Part One. Happily Ever After

Chapter One. Fallen Hero

It was a quiet Sunday afternoon when Harry arrived in the Ministry. He emerged from one of the fireplaces and headed to the lifts not glancing on the refurbished Fountain of Magical Brethren. Harry was deeply in thought about the upcoming meeting. What does Robards want?

It was highly unusual for the Head Auror to be at the Ministry on Sunday let alone to appoint secret meetings. Gawain Robards was an ageing Head Auror whose times, according to the Prophet, were long gone. Speculations about his retirement seemed to calm down when the Ministry released a statement that Gawain Robards would still remain in his office due to the 'unwavering trust the Minister and fellow colleagues' put into him. Harry himself highly respected the chief and when that morning he received an owl, he immediately agreed to the urgent meeting. Hopefully, this is a short one.

This evening they hosted Ginny's birthday party at the Burrow and a lot of things depended on this party. Harry, please, let us celebrate. When he departed to the Ministry, Ginny and Sev had already gone to the Burrow to oversee final preparations. Host cannot arrive after his guests, Harry. These words echoed in his head just like his steps in the hollow Atrium.

'Sir!'

Harry turned around and saw a tiny figure of the latest Aurors' newcomer - Dennis Creevey. Yeah, today is his shift. A couple of years ago Harry suggested that Aurors need to patrol the Ministry for security purposes and this idea, truth be told, came from experience. Robards agreed and since then this honour had fallen on the shoulders of Junior Aurors before they were entitled to more serious tasks. Almost all of them did not like Harry for this task as it was monotonous, dull and exhausting. Still, they took it and never complained… at least in open. I'm the Harry Potter after all. Dennis hurried to Harry.

'Good afternoon, sir. Everything is under control.'

'Afternoon, Dennis. Good to hear.'

Harry noticed pouches under Dennis' eyes, his suppressed yawn and almost felt pity for the young Auror.

'This task is extremely important, Dennis. I hope you take it seriously.'

'I know, sir. 'Constant vigilance'.'

Harry chuckled.

'Sometimes I think that Mad-Eye made these words embossed in golden letters in the quarters.'

Dennis humbly smiled.

'These words are true, sir. Her… sorry, sir. Mrs Granger-Weasley, she has just repeated it to me.'

'Hermione?'

'Yes, sir. We met during my shift.'

'Your shift?'

'Yes, sir. Tonight,' looking at the confused expression on Harry's face, Dennis elaborated. 'It must have been about half past one, sir… yes, we changed with Alice at midnight, and I have already finished with patrolling first three levels…'

Harry was stunned. He had not seen Hermione for the last week and their previous encounters were very brief. What does she work on?

'Did you question her?'

Dennis got a bit pink.

'No, sir. It is Her… sorry, sir. It is Mrs Granger-Weasley… and I believed that questions were… unnecessary.'

Harry exhaled. Their fame was something he never got accustomed to.

'The next time even if it is the Minister himself, Dennis, please make some inquiries. Imposters would choose the least suspicious person.'

'Yes, sir. But it is not the first time I meet Mrs Granger-Weasley this late. So I thought that was normal.'

'Not the first time?'

'Yes, sir. I personally have met her thrice and Alice mentioned that Mrs. Granger-Weasley stayed in the office till night twice.'

Interesting.

'Thank you, Dennis. Have rest today.'

'Thank you, sir,' Harry turned to the lifts when Dennis spoke again. 'You know, sir, it's a great honour for me to stand guard here,' he waved his hand towards the fountain. 'I know some find this task below them but I want you to know that you do the great job here, sir. I think Colin would be very proud of me… and of you, sir.'

Harry turned his gaze to his shoes and swallowed. All right, Harry? I'm - I'm Colin Creevey. I'm in Gryffindor, too. Harry could see reflections of the golden fountain figures on the highly polished floor and looked on Dennis.

'Thank you, Dennis.'

It was an awkward moment and then with a sharp nod they moved in different directions. Seven years… Is it a lot or a little?

Golden grille slid back and Harry stepped in the lift. From time to time Harry thought that time made a cruel joke on him. We may have won, but I still live in the war times. Comment here, reference there. Accomplishments of the past pursued Harry and in this race he could hardly claim victory.

Even his career was based on the past deeds. When a week after the battle he appeared in the Ministry to assist the Aurors with captivating the Death Eaters that were still on the loose, he and Ron were admitted to the Auror Office even without N.E.W.T.s and training. Being completely honest with himself, Harry could not imagine situation when he was denied to become an Auror based on the lack of N.E.W.T.s. I reap what I have sown.

Opening doors interfered with his chain of thoughts and the voice announced:

'Level Two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Improper Use of Magic Office, Auror Headquarters and Wizengamot Administration Services.'

Harry stepped into the corridor lined with doors. While he was silently walking on the carpeted floor, his mood seemed to cheer up. He glanced on the window through which sunlight was streaming. Harry smiled when remembered the first time he saw these windows. Mr Weasley, aren't we still underground? He was in the Ministry with Mr Weasley for the first time before his hearing. Those are enchanted windows. Magical Maintenance decide what weather we'll get every day. Harry could not remember a day when the weather in the window was rainy or cloudy during past seven years. Mr Cattermole considered good weather in the Auror Headquarters as his personal gratitude to Harry for saving his wife. Sometimes it went to ridiculous lengths. Three years ago when Kingsley initiated relocation of Magical Maintenance (which was highly unpopular among its employees) the whole Ministry had tornados for a month, and yet the weather in Auror Headquarters was as always sunny. Harry smiled to the memory of frustrated Hermione coming to her husband and the best friend just to enjoy good weather. Seriously, Harry, I just want to tell him that I saved his wife, too. Don't laugh, Ronald! Blimey, they should write in your job description that Aurors can take a tun!

Memory can be a precious thing. Sometimes it is all you've got. He, Ron and Hermione had something so rare and delicate that even Ginny can be envious of their friendship. She was included in their trio and nowadays knew more about Harry's thoughts and feelings than Ron and Hermione, but still Harry could see bitterness in how his wife looked at them. She said that she understood what they had gone through but Harry felt that those words were hollow. And perhaps it's for the better. She has summer in herself, while we three will always remember those cold woods, hunger and isolation.

Harry walked through a pair of heavy oak doors and emerged in Auror Headquarters. Generally, this divided into cubicles area was full of talk and laughter. Each Auror and Junior Auror had its own cubicle covered with wanted criminals (Harry was extremely proud that for the past seven years their number was steadily decreasing) or photographs of wives, children, friends. Harry instantly looked to the Ron's cubicle and managed to identify the photo of Ron and Hermione on their wedding day. Harry smiled to the memory.

At the far end of the hall there were five offices for Senior Aurors and the Head Auror. Harry was one of the Seniors, heading the Investigative Division for almost three years now. Other three offices belonged to John Gaunt, head of Security Division, Henry Savage, head of International Crime Division, and Jeremy Proudfoot, head of Hit Wizards Unit. The last and the most spacious one belonged to the Head Auror himself - Gawain Robards.

Based on the lights coming through the frosted glass of the office door, the latter was already present. Harry knocked and the soft deep voice of the Head Auror invited him inside.

Harry opened the door and saw Robards sitting in his desk chair opposite to Kingsley. Harry was surprised as he was not informed of the Minister's presence. He thought it would be just him and Robards. Something happened.

'Hi, Harry!' smiled the Minister. Harry noticed casual outfit Kingsley was wearing. So, he is coming. They invited Kingsley to the birthday party but were not sure that he would come.

'Afternoon, Minister!' Harry turned his attention to the Head Auror. 'Chief.'

'Please sit, Harry,' Robards waved his hand in the direction of the vacant chair near Kingsley.

Harry noticed that Robards was in a good mood and that was truly a good omen. Last months he was unusually moody and rude. Please do not make me repeat it twice, Potter. I already doubt my decision to appoint you as a Senior Auror. Do not make me regret it! Ron thought that this uncharacteristic behaviour was caused by the press attacks. The Prophet went as far as even speculate about possible sympathies of Head Auror with Voldemort regime during the war.

Although Harry partly agreed that bad press could be the course, still he saw another reason. Robards was simply tired. Forty years at the Auror Office, two wars, all this madness just after the Voldemort's demise and family issues (four years ago Robards stopped wearing his ring) would make everybody moody. Ron always said that only Auror would understand another Auror. And Harry fully agreed. Even a wife cannot.

Robards cleared his throat.

'So, Harry, the Minister and I discussed the Peasegood case. Could you please tell us where you are with it?'

'Yes, chief.'

This case was a pain in Harry's arse. It went for the worse when it got the vast Prophet's coverage. Arnold Peasegood was once an Obliviator at the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad. It turned out that for his long career he had not just erased Muggles' memories but secretly collected them. Two months before Peasegood suddenly retired and nobody knew what he was up to until it became too late. In retirement he started pursuing Muggles, whose memories he once taken, and showing them what they once lost. It was a complete disaster and if not for the help of the Muggle Prime Minister, Aurors would have never got information on Peasegood activities and the damage he was causing. Memory is a truly precious thing. It took two weeks and four engaged Aurors to finally put him into custody. Peasegood managed to contact twenty Muggles before he was captured and none other than Rita Skeeter considered this as a token of Aurors' unprofessionalism. Mr Potter needs to concentrate on what is on his desk now and not on his previous victories.

'Corner is done with evidence collection. I believe I will be able to present the case before Wizengamot in a week if you, of course, approve the report, chief.'

'Good,' said Kingsley in his usual low voice. 'Does he have… a disorder? Or he was aware of his actions?'

'I would say yes to the disorder thing. No signs of Imperius. Or that he was truly in capacity to assess the consequences. You should see him. From my view he completely lacks sanity.'

'The Prophet will crucify Arthur, Kingsley,' grumbled Robards grimly. 'To ignore the insanity of his Obliviator? Oh, Rita won't miss such an opportunity!'

Mr Weasley now served as the Head of the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes and Peasegood was his employee after all.

'Did he show any signs of mental disorder before the first incident?' asked Kingsley.

'No. I personally questioned all his colleagues and according to them Peasegood was absolutely normal before his retirement.'

'Then we can protect Arthur,' Kingsley tried to reassure two Aurors.

'I don't think so,' grumbled Robards. 'They got extremely aggressive these past months and I don't believe they all of sudden decide to play lambs.'

Harry silently agreed with him. We're the target now. After the war it was evident who the evil was. And now with the evil in Azkaban, the place became vacant. Although it was painful to Harry, those days it was them to be blamed. The Prophet always needs the target. It became even worse when the target turned out to be his father-in-law. He has just got his part of honour and respect. It would be cruel if he loses it to Peasegood. Silence showed Harry that he was not alone in his sadness.

'As unfortunate as it can be, but I believe we need to get to the point of this meeting, Gawain,' said Kingsley sternly. 'I don't think Harry believed we invited him here on Sunday on his wife's birthday to discuss closed cases.'

Robards grinned.

'I'm afraid I'm losing my grip, dear Minister. But you had already known this, hadn't you?' he turned his attention to Harry. 'So, Harry, as you may have noticed, our office has done extremely well these seven years. Death Eaters are in Azkaban. It was a truly marvellous job we all have accomplished as a team. And I'm nothing but proud of my Aurors. We put behind bars all Snatchers and those sympathisers,' Harry smiled to the memory of Umbridge taken to Azkaban for the rest of her days. 'I believe that if there had been any fault on my part for letting Thicknesse happen, I have redeemed myself,' Gawain paused. 'At least in my eyes.'

'Sir, you very well know that all of us…' Harry attempted to reassure Robards that nobody doubted his loyalty but the Head Auror only waved his hand dismissively.

'I don't believe that is of importance, Harry,' Robards sadly smiled. 'I'm old enough not to pay attention to everything that is said about me… I'm tired, Harry. And perhaps it is the high time I stepped down.'

Robards paused for his words to sink in Harry's mind. The latter was completely bewildered. The past months Harry reassured everybody that the chief was not done yet and here he was, hearing these words for himself. Harry liked Robards. Unlike many other grim-faced Aurors, Robards was capable of smiling and even, if caught in a good mood, joking. What is more, Robards was his teacher, mentor and an old friend.

After the war the Auror Office was heavily understaffed and Robards made it his personal business to prepare Harry, Ron and Nevill (the latter stayed in the quarters for nearly a year) for the job even without formal training. 'A good Auror knows how to fight, but a perfect Auror knows when and where to fight', he always said. It was Robards who took Harry and Ron to their first missions to track down Rowle and Rabastan Lestrange. It was Robards who taught Harry and Ron interrogation techniques during the Umbridge case. For Harry it was a shock to lose his teacher. He looked at Kingsley, but the Minister only shrugged.

'I asked the Minister for resignation so many times that I can hardly remember every each of them. Fortunately for me, now we both agreed that it's perfect timing now with my successor ready.'

So, it's John then. John Gaunt was the fellow Senior Auror who headed the Security Division. He was in charge of Azkaban (now guarded by Aurors) and security measures in the Ministry, St Mungo and other high profile objects. Security Division was also responsible for protection of the Ministry senior officials. John Gaunt proved himself as a capable leader, good organiser and a skilful duelist. Perhaps, the best of us. For no apparent reason, Harry personally was not really fascinated by the grim Auror, but he respected his strong points. Ginny, on the contrary, got on with John and his fiancé, Daphne, rather well and even invited them to Potters a couple of times. They're good people, Harry. Yes, they are not your type. But in some areas you appear to be seriously narrow-minded. And then Harry learnt that dinners with people who he did not like much could somehow broaden his mind. And in a very unexpected way it really did. Now is not the time to think about it. Harry left his thoughts and turned to Robards who was piercing him with his almost onyx tired eyes.

'After many considerations we decided that the next Head Auror should be you, Harry.'

Harry was left speechless.

'Me?'

Kingsley chuckled.

'Yes, Harry. We believe that you're a perfect candidate. Who's better than you?'

'But… I'm young and surely I don't have enough experience. I would say John would be the perfect candidate… or at least Jeremy. But not me.'

'Don't underestimate us, Potter,' smiled Robards. 'Do you think we chose you based on your pretty young face?'

'You have perfect numbers, Harry,' said Kingsley. 'In seven years you got twelve Death Eaters, twenty Snatchers, numerous murderers, Muggle-haters, smugglers and other not so pleasant members of our wonderful society. So, lack of experience, yeah?' Kingsley's lips curved in a smirk. 'You're one of the best Aurors this office has every witnessed if not the best. And what is more important, you're a good leader. Aurors in your Division confirm it.'

'Have you questioned them?' Harry could not believe what he was hearing.

'Not directly, Harry,' answered Robards. 'We wanted to take this low until it's the time. You see, the position of the Head Auror may be more influential than the head of other departments. Many Ministers were once Aurors, as you can see. And here we have a lot of interests. Tiberius would like to have a say in this. Unfortunately, he is not a big fan of yours.'

Harry knew this all too well. Tiberius McLaggen, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, disliked Harry and his meteoric career. He was once friends with Rufus Scrimgeour and blamed Harry for the latter's death. If you had supported Rufus, the Ministry would have never fallen. Your lack of cooperation cost the life to many decent men and women, Potter. But who are they in comparison to the Chosen One? You're an arrogant arse, Potter. Always above. But bear this in mind: the war is over. Peace times do not need heroes. It was an unwritten rule among Aurors that if the Head of the DMLE requested information on operations, it would be usually Michael Corner to report, because McLaggen's dislike for Harry extended even to Ron.

'And this is another reason, chief, why I'm not a perfect candidate. For all I know Tiberius has no problems with John or Jeremy.'

Now it was Kingsley who answered Harry.

'Please listen to us, Harry,' he armed himself with his low voice that helped him to win a lot of debates during his career. 'I know you detest appearances. But you're the future of the Auror Office and the Ministry. This November Wizengamot will elect the Minister and, hopefully, it would be me again. This will give us seven more years to carry out our plans and reforms. But the war is long gone. You know, perhaps better than me, that not all of us believe in our view. New ideas that we put to our banners are not popular among conservative society. And our society is nothing but conservative. You see, even Arthur was against Hermione's House-Elf Rights Bill. But with you as a Head Auror the new course will have a strong supporter.'

Harry grew alarmed.

'So, you want me to be your poster boy, Minister?'

Kingsley immediately felt the change in atmosphere.

'Not at all, Harry. You see…'

'The way I see it, you need me as a silent supporter for your course…'

'My course, Harry?' Kingsley got irritated. 'I believe it was you who supported the banishment of dementors. I thought it was you who drafted some articles of the Magical Origin Act. If I remember correctly, it was you who sticked to the imprisonment of all members of Muggle-Born Registration Commission. So, is it only my course? Don't you support House-Elf Rights Bill? Haven't you agreed with Arthur on the new Muggle Protection Act?'

Harry lowered his eyes.

'Yes, Minister, I support all these steps. But, please understand, I became an Auror because I wanted to excuse the world of Death Eaters. I wanted to protect children from losing their parents to maniacs like Tom or Bellatrix. But being the Head Auror and based on your reasoning…'

'If you had heard me to the end, you would have understood me better, Harry,' Kingsley smiled in order to set the truce.

'Sorry, Minister'.

'And I told you many times, Kingsley, that hot-headed youth can be a death of this office,' laughed Robards.

'Or, no, Gawain, Harry's behaviour is understandable. If I'm right, all his life everybody wanted him as a friend because he is the famous Harry Potter. That can be irritating, I believe,' Kingsley offered Harry a smile of understanding.

Harry nodded. Kingsley saw this as sign to continue.

'Harry, in seven years I would step down. I would like to live some time in peace, before my age takes me down. And in seven years the position of the Minister would be vacant. And I hoped it would be Hermione…' Harry made big eyes. Yes, Hermione was making even a more meteor career than he and was serving as the Deputy Head of the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. She's too young for this. 'Yes, Harry, I hope it will be Hermione to step in my shoes. We have seven more years to prepare everything for her ascendance… and when this happens she will need your support… and protection. Of course, if you support her as Harry Potter, it would be one thing. But if you support her as the Head Auror or perhaps as the Head of the Law Enforcement it would be the different situation. A few wizards can challenge the Head Auror. Usually it is the Head of DMLE, Senior Undersecretary or the Minister. That is why your role is so important, Harry.'

Robards intervened.

'Do you remember Fudge, Harry? Perhaps, you remember how peace can poison minds. Not all of us have courage to do what is right in dire situations. Some would agree to all concessions and lies just to save the peace. We believe that with your support we can ensure that the right thing will always be done. All in all, it was you who fought for it.'

Harry was buried in thoughts. He always wanted a simple life. Hunt down dark wizards, come back home to the wife and son. Quidditch in the Burrow on the weekends with Ron, Ginny and George. Perhaps, more children in the future. It's an easy and clear life. But somehow with every breathing day he moved further and further from his idea of a simple life. Harry almost physically felt that every day became harder to endure.

At first he thought that it was the work. Earlier Harry used to enjoy the work process. Long evenings in the quarters with Ron, analysing piles of evidence, searching remote locations with the hidden Death Eaters or Snatchers. Long days for which he and Ron could be gone in their pursuit of criminals. Duels during which Harry did not know whether he would come back home alive. Greetings in the quarters after every solved case. Now all this was gone. The work was different. With all the Death Eaters and Snatchers now in Azkaban they had to pursue little smugglers and madmen like Peasegood. But deep inside Harry suspected that the work could not be entirely blamed for his frustration.

It was the family issues that made Harry struggle. Years of long hours, work on weekends and absence from home for days could not leave his family life unaffected. This combined with Ginny's training sessions with the Harpies, almost ruined career after giving birth to Sev were a perfect basis for conflicts and misunderstanding. Harry felt guilty that what gave him enormous pleasure caused a lot of suffering for Ginny. His guilt became unbearable from thoughts that giving birth to a kid moved Ginny from the leading Chaser to a mere substitute.

With this in mind Harry started making concessions to Ginny. Years of loneliness at home, lack of professional success made Ginny jealous of the time Harry spent with Ron and Hermione. And based on Hermione's sex, especially of the time Harry spent with her. Ginny directly asked him to stop his meetings with Ron and Hermione. And Harry complied.

Trying to fix his marriage, he became ashamed of his work and joy it brought to him. He became more restraint with Ron and Hermione. And once simple life turned out to become a complex web of compromises, dilemmas and conflicts both internal and external. And now this promotion. I have already enough problems on my plate.

'I understand, Minister. But John, I think, also supports our cause. And Jeremy. He was friends with Tonks.'

Kingsley got sad.

'You see, Harry, power can corrupt,' said the Minister. 'We cannot guarantee that they won't turn their heads away if the wind changes. But all we know about you is that no matter what you do the right thing…' Kingsley paused. 'No one can do what Hermione does now. But she already faces enormous resistance and we can't say that this wind will never become a hurricane. But if you agree, you can be the one who protects her and all of us from it. You can ensure that all we've stood for will outlive us.'

Robards nodded.

'We haven't had any breakout from Azkaban these years. But one will be enough to stir the minds. In a moment they will require dementors again. John had already made it open that dementors guarantee security of prisoners more than the team of Aurors. And this is the least of our problems.'

Yes, it is. Harry knew this. There was another moment of thick silence. Harry was concerned about personal consequences of his acceptance. Ginny will certainly kill me. Still Harry wanted to believe that with time she would make her peace with this.

His mind turned to Hermione. Hermione who agreed to hunt horcruxes even without thinking. Hermione who was there for him when his name appeared from the Goblet of Fire. Hermione who with the DA idea helped him to endure the fifth year at Hogwarts. Hermione who was always there with advice when he faced a truly difficult case. Hermione who left her office at night. Hermione who once had a 'Mudblood' carved on her arm. Harry swallowed.

'Will Hermione agree to become the Minister in future?'

'She had already done,' answered Kingsley looking him in the eyes.

It makes sense. They would have never asked me without getting her consent first. His mind was making a detour. Ginny's hurt face. Ron's puzzlement when Harry declined another invitation. Hermione's unreadable expression when he hurried home after work. Sev's joy when Harry entered the house earlier than usual. Fountain of Magical Brethren. Dennis Creevey's bags below the eyes.

'If I agree, will I be able to work on the field?' Harry asked very carefully.

Kingsley and Robards beamed at him.

'Yes, absolutely. I resigned from the field work because I knew that you need to win your own points. But you can chase them to the grave,' said Robards.

Good.

'And may I name my successor as the Head of Investigative Division?'

Kingsley's grin never faded.

'Yes, absolutely.'

Harry hesitated for a moment.

'I would need some time to think about it.'

'Surely, Harry,' smiled Robards. 'But don't make it long. I already agreed to Minerva's offer. You look at the future Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.'

Harry smiled.

'There is no one better than you, sir.'

'Actually, I know, Potter. But thanks,' said Robards with the fake sternness in his voice.

Kingsley stood.

'Then, it is agreed! Take your time, Harry. Don't hesitate to tell us once you decide. We would like to know your answer. No matter what the answer it will be.'

They all shook hands. Robards looked very pleased.

'You must know, Harry. It means a lot to me. We together put the evil under the floors and I would sleep better with the knowledge that it would be you to keep it there for it least some years.'

'I'll think about it, chief.'

Robards pierced him with his eyes. 'Now, off you go. You have a party to attend to. See you tomorrow.'

Robards stayed in his office, while Harry and Kingsley went to the lifts. What a day! Harry sent a patronus ahead to warn everybody that he was coming with the Minister.

'If you don't mind, Harry, but why did you decide to even think about it?' asked Kingsley when they entered the lifts.

Harry exhaled.

'What you said is true. War is long gone… and I want to forget it. We all wanted a new world, a new life after Voldemort. And this new life can become real only through new people. Like you, Hermione and Arthur. People who would lead this fight in offices, memos, Prophet, court rooms. I'm not cut out for this. The least I can do is to protect you all.'

'You underestimate yourself, Harry…'

'No, Kingsley. We had two wars. And I'm afraid the third one will not be any like them. Voldemort made it certain. Nobody wants battles anymore. They can be easily lost. Grindelwald lost to Dumbledore. Voldemort lost to me. You see, they outnumbered us at Hogwarts but still we were victorious… no, this war will be a quiet, cold one. With smiles and pleasantries but talks behind the back. With lies and deceptions, cowardice and treason. This is not my kind of war. You know, even dark wizards don't seem to me as dark anymore. This Peasegood case shows us that. Was he angry? Or did he struggle with stress? Tiberius already suggested that he should be sent to St Mungo and not to Azkaban. Personally I see only a lost man. But… I feel that something is coming… and it will hit hard. I just can't tell when and how. But it will. You and Hermione must be ready and protected.'

They stepped from the lift in Atrium and walked in silence. Kingsley was deep in thought with Harry's words and Harry was just trying to understand where they came from. He never said them to himself. But somehow they were brewing deep inside him. Perhaps, you have always known that it's not your war anymore.

When they passed the Fountain of Magical Brethren Harry found the courage to look upon it. It was a truly magnificent construction. In the middle of it stood five golden statues of a witch, a wizard, a centaur, a goblin and a house-elf. They were surrounded by fifty golden statues holding hands. They formed a circle. A live shield. Those who died at Hogwarts on that fateful night.

From the distance Harry could see the figures of Colin, Fred, Remus, Tonks, Severus, Lavander. Harry swallowed. The idea of the new fountain that replaced the outrageous monument which was on this place during Voldemort regime belonged to Hermione. She told Kingsley that they all fought for the new life at Hogwarts. For the brethren. Those who died… their death was not in vain. They saved the future. The very core of our society, Kingsley. We would pay our respect to their sacrifice. And we would show that the idea of brethren is worth dying for.

Now somehow Harry did not feel guilt when glancing on these fallen heroes. Ten minutes ago he said he would think about the offer. He said he would think about taking the role he never was in since the day he had taken Hogwarts Express for the first time in his life. People did not need to die to protect him anymore. Now he was not a surviver, but another man destined to stand guard. A live shield. And he somehow felt that this new life can hold more happiness for him than the one he lived. Kingsley stood a couple of steps behind him. But Harry did not pay attention. He was gazing at the monument. This is what we fought for.

'Perhaps, I have your answer, Kingsley.'