Not mine JKR's

Awards and Press.

In the end it was no big deal. Luna was called first, but Harry led the way, and after an initial moment of surprise and confusion, Rufus Scrimgeour regained control quickly enough. The Orders of Merlin were all handed out without any fuss. Harry estimated that there must have been several hundred people in the room all sitting in endless rows of chairs. There was a great deal of flash photography and clapping, but when he saw a long ling of redheads sitting on the front row, Harry noticeable relaxed. Alongside them was Lupin, sitting next to a redheaded Tonks, who when they caught each others eye, changed her hair to imitate Harry's own, forcing a laugh out of him and Ginny when she saw it as well.

"It's time to meet the press Harry," Scrimgeour said once he had showed them all off into a side room. "Just answer a few questions, and if they start to get out of hand I'll interrupt. I have an announcement that should distract them for the rest of the evening."

"Anything that'll shorten this ordeal is fine with me, but it'll have to be a major piece of news to distract them from something I intend to announce," Harry replied.

"Is it something I should know about before hand?"

"Tell me your news first, and I'll let you know who gets the front page of the Prophet tomorrow."

"Are you a betting man Harry?"

"No not really, but go on tell me what you've got in mind."

"Ten galleons that I'll be making the headlines of the Daily Prophet tomorrow, not you." Harry thought for a moment what could possibly wipe him off the front page, not that he really wanted to be there in the first place, either way he would win.

"Ok Rufus you're on." Harry said sticking out his hand which Scrimgeour took and shook.

"I'll let the vultures in then," the Minister said leaving Harry and the others to sit, behind a long wooden table with seven chairs. Assuming that the central one was for Scrimgeour they split into two groups of three, so Harry ended up with Ginny on his right, and Luna in the next seat. Harry took a deep breath trying to calm himself. With his eyes shut he could hear numerous feet enter the room, but he didn't open them until Ginny gently squeezed his thigh.

The room looked a lot smaller now that thirty to forty people had suddenly barged their way in. For the next few minutes there was a great deal of pushing and shoving as they jostled with each other for a front position. Harry noticed that Rita Skeeter was one of them, and her pointy elbows seemed to be designed for this sort of melee.

"Ok settle down. Now I want to make it clear from the beginning that none of the six heroes here tonight are very keen on being here," Scrimgeour said in a firm commanding voice. "They're here as a personnel favour to me, and if they don't want to answer one of your questions then you won't get an answer. Mr Stansky if you'd go first."

"Mr Potter, on behalf of everybody here I'd first like to thank you for ridding the World of Tom Riddle," Harry barely nodded his head in acknowledgement. "Can you tell us in your own words how you feel about it all, and the honour of receiving an Order of Merlin First Class, at such a young age?"

"I'm glad he's gone. The world is a better place without him. In regard to the Order of Merlin I appreciate the gesture, but I went after Riddle because I chose to. Not for fame and glory."

"What about you Miss Weasley?"

"I agree with Harry. I went with Harry because I chose to."

"If she hadn't I would have failed. Ginny's the real hero, not me," Harry added.

"Mr Potter, You-know-who has been reported as finally dead. How can we be sure, as he cheated death once before?" another reporter asked.

"There are two reasons why I know Voldemort is truly dead." He used that name in irritation that the reporter still used that ridiculous title. "Firstly I know how he cheated death in the first place, and with help from friends, and many nameless others we removed those means, making him mortal. Secondly some of you may remember that he left me with a scar that connected us." There was a light ripple of nervous laughter at this statement. "The scar vanished when he died." Harry then pushed his hair back to revel an unmarked forehead. There was a sudden flurry of flashing as cameras went off, forcing Harry to shut his eyes.

"Mr Potter, I'm Jessie Knittel, could you give us a bit more information on how he cheated death?"

"No." Harry was about to leave it there, but knew that he wouldn't be allowed to, so he continued. "He used a very old and obscene piece of dark magic, which does not need to see the light of day ever again."

"Excuse me for asking but how did someone of your age and experience find out about this."

"The late great Professor Dumbledore," Harry replied.

"Is that what you were doing the night he died?" a nameless face asked.

"Yes."

"And what about the last year is that why you, Mr Weasley and Miss Granger didn't return to Hogwarts?"

"Yes."
"Mr Weasley can you tell us anymore about it.?" Everybody's attention suddenly shifted to the far end of the table, where Ron was looking shocked at suddenly being included in the conversation.

"Dark and mysterious, he looks more like a startled rabbit," Ginny whispered in Harry's ear.

"No," Ron said eventually.

"What about you Miss Granger?"

"No, and I think you should change the subject for the reasons already given."

"What about you Miss Lovegood."

"I have an exclusive deal with the Quibbler," she answered gazing at the ceiling. Neville made an effort to ignore the looks other reporters were giving him, in case he wanted to say anything.

"Mr Potter the second most popular question our readers ask us is, how did you actual kill Tom Riddle?" Harry had thought long and hard how he was going to answer this question. He'd also discussed it with Ginny at length one evening in bed, and even now he wasn't sure what he should say. If he started talking about one part of the final confrontation, then they would want more and more detail, including Ginny being tortured and possessed, and he in turn possessing a snake. It would all become a horrible mess.

"I'm sorry neither of us is prepared to talk about what happened that day. Not even our close friends or family know the details, so we're certainly not going to tell you."

"Mr Potter the public has a right to know," Jessie Knittel said.

"No they don't. The public has a right to know that Voldemort is really dead. He is I guarantee that!"

"Can you at least tell what his weaknesses were? He must have had one, or were we mistaken in the fact that he was the must powerful Wizard of his age."

"Well arrogance I suppose. He certainly believed that he was the greatest Wizard of all time, but even great Wizards can be brought down. His greatest weakness though was his desire to be immortal, because he feared death so much. He spent so much time pursuing this he actually forgot to live."

"Did you use the killing curse on him?" asked a man with long black hair tied back in a ponytail.

"No."

"But it's been established that was the cause of death, so you, or Miss Weasley must have used it," he insisted. Harry could feel, and see Ginny tensing up next to him. He was struggling himself, with little flashbacks.

"I did not use the killing curse, and I would be grateful if you didn't call me a liar." The atmosphere in the room had suddenly changed.

"My apologies Mr Potter, that wasn't my intention," his eyes though didn't agree with his words. "I'd just like to know who cast the killing curse that killed him."

"He cast it himself," Ginny suddenly said next to him.

"You're saying that he committed suicide," the black haired man said looking surprised. This was a possibility that no-one had considered.

"In a manner of speaking," Ginny said.

"We were prepared to die for each other. As a result his curse rebounded back onto him in much the same manner as it did when my mum died to protect me as a baby," Harry added.

"Can you elaborate on that?"

"Not really, except to say that love is and always will be the most powerful magic there is. That day was extremely hard on both of us, emotionally and physically, and we don't intend to say anything more on the matter." Harry looked at Ginny as he said this.

"Do you really expect us to believe that love killed the most powerful Wizard in history," the pony tailed man persisted.

"I don't care if you believe me or not. Voldemort didn't understand love at all, and you seem to be having trouble as well."

"The subject is closed," Ginny said.

Harry turned his attention away from the man to Rita Skeeter, who he could see was itching to ask a question, but she kept looking anxiously at Hermione who was pointedly not catching her eye.

"Go on Rita ask the question. I'm sure it won't bug me," Harry said amused when he saw her face twitch.

"I assume Miss Weasley is your girlfriend, so could you tell us all how long you've been going out together?" she asked quickly, before she lost her nerve or Hermione could stop her.

"No she's not my girlfriend she's much more than that and we've been dating for over a year, mostly in secret." Harry answered as a predatory look came over on Rita Skeeter's face.

"So this is serious then, can we expect wedding bells soon?"

"No," Harry said looking at Ginny and seeing her unspoken agreement added. "We're already married." For about five seconds you could have heard a pin drop until as though a silencing charm had been lifted, every reporter in the room began to shout incoherent questions. Ignoring all of them Harry leaned over towards the Minister.

"So Rufus can you beat that, or do you want to pay up now," Harry said with a broad grin.

"What can I say Harry you've taken me completely by surprise. I didn't think Ginny was old enough yet."

"She isn't, but somehow we were magically married at the hospital," Harry said.

"Full of surprises aren't you, congratulations Harry. I like her she has real spirit. Life will never to dull with her in your life." Scrimgeour held out his hand which Harry willingly shook to another barrage of flashing camera bulbs.

"Thank you Rufus I agree. I'm a lucky man."

"I'll keep the bet going though it should be a close call." Scrimgeour then stood up and tried to calm the reporters down, which took some time.

"Let's leave once he's made his announcement," Harry whispered to Ginny.

"Your wish is my command Mr Potter," she whispered in his ear. Ginny's face seemed to be glowing and Harry wasn't sure whether that was from embarrassment or pleasure.

"Can I have that in writing?"

"No."

"Wizards and Witches, esteemed members of the press," Scrimgeour shouted above the hubbub as he stood up. "I have an announcement of my own." It took a while but eventually the room quietened down to just a low murmur.

"Minister could we ask Harry a few more questions before your announcement," Rita Skeeter asked a pleading expression on her face. Scrimgeour gave a side ways glance at Harry who just shook his head.

"It appears not Rita. I'm very sorry," he answered without any real conviction. "Now when I first took up this position of Minister of Magic I promised that it would only be for the duration of the war. The War is now over, so I hereby hand in my notice, effective from the first of October. This should give plenty of time for the Wizengamot to find a suitable replacement for the position of Minister of Magic." The uproar from the reporters was now so loud that it was painful to Harry's ears. He stood up rummaging around in his robes, and pulled out ten galleons which he counted into Scrimgeour's hand.

"I'll pay you now," he said bending close and shouting in his ear so that he could be heard. "I can't compete with that."

"Keep it Harry, and pay me another time, you never can tell what these people think is really important." Scrimgeour was forced to shout back over the shouted questions.

"If I win, which I doubt, then I'll trust you to pay me back. After all you're a politician. If I can't trust you who can I trust?" Rufus Scrimgeour threw back his head and roared with laughter.

"Very good Harry I'll remember that one." He put the ten gold coins in his pocket, and then held out his hand, which Harry took once again.

"I wish you well Rufus."

"And you Harry." Then with as much haste, as dignity would allow, Harry left the room of shouting reporters, followed swiftly by his friends. He had to nudge Luna as he passed her, as she seemed to have drifted off into one of her other realms. The six of them were so eager to leave that none of them noticed the pony tailed man watching every move they made with narrowed eyes. Once outside in the corridor again Harry leant up against the wall, and let out a sigh of relief.

"That's true then," Neville said. "You and Ginny are married?"

"Yep, sorry we didn't tell you sooner, but there was never really a good moment Neville," Harry said.

"But when… how?" Neville was looking very perplexed, more so than usually.

"It's a little difficult to understand, to be honest. It magically happened when Ginny was in hospital. Not really sure how or why, but it did and that's that. We would have invited you, if we knew what was going on."

"It's never simple for you is it?" Neville's face was still looking confused, and Harry couldn't really blame him. Even a month later he woke up in the morning still thinking it was all a weird dream.

"No fun in the simple life Neville, so what plans do you have for the future?"

"I may have a job lined up, but I don't want to say anything until it's been confirmed. What about you lot?"

"Oh we're all going back to Hogwarts for our final year," Hermione said perking up at the thought.

"It'll be strange going back, and you not being there Neville," Ron added.

"Well at least I won't have to listen to your snores anymore," Neville replied with an enigmatic smile on his face.

"Oh he doesn't snore anymore I fixed that," Hermione said. "It was just a simple spell I found in one of Harry's books. I couldn't sleep for the noise."

"Wouldn't it have been easier if you had just closed the door Hermione," Luna said as she gazed down the empty corridor.

"Err… no Luna they share a room," Ginny said.

"Oh right, sorry. I didn't realise," and for the first time ever Harry saw Luna blush. He was amused to see everybody else apart from Ginny, looking mildly embarrassed as well.

"Is there going to be any food at this ball thing? I'm hungry." Ron said breaking the sudden silence.

"I expect so," Harry said. "We'd better move from here. I don't want to be hanging around when those reporters come out." Taking off the Order of Merlin First Class, which was still hanging around his neck, he slipped it into an inside pocket of his robes.

He then led the way re-entering the Apparation test centre. The rows upon rows of chairs had been moved to make way for a dance floor. The guests had all made their way to the back and were sitting around dozens of circular tables. The decorations seemed to be in a Caribbean style with palm trees dotted around, but large banners were hanging from the ceiling rather spoiling the effect. What these banners were meant to represent Harry had no idea, and he might have asked someone, but Percy was bearing down on them with his official face on. No doubt he knew the meanings of all these banners, but Harry had no wish to be bored to tears for the rest of the evening by Percy explaining.

"Back so soon," Percy said. "I would have thought those reporters would have questioned you all for hours."

"I'm sure they would have done, but we left," Harry said simple. He could tell by the look on Percy's face, that if the media wanted to talk to him, he would have to have been dragged out kicking and screaming.

"Oh right, well let me show you where you're sitting. The Minister's not back yet?"

"No, he was busy resigning when we left," Ginny said causally looking around the room. Harry had the impression that she was imitating Luna at the moment. Percy immediately reacted the way Harry knew Ginny was hoping for.

"He's what!" His voice was higher pitched and had a hint of panic to it.

"Resigned Percy," Harry said as though Ministers did this every day of the week.

"But… but why?"

"Because he said he would when he took the job on. Amazing really, a politician that's keeping his word," Ginny said. Percy was stunned and seemed unable to say anymore. In fact he had stopped walking half way across the dance floor, as the news sank in.

"Percy where are our seats?" Hermione asked.

"I better go and give the Minister a hand. He'll need me." Without another word Percy turned round and left them all on the dance floor.

"Sometimes I wonder if having that git of a brother back in the family is worth the trouble," Ron said looking disgustedly at Percy's back.

"Well I can see Daddy, and I think that's your grandmother on the same table Neville, so we'll see you later," Luna said.

"Save me a dance Luna," Harry said.

"Ok Harry," and Luna drifted off towards her table.

"Neville I don't think I want to dance with you, so I'll see you later" Harry said.

"I'm glad to hear it," Neville answered.

"I'd like a dance with you though," Ginny said. "I haven't really thanked you properly for saving our lives."

"You don't need to, but I look forward to the dance," Neville said blushing before following Luna.

"So where are we sitting then," Harry asked the others as he began looking around the room for the Weasleys. It was Ron's extra height that allowed him to spot them first, and so they followed him. The entire Weasley family was there except of course for Fleur who had remained at the Burrow with little Alastor, but there was no place setting for Ginny and Harry.

"I think you're meant to be sitting on the Ministers table," Mr Weasley told them.

"You must be joking. Why would I want to sit there?" Harry said.

"Well you're the guest of honour Harry. Whenever someone gets the Order of Merlin First class a Gala Ball is held in their honour. It's a tradition that goes back hundreds of years, and you and your guest are meant to eat on the Ministers table. It would have all been explained on the invitation." Harry had quite got to like Rufus Scrimgeour over the past year, but he was damned if he was going to talk to him, and his cronies all night.

"Well I haven't found the invitation yet, but as guest of honour I'm starting a new tradition. I'll sit where I damn well please. Ginny you sit in Fleur's place, and I'll take Percy's. He can sit with the Rufus. He'll enjoy that."

"Wait a minute Harry," Bill said, "you can have my seat. I really want to get back to Fleur and little Alastor."

"It's alright Bill, don't leave on my account," Harry said.

"Don't worry Harry I only really came to see you all receive your Orders, so come and sit by your wife." Bill suddenly looked around to see if anybody had overheard him. "Are we allowed to say that yet?"
"Yea we've announced it to the vultures, but they seem more excited by the Minister resigning," Ginny said as Harry pulled out her chair allowing her to sit down. "Thanks Harry." Harry sat beside her and let the conversation the Weasley's were having about the resignation wash over him. He was among friends and family and it relaxed him like nothing else could. The press ordeal was over, and he could try to enjoy the rest of the evening.

The noise level had been fairly consistent up to that moment, but the word had got out, and Harry could see people leaning from one table to another passing on the news. The volume increased in a sudden wave action across the room. Well at least they won't be talking about me, Harry thought. The election campaign was bound to start tonight with the most senior people in the Ministry here.

"Going to put your hat in the ring Arthur?" Harry asked.

"Good grief no, I couldn't think of anything worse," Mr Weasley replied, "besides no one would vote for me. You've got more chance of becoming Minister than I have Harry." Harry mentally shuddered at the thought.

"Sounds like a nightmare to me, and I have plenty of those already thanks." The words had slipped out without him realising. Fortunately only Ginny and Mr Weasley, who was sitting next to her, heard him. He felt a small warm hand press into his letting him know he wasn't along.

"I'd be surprised if you didn't Harry," Mr Weasley said. "I can't image what you two went through, but if the day comes when either of you wants an ear to talk to, know that mine is always available." Harry knew with utter certainty that he would never ever speak about what had happened to Ginny and himself with Mr, or Mrs Weasley. He couldn't bear to see the pain on their faces, or burden them with what he had done, or not done, and witnessed. Looking back on it he still couldn't understand how they had survived.

"Thank you Arthur, maybe one day. Do you know when we get to eat?" I think Ron's about to devour the table cloth."

"I guess it'll all appear once Scrimgeour finally arrives. Lets hope it's soon for the tablecloth's sake," Mr Weasley said glad, like Harry, for the change in subject matter. Ron and Harry, whose stomach had growled several times already, were forced to wait though. It was close to half an hour before the Minister had managed to shake off the reporters, and then he insisted on making a short speech to everybody, restating what the rumour mill had already informed them all of.

It was a much happier Harry, and an ecstatic Ron, once they had finished off an excellent meal. It had appeared on their plates in the same way as it did at Hogwarts, and he suspected that the Hogwarts Elves had been drafted in to prepare the meal. It was certainly up to their high standards. He quickly glanced at his watch and was shocked to see that it was nearly midnight already, and they hadn't even started the dancing yet.

People were starting to move about talking to people from other tables, and small groups were gathering in tight little knots. Arthur had already left the table engrossed in one of those discussions, leaving the chair next to Ginny empty. Thankfully it was taken by Remus Lupin who Harry hadn't spoken to since the Battle of Hogsmeade. The full moon was only a few days away, and he was looking rougher than normal, but a broad smile was on his face.

"So how are Mr and Mrs Potter?" he said in greeting sitting in the empty chair.

"Very glad to see you Remus," Harry answered. "You've heard our news then, I'm sorry that we didn't tell you before hand."

"Oh don't worry, at least this way I can get out of giving you a wedding present. I should also point out that there are a great many disappointed witches out there, now you're off the market."

"Their loss, my gain," Ginny said her eyes flashing around the room.

"I assume the Order of the Phoenix has closed up shop?" Harry asked.

"Yea there's no need for it now, but we did all promise to meet up in a year's time. Just for a chat about old times if nothing else."

"So you're out of work again?"

"I started looking last week, but it won't be easy, attitudes haven't changed, and in some cases have even hardened."

"I've got some temporary work if you're interested. It's not very exciting I'm afraid," Harry said anxious not to upset his father's friend pride.

"It's not gardening is it? I don't do gardening, because if it is everything I touch tends to die," Harry laughed.

"No it's not gardening. We've been getting excessive amounts of post recently and we need someone to open and record it all. It's desperately dull work and we've only made a small dent in it since returning from our honeymoon."

"Sure I can help you with that. Although I'll have to have fairly flexible about the hours I work."

"We'll pay you by the hour then you can come and go as you please," Harry said. "I guess we have to discuss how much an hour next."

"Not tonight Harry. Tonight is for enjoying yourself I'll see you after the new moon. I won't be up for much till then."

"Ok Remus," Harry wasn't really up for a Dobby like discussion about how he was too generous.

"I should get back to Tonks, but before I do, be sure of one thing, your mum and dad would be bursting with pride at the man you've become. I know I am, and Ginny, Lily would have adored you." Ginny blushed at the praise.

"He's right you know," Harry said after Remus left, "you are adorable, especially when you get flustered."

"Well Mr Potter are you going to ask me to dance, or will I have to get Neville to step on my feet again."

"I happen to know that Luna has given him a few private lessons, so your feet should be fine. Luna really is a gifted dance teacher. Even I improved after a couple of hours instruction the other day."

"When did you have time to do that?" Ginny asked amazed as they had rarely been out of sight of each other.

"When you bought this wonderful gown. I had to do something to distract me from your absence. Now Mrs Potter would you care to dance with your two left footed husband." Harry extended his hand as he stood up and Ginny took it in hers.

"Husband hey, I like the sound of that. I would be delighted to dance with you, husband."

Time for Harry from that moment on slipped by without him noticing or caring. He danced with Ginny for almost the rest of the night, breaking to have a dance with Luna and Hermione, and even a couple with Mrs Weasley and Tonks. Despite all his misgivings before hand he found he was having a fantastic time, much to his surprise. He was totally unaware of the jealous looks Ginny was getting from some of the younger witches there. Somehow he had managed to block out the existence of anyone outside his circle of friends and family. He had no intention of sharing himself with strangers.

It was while having a short break for a drink, and to cool down that one little group of Ministry officials caught his eye, and one of their number made his blood boil. They had all made a poor attempt to stay out of sight, and Harry recognised all but one man. There was the man with long black hair in a pony tail, he was the reporter that had made a fuss about how Voldemort had died, but he hadn't found out his name.

There was the tall and painfully thin Cresswell from the Goblin office, who at that moment was talking to Barnabas Cuffe the Daily Prophet editor. The fourth man Harry had no idea who he was. He had thick wavy grey hair that looked as though it took a lot of maintenance, and a large expanded waist line that didn't. It was the finally person though that had angered him.

Delores Umbridge was standing there with her toad like smile that could curdle milk at a hundred paces. She wasn't dressed in a ball gown like every other witch here tonight. She had another of those sickening pink cardigans on, so Harry could assume that she hadn't received an invite. Maybe she was the guest of that fat bloke he thought. Harry then spotted Percy waxing lyrical about some important project he was on, to a group of bored looking wizards and one witch, who to Harry's surprise was looking adoringly at him.

"Gin I just want to have a quick word with Percy. I won't be long."

"Are you mad? You'll die of boredom."

"I'm sure you'll rescue me before that happens," he replied giving her a quick kiss before heading over to Percy.

"Don't count on it. I don't want to get sucked in."

"Percy can I have a quick word," Harry said once there was a small break in the conversation, although Percy was doing all the conversing.

"Of course Harry, what can I do for you?" looking very pleased with being recognised. "Can I introduce you to my girlfriend Cindy?"

"Nice to meet you Cindy," Harry said causing the rather bland looking girl to blush. The wizards who had been looking bored took their chance, and disappeared into the crowd. "Percy who's the fat grey headed bloke over there."

"Oh that's Quinton Wriggleswort he's head of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures department. He's been there for years, a definite waste of space if you ask me. A very weak willed man. He always has the opinion of the last person he spoke to, doesn't seem to have a mind of his own. His office is right next door to Creswell's."

"So he's not likely to be the next Minister of Magic then," Percy looked appalled at the prospect.

"Merlin's beard I hope not, nobody would know what was going on, why do you ask?"

"Oh I wouldn't want to upset him for what I'm about to do if he was important. I know the others and I don't care what they think," Harry answered looking around the room and spotting Hargrove and Walsh the two Aurors on duty by the door.

"What are going to do?" Percy said a worried look on his face.

"A bit of pest control there's one too many toads in this room. Tell you what why don't you have a dance with the…err lovely Cindy, and stay out of the way."

"But Harry…oh, Umbridge," he said weakly when he saw her standing with the crowd. "Come on Cindy I'm not very good, but I think we should have at least one dance tonight." The poor girl didn't even have a chance to disagree before she was whisked away. Harry meanwhile had a quick chat with Hargrove and Walsh, before making his way over to confront Umbridge.

"Excuse me gentlemen could I interrupt whatever it is that you are all plotting in this corner?" Harry asked totally ignoring Umbridge's presence.

"I'm sorry Mr Potter what plot are you talking about," Mr Cuffe said with a startled look on his face.

"With an election in the offering I'm sure you and everybody else here must be plotting something."

"Oh… oh, I see. What can we do for you then," Mr Wriggleswort asked looking relieved. For just a moment Harry thought they really had been plotting something.

"Well Mr Wriggleswort I was under the impression that this was an invitation only party, and I know that someone here has gate crashed," Harry said staring hard at Umbridge. "I would suggest that the toad had better leave of her own free will, before the fat slag is dragged out of here kicking and screaming." Harry was impressed that the same sickly smile stayed on her face, but her eyes blazed out hatred worthy of Voldemort.

"Now really Mr Potter there's no need for language like that," Wriggleswort said.

"I was under the impression Umbridge," Harry spat the name out. "That you were sacked, and banned from entering the Ministry ever again."

"Harry, Delores works for me now as my personnel assistant," Mr Cuffe said trying to calm the mood down.

"I thought you were married Barnabas," Harry's was not shouting, but his voice was certainly louder than it need to be, and heads were beginning to turn. "Did you not bring your wife with you tonight, or are you having an affair with this pond scum? Frankly you could do better"

"Now really Mr Potter, a little more decorum please" Wriggleswort said looking anxiously at all the turning heads.

"It's bad enough that the cow had the nerve to turn up to Dumbledore's funeral, but to turn up tonight shows that she's not worthy of any decorum."

"Mr Potter the Minister resigned tonight, it's a big news story. I need Miss Umbridge to make sure that tomorrow's edition is up to the mark," Cuffe said his face turning puce at Harry's insinuations.

"If you want to work then leave, but it's just gone two o'clock and I would have thought if you haven't got tomorrows edition done by now it's too late. So what exactly are you all doing here?"

"That's none of your business Potter," Cresswell snapped.

"I'm making it my business. So for the last time Umbridge are you going to leave peacefully?"

"I have ever right to be here Potter, and I suggest you lower your tone you're making a scene," she answered in a girlish voice, that dripped venom at the same time. Harry looked around, and fully half the room was now watching them. First among these were Fred and George standing either side of Ginny.

"I haven't even begun to make a scene Delores. I have tried again and again to get you to leave peacefully. The message apparently has not sunk in." Harry then stretched his arm behind him, and without looking round beckoned at Hargrove and Walsh. Both Aurors in full dress uniform strode across the dance floor parting their way through the people.

"Good evening Mr Potter, I gather this person needs to be evicted," Hargrove said.

"Delores put that silly little wand of yours away," Harry said when he saw it in her hand. "It's not like you know how to use it is it." Umbridge glared at him, and made a move to wave her wand. He wasn't sure whether it was because he had called her Delores, or had insulted her skills with a wand. With seeker reactions he suddenly snatched it out of her hand, and with his thumb snapped off the tip, causing little red sparks to fly to the ceiling.

"Sorry about that, but you have to understand that the last person who drew a wand on me died suddenly." The colour from Umbridge's face drained away when she realised who he was taking about. Hargrove and Walsh then grabbed an arm each and started frog marching her backwards towards the door. Her short stubby legs were unable to keep up with them, so she was half dragged across the floor.

"Sorry for the interruption gentlemen, I'll leave you in peace now to plot the downfall of the Wizarding World," Harry said to the four remaining men. "I would suggest that you be more careful who you employ Mr Cuffe, but I fear I would be wasting my breath. Umbridge has far too much ambition, and very little talent… oh if she makes a fuss about her wand then just remind her about the two Dementors she sent to kill me." All of them looked stunned at what had just happened, except the man with long black hair, whose face showed a look of shrewd calculation, unnerving Harry.

He left them stand there and made his way back to where Ginny and the twins were standing. The rest of the room soon got back to normal, and Harry saw Rufus Scrimgeour raise a glass to him.

"What do you say to."

"Your favourite brother-in-law."

"When he's just humiliated the toad."
"In front of the great and good," the twins said in unison.

"Nice one Harry."

"Have a glass of champagne."

"I know it's French, but don't hold that against it." Harry took the proffered glass and took a sip. His experience with alcohol was limited, but he quickly decided that he liked champagne.

"Very nice, by the way I'm your only brother-in-law. What do you think Gin?"

"Wait a minute Harry she's not old enough to drink," George said.

"Mum wouldn't be happy to see her little girl drinking," Fred added.

"Since when did you two care about rules, and what mum thinks," Ginny said angrily. "I'll have you know that I'm considered an adult now, and anyway I'm seventeen in eleven days." Harry smiled warmly at her, and handed his glass over to her. "Thanks Harry."

"Watch how you go. I don't want to have to carry you home. Tell you what Fred I'll swap your glass for the remains of the toad's wand. You can put it on display in your shop."

"Great idea Harry," Fred answered handing over his full glass.

"Now if you could get You-Know-Who's and Snape's wand it could become an attraction," George said.

"Sorry boys I don't know what happened to them. Now if you'll excuse me, I would like to dance with the love of my life once more."

"What you want to dance with Hermione again," Fred said.

"Don't be daft it's Luna," George chipped in. Harry ignored them both and lead Ginny away. The bands music had slowed down allowing Harry and Ginny to dance closer. The room had started to thin of guests, but Harry didn't care. The rest of the World could have slipped into the sea and he wouldn't have noticed. There was no where else he wanted to be, and no one else he wanted to be with.

It was just before five o'clock that the band started to pack up, as dawn was just breaking. Harry was disappointed, but despite that he went over and thanked each member personnel for giving him, and Ginny a wonderful evening. There were very few people left, Hermione and Ron had left an hour earlier. When everybody else had gone he had no idea, but to his surprise Percy was still there.

"Where's Cindy Percy?" Harry asked looking around.

"She had to leave. She's got to work later this morning. I managed to get you a Portkey back to your house Harry. The staff member on duty wanted to leave, but didn't want to disturb you both, and neither of you is up to apparating. Especially Ginny who doesn't have a license, and is drunk."

"I'm not drunk Percy. I'm just barely sober, that's all," a bleary eyed Ginny said.

"Thanks Percy I appreciate you waiting," Harry said as Ginny leant heavily on him.

"It's not a problem Harry. The pair of you deserve it, and more." He then handed him a small figurine of a lion. "Tap it with a wand, and it'll activate after five seconds."

"You're alright Perc for a stiff neck," Ginny said an inane grin on her face.

"Take her home Harry," he said looking kindly on his sister. "I hope she can handle a hangover."

"Thanks again Percy. I hope I can handle Ginny having one."

XXXXX

The first thing Harry noticed when they landed was that they weren't at Godric Hollow. Without even thinking Harry flung himself at Ginny knocked her to the ground covering her with his body, wand already in hand.

Thanks to all those that have reviewed. Opening the e-mail gives me the same feeling of anticipation as opening a present.