Chapter 13

Wednesday evening

As Hermione was shuttling the wounded up to the hospital wing, Riddle was doing his best to keep his wounded Death Eaters alive. Most healers would have considered Walden McNair's shattered face to be a mortal wound. He had suffered considerable blood loss, as had the Malfoy boy. Riddle had found truly loyal followers possessing competence to be truly rare, and didn't want to lose McNair. Malfoy's son Draco would experience a different fate. In all his years as a Dark Lord, no one had ever stolen from him before. Riddle was still vacillating between admiration of the teen's sheer guts and the desire to put a large hook in him and feed him to the fish in the ocean as a warning to the others to never cross him.

Riddle used his wand to cauterize both of the wounds while Snape quickly made a dozen units of blood restorative potion. As the potion was brewing, he split what was available in hopes of keeping both of them alive. In reality they both might die from their wounds before the other batches were ready.

The raid had netted him 290,000 Galleons. It was more than he'd expected, but less than he needed to wage an extended war. Unfortunately the cost had been greater than he could afford to sustain. Eight Death Eaters failed to return. So had the dementors, but they hadn't come back last time until he'd summoned them back.

The reports on the fate of the villagers that he received from the Death Eaters were unreliable and not of much use. He would get a copy of the Daily Prophet over the next few days and see what was reported. He also wanted to see if his little discussion with the reporter Whiteheart and the editor McDonald from the Daily Prophet office had been effective.

He was hopeful that the dementors may have kissed 300-500 residents before his Death Eaters apparated away. If so, the Ministry would almost certainly sue for some sort of settlement. Riddle had respected Scrimgeour as a leader, but had no real knowledge of Abraxan. What wasn't clear was how those that hadn't returned were captured and why so few returned. At that moment he counted eleven Death Eaters, two of which were badly wounded. Fortunately of the eleven who had returned, Severus Snape, Walden McNair, Peter Travers, Lucius Malfoy, Rabastan Lestrange, Antonin Dolohov, Thomas Nott, Thomas Crabbe and Luis Mulciber had served him since the first war.

Riddle realized that more than ever, he needed to find and repatriate the captured Death Eaters. He would act on the information that Wormtail had given him, even if it meant venturing to Azkaban Island alone.

Tom Boyl and Draco Malfoy were new in the last year, but both were competent. Seeing the nature of Draco's wounds, Riddle decided that he would wait and torture the teen after he had healed.

As the hours passed, and it became apparent that McNair would live, Riddle made him a right side for his face out of the same molten silver material as he had done with Wormtail's hand. In the end, he looked like something out of one of the Terminator movies, but he was healed and stronger than ever. Malfoy wouldn't be so lucky. Due to the nature of his wounds he would come to understand the difference between a pointer and a setter.

… --- …

At 7:00 the next morning Harry got of bed, still sore from the night before. He put on a pair of slate gray trousers and a white dress shirt over his dragon hide armor that he decided was his fate to always wear. He knew that most of the day would be filled up with meetings that couldn't be avoided.

When the four of them had returned the previous night they had gone straight upstairs. After releasing Harry and giving him one last hug, Hermione had stopped briefly to let her parents know what had happened before going to her own room. Susan had asked Dobby to put Alyx in the room next to hers.

This morning Emma and Dan were in the kitchen trying unsuccessfully to get the little elves to please let them help with something around the house. Emma saw Harry first and said, "Good morning Harry. Busy night last night?" She didn't smother him like Mrs. Weasley would, but he knew her to be a very genuine person.

Harry nodded and smiled sadly. He looked at the Daily Prophet. In surprisingly small letters, the headline read,

Lord Voldemort Attacks Daily Prophet Offices.

Lord Voldemort entered the offices of the Daily Prophet last evening and talked with this reporter. In a small display of his power he calmly walked into the Daily Prophet offices on Diagon Alley and effortlessly tortured this reporter mercilessly for several minutes.

Then he proceeded to illustrate his mastery of mind control by causing Daily Prophet Master Printer Richard Dundee to murder his life-long friend and workmate Larry Gordon.

The article went on to describe both acts in detail then had another nearly full page about the "battle" in Diagon Alley in which the former Ollivanders site was destroyed. There were a half dozen photos of Riddle and the murder scene at the Prophet.

Harry was surprised that Riddle had let the reporter live. To his knowledge, prior to the photos that he'd taken in his pensive, there had been no photos published of Riddle. Apparently he had wanted the story published.

Emma handed him The Quibbler next. It didn't mention the Diagon Alley attack, rather had headlines about Hogsmeade. Harry looked at them.

Massive Dementor Attack in Hogsmeade

(Harry Potter and friends drive dementors from Hogsmeade and save the village)

Last night the Village of Hogsmeade was the scene of the largest battle of the wizarding world's war against the current dark lord, the wizard who calls himself Voldemort. Though there was serious loss of life of the villagers, Harry Potter and a group of his friends who were in the village having a pint staved off the attack killing nearly 60 of the foul dementors before driving them off.

Others assisted by waving flaming brands at the creatures to keep them at bay and helping other residents to safety. Three Broomsticks Proprietor Rosmerta Masters was quoted saying, "A big group of those dementors had gathered to attack the village. With the help of Mr. Potter and those other brave folk, the streets were covered with the empty cloaks of dementors that Mr. Potter had killed. I saw one brave witch, an Auror Cadet I believe, dash out and do her very best to save ordinary folk. It was one of the most courageous things I'd ever seen. Not just the Aurors, but others fought back against those scum who called themselves Death Eaters. They're a bunch of cowards if you ask me. More like little boys hiding behind masks."

It seemed that robbery was the real motive for the raid. Folgard's currency exchange shop appeared to be the primary target. Four Death Eaters were killed by citizens fighting back. They've been identified as Vincent Crabbe, Greg Goyle, Tomas Duncan and Dale Duncan. Minister of Magic Natasha Abraxan was quoted as saying, "The dementors did cause regrettable loss of life and we will all be praying for those who lost family members. We should also be thankful that the Wizarding population has had enough of the Death Eaters and decided to fight back. Those Death Eaters that were captured will doubtless reveal plenty of useful information."

The names of the captured Death Eater weren't released.

The rest of the paper also showed photos, but the slant was entirely different. It showed the Unspeakables holding up the empty cloaks, the rather large pile of empty cloaks, a picture of a mediwitch on a stretcher making the V sign that PM Churchill was famous for during the Second World War.

Dan looked at Harry and said, "So you were out having a few pints with your mates after your meeting last night. Then what happened?"

Harry had just begun his story when Hermione came down, sat next to him and said, "Please start over Harry. I'd like to hear too."

Harry explained the overall situation as best that he could. He really didn't know the statistics and commented, "It's strange that they weren't reported in the Quibbler."

Emma replied, "Maybe they didn't have the final counts by the time that they had to go to press."

Harry shook his head and said, "Maybe, but I think they chose to omit the numbers. The dementors must have gotten about 200 of the villagers. Another dozen or so were murdered by the Death Eaters, and maybe as many as a hundred villagers were wounded."

"Less than that," replied Hermione. "There are only 25 beds in the hospital wing. They were full by the time we left. Madam Pomfrey and the other Healers probably treated and released another 50, but the total number was well under 100."

Just then Susan and Cadet Alyx came into the kitchen. Alyx was still a bit unsteady on her feet and Susan was holding her arm to steady her. Winky pulled out two of the chairs for them and said, "Good morning, Miss Susan. Good morning Miss. I is Winky. I'm Harry Potter Sir's house elf. What can I get you for breakfast?"

Susan smiled and said, "Good morning Winky. This is Alyx. I'll have coffee, juice, bangers and pancakes. Alyx?"

"I'll have the same if it's not too much trouble. Thank you Winky." The young cadet didn't take Harry's hospitality for granted and looked over at him.

Harry was still tired and slow to make the introductions. Hermione said, "Alyx, these are my parents, Dr. Dan and Dr. Emma Granger."

"Just Emma," said Emma. "Were you injured last night?"

"Just bumped and bruised really. Mr. Potter saved me a few times."

"He does that," replied Emma. He has that "Saving people thing," the three women chorused in together smiling at him. They each gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Actually Alyx is a great person to have watching your back in a fight," said Harry, his face flaming from the unexpected attention. "She's really quick on her feet."

"Coming from you, that's quite a compliment," said Susan.

"She was probably more help to me than I was to her. Her Patronus charm really helped last night. It saved lives."

"You looked pretty banged up when I saw you, Alyx," said Hermione. "Your robes were …" she paused, realizing that this might be embarrassing.

"Yeah, there wasn't much left of them," the Auror Cadet admitted, only slightly flustered. "I guess I really put on a show," she said, glancing sheepishly over at Harry.

Harry swallowed hard, his face going red again. While he hadn't noticed during the battle, sitting in the castle next to Alyx afterwards had afforded him a magnificent view of her assets. He had been relieved first that McGonagall had engaged him in conversation, then when Hermione had come and sat between him and Alyx and started mending her robes. Hermione smiled at the discomfort of her honorable friend, but was surprised to see Susan blushing too. Clearing her throat she tried again.

"Anyway," she continued, "What happened?"

I was helping Harry in front of the Three Broomsticks. Two dementors grabbed me and picked me up. One lowered its hood. It was disgusting. Suddenly they dropped me and I landed badly, but Harry picked me up. You killed both of them, didn't you?" she asked.

Harry nodded, but didn't say anything else. He took no pleasure in killing.

Alyx said, "He told the dementors to go back to Azkaban, or he'd kill them all. Then they just… left."

"Did you really?" asked Hermione, clearly impressed.

"I suppose," replied Harry. "I doubt that they'd listen to me though."

"How many were destroyed?" asked Emma using as much tact as she could.

"I heard 56," said Susan, "but I don't know for sure."

"How many were at the wedding?" asked Dan.

"About 200," replied Hermione. "They're said to be an ancient creature predating the school. There's not too much information about them. We don't know for certain if it's Harry, or Harry's sword that can kill them, or any sword. There are no recorded deaths of dementors prior to the wedding."

"I expect if it were any sword, they'd have been wiped out a long time ago," said Harry. "Then again, being wrong about that wouldn't be very much fun." He got up and put his dishes in the sink then went back and gathered the others, with Winky giving him an exasperated house elfish look. He said "I have to go see the Minister this morning, then Professor McGonagall wanted to me to have lunch with her."

"Harry, just a moment," said Emma. She went with him out in the hallway and said, "It would look better if you wore a grey shirt over your vest." She made a move to smooth his hair, but realized that as it was longer, it took care of itself.

Harry said, "Thanks Emma." He smiled at her, and went up to take her advice. He recognized that she had fantastic taste in clothing.

As Harry finished changing, Hermione knocked on the door and stepped inside. "You said you were going to see the Minster. Are you going to ask about Ron?"

"Among other things," Harry said. "He was the first friend I ever had, Hermione. I have to try to do something." He ran his hand through his hair, clearly troubled.

Hermione could see the anguish he was in and moved forward and took his arm. At that point Brigid trilled from her perch near Harry's bed. As intended, the phoenix song helped to lift the spirits of the downhearted teens.

"He was the second friend I ever had," Hermione said looking straight into Harry's eyes. "Even though we argued all the time, I still care for him a lot." She dropped her gaze and continued softly, almost as though she was speaking to herself. "I don't think things would ever have worked out between us. We were just too different." She looked back up at Harry. "I know you'll do whatever you can. Good luck." She reached up and gave him another kiss on the cheek, then turned and left the room. Harry stared after her for a while, thinking about friendship, and feeling grateful that he still had at least one of his best friends.

… --- …

Poppy was discharging most of her patients today. The only ones left were Tonks who'd had some cranial hemorrhaging and Aberforth with a nasty gash on his left leg. At 151 years old, even wizards tended to heal more slowly. She smiled at Remus who was sitting faithfully by the young Auror's side. After the others had been sent on their way, Poppy came over and asked, "Miss Tonks, how are you feeling today?"

The spirited Auror replied, "Like I've been run over by a heard of hippogriffs, but actually that's quite an improvement from last night. Thank you for helping me."

The master healer appreciated being recognized for doing her part too. She replied, "No problem. Go get dressed when you are ready. Then you can leave."

"What about me?" asked Aberforth.

"You'll be here through the weekend, you old goat. Take your potion and go back to sleep."

"What about my pub?"

Pomfrey shook her head and gave him a menacing look. "If that filthy rag that you had on was any indication, I'd do better sending the house elves over to straighten it up while you're here. Now go to sleep or your next potion will be delivered preceded by an enema wash."

… --- …

At nine Harry was shown into Minister Abraxan's private office. They both stood for a moment then shook hands as friends, taking each other in. Natasha looked younger than her years, Harry much older than his.

She started, "I would ask how you've been, Mr. Potter, but I had the unfortunate experience of hearing it first hand last night via your cellular telephone. I can only say, thank you."

Harry replied, "It was the right thing to do, but there were a lot of people who fought bravely last night. Cadet Alyx, Alastor, Auror Tonks and Shacklebolt each saved many lives last night." There surely were others." It wasn't his intention to name all of the names of the Order members, but he made sure to single out the Aurors present.

"You are doubtless correct Harry. Tell me please, how were you able to destroy the attacking dementors?"

"I was given a sword that was originally owned by Godric Gryffindor. Dementors that are stabbed with it turn to dust and goo and then disappear. Minister, there is a possibility that the rest of the dementors left Voldemort's service last night and returned to Azkaban Island."

Astonished, Abraxan asked, "What makes you think such a thing?"

"Well, I told them to right before they floated away."

She looked at him carefully and said, "I see. I shall ask several of the Aurors to visit the Island and see for themselves." She wasn't sure if she was seeing the myth, a teenager, or the greatest leader in the making that the wizarding light side had ever known.

Still feeling guilty about the night before Harry asked, "Minister, how many families live in Hogsmeade?"

She replied, "About three hundred." She wasn't certain of the current number.

"So at least half of the families were affected somehow. What can be done to help them?"

"Let's come back to that." She opened the door to her private restroom and came back a moment later holding a glass container that Alastor Moody had given her. Looking at it she asked, "Harry, is this the wizard who betrayed your parents, Peter Pettigrew?"

Harry looked at the rat in the container carefully and replied, "Yes Minister. Notice the silver paw on his front right hand."

She looked at it and noticed it for the first time. Then she asked, "Harry have you personally witnessed Pettigrew commit any crimes?"

"Yes Minister. He murdered Cedric Diggory on Voldemort's order. I personally witnessed it."

"Thank you, Mr. Potter. I will take care of it. That said, Sirius Black will have his name cleared, if only posthumously. The ministry is prepared to set up a two million Galleon non-profit relief organization in his name, specifically to handle the current and future needs of those who have suffered serious loss at Voldemort's hands or at his order."

"Thank you, Minister. I know a wizard, Remus Lupin who knows a spell to make him change back. Professor Lupin used to teach at Hogwarts. He was very good."

"I'll keep that in mind. What else can I do for you, Mr. Potter?"

Believing that he already knew the answer based on his earlier conversations with Moody, Harry asked, "What can be done for Ron Weasley?"

"Unfortunately very little. The minimum sentencing law is quite clear and cannot be revoked retroactively. The law was put in place to keep a corrupt Ministry from letting Death Eaters off with just a fine. He will have his wand snapped, and his memory modified. He will have no recollections or remembrances of magic or the magical world. He will wake up with only muggle memories, but he will be seventeen, and have a full life in front of him to live. He can have no contact with the Wizarding world and will be banished from Britain. He'll have a caseworker assigned to him to help him transition into living life as a muggle. If you're right about the dementors, even the minimum sentence of ten years in Azkaban for gross carelessness resulting in a death would effectively be a death sentence. If you'd like I can arrange a family visit before the trial."

Harry nodded. He was choking up inside, but didn't want to break down in front of the Minister of Magic.

"You would of course be welcome to accompany them. I am sorry Harry. I know he's your friend. However the law is very specific in this case."

Trying to find some way to help his friend, Harry asked, "Would I be allowed to start a savings account in his name?"

"Yes. That would be very generous of you. Barclays would be a good choice. They have a branch in Melbourne where he'll be sent and his observer is stationed. Your contacts at Gringotts can easily handle it for you. I suggest you set up some sort of trust, since a seventeen year old muggle might not be prepared to handle a great deal of money."

Harry nodded. Even as a wizard a seventeen year old Ron probably hadn't prepared to handle a lot of money. Thinking about his friend, his throat tightened up again and he looked out of the window for a moment to collect himself. Finally he said, "I'll tell the Weasleys about the visit. When can they come?"

Abraxan smiled sadly and said, "I'll make the arrangements to have him come for the day to his parents' home from nine to one. Is that OK?

It wasn't OK but it was probably the best that he or anyone could get. Abraxan explained how the caseworker was the equivalent of a parole officer in this case. She would be responsible to make certain that Ron didn't encounter any problems as he entered the muggle world. She looked thoughtful for a moment and said, "There may be something else you could do to help ease his transition to muggle life. You lived as a muggle yourself for many years, correct?" At Harry's perplexed nod she continued, "Let me talk to the memory adjustment wizards. I'll get back to you."

Harry nodded and Abraxan said, "I'll inform Arthur. I'm certain that they'd rather have their son come visit them at their home than sit in one of the Ministry holding cells." She stood and Harry knew that the meeting was over. Abraxan looked into Harry's emerald eyes and she smiled as she held out her hand.

Harry held out his and shook hers. He nodded and gently closed the door behind him. There were tears welled in his eyes as he left the Ministry building as fast as he could.

Harry took Ragnok's advice and set up an account for a million dollars Australian which was about two hundred thousand galleons. Ragnok handled the transaction personally, knowing that it would be awkward for Ron's brother Bill to be involved.

… --- …

When Harry had talked to McGonagall at the beginning of the summer, he hadn't been sure if he would return to Hogwarts. In her conversation with him after the battle yesterday she had convinced him that the question of his attendance was bigger than he realized. Like it or not, as the leader of the light side his every action had an effect on people's decisions. If he did not attend this year, a hundred or more other students might be kept from their education by fearful parents. She had assured him that she was prepared to do anything necessary to aid in his task and that he would have extraordinary latitude at school. The part of this he hated the most was going to be the interview that she had insisted was necessary to soothe the anxious parents.

With these thoughts in mind, Harry next apparated to the Hogsmeade station and quickly walked to the castle. He didn't want to talk to any one else that he didn't have to and wasn't ready to face the villagers. Mrs. Figg who had accepted the job of caretaker after Mr. Filch had resigned met him at the door. She smiled at him and said, "Good morning, Harry. How are you today?"

"Better, thank you. Are you...?" He wasn't quite certain what to ask.

"Yes. There was a position available here, and I accepted Professor McGonagall's offer. Besides, there was no longer any reason for me to stay at Privet Drive, and it was a bit out of the way for me."

They walked up to the headmaster's office. Minerva, who still hadn't changed the password, was there talking to a young reporter. She looked less than comfortable being with the reporter. Seeing him, she stood and quickly made the introductions. "Harry this is Kris Hamilton. She's a freelance reporter who is writing a story about the school."

Harry's smile was genuine. "Hello Ms. Hamilton. I'm pleased to meet you." As he was doing so, McGonagall was edging back slightly.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Potter. May I take a photo?"

Harry hesitated and replied, "This is really headmaster, er headmistress McGonagall's story. I'm simply here to offer an individual student's viewpoint. Perhaps one together?" He was glad that he'd discussed this earlier with Dan.

She took several. Then Minerva recalled that this was to be a lunch meeting, and Harry did look hungry. A little elf appeared with coffee, tea and butterbeers. Another came with sandwiches, crisps, and salad. While they were eating, Harry casually said, "I think The Quibbler would be the best paper for this story, especially given the recent trouble at the Daily Prophet. I'm amazed that Voldemort let that reporter live after she made him witness one of her co-workers murdering the other one."

Harry had made it sound like an offhand remark, but Hamilton understood it to be work direction. She nodded, and replied, "They did rather well with another story featuring you a year or so ago."

Harry nodded.

Hamilton tried several times to steer the conversation back to the wedding and Hogsmeade attacks, but Harry kept on track. He had seen too much of Rita Skeeter's techniques. Finally Harry suggested, "Perhaps you are looking for two different articles Ma'am? Let's finish this one first. We can Floo Mr. Lovegood regarding the arrangements then I'll briefly discuss the others. Would that be OK?" Harry was not only grateful for the coaching that he'd received from Dan, but also some of the conversations that he'd had with the professor last year.

Harry explained the need from a student's perspective to receive a standardized magical education and in very general terms explained how the security had been breached last year and expressed his doubts that it would happen again. He talked of his confidence in professors such as Sprout, McGonagall and Flitwick to provide quality education and suggested that it would be best if parents kept their children in school.

McGonagall noted that he didn't mention Slughorn.

Hamilton commented, "That's a pretty strong endorsement, Mr. Potter. Let's talk about last night. How is it that you happened to be at Hogsmeade with your friends in the first place?"

Convinced that she wouldn't be pulling any tricks with a Quick Quotes Quill, Harry replied, "A few friends and I were having a pint at The Three Broomsticks and it was our intention that it would be a quiet evening."

"Do you think the two attacks were related?"

Harry replied, "I'm all but positive. I'm sure Voldemort planned both to happen at about the same time to maximize the death and destruction at Hogsmeade. He probably was disappointed that any of the Death Eaters were captured or killed." He provided very little information that she didn't already have, but he hardly ever gave interviews. This would be worth a half year of earnings to her.

"What about the dementors?"

"I found a way where they could possibly be destroyed. I have discussed that in some detail with the Ministry of Magic and I hope they choose to leave the wizarding world alone for a long time. I'm certain that the people in the Department of Mysteries are looking into it very closely."

Harry let her continue for another ten minutes then stood. It was obvious that the interview was done.

She thanked him for his time. Before she left, Harry said, 'Ms. Hamilton perhaps you could send me your final draft before it is sent in. I'd be happy to look it over." Again Hamilton understood that it was work direction. Coming from a man who had slain over fifty monsters the night before, she wasn't going to go against his wishes.

As they were getting ready to leave, Minerva asked, "Harry, could you stay just another minute?"

Hamilton left and she closed the door. Handing Harry another butterbeer, she said, "I can't thank you enough for everything that you've done, both today and… well… I owe you a life debt, Harry. I will never forget it. Thank you."

Harry, looked at her and said, "Let's not keep score Professor. I could never repay you for all the things that you helped me with.

She looked at him sadly and said, "Harry, thank you. I do want to say that I'm sorry that I ever doubted you over the philosopher's stone and that I scolded you over rescuing Ginny in your second year, and especially for not believing you about Draco and Severus. I was wrong." Those conversations had weighed heavily on her mind lately and she wanted to apologize in person while she had the chance.

Harry smiled, and she saw that his gaze would be a match for Albus' someday. He said, "There's nothing to apologize over, Professor. You've been right most of the time. Let's move on."

Grateful that he was so gracious to her she asked, "Harry, what are you planning on studying this term?"

Harry had been expecting this and replied, "Transfiguration, if you're teaching it, and charms. I'll also be receiving private instruction from Alastor on fighting techniques and Bill Weasley on finance. If it is possible, I would like to continue with the D.A. group two evenings a week. I was also wondering if there were any extra visitor rooms available that Hermione and I might be able to use." At her raised eyebrow, he hastily added, "she's working very hard on this and will be working with books that wouldn't be appropriate for the Gryffindor common room. And I will be bringing some weapons into the school, and it might be best…"

She replied, realizing that there was nothing improper in his request, "I understand. The visitor suites should suit your needs well. There are two bedrooms a bathroom and a large sitting area.." He could have asked her for the headmaster's quarters with live-in maid service and she would have given it to him. "I can reserve the spare corridor on the third floor where Hagrid kept that horrible dog."

Harry recalled that the area was quite large and would work well. It was also easy to lock to keep curious students away. He replied, "That would be perfect, Professor. Thank you very much."

McGonagall asked, "What else can I do to help you?"

"Professor, I know you're doing everything that you can to make the castle safe and take care of the kids. I'm fine right now. Please let me know anything else that I can do to help you. Thanks for lunch."

"You're welcome, Mr. Potter. Enjoy the rest of your day." She looked at him for a moment and knew that he was trying to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. He would receive no homework from his classes. She wished the times were different and she could watch the young man take pleasure in playing school Quidditch and chatting up girls. Alas.

Harry replied, "You too, Professor." He closed the door behind him.

… --- …

As Harry was being interviewed by Hamilton, Minister of Magic Abraxan was interviewing Senior Auror Shacklebolt regarding the position of MLE Director.

Kingsley was having one of the hardest conversations that he'd ever had. "I truly appreciate your offer Minister, and believe me, being Director of the organization is one of my life goals."

Natasha had expected the extraordinarily honorable wizard to turn her offer down, but felt the need to ask him. She let him off easily. "But…"

Shacklebolt took a breath and began the carefully worded reply that would detour his career. "I'm very engaged in my current assignment right now, and I believe that the wizarding world has an obligation to help the PM."

Abraxan smiled sadly, knowing what that statement had personally cost the capable Auror. She also knew that he'd given her the stated reason. The unstated reason was that his current assignment allowed him the flexibility to remain active in Potter's not so secret militia.

She replied, "I understand what you're saying. I give you my word that should the position become available again, you will be the first person that I think of." She hoped that it would be several years rather than several days before she had to make good on that promise. "Other than yourself, who would you recommend?"

"John Thomas."

"Excuse me?"

"Ma'am?"

"I don't know a John Thomas."

"I forgot your background as High Priestess. I'm sorry. I'm recommending Lieutenant Colonel John Thomas. He is an SAS training officer, an OF4, our equivalent of a Senior Auror." Seeing Abraxan's puzzled look he added, "He's a wizard on loan from Brisbane. His original assignment was to evaluate dark wizard infiltration in Her Majesty's Royal forces. I helped the PM get him on a three year loan, so he would be available for about two years."

Abraxan nodded. Kingsley said, "I'll send you his jacket."

Abraxan started the other conversation that she wanted to have with the interesting Auror. "I heard you and a few friends were out having a pint last evening with Harry Potter. He told me that he thought the remaining dementors had gone back to Azkaban. Do you believe that?"

Kingsley adjusted his ear stud and replied, "I've seen it. He told them to go back to Azkaban and they left. That doesn't mean that things are back to normal. I doubt that the wizarding population would ever accept their return into Her Majesty's service. At the same time, I don't think this is the time to do anything about it. It may be many years before they're hungry again. They can be dealt with after the war."

"And Potter's militia?"

Kingsley replied, "Which one? He's a natural leader. His skill is getting ordinary witches and wizards to believe in themselves. He taught an entire generation of students how to defend themselves. He's also as firmly planted on the light side as anyone that I've known including Dumbledore."

The High Priestess had to agree with his observation. She replied, "I see. If Colonel Thomas passes muster what would you recommend that he do first?"

"Develop a small strike team within the Aurors that can go out and snatch Death Eaters where they live."

"Then?"

"We need to have some sort of defense plan in place in the event that Voldemort unleashes infiri on Britain. I don't know much about them myself. Perhaps the librarian at the castle can help provide some information that would be useful in developing a plan."

"Then?"

"It appears that Voldemort has his back against the wall financially. It may be possible to get a close estimate of how much they made off with from Folgard's last night. The ministry can't do much in that matter."

"Potter seems to have developed an extraordinarily close relationship with the goblin community. Perhaps he could tell the goblins to take action."

"Minister, I would rephrase what you said like this. The goblins seem to have developed an extraordinary relationship with one wizard, Mr. Potter. He could express an opinion with their leader Ragnok. He can't tell them anything."

She stood and ended their meeting saying, "Thank you for your candidness, Senior Auror Shacklebolt. I receive far too little of that in my position, but have been very fortunate twice today. Should you find yourself having another pint with Mr. Potter in the near future, you might ask him to continue helping the students."

"Very good Minister. I doubt that Colonel Thomas would have any interest in learning about militias."

She understood his unspoken request and replied, "I'm certain that you're correct. Thank you for your time and I will contact you again."

… --- …

Harry's next stop was one that he was dreading. After leaving the Ministry, he apparated to the outskirts of the Burrow and walked through the garden to the house. The Burrow seemed different than any of the other times that he'd been there. No one was in the back garden. As he got to the house, Molly opened the door. She'd obviously been crying for many hours, but her face lit up when she saw him. She gave him one of her trademark hugs and showed him in. "Hello Harry. It's so good to see you. You must be starved. Let me get you something to eat."

He wasn't hungry, but if his eating something made her feel better, he would. As she was cutting him a sandwich and a piece of pie to go with his pumpkin juice she asked, "How was your day?" Her tone was casual, but inside she was terrified of the answer.

"I met with Minister Abraxan this morning. I asked her about Ron." He explained the conversation and the mandatory sentencing options. He also explained the likelihood that the dementors would eventually return to Azkaban if they hadn't already.

Not knowing if she was ready to face his words she asked, "What are you suggesting?"

Harry said, "I can't express how difficult this is to say, but I think it would be in Ron's best interest to have his wand snapped, his memory of being a wizard obliviated and allowed to live a free life as a muggle in Melbourne."

Molly was silent and Harry nervously filled the void. "Mrs. Weasley, I don't want Ron to spend one day in Azkaban. It practically killed Sirius, and most people go crazy within a year or two. She agreed to allow a family visit before the hearing, and was going to talk with Mr. Weasley this afternoon. I don't know what else to say, except I'm so very sorry."

"It's not your fault, dear. Last night wasn't your fault. You can't save everyone. No one can."

She smiled at him and he reached over and hugged her. Harry said, "I need to go now. Will you be all right?"

She replied, "I'll be fine dear. Arthur will be home in a few minutes. Thank you for stopping."

… --- …

Harry returned home shortly before dinnertime. As soon as he walked in the door, Hermione jumped up and pulled him into a hug. Harry was momentarily surprised. Hermione had been somewhat clingy the past few days. He decided that it wasn't really that surprising – she had lost two of her three best friends so it was natural that she was feeling anxious about her remaining one. To tell the truth, he was finding it comforting himself. As she looked up at him he saw the expected question in her eyes and nodded. As he was about to tell her about his conversations Emma walked in. Smiling at seeing her daughter in Harry's arms, she said, "Harry, there's a call for you. It's your aunt Petunia."

… --- …