8th year, Non-epilogue compliant
Yes I know that Glee and 8th year do not take place in nearly the same time frame, but for the purposes of this story it does.
I do not own Harry Potter or Glee or any of the wonderful songs quoted in the story.
New Directions
The Reconstruction of Hogwarts had taken the better part of the summer and with only a few weeks left before the new term, the final few stones had been set into place. During the process Hogwarts had also received a top to bottom cleaning, airing out many of the unused classrooms and cleaning the dark corners of the old castle. Nearly every part of Hogwarts could now be lit up at any time as well as a few classes being moved around to more convenient and spacious classrooms.
One other major event that happened is that the trials for all of the Death Eaters, both willing and unwilling, had been pushed and completed before the first month of summer was over. Hogwarts was not the only institution that had gotten a good housecleaning. Before any of the trials started, the Ministry of Magic was thoroughly investigated by outside sources as well as with the help of the Order of the Phoenix. When the trials began, Kingsley Shacklebolt was the new Minister of Magic and had staffed a new competent ministry that sorted out the liars once and for all.
Many of the students who had been forced into service and compliance were given a probation along with the terms that they returned to Hogwarts for their 8th year studies. A great number of those students readily agreed, some in tears with the case of Pansy Parkinson. Harry himself had been present at many of those cases and though he wasn't friends with most of them, he testified on their behalf. Harry had been one in the middle of it all and he knew the stress, the fear and desire to be safe. He knew what it mean to be scared during those rough times and he knew what it was like to have second chances.
One of the most controversial cases of the Follower's Trials, as it would be called, was the Malfoy case. On Harry's testimony, Narcissa Malfoy was cleared of charges and Draco was given the same probation as the students. Lucius Malfoy was another case entirely. Despite testimonies stating that the Malfoy's had been forced to house the Dark Lord, unwilling slaves in their own home, it did not excuse Lucius Malfoy's actions. However Kingsley and the new Ministry deemed Azkaban inhuman and with the loss of the Dementors, it became an unsuitable for anyone. They constructed a new facility that was better suited to hold the criminals of the wizarding world without driving them completely mental. Lucius was even lucky enough to score visitation with his family.
The summer passed quickly for most. Those who weren't engaged in the rebuilding of various parts of the wizarding and muggle world were busy rebuilding themselves. Harry Potter spent the majority of his summer with his friends Ron and Hermione. Their new free time and Harry's inheritance of both the Potter and Black vaults since his coming of age, left the trio spending a more leisurely and luxurious holiday. With the help of Hermione, Harry had updated his wardrobe as well as sought out a new pair of glasses that were a thin wire frame that shaped his face well and allowed people to see his bright green eyes. He also invested in some contacts that he could use for big events or just to make a dramatic appearance. New dressed in a layered look, Harry felt more relaxed and casual with himself for the first time.
Hermione had taken the opportunity to straighten and cut her hair, giving it a soft wavy look and side swept bangs. Since there were no pressing matters she also took advantage of visiting Debenhams's cosmetics counter and picking up a simple look that brought out her natural beauty. Both she and Ron had also gotten an upgrade to their clothes via the Black Inheritance. Sirius had made sure that Harry's closest friends would be able to keep up with the new man about town.
On top of it all, Harry had invited both Ron and Hermione to stay with him at 12 Grimmauld's place. Grimmauld had never been very "cozy" even when Sirius had been living there, so during their time together the trio redecorated and outfitted the dreary place with some of the latest in both wizarding and muggle devices. Hermione taught the boys about the internet and together they also invested money in a few computers and stereos that had been designed to run off magic for wizarding use. This in itself opened a lot of doors for them when it came to the group finding themselves in the middle of the entertainment section of John Lewis.
It had taken all of 20 seconds for them to feel overwhelmed in this massive place, but it had only taken 5 seconds for one of the employees direct them to some fantastic music choices. Stocking up on every possible recommendation, the three of them left John Lewis with heavy bags and lighter wallets. They spent their days listening to music, hanging out at hidden cafes in the muggle world and generally living life for once. Harry visited Teddy and Andromeda often, making sure both were comfortable and as happy as they could be.
By the time the summer had passed, the three friends had built a strong self-confidence about themselves. It also left Hermione with an idea to promote both house unity and a great way to incorporate muggle studies into an event back at Hogwarts. She quickly set to work owling McGonagall and emailing a few corporations that had been known to work with wizards before. As the group stopped by to pick up Ginny, Luna and Neville, they were filled in on Hermione's bold plan. Excited whispers mingled through the group as the all apparated to the nearest spot at Kings Cross. Getting to platform 9 ¾ was easier than expected and they quickly claimed a car, animatedly talking about what was sure to be the biggest welcome back yet.
Please review! We live by reviews!
Our precious!