Harry Potter and the Return of Voldemort: edited the post on page 32

The Wedding

The Godrics Hollow seemed to be a palace of lights especially the Potter house. It had to shine, hadn't it? There was a wedding going on in there. From the outskirts of the house it looked like a peaceful, enjoyable wedding but only the people inside had any idea of the tension. Quite a lot of work was to be done for the wedding. Ginny Potter could be seen running around pointing her wand at the falling chandelier, at the wet floor, at the here and there spread wrappers of candies and what not. She seemed more like her mother when it came to the getting-the-work-done-quickly-thing. Harry and Ron were upstairs with Ted the handsome groom and Hermione was getting Victoire ready.

Once all the guests had settled, Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione joined the gathering themselves. Their children had already been prepared to present their gifts to the couple. But as they walked into the guest filled courtyard they received more applause than the Bridegroom had gotten. It had been 20 years since they had defeated Voldemort. Harry was 37 he had three beautiful children James was in his third year, Albus was in his second year and, Lily's year was going to start the next day. But it still seemed like yesterday when half the Hogwarts had been blown apart. Such a frightening night it was. Full of sorrow, but joy had awaited them for the morning. The morning after that night was ablaze with light and warm as it had never been.

The moment Ted and Victoire came out in the courtyard the crowd stood up and the piano started playing a beautiful tune. In front of them walked Lily, Hugo and Roses carrying bouquets of flowers. James and Albus were beside them showering them with rose petals. What a beautiful sight it was! After the ceremony was done with, the chairs assembled in lines in the courtyard vanished and round tables appeared. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny congratulated Ted and Victoire and their children gave them presents on behalf of their parents. It was all very cute but Ted seemed rather teary. Usually, the females have a crying thing but seeing Ted teary Harry took him aside so he could wipe his face off while everyone enjoyed with the drinks and the food. When Harry and Ted were alone Harry asked him if there was a problem but Ted's reply made him a little teary too.

"Harry, I know you've never made me feel alone and you've always been here for me, but, you know, today I just thought, what if my parents had been alive, how would they have felt, what would they have said to me? How would they..." Ted broke off and Harry knew how he was feeling. It was exactly as he had felt for the most part of his life.

Harry let him dry his eyes out before he began. "Theodore Remus Lupin, son of the most valiant man I ever laid eyes on, Remus Lupin, you listen to me very carefully." Ted looked at him quietly. "There are some things in life that are hard to tackle but good things are also there. Your father saw that and I see that. Mere 20 years ago, Remus had hugged me and endowed me with your responsibility as your Godfather. He had trusted me with you because, perhaps, he knew that one day you'd want to know him. And you can. Look into my eyes. Do you not see a father?" asked Harry.

Ted hugged Harry. "I do."

Harry straightened his robe when he moved away. Ted rejoined the celebration with a smile on his face.

Harry met with all his friends. He greeted everyone, even Draco, who had come with his wife and son Scorpio. All his friends from Hogwarts had turned up. Harry had more to celebrate than the wedding.

A month before, Harry had been proposed a very lucrative position. He had been offered the post of the Hogwarts' headmaster. He had refused it. He was working at the Law Enforcement Department in the Ministry of Magic as an Auror with Ron. He loved his job. He had no intentions of leaving it. But after his relentless refusal, Dutchsmen, the retiring headmaster had paid Harry a personal visit and convinced him to take on the job after him. Harry would have refused again had it not been for the insistence of the entire Wizarding World and the Minister, Bolt's, support. He had agreed and would commence his term tomorrow.

Tonight, however, was a night of celebration for him and his family. Well after midnight, when all guests had left and all their children had retired to bed, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny sat in Harry's sitting room remembering old times.

"Those were the days, mate." Ron said, taking a long swig from his firewhisky. "Feasts, meals, drinks, breakfasts, lunches, dinners..."

"Ron!" Hermione poked him in the shoulder. "Is food all that you can remember about Hogwarts?! You're awful!"

"Bet you remember classes." Said Ron grumpily as Harry laughed out.

"And exams!" He winked at Ron.

"Obviously!"

"Everything would have changed by now." Harry said.

"Except Peeves!" Ginny said.

All four of them laughed out. They knew what a chaos he was. James had felt necessary to enlighten them since he was nothing short of him either.

Hogwarts, as they knew, might have changed but the history it had still rang in its halls. Harry who had found a home there now felt a little tense as now he would be the in charge of it. And he wouldn't be the first. He had a great many people to look up to. Headmasters as great as Dumbledore, Snape, Mcgonagalle and Dutchsmen had lead the place in the best way possible. He didn't know if he could do as good as them. He was unsure. But he didn't know that he wasn't the only one unsure.

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"No." He replied turning away from Padma. "I don't deserve it."

"Yes, you do. And Professor Dutchsmen agrees. We both wish to see you do what you do best."

He looked into her sympathetic eyes. He knew she only wanted him to do better for himself but he couldn't agree to what she was saying. He had been a librarian at Hogwarts for 4 years. He could continue with that. He had never wished for anything more than a home and Hogwarts had given him that. He couldn't ask for more. He wouldn't. "I am content with my job."

"You may be but I am not." Dutchsmen had finally spoken. This was his last night at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. During his tenure here he had seen this boy grow up to be a decent man. Him and all his teachers had seen his skill. Alone and homeless he had always lived here and when time came for him to leave and make a career out of his life he stepped back. With nothing else to help him out of his bubble, Dutchsmen had offered him to work at Hogwarts as a teacher though he had accepted only the post of the librarian. "We all have seen your talents. They are not to be subsided to a shelf in the library. Our decision is final. From tomorrow morning, you will take your position here as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Dutchsmen stopped to see only denial on his face. "It is not about you. It is about Hogwarts." He knew how to convince him. Hogwarts was everything to him. He would never refuse now. "Miss Patil has been working double time to attend to 2 subjects at once. It would be unfair to her to let her continue with this responsibility."

"Yes, I am quite tired of trying to do something that I am not even good at. You know how difficult it has all been since Robert left last year." She turned to him pointedly. "Therefore, I am resigning from the post of the DADA teacher."

"That leaves the post vacant." Dutchsmen continued gaining his full attention. "I want you, Hogwarts' own, to avail it than someone from the outside."

He closed his eyes. They had been asking him to take over the post since Robert had left but he had found every lame reason to avoid it. Now, when Harry Potter was arriving, when he wanted it the least, he was being forced to take it and he knew that he couldn't refuse. He knew they had already spoken to the Minister about it who had apparently approved.

"Will you take it?" asked Dutchsmen boring into his eyes trying to see through him but failing as usual.

He nodded quietly.

"There's one more thing that needs to be done." Padma said as he turned around to leave the Headmaster's office. "We want you to take up your rightful position as the Deputy Head of Hogwarts and Head of Gryffindor House."

He gulped down. Now, they were asking for the impossible. Power, in the wrong hands could harm. Did they not know it? "I have no right over it. I helped because Hogwarts is my home. I wanted to protect it."

"We do not say otherwise." Dutchsmen replied. "But the fact that your protection prevails throughout the Castle and you have not been given any recognition for it does not let us live in peace. Padma feels as do I, that you must be given what belongs to you. It is the Deputy that protects the Castle in the main stream. Others do have their contributions but the Deputy in the absence or even presence of the Headmaster provides complete protection to it. When Robert retired, Padma took over but we both knew she couldn't protect the Castle like him. But you could and you do. Why, then, not be acknowledged for it?"

It was a question he never wanted to answer, not even to himself. "Please, I beg of you. Do not force me to do this. I have not the courage to face the challenges of the position."

"You have all the courage in the world. You just don't know it yet." Padma said taking his face into her arms. Her smiling face and warm motherly eyes actually made him believe that he could do it. She held his hands into hers and recited the incantation.

When he walked out of the Headmaster's office, he was the new Deputy Head of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Back in his room, he stood in front his mirror regarding his reflection with fear and confusion. In the heat of the moment he had agreed to them. Now, he felt unsure.

THE BEGINING OF THE DEATH TOLL

After having finished the drinks Ron and Hermione left. Harry and Ginny had retired to bed when someone pounded on their door loudly. Ginny opened the door to find a ruffled Porch pretty large for their door frame.

Porch was Hagrid's son. Half giant like him along with being as kind as Hagrid was. After Hagrid's sorrowful passing 4 years ago, he had taken over his gamekeeping duties responsibly. They had all been happy to see him cope.

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He awoke with a start. He knew something was wrong. He jumped out of his bed and started pacing his room. He had the same dream that had terrorized him since he had come of age. The dream filled with green light, with screams that he could never forget. The dream that always announced the arrival of the person he was least willing to see. The dream that made him dread the next morning when he would read the Daily Prophet and find an innocent life lost.

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It took Ginny a few minutes to realize exactly what she was looking at. It was Porch alright but he was carrying something in his arms. It was a little boy.

"Porch, is everything alright?" Ginny asked him moving out of the way to let him in. Porch had to double in to get in through the door. He put the little boy on the sofa. Ginny took a closer look at him. "This is Alex, Neville's son. Why do you have Alex with you? Where are Neville and Hannah?"

Porch looked near to tears. Afterall, he had never seen anything like what he had seen tonight. "They're dead, both of them." He spoke after a while freezing Ginny in her tracks as she was returning from the Kitchen with a bottle of Firewhisky.

Ginny poured Porch some drink, put the bottle on the table in front of him and ran to her bedroom. When she entered Harry was putting Lily to sleep. She motioned to him to follow her out quickly.

"Harry, it's Porch... he arrived with Alex fainted in his arms and..."

"And what?"

"And he's saying... he says Neville and Hannah are dead. I didn't know what to do so I gave him a drink so he could calm down and tell me exactly what's happened."

Harry nodded. "Try to find out what's really happened. I'll call Ron and Hermione. We'll go check out Neville's place."

Ginny nodded. Harry took his wand, swished it to change into his robes, sent a patronus to Ron and Hermione and left the house. The moment he was outside he disapparated.

10 minutes later he was walking up Neville's front garden with Ron. Hermione had said she would follow him after informing Bill and Fluer. They'd be able to look out for the children.

Bill and Fluer had moved into the Burrow after Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had departed from this world. They were the oldest in the family and they took up this responsibility easily.

Neville's front door was ajar. Both of them drew out their wands. They ran in and found the place exactly as they remembered it. Ron ran upstairs to Neville's and Hannah's bedroom while Harry looked around. The moment his eyes fell on their living room wall he froze.

"Harry!" Ron shouted from upstairs but Harry couldn't move. Ron ran downstairs and shook him. "Harry!"

Harry looked at him as if he had been pulled out of a very vivid memory.

"What are you looking..." Ron started in astonishment turning to the wall himself and understood. There, on the wall was written in large block letters with dark red blood still glistening,

LORD VOLDEMOERT HAS RETURNED

"Harry, he's murdered them."

"Porch, please, tell me, what happened?" Ginny asked him again nearly on the verge of tears. She had examined Alex and he was fine. He was just out. He had probably fainted for whatever he had seen happening to his parents.

Porch braced himself. "I... I was in their back yard when I heard someone apparate inside the house. We had all been in their backyard having a few drinks...Neville had lent me his tent to sleep in the yard... I couldn't fit into his guest room----_" Porch broke off as tears ran down his face.

"Go on..." Ginny patted him on the little of his elbow she could grab.

Porch cleared his throat loudly. "Alex was insisting on sleeping wih me in the yard as an adventure, they had gone in to grab his stuff from the house. That's when I heard it. I couldn't get into the house so I peeked in through a window. Alex was trying to go in but I held him. I knew apparition was blocked in and out of the house. Whoever had broken the spell to apparate uninvited wouldn't be friendly. Within minutes they all had their wands out. The wizard was wearing a hood over his head. I couldn't see his face. He killed them in a flash." Porch finished as a flood of tears ran down his face. "Alex saw it all as well. The moment Neville and Hannah fell I took him out of there. I couldn't stand it... He fainted half way through... I didn't know what to do, so I came here..."

Ginny nodded at his words as tears ran down her face too. Who could have done this to them? All their life, after that horrific battle at Hogwarts nothing as such had happened.

Ginny tried to calm Porch down. She sent him to sleep in James' bedroom. She put Alex to bed with Albus. Ginny had already shifted James to Albus' room, instructing him clearly not to wreak any havoc at this hour and that this was a very serious situation. She grabbed her coat and was about to leave when Harry, Ron and Hermione entered.

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Ron took Harry by the arm and dragged him upstairs, as Harry had gone completely numb. Up in the bedroom, Harry saw the lifeless bodies of Neville and Hannah as had been Dumbledore's... as has been of his parents'...as had been Sirius'. Harry dropped down on his knees, he couldn't take it any longer, tears were leaking out of his eyes, no matter how hard Ron tried to pick him up again, Harry couldn't move away from there, he wouldn't move away from there. For how long he sat there he didn't know but Harry just didn't want to move, not until they heard a sound from downstairs like a bomb had just went off. And sure enough when they entered the living area there was a vast change there. The wall containing the message left by the muderer had been blown apart scattering the living area with dirt and debris.

"Ha-arry it w-was nece-cessary to do, if someone else, f-found out a-about Voldemort being b-back , its n-not going to be g-good." Hermione was sobbing so hard she could hardly speak. Harry nodded to her silently and sent a patronus, a white and warm stag to Kingsley.

Within 15 minutes the whole of the Auror Department was there, everyone wanted to know what had happened, they told them everything leaving the part about Voldemort.

"Is the boy awake?" Kingsley asked the first question that mattered when he arrived in his night gown.

"No." Harry replied. Poor child, he must have fainted.

"Where is he?"

"My place. He's fine. Ginny ensured that." Harry explained briefly. He wanted to run away from here as soon as possible. He couldn't think, he was somehow finding himself at a loss for words.

After arranging their burial ceremony for the next day they went back to the Godrics Hollow at Harry's place.

Harry informed Ginny about the funeral.

"Harry what about Alex, when he's going to wake up, he should be there to say goodbye to them." said Ginny wiping her face.

"We've arranged the burial ceremony at 9am. He won't board the Hogwarts Express without seeing Neville and Hannah." Harry replied and went into his room.

"We should go too Hermione, if Hugo and Roses wake up they will miss us." said Ron.

"I informed Bill and Fluer before I left. They'll take care of them." replied Hermione. "Ron, can you please share the room with Harry? I want to spend the night with Ginny." Ron nodded silently, turned around and went into Harry's room. Ginny and Hermione retired to the guest room.

As Ron closed the door behind him he saw Harry standing by the window.

When Harry heard Ron he turned around, looked at him full in the face for a moment then sat down on the bed, his eyes still red. He looked at Ron and saw a tear streaking down his long nose. Both of them sat like this then after what seemed like an hour, Harry stood up and went back to the window.

"It's you all over again, isn't it?" said Ron quietly.

Harry looked at him. Ron knew him too well. Harry was thinking the exact same thing. "It may be, Ron but Neville and Hannah... I just can't believe it...I can't get over it...we met them in the wedding this morning and all of a sudden...how could something like that actually happen?...I ---" Harry broke off, he didn't think he could continue. He was thinking about all the time they had spent with Neville and Hannah. Harry remembered the time when they were at school, how Neville had shown the courage in supporting Harry, gone to the Ministry with him to save his godfather that was a known mass murderer, knowing that if they were caught they would be expelled. And now Harry again felt ashamed that he had once thought that instead of him it could be Neville with a scar on his forehead and now Neville's son was an orphan, the life that Harry had once wished for neville had been written for his only son, even without a scar it was a cursed life that the poor soul will have to live.

THE HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

The next morning dawned full of sorrow. Ginny and Hermione woke all children before they woke up Alex. Bill and Fluer had also arrived early with all the Weasley children. They had to attend the funeral before boarding the Hogwarts express which left the station sharp at 11. The funeral was scheduled for 9 am.

Ginny and Fluer sat all children down and explained to them everything that had happened, skipping out the details only revealing that Neville and Hannah had left this world leaving Alex to them.

"Alex will need all our help to get back to the way things were." Ginny was speaking to them politely. Hermione had decided not to speak. She was in the kitchen making lunch boxes for everyone. For the brief moments she came to the sitting area she nodded to Roses' confused expression in order to assure her that this had actually happened or maybe she was assuring herself. She hadn't gotten over it yet, how could they expect the children to gulp it all down in one go.

"Is Uncle Neville never coming back?" Lily asked tears streaming in her eyes. She had been close to Neville. He was always a regular at Harry's place.

"No, sweety." Ginny carried her up in her arms, her own eyes swimming now. "Not at least with our eyes open. But if you really miss him, just close your eyes and call out for him in your heart. He will always hear you because he's right there in your heart."

"Is that why Alex is spent the night with us?" Albus asked Ginny seriously. He understood the gravity of the situation.

"Yes. I want all of you to help him recoup himself. Be there for him when he needs you."

Ginny looked at them all. They all had their own reaction to this. They had never come across anything like this. Their life had never been filled with worry and fear and sorrow. This was the first blow that had obviously knocked them all out but she was glad to see that they had brought up their children to learn to cope.

After sending all other children to ensure that they were properly packed and instructing them to help each other get dressed, Ginny woke up Alex and got him ready in his Hogwarts robes but didn't tell him why he was not at his home or where his parents were, not that he had asked. He did everything he was told quietly and kept staring blankly at nothing. Ginny had summoned Alex's school stuff from his house. She hadn't the courage to step in there, not at least after speaking to Hermione about it. She had told her everything she had seen there.

While all the elders made arrangements for the funeral, all children kept Alex company. Leaving him alone, today, was not an option. Ginny and Hermione sent patronuses to everyone they knew or had ever known, all their Hogwarts friends, Ministry colleagues. They wanted everyone close to them to know of this grave news before the Daily Prophet.

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He hadn't been able to sleep since after the dream. He had spent the night dreading the morning. The morning that usually brought joy and cheer to him, would bring only sorrow today. 1st of September meant the beginning of the new term, which he usually awaited desperately as holidays, for him, meant utter loneliness. However, today, he knew he would hardly be able to smile.

Nevertheless, he pulled out his laundered jeans and shirt and put it on. He left his room and opened the entire Castle. After all, from today onwards, he was responsible for everything. He was about to go look for Duds when he saw Porch walking towards him. Quite unwillingly, he smiled at him but it wasn't his usual, all 32-teeth exposing smile.

"Good of you to come over yourself, I was getting worried about you." He had hugged Porch in a manner of greeting. "I thought you were trying to make me jealous when you said you were invited to stay at Neville's for the night, you were actually there."

"How d'you know...?"

"I went over to your cabin last night. Couldn't sleep, thought we'd have a couple of drinks together. I had to make it up to you, hadn't I? You're not still mad, right? I just felt uncomfortable going to a wedding I wasn't invited to and you know how Duds would have felt if all of us had gone, I mean Neville and you couldn't possibly miss it, you're like family to Harry Potter. And Duds couldn't go, no matter how much he wanted to...you know that, right? So, you're not going to be angry with me for not going either, anymore, eh?"

"Where's Duds? I need to talk to both of you." Porch replied expressionlessly. He stared at him. Was he still upset with him for turning down the invitation to Harry Potter's Godson's wedding? He had tried rationalizing his refusal by hiding behind Dud's problems, as he couldn't tell them the truth. What other options did he have? What would he have said to Harry Potter when he met him? Hi, I am your worst nightmares come true? It would have killed the spirit of the wedding out of everyone who could recognize him.

"I am sorry, Porch, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I just couldn't desert Duds..." He hadn't finished when Porch shook his head heavily. He put his arms on his shoulders and this time spoke more firmly.

"It isn't about that. I have to tell something to the two of you. Where's Duds?" He felt a wave of fear sweep over him at Porch's reply. He could tell now that something was wrong.

"Has something happened?" He asked him praying inside, praying that all was well.

Porch couldn't hide anything from those kind Brown eyes. He nodded quietly.

"What? What has happened?" He shook Porch as he saw him shut his eyes with sorrow and tears ran down them. Porch suddenly hugged him. He hugged him so tightly that he felt he would probably break his ribs.

"They're gone. Both of them, Neville and Hannah..."

"Gone? Where?..." He tried to pull away from Porch but he wouldn't let go. Fear was starting to creep up on him. He could feel it inside of his chest, building as Porch's hold on him tightened.

"They died, they're gone, we're never going to see them, again, never going to talk to them, never going to listen to their voices..."

He was now struggling hard to break free of Porch, he didn't want to hear any of this. There was obviously a mistake, he had spoken to him only yesterday. "It's not true..." He could only muster that as his voice shook with fear, and grief and pain...

"It is, I saw it happen... I wanted to tell you myself, they're gone, I was there... It's true..."

He couldn't breathe, "How?" All that came to him was this. He felt feeling leaving his body.

Porch suddenly burst out, howling like he had been at Hagrid's funeral. His hold on him loosened, but he didn't let go of him, he felt if he did, Porch wouldn't be able to stand on his own.

"They were mur-murdered..." Porch hiccupped. "A hooded man, just apparated... and then...he used a killing curse...I couldn't save them... I was scared...I had Alex in my arms...I ran for it..."

He stood listening, horrorstricken, as tears ran down his eyes, finally, as the fact that his two best friends had left this world forever, sunk in. But the dread he had been feeling since last night had somehow, rested somewhere in his throat, he had to ask. "Porch, do"do you, remember... the time...at which hour of the night..."

"I dunno, I guess... maybe, 3 or half past... I just remember, I couldn't think of anything but saving their only child..."

He felt like he had been suddenly run over by a truck as he heard Porch say the time. He had awoken at half past 3 last night, he hadn't known then, the lives of his two best friends had been taken away, the dream... he had seen them die... He suddenly felt his head swimming, he was shaking, tears were running down his face, he couldn't focus...the last thing he saw before blacking out was Porch calling out to him, trying to shake him back to consciousness, but he knew, his heart couldn't take it anymore.

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The funeral was to be held right outside the Church of St. Ottery Catchpole near the Burrow. Ron had left around 6 am as he was going to put protective charms on the Church and around it. After emptying the Church of confused people who had gone there for prayers a minute ago and came out of it as the moment they sat foot in the Church they felt a sudden urge to go to the bathroom.

Apart from that Ron arranged the seats accordingly for everyone attending the funeral. He put up two chairs in the front a little ahead of the crowd and two big chairs a little behind the crowd for Porch and his uncle Grawp. Grawp had who had been settled in the mountains for years had come down at Porch's call. The last they had seen him was when Hagrid had passed away. As they had all noticed, he had become considerably civilized after being married to Ori, a giantess from the mountains. She hadn't come here much to their relief as she was not accustomed to seeing so many humans at one place.

Ron returned at Harry's place half an hour before the funeral. Except for Harry, all the Potters and the Weasleys accepted people's condolences at the Potter House. All guests had dropped in at the Potter House before apparating to the funeral.

Neville's only family had been his wife and son. His gran and his parents had all passed away a few years before. Hannah's family had arrived the night before and had stayed at the Burrow where Bill and Fluer had accommodated them well. They had gone to the funeral directly. It had been closer for them. They had decided to leave immediately after the funeral.

As the clock turned to 8.45 almost everyone had come to pay their respects and then headed to the Church where the funeral was held. Only the closest of them had stayed to see Harry first and then leave for the funeral. Among them were George and Angelina, Percy, Bill and Fluer, Charlie, Porch, Grawp (though he had to stand outside, he had stayed). Their school friends, most of whom they had only seen yesterday, Oliver Wood, Padma Patil, Lavender Brown, Sheamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Deniss Creevey, Terry Boot, Luna Lovegood and many others from their year. Professor Mcgonagalle, now very elderly, had also showed up. Everyone of them wanted to have words of condolence with Harry who still wasn't out of his room.

Finally, when Harry wasn't seen out of his room with 5 to 9 everyone left except for Ron. Hermione and Ginny took all the children with them to the funeral by floo.

Ron went to check upon Harry after sending Ted and Victoire to the Church who had come last and had not known most of what had happened not that they had any idea that everyone else also didn't know enough.

Ron went into Harry's room and closed the door, looked around and was surprised to see he wasn't there. Ron stood there for a whole minute and then it came to him. He took out his Deluminator. He said "Harry" into it holding it like a mic; a ball of light emerged out of it and stood at some distance. Ron took a deep breath and walked into it. His feet were just about to touch the solid, hard ground when he flew 50 feet in the air and after covering a distance of what seemed like a hundred yards fell on the grassy fields of Hogsmeade near the mountains. He was completely knocked out of breath, for a moment he laid there and then stood up, understanding dawning upon him. Harry must be inside Hogwarts and no one can apparate in or out of Hogwarts. As Ron had searched for Harry the Deluminator had taken him to Hogwarts straight and the protective charms had probably prevented his apparition inside the Castle.

Ron apparated right outside the Hogwarts' grounds' gates, walked through the length of the grounds and stood outside the actual gates of the castle.

From there he sent a patronus inside, a glistening white otter, to Harry. Within seconds of that, the door opened, Ron went in to a welcoming Entrance Hall as always and saw Harry walking towards him but he wasn't the same Harry as he had known, not in his blue black jeans and messy hair. He was wearing a long black cloak, his hair was plastered to his head and he was wearing a wizard's hat and now Ron could see lines and a sudden frown on his face. His glasses and his scar were the only things that had not changed at all. But seeing him like that Ron felt as if it were actually the Headmaster standing in front of him, that everyone had expected him to become for Hogwarts, something for which Harry had felt quite unsure until last night, he felt a sudden respect ablaze in him. Before he could say anything Harry said it.

"I know, I can never be as good as the rest but I'll try my level best not to disappoint them ." He smiled weakly, it seemed as if he had not slept at all, how could he have? Ron hadn't been able to do so himself. "Dutchsmen took proper charge of the school after Mcgonagalle, I don't know what I am going to do, I--" Ron interrupted him.

"Harry, you're the best they could have found after Dutchsmen. It's all going to be ok, mate."

"Yeah, I guess so." Harry smiled. Ron smiled too. Once again when he started to say something Harry cut across him."Ron, you must be wondering, what was I actually doing, coming here, today. I wanted to come over and see my options regarding Neville's post. I wanted to speak with Dutchsmen but Lavender told me he had left for the funeral. When I was coming here I was only concerned about Herbology, now, however, I have no idea how to handle this." Harry stopped taking a long breath. He felt like he was stuck in a nightmare.

"What do you mean? What's happened?" Ron asked staring at him strangely.

"Well, Lavender informed me that the transfiguration teacher who also took Ancient Runes has gone missing since the last week of the previous term, Padma who was taking Potions and DADA has resigned from the DADA position along with her post of the Deputy Head and the Head of the Gryffindor House and Dutchsmen has kept the newcomer a secret only as a surprise to be revealed at the feast, the Charms teacher has left a resignation scroll with Padma, the librarian has disappeared off the face of this earth and I can't even find the Caretaker. I can't help but think, could this have been any bigger a disaster?"

"Harry, I know all of this is a lot to take in all at once, alright, but we'll get through this. We'll work something out."

"That's exactly what I've been thinking, Ron. I can't do this alone, I need you and Hermione with me." Harry turned around to avoid looking at Ron. He couldn't meet his eyes."I would like you to take Neville's place at Hogwarts as a Herbology teacher and Hermione to take the place of Professor Andrea Mayweather. Would you do that for me, Ron?" Harry stopped to receive his reply but when Ron didn't reply he started out again. "Look, I know you and Hermione have worked night and day to get to where you are today. I know it would be difficult for Hermione to leave the post of the Head of the law Enforcement Department and for you to drop out of the Auror Department, but I need you, Ron, not just to fill in a position, I need my friends to help me figure this out. Help me figure out how has he returned, why has he returned...a mere 20 years after all we've been through..." Harry broke off. He turned around, and looked at Ron, his eyes into Ron's. They stared at each other for a full second then Ron nodded silently.

"But Harry that's a second priority, right now we should be at Neville's and Hannah's funeral."

When he came to, he was back in his room. He had been lying on his bed. Porch had probably left him here after he had passed out. He sat up and his eyes fell on a piece of parchment at the foot of his bed. He read it. Duds had left it. Porch had taken him to the funeral with side along apparition. He had instructed him to reach the funeral as soon as he could.

He shut his eyes miserably as more tears escaped them. He wanted to see them, see Neville and Hannah one last time but how could he? Walk out in the middle of a crowd that would loathe him if they knew who he was. He was more miserable than ever, how could he have done that? After everything, why wouldn't he listen? Was this the cost? He hated his freedom and of the man who had killed his two best friends, if it was to be at the cost of their lives. How many more would die...?

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They arrived at the funeral at 9.30. Alex was sitting at the front chair alone, beside him a chair stood empty for Harry. As Harry and Ron walked to the front everyone stood up, their hands folded in a manner of obedience. The man who had conducted Ted's and Victoire's wedding last night was standing beside two plane white tombs. Apparently, the burial was done, Alex was sobbing, he had seen the faces of his parents for the last time and had realized they were never going to come back. Porch's howling was prominent even when he was sitting at the very back. Harry approached Alex and sat beside him. He patted him on the back. Alex turned around to look at him and hurriedly wiped his face, apparently he didn't want anyone to see that he was in tears. Harry knew it too well to last him a lifetime. He had been like this when he had been his age.

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He stood right beside their tombs. His eyes filled with tears and his heart aching with sorrow. They had meant to him everything. Covered in a disillusionment charm, invisible to everyone, he had come to see the last of his two best friends.

His eyes fell at the very back attracted by the howling of Porch, his dear friend. He couldn't tell him he was here. Beside Porch, Duds stood, disillusioned as well. He had his own reasons for not being seen. But they didn't know his reasons for hiding, how would he explain to them, as to why hadn't he attended the funeral of his two best friends. He didn't have any answers and right now he hardly cared. What he cared for was Neville and Hannah...How would they ever forgive him? He could have protected them, he could have saved them. Yet, he hadn't been able to.

He looked at the little boy watching his parents leaving him forever and felt his heart skip a beat. The poor child had done nothing to deserve this.

He wanted to embrace the child, to tell him what he meant to him but he knew he could never face him. He owed his life to this child. He would protect him to his last breath.

He backed out of the funeral as Harry Potter stood up to pay his respects to Neville and Hannah. He didn't think he could stand any mention of theirs anymore. He disapparated to where he belonged, to his home, to Hogwarts.

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Everyone started approaching where Harry and Alex sat. Some people he knew some he didn't but he kept nodding at them because as per that moment Harry didn't know what else he could do. Once he had met everyone he knew he stood up. He had work to do. He motioned to Alex to stand with him and follow him. They both walked a little way away from the crowd. Harry made sure by the muffliato spell that no one could overhear them then began speaking.

"Alex, I know it's a very hard time for you and you have been very brave all this time. How could you not be? Your parents were brave as I knew them." At the mention of his parents Alex's eyes started leaking. No matter how vigorously he wiped them the tears wouldn't stop. To let the moment pass Harry conjured up two chairs and motioned to Alex to have a seat, he settled himself in front of him.

"You have been a very brave boy, Alex. I know, it's the most difficult thing to do but you must move on. Today is your first day at school and I want you to join all the students like you were going to do when Hannah and Neville were with us. I don't want you to think about the past, about anything that happened last night, I want you to know Alex that where ever may Hannah and Neville be they are always watching over you." At this a tear ran down Alex's cheek but this time he did not make any effort to wipe it."As your uncle Harry and as your Headmaster I advise you to find happiness even in the darkest of the times. Love and friendship are the virtues that help you find the light in such times." Alex looked at him full in the face and Harry saw a look on his face he knew too well. It was the same way he felt when Dumbledore would tell him something like that. Nevertheless, he nodded and Harry got up and so did Alex.

"You are going to board the Hogwarts express with the rest of your friends. Porch will show you the first glimpse of Hogwarts with the rest of the first years." Harry informed him. What should have been an exciting day for him had suddenly turned completely dry and dull.

Harry was about to walk Alex to Hermione who would take the children to Kings cross when Alex spoke up.

"Uncle Harry, do you know who killed my parents?" It was the first time Alex had asked anything and the only reply Harry could give him was,

"No."

Alex looked away disappointingly and walked over to Hermione and Ginny leaving Harry alone to ponder over what he had done. He could have told him about Voldemort but he didn't. But how much did he know himself? And it didn't seem the right time to tell him. After all, 11 was too young an age to take in the bitter facts of life. Now Harry realized how Dumbledore had decided to keep Harry away from all that until he was old enough to understand it. Was he being Dumbledore? Keeping secrets from the ones he loved?

BACK TO HOGWARTS

Ron and Hermione took their car to drop all children off at Kings Cross. They had left at 10.30. They were late. With Ron's car however they could be there in 10 minutes.

Seeing off everyone he had missed in the morning and winding up the funeral with Ginny took a lot of time. By the time Harry and Ginny were making their way to Godrics Hollow it was mid day.

Once inside his living room, Harry dropped all pretence of dealing with the situation'. He slumped himself down on his sofa. He had his face in his hands. He was unable to control the tears streaming down his eyes, unable to forget Neville's and Hannah's lifeless faces.

"It's going to be alright, Harry." Ginny sat down beside him holding him, comforting him.

Harry couldn't handle it anymore. He hugged her tightly. "He's back, Ginny, after all those years... He's returned."

"We don't know that yet." Ginny pulled Harry away, took his face into her palms and looked into his brilliant green eyes. "He died that night, we all saw it. You duelled him. You made his death possible. You saved us all. He can't just reappear."

"She's right, Harry." Ron and Hermione had just entered. "We don't know whether the murderer is Voldemort or just some Deatheater of his trying to avenge him."

"Hermione, we had every single one of them convicted."

"Not everyone." Ron replied. "Some were able to convince us that they were on our side. Maybe they lied."

"But how do we know..." Harry stood up. None of this made sense. Who would want to avenge the darkest wizard of the century?

"We're not alone in this, Harry." Ginny stood up too. "It's time we all pull out our galleons." Harry understood and saw Ron and Hermione positively beaming at him.

"Wait a minute..." Harry wanted to call the meeting as well but before that he had to speak to them. "Did Ron tell you about the favor he's agreed to make me?" He asked Hermione.

"Yes."

"Are you OK with it?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?"

Harry smiled, got off the sofa and hugged her. He held her hands in his. "Thank you. You have no idea what this means to me."

Hermione shrugged off his thanks immediately. "What are friends for, Harry?" They all smiled. It seemed like they were smiling after years although it was only last night when they sat in this very living room laughing their throats out. "But, I have a feeling Bolt won't be as pleased with this decision as we are. You need to talk to him in person before we submit our resignations and sign up at Hogwarts."

Harry nodded quickly. He knew if he wanted them to do it, he would be the one facing Kingsley.

"I'll call up the DA." said Ron pulling out his galleon.

"So, what am I going to be teaching?" asked Hermione.

"Transfiguration and Ancient Runes." Harry replied.

"What do you reckon happened to Andrea Mayweather?" Ginny asked bringing in some Firewhisky as they all sat down.

"Dunno yet. I'll be asking that to the board when I see them today."

"Ron said you're also short a Charms teacher, got anyone in your mind for that?" Hermione asked casually.

"Actually," Harry sat straight up uncomfortably trying to sound as casual as he could. "I was hoping Ginny could take it over."

Ginny who had taken a long swig from the glass gulped it down all at once slamming the glass on the table. "What?! Harry, I've hardly charmed anything since I've left school."

"That's not true." Hermione pastured her as she winked at Harry.

"Yeah, you've kept me charmed for 20 years." Harry smiled widely as Ginny flushed like a tomato.

Hermione let out an odd sound like a giggle as Ron joined them. "They're all coming to HQ in an hour. What did I miss?" He added as he saw Ginny flushed and harry and Hermione smiling.

"I am hiring Ginny for Charms at Hogwarts." Harry replied.

Ron flushed deeper than her. "Blimey!"

Ron's cheek earned him a pillow from Ginny.

"I can still cast that Bat bogey hex, Ron!"

"I know, that is why I've been learning to counter it for 20 years!" They all laughed out as Hermione threw another pillow at Ron.

"C'mon Harry, side with me on this one." Ron threw a pillow at Harry laughing as well.

"Sorry, Ron, but I am gonna have to disagree. My wife's capable of anything." He smiled at her.

"I'll go pack my stuff." Ginny replied smiling from ear to ear. When Harry had been offered the post at Hogwarts she had wondered how she would live without him, now, she didn't have to. She was going with him. She would also be able to keep an eye on Lily, she was worried sick about her.

"So, all you need now is a librarian." Said Ron as Hermione too left to help out Ginny.

"Yeah, I wonder what became of the old one. I mean how can people suddenly disappear?"

"D'you think..." Ron started then stopped like it was a bad idea.

"What?" Harry asked curiously.

"Well, don't you think it strange...all these disappearances..."

"What are you trying to say, Ron?"

"I mean, do you think, maybe, Voldemort has anything to do with all the disappearances..."

"Why would he suddenly decide to go after Hogwarts' teachers? And we're not just missing our teachers, we're short a librarian and a caretaker too. What do you reckon Voldmeort wants a librarian and a caretaker for? And for all we know, it may not even be Voldemort..." Harry replied but he didn't know whether he was convincing Ron or himself.

"I don't know, mate. I'm just worried for you. All this weird stuff begins to happen the year you decide to go back to Hogwarts. Something doesn't feel right to me..."

Harry had just opened his mouth to reply Ron when Hermione and Ginny came into the living area with Harry's and Ginny's luggage.

"We're already packed." Hermione began. "We'll go straight to Hogwarts after the meeting." Hermione pulled out her pocket watch. It was around 1 pm. The DA would have arrived by now.

They all apparated to the HQ. As anticipated everyone had appeared. They had kept up the meetings of the Dumbledore's Army for 20 years s a reminder of how they had all worked in harmony to fight against the terror the likes of Voldemort and how much they had lost yet how much they had gained in the shape of the friendship they all shared now. These meetings were held annually like a celebration. Today, however, was the first time in years when it was held in mourning.

"I believe this meeting was not unexpected." Harry looked over at all of them sitting at a huge dining table. "Last night, we lost 2 of our own, Neville and Hannah Longbottom." Harry waited as someone blew their nose on a handkerchief, someone sniffed and someone stifled a sob. "Unfortunately, they did not depart from this world by natural death. They were murdered."Harry gained their full attention at his last words. Bolt who seemed to be lost in deep thought a moment ago looked up at Harry. "Many of you who were present at their residence last night are aware of that. However, there is something that none here are aware of." Harry paused to see all their reactions. "Before we called the Ministry, we destroyed their living room wall. We did so because it contained a message that would surely have created an unlooked for chaos. The message contained the only words, Lord Voldemort has returned'." Harry stopped as a slight murmuring arose around the table. He spoke up a bit louder. "We believe that whoever killed the Longbottoms and left that message on their wall did all of this intentionally, their intention being creating uncertainity and fear among the Wizarding World, fear of the name that existed 20 years ago, fear of the wizard we all saw die that night, to distort the peace and prosperity that the Wizarding Community cherishes now." Harry now turned directly to Bolt who did not look too pleased with this news. "We kept this from the Ministry of Magic to ensure that the murderer did not succeed in his motives." Bolt nodded to him and Harry relaxed. He knew Bolt would understand.

"Is it really him, Potter?" It was Minerva. She had lived through the dilemma that had almost ruined all their lives, it was disappointing for her to see him return in her lifetime.

"We don't know yet." Harry replied. "But this is the reason we've called the meeting. I want the Dumbledore's Army on its highest guard. I want Hogwarts on its highest guard. I want the Ministry officials to remain informed, to keep their eyes and ears opened." Harry looked at them all and saw their approval. He had just opened his mouth to say something when Bolt drew his attention.

"I have something to disclose to the Army." Harry sat down as Bolt stood up. "Before the tragedy of the Longbottoms I did not consider these to be of any crucial importance. Now, however, I do." All four of harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny exchanged looks. Bolt knew something about this...but how? "As you all know, after Voldemort's exile, we were able to round up all of Voldemort's Deatheaters and verify the statements of those who were imperiused or compelled otherwise. With Harry Potter's assistance we were also able to pass a Decree for the Restriction of Using Unforgivable Curses which as per proves submitted by Hermione Granger-Weasley include a new curse, the Sectumsempra Curse, leading to the Death penalty or Life Sentence." Bolt informed them all. All of this had been done within 5 years of Voldemort's exile. Since then they had not had any murders by the Killing Curse. "This Decree helped us in maintaining a strict control over crimes. However, 4 years ago a serious matter came to light which has not been resolved yet." Harry was listening quietly but he was getting a feeling like he had been betrayed. If anything bad had been going on, why hadn't Bolt informed them? "4 years ago, we came across the murder of a muggle by the Killing Curse. The then Head of the Law Enforcement Department, Draco Malfoy, had knowledge of the murder. He was the one who informed me about it. I kept this from the Army because it seemed very insignificant then. We've been looking for the murderer since. The weird part is that we have not been able to find any trace of him. After that no such incident took place until about 2 months ago. A muggle had seen a flash of green light in his neighbor's house. When we explored the apartment we did not find anyone but we were able to discover that the apartment belongs to Miss Andrea Mayweather, a Hogwarts' teacher who is still missing. And the third incident of the likes took place last night." Bolt stood in pin drop silence. The entire Army was shocked to know this. They were all thinking the same thing. If they knew about all this, perhaps they could have saved Neville and Hannah. "I want the Army to know because as of last night and after what Harry has revealed to us, this became really crucial. Also, as Hermione is the new Head of the Law Enforcement Department, I would like her to look into this personally." Bolt turned to look at Hermione who stared back uneasily. Bolt didn't know this but Ron and Hermione were leaving the Ministry. Their resignations were prepared. They had planned to speak to Bolt after the meeting. It would have helped him understand why they were leaving but now they didn't quite think so.

Bolt sat down as Harry stood up again. "Now, I want the Army in action. I am stationing the Army everywhere. I want to keep an eye on Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron, the Ministry of Magic, Gringotts and even in the most populated and the least populated residences of ours. I am dividing the Army into teams." Harry made several teams among the Army and gave clear instructions for stationing them. He also put a few teams to stay in touch with the Magical Creatures, after all, they couldn't risk them going over to the Dark side again.

The meeting lasted nearly 3 hours. Once everyone was aware of their locations and tasks, Harry dismissed the meeting. He had planned on holding Bolt back at the HQ after the meeting. He could use some privacy when he told him about Ron and Hermione. However, before he had been able to stop him, Bolt had left.

"Yeah, he has a meeting scheduled with Latnok, the Head of the Wizengamot." Percy told Harry when he asked him why Bolt had left in a hurry. Percy was in a hurry himself. He was undersecretary to the Minister for Magic. His presence at the meeting was also important. "To tell you the truth Bolt practically hates the man. Latnok wants to poke his nose in everyone's business. Bolt was avoiding the meeting pretty badly but Latnok caught me and personally had me put him in Bolt's book. Nevermind, I need to run too. I'll catch you later, Harry."

"What do we do now, Harry?" Ron approached Harry after seeing off the last members of the Army.

"Mail him your resignations. We'll go to Hogwarts straight, I need to talk to the Board anyways and he has a meeting with Latnok right now. I'll go to the Ministry after a meeting with the Board." Harry replied. Ron nodded. Him and Hermione left for Hogwarts immediately. Harry took Ginny and they went over as well.

They had reached Hogwarts at 4pm. Harry was getting anxious now. The Start-of-Term feast would begin at sharp 7pm. Before that he had quite a lot to take care of. While Ron, Hermione and Ginny waited in the staff room, Harry visited Dutchmen in his office.

He knocked on the brass door knocker on the Headmaster's office after jumping off the spiraling staircase. Lavender had told him the password to the Headmaster's office.

"Enter."

"Good Afternoon, Professor Dutchmen." Harry greeted him extending his hand as Dutchmen stood up to greet him. They shook hands heavily.

"Afternoon, it is an absolute honor to meet you again, Mr. Potter." Dutchmen greeted him with complete courtesy. "Please have a seat." He motioned to the one in front of the Headmaster's desk. "What can I tempt you with?"

Harry sat down, shaking his head. "Nothing, really, thank you for offering, Professor. I am in a kind of a hurry. I want to discuss certain matters with you before the feast."

"Certainly, but surely you wouldn't mind, perhaps, a Firewhisky to help us along with our conversation? I believe we both need it at the moment." He nodded heavily at Harry who understood and nodded in reply. Harry found this man very understanding and observant. Perhaps, he had detected Harry's anxiety.

"No, I wouldn't." Harry smiled slightly. Dutchmen returned the favor but they both knew, both their smiles were completely forced.

Dutchmen swished his wand and two empty glasses appeared on his desk and he summoned a bottle of Firewhisky from the bar in a corner of the Headmaster's office. He poured drinks for both of them, then raised his glass. "To Neville and Hannah."

Harry nodded but didn't say anything. He couldn't bring himself to. He gulped down the whole glass in one go and put it back down on the desk. It helped clear his throat.

"I have heard you were Neville's classmate here at Hogwarts."

Harry nodded again. "Yes, we even shared a dormitory."

"I understand this must be a difficult ordeal for you. It has been for us. Neville's contribution can never be replaced. He has given more than his knowledge to this school, he has given this place his heart."

Harry nodded again. "I wish I had not had the task to run Hogwarts this year, when I have to decide to replace the man I would never even have imagined gone..."

Dutchmen sighed heavily. "Have you considered any replacements?"

Harry nodded. "Ronald Weasley. He is doing me a huge favor. I have decided to take people on I know for the time being. I will officially conduct tryouts when I have sufficient time on my hands."

"Alright. You must be aware that Professor Andrea Mayweather has been missing since the last week of the term. You'll need someone for Transfiguration and Ancient Runes. Also, Madam Brown has given me another sad news. Professor Heldar resigned this morning. He taught Charms."

Harry nodded. "I am aware. I visited the school in the morning, Lavender informed me of this. I am hiring Hermione Granger Weasley in place of Professor Mayweather and Ginny Potter, my wife, in place of Professor Heldar. What I am concerned about is whether there is any news of Professor Mayweather's whereabouts."

"I am afraid not." Dutchmen shook his head heavily. He was an aged man who had withered with time. His graying hair striking consistently with his grey eyes, Dutchmen wore an expression of deep grief. He had a slight graying beard and mustache. "I am glad you have learned about the sudden loss of teachers Hogwarts has suffered this year. All of it happened so suddenly I never had the opportunity to deal with any of it. Mayweather, Neville, Heldar... The very year he finally agreed."

Dutchmen's last words were more for himself than for Harry.

"Who?" Harry asked, pure out of curiosity.

Dutchmen sighed. "The new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I have been trying to convince him to take over the subject for a year, since Robert Humphery retired but he kept on refusing. I told him I didn't mind him working as the librarian but his talents would be better suited for DADA. I couldn't change his mind. For this reason Padma Patil had been teaching 2 subjects for the past year. It is as if he knew if he tried to do something good for himself something terrible would happen. He has always been this way, scared to step up. Finally, this year I and Padma cornered him and emotionally blackmailed him to take over as a gift to me on my departure and for the sake of this school. He would do anything for Hogwarts."

Harry smiled. Devotion to Hogwarts was a trait that many who had found a home here shared with the whole of their hearts. "You speak very highly of him. He must be a wonderful person."

"He is."

Harry nodded. But this person they were talking about sounded strange. Harry had to know more about him. "Why do you think he was refusing to take over?"

Dutchmen shook his head. "I have never known any apparent reason. He just seemed too reluctant even to reveal himself to the world. He graduated 4 years ago but didn't pick any possible career routes. So, I offered to him to stay on as a teacher. However, he denied that too. At that time we had the Charms position open but his refusal compelled us to hire Professor Heldar but he accepted the position of the Librarian gratefully. Then a year ago, when Professor Robert Humphery retired, he took away his protection for the Castle leaving not only the position of DADA teacher but also the Deputy Head of Hogwarts and the Head of the Gryffindor House. In that case my first choice was Padma Patil who had been teaching Potions and had shown interest in the position of the DADA. Along with the position came two others, one being the Head of the Gryffindor House and the Deputy Head of Hogwarts. Padma took over the position of the DADA teacher and the Deputy Head of Hogwarts. Though, as she herself was the Head of the Ravenclaw House, she held no right over the position of the Gryffindor Head. Neville took over that position rightfully. Professor Heldar was heading the Hufflepuff House and Professor Mayweather was Heading the Slytherin House.

However, we soon realized that Padma wasn't as good at DADA as she was at Potions. Also her protection to the Castle was feeble. It was then that we turned to him. He had been the best at it when he was a student. Actually, he was the best at everything in his year. But he refused as usual though he agreed to provide protection to the Castle.

I wanted to see that boy do himself some good before I left this Castle. I along with Professors Padma and Neville agreed that we give him all that he deserves and last night I and Padma transferred all 3 of these positions to him. So, now you have your DADA teacher, Deputy Head and the Head of Gryffindor House.

Harry nodded smiling. Dutchmen really did admire this boy and had kindled Harry's curiosity about him as well. Harry's smile grew wider as he realized something. "It's funny, I know just about everything about the new Deputy, other than his name."

"O' pardon my forgetfulness!! Dutchmen exclaimed merrily. You see why I feel the need to retire now." He winked at Harry who smiled in reply. Dutchmen surely was a very pleasant man. "His name is---__"

A tap on the Headmaster's door stopped Dutchmen right in the middle of his sentence and as Dutchmen called for the person knocking to enter, Harry turned to see Malfoy brusquely walking in his black tuxedo that he had adorned at Neville's and Hannah's funeral.

Dutchmen and Harry both shook hands with him.

"I am sure you are here regarding the transitioning of events after my retiring?" Dutchmen asked Malfoy when he had settled down in a chair beside Harry which he had just conjured out of nowhere. Malfoy nodded silently. "Mr. Malfoy, here, represents the Board of Directors of the School." Dutchmen informed Harry.

"Since when have you been on the Board?" asked Harry rather surprised. Malfoy had never once mentioned it to him on the several occasions he had met with him.

"It's been a few years, Harry. You wouldn't have realized. Responsibilities of the Department of Law and Enforcement's do take their toll." Malfoy replied smiling a seemingly forced smile.

Harry smiled, this time for real. He had worked night and day for the Ministry ever since Voldemort's exile, rounding up Deatheaters, holding trials, making policies, teams. It did all have its toll.

"Mr. Malfoy has been quite a help." Duchmen smiled too. "He convinced the Minister of our confidence in our young Deputy which allowed us the liberty to grant him crucial positions without prior experience."

Harry nodded. Malfoy had proven in the past 2 decades that he could finally be trusted and was very well respected for it.

"Mr. Potter has made all necessary arrangements to fill in the vacant positions at Hogwarts." Dutchmen informed Malfoy and explained Harry's choices for the positions.

Malfoy smiled uneasily. For a moment it looked as though he did not approve of this arrangement but then his words proved otherwise. "That's good. I had brought a file of prospective teachers, ones who have been sending in applications to work here. However, as things have already been settled, I would not like to interfere."

Harry smiled at Malfoy's words. "We may need these applicants halfway through the year. The current arrangement is only temporary. I had to make quick hirings since the year starts in a few hours. I shall conduct full trials and interviews the first opportunity I get."

Malfoy nodded. "Very well, then, I guess I shall see you both at the feast." Malfoy got up quickly and without so much as a handshake left.

"Do you think he's offended?" asked Harry who felt that although Malfoy hadn't said it, his demeanor expressed his dislike for Harry's choice in teachers.

"Maybe, but he is not the one endowed with the responsibility of thousands of Witches and Wizards in this school." Dutchmen smiled to lighten Harry's mood and served him another drink.

Once they had both finished their shares Dutchmen spoke up again. "Well, by the looks of it, you have everything under control, Headmaster. I would like you to know that it has been an honor for me to spend quality time with the man who defeated He Who Must Not Be Named, the man who stood for what was right." Dutchmen stood up as did Harry. "Hogwarts will have only few like you." He extended his hand to shake Harry's and harry took it never leaving the man's eyes. He had come to respect Dutchmen in the little time they had spent together.

Dutchmen levitated his belongings and walked to the door with Harry in wake. "I shall leave that behind." He said pointing to his portrait that stood on the table. "And that's where you shall be resting." He pointed at a trapdoor beside the Cabinet. Now, Harry knew where Dumbledore had lived all those years. "The password to this chamber is Emerald'. You may alter it at your discretion after 7 pm tonight when the position of the Headmaster officially transfers to you."

Dutchmen stood on the spiraling staircase. "I hope you find this position as enjoyable as I did."

"I am sure, I will." Harry returned his pure hearted smile and saw him decline leaving him behind to assume his responsibilities.

He had returned to Hogwarts amid a flood of tears. He had entered his room unseen and unheard and shut himself inside. For hours he had stood by his window staring out into the forest. Although he had stood staring at it his eyes were far from seeing the forest, blurring his vision with tears rushing down them and taking him to the memories of his best friends, of the man and woman who gave him warmth and love.

He had not gone to visit Porch neither had he spoken to Duds, he simply couldn't. How would he look them in the eye? He turned away from the window as this thought occurred to him. He didn't want to be seen by anyone. His disillusionment charm had worn off. He had no desire to be seen, to be known, to be recognized. His heart beat raced as he realized in a few hours he would be presenting himself to entire Hogwarts as the Deputy Head and for the first time in his life, he wanted to run away from here, he wanted to run away from Hogwarts.

He turned back to his window when someone knocked on his door. He knew it was them but he didn't know how he could face them yet he didn't want to hide from them. He turned around to face them as Porch unlocked his door and entered with Duds at his side.

Both of them exchanged looks when they saw him. He didn't look up at them as they entered but kept on staring down at his shoes but realized he ought to control himself. He wiped his face the best he could and finally looked up at them trying to blink away the tears that still swam in his brown heavily lidded eyes.

Porch had his handkerchief swinging out of one pocket at the ready but it seemed he had dried his tears hours before and Duds looked slightly green as if trying very hard not to burst out again. As they observed him, they realized he had been mourning them all alone, shut up in his room.

Before he could stop him, Duds walked up to him and hugged him tightly. His hugs broke all control for him and he felt tears leaping down his eyes again. He realized how much he had needed to hold on to someone in this time of grief, how much he had needed someone to feel the weight of it. But did they really feel the weight of it? How could they? They didn't know... they would never know...

"You couldn't have saved them." Duds looked into his eyes firmly as he spoke.

"How did you..." He asked furiously blinking tears out of his eyes. Did they know he had seen them die?

"As if, we haven't thought of that." Duds replied sniffing loudly as Porch pulled out his handkerchief and blew his nose into it. "What if, we had accepted his invitation to stay at his place overnight? May be we could have saved them." He understood what Duds was talking about. He nodded at his words gaining control over himself again. He could not risk them knowing anything they shouldn't.

"You and I weren't even there." Duds continued. "He was." He turned to Porch. "He couldn't save them either. None of us could have done anything to prevent this."

He nodded again. Duds was right about himself and Porch. He knew neither of them could have done anything to stop this but he could have and yet he hadn't been able to but that didn't mean he would drown his friends down with him in his grief. He had now understood how much they had needed him.

He hugged Porch. He knew Porch needed it the most. He had been the one to see it all, he had to carry Alex out of there.

"They wouldn't want this." He spoke up the moment he broke away from Porch. He didn't think he would ever be able to talk again if he didn't talk now. His voice was heavy and his throat was dry but he knew all three of them needed to move on. He couldn't bring himself to say Neville's and Hannah's names. "They wouldn't want us to lose it like this. Duds' right, we couldn't have done anything. But we can do something now." He wiped his face one last time pulled out his wand and summoned glasses and Firewhisky. He poured drinks for all three of them. "We can show them the love and loyalty they had shown us all their lives. We can remember them in our hearts for who they were, for their kindness and for their soul. We will do for their son, what they always did for us. Neville made me Alex's godfather, from now on, however, he shall have three." He knew the time had come. He had to say their name one last time. He had to say goodbye. "To Neville and Hannah."

Both Duds and Porch raised their glasses and drank in their name. Their son was their only salvation. He would never feel like the orphan all three of them had been all their lives and they would make sure of that.

The sharp drink and his comforting peach had finally calmed all three of them down enough to realize that today was the first of September and whether they wanted to or not, they had to make preparations.

As Porch left to set up boats for the first years, Duds left to Neville's office to empty it of his belongings. These now belonged to Alex. However, these would be entrusted to a caretaker until Alex would come of age. Since, these decisions were still pending, they didn't know what else to do but to pack away everything and make room for the new teacher.

After Porch and Duds had left he decided to go and see if the waiting room for the first years was Peeves-free. He washed his face, tidy himself in front of the mirror and walked out praying for patience and peace. Once he had checked out the room, he pulled out his pocket watch which brought him more memories of Neville and Hannah. They had gifted him the watch on his 17^th birthday. They had shown him the love that perhaps he had never deserved.

Unable to control his yearning to feel Neville's presence again, he decided to visit his office one last time before Duds had to empty it. On his way, however, he met Professor Dutchmen leaving through the Double doors of the Castle.

"Professor," He hurried forward to see him. "I thought you were staying for the feast." He asked the moment he reached Professor Dutchmen.

"Oh dear boy!" A smile flickered on Dutchmen's face as as his eyes fell on him. "I shall return for the feast. I decided to give the new Headmaster room in his office in order to accommodate him better."

"Harry Potter is here?" He couldn't help asking.

"Yes, he arrived an hour earlier. He has a lot of things figured out. Bless him, Hogwarts needs someone like him." Dutchmen suddenly remembered. "I told him about you, he seemed really impressed by you."

He felt sweat breaking over his forehead at Dutchmen's last words.

"Really? What did you tell him?"

"I told him the truth, about your love and loyalty to Hogwarts and of course about your circumstantial hiring. The only thing I forgot to mention was, now I remember, your name and the moment I was about to tell him, Mr. Malfoy interrupted our conversation. Blimey, son, you see why they want me in the list of bygones!!" He exclaimed chuckling merrily bringing a smile to his rapt listener.

"You shall never be a bygone to me, Professor. To me, Hogwarts is incomplete without you. You have given me hope and faith, all these years. I don't know how I'll be able to hold on to anything with you gone."

"Hold on to your hope and faith and you shall never lose anything." Dutchmen smiled to comfort him. He put his hand on his shoulder. "I know you have suffered today's loss more than anyone else. I remember what Neville and Hannah meant to you." His smile faded as Dutchmen addressed the pain lingering in his eyes. No matter how much he had tried to hide it, he had simply failed in each and every attempt. "I know what their departure makes you feel like. They have not deserted you, they shall never leave you, they reside closer to you than you think." Dutchmen moved his hand down from his shoulder on to his chest right in the centre. "They reside in your heart. You can feel them if you listen, if you really listen to your heart beat." He patted his shoulder once more. "It was them that gave you a family, it is time you give their son his family." Dutchmen smiled and this time a smile flickered on his face too. A true smile. Dutchmen's words had helped him make peace with this reality. Now he didn't have to bury their memories, he could live with them, he could carry them inside of him, every second of his life.

He nodded at Dutchmen's words, and with his arm around his shoulder walked him to the gates. He had grown under Dutchmen's shadow. This man had given him everything he had and now he was leaving. His departure made him feel like an orphan again.

Harry who had nothing to do after Dutchmen's departure decided to redecorate his office. He put Dutchmen's portrait behind his desk and turned to the portrait of the man he had missed in today's DA meeting.

"Professor Dumbledore!" At his third cry Dumbledore finally slipped into his frame.

"Hello Harry! Welcome!"

"Thank you, Professor. Where have you been? I have been calling."

"Ah, well, it is the first day of the term, a lot of preparations are required to welcome the new Headmaster." Dumbledore winked at him. Harry smiled. He was glad to see Dumbledore didn't look as grave as he had expected him to be. In fact, he looked a bit shifty.

"Is that what you were doing right now?"

"Sort of." Dumbledore smiled again and harry realized he wouldn't be told more than he needed to know.

"Have you heard the news?" Harry asked him contracting his smile and seeing the twinkle disappear in Dumbledore's eyes.

"Yes, I have. The whole castle's ringing with it."

"Did you get the minutes of the meeting from Phineas?"

"Yes. Bolt is not going to be happy with your decision, Harry."

Harry raised his eyebrows.

"I heard your meeting with Dutchmen. He's a wise soul. I shall miss him sourly but there couldn't have been a better time to have you back, Harry."

"What do you mean, professor?"

Dumbledore looked a little uneasy. "Well, there may be certain things that you are yet unaware of and with good reason. I just hope you don't take it too hard and take it all as smoothly as possible."

Harry felt as if Dumbledore was about to tell him a secret but were there anymore secrets between them?

"What is it, Professor?"

Dumbledore sighed. It was time. "Have you acquainted yourself with all of Hogwarts' staff?"

It was a strange question but Harry felt he ought to answer in order to find out the secret Dumbledore was about to reveal to him.

"Not quite. With the exception of the former librarian and the caretaker and certain teachers who weren't my classmates here, I know just about everyone."

"Well, you shall definitely enjoy all of our staff here but there are certain things you ought to know about the caretaker and the former librarian."

Harry felt really curious now. He nodded to compel Dumbledore to continue.

"Well, the former librarian is now the DADA teacher and the Deputy Head of Hogwarts."

Harry nodded. "I know, Dutchmen just told me. And after your suspenseful introduction of the man I dare say I am quite excited to meet him now."

Dumbledore suddenly threw all caution to the winds. "You know him? And you're excited to meet him? Didn't it surprise you?"

Harry was more confused now. "Surprise? What should surprise me?"

Dumbledore now got all of his senses back. What was going on? "What do you know about him, Harry?"

"About who?"

"The former librarian."

"Oh, him, as much as you've told me and that he is extremely loyal to Hogwarts which is all very fine but may I ask, does the man even have a name? Dutchmen literally forgot to mention it. What's so bad about his name?"

Dumbledore now looked worried and Harry was sure that worried expression meant a lot of things. After a moment he spoke, apparently after having made up his mind.

"Perhaps, we should talk about him after the feast when you shall have met him at least once."

"Why? What is going on?"

"It would be harder to explain right now. I'm afraid you will have to wait, Harry. I shall be present to enlighten you with certain details once you return after the feast."

With those words Dumbledore simply slid out of his frame into some counterpart of it in the castle or perhaps on one of his chocolate frog cards leaving Harry gaping behind him.

Harry had to know this man now. He decided to take a detour of his own in the castle.

**************************************************************************

He continued his way back to Neville's office. He had to see it the way it had been before Duds altered it for the newcomer. He reached it to find Duds inside not cleaning things out, not packing away but standing transfixed in the centre of the room, apparently lost in his thoughts.

"Duds..."

At his voice Duds turned around and in his hurry dropped something that he had been holding. He saw what it was. It was Neville's favorite quill. Duds had so many times tried replacing it by gifting him new ones from Hogsmeade but he had never let go of this one. Duds bent down to pick it up when his eyes fell on someone approaching the two of them. Duds saw who it was. His reaction was instant as he slid underneath the nearby table.

Harry reached the Deputy's office. It was as it ought to be but it still bore the name of the old Deputy, Padma Patil. Harry almost laughed out at his luck. Will he ever know his Deputy's name?

Harry decided he should wait until the feast to meet the Deputy but just as he was turning to leave, he felt like visiting Neville's office, one last time before Ron took over.

He knew his own doom was approaching him, yet Duds was the one hiding underneath the table. He pulled out his wand, swished it once and a wide spreadsheet covered the table, hiding Duds completely from view.

Harry approached the man who had just clothed Neville's table. He wasn't expecting anyone here.

"Excuse me." Harry called to him to gain his attention.

"Excused." Before Harry could stop him, the man who had his back to Harry, said in a near whisper, turned around in flash and walked right past him as if he was about to miss out on his train.

Although Harry was surprised at the man's rudeness, he figured he must have come to mourn Neville and Harry had apparently walked right on top of him.

Harry looked around the room once as he found himself on the brink of tears again then turned and left.

He stood disillusioned as Harry Potter walked right past him. He had come this close to revealing himself to Harry Potter, yet in a mere hour, he shall have to reveal himself to the man who defeated the Dark Lord. Somehow, the thought comforted him more than it scared him although he knew his revelation to Harry Potter shall bring nothing but chaos into his life.

Harry sent Ron, Hermione and Ginny to their respective offices and was about to return to his own to change for the feast when he received a patronus from Bolt for a meeting. He left Hogwarts' grounds and disapparated to the Ministry.

Apparition was not allowed for anyone except the Minister and the people very close to the Minister and those included Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny and whoever did they bring with side along apparition.

Harry went towards the clinking and clanging lifts. As he went people bowed to him, some called him, some waved at him. Harry stepped into one of those lifts and the lift went up.

"Level one, Minister of Magic and Support Staff."

Harry got off the lift and walked through the corridor. He went into the Minister's office turned the lock, went in and found it empty.

He looked at his watch it was nearly 6. He couldn't waste anymore time. It would look weird if the Headmaster won't be present at the start-of-term feast. Harry didn't know what to do but to wait and as he was doing, he looked around and saw a few files scattered on the Minister's table.

His eyes fell on a few of those and he thought he saw something like "murder" and "killed". He picked up a file and saw some documents stating the crime scene of a Muggle house. The family of some Petersons had been killed by the killing curse, Avada Kedavra. Harry picked up another file it stated something about the behaviour of the Giants. They hadn't been too friendly for a few years. He took one more file and saw that someone had reported that they had seen an Inferi. Harry put those files back on the table. So, this was what Bolt had discussed in the meeting earlier.

Harry heard the lock click and Bolt entered.

"Have a seat." Bolt motioned to Harry taking his own seat across the table. Harry sat down nervously. Bolt had obviously called him regarding the resignations he had received.

Bolt pulled open a drawer and took out two envelopes that did look like resignations. "I need to know why you've done this?"

"Bolt... I... wanted to talk about that." Harry started cautiously. "I have hired Ron and Hermione at Hogwarts as teachers. I needed someone to sort out this Voldemort thing and I also needed someone to fill into Neville's and Mayweather's places. I felt keeping them close, at hand might help us figure things out properly and with the term starting so early I didn't have any choices and Ron and Hermione agreed-------"

Bolt cut across him. "Without asking me? Harry, I need them."

"So do I, Bolt. Please, try and understand it's a very hard time on all of us and I needed Ro--------------"

"But the Board, did they allow you?"

"I called the Board, Malfoy turned up and he has no problems about that. Bolt, look, you have a whole department here full of people ready to do anything you ask them to, please, I need them."

"Harry I can't. With you gone, I can't lose them as well. I want them working here. They can help figure things out here."

"You're not losing them, they will return to work for you as soon as I shall have their replacements. Term starts in about 15 minutes Bolt. I don't know what I'll do without them. A lot is going one at Hogwarts. I have no time to explain but I want you to trust me. Ron and Hermione will return to you in a few months. Just let me take them off for---"

Bolt cut across him. "No, Harry. I won't let you take them off. I have things here a lot more important than classes. I will not---_"

This time Harry cut across him. "Enough! I don't have time for this, Bolt. You need to understand. Ron and Hermione are joining Hogwarts tonight and you cannot stop them without their assent. They are ready to leave the department and you hold no right----"

"Hold no right! Damn it! Who the hell are you to tell me what I have the right to and what I don't have the right to do!"

Harry suddenly lost all control over himself. Bolt was being downright stubborn. All Harry was asking was a few months and Bolt was refusing to make up for his own past mistakes. If he had decided to mention everything that had been going on a little earlier, perhaps, none of this would have happened in the first place.

"It is because of me, Harry Potter, who defeated the Dark Lord, that you stand here Kingsley or Voldemort would have killed you with the rest of the Order!"

"That's it potter! You have said enough! You want to take your cronies off the department go ahead! But remember the way you turned your back on the Ministry, the Ministry doesn't need you. From this day on we go our separate ways."

Harry just looked at him, his insides boiling. Bolt was strongly reminding him of fudge and that wasn't a good sign.

"I believe you're not thinking straight right now. When you have calmed down, we'll talk."

"Forget it Potter. You can leave. From this day on you and your cronies are on your on. There's the door." Kingsley was actually pointing him out the door.

Harry didn't need telling twice. He strode out of the door literary boiling. It was sharp 7pm. He knew he was going to miss the feast if he didn't hurry up.

Harry swished his wand and he was wearing a light blue cloak with a drak blue Wizard's hat. He travelled by floo network and fell out of the Deputy's chimney right into the Deputy's office that held the name. However, in his hurry to leave, Harry hardly glanced at it and walked toward the already filled and ringing with applause Great Hall. The sorting hat had just finished its song.

THE MYSTERIOUS RIDDLE

Harry filed in the seat beside the Headmaster's seat which was as of yet taken by Professor Dutchmen; while beside him sat Ron, Hermione and Ginny. As they looked at the house tables they were already filled and the first years looking scared and out of place stood facing the teachers' table. Out of them Lily waved at them while Alex stood silent by their side looking extremely sad.

Usually the Deputy performed the sorting ceremony. The stool was already placed there and so was the Sorting Hat which had apparently just finished its song but there was no Deputy in sight.

As everyone looked for him, there he came a tall, fair young man with jet black shoulder length hair, hovering just above his broad chest, with light brown heavily lided eyes carrying a roll of parchment. He looked extremely handsome and youthful. He had kept the top buttons of his shirt open, his white shirt hadn't been tucked into his blue jeanz. He had kept it out like a careless student. As he entered the Great Hall, a number of seventh year witches hooted loudly.

He was the only person in the entire hall looking so extremely good and also the only person who was dressed up like a muggle. Harry wore muggle dresses usually but as he wanted to represent himself as a Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he had needed to dress like a proper wizard. The Deputy, though, didn't seem to think about the impression he was putting on the students. He stood beside the stool and started calling out names.

The entire Hall rang with earsplitting applause each time a student was chosen into a house. Harry saw relief swept over Lily's face as she was selected in Gryffindor. Alex, to all their surprise had been taken into Gryffindor too. They all applauded for him hardest.

Once the sorting ceremony had ended and everyone had settled down, the Deputy sent the stool and the Sorting Hat back to Harry's office. He took his place beside Dutchmen who stood up to make a few announcements.

"WELCOME! Welcome to Hogwarts! Those who are the permanent residents and those who are the new breed." Dutchmen's words brought about a wave of laughter that everyone had seemed desperate for. "Before I get on to some crucial announcements, I insist that we observe 2 minutes of silence to mourn the loss of one of our own, Professor Neville Longbottom and his loving wife Hannah Longbottom, they were loving parents, friends and well wishers."

Everyone in the Hall remained silent in respect for the couple. While they all sat, those who had been nearest to them felt their eyes welling up with tears. Hermione had pulled the handkerchief she had been using all day. She turned slightly to wipe her face and her eyes fell on the Deputy. As she stared at him, she saw two thick tears run down his face, which he tried to wipe off as quickly as he could looking like a 12 year old .

"Although, I do not wish to but I have more sad news to give. I along with Professor Heldar have decided to retire this year. However, we must all understand that this is how the circle of life works. The old retire to allow the young to take over, to better what had been good to make perfect what had been best. It is my great pleasure to announce that I have been replaced by none other than Harry Potter!"

As Dutchmen joined the rest of the castle in applauding him Harry finally stood up to take his rightful position at the roster as the Hogwarts' Headmaster. "Before I begin, might I add Professor Dutchmen, that someone like you can never be replaced. I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to step into your shoes. You have given more to Hogwarts than anyone in this Hall, your contributions to this school and to its students shall never allow you to be replaced." He stopped as the Hall burst into an applause for Professor Dutchmen who stood up to receive the respect he had been shown by all of them.

Harry nodded to him, then turned back to face the Hall. "I welcome you all to a new year at Hogwarts. I hope everyone in attendance knows who I am..." Everyone burst out laughing again. WHO couldn't know him? "Those, who don't, I am Harry Potter, your new Headmaster." Another round of applause followed his words. Harry had been successful in lifting everyone's mood. "Now, let me welcome Professors Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger and Ginny Potter as the faculties of Herbology, Transfiguration and Ancient Runes and Charms respectively." The Hall welcomed them with a soft applause. "Professors Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger shall also assume the responsibilities of the Heads of houses Hufflepuff and Slytherin respectively." The Hall applauded mildly again.

Harry stopped for the applause to die down and was just about to announce the start of the feast when he was interrupted politely. Someone had tapped him on the shoulder. As Harry turned around, he saw the Deputy wanting to say something. He spoke to him loud enough for the whole hall to listen. He extended his hand to shake Harry's.

"Welcome professor, Tom, Tom Riddle."

Harry stared back at him blankly. He was blank, he didn't know what was going on but apparently Riddle did. "Can I say something?"

Harry who didn't know what to say, simply nodded and moved aside to give him a place at the roster.

He spoke to the entire Hall. "I wish this years' celebrations were as loud as every year. But we lost two most precious people to us..." An unbearable silence fell in the Hall. "They were an example of the nobility Hogwarts has always taught...their generosity, kindness and humbleness...their undying love is to be cherished by all...I dedicate this night to them. This night, this celebration is a symbol of hope and faith...a symbol of victory over despair and sorrow...a victory of joy and everlasting happiness..." He summoned a bottle of champagne from the Kitchens. He shook it and blew off the cap; he conjured out two glasses, and filled them as food and drinks appeared in the entire Hall. Everyone raised their glass as Tom did. He handed the other glass to Harry. "To Neville and Hannah..." The whole Hall repeated and drank in their name.

He finished his glass in one gulp, put it down on the roster and filled it up again, continuing at the same time, but this time with a smile spread across his face. "Another loss that we have had to face tonight was our beloved Professor Dutchmen retiring." He turned to look at him who smiled back at him reassuringly. "But we have been compensated rather fairly," He looked at Harry now. "as, above all, our biggest victory is right here." He pointed at Harry as smiles flickered throughout the Hall. "We got Harry Potter." He raised his glass. "Let's hear it for our new Headmaster." Everyone cheered even more. Tom drank the entire glass again and turned back to the Hall. "And you also got me." He smiled exposing all 32 of his teeth as the whole Hall burst out laughing.

"You'll do great, Tom!" One of the 7th year witches stood up and shouted at him. The Hall applauded for him amid gales of laughter.

Tom smiled back at her. "Thank you." He addressed the whole Hall again. "It is an honor, being Deptuy Hogwarts. I am sure there are faculty here, who deserve it more than I do," He turned to look at Padma who smiled at him to reassure him he could do it better. "but, they gave me this opportunity for which I am forever thankful." The Hall applauded for him again. "But it doesn't mean I'll starve you and the new Headmaster to death...tuck in!" Everyone laughed out and sunk their teeth into the delicious food as a pleasant chatter broke into the Hall.

Harry still stood transfixed as Tom turned to him. He had just opened his mouth to say something when Padma approached them and took Tom over to greet some of the students that were calling out to them. Harry returned to the teachers' table where Dutchmen engaged him in a conversation immediately.

"So, this is the man you are so proud of?" Harry asked rather icily but perhaps Dutchmen didn't notice his icy tone.

"Yes, you will fall in love with this boy as much as the rest of Hogwarts does." Dutchmen smiled.

Harry smiled back as he took the pudding Dutchmen was offering him. He looked over Dutchmen's shoulder at Ron, Hermione and Ginny, all three of whom seemed on edge, exactly like he was. All four of them turned their eyes on Tom Riddle.

All through the feast Tom didn't sit on the table on the contrary kept moving among the students, greeting the new ones, meeting the old ones. He was particularly famous among girls. He was always smiling and cheerful.

Harry announced the end of the feast as the clock turned midnight. He said a few sweet farewells and in a minute there was the rushing of students. Tom who had returned to the teachers' table near the end of the feast stood up immediately and rushed towards the students, guiding them to their houses, helping prefects control Peeves who still lived to create as much chaos as it was possible but Peeves didn't seem to be a problem to Tom. He was one person to whom Peeves actually listened. He talked Peeves out of torturing the first years and sent him to teach a lesson to a few out-of-control seventh years.

Harry who felt too much was happening altogether needed time to get everything straight. He wished Professor Dutchmen one last time and then went to his office followed by Ron, Hermione and Ginny. The moment he shut the door close behind him he turned to Dumbldore's portrait and called him out as it again took several attempts to call him back from wherever he went off to these days.

"Tom Riddle, really? That's what I was supposed to have been waiting for until after the feast?" Harry demanded hotly.