A stage was erected in the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic, reporters and their photographers were there, ready to catch the moment for all history. Mourning relatives were packed into the seats as were work colleagues, people crammed in at the back, just standing just to be there to mourn.
At the allotted time Rufus stood up onto the stage from the side and walked to the centre where a podium stood firm. The Minister grasped the edges of the podium, and began speaking.
'Twenty-one Aurors died. Five innocent family members perished and only three Death Eaters were killed, only three. Only three, but three is a good number. It's a start. It's a beginning. Today we mourn the loss of twenty-one fine men and women who stood up for their country and died in service. They believed protecting the innocent and prosecuting the guilty was the way to save our way of life.' He paused. He started again trying to find the right words. 'Let us remember them.' The crowd bowed their heads. Several minutes passed before the minister started again. 'Thank you my friends. Thank you for remembering them.' He took a deep breath.
'We can never bring back those that have fallen. Though we may wish to, we cannot, they have moved on to a better place. For those five family members that were caught in a war, they are casualties of a despicable war. The only thing we can give to you, the ones that remember them is the belief that justice will be served, and that their killers will be found and tried and sentenced. We cannot let this deed go unpunished.' The Minister seemed to find resolve.
'The person, the one to start this justice, the one that single hand idly killed three Death Eaters before they could ruin three more lives. I have the honour to present Auror Tonks.'
The crowd clapped her on.
Tonks stood at the front, the Minister continued to speak. 'Auror Tonks, in service to this country and surviving the largest massacre this country has seen for thirty years, I present you the Order of Merlin Third Class.' Gasps were heard in the audience, but clear nodding was seen as the right thing to do. Rufus passed the medallion over Tonks head and let it rest on her chest bone.
'Thank you Minister. I would just like to say something. I'm not extraordinary, I'm not powerful. I'm just like you. I'm just like all the Aurors, especially the ones that died last night. I was terrified for my life, if you ask Auror Moody or Trainee Auror Jack Thatcher I am sure they would say the same. Well maybe not Mad-Eye.' A smile appeared on her face and a slight chuckle was heard from the crowd.
'I was terrified, I'm sorry I had to kill three people last night, but given that it saved another two Aurors somewhere, I'm happy I still have two more colleagues left. Don't kid yourselves. Don't think your defenceless, you can protect yourselves, you can run away. After all its nice to be a hero, but better yet is to be a living hero.'
A voice from the back of the crowd called up.
'I quite agree Miss Tonks.' Neville's head appeared stepping forth through the crowd.
'As do I,' a second voice sounded, coming from a different direction than Neville's.
'We came down as soon as we heard, and we wish to help,' Neville spoke, indicating himself and Harry.
Harry spoke, 'we are setting up a fund for those who loose someone in this war. For example, we lost Mike Johnston last night, which leaves behind a wife and daughter. Who will provide for them? This is where we wish to help, help families if we can. Please do not see this as a target of opportunity, see this as a life line to families that need this help.'
Blaise and Susan both stood up from the centre, 'Harry, Neville, let us be the first to contribute to this worthy cause. I Blaise Zabini pledge two thousand gallons a year.'
Susan was nodding her head. 'I Susan Bones pledge two thousand gallons a year.'
The audience surprised to see two noble men step forward and offer money to help those that needed it was a shock, what was more was two other children offering more money into the pot. These were the countries children, and they were doing more to help than the adults.
'The person we are holding responsible for this money will be Mike Johnston's wife. Rebecca Johnston will control and submit the accounts to Gringotts and the ministry to insure that no fraud is being carried out. This job comes with a salary as well.'
Rebecca Johnston stepped onto the stage, 'I was there last night, and like Miss Tonks says, I was petrified. I couldn't move a muscle and I just stood and watched my husband murdered. I regret not doing anything. But I can help others in this way. The muggle police force have a bereavement fund, there always to help out, I hope this can be used to the same effect and help people move on after their loss.' A tear trickled down her check.
Rufus quite moved by the events spoke, 'thank you, thank you Miss Bones, Mr. Zabini, Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Potter, Miss Johnston and Miss Tonks.' He drew in a deep breath, 'Let us never forget those that died, and what they died for. Thank you ladies and gentlemen.' The minister of magic left the stage, and people congregated around Neville and Harry, just to see two heroes, and to pledge money. Reporters lapping this up and camera flashes went off everywhere soon blinding Harry and Neville. Susan spotted Luna and Ginny at the back of the crowd just looking on, keeping an eye out for dangerous folk. As it was, Susan went over to speak to them.
'Hi, erm I don't know how to say this, but could someone ask the question of why my aunt still hold onto my vote, when I am of age and have not been given access to my inheritance?'
'Really? So that makes more sense now. Ok this should be interesting to watch,' Luna said.
Ginny spoke, 'there is a meeting tomorrow, it will get called into question then, by someone other than Harry or Neville.'
'Ok thanks.' Susan said and left the two girls alone. Susan quickly met up with Blaise and soon they were in muggle London enjoying a film and buying various things. These things included books, to footballs, computer games to underwear and sex items. After all, people want to experience sex and experiment. When the time came, they met up with Neville and they disappeared from site.
Ron and Hermione had been at the lair all day. We don't ask what they were up to, for fear of finding a truth that it would be easier to ask them where they haven't had sex. As it is, there were several assorted condoms on the bedroom floor of the couple, and Ron asking 'so did you like the ribbed or the course one?'
'It's not for me silly, it's to make it more enjoyable for you, so really you should be answering that question,' replied an amused and naked Hermione tracing her finger down Ron's firm torso, her breasts rising and falling with her still trying to catch her breath.