A War of Nerves

CHAPTER 22: Interlude

To the whole wizarding world, Harry had proved his bravery, proved he was the greatest living wizard, maybe even greater than Dumbledore, definitely his equal. He was given awards, asked to speak of his exploits, and generally bothered with stupid questions by the Daily Prophet and other newspapers until he thought he'd die. Rumors circulated about the battle, though only a select few knew the real truth, and they weren't telling a soul.

Graduation was sad for the Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Ron and Hermione were entering the Auror's college in America and continuing their education. Harry bought a small house out in the country where he wouldn't be disturbed and he and Ginny lived there during the summer. Ginny had a miscarriage near the middle of the summer and she and Harry and her family mourned for her. The child had been injured prematurely in the battle for Hogwarts. They named the unborn girl Lily and had her buried with the rest of the people that died in that battle. They went to the funeral of all those that died and Ginny wept profusely for Lily, the future and the present.

Snape was there. But Snape wasn't there. He had been replaced with a shadow of his former self, something sad and tired. He looked years older, almost dead. No one knew why he stayed on, perhaps his last sliver of hope was still there, though most people didn't think he was being reasonable. Some how the public got hold of the fact that he had been in love with the American witch and was morning for her "death." No one had been told she was the future, and those who knew weren't telling any one.

Those who knew were Morgan Estellan, Gwen and Katie Matson, Brigid Kells, Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Dumbledore.

Morgan graduated Salem's the following year and joined the British Auror League in the search of escaped Death Eaters and the like. She married Sirius Black and became Mrs. Morgan Le Fay Black. The Blacks moved into Hogsmeade and Sirius Black started teaching DADA at Hogwarts with Remus Lupin.

Brigid Kells continued in the I&AAA (Infiltration and Advanced Assassination Auror) program at Salem's College while dating Aden Snape. She graduated the collage and began work with Aden at the American Auror's League.

Gwen and Katie Matson were requited to help with a Russian dark wizards uprising in Russia that summer. The rebellion needed spies and they were willing. Gwen fell in love with the young Russian Minister of Magic and Katie ended up marrying Jackson Koves, much to the distaste of Brigid.

Harry and Ginny got married a week after Ginny's graduation from Hogwarts and there was a huge celebration for them. It was shown in every fireplace in Britain and around the world. They retreated to their small house in the country and Ginny gave birth to twin girls not a year afterward, and after that a son they named James.

Hermione and Ron graduated the Salem's College Auror's course with flying colors and were married almost right away. Their ceremony was small and only family and a select others were invited.

Dumbledore lived still and had retired the year young James was born. It was said he had an island in the Bahamas he retired to and that he fished and sat in the sun all day with a different pair of socks for each day. McGonagall was named Headmistress and Celeste Sinestra, the Astronomy professor, was named Deputy Headmistress. Dumbledore imparted all of his knowledge to McGonagall before he left and needless to say, she cut Snape some slack.

Severus Snape, however, had hardened over into a veritable rock. He was stricter than ever with everyone, he no longer showed Slytherins any mercy either.