Harry Potter: Another Chance

Chapter 438: Recognition

Chapter 438: Recognition

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 438: Recognition

As Harry was passing by the Gryffindor table, his sister Lyra stopped him.

"Harry! By Merlin, you look normal again!" she exclaimed.

Harry had no doubt she was referring to his hair and eyes, which had now returned to their usual colors.

"I assure you that Merlin had nothing to do with that, thanks…" he responded.

"So you're completely recovered now?" Lyra asked.

Harry noticed the serious concern in her eyes and tried to offer a reassuring smile. "Yes, I feel great."

Of course, his current appearance was nothing more than a magical alteration. There was no way to regain what had been lost, but it was very simple for him to change a few of his physical features.

"You look very elegant too," Ginny added while eyeing his robes.

Harry nodded. "Thank you, Ginny." He wasn't a fan of these types of ceremonies, but he had at least put in the effort to look presentable.

After being called by the Minister once more, he had no choice but to continue moving toward the podium.

He heard a loud rumble of thunder and glanced upward.

The enchanted ceiling was working once more. As he had predicted, most of Hogwarts' functions had returned. Still, he knew it would take several decades for the massive Arkstone to fully recover the magic he had taken.

The school only used a small fraction of its power on a daily basis, but Harry had pushed the magical castle to its limits.

'Sorry,' he apologized again, uncertain if the castle could truly sense his remorse. But he still felt that what he did was necessary.

"Greetings, Harry. Come sit by my side," Dumbledore greeted him and gestured to the chair next to him.

"Hello, Professor." After sitting down, Harry briefly inquired about Dumbledore's injuries.

"I feel completely recovered and happy to be back doing some work. And I'm elated to see that you are much better as well," Dumbledore replied.

"Today, we are gathered here to honor two incredible wizards!" Minister Shacklebolt's voice resounded across the Great Hall, followed by a round of applause.

Harry took the opportunity to look around.

The professors were seated in their usual places, but an extra table had been added for the Ministry guests.

Other than his parents, there were familiar faces such as Alastor Moody, who looked distinctly uncomfortable and out of place in elegant robes.

Remus sat next to James, and several other members of the Order of the Phoenix were present. Molly and Arthur Weasley waved at Harry.

Several members of the Wizengamot were also in attendance, as they had voted to grant the awards. Harry wasn't sure of the council's current size, as many had likely died during the battle. Their family members might have filled the vacant seats, though they were probably reluctant to attend a ceremony honoring the person who had killed their former patriarchs.

He did spot the Lord and Lady of the Greengrass family, who offered him a polite greeting.

"For his bravery in the face of adversity and his sacrifice to protect the village of Hogsmeade…" The Minister signaled his assistant to present a medal to Dumbledore.

"I wish to present Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore with the Order of Merlin, First Class…"

The audience clapped and cheered as the Headmaster accepted the award.

"And now…" The Minister glanced at Harry. "To the wizard who accomplished the impossible. The one who defeated the terrorist known as Tom Riddle, or by his self-styled name… Lord Voldemort."

The Minister's bold statement provoked mixed reactions. Referring to the Dark Lord by both his true name and alias was startling to many. This was a deliberate choice by Shacklebotl to help remove the almost Godlike status that people had given Voldemort in their minds. It was a reminder that, at the end of the day, the Dark Lord was just a mortal being like everyone else, no matter how much he liked to say the opposite.

Some were offended by the Minister's words, as they saw them as disrespectful, but most were still afraid of Voldemort's name.

Despite the large number of witnesses, few truly understood the finality of what Harry had done. Many still believed Voldemort might return someday with a new army of undead.

It would take a long time for the fear of that monster to fade from people's minds.

Minister Shacklebolt continued his speech, listing Harry's accomplishments in saving the school, it's occupants, and also destroying the army of the dead Voldemort had summoned.

"I wish there was a higher honor I could bestow upon you, Mr. Potter, because I fear this one is insufficient for your deeds." The Minister signaled his assistant to present the medal.

"But please, accept this Order of Merlin, First Class, for now," Shacklebolt said.

Harry allowed the medal to be placed around his neck and nodded in acknowledgment.

The audience erupted in cheers.

"Yeah, Harry!" Lavender yelled.

"That's my brother!" Lyra screamed.

The ceremony concluded with a lengthy speech from the new Minister about the future of Magical Britain and what lay ahead.

Once it ended, dinner was served by the house-elves, and everyone began to eat.

Harry was seated at the teachers' table next to the Headmaster for the occasion.

Several professors mentioned how they looked forward to having him back in class.

But Harry was only half-listening. His attention was elsewhere.

His eyes moved to the Slytherin table. Despite the absence of many students, the table was filled with guest students from Durmstrang and parents attending the ceremony.

But among the crowd, he couldn't find the one he was searching for.

Daphne was nowhere to be seen.