The canonical characters from the "Harry Potter" books and movies belong to Joanne K. Rowling, as does the Wizarding World and all associated concepts. Ms. Rowling is utterly unaware that I or my stories exist, and is probably happier for it. This story is written to serve as nothing more than an outlet for one of my hobbies. I'm doing it because I felt like it and am not planning to realize any sort of monetary award for it.
The plot for "Harry Potter & The Search For Peace" is mine.
It had been one long week of trials. There had been lies and claims of being under the Imperious. Harry wondered how could the Death Eaters lie so confidently after being captured right after the war. It was amusing to hear them claim innocence and then watch the Minister of Magic say that he was a witness to their crimes. Ron had actually laughed on more than one occasion, earning a glare from Robards. That had shut them up, their attention going back to the case; Robards wanted them to keep a record of every Death Eater, dead or alive.
He stretched his limbs as he waited for Ron to return. Today had been the last trial; their reports were made and now Robards would go through them. As the trials were over now, the Auror department would go back to their usual schedule; the Senior Aurors would work on the major cases, training the Juniors all the while.
"Long week, no?" Ron muttered as he walked in the room. Harry nodded at him. All he could think about right now was bed. But that was not happening anytime soon. Harry and Ron were supposed to go to the Burrow today. Harry's stomach grumbled at the thought of Mrs Weasley's food. Ron chuckled. Both the friends walked to the floo in the Atrium.
"I am still not happy with Malfoy junior's punishment," Ron spoke conversationally.
"Neither am I. But he didn't do anything major, except bringing death eaters to Hogwarts. The major problem was that he didn't actually do anything. His memories and confession under veritaserum tell us that he was as good as imperiused," Harry reminded Ron, "One year in Azkaban and probation for three years; he will never be allowed inside Hogwarts, he cannot work at St. Mungo's and he can never hold a position of power in the Ministry."
The two friends talked about other Death Eaters – the Carrows, Avery, Crabbe and Goyle Seniors, Malfoy Senior, Macnair, Yaxley, Travers and many others – who had been captured and were now serving a lifetime in Azkaban for their crimes in First and Second Wizarding War. Some others, like Lestranges and Rowle, had escaped in the mayhem caused by Voldemort's death. Then there was Narcissa Malfoy. She had let the death eaters and Voldemort in her home but had never actively participated in their activities and was not marked. In addition to it, she had lied to Voldemort about Harry's death. Wizengamont had put her on probation for two years. She too, like her son, would never be allowed inside Hogwarts, could not work at St. Mungo's and could never hold a position of power in the Ministry.
The air at Burrow was filled with delicious smell of Mrs Weasley's food. Harry's stomach grumbled again as he stepped out of the Floo and waited for Ron. Even when he had his own home to live, for Harry Burrow would always be his second home (Hogwarts being the first one). Mrs Weasley pulled him for a hug as soon as she spotted him. Hiding his wince, Harry enjoyed the warmth that filled him. Hugs were special and Mrs Weasley's hugs were magical.
Harry and Ron allowed the Weasley matriarch to fill their plates with as much food as she could. They were hungry and the food was delicious and their favourites – chicken and ham pie, boiled potatoes, salad and treacle tart. The three Weasleys and one Potter ate more than they talked at first.
"So, what happened in the trial today?" Mr Weasley asked the two boys, "It was Umbridge, wasn't it?" The boys nodded. Dolores Jane Umbridge was tried in the Wizengamont today and while she was punished, Harry and Ron were not very happy with the sentence.
"She pleaded innocence for everything she did when Thicknesse was the Minister. According to her, she worked as per the Ministry Policy at that time. No one could deny the truth of this statement," Harry explained. He could see disgust in Mr Weasley's eyes and was happy that it was not directed towards him. His feelings were similar to that of Mr Weasley's but the truth could not be denied. Harry wondered what Hermione would think about this.
"She could not deny using the Blood Quill," Ron gestured to Harry's left hand, "and Harry's memories confirmed the intention to use Cruciatus Curse and sending the dementors to Privet Drive. All of this led to ten years in Azkaban. It won't be the same though, without the dementors to haunt her."
Harry and Ron stayed at the Burrow for a little while longer before they Apparated to Godric's Hollow. The prospect of being an animagus was too exciting for them to leave the project for even a single day. Even the trials had not been able to deter them from the task. They had come back home every evening to read as many books they could read about the process. It was not very difficult in theory, although the books told them that not everyone can be an animagus. Even if they saw their animal, not everyone had the magical powers to transform into it.
There were two ways, according to the books, to know what their animals were. The easiest and quickest was a potion, which had to brewed by the individual themselves. The potion would induce a trance like state. Since both Harry and Ron were not very proud of their Potion making skills, they had decided to use the second method of meditation.
"Again, clear your mind," Harry muttered angrily, "How do I clear my mind?" Ron chuckled. To reach the trance state through meditation, they were supposed to clear their minds. It had undoubtedly reminded Harry of Snape's attempt to teach Occlumency. Ron tossed him some books he had found on Mind Arts. Harry smiled at him gratefully.
As Harry read the book, Snape's lessons started making sense to him. This was not surprising. Even Teddy would be a better teacher than Snape. Harry chuckled at that thought and turned his attention back to the book. Think of your mind as a place that is comforting and soothing to you. This was easy – Hogwarts. Now divide that place into sections. For example, if you think of your home, try constructing rooms. When you have done that add memories to that room. Harry closed his eyes and concentrated on Hogwarts, trying to remember every small details. It was not as easy as he thought but he was achieving at least something.