Sorry it's taken me a little longer to write this part than I thought it would. But there was quite a bit I wanted to get into it, and well it was a little tricky to work it all out and keep the flow going, without causing to much chaos.
Once again I don't own any of the characters they are the property of JKR.
Harry knew he shouldn't have been surprised by the crowds when they stepped out doors that lead down to the side of the lake where they were holding the service. But he was sure there was twice if not three times as many people here as there had been for Dumbledore's Funeral.
The seats were set out, but every single one of them taken, with exception to the seats reserved towards the front. At a guess Harry thought there was just as many people if not more standing.
He felt Hermione take his hand, and knew she would have Ron's hand in her other one. He couldn't help but question whether she was trying to support him or just using him so she could hold Ron's hand without people questioning it. He made a mental note to tease them later tonight when they were all back safely at Grimald Place.
But then it felt like everything happened at once. Someone in the crowd turned around and spotting the group called out. "Look it's them. They're here. Harry Potter's here."
The Auror's stepped closer to the three of them watching the crowd carefully, but while Harry heard a few of the mad girls screaming like they had outside of the Tonks the other day, it was quickly drowned out by clapping. Harry wasn't sure what to make of it, but looking between the shoulders of the two Auror's and Kinglsey who were in front of him he was amazed to see that everyone was now on their feet. Clapping and cheering.
"Bloody hell, are they clapping just because we walked out a door?" Ron muttered under his breath.
"No, they're clapping because they like the colour of your hair." Hermione muttered back. Which made Harry smile it seemed no matter how many times Ron told Hermione she was brilliant she was still going to point out every time he said something slightly stupid. "They're clapping because Harry defeating Tom Riddle and we helped him. You know sort of saved the wizarding race and all that." She pointed out in a tone that Harry would have expected to be used on a two year old.
"I did know that." Ron spat back. "I just thought you know that Harry might get this after his speech." He had to raise his voice slightly as he finished. "This….. well its nuts. We'll never be able to walk around freely in public again."
"I'm sure it will die down, too what Harry's had to put up with all his life. But you might be right about Harry." Hermione answered over the noise.
"Thanks." Harry had to half shout now. He hated this sort of attention and yet that's all he seemed to ever run into in his life. Harry glanced back at the Weasley's as they were pointed in the different direction from where he, Hermione and Ron were being directed to the side of the stage set up for the event. Ginny half smiled with a nod in his direction. Harry was pleased to see she had hooked herself to Geroge's side and their arms were linked. He winked back at her as they were led around the crowd, which were held back from touching them as they passed.
"Harry will you marry me?" Someone screamed out.
"Ron, Ron, are you seeing anyone?" They heard another. Even with it being hard to hear anything.
"Hermione, beautiful, want some action tonight."
Harry turned in time to see Ron break away from Hermione to try and reach the slimy wizard on the edge of the crowd who had clearly called out the last comment. Only to be stopped by two Aurors with Hermione now tugging on Ron's arm saying loud enough that those around them could hear it. "Ignore him. I doubt he's ever had any action with pick up lines like that."
The slimy looking wizard turned slightly red as the crowd near them sniggered.
"Slimy git." Ron muttered allowing Hermione to pull him forward.
As they reached the stage Kingsley turned to them. "Well handled Miss Granger. Sorry we couldn't stop some of that rubbish. Now I will introduce you to some of the people on stage and then you will take seats next to me. Harry you will speak towards the end of the service. We will begin by reading the names of all those who lost their lives on our side in the battle at Hogwarts. Then during the minutes silence the names of all those lives lost for us leading up to that will light the sky."
Harry nodded having known this from Kingsley's explanation yesterday. They were also aware of the exit procedure if anything went wrong. Harry doubted he would use it though. Not if he Ginny and the rest of the Weasleys weren't with them. Even then Harry wasn't sure he would turn and run at any cost.
By the time they were finally in their seats and Harry could look out at the crowd now silenced by Kingsley and the start of the service. He felt like his arm was going to fall off from having his hand shaken a little too heartily. He didn't want to even think about what it would feel like by the end of the day.
The service went by faster than Harry thought it would. He had been moved and slightly shaken by the amount of names that lit the sky. But was pleased those names had started with Dumbledore's and that Snape's name had been read out in those who had died for their side during the battle. Even though it was hard not to notice a few of those in the crowd roll their eyes or shake their heads at Snape's name.
Before Harry knew it he was being introduced to the crowd. As Harry stood he reminded himself to thank Kingsley for not adding any of those silly things Harry had been called over the years to his introduction. He had just introduced him as plan Harry Potter.
Taking the microphone Harry looked out at all the faces focused on him, and had a sudden urge to vomit. But glancing at the Weasley's he was given a nod from Arthur that Harry felt passed on pride and faith all at the same time.
He took a deep breath as he started. "We are all here today to remember, and honor those who died to make our world a safer, fairer place for us all to live in. In making our magical world a safer place we also make it safer for muggles and other magical creatures.
This morning the Prophet ran a story. One that I would have preferred never made the papers. But it did and now you all think I paid for today and all the memorial services so many of us have attended this week. I'm sorry to say that I didn't. Someone, I don't know who it was set up a trust fund when my parents died to be paid out on my 17th Birthday. Faithfully over the years many witches and wizards probably a lot of you here today have been depositing money into that trust fund at Gringotts all so an orphan who happened to live could have a better life. Thank you. It added up to quite a lot. But my parents weren't poor and neither was my Godfather Sirius Black I have inherited all I want or need. So I have just given back to those who died and to help all of us at this time what you have given to me over the years. But I don't see the money as ever being mine. It was given to help someone who had suffered due to Tom Riddle. It has once again been passed on to those who have suffered at his hand.
I know much has been said and much guessed at. Yes, I was the one who was in the final battle with Tom Riddle. Yes, my two best friends and I had been working towards his final defeat while we were in hiding over most of the last year, but as much as I'm honored that you would love to call me your hero. I am just one of hundreds if not thousands who gave their all to be here today, or gave the greatest sacrifice of their very lives to give us left behind a future.
From the time my parents were murdered by Tom Riddle when I was one, people who believed in a better future and were aware that the amazing backfiring spell Tom Riddle attempted to kill me with may not have completely defeated him. They have been planning, searching and seeking to make sure that our world would never again fall under the rule of evil we have seen for the last year.
Albus Dumbledore would have to be the most dedicated one of them. Giving his own life to do so. But not before making sure those of us left behind knew our way forward. Without him I wouldn't be here.
But once again it wasn't all him. No war can be won by one person alone. No defeat of such a powerful evil wizard with such a following of other evil witches and wizards can be won by one person alone.
Anyone who protected someone they knew. Anyone who refused to give in. Anyone who took a stand no matter how big or small refusing to join the evil that has consumed us for the last year or more is a hero in my book.
Today isn't about me it isn't about Hermione Granger or Ron Weasley. It isn't about so many of the other names who have played a large part such as Neville Longbottom and the DA at Hogwarts. The Weasley twins with their fake papers and underground. The Ministry staff who despite danger stayed working and fighting to get any important information out to protect whoever they could."
Harry paused, taking another deep breath. "I am here today to honor and remember those who aren't with us anymore. Those who even though they fought will never feel the freedom we have now. Their sacrifice is something we need to always be thankful for, something we need to honor by never again letting someone with a thirst for power and evil rise to power again. We owe them that much the very least."
With his last words he stepped back from the podium. To the loud noise once again of clapping, but it didn't hold the wolf whistles or screaming of earlier or even when he had first stepped up to speak. It was a quiet crowd who all stood and clapped.
Taking his place back between Hermione and Ron, they each placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Brilliant man." Ron commented.
Hermione just smiled at him. "I knew you could do it and it worked. I reckon everyone feels like they played a part, just like you wanted them too." She finished glancing back to the crowd.
Harry nodded just glad it was over. Kingsley was once again at the podium gesturing for everyone to be quiet and take their seats again. Harry just sunk into his seat. Glad that part was at least was over. He couldn't focus on the Kingsley's last words. He just stared out at the crowd who were once again quiet. Until something caught his eye in the distance, it was like a green haze growing slightly larger.
He blinked then tried to focus harder reaching for his wand. Could it be possible the same group from the day before were now breaking the wards around Hogwarts? He felt Hermione stiffen next to him and knew he wasn't dreaming.
But before they could even move Kingsley abruptly announced. "Now to finish with some fireworks."
Hermione tried to jump towards Kingsley. Only too be stopped by someone behind her.
Harry turned pointing his wand towards the man holding her.
"We've got it. Just calm down we don't want to scare the crowd unless we have too." Robards commanded them. "Take your seats."
Harry did as he was told barely able to take his eyes off where the green haze was showing.
The sky seemed to darken as it lit up at the same time with fireworks. As words "Freedom" "Victory" and "Peace" lit up above the stage. Harry watched as unbeknown to the crowd a small battle took place at the spot where the green haze had come through.
Harry had to admit he was impressed. Within the space of about a minute three people who had entered the wards on brooms were detained and the green haze disappeared with a couple of Aurors now guarding that spot.
Robard's leaned towards Harry whispering. "Good spotting. I hear you are interested in joining my team at some stage."
Harry nodded, not turning around to look at the Head Auror. "Yes sir." He answered.
"Good, you have inbuilt vigilance. We need that."
Harry nodded again and couldn't help but feel he had just been given a great compliment. The words of Mad Eyed Moody 'Be ever vigilant' springing to mind.
As the fireworks finally finished and the crowd started to mingle and talk among themselves Kingsley once again returned to where Harry sat talking more to Robards first. "You better go and check what mess we just had to clean up."
"Yes Minister." Robards took off at a fast pace, but not a run. Harry could tell they were still trying to make it look like nothing had happened.
Kingsley turned to Harry, Hermione and Ron. "Right, you three are to stay with me at all times until we get the all clear. Understood?"
Ron just nodded looking a little confused. "What was that all about?" He asked Hermione and Harry.
"Typical." Hermione grunted. "The wards were just attacked. Didn't you see the Green fog starting to show on the Horizon?"
"Ah no, I was paying attention to the service." Ron answered back clearly a little frustrated with the way Hermione was talking to him.
Kingsley looked at Harry with a smirk and a little shake of his head. "Are they always like this?"
"Worse Sir." Harry smiled back at Kingsley.
"I'm not going to even ask how you survived almost a year in hiding with them." Kingsley added.
Hermione who had managed to miss what Kingsley had joked about as she filled Ron in turned back to them. "Was that an extra force field that went off with the fireworks, it was a great plan?"
"Thank you Miss Granger. Our security can be rather good when we plan well." Kingsley nodded at her. "Right it would look strange if we didn't mingle a little follow me."
As they exited the stage by the stairs at the side, Harry could feel the two Aurors behind them closely. He had to admit for the first time in years he felt he could probably trust the ministry to finally have a good handle on things.
He found himself introduced to officials and some families who had lost people. Repeating over and over again that he was sorry for their loss, and that it had been the community of the magical world who had paid for the services not him.
As Ron got into a conversation with someone who used to play for the Canons and Hermione talked to his wife a witch now in charge of the magical mysteries department Harry couldn't' help but notice Blaise Zabini walking towards where Ginny and George were talking to Neville and Luna.
He swallowed telling himself not to worry. Ginny loved him. But he still couldn't help the rise of what felt like the chest monster when seeing Blaise Ginny threw her arms around him and they hugged for what Harry felt like was forever, then finish with Blaise giving her a kiss on the cheek before he greeted George, Neville and Luna keeping his left arm slung around Ginny's shoulders.
"Harry, wake up. I asked what you thought…" Hermione interrupted him then clearly followed his line of sight. "Oh….." She swallowed just as Harry turned to look at her. "Am…" She looked back at the witch she was talking to. "Harry what do you think about veil being under tighter security?" She finally finished what she was asking.
Harry had to shake his head trying to grasp what Hermione was asking of him. "Pardon?" He asked.
"The veil. I know it's in that room to be used as a death sentence for the odd sentence that requires death. But I think it should be moved to a safer place and only brought into that room when needed." Hermione explained.
Harry's mind flashed the sight of Sirius falling through the veil. It did seem odd to just be out then in what looked like an auditorium. He hadn't realised till now it was there as a way of following through on a Death penalty. Trust Hermione to know. "Um…yes, does it even get used anymore?"
The witch they were talking to shook her head. "No not for a very long time. Almost a hundred years. Even though there is talk of using it now. After all the people we had the most trouble with this time had escaped from Azkaban. But I will think about it Miss Granger." She nodded towards Hermione then taking her Husband's arm pulled on it. "Come dear we must go and catch up with Augusta Longbottom."
"Right, right you are. Think about it Mr Weasley, you would be a great keeper for the Canons." He finished and allowed his wife to pull him away.
Ron looked at Hermione. "Okay what did you say to scare her?" He questioned. "She's not working today."
Hermione just folded her arms. "Nothing, it was important wasn't it Harry?" She looked to Harry for support.
Harry wondered if he would end up in the middle of their fights when they were 80 and Ron and Hermione had been married for years. "It probably could have waited Hermione. I mean they did say they had lost their nephew and sister in the war." He pointed out wondering if he should run for cover.
Hermione glared at him before looking back at Ron. "You were just enjoying the fact he asked you to consider that stupid offer from the Canons. You know they just want you name. We've been over that."
Ron groaned. "I know and I've told you I don't want to play professionally anyway. I'm not putting my arse out there to have my little sister whip me playing for the Harpies. She would never let me live it down."
Harry shook his head. It was probably the worse reason he had ever heard for not wanting to go into a profession. But it did make him smile. Looking back towards where Ginny had been he felt uncomfortable again as he had to look around to find her, but she was introducing Blaise to her parents. Her arm now locked through his at the elbow. He knew Ginny was probably just happy to see him they had after all worked closely during her last months at Hogwarts. But Harry could see the way Blaise felt about her in every glance and look he sent her way. This was not the close friendship Ginny had with Neville or Colin, this was something Harry imagined his face mirrored when he looked at Ginny.
"It's nothing, their just friends." Hermione whispered just before Kingsley who had been talking with some Auror's quietly behind them turned back.
"Right, I think that everything is under control." He added seemingly pleased with it all. "Even though I think we are running out of holding cells at the ministry." He finished with a shake of his head. "Now who to talk to next? Ahhh, there's someone I want you to meet, if you don't mind that is? It's my niece she would like to be you Miss Granger when she grows up. I've tried to explain she can be like you, but it's hard for a 3 year old to understand. She just wants to be you."
As you know I love any feedback. Thank you to all gave feedback on the last part. Or any feedback while you've been reading this.
Hopefulled.