Chapter 10

It is the Morning After

Hogwarts' Infirmary

Harry Potter awoke with a start, in the infirmary, which was now empty of all students except for him. The seconds of disorientation passed quickly as found his glasses and put them on his face. He quickly grabbed his wand which was on the side table. As he looked around and saw the Sword of Gryffindor resting in a scabbard, belted to the head of the bed. Harry deduced that he was the very last to awaken.

"Fine," Harry said aloud, I wonder how long I was out this time." He didn't feel up to 100%, but he would say that he was 'Fine' as a self-assessment.

The echoing of the quick steps of the Madam Pomfrey was heard approaching from her office." It is about time you woke up Mister Potter. Let me run a quick scan and see how you are doing this morning." She waved her wand in an intricate pattern and looking at the figures which appeared on her parchment. "Well, no one else needs to know that information." as she vanished the parchment.

Harry queried "Know what?"

"Your Emries score," she responded.

Harry said, "Hermione ran the test for me. It was 518 two weeks ago."

Madam Pomfrey said, "Last night when I finally got you to sleep, you had gone from a core with a measure of 35 after you passed out in the Great
Hall to about 250 Emrys when you left. I allowed the unspeakable to run the last scan 20 minutes after you fell asleep. It was recorded as 310 Emries. That is about the median for a normal wizard. That's what it was when I got the last unspeakable to leave. When I ran a check on all the student at 300AM, The rest had returned to nearly normal, and you had well surpassed 500 Emrys mark. This morning at 7:00 when I released the others you were at 945 Emrys. I just checked and you are leveling out slowly at nearly 1000 Emries. I will release you but you are to do no magic until I allow it. I need to see where you level out. Also, you need to be very careful now. You showed signs last night of some sort of bindings or limiter had been placed upon your ability to access your magic. Those binding are gone. There is no indication of who placed them on you or when. Your overall magical strength has almost doubled. You will have to be very careful with your casting until you get used to the new level of magic available to you."

Harry frowned "No Magic?"

Poppy explained "Or you stay here at least until tomorrow morning. I need to know your core has stabilized fully, is 100% recharged and is completely undamaged."

Harry laughed "OK. No magic." as his stomach rumbled.

"Get cleaned up and go to lunch. You have 15 minutes before the meal starts. You've missed the 1st morning of classes what little of them there was." she spoke with a smile before frowning "Remember, No Magic!"

"Yes, Madam Pomfrey, 'No Magic!' Madam Pomfrey Would you please unshrink my trunk? It was in my robe's left-hand pocket."

"In the cabinet, Mister Potter. Mind the cheek." She countered.

He opened the cabinet and found his robes from last night folded on top of his backpack and book satchel. He retrieved the robes and rifled through the pockets pulling out the trunk. It the twice size of a standard pack of cards. He placed it on the floor and stepped back. Madam Pomfrey tapped it with her wand and expanded to the proper size.

Harry opened the trunk and quickly retrieved his shower things, and took out fresh clothing for the day, and headed off for the shower. Returning in clean clothing he closed his trunk and picked a few items out of his backpack and placed them in his book satchel. Speaking to himself "No Magic, no Classes. Maybe I will just study." As he shouldered the belted scabbard which contained the Sword of Gryffindor.

He looked around and called "Dobby"

Dobby the House-elf appeared with a pop. "Master Harry, Sir?"

"Dobby, my friend, could you take my trunk to my dormitory, please. Madam Pomfrey has released me and I can't do any magic until she clears me."

Bouncing on his feet "Dobby is glad to help Master Harry, Sir. I bes taking yous things to yous room, Sir." with a pop the trunk and backpack and Dobby disappeared. Leaving Harry with just his book bag and wand.

The bell had rung for the end of morning classes while Harry was in the still in the shower. He still had 55 minutes or so of lunch left. He made his way unhindered toward the Great Hall. As he neared the hall the buzz and murmur of the normal background voices were heard. That sound was normal and made him feel at ease. He felt reassured that everything was normal. As he stepped through the doorway the All. The. Voices. Stopped. Every eye in the room was on him.

Then he noticed Minerva bustling toward him. She asked, "You are alright, Mister Potter?"

Harry a simple nod followed by "I'm Fine. Madam Pomfrey said that I was released on the condition I did no magic until she clears it. My core is still recharging and needs to be checked for stability and damage. It will be at least one day before she clears me. Maybe two she said."

She reached into her pocket and handed him his schedule "No DADA until Friday because we have no instructor once again. Dumbledore is teaching Potions, but you're excused from all classes until you can do magic."

Even before Harry looked at his schedule he asked "Was my transfer approved? Can I drop Divination and take Runes? I have passed the placement tests. I did a lot of self-study and Hermione and Daphne said I was ahead of their class now."

Professor McGonagal smiled and made her ruling. "You passed the placement tests for proficiency and were accepted. Your transfer was approved. It is reflected on your current scheduled. Although the Headmaster objected until this morning. He really was powerless to stop it."

Harry said, "Last year and all summer long I studied. I have pretty much made it a habit. I had to study last year because of the Tournament. Most of what I used when fighting Voldemort in the graveyard were 7th year NEWT year Spells, Charms, and Transfigurations. This summer I had some study time with a few Aurors and Mad-eye. The real one this time. "

Minerva eyed him carefully and inquired "Theoretical study or just practical?"

Harry said, "Mostly practical with some theoretical, Mad-Eye said theory was important but practical counted more in a fight. I can follow all of the 6th year theoretical but 7th is a little harder, but I am getting it. I have most all of the Auror manual practicals down well. Well enough to graduate the Auror Academy if I could pass the theoretical Moody had said to me."

Minerva asked Harry "So you still want to be an Auror?"

Harry said, "I thought about that a lot and I at one time I did want to be an Auror. Now, I think I want to get a mastery in the subjects of Runes, Charms or Transfiguration and teach. Watching the first years walk into the Great Hall last night was so satisfying. I taught them all their 1st two charms. I wished someone had done that for me. I made it a game for them and it was fun. It certainly was a hit with the Muggle-born. I tried to make blood status pretty much a non-issue. We also did it to reassure the parents their child would be looked after on the platform and during the train ride. Hermione was the liaison for that, she was on the outside of the platform. According to her, she could tell which people were Parents of the muggle-born by how confused they acted. I guess it is the aversion charm for the muggles on the portal to 9 ¾."

Minerva said, "Mister Potter, you could be a good teacher, maybe even a great one. That would make everyone proud I assure you." with a gleam of a tear in her eye. "Your Mother had the goal of wanting to be a Charms Master and teach. Do give the subject of becoming a teacher due consideration." She turned and made her way back to the Head Table.

Most of the talking had resumed as he made his way to the Gryffindor table. He noticed Millie, Daphne, and Tracy sitting there along with Hanna, Susan, and Luna, Neville, Hermione, and Luna were all sitting together eating.

Hermione and Luna budged apart and made room for him. After he sat down Hermione and Luna both gave him a hug and kissed him on his cheek.

She said, "It is over now, Harry. It is time to be yourself. No more need to worry or hide what you are."

Harry smiled and said, "So true, my love. I am starving. The last thing I really got to eat was the bag lunches which Winky and Dobby made up for us." As he loaded up his plate. "This year is going to good to me. I am in no more danger and no more Dark Lords, or their followers."

Hermione laughed "I saved you this morning's paper, Harry, last night the Aurors were busy. They arrested 27 identified Death Eaters and sympathizers in a massive sweep. Fudge signed a letter of resignation last night. Madam Bones is in as Interim Minister until Undersecretary Arthur Weasley takes the oath. Trials for all the arrested Death Eaters are set to start in three days. Oh, the arrest warrant and the kiss on sight for Sirius Black has been pulled. They questioned Pettigrew under Vertiserum. Pending a hearing Sirius is a free man. His hearing may be the 1st thing done just to get it out of the way."

Harry wondered to himself just how the trials might disrupt his classes, and thought to himself I just will have to work hard and catch up or stay ahead.

Looking at his schedule "I missed Potions and Charms. DADA is suspended. Can I see your notes, Hermione? I can't do any Magic until cleared by Madam Pomfrey. Transfigurations this afternoon, I might sit that for the theoretical portion and just turn in my summer work. Oh, I have officially dropped Divination for Runes, I tested out and I am in your year group now."

Daphne looked up and with a straight face joked, "You could test for your OWL and maybe your NEWT in Charms, Runes, DADA and Transfiguration. This morning Dumbledore asked who had modified

the last car on the train yesterday. The conductor was very upset that Dumbledore could not undo your changes and neither could Professors Flitwick or McGonagal."

Harry laughed "Maybe I did put a little more Oomph in casting the spells. I didn't want the car to revert back while we were in it."

Professor McGonagal did suggest to everyone that just "Leaving it alone and just keep using it for the 1st years. Maybe after you graduated you could fix the last compartment back to normal seating."

****

By the time Lunch was over Harry had decided to just sit out the classes until released by Madam Pomfrey. He felt the temptation to do magic was be too great. He grabbed his satchel and started to head to the library and read ahead in the classes a little. He had a few letters and reports to write and some thinking to do.

Several hours later he had three scrolls of parchment nearly finished to send off. He started his write up his after-report for Madam Bones. He had even written out his resignation as a Provisional Reserve Auror. He thought he wouldn't be requiring the protection it supplied anymore. He recalled Madam Bones said she had nearly overreached her authority as Head of the DMLE with his appointment.

Later in the afternoon on the day after Voldemort's demise, Tonks had found Harry in the school library surrounded by books, and a pile of Parchments. "Harry, the boss wants to see you!"

That phrase triggered an echo of an older memory.

Harry recalled the last time she had said: "Harry, the Boss wants to see you." It was after he took and passed his written OWL and NEWT exams for DADA and the prior day had passed the Auror 1st practical test.

Tonks had found him behind the privacy wards of the Black Family library, surrounded by dusty books, and a pile of notes. She explained, "She wants to see you if we can get you away unnoticed for an hour."

Harry stood and with a look of concentration on his face cast an Illusion Charm, duplicating his image, then with a twist of his wand cast an animation charm on the image.

He stood and watched as the Illusion Harry appeared to write on the parchment then read a bit and turn a page read and then write. The loop was less than 1 minute long. But looked very real to a short glance. "That will last about an hour or so," Harry said.

Tonks said, "Very nicely done. Let's go!"

As Harry created a hole in the wards for Tonks to Apperate them to the DMLE inbound traffic point she took his arm. He nodded and felt squeezed as he was transported away.

Arriving the DMLE incoming point, together they quickly made their way to Madam Bones' office and were quickly admitted inside. Moody and Shacklebolt were there, already sitting.

"Have a seat Mister Potter." Madam Bones said, "I understand Moody and Shacklebolt both report you have passed pass the Auror 1st Practicals with an Outstanding and You have passed your OWL and NEWTs with an Outstanding also according to Madam Marchbanks. Some people might say I have stuck my neck out but I am going ignore them and appoint you a Probationary Reserve Auror. That's almost the lowest rung on the ladder. Auror Candidates don't get a badge until they reached your level of training and because their track is a more professional track they get an Auror Trainee Badge. I am safe in doing this for two reasons. One, because you are qualified with grades and aptitude and ability. Two, so that you have some legal defense on which to stand if you have to use deadly force to defend yourself or others. We have a force of nearly 100 Reserve Aurors. The usually get placed into teams for field operations."

Madam Bones watched for a reaction and was happy Potter was playing 100% attention as she laid down the rules of engagement to him, "You are to use deadly force only if you or others are attacked and deadly force is being used against you or others. The only other time you may use deadly force is against Tom Marvolo Riddle, aka Voldemort. You may strike first with any available spell in your repertoire. You are being assigned to Master Auror Moody's Special Task Force as a team member and your chain of command is Moody and then me. Your other team members are Shacklebolt and Tonks. You are to take no orders from anyone else. Understand?"

Harry said, "Absolutely fully understood. And thank you."

"Stand up and raise your wand, Mister Potter, and repeat after me," spoke Madam Bones. "I, state your full name do swear to protect and serve my nation and people, adhering to the laws to the best of my ability and following all lawful orders given me by my superiors. I will perform my tasks and duties to the best of my ability. I swear this upon my honor, life and magic."

Harry repeated his oath, and it was followed by a brilliant flash as Magic accepted his oath.

Madam Bones signed his appointment warrant and slid a wallet containing a badge across to him. It was a smaller version of a standard issue Auror Badge. It was Silver with a small "P" in Black on the very top. The center was embossed with a Wand and Sword. The badge had the word Reserve in black enamel across the bottom. The P comes off when you can pass the written. Carry that badge proudly," she added with a smile, " Mister 'Just Harry.' You need to know that badge was carried by your grandfather and father."

Harry said, "Yes Mam, I will not let anyone down." As he slid the badge into the pocket of his robes.

Madam Bones slid another parchment to him, "Here is your Apparition license. They held it up until I signed off on it. Moody and Shacklebolt will be by later to brief you and Tonks in full."

Harry looking at his watch, "I still have about 15 minutes before the Illusion I cast fades away. Anything else?"

She said, "Off the record, If you see the black robes and masks, take them down. Hard. Do not turn your back on anyone that is just stunned. Watch each others' back. Bring everyone home alive at the end of the day."

Harry nodded in understanding.

Moody said, "Constant Vigilance, Lad. Keep your eyes open and ears listening."

Tonks stated "We need to get back, Harry. You leave for school in three days. Tomorrow is the last day of shopping for you. Dumbledore will insist on a guard."

Madam Bones "The next three days I think we will have the newest Auror's and their senior partners patrolling the Diagon Alley. Both in Uniform and undercover. It is too tempting of a target not to protect it."

Harry nodded as he stood. He and Tonks turned and left the office. As they neared the Outbound Apparition, he saw several people watching. He whispered take me side-along too many people are watching us. She took his arm and with a step both of them vanished.

****

Tonks asked, "Well?" Jarring Harry out of his wool-gathering.

Harry nodded, "When? I'll try this weekend. I know she is busy. I also have to answer a summons from the Wizengamot. How is she working in conjunction with Undersecretary Weasley?"

Tonks nodded "They are working together nicely and an election is scheduled in 30 days. Rumor has it Weasley isn't going run and wants to stay as Undersecretary to Madam Bones as Minister. Shacklebolt will step over Rufus as head of DMLE. Rufus likes the field work and dislikes sitting at a desk. As much as the job of being head of the DMLE is 80% office time."

Tonks reminded Harry as she left, "And The Boss is waiting for that after-action report, Potter. All she wants to see you for is a good debrief. You were petty much out of it last night. How are you doing today?"

Harry nodded, while tapping the parchment, "I'm fine, and I am working on the After-action report, Tonks."

****

Hours later in the library, Harry had finished all the paperwork. He even managed to write a letter to Padfoot with his version of what had happened yesterday. Harry sat in Hogwarts' Library looking at the badge carried by his father and grandfather. The badge was a shield, his protection for using deadly force to protect others. The war had happily ended with a whimper. The mighty battle and showdown of force from Voldemort most people had expected had never materialized. A few of his people were caught and sent to prison that night after the Final World Quidditch match. One of two had been quietly picked up and held for questioning. A few had gone to ground hiding. Riddle's ritual never worked as he intended. He was never as strong as he once was. Harry felt the reason his body hadn't disappeared last night was all his Horcrux had been drained completely of the life force they held. Some of his wounds had only been half-healed by magic when his body had been dumped on the floor. He had been dying when Harry had ended his life putting him out of his misery.

Harry now just wanted to be a student for a while. He wanted to laugh and play, have a girlfriend, not study and plan to fight.

He then felt Luna's magic as she skipped through the library doors. She slid into the seat next to him and asked, "Closing doors already or burning bridges, Harry?"

Harry looking in his hand said, "This badge represents a protection which I had needed. The crisis is over and the question is do I still need this protection? Do I surrender now or wait for it to be asked for later? What sort of liability and obligation does it carry for me, now and in the future? Am I expected to be the proverbial white knight for the rest of my life? Too many questions and the future holds all the possible answers. The problem is the future has not been made yet. It is an unknown."

"Sitting here and brooding isn't going to find the answers when there are no answers to be had. Some people get visions like an echo from the future. Important events happen and visions are tenuous, at best. Some things are determined by your choice and by choices of others." Luna said, "I know you can't do any magic for a few days. Why don't you get permission

from Professor McGonagal to go to Hogwarts and just walk around? Take your cloak and see what is going on, listen around."

Harry's eyebrow went up. "Maybe that's a good idea. I'll have to get it from my trunk up in my dorm."

Luna said, "McGonagal has not told you yet? You are not in the dorm anymore. She has you moved to the Lord's Quarters because of security worries. There are still a dozen Aurors stationed here. The Lord's Quarters the doorway is located behind the second floor of Gryffindor Tower's staircase. Come on I'll show you. Hermione will meet us there when she gets out of class."

Harry packed up his papers, including his resignation and the after action report. He decided to hold back sending his resignation letter. "We need to swing by the Owlery. I have to send in the copy of my after report to the DMLE. Even a lowly Provisional Reserve Auror has to do the paperwork."

"Tosh! Harry wait until you are a Professor or the Head of House here and then you will know about paperwork." she took his hand and skipped alongside him.

Harry found the hallways empty and that was nice. He felt at ease and as he walked he listened to the chatter from Luna. Occasionally she would bump shoulders with him.

Luna said, "You know he is gone? I saw him go."

Harry stopped and looked at Luna. "How?"

I saw a door open and a hand reached out and dragged his soul away. I could see through the doorway. I could see death. His death. It took him and closed the door."

"I am sorry you had to see that," Harry said.

"I am not," said Luna, "I saw my Mother die and Her death while hurtful for me to watch was not the ugly thing which came for Riddle. I think we all build our own death by the life we live. If we live well and good lives, helping others and building a better life for all, then our death is something not to fear."

Harry said, "Tom feared death above all things for a good reason then. He didn't try to be a good person and he liked tearing down stuff and harming people. Did you I think I died once before? It happened after I was bitten by the Basilisk. I pulled the fang out of my arm. I saw the diary. The last thing I recall was stabbing the diary and watching the blood and ink spurt out of it as Riddle's screaming echo faded away. I had won. It did hurt a lot. Then the pain and burning sensation had eased off nearly completely."

Luna looked shocked, "Then what happened?"

"A voice said to me 'It is not your time, Go back!' I felt the pain and burning again. I woke up and Fawkes was crying healing tears into my arm. As each teardrop hit the wound, the burning eased off. And then the wound started healing up and closed" Harry explained.

"You didn't see your death, Harry," Luna said as she leaned in and kissed him. "Spend the rest of your time learning and building, never fear death. Hermione and I will help you live."

They continued the walk to the Owlery.

When the passed by a window looking out over the grounds, Luna stopped her face changed from the unfocused and confused look she normally wore to a more focused look, "There is where you will build it, Harry. A brand new school, a university for advanced magical study." Her face again became the standard out of focused look as she turned and skipped away from him.

Harry stared for a moment out the window and shook his head, him building a University? Well if Luna said something it usually came true.

He walked quickly to catch up with her, arriving just about the time she got to the Owlery. Hedwig flew down to gently land on her arm, He took the scroll and tied it to Hedwig's leg. He petted her and she preened. Reaching into a pocket he pulled out a few owl treats for her. "Take that to Padfoot. Wait and see if he or Remus has something to send back. Fly safely, Hedwig."

As soon as Hedwig was out of site. He called for a school owl. One flew down to the railing, "I need you to carry an Official Report to the DMLE." and flashed the badge to the Postal Owl. The report would go to a different incoming mail clerk and none official owl post. The owl nodded and puffed at up being selected to carry important messages. Harry tied the report to the leg of the owl. "There you go." Harry fed the owl a treat, "Fly safely. I don't expect a reply."

The owl took to wing and was quickly gone. "Well, that's all done. Shall we go find where my new abode is Luna?" as Harry settled his book bag back over his shoulder.

Luna grabbed Harry's hand, "Let's go!" as they walked out of the Owlery hand and hand.

As they walked the halls of the castle, Harry felt comfortable being close to Luna. He really liked both girls.

The two turned and made their way toward the base of the Gryffindor Tower. And they found the never noticed space, wide enough to fit three grown people, they walked around the base of the stairs to find a door with a plaque which read: Lord Harold James Potter.

Harry started laughing. "I am back where I started, "A room under the stairs, I hope it is better than the old cupboard I used to live in all the time."

A portrait next to the door frowned. These rooms are reserved for Lord Gryffindor's Heir and are not a laughing matter. They were sealed until last night when the heir declared himself in public."

Harry said, "That would be I" and presented the Sword of Gryffindor as proof of his claim.

The portrait asked "Would you set a password, please, my lord.

"The password is 'Victory is Earned by the Bold'. That will work for now." Harry said, "This is my friend, Miss Luna Lovegood. She and a few others will have permission to enter at any time. Here comes one of the others. I don't know your name, good sir?"

"Francis Howard, my lord. I was Squire and then Knight for Baron Gryffindor. My older sister was married to the Baron."

Harry asked, "So you are my many time great uncle?"

The portrait nodded and said, "Yes. I have watched you from many different frames in the castle as has the Baron and my sister, Irene. Baron Gryffindor's frame is inside. He may visit it now that the quarters are occupied again."

Luna had stepped around the stairs to intercept Hermione and returned with her.

Harry introduced, "Miss Hermione Granger, I am happy to present my distant uncle, Sir Francis Howard, access keeper to my quarters. Sir Francis this is my lovely friend Miss Hermione Jean Granger, Would you please allow her full access, without restrictions. Just as I ask you allow Miss Lovegood full access with the same condition also?"

The portrait nodded in understanding.

Harry asked, "If you would, I would like to see where I will be living for the next few years." the door clicked open for him. "Thank you, Sir Francis."

The lights flared to life as Harry, Hermione and Luna entered the Lord's quarters.

Harry stood to take in the room. It was a medium-sized, about 30x30 feet 1/4th the size as the Gryffindor Common room. Although smaller, it had mostly type of the same arrangements, set up in the manner of a common room, just less of them. One corner was set up as a small receiving room. On one wall was an empty frame, which was quickly occupied by Sir Francis. Next to in the wall was a doorway. Opening the doorway he found a room with one side set up an office with desk and bookshelves, the other half of the room had a work table with several comfortable seats around it and several more against the wall that could be used if necessary.

Opposite the doorway on the wall was mounted a round shield with Gryffindor device on it. He could see a staff mounted vertically behind it. A Mace was to right at 45 degrees. He saw a shadow on the wall and realized that was where the sword rested awaiting to be called.

Harry took off the sword and slid it and its scabbard to its resting spot. He took in the rest of the room. It had excellent lighting. Moving back to the Common Room through an archway which led to a dining room with a table with seating for 10 people. A doorway off this dining room led to a kitchen area with a pantry door and a closed door, which lead back to the common room. A third doorway led his bedroom and an en-suite bathroom and tub and shower. He checked saw his trunk had been unpacked and his things were put away in the wardrobe and drawers. He opened his trunk and found some things still there and pulled out his Invisibility Cloak and tucked into a pocket. He went back into his Common room and went back to his office and set his book bag and backpack down.

"Dobby" Harry called.

The small house elf appeared and was bouncing on his feet.

Harry asked, "Can we have some tea, and do we have any of those light biscuits which Professor McGonagal likes. I suspect she will be here shortly. I would like to welcome her properly. Then later could you pop around and see if you can locate copies of the Prophet from this morning and any special editions since yesterday morning. Same for the latest Quibbler. Take the necessary money from the money bag which is in my trunk."

The house elf disappeared with a pop.

Harry, Hermione, and Luna had just settled in on the sofa for a few minutes.

Harry broke the silence, "I know Professor McGonagal will be coming here, just to inform me of the new rules because I have my own set of rooms. I am still feeling a bit tired from last night. While I slept for a long time, the sleep wasn't as restful as it could have been. Don't get me wrong. I didn't have nightmares, but the dreams were a little disturbing. I saw the reaction at lunch, what happened at breakfast?"

"Madam Pomfrey let us all leave at the same time. It was nice, we all just walked quietly together, When we entered the great hall there was this silence and everyone stared at us. I think it was Greengrass which said aloud: 'If this is what Harry felt like all last year, it's no wonder he almost didn't attend this year. Just Stop it, People!'

I mean, there were people faces turning read all over the room. I have never seen so many people trying not to look at what they wanted to see. Professor McGonagal had timetables for the Slytherin students and had the prefects pass them out. The Headmaster wasn't there. I think he was at the Ministry. She made an announcement that 'Starting tomorrow Potions would be taught by the Headmaster. Professor Sinastra is appointed to the position of Head of House for the for Slytherin effective immediately.' We just sort of sat together at the end of Hufflepuff. They all squeezed down and made room for us with no fuss."

Their discussion was interrupted by Sir Francis making an announcement that Harry had a visitor. By the time he stood and opened the door to allow Professor McGonagal in the door, Dobby had the tea and biscuits ready.

Harry served the tea and biscuits. After everyone settled down Harry broke the ice "OK Professor, what is the damage from last night? How much trouble am I in now?"

The Professor's eyebrow went up sharply. "Mister Potter, as you know all actions have consequences. One would have to say that you took a great many actions yesterday. The biggest direct consequence is that Riddle is now gone. We no longer have a potions master as a professor, we are lacking a DADA instructor. The greatest indirect consequence of your actions was shortly before midnight 17 Death Eaters and supporters were arrested in sweeping raids. Cornelius Fudge resigned effective 12:01 AM. Arthur Weasley became the interim Minister because he was appointed two weeks ago as Undersecretary and that had been ratified by the Wizengamot."

"Arthur has promised on the Wizard Wireless broadcast this morning to work with the DMLE to clean out the corruption of the past administration. He has ordered speedy trials for all capture Death Eaters and supporters. He ordered a special election to be held after the trials are done but no earlier than 30 or later than 45 days from today."

Taking a deep breath she continued "At 8:00 AM the Wizengamot convened and has issued you a summons to appear to answer questions. Three Members of the Wizengamot were arrested leaving that meeting. Those were the three which were demanding actions against you. All were marked Death Eaters. Madam Bones reported to the Wizengamot, 'that Harry Potter was currently recovering from the events of last night and was not available at this time'. The Wizengamot then left your appearance before them, to be at your convenience. Madam Bones said 'Arthur and I will brief you on that later'. I do believe Tonks carried the word back to schedule it for the weekend at best." The Professor took a sip of tea, using the time to form her next thoughts.

"I know you will need a little privacy and the castle informed me this set of rooms was open for your use. I approved and then you found your way here on your own, I see," she stated.

"Also this morning something odd took place." The Professor said with a stern look on her face "I received a notice this morning from Madam Marchbanks. It was a very strange notice. It took me a minute to puzzle it out and thought at first it was a prank. But it wasn't. It seems a certain young wizard neglected to inform their Head of House that they had sat one of their OWL DADA tests early, on a challenge basis and somehow managed not only to pass but went on to sit and successfully challenge their NEWTs in DADA as well later that afternoon."

The Professor took a sip of her tea, "Then I find out from Professor Babbage, this morning when we officially approved your transfer, that same student passed both the 1st and 2nd year of Runes but had also the written portion of their OWL in Runes, having never sat in any class. I inquired of her just how this happened and she said she wanted to keep you busy while she graded your second-year test, she gave you last years OWL written examination, which by the way was still valid. When she graded it she was very impressed. She expects to see an Exceeds or Outstanding from you at end of the term."

"Now, the problem," the Frowning Professor McGonagal inquired, " Mister Potter, is to explain to me why you have done so poorly your other classes in the past years."

Harry gulped, "Professor the only excuse I have is that I was never allowed to work to my full potential while I was living with the Dursleys. My cousin was in my class and he never did well. I was never allowed to study. The first time after I started school and I brought in a grade higher than my cousin and I was beaten for cheating by both my Uncle and Aunt. I was hurt so badly by the beating that I missed the next week of school. I never turned in a paper again which I had the chance of beating my cousins grade. When I started Hogwarts. I had gained something I never had before. A friend, Ron Weasley. It wasn't his fault, but I was easily lead because I really wanted a friend."

Taking a deep breath Harry continued, "Don't get me wrong I liked Ron, but Ron tends to be lazy and a real slacker. I realized last year just how much of not a friend he was when he didn't believe me about not putting my name in the Goblet of Fire. Then all year, all Ron wanted to goof off when he knew I had to study and train for the tournament. I discovered my true friends showed up every day, and they brought their friends to help. They researched for me and taught me enough to teach myself what I had to know to live through the tournament. I worked very hard to make up for lost time. To compete I had to study not only 4th-year-course material but all the classes which I had slacked off on in the past. Then they pushed me into the 5th, 6th, and 7th-year material and even some mastery books so I could not only survive the tournament but win it. When I asked you and Professor Flitwick for the syllabus for your classes last summer, I made a chart showing where I needed to apply myself to take me to the top of the class standings. I knew then I had to do better because Voldemort was out there and sooner or later he would come for me. I had to be ready. Lives depended on it."

He started to get up but stopped calling "Dobby" When he popped in "Can you get my notebook labeled 'Progress' from my trunk, please. Then Put the books in my trunk into the office bookshelves."

Seconds later Dobby popped back with the notebook.

"Thank you, Dobby, the tea and biscuits are excellent. You have done very well." Harry added in praise.

Harry opened the notebook and pointed out the section he made for DADA. Madam Marchbanks as the request of Madam Bones supplied the syllabus for DADA Examinations. "Here is how I broke the syllabus down and marked up a chart and made sure I would pass the DADA examinations. Here I wrote the sources as I found the answers, so I could reread them."

Professor McGonagal nodded, "I see."

Harry flipped a few pages "This is the Runes section. You'll see I am nearly halfway through the 3rd-year. We have had Bill Weasley coaching Hermione and me on the practicals. About two-thirds of the Practicals are checked off as well as all the theory which is done."

He then took the notebook and said "Here the same type of marking for your class. Each theoretical and practical element which I have mastered are checked off. I went back and revised the theory where I was weak in the first four years. I am sorry I slacked off and made it look like you were wasting your time." Harry spoke contritely.

The Transfiguration Professor looked through the rest of the notebook and scanned where Harry was at in the rest of his classes. She asked, "Mister Potter are these honest assessments?"

Harry nodded, "I hope they are. Hermione, Luna and Daphne have quizzed me."

Slowly her frown faded away to a hint of a smile, "I expect to see better from you this year, Mister Potter. Hermione, you better work hard because Mister Potter will be nipping at Daphne and your heals. Remember it is only the total score on Owls and Newts which set class standing in those years. He was given an Outstanding Plus on both DADA OWL and NEWT tests."

Hermione urged Harry, "Explain why you had to take the tests and pass Harry."

Harry stood up and fished in his pocket. He pulled out the wallet folder with his badge. He handed it to her. "Madam Bones wanted to give me some legal protection if I was attacked and had to fight back or I witnessed an attack and had to try to defend someone."

Minerva opened the wallet and saw the badge. "Oh, My Goodness!"

Harry said humbly, "Madam Bones told me that my Grandfather and Father both carried that badge. I felt unworthy when she gave it to me. In many ways I still do feel that way, even though I passed the Practical Auror 1st examination, I still need to sit the written test for the practicals."

Luna said, "Now stop being Mister Broody Britches, Harry. We will not let you go down that road. You saved me from in my 1st year, I will not let you do that to yourself." As she saw the tears form in his eyes.

This is the second time he could ever remember crying in his life. He felt all the hurt and pain just bubble up from inside. Any time he felt like this he had just forced it down inside and buried it. Now, he had no reason to hold back. He freely let the tears fall.

That's when Minerva realized what was happening to Harry before her eyes. Harry was having a breakdown. Maybe last night had been far more damaging to this young man, than just exhausting his magic. She called for Dobby to fetch Madam Pomfrey.

As she watched both Hermione and Luna hold him close and rub his back. A few minutes later there was not even a knock and Madam Pomfrey came through the door in a run. "I used the medical over-ride." was her only breathless explanation. "What brought this on?" was her only question.

Minerva stated " He started to break down while we were

talking about the events last night. He told me this was only the second time in his life he has ever cried and then started to fully break down."

"A mild Calming Draught to take the edge off, and I will send for a Mind Healer. Dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is beyond my skill set. Other than recognizing it is is out of my ability to treat. I was afraid that with this huge increase in power and the stress last night this might happen. It was a small part of the reason I ordered No Magic for him." As she administered the potion.

"Tipsy," and as soon as the elf appeared she asked, "please go to St Mungo's and find if Healer Jonas Grey is free. Tell him I need him here as soon as possible. If he is alone, then tell him the patients name."

A minute later Tipsy reappeared. "Healer Jonas be traveling here now. I-did open da-Floo and will guide him here." as she popped away.

Harry had stopped sobbing but was still shaking and crying when Healer Grey arrived. He asked the two girls and Minerva to leave for a few minutes while he made an assessment.

He knelt down and softly spoke to Harry. "Mister Potter, my name is Jonas I am a special type of Medical Wizard. I specialize with the mind." Healer Jonas asked, "Harry, what are you feeling? Do you know why?"

"All the times I have never cried, I think never acknowledged or allowed myself to feel the pain and hurt because I had to stay strong. I had to stay strong for a reason I never understood until I met Voldemort in the 1st year. I knew then my role was to end him. Now, I can't hold back the hurt anymore." Harry explained.

The healer said, "Madam Pomfrey gave you a very light Calming Draught. The crying and emotions you have held in check for years must be let go. The years of bottling them up are over. You can laugh and cry again. Free to feel joy, sadness and any emotion you want. You can feel pride in your successes and regrets because of your failures. The fear you've buried away so you were only brave finally needs to be let out. In the sense of everything you have done, it has turned out well. You failed no one at all. Be proud, feel safe, even find someone and someday learn to feel the love you crave and give the love back in return. I read the paper this morning. Did you know last night many of the students said they felt the love coming from you in waves? You don't have to answer me, but who did you picture in your mind when you summoned the Patronus?"

Harry had relaxed a little but was still crying, but not still not sobbing.

The healer asked, "Do you know what triggered this break?"

Harry said, "I was talking about that badge." pointing to the table "And how it had been My Father's and his Father's before him. And then I told them how I felt when it was given to me by Madam Bones. I felt unworthy to carry it and afraid I could not live up to their standards. I was afraid I would fail everyone. I buried those feelings of fear as deep as I could. I denied them any place in myself until today."

With a bit more calm to his voice as the potion gained a bit of more time to work at the relaxation of his shaking "Then earlier today I was writing a letter resigning my appointment. I know this was bubbling up inside of me. Luna found me somehow, so I was taken to a somewhat less public place. I felt less raw inside. Then Hermione and Luna were here, it got better. Then Professor McGonagal started asking questions, and she asked why I took my DADA exams early. When I explained it was like I could hold back anymore and with the Professor everything got exposed. The last few months I have had to hide everything away. I had to be two different people. I didn't like that but understood why it was needed. Now the secrecy isn't needed anymore and I am scared maybe I am not needed anymore. I might lose my friends. What to do I do now? My life until this morning was manipulated by one person or another for their goals. No one ever asked what I wanted or even needed. Dumbledore himself, he was too busy to even check to see if I was treated right for ten years. He bloody well knew his actions had condemned me to ten years of beatings and starvation. Now Madam Bones knows too. Soon she will come for him because he is as evil as Voldemort was." with a final sob.

Healer Howard stepped away into the kitchen area as Harry calmed enough to doze off in a relaxed state because of the potion. "Minerva, did you know Harry was abused as a child? Madam Pomfrey?"

Minerva stated "I suspected, but couldn't address the issue because Dumbledore had forbidden it. I couldn't even go to that house where is lived after Dumbledore had reset the wards to bar me."

"I reported the malnutrition and other issues after I first saw Harry in the hospital ward to Dumbledore. He said he would handle it. Nothing changed and he refused to listen to any more reports. I manage to give him some potions for malnutrition and fixed what skeletal damage I could. I made sure he had extra nutrients potions. He has improved more than a little since he bonded to Dobby. I did suggest Dobby give him addition food when he could and supplied potions over the last few summers. It is impossible to repair the damage from nearly 10 years of abuse in a non-clinical setting."

"Rackspurts!" Luna said.

Hermione said "Luna has a touch a mage sight. When she describes those all odd animals, what she is seeing could be anything from magical echo's to auras, right Luna?"

Luna nodded.

Hermione explained, "Last year while working on things for the tournament, Harry found a book which had a chapter dealing with mage sight. The spell is easy to do, but then what you end up seeing is too confusing and distracting. However many of the things Luna sees are real and she just has made up her own names for what she sees. Last year she warned Harry and me that Moody wasn't who he said he was because she kept seeing two different faces. That warning allowed Harry to be ready when Fake-Moody started the attack on him. Harry got the 1st blow in the attack and kept after him until Fakoody was stunned."

Luna said "I will do anything for my friend, Harry Potter. He was my 1st real friend and Hermione is my second. I love them both with all my heart. How can I help fix him."

Hermione said "I love you too Luna. Both Harry and I need you. You are his Light and I will always be his Anchor."

Luna got a faraway focused look, "We three will be the change this world needs. Harry has fulfilled his 1st step. Together we will make the next and greatest step. The new University will be built, and Man will reach for and grasp the stars. I keep seeing it stronger and strong. We will heal Harry the five of us. I see it. A true path."

The five went in and Harry was sleeping Hermione lifted his head and sat down letting Harry rest his head in her lap. She smoothed his hair down. She whispered to him, I will always be with you, Harry. We will both be with you. To the very end. Luna sat and set his feet in her lap.

"Professor McGonagal, Luna and I will be staying with Harry," Hermione announced, "If we need help we will send Dobby to you or Madam Pomfrey."

Luna asked, "When can he have another Calming Potion. Just to smooth bumpy spots, we know he needs to deal with the issues not cover them up or hide them away."

Madam Pomfrey said. "I can leave one here if he wakes up before morning. I do want to see him in the morning. He is still restricted to no magic. I will need to be notified if he has another outburst like this one, right away."

"Professor? Healer Howard? Any advice on what to do when he wakes?"

"Keep him calm and relaxed. Reassure him this sort of thing isn't that rare and he is not unique. He has been fighting a nearly constant battle since he was one year old. He does need to understand that I want to visit with him more often for a while. Maybe three days a week after classes in the evenings or more to start with, and we can reduce them over a few months to once a week. By the spring break, it will be a goal of once a month. Believe it or not, the Mundane world is ahead of the magical world on this matter. I trained at a Muggle University for 4 years and did a 2-year internship at a military hospital which specialized in treating PTSD in people from armed forces, police, and firemen. Right now I usually have two or three people in training. After a while, I might consider having Harry talk to one of them. Oh, tell him this is all considered secret. His name will never be on any piece of parchment, ever. We are all oath-bound to protect our patient's privacy in this matter."

Minerva said to the Healer "I will give my oath as well. He need not be looked down upon for this issue in the magical world. I will make excuses for him to Dumbledore and the rest of the teachers."

Madam Pomfrey agreed. "Mister Potter is to be left alone for a while with only the four of us visiting."

"Madam Bones and his task force leader Auror Moody will require access to him as part of the debriefing process." stated the Professor.

"That access will have to be monitored carefully. Re-stressing him will slow down the healing and may cause permanent damages. He might again start repressing emotions again and that will be bad. He can be healed. His strength is phenomenal." The healer explained. "Limit it to only three people or less from the DMLE. And one of us must be required to be there all the time he is with them and if we say stop, the debriefing stops. I would prefer it to be Luna because she is uniquely qualified to monitor him."

"Thank you for your vote of confidence Healer." Both Madam Pomfrey and the healer left together.

The Professor spoke quietly. "I expect a report from of you in the morning. Behave yourselves" She said seriously then followed with a lighter note to her voice "And do take care of him."

as she rose to leave. She bent down and kissed him on his forehead. "I did that once before on the day my godson told me he was a father. Harry is precious, keep him well. It is wrong for teachers to have favorites, but Lily and James were everyone's favorites. Harry is all that anyone has left of those two."

During the night after Dobby covered his master and his girls with a blanket against the chill of the night. He would see to his Master, not because he was his Master. He would do it because he wanted his master to be free.

****

The Castle which was called Hogwarts after having listened to the conversation had opened a new room which was connected it to Harry's Common Room. The new room had two beds and all the necessities including their own showers and bathroom. The house elves quietly put Harry's girls' trunks inside in accordance with the instructions of the Castle. Hermione and Luna had moved in with Harry. It would be in far in the future before the girls would leave him. It would be many years, in their old age.

/AN
Well, this is what happens. PTSD is real. I like many have personally suffered from it a few times in my own life. Most every police officer and fireman and emergency responder and every military person in combat will suffer from this in their career. Each of us will have a different type of reaction to events and a different treatment is needed for it.

While I have simplified it for Harry, it is real. JKR did a disservice to everyone by not addressing the issue. Other than Harry suffering from survivors guilt dealing with Sirius and Cedric deaths.

It is my soapbox. Suffer it for a short paragraph or so.

Several readers have asked, "But what about the Horcrux?" I dropped hints in a few chapters. It will be fully explained in the next chapter.

So, to everyone which has suffered through this story so far. Thanks for reading.

Just Your Bob