Every year, on the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, there was a party. This party celebrated the deceased wizards and witches who had sacrificed their lives to win the war. It was initiated by Harry on the first anniversary since the war. He had approached McGonagall with the proposal and she accepted readily. It was at the fifth annual party in which Harry received the biggest shock he had ever had. It was unexpected news – and it took him by utter surprise.
The night started like the previous four parties. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny showed up early to set up with McGonagall and, with a few short waves of their wands and a few kind words to the House Elves, the food and decorations were complete. In the next ten minutes, dozens upon dozens of people showed up. Luna was the first, her radish earrings dangling fashionably from her ears. Then Neville burst through one of the doors, apologising for being late because of his Herbology class' detention. He was soon joined by his girlfriend, Hannah Abbott. A few guests Harry recognised but didn't know by name filed in, until Parvati Patil walked in. |
'Hey Harry! Is Padma here yet? She's meant to be bringing her new muggle boyfriend.' Harry was about to reply when a group of three redheads bustled in. His face broke into a grin as he recognised Percy, George and Arthur walking into the room. Harry, shaking the hand of each of the men, offered to get them a drink. Harry looked around the room and spotted McGonagall. He pushed his way through the crowd, politely nodding and giving greetings to those who saw him as he passed.
'Hello, Potter.'
'Please, Professor, just call me Harry.'
'Then you must call me Minerva.' Harry hesitated. He had spent years addressing Professor McGonagall by her title and now, he was an adult, and they were more than student and teacher; they were friends. With a smile, he agreed.
'So, Harry,' She emphasised the deliberate use of his first name, 'Five years, huh?' Harry opened his mouth to speak, when he was pushed aside by Parvati Patil, who was half-walking, half-sprinting to the doorway. Both he and McGonagall – or Minerva – followed suite to find out what the commotion was about. He reached the door and saw Parvati hugging a girl, identical to herself. Padma greeted Harry cheerfully. But Parvati quickly cut her off and asked the question she obviously needed to know the answer to.
'So, did you bring him?' Harry realised she was referring to the boyfriend she had told Harry about before. That's when Harry recognised the tall, thin, buff figure standing a bit behind Padma, his face hidden in the shadows.
'He's right here!' Padma smiled, 'Come on!' She held her hand out to the man and he reached for it, making his way towards the group. 'Everybody, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend.'
Everyone smiled approvingly at the built figure standing beside Padma. Everyone expect Harry. He was studying the mans' features intently. There was something familiar about him.
'Hello Harry.' The man smiled as he said these two, simple words and Padma glanced at her boyfriend curiously, wondering how he knew the man with the lightning scar. But Harry was gaping; his jaw was on the floor. His eyes stared in disbelief. For the thin, muscular figure standing before him was none other, than Dudley Dursley.