After The War ✔

Chapter 17: Hogwarts

Harry's P.O.V.

When we got off the train people started to crowd around me. Ginny tugged me by the hand and we made our way to the Great Hall. I didn't want to go in. But Hermione had already pushed open the doors. A loud roar echoed in my ears. Everyone was cheering for me. I awkwardly followed Hermione, Ron and Ginny to the Gryffindor Table. There I met Seamus and Dean. "Hey mate" Seamus exclaimed "No Voldemort following you around anymore." I laughed. "Nope but I did get taken by a few Death Eaters" I replied. "SERIOUSLY!" Seamus said a little too loud. Everyone turned to look at him. "Sorry" Seamus whispered "But did you really!" "Yeah" I answered. Ginny sat down beside me. "What are you talking about?" Ginny asked. "Oh how I nearly died from the Death Eaters if Malfoy hadn't saved me" I said calmly. Ginny shuddered. "I hated when that happened. Can we please not talk about this!!" "Sorry Gin," I said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Dean looked dark when I turned around again. Seamus whispered in my ear "He'll get over it. Just a bit jealous about you and Ginny." I nodded. Professor McGonagall stood up and said "Welcome new and returning students of Hogwarts." "For those of you who don't yet know me I am Professor McGonagall, Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" She continued. "Now we will start with the Sorting. Professor Weasley will you please." Everyone turned to see Bill Weasley standing there holding the Sorting Hat. Slowly he placed the Sorting Hat on the stool. The hat opened its mouth and sang.

Once the song ended, one by one Bill or Professor Weasley called out names. The list was long as many students last year didn't come to Hogwarts because of Voldemort. Once the sorting was finished Professor McGonagall stood up. "The Battle of Hogwarts was won but many lost their lives during the fight. To this day we will respect them and thank all of them for fighting so we could have a better life. Everyone please stand up in silence as we read the names of those who died in this terrible battle." I held Ginny's hand. Remus, Tonks, Colin, Snape. I felt Ginny's hand tense when Fred's name was read out. Once the names ended Professor McGonagall gave the students a minute of silence to remember those who fought and died. "Today we have a special visitor" Professor McGonagall said "Please welcome Kingsley Shacklebolt Minister for Magic." The great oak doors opened and in stepped Kingsley. Slowly he made his way up to where Professor McGonagall was standing and took the microphone. "Today I am here for something special. I am congratulating everyone who fought and survived in the war. I will read out your names and come up to receive a certificate" Kingsley said to the crowd of students. Many names were called out and some siblings came marching out the front to receive their brothers on sisters certificates. Ginny received one too. So did Neville and Luna. "The last three certificates come with a medal" Kingsley said "This is because these three people worked tirelessly against Voldemort and were on the run for a year." At once I knew it was Ron, Hermione and I. "First, to Hermione Jean Granger. One of the cleverest witches of all time. For helping Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley bring down Lord Voldemort." Hermione, pink faced walked up to Kingsley. Everyone clapped. "Second to Ronald Bilius Weasley for helping Harry and Hermione all throughout the year." Clapping started again. "Finally to Harry James Potter for the defeat of Voldemort. The most bravest and courageous man I've ever known." I didn't move. Ginny elbowed me in the ribs. I finally stood up. Cheers and yells erupted around me as I walked. Kingsley gave me the award and I bowed my head as an allowance to put the medal around my neck. I walked back down to the table embarrassed. Ginny gave me a smile. Soon Kingsley left and Professor McGonagall stood up to make another announcement. "There is one new change in staffing this year. Professor Weasley will be taking Defence Against the Dark Arts and is the new Head of Gryffindor House. I will still be teaching Transfiguration until a new suitable teacher can be found. Well dig in everyone!" After the feast Professor McGonagall called us 4 to see her. "I know that there's something between you 4" Professor McGonagall said looking at Ginny and I and Ron and Hermione. "I have made arrangements and there are 2 other Prefects this year as well. So I give you guys permission to choose who to sleep with in either the Head Girl or Boy rooms." "Now I don't want any pregnant girls this year so please take caution" Professor McGonagall added sternly before walking away. We all tramped up to the Head Boy/Girl dorm room. We pushed open the door to find a cosy lounge room heated by a fire. Ginny and I, well Ginny chose the Girl's room. We entered. It was amazing. On one side of the large room was a big brass double bed, drowning under a ludicrous number of pillows, as a chest of bedside drawers sat on either side of the bed. The walls around the bed were lined with shelves which were already home to numerous books. A beautiful burgundy carpet ran down the middle of the room to a door which opened up into a spacious bathroom, which contained both a shower and a large tub. I noticed the bathroom also contained two basins and mirrors, and he briefly wondered if that was a new addition for this year, as the rooms normally only had one person residing within them. On the right side of the room was a comfortable white sofa sitting in front of a fireplace. A large fluffy rug lay between the sofa and fireplace. Ginny and I also saw a long desk with enough space for two people to work at, up against the wall next to the door they had entered the room by. Ginny was shocked but then winked at me and said "Well it's ours now!" I picked Ginny up and carried her to the couch. There I kissed her passionately. We spent the rest of the night making out until we finally fell asleep embraced in each other's arms.