Chapter 4

Harry

It was all still so unreal to Harry. He kept expecting an attacking death eater to come around every corner throwing curses. Instead he was shaking hands with witches and wizards he barely recognized, just wishing he could go to the burrow and maybe spend some real time with Ginny.

Instead, while she and most of the Weasleys had headed home almost as soon as the memorial and ceremony was over, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were still at Hogwarts an hour later, and harry was trying very hard not to give in to his feelings of hatred and regret for all the failings he kept hearing people praise him for. Hermione and Ron deserved as much if not more gratitude than him, but even more than the three of them, there were so many people, people who were no longer here. They had done so much. They had lost so much. Where were their medals? Who was trying to shake their families hands?

It was such a bloody joke. But some people seemed to be legitimately moved by being in his presence. So, Harry was resolved, he owed every moment he could to make sure that all the deaths, all the suffering, wasn't in vain. If standing here smiling and handshaking could help people, he would do so as long as his hand could move.

Still, Harry could admit to more than a small amount of relief when at last the last person had departed, leaving just himself, a very embarrassed and tired looking Hermione, Ron, standing with Kingsly and Professor Mcgonagall. The two of them actually turned towards the trio, clearly both having something on their minds

" Well that was quite well done I'd say. Maybe we can all adjust to a life as politicians and celebrities afterall," Kingsly joked.

"Hardly, I shall be quite satisfied to return to my position as a teacher and administer and leave these dreadful cameras behind," Mcgonnagall responded with a signature scoff.

" However," Mcgonnagall continued, "before we can all get some much needed rest, I'm afraid the Minister and I have some things we wanted to tell the three of you first, before any others hear of it."

" Minerva please, It's still Kingsly, at least in Private, and that goes for you three as well," Kingsly good naturedly interrupted. " How about you go first?" Kingsly offered.

" Very well," Mcgonnagall began, "obviously this last year has simply not been acceptable as far as educational standards at Hogwarts go." Seeing the bemused looks on the men's faces, she pushed on. "Yes we DO actually have those, however ramshackle they may have occasionally been during these last few years. I understand and support fully why you three were unable to attend your final year of schooling these past months, but if we owe you, and the rest of the students this year, anything, it is a fair shot at a complete education."

"Therefore, I have decided to invite all students from 5th year and up to repeat this year's courses next year with books and tuition for the extra year coming out of the rather sizable endowment left by Albus last year. I hope the three of you," and her eyes settled on Ron especially, "will strongly consider taking this opportunity and trying for your N.E.W.T.s."

Hermione was positively bursting with happiness at this. " Oh yes, Professor, thank goodness! I was so worried for our futures, now that we, well, have them again, and I was working up the courage to ask if it would be possible and…." Ron, clearly ready at last to begin practicing for a new role as Hermione's boyfriend cut off her gleeful rambling with a quick kiss on the lips.

" Hermione, Love," and both Ron and Hermione were nearly as red as Ron's hair as he said this, " we should probably let the Minis- I mean, Kingsly, say what he needed before you start getting lesson plans from Mcgonnagall.

" Thank you Ron, that was….amusingly considerate." Kingsly began. " Yes, while I obviously agree with Minerva that completing your magical education is important, I am the Minister now, and quite frankly, I've got staffing issues that can't wait another year to solve."

" I've got departments across the ministry that are now understaffed or in need of repair, but my most pressing concern I hope you three can solve. There are very few Aurors left. Between those whom we have lost, and myself getting this blasted promotion, a department that used to number in the dozens is sitting currently at 3." Harry, Ron, and Hermione's jaws dropped at that.

" The timing couldn't be worse either. I won't make the mistakes of the past. I don't want to see another Alice and Frank Longbottom situation, where we have to let good people suffer because we lose our vigilance after victory. We didn't catch every death eater, every sympathizer at the battle. They are out there, and I need people to keep us safe from them. I trust no one with that responsibility more than the three of you, regardless of which exams you have or haven't taken. I am offering immediate employment as Aurors to each of you, with the hope you will take you N.E.W.T.s in the future when things are, if not normal, calmer at the least."

Harry knew of course that Hermione had never wanted to be an Auror, so her response was basically a given, and Harry was worried about disappointing her, as well as the potential for even less time to focus on repairing his and Ginny's relationship. Still, Harry knew as soon as the choice was laid before him, that it was no choice at all.

" Professor, I appreciate the offer, I do, but I wanted to get N.E.W.T.s so I could be an Auror anyway, and it sounds like I could make a real difference." Harry looked Kingsly in the eye and extended his hand. " Harry Potter, signing up for emergency Auror duties Sir!" Harry said.

As Kingsly ruefully shook Harry's hand, he could hear Ron saying, "Blimey, we'd have to be the first Aurors with no N.E.W.T.s in history! Well I've already sworn never to abandon Harry again, and you can bet Merlin's saggy bags I'm not starting now. Sign me up too Kingsly!"

Both Mcgonnagall and Hermione cleared their throats, but Hermione got there first, likely habit at this point. " Language Ron! Honestly, in front of the Minister and the Headmistress themselves?"

" Interim!" Kingsly and Mcgonnagall simultaneously interjected.

" Sure, 'interim', as if you are not both guaranteed to be kept on as long as you want at this point," Ron Responded, ignoring Hermione's scolding.

"Although I'm not surprised I am disappointed in both of you, Ron, do you really not want to return to Hogwarts with me?" Hermione sounded a bit more crushed than Harry would have expected, and clearly through Ron for a loop.

" Ah, Jeez, Hermione, you know it's not like that! I want to spend the rest of my bloody life with you! But we all know I was always gunna struggle to get into the Aurors normally, and Kingsly and Harry need me! Hell, Britain needs me! I almost let us all down too many times, I've got to do this!"

Ron had grabbed Hermione's hands in his, and was looking into her eyes, his own clearly distraught, yet dedicated.

" I do understand. Truly I do. We'll just have to be sure to see each other on Hogsmeade days and Holidays I suppose."

" Well Miss Granger, I'll be glad to have you with us for one final year, and can think of none better to name head Girl. You can expect your letter at the usual time," Mcgonnagall said with what could almost be a smile. " Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasely, I say this with absolute confidence that there could be no two finer Aurors for the department, nor two finer young men. I am exceedingly proud of what all of you have accomplished, and trust that this is but the beginning of the great things we shall see from you."

" Aw, Geez Professor, Thanks, for everything. Really." Ron mumbled in response.

A few handshakes later Mchonnagall headed for the Apparition point, pointedly ignoring Ron's joking question about whether the Headmistress just lived at the castle. Kingsly left as well, asking Ron and Harry to head to the ministry first thing the next morning to be made official. But just before the three best friends got to the apparition point themselves, Hermione stopped dead in her tracks.

" What is it 'Mione?" Ron asked.

"I just realized, and I know this is probably horribly selfish of me….but… I had really hoped the two of you would be able to help me…," Hermione was suddenly barely holding back tears, "I need to find my parents, need to see if I can restore their memories, and if...if they'll ever be able to forgive me."

Ron enveloped Hermione in a tight hug as she sobbed into his chest. Harry pulled the both of them into his own embrace.

" Shhh… there there, of course we'll help you Hermione, surely Kingsly can wait long enough for that…." Ron Comforted. Harry bit back a grimace. He wanted to help his friend. Of course he did, she was in this position because of him, after all. But…

" You heard Kingsly Ron, he needs you now, who knows how long it could take to track my parents down….I've never even BEEN to Australia, I don't know where to even begin looking, and we'll need to arrange a port key and…" Hermione kept talking into Ron's chest.

" Then we'll get Kingsly to help get started." Harry said. " things here in Britain do need to be taken care of, Kingsly is right, we can't let anyone get hurt because we were too slow to act. But your parents are in as much danger as anyone from Tom's old followers. If escorting you to Australia with the Ministry's full backing isn't Ron's first Auror mission, I don't know Kingsly as well as I think I do."

" Yeah, we'll find them Hermione, hell we found all of He-Who -Must….V Voldemor...I mean Riddle's Horcruxes. The three of us can find your parents easy." Ron said with confidence.

" Oh Ron, didn't you hear Harry, it'll be your first mission, maybe, but he has to stay, don't you Harry?" Hermione asked, looking up from Ron's damp robes at last.

" Hermione, I WANT to, you know I do, but if any of Riddle's old cronies attack in Britain, I'd never forgive myself." Harry said. "Besides, while it may have been miserable, the two of us did spend weeks without you, seems more than fair if the two of you get a couple months of hopefully happier time to yourselves." Harry nudged Ron with his elbow, " maybe even some before her Dad's hovering over your shoulder."

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, though Harry got the feeling she was less offended than she put on.

" Mate, you sure?" Ron asked.

" Positive." Harry responded. " now that that's settled, shall we go tell your mum that we aren't going to finish school so we can go dark wizard hunting?"

Ron paled, " that's not funny, mate! Maybe we don't have to go to the Burrow, we could kip it at Grimmauld place and I could write mum from Australia, give her a few months of not knowing where to send the howler…."

" Nah, Grimmauld's still too trashed from the death eaters, it's gotta be worse than when the order first took it over. I don't want even Kreature going in there until Bill can get started on the curse breaking. Besides, if you think I'm not going to see Ginny just because your Mum is terrifying….I thought we were Gryffendors!"

" But Harry, you saw what she did to Bellatrix…" Ron whimpered.

" Oh, Honestly Ron, your mother loves you, she'll be as proud of you as I am." Hermione said then. "The first Aurors without N.E.W.T.s, the two youngest Aurors in history quite likely, AND gallantly helping me find my parents? I'll tell her to leave the lecturing to me, so she can focus on the party she'll surely throw you!"

" You can lecture me anytime 'Mione' ' Ron suddenly had a huge grin on his face. "All right then, let's get to the Burrow and tell them the good news! Merlin knows we can all still use more of it."

Molly Weasley was, predictably, most certainly NOT pleased that Harry and Ron would be passing up the opportunity to take their N.E.W.T.s. That they were doing so in order to put themselves directly in harm's way, whatever form of honor that might have entailed, did not appease her. Harry was almost certain her ranting could be heard in Ireland, and was not convinced she had not silently cast the Senorius charm on herself. Harry honestly wondered if the Burrow were any less isolated if she'd be risking breaking the statue of secrecy. It was only Hermione bringing up Ron's offer to help her with her parents and the threat of another situation like the Longbottoms that got Mrs. Weasley to relent.

Harry smiled as he thought of how all the yelling had not even slowed Mrs. Weasely's famous cooking skills from filling the whole extended Weasley family, Harry and Hermione included, with enough food Harry was already forgetting the shortages of the last year. Most of the family had headed to their rooms, or returned to Shell Cottage in Bill and Fleur's case. Mr. Weasley had informed them that Fred's official funeral and wake would be held in one week, and everyone, even Ron and Hermione pledged to make it

For now though, Harry and Ginny were snuggled together in a chair by the fireplace, having both snuck back down almost immediately after everyone had gone to bed. Harry smirked as he assumed Ron and Hermione were likely making good use of the lack of roommates.

" When I saw Bellatrix almost kill you, I nearly forgot about Riddle and tried to fight her myself. Never even got close before your mum got in there. Kingsly should have hired her to be his new Auror. We'd be Death Eater free in a week." Harry murmured in Ginny's ear.

" Mum would never make a job out of it, you know that. But I will say, that moment certainly did give me a new appreciation for keeping our hands to ourselves...in her presence at least." Ginny responded, decidedly NOT keeping her hands to herself at that moment. Harry struggled not to hiss as her fingers slipped over his Hardening erection under his trousers.

He had missed her. Missed her fire, her passion, her confident wit. Missed the feel of her in his arms and on his lips. They had never gone even this far before, but his dreams over the last year had more than once required hastily Vanishing the evidence before Hermione or Ron could notice. This was what he had fought for. This was what surviving was for, Harry thought. All the good that could be in the world, now that Voldemort was no longer there to threaten it. Harry would protect this, he swore to himself.

" You're thinking too hard Harry…." Ginny suddenly gripped his penis hard and yanked, bringing his attention out of his own head and back into the moment. " I don't want to think right now, I want to feel." Harry kissed her in response, holding her tight against him and slipping one hand up her nightshirt, he could almost feel the supple flesh of her bare under breast when the lights suddenly turned back on a there was an amused clearing of someone's throat from behind them.

" Really, the first day Harry? I should grab Mum and Dad, and show them your gratitude for their hospitality at once, don't you think?" Ginny had almost Apparated off harry she had moved so fast, and he was scrambling to stuff himself back in his trousers, which was certainly easier with how effectively George had killed the mood when George lost control of his laughter and started quitely guffawing.

" George you Absolute! Fucking! Prat!" Ginny hissed out at her brother in rage. " Just let us have some fun already! I'm of age in only a few weeks, you're going to scare Harry back into being far more of a gentleman than I want after a year of a fake break up!" George was positively shaking with his barely contained mirth at Ginny's wrath.

" A few weeks isn't today, 's'why I'm down here and not trying to guess which room Ron and Hermione are in. Harry, Mate, you know we all love you, but you've got to be the adult if you're going to date my baby sister and show some decorum. Really what would our mother say if-" whatever joking impression of Molly Weasley George was about to launch into was interrupted as a truly gigantic Bat bogey tried to escape from his nose. Harry hadn't even realized Ginny had her wand on her, nor had he heard her cast the spell, he could admit to being very impressed with his girlfriend.

"Since you've ruined our night already, I'll lift the Hex in the morning, Goodnight brother mine!" Ginny gave Harry a very nice quick kiss, " Good night Harry."

Whatever George tried to respond with was blocked by the three more flying bogeys attacking his head. Harry chuckled as Gerorge finally cast the counter-charm on himself. "Can't grow up with Ginny and not learn to silently cast that one, behave and I'll show you some time. Night, Harry."

Harry still was trying to make sure he had really heard George tell him to behave. A strange new world was beginning for sure. As he crept up the stairs, he saw Ginny fuming outside her room. She mouthed to him, "Of course they are in MY room, now I have to be George's tool of embarrassment to get some fucking sleep." Harry simply raised his eyebrow, realizing finally what George had really been about interrupting them, and simply nodded towards his and Ron's, currently empty, room. Ginny's eyes got big and a smile grew across her face as she followed him and carefully shut the door behind them.

" Mind you, now I really am too tired for much besides sleep, but if Ron's going to use your room, why not use his?" Harry whispered. He figured Ron would return well before morning and Ginny could return to Hermione then, with minimal embarrassment for all involved, but maximum sleep. And the prospect of falling asleep, just holding Ginny, was a very exciting idea to Harry, bone tired as he was.

As he got under the covers, and Ginny folded so perfectly against him, Harry breathed in her sent, feeling happier than he could ever remember being. He knew this moment would fuel many Patronuses in the future.

Ron did indeed return in the wee hours, Harry barely woke up to the brief stare down between Ron and his sister, but she snuck back to her own room and Harry and Ron both passed out without a word between them.

The next Morning, Harry stumbled down to breakfast, faint images from the very vivid dreams of the prior night making him quite glad for the location of the table of his lap when Ginny also bounded down the stairs to grab some of the delicious food her mother had already set out.

" Well Harry and Ron, I suppose you'll have to come to work with me today, we'll Apparate there right after Breakfast," Mr. Weasley said over his morning coffee.

Harry hadn't seen the Ministry since his, Ron, and Hermione's infiltration to retrieve the locket. It was a mess, it was almost as debris filled as Hogwarts. There were the fewest number of wizards and witches he had seen in any of his times to the ministry. Harry was glad to at least see the horrible statue proclaiming wizard superiority was a prime source of rubble all around.

" You'll have to excuse the mess boys, every ministry employee who served the Death Eater regime is being checked individually. Kingsly is serious about making sure we do better, ARE better this time."

They were led directly to the Minister's office, only to see Percy was already there.

" Percy, what are you doing here?" his father asked.

" Forgive me Arthur, for not telling you first, but I thought it best to see if Percy was willing before making anything official. I hope this does not cause your family undo distress, but I need an undersecretary I can Trust, and you turned me down. Twice. Percy was involved in the previous regime, but came over in time, he's perfect for the job of helping me clear out all the weeds." Kingsly said. Then, turning slightly and noticing Harry and Ron, smiled a little in greeting. " I'm so glad you are both going to help so soon, as you can see, we really do need trustworthy people somewhat desperately."

" Of course, Minister." Harry said. Percy and Mr. Weasley were already gone, He'd have to remember to congratulate Percy, and see what Ginny and Geroge could do to make sure his head stayed on right this time.

Ron nodded in assent as well, but added, slightly unsure in tone, " Hey, Kingsly- I mean Minister-"

' Kingsly in private is perfectly fine Ron, please, I insist." Kingsly interrupted.

" Right then, Kingsly, the thing is, I'm here to do whatever you need, obviously. We both are. Harry and me I mean. But I really have to ask, can my first job be something important to me? You see, Hermione, her Parents don't know who they are, she had to Obliviate them for their own good, and convinced them to assume new identities somewhere in Australia. She's going to spend the summer trying to find and cure them, but as you've said, it's still dangerous out there. Can I please escort and assist her, at least for the first several weeks? I'll be the most loyal Auror you've got, I swear, but I owe her this first. Please."

" Ron, relax, of course you may assist Hermione. I'll even send one of our few currently trustworthy Obliviators with you to assist in the memory restoration. And if you and Hermione can wait just two days, I'll get a meeting with the Australian Minister for Magic and make sure he knows you are coming so you can get some assistance. Merlin's Beard though! A total identity change. Hermione truly is something special."

" You don't have to tell me Sir, and thank you! Really!"

" Think nothing of it Ron, as I said, it truly is the least we owe you three.I only wish there were more families we could find...more reunions we could facilitate." his eyes lingered a moment on Harry at this. " We'll even make sure we still get you all sworn in and badged up proper before the end of the day. I've already rushed these over from getting them signed by our new Head of Magical Law Enforcement, as well as the new Head of the Auror's office. These are magical contracts of employment, as you start initialing they'll simultaneously pull and if necessary create any and all ministry files for both of you. Then just go over the paperwork one more time for accuracy, sign the final page, and you'll be employees of the Ministry of Magic. The one good thing about our staffing issues is everyone we sign up right now gets a pretty nice starting wage and signing bonus. Then we just have a verbal, magical oath to say, simple stuff really, and your Auror status will be official. Feel free to use my office to fill the paperwork out, I'll be back to check on you in about two hours." Kingsly got up, and Shook both of their hands before rushing out, closing the door behind him.

" Blimey, do you think he even sleeps any more Harry?" Ron muttered.

" Not last night by the looks of it, seen that look enough at this point. Guess we'd best start this paperwork." Harry grabbed a quill and some ink from Kingsly's desk (the ministers desk!), and set to work initialing on the designated areas, scanning each page as he went. Most of it went over his head, but he once more marveled at magic as the paperwork in his hands seemed to grow before his eyes. This was going to take a while….

"Fuck Merlin with his own Wand!" Ron Suddenly exclaimed from beside Harry. " Their starting me at more than double what dad was making before the war! Almost triple even! Kingsly wasn't kidding about signing bonuses! I dunno what I'll even do with this much money…."

" Ron, is this normal?" Harry asked.

"Huh?" Ron grunted in reply, the stack of paper seeming to grow much faster than he could initially, even as he seemed to not be reading the pages at all.

" Magical contracts for employment? Wasn't the Goblet a magical contract? I couldn't get out of the Tournament, are ministry employees not allowed to resign?"

" Oh, I keep forgetting you were raised by muggles Harry. Yeah, the magical contract is typical for higher level ministry employees, or Gringotts ones, though the Goblins have their own ways Bill's told me. Don't worry though, dad and mum stressed over his when he got that promotion. There are clauses about obeying the minister, but it's vague, and there are so many loopholes and exit reasons dad said that it's almost meaningless as far as your magic goes. Mostly if you really mess up, like stealing on the job or actively trying to oppose the ministry, or the Monarch, that you get a trace on you so you can be fired and arrested and stuff. Hey! I guess that's why they kept having to Imperius people for their coup, the contracts prevented the death eaters from just taking over directly!" Ron seemed very proud to have made that deduction.

It was a good one Harry supposed." well we'd best get to it if we want to be done with all this before Kingsly gets back in two hours, hopefully they stop doubling with each new signing though…"

" Yeah, thought we were done with stuff like this when we left school. When George and...Fred" Ron's voice caught at the mention of Fred, "saw dad signing, they figured it was partially a gag by the ministry on new blokes. I'm definitely not laughing as much now. Ugh, my wrist already hurts…." Ron drifted off, muttering to himself.

It took Harry nearly the entire two hours to read and sign every document, and then, right as he saw the final page, just a signature line, already signed by all his soon to be superiors Harry saw, one more document appeared. But this one was already signed, just not by him, puzzled, Harry looked at the top to see what the document was.

Marriage Contract for the Heirs of Black and Greengrass

Harry could only stare, saw his name filled in as the Black Heir, the contract was signed by some old Black, Sirius' Father maybe? And the Greengrass heir was named Daphne, he recognized that name, wasn't she a Slytherin in their year? It was also already signed by some Cyrus Greengrass. Harry could only stare at the document as he said, to no one and everyone in particular,

"What the Fuck is this Rubbish!?"