Chapter 4 – The Gala

The Minister's Gala was a smashing success. The Minister made sure to invite businessmen from Diagon Alley and several other pockets of the Wizard World. Also in attendance were heads of each of the Ministry Departments, dignitaries from Gringotts and minor dignitaries from several European Ministries. Professional Quidditch stars showed up hoping to find and maintain sponsorships. The bands Witch's Brew and The Weird Sisters were to play short sets as part of the entertainment.

Shacklebolt had hired Emelda Gatsby as his Social Coordinator. Kingsley was the first to admit that while he was a likeable enough wizard, he had no desire to plan, coordinate or host a social gathering of any kind. Miss Gatsby was known throughout England as the very best at throwing an entertaining party.

Hermione met writers from around the world that evening. Each would ask her and her mates the same tired questions. She would answer with as much grace as she could muster.

Just as Hermione was sure she'd had her fill of questions, Lee Jordan brought writers from Your Voodoo News, Canadian Wizard Daily and Salem Weekly by. The family friend showed Hermione his best puppy dog eyes and asked, "Do you have any idea what surprise the Minister has in store? I was invited to set up for an announcement but no-one will tell me what it's about. These blokes are from across the Pond and were given similar invitations. There's something about an interview? These blokes were told it's a major announcement but I've been told nothing except, 'set up the wireless equipment and be ready.'"

Hermione shared a look with Ron. He shook his head, "I'm sorry Lee. This is the Minister's party. He'll share soon enough."

"Then do you mind at least answering a few questions for these blokes? I told them we were mates and you might make some time for them." Lee looked so hopeful that Hermione decided to help despite Ron's glare, "For you, Lee, anything."

Hermione and Ron spent ten minutes answering questions about their years with Harry and the quest to defeat Voldemort. None were original, "Did any of you become romantic while hiding out in the wilderness?" followed by "Hermione, did you ever become romantically involved with Harry?" and "How did you possibly get in and out of Gringotts in one piece?"

The witch's mind began to wander as Ron once again told the story of them flying out of Gringotts on the back of the dragon. She wondered if she'd be remembered as anything more than "the witch that helped Harry defeat Voldemort." Admittedly, that on its own was enough to rate a free meal at any wizard establishment in England – if that was important to her. Even so, she wanted to believe that she would do something more with her life. There had to be more adventure and excitement to be had.

"Hermione?" the writer from Salem asked hopefully,"What happened to your mate Harry? It's rumoured he was killed at the Battle for Malfoy Manor but nobody has been able to confirm or deny it."

Ron responded for her, "We're not allowed to speak about that."

The silence was awkward. Lee seemed disappointed. She could tell that her mate had hoped for more than the same canned responses than she'd given to the other writers.

"But," Hermione blurted out, "I have a feeling your question will be answered soon." Ron flashed a disapproving grimace. Hermione didn't care,"Being that you are Lee's mates I'm sure that you will be discreet...If you hurry you might be able to get word to your editors that they should wait to run the presses for tonight's printing. I promise it will be worth their while."

She winked, "Now, if you will excuse me and my date, we are going to take a turn around the dance floor. I hope if Ron and I have been helpful you'll show Lee some kindness in the future." The young writers nodded enthusiastically and left hurriedly to find Floos to contact their editors. Lee decided to call in a favour and have that day's programming interrupted for the Minister's speech.

Hermione pulled her boyfriend out to the dance floor.

"What was that about?" he grouched as they began to dance.

"Oy! Ron, my toes," Hermione yelped. "The Minister won't speak until after their papers normally print for the evening. This way they get their stories out at the same time as the English morning editions and they'll still beat their competition to the story. Remember, the Americas are six hours behind us. It's still early in the day there. They will print the story in about five hours - it will then be the same time there as it is here now."

"Hermione, sometimes you make my head hurt," Ron complained.

"Trust me. Harry wanted Lee ahead of everyone else. He's George's best mate and Harry was trying to get him a big break. The minister won;t be upset if Lee and a few of his mates are given a hint."

Ron seemed satisfied enough with Hermione's answer that he dropped the subject and concentrated on avoiding her toes. For the most part he succeeded but on occasion she'd cry out with a pained 'Yelp.' Thankfully after only a few more songs the music died down and the Minister stood on the dais next to the band. After a quiet "Sonorous," Shacklebolt's booming baritone could be heard throughout the ballroom, "Good evening everyone!"

"Good Evening!" replied the crowd.

"Yes it is! This evening is a terrific evening! In fact, I could not be happier! I've been blessed with good mates, good music and good news!"

The Minister cleared his throat, "I have great news! I had originally considered making the announcement through the press but instead I asked my good mate Emelda Gatsby to arrange for an intimate get-together to celebrate instead. As you can all see, this is Emelda's vision of an intimate get-together."

The crowd responded with a mixture of laughter and applause. The Minister extended his hands as he asked, "What do we have to celebrate? Owners of businesses can now do business without fear. People can now take their children out in public without worry. We are no longer being drug from our homes by murderers and villains. I suppose that's a start...but it's also old news."

His voice rose slightly, "The Ministry is now free of Death Eaters and their sympathisers. That is excellent news."

Shacklebolt's voice rose even more, "Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft is quickly being rebuilt and is scheduled to open on time September 1st. But that is not reason enough to throw a party."

Hermione watched the anticipation build. They were now cheering with each announcement. She could tell that Shacklebolt was almost ready, "Who here would like to know why we are all here?" The crowd practically begged him to answer.

"Well." Shacklebolt's grew more sombre, "As you know, I had mixed feelings about our victories over Voldemort and the Death Eaters. I felt they came at a great cost. I personally had more than some to be thankful for. My life was spared when a young man was willing to trade his for mine."

Shacklebolt had been told to pause at this point to the count of five. The crowd was left meditating on the sacrifice that had been made. Was the rumour of Harry's death being confirmed?

Hermione could feel the natural baritone shake the room as the excitement returned to his voice, "But tonight I stand here happy. Why? Although the young man who saved my life was willing to give his own life in exchange...it was not taken. Death held my mate, Harry Potter, firmly in his clutches but in the end Harry's soul held too strong to his body and Death was left grasping at empty air."

Looks were shared. The audience would have cheered but they were too surprised to react.

The Minister smiled, "Harry has spent the past month recovering from his injuries. He has suffered a great deal of pain and he has not fully recovered. Even so, he wanted to come out tonight and thank all of your for your help in defeating Voldemort."

Hermione smiled as Shacklebolt reached a crescendo, "Please everyone! Help me welcome our Guest of Honour this evening, Mr. Harry Potter!"

The crowd erupted into a frenzy. Only a few cameras were ready with flash bulbs. Most of the writers had mistook tonight as yet another politician's attempt to grab cheap headlines from a party. Having been forewarned, Lee's mates 'from across the pond' had been ready, though. Lee had interrupted that night's Regularly Scheduled Program on the Wizard Wide Network and offered a the kind of surprise news that changed the trajectory of careers in the news profession. Hermione was sure Lee would rate a promotion for being there for the first words as "The Boy Who Died" once again became the "Boy Who Lived."

Harry had been waiting in a room behind the dais. He stepped out from behind the curtain and the applause only grew louder. He walked fine but that he was still very thin and even the short walk to the Minister took a lot out of him. He tried to address the crowd but had forgotten to initiate the charm. There were a few polite laughs as he smiled and made use of his wand.

"There then," were his first words. "Hello!" he croaked. Many in the crowd shouted "Hello" back. Harry had never felt comfortable being the centre of attention so Hermione was prouder than ever that he fought his fear, "As many of you can see, despite insistence by a few 'unknown sources,' I am very much alive."

The young wizard paused for breath, "It is rumoured that I died saving the Minister but that is only partly true. The Minister actually saved me after I saved him. And really, if it were not for the staff at St. Mungo's and for the Weasleys I would not be here today. In particular, Madam Pomfrey, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, my adopted Mum Mrs. Weasley and a brilliant healer by the name of Speersbotten that deserves a much better pronunciation of his name than I offered. Time and time again my family and my mates have been there for me and I cannot thank them enough for it. But sorry...I'm rambling."

He gathered his thoughts, "I really would like to thank each and every one of you. It was because of you that Voldemort was defeated. Tonight I'd like to get around and see all of you. As you can see, I must take some time to rest so please forgive me if I ask to sit on occasion."

The crowd waited patiently as he again caught his breath, "I have heard many nice things said about me during my recovery. I suppose I must ask forgiveness. I woke two weeks ago to find that one publication had pronounced me dead behind the always dodgy, 'cited by unnamed sources.' I didn't wish the Weasley's to be harassed by the Prophet and so I found no reason to disagree with the story at the time."

Harry was growing weary. He needed to wrap this up, "I rarely feel comfortable speaking in public. Since my first day at Hogwarts, my words have been twisted to create controversy and sell papers. The exceptions have been few and I'd like to take this time to thank those people. Mr. Lovegood at The Quibbler and the people at the Wizard Wide Network, specifically Lee Jordan, have been objective and fair in all of their accounts. I'd like to thank both of them."

Harry wasn't a polished public speaker so the audience didn't have a clue that he was done. Even Shacklebolt was taken by surprise as Harry limped down the stairs. Eventually he caught on and put the speech to a close, "As promised, Harry will mingle with the crowd so don't feel the need to come find him. Everyone join me in giving Harry a round of applause!"

Hermione couldn't help but grin. That was Harry. Few were comfortable enough in their own skin that they could walk off stage without worry whether they received applause or not.

ZZZZZZ

Harry met up with Lee Jordan first and gave him a quick interview. Jordan had put two and two together during Hermione's conversation and he was prepared with questions by the time Harry found him. He then walked amongst the crowd sharing handshakes and hugs. Many wished him well and a few even asked for photos.

During Harry's interview several had stepped up to George's stall and had bought badges that first flashed "Bury the Prophet" and then "Not the Potter." One badge flashed Harry's likeness and would play a quote from an old Muggle movie, "Aym not Dead Yet..." Several parents bought Muggle style shirts with the message on the front "The Daily Prophet: Dead Wrong Since 1981" and then on the back was a mock front page of the Prophet with each inaccurate headline posted by the paper about Harry Potter from 1981 to the report of his death in 1998 in small print. The headlines, of course, ended full circle as the first headline was the report of his death as a baby and the last was his death at Malfoy Manor.

Many parents asked him to sign the shirts for their children. Others asked him how he was and thanked him for his part in the defeat of Voldemort. A few asked his future plans. One ambitious mum even asked if he'd be willing to meet her daughter over dinner. Somehow he mingled and spoke and interviewed for six hours. By end of night, he'd spoken to more than 300 people and interviewed with nine publications. All were gracious but he was exhausted once he'd finally shook the last hand and signed the last shirt.

Ready for home, Harry began looking for his mates. The crowd had thinned out so it didn't take long to pick Hermione and Ron out of the crowd. As he headed toward his mates he felt a gentle tug on his robes.

Harry jerked himself away and spun around. His stomach lurched from the sudden movement and it nearly doubled him over. He recovered quickly but not before an attractive young witch began apologising, "I'm so, so sorry. I didn't mean to...I didn't think..." He'd frightened her so badly she was babbling.

"No, it's my fault," Harry gasped as he straightened up. He placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her,"I'm not used to people approaching me from behind."

His smile convinced her to relax, "I'm so sorry to trouble you. My name is Sarah Youngblood. I'm with Witch Weekly but I wasn't invited here as a journalist. I was brought as a guest." He could tell she regretted even approaching him.

"You have a question?"

"Erm, yes, but if I'm imposing..."

"Why don't you ask the question and I'll decide," Harry offered. "Can we sit down first? I'm exhausted."

Her eyes filled with thanks, "Of course" They found chairs and she began, "Well, erm, I was assigned a project, you see. It's related to you but you aren't the subject...Really, I shouldn't be discussing it with anyone but editorial staff but we are deadlocked. As you know Witch Weekly caters to witches...particularly witches with families. Each January we present a New Year Edition."

"Because of the War we didn't publish a New Year Edition this year. We just didn't see the point. Now, with the sudden upturn in spirits we plan to send out a Near New Year Special Edition. It will be released this Friday and shall be themed 'A New Beginning.' We are advertising bright new fashions and a more upbeat outlook in general."

Harry looked confused, "I don't see where I fit in."

Poor Sarah was obviously flustered, "My apologies. The staff is deadlocked with regards to whom should be chosen as 'Witch of the Year.' The younger witches insist that Hermione Granger should be chosen and they argue that she was invaluable in your quest to defeat Voldemort. The older witches argue that Mrs. Molly Weasley would be a better choice because she better represents our demographic and because of the dramatic way that she dispatched Bellatrix Lestrange." The witch looked hopeful, "I was hoping you may have some input?"

"That's a tough question," admitted Harry. "My initial reaction would be Hermione because of her bravery and her resourcefulness. If it wasn't for her, for example, I'd have been found by the Death Eaters the night they overthrew the Ministry. She always had a plan and she kept us focused."

Harry went silent but the witch could tell he was still thinking, "But, the more I think about it Mrs. Weasley should win."

The witch seemed surprised. "Why?"

ZZZZZZZ

Dinner had just ended. Harry had asked Kreacher to cook a delicious meal so that Mrs. Weasley could take the night off. Kreacher had still not warmed up to Molly but out of respect for Harry he agreed.

At the moment Arthur was reading from Witch Weekly's Near New Year Special Edition dated Friday 5 June 1998. The article was titled Witch of the Year Closest Race Ever: Final Choice made By Chosen One.

...Harry then explained "While Miss Granger may have been the single most important witch in the fight against Voldemort, Mrs. Weasley embodies all of the qualities that Witch Weekly stands for."

"Mrs. Weasley is beyond all other things a mother. Most wizards will be impressed that she defeated Bellatrix Lestrange single-handedly in a duel and will stop there. Few people realise that she raised and prepared eight children with completely different personalities to become valuable and respected members of the communities they live in."

"Her children have grown up to become a Curse Breaker at Gringotts, a Researcher of Dragons in Romania, the Owner of a Shop on Diagon Alley, two Auror Trainees at the Ministry, a top student at Hogwarts, and an Under Secretary to the Minister. All of her children offered their lives in the quest to defeat Voldemort. Reluctantly she allowed her children to serve despite losing both of her brothers in the First War. Ultimately, one of her children was lost but he fought with honour and bravery."

Our writer asked Harry why he mentioned eight children:

"My Mum and Dad were killed when I was a baby. From age twelve on I spent most of my holidays with the Weasleys. My guardians provided me with a roof but Mr. and Mrs. Weasley provided me with a family. She taught me the importance of family and community. If my Mum were alive today she would thank Mrs. Weasley for all she has done. I consider Mrs. Weasley my adopted Mum and I love her with all my heart. In that regard, whether she knows it or not, Mrs. Weasley has eight children."

And so, with the assistance of Harry Potter, we here at Witch Weekly were able to break the deadlock. We would like to present to you Mrs. Molly Weasley, Witch Weekly's newest Witch of the Year!

Arthur paused for breath. Those at the table sat quietly and took in the glow that radiated off of Mrs. Weasley. The family patriarch offered his own opinion, "Harry, those were very kind words. I'm happy the rest of England will finally get a glimpse of what I've known for more than thirty years. Congratulations, Love."

After oohs and ahhhs from the witches at the table, Bill stood and raised his glass, "To Mum. The mother who made us who we are." The rest of the room joined in, "Here, Here!" and "Cheers!"

Hermione did not mind in the least that Mrs. Weasley had won. She was shocked to be nominated in the first place especially amongst such well known witches. Each witch had a biographical piece included with reasons for their nominations as well as a full colour picture. Hermione had received many owls congratulating her for her nomination and some even described her picture as "stunning," "brilliant" or "beautiful."

Once the treacle tart had been served (with seconds to Harry) most of the Weasleys and their dates moved to the sitting room. Percy left early but the others sat and talked as Kreacher cleaned.

"I could get used to this," exclaimed a jubilant Molly. She sat in a chair and ceremoniously placed her feet on an Ottoman.

George cheeked, "Mum, if Kreacher were left here we'd find him dead in the kitchen within a week. You'd be pacing the house looking for something to clean or cook."

"Could you imagine Mum at Hogwarts with a regiment of House Elves at her disposal? She'd have the whole of the Forbidden Forest swept clean by end of term," claimed Ron. His mum blushed.

As the party wound down Harry tried to get Ginny to himself. He was successful at heading her off at the stairs as she prepared to return to Luna's for the evening. She made every attempt not to look him in the eye, "Yeah Harry?"

"I was wondering if we could talk." When she shrugged he fought on, "We haven't spoken at all since, well..." She just stood there without a word. Harry could feel the tension building, "Ginny, I know last year I ended things badly. I can't explain..."

Ginny cut him off, "It's not that. It's...I saw you there nearly dead in my room. Your body was twisted and broken. I still can't get those images out of my mind. I have...nightmares." Her eyes went misty. Harry tried to hug her but she pushed him away, "No. Not now. I can't see you now. I need space. I can't be around you until I think things through."

"Oh," was all Harry could choke out. He shuffled his feet, "I guess I should go then."

His worst worries had been realised. He'd mostly recovered but he was still gaunt in the face. He had the look of an underfed boy. She obviously no longer found him attractive. Harry headed into his room without so much as a "good night" to anybody.

The party continued until well into the night. All were oblivious to the conversation between Ginny and Harry except for Hermione who had quietly witnessed the entire exchange from a couch near the stairs. She worried for her mates and especially Harry. Though he would never admit it, she knew Ginny had been the reason Harry pushed himself so hard to recover. Hermione wondered what he'd do if Ginny continued to avoid him...or worse, if she pushed him away altogether.

Harry, on the other hand, spent the evening lying in bed staring at a piece of parchment. He'd received an owl post early Friday morning and now he was reconsidering the implications.

"Meet me outside of Gringotts seven o'clock Monday morning. Come alone. - Shacklebolt."