Author's note: I hate to have pulled this upon the readers, but this particular chapter does have slight HBP spoilers. I also considered making this two sepereate chapters, but I guess I'd have to see how the reviews receive it. I just seem to think it flows better as one huge one. -PB
Chapter 6: Finally Home
Next morning in the castle was as dark as the night before. Ron had told Fred, George and Hermione what happened in Ginny's last moments. Fred cried himself to sleep. George wanted to break something, anything in the hospital wing. Hermione just sat on one of the empty beds looking sadder than she's ever been in her life. Too exhausted to return to the Gryffindor tower, they instead stayed in the hospital wing sleeping in the empty beds. The lack of sunlight became all too familiar to them as it took a toll on their spirits and energy.
They woke up feeling less than optimal. Their body cores felt like they would never get warm again, their heads full of unrest and their hearts ached with loneliness because of the absolute darkness since they arrived. Looking for anything to cheer themselves up, all of them walked up to Gryffindor Tower and rested in front of the fire in the common room. The warmth immediately refreshed them, if only a little. Their spirits rose, as if they were melting by the flame's heat, but they sat there, unable to find any type of conversation.
A small crack broke the silence and there stood Dobby silhouetted by the firelight. In that small moment of surprise they saw how powerful Dobby was, his stature seemed to have increased by the fire. Energy seemed to flow from every part of his body, even his floppy ears. He spoke and at once the image of power disappeared, standing in its place the gentle house elf they knew for so long.
"Good news sirs," announced Dobby in his most official voice, "Harry Potter has deemed Fred to be fit for travel sirs! You can leave tomorrow, but Harry Potter invites you to supper tonight before you leave in the morning."
"He deems me to be fit?" said Fred ungratefully, "Why that no good egotistical…"
"Tell him we are happy to come to supper tonight," interrupted Ron.
Dobby smiled so wide, you'd think he'd split his head in two. With a small bow and an enthusiastic thank you, he snapped his fingers and disappeared.
There was a moment of silence in the room, as if each person was waiting for someone else to speak first.
"The nerve of him," said Fred plainly.
"Fred, Harry healed you," defended Hermione, "I think the least we can do is thank him. Especially you George."
"Me?" said George looking surprised for being singled out, "why especially me?"
"It doesn't matter who says it," said Ron looking exhausted, "It's what's right. Even if…even if."
No one finished his thought. It was a bitter pill for the Twins to swallow after voicing their opinion of Harry. Hermione looked a bit validated with Ron defending her suggestion but even she had doubts of how sincere any of they can be regarding Harry. Harry had been their best friends through school yet he didn't even spend time with them since he announced Fred was ok. Now he just sent a house elf to invite them to dinner, instead of coming himself to invite them. They wondered if Harry was so adamant to being alone for so long, what caused him to be so friendly all of a sudden?
Having no sunlight, they kept a close eye on their watches. They didn't eat much for the day or afternoon seeing how their appetites have diminished since coming to the castle. When it was near the appointed time, they decided to dress their best. Fred felt more comfortable now that the skin on his chest was merely translucent rather than completely invisible. He discussed with George on finding a way to market this as a new product, but George was not in a talkative mood. To their great dismay it was Kreacher who appeared to see them down to the dining area. Dobby was said to be cooking the supper for everyone.
They walked down the stairs and corridors, Kreacher especially silent this time. They rubbed their arms to try and generate heat noticing that in some parts of the castle they could actually see their breath.
"I can't believe we're doing this," said George.
"It's what's right," said Hermione.
"He killed our sister Hermione. She was your friend too!"
"You didn't see what we saw George!" said Hermione when she turned around to face him. She was very upset, "Harry didn't do anything to her!"
"Except let her die," said Fred looking equally angry, "How do we know that Harry didn't curse her to stay with him? Just because you and Harry took classes together for a few years?"
"Harry would never do that to anyone he loves," defender Hermione, "He'd never let a thought like that ever enter his mind!"
"Oh and those lawn ornaments he has are just for show then?" said George, "Yes that's the sign of a man in a perfect state of mind! For all we know Ginny's death pushed him over the edge!"
"Enough!" yelled Ron. Kreacher smirked enjoying the argument, "Ginny came of her own will and it was her own choice to stay here."
Regardless of the cold around them, their bloods were thoroughly boiled. They straightened their robes and followed Kreacher who sniggered as they walked down a flight of stairs and entered the Great Hall.
"We're having supper in here?" said Fred looking disgruntled.
The memories of the pensive murmured away and seemed louder in their already tired minds. They looked and saw a dining table with floating candles had been summoned. Kreacher showed them to their seats, roughly aiding them into their chairs. He mumbled even more when he set out the dishes and the cutlery. He was setting Hermione's place when he knocked over a goblet onto the floor. He bent over to pick it up when a knot of the towel he wore loosened. His towel fell partly off and to Hermione's shock, he saw deep red gashes strewn all along Kreacher's back.
"Kreacher! Who did this to you?" gasped Hermione.
Kreacher looked up at her as if surprised someone like Hermione could even form words. He was about to move on to set Ron's seat when Hermione grabbed his arm.
"Don't touch Kreacher mudblood!" croaked Kreacher, but Hermione didn't let go. Kreacher struggled against her grip, but it was like seeing a seeing someone trying to rip their arm out of a dragon's jaw. He hit her with his feeble hands but Hermione kept on holding on determination in her eyes. Finally Kreacher crumpled down on his hands and knees, panting for breath. He looked very withered, like an old shrunken tree in a malnourished part of a forest. He looked up still catching his breath not to see anger but eyes pitying him. He wretched his arm out but only because Hermione had loosened her grip.
"Master Potter tells Kreacher to punish himself when Kreacher misbehaves. As all loyal house elves should do," he said with a slightly defeated tone of voice. He tied up his towel and went about to setting the other seats. For once Fred and George actually looked sorry for the sad thing that was serving them.
Kreacher hobbled away silently and stood near a torch. Moments later a small hooded figure in raggy robes walked out of a side chamber door. He was old from what they could see in his stature, and very thin. It looked like he was swimming in his robes they fitted so loosely around his frame. With a thin squeaky voice he announced.
"Presenting…muh…my Master and Lord. Lord Harry Potter."
George rolled his eyes, Fred just looked at disbelief. Ron and Hermione looked suspiciously at the figure that stood before them. A second later, Harry walked in. He wore green dress robes with silver trim. His hair was still messy, but his beard seemed a bit more clean but just as wild as before. He had a somber look on his face as he walked over, almost gliding and sat down at the head of the table. He looked at his guests giving each side a small bow.
"Well isn't this amazing?" said Harry, "Old friends gathered again for supper in Hogwarts."
"This isn't Hogwarts Harry," pointed out Fred.
Harry turned to him, "Well let's imagine for the night it is. Well no need to wait any longer, I imagine that you are all starving."
He clapped his hands and Dobby came running in with a long cart full of food. Slowly he started to serve the food for the guests in which everyone, included Harry, thanked him. They ate in silent, finding no reason to talk. Harry smile seemed to have disappeared as he barely touched his food. The clatter of cutlery echoed in the Great Hall. Everyone could feel the tension tighten in the room with each passing moment. Ron could hear smacking of lips from the figure behind Harry's chair. This is when he first realized that the memories of the pensive were actually silent.
They were starting on a second course when Hermione looked across the table at Fred and George. She gave them a small glare in Harry direction. The Twins looked back at her reluctantly, grinding their teeth. Tired of the silence Hermione put down her cutlery and wiped her mouth with her napkin.
"Harry," she said. Harry stopped eating to look at her, "Fred and George would like to thank you….for saving Fred's life."
Harry looked over at them. Fred just kept on eating as if nothing was said; George gave a glare in Hermione's direction and exhaled his breath slowly.
"Don't worry about it," said Harry casually, "Anything to help some old friends."
Fred and George just glared at him while Harry held up his goblet. The raggedity looking figure walked up and poured some wine into Harry's goblet. The bottle clattered on the edge as the man tried to steady himself.
"But enough about what happened here," said Harry with a small smile, "how's the wizarding world now? I barely hear news anymore."
Ron was about to mention Quidditch but decided against it. A moment of silence passed when Harry stopped cutting into a piece of meat.
"So you're telling me nothing's changed? Nothing to speak of at all?" he asked.
Hermione discussed some politics of little significance and Ron's job at the Ministry. Harry seemed to humour her by asking questions but everyone knew it was a useless topic. Even Fred and George felt it was a poor attempt at conversation. Hermione asked a bit about Harry's knowledge about healing which he gladly answered. After a moment of speaking silence blanketed the hall again as the third course was being served. Dobby looked a tad nervous as did the hooded figure.
Hermione put down her cutlery as if she was preparing herself, "Harry…why don't you come back with us?"
Harry paused. Fred and George gaped at her, but this question caught Ron's attention. Harry slowly putting down his cutlery and placed his hands together. He closed his eyes as if trying to find the right response.
"I can't Hermione," he said plainly.
"Why not?" pleaded Hermione.
Harry paused again, this time placing his hands on the table, "Do you remember what they called me after the fall of Voldemort?"
The table was silent. Harry reached into his robe and took out a long silver sword. He brandished it as if admiring the craftsmanship and the blood red rubies encrusted on the hilt.
"The Heir of Gryffindor they called me. Whether by blood or spirit, I did not care. I wanted no part of that. Yet they continued, insisting on making me more than I really am. Everyone wanted a part of me. If it wasn't the ministry, it was the media. If it wasn't them, it was some Dark Wizard out to make a name for themselves. I was offered everything imaginable yet all I ever wanted to do was live normally. But nothing changed for me. I was just as pursued, just as burdened after I defeated Voldemort. They were all after me."
"But we need you Harry," said Hermione, "Now more than ever."
"For what?" scoffed Harry as he swung his hands out, knocking a plate of food that Dobby was serving, to the floor. He was about to pick it up when Harry told him to leave it.
"Things are bad now Harry," said Ron, "Death Eaters or Dark Lords aren't the only things that can ruin our way of life. The Ministry is more corrupt than ever. Scrimgeour's son, Marcus, the new minister has been running everything into the ground because of paranoia in preventing something like You-know-who happening again. Things haven't gotten better after he was destroyed…it's gotten worst."
"How does that concern me?" said Harry sipping from his goblet.
"We need you Harry. We need you as a voice for the people. To set things right. Everything we've worked for is slowly being ripped apart Harry. Everything the Order worked for, everything Dumbledore worked for. Everything your…your parents worked for."
They half expected Harry to rise in fury again, but he just sat there, looking solemn as ever.
"My destiny was to defeat Voldemort. Any problem after that…someone else can handle," he replied coldly.
"So what about your little road trip following You-know-who's footsteps Harry?" asked Fred firmly, "or was that just a little coincidence?"
Harry raised an eyebrow in slight surprise. He paused again, as if thinking the appropriate thing to say, "I did follow Voldemort's old travels during his rise to power. I was searching for some of his old….associates."
"Doing what?" asked Ron. Fred glared at Harry.
"I was protecting the world from the possibility of another Dark Wizard or Witch rising to Voldemort's status," said Harry precisely, "I modified the minds of those who helped him or taught him knowledge he used to rise to power. I was erasing any trace of him from existence."
It was so silent in the hall you could hear a pin drop. Hermione looked in complete shock. Fred and George trembled unable to imagine what Harry did. Ron looked as if something had broken his mind.
"Did…Ginny know about this?" asked Hermione.
Harry paused and took a deep breath, "She did. Later in our travels she stopped asking. But that wasn't enough…I had to do something more. I had to…"
Harry stopped as if unable to remember a terrible memory. A silent moment passed until a weak yell came from the hooded figure. He dashed at Harry's chair only to stop a foot away and drop onto his knees eating the food spilt onto the floor. He grabbed at the food with his grimy withered hands, one of them looking offcoloured. Hermione gasped in horror as she saw the man's right hand…missing one finger.
"Is…is that?" panted Hermione.
"Oh? My personal servant?" said Harry casually, he rose from his chair.
"Show yourself to our guests, rat," said Harry as he kicked the figure onto his back. His hood fell back revealing a round faced man. His face incredibly gaunt, huge black rings under his eyes and with thin strands barely clinging onto his bald head. Peter Pettigrew looked thinner, less than half his weight last they saw him. His eyes were full of fear, as he licked food off his lips nervously.
"Well…speak vermin!" commanded Harry.
"I'm sorry master. It's just that..so…hungry," whimpered Peter.
"Why do you have Pettigrew with you Harry?" asked Ron trying to be as calm as possible.
"I spared his life Ron," said Harry coldly, "he still owes me a debt."
Pettigrew whimpered and bowed on his knees, afraid to look Harry directly into his eyes. Harry was looking indifferent to it all, not caring as four sets of eyes looked at him with a mixture of fear and shock.
"But why Harry?" asked Hermione trembling slightly.
"He has his uses," said Harry plainly.
Somewhere in the distance a clock chimed, it's dull ring echoing through the castle.
"It's time Wormtail," said Harry quietly.
"No master…please," pleaded Pettigrew.
Harry took out his wand and pointed it directly at Pettigrew and said silkily, "crucio"
Pettigrew's body tensed up, but everyone knew that what was happening. Pain absolute pain was coursing through his entire body, touching every nerve, flowing from his body and out his head, fingers and toes. They heard him grunt, trying to hold back something or just in too much pain to yell.
Harry jabbed his wand as if he was prodding him and as if it was natural to him he said for a second time, "crucio."
A bloody curdling scream caused everyone to cover their ears. It bounced off the walls of the Great Hall, almost vibrating their very bones. Pettigrew screamed louder, as if he was on fire and after a moment his yells grew weaker as his voice began to fail him. Harry slowly dropped his wand to his side and looked over at his guests.
"You know what I haven't tried before Wormtail?" asked Harry.
Pettigrew could barely move his eyes to look up at Harry. Everyone was paralyzed with absolute fear.
"I never tried the cruciatus curse when you are in your rat form," said Harry not blinking an eye.
Pettigrew's eyes grew wide as dinner plates as he slowly tried to crawl away backwards. He left leg seemed to not work anymore. His right hand trembling from either pain or fear.
"Please…Master," pleaded Pettigrew.
"Change Wormtail," ordered Harry quietly.
"Master…no…have mercy…" he begged.
Harry darted to him and placed his wand on Pettigrew's forehead and growled "I said change vermin!"
Pettigrew shuddered as he scrambled back, looking at his hand which was already starting to grow smaller. Harry aimed his wand again and like water rolling off his tongue he said, "crucio"
If the screams of a miserable looking Pettigrew wasn't terrifying enough, hearing his shrieks slowly change into rat squeaks had froze their blood. Harry stood there, solemn as ever and still as a statue, his hair hiding his dark eyes. They saw Pettigrew's features grow smaller more mouse-like, his already loose robes falling off him, his writhing limbs turning into small wiggly feet and hands. His head jerked to and fro in extreme pain as it grew pointier, whiskers flailing around. The squeaks did not fill the room as much as his screams, but it still shook them to the core.
"Stop it Harry! STOP IT!" cried Hermione as she ran over to the rat wriggling on the ground, stopping in front of Harry.
"Hermione NO!" shouted Ron, but he paused as Harry withdrew his wand. The squeaking stopped as Pettigrew slowly changed back shivering naked on the cold floor.
"Stand aside Hermione," warned Harry.
"Stop it Harry! Just…" she cried, tears on her face.
"Or what?" he said as he waved the wand around, "There's no Aurors apparating in to arrest me. There's no one to save him. He owes me a debt that only he can pay."
"Harry," sniffled Hermione, "I know what you've been through…"
"You think you know what I've been through Granger?" hissed Harry, pointing his wand right at her. The twins were about to dash in but Ron gestured them to stop. "This RAT was responsible for the death of my parents. How can you possibly know how I feel when you had your parents all your life?"
Hermione couldn't answer his question. Hardly anyone had ever argued with Hermione to a standstill. However she stood her ground, standing in front of Pettigrew looking at Harry right in the eye.
"I will not stand aside Harry," she said firmly.
The blaze in Harry's eyes died slightly as he lowered his wand. Hermione took off her cloak and wrapped it around Pettigrew as Ron and the Twins helped him up.
"Thank you Lady Hermione…Lord Ron," wheezed Pettigrew. They looked at him, seeing that it even caused him pain to talk.
"I doesn't matter anyway," said Harry coldly, "doing that now only gives me mild satisfaction."
It was like someone else took over Hermione's body as she walked up and slapped Harry.
"Your mother would be ashamed of you had she lived to see you like this," Hermione said; her face full of disgust and tears streaming down.
Ron, Fred and George froze and held their breath. Kreacher came out of the torchlight anticipating a disaster. Harry didn't move but everyone could feel as if tension had blanketed the room. He turned around and walked to put his hands on the table. Hermione walked out of the great hall, her footsteps echoed on the cold floor.
"Dobby," said Harry without looking at him.
"Yes Harry Potter sir?" replied Dobby as he trembled where he stood.
"Prepare our guests for their departure tomorrow morning. Make sure they have enough supplies."
Dobby nodded. Kreacher looked disappointed like he had gotten a terrible present. Ron and the Twins carried Pettigrew out of the Great Hall as quickly as possible. Harry was still at the table when they exited the doors. Hermione was just outside propped against the wall sobbing. When she saw Ron standing there staring at her, she ran over to him and hugged him. Her entire body was shaking.
"I'm so sorry Ron…I just..it's just," sobbed Hermione.
"Shhh, you don't have to apologize Hermione," hushed Ron, "You didn't do anything wrong."
They stood there for who knows how long. The sounds of Hermione's sobs echoed down the corridor as Ron just consoled her.
"It's was Harry's fault," said Fred.
"Don't you start now!" said Ron firmly.
"He almost used an unforgivable curse on Hermione Ron! Your best mate nearly hurt your wife!" yelled George.
"But he didn't!" yelled Ron back.
"It's only a matter of time Ron!" growled Fred, "You heard him in there, he thinks he's above everyone! What about us? It's not like he's the only one that felt pain. What about Sirius? We felt it when we he died, when Dumbledore died, whenever someone we all knew died we felt it too!"
They stood there silently, sobered by the moment. Pettigrew left them quietly. Without another word they headed upstairs towards the Gryffindor Common room. As they went up stairs and corridors they heard the memories murmur again. Growing distant with each step they take away from the Great Hall.
Exhaustion could be felt in the air as they just sat in the common room, unable to sleep. They would doze off for a few minutes only to wake up just as tired as before. They minds raced with unrest, unable to form a clear or simple thought. They had hoped the blizzard outside would have weakened, but it blew as fiercely as ever. They wondered if they could even leave in this current state of the weather. Discussion about how they can possibly make it back through the dragons, the lake and the especially the wall of dementors was reluctantly brought up but a necessity. They imagined somehow they could ask Dobby to help them, but potentially only with the dragons; the lake was easy enough. Even a safe journey back counted a lot on Harry's willingness to help them. They imagined he'd be just as reluctant to aid them as they were to ask him for it.
Seven o clock chimed somewhere in the castle, but it didn't matter, it was still pitch black outside. Ron, Hermione, Fred and George packed up their luggage, dressed extra warmly and headed downstairs. They felt some sense of relief as supplies were piled in front of the great doors. They walked into the Great Hall.
The memories from the pensive conversed on as usual. As they walked over, their bodies illuminated by the white light, they saw a hooded Pettigrew limp out towards them.
"Presenting to the court…Lords Ron, Fred and George Weasley…and Lady Hermione Granger," he announced weakly.
"Thank you Wormtail," said Harry quietly.
Pettigrew sniveled and went back into the shadow near the stone steps. There sat Harry on the throne like he was tired, aged like some ancient king of old. He looked shrunken in his seat, yet still he emanated power almost a demand for respect. His emerald green robes flowed down a bit onto the steps, his sleeves spilling over the side of his seat. They saw a hint of silver hidden under his cloak. Dobby looked sad they were leaving. Kreacher looked indifferent and quiet.
"I guess you are leaving then?" asked Harry casually.
"Yes Harry," said Ron plainly, "Thank you for your hospitality."
Harry didn't answer. His head was still slightly bowed as if thinking something. They walked over to Ginny's coffin and with a small spell they levitated it off the stone pedestal. Dobby gave a small gulp as he gave Ginny a last good bye. They noticed the pensive was silent now. As Fred and George started to walk towards the door, Ron stopped near the pensive and looked up at Harry.
"May Dobby come with us? So he may escort us safely back?" asked Ron.
Harry sat silently, as still as a statue.
"No."
Fred and George were about to say something when Hermione stopped them. Ron just stood there staring at Harry. He felt as if the bottom had dropped out of his stomach.
"Well then," started Ron, trying to keep his composure, "We'll be off. Good bye…Harry."
They were half way to the doors when Harry shouted from across the room, "What of the blizzard? You shouldn't travel in this type of weather."
Ron stopped, taking a deep breath, "Thank you for your concern Harry. But after what we've been through I think we can manage."
They were about to take another step when they heard a small swish, like a draft, pass them and the doors to the Great Hall shut.
"I can't let you leave," said Harry.
Ron looked over at Harry who held his wand loosely, still sitting on the throne.
"We can manage Harry. We can deal with the blizzard," said Ron nervously.
"You don't understand," said Harry cryptically, "I can't let you leave the castle."
"Harry don't do this," warn Ron, trying so hard to keep his composure, "We came for Ginny. It was her last wish."
"I can't let you leave," repeated Harry. Kreacher's interest seemed to have piqued. Pettigrew cowered in a corner. Dobby was jumping around nervously, pleading something in some strange language.
Fred and George took out their wands and dashed over to Ron, facing Harry from the other side of the giant pensive.
"Damnit Harry open those doors right now!" yelled Fred pointing his wand right at him.
"Don't make us hurt you Harry," said George.
Harry just flicked his wrist and instantly Fred and George's wands flew to the back of the room. Fred and George started to run towards the throne when Harry stood up and with another swish of his hand the Twins stopped dead in their tracks. Their feet were stuck into the stone of the floor. It was as if the stone risen up and melted around their ankles, keeping them in place.
"Fate brought us together," said Harry quietly, the Great Hall magnifying his voice, "Together again in Hogwarts until the end."
The Great Hall began to tremble as Harry descended down the steps. Hermione rushed to Ron's side. They looked around as the ground and the very walls began to shake. They steadied themselves against each other as dust fell from the rafters and cracks began to form in the walls and floor.
"It's my will that holds the stones of this castle together," said Harry loudly.
"Harry, don't do this!" shouted Hermione "We're your friends! Please stop!"
Harry said nothing, but murmured some incantation. His hands were lifted into the air. A stone fell from the roof and splashed into the pensive. Pettigrew was screaming at the rumbling, Dobby at Harry's side asking him to stop. Kreacher was sitting quietly against a step; finally ready for death.
"Harry!" shouted Ron, "Please! You're my best mate! You're like a brother to me! Let us go!"
"I can't Ron," shouted Harry over the noise, his voice sounding distant. The ceiling was slumping in, the floor cracking and stones dropping and rising creating crevices, "I need her. I need Ginny. I can't let her leave."
Hermione shouted at Harry but he was back incanting. Ron ran to the other side of the pensive avoiding all the falling debris. Fred and George were yelling at him to get back but Ron stood his ground right at the foot of the steps to the throne. Harry was still murmuring the incantation, calmly, coolly as ruin of his own home fell around him.
"Harry! Please!" pleaded Ron, "I saw you! I saw Ginny die! I saw your memory! Please Harry, she came up here and stayed even though it was killing her because she loved you! If you ever loved her, please let us take her home! Please Harry…let her go."
The rumbling continued. Hermione was shielding Ginny's coffin with her own body. Fred and George were struggling to get their legs out. Ron just looked at Harry tears streaming from his eyes, his mind exhausted of every option. He never would have thought it would come down to this as he closed his eyes feeling his tears sting his eyes he prepared himself.
The floor shook violently as if something hit the castle. Ron fell onto the floor hitting his head. His vision blurry he looked up at the throne but he heard less and less. Did he hurt his hearing? He shook his head trying to clear it and he noticed that the rumbling turned to trembling. The stones stopped moving. Crevices stopped growing and crudely mended themselves. Harry had his hands down by his side, he had stopped the incantation.
With a small flick of his wand Harry released the Twins from their stony grips. They rushed over to see how Hermione was but when they got there Hermione rushed over to Ron and grabbed a hold of him. They both looked at Harry, his head still slightly bowed, solemn.
"Kreacher," Harry said quietly as he took off his robe. The old house elf got up rubbing his arm which seemed to be bruised. Harry's body was thin, his skin barely contained his ribs. He had tattoos of arcane symbols all over his torso, he looked so frail. Kreacher hobbled over and bowed to his master as if nothing had happened. Without even turning his head Harry tossed his emerald robes into Kreacher's hands.
"Wha…what is this master?" asked Kreacher with a slight confused look in his eyes.
"I release you from my service. You are free," said Harry coldly.
"What? You can't…you…," sputtered Kreacher.
"You are free," repeated Harry firmly as he headed towards the corner.
"You can't master!" said Kreacher ungratefully, trying to hand his robes back to Harry, "You must not set me free!"
"I don't care Kreacher," said Harry, "You are no longer my concern. The Malfoys might still need a house elf. You can work for them for all I care."
"You don't understand master!" cried Kreacher thoroughly upset, "Kreacher cannot be taken in. If Kreacher is free, he cannot be assigned to anyone in the family, not even the Malfoys! You have killed Kreacher!"
"I don't care Kreacher. Leave my castle. I hope never to see you again," said Harry coldly.
Kreacher stood there as if he was sentenced to death. He was so pitiful his entire body look broken by the comment as he held those robes loosely in his hands. Even Dobby seemed to have pity him. Kreacher's eyes narrowed; reluctantly accepted his fate.
"Thank you…master," he said with a hint of venom. He bowed and in a crack he was gone.
Harry walked back towards the corner stood over Pettigrew. He cowered in fear of the mere shadow of Harry as he squeaked and squealed. Harry pointed his wand at him.
"Please master…don't," he said as if expecting to be hurt.
With a small swish of his hand, Harry had summoned warm clothes to wrap around Pettigrew.
"I release you from my debt Peter," he said.
Pettigrew looked at Harry as if he was a complete stranger, "Master?"
"Do whatever you will with your life," said Harry.
Pettigrew's eyes watered. He choked on his own sobs as he bowed thanking Harry and walked towards the exit. It creaked open as Pettigrew's sobs echoed in the Great Hall disappeared. Harry then walked over weakly to Dobby. He looked tired, his eyes still dark and brooding.
"Dobby," he said quietly.
Dobby walked over carefully as if expecting something to happen to him, "Yes Harry Potter sir?"
Harry took up his wand. Dobby flinched putting up his hands to protect his face, but Harry touched his wand to his head and mumbled a small incantation. He then took the tip of the wand a spoke to it. The wand glowed brightly in a white light.
Harry knelt down and handed Dobby his wand carefully, "You know what to do. Make sure they make it through safely Dobby."
"But sir," Dobby said thoroughly confused, "I want to…"
"No Dobby. Where I am going you cannot follow. Protect my friends for me…please," said Harry.
Dobby had tears in his big round eyes. He looked at Harry with such awe, you'd think he saw the biggest mountain of gold, "Thank you Harry Potter. Harry Potter is the greatest most honorable wizard ever sir."
He then jumped and hugged Harry, his arms only able to reach up to his thighs. Harry looked a tad surprised, but he relaxed and patted Dobby's head. A moment passed and Dobby rushed over with the wand in his belt, wanting to help with the twins. Harry finally walked over to Ron and Hermione, but passed them and stopped in front of the pensive.
He took out the sword of Godric Gryffindor and tossed in on the floor in front of Ron and Hermione, its clattering echoing in the Great Hall.
"Take that thing back with you," said Harry, "Tell them that Harry Potter is dead."
"But Harr…" started Ron
"You should leave when you have the chance," interrupted Harry.
Without taking his eyes from the silver pool of memories, Harry said, "Good-bye Ron. Good-bye Hermione. And…thank you."
Harry took one step into the pensive.
"Harry NO!" shouted Hermione, but Ron held her back.
Harry continued descending into the silver memories, letting it wash over him. They could see it wrap silver tendrils around him upper arms as he sank in deeper into the middle. His eyes illuminated a brilliant green. The memories groaned as they began to cover Harry, lapping at his shoulders. The ground started to tremble again.
"Come on, we have to leave," said Ron as he pulled Hermione.
She sobbed as they turned their backs on the pensive, Harry's head slightly above the surface. As they rushed out to join Fred and George who already walked to the front entrance, they heard the Great Hall door shut behind them. Hermione wanted to go back in, but they knew it was already locked. The castle was slowly crumbling
"C'mon we have out of here!" yelled Fred over the rumbling.
They dashed out into the blizzard, Dobby holding a torch to guide them. They ran partway into the valley dragging Ginny's coffin with them. When they heard a loud smash they all looked back and saw the huge black shadow the castle falling apart. A tower crashed into a rampart, as the walls crumbled. Cracks formed sending clouds of dust into the air. The massive structured wailed under it's own weight and crumbled into the ground like it was held up by string. The dust cleared, the blizzard let up, even the skies cleared. The sun came out painting the snow dark red. They felt the warmth of the sunlight bathe them, refreshing their minds, their hearts. Ron and Hermione had tears down their faces but they didn't sob. Fred and George looked a bit sad. Dobby took it most hard crying openly letting his tears melt into the snow.
Ron, Hermione, Fred and George stood there in shock for what seemed like an hour. Gentle white snow started to fall about them and fearing the possibility of another blizzard they started their way into the valley. Dobby following them closely. A long road laid ahead of them with having to bring back Ginny's body back in one piece but what happened in the past week played over and over in their minds. It wasn't until they were within eyesight of the first dragon's nest they noticed something that would further shock them. Chains laid strewn across the valley, nests empty with broken egg shells everywhere and a thin layer of snow had covered the valley, some areas steaming. The dragons, all the dragons had left.
"What happened?" said George quietly, "they've…all gone."
"I guess Harry didn't need them anymore," said Ron grimly.
The lack of an obstacle now did not lift their spirits at all. It only confirmed the finality of Harry's end. Calmly but cautiously they walked down into the valley, Dobby leading them along the path, Ron and Hermione following after and the Twins levitating Ginny bringing up the rear. They barely walked down a few feet when they saw Peter Pettigrew at the foot of the valley crying, looking very strange in his new warm clothes. He looked completely discourages and defeated, a drastic change from the groveling but free Pettigrew they saw earlier in the castle. They approached him and he when he caught eye of them, he instantly got on his knees and bowed groveling.
"Lord Ron, Lady Hermione. Lord Fred and Geor…"
"Get up you!" said Fred as he kicked some snow in his direction. Pettigrew jumped back cowering.
"What are you doing here anyways?" asked George looking slightly embarrassed seeing a grown man cry.
Pettigrew lowered his head and said quietly, "I have no where to go Lord George. I…I have no home now."
Hermione looked at Ron who gave her a small affirming nod.
She knelt down near Pettigrew who drew back, as if expecting some punishment. "You can come with us," offered Hermione, "At least until we sailed back south. Then…you can do what you want."
A small trembling smile spread over Pettigrew's face, "Lady Hermione…thank you. Thank you."
They picked him up and prepared themselves to go through the remainder of the valley until Dobby yelled from somewhere far off the path. From what they could hear, he was deep into the dragon's nest. Ron and Fred went ahead to find Dobby, making sure that not all of them could be potentially hurt. They went in, weaving between the dragon nests which seemed more like a maze, keeping an ear out to Dobby's yelling voice. When they walked around a particularly large nest with huge slash marks in the ground, they gasped. Not all the dragons had left. Standing before them was a black looking Norwegian Ridgeback, creating a dry patch of dirt around it. It sat nestled in a nest. Dobby was telling him to shoo.
"Dobby stop it!" yelled Ron, "You don't want it to…"
It was too late; Ron stopped as the dragon reared, standing up at least 30 feet tall. It gave a deafening roar, as flames flew into the air. Dobby kept on yelling at it like it was a misbehaving pet. Ron was about to take out his wand and dash to Dobby's aid when it sank back down on all fours, purring calmly. It looked at bizarre little house elf barking orders and then slowly lowered it's head in an unmistakable bow. Ron and Fred jaws dropped when the dragon kicked off into the air and flew up flying south. Smaller and smaller it got when it disappeared into the clear grey sky.
Hermione and George ran into them, their wands out.
"We heard a dragon," panted Hermione, "We thought that…that…"
Dobby was standing on the ridge of the nest and with a great big smile gestured them to come over. They carefully went him and at Dobby's encouragement peered into the nest. There lay in the bottom of the nest was a broken battered looking broom. To be more precise, a Firebolt …Harry's Firebolt.
"It's a portkey sir!" said Dobby Fred who was closest to him, "It will help us out of here sir!"
They looked at it apprehensively considering all of Harry's attempts to keep visitors out. Would he equally be as determined to keep visitors from leaving? However Harry did tell Dobby to see them safely home, he wouldn't betray Dobby's trust would he? Having no real other option, they prepared themselves. They went back to gather their things, Ginny and Pettigrew and brought them all near the nest. Dobby had levitated the broken broom out onto the ground. Ron, Hermione, Dobby and Pettigrew would grab on by themselves. Fred and George would hold onto Ginny's coffin. All at the same time, the touched it. They suddenly felt something pull them behind their navel, as if a fishing line had caught them. Off they rise, high up into the air, seeing the landscape below whirl past them. Over the winding canyon of ice, through the steam of the lake and down back onto the ground on the other side. They felt their feet hit the snowy ground and dropped the old Firebolt, the sky was still clear. Fred and George inspected Ginny, making sure her body didn't suffer any damage. Ron and Hermione took in their surroundings. Pettigrew was whimpering looking southwards
"What is it Peter?" asked Hermione.
"They're still there. I can feel them. Feel their hunger for us," he squealed.
They looked and they could see the looming wall of dementors in distance to the south. A black void just waiting to consume them all. Already they felt exhausted, but the feeling of disappointment outweighed their fear. They all moved closer seeing nothing better to do at the time and stopped when they were within a good few yards away from the wall safely outside the range of the dementors.
"Well Harry certainly thought this out well," said George, his face remembering what happened inside last time.
"He wouldn't let us get hurt…at least not this time," said Ron unconvinced.
The unsettling feeling of Harry wanting to hurt them again grew in Ron's mind. What was supposed to happen? Why didn't Harry just have the port key take them past the dementors? Hadn't Harry want to them to get to safety? The wall of the dementors groaned, as they began to feel their hearts freeze.
They looked at Ginny's body and revelation sunk in. How they could possibly get through the wall this time with a coffin and Dobby and Pettigrew. They might have to make two or even three trips through the wall. Even the sight of the dementors drained them of energy. They felt as if they should just drop down and sleep, possibly forever. Hermione looked at Ginny expecting her to panic, but she was still and calm. She looked how pristine she looked, not a mark on her, her arms folded on her chest, he wand clasped in her hands. Something in her mind lit up like a fire, she dashed over to Dobby who was just staring, hypnotized by the blackness before them.
"Dobby," she said trying to contain herself, "Do you still have Harry's wand?"
Dobby looked down at his belt as if surprised to see the wand there. He brought it out and tried to offer it to Hermione, it's pale light still illuminating it.
"No Dobby, point it at the wall," she said.
Everyone else was looking at what was going on. Dobby pointed it at the wall. Moments passed and nothing happened. Hermione looked disappointed and just as she was going to discuss certain plans with Ron, Dobby gasped. The white light that enveloped the wand seemed to be traveling to the tip. Slowly, like water dripping off an icicle, the light traveled to the tip collecting into a small ball of energy. Suddenly they were blinded by a great flash of light, they squinted to see silver strands shoot out of the end of the wand slowly forming into a patronus. Harry's stag patronus stood proudly before them pawing at the ground. It looked around, then noticing the wand in Dobby's hand, it walked over and stood in front of him as if waiting for a command.
Dobby gestured nervously with his eyes towards the wall. The stag bowed its head and carefully walked towards the wall of dementors. They groaned from the light, an entire section of wall floating backwards, straining to advance forward. The silver stag pressed on as if uninhibited by the absolute darkness that laid before it. Pulses of light emanated from the stag as it continued on, with each one being brighter than the previous. It was like a wave of water crashing against a wall, but with each crash it was eroding it. The dementors tried to hold their ground but with a loud collective moan, a great divide appeared in the wall of black cloaks. The chasm grew wide, and wider still. One meter, five meters, fifty meters. They saw the ground proper for the first time, dead, black with decay.
The stag paused when it walked a bit ways into the empty space between the dementors. It look back as if a gesture for the others to follow. They quickly prepared to follow, half amazed, half reluctantly. Dobby led the way, holding Harry's wand in the exact same position when he first pointed it. Pettigrew whimpered, grip with fear, but Ron and Hermione guided him, their wands out in case the patronus would ever wear off. The stag slowly moved forward, careful to keep a close distance to the group and every once in a while looking back at them. If dementors ever exhibited fear, it would be in this case. Once or twice one would try to pierce the light however it would reel back, disappearing into the writhing cloaks with a terrible scream. George pulled at Fred's sleeve and told him to look up and they noticed that they actually saw the sky above them.
The end of the wall had appeared well before they reached it. The stag stopped a few meters before the exit and stood like a guard near the exit waiting for everyone to walk out. It stayed there until everyone was good safe distance away. The stag then cantered out and followed the group into the snowy while the dementors filled the gap like two giant waves slamming into each other. They moaned this final time as if in relief that the painful light has left them.
The stag walked towards Ron and Hermione who patted it on its muzzle. It nudged them to move on as it disappeared into silver vapor.
They were started to move on when at that moment Dobby dropped Harry's wand into the snow. He went over to pick it up he couldn't, it was as if something had grabbed a hold of it. He put both his hands on it and tugged at it with all his might but his hands slipped off hitting him in the nose. Ron looking a bit confused walked over to pick up the wand, but it felt like it was part of the ground. He gave a small yank at it, but didn't budge at all. He started to pull with all his might until Hermione stopped him and helped him up by the shoulders.
"The wand chooses the wizard Ron," she said quietly with a small tear in her eye. Ron looked at her and gave her a small warm smile. The twins shouted out to saying they're ready to trek out of the canyon. Pettigrew still looked nervous as if expecting some sort of trap. Dobby on the other hand started crying again quietly, sad that he could not bring along a memento of his master.
They all left, feeling the cold leave them as Harry's wand laid stuck in the canyon…waiting for the next owner worthy enough to wield it.
It was still clear as they walked southwards. For two hours they walked, they couldn't think and they barely know what direction they were heading. Even Dobby who was usually very vocal and chipper looked sadder than they've ever seen him. Pettigrew panted, weaker than the rest, but still trodden on determined to be free. They were all just walking on without much of a clear direction when suddenly they heard barking off in the distance. They looked around and saw small red tents. They slowly approached them cautiously. Hermione's face lit up as she saw a banner of Durmstrang flapping in the wind. Students in great fur coats already were already coming over to them.
It looked like the students had camped out there for days, waiting for them. One of them came up to them greeting them in broken English. The Twins felt so relieved they hugged each and everyone of them. Fearing the worst, the students used their sleds to bring them back to Durmstrang as quickly as possible where they cleaned themselves up and rested for the night.
Viktor was sad that they had to part so soon, but sadder still upon hearing of Harry's fate. He wanted them to stay until they were good and rested, however Ron suggested that at the time, it was inappropriate for any exuberant hospitality. They boarded the ship the next day, hardly speaking to each other as they guarded Ginny's coffin. When they were near warmer waters, they switched over and boarded back onto Salty's ship who's cheery disposition saddened at the sight of the coffin.
"Bless me soul," said Salty as he heard the story of their adventures.
The seas were smooth sailing for the rest of the trip back to the Shetland Islands. Salty tried to keep them company, but even he was silent amongst them. There they sat in the cabin, either staring into their mugs, looking outside of the window as the sea spray splashed the side of the ship, or just trying to remember some distant memory.
"Fred, George," said Ron.
The Twins looked up from their mugs, this time too sad to even feel seasick.
"I'm sorry. I was wrong. You two were right," said Ron with a steady voice.
Normally the twins relished being the winners of anything, but they looked even sadder.
"No Ron," said Fred, "We were all wrong."
There was something comforting in that comment. Ron gave a small smile while Hermione held his hand.
"Now no reason to be all sad," said Salty raising his mug, "Every storm has its ending!"
"To Harry Potter," saluted Fred and everyone raised a cup.
Hermione's ear heard a sob as the rest started to speak about Harry's exploits. She looked over at the cargo and saw Pettigrew weeping near Ginny's coffin. She put down her cup and walked over.
"What's wrong Peter?" she asked as she put her hand on his shoulder.
"Oh Lady Hermione," said Peter, "I'm just crying for Mistress Ginny. She was always so kind…even to me. Very much the same grace you have milady.'
Hermione's face turned a small shade of red, but she asked with a concerned voice, "Why do you keep calling me Lady?"
Pettigrew's face grew dark and he shuddered. Wrapping himself in his arms he quietly said, "Master Potter…told me to respect people who are my superiors. That a rat should acknowledge those better than them, properly."
He looked up expecting eyes of fear, the very same eyes that struck so many who knew the Harry he knew, but instead he saw pity and compassion.
"Peter," said Hermione, "You've done wrong. But Harry has forgiven you now. You have given a second chance at life…at being a good person."
Pettigrew smiled weakly and Hermione left him to ponder the thought. He didn't say much afterwards. The group reminisced about Harry, almost forgetting the problems they had with him. Dobby on the other hand looked very sad.
"What's a matter Dobby? Cheer up, we're talking about Harry!" encouraged Fred.
Dobby sniffled, "I can't Mr. Weezy sir. Dobby feels…Dobby feels like Dobby lost his best friend sir."
He honked his nose onto his clothes than he wore. Fred flinched at seeing the act and tried to ignore the crying house elf beside him, but eventually patted him on the head gently. Hermione nudged Ron and gave him a stare. It took a Ron to catch on but his eyes lit up.
"Uh…Dobby," said Ron, "Do you have anywhere to go?"
"No sir," said Dobby, "Dobby could maybe go back to Hogwarts…but the memories of Harry Potter would just hurt more sir."
"Well…my mom could need some help nowadays, what getting older now," said Ron, Hermione gave him a small pinch, "I guess you could stay with her…you know help her out."
Dobby's face lit up slightly almost standing on his seat, but he sat down again, "No sir…thank you but Dobby will have to see for himself what he can do."
Ron shrugged and joined back into the conversation while Dobby sat deeply in thought. As they pulled into dock Salty helped them unload, and actually cried a bit when they were about to leave.
"Ah don't worry about this old coot," said Salty, "I get weepy eyed with everyone I meet." He hobbled off down the road back into his house.
They were about to leave when they noticed Pettigrew was still standing in the same place. Ron and Hermione walked up to him wondering what he was up to.
"What's a matter Peter?" asked Ron.
"It's been years since I been back," said Pettigrew breathing deeply. He looked a bit more like himself since he was fed better at Durmstrang. Even his round face seemed more alive.
"Well there's more to see if you come with us," said Ron.
Pettigrew looked at them his eyes blinking, his body a bit stiff, "I can't come with you."
They looked a bit shocked. "Why?" asked Hermione.
"I need…I need time to find myself," Pettigrew said quietly, "I still have things that haunt me."
"We can help you," said Ron, "We can help you get back on your feet."
"No…but thank you Lord Ron and Lady Hermione," he said with a small smile, "I need to leave, but by myself. Perhaps out there somewhere…I will find redemption for what I did."
They were about to object when Pettigrew closed his eyes. His robes fell off him as his body shrunk, growing fur and his nose sprouted whiskers. Off they saw a small tired looking rat run off into a hill.
"I hope you find what you are looking for," said Hermione quietly and they turned around and left.
To Ron and Hermione's surprise, they saw a carriage awaiting them at the bottom of the path. They looked at Fred and George loading up the supplies. When they gotten close enough to ask how this happened, Charlie popped his head out of the door and looked at them. He ran over hugging Ron and Hermione so hard, they'd thought he would never let go.
"Charlie!" exclaimed Ron, "What …how. Where did you get this carriage?"
"You can ask him," said Charlie as he pointed over to the door.
There stood Percy, his horn rim glasses glinting in the sun, looking very solemn. He walked over and just as Ron was going to shake his hand, Percy hugged him. He could felt tears soak into his shoulder.
"Thank you Ron," wept Percy.
Ron didn't say a word. He just patted him on the back. When he pulled away, he went over to the glass coffin and joined Charlie. They looked very sad, but very happy at the same time that Ginny was back.
"Come on now," said Charlie though tears, "Shouldn't keep the others waiting."
They secured Ginny's coffin and all got into the carriage. An old ministry official clicked his tongue and the carriage whisked up into the air disappearing into the clouds. They were heading home. Ginny had finally come back home.
Mrs. Weasley cried so hard, her eyes were red for days when they first came back. She cried even harder when she saw Ginny, but somehow she was more relieved than ever. Even though it wasn't apparent, they seemed to think that Ginny face was brighter, even happier now. Bill and Fleur were saddened by the news of Harry, as was everyone else. Yet somehow they all silently forgave him. In the end they all felt that they lost two family members now, even though it too a tragedy such as this to make them realize this…to bring them all together.
It was unprecedented on how many people showed up for Ginny's funeral, especially considering they held it on Christmas Eve. They held the funeral outside in the snow, but the day was very warm. It was quite heartbreaking that the sun had to shine so brightly on such a sad day, but they think that even in a blizzard people would have come.
Teachers from Hogwarts came, even those who never taught Ginny or even Harry arrived. Almost everyone from Ron's and Hermione's graduating class arrived consoling them. Ginny's graduating class also came. For the first time in Ron's and Hermione's life, they saw Luna Lovegood cry. They consoled her by telling her the story which comforted her a bit knowing that Ginny did what she chose to do. Most of the D.A. came, each feeling a bit guilty they never came along to help one of their own. Some friends of the other Weasley brothers had arrived, Lee Jordan brightening up Fred's and George's day. Only Percy didn't have any friends come visit him, although he looked rather nervous that day, his voice sounding a bit shaky. Even Viktor made an appearance in which he gave consoling words in his best English.
When everyone was seated, Mrs. Weasley tearily thanked everyone for attending. She tried to say something about Ginny, but Fleur had to help her off stage when she couldn't continue. Other classmates came up and said a few words, remembering some of the happier days. When the last person seemed to have finished speaking, Ron was introduced to give a few last words.
Hermione gave him a small reaffirming tap on the shoulder and Ron walked up to the podium with a small piece of parchment. He looked at the huge seated crowd and wanted to change his mind for even suggesting saying something. He nervously cleared his throat.
"Ginny was my sister and the youngest of our family. She always wanted to be someone special and she was to us. When I was attending school I felt I had to protect her from…."
Ron stopped. The crowd murmured a bit wondering what was going on. There was a small crack to the left. A flock of birds scattered and flew over the funeral getting everyone's attention. Ron looked over at the forest only to see an old house elf wearing emerald green robes that were much too big for him, hiding partially behind a tree, looking incredibly sad.
"Is that Kreacher?" whispered George to Hermione.
"I think…I think it is," she replied as she squinted trying to make sure.
"Well, I guess he's not so much of a little monster after all," said George smiling slightly.
Kreacher hid back behind the tree but making sure he had one eye out onto the funeral.
Ron sighed, the crowd already restless. He looked down in the front row, at his wife, his brothers, his sister in law and his mother who was weakly smiling. He saw his family, waiting for him to say something significant. He felt a wind gust through the crowd and whether by force or his own will, the parchment flew out of hand and away into the air.
Ron steadied himself and looked at the crowd
"Ginny was our sister," he said proudly, "Sometimes we wouldn't agree with what she did and she didn't agree with us, but…I guess that's what families do. She was one of the most bravest people I've ever known and even though she was the youngest of all of us…and was weaker when she was growing up…I sometimes wished I had half her strength. Me and my brothers thought we'd always have to protect her. We'd always thought that we'd all die before her because we were older. We've never imagined that the youngest of us…our sister…would be the first to leave. But she died being with the person she loved. She died because she loved my best friend."
Ron looked down at Hermione who was smiling encouragingly.
"We should only be so lucky to find someone to love so much like Ginny did," said Ron.
He walked off stage and Hermione ran over and hugged him. Bill and Charlie with tears in their eyes told him he did a good job. Fred and George patted him on the back wondering when he'd become such a poet. Fleur and Mrs. Weasley hugged him and kissed his cheeks until they were covered with lipstick. They heard a faint crack and looked over at the trees again. Kreacher was gone. Already the crowd had started to file up on stage to say good bye to Ginny one last time. On the way, many of them thanked Ron for the eulogy.
Ron, Hermione, Fred and George walked off to talk amongst themselves, feeling incredibly tired and exhausted entire ordeal. What happened in the past week played over and over in their minds. They looked at each other and knew that someday soon they would have to address what happened to Harry. An incredible burden had been given to them and they didn't know how they would engage it.
"Ron and Hermione Weasley?" asked a wizard standing over them.
"Yes?" said Ron.
"I'm with the Auror Office…if you would like to come with me please," he said sternly.
"Oi what is this?" said Fred as he stood up, but suddenly six other wizards surrounded them.
"We just like to ask a few questions," said the wizard, "we don't want an…incident. They can come if they want."
Ron held up his hand stopping the twins. They nodded and as they all held hands, Ron holding onto the arm of the Auror, a series of cracks echoed in the cold winter air and they were all gone.
Moments later after descending a few stairs, they entered a large fire lit office. They filed in stopping in front of the desk, the Aurors guarding the door and standing against the walls. Percy was standing beside a chair with the back facing them. He looked very nervous, his face trying to tell them he didn't betray them. The chair swung around and a man with long trimmed sideburns in a grey suit looked stared at them. Marcus Scrimgeour, the son of Rufus Scrimgeour sat before them: the current Minister of Magic. He was no older than Ron or Hermione by perhaps 10 years. His face looked strong and viral, but his faced looked aged beyond his years. It was as if his father had told him of the dark experiences he encountered, draining him the innocence of youth. Yet even though he was not as experienced as his father…there was a glint is his eyes. The drive to prove himself.
"You work for the Ministry don't you Mr. Weasley?" he said as his eyes moved over Hermione, Fred and George.
"Yes sir," said Ron polite as possible, "I work in the Department of…"
"I'll dispense with the pleasantries," interrupted Scrimgeour, "Do you know why I wanted to talk to you?"
"I haven't a clue sir," replied Ron.
"My sources have collected some information on your travels last week," said Scrimgeour as if uninterested with his answer, "witnesses saw you board a ship heading north. A ship usually associated with travelers to The Durmstrang Institute."
"We were seeing an old friend at Durmstrang," said Hermione quickly.
"Oh really?" said Scrimgeour raising a questionable eyebrow, "And was there any other reason for your visit to Durmstrang?"
"No sir," said Ron pushing Hermione gently back, "Is there something you want to ask us sir? I thought that the Ministry was on good terms with Viktor Krum."
"We are, but there are things in…the area that are of concern to us," said Scrimgeour.
They said nothing as the fire crackled in the silence.
"I also heard that you came back with your sister's body," he said.
"Yeah! So? What of it?" said George raising his voice.
"A one Ginny Weasley…who was married to you classmate...Harry Potter," said Scrimgeour precisely.
"He wasn't my classmate," said Ron through gritted teeth, "He was my friend…sir."
"Friend or not," said Scrimgeour his voice very firm, "Harry Potter has been deemed a very dangerous wizard. Reports of Dark Wizards and Witches heading north where he was reported to be last seen, and never coming back, is a problem of national security."
"What are you implying sir?" asked Ron loudly.
"I'm thinking that you know something that we don't," said Scrimgeour, his eyes beginning to blaze with fire, "Something that is very important the security of the wizarding community."
"Yeah I know something," said Ron as he reached into his robes.
The Aurors drew out their wands. Percy gasped. Ron drew something long and silver and tossed it onto Scrimgeour's desk scattering his neatly piled papers and books. Scrimgeour's eyes widened as Aurors looked in amazement at what laid before them.
"Harry Potter's dead," said Ron firmly. Hermione, Fred and George looked in awe at Ron, who stature seemed to diminish Scrimgeour's.
Scrimgeour rose out of his chair slowly, scowling. He looked at the sword, feeling it as if making sure it was real. He slammed his fist onto the desk sending books and scrolls jumping.
"He can't be dead," hissed Scrimgeour, "Someone as powerful as Harry Potter doesn't die. He has survived death once by the hands of You-Know-Who, and he himself has survived death. I highly doubt it would be as simple as you paint it Weasley! You know something."
"He's dead. And if you want to send your Aurors north to check on his ruined castle where his body is buried, go right ahead!" said Ron.
"Don't forget to tell them to bring an extra pair of shorts when they get to the wall of dementors," said Fred.
"I want to know where Harry Potter is!" shouted Scrimgeour, his face livid.
The stood silently, Scrimgeour panted staring at them. Percy was looking very frightened. After a moment, he waved his hand and his Aurors dropped their wands and stepped aside. Ron, Hermione, Fred and George started to walk out when Scrimgeour cleared his throat.
"You better be careful, all of you. Azkaban has been known to loosen tight lips," warned Scrimgeour.
"Are you threatening us?" asked Hermione looking disgusted.
"I will do anything to protect the wizarding community," said Scrimgeour coldly, "even if that means having to toss sympathizers into Azkaban."
Scrimgeour nodded and the Aurors closed in on them. Percy begged the Minister to reconsider. Ron, Hermione, George and Fred reached for their wands until a small crack in a corner of the office caught their attention. Standing in the middle of the floor was a house elf.
"What is the meaning of this?" shouted Scrimgeour forgetting about them.
"Kreacher!" gasped George.
Kreacher bowed. He got up cleared his voice and said, "Please prepare yourself for the arrival for Master Harry Potter."
He stepped to the side and with a small crack a wizard apparated into the office.
There stood Harry Potter in crimson red robes with brilliant gold trim. He still looked thin and pale, but more alive than they've seen him since seeing him up north. He looked a bit healthier, as his body seemed to fill his robes. His beard had been shaved off, showing his smooth face beneath. Behind his glasses his eyes brilliant green no longer clouded by darkness. His hair was cut, but still messy as usual, and on his forehead, the unmistakable scar in the shape of a lightening bolt. Every stared at him with mouths open in absolute shock in either seeing Harry alive and well, or in the Minister's of Magic's office.
"Harry!" shouted Fred.
"Get him!" roared Scrimgeour as he pointed his finger at Harry.
They dashed towards him ready to yell out a jinx when Harry just flicked his wand. A great brilliant gold band had spread out from Harry and into the room, sending the Aurors flying back into the wall. Their wand hands were shackled with gold light against bookshelves, the door and the walls all over the office. They struggled, but couldn't move as they tried to break the bonds with their free hands. Everyone else who didn't have a wand out did not get blown back, but Scrimgeour was cowering in his chair. Percy stepped back as Harry approached Scrimgeour.
"Sta…stay back you! There are Aurors coming up this instant!" sputtered Scrimgeour.
Harry flicked his wand and the door slammed shut locking itself. Scrimgeour yelped as if someone stepped on his toe.
"I heard about you…Marcus Scrimgeour," said Harry coolly, "I heard about the terrible things you've been doing. Locking up people for no good reason…spending resources while people go hungry. Your father was no better."
"It's…it's…because of people like you," hissed Scrimgeour, trying to regain his courage, "Wizard's who think they are above the law…wizards who seek too much power! We need to protect people from the likes of you!"
Harry stopped over him. He looked like a powerful wizard, his eyes keen, his body emanating power. The room felt electric as Harry stared down at the trembling Scrimgeour.
"I don't care for power," said Harry firmly, "I don't want to control anyone's life. But I've come back to give out a warning to all. I'm keeping an eye on you Marcus Scrimgeour. If you step out of line again in abusing your power, I will be paying you a visit. The people have been silent for far too long and I will be their voice. I promise that I will not let you ruin any further what good people have worked so long and so hard for…have given their lives for. For a better safer world. For what is right. Good people like Dumbledore…good people…like my parents.
Scrimgeour's eyes were filled with fear. There were bangs on the door, the Aurors had arrived. Harry slowly bent down and placed his wand against Scrimgeour's neck.
"Don't ever threaten my friends again," warned Harry. He turned to look at Ron, Hermione, Fred and George, "I protect those I love."
Harry stood up and walked back to Kreacher.
"It's time to leave," he said.
But before Harry could disapparate,
"Harry!" called out Ron.
Harry didn't turn around, but moved his head to the side.
"It…it's good to have you back," Ron said.
Harry looked down and with a small crack he disappeared. Kreacher bowed with a slight smile at the chaos that happened and also disappeared.
Instantly the golden shackles broke and the Aurors fell down. The door smashed open with more Aurors spilling in, brandishing wands. Percy was helping up Scrimgeour who was in total shock.
As Auror helped up Auror, one of the asked, "What about the prisoners sir?"
"What?" muttered Scrimgeour as he snapped out of his trance, "What are you saying?"
"The prisoners sir," said the Auror.
"Let them go….just…get them out of here," said Scrimgeour weakly.
They were escorted out into the hall as they heard Scrimgeour yell at Percy to do something. Percy looked a bit pained, but smiled back at his brothers as they left who smiled back appreciatively. They all walked out into the winter air and apparated back to the funeral. By the time they returned, many of the guests have left. A few had stayed behind asking what happened. For some reason they felt it was easier to say plainly that Harry Potter was back. The news spread amongst the crowd and even Mrs. Weasley wept at the news. They felt light shine on them, but for some reason for Ron and Hermione, it wasn't the sun that warmed their hearts that day.
They never knew why they chose Christmas Eve to hold Ginny's funeral. It was such a sad day and continued to be well into the future for the entire Weasley family. Yet it still lifted their hearts a little come Christmas Eve where they remember it as a day where the family came home and spent some time…together.