Chapter 17
The Potters, and the Weasley's with the Minister and Sirius all sat at the table.
"So Harry, I take it from the disguises that this whole debacle is to remain a secret still?" asked Kingsley in his calm, deep voice.
"Yes, Kingsley. At least for tonight. When we get back to my house tonight we're, including Ron and Hermione, all staying up and we're going to talk for a long time. Then tomorrow, if we're done talking, then I think we can come out to the press. Do you have any idea of how my parents are still alive? Everyone in the world knows they died that night. We can't just say, oops, we lied, they weren't dead after all. The people need answers."
Kingsley looked thoughtful for a moment before answering.
"I think in this instance, the truth would be best," he said calmly.
"Wow, a politician who tells the truth…never thought I'd live to see the day," James said with a sardonic grin. Lily slapped his arm, but everyone else laughed.
"Yes, James, I am probably one of the only Ministers who would tell the people the truth, but don't call me a 'politician' just yet. I'm only the fifth Minister who was an Auror before I became Minister and I prefer to be truthful and do the right thing over doing the easy," Kingsley said solemnly but with a smile.
"That was the perfect political answer. Vague, yet gives hope to the people," Sirius said with an air of mock pompousness. After everyone chuckled Kingsley sat forward.
"Harry, I think we should just tell the populace that Dumbledore saved them by going back in time and putting them into the comas' this will shock a lot of people of course, but I think that making up a story would be too hard for everyone to be able to stick to. One mistake and it could all come crumbling down then we're caught with our pants down so to speak, in a lie we could have avoided."
"Yes, I agree the truth is the best bet, but I think we should avoid the time turner bit. That could give people ideas that could be disastrous. If someone asks I think we should tell them that Dumbledore was coming up with the plan when he got word from his spy that Voldemort was attacking that night and he had to go right then. No time turners involved," Harry said. The others were nodding.
"Harry, after that display earlier today towards Dumbledore's portrait, may I ask you, is the only reason you want the time turners to stay a secret is so others won't use them for the same purpose? Or are you trying to protect Dumbledore's…memory?" asked Arthur. Harry looked pensive for a moment.
"More of the time turner reason than anything, but I think it might be a part of the second. Dumbledore was my mentor, my idol for so long. Despite the fact that I could care less about what he thinks now, I don't want to just…pull a Rita on him, or his memory. That book did so much damage to his image and I don't want to contribute to that. You saw how Percy handled learning that one of the greatest wizards of our time broke the law. I think we're all better off leaving the past in the past right now. I probably won't go looking for a conversation with the old man anytime soon, but that shouldn't stop others from respecting him."
Everyone looked at Harry with the utmost respect now. His parents were shocked at how…old, their eighteen year old sounded. Sirius was prouder than anything, while Molly and Arthur were surprised at how mature Harry could be only a few hours after his outburst. Kingsley merely nodded his agreement.
"I think you are right. The time turners stay secret, otherwise, everything else comes out tomorrow. James, Lily I welcome you back to the land of the living," Kingsley said as he stood. The others followed suit.
"Kingsley, I think that any reference to the coma spells should also be kept secret also. We wouldn't want that one to get out also," said Arthur. Kingsley nodded and they all went to the living room.
Only Ginny and Teddy were in there, Ron and Hermione having left to entertain guests and stop any questions from arising. Molly asked Harry to wait in the living room until he was told to come out.
"Please, Molly, no surprises?" he asked in vain. She just smiled and left the room. Ginny smirked at him, while the others left the room also. Lily took Teddy with her, saying she needed to bond with her Grand-Godson.
"Ginny, please. I've had enough surprises to last all year today, what is she planning?" he begged. Ginny smiled serenely and didn't say anything.
"Please, Gin, I'm begging you," he said as he dropped to his knees, and clasped his hands together. "Please?! I'll kiss your shoe?" he asked. She was giggling and he was smiling widely. He bent over and grabbed her foot and pulled it to his lips.
"Oh, stop it Harry. Fine I'll tell you just get up and stop making a fool of yourself," she said as she pulled him up out of his groveling position. He stood up and grinned at her a satisfied grin.
"She's arranged for several big bands to play, and she invited all of Hogwarts, sixth and seventh years from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and some Slytherins but I doubt they'll show. She's also invited the whole Auror and Hit Wizards division, plus about ten people from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. The Weird Sisters heard about it and are coming. Ron Owled the Cannons and your old Gryffindor teams and they all agreed to come. All the Hogwarts Professors and Staff which includes all the House Elves, the Minister, everyone from the Muggle Artifacts department—"
"Argh, enough woman. If your not going to tell me the truth then at least do me the decency to not lie so horribly," he said. He was disappointed that Ginny wouldn't tell him, but he hid it well he thought. Ginny just smiled knowingly.
a/n: Well it's kind of short, but i hope you enjoy it! How many people are going to be at the party? Just one more chapter, and you'll know! As always, Please Review!!! since this one didn't ave much in it, I'll post the next one after i get five or more reviews! that is unless i'm alseep when i hit that mark. But i'm posting earlier in the day than usual, so i think you'll all be up to the challenge! REVIEW!