Harry Potter: Another Chance

Chapter 437: Return to Hogwarts

Chapter 437: Return to Hogwarts

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I create.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 437: Return to Hogwarts

"An Order of Merlin?" Harry asked.

"First Class!" James stated with a wide grin.

"It's the highest honor that the Wizengamot can award," Lily added. "Not that I expect anything less after what you did." She said with a happy tone.

Harry furrowed his silver eyebrows. He didn't like public appearances.

His father, James, noticed his look and immediately knew what he was thinking. "Come on. The citizens of Magical Britain want to see their hero getting recognized. Even the newspapers are pushing for it,"

"Fine," Harry eventually relented to his father's wish.

It had been a week since Daphne's visit, and he was finally recovered enough to walk around, although he still needed the assistance of a cane to do so.

Both his parents had come home to celebrate. Holly and Victoria were also at home, but Lyra couldn't return until the end of the year, so she had to stay at school.

He hadn't heard from Daphne all week, but after thinking about it, Harry considered this a good thing. Staying in touch would only make things more difficult when he had to leave.

He noticed his mother giving him some strange looks, but before he could ask what they were about, his father jumped at him with the whole award ceremony idea.

"Great!" James exclaimed. "The award ceremony will take place in two weeks at Hogwarts."

"Wait… why at Hogwarts? The Wizengamot Council is the one giving the award," Harry said.

"They thought it would be appropriate since you're still a student and Dumbledore is the Headmaster…" James then realized something. "Oh, I guess I forgot to mention, but Dumbledore is also getting an award."

"It would make more sense if you were actually attending classes," Lily told Harry. "Speaking of… when do you think you'll be recovered enough to return? You're missing my wonderful lessons."

"Yeah, you should take advantage while you can. Who knows what kind of old fogey will be teaching next year," James added.

Feeling the stares of his parents, Harry knew he had to say something. But he couldn't just tell them there was no point in going back since he didn't plan to live much longer.

"I guess after the awards… I'll stay," Harry finally responded. Enduring a few weeks of classes was preferable to the alternative.

"That's wonderful," Lily said with a smile. "That reminds me…" She turned to look at Victoria.

Victoria scowled. "I've already talked about this. I have no intention of going back there. I'll finish my education independently and take the test when I'm of age."

Lily was clearly unhappy with that answer, but they had already discussed it, and there was no changing Victoria's mind.

"What about me? I want to go to school!" Holly pouted. "I'm bored here!"

Lily gave her youngest daughter a patient smile. "My love, you'll go to Hogwarts when it's time. You still have two more years to wait."

"But… I want to learn magic," she said. "Can Harry teach me?"

"You don't even have a wand yet," James interjected. "You need to be a bit patient."

Holly looked between Harry and her mother. "Can Harry teach me in two years, then?"

"That's…" Lily froze for a moment. Her eyes darted to Harry and quickly moved away. "I mean… sure. He can teach you then."

"Still… two years," Holly sighed.

"You know, I could give Holly a few lessons in runes, or even some basic potions. Those aren't dangerous and don't require a wand," Victoria suggested.

"You know? That's not a bad idea," James agreed.

"Are you sure?" Lily asked. "I know you're busy with the inheritance process."

"I can make some time for Holly," Victoria said, patting the little girl's head.

"Yes!" Holly exclaimed with joy.

<><><><><><><><><><>

The next two weeks passed in a flash.

Harry spent his time in his study, where he finally finished writing the new family Grimoire. He added a few extra things, like the formula for creating the magicite alloy he used for his jewelry.

This was mostly for Victoria, as she was the most qualified to put it to good use. But who knows what the future of his family might look like? Perhaps another Rune Master would appear generations from now and use it as well.

Before leaving, he set the broken pieces of his jewelry in a drawer at his desk. He could have asked Victoria to help him make new ones, but he had no use for them anymore.

The day of his return arrived...so after saying his goodbyes, he walked out to the garden and apparated away.

He chose to arrive at the giant doors of the Great Hall. He noted they were already closed, meaning that the ceremony had started.

"Oops… I'm a bit late," he muttered.

Someone was speaking loudly, announcing Dumbledore's award.

Harry placed a hand on one of the giant doors and pushed it open with little effort. Now that his body had completely recovered, such a feat was easy.

The speaker stopped mid-speech, and everyone in the hall turned to see who had opened the doors.

"Finally! Our other guest of honor has arrived!"

Harry recognized the speaker...it was none other than Kingsley Shacklebolt. Former Auror, member of the Order of the Phoenix, and now, the new Minister of Magic.

The hall erupted in murmurs as people recognized him. His month-long absence had only fueled the rumors about him, and at this point, he was the most talked-about topic in the school.

The Minister had to make an effort to calm the audience.

"Please, Mr. Potter, why don't you come this way?" Shacklebolt gestured toward an empty chair next to Dumbledore. "Now we can properly commence this ceremony!" he declared.