Bonds of Healing

By: HufflemypuffSiriusly

Disclaimer: The characters and places referenced in this story are not my own but that of J.K Rowling's work Harry Potter. This is an expansion of her work by myself that I receive no monetary compensation for.

Chapter 2

In the wake of the Battle, the Order of the Phoenix knew they had to act quickly. Within hours of Voldemort's death, the members of the Order of the Phoenix as well as some members of Dumbledore's Army had all met in the Headmaster's Office for a quick meeting post final battle. Professor McGonagall was appointed acting Head Mistress by those present and Kingsley would set off with a select few members and volunteers to take back the Ministry at which point he would reign as acting Minister until a proper election could be organized but for no more than 6 years.

The Ministry had been completely and utterly infiltrated by the Death Eaters. Though Voldemort was now gone and many of his supporters on the run, more still were hiding in plain sight within the government. Kingsley, along with a small army of others, apparated to the Ministry to begin weeding out those loyal to Voldemort.

The ministry was in Shambles when they arrived. By the time of the Battle most half blood and muggle born employees had been terminated or arrested. This left many vacancies that had been filled by hand picked pure blood supremacists and Voldemort sympathizers. At the news of the Dark Lord's death, a fight broke out in the Ministry. Voldemort may have been defeated but the war was not yet won. Kingsley Floo'd to the Ministry followed by several others including Ron. Harry and Hermione stayed behind. For the moment, they were tired of fighting. Ron however, was filled with rage.

The group debated on if the school should close or not. Many Professors and Order members felt that the school should be closed for reconstruction immediately. Hermione looked at Harry. She immediately thought of all the summers he had wished he could have stayed at school. Then she thought of Tom. would things have turned out different if he could have stayed at Hogwarts? Harry was looking at his shoes and knew he was thinking of Teddy and wondering how many other orphans like him there were now. How many of them were students?

Hermione then thought of all the wounded and dead. St. Mungo's had been partially destroyed! It didn't have space for all these victims. So many had nowhere to go now. Looking back to Headmistress McGonagall, Hermione cleared her throat and rose her hand to ask a question for the first time in a long time.

" Headmistress McGonagall, could we not, under the circumstances, allow the school to remain open for the duration?" Headmistress McGonagall inclined her head forward indicating for Hermione to elaborate. Suddenly realizing that by suggesting the school stay open, the professors would have to stay on as well to look after students thereby not being able to return to their own families, Hermione chastised herself. 'How insensitive am I!'

"It's just that, with so many wounded and needing to be treated here, their families are going to want to stay close by. And there now maybe many students who, well, to be frank, no longer have families to go home too. I would be one of them." Hermione took a deep breath. She had not revealed to most what had become of her parents. "I obliviated my parents memory of only me in such a way that they can not be retrieved. I- I had to keep them safe." Harry moved to her side, wrapping a arm around her shoulders as tears began to trail down her cheeks.

"I will not force any staff members who wish to return to their families to stay." Headmistress McGonagall said while looking above her spectacles. "But any who will stay on with me I welcome you to stay. For those of you who will be returning home, you will unfortunately not be having as long of a holiday as you are accustomed because your presence will be needed throughout the summer for the reconstruction efforts. During these periods, you are free to bring your families her with you."

For the first time ever in the school's history, the school would be open to students and family over the summer holiday while reconstruction was underway.

The search for the fallen on the grounds of Hogwarts and within the perimeter of the Forbidden Forest took many days to complete. Acting Headmistress McGonagall stayed behind at the school to oversee the recovery efforts and only once many days had passed without finding any more bodies, did she finally call off the search. Of the bodies found, there were an abundance of the departed were left unclaimed. These were the bodies of Voldemort's followers. Some of them were know but others, were completely unknown to any of the side of good. Random servants, both man and creature, that the Dark Lord had had his Death Eaters recruit to join his cause during his time abroad.

At the insistence of Harry, every attempt was made to identify all of the victims of the battle. Remembering that Ollivander had once told him that he 'remembered every wand he ever sold' Harry had him brought to the castle to try and identify people based off their wands. But even still, many were left unknown.

The overwhelming majority of volunteers helping with the recovery efforts were of the opinion that those particular corpses should just be incinerated; all evidence of their existence erased. When Ron had returned from the Ministry with Kingsley, he had been very vocal about this having just lost his brother. However, this concept did not sit well with Harry, Hermione, Luna and Hagrid. They were people too, no matter what choices and mistakes they made, they deserved to have a final resting place.

The four of them went to Headmistress McGonagall and upon Harry's suggestion, it was decided that a cemetery would be erected on the grounds of Hogwarts. Here, the bodies of all the unknown and unclaimed bodies would be buried along with anyone else who wished to have their family buried there. Professor McGonagall having always admired Harry's heart asked that he, Hagrid, Luna and Hermione help with the plans and construction of the Cemetery.

Kingsley and Ron had returned the previous evening, having successfully reclaimed the Ministry. It was agreed by all parties that due to the devastating conditions of wizarding britain's government at this time, it was going to take time to get it reorganized and restructured. In the meantime, the community needed to know that things were still moving forward. Something that would provide them with a sense of normalcy and security.

Since the School would be remaining open, anyone staying at the castle would need to help in the rebuilding efforts. It made logical sense that the school reopen for classes as soon as possible. The remainder of the year was lost as well as the many students who, due to the war missed the last year of their education. It was decided that getting the children back to school was a top priority.

Hermione couldn't have been more thrilled that the school would be reopening hopefully, the next spring, and true to form dove head first into helping organize the reconstructing and fundraising efforts. Harry and Ron were concerned for Hermione. They knew that she would throw herself into this project never giving herself the time to grieve for the ones they lost and feared that ultimately she would break down but, neither of them had the heart to tell her to slow down, to take this distraction away from her. They understood, they too felt the heavy pains of grief on their souls and so agreed to assist Professor McGonagall and dove head first into the abyss.

"Attention please!" McGonagall said as she rose from the long table at the front of the Great Hall. She sat in the golden owl topped chair that was once Dumbledore's. The great Hall had been somewhat cleared of debris so that the space could be used as a meeting place for all those who wanted to aid in the restoration process. The long wooden house tables were back in place to provide seating for everyone but no house colors hung, no banners of Hogwarts. The great hall was void of its personality. Stonewalls and stone floors with an un-enchanted ceiling, it felt as if, Luna thought, that the great hall had died along with the others.

"Attention PLEASE!" McGonagall said loud and stern causing everyone to finally begin to settle down.

"Thank you. Now, I know all of us have lost people in these last few years and many have been lost just recently but it is in this loss we must take strength and persevere. Mr. Potter has suggested, and we all have agreed to erect a cemetery for the ones we have loss here at Hogwarts." The newly appointed Headmistress of Hogwarts spoke to her audience with sad eyes but she held herself up with strength that radiated from her to all in the room.

"There are many facets to this undertaking that we believe, all asked here today, will be able to aid us in this endeavor, to make it as courteous and an impeccable homage to ALL who were loss in this tragedy." Many who had disagreed with the idea of creating a resting place for all shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

Luna noticed that Ron, in particular, looked rather shameful at the final comment made by Headmistress McGonagall having been one of the most adamant about not allowing the remains of the death eaters to be buried with the others. When, upon his arrival back from the 2nd battle at the Ministry, learned of the problem with the unclaimed bodies. He had made his opinions on the subject clear to all, it caused a very explosive argument between him and Hermione.

Ron letting his temper and grief get the better of him, spouted off numerous hate filled remarks on how the Death Eaters do not deserve to be treated as equals, they are lesser because they were evil and should be cast into the lake for the squid to eat or given to the spiders to feast on. Well Hermione, a pentacle for human and creature equality, Luna thought her head might pop off when she heard Ron say these things.

Luna chuckled that even Mrs. Weasley cowered slighting at the volume and shrillness of Hermione's voice while she was yelling at Ronald. Luna thought back to the Howler Luna had heard from Ron's mother in her first year. But with one look at the couple, Luna was sure they had not yet bridged this difference and it was creating a tremendous strain on their bond. Ron was not handling grief well.

"Miss Granger and Miss Weasley, I would like you both to assist me in the organization and planning of this project. You were two of the most diligent students I had and feel with your help we could finish this project within 2 months." Ginny sat up proudly at the compliment, always so sure and confident in herself while Hermione who, was the brightest witch of her age, help Harry defeat Voldemort, and was the reason Harry and Ron survived on the run for so long, still shy and blushed at McGonagall's words mumbling a humble thank you.

" Once I have finished assigning everyone their tasks, you may choose any of the remaining volunteers to join your team. Mr. Potter, I know you are not going to be comfortable with this but as this is your idea, you need to be the face of this project. This will involve meeting with the Daily Profit and Luna, if your father is up to it during his…time at home, have some articles printed in the Quibbler."

After the battle of Hogwarts, Mr. Lovegood was brought up on charges for attempting to turn Harry Potter over to Lord Voldemort in exchange for Luna. Harry had requested that he not be sent to Azkaban. Though Dementor's no longer guarded it, it was still a terrible place and Harry understood Mr. Lovegood's motives for calling the Death Eaters to his home. Harry spoke on Mr. Lovegoods behalf and suggested to Kingsley that he be placed under 'house arrest'-an apparent muggle term for being imprisoned but with in your own home. Luna did not quite understand how that was a punishment but she was not going to argue with it.

"Ms. Lovegood, with your…creative and unique personality and vision, we thought you might be an excellent choice to design the cemetery and work with Professor Hagrid on selecting a location. We will need the design concepts as soon as next week if we hope to have this completed within the next couple of months."

Luna's eyes sparkled at the request and stole a glance at Hagrid to see that he appeared to be delighted as well to be working with her. She smiled even wider when she caught him mimicking her actions and stealing a glance at her. They had had a very lovely chat while walking along the Black Lake and she knew the spark of friendship was there.

"I'd be delighted to help with that Headmistress. I'm sure Professor Hagrid and I will be able to come up with something wonderful." Luna's obvious enchantment with the task given to her was off setting to many in attendance who still wore their wretchedness on their faces. Molly and Arthur Weasley were quite possibly the most forlorn looking of everyone seated in the Great Hall today.

Days earlier while the search had been underway and the idea of a graveyard and just surfaced, they elected to have their Son, Fred, buried on the Hogwarts grounds. He had loved his school with such vigor and the memories he helped create there with his brother were sure to become school legends. Harry had offered to pay to have him buried elsewhere since, when Voldemort took over the Ministry of Magic, Mr. Weasley lost his job due to being a 'blood traitor' and thus lost their sole source of income for their family.

In the end however, the Wesley's (apart from Ron who did not feel that his brother should be buried along with Death Eaters) decided that being buried at Hogwarts was the best choice for their beloved son. They didn't understand Luna's enthusiasm at being given the job of designing their sons and the others final resting place but nonetheless when Luna looked at them and smiled a small smile they forced a sad smile back.

"Don't worry Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, I'm sure Fred will help inspire me to create something he and you will love." At that she turned towards where George was sitting with Angelina. "George, if you wouldn't mind helping Professor Hagrid and I, as long as that is okay with you Headmistress, I am sure we can craft an ethereal resting place for your brother. Your twin connection is still intact, bonds like yours can not be severed and, I would very much like both you and Fred's sentiments on where and how he would like to be laid to rest."

The room was silent. Not a person spoke, Luna really was not sure if anyone even was breathing after she spoke. George had tears brimming in his eyes. Everyone here just assumed she was trying to be comforting to George, telling him that he still had the twin bond to his brother, but she new it was there. She could see it. It was not as strong as it once was but it was there. His brother was still with him and he deserved to know that.

George stood up from the table and walked over to where Luna was sitting. Staring at her for a moment, still not a sound had been uttered by any in attendance, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around a slightly shocked Luna and began weeping openly into her shoulder.

"Thank you Luna" George said between his sobs. Soon the entire Weasley family was in tears and gathered around Luna and George as they held their embrace. After a few moments, when George's tears had finally subsided, he pulled away from Luna and looked into her wide grey eyes and smiled. Not a sad smile as his parents had given her earlier, but a real smile that was full of love.

"Thank you Luna for what you said. I-I don't know if what you say is true but…. I'm going to choose to believe it is if-if it means I still have Freddy with me. Maybe we can still perform a little mischief together." He gave Luna a little wink as he held out his hand to shake her hand. A little bit of George's troublemaking sparkle returned to his eyes and Luna knew at least George was on his way to healing.

The rest of the meeting went by quickly as Headmistress McGonagall assigned tasks to most in the group. Once the project managers had been assigned, the conundrum of whom to ask to join each group had to be tackled. Hermione, Ginny, Ron, and Harry all had their own Jobs, so beyond George, Luna had no idea who she should ask to help her with this undertaking. Luckily, Neville made it easy for her, suggesting that he and Professor Sprout be added to her team because of their knowledge of herbology.

Luna was thrilled at this suggestion as they would be able to help her and Hagrid choose which magical and non-magical plants to use for landscaping. She may have been very knowledgeable on uncommon magical creatures and some obscure plants like Dirigible Plums, but the vast majority of herbology was lost on her. The five of them congregated around Hagrid and Luna as all the other assemblages began to group around their respective team captains.

As everyone in the large hall began discussing their ideas Luna, the noise in the hall began to grow louder and louder. Echoing off the stone walls, Luna was finding it hard to think and suggested that Hagrid take them around the school grounds to scope out potential sites.

It was a warm summer day and the sun was high in the sky with a light breeze coming off the black lake. Luna loved to be outside. It was freeing being out in the open air. Feeling the breeze on your face. Not to mention Hogwarts was such a magical place that the she could see the castles magical signature radiating out across the sky like the Aurora Borealis. It was breathtaking. Luna was so lost in her thoughts that she had hardly registered that Hagrid had started talking.

"So, Luna…what er' you thinkin of? Suppose it ought to be large eh?"

"I'm sorry Hagrid…I didn't catch that. Got lost in the beauty of the castle grounds."

"Oh well yes, was jus' sayin tha' I suppose this grave yard will need to be pretty large…ya know…to hold eryone." Luna looked back towards the castle thinking

of the vast number of people they would have to accommodate for. Not to mention any witch or wizard who would wish to be buried there in later years.

"yes Hagrid, I believe you are correct. There are an awful lot of people who are in need of a resting place. Where might you suggest we start then?" Hagrid looked out over the grounds. They were heading out towards his hut and the Forbidden Forest. The owlery and Quidditch pitch were to their right and, a part from the very front of the school, that was the only area large enough for what they needed.

"Well there are only two places I can think o' an' I don't reckon Headmistress McGonagall would be any to pleased if we pu'it up by the front there. So I guess it be ore' by the Quidditch pitch. Tha' be okay with you George?" George had not said anything the whole time that they had been walking that the grounds. At sound of his name though, he looked up from his feet thinking for a moment on what Hagrid had said.

"Well, I think ole Freddy would have preferred to be planted under the Whomping Willow so if anyone came to mess with his grave…" Everyone present gave an eyebrow wiggling George an eye roll and even a snort from Professor Sprout as he continued on " He could get a couple punches in. But ya, near the pitch I think would suit him nicely."