FINAL - Harry Potter

Harry Potter - The Time After The Big Battle

The rebuild of Hogwarts was going quickly, the damage from the fight was hardly visible and Harry could tell that the School had changed. The atmosphere was different from when Dumbledore was the headmaster, so much had happened since his death. Everything was over now… or was it? Could it really be that they could now live in a peaceful world? Harry knew that peoples’ wounds had still not healed, and things would never be the same. Professor McGonagall was the headmaster now, it was clear that she had worked hard to rebuild the school.

“Harry, I’m talking to you. Are you even listening?” Ginny looked concerned at him.

“I’m sorry, Ginny,” Harry mumbled, “What did you say?”

Ginny smiled and repeated her question: “How do you feel about going back to Hogwarts?”

A tough question he thought, he took his time and replied: “I’m okay; I just look forward to seeing all my friends again.” Harry forced himself to smile; he honestly did not know how he felt about going back, but he did notice he was getting nervous.  

Ginny gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. 

“I can’t believe we’ll be having classes with Ginny,” Ron said irritated, but before anyone could reply, they had reached the school.

“Let’s go Ron,” Hermione said while pushing him out of the carriage."

                                               

***

"What’s he doing here?" Ron hissed while pointing at Malfoy. 

“Well, technically he hasn't completed his year either, so he will probably be studying with us.” Hermione replied calmly.

“But he’s a Death Eater!” Ron shouted.

“He was a Death Eater, Ron. What else should they do with him?”

“I don’t know; send him to Azkaban or something? Do you seriously believe it’s a good idea to have him here?”

“Don’t be ridiculous Ron; there must be something good in him if he didn’t kill Dumbledore.”

“I can’t believe you’re defending him!”

“And I can’t believe you don’t want to give him a chance!”

"Can you believe this Harry?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders: "I was wondering what they would do with him, but I don't really know what else they should do?" 

"Come on you four!" McGonagall shouted, giving them a short smile. 

Harry noticed Malfoy walking slowly by himself with his head down, the other students kept bumping into him and Malfoy eventually fell. Harry felt sorry for him and before he knew it he had let go of Ginny’s hand and was helping Malfoy back up. As soon as Malfoy was back on his feet he realized who had helped him. He stared at Harry confused and stepped back.

“Thanks.” He murmured.

“No worries,” Harry replied.

They stood awkwardly beside each other in an empty hallway.

“Come on, ceremony’s starting, we should probably head in.” Harry said giving Malfoy a small smile.

***

Harry took a deep breath before walking into the dining hall, this was it; he now had to face everyone who like him had fought for their future. As he entered the hall everyone became silent. Like so many times before he felt everyone watching him.

But this time it was different.

He was different.

The horcrux had not only let him share Voldemort’s abilities, but it had also had an influence on his mind. He felt more positive about everything; he felt a freedom he hadn’t felt before. He was so much more than the boy who lived and he had proven that. He caught up to the others and took Ginny’s hand. As they walked he felt everyone looking at him.

Before he could react, a familiar voice sounded: “HARRY!” as Harry looked up he saw his big friend,

Hagrid. He ran into his arms as he had done so many times before.

“Hagrid, it’s good to see you! How are you?”

“Oh, you know,” Hagrid laughed, “Things have been a bit crazy around here but Professor McGonagall has everything under control. She’s no Dumbledore, but she’s doing very well.”

“Please be seated,” McGonagall stood where he had seen Dumbledore, Umbridge and Severus once stand.

However they were all gone now. Harry found a seat with his friends and listened to what McGonagall had to say:

“I would like to welcome our new students and welcome back our old, before we begin I have some new announcements and I would like to introduce some new teachers…” 

Harry looked around and saw Malfoy sitting at the Slytherin table. They caught each other’s eyes for a

moment and Malfoy nodded and gave Harry a friendly smile. Harry smiled back and Malfoy turned away – the hatchet was buried at last.

McGonagall had finished her speech and the sorting ceremony had begun. Harry turned to see all the new students, even though most of them had siblings at the school, they all seemed very nervous. Harry especially noticed three kids standing together; he was instantly brought back to when he was sorted. Remembering how he convinced the Hat not to place him in Slytherin. He started to imagine what would had happened if he was placed in Slytherin. Would he still be friends with Hermonie and Ron? Or would he be friends with Malfoy?

“Harry, you ought to try this, I think it’s a new recipe!” Ron said with a passion. Hermonie laughed and Harry realized it didn’t matter how things could have turned out. The important thing was what he had now; good friends and love.