The walk to the great hall was very different than it had been just over twelve hours ago. Then it felt like being on the way to your execution. It was wonderful to be able to walk down the grand stairs with Severus's hand in hers with nothing to fear. She smiled up at him as they got nearer. Confident and happy. It was odd that there was no one to be seen.
As Kingsley magically threw open both of the intricately carved wooden doors, he pushed them inside and stood back. The great hall was filled to the walls with people. Students, parents, families, aurors, house elves. Everyone was there. A great burst of applause erupted, and Hermione and Severus were thunderstruck. She even stepped back a little behind Severus. He put a comforting arm around her waist to steady her, smiling down in pride. A standing ovation complete with shouts and whistles rang out. The bells from the clock tower boomed in greeting despite being on the ground in the forecourt. The room itself was back to normal with stained glass, long benches, head table and podium. Hogwarts flags were everywhere, and the ceiling a bright blue sky with a radiant sun.
Hermione was stunned beyond words and Kingsley had to prod them both forward to the head table. Hermione was steered to the podium and Severus stood behind her protectively to watch the crowd. They were both in a daze when Kings shook her arm. "Go on. Say something for heaven's sake! They've been waiting for you."
Hermione held her hands up to calm the crowd. They would not be silenced, and it took several minutes to get them to listen. "I see Auror Shacklebolt has already told you all what happened here last night. With our losses at the battle of Hogwarts those long weeks ago, darkness descended on this school and the wizarding world. Now that darkness has been lifted forever." The crowd broke into applause and cheers again. Hermione turned to Severus and extended her hand for him to join her. She held her hand up again to quiet them. "Because of Headmaster Snape, our brave Aurors, and the Order of the Phoenix, our world is free!" Again, she waited for the applause to stop. "However, there are those whom we could not save. I ask for a moment of silence for them."
The hall fell deathly quiet as everyone bowed their heads in memorial. After a few moments, Hermione began to speak again. "I know you are all anxious to go home after the terrible ordeal you have been through. Know that Headmaster Snape and I thank you for your appreciation and wish you all well, and if there is anything we can do, please don't hesitate to ask."
After the turmoil died down again, the happy crowd began to file out. Many came forward to give personal thanks and praise. Severus was uncomfortable with the whole thing. He felt he had failed them all as Headmaster and let Hermione take the brunt of the praise. When the room had emptied, they sat at Gryffindor table having lunch with Kingsley and a group of aurors. Severus had vowed to never sit in the headmaster's chair again.
"There's no sense trying to repair Hogwarts. The parents won't allow any children to come back here, and the children will be too traumatized to want to. Perhaps we can turn it into a hospital, homeless shelter or rehab clinic of some kind." Severus was discussing options with Kingsley.
Hermione looked up at him as if he'd grown two heads. "What are you saying? Hogwarts is the finest school in England with hundreds of years of history and tradition. To not reopen it, is to let the Death Eaters win. I will not allow that. If only three students come back, then they will have the best education anywhere. I will campaign for the funds, and I will ask Durmstrang and Beauxbatons for help. It's the least they can do for living in the world we have suffered for and given them."
Severus and Kingsley looked at each other and grinned. "Yes Headmistress Granger." Kingsley saw a remarkable resemblance to Minerva McGonagall emerge from the new lioness of Hogwarts.
Hermione scowled at the two of them. "What about the ministry? Is it really that bad?"
Kingsley grew serious. "If you think Hogwarts is bad, don't go to the ministry. There are whole floors shattered. The records room and library were almost set on fire, but several stout workers were hiding nearby and put it out almost the moment it happened. The department of mysteries was plundered. There's no telling what they took from there. It may come back to haunt us later. The cells in the MLE were full of political prisoners, 'Awaiting Trial', who hadn't been fed in days. There were corpses hanging on the walls of the lobby under stasis charms, with signs around their necks saying 'Traitor' on them. Incentive to stay in line, I was told."
Hermione could hardly listen to it all and held her hand over her mouth in disbelief. "Great Merciful Merlin. You're in charge there now Kings. God's, where or how would you start. Perhaps you could hold a press conference and ask the public for help. I'm sure they won't let you down."
Shacklebolt nodded solemnly. "Already scheduled for 3 pm today."
A house elf came forward timidly to Hermione and bowed low. "Miss Granger has saved the house elves from terrible punishments and death. I have been chosen to speak for all house elves, everywhere. We are at your service, day or night, land or sea. You will never want for anything, ever again. Simply say 'Miss Granger needs help', and we will come."
His sparkling green eyes almost reminded her of Harry. Tears began to form and she could only whisper. "I will remember and cherish your gift for the rest of my life. It is a great honor. Tell the others thank you for me."
The elf smiled and vanished.
Hermione was deeply touched by their gesture. She would never use it of course, but it was such a sweet simple act of gratitude that she couldn't refuse. And it was just the kind of disruption they all needed to change the mood.
Kingsley snorted witnessing it. "Better get used to it. The whole wizarding world is going to shower you with gifts and honors and rewards. You deserve it."
Hermione was angry at his statement. "What about Severus? Don't they know I couldn't have done it without him and his brilliant potion? I couldn't have done it without you Kings, to get a muggle to tell you how to do it, and then set it up. What about all the Aurors who risked their lives at the ministry and Azkaban?" A now familiar look of determination was on her face.
Severus placed a hand on hers. "It's okay Hermione. I don't want an army of house elves getting underfoot. I've had all the thanks I could ever stand from these few today, which I don't deserve. What about you Shaklebolt? Want to be stared at and ogled for the rest of your life?"
He knew what Severus was doing and followed along. "No, thank you. An aurors best weapon is anonymity. Not going to be much good if I have a group of autograph hounds around me all the time. Besides, Hermione. It was your plan and your courage that pulled it off."
A young woman was watching the group from the shadow of the wall. She meant no harm but was shy about approaching them. Severus spotted her lingering about alone and discreetly asked Hermione if she knew her. Hermione looked behind her quickly but didn't recognize the girl. Tall, thin and pale, blond waist length hair that fell in sleek ribbons, blue eyes, oval face. Still wearing the simple dress that Poppy had transformed for her. She reminded Hermione of Luna. Something was obviously wrong and after about ten minutes Hermione went over to the young woman.
Hermione sat on the bench in front of her. "Who are you? Where are your parents? Did you need something?"
