Putting It Back
Chapter 9 – Kings Cross Station
As Harry stepped through the door way to the platform, he noticed the platform of parents and students were all quiet and watching him. Gradually at first, they started to clap. He knew he had to address this because they were treating him as the hero again when he didn't deserve it. Raising his hand to get everyone's attention, he announced clearly to the crowd. "Please don't. I'm not the only hero here. We all are. Many of the students and teachers fought in the battle. My friends who stayed by my side carried the same burden I did. Each in turn, we saved each others lives. Facing Voldemort…" The crowd hissed and whispered. This only irritated Harry. "Get used to it. It is just a name now. To face him is what I was just meant to do eventually. The odds were stacked against him, and he failed to see that in the end. There really was no bravery there."
He heard many people scoff or clear their throats at that, especially from a girl that stood behind him.
"Well the point is I just stood there and let him put his fate into his own hands. He just made the wrong choice and died for it. The roll I played was small when compared to the acts of heroism that happened throughout the battle. Don't forget the others. Hug your children, and remember the ones who died." He paused and looked around at the expectant faces. Feeling awkward, he finished, "See you all back next week."
Again, the crowd erupted in applause. There was some picture taking, but everything quickly died down as people went about their own business. Harry gazed warily across the crowd looking for any signs of potential danger. He guessed that he did not know exactly what to look for, but his instincts told him that it was out there. He felt Ginny grasping his hand, and a quick glace backwards told him that Ron and Hermione were there as well. He descended the stairs to the platform leading them to where he hoped to find the red-haired brood he considered family.
A few minutes passed and the crowd started to thin. Not wanting to wait there any longer, Harry suggested, "Let's just go to Shell Cottage."
Hermione was just going to reply when a sudden movement caught his eye. A slight grandmother pulled out what looked like a machine gun out of her bag. The others she was with had out their wands. It happened so fast. He reacted on impulse and withdrew his wand. He was in middle of casting his shield charm when his left shoulder was hit. He rocked back in pain, but the spell was good. The remaining gun fire and spells were deflected.
With the spell work of his friends and a few friendly citizens, the attackers were quickly subdued. Apparently, the new ministry considered the safety of the platform. Aurors immediately flooded around, taking the captured attackers away.
Ron said, "See, nothing to worry about, as long as we stick together."
Hermione chastised him. "Ron, can't you see that they are hurt!"
Harry panicked when she said "they." Ginny was holding her shoulder as well wincing in pain.
Forgetting his own pain, Harry screamed, "Ginny! Are you alright?"
Wincing she answered, "Yes, I'm brilliant. Let's get you St. Mungo's to look at that arm."
Hermione was giving her a funny look, when Mrs. Weasley rushed onto the platform with Mr. Weasley and Fleur following behind.
Mrs. Weasley gushed, "OH, HARRY! Are you alright? What happened?"
Ron started explaining as Fleur started casting spells on Harry's shoulder. Mrs. Weasley rubbed her shoulder a little. Again, Hermione remained observant without saying anything. She noticed Mr. Weasley was holding his daughter without thought to her shoulder.
Soon, the bullet was out, and Fleur had his shirt cleaned and mended.
Harry asked, "Is that it?"
Fleur explained, "Ze wound was znot too bad."
Mrs. Weasley gave Ginny a look. "You haven't told him?"
Ginny tried to explain. "I forgot. I mean I was but we were interrupted and then… Well, it never came back up."
"Tell me what?" Harry asked.
