Disclaimer: I'm not J.K. Rowling!


Chapter 3

"Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, this is actually my first official duty and for those who don't know yet, I am the new Minister of Magic," started Kingsley. "From this point on, there will be changes in the magical community. One of these is the removal of dementors from Azkaban," this was met by cheers from many people, "the world will now be a brighter place due to the fact there is no longer need for the immense security measures in place. I want you all to enjoy spending the day at Hogsmeade, or Diagon Alley. Not be in fear of attacks and disheartened by posters showing the evil that has narrowly escaped taking over the world. Hogwarts Castle, which has suffered much damage, will be restored to its former glory and will be reopened in September with Minerva McGonagall as Head," people clapped. "Anyone who wants to help with the repairs can sign up on the sheet of parchment to my left once the ceremony is over. Now, onto the more grave part. We as a wizarding community have suffered many loses due to what is being call The Great Battle Of Hogwarts. This ceremony is to honour those who fought for what is right and for those who perished so that we could live in a better world. There is a boy here today, or should I say man, that deserves all of our gratitude. He is the reason we are all here today with no fear. I am therefore honouring Mr Harry Potter with an Order of Merlin First Class." Many people at this point stood up to cheer and clap, Ginny reached over and took his hand and Ron clapped him on the back. "Of course he didn't act alone. Miss Hermione Granger and Mr Ronald Weasley will receive Order of Merlin Second Class." More claps and cheering followed this. "I am also told that others played significant parts in the Battle and so I am awarding Mr Neville Longbottom an Order of Merlin Third Class." Harry turned to see Neville in complete shock. His Gran who was sat nearer the back had tears rolling down her cheeks and she looked so proud.

"Now the next thing I say may seem a bit … controversial. But I am awarding Severus Snape, who perished last night, an Order of Merlin Second Class. Unknown to most of us, including me until this morning, Severus Snape was working completely for our side. He turned against Voldemort and worked against him, on Dumbledore's orders. He killed Dumbledore not out of hate, but because Dumbledore forced him. Dumbledore was dying because of a curse in his hand and so made Severus make an unbreakable vow. He therefore was acting on orders and not for Voldemort. It is due to his help that we are here today." Harry looked at McGonagall and knew she had explained everything to Kingsley. He was grateful. He looked around and saw many people in complete shock.

"I now turn to what is behind me," he indicated the curtain. "This is a memorial statue that is here to remind us all of what was lost and fought for. Future generations will use this memorial to remember the sacrifices made for them to lead the lives they do. For them to be in peace and harmony, people have suffered. On the base are inscriptions of every person who has died for the cause, not just in the Battle last night but in the last War and in between. That concludes the ceremony and now I would like to welcome you all to stay for dinner for I hear the house elves are pulling out all the stops. Minerva McGonagall has asked me to say that those willing to help with the restoration are welcome to stay at the Castle, however everyone else will need to leave tomorrow morning, at which time the Hogwarts Express will come to take people back to London. Thank you very much," finished Kingsley and everyone clapped.

Most people started moving up towards the Castle, some stopping to congratulate Harry and friends. When most people had left, including most of the Weasley's, Professor McGonagall came over.

"I came over to tell you that, if you want to, there will be a place at Hogwarts for you if you 3 wish to finish your education. You will be most welcome to join the 7th year."

"Well I don't know about you two, but I will definitely be back," smiled Harry, and then he looked over at Ron and Hermione.

"I want to finish my education," said Hermione and then they both turned to Ron.

"Well I couldn't leave my girlfriend and best friend having all the fun without me could I? Sign me up!" said Ron.

"Excellent, you'll get your letters nearer the time."

"Umm professor," said Neville, Dean and Seamus were behind him.

"We were wondering if we could also come back and do 7th year again," said Dean.

"Yeah, Seamus and I didn't really learn much this year," said Neville.

"And I had to leave half way through," added Dean.

"Well then in that case you three will also be welcome back. I'll set it up so that you 5 boys, or young men, can have your dorm all to yourself as usual," said Professor McGonagall, then she made her way back up to the Castle.

"How about that," said Ron. "The Gryffindor boys back together again."

"You'll be in my year!" exclaimed Ginny while Luna also looked pleased.

They made their way over to the memorial statue which was now deserted. Harry scanned the memorial for two names in particular.

"Here they are," said Ginny, looking at Harry. He looked at her puzzled because he hadn't told her who he was looking for. "Your parents," she added, pointing at two names in front of her. "James Potter and Lily Potter. Lily is such a nice name," she said.

Harry moved round to where she was stood and looked at the names. He reached out and touched them. The statue was all sorts of magical creatures and a wizard, all joining together as one. Indicating peace and harmony.

"Here's Sirius," said Hermione who was round the other side.

"And here's Lupin and Tonks ... and Colin," said Ron, who took Hermione's hand.

"This is perfect for people to come in the future and remember what happened," said Harry, glad that the people would never be forgotten.

"Here's Severus Snape" said Dean. "I still can't believe he was a good guy all this time."

"Mad Eye Moody," said Hermione scanning the names. Harry thought back to the night Moody died, collecting Harry from the Dursley's. Then he looked at another name,

"Dumbledore," he said quietly.

"Shall we go back up to the Castle?" asked Ginny, who was shivering a bit.

"You guys go, I want to just stay here for a little bit longer. I'll be fine," he added when Ginny started to say something.

The others all moved away from the statue and moved towards the open doors of the Castle.

"Umm guys, I might just stay with him for a bit. Tell my Gran I'll be there in a bit if you see her," Neville said and Luna looked at him questioningly. He wanted to talk to Harry, without everyone else.

"You didn't have to stay Neville, I'm fine," said Harry, not facing the other boy.

"I wanted to Harry. I'm the one, besides you, who best understands growing up with no parents and I know that your worried about Teddy Lupin, Ginny told Luna who told me," Neville explained.

"Because of me Teddy has to grow up not knowing what it's like to have parents, I wouldn't wish that on anyone," said Harry.

"But it won't be like it was for you. He's got his Grandmother and you and all the Weasley's. Until I came to Hogwarts it was just me and Gran and I managed okay. I may not be perfect but I coped with not having parents. In a way its better they're dead than like my parents, who haven't got a clue who I am. We'll all help you get through this Harry and we're here to offer any support we can. Teddy will never know what it's like not to be loved."

"I'm sorry Neville, I didn't think about you and your Gran," said Harry, momentarily forgetting Neville didn't live with his parents.

"You can tell Teddy what a great guy Lupin was, I might not have known him as more than a teacher but I know you had a friendship with him."

"Neville," Harry said, looking up at the other boy. "What's it like to have your parents not know who you are?" It was a question that Harry had been wanting to ask ever since they had seen Neville at St Mungo's. Now felt the right time.

"It's ... well, I've never known any different. I mean I was too young to remember before … It's tough though because it's like I have no closure, I still have parents but they aren't really there if you know what I mean. They're just empty shells. I don't really like visiting them but Gran makes me. I just want them to … to not suffer and at the moment they have no idea who they are," explained Neville, who was actually pleased that he could talk to someone about it.

"Why don't you write their names on here?" said Harry.

"What? But this is for the people who died," said Neville.

"Yeah and to remember what people have gone through. Your parents sacrificed a lot Neville, they should be commemorated in some way." Harry summoned a pocket knife and offered it to Neville.

"Thanks Harry," smiled Neville and he started carving his parents initials. When he had done he gave the knife back to Harry who bent down and started carving something else. When he stood back Neville could see two names. Hedwig and Dobby.

"They should be on here too," explained Harry.

Together the two boys made their way slowly back up to the Castle. Harry fleetingly thought back to the conversation he had with Dumbledore that the prophecy could have meant either of them. Neville might not think he was brave, but Harry knew he was. It took courage to fight and Neville had pulled the Gryffindor sword out of the hat, Harry was confident that if things had turned out differently all those years ago, Neville would have taken up the challenge just as Harry had.

Now they just had to rebuild the wizarding community.


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