLEBOLT TO HELP WARCHILDREN FINISH SCHOOL! Hermione grabbed the paper and read aloud to the room.
"Newly appointed Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, today announced an educational decree which will enable many students who should have been in 7th year last year, complete their schooling. In a press conference at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry accompanied by newly appointed Head Mistress Minerva McGonagall, he announced the ministry's latest decree. The conference was arranged to announce the completion of rebuilding works to repair the damage from the Second Battle of Hogwarts in which Harry Potter defeated Voldemort and ended the war, which has gripped the wizarding world.
Further to this announcement, the minister also told the press that all students who should have completed a full year of magical education last year, would be required by law to attend Hogwarts for an additional year to complete their magical education. For those who have already arranged employment and lodgings, the ministry will reimburse any loss of earnings or costs.
This announcement comes just days before many Hogwarts students are due to receive their school letters and means that Harry Potter, will again attend the famous institution. The minister also announced the following appointments for departmental heads at the ministry.
Department of International Magical Co-operation – Mme Flur Delacoure-Weasley.
Department of Misteries – We cant tell you.
Department of Magical Law Enforcement – Mr Arthur Weasley.
Department of Magical Transportation – Mr Amos Digory"
Ron groaned, "I was so glad to be rid of that place!" Hermione was ecstatic and babbling away in her customary way. Harry and Ginny gazed at each other with a smile tugging at their lips. It was perfect! They wouldn't have to be separated for another year; they could spend all the time they wanted together! "Well, Miss Weasley, can I have my Seeker position back?" he whispered in her ear as they embraced once more. "I don't know, you will have to try out like the rest of the team" she said, tears of joy wetting her dressing gown as the reality sank in. They could be a normal couple, walk round the lake hand in hand, accompany each other to classes, not worry about someone trying to kill her boyfriend.
* * * * *
Two days later, at breakfast five owls appeared on the horizon, working their way towards the Burrow. As they landed on the breakfast table, Hermione screamed grabbing at the owl that landed nearest to her. The four all took their owls and Harry attended to the fifth owl which appeared to be waiting for him. He ripped in to the first letter and read:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Head Mistress: M McGonagall OM
Dear Mr Potter,
As you have no doubt read in the Daily Prophet, Minister Shacklebolt has decreed that students who failed to complete their magical education as a result of the occurances last year are required to attend Hogwarts again this year to complete their NEWTs. Other students who should still be coming back this year will catch up in special accelerated learning sessions.
To this end, I would like to welcome you back to Hogwarts this year, please find enclosed the list of books and supplies you will need. It should be known, that you will not be required to attend all classes this year, only those you need to obtain necessary qualifications to join your chosen career. You will still live in Gryfindor Tower and will attend those classes you subscribe to with the current seventh year students.
You will also have the role of student mentor, to help tutor the younger students who missed part of their education due to the war. We would like your help with Defence Against the Dark Arts for years 1, 2 and 3 if you agree, tap your wand to this parchment and say "Agreed"
I look forward to seeing you on September first and to having you at our school once more. I know that your parents and Albus would be very proud to see you become an Auror and in order to achieve that goal, NEWT's are essential.
Yours Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Head Mistress.
Ginny was just reaching the bottom of her letter as he looked at her, smiling as he saw the small line of concentration on her forehead. As she reached the bottom, her concentration gave way to a smile. Tipping her envelope out on the kitchen table, two badges tumbled out, one was her Quiddich Captains badge which she held to her breast briefly, treasuring it. The other she turned over and gasped as she saw what was written on it. The badge was a small shield, coloured black in memorial with the gold words, HEAD GIRL across it diagonally. Harry drew his breath sharply as he saw it and his head whipped round to see her. Her face was Joy, mixed with sadness that she was awarded this honour because someone else had died. She threw her arms around his neck and embraced him fiercely.
Ron and Hermione were busy discussing their return to Hogwarts as Ginny took his letter and began to read. Harry remembered the other owl opening that letter next.
Ministry of Magic Minister: K Shacklebolt
Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Dear Mr Potter,
I write to you with regards to your application to join the Auror Squad. We at the department of magical law enforcement would be delighted to welcome you to our ranks. However, there is the matter of your current level of magical education. You should by now know that you are required to return to Hogwarts this year to complete your magical education.
Once you have achieved the required grades of an Auror we will be happy to offer you a position. Until that time however we will list you as on leave, you will complete your education at Hogwarts. During this period, we require you to give up 2 of your weekly free periods. Head Mistress McGonagall has already granted permission for you to leave the castle and attend your Auror training with the Hogsmeade Detachment so that you can begin work in September of next year, as you would have normally.
An Auror Trainee receives a basic salary of ten thousand galleons a year. This amount will be paid to you providing you attend each weeks training sessions under the ministry's remuneration program for returning Hogwarts students. Please confirm your acceptance of this position in writing by 25th August this year.
I look forward to working with you next year Mr Potter.
Alfonzo Firewalker.
Head of the Auror Squad. (Provisional)
Harry passed the letter to Ginny to read smiling as he did. Ginny read quickly and screamed with delight, clamping her arms around his neck and claiming his mouth. They broke apart a minute later when Hermione coughed and Ron aimed some well placed sparks between them, 'Get a room!' Hermione called. 'Don't you fuckin' well dare!' was unfortunately timed reply as Mrs Weasley walked in to the room and admonished Ron for his language. Hermione quickly picked up the conversation, 'So, what may I ask elicited that response?'
Ginny explained that Harry had been accepted to the Auror Squad and that he would be able to train during his free periods at school so that he could start just after the summer of next year. 'And they are going to pay me on this remuneration programme thing that Kingsley announced' Harry added. The whole room congratulated him on that, Mr Weasley adding, 'Well, I couldn't have a better team member working for me could I?' which reminded everyone of Mr Weasley's news from the paper and another round of congratulations was exchanged.
Molly picked up one of the lists for all the school supplies and tutted, "Right, get your coats kids, we're off to Diagon Alley
!" Another round of complaints about being branded kids ensued as they stood, Ginny went for the stairs to collect her coat, but Harry held her back, raised his wand and two fleece jackets came flying down the stairs to meet them. "Harry, that was exceptional," beamed Ginny, "I've never seen you do magic without an incantation before!" "Its nothing Gin, I was working on it for a while when I was away, I thought it would be better to be able to cast spells without people hearing them so I started practicing." They pulled on their coats and prepared to travel to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes by floo.
Half an hour later, they had all congregated in the flat above Georges shop, they decended the stairs in to the stock room and made their way out in to Diagon Alley. "Its so weird, even when most of the other shops were boarded up, WWW was still brightening the alley," commented Hermione. "Well, George says he will have the store up and running again by the official start of the summer holidays that means he should be up and running by the end of July," Ginny informed them all. They walked on, taking in the new and improved Diagon Alley, gone were the boards at the windows, gone were the to let signs replaced by new and thriving businesses selling all manner of wizarding items.
First stop was Flourish and Blotts, to stock up on the new books they would require for the year. Harry, Hermione and Ron spend quite a bit of money here as the beaded bag was lost in the Final Battle, which contained most of their books. Mrs Weasley also spent quite a bit of money here; Ginny could have, for the first time, brand new things as a result of Mr Weasley's promotion. They paid for their purchases and made their way to Madam Malkin's. When they arrived, they found robes for all occasions but with a new name above the door. Madam Malkin had obviously decided it was time to retire when she shut up shop as the group was greeted by Jason Malkin, Madam Malkins son who had taken on the business.
It took over an hour to sort out robes for all of them, Jason had tacked them all into place, promising to have them ready for collection by two o'clock that afternoon. As it was heading towards mid-day, the group decided it was time to get some lunch. Taking up a private corner in the Leaky Cauldron's dining room, they placed their orders with the plates and soon were laughing and joking over the portions Ron was working his way through. They were stopped numerous times by fans and well wishers. Harry was half expecting this, but it caught Ron and Hermione completely by surprise that they too had become celebrities in their own rights.
The day was going fine, until a girl of about 16 years of age came up to ask Harry out on a date. Ginny bristled, red flaming up her face as Harry quickly disarmed the girl with a quick, "I'm flattered, I really am, but have you met my girlfriend?" gesturing to Ginny sat on his right. The girl squeaked and ran off as Ginny calmed down and even giggled about the interaction. "So, am I your girlfriend again Harry? Its just we never clarified after the battle," she whispered into his ear. "No, not at all, Im in the habit of doing this to girls I'm not going out with!" he said leaning in to claim her mouth. This time Mrs Weasley broke them apart with a very Umbridge like, "Ehem!"
The shopping trip continued and they visited the apothecary and potions supplies store to replenish their equipment and ingredients. They also looked in various wizarding stationers and bought new quills and parchments and Ink. Hermione looked lost in the quill shop, Harry only then realised that during the year on the run, he had not once seen Hermione with a quill. It was always the bic biros that came out of the beaded bag. On asking about this she replied, "I couldn't exactly take bottles of ink with me could I? What if the bottle broke in my bag? Bottled ink runs out faster too." She paused for breath before adding dreamily, "Ohh… I did miss writing with a quill."
At two o'clock they returned to the robe shop to collect their altered purchases then returned to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes to floo home. One by one they exited the fireplace in the Burrow's kitchen and staggered upstairs with their purchases. Ginny and Harry peeled off at the second floor, where Ginny was in her room and Harry in Percy's old room. Hermione trudged on up to the third floor where Bill had his room until he moved out and Ron continued to the attic. They all packed away their purchases in their trunks and made their way down stairs to dinner.