Hermione carefully opened the door to her room and peeked in. On the bed lay Harry, sleeping. He had stripped down to his boxers and she frowned, seeing the large bruise that ran from one shoulder to the other.
She walked over to the bed and quickly kicked off her shoes before climbing in next to him.
He cracked one eye open when he felt the bed shift.
"Hi," she whispered.
"Hi," he replied. "I did it. It's all over."
"I know. McGonagall suggested I come home to check on you. I wish I had known about that bruise. I would have brought a salve for it."
He tried to shrug and ended up wincing. "It's not that bad."
She frowned at him for a moment, then snuggled a little closer. "What's wrong? Isn't this everything we wanted to happen?"
Harry sighed and his expression looked haunted. "I used an old form of Native American magic to banish him. They told me that this kind of magic enacts a price, but it was the only magic I could find that was assured of doing the job. There is always a price of some kind they said, but they never really explained what they meant."
"What kind of price?" she asked, suddenly worried.
"I saw where he was sent," he whispered. "I got a glimpse of his punishment. What right do I have to condemn someone to an eternity of that? It was horrible."
She reached out and smoothed the hair over his brow. "Shh. You had a right given to you by Fate. You weren't condemning anyone to anything, Harry. He should have gone there after he tried to kill you the first time. He created his punishment, not you. You didn't murder him. You brought him to justice."
He eyed her, his expression clouded with doubt. "It just seems like so much of a waste now."
"It is," she said, agreeing with him. "He wasted his abilities and powers, and in doing so, killed many good people who wanted nothing more than to live their own lives. Molly Weasley's brothers, your parents, Sirius' brother Regulus, Susan Bones' parents; so many people. It was a waste. But it's over now. Your parents have been given the justice they deserve, along with all those others."
He nodded sleepily and she smiled. Normally, she could feel the magic just pouring off him, but today she could barely feel it. "You used a lot of magic today. Rest and sleep, it will do you good."
He closed his eyes and his breathing slowly evened out. She waited and watched for a while before getting up and going back downstairs.
Emma looked up from the dining room table. "Is he all right?"
"He's tired and he's got a really nasty bruise on his back. I'll get some cream that can fix that. I think mostly he's sickened by what he did and what he saw."
"What did he see?"
"Some magics cannot be performed without paying some kind of price. In this case, he was given a glimpse into Riddle's punishment. He saw Hell, or rather, what Riddle envisioned it to be."
Emma shivered and Hermione smiled weakly. "He'll be fine. He knew there would be a price, he just didn't expect it to be that."
Emma nodded weakly and went to get her daughter a cup of tea.
The Great Hall, Hogwarts, June 8th 1998...
Hermione sat next to Evan, her hand creeping back to the beautiful ring that now adorned her finger. Harry had shown up early that morning, well before any of the regular guests arrived, and proposed to her.
She suppressed the urge to giggle. His proposal had been sweet and stumbling. His hands had been shaking when he offered her the box with the ring. She thought he was more terrified of asking her to marry him than he was facing Voldemort.
She looked down at her ring and grinned to herself. Then she reached for Harry's hand, gripping it tightly. He smiled at her knowingly.
She was amazed that the last month seemed to fly by, despite her taking the N.E.W.T.s. She spoke with Harry via mirror nearly every night, but he refrained from coming up to the castle. Amelia had requested that he keep a low profile and he was very willing to comply with that request. He was worried that the Wizarding World would go nuts when the story finally broke.
After he gave her the ring, Dobby appeared with breakfast and they shared an intimate meal together before he left again. He was going to escort her parents to the school, helping them past the Muggle avoidance charms. Both Sirius and Amelia requested that he wear his uniform today. That meant a scramble for him to get one via the Embassy last week.
Now they sat together with her parents in the Great Hall and she couldn't help but break into a smile. The girls of Gryffindor had gone insane, seeing the ring she was wearing. Parvati and Ginny both told her she was lucky to be marrying into the House of Black. She'd bit her lip to avoid laughing. If only they knew.
The story about Harry and Voldemort broke today with a noon time special edition of the Daily Prophet, and it set the whole castle aflame with rumor. According to the story, Harry Potter had fought with, and destroyed, Voldemort at Hogwarts barely a month ago! He had been here and he was a powerful wizard who was unattached.
A number of the unattached witches all flocked together, trying to figure out how to contact Harry and offer an arrangement. Hermione nearly snorted with mirth, seeing them running all over the place trying to find out how to get in contact with him. Several remembered that Hermione was once been his best friend and asked her, but she said she couldn't pass that information along.
She recalled seeing a rather disappointed looking Ginny Weasley sitting in the Common Room. She had been looking at the ring that signified her own arrangement and Hermione couldn't help but wonder if she was regretting it now. Hermione didn't want to agitate Ginny, who was already obviously upset. There was also the fact that Ginny knew that Hermione had been in recent contact with Harry to think about. Fortunately for Hermione, her Head Girl duties had kept her busy most of the day, and out of Ginny's sight.
Harry was out of the castle when the story broke and he had called Hermione, telling her that he had seen the paper. He was coming to the castle as Evan and, unless something happened, that's who he'd be for tonight.
A motion at the front of the Hall caught her attention and she turned to watch.
Minerva stood and the Hall fell silent. The farewell feast had been held earlier for the first through sixth year students and now Minerva was presiding over the farewell feast for the seventh years. As the meal itself was over, it was time for the festivities to begin.
Minerva smiled at the packed Hall full of students, family and well wishers.
Hermione had been told that she would be singled out, along with several other students, for outstanding academic performance. She looked around, spotting Ron and the entire Weasley clan. Nearby was Hannah and her parents, as well as Neville and his Gran. Lavender sat next to Parvati; the Patils were going out of their way to make sure Lavender didn't feel left out. Her family had not shown up for this dinner.
She sat with Harry, her parents, Sirius and Cindy. Remus and Tonks sat up at the staff table. She smiled and thought that, despite his decision not to pursue a career as an Auror, Evan looked downright dashing in the Pacific Rim Auror uniform. Harry was interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, he just didn't want to be an Auror. Between them, they were eagerly exploring other options in that field.
Minerva smiled broadly at the assembled parents and students. "Each year we hold a special end of term feast for our departing seventh years. And each year we issue awards and watch tearfully as you leave us. In the past seven years, you have become part of the greater Hogwarts family. The students left behind are only a part of your legacy, as they try to emulate your successes."
She paused and took in the crowded Great Hall.
"This is a special class, one that has been touched by several unique individuals. And because of that, we have several special awards to hand out tonight. First, for the first time since 1978, we are awarding Ravenclaw Fellowships. This award is granted to individuals who obtain perfect scores on their N.E.W.T. exams.
"Last time this award was granted, it was given to Lily Evans, soon to be Mrs. Lily Potter. This year we are especially proud to grant the award to not one, but two students. Miss Padma Patil and Miss Hermione Granger, would you please stand up?"
Both girls stood and Filius Flitwick climbed down from his chair. He picked up two golden books, and scurried down the aisle to Hermione and then Padma, handing them out.
"You girls join the ranks of some of the brightest students ever to grace the halls of this school," Minerva said, smiling warmly. "Academically, your accomplishments have set new standards for educational excellence."
Hermione blushed and sat back down while everyone applauded.
"Well done," Emma murmured to her.
Minerva waited until the applause had finished. "Miss Granger also receives a special award for bravery in the face of danger. It was her effort that resulted in the capture of a wanted fugitive and the rescue of one of our students, who had been injured."
Again she was forced to wait for the applause to end. Remus presented her with a golden plaque; a copy of it would also be placed in the Hogwarts trophy room.
"While not technically an award, I would like to announce that three of our students, Mr. Ronald Weasley of Gryffindor, Mr. Terry Boot of Ravenclaw and Mr. Blaise Zabini of Slytherin have been signed on by professional Quidditch teams. Gentlemen, please stand up."
Ron stood along with the others. Harry applauded happy for his friend. As the applause continued, the doors opened and the rest of the school filed into the room. They were accompanied by the Minister and a number of people from the press.
Harry saw the Minister and the crowd behind her and groaned.
"Harry?" Hermione whispered in alarm.
He nudged her and pointed to the back of the room. She saw the crowd and gasped. She wouldn't, she thought. Would she?
Amelia was grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Minerva smiled, seeing the Minister and the others standing there. "Now, normally at the end of this feast we conclude simply by wishing each of you well and hoping you'll come back and visit us sometime. But this time we have something else planned. If I may introduce the Minister of Magic, Madam Amelia Bones."
Amelia walked up the aisle and several cameras flashed. When she got to the top of the aisle, she turned and pulled a scroll from her pocket and began to read aloud. "By order of the Wizengamot, granted on this day of April 8th Nineteen hundred and ninety eight, Miss Hermione Granger is awarded the Order of Merlin, Third Class, for her bravery in the face of danger. For Miss Granger did encounter and subdue a wanted and dangerous felon who had already injured another student and killed a civilian."
She looked up at everyone present. "Let everyone know that Miss Hermione Jane Granger is inducted into the Order of Merlin for her outstanding actions. So mote it be!"
Harry grabbed Hermione and kissed her soundly, then gave her a gentle shove in the direction of Amelia. She stumbled slightly and walked up the aisle, her cheeks burning. She stopped in front of the Minister, who took out a small case and handed it to her.
"Well done, Miss Granger," Amelia said.
"Thank you, Minister," she said in a loud voice. She turned to face the assembly and smiled when she saw her father pointing to her and telling everyone in a loud voice that she was his girl.
Hermione started to move, but Amelia stopped her. "Wait," she commanded.
Confused, Hermione stood next to Amelia, while the crowd stopped applauding. When the room fell silent again, Amelia began to speak.
"We have one other award to give out today; one that should have been given long ago. No doubt you have all seen the newspaper reports and have heard the news over the wireless. Harry Potter is still a wizard. He left this school four years ago because of the danger he was placed in by an unscrupulous man. With the help of two men who are closer than family, he began a training regime that allowed him to graduate a full year early.
"I witnessed him destroy the last vestiges of the Dark Lord, once and for all time, just over a month ago, ending that threat to our lives. And when it was done, and Dark Lord was gone, instead of being triumphant and proud, he was saddened. What he said then is true today. We are what our choices make us. The criminal known as Lord Voldemort could have been a great man and a shining example of what all wizards should strive for. Thankfully, we stand at the beginning of a new age and we have such a wizard to be that example."
Amelia paused and her gaze zeroed in on Harry. "Mr. Potter, would you please join me up here?"
The crowd broke into hushed whispers and Harry felt like climbing under the table. Emma whispered something in his ear and he nodded, then sighed heavily. People were standing and looking around wildly for Harry.
"Potter?" someone shouted.
Where?" shouted another. "I don't see him!"
Harry stood and let his hold on Evan relax, changing back into his true form. His Auror uniform gleamed in the bright lights from the cameras; on his chest hung a medal given to him by the Americans. The Pacific Rim had told him that any time he wanted to become a full time Auror, they would allow it, but he had other plans.
Gasps came from around the hall. Hermione, from her vantage, saw both Molly and Ginny Weasley turn very pale. Ginny looked as if she was about to faint.
He walked up the aisle, trying to ignore the cameras that were flashing like fireflies. Neville's face lit up and he shot Harry a thumbs up that warmed him considerably. If no one else welcomed him back, at least Neville did.
Ron looked at him, confused. He was clearly undecided and Hannah was whispering furiously in his ear.
Harry turned his attention back to Hermione, who smiled shyly at him. He moved to stand in the space she made between her and Amelia, then she grabbed his hand.
Amelia pulled another parchment from her robe. "By order of the Wizengamot, granted on this day, April 8th Nineteen hundred and ninety eight, Mister Harry James Potter is awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class, for his unparalleled bravery in the face of a ruthless Dark Lord. By his actions he has saved not only Britain, but the whole of the wizarding world, for the Dark Lord's stain would have surely spread."
Amelia paused and pulled out a case. She withdrew an ornate medallion attached to a large ribbon. "By custom, the Order of Merlin, First Class, is always presented by a close family member to the recipient. In this case, I'll ask Miss Granger, his fiancee and Order holder, to present the medallion," she announced to the crowd.
Another gasp ran through the crowd as it finally hit home. Hermione's mysterious Evan from the south Pacific was really Harry Potter, and they were engaged! More cameras flashed, catching the scenes and reporters scribbled their notes or used dicta-quills. Sirius, Emma and Dan grinned broadly at the pair next to Amelia.
Ginny fainted and slid out of her chair.
Amelia handed the medallion to Hermione, who turned to Harry.
"Let everyone know that Mister Harry James Potter is inducted into the Order of Merlin for his outstanding actions. So mote it be!" cried Amelia.
Harry blushed and bowed his head, making it easier for Hermione to slip the ribbon around his neck. As she reached around his head, she leaned closer.
"Don't let this go to your head, hero," she whispered with a sly grin.
"You know it won't," he replied tensely.
"Good, but you've always been my hero," she said, then she kissed his cheek and pulled away from him, leaving him blushing more than he thought he possibly could.
Amelia stepped up next to Harry. "Smile for the cameras," she said without moving her lips.
Harry blinked and wondered if that was a spell or just a talent that all politicians development, then he smiled tightly for the cameras and waited until he could make his escape. Thankfully, the reporters had been briefed that Amelia would answer their questions, but Harry Potter would not be available for the press conference.
Minerva moved around to the front of the table, next to Amelia, and raised her arms. Slowly the noise in the hall died down.
"Thank you," she said with a smile. "All seventh years who haven't picked up their grades and certificates should visit my office before you leave the castle. I want to thank all the guests for coming tonight. I am certain you join me in wishing our leaving students only the best of luck as they move into their adult lives."
When everyone stood and clapped Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her towards her parents and his family. "Come on! If we hurry..."
He skidded to a halt and Hermione bumped into his back, nearly knocking him down. In his path stood Ron, Neville and the Weasley twins, who seemed to think Harry's return was some cosmic joke. Ginny sat nearby, watching Harry and Hermione with narrowed eyes.
Ron stepped forward. "At first I wasn't sure if I should hit you or hug you. But someone made me see the light. I don't like the fact that you up and left us without so much as a word, but I can see the sense of it," he said, then he blushed and Hannah smiled knowingly to herself. Then Ron stepped forward offering his hand.
"Once upon a time I had a friend named Harry Potter. I would be very happy to have him back."
Harry's eyes misted and he smiled, then took the offered hand. Hermione gripped his arm painfully tight and choked back a sob. He shook Ron's hand and that broke the spell on the others. They swarmed over him, welcoming him back.
Hermione watched, smiling at him, while his former classmates came up to shake his hand.
"Well done, Hermione," said a voice over her shoulder. She turned to see Mr. Weasley smiling gently at her.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," she replied.
"Had us all fooled, I think," he commented, watching Harry.
She shook her head. "No, that's the problem, sir. He didn't fool anyone. You fooled yourselves. No one had faith in the man that Harry is. He's unique. I knew it from the first day I met him."
Arthur Weasley glanced at his wife and daughter, who sat waiting for the crowd to break up. "I suppose you're right," he said with a sigh. "So, what now for you two? Some career with the Ministry? An Order of Merlin goes a long way on a CV."
"Harry and I are enrolling in school overseas. He already has a job as an Auror for the Pacific Rim Ministry. We'll come back to Britain in a couple years, but I think, for now, we want to just live without the pressures of being a Potter in Britain."
Arthur nodded. "I suppose that's for the best. Good luck to you and to Harry. I certainly missed that boy."
"He missed you, too, Mr. Weasley," she told him. When he smiled warmly, she turned away and joined Harry, who seemed a bit stunned at the reaction of the people. "Are you ready?"
He grinned at her. "I've been ready for this since fourth year. I think it's time to just live."
"Me too," she replied as she grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the Great Hall. Her parents and Sirius could catch up with them later. For now, there was a beach house in Fiji with their name on it!
School, marriage and the rest of the world could wait for the end of summer.
FINI
Author's Notes:
Bob's making me do the last AN as a way of speeding up the posting time. He says that, while he writes the disclaimer and gives the chapter a final read, I can be answering your questions. It sounds good, of course, but as it's 4:30am (pacific), I really don't think there's a rush on posting this. Personally, I think he's just being lazy.
Yes, the chapter is late. There are several reasons for it, but I'm not going to bother going into them. The chapter's been posted, so who cares, right? Yeah, I thought you'd agree with me.
Now, as this is the final chapter, do I REALLY have to answer your questions? ~Looks at all the eager faces staring back at her and sighs~
Fine, on with the freakin' Notes, then.
You hope we shot our beta? My, but that is rude. Beta's aren't machines, ya know. They have lives, families and, in the case of our betas, stories of their own to write and post. They're helping us, and you, free of charge. So sit down, shut up and enjoy the read, already!
Patrick: Yes, we check reviews from old stories, but we generally don't reply to them. If you do want a reply to a review you've left on an older story, post to our Yahoo group or send us an email and we'll get back to ya.
James Porter: There's no reason to be afraid of me. I'm actually a very sweet lady. ~Smiles serenely while oiling her whip~
Heathw: The answer to your Gringotts question is really very simple: Because Bob wanted it that way. As the author of the story, he's allowed to do pretty much whatever he wants to do. This is, after all, a non-canon story.
As for your complaint about Hermione, you're certainly welcome to your opinion. As I didn't write this story, I looked at her as having plenty of time to grow and mature. Most eighteen year olds I know are suicidally stupid in many respects. I wasn't much different at that age. Most kids aren't interested in improving their character. That comes with time and new environments/situations. If the story were to continue on through Harry and Hermione's college education abroad, you'd begin to see a different young woman emerge.
Oh, and yes, there is a difference between a mignon and a minion. A mignon, while delicious, lasts a few hours. A minion is for life! Besides, Crys is a bit too old and stringy to make a decent mignon. ~Snickers!
If you want more specific answers, email Bob. I'm just the AN author for this puppy.
~Straps Wyes to one of her nukes and arms it~ You dare? You complain about Bob's update time, yet haven't updated your own story in 6 MONTHS? You just lay there and think about that, buddy! If you behave, and UPDATE YOUR OWN FREAKIN' STORY, I'll think about disarming the thing.
Crys: No branding irons? You know, you're taking all the fun out of having minions in the first place. Let's see. Oh, I know! How about matching bikini waxings for all minions? This way, I still get to hear you scream, but don't have to deal with the smell of burning flesh! Oh, I like this idea. ~Straps Crys down on the table and smiles~ The technician will be with you in a few minutes. I'd do it myself, but there are some things that I really don't want to know about my minions. Oh, and when she's ready to rip out the hair, tense up real tight. It makes the pain even worse!
I know you're probably cringing inside right now, but really, be glad I hired a professional to do this. If I had to do it, I'd be plucking out the hair and swabbing the area with alcohol.
And just to prove that I am not nearly as sadistic as many people think, I'll point out Bob's suggestion for marking minions. He suggested I douse the area being waxed, then igniting it.
See? I'm much nicer!
Solicitor: Anti-matter? For me? Oh, thank you! I'd squeal like a fan girl, but that would be rather undignified, wouldn't it? I've had a star ship sitting in the back yard for years and it's been useless to me without anti-matter! Now I can finally blow this Popsicle stand!
Ranchbs: We've toyed around with the idea of writing original stuff, but keep getting bitten by HP bunnies. We may get there eventually. The lovely Abraxan has just published her own original work, which is available on Amazon. Join her Yahoo group for more details.
Kyle: The Quibbler's hounding of Percy was just something that happened. They didn't set out to drive the guy nuts. They were just looking for stories and inadvertently created one by torturing poor Mr. Weatherbee into the St. Mungo's long term spell damage ward.
As for Snape, the answer should be obvious now.
Eewec: The Quibbler stories are all Bob's. The only thing I've written for Power of the Press is the last few AN's. I won't say Bob's a nut case, but he's not all there, either. I was a perfectly sane 22 year old...then I met Bob. It was a slow progression, at first. But being with him, day in and day out, for fifteen years has taken its toll. Besides, sanity is so overrated...
The Resident: Nukes, anti-matter, guns and guillotines all have their place and function. However, a well balanced knife is also a thing of beauty if the person who possess it knows what their doing. Besides, it's difficult to cut a steak with a nuke. And a guillotine isn't much better. I went through four waiters before I figured that out.
GinnySohma: You want me to upload a video my nuke's blinking lights to YouTube? Okay, but that's kinda boring, don't you think?! Oh, wait. You meant...Er, right.
BDH008: No, we would not consider the shoveling of snow as a bribe for updating faster. It's not that we don't appreciate the offer, it's just that a great deal of the snow is gone and we're now gearing up for mud season. Sorry, but you missed the boat on that one. However, if you want to shovel mud, be our guest. It won't cause us to update faster, but it would be amusing.
TW: I don't know. Ask Bob. Why do you all expect me to have the answers to your questions? I didn't write this story! I just do the AN's! STOP PRESSURING ME, DAMNIT!
~Blinks~ Oh, I see Bob already answered you. Never mind then.
Vanishingact: No, Dan and Emma's relationship is nothing like ours. Dan and Emma are sane, you see. That makes all the difference.
Mrs. Tiffany Potter: Don't think I'm going to let you get away with that! I see what you're doing. ~Tosses the bunny back at Tiffany~ Yes, I agree. Snape would make a great villain for a sequel. Do let us know when you start writing it. You have our permission!
FallingMonkey3: For a sequel to this story, see Mrs. Tiffany Potter!
Lilredwitch: I'm always accepting applications from would-be minions. One can never have too many. The interview process can be painful, but I enjoy it. Submit your application, let me inspect your A-bombs and we'll get you an appointment with the bikini waxing technician. Crys will be glad for the company...and maybe someone to hold his hand. ~Snickers~
Tarkas: Join the rest of the world? Why the hell would we want to do that? You spell funny. You put the letter U in strange places (colour), you mix up were the R should go (theatre) and you measure things in metric! I mean, anti-clockwise? ~Shakes head~ When will you folks learn decent English?!
LadyImmortal: Bob's easy to bribe. Simply offer him porn. Vintage or not, he'll take it. Wine? Not so much. Strawberries are good, but the chocolate they're dipped in should be sugar free. The partridge and pear tree didn't survive transit.
Morriganscrow: The branding iron is out. Crys squirmed around too much...and the weeping was terrible. Screaming is good; tears are messy.
Particle_Accelerator: See, you should send us your scope! We'd get to use it much more than you. Northern Idaho has great night skies, we're self-employed and set our own hours (which explains why we're always up at night!). Come on, you know you want us to have it! No? Fine, okay, keep it.
Oh, and we do have a scope. It's even a Meade. It's just much smaller than we'd like. We've spent many a freezing night outside staring at the stars and planets.
~Slips into a kilt and picks up a 3 iron~ Oh, Wavelink? You did request wanting to see me use this lovely little toy in my next violet rampage, correct? I'm so glad you volunteered to be the victim. It's much more enjoyable when they THINK they want it. You'll change your mind soon enough, but there's no escape. Feel free to try, however.
That's it folks. If I didn't get to your question and you really want it answered, email Bob. It's his story after all. If he tries to get me to do the notes for another story he writes, I'm going to change their name. No longer will I write AN's. No, I'll write WN's; Wife Notes. I won't answer any of your questions, I'll simply torture, maim, splice, dice and fricassee everyone who reviews. Unless you offer bribes... Bribes are always good.
That's it for Power of the Press. I want to thank everyone for reading, Bob for writing and Keith and Dorothy for their beta work. I'd also like to thank the Academy... Er, never mind.
It will be at least a few weeks before the next story begins. That will be the X-Men crossover for all of you who haven't been paying attention.
Now, I'm off to pummel Wavelink with the lovely 3 iron he gave me, then join Bob in Wow. We hope you've enjoyed the story. We'll see you all in a few weeks.