A/N: The ritual was mostly taken from JOANN KEESEY who has been a witch for ten years. She belongs to a small working coven that specializes in British and Celtic folklore. I modified it a bit. It can be found in obsidianmagazine .com if one googles samhain rites. I added the bit about the slips containing the imperfections one wants to overcome from another site (I don't remember which – but it fit). If I screwed up anyone's beliefs… sorry, it was not my intention.

The Greatest Minister for Magic in History Part 14

Filius Flitwick was looking forward to what was coming.

The first year Gryffindor/Ravenclaw class was coming to an end. Looking at the clock he said, "Alright, children. It's time to start cleaning up. Mr. Potter, please stay after class for a moment."

The period ended and most students rushed out. Harry Potter stood nervously waiting. "You asked to see me, Professor?"

Flitwick nodded. "After your … unusual introduction during the opening feast, your Head of House and I had a discussion. While there is no record of a Hogwarts' Champion being named, it is obvious that a few things will be needed. And I volunteered."

Harry was curious. "What will be needed?"

"You've been given the right to use a sword. And not just any sword, but a goblin-made blade. As the resident Duel master, and as someone who has some goblin blood, it falls to me to ensure that you do not dishonor the position you've been given – or the blade you've been allowed to use."

Flitwick's grin suddenly reminded him of one of the Accounts Managers he had dealt with earlier in the year.

"I hope that you are not overly fond of sleeping in. Because until I deem you proficient – your mornings before class belong to me. I expect you at 7:00 in the Entry outside the Great Hall – and wearing comfortable clothing. Also, I will be monitoring your food choices to ensure maximum growth. You will eat what you are given, without complaint. Any questions?"

Harry really wanted to groan – especially facing such cheerful, slightly manic enthusiasm, but he knew somehow it would be pointless. "No, Professor. I will see you tomorrow morning."

He quickly retreated after he was dismissed.

It was seen by many throughout the year that Harry Potter's naming as Champion was not something to be envious of. Cheerful little Professor Flitwick took great delight in "training" (torturing) his student regardless of whom watched.

Harry grew to hold a little resentment for those who would casually lounge about and snack on whatever they liked while watching him work.

He did have the last laugh – by fifth year every girl who had found hormones (virtually all of them) were quite appreciative of the growing Potter's stature and he had no lack of those willing to help him with his own growing hormones. That he was also polite and considerate due to his upbringing was considered a bonus.

Needless to say, his godfather was very proud. He neglected to mention it to his Aunt and Uncle – no need to rock the boat.

Cornelius Fudge looked at the parchment before him. Four names: Four names that he had been told about and he didn't know what to do about them.

Finally, he bit the bullet and asked Amelia Bones to visit his office.

After she was announced and was sitting down, Amelia asked, "Minister. What can I do for you?"

Fudge sighed. "Do you remember when I told you about the visit of the Lone Traveler?"

Amelia nodded. "I do remember. And with the changes you've made since becoming Minister, I believe you've done a good job of taking the man's advice."

"I've tried. First I'm going to let you in on a little secret: Tom Riddle, You-Know-Who, was finally taken care of permanently this summer."

Amelia looked at the Minister in shock. "When … how …" She got herself under control. "Why am I just hearing about this?"

"Need to know. The Traveler had much experience from his own world and gave me the benefit of it. According to him, he always appears closest to the person or situation his knowledge are most needed for. And in this case, it was my office right after I was elected. Many of the things I've done were to head off problems that he told me about."

Amelia was in awe. "Wow."

The Minister chuckled. "Actually, Dumbledore is going to announce his final defeat before the Samhain ritual at Hogwarts. We're not giving too much information, but as Dumbledore kept telling people that he wasn't totally gone and now he is, it needs to be him that says it. Those who listen to the man will only accept it if it comes from him."

Amelia nodded, considering that. "That's an excellent point. So what's the problem?"

Cornelius pushed the small parchment over. "These four are names the Traveler gave me, needing to be handled. I had to get Riddle gone first, but now he is. This final cleanup became less urgent but possible."

Amelia read the names. "Three are Ministry employees."

Cornelius nodded. "I probably should tell you something I've told no one, even those I've told about the Traveler: The Traveler's name was Harry Potter."

Amelia was startled. "Merlin! That means that …."

Cornelius nodded. "The unnamed Dark wizard from the story was the resurrected Voldemort (even now he flinched at the name). Because of his knowledge, he knew how to take care of the man before he became a problem and he charged me with doing it. These are the loose ends."

"Crouch?"

With a blank face, Cornelius said, "In his world, Barty Crouch helped his son escape Azkaban when his dying wife used polyjuice to switch places. He was kept for years under the Imperius to control him. In the Traveler's world, he escaped in 1994. There is also a highly devoted house elf to deal with. We need to find out if Crouch did this in our world and get it taken care of – without telling anyone how we found out."

Amelia sighed. "That won't be easy. What about McNair?"

"An 'Imperius Victim' who is actually a real Death Eater. The Traveler told me that most Death Eaters were opportunists. Without a leader, there's no reason to rock the boat. But McNair used his position to torture and kill on the sly. I don't know if it's true here – but I can't afford to ignore the possibility. We need another quiet investigation. Possibly have someone check the Muggle Law Enforcement files for missing persons or if his face has ever been seen near a disappearance."

Amelia groaned. "This is a mess."

"I know. Luckily – this is three years before the resurrection in that other world and the Dark Lord is taken care of. We have time and opportunity to do it right with much less possible loss. But it will be a mess if the Traveler was right."

Amelia nodded. "Yaxley?"

"Closet Death Eater. Starting in 1995: Responsible for your death, my loss of the Minister's position, the death of the next Minister, the Imperius control of the one after, all for You-Know-Who. I don't know if the man's a real threat – but I can't see leaving an Auror in place I can't trust. We'll have to be VERY careful with that one."

Amelia nodded. "At least I can keep an eye on him while we look into it." She looked at the last name curiously. "Lockhart? The Author?"

Cornelius nodded. "In the Traveler's world, he wrote his books by finding those who actually did these deeds, obliviating them, and taking credit. The man's books were chock full of inconsistencies with dates and he would have had to be in three places at once. The man is a genius with the Memory Charm – and that's about it. That one, in my opinion, will the 'Fun' one to take care of. Minimal threat, good press for the Ministry when the truth gets out, and at least the man's not a murdering pyschopath – just a greedy one. I thought I'd throw you a bone"

Amelia rolled her eyes as she said, "Thanks. Very generous."

The Minister chuckled. "I've taken care of most of the big things. I have a few more things for the future I have to handle. I think it's time to let those more qualified deal with the rest. Whatever you need that I can provide, just ask. I want this all taken care of by next summer if at all possible."

Amelia nodded. "Well, we've needed something to sink our teeth into with the better budget you've helped us get. We should at least pull our weight with it. Helping the Muggles clear old cases by helping review their files – that's not something I've thought of. Might give us better cooperation for the next time we have to consult the Muggles."

"I look forward to hearing about the results."

Lucius Malfoy sat within the chambers of his friend and the godfather of his son at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"Draco tells me that you are rarely seen. He was unhappy that you were not his Professor."

Severus nodded. "I will be. All he has to do is to excel – I will teach his OWL year and his NEWTS – I will ensure he knows of my expectations."

"How has the new arrangement been working for you?" Lucius asked curiously.

Severus had a neutral face – which for him denoted extreme happiness. "It has been working well. I no longer have to deal with snot-nosed dunderheads who don't know which side of the potions knife to use. Proper preparation of equipment is also a lesson they come to me knowing – the random accidents due to contamination are much reduced. I have yet to make a Hufflepuff cry recently – but the year is young."

Lucius chuckled. "Do you regret your loss of Slytherin House?"

"Truthfully?" Lucius nodded. "No. Looking at it honestly, Slytherin dunderheads bothered me just as much or more than other types. Now that it no longer my job to shield them, I can treat them the same as any other student. To my shame, this has reduced tension in my classes and the school, meaning that my former approach was a failure. So I have decided it is better this way."

Snape's visitor nodded in agreement. "I can see that now. My eyes have been open recently." Lucius paused and asked, "Have you had any issue with your Mark?"

Severus smirked. Now it was coming to the meat of the matter. "Not really." He pulled his sleeve up and Lucius was astonished at how the mark was very nearly gone. "I assumed you were aware, having your own Mark."

Lucius shook his head and gave a smirk of his own. Pulling back his sleeve, what Snape saw astonished him: The Dark Mark of Voldemort was completely gone. "How?"

Lucius dropped his sleeve. "A very expensive procedure taking a month of visits to Gringotts. But it was worth the 2500 Galleons. How was yours reduced so much?"

"I am certain that you shall find out on the first night of Samhain when it is announced by Dumbledore. But our former master has been … permanently dealt with."

Now it was Lucius' turn to be shocked. "How?"

"The Ministry and Gringotts working in concert. The Minister showed the memory to the Headmaster, the Deputy Headmistress, and I on September 1st. I cannot say that I am disappointed. The man was … irrational at the end."

Lucius nodded in agreement. "Well, we are at least now free. Truth be told, the Malfoy vaults are much healthier since I have eschewed my former leanings. Since my wife has become involved with these Muggle Witches, I have been dealing with magic on a much purer level. The one teaching her almost earned a hexing or a visit with my former robes in use, but caution stayed my hand. And the results have spoken for themselves. I find it ironic – and disconcerting – that Muggles have done more to help bring back ancient Magical tradition than the Purebloods factions."

Severus asked, "Are you happy?"

"To my surprise I am. I have recently found that the 'proper bedding of a spouse' that we have been following for hundreds of years was the product of Muggle religious celibates who found sex to be disagreeable. I can no longer boast that I have never seen my wife naked – and truthfully I am quite happy about it. I might not be as satisfied if my wife looked like many matrons – but my wife is quite attractive. So I have no complaints. You ought to look into finding a wife now – and ensuring she learns from Narcissa. You wouldn't be disappointed."

Snape gave his grinning visitor a withering look. "I will look after my needs myself – no need for your interference."

Lucius grinned as he replied, "I am only pointing out that you are still a young man. A bed is much warmer and more inviting when you can share pleasant company."

"You will cease this discussion! I need not hear this!" Severus was using anger to hide embarrassment. Lucius had expected this.

"I will say no more personally. I might warn you that Narcissa has taken an interest in the matter though – and I have no control, really, over what she does. As long as she's happy I'll say nothing to stop it, and you're on your own." Lucius made his way quickly out.

Draco Malfoy was confused the next day when Severus Snape, stalking by, stopped and glared. "20 points from Slytherin for having interfering, busybodies as parents!"

The points were returned later by the Deputy Headmistress, who was almost smirking about something. Draco just shrugged and let it go – it didn't look to be something he wanted to have any part of.

Draco Malfoy, a few days later, listened to an argument at the Gryffindor table. Finally, he had to go over. As soon as he walked up, the redhead boy on one side looked at him. "Malfoy. What do you want?"

The two boys did not get along, but Draco was a bit less snobbish than he used to be and Weasley was a bit less jealous than other circumstances would have created, and so their usual mutual attitude was of quiet dislike. "I, like many others, wonder what you people are talking so loudly about."

Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley looked around and saw that, yes, may people were looking at them. Hermione huffed. "Ron was being an idiot. He seems to thing that his experience with Alton Towers and Thorpe Park makes him an expert on theme parks. I was trying to disabuse him of his idiocy."

"I just think the idea of a park with a mouse as its mascot is quite silly. This Disnin fellow can't have put together a better park than Thorpe which is run by Merlin Entertainment. Besides, those places are in the colonies – too far away for a few days of fun. The roller coasters here are awesome!" Ron Weasley had a pinched face.

"I told you they're opening one in France next year. I've already started working on my parents to take me. And until you've seen Disney Land, you've got nothing to talk about!"

Harry Potter quietly got Draco's attention. Curious, the boy walked over. "Don't get in between them. I think they just like arguing. Today it's Muggle Theme Parks. Tomorrow it will be something else. I've learned to just let it go." The two boys looked over to see that Draco had already been forgotten about.

"What the hell is a theme park? Or a rolley-coaster?" Draco was very outside of his experience.

Harry shrugged. "I haven't been to one. I think I'll ask my Godfather to take me next summer – it sounds fun. And the roller-coaster – imagine a big thing built with tracks like at Gringotts. Imagine a mile or two of going up and down and all around. Muggles build these things for fun. I'd rather just visit Gringotts. But the other stuff sounds good."

Draco was very confused now. Then again Muggles, while not as stupid as he had thought before he had met any, were quite confusing in a number of things that they did.

The students were being paired. At one point, Harry raised his hand. "Mr. Potter?"

"Why don't I work with Ron and Neville works with Hermione? They tend to argue more than work when they try to study together – they tend to argue in any case. I'd like to actually see them succeed than just fight."

The listening Gryffindors and Ravenclaws snickered. The fights between the two were legendary.

Flitwick looked at the two, who were eyeing each other with annoyance. "Just today. In the future, they will just have to learn to get along."

With everyone having matched wands and Harry being a bit more patient than Hermione would have been, all the students eventually got the hovering charm. Ron's snide comments after class were met with a sniffle full of disdain rather than pain.

While the two considered each other somewhat "friends," they were quite aware that they tended to rub each other the wrong way. Truthfully, they quite enjoyed the arguing – it was somehow stimulating to each of the pre-teens.

It was nearly 5:00 on Halloween, 1991. The Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry looked about the hall and contemplated the changed circumstances of the last year.

It had all, surprisingly, started with the election of a new Minister for Magic in 1990. Cornelius Fudge had been a Ministry employee of little note, his name put forward as a compromise amongst various factions.

The presiding wisdom was that he would be unlikely to make too many changed, unlikely to upset too many people, and that the Ministry under his charge would be quiet.

Such was not to be the case.

Almost immediately, the man had started where most Pureblood politicians ignored: The average wizard and witch.

The man had also used his apparent management experience to help reorganize the Ministry to be more efficient. Dumbledore had been of two minds about that.

On the one hand, a more efficient Ministry meant less would be lost between the cracks. It also meant, however, that non-official influences were less effective than previously. Instead of a number of people consulting him for advice, the new structure gave clear lines of command and assistance, ensuring no outside advice was in immediate need.

The Minister had casually defeated a few measures backed by the Pureblood supremacists but also veered away from the "Light" by allowing legal means to hold items that most Light wizards and witches would see summarily destroyed.

That he had done it in such a way that harm would be minimized was laudatory (random visits to St. Mungo's due to cursed items had significantly decreased) but Dumbledore had misgivings about any such item being under the control of anyone he didn't approve of (mostly himself he would have realized if he had sufficient self-awareness).

And then the Minister had started meddling with Hogwarts – and that was not something he could approve of.

The Headmaster had built a system which would see him in control for decades but it had almost been completely destroyed by the actions which came from the interference. No longer could he control the amount that Muggleborns knew, no more could he use the staff to manipulate the relationships of the different houses.

To the Headmaster's shock, the "Dark" elements seemed to be moving toward the "Light" without much of his prompting at all.

The re-introduction of traditional festivals without the blood and animal sacrifices was a shock. When he had first studied these things, the casual violence involved had been abhorrent. Never would he have accepted the idea of allowing these Dark influences to come back. But the rituals had been modified over the years, quietly, in the Muggle world, and the objectionable elements had all been taken out.

He was actually quite looking forward to the ritual that was scheduled this evening.

The whole situation with Tom … that had been a shock and a half. The proof that he was gone and the prophesy showing as complete, certified by the Department of Mysteries – how it had been done was a mystery he needed to solve.

The boy training as a Champion of Hogwarts was all to the good. He was happy to see that, outside of the time with Filius, Harry seemed a boy like any other. He wasn't remarkably charismatic or withdrawn. Dumbledore supposed that it was the best that could be hoped for.

Suddenly, the Headmaster's ruminations were interrupted by the sound of the tapping of a crystal glass. Minerva was calling the room to attention.

Narcissa Malfoy, externally a picture of serene calm, was nervous as a girl waiting for her first date. Tonight, she would take charge and be the High Priestess for the first Samhain rites at Hogwarts in hundreds of years.

She watched calmly as the Headmaster moved to the lectern. The man may be dotty, but his innate grace was apparent for all to see.

"Halloween. The Autumn Harvest. Samhain. The Day of the Dead. All Soul's Day. Tonight's Feast marks a celebration of the year and has traditionally been important in many circles and societies.

"While in the past we would begin the Feasting in good cheer and with full cups, it is important to remember that we are beholden to the past and to those that came before. It is also imperative that we recognize our magical roots.

"The recently- elevated High Preistess of Magic, Narcissa Malfoy, shall lead us in traditional Samhain rites. Samhain was, traditionally, the start of the new year for the Celts who lived upon these lands these many centuries past. Mixed with the traditions of other cultures, it also included a celebration and invitation for those who have passed beyond the veil to revisit their living family. It is said that on this night, the eve of November, the veil between worlds is at its weakest.

"Before I turn this over to Lady Malfoy, I have an announcement containing a remembrance of past fears and the presence of future hope.

"Ten years ago the magical world was living in great peril and great fear. Brother against brother, friend against friend, none knew exactly whom could be trusted or whom was being controlled by Dark forces to harm their neighbours and community. Ten years ago tonight, that changed. Two remarkable individuals took steps to protect their young son and due to their magical prowess and ingenuity, the man who threatened all of Magical Britain was laid low.

"We do not know exactly what happened nor were there any witnesses to proclaim what was done. What we do know is that whatever was done bought a reprieve for us all. While the young boy was celebrated as a hero, we forgot or ignored that the true heroes were those parents that sacrificed their lives and magic to ensure that their son was safe. We forgot that this family was not the sum of all heroes.

"Many more were lost and many more sacrificed. Names like Prewitt, Bones, McKinnon, Dearborn, Longbottom – the litany of the names and deeds could fill a great tome and our tears could overflow a great river.

"Such was our joy and relief, we put it all in the past. We ignored what happened, hoping that such times would not come again."

Dumbledore sighed. "Many have called me senile in that I quietly warned people various and sundry that I worried the Dark wizard was not permanently destroyed.

"Well, tonight I have news. News both bad … and good. First, not to shock you, proof has been provided that the Dark wizard who called himself Voldemort did not, in fact, completely fall on that Halloween night. Due to dark rituals, his 'death' was only temporary and he could have returned."

There were noises of both fear and incredulity. Many looked to the Minister, who saw watching with a serene smile, as though none of this was news. It confused them.

"At the same time, I can report that … due to the tireless work of the Ministry, as well as aid from Gringotts Bank, the final destruction of Voldemort has finally been accomplished. I have seen the proofs … and I can hereby declare it to be so. Voldemort is gone forever."

The room was shocked. It started at the Gryffindor table, but soon encompassed the room. It took a good long while for the hubbub to die down.

"Yes. And with this announcement, this celebration of Samhain should, perhaps, mean a bit more than it might have. And so, I now turn our festivities over to High Priestess Malfoy."

The stately Malfoy Matron took her place at the lectern. She looked out to the waiting students and said, "To you I say: Blessed be. Blessed be you and blessed be us all. While there are many traditions for Samhain, tonight's will be a mixture of a few that I found most appropriate. I will be assisted by several of your Professors. For tonight, it is proper to refer to them as Priest or Priestess and not Professor. I shall introduce them. First, please acknowledge her with her title, I give you Witch and Priestess, Pamona Sprout."

The Herbology Professor stood and the student body said, "Priestess." She nodded in reply.

And so it went. Many staff were assisting with a few exceptions (Snape, Hagrid, Kettleburn). Some were a surprise, especially the last: A remarkably sober Sybil Trelwany.

"And now, the coven members shall be passing out slips of parchment. Please take one and pass the pile on until each one present has one. Also, a small sharpened pencil should be taken by each person as well."

It took a good five minutes, but every student now had a slip and a pencil. "Now, I want you each to meditate a moment and find, in yourself, one thing, one imperfection, that you would like to see gone from yourself for the New Year. Meditate with reverence and calm and honesty. Perhaps it is pride, or venality, or shyness, or fear. Whatever it is, meditate to find it and then write it down on the slip. We shall use these slips during the rituals."

Narcissa watched as the students did as asked. After two minutes, it appeared that most all had written something on their slip. "Quickly now." The final few finished.

"Put this slips away for the moment. Now, to the left, you see the large board placed? Anyone who wishes to shall now be allowed to add a token of a lost relative or loved one whom they would welcome once again into your home. Think of them as you line up to place your tokens. This is not required but is recommended. The coven members will assist as needed with tacks and other means to attach things to the board. When finished, return to your seat."

It took a good twenty minutes, but the board on the side of the hall had been transformed. Where it was once an empty expanse, it now contained hundreds of small items: Pictures, scraps of cloth, wisps of hair, even small pieces of jewelry. It was almost beautiful in its aspect now.

"Now, although we shall not be eating yet – please restrain yourself – the Headmaster shall call for the feast to be placed. We shall then exit the hall to the hill nearest the front doors while stasis charms shall maintain the meals. However, this presentation of the feast shall allow those who went before to come among us once again to enjoy and experience the joys of home and hearth."

The Headmaster stood and, as asked, called forth the feast. At the end of each table was a place set aside for those that had passed on. "Now, please follow the coven members out. For those who have religious objections to participating, please feel free to quietly peel off between the doors of the Hall and the doors of Hogwarts and wait quietly until the rest return."

Remarkably, no one took the High Priestess up on her offer. All participated, some to make certain they experienced this at least once.

The students found the large field set up with a very large pile of wood. "Coven members, please come up and help light the great fire. Any student who knows the spell may help as well – but mildly: We don't want the fire to burn out too quickly."

Quickly the large bonfire was lit and the students watched as it lit up the dusk. Some noticed a portion which came out of the side into a smaller leg of fire. This allowed a safer access for someone to approach.

Ten feet from this leg offshoot, a table could be seen. Upon the table were several items. Many recognized the Cup of Hufflepuff.

Narcissa cast a sonorous on her voice, as well as one on Sybil Trelwany. "I shall lead the rites and Priestess Trelwany shall instruct you as we go."

She turned. Sybil Trelwany called out, "Form a large circle about the meadow!" Her voice had no hint of sherry.

As the large circle was being made, Narcissa's voice belted out, "East, South, West, North! Let the people gather forth! Air, Fire, Water, Earth! Sacred circle now sees birth!" Soon, the circle was complete.

Narcissa pulled her wand and lit one of the candles. "Let there be a light kindled in the spirit. Blessed be the Eastern Gate and blessed be the element of Air."

Another candle, the one on the southern side. "Let there be a light increasing and illuminating the South. Blessed be this Southern Gate and blessed be the element of Fire."

The Western candle lit. "Let there be a light radiating in the West. Blessed be this Western Gate and blessed be the Element of Water."

The final candle was lit. "Let there be a light reflecting in the North. Blessed be this Northern Gate and blessed be the Element of Earth."

All of the Priests and Priestesses chanted: "Let these powers be as one."

Sybil Trelwany's voice spoke, "So mote it be."

In response the gathering repeated, "So mote it be."

Though none noticed, the side of the forest saw the Centaurs come, curious as to what the humans were doing. Many were surprised to recognize some of the rites.

"Stand quietly and relax with your hands resting at your sides. Clear your mind and concentrate on your breathing. Breathe in and out slowly and follow along with this meditation." The gathering did as Trelwany's voice directed.

"Take three breaths. On the fourth, bring your hands from the sides to your heart."

As the majority raised their hands, "We are at the center of the world."

"Exhale and put a knee on the ground, and your palms on the ground before you."

"We stand firmly upon the land."

"Inhale and rise to your feet. Cup your hands behind you and then arc them forward in an arc until your cupped hands meet in front." There was less certainty in this, but soon it was done.

"The sea always surrounds us."

"Inhale and move your hands to the sides, spread the fingers wide, palms forward. .Exhale and raise your arms, bringing the hands together above the head, thumb and forefinger meeting to create a triangle." A number of children giggled at those who erred and had to correct themselves.

"The sky spreads itself above us."

"Inhale and lower hands to heart again."

"We are at the center of the Three Realms."

"Exhale and return your hands to your sides."

Narcissa Malfoy took a stone from the table and raised it above her head and then touched it to the ground. "May Talamh support us."

She then took a water jug and poured some into Hufflepuff's cup. Tipping some salt in with the water, she swirled it three times widdershins.

She then started walking deosil around the large circle of people. It took her a good few minutes to complete walking around the large circle of people three times. Finally she returned to the alter.

"May Farraighe Siorai surround us."

She put the cup back and took up a feather. Waving it in an arc over the people gathered, she called out, "May Speir Eigriochta watch over us."

She then put the feather back and said, "The coven shall now help to distribute the libations. Those who are of age may take wine. Otherwise, take cider. Drink it and be fortified. Banish the cups when done, or return them to a coven member who shall banish them."

It was a bit disorganized, but soon the entire group each had drunk from a cup (conjured for this particular use) and then gotten rid of them.

"Let us make offerings to the ancestors and land spirits. Meditate upon our debt to them, for without them we would not exist."

"Repeat after me:" The students chanted each line in response. "Here I stand on sacred land. The sky is over my head. All around me the endless sea. We honor the Mighty Dead."

Narcissa looked out and said, "Beginning with Albus Dumbledore," Dumbledore was nearest to her in the circle, "the circle shall move widdershins. Each person deosil shall first go to the sacred fire and, taking the slip with your named imperfection, cast it into the fire. As you do, imagine that imperfect part of yourself being released into the air and sky. Once this is done, now cleansed and purified, go to the Apple Woman, Priestess Sprout, and take up an Apple, or a nut if apples make you ill. Hold it until all have a fruit of immortality. Contemplate on those who have come before whom you now miss."

Everyone saw that there was a very big bag next to the Herbology professor, along with a smaller one.

Dumbledore took the small slip from his pocket and contemplated the word he had written: "Arrogance." He stood in front of the fire and did as he was directed. He imagined his arrogance flying off into the ether. It was, unexpectedly, quite cleansing to do. He went to take an apple.

It was a very calm procession. Finally, however, it was done. "Now, as you contemplate upon your deceased loved ones, eat of the fruit of life until only the core remains."

For a few minutes, the gathered witches and wizards ate the apples (or nuts) and thought about their lost loved ones. Finally, this done, Narcissa spoke again. "As we have eaten of the fruit of life, so our ancestors live in our fruitful memories of them."

Sybil's voice rang out, "Return the core to Priest Flitwick, who shall return the cores to the forest floor."

Professor Flitwick cheerfully watched as the gathered people brought their cores to the large bag he had next to him. When all had been returned, he levitated it to the edge of the forest and dumped the bag onto the floor of the forest. Flitwick nodded pleasantly to the centaurs who watched.

The small animals would eat the remains and the seeds until there was nothing left.

"Once again, come forth and take cider or wine and a small cake in celebration of those who have gone before."

Once again, libations were distributed. The students were allowed to chat and talk as they drank and ate the small snack. After another ten minutes, High Preistess Malfoy called them together once more.

"And now we shall dismiss the quarters. For the North: By the power of the stone at Midnight, I transform, send forth and remain at Peace. For the West: By the power of the setting sun and rising moon at Twilight, I transform, send forth and remain at Peace. For the South: By the power of the radiant Sun at Noon, I transform, send forth, and remain at Peace. And, for the East: By the power of the rising sun and morning star at Dawn, I transform, send forth and remain at Peace. "

The staff chanted together, "Let these powers be as none."

Sybil's voice called out, "So mote it be."

The entire gathering echoed her. "So mote it be."

Narcissa Malfoy's voice rang out one last time. "North, West, South, and East! All have eaten of the Feast of Life! Earth, Water, Fire, and Air! Circle is open with joy and care! The circle is open... let us return to our own feast in joy and health. The rites are now complete."

She quieted her voice, as well as Sybil's, and turned to the Headmaster. The Headmaster clapped his hands and said, "To the Great Hall!"

A/N: Epilogue is coming.