The Shadow of the Wizarding World

by jamnaz79

At the end of 2nd year Dobby was not fast enough to stop Lucius Malfoy from unleashing the Killing Curse at Harry. The result is the soul of the Dark Lord within the boy has been destroyed releasing bits and pieces of the knowledge and power of the Dark Lord to the boy. Harry's life from 2nd year onwards and how he will cope. Grey Harry, No Slash, Multi pairings, Weasley bashing

11. Aftermath

The Shadow of the Wizarding World

By: Jamnaz79

Beta: Winged Seer Wolf

-x-x-x-x-x-

Note: I do not own Harry Potter for the book, movies, etc etc etc.

-SotWW-

The man walked over to the side of Harry's bed and sat down. Slowly the Headmaster reached out and gently took hold of the boy's hand as he spoke softly, "Harry, I have some news to tell you."

The boy looked up to meet the gaze of the Headmaster and knew what the news was. He could feel it in his bones as the battle started to play over and over again in his head. His lips parted as he gasped softly, "No."

The grandfatherly man gave a squeeze to the hand of the boy. But, he continued in a soft voice despite the protest spoken by the youth, "I am afraid that Mr. Weasley did not survive the attack on the train."

Harry sat alone on the banks of the Black Lake as he watched the giant squid swim around just as the sun started to set. He had been sitting here for two hours since he got back from the ceremony. The day had been overcast and windy, fitting for his feelings. The wind ripped off of the lake to brush his dark hair about; unconsciously Harry shortened it to his old short messy patch. His eyes were dried out by the wind yet it did not stop the tears.

Part of Harry wondered if the year could get any worse. The other part of him was worried that he just cursed himself with this thought. He mostly doubted it was possible to be a worse start of the year then he had so far. Hell, it was not every day that you find out that one of your best friends died to try to save you. It was a shock and burned into his heart and soul the words of the Headmaster. Harry slowly closed his eyes feeling the wind kiss against his skin as he thought of the past two days.

Flashback

"I am sorry Harry for your loss. I know that Ronald truly meant a lot to you." The aged Headmaster spoke up as he gave a squeeze to the shocked arm of the boy.

For a moment Dumbledore wondered if he had broken the child as Harry sat there unblinking and seeming not to even breathe. The only way to tell that the young man was alive was the eyes of the boy flicking back and forth about the infirmary seeming to look for escape. The shock seemed to fade from the boy as he spoke a single word

"Why?"

Albus leaned back into his chair and stared down at the boy with a frown, "We all have our times to go Harry. He went to the next adventure. Asking why someone is taken is something that even the greatest of minds have wondered. I cannot give you that answer. I only hope to know that he touched our lives and changed us…."

The words of Albus stopped suddenly as he felt the hand of the boy grab to his arm. The grip of the boy squeezed to the point that it was painful on his old wrinkled flesh. The voice that came from Harry was no longer a silent whisper as he spoke, "I don't care of that flowery rhetoric. I want to know why the demons were on the train."

To say that he was taken aback would be an understatement for Albus Dumbledore. First, rarely would someone speak to him that tone or way. Second, the child asked a question that difficult for him to answer, or at least answer and not bring down Harry's ire. While he paused a moment to consider his reply, Harry could see into the eyes of the old man. The boy knew that he was going to give some polite answer that fed nothing to the truth, the old man's tell was getting obvious after the repeated lies. "Harry, the Dementors were placed there for your own protections."

The emerald eyes of the boy hardened as he narrowed his gaze at the old man, "And what were they protecting us from Albus?" The boys words took on an edge that could break apart a diamond as voice seemed to fall to the point that the Headmaster's name was spoken in a whisper. It was a very deadly whisper that could cause a shiver to run up the spine.

The ancient Headmaster withdrew his arm from the boy's grasp resisting the urge to rub it where it was marked. Then he spoke calmly, "Your godfather Harry, remember he is an escaped convict."

The boy did not flinch at the statement as Albus seemed to desire instead his gaze seemed to glow with anger as he whispered, "Whose idea was it to place the Dementors at Hogwarts?"

The gnarled old fingertips steeped together onto the lap of the Headmaster as he leaned back into the seat. This position let him look down on the boy as he attempted to take on the persona of a parent looking down on a disobedient child. Or perhaps better in this case an angry grandparent looking down at the boy, "The new Minister of Magic's cabinet along with several other important individuals reached the decision to place the dementors at Hogwarts."

The boy stared at the old man in the eyes, for a moment he almost accepted agreement and talked of his understanding of the decision. Then he felt his House Potter Heir ring heat up and looked down at it breaking eye contact. He looked at the other beds within the hospital wing and noticed that they were all empty. Harry looked up at the Headmaster, careful to have his eyes focus on the man's chin instead of his eyes this time. He made a simple, yet damning statement, "You were one of those that helped make this decision."

The silence was damning after the statement. It was a defining moment for the boy for he had just learned two facts. The first that somehow the Headmaster was influencing his thoughts and his ring warned him. But, far more important this man didn't care of the truth that Harry had given him. He would do what he felt was best for his greater good.

The Headmaster broke the silence changing the subject, "You will be happy to know what magic you did to the creature allowed your friend Ms. Granger to be okay. We will have to discuss what you did Harry…"

"Changing the subject does not change the answer Albus. You are all fools and your mistake has cost a good young man his life. I told you Sirius was innocent. If you cannot trust me, then I cannot trust you." The words came out almost as a growl as Harry spit them forth with venom, "Leave me."

The old man frowned as he looked at the young man. Then he opened his mouth to try to correct the situation, "Harry… Let us…"

Another growl accompanied Harry's mood as his eyes seemed to glow with energy as he spoke, "Leave me Albus. I have no desire to talk to you right now."

The ancient Headmaster let out a small sigh, remembering the boy's mother had the same temper. In time she always cooled down so would Harry. He gave a pat to the blanket over the legs then started to walk towards the door, "I will send in Ms. Granger."

Soon as he heard the door close Harry lowered his head into his hands as tears burst forth. He had acted with strength, fueled by anger but now that disappeared from Harry's body as it shivered and was wracked by sobs. The young man did not notice the feminine arms wrap around him from his friend. Nor did he see the tears mirroring his own on her cheeks flowing down as she held him. Hours past and the two never said a word; they just sat there together in silence and cried over the loss of their friend.

It was hours later when the boy was gently awoken by the strands of hair tickling his nose. His eyes started to flutter, a quick safety check drilled into him by Nymph ran through his mind. First, his eyes flicked about and he saw he was in the hospital wing. Second, he felt what had awoken him; it was long busy hair that fell over his face and tickled his neck. This meant one person, Hermione. There was a weight resting against the right side of his body which had numbed the arm in his sleep. Third, he heard the breathing at his side coming from the weight and silence that filled the rest of the chamber, which meant that they were alone. Fourth, the devastating news, that he did not have his wand in its holster on his left hand. This caused Harry to look around as he felt something was wrong. His summation was confirmed moments later as he saw it sitting broken on the stool next to him. His left arm slowly reached out to try to hold it but it was just a few inches too far.

Harry let out a sigh as his emerald eyes flicked to his right again at Hermione sleeping against him. He never remembered her entering and joining him last night in his grief. Yet, here she was beside him sleeping away. As he thought back to last night, she must have been the warmth that he felt while in tears. The loss he felt now was terrifying. He had been through hell in his life, from beatings to worse. But he never had experienced true loss. His parents were barely a memory yet Ron and Hermione had become his new family. Now that family had a black hole in the middle of it. Part of him wanted to run, to never experience this again. But, the more logical part of him, perhaps the aged part of his mind knew that these were the costs of friendship, but the cost was outweighed by what was granted.

His first friend was dead, he had failed to protect him. It was his fault that Ron was gone, his fault that he was not ready. He didn't know what he could have done differently but perhaps if he had been faster, more determined he could have stopped it. His throat let out a small growl of frustration, which caused the weight at his side to stir.

Hermione opened her eyes to see the despair on the face of Harry. She felt his chest, where her head was resting rumble with the growl of frustration. Her eyes spied the tears running down his cheeks and true sense of loss that wrapped up the boy. That was a look that Hermione knew, it was a look that she had seen before and she wouldn't let him close himself off. She slowly reached up with her free hand to touch Harry's chin. She touched him lightly as she turned his cheek to look into the boy's eyes, "Stop, It is not your fault."

Harry opened his mouth to speak but was silenced by the girl speaking again, "It was not your fault Harry."

"Hermione, I …."

"It was not your fault Harry."

She could see the look in his eyes, wanting to fight her words. She knew that no matter what she said it wouldn't change him. He had a complex, a need to save others and what he truly valued. A part of her was flattered that he cared for them so much, but it was something that needed to be fixed. The girl growled back at her best friend, "It was not your fault Harry. He saved me! He saved my life, do not cheapen what he did by blaming yourself! Would Ron want that?"

Finally, she could see in his eyes the understanding. He knew that she felt the same concerns that he did. After all she was who opened the door and let the monster in, she was who froze up and screamed instead of reacting with her wand. It was her that Ron pulled out of the way and saved from the distress. Harry spoke gently repeating her own words back to her, "It was not your fault."

The bushy haired girl smiled sadly as she spoke in a whisper, "No Harry, it was not our fault."

The emerald eyes sparkled as the boy looked up at her and whispered softly, "Indeed, but the key now is to find out whose fault it was."

For a brief few seconds Hermione was scared from the look in the eyes of her best friend. It was a look of pure anger and malice that burned with a passion strong enough to destroy a soul. Then it was gone, almost as if it was a bad dream as she heard Harry whisper softly, "I was so worried about you. You both are my family Hermione, I can't lose you too."

She smiled at the boy and gave her one of her patented hugs before speaking softly back, "You won't lose me Harry. I promise you." She ruffled his hair with a smile, "You are a brother to me as well."

The raven haired boy grimaced at the ruffling of the hair. He offered her back a small smile that faced away after a few moments as he let out a sigh, "It was all to capture an innocent man. He died to a demon that was there to capture an innocent man."

The statement ended the joy as the pair settled down into silence resting together for the next few hours till Madam Pomfrey finally kicked out Hermione and allowed Harry to be released from the hospital ward.

It was a few hours after midday when Harry was released from the hospital ward. He had been given strict instructions to go to the Gryffindor Tower and rest. In addition, Madam Pomfrey wanted to see him the next morning before the funeral to check over his recovery from the magical exhaustion. It seemed his magical core had been almost fully depleted from whatever had happened with the Dementor. Whether it was the demonic magic of the creature sucking his magic from the very air by it's presence or the dagger Harry didn't know. He merely shrugged at the question when asked by Hermione or Madam Pomfrey. All he would tell of was that it was the power of Ron's sacrifice and love for his friends that must have destroyed the dark creature. It had worked with his mother, so why not here?

The boy stumbled through the hallways leading up to the Gryffindor common room. The fat lady opened the portrait to his home away from hell with a quick whisper of the password. Harry could swear he saw tears on her eyes as she looked at him, but it must have been his imagination as portraits cannot cry.

He stepped through the portrait feeling like he was in a daze, like he was damaged goods. The common room was filled with every member of Gryffindor tower. It seemed every person was in their different little groups or cliques and talked together, everyone but the Weasley family whom were absent.

When Harry entered the room numerous heads shot up and looked at him. A few of the students even pointed and started to call out. Harry could see some of his schoolmates had eyes filled with concern for his welfare, but others seemed to have the same lingering distance that he had experienced last year when he was thought to be the Heir of Slytherin. It seemed the whisper of the day was that if you get near Harry Potter, you end up in the hospital ward or dead. Harry couldn't deny it, it seemed his friends always were in trouble for something.

Mentally the boy really did not want to deal with the numerous people in the chamber. He really had no intention of sharing the story of his experience. But, in the back of his mind, the new local and Slytherin side knew that if he blocked out the others they would decide for themselves what happened. Instead he must seek to control the situation. He would need to be firm and control what was told, since Hermione didn't remember, it was the perfect opportunity.

So with a heavy Heart Harry stepped into the room and looked about the chamber with no need to call attention. He cleared his throat and all of the whispers died off. Knowing this was the best chance he would get Harry spoke up, "A good man died yesterday. One of our friends, one of our brothers is gone from us forever. What happened on that train was wrong in every sense of the word. The Headmaster and Ministry were wrong to allow it. What is worse they are chasing an innocent man with those very demonic creatures of nightmare. I say we mourn our brother of Gryffindor and make the world know of his sacrifice. His nobility should live on as what it truly means to be a member of House Gryffindor. He stood up when the darkness was surrounding him, he saved the lives of those he cared for the most and sacrificed himself for their welfare. There is no higher form of love then what Ronald Weasley did for Hermione and myself."

Harry paused a moment letting his eyes linger over the crowd in the silence. He could tell that they were feeding off of his words, they were living for every breath let out. Now he had them it was time to go for the kill, "While we mourn our brother we need to remember that this is a terrible mistake. This should not have happened! We need to stand up and tell our parents. We need to tell the media and even Ministry what took place. It could have been anyone in this very room and the danger continues as those monsters are still outside our walls. We are besieged by evil placed there by the Headmaster of this Institution. All to hunt an innocent man whom was tossed into prison without a trial. Now the Chief Warlock is trying to cover it up with these monsters, cover up what the previous Head of the DMLE and Minister did. The blame of Ronald Weasley's death lies on their shoulders."

Again there was silence in the chamber as Harry watched the gathered students with a sadness in his eyes, "I urge each of you, if you wish to remember the heroic actions of Ron then to take up this fight in his name. Make certain that it is not labeled as a tragic loss and forgotten. But, instead make his name a rally cry for justice. We need to know those responsible for this event are dealt with. We need to see the innocent not suffer. Remember Ronald Weasley and live to stand up for the innocent."

Harry fell to silence a final time and looked about the room. The moment was held in silence as it seemed nobody wanted to even breathe to break the spell of Harry's speech. Most everyone in the common room was without a dry eye, he even felt the tears on his own cheeks. Before a few of them, including Hermione started to come over Harry held up his hand, "Good night, I am going to my chambers to grieve for my first ever friend."

Harry walked into his empty room that he had shared with his best friend. His eyes lingered for a moment on the empty spot where Ron's bed was last year. The House elves seemed to work quickly, was the sad thought that came over him. Then his lips twisted in a disturbed grin of malice.

The boy took out a quill and parchment and started to write multiple notes. He quickly scrawled out the letters then sealed them with his ring for the Heir of House Potter. "Dobby."

In a flash the elf appeared before the boy. "Great Master Harry Potter called for Dobby? Dobby sorry Master Harry Potter's friend Ron died. Ron Weasley was always good to Dobby."

Harry smiled sadly to the House elf who tried to give him a hug. He returned it with a squeeze then gently handed over four letters, "Please bring these to the assigned people. I have placed the names on the outside of each of them Dobby. It must be done right away, do not let anything stop you. This is my order Dobby. They must receive these in the next hour or I will be very angry."

The big eyes of Dobby blinked and looked large as saucers. He appeared to be startled at the idea of Harry Potter being angry. Then he bobbed his head quickly and disappeared with the scrolls quickly.

Harry let out a sighed before he plucked up his invisibility cloak then stepped out of the room. He moved quickly away from all others from the Gryffindor common room to climb the stairs to one of the seldom used towers of the school. There he pulled open the window and sat on the ledge staring out into the night unseen to the world. The boy remained alone in his thoughts and tears till he passed out asleep.

The boy was awoken in the early hours of the morning by his House elf. Dobby was gently grasping to his left shoulder and giving a shake. The invisibility cloak had fallen off lightly to uncover only a bit of the boy, yet the elf had found him through his magical core. Slowly the eyes of Harry Potter opened just as the night seemed to start to fade away with the dawn. He looked up at Dobby and held out his hand as three letters were placed into it. Slowly the boy broke open the scrolls to read them over not speaking an acknowledgement to the elf. It was after he finished that he looked up with a smile, "Thank you Dobby. I appreciate what you did last night. I appreciate a friend like you."

The house elf looked wide eyed at his master then started to tear up as he leaped forward almost knocking the pair from the window sill. He blubbered and cried against Harry's hip as the boy patted the house elf on the back.

Harry smiled down at the creature and spoke softly, "Dobby, I need to get back to my chambers in order to get ready for today. It will be a hard day, the funeral is today and I need to make an important side trip soon as it is completed. Will you take me to my room?"

"Yes Harry Potter Sir!" The elf spoke up as he snapped transporting the pair of them to Harry's shared room to get ready for the day.

The funeral had gone how Harry had suspected it to go. His very bones felt like they were aching in pain from what he saw. The boy could see that the Weasley family was crushed. Hermione was crushed, and many of his friends were as well. Harry, knew in his heart that he was in despair for what took place, but a part of his saw that he needed to seize this chance while he could. That logical, perhaps dark, side of him knew that he would mourn later as there was work that needed to be done. If Ron was ever going to be avenged he would have to outwit powerful people. But, it was more than just making them pay. This was an opportunity to use them, make a fool of them and someday destroy them. He never had liked to use his fame as the boy-who-lived. But, today would be the time to do that.

He met up with Nymph at the funeral and had left just after it was finished. The excuse given to Professor McGonagall was that he would be taken to the Ministry for his question of what took place. But, what was more important was that in three hours the Minister of Magic would be making a speech. Depending on how that speech went, most likely he would be removed from office. Would the Minister then pay for what he did? He would lose his job, but others under him that had actually most likely controlled the demon would be free. Others that failed to protect his friends safety and his own would get away. He was tried of letting others get away, it seemed all of the Death Eaters had managed to get away in the past. But, this time, this situation, he would find a way to change this to his advantage and perhaps control what took place.

They arrived in the Ministry through the front entrance. As always his appearance caused a bit of stares. It was not often that the "Hero" of the Wizarding world of Britain was seen escorted by an Auror into the offices of the Ministry. He was sure that the newspapers and wireless would know of it soon. Actually he was positive that the wireless already knew of it, as he had told them the night before through the member of the board controlling his interests.

Once they were out of the public eye a familiar blonde haired woman and dark haired man stepped from one of the side rooms to flank Harry and Nymphadora. He turned and smiled at the pair of them with bright eyes as they walked towards the Minister's office, "Mr. Greengrass, Aunt Narcissa. It is an unexpected pleasure to meet each of you this day."

The eyes of Cyrus looked a bit saddened to the boy ass he forced a smile towards Harry, "Harry, I am sorry for your loss. If there is anything…."

Harry waived him off with a returned smile filled with sadness, "Later I will mourn Mr. Greengrass. I know, it could have been anyone. Even either of your own children or cousin Draco. We are just lucky that Ron made the sacrifice to destroy that vile creature. He shall be remembered for what he did. I need only find the proper way."

If his aunt had any sadness it was not seen in her eyes, yet there was a bit of pride as she looked at the boy. Her lessons at the end of summer had seemed to been paying off. She reached over and gaze slight squeeze to his left arm of support that was unseen by any but the closest eyes studying them before continuing to walk in silence. After all it should be a pretense that her family and House Potter were not friendly or allies for this to work. It was merely a coincidence that she was here at the same time as her rival over the issue.

They arrived at the desk of the secretary of the Minister as a short curvy witch saw there. She had dark black hair and brown eyes with a smile that seemed to reflect the light to blinding proportions. She smiled at the group before her without it reaching her eyes, "Name and do you have an appointment?"

Narcissa stepped forward with a returned smile that did not meet her eyes for the young witch as she spoke first, "I am Lady Malfoy and the Minister will hear me right away."

"And I am the boy-who-lived, Heir Harry James Potter. I would also like to speak with the Minister. It is the up most importance for my conversation to take place prior to his press conference." Harry gave his best smile to the young witch who suddenly grew stars in her eyes at the side of the young celebrity.

"Right away Lady Malfoy and Mr. Potter, "the young woman spoke up with a bright smile directed at Harry. Her eyes seemed to be looking at the boy like a piece of meat as she wrote onto a pad of parchment with a quill. The message disappeared then a different message appeared back moments later. She smiled brightly, "The Minister will be happy to see you now."

The chambers of Minister Fudge were filled with lavish luxury. There were rare hand painted middle-eastern porcelain tiles on the walls, Chinese vases, even an old English suit of armor. His desk was made of rich mahogany with gold inlay. A few pieces of rare art from Wizarding France hung behind the desk. On the desk itself was a stack of papers that needed to be worked, a silver pocket watch, a few quills, booklet like the secretary's own, and finally a parchment filled with ink stains that appeared to be a speech.

The Minister was a portly little man with rumpled grey hair. He was dressed in a pinstripe suit with the jacket hung over the back of his chair. The man's eyes looked up as the entered, quickly he stood up with a smile, "What was a wonderful surprise. I did not expect such interesting company this day."

Harry took one look at the greed, and surprise in the man's eyes and at once he knew this would be easier then he thought. He turned on the charm with a bright smile, "Minister, it is an honor to get an audience with you. I wished desperately to speak with you about the recent episode on the train."

The man rubbed his hands together as he let out a sigh and seemed to shake to his core at the idea, "A terrible thing. A terrible, terrible thing. I am sorry for your friend my dear boy."

The raven haired boy had to resist the urge to grind his teeth at being called "My boy." Yet, he was able to smile brightly as the prize needed to be his concern, "Indeed Minister. It is because of that incident that I felt the need to come to visit you right away. I was wondering if you might want some friendly assistance or advice?"

The grey haired man's eyes widened at the idea and a smile came over his lips, "Oh you would stand up there with me at the speech my boy? A show of support for the Ministry despite the situation would go a far ways."

"I am sure it would Minister. But, it would be dangerous for me to stand up there next to you. Don't you think the rest of the Wizarding world would want to view me in a poor light as they do you right now?" Harry raised an eyebrow as he frowned in fake consideration.

Narcissa chose that moment to speak up as she kept a neutral look on her face, "Indeed Mr. Potter. I would be close to political suicide unless there was a proper plan." Her eyes turned to look at the Minister whose face seemed to be growing pale by the moment, "But, I am sure the Minister would be grateful for any assistance at the moment?"

Cyrus joined the conversation by placing a hand on the shoulder of Harry with a sadness etched to his face, "Harry, I know you want to help the good man but remember it would be dangerous. Others will take it as an opportunity to try to claim you are not ready to run your own household. Dumbledore may try to claim your seats again. Unless …"

Harry frowned as he looked up at Cyrus, "But Mr. Greengrass, I want to help the good Minister. Perhaps you are both right Lady Malfoy and Mr. Greengrass. It would not be good for House Potter to become the middle of this. Though Ron was my best friend and I am sure my word would sway many an opinion. Perhaps the Minister would be willing to agree to some terms for my risk?"

Emerald eyes turned towards the Minister with a sad smile as he spoke gently, "Would you be willing to consider a few minor things Minister?"

Fudge seemed caught up and pale as a ghost as he looked back and forth between the three. He had been given the carrot and well informed of the stick that awaited him. He let out a sigh with a frown, "What would you wish for your assistance in this endeavor Harry?"

Harry motioned to the chair before the Minister's desk. At the wave of the Minister he sat down as did the two purebloods at his sides. With a smile that was warm and friendly, yet had a predator's glare in his eyes he spoke smoothly, "I have a few ideas that I would like your consideration on. A few ideas for how the Ministery can improve the education at Hogwarts, and finally a way to distract the Wizarding World from the terrible tragedy that took place to my best friend."

The Minister frowned as he looked at the boy in consideration, "A distraction?"

"Yes, The Wizarding World will talk of the incident on the train as the lead story unless they have something more satisfying to consider Minister. What would be a better option than a Lord of a Most Ancient and Noble House imprisoned without a trail or chance to speak his peace to Azkaban by the former Minister that was truly innocent?" Harry spoke gently and smoothly with the option as he looked the Minister in the eyes. A sad smile came over his lips as he spoke softly, "But, first I need a single answer. I want the truth of this Minister Fudge or else I will walk out there and rant and rave before the press about my best friend's murder. I will remind the world daily with stories of his bravery and goodness. I will remind them that the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter almost came to an end by a kiss of that demon that Ron slew."

There was silence in the room as the minister looked white in the face as he looked at the young man. His lips pressed together as a bit of anger was in his eyes, yet understanding too.

Harry spoke up gently as his emerald eyes burned with a killing curse fire in the sockets. A stark reminder of this boy that survived that very curse, "But, I do not want that Minister. I like you. You helped me this summer and protected me when you did not have to. My only question was this. Which of your Undersecretaries were in charge of the Dementors controlling Hogwarts?"

Cornelius Fudge slowly looked between the three purebloods for a second. A bit of shock in his eyes as he met the gaze of Narcissa Malfoy, the family that had always backed his bid in politics, only to see her nod once. The man let out a sigh then spoke one word, "Umbridge."

The lips of the young man curved into a bright smile, "That was not too hard. Now that we know that truth, lets save your career. I have prepared a list of things to do in order to survive this terrible tragedy Minister. I believe these suggestions are necessary for today to become a success."

Cyrus placed a sealed scroll down onto the desk of the Minister while Harry talked. The Minister slowly opened it up and read it over. Harry smiled for the man, again not reaching his eyes, "I truly believe Minister that we can have a long fruitful relationship together. I look forward to seeing you become the longest, most beloved, Minister ever."

Flashback end

Harry let out a side as he plucked up a rock to skim along the waters of the black lake. The daylight was fast fading away but he knew this was a day he would not forget. A part of him felt that he had betrayed his best friend, sold his soul for what? More power? Still, it was the best alternative; the press conference had gone on perfectly as he expected it to. The Minister spoke then he did and the press ate up what he said. There were investigations going on right at this moment on this Umbridge woman, not to mention Barty Crouch Sr. for his throwing Sirius into jail without a trial. The Dementors had been recalled from Hogwarts and the school was safe. Just as important the arrest warranty for his godfather had been recalled, he was now wanted for "questioning". Even a few of his suggestions had been taken into effect and should come to fruition soon.

Still though his thoughts plagued by what he had done. Did the ends justify the means?

"Hello Harry Potter." The voice was soft and distant almost distracted but it pulled him from his thoughts as he turned his emerald eyes onto the girl that spoke the words in surprise. She was small, most likely a first or second year, standing barely five foot in height. The girl had dirty blonde hair and pale skin. But, it was her eyes that stood out, they were very beautiful silvery grey eyes that seemed to be large and open to the world around her. She smiled easily at the boy, "I am sorry I distracted you. You looked like you might need someone to talk to."

The boy didn't truly feel like being near others but he didn't feel like being alone anymore either. He offered a polite smile and stood up slowly brushing off the dirt from the back of his elegant robes, "It is okay, I am Harry. It is nice to meet you."

The girl blinked in surprise but smiled brightly, "A wakenspurt must have made me forget. I am Luna Lovegood."

"It is nice to meet you Luna. What brings you out here to the lake so late in the day?" Harry smiled warmly to the girl since she seemed good hearted.

"The nargles have stolen some of my things and I thought that they might be out here. I found some out here at the end of last year. Then I saw you swarmed by wakenspurts and I thought you might need to talk to someone." She spoke as she tilted her head to the side seeming to study Harry or at least look through him at the magical beasts.

"Nargles? What are nargles and wakenspurts?"

Luna looked at him with a frown at his confusion, "Nargles are creatures that like to steal things and hide them. They are trouble. Wakenspurts are creatures that caused your thoughts to be clouded and you to become moody."

Harry smiled at the girl, not certain if she was just trying to cheer him up, or if these were true creatures in the Wizarding world or perhaps she was insane. But, no matter what at least he was starting to get out of his thoughts and forget his long bad few days, "Perhaps you can sit here and tell me about Nargles and how I can protect myself from them and waaakenspurrts."

Harry pulled off his cloak and laid it down for both of them to sit on with a smile, "Please sit with me my new friend Luna and tell me about these creatures?"

Luna lowered down to sit crossing her legs and leaning back with a bright smile, "I am your friend?"

The boy lowered down next to the girl with a smile, "Of course Luna Lovegood."

"It is nice to have a friend, I never had one before." Luna spoke up quietly as she looked over at the boy with wide eyes.

Harry held the gaze of the girl for long moments before he looked back to the sunset over the lake with a sad smile, "You do now Luna. Now tell me about these nargles..."

Author Note:

I am very glad that some folks liked the last chapter. To those that disliked it, and are Ron fans. I am very sorry. He wont come back but he will be a theme in the story in the back of Harry's mind often and his death made imo a bigger impact then his life did in cannon. Also for the final pairing(s) that still will be figured out eventually. I can promise it will not be Hermione or Ginny though. This chapter felt a little rough. I had it written about a day after the death of Ron chapter but I kept having problems with the ending. Part of me feelings I do a very poor Luna unfortunately. As always thank you for reading, I can't believe we have so many followers and readings. I appreciate all of the reviews and advise.

Author Note 2: I am looking for a Beta to help out as I know WSW is busy with college. If anyone would want to help out, please just let me know.

Story recommendation: Harry Dursley and the Chronicles of the King