XXIV. What Kind Of Day Has It Been?
Ginny
The early light of dawn was flooding across the horizon when I excused myself from the care of the Healers who had been brought in from St Mungo's to look after me in the Hogwarts Hospital Wing. At some point, someone had decided that Hogwarts – largely empty over the holidays – would be a more discrete place to recover than St Mungo's.
I left the castle and went down to sit by the Black Lake. The white marble of the monument from the Battle of Hogwarts glinted in the distance.
After two days resting in the Hospital Wing, I felt stronger than I had in a long time. The Healers had said that it was Harry's own magic flowing through me, replenishing what the Nostradamus Light had taken from me.
As if on cue, I heard quiet footsteps. It was him. Harry too, had recovered, although he was still using a crutch to support his leg. He sat beside me gingerly, careful not to place too much pressure on the injured limb.
"How are you feeling?" he asked. "They told me you were getting better."
"Okay," I replied, looking over the Black Lake. "Stronger, actually."
Harry shifted, adjusting his leg.
"You can't tell anyone that the Nostradamus Lights exist, Ginny," Harry said quietly.
"Only if they're destroyed," I replied bitterly. "Or I'm going to the Daily Prophet."
"They're going to be," he said. "And soon. You have my word."
I knew he wasn't lying.
"You didn't come here just to tell me that," I said.
"No," he admitted. "I didn't."
"You know," I said, "a decent part of me wants to hex you into the middle of next year."
"I know," he replied. "I'm in awe of your self-restraint."
I shot him a look and the smile disappeared from his face.
"The way you left me…that hurt, Harry. More than anything."
He gave a frustrated sigh.
"What can I do, Ginny?" he asked. "All I can say is I'm sorry. I left because I wanted you to be safe. I couldn't tell anyone about Operation Wrath of Merlin."
"How many did you kill, Harry?" I asked, not sure if I wanted the answer. "The Daily Prophet said–"
"The bloody Prophet–"
"How can you expect me to understand?" I interrupted him, "to think that it's okay for you to do what you did?"
"You didn't have a problem with me killing Voldemort," Harry replied. "What's the difference between that and bringing any of his Death Eaters to justice?"
"It's not…you tortured that man to death, Harry!"
"I was so scared, I lost control. I lost control, Ginny. I lost myself, because I thought I was going to lose you."
"That's what terrifies me," I said quietly.
"I was blinded by purpose," Harry replied. "Rookwood captured me and put me in Azkaban. I heard my mother die – over, and over again, until it became endless. Vengeance, I think, kept me sane."
"When I left Azkaban, I wasn't myself," Harry continued. "All I could think of was Rookwood's threat – that he was going to go after you."
"You killed people, Harry," I said accusingly. "You used Dark Magic."
"Only as a means to an end," Harry said, looking at me in earnest. "Not because I enjoy it. I'm not that person."
"I remember us, Ginny," he said, looking into my eyes. "I remember the first time I kissed you. I remember this – the days by the lake when we were together. I remember the way you held me after the Final Battle. I remember the girl who put her elbow in the butter…and the same one that caught the Golden Snitch. For a time I forgot. I won't deny it. But I remember it now."
I could not see the darkness behind those brilliant emerald eyes. But I knew it still lingered, and that was something that would take longer to understand, let alone accept. I didn't know if I ever would.
"I'm going to need some time, Harry."
"How long?" he asked.
I sighed. It was such a male response.
"I don't know. I really don't know."
"Wrath of Merlin is over," he said.
"It doesn't matter," I replied. "We can't be together, Harry."
"But with time?"
I didn't reply straight away. He wouldn't like the answer anymore than I did. I wasn't being vague on purpose, but I had to work this out for myself. By myself.
"I don't know."
He ran a hand through his hair in the same way I had seen his father do it in photographs. When he replied, I could hear the resignation in his voice.
"Okay."
He gave my hand a squeeze, then stood slowly. He took two steps towards the water, turned to give me a small half-smile, and then disappeared with a crack.
Kingsley Shacklebolt made his way through the throng of reporters and blinding camera flashes to take his seat next to Arthur Weasley. Today, he faced the Wizengamot.
The Wizengamot Chamber had been rearranged, so that he and Arthur sat at a table facing the ranks of the Wizengamot arranged in a semi-circle.
It had been one hell of a week. The Daily Prophet had run wall-to-wall coverage of what they were calling 'Merlingate' every day since the attack on Holyhead. They knew nothing of V, or the mess in
the Forbidden Forest, but that was little to be thankful for. The press still had plenty of meat to chew on.
In a bitter display of resentment, some thirty current and former Department of Magical Law Enforcement officials had denounced Operation Wrath of Merlin and Kingsley's actions in an open letter just this morning, calling for the Department of Mysteries to relinquish its stake in matters of national security as well as a full enquiry into the Department's operations.
The Department of Mysteries had declined to comment.
Percy Weasley stood, as Permanent Secretary to the Wizengamot, and made a gesture for silence.
"Good morning, Councillors," he said. "Today, the Wizengamot will hear testimony from Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt and Deputy Minister Arthur Weasley on the subject of Operation Wrath of Merlin. Their names are hereby entered into the record. I would like to remind those witnessing today's proceedings that decorum will be observed. I will not permit interruptions from the Press or the Gallery."
"Chief Warlock Patricia Magellan presiding," Percy continued. "Senior Warlock O'Brien, Senior Warlock Shaw and Councillor Eveline O'Donnell have been nominated to lead questioning. Councillors, you may began when ready."
Senior Warlock Shaw cleared his throat.
"Minister Shacklebolt, please tell me: does Operation Wrath of Merlin exist?" Shaw asked.
"Yes," Kingsley replied.
"The Daily Prophet alleges that this Operation's key purpose was to hunt down Dark Wizards and supporters of Voldemort. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Thank you, Minister," Shaw said. "Where was Wrath of Merlin based?"
"London."
"Specifically, Minister."
"In the Department of Mysteries," Kingsley replied.
"Was the Department of Magical Law Enforcement involved in any capacity?" Shaw asked.
"No."
"Not even the Auror Office?" Shaw pressed.
"No."
"Did anyone in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement know about the Operation?"
"No."
Shaw nodded. "Minister, did you notify the COBRA Committee about Operation Wrath of Merlin?"
"No."
"Minister, was Operation Wrath of Merlin brought before the Wizengamot for authorisation?"
"I think you know the answer to that," Kingsley replied.
"Please answer the question, Minister," Percy interrupted.
"No," Kingsley replied.
"Minister, you have the entire Department of Magical Law Enforcement at your disposal," Shaw said. "Why create a secret Operation to do the job that all of us here would agree belongs to the Auror Office?"
"The Auror Office was decimated after the war," Kingsley replied. "They weren't prepared to take on this mission."
"By which you mean you didn't want to use the Aurors because they're publicly accountable and bound by law," Shaw replied with an edge in his voice.
"Your words, not mine, Councillor," Kingsley replied nonchalantly.
"Duly noted, Minister," Shaw said frostily. "Why did you lie about the existence of Operation Wrath of Merlin to the public?"
"Operation Wrath of Merlin was classified," Kingsley replied.
"So you sought to cover it up?"
"We could neither confirm nor deny the existence of Operation Wrath of Merlin," Kingsley replied. "Let me remind you, Councillor, it was classified."
"Councillor, your time has expired for this first round of questioning," Percy interrupted. "The Wizengamot recognises Councillor O'Donnell."
He nodded at a thin witch with a short blond bob haircut.
"Deputy Minister," O'Donnell said, "when did you become aware of Operation Wrath of Merlin?"
"I was first made aware of the existence of Operation Wrath of Merlin after I was sworn in as Deputy Minister," Arthur replied.
"Did you support the Operation?"
"Yes?"
"Why?"
"I was convinced that the threat to Wizarding Britain was still severe," Arthur replied.
"You have publicly expressed your desire for a more open and transparent government, yet you supported this Operation," O'Donnell added. "Does that strike you as hypocritical, Deputy Minister?"
"I fought in the Battle of Hogwarts. I lost a son," Arthur replied. "In the aftermath, we needed safety. And we needed justice. So no, it doesn't."
"Minister, we've heard a lot about what Operation Wrath of Merlin is, but not who Operation Wrath of Merlin is," said O'Donnell. "Can you explain who was the leader of Operation Wrath of Merlin."
"An Unspeakable called X," Kingsley replied.
"Their real name?"
"His true name was codeword classified. I don't know it myself."
"Other Unspeakables?"
"Yes. Another, called Y. Also codeword classified."
"I would like to question them both," O'Donnell said. She turned to Percy. "Mr Weasley, I request a formal Summons–"
"You can't," Kingsley interjected. "Both are deceased."
"How did they die?"
"In combat."
O'Donnell nodded. "How convenient, Minister."
"I don't think their sacrifice in battle was convenient, Councillor," Kingsley replied with a dangerous edge in his voice.
"Minister, the Daily Prophet has alleged that Harry Potter, also known as the The Boy Who Lived, was somehow involved in Operation Wrath of Merlin," O'Donnell said. "Is that allegation correct?"
"You want to know if Harry Potter was involved in Operation Wrath of Merlin?" Kingsley replied.
"Yes, Minister," O'Donnell replied. "That is the question."
There was a distinct pause. The Chamber was deathly silent.
"Fuck it," said Kingsley, sending the press pack scrambling for their censors.
"The answer, Minister," Magellan said, speaking for the first time.
"Yes," Kingsley replied, as cameras flashed around him "Harry Potter was a member of Operation Wrath of Merlin."
The Chamber erupted into chaos.
"Order!" Percy yelled. "ORDER!"
After the Chamber quietened down, Percy spoke again.
"In light of these revelations, a formal Summons will be issued to Mr Harry James Potter. He will be required to submit to questioning as part of this hearing. Does the Wizengamot concur?"
There was a chorus of ayes from the assembled Councillors.
"Done then," Percy said. "Councillor O'Donnell, you may continue."
"Minister, I want to discuss the nature of the missions carried out as part of Operation Wrath of Merlin," O'Donnell said. "You affirmed that the primary purpose of the mission was to hunt down wizards."
"The primary purpose of Operation Wrath of Merlin was to protect the people of Wizarding Britain," Kingsley replied, his voice clear.
"Nevertheless, that involved hunting down dark wizards and witches, did it not?" she replied.
"Yes."
"What happened to those apprehended by the Operation?"
"Most were killed in combat."
"Most?" pressed O'Donnell.
"Some were not."
"Where they subjected to enhanced interrogation methods?" O'Donnell asked.
"Yes."
More gasps made their way around the chamber.
"Councillors, I would table this particular line of questioning for a closed Chamber," O'Brien interrupted.
"Agreed," said Magellan.
"Thank you, Councillor O'Donnell," Percy said. "We will take a brief recess and then resume."
Ginny
I had not intended to come, but Hermione had insisted. My trusty excuse – Quidditch – had failed me. Our preseason had been delayed a week while Holyhead Stadium remained an active crime scene. So it was thanks to Hermione that I found myself sitting high above the Wizengamot Chamber, crammed in elbow-to-elbow with her, as well as Ron and Neville.
Mum was sitting in the row in front of me, next to Andromeda. From the thunderous expression on her features I knew she had fought with Dad earlier in the week. I was staying with Ron and Hermione and hadn't been home to the Burrow, but I had heard from Ron that Dad was still sleeping in his office at the Ministry.
A group of Aurors sat behind us, silently watching the proceedings.
"What do you think?" Neville asked Hermione. He was watching the Wizengamot Councillors chat in small groups during the recess. Far below us, Shaw and O'Donnell – the two Councillors that had been questioning Dad and Kingsley – were arguing animatedly. They were surrounded by a group of other Councillors. "I don't know," Hermione said. "They're not happy about something."
"What happens next?" I asked.
"They've got three days of hearings scheduled," Hermione said. "Tomorrow, they'll start working on the details – places, dates, all that. So far a lot of the questions have been quite general."
"And they'll want to question Harry, too," Ron said.
Shortly, the recess ended and Percy gavelled the session back to order.
"The Wizengamot recognises Senior Warlock O'Brien," he intoned.
"You've both mentioned the immediate threat to the nation after Voldemort's downfall at Hogwarts," O'Brien asked. "Can you elaborate on that threat?"
"The Department of Mysteries estimated that at least one-third of Voldemort's core force went into hiding after his death at the hands of Harry Potter," said Kingsley. "They remained faithful to Voldemort. They were split into various factions, but they still represented a considerable threat. Every single act of terror that we have faced in the last year was perpetrated by these Death Eaters."
"The attacks on the Atrium?"
"Yes?"
"Diagon Alley?"
"Yes."
"Holyhead?"
"Yes."
"And the sickening attack on the orphanage?"
"Yes."
"Minister, I gather from what you have told my colleagues that Operation Wrath of Merlin was acting in our defence? To protect the nation from such evil? From the attacks I just mentioned?"
"Yes," Kingsley replied.
"And without Operation Wrath of Merlin, might we have experienced more terrorist attacks by Voldemort's Death Eaters?"
"Undoubtedly."
"So we are safer for Operation Wrath of Merlin?"
"Yes."
"By eliminating those who would have sought to destroy us, Operation Wrath of Merlin saved lives," O'Brien said. "Would you agree with this statement, Minister?"
"Unequivocally."
"I cede the remainder of my time," O'Brien said.
"Thank you, Senior Warlock," Percy intoned.
I watched as Shaw and O'Donnell conferred in hushed tones as O'Brien took his seat.
"Thank you, Councillors, that concludes our session for this morning. We will resume after lunch at 2:00pm," Percy said.
"Mr Weasley!" Shaw interjected. "I recognise Senior Warlock Shaw," my brother said.
Shaw stood.
"Assembled Councillors, we have heard today from these two men a tale that constitutes nothing less than a flagrant violation of the trust we have placed in their leadership!" Shaw began. "When faced with the truth, the Minister flatly denied all knowledge of Harry Potter's whereabouts and Operation Wrath of Merlin. He kept up this lie for weeks, knowingly and deliberately misleading you and lying to the public."
"And now we have learned that under our very noses, these men authorised an illegal, extrajudicial operation to kill followers of You-Know-You without trial," Shaw continued. "This Minister has spat in the face of the Wizengamot. He has openly defied our rules and our Law. Given the severity of his crimes, we cannot wait."
"I move for a vote of no confidence in the leadership of Kingsley Shacklebolt and Arthur Weasley," Shaw concluded.
"The motion is recognised," Percy said. "Is the motion seconded?"
"Aye," Councillor O'Donnell said. She too, stood.
"So be it," Percy said. "The Wizengamot will reconvene at 2:00pm as scheduled. As is customary, closing arguments will be made and a vote will be taken."
"What happens if the motion passes?" I asked Hermione.
"Kingsley and your Dad will be banished from office. They could then face trial," she replied, her face grim.
We watched as the members of the Wizengamot slowly filed out the double doors in the Chamber.
"What will they do?" I asked, watching the members of the Wizengamot slowly file out from the double doors of the Chamber
"They'll decide which way to vote," Hermione said. "Councillors loyal to both Kingsley and Shaw will attempt to sway the undecideds and the independents."
"Do you think Kingsley will win?" Neville asked.
"For once, Neville, I really don't know," Hermione replied.
Harry
A flurry of paper planes flew into Kingsley's office as an out-of-breath undersecretary handed a sheet of parchment to Magnus O'Brien, who scanned it quickly, before handing it to Arthur.
"They've decided that they don't want to proceed with your testimony," he said, and I felt a strange sense of relief.
"Shaw must believe he has the votes," Kingsley said angrily, his half-eaten lunch forgotten on his desk. "Otherwise why end the inquiry early?"
"Maybe he thinks the public will lose interest the longer this drags on," Arthur said.
"Or maybe they're concerned that if Harry testifies, it will sway some of them," Magnus added "In any case, they've overplayed their hand."
Magnus grabbed another paper plane out of the air, read it, and then raised his wand. A series of glowing names appeared in the air, floating underneath the labels of 'AYE' and 'NAY'. With another flick of his wand, the names separated to either side. There were a noticeably greater number of 'AYE' votes.
"Really? You think they've overplayed their hand?" Kingsley asked. "They're killing us!"
"Shaw and O'Donnell don't have this landed yet," Magnus said, studying the names. "Even with Magellan on their side."
"This is where we stand," Arthur explained for my benefit. "Or rather, where we think we stand."
"All the undersecretaries are negotiating between the Councillors," Magnus added.
"Can't the Councillors just talk to each other directly?" I asked.
"I suppose so, but then our secretaries would feel undervalued and resign en masse," Magnus replied with a tight grin. As if on cue, another undersecretary rushed into the office, and handed Magnus a scrap of parchment.
"Huh," he said, with a note of surprise. "Greengrass is open to an offer."
"Greengrass? I'll hold onto the tariffs he's after," Kingsley replied. "No guarantees though. He won't get a better offer from Shaw."
"Kingsley, we promised the Germans that we'd phase them out," Arthur objected.
"Ferdinand will understand," Kingsley replied smoothly, referring to his German counterpart. "We'll give them something else. Have Magical Cooperation work on a proposal."
Another round of paper planes filled the air as the battle between Kingsley and Shaw to win over the undecideds or convince Councillors to change their loyalties reached fever pitch.
"Gregor Macmillan will stay with us, but he's deeply unhappy about the whole affair," Magnus said, reading another memo.
"I'll talk to him," Kingsley replied.
A few more glowing names switched sides, and a third group appeared under a new heading: 'UNDECIDED'
Kingsley pointed at the undecided column.
"Half of these could be won over by the tax incentive we're putting in place to support the Diagon Alley Business Association," he said. I realised then, how Operation Wrath of Merlin had only been a small part of Kingsley did as Minister, and wondered how he got any sleep.
"Which will sway Jones and his lot," added Magnus.
"Is this vote even going to be about Wrath of Merlin?" I asked.
Kingsley and Magnus shot me an identical wolfish grin. Arthur's expression was one of bemusement.
"With any luck, Harry," Arthur said, "not at all."
"You're going to lose a lot of political capital, Kingsley," Magnus warned.
"We're gaining conservatives though," Kingsley pointed out.
"And losing a liberal for each we gain," Arthur replied.
"They'll come back, or abstain," Kingsley said. "Remind them of Shaw's record. If he's installed as Minister he'll take us back to the Dark Ages."
A flurry of paper planes shot into the office, followed by three more undersecretaries. One handed Magnus a piece of parchment, casting me a glance.
"We've got Lyman and the Northern Irish delegation," Magnus said excitedly, and several names switched sides to 'Nay'. Kingsley breathed a sigh of relief.
"We don't have much longer," Arthur said, checking his wristwatch. There were still more 'Ayes' than 'Nays'.
"Let me speak," I said.
The three men all looked at me in surprise.
"They'll listen to me," I added.
"This isn't Dumbledore's Army, Harry, or even the Order," Arthur warned.
"Arthur's right, Harry. These bastards are out for blood," Magnus added.
"But they want to hear from me," I said. "They'll be too curious not to."
Magnus looked at me intently. I could practically hear his mind working.
"He might be right, Kingsley," the Senior Warlock said eventually. "What better endorsement than the Boy-Who-Lived?"
"You can still escape this unscathed, Harry," Arthur said. "The Aurors aren't pressing charges against you."
"They were going to summon me anyway, right?" I asked, batting a paper plane out of my face.
"Your last appearance in front of the Wizengamot didn't go so well until Albus showed up, Harry," Arthur said.
"I was fifteen, then. I think I can manage," I said.
"What will you say?" Kingsley asked.
"I'll talk about me," I said, ideas springing to my mind. "I make this about me, not you, not Arthur, not Wrath of Merlin."
"The trial of Harry Potter," Magnus murmured.
"And as you said," I replied, "there's no way they'd convict me."
Kingsley and Arthur exchanged a look.
"It's a hell of a gamble," Kingsley said.
"Betting on Harry usually is," Arthur replied with a tight grin.
Yet another undersecretary entered.
"Minister, it's time. The Wizengamot is reconvening shortly."
Magnus gave one more flick of his wand and the words TOO CLOSE TO CALL appeared in shimmering letters as the names and columns faded away.
Ginny
We returned to our seats in the Gallery of the vast Wizengamot Chamber. Below us, Dad and Kingsley were taking their own seats, as were the Councillors of the Wizengamot. Percy stood.
"We are called to order," he intoned. "The Wizengamot will hear closing statements before the vote is cast. Senior Warlock Shaw, you have indicated that you wish to speak in support of your motion of no confidence in the leadership of this Ministry. The Wizengamot recognises the Senior Warlock."
Percy sat and Shaw stood, tapping his wand to his throat.
"Assembled Councillors," he began. "What are we to make of this? What do we make of two men – whom we respected, who we chose to lead us in the trying times of the war's aftermath? What do we make of their betrayal? For Operation Wrath of Merlin constitutes nothing less than an outrageous betrayal of the highest magnitude!"
"You listened, in shock and disbelief – just as I have – to the testimony of Minister Shacklebolt and Deputy Minister Weasley," Shaw added. "They said Operation Wrath of Merlin was to keep us safe. Yet your Operation did not keep us safe, Minister. Fifty civilians dead, because Augustus Rookwood broke out of prison on your watch! The blood of the Auror Commander is on your hands, Minister."
"For months, Minister Shacklebolt lied to us as he swept aside centuries of magical law in the name of what he considers to be justice," Shaw concluded. "Hundreds of our magical brothers and sisters have been summarily executed without fair trial or presumption of innocence! My fellow Councillors, are we not the safeguard against this tyranny? I implore you: vote Aye!"
Shaw sat to thunderous applause and Percy stood.
"Minister, your closing argument, please," he said to Kingsley.
"I wish to delegate my statement to a representative," Kingsley replied.
"As you wish," said Percy, surprised. "Name your representative."
"I call on Harry Potter," Kingsley spoke simply.
And then there he was, quiet footsteps tracing a path from one of the entranceways to the main floor of the Wizengamot Chamber itself. Whispered conversations broke out around the Chamber and among the Wizengamot Councillors, quickly turning into cries and shouts. In the row in front of me, I heard my Mum audibly gasp.
The press looked as if all their Christmases had come at once. Harry took a seat next to Kingsley as a cacophony of cameras flashed in his face.
"Order!" Percy exclaimed. "Order!"
The witch presiding over the hearings – Magellan, Hermione had called her – rose to her feet and brandished her wand. With an ear-splitting whiplike crack, the Chamber quietened down.
"Objection!" Shaw protested, his face like a thundercloud. "This is highly irregular!"
"The Wizengamot recognises Harry Potter," Percy said firmly.
"You cannot!" Shaw said, standing. "He's–"
"Anyone appearing before the Wizengamot is entitled to representation by a nominee of their own choosing," Percy interrupted him. Magellan nodded and Shaw sat down in disgust.
"Of your own volition, do you wish to speak in the defence of Kingsley Shacklebolt, Minister for Magic, and Arthur Weasley, Deputy Minister for Magic?" Percy asked Harry.
"I do," Harry replied.
"Then the floor, Mr Potter, is yours."
"I'm no great speaker," Harry began. "And I didn't ask for my fate."
Harry pulled out a poster from his robes, and held it up for all to see. The Chamber was deathly quiet. On the poster were the words: UNDESIRABLE No. 1.
"Not so long ago, the Ministry publicly denounced me. You did not question why. You did not fight back. You cowered."
His voice rang around the Chamber.
"After the Battle of Hogwarts, Kingsley Shacklebolt came to me. He told me what I dreaded to hear. He told me it wasn't over. Hundreds of Tom Riddle's supporters and sympathisers were still out there. They wanted revenge. They wanted me, my friends, all those I loved – they wanted us dead."
"All my life, I have known fear," Harry admitted. "Fear that every day, Voldemort might be waiting for me. Fear for my friends, fear for the people I love, fear that they might make the ultimate sacrifice for me."
Everyone in the Chamber was glued to Harry's words.
"And some of them did."
He paused, silent for a moment.
"Ask yourselves this," Harry went on. "What if?"
"What if Wrath of Merlin had never happened?" he asked. "What if all of Voldemort's people were still alive today, waiting to strike at you and your families? What would you do? Would you cower? Or would you fight?"
"I decided to fight," he said. "I agreed to join Operation Wrath of Merlin and do what needed to be done, what had to be done. Kingsley Shacklebolt and Arthur Weasley did not bear the wand that killed evil men to protect us all. I did. So when you vote, cast your judgement on me, and me alone."
This time, it took five minutes to restore order in the Chamber. When the press pack and the crowd in the Gallery had finally settled down, Percy gave Magellan a nod and she stood.
"Councillors," Magellan said, "I consider the proceedings concluded. Are you in agreement?"
There was a chorus of assent from the Wizengamot.
"Good," she replied. "Let the vote be cast!"
One by one, each Councillor stood and declared their vote with an "Aye!" or a "Nay!" I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding in. Beside me, Hermione was counting the votes on a scrap of parchment. As the last few Councillors stood to deliver their votes, she nudged me and held up four fingers.
"Aye!"
"Nay!"
Magellan leaned over to Percy as the count concluded, and they conferred briefly. Then she stood again.
"With a majority of four, the 'Nays' have it. Senior Warlock Shaw, your motion is dismissed."
Magellan slammed her gavel down and a great cheer went up around the Chamber for those who supported Kingsley. Shaw had a look of pure disgust on his features, and I saw a number of other Councillors with similar scowls.
"Mr Potter," Magellan said, "in the near future you can expect a Summons for a closed hearing of the Wizengamot regarding your involvement in Operation Wrath of Merlin. Failure to attend the hearing is an offence under the law. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Harry replied.
"Good. This hearing is adjourned." Magellan slammed her gavel down again.
I saw Dad exhale slowly as Kingsley gave a grin, relief showing across both their faces. Harry's own face remained a neutral mask. Whatever he was thinking, it was impossible to tell.
As we joined the crowd leaving the Gallery, an impatient-looking wizard approached Hermione. He handed her a purple envelope with the seal of the Minister for Magic.
"Miss Granger, the Minister wished you to have this," the wizard said stiffly. "He sends his regards."
"Thank you," she replied, taking the envelope from him. She quickly tore it open and began to read as I peered over her shoulder.
Dear Hermione,
I am writing in response to your Freedom of Information request regarding Operation Wrath of Merlin. The Department of Mysteries cannot confirm nor deny the existence of Operation Wrath of Merlin.
"Oh, this is ridiculous!" she exclaimed in frustration.
As Minister for Magic, I would kindly ask that you put this matter to rest. Harry has informed me that he would like to show you a selection of his memories in time. That, I will leave in his hands.
I look forward to presenting your new legislation for the rights of sentient magical creatures to the Wizengamot in the coming days. It is my hope that the new laws can be signed before the commencement of the war trials.
As always, my sincere regards,
Kingsley Shacklebolt
Minister for Magic
Hermione scowled, and despite myself, I giggled.
"Please stop meddling, Hermione," I said in a mock impression of Kingsley. "It's very annoying that I can't throw you into Azkaban."
She cracked a small grin.
"Are you going to keep digging?"
"No," she replied. "It's over now. Besides, there are more important things to focus on. Like Harry."
"I'm not ready to forgive him for everything he's done, Hermione," I said.
"I understand – but for both your sakes, I hope you can, in time," she replied. "He needs you."
"Can we not talk about him right now?" I asked her.
"Okay," she replied softly.
After we reached Hermione and Ron's flat on Diagon Alley, I went to the spare bedroom. Dropping my head on the pillow, I thought about what lay in front of me. Come next week, I would return to Holyhead and join my teammates for the rest of preseason training. I resolved to leave London as soon as I could. I needed to get back into the air.
My mind drifted to Harry. The last I'd seen him, he'd been standing in the Chamber, hands shoved into pockets, his mouth a grim line as he watched the Wizengamot file out in an orderly manner. The press and public had been politely, but firmly asked to leave.
I didn't know what was going to happen to him. What would he do now? Where would he go?
I recalled our conversation by the shore of the Black Lake, and felt only further confusion. He had saved me, but he had also used me as a lure so he could put a score of Death Eaters to the slaughter.
Despite what he had said, the Harry I had fallen in love with was gone.
For now, it was time to move on.
Kingsley stood before the microphone that had been set up in his office.
"We're live in a few moments, Minister," announced an undersecretary. A witch from the WWN moved in front of him, and held up three fingers, then two, then one. Clearing his throat, Kingsley began.
"Good evening," he said. "Fellow witches and wizards, I am talking to you tonight because I want you all to know the facts."
"When Voldemort took power, we were transformed into a nation more fearful, and as a result, a nation more hostile when he was defeated," Kingsley said. "This is why I created Operation Wrath of Merlin. I enlisted soldiers to fight in a secret war, and chose only the finest: two battle-hardened Unspeakables, and the man who had taken down Voldemort. And now, Harry Potter has returned to us all."
"I am not ashamed to tell you that I am proud of what Wrath of Merlin accomplished," continued Kingsley. "Well over two hundred supporters of evil are dead or imprisoned as a result of the Operation. The Ministry has more intelligence and information on Dark Wizards and Witches today than it has had in a hundred years. It was a success. But I was mistaken in not sharing this mission with the Wizarding World. It was an abuse of the power you all entrusted in me."
"The Wizengamot, in their wisdom, have elected to preserve my position as Minister for Magic," Kingsley added. "I pledge now, that tomorrow you will wake up to a Ministry more open and more honest. We will be a champion of all the ideals we fought for. This I promise you."
"Thank you, and good night."
There was a pause.
"We're out!" yelled the WWN witch.
"Not bad," Magnus remarked.
"Percy Weasley makes a fine speechwriter," Kingsley replied.
"Indeed…I might have to poach him at some point," Magnus mused.
The two men took seats on the comfortable chairs in Kingsley's office as the WWN crew moved in to dismantle the broadcast setup.
Kingsley uncorked a new bottle of Firewhisky and poured a measure into two glasses.
"My recommendation," Magnus said, taking one of the glasses. "Have you given any more thought to it?"
"Gregor thinks it is too early," said Kingsley, sipping at his own drink. "Far too early."
"Are you inclined to agree with him?"
"Part of me, yes," Kingsley replied. "But another part of me wonders if I would be squandering a unique opportunity."
"It is long overdue, Kingsley," Magnus replied. "He is of a noble house that descends from the Peverells themselves. It is time for Potter to live up to his destiny."
Long after the members of the Wizengamot had left their seats, and the crowd had been dispersed, and the reporters had rushed to meet their deadlines for the morning's news, Harry Potter stood alone in the Wizengamot Chamber.
The endless blinding flashbulbs had subsided into dim light, the sheer overwhelming noise of it all had given way to silence, and shocked faces had become empty seats.
Neat footsteps made him turn. It was Kingsley.
Harry nodded in greeting. Kingsley dipped his own head in return, then let out a long sigh.
"Hard day at the office?" Harry asked.
"You could say that," Kingsley grimaced.
"So what happens now?" Harry asked.
"I don't know," Kingsley said.
"We have to do something," Harry replied. "They're still out there, Kingsley. I know they are."
"You really think so?"
"Yes," Harry replied. "V wasn't lying. I broke into her mind."
"What would you have me do?" Kingsley asked. "Would you have Wrath of Merlin continue?"
"No," Harry said with a shake of his head. "We have to do it differently now. Hell, Merlin did alright. We took some of them with us at least – but look what it's cost! X and Y are both dead, Arthur's relationship with his family is all but ruined, and nobody trusts you anymore! Your own Ministry nearly kicked you out!"
Kingsley stared at him, impassively. When he replied, his voice was low.
"And what did it cost you, Harry?"
The young man with the jet-black hair and the emerald eyes did not answer.
Kingsley watched him for a moment, eyes narrowed in thought.
"You wanted to be an Auror when you were in school, didn't you?"
"Bit late for that now," Harry replied wryly.
"Not quite," Kingsley said. "Lead the Aurors. They can answer the threat now. It's about time they go back to doing their real job. I need a new Auror Commander. Who better than you?"
"You can't be serious."
"I am," Kingsley said. "I agree with you. We can't just give up on everything we've done in the last year."
"But, they're–" Harry gestured around the empty Wizengamot Chamber, "–not going to like it. They'll vote you out!"
"They don't have to like it," Kingsley replied. "You're the best man for the job. And I survived one vote today, I'm sure I can survive another if necessary. I still have a few friends here."
"I don't know the first thing about running the Auror Office!" Harry protested.
"Neither did I when Scrimgeour gave me the job," said Kingsley. "You'll learn quickly."
"You were already an Auror!"
"You just spent a year doing five times as much as any Auror."
"But, I…at least let me think about it," Harry replied, suddenly flustered.
"Fair enough," Kingsley said. "Take some time to consider it. The rest of the week."
Kingsley began to walk out of the Chamber. Before he disappeared from sight, he stopped and turned.
"I'll see you Monday morning. Eight o'clock sharp, my office."
And then he was gone, leaving Harry to his thoughts.
After a few minutes, Harry too left the Chamber, donning his Invisibility Cloak once again and exiting through the lantern-lit passageway. He headed to his living quarters in the Department of Mysteries. He arrived to find that the walls were now bare, and his trunk lay packed on his bed. The message was clear: the Department of Mysteries was a place he could no longer consider a home.
It was well and truly over.
Changing into regular clothing, the thought crossed his mind that he'd need to find somewhere to stay. Maybe Tom would give him a room at the Leaky Cauldron. But of course, he wouldn't get a moment's peace there. He didn't even know if he'd be welcome.
Muggle London, then.
Wheeling his trunk outside, Harry extinguished the lights with a flick of his wand.
He closed the door behind him with an audible click. He wasn't surprised when he tried to open it again, to find that it was now locked to him.
Despite everything that had happened, the Department of Mysteries was still that: a mystery.
Leaving the Ministry of Magic quickly, Harry – only a few minutes later – arrived on the streets of London, just another commuter among thousands out late. With his trunk clattering along the cobblestones behind him, Harry, alone, made his way into the night.
And what did it cost you, Harry?
The words rang in his head as he walked along Oxford Street. The lights flashed, and he stopped, waiting at the crossing as cars slowly rolled past. In a quiet murmur that only he could hear, he answered aloud:
"Her."
"It cost me her."
In the end, Operation Wrath of Merlin was a war much like any other.
There were those who profited.
There were those who suffered.
There were those who were devoured.
And then there are those for whom there are no words.
THE END
A/N: So concludes Wrath of Merlin. Thanks for sticking with me. This is not the end, but rather the conclusion to Act I. As Wrath of Merlin shaped up over the time that I've spent writing it, it became more and more apparent that the story had a logical endpoint.
But Harry and Ginny's story is of course, far from over, and so there's an Act II: a sequel called Auror Commander. Auror Commander picks up directly where Wrath of Merlin ends, and covers Harry's return to the Ministry as part of the Auror Office, the beginning of Ginny's career with the Holyhead Harpies, and – I promise you – their eventual reconciliation. It's long overdue. You can find Auror Commander, which I've revised and updated like Wrath of Merlin, on my profile page.
