"Mr. Potter, Mr. Potter." A reporter of course Harry realized immediately. He turned and faced the young man, "Do you have anything to say about the accusations Headmaster Major is making?"
"I do." Harry smiled serenely, "He doesn't know what he's talking about."
"What do you mean by that?" several more reporters arrived as the question was asked.
"Don't you read the paper?" Harry asked
"I read the Prophet front to back every day." The first reporter replied, "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Have you not seen the advertising for teachers?" He asked.
"I saw that." Another added, "But schools are always hiring."
"Then let me explain it to you." Harry took on the air of a teacher, "Hogwarts has, for the last one hundred years, supplied BAM with a list of new first year students. This year Headmaster Major only wants to see the muggleborns from the list. Hogwarts has said no. Instead we are opening the doors of Hogwarts once again. Teachers have been hired and letters are going to be sent soon."
"But the school is in shambles." Another reporter pointed out, "I looked not more than a year ago."
"Look again." Harry smiled and turned to continue to where he had been headed before he was stopped by the reporters, "Good day."
He entered the twins shop and moved to the curtain at the back. Once he reached it he looked for a twin and nodded when he was seen. He slipped through the curtain and waited only a few moments before the twins entered together.
"Harry." They both acknowledged.
"Fred, George, good to see you." He sighed, "How is Ginny?"
"Better." Fred nodded.
"We really can't thank you enough." George added.
"No need." He waved them off, "Do you have anything cool to drink. I was stopped in the alley and I'm a bit parched."
Fred handed over a bottle of butterbeer, "Who stopped you?"
"Press." He shook his head, "Did you see this morning's paper?"
"Major is an idiot." George nodded.
"I can't believe he doesn't know you're not a pureblood." Fred continued.
"What did you say to them?" George asked.
"I told them Hogwarts is reopening." He conjured a seat.
"You just blurted it out?" Fred didn't believe that for a minute.
"Of course not." Harry chuckled, "Made them work for it just a bit."
"A bit he says." George rolls his eyes.
Justin was in Harry's office when the twins arrived the next morning. In their hands was a couple of Prophets which they handed over to Harry and Justin before taking seats.
"We know you don't." George started.
"Get the news this early." Fred added.
"So we brought you some." They ended together.
"So thoughtful." Harry grinned, "I suppose you'd like some breakfast since you made it here so early?"
"That would be."
"Appreciated."
Harry rolled his eyes and called an elf for breakfast for four. He sat back and picked up the paper as the elf returned with breakfast for fourteen. On the front page was a picture of Hogwarts from the gates. Of course Harry had removed the enchantment that showed it still a ruin so it was there in all its glory.
"Beautiful isn't it." Fred said between bites.
"That it is." Harry smiled.
"Well what do they say?" Severus demanded.
"The title is Hogwarts to reopen." Harry read allowed for all the portraits, "I saw Harry Potter strolling down Diagon Alley and I took the opportunity to ask him his thoughts about our recent reports. That is the accusations from Headmaster Major on him refusing to provide the list of students this year. In the interview with Major he accused Mr. Potter of holding the names until he agreed to teach everyone. He believes the purebloods should be educated at home.
Mr. Potter only said 'he doesn't know what he's talking about.' Of course someone asked what he meant and he asked if we ever read the paper. I said I read it front to back every morning and he said didn't you see the adverts for teachers. Schools are always looking for good teachers so I hadn't thought anything of the adverts. He totally blew me away when he stated that Hogwarts told Major no and instead is reopening.
That is what he said. Of course we all know what the school looks like but he told us to look again. Sometime in the last year Hogwarts has been fixed! The above photo was taken yesterday! Mr. Potter said letters would be going out soon. Now I have a lot more questions. Is Hogwarts accepting all students? Who are the Headmaster and Professors? How safe is the building? That and a multitude of others are in line the next time we see Mr. Potter."
"It has more articles on other pages." Justin spoke up, "Plenty of guesses, including some that are correct."
"You should give an interview here." Albus spoke up, "Give them a tour and show them how safe the building is. Have some of the teachers in their classrooms preparing for classes. Treat them to lunch so they know our food is still exceptional."
"It would be good advertising." Harry agreed, "And it's free."
"You'll be bombarded with applicants." Fred pointed out.
"But the positions are all filled for a few years." Justin pointed out, "We can tell them we'll keep them in mind when others retire. I can keep them if you want."
"No that's easy enough for me to do." Harry grinned, "I will accept help with the deluge of letter reading if you want to volunteer for that."
"When will you schedule the press conference?" Justin asked.
"Let me find a few professors who agree to be here and what days they can make it." Harry began.
His fire flared and Lily stuck her head it, "It's out."
"I know." He responded, "We're going to give a tour and I want a few professors in attendance."
"We'll be there." Lily grinned, "Al and James are here with the paper."
"Good, Neville and Hannah are already here working on the greenhouses and Hermione's in the library." Harry nodded, "I think with the three of you that will be good. I need to talk to the other three first."
"Ok what day?" she asked.
"Tomorrow?" Harry asked.
Lily turned her head a bit and asked her brothers before turning back, "That's fine. See you at breakfast?"
"Sounds good." Harry agreed.
"We'll just be leaving now." George spoke up as the twins stood.
"Thanks for the papers." Harry smiled as they left, "Shall we meet with the others?"
"Ok." Justin stood and led the way out of the office but they walked side by side down the hall, "Do you think anyone will ask Hermione any difficult questions?"
"They're reporters." Harry chuckled, "It's their job to ask difficult and uncomfortable questions. That's why I'll give her the option."
"Do you want me here?" Justin asked.
"Yes." Harry agreed, "Are you prepared for uncomfortable questions?"
"Yes, I'm sure they'll ask why I left and what the family emergency was." He shook his head, "I'm going to tell them the family issue is not their business but I knew Major was going to get rid of me at the end of the year anyway."
"Very good." Harry agreed. They walked on in silence until they reached the library and he called loudly, "Hermione?"
"Shhhh, this is a library." She scolded from the end of a shelf when she stuck her head out into the isle.
"Hermione you are the only one here." Harry chuckled, "I am not interrupting anyone reading or studying."
"It's the principal of the thing." She huffed.
"Sorry." He was still grinning, "Tomorrow morning I'm going to open the school up for a tour for reporters and most likely some ministry folks. Do you want to be here for the questions when we tour?"
"I can handle a few nosy reporters." She grinned, "If they get too loud I'll just throw them out for disturbing the peace of a library. Who else will be here? I assume Justin will."
"Yes, and my kids." Harry nodded, "I'm going to see if Neville will be here then they can talk to Hannah about heads of houses."
"Good idea." She nodded, "Any of the hall monitors available?"
"I'll check but if not we'll talk about them anyway." He added, "I'm also going to let their vow be known."
"Preemptive." She nodded, "Go on now I've got work to do."
"Have fun." Harry knew she would. The next stop were the greenhouses that were looking very good. Harry had left them empty for the most part. He didn't want to deal with a lot of dangerous plants all on his own. He greeted the couple when they arrived, "Longbottoms."
"Hiya Harry." Neville grinned from his spot elbows deep in dirt.
"Hello." Hannah wasn't far away trimming a bush of some sort, "How are you both?"
"Sorry Justin I didn't see you." Neville spoke quickly leaning back so he saw the man behind Harry.
"No problem." Justin smiled, "You look like you're having fun."
"Best time I've had in years." Neville grinned, "My own greenhouses are in such good order I don't get to do much with them. Starting these from scratch has been such fun."
"He is almost giddy." Hannah chuckled.
"Almost is a bit of a holdback." Harry added as Neville chuckled, "I have a question for you both. Tomorrow I'm going to give an official tour will you be around to have a chat?"
"Of course." Hannah agreed, "Will you want me to discuss Heads of Houses?"
"Yes." Harry nodded.
"What time?" Neville asked not looking up.
"They'll be here just after breakfast." Harry answered, "Do you need any help?"
"No offence Harry." Neville looked up, "I'd rather keep all the fun to myself."
"No problem." Harry chuckled, "I'm not quite the fan of plants that you are. It would be work for me."
"Go on then." Neville nodded his head he was still elbows deep in dirt, "I'm sure you have all sorts of floo calls to make."
"On second thought playing in the dirt sounds like a lot of fun." Harry cringed before he laughed and left the greenhouse.
"Lovely people." Justin said once they were away, "He has exceeded his reputation."
"He always has." Harry commented with a reminiscent smile.
James, Al and Lily were waiting in his office when he returned. They greeted him with hugs before they got right to the point.
"Mind if we stay overnight?" Lily asked.
"Go ahead you know where your rooms are." Harry grinned, "It will look good if our classrooms are partially set up. Dinner is at six this evening."
"I owled Scorp so he and Draco may be coming too." Al stated as they headed out.
"Do you want me to owl the Ministry?" Justin asked as they left.
"No I'll just call Blaise." Harry moved to the fire and got on his knees. Justin shook his head. Not many people had the guts to call Minister Zabini by his first name. He was still chuckling about it when Harry got up and sat back in his chair.
"Blaise is setting it up." Harry grinned, "He has a press conference in a few minutes to discuss that new legislation so he'll invite them all to Hogwarts tomorrow at nine. He said that chap who wrote the nice article is supposed to be there.
The next morning's paper caused Harry to chuckle during breakfast. On the front page was another picture of Hogwarts. The man's article today sounded giddy. Evidentially Blaise had singled out that same reporter at the conference and stated that I liked his article enough to offer a tour to him, several ministry folk and a few other reporters. The reporter sounded like an excited eleven year old taking his first trip to Hogwarts. Harry almost wished he had brought the train back just for their journey. It took him several moments looking through the paper to find any mention of the legislation that had been the reason of the conference.
"Front page two days in a row." Justin grinned, "Can you imagine how much it would have cost us to place an advert there?"
"Good news?" Lily asked as she entered followed by the rest of the staff that was present.
"Front page again." Harry held up the paper.
"Lovely." James yawned, "Now I'm glad I stayed up all night sterilizing the hospital."
"Mipsy told me." Harry chuckled, "The elves think you're just as crazy as Madam Pomfrey was."
"It's forced down our throats during training." James took a seat, "If I don't do it I won't know that it was done."
"Everyone ready for nosy questions?" Justin asked.
"I'll tell them it's none of their damn business." Draco strutted in beside his son, "They won't ask me twice."
"Maybe it's because you're terrifying." Harry offered.
"Yes I am." Draco reached the head table and Harry reached over and they shook hands, "How are you holding up?"
"I'm doing fine." Harry waved him up to the head table, "Eat. How are you doing these days?"
"Can't complain too much." He shrugged, "Miss Astoria but Scorpius has been sticking close to home for a change."
"I'm glad you accepted the post." Harry smiled, "I hated to think of you rattling around that place all by yourself."
"I'm selling it." Draco shrugged, "It's too big."
"Really?" Harry was concerned.
"Already have an offer." He shrugged, "Several families are up and coming and need more room."
"Don't let him fool you Harry." Scorpius grinned from beside Al, "He's given it to that new abused children's charity. They're trying to decide to sell it or use it."
"Don't tell him Scorpius." Draco whined, "You'll ruin my bad reputation."
"Now that is terrifying." Harry turned back to his breakfast.
By nine everyone was either in their classroom or in the case of Draco and Hannah they were helping in a classroom. Harry arrived at the gates to see a nice crowd. He smiled as he approached them and pulled the gates open.
"Good morning." He greeted, "Minister Zabini, how are you?"
"I am doing well Headmaster Potter." Blaise returned the formal greeting, "Let me introduce you to a few people. First is Head of the DMLE, Susan Bones."
"Madam Bones." Harry bowed his head to her, "Always a pleasure."
"Headmaster." She nodded.
"Wizengamot Members Nettie Trueblood, Will Avery and Patricia Greengrass-Naider." Blaise continued, "And reporters and photographers from the Prophet, the wireless, Witch Weekly, the International Daily Press and several periodicals. And last but not least, hiding in the back is Headmaster Major."
"I'm sorry Headmaster Major but Hogwarts will not let you in." Harry stared at him with an emotionless mask in place.
"What are you hiding?" Major demanded.
"Nothing that is why we are having a tour." Harry offered with a small smile, "But I urge you to leave. Hogwarts has said you would be in a very uncomfortable position if you tried to force entry."
"What are you going to try?" He asked with a sneer, "With the minister right here are you going to hex me?"
"Not me." Harry held out his hands in a sign of surrender.
Major decided to cross into the school while his hands were in clear view. With two quick pops Major was thrown from the property and his clothes altered into the female version of his school's uniform.
"Ladies and Gentlemen welcome or in some cases welcome back to Hogwarts." Harry stepped back to let the rest of them enter.
"Wait!" Major jumped up and stormed forward, "I want him arrested for attacking me."
"He couldn't have attacked you." Blaise shook his head, "His hands were in the air, clearly visible. He made no movements and said no words. He didn't hex you."
"Then he set the wards to do it." He accused.
"I told you Hogwarts doesn't want you here." Harry explained, "It would be best if you didn't test her again."
"You speak as if this school is sentient." Major laughed.
"You speak as if she isn't." Harry replied.
"You're crazy." Major accused, "You shouldn't be anywhere near children." He turned to the minister, "How can you allow this?"
"He isn't crazy." Blaise shook his head, "Off you go Major. I wouldn't try to get in again."
The rest stepped away from the gates and they closed slowly as if just trying to tempt the man to try again. The group then followed Harry up the lawn and he stopped where they would have a good view.
"There are more towers." Susan observed aloud.
"Hogwarts and I agreed that the dungeon was no place for growing children or potions." Harry explained, "She allowed me to build two more towers. The front two are Hufflepuff on the left and Ravenclaw on the right with Gryffindor on the back left and Slytherin on the back right. If you were to hover above the school it would be situated like the crest."
"Did anything remain the same?" Blaise asked looking over at the other man.
"The Great Hall is in the same place." He replied thoughtfully, "But there is that place the elves wouldn't let me repair. Potions are on third floor. Defense was moved to a larger room on the ground floor. Oh, the library is pretty much the same."
The group laughed as he meant for them to do. They began the trek to the front doors again.
One of the reporters was the first to break the silence.
"I was here last year and the place was in ruin." The reporter observed, "How were you able to fix it so fast?"
"First of all the castle was never in as bad a shape as what you saw from the gates." Harry chuckled, "The view from the gates was to dissuade trespassers. I began ten years after the battle. When I arrived Gryffindor tower was on the ground, the headmasters office was leaning far enough I wouldn't go near it and the Great Halls roof was caved in. That was just what I could see from outside the gates. Once I got closer I could see large chucks out of walls, boulders strewn across the grounds and inside some hallways had holes in the floor that dropped several stories."
"I remember it was horrible." Susan agreed.
"When Hogwarts opened the gates for me I thought, ok great we can get a team in here and have this place fixed by September." Harry chuckled, "The closer I got to the school the farther out I pushed back the day it would be ready. Then I was told only I was allowed to work on the place, it was too dangerous to allow anyone else in. I finished shortly before I retired from the aurors. I worked off and on for over fifty years. Some years saw a lot accomplished, others saw very little. For instance the years I had children I could only work in the winters so I got a lot less accomplished."
"Did you use any magic in construction?" another reporter asked.
"I couldn't have done anything without magic." Harry chuckled, "There was a lot of damage."
"This is amazing Harry." Susan commented, "Where are we going first?"