Chapter 4: Looking to the Future

A/N: Sorry, I don't like A/N in the beginning of the chapter but trigger warning: there's a part in this chapter where Harry talks to Andromeda about his death. It's not really suicidal ideation in my books, just Harry discussing his what if moment. Because choosing not to move on should be a huge decision. But you could take it that way if you squint really, really hard. So if that sort of thing bothers you, you can skip the Harry/Andromeda talk. It's only to show that Harry isn't in the best place mentally. Also, the ministry part has some violence. So...

Without further ado..

Gawain groaned after Potter had shuffled upstairs. He was sure he hadn't heard the last of Potter.

Hermione was frustrated. She was frustrated because she had seriously underestimated the difficulty of finding her parents. The Australian authorities had been very obliging. They had even asked the muggle authorities to assist. The task, however, was worse than searching for a needle in a haystack. She had already gone through the motions in Sydney and Adelaide with no results. Currently, she was sitting in hotel room in Melbourne, staring despondently at the mirror. 'Don't lose hope, Hermione. We'll find them. It's only a matter of time.' Ron tried to cheer her up.

'I know Ron. It just feels so discouraging. Australia is so big, trying to find Wendell and Monica Wilkins here… I don't know what I have done.' Ron looked stricken at her words. 'Don't the muggle authorities keep any records of addresses, I mean the ministry of magic does.' He wondered aloud. Hermione chuckled. 'No, Ron. There are far too many muggles for that. We do have voter records but even those wouldn't include recent immigrants I suppose. The visa records were our best bet but those aren't public. There are very few public records unless you're a doctor or a lawyer where anyone can look you up.' She explained patiently. 'That's right, Ron. My parents are dentists. I can look them up in the dentists' council register.' The realization floored her.

Once Hermione started on an idea, she worked on it tirelessly. She went through reams of newspapers and journals, marking and cross-referencing any Wilkins who came close. She even checked the internet despite that proving to be very expensive. By the end of the day, she had found two likely couples whose qualifications and approximate ages matched. Even better, both their addresses placed them in Melbourne. Firs time since she had begun her search, she felt a little hopeful.

Returning to the hotel room, she immediately shared the good news with Ron. Ron looked as thrilled as she felt at the news. 'Let's celebrate, Hermione. I hear the restaurant downstairs makes great lamb chops. My treat. I, sort of, managed to earn some money.' Ron murmured the last part, embarrassed. Hermione raised her eyebrows. 'It was a chess match. I hadn't played in ages and couldn't resist. He lost the bet but he was a good sport. He's invited me to his club tournament tomorrow. I won't go if you need me, though.'

'Oh, Ron! That's great. Of course, you should go. I'll be doing more research anyway. What time is it? Maybe I can come watch?'

'11 am. Not sure if it's worth watching though. Did you talk to Harry today? We should give him the good news. And ask how he's doing?' Checking on Harry was a sore topic for both of them. Neither of them could forget the image of his body being carried out from the forest easily.

Hermione took out the mirror and called up Harry who answered promptly. He was delighted to hear about them both. 'Good to know. Hopefully, you'll be back soon. Mrs. Weasley is getting worried. Write to her, Ron. You still have Pig, don't you?'

'Yeah, sorry,' Ron muttered sheepishly. 'I should have thought of it sooner. After Fred, she's bound to worry.' He grimaced. Harry continued, his face even more serious, 'Listen, I talked to McGonagall today. She's offered to let all of us repeat our seventh year if we want our NEWTs. They're also conducting exams in August. They're optional though. You can choose to repeat a year or sit the exams at the end of August. We can also opt out. They won't count on this year's job applications at least for the Ministry or St Mungo's. It's the same for all years. Take the exams in August or repeat the year. Plenty of parents held their children back last year and the muggle-borns, well… you know. They'll have extra coaching over the summer for those who want. I figured I'd tell you right away.'

'Thanks, Harry. Would you mind telling Professor McGonagall that I'll be attending?' Hermione asked. On the whole, this is turning to be a great day, she thought, looking lovingly to Ron. 'Sure, I will, Hermione. Not that anyone doubted it,' Harry smiled pleasantly. 'Listen, I'm due at Andromeda's and I promised Teddy a bedtime story. He'll fuss if he doesn't see me. Let me not keep you two. Till tomorrow.' He waved his hand. 'Bye, Harry,' Ron and Hermione chorused.

Dinner that night was a somewhat cheerful affair. Hermione, however, soon realized that Ron looked a bit preoccupied. 'You've been awfully quiet, Ron. Aren't you eager to go back to Hogwarts, with me?' She asked. Ron looked at her apprehensively and took a bite of his stew. 'I'd hoped this wouldn't come up so soon, Mione,' he told her, sighing. 'I'm not sure I want to go back to Hogwarts. It wouldn't be the same now, after what we've been through.'

'And well, going back will be a big burden on mum and dad, financially. Dad's been unable to work the last few months. It's really burnt a hole in our savings. Bill and Charlie, well, Bill's got a family to think about now and Charlie took a month of leave, so, you understand. And Fred and George, their business is going to need a lot of help now that.. now that Fred's not here,' he continued taking a deep breath. 'Kingsley talked to me the night he gave you the permissions. He's offering me a chance for a job as an auror. The details aren't final yet, but… it pays well. I'm thinking of accepting.'

Hermione took in those words. Even in her wildest dreams she hadn't imagined that she would be going back to Hogwarts without Ron by her side. 'You can use the rest of my college fund,' she offered feebly. 'I took out my college fund last year for our use. I wasn't sure if Harry would be able to access his vault. I thought I didn't need it anymore since witches don't go to college. I still have 6000 pounds left. Mum and Dad are going to be so mad when they find out.'

'It's very generous of you, Hermione but you know it wouldn't solve the problem. I'm not as ambitious as you, Hermione. I'll be fine without those NEWTs. I guess I'm just worried about us. You've always valued your grades so highly. Would you want to be with someone who's dropped out of NEWTs?' Ron was very earnest now. Hermione sniffed and cleared her throat. When she finally began, her voice was soft. 'Ron. Never again. Promise me you won't hide things from me. Not important ones like that. I've said it once before, I'm only book smart. You've taught me there's so much more important than that in life. You don't need NEWTs to be brilliant, Ron. You already are. And it's you I want, not a piece of paper. You wouldn't be Ron if you didn't want to help your parents. We'll make it work. We'll make us work. Even if we can only talk through owls.'

Ron stared at her speechless. Then, a dazzling smile spread on his face. The rest of the dinner, the two lovers gazed at each other longingly. For a few moments, it seemed that they had got everything in the world.

Teddy was the only person who could make Harry forget any of his preoccupations. Today, he had decided to zoom nearby small object towards himself. Harry had had his hands full of trying to keep both Teddy and the objects safe. Harry had been volunteering to help Andromeda fairly regularly. He knew that despite the proud lady's claims, managing her duties as a healer along with caring for Teddy was both difficult and exhausting. He also felt strangely comforted when spending time with Teddy. At least, it assuaged his guilt about Remus and Tonks somewhat. He'd thought about and rejected the headmistress' offer of returning to Hogwarts. He didn't think he could stay there a whole year without being overwhelmed with thoughts about the battle. Kingsley had more than once hinted that he wanted to offer him a ministry job but he had not pressed him. Truth be told, he wasn't sure what to do with his life.

Andromeda seemed to have noticed his uneasiness. Once, he had tucked Teddy in his crib and prepared to leave, she stopped him with an offer of chamomile tea. 'It's the least that I can do Harry. Without you, I don't think I'd have the energy to deal with such an enthusiastic five month old,' she told him ruefully, handing him a cup. They had sipped in silence for a while when she finally asked. 'What have you decided?' Harry jumped up nearly drawing a wand on her. She had broken his train of thoughts. She did not look disturbed, however. She merely cleaned and refilled his cup, repeating her question. 'Decided what?' He asked, trying to regain his composure.

'About what you want to do with your life. Now that the war is over.' Her tone showed only a faint curiosity. 'I'm not really sure,' Harry finally stammered out. He continued when Andromeda didn't comment. 'For the longest time, I didn't think I would survive the war. By the end, I didn't even intend to, I think. So, I never really planned for a future, much less one without Voldemort on my heels.' He took another sip of tea. His voice was shaky. 'Then I had to make the choice to…. live. Don't get me wrong, I know it was the right choice for everyone. I still wonder though, would moving on be a better choice for me? I mean, there were better people than me who deserved the chance for that choice.' He hoped he didn't sound too bitter.

Andromeda's response took him by surprise. 'I don't think how you could ever be sure in this situation. There were no good choices. Command responsibility isn't easy for anyone, and it's harder when you're so young.' Her words were gentle but there was no pity in her voice. For that, Harry was grateful. 'Command responsibility?' He questioned. 'Harry, unlike Voldemort, you didn't force anyone for your cause. You did not imperius anyone or use compulsion potions. You did not blackmail or threaten anyone into helping you. The group of students you called Dumbledore's Army or even the order followed you out of love and respect. In taking responsibility for their deaths, you diminish their sacrifices. Just think about that. It isn't for me to say what you should do with your future. The heir to the Black and the Potter fortunes has little need to do anything for a living. But you do need to decide for yourself if that is what you want.'

Harry was still thinking about it as he paid for the new snowy owl at the Eeylopes Owl Emporium. He was distinctly thankful for the fact that the shop was dark for the owls' comfort. That, along with his cloak (the regular kind, not the gift from his father) allowed him some modicum of anonymity. The owl, whom he had named Zephyr, for the gentle west wind, fluttered ahead as he apparated to Hogsmeade. He had an important appointment at the Hog's Head.

Elphias Doge was already waiting when Harry reached the Hog's Head. 'Afternoon, Aberforth. Elphias,' he greeted. 'Don't stand out there in the open,' Aberforth grunted indicating them to a sheltered parlour. 'Remembering my fool of a brother isn't worth your head. I hear he's left you an inheritance. Only glad it wasn't me. Coming from him, it's more likely to be a cursed object or something.' Harry chuckled, ignoring his jibe. 'Thank you, Aberforth. You're partially right, of course. A lot of your brother's inheritance, for a lack of better word, needs to be taken care of.'

'How's that work going, then?' Elphias interjected good naturedly. 'Like mixing water with a shrinking solution,' Harry answered wryly. 'That wasn't why I was here, though. Sit, Aberforth. Some of that excellent mead of yours wouldn't go amiss. He added. Startled, Aberforth sat. 'I wanted to talk to you because, of all people, you are the ones who knew Albus best,' Harry started speaking. Doge laughed heartily. 'Much as I'm honoured to meet you, Harry, I warn you that I don't think I knew Albus well at all. Not better than you. Oh, I knew about his life of course, even his friendship with Grindelwald in passing. But as to his motivations, I confess I had no clue. We corresponded very little in the year before his death. By then he had dedicated all of his energy to pursuing Voldemort and neither of us believed it prudent to trust such matters to the vagaries of easily intercepted owls. I think, of us three, your guesses about his purposes are going to be a shade more accurate.'

Harry was moved by Doge's little speech. 'He loved me,' he confessed. 'Enough to get you killed,' Aberforth said harshly. 'He didn't want to get me killed. He was doing his best to help me survive in a difficult situation. It was hard on him too, I think. But this isn't about him or me. It's about Ariana.' Now he had all of Aberforth's attention. 'Look, what Skeeter did was despicable. And well, it's all out in the open now. I wanted to talk about getting your father exonerated. There's no need to hide Ariana now. She should be remembered and mourned as the sweet girl she was. Not what, Rita Skeeter made her out to be.'

'You don't know anything about Ariana,' Aberforth protested feebly. 'Don't I?' Harry challenged. Aberforth looked at where Ariana's portrait was hung on the wall. He looked from her to Harry. 'Very well. For Ariana.'

'For Ariana,' Harry agreed. They spent some time reminiscing till Aberforth left to serve a couple of other customers. 'Well, my boy. What did you want from me? Your objectives regarding the Dumbledore family are admirable but do you think that taking on Skeeter will be easy? Frankly, in your position, I would have questioned Albus' motives more than you seem to have.' Elphias Doge's manner was suddenly business like. Harry was beginning to understand why Dumbledore would befriend this man and why Kingsley wanted him on his side.

'As to Skeeter's opposition,' Harry began cautiously, 'that, you need not worry about. I have full confidence that she will say no more than an apology.' Doge gave him a sharp look. 'As to your second question, you're right. I promised a favour to Kingsley.'

'Kingsley, is it? It's trivial to be on first name basis with the Minister when you're the saviour of the wizarding world. What is he offering me and why should I accept?' The gleam in Doge's eyes betrayed his words. He was definitely interested.

'Officially you will be the Treasurer. Unofficially, you decide.'

'Generous offer, Harry but you're going to have to try harder than that. Do you have any idea what the ministry finances probably look at the moment? Most of Europe is still recovering from the Dark Lord's reign of terror. The French Minister was murdered and the Italian one was in hiding. Effects were felt even in the Russian Federation up north or the United States across the sea. Only South Asia was relatively unaffected.' Doge was on a roll now.

'Elphias, I've read Dumbledore's old accounts. I know you were passionate about politics. I know you were disillusioned with the corrupt ministry at the time. You have a chance now. While I can say little about individual ministry employees, but I promise you, you won't find a more honest minister than Kingsley. I know you and Dumbledore were good friends. Do you not want to carry forward his legacy? As for taking the fall, you of course aren't in an elected position. If anyone is going to take the fall, it's Kingsley. He's the hopeless progressive.'

'Passionate defence, Harry. I remain, however, a cynic. I always preferred the stick to the carrot as Albus' accounts will tell you. I agree. On one condition.'

'And the condition is?' Harry questioned. 'Endorse the minister publicly.' Doge answered.

' You could have asked for something more substantial. I've already done so in my only press statement. If the minister asks, I will do it again for the campaign.' Harry sounded a little disappointed. 'Then, I'll meet you both at the ministry tomorrow.' Doge sounded as if Christmas had come early.

Kingsley had repeatedly reassured Harry that he would ensure his security at the ministry but Harry wasn't convinced. He had a feeling that something was about to go wrong. He was after all going to meet Lucius Malfoy. Kingsley had also assured him that almost no one knew of his expected arrival at the ministry. Harry was even more doubtful about this point but he let it go. The whole ministry couldn't be run from Grimmauld Place, they both knew. On apparating to the Ministry apparition point, he was surprised to be greeted not by his usual guard detail Proudfoot but Gawain Robards, the head auror.

'Mr. Robards,' he greeted. He had no idea why Kingsley had chosen him for his protection. He knew the man was competent. He had heard rumours that he had passed information to the order but he was also sure that the man actively disliked him. 'This way, Mr. Potter. We'll be using the courtroom as it's the most secure part of the Ministry. Stay behind me.' Harry found himself getting annoyed. He wasn't going to be treated like a child. 'I'm well aware where the courtrooms are, Mr. Robards. This is unfortunately, not, my first visit to the ministry,' he said curtly. He began walking without waiting for Robards to catch up. Robards caught up quickly enough. 'Mr. Potter, I may not like you personally but I do want to keep you safe. Please don't make my job harder.'

'I won't. If you try not to treat me as a wayward child. Where is Proudfoot?' Harry asked. Robards blinked, not expecting this line of questioning. 'It's her day off. She has a young son.' Harry smiled wistfully as he walked towards the atrium. He stopped short as he realized that the atrium was crowded with both reporters and admirers. He swore under his breath. 'Looks like we'll be needing your expertise, Mr. Robards.' The two walked into the atrium, Robards at Harry's heels. Harry was soon surrounded by excited people asking for his autograph or reporters asking all manner of clarification regarding Voldemort's demise. Harry studiously ignored both as he pushed his way to the lifts. His eyes were taking in every detail, trying to evaluate any threats. There, in the alcove, the third person behind that witch. 'Down,' he yelled at Robards who was shocked enough to comply. 'Protego.' He had his shield up before anyone could react. The curse ricocheted off, tearing the tapestry behind the man. The excitement had given way to terrified screams.

'Don't touch anything,' Harry told the nearby people loudly, trying to control the mob. A quick glance at the fallen man confirmed his findings. The spike in his ring was either cursed or poisoned. The man was dead before he hit the ground. Robards, by this time had recovered and pinned Harry before he could examine the attacker. 'Back, Mr. Potter.' He barked a couple of commands to two nearby people who were wearing auror uniforms. 'Take him upstairs to the identification team. I need a full report immediately. Clear out this lot while you're at it,' he gestured to the crowd. He scribbled something on a piece of paper and marked it confidential. The paper folded itself into a little paper aeroplane and flew away.

'I'm taking you to Auror office, level two. It's safe. Kingsley will be expecting you there. Interrogating Lucius Malfoy can wait.'

This time Robards insisting on walking in front of Harry. The auror office on the second floor was rather more cramped than Harry was expecting. Harry wished he had the luxury of examining the rooms in detail. They reached the room marked Head Auror. Robards pushed opened the door. Kingsley was sitting there with the auror Adrian Savage and another who looked even younger. 'You aren't hurt Harry,' Kingsley exclaimed pleading. 'I'm alright Kingsley. I rather suspect Rabastan Lestrange along with an associate. Probably half blood. It was a cutting curse. They were at least trying to avoid collateral damage. The wizard who cast the curse was probably meant to take the fall. Killed himself. Cursed or poisoned spike. Not sure which. Doubt you'll find anything,' Harry supplied.

'Err.. Hello,' the young unnamed auror interrupted. 'Andrew Carr. I was Tonks' training partner. I see why she though highly of you.' He grinned crookedly. Harry smiled affectionately at the young auror. He found himself on the receiving end of Gawain Robard's glare. 'Mr. Potter, someone attempted to murder you in the ministry premises. Kindly, treat the matter with gravity.' Harry laughed humourlessly. 'Hardly the first time.' Robards tried again. 'Let's get you to safety first.' Harry looked at him incredulously. 'With all due respect Mr. Robards, this wasn't the first time for me and probably it won't be the last. Leaving without doing what I came here for would be a pointlessly squandering the opportunity for which I risked my life.' Robards was gaping at Harry open mouthed. Andrew broke the silence. 'A veteran I see. How old were you when someone first attempted to kill you?'

Harry sighed and gave the auror a look, waiting for him to understand. It clicked. 'Oh sorry. I'm an idiot. It was meant as a joke, honest.' Harry took pity on him. 'Oh, it's perfectly alright. Let's get it over with. Where is Mr. Malfoy?' Robards looked to be deciding something. Kingsley was looking between Robards and Harry. 'Fine, courtroom six. Try to be quick.'

Harry was surprised to find Narcissa Malfoy waiting for him outside the courtroom. Her robes looked more ruffled than regular and her bun not as well made. 'What do you want from me?' He was immensely grateful to her for lying back in the forest but it couldn't erase the past seven years. 'Please, just convince my husband. You can have any information you want. I only want my family's safety. Please, Harry. I'll do anything.' Her tone was pleading.

'I'll try my best with your husband, Mrs. Malfoy. I give you my word that I'll protect Draco whatever the case may be.' Harry told her firmly. He opened the courtroom door. 'Stay,' he told Robards curtly. 'Somethings are better not heard.' Robards did not object.

Lucius Malfoy looked up as Harry entered. 'Potter? Came here to gloat, have you?'

'Quite the opposite, Mr. Malfoy. To offer you immunity,' Harry answered. Malfoy's face looked pained. 'You saw how the Dark Lord punished me for my last betrayal. He's immortal, Potter. Don't meddle with him.'

Harry spoke calmly, 'Mr. Malfoy. Listen to me. Tom Riddle is dead. I know he created certain objects to make himself immortal. He handed you one such object, as I recall. They've all been destroyed. Tom Riddle holds no more power in this world unless you let him through your memories. Don't do it, Mr. Malfoy.' Malfoy hung his head. 'Fine,' he managed. 'Call Narcissa.'

Outside the courtroom, Harry slumped. 'He'll be reasonable,' he told the onlookers. 'Go, talk to him,' he added to Narcissa. 'Potter?' Even Robards was looking at him with vague concern. 'It doesn't feel like a victory, Mr. Robards. I know it was necessary. That it will save lives. I still feel almost dirty. I only used words.' He answered Robards' unspoken query. 'I'll go meet Kingsley.'

Meeting Kingsley and Doge was more tiring than Harry had anticipated. They both seemed to be trying to involve Harry in policy decisions, something Harry had no interest in. Kingsley agreed to making the laws fairer for the non-humans while Doge dismissed it as impractical. Nevertheless, they spent quite some time trying to reach to acceptable compromises. Harry insisted on due process for the caught death eaters. He even broached the topic of pardons for people like Sirius or Percival Dumbledore. Kingsley promised to do what he could.

The most important thing which both Kingsley and Doge agreed with was that Azkaban needed a serious reorganization and swiftly. 'Our holding cells are already full. Once, the trials begin, it's going to be hard. And we haven't even begun to scratch the surface about the crimes against the muggle-borns.' Kingsley rubbed his forehead. 'I don't fancy sending even death eaters to the dementors and they haven't proven reliable prison guards in any case.'

'On this I agree with you completely. But between our budget and the undiscovered leak at the ministry, what are our options,' Kingsley wondered aloud.

'Goblins!' Harry breathed coming to a realization. 'Goblins are the solution to our problem. They're harsh but fair. It will be far harder to escape the Goblins than the dementors. They won't be insulted by the offer. They only care about the deal. And they don't want gold. They want land which we can give them because Azkaban is in the middle of nowhere.'

'Good thinking, Harry. I'll send word to Ragnork.' They continued in this vein for a while, only to be interrupted by Robards. 'You should see this, Kingsley,' he said shooting covert glances at the other two. 'Lucius Malfoy gave us the photographs. If he understands their meaning, he's not telling.' The three passed the photographs. Harry scanned the photographs one after the other. Most of them were old fashioned country houses. Harry was about to keep the photo back when he noticed. The tiny wolf rune tucked by the corner stair. 'Greyback!' He exclaimed, his eyes wide and pupils dilated. 'The rune in the corner. It's a wolf. One of Greyback's safe houses. It's the Scottish version. Probably a Scottish manor. I think the others have them too. Yew for the death eaters and holly for the order or other targets. I've seen them before.'

Harry was breathing hard, fighting hard to maintain his composure. Kingsley looked like he had seen a ghost. 'We'll go through these tomorrow,' he promised. 'Gawain, stay. We are just wrapping up. This concerns you too.' He added as Gawain moved to leave. When Kingsley spoke next, he did not look up or meet Harry's eyes. 'Harry, I know this is going to be hard for you but I think you should tell your story to a few more people. I'm not asking you to say everything or make a public statement. Just a select few of Wizengamot. It would be very difficult otherwise, once the trials start.' Harry chewed his lip. It was a lot of frankly dangerous information. And it had been hard enough recounting it the first time. 'What if I say no?'

Kingsley took a deep breath. 'Then I'll have to vouch for you whenever anything like that comes up. I'm not Fudge or even Scrimengeour. I won't pretend that it won't cost me because it will. But it isn't worth it for you to go through that hell, again.' Harry was touched by Kingsley's words. 'Are you sure, Kingsley? The political fallout from this stunt would be worse than if you didn't have a trial to begin with,' Doge was very serious.

'What else can I do? Any other option involves violating either Harry or the death eaters' rights. If I decide to do that, even for the greater good, what does that make me?' Kingsley's voice was barely above a whisper. 'I'll do it,' Harry said. 'Just, let me know who is going to be there before the court, please,' Harry felt his voice cracking. 'Harry, you don't have to.'

'Oh, but I do,' Harry told him grimly. 'I can't let you do that. Not for me. It isn't worth it.' Harry felt as if he couldn't stand to be in the ministry even a moment longer. 'I'll arrange an escort, Mr. Potter,' Robards began but Harry silenced him. 'No need. The escorting doesn't seem to be helping at any rate.'

'You said it concerned me?' Gawain questioned Kingsley as they were leaving the ministry. 'I wanted you to be in the Wizengamot for the testimony. Both for my safety and Harry's.' Kingsley's eyes darted to his face trying to gauge what was wrong. 'If you want me to escort Potter again, you might as well accept my resignation. The boy scares me. I'm afraid I made a rather terrible first impression.' Gawain said sardonically. 'Gawain, I hardly think Harry would hold the attempt at his life against you. What has he done to ruffle your feathers so? Under most circumstances, he's a charming person.' Kingsley was openly inquisitive now.

'It pains me to admit it but he did most of the protecting today. He had spotted the curse and had his shield up before I could react. He pushed me to the ground. He knew how to use his voice to command and the crowd actually listened. He had taken a good look at the attacker before I could gather my wits. And hell, Kingsley. Who decides to risk himself to protect his own security detail? He could persuade Lucius Malfoy in minutes where we were getting nowhere for days. And he feels unhappy about doing it. He has no runes training but recognized those pictures. He's better than some aurors I know. And he is a child,' Gawain was all but shouting now. 'I confess to having doubts.' Kingsley merely looked on sadly. 'You will understand more after the hearing, Gawain. I promise. I don't think he has ever known safety in his life. He had wanted to be an auror once. The fifteen year old I was introduced to was haunted yes but full of life. He used to ask incessant questions about my job. It hurts to see the seventeen year old boy, barely even legal who has thought more about his death than living.'

Gawain could see how much it affected Kingsley. War always leaves its mark, his old nan used to say. He couldn't trust Potter yet, nor could Gawain forgive him for hurting one of the only people he had learnt to see as a brother.

'I've offered his friend Mr. Ronald Weasley a post as an auror.' Kingsley mentioned abruptly. 'I hope you will forgive me.' He added. 'Kingsley, you know I don't like students fresh out of school. If it were up to me…'

'You wouldn't let them sit for the admissions testing. I know.' Kingsley completed for him. 'But Ronald Weasley is hardly a fresh schoolchild with no experience. Just promise me that when he shows up to join, you will give him a fair chance to prove himself.'

'I will, Kingsley,' Gawain said sighing. 'I trust you. I always have.'

A/N: sorry for a/n 2: but just to be clear, Andromeda doesn't fully understand what Harry's talking about. As for Aberforth and Doge, I don't think anyone associated with Albus Dumbledore could be ordinary. Ron and Hermione will bicker more once they are out of the honeymoon phase. Next chapter will have a very interesting tidbit, promise.