For the Character Appreciation Challenge (Kingsley Shacklebolt)

"You look exhausted," Minerva notes.

Kingsley laughs, but it's a dry, humorless sound. "Do I? I wonder why," he says, slumping forward. "We've only just finished a war."

With a smile, his former professor sits across from him, taking his hand. "And now there's quite a mess to clean," she says. "We're going to need someone to oversee it, especially with no one leading the Ministry at the moment."

Kingsley considers this, and it takes several moments for her words to sink in. "I can't just-"

"It is possible, and quite necessary, for an acting Minister to step in," she says. "I highly doubt anyone would question you if you were to take on that burden."

Kingsley wrings his hands together, turning her words over in his mind. He's never wanted such a position. So many within the Ministry speak of wanting to move up, to have a higher station. But he has always been happy with what he's had. "Minerva, I couldn't- I wouldn't even know where to begin."

She folds her arms over her chest, studying him. He almost expects her to announce that she's prepared a surprise quiz for him. "I think you do know," she says, glancing over her shoulder.

Kingsley follows her gaze. All around, Hogwarts is in ruins. All around, survivors look shaken. All around, loved ones cling to the fallen, crying, screaming, and cursing. He swallows dryly. He could do it. And she's right. No one would blink an eye if he were to stand in.

"You were always so bright," she continues. "I remember that by your third year, I was convinced that I was looking at the next Minister."

His nerves are frayed, but still he stands. Minerva regards him with a knowing smile. "And I was right," she chuckles.

Though his hands shake, he moves to the podium at the front of the Great Hall. "As acting Minister," he begins, his words trembling, "I would like to thank each of you for your services here."

All eyes are suddenly on him. Kingsley stands tall. He has no room left for doubt.

"It has been a long war," he continues. "And there were many who, tragically, did not live to see its end. I understand your grief, and I share it. We will ensure that no one is forgotten."

"Ear, ear!" George Weasley calls, and there's a smile on his lips despite the tears still streaking his face.

Kingsley takes a deep breath. "And though we have lost many, let us remember that we are still here. Let us come together now and look to the future. Let us lean on one another as we heal and rebuild."

There is so much that he wants to say, but most of it cannot be strung together into tangible thoughts. He will have to work on that. "Thank you. Carry on," he says.

Minerva catches his gaze as he exits the podium. "You'll be a fine Minister, Mister Shacklebolt."

Kingsley smiles weakly. "I hope so, Minerva."