A/N: My sincere apologies for the delay in updating. Hope you are still reading the story though. There is one request, kindly send me some comment, even if it is just one word, to let me know that you are still interested in this.

CHAPTER 9: THE ANNOUNCEMENT

9.1

Sirius' bad mood disappeared the moment he apparated to the Burrow. The Weasleys were back and welcomed him warmly. Molly seemed relaxed; she did not have that harassed look that he remembered her having in the year they had all been at Grimmauld Palace. It was strange; he remembered everything; even his fall, but nothing after that. All he remembered was opening his eyes and finding himself in the Department of Mysteries. Before he could comprehend anything else, he had been whisked away to Hogwarts. Looking for familiar faces in the crowd, he had chanced upon Ron and Hermione. He had been surprised because they looked grown up and he had wondered. And then the revelation. Strange! Even James and Lily remembered the green light flashing towards them but nothing after that. They had reached the hall before him though and had been able to hear Dumbledore's words. Even more shocking was suddenly finding himself face to face with Regulus. It was all so inexplicable. Where had he spent the couple of years after he fell down the veil?

"Hey Sirius, want to join us for a game of quidditch?" The Weasley twins were standing next to him. Fred had died too, he had been told, but he too had returned and had no idea of what happened after the killing curse hit him.

"Dad got us new brooms and we want to zoom on them." George said, brandishing a broom in his hand.

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if this broom suddenly started speaking?"

Fred and George raised their eyebrows, inquiringly.

"Imagine," Sirius said warming up to the idea, "a guy wants to show-off his flying skills. He is doing fine too when suddenly the broom does a somersault and starts berating him for his poor flying technique…"

"That's an idea." The twins said in unison. "One could gift it to the git trying to steal one's girl. Just think what would happen when he gets an earful…from a broom no less."

"What's the excitement?" Lupin asked as he came out to join them.

"Sirius has just given us a brilliant idea." Fred answered as the brothers started discussing the idea in earnest.

"So Remus shall we leave?" Sirius asked turning towards his friend.

"There has been a change in the plan," Remus replied as James came strolling towards them. "Today we all are going to spend the day together."

9.2

"Mum I …I need new clothes... er… robes and all."

"What for?"

How did one answer a question like this? Did his mother not see that he had grown up? The robes were frayed and short. He had been wearing them for two years now, damn it.

"Mum, they are frayed and small…."

"What do you do in the school anyways? Roll in the mud."

Yes many a time. Surrounded by the Marauders he often got into scrapes.

"I really need new robes this time. I mean for two years I've been wearing the same…."

"Do you think I have all the money in the world?" His mother hissed, bringing her face close to him. Involuntarily, he took a step back. "As it is, it is tough for me to keep you in that expensive school. Perhaps I'd just withdraw you."

Fear clutched his heart. What will he do if he was to be withdrawn from Hogwarts?

"Mum please. It is okay if you do not want to buy me new clothes." Let Black and Potter laugh and wrinkle their nose. But there was also Lily. Sometimes, just sometimes, he had a feeling that she too was wrinkling her nose. Of course, it couldn't be true. Lily was not like Potter and Black. She was his friend. She wouldn't be bothered about his stained robes now, would she?

"What does the whelp want now?" His father roared as he came in through the door.

"Nothing Tobias." His mother replied even as she gestured him to leave.

"Don't dare lie to me woman! I heard him going on about new clothes. What does he think he is? Some lord of the manor?"

"Tobias you are stinking."

"What is it to you woman? Do I ask money from you? If I drink, it is from my own income." His father raised his hand.

"Dad!" He said, rushing forward, trying to restrain him. His father's ire fell on him. The next moment he received a kick in his guts.

"Ouch," he exclaimed doubling over.

He got up with a start. Curled up on the floor, his hands were still holding his stomach. The pain was intense, as though he had just received that kick from his father. A violent shuddering took hold of his body. It had been a mistake to come back to this place. It held too many memories. The kicks from his father continued unabated. He rose and shakily made his way towards the potions. It was only when he quaffed one that the pain disappeared.

Strange it had taken that beating to make his mother buy him new clothes. He had been pretty satisfied with the transaction too. At least Black and Potter will not laugh at him any more. And Lily? Perhaps now she would not be so uncomfortable having him around her. As for the bruises, well they would heal. They always did.

9.3

Lily had never imagined going to Diagon Alley would involve all this. The moment she had apparated along with the others, a small avalanche had occurred. The teeming masses had swept from all sides. It had confounded and scared her, till she realised that this entire crowd was for her son. And then it had really sunk in as to what her son had done. Victory cries hailing Harry had filled the air. James and she herself had been lauded too. Witches and wizards had come over to her congratulating her for having given birth to such a brave son and how proud she must be blah blah…..And now… she saw him as he signed one autograph after another. (Sirius had joked that they should charge for this. Well if they had followed his suggestion, he would have been a millionaire by now). Not that the others were not in demand. Ron, Hermione, the Weasleys, Remus, James, Sirius and even she had been bombarded with the demands for autograph. A pregnant witch had even come to seek her blessings. It was just too overwhelming. And despite all this the nagging pain in the pit of her stomach would not leave her. How could Tuney do something like this? It was unbelievable.

"Lily are you alright?"

"Just thinking how strange all this is." She smiled at Molly Weasley. She did not really know this woman so well. Though, they had both been in the Order of Phoenix, as were their husbands, they had not been too close. Yet, this woman by all accounts had taken real care of Harry.

"It is pretty overwhelming."

"I can't agree more," Molly replied as she sat down on the chair opposite her.

For a moment or two, the two women watched in comfortable silence as the crowd clamoured for the autographs and pictures of their family members.

"You must be real proud of Harry."

"I…I…don't know. You see, at times all this seems so unreal….I look at him and think this young man is my son….and right now I'm just glad about that. His being the hero of the wizarding world is of course wonderful but more than that I'm just happy that I've my son with me."

Molly patted her hand sympathetically. "I understand. I look at my Fred and thank whatever power it is that has returned my son to me."

"And yet at times I can't help it, I am plagued by doubts. God knows what image of a mother that Harry had in his mind and I am worried that I'll fall short of it and…"

"Come…come Lily don't be worried." Molly squeezed her hand. "You gave your life in order to save his. How can you ever fall short?"

"But I do not know anything about him really. His likes, dislikes, interests…."

"Give yourself some time Lily…"

"That also worries me. Suppose this miracle is only for a short duration, suppose this very moment…." Lily's voice shattered.

"Don't Lily!!" Molly clutching her hand forcefully as her own eyes turned wet. "Don't even say such things. I don't know how I'd survive if I lose my son and brothers all over again."

It took a while for both women to compose themselves, and then Lily spoke again. "Actually, I wanted to thank you for taking such good care of my Harry."

"There is no need…"

"But there is." Lily said, cutting the other woman short. "You took care of Harry while my own sister neglected him."

"I just cannot understand it." She continued after a pause, speaking more to herself than to the other witch. "Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that Tuney had so much of hatred for me. She was always jealous but this…..I am horrified. How could she do this to a young child? She herself was a mother…how could she do it?

"Lily," the other woman said gently. "It is over."

"No it is not." Lily's voice had risen in agitation. "It is not! Yesterday when Harry told me about it all, I wanted to die there and then. My own sister…. Whenever James made fun of Tuney and her husband and I used to fight with him and then to hear all this…she had my sympathies because she did not have my abilities…and then to hear this….I mean bullying a child, not giving him enough to eat, giving him worn-out and ill-fitting clothes, punishing him for no fault of his…I'll never forgive her…never."

"And then," she continued once again as Molly remained silent, "there is Dumbledore. I cannot comprehend how he could let such a situation continue."

"He explained it. It was for Harry's safety."

"Yes, bloodwards. Harry explained it yesterday. But Molly even if it was essential for Harry to stay at Privet Drive, Dumbledore could have ensured that he was taken care of properly. And it is not only Dumbledore, what about Remus? Where was he? Sirius was in Azkaban…by the way, how could you all even think that Sirius would ever betray us?"

Molly shifted uncomfortably. "Well you know…his family…Slytherins all of them….and his brother a Death Eater…well…and that Pettigrew fooled all of us."

"Heard that he lived as your pet all these years."

"Yes imagine! He fooled all of us properly. Had I known it was him and his reality, I'd have gladly wrung his neck. Incidentally where is he now?"

"He was trying to escape from the hall when Sirius caught and dragged him to us. Then he was all tears and tremble…he fell at our feet, the coward…" Lily spat.

"And James and Sirius let him go?" Molly asked incredulously.

"Oh Harry saved him. Said that we should just let go, and to hand him over to the aurors. Shacklebolt was more than happy."

"So he is in Azkaban now?"

"I don't know." Lily shrugged. "Perhaps on that farm where Dumbledore is initiating that scheme of his…."

"Ah yes! I heard something about that. Some kind of community service."

"Yes to reform the Death Eaters and those who had sided with Grindenlwald earlier on."

"It was such a shock to see him in the hall on that day, isn't it?"

"It certainly was. They say that Dumbledore and he were very close to each other."

"Yes. I have heard about that too. It is also whispered that it went deeper than merely friendship, that they……..OH MERLIN…"

"What is it?" Lily asked in alarm as the other woman clutched her chest and rose up with alacrity. Molly raised a shaking finger and Lily's heart dropped down her chest. Molly's twin sons were riding on their brooms, holding Harry in their midst. The three boys waved to the ecastic crowd that cheered them on.

"Oh these boys would be the death of me." Molly said, as the two women strode forward.

9.4

Regulus felt glorifyingly alive. Flying always made him feel that way. Borne in the air with the wind in his hair, there was something exhilarating about it all. He only wished the boy with him had enjoyed it too. But he had remained morose all the while and had rebuffed all attempts to be drawn into a conversation. The moment they had touched the ground, he had excused himself.

"Enjoyed yourself, Reg?" Cissy asked as she came inside the room.

"You bet. I can't tell you just how alive I feel."

"I understand." Cissy said with a small laugh. "You were always passionate about flying. I remember how you used to whinge uncle everytime there was a new model of broom."

"That wasn't whinging that was Slytherin strategy."

"Indeed! Draco is much the same. Only he doesn't quite succeed with Lucius and I am not like aunt to give in to his every wish."

"Come on, mother did not spoil me rotten."

"She missed you awfully, Reg. Both of them did." Cissy's eyes had misted over.

He felt a lump in his throat. "I miss them too. It is so lonesome over there."

"Sirius?"

"Does he even have time for me Cissy? It is still that James Potter for him."

Cissy came forward and squeezed his shoulder. "Why don't you come here Reg?"

"Thanks Cissy," he said squeezing her hand that was on his shoulder, "but no. I feel I have been given this second lease of life, whatever it is, to make up with my brother. We have to get over our grouses."

"You are right, Reggie. I am also thinking of paying a visit to Midi. It has been a very long time."

"That's great. I'll also accompany you. She has a tiny little baby girl, isn't it?"

"That tiny little baby girl is now a mother, Reg." Narcissa said with an indulgent smile.

Reg whistled. "Merlin! Time has really passed, hasn't it? I think I saw her just once. She was a pink little thing with an amazing nose."

There was a knock at the door.

"Regulus." Rudolphus greeted the man as he entered the room.

"Rudolphus." Reg shook the other man's hand.

"Did I interrupt something?"

"No. We were just talking about Midi's daughter." Narcissa said.

"Ah! Nymphadora Tonks, the auror."

"Auror! At such a young age! That's pretty remarkable."

"Yes. We faced each other during the battle. I let myself be hexed. Couldn't really bring myself to hurt her." Rudholphus sighed.

"Well what is done is done." Narcissa said briskly after a few moments of silence. "It is time to move on."

"You are right Narcissa. I came here to inform you that Lucius and I are going out to discuss things with Parkinson and Nott. Take care of Bella while we are away."

"Don't worry, I will." Narcissa said as Rudholphus left.

"Anything serious?" Reg asked.

"No but you know Rudholphus."

"Remember how much fun we used to have when he was courting Bella."

"Of course." Narcissa chuckled. "All those love lyrics that we used to mouth."

"And do you remember how once while Bella was away, Midi impersonated her and then we would mutter those sweet nothings that he had whispered in her ears."

Narcissa burst into laughter. "Oh it was marvelous. Poor fellow! He had no idea we were so devious. I still remember his face when he discovered his mistake….and then we would say aloud those words in front of uncle and aunt and he would turn a beetroot red."

"My Plum Pie!! Oh Merlin!!... Mother served him one because Midi had insisted he was fond of Plum Pies!!" Reg almost fell off his chair.

"And then he of course bought you the latest broom just to shut you up." Narcissa said after she had recovered her breath somewhat.

"AHA! I like it. As though I was the only one. Remember those robes with the low necks that uncle had absolutely forbidden you both to buy. He almost had an apoplexy when he saw you two wearing those! And you two simpering, 'But how could we say no father, brother Rudholphus gifted them to us'. So innocent weren't you?"

"Those really were good days." Narcissa said, her eyes wet.

"Yes." Regulus said reminiscently. "We had so much fun."

"I am so glad you are back Reg." Narcissa clutched her cousin's hands. "I thank whatever power has made it possible."

"Hey come on! Now don't go all weepy-weepy." Reg said, hugging her.

Narcissa wiped her eyes. "Stupid old me! Talking all the while without offering you anything. I'll get something." She rose from her chair.

"Come on, sit down." Reg pulled her back. "Your admirable elf made sure that I had my fill after the flying session with Draco."

"Did he also have anything?"

"No. The elf was almost in tears."

Narcissa sighed.

"Cissy, I do not want to intrude but what is the matter with him? He was all tense during the flying too."

"What do I say, Reg?" Narcissa got up agitatedly. "The last few years have been tough for him. Things just fell apart after the Dark Lord rose again."

"Voldemort. Call him Voldemort. Or better still Tom Riddle."

"Tom Riddle." Narcissa said, with a despairing laugh. "Rather appropriate I'd say, the way he has riddled our lives."

9.5

Never even in his wildest dreams had Harry imagined something as big and grand as the party. The fireworks that covered the sky, the hall that reverberated with music, the candles with their flickering lights and exotic aroma, the tables overflowing with food: dishes and drinks so delicious that they seemed out of the world, the glittering jewels of the witches as they swirled about in music, the dapper robes of the wizards as they gallantly escorted the ladies, the dancing feet. And over and above all this, the sweetest sound in the whole world: Sparkling laughter, reflecting pure, unadulterated pleasure. There was no doubt. The wizarding world was one happy place.

And then his name was being called for the Order of Merlin First Class and the applause went thru the roof. And there was mum who kept on crying and hugging him and dad who clapped him on the back repeatedly, his eyes all aglow with pride. And he thought he would burst with pride and happiness. This was what it was to have your mum and dad with you and make them proud. This was life.

He watched as the others were also called one by one. Hermione who promptly burst into tears and hugged her parents who looked both amazed and delighted. Ron who could hardly walk to collect his medal, his legs were shaking so much. Neville who received it from his parents. (The entire hall standing up in ovation). His other Gryffindor mates: Dean, Seamus, Lavender, Parvati. Students of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw: Terry Boot, Ernie, Justin, Padma, Cho, and many others whom he knew only by sight. Hogwarts being the scene of the decisive battle there were a great number of students who were honoured. Tonks and other Aurors. Remus and a few werewolves. The entire Weasley family. Witches and wizards who had risked their lives against Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

"And now, I've to rectify a wrong." Shacklebolt who was conducting the ceremony spoke in his sonorous voice. A hush fell over the hall as all waited expectantly. "A long time ago we sent an innocent man to jail, accusing him of a most treacherous deed. It was a blatant miscarriage of justice and something that posterity will never forgive us for. We cannot return the lost years back to him but today the whole wizarding world joins me in honouring SIRIUS BLACK."

Thunderous applause filled the air as wizards and witches to one man stood up. "Forgive us Black," Scrimgeour said as he handed over the Order of Merlin, First Class, to Sirius. For the first time, Harry saw Sirius' eyes become wet in public.

"There is another debt that the wizarding world has to pay," Shacklebolt resumed the ceremony as Sirius made his way back and fell in the arms of James and Remus. "Today if we have Harry Potter in our midst, it is because of his parents. History will never forget Lily Potter's brave act of saving her son. It is such acts that become an example. For their bravery, the Order of Merlin, First Class to LILY and JAMES POTTER." The crowd erupted once again as Harry watched his parents make their way towards the stage and receive their medals. And then Ron was thumping him on the back and it was difficult to say whether he was laughing or crying.

9.6

"What do the others think?" Narcissa asked her husband as she lay down beside him.

"Opinion is divided." Lucius replied as he propped himself on his elbow. "Some like Parkinson wants to migrate, the others feel that they should continue to live over here. Parkinson has already made arrangements. He feels that despite Dumbledore's assurance, the other wizards are not going to give us a chance, that at the first opportunity we would be thrown in front of the Dementors. Goyle and Crabbe have already migrated to Germania. Parkinson advised us to follow Rabastan's lead and migrate to Canada at the earliest."

"What do you think? Should we follow his advice? Rabastan has been asking us repeatedly to come over there."

"Before I tell you what I have thought, I want to hear your opinion. Did you discuss it with Bella?"

"I did. She says that under no circumstance would she not follow her lord. If he continues to stay over here and follow Dumbledore, she too would do likewise. Her husband, she says, can do whatever he wants to. She is even ready to divorce him if he wants to leave the country."

"Divorce him! This is preposterous!! A Pureblood talking in this manner!! Has your sister become this crazy?"

"Yes I know. Her devotion for that Megalomaniac borders on mania. She simply doesn't realise how much her husband loves her." Narcissa sighed.

"That means Rudholphus will not migrate. He will never leave Bella."

"Yes. In fact, Reggie also said that we should not migrate. Today we spent a lot of time discussing this. He is of the opinion that the Ministry will follow Dumbledore's suggestion of Community Service and not really punish us too harshly."

"You think Scrigmeour will follow Dumbledore's suggestions? There is little love lost between them. In fact, this was discussed too and we all more or less felt that his vengeance would be terrible, he will never forgive the torturous way the Dark Lord killed him."

"Had this miracle not occurred Lucius, I'd have concurred with this opinion. But this is so ….so beyond anything and everything, that I feel people will forgive and move on. Just see, so many days have passed and yet the Ministry hasn't taken any steps against us or the others."

"Yes. Many like Nott hold this opinion. They feel that there is a grand purpose behind all this…as you say it is beyond everything…I mean, people coming back from the Dead. Salazar! The immensity of it all!"

After a few moments of silence, Lucius spoke again. "You know many feel that Potter was the first one to be resurrected. They assume that he was dead when you felt him but that later he regained his life. In a way, it is good for us, otherwise some of the others would have killed us by now."

"Do you blame me for it?" Narcissa questioned as she sat up.

"Don't be absurd Cissy." Lucius too sat up and put his arm around her shoulders. "Draco was trapped in the school. We had to get to him. Had anything happened to him, I'd not have been able to forgive myself."

She put her head on his shoulder. "Lucius, I am so worried about him. It is as though he is drifting away from us."

"I know." He said as he patted her head. "It is for his sake that I want to migrate. There is no future for him over here. He will have to bow to Mudbloods and Bloodtraitors."

"Merlin forbid!!"

"It is true Cissy. All these past days, I've been agonizing over the situation. All said and done, I do not really wish to migrate. The Malfoys have lived over here for centuries. What do I tell my mothers and fathers whose ashes are buried in this earth? How do I tell their portraits to move? As it is, it was so difficult to face them when the Dark Lord was living over here. But then I think of the consequences that we will have to suffer…."

"Perhaps we could tell everybody that we helped Potter win the war, that I lied to the Dark Lord."

"Who will believe us? Not Dumbledore's followers for sure. And our own people will turn against us."

"I could ask Potter to make a statement."

"Cissy you do not know how this world works. Look at Severus. Apparently, he was helping Dumbledore all along. He risked his life immensely to help Potter win the war. He fooled us all completely. Did you or I ever suspect him? Even more importantly, he was able to fool somebody like the Dark Lord. Do you think that was an easy task? Imagine, a leglimens like the Dark Lord. But do you see him being eulogized anywhere? Have any of the newspapers or journals focused on his contribution? No, it is the Potters and those Bloodtraitors Dumbledores and Weasleys, even Mudbloods like Grangers and Tonks who are splashed all over. Severus would have died, had I not reached him in time. If this is how they treat one of their own, do you think they will believe you or even that somebody like Potter would help you?"

"Salazar, this is so confusing. What are we to do?"

"Perhaps Parkinson is right. For the sake of our children, it is time to leave this land."

9.7

"And now, for the most beautiful moment of this most beautiful evening." Shacklebolt's voice arrested them all.

"Our world would not have been this wonderful place today, had it not been for the efforts of one man. A man who has moulded and guided young minds for years. Though a colossus amongst us all, he never ever sought anything for himself. However, in the changed and marvelous reality of the world today, we need somebody like him at the helm." Shacklebolt paused for a minute and everybody waited expectantly. There was now pin-drop silence all around as everyone held his breath. "It was an uphill task to convince him but it gives me great pleasure to announce that finally he has ceded to our requests."

Another pause, and then there was only Shacklebolt's voice: "It is my proud privilege to announce the name of our Grand Leader. Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in welcoming, The Prime Dominie, ALBUS PERCIVAL WULFRIC BRIAN DUMBLEDORE."

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A/N: Thanks to excessivelyperky, amberkittie, saphirefox-irl for their comments.

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