Opening Author's Notes
Whew! Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving, because I know for darn sure I was blessed to have one – as a matter of fact, it's definitely the best I've had in years! So many things have happened, including big things related to fandoms that I've written about, but I'll try not to spend too much time on them so we can get going properly.
I can say about this story that a very recent Hamilton song release and the Fantastic Beasts previews made me overhaul my plans but also helped me fight through my writer's block and finish. I also want to apologize for the false update – I accidentally hit Publish when it was nowhere near ready and I hope this makes up for it. Dedication goes again to my Wattpad supporters – this time, primary to Her_Tulip with secondary dedication to GoldsberryDiggs.
I have behind me not only the splendid traditions and the annals of more than a thousand years but the living strength and majesty of the Commonwealth and Empire, of societies old and new, of lands and races different in history and origins – but all, by God's will, united in spirit and in aim.
–Queen Elizabeth II
Operation Rochambeau – Ilvermony Reception
Ilvermony School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Mount Greylock
Near Adams, Massachusetts, USA
A short time afterwards, Madam Bones called Harry, Hermione, Alex and McGonagall off to the side to follow her to the trophy room and gallery.
"I've had these moved from the Ministry to here while we are in America and wanted the four of you to be first to see them," She told them as she led them past cups and awards to a back wall that had a curtained space between two trophies. "The only time they'll be out of here before we leave are when they come with us to MACUSA for the ball tonight. After that, they'll be open to the rest of the Ilvermony students and any other visitors until we go."
"What are they?" McGonagall asked.
"Rather, who are they?" Madam Bones asked in reply. "I'll give you a couple of hints – one is someone we all know, and it's someone who wanted to return here to Ilvermony while he was alive but couldn't. I figured there wouldn't be a better time than this."
She saw McGonagall's eyes widen as she waved her wand and the curtains parted to reveal Dumbledore's portrait. Next to this was another portrait of a dignified-looking woman with brown eyes and olive skin. The nameplate on this read Seraphina Picquery.
Author's Note – Cue instrumental of Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story
"Professor!" Harry and Hermione exclaimed together. They hadn't spoken to Dumbledore in portrait form since Operation Rochambeau. Dumbledore's eyes gained their trademark twinkle as they gazed at the two of them.
Meanwhile, Alex saw Picquery's portrait and exclaimed, "Madam President!"
"Wait, is this the Seraphina Picquery you were talking about who was accepted to every Ilvermony house and then served as MACUSA President?" Hermione asked, as she and Harry turned to Alex.
"Beyond that...do you know each other?" Harry added
"Yes and yes. Alex confided in me during his visits to my portrait at MACUSA headquarters and I'm glad to have helped guide him and play but a small role in this," Picquery said with a small but sincere smile. "I'm glad to meet you all at last. Please allow me to congratulate you – and Hermione, Harry, that is not just for having every one of our Houses accept you."
"Thank you, Madam President." Hermione and Harry said together, with McGonagall and Madam Bones not far behind.
"There is a certain special magic in history," Picquery said, "It reminds people, towns, cities, even whole nations of who they are and what they can do. Even those who are not magical can evoke its powers both for bad and for good. When a witch or wizard gets the chance, that becomes that much more potent. I can't express enough how amazing it has been to know that the specific history that lent its magic were the moments of our nation's birth and its struggle for freedom. And now magic has written a new page of history, and is writing more as we speak...and thanks to you and your friends, is it ever beautiful!"
"Thank you," Alex said gratefully, quickly followed by Hermione and Harry.
"Harry, Hermione..." Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling further, "I was proud of you when you reminded Alex that he was not predestined to follow the path of his ancestor if he took on the Hamilton name. After Minerva told me some of the story, I knew I couldn't have said it better myself."
"Something you don't mind explaining, Harry?" Alex asked.
Harry and Hermione shared a look and a smile. McGonagall and Madam Bones inched closer, as they also had not heard about this. Harry turned back to Alex and narrated,
"When I confronted Voldemort's Horcrux of him as a Hogwarts student in the Chamber of Secrets, he said I was like him...and Professor Dumbledore agreed. As he said, we both were Parselmouths and shared, and I quote, 'Resourcefulness, determination, a certain disregard for rules...'"
Alex looked at Harry and saw that even though it had faded, what looked like the outline of the lightning bolt scar now shone on Harry's forehead before it faded away. He interjected, "But I saw you wielding the Sword of Gryffindor, including during the operation. And I sure as hell cannot think of too many people much more dissimilar to Voldemort than you."
"Thanks, Alex," Harry said, "But I couldn't yet recognize that just yet. I couldn't think of anything to say when Dumbledore asked me why I was a Gryffindor and not a Slytherin except that the Sorting Hat placed me there because I kept saying, 'Not Slytherin, not Slytherin'..."
He then finished, "That was when he told me, 'It is our choices, Harry, that make us who we are, far more than our abilities.'"
"We also add history and ancestry to that too. One of the cases in point...not only were many marked and unmarked Death Eaters so-called 'upstanding pureblood citizens', but Barty Crouch Jr., who impersonated Mad-Eye and ultimately was instrumental in Voldemort's resurrection, was the son of one of my old superiors at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement," Madam Bones added.
While Dumbledore nodded, Picquery asked, "Not only that, Alex...did they tell you about the family of Isolt Sayre?"
"Ilvermony's founder?" Hermione asked.
Alex nodded and then answered, "Not much, actually. What is it, ma'am?"
Picquery smiled as she answered, "Isolt's mother Rionach was a member of the House of Gaunt."
Dumbledore gave a small nod to confirm, though he still wore a smile. Alex was visibly shocked, but his shock was nothing compared to Madam Bones', McGonagall's, Hermione's and especially Harry's.
"As in the House of Gaunt, descended from Salazar Slytherin and including Tom Riddle?" Hermione asked, thunderstruck.
"The exact same," Picquery replied. "But Rionach didn't subscribe to pureblood supremacy at all and even married a Non-Maj man like Isolt eventually also did."
"Much like Andromeda Tonks – and Sirius to an extent," Hermione remarked. Harry nodded enthusiastically.
Picquery saw this, smiled and said, "Alex, I would say...and I believe I speak for Albus as well...that you are very much like the famous ancestor you are named after, and yet very different, and not just because you are a wizard. You had the benefit of a life lived – a life filled with its mistakes, tribulations, triumphs and moments of genius – and you knew you would be a fool to waste it. You were wise, although you always were striving to live up to your heritage, to not take the Hamilton name until you felt the time was right."
Dumbledore proudly nodded his agreement, and Alex couldn't stop a satisfied smile coming across his face as Picquery continued,
"You may have had magic and already legendary intellect and drive at your fingertips, but it is because of your choices that 200 years after it was thought to be over, the story of Alexander Hamilton now has a new fascinating chapter to tell."
"Thank you, but you give me way too much credit," Alex replied. "There's no way in hell I couldn't have done it alone – and as much as John, Hercules and Lafayette are my brothers in all but blood, I don't think the four of us could have done it by ourselves either or even if it was just us and the French. We might have fought the British for our freedom 200 years ago, but by God, I'm glad we had Hogwarts on our side this time because we needed them. Especially Hermione, Harry and Ron. If they weren't there when I arrived, I don't know how much could have been done."
"Thank you, but likewise, I think we needed the four of you as well," Hermione said.
"More than that, Hermione...I know we did," Harry agreed. As Hermione nodded fervently, Harry added, "And even if by some miracle we didn't, we'll certainly need them if we want to keep Britain's, America's and France's magical communities moving forward."
"Now that, we all agree on," Dumbledore said. "Take it from someone who tried to do much the same but did not always succeed..."
He paused here, and they saw him look regretful. Harry and Hermione, though, gave him a nod to indicate they understood but wanted him to continue. Dumbledore saw this, smiled and continued,
"You'll need the allies you have now and more besides. You'll need much of the courage and intellect that brought you this victory. Even with how much your schooling and adventures have prepared you, It will be one of the hardest things you have ever done, but if you persevere and do not lose sight of your goal, it will be one of the most rewarding because it is a noble cause."
He and Picquery nodded at each other. She then nodded at Alex and began, "That those we have lost shall not have died in vain..."
"That the nation shall have a new breath of freedom..." Alex continued with a nod.
Hermione paled as she also nodded, but she continued, "And that government of the people, by the people, for the people..."
She and Alex opened their mouths to continue, but before they could say anything more, Harry finished next to them, "...Shall not perish from the earth."
They turned to look at him, and Harry turned to Hermione and said off-handedly, "Couldn't help reading a bit myself after this adventure threw us into American history headfirst."
Hermione beamed a proud smile and gave him a quick but tight hug. Alex and Picquery were also smiling proudly at him. Meanwhile, McGonagall asked, "Would you three care to educate an old Scotswoman on what bit of American history that came from?"
"Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address," Alex replied.
"Makes sense. We've just ended perhaps the most violent civil war in our history," Madam Bones said, comprehension dawning on her face. She then finished emphatically, "On my honor not just as Minister but as a law enforcement officer, such a thing will not happen again on my watch if I have anything to say about it!"
"I promise the same on my honor as Headmistress and as a teacher," McGonagall agreed firmly and meaningfully.
"Professor, Madam Bones, we're right there with you," Harry agreed, the hard glint back in his eyes. Hermione and Alex quickly and wholeheartedly agreed with the same look.
"As if there should have been any doubt that our world was in good hands after what you've accomplished!" Picquery said, smiling at them and making them look at her again. "Everyone get ready...the Portkeys that will be taking you to New York should ready soon."
"Wait, Amelia," McGonagall said, holding up her hand. "Alex, is there something you want to play?"
She had seen a glow coming from Alex's inner robe pocket again. Alex pulled it out and saw that the familiar golden glow was coming from under the lid, with five of the keyholes lit. As the five of them not in portraits lined up their wands with the keyholes and turned them, Alex remarked,
"It's something odd...I feel it's the kind of fulfillment my ancestor dreamed of feeling. Maybe he felt it once, but I know it didn't last even if it did. Now, though, it feels different. Like this is more final. The point is...whatever comes out of this will be something I think he never truly had, and I can't thank you all enough for helping me and the rest of us get there."
"Oh, I think I know somehow..." Madam Bones said.
She and McGonagall then shared a look as Alex turned the crank and a soft melody started up, and Madam Bones and McGonagall looked at Hermione, Harry and Alex and began,
[Madam Bones] Hear them cheering for you now
In the streets, hear them cheering for you now
[McGonagall] Right up Broadway, they're cheering for you now
And one day, all the enemies we've made
Might hold their own parade...but not today
Alex returned her smile as the melody began to pick up and began, closing his eyes at first,
[Alex] I came here with nothing
Like hundreds before me
And millions behind me
You know you can find me in New York
McGonagall added more, leasing Alex to respond with something that made the others laugh momentarily.
[McGonagall] Where everyone's different
But share the same island
[Alex] Polluted and loud
But you're safe in the crowd
[Alex/McGonagall] Down in New York
[Alex] Today, it's my city – tomorrow, who knows?
Today, we're a country – let's see how that goes
They recognized that the melody had been escalating as Alex looked at Harry, who smiled back and joined in enthusiastically.
[Harry] Old blood didn't trust us
All safe in their sameness
Too scared of what's strange
Now each corner means change
Everyone – including Dumbledore and Picquery in their portraits – smiled at that. Alex turned to Hermione to find that she had taken Harry's arm, the reason for which became apparent as they continued,
[Alex] Down in New York
[Hermione] Where else can you wander
And hear every language?
We fight like a marriage
Then share the same carriage
[Alex] We'll suffer the weather
[Harry] We'll bind and we'll tether
[Hermione] Our nations together
Both McGonagall and Madam Bones smiled more broadly at that and led them back in.
[Madam Bones] We're just getting started
[McGonagall] And time's of the essence
[Alex] I can't say I've made it
[Harry] But we'd never trade it
[Hermione] They've thrown a parade
[Alex] Ha! In my New York
Both McGonagall and Madam Bones then took a step back and let Alex, Harry and Hermione finish,
[Alex/Harry/Hermione] Cheering for us now
Can you hear them cheering for us now?
McGonagall, Madam Bones, Dumbledore and Picquery all applauded as they finished. While the others then went on ahead, Harry and Hermione hung back to talk with Dumbledore after he indicated he had a question.
"Excellent!" Dumbledore exclaimed. Then he asked, "I am not sure if I have the right to ask in this state, but any chance of an encore tonight?"
"If we have any say, Professor, it'll happen," Hermione replied with a smile. "Alex made a promise before the operation and we intend on making him keep it."
Operation Rochambeau Ball & Reception
Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) Headquarters
Woolworth Building, Tribeca, Manhattan, New York, New York
It was hard to tell whether Harry, Hermione or Ron was the most surprised of the three of them when they found that, at least when compared to the British approach, the American approach was to hide their equivalent of the Ministry of Magic in plain sight. And not just in plain sight, but inside a US National Historical Landmark and one of the 30 tallest buildings in New York.
Because of how the operation had unfolded and who was involved, Hercules had suggested Revolutionary-era garb for the boys and men since they weren't overly dissimilar from dress robes. No one objected, especially seeing how they turned out.
Each had cream/light tan breeches and waistcoats and white shirts but different coats depending on affiliation. The Ilvermony males plus Lafayette had garb inspired by Continental Army officers with blue coats with gold facings, while the other Beauxbatons males had blue coats with red facings. Meanwhile, the Hogwarts males had their coats in House colors – red with gold facings for Gryffindor, yellow with onyx facings for Hufflepuff and blue with bronze facings for Ravenclaw.
Also similarly to their school robes worn for Operation Rochambeau, they included House crests, national flags and the emblem of either Dumbledore's Army, Dumbledore's Army or both on the sleeves. Harry couldn't resist admiring himself in the mirror as he donned brown dragon hide boots and donned his coat, which had his Order of Merlin and the French and American equivalents pinned to it.
"Blimey, Harry, we must look like British Army soldiers from the 18th century in these!" Ron remarked as they headed over to meet Arthur and Molly in one of the side rooms. Harry nodded and laughed, making a note to thank Hercules later.
"Oh, Arthur, you look like you're an army officer of old!" Molly exclaimed when she saw her husband approaching. She was wearing a burgundy gown.
"Molly, I'm a little disappointed in you. I'm already Senior Undersecretary now...must I now be a soldier too?" Arthur asked, though he wore a smile.
"Oh, forgive me...I sometimes forget that I'm an Order of Merlin recipient now too! But you really do look dashing, dear. It suits you," Molly said. Then she saw Ron and Harry and said as she gave them both huge hugs, "As do you, dears!"
"Thanks, Mum," Ron managed to say, though he was smiling.
"Thanks, Mrs Weasley," Harry agreed, though he was barely able to talk as well because of how Molly was holding him.
"Oh, sorry, dear, I got carried away," Molly said apologetically. "I better let you go – your angel's here."
She smiled and nodded behind him. Harry turned, laughed and smiled. Hermione was there, wearing the same white/periwinkle dress she had won to the Yule Ball. The only difference was that like him, she had her Order of Merlin and other medals pinned on, in addition to a folded-up British flag tied around her arm as an armband and her hair loose but still in curls.
"Wow, Hermione...you look amazing!" Harry gasped.
"As do you, Harry," Hermione replied, her face radiant. She then reached for his arm and asked, "Shall we?"
"Gladly," Harry answered. He then held out his arm and Hermione took it.
They then found McGonagall next to the entrance to the ballroom. She wore a dignified gown of deep navy much like the one on the Scottish flag and wore her clan tartan as a sash.
"I have to confess this was what I was hoping to see from you at the Yule Ball," she said, looking misty-eyed and nostalgic but smiling sincerely.
"Can you forgive a couple of teenagers for being thick? Some Gryffindors we must have been, Professor..." Hermione said, looking guilty.
"Given what's happened since...I can," McGonagall replied, her smile growing. "Hermione, Harry...you, Ron and Alex have earned the right. It's Minerva – but only when we're in private, of course."
"Thank you, Professor..." Hermione said, her mouth suddenly dry. She and Harry suddenly both gave McGonagall a hug.
The ballroom had two levels with a landing overlooking the first floor. From this landing hung the American, British and French flags that had been flown during Operation Rochambeau, along with the Hogwarts and Ilvermony banners and the banners of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Joining them this time were the banners of the four Ilvermony Houses – Thunderbird, Wampus, Pukwudgie and Horned Serpent – all of which had been represented on the strike team.
On one side, one wall had been bewitched similarly to the Great Hall at Hogwarts and various windows at the British Ministry of Magic to look like outside, so people could see Tribeca and parts of the Manhattan skyline.
Hermione and Harry entered when announced to cheers and happily made their rounds before sitting down for dinner. They saw Fleur also in her Yule Ball dress – in her case, dark blue. Hermione and Harry thought she looked even more luminous and knew the fact that her date was Lafayette and not Roger Davies was a big factor if not the biggest.
They also saw Lafayette handing Bill a bottle of fine cognac and pouring him the first glass as they had fun talked about Bill's girlfriend, a bright Hufflepuff and talented potion maker named Penny Haywood who came to Hogwarts a few years after Bill.
Ron and Luna were drawing extra praise after they had done something amazing and interesting with Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem and Sayre's statue. Luna had come up with the idea after learning that Sayre had dreamt of being a Ravenclaw before immigrating to America – hence why Ilvermony's uniform included blue robes. Just before they sat down to eat, Hermione and Harry also greeted Eliza, who wore a pale gold dress with white trim that left her shoulders bare. Hermione also let Eliza know that their plan was on track.
After dinner, Hermione and Harry rounded off by having a slice each of a wonderful pumpkin pie before Hermione put the plan for Alex and Eliza into motion.
They didn't have to make up too much or lead Alex on, however, because they had a legitimate reason for keeping Alex busy. Lafayette had Alex's box again, and he had passed it to Fleur before the ball, knowing what she was going to do as part of the plan.
Seeing as so many Quidditch and Quodpot players had been involved in the operation – including the whole Gryffindor Quidditch team – Alex had been wondering if they could do a charity match or two to raise funds for orphans. The original Eliza had founded New York's first private orphanage after Hamilton's death, and it was a cause that remained close to Alex's and Eliza's hearts.
"Oh, that would be lovely! Oliver might have some choice words at the thought that Quidditch isn't the most popular sport on broomsticks in a country as big and important as America," Angelina remarked, referring to her predecessor as Gryffindor captain – Oliver Wood, Keeper for Puddlemere United and the man who had introduced Harry to Quidditch in his first year.
"'Might'? How about 'would', Angie?" Tonks asked. She then did a perfect impression of Oliver's Scottish brogue, "You'd think the Yanks would know better! Only playing with one ball, not as much action as our grand old game – let's show them what a real sport on broomsticks looks like!"
Everyone laughed at that, and Katie added, "He won't be happy with this, but even though Quidditch will always be my game of choice, I've always wanted to try Quodpot."
"We're not exactly helpless if you take away the Bludgers and Snitch, either," George remarked. "Ginny's been both Chaser and Seeker for Gryffindor."
"Really? This would be a fair contest, then! We also need to find a commentator who's one-eyed as Lee but on the Ilvermony side to complement him," Alex remarked with a grin.
"One other thing..." Harry asked. "Could we name the trophy or the game after Cedric? It'd only be fitting."
Everyone nodded, and Alex was saying, "Great choice, Harry," when excited squads broke out a short distance away.
They looked where it had come from, and the color drained from Alex's face.
Fleur had approached Eliza and handed the box to her, with Luna, Ginny, Padma, Parvati and Hermione next to them. She had clearly told Eliza to open it, and when she did, she saw the wedding band.
Amidst the excited commotion, Alex realized there was one very important thing he had missed. As a distant cousin, she was a descendant of Hamilton and could trigger the box. He was watching them start to line up their wands with lit keyholes and turn when the idea to Summon the box hit him. However, he was not the first to react.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry exclaimed behind him.
Closing Author's Notes
Cliffhanger time again! But I will have an update immediately after this because I personally don't want to run a cliffy and then leave you guys hanging for too long. Next chapter will be the last one (barring a deleted scenes bonus).
I got the idea to include Picquery because I started liking the idea as a counterpart/foil to Dumbledore. Penny Haywood being Bill's girlfriend in this story is a shout-out to her being my character's love interest in Hogwarts Mystery. Beyond that, more importantly...
As Lin-Manuel says, Cheering for Me Now is an alternate closing to Act I of Hamilton because when New York ratified the Constitution, Hamilton was celebrated as a driving force in its ratification. Although I also agree with those who think it's something Hamilton would sing if he was alive today, so I thought there was definitely a place for it here. The video only came out earlier this week, and even though it meant I had to write more and ultimately make my finish a 2-parter, the song was such that I definitely didn't mind the challenge. You can find it on YouTube by looking up "Cheering for Me Now by Lin-Manuel Miranda and John Kander".