Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way back down the spiral staircase and headed towards the Great Hall. As they reached the entrance hall Harry braced himself for the inevitable wave of people who were surely going to bombard him as soon as he entered the room. However the sight that awaited him surprised him. Unlike the bustling mass of people who had previously been moving around prior to his assent to the headmaster's office with Ron and Hermione, the room was now filled with many rows of a strange assortment of chairs. And every single person who fought in the war and what appeared to be most of their family, as well as the entire Ministry of Magic was seated upon them. Up on a high stage stood Kingsley and Professor McGonagall who until they had entered had been addressing the crowd. Harry knew it was coming before it actually happened and turned a bright shade of scarlet. When McGonagall and Kinsley noticed them they stopped talking abruptly and stared at them. The rest of the people in the room followed their line of sight and when they saw Harry, Ron and Hermione erupted in to absurdly loud applause and cheers. McGonagall beckoned them up towards the stage. They made their way through the narrow passage left between the rows of people. Ron and Hermione grinning ear to ear, surprised but pleased to find them self's in the middle of such happiness. Harry however could only manage a weak smile. He was exhausted having not seeped for well over 24 hours and having had to run around with very little nourishment. When they finally reached the base of the stage, as they made to go sit down with the remaining Weasley's McGonagall called "Potter would you mind joining us up here please?" she requested. Harry glanced at Ron and Hermione who both gave him encouraging smiles before joining hands and heading towards the Weasley's and seating themselves at the end of the row next to Percy. Mrs Weasley was crying silent tears and next to her George stared off in to space with a tear stricken face. Harry felt his heart wrench at the thought of Fred. Harry slowly made his way up the steps and the cheers subsided as Kingsley started to speak again "As I was saying, as the temporary Minister for Magic I thank all those who participated in our efforts to free the magical world from the evil grasp of Lord Voldemort. And as a token of the whole world wide wizarding community I am going to award every member who fought in the battle a Order of Merlin 2supnd/sup class and the following Luna Lovegood, Nevile Longbottom, Ginny Weasley, Hermonie Granger and Ron Weasley all Order of Merlin 1supst/sup Class for their extraordinary contribution to brining down the so called Dark Lord." Following the announcement an exclamation of noise echoed around the room. Harry looked at the Weasley's knowing that the Gold that would come from Ron and Ginny's winnings would mean that they would never have to worry about money again. The shock had made Mrs Weasley start sobbing and Mr Weasley had a dazed look on his face while trying to comfort his wife. Ron and Hermione had exchanged dazzling smiles before falling in to a deep kiss. And Ginny… Ginny with her long fiery red hair cascading down her back smiling and hugging Luna. Harry wondered if they could ever be the same again. The news even momentarily brought George out of his gaze. When the voices subsided Kinsley continued. "As well as this a special plaque will be made baring all the names of those who fought in the battle and will be placed in every magical place all over the world so everyone can know of your bravery" More applause. "I can not express the deepness of my condolences to those of you who losed someone to the war. However as well as the plaque a monument will go along side baring the names of those brave souls who losed their life's so we could live in peace and freedom." At this Mrs Weasley could no longer stand it and had to be escorted out of the room. In fact every one now had silent tears rolling down their faces. McGonagall now spoke with her confidant yet soothing voice. "All the house dormitories have now been extended to accommodate those who wish to stay for the remembrance tomorrow and wish to help with the clear up. The house elves will round shortly with food. And as Headmistress of this school and on behalf of the ministry I would like to present Harry Potter with the most prestigious award possible to give, and in fact had to be created to emphasise the immensity of what he a has done for the world. I present him with the Albus Dumbledore peace award for astounding bravery." The noise made by the Weasley's alone was immense. Harry turned a deep shade of red and then McGonagall dismissed every one and approached him. Before he could say a word she pointed her wand at him and said "No Potter you will accept it and no arguments" Harry swallowed his words and said instead "Thank you professor but if you will excuse me I need to sleep" She nodded and strode of towards Neville. Harry made his excuse and made his way up to Gryffindor tower and flung himself on his bed and all thought vanished. And for once no dreams bothered him. He was at peace. And ready to start his new beginning./span/p
