Harry's Future, Part 5
The last week of school at Hogwarts was a bit of a mixed bag. First through fourth and sixth years were taking exams while the fifth and sevenths were allowed to decompress after their week of testing for their OWLs and NEWTs. Harry got a partial break since he still had to administer the exam for his two sessions of first years but otherwise he was free to sleep in or go broom riding with Ginny or just hang out on the lawn and soak up the June sunshine. Since first year Defense Against the Dark Arts was primarily a theory course, he and Bill had put together an extensive exam in three parts. The first was to identify creatures commonly associated with the arts from pictures numbered and hung about the classroom. The second was a multiple choice format that had the students identifying curses based on a written description. The last was an essay asking the students to give their thoughts and opinions on the role of the Dark Arts in Magical history. While this may have seemed like a cross over into Professor Binn's History of Magic class Harry had spent a fair amount of time discussing what impact the Dark Arts had on Magical society down through the centuries.
He fully expected the students to do very well on the first section, since as part of his review that had started a month before he devised a game of sorts. The pictures were posted about the classroom and then Harry turned out all the lights. He would then use his wand to light up a particular picture and students would then shout out what the creature was. They enjoyed this enormously and by the time the exam rolled around everyone in the class could identify even the most obscure creature.
And then it was done. After nearly eight long years, his education at Hogwarts was completed, including as Professor McGonagall had put it a year ago, his year of extensive research in the field. He knew he was going to miss Hogwarts tremendously and he was sorely tempted to take the Headmistress up on her offer to stay on, but he knew he had other work to do just now.
So it was on the night of the last dinner he would ever have as a student at Hogwarts he walked into the Great Hall with Ginny and Hermione with a mixture of sadness and joy, leavened with a healthy dose of satisfaction for a job well done. The Hall was filled with light and the ceiling reflected the dim glow of the setting sun outside.
He looked up to see all the faculty seated at the table on the raised dais, wondering if indeed he would one day sit up there himself. Bill Weasley caught his eye and gave him a wink and raised his goblet in a silent salute. Professor McGonagall stood up and signaled for silence.
"One and all, thank you for bringing us to the successful close of a great year. One might say the first year of a new era. Please enjoy your meal but remain when you are done for we have some announcements to close the evening."
The dinner that appeared was every bit as sumptuous as the welcoming feast and Harry recognized so many favorites he didn't know where to begin. The conversation that filled the room was lighthearted and often punctuated with laughter. Harry had to smile because too often in the past the final dinner had been a somber affair. As he was polishing off his second helping of dessert the Headmistress came to stand behind the podium and gaveled for quiet.
"Let me start by saying that was a very fine meal and my thanks to the kitchen staff for providing it to us."
This prompted a round of applause. Hermione said,
"That's the first time I've ever heard anyone even mention the 'staff' down in the kitchen. Maybe there's hope after all."
"I am pleased to announce that for the first time in a number of years we will have the benefit of a returning Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Professor Weasley has agreed to return next year to continue his fine work."
This provoked a bigger round of applause as Bill had proven to be a very popular teacher based on his knowledge, experience and his definite 'cool' factor. He gave a short wave and a big smile to the students.
"Sadly, however, Professor Weasley will be deprived of his most able assistant, Mr. Potter. I don't suppose that you could be persuaded to return to us, Harry?" she asked.
More applause broke out and Harry could see all his first years standing up on their benches waving and cheering. He began to get a little red and misty eyed but he still had to shrug and shake his head in the negative.
"Yes, well, I didn't mean to put you on the spot, Mr. Potter. I understand your plan and your reasons, but know you will be missed and you are welcome back anytime."
The Head cleared her throat and looked down at her notes and then said,
"It now comes time for us to announce the awards for the year. Firstly, congratulations to Gryffindor house for winning the Quidditch Cup."
This announcement was interrupted by a loud burst of cheering from the Gryffindor table and polite applause from the other houses.
"Yes, well done Gryffindor. We also have a new award we would like to bestow. This is something that the faculty and board of governors have discussed over the years and we have finally decided that this was the year to begin. As the Quidditch cup is awarded to the house with the best performing Quidditch team and the House cup for best overall performance, it was decided that a similar award should be provided for best overall academic performance. The inaugural award goes to Ravenclaw for their superior achievement through the year. Congratulations."
Professor McGonagall waited while the applause for this award died down.
"As for the House Cup, congratulations are once more in store for Gryffindor for their superior overall performance this year. Yes, well done, you. I would like to add that all the houses this year have done magnificently with your hard work and good spirits in helping us begin to move forward after such difficult times. As you are aware, a number of us were not able to take part in this rebirth as they made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve what is good and right about the magical world. In recognition of that sacrifice a large plaque bearing each name has been placed in the trophy hall. I'd ask that each of you try and take a look at it and remember those friends and family so noted."
She paused and let her eyes sweep across the room, then they came back to rest on the senior end of the Gryffindor table.
"As you know, every now and again a student or group of students goes above and beyond to provide some service to the school. They would be presented with a "Special Award for Service to the School". Tonight we will award several. Only one of the individual recipients is with us tonight but the other two will receive them nonetheless. Miss Hermione Jean Granger, will you stand please?"
Blushing to the roots of her bushy hair Hermione stood up and turned to face the Head.
"For your outstanding performance in contributing to the downfall of the darkest wizard of modern times, you are presented with a Special Award. Please come forward and accept this scroll."
Trying in vain to hide her embarrassment Hermione walked the aisle between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables to loud applause and came to a stop in front of the dais. Professor McGonagall handed down the parchment scroll to Hermione with a smile,
"Thank you, Miss Granger, for all you've done here at Hogwarts. I expect very big things from you in the future."
"Thank you, Professor," Hermione replied quietly.
"The other two recipients are Mr. Ronald Weasley and Mr. Neville Longbottom."
Hermione smiled as she walked back to her seat holding her scroll tightly.
"The next is a group award. It is presented to those students known collectively as Dumbledore's Army or the DA. Their efforts during the previous year to thwart the goals of Voldemort's confederates in undermining the traditions of this institution were invaluable and their contribution to the final battle beyond measure. As the remaining two members here tonight would Miss Luna Lovegood and Miss Genevra Molly Weasley please come forward and accept this award on behalf of the entire DA?"
Once again the applause was loud and long as the two seventh years made their way to the dais. Professor McGonagall handed two copies of the scroll to the girls who then turned and hugged each other.
"Thank you, ladies, you and your schoolmates risked so much every day during that dark period. Your courage is an inspiration to us all."
"Thank you, ma'am," they replied in unison and then walked back to their tables.
"Now there may be some of you wondering why we didn't include the leader of that particular band of students in that award."
"Oh, bloody hell, here it comes," Harry muttered to himself.
Ginny gave him a nudge while Hermione mock scowled at him.
"As any surviving member of Dumbledore's Army will tell you, I asked a lot of questions of them to find out just how this amazing chapter of Hogwarts History unfolded. What I found out was a truly amazing and inspiring story. It is a story of selflessness, dedication, perseverance and above all courage. This holds true of all the members, but none more so then its leader and teacher, for he was both of those and more. This young man came to us barely aware of his heritage and completely unaware of his fate. He rose to every occasion and never turned away from what he saw as his ultimate responsibility, even when that meant what seemed like certain death. His work here this year has been an inspiration to us all and hopefully a good omen for times to come somewhere in the future. In recognition of these accomplishments and many more I haven't mentioned, I'm pleased to announce the first ever 'Extraordinary Award for Services to the School' to Mr. Harry James Potter. Will you please come forward and accept this scroll, Mr. Potter."
It took a moment for Harry to get up from the bench, partly from his own reluctance and partly from the weight of Ginny hanging onto his neck. He finally was able to begin his walk down the aisle to the thunderous standing ovation from the students, faculty and surprisingly to a large group of house elves at the rear entrance and all the castle ghosts hovering above their house tables. The Head indicated that Harry should come up onto the dais and as she handed him the scroll bound with a golden ribbon she took him into her arms and gave him a hug.
"Thank you, Harry. Thank you for everything. These halls won't see another wizard like you again in a long time, perhaps ever. Please come back to us often."
"Thank you, Professor," was all Harry could get out.
He turned and shook hands with the entire faculty. Then he went to make his way down the stairs but he was intercepted by the Head.
"Harry, after we're finished here, Professor Dumbledore wishes for you to come see him. He'd like to take his leave of you this evening."
"Yes, ma'am."
As he began to walk he noticed Abagail Westwood standing on her bench applauding with the rest of the first years. He walked over to her and gave her a hug. Then he went back to his seat at the table. He motioned with his hands for everyone to sit back down and after a few moments they did. Ginny reached over and gave him a brief but heartfelt kiss.
"I told you. You aren't just my hero."
He gave her one of his crooked smiles.
Professor McGonagall gaveled once more and then said,
"And another year comes to a close. Good evening to all and have a safe trip home."
After another round of applause the students began to file out of the hall. Harry chose to remain seated and let the others pass. He wanted to take a look at the Hall empty. Ginny and Hermione stayed with him. As the last of the students filed out he lifted his eyes to the ceiling and saw the night sky bright with summer stars.
"And so it ends," he said under his breath but loud enough for Ginny to hear.
"But something new begins, my love," she said.
He simply nodded and took hold of her hand and led her out of the Hall with Hermione on his other side.
*******************
The first two weeks of summer at the Burrow were quiet, nearly idyllic, and Harry was thoroughly enjoying himself. His NEWT results weren't due until the end of July but Mr. Weasley and Percy both told him that the buzz about the Ministry was his combined results were amongst the highest in memory for anyone associated with the testing. He had received two messages in the first week from professional Quidditch teams inviting him to try out. He politely responded thanking them for their interest but that he had other plans for his future. Ginny's first try out was scheduled for the third week of vacation and it was with the Holyhead Harpies. Since Holyhead was on the far coast of Wales, Harry and Ginny would take the Knight bus. Harry had found a case that would hold Ginny's broom to protect it from the likely bouncing around that would take place on the unpredictable triple-decker bus.
Harry had already taken a trip to Diagon Alley to visit the reopened ice cream shop, renamed Angelina's Ice Cream Haven. While there, he of course had to pay a visit to the main store of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes which was doing a nice steady business. Ron's idea of concentrating on low cost low margin novelty and joke items had paid off handsomely and the store had built up a substantial customer base. He also took the time to stroll by the two shops that he had helped reopen and all appeared to be going well. He also paid a visit to the wizard bank, Gringotts, to get an update on his account.
"Welcome, Mr. Potter," said the same elderly appearing goblin as last time. "We are honored and pleased with your visit. How may we be of assistance?"
"I'd like to make a withdrawal and to have a look at my account, please," Harry replied.
"Certainly, sir. Please, come this way."
Harry was led to the same private room as before and a goblin clerk entered with a large account book.
"As you can see, sir, there has been growth as a result of the investments left to you as part of the Black legacy. This has been offset somewhat by the expenditure associated with your gift to the Weasley family by way of payment to the Marvel Wizard Home Remodeling Company. In addition, the two shops in Diagon Alley are well on their way to repaying your initial investment and the new ice cream shop has made their first payment. In addition, a lump sum payment from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes was made in the amount of five hundred galleons last week. I understand this was payment on an investment made before Gringotts became involved in your business affairs, sir."
"That's right. I used the prize from the TriWizard Tournament to help them get started."
"Sir is proving to be quite an astute judge of investments."
Harry smiled and shrugged a bit. He knew his reasons were far different then what the Goblin might have presumed.
"Overall, sir, you can see your total assets have increased over last year."
"Yes, I can. Thank you. I'd like to make a withdrawal of fifty galleons today, please."
"Certainly, sir."
Harry removed the small leather bag that he had been given last year when he visited the bank and laid it on the table. A different Goblin clerk came in with a withdrawal slip and a cloth bag of coins. He counted the coins out on the table, and when Harry nodded, he filled the leather bag and handed it back to Harry with a slight bow.
"I also thought to show you this, sir," the older goblin began. "It is an accounting of the contributions made to the Ministry relief fund based on your business dealings. We have had word from the Ministry that they are nearly at an end of the program and I was wondering what sir had in mind for the future, if anything?"
"Once the Ministry ends it's relief effort, we'll set up a fund of our own to provide financial assistance to cover the costs associated with attending Hogwarts for students who are in need. We'll have to figure out how to know who qualifies but I'd guess we have a little time," Harry said thoughtfully.
"One believes that the Hogwarts administration knows much about the young witches and wizards they accept to attend. We will make discreet inquiries on your behalf, anonymously of course, and inform you of what we discover."
"Thank you, I appreciate all you've been doing for me this past year," Harry replied as he stood up.
"Oh, no, sir. It is the banks pleasure to be a part of your efforts on behalf of the wizarding world. One would hope that your efforts to heal the wounds of the past may be felt beyond just the human community, however," the goblin said meaningfully.
"I know what you mean and I think I'm safe in saying that a very forceful voice is about to be heard at the Ministry of Magic saying much the same thing."
"Then it is a time of great hope, sir."
"Um, by the way," Harry said. "I don't know your name."
"Ah, so kind of you to ask, Mr. Potter. I am called Kandak, sir, and I am at your service."
"Thanks again, Kandak" and Harry reached out to shake the goblins hand.
Hiding his surprise the elder goblin took Harry's hand in his, the long talon like fingers nearly wrapping all the way around. Harry smiled and they walked out of the room. With a small wave Harry made his way to the banks double doors as the two goblins watched him leave.
"A time of hope, perhaps, after all," Kandak said to no one in particular.
*************
The morning they were due to go to Holyhead dawned overcast and drizzly. Harry was very happy that they had decided to go by bus instead of flying by broom. Their plan was to take the Knight bus as a way to add some fun to their trip. Mrs. Weasley had given them all kinds of advice and warnings before they left but they were still in a good mood. Harry had no worries, after all he had been through, even a trip to Wales on the Knight bus posed little concern.
Harry held out his hand to summon the bus and in an instant it was skidding to a halt in front of them. Harry could see that Ernie Prang was still driving but the conductor was a new wizard, as Stan Shunpike's being a Death Eater made him no longer suitable for the job.
"Welcome aboard young 'un's. That'll be eleven sickles each and where be ya headed this gloomy day?"
"The Holyhead Harpies Quidditch stadium, please," Harry said as he handed over one Galleon and five sickles.
"Right you are…'cor blimey, you're Harry Potter, ain't ya," the conductor said.
"That's right," Harry replied as he helped Ginny up the bus steps with her broom bag.
"Ernie, we got Harry Potter on the bus."
"Ain't the first time," the old bus driver replied.
"Well, this is something indeed. The name is Henry, Henry Hagglebottom, Mr. Potter and we'll have ya ta Holyhead in next ta no time."
Harry gave a little smile and he and Ginny found seats at the back of the first floor of the triple-decker bus. With a bang, the bus leaped back to its original route and deposited an elderly couple in Portsmouth before speeding off on its magical path to Wales. The big purple bus, possessed of the same magic as the ministry cars, zigged and zagged its way on lane and motorway without concern for traffic or impediments. It did so with a manic energy unlike the smoothness of the Ministry vehicles which may simply have been a reflection of the driver more then anything else. 'Barely next to no time' was indeed a two hour drive punctuated with sudden dislocations as they picked up three more passengers before they were deftly deposited on the sidewalk outside of the stadium entrance.
"Enjoy your stay, Mr. Potter. You two have a wundaful day."
Again Harry smiled and waved, then hefted Ginny's broom bag on his shoulder and took her hand. He could feel Ginny take in a deep breath.
"Nervous?" he asked.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am," she replied.
"Well, think of it this way, it can't be worse then when we went into the Ministry building that time."
"You're right and I wasn't nervous that time," she said.
"You weren't?" Harry said a bit surprised.
"No, I was scared to death."
Harry laughed as the two of them made their way to the door marked Team Manager.
"Ms. Hapnafl said in her letter that I should stop at the Team Manager's office first, Harry."
Ginny walked up and knocked on the door. She listened for a response but didn't get one. She knocked harder and then heard a call from further down the tunnel that led to the pitch proper.
"Who's banging on my door down there," a raspy female voice called out.
"It's Ginny Weasley, I'm here for my try out?" she called out a bit tentatively.
"Ah, Ms. Weasley. Yes, we were just getting ready for you. Come this way, please."
Harry and Ginny walked down the tunnel towards the sound of the voice. Harry could see that the stadium was of stone construction unlike the wood that was prevalent at Hogwarts. As they came out of the tunnel Harry could see that it was the same size as the playing field at school but it lacked the VIP seating towers, which he didn't mind at all. He could see several flyers already in the air and a group standing off to one side. A middle aged witch in flying robes watched as Ginny and Harry approached.
"Ms. Weasley, I presume. I'm Betty Hapnafl, the Manager of the Holyhead Harpies. I've heard some very good things about you. Thank you for coming today…" her voice trailed off as she shifted her glance towards Harry.
Harry returned her gaze calmly with just a hint of a grin. Her eyes began to grow wide and beyond her shoulder Harry could see the women that were standing together looking in his direction now and nudging and pointing.
"You're him, aren't you? You're Harry Potter."
"Yes, ma'am, I am and it's very nice to me you, Ms. Hapnafl. Perhaps I should go wait outside. I think I might be a distraction."
"No, no. Please, Mr. Potter. We'd be honored if you'd stay. I just didn't realize that you and Ms. Weasley were, well…"
"Yes, we are. Alright, if you think so, I'll find a place in the stands and stay out of the way. Good luck, Ginny."
"Thanks, Harry," Ginny said with a smile.
Harry made his way up the nearest set of stairs and found a spot that allowed a good view of the entire pitch. He settled down and watched some of the Harpies practicing. It was obvious that they were excellent flyers but he didn't think they were any better then Ginny, but he might have been a bit biased in his appraisal. After a few moments he saw a very familiar red headed blur take to the sky. As she always did before a practice session she took a couple of high speed laps around the pitch to loosen up. Once she was ready she went through a series of maneuvers as directed by Ms. Hapnafl. Then several other flyers took to their brooms and ran Ginny through a number of drills exchanging the quaffle, dodging a bludger and scoring attacks.
Harry could see that Ginny was more then holding her own and in several instances had clearly out flown the Harpies working with her. It was clear that all the hours that Kreacher had spent putting Ginny and the other Gryffindor flyers through their paces had paid off. When she was finally signaled to land it was clear to Harry that she had had a very good day. Harry watched as she talked with the manager and some of the other flyers. After a few minutes she waved frantically at Harry to come down. He made his way down onto the field and walked over to the group of women.
"Harry, Ms. Hapnafl was happy with my performance but they have other girls to see first. They said they would let me know in a few days. Um, they have a favor to ask of you though," Ginny said a bit breathlessly.
"What's that?" Harry asked.
"Mr. Potter," Ms. Hapnafl said. "We've heard some amazing things about your flying at Hogwarts. We were wondering if you could demonstrate something for us if you would."
"If I can, but I don't have my broom here. A lot of what I can do is based on the Firebolt."
Ginny made a rather rude noise and said,
"Harry, please, you could fly a tree branch if you had to. Use my Nimbus."
"Ok, Ginny. What is it you'd like to see, Ms. Hapnafl?"
"We would like to see the Potter bootleg."
"The what?" Harry said in surprise.
"That's what they are calling your reverse direction dive, Harry. You know the one in the first match last year?" Ginny told him.
"Oh, yeah, ok."
Harry took Ginny's broom and took off and made a slow circuit of the pitch to get the feel of the Nimbus 2001 again. He kicked up the speed and did a few looping rolls and once he felt comfortable again he took the broom out past the far goals then pulled it into a tight turn and came back at full bore. He shot past the crowd on the ground and then pushed the nose down, yanked hard to the left and then pushed the image of the maneuver to the broom itself. In an instant he was facing the other direction and in a shallow dive toward the center of the pitch. He pulled the broom up and took another circuit of the pitch and then came in for a landing. The assembled flyers were applauding enthusiastically.
"That was amazing, Mr. Potter. How do you manage to keep the broom from skidding on such an abrupt change in direction?"
"First of all, Ms. Hapnafl, it's Harry and secondly I'm not sure that I can explain it exactly. The physical part is easy. I push the nose down and pull hard to the left. The mental part gets a bit tricky. I just sort of form a picture in my mind and push it out to the broom," he said with a shrug.
The amazed manager was shocked at Harry's nonchalant response. She looked over at Ginny clearly seeking some elaboration.
"Sorry, he's like this all the time. Does something so bloody amazing you're picking your jaw up off the floor and he just shrugs it off. Drives me crazy."
"Well, Harry, if you ever figure out a way to explain it, I know about a thousand Quidditch flyers that would pay big money to learn how."
"Thanks," he laughed. "I'll see what I can come up with."
"As for you, Ms. Weasley, as I said, that was some excellent work. We'll be in touch in the next week or so. Thank you for coming today."
"No, thank you, ma'am," Ginny replied.
In the background there were some murmurs from the assembled Harpies. Finally one stepped forward, a tallish dark skinned woman perhaps ten years Harry's senior.
"Um, excuse me, Mr. Potter, but, ah, would you mind giving us your autograph?" she said.
"You want my autograph?" he replied somewhat flustered.
"Yes, please, if it wouldn't be too much trouble."
"Um, well, no, I guess not. I don't have anything to write with or on though."
"No worries," she replied with a grin.
She turned and waved at one of the other players who produced a small notebook and a muggle marker pen and brought it over. The rest of the team followed and Harry began to sign on pages of the notebook that were then torn out and handed to who he was signing for. He asked each of the women their names and he added a little message such as 'good luck' or 'fly high'. Some of the players asked him questions about his time on the Gryffindor team or what his plans were. Many of them got wide eyed when he mentioned he was waiting to hear if he had been accepted for Auror training. After everyone had received an autograph, including Ms. Hapnafl, he shook hands all around and then he and Ginny headed out of the stadium.
"You did great out there, Ginny. I can't see why they wouldn't want you on the team," Harry said proudly.
"Thanks, Harry. I hope so. It would be great to play here. And you didn't do so badly out there yourself. No one could believe that you weren't already playing for one of the top pro teams."
"You didn't say anything about me turning down those two teams that wrote to me, did you?" he asked.
"No, I just said that you were considering options. But you let the kneazle out of the bag. They looked very surprised that you'd rather be an Auror then a flyer."
He just nodded and shrugged and Ginny just smiled and rolled her eyes. Once more they found themselves on the Knight bus and the ride home was every bit as maniacal as the trip out. By the time the other stops and pick ups were made it was nearly sundown when they were deposited outside the Burrow. As the bus disappeared down the dusty road Harry took a moment to look at the house.
In outward appearance it didn't look all that different from before but to someone as familiar with it as Harry he could see significant changes. The magical home remodelers had done a tremendous job in matching the exterior of the new parts to that of the old. They had pushed the house out on the back and far sides and gone up to meet the original third storey. Mrs. Weasley now had a much bigger kitchen with a separate dinning room, a living room that would comfortably seat the entire extended family with room to accommodate future additions. Guest rooms were added on the second and third floors and additional bathrooms were likewise added.
Construction had been completed before the end of term so when Harry and Ginny came home they were treated to a full blown graduation party that included the Grangers as well and did double duty as a house warming of sorts. Mrs. Weasley couldn't step into her new kitchen without tears for a full week afterward. Mr. Weasley was hardly to be seen as he spent almost all his free time in his new shop. It had two garage bays, yards of worktable surface, storage cabinets, tools and a second floor attic for additional storage. Ginny noticed how Harry was running his eyes over the whole yard. She put both her arms around him and said,
"It's a wonderful thing you've done here, love. I know Mum kept saying they didn't need all that room, but after all those years being cramped in the old Burrow, this is like a dream come true for her and Dad."
Harry put his arm around her shoulder and said,
"I'm only too glad to do it for them, you all, really. And it's a lot less than they deserve. Come on, I'm starved. Let's see what Mum's whipped up in the new kitchen."
She laughed and they made their way to their 'home' still holding tight to one another. When they got inside they were descended upon by Ginny's parents, Ron who was there for dinner and Bill and Fleur who were there for a farewell dinner of sorts before they left to spend a few weeks with Fleur's family in France. They peppered Ginny with questions about her try out then turned to get Harry's opinion of how well she had done. He enthusiastically recounted how great she had flown, her terrific ball handling and how at ease she seemed amongst the professionals. In typical fashion he showed no signs of mentioning his part in the days activities so Ginny just shrugged and chimed in with her retelling of his demo of the Potter bootleg and the autograph session.
"Blimey, Harry. First a broom named after you and now your own maneuver? You're going to be the most famous nonflying Quidditch flyer ever," Ron said, amazed.
"All a bit embarrassing, actually," Harry replied.
Ron rolled his eyes as Ginny gave Harry one of her best disgusted looks. Everyone else laughed and Fleur gave Harry one of her brightest smiles. Mr. Weasley reached into the pocket of his robe and handed Harry a scroll.
"Kingsley asked me to give this to you, Harry."
"Thanks, I hope this is what I think it is."
He unrolled the scroll and read it, a slow smile spreading across his face. He looked up at this family.
"Three Outstandings and three Exceeds Expectations. And my acceptance to Auror training pending passing the entry tests."
"What were the Outstandings in Harry?" Ron asked.
"Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration," he replied.
"I bet Professor McGonagall will love to hear that, Harry."
He nodded and was about to say something when Mrs. Weasley took out a small roll of parchment and handed it to Harry.
"This came for you by owl a little while ago, Harry."
He took the smaller roll and unfurled it.
"It's from Abagail Westwood. She says to tell Ginny congratulations on her terrific flying today with the Harpies. She also said I did a good job as well," he said with a small smile.
The smile faded as he read the rest of the note to himself. It didn't go unnoticed.
"What ees eet, 'arry? What does she say that makes you un'appy?" Fleur asked, her voice full of concern.
"Hmm, oh, nothing really, just something between a student and former teacher."
Fleur's eyes hardened. Ginny laid a hand on Harry's arm.
"No secrets, remember?" she said softly.
"Ok, she told me to be careful when I report for training. She 'saw' men talking and some of them were upset about the 'great Potter' coming to be an Auror and he'd regret not becoming a Quidditch player or a school teacher."
He looked up from the parchment and saw the reactions on the faces of his family. To say the ladies were as mad as wet hens would be an understatement. Some very unladylike comments were being made and the worst were being made in French. Bill and Ron looked concerned and Mr. Weasley looked embarrassed. He was the one that finally called for some order.
"Alright you lot, settle down please, settle down. Harry," he began turning to look at his 'adopted' son, "I'm sorry to say that what your student warned you of is not far from the mark. There have been some rumors and overheard mutterings at the Ministry. When Kingsley handed me the scroll today we had a little discussion. He's really rather upset and greatly conflicted. On the one hand he believes you'll be a tremendous asset as an Auror both in fighting the Dark Arts as well as helping reestablish the Ministry as a worthwhile part of the Magic community. On the other hand, if someone does something stupid and you get hurt or worse it could bring the whole organization down. We weren't sure if we should warn you about specifics or just suggest you be careful all things considered. But the kneazel is out of the bag now so here we are."
Harry looked about the room at the faces of his family. Once again stupid people thinking stupid thoughts were causing them anxiety and pain. He could feel the anger begin to well up inside him. It wasn't the cold rage that had affected him when he confronted the would -be burglars just before Christmas but it lit a fire in his belly that wasn't likely to go out anytime soon.
"Thanks, Dad. Don't worry, don't anyone worry. What's that saying, forewarned is forearmed. I'll be careful and keep my eyes open."
He even managed a fairly convincing smile of sorts. What he was thinking was a bit different. Whoever was planning to cause him trouble had better be prepared to deal with the consequences, for there would be consequences.
The message from the Ministry had indicated that Harry's entry interview would be held on Monday morning of the following week promptly at nine o'clock. And so it was that at the appointed hour Harry was ushered into the office of the Director of Magical Law Enforcement. Behind his desk was the Director, a hard faced wizard with cold blue eyes, several scars and half his left ear missing. But compared to Mad Eye Moody he was a movie star. Two younger but similar looking wizards sat to either side of the desk. The Director spoke first,
"Well, Mr. Potter, it seems you've created quite a stir with your application. Just about the highest NEWTs any of us can remember and of course your past experiences have a lot of tongues wagging," he said with a bit of a scowl and then leaned forward with his hands clasped on the desk.
"Understand that that doesn't mean anything. The NEWTs may get you in the door but what happens from here on in determines whether or not you can stay. As for the exploits in the past, that might not mean anything either. Luck or nothing more then the work of a gifted amateur. Am I making myself clear, Potter?"
"Very clear, sir," Harry replied, his voice even. The anger that he had felt when he first got Abagail's message had settled into a kind of cold resolve. He would consider everything they threw his way as a kind of test. His eyes never left the face of the Director.
The wizard to the Director's right cleared his throat and with a nod from his boss began to speak,
"My name is Flakhorn, Potter and I'm responsible for Auror training. I understand what the Director is saying but I think it would be worthwhile to hear your side of the story."
Flakhorn's expression gave nothing away. Harry couldn't tell if he was attempting to support Harry or was giving him rope to hang himself with. He took a breath and began, appropriately enough, from the beginning. In a calm level voice he related what he knew of his first encounter with Voldemort as a toddler and then gave an account of his various adventures that involved dealing with aspects of the dark arts. The three wizards sat back in their chairs and listened, their expressions never changed. The only indication of any reaction was a very occasional glance exchanged between them. Harry talked for well over an hour, finishing with the final fight and the fall of Voldemort. He told everything he could recall, freely admitting his mistakes and acknowledging the many times he received help from others.
"There was nothing after that last fight, Potter? What about your teaching?"
Without preamble Harry discussed his work with Bill Weasley and his efforts with the first years and his lectures for the more senior students.
"What about your NEWTs, Potter? What did you think of those?" Flakhorn asked.
"I thought they were extremely challenging but the faculty at Hogwarts did a great job preparing me for them. The results speak for themselves," he replied giving the man a calm direct look.
The third wizard, who had remained silent until now spoke up.
"Explain to us why you want to be an Auror, Potter. I'm given to understand that you have been offered a post at Hogwarts and that you could easily be flying professionally right now for any of several different Quidditch clubs. Why take the hard way?" The man spoke with a low, gravelly voice.
"The right way is often the hard way, sir. And this feels right. I could try to give you a long, complicated reason but basically it just feels right."
The third wizard offered no reply. The Director then said,
"Alright, Potter. Report to room three down the hall. I trust you have your wand? Yes? Good. Off you go."
Harry stood and seeing that none of the three did likewise he simply turned and left the room. The rest of the day followed the same pattern. Whomever he reported to offered no enthusiasm or outright objection to his presence. Any task he performed as directed was noted but no indication given as to result. By the end of the day he was willing to concede that the ghosts at Hogwarts showed more 'life' than the Auror staff that he had met so far. It was around five in the afternoon when he was told he was done for the day and he was to report back at nine the next morning. He thanked the last examiner and made his way to the lobby to Apparate back to the Burrow. He was aware of looks but at least there weren't any whispered commentary. In the blink of an eye he was standing in the yard outside the Burrow's kitchen door. It was overcast and the promise of evening rain was heavy in the air. As he stepped through the door he encountered Mrs. Weasley working at the new stove.
"Harry, dear. We've been waiting for you. Tell us, how did it go?"
'Us' turned out to be herself, Ginny and Ron. Ginny hurried to his side and gave him a warm kiss on the cheek and led him to a chair at the kitchen table.
"Yeah, mate, tell us. Did anyone try to mess you about?"
Taking Ginny's hand in his Harry looked at his best friend.
"I'm not sure, Ron. I won't say they were polite but they weren't openly hostile either. Very cold, very correct. They asked questions and I answered them. They told me to do something and I did it. They never gave a hint if I was doing it right or if the answers were good or not. I was told to come back tomorrow so I guess that's good."
He shrugged.
"You know, Harry, that sounds kind of strange. I remember talking to Tonks once about Auror training," Ginny said. "She said the first days were really tough. Throwing questions at you really fast and sometimes several at the same time. Yelling while you were trying to do a spell or defend against one. Always trying to trip you up."
"That's more like what I was expecting. Maybe they're trying to find something out about me. Don't know." As he said this his stomach rumbled loudly. He laughed as he said, "The one thing they didn't do was feed me. I'm starving."
Mrs. Weasley scowled and shook her head. She went back to the stove and then brought over a plate that contained warm rolls and a crock of butter.
"Tuck into that, Harry. Dinner will be in a few minutes. It will be just the four of us. Arthur is staying late, got a message around noon that he had a meeting this afternoon that would take some time."
With a flick of her wand, Mrs. Weasley sent four sets of plates and silverware floating to the table, followed by cups and napkins. Harry had always admired the casual efficiency of Mrs. Weasley's wand work. The constant use on everyday chores had made the wand an extension of herself. It was no surprise to him then that she was able to outduel Bellatrix Lestrange.
The meal passed relatively calmly. Ron talked about how things were going with the stores. He and George had decided to close the store in Hogsmeade for the summer since there was almost no business with the students gone and the store in Diagon Alley was doing a very brisk business. Ginny was still waiting to hear from the Harpies. If things didn't work out with them, she had tentative tryouts for reserve teams for both the Chudley Cannons and Puddlemere United in the following weeks. Harry made it an early night and was asleep when Mr. Weasley got home.
The two days that followed were much the same as the first. The only difference was that on the second day there was no interview, just more testing of magical ability and knowledge again with no indication of successes or failures. On the third day he concluded with an exit interview of sorts. The Director and his two associates once more met with Harry in the Director's office. The three sat poker faced and silent as did Harry.
"Well, Mr. Potter," the Director finally began. "According to the examiners, you've done admirably. Your command of magic is well above what we might expect from a recent graduate. However there is an issue which has caused some concern."
"And that is?" Harry asked.
"Your complete lack of any emotional response during the last three days. Many of the exercises you have been put through were specifically designed to prompt a response beyond just the task at hand. Fear, anger, frustration. Yet you have shown no response whatsoever. Frankly, it makes us wonder about your emotional and mental state."
Harry looked at the Director and then at each of the other two men and then back at the Director. First he smiled, and then he began to laugh quietly. The three men looked at once perplexed and annoyed. The Director spoke.
"And just what do you find so funny, Potter?"
"The whole business really. Let me see if I've got this right. The famous Harry Potter has the nerve to aspire to be an Auror. He gets the highest NEWT results that anyone can remember even though some of the tests were deliberately altered to make them even tougher. Even the process of the last three days was changed just for him to see if he'd crack. But he didn't and now you wonder if he's some kind of madman?"
Their faces still didn't betray anything but there was the slight shifting in the chair and the tightening of clasped hands to give away that he wasn't far off the mark.
"Let me see if I can explain. I was raised by a family that thought less of me than they did their car or their refrigerator. So not being acknowledged for a job well done is something I'm very familiar with. And I've been through enough harrowing, life threatening situations, thank you very much, that your tests weren't much more then practical exercises. And lastly, I'm well aware that there are those in the Ministry who don't like the idea of me becoming an Auror and would love to be able to point to some outburst or meltdown as a reason I'm unfit so I'll be damned if I'll give them the satisfaction. As was pointed out before, sir, I have other options but this is what I want to do. To be an Auror and work against the dark side of our world. But if I can't become an Auror I will find another way. The choice is yours, of course."
The Director kept his eyes locked on Harry for a moment longer then nodded once.
"Very well, Potter. You'll report back here Monday, week after next to begin your training. You may be something different but you'll get no special treatment. Around here you're just like everyone else. Understand?"
Harry nodded once and said,
"I understand perfectly, Director."
What he didn't say was that he was looking forward to being treated like everyone else for the first time in his life."