A/N: One last comment on Abused vs. not abused … I was writing from Harry's viewpoint. To his mind, the Dursleys have been much better … he doesn't know why and it's not that big of a deal. The Traveler never revealed himself while taking care of any oddities in the wards, compulsions, getting rid of the horcrux in the scar – all Harry knows is that the Dursleys actually BECAME the normal they always claimed they wanted to be. And Harry learned at an early age to feed himself once he was sent to his room. And he has a new room. Canon Harry Potter (pre-Voldemort returning) was never one to hold onto the "woe is me" attitude.

BTW – the Hogwarts' Champion position I stole from Robst – Harry Crow. It is a device to bring out the sword – that's all. Don't put too much into it. I'm certain it would be used but rarely by a Harry Potter who never had to deal with Voldemort again.

The Greatest Minister for Magic in History Part 13

It was May 24th, 1991. Cornelius Fudge was on the Platform for the Hogwarts Express. The parents before him were all quite nervous.

It had taken quite a bit of maneuvering. Many traditionalists had been opposed to the Magical Education Preparation Act. That almost every single Muggleborn tested were found to have one or both parents as a squib had been quite a shock.

And although a few only knew that they had a magical family but that the current head had no desire for contact, most either came from lines thought defunct or from families that were at least interested in knowing they had another family member. Gringotts was well satisfied with the number of defunct vaults brought back into current use.

The biggest surprise was that a few Muggleborns were found to be the children of rape. Fudge thought it poetic justice that these had inherited the personal vaults of their incarcerated for life or dead parents. That bill had actually been easily passed when the matter came up.

Privately, in his own mind and locked away was the disappointment that some of the worst offenders in Azkaban never had illegitimate children, from all appearances, to take over their estates. He in no way advocated rape, but if a Lestrange had been found, it would have made the suffering for those worse to find out that they lost their estates to a "Mudblood."

Too bad the Lestrange men seemed to be more interested in each other than women, even Bellatrix. The Lestrange parent's attempt to get an heir from that contract had failed utterly – and he was just as happy that the bitch had never spawned.

But, the Preparation Act HAD passed, and he was seeing the largest fruit of it now: Every squib parent who had a child already attending or who was going to attend the next year had been invited to come and see Hogwarts. A few older siblings who were squibs had also been included.

Petunia Dursley and Vernon were present. Both for the fact their ward, Harry Potter, would be attending and to make up for never having seen it when Lily Potter went to school. Their son had no interest in seeing the place – and the Act specifically forbade forcing the visit. This clause had easily passed – there were already many who were unhappy in allowing squibs to see Hogwarts.

Fudge had used the example of the Evans/Dursley/Umbridge families as his main argument. The sheer harm that had come from the breaking apart of families due to some being squibs and some not justified this bill in his own mind. And it justified the bill in many who had been questioning the need for it. This bill had passed by only two votes.

The Economic Resurgence Act had passed with 65 percent agreeing and the Marriage Health Act had passed with 80% approving – these had been far less controversial.

Increasing the money in the economy and ensuring healthy children was far easier to sell than the acknowledgement of squibs as worthy of some consideration. He could have seen that one failing if Umbridge hadn't been removed from the equation.

The parents and squib siblings would experience a ride on the Hogwarts express (two hours earlier than the normal 11:00 leaving time) and would then see Hogwarts. They would experience a Hogwarts feast and then have the chance to speak to the various staff. They would then be taken to Hogsmeade and, with the assistance of a few Aurors and Ministry staff, would then be floo'ed back to Kings Cross to retrieve their cars.

Dumbledore had been a voice against this, but the Minister had anticipated that. He had lobbied from support for the Board of Governors as well as the Neutral, business-minded members of the Wizengamot. The "Light" members had been split between his position and listening to Dumbledore. The "Dark" families were fairly consistently against.

You couldn't make all people happy all the time.

The Minister sat within a compartment, even as he had so many years earlier, making himself accessible for any parent who wanted to visit him. The biggest complaint that the parents had, especially one couple who had a daughter who would be attending her first year in September, was that the trolley only sold sweets.

Fudge told them that it was traditional and unlikely to change. He also explained how sweets were actually healthier for magical children – the extra calories helped to recharge their cores faster, and the effects of chocolate as a Magical health aid was surprising to many. He did suggest that maybe they wanted to send their children with healthier snacks if they wanted a more balanced meal before the children reached Hogwarts. He also suggested still giving permission for some sweets – it would help with the benefits needed.

Most of the parents realized that there were differences between Magical and non-Magical people and their needs. Some resolved to quiz the Magical Healer when they reached Hogwarts about the matter (another suggestion by the Minister).

All in all, the parents were happy when the train ride was over. It was 1:00. They would be served a light lunch (the students were in class) and then taken by prefects and other older students who had no current class to see the various classrooms and dorms.

The single exception was Slytherin – it was explained that virtually no squib-born child ever was placed in Slytherin.

Some parents were more interested in the Library – Cornelius noted the couple who had most objected to the sweets were two of these. He happened to see them after their visit and they were mightily impressed with the number and age of the volumes within.

Their family loved old books.

The most unimpressive part had been the pitch – mostly because a few shrewd questions uncovered that the brooms used by new students were quite old. They did see a few older students with their own brooms playing a pickup game, which was nice.

The feast was quite impressive to the parents. The sheer variety of food and how it was delivered was quite outside of their expectations. They knew that their children would always be well fed.

The Healer had given advice as to what inoculations to ensure were taken care of at St. Mungo's. She had also demonstrated magical healing – one student in the pickup game had broken their arm. The cheerfulness of the student and how quickly it was fixed was most impressive.

A few parents had a quite word with the Healer about personal, persistent concerns and most found that there were potions that Squibs could take to help with various conditions. The Healer had listed a few potions that they could take as Squibs if they wanted to buy them at the apothecary in Diagon Alley: Contraceptive potions, fertility potions, strengthening solutions, Pepper up for a common cold, and a few others were the most surprising.

They were warned that most potions did NOT work on pure Muggles and those parents who had a Muggle partner were admonished against experimenting with such.

There was no need for accidents.

All in all, the visit went well. The most surprising for the Minister was at the end. Vernon Dursley, leading a few other parents, volunteered a donation to the school for new beginner brooms.

The parents were the Flinch-Fletchleys, Dursleys, and Clearwater (the last one had a daughter who was completing Year 4). The only stipulation was that the students were informed of the donation and the names of the families who donated for the brooms. Twenty four beginner brooms would cost 2400 Galleons – 12,000 pounds. Each of these families could afford to contribute.

Vernon was quite keen on making his name well known and popular in as many places as possible. He would then send a letter to his bitch of a former Aunt to let her know how her former money was being used to help squib-borns.

Vernon was NOT being charitable – Vernon was being a bit vindictive. Fudge, privately, didn't think it was healthy, but he would get press when he presented the donation at the beginning of the new school year.

As a result, his final decision was: Eh – let the man have his fun. There was nothing illegal about it.

Overhearing this, the Grangers mentioned that their daughter had inherited quite a few historical volumes on potions from her Great-Great-Grandfather's estate. They would look into getting copies made for those which might prove valuable to the Hogwarts Library. Cornelius was surprised – many wizards donated money for exactly what Dursley was after (name recognition), but few donated knowledge from their family library. As such, this was more impressive to the man.

The Minister didn't know until later, buy when Vernon returned home, he explained what he was doing to Sirius Black and Remus Lupin (who had agreed to watch the boys to allow their trip) and Sirius took it farther.

With his Grandfather's permission, Sirius worked with a few other families to donate high-quality brooms to the four quidditch teams. The names Black, Longbottom, Bones, and Greengrass would achieve much future recognition for a 5000 Galleon layout each.

Sirius had been surprised when he got out of Azkaban that Arcturus Black, the head of the family, while being someone of a snob to be certain, was NOT a pureblood supremacist nutter like his son and daughter in law. To Arcturus, such narrow-minded views shut one off to opportunities. He may not want Muggles related to him, but business was business.

The old man was actually enjoying having a healthy and free Heir who would do something with the Black family name beyond support an idiot Dark wizard. Upon finding out that Andromeda Tonks' husband was a pureblooded squib (squib parents for three generations back) and not Muggleborn, he had reinstated the woman and accepted the daughter into the family.

Rare magical talents like being a Metamorphmagus were quite acceptable to be claimed, even if her father was squib-born.

The only disagreement that Sirius had with his Grandfather was which team the Black name would be attached to. Sirius disliked Slytherin and Arcturus was not fond of Gryffindor – they finally compromised with Ravenclaw. It worked out with Greengrass for Slytherin, Bones for Hufflepuff, and Longbottom for Gryffindor.

He would never tell his Grandfather (he eventually told Harry) that he accepted Ravenclaw because a few of his most pleasant conquests at Hogwarts had been Ravenclaw beauties. (Harry had asked for a spell to bleach his brain when he heard this.)

It was July 31, 1991. Cornelius Fudge had left his Undersecretary, Bert Gambol, in charge of the Ministry for the day. He told those that were curious that he had a personal matter to take care of.

As soon as Gringotts opened, Cornelius Fudge had flooed (with prior approval) into the bank.

If the goblins and the Minister had their way, today would be the last day for the soul of Tom Marvolo Riddle upon the earth.

The Minister had confirmed that Quirinus Quirrell had returned from his year-long sabbatical and would take up the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. He had confirmed that the man was now wearing a turban. He had also confirmed that he was now a stuttering mess. (A few nights in the Three Broomsticks and a talkative Rubeus Hagrid helped.)

Hagrid would be acting as Bodyguard for Harry Potter and his Godfather when the boy picked up his supplies – something that Dumbledore had arranged. Too much in his cups, Hagrid had mentioned a small additional job the Headmaster had given him.

The board was set. The players were in place. The MOMENT that Rubeus Hagrid left Vault 713, a team of Goblins would enter and set up a containment ritual. They had practiced setting it up in another vault and found that there were limitations.

As a result, the rune circle was already in place – just masked to the eye. Quirrell would find a stone in the vault – but it would be Amber instead of the Philosopher's Stone. That Amber would house the last part of the Dark Lord that was not under control.

As soon as the Amber held the spirit, the Horcrux transferred from the Cup would be destroyed.

Minister Fudge would then be led by Croaker of the Unspeakables to the Death Chamber in the Department of Mysteries and the Amber would be passed through the veil.

Fudge had agreed to a Goblin witness as they had done much to achieve what was necessary.

The Goblins would then provide the Minister with the Founder's Relics that had been collected and cleansed so that September 1st, 1991, would see the Minister giving much to Hogwarts.

He would also be giving, without fanfare, two memories to Dumbledore: The capture of Voldemort and the Amber entering the Veil and its destruction confirmed.

This was predicated upon one more thing: The prophecy sphere that held the prophecy about Voldemort would be checked. If it went dark, this too would be given to Dumbledore – with the message to but out of the boy's life. It was hoped that Fudge, acting as the hand of "Harry Potter" (the Lone Traveler) could finish this.

If it didn't, the Unspeakables would take over and try to find out what was left to be taken care of. Fudge would contact Black at that point and warn him. There was nothing else to do.

Fudge would wait with his Account Manager and the Director of Gringotts for word. Business was up and this venture was very important to Gringotts – almost as important as it was to the Minister.

It was quite a long wait. At various times, different Gringotts employees would bring word. Hagrid's arrival and removal of the stone brought the waiting group to high alert. The message that the preparations to catch the thief were in place relaxed them a bit. The message that the man had entered the bank brought them back to the edge.

And finally, the message they had been waiting for: The piece of Amber containing the final part of Tom Marvolo Riddles soul was delivered by the lead Cursebreaker. The items that they had acquired which had held the pieces of the soul were presented as well – the Minister had agreed to pay the fee and that these items would be donated to Hogwarts. The part that Gringotts had played in cleansing them would also be announced.

Croaker was summoned and he took control of the piece of Amber and the two flooed to a secure floo in the Ministry, along with Slipnose. From there, they made their way to the Department of Mysteries and to the Veil of Death.

The Minister and his Accounts Manager stood witness as the Amber was retrieved from the container. Slipnose performed one more spell to ensure the soul remained. And they watched as it was pitched through the Veil of Death.

The first indication that it had worked was that the Amber disappeared into the Veil. Most things that were "dead" just passed through the arch and showed up on the other side. That there was life enough to activate the arch signaled that it had been successful.

The final indication was the orb which had been on display to the side, retrieved from the Hall of Prophecies. The moment that the amber had disappeared, the orb flashed – and went Dark.

Tom Marvolo Riddle, the Dark Lord Voldemort, was dead and passed beyond the world.

Slipnose had a pleased grin (very scary on a goblin) as he got permission to use his portkey to return to Gringotts to report to the Director. The Minister and Croaker gave permission after polite (for a goblin) farewells.

At that point, all of the stress that Cornelius Fudge had been holding for hours, days, and months was suddenly released. He heavily sat down on a bench on the side of the Death Chamber and took several long steady breaths.

The greatest threat the Magical Britain in the last hundred years was finally defeated. He knew that he could prove it and get an Order of Merlin out of it – but he was just as satisfied for the issue to die a quiet and unlamented death.

Algernon Croaker watched the Minister for Magic compose himself. To be honest, he was shockingly impressed with the man. Instead of the shallow toady that many had expected – a placeholder because no one better could be found – they had somehow gotten a Minister who got the job done.

The finding of many historical families from the Muggleborns, the final and lasting resolution on dark and cursed items, the tempering of goblin/wizard relations, the correction of Ministry/Muggle relations, the reorganization of the Ministry, and the final defeat of the Darkest wizard of the last few centuries: Cornelius Fudge had done more for Magic than any minister in living memory.

The Unspeakables would support the man – in their own, quiet, hidden way. They were not a political institution after all.

It was September 1st, 1991 and Cornelius Fudge was sitting happily as a guest at the Hogwarts opening feast.

Despite a few protestations from Dumbledore, the Minister had gotten everything he wanted. A number of things today were going to cause quite a stir, but Cornelius didn't need to be so careful anymore about keeping things quiet.

With him was Alastor Moody. Moody was about to retire, only training a last few recruits. One of his students would be Nymphadora Tonks starting the next year. The Minister had gotten him to agree to one year off of Auror duties to take the Defense Against the Dark Arts post.

The Minister's final choice for the post was going to be Remus Lupin. By September 1st, 1992, the Wolfsbane Potion would be available and he planned on using Lupin to change the debate on werewolves. But because it was a year away – he needed a GOOD teacher for one year. Alastor Moody had agreed. Dumbledore had only been told that Quirrell had been found dead from some Dark magic that he had run into. Further inquiries were rebuffed.

Moody had also been charged with helping to teach the top-level Ministry employees to reject the Imperius Curse over the weekends of this year: A minor bill which cost little to no money.

Fudge had asked the chamber which right-minded wizard or witch would want their government susceptible to the Inperius Curse? That swayed enough votes (scared them away from objecting) from the Dark families that it had passed easily. The greatest cost would be required examination and possible cleansing for every participant at the end to ensure there was no Dark magic residue from the needed procedure.

Also present was the Hogwarts Board of Governors. Most had absolutely no idea. The families who had donated had agreed to be represented by the students who were in Hogwarts when the donations were announced.

With about fifteen minutes before the end of the feast, the Minister had quietly gotten Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall to go to the small room off of the dais. The Headmaster had agreed to bring his pensieve for a "quiet necessary viewing."

Flitwick had agreed to keep an eye out to ensure nothing happened for the ten minutes that the three would be distracted.

Dumbledore moved before his pensive. "Okay, Minister, where are the memories you wish me to see?"

The Minister pulled out two vials. "First this one, then the other."

The Headmaster put the first memory in and waited for the three to view it, a small smile plastered on his face. When they returned, all three were staring at the Minister in shock.

"Okay, bottle that up and you can see the next." The Headmaster did as asked and exchanged vials. Once again, the three dropped into the pensieve.

When they exited, all three sat heavily. "Bottle that one. They are copies that the Department of Mysteries created so I will allow you to keep those. I am not losing my original memories. One more thing: Are you familiar with the Hall of Prophecies?"

Dumbledore nodded. Snape was frozen. McGonagall was curious.

The Minister pulled out the darkened orb. "You might want to watch the memory again later as it was present during that memory, but this was retrieved from Row 97: A prophecy about the Dark Lord and Harry Potter? It's been completed. More I will not say at this time." The Minister put the orb on the table and stood. "I'll say this once. He's gone. No comebacks. At some point, maybe I'll explain. But any plans you might have for Harry Potter? No. Not happening. No need to sacrifice the boy as the job is done. Let him be a boy. I had better not hear of wild adventures that the boy has to endure to test him. Get rid of that third floor trap – it's no longer needed. I will allow you, at Halloween when we return, to announce that while the Dark Lord had in fact survived ten years earlier as you had warned people of, tireless work by the Ministry and Gringotts has completed what Harry Potter's mother started on that dark Halloween when she died for her son. You will give final confirmation that the Dark Lord Voldemort has been destroyed, and he will never trouble Magical Britain again. And then we'll have a traditional Samhain observance, led by the newest High Priestess of Magic, Narcissa Malfoy. Any questions?" He didn't allow them time. "Good. I will return to my dinner in preparation for my announcements." He then quickly left.

The three took a moment to compose themselves. They would be talking together about this later. That was guaranteed.

The three quietly returned to the feast.

At the proper time, the Deputy Headmistress stood and got everyone's attention. She nodded to the Headmaster.

The Headmaster nodded in return. "Good evening! And Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy. I hope that you have all emptied your heads sufficiently over the summer for we shall endeavour to once again fill them up!"

There was moderate applause from around the room. "Yes, quite. Now, while I do have some traditional announcements to make, first I wish you to help me in welcoming the Hogwarts Board of Governors and the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge."

There was a swell of applause. No one wanted to appear impolite as these were very influential people.

"Now, the Minister of Magic has asked leave to address you. He has a few items to cover and, while I am uncertain as to their contents, he assures me that it will have a direct effect upon many students. Minister Fudge." Dumbledore retreated and the Minister approached the podium. The applause was good.

"Students of Hogwarts. A few items have come up that I believe will help to enhance your time at Hogwarts. Last spring, I had the opportunity to help a few parents from magical families who had not attended Hogwarts to see the place their children would attend. Hogwarts was very welcoming and it was a success. And I thank you for that." Applause.

"There was one item of concern, however, which was brought up. For those of you who have attended Hogwarts, one lack has been a problem for a while. After the tour, a few of these families approached me to help rectify this lack. Now, before we go any further, I will mention that the families I will speak about shall be represented by the students who are a part of those families. And I want to apologize right now to Harry Potter. Mr. Potter has expressed a wish that he be treated like any other student. Unfortunately, I will be putting a small spotlight on him, mostly because he happens to be related to a few remarkable people. So – Sorry, Harry. I won't do this to you again."

The hall laughed at the image of Harry Potter trying to hide his head. He had been told part of what would be happening but it was still embarrassing. Finally he said (muffled by his arms), "That's alright Minister. But just today, please."

There was laughter all around.

"Now, the first item. Will Madame Hooch come up to front of the hall."

The Flying instructor looked around curiously. None of the other staff appeared to know what was going on and so she did as asked. "Madam Hooch. Perhaps you have heard complaints that your brooms have been … well, they are old. Is this correct?"

Madam Hooch nodded. "I've heard it a time or two."

Cornelius smiled. "Remarkable ability to underplay there. Well, the families in question decided to do something. Will Harry Potter, Justin Flinch-Fletchley, and Penelope Clearwater go and help bring in the first item?"

The two young boys from Hufflepuff and Gryffindor met up with the Ravenclaw prefect and went out the doors. Very soon, the three were pushing a cart back into the hall on which sat a large box.

"Mr. Potter's uncle, Mr. Dursley, as well as Mr. Flitch-Fletchley, and Mr. Clearwater all contributed over 800 Galleons each for this first gift to Hogwarts. Madam Hooch, please open the crate."

She did so and was agog at what she saw. She pulled one out. "In this case are 25 beginning level brooms. This will allow you to teach the students flying in safety." There was a large round of applause and Madam Hooch shook the hand of each student. The students returned to their seats – except Harry who tried to look as inconspicuous as possible. "No, Madam Hooch. Stay there. Now, will the Quiddich Captains of each house come up?"

The four students in question did so, wondering what was going to happen. "Okay: Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom, Daphne Greengrass, and Susan Bones. Please go help retrieve the next set of items."

The four first years quickly moved to exit the room. "When Harry Potter's godfather, Mr. Black, learned of his Uncle's donation, he decided to take it further. Also, he perhaps felt that three families newly returned to magic should not get all the credit. I don't know." The four students returned, each pushing a separate cart which contained a large box – not as large as the first.

"The Black family, represented by Mr. Potter, the Bones Family, the Longbottom family, and the Greengrass family are also making a gift to Hogwarts. In each crate there are seven brooms, each new, each specifically picked for a Quiddich position. There are also a pair of keeper's gloves and a few other standard Quiddich items. The Longbottom family provided for Gryffindor, Bones for Hufflepuff, Greengrass for Slytherin, and Black for Ravenclaw."

There was a huge surge of applause now as the student saw the Quiddich Captains open the chests and they could see each lift a couple of high-quality brooms. After it died down, the Minister spoke again.

"I highly recommend that each Head of House and each Captain write a letter of thanks to thier patron and that the Board and the Senior Staff write a letter to each family who contributed."

There was a large amount of applause as the boxes were pushed out.

"Now, when Mr. Dursley offered a donation of brooms, another family offered another item. Will Madam Pince and the Potions Professors, Potions Master Snape and Professor Beltley come forward? And will Ms. Hermione Granger go and retrieve the next items?"

The first year from Gryffindor with the wild hair jumped up and rushed out of the hall even as the staff moved to the front of the dias. "Ms. Granger found, during an inheritance test at Gringotts, that her family was not all Muggle. In fact her Great-Great-Grandfather was a wizard of some repute and she is descended from squibs." At this, Hermione Granger came back, pushing another card with two boxes on it – rather large.

"Hector Dagworth-Granger was the founder of the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers. While it was thought that his family died out, it was not true. Ms. Granger is the new head of the family. And, loving books and learning as she does, she agreed to allow several Potions books from her inheritance to be copied and donated to Hogwarts. One box, the larger, contains two copies of each book for the Hogwarts Library. The smaller box contains a copy of each book she is donating for the Potions Professors to enhance their ability to teach the subject."

The staff members each took time to thank the first year, who was blushing greatly. As soon as she could, she scampered back to her table while the staff inspected their gifts. Each looked quite happy.

"This might not be the most popular stance, but I would be happy to see others follow the sterling example of Ms. Granger. Upon receiving her inheritance, in accordance with the laws about such things, she had every right to keep every book and tome and scrap of knowledge she received to herself. It is almost expected. Instead, she did what she felt was right. At the suggestion of her parents, and without complaint, she took her inherited books and consulted a person in the field, the owner of the Apothecary in Diagon Alley, and asked him: What books would help the subject be taught better? And, upon receiving an answer from the drooling man as he looked over her library, she paid to have copies made and to give these to Hogwarts for her fellow students to succeed. Now, imagine how many books have been lost to history which would help teach our future generations. How many could be found in family libraries? She didn't give the originals – she owns those. But she DID give verified copies. Why can't other families do the same?" There were many sounds around the room, some approving, some disapproving, but most startled. "As I said – not the most politic suggestion. But don't our children deserve the best? And are you willing to sacrifice that small prestige of owning the only copy so that magical education can be furthered?" The murmurs were more thoughtful. "Anyway, I wanted to acknowledge the extraordinary gift. Please give Ms. Granger a round of applause."

A number of Purebloods would be writing to parents, noting how a squib-born was receiving more acclaim and why. Hogwarts would enjoy the fruits of the attempts at one-up-man-ship far into the future.

The small girl tried to disappear into the table, her face a bright red, as the collected applause moved through the room and became louder and more enthusiastic. Finally, it died down.

"Now, to another matter. In just under three months time, Narcissa Malfoy shall receive her final rites to ascend the be first High Priestess of Magic recognized by the Ministry for Magic." There was a startled moment and then a large round of applause. Draco Malfoy, at the Slytherin table, looked quite proud. "And, on the night of Halloween, she shall perform the first Samhain rites that have been observed in Magical Britain in hundreds of years. In the past, Muggle Churches have made every attempt to stamp out our traditional observances. Recently, it has been brought to my attention, that these observances did much to cleanse our magic. The increase in Dark wizards can be seen as a direct result of our losing this most valuable tradition. Well, this ends now. So, I will tell you that, in preparation, please ensure that you retrieve some token of those who have passed before that you might want to remember. These items will be used during the rites. And we shall celebrate what has been traditionally the beginning of the Magical year – Samhain. This shall be done right here, at Hogwarts. Now, Priestess Malfoy will need a few items which she will bring or that will be provided. One item I can immediately help with."

At the back, four Gringotts goblins came bearing a case. The room had several noises as the walked forward. When they were close, the lead guard handed the case to the Minister, who thanked him. The guards stood watching as the Minister opened the case.

"An important item for a magical ritual is a chalice. And while many times this is just a fancy cup, perhaps for our re-introduced rites, this chalice is more appropriate: The Cup of Helga Hufflepuff!"

There was much applause from the room, but loudest of all was Hufflepuff House which had stood to a man. Many of the older students had tears in their eyes as they saw a relic of their founder.

The Minister gently returned the cup to the case. "Also, the Priestess often wears a crown of one type or another. Usually a crown of flowers. I will have to ask her to make a decision, but perhaps this crown might be appropriate: The Diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw!"

Even as the Ravenclaws went wild and the room exploded, the Ghost of Ravenclaw moved forward, trailed by the Ghost of Slytherin. The room became quiet as the Minister spoke. "Yes, Madam Ravenclaw. Your mother's diadem has been cleansed of the taint that Tom Riddle placed on it and it is being returned to Hogwarts. Your perceived shame is over – you are forgiven."

Everyone saw as the Ghost of Ravenclaw looked at the Diadem with longing, tears in her eyes, until she turned and disappeared through the wall. The Bloody Baron stood watch at the point of her retreat, daring any other ghosts to follow.

The Minister sighed. "I will tell you all that each item I am showing today was cursed by Tom Marvolo Riddle, also known as You-Know-Who. The Gringotts Goblins have cleansed each item in preparation for their return. I believe our thanks should be given to these fine people." The guards in front of the Minister stood taller as the applause started slow but built up to a loud crescendo.

They would never have to buy their own grog again as they often told the story of the time that Goblins were honored in the Great Hall at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the Wizards and Witches applauded, all of them.

Finally the Minister got the students' attention again. "I mentioned that one should bring remembrances to a Samhain rite. One vessel for such a remembrance might be a locket. I have one here that may be appropriate: The Locket of Salazar Slytherin!"

The applause was loud again. The Minister called to speak again. "The only problem is: I cannot open it. It was owned by Slytherin. And thus, only parseltongue can open it. A shame. Although many attribute such an ability to Dark wizards only, it is not true. Merlin was a parselmouth. He could speak to snakes. Those with this ability, in many parts of the world, are revered. The Rod Asclepius, the symbol of a healer, has a snake because parseltongue healers have always been revered. Such an ability can be used for great good. Are there any among you who can speak this noble tongue?"

Harry Potter knew it was coming – the Minister had explained. Somehow, the Minister had known. But he was still embarrassed. Finally, when everyone had looked and no one else had raised their hand, Harry tentatively put his arm up.

The room was shocked as the Minister smiled and called him up. They watched in fascination as the boy spoke a hissing sound and the Locket popped open.

The applause was quite muted. The Minister made Harry stay.

"Yes. These items shall be in a locked display at the entrance of this hall. Only the Headmaster and the Heads of House acting in concert will be able to open the display for the items to be retrieved. It is almost a shame that Riddle never found an item of Gryffindor so that it could be displayed as well."

The Sorting Hat had spoken to the Minister earlier and Hogwarts had approved of what was asked. With a smile, it spoke. "Cornelius Fudge! I can help with that."

The room was astounded as the Sorting Hat spoke from its position to the side. Minerva McGonagall brought the hat out and presented it to the Minister. The Minister shook his head even as the hat said. "No. Cornelius was a Hufflepuff. I need a true Gryffindor. HARRY POTTER!"

The room watched in astonishment as McGonagall brought back out the stool and Harry Potter sat on it. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the Hat spoke. The room listened with held breath.

The Cunning of the Snake have you
and the Raven's Wit you could claim
The Badger's Loyalty is here for all to see
The Lion's Bravery brings you fame

And though the words I said are true
When I was first thrust upon your head
Slytherin would help to make you great
Gryffindor is where you belong instead

A Gryffindor you are and
A Gryffindor you shall always be
New to Magic even as you are
Ready to bleed you are for them and me

Though some might protest and cry
that it wasn't done before
A True Champion you are named
Your Weapon: The Sword of Gryffindor!

The room was shocked as Harry Potter winced and ripped the hat from his head. Reaching in, his face lit up and all watched as the young boy pulled out a bright sword, longer than the hat, upon its pommel a great ruby. The boy raised it up and the word "Gryffindor" could be seen on its blade.

The room's applause was no longer muted. The Gryffindors all stood and cheered their newly named Champion. Harry tried to look invisible, but it wasn't working. "The sword should be seen … well, unless I need it to act like a champion, I guess. Anyway, here you go." Harry Potter put the sword on the table next to the case, dropped the Hat on the table as well, and quickly retreated to the Gryffindor table.

The Weasley twins took the chance to make a show of it, which caused Harry to laugh – which was what they were going for anyway.

Cornelius nodded. "You can see why I apologized to the boy at the beginning – he really doesn't like the fame. Sorry, Mr. Potter. You're just going to have to live with it."

There were some chuckles mixed in with the undercurrent of people whispering to each other.

"Anyway, I guess that the display will be keyed so that if Hogwarts' Champion needs it, he can retrieve the sword. Anyway – I hope that you all enjoy seeing the items of the Founders of Hogwarts. Let them remind you that different people can come together and build something great. Thank you."

The applause was loud and long. Very soon, the students were dismissed and led out of the Hall.

A/N: All that's left is the Samhain ritual and the Epilogue. I could really use a script for the ritual. Yes, this fic is coming to an end.