Chapter 18

Returning Home

In many ways, Harry knew he should have seen it coming sooner. No, scratch that. He should have known it was coming the moment he woke. The wizarding world was a greedy place. Solving one problem was never enough because there was always at least one more that no one would take the initiative to solve. It didn't matter that Harry had already given up so much. To the wizarding world, Harry got results so who else should turn around all of the damage that had been done?

After all, who cared about what Harry wanted to do with his life when it was so obvious what the-boy-who-lived should be doing for the wizarding world? It was nearly enough to persuade Harry to leave the wizarding world and never come back. It just seemed so mind boggling that people would even consider putting a teenager who hadn't even taken his N.E.W.T.s yet in a high ranking position in the Ministry.

That, of course, was only one of the many ideas purposed to the 'Daily Prophet' by witches and wizards who finally took a look around and realized that they didn't like the state the wizarding world was in. Funny how it happened after one of the largest threats to the wizarding world was extinguished. It was all of the proof Harry needed that change could only start with the community as an entity, not one particular person.

The days at Black Manor couldn't pass any slower for Harry. His day started early with physical therapy with Sirius followed by a long study session with Remus. The three ate lunch together while going through any new mail or news that Tonks dropped off then jumped back into another long study session that normally lasted until dinner. After dinner, there was another physical therapy session that left Harry so exhausted that he had no problem sleeping through the night only to wake up the next morning to do it all again.

After nearly three weeks, Harry was ready to escape Black Manor. He had gained back a little more than half of the weight he had lost and his brain felt like it was going to explode from the overabundance of learning. All of his assignments were completed, his N.E.W.T outlines were constructed and he had a fairly good idea of how he was going to deal with the wizarding community when confronted.

Harry's only outlets were his letters from his friends and the weekly visits. Ron and Hermione had quickly apologized for their behavior, insisting that they had worked out everything. Neville and Ginny's letters, on the other hand, weren't so optimistic. While the fighting between Ron and Hermione had drastically decreased, there was still some awkward tension that Ron and Hermione were clearly avoiding. Well, Ginny called it awkward tension. Neville just wrote that things were still strange.

The visits gave Harry a better picture. He could see that Ron and Hermione were trying to be more civil to each other but the fact that they had to try was the clear indication that something was wrong. Harry had tried to breach the topic multiple times to no success. Deep down, Harry knew the only way he would learn anything was if he got Hermione alone to talk about it. Ron was just too proud to discuss any failures.

It was a warm May Saturday morning that found Harry, Sirius and Remus packing their trunks to return to Hogwarts. It had taken several hours of negotiations for Sirius and Professor McGonagall to reach an agreement for Harry to rejoin his classmates. Sirius was worried about Harry's safety and privacy at any cost while Professor McGonagall wanted to maintain some sort of normalcy at Hogwarts. Reporters were of course forbidden from entering the castle with Scrimgeour's help but Sirius seemed to be one of the only people still concerned about Harry's overall safety, especially considering that quite a few students lost at least one of their parents the night Voldemort died.

In the end, Professor McGonagall relented to allowing the presence of a bodyguard for at least the first week and would speak to the students before Harry arrived, insisting that Harry be treated like any other student. Of course, no one actually believed that would ever happen. Ron, Hermione and Neville had been rather blunt on how many at Hogwarts idolized the Savior of the wizarding world, especially the female population. Apparently, there were quite a few who were willing to do nearly anything in order to become the Savior's girlfriend.

Needless to say, Harry was suddenly grateful that there would be a bodyguard following him around, scaring off all of the hormones. He needed to concentrate on his N.E.W.T.s not worrying about a bunch of star-struck girls.

Sirius went through the floo network first with Harry closely following him. Closing his eyes, Harry tried to ignore the flames engulfing him, the fast spinning and the abrupt stop that nearly sent him to the floor of Professor McGonagall's office if Sirius wouldn't have caught him. There was barely enough time for Harry to regain his footing before Remus stumbled slightly as he tried to step out over the grate. Sirius was at Remus' side in a heartbeat only to be met with a stern glare. Sirius took the hint and backed off, allowing everyone to turn their attention to who had been waiting for them.

Much to Harry's surprise, it looked like the entire teaching staff was present along with Mad-Eye Moody, and Rufus Scrimgeour. Professor McGonagall was the first to step forward, quickly pulled Harry into a fierce embrace, surprising everyone. Harry was so caught off guard that he didn't know what to do. Ever since Professor McGonagall became Headmistress, she had refrained from any public displays of affection towards any student, especially Harry.

"Welcome back, Harry," Professor McGonagall said quietly into Harry's ear. "Hogwarts certainly isn't the same without you." She held on for only a moment longer before stepping back and looking just like the McGonagall he remembered. "Now, Mr. Potter, I know you feel you are ready to return to your studies and Head Boy duties. However, if you feel overwhelmed, I implore you to speak up."

Harry stared at Professor McGonagall with a raised eyebrow. "Professor, I appreciate the offer but just want to be treated like every other student," he said seriously. "Having the staff treat me differently will only encourage the students. I don't want to be a disruption."

Professor McGonagall stared at Harry for a moment before a proud smile appeared on her face. "I expected no less from you, Mr. Potter," she said as she moved towards her desk and turned her attention to the staff. "If there is nothing else then you all are dismissed. I expect to see all of you at breakfast shortly."

The teaching staff looked reluctant at first but obeyed regardless. Once the door closed, Harry let out a relieved sigh as gentle waves of joy swirled around him. He hadn't realized until now how much he missed Hogwarts' constant, reassuring presence. The castle always seemed to know whatever he needed, whenever he needed it.

The sound of someone cleared his throat quickly pulled Harry out of his thoughts and turned only to come face to face with Rufus Scrimgeour. "Mr. Potter," Scrimgeour began. "Harry, I know you have a lot on your mind at the present time but I was hoping you would consent to allowing a press conference." Harry visibly cringed. "I'm only offering this to put an end to the public's—well—obsession with your side of the story."

"Nothing will stop the public's obsession with Harry, Scrimgeour," Sirius said through his teeth, his entire body tense. "You should know. You enforced it over the past two months."

Scrimgeour's face hardened slightly as his gaze slowly shifted to Sirius. "Mr. Black, you can hardly blame me for the public being dissatisfied with only the statements your representative released," he countered. "The lack of information—"

"—private information is private for a reason!" Sirius interrupted. "There are still supports of Voldemort out there! I am not about to release every detail so it could be used against him!"

"Sirius," Remus hissed warningly. "Remember who you're talking to."

Sirius glared at Remus as Harry cleared his throat. The attention quickly shifted back to Harry. "I'll agree to a press conference, Minister, only if my demands are met," Harry said evenly. "First off, I will recognize the aid you provided in helping us accomplish our goals but I will not agree to being seen as the Ministry's poster child. I do not agree with the way this war was handled and I believe it is time that the wizarding world takes a good look at how their own actions led to the near destruction of their world."

Scrimgeour opened his mouth to protest but a glare from Harry silenced him. "Second, the reporters present will have to submit questions at least twenty-four hours in advance," Harry continued. "Questions I deem valid will be the only questions I answer. Questions regarding my private life will be ignored. I don't ask about their lives so I expect the same courteously."

Scrimgeour actually nodded in agreement for that demand.

"Lastly, I will not allow my name or actions to be used in any way without my consent," Harry added firmly. "The 'Daily Prophet' has had too much leeway in the past with the help of Rita Skeeter. I don't care what needs to be done but I suggest it be done soon or I shall be forced to take legal action."

Scrimgeour quickly raised his hands as a sign of surrender. "Completely understandable, Mr. Potter," he said gruffly. "I will meet with the editors as soon as possible. I will be in touch concerning the press conference." He quickly bid goodbye before anyone could say anything else, vanishing into the floo network.

An uncomfortable silence filled the air before Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "Very well," she said at last as she started to move towards the door. "Harry, Sirius, Remus, if you'll follow me. I believe breakfast is about to start. I suggest we get this over with. Harry, if you would prefer to sit with the teachers for today…"

"I appreciate the offer, Professor, but that would only make everything worse," Harry pointed out. "If it gets too bad I'll just lock myself in my rooms."

Sirius let out a snort before gently pushing Harry to follow Professor McGonagall out of the room while he remained by Remus' side and Mad-Eye Moody took the rear. They descended the stairs at a slow pace to accommodate Remus' condition although, if asked, no one would ever admit it. Remus' pain was still something that was recognized but never discussed.

The moment Harry passed the stone gargoyle he could feel the excitement and eagerness although he had yet to see a student. Of course that didn't take long. Groups of students swarmed to the Great Hall, their chatter bouncing off the walls, distorting it all too much to make out what anyone was saying. Harry was surprised that no one had noticed his presence but figured that Professor McGonagall leading the way had something to do with that. Those ahead couldn't really see him unless they took a good look.

Entering the Great Hall, however, was a completely different experience. The moment Harry moved past the large doors, all conversation seemed to cease as countless eyes rested on him and refused to move. Harry let out a frustrated sigh before bidding farewell to his guardians and venturing towards the Gryffindor table. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Moody limping to the nearest wall, giving him ideal access to the Gryffindor table.

So, Moody was his 'bodyguard'. Harry had to wonder how that came about since Moody wasn't exactly the most discrete wizard. But he is the most thorough.

"HARRY!"

Harry quickly turned around just in time to be nearly knocked over as a body collided with his. Arms wrapped around him as bushy brown hair blocked his vision. That seemed to stat it all. Hands patted his back, people tried to shake his hand, embrace him or just touch him. It quickly became too much. There were so many emotions, so many voices…

BOOM!

Everyone froze as the Great Hall shook. Harry slowly turned his head and saw Professor McGonagall on her feet at the Head Table with her wand in the air. The look on her face was downright scary. Harry had never seen her so angry before.

"Take you seats!" Professor McGonagall barked and waited as everyone scurried to their house table. Harry was quickly pulled down so he was sitting between Ron and Hermione with Neville, Seamus and Dean sitting across from them. The moment the shuffling stopped, McGonagall lowered her wand. "I have never been more disappointed in your behavior! Mr. Potter is here for an education, not to be mauled by his own classmates! "

Harry felt his skin heat as everyone around him flinched, embarrassment pouring off every one of them in nearly visible waves.

"Now, I expect all of you to be on your best behavior while Mr. Potter readjusts," McGonagall continued, her voice still sterner than normal. "Any student causing problems will be dealt with. Rules will still be followed regardless of the change in times. This is a school first and foremost. I expect every single one of you to uphold the impeccable standards that the wizarding world expects from a student of Hogwarts."

From the look on her face, everyone understood the unspoken 'or else'. Harry had to admit he was surprised. He had never expected Professor McGonagall to outright threaten the entire student body, especially on his behalf. It had been one of the rare times McGonagall had shown any sort of favoritism, something that Harry didn't know whether to be grateful for or cringe. It all depended on how McGonagall's words were interpreted.

Professor McGonagall sat down, allowing chatter to slowly return to the room. Harry could still feel the stares on his back but he ignored it as much as possible while trying to eat something. Deep down, Harry knew this was only the beginning. Regardless of what Professor McGonagall said, Harry would be the center of attention until something else came along.

"So, Harry," Seamus said at last as he piled a mountain of eggs on his plate. "How're you doing? Ron and Hermione never said much after their visits, just that you're getting better."

Everyone around them seemed stop what they were doing as they waited on baited breath. Harry withheld an annoyed groan. Trust Seamus to be extremely blunt in the middle of a large crowd. "I'm fine," Harry said quietly. "You know how overprotective Madam Pomfrey is. I wouldn't be here if she didn't think I could handle it."

"What did…You-Know-Who do to you, Harry?" Colin Creevey asked timidly. "I mean, if you can talk about it or want to. I really don't mean to pry it's just that—well—" his face turned bright red as he seemed to suddenly rethink speaking up at all "—no one really knows what happened."

Harry stared at Colin for a rather long moment, waiting as the waves of nervousness and embarrassment intensified. "If everyone was meant to know then it would be published in the 'Prophet'," he said evenly. "He's dead and I'm not. I think that should be enough."

Colin cringed away while nearly everyone else quickly found their food extremely interesting. Harry nearly let out a snort at it all. Did they honestly think he would candidly talk about that night in the middle of the Great Hall? Apparently so. After all, who cares about tact when curiosity gets in the way?

"Oh honestly!" Hermione said in annoyance. "You would think none of you had known Harry for years! You all know how private Harry is. Be grateful that he's healthy enough to return and move on—all of you!"

Harry took a sip of his pumpkin juice to hide his smile. Trust Hermione to outright scold the entire house and pull it off successfully. Deep down, Harry could understand everyone's curiosity but he really didn't want to relive it all again…and again…and again. He had fought Voldemort, stabbed him with a poisoned dagger and survived long enough for the poison to kill him. It really wasn't something worth writing home about.

Hermione cast a long stare at everyone before shifting her attention to Harry. "So, Harry, I have all of this past week's assignments and notes from the lectures," she said quickly. "We can begin after breakfast in the Gryffindor Common Room. The Library has been so overcrowded and you know that no one will leave you alone if you go there—"

"—Hermione," Harry interrupted, unable to hold back his amusement. "Calm down. That's fine. The sooner I can get caught up the better. I have a feeling Scrimgeour isn't going to waste any time scheduling his press conference to blow his own horn."

Ron stared at Harry incredulously. "Blow his what?" he gasped.

Hermione let out a huff. "It's a metaphor, Ron," she said plainly. "He means Scrimgeour is going to do what he can to make himself look good in the public's eye." She hesitated for a moment before shifting her gaze completely to Harry. "You agreed to a press conference? Are you mad?"

Harry stared at Hermione with a raised eyebrow. He had thought that Hermione, of all people, would understand why he had even considered such a thing. "Last time I checked I was quite sane, thank you very much," he said dryly. "I just think it's time to give the wizarding world what they want: my honest opinion on what I think of them."

"You mean—" Hermione's eyes widened in realization "—OH! Well, I'm sorry, Harry. I should have known better. Just—just don't say anything you'll regret later…please?"

Harry's gaze didn't waver. "Your confidence in me is overwhelming, Hermione," he said sarcastically. "The wizarding world has a lot to atone for; especially if they want to make sure something like this doesn't happen again. The war wouldn't have been nearly as bad as it was if there hadn't been so much prejudice and discrimination. Think about it. Remus is a werewolf and he contributed more to Voldemort's demise than most of the pureblood families out there."

No one had much to say after that.

It was almost funny, the way people suddenly seemed to act around Harry. In fact, if Harry hadn't been so focused on completing a week's worth of schoolwork, he would probably be more considerate to it all but the fact was that he had to make up an entire week's worth of work in only two days along with picking up his Head Boy duties. He didn't have time to listen too many of the younger year boys try to prove that they were worthy of being Harry Potter's friend or any of the girls insist that they were the ideal girlfriend for Harry Potter.

It had actually gotten to the point that Harry, Ron and Hermione had to retreat to Harry's quarters just to be able to think clearly. Hermione had done what she could to keep order, even threatening to take points from Gryffindor but it seemed nothing could put a halt to Harry's increased popularity. No one seemed to understand that the N.E.W.T.s were les than a month away and Harry needed to prepare for them if he was going to be accepted anywhere for Healer training.

No one seemed to care what Harry needed more than anything was to be ignored.

Surprisingly, Harry managed to complete his final assignment late Sunday afternoon just in time for Scrimgeour's message to arrive with the information for the press conference that would be held Wednesday evening at Hogsmeade. Along with the message was a roll of parchment containing the long list of questions that the newspapers had thought up in the short period of time. The majority of them centered around the fight with Voldemort but there were also questions concerning Harry's thoughts on the war in general, his opinions for the future of the wizarding world, his future plans and, of course, his private life.

Harry crossed those off first followed closely about the questions concerning politics. He was only seventeen. What did he know about running the Ministry or the Wizengamot? Absolutely nothing. All he knew was that something had to change or the cycle would only continue.

It was extremely difficult to concentrate on classes with the press conference looming over Harry's head in addition to the endless whispers. The members of the D.A. had taken to surrounding him for an extra layer of protection from admirers as well as the few that looked like they wanted nothing more than to hex Harry to oblivion. Prejudice seemed to enforce everything. Everyone knew that those in Slytherin sided with Voldemort so everyone knew that Slytherins hated Harry.

Before Voldemort's demise, Harry wouldn't think twice about the assumption. Now, the thought just made him sick. The prejudice began so early at Hogwarts. Hagrid had told him over seven years ago that 'there's not a single witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin'. What would have life been like if he hadn't been shown the worst of Slytherin before Hogwarts? What if he had listened to the hat and gone into Slytherin? I would have been doomed from day one.

The more Harry thought about it the more he didn't like where his thoughts were taking him. He didn't like it at all.

Before Harry knew it, his final class on Wednesday had come and gone. The 'Daily Prophet' had announced the press conference that morning, giving the entire school plenty of time to try to find some way to get someone to Hogsmeade to listen in. Apparently, no one trusted the 'Daily Prophet' to be trustworthy. Imagine that.

As everyone else vanished into the Great Hall for dinner, Harry, Ron and Hermione met up with Sirius, Remus and Tonks in the Entrance Hall. It had taken a lot of pleading for Professor McGonagall to allow Ron and Hermione to go but, in the end, it was Sirius who pointed out that some added security wasn't a bad idea even though Scrimgeour had arranged for a small squad of Aurors to monitor the event. Ron and Hermione were coming along for support more than anything else.

Not a word was said as they walked out of the castle, down the stairs and stepped into the Thestral-drawn carriage awaiting them. Tonks stepped in first only to turn around and help Remus inside. From the waves of irritation, Harry could tell that Remus wasn't too happy that he couldn't get into the carriage on his own but knew that the help was needed. The sight of Remus' ever present injuries made Harry feel extremely guilty. He had been so focused on his problems that he had neglected his guardians.

"Remus, I—"

"—don't even start, Harry," Remus interrupted in a strained but firm voice as he sat down inside the carriage. Sirius then ushered Harry in followed by Ron and Hermione. "I will not have you weakening yourself for something that's just going to come back."

Harry scowled and stared out at the grounds as Sirius entered the carriage just as it started to move. He hated it that Remus had practically given up on any sort of recovery. That wasn't the Remus he knew. The Remus he knew was a fighter even when the situation seemed hopeless.

What had changed?

Nothing was really said until Hogsmeade came into view. Harry could hardly believe his eyes. The entire village was magically lit up with a large platform placed in front of The Three Broomsticks with a row of chairs set up behind a podium. Harry nearly cringed at the sight of it. He really wasn't looking forward to this, especially when he caught sight of the reporters and photographers awaiting them. Perhaps this hadn't been such a good idea.

"They look like a bunch of vultures," Hermione muttered angrily. "Honestly. Will they ever learn that people don't like to be treated like pieces of meat?"

Remus let out a tired sigh. "I don't think it will happen any time soon, Hermione," he said. "It's the classic case of supply and demand. As long as there are people who are interested, there will be someone to fuel that interest. Right now, everyone's interest—whether we like it or not—is Harry. With as private as Harry is, many figure that this is their only chance to get a comment or picture."

Ron snorted. "Where's Lockhart when you need him," he said bitterly. "I bet he'd love this."

A loud creak could be heard as the carriage reached the large black gates. Chatter from Hogsmeade reached their ears while the gates slowly opened, allowing them to leave Hogswarts soil. The moment they did, however, the bright flashes of light nearly blinded everyone in the carriage. To Harry, the carriage couldn't move fast enough. Even though the reporters and photographers stayed far enough away from the carriage, Harry couldn't help feeling claustrophobic.

"STAND ASIDE, EVERYONE!" a deep voice roared authoritatively. "LET THEM THROUGH!"

The flashes decreased as the carriage continued on until it reached The Three Broomsticks. The moment the carriage came to a halt, Harry was surprised to see Aurors surrounding them. Sirius was the first to exit with is wand at the ready followed by Ron and Hermione who also had their wands out. Harry moved to follow only to have Tonks motion for him to wait. Before Harry could even protest, Remus was moving to exit the carriage with the assistance of Sirius and the nearest Auror.

The moment he was out of sight, Tonks gestured for Harry to move. As soon as Harry stepped out of the carriage, he knew why Tonks had pulled him back. She had jumped out of the carriage just as it started to move again to cover him from behind while Aurors surrounded him from every other angle until he stepped up on the platform. Chairs had been conjured which Remus, Sirius, Ron, and Hermione had already taken advantage of, leaving one chair open in the center. Reluctantly, Harry sat down on the remaining chair between Sirius and Hermione while Tonks moved to stand behind him. His gaze fell upon the reporters and photographers that were swarming the platform.

A hand rested on his left arm, diverting Harry's attention. "It's all right, Harry," Hermione said softly. "Just remember that you're the one with the power here. They can't do anything to you."

Harry fought the urge to roll his eyes. "Easier said than done," he muttered as the crowd parted slightly to allow Rufus Scrimgeour through. Harry had to admit that his stomach immediately twisted into a knot once he saw the look on Scrimgeour's face. The man looked almost gleeful, like Christmas had come early. If he only knew.

Scrimgeour moved directly to Harry and extended his hand. Withholding a sigh, Harry shook Scrimgeour's hand, hoping against hope that it would be over soon as cameras flashed brightly from all sides. Eventually, Scrimgeour moved on, shaking hands with Sirius and Remus before moving to the podium. As if by magic, the entire crowd hushed and waited on baited breath with their quills at the ready.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Scrimgeour began, "I would like to begin by thanking every one of you for abiding by the guidelines requested by Mr. Potter to make this move along quickly. I believe we can all understand that Mr. Potter has much on his mind with his upcoming exams so, without further ado, I present Mr. Potter, recipient of the Order of Merlin, First Class."

Harry's eyes widened exponentially as a roar of applause filled the air. From the waves of anger pouring off of Sirius, Harry figured that he wasn't the only person caught off guard. Everything suddenly made sense. This was Scrimgeour's way to ensure Harry didn't say anything too damaging about the Ministry. Too bad I can't be bought by fancy awards.

Rising to his feet, Harry moved to the podium and accepted the smooth, rectangular leather case that held the medal. There was no smile on his face as he shook Scrimgeour's hand causing Scrimgeour's wide smile to falter slightly. Harry was almost pleased to see the Minister of Magic hesitate slightly before stepping aside. Stepping up to the podium and looking down, Harry saw how large the crowd actually was. In addition to reporters, there were also employees from the Ministry, the owners from the stores at Hogsmeade as well as quite a few members of the Order of the Phoenix, including the Weasleys and Hagrid.

Great. Just great.

Harry cleared his throat nervously. Might as well get it over with. "Good evening," he said sounding much more confident than he felt. "I have to say that I'm speechless. I never expected to be honored for simply trying to stay alive, which is what I've been trying to do ever since I entered Hogwarts a little more than six and a half years ago. Despite what many of you believed the-boy-who-lived to be, I was just a normal kid excited to learn more about a new world. That excitement, however, quickly changed once I learned more and more about the wizarding world."

Harry paused for a moment and noticed quite a few members of the crowd shifting their weight nervously. "At eleven, one can not be expected to know enough to understand the way the world works but they can realize when something is wrong. They can see hate, prejudice and segregation but can do nothing to stop it because they're only a child. I find it almost laughable how children are overlooked, especially when it was a group of 'children' that protected Hogwarts a year ago and were instrumental in Voldemort's defeat."

Many in the crowd visibly flinched but remained silent.

"At the age of twelve, I was shown just how cruel the wizarding world could be," Harry continued. "I saw purebloods pick on muggle-borns just because they were new to this world, I was shunned because of an ability I never wanted and a close friend was taken to Azkaban just so the Minister of Magic could look good in the public's eye. When I was thirteen, I learned just how unjust the system was. My godfather had been locked up in Azkaban for years for a crime he didn't commit without a trial that would prove his innocence and a family friend was discriminated because of a condition he never asked for. Despite what the wizarding world thought about them, they took me in and made me the person I am today. I can't even imagine where I would be without them."

Harry cast a long look out at the crowd before continuing. "They rescued me but I was not the only person who needed rescuing. Every day there's a child at Hogswarts in a bathroom crying because of the cruelty learned from generations of hate and discrimination. Voldemort didn't bring anything to this world that wasn't already here. He just added fuel to the fire. He brought out the worst this world had to offer. Now that he's gone, we need to take a long look at ourselves and find a way to make sure it never happens again."

Waves of pride brushed against Harry's back allowing Harry to relax slightly. He knew the waves were coming from Sirius and Remus. "Every child at Hogwarts quickly learns that Slytherin is the 'evil house' because the majority of dark wizards spent seven years in that house. Why is that? Slytherin is no different than Gryffindor, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. It's just a place to sleep. Children don't follow the wrong path because of where they sleep. They follow the wrong path because no one takes the time to give them a chance to follow the right one.

"Magical creatures are treated with disdain when they should be treated with respect, including werewolves and vampires. I realize that there will always be resistance from those like Fenrir Greyback but just because there's a problem with one doesn't mean there's a problem with all. Imagine if we were treated like that, if we were penalized for the crimes Voldemort had committed. This world can no longer afford to have a double standard. We, as a society, must work side-by-side with magical creatures if we truly want to maintain peace."

Harry let out a sigh as his gaze fell to the leather case in his hand. Deep down, he knew that it was highly unlikely his words would be taken seriously since he was basically demanding some drastic changes but someone needed to say it. Slowly, Harry looked back out at the crowd and saw that they were eagerly awaiting his next word. "I know no society is perfect," he said in a softer voice. "I also know that a society is only as strong as its leader. We paid the price for Fudge's mistakes. The Ministry paid the price for the corruption Fudge allowed. We are lucky that Minister Scrimgeour was at least willing to listen and provide aid to a teenager's dream of peace."

Harry shifted his gaze to Scrimgeour who was standing stiffly, his cane shaking slightly in his hand. "We owe our freedom to those who lost their lives fighting for a world that seemed to be so far out of reach only a few months ago." Harry looked back out at the crowd. "We owe it to them to do everything in our power to ensure that there isn't another Voldemort. We, as a society, owe it to Zacharias Smith and Anthony Goldstein to do what we can to make sure no child has to sacrifice their life because the adults don't take it upon themselves to solve their own problems. This war is proof that anyone can make a difference. You don't need to be the smartest or the most powerful. You just need a dream that's worth fighting for."

Harry swallowed. His mouth was rather dry but there was one more thing he needed to say. "Professor Albus Dumbledore told me years ago that 'it is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities'. It is time for all of us to begin making the right choices for the right reasons. Let's move forward to tomorrow remembering our mistakes of yesterday and, hopefully, tomorrow will be a better place for us all."

Harry had only started to take a step away from the podium when applause erupted. To say that Harry was surprised was an understatement. He really hadn't expected to receive any sort of reaction. Turning to face Sirius, Harry was shocked to see Sirius, Remus, Ron and Hermione on their feet, clapping for him. That wasn't supposed to be happening either.

Sirius was the first to pick up on Harry's distress and stepped forward, pulling Harry into a fierce embrace. "I'm so proud of you, kiddo," Sirius said thickly. "Your parents would be too."

Harry couldn't help smiling as he stepped back and met Sirius' gaze. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Scrimgeour approaching with a tense look on his face. "We should get back to Hogwarts," Harry said quietly.

Sirius discretely followed Harry's gaze and nodded. Before Scrimgeour could corner Harry, Sirius blocked the path. "Minister," Sirius said professionally. "If you don't mind, Harry, Ron and Hermione are due back at Hogwarts." Scrimgeour stared at Sirius for a long moment, his eyes narrowing as waves of anger poured off him. Sirius, however, never wavered. "Is there a problem, Scrimgeour?"

There was a moment of hesitation before Scrimgeour took a step back and nodded. His gaze shifted to the nearest Auror who immediately moved off the platform. It wasn't long before the Thestral-drawn carriage came into view, alerting everyone what was happening.

"Mr. Potter!"

"Just one question!"

"Please, Mr. Potter!"

Harry quickly found himself surrounded by Sirius, Remus, Tonks, Ron and Hermione as they made their way to the carriage that pulled up to the platform. Aurors quickly moved to hold off the rushing crowd with their wands at the ready. Harry knew this wasn't going to end well and was grateful when he was pushed into the carriage. In mid motion, Harry turned around and helped Remus in, allowing the rest of their group to quickly join them in the carriage. They hadn't even had time to sit down before the carriage started to move towards Hogwarts.

Flashes could be seen as reporters shouted for Harry's attention. Harry slouched as low as he could to avoid being seen, earning chuckles from nearly everyone in the carriage. He knew it was probably pointless but he refused to move until they passed the gates and a safe distance away from anyone who could take his picture.

"So much for the 'agreement'," Harry muttered angrily.

Sirius snorted. "Harry, reporters are like any sort of insect," he said plainly. "If you give them an inch, they'll take a mile. Nothing is ever good for that lot."

Harry could only agree.