Opening Author's Notes
Whoa. Been busy and had a lot on my mind, but I'm blessed and fortunate to say it's definitely been better. I've also had some brain waves and found myself writing to the point that I've had to split this upload into two chapters to be shared as simultaneously as possible. Dedication for this chapter goes to Mikki (Her_Tulip) with secondary dedication going to Katherine (GoldsberryDiggs) – the song in this chapter is the inspiration for the title of her own Hamilton story, which was one of the inspirations for me to write this. She also gave me the idea to do one more thing involving the box.
Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.
–Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette
British Ministry of Magic Headquarters
Whitehall, Westminster, London, England, UK
Hermione couldn't help but bask in the cheers of their fellow fighters and the assembled crowd for a few minutes as fireworks continued to explode overhead. After a few minutes, she then saw Harry draw his wand, point it at his own throat and say, "Sonorous!"
He then cleared his throat, and the crowd took notice and started to quiet. It wasn't quick enough for Ron, though, who cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Oy, shut it! Harry's talking!"
The crowd quickly finished quieting. Harry grinned at Ron and said, "Thanks, mate."
He saw Ron grin back and give him a thumbs-up. He then turned back to the crowd and continued,
"We have not only won a great victory and the chance to reshape our government and our world at long last. We also have been incredibly fortunate – though some of us were wounded and personal property and businesses were damaged during this struggle for justice against the bigoted faction, no one was killed."
"Hear, hear!" Molly called, leading the cheers.
Harry let them continue before he held up his hand again for silence. He then said,, "I do hope no one thinks I'm emo or morbid for what I'm about to say in light of that, but I would like to remember once more those who gave their lives against Voldemort and did not live to see this day. Now that we can reshape this country, we owe it to ourselves to remember that what we did tonight and what we will be doing soon is not just for ourselves but for our loved ones, especially those who cannot be with us except in spirit."
He looked around and saw nods start to become more numerous, starting with Madam Bones, Molly and Lupin, who were the quickest to understand as people who had lost friends and family.
"Alex?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, Hermione?" Alex inquired in response.
"I think it's time...for that song." Hermione said, unable to keep a small smile from breaking out over her face.
Alex looked back at her and knew almost instantly what she meant, and John, Hercules and Lafayette knew as well – especially after Alex had told John and Hercules about Hermione singing part of it in the Room of Requirement. Harry also took this opportunity to point his wand at his throat again and say, "Quietus," so that he wasn't too loud.
They smiled at her as Alex pulled out the box again. He then turned the crank after he, John, Lafayette, Hercules, Hermione, Harry and Ron had lined their wands up with lit keyholes and turned.
"Everyone, follow Alex and repeat after him!" Hermione called.
Alex smiled at that, and after a few piano notes sounded, began to sing, with the crowd joining in as Hermione had asked,
[Alex] I may not live to see our glory
[Crowd] (I may not live to see our glory)
[Alex] But I will gladly join the fight
[Crowd] (But I will gladly join the fight)
[Alex] And when our children tell our story
[Crowd] (And when our children tell our story)
[Alex] They'll tell the story of tonight
"Let's have another round tonight..." Hercules proclaimed as his glass was refilled.
"Let's have another round tonight..." Lafayette echoed as drinks were passed to Hermione, Harry, Ron and Alex.
"Let's have another round tonight..." Alex repeated, preemptively raising his glass and looking at John. John was already smiling and raising his glass as he began to sing,
[John] Raise a glass to freedom
Something they can never take away
No matter what they tell you
Raise a glass to the four of us
[Alex/John/Lafayette/Hercules] Tomorrow there'll be more of us
Telling the story of tonight
[Alex] They'll tell the story of tonight
As John sang, the others followed his example of raising their glass or bottle. Harry and Hermione then pointed their wands above the Fountain of Magical Brethren and a large ring of what looked like black stone materialized, looking a bit like a large obsidian halo. Names then began to appear, softly glowing as they scrolled around it. The onlookers gazed solemnly up at it, recognizing the names as those of the people who had perished in the two wars against Voldemort.
Alex, John, Lafayette and Hercules then looked at Harry, Hermione and Ron, and they took up the song with gusto.
[Harry/Hermione/Ron] Raise a glass to freedom
Something they can never take away
[Harry] No matter what they tell you
[Harry/Hermione/Ron] Let's have another round tonight
[Alex] Raise a glass to the four of us
[Harry/Hermione/Ron/Alex] Tomorrow there'll be more of us
Telling the story of tonight
[Lafayette/John/Hercules] Let's have another round tonight
As they sang, it became evident that Hermione's and Harry's conjuration and charms that had made the black stone and the names emerge seemed to respond to the emotions and wills of the onlookers, because some of the names began to glow more brightly in turn. Each name that did was the name of someone known to the strike team, as if the victors wanted to make sure there were places of honor for fallen comrades and family members. As each name glowed, at least one person was raising his or her bottle or glass in tribute.
With a tear in her eye, Madam Bones raised her glass and Susan raised her bottle when the names of Edgar and Mary Bones – Susan's parents, who had died in the first war against Voldemort – glowed.
Ron raised his bottle when Percy Weasley's name glowed, and around him, Arthur, Ginny, Bill, Fred and George did so as well. Molly choked back a sob, but had enough strength to join in. When Voldemort was revealed to have returned, Percy had come to his senses and worked to identify those within the Ministry who were not yet known as Death Eaters or other Voldemort supporters. When he had been struck down, he barely had time enough to tearfully beg his family and Harry for forgiveness – and receive it.
Tonks, Moody and Kingsley also raised their glasses when Emmeline Vance's and Hestia Jones' names lit up, as they had been Aurors and fellow Order of the Phoenix members who had perished in the second war.
Hermione preemptively and comfortingly hugged Harry when Cedric's name glowed, followed by Sirius's and Dumbledore's. Lupin had a very wistful smile when Sirius's name glowed, while Dumbledore's name glowing made McGonagall and many in the audience raise their glasses further and wipe away tears.
Harry also found himself briefly but sincerely raising his bottle when Severus Snape's and Draco Malfoy's names glowed – the two of them had surprised the entire Order of the Phoenix and their allies (save perhaps Dumbledore) with what they did to fight for the Light side against their pasts and their heritages. Even though he had had no reason to do anything other than hate them while they were alive, he wanted to see that their names were honored in death.
By Harry's own request, the names of Lily Evans Potter and James Potter were the last two to light up. He also made sure the Biblical inscription he had found on their tombstone in Godric's Hollow when he had visited was shown: "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." He could feel the eyes of everyone in attendance turn to him as the names lit up, but for once, he understood – and more importantly, he was lost in his own reverie, as he tried to convey his thoughts to his parents.
Mum, Dad, he thought, I think I understand even more what you meant now. People may think it has to do with Hallows, Horcruxes, Philospher's Stones or other ways of achieving literal immortality before death, but you, Alex and his friends taught me that that's not so. Instead, it's about leaving a legacy and an example to be followed.
Hermione seemed to sense it, because she held him more tenderly around the shoulders as they finished,
[Hermione] They'll tell the story of tonight
[Ginny/Luna/Fleur] Raise a glass to freedom
[Alex/John/Lafayette/Hercules] They'll tell the story of tonight
[Parvati/Padma] Raise a glass to freedom
[Harry/Hermione/Ron] They'll tell the story of tonight
[Crowd] They'll tell the story of tonight
As the music died away, Hermione, Harry, Alex, John and their comrades in the clearing raised their glasses and bottles a little higher and then drank to the memory of the fallen. The others followed their example, grieving for those who had passed but more importantly celebrating the fact that they had lived to finish what they started and resolving to help build a better world from the ashes.
Headmaster's/Headmistress's Office
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Near Hogsmeade, Scotland, UK
From his portrait at the Ministry, Dumbledore had seen what had transpired, and any who saw him saw that even in wizarding portrait form, his heart was full. The twinkle in his eyes was slightly obscured by tears but still visible. Back in his portrait in the Head's Office, with the other previous Headmasters and Headmistresses of Hogwarts looking at him from their own frames, he managed a sincere smile, raised a glass and said,
"We have sacrificed much for this future, and I myself am part of that. But those of us who are not here to see this day are deeply grateful that you have not forgotten us, and we will watch over you and help guide you as you protect and build this new world that we have won."
The other Heads also raised glasses and toasted their victorious comrades.
REVOLUTION AND REBIRTH
Pureblood supremacist faction overthrown in daring attack – Boy Who Lived involved along with American and French allies, including descendant of US Founding Father
By Luna Lovegood, special to the Daily Prophet
Last night in York, in an audacious attack code-named Operation Rochambeau, a multinational force of British, French and American witches and wizards deposed the pureblood supremacists in control of the Ministry of Magic led by Minister Cornelius Fudge and Senior Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge.
The operation, which took place at the Jugson House during a dinner, resulted in the deaths of both Fudge and Umbridge. Amelia Bones, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, had command of the operation and is current acting Minister, while Arthur Weasley of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office is acting Senior Undersecretary.
The British contingent included Aurors, members of the Order of the Phoenix and a large Hogwarts delegation including Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, Harry Potter and a number of members of Dumbledore's Army. Moreover, many DA or Order members in the strike team, including de facto DA captains Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, had already been awarded the Order of Merlin for valor in the first or both wars against the recently slain Lord Voldemort.
The French contingent, composed exclusively of Beauxbatons students and graduates, included Beauxbatons Triwizard champion Fleur Delacour, Gilbert du Motier – the Marquis de Lafayette – and a team of French Aurors. Similarly, the entire American contingent was schooled at Ilvermony, with the most notable name from their ranks being Alexander Hamilton, who had been attending Hogwarts as a transfer from Ilvermony under the name of Alex Schuyler.
Mr Hamilton and the Marquis are named after and descended from the heroes of the same name who fought in the American War of Independence. The original Hamilton was the first American Secretary of the Treasury (the US equivalent of Chancellor of the Exchequer), while the original Lafayette was a soldier known as the "Hero of Two Worlds." Consequently, many in the American magical community have not only celebrated their part in the operation but also embraced them as a living link to their heritage.
British Ministry of Magic Headquarters
Minister's Office
Madam Bones smiled and laid the Daily Prophet down on her desk in the Minister's office with a contented sigh. Even as celebrations of Operation Rochambeau continued – every member of the strike team had been awarded the Order of Merlin Second Class earlier that day – they had remained hard at work outlining plans for reforming and altering the government of magical Britain and then setting them into motion.
"How was the visit to No. 10, Downing Street?" Arthur asked. Following tradition, she had met with her counterpart in non-magical Britain earlier after the Order of Merlin ceremony.
"Major was startled as anyone would have been to hear what happened, but he was thankfully welcoming," Madam Bones replied. She took a moment, smiled and added,
"I won't bet against Miss Granger following in my footsteps and doing that someday...Nor will I bet against Hamilton doing the same one day at No. 1600, Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington."
"Oh, the White House, Amy?" McGonagall asked with a grin.
"Exactly, Minnie," Madam Bones replied, pride in their charges evident in her voice.
"I tell you, the way they've been working after classes and homework with the others, I completely agree!" Arthur said. They had just visited Hermione listening to concerns of werewolves, house elves and more while Alex had been discussing ideas of how to modernize and reform the Wizengamot.
"Arthur, any word from International Magical Cooperation and Magical Transportation?" Madam Bones asked.
"Oh, yes. Just came to see us a few minutes ago while we were checking on the children, Madam," Arthur answered. "They've been busy talking with their opposite numbers in France and America and say that the arrangements for our visits to Beauxbatons and Ilvermony have been working swimmingly."
Operation Rochambeau – Beauxbatons Reception
Académie de Magie Beauxbatons (Beauxbatons Academy of Magic)
Near Toulouse, Occitanie, France
"Fleur? Gilbert?"
Harry had never seen Olympe Maxime look so wide-eyed. As a surprise for her and Beauxbatons, the Operation Rochambeau team had arranged to visit while only telling her to expect guests – including current students and graduates – for dinner.
They therefore had prepared for guests but still been taken by surprise when the strike team had appeared, with the French delegation in the lead, all wearing their Beauxbatons blue robes even if they graduated. Behind them, the British and American delegations likewise wore Hogwarts and Ilvermony robes respectively.
"Oui, Madame." They replied as one as their compatriots in the strike team drew closer behind them, meeting their Headmistress's eyes.
Madame Maxime's composure crumbled – but in the most refreshing way. She fell to her knees and opened her arms, and Fleur and Lafayette needed no further instruction, rushing forward and hugging her as they felt themselves engulfed in their Headmistress's arms.
"Je suis si...si fière de vos exploits! (I am so...so proud of your accomplishments!)" She managed to say through her tears. The other French members of the strike team quickly came forward and joined the group hug.
The sight was beautifully moving for all, but none more so for the Beauxbatons students and teachers. One girl beamed and began to sing, "Allons, enfants de la Patrie..."
"Le jour de glorie est arrivé!" Lafayette finished with a big smile, recognizing the opening of La Marsellaise, the French national anthem.
By the end, every Frenchman and Frenchwoman in the hall, not to mention the wood nymphs who traditionally serenaded the students during meals, had joined in singing, punctuated by a raucous cheer.
The lead nymph allowed the cheers to continue before raising her hand for silence...after which she stunned the British delegation in particular by starting to sing Rule Britannia. Hermione had joyous memories of watching the Last Night at the Proms as she helped Harry sing and felt her heart soar as she saw him having fun. The nymphs then began to sing God Bless America, and she looked over and saw Alex and John unable to hold back tears.
A few hours later, Fleur and Lafayette were walking alone together through the ornate Beauxbatons gardens.
It had been a tiring but fulfilling day and evening. Dinner had been followed by a tour of Beauxbatons, and Fleur's little sister Gabrielle, who Harry had helped rescue during the second task of the Triwizard Tournament, was all too happy to serve as one of the tour guides.
They sat down on the edge of the gardens' centerpiece, the Fontaine Nicolas et Perenelle Flamel. Said to have healing and beautifying properties, it was named after the famous alchemist couple, who were the two most famous graduates of the school (and had met there) and had funded the chateau and gardens. Nicolas was, of course, also the only known crafter of the Philosopher's (Sorcerer's) Stone, which Harry, Hermione and Ron had become familiar with as first years.
Fleur then pulled out a box and handed it to Lafayette. Judging from its length and weight, he guessed that it contained a wand, and he was right. He pulled it out with wide eyes and held it aloft, feeling a powerful yet comforting warmth spreading to his hand.
"Twelve inches, olive...and remember how one of grand-mère's (Grandmother's) hairs is the core of my wand?" Fleur asked.
"Bien sûr. (Of course/certainly.)" Lafayette said, nodding slowly.
"Well," Fleur said, blushing slightly but smiling sincerely, "I noticed while combing my hair recently that one of my hairs had come off and appeared to still have a soft glow. I then 'ad the idea of bringing it with me to Paris and taking it to a wandmaker–"
"C'est pas vrai! (It's not true!)" Lafayette exclaimed. "That hair of yours is the core of this wand?"
"C'est vrai (It's true)," Fleur replied. She then took his hands, making him look at her, and said, "Gilbert, you 'ave a journey ahead of you that comes with your 'eritage, and I've known for a long time now that it can span more than one lifetime, but even if I cannot be there in person, I want to protect you always through this wand."
Lafayette looked down at the wand in his hand, his mouth open with shock. Before he could think anything else, he raised it above his head and shouted, "Lumos!"
A dazzling light lit the end of the wand, making both him and Fleur avert their eyes initially before turning back. After a few seconds, Lafayette said quietly but clearly, "Nox," and met Fleur's eyes again.
He saw that Fleur was looking back at him with a look of utter devotion. Her beauty to him – not just external but internal as well – seemed so ethereal that to Gilbert, she seemed even more like a goddess than a Veela. Before he lost his nerve, he managed to say,
"Fleur Isabelle, please protect me always...at my side and as my equal."
Fleur burst into tears of joy. She hugged Lafayette around the neck and then drew back and kissed him on the forehead, managing to say, "Oui, Gilbert, mon cher, oui..."
Lafayette beamed back, but then his face fell as if struck by a sudden troubling thought, though he did not let go of her.
"Qu'est-ce que c'est? (What is it?)" Fleur asked.
"It's Guillaume..." Lafayette said haltingly. "I know he had feelings for you too and while I hoped you'd choose me over him if it came to that, he's a very good man who deserves happiness."
"T'en fais pas (Don't worry)," Fleur reassured. Seeing Lafayette surprised at this, she explained, "He was actually the one who encouraged me to act on my feelings. He's also found a girl to love – who even meets with Molly's approval."
Lafayette beamed and hugged Fleur again at that, saying, "I owe him a drink soon for that. No, I owe him a whole bottle."
Fleur nodded and then asked, "Could I see the box? I promise I won't damage it...it's just that I'm sensing something."
Lafayette nodded, let go and pulled out Alex's box, which he had been keeping safe for him. They both sat down on the edge of the fountain and placed it between them. Fleur then concentrated, and a ball of fire appeared, hovering above her palm. Unlike the ones others had seen her throw, though, this one was a pure and brilliant white. Instead of throwing it, she let it hover.
After a few seconds, the box clicked and swung open slowly to reveal a brilliant gold ring topped by a medium-size circular-cut diamond. Fleur's and Lafayette's eyes, but she kept her concentration on the fireball.
A series of images then appeared in the fireball as if it was a crystal ball. She saw a man courting a woman what appeared to be two centuries ago, followed by the man proposing with what looked like the same ring. Then it showed both tender moments like the birth of a child and then tragic moments such as the woman burning away what Fleur recognized as evidence of the man's infidelity. She thought her eyes couldn't get any wider when she saw that the woman had still died wearing the same ring, but she was wrong.
The last image was of Alex in his Gryffindor dorm, sitting on his four-poster bed and looking at the ring inside the box longingly while a magical photo of him and Eliza was on his bedside table. He was saying, "I promise that if we are victorious tomorrow and I survive and come home, the day I see you again, Eliza, I'll ask if you will wear this ring again. I've loved you for 200 years."
Fleur dispelled the fireball, and when Lafayette met her eyes, he could see that she was dumbstruck and gaping.
"Mon Dieu! (My God!)" She gasped and exclaimed. "This is Eliza's – the original Eliza's ring!" She pronounced the latter name as Eh-lee-zah.
Lafayette was too stunned to speak and could only nod, though he did so fervently.
"I 'ave an idea," Fleur said, her face lighting up. "We'll be attending the MACUSA ball in New York in two days with them and maybe that can be the moment – if Alexandre doesn't keep his promise earlier that day. We need to find and tell 'Arry, 'Ermione, Jean and 'Ercules."
Closing Author's Notes
The more I thought about it, the more having at least one cross-fandom pairing in this story made sense. I definitely had fun writing Fleur/Lafayette since I'm a fan of both (and interested in the real Lafayette's story!) Alex does meet Eliza again next chapter, which will be set at Ilvermony, but the ring is going to wait for a little bit (though for good reason.) Next chapter also includes two songs – including one from the Hamilton Mixtape that I write two verses for involving Harry Potter characters. Hope I can get it right!
On another note, I should mention that there is an interesting HP AU story also called Raise a Glass to Freedom by Cheeky Slytherin Lass here on this site. The story is a one-shot for a challenge and only uses the title (no lyrics) but it definitely is well done and gave me some energy.