Harry was standing in front of Voldemort wearing all black robes of no markings. He was carrying a long, finely detailed wooden box, measuring one and one half meters long by half a meter wide and ten centimeters deep. The lid of the box was hinged and the opposite side held two identical clasps at either end.
"Hello Tom, you seem surprised to see me." Harry said.
"Evidently my Death Eaters did not accomplish their mission." Voldemort spat.
"Are you kidding, they didn't even make it passed my 6 year old daughter." Harry said with a laugh.
The two mortal enemies stared at each other; Harry wore an expression of supreme indifference while Voldemort wore one of extreme curiosity.
"What are we to do now Harry, you know our wands cannot fight each other." Voldemort asked calmly.
"Wands? I don't need wands, but fighting with magic would be pointless anyway, you cannot die by magical means. Yes Tom, I know your secret; I know you're an animagus, a magical animagus. I know you're a phoenix, I know a phoenix cannot die by magic. I know you maintain yourself semi-transfigured. I know you can be reborn from your own ashes. But most importantly Tom, I know how to defeat you." Harry explained.
"Is that a fact Harry, I sincerely hope you are not boasting, I would love the opportunity to see you try and fail." Voldemort answered back, conveying no emotion.
"You should know by now I'm not going to lie to you, you've become adept at determining the truth in every lie. Unlike you Tom, I never underestimate my opponents." Harry answered calmly.
"What do you have in the box, a gift for me perhaps?" Voldemort said playfully.
"As a matter of fact Tom, it is." Harry said warmly.
Harry laid the box on the floor, and proceeded to open the lid. When it opened, it revealed two magnificent swords; one with rubies on its handle the other with emeralds, the two swords were identical in length and blade type, save for the writing on the blade itself; the first read 'Godric Gryffindor' and the other read 'Salazar Slytherin.'
Harry lifted the Slytherin sword and marveled at its beauty.
"Beautiful isn't it? Slytherin's sword, a magnificent sword, do you know it cost me one hundred thousand Galleons?" Harry asked, looking up at Voldemort. "I guess not, I bought it just for you. I believe in fair play, you should have the same opportunity to defeat me as I have to defeat you." Harry explained.
"Just like Slytherin's ring?" Voldemort asked icily.
"No Tom, that was a tracking device, I had to keep an eye on you." Harry answered with a laugh.
"How can I believe that's Slytherin's sword?" Voldemort asked more calmly.
Harry smiled warmly up at Voldemort, and then threw the sword at him; handle first. When Voldemort caught it, the green emeralds began to glow brightly.
"I guess you are the heir of Salazar Slytherin after all. You know, up until now, I never quite believed it." Harry observed.
Voldemort felt a rush of power like he had never felt before. He was holding the sword of his ancestor; he was holding the sword of Slytherin.
"It's real." Voldemort said simply.
"I have no reason to lie to you. If I'm to fight with Godric Gryffindor's sword, it is only fitting you fight with Salazar Slytherin's." Harry happily explained.
Voldemort began getting a feel for the sword; he swung it in all directions, using both hands then strong hand, then weak hand. Harry was impressed at the old man's ability and agility.
"Very impressive Tom, I didn't know you could handle a sword with such skill." Harry complimented him.
"There is much you don't know about me, Harry, very much." Voldemort responded.
"Well, these people have been waiting a long time to see this battle, what do say to getting it under way?" Harry asked, picking up Gryffindor's sword.
"I couldn't agree more." Voldemort agreed.
Neville was now commanding the Dark Aurors, combined with Hagrid and his spider army, they had managed to kill or drive off all the dark wizards and witches. The elves had only just killed the last of the goblins, and the Unas clan was still battling the other giants and the trolls.
"Tonks, concentrate on the Vampires and werewolves." He commanded her.
She, in turn, began barking out orders to the other Dark Aurors, who immediately began bombarding the vampires with shards of wood, and the werewolves with the silver knives they removed from other dead werewolves.
Neville turned to command Hagrid to set the spiders on the trolls when a wand was suddenly pointed at his face. His mind went blank, all his training left him, he was that scared little boy from first year. "Avada," Neville never heard the rest of the curse, all he saw was a brilliant green light, and the dark witch thrown seventy-five meters into the Forbidden Forest. When he looked to see who had saved him, he smiled brightly.
"Thank you my love." Neville said to Luna.
"You are welcome my love." She responded kissing him sensually.
"Maybe we should wait until after the battle." Neville said, prying himself from her mouth.
"If you insist," she said smiling.
Neville ordered Hagrid to set the spiders loose on the trolls. By the time the troll screams could be heard, they were all dead. Each troll was attacked by no less than five hundred spiders; there was nothing left on their bones.
Neville nodded to Hagrid, who dismissed the spiders, and they reentered the forest. The Unas clan decimated the other giants, and the Dark Aurors finished off the vampires, werewolves and dark wizards, the battle was over.
Neville looked around at all the dead bodies. Most were the enemy, but many still, were his own people or allies. The Unas clan lost more than half their clan, the elves lost a hundred and sixty of their number, and the three hundred wizards and witches that aided the battle all died.
Neville was about to order the policing of the bodies, when he heard a sound he hadn't noticed before, cheering from the Quidditch pitch.
He led the Dark Aurors to the pitch to find Harry and Voldemort standing toe to toe with swords in their hands.
"It seems your dark creatures have been defeated Tom, it's just you and me." Harry said tauntingly.
"But I'm still alive Harry, and I plan on remaining that way." Voldemort retorted before striking the first blow.
Harry quickly reverted to the swordsmanship training he had received in one of the other timelines. Harry's skill with a sword was undisputed. He quickly raised his sword to block Voldemort, then spun his body underneath, and ended up behind him.
"Very good Harry, it would seem you were not boasting after all." Voldemort said impressed.
"I think my allies would appreciate the show, do you mind?" Harry asked, referring to removing the protective dome.
"Not at all Harry, but aren't you worried I'll transfigure into a phoenix and escape?" Voldemort asked as he moved around to Harry's left.
"You want this to end as much as I do Tom, you won't escape. Besides, I put anti-transfiguration wards on the school grounds, whatever way you entered is the only way you can leave." Harry explained.
The Slytherin and Gryffindor swords began clanging as their masters swung them back and forth. Harry remained on the defense, easily blocking all the volleys from Voldemort. People began cheering and rooting Harry on. He made no attempt to go on the offense.
Harry was beginning to tire from battle; Voldemort seemed as fresh as when he started. The poison was starting to get to him, the blocks were becoming slower, his moves more erratic. Harry was starting to lose.
Voldemort saw this as the perfect opportunity; he swung the sword with one hand and pulled out Dumbledore's wand with the other.
"Impedimenta!" Voldemort yelled.
The spell hit Harry in the chest and froze him in place for only a split second, but it was long enough for Voldemort to run the sword through Harry's stomach and out his back.
Blood began to flow from both his abdomen and lower back. Harry dropped to his knees.
Harry had no strength left; the poison and the laceration had him almost completely immobile.
Voldemort raised his sword and swung it at Harry's neck.
Madam Pomfrey was going from bed to bed in the hospital wing of Hogwarts informing her patients of whether or not there was any permanent damage.
Hermione was sitting up in her camp bed, behind the privacy screen. McGonagall was sitting next to her, informing her that Voldemort's forces had been defeated and only Voldemort was left.
"Can the professor defeat him?" Hermione asked seriously.
"I'm afraid I don't know, they are both very powerful wizards, but I'm hoping for the best." McGonagall explained.
Pomfrey stepped in from behind the screen.
"May I have a word with you Miss Granger?" She asked emotionlessly.
"Of course Madam Pomfrey, have a seat." Hermione said, trying desperately to hide her fear.
"I mean in private." Pomfrey clarified, staring at McGonagall.
"It's alright; you can talk in front of the Professor." Hermione said, really wanting her there for support.
Pomfrey sat in the opposite chair from McGonagall, she looked down at a parchment she had in her hands.
"I have some bad news." She announced sadly.
McGonagall took Hermione's hand.
"Yes?" Hermione pressed.
"I'm afraid the spell you were hit caused a great deal of internal damage that couldn't be repaired. I'm afraid you'll never have children." Pomfrey said sadly.
Hermione began to tear up quickly.
"Never? I'll never be a mother." She said crying.
Hermione lost all semblance of composure and began to cry hysterically. It was worse than death to Hermione, she had always dreamed of bearing children, of raising them, now her dream was destroyed.
"You can still be a mother dear, you'll just have to adopt." McGonagall tried to console her and failed miserably.
"Who'll want to marry me?" Hermione asked through her sobs.
"What a silly thing to ask, I'm sure Ron will want to marry you, he truly loves you." McGonagall continued.
"His parents have so many children, he'll never be happy with me." Hermione argued hysterically.
Pomfrey stood and left Hermione's bedside. She continued giving bad news to the injured. She walked over to where Ron was lying motionless on his camp bed, without the privacy of the screen. She just shook her head, and walked away.
Dennis Creevey came running into the room.
"Harry's back, he's alive, and he's fighting Voldemort!" Dennis yelled.
All those who were capable of moving ran to an available window to see the battle.
Hermione quickly forgot about her problem, and ran out from behind the screen. When she was almost at the window, she screamed.
"Ron!" She said running to his bed. "Is he all right?" She yelled to the room.
Madam Pomfrey ran over to her and Ron. "Yes dear, he'll be fine. Maybe some short term paralysis, but no permanent damage." Pomfrey assured her.
"Oh thank God." Hermione sobbed.
She sat at his bedside for only a few moments before running to the window, but what she saw almost made her collapse.
Harry was kneeling before Voldemort, as Voldemort was swinging his sword towards Harry's neck.
"NO!" Hermione screamed.
Voldemort's aim was perfect. The middle of the sword was perfectly aligned with Harry's throat, when Voldemort finished his swing; he heard the collective scream from the audience and smiled.
"Potter is dead." He said softly.
When Voldemort looked down, his smiled left, as apparently did Harry.
"NO!" Voldemort screamed even louder than Hermione.
"Hello Tom." Harry said from behind Voldemort.
When Voldemort turned around, he had just enough time to see the sword approach his neck, but no time to move.
The Gryffindor blade severed his neck quickly and cleanly.
"Good bye Tom." Harry said as he finished his swing.
Tom Marvolo Riddle was dead.
Immediately a powerful wave of warm air emanated from Voldemort's dead body that spread omni-directionally and was felt by every witch and wizard on the planet. A great evil had been destroyed.
A spirit began to rise from Voldemort's body and took shape.
"I told you Harry, I cannot die, a phoenix cannot be killed even by muggle weapons." The ghost of Voldemort said with satisfaction.
"Tom, do you remember Myrtle?" Harry asked pleasantly, motioning to the ghost that was just above him carrying a U shaped stone. "Well Myrtle remembers you." Harry continued when Voldemort did not answer. "She was quite upset when your basilisk killed her, and she wanted to say hi." Harry explained.
Moaning Myrtle just smiled at Voldemort. "Hello Tom." She said as she threw the U shaped stone at Voldemort's ghost.
As the stone passed around Voldemort he disappeared. When it hit the ground, it shattered.
"That Tom," Harry said to Voldemort's lifeless body, "was the Gateway to the Wait of the Dead, enjoy your stay." Harry finished, dropping down on both knees.
Neville ran the length of the pitch to Harry, but before he could even touch him, a little girl appeared.
"Hi Neville." Cindy said before touching Harry's body and disappearing.
Neville picked up Voldemort's severed head, and held it up to the Dark Aurors.
"VOLDEMORT IS DEAD!" Neville screamed with his voice amplified so loud that he was heard clearly all the way to Hogsmeade.
Ron awoke at nine o'clock the next morning; the hospital wing was filled with sleeping patients. He looked around carefully for Hermione, but didn't notice her right away.
"Well, judging by the fact that everyone is sleeping peacefully, we must have won." Ron said to himself.
"Yes sir we did." Draco said, sitting down next to Ron.
"Dumbledore beat him." Ron said in an obvious tone.
"No, Harry did." Draco corrected him.
"Harry! Harry beat Riddle, excellent." Ron said excitedly.
"We don't know how excellent yet, Voldemort did stab him through the stomach, all the way through." Draco said quietly.
"Is he all right?" Ron asked concernedly.
"No one other than the Minister knows; the rest of us can't apparate to the castle." Draco explained.
Ron concentrated for a moment, and then relaxed.
"I can't either." Ron declared.
"The Dark Aurors are just sitting around here waiting for word, me inclusive." Draco said.
"Is Hermione all right?" Ron asked, hoping he knew.
"She seems to be, I saw her about four o'clock this morning, she was pacing the room. I heard Madam Pomfrey was starting to get upset by it." Draco said with a laugh.
"Is she still here?" Ron asked looking around.
"Yeah, she's behind that curtain." Draco said, pointing to the far end of the room.
"I'd better go check up on her." Ron said, attempting to stand and falling. "What's wrong with me, I can't stand?" Ron asked nervously.
"I heard you are going to be temporarily paralyzed, don't worry, it'll pass." Draco said helping Ron back onto the bed.
"Do you know how long?" Ron asked.
"Nope, sorry." Draco answered.
"Do you have the final numbers?" Ron asked, realizing he hadn't thought of the casualties.
"Are you sure you want to hear them?" Draco verified.
"No, but give them to me anyway." Ron said.
"We lost one hundred and seventy seven giants, one hundred and sixty one house elves, all three hundred regular wizards and eighty nine Dark Aurors." Draco said sounding remorseful.
"Any of the Dark Aurors Hogwarts students?" Ron pressed.
Draco nodded sadly. "We lost Justin, Susan Bones, Amanda Drake and her brother Bill." Draco said solemnly.
"Do we know about everyone in here, are they going to be all right?" Ron continued his barrage of questions.
"I don't know, Pomfrey won't tell me." Draco explained.
"How about Dumbledore?" Ron asked.
"Saved by your goddaughter." Draco said with a smile.
Ron smiled at the thought of Cindy saving Dumbledore in front of all those people.
"That's my girl." Ron said proudly.
"And the enemy?" Ron continued.
"All the Death Eaters, werewolves, giants and trolls are dead. Seventy five goblins, a hundred Diablo's and ten vampires escaped." Draco answered calmly.
"And one Dark Lord dead." Ron added.
"And one Dark Lord dead." Draco agreed.
"Hi guys." Hermione said, walking over to them.
Her eyes were bloodshot and she looked like she hadn't slept in days.
"Oh 'Mione, come here." Ron said lovingly and she hugged him tightly.
"It's over, it's finally over." Hermione whispered into his ear.
"I know baby, I know." Ron said softly.
"Has Draco told you everything?" Hermione asked pulling away from Ron.
"Yeah, the losses were bad, but he and his followers are dead, so at least there's reason to celebrate.
Hermione just nodded, she didn't want to have to explain her condition to him.
"Your father's making a speech here at Hogwarts at eleven today." Hermione announced.
"Is he still at Harry's?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, he told me he'd come straight here before the speech." Hermione explained.
"You should be at his side." Draco said to Ron.
Ron looked up at him. "And you at my side." Ron said honestly.
Draco smiled.
Arthur arrived at ten forty five in the hospital wing. Most of the patients were awake and talking animatedly about the battle from the previous night. Arthur went directly to Ron, Hermione and Draco who were in a corner together.
Arthur walked up to Hermione and hugged her, and gave her a small kiss on the cheek, then hugged Ron tightly, and finally shook Draco's hand.
"Harry's hanging on by a thread, between the loss of blood and the poison already in his body, we all feared the worst, but he's stronger than we all give him credit for." Arthur announced.
"Is he going to make it?" Hermione asked tentatively.
"We're not sure, but his healer Sarah believes he will." Arthur said, starting to smile.
"Oh thank God." Hermione declared.
"Ron, I have to ask you something before my speech, it's very important." Arthur said imperatively.
"Sure dad, what is it?" Ron asked.
"I want to announce you as the Minister of Dark Magic Enforcement, would you accept the position?" Arthur asked his son.
"Isn't it an elected position?" Hermione asked confused.
"No, this will be the first Minister, so it's an appointed position." Arthur clarified.
"Yes, I'll accept it." Ron said without any doubt.
"Excellent son, you'll have to choose a Deputy Minister before you join me outside." Arthur pointed out.
"Hermione," Ron asked.
"No thank you Ron, I'm done with the Dark Aurors." Hermione said honestly.
"Then if it's all right with you dad, I'd like to choose Neville Longbottom." Ron answered. "And I'd like to name Draco Malfoy as the CNC." Ron added.
"Really, me," Draco asked.
"I can't think of anybody better suited for the job." Ron said honestly.
"I accept." Draco said happily, shaking both Ron and Arthur's hands.
"Draco, can you fetch me Neville please?" Ron asked.
"Back in a flash," Draco answered apparating away.
"Time to go son," Arthur said standing.
Hermione conjured and enchanted chair, and helped Ron into it.
They followed Arthur through the castle and out onto the lawn where only the night before it was littered with dead bodies. Neville and Draco met them along the way.
"Neville," Ron began, "would you accept the honor of being the Deputy Minister of Dark Magic Enforcement?" Ron asked officially.
"Serious? Hell yes," Neville exclaimed.
"Then I want you on my right and Draco, who I'm naming as the CNC on my left as we exit.
When the five exited the castle they saw a sight that made them all stand, except for Ron, in awe, five thousand witches and wizards from all over Europe made their way to the castle lawn to hear the Minister's speech.
Snape met them half way to the podium.
"May I have the honor of announcing you Minister?" Snape asked.
"Thank you son," Arthur answered smiling.
Severus turned and walked straight up to the podium.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce my father in law, and our Minister of Magic; Arthur Weasley," Snape announced proudly.
All five thousand people began applauding and cheering as loud as they could.
Arthur waited for them to finish before he began.
"My fellow wizards and witches welcome to Hogwarts, as you all felt last night; the Lord Voldemort is dead, completely and unequivocally dead. Last night Voldemort stormed this school with thousands of evil creatures, but the Ministry was ready for them, only a small percentage of these creatures escaped alive, the rest have been destroyed, no prisoners were taken." The group began cheering at the thought of taking no prisoners. "The very much alive, Harry Potter personally killed Voldemort, he even managed to banish his spirit, the Dark Lord is completely gone." The group began cheering again. "Our side did sustain heavy casualties, and the names of each of the dead will be displayed on a memorial which we will dedicate at the commencement ceremonies this June here at Hogwarts where the brave fought and died for you. Today, I would also like to finally appoint the Minister of Dark Magic Enforcement; I have chosen the man who stood on this field of battle and commanded the forces of good against the forces of evil; I mean my son, Ronald Weasley." The group began cheering again. "Come up here Ron." His father called to him.
"I unfortunately did not inherit my father's affinity for speech making, but I would like to take a moment and appoint the Deputy Minister as well as the new Commander and Chief. For Deputy Minister I am appointing my longtime friend, Colonel Neville Longbottom." The crowd cheered again. "For the position of Commander and Chief, I am appointing my longtime nemesis, who has gown to be one of my best friends; Major Draco Malfoy." The crowd was stunned into silence. "Draco has proven himself beyond ANY doubt that he not only knows the difference between right and wrong, he stood on the field of battle to fight for it." Ron said re-stunning the crowd into applause. "Thank you." Ron finished.
"Thank you son," Arthur said, retaking the podium. "I would like you all to take a moment of silence in remembrance of those who died here last night." Arthur waited a few moments. "Thank you all for coming, I will make myself available for questions later in the day." Arthur said, stepping down to deafening applause.
The international press went around from person to person asking various participants for their view of what happened the night before. Ron, Neville and Draco never noticed that Hermione vanished that morning not speaking to anyone.
The week following the final battle left Hogwarts as the center of attention, people were arriving on a pilgrimage to see the spot where Voldemort had been killed. Dumbledore was forced to suspend classes because of the influx of people.
The Dark Aurors who were still Hogwarts students were forced to seek refuge at Potter Castle, much to their elation. Harry continued his solitude, he remained in his bedroom and only Ginny, Cindy, Gabrielle, Arthur and Molly could pass through his privacy wards.
Hermione seemed very standoffish towards Ron; he assumed it had to do with some post traumatic stress, and paid it no mind, that is until the evening before they were to return to Hogwarts when Ron had a more pressing issue with Hermione.
Ron had arranged a quiet dinner just for the two of them on the northeast tower. He instructed Winky to make sure everything was special. He wanted the night to be perfect.
Ron met Hermione in the library and led her to the tower that night.
"What are you doing?" Hermione asked huffily.
"It's a surprise, trust me." Ron said mysteriously.
When Ron opened the door that led out to the tower where the dinner was to be held, Hermione began to cry softly.
"What's all this?" She asked hoarsely.
"Just dinner," Ron answered evasively.
He sat her down on one side and himself on the other. Winky appeared wearing a beautiful white laced dress, and matching hat, she set the trays of food she had levitating behind her on the table and began to serve them, Hermione was smiling from ear to ear.
"Since when did you become a romantic?" Hermione asked, eating a bite of the filet mignon.
"Since I thought I lost you," Ron began, almost in a whisper, "I was so scared you had died, so scared you wouldn't wake up, I decided to devote my life to making you happy." Ron answered romantically.
"Oh Ron, I know you love me, and I love you too, but there is something I have to tell you." Hermione said, now sounding sad.
"No wait, I want to go first." Ron got off his seat, and bent down on one knee in front of Hermione. "Hermione, would you do this big oaf the honor of marrying him." Ron asked, opening a small box with a large diamond engagement ring inside.
The diamond was heart shaped of three karats with five smaller half-karat diamonds all around. Hermione knew immediately that it was completely muggle, no magic whatsoever.
"Oh Ron, I'm speechless, I don't know what to say." Hermione said, staring longingly at the ring.
"Say yes," Ron recommended.
"I," she faltered, "I can't marry you, I'm sorry, I can't marry anybody." She said crying hysterically.
"What? What do you mean?" Ron asked stunned.
"I have to tell you something, the night of the battle, I was hurt," she faltered again.
"We were all hurt, what are you talking about?" Ron pressed, starting to get agitated.
"I, I can't have children." Hermione finally admitted.
That hit Ron hard for a moment. The woman he wanted to marry could not have children. No diapers to change, no four a.m. feedings, no children squabbling over insignificant things. He didn't care.
"So, I don't want to marry your children, I want to marry you." Ron said, taking her hand.
"You say that now, but I know you, you'll want a big family just like yours, you'll want five or six or seven kids, and then you'll leave me." Hermione argued, crying even more heavily.
"That's silly 'Mione, I only want you." Ron said lovingly.
"You're wrong; you'll leave me the first chance you get." Hermione yelled, running from the tower into the castle.
"Bugger," Ron said to himself.
"Hello dear," Molly said, entering Harry's room.
"Hello Molly," Harry said, delighted to have company.
"How are you feeling dear?" Molly asked warmly.
"Almost perfect," Harry said honestly.
"Then don't you think it's time to get your lazy arse out of that bed and start to move around?" Molly asked, raising her voice slightly.
Harry was taken aback; Molly had never spoken to him like that, like, one of her own children.
Harry smiled. "Yes mum, right away," he said, standing.
"That's better Harry dear, now get dressed or I'll be back up here and change you myself." Molly threatened.
"Yes ma'am," Harry said laughing.
Harry dressed for the first time since the battle, removed all the privacy wards on his wing of the castle, and walked downstairs.
He found all the Dark Aurors from Hogwarts sitting in his library.
"Harry," they all yelled together.
"There they are; the hero's of magic." Harry said warmly.
After the obligatory hellos and well wishing, Harry noticed Ron sitting in a corner by himself. Harry excused himself and went over to him.
"Hey mate, what's going on?" Harry asked, knowing something was wrong.
"I asked Hermione to marry me." Ron answered without looking up.
"You did, congratulations," Harry said, patting him on the back.
"Don't congratulate me yet, she said no." Ron declared, still not looking up.
"What," Harry asked, scarcely believing his ears.
Ron looked up at him, it was evident he had been crying for quite a while.
"She got hurt in the battle; she can no longer have children, so she thinks I'll leave her eventually for someone who can." Ron explained.
"Oh, poor Hermione, but don't worry mate, it's probably just the initial shock of the news, just ask her again in a few weeks, I'm sure she'll say yes." Harry said surely.
"Thanks mate, you're probably right, I shouldn't be concerned yet, and I'll just ask her again the night before commencement." Ron said composing himself.
"Excellent, now, let me see the ring." Harry commanded, pushing out his hand. "Very nice, a heart shaped diamond, about three karats, exquisite." Harry said handing it back to him. "We'll make a romantic out of you yet Weasley." Harry added standing.
Dinner was more of a celebration than a meal. They had finally gotten all together after the battle and were able to eat and drink together. They repeatedly toasted the dead, and remembered each and every one of them by name. They were Dark Aurors, the best of the best.
The grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had never been so decorated. Volunteers from every country in Europe and South America arrived three days early to begin planning and decorating. This was a celebration of the graduating seventh years as well as a celebration of the defeat of Voldemort.
Arthur Weasley had the honor of the commencement and dedication speech, he had spent the night before going over it with his son Percy to ensure it was short and concise, he didn't want to take the spotlight away from those who deserved it; the graduating class, those who fought and died and those who fought and lived.
The Minister arrived just before the ceremonies were due to begin; he arrived by magical limousine in front of the entrance to the school. When he exited the car, the crowd erupted into applause, but it was nothing compared to the applause his fellow passenger received.
Harry Potter exited the car with his wife Ginny, his daughter Cindy and his new ward, Gabrielle; they took their places next to Dumbledore and the Minister. The crowd did not let up their welcome, their savior had arrived, and they wanted him to know how they felt. It took Dumbledore to finally quiet them after twenty minutes.
"Please friends, we would like to begin the ceremonies." Dumbledore said impatiently.
When the crowd finally quieted, Arthur stood at the podium, and addressed the crowd.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we are here for three very specific reasons; the first is to congratulate the graduating seventh years from Hogwarts, Beaubatons, and Durmstrang. This has been a bitter sweet year for all of them, when they started Hogwarts seven years ago, they thought Voldemort was dead, but he wasn't, he lived in secrecy until he brought himself up to full power and we wouldn't have known if it weren't for the bravery of a young fourth year student; Harry Potter. He had to live through the horror of Voldemort's rebirth, and then had to live through the horror of nobody believing him, but he persevered. Now here are those same seventh years celebrating their graduation from their respective schools and Voldemort IS dead. I want to wish them the best in their coming endeavors, there is no Dark Lord out there to hinder your dreams, and his Death Eaters are dead and can cause you no harm. Go out into the world my fellow wizards and witches, be what you want, do what you want, but remember, the Dark Aurors will always be near. Congratulations!" Arthur waited for the applause to die down.
"The second reason we are here is to celebrate the victory of the Dark Aurors and their allies against the Dark Lord and his allies. Many have been permanently changed by the incident, war always changes a man, but they will continue to fight the good fight, they will continue to protect the innocent, and they will continue to do their duties unto their death. I want you all to join me in saluting the brave men, women, elves, giants and others who fought to deliver you from the menace that has plagued our world. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you our hero's." Arthur pointed to the small crowd gathered on the right. And the crowd all stood and bowed to them.
"Lastly, we're here to dedicate a memorial in honor of the dead, the entire memorial, with all its solid gold accents was graciously donated by the Baron of Lee." Arthur waited until the confusion set in. "Harry Potter." Then the crowd understood, and began applauding. "The memorial lists in solid gold on black onyx, the names of everyone who both fought and died and fought and survived, ridding the evil that was Voldemort from this Earth, so if you'll join me in remembering them, I give you the 'Battle of Hogwarts Memorial'." Arthur said, pulling the cover off the large onyx wall.
Everyone bowed their heads for several minutes before looking up again.
"Thank you." Arthur finished.
The crowd burst again into applause, and the ceremony was over.
Harry excused himself from his family and went in search of Ron; Harry had been dying to know if Ron had re-asked Hermione, or if he chickened out.
Harry found Ron happily talking to Dean, Semus and Neville. They were talking about professional Quidditch, which made Harry laugh in spite of himself.
"Things are back to normal." He thought.
"Ron, you got a second?" Harry asked, waving Ron over.
"So, don't keep me in suspense, did you ask or not?" Harry asked expectantly.
"She said no." Ron said sadly.
"What, why," Harry asked confused.
"Same reason, she really believes I'm going to leave her." Ron explained.
"I'm so sorry mate, what are you going to do now?" Harry asked.
"Haunt her until she says yes." Ron said smiling.
"Excellent," Harry agreed.
"It's over Harry," Ron said suddenly.
"No Ron, it's not over, only this chapter." Harry answered back
The two walked off towards the stage to talk to the reporters, life would be back to normal soon, but not today.