2007.
27 years old Harry Potter was sitting in the kitchen of his home, Grimmauld place 12, London. Once scrawny and underfed kid was no more and on his place there was handsome, well-defined man. He was said to be rash, shy and somewhat awkward, but that kid was no more present. Man that sat in his armchair could only be described as confident and powerful, calm and deadly. His brilliant green eyes he got from his mother also changed; one that look close enough could see the difference in the corner of those eyes where just a glint of bloody, dark red crept and gave the new edge to them. Still, his eyes were unfocused and distant as he spin strange, little stone in his fingers. That stone was believed to be missing, but Harry knew better. As he played with it he couldn't help, but think about his long time foe, Lord Voldemort, and because it was in its nature, the stone called the imprint of Tom Marvolo Riddle forward.
"Potter." Said the ghost-like figure. Harry quickly realized that figure in front of him wasn't the Voldemort he remembered, but the man that existed before. Dark-haired, lean and handsome, just like Harry remembered from Chamber of secrets. Strangely, the voice of his ex foe wasn't filled with malice nor hate, but idly curiosity.
"Hello, Tom." Harry finally replied, surprised that he neither had ill feelings toward Tom. The two observed each other in silence, seemingly eager to catch every detail of anothers appearance.
"I've been watching you." Tom broke silence at least. "All those years abroad...seeking for more, but finding nothing." He finished his observation. Harry sighed loudly.
"I couldn't stay. I died for them hoping they were worth it, but after your demise nothing really changed so I left." Harry didn't know what he expected, but he knew that soft, humorless laugh wasn't one of those things.
"Such is the nature of humans. I learned that long time ago, that ignorance and cowardice are easier to nurture than trying to stand up for something you believe in." There was no pride nor judgement in his voice, only resignation.
"You tried." Harry softly exclaimed and received short nod as his answer. He thought a bit more about all those years abroad, knowledge he acquired, things he learnt, places he visited and plans he subconsciously made about the future and suddenly realized ugly truth.
"We aren't so different after all." He whispered and saw that Tom smirked a little.
"Dark Lord's equal, it said." Harry felt the burden of those words once again, he understood them clearly after all those years and finally, he realized, that he always knew they were true deep in his heart. There was no point in denying it now.
"I think I will apply for empty spot in Hogwarts, Tom." He said eventually.
"And I will be watching you, Harry Potter." Said Tom before vanishing.
Harry sat alone for a long time after that eye-opening conversation thinking about his future. It was hard to concentrate as his magic happily sang songs about victory, dark magic was nagging him to release his anger upon masses while light magic ensured him that it was necessary for good of everyone. He sat there, alone, and thought about it till dawn and just as the sun rose up, Harry Potter's hope for mankind and future has risen once again. He never notice ancient elf sneaking in the shadows of the room muttering quietly for himself.
"Master is going to be great lord, and restore the most Ancient and Noble house of Black. Kreacher is very happy to have such a great master."
August, 1997.
KINGSLEY SHACKLEBOLT APPOINTED AS NEW MINISTER OF MAGIC
In recent turbulence of events in wizardring world, Kingsley Shacklebolt(35) was appointed as a new minister of magic. He had long and successful career as an auror and was member of infamous Order of the Phoenix, led by ex Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Unexpected turn of events was highly supported by public and we, here in Daily Prophet, wish him all the best. May he guide us honestly and just.
November, 1997.
MINISTRY OF MAGIC STILL IN CRUMBLES
After the chaos left by the Dark Lord, ministry still have trouble to organize its employees and departments. Seeing as many of previous heads are missing or dead, there is huge need of competent personnel to fill the hole left by death eaters and their leader. "There are simply not enough funds to recreate ministry, Hogwarts and other magical places in short time. We were able to create 5-years plan that will hopefully bring Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and other destroyed districts to the level we once enjoyed, and perhaps even more. Be patient." -Kingsley Shacklebolt, minister of magic.
February, 1998.
GOBLIN NATION REFUSES TO COOPERATE WITH MINISTRY
After many tries for peaceful solution by our side, the goblins remain stubborn and are refusing to help in recreating magical world. Today, it seems, that peace is no more existing because the gates of Gingotts were closed this morning and no wizard is permitted to approach goblin soil, except Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived. What business he have with goblins we weren't able to find out, but we are confident that he and minister will find another solution that will bring peace between our races once again.
May, 1998.
BOY-WHO-LIVED ABANDONED US?
After shouting match that occurred in ministry of magic this very morning, Harry Potter(17) decided to leave our coasts and seek a better life elsewhere. Witnesses say that Potter is unhappy with curse that minister of magic chose and refused to offer any help in situation created by Goblins. His parting words were: "So you want me to be a ******* lapdog to you again? **** you and your ministry. Haven't I given enough for you people." Unfortunate turn of event was followed by request to international portkey. "He just lost himself in war. He lost too much and isn't able to cope very good. He deserved his vacation so lay off!" - Hermione Granger, close friend of Harry Potter.
March, 1999.
CRUSADE AGAINST 'DARK' CONTINUES
After the peaceful solutions presented to goblins was once again refused, ministry decided to revoke all rights they once had. Others dark creatures haven't fared any better and this morning's new bill by Department for regulation and control of magical creatures declares all non-human beings as dangerous. All non-humans are to report in their office for registration and permanent tracking charm that will allow aurors to regulate them and decrease the danger they present to our world. Both British giants, half-giant Rubeus Hagrid and Grawp, his half- brother were seen this morning in said office, but werewolves and centaurs refused to show up. Appropriate answer from ministry will follow. "War showed us that those beasts cannot be trusted. We've done bill to help not only us, but them too. They may not understand the danger they present, but I assure you that the threat is real. We cannot move forward without assuring that the past won't happen again." - Amos Diggory, head of Department for regulation and control of magical creatures. "Potter was right to run away, we're digging a whole we won't be able to avoid in the future." - Draco Malfoy, lord of Wizengamot. "Grawp and me are happy in the forest, at Hogwarts. We did what was asked from us." - Rubeus Hagrid, first to sign registration.
December, 1999.
TWO FRONT WAR?
Dark creatures, in a move that confirms the fear of ministry, showed their true colors. 5 wizards that were sent to negotiate with goblins never returned and are believed to be held captive by goblins. On the other hand, the numbers of werewolf attacks is increasing every new month. Two teams of aurors were employed to hunt them down using necessary force to do so. "It is bloody work, but those beast are not able to reason with us so we have no choice." - John Dawlish, auror. "This is not why I joined aurors, this is not what we fought for." - Ronald Weasley, ex auror and close friend of Harry Potter.
May, 2000.
ONCE A HERO, ALWAYS A HERO?
After three years without any words of whereabouts of Harry Potter he was spotted in Russia where he took care of their biggest problem; vampire covens that grew bolder with years. Russian news reported our hero, Harry Potter, agreed to cooperate with their ministry to deal with a problem of raising numbers of vampires and was very successful in his mission. They even awarded him with 'drug gosudarstva' which is equivalent of Order of the Merlin. We hope that he will return home and continue with his heroic deeds.
April, 2001.
ICW SHOCKING DECISION?
On today's brief meeting of International Confederation of Wizards decided that Magical Britain is no longer fit to represent their laws and ideas and therefore chose to cast our community out of their jurisdiction. Otherwise, it means great cut in funds, magical items, potion ingredients... Said decision made a great number of prominent businessmen to vacate our coasts and search their fortune abroad. "This is not final nor forever, but their nation must focus on own problems and we think this is a best way to show them how critical their situation is. We are more than happy to accept them back once their standard is promising and within ideals of our ancestors. Because of the recent war they strayed away, but we are more than confident that they will find their path once again and rejoin us in prosperity." - ICW spokesman "We listened their reasons for such a decision and found them lacking, but that doesn't mean we will stop to advance our country in every possible way. Do not fear, dear citizens, our future looks brighter than ever." Kingsley Shacklebolt, minister of magic.
August, 2007.
Harry Potter stood in front of Hogwarts gates waiting for an answer. He couldn't help, but notice great improvement of wards and security. However, the castle itself still showed some of its injuries that it endured in last battle versus Voldemort. Astronomy tower still wasn't recreated to what it once was, some walls around the castle had small, but noticeable holes. He knew it was hard to fix stones that old and imbued with so much magic, but still, it was shame to see the best school in the world in such a state. Finally the gate opened and showed Hogwarts' old caretaker, Argus Filch. He and his cat were completely same as he remembered, only with few grays more.
"Mr Potter." He said in his usual distasteful tone." Headmistress is expecting you." Harry just sneered and follow old squib to the office. Once inside, he could see that everything looked exactly the same, only it wasn't. Not to him. He could still see his old friends bleeding on those grounds and fighting for their freedom. He saw Fenrir Greyback feasting on Lavander, he saw Fred's lifeless body with a trace of his last smile, he saw Tonks and Remus, together even in death and felt a sting of pain when he remembered his godson, Teddy, but he knew that Andromeda understood and supported his decision to leave. He remembered when she told him that she would support him no matter what and that made him bit warmer inside. Yes, he will do this for her, and Teddy, and Ron, and Hermione...
"Pride." Old caretaker said the password for the office. "Here we are Mr Potter." Harry barely acknowledged him with a faint nod and went to see his old Head of the house. Once he stepped inside the office, first thing he realized was how much it changed. While Dumbledore was Headmaster it was filled with all kind of strange devices and instruments that were always humming or producing some other kind of noise. Besides that, Fawkes was always here, Dumbledore's phoenix, singing beautifully or simply sleeping. Headmistress McGonagal seemed to prefer order and neatness. Her desk was full of parchments and letters that were folded in some kind of order Harry did not understood. Warmness that once filled this office was gone.
"Mr Potter, it is nice to see you." She said, but Harry could sense she wasn't fully truthful. He could feel her eyes observing every inch of him and not liking what she found. He could feel light pull of wards marking him as a danger or something similar. Harry said nothing while he took his seat an observed her back. She, just like the old caretaker, didn't change much. Older, sure, but equally stern-looking and stiff. Finally, he let out his breath and replied.
"You too, professor, I'm glad to see familiar face after all this time."
"We will wait for professor Flitwick before we start if that is fine with you." She said and he couldn't blame her for it. He knew his presence was something entirely else these days so he nodded and started searching for one certain portrait.
"Sure, professor, the more the merrier." He smiled, charming smile out of book from Tom Marvolo Riddle to get your way with professors. Once he locked his eyes with his previous mentor and grandfather figure in his life he stopped paying any attention to McGonagall and stood up to have one, last chat with a painting.
"My, Mr Potter, you have certainly grown up." It said jovially, but Harry saw his eyes didn't share the sentiment. He saw grim understanding in those blue eyes, he saw sadness, he saw resignation.
"I had to as you know. I hope your next adventure is as versatile as one we shared was." He said with genuine smile. Sure, Dumbledore was old manipulator and git, but he always did what he thought was best for everyone and they both respected and loved each other. They shared same pain of losing a family, they shared same taint of a soul that dark magic causes and they both felt the pain of sacrifices given so that others could live. They knew the burden of knowledge and leadership better than any wizard alive so they didn't have to exchange words, just by looking at each other they could say more than with thousand words. They looked each other, like that, for a short time before professor Flitwick showed up and interrupted them. Harry once again took his place.
"Professor, nice to see you again." He said more genuinely than to McGonagall.
"Oh, please, you can call me Filius now. 10 years have passed since you were a student." Harry eagerly took his hand and shook it.
"Alright then, Filius. Now that we are all here can we begin?" Harry asked.
"Of course, Mr Potter, so you are here to fill the vacancy in our staff?" She started bluntly. She was always like that, true Gryffindor, but Harry learned along the way that Slytherin traits are not to be dismissed easily.
"Indeed, as soon as I heard that post of professor of defense against the dark arts was free, I headed toward Britain. I once heard that teaching is most rewarding of all professions so I decided to check that for myself. I mean I'm still proud of DADA OWLs that members of DA accomplished." He said with a wider smile, confident smile for every occasion by Tom. He noticed grim face McGonagall made and raised eyebrow from Filius. Headmistress cleared her throat.
"After all those adventures all over the world you choose to settle down in Hogwarts?" She asked in disbelief, a fake one, Harry knew. Neville warned him it would be like this. He told him that their old head of a house grew more and more sad as she realized he is nothing like his parents, as she read about his deeds abroad, as she saw his picture in Daily Prophet. Portraits were carefully listening this seemingly normal conversation, but even them could feel the tension in the air, heavy and depressing, one that longed for old days when everything was simpler. They all sensed same deja vu and remembered young, but brilliant Slytherin that came with a same request.
"They are just stories that will die with me if I don't do something with all knowledge I acquired along the way, professor. My whole life was...is about defending others from the dark arts. It is only natural to help new, younger minds in their education. After all, they are our future. I have the experience, I have the knowledge and I'm confident that I have skills to pass it on. You won't find more qualified person around, nor one more versed about dark arts." He finished his speech feeling good. All of them knew he said nothing but truth and yet she wasn't convinced.
"Very well versed in dark arts..." She trailed silently. " Here we approach the problem. The subject is defense against dark arts and I'm not sure if your approach to the subject is the best one. After all, we all know who you dealt with those vampires in Russia, or rising dark lord problem in Brazil." She finally vocalized her thoughts, looking him straight in the eyes, stubborn and proud, and not giving an inch away. True Gryffinor indeed. Harry casually leaned back in his chair, the top of Elder wand visible for a moment under his sleeve, he let his magic away and instantly everyone in the office could feel it radiating from him as if saying 'I am Harry Potter and who are you to deny me?'. He sighed dramatically.
"If you don't want me to teach you can just say so, you know." He saw her lip trembled for the moment and knew that the decision was bothering her. Public, board of governments and ministry are surely pressuring her to give him job, but her own fears and doubts, absurdly powerful young man in front of her and her experience were screaming 'no'. Filius, too, had similar doubts, but he believed in Harry, the only son of his favorite student ever. Silence prolonged just enough to make whole situation a bit awkward. Professor McGonagall then opted for a same tactic as Dumbledore all those years ago.
"And am I to believe that Malfoy, Longbottom, Bones and Weasley are having a drink in Hog's head only to wish you luck?" Harry actually laughed out loud and she wasn't impressed as far as he could see, but he couldn't help himself.
"We haven't see each others in a long time, professor, and we agreed to catch on later."Her shoulders dropped a bit, and Harry knew it was over. He got a job.
"Very well, Mr Potter. Expect my owl in few days." Harry, pleased with himself, stood up, shook their hands once again and went to share happy news with his friends. Minerva and Filius remained in silence as she took out full bottle of firewhiskey and poured two generous doses of strong alcoholic beverage.
"What have I done?" She finally whispered.
"You made a choice, a bad one over the worse one and there is nothing we can do about it. Maybe he is the force we need to become what we once were." Ge responded, but headmistress was in her own thoughts.
"Dark Lord's equal, indeed." She muttered too quietly to be heard by Filius.
September, 2001.
WIZENGAMOT DISSOLVED
In shocking decision of minister of magic and all department heads, the legal body that was foundation of magical Britain was dissolved. Current heads of families that had the privilege of title of 'lord' can no longer call themselves that way. "Every man and woman is equal, and therefore any title that suggests otherwise is no longer available to acquire by anyone. Wizengamot, of course, did a great job leading this country in the past, but those times are over and we have to adapt to the current climate. This is only the beginning in our path toward equality and prosperity." - Kingsley Shacklebolt, minister of magic. "I mean, I'm not sure what's even going on anymore. Should we call Bloody Baron from Hogwarts just bloody? This is absurd, and only the beginning of incoming tyranny." - Theodore Nott, ex lord. "Any so called move towards equality is a lie, my own daughter-in-law was forced to leave country because of said 'equality'." - Arthur Weasley, the head of the office for the misuse of muggle artefacts
January, 2002.
2000 WIZARDS AND WITCHES IN PROTEST IN DIAGON ALLEY
Solid part of our community could be found this afternoon marching through Diagon alley and demanding their gold back. When it was confirmed that no dialogue would be executed between ministry and goblins, the former promised compensating losses citizens suffered. However, according to protesters, they never received their gold and are currently broke. Without the possibility to emigrate in any part of ICW they found themselves in tough stop. When aurors approached the mass spells were fired and more than 100 were injured in riot that followed. Great part of Diagon destroyed. Radio station called for another protest in Knocturn Alley next week and the prognosis is that even more people would attend. "The situation is firmly under our control!" - Gawain Robards, head auror. "This spitting onto our faces cannot continue! We won't stop until we have basics for living, we simply won't!" - Adrian Pucey, the protester.
July, 2002.
HERO STRIKES AGAIN
Uprising of new Brazilian Dark Lord that was feared all over Americas was brutally stopped by our very known hero, Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived. When it was clear that authorities didn't have a situation under their control they didn't have a choice, but to accept Potter's help who happened to be visiting at the moment. In quick, efficient purges that soon followed more than 200 dark wizards and witches were disposed of in a brutal manner which, their papers report, were necessary to put stop on advancing dark forces. "They say brutally killed, they say he shouldn't use that amount of dark magic, but he did the job and everyone is happy. If he had to use fire against fire you won't hear us complaining. If they want to behave like rabid dogs, then he had every right to put them down in a manner he did. After all, that is what you do when they go rabid." - Anonymous witness.
June, 2003.
THE END OF REBELLION
Uneasiness between wizards and goblins finally at its end. In a brief, but brutal battle between two species the casualties were great on both sides and it was decided that current state of affairs cannot continue. In a briefing that went for 5 hours a new treaty was drafted and the door of the bank is once again opened for all citizens. The details of treaty are not currently known, but it is belief of society that they will be known by the end of the week. "The minister and their king, Ragnok were able to unravel their differences and reach a dialogue that was productive. I believe the final treaty is going to be beneficial for both sides which will, in conclusion, lead us closer to accomplishing goals set up by ministry of magic. Nothing can stop us now!" - Wilhemina Pye, undersecretary for the minister of magic. "This is only delaying the inevitable. Tensions will rise again and we will have same problems as before. Mark my words!" -Bartholomeo Davis, historian.
March, 2004.
MINISTER'S SON BITTEN BY WEREWOLF!
Michael Shacklebolt(5) was playing in his backyard later than usual when he suffered an attack that left him infected with lycanthropy. The response from the ministry came swiftly in a form of brutal justice. Werewolf responsible for the vicious attack was quickly convicted with a death as a penalty. Said penalty wasn't issued for more than 200 years. In the meeting that followed after the trial ministry reached its final decision - to wipe out unnatural infection once and for all. Teams of auror were sent early in the morning to carry out their mission. "We tried to reason with them, we tried to protect them with our laws, we tried to limit them on their own territory, but they wouldn't bulge. Even if we knew that darkness is in their souls we still tried to do what is right, and yet, they ignore our help. No point to pretend anymore, they finally showed their true colors and we will respond accordingly. Celebrate, my fellow wizards and witches. Celebrate because at this time tomorrow, no werewolf will still breath on our island. - Robert Proudfoot, senior auror in charge of the mission.
November, 2004.
END OF ERA OF DARK CREATURES
After unfortunate business with werewolves and hunts that followed, the existence of dark creatures is reaching its end. As of this day, the giants no longer exist. The last one to be executed was Grawp, the only giant that fought on the side of Harry Potter in the battle of Hogwarts. Surprisngly, the execution was well visited with more than 200 attendants who expressed their grief. "This is barbaric. With one swipe of an ax, thousands of years of history were destroyed. With one swipe of an ax, this little hope i had for humanity is gone." - Hermione Granger, activist for non-human beings rights. "He wouldn't hurt a fly. His heart was on right place, you bastards, he saved your sorry ***** from death eaters and this is how you paid him back? It is not him who is monster, but you." - Rubeus Hagrid. "Grawp was a friend and you killed him. We are poorer because of it, but at least the land is richer. Don't ever delude yourself that this is over. You will hear from us." Anonymous attender.
October, 2005.
THE USABLE MAGIC ACT
In the new act by the ministry of magic, hundreds of spells have been forbidden for common uses. There were many argues about which spells are safe, but eventually ministry came with new, approved list of spells that are safe to use by anyone with a wand. Said list will be printed in tomorrows daily prophet and it will be sent to Hogwarts so professors can remove spells from curriculum and books from library that are not in according of it. "It is hard to predict exact nature of magic. It is hard to foresee corruptive nature of dark magic so there was no easy way to classify known spells, but we did our best to do so. Any and every magic is dangerous, but this is the final list of spells that won't taint body, mind nor soul. We chose this course of action to ensure safety of our people, to prevent any future dark wizards and to create environment we can all enjoy without any fear." - Unspeakable.
December, 2006.
SAFETY FIRST
Because of increased number of muggleborns in last 5 years, ministry is going step further to enforce the Statue of Secrecy. To protect our existence from muggles every single one of them who is aware of magic is required to take unbreakable vow(made possible by unspeakables) not to reveal anything they have seen or heard on this side of the border. Furthermore, the squibs, because they have much more contact with muggles than wizards and withes will be obliviated and sent in their world for good. "Statue of Secrecy is our most important law and taking into account latest prognosis I see no other options, but to act. At first, it might seem cruel, but the benefits we are about to reap in long-time period are undeniable." Kingsley Shacklebolt, ministry of magic. "It is simple, they are burden for the ministry which it cannot afford because of all the crises we went through. It is time to put ourselves on first place and that is exactly what are we about to do. We will carry our guilt forever, but that is our burden to carry. We have no regrets." - Amos Diggory, minister's main adviser.
September, 2007.
Harry sat down on the throne. The same throne in Malfoy manor that Voldemort used 10 years ago. It was so beautifully ironical that Harry had to employ every single ounce of occlumency not to crack a laugh. He wasn't sure why they chose this place, but it only seemed right now, when he looked objectively at it. Everyone gathered and Harry was proud to call every single person in the room a friend. If Sorting Hat could see them right now it would cry out of joy: they finally found that unity it advised all those years ago. They were all looking up at him; Gryffindors: Ron, Hermione, George and Seamus, Hufflepuffs: Susan, Hannah and Ernie, Ravenclaws: Luna, Cho, Marrieta and Terry and Slytherins: Adrian Pucey, Draco, Theo Nott and even Pansy. He silently cleared his throat. All of the unfulfilled potential he saw in front of himself was the saddest thing he ever encountered and at that moment he knew that it won't stay that way. Even if it was the last thing he did in his life.
"Thank you all for coming. I cannot express the joy I felt when I saw all of you once again and now I wish I never left, but I did. I am ashamed to call myself a Gryffindor right now because of my cowardly act 10 years ago. I left because I couldn't watch my dear old Britain, for whom I have fought my whole life, crumbling down into something awful, something unrecognizable. I went all around to world seeking place to settle down, place to forget and grieve in peace, but was unable to. Whole time while I was away I felt unrest that I couldn't stop, like open wound that could never heal and this year, finally, I realized what it represented." He knew he was bubbling, but couldn't stop himself. All those people brought back emotions he thought he would never feel again and yet one look at his old classmates was enough to bring it all back. He was glad to see even gits like Malfoy. But, right now it wasn't time for feelings. It was time for action, fro them to do something more, something they will be proud of so he collected his thoughts and continued. "We were all part of war when we were mere children. Not because we wanted to, but because we were dragged into it by our parents. We were young and naive, without better options so we fought. And we lost. That bloody war had no winner. All what remained behind was destroyed society, ruined families and bunch of scared children who were forced to grow too fast. I realized, somewhere along the path, that I was nothing more but a pawn my entire life. Pawn to people to whom I should've said fuck off." He chuckled darkly, raising up. He released his magic to flow freely around the room, but unlikely others, his friends could feel warmness, protection and love. They could feel his eternal love he had for them." But I say no more. No more should we dance to the wishes of those who never did a one honest thing for us. We were there to see fall of Albus Dumbledore. We were there to see fall of Lord Voldemort. We were there, alone, against all armies Dark Lord could assemble and we emerged victorious. Nothing, my friends, cannot stop us while we are united so I ask you are we going to let them dictate us how to live or will we unite once again and took what is our, the whole FUCKING world." As he said last words forcefully, his magic acted accordingly and pushed back his friends who one by one has fallen down on their knees. Harry sat down looking the event in front of him with a feeling of accomplishment and proud.
"Rise, my friends, for today we party and catch up, but tomorrow? Tomorrow we start our path forward, and we won't stop until the victory is ours."
Dark and light magic both found their place in the parts of Harry Potter's soul and were in constant, eternal fight for dominance, but on that day while he sat on throne that once belonged to Voldemort they settled down. Two parts of his soul could finally rest in acceptance of each other. After all they had new enemies to fight. Neither can live while the other survives.
Note: I just fixed few minor mistakes I found. I know there are probably more, but anyway... I hope you all enjoyed it.