(A/N): Voldemort has been beaten. Starting this chapter, is the post-war world. Not all of the Dark Lord's followers were killed or imprisoned. Some disappeared to escape justice, some just melted back into Wizarding society. In winning the war, Harry had many friends and allies. But he also made enemies, too. Harry will be the central character for the rest of the story.
----Caution: Torture mentioned in this chapter------
The Time of Great Sadness
Someone was screaming his name, but Harry had no idea where it was coming from. He didn't care either 'Maybe it'll go away if I ignore it" he decided. But it would not leave him alone. It got closer and shouted his name again. He pushed at the presence and turned away. Still, the intruder kept pestering him. Finally, he lost his patience and lashed out angrily 'LEAVE ME ALONE!' he shouted. It struck back and he recoiled. For the first time, he focused on his tormentor and an image appeared 'Hermione?' he asked, doubtfully. The image smiled, it said 'Of course, its me you dolt. You've been here long enough. Its time to go back.'
'Don' wanna' Harry sent miserably.
Hermione was confused 'Why not?' she asked.
His grief poured out in waves 'So many people, hurt and tortured. So many dead, nobody would want me around. Let me go' he finished.
Hermione wasn't satisfied and said so 'That's not all, Harry. What's really wrong?"
In Harry's mind, everything around them started to crumble 'God, 'Mione, you don't even know!' this time he tried to conceal his feelings, but Hermione pushed at him. And she saw the last moments of the battle from his perspective. 'Ginny and Ron, I failed them' he finished weakly.
Compassion flowed from Hermione 'Then come back with me, Harry. They're both alive' Harry doubted, he even felt mistrustful. Hermione's image looked offended, then it faded, leaving behind a cold thought 'Then stay here' it said 'I'll tell Ginny you didn't want to come back to her' Harry's temper flared and he followed her.
Harry's eyes opened in the real world, the first thing he saw was Hermione. Her fingers were interlocked with his. She had fallen back into a chair and was being supported by her mother, she looked exhausted. Harry's anger vanished, he sat up and kissed her hand.
"What happened?" Mrs. Granger asked "Is she alright?"
"She's fine, ma'am." Harry replied as he looked her over "She looks more tired than usual. How long was she like that?"
"It was almost six hours" Mrs. Granger replied. "She looks so drained. Are you sure?"
Harry nodded and was going into more detail, but the voices brought others in the room. Curtains that Harry hadn't noticed were pushed aside and a healer entered "Hello, Mr. Potter" the elderly man said "I am Healer Catchpole. I see your determined young lady friend has succeeded. We wanted to let you sleep another week, but she ordered everyone away." The healer checked Hermione "The girl just needs some sleep. Now, lets get a look at you." He gave Harry a quick physical, then handed him a wand.
Harry was shocked and disappointed to find that he could only perform the simplest spells and even they were weak "Healer Catchpole!" he exclaimed "What's wrong with me?!"
"Well, Mr. Potter, it seems the three of you used magic in a way that is new, simply speaking you're drained" he said kindly "It will likely take time to recharge yourself. Now, Mr. Potter, can you stand?"
Harry jumped off the bed "Of course I can" he stated, and immediately hit the floor. The healer cast a levitation spell on both teens. Harry floated into the chair as the sleeping Hermione floated into bed. "Nothing to worry about" the healer said "you haven't used your muscles in a while. Some regular food and a little exercise will put you right. For now, I think the best medicine would be a few visitors."
Harry laughed "Madame Pomfrey always hated when I had visitors"
"Well since this war turned my hospital into a military camp, you could override me anyway" the Healer replied sourly.
Ginny was the first of the Weasleys to enter "Ginny …" he sighed "I thought I lost you forever" She slipped into the chair beside him, smiled and the shared a long, but soft kiss. He felt content with the warmth of Ginny's body beside him. They pulled apart as the rest of the family entered and Harry's smile faded. There were changes that greatly disturbed him. Ron wasn't there, but he remembered Hermione saying he was alive. After a moment, he recalled that Percy was dead. He thought that might have something to do with Charlie's absence and the rest of the Weasley men looked miserable. The change in Mrs. Weasley was the worst "I'm happy your awake, Harry" she said, but she looked so sad, she didn't offer one of her trademarked hugs and it seemed like she hadn't eaten in a month.
"Where are Charlie and Ron?" Harry asked, he held his breath fearing the worst.
Fred started "Charlie hates himself because of Percy"
"He locked himself in Dad's shed and we haven't seen him since" George finished.
Harry choked back tears "I can't imagine what he's going through" he said.
"Ron woke up last week" said Ginny "but he can't move" Harry looked up to see Mr. Weasley nodding, he said "He broke his neck, and his back in several places in the fall. Landing on Snape was the only thing that saved his life." From the way he said it, Harry could tell that Arthur didn't feel any gratitude or sympathy towards Snape.
Harry stood, but fell back dizzy and nauseous "Take me to him" he said weakly. Everyone spoke at once saying he needed to rest, except for Ginny. She got up from the chair chanted the levitation spell and guided the chair out of the room "Isn't this Underaged Magic, Miss Weasley?" he teased.
She laughed, ruffled his hair and replied "Just don't let Hermione know, it could cost you a lot"
Ron was in a small private room. Neville, Luna and Susan had been visitors since he woke up. Ginny pushed Harry's chair right up to Ron's bed
"Welcome back" Luna said, she seemed different, like Bella's curse had changed her. After giving Harry a brief hug, she backed into Neville's arms.
"Alright there, Harry?" Neville asked. Harry nodded then turned to Ron.
He was amused to see Susan helping him drink some orange juice "Don't let Hermione see another pretty girl doing that, mate" he said. Susan blushed and gave him a look that was part dirty and part embarrassed.
"Stuff yourself, Harry" Ron replied in a teasing tone. Then he got angry "I FEEL SO HELPLESS!" he shouted "I GOT THIS DAMNED NEEDLE IN MY ARM! AND I CAN'T EVEN EAT RIGHT!!" Ron tried to throw himself out of the bed, but the only thing he could move was his head.
The juice spilled all over Susan's all white nurse's outfit "You jerk!!" she shouted. She grabbed a pitcher of ice water and dumped it on him. "I didn't take that from a ten meter basilisk!! SO I'm not gonna take it from a spoiled brat!!" She stomped out of the room leaving shocked silence in her wake.
Ron's mouth formed a round O "Damn, that's cold" he gasped "Susan! Wait! I-"
Everyone had turned to watch Susan storm out. Harry was the first to turn at the creaking from Ron's bed. He was pulling himself up. Ron overdid it and his momentum threw him forward. Harry jumped up to support him, but their heads crashed. Ron fell on top of Harry in the chair, the pain made Harry giddy. He was half laughing, half crying as he pounded Ron on the back "He's OK! He's OK!!" Harry yelled happily.
"I don't care who you are! I will have order in my hospital!!" Healer Catchpole screamed as he pushed his way into the room "And why are those patients wrestling!? Get them back to bed at once!" he ordered. Fred and George lifted Ron back into bed while Ginny helped Harry sit up. All the Weasleys started asking questions, but the healer chased them all out "I must examine your son in peace" appealing to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. They rushed everyone out of the room.
During the exam Susan came back "I'm so sorry for what I did" she said, embarrassed. Then, worried, she asked "Is Ron alright?" Harry hid a laugh with a cough, then Ginny began giggling.
Fred made a big show of shaking Susan's hand "Welcome to the family" he said
"Mum's always adopting strays" George said, looking at Harry.
"What's going on?" came a worried question from Hermione.
Harry took her hand and said "Well, Suzie dumped some ice water on Ron, and Fred and George made her a Weasley. Oh, and Ron got out of bed"
"Oh, that's wonderful!" Hermione gasped, then "How are you feeling?"
Harry smiled and wrapped an arm around her "I'm good, thanks for kicking my arse" They sat around waiting for the healer to come out. When he did everyone was quite concerned, it had been almost an hour. "How is my boy?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Well, Ronald is exhausted from wrestling" Healer Catchpole said gruffly. Harry shifted under his cold stare "He needs another week taking the Skele-Grow and Nervo-Grow potions. After that, I recommend several days of Strengthening draught before engaging in any athletic activities." And there was another stare at Harry, who was beginning to dislike the elderly healer. He left and the group filed back into Ron's room.
Hermione was first in and claimed her spot on the bed beside Ron. He was pale, but smiled when she kissed him. "I'm sorry I called you a jerk, Ron" Susan said
"Don't worry about it. I needed it. You can soak me anytime" Ron replied "Friends?"
To which, Susan grinned "I've got work to do" she said, then looking at Ron with mischief in her eyes "I'll be back later, we can share an orange juice" The room laughed at Ron's discomfort as Susan left. Susan said something in Parseltongue, Ginny and Harry laughed harder
"What was that about?" Ron asked.
Harry looked at Ginny "Ah, Ronald" he said "Watch yourself with her, she's more like the twins than you know." Ron swallowed nervously.
Ginny's comment didn't help either "Don't worry, dear brother" she said "It won't hurt. Much!"
Three days later, Harry Potter was getting a pre-release check-up from Healer Catchpole. "There is no further need for you to remain, Potter" the man said.
Although Harry accepted his medical advice, Healer Catchpole's hostility had gotten to him "The sooner I leave here, the better" he replied. Then he called out "Ginny! Is Kingsley out there?"
She responded "Yes, Harry" The healer turned away to leave, but Harry petrified his legs
"Come in" Harry said. Seeing their expressions, he smiled maliciously "Good to see you again" he shook hands with Kingsley.
"You, too, Harry" the Auror clasped him on the shoulder.
He winked at Ginny, then turned back "Auror Shacklebolt" he ordered "Place a guard at Commander Weasley's room, this man" Harry pointed at Healer Catchpole "Is only permitted access for treatment purposes and then only if one of our family is there"
"RELEASE ME!!" Healer Catchpole screamed.
Harry looked at the man's feet, then back at Kingsley and said "Oh, and tell the staff that the healer will be indisposed for a while. Let the spell wear off" Shacklebolt saluted with a smile and said "Yes sir, Commander" Harry gave one last look of contempt to Catchpole, put an arm out for Ginny and said "Let's go say good night to Ron."
They opened the door "Hey Ron, I'm going –" he stopped when he realized they'd interrupted. Hermione was kneeling across Ron's legs, her shirt was on the bed and her back was bare. They both turned away "Big oops" Ginny commented. He heard the bed squeak some more
"Ok, you can turn around" Hermione said.
"That is a form of physical therapy I think Healer Catchpole would not approve of." Harry said.
Ron's face matched his hair "Next time, knock Harry" he said.
"Right, no problem" Harry said "Ginny's taking me to the Burrow tonight, then we're visiting the Battle sites tomorrow and meeting with the Wizengamot. Sorry it couldn't wait until you're out Ron." Ron wasn't the least bit bothered "Not a chance, you can have all that government stuff." he said.
"See you in a couple of days, Ron" Harry said. Then he hugged Hermione and whispered something. She giggled and nodded. Harry led Ginny out of the room pointed his wand and the door and said "Obex Ostium" then to Ginny "Lets go"
"What did you do?" she asked.
Harry replied "You saw what we interrupted…I just made sure no one else would"
"Ahh!" Ginny replied "Keep that in mind tonight"
They went to the lobby of the hospital , then apparated to the Burrow. It was late afternoon and Harry could smell the first hints of a meal cooking. "Hmm, yum" Harry said "smells delicious. Wow!" Ginny pulled him by the hand.
"Harry, welcome home dear" Mrs. Weasley said, squeezing him tight "We'll have dinner in an hour. I have a favor to ask, can you break through the shed? Charlie really needs to come out"
Harry tried but he had no more success than anyone else "Sorry" he said, when he came back in "Charlie's spells are still too strong for me. I'll be able to in a few days"
The next day was extremely busy. The first stop was Hogwarts where repairs were going slowly. Although clean, there were still signs of spell damage in the hallways and the staircases were still wrecked. Headmistress McGonagall had been depressed when Harry arrived in the company of the Weasleys. The school had been closed in the month since the Battle. She was standing in the yard in front of a large stone monument. Inscribed at the top was "IN MEMORY TO THOSE WHO FELL" Carved into it was a list of names, a very long list. For Harry, the names of the Unspeakables stood out first, then he found Remus Lupin right across from it was the name Tonks, that really hurt, he hadn't known. Then it was students, Andrew Kirke, Euan Abercrombie, Victoria Frobisher, Geoffrey Hunter and Parvati Patil from Gryffindor were the names he knew, there were many others. Hufflepuff had been devastated, seeing Justin Flinch-Fletchley listed brought back the very painful scene. He realized that every Hufflepuff he knew, except for Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones, was on the list. Harry then noticed the huge number of Slytherin names, it seemed that anyone who died was listed, no matter what side they were on. In Harry's year, only Millicent Bulstrode, Pansy Parkinson and Draco Malfoy weren't listed. Every Slytherin in Ginny's year and the year below was on the list. He choked when he saw Professor Flitwick on the list and it really hurt when he spotted Cho's name. He looked around for a moment, they were all in tears. Ginny seemed stuck on one name. Harry followed her gaze, it was Michael Corner. He tried to pull her away but she resisted. Then she screamed "He doesn't deserve to be there!!!" She whipped out her wand, yelled "INCENDIO" and the top name of one column was blasted away, it was right next to Parvati. Ginny was on the ground, crying.
Everyone was shocked "Minerva, what name was there?" Mr. Weasley asked. McGonagall shook her head. Harry provided the answer, but he was talking to Ginny "It was Dean, wasn't it?" she nodded, face buried in her hands. Harry looked up at the group "We're going to be alone for a while" he said. Harry led her back into the Chamber of Secrets, it was entirely deserted so he opened the doors and left them open. Vernon and Severus were still there "FATHER! AUNT GINNY!" they exclaimed "AUNT SUSAN TOLD US YOU WERE SICK, ARE YOU BETTER NOW?"
Ginny smiled sadly "WE'RE FINE" she said.
Harry patted Severus "I'M SORRY WE WERE GONE FOR SO LONG. I PROMISE THAT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. WE WON, CHILDREN. WE DESTROYED THE EVIL HUMAN"
The basilisks looked at each other, then back at Harry and Ginny "WE DON'T UNDERSTAND, FATHER" Severus said "WHY ARE YOU NOT HAPPY?"
They were both crying when Ginny replied "I KNOW SEVERUS, BUT WE LOST A LOT OF OUR FRIENDS. SOME OF THEM DIED FIGHTING AGAINST US. AND WE ALSO LOST YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS." They stayed for a while, but Harry called an end to the visit "WE NEED TO GO, NOW. THE WAR IS OVER, BUT WE HAVE MUCH TO DO. I ALSO WANT TO KEEP YOU SAFE"
Harry and Ginny found the group in the Great Hall. McGonagall was going over the construction expenses with Bill and Hermione. As part of the Ministry Mr. Weasley tried to participate, but it couldn't keep his interest up. Mrs. Weasley was showing the Grangers around. Ginny knew that glazed look in her father's eyes. She sat next to him and laid her head on his shoulder "How is my little girl?" Arthur said.
"I'll be ok" Ginny replied. The finance talk caught Harry's interest and he contributed many good ideas to the rebuilding project.
The early spring sun was beginning to touch the horizon when an owl arrived with a summons from the Wizengamot. The envelope and letterhead were as impressive as ever. It ordered an immediate appearance by Arthur Weasley, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and Minerva McGonagall. The order wasn't quite as impressive when they found only two signatures at the bottom, they were Tiberius Ogden and Griselda Marchbanks. Harry remembered being terrified at his Underage Magic trial, he couldn't help laughing "Y'know, 'Mione" he said "I thought we were in charge around here."
The comment earned him severe looks from both his fellow War Committee members "Harry, the war is over" Hermione said "Its time the world started getting back to normal" They all used the Floo in the Headmistress' office to travel to the Ministry of Magic. They were led by a pair of very impressed Aurors up to the Atrium. It was overflowing with people. As soon as Harry entered, they burst into applause. Looking around, he saw everyone from Hogwarts who fought at the battles. Alastor Moody was standing with Seamus Finnegan and Hannah Abbott. Seamus was wearing a magic eye just like Moody's 'I've got to get caught up' Harry thought. Draco Malfoy was standing with Neville, Luna and Susan. Draco was smiling and applauding.
As they approached, the twins gave shocked looks "Must be Polyjuice" Fred said
"Leave him alone, both of you" Ginny cut in. Everyone who remembered that day in Flourish and Blotts stared at Ginny. And to prove her point, she stepped quite close to Draco and gave him a warm half hug. He colored slightly, rubbed her arm and stepped back. Harry noticed the room quieting down, he turned from talking to Luna, to see Draco and Ginny standing close. He felt a wave of jealousy, but then he saw the humor in Ginny's expression. Harry put an arm around Draco's shoulders and shook his hand.
"This is your fault, Potter" he said uncomfortably "All this happiness and sweetness is weird. What do I do now?" Harry shrugged, Ginny said something in Parseltongue, which made Harry's eyebrows go up. He replied and they both laughed "WHAT!?" Draco asked.
"Consider this your big chance to prank the wizarding world" Ginny said "All you have to do to get my mother to hug you is say something nice" Draco looked amazed at the idea.
Harry nodded, then in a bad imitation of Snape, he sneered "We all know you love your celebrity, Mr. Malfoy" Draco looked offended "Just kidding" Harry continued "but if you really want to try something new, try talking to Hermione" this time Draco looked scared. The couple laughed.
Mrs. Weasley acted exactly as Ginny predicted. Fred and George were stunned, their mouths hung open. And true to Harry's prediction Draco was becoming the center of attention. They watched him shake hands with Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Hermione's parents didn't look comfortable. "I guess she's mentioned Draco a few times" Neville observed. Then they watched as Draco talked to Hermione "Boy, I wish we could see that close up" Susan added. Harry pushed at Susan's cheek and the group looked in that direction to see Colin Creevey with his camera, muggle zoom lens and all. Suddenly it happened.
"She hugged him!!" Harry exclaimed, in awe "He's smoother than I thought"
"I wish I knew what he said" Ginny commented.
Hermione smiled and nodded over Draco's shoulder "She'll replay it for us later" Harry whispered.
Tiberius Ogden hammered for attention "As newly named Chief Warlock, I call this meeting of the Wizengamot - such as it is - to order"
"The first issue" Madame Marchbacks put in "is the matter of the overthrow of the Minister of Magic, the War Committee and the declaration of martial law. We find Harry Potter, Minerva McGonagall and Hermione Granger guilty of leading a revolt against the lawful wizarding Government of England and Scotland" there was a ripple of protest that started to become shouting "SILENCE" she shouted over the noise "You are each fined the sum of one Galleon. Additionally we are ordering the release of Cornelius Fudge." The distaste with which she said the name was obvious.
Mr. Ogden took over "The destruction of Voldemort leads us to believe that the war is over. We therefore ask the War Committee to dissolve itself."
"I would rather be headmistress of Hogwarts" McGonagall said.
Hermione nodded and everyone turned to Harry "We agree, Chief Warlock" he said
Mr. Ogden smiled "Thank you, that makes things much simpler. The next order of business is the lack of membership in the Wizengamot. We don't know how history will judge us, but we have decided that the young people who fought these battles should lead us."
Madame Marchbanks took over "Our first appointment was easy, would Susan Bones join us" Susan stood still with her mouth hanging open. It took a push from Ginny to get her moving "Susan has earned this in her own right, but I cannot think of a better way to honor my friend Amelia."
"Next, we have realized that we have never considered our non-human brethren. Griphook of Gringotts and Dobby the House-Elf have accepted membership, we are waiting to hear back from the Centaurs to see if they will send a representative" Mr. Ogden said. This time Harry needed a poke from Ginny "Did I hear that right?" he asked. In answer, Dobby appeared with a pop and stood with the group. Mr. Ogden resumed "Some in our community have always looked down on the muggle world. We wish to end that bigoted streak. Therefore, we wish to name Arabella Figg and Hermione Granger as members." She was so delighted that she glowed and floated to her spot.
"Our final Wizengamot appointments are from our pure-blood families, they are Millicent Bulstrode, Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, and William Weasley" Madame Marchbanks said, concluding "Now, we must briefly discuss a new Minister of Magic with our colleagues."
The new Wizengamot stepped out of the Atrium, they could be seen talking but nothing was heard. The room was buzzing with conversation. Tiberius Ogden stood in the center and announced "The vote was seven to three with one abstention. Harry Potter is hereby appointed as Minister of Magic"
"You're joking" Harry whispered.
"No Mr. Potter, we are not" Susan addressed him in a severe tone, but she was smiling and she winked at him "Now hurry up and accept before Fudge gets back and reclaims his office"
The swearing in ceremony was a blur for Harry, it finally sunk in as he finished "—so help me Merlin" He hid his face in Ginny's hair and whispered "I don't know who's crazier, me for accepting, or them for offering" For the next few hours the Atrium was full of well wishers, as usual Harry felt uncomfortable as the center of attention. Little by little people started to leave and conversations changed from chatting to government business. Ginny got tired early "I think I'll spend the night with Ron, it looks like you and Hermione are going to be busy." she said. "Ok, but at least let me tell him about my new job" Harry replied. Then, shortly before midnight, Susan left, saying she needed to sleep before starting a shift at St. Mungo's.
Harry woke up with a smile on his face. The office of the Minister of Magic was full of sleeping people. Harry had fallen asleep in the chair behind his new desk. Hermione's head was on the desk, her hair was all over it. The Grangers were sleeping together on one couch, while the Weasleys had claimed the other. Bill had fallen asleep in a chair and there were a bunch of papers spread across his lap. A tapping on the window was Hedwig bringing in the morning Daily Prophet. 'Great, another title' he thought, annoyed, and he tossed the paper completely unread except for the headline which declared him THE YOUNGEST MINISTER IN A MILLENIUM. The sun was just coming up so he decided to go back to sleep, he never made it. Susan's head appeared in the fireplace, the look on her face scared him "What's wrong, Suzie?" he asked
"I went to see Ron this morning, and –" she broke off and started sobbing "Oh, Harry, I've seen terrible things. But, this … and we thought it was over."
Fear seized him "Dammit!! TELL ME!!!" he screamed.
"Ron was murdered" she cried "You need to get here"
Everyone had woken up with the yelling. Mrs. Weasley was being supported by Arthur and Bill. Hermione was staring at nothing and ignoring her parents' attempts to comfort her. Harry walked over to her and put a hand on her cheek. She looked up, and the tears began "Its not true" she wailed "Harry, please tell me it's a lie" she threw her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest. Harry cried silently, focused on comforting her.
"We'll be there soon" Arthur said, and Susan's face vanished. They traveled by Floo, in order to bring the Grangers.
Susan greeted them in the hospital lobby "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, I'm so sorry" Then she embraced Harry.
As Harry pulled away he said "Thanks Suz" then he looked at her long red hair. He grabbed her shoulders harshly, forgetting his grief "Ginny was here last night!" he panicked "WHERE IS SHE!?"
"We found her in the room" Susan said "Physically she's fine, but she was in shock. She was under a powerful paralyzing spell, but conscious. She started screaming as soon as I released her, she saw everything that happened. I gave her a powerful sleeping potion, she might wake up tonight" Harry relaxed slightly and released her shoulders. Susan rubbed them "thanks I can feel my arms again" she said.
"Sorry, Suzie" he said "Where's Ron?"
She replied "Still in the room. Aurors are investigating it."
They went to the room and were stopped by Kingsley Shacklebolt "No reason for you to go in, Harry. Someone used an Imperious Curse on Ron and forced him to use a Blood Quill, there's blood everywhere" he turned his head away "Forgive me, Arthur, but it was on your daughter as well. I imagine that is why she was so upset."
Harry was outraged, he pushed Kingsley and the Auror went flying. The first thing he saw was Ron's covered form, he pulled down the sheet. Ron's face showed every sign of having suffered a slow and painful death. On the wall, Harry saw the words written in Ron's blood – MEDDLESOME FOOL STICKY END – he looked around, the same words were everywhere, paper, the walls, the floor. "MALFOY!!!!" he screamed. His voice was so loud that it shattered the windows and cracked the ceiling. Only a slap in his face broke his concentration and prevented a bigger explosion. He turned on his attacker, it was Hermione, his rage faded and grief overwhelmed him. She hugged him, hard. He hugged back, harder. She tightened her grip, he tightened his. Then without either uttering a spell, they ended up in each other's minds. Grief and love flowed both ways. When they finally broke apart their faces were wet.
"Do you feel better 'Mione?" he asked. She nodded and asked "You?" Harry thought about it and said "Yeah, its strange, but yeah, I do."
"Ah-hem" an angry Mr. Weasley cut in "Don't you two have something better to do? Like finding my son's murderer!" Molly tried to pull him back, but he refused to budge. Hermione cringed under the intense gaze and Harry stiffened.
"Harry, dear, why did you scream Malfoy with such hate?" Molly asked "I know you all had your differences with Draco, but do you really think he did this?"
Still uncomfortable looking at Arthur, Harry replied "No, Mrs. Weasley, not Draco, Lucius. He was never found after we defeated Voldemort. Plus, after Ron and I rescued Ginny from the Riddle's diary, I tricked him into freeing Dobby and he said to me that" Harry paused, trying to remember the exact words, then "Lucius said that 'My parents were meddlesome fools too., And 'that I would meet the same sticky end',"
"If you had reported it, he would have landed in Azkaban for threatening a child" Kingsley said angrily.
Harry shrugged "I didn't know any better, I was twelve." He said, then he switched to official mode "Lucius Malfoy is now public enemy number one. A reward of one hundred thousand Galleons is to be offered for him. Alive, if possible. Dead, just as good"
"Harry, the Minister of Magic can't do that." Hermione put in, ever the logical one.
"Then I'll offer it myself and we can ignore the first part." Harry replied coldly "Kingsley, I would like to see Draco here, please. Tell him about Ron and make sure he sees that room first" Harry concluded "I'm going to be with Ginny until she wakes up."
Except for Harry's arrival, Susan had been at her friend's bedside the entire time. The intense streak of loyalty that ran through her family that placed her in Hufflepuff had led her to a deep friendship with Ginny. Justin's death in the Battle of Hogwarts followed by Susan helping with Ron's and Harry's recovery and only brought them closer. Now, after just beginning to feel like part of a family again they were struck with a new tragedy. Plus she had the ability with Parseltongue that only Ginny and Harry shared, now. Susan was very worried about her friend. "Hi Harry" she said as he came in with the Weasleys and the Grangers.
"How is she?" Harry asked as he sat and started stroking her arm.
Ginny stirred in her sleep, clearly agitated "She woke up, screaming again" Susan said "All her memories are jumbled. First, its anger with Percy and Dean. Then, its something about Ron. I don't think she can take any more"
"She won't have to" Harry vowed "I'm staying here until she gets out. Then we're getting married and I'll kill anybody that tries to hurt her." Nobody doubted his words. But, if it was easy to say, he found it hard to do. Especially when your job is to govern the magical community of Britain. His simple need to be with Ginny was his first mistake. Important Ministry officials didn't like taking orders from someone they viewed as a child to begin with. But, having to conduct business in a hospital room was insulting. And when he named Arthur Weasley as Director of the Magical Law Enforcement Department he had unintentionally offended Mafalda Hopkirk who, given her post in a more important Sub-Department, felt she should have at least been consulted. That night Draco arrived after having heard the details of Ron's murder and seen Ron's room.
"I don't know what to say, Potter. I'm sorry doesn't cover it. I do want to know who accused my father and why." Draco said.
Arthur's wand was out "He killed my son, why shouldn't I do the same?"
"I'm not impressed" Draco said arrogantly "I fought Dumbledore before I realized I was on the wrong side. Do your worst!" Mr. Weasley wound up to fire a curse when both wands went flying.
"Accio wands" Hermione said and both floated to her
"That's enough" Harry said "Let's take this elsewhere so we don't disturb Ginny" Arthur followed quietly, embarrassed by his actions.
"Alright! Is there a reason, other than having him attack me, that you brought me here?" Draco demanded.
Hermione purposely stood between the two near combatants "I'm sorry for that, Draco" she said "Harry wanted your help"
"You have my attention" Draco said.
"Vote with us when the Wizengamot considers the reward for the capture of your father" Harry said. And when Draco asked why his father was suspect, Harry told him why. Then he watched Draco think.
Draco nodded and said "First, I am sorry about Ron's death, Mr. Weasley. And I never got a chance to settle with him, like last night" then he looked at Harry "So, Potter, you need me. What were you prepared to offer?"
"I've learned a lot today about how things work" Harry replied with a calculating look "Your father is a fugitive. It could be a long time before the case is resolved. If the Minister of Magic and the Wizengamot declares a family estate abandoned, then full control immediately goes to the next of kin. And I can give you four votes"
Draco laughed "Done. Not bad, Potter." He said, then looking at Hermione "This is your doing, Granger" He shook hands with Harry and Hermione and left. Mr. Weasley didn't but he was less hostile.
They returned to Ginny's room to find Mrs. Weasley screaming frantically at Susan "How could they just let her leave!?!" Susan just shrugged helplessly. Just then, Pigwidgeon arrived the a letter addressed
My Family
I can't forgive myself for what I let happen and I can't face anyone.
Don't worry about me. I'm with Charlie in the shed.
Please let us be.
Charlie and Ginny
Harry spent the days leading up to Ron's funeral working. The Wizengamot meetings went fairly smoothly. The bounty on Lucius Malfoy passed eight to three and control of the Malfoy fortune was given to Draco by a vote of ten to one. The Daily Prophet quoted unnamed sources as saying that the votes were rigged. Both Harry and Draco publicly denounced the charge. Harry had been spending his nights at the Burrow. He assumed he would sleep in Ron's bedroom, but he found Hermione in Ron's bed. Percy's room was cleaned out, but he wasn't comfortable there. Finally, he decided to try to get through to Ginny. He took food out to the shed hoping to bring her and Charlie out. Both nights, he fell asleep leaning against a tree. When he woke up, he found the food wasn't touched.
Ron's funeral didn't bring Harry much comfort. Other than family, he had only expected and wanted to see his friends from Hogwarts. Just before the ceremony, he said "Arthur, who are all these people? This is ridiculous"
"They mostly just want to be seen. And unfortunately our positions mean that even today we have duties to the public" Mr. Weasley replied. Harry gave a disgusted look. And, despite the full church, Harry was only interested in the two empty seats beside him. When Harry got up to say his final goodbye, he finally spotted Ginny and Charlie. They stood together in the back. 'Its about time' Harry thought angrily. "Say something" Arthur whispered.
Harry nodded "Ron Weasley was my best friend" he began "From my first day at Hogwarts, he's been there. You have all been saying I'm a hero. I did what I had to, but Ron was my hero. And not just because we fought a war together, but also because of his family. I recently told a good friend" he looked right at Susan "that when you are friends with a Weasley, you've got a whole second family. I wish he were"-- Harry stopped, he was going to say that he wanted Ron as his best man. But things weren't right between them. So Harry finished "I wish he were still here. I'll miss him" He sat back down next to Hermione and those two empty seats
The ceremony ended and Harry readied himself for a long talk. His frustration reached new heights when, after standing before Ron's casket, Ginny and Charlie vanished. If it hadn't been for Susan and Hermione, he would have gone after them. They delayed him just long enough for the press of those public duties that Arthur mentioned to get started
