Chapter 8: New Beginnings

'No problem at all, Justin.' Harry stood up and shook his hand.

Harry and Ginny met at the entrance to Great Hall. Today was the last day for their exams. And now that they were over, they could look forward to the future. Ginny noted with some sadness that Harry looked rather wan and pale. Harry wasn't usually the one who was over anxious about the exams but his schedule had been filled with matters other than NEWTs as well. It always had been, no matter which year, she reflected. It was honestly a miracle that Harry had always performed so well. Besides, when had he last been outside in the sun since the battle? Harry Potter could no longer walk outside anywhere magical without being stared at, being the subject of tasteless gossip or worse a security incident. It had taken a toll on Harry, and it would on her as his girlfriend, if she let it.

For the first time, Ginny wondered about their relationship. She had been so blinded by her love for Harry and so sure of his love for her, that she had not thought about the realities of the relationship. There had been some truth in Harry's questions after all. Was she ready for what they had restarted?

'So, how did it go?' Harry's voice pulled her back to reality. 'Ancient Runes,' she told him in a disgusted voice, 'is the worst ever. I hope I pass. If not, I'm going to drop it. My Care of Magical Creatures exam went much better. That will help me keep fit. And it's not as if Runes were going to help with my career anyway. And I've already kept all my basics. Or I could take up Divination,' she laughed. 'Many people changed their classes on McGonagall's offer anyway. Last year, our choices had to be approved by Death Eaters and some people actually wanted to take Muggle Studies. What about you?'

'DADA,' Harry snorted. 'You should have seen the young witch falling over herself when she saw me. Couldn't think of what to ask. Madame Marchbanks kept throwing us exasperated glances and finally took over. She's pretty strict. But even so, it went great.' He looked at Ginny again. 'You took Divination OWL? How didn't I know that?' Ginny laughed again. 'Oh, I know how bad its reputation is. But honestly, it involves a large amount of intuition. Anyone cam learn the basics of tea-reading or palmistry, but anything more requires you to have either the gift or a healthy dose of good luck. It's not that bad as a career choice. The ministry employs quite a few diviners and there's always a market for palmists. Besides, most people who take them are either muggleborns who don't know about it or those who want to go for the Unspeakable track.' Ginny shrugged.

'Would have been nice to know that before I took it. They're just setting up the muggleborns to fail that way.' Harry shook his head. 'I'll pass the idea to Hermione. The poor second years definitely need career counselling before they choose their electives.' Ginny giggled. She had never thought about it that way before. Harry continued awkwardly, 'Ginny, there was something I wanted to talk to you about. Look, once we get the results and I qualify, well, I wanted to… join the aurors.'

'And?' Ginny asked. 'And well, it's going to be risky. I'm never going to be completely safe, probably not even if I don't join. I know you said you knew the risks. I just wanted to make sure that you're okay with this.' Harry told her. Ginny swallowed. 'I can't and won't pretend that I'm happy about this. But in the last few years, if there is anything I've learnt, it's this. Sometimes, some things, no matter how hard, are worth fighting for. My mum would have preferred that I stay quietly at Hogwarts. Still, fighting with the DA was the right decision then. You tried to break up to protect me, but I still fought. If it's truly what you want, I will not hold you back. I've had some seven years of experience in being left behind. It's really nice of you to consider me Harry, but I can't ask you to be less than what you are for me. Besides, my choice of career is hardly the safest.'

'Ginny!' Harry spoke and suddenly both of them were laughing, their worries forgotten for the moment.

Minerva McGonagall, currently the Headmistress of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was sitting in her office, hands clasped and head bowed. There were so many problems that needed solving, so many places where she needed to be, so many things that needed her attention… Despite her best efforts, she sometimes felt that those problems just kept increasing. She was eternally grateful to Agatha for agreeing to teach Muggle Studies temporarily till she found some better alternative. And cajoling Horace to continue teaching Potions had not been a simple task. But most Potions masters went on to qualify as Healers or work for the Ministry. Potions was a difficult subject and most potioneers were unhappy with the idea of a mere teaching job.

If finding Potions professor was a challenge, finding someone to teach Defence Against Dark Arts was something else altogether. Minerva was well aware of the travesty the post had become. She had heard and often dismissed the rumours that the post was cursed but by the end she had reluctantly started believing in it. Whatever the truth, there were pitifully few applicants for the post and most of them not even remotely qualified. This year, she had been unable to find even one. She had written to and almost begged Hestia to come for an interview as a favour. She waited for her apprehensively, hoping that Hestia would choose to attend. As the clock struck four, there was a knock on the door. Minerva mentally readied herself for the interview and called the visitor to enter.

Hestia looked exactly the same as the last time she had seen her. 'Hello Professor! I'm glad to meet you and I'm very grateful for the offer of the job. I was in desperate need of money. I'm just confused that you think I'm qualified.' Hestia told her pleasantly. Minerva gave Hestia a bemused look. 'I thought Kingsley offered your job back? And how can you think yourself less than qualified? I seem to remember that you were one of the most talented Ravenclaws of your year and you certainly do not lack patience. You managed to co-operate with those muggles…' Minerva said the word as if it was the foulest insult she could think of. Since the article in the Daily Prophet, Minerva had berated herself many times for not questioning Albus more strongly.

'Oh, Kingsley did offer. I just think I've lost my taste for DMLE,' Hestia hastened to assure her. 'I've worked under far too many corrupt administrations,' she continued darkly. She gave Minerva glance that she clearly stated that she disagreed with her teacher's assessment. 'Then I'm sure you would like working in Hogwarts. You will be granted more autonomy than most places and Hogwarts is not yet that corrupt.' Minerva informed her.

'I wouldn't think to doubt you, Professor. But to teach children…' Hestia still wasn't convinced. 'Hestia, will you not agree at least for a year? Truth be told, I'm myself desperate for qualified Defence teachers. And I worry about the students' education.' Minerva could see the indecision on Hestia's face. She waited. 'Alright, Professor. I'll do it. But only till you find someone more qualified.' Minerva smiled. 'Welcome aboard, Hestia. My staff usually calls me Minerva. Now you will want to see your rooms and the OWL and NEWT requirements. Winky! Show the new professor to her rooms and the class,' she instructed, turning to the house-elf. 'You don't really need to stay till the term begins. Just give me your syllabus and the book-list before the final meeting, that's all.' She extended her hand. Hestia shook it firmly. 'I'll try my best, Minerva.'

Minerva watched the two leave with a sigh. That was one job well done. Now, on to her next job. The student distribution, she found out was rather uneven. Many children had opted to repeat the year and the situation with the first years had been horrendous. She had tried her best with tracking down the muggle-borns who should have got their letters last year. She could still remember the terrified faces of some of those children. Some of the death eaters had used the school quill to track those children and perpetrate unspeakable atrocities on them.

It had been quite a task to convince these frightened kids that Hogwarts was nothing like what the Death Eaters had made them believe. The result was that they had seventy-three first years while only sixteen second years. That had led to some rather conflicted scheduling. She remembered that she hadn't yet made sure that Hagrid had enough boats. Maybe she could persuade the sorting hat to be quicker than usual otherwise it would be far past the younger students' bedtime. She hoped that the new students house distribution allowed the three-way scheduling she had created. She would just have to wait and watch.

Assigning the Prefects in the resulting uneven classes had been another issue. Some of the deserving candidates had opted for promotion to next year which had their own set of prefects and some years had no deserving candidates. She hoped she was not making a mistake by appointing Grace Warwick and Edmund Grey as Slytherin seventh year prefects. Grace was painfully shy and backed down easily while Edmund was a bit pompous. However, Minerva knew that both of them would deal fairly with all students provided they earned their respect. And she hadn't had a lot of choices. Despite her assurances, Slytherin house was keeping a low profile this year. A lot of Slytherins belonged to old wealthy families who had decided to homeschool their children. And worst of all, despite all attempts to be fair, she could not guarantee that there would be no altercations. She could hardly blame the eleven years old children for the prejudices taught by their parents. She could only hope that she would be able to teach them better.

There was a knock on the door. Minerva smiled fondly. At least there was no need to teach her next two guests the concept of fairness. Even if it did make choosing the Head Boy that much harder. The door opened to reveal Neville Longbottom and Justin Finch-Fletchley.

'Welcome, Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Finch-Fletchley. Have a seat. I trust that you are both aware of the subject of today's meeting?'

'Thank you, Professor,' Justin said taking a seat. 'Which of us do you prefer to make our argument first?' Minerva smiled. 'I was rather hoping that both of you had reached on an agreement about who would be the Head Boy on your own.'

'Just hear us out, Professor. We promise to not challenge your decision this time.' Neville told her cheerfully. Minerva groaned. 'Very well. Mr. Finch-Fletchley, you should go first.'

Justin took a deep breath. 'Professor, I've known Neville for seven years. Since my first day at Hogwarts, in fact. He was the first person I met on the Hogwarts Express who generously offered to show me around the Wizarding World. He was the first one who made me feel that I was not inadequate to be a wizard. The one who promised me that he would still be my friend even when I was sorted in a different house. And who kept his promise through all seven years to the best of his abilities. Hufflepuff values fairness and loyalty, and Neville has showed that he has these qualities in spades. And last year he proved his leadership and bravery without any doubts. He was a pureblood. It was not his fight; he could have chosen to sit out of it. He fought for all of us. Most here in Hogwarts respect him. He deserves to be the Head Boy. Hermione and Neville together will be a powerful message in terms of muggle-born and pureblood unity.'

'Thank you, Mr. Finch-Fletchley. Mr. Longbottom?' Minerva tried to speak impassively despite the moving speech. She had heard these arguments before. Neville nervously rubbed his hands and started. 'Justin, I thank you for the sincerely given compliments. But I want you to remember not to underestimate yourself. If it was not my fight, it wasn't yours either. You could always choose to leave the magical world which rejected you. You had the means to use your magical knowledge in the muggle world for personal gratification but chose not to. You stayed, at considerably more risk to yourself than I did, to help those less fortunate than you. You saved more lives than I care to count. Just because circumstances meant that you lead from outside Hogwarts, does not mean that you are not a leader. Because you are. You are a Hufflepuff, the house whose spirit and bravery are often underestimated. We need people like you who choose to take up the responsibility they never looked for and are dedicated to their convictions. Hogwarts of last year was divided not merely by blood but by houses too. And I am still accepting being a prefect.'

Neville swallowed and continued. 'Two muggle-borns, a Gryffindor and a Hufflepuff, in whom purebloods like me have every confidence is a message as powerful as the one you spoke of. And believe me I will look forward to your leadership.'

Minerva smiled proudly at two of her incredible students. These two had in her letters refused to accept the position of Head Boy in favour of the other. Two students who had proved their leadership in two very different ways. Finally, she decided to speak. 'You've both made very valid and eloquent arguments and you're both to be commended for your dedication and fairness.' Neville blushed. He was still not used to being praised by his teachers. Minerva continued. 'Personally, I feel more inclined towards Mr. Longbottom's arguments. There have always been too many disadvantages for muggle-born students in the magical world. After the Muggle-born Registration Commission, I think making Muggle-born Head Boy would send a strong message about Hogwarts' policies. Of course, a prefect like Mr. Longbottom who supports the idea is very appealing.'

Neville smiled at Justin warmly. 'Congratulations, Justin. This is going to be an interesting year.' Minerva gave them a sad smile. These children should not have had to worry about the message the choice of the Head Boy would send. None of them had a choice. She agreed, though, that this was going to be an interesting year.

'Are you all packed, Hermione?' Emma Granger asked her daughter as she entered the sitting room. 'Yes, Mum.' Hermione assured her as she shut her suitcase. It was mostly clothes anyway. She had already put her books in her charmed handbag. They would probably no longer fit even in her old trunk. She was uncharacteristically nervous. Her mother gave her a concerned look. 'There's your id and the ticket with the boarding pass. Ready for the next adventure?' She asked her cheerfully. 'Mum, I'm scared,' Hermione's voice came out more strained than she had hoped. 'Hermione, sweetie, what's bothering you? You do know that we'll be there for you, no matter what?' Her mother sat down beside her. 'Mum, I've really, really missed spending time with both of you like this. Since my third year, I think. I mean you couldn't take me to magical gatherings like the Quidditch World Cup and after that, everything was about the war. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were always so nice, they never treated Harry or me any differently from Ron. I think I didn't realize when I started looking to them for answers which I should have asked you or Dad.'

She drew a ragged breath. 'Of course, I rationalized that you would only tell me to ask an adult witch or wizard for solutions to magical problems. I think in doing that I lost sight of the fact that you needed to know about my life too. I was so excited to belong to the world of magic that I forgot that I was also a part of the muggle world. In the past two months, I realized that I love going to the opera with you. That I love learning maths and science. That I enjoy watching movies or experimenting with cuisines at those little muggle cafes. That being a witch didn't mean that I didn't still like pizza or noodles. I learnt that I didn't want to totally give up my muggle heritage. And I never want to lose you again, like that.' By the end of her speech, Hermione had tears in her eyes. Her mum wrapped her in a warm hug.

'Oh, sweetie! I wish I could tell you an easy answer. But belonging to two worlds like you do is never easy. I suppose it is a little like immigration. You want to learn to love the culture of the place you're going to but you don't want to let go of your roots. All you have to do is to accept the best of both the worlds. You're an intelligent girl, Hermione. I'm sure you'll learn to find your own way. As long as you keep trying to make your world a better pace, we will always be proud of you. Hermione, going back to Hogwarts doesn't mean you will lose us. We will be there for you, always, no matter what. Just promise you'll write better and more informative letters from now on.' Hermione gave a watery smile. 'I will, mum.' She promised. 'Well, lets ready the dining room then. Your father should be back soon and he's bringing some of your favourite foods as a treat. And I'm sure there will be pasta.' Hermione looked delighted. 'We'll be back before 1st, dear. Wouldn't miss the last send off of the head girl for anything.'

'Oh, mum!' Hermione jumped up and rushed to clear up the table while planting a sloppy kiss on her mum's forehead. She might not have all the answers yet, but it didn't matter. She had all the time in the world to learn. And two different worlds to look forward to. She already had an idea.

Harry entered Ron's room to find Ron and Hermione holding each other a shade closer than he was comfortable with. He groaned. 'You two couldn't lock the door before snogging, could you?' He asked chuckling. His two best friends broke apart flushing. 'We weren't snogging, mate. Just hugging.' Ron stated, trying not to crack. 'Besides, we've been apart for two months. You've got to make allowances for that,' he joked. Harry winced. Since Fred's death, Ron had taken up the burden of cracking jokes or teasing his brothers and sister. Mrs. Weasley had shouted and Mr. Weasley had silently watched with a twinkle in his eyes. In the end, it had helped George and now everyone just turned a blind eye to it.

For Harry, it was merely a daily reminder of what he had cost the family and his best mate. He knew he needed to get over it but sometimes he just couldn't. 'Ginny and I manage to be discrete. And we stayed apart for a year,' he commented lightly. Ron looked at Harry, uncertainly wondering whether to laugh it off or try to offer comfort. Harry cursed mentally. He had hoped Ron wouldn't notice. 'Well, Hermione's parents aren't here yet and she doesn't have older brothers.' He grinned. Harry laughed. 'Nice one, mate. But if you don't congratulate Ginny on getting good grades, you will be on the receiving end of the famous bat bogey curse.' That sobered up Ron. 'Your NEWTs,' he questioned. 'Three 'Es' and two 'O', Charms and DADA,' he beamed. 'Not sure it was because I did well or the Harry Potter effect.'

'Don't sell yourself short, Harry. We both know you could be so much better if you just put in the effort,' Hermione quipped sounding very much like McGonagall. 'Hermione! At least congratulate him first.' Ron exclaimed. 'Guys,' Harry interrupted before the bickering could get further. 'I promised Neville I'd visit his parents at St. Mungo's. He wanted to talk to his parents about Hogwarts and well I thought it would be nice if I could praise him to his parents… Even if they won't understand, I think it would be a nice gesture. Would you two like to come along?'

'That's so nice of you Harry. Of course, we'll come. Did you hear about Justin becoming the head boy?' Hermione spoke. At Harry's nod, she continued, 'You know, Neville fought McGonagall to make him head boy. Justin argued for Neville, of course.'

'Merlin!' Ron said. 'Only Neville,' he muttered. 'Let's just get ready. Maybe we'll get to see Luna too. I heard they haven't discharged her father yet.' Hermione grimaced at the thought of Xenophilius Lovegood. Their last visit had been an unmitigated disaster. Harry shook his head. 'Ten minutes, Ron, Hermione. I'll meet you downstairs.'

Neville met them at the entrance to spell damage ward. It was quite clear from his expression that he was rather grateful for the company. He also blushed to the tip of his ears when Harry praised him to his mother. Harry was sure that Alice Longbottom did not understand much of his speech but the smile and the wrapper she offered him felt genuine and affectionate. Once again, Harry found himself wondering which of the two of them had a worse childhood. He could pity Tom Riddle but he couldn't bring himself to forgive him for destroying so many lives. After an hour or so of chitchat and visiting Luna and the others, Harry decided they had better leave. He had a meeting with Ragnork tomorrow. He would need all his wits about him. On second thought he remembered that Proudfoot had come to visit Williamson. He had been injured in the recent auror raid.

'Hello, Potter,' Proudfoot greeted him readily. 'I heard up the grapevine that you were considering joining us?' She asked him. 'I talked to Mr. Robards,' he confessed. 'I haven't decided for sure yet.' Williamson regarded him interestedly. 'Have you, now? Old Robards isn't so bad but he has high standards. Scares off loads of potential recruits and works us twice as hard. Mind you, I've heard good things about you. It will be a pleasure to work with you.' Harry looked down. 'More like I'll put you all in danger just by existing,' he muttered. 'Potter?' Proudfoot asked, troubled. 'It's fine, It's fine.' Harry awkwardly rubbed his back. The conversation drifted towards other topics.

While leaving, Proudfoot decided to accompany him. Truthfully, Harry didn't mind it much. He had started liking her calm presence since she had become his security detail. While he didn't like the idea of having security, but Kingsley had impressed its necessity on him in no uncertain terms. His present compromise was not to go anywhere requiring security at all. They walked out of the room to run into… Kingsley? He didn't remember Kingsley mentioning any visit to St. Mungo's. He looked at Kingsley's eyes and saw an almost… hungry look in his eyes? Something was definitely wrong. 'Minister?' Proudfoot asked bemused. 'Harry, so glad I found you. Come with me. It's not safe, here.' Harry wondered if he should follow but decided against it. 'How many of them did he make?' He could sense Proudfoot's bewilderment beside him. Kingsley looked at him sharply. 'Harry, this isn't the time or place for discussing this!' Harry wasn't satisfied. 'Just answer me, Kingsley.' Kingsley didn't, instead, he raised his wand. Harry knew this was an impostor. He had to be. He didn't recognize the two people flanking the fake minister, impostor aurors or Death Eaters.

Harry hesitated for a moment. He could either disarm the minister or put up a shield against the other two. If he could do it quick enough. He gave Proudfoot a warning glance, hoping she would understand. 'Expelliarmus!' he shouted, mentally focussing on a shield charm a split second later. His wand, surprisingly, obeyed. The Death Eater's wand sailed to his hand while a shimmering shield materialized in front of the two of them. The curses bounced off harmlessly. The patients, Harry thought. Proudfoot was now engaged in a duel with the other two. 'Sero!' he murmured and the doors closed almost soundlessly. At least, no patients would get hurt accidentally.

There was chaos in the corridors now. Wizards and witches were shouting and running. There were more than the three initial impostors in the fight. He used Incarcerous to bind the two in front of him and disarmed another, dodging multiple curses in the process. It was a mercy that no one was using the killing curse. Perhaps, the death eaters believed him immune to it. The curses stopped abruptly. Proudfoot was signalling to him, probably wanting to get him out of here. He saw from the corner of his eye, the fake Kingsley was biting on the stopper of the bottle. Poison again. 'No!' He shouted but he was too late. His head lolled to one side, dead. He couldn't look at him. He knew it wasn't Kingsley but still. Proudfoot was now beside him. 'You can't do anything more, Potter. Let's get away from here. The rest of the aurors are on the way. Come.' But Harry wasn't listening.

That's when the house-elf appeared. She was dressed awkwardly in a towel which was at least clean. 'Tippy is honoured to meet the great Harry Potter, sir, the champion of the house elves. And Tippy is very, very sorry, sir.' She squeaked. Harry's head jerked up. The package she was carrying- explosives. Harry winced. Those were no common explosives. He'd read about them in one of the books in the Black family library. They would collapse the walls entirely. 'No, Tippy, listen to me, please.' But she didn't listen. Harry helplessly cast Protego maxima, knowing it would rebound and destroy the elf carrying the explosives. He tried to get up, ears still ringing from the explosion. How could he do it! He wasn't clear about what was happening. Proudfoot was dragging him along, portkey or side along apparition, he was not sure. He wasn't even sure where he was. They were talking about him.

'Is he?' a voice was saying. 'Not injured, no. Merely shocked. They were using house elves for their suicide mission.' The contempt in Proudfoot's voice was evident. His next clear memory was a clean bed at St. Mungo's. Kingsley was sitting by his side, his eyes full of concern. 'There were seven of them, Harry, including one which was unintentional,' he supplied humourlessly. He handed him a glass of water. 'How long?' Harry rasped out. 'An hour or so,' Kingsley answered. 'We were worried about you. Everyone at St. Mungo's is safe, thanks to you and all the perpetrators were captured. None alive, unfortunately.' He patted his bald pate nervously. Harry sat up, feeling horrible. Kingsley looked guiltier than he felt. 'I'm sorry, Harry. I shouldn't have suggested…'

'Suggested what, Kingsley? That I join the aurors? For me, just existing is risky,' he spoke tiredly. 'At least, this way, I'll know what to do. At least, I'll have a choice, Kingsley.' Kingsley sighed defeated. 'Of course, Harry. It's your choice. I just wanted you to be safe.' Harry looked away. 'I promise, Kingsley. I'll try.' He said finally. 'Take care, Harry,' Kingsley murmured miserably.

Gawain had been pacing nervously in his room since he had heard that he would be interviewing Harry Potter. When the time did come, he found the boy calm, collected and experienced beyond his age. Too experienced too young, he thought, pained. All in all, he felt that his interview with Potter had gone well. 'I've said it before, and I'm telling you again. I think you will be an asset to the department. You will begin as a trainee auror tomorrow. The course is designed to be completed in two years. But extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. It will be up to me to decide when you will be ready for the finals.'

'I am, of course, at your disposal, as they say it.' Harry smiled. 'Another thing, Potter. Most Aurors choose an extra subject of study apart from their NEWT qualifications. Now usually, I leave that to the auror's discretion, but in your case, I thought I'd recommended study of Ancient Runes. I know you haven't taken the subject even in OWLs but that can't be helped. I can't afford to be seen favouring you, lad. I know that would place an additional burden on you but the knowledge will serve you well as an auror. And you are certainly not lacking in talent. I am sure you can manage it.' Harry nodded at Gawain's words. He had expected something like that. He also knew that despite the Head Auror's words, he did not completely approve of one who he thought of as a raw recruit. 'Did Kingsley tell you? About the Wizengamot and the Goblin negotiations? I'll need some allowance about that…' Harry trailed off uneasily. Gawain was annoyed but tried not to show it. 'Kingsley has already made sure that I know, in excruciating detail, what I'm going to be dealing with. Recruiting the saviour of the wizarding world is hardly a straightforward task. In the end, we all serve the ministry, no matter what form it takes. I'm not however, your nanny. I will leave you to deal with any explanations to your colleagues. Come, I'll introduce you to this year's trainees and leave further explanations in your friend, Mr. Ronald Weasley's capable hands.'

There was far less gawking at the introductions than what Gawain had anticipated but far more than what he was prepared to tolerate. After the introductions were over, he retreated to his room, preparing his report for Kingsley. He didn't have to visit him. Kingsley himself was standing at his door, probably to hear his impressions on the Potter boy. 'Well, what do you think?' He asked Gawain casually. Gawain hesitated, then decided to be blunt. 'He's alright, but he doesn't do well with authority. If we disagree, I could have a serious problem on my hands. My aurors look up to him and that assassination debacle didn't help any.'

'I see,' Kingsley replied. 'I'll handle it if that happens. And I'll talk to Harry, if you think that will help.' He said thoughtfully. 'I'll have to ask a favour this week itself, Gawain.' His voice was soft. 'Oh! The ceremony?' Gawain asked. 'Yes. I'm afraid I've fairly bullied Harry into attending. But I can't afford to lose his public support. The elections were declared last week. And I still have too many enemies. Some of my agenda has understandably upset the purebloods while for the rest, I've yet to capture the rogue death eaters or root out corruption. Fudge has thrown his weight behind Wilburg Johnson and the less said about Rishika Patel, the better. Sanjeev's heard that she's pretty popular in his community.'

Gawain felt sympathetic to his friend's cause but felt obliged to point out, 'And you thought my department was an acceptable compromise?' Kingsley held his head in his hands. 'I don't know, Gawain, I don't know. I certainly thought it would benefit your department to have Harry. In fact, I'm not even sure it's in his best interests…'

'But you thought that this was in everyone's best interests, did you not?' Gawain probed. Kingsley's silence was answer enough. Gawain took a deep breath. 'There will be time and place for that, my friend. For now, I'll give Potter leave, of course. Not many would grudge him that. I've always thought you were too good to be the Minister, Kingsley. But I don't think anyone will be a better Minister than you. Come, there are other things to discuss,' he said picking up the papers.

Kingsley was pacing up and down the corridors. He was already rather apprehensive about the ceremony and Harry hadn't shown up yet. He was sure Harry wouldn't change his mind without telling him but still. There were also some concerns regarding his safety. Harry walked in the room and Kingsley breathed a sigh of relief. 'I would have come sooner but I don't think you would have appreciated it if I turned up in my old school robes. I had Hermione get these.' Harry told him, apologetic. 'You should get out more, Harry. I'm sure Proudfoot will be ready…' Harry stalled him with his hands. Kingsley didn't like the unhealthy pallor on his face. He had talked to Harry before about this but he always declined. He was sure that Harry hadn't gone outside the premises of Grimmauld Place, The Burrow, Ministry or Gringotts. And that out of strict necessity. Not that Kingsley blamed him. There were precious few places in the wizarding world which were safe for the Boy who Lived Twice.

The ceremony went about as smoothly as Kingsley had expected. Harry gave a small speech on collective bravery and how this was only a prelude to the real award ceremony. Then the real test started. 'Mr. Potter, are you willing to share your thoughts on the current administration? Rumours say that the ministry's agenda this year has a bias against purebloods?' A reporter sporting the tag of The Daily Prophet queried. Harry glanced at Kingsley and then at the reporter. 'May I know your name, Mister?'

'Graham Haversham, Mr. Potter. For The Prophet.' The reporter answered proudly. 'Well, Mr. Haversham, I have already clearly indicated that I support the present administration. As for the rumours, I would put no stock in them. I'm not sure how many of you have actually seen the muggle world, but some days I feel that we certainly lag behind them. And certainly, that shouldn't be acceptable to most purebloods, should it? The Minister merely wishes to take our world forward, not take away from those pureblood families who have given so much to our society. And on the topic of pureblood persecution, I would like to remind you that the previous administration threw the heir to the most Ancient and Noble House of Black in Azkaban without even a trial. A mistake the present ministry is still trying to undo.'

Kingsley gave Harry a grateful look. He needed to be seen doing something in the favour of the purebloods. The question and answers continued. The correspondent from Witch Weekly drew his attention by asking Harry about his past. He could feel Harry's annoyance but he spoke calmly, 'The past is past, miss. I have no ill will towards my relatives though I agree it did not make for a happy childhood. Perhaps Minister Fudge would like to explain why, despite knowing, and he did know it, he did not attempt to make the situation better? Professor Dumbledore certainly tried and he did not know the matters in their entirety, mainly because of my own omission.' Another man, possibly from the Wizards Now, again surprised him by asking him to describe the Minister. Kingsley mentally groaned. This was something he wished had never come up.

'I've known Kingsley much longer when he was not the minister. But if I could tell you something about him, I would say he was a brave, honest and compassionate man. Someone who has never played false to his ideals. Someone who is truly willing to work for everyone. And someone whose integrity has not changed after becoming the minister. I am honoured to work alongside him.' Even Kingsley was moved by Harry's little speech. He hoped he would be able to do justice to the compliment Harry had given him.

'Don't you need to go to the Prefect Compartment?' Ginny asked Hermione as they settled their luggage in the Hogwarts Express. 'I can stay here for an hour or so. There is no need to rush it after all.' Hermione answered. 'Oh! I've missed Hogwarts so much last year. I thought I was never coming back,' she said with feeling. 'It wasn't Hogwarts last year either. It would take us much longer to get used to the idea of a Hogwarts without Professor Dumbledore.' Ginny stated. 'That, it will,' Hermione nodded. 'I wish Harry and Ron were coming too.'

Ginny shook her head vigorously. 'I think, Harry has too many unhappy memories here. Hogwarts was the only place he could call home, growing up. I think he did not want to taint those memories by coming here and seeing it so changed. And to Ron, Hogwarts would have been a prison without you two.' Hermione's face softened. 'I know. I just wish that it didn't have to be. How is it going between you two?' She asked. 'Good enough, I suppose. I mean, he is not trying to push me away, at least. He doesn't really talk about last year. That's something between the three of you. And I've heard Kreacher muttering about nightmares. But that's fair enough, I guess. I haven't told him about my last year, either. If he knew about the torture of the Carrows, he will probably hold himself personally responsible. What about you and Ron?' Ginny explained.

'It is perfect, I think. He's been so nice and helpful. And learning to cook. Such a sweet gesture. I've been a mess, lately. I don't think I could have gone through it without him. Oh, I hope your mum and dad…' Hermione looked uncomfortable. 'They will only want the best for you two, Hermione. There is nothing to worry about.' Ginny gave her a reassuring look. The compartment door opened. It was Justin, proudly wearing his head boy badge. He was grinning. 'Another year at Hogwarts. Ready, Hermione? Everyone is waiting in the Prefects' compartment.' Hermione laughed nervously and got up to accompany him. 'As ready as I'll ever be!'

A/N: I'm sorry about another long delay but I promised I've been working on this. Real life is being really, really uncooperative. Just to say, my counselling for residency (yes, I'm a doctor) was going on and I'm all set to join my new place tomorrow. That will, unfortunately mean an 80 hour work week. So, I can't promise to be quick but I already have outlines written so I'll keep posting.

Now that's out of the way, let's talk about the story. Guys, I tried to inject some sense into JK Rowling's rather all over the place maths so if I made it even worse, I'm sorry. Please don't kill me. As regards to Justin, well it's not affirmative action exactly (I'm not an American anyway), it's just like Neville said, different didn't mean inferior. Besides, Headmistress would have a tough time getting muggle-borns to trust her. Their parents can't even see the school!

About Harry's reaction at the house-elf, the main point I was making was that if he joins the aurors, the concept of killing in self defense will come up sooner or later. And I don't see an eighteen year old Harry being comfortable about it from the outset. Remember he didn't have any urge to use the killing curse even at Voldemort let alone a house elf, who is technically blameless.

Sorry for the long chapter, but I wanted a somewhat longer and fast paced chapter as a treat after a long absence. Till next time!