After the Battle

Chapter 14

At approximately 1 o'clock we took a break from talks on new arrangements and reburbishments of the castle with the house elves and were seated at the great hall for lunch. I pulled out a seat and sat with Kingsley, the newly elected Minister of Magic, and Hagrid. Slughorn defiantly tried to sit at my end of the table but landed himself a seat next to unfortunate Proffesor Flitwick. Mcgonaggal stood up.

'Over lunch I thought that maybe we could talk about extra priviledges for eigth years, where they will sleep and how they will be treated. We also need to discuss the Head Boy and Girl and of course the Prefects who have been elected by the Heads of Houses and myself. First things first are the Head Boy and Girl. This year it will be Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom who are both Gryffindors who fought well in the battle and will both be returning to complete their studies next year. Gryffindor Prefects will be Ginny Weasley, Colin Creevey, Jimmy Peakes and Emma Jones.'

My smile grew as she read out the names of Hermione and Ginny and felt a rush of pride for Neville. I was also thrilled and shocked for Luna who had been made a prefect for Ravenclaw House. After reading out all of the prefect information Mcgonnagol asked whether I would address the Head Boy, Head Girl and Prefects on the train. I happily obliged as she continued onto quidditch captains, reading my name out first. Having finished this she mentioned extra priviledges for eight years.

Slughorn asked, 'Who exactly will be returning to complete their eigth year as I feel that this may greatly influence the descision making process?'

Mcgonnagol nodded and replied, 'Harry, of course, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Ernie McMillan, Hannah Abott and Justin Finch-Fletchey.'

'So it's a small group of trustworthy students then,' Slughorn stated.

Kingsley said, 'Excuse me but would you mind if I interject? I have a limited experience with many of these students but the ones I do know are very mature, considered and have dealt with much more than most of us here can even imagine.' I felt that he was looking directly at me now, 'I know for certain that two friends of mine would have said that they are not children and have experienced more than most in the order.' I could feel tears welling in my eyes as he spoke of Sirius and Lupin. Kingsley winked and gave a supportiive smile, 'I think that these six young adults should be treated that way. Like young adults. We should allow them to be out of bed after hours, allow them access to common rooms and just two dormitorys between the six of them, away from other students. They should all have rights to prefects bathrooms and Harry the Defence Against the Dark Arts office which I will not be using.' As Kingsley spoke Harry could see why he had become minister. He was considered and collected as ever as hee firmly delivered his arguement. 

Then, Mcgonagol spoke, 'That all seems in order', Harry smiled, 'but I do see a problem arising with a certain seventh year Weasley girl, Mr Potter.' I could feel the colour rising in my cheeks. 

'Is it that obvious?' I asked.

'Ginny?' Hagrid asked.

'Harry', Slughorn interjected, ' I must say you were rather- courteous - at a particular dinner of mine.'

'Oh, yeah. Fine, we're busted.' I said with a grin on my face.

'So, what do you intend on doing? It is of course against the teachers code of conduct.'

I felt my heart beat rise. Mcgonnagal chuckled, 'I'm just joking, Mr Potter. I must say the look on your face was priceless.'

'We'll act like any other 7th/8th year couple proffesor.'

'Oh God, there's not another one is there?' She asked smiling.

'Afraid so Proffesor!' I smiled.

She laughed. 'Theres only six of you! I bet theres not that many teachers in relationships!'

'Probably not proffesor. Mind you I can't blame anyone. Look at us lot!'

'Don't go getting to comfortable Mr Potter. I am still your teacher after all!'