Beyond the Second Destiny

First Arc:

"Order of Merlin Arc"

Chapter Two

Harry, Hermione and Ron came out of a Floo chamber in the cavernous Ministry of Magic Atrium and looked around.

"Over here!" a young female voice called out. Harry and Hermione looked over to see a blond-haired young woman in... "Hermione, are those Slytherin robes?" Harry whispered.

"Indeed they are, Harry," Hermione responded in kind. "I've heard of her. That's Daphne Greengrass."

And so, Harry and Hermione stood—stunned—as Daphne Greengrass walked up to and kissed Ron.

Daphne looked up from the kiss and saw Harry and Hermione. "My Lord and Lady," Daphne said before offering a curtsy.

Harry took Daphne by the hand and lightly kissed it. "Scioness Greengrass, it is a deep pleasure to finally meet you socially," Harry said. "We have been partners in Potions class, but this is the first time we have spoken outside of school."

"Indeed it is, My Lord," Daphne said.

"If you don't mind me asking, how did you two meet?" Hermione said, gesturing to Ron and Daphne.

"It was the day when you two went to the Wizengamot to have Lady Hermione name Narcissa Black as House Malfoy's proxy," Daphne said. "With you gone, My Lord, Professor Snape made Ron and I partners in Potions."

"We worked well together," Ron said. "I guess Daphne here proved what you two had said all along."

Ron gestured to the Slytherin crest on Daphne's robes. "Not all Slytherins are bad," Ron finished.

"That's wonderful, you two," Harry said. "If you two make each other happy, we will support you wherever this relationship takes you two."

"Thank you, My Lord," Daphne said.

"Yeah. Thanks, guys," Ron said before hugging Harry and Hermione in turn.

An Auror walked up to Harry, Hermione, Ron and Daphne. Lord and Lady Potter, Scion Weasley, Scioness Greengrass, if you'll follow me please?" she said. "The ceremony is about to begin."

"Of course. Thank you, Auror..." Harry trailed off, not knowing the Auror's name.

"Lachman, My Lord. Deborah Lachman," the Auror said.

"I remember you, Auror Lachman," Hermione said. "You were with Head Auror Dawlish at Malfoy Manor."

"I thank you for recognizing me, Lady Potter, but we must be going," Lachman said.

Harry, Hermione, Ron and Daphne turned to follow Auror Lachman to the ballroom where the ceremony and banquet would be held.

Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge smiled as he began the ceremony. "Witches and Wizards, welcome. We are gathered here this evening to honor three young people with our community's highest honour for their bravery and fidelity in defending Wizarding Britain from the second rise of Voldemort, the worst danger our world has ever known," Fudge began. "Harold and Hermione Potter, Ronald Weasley, please step up to the stage."

Harry, Hermione and Ron walked up to the stage and stood before Fudge. "The Order of Merlin is the highest award given to a witch of wizard for their contribution to the magical world," Fudge said. "The level of award given is determined by the magnitude of the contribution. Therefore, it is my honour and privilege to present to you the Order of Merlin First-Class for saving the magical world from the terrorist Voldemort."

One by one, Fudge put the Order medallion around Harry, Hermione and Ron's necks. "Scion Weasley, as part of this award, you shall be granted a seat on the Wizengamot. Do you have a proxy in mind to sit your seat until your majority?" Fudge said.

Ron thought for a moment. He then saw that his father, Arthur, was in the audience. "I would like to name my father, Arthur, as my proxy," Ron said.

Fudge looked down at Arthur. "Arthur Weasley, do you accept the duties and responsibilities of Scion Ronald Weasley's Order of Merlin-granted seat on the Wizengamot?" Fudge asked.

"I do," Arthur said.

"Then we will formalize your acceptance at the next Wizengamot meeting," Fudge said. "Lord and Lady Potter, Scion Weasley, do you have any words?"

Harry shook Fudge's hand and turned to face the crowd.

"Minister Fudge, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of my wife and my friend, I would like to thank the Minister and the members of the Wizengamot for voting to honour us the way that you have," Harry said. "For too long, we lived in fear of Voldemort. Good people such as the Longbottoms and my parents were lost to his pureblood extremist beliefs."

"But now, with what we have accomplished, our world can finally, truly, move on," Harry said. "Thank you."

The gathered audience cheered as Harry, Hermione and Ron stepped down from the stage.

::TBC::