Chapter - 4
His younger self wouldn't act this way. His older self would have run into the teashop, grabbed the man by the scruff of his neck, and punched him into oblivion. His younger self would then drag Ginny out of the teashop and demand her to take him back.
None of that happened, thankfully. Instead, he beckoned Hermione to leave.
Right from the onset, Harry knew that he was a changed man. He realized that after the bit of Voldemort's soul was removed from him, courtesy of none other than Voldemort himself. He became a lot calmer and more composed than before. His tendency to lash out at anything and anyone had all but gone. His confrontation with Ginny a few months back was the only time when his anger reared its ugly head. But even then, he was still fully in control.
The man who was kissing Ginny was a lot older than her. The bloke is probably in his mid-twenties. Guess Ginny likes them older. He wondered if he played for The Chudley Cannons. Ron would be very delighted. Maybe he would approve of Ginny's newfound relationship as well seeing that he would now have access to his favorite sports team.
Despite knowing beforehand, he was disappointed. He wasn't going to lie about his true feelings at that moment. But yet, as he strolled along the street of Hogsmeade holding hands with Hermione, he felt thankful. Thankful that Ginny's treachery was exposed early. He guessed it would induce a very messy affair if he found Ginny cheated on him in their marriage. It wasn't as early as he would have liked, no thanks to Hermione's policy, but at least he knew about it. Being led on in a relationship that was destined to head nowhere would be the worst thing that could happen to anyone. He certainly didn't want to waste his time.
And speaking of Hermione, his disappointment extended to her as well. She should have come to him a lot sooner. She should have exposed Ginny's betrayal to him earlier. Maybe back then, he could have done something about it.
Perhaps he should stop feeling too optimistic about his prospects with Ginny.
He still wanted to keep Hermione around though, despite the recent setback. Unlike Ron, time and time again Hermione proved her loyalty to him. She never left him when everyone else did. She stuck with him till the end. Even when given the choice between him and Ron during their hunt for Horcruxes, she chose him. She was part of the reason why he could go on and survive.
Nobody was perfect. Not even him. And like Hermione, he too made mistakes and will be bound to do so until his dying day.
He glanced at the girl who was walking beside him. Hermione was holding his hand. He smiled at her and she smiled back at him. In that smile of hers, he could see that she was concerned about him. He gave her hand an assuring squeeze as a sign to her that he would be all right.
The path forward was now clear. There would be no turning back. His destiny lies not with the Weasleys but somewhere else out there and he knew he would make it through.
Both of them returned to Hogwarts late in the afternoon, having spent nearly the whole day in Hogsmeade. Aside from various snacks and sweets from Honeyduke, Harry treated himself to some new clothing. All these times, the only new clothing items he ever had were school uniforms. When it came to casual, everyday clothing, it had always been the hand-me-downs for him, 'graciously bought' by the Dursleys.
At lunch in a cafe earlier, Hermione talked about her intention to return to Australia right after their graduation ceremony. Harry asked her if she would make a stop at the Burrow. She said no.
"But why not?" said Harry. "It's not like we're going back to school next year. You'll have the whole time in the world to spend with your parents. Ron would love to see you."
"I know that. But-... you know what? It doesn't matter."
"What doesn't matter?"
"Just forget about it, Harry."
"Might I remind you that a line has to be drawn somewhere when it comes to not telling people especially your best friend things they ought to know. You're liable to make things a lot worse than they should be," Harry reprimanded her.
"You're not going to let me live it down, are you?" said Hermione, referring to the conversation they had before at the bank of the lake.
"Take it as a life lesson, Hermione. We learn. We take examples and we move on."
Hermione sighed. "Alright, fine. I uh-... I had a fight with Ginny," she admitted rather reluctantly.
"I see. Go on," Harry persuaded.
"It happened just before your break up with Ginny. I confronted her about her affair with that man we saw in Madam Pudiffoot's Tea Shop. I tried to sort it out with her without your involvement. Suffice to say, it didn't go well. Ginny refused to speak to me until this very day," said Hermione, rather sadly.
It was at this point that Harry realized that for many months, Ginny not only no longer talked to him, but to Hermione as well. Sitting at a different table during classes wasn't the only thing she did. For obvious reasons, that fact somehow flew over his head.
"We're dorm mates but we aren't," Hermione added. "It's awkward, you know. Living in the same dormitory and going to the same classes and not speaking to each other. That's part of the reason why I'm reluctant to tell you. I was afraid that you'll confront her just as I did and she would know that it was me. Things would have gotten a lot messier than it already has, Harry."
Harry however shook his head. "You still should have told me this earlier, Hermione. Of course, I will confront her, what do you think? You're my bestest friend in the whole world... well, apart from Ron. Whatever it is, the writing is on the wall when it comes to me and her. I'm not going to let myself be led on. My relationship with her was doomed right before Christmas, I realized that. It's going to happen either way."
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry, Harry."
Harry waived off Hermione's apology. "Forget about it. Let's just move on."
Hermione went silent.
"So anyway, I guess going back to the Burrow would be an awkward proposition for both of us," he continued.
"You have to visit the Burrow, Harry. Ron would expect that," Hermione reminded him.
"I know and I will. Don't you worry about that. I owe it to him and his parents. Ron will ask about you, you know," said Harry.
"I bet he will. I just can't face Ginny anymore after what she did to you and after what she said to me. I guess I will have a lot of explanation to do," said Hermione.
"Yeah, me too. There's no getting out of this for both of us but we'll face it together when the time comes. You need to be careful with Ron, however. He might be a little bit sensitive when it comes to his family's affairs. So, the next most important question will be where I'm going to permanently live. I mean, I can no longer make the Burrow my permanent home. I have to move elsewhere eventually," said Harry.
"Not Surrey. Please, Harry. Don't you ever go back there. Enough is enough," said Hermione.
"I won't."
"What about Grimmauld Place?" suggested Hermione.
Indeed, his place of permanent residency had been a question that had been bugging him ever since he broke up with Ginny. He could no longer call the Burrow his home and was in dire need of an alternative. For now, the only place available to him was the Grimmauld Place. In all honesty, he was reluctant to go back there, knowing that it would bring back all the memories of his dear godfather but for now, he had no choice. He would have to stay there until he could find a far more suitable place to call home.
"Well, I could stay there temporarily until a far more attractive option comes up. I don't intend to live there forever. That place is just too dark and too big if you catch my drift," said Harry.
"I know what you mean. I don't like Grimmauld Place either. You don't belong there. But since you are going to live there, maybe you should start making the house a little bit more habitable," suggested Hermione.
Harry pondered for a moment. "Yeah, you're right. And I know just what I need to do."
Harry's mind was already made up when he returned to his dormitory. Standing in the middle of his dormitory, he called for his house-elf, "Kreacher!"
The old house-elf appeared with a pop. He bowed to Harry and said, "Master Harry called Kreacher?"
"Indeed yes, Kreacher," said Harry. "It is time."
"Time for what, Master Harry?" asked Kreacher.
"Time for us to go home, Kreacher," said Harry.
Kreacher's bulbous eyes widened with joy. "We-, we're going back home, Master Harry?" he stammered. "We're going back to my mistress house?"
Harry sighed. He hoped that the old house-elf would have forgotten that old hag by now. Old habits die hard it seems even for magical creatures.
"Yes, Kreacher," said Harry, forcing a smile. "We are going back but first, I need you to do something for me."
"Anything, Master Harry. Anything," said Kreacher eagerly.
"I need you to go back to Grimmauld Place and scour the house. Check for any traps, jinxes, curses, and wards that the Death Eaters might place inside the house. Check for stowaways too just in case. Remember that this is important. We want to make sure that the house is safe for both you and me. There is no knowing what the Death Eaters might have done. Do you understand?" asked Harry.
The house-elf once again bowed. "Kreacher understands."
"Good," said Harry, feeling satisfied. "Now go and be careful. Take all the time you need and report to me once you're done. We'll decide on what to do from there."
Kreacher bowed for the third time and with a loud pop, he apparated.
Harry lay back in his bed. One of the many problems that he faced was now solved. He did not want Kreacher to be in a hurry. It would be better to make sure that the house-elf did his job right. After all, his and Kreacher's life was at stake here.
It turned out that he didn't have to wait long. Kreacher returned to Harry that night and told him that all was clear regarding the Grimmauld Place, much to Harry's relief. Harry told Kreacher to go back and began the preparation for his arrival within a few days.
Now it was just a matter of telling Ron about the changes in the plan. Truthfully, Harry did not know how and when to tell him and how Ron would react to it. Nevertheless, one way or another, Ron would have to accept it. Harry could only hope for the best.
It was Friday 18th of June 1999. Graduation day finally came knocking on the door.
Harry and all of Hogwarts' seventh years spent the last few days filling out forms and completing all the documentation necessary before they were handed the coveted Hogwarts diploma. The NEWT results came out three days before the graduation day. Harry received an 'Outstanding' grade for all the subjects he took, much to his surprise, and together with Hermione became the best student of the year. Kingsley visited him on Wednesday and personally handed him the admission letter to the newly established Auror Academy. Harry told Kingsley that he accepted the offer.
Traditionally, Hogwarts held its graduation ceremony within the fourth week into the two-month school break but this year, Headmistress McGonagall decided to hold it before the students returned home. The school board had given their agreement. In addition, this time around it won't be held within the esteemed Great Hall. It will instead be held within the school compound. All of the students were looking forward to it as this was the first time since Hogwarts' inception that a graduation ceremony would be witnessed by all of the students from the first until the final year.
Preparations for the ceremony were made weeks prior. Letters of invitation were sent to parents. A raised platform was erected at the far end of the venue a couple of days prior. Rows of seating were arranged around the platform together with decorations. It was a big event. In fact, it was too big to be just a graduation ceremony. At least that was what Harry suspected.
And he was right.
Professor McGonagall called for a meeting with all seventh-year students two days before the big day. It turned out that Friday wouldn't be just a graduation day but it would also host a medal-awarding ceremony to commemorate the outcome of the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry was told that he was nominated to receive 'The Order of Merlin, First Class' for his deeds during the Second Wizarding War and that he would lead the other recipients during the ceremony. He would be the first wizard to receive that coveted honor in more than a decade and would be the only one still alive to receive it. The last recipient was Peter 'Wormtail' Pettigrew. Wormtail's medal was retracted after his true story was revealed, however. Professor McGonagall told him that when she met him after the meeting. McGonagall also told him that many defenders who fell during the battle including Remus Lupin would also be awarded posthumously for their role, much to Harry's delight and surprise.
Harry and Neville woke up early that day. After taking their shower, they began to put on their graduation robe given to them during the meeting with Professor McGonagall and made their way to the Great Hall.
Harry saw that all the families of the seventh-year students were already gathering inside the Great Hall the moment he arrived. He looked around and saw Ron, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were already sitting at the Gryffindor table, waiting for them. Hermione's parents were also there, much to Hermione's surprise.
Hermione told Harry the other day that her parents won't be attending the graduation ceremony so their appearance was truly a nice surprise for her. She immediately ran towards them and hugged them. Harry followed her from behind.
After greeting the Grangers, Harry went on to sit beside Ron. Ginny was there as well, sitting beside her mother, but he took no notice of her.
"All right, mate? Congratulations," said Ron, patting his best friend's back.
"Thanks. You didn't say you were coming," said Harry as he began filling his plate with food.
"Been a bit busy lately," said Ron. "I was unable to write but at least I'm here. Don't want to miss all these," he added, pointing at the food. "God, I missed Hogwarts food."
Harry just shook his head.
He spent the rest of the breakfast eating and chatting with Ron and his parents. Ginny joined in the conversation from time to time but whenever she did that, Harry purposely disconnected himself from the conversation. He only rejoined when other Weasleys addressed him. Ginny noticed Harry's reaction eventually. She ceased to join the conversation after that.
They would know the status of his relationship with Ginny in due course but for now, he wouldn't worry about that.
From where he sat, he could see happy faces everywhere. Everyone was eating and chatting with their families. The atmosphere within the Great Hall was bright and full of happiness. The cheerfulness was infectious. It was hard to believe that nearly a year ago, a horrible battle that claimed hundreds of lives took place right within the same hall they were in.
He saw Neville who was sitting not far from him. Sitting beside Neville was Augusta Longbottom, his grandmother. There were also a few others within his group that Harry did not recognize. He assumed that they were a part of the House of Longbottom. Augusta saw Harry and immediately beamed at him. Harry replied with a smile.
Harry turned his gaze towards the High Table. Professor McGonagall was sitting at the same spot Dumbledore used to sit. He saw the interim Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt sitting right beside McGonagall. He saw Percy Weasley as well. Few other people were sitting at the High Table among the usual roster of Hogwarts staff and teachers whom he did not recognize. He took it that they were Ministry officials who came to attend the graduation ceremony.
At 9.30am, all the students, families, officials, and teachers made their way to the venue. The weather on that morning was bright and beautiful. The sky was painted bright blue with a few clouds floating near the horizon. Given the notorious weather and cyclical season the British Isle famously experienced, the clear weather they afforded that day was truly a gift from heaven.
Hundreds of chairs were arranged in rows with aisles running down between them. All of the chairs were set to face a beautiful floating, white platform. A single row of chairs was placed on the platform. He had never been to the Hogwarts graduation ceremony before but he did attend his old muggle primary school's graduation ceremonies. It looked to him that both were done in the same way. Of course, muggle ceremonies didn't have a magically floating platform.
Soon enough, all seats were quickly filled up. Harry, the Grangers, and the Weasleys settled at the second-row seats behind the VIPs, Hogwarts teachers, and staff. The headmistress, the Minister for Magic, and a group of people Harry assumed were the board members of Hogwarts school governors took their seats on the platform. Hagrid and, much to Harry's surprise, Madam Maxime sat a few rows back.
The gleaming white marble of Dumbledore's tomb located not far from the venue caught Harry's eyes. He silently wondered if the deceased headmaster could observe the ceremony from high above and see the results of his work. He did not count Dumbledore's portrait that was now hanging in the headmaster's office. To him, that portrait was nothing more than a memory; a shadow of someone who was once alive.
He turned his attention back to the platform when Professor McGonagall began her speech.
The event ended with the Order of Merlin award-giving ceremony. Harry had to go up the platform three times to receive his diploma, The Order of Merlin First Class medal, and to accept the same medal on Remus Lupin's behalf. He later presented the award to Tonks' mother, Andromeda, who was present at the ceremony with the young Teddy Lupin. Andromeda herself was there to receive an award on Tonks' behalf.
Harry's heart broke the moment he laid his eyes on Teddy. At such a young age, Teddy lost his parents. He would never know them. While he was sure that Andromeda would have kept quite a lot of Remus and Tonk portraits and paraphernalia, they were not the same. Harry realized this when he used the Resurrection Stone right before he confronted Voldemort deep inside the Forbidden Forest. The sensation of being able to talk to his parents instead of just looking at their portrait was difficult to describe.
An idea suddenly flew into Harry's mind. He immediately conjured a small bottle. He then touched his temple with the tip of his wand and began to pull out a silvery thread of memory. He tipped the memory into the bottle and sealed the bottle with a cork. He then gave it to Andromeda. He told her that the bottle contained all the good memories he had with Remus and Tonks. He told her to show the memory to Teddy when he was old enough. Harry told Andromeda to make sure that Teddy was aware of the sacrifices his parents made for him.
Andromeda immediately hugged him tightly. She cried. It went that way for a while before she finally released him. Harry looked up at her. He could see that her eyes were swimming in tears.
"Now I know why Nymphadora and Remus chose you, my boy. Now I know."
Those were her last words before she and Teddy left for Hogsmeade Station.
It was Saturday, the day after the graduation ceremony.
It was time for him to leave the place he once called home forever. Many students left the moment the graduation ceremony ended. He and a few others stayed behind for a day more. Like the previous day, he woke up early. He and the others had to get to the Hogsmeade Station by 11am.
Harry and his friends spent their last night at Hogwarts chatting and packing up all their belongings. He and the rest of Gryffindor's seventh-years also took the initiative to meet every Hogwarts teacher and staff, except for Mr. Filch and Madam Pince, and expressed their gratitude for what they had done for them. Some of the students also brought small gifts for the teachers and staff as tokens of appreciation.
Harry and Neville bid their dormitory, the one they inhabited for the last seven years, a final farewell. Within the common room, sadness filled up the air as everyone bid farewell to each other. Hugs and kisses were exchanged along with promises of never-ending friendships. No matter where they are and no matter what they do, their camaraderie shall endure till the end of time.
One final breakfast at the Great Hall and they were now at Hogsmeade Station. The Hogwarts Train was already waiting.
"Well Harry, Neville, and Hermione," said Hagrid who escorted them all along from the castle. "I guess this is it."
The trio looked up towards the half-giant. They saw that Hagrid was trying to fight back his tears.
"This won't be the last time you see us, Hagrid," Harry said. "We'll see each other again. We promise."
Hagrid gave out a smile. "I know, Harry. I know. Good luck. Oh, before I forget, I just want to tell ya' lot that Olympe asked me to come to France with her. We're getting married, ya' know."
Hermione who was also trying to fight back her tears said between hiccups, "Well, that's good news, Hagrid. So you will be resigning from Hogwarts then? When-, when is the happy day?"
"Yeah, looks like it. I can't teach if I am to stay in France, can I?" replied Hagrid. "I'll send ya' invitations. Doncha' worry about it."
"We'll wait."
"Hogwarts is going to lose another good teacher, Hagrid," said Harry. "It's hard to think about that. We've been here for only seven years but you spent nearly all your lives here. But we understand. Sometimes we just got to move on."
Hagrid could only smile. At that precise moment, the train blew its whistle.
"Well, the three of you better get on board," said Hagrid. "And don't get into more trouble, ya' hear me?"
"Thank you, Hagrid. For everything," said Harry.
"No - no, Harry. Thank you," said Hagrid as he gave Harry one last hug.
Turning to Hermione and Neville, he said, "And I shall be waiting for the invitation from both of you. Hope it won't be too long after mine, eh?"
Hermione, teary eyed, let out a mixture of cough and laughter. Neville simply smiled sheepishly. Both Hermione and Neville then hugged Hagrid and together with Harry, they boarded the train.
The trio found an empty compartment and filed inside. Harry immediately took the seat beside the window and gazed outward. From where he was seated, he could see the looming towers of the castle framed by the magnificent Scottish mountain range.
He was going to leave it for good. The first-ever place he called home. Such was the story of his life from being a scrawny kid living inside the cupboard under the stairs into being a heroic wizard known all over the world. Such a journey of his life. Anguish, sadness, anger, disappointment, and losses became part of him, making him what he is now. A man, who despite the accomplishments he achieved, remained down to earth.
There was a jolt and the train began to move. Harry continued to watch the castle until it finally disappeared around the corner.
"Goodbye."
He and the rest of the gang did not speak much during the train journey, preferring instead to remain silent. Arthur and Molly, together with the Grangers were already waiting for them the moment they reached King's Cross Station. Hermione and her parents would be staying in London for the night before flying back to Australia early the next day.
Molly was surprised when Harry told her that he would instead go to Grimmauld Place. She tried to talk him out of it but unfortunately for her, his decision was firm. He promised her that he would visit the Burrow from time to time. They exchanged hugs and Harry immediately apparated towards Sirius's old house.
Kreacher greeted him enthusiastically the moment he arrived at Grimmauld Place. The house-elf took Harry's trunk away and began making tea and scones, at Harry's request.
Kreacher was busy preparing dinner while Harry sat at the table, attending to the scones and tea Kreacher made earlier. His mind wandered off momentarily until he remembered what he wanted to do earlier. He immediately stood up.
"Kreacher."
The house-elf came hurriedly to him. He bowed and asked, "What would the master ask of Kreacher?"
Harry shook his head. "Nothing. Just continue what you were doing Kreacher. I need to go somewhere else. I'll be back tonight."
Kreacher once again bowed. "Of course, Master Harry. And please be careful."
Harry looked fondly at the old house-elf. Kreacher had changed a lot. "I will. I'll see you tonight."
He put on his traveling jacket that was hanging nearby and immediately apparated.
It was 5.30 in the afternoon at Godric's Hollow. Within one of its more secluded alleys, a small popping sound was heard. A young man wearing a traveling jacket suddenly appeared out of thin air.
He looked up and down the small alley. Satisfied that there was no one else there but him, he began to walk.
He had been there. Twice. Once when he was still young and his parents were still alive. He was there the second time with Hermione under a very different circumstance. It was not snowing like the last time he went there and the sun shone brightly. The weather was perfect. For the first time ever, he was able to witness Godric's Hollow's true beauty.
Along the small lane, he walked, going past various small cottages and houses. He continued to absorb the surroundings, wondering what it would be like if Voldemort never existed. He would still be living there. His parents would be the ones sending him off to Hogwarts and they would be the ones who attended his graduation ceremony. He probably would have a brother or a sister too. He would have friends in Godric's Hollow and some of the houses he saw would be theirs. He would make a point to visit them whenever he returned on school breaks. He wouldn't care if they're a wizard or not. He would treat all of them equally. Instead of having to endure the Dursleys' cruelty, his school break would be awesome.
But of course, none of that happened. Those were just his wishful thinking.
He turned into a corner at the end of the lane and walked into the heart of the small village. A small square appeared in front of him. The war memorial was still there and as before, instead of an obelisk covered with the names of fallen soldiers, a statue of three people appeared. Harry knew to whom the statue was for.
But the statue was not the reason why he was there in the first place. At this point, his eyes were fixed on the small church that lies opposite of the war cum the Potter Memorial.
He came to Godric's Hollow to visit his parents.
The cemetery ground was well kept. He still remembered the location of his parent's grave. It did not take him as long as before to find it. The headstone was clean. Someone must have taken very good care of it. He could see the writing on the headstone very clearly. He knelt.
"Hi, mom. Hi dad," he spoke. He did not know if they could hear him but he decided to keep on talking. "It's me, your son. I just want to tell you that everything has been done. Voldemort is dead. We're now free. Your death has been avenged. I hope that you'll finally be at peace."
The headstone of course did not reply.
"I wish you were here," he continued. "I missed both of you so much. It was never easy with you not being here. Most of the time I was alone. Luckily, I got Ron and Hermione. I wish that you could meet them." He went quiet for a while. A tear began to run down his cheek. "But I also want to thank you for being there for me even if I can't see you. I want to thank you for the life and strength you have given me. You and many others helped me to go on and I won't forget that. I'll be looking forward to the time when we will be together once again. For now, though, I have to say goodbye. But I promise I will return."
Harry raised his wand and conjured up a wreath of flowers. He laid the wreath on his parents' grave and leaned forward to kiss the headstone. "I will come back," he whispered.
He then stood up and after taking one last look at the headstone, began to walk away.
He stopped by Kendra and Ariana Dumbledore's grave. Once again, he took out his wand and conjured up two wreaths of flowers in which he laid each of them onto the two graves.
"You have a brave son, Miss Kendra," he whispered. "And you have a really good brother, Ariana. Send my regards to him would you?"
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
The inscription that was written on Ariana Dumbledore's headstone caught his eye the first time he went there. He did not know the meaning of it back then.
Now he knows.
Both his and Albus Dumbledore's treasures were there, right within the cemetery grounds. And there their heart shall forever be.
Harry began his Auror training a month after leaving Hogwarts. He and Ron were among the first batch of trainees within the newly established Auror Academy, the brainchild of Kingsley Shacklebolt. Kingsley now held the Minister for Magic position permanently after he won uncontested in an election held a couple of weeks prior.
The two years of training were grueling but Harry took it all in a stride. He knew that it had to be that way given the danger they would face whenever they were out there. He now knew that being an Auror wasn't just about knowing how to fire spells and curses. Gathering intelligence, espionage and infiltration were among some of the aspects that he needed to learn. At the same time, he made it a point to visit the Burrow and Godric's Hollow in between training. Harry found out from Ron that Mrs' Weasley got a whiff of the situation between him and Ginny but his best friend told him that they understood and did not blame Harry at all. Ginny however did get the full wrath of her mother. That wasn't all. Near the end of the two years of training, Ron brought him the news that Ginny had broken up with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend cheated on her during the anniversary of their relationship. Not only that, her boyfriend was the one who instigated the breaking up.
"She may be my sister, but I don't feel sorry for her at all. She got what she deserves," said Ron. "You deserve someone better, Harry."
He and Ginny were now back on the speaking term. They addressed each other politely every time Harry visited the Burrow. Harry had finally managed to get over her. Ginny was now nothing more than a friend and a sister to him, just like Hermione.
Two years flew by and he finally graduated from the academy. His team's first mission was to deal with the Wand of Death. They did it efficiently and brilliantly of course. Under Harry's leadership, they quickly obliterated the group. Its destruction was swift. Gregory Goyle was the last member of the group to be dealt with. Goyle fought hard but in the end, he was killed in the hands of none other than Harry himself. From then onwards, he and his team continued to excel in every mission given, both in and out of Britain.
Harry himself had become the most fearsome member of the British Auror just like the late Mad-Eye Moody. Under his watchful eyes, no wizards and witches dared to break the law.
Paris, five years later...
Five years went by.
Ron resigned from his position two years earlier. He told Harry that George had been asking him to join Weasleys' Wizard Wheeze for many months now.
"George told me that he has been running out of creative juice for a while now. He needed someone to join him and help him create new products. He thought that I would be the one suitable to replace Fred," said Ron during lunch one day. "He said I'm hilarious. Whatever that means."
Midsummer Eve arrived when Harry and his team found themselves making camp within the France Presidential Palace of Elysee.
The 60th Anniversary Celebration of the end of World War 2 closing ceremony would be held at the Elysee Palace. The peak of the celebration was held at Normandy a day before to commemorate the event of D-Day. All dignitaries from nations directly involved in the world's last greatest war had confirmed their attendance. Security would be the main focal point. Harry was appointed to be in charge of the security for the whole event and for the last few months before the celebration, Harry and his team worked with Aurors and muggle security personnel from every joined nation to make sure that everything remained as tight as possible.
It appears that the magical people weren't as secretive as some people thought they might be. Some wizards worked within the American's FBI and CIA, British's MI-6, and France's DGSI to name a few. Of course, the general public never knew that. The President of France met Harry and voiced his utmost confidence in him. He told Harry that with him in charge, he did not doubt the venue would be safe. Harry told him that he never took the matter of security lightly and suggested the president take precautionary measures of his own.
"That will help us do our job, Mr. President," said Harry.
The night of the celebration had finally come. Everything was in place.
Harry, who was wearing a tuxedo, stood on one of the palace's balconies as he silently watched various limousines and luxury cars waiting in line to dispatch their contents. From his vantage point, he could see agents, in disguise and undisguised strategically placed within the palace's sprawling compound. Agents were placed at various strategic locations within the palace as well. Electronic security communication devices would be their main mode of communication. However, Harry had another trick up on his sleeve. Taking a cue from the Dumbledore's Army, each agent, both wizards, and muggles, was given a small gold coin. In an emergency, pressing the coin would transport every agent within the closest vicinity toward the location of the emergency within the blink of an eye.
Once all the attendees had arrived, Harry made his way to the palace's banquet hall. The banquet would begin any minute now.
Standing alone at one of the corners of the hall, he watched silently as the procession progressed. And as he stood there, little did he realize that someone with a pair of sparkling blue eyes was watching him.
He didn't stay for long. Once satisfied that everything was in order security-wise, Harry made his way back to the balcony. The dignitaries would be taking their leave anytime soon.
It didn't take long before his comm came alive. "Hey, Harry! How's the view from down there?"
Harry recognized that voice. It was Hector Alvaro, his American muggle counterpart. "I'm the one who should be asking that question, Hector," he answered. "Given that you're high up there on top of the roof enjoying the view and I'm down here watching cars and old people."
"Huh, no wonder you sounded so cranky. I got a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower from here," said Mike. "So no beautiful young girls down there then?"
"Nope unless you think seventy-year-old women are attractive. I think young people are much rather spending their time in a nightclub than being here," said Harry.
"Yeah, that's a shame. Well, be cranky no more, my friend," said Hector, chuckling. "If you haven't seen any beautiful princess down there so far, you're about to. Get your ass to the balcony at the west wing. A woman, probably in her twenties standing there all alone. She's been there for quite some time. Better go and check her out."
"One of the guests I supposed?" asked Harry as he began to walk briskly towards the palace's west wing.
"She clearly dressed for the occasion so she might be. She's indescribably pretty, man. Never seen anyone like her." came the reply.
"Whoever she is, she shouldn't be there. And I don't care how pretty she is," said Harry, hastening his pace. "I'll handle this. Thanks, Hector."
"No problem, amigo. Just watch your back okay?"
During his stay at the presidential palace, Harry had taken the initiative to memorize every part of it. Like Hogwarts, navigating his way through the labyrinth of the palace quickly became second nature to him. Coupled with his experience of roaming the castle at night without being detected, finding his way around the palace was a breeze.
It did not take long for him to reach the balcony.
Indeed, the aforementioned girl was still there. Harry could not see her face as she was standing with her back facing him. The girl was tall and slender. Long, silvery blonde hair crowned her head and it fell past her shoulder. She was all alone, leaning against the balcony railing and looking at the Eiffel Tower located a few miles from Elysee Palace.
The view from the balcony was truly breathtaking but Harry couldn't enjoy it. He had a job to do.
"Miss?" he called out to her.
The girl turned her head slightly before returning her gaze to the Eiffel Tower. She did not answer him.
"Miss?" Harry called out to her again, this time a little bit more firmly. "This is a restricted area. You shouldn't be here. Please follow me. I also need to see your ID."
From where he stood, he could see the girl concocted a smile.
"I didn't know zhat zhis balcony iz a restricted area, Monsieur Potter," she finally said. "And it has been a while since zhe last time I heard your voice."
Harry took a few steps backward. His eyes widened. He recognized that voice and the accent that followed it. "You?!"
The girl turned around to face Harry. Her sparkling blue eyes landed on him. Her pink lips formed an even wider smile.
"Hello, 'Arry. It iz so good to see you again."
To be continued...
A/n: Another day another chapter.
To guest review dated 27th Nov: Unfortunately, 90% of readers dislike the previous layout of this story, calling it messy and utterly confusing. I agree with the advantages you mentioned but the majority wins. Thank you for the feedback.
Anyway, I forgot to mention previously that this story is basically two concepts (post-war and GoF) combined into one. It will be a while before the second concept kicks in.
Enjoy.