Chapter Twenty-two

The Time Of Peace

Harry began to calm considerably over the next week. The DA was no longer being trained, as people were preparing for NEWTS, OWLS and finals. Harry also saw that there was no longer a need for the DA to be around. This saddened him slightly, as it meant he had nothing to take his mind off Quidditch.

The Marauders continued to hone their skills, though nowhere near as vigorously as before. They began spending much more of their time just being normal married teens. This seemed enough for them all at the time. Even Harry was finding it fun to sneak out of school and hang out in the Three Broomsticks without worrying that there would be an attack. With the problems that now seemed years past gone, Harry began to enjoy life in the wizarding world.

The only problem felt by all six were the stories that were continuously posted in the Daily Prophet, as well as the Quibbler. Many were slandering them because they wouldn't give interviews. Dumbledore managed to always successfully maneuver the reporters away from them, allowing them the chance to escape from the now threatening reporters quickly, for which they were all very grateful.

Harry and Serena began spending more time with Sam and Remus, trying to really get to know them both. The older couple also admitted to doing the same. They spent many evenings after class having tea in Remus and Sam's place in the teachers quarters. This was the time when Harry felt the most at peace. He felt like he had a family now, even though he knew that soon enough he would have his own parents, as well as his first godfather, returned to him. He had no doubt the spell would work now. The Ring said he needed magic unlike many that ever lived, and he had found a way to tap into a power greater than any had ever known.

The six decided to wait until after finals to make plans about what to do next. There was some talk of the three couples going their own way for a while, but mostly it was just jokes passed around. After all they had been through none were ready to separate just yet. They all felt to close to one another to just leave and follow a different path from the others.

Harry had returned to Dumbledore's office a few times in the week just to talk. He found that this was rather relaxing, as Dumbledore was one of the few people who wouldn't ask him questions he didn't want to answer. They had a mutual agreement. Harry would stop trying to know everything, and Dumbledore would leave all his questions of that day to be pondered by himself till Harry was ready to talk about it.

It wasn't until a leak at the Ministry released the happening on the day of the final battle that Harry began to feel the strain of his new celebrity. Before he had been famous, but now he was beyond fame. People would literally travel from all over the country just to shake his hand. Though he felt honored at being treated this way, it slowly killed all hope that he could just be a normal teenage boy leading a regular life. When Harry read the paper for the first time, which was when someone asked him to sign their copy, he sighed deeply. Seeing that he couldn't escape it, he read what everyone thought was so amazing.

Harry Potter Defeats You-know-who!

The true events come direct from the Minister's Office.

Just today a report straight from the desk of the Minister of Magic

states that Harry Potter was directly involved in the defeat, and

death, of You-know-who on the day of Friday, March 27..

In the report it says that Serena Potter, wife of Harry, and Hermione

Weasley, wife of Ronald Weasley and friend of Harry Potter, were

abducted in the attack on Hogwarts.

Harry Potter was taken ill after the battle, due to what was called

'massive magic drain', and only awoke a week after the battle. It

was then he formulated a plan to rescue his wife and friend.

With the help of a mysterious group known only as 'The Order of

The Phoenix', his friends, as well as every auror and the Minister

himself, Harry Potter led an assault against You-know-who.

Also, during this time, two of his friends were holding back inside

Hogwarts, preparing the students for another battle, one which

again took place at the school. Neville and Ginerva Longbottom

prepared the school for attack on the knowledge of Harry Potter.

The events surrounding the end of Voldemort are sketchy at best,

being as only Harry Potter, his wife, and his two friends were the

only ones to see the events take place, and they all refuse to give

interviews, even to the Ministry. All we know for sure is that

You-know-who was destroyed on that day.

After an intense battle in You-know-who's stronghold, The Order of

The Phoenix, as well as the aurors followed Harry and his friends

again in battle, this time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and

Wizardry.

After what many are calling the most gruesome battle ever fought,

again the side of good triumphed over evil. This is all we know with

certainty, as the rest of these events require the knowledge of those

who were there, and none seem willing to talk. We will keep you up

to date on the events as they are presented to us.

Harry sighed as he read this. When Harry had chosen not to stand in the spotlight, it seemed that people were trying to drag him into it. He was not ashamed, embarrassed, or even worried about what would happen if he spoke about that day, he just wasn't ready to admit to himself the destruction he had caused, even though it was mostly mental to the ones who he cared about.

Serena began to notice Harry acting much like he had when he had been thrown into fame unknowingly. He was becoming more distant with everyone, even them. She cursed the papers repeatedly whenever she noticed him daydreaming or just looking to be in deep thought, and replied with 'I'm fine' every time someone asked him how he was.

Hermione and Ron were worried to, but for another reason. They had always known Harry was strong, but now they saw what was happening to him and they felt horrible. He no longer seemed to have the strength he used to. It all started when Voldemort was defeated, but had disappeared the next day. Ever since the Daily Prophet started printing reports from the Ministry, the look of surrender had entered Harry's eyes.

Neither of them knew what was causing it, but they had an idea. They were worried that Harry had found no reason to keep on going. All he wanted was to disappear from the fame that had been given to him, and now just when he thought he had found the way, it only seemed to get worse. They started talking with Serena about this constantly, since Harry was very seldom seen, spending a lot of his time with Dumbledore. It seemed as if the Headmaster was the only one Harry felt he could talk to freely.

"What are we going to do about him?" Hermione asked.

"The question is, what can we do?" Serena said. "He has closed himself off again. Remus can't even shake him out of it. He won't talk to Sirius about it, he keeps saying Sirius will ask questions he isn't ready to answer just yet. He definitely doesn't talk to me. The only one he does talk to is Dumbledore."

"Yeah, but at least after he talks to Dumbledore, he seems a bit better." Ron said.

"Until the next morning when the Prophet appears." Serena said. "Then he's back to closing himself up again."

"He's always been like that though." Hermione said. "The only time he wasn't was when he wanted to be in the paper. Do you remember when Lockhart used to always drag him into pictures?"

"How can I forget?" Ron asked. "That git almost let Ginny get killed! Thank god my wand was broken."

"Lockhart always was a git, though." Serena said. "I'd met him a few times, and he'd always hit on me, bragging about how famous he was."

"Yeah, that is what he was good for." Ron said. "He could run his mouth like nobody's business."

"But what has that got to do with how Harry's acting now?" Serena asked.

"Whenever fame if forced on Harry, he withdraws from everyone. Even us." Hermione said.

"I know." Serena said sadly. "I just wish he would talk to me like he talks to Dumbledore."

"I see it in their eyes, sir." Harry said.

"What is it that you see, Harry?" Dumbledore asked him.

"I see the pain in their eyes." Harry said sadly. "I see how they are torturing themselves for what happened that day. That's why I won't talk about it, and why I asked them to agree not to as well. I was hoping we could forget that day and only remember that we were free of the worries before it."

"Harry, that is not always best." Dumbledore said. "Sometimes, one cannot forget by pushing it away, but only hide it and have it turn inwards. Muggles call it... post traumatic stress disorder. Wizards call it only what it is though, depression of war."

"But wouldn't Serena know if that was the case with them?" Harry asked. "She was an auror before, surely she would remember something like that."

"I'm not referring to them, Harry." Dumbledore said. "They are suffering, yes. It is not what you are thinking however. You are the one suffering from this. You see depression in everyone, but you don't realize that they are suffering now because you are suffering and not talking about it."

"What right do I have not to suffer sir?" Harry asked, tears forming in his eyes. "I practically forced them into all the battles we have had. I knew they would follow me, but I made no effort to make the battles less tragic. Most times I only increased the tragedy. Because of me, my friend and wife were kidnapped, all of my friends were almost killed, and all just so I could wake up without worrying whether anyone would be chasing me and my friends."

"Yes, Harry, you knew they would follow you." Dumbledore said. "But you are not to blame for that. You did not force them to follow you, never said they had no choice. Every person in this war had a choice on our side to say the least. Tragedy comes in all wars, and you suffer more than anyone for those who died in this one. You are not to blame for this war, Harry. It was not you who caused Tom to come and seek you out. You did not ask to be, forgive me, the boy who lived. You only asked to lead a normal life, and have done much to bring that to life.

"Look at you now, Harry. You have friends who you love, a beautiful and charming wife, a family, and no more worries of dark wizards hunting you. You have the chance to do whatever you wish, and nothing to stop you from doing so. Yet still you suffer so much for something you had no control over." Dumbledore said. "Maybe it is time to let go of your pain, Harry."

"What should I do now, sir?" Harry asked, changing the subject. "I don't want to be an auror anymore, but I don't think I should just sit around with all the money I have and do nothing for the rest of my life. I need some kind of purpose, a job or something. I don't know really, I just hate the idea of surrendering to having no real purpose for being around anymore."

"Harry, that is a problem everyone faces. It is very normal." Dumbledore said, smiling. "People always wonder what they should do after school. You have more extenuating circumstances, of course. What you should do is think of a plan, and go with it. As you have said, Marauders always succeed in their plans."

"How did you know-" Harry started. "Never mind. When you feel the time is right, you will tell me." He added.

"Ah, Harry, I see you are learning." Dumbledore said, smiling happily. "If you are looking for advice as to what to do for now, you should talk to your friends, explain to them what I have said, and let them help you. They will do far better than the old man sitting before you now."

"You have helped me more than you give yourself credit for." Harry said, smiling slightly. "Thank you, sir. Not all Headmaster's would like their free time intruded upon by one of their students."

"Ah, but I never mind." Dumbledore said. "I also think I may have to be considered your friend or else soon we will be parting ways, and I have grown quite fond of you Harry."

"You are a friend to me sir." Harry said. "But in school, I know the rules have to be different. I cannot be other than a student while we are both here, or it would look like favoritism."

"Yes, I know that as well." Dumbledore said. "But during our times in this office, know that unless you are called here, you are a friend and always will be."

"Thank you sir." Harry said.

The next week was filled with very little talk as it was time for the NEWTS. None of the Marauders worried much about them however, as they all planned a life in the muggle world for long enough for all tests to be forgotten. They took the tests with ease knowing that they would pass most of them anyway. On the last day of tests, they returned to their common room to find Dobby and Winky had left them a large selections of sweets and butterbeer. As they all sat and began to eat and drink, Harry decided it was time to talk to his friends as Dumbledore had suggested.

"Guys, can I talk to you for a minute?" Harry asked softly.

"Yeah, of course mate." Ron said.

"We've been waiting for a while for you to talk to us." Hermione said.

"It's about damn time!" Serena said.

"Agreed!" Neville and Ginny said.

"We've been worried bout you, Harry." Neville said.

"Yup." Ginny said.

"Well, it might not be so hard then." Harry began. "Well, you all know I've been talking to Dumbledore almost constantly. I haven't been able to talk to you guys because I felt responsible for all the death you guys have seen. Dumbledore said I am suffering from something called depression of war."

"Oh god, Harry." Serena said sadly. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I've only known for a week, and with the exams none of us looked much like we were very talkative." Harry said. "I don't even really know what it is. I just felt like I caused you guys too much pain leading you all into war the way I did. I feel like I forced you guys into something that you didn't want to do just to help me."

"Harry, you git!" Ginny said. "We have never done anything other than what we wanted to. We chose to help you, you didn't force us!"

"She's right, you are a git to think that." Ron said, smiling at Harry. "We joined you willingly, I would do it again if I could help."

"You see the trouble you cause yourself by not talking to us." Serena said.

"We all promised not to talk about that day." Harry said.

"We did it for you." Serena said. "We can talk about it. We have talked about it, just not around you, or reporters. Why didn't you want to talk about it?"

"Because I'd have to admit that I almost died, that I only defeated Voldemort because of luck, and not some wonderful act of knowledge, because if I said all this I'd have to admit that it was my fight and I dragged you all into it." Harry said. "I don't know, love. I just couldn't talk about it."

"Harry, we knew you almost died." Hermione said. "We thought you did, and I still don't know how you didn't. I saw the spell hit you."

"No, you saw a spell come at me, and me standing there." Harry said. "What you didn't see was me move to the side and then move back instantly. You didn't see me jump out of my body and try to figure out a way to beat him either. You definitely didn't see the soul of Voldemort."

"That's how you did it?" Serena asked. "Here I thought you just had the balls to take the killing curse head on, and got lucky."

"Damn, maybe I should have talked about this before." Harry said, laughing. "No, that was luck though. I figured out what the prophecy meant just when he removed my shield and sent the spell. If it weren't for that, I probably would have died from the shock of having my shield removed."

"So that is what you were afraid of all this time?" Serena asked. "That we would think you were a fraud, or was it that you were worried you would be admitting you were a fraud?"

"I don't know, Serena." Harry said. "You guys had so much faith that I would win without even trying, I was afraid if you all knew the truth that you might be disappointed."

"How could we be disappointed, Harry?" Hermione asked. "You told us when we were creating Dumbledore's Army that most of what happened when you fought Voldemort was luck."

"Yeah, so for once you didn't have all the answers. What does that matter? We never expected you to know exactly what to do." Ginny said. "We just expected you to win."

"And that's exactly what you did, mate." Ron said, smiling cheerfully. "Kicked his sorry ass back to where ever it was he came from, and came out smiling about it at that!"

"Stop worrying that we will think less of you, Harry." Neville said. "We are your friends, and we know that you don't always know your next move. But we also know you improvise well."

"Damn straight." Serena said. "Just look at what you have done for all of us with a little improvising. Ron and Hermione are married and agreeing at times. Hermione is finally relaxed about her perfection of schoolwork, and Ron is one of the six best students in class. Neville is one of the most confident people in the world now, though a lot of that credit goes to Gin, if you hadn't offered him a hand it wouldn't have happened. Ginny is happy and stronger than she ever was. Hell, Harry, just look at me. I'm happy, for god's sake. I've never been this happy before."

"I wasn't alone in the help you all had. You guys did the same. We all did this together. I didn't change anyone, I just stood by while everyone grew up and hoped some of it rubbed off on me." Harry said.

"It was because of you that we grew up, or grew down in my case." Serena said, smiling. "We all grew up, even you. So you made some hasty moves in life. Who doesn't? In the end all that matters is we are all here safe and happy. So why don't you just focus on that?"

"I'll try Serena." Harry said. "I really will."

"About time." Serena said, kissing him deeply.