Chapter Eleven: War and Awards

As the sun crept into the bedrooms of the Burrow, the many occupants of the house slept. Molly had forbidden Harry and Hermione to leave, so they had spent the night. Hermione had shared a room with Ginny, who was home for the Christmas Holidays and Harry, with his long time best friend Ron.

As Molly cooked breakfast, the smell of simmering bacon filled the house, drawing the occupants into the kitchen. Fred, George, Ron, Ginny, Arthur, Harry and Hermione were all gathered around the Weasley's big table.

After the great English Breakfast Molly prepared, the occupants made their way to the living room. Hermione, Ron and Harry had sat down on the couch, talking about the events of the day. Not long after, Pig and Hedwig arrived with the mail. It seemed that the Daily Profit had caught wind of the ceremony that was going on today at 3.

Glancing out the window, Hermione saw a few trickles of white falling from the sky. She cried out "SNOW!" Everyone rushed over to the window and smiled. Within minutes, everyone was outside playing like children .

Harry 'innocently' picked up some snow and packed it together. Looking around, he spotted his target and threw his snowy bomb. A high pitch squeal was heard and then, "HARRY JAMES POTTER, YOU'RE SO DEAD!"

Knowing the danger he was in, Harry broke into a run as Fred, George, Ginny and Ron laughed. Hermione, knowing Harry was going to pay dearly for his attack, ran after him gathering some snow in her hands. Harry knew he could easily out run Hermione, but he wanted to be caught. However he did not plan on tripping on a large tree branch and crashing into the snow covered ground. After hearing Fred, George, Ron and Ginny break out in laughter once more, he saw Hermione sitting on top of him, smiling. He smiled at her, but did not enjoy the snow covering his face. "Ahhh! Hermione, that's c-cold!", Harry said, wiping the snow of his beat red face.

"Well, you deserved it", Hermione said with a giggle. Hermione got up and looked at Harry as he got up off the ground. Looking at Hermione, Harry gave her a great big kiss.

"Get a room!" Fred shouted. They laughed and began to engage in what is now called the war of all snow wars.

Several hours later, the pink, cold, wet, and shivering bunch trudged into the warm and cozy house to find Mrs. Weasley waiting with hot coco.

After a change in cloths and some lunch, everyone left the Burrow for Merlin Hall.

"I would like to welcome everyone here to this most special of occasions. For not only are we celebrating the end of the war, we are celebrating the great achievements of two of the bravest witches and wizards in history. The Order of Merlin is our world's most prestigious award. Not only it is a rarity that one person may receive it, but today two people are to receive it. These two will make history today, being the youngest to ever receive this award, but Miss Granger is the first muggle born to ever receive any Merlin award. I have no doubt that this is not the last great achievement by these two. Without further a due, I am pleased to announce that Harry Potter and Hermione Granger are the newest members of The Order of Merlin 1st class!", Fudge said, presenting Harry and Hermione with their Medals. The crowd filled with family, and friends cheered and clapped for them. Tears filled Harry's eyes but he tried to hide it. On the other hand, Hermione let her tears out freely and hugged Harry.