Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!
Sorry this took so long to post, I've struggled with writing it a lot so I hope you like the outcome. Enjoy.
Chapter Sixteen
"Now, remember, I have your talking notes in your upper breast pocket-"
"Don't slouch-"
"Smile to the reporters-"
"-but don't smile too much, remember they are beneath you-"
"-but don't make that obvious, you don't want to come off-"
"-as a dick?"
"Exactly. Also, speak clearly and concisely-"
"Yes, we don't want the reporters to take anything you say and twist it-"
"Just read from your notes and you'll be fine-"
"Oh! Don't let your emotions get away from you-"
Harry squeezed his eyes shut and gulped down air as the woman of the Manor proceeded to 'prep' him for the event and his interview. His nerves had been frazzled since he woke up this morning with a huge anxious knot twisting in his gut. He really didn't want to go. He didn't want to deal with reporters.
"Not that I care or anything," Theo drawled over the nonstop flow of advice. "But I doubt Mr. Savior will even make it to the Ceremony if you witches don't step back and let him breath."
At this the women paused and looked at Harry who was developing a small shine of sweat along his forehead and his breaths coming faster and faster. Daphne and Tracey stayed beside him to help him through while the other women wisely stepped away, focusing their attentions on Hermione and making slight adjustments to her dress. The residents were all in the floo room of the Manor and it was five minutes before Harry and Hermione were required to leave. Theo, Blaise, Draco and Gregory were comfortably sprawled across the few couches in the room watching Harry and Hermione suffer under the critical glares of the Slytherin women.
"There, you're going to be fine. It's not your first time dealing with the press but at least this time you are prepared," Tracey soothed as Harry regained his breathing and he gave a jerky nod.
"And if you're not fine, just remember, you now own almost everything so you can always force them not to publish anything unsavory about you," Blaise called out.
"While that is true," Daphne conceded, "try to not make that be the case." Her blue eyes were unwavering as she stared at Harry inspecting him to make sure his appearance was in order and that he was recovering from his slight episode. Satisfied she stepped back to join the others and Hermione stepped forward as she was required to attend as well.
Harry was dressed in dark emerald robes that Pansy and Astoria claimed was the perfect balance of screaming wealth but also remaining dignified and humble. Astoria also chimed in that it went great with his eyes. At the time Harry had merely rolled his and just went with whatever the two witches had agreed upon. Beside him Hermione was dressed in fashionable witches robes of a soft lilac that while conservative and appropriate for the occasion hugged her curves to be only slightly modern and fun. At least that was how Pansy had described it to him after she and Astoria had helped Hermione select said robes. Again Harry had just shrugged and gave a noncommittal grunt. He couldn't care less.
"Ready 'Mione?" he asked glancing at his best friend. She gave a resigned sigh and nod and reached out to grab his hand. He knew it was more for comfort and solidarity than anything else and he returned her nod with a grim one of his own. "Let's get this over with then."
Another nod from his best friend and with a deep breath Harry walked towards the fireplace, dragging her with him. The fireplace was large enough for them both two stand at full height and with only a few inches of space on either side of them. Harry glanced at the room of Slytherins and they all stared back with equal expressions of indifference and boredom. But Tracey and Daphne at least gave him small nods of encouragement.
Taking another deep breath and fighting back the anxiety in his stomach, Harry grabbed a fistful of floo powder and dropped it in the fireplace, calling out "Ministry of Magic, Ministers' Office."
And like that the green flames enveloped them both rushing them away from the Manor. Stumbling out of the new fireplace, choking on some of the ash that had stirred up from their landing, Harry cursed his ability to never manager a decent landing. Hermione swiftly stepped away from the fireplace and dropped his hand as she went to greet Kingsley who was standing up from his desk at the sound of the floo activating.
"Harry! Hermione! So glad you could make it. Really it means so much to me that you could attend."
"Of course, Kingsley. Wouldn't dream of missing it," Harry replied, brushing the soot from his robes as he walked forward and shook the mans' hand. Kinglsey was dressed in the ceremonial robes of a Minister and he looked every inch the part. Intimidating, awe-inspiring, powerful, inspirational, Harry couldn't help but feel proud of his friend. "And I want to thank you for allowing me to speak afterwards to address the press on certain matters."
"Yes, I was surprised at your request and what with the Prophet spinning more rumors, I must say I'm curious about what you have to say."
"Honestly, I had hoped to not speak on the matter until later this summer but it seems my hands are being forced. I had wanted to speak with you privately about it. Well, I wanted to speak with a couple people before I made everything public but I guess this will save me from constant repetition."
"Well, I'm definitely intrigued. But you have my support Harry, know that," Kingsley said, clapping a hand on his shoulder and giving him a knowing look. Harry nodded and felt hope swell within him. It meant a lot for the older man to have such faith in him.
"Thank you, it means a lot."
Hermione gave a slight cough, breaking up their moment with a small quirk of her lips. "Yes, your support is appreciated. But this moment is about our support for you, right now."
"Always the wise one, Hermione, yes in deed. And we should be expected down now," Kingsley agreed glancing at the clock on his desk. "Come now, I'm fairly certain the other Order members and your DA have already gathered in the ballroom. It was decided that everyone should already be there before we unleash the reporters."
Harry merely gave a nod and followed the man and Hermione out of the office and through a few short hallways before Kingsley came to an elaborately designed double door and swung it open. Harry and Hermione stopped behind him taking in the sight. The ballroom was larger than the one he had in his Manor with tables setup lining the walls. The middle of the room was separated by a thin red carpet leading from the entrance to the stage at the far end of the room that held a podium and a few extra chairs. The room was already filled with people that Harry recognized, at least for the most part he recognized them. Some were completely foreign to him. He didn't bother staring at them though, instead his gaze flitted across the faces that brought him peace and happiness. The Weasleys' all stood proudly though the sadness of losing one of their own was clearly etched on their faces. Actually, there wasn't a face in the crowd that didn't hold the signs of loss or sadness, but there were some that hid it better than others. There was a moment of silence before the quiet chatter started up again and Kingsley strode forth to greet his companions and honored guests while Hermione and Harry went to greet their friends.
"Oh Harry dear, don't you look sharp. And you Hermione, just stunning," Mrs. Weasley gushed engulfing them both in a hug.
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley, and you as well," Harry replied, breathing in her familiar scent of The Burrows' kitchen.
"Oh, hush now," the woman said her face turning a faint red at his compliment before turning her attentions to some of other older residents who had wandered over.
"Ron, Ginny," Harry greeted the younger Weasleys.
"Harry," Ron greeted giving him a one-sided hug. "How ya been?"
"Eh, each day is different."
"Heard you were holding a press conference after this, is it true Harry?" Harry turned to see Neville walking over with Luna and a few other DA members in his wake.
"Neville! It's good to see you. And you Luna," Harry said honestly as he gave them both a hug. "Seamus, Dean, everyone." He said to the small group that had gathered.
"You're avoiding the question Harry," Luna said pleasantly. "Does it have something to do with your new relationship status?"
Harry fought to roll his eyes. "I'm not dating Astoria," he sighed wearily. He felt like he would be saying that a lot today.
"Didn't think you were, mate," Seamus joked.
"Besides, we all know you could do far better than a little snake," Cho Chang added.
"Yeah, everyone knows the Prophet just likes grasping at straws," Justin Finch-Finchley agreed.
"Yes, well I'm hoping to see that changing soon," Harry said as a smirk worked its way to his face. "And Cho, don't call her that. That kind of talk is what started this whole mess in the first place." Cho seemed surprised and her cheeks turned pink at his words and she cast her eyes away.
"What makes you say that?" Dean asked curiously, stepping back from giving Hermione a hug. "How can you change the Prophet?" he clarified, obviously attempting to steer the conversation onto safer ground.
"You'll find out at the press conference. But I just want to say that, I had no intentions of going public with my news until much later in the summer. And that I had wanted to speak with all of you privately before I talked to the press, but with recent events it doesn't seem like I can."
"You're being rather mysterious, Harry," Luna said calmly.
"I know. I'm sorry about that. I just don't want to have to repeat myself multiple times today with this story. But you're all welcome to my new place if you ever feel like it."
"Oh you have a new place, Harry?" Padma asked curiously from her place next to Hannah Abbott who clung to Neville's arm. Harry didn't recall the girl ever being known as clingy so he wondered what the story was with her.
It was still a surprise when Harry looked at the woman, even after all the funerals and after the battle. Her face was scarred, horribly so. Some were thin and white and old, others were still healing. The newer scars looked like they were made by claws the others were probably old curses from her year at Hogwarts. The scars stretched down her neck and disappeared under her dress and his heart always twinged for her.
"Yeah, Ginny mentioned you weren't at the Burrow anymore," Ernie said moving closer to the small group, his arm wrapped comfortably and firmly around Ginny's waist. "You either Hermione," he added, nodding to the bushy haired woman.
Hermione just gave a short nod and hugged her arms closer to her, before lifting her head and replying softly, "Yes, Harry offered me a place to stay."
"Yeah, came into some property…." Harry replied, which received a snort from Ron and an eyeroll from Ginny and Hermione.
"That's one way to say it," Ron muttered. Harry sent his best friend a glare before turning his attention back to his other friends and former roommates.
"Either way, good on you mate," Neville said pleasantly. "I'm still stuck with my gran," he sighed, before his eyes drifted away from the group and with a quick glance Harry saw said gran standing next to the drink table, vulture hat and red bag and everything.
"You're welcome at my place," Harry offered. He immediately liked the idea even if it was a spur of the moment offer.
"Really?"
"No, you don't want to stay at his place, Neville. It's infested," Ron hissed. "A complete snake den it is."
"Ron," Harry growled.
Further commentary was cut off by the doors opening once more and a wave of people entering, cameras began flashing and the quiet murmur that had filled the ballroom was replaced by louder chatter and unintelligible questions. The small group of war hardened teenagers all took a few steps back from the incoming onslaught. And Harry saw them all stiffen and their postures harden, all drew their wands. Any normalcy that had attempted to fall on the friends evaporated.
It would be any minute now and the reporters would spot them. Three. Two. One. "Mr. Potter! Mr. Potter! Look it's Harry Potter!" A reporter called out.
"Mr. Potter!" The rush towards them was sickening and Harry felt himself grow hot and his knuckles went white around his wand.
"Is it true you're dating Astoria Greengrass?" "Where have you been?" "Is it true you've been practicing the Dark Arts?" "Are you under a love potion?" "Is it true you've been traveling the world on just your broom?"
Harry felt his mouth go dry and his mind short circuit. The flashing lights were glaring off of his glasses and blinding him. He stumbled backwards and tried to swallow. He had to respond. He had to say something. He was Harry Potter and he had defeated Voldemort, he should be able to handle some reporters.
"Um…." he tried to say but wasn't loud enough to stop the onslaught of reporters. Talk! Talk! His mind chanted but he couldn't think of what to say. He remembered vaguely that Daphne and Tracey had written him talking points but he couldn't remember where they said they had put them.
"I'm sure Harry will be happy to answer all your questions at the press conference after the ceremony," Luna said cheerfully, gaining a lull from the reporters. "It's obvious that the Nargles have infiltrated your thoughts at the moment causing you to forget about that though. This is after all the ceremony for our new Minister." Some of the reporters had the decency to look slightly ashamed before they started directing their questions to the rest of the group. Seizing upon the opportunity to question the original Dumbledore's Army.
"Mr. Longbottom, is it true you still have the Sword of Gryffindor?" "Miss Weasley are you really receiving offers to play professional Quidditch? Is it true that you crushed the Chosen Ones' heart for a Hufflepuff?" "Miss Granger have you really lost your ability to speak due to the horrors of the war?" "Mr. Weasley do you intend to continue your fight against the remaining Death Eaters? Are you still consumed by being a shadow of Mr. Potter?" "Miss Lovegood what happened in the dungeon?" "Mr. Thomas where did you go on the run? Is it true you befriended a goblin while in hiding?"
Harry could feel his temper rising as the questions continued, growing more and more insane and personal. He debated hexing the lot and storming away but he knew he couldn't do that. Why couldn't he? A voice whispered in his head. He knew many hexes that would do the job. No one would say that he hadn't earned the right for some peace. He could hex them and there would be silence. Blessed silence. His thoughts drifted to the Manor the silence that surrounded it.
He couldn't breath, the reporters were too close. Too many flashing lights. The questions thundered against his ears. His throat was dry and he couldn't swallow. He was too hot. This was too much. What had he been thinking? The images started to flood his mind with every flash of the camera a new image was pulled forth. The shouts of battle drowned out the questions of the reporters. A loud bang sounded causing Harry to jump and stop himself mid curse when he realized it had been Kingsley at the podium, calling the room to silence. The reporters moved away, closer to the front and Harry took a few shuddering breaths, but didn't put his wand away.
Glancing around him he saw his friends recovering themselves in much the same way. He doubted any had even managed to speak to the reporters all too shell shocked and sucked into memories. Harry didn't even hear the first part of Kingsleys' speech, the blood in his ears had been pounding too loudly to comprehend anything. Hermione had grabbed his hand at some point trying to reassure him and herself if he were to guess. And Seamus had silently directed them all to a table in the back so they could sit and avoid more of the crowds.
After Kingsley's acceptance speech a shriveled up old man came forward and said more words but his voice was like that of a textbook and Harry couldn't have paid attention if he wanted to. Bill Weasley said a few words in favor of Kingsley and in honor of those who had fallen after the cheering for the new Minister had quieted. And then Hermione, Ron and himself were called forward to stand on the stage and shake hands with Kingsley while more pictures were taken. They each gave their support of the Minister and how he would lead the Wizarding World to better days. Hermione even spoke which Harry was glad for.
If he thought about it, the day was going decently. He was numb to most of it and couldn't remember anything that had been said but given the circumstances he hadn't hexed any reporters and he hadn't lost his temper to drastically. He had come close a few times to some of the public that had tried asking him probing questions but he had been lucky enough to have been saved by one of his friends before he lost it completely.
"How are you though?" he asked Neville when they had received a small respite from the crowd. The group had ducked away from prying eyes by stepping out of the ballroom and going to one of the side rooms.
Neville shrugged. "Best as can be expected, I suppose. Been staying in my greenhouses mostly. Not really leaving them much."
Harry gave a small nod. He wasn't much different. It seemed everyone was avoiding the outside world at the moment.
"What about you Harry?" Romilda Vane asked, plopping herself on the arm of the chair Harry sat in. "It's like you've disappeared." She placed her hand gently on his forearm.
"Been busy, a lot has come up," he replied, fidgeting slightly at her intent gaze. She was pretty enough, curly black hair and dark eyes and an appealing figure, which was made obvious by the satin blue gown she had worn to the event. But Harry couldn't help but remember the time she had tried using a love potion on him in Sixth Year that had almost killed Ron.
"So if you really aren't seeing the little Greengrass, is there anyone you are seeing?" she questioned innocently.
"Um...er…." Harry hesitated glancing around but all he got was a sympathetic look from Neville and matching smirks from Seamus and Dean and an annoyed huff from Hermione. No one else seemed to be noticing. "No, I haven't really thought about it. Had a lot on my mind."
"Oh yes, of course, completely understandable. What with your big secret and all," she replied, leaning back a little to give him more space which he silently was grateful for.
"Yeah, my big secret."
"You know, if you ever want to just talk or maybe grab some coffee? I know the cutest little shop, no one would recognize us."
"Really? Sounds nice," Harry hedged. "But as you said I have a big secret and it looks about that time to reveal it." Quickly he stood up causing the woman to fall into the chair with a small squeak. The rest of the room residents all saw him stand and followed suit.
"Really, Harry, why all the secrecy?" Neville asked quietly as the group walked back into the ballroom, the crowd had barely diminished, everyone anxious to hear what he had to say.
"Yes, Harry, though secret due seem to follow you rather closely," Luna chimed in from his other side.
"Please, Neville, Luna, just trust me in this plan of mine. I didn't want all this secrecy and hype. But please, at least keep an open mind about what I'm about to say. Please, it would mean a lot if I had your support."
"Course, Harry. I'm here for you, mate," Neville replied with equal seriousness. His confusion was evident in his eyes but his loyalty overshown any doubts or uncertainty.
"Of course, Harry." Her blue eyes betraying nothing but innocent trust that Harry was glad hadn't been destroyed by the war. If Luna had stopped being Luna, Harry was certain that that would be one of the hardest hits of the war.
"Thanks, Neville. Thanks, Luna," he whispered back before the reporters ushered him through their thick throngs and he was practically pushed onto the stage just as Kingsley was finishing his introduction of him, which Harry hadn't realized was happening while he talked with Neville and Luna.
Suddenly, Harry was standing before the podium just like he had been a few hours ago, but now he stood there alone and facing the sea of reporters and people, all of their attentions trained on him. His heart started pounding fiercely and to distract his hands from grabbing his wand shoved up his sleeve, his fingers fumbled with his pocket to grab the notes that Daphne and Tracey had given him. He wondered if those at the Manor would be bothering to tune into the radio that was recording the days' events for the rest of the Wizarding World that couldn't attend.
The words in front of him swam as he held them on the podium. This was it. He was about to tell the world everything that had happened. His entire Second Chance plan. Drawing the book out of his other pocket he placed it with a resounding thud on the podium, the crowd hushed as they stared at the thick book.
Harry closed his eyes momentarily, summoning his Gryffindor courage and pulling upon the small things that he had gathered from his new Slytherin housemates. "Hello," he began, his voice ringing clearly throughout the ballroom and the crowd hushed. His eyes sought those of his friends but the glare from the lights and the cameras were making it impossible. Taking another deep breath he continued. "Many of you are wondering why I called this conference today. And there are many rumors being spread, all of which I plan to clear up today. However, if you can please hold all questions until I have finished my explanation that will be appreciated." Harry swallowed deeply as he glanced down at his notes.
"Allow me to start at the beginning. About this time last week, I was called to Gringotts, while there I was informed of my Right of Conquest. Turns out, that every person who swore allegiance to Voldemort," the sudden intake of breath from the crowd gave him pause before he forced himself to continue by saying that that would be a mission for another day. "Every person who swore allegiance, unknowingly gave over all control of their properties and their accounts. This book is a record of every property and account of all the families who swore their allegiance. And when I defeated Voldemort, Right of Conquest came into play, and I became owner of all that had been owned indirectly by Voldemort and directly by his followers." Harry paused as the gasps and the shouts arose at this news. The Chosen One waited a few more minutes before clearing his throat and calling the room to silence once again. "In addition to my new found properties and accounts I have gained ownership of ….some…..people…." he forced his voice not to waver at this announcement. "These people were donated to Voldemort by will of their parents, and now I have become their life owner."
Glancing at the notes and saw that Tracey and Daphne had instructed him to read their names out to the public and to then describe his plan. One of them had written a note to say that by their names being mentioned now it would save answering additional questions later and would clarify why Astoria had been with him. "The people who have lost ownership of their own lives and in return lost their free will and choices, some are now deceased and some now reside in Azkaban. But the ones who still remain are:Tracey Davis, Gregory Goyle, Astoria Greengrass, Daphne Greengrass, Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Pansy Parkinson, and Blaise Zabini." The murmurings increased and the shouts were starting up again. Harry shifted uncomfortably as he attempted to gain the rooms attentions once again. There was a high pierced whistle that sounded and if Harry had to guess he would say it had been Luna but he was still blinded by the lights. Nonetheless it did the trick and the crowd fell silent once again.
"Now, I can only imagine what you are all thinking at this news. But as you all know I can't stand the thought of owning a life, but I am unable to simply free them. So these eight and myself have reached an agreement. They are to reside with me in one of my residences that I came upon of my own inheritance and not through the monster. They are to live there for five years and in that time they are to create a business or charity that will be benefitting to the wizarding world. And if they do so, then in five years they can be freed and regain ownership of their accounts and properties."
There was a moment of silence and then an uproar. Harry had anticipated a lot of reactions, but he hadn't thought that the reaction would be so….loud. He couldn't hear a word anyone was saying but the shouts continued to rise and the reporters cameras clicked even faster. "Please!" Harry shouted. "Please, be quiet! Let me finish!" He demanded, his temper rising quickly. Finally having enough, he raised his wand and let out red sparks, this got the crowd's attention and the rioting ceased. Leaping at the momentary silence, Harry pressed forward knowing that he was going completely off-script but he didn't care. He had to make these people see.
"Listen, I know many of you do not think kindly on the people I have named but that doesn't mean they don't deserve a second chance. They were owned by a monster, can any of you say the same? How can you judge them if you haven't lived through what they did? Yes, we all faced horrors. We have all faced terrible things and lost many, many good people. I am not denying that. But don't forget that they fought and lost people too. How many of you did things that you regret in the name of the war? Why do you think they are any different? Because they are Slytherins? Because of who their parents are?" Harry took a deep breath to try to reign back in his temper, he had been close to shouting at the end but he knew that wouldn't accomplish anything. Taking another deep breath Harry continued. "Today, we just welcomed our new Minister and with that we stood by the chance of a new wizarding world. A Wizarding World full of acceptance and progress. The first war started due to prejudice and hatred and the second one started just the same. If we do not learn from our past and move on from childhood rivalries and ancient prejudices then we are no better than when we started. This is our chance to make things better and I for one am going to take that chance. And I suppose this is as good a time as any to mention that due to my new acquirings I now control the vast majority of the Wizengamot and I plan on using that to enact some new laws and disbanding ancient ones that are completely backwards and only hindering our progress. This is a time for second chances and this is a time for a better Wizarding World, this is what we fought for and this is what so many good people gave their lives for. A more open minded Wizarding World. Th-thank you." He ended, his breathing was heavy after his rant and he felt sweaty from the passion he had put into his words. He had gone completely off book and he could only imagine the hail storm that was about to rain down. He gulped and stepped back from the podium, his gut was twisting as he waited for the noise again.
And the noise came. The noise crashed down like a thunderclap and he half expected to be rushed upon. The reporters did move forward as well as angry members of the crowd all coming to scream at him that what he was doing was a mistake. And that the new world didn't need people like those Slytherins. "Mr. Potter are you under a spell?" "Those Death Eaters don't deserve second chances!" "Mr. Potter do you really forgive Death Eaters of their crimes?" "My son is dead because of those monsters!" "Mr. Potter is this your attempt at becoming the new Dark Lord?" "Mr. Potter-" "Mr. Potter-"
"Alight, you vultures, leave the man alone. He's said his piece and that's it. Nothing more and nothing less," Ron's voice broke through the crowd as he began shoving the reporters away.
"Yes, you have your story now scram," Neville's voice joined in and soon the reporters and the crowd was dispersing. Harry breathed deeply, his back had been pressed against the wall and his wand had been drawn. His face pale and sweating as the mob had pressed forward. "Merlin, Harry, you gave us quite a turn," Neville said once they were alone. "Couldn't have put all that in a letter I suppose?"
"I see why you were so secretive before Harry," Luna's voice drifted over as she, Hermione, Hannah, Romilda, Seamus, Dean, Justin, and Cho joined them. The Weasleys also stopped by but only to give him a quick hug before departing as well. Only Ron stayed behind, Ginny left with her parents.
"Yeah, you've had quite the week," Dean replied though his face looked grim. "So you're really giving that lot a second chance, eh? Really living with them?"
Harry nodded, his voice returning. "Yeah. Hermione is too now and Draco's mother. I've extended the offer to Andromeda and Teddy too. Along with creating a business or some such I'm using them to help me with all of this political stuff. Figured they knew the ropes better than anyone."
"So do we have them to thank for your new wardrobe?" Parvati asked stepping up with her sister and joining the group.
"Yeah," Harry said glancing down at his emerald robes. "Um...Pansy and Astoria and Blaise took me shopping the other day, when that picture in the paper was taken. We were apparating back to the Manor. They even took me muggle shopping. They really aren't as bad as they were in school. Ok...well some are just as bad but they are trying to improve," Harry insisted.
"Take your word for it," Seamus muttered, his arms crossed and a frown etched onto his face. "Look Harry, I doubted you once before and it made me a complete ass later. But that lot? Shit mate, I don't know if I can do it this time," he sighed. "Good luck though with everything." Seamus backed away with Dean giving him a resigned shrug and following after the Irishman. Harry sighed as he watched his former roommates exit the ballroom. Most of the other ballroom occupants were leaving as well, with only a few groups around the room huddled together and talking amongst themselves, every so often the groups would glance at him and Harry knew they were talking about him.
"So you really went on the rampage up there," Cho said, eyeing him carefully.
"You didn't really set those new Dark Lord rumors to rest, you know?" Justin remarked.
Harry groaned and dragged a hand across his face. "Merlin, was I really that bad?"
"No, not bad at all. Just your average bloke claiming that you now have control of the vast majority of the wizarding governing body and control multiple vaults and properties, spouting the need for change. Not power hungry sounding at all," Padma quipped.
"Well, at least the good news is I have control of the Prophet now. I just need to have a talk with Mr. Cuffe and I should be ok in the press."
"Oh, yeah no big deal," Neville snickered.
"So you guys are all OK with this? What I'm doing?"
"Well, no not really," Cho began. "I can't see how you can just forgive them after everything they've done. But I know your intentions are good and so I support that."
"Have to agree with Cho, you're bonkers for giving those snakes a second chance, but who am I to go against the most powerful man in Wizarding Britain?" Justin questioned before he and Cho departed the group and left.
"And what about you all?" Harry asked, turning to Neville, Hannah, Luna, Padma, Parvati, and Romilda.
"How about we grab that coffee and I can tell you all about what I think of your idea," Romilda replied before giving him a wink and turning to leave.
"Er...right…" Harry replied before turning back to the others.
"I don't know Harry. So much has happened. There is just so much between us and them," Parvati began.
"I know but that's why I'm doing this. I'm trying to fix things before they become worse and we get another war."
"I know you're trying. But I'm going to need more time before I can try," the woman replied with a sad smile. "Good luck though." She stepped away as well but her sister didn't.
"I'm not saying I agree with this idea of yours emotionally but logically I can see where you are coming from and why you are doing it. So I suppose I support you in this," Padma declared.
"I'm with you Harry," Neville announced. "I trust in what you are doing and I think our parents would be proud of what you are trying to do." Hannah gave a small nod as well and gripped Neville's arm tighter.
"I quite like this idea of yours," Luna responded. "Can I come and visit?"
Harry snorted at that. "Of course you can. All of you can come and visit. I would really like it if you would. Actually I still have a couple rooms left if you want them. I'm kinda viewing this Manor as more of a rehabilitation place and a place to relax and regroup."
"That sounds nice," Luna commented with a pleasant smile.
"Yeah, plus I could do with a few friendly faces around the place," Harry joked.
"Well, you already know my answer, mate. Anyway, I've gotta be going. Mum will be getting worried and you know how that is," Ron said with a sad, twisted smile.
"Yeah, bye, Ron. Tell your mum we'll stop by sometime this week."
"Yeah, Sunday dinners are going to become mandatory too, if you don't show your face around more."
Ron gave a wave and turned away, shaking hands with a few of the remaining huddled groups as he passed. Harry sighed as he saw his best friend walking away. Would it ever be the same between them again?
"Harry, are you serious about us living there?" Neville asked hesitantly.
"Yes, very!" Harry couldn't believe that his friends were actually considering this.
"OK," Luna stated.
"What?"
"I'll live with you," she said simply, as if she decided to move out everyday. "Father won't like it much but he can visit, can't he?"
"Of course," Harry gasped, glancing at Hermione who gave him a twitched smile.
"I wouldn't mind it either. I need to get out of the house," Padma sighed, looking at her hands as they fidgeted with her long sleeves that were covering more scars.
"Well you are definitely welcome," he insisted. "You can come today or later this week."
"I'll go with you today to see the place and then go back tonight to say goodbye to Father and pack my things," Luna decided.
"Yes, I'll do the same," Padma agreed.
Harry glanced at Neville and Hannah who seemed to be having a silent conversation off to the side. Neville caught Harry's glance and after gently taking Hannahs hand off his arm, he gestured for Harry to step away with him.
"Well? I have a greenhouse," Harry tempted and Neville snorted.
"I'd like to. It will be hard to live with Malfoy and the lot but I think it is what will be best. Gran is becoming even more oppressive and I think a fresh start is just what Hannah needs. I just have one request."
"Sure, anything."
"Can we share a room? I'm not saying that to sound pervy or any of that. But Hannah needs it. The stuff that those Carrows did to her, well, she can't be alone and I can't leave her for the night."
Harry glanced at Hannah and saw her lost looking eyes as she jumped at the smallest noises and her hands shook. "Yeah, I think I can work something out. Actually, I might even be able to manage a little house in the back. Well, currently it's a shed but I think some magic can make it a small house."
"Oh, Harry, that would be great. I really think this could help her."
"Of course, I'm happy to help." The gratitude and hope that shone in Neville's eyes was thanks enough as he turned to go back to Hannah and whispered gently in her ears explaining the situation. Hannah blinked in surprise and her nervous eyes turned to him and glimmered with a thanks that she couldn't speak. Harry just gave her a nod and turned to the others. "Well, you guys good to go?" They all nodded but they were stopped from leaving by Kingsley.
"Uh, Harry, a word please?" Nodding and dread pooling in his stomach once more, Harry stepped aside to speak with the Minister. "Quite the announcement you made."
"Yeah...I had intended on talking to you first about it privately but with the paper and the photo it was decided that I just come out with it all at once."
"Things are never dull with you are they, Harry?" the Minister questioned and Harry gave a shrug. "Nonetheless, I look forward to seeing what this project of yours unfolds and these new laws that you intend to put forth. Let's have a meeting and you can run them by me. See if I can provide any extra ideas."
"I'd like that very much, sir."
"Great. Now, I'll leave you to your friends. And Harry, your parents would be proud." The man then turned and exited the ballroom through the backdoor. The pride that swelled within him was engulfing him as he turned to face his friends and new housemates.
"Well, let's be off. We'll be able to get you a tour before dinner."
Nearing the edge of the Ministry building, Hermione cast disillusionment charms on the group to avoid reporters and then they made their way past the anti-apparition wards. Harry held out his arm for Neville and Hannah to grab onto and Hermione did the same for Padma and Luna. Though it took a moment due to the charm still being in place. Once everyone was secure, Harry and Hermione twisted on the spot and the six disapparated to the Manor.
Landing on the edge of the property line, Harry and Hermione lead their troup through the gate and past the front gardens and up to the front door. The four newcomers were silent the entire time, all with their mouths open in awe. Before opening the front door, Harry turned to the group.
"Quite the place you have here, Harry," Padma gasped.
"Thanks, it's the Peverell Manor, one of the few properties I inherited on my own. Now, before we go through these doors I have to go through the rules of the house. All prejudices are dropped at the door. I want known of it in my house because it is just toxic and not needed for what I'm trying to do here. This goes for anyone who steps foot in this house, guests or visitors. Deal?" The four all nodded their acceptance and Harry turned to open the doors.
Striding through the front doors, Harry breathed in the now familiar scent of his home. Stopping at the lobby he saw the rest of the Manor residents occupying the couches and chairs. "Could you have sounded anything more like a power hungry dictator in the making?" Draco drawled when Harry stepped into the room.
"Oh so you heard that did you?"
"Pretty much through all our advice out the window," Pansy huffed.
"Did you even look at the notes we left you?" Tracey sighed.
"Yeah, I know, I know. I got a little carried away." More conversation on the matter was halted as the rest of Harry's group entered the lobby. "Oh and on that note. Let me introduce you to our new residents."