Chapter 2

Healed Minds

Professor McGonagall regained her senses and grabbed it from Dumbledore, "LILY AND JAMES POTTER?" she shouted shocked as Dumbledore stood up.

"I know, they're dead!" Dumbledore finished as Professor McGonagall looked at Dumbledore still shocked.

"Perhaps… Do you think maybe Harry undid their deaths when he destroyed the Shadows?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"Maybe… but I thought he only undid what damages the Shadows had caused… not Voldemort," replied Dumbledore.

"Maybe… we were wrong," replied Professor McGonagall, "But if we are… why are they attending Hogwarts again?"

Dumbledore sat back down thoughtfully, "I don't know Minerva," he answered.

Suddenly, Professor McGonagall flushed, "By the way, Albus, I shouldn't have grabbed it from you like that," she said, "I wouldn't have normally, but I was quite shocked."

"It's quite all right Minerva; your reaction was understandable; given the circumstances. I would have had the same reaction," Dumbledore said thoughtfully, his mind still on Lily and James.

"This is certainly adding to our repertoire of mysteries, it hasn't been this bad since Harry started school… unless," Dumbledore smiled, "You go back further to the Marauders."

"Do you remember Albus? How strange it was to have those four graduate, it was almost too quiet around here," commented Professor McGonagall, "Although, Lily certainly mellowed out James during the last year or two. But still, it went against James' nature to leave an unfired dungbomb or missed prank."

"Yes, the effect Lily had on James was quite magnificent, the two were almost meant for each other. But the fact remains, they were dead, now what has happened past that? There seems to be more to this than meets the eye," replied Dumbledore, "I think I will send for Ronald Weasley, I think I would like to inform him before he finds out through other sources, could you send him a note?"

"Sure Albus, but what are you going to tell him?" asked Professor McGonagall.

"I don't know, but it had better be good," replied Dumbledore, "He lost his two best friends; now his best friend's parents are back from the dead? This will be a twist for him."

"What is Mr. Weasley doing now anyway?" asked Professor McGonagall.

"He went on to become an Auror, he's been lucky. So far he hasn't ended up in a really bad battle," answered Dumbledore, "You have no idea how worried Jessica is about him most of the time."

"Why? Mr. Weasley can take care of himself," said Professor McGonagall.

"Minerva, she has three kids. Ron, especially for the first two years, was starting to get reckless; it was as though he no longer cared. Jessica has helped mellow him out, but he's still not quite over Harry's death. But can you blame her for worrying? She was hysterical last time Ron ended up in St. Mungo's; mostly because it was Ron's recklessness that landed him there," replied Professor Dumbledore, "Can you imagine if Ron was killed?"

Professor McGonagall nodded, "I can imagine, my mother raised us without our dad, he had been killed on duty as an Auror," she commented, "There will be many more single mothers and orphans before this is over."

Dumbledore shook his head, "Hopefully this will end sooner rather than later," he said, "I remember Lily worrying about James after Harry was born, and a few months later they had been killed by Voldemort."

"Okay, I'll send off the note to Mr. Weasley," said Professor McGonagall breaking the silence that had fallen between them, "Anything else Albus?"

Dumbledore smiled and laughed, "No, thank you Minerva," he replied, "You have done plenty."

Professor McGonagall left Dumbledore's office, she proceeded down to her own office thinking; it was strange, Lily and James back. Not that she minded; she was thrilled to have them back. But this was the strangest thing yet… and that was saying something; amid all the Shadows, Voldemort, Death Eaters, this new Dark Lord and his minions. But now the dead were rising… although, Dumbledore and most of the Order had risen as well. But that was as full adults and the only thing they didn't remember was dying in the first place… but sometimes she wondered if they actually did remember… A thought occurred to her that it could be because of the duration of death; perhaps somehow magic had… brought them back, but had to reverse their age in order to complete it. Professor McGonagall shook her head; this was the most confusing mystery she had encountered to date, the possibilities were endless, simply endless, no one had ever come back after being on the other side for that long. This was the first time it had been accomplished; but on the other hand, Dumbledore had been dead for about 8 months to a year. Professor McGonagall had questioned Dumbledore about the other side to which Dumbledore had replied much as Harry had in the sixth year, 'Death is only the beginning' and when she had tried to continue told her, 'None are ready to know of the other side.' This was the most frustrating answer she had ever been given, it told so much yet so little. It said, they knew what had happened, but they believed it in the best interest of people to remain ignorant about the other side… beyond death. Professor McGonagall entered her office; she sat down in her chair while pulling out a parchment and quill. She wrote:

Dear Mr. Weasley,

Headmaster Dumbledore wishes to discuss an important matter with you as soon as possible, this afternoon would be best. Please make the time for it quickly, as it is extremely important, that we believe may have lasting and immediate implications. I cannot say much more in the light it may be intercepted.

Professor McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Professor McGonagall read it over before deciding whether or not she liked it, it took her a long time until she realized she wasn't taking in anything; she was just staring at the paper. She sat up; it was unusual for her to become this distracted, but this was also an extraordinary time. Her thoughts kept wandering back to Lily and James' past. How James would pull pranks and then cower as Lily yelled at him. She wondered if they knew they were married, or if that memory would be lost, this was new ground. Never before had someone come back from so long on the other side. She also wondered how much they would remember of school; whether or not, she smiled at the thought, James would pull pranks as he had the first time, or would Lily keep him mellowed out. Professor McGonagall let out a rare chuckle at the memory of how she had yelled at James, who hadn't even flinched, for a few minutes at some odd prank he had played, then after sending him out of her office; she had emerged to find James actually cowering in front of a very angry Lily in their sixth year. She hadn't even started yelling at him, she was just staring at him malevolently.  Then she thought back to the time the Minister at the time had also shouted at James, James hadn't cared in the least; he had actually looked quite comfortable, until Lily had entered. She had sat by his side and just shot him a couple of glances that only Professor McGonagall had noticed to which James had started squirming under Lily's gaze. She chuckled again… the Minister had thought James was squirming because of his yelling. But Professor McGonagall had known better. All she had to do was watch Lily's eyes; it was easy to tell when she was mad at James for something or other… Professor McGonagall snapped back into the present. She sealed the letter and went up to the Owlery. She tied the letter to the nearest Hogwarts Owl and sent it on its way. Professor McGonagall stood there a moment watching it disappear; so much had happened that one year thirteen years ago, she wondered whether this would be another busy year.

There was a knock at the door, "Enter," called Dumbledore as he walked down the stairs from his bookshelves to his desk.

Ron entered, "You wanted to see me Headmaster?" he asked.

Dumbledore sighed and hesitated, "Yes… I did," he replied, "There has been a… development, regarding Harry."

Ron drew in a fast deep breath, "Is he okay?!" he asked quickly and eagerly, "Was there a mistake? What's going on? Where is he?"

Dumbledore held up his hand to stop further questions, "Enough questions…" he said and sighed, "There's no easy way to tell you this, but it has nothing to do with Harry being alive, that is impossible. But Harry's parents are back."

Ron looked disappointed, "Sorry Headmaster, I was just hoping… They never did find his body…" he apologized.

"It's fine Ron, I know you were holding out hope, you still can… but the reason they didn't find his body is because… he was incinerated, that's just the way it is, I'm sorry," replied Dumbledore, "Just remember; Harry gave his life for a good cause, the best cause."

"Yeah, look where it got him," snapped Ron, "Hermione missing; presumed dead, he fought that entire war for one thing! His future wife, Hermione! Nothing else mattered to him; except his potential children, this wasn't the life he was hoping for her to have!"

"I know Ron," replied Dumbledore calmly, "I know, it was not only devastating to you. You are not alone in that; I, too, miss Harry more than I can tell you."

Ron thought a moment, "I know I'm not alone in that regard… may I see that sheet? I can't believe his parents are alive," he said.

Dumbledore handed Ron the sheet, Ron scanned it and looked thoughtful, "How did it happen?" he asked.

Dumbledore didn't answer right away, "The only thing we can think of is that Harry's sacrifice brought them back to life," he answered.

Ron handed Dumbledore the sheet still looking thoughtful, "Interesting…" Ron trailed off.

Ron got up and paced, he stopped, "Well, thank you Dumbledore, I'm glad you thought enough of me to tell me before I found out from someone else," he said quietly.

"Thank you Ron, please say hello to your wonderful family for me," replied Dumbledore with a smile.

"Sure, bye Headmaster!" Ron called back as he rushed from the room.

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair; Ron had taken that really well… except the fact he had left so quickly; which was, to say the least… suspicious. It may have been a tattletale sign that Ron was going to do something… rash; it wouldn't be the first time either. But it had seemed as though Ron was thinking of something else other than what they were talking about, Dumbledore wondered what. Ron had seemed to be getting more and more reckless the nearer the day Harry died was. Even though it had been quite a while since the yearly memorial for Harry, Ron still seemed upset about Harry's death; in fact, the only thing that kept him in check was Jessica. As well as his responsibilities; Dumbledore had been, and still was, glad Jessica had married Ron. She had really been a calming force in his life; practically the only one since his mother had died a few years before. She had been killed by some of the remaining Death Eaters while on duty for the Order. This was even before this new Dark Lord had risen to take command. Dumbledore's thoughts turned to Harry; not Harry Potter, but Harry Weasley, Ron's first born. It had been a long time since he had last seen his godson. Jessica tried to visit him with the kids every couple weeks, but alas; of late Dumbledore had been busy with attacks on Hogwarts. If the attacks continued, the students wouldn't be able to come to school on September 1st. In these times; that would be a very bad idea, the students would benefit from knowing more about how to defend themselves… Dumbledore shook his head as his thoughts turned to Harry again… this time Harry Potter; Dumbledore missed Harry running defense groups, the Ministry had made the mistake of attempting to arrest all the survivors of the Light Within; the Light Within members had not taken it neither very well, nor lightly. The Ministry had come off the worst… by far; the Light Within members were all seasoned, militaristic fighters who knew how to fight in groups, use it to their advantage, and follow orders. The Light Within had beaten a far greater number of Aurors; most of whom had little to no experience fighting in a group, let alone knew how to fight someone who was a strategic genius. Dumbledore had wondered who led the Light Within; with Harry gone, who had led them against the Aurors? From Harry and the Light Within; Dumbledore thought about Lily and James, they were the two of the best and noblest people Dumbledore had ever had the pleasure to meet. It was hard losing two of your best friends; then lose two more on top of it.

But he had regained those two; Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom, they had been accepted back into the Order and the Ministry offered them back their jobs as Aurors, which they had gladly accepted. Now, they too were fighting this new Dark Lord and Dumbledore could only hope one thing; that he didn't lose them again. Neville had been extremely happy with his position at a Herbology shop in Hogsmeade that his parents had helped him get. Now, Dumbledore wasn't completely sure… but he had thought he had seen Neville and a red haired girl he had not seen for 11-12 years, Ginny Weasley in the Three-Broomsticks together. Dumbledore hadn't missed the look in both their eyes… but he ignored it, it would be good for Neville to get married. Neville had suffered a lot through his school years, until his parents had recovered. Dumbledore remembered questioning Neville's parents extensively, he had over gone over it in his mind again and again the past few years; they refused to say anything more than, 'our cycle was broken' which, to say the least, was a cryptic response. Dumbledore continued to wonder; so many things had happened. But while they were in the thick of it, he hadn't noticed a lot of things leading up to what had happened. Dumbledore began to muse over the obvious meticulously planned events that led up to the destruction of the Order. He knew he should have guessed Voldemort had purposefully attacked Number 12 Grimmald Place. But still to this day wondered how Voldemort had found it in the first place; Snape certainly couldn't have betrayed them… he was dead; he had been for a year before it occurred and still couldn't have given away their location. Then how had Voldemort known that, because of the attack, Dumbledore had to call a meeting… yet on account of the shortness of time, he had to convene it in the dungeon. Then the Shadow had killed them; Dumbledore wondered why he hadn't seen it before, but it made sense now. "Hindsight is 20/20," Dumbledore mused.

A few letters landed on Dumbledore's desk, he untied and opened them; They were responses from his advertisement in the Daily Prophet. He looked at the résumés, none looked extraordinary; he wanted to appoint Lupin the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher but the Minister wouldn't have that… Dumbledore sighed in frustration; he didn't have a choice but to obey, not being able to cross a strict Minister like him was extremely infuriating. Dumbledore still wondered how he had been elected, it was a squeeze but he had made it. That election had been quite a scandal though; in fact, until the Dark Lord started attacking, people had been very restless and unhappy with the election; some had even been calling for a reelection; but once the hard times hit, everyone supported the Minister. In order to beat this new evil; the Minister started enacting very strict rules, not only for the school though, for everyone else as well. Not to mention he had given Aurors permission to kill again; this caused Dumbledore to become extremely worried, having Aurors running around with permission to kill was a scary thought. Last time; when Fudge had done that it ended up killing off people that had either been under the Imperious Curse or had killed off their only sources of information. Dumbledore preferred to capture and question them, not kill them off. Killing them may temporarily take care of part of the problem, but it didn't address the root of the entire issue, Voldemort. Once they had this Dark Lord's location they could take care of the root before tearing out the plant.

'Pulling off the leaves does nothing to prevent it from growing back,' Dumbledore continued to muse, 'In these time; we are reduced to comparing wars… to plants.' Dumbledore smiled slightly at the thought, 'Even in the darkest of times it is good to have a laugh.' Dumbledore realized he was getting off track and went back to the letters on his desk. But realized he had already looked through them. He leaned back and sighed; this wasn't going to be easy, especially since he was starting to have a bad memory. He got up and headed for the door when another owl landed on his desk and flew off before he could turn around. He picked up the letter and looked inside; there were two résumés inside and a note. He read the note first:

Dear Headmaster,

Enclosed are our résumés, I am applying for Defense against the Dark Arts and my Wife Frey is applying for Potions. I believe you will find our qualifications most satisfactory. Please Owl us if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Balder Shamira

 Dumbledore checked their O.W.L's and  N.E.W.T's, they were both Outstanding in all their areas. Dumbledore almost shouted for joy; finally, he would have a good pair of teachers. All the others from the Ministry had mediocre scores; these were excellent. Dumbledore took the letters and scores down to Professor McGonagall.

Professor McGonagall was reading through the notes for her third year class, she had to get ready for when they arrived, she sighed slightly, there was so much to do; she had no idea how she was going to get everything finished before the school year started. "Come in!" called Professor McGonagall as she shuffled some paperwork for her third year class aside so she could look across her desk to whichever Professor was knocking.

Dumbledore entered, "Minerva, I've found two great teachers for Defense against the Dark Arts and Potions," said Dumbledore excitedly, "I can't believe it! Outstanding on all their scores, if you'll just check it with the Ministry then we'll hire them."

Professor McGonagall stared at Dumbledore for a moment as though he were crazy, "Are you okay… Albus?" she asked, "I haven't seen you this excited in a… well, long time."

"Yes, yes, just fine Minerva," replied Dumbledore with a smile, "I just can't believe we have two great teachers applying."

"Just because they have high O.W.L's and N.E.W.T's doesn't mean they are great teachers Albus," replied Professor McGonagall.

"Yes, I know, but they are the best that applied," answered Dumbledore, "Surely, they are better than the ones the Ministry would provide, anyone with Outstanding on Defense against the Dark Arts or anything else would be immediately recruited as an Auror."

"Yes, I know Albus," replied Professor McGonagall, "Don't you think the Ministry will recruit them right away when they find out?"

Dumbledore sighed, "I don't know, but we're not going to find out until after we hire them now, are we?"

"I guess not," answered Professor McGonagall, "I guess you're right, if they do, there's nothing we can do about it."

"Then, if they do, I guess we'll have to deal with it then," said Dumbledore, "Would you mind taking care of this right away?"

"No, of course I don't mind Albus; I'll go right now," answered Professor McGonagall taking the O.W.L and N.E.W.T scores. She quickly made her way to Hogsmeade and Apparated to the Ministry. 

Professor McGonagall got back a few hours later with a report for Dumbledore; she knocked, "Come!" called Dumbledore as he stood up slightly as Professor McGonagall entered, he motioned for her to sit down and remained standing until she sat, "Yes Minerva?"

"I just got back from the Ministry; their scores are correct," she answered his unspoken question, "I would hire them right away, it looks really good from where we're sitting."

"Good, good, I'll send an owl as soon as possible," smiled Dumbledore.

"Don't worry Albus, I'll do it," Professor McGonagall said quickly.

"Thank you Minerva, I appreciate it," answered Dumbledore with another smile, "Just make sure you ask them for a list of books for the new school year. Also, a personal request; if you could help them in any way, please do, I know you're very busy Minerva, but it will be their first year teaching, they may not think of things you or I take for granted."

"But of course Albus, anything I can do to help them," replied Professor McGonagall, "I'm always willing to help the new teachers."

"Thank you Minerva, just make sure they don't forget anything in the curriculum for the year," Dumbledore said with a smile, "Then, let's all hope to have an uneventful year."

"That's for sure," replied Professor McGonagall, "We haven't had one in six years. It would be extremely nice."

Professor McGonagall started writing the letter to Mr. and Mrs. Shamira, who with any luck, would start teaching this year. After a few minutes she read it over again; it was okay, not great but fine for its purpose. She picked it up and put it in an envelope as she headed for the owlery. She attached the letter to the owl and sent it off; watching it disappear into the distance. She smiled quietly to herself; hopefully they would be good teachers.

A stranger was looking out the window, thinking of the past when an owl hooted softly. "Thank you, old friend," the stranger said quietly. The owl flew into the rafters and settled down for a nap. Another owl landed and the stranger took a letter from its leg, he opened it as the owl took off:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Shamira,

      Thank you for applying for our two open positions; we have processed your application and would like you to send us your curriculum for this year as quickly as possible. Receipt of your curriculum and listing of course books is required before the end of June as we must compile lists for the students to obtain in Diagon Alley. If you require any other materials please allow us at least two weeks advance notice for proper acquiring.

Thank you,

Professor McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry

"Honey!" he called, "We got it."

"That's great," said Mrs. Shamira. "Yep… you know Frey…" said Mr. Shamira.

"Yes, I know Balder, we may have to tell them about us," replied Frey, "What news from the front lines?"

"I just got it a little while ago, it's as bad as the reports," replied Balder. "How many?" she asked.

"Too many, over 20 Aurors were killed north of here," Balder replied, "Our intervention in the last battle pushed him further south."

"Good, what did the Headmaster say?" she asked.

"Only that we have to send in our curriculum and course books," he replied.

"Okay, I have mine done, what about you?" Frey asked.

"Mine is already in the envelope next to the door," Balder replied smiling, "Now, stop acting like my wife."

"I am your wife you git," she laughed.

"Oooh yeah!" Balder said sarcastically as he slapped the side of his head, "I forgot!"

Frey punched Balder's shoulder playfully, "You should know after this many years!" she exclaimed.

"Yep, I know… but I don't, that's why I married you in the first place, right?" Balder laughed.

"I hope not!" she said laughing nonetheless.

They both stopped as they leaned closer, their lips touching in a gentle kiss, "You know… I love you so much… Hermione," he said quietly.

"I've never loved anyone else but you," replied Hermione.

"What about that Potter person?" Balder asked teasingly.

"Oh, I don't know… I never really loved him," replied Hermione, "He was just famous… like Lockhart."