Chapter 28 – The End
As soon as Madam Pomfrey saw that Amelia was awake she gave her a replenishing potion followed by a pepper up potion and then sent them on their way. They walked back to his quarters hand in hand, and then spent the rest of the day relaxing and snogging, while Harry continuously asked Amelia how she was feeling and if she needed anything.
"I'm fine Harry really," said Amelia after about the tenth time. "How about I promise to tell you if anything changes or if I need something and you can stop asking every few minutes." Amelia laughed when Harry pouted and then gently kissed it away.
After dinner Amelia went to the ministry to make sure the Aurors were ready for when Harry summoned them. She let them know that Snape was on their side and would be helping Harry infiltrate Voldemort's lair so not to hurt him and then walked them through what to expect when they arrived.
Harry gave Amelia an hour to get the Aurors organized and then headed to Snape's office. He thought he would be nervous as he walked down to the dungeons, but he wasn't. To be honest, he was tired of fighting and simply wanted to get it over with. He knocked loudly on Snape's office door and then entered when he was called in. He wasn't surprised to see Dumbledore standing in the middle of the room anxiously waiting for him.
"Are you sure about this Harry?" Albus asked.
"Yes, it is the easiest way, and I will have an advantage if our confrontation is unexpected." Replied Harry coolly. "I have trained as much as I can, there are only a handful of death eaters left. It is time to end this."
"Very well," said Dumbledore with a deep sigh. "You seem to have made up your mind. I shall await news of your safe return," said Albus. Harry nodded at him. Albus gave him one last weary look before he left him alone with Snape.
"He asked, and I cannot lie to him," said Snape, knowing Harry was wondering why Albus was there at all.
"Fine, are you ready?" asked Harry. Snape moved away from his desk and joined him in the middle of the room.
"I will have to immobilize you," said Severus. Harry looked at him suspiciously.
"It will be too obvious this is a ploy if you just walk in there with me. We have to make it appear as if you are coming unwillingly. It is the only way we will be able to get close enough to Voldemort or Nagini," explained Snape. Harry grimaced, but knew he was right.
"You will have to trust me, Potter," said Snape. Harry raised his eyebrows at this. Snape laughed, reminding Harry of his engagement dinner.
"Fine," sighed Snape as his laughter died down. Then he waved his wand and made a magical vow to do his best to ensure no harm came to Harry during his fight with Voldemort." Harry was surprised by the gesture but relieved none the less.
"Why?" He asked.
"Narcissa was all too clear on her opinion that I have not treated you as I should have, and you are right, you are not your father," said Snape. Harry stared at him in surprise. "You will be waiting a long time if you are expecting an apology." Harry smirked and shook his head.
"Well, shall we do this then?" asked Harry.
"Very well." Snape said as he touched his wand to the dark mark on his forearm. Moments later the snake began to slither, and Harry saw Severus wince.
"If I tap it again it will take me to him. I will immobilize you now and then undo the spell when we get into his presence," said Snape. Harry nodded.
"PETRIFICUS TOTALUS," murmured Snape with his wand pointed at Harry. Then before Harry could fall to the ground, he grabbed Harry's arm and tapped the mark again. Seconds later they disappeared.
When they reappeared, they were standing outside of an abandoned castle. Severus levitated Harry's body and then walked into the castle like he owned the place. He sneered at the cloaked death eaters milling around as they passed. Clearly, they were preparing for something. They all stared at Harry with wide eyes and when they walked into a large throne room all of the gathered death eaters they had passed followed them in. There were only about twenty, which made Harry feel a lot better about this working out in his favour. When Severus reached the large ornate chair that Voldemort was sitting on, he dropped the body on the floor at Voldemort's feet and bowed as he undid the spell silently.
"As you commanded, my lord. The Potter boy," drawled Snape as he came up from his bow and began to move back.
"You have done well Severus," said Voldemort as he stood. He took a step towards Harry and when Harry noticed him move for his wand he wandlessly and silently threw a spell at Voldemort, causing him to jump back as Harry leapt to his feet. Voldemort looked around for Snape in anger, but he had already blended in with the other death eaters on the outskirts of the room. Voldemort growled and turned his rage back to Harry, firing several lethal curses at him in quick succession. Harry dodged the spells or flicked them away and then fired back spells of his own.
"VENTUS DUO"
"TRANSMOGRIFY"
"SANGUIS ATRAMENTO"
Voldemort quickly conjured a shield with a sneer and looked at Harry in interest.
"You don't use baby spells anymore?" said Voldemort as he and Harry circled each other. "I heard rumours that you had become a worthy opponent. I didn't dare to believe it was true. Stand back. The boy is mine," he yelled to the death eaters that were moving forward to fire spells of their own.
"Always so sure of yourself Tom," said Harry mockingly. Voldemort's face distorted in rage.
"CRUCIO," he yelled in anger. Harry conjured a stone wall with the wave of his hand and then fired back. They fired a range of dark spells at each other as they each tested their opponent. Voldemort was surprised at the power in Harry's spells and Harry noticed that Voldemort wouldn't tire easily, whatever rituals he had done making his stamina better than even his own. "I have to pace myself, and end this quickly if possible," he thought. While they continued to fire spells, Harry noticed a cloaked figure approaching the dark shadows behind the throne where Nagini was hiding. He knew Voldemort would sense Snape's presence unless he did something to distract him.
"AVADA KEDAVRA," said Harry with his wand pointed at Voldemort before he fell to the floor and rolled a large distance to the side. Voldemort laughed hysterically and turned to him.
"We've talked about this Harry; you have to mean it. You have to have true hate in your heart. It will never work for you. You are too weak," Voldemort sneered.
"Maybe, but it served its purpose just fine," responded Harry.
"Oh," said Voldemort questioningly just as Nagini let out a horrified scream from the shadows and Voldemort momentarily clutched his head in agony. Harry used this opportunity to turn his ring and suddenly the room filled with Aurors ready to fight.
"Severus!" Screamed Voldemort. "Get him! Kill him!" The death eaters in the room tried to do as he commanded but none of them could move as they were instead forced to defend against the Aurors.
"There are none of your soul containers left Tom, it is only you and me now and when I kill you, you will have no anchors keeping you here. I've been told it is not very pleasant where you are going. Are you ready to die Tom? " Asked Harry as casually moved into a fighting stance.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!" yelled Voldemort in rage. Harry dodged the killing curse easily as he also conjured another stone wall just in case. He did promise Amelia he would be careful after all.
"REDUCTO"
"REDACTUM SKULLUS"
"ORBIS"
The fighting continued as the death eaters fell around them. Harry used a combination of Charlus' battle magic, transfiguration, and the tactics Amelia and Moddy had taught him to slowly gain the advantage.
"They are right you have become a worthy opponent. It will feel like a true victory when I kill you," said Voldemort. He was trying to hide it with his taunting words, but Harry could see the hint of worry in his eyes.
"All for you Tom," said Harry with his signature grin.
"Stop calling me that!" yelled Voldemort as he continued throwing curses. With most of the death eaters gone, the Aurors began to join forces with Harry and started firing curses at Voldemort. Everyone knew there was no way he could dodge them all. Harry pointed his wand at the stone slabs he had created earlier.
"DURA PRAEGRANDIS," said Harry. Everyone watched in a mix of shock and awe as the walls began to morph into two enormous giants.
"PIERTOTUM LOCOMOTOR," he whispered with a wave of his hand and the giants began marching towards Voldemort. Harry conjured his whip of fire and waited until there was a crack in Voldemort's shield from the onslaught of spells coming from the aurors. At the right moment, he quickly wrapped his whip around Voldemort's midsection and pulled him into the nearest giant. The giant grabbed Voldemort around the shoulders and began to smash him between his massive stone hands. When Harry noticed Voldemort's wand fall out of his hand as he lost consciousness he flicked his wand and both of the giants burst into millions of tiny pieces of stone. When the dust cleared, they could see the bruised and unconscious form of Voldemort lying in the middle of the pile of stones. Harry spun into a cloud of smoke and was quickly standing over his limp form. He stood there for a moment with his wand pointed at his chest, but then he exhaled deeply and lowered his wand.
"Kingsley," he called. Kingsley walked to his side and stared down at the body of one of the most feared wizards of all time in shock.
"I promised Amelia I would return as soon as I was finished with Tom and leave the clean up to you. Perhaps you should start with this," he said with a smirk as he bound the body of Voldemort with chains. Then he reached down and picked Voldemort's wand out of the rubble. Before Kingsley could even respond he had cracked it in half confidently.
"Oops," said Harry with a smile. Kingsley rolled his eyes and conjured magic suppressing cuffs which he quickly put on Voldemort.
"Well done Harry, you can go, we'll take it from here. We don't want the minister getting upset at us for keeping you from your husbandly duties," said Shacklebolt with a wink. Harry smiled back at him.
"I'm sure I don't need to remind you that it is your ass if he somehow gets away before Amelia makes it into the office tomorrow?" responded Harry. Kingsley nodded.
"I will watch him myself and I will be the only one who knows where he is at. I know just the place to take him," said Kingsley.
"Very well," said Harry as he brushed the dust off his robes and looked around for Severus.
"Severus," he called into the shadows. Severus walked out covered in Nagini's blood.
"Let me see your arm," said Harry. Severus hesitated a moment.
"It's your turn to trust me Severus," Harry coaxed. Severus nodded before he pushed up his sleeve to reveal the now weak and fading dark mark on his forearm. Harry pointed his wand at the dark mark and whispered a complex incantation in parsletongue. When he was finished the dark mark had completely disappeared.
"When he dies, it would have killed you." Harry stated. Severus winced.
"Why didn't you say anything?" asked Severus.
"It was my leverage in case I couldn't trust you. I didn't expect you to make a magical vow," responded Harry. Snape nodded.
"Thank you, Potter," he said and then he turned and left the throne room, cape billowing behind him as always. Harry gave Kingsley a quick nod and then followed Snape out of the room. He walked away from the castle enough to get past the anti-apparition wards and then apparated back to Potter Manor where he knew Amelia was waiting for him.
o – o – o – o – o
Amelia gasped in surprise when suddenly Harry appeared in front of her. She had been anxiously pacing the lounge waiting for him to return for the last half hour. Amelia quickly ran to him and crashed their lips together desperately. Then she pulled away enough to get a better look at him.
"You barely have a stretch on you. How is that possible?" Said Amelia. Harry shrugged.
"It's easy when it ends up about 30 to 1," said Harry with a smile as he pulled Amelia in for another lingering kiss.
"It's done?" she asked into his chest as he held her close.
"It will be soon," answered Harry. Amelia looked up at him in surprise. "Shacklebolt has him in some secret location until you are ready to try him for his crimes."
"You didn't kill him?" asked Amelia in amazement. She wasn't expecting that.
"No, I wanted to and I could have, I almost did, but no," said Harry as he sighed and gave Amelia another tender kiss before he continued. "I am perfectly happy giving you all the glory for this Amelia. I would be pleased if no one even I knew I was there though I am not sure I will be able to get away with that. I don't want to be known as the boy who killed Voldemort, Amelia. I don't want to be the wizarding world's hero anymore. I just want to be Harry Potter-Black-Bones, the husband of the gorgeous red-headed minister and be left alone."
"I don't think they will ever leave you alone Harry, but I will try and keep you out of it as much as possible if that is what you want," replied Amelia. Harry nodded.
"It is," he replied. They stood there for awhile just holding each other until suddenly Amelia pulled away in excitement.
"Wow, a public trial of Voldemort. I certainly never thought that day would come," she said with a laugh. Harry smiled at her and then gulped as her expression turned wicked. "We will deal with it tomorrow. Tonight, your wife needs attending to," said Amelia's as she pulled him to the bedroom.
"Are – um - is it safe?" asked Harry nervously. Amelia rolled her eyes as she stopped and turned towards him.
"Harry Potter. You get up to that bedroom right now and make passionate love to me or you will have a very upset pregnant wife to deal with," demanded Amelia.
"Right - well we don't want that," said Harry as he leaned down and picked Amelia up bridal style and carried her the rest of the way to the bedroom. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she pulled his face down for a fierce kiss before he even made it to the stairs.
o – o – o – o – o
The next morning Amelia snuck out of bed early and headed to the ministry. She left a note for Harry telling him to meet her there when he got up. When she reached the ministry, she immediately sent a Patronus to Shacklebolt asking him to come to her office. About a half hour later, he arrived announcing his arrival with a gentle knock o the door.
"Shacklebolt," she said as he entered. "I assume the prisoner is secure."
"Yes ma'am." He replied.
"He didn't kill him," Amelia said still surprised.
"No, he did not. I admit that I did not expect us to take him alive," responded Kingsley.
"Me either, well take me to him," said Amelia nonchalantly.
"Ma'am?" queried Kingsley.
"Did I stutter?" replied Amelia firmly.
"No ma'am," Shacklebolt said and then he gently grabbed her arm and apparated her away. She felt nausea overwhelm her when they reappeared. "Guess I'll be limiting my apparation for a little while," she thought. She looked around to find that they were standing in the dining hall of an abandoned muggle prison. "Clever choice," she thought.
"This way, minister," said Kingsley as began to walk. He led Amelia out of the dining hall and then down a long hallway until they reached the staircase and headed downwards. When they reached the deepest part of the prison they were greeted by Tonks, standing stoically outside a darkened cell.
"You can return to your duties, Nymphadora. Thank you for your assistance," said Kingsley. Tonks nodded at them each in turn and then left the way they had come.
"Did she know who she was guarding?" asked Amelia.
"No," he said as he opened the cell door for her. She nodded and then walked inside.
"LUMOS," she said. Amelia gasped when she saw a battered and beaten Voldemort lying unconscious on the cold cell floor. He looked like he was near death. "Wow, Harry really did a number on him," she thought in amusement.
"RENNERVATE," she whispered. Slowly Voldemort's eyes opened, and you could see the panic growing in them as he looked around. Amelia was surprised that he didn't even try to move.
"Where am – wait – why – why can't I move?" screamed Voldemort. Amelia eyed him curiously and then pointed her wand at him to perform a diagnostic spell.
"You've nearly severed your spinal cord, Tom. It looks like you are completely paralyzed, but I wouldn't worry, it won't matter for much longer. I'm sure you'll be going through the veil soon enough. I am told there is someone very eager to claim that last part of your soul," said Amelia coldly. Voldemort looked at her in fear.
"Still so afraid of death?" she said. "I'm surprised. You of all people, should know by now that there are much worse things in life then death." Amelia sighed.
"I came here to get revenge for all of the hurt you've caused my dear husband by fixating on him all those years ago, but it doesn't look like there is much left for me to do. I will just have to be satisfied that this is how you will be remembered, smile!" she said as she conjured a camera and took a picture of Voldemort lying in the dirty cell. "Enjoy the last few hours of your miserable existence Tom." She turned and walked out of the cell with a smile. Once the door clanked shut behind her, she turned to Kingsley.
"I will see how quickly we can get a Wizengamot session together and send you a patronus when it is time to bring him to the assembly room," said Amelia in a firm business tone.
"As you wish minister," replied Kingsley. Amelia nodded to him and then found her way out of the bowels of the prison before apparating back to her office. Once she arrived, Amelia floo'd Dumbledore. He answered immediately.
"Amelia, is Harry alright?" Asked Dumbledore nervously. "Severus hasn't returned."
"Yes, Harry is fine Albus and we have Voldemort in custody. I'm not sure where Severus is," she stated.
"Oh," said Dumbledore in surprise.
"Yes, I was surprised as well. How quickly can we get the Wizengamot together for an emergency session?" Amelia asked.
"The bylaws require at least an hours' notice," explained Dumbledore.
"Alright, let's give them two then. Shall we say 9am?" replied Amelia.
"Very well minister, I will send out a notice immediately," replied Dumbledore.
"Thank you Albus," Amelia responded and then she pulled her head out and walked over to her desk to sit down. She sent an urgent message to Rita Skeeter telling her she had a career breaking story for her and to come to her office as soon as possible. Amelia was surprised to see her at the door fifteen minutes later.
"Have a set Miss. Skeeter." She said firmly. Rita did as she was told and once she was sitting down Amelia walked over and handed her the photo from the camera. Rita looked at it, and then gasped as she looked back up at Amelia in surprise.
"Is this who I think it is?" Rita said.
"It is? I will give you the photo, and exclusive access to his trial and execution, but I have two demands," said Amelia.
"Go on," replied Rita eagerly.
"One, there will be no quick quotes quill, you will report only the facts. Two, you will not enquire about how he was captured or who captured him. You can speculate all you want, but the events leading up to his capture will remain top secret," said Amelia, stating her terms.
"Very well, I agree to your terms," said Rita cheerily. Amelia nodded.
"The trial will be in the Wizengamot assembly room at 0900 hours," said Amelia in way of dismissal. A few minutes after Rita left, Harry walked out of the fireplace and Amelia immediately stood back up and walked over and pulled him in for a searing kiss.
"The trial will be at 0900 hours," Amelia told him when she pulled away. Harry nodded and then kissed her temple gently.
"You know it is going to be such a different world without Voldemort and his minions running around," said Amelia into his chest and then she pulled back and looked up at him. Maybe we should go on that honeymoon we talked about."
"I'd like that," replied Harry. "I take my NEWTS in a couple of weeks. How about we spend Christmas at Potter Manor and then take off for a couple weeks once Susan goes back to Hogwarts. I'm sure I can delay my work with Professor Babbling for a couple weeks without much trouble."
"That's a wonderful plan. I'll let Rufus know I'll be gone for a couple weeks in January," responded Amelia before pulling him in for another enthusiastic kiss.
"Shall we visit the Potter property in Bora, Bora, 'Melia?" Harry asked.
"Mhmm, yes, that sounds nice," she responded. They moved to the sofa and made plans for their honeymoon, talked about Yule and what traditions Amelia usually honoured to mark the occasion. Harry couldn't help but notice the relief he felt at being able to talk about such mundane things without the weight of Voldemort hanging over him. It was a great feeling.
At 8:30, they went to get their Wizengamot robes and then headed to the assembly room. Harry now sat at the Bones seat with a nameplate that read Bones-Black-Potter, since Amelia had made him her proxy. She had a separate seat as Minister and technically could not vote. He listened to people angrily chatting about what this 'urgent' meeting could possibly be about and smirked. "They have no idea what they are in for," he thought. He noticed that the viewing gallery wasn't nearly as full as it had been for Fudge's trial, it was either the early morning hour or the Aurors had been particularly tight lipped. Knowing Amelia's stance on gossip, it was probably the latter. Harry looked up when he saw Dumbledore walk into the room.
"Will all voting members of the Wizengamot please take their seats. We will begin shortly," he called as he walked over and quickly spoke with Amelia. Everyone quieted at this and moved to their seats.
"I, Albus Dumbledore, now open this emergency session of the Wizengamot and turn the meeting over to our esteemed minister, Lady Potter-Black-Bones to explain why we are all gathered here today," said Albus as he nodded in Amelia's direction.
"Thank you Albus," said Amelia as she stood. "Members of the Wizengamot, we are here today for the trial of the self-proclaimed Lord Voldemort." For a moment there was complete silence and then everyone started to talk at once.
"SILENCE!" roared Dumbledore. Everyone quieted down and looked at Amelia expectantly. Once it was quiet Amelia sent a Patronus to Kingsley telling him to bring in the accused. A few minutes later Kingsley walked in with Voldemort levitated on a stretcher. Everyone stared at the snake faced man in disbelief, shocked that it was really him. He looked weak now and frail. Many wondered how they had ever been afraid of him in the first place.
"Five drops of veritaserum, please Auror Shacklebolt," said Amelia. Kingsley nodded and pulled the bottle out of his pocket and did as she asked. He forcefully opened Voldemort's mouth and placed five drops on his tongue and then stepped back to stand guard over the prisoner. Not that he was going anywhere. The assembled audience watched as Voldemort's eyes glazed over despite him trying to fight the veritaserum. Usually he could do so easily but with his injuries, his magic was too weak.
"What title do you go by?" began Amelia.
"Lord Voldemort," came the monotone reply.
"What is your real name?" she asked.
"Tom Marvolo Riddle," he said in distaste.
"What is required of a death eater to receive the dark mark?" asked Amelia next.
"They must kill someone, preferably a muggle or muggleborn," replied Tom.
"Who is the first person you killed," she asked.
"My father."
"Why?"
"I killed him to make my second Horcrux," answered Tom. The whispering increased at this. Until then, no no on knew he had made a Horcrux.
"How many Horcruxes did you make?" asked Amelia.
"Six," came the reply. The questions continued in this manner until Amelia had covered every kill, rape, and village pillaged. By the time she was finished many had lost their breakfast and even Dumbledore was pale. Harry was the only one who didn't seem surprised.
"What was your ultimate goal," asked Amelia as her final question, sealing his fate.
"To rid the wizarding world of muggle heritage and conquer both worlds, with immortality I would be ruler forever," he responded with no small amount of pride in his answer.
"I have no more questions Albus," said Amelia as she turned to the chief warlock.
"Very well, minister," said Dumbledore. "All in favour of a guilty verdict." Every wand in the assembly room was raised. Even those in the viewing gallery raised theirs in a show of support.
"I would like to ask for the punishment to be death by way of the veil." Said Amelia.
"All in favour," said Dumbledore. Nearly all the wands were raised this time, a few wizards abstaining that were against the death penalty in general.
"Tom Marvolo Riddle, I hereby sentence you to death by the veil. Your execution will take place as soon as this meeting is adjourned. Is there any other business?" asked Albus. Everyone just sat there in a sort of stupor staring off into space.
"Very well then, I hereby declare this session closed," said Dumbledore as he banged his gavel. As everyone slowly got up to leave the only noise that could be heard was Rita Skeeter furiously writing with her quill while her camera man took photos. Amelia quickly turned to Kingsley and whispered in his ear.
"Kingsley, take him down the back way. I have a feeling as soon as those doors open, we will be swarmed," she said. Kingsley nodded and took Voldemort's levitated gurney through a hidden passageway behind where the minister usually sat.
Amelia had been right, as soon the first person to reach the doors pulled them open the assembly room became swarmed with ministry workers trying to catch a glimpse of Voldemort. Harry realized in that moment that Voldemort had been sensationalized over the years as much as he had been. He was not known to leave survivors, so most people didn't even know what he looked like, but everyone wanted to be able to say they'd seen him. Harry was glad not for the first time that he had made the decision to let Amelia take the credit for his capture. Amelia made her way through the crowd until she reached his seat. She leaned over and kissed him softy.
"Do you want to be there, love?" Amelia asked gently. Harry nodded.
"Come with me," she said reaching out her hand. He took it and entwined their fingers as she led him to the secret passageway that Kingsley had just used. They spent many minutes walking through the tunnels until they reached a large open atrium. Croaker was standing at the other end.
"Lord Potter-Black-Bones. The Minister tells me that you will be taking your NEWTs this month," said the unspeakable in way of greeting.
"Yes," Harry responded.
"I would like to offer you an internship working with me as an unspeakable, if you are interested. That is if you pass your NEWTs of course," Croaker said with a smirk.
"I would be honoured," said Harry in shock as Amelia looked on proudly.
"And before you ask, I had nothing to do with this," chimed in Amelia. "I didn't even know about it. You have earned the notice of the Department of Mysteries solely on your own merits." Harry squeezed her hand gently.
"Let's get this over with then shall we," said Harry. "We talk more after Yule." Croaker nodded and opened the door for them, then he led them to the chamber of death. When they got there, the only other people in the room were Kingsley and a silenced Voldemort whose mouth was moving manically as he was screaming. A few minutes later, Albus Dumbledore and Rita skeeter joined them.
"We are here as witnesses to the execution of Tom Marvolo Riddle or Lord Voldemort," said Amelia once everyone was assembled. "May whatever you encounter in the here-after have mercy on your soul." Then she nodded to Kingsley who levitated the gurney and motioned for it to move towards the veil. When the last of Voldemort was gone, Harry breathed a huge sigh of relief feeling like the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. He smiled at the thought of Sirius's reaction when Tom appeared in Limbo. He followed Amelia out of the Department of Mysteries and then they immediately headed home.
The next morning magical Britain woke up to a Daily Prophet headline they were not expecting.
Minister Potter-Black-Bones saves Britain. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named captured, tried and executed all in the same day.
Harry and Amelia each read through the article.
"Rita actually did a fine job detailing the trial and execution and the pictures spoke volumes," said Amelia when she finished.
"Yes, and her guesses on how Voldemort was captured got crazier as the article went on. I'm mentioned in most of her scenarios, but they are so outrageous I doubt anyone will believe them. If they do, I'm happy to let them wonder," replied Harry.
After breakfast, Harry apparated to the Cornwall Manor to let Draco know he could return to Hogwarts and remove the Fidelius charm. Harry blushed deeply when he walked in on Severus and Narcissa snogging in the kitchen. He quickly told them what he came to tell them, and then left without even saying goodbye.
o - o - o - o - o
Two weeks later Harry and Hermione were nervously standing in McGonagall's office.
"Granger, Potter, this is Orville," said Professor McGonagall as she walked into her office with an older balding gentleman trailing behind her. "He will be proctoring your NEWT examinations." McGonagall led them to a classroom across from her office that was already set up with two student desks and a large mahogany desk and comfortable chair for Orville.
"Good luck to you both," she said as she left the room. Hermione and Harry both sat down and looked up at the proctor.
"You may begin," he said as he sat down. As soon as he spoke the exam booklets appeared in front of each of them. Three days later they were finally finished and passed out on Harry's sofas in exhaustion.
"What are you going to do now Hermione?" asked Harry after a while.
"I'm not sure. I was thinking of continuing on with Flitwick for a charms mastery, or maybe transfiguration or maybe..." Harry chuckled.
"I think I can help you Hermione," said Amelia as she walked through the fireplace.
"Hello Minister," said Hermione kindly.
"Hermione, you are my husband's best friend, please, when we are in private, call me Amelia," she said with a smile. Hermione nodded. Amelia walked over and handed her an envelope before going and taking a seat next to Harry.
"It's an official decree naming you as my new senior undersecretary. If you'll take the job of course. You truly are the brightest witch of your age Hermione and I could use your skills to help me get the ministry back in functioning order again. We've lost a lot of employees and departments have been left to do as they please for too long. We need restructuring and organization. You are on a very short list of people I trust to be capable of accomplishing this," said Amelia as she looked at Hermione fondly.
"I - absolutely yes," said Hermione.
"Wonderful, and if you decide to work towards a mastery, we can probably work something out for you to be here part time. I know Harry will be here a couple days a week working with Professor Babbling on Ancient Ruins," continued Amelia. Hermione nodded enthusiastically. The three of them spent a pleasant evening conversing about the future and talking about their plans for the holidays. A few minutes before curfew Hermione said goodnight and headed back to the dorm. Amelia and Harry immediately left for their own bedroom.
The next morning Harry returned to Potter Manor with Amelia. They went to finish up their last-minute Christmas shopping and then a few days later they picked up Susan at platform 9 3/4. Neville and his gran would be joining them Christmas Day. They spent the few days leading up to Christmas decorating, wrapping gifts by hand ad enjoying all of the delicious treats that Alice kept making. On Christmas Eve, they shared their good news with Susan as their final round of exploding snaps came to an end.
"Susan, Harry and I have something we would like to share with you," said Amelia when the game ended.
"What's that auntie," asked Susan as she picked up the cards.
"We're going to be having a baby in August," Amelia replied. Susan looked up at them in surprise and then blushed thinking about what they had to do for that to be possible.
"I'm going to have a cousin?!" she exclaimed as she rushed to pull them both into a hug. "I'm so happy for you. Do you know if it's a boy or a girl, yet?"
"It's still too early to tell, but a revealing charm will be able to tell us soon. You will be the first person we tell," said Amelia happily. Susan nodded.
"I have to go tell Neville," she said as she ran from the room in excitement.
"Did Alice hear correctly, is there going to be a new little master?" said the house elf as she brought the tea Amelia had requested.
"Yes Alice, you heard correctly," said Harry. Alice handed the cup to Amelia gently and then lunged herself at Harry's legs.
"Thank you master Harry, sir. Alice is most pleased," said the house elf.
"Um, you're welcome," said Harry in amusement.
Christmas morning, Harry woke up and gently kissed Amelia, first her lips, then her cheek, then down her neck. He continued down her body until she moaned and moved her fingers into his hair, letting him know she was awake. He kissed her belly once and then went back to her lips.
"Merry Christmas Amelia," he said lovingly.
"Merry Christmas, Harry," she replied as she pulled him back in for another kiss. They stayed like that until they heard Susan banging on the door. They put on some lounging clothes and adorned their dressing gowns and then walked down to the lounge where an excited Susan was waiting for them. They let Susan open all of her gifts first and then when she was done, they took turns opening theirs. Amelia had gotten him a book on Ancient Runes, a couple new muggle mystery novels she had seen him eyeing while they were shopping in London, and a photo album filled with pictures of Sirius and James growing up and a few of his mother, after they had married.
"I went through all of the old photos I had stored in the attic at Bones Manor and put together the one I thought you might like," said Amelia as he looked through the album.
"Thank you, Amelia, I will cherish these pictures forever," said Harry as he leaned over and gave Amelia a languid kiss, only pulling away when Susan cleared her throat.
"You're welcome, my love," said Amelia as she gave him a chaste kiss in return still aware of Susan's presence. Amelia then finished opening her gifts. Harry had picked out some jewellery from the Potter vault, bought her some more lingerie in his favourite colours, as well as a muggle book called What To Expect When You're Expecting, and a muggle turntable with several records he thought she might like. She looked at it curiously, clearly wondering what it was. Harry laughed at her confused expression.
"It plays music," he said. Hermione helped me make it work using magic instead of electricity. I thought you might want to keep it in your study. I know you turn on the wireless sometimes for the distraction. I thought this would be better, I picked out several albums you might like. Here, I'll show you how it works." Harry walked over and took the turntable from her and placed it on the table. Then he put one of the unwrapped albums in place and tapped the turntable with his wand. It began to spin and gentle music filled the room.
"Wow," said Amelia as she watched the device in wonder. She closed her eyes and gently swayed with the music. When she opened her eyes again, she gave Harry a beaming smile. "What a thoughtful gift Harry, thank you."
After breakfast Neville and his gran joined them and they exchanged gifts before Neville and Susan excused themselves to go for a walk around the grounds. Harry laughed when he realized they were probably off snogging somewhere. He couldn't blame them really. He would be doing the same thing if Neville's gran wasn't here. Amelia heard him chuckle and squeezed his hand knowingly while she engaged Augusta in conversation. Harry listened as Amelia's pleasant voice washed over him and leaned back into the sofa and closed his eyes with a relaxed smile on his face.
"This is the life I've been waiting for," he thought contently while he stroked the back of Amelia's hand with his thumb.