Chapter 2: The Decision

"Well I certainly think we should all return to Hogwarts so we can have the best education possible, what do you think Ronald?"

"Well yeah I guess, I mean I don't really have any plans now that we are done chasing after horcruxes."

"What do you think you are going to do Harry", said Ginny nervously. What if he left her again and didn't come back to Hogwarts.

" Yeah I think that's the best option for all of us, I don't feel ready to leave Hogwarts and start a job just yet." Harry wasn't quite worried about school yet; he was more worried about where he would go this summer. He had no one left, know that Remus was gone and he definitely wasn't going to live with the Dursleys again. The four teens walked towards the rest of the Weasley family to go over their plans for the next year.

George looked lost without his twin, but Harry was glad to see a certain old Gryffindor Chaser sitting by his side. As Harry walked over, Angelina Johnson gave him a soft smile while she was seated next to George.

Before Harry could even sit down, Mrs. Weasley stood up and rushed to give him a hug. "Harry dear, I'm so glad you are all right. Arthur and I have been talking and we decided that you really shouldn't stay alone after all this trauma and we want you to come and live with us. Mind you, we haven't got much and you will have to share a room with Ron, but we would be happy for you to come and stay with us".

"Thanks Mrs. Weasley, I really appreciate having you guys as my family."

Mrs. Weasley smiled slightly and teared up, Harry could still see the pain in her eyes. The death of Fred had taken a great toll on her and she was trying to be strong for her family. Harry knew that she never would forget her son and that she would always have a hole in her heart that was left when Fred was gone.

Harry took a seat with the Weasley family, finally realizing that the family he had wished for was here all along. He was lucky to have a family care for him so deeply.

Later that afternoon, Harry, Ron, and Hermione all signed up to return to Hogwarts next year. Ginny did not need to sign up, as she was not repeating a year. Surprisingly they found many of their classmates were coming back as well. Neville Longbottom, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnegan, Hannah Abbot, Justin Finch Fletchley, and Susan Bones, were all returning. Unfortunately Draco Malfoy was returning as well.

"His mother must have forced him, that git! I can't believe he would be brave enough to return on his own." Ron said menacingly.

"Ron, will all know Malfoy is a stupid slimy git but we must not show prejudice and torture him just because his father was a death eater. After all his mother did save Harry's life." Hermione said calmly

" Bloody Hell Hermione, How can you say that after he is the reason you were tortured at Malfoy Manor!"

" Ron, we must forget these things and move on, it does no good dwelling in the past except to bring up bad memories" , she said shuddering.

The four knew that they must try to move on but the past would always haunt them sometimes and also in their dreams.

The day passed slowly as families grieved and tried to move on from the battle. The new minister Kingsley Shacklebolt walked quickly towards the Weasley table to find Harry.

"Mr. Potter, this evening I would like you to say a few words about the loss of so many and also for some encouragement. I know that everyone will look up to you and that you will help boost morale. Many families will find comfort knowing that their loved ones died trying to make a better world for future generations".

Harry simply said, "Ok Minister, I will try."

A few hours later, Harry was panicking about his speech.

"You will do fine love, I can think of no one better than you to talk to everyone." Ginny said encouragingly.

As soon as Harry stepped up to the podium he forgot his speech and spoke from the heart.

"Hello everyone, first of all I wanted to thank all of you for standing with me during this final battle, without you the win would have been impossible. I know all of you view me as someone special as "The Boy who lived" but everyone of you is just as special as me and everyone here today is a hero. If the minister agrees with me and I think he will everyone that participated in the Final Battle of Hogwarts should receive an Order of Merlin Second Class for their efforts and everyone that passed away should receive and Order of Merlin First Class. I know that everyone here has a loved one that was lost and I wanted to remind you that they did not die in vain. Every person that has died sacrificed themselves for a better world, so that they could know their children and future generations would be safe. Let that remind us of the world we know that they wanted us to have. Everyone here should also know that are loved ones are not gone for they are still here in our hearts. A memorial dedicated to those who have fallen will be placed in the atrium of the Ministry of Magic. It is engraved with the names of all those who have died and I would like to read those names today. Not only are the names of people who died in this battle, but also every person who gave their life to stop Voldemort. Regulus Black, Sirius Black, Amelia Bones, Lavender Brown, Charity Burbage, Colin Creevey, Albus Dumbledore, Alastor Moody, Lily Potter, James Potter, Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks Lupin, Rufus Scrimegour, Severus Snape, Ted Tonks, Fred Weasley…"

Holding back tears, especially at the names of his parents, Sirius, and Remus and Tonks, Harry finished his speech which was accompanied by roaring applause.

Harry slowly walked back to his friends, family, and his future, Ginny.

Hey everyone, for the next chapter I am having a hard time making a decision about Hermione's parents. Please review if you want them to have their memories back or if they can't regain their memories. Thanks, Please Review!