Beta Reader: Arwrite, Luke Knight, Tyler Nator and Jiya.
A/N: There were many people who have helped previously but it's not possible to post their names right now as probably beyond 50 who have helped me over the many years, so I will post their name once I finish this story. They have taught me many things and deserve respect.
Chapter 2
Harry stood in the Forbidden Forest, haunted by Voldemort's high pitched laughter as the Killing Curse struck him.
Seeing his dead body hit the ground, Voldemort's followers started shouting and cheering at his death while Voldemort himself continued his evil laugh, before entering the school.
"NO! NOT HARRY!" Ginny shouted, tears starting to flow freely from her eyes.
Death Eaters threw curses and hexes in every direction; a promise of death or worse to any that opposed them.
"Stop, stop!" Harry screamed, but no sounds came out. He struggled, but his body did not answer.
He was dead and the Death Eaters were torturing everyone. Every part of him was in pain and he squeezed his eyes shut in a futile attempt to block it out, he shut his eyes in effort to block the pain.
Someone started to call and shake him lightly. 'Harry! Harry!' But Harry didn't open his eyes even as the shakes grew stronger and stronger.
"No, no, please don't, don't make me see this," Harry pleaded.
Cool water hit him on the face waking him, wrenching his eyes open, he found himself drenched. Harry blinked and saw Ron hovering over him, an empty pitcher in hand.
'It was just a dream.' Harry thought.
All the Weasleys, who had been in the common room, heard the shouting and rushed to the dormitory. Bill and Ron helped Harry stand up, but as soon as he was on his feet, he passed out.
Apparently, someone had informed Professor McGonagall, because moments after Harry had passed out, she was there and they rushed him to the infirmary.
In the morning, Harry woke up and realised he wasn't in his bed anymore, but in the hospital wing. Ron was sleeping, sitting in a chair. He tried to lift his hand, but found it very difficult to do so.
"Ah, Mr Potter, you're awake!" Madam Pomfrey said, entering the room. She was with an oval-faced man who had short light brown hair and a wrinkled face. He was around six feet tall.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Dizzy," Harry told her. "What happened to me? Why am I here?"
"You passed out last night after you had a nightmare. This is Healer Albert, from St Mungo's. He is an expert in mind and magical healing," Madam Pomfrey replied, gesturing towards the man standing next to her. "He came here to have a look at you."
"Hello, Mr Potter. It's so nice to meet you. Thank you, thank you so much for defeating He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. I can't wait to tell my grandchildren that I met the HARRY POTTER right after the war!" Albert said, shaking Harry's hand enthusiastically.
"Hello, sir," Harry said awkwardly.
"What happened to you last night? Can you tell me about it?" he asked in a kind, but professional manner. For some unknown reason, Harry sensed he could actually trust Albert, and began to describe the previous night's nightmare.
"I dreamt I was in the forest again. And… I was dead. And they were… killing everyone." He started to get restless as he started recounting his dream. Albert kept his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Calm down, calm down, my boy. Everyone is safe," Albert said. "Take a deep breath. Talk slowly."
"Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville… everyone. And I couldn't… I couldn't do anything to stop them. Voldemort was laughing while Bellatrix kept throwing Cruciatus curses at my dead body. I couldn't feel anything. I just felt so... scared,"
Albert listened to him patiently and after he finished his story, the healer waved his wand over Harry's body, muttering some strange words and examined him thoroughly. Harry felt some tingling wherever the wand moved.
"Mr Potter, I just examined you for internal injuries, and you will be happy to know most of them are healed or will be healed soon. I don't know how it is possible that your injuries healed itself, but they did."
Madam Pomfrey's mouth hung agape before she spoke again. "Despite years of experience in healing, I've never heard or seen this happening before." She shook her head.
"Mr Potter," said Albert. "I assume you would like to attend the ceremony today?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said.
"Madam Pomfrey, I think there is no problem if we discharge him at noon."
Harry gently interrupted before saying. "Sir, can you explain what happened to me yesterday?" Harry asked politely.
"Oh, it's nothing to worry about. After using so much magic and going through such a traumatic experience, it takes time to recover. You, like many other people who have lived through the war, have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It occurs to those who have gone through very traumatic events like the battle that took place here. I want you to take these potions, they will let you sleep through the night without dreams, and visit me at St Mungo's in two weeks. And please don't use any kind of magic for the next two weeks unless you are in a life-threatening situation," Albert replied, handing him a few small vials of a blue potion.
"Why am I not allowed to do any magic?" Harry inquired.
"Mr Potter, there are two types of power a witch or wizard holds within themself: physical and mental. You have used all your physical and mental power to face You-Know-Who. The effects of the killing curse in addition to all your other injuries has taken a heavy toll on your magic. Your strength now needs to replenish itself." Albert paused for a moment before continuing,
"Using magic will slow down the process of healing. Right now you will have a hard time controlling it and if you use magic it might do more damage to you than good. Please don't carry a wand with you for these two weeks. Even a simple charm will set back your recovery,"
Before Harry could say anything else, the doors opened and Ginny came running towards him and threw herself upon him, hugging him tightly, making it difficult for Harry to breath. Albert took this as his cue and left them alone.
"I'm fine, Gin," Harry said after catching his breath.
"I was so scared! I thought I'd lost you again." Her voice sounded weak when the words finally came.
"Don't worry Ginny, I won't leave you ever again. I... I love you so much, Ginny. I won't ever abandon you," he promised and kissed her passionately.
"Will you two stop that?" Ron said, from his chair making a pinched face, while Harry and Ginny were still kissing.
Ginny smiled at Harry. Before Ginny could respond to Ron, Hermione walked in, breaking their embrace.
"How are you feeling, Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I'm good. They're discharging me at noon," he replied simply.
"That's great," Hermione said. "So, now what are you going to do, now that the war is over?"
"I think I'll go to Grimmauld Place after the funeral for some time and I'll - " Before Harry had the chance to continue, Ginny interrupted him.
"Harry James Potter, you are coming to the Burrow with us!" Ginny yelled, glaring at Harry. "I am not going to leave you on your own in this condition," she said, looking an awful lot like Mrs Weasley at that moment.
"Looks like I don't have any choice," Harry chuckled.
"Why would you have a choice in this?" Ginny said, putting her hand on her hips.
"So, what about you, Ron? Hermione? I mean, Ginny still has a year of school left," Harry asked.
"I am thinking of going to Australia to bring my parents back," Hermione said, but Harry noticed there was something bothering her.
"So what's the problem?" Harry asked,
Ron spoke instead of Hermione, "I don't want her to travel to Australia alone. There are still Death Eaters on the loose out there."
"It is not just that, Harry. The real problem is, I don't know where in Australia my parents are," Hermione said, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeves.
"I don't think we should stop her!" Ginny said, causing Hermione to look at her gratefully.
"I'm not stopping her," Ron said. "I was just thinking that I should go with you, Hermione."
"Yeah, I'm coming, too," Harry added. "We are friends, Hermione, friends help each other."
"No, Harry. You are not coming with me, especially not in the condition you're in."
Before Harry could answer, Madame Pomfrey returned. "Visiting time is over, you lot. Out now! All of you! He needs to rest."
After some time, Kingsley and Mr Weasley walked into the hospital wing with unreadable expressions on their faces. They talked to Madam Pomfrey in hushed tones, too low for Harry to hear.
'Wish I had an Extendable Ear,' Harry thought.
They walked towards him after talking to the matron.
"Hello, Harry," Kingsley greeted him. "I know this isn't the right time to talk, but these matters can't wait."
"It's no bother, Minister," Harry said.
"First, it's about your future: you see, you can come back here to Hogwarts to finish your last year of school, or simply take the NEWTS like most of your classmates will. However, we want to offer you the opportunity to study in the Auror Department with special training for your exams. You could even play professional Quidditch if you want to."
"Um, Minister, I haven't really thought about it." Harry responded in an apologetic tone.
"Don't worry, Harry. I can understand why you haven't given any thought to your future yet. It's okay, please think about it and let me know as soon as possible." Kingsley stated understandingly.
Harry just nodded his head to confirm that he would.
"The other thing I needed to mention is that the goblins at Gringotts have asked me to pass on a message to you about a visit this Thursday at half past one in the afternoon - to discuss some financial matters. I would like to discuss some other things on that day, too since Madam Pomfrey doesn't think that we should have a discussion on these things right now," Kingsley said. "If you could visit me at the Ministry at eight that morning, I would appreciate it."
"What are these things, sir?" Harry said.
"Not now, Harry. We will continue our discussion on Thursday, alright?" Kingsley said. "Get some rest for now."
With that Kingsley got up and left the room briskly.
"Harry," Mr Weasley spoke for the first time since he had arrived, "I know you aren't my son, but I've always thought of you as one. Molly told me that you blame yourself for all the deaths, including Fr...Fr...Fred's, but what happened to Fred was not your fault. In fact, you shouldn't feel guilty for any of the deaths of your friends and family. They died because they fought, and they fought for the right thing. They will always be remembered as war heroes, so we should feel thankful and proud for them."
"Yes, sir," was all Harry could say.
"Please come home with us after the funeral," Mr Weasley added as he stood up, resting a hand on Harry's shoulder. "I'll see you at the ceremony, Harry."
He turned and left the room quickly. Harry was sure that, for the first time, he saw tears in his eyes.
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When Harry was discharged, Ginny waited for him outside the hospital wing and together they walked to Gryffindor tower. He changed into school robes and sat down in his dorm. There was still some time left until it was time to leave for the ceremony.
"Kreacher!" he called, and with a crack Kreacher was standing in front of him.
"Master Harry called for Kreacher," Kreacher said, bowing to Harry.
"Yes Kreacher. I want to ask you something, but first I need you to sit down." Kreacher sat on the bed uncomfortably. None of his previous Masters had ever asked him to sit.
"Kreacher, I am going to stay at the Burrow for the summer. Will you come and stay with me there? I don't want you to have to live alone again." Harry asked, looking hopefully towards Kreacher.
"Kreacher do as Master ask Kreacher to do. Though Kreacher wish Kreacher could go back to Mistress' house, but Mistress' house is not safe to live in now. Kreacher will come and stay with Master at the Burrow." Kreacher said.
"Thank you, Kreacher." Harry said happily just then a thought came to his mind. "Kreacher, have any of the House Elves died or gotten injured? Where are those who have been injured? Are they being treated properly? Do they need any help?" Harry enquired.
"No house elf is dead but many is injured. Some is been treated and some is under Madam Pomfrey's supervision for recovery." Kreacher told him.
Harry sighed, relieved. He had been afraid that others could have forgotten to take care of these little, yet important, beings of the wizarding world.
"Thanks, Kreacher. I have to go now. Will you come to the ceremony? It would make me feel better to have you there." Harry stood up.
"Kreacher will come with Master Harry," Kreacher replied.
Harry walked out of his dorm, met up with Ron, Hermione and Ginny in the common room, and together, they walked to the grounds. The chairs were already arranged, and Harry sat with the rest of the Weasleys. A few minutes later, Andromeda Tonks came and sat down next to him, with Teddy sleeping in her arms.
"Hello Mrs Tonks. How are you and Teddy?" Harry greeted her in a low voice so he wouldn't wake Teddy.
"Hello, Harry. He is okay at the moment, he doesn't know what he has lost yet but I am sure that he will be proud of his parents when he grows up," she said with tears glistening in her eyes.
"Mrs Tonks, did you know that Remus made me Teddy's godfather?" Harry asked her.
"Yes, they told me," she smiled at Harry.
"Would you mind if I come and visit him sometimes?" Harry asked hopefully.
"Of course not, Harry, you can come whenever you'd like," she replied.
Before Harry could say anything else, Kingsley came onto the small stage set for the ceremony to begin the proceedings.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have gathered here to honour our friends and family members who died fighting against Voldemort."
Everyone seemed to be crying, Ginny was holding George who was looking afflicted, Ron and Percy were staring into space with tears leaking from their eyes. Bill was holding Fleur, while Mr Weasley was sitting with Mrs Weasley, comforting her. Charlie was sitting next to Harry. He hadn't spoken a word since the battle. Dennis was sitting with his mother three rows ahead of Harry holding and consoling her. A pang of guilt stabbed at his chest again.
He was brought back from his thoughts by Kingsley's words.
"We must remember that every war has its price and this was the price of the war we fought for so many years." Kingsley paused for a few moments then spoke again. "If anyone would like to share their thoughts with us, please come forward."
Harry waited for a few moments and when nobody stood up to go to the stage, he got up slowly and walked to the front of the aisle. He nodded to Kingsley, who pointed his wand at Harry and muttered 'Sonorus'.
"Hello, everyone," Harry began, not knowing just what to say. "I want to say sorry to those who we lost," Harry took a deep breath. "They fought for all of us and for the ones they loved. They had a choice to leave the battle and live. But they didn't. They stayed, and they fought, and they died so that their friends and family members might live in peace, without having to fear for their lives. I would also like to say thank you to all who fought in the battle, both alive and dead. And finally, I am proud of everyone who fought in this war."
Harry looked around and caught Ginny's eye who in turn nodded to him.
"We won this war together - not just us wizards, but the centaurs, the goblins, the house elves and all the other magical beings that stood with us. I thank them for that." There was polite applause as Harry walked away from the podium.
Kingsley pointed his wand at Harry and muttered 'Quietus'. When nobody else got up to speak, Kingsley stood again.
"I would like to present the war memorial in the memory of our friends and family members who have sacrificed their lives for us." Kingsley waved his wand pointing towards his left side and a faceless statue wearing wizard's robes was revealed.
As Kingsley read out the names, they appeared on the plaque at the bottom of the statue and the face of the statue would change for a moment taking the face of the person whose name was read. When the names of Tonks, Lupin, Colin and Fred's came, Harry could not help but feel once again that he could have stopped all this, if he had only surrendered earlier.
When the last name was called, everyone stood up from their seats and the bodies were buried. After many long moments, everyone started leaving for their homes and Harry left with the Weasleys for the Burrow.