Dark Days Pass But Are Never Forgotten

by: LogicalRaven

You're mad at me I know. Still, let me explain. First when I said I would updated by March 5th, I completely forgot I had mid-terms. Also, I'm working hard on the staff of HPFF which takes up an insane amount of time. Plus, I had a conference that consumed one whole weekend. In sane words, I've been too busy to get any writing done.

I promise I'll never miss a deadline again. Promise! I'm going to work super hard in getting the next update up ASAP. I can't say when, but I'll work really hard on it.

I also have been fighting a nasty case of writer's block. I've re-read almost this entire story trying to find my train of thought. I won't lag on any longer with a long author's notes. Here is the chapter. There is some interesting developments and the next chapter will visit Ginny. I didn't want to wait another two or three days before publishing. Hope you guys can forgive me.

Dealing With Tragedy

Paperwork, it was worst part of Auror duty. Harry sat at his small desk in a student office at the Academy recording what he and Noel encountered on their mission.

"You're not going to put the squib's testimony in there, are you?" Noel asked bitterly, peering over Harry's shoulder.

Harry signed, "It could turn out to be important later."

"Honestly, you are so gullible," Noel retorted, "That will be your undoing, Potter. You believe everything, anybody tells you."

"You're suddenly much more bitter," Harry commented, offhand, "Was it my company, or something else bothering you?"

Noel sneered as she continued her own part of the paperwork.

"Out with it? If I'm going to be stuck in the room with you all night, I might as well know the reason you're being foul. At least then I can rationalize why I should ignore you," Harry continued.

"You're company always puts me in a foul mood, or more like your ignorance," Noel finally replied as she cut her eyes towards him.

Harry drew a patient breath, "Was it the squib?"

"No it wasn't the bloody squib, why would I have a problem with a squib," Noel snapped.

Harry shrugged, "You have a problem with so many things, I just assumed."

He couldn't help but smirk as he heard Noel tut in annoyance.

"Getting kicked out of the house by the muggle then?" Harry persisted.

Noel rolled her eyes, "Stupid prat."

"Who me?" Harry asked with amusement.

"No, the realtor," Noel replied with heavy sarcasm.

"Ah, just wanted to clarify if I was being called names again or not," Harry returned.

Noel suddenly tuned to face him with her arms crossed firmly across her chest, "Do you honestly want to know why I'm concerned?"

"Concern?" Harry treaded, "I would have described it differently."

Noel cocked her head in exasperation; "Nevermind, Potter, I'm sorry I thought you were actually alarmed with my objections."

Harry had to suppress a smile, "What objection?"

Noel cut her eyes hastily, "The only reason you want to get married is because your friend is dead."

Harry cringed at her bluntness and lack of tack. His lighthearted acceptance of how Noel was faded away like a bad memory. "My personal life is none of your business."

"It appears we're more than likely going to be working on a close level out in the field as partners in our career with the ministry. You're foul ups directly affect that relationship," Noel explained in her typical know-it-all tone.

"I don't see getting married to someone I love as a foul up," Harry gritted.

Noel rolled her eyes, "Why did you ask her Harry? I mean you obviously have been planning it for quite awhile. Didn't the two of you break up over it once?"

"I asked her because I want her to be my wife," he replied, his voice rising.

Noel spat, "Liar!"

"What is it to you? Jealous cause nobody will have you?" Harry retorted acidly.

Noel's eyes widened, "My social calendar isn't lacking, Harry. However, even if it were, I'm not so desperate that I'd accept a proposal out of dejection like some, obviously."

"Oh, yes… you're personality is exactly the trait I look for in a woman," Harry countered.

Noel's lip curled, she was going to put the final nail in this coffin; "Oh no… you'd rather prey upon vulnerable weak women who don't have the brains to tell you to take a hike after realizing you're just a power seeking freak. You aren't going to marry Cho, Potter. You don't know how to make anybody happy but yourself. You didn't ask her to marry you because she wanted to marry you, you asked her to fulfill your own sick needs."

"I'm not having this conversation with you!" Harry yelled.

"Really, could have fooled me."

Padma Patil raced quickly through the corridors with a stack full of papers in her hand. It wasn't easy being an Unspeakable. The job required tons of paperwork and everybody ignored you.

Padma didn't mind. Her office was quite secluded and she didn't have to worry about distractions. However, today she was going to have to consort with other Ministry officials, more specifically the Department of Regulations of Magical Creatures. She needed to pass on some important research on Gizzbells, a new species of fairy.

Padma pushed the door to the department open and quickly set her paper stack on the front desk.

"Hello?" Padma called out looking around the empty area.

The walls were covered in pictures of strange creatures. It was an interesting department, and one that fascinated Padma. She had always been a fan of Magical Creatures.

"Hello?" Padma called out again, "Anybody here?"

Hermione Granger quickly appeared coming out of a small corner area whipping her swollen eyes on the back of her sleeve.

"Sorry," Hermione muttered.

Padma offered her a warm smile; "It's alright. I promised Diggory I'd get these report on Gizzbells up here by this afternoon."

"Oh yes, the new fairies discovered in Poland last month," Hermione commented, though her voice was quite forced.

Padma looked around the empty office and then glanced again at Hermione.

"They all went to go collect samples in woods that surround Hogmeade. They think there is evidence of Vampire activity, but more than likely it is just the paranoid town folks."

"So, its been awhile, how have you been?" Padma asked gently, hoping Hermione would let herself go at the question.

Hermione nodded, "Good, I've been busy with the new doxy antidote I'm working on."

"So, have you heard from Harry lately?" Padma asked.

Hermione nodded again, "He owled me the other day to say hello, but he's rather busy with Auror training."

"Listen, if you ever need to talk or anything…" Padma offered.

Hermione smiled as her eyes welled slightly, "I'm fine really."

"You don't have to act like it doesn't still hurt," Padma said softly as Hermione took a seat in the desk chair, covering her watery eyes.

"Actually, I'm thinking about doing something to help me move on," Hermione finally said after a moment.

Padma concurred supportively.

Hermione let the back of her hand wipe the tears off her face, "I haven't completely decided, but my parents feel it's a good idea."

"I'm thinking about going back to the muggle world," Hermione finally stated.

Padma blinked, "What?"

"It's really isn't too bad of an idea. I will get to keep my wand, but my name will be stricken from wizarding records. I've already looked into some muggle universities."

"Hermione, you're a talent witch," Padma responded, "You can't just give that all up."

Hermione smiled, "It doesn't really matter much anymore. I'm not really giving it up, I'm taking a little break from it all."

"This isn't the answer, Hermione. I know you're hurting right now, and you have every right to. But running away isn't the answer," Padma pleaded.

Hermione shrugged and gave a small nodd; "I just need some time to deal with this. Ron was very special to me, and I'm just not sure exactly what I am without him."

"That doesn't sound much like you," Padma continued.

"I've never really felt loss in this sense I suppose. I just need to get away from all this so I can work everything out. I've already put in a request for an extended leave of absences from the Ministry."

"Have you told Harry?" Padma asked,

Hermione shook her head, "He has enough to deal with at the moment. I don't want to bother him with this. You won't tell him, will you?"

"Of course not, but I'm sure he'd want to know," Padma said softly, "You still have friends, and we're going to help you through this."

Hermione tried to return Padma's smile, failing; "No, this is something I have to get through myself."

Remus Lupin let the small golden ring roll between his fingers as he fidgeted nervously. He had waited his entire life to see it sit upon a feminine hand. He had bought it during one of their first trips to Hogmeade, with his birthday money. He wasn't sure what had made him buy that small golden ring. James and Sirius had given him a rip old time about it. It felt more like a vow, a goal. Marriage, love—that was normal, and he desperately seeked to be normal.

Remus slowly tucked the ring back into his pocket and let out a long sigh. Perhaps normality- love was beyond him, but this ring would not be a purchase made in vain. After all the years without purpose, it now was going to sit on a feminine hand. Harry would be there any moment for a light lunch. It was Remus's weekend off from Hogwarts and he had invited Harry over for a chat.

A crack sounded in the room and Lupin looked up to see a boy that looked like the ghost of a fallen friend greeting him with a small smile.

"Sorry I'm late, I had to finish some paperwork," Harry explained as he tossed his robe on a nearby hook.

Lupin held up his hand in understanding, "I hope finger sandwiches and tea will suffice, I wasn't sure how hungry you'd be, and I'm honestly not the best cook."

Harry took a seat next to his former professor and friend; "I take it you heard the news?"

Lupin nodded, "Congratulations are in order. I'm positive the two of you will have a wonderful life together. I actually have a few butterbeers in the cupboard…"

He dashed into the kitchen and fumbled around before reappearing.

"So you don't think I'm making a mistake?" Harry asked.

Remus shook his head, "Of course I don't. You've always been a smart kid. I'm confident you know what you're doing."

Harry laughed nervously and his hand fumbled through his hair. Remus had to blink to make sure it wasn't James that was in front of him.

"Your father asked me that very same question after he proposed to your mother," Remus commented.

"He did?"

Remus nodded, "And I told him that he was only making a mistake if he didn't marry your mother."

"Well, Noel didn't seem to optimistic that I was making a wise choice," Harry grunted.

Remus closed his eyes and feigned innocence; "I wouldn't worry about anything young Miss O'Riley has to say."

Harry shrugged, "Still, it makes me wonder who else thinks I'm making a rash decision."

Remus placed the plate of sandwiches between himself and Harry and made motion to take a seat; "Have you gotten Cho a ring yet?"

Harry shook his head, "I wasn't sure if that was customary in the wizarding world. I know it's a muggle tradition, so I figured that is why Seamus did it."

"It's customary, unless you're a radical pureblood who's avoiding anything mugglish," Remus commented taking a sip of his butterbeer. "I know it may see to be an odd favor, but I was wondering if you'd take this ring to give you Cho."

Harry slowly took the small golden ring out of Remus' hand and studied it. "Where did you get it?"

Remus smiled, "I bought it many, many years ago. I was hoping it'd bring me some normalcy in the form of a lady, but as you can see—no such luck."

"I can't take this from you," Harry said slowly.

Remus shook his head, " Do an old werewolf a favor. I can't bear the thought of it wasting away in my bed table any longer."

Harry swallowed and glanced back down at the ring; "Are you sure this ring wasn't meant for somebody else?"

Again, Remus avoided Harry's eyes and feigned innocence, "Nobody in particular. I bought it on a whim of a boyish dream. I think I've gotten a bit old for dreams now. I want you to have it."

Harry finally conceded and tucked the ring in his pocket and took another bite of his sandwich.

Remus suddenly chuckled, "Just remember to show tact when presenting it. Your father was always terrible at tact."

"Hey George! This is excellent!" Fred called out as he jumped over the bar.

"Watch that lad, that bar is made of delicate slate," Aberforth snapped as he watched the new owners of the Hog Head make themselves at home.

Albus Dumbledore simply placed a sympathetic hand on his brother's shoulder, "Now dear brother, I'm sure these two gentlemen will take excellent care of your bar."

"Perfect care," George promised, "However, we are planning on taking a slightly different angle."

"No more dark weridos, we're targeting the rebelling Hogwarts student," Fred explained, "Ron's Place!"

Aberforth looked like he was about to faint, "You're changing the name?"

"Well, we couldn't very well call our new prank bar the 'Hog Head' though we will have a room in the bar that will hold the name sake," Fred promised.

"The loo," George finished.

"I'm sure you two gentlemen will do a lovely job. Aberforth, I do believe we should get back to the Ministry."

Aberforth snarled his nose; "I still can't believe you talked me into selling me bar. This is my life Albus."

"The most wonderful thing about life is that it has no set definition or boundaries. It is always changing," Dumbledore said in his whimsical voice.

"Pish posh, I was happy here, Albus. I don't know nothing about working in no Ministry," Aberforth argued.

"You are my brother, and that makes you more qualified than most."

The two Dumbledore's turned, leaving the Weasley twins to their own devices.

"I thought we were calling it Harry's Place?" George asked.

Fred glanced at his twin, "Don't like Ron's Place better?"

"No, I think it is quite brilliant. Mum won't be pleased."

"Ah, dear mum will learn to love it. This is our monument to our fallen brother, so his legacy will live in infamy… has a better ring than Percy's Place, that would probably attract all the book nerds from Ravenclaw," Fred added.

George glanced around, "Needs some work. We need someone quite silly and mugglish to work the bar."

"Indeed, any suggestions? Thought? I was thinking Neville Longbottom, but he's working as a herbologist of some sort at Gringgotts."

George scrunched his nose and Fred mimicked his expression.

"What about Harry's cousin?" George asked.

Fred frowned for a second then grinned, "Excellent! Who better to act mugglish than a muggle…well, mostly a muggle."

"Harry won't be too pleased," George mused.

"Like mummy dear, our business partner will learn to love Ron's Place," Fred announced. "Best prank bar in Hogmeade!"

"Only prank bar in Hogmeade," George corrected.

Luna's name meant 'the moon' and ironically it was now the sign that would unify all those who had been squashed by Dumbledore and his white side of magic. His ridiculous theory of a balance of magic would be put to rest once the new rising had been completely united under one banner.

She desperately needed to believe that there was no good and evil, only power and those to weak to seek it. Their first goal would be to destroy the wizard infrastructure known as Azkaban. She seriously doubted that Lucius Malfoy had the pulled to convince the trolls to join their cause. However, the Dementors were desperate to gain their jobs back, and it didn't matter to them that it wouldn't be criminals they would be feeding from.

Also, with the new allies including the Vampires, the French follower of Grindelwald and the Giants they were a strong collection. Lucius had sealed the deal with the Une Sombrer and now all there was to do was wait.

At first it had seem fool hearted not to strike when Fudge was in office. Draco Malfoy was in close with the Ministry and able to control him to a point. Luna feared that once Dumbledore took office, their ability to strike the Ministry structure would be greatly reduced. She dare not speak her thought, she barely even allowed herself to think them. Questions were not acceptable.

It had appeared Lucius plan was more complicated that it appeared on the surface. He had control over Mad-Eye Moody. An ancient spell that even predated Dumbledore's knowledge. It predated the founders of Hogwarts and was created by the early ancestors of Slytherin himself. This ancient spell controlled Moody more than any unforgivable could do. It was through Moody's knowledge that the reverse patronus had been resurrected and they had almost killed Harry Potter himself. They had only missed him by a few inches.

Luna shuddered suddenly as she picked up a book she had not touched in years. The Torto Death Journal was very real. She knew some of its secrets, but there were many still left to uncover. As confident as she was in victory, she had learned long ago that she always needed an escape route. Dumbledore and Potter had beaten Voldemort, someone who she had thought unbeatable. It was better to be safe than sorry. If defeat was in the future she would have leverage to bargain with.

Next Update: 03-27-05 at the very latest!