Chapter 10

It was mid day at Hogwarts, and a dull and gloomy day with many. Although several had tried to forget the goings on, and few succeeded it. Some may have hid their true feelings deep down in which no one without the talent of legilimacy could ever find out. Even fewer laughed, whether it was because emotionally they had forgotten or they couldn't, or they felt it to laugh in front of people that have lost so much of their happiness.

Some interacted in games and trying to pass the hours that have grown dim and dreary. This was a thing that Harry had taken up with Ron, he knew that he would never win, but he felt that he needed to give happiness and pride to Ron, even if it was too early after the death of his brother.

They were both playing Ron's favourite game of wizards' chess. This game never ceased to amaze Harry. Its way of taking another's piece is what intrigued Harry the most. The chess pieces moved around themselves on the board, with only one clear demand from either player. The brutality that they forced on the other was the most fascinating for Harry, it reminded him of the end of his first year when he played real life chess, life size.

Several soft cheers escaped the mouths of people in the common room as they watched Ron yet again destroying the last member of his team. He looked up to see Ron had yet to get his smug face that he usually wore when he won again. But all he saw was a distant expression, when he noticed that Harry was looking at him he forced a smile that he was sure wouldn't have escaped in any other moment that didn't involve friends and loved ones. All the same he did manage it even if it was for a split second.

Without realizing it Harry had pulled out his wand waved it over the chest board and the pieces all lined themselves in the right order in the correct positions, ready to play again. He was fond of the game but sometimes it did get a tad repetitive with losing but most of the time he was unable to see where the next move would come from, or how Ron could see several steps in front of his opponent. This was unlike Harry during the war, he tried his best to stay ahead of Voldermort, he tried not to fall behind him, and sometimes he got the impression that the Dark Lord himself didn't know what he was doing.

From the corner of his eye, he could see that a tall, dark figure had entered the room and was watching as he took his first move of his pawn one space forward. He let out a small cough so that the two of them could acknowledge his entering. They both turned instantly and in tune. Kingsley greeted them simply with a 'Good afternoon' then turned to a rather frightened looking 2nd year who had lifted her eyes from her book, he simply and softly asked her to go and get the two girls from one of the Dormitories that they were currently in. she swiftly nodded and walked to the stairs and trailed off. Several moments later a read head and a brunette were waltzing down the stairs. "Hello minister, what brings you here, and how are we involved?" Ginny bluntly asks but all the while trying to sound kind and friendly.

"I would like to have a few words with the four of you, please could you all accompany me to the Headmasters office". They all knew not to protest this man, and were wary of asking any questions so they dismayed this idea. Harry and Ron arose from their perch on the floor, they disappeared the chess set, and followed Kingsley out of the Common room, through the corridors down the staircases, around corners, and eventually ending at the stone Gargoyle that headed to the headmasters office. Kingsley lifted his wand and silently summoned a silver misty wire that escaped his wand and travelled past the Gargoyle and presumably towards McGonagall several moments later the Gargoyle started to turn, with this Kingsley motioned for the for of them to continue up the stairs, with a swift gentlemanly motion of his hand extravagantly moving to the left.

Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Harry then Kingsley walked up the stairs and as soon as Ginny stood at the door that blocked them from going forward, it swung open for them to continue. The Professor greeted them and told them to sit at the new seats that were placed around her office desk. The Five greeted back and took a seat at the indicated seats. Once they were all comfortable McGonagall proceeded "You are all probably wondering what you all are doing in my office", she paused for a few seconds to view the nods of the people opposite her. "Well, being the Headmistress of this school I have a choice of who attends and who will not attend, and as I am well aware that most people that have attended Hogwarts this academic year did not have the greatest year. And of course you - Harry, Ron and Hermione- did not get to attend school. This brings me to the reason why a have summoned you here"

Harry looked towards his three companions to see that Hermione had a smile that stretched from ear to ear and a knowing look in her face, she didn't take her eyes of McGonagall. But when he turned his expression to Ron, he was completely different. He looked as if he hadn't a clue what was happening. Well that was obvious, it was Ron. Not a single brain cell sometimes. He did have knowledge deep down, and Harry could see that Ron was trying to access these cells but he let out a sigh and retired to listening again.

"I have a proposition for you all… I would like to ask you whether or not you would like to return and live out your seventh year, along with Ginny here". Even before the Professor had stopped talking Hermione had let out at small squeal and was jumping up and down in her seat clapping her hands furiously. All too eager to yell "yes" which she did. But she held down the urge to run up to the older woman and bring her into a bone breaking hug. Ginny smiled as she could see this need in her friend's eyes. Her attention turned to Harry as he watched the professor for any sign that she would like to continue and she did, "excellent" she added. "However there is another proposition, which is why Minister Kinglsey is here" she turned her gaze to the tall man and gave him a nod so that he could carry on. "If you don't wish to accept this offer. Mr Potter and Mr Weasley, you could consider my offer as to Auror training. But if you decide to continue your education here the offer will still be open, you may have as much time to go over your decision" he finished with a small smile. Both boys eyes were wide open the size of saucers. They were clearly taken aback at both offers but Ron was more shocked at the offer to become an auror. They stayed in silence for a minute or two, Harry broke this with an acceptance of the Professors offer to go through his seventh year with his girlfriend he added this at the end,

"I would love to spend more time with Ginny, and Hermione. I only hope that Ron will accept this as well". The four of us. Together. He continued as an after thought. Both Hermione and Ginny were pleased at this as an even bigger smile graced their faces. Now all they had to do was for wait for Ron. Hermione was unsure if he would carry on in the school, she knew how much he hated it. It was clear. She needed him with her this year; she wanted his company, although they did always spend time with him. She needed it more and more. To be with him. But she knew it was a secret dream of his to be an auror.

Ron opened his mouth to say something but no words were coming out.

"I don't know what to choose, I need to think, can I have some time?" he said with a croak of hesitant. Hermione expected this, he didn't want to let her down, but he wanted to follow his dream to the place where this auror training was leading.

"It is O.K Mr Weasley, You may have as much time as you need" McGonagall declared and the Minister nodded his head in an agreement. All eyes were on him, as his head drifted slowly down to look at his hands.

"Well if you all could leave, me and Mr Potter need to have a word" stated the Minister. As asked the other three nodded their agreement and thanks to the both and left, with a small goodbye. On the way to leaving Ginny bent done kissed Harry on the cheek whispered something that only the two of them could here, then left with the others.

The minister waited for the huge doors to close eyeing the last person to leave, then swiftly swinging his head to look at Harry. He eyed him with sympathy and respect that were clearly showing in his eyes. This made Harry a bit uneasy, because he knew of all people that this Minister kept a cool head and hardly ever showed anything but his normal emotions.

"Well Mr Potter, I'd like to get straight into things. If you don't mind" Harry followed up with a hesitant nod. "I came here to speak to you on behalf on the Goblins at Gringotts. As you were out on your camping trip when you turned of age, you weren't able to gain full custody of your parent's belongings, so therefore you will need to do that as soon as possible. As well as the estate and the rest of possessions of a one Sirius Black". Harry was clearly taken aback by what he had said. He was not expecting this to be in front of him anytime soon. He tried his best to summon any words from his mouth, and succeeded after what seamed like a long minute. "I -I don't know what to say. To be honest I wasn't expecting this any time soon. What do I need to do?" asked Harry finally lifting his head and looking at the two in front of him, with - a best he could manage- smile. Which didn't work out very well because the face of the Professor grimacing at the sight. He immediately stopped and lowered his head.

"Yes Harry, that is to be expected. Well all you need to do is write to the Head Goblin at Gringotts, just state your name, and that you wish to make an appointment. You may do this when ever you like. Just notify the Headmistress here, when you will be leaving. But now I must leave. Good bye Harry, McGonagall". The tall dark fellow nodded his thanks and goodbyes. Then headed to the fire place, making the flames regain life with the floo powder then stepped in with a clear pronunciation of the Ministry of Magic. He disappeared behind the green flames as they settled down.

"Now Harry, it's a great honour to have you intend our school with your own free will" First thing I've done in a long time, that's my own choice. Ha. Harry thought. McGonagall continued with her talking. "Next term will hopefully be a quite one for you. And I'm emphasizing the word hopefully here." she laughed at her own joke, but continued none the less. "I hope you have a good time spending time with your friends with the perks and the not so good NEWT's this year. So I want you to know if you ever need anything, I would like to be a help to you. So you can be and feel like a normal teenager." Harry knew what she was thinking about, she was thinking about how her teenage years had been, and how differently they are to Harry's. He could see it in her eyes. Frankly she seemed younger more alive than usual. He decided to be himself he didn't want to end her smiling features. She looked peaceful, light, and joyous.

"It's a bit daunting really" Harry replied, and her friendly expression showing more now. "Knowing that the exams are just around the corner. This is my first real home, and to think I will be leaving in just over a years time. Starting my life". He looked up to the new Head of Hogwarts and smiled deeply. Thinking about what could happen in his final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His first 'safe' haven. But now its was slowly coming to an end. Having trouble to decide if this was a good thing or a bad thing he stood up from his seat all whilst keeping eye contact and said "I should be going Professor, thank you, and be sure that there will be at least one time I take you up on your offer. Be warned" he chuckled then listened to the Professor, say goodbye and she went back to sit at her desk, as Harry left her office.