Survivor

Chapter 16 - Unwanted Truths

Kingsley stood upon the dais, where Dumbledore had once given a great many of legendary speeches during his time as Hogwarts Headmaster. He was a magnificent sign of hope among the rubble and the dust. 

"May I have your attention please?" His voice carried with no need for amplification. "In all our history, there has never been a day greater than this. I give my thanks to all of you, in the knowledge that every man and woman in this room has done their very best for our population. This is not a victory for the Ministry. This is not a victory for Mr Potter. This is a victory shared by all of us. Everyone of us who has magic blood in their veins, regardless of blood status. Purebloods, Halfbloods, Muggleborns and Squibs, share this victory as equals. We share this victory with Centaurs, Gaints, House Elves and Goblins, and anyone else who has contributed to the great war effort. 

"This being said, we cannot talk about victory without acknowledging our losses. I, Kingsley Shacklebolt, stand here in the place where Albus Dumbledore, the greatest headmaster that Hogwarts has ever seen, once stood. I look upon families which have been consumed by grief, in the knowledge that I will never truly be able to compensate for your losses. Sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers cannot be replaced. For those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, this victory may seem inconsequential. But neither the long years, nor the dangers, nor the fierce attacks of the enemy, have in any way weakened the unyielding power that is the wizarding world.

"The future begins now. In every witch or wizard I see the desperation for change. I see the need for stability and political and financial security. Henceforth on this day, I vow to serve our nation with equality, determination and charity, as I become the first post-war Minister for Magic. There will be a time for celebration and for the decoration of our heroes. However, in my first act under the new role, I declare a period of mourning across the wizarding communities. All inessential jobs and businesses will be closed, allowing a time for recovery. We are all simple beings who thrive upon communities and upon the relationships we have with others. Now, after times of such horror and devastation, it is time for us to revert back to the basics and consider how we wish to build our new world." 

A pregnant silence fell across the room. The sunrise had evolved fully into daylight, that fell upon the castle as a reminder of better times. 

A booming clap sound and echoed across the stone walls, founded by Hagrid. More and more people continued to join in until the whole hall was cheering and applauding their new leader. 

Minerva was the next to reach the podium, shaking Kingsley's hand and kissing his cheek gently. A hush fell across the room. 

"It would be impertinent to ignore the situation that has caused a school, so close to all our hearts to be reduced to such ruin. Even I, in my old age, recall the feeling of walking through the threshold of The Great Hall on my very first day of Hogwarts. Although, standing at this podium was Headmaster Dippet, not Professor Dumbledore as most of you would have experienced. Of all of the Headmasters of this school, none had succeed like Albus. While there have been much protestation and many political movements against him, Albus will always be Hogwart's Greatest Headmaster. As his deputy headmistress for many years, it was my pleasure to work alongside such a remarkable man.

"Perhaps, as a result of my long service as deputy headmistress, I do not see it appropriate for me to embark along the right of passage of becoming Hogwart's next headmistress. I have served far too long under the wing of Dumbledore to give this school the change that it so sorely needs. Therefore, I wish to nominate Severus Snape in my stead." 

Shrieks of horror reverberated across the hall. Hermione looked through the crowd at Severus, still sat by Madame Pomfrey, who looked like he was going to vomit.