Hey everyone,
Well, this is it. We are down to the last three chapters of this story. There will be the Ministerial Ball, the Abbott Ball and then finally the epilogue. And let me tell you something; I am so glad I made Lily and James come back to life. It will make the plans for the epilogue and what Harry wants to accomplish a whole lot easier.
Now I know that, in many of my stories that have HP and KH mixed, I have Harry move stuff to the KH Universe and, while that had been my original plan – and while that's probably written somewhere as well – did I rethink my earlier plans and decide on a bit of a new course of action, one that hopefully you will enjoy.
Okay, have fun,

Venquine1990


Chapter 29
One World, One Island, One Country

31st of July 1996
Ministry For Magic
Sirius' POV

The fact that the Ministerial Ball is held on the same day as my godson's birthday is definitely not something that had escaped anyone's notice when we first took a glance at the Ball Date schedule, yet still it feels as if Terra, Daphne and Ienzo worked together to give Harry the early birthday present of the millennium.
To see Harry and Terra return from the Lovegood ball together with three mates of my godson who I had wondered why they had left while Harry was getting ready for the Lovegood Ball was one thing, but to see the two people I had thought I would not see again until my time on this plane had ended was a complete other.
The two had actually been dressed as Royalty and they had royal crowns upon their heads, proving that Harry had actually handed the royal title over to his parents, which I personally think was a brilliant thing for the kid to do as it was really like a reward to him for all the hard work he's done all these last few years.

It's also definitely a good thing that there was a four day break between the Lovegood ball and the Ministerial ball as the Daily Prophet has been going crazy with multiple articles every day not just announcing the return of the Royals, but also giving friends and loved ones the chance to express how happy they are with their return.
Remus and I had definitely jumped at this and Riddle had done so as well, his article practically solely on how horrible he felt for the fact that he broke the rules for Life and Death on the two and how happy and relieved he feels over the fact that his horrible mistake had been fixed. However, other articles had also shown up.

Rita Skeeter, while not having been at the party whatsoever, had actually proven her utter stupidity over thinking that her popularity exceeded that of the returned royals and she had written a piece that was nothing but gossip and lies. The same day the Daily Prophet had been overrun with furious witches and wizards.
All of them had been furious, shouting at her that the time of the Ministry and others slandering people like Harry Potter and his family were beyond over and while Rita had been shocked at this, had she then asked: "Wait, you don't like my usual writing style anymore?" And a wave of magic had come alongside the shout: "NO!"

Harry, the others and I had also definitely been furious with the piece as it actually made it sound as if the whole event at the Lovegood Ball was just a sham and that Lily and James had faked their death, aligning themselves with Voldemort and working undercover for people like Bellatrix Lestrange to bring sorrow and death to England.
Yet Hermione had calmed us all and told us to just wait outside the Daily Prophet and she had been proven right as we had all greatly enjoyed the absolute reputation massacre that Rita Skeeter and the Prophet had suffered before the Editor had come at us and practically begged us for a private interview, which Harry had refused.
"The interview happens here, in front of all of our people, and with a Dicta Quill or a regular. No Blood Quill, no Quick Quoting quill. Agreed?" The editor had nodded and the next day, this morning, an incredible article had come about, expressing Harry's glee over having his Heart's Desire realized and his parents agreeing with this.
Yet the article had also expressed that, while James and Lily would happily take on their duties as the King and Queen of the country and while they were looking forward to working alongside the Ministry, they had been dead for over a decade, so they would be content with letting us and Harry and us catch them up for now.

The article itself had finished with the statement that the entire family would be attending the Ministerial Ball, James and Lily to prove that they take their son's actions of passing on the crown seriously and Harry and Aqua to make sure the Ministry is on schedule with any possible plans they may have for the future.
And with everything that has happened over the years – and that Harry actually made mental notes about that he discussed with the Greengrass parents over the last few weeks – do I know that the whole family is up for quite a task if they want to not just lead a fair country, but fix any and all errors of the past decades.
Yet while this is slightly concerning, is something else also happening, something I find just as strange as Lea, Daphne and Ienzo's disappearance back on the 27th. The whole gang of mates seem to have been discussing things over the course of the last few days and Lea has even made a few trips back to his own homeworld.
Why the young red-haired man is doing this, what they are up to and why Lea usually comes back looking happier than he did when he went is beyond me, yet I feel pretty sure that it's something that is on equal level to the incredible act he and the others pulled when they brought Lily and James back from their early graves.

And now, even though Lily and James are back from the dead, am I still back to escorting my godson and his date to the Ministry, moving them over to a secret small office that has been considered empty and out of order by the Muggles for several decades, but that also holds a floor to ceiling mirror that is an entrance to the Ministry.
I won't deny that this had been the one Ball I had not been looking forward to and that I had actually wanted to skip and have Lily and James take my place as escorts, yet the fact that the Ministry has definitely changed since they drew their last breath had made this something I just couldn't do to my closest of friends.
"Those vultures would eat them alive for sure." Harry had muttered to me as motivation that I should just go along and as much as I am sure that I will probably share that fate with them, do I also know that, regardless of their mental, emotional strength, Lily and James just aren't ready for that kind of treatment – at least not yet.

We enter the office and instantly see Fudge and a few others, all of who I know are Lords and Ladies of Ancient Lines that have alliances with House Potter, which surprises and confuses me as I just don't understand why these families decided to approach us now and not at any of the previous three balls that Harry attended.
"Minister, my Lords and Ladies, any reason the Alliances are awaiting us all here and not my person at the Longbottom ball? Was this, perhaps, agreed among the alliance when I made my agenda known to the community or something?" Yet the Ladies and Lords around us turn a little red and Harry smiles at them as he asks:
"Or was it perhaps that my title as future King overwhelmed them and that I needed to prove myself a Potter – honorable and able to prove that I know my place in line – before the Lines realized that I have more than a royal title to offer this great, great nation? Not surprising, of course, seeing the history of the Pendragon Line."

And the awkwardness leaves the Lords and gets replaced by relief as James and Lily smile at their son and James asks: "You sure you don't want to go back on that oath of yours?" Yet Harry firmly shakes his head and says: "No dad, tonight is a good test. I've been independent – or sort of – long enough. I'd rather end that streak tonight."
The man nods and then Fudge says: "Your Majesty, Your Grace, I am sad to say that, many of those coming for the sake of the Ball, just as many have started actually accepting their invitations to said ball after it was announced that you would be making your official debut at it. Needless to say, many will – expect a speech at the least."
"And we are well prepared for that, Minister, yet we also appreciate you taking this time to warn us. Perhaps it would be best if we just make sure that at least one member of the alliance is among each of us at all times; not just to take the tension from my wife and myself, but to protect my son and friend from potential vultures."

And while I spot Harry trying to hide a snicker at the wording, does one of the other Lords step forward and with a friendly smile, he says: "We were planning exactly that, Your Majesty. Also, just for further preparations; what are your beliefs in regards to the Court your son was establishing and the members he chose for it?"
James smiles at this and says: "As of the current moment, Lord Diggory, we are in full agreement with our son's agenda for the Magical world. We have indeed accepted the crown and the duties Harry bestowed upon us with his oath, yet he knows this society and age better than we do, so for now we will join in his endeavors."
This makes the father of the only victim in this war sigh in relief and then Lily steps forward and says: "Amos, I hate saying this to you, but – Cedric got lucky. According to the Fates, he was supposed to die over summer, during an attack on all the other Champions and their families. The swift killing curse he endured – that was a blessing."
This seems to shock the man and then Harry asks: "So – so – so –." And Lily smiles at him as she says: "You saved a young man's life, Harry. If not from death, then from a death more brutal than a Dementor's Kiss. You may not like it, but the Fates foresaw a different path of Time and they took it, consequences be dammed."

And while this seems to shock both her own son as well as the father of the boy in question, do I then cough as I say: "We best just go and execute our plan. I can hear music starting and I doubt there can be a proper Ministerial Ball without the Minister." And everyone nods before we all line up in front of the huge mirror portal.
The Minister takes the front of the row and the Lords of the Alliance stand behind him, followed by myself and then Lily, James, Aqua and Harry, the second to last having her entire side against that of her future husband and her hand softly squeezing his in a pattern that she developed to help calm him down and settle his nerves.

We then enter through the portal and the portrayal of the Ministerial Ball is more or less exactly what I have learned to expect thanks to Daphne sharing a few memories of Balls she attended before all of this, yet at the same time the all-around atmosphere is more pleasantly excited than the official sternness I had been expecting.
Where the Atrium is usually a place made of marble and dark green stone and has a fountain or two with golden statues here and there as well as high wooden desks for the security guard that is stationed near the elevators and that all visitors need to pass before going further into the Ministry, is nothing like that right now.
The marble floor is covered in several soft toned carpets that lie on each other in such a way they match and mix very nicely without risking the chance for anyone to trip over their edges. The statues have been covered in some kind of veil that don't really take from their beauty, but do make sure they stand out less.
And finally have the desks been lowered to hip size, have gorgeous table cloths been put over them and have they been covered with small plates as well as large ones that are covered with glass cases that allow for the food and drinks inside to be shown without any of it going to waste thanks to the spellwork on them.

All in all the whole room doesn't look that different from how it usually does, bar the part where we are standing as we are on top of a huge stage that is blocking the doorway to the elevators and which has two gorgeously decorated staircases bend in half circles as they go down from the left and right side at the front.
"Minister, any reason we are coming through here instead of with the rest of the crowd?" Harry asks and the man answers: "The Ministry heard the cry of the people over the last few days, Your Highness, and the cry is that the people want to hear from their newly instated and revived royals, you and either your father or mother."
This makes me sigh as this is exactly the reason I never really liked being part of my Ancient Family while Harry looks from his mum to his dad and then says: "I think it'd be best if I go first and then dad. I can represent mum, her side of the world and do a good word for my mates and dad can address the Purebloods after that."

At this everyone nods and then two loud horns sound before we hear Percy shout: "Presenting the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Royal Prince and Princess Harry Potter-Pendragon and Lady Aqua, his Royal Majesty, King James Christian Potter and her Royal Majesty, Queen Lily Rose Potter née Evans."
And instantly the entire Atrium sounds like it's trying to represent the Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch at the end of an overly excited Final Match between Gryffindor and Slytherin as everyone, both those standing near the staircases as well as those in the far back sound as if they cast Sonorus charms on their vocal cords before cheering.
The warm and exuberant seems to shock James and Lily out of their senses and even Aqua moves one of her hands as if she wants to summon her Keyblade, yet Harry turns from his parents to the crowd and then moves forward, raises his arms and loudly says: "Thank you everyone, your welcome is incredible and greatly appreciated."

And instantly the whole atrium becomes quiet, every one of the guests turning their attention to their prince and the boy who has proven himself several times over the last week or so and while I can only silently thank Hermione for convincing Harry to teach the Defense Club they had, does the boy seem in his element as he says:
"This incredible event is held for many reasons. For my parents to have an official return to the world that they were taken from so long ago. For all those who help guide our Ministry into the future to meet and get together. And for the union between the Royal House and the Ministry for Magic to officially be turned full-circle.
I – am almost 16 and my father, who has accepted the role of King, has been pulled from this world and moved to one close to the homeworld of some of my chosen mates for the last decade and a half. Yet both of us have one major advantage to conquer our personal disadvantages; we have the support – from all of you.

Yes, there will be times where one faction will want something that will discredit or cause a disadvantage for other factions and yes, there will be times where the beliefs of my Father, myself and the Minister will clash and finally no, even your incredible support and the deals made between our two factions won't perfection everything.
I won't lie to you; there is a lot of things wrong with this world – just like I can name a good triple dozen things to more that are wrong with the Muggle world – but we have two things now that we didn't have when our world was at its lowest; we are no longer threatened by Dark wizards – and your three leaders are stubborn beyond belief.
We can make this work and we can make this world one of perfect balance between everything that makes this world great and what can move this world to where it belongs; as close to utopia as magic, common sense, logic and true wizarding stubbornness can get us. And if you all help us, we will get there quicker than ever believed."

And while even I am shocked at what he just said, does Harry then take Aqua's arm on his own before he moves down one of the two staircases and this time, his entrance is welcomed with more formal, polite applause as the entire crowd must be feeling just as overwhelmed as I do before James knocks me out of my stupor as he asks:
"So, should I still say anything?" Yet I shake my head and ten minutes later we are all standing around one of the few higher round tables that has a few of our gathered snacks and drinks on them and we have met with a few of the officials, the Minister constantly around us and Harry speaking in perfect harmony alongside him.

And the sight of the boy like that, when only a year ago he wanted to be left alone by everyone but his friends and when he hated all kinds of crowds where people wanted something out of him makes my heart swell with pride and makes me actually have to make use of my mother's lessons, if only to keep back tears of utter pride.
"He wasn't always this – perfect, was he?" James asks me and I shake my head as I say: "Not even less than a year ago, he was in real two-battle with himself, James. He really wanted to join the Order and fight along in the war that was coming up, but he absolutely hated crowds because of their belief in him and his fame.
He wanted to be believed by the masses regarding Slytherin, but he hated being around anyone other than me and his friends. I – I just can't believe how far he's come and how much he's changed since then. Getting those mates and that royal titles of his really changed him; both his outlook on fame as well as his behavior towards it."

James nods, but then Lily shocks me as she says: "He's acting." And when we both look at her, do I see her stealthily wave her wand to cast a small Privacy spell around us and then she says: "He's acting. There are a lot of emotions he wants to let out, but he fears it will harm his plans, so he's holding back."
"How can you tell?" James asks and the woman smiles as she says: "I'm his mother." And this makes us both smile, before suddenly a sense I have been developing since Harry went to the Longbottom Ball goes off within me and instantly I draw my own wand and rush for Harry, shouting PROTEGO just in the nick of time.
Just in time as only two seconds later a horrible dark red curse, one that looks like blood that has had the chance and time to fester and bubble, hits my shield, hitting it just in time for me to actually feel a backlash of its magic, yet not its effects and the aura of darkness that comes off it makes me stagger back with a shudder of revulsion.

Instantly James is in stag form, Lily is actually pulling dangerous looking poison bottles out of her smaller than small purse and has Aqua summoned her Keyblade and all of us take position around a shocked Harry and Fudge, who seems to have lost all of his wits and self-confidence thanks to the sudden threat and who is badly shaken.
Yet while we take our protective stands around the two we both know could have been the target of the spell, do Aurors actually appear from practically every nick, crane and corner, some of them changing back from what used to be upstanding politicians and others suddenly jumping out of silently shocked groups of talkers.
All of them throw themselves on where the spell came from and while I worry for a second, do I then get confirmation that they did indeed get their target as the man himself starts chanting in raging fury and his words utterly anger and disgust me as he shouts: "FREE THE QUEEN! KILL THE WRONG KING!" Over and over again.

This angers me and I want to aim my wand at where the Aurors are taking the man away, but then – to my shock – Harry lies his hand on my wand arm and says: "Remember what I told you. Now more than ever, he would not want that." And this makes me look at James, who is still in stag form and who has moved closer to us all.
"He must feel furious, yet even now he has his family's protection in mind more than his own anger, regardless of the fact that it is his death that the bastard is chanting about." And this knowledge calms down the last embers of the rage the wizard tried to induce me with and I sigh in tranquility as James transforms back and asks:
"Minister, I hope you and my son are unharmed, yes?" The Minister nods and while fear still sounds through his voice does he say: "Slightly startled, your Majesty, but otherwise yes, we are unharmed." Yet then Harry looks from the Minister to the crowd around him and sighs, drawing Fudge's attention as he speaks and says:

"Minister. Please understand that I am not saying this to be rid of you or anything along that line. My family has known that threats like these would be part of our lives since my birth and the return of my family – of my father who is old and responsible enough to do what I cannot – has clearly lead to the bold move you just saw before you.
However, I would be lying if I say that was the last hurdle we will face in our path to the utopia our country deserves and while our family has only known of its royal heritage for no longer than three months, has too much happened for us to just leave its heritage and the responsibilities that come with it to a future generation.
Attacks like this will happen, Minister, and they might even come more frequently now that the union between the Pendragon line and the Ministry is becoming more and more of a reality. Next to that, as brilliant a politician as you are, there are just as many brilliant others in our country and that leads me to my two vital questions:
Do you think you can mentally and/or emotionally handle the stress that will come with these potential attacks and remain loyal to both our plans and our desired cooperation in regards to the utopia we both want for our country? Or do you believe that someone you know – that either my father or I have met – has better qualities for the job at hand?"

And while Minister Fudge seems completely outwitted with shock over the speech he just heard, does another voice then join in and ask: "Or would you rather that such attacks are, from now on, handled by the combined efforts of your own Auror Force and the official Radiant Garden Restoration And Protection Committee?"
And this makes us all look at where Lea is leaning against a pillar near us and Harry asks: "Wait, the whatnow?" Making Lea smile as he says: "The committee. Leon, Cid, Yuffie, Aerith, myself, Even, Ienzo, Dilan, Braig, Aeleus and Sora, Donald and Goofy, of course." But then Aqua asks the question I wonder about as she asks:
"How are they supposed to work alongside the Auror force when they are still in our own universe?" And Lea shocks me as he smirks and says: "Sora, Donald and Goofy still are there. Radiant Garden and all its members – just connected Ireland to the United Kingdom, making it all one world, one island, one country."
And while this has the attention and shock of everyone around us and while Harry is looking at his mate with eyes wider than saucers, does Lea then show us a small black dome in which we can actually indeed see how a gorgeous town made entirely of metal, pipes, lakes, rivers and fields of grass connects the two countries together.


And there you have it!
The final part of this chapter and I have to say – IT WAS HARD! I hate politics and the idea that I had to write about it for a full chapter practically put me on a block that almost, almost made me miss on the deadline. However, I still think that I made it turn out brilliantly and now the epilogue has green light.
What will be in the epilogue? Harry living in Radiant Garden, maybe a small meeting between him and Fudge – or whoever I pick as his future replacement/follow-up – and a lot of focus on how Harry focused his life on leading like a king, while living the "royal" life he dreamed of with his family, mates – and future offspring.
Hope you enjoy,

Venquine1990
PS. Right, I forgot, there is still the Abbot Ball. Heh, oh well, I might merge that and the epilogue together, who knows.
PPS. To all those who think Ireland shouldn't be part of the Kingdom, I'm sorry, I didn't know where else to put the town. It just fit. I am not making any implications, this is just my creative license being used to the fullest.