Putting It Back
Chapter 29 – Awards
Professor McGonagall started the awards ceremony. "There hasn't been many examples in the history of Hogwarts of bravery to award house points. Professor Dumbledore did set precedence six years ago when an eleven-year-old Neville Longbottom stood up to three of his housemates." Standing straight and looking at all of the students except the Slytherins, she announced, "For bravery by standing up to your school mates for what is right, I award 10 points to all of the students in Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor." The result was that the three houses were now near equal footing to obtaining the House Cup at the end of the year.
After a rousing applause, the Interim Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, handed out awards for bravery to many students who participated in the fight. He would sometime even pause to share a story of valor exhibited by a particular individual.
This all pleased Harry since he wasn't being singled out and the recognition for the battle was shared amongst everyone who helped. Since he had not read the newspaper, this was the first he had heard of the many stories his schoolmates experienced.
The awards continued with the recognition of the D.A. members. They recognized them for their deeds and bravery not just for the battle, but the whole year. Ginny and Neville were asked to participate by handing out the awards to those students.
For leadership in the D.A., particularly since if discovered, she would have been imprisoned or killed. Ginny was awarded Order of the Merlin, Third Class.
Since his leadership of the underground resistance required going into hiding, and he fought meritoriously in the final battle, Neville received Order of the Merlin, Second Class.
Harry fretted the final awards, knowing that he would receive recognition.
Shacklebolt announced to the school and guests, "There was a Ministry Gala last night where these last three should have been awarded. But, due to unexpected injury they either couldn't or refused to attend."
Harry gave a questioning glance at his friends. Again, words were not needed when they gave him the "we're in this together" look.
Shacklebolt continued speaking to the crowd. "What these three have done for Britain is unquestionably amazing. Against insurmountable odds and formidable obstacles, these young adults managed to undermine Voldemort's…" A collective gasp was heard from the crowd. Even Kingsley cringed when he said the name aloud. "His immortality. Allowing only a chance that the mad man could be killed. Then without any thought for their own lives, they faced the monstrous man, the corrupted Ministry and the Death Eaters head on. Harry James Potter; Hermione Jane Granger; Ronald Billus Weasley; Would you please come forward."
Harry could tell that Hermione and Ron were having trouble with the wording, but Harry was personally thankful they were treating his friends as equals.
"Hermione and Ron may have not directly faced the controlling mad man at the end, but they were with Harry all of the way. The feat was too great for it to be conceivably accomplished by him alone. Working together, they saved each other's lives on many occasions. Working together, they achieved what no one else in the world thought was possible."
The three of them were up on a platform with the interim Minister. He repeated their full names again and said, "I have the privilege and honor of awarding them the Order of the Merlin, First Class." The award was a platinum round metal with the emblem of the British Ministry of Magic. The metals were draped across their necks from a white ribbon. "Would you like to say a few words?"
The thunderous applause did not help the queasiness in his stomach. Harry looked to his friends to see if they wanted to say anything. Ron was adamantly shaking his head, while Hermione just tried to encourage him.
Harry stepped forward on the platform and was immediately met with blinding flashes, encouraging shouts and questions. He waited to see if the banquet guests would settle. When they didn't, he gestured to them to be quiet. "Fellow students, press and guests. This evening resembles something I have been waiting for since I was eleven. It was then that I learned that my parents' killer was still after me. He's been after me ever since. As we recognize the heroics and battles, we are also celebrating. I am celebrating." He glanced over at Ginny, before continuing his speech. "We no longer have to worry that he will return ever again. Tonight marks a new chapter in my life that I hope to filled with peace." Applause rang out through the Great Hall. "Spending the last seven years under the unearned fame, titled "The Boy That Lived," I don't want to be recognized tonight. I don't want the press, the pats on the back or the metal. I only did what I did because otherwise there would be no peace in my life; I needed to stop the deaths; and, my loved ones would be continuously hunted.
"But tonight, I have been given the privilege of seeing my friends recognized for their efforts. It is because these metals are draped across their necks that I feel honored to associate myself with them by wearing my own. Thank you Minister. Thank you, Headmistress. And, thank you all for recognizing everyone."
He left the platform in another wave of thunderous applause. Harry let the praises and applause drown out of his mind as worked his way to Ginny. He grabbed her in his arms and hugged her without saying a word. Tonight is a celebration that he could have a family without worrying who would die next.
The two of them danced for hours that night. As his arm tired, he noticed painfully that her dress was charmed with a Stinging Hex over her bum. "Ginny?" He asked. "Did you ever show the dress to George before you wore it here tonight?"
"Yes, why?"
Too embarrassed to admit that his hand was resting that low on her back, he just replied, "No reason. Just wondering." Hoping to steer her attention away from the subject, he mentioned something that has been on his mind all that night. "Ginny"
She turned her head to see him better.
He gazed into her warm brown eyes. "I love you." He was awarded with a brilliant smile and a sparkle in her glistening eyes.
"I'll never get tired hearing those words. I love you too."
In response to those words, he subconsciously pulled her closer and sighed. He noticed her shiver and melt into his embrace. She had a blissful smile on her face with her lids closed. "What is it?"
She looked back at him. "You haven't heard those words often. Have you?"
He shook his head. "Only from you." He had a sad thoughtful look.
She explained, "When I said, "I love you," I was immediately flooded with intense emotions across the bond."
"Is that bad?"
She laughed to herself. "No Harry, it is the most enjoyable way to drown. In your love."
"The power he knows not," he said in reflection. Noticing her questioning look, he explained,"My love for you, is what I was thinking of him when he tried to kill me in the forest. Not only did it kill his presence in me, but it allowed me to come back and live again."
