Chapter 2 Hogwart's Finest
Four years later…
After the return of Voldemort three years ago Britain had grown darker, the wizarding community living in constant fear and many people hiding. Yet there were still times when people celebrated and Hogwarts Graduation was one of them and this was one of their finer years. The number of students had nearly halved since Voldemort's return, due mainly to deaths and parents withdrawing their students through fear of their safety. Despite this the small number of students, parents and teachers were trying to enjoy them selves. Even the coldest of hearts was a little stirred as they listened to the Head Boy's speech. He spoke not of the past but of the future and the need to unite and be strong in the dark times ahead. He spoke with such passion and hope that even the most pessimistic and saddened people found hope rising within them and a new light shining in their eye. For this was Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived and the golden boy of Gryffindor and Slytherin. The savior of the people and one of the last hopes for the light side. He was the epitome of the perfect student, Head Boy, prefect, Qudditch captain and top student. He was a hero in the eyes of the public and had recently started making inspiration speeches and encouraging people to join the fight. Outwardly he was the charming, responsible boy who everyone liked and turned to. To the people of Britain, and even those who knew him, he a sign of hope.
Inwardly Harry sneered as he looked out at the people hanging off his every word, hope shining on their faces. Fools. They looked to him to save him. I should have been in Slytherin Harry though with a smirk. They believe everything I feed them. They really believe that I am their savior. What a joke, well they'll be the first to go, after the Dursley's, Dumbledore and Voldemort anyway. The years had not been easy for Harry. After witnessing Voldemort's rebirth 3 years ago he found that his connection to Voldemort grew. It was now so strong that at any time Harry could watch events happen through his eyes. When Voldemort was feeling a particularly strong emotion Harry would get involuntarily jerked to the scene, though he could now conceal it so well that he would show no reaction. He had recently found that he could look into Voldemort's mind. While at first he found this somewhat disturbing Harry now realised what an excellent source of information. What nobody knew was that Harry now had knowledge of the Dark Arts so good that only Voldemort himself rivaled it. Harry did not let anybody know of his powers or his connection to Voldemort, even Voldemort himself did not know of it despite their many encounters over the years. And that's the way it will stay for now Harry thought smugly. Pleanty of time for them to find out later.
With a final smile to the audience Harry finished his speech and went off stage where he was promptly smothered by a huge hug.
''Mione… can't…breath…'
'Sorry Harry, but you were great. Oh my God I can't believe we've graduated. We've finished school.'
'What are you going to do? How will you survive with no homework?' Harry teased with a smile. 'But I can't believe it either. It doesn't really seem that long ago that we we're first years. Bet you always knew you'd be head girl.'
'I know, hey Ron,' Hermione said turning to the tall red head boy that had joined them.
'Hi Harry, Hermione, you two sounded great up there,' Ron said sounding a little wistful. Harry knew that Ron was jealous that Harry was everything he'd ever wanted to be but Ron no longer took it out on Harry. Ever since the death of his father two years ago he had become quieter and more withdrawn, he was less likely to lose his temper. Arthur Weasley had been found mauled, apparently by a snake, in the Department of Mysteries. It had never been determined why Arthur was there or how he was killed by a snake. Harry knew. He had watched Voldemort posses a snake and kill Arthur and then watched him slowly die.
As Harry turned to leave his two friends the Headmaster stopped him. 'Harry, I want to tell you how proud of you I am. You have grown into a fine young man. I am sure you will go far in life,' he said with a faraway look in his eyes. Over the last few years Dumbledore had seemed weary and grave, growing older suddenly even though Harry knew he was very old.
'Thank you Professor.' Harry replied. Just how far of you have no idea Harry thought to himself.
'Professor McGonagall and Hagrid would have been proud of you. They always knew you would do well,' Dumbledore said quietly. McGonagall and Hagrid had both died, among others, when Voldemort had launched an attack on Hogsmead. Some of the teachers had been down there at the time and many of the Hogsmead people had been killed or hurt. The Death Eaters had left before the aurors had arrived. It was one of the many recent attacks that had left the wizarding world reeling. The graduation did not last very long for people fear Death Eater activity whenever there was a large gathering. Harry said goodbye to all his friends and teachers before apperating to the apartment in London he had bought two years ago and now lived in by himself.