No Time For Epilogues
Chapter 14
Molly accompanied Ginny to King's Cross, bustling with excited students saying last goodbyes to parents. Those who had been at Hogwarts the day of the battle nodded respectfully to Molly, having witnessed her winning that spectacular duel against Bellatrix LeStrange. She would be one of the Order of Merlin First Class recipients that night.
"They would have liked to see you off, but they're working now," Molly said. "We'll see you tonight though, it'll be wonderful."
The train whistle sounded. Molly gave Ginny a last hug and heard her shout "Harry!"
She turned to see Harry trotting and weaving his way through the crowd. He walked into Ginny's opened arms and kissed her passionately. The students on the train crowded at the windows and Colin Creevey snapped a picture of the scene. So, Ginny Weasley had indeed snagged Harry Potter. Parents and students on the platform gawked at the couple as the last warning whistle sounded. Molly cleared her throat. He held her close and talked softly to her.
"I'm going to miss not seeing you everyday."
"I don't know how I'm going to get through classes."
"You're Head Girl and star Quidditch player, you won't have time to think of scruffy old Harry. Now go, we can't have the Head Girl missing the train, can we? I'll see you tonight. There's going to be a huge surprise that you'll love."
Ginny stepped onto the train. "Come on, you can't tell me that then just leave!"
Harry just grinned and waved as the train chugged off, waving at it her until it she disappeared from sight.
"So, what's this huge surprise?" Molly asked.
"You'll just have to wait and see."
"Scallywag."
"As you so often tell me."
The Head Students, Ginny and Hufflepuff Ernie Macmillan gathered the Prefects to meet with a professor in the Prefect cCompartment. After a short meeting, the patrols were established and Ginny rejoined Luna, Laura Madley of Hufflepuff and a fellow Gryffindor, Kathy Rooney. The three were probably the only ones who wouldn't want to gossip incessantly and try to wheedle personal information from her about Harry. As expected, their compartment was constantly interrupted by those who would happily gossip and did try to wheedle personal information from her about Harry.
"I'll hex the next person that slides open that door for no good reason," Laura said and twirled her wand.
The door opened and a seventh year Slytherin, Diana Greengrass, younger sistersisiter of Daphne Greengrass, stood at the door. Ginny had no particular love for any Slytherin, and their only skin-of-your-teeth saving grace, in her opinion, was the fact that at least one Slytherin stayed to fight in the Hogwarts battle; not a single student, but Professor Slughorn. As Head Girl however, she had to remain level-headed, fair and civil.
"Yes, Miss Greengrass?"
"My patrol is done, no problems," Diana said.
Ginny dismissed her with a nod and resumed her conversation with the others.
Diana returned to her compartment with two of her classmates, Madelaine Pritchard and Richard Mansfield. "Just as I told you Maddy, no hexes, curses, dirty looks, or cross words. Slytherin is being categorically ignored and Weasley's cool as ice."
"Why shouldn't she be? That family's up pretty high in the food chain nowadays, mum says so," Maddy said.
"Maybe that's a good thing. I'll be able to get through this year in peace," Richard said. "It'll probably be bloody boring however."
"Would you rather the alternative?" Diana asked.
All three shook their heads.
"So, what's this big surprise tonight that Harry mentioned?" Laura asked.
"No idea," Ginny said. "But it's going to be one hell of a party."
Kathy spoke up. "Um, Ginny, you might want to do some kind of concealing charm on your neck, that love bite doesn't help the gossip."
"What love bite?" Ginny asked.
Laura took a mirror from her purse and gave it to Ginny who exclaimed, "Oh, that little shite! After my birthday, I asked him not to do that! Hermione took the mickey out of me for days!"
Luna giggled and the other two looked surprised that she would so flippantly call their world's biggest hero "that little shite." She wiggled her wand at her neck to conceal the bruise.
"So, think you'll be Quidditch Captain this year?" Kathy asked Ginny.
"Dunno, as Head Girl, I'm not sure if they'll let me do that too."
The hours passed and a voice announced that the train was nearing Hogwarts. When the castle came into view, a roar of joy was heard and nearly every student sang the Hogwarts song in jubilation. The castle looked better than ever and crowds had already arrived for the awards ceremony. The large screens couldcoule be seen from the distance and figures could be seen on brooms flitting about.
"This is our year," Ginny said. "Let's kick arse."
At Hogsmeade station, Ginny directed the first years to where the prefects helped them board the boats while Ernie made sure the others got on the carriages. More than half of them could see the thestrals this year. When they arrived at the school, the crowds that had gathered burst into applause for the returning students shuffling up the path. Ginny had to wait at the doors for the first years.
"Miss Weasley, how's Harry?" a reporter called out.
"You'll have to ask him yourself," Ginny said with a wink and waited for the first years to enter, making sure the count was correct. Good, no wet ones, they all managed to stay in the boats!
"Okay you lot, listen up!" Ginny announced.anounced. The group of eager eleven year-olds listened in rapt attention. "Wait here for Professor Flitwick to lead you into the Great Hall. Pay no mind to the unusually large number of people that will be in there, just listen for your name. Any questions?"
One boy raised his hand. "Miss Weasley, do we have to duel a troll to be sorted?"
"What? Who on Earth told you that?"
"My brother."
"Well, your brother's having you on. All the sorting involves is sitting on the stool with that old hat on your head, that's it."
The lot of them sighed in relief.
"Is it true that you dueled Bellatrix Le StrangeLeStrange right here?" another asked.
"Well, not right here, but just down that way, with Hermione and Luna," she said and pointed to an area further down the corridor, "until my mum came along and took her out."
"Wicked!" someone exclaimed.
Professor Flitwick arrived and greeted Ginny. "You can go in now Miss Weasley."
Harry sat with the Magical Law Enforcement contingent and saw the Great Hall doors open. Ginny and Ernie, head student badges gleaming brightly, walked through and stopped in abject shock at the sight of the Great Hall. Neither was expecting this and cameras snapped their picture. Ernie mumbled something to her and they went to their tables. Harry fell for Ginny all over again when strolled proud and beautiful to her table, every inch the Head Girl and hero. The Great Hall was charmed larger to accommodate the three hundred or so people present. Each department at the Ministry had their own tables, and Ginny spotted Harry with Magical Law Enforcement. Hermione was at her department table with her parents, and Ron was with the Weasleys at a table with Arthur's department.
The doors opened and Flitwick led the first years through. The gathering applauded this first year of a new era. Ginny winked at the first year who asked about the troll. The sorting took 45 minutes then Minerva gave the customary welcome speech for the students. She clapped her hands and food appeared on the tables, house elves appearing to assist with the extra tables. The portraits of the five previous Headmasters stood on easels behind the Head Table, looking on in approval.
"Nicely done, Minerva," Albus said when she took her seat.
"Pumpkin, is this how you ate all the time?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not always, just at the Sorting feast, Christmas and leaving. Meals are normal food," Hermione said and cut her roast.
One of Hermione's colleagues spoke. "Master Granger, I understand that you and your lovely wife are dentists? Teeth healers?"
"Yes, we are."
"Is that a successful line of work?"
"Yes, we've made a good life for ourselves."
"What do you think of Hermione's line of work?"
"From what she's told us, fascinating," Ian said.
"Has she told you of our department's next project?"
The Grangers looked at Hermione talking quietly to the person next to her. "No, I don't believe she has."
"Well, it's going to make news, that's for sure. She's heading the Centaur Language Primer project."
"Centaur?" Elizabeth asked.
As much as they were accustomed to the more unique aspects of their daughter's life, it still threw them for a loop sometimes.
"It's never been done, quite ambitious for one so young," the department supervisor said.
Minerva took the podium again. "To our students, I welcome you to another year at the finest school for wizards and witches in the world. Minister, honored guests, family and friends, I proudly welcome you to our institution this fine evening, recently renovated to its former splendor. I now defer the remainder of the evening to the Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt."
The Aurors rose and applauded. Kingsley took the podium, bowing to Minerva and turning to the gathering. "Thank you, Headmistress McGonagall, for that fine welcome. First years, I suggest that you pay close attention to one of the finest Transfiguration Masters on the planet," he said of Minerva and the crowd laughed. She rolled her eyes and waved him off.
"Now that school business is taken care of, we move to the next part of the evening, that of honoring the heroes who battled against unspeakable evil and prevailed. I will first recite the names of those who gallantly lost their lives that day and ask that a fifty five seconds of silence be observed, in homage to them."
After the first ten names, "Remus Lupin" was called out and Hermione choked out a sob. When "Nymphadora Lupin" was called next, all Hermione could think about was the baby who would never know his parents and her tears freely fell.
"Pumpkin, I'm so sorry," Elizabeth said and held her close.
Across the room, Harry felt the same way. Minerva rose from her seat and summoned a chair to sit next to Harry and gave him her handkerchief to wipe his damp eyes. Photographers snapped pictures of the emotional moment. She gripped his hand and they listened to more names called.
"I'm gonna sit with Ginny, she'll need it," Harry whispered.
He rose from his seat, every eye on him, and walked toward Ginny's spot at the table. Kathy Rooney scooted over and made room for him and the boys nearby shook his hand. Kingsley had to pause and take deep breath before the next name, his voice wavering.
"Fred Stephen Weasley."
Harry pulled the shaking Ginny close and held her clenched fists. They saw Hermione leave her table and hurry to Ron's, kneeling next to his chair and holding him close, whispering earnestly in his ear and wiping his tears with her napkin. Arthur and Molly gazed endearingly at the pair then at the Grangers, who raised such a fine young woman. They lost Fred, but got Percy back and as far as they were concerned, two more to their brood, Harry and Hermione. The agonizingly long list concluded and silence was observed. Kingsley cleared his throat and spoke.
"While it's important to honor those who have passed on, let's turn to the business of the living, who richly deserve our thanks, and recognize them."
He shuffled through his parchments and spoke. "The citation for each Order of Merlin Second Class for Valor reads as such: This Order of Merlin, Second Class, is awarded for bravery and fortitude in the face of grave danger, and brings great credit upon yourself, your families and the Wizarding world. Will the recipients please come forward when your name is called?"
It took just over an hour for the 36 students to receive their medals. When the last name, "Ginerva Molly Weasley" was called, the entire Weasley table, Hermione, the Grangers, the Gryffindor table, Luna, and Harry rose to their feet and cheered her on. Harry kissed her cheek and propelled her to the front and cheered the loudest when Kingsley placed the medal around her neck. She was blushing as red as her hair when she returned to her seat.
"Now we come to the Order of Merlin, First Class recipients. The citations for this award read as such: This Order of Merlin, First Class, is awarded for gallantry and heroism that goes above and beyond the call of duty for our world and brings great credit upon yourself, your families and the Wizarding world. Will the recipients please come forward when your name is called?"
The Hogwarts staff, Arthur, twelve Aurors and five Healers lined up to receive their medals.
"You may have noticed five names yet to be called. That is because these five distinguished themselves in such a way to be awarded the Order of Merlin First Class, For Valor. The citations read as such: This Order of Merlin First Class, For Valor is given for unmatched courage and intrepidity in the face of overwhelming odds and certain death in the selfless defense of their families, their friends and their world. Their names will be recorded for posterity in the British Wizarding Rolls of Honor. Will these five come forward and be honored?"
"Headmistress Minerva McGonagall."
The Gryffindors went crazy when she rose from her place and the entire Great Hall stood and applauded. Even the hundreds outside cheered as they watched on the big screens. From his portrait, Albus patted his eyes with a purple handkerchief.
"Molly Abigail Weasley."
No one cheered louder than her family and she stood next to Minerva, waiting for the final three that would bring the house down.
"Ronald Bilius Weasley."
Hermione gave him a searing kiss and gently pushed him forward. He accepted the medal around his neck and took his place next to his mother.
"Hermione Jean Granger."
The cacophony of cheers and applause was at it loudest so far when Hermione made her way forward. Her department whistled, hooted and threw their napkins in the air and her parents hugged each other, overjoyed at this unexpected honor their daughter was receiving. They had no idea it would be like this. People were patting their backs, exclaiming "You must be so proud!" She walked into Ron's open arms and stayed there. Cameras flashed at the affectionate scene.
Kingsley had to re-cast the Sonorus charm and said above the din, "Last but not least, Harry James Potter!"
The noise was deafening when Harry made his way to the front, his eyes on his best mates. Who would have known, those years ago, that a troll in the loo would lead to this happy day with them? They took the medal from Kingsley and together placed the medal around his neck. They drew him into their embrace and were joined by Minerva and Molly. It took ten minutes for the excitement to die down. The camera flashes were blinding. Ron grinned at Harry over her head. In a few minutes, things would only get better, if that was possible. What are those two up to? Ginny mused when she saw the two grinning at each other. When the Great Hall quieted down, Ron took the podium, cast a sonorus charm and cleared his throat. He put his shaking hand in his pocket and Harry joined Ginny.
"Since when does Ron make speeches?" Ginny wondered.
"Your brother just might surprise you," Harry said and kissed her cheek.
Ron looked around the hall, at every face waiting for him to speak. Now however, he was only interested in one person and one word from her. Hermione was across the Great Hall, sipping on a glass of champagne and talking to the people at her table.
"Can I have everyone's attention? I want to ask Hermione Granger if she will marry me."
The Great Hall fell silent. Years later, Ron would tell his children that it was a "cricket-could-be-heard-chirping kind of quiet." Hermione's face spun toward the podium and she dropped her glass.
"Oh my God!" Ginny called out.
Ron left the podium and hurried to her. He took a ring from his pocket and knelt in front of her, his heart ready to pound out of his chest. Molly and Elizabeth gasped in joy.
"Hermione, I've loved you for years. I know you're the one for me, and that no one will ever be able to love you like I do. You've been my friend all these years, so would you now be my wife?"
She nodded and he slid the ring on her finger. When she pulled him to his feet tackled him with a hug, he had to hang on to her because he felt weak in the knees. They were bombarded by their families.
"My brave, brave boy!" Molly said and hugged them both. "Now I'll have two daughters!!"