Howdy all! To start with, I in no way own Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Hogwarts, etc., etc. If I had, the outcome would have been much different. Secondly, my friend Mark Chapa read this story and began to question what Harry went through during his life. So, due to his request and my wanting to have a little fun, I added an additional chapter highlighting his life. It turned out doubling the length of the original story. There were a few minor changes to it as well to make everything work. I hope that you enjoy the new and improved story. By the way, thank you Mark for the suggestion and the beta work.
Chapter 4- Death's Defiance
July 31, 1998
"Do you think he will be ok, Authur?" The Weasley parents were sitting at the kitchen table enjoying their tea after Harry's birthday party. The birthday boy had retired to Bill and Charlie's room after the small gathering.
"After the first time we saw him in St. Mungo's I really didn't know. He was broken and devastated. With two of his best friends dead I wasn't sure if he would recover, but..." Authur stared deeply in the large mug of Earl Grey that his hands were gripping searching for the words, "something happened to him in there. It was almost of an epiphany."
Molly nodded in agreement. "I have seen a change in him as well. He has never been more focused in his life. Even with Hermione pushing both himself and Ron, he never had this kind of drive."
"All we can do is watch and wait and help him when he needs it," Authur added.
September 19, 1998
Harry entered through the kissing gates while striding passed the lines of tombstones. Not much had changed since he had been here a few months ago. Purposely he strode past the first few rows and made his way down a long row. In front of him was his destination. The earth had settled leaving only a slight mound now while a long stone bench sat at the end of three final resting places. Kneeling between two of them he placed the tulips on the grave of his mother, the lilies on his father's grave, getting up and kneeling at the final grave he placed the final bouquet, roses, on the grave of his best friend.
"Hi Hermione, mum, and dad. It has been busy so far this year at school. Luna and myself are been kept working all the time by Minerva. It's strange for me to call her that, but she keeps on insisting. Says that after what I have been through I deserve it. I don't agree, but what I want to do in the future will accomplish it hopefully."
Standing and retreating to the bench, he restarted his story. "As you know I am back at Hogwarts and classes are busy with NEWTS. The new transfiguration and defense professors are always using me for a teaching assistant and Flitwick is his ever jovial self. We have a new professor for potions. He is a good mix between Snape and Slughorn. Strict, and doesn't allow anybody cheating but with a more relaxed method. I know that you would be proud that I am taking five classes for NEWTS and I have started Runes and Arthrimacy for OWLS, I don't think that I will be close to taking those tests by the end of the year, but I can always take them latter."
Harry shifted slightly on the bench and putting his elbows on his knees. "I miss all of you, but I especially miss you Hermione. I never realized how much I depended on you for everything." His eyes glistened in the afternoon. "I'm sorry that I was able to never thank you for everything that you did for me and for always sticking with me through all of our adventures." A small chuckle escaped his lips as memories of the past flashed through his mind. "Mum and dad has she told you the time that we rescued Sirius from the tower. It all started..."
May 2, 1999
The May sun warmed the stone monuments that signified the final resting places of the citizens of the community. A cool breeze whistled as it slipped between and around certain ones. Sitting on a bench was a man with unruly black hair, emerald green eyes hidden behind round rimed glasses. With his shoulders slumped, elbows resting on his knees, and his chin resting in the palm of his hands, he simply stared at the new floral arrangements in front of him.
"I miss you all. It has been a year since that day; the worst day of my life." Harry paused battling with the emotions pounding in his chest. "I don't know what to say, except that I miss all of you. I don't know what to do with my life now. NEWTS are in a few weeks and Hogwarts will be nothing but a memory. Things just haven't been the same this year without you and Ron Hermione. This year has been a turning point due to your words, Hermione. I have tried to reach my potential. I'm in the top couple of students, not that there are many left in our year."
Harry shifted on the bench reducing the stain on his chest. "I have been approached by Dirk Daughtington about joining the DMLE, but I don't think I am going to do that. I had my share of fighting in the past and I want to do something else. I have actually been thinking about…"
September 19, 1999
A cool breeze blew into his face as he stood on top of the Eifel Tower in Paris. The drink in his hand was facing west as he raised it and silently wished Hermione a happy birthday, where ever she was. Her birthday was something that he never would forget, even if he had not acknowledged many of her birthdays earlier in her life. That was no more and now it would always be something he would remember.
Looking down he could see other people enjoying the warm afternoon. Despite the fact they looked like ants scurrying across the area, he could not help but think about the way that they knew nothing about the world of magic and how they ignored the signs. Shaking his head slightly he glanced back up at the skyline stretched in front of him. It was beautiful to see the setting sun and could only imagine seeing it with Hermione.
"Harry," came a voice from beside him. Turning slightly he gazed into the blue-grey eyes of his friend. The wind was lifting her dark blonde hair as is rushed by.
"Yes Luna."
"Are you ok? I am just worried about you, that's all. I know a little about how you are feeling. I miss my mother as well," she responded. Looping her arm around his and pulling it close to her chest while resting her head on his shoulder.
"Just miss her that's all and wishing her a happy birthday."
"Well, why don't I take you to dinner, my treat tonight," she replied dragging him away from the rail. "The nargels told of a nice little place not far from here.
Harry let out a loud laugh as he began to follow his friend.
December 31, 1999
Harry let out a groan as he was being drug into another shop. All day the pair of them had been drug from through out the ally by the slight blonde veela currently pulling on their arms.
"Come 'Arry and Luna, it iz about to close," Gabriel urged them to a quicker pace.
"Luna, I told you it was a mistake to go to Bordeaux that weekend," Harry stated with a small smile on his face.
"I thought that we could simply drop her off in Marseille before we left for Cairo. Those eyes she made at us simply crushed our will to refuse her request," the British blonde added.
"Demand was more like it. I…"
"Non," the French blonde cut across Harry. "Your trip would not 'ave bin much fun. Besidez, I 'ave not been to Cairo and Luzor before. It is an educational experience that I have never had an opportunity to 'ave. Besidez, mama and papa would only trust you to act as my guide."
"I would not have thought that your parents would trust Harry to escort you on a trip like this," Luna added.
Gabrielle shrugged her shoulders daintily as they stepped into another shop selling various items. "Fleur haz told them some about you and zhey know many zhingz zhrough the tabloids, but my papa has many connectionz in zhe ministry. Zhey know zhat 'e would protect me from what 'e could." Turning around the fourteen year old veela grinned slightly, "and I know zhat he would do zhis for zhem and for me."
Luna cringed slightly, as her thoughts raced at how Harry would react. Even though he could accept a physical touch from close friends, which he had few of, women who wanted to establish a relationship with him were in for a rather long wait. She remembered a confrontation with Lisa Turpin where she wanted to date Harry, but he didn't return the feelings. It ended with Lisa serving several weeks of detention for her outburst at him declining her request.
"Gabrielle, I…"
"Non, you misunderstand me 'Arry. I am quite 'appy witz being a friend of yourz." Slowly she closed the gap between them before wrapping him in loose hug and stepping back. "Now 'urry I wish to zee the fireworks over the Nile tonight."
Harry nodded in casual acceptance with a slight smile on his face.
June 26, 2000
Sitting at his bench once again, Harry was recited his travels to his parents and to Hermione. "After we got Gabrielle back to her parents we spent about a month each in Germany, Russia, India, and China. The magic they have is quite a bit different from what we have. I can't describe it fully. Maybe in a few years after I have studied it I can tell you more about it."
He shifted on the bench before continuing, "We then travelled to Australia for the real purpose of why I wanted to travel a bit. I found your parents, Hermione." The tears in his eyes were trying to fall as he thought about her parents. "I found them just outside Sydney. They seemed happy, I don't know if that was where you sent them, but they had their practice open." The tears began to roll down his face as he pictured their new addition. "You're a big sister to Owen Mamillus. He is almost a year old by now. They adopted him, but you knew that they could never another child after you." Pausing to look at the horizon he continued, "He looks like you a little, or maybe it's my wish that it was our child that I held while talking with your parents. I wish I could have used my real name, but I was afraid that it might make then remember something, and I couldn't take their happiness away from them like that. He has black hair and brown eyes and a nose that reminded me of you." At that he broke down and cried.
A distance away a dark haired blonde stood resolutely as she watched her best friend finally begin to grieve for his lost love. "May Merlin be with you Harry on your journey and may provide a safe return as well."
August 28, 2000
Harry was sitting on a conjured chair in front of the wafting veil. In the background he could hear the low murmur of voices calling and beckoning him. Staring at the gateway, contemplating on what was on the other side he twisted the rope that was in his hands. It had been attached to a box of supplies that he had put together before tossing it through the gateway. The frazzled end of the rope was all that was left and it had never made it past the veil.
"It's one of our greatest mysteries."
Harry spun with wand in hand to see the thin frame of his supervisor. "Sorry about the wand. It's just…"
The man laughed loudly drowning out what Harry was continuing to say. "Harry, if there was anyone who would have those types of reactions, it would be you." Walking up beside his employee and creating his own chair to relax in, he turned his attention to the lean black haired man. "So any breakthroughs that you came up with?" A slight smile crossed his round face.
Harry shook his head in an awkward motion. "No, I just wanted to come down and try something that I thought of last night." Holding up the end of the rope, he continued. "This end didn't make it through the veil." Closing his eyes he couldn't avoid seeing the image of his godfather falling through the veil years before. "I didn't think it would work, but I had to try. To try to do a little something for him, Reinhold. I never got to spend that much time with him.
"Would you mind some friendly advice?" Harry turned to the head of the DoM and nodded slightly for him to continue. "It is never easy to lose a loved one. You might not know it, but I lost my first wife just before you stopped the dark wanker back in '81. I eventually went on to remarry several years later, but I still miss her to this day. Claire knows and has told me that she holds a great deal of respect for someone that I still love till this day. But I'm getting off subject. What I want to tell you is to remember them while they were here. It will cause you heartache if you continue to hold on to them, Harry."
Harry nodded slightly at the words of his mentor remembering Hermione's word for him before she left for the final time. 'Live your life in memory of ours.' He had been trying to do just that. Taking the job with the DoM was a part of that. Trying to change the system from the inside was just a first step.
"Harry, I will add one more piece of advice, don't miss the forest for the trees. There are many forms of magic that we will never understand and the veil is one of them. Now, with that said, you are coming home with me. Claire has been needling me to bring you home for a meal," Reinhold stood quickly dragging Harry with him before vanishing their chairs and exiting the room.
December 25, 2006
White plumes escaped his nose and mouth as Harry sat talking with his family once again.
"… and with the application of Sherman's 2nd law of transfiguration and keeping in line with Newton's law of conservation of mass and energy we can now without a doubt prove that during the conjuration of items, no matter what it is, must have air or a gas as a base element before the conjuration can begin. The amount of base element is also directly related to the mass of the object to be conjured. It is a major step forward in the understanding of the application of transfiguration." Letting out another long stream of mist, Harry paused in thought. His length of visits varied on the time of year and what was going on in his life at the time that he shared. "On a separate note, Alexander Davis approached me concerning his daughter, Melody. She was a few years younger than we are and in Ravenclaw. He is insisting on a marriage contract between the two of us, but I really don't want to. It's not that I think that I am betraying you or your memory Hermione, but I just don't want to be involved with anyone right now with my work. I've tried to tell him several times that I am not interested…"
June 21, 2009
Harry stood fidgeting in a white set of robes during an unusually hot summer in Wales. Pulling at his collar trying to ease the strangling object around his neck, he turned to the clear lake in the backdrop of the tents and the circle of stones arranged for the ceremony. He noticed the loopy gait of Desmond Stephens, a coworker of his, dressed in dark blue robes, Harry almost felt sorry for him and would have if not for the existence of cooling charms.
"Harry what a wonderful day for a wedding. Don't suppose you have seen the bride today?" Desmond asked in his nasally voice.
"Besides being a little warm it is a nice day and I have not seen her since last night after the rehearsal." Pulling out a pocket watch from the inside of his robes, Harry nodded his head to the watch, "but I suspect we will see her shortly. If you will excuse me I must take my place and you should take yours."
With that, Harry strode towards one of the tents with the sides dropped around it. In a soft voice, he announced his presence, "Hey I'm here."
From the other side of the fabric he heard her response, "Please come in Harry."
Entering the tent, he stopped just inside the flap looking at the beautiful visage in white standing in the middle of the tent. "You look amazing Luna. James will not know what hit him."
Smiling brightly, she responded, "Thank you Harry, for both the compliment and escorting me to fill daddy's position." Dropping her head slightly she asked a question. "Can you do me one favor Harry before we exit?"
"Of course, but before that I have a gift for you." Reaching inside his robe, Harry pulled a box resembling a book from a pocket. "I thought that you might like this today." Opening the box revealed a white gold chain with a matching moon hanging which was studded with diamonds arranged in a hexagon, below that was a matching bracelet. Stepping forward with the box in hand, Harry placed it on a table removing the items before placing them around her neck and wrist.
"Oh, they are so beautiful Harry. I love them and thank you again." Turning from the mirror she pulled him into a hug, resting her head on a shoulder. Tightening her arms to avoid him breaking contact she prepared to ask her favor. "Harry I have loved you for years." She immediately felt him stiffen and held on tighter. "I know that you love Hermione and I would never attempt to fill her place, but I would very much like a kiss before vowing myself to a man I have as much respect for as you." Looking at his face and feeling him relax in her arms; she raised one hand to his face before stretching and lightly kissing him on the lips. "That was very nice, Harry. Now, please escort me to my wedding before we attract blithering humdingers."
Harry laughed at his sometimes strange friend, but would never trade her for anything.
September 1, 2011
"… and then she says 'I don't think that is a real spell' Ron turned four shades of Weasley at his embarrassment. I'm sorry about how we treated you those first couple of months, but at the time we were immature and didn't know any better. I just can't believe that it has been twenty years. Sometimes it feels like a hundred, others like it were yesterday." Harry paused deep in thought of what they had went through during their times at Hogwarts. "Oh, Neville and Susan are expecting a little girl. They can't be happier at its arrival. And Neville is still pushing to me to accept the offer to take a place on the Wizengamont. I guess if changes need to made, I will have to take up a seat on it. And Luna and James have just come back from…"
September 3, 2012
"… and that are the Granger initiatives my Lords and Ladies." Harry stood in front of the Wizengamot on baited breath waiting on their reactions. These sets of proposed law changes were very mild, but critical in changing the minds of the wizarding world so that it would continue. Reinhold and he had drafted, edited, argued, and almost come to blows during the writing of these changes over a four month period before settling on them.
A single hand clap broke the silence in the chamber as it rang out. It doubled in count, quadrupled, and then exploded in number. A small smile graced his face as he thought, 'this one is for you Hermione.'
November 20, 2014
Harry rushed through the doors looking frantically for anyone to assist him. Spying the information desk he approached the young lady attending it. "Excuse me, but I am looking for Luna Franklin. She came in here several hours ago in labor."
The twenty-something attendant glanced up to view first hand a living legend. Star struck and dumbfounded she could only stare at Harry as he stood in front of her.
Becoming more agitated by the moment, Harry broke the awkward silence, "Luna Franklin, is she here?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Potter. Let me check." Forcing herself to look back to her registration book, she quickly found the name listed under the fourth floor maternity ward and in room 438. "She is on the fourth floor in room 438," the young woman replied.
"Thank you, Megan," Harry countered as he quickly disappeared from the atrium.
Megan would have danced around the room twirling at the simple thought that Harry Potter knew her name, if she hadn't been on duty at the time. Basking in the attention that she received from Harry Potter, she completely ignored the next person stepping up to her desk asking Megan for directions after observing her name tag.
Knocking softly on the door, Harry heard James' voice from the other side of the door say, "come in."
Tuning the handle and pushing the door in, Harry found Luna propped up in the bed with a bundle of cloth in her arms. Even with her hair matted against her forehead and face and blotchy red skin, she looked at peace and relaxed. A sandy blonde man rose from his chair to the side watching as Harry entered the room.
Both moving to a far corner, Harry began, "How is she?"
A wide smile graced the round face of the man, "Excellent, if a little tired. She just feed her before dosing off a bit ago."
"Luna would never tell me what the two of you were going to name her. So, what is it?"
The smile disappeared almost instantly as the man broke eye contact, "I'm sorry, but Luna won't let me tell you. She wants to be the one to tell you." As the words left his mouth, the mother roused from her slumber.
"Harry, I am glad that you made it," she called while looking at the black haired man in the room. Harry made his way to the bed and rested softly on the end, placing a hand on her foot. "James and I have a question for you, but first would you like to hold her?"
"Of course, I would love to." Stretching out his arms to retrieve the bundle, he pulled the newborn close to his chest staring at the red-faced sleeping child. He could see a few blonde tufts on the top of her head with a slightly up turned nose. "She looks a little like you Luna, beautiful."
"Thank you Harry. James and I have discussed it and we would like to you be her godfather," the new mother asked nervously.
Never looking up from the child he instantly responded, "It would be an honor James and Luna."
"Then meet your goddaughter. We named her after two women I have great respect for, my mother being one and a friend the other. We announce, Regina Hermione Franklin." Looking at his face she could his eyes close before his head tilted up, causing them to lock gazes. The pain at his loss was not evident anymore, but the emerald orbs shone today with a dampness radiating joy and happiness.
"I'm positive that they appreciate the sentiment."
March 28, 2019
An elderly man climbed the steps of the platform on one end of the atrium of the Ministry of Magic. Taking his time approaching the podium he surveyed the crowd realizing this would be the last time he would do this. Nervous chatter filled the room as the crowd anticipated the results. To his left a voice rang out, "Who was selected as the new minister, Minister Richmond?"
Chuckling slightly before applying the spell, "Ladies and gentlemen I will answer that question in a few moments. Before that I would like to thank everyone who has helped me during my term as Minister. I could never recall everyone's name, so I shall not attempt it, but please know you have my everlasting thanks and gratitude. I was able to witness some extraordinary events in my last eleven years. I hope that this trend continues in the years to come and I believe it will." Devon Richmond paused in his speech, fully aware of the deathly silence in the atrium as the crowd awaited the announcement of the next Minister. He could ramble on for an additional hour and the populous would never waver for they were waiting for the new minister.
"But you do not wish to listen to the ramblings of an old man; please ladies and gentleman let me announce you to the next Minister of Magic, Harry James Potter."
The crowd exploded in a raucous of cheering and clapping as the lean young man strode to the podium to take over after shaking his predecessor's hand. Richmond slipped to the back of the stage listening to an impassioned speech encouraging acceptance, assistance, and caring to the crowd. 'I will simply be a foot note regarding the changes that have been made, the real change is about to occur and may Merlin be with you Minister Potter.'
August 14, 2022
On a desolated Scottish highland a series of bagpipes played in the distance as a crowd surrounded an open hole in the ground. At the head of a simple oak casket was a druid chanting over the remains of Minerva McGonagall. As he finished, everyone turned to the Minister waiting for his comments.
Harry stood silently between two blondes, one almost silver and the other was darker blonde. The darker blonde had a small child perched on her hip and another grasping her hand whereas the silver blonde had two standing in front of her. Both of the women were flanked by their husbands and trying to provide comfort to Harry as he listened to the service.
Stepping forward and clearing his throat Harry began, "Minerva McGonagall was a woman of extraordinary talent. She was a teacher to many of us, head of house for many as well, and for a select few, a friend, mentor, and in her own way, family. Luckily I was a part of that select few."
Harry reached up with a trembling hand to wipe the tears from his eyes before his continued. "After the war ended, my life was in disarray. I had no direction in my life. However, a stern Scot made me the head boy when the school re-opened, pushing me to concentrate on something else other than the lives that we lost during that difficult time. I didn't realize this at the time, but she told me later about it. I realize now at that point in time it was a turning point in my life. I could have faded into obscurity and became a foot note in history, but she would not allow someone to be average when they could achieve more if she could avoid it."
"Since that time she would always challenge me with something new every time I spoke with her. She took it as a personal challenge to encourage me to engage my facilities as she spoke of it." Those that knew the woman chuckled or nodded at the phrase she used often. "I will miss her challenges, her wisdom, and her friendship. May Merlin be with you on your next great adventure, Minerva McGonagall."
April 17, 2026
Families across wizarding Britain sat huddled around their wirelesses listening to their minister's voice coming from the speakers.
"… arrested the rebellious faction in a daring raid on known safe houses. Unfortunately, three members of the task force that executed the raid lost their lives in the battles. Myself as Minister, the heads of DMLE, and everyone at the Ministry of Magic mourn the senseless loss of life that occurred at the hands of these terroristic individuals. Rest assured that the families of those who lost their lives will be well taken care of."
"Members of the faction have been secured in a detention center where they will await trial for their crimes against humanity. I will say this at this time, we have made tremendous strides in creating a fair and cooperative society, but I will never allow the wizards and witches of Britain to live in fear of their lives while I am the Minister of Magic. Now, if there are any general questions I will attempt to answer them, while maintaining operation integrity."
"Minister Potter, while we were aware of the general dissent of some of your newest policies and laws. Why was this group of 'terroristic individuals' as you called them, so violently arrested causing the deaths of three people on this so called task force, simply for practicing their freedom of speech that you are so fond of preaching. Is this a case of do as I say, not do as I do?"
"Ms. Patterson," Harry responded to his generation's Rita Skeeter. "The individuals arrested numbered close to thirty, possessed numerous restricted items both on their person and at the safe houses."
"But…" she tried to retort.
"In addition we have numerous reports of this group engaging in illegal activities such as selling first generation witches and wizards into slavery to fund their activities. We have also other reports of kidnapping for the purpose of using the victims in dark rituals that take the magic or lives of the individual. Furthermore…"
Around Britain, people nodded their heads in agreement and once again felt reassured their Minister was doing everything he could to make their lives safe.
May 2, 2048
Standing behind the curtains of the stage, a lean man with streaks of silver in his hair waited for Neville Longbottom to finish his speech and to announce Harry. Rubbing a hand across his side and chest to ease the ache of that curse years ago, Harry contemplated his most recent changes to the wizarding world. Free elections fashioned after the Yanks had been established last year for the minister's position, chief warlock, and a few other, or almost free in this case. Unfortunately, elves, goblins, and other intelligent species were not able to run for office and nobody really wanted to run the risk of a giant or troll trying to run, not that he could blame them.
The roar of whistles, clapping, and other noises drew his attention. 'Here we go again, and for the last time as well.'
"It is my distinct pleasure to introduce my friend, Minister Harry Potter."
Climbing the stairs, Harry waved to everyone in the crowd before grabbing Neville in a hug and clapping him on the back. Turning to the podium, he grabbed both sides firmly and began, "Ladies and gentlemen…"
Twenty minutes later, Harry was finishing up his speech on the current state of the ministry. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have just a few more things before I conclude this press conference. A few of you may remember, others may have read, but today marks fifty years since the defeat of Tom Riddle—Voldemort —or you-know-who. I would like for everyone to remember their family and friends that died during that dark time." Harry could see nodding heads amongst the crowd. "The last thing I want to say is that it has been an extremely fulfilling twenty-nine years as the Minister of Magic…"
Behind him he heard Neville question, "Harry?"
"However, I feel that my time here at the ministry is at an end." It seemed that an airplane suddenly went through the atrium. Harry raised his arms motioning them to quite. It took several minutes before he could be heard again. "Please everyone, I am not disappearing from public life totally. I have spoken with Headmaster Fines and I will be accepting a position of Defense Against the Dark Arts. I will be resigning on July 30 and suggesting my vice-minister Neville Longbottom fulfill my remaining term. I want to thank everyone over the years for their support and for their assistance. Thank you."
October 17, 2048
Near silent scratches filled the office decorated with pictures of a black haired man standing with others. Some were wearing extravagant robes; others pictured the occupants in shorts and half opened shirts. Those of the second nature were featured a little more prominently than the others. Books lines shelves and awards and accolades were sitting in boxes on the floor, almost forgotten.
In the middle of the office sat Harry Potter grading papers from one class. It was still paperwork, but of a different type from his previous job. In addition, he was adjusting the curriculum from an academic to a more hands on approach.
A slight tingle broke his concentration from the parchment in front of him causing him to look up. Before a single knock could be accomplished he called out for his visitor to enter. A dark haired woman with bright blue eye entered his office and promptly sat down in one of the chintz chairs across his desk.
Neither spoke as they stared at each other for several minutes. Finally the dark haired brunette broke the silence, "Potter, why do you always have to do that?"
Cracking a smile Harry began, "It was always a game to me while minister when dealing with certain people. We would exchange pleasantries and then fall into a silence; it's a little something I picked up from Albus. The first one to speak is usually at a disadvantage during the conservation. And with your reputation during school, I find it amusing to do it with you, Watson."
Rolling her eyes slightly, breaking from her normal aloof self, Daphne responded, "Please Potter politely put an end to referring to me by that waste of a man's name. I have since returned to using my name of Greengrass or Daphne if you will."
"I will call you Daphne in private meetings and not around the students only if you call me Harry." She nodded slightly at his request. "Now Daphne, what brings you to my office on this lovely evening?" Glancing to a clock on the wall with its hands indicating it was a quarter past 10 he wondered what brought her to his office.
"I preforming my rounds and noticed a light under the door and decided to inquire as to your wellbeing as well as your adjustment to life at Hogwarts as a professor?"
Carefully considering his words, an act that he had to master as minister, he replied, "To answer your first question, I am doing well. As to your second, my adjustment is proceeding satisfactorily in my opinion." Deciding to give a slight bit of personal information, he relaxed into the confines of the chair, "I have always thought of Hogwarts as my home. Ever since first year, it was a place of wonder, magic, and friendship. These are some of the reasons why I would always come back for a lecture, ball, or any other events."
Daphne nodded slightly at his words, reflecting on her early years as well. By being placed in Slytherin, there were certain standards to maintain and those influenced her attitude and appearance to the outside world.
"And now how are you doing Daphne?"
"I was raised to never allow an opponent any personal information to be obtained from a discussion," she replied automatically.
"Then Mrs. Watson I suggest you return to your duties. You know where the door is," Harry replied firmly.
Daphne gasped at both her reaction and his response while trying to formulate a retort. "I apologize for my response Harry. My childhood forced me to act a certain way and my subsequent placement into Slytherin reinforced those lessons. Please forgive me for my outburst." Never breaking eye contact with her co-worker, she awaited his response.
"Ms. Greengrass, we must maintain a working relationship and I will be cordial and as long as you reciprocate that same sentiment. So, I believe that there is a question that you must address enabling our conservation to continue."
Releasing a breath she didn't know she was holding, she broke eye contact with his bright emerald eyes and challenging posture. At that moment, she realized both how and why he was the defeater of Riddle, how he achieved the things he had accomplished in the ministry, and now why he was suddenly the next candidate for headmaster. Relaxing herself she complied, "I am well myself, just wanting to get to know you a little better and maybe make a new friend here. With certain individuals in my house at the time, we could have never gotten to know one another at the time." Making eye contact once again, she noted the change in posture to a more forgiving position.
"That is agreeable proposition. Hi, I'm Harry."
Several hours later, Daphne retired to her chambers, slightly sore from laughing at stories from Harry's life. She was quite pleased with her attempt to gain a new friend and hoped it would continue.
July 1, 2052
"I really don't want to step over anyone. I'm the least experienced professor. Everyone has more time teaching. Surely they would be better candidates." Harry had risen from his chair in the headmaster's office and pacing the floor much as he would do during his time a minister. The office itself was still decorated in much the same way during Dumbledore's time with pictures of former headmasters quietly watching the discussion. Turning back to the rounded figure of Davidson Fines, Harry restarted, "I don't want to disrespect the other teachers and create chaos and discord among them."
The round faced man with squinty eyes roared in laughter at Harry's statement. How could this man who had done so much in their world respond in this way he would never know? "Harry, please sit back down and let me explain." Reluctantly he complied and Fines continued, "When I brought you on four years ago, I knew that my time was limited." Holding up a hand to forgo the response he explained, "My time till I wanted to retire, not that I was being pushed out. The other teachers and I have had a meeting several weeks ago about my retirement. They are all in agreement that you are the one to lead the school into a year and a new era. We need expansion and you can do this just as you did at the ministry." Grinning slightly at his next ploy, "And besides who would continue the expansion of the HJG library? Hmmm."
Slumping into his seat, Harry eyed the man wearily before speaking, "Ok, what are the most pressing problems right now and how did you know about that?"
"All headmasters have their secrets, Harry."
June 28, 2057
Harry sat in his office looking over proposed changes to curriculum and new teacher candidates for the major subjects. Transfiguration, charms, potions, defense, history, and astronomy were all adding a second teacher to their ranks this year to lighten the load of teaching so many students. The number of children to be housed in Hogwarts in the come year would almost be five hundred; several hundred more than his time as a student in fact. Harry had asked each of his current professors for one recommendation for the new positions to be filled.
His next interview was Megan Taylor. She was a potion brewer for St. Mungo's, and had been for many years. The door to his office opened to allow his deputy and a middle-aged woman enter the room. Rising to greet the duo Harry smiled. "Thank you for meeting with me Mrs. Taylor. Thank you for escorting her Ms. Greengrass." Daphne nodded her head before exiting the room and closing the door. "Please have a seat, Mrs. Taylor and let us begin."
"Thank you for the meeting, Headmaster. It is a pleasure to meet you again," the woman responded. Harry looked at her quizzically before she continued, "I met you at St. Mungo's one day when you are looking for a friend of yours while I was working the information desk." Scrunching her face up in concentration she clarified, "I think her name was Luna Franks."
"Franklin, Luna Franklin and she is a dear friend of mine. She had just delivered my first godchild." Thoughts of Regina filled his mind. It was hard for him to believe that she now had children of her own, which he was a godfather for as well. "Well, Mrs. Taylor it is a pleasure to formally meet you."
January 30, 2060
"…Daphne, Sable, Abbot, Michael, and two or so dozen children were all standing there in the Great Hall with reindeer antlers, long pointed furry ears, and large red noses. It took Reginald and myself almost two hours to undo the changes. Granted it would have taken a lot less if we hadn't been receiving death glares from Daphne and Sable causing us to laugh harder. It was a funny sight though. You would have loved it Dad. I think it was Neville and Susan's grandson, but we're not for sure."
With a large smile on his face, Harry glanced at his pocket watch; realizing almost an hour had passed since he arrived. "Sorry guys, but I have to go. Happy hundredth birthday mum. I love all of you and will be back on your birthday dad." Beginning to turn and leave he paused, "You know what dad, that is something else we have in common. Both of us loved older women." With that, Harry exited the cemetery after another visit.
July 31, 2080
Harry smirked slightly as he made his way to the staff room. They may not have known that he knew what they didn't want him to know, but he knew and planned to turn the tables on those in the know.
Stopping short of the door he prepared the spell, it just needed the trigger to set it off. It had been one he had invented for a DMLE mission.
Swinging open the door to the dark room, he could almost smell the excitement from the occupants.
"Surprise!" was yelled as he entered.
Almost all of the staff was in attendance for the birthday party for their headmaster. His face started as a portrait of surprise, which quickly turned to pain as the centurion clutched his chest and quickly dropped to the floor. Nobody moved for a split second as they watched the silver haired man fall to the floor. Virginia Montgomery, one of the transfiguration professors, was the first to react as she rushed to his side to try to help her headmaster. Kieta Smolders, the matron of the hospital wing was next as she began waving her wand over the prone body.
The remainder of the staff exchanged looks of disbelief as they watched their fallen warrior, statesman, headmaster, and friend struggle for life at their surprise party.
"Told ya we shouldn't have scared the ole man like that; knew his ticker was't as strong as it should be as ole as he was," a voice rang out in the back. Everyone turned to look at Victor Charles propped against a chair. He had Harry beat by a good fifteen years of life, but would never tell anyone his exact age. "Wha', you din't believe me all this planning started."
"Potter," Daphne's voice rang out in the room. "Get you're skinny arse up this instant, before I make you wish you were dead."
Harry sat up suddenly from the floor before getting cuffed in the back of the head by Virginia.
May 2, 2098
William Travis silently rode the stairs to talk to his headmaster. With the recent floods occurring outside the castle walls, teaching astronomy was nonexistent. Pushing the door open provided a strange sight as he witnessed his headmaster openly weeping at his desk. Momentarily stunned, she saw the man who he had looked up to for almost a century and had worked with for three decades remove a piece of cloth and wipe his eyes and face.
"If I am disturbing you, Headmaster I can come back at a later time." William stated before beginning to withdraw from the room.
"No," Harry croaked before clearing his throat. "It's just a difficult day that is all." He beckoned the man toward a chair by motioning his hand. "Now what can I do for you? I assume it is due to the torrential downpours we are receiving?"
"Yes it is. I was wondering if I could use the classroom at the bottom of the stairs for the time being; at least till the rain stops," he stammered.
"That is quite fine, William."
"I don't want to seem forward, but is everything ok? I mean, normally you hardly seem affected by anything, but…" he left the question hanging.
"One hundred years ago was the final battle with Tom Riddle. I lost a great number of my friends and family. People who I loved and cared for." Harry looked out the window remembering his path across the grounds he could not see through due to the rain that poured from the sky.
"I'm sorry. I…" Swallowing lump in his throat, William remembered stories of those dark days told to him by his parents. How a seventeen year old man fought the dark forces that were with the help of his best mate and the woman he loved. Together, the three of them, with countless others, resisted the oppression and defeated the dark forces. Then the survivor of them, the man in front of him now, went on to shape and mold the world into a better place. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Harry closed his eyes and dipped his head slightly, "It started off…"
December 31, 2099
Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived, the-man-who-won, former head of the Department of Mysteries, the former Minister of Magic, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Order of Merlin first class, etc., etc. sat quietly over-looking the grounds of the school as the time approached midnight to bring in yet another century. Contemplating those lost in recent years, the coldness of time alone settled into his bones causing the wound to his chest and side to ache once again. There were only a few left that were still alive from his days as a student. Katie Wood nee Bell had retired from coaching the Harpies years ago, yet she came out of retirement after Oliver passed to head the teach the flying lessons and referee games. Neville still kept everyone on their toes at the ministry as the chief warlock after his wife's death. Roger Davies was also an elder statesman on the Wizengamot and Hanna Abbot still came back from time to time as a guest lecturer for runes.
So many had been lost in recent years, that it was sometimes hard to maintain his schedule as headmaster because of the number of requests for him to speak at the funerals of his friends and former co-workers.
A tingle alerted him to an approaching visitor. Waving his wand opened the door before the knock landed on the door. Entering his office was five of his professors. Daphne Greengrass, Head of Slytherin and Charms professor, Virginia Montgomery, Head of Ravenclaw and Transfiguration professor, Megan Taylor, professor of Potions, Victor Charles, Head of Gryffindor and professor of Defense Against the Dark arts, and William Travis, professor of Astronomy all walked in creating their preferred chairs to sit. The other professors in the castle all called this group 'the century assembly'. All of them were either approaching the century mark or had already past it.
"What brings you to my office at this time of the evening, I hope that the brothers Weasley are not at the root of it," Harry asked.
"Oh no, those three are confined to the tower at the moment, but that is a scary thought at the same time," Victor replied as he laughed. "I don't suppose anyone has any other culprits for the inappropriate yule carols this year other than them."
"No, I seem to remember their great-great uncles preforming much the same feat at their age when I attended," Daphne replied.
"Yes, Fred and George did it several times during their times here, at least before they were expelled by her toady-ness back in fifth year." Harry smiled slightly at memories of fireworks and an inflatable swamp floated to the surface of his mind. "So what brings you to here at this time of the night?"
"We wanted to ring in a new century with you. We have all witnessed one turn of the numbers and think that a second should be spent with friends," Daphne replied. The others nodded in agreement.
"Well then, we should celebrate in style." Harry raised a wand to summon a bottle of scotch and glasses for the 'century assembly.'
September 19, 2143
Harry stepped through the kissing gates for the, he really didn't know how many times he had been here over the years, but it had been a great many. Shuffling between the rows he arrived at a worn bench in front of three graves before gently placing flowers on each one.
"Happy one sixty fourth birthday Hermione, I hope that you are all doing well wherever you are. I… well I'm tired of being lonely and out living my friends."
Swiping the tears from his eyes, he took a deep breath before continuing. "I'm the last of our class and the last of everyone we knew growing up. Many families are still around, but they have been replaced with several new generations of them. Even my first Godchild has passed away a few months ago. I'm ready to come home to my family and friends."
Releasing the tears he had, Harry broke down once again, swamped in memories.
