I Do Not Own Harry Potter.
All Characters Appearing In This Work Are Fictitious. Any Resemblance To Real Persons, Living Or Dead Is Purely Coincidental.
Before the Epilogue.
Order of Merlin First Class.
Kingsley and his group had arrived at the Podium, just as everybody was arriving from the tour of Hogwarts. The Tall black man waited a few minutes while everyone took their seats. With a smile on his face, Kingsley's thoughts turned inwards. Although years of being an Auror had taught him how to hide his emotions behind a blank face, in reality Kinglsey was terrified. Before leaving he had read the letter Bill had given him from the head Goblin Ragnorok.
The head Goblin had requested with him and the Headmistress privately in her office once the Ceremony for the Order of Merlin was completed. Kingsley saw no way that he could say no without angering the Goblins and he knew that they knew. So when he reached the podium he looked at Ragnorok and smiled before nodding his head. However his thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a loud scraping noise made by one of the chairs in the audience being pushed back.
Kingsley looked at the crowd with a smile and said "welcome back everyone, I hope you found the tour educational." The comment was met by general laughter. "Now then it's time to start the final ceremony. The Ceremony to Award the Order of Merlin First Class; this award is awarded for acts of outstanding bravery or distinction in magic. The color of the ribbon for this class is Green." Like its predecessors we shall start with the Post Humus awards.
Kingsley took out a parchment and said "The first recipient of the Order of Merlin First Class is awarded to Nymphadora Tonks for participation in the Battle of Hogwarts and for stopping a group of Death Eaters from torturing and raping a group of Fifth year Muggle born girls. Auror Tonks was out numbered three to one as she engaged in a heated battle against Death Eaters.
However despite being outnumbered Auror Tonks did not hesitate and engaged in Mortal Combat with the three Death Eaters, while the Muggle born students escaped. Despite taking Massive injuries Auror Tonks did not falter and instead waged war on the three Death Eaters, even at the cost of her own life.
Therefore for her brave and selfless actions in Combat It is my Honor and Pleasure to present this Honor to her family. However before I do so, there are two more that need to be honored. Like his wife Remus Lupin was also a brave man, he put his life on the line countless times and during his time in the Order of the Phoenix dedicated his efforts to helping Werewolves, However when his efforts proved in vain and when Fenrir's Werewolf Army of ten werewolves marched upon Hogwarts, and although Fenrir managed to escape the initial carnage, Remus Lupin along with the help of Bill Weasley met his brethren in Mortal Combat and although Fenrir thanks to their combined efforts they managed to defeat their enemies, however Remus Lupin shortly died later due to the heavy Injuries he sustained in battle."
Therefore it is my honor to posthumously award Remus Lupin for his role in preventing the Werewolves from joining the Dark Lord and as a member of the Order of the Phoenix and for sacrificing his life in battle during the Battle of Hogwarts.
Remus Lupin is the first Werewolf ever to be accorded this honor. I am aware that there are many that shall disagree with my decision, however it is my belief that one should not be judged upon their circumstances in life, but instead should be judged by their actions in life."
Once again the room burst into applause however this time it was accompanied by many whispering and talking, no doubt many of the audience were shocked and confused as they pondered the words of their New Minister of Magic.
However their whispers were silenced when the Minister spoke again "I had the honor of knowing Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks both personally and professionally, and I was honored to be the witness at their wedding, and although it gives me great sorrow to know that two people whom I called good friends are no longer in this world, it gives me great pride to know however that thanks to their sacrifices their son will now grow up in a safe world thanks to the sacrifices they made. I now call upon Andromeda Tonks their last living relative to receive the Order of Merlin First class on behalf of them."
The Great Hall of Hogwarts burst into applause, however accompanying the applause were also whispers and murmurs amongst the crowd as those who understood the full extent of the Minister's words and the thinly veiled threat behind them, although the words were disguised, he meaning itself was not, those who would like to see harm come to Lupin's family would face the wrath of the New Minister of Magic.
Even the most foolish of men was not stupid enough to do so, for the New Minister of Magic was not some blubbering politician, but a highly Proficient Auror who had battled the Dark Lord and had been personally responsible for the Deaths of Antonin Dolohov and Augustus Rookwood and had also managed to fight on par with the Dark Lord.
The message was clear; the new administration would not compromise with criminals and would make his own decisions as he saw fit and not on the basis of who contributed the most to his campaign. Kingsley was a dangerous man indeed, because not only was he an intelligent man.
He was an intelligent man with the reins of power in his hands and knew exactly how to use it. Kingsley was an intelligent man indeed; he had just thrown down a very massive gauntlet and was daring anybody to pick it up.
As the various members of the Audience contemplated the Minister's words, Andromeda Tonks came up on stage and with a sad smile accepted the Green Ribbon that accompanied the Order of Merlin First Class. She thanked the Minister and was about to leave the stadium when she saw the Headmistress and walking up to her and with a very sincere smile said "you have exactly 11 years Minerva. Rebuild this castle and ensure its foundations are strong because in 11 years you will see the return of the progeny of the Marauders enter this castle and like their predecessors before them shall shake this magnificent castle till its foundations with their antics, and something tells me that they might indeed succeed where their predecessors failed, beware Minerva for 11 years from now Theodore Remus Lupin will enter this magnificent castle, remember he has the blood of a Marauder flowing through his veins in more ways than one."
Minerva McGonagall laughed well naturedly and said "is that a threat Andromeda?" The Buxom Grandmother shrugged her shoulders and said "No threats Minerva, I simply speak the truth. I expect that soon after him at least three of his cousins will follow in his footsteps."
Minerva considered Andromeda's words for a moment before her eyes rested on the smiling faces of Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Angelina and George. "Let us hope so Andromeda, we have had enough sorrow for a lifetime, it is now time for joy. Hogwarts is no exception."
Andromeda then stepped down from the Podium as the Minister started calling out the names of the Nominees for and sat next to Harry, who was currently playing with young Teddy Lupin in his lap, while he played with the young toddler she continued to be amazed to see how his whole face was lit up in a smile.
Andromeda could see that Teddy was Harry's only lifeline to his past, and as such he cherished him even more. Remus had been right; Harry would make a fantastic Godfather. "He looks so peaceful and happy doesn't he?" Ginny whispered in Andromeda's ear as she watched her beloved shower love upon the Toddler. "Andromeda turned towards to the young Weasley and said "he deserves it, he has been through hell and back, he deserves a happy and prosperous future, and look at the bright side, even if he is pants at being an Auror, at least he will make a great house husband won't he?"
Ginny looked at Andromeda with a blush on her face, but did not stutter at all as she replied "I'm sure he will Andromeda. Not only will he make a good husband, but also a good father."
Meanwhile the applause had died down Kingsley once again speaking after consulting his parchment and continued to hand out the Order of Merlin First Class recipients one by one both living and dead. There were many names however they all went unheard by the Weasley Family and the teenagers that sat with them, because they were too busy talking with each other and trying to keep the pain and sorrow at bay. Like many others they had also experienced Great Sorrow at Hogwarts and the only way they knew to keep the sorrow at bay was to treasure the joyful moments they shared together.
One Hour later
Kingsley looked at his Parchment once again and said "I now come to the final few names on the list for the recipients of the Order of Merlin First Class. These names bear special mention because they contributed greatly towards the war effort to stop Lord Voldermort,
Therefore it is my Pleasure and Honor to Present the Honor of Merlin First Class to the Professors of Hogwarts; I hereby present the Order of Merlin First Class to Messrs. Professors Minerva McGonagall, Horace Slughorn, Filius Flitwick, Pomona Sprout, Rubeus Hagrid and Sybill Trelawney for their efforts in keeping the castle and Hogwarts safe during the Battle of Hogwarts."
Kingsley turned to the Audience and said "These six Professors of Hogwarts laid their lives on the line as they battled head on with Voldermort and his supporters by using the very subjects they taught as weapons against their foes. During the war these Teachers of Magic, these custodians of our Children's future put their lives on the line and battled the Dark Lord himself and thanks to their efforts were able to prevent him from entering the battle ground and causing even more casualties on the battlefield. This is also a matter of Pride for the school as it embodies the fact that although we may be divided by Houses of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw we are united in spirit."
The Great hall of Hogwarts burst into a roar of applause, wolf whistles, and foot stamping as the Teachers of Hogwarts received their awards from the Minister of Magic. As the Professors were returning to their seats Kingsley motioned for McGonagall to stay.
A few Seconds later
With everyone finally having quieted down Kingsley spoke again and said "since the Death of Albus Dumbledore, the position of Chief Warlock of The Wizengamot has been left unfilled, thankfully however Headmistress Minerva McGonagall agreed to Occupy the seat temporarily until such time that another worthy wizard or witch could be found.
After much consideration and by unanimous consent the Wizengamot has chosen to appoint Minerva McGonagall permanently to the Position of Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot until such time that she retires. However as the presiding Warlock is actually a witch the Title has been changed to Chief Wiccan of the Wizengamot."
Once again the Great Hall of Hogwarts burst into a roar of standing ovations, wolf whistles, and foot stamping as the Headmistress of Hogwarts accepted the title of Chief Wiccan of the Wizengamot. Even the ever strict Minerva McGonagall could not help but smile as she took the magical quill from Kingsley's hand and signed her name on the magical contract.
A few Minutes later
Once the applause had died down, Kingsley once again spoke "While it is true that teachers have always been responsible for shaping a young child's future, however before a child comes before a teacher and receives the gems of knowledge from their vast treasure chests, a child is educated by their parents. There is a truth to this statement and in many cultures Parents are regarded as a child's first teachers. No matter the species, it is a non-disputed fact that when their children are in Peril a parent will jump in front of their child to face the oncoming danger, in the hope that their children do not. Thus I would like to honor two such parents, who on seeing their children in danger jumped in to save their children. I speak obviously of none other than Molly and Arthur Weasley."
Molly is known by her friends as a master chef, and a stern but loving mother. However she is brave as a Lion, strong as a bear and vicious as a snake when it comes to protecting her loved ones from Death Eaters, Indeed Molly Weasley jumped into battle and faced Bellatrix Lestrange in Mortal Combat when she saw that her Daughter and her friends despite their best efforts unable to subdue Voldermort's most trusted and loyal Lieutenant."
"The two witches dueled with everything they had and every ounce of skill and rage they could muster. However despite her best efforts Bellatrix Lestrange was felled by Molly Weasley's wand and brought the battle of Hogwarts to a decisive moment. "
"Interestingly enough while the two witches dueled at the entrance of Hogwarts, Arthur Weasley dueled Rodolphus in the heart of Hogwarts. Rodolphus like his wife was an exceptionally talented wizard in the magical arts. In a similarly striking scenario Rodolphus was also locked in battle against three underage sixth year wizards, and was proving to be more than a match for them."
Thankfully Arthur was in a nearby corridor and upon seeing the underage wizards one of whom sadly lost his life before Arthur got there. Arthur seeing the murder of a young child in front of him also became red with rage and descended upon the battlefield and met Rodolphus in battle.
"In Greek Mythology it is said that the Greek God of War: Ares would sometimes bestow his blessing of invincibility on for a short while upon those warriors and devotees of his who behaved courageously in battle."
"Perhaps it was adrenaline or perhaps rage or perhaps some ancient magic, brought out by Arthur or the situation or perhaps the Gods themselves wished to strike down the last of Voldermort's most faithful lieutenant, for Ares only bestows this blessing when his devotees have shown great bravery in battle and when they were in a great rage and the heart was full of craving for war. "
"The reason I say this is because many people battling near Arthur say they could see his body begin to flicker with red fire and nothing the enemy threw at him hit him. I am sure many of you might say that it was simply raw anger and Magical power that was emanating from Arthurs's body or perhaps a Hallucination brought out by the stress of Battle, whatever you believe is fine."
"However for a short amount of time Arthur was invincible as if all of his rage and anguish had finally found an outlet and using that very same rage and anguish Arthur felled the Dark Lord's most trusted lieutenant was vanquished by Arthur's wand. Therefore it is my Honor and pleasure to call Molly and Arthur to the stage to receive The Order of Merlin First Class."
Once again he Great hall of Hogwarts burst into a roar of applause, wolf whistles, and foot stamping as the old couple walked together hand in hand. However no one cheered louder than the Weasley Children and their friends. Even over the thousands of cheering voices the voices of The Weasley children and their significant other could be heard clearly.
Once Arthur and Molly had accepted their award and were about to leave, Kingsley put his hand on Arthur's shoulder and said "Just a minute Arthur, I have one more surprise in store for you. When Arthur turned towards his boss with a puzzled expression, Kingsley spoke "as you know we have recently been filling the empty seats of the Wizengamot, and we now have all of them filled except for two, one has been graciously filled by the Headmistress of Hogwarts. Since the time I have appointed you Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic you have been a lifesaver for me and have helped me accomplish much more than I could have without your help."
"You have always given me good advice whenever I have needed it and in many ways you are in many ways my voice of reason and have helped me in more ways than one. Therefore as a reward for all your help in rebuild the Ministry and improving inter departmental relations. I would like to offer you the remaining seat on the Wizengamot thus completing it. In addition to your position of Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic, if you accept you will have even longer working hours and a substantial increase in salary, your duties will be many and varied."
Arthur looked like as if he had been run over by the Knight Bus, he looked at his wife and they communicated silently with their eyes before Molly nodded her head.
Arthur smiled and looked at Kingsley before saying "I accept your offer Kingsley, on the condition that my family's security measures stay the same and I get at least one day off a week to spend with my family." Kingsley nodded his head. Arthur then smiled and shaking Kingsley's hand said "I would be honored to accept the position Minister."
With new responsibilities and a higher pay grade not to mention more political power within the Ministry Arthur Weasley walked down the Podium to their seats amidst the deafening sounds of Applause, cheers and congratulatory handshakes and pats on the back.
A few Minutes Later
As we now come to the ending of the final Ceremony, I would like to personally thank six people who helped turn the tide in this war and helped in the War resistance and also gave shelter and new hope to those who needed it. Some helped from the shadows while others fought from the front. These six friends ended up being the key to Voldermort's downfall.
They gave hope to those who were in fear. They instilled a new sense of purpose in those who had lost theirs. Someone once said walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light. These six friends are a personification of that adage. Speaking as a Former Auror, it is the small things that can change the course of a battle and thus change the course of History all together. A tiny ant can kill an elephant if it chooses to crawl up its nose. A single spark can burn down an entire forest; a small shout can cause an avalanche."
"Therefore it is my pleasure and privilege to ask to come on stage Ms. Ginny Weasley, Ms. Luna Lovegood and Mr. Neville Longbottom or as the media has taken to calling them The Silver Trio for their efforts in keeping the students safe from the Supporters of Voldermort and teaching them how to defend themselves.
For reigniting the low burning flame of revolt and rebellion by restarting and recruiting members to our Cause, you are an embodiment of Dumbledore's final words. He shall only be truly gone from this school when none here are loyal to him.
Ms. Ginny Weasley and Ms. Luna Lovegood were not only the leaders of Dumbledore's army, but they also taught many of the female students hexes, spells and curses that would keep them safe in dangerous situations. In fact it was thanks to those very same skills that they learned were they able to defeat their enemies in battle, it's thanks to them that the prey became the predator."
The Great Hall of Hogwarts once again erupted in whispers and murmurs at the choice of words Kingsley had used, many people were expressing shock and outrage. It seemed that no matter the culture and no matter the situation rape and attempted rape was a horrendous thing to contemplate and that too the rape of a minor was even more horrendous.
"Kingsley calmed the growing crowd and said "However there is more than one way to offer hope and to be courageous. I speak of course of Mr. Neville Longbottom, who was responsible for spreading hope and courage during the war. Neville demonstrated to everyone, how one person can make a difference, he showed us how free will is the strongest magic that exists."
"During the war Neville faced the Dark Lord on equal terms and instead of cowering in fear or bending to his will, he used the greatest weapon in his arsenal: his free will. He refused to be bound by an evil dictator and thus broke through the magical shackles placed upon him to draw the sword of Gryffindor from the sorting hat and just like Heracles of yore who defeated the Hydra. Neville used the sword to behead Voldermort's beloved snake with a single stroke of the blade."
"For those of you, who do not know, the Sword of Gryffindor is a thousand year old, goblin-made sword which only imbibes that which makes it stronger, owned by the famed wizard Godric Gryffindor, one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is said to appear only to a Gryffindor who has displayed courage and bravery in battle."
"It is therefore my pleasure to Award the Order of Merlin First Class to the leaders of the underground Group of Warriors aptly named Dumbledore's Army and their Valor displayed in battle. So great was your Valor that even the Gods in Heaven stood still and watched with bated breath as you unleashed your rage on your enemies."
Ginny, Luna and Neville were barely out of their seats before they were escorted by an Honor Guard made of former and current D.A. Members who had formed up alongside them and escorted them to the Podium. The crowd was uncontrollable as cameras flashed and reporters asked questions, all of which went unanswered.
As the three friends walked up to the stadium they were greeted by the Minister of Magic and after much handshaking and posing for photographs, they were then presented with their ribbons and awards. However while they received their awards their eyes were locked not on the cameras that flashed continuously, but on their loved ones.
Neville in particular received his award with great happiness, however even the greatest happiness was incomplete without his Grandmother's approval. As he looked upon her face, he finally saw in her eyes what he had longed to see for seven years. The love she had for him was obvious as it always was, but with that love now came pride. Seeing his Grandmother look at him with pride in her eyes made the award that he had just received all the more memorable.
A few Minutes Later
Once the applause had died down Kingsley spoke once more and said "as we near the end of the ceremony and saving the best for last. I would like to welcome and honor the three people whose actions helped in bringing down the Dark Lord. These three friends whom the Media has taken to calling The Golden Trio have taught us the definition of the words Bravery, Courage and Sacrifice. Therefore I would like to Honor Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley for their efforts in defeating the Dark Lord."
Once again the Great Hall of Hogwarts erupted in Applause once again as the Final recipients walked toward the stage amidst thunderous applause, encouragements and whistles not to mention even a few fireworks set off from the wands of George Weasley and Lee Jordan. As if to commemorate the event as one person all members of the D.A. with their wands held high and launched fireworks from their wands.
Once the teenagers had stepped onto the podium and the applause had died down, Kingsley turned towards the three teenagers and said "On behalf of the wizarding community, I would like to thank you three for the sacrifice and the valor that you have shown in this past year, indeed it was thanks to your efforts that the Dark Lord Voldermort was defeated, and as such it is my Honor to Present you with the Order of Merlin First Class."
Kingsley then turned towards Hermione and said "Ms. Hermione Granger, it is my pleasure and Honor to present Hermione Granger the Order of Merlin First Class for her efforts during the war in helping defeat the Dark Lord and also for inspiring the House-Elves of Hogwarts to fight for our Cause, thus turning the tide in Battle."
Hermione smiled and with a grace that had been honed to a point in childhood, she accepted the Green ribbon and award. While Kingsley presented the award to Hermione, he shifted his position slightly so that the audience couldn't see his face clearly. With his face momentarily obscured, Kingsley whispered in Hermione's ear and said "My apologies Hermione, I know you are not totally satisfied with the subterfuge in the reason of awarding you the Order of Merlin, but it's the only solution I have short of revealing the entire truth."
Hermione smiled in spite of herself and said "it's not a problem Minister; I understand your reasons behind it. Perhaps it might help me in my future endeavors to help House-elves gain more recognition in wizarding society."
Kingsley muttered his thanks and once again shifted his position as he posed for a photo with the young witch. The whole conversation had taken a total of thirty seconds and had gone unnoticed by anybody in the audience.
Kingsley then turned towards Ron and said "Ronald Weasley for your efforts in helping defeat the Dark Lord in the Battle of Hogwarts and for bringing and for bringing to an end the lives of Fenrir Greyback and Pius Thickness. It is my pleasure to award you the Order of Merlin First Class.
As Ron came up to the stage to accept the award and shifted his position slightly so that his face was obscured and said softly "no need to apologize for the subterfuge Kinglsey, you have been a great help to my family. What with giving Perce a chance to redeem himself, and giving dad the post of Undersecretary to the Minister, and then giving him a seat on The Wizengamot.
Not to mention the additional security provided to our family. If in exchange for all this you have to use a bit of subterfuge, then I got no problems with that, but I tell you now Kingsley a day of reckoning for those cowardly bastards that killed my brother and my friends.
I can assure you of one thing Kingsley, when I find those motherfuckers. The horrors they will experience will be worse than their greatest imaginations."
Before Kingsley could reply, Ron moved away and with a smile on his face that did not reach his eyes, took the award and ribbon from Kingsley's offered hand and moved back so that Harry could collect his award and Ribbon.
When Harry came up to the podium his expression was one of guilt and sorrow. He looked more like a criminal facing the hangman's noose than a hero receiving a prestigious award. This for Harry equated to the same thing. As he walked past Hermione, she stopped him momentarily and said to him "oh cheer up Harry, you deserve this more than anyone else."
Harry looked up at his best friend and said "How can I be happy Hermione? All of this is my fault. So many people dead and Merlin knows how many more injured. If only…."
He was interrupted by a loud sigh from Hermione "Honestly Harry, when are you going to get it through your thick skull that none of this is your fault. Honestly I don't understand how Ginny puts up with you sometimes. Anyway I have a message from Ginny that states and I quote "Harry James Potter don't you dare try and feel guilty about any of this, none of this is your fault. You are a hero whether you like it or not and if you try to refuse the award or even try to apologize to Kingsley or anyone about this whole mess, than I swear that I will never kiss you again, and our sessions of intense pleasure will stop effective immediately."
Harry was stunned but had no time to formulate a reply as Hermione gently pushed him towards Kingsley who was waiting for him, Award and Ribbon in hand. As Harry walked over to Kingsley, he thought about Ginny's threat and decided that in this particular scenario his conscience would be taking a backseat to his hormones and in a split second turned on a smile that like Ron did not reach his eyes.
Harry accepted the Award and Ribbon from Kingsley and posed for pictures with the Minister, who was also smiling. "I am surprised at your enthusiasm Harry, and here I thought you would be reluctant to accept the award."
Harry simply kept smiling and said "oh believe me I am Kinglsey, but unfortunately I have no choice in the matter. Ginny has threatened to cease her affections should I even mutter an apology, and as much as I feel sorry about all this, my situation would be worse if an apology were to escape my lips."
Kingsley laughed at the comment and with a final pose, allowed the three teenagers to return to their seats. When everyone had settled down, Kingsley spoke again and said before I conclude the award ceremony I would like for all of you to contemplate something.
Tom Riddle was the son of a Squib and a Muggle, Thus making him a Half Blood, yet he preached about Purity of Blood when he himself was a Half Blood. He created a new name for himself that many people feared, all the while committing atrocious crimes against Muggle Borns and those wizards who he deemed to be only mere Half Bloods, while stating that only Pure Bloods were worthy.
However in the end it was a Pure Blood, a Muggle Born and a half Blood that designed his demise. Tom Riddle forgot as many dictators that they plant the seeds of their demise with their very own hands by oppressing the weak. Not realizing that those that he oppressed would one day fight back. Now as Minister of Magic I hereby conclude the Ceremony of The Order of Merlin."