One shots pt 2

The Auror At Hogwarts:

After the war, the new minister for magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt decides to place aurors at Hogwarts. Apart from making the students feel like they were safe, it was also for the parents. He wanted the parents to know that their children were safe, but also protected, especially after what happened when Voldemort had control and Snape was headmaster, on Voldemort’s orders.

Kingsley also worked it for everyone to redo the year that Snape was head of Hogwarts. He believed, along with the new governors that the so call teacher’s during that year did not teach the students what they needed. The real teachers like Minerva McGonagall and Filius Flitwick, who taught charms and transfiguration, were placed on restrictions by Snape. They could not teach the students anything that could be used to defend themselves or use against death eaters. All the students from the previous school year were going to redo that year so they would be ready for their tests.

The governors felt more changes were needed for Hogwarts so they worked on ideas that would help not just the students, but also the staff. Kingsley, with the help of his staff were also making changes at the ministry. No one wanted to go through another war. The first war with Voldemort cost them thousands of lives. This time they had been lucky, even if they still lost many but one life lost was one too many.

Harry Potter, the saviour of the wizarding world wanted the wizarding world to change, so when asked by the minister to be part of the group that would work on idea’s that would help their world, he instantly agreed.

One of the first new policies the ministry put into place was a magical oath. All employee’s had to swear an oath. It would consist of working for the people, all people as it was now illegal to put classes on people, like muggleborn or pure-blood. No one working for the ministry could use the dark arts, unless it was the unspeakables who study all types of magic. They would follow the queen’s law. There were also new rules when it came to hiring, which was also placed under magical oaths. Everyone, no matter who they were had to have the right newt scores or do an aptitude tests before they could even apply for a job. The magical oaths covered bribes so no one could hire a person just because they were offered things like money, property or maybe to meet someone famous. The person being hired had to be right for the job.

It was the same for Hogwarts, there were magical oaths and all the teachers now had to go through a series of tests to prove they could teach, but that they also suited teaching. Everyone agreed that there would never be another Severus Snape at Hogwarts. No one was ever told that he only killed Albus Dumbledore because the man asked him to and because Albus was dying. The only person who knew the truth about Snape was Harry Potter and he wasn’t going to tell anyone. If someone spoke to the portrait of Albus, many might believe Snape was really helping. But with the way the man acted for years, many would believe Snape somehow confunded the portrait so most would not believe Albus Dumbledore’s portrait. Snape had been in that office for nearly a year so he could have easily placed spells on the portrait.

Harry’s reasons for keeping quiet about Snape was personal. Even though the memories Snape gave Harry proved he had been really supporting Dumbledore and protecting Harry, Snape was still a cruel, bitter man who never missed an opportunity to belittle Harry, but also many others. He often tried to get Harry expelled and used any excuse to give him detention. He also allowed his Slytherin’s to get away with everything so Harry believed that Snape actually contributed to turning those Slytherin’s into death eaters. They never had to face the consequences of their actions at Hogwarts, thanks to Snape. They ended up killing and torturing people because they believed they would never get into trouble even if they were caught. Now the ones that survived are all serving life sentences in Azkaban.

But Harry also hated Snape because of the way he had treated Sirius when he was stuck in that dark house without any way to help. His biggest reason for making sure Snape would always be known as a killer, because he had been the one that relayed part of the prophecy to Voldemort, which sent that mad man after the Potter’s. Harry could never forgive Snape for being part of his parent’s murders. He also could never forgive Albus Dumbledore for allowing Snape into Hogwarts and allowed the man to treat many of the students terribly. Harry thought Albus Dumbledore was a terrible headmaster and believed he had gone senile in his old age.

Harry knew Snape always wanted to get an order of merlin and he wanted to be thought of as a hero. He may be dead but Harry wasn’t going to allow that man to receive any award or have a good name. He will be remembered as a death eater and the one that killed Albus Dumbledore.

Harry might have come to hate Dumbledore in the end, but he knew because of the man’s reputation, he couldn’t completely ruin it. Harry did mention some things the man did that either were illegal or was bordering on illegal. He mentioned the danger that was often at Hogwarts that Dumbledore allowed, or how he was the reason many died. Harry also mentioned that Albus Dumbledore was also partially responsible for how Voldemort turned out. If Dumbledore had allowed a young Tom Riddle to remain in the wizarding world, with a good family, Tom might not have ever become Lord Voldemort. As far as Harry was concerned, Dumbledore made many mistakes and he was the reason many died that could have been saved. Harry knew that Dumbledore didn’t care if someone died if it meant Voldemort would end up dead, for good. If the old man had told Harry about the prophecy than he would never have fallen for that vision and Sirius might still be alive. If he knew about being a horcrux, he would have gone to him a lot sooner and some of the people that had died could be alive. Harry was thinking of Remus, Tonks, Fred and Colin. They died only half an hour before Harry walked into the forbidden forest to face Voldemort. If he had known sooner, he would have faced Voldemort sooner which could have meant those that died, might have lived. Harry blamed Albus for those deaths as well.

When the Order of Merlin was awarded, neither Albus Dumbledore nor Severus Snape receive one. Harry got the Order of Merlin: first class. The DA and everyone that turned up to fight at the battle of Hogwarts got the Order of Merlin: second class. People that died because of Voldemort, received the Order of Merlin: third class, those fighting for the good side. Harry had been given the medals for his parent’s and Sirius. He had them framed and placed on the wall in his home office in his newly built home.

Even though Molly Weasley got two Order of Merlin’s for her brothers that had died and one for herself for when she killed Bellatrix, she wanted the one for her son Fred, but George, his twin receive Fred’s medal. It had caused a bit of a falling out between George and his mother. So far, George had not returned to the Burrow and refused to speak with his mother, until she apologised. She wouldn’t as she believed she was right. Everyone else knew she was wrong.

Harry also had a falling out with Molly Weasley. First was she tried to force Harry to live at the Burrow. He refused and said since he was an adult, he was going to have his own home. She then tried to say that since she raised him, he should just do what he’s told. Harry went off at Molly. He said she never raised him, Harry only saw him for a couple of weeks during the holidays. Harry went off about how she should have helped by removing him from an abusive house instead of leaving him there and only seeing him for a couple of weeks every year. Harry also accused her of trying to take his mother’s place, who was a better woman that Molly would ever be. Harry refused to return to the Burrow. He even said that if Molly apologised, he would still never return and never forgive her.

That caused problems for Ron and Ginny. Molly refused to allow them to associate with Harry unless he apologised. Ron knew Harry would never apologise, he also knew his mother had been wrong in what she said to Harry. Since Ron had no where to go, he kept his mouth shut, but he secretly saw Harry when he went out. That had caused problems as well. Molly was smothering Ron and Ginny, but Arthur had given his two youngest, who were now adults, permission to go out, but only after they had done their chores. Ron would meet up with Harry or sometimes he would meet up with Hermione and they would go visit Harry together. Ron had said that the moment he could get a job he was going to move out, he just hoped he earned enough to pay for rent, food and anything else he would need. That’s when Harry offered him the use of Grimmauld place, free of charge. He still couldn’t move yet as he wouldn’t be able to pay for food or clothes. Ron wouldn’t take money from Harry but he didn’t mind staying at the old headquarters of the order of the phoenix since he wasn’t really taking money from Harry, just using the house. A house that Harry didn’t really want and would never live in.

Because of the fallout Harry had with Molly Weasley, Hermione refused to have anything to do with the woman as she knew Harry had been right. When Hermione had sent her parent’s away, after obliviating them, she had made sure she kept some of the money from the sale of the house. She knew her parent’s would help her out, if they were able. Once she removed her from their memories, it would mean they would never know they had a daughter. Hermione preferred losing her parent’s this way than having them tortured and killed, which could have happened if she didn’t send them away. So, like with Ron, Harry offered Hermione the use of Grimmauld place. Since she had money, she was able to move in there and be able to pay for the things she needed, like food. She knew she would need to be careful with her money, so she didn’t buy things that wasn’t necessary. She knew she would have time for all that once she was working. That was how Ron got to see Harry without his mother finding out. He would go visit Hermione, his girlfriend, then they would visit Harry. Molly did try to prevent Ron dating Hermione but Arthur stepped in and said she would drive Ron away just as she drove George away.

Ginny on the other hand didn’t visit Harry, only because he said he needed time and that meant they weren’t getting back together, at least not straight away. Harry told Ginny that if she decided to move on while he was taking his time, he would understand. He couldn’t tell her how long he needed, he just said it would be a while but he couldn’t give her a guarantee that they would end up together.

Harry had gone away for a month right after Voldemort died. He had organised for his house to be built, then left for them to do the work while he went away. He wanted to get away from not just England, but the wizarding world, just for a while. He wanted time away before he returned to Hogwarts as a seventh year student to do his final year. He planned to go on a longer trip after he finished at Hogwarts. But that was for later. It was when he first returned that Harry had begun to attend meetings at the ministry, he hoped those meetings would mean that would finally have a better world, that suited everyone.

When Harry did return and move into his house, apart from the meetings he had with the group Kingsley put together, he would buy furniture for his home and he spent most of his free time studying. He had asked Hermione for her notes that she kept from every subject and every year. Apart from trying to get used to studying again, he also wanted to learn other subjects, one’s he never took and Hermione did. She just smiled at Harry as she handed over the small box that was filled with all her notes on every subject she took. They were set up by year and subject.

Hermione had always known Harry could do better, but she also knew because of what was going on at Hogwarts and how he was thought of, he could never concentrate properly. He was older now and he learned to ignore the stares from the people around him.

By the time the students were ready to return to Hogwarts, the new changes had been put in place at the castle, also the ministry. All the death eaters that had been captured had their trials but this time they were questioned using veritaserum. They would not let anyone get off like before. There would be no excuses like they were under the imperius curse. Because so many died and many from old families, Kingsley had worked changes in the way the Wizengamot was run. Memories could be used once it was proven that the memory had not been tampered with. Veritaserum would also be used now. They had the potion which would get them the truth so they were going to utilise it and many believed they should have been using veritaserum during the first war with Voldemort. But all people who were marked with the dark mark will automatically do ten years. After they were questioned, then if would determine if they got a longer sentence.

One person Kingsley put on trial, with the use of the truth potion and memories from Harry Potter, was Dolores Umbridge. She was sentenced to life. She used an illegal and dark artefact to torture students at Hogwarts. She sent two dementors after Harry Potter in the hope he would be kissed. She was going to use the cruciatus curse on Harry. She also selected muggleborns to be taken down to the dungeons where they were tortured. Then there was her muggleborn registration act she enforced. It was really an excuse to kill the muggleborns. Everything she did came out during her trial. She would never leave Azkaban alive, which made not only Harry cheer, but many others who had been sitting in the courtroom listening to her answer the questions the aurors asked.

Harry had been offered the head boy badge and quidditch captain. He had return the captain’s badge back with a letter explaining that since he wasn’t going to be playing at Hogwarts or after and he wanted to concentrate on his studies, then it should be offered to someone else. He suggested Ron. Ron had been on the team longest, apart from Harry and he was good at strategy. He also would like a quidditch career. As keeper he also could keep an eye on all the players. He would be the perfect person to be Gryffindor’s captain. Harry knew McGonagall might give it to someone else, he just decided to give his opinion, but it would be up to her who she chose.

There was another reason Harry didn’t want to play quidditch when he returned to Hogwarts. He did want to study, but he also realised his feelings for Ginny weren’t strong enough to return to that relationship. He knew nothing would come of them dating but if they did, it could give Ginny hope of a future with Harry. He figured since Ginny did want a career in quidditch, she would want to play for Gryffindor and train. If she spent time doing that and Harry wasn’t around, hopefully she would turn her attention to the game or another boy. It would be easier without Harry always being where she was. He would spend his time studying, doing his head boy duties and spending time with his friends, not just Ron and Hermione.

To avoid reporters, Harry arrived early on the first of September. He had brought a bag with him with some sandwiches, drinks, lots of fruit, but he also brought his homemade cakes and biscuits. He could still get something from the lady with the cart, but sometimes Harry wanted a proper lunch, not just sugary things. His bag had a charm which would keep the food fresh and the drinks cold. He said it again when he cast the charm. He loved magic.

When people began to board the train, Harry noticed two aurors were walking up and down the corridor of the train. He always believed some adult supervision was needed on the Hogwarts express. It was irresponsible to leave hundreds of teenagers alone for hours on end and with wands. He knew the seventh years were technically adults but Harry didn’t believe they would force friends not to fight. Now there were aurors, hopefully it meant there would be no problems during the trip to Hogwarts. He knew most of the trouble-makers weren’t on the train. Some had been killed, some had been sent to Azkaban, some were officially expelled but since they never murdered or did anything like torture, it was the most the headmistress could do.

Minerva McGonagall was not going to be like Albus Dumbledore and continue to offer second chances to people who just refuse to see that what they were doing was wrong. Kingsley had explained to Harry about the aurors and he had received a letter from McGonagall explaining that the head boy and girl along with the prefects will not have to do their duty on the train. Harry had smiled when he read that. It would allow him to enjoy the ride with his friends. This would be the last time he would begin Hogwarts with a train trip on the Hogwarts express. He hadn’t made up his mind if he was going home during the Christmas holidays, so this trip going to Hogwarts could be the last. He wasn’t sure if he would get the Hogwarts express home once he graduated Hogwarts. He thought he might because then, it would be the official last time he would ever sit on the big red train. He would decide when it got closer.

When the door opened Harry smiled as Hermione, Neville and Luna stepped in. He helped them store their trunks before they all sat down.

‘I vote for ten minutes,’ Harry grinned.

‘Twelve minutes,’ Neville said with a smile.

‘Five minutes,’ said Luna with her serene smile.

Hermione huffed then smiled, ‘Fine, I’ll go with seven minutes.’

‘Check the time,’ Harry said looking at his new watch. Hermione, Neville and Luna also checked their watches. They kept watching them until they saw Ron running to get on the train, ‘Five minutes,’ Harry shook his head then handed over a galleon to Luna, then Neville and Hermione also handed over a galleon, ‘I don’t know how you do it Luna, but you do.’

‘Do what?’ Ron asked as he hurried into the compartment.

‘She bet the right time on when you would arrive. I had ten minutes, Neville picked twelve and Hermione went with seven. Luna won when she bet on five and it was right on five minutes.’

‘You lot are as bad as the twins used to be, always betting on something.’

‘It’s just some harmless fun and we could get a bit of money out of it. Luna got it this time,’ Neville said.

‘Fine but bet on something other than me next time. Anyway, I saw two aurors, what’s with that?’

‘Kingsley said it’s time there were proper adult supervision on the Hogwarts express and I agree with him. Hundreds of kids ride this train and all have weapons, it’s just lucky no one was killed or seriously hurt. We might be adults but we also know how easy it would be for any of us to get into a fight where someone could get seriously hurt. I remember Remus telling me that three students had been really hurt during his time riding the train. It had to stop while they sent a message to St Mungo’s so someone could come and get the injured student.’

‘Even though most muggle school buses only have the driver, those children do not carry things like weapons,’ Hermione said.

‘I get your point. Even though Malfoy mainly mouthed off, he did pull his wand a few times. Not that he ever used it,’ Ron said.

‘No, it was always, “wait until my father hears about this” Harry grinned as the five of them said that line at the same time which made them all laugh. They had all heard Draco Malfoy say that dozens of times a year. Now Draco, along with his father and mother were in Azkaban, where they belonged. Lucius and Narcissa will be in there until they die. Draco was given fifteen years. Harry never voiced his thoughts, but he didn’t believe Draco would survive fifteen years near the dementors. Many went crazy in Azkaban and some just gave up and lost the will to live. Another reason he might give up is that he knew that the ministry seized the vaults of all the death eaters. Only some of the money was returned if a family member proved they never supported Voldemort or did anything against the law.

Many people stopped by their compartment, mostly friends, saying hello. There were a few younger kids who wanted to get a look at the hero’s of the war, but mostly look at Harry, the saviour. They did get a surprise visit from two Slytherin girls and one boy. All thanked Harry and his friends, then explained how their families were always neutral yet they had to be careful when sharing the Slytherin rooms with children of death eaters. The three Slytherin’s did say that the ones returning to Hogwarts were all children from families who either hid or were neutral. The hero’s would never receive any trouble from any of them now they didn’t have to worry about their safety. It was Harry who spoke and said he understood and thanked them for explaining. Once the three Slytherin’s left the friends knew this final year might finally be without trouble. They might not end up friends with the Slytherin’s, but at least they knew they wouldn’t cause problems.

Harry, as head boy helped the first years over to Hagrid, he then introduced Hagrid so they wouldn’t be scared of him. Hagrid was basically a gentle giant, but he did look frightening, mainly because he was so big and very hairy. After the first years got into the boats he hurried over to the last carriage, where his friends were waiting.

An auror was standing at the door as the students passed. She wasn’t much older than the seventh years, at least that’s how she looked. Harry and his friends gave her a nod as they passed. Harry’s friends didn’t notice how he stared at the blond auror, or how the blond auror glanced back at Harry as he walked into the castle. The four friends went straight to Gryffindor’s table before they looked around.

‘There’s four people at the staff table we’ve never seen before. Slughorn’s not there so he must have gone back into retirement,’ Harry said.

‘He did only return for Professor Dumbledore and it was also to help keep him safe.’ Hermione said.

‘So, we’ve got a new potions teacher, defence teacher and transfiguration teacher. But adding them up, that’s three, there’s one more, yet all the other teacher’s are there.’ Ron said.

‘I suppose we’ll find out, eventually.’ Harry shrugged. As he turned to face the doors ready for the first years to be escorted in for their sorting, he saw the blond auror again and he couldn’t look away. He forced himself to turn in his seat, he didn’t want people to notice then send letters to the Daily Prophet. Harry was hoping to keep his name out of the papers this year. He wanted a quiet year and get through his test without any problems. But he couldn’t stop himself glancing at the auror, no matter how hard he tried, his eyes kept drifting until he was staring at her. The moment he saw her, he knew there was something about her that Harry was attracted to. He felt it, in his stomach and even though he knew now he was powerful and also had political power, he still never believed people would like him. He didn’t believe this beautiful woman would look twice at him.

Harry didn’t know it but the auror, Connie, was secretly checking out Harry Potter and it had nothing to do with his reputation. She got a look at his eyes as he walked past and her stomach felt like it had bowtruckles crawling around inside. She was using her auror training to watch Harry, without him or anyone else noticing.

Harry knew he had to be careful if he did get involved with anyone. First, he was the saviour of the wizarding would, which gives him political power. He had money, from his parents, his godfather and his Order of Merlin, first class. After he was known as the chosen one in his sixth year, Hermione had told him about the girls talking about slipping him a love potion. He knew some people will use any means to get what they want. It’s the reason why Harry was wearing the Black head of house ring. No love potions will work on him now he was wearing that ring. Sirius had left him the ring and a letter. Since Harry did have Black blood, from his great grandmother, Dorea Black, he was entitled to wear the head of house ring. Normally Harry wouldn’t wear it, but he didn’t want to always be watching what he ate or drank.

If someone wanted Harry, she could be after his reputation, political power, or money. Harry wanted to meet someone who liked him for who he was, just a normal young man, not the saviour of the wizarding world, or wanted his money.

Even though Harry and Hermione were head boy and girl, they let the prefects escort the new first years up to Gryffindor tower. Harry and Hermione went to Slytherin first to explain the rules and how they, along with the prefects will be taking turns escorting them around the castle for the first week so they wouldn’t get lost, but also find their way to classes and to the great hall for meals. Hermione explained how they should get used to rising earlier than normal so they could shower and eat breakfast before classes. If they wished to shower of a night, it might work better for them. Harry went on to explain that they were also there to help if any of the first years were having trouble with classes, or they just might be homesick and wanted someone to talk to. Both Hermione and Harry made sure to smile at the first years. They wanted the young children to relax but also know they could approach them any time they wanted. After Slytherin house, they spoke with Hufflepuff, then Ravenclaw before finishing with Gryffindor.

One thing Harry did like about being head boy. He got used to sleeping at his new home without the noises from the other boys. He wasn’t sure he would be able to sleep in a dorm room again. Now he had his own room at Hogwarts.

Hermione came into the Gryffindor common room the following morning to see Harry sitting on one of the arm chairs, with a few first years sitting near him, talking to him. She smiled as she watched her friend and realised Harry would make a great father one day. She had seen him once with his godson, Teddy Lupin and Harry just seemed so natural holding a baby. It was the same now, he just seemed to know how to talk to the eleven year old’s.

By the time Harry noticed Hermione had joined them the rest of the first years were in the common room.

‘Since were all here, let’s get down to the great hall for breakfast,’ Harry smiled as he stood up.

Hermione fell into step beside Harry, ‘Is Hermione your girlfriend?’

Harry and Hermione smiled at the young girl, ‘No, she’s my friend but she’s Ron’s girlfriend.’

‘I think of Harry as a brother. We’ve been friends since first year, but that’s all it is, friends.’

‘Do you have a girlfriend?’ Another girl asked.

‘Not right now. I want to concentrate on my studies since it’s my last year and I want to do good with my newts.’

‘We’ll be studying a lot, but we’ll still be here if you need us. Even though Ron is my boyfriend, he knows how important studying is.’

Harry and Hermione continued to talk to the first years, but they did point out things that they would remember which would help them find their way to the great hall. As they neared the great hall, Harry saw the female auror again, this time he couldn’t help smiling at her. She smiled back then gave the first years a smile.

‘Is that one of the aurors the headmistress mentioned?’ A first year boy asked.

‘Yes,’ Hermione said also giving the auror a smile.

‘Auror Connie Hammer,’ Connie said giving the children a salute but she also looked back at Harry who continued to smile at her.

Harry didn’t notice but Hermione saw the way Harry was looking at the auror. She wasn’t the only one, some of the first years also noticed Harry staring at the auror.

Even though Hermione and Harry were Gryffindor’s, they had rooms that wasn’t connected to Gryffindor tower. It was so any student could go to them if they were needed. They also had all the passwords to get into any house rooms, again, only if it was needed. Hermione loved the idea of having her own room, she planned to spend most of her time studying so having her own room allowed her to study without being disturbed by the other girls. It was the same for Harry. Even though Ron knew he had to study, he still wasn’t going to do more than he had to. His dream was to play quidditch for the Chudley Cannons. If he could prove to the scouts he was good enough and showed he trained Gryffindor’s team, he just might get picked. Even though he would like to spend more time with his girlfriend, they both knew they had to concentrate on other things to get the careers they want.

The staff of Hogwarts couldn’t help smiling. It had been a month since the students returned, yet there hadn’t been any real trouble. There were the normal arguments between students, but nothing like they had to put up with in previous years. They had a meeting with Harry and Hermione every Friday evening so the staff along with their two top students, who happen to be head boy and girl so they could discuss any problems that might be happening in the school. So far, there hadn’t been any problem and the teachers hardly had to give out any detentions.

It was towards the end of October that Hermione noticed that Harry would either disappear or spend time along in his head boy room. She also noticed that if the blond auror was there at the same time, she would also disappear. Hermione had noticed how Harry looked at the auror every time they saw each other. Just from those looks, Hermione knew Harry would not be resuming his relationship with Ginny. Right now, Ginny was busy training with the quidditch team. The scouts would be turning up soon and Ginny wanted be ready. Hermione had seen Ginny stare at Harry a lot so she knew the red head still hoped to end up with Harry. Hermione knew now that would never happen. If Ginny took any notice of the blond auror, she would know she didn’t stand a chance.

Connie Hammer was beautiful and a senior auror. Harry wanted to be an auror so once he finished at Hogwarts, he would be spending a lot of time with the blond. Hermione knew they already were, just in secret.

Hermione didn’t know it but that’s the reason Harry first approached the auror. He explained he wanted to be an auror and he also explained how he spoke with Tonks and Kingsley about being an auror. Connie, who had been trying to figure out a way to speak with Harry had smiled when he approached her. From the moment they began talking, each knew the other was attracted to the other. They decided to date and in secret at first, just to see if they could work. Connie knew if anyone found out she was dating Harry Potter, it would be all over the newspapers. It could also mean she would be taken off the Hogwarts duty. She still did her duty, she just spent a lot of time alone with Harry, usually in his room. When they first became physical, Connie had been surprised when Harry told her he had no experience. Then she realised it would be true, especially with everything Harry had gone through for years. He may have dated while at Hogwarts but his mind was always on Voldemort. Now, he was just a normal eighteen year old who had a gorgeous girlfriend.

Harry walked slowly down through the castle ready for breakfast. Hermione hurried to catch up with him.

‘I know why you’re keeping it a secret and I don’t blame you. I just wanted to let you know I won’t say anything to anyone, not even Ron.’

Harry gave his friend a smile, ‘Thanks Hermione. I always knew you would figure it out. As for keeping it a secret, there is a couple of reason. Yes, the papers would begin writing and reporters would hound me in Hogsmeade. It’s also Ginny. I’ve seen the looks and she’s also had Ron ask me if I’ve thought about us being together. I did tell Ron that dating wasn’t in my plans while at Hogwarts because I’m spending all my spare time studying. I also said I probably wouldn’t date until I finish auror training. I didn’t want to come right out and say it in case he went off about his sister again. We both know what he’s like sometimes. He might have finally matured but he’s still protective of his sister.’

‘I know so I was expecting you to say something to put Ron off. So, how did you end up together?’

Harry and Hermione sat at the Gryffindor table before he answered, ‘Well, I really wanted to talk to her and I figured I would use the aurors to start a conversation. We talked as she walked around Hogwarts then I asked if she would come to my room so they could talk in private. I was able to tell her I liked her without stumbling over the words or blushing. She said she liked me but she knew I would be worried about the ones who just want to date the saviour. She told me that on the first of September, she looked at my eyes and she just knew,’ Harry shrugged.

‘Well, you do have very nice eyes Harry and you can see them easier now that you don’t wear glasses. I’ve heard other girls say you have dreamy eyes,’ she grinned while Harry grimaced, ‘So, are you serious because it’s been going on now for nearly two months?’

‘Yes, we are. We’re going to try to keep it quiet until after I leave. She told her boss because since we’ll be together and then working together, he would need to know in case it causes problems. The only thing he said was that we would not be teamed up straight away. If years down the track prove that we can work closely together without our private lives come into it, then we might end up partners. But Connie hopes if we do end up married, which I already know I want to, she would like to start a family in about ten years.’

‘You said that Harry, you want a family but not for at least ten years. It seems you two are really suited to each other.’

‘We are, we also have a lot in common. I’ll tell you that another time. She is getting Christmas off so I’m going home for Christmas so we can spend more time together,’ Harry gestured to the doors as Ron walked in. Hermione nodded, then the friends just spoke about what class they have next.

When the holidays approached, Ron had asked Hermione if she was planning on staying or going to Grimmauld place. Hermione wanted to stay since she would be able to study but was hoping to spend more time with Ron as well. Ron was staying as it would be the only way he could spend time with Hermione. He knew his mother would be furious that he wasn’t going home for Christmas but Ron was angry with his mother for the things she said to Harry and Hermione when she spoke up for Harry. George wasn’t talking to their mother so he would not be going to the Burrow for Christmas.

‘So it will be the three of us, like always,’ Ron said.

‘I’m going home for Christmas, I really want some space and it will allow me to study without being disturbed. I know I have the head boy room but I get a lot of people knocking on the door, mainly girls. You and Hermione can spend the whole two weeks alone,’ Harry smirked making Ron’s ears go red and Hermione blush. Hermione also gave Harry a smile. She knew why Harry said what he did, it would stop Ron going on about Harry leaving them for the holidays.

Even though Harry did go out alone to do some Christmas shopping, he spent most of his time with his girlfriend and at his home. They did spend a lot of time in bed, but they also talked a lot. Connie would also show him things that Harry would learn while training to be an auror.

Apart from buying gifts for his friends, he bought small gifts for others. He did not buy for Ginny or Molly, he didn’t for Arthur either mainly so his wife wouldn’t go off at him. He will never forgive Molly Weasley for the things she said. He didn’t buy for Ginny as he wanted her to know that they would never be together. Even though he would have liked to buy an engagement ring for Connie, he knew it was too soon. He did buy her jewelry, a necklace and earring set. Emeralds set in white gold. He had seen her staring at jewelry when she was buying for her friends, not to get Harry to buy anything for her. She explained she always bought things like earrings for her female friends and either watches or rings for her male friends and she usually bought emeralds as it was her favourite gem.

When Harry and Connie did go out during the holidays, they went into the muggle world. Connie was a half-blood, like Harry, but she had a muggleborn father and pure-blood mother. She would spend time with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. They blended in perfectly in the muggle world.

‘Even though it is months away, right after you return, that’s when intense studying begins.’

‘I know, so even though we might sneak some time now and again, I will be studying a lot. I know I’ll pass the main subjects with an O, I just have to keep practicing potions. Bloody Snape the bastard.’

‘It’s why Tim changed the rules when aurors began training. He had to add another year to training just so they would know potions. We never normally have to make difficult potions so everyone learns what they need. We have a few that are just natural at potions so they work on things like veritaserum and polyjuice potion.’

‘I think I’ll be fine with most basic potions but I doubt I could make those potions. I will keep practicing, when I get time but at least I can learn now.’

‘You can and you can keep practicing after Hogwarts,’ Connie already knew Harry would pass but she could tell he wanted really good scores in his newts so people would see there was more to him than just fighting dark wizards. He might be an auror once he finished training but he was also intelligent that he could really go on and do anything he wanted. But as he said, he knew he was meant to be an auror and he knew he would be good at it.

The test were long and hard but when the last test was over, every student celebrated. Harry had used his invisibility cloak to sneak back to the head boy room because he had seen Ginny giving him looks and he had a feeling she was going to speak with him about them. He had hoped since they had hardly seen each other all year and he hadn’t bought her anything for Christmas and he returned her gift she bought for him, she would realise he wasn’t interested. It seems Ginny wasn’t going to give up.

Harry stepped into the room, sealed the door so no one could get in, apart from the headmistress. He saw Connie sitting on the sofa with a drink in her hand. She had the day off and had spent the night there so no one would see her arrive. She wanted to be there for when Harry finished his tests. Since all the students would be doing their test, the teachers had time to keep an eye on everyone which is why she wasn’t needed.

Connie couldn’t help laughing at the big smile on Harry’s face, ‘Relieved?’

‘Very,’ Harry gave his girlfriend a kiss before he got himself a beer from the small cooler. Connie had snuck the beer in for him since she knew Harry liked the muggle alcohol.

‘I noticed you used your invisibility cloak.’

‘Ginny, she was giving me looks. It’s been nearly two years now, you would think she would realise it’s over.’

‘She probably does but she won’t give up until she knows for sure. We said we will let it be known once you leave and it’s bound to end up in the Daily Prophet.’

‘I know. I’ll be spending tonight here with you and I’m apparating home tomorrow. Hermione knows I’m going to be leaving first thing tomorrow, mainly to avoid reporters but she would have seen the way Ginny was watching me.’

‘Most students like to say goodbye to the staff.’

‘I’m not going to. I know I’m still bitter about the years here, I just can’t forgive them for making my life worse than it already was. I used to love Hogwarts, now I just want to get away from it.’

‘You know they will be expecting you at the feast tonight.’

‘If anyone comes calling, I’ll say I’m going to bed early because I have a headache. After those tests, I doubt anyone would question me.’

‘Only McGonagall can get in and I doubt she would. I would say she will send a house elf to see why you aren’t at the feast.’

‘Probably. I’m just glad you brought food that we can heat up. I know I could have snuck into the kitchens but others could have been in there.’

‘You don’t have to worry about it now love. Just relax and we’ll eat soon. After, we can soak in a bath before bed.’

‘Sounds good to me.’

A house elf did arrive not long after the feast began. Harry told the elf he had a headache and going to bed. Once the elf was gone, Connie got their food ready. Even though Harry wouldn’t get a chance to see his friends before everyone left, he would send them an owl in a couple of days.

By the time the carriages were full and taking the students to Hogsmeade, everyone realised Harry Potter must have snuck away. Any student who had finished their last year could apparate home, it seems Harry did. During the feast Hermione had heard Ginny asking Ron about Harry and even asked if Ron would go speak with Harry. Ron said no because he had been told Harry had a headache and was going to bed early. Hermione knew that’s the reason Harry snuck away. She also knew that from anytime after they left Hogwarts, the wizarding world will find out that Harry was in a serious relationship with the senior auror, Connie Hammer.

Tim Proudfoot knew that all Hogwarts graduates usually took a holiday or just take some time to themselves before they began work. Connie was also taking her holidays so she could spend it time with Harry. They were planning on buying a home together. They were going to live together first but they planned to marry after Harry finished his auror training. Even though both Connie and Harry knew they would have a small private wedding, they just didn’t want to deal with that right now. They were both happy to live together, for now.

It was only two days later that a picture of Harry and Connie appeared on the front page of the Quibbler. Harry had Luna come take the picture and do a small interview. Harry and Connie explained that they were both attracted to each other the moment they saw the other. They got together a few weeks later, which was only a few weeks after Harry returned to Hogwarts to do his last year.

Most people were happy for Harry, there were a few that weren’t. Ginny and Molly were furious. Molly sent Harry a howler, yet it had returned to her where it went off. Arthur put his foot down and said if she ever sent another howler, he was leaving. He also went off at Ginny who was trying to find a way to slip Harry a love potion. Arthur reminded his daughter that Harry was in a serious relationship and if Ginny broke them up, she would end up with a very bad reputation. Arthur also reminded his daughter about the Black ring that Harry always wore. It prevented things like love potions working on whoever wore it. Arthur wasn’t sure if his daughter or wife would try anything else, so he planned to keep an eye on both of them. Harry only replied to his friends. He did write to Hermione and Ron and said they would get together after he returned as he was going away while he had the chance.

Harry and Connie spent a month overseas doing what many graduates do after leaving their school education. Harry knew you never stop learning but his restrictive school life was over so he wanted to enjoy his time with his girlfriend before he began training as an auror.

The couple returned home to a pile of letters, all were wishing them well in their relationship. Harry was surprised that he never received any cursed mail. His wards would neutralise them but magic would make sure the recipient would know, in case they needed to involve the aurors. Those wards were how the howler returned to Molly Weasley. Harry said he would never put up with her howlers so when he began to study what wards to put around his home, he found the one that would send the howler back to the person who sent it, then it would go off.

The first week of Harry’s training, he ended up being late due to reporters, photographers and just people wishing to see him. He finally got permission to floo directly into the head aurors office. They all hoped that the attention would ease off, especially when no one would see him arrive.

The aurors and the other trainee’s finally got to see just how good Harry Potter was with a wand. Many had thought he was using his saviour reputation to become an auror, now they had seen proof that he had to skill to go with the reputation. Tim knew just by watching Harry that the young man would one day be in his office.

During this time, Harry and Connie would meet up with some of their friends, but usually on a Saturday night. Connie and Hermione ended up good friends so Harry would leave them to talk while he talked to Ron. He was finally playing for the Chudley Cannons, so he only got Saturday night and Sunday off. Hermione and Ron would spend all of Sunday together so they worked on seeing their friends on Saturday night. Sometimes it would be a small dinner with just Harry, Connie, Hermione and Ron. Other times they would have Neville and Hannah join them. Even George and Angelina would visit and have dinner.

Harry and Connie married a month after Harry finished his training and became a full auror. Only their closest friends were invited along with Connie’s parents. Since it was a magical wedding, she couldn’t invite her cousins or grandparents. They were going to have a pretend wedding with her muggle relatives as soon as they could organise it. Harry and Connie had already worked out to take time off with Tim so they could plan the wedding and have a honeymoon.

It was when Harry and Connie’s wedding picture appeared on the front cover of Witch Weekly that Ginny finally realised she had lost Harry and it was time to give up on her childhood dream. She did get picked to play quidditch, she was going to spend all her time making sure she ended up the best player the world had ever seen.

Molly only tried once to cause Harry and his wife any trouble. When her husband moved out and moved in with Bill and Fleur, she finally realised she had destroyed her family. She lost George when she refused to apologise to him. The moment Ron joined the Chudley Cannons, he had moved out and hadn’t spoken to her since. Now her husband had finally left her. It took Molly a few weeks, but she ended up apologising to everyone, including Harry and his wife. Arthur said he wouldn’t move home straight away, he would see if his wife had changed or if she was just trying to manipulate him and others. Harry did accept her apology but said because of her actions, he just couldn’t be near her anymore so he would not be visiting the Burrow. George accepted but said he was going to take his time as right now he was still angry with his mother. Ron visited and only because his mother had apologised to Hermione. He did tell her that they were getting married but the wedding would not be at the Burrow. It would take all of them to forgive her. They might have accepted her apology, but right now, they could not forgive her. That would take time.

It took more than a year before Arthur moved back to the Burrow, but he did give his wife a warning. She was to stop trying to control everyone else life. All their children were adults and it was up to them what they did with their lives. If she wanted her and her husband to have the life together that they used to have, she would need to let go.

It was right on their seventh anniversary that Connie gave birth to a daughter. Connie suggested to Harry about naming their daughter after his mother without actually giving her the same name. Harry liked the idea and they called their daughter Holly.

At the age of twenty seven years old, Harry ended up head auror and the youngest head auror. Connie gave him three more children.

Ron ended up having a long career with the Chudley Cannons. They did win a few but they were still the last team on the ladder. Ron didn’t care, he finally did what he always hoped to do. Hermione worked for the department of magical law enforcement, working on laws, either writing new laws or changing existing laws to suit everyone. She left work when she had been there for ten years. Hermione and Ron had two children and they were happy with their little family.

At the age of fifty, Harry Potter became the minister for magic. He would go down in history as the best minister Great Britain ever had. He was fair, he was loyal, he was honest and he always said he wanted to work for the people so they would all have a world where they would be safe and have the lives they wanted.

At the age of ninety, when he resigned as minister for magic, Harry was offered the job as headmaster of Hogwarts. He turned it down. He said he was retiring to spend the rest of his life with the love of his life and his family.

That’s what Harry did, he spent his years with Connie, his children and his grandchildren. Harry passed in his sleep at the age of one hundred and fifty two years old. He was surrounded by his family and his wife was beside him. As he passed, he did with a smile on his face. He ended up with a great life and now he was going to see the ones he loved that he lost long ago. Harry Potter, the saviour of the wizarding world, was finally at rest.

The end: