A/N: My apologies for the long delay in posting this next chapter. A lot has happened in the last few months that has made it really hard for me to concentrate on writing. Even though I am now back at it, I cannot guarantee regular updates, so please be patient.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own, nor have I ever owned Harry Potter or the Wizarding World.
Harry kept his eyes closed, feeling too emotionally drained by the past few days to even find the energy to open them. He could hear the movements of the Weasley family around the house, most heading in the direction of the kitchen for breakfast. He didn't think he could bear to face the family, who had taken him in out of the goodness of their hearts, out of fear of receiving sympathetic looks from them after what had happened to him the day before.
His memory of Colin Creevey's wake remained relatively hazy, but Harry knew he had broken down in tears as the losses he had suffered, and the guilt he felt over them, finally slammed into him. He knew that he had been taken back to The Burrow and directly to his bedroom, where he had promptly fallen asleep out of sheer exhaustion. He could only assume that someone, more than likely Ginny, had informed Molly and Arthur of what had happened, but it would mean that everybody would probably spend the day keeping an eye on him and making sure he was fine, even though they were all still grieving the loss of one of their own family. He didn't want to be a burden to the family that he knew he had become a part of, and he wanted to avoid being coddled. However, despite his unwillingness to get out of bed and face the day, he knew that someone would eventually come looking for him to check on how he was feeling. Thankfully, it would more than likely be his girlfriend than anyone else, but you never knew with the Weasleys.
After the events of the past few days, Harry knew he needed to take a step back and allow himself the chance to process everything he had been through and everyone he had lost personally. He was resigned to the fact that, no matter what, he would be carrying the losses and the guilt for the rest of his life. However, he knew he also needed to find a way to move forward without allowing it all to stop him from living the life he was now finally free to live as his own.
Talking to Ginny over the past few days had somewhat helped him as it had brought into focus just how much he had been through since he had re-entered the wizarding world and the distinct lack of support that he had been given to work through his feelings that stemmed from those events. Ginny had made it clear that it would take more than a few days for any of them to feel strong enough to face the world, while making it known that everyone in the wizarding world would carry the events of the war with them for the rest of their lives. He knew she was right as his life had been shaped by the war from the moment Voldemort had first turned his wand on him as a baby. He just needed to find a way to move forward with his life without everything he had been through holding him back.
Harry continued to keep his eyes close as he heard the door open and then quietly shut. Barely a few seconds later, he felt the duvet lift slightly and a body curl up behind him. Without saying anything, he knew his girlfriend had climbed into bed with him. Just feeling her against his body was all the comfort he needed in that moment. He was also grateful that she had not immediately spoken to him, allowing him the time to figure out how he wanted to respond if she asked him to get out of bed. Somehow, he knew that no matter what excuse he gave, he would be getting up, and all because the girl he loved asked him to.
"I know you want to hide away from the world today," Ginny quietly said after a few minutes, "and I would happily let you, knowing that you need the time and space to process everything. However, we have just received word that Kingsley and Professor McGonagall wish to speak you, me, Hermione, and Ron today."
"How long do I have until they arrive?" Harry responded as he wondered how much longer he could remain in bed for.
"About an hour. I know you want a little more time to get your head straight, but I am unable to give you that time. I promise, though, that you can disappear back up here with or without me once they leave."
Without waiting for a response, Harry felt Ginny sit up, causing him to quickly reach out and grab her hand.
"I will get up as long as you promise that you will come with me wherever I choose to hide away after we are done talking with Kingsley and McGonagall," Harry requested, even though he knew she would say yes without hesitation.
Without the use of any words, Ginny gave her answer by leaning down and gently kissing Harry's lips before leaving the room.
Harry remained in bed for a few more minutes, preparing himself to face everyone on a day he wanted to remain hidden away. It was, with a reluctant sigh, that he finally found the energy to get out of bed, grab some clothes and a towel, and head for the bathroom for a quick shower.
HP&GW
As he entered the living room, Harry found both Kingsley and Professor McGonagall seated and talking to Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. For some reason, the sight of two people he had the upmost respect for suddenly made him nervous, making him want to turn and escape back to his room, something he knew he couldn't do.
"Harry!" came Kingsley's voice before Harry could sneak back out. "Please, come take a seat so we can get started. I cannot imagine you will want to spend too long going through everything we need to."
Harry could only respond with a nod before he quickly took a seat next to his girlfriend, who immediately took his hand in hers, something that brought him great comfort.
"Thank you for allowing us to meet with you today," Kingsley said without waiting for any sort of acknowledgement from Harry. "I do apologise for notifying you at the last minute, but, sadly, we still need to take a certain amount of precaution while the final Death Eaters are rounded up."
"It's fine, Kingsley," Harry finally spoke. "Less chance for me to attempt to avoid this."
"Understandable," the Minister acknowledged. "The purpose of this visit is to gather statements from you about the events of the past year, along with any other information you feel would be necessary for us to be aware of. I asked Professor McGonagall to accompany me as she was a witness to the events at Hogwarts and because we wish to speak to you about your plans for the future after we have collected your statements."
"Will you be collecting individual statements from each of us?" Hermione asked.
"No, I believe it would be best for yourself, Ron and Harry to provide a statement as one," Kingsley confirmed, "as it will allow for a fuller, more detailed account of this past year. Ginny is the only one who will need to provide an individual statement, due to her being present at the school over this past year. I am hoping it will also reduce the time this will take, but I cannot make any promises as we may need to ask for clarification if we feel it is necessary."
With a nod of agreement from all four teens, Kingsley stood and left the living room briefly before returning with one of the Aurors who had been a part of guarding Harry since he had returned to The Burrow, plus one other Auror, who appeared older than the other two, whom none of them recognised.
"I know that you all recognise Auror Williamson," Kingsley said as the three men came into the living room and took a seat. "He will be recording your statements with an authorised Quick-Quotes Quill, which I can guarantee will take an accurate account of what you tell us."
Harry couldn't help his sigh of relief, much to the amusement of his friends, at Kingsley's need to reassure them all over the much-needed use of the quill that had caused Harry many problems during his fourth year at Hogwarts.
"And this is our current Head Auror, Gawain Robards," Kingsley continued. "I felt that it was necessary for him to be here so he could hear in detail everything you have been through and did in your journey to ending Voldemort. I know that you, Harry, had shown interest in becoming an Auror before, so I thought this may help Gawain understand just how much knowledge and skill you and others of your age have that would be of use to the Auror Office."
"How much do you know of my story, Mr Robards?" Harry asked, wanting to figure out how much detail he would need to go into if he was going to be able to explain the events of the war as clearly and concisely as he could.
"The basics, Mr Potter," the Head Auror confirmed. "The Minister felt it was best for me to have a basic overview of your time at Hogwarts. While I do wish to know how accomplished yourself and your peers are, I also wish to learn as much as I can about this war so we can put away all Death Eaters easily, while doing what we can to prevent events like this from happening again."
"It would seem that you and I are on the same page," Harry replied, immediately warming to the Head Auror, something that was rare for him when it came to anyone working at the Ministry. "I want to be open and honest about everything so that we can not only prevent a repeat of it, but so the wizarding world can see just how far Voldemort was willing to go to take control of our world."
"That is very mature of you, Harry," Hermione said in surprise as Harry felt Ginny squeeze his hand in approval. "I would have thought that there would be things that you would want to keep private from the public."
"Except for the fact that anyone who was there when Voldemort was defeated would have heard that final conversation," he explained with confidence. "It would be better to be upfront and honest than to refuse to answer questions that could possibly keep something like this from happening again."
"I have to agree with Harry," the Minister interjected before Hermione could argue back. "I understand the need throughout the war to keep certain knowledge secret, but if I am to create a more open and transparent Ministry, we have to begin with an honest account of what has happened over this past year."
"Where do you wish to begin?" Harry asked as he tried to figure out what would be the best way to tell the events of the past year while connecting everything from the years leading up to it. "I only ask because, in order for you to understand, I need to explain events from across my entire time at Hogwarts."
"Are you ready to record this conversation, Auror Williamson?" Gawain asked, immediately receiving a nod of confirmation. "I believe we should begin with the events of Halloween 1981 as there is still a lot of confusion surrounding that night. Obviously, I accept that you may not know the exact details, but anything that can help us would be much appreciated."
Harry turned his head to look at his girlfriend, knowing this was one of the harder parts to explain. Ginny had been supportive and comforting when Harry had explained the truth surrounding that night and he knew she would do the same for him now.
"I can tell you exactly what happened that night, Mr Robards," Harry said as he looked back towards the Head Auror. "I am not sure if you are aware that I have had a connection to Voldemort since that night, through my scar, which I will fully explain when the time comes. At Christmas, something happened that somehow forced me to view what happened that night from Voldemort's point of view."
Harry ignored the look of shock and disbelief upon the faces of Gawain, Kingsley, and Professor McGonagall as he carefully retold the events from what he had learned through Voldemort's memories. Surprisingly, it felt much easier this time, something he hoped would be the same for everything he needed to tell and explain.
"It would seem, Minister," Gawain said in a slight daze when Harry had finished recounting the memory, "that we are going to have to go through each event in chronological order if we are to have a thorough understanding and account."
"I agree," Kingsley responded, looking visibly shocked by what he had just heard. "I think it would be best if we allow Harry to guide us through the events, but allow for Ron, Hermione, and Ginny to add anything they feel would be important, while allowing us to ask questions if we need clarification. Minerva, if you have anything you feel you can add as well, please feel free to speak up."
The four teens and Professor McGonagall nodded in agreement with Harry feeling relieved that they would be working together to reveal everything that had happened over the past seven years. It would mean it would not take as long as it could have done if they had all given separate accounts.
"Well, let's begin with your first year at Hogwarts," Kingsley suggested. "There is no need for you to give a full-blown account of the year, just anything that is relevant to Voldemort."
With emotional support from Ginny and input from Ron and Hermione, Harry began to recount the events that led up to what should have been his final year at Hogwarts. Gawain and Kingsley only interrupted when they felt it was necessary, whether it was to require clarification or to ask for a different perspective from the others present. Harry was impressed with the calm and sensitive nature that the pair had handled all the information that they were presented with, especially when Ginny recounted the events of the Chamber from her perspective and when Harry recounted the losses that he felt overwhelming guilt for, allowing them both a break to compose themselves before they moved onto the past year.
"I feel I must apologise to you all," Professor McGonagall said when Harry had clarified the last piece of information regarding his final duel with Voldemort, "especially Harry and Ginny. I wish I could have done more to have protected you from the horrors that you have been through these past few years. I wish I had listened to your concerns more seriously, Harry, as perhaps it would have allowed you to trust us more with information that you had discovered and perhaps prevented injuries and deaths that were unnecessary."
"You have nothing to apologise for, Professor," Ginny responded, knowing from their chats that Harry did not blame their Head of House for anything that had happened. "You did the best you could in the circumstances. You protected us all when you were able to for which we are all grateful."
"That is much appreciated, Miss Weasley. I will admit that I am proud of all four of you and what you have accomplished in these past several years. You are certainly true Gryffindors."
"Thank you for openness and honesty," Kingsley said graciously once he was certain the previous conversation was now at its end. "While I am hoping it will not be necessary, any one of you may be called to testify at the trials, so I would ask that you be available if you are needed. Gawain, is there anything else you need to ask or have clarified before you return to the Ministry?"
"No, I think we have covered everything," the Head Auror responded, quickly looking to Auror Williamson to confirm that they had everything recorded. "However, if anything does come up that may need clarifying due to other statements made, I will contact whoever it is I feel would be best placed to answer any additional questions I have."
With that said, Gawain Robards stood from his seat, shook Kingsley's hand before heading out of the living room with Auror Williamson following him.
"Again, thank you for your statements and taking time out of your day to do so," Kingsley continued once the two Aurors had left. "Professor McGonagall and I have just one last thing we wish to talk to all four of you about. As I stated earlier, we wish to speak to you about your futures, about what you all plan to do now that the war is finally over. We both have offers for you, but please do not feel that you need to make any immediate decisions as we are happy for you to take until the end of the month before providing your answer."
The four teens nodded their understanding, though Harry couldn't help the smile that crossed his face as he noticed Hermione sit up straighter at the prospect of what the offers would be.
"As Harry, Mr Weasley and Miss Granger have yet to complete their final year at Hogwarts, I would like to extend the offer for you to return to the school to do so," Professor McGonagall stated, beginning the discussion. "As for Miss Weasley, I am aware that you have had an incomplete sixth year at the school, so I would like to the extend the option for you to either repeat the year or complete a fortnight of revision sessions before taking the sixth-year exams."
Harry turned his head to meet Ginny's worried eyes, knowing she had concerns about returning to the school to complete her education.
"I know we have not been informed of the second option," Hermione quickly replied, "but I wish to return to complete my education."
The entire room laughed at her eagerness, not remotely surprised at her quick decision.
"I am not entirely sure about whether I want to return, despite the fact that I do wish to complete my own education," Ginny stated as Harry squeezed her hand in support.
"I was expecting that response, Miss Weasley," their former Head of House said once it was clear neither Harry, nor Ron, planned to respond themselves. "I believe I have another potential option for you, which I shall speak to you about once I have some more details."
Harry wondered what Professor McGonagall had as an option for his girlfriend, but if the excited look in her eyes was anything to go by, then it was something he knew Ginny may just say yes to. He would support her if it meant that she would continue to smile like that.
"Miss Granger, I will have the details for the new school year sent to you as soon as we have a rough number of those who plan to return."
Professor McGonagall looked to the Minister, giving him a nod to proceed. It confused Harry slightly to see his former teacher pass control of the conversation without asking his or Ron's opinion on returning to school, but, somehow, he suspected that no one had expected him to respond in any sort of way to the offer.
"Well, I suspect the offer I have will simply be for Harry and Ron, then," Kingsley said with a chuckle, acknowledging their lack of response. "Following conversations with both Professor McGonagall and Gawain, the decision has been made to offer the opportunity for all those, aged seventeen and above, who fought in the Battle of Hogwarts to join the Aurors without the usual expected requirements."
"I accept," Ron blurted out, not waiting for any other details, while ignoring the look of disappointment on his own girlfriend's face.
Harry, on the other hand, felt unable to respond. He honestly had no idea what he wanted to do, especially when he was still wrapping his head around making it through the war to be able to even live his own life. He knew his ambition had been to be an Auror, but after everything, he was not certain that he wanted that anymore. He honestly felt lost and confused.
"Harry."
He looked up to see everyone staring at him, obviously waiting for him to say something. Looking to Ginny, he was grateful to see understanding in her eyes about his indecisiveness.
"I…"
"I don't need an answer of any sort, right now," Kingsley interrupted. "Honestly, I don't think you providing us an answer would be a good idea at all when you have just gained control of your life back. Take your time, Harry. Think about what you want to do and only come to me once you know for certain what it is you want to do."
Harry breathed a sigh of relief at hearing those words. However, the problem was how was he going to know what the right decision for him was?
