Chapter 2: Come Sit With Me, My Only Son

Ginny and Harry were forced back inside due to a sudden thunderstorm.

"Another thing to interrupt us," Ginny laughed.

"I actually prefer the rain over your brother," he said, taking her hand.

"Speaking of which..."

"WELL??" Ron asked fiercly, the tips of his ears reddening. "Are you gunna tell me why you went off to mess around my sister--"

"Ron," interjected Hermione.

"--even when you said last summer you wouldn't do it again?!"

"Ron! Me and Ginny are back together!" Harry yelled over Ron's further accusations. Hearing Harry, he stopped.

"Oh..." He said embarassed. "Sorry."

"It's okay, you prat," said Ginny sarcastically.

"So are you two together yet?" Harry asked raising his eyebrows.

Hermione blushed.

"Hermione kissed him full on the mouth in the middle of the battle," he explained when Ginny looked confused. "When we were in the Room of Requirement. Right after I asked you to leave for a moment."

"So...?" Ginny asked slowly, but her excitement couldn't be covered up.

"Hermione, will you be my girlfriend?" Ron asked suddenly.

"Of course," she giggled.

"Okay there you go Ginny, we're together."

"It's about damn time," Ginny said sarcastically.

They all made their way over to an empty place at a nearby table.

"Where is everyone?" Ginny asked Ron.

"Bed. I've never seen our family so tired."

"Yeah... I think I'm going to head up to bed too."

"I'll go with you," said Hermione.

Ginny left the Great Hall with Hermione. Cho glared at Ginny as she left. This left Ron and Harry by themselves at the table. Harry looked around. Professor McGonagall was in deep conversation with Kingsley, Neville was talking to Luna with a rather sloppy smile on his face and was blushing like mad, and their were a few students left with their families.

"I wonder what they're talking about," said Ron mostly to himself. He was looking in the direction of Professor McGonagall and Kingsley. Harry figured he would hear about whatever it was tomorrow if it was important.

XxxxX

Sure enough, as soon as Harry walked into the Great Hall with Ginny, Ron, and Hermione the next morning, he was approached by the remaining staff and Kingsley.

"We'd like a word with you Harry," said Kingsley. "And Ron and Hermione, too if you don't mind."

"Er, sure," said Harry. He looked at Ginny "Save me a seat?" he asked.

"Sure, I'll talk to you three later." Harry kissed her on the cheek and she went off to join the rest of her family. He then proceeded to follow Kingsley and the teachers out of the Great Hall. They reached the large stone gargoyle and it made no objection when they passed. Harry figured Professor McGonagall was the Headmistress now. Professor McGonagall opened the door and let everyone through. She closed the door behind her once everyone was inside and sat down at Dumbledore-- her desk. Kingsley conjured some chairs and they sat down.

"First off: Thank you. All of you," Kingsley gestured to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "for ending this war. For finally ending the most evil man alive. For this we," he gestured to the remaing staff. "are enternally grateful. We have brought you here though-" He looked at Professor McGonagall.

"We need to discuss the future. Of Hogwarts, and your future." She looked at Harry, Ron, and Hermione with a very hard expression, but Harry couldn't help but notice a look of pride hidden in the lines of her face. "First, the castle looks beyond repair," she started heavily, but Harry cut across her.

"It's not. I know a way." Ron gave him a confused look, but being so smart, Hermione had understood.

"Well, okay. Second, the funerals." She grimaced. "We've decided that a ceremony will be held here at Hogwarts and then the families may decide where they want to have their formal burial." This time it was Ron who spoke.

"I think that's a good idea," he said quietly.

"I agree," said Hermione.

"Yeah, me too," said Harry.

"Alright. Third, you three. It is up to you whether you would like to stay at Hogwarts for a seventh year."

Hermione looked eager. He grinned to himself. Did he really want to go to Hogwarts?

"Er- I don't-" started Ron.

"-I think we might need some time to think it over," said Harry.

"Fine, fine, take you time," said Professor McGonagall kindly. "Okay. Fourth, we have decided to award you three with an Order of Merlin, First Class. We also want to award anyone who fought an Order of Merlin, Second Class. Do you agree?"

"I think it's a great honor," said Hermione modestly.

"Good. We'll let everyone know when the ceremony is to be held this evening. Was there anything else Minister?"

"Kingsley, Minerva, Kingsley. And yes. It has come to my attention Harry and Ron wish to become Aurors?"

"Very much," said Harry anxiously.

"Well, we've decided we're going to take you up on that offer. If you accept, of course."

"Train to be Aurors?" asked Ron.

"Yes, that is what we are asking."

"We'd love to!" said Harry and Ron at the same time.

"Wonderful, and Hermione?"

"You want me to be an Auror?" she asked incredulously.

"Not unless you've suddenly had a change in heart. I heard you were interested in being a Healer for St.Mungo's?"

Ron and Harry whipped their heads around instantly. They had never heard Hermione mention anything about being a Healer. In their fifth year she had wanted to work in Muggle Relations.

"Yes, that's correct," she said, blushing.

"I'm sure the Ministry could help you find a suitable post. That is, if you don't return to school. If you do, though, we can still help you find a position when you graduate."

"I would like that very much!" she said, beaming.

"Well, that's settled then." he said, returning the smile.

"Excellent. When you have made your decision we'll work from there," said Professor McGonagall.

"Thank you," they said almost at the same time.

"Oh, you're very welcome."

Okay I need your opinion: should they go back? In my other story they did, but I'm not really sure they should in this one. Well, please review! Oh, and Happy Easter!!