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Chapter 34. The End of an Era

            The morning sun found a beautiful red haired young woman gazing out her window in Gryffindor tower. Gone was the innocent ten-year-old girl who fell in love with The Boy Who Lived. Gone were the Chamber of Secrets and its resident basilisk, sealed forever beneath the hallowed grounds of Hogwarts. Gone was the young girl who felt out of place in a family with six older brothers.

            In her place stood a strong young woman, determined to stand by her husband Harry. He had been known as The Boy Who Lived; she knew him as a boy who had survived the murder of his parents, an abusive childhood and Tom Riddle. He was more than anyone imagined, but only those close to him realized that. He was a combination of many people; Albus Dumbledore, whose heart and spirit were indefatigable; Godric Gryffindor, whose courage and determination were legend. Like Fawkes, Harry had risen from the ashes. He not only belonged to her, Virginia Weasley Potter, but to the whole world.

            Thinking about Harry reminded her of what had transpired in just a year. She and Harry had gotten engaged, as did Ron and Hermione, Neville and Luna, Remus and Emma and Katie and Sirius. She had survived her seventh year and done pretty well on her NEWTS. She had gotten pregnant; almost lost her brother and her husband, and had been cursed. She had lost many friends, including Oliver Wood and others.

She had a lot to be thankful for: loving parents, a great husband and a child on the way. And now she was going to be staying at Hogwarts. Madam Pomfrey had asked her to apprentice with her as a medi-witch. Life (she hoped fervently) would soon come into focus.

            Harry had insisted she spend her last night as a student in her room. He had gone to London to take care of some things with Wen-Lee regarding the house in Hogsmeade that they owned. It was two doors down from the one that Remus and Emma's house. They had decided that they would be more comfortable being closer to the school, especially now that Ginny would be working there starting in August.

            She got up and put her shoes on. She had already dressed and was starting to get a bit hungry. Since the news of her pregnancy had been reported, she quit taking the potions that had hidden it. Now everyone understood why she had an increased appetite. She headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast, passing only a few people. She walked slowly, concentrating on everything to imprint it in her mind.

            As she entered the Great Hall, she noticed that she wasn't the only early riser. Seated among the House tables were groups of students. The only people at the Staff table were Albus and Minerva. Ginny noticed that Albus looked older; the twinkle was still in his eye, however. They were deep in conversation and hadn't noticed her, so she went over to sit next to Colin.

            "Morning! You're up early."

            "I'm way too excited to sleep, Gin. How are you doing?"

            "Okay. Hey, I heard about the job offer. Congratulations!"

            "Thanks. The pictures that I took while I was with Harry were the ones that did the trick. After they saw those, they wanted me on their staff," he added.

            "Well, I know that Harry will be pleased to have a friend on the inside at the Daily Prophet."

            Colin smiled. "You know that I will stay a friend, too." He looked up at Albus. "Professor Dumbledore looks different than he used to…I don't know…older."

            Ginny's eyes followed Colin's. "This last battle took something out of him. I think it was almost losing Professor McGonagall. He aged quite a bit in those few moments."

            "Hogwarts won't be the same when he is gone. There are so many professors that have to be replaced. It will be like a whole different school."

            "Well, Colin, things change. Remember the Sorting Hat talking about the 'changing of the guard' at the opening feast? Wizards like Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall have fought hard for many years and deserve to be able to rest. It's up to all of us to carry on in their place." Ginny hadn't noticed the crowd that was gathering around them until they started clapping.

            She looked up into Albus face. "Well, said, Ginny, well said. I wondered how many students actually paid attention to what the Hat says."

            Minerva walked up behind him. "You aren't the only one that listens, Albus." She walked over and gave Ginny a hug. "And congratulations to you. I was so glad that you accepted Poppy's offer."

            "Well, Mum's coming, too. After the baby is born, she will be watching it. And until it is born, she will be helping us."

            "Where is Harry?" asked Minerva. "He should be here for your graduation."

            "Oh, he'll be back anytime now. He had to run to London for a few hours, but he will be here around lunchtime."

***

            Harry and Wen-Lee had just finished breakfast and made the necessary arrangements regarding the Hogsmeade house.

"I want to thank you, Wen-Lee, for all your good advice. I appreciate your help these past several months. I had no idea what all was involved," said Harry.

            "No need to thank me, Master Harry," replied Wen-Lee. "It has been a pleasure to serve your family. Your father and mother were not only clients, but friends. I am glad that I have had the chance to become your friend as well."

            "I feel the same. Hopefully, now that we have removed the majority of the problems and have put the Staff of Slytherin away, we can relax a bit and enjoy our lives. I will depend on your guidance moving forward."

            "I will gladly give it."

            Harry looked at the clock. "I am sorry, but I must go. I will talk to you again soon." He and Wen-Lee shook hands and Harry left.

            As Harry stepped out into the bright late-morning sunshine, he smiled. It was good to be able to relax, if only a bit. He could notice the early summer flowers in the flower boxes and the children playing. He made his way next door to the jewelry shop pick up the Graduation gift that he had made for Ginny. As he entered, the owner came up to him. "Good morning, Mr. Potter! A lovely day for Graduation isn't it?"

            "Yes it is, Mr. Tyler. I'm here to pick up my wife's gift."

            "Yes, sir." Mr. Tyler turned to his assistant. "Nathan, please get Mr. Potter's package."

            "I have it here, sir," said Nathan, handing Mr. Tyler a box. "And, Mr. Potter, if I may, sir, I would like to extend felicitations to both you and your wife on this happy occasion."

            Harry looked at Nathan. "Thank you. I will inform my wife of your greetings later." Harry opened the box and smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Tyler. I shall have my solicitor transfer the funds. Good day."

            After Harry left the shop, Nathan turned to Mr. Tyler. "He's just as kind as everyone says."

            "Yes, he is, just like his father."

***

            Minerva and Albus walked into his office. "Well, another Graduation day is upon us," she said.

            "Yes. No matter how many I have seen, I have a memory of each of them. Like when James and Lily graduated; the 'tripping down the stairs' incident."

            Minerva laughed. "I thought Severus had broken his neck. Lucky for Sirius it was just a bruise." At the mention of Severus' name, Minerva broke into tears. "Albus, how did I let that happen? I knew that when I told Draco we had saved Ginny he would try something."

            "Now, now, my dear. You cannot blame yourself for other people's choices. Just as I have told Harry numerous times, what people do for you is not your fault. Would you blame Severus if you had pushed him out of the way? I know you would not."

            "I suppose so, Albus," replied Minerva. "But I also know that Severus would still be alive if I hadn't said anything at that time."

            "You don't know that. And from what I saw and heard, if you hadn't, then Harry might be dead and Draco still alive. Severus knew the risks and he accepted them as his duty."

            "Have you spoken to the candidates yet?"

            "Some. The rest I will speak to before the announcement at the Celebration Ball tonight."

***

            Ginny was packing her trunk when someone knocked on the door. "Just a minute," she called, as she folded a sweater and placed it on the top of the others. She walked over to the door and opened it. There, standing on the other side, was Harry, grinning like a Cheshire cat. Ginny raised an eyebrow. "Yes? Can I help you?"

            "Wotcher!" exclaimed Harry. "Mrs. Potter, I, um, have a delivery, um, for you."

            "Who is it from?"

            "Your, husband, ma'am," said Harry in a fair imitation of Stan Shunpike who worked on the Knight Bus. "You know the chap, kind of famous, scar, really good-looking bloke."

            "Oh, him," replied Ginny, trying not to laugh. "What is it?"

            "A kiss, Mrs. Potter."

            "Well, okay. Just don't tell my husband, all right?"

            "Mum's the word." Harry laughed as he pulled Ginny in for a kiss.

            Ginny laughed. "Did everything go okay with Wen-Lee?"

            "Everything will be ready by the morning. Has any of the family arrived yet?"

            "Bill poked his head in here before lunch. He was going down to say hello to Flitwick. Other than that, I haven't seen anyone. Not even Ron or Hermione."

            "I think they are with Albus. I saw them heading that way as I left his office a few minutes ago."

            "What did Albus have to say?"

            "When I got back to the castle, Hagrid told me that he was looking for me. He wanted to talk to me about some school things."

            "Like what?"

            "I don't want to bore you now. I will tell you later."

            "Okay. Why don't you help me finish packing?" Ginny turned back toward her trunk.

            "Yes, Mrs. Potter," replied Harry. Ginny missed the look of relief on his face.

***

            Molly stood at the bottom of the stairs. "Why do we go through this every year?" she yelled up the stairs.

            Charlie stood behind her. "Why can't we hurry those two up? Dora is saving me a seat."

            Molly looked at Charlie and smiled. "Well, 'Dora' knows we will be there." She thought back to the conversation she had overheard the day before between Tonks and Charlie.

'I want to call you something other than your last name'

'Well, you can't call me Nymphadora. I may hit you.'

'How about Dora?'

Tonks giggled. 'Okay, Dora. No wise cracks or it will be back to Tonks.'

'Okay, fair enough.'

***

Just before it was time to go to the Great Hall, Harry pulled out the box and handed it to Ginny. "Before you open this I want to tell you something."

            She smiled. "Okay. Go ahead."

            "A year ago, I thought long and hard about where I wanted life to take me. Everything I wanted pointed me to you." Harry paused for a moment. "And here we are, one year later; married with a child on the way. Together, we defeated another evil. It may be our destiny, Gin, to fight evil for the rest of our lives. But I know, as long as I have you beside me, that our love gives me as much strength as my Mum's love gave my Dad." Harry kissed her and nodded for her to open the box.

            Ginny lifted the lid and gasped. Inside was a necklace with the Potter family crest surrounded by small emeralds. "It was my Mum's." Ginny's eyes filled with tears at the love she felt for Harry. Deep down in her soul, she knew that he was right; their love would conquer all.

            They were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Gin," said Colin through the door, "it's time."

            "Just a moment." Ginny gazed deep into Harry's eyes. She brushed a bit of hair away from his scar. The scar did not define him, but shaped who he had become. She stood on tiptoe and kissed the scar before pulling him into a hug. "Let's go." She smiled and took his hand as he escorted her down to the Great Hall.

***

            Arthur saw Molly and the twins as they entered the castle. He caught her attention and she made her way over to him. Fred and George walked over to where Ron and Hermione were standing.

            "Have you seen Ginny yet, dear?"

            "Not yet. I've been waiting for Kingsley," replied Arthur.

            "He was outside talking to Hagrid as we made our way across the grounds. He told me to tell you that he would be along shortly," said Molly. "Have you seen Charlie? He left to go meet Tonks and they were coming here together." Molly smiled.

            "Indeed? He could do worse. Nymphadora is a sweet person, and I think they would get along famously. It's about time that son of ours found someone."

            "I do believe he is smitten, dear."

            "That will make Harry happy. He told me that he was worried about Tonks. I do believe our Harry has grown up as well."

            "Arthur, I was thinking. He looks and acts more like Albus all the time."

            Arthur chuckled. "I hadn't thought of that, but I believe you are right, dear." Arthur looked up and saw Kingsley at the door. "Ah, Kingsley's finally graced us with his presence. I'm glad he finally made it. We have to present Harry and Neville with their Auror diplomas after the Hogwarts graduating class."

***

            Harry and Ginny were walking down the marble staircase when they saw Arthur and Molly. It seemed that they were joking about something because Molly was laughing. Harry listened and realized that Ginny's laugh was similar to Molly's and that caused him to smile. He looked over at his wife and gently squeezed her hand. She smiled back at him.

            As they neared the bottom of the stair, Shack caught Harry's eye and motioned for him. "Gin, Shack wants to talk to me for a minute. Tell your Mum and Dad that I will be there in a minute." Harry kissed Ginny on the cheek and headed over to where Shack was standing. "Hello, Shack."

            "Good afternoon, Thor. Big day today, isn't it?"

            Harry smiled. "Yes, it is. Did you get my note?"

            "I did. Things sure have a funny way of working out, don't they?"

            "Yes, they do," grinned Harry. He looked at the folder in Shack's hand. "Have you found any new trainees this year?"

            "It appears so. But I doubt that we'll have a training class quite like yours." Shack laughed.

            Harry laughed with him. "I sure hope not."

***

            Ginny looked over at her husband. She smiled when she saw him laughing with Kingsley.

            "It's good to hear him laugh," said Molly.

            "Yes. I can't help but smile when he laughs, even if I am furious with him," admitted Ginny. "Remus told me that his laugh is just like his father's."

            "How are you feeling, my dear?"

            "I'm fine, Mum. Madam Pomfrey says everything is fine."

            "Okay, dear. Oh look; here comes Albus."

***

            Harry watched as Albus made his way across the entrance hall. He noticed that when his Grandfather thought anyone was looking, he seemed himself; but it was a different matter otherwise. Harry excused himself and walked over to Albus.

            "Hello, Harry."

            "Hello. Feeling all right?"

            Albus chuckled. "Have you come over to help an old man?"

            "No, sir, but if you point one out for me I'll have a go."

            Albus laughed. "I'm fine, Harry. What about you? Did you get the business in London taken care of?"

            "Yes. Wen-Lee is amazing. He had everything together in a snap. I am nervous for Ginny, though."

            "Why? She handles herself very well."

            "I know, but…well, she hasn't had much experience in speaking before large groups of people."

            "I'm sure she will do just fine, Harry."

            Harry nodded. "I do, too. But I can't help being nervous for her."

            Minerva came up. "Move along, you two. We have a Graduation ceremony today."

            Harry winked at Albus. "We do? So that's what all these people were here for. I was wondering, thought we were having an auction or something." Albus grinned.

            Minerva, however, looked at Harry with one eyebrow raised. "That's enough from you, Mr. Potter, unless you want detention."

            Harry pretended to be defeated. "Yes, Professor." Minerva smiled and Harry walked over to Ginny.

            "That looked serious," said Ginny.

            "Just having a word with my Grandparents." Ginny shook her head.

            "Ladies and Gentlemen," said Minerva above the crowd, "we are about to begin. Please take your places."

            Harry gave Ginny a kiss before making his way over to where Shack and Neville were waiting for him. They all lined up in the order they had been given and followed Albus into the Great Hall.

***

            Frank and Alice Longbottom were sitting with Molly. They were all waiting for the ceremony to begin, but had been chatting about the happenings of the past year. One thing that caught Frank's attention was the unusually large crowd.

            "Well," said Molly, "Albus has let on that there will be some newsworthy announcements this evening. So, the Daily Prophet and the other news groups for the Wizarding world have all sent representatives."

            Frank looked at Molly. "Announcements?"

            "That's all I know, replied Molly. "Arthur knows but he won't tell."

            Alice looked at Molly. "Have you noticed how many of the school's Governors are in attendance? As I remember, usually only one came to Graduation…and that was as a courtesy. I believe that I have counted five so far."

            Molly scanned the crowd. "I think you're right." She was about to continue when the crowd grew quiet; Albus had entered and was heading for the stage. He was followed by the Head of each of the four houses; Minerva, Sprout, Flitwick and Sinastra, who had taken over for Slytherin.

            Following the Professors came Ginny and Colin in the customary Head Girl and Boy positions; Arthur, as Minister, led the Ministry personnel, followed by Kingsley, Neville and Harry.

            Once everyone had been seated, the rest of the seventh years came in. After the last one had entered, Hagrid came in and closed the large wooden doors with a resounding thud. After the echoes had died away, Albus stood up and walked to the podium.

            "Friends, Students, Parents and Guests…" He glanced back at Harry with an evil grin on his face. "As I was so aptly reminded recently, tonight marks my fifty-eighth graduating ceremony as a professor here; and my twenty-eighth as Headmaster." There were some chuckles from the crowd. Smiling, Albus continued. "And each graduating class has been different; but there has always been a constant. Every group of individuals that has passed through these halls has taught me something. The young ladies and gentlemen that we are honoring today have reminded me that, for better or worse, all things must change. In this year, in fact, we have had many changes here at Hogwarts—some great and some small. For instance, we have had the first married student, our Head Girl, Virginia Weasley Potter; our first Auror training group here inside the castle grounds…and our first NEWTS counselor.

            "But then again, there have been many outside changes as well. After the defeat of Voldemort last year, we thought we had a chance at peace. But we were taught that we cannot assume anything, we must strive to make it so.

            "Alas, rather than listening to an old man's ramblings, let me introduce you to this year's Head Girl, Virginia Weasley Potter and Head Boy, Colin Creevy." Albus sat down and Ginny and Colin walked to the podium.

            "Ladies and Gentlemen," started Colin, "welcome to the Graduation ceremony for 1999."

            "Seven years ago," said Ginny, "more than fifty eleven-year-old strangers boarded the Hogwarts Express. Although some of us knew a bit about Hogwarts from our older siblings, none of us truly knew what to expect. When we boarded that train, we embarked upon the greatest adventure any wizard or witch could go on – the adventure of learning."

            "Tonight," continued Colin, "we set aside our wands and brooms and stand before you as seasoned travelers of the pathway of knowledge. We have traveled a great distance in our time here, but we are nowhere near our destination. We must continue this journey we started, and we will make it our goal to help our fellow travelers along the way. We have before us our future…"

            "A future," said Ginny, "made brighter by those that preceded us—our ancestors, our teachers and our families. Thank you."

            Ginny and Colin sat back down as Minerva stood up. "Gryffindor, please stand." As she read off the names, Harry looked at Sirius and Katie in the audience. Sirius smiled back at him and gave Katie a hug. Harry was happy that they had been able to work things out, but wished he could have seen it for himself. Remus had helped him a bit; he offered Harry a look through his eyes via a pensieve.

            As the other three houses had their names called and received their diplomas, Harry's mind wandered back to Draco. Harry had regretted his death; just at the last, Draco realized what he had done and made amends for it.

            "And now, Virginia Weasley Potter, and Colin Creevy." As Ginny and Colin received their diplomas from Albus, Harry smiled. Albus sat down and Arthur stood up.

            "Ladies and Gentlemen, it was one year ago that I became Minister. In my first two official acts, I was able to right a terrible wrong and reward a humble hero. And as I stand before you tonight on this happy occasion, I must remind you that we are here and safe today because of people like Severus Snape, Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter. With individuals such as these to champion us, we need not fear that evil will win.

            "A year ago, two very determined young men had applied to become Aurors. Being an Auror is no easy job and it is definitely not glamorous." Harry snorted. "Those two young men, Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter, were accepted and have completed their training. I would like to award diplomas to them at this time."

            Harry and Neville walked up, received their diplomas and shook Arthur and Shack's hands. Shack and Arthur returned to their seats; Albus came back to the podium.

            "Congratulations to you all. As I remarked earlier, things change. In response to some changes here at Hogwarts, I would ask the following people to stand: Sirius Black, Katie Black, Remus Lupin, Emma Lupin, Harry Potter, Virginia Weasley Potter, Hermione Granger Weasley, Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood." As each one stood, Albus smiled at them.

            "As we grow older, there comes a time when our duty is done. As our Sorting Hat told us at the beginning of this year, now comes the changing of the guard. With the passing of Severus Snape, we find ourselves in need of a Potions Professor; I have asked Katie Black and she has accepted. Madam Pince is retiring after many years of faithful service; Arabella Figg will assume her duties along with Emma Lupin. After a brief return from sabbatical, Professor Vector has decided to retire; Hermione Granger Weasley will become our full-time Arithmancy Professor. Sybill Trelawney's untimely death has also left a void, but Luna Lovegood has assured me that she will do her best to fill it.

            "Professor Sprout has announced her intent to retire after next year, and I have asked Neville Longbottom to assume her place after she leaves; Professor McGonagall will leave with Professor Sprout, but will be replaced by Sirius Black. Remus Lupin will return as Defense against the Dark Arts professor and Ron Weasley will remain as flying instructor. Virginia Weasley Potter has graciously accepted the position as assistant to Madam Pomfrey.

            "Lastly, I am announcing my own intent to retire after next year." There were loud gasps and sighs. "However, I know that I am leaving the school in good hands. After having several long discussions with the school Governors, they unanimously voted that Harry Potter shall be the next Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." The Great Hall erupted with applause as everyone stood to honor the new Professors.

            Everyone was cheering and hugging each other, so no one noticed the tears of joy that were streaming down the face of Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived. Being asked to run Hogwarts was more than he could ever have hoped for, and more precious to him than the Order of Merlin.

Harry Potter had finally found a home and family.