Author's Notes: So Harry - why can't you just go along with everything? You know it's only been done for your own good.
The Weasley family decided tonight was finally the night they would finish the wedding reception for Bill and Fleur. Their first reception had been at the Burrow with Death Eater wedding crashers. This time it was to be a small, family affair. Unfortunately, nothing involving the Weasleys and the Delacours could be considered a small affair.
The venue was an open-air pavilion on the grounds of a wizarding park, not too far from Godric's Hollow.
The park was catered by a witch whose family had suffered greatly under the Dark Lord and his followers. Once she heard that the legendary Harry Potter was a guest, she immediately tried to provide the party as her gift to the "Man Who Died, So That Many Could Live." Harry, of course, wasn't thrilled with his new title or the way the grateful woman fussed over him.
The Weasleys graciously refused the offer, but they did accept the woman's other offer to provide a discount as the very least she could do for such a wonderful family that helped "the famous Harry Potter" bring about Voldemort's downfall.
During the meal, set on an ornately carved oak table, Arthur Weasley stood up and offered a toast.
"My dearest family, I wanted to take a moment to offer a toast to the happy couple."
He cleared his throat and lifted his goblet. "Bill and Fleur, you took your vows of matrimony at what were the darkest of times. You took them with the faith that your love would keep you together. And, thank Merlin, we are all here today to celebrate that love and faith. Here's to many years of bliss and many grandbabies for both your mothers to spoil."
Both Molly Weasley and Fleur's mother blushed at Arthur's words. They knew it was true, but they didn't need him to be that obvious.
After Arthur finished his first toast, he again cleared his throat and looked up at the pavilion ceiling as though he was looking up into the sky.
"I'd also like for us all to raise our goblets to those who are no longer with us. Because of each of them and their sacrifices, we are once again free of the terror of the Dark.
"To our honored fallen," he said after a pause.
"To our honored fallen," the families echoed.
As the night wore on, Arthur cornered Harry at the mini-bar where Harry had been sipping a butterbeer after Ron and Bill had made him drink a shot of fire whiskey.
"Harry, there is something I've been meaning to talk to you about," Arthur said. "Let's take a walk, shall we?"
"Sure, Mr. Weasley," Harry said. "Anything to get away from these two is fine with me."
The two walked up a well-worn path along a darkening meadow. Arthur waited until they were well out of hearing range of the party.
"You know, Harry," he started. "Things for you are going to change, and you have to be ready to step into your new role. I know you won't want to do it, but you need to understand the position you are in now is a big responsibility."
Harry was silent. He wasn't sure where Mr. Weasley was going with this. He had gone to all the celebrations and funerals and spoke when asked. Terrified as he was of public speaking, and sure that he wasn't the hero everyone made him out to be, he did what he felt was his duty to his fallen friends and for the Ministry of Magic.
"Harry, you have to accept your position in wizarding society. You are the victor. And to the victor, goes the spoils of war. Kingsley has asked me to help get you ready for what's coming next."
Arthur kept walking while Harry stopped. This was a conversation completely different from what he had expected. For the most part, he didn't know what he expected. But to hear an antiquated war axiom being used in the Magical world shouldn't have surprised him. It just seemed a little "uncivilized."
"Come on, Harry, keep up," Mr. Weasley said. "You are about to take possession of a great deal of wealth. And with that comes a great deal of responsibility. Not to mention title and station.
"You see, Harry, your family had a great deal of wealth in the first place. You only saw a very small amount set aside for your education and upkeep. But the Potters have a very long history in our world.
"Of course, we all thought someone would sit down with you and explain all of this to you at one point or another, but the time never presented itself. Dumbledore, Sirius, or Remus just never found the right time to show you everything. And, not that I'm the last choice, mind you, but, now is the time.
"Harry, you are royalty now, and it's time you started accepting it. Tomorrow we are going to Diagon Alley. First we are going to see the Solicitor General of the Chancery Division who will provide you with the particulars of your titles, lands, and war settlements. Then we will go to Gringotts where you'll be given a full accounting of your holdings.
"I have to admit, Harry, you may need to brace yourself. The list will be long, and you may be shocked at who was found to have ties to Voldemort. I'm sure you'll keep your head. And I must impress upon you that you mustn't take the administration of all of this on your own. If you like, I can provide you with a list of suitable financial management firms to help you. Don't worry. I'm sure a barrister will be contacting you as soon as they hear you are in process."
Harry sat in the room he shared with Ron at the Burrow after the party and thought about what Mr. Weasley had told him. Of course he knew that he was going to still be "the Boy Who Lived," now the "Man Who Died, So That Many Could Live," but it wasn't something he liked or wanted to get used to being called. But this thing about going to see the Solicitor General and needing a financial management firm to help him manage his affairs–well, that was a little much. Just then, a knock came at the door.
Before he could say anything, the love of his life opened the door and walked inside.
"I hope you're decent," Ginny said. "Well, if you're not decent, then it's too late since I'm already here."
Ginny walked over to the camp bed, where Harry was seated, and placed herself onto his lap.
"You know, Mr. Potter," she said as she slipped her arms around his neck, "I'm not in the habit of chasing down my heart's desire. As a matter of fact, I've become a bit impatient with the way he keeps running off with my father." Ginny's smile lit up her face. Her playfulness was just what Harry needed. Even after he had hurt her by breaking up with her, she had forgiven him for being "noble."
That didn't mean that he didn't have to serve his time as her virtual servant while he made up for their year apart. But it was a servitude he truly enjoyed, even though Ginny sometimes had him as busy as a house-elf.
"Is that so, Miss Weasley?" Harry answered. "Has the man of your dreams failed to be attentive? This is something I think we can fix."
Harry brought Ginny's lips to his and gently caressed them. As he deepened the kiss, he began to softly run his hands through her silky hair. He reveled in her scent of strawberries and wildflowers. To him, this was perfection.
When they broke the kiss, Ginny put her head on his chest.
"You know your dad is taking me to Diagon Alley tomorrow," he said. "Apparently there's some business about spoils of war that I need to clear up."
Ginny sat up and looked into his emerald eyes. She looked lost for a moment, and then regained her playfulness.
"Don't worry about it, Harry," she said. "They'll most likely knight you and make you a member of the Order of the Garter or some such thing. Then maybe you'll meet the Queen or the Prince of Wales and be on your way."
"I get the feeling you're not telling me everything you know," he said. Harry rolled her off him and onto the bed where he began a merciless tickling of his girlfriend.
"Stop, stop, stop," Ginny huffed between laughing. "You win, Harry, you win."
Harry smiled his crooked smile as his eyes took on a mischievous glint.
"I'll not be stopping until you promise to tell me everything you know. And I mean everything."
The door to the room swung open revealing Ron and Hermione in each other's arms.
"Oi, what's going on in here?" Ron said as he untangled himself from Hermione. "Can't a bloke get a little privacy in his own room? And will you get off my sister, Potter?"
The merriment in the room grew as the teens laughed and Ginny escaped Harry's questioning. She was sure he'd pry all she knew from her if they remained alone, but she wasn't about to allow that to happen. She wanted Harry to stay with her and to do so of his own free will–not because he felt one of his stubborn nobility fits.
"So, why do you two need privacy?" Ginny asked. "It seems to me all you need is air. You two have almost been disgusting. It's been like listening to daytime drama on the wireless." Ginny smiled as she watched Hermione turn pink.
"Well, it's worth every second," Ron said as he took Hermione in his arms again. "'Mione is just bloody brilliant."
"Ronald, language," Hermione admonished him. She looked at Harry and Ginny as Ron held her. Harry knew that look. After spending so much time alone with her hunting Horcruxes, Harry could tell when Hermione had something to say. She definitely had something to say, but it was something she could only tell him alone.
"Ginny, your mum sent us up to find you and ask you to help her with the last bit of clean up. She said something about making sandwiches for tomorrow."
True to form, Ron volunteered to go with his sister to "supervise" the sandwich making.
"I'll be right down," Hermione said to Ron's retreating back. "There's something I'd like to talk to Harry about."
Ginny froze in her tracks as Ron ran into her. Instead of stopping, Ron picked her up and kept moving.
"Come on," he said. "You can't keep Mum waiting."
Unwilling and completely unable to reach the floor with her feet, Ginny was carried along by Ron.
Harry and Hermione watched the two siblings.
"You certainly know how to motivate Ron to action," Harry said. "He's like a tidal wave when it comes to his stomach."
They shared a laugh and turned to each other.
"Okay, I know that look," Harry started. "What do you know, and what do I need to know about what's happening tomorrow?"
Hermione closed the door and took on her lecture mode. "Harry, we're dealing with an archaic spoils system here. And you as the leader and victor are entitled to it all. It all goes back to the Roman era when the Caesars used to pay their armies with booty from the lands they conquered."
Eyes bulging, Harry realized now what Mr. Weasley had been telling him about a management firm.
"You mean I get to pay everyone who fought on our side?"
He couldn't believe it. He was going to be able to fix some of the damage that Tom had inflicted during his reign of terror.
"I hope it's going to be that easy, Harry," Hermione said, "but I doubt there's much chance it will be that simple.
"You most likely will have to deal with a number of claims made against Voldemort and his followers. Most will be valid, but some are going to be made by people who think they can profit from the war by slipping through the bureaucratic cracks."
Harry frowned and furrowed his brow.
"Well, how hard can it be to confirm that someone was the victim of the war?" he asked.
"Apparently, it can get very confusing," Hermione said. "That's why Mr. Weasley suggested the financial firm to help you manage. They will most likely provide you with the research and a settlement amount. Hopefully, all you have to do then is sign off on the settlement and they take care of the rest."
Harry thought about this for a moment and smiled at his best friend.
"Sounds easy enough," he said. "Thanks, Hermione, I knew you'd be the one to help me understand what's going on."
"Harry, there's something else I think you ought to know." She looked around the room as though she was expecting someone else to be listening.
"These things can sometimes get very messy. People, politics, and money are a very dangerous combination. You have very little experience with people, other than those who are either trying to kill you or keep you from killing yourself. Politics and money…two subjects to which you are completely oblivious, judging by your handling of the late Minister Scrimgeour and your Tri-wizard Tournament winnings."
Harry's eyebrows shot up on his forehead.
"What do you mean? I invested my winnings into the family business," he said with a smile.
"Right. And Scrimgeour?" Hermione asked. "He was a politician, you know."
"Well, that was just… different."
The next day Harry woke, showered, and dressed before anyone else in the Burrow. He wasn't sure if it was nerves or Ron's particularly severe snoring that woke him. He was sure once he heard Ron there was no way he'd get back to sleep.
As he walked into the kitchen, he found Mrs. Weasley bustling around the stove. She had already been out and collected the eggs from the hens. She looked up at Harry and tut-tutted.
"Harry, you can't go out looking like that, dear boy. You have an image you must uphold. You are a role model now," she said.
Harry looked down at his t-shirt and jeans. They were clean and fit well. He had bought them only a couple of weeks ago.
"What's the matter with what I'm wearing Mrs. Weasley?" he asked.
"What you are wearing is fine for going to a Quidditch match, dear, but you are going out on business. You need to dress like an adult wizard in professional robes."
No one had told him anything about a dress code for his meetings today. Harry was lost.
"Not to worry, dear," Mrs. Weasley said. "I have just the thing for you."
Mrs. Weasley bustled out of the room only to return with a clothing bag and a shoe box.
"Ginny and I were out shopping the other day and we were sure you would need these," she said with a smile. "Go on and change into them so I can see how they fit. We were pretty sure we got the right sizes."
Returning to Ron's room, Harry opened the garment bag. Inside, he found a set of deep emerald green dress robes. These were not the same as the formal ones he had worn to the Yule Ball. They had more of a business feel to them. And the shoes were black loafers of a type that Harry expected his Uncle Vernon had for work.
As he dressed, he felt comforted in the robes. Although he still needed to return to Hogwarts for his seventh year, he was still an adult in both the wizard and Muggle worlds, and these were his first adult wizarding robes.
"Oh, now don't you just look all grown up," the mirror in Ron's room said.
"Shut it you," Harry snapped back as he stared at the man looking back at him.
It had been a few months now since Voldemort's downfall; the time had sped by. Harry had tried to keep himself from thinking about the war and the previous year. Looking in the mirror reminded him time did not forget.
As he gazed into his own eyes his mind wandered over the war's memory fields. Each of these places had the bucolic feel of undisturbed country in his mind. Yet beneath them were the evil mines sown by the same madman who wanted only to kill Harry Potter. Harry thought back to how happy he was to see his friends come to take him from his relatives' home at number four Privet Drive for the last time. Then the memory exploded into the fire that consumed Mad-Eye Moody and his beloved snowy owl, Hedwig. He pictured the end of his most faithful friend, Dobby, as he thought of the beautiful Shell Cottage. Almost every memory he had contained some connection with the horrors he had experienced. The only memories that were still unfazed were his memories of Ginny.
"Harry, are you ready?" came Molly's voice from downstairs. "I do hope everything fits, but if it doesn't come down and I'll have you fitted in two shakes."
Harry shook himself from his reverie only to notice a pair of beautiful brown eyes sizing him up.
"You know, that color really does bring out your eyes. I told Mum that we needed to put you into a more subdued look," Ginny said.
"I think I should say 'Thank you,' but I'm sure there's another reason for the choice," Harry said.
"Why, Mr. Potter, I have no idea what you could possibly mean," Ginny said with a grin creeping over her lightly freckled face.
"Far be it for little old me to do anything to keep your head from growing too large to fit through the door."
In a lightning Quidditch-like move, Harry caught and wrapped his arms around Ginny.
"Is that so, Miss Weasley," Harry asked. "Is my head becoming a problem for you?" Harry waggled his eyebrows.
"Mr. Potter," said Ginny, feigning her most proper tone. "I'll have you know, your head is definitely not a problem, nor do I doubt that it will be in the future. However… it may be a problem if you keep me… "
"Ginny!" came Molly's abrupt voice. "Oh good, dear, you're up. What do you think about our choices for Harry?"
She untangled the teens and smoothed the cloth along Harry's shoulders and back.
"Actually, Mum, I think we did a brilliant job," Ginny said. "Too bad we could find a hat in Harry's size."
It was apparent Molly understood her daughter was trying to make an inside joke with her undeclared boyfriend, but Molly was not about to take the bait. She'd been baited by her sons long enough to know a trap when she saw one. This time she decided to turn the tables on her daughter.
"Oh, Harry, you look so handsome," Molly started. "Any witch would be lucky to have you. And you know, today you'll be around a lot of professional women who might make excellent choices for you."
Ginny flashed through a wide range of emotions in mere moments. Shock. Terror that her mother would mention Harry getting a girlfriend that wasn't her. Anger that her mother would mention Harry getting a girlfriend that wasn't her. Fury because her mother would mention Harry getting a girlfriend that wasn't her. Then realization hit her as she was about to open her mouth. Instead, Ginny just opened and closed her mouth. She caught on to her mother's little tease.
"You know, Harry, Mum's right. You do need to start thinking about getting some bird to keep your pecker up," Ginny said, again tempting her mother's ire.
"You'll do no such thing, Harry. What you need is a respectable girl, from a good family, with her head on straight," Molly counseled.
"You wouldn't happen to know of any candidates, would you, Mrs. Weasley," Harry asked while waggling his eyebrows.
The tide had turned again, and this time Molly could either push her daughter's anger or take the mickey right out of her.
"You know, Harry, I think Ginny is unattached at the moment," Molly said.
Molly made her point. Neither Harry nor Ginny could say another word to the bombshell that just landed in the room. Molly, on the other hand, was very much in control of the situation as she continued smoothing and picking at Harry's clothes. She even started humming while she tended to him.
It was then that Ron walked back into the room from the loo.
"What's all this?" he asked, looking at the gathering in his room. He looked at Harry in his new business robes.
"Hey, those look right smart, mate," he said as he walked into the room. "You almost look like Percy on his first day at the Ministry."
All three of the room's other occupants gave Ron a scathing glare.
"What? A guy can't compliment his best mate for looking sharp? And, well… Percy did look good on his first day to work."
They left the room and went to the kitchen where Mrs. Weasley cooked up another of her famously big, delicious breakfasts. Shortly after finishing, Mr. Weasley announced it was time to go. He and Harry walked to the edge of the property where Mr. Weasley stopped Harry.
"I want you to know, Harry, that if you need help or feel like you need to talk, that I will be more than happy to help. Or if I can, I'll help you find the answers you need."
"I appreciate that, Mr. Weasley," Harry said. "I'm not really sure what's going to happen, so it's good to know I won't be alone." Harry thought for a moment and asked the question that had been bothering him.
"Why is it that I have to do this without Ron or Hermione?" he asked. "I mean, they were just as important as I was to Voldemort's downfall. And Neville, he did so much to help, why isn't he part of this?"
In all of Arthur Weasley's life, he had never dreamed that he would one day be offering counsel and advice to the most powerful wizard in Britain and maybe the entire world. He certainly never thought the gangly, half-starved boy he met in his kitchen after the twins and Ron had rescued him from another summer in hell with the Dursleys would transform into this unassuming young man before him.
"Harry, do you remember your fourth year and being selected as a champion in the Tri-Wizard Tournament?" Arthur asked.
Harry nodded.
"You know, there were many other students who had what it took to get through one or two of the tasks. Some of them could have probably completed those tasks faster and better than you did. But none of them could have been able to complete all three tasks, so it was the cup's job to choose someone who could survive all three challenges. You were chosen as a single leader amongst many. And in our world there has to be one person in whom we, as a society, trust to be able to survive the challenges of leadership. In fact, we all trust in that person to do what is right versus what is easy."
Harry looked into Mr. Weasley's eyes. He had grown taller than the man he considered a surrogate parent. And yet, he still felt as though he was looking up to the older man.
"Dumbledore used to say that to me all the time," Harry said. "He used to say that there are always hard decisions that need to be made. I guess this is part of what he was talking about."
"I'm sure it was. Now let's get going."
Two soft pops signaled the beginning of a new facet to Harry's life. This was the beginning of his leadership role in the Wizarding world.
The Ministry of Magic had undergone a rebuilding following the end of the war. So much of it had been destroyed that it was decided that it should be rebuilt as an ultra-modern office complex. The floors were still the same jet black marble. But now the Floo network connection points were made to look like a bank of elevators. Each time someone Flooed in the doors would open. To Harry, the rest of the Ministry looked like something he'd seen on a science fiction television show. Even the people who were conducting Ministry business looked updated in their dress and demeanor.
Mr. Weasley guided Harry to the lifts used to access the Ministry's other levels. As they approached, a distinguished looking man in charcoal grey robes stopped them and introduced himself as a barrister. He handed Harry his card and offered his services in an effort to help in the recovery and rebuilding process. Harry thanked the man and pocketed his card. This happened several times in their short trip to the Solicitor General's offices.
"I'm glad to see you behaving this way, Harry," Mr. Weasley said as they reached the office doors.
Harry's bewildered look showed Mr. Weasley he needed to clarify his last statement.
"You are being very gracious in accepting these solicitations. You aren't being too harsh on these men who have obviously been waiting for your appearance to provide their services to you. Quite a good job, my dear boy."
Harry nodded as though he understood what Mr. Weasley had said. In reality, he had only accepted the introductions and business cards out of courtesy — the same way he would have acted if the men had been autograph seekers.
As they approached the Solicitor General's offices, Harry noticed there were no knobs or push bars visible to open the doors. Instead, as they reached them, they slid into the walls, again making Harry think more about science fiction than magic.
Once inside, Harry and Mr. Weasley approached the receptionist. She was a pretty, blonde witch who was expertly fingering a touch console while she glanced at parchments in front of her. Once they had come into her view, she stopped and looked at them.
"Mr. Harry Potter and Mr. Arthur Weasley to see Solicitor Califax," Arthur said.
No sooner had Harry's name been said that a tall thin man with brown robes and hair as black as Harry's approached them.
"Arthur, so glad you could make it," he said as he took Mr. Weasley's hand. "And of course, you are Mr. Harry Potter, hero to the wizarding world, defeater of Dark wizards, and presumptive leader of the Light."
Harry shook the man's hand.
"A pleasure to meet you Mr. Califax, if I heard correctly."
"Yes, indeed. I am Douglas Califax the Solicitor General, and I have been given the honor of presenting you this morning," he said. "In fact, I can't tell you how much this means to me to be able to do this for a gentleman of your stature and standing. You are the first to be placed in this position in nearly 400 years. We've spent a lot of time researching. Unfortunately, most of the records of the last coronation were lost in the war."
Harry's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline.
"A coronation is for a monarch, Mr. Califax," Harry said, thinking back to his school days before Hogwarts. "I am not a monarch."
"Well, maybe 'coronation' is not quite the right word. Perhaps 'installation' is better. We are still working out the details — even at this very moment. Please follow me and I'll do my best to bring you up to speed," Califax said as he guided them to a lushly appointed conference room.
Finishing his "war spoils" seminar, Douglas Califax asked Harry if he had any questions. Now totally inundated with all the new information, Harry hardly knew where to start. Everything he thought he knew about the Wizarding world was in question.
"Okay, let me see if I understand this," Harry began. "You're telling me that because I led the final battle that defeated Voldemort, I'm about to receive land and titles. Not only that, but the land and titles are coming from those people who aligned themselves with Riddle.
"And what am I supposed to do with these titles and lands?"
It was as if Mr. Califax was surprised by the question when he spoke next. "Well, Mr. Potter–or, I should say 'Lord Potter' that is completely up to your lordship. I know I'm putting the cart first. Once we are finished here, you will take part in a private ceremony where your titles will be bestowed."
No one had mentioned a ceremony. Harry had thought he had finished with all the pomp and circumstance when the last memorial service had been held almost a month ago.
"Not to worry, Harry," Mr. Weasley said. "The ceremony is short and I've taken the liberty of inviting your closest friends and family."
Harry's head was spinning. He hadn't even thought about sharing this moment because he had no idea what was happening. It seemed that instead of falling into a world of comfortable obscurity, he was about to step fully into the limelight. This was not something he expected or really wanted to happen when he finally realized he had a future to live.
Sensing his discomfort, Mr. Weasley spoke again. "Harry, this is not just about you, my boy. This is about you and the rest our world. And most importantly, it is about how you will proceed. Whether you believe it or not, you are a role model, and much will be expected of you. Unlike your life before Voldemort's death, you will be able to decide for yourself what you will and will not do. I believe you will provide a very heroic expression of the best virtues of Wizarding kind…"
Harry winced at Mr. Weasley's use of the word "heroic."
But Arthur Weasley was not about to shirk his responsibility to help Harry get over his standoffishness from his new role as war hero. He intended to show Harry that as a role model he will be able to accomplish greater things than he ever imagined.
"Harry, you can not expect to stand by and let the world right itself. I know you think there are others who are better qualified…"
Again Arthur hesitated. He had already tried to explain this to Harry with the Goblet of Fire analogy. To his credit, Arthur had the patience that came from rearing six boys and one very headstrong daughter. He understood how this much change could overwhelm a young man. He saw it before as Charlie and Bill transitioned into their adult lives–Bill even more so because of his marriage and Fleur's pregnancy, something that Bill made him swear not to tell Molly until they were ready to make the announcement. All of this weighed on him as he decided how best to advise Harry.
"This is not a choice for you, Harry," Arthur said in a much stronger voice than he had been using previously. "This is an obligation. And granted, you did not ask for it, but by virtue of your actions you are bound, not only by tradition and society, but also morally to accept it. Along with the responsibility, there will also be a number of exciting possibilities your position will bring. My advice to you is to accept this as an honor and do your very best, as you always have done in the past."
This time Harry did not wince. He understood words like obligation and responsibility. Ginny had told him his "nobility thing" was one of his most endearing qualities, as well as his most infuriating. She promised him she would never let him forget breaking up with her because of it.
Just then, the receptionist poked her head into the room and told Mr. Califax that it was time. He escorted Harry and Mr. Weasley to another office door.
"Gentlemen, this doorway will Portkey you directly to the ceremony," Mr. Califax said. "When the ceremony concludes, you will return here to sign a few documents.
"Lord Potter, I do hope you enjoy your installation. And I do hope you will find dealings with my office professional and pleasant."
Califax motioned for them to pass through the portal and said, "I look forward to your return."
As they passed through the doorway, Harry and Mr. Weasley experienced a feeling more like Floo travel. When they finished spinning they found themselves in a finely appointed room. At the end of the room a throne dominated the wall. It was like nothing Harry had seen before in real life. It was how he imagined King Arthur's throne room would look. Gathered at the far end was the entire Weasley family, including Auntie Muriel. Percy, having reconciled with the family, had been put in charge of seeing to her needs. Along with the Weasleys, many of Harry's friends were waiting. Hermione stood next to a very well-dressed Ron. Next to them were: Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Hagrid, Minerva McGonagall, and Andromeda Tonks holding Harry's godson, Teddy. Kingsley Shacklebolt, the new Minister of Magic, was there as well. As he thought of the only person he didn't see, she appeared from behind Molly.
Ginny smiled and to Harry all the world was right. She knew what he was about to face, and she wanted him to find out about it on his own terms.
The ceremony began as Harry and Arthur entered the chamber. As they walked toward the gathering, trumpeters sounded a flourish.
"That's for you, Harry," Mr. Weasley said. "Now, I'll run you through everything you need to do as it happens, if you like. Or I'm sure you can muddle through on your own."
Harry could see the edges of Mr. Weasley's mouth twitch at his own joke. Normally, Harry would have risen to the occasion with the elder Weasley. However, this time he thought it better to play it safe.
"Oh no," Harry started. "You brought me here, so you get to stand next to me and let me know how not to look like fool."
When the two had reached the gathering, Mr. Weasley directed Harry to stand before the throne and wait.
A moment later another trumpet flourish sounded and in walked the most regal woman Harry had ever seen. He had seen her before on television while his Aunt Petunia went on and on about the Queen and the Royals, but here he was in front of the ruler of Great Britain. He could hardly believe what was happening. He could hardly believe his family and friends had kept him completely in the dark about what was happening.
Arthur stepped up to Harry's side and told him what to do.
"Just be yourself, Harry," he said. "Well... maybe a little better than you are with your friends. Make sure you show her the utmost respect. First bow, and then greet the Queen as 'Your Majesty' initially. After that use 'ma'am.' Accept her offer of a handshake, and, of course, she's going to want to talk to you, so be yourself."
His palms started to sweat as Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II approached. She stopped in front of Harry. He was somewhat surprised by her height. For some reason he expected her to be much taller than him.
"Mr. Harry Potter," the Queen stated.
Harry acted immediately. He bowed, to what he hoped was the appropriate depth and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."
"We have heard great things of your exploits and accomplishments," the Queen continued. "Obviously, we are expecting a continuance of your achievements for the betterment of both Muggle and Magical folk."
Kingsley approached and handed the Queen a saber similar to Gryffindor's sword.
His deep voice reverberated in the chamber. "Harry Potter, you have been summoned here by Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of your victory over the most evil and vile Tom Riddle. Because of this, you are to be recognized.
"Kneel."
Kingsley's voice was normally very forceful, but today, Harry couldn't obey it fast enough. Harry was almost sure Kingsley would have his head if he didn't.
"Harry James Potter, Her Royal Highness now bestows upon you the following orders and titles: The Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight of the Garter; The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, Knight of the Thistle; The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Knight Grand Cross; The Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Knight Victorious — Defender of the Light,; The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Knight Grand Cross; The Royal Victorian Order, Knight Grand Cross; The Royal Victorian Chain; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Knight Grand Cross; The Order of the Companions of Magic; and The Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem.
"With these titles come all the respect, responsibilities, duties and privileges due a loyal subject of the Realm."
The Queen tapped Harry on both shoulders and said with a very small smile, "Arise, Sir Potter. Go forth and bring glory to this, Our United Kingdom."
Before he could so much as blink, the Queen departed, leaving Harry and his friends to begin his new life.