Harry Potter and the Year that Changed Everything

Harry Potter and the Year that Changed Everything

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Chapter Twenty-Two: Promises and Hope

Albus Dumbledore could not remember a time he had been more proud of his pupils.

Following the attack on Hogwarts, many of the students had stayed behind to help in the massive task of rebuilding. The Quidditch stadium was nearly a complete loss, and many of the other outer buildings were in various states of destruction. Despite the desolate landscape, the attitude of those helping to put it all back together was hopeful. With the high level of efficiency that they went about their work, one could have easily mistaken them for Aurors trained in crisis management. Instead, they were members of an even more exclusive group: The DA.

No one had asked them to help, they had set about doing it all on their own. Nearly all of the other students had returned to the safety of their homes, none of them wanting to be reminded of what had taken place here. Many of those who fled had no intention of ever returning. For the DA, however, Hogwarts was their home, and they would defend it as such.

Hagrid had also joined in to help. His beloved hut had sustained a good deal of damage, but nothing that couldn't be put right. Fang had emerged from the battle unharmed and was also lending a paw to the cause. With their combined brute strength and endurance large amounts of rubble could be moved at a time, thus allowing the others to concentrate on reconstruction.

The team of Seamus and Dean worked toward putting out the various fires that still burned all over the grounds. The scope of destruction caused by just one dragon gave them all a better appreciation for the wizards and witches that worked with entire colonies of the massive beasts.

Fred and George were seemingly everywhere. The others looked upon them as being in charge of the cleanup, and were acting accordingly. Gone were the juvenile antics and snappy banter, replaced by thoughtful instructions and concise decisions. Although both would deny it later, it was in large part due to their maturity and grace under pressure that made the operation the success that it was.

As the reconstruction effort was winding down, another Order meeting was called for to discuss what progress had been made since they had last met.

"Like my beloved Fawkes, Hogwarts continues to rise from the ashes. The fact that it is largely due to the efforts of our students makes me more proud of them than I could ever express. With their spirit and determination behind us, I feel secure in the knowledge that the power of light shall prevail in this time of darkness."

The assembled members of the Order applauded the sentiment from the Headmaster and shared what information they had about what was happening. First, Minerva McGonagall spoke on behalf of the staff.

"I am pleased to report that many of the students who had been reported as missing have been located. Several of them required medical attention for injuries, but all should make a complete recovery. Sadly, Draco Malfoy remains among those that are missing. I am sure you all join me in hoping that he is safe. I have also asked and received permission from the Headmaster to initiate a scholarship fund in honor of Ernie McMillan. The scholarship will be presented to a student showing a high aptitude in Defense, along with a strong work ethic and strength of character. We are also planning on commemorating his bravery in battle with a bronze plaque to be placed on the site of the renovated Quidditch pitch. Hagrid is currently working on the plans for it's construction and he assures me that it will be ready in time for next year."

Upon sitting back down, Alastor Moody stood from his chair.

"Objectively speaking, the battle fought here could have ended much worse. Yes, any loss of life is devastating, but there could have been many more. I would love to attribute this to the action of highly trained Aurors, but they only arrived towards the end of the battle. No, the lion's share of credit for averting an even greater disaster belongs to the actions of a group of heroically brave young people. If Fudge wasn't such an incompetent little toe rag, I feel sure they would all receive on Order of Merlin. However, since he is an incompetent little toe rag, I can only offer my own deep admiration for their actions, and congratulate them all for a job well done. I don't know what these young people have planned for themselves, but I do know that I would be proud to fight alongside them anytime. For as young as these soldiers are, I don't think that I have ever seen a better and more organized fighting unit."

A chorus of agreements and nods followed the grizzled ex-Auror's speech. All who knew Alastor knew that he did not impress easily. If he said they were the best, there was little doubt in anyone's mind that they were. After a few other reports were given regarding various other issues, Dumbledore stood again and soon had all eyes fixed upon him.

"There is one more matter which I feel needs to be addressed. As of the completion of this meeting, I am retiring from the post of Headmaster of Hogwarts."

Every jaw dropped open. The very idea that Dumbledore would ever retire was not something that anyone had ever given thought to. The reality of it was nothing short of impossible. After a long period of stunned silence, Dumbledore continued.

"I have given this decision a great deal of thought and have decided that it would be in the best interest of the school to step down. The focus of my attention for the foreseeable future must be on resolving this war against Voldemort and his followers. Hogwarts deserves a Headmaster who can be fully devoted to the welfare of the students it serves. So, in my last action as Headmaster, I promote Minerva McGonagall to the post of Headmistress. I am greatly relieved to know that she will lead the school through these dark times, and into a future that will be bright again."

Seeing that no one had yet recovered from shock, Dumbledore smiled in amusement.

"I always did want to leave an audience speechless. I'm not going anywhere, you know. I will still preside over the Order and be available to any who need me. Oh, that reminds me, I have yet to change the password to my office. As much as I adore you, Minerva, I have several items I need to collect before leaving. You are welcome to my desk and chair, but I refuse to surrender my stash of sweets."

The humor of Albus' words caused the tension in the room to vanish. The members of the Order then set about congratulating the former Headmaster on his retirement, while also congratulating Professor McGonagall on her new position. Minerva, having had no inkling at all of Dumbledore's plans, was just as surprised as the rest of them. After they had both shook hands with all of the others, the two of them embraced in a hug.

"Full of surprises, aren't we?"

"Tedium is for the weak minded, my dear Minerva. I do feel it is best for the school, also. Hogwarts is far too precious to let slide into mediocrity. My focus must now be on the war effort. Besides, I know in my heart that I am leaving my beloved school in very capable hands."

Minerva smiled at the compliments given to her by the man she so respected and admired. There was, however, one thing she hoped to negotiate with him about.

"Albus, were you serious about taking all of your candy? I would think that, as the new Headmistress, they should rightly belong to me now."

Dumbledore responded by giving his friend a decidedly flirtatious wink and pinch on the behind.

"I would beg to differ, Minerva. However, I am a reasonable man. I am sure that we can come to some...agreement. Perhaps you would be willing to hand over my candy supply in exchange for the password required to open the liquor cabinet in your own office?"

Blushing brightly from having her bum pinched in front of everyone, Minerva made a mental note to pay her friend back dearly for his cheek.

"You've got yourself a deal, Albus."

Hagrid, who had been unable to offer his own congratulations yet due to his size, moved over to extend an enormous hand to his new boss.

"Congratulations, Minnie! Oh, um, sorry, Headmistress McGonagall, I mean."

"Thank you, Hagrid. Don't worry about formalities on my account. I never stopped using Albus' first name, even after he took over from Professor Dippet. We've known each other too long to stand on ceremony, I think."

Dumbledore's smile grew even wider.

"I have always found formality to be highly overrated. To me, there are very few problems one encounters on a daily basis that a rubber chicken cannot help alleviate. No, I always did prefer for Minerva to call me by my given name than any title. Of course, there are certain other names that she calls me on occasion that I prefer even more."

Although uncertain as to what Albus meant by what he had said, Hagrid was quite clear about the meaning behind the clout round the ear that Minerva gave him in response. The arrival of a group of students served as his opportunity to escape.

"Excuse us, Professor, we're ready to leave for the station now."

Dumbledore turned to look at the assembled teens and beamed at them.

"Ah, yes, the train will be taking all of those who were kind enough to stay behind home. I take it you are all packed up?"

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Now that Ron has stopped by the kitchen and depleted their supplies of pastries, yes, we are."

Everyone laughed at the now blushing Ron, including himself. Dumbledore gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder.

"An excellent idea, Mr. Weasley. I remember in my own youth riding home with a cauldron full of cinnamon raisin scones under my arm. That may explain why I was so popular back then. Now, before you go, what are your plans for this summer? I dearly wish I could tell you all to go out and forget all of this, but we all know that cannot happen. Can I then assume that you will all be in contact with each other over the summer, and that I will be able to call upon you all if needed?"

Harry nodded.

"We'll be together, Professor. After what happened here a lot of people are going to need help recovering. The six of us are going to train hard over the summer and try to come up with a plan for destroying Voldemort once and for all."

Albus noted the fierce determination in all of their eyes and nodded. They had all truly matured into adults in the past year.

"I have great faith in your abilities, Harry. I have great faith in all of you. If there is anything that I can do for you, anything at all, do not hesitate to ask. Do not hesitate to call on your other friends, either. Your trust in one another is perhaps your greatest strength."

As they all bade their farewells, Remus Lupin returned to collect them.

"Time to get going, everyone. All of your things have been taken care of and your families will be wanting to see you."

Harry and Hermione both noticed the covert wink Remus gave them at the mention of "families." Both returned the gesture with a knowing grin.

"Thanks, Remus. Will we be taking the carriages to the station like we usually do?"

"Yes, we will be taking a carriage, but not quite like any you've taken before."

Without further explanation, Remus turned and made his way out through the castle doors. Confused by their former professor's vagueness, the six teens followed close behind him. Once they had all made their way into the courtyard, their confusion quickly turned to surprise.

"No time to be standing around with your jaws on your toes, you lot. I'm only borrowing this from Olympe for the day to get you all safely to the station. If I don't get it back prompt she'll have my hide...again."

Hagrid was now standing before them holding open the door to the Beauxbaton carriage. Having never been inside it before, they were all slightly apprehensive about boarding. That is until a familiar looking face appeared at one of the windows to greet them.

"Oi, they sure have got some strange looking water fountains on this thing. For some reason they've put them all next to the toilets. French people sure are weird."

Seeing Seamus wiping water from his chin caused all of them to break out into laughter. Hermione, being the only one of them with any real experience in French washrooms seemed to find it the most humorous. After a few minutes, Remus recovered enough to help the students aboard.

"The rest of the DA refused to leave without you. They wanted to make sure that they got a chance to talk with you all before everyone goes their separate ways. I don't think you'll have to remind them to be on guard over the summer, either."

Harry got on the carriage last and saw that all of the remaining DA members really were there. He would always feel a pang in his heart over the loss of Ernie McMillan, but the overwhelming feeling of loyalty he felt from his friends at that moment rendered him mute. Fred and George, in a rare moment of compassion, helped alleviate the emotional moment.

"Aw, would you look at that, George? Our great and fearless leader is speechless."

"I do see, Fred. It does my old heart good to see him smiling again, too. In fact, I haven't seen him this happy since that time Luna found a galleon on the ground in front of him and made rather a meal of picking it up."

"True enough, George. Odd that there wasn't a galleon laying there before she bent down, though."

Everyone burst out into laughter again as they watched Harry's face redden. For her part, Luna merely smiled her dreamy smile and placed a small kiss on his cheek. Dean Thomas then stepped forward and placed a hand upon his shoulder.

"Harry, you've been a great friend to me since we started here. All of you have been. When Hermione told me about a club you were forming back in third year, I agreed to join right away. Not just because of how awful Umbridge was, but also because I knew that if you were involved it would be worth doing. I couldn't have ever imagined then what all I would be getting into, but I wouldn't change a thing."

The rest of the DA agreed, causing Harry to once again get choked up over their genuine devotion to him and each other.

"We've all been through a lot, but none of us are backing down. We stand united, Harry. If it wasn't for the training and guidance you've given us, we'd have all likely been killed on graduation day. All of us owe you our lives for that, and don't even try to deny it. Because of this, we all want you to know that we will be ready whenever you need us. Day or night, we'll be there. All you have to do is call on us."

Harry unashamedly wiped a tear from his eye and hugged Dean closely. Stepping back, he turned his watery eyes to look at all of them.

"I can't tell you how much all of this, all of you, mean to me. I consider all of you my family, and I would give my life for any of you. I appreciate your loyalty and bravery, and I can only hope to exhibit the same myself. You all know how much danger you are putting yourselves in. Ernie will likely be only the first of the casualties we will lose to this war. I will not blame any of you if you decide to get out now."

Silence hung in the air as Harry looked around at them all. He was afraid that the threat of death might change some of their minds, but he had to make sure that they knew what they were up against. As it turned out, he needn't have worried.

"Harry, nothing in life is guaranteed. Our lives would be in just as much danger if we weren't fighting. If Voldemort wins, no witch or wizard alive is safe. To protect the people we love, we have to stand up and fight."

Harry was amazed at the look of determination Lavender Brown was giving him as she spoke. In that moment she looked nothing at all like the giggly schoolgirl he had first met seven long years ago.

"Thank you, Lavender. Thanks to all of you. I don't know what I've done to earn all of the trust you have in me, but I promise to do my best to deserve it. As long as we work together, we have hope. I don't know when Voldemort will strike next, but we all know he will. When he does, we'll be there. We may be young, and we may be outnumbered, but we also have something they don't... a cause worth fighting for."

Harry's speech was met with thunderous applause and cheering. For the first time, everyone felt as though they really could win. For the first time, everyone felt as though they could not just stand against the great evil in the world, but also overcome it. Looking back on it all later, it could be said that the tide of the war turned at that very moment. For, if it were true that Voldemort's real power came from instilling fear and doubt in his enemies, then his defeat had already begun.