There was a guest reviewer who was curious about my logic behind the Muggle and Magical war, said it didn't make much sense, and that in the modern world, diplomacy would be attempted before anything else. Not the exact quote, but it was about what they said. With more thought, I think that, perhaps they're right when dealing with a cultural situation. I've posted a longer than usual author's note at the bottom, which connects two topics to explain my logic of why the situation is as it is for those who are curious. They may not seem linked at first, look a little deeper, you'll find they do have a connection. I've also changed things so that the attacks aren't quite as extreme as it was previously written, as giving that some further thought with the reviewer posted by the individual stated above, and conversation with them, I doubt it would be. My original logic had rather extreme ideas, but when dealing with two cultures, there's a lot more things than fear of the other that need to be considered.
Just a quick notice that the author's note at the bottom of the chapter does contain controversial topics that some have already been offended by. If you don't like them, I'm certainly not making you read anything here, or anything in my author's note.
I hope everyone finds the chapter enjoyable!
Chapter 46 Attacks, Retaliations, Resolutions, and the Family Life
Harry decided that, before he went to bed in his dormitory, which seemed very mundane compared to everything he'd recently been through, he'd go to his home to let Sharen and Sirius know he was all right. When he and Magic appeared in the sitting room, he heard Sharen gasp before she and Sirius grabbed both of them in a tight hug.
"Harry! You're okay!" Sharen cried almost desperately.
"Yes, I'm fine." Harry responded. "And are both of you okay?"
"Just fine, Harry." Sirius said, though his voice was trembling slightly. "We're doing okay."
"Good." Harry said. "I've got to get back to Hogwarts, but I wanted to let you both know that I'm okay."
"Harry, what about the war with the Muggles?" Sharen asked.
Harry stepped back, and still gripping his hand, Magic did the same.
"It's going to happen, I'm sure of it." Harry said. "It might start here, or somewhere else. But it'll happen eventually."
"What do we do?" Sharen asked.
"About that, nothing. There's nothing we can do." Harry responded. "But, given what's happened to you twice now, Sharen, I highly recommend you don't go back to work."
Sharen let out a bit of a chuckle, then said, "You're telling me. I won't go back to work, Harry, not until I can figure out how to protect myself against being attacked. Do you think you could help with that?"
"Maybe." Harry said. "But I don't know how to do that without keeping part of my magic with you, which isn't something I'd like to do. I'd feel rather lonely with part of myself so far away."
"I understand that." Sharen said after a long moment. "Then, Harry, I'll stay here."
"Good." Harry replied.
"Harry." Sirius said. "Thanks for rescuing us."
"If I'm ever given a chance to rescue you both from such situations, I will." Harry responded. "I wouldn't leave you both to be killed, not if I could do anything to help."
"Anything else we ought to know before you go?" Sharen asked.
"I'm an Unspeakable." Harry stated.
The silence was deafening for about a second. Sirius then started to laugh, then said, "I knew you were the one who took care of those Death Eaters! Went back in time, did you?"
"That was the only way to do everything without suspicion." Harry said. "It's not something I like doing, though."
"Why?" Sirius asked.
"It's risky. I don't want to make a paradox that'll make me disappear, which is possible if I don't follow the warnings I feel." Harry said.
"Oh." Sirius responded. "Well, I'm glad you understand that, and don't take any unnecessary risks."
"So am I." Harry responded.
"You have fun at Hogwarts. Stay out of trouble, and try to keep your killing of Dark Lords down to one a year, will you? I don't want to be taken hostage more than that." Sharen said casually. Harry and Sirius laughed.
"Okay, you two have fun. Keep safe." Harry said, and in another moment, he and Magic were standing outside the Hogwarts entrance doors. Here we go, Harry thought.
The news that Harry had defeated Voldemort for good this time, spread rather quickly. Despite many of the students loving him for what he'd done, there were those who didn't. However, they met with the unpleasant effects of their own spells, and broken bones whenever they tried to attack either Harry or Magic. Trying to attack their friends succeeded in some cases, but Harry had found a neat little trick he could use, which wouldn't present a paradox and wouldn't cause any problems with time. Using the same magic he used to create the magical portal for Rose to walk through, Harry was able to look into the past of one or more of his friends, and through such use, discover who the attackers had been. Despite what Daphne had once told Harry about allowing people to help themselves, Harry didn't want to continue seeing his friends attacked more viciously. Rather than protect them, Harry simply went after the attackers, and told them in no uncertain terms that, should they continue attacking his friends, the repercussions would be worse than being levitated upside down in front of the doors to the Great Hall. That, though embarrassing in itself, didn't stop the attacks, nor did the points taken from the attackers or the detentions they gained. Not for the first time did Harry find himself reflecting on the ridiculous persistence of people who simply didn't know when to stop. Eventually, through the lost points of the students, as well as his aggressive persistence in identifying them positively in questioning by the teachers, the attackers of his friends had students from their own houses turning against them, and preventing them from losing more points by attacking Harry's friends. Harry found the solution to be quite satisfactory.
Since the Triwizard Tournament had been stopped by Harry, the teachers elected to bring back the Quidditch cup for Hogwarts, and, to the dismay of some at Hogwarts, the guests from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons left only a week or so after the tournament was officially ended. Many of the students were eager to enjoy more Quidditch matches, though they were also disappointed that they wouldn't see the tasks for the tournament come to fruition. Harry, as he usually did, remained in the common room during the Quidditch matches, and as he wanted of her, Magic stayed with him.
The rest of the year passed uneventfully, and with Magic's help in understanding the theory behind different forms of magic, Harry found he was able to grasp its understanding more so than before. What really helped, though, was his own sensing of magic and how it worked, getting deep in the intricacies of various pieces of magic, and learning how to sense the energy that existed within everything, not just anything that was alive. It was a difficult and time consuming task, but Harry was beginning to sense objects in a fashion, and thought that his real work probably wouldn't involve N.E.W.T's at Hogwarts, though he didn't doubt he'd eventually get them.
To Harry's surprise, he was contacted by Minister Bones during the summer before his fifth year at Hogwarts, and to his delight, was offered to have Magic registered officially as a person in the Ministry of Magic's eyes, which would lead to her official attendance of classes at Hogwarts. This didn't change much between Harry and Magic, but could potentially provide Magic with opportunities that she wouldn't have had otherwise.
Harry's fifth year brought its own challenges, but of a different sort. Rather than battling any enemies, Harry had to contend with people continuing to proposition him into relationships with them, claiming that he was old enough now, and even some of the more aggressive women tried to relentlessly show him how good just one kiss would be. After running from one of them, Harry had found Daphne, who, in a rather amused voice, had told him he looked as if he'd need help in the future, and had quite directly offered to be his girlfriend if he'd have her. This, in turn, led to their discussing more of a long term relationship, and Harry telling her that he hoped she didn't want to be in a relationship with him just to help him out. The discussion had grown more serious after that, and both seemed to get along well in their new relationship. As a result, Daphne often held Harry's hand in place of Magic, who now walked behind them, still remaining with Harry as she always had. Somewhat concerned about what Daphne would think of Magic always remaining with them, Harry asked her one night in the Gryffindor common room. Daphne had simply told him that he wouldn't be Harry without Magic near, and had left it at that.
During the middle of their fifth year at Hogwarts, and into the sixth, Harry watched with amusement as relationships came and went between his friends and other people, while he and Daphne remained in a fairly steady relationship. They spoke about things with each other, though, and Magic's direct views and objective analysis when they argued, served to help both of them look at things more clearly. Harry tended to do so more so than Daphne, though, as he wasn't nearly as emotional as she. Many times, Daphne simply needed time to calm down, or just take some time away from him for a while until she could sort out whatever disagreement had upset her. Harry didn't mind that, though, and he was learning how to better get along with her.
Ron's relationship with Hermione didn't last very long, though from what Harry heard, his relationship with Lavender Brown was equally short. During the day when Ron and Hermione's relationship ended, he asked Harry, a bit angrily, how it was that he was in a relationship with two women so well. Harry informed him of the situation, told him that he'd be in a more intimate relationship with Magic than he would be with anyone else due to their natures, but explained, quite clearly, that he and Magic's intimacy was quite different than what he shared with Daphne. In fact, as Harry grew older, his physical attraction to Magic faded, and within his mind, their relationship grew just as platonic as it had been on the outside since he and Daphne's relationship began. Still angry, Ron had somewhat rudely informed Harry that it seemed he could do everything right, and Daphne explained, quite calmly, that Ron's difficulty lie in his difficulty in communicating. She pointed out where he might improve, and gave him several ideas on how he might become better at staying in a relationship longer. Ron had calmed down during their discussion, and jokingly remarked that if Daphne wasn't with Harry, he'd have asked her out. Daphne had responded, just as jokingly, that she wouldn't have minded a relationship with him as long as he was willing to learn from his mistakes, and make an effort to change.
Harry wasn't too surprised to learn that Tracey Davis had gotten together with Neville Longbottom. And, as for Hermione, she seemed to love her books and knowledge with a single-mindedness that not many wanted to tolerate. As far as Harry knew, she never got into any sort of relationship with anyone at Hogwarts, not a relationship that stuck, at any rate. She continued, in futility, to advertise S.P.E.W. Harry and Magic stopped trying to tell her anything about it, though that didn't dampen her determination to see it through. Things continued to proceed fairly uneventfully until the summer before Harry's seventh year.
News on the wireless spoke about the statute of secrecy, and how important it was to maintain. Unfortunately, such a speech did nothing at all to stop Muggles from noticing several oddities in their own satellite images, which were magically warded dwellings, or places like Sharen's house that were hidden by the Fidelius Charm. Just as Harry had predicted, technology was advancing faster than the Magical people could keep up with, and with the greater use of computers and the ability to precisely record video clips that couldn't be mind wiped, Muggles were capturing magical events with greater frequency despite the magical and muggle ministers, at least in England, working together in an effort to hide what was going on. The Muggle that Voldemort had captured wasn't mentioned at all, so Harry could only assume he wasn't involved in the discoveries. Because of the news and assuming the worst, Harry worked with Professor Dumbledore over the summer, trying to help him reproduce the impenetrable ward that Harry was able to produce with ease. Professor Dumbledore, while able to sense magic somewhat, couldn't do so nearly as well as Harry, which had led to many failures, on his part, to properly produce the ward as he'd done. Professor Dumbledore was confident that the protections on Hogwarts would keep the school safe enough to evacuate if the Muggles attacked it, though, and Harry agreed.
Harry's seventh year was uneventful in terms of his schooling, and he and Magic were able to pass all of their N.E.W.T. tests with outstanding scores. Magic's scores were perfect, which Harry had expected, though his weren't quite as good. They were close, though, and Harry had been offered an Auror's job as a result of his good work. It was a job he didn't take, though. Daphne, who had also done well on her exams, decided to apply to work in the Department Of Mysteries, so the two of them could possibly work together. Magic had sedately remarked that Daphne seemed to be attempting a romantic gesture, and Harry happily told them both that she'd succeeded.
Several times throughout the school year, Professor Dumbledore announced news about the Muggles and their attacks, as well as the failed diplomatic solutions that had been attempted. The attacks, for the moment, were rogue groups of Muggles, and weren't sanctioned by the Muggle government, though such attacks led Harry to imagine the worst. While this led to some magicals being rather hateful toward the Muggles, it also led to Harry trying to explain their point of view, though given that he didn't quite understand it too well himself, the explanation didn't go very well until Magic brought up some points regarding certain things Harry was afraid of, such as Hagrid's giant dog, Fang. Harry was then able to draw a comparison between fear and violence, and hopefully, diverted some students from a path of violence that would, ultimately, do more harm than good.
Anyone of age, no longer in school, and competent enough to defend themselves well, was drafted to fight for the safety and security of the wizarding world. Harry thought fighting would only increase the violence. It caused the witches and wizards to be driven back in some areas, unprepared for the ferocity of Muggle terrorist attacks and the power of their weapons, which led them to realize that Muggles were far more powerful than they'd believed them to be. The Muggle Studies class had taken a grimmer turn due to the attacks from the Muggles, and rather than talking about pleasant topics, the teacher introduced them to the power of Muggle weapons, and how they could be used to defeat a witch or wizard, as well as tactics they might use against such weapons. It was sad that such things were required, Harry thought, and wondered if the government would start launching their own attacks soon.
Rose Landry, Harry's partner in advanced magic, was killed during her attempt to protect a group of injured witches and wizards. She fought valiantly, but in the end, she'd used a magical shield that protected everyone against physical attacks, to protect them against a great number of bullets. The strain on her magic was tremendous, and Rose died in agony. Harry had remained with her throughout her death, which had become increasingly painful for her as the time passed. Despite everything Harry attempted, her magic had simply been too unstable to heal. Not even binding it had stopped it from killing her. Due to the loss, Harry had almost spiraled into a depression. Unsurprisingly, Daphne attempted to help him grieve, though when she failed, Magic interceded, Daphne watching as she relentlessly asked Harry the same questions many times, guiding him through logical reasoning to show him that he wasn't responsible, and shouldn't blame himself for anything that had happened. It had taken a few hours for Harry to look beyond his emotions, and unknown to him, but known to Magic, Daphne, while observing as Magic held Harry and helped him, had been silently crying with tears quietly rolling down her cheeks. As it turned out, Daphne felt quite upset that she hadn't been able to help Harry, and using similar logic, Magic had told Daphne that she could learn from what she witnessed, and help him better in the future. Harry learned of the conversation between she and Magic later on, though decided it best if he didn't say anything to Daphne about what he'd learned, only took her reaction into account for the next possible situation.
In July of 1998, Harry and Daphne were married in a wedding that wasn't nearly the elaborate weddings he'd overheard Tracey excitedly prattling to Daphne about. It was a small, simple ceremony that consisted of their closest friends, Sharen, Sirius, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Dumbledore, who officiated the ceremony. According to Tracey, it was one of the least extravagant weddings she'd ever been to, more focused on the expression of Harry and Daphne's relationship than expressing aesthetic beauty. According to Daphne, their relationship was more important to her than how anything looked. Harry enjoyed the wedding, and as usual, Magic observed with her usual calm. That night, Harry and Daphne grew far more intimate with each other, and Magic, of course, wasn't invited. Harry didn't mind that, and while he and Daphne spent the night in their room, Magic spent it with Sharen and Sirius, who seemed to be taking their own relationship slowly.
About a month after Harry and Daphne married, Harry was contacted by the Minister of Magic, and was told he was required to attend a negotiation with the Muggle government. When asking why, Harry had been informed that the Muggles demanded they bring their most powerful wizards to the meeting. Minister Bones didn't sound happy about the entire situation, though Harry was glad that the Muggles were willing to talk rather than aggressively attack as he'd originally thought.
Deciding it would be best if he went alone, after telling Daphne about the situation, he left Magic with her, and teleported himself to the building where the meeting would be held, thoughts of Daphne's tender kiss on his mind. Before he'd left, she'd wished him luck, and as Harry appeared in the designated apparation zone, he heard a firm voice speak.
"Don't move."
Harry remained still and heard footsteps approach.
"Let me see your wand." The man stated.
"I don't have one." Harry responded, feeling the tension of those around him and hearing it in the man's voice.
"You must be Harry Potter, then." The man stated. "Yes, we've got you registered in our records already."
"Yes, I'm Harry Potter." He replied.
"I will escort you to the conference room." The man responded, some coolness in his tone.
Harry took the man's arm and was led into the building, up a couple floors of steps, and as they walked through the halls, Harry could hear whispers and quiet, but vicious comments being made toward him. He wasn't surprised they knew he was a wizard by now, and knew their comments were likely made out of fear. He thought that with groups of Muggles, or individuals, reactions would likely be more aggressive and vicious. When governments and an entire civilization was involved, however, he imagined things would probably take longer to work out. After all, they couldn't simply wipe out all witches and wizards, and the attempt could likely destroy much of their own population due to the potential aggressive retaliation by the Magicals.
Harry was led into a room that was filled with complete silence. He almost thought no one was there, but could feel the magic from several witches and wizards, and also felt the presence of the Muggles in the room. After being taken to his assigned chair, he sat at a large, round table, and found himself sitting next to Professor Dumbledore. He realized a pattern in the witches and wizards there, and, just as Minister Bones had stated, the most powerful had arrived, as well as the leaders and the influential in the magical government.
"Now that we're all here, we can get started." Harry heard another man's voice state firmly. "We've heard a great deal about your magical powers. We want to know their full extent, and we want to know exactly how many Muggles you've memory modified or manipulated over the years of secrecy."
"Prime Minister, you seem to be under the belief that we are a threat to you." Professor Dumbledore stated calmly.
"You are." The Prime Minister replied. "We've heard about the rogue attacks, some by rather powerful groups of people in our country. And, not only have we heard about your defensive measures, we were able to obtain information from one of your own about much of your abilities."
"I presume that is why you wished the most powerful witches and wizards to be here." Minister Bones said.
"That's right." The Prime Minister stated. "Now. You know what information we want. And I think the one who should begin our little gathering of information, is Harry Potter here. We know he can do anything."
"That's not true, Prime Minister." Harry responded.
"Are you calling my military advisers liars?" The Prime Minister asked in a louder, firmer voice.
"Just misinformed." Harry responded, keeping his calm quite easily. "I do have limits like any magical user, though my abilities are more advanced, I'll admit to that. But I'm no threat to you."
"Maybe you want to clarify why? Because your vanishing spells could cause anyone or anything to disappear! Perhaps you know about the mysterious disappearances that have happened over the years, do you?" The Prime Minister asked.
"Anyone's vanishing spells could make people or objects disappear, sir. And, I've been told that there was once a Prime Minister who knew of the magical world." Harry said. "Clearly, you're not him. What exactly happened to him?"
"He was voted out of office for concealment of this magical world. And to be honest, that concealment is likely going to get you into a great deal of trouble unless you start giving us the information we want to know." The Prime Minister stated.
"I wonder why Magic wasn't invited here, then." Harry said.
"Who?" The Prime Minister asked.
"If you heard about me, I'm surprised you didn't hear about Magic." Harry responded.
"This Magic is who, exactly? We know you're powerful, that you defeated some Voldemort at three months old. That's it. Apparently, the woman we got our information from wasn't as well informed as we'd have liked her to be. Retired on some beach not long after that defeat of this Voldemort, apparently, said she'd wanted out of the wizarding world. So, care to fill us in?" The Prime Minister asked.
"Magic is my magic." Harry responded. "And, just as powerful as I. I'll bring her here if you want."
"You'll do so." The Prime Minister stated coolly.
Magic stood behind him with a thought, though it took her a few seconds to arrive. As she did so, she stated in his mind, 'I informed Daphne I was required to leave.'
Harry heard the sounds of guns being cocked and aimed, then Magic's familiar, sedate tones stated, "I intend no harm. I was expected. Lower your weapons."
"Do it." The Prime Minister said, then added, "And you, Magic, explain just how you got through our apparation wards that I was assured were on this building."
"Harry and I transport using a method that isn't apparating." Magic stated.
"Exactly what is this method, then?" The Prime Minister asked, sounding both angry and afraid.
"If this meeting is going to be about pure suspicion and an unwillingness to listen to me, or us, for who we are rather than who you think we are, then, to be quite honest, I've got a wife at home that I could be spending time with." Harry responded, calm, but his voice a bit cool.
"Sir." Harry heard a woman's voice say quietly, she speaking in almost a whisper. Her voice became quieter after that, though, and while Harry heard her continuing to whisper something, he didn't understand what. After a few moments, the Prime Minister sighed heavily.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Potter." He said. "Perhaps I've been a bit strong in my reaction, but you can't blame me, can you? I, frankly, find the idea of a magical world terrifying. So did the Prime Minister's advisers when they found out."
"Since the prior Prime Minister was voted out of office, I'd imagine that a lot of Muggles found it terrifying, too." Harry calmly reasoned.
"Yes, they did." The Prime Minister responded. "In fact, we've got a team of scientists trying to analyze that portrait in his office right now, along with the... What's it called, Floo connection. They haven't discovered anything about either. And, to be honest, that terrifies me most of all. Exactly how many magical people might be working within our government that we don't know about? We already know about Shacklebolt here, and after our Doctors ran a battery of tests on him, do you know what they found?"
"No." Harry said.
"Nothing. Not a single thing." The Prime Minister replied.
Harry found himself wondering exactly why, if the Muggles had Mr. Shacklebolt working within their government, they hadn't simply gotten information from him. Though, Harry thought it was possible that the Magicals had ordered him to keep their secrets given that they were so used to hiding themselves. And, at this point, the Muggles didn't seem to be going to any extremes such as torture to gain information.
"Given everything you've told us, I, personally, cannot blame you for your feelings." Professor Dumbledore interjected. "However, Prime Minister, I believe you have nothing to worry about from the majority of us."
"What about this Voldemort fellow, he still dead? Or did some magic bring him back to life?" The Prime Minister asked.
"He's quite dead, I can assure you of that." Minister Bones responded.
"We'd be glad to show you, and tell you what we're capable of doing, but your suspicion is unfounded." A man's low, calm voice said. Harry found it vaguely familiar.
"Very well, then, Mr. Shacklebolt." The Prime Minister replied, though seemed a bit uncertain. "But I still want all the information I told you I wanted in the beginning of our meeting."
"We don't keep records on every Muggle we've obliviated." Minister Bones said. "Only that it was done, the time, and the reason why, so we can't give you exact numbers on that."
"Fine." The Prime Minister stated after a few moments past. "All those records will do, then, and I want this obliviation to stop."
"And what about the violence that might occur if some aren't obliviated of certain things they see?" A woman that Harry wasn't familiar with interjected. "There are times when it's necessary."
"I can think of only one time when it's necessary, truly necessary." Harry added. "If someone was to see something so traumatizing that they couldn't function unless their memory is wiped, that might be acceptable. But even then, I'm not in agreement with obliviation at all. It's too much like manipulation for my taste. Given that the magical world is clearly known about now, I think that ought to be outlawed, personally."
"Though you are an unspeakable, Mr. Potter, and you have authority in certain matters, making law isn't one of them." Minister Bones said. "I'd ask that you not suggest something unless it's in your particular field or fields of study."
Harry quietly nodded to that, though didn't see anything wrong with his suggestion. After hearing a slight buzzing sound, he heard the Prime Minister pick up a phone and ask, "Yes?"
He heard someone's voice faintly through the phone, which almost sounded like it was shouting. Glass shattered quite suddenly, and Harry heard some people screaming in fear.
"Everyone stop right now!" A man's voice shouted furiously.
Harry stood to his feet and turned to face the man, hearing guns being aimed. From the sound of things, it was likely a show of force from a pure-blood, or at least, an attempt at a show of force. To Harry's slight surprise, he heard Magic step around him.
"You are being illogical." She stated.
"I don't think so." The man said, then Harry heard a shout of pain. Focusing on the magic, he realized the man was on a broom, and opening his link of knowledge with Magic, Harry saw the man pressing his wand to the head of a woman who's face was white with terror. Shattered glass from the window lay throughout the room, and the man was sneering.
"This is a demonstration to you Muggles that you don't belong a part of our world!" The man shouted furiously.
"And this is precisely the prejudice that's going to get you killed or imprisoned." Minister Bones stated in response, her voice cool and firm. "You may kill her in your attempt to prove pure-blood superiority, but it's not going to amount to anything in the end. Put down the woman, drop your wand, get off your broom, and turn yourself in."
"I don't think so." The man snarled furiously. "First, you want demonstrations Prime Minister? I'll give you a demonstration as to exactly why we're better than you!"
Harry saw the wand raise through Magic's knowledge, but his wasn't the only one. The hostage woman flung herself into the man while grabbing the broom handle with her other hand. Both spun out of control and the man cried out as they slammed into the floor. The woman hit him with her fist before leaping up and snapping the broom over her leg. She still looked terrified, perhaps more so than before, and Harry heard her starting to sob as she staggered quickly away from him. Shutting off his link of knowledge now that the danger seemed to be over, Harry heard Muggle and Magical law enforcement both approaching the man, who's wand, from the sound of things, had been snapped. It didn't take them long to take the man from the room, he cursing the entire way.
"Is that supposed to demonstrate to me that you're not a danger to us?" The Prime Minister asked.
"As you, I'm certain, have radicals in your world Prime Minister, we do as well. None of us are perfect people, here." Minister Bones stated in response. "If you'll allow me, sir, I can repair that window for you."
The Prime Minister said nothing. Harry felt the repairing magic, heard the glass in the window come back together in its previous form, and felt that this meeting wasn't likely to get anywhere any time soon.
"I want everyone but my military advisers out of here. Now." The Prime Minister stated coolly.
Without a word, Harry teleported he and Magic back to their house, where he found Daphne sitting on the couch and closing a book. He heard her stand.
"What happened?" She asked. "Did it go well?"
"I'm afraid not." Harry replied with a sigh.
It didn't take long for the Muggles to launch a strike on the Ministry of Magic, which had grown less lax in its security since Harry's seventh year. As a result, the Muggles weren't able to gain entry, and only succeeded in destroying the phone booth, one of the Ministry of Magic's entry points. Aurors working at the Ministry of Magic calmly sent them back to the Prime Minister's office with a message that they were interested in peaceful cooperation, not war. There were some groups of Muggles that didn't get the message, though, and Harry heard about a plane that flew over a magical village and launched missiles at its inhabitants. Aurors were quick to respond, though, and with Harry's work with magic and electricity, it was a simple matter to spell the missiles inert, shut down the plains electronics, and levitate them gently to the ground. The Prime Minister had been brought to examine the situation at his request, and after such a display of pushing for peace, he didn't ignore the witches and wizards any further.
There were many witches and wizards who didn't agree with cooperation and peace, and feared Muggles just as Muggles feared them. Harry heard about attacks between such Muggles and Magicals, some of which destroyed small areas and burned homes to the ground. Such attacks, however, were less common than brawls in bars, or a single wizard spouting pure-blood superiority, killing as many as he could, and being arrested shortly after. While such attacks occurred with independent groups of individuals that weren't sanctioned by either the Muggle or Magical governments, the Muggle and Magical governments were slowly learning to work together. Witches and Wizards were so focused on secrecy, though, that they didn't quite enjoy giving up all their information, especially information they thought of as tactically sensitive. So far, that was a point that seemed one of contention between Muggles and Magicals, as each claimed they had the right to keep certain things secret, but each wanted to know what they other had due to their fear of the power behind what they possessed. As a result of the contention, and Harry's continual suggestions, he was placed in a position of diplomacy rather than continued work with the Unspeakables. As Harry knew about the Magical and Muggle cultures, experienced prejudice from both, and seemed to be more objective than others in such emotional situations, he was able to reach certain compromises between both parties, though it was by no means easy. Aggression and prejudice still existed, though, and Harry imagined it likely always would.
As a result of some of the compromises, Muggles gave up general specifications on nuclear weapons and the power they could possess, and the Magicals gave up information on the unforgivable curses. When the Muggles and Magicals began to shout at one another regarding the others information, Harry loudly and calmly interrupted them both, stating that each was just as bad as the other. After all, a nuclear weapon caused radiation fallout that could, in some cases, slowly kill people who would die in agony, or might cause damage to them for the rest of their lives, and the Cruciatus curse caused such agony that a person might as well be dead once they were driven to a state of dysfunction and madness. Needless to say, such information caused silence on both sides, and an uneasy settlement was reached.
On July 1, 2000, Harry woke to Daphne crying out in pain, and Magic calmly informing him that she was in labor. Harry felt a bit of worry at that pronouncement, and Daphne asked Magic to help her. Harry wanted to get Daphne to the hospital, but when Magic calmly told him that she wanted to do what Daphne wished, Harry chuckled a bit despite the situation, held Daphne's hand as she went through the pains of labor, and about a half hour later, she gave birth to a baby girl whom they named Rose Lily Potter, after Rose Landry, who had taught Harry and had become a close friend, and Lily, Harry's mother, who had died for him. They'd discussed what they'd name their child should they either be a boy or a girl before hand, and Magic had found the names appropriate.
Harry wasn't quite sure why Rose was fairly stoic, but perhaps it had something to do with his own nature. She rarely cried loudly, only doing so when she needed something quite badly. For the most part, she behaved well, and at one year of age, was able to talk with almost perfect precision. Able to sense her Magic, Harry found that, while she wasn't nearly as powerful as he and Magic were, Rose was far more powerful than many other witches and wizards. She displayed intentional control of her magic at quite a young age as well, though didn't understand magic as intuitively as he or Magic did. As a result of raising Rose, Harry and Daphne weren't quite as active in their jobs as before, though they still worked, Harry in negotiations, and Daphne now in the Auror department, as she found that more satisfying than being an Unspeakable. Magic watched Rose while they were gone, and from what Harry was aware of through his magical link of knowledge, Rose behaved fairly well, though like any child, she did things that Harry and Daphne hadn't wanted her to do, trying and failing to get away with them when they were gone. Magic punished her just as Harry and Daphne had asked, so Rose's lifestyle remained fairly consistent whether they were with her or not.
Despite the Magical and Muggle governments learning how to cooperate with one another and work together, Harry still heard passionate speeches through the wireless. Some were made by Muggles, who believed Magicals were a danger to the population that needed to be wiped out. There were other such speeches from Wizards as well, who took the opposite position. Still other speeches were made by people like Hermione, and other half-bloods or Muggle-born's, who believed cooperation could be better for the future of both societies. Debates, set up by people who claimed they were going to peacefully support their positions, sometimes degenerated into violent fights or vicious name calling by both the debaters and the watching audience. Harry did his best to keep Rose from watching such things, though she, being quite curious, found a way to do so anyway. After explaining the seriousness of listening to him yet again, Harry, having previously warned Rose about her punishment, bound her magic for precisely one second. Though he was against such a thing, Daphne had spoken with him and told him that, Rose being more powerful than other magicals, he might have to punish her in such a way. She also compared it to taking something from a child that they really loved, such as a toy, and Harry had grudgingly agreed to it. Daphne had told him she, too, didn't much like punishing Rose and seeing her hurt. Predictably, Rose had cried quite loudly after her magic had been bound, and continued even when Harry released the binding. It took her about thirty minutes to calm down, in which time Harry hugged her and rocked her comfortingly, then Rose began to ask him questions about the situation between Muggles and Magicals. Having never wanted to lie to Rose, only keep her from seeing certain things while being so young, Harry decided to tell her the truth in its full detail, and as things were peaceful for the most part, Rose wasn't as afraid as Harry imagined she'd have been if Magicals and Muggles were in outright war. Despite his negotiations, Harry wondered if things weren't too good to be true.
The Muggle government began to insist that Muggles be placed deep within the wizarding government, though when the wizarding government insisted on the same, the Muggles grew rather irate, claiming that Witches and Wizards already worked within their governmental system. Harry once again pointed out objectivity for both sides, telling them a compromise, that it was quite fair for Muggles to work within the Ministry of Magic, just as Magicals already worked in the Muggle government, though there weren't too many that did. Threats were stated by the Muggles that, given that the wizarding population was much lower than that of the Muggles, it wouldn't be difficult to keep them under control. The Magicals told the Muggles that, should they try any such thing, they'd simply be obliviated of the entire situation. Such a ridiculous statement would have made Harry laugh if the situation hadn't been so serious, as so many people now knew of the Magical world, it had grown quite impossible to cover up. He'd seen how people would forget such obvious things when dealing with heeded emotions, though, and wasn't terribly surprised.
The negotiations continued as the years passed, and while Magical and Muggle authorities were starting to work more deeply with one another, Muggles in the Ministry of Magic, just as some Magicals worked with the Muggle military, there were many other things that needed to be discussed, such as integration of the two education systems, or how Magicals and Muggles could work together in common activities. While such things were discussed, there were still attacks from both sides, labeled by both the Magical and Muggle governments as terrorist attacks. Such aggressive attitudes weren't looked on highly, and though the two governments and societies seemed to be learning to work together, Harry still felt that there was tension and mistrust on both sides. Given that the Magical world had been hidden from the Muggles for so long, and Muggles were suspicious of these people that could manipulate and modify memories at any time without their knowledge, he wasn't surprised. The wizarding world as a whole was resistant to change, and talks with the Muggles were bringing about drastic changes in a far shorter amount of time than they were used to. While some things were dealt with in days, others took weeks, months, or even years to determine.
The terrorist attacks by Muggles resulted, most unfortunately, in Daphne losing her disowned family. Harry had grieved with her, and while Daphne had initially been bitter and angry, she eventually told Harry that she'd always held out hope that she'd be able to reconcile her differences with her family. Harry hugged her as she talked, and after she'd cried herself to sleep over the period of a few nights, she began to calm down, and grew more passionate about looking, in detail, at both sides of a situation before blindly proceeding based on little information. She took some risks due to her new outlook, by finding terrorist outposts and giving them information they didn't want to see. Some terrorists didn't listen and tried to attack her, though Daphne, at her request to Harry, had Magic's protection when she left for such places, so she wouldn't be harmed. She left such outposts without their weapons, leaving them defenseless to the authorities that would then come and arrest everyone there. Other terrorist outposts disbanded after looking at all the information. Still others claimed they would disband, but hid themselves so they couldn't be found.
Eventually, Harry was able to reach a settlement with the Muggles regarding the education systems. They were inherently incompatible with each other accept for mathematics and astronomy, and while Witches and Wizards were being allowed to learn things at Muggle schools, the opposite wasn't possible, since magic was required for many of the subjects at magical schools.
Further advances in Muggle technology allowed genetic information to be examined more easily, to detect who was magical and who wasn't, though perhaps technology wasn't quite the right word. Magical and Muggle inventors were working, perhaps grudgingly with each other, for the goal of expanding the knowledge about the world. With Harry's work on Magic and electricity, the Muggle technology and magical innovations could be blended to produce things that were far more powerful than either would be on its own. Unfortunately, to Harry's distaste, this included weaponry. When the Magical and Muggle military began working to increase the power of weapons in general, for what they claimed were defensive purposes only, Harry refused to help them come to an agreement on how to do so, as he was quite against violence in any form. It wasn't long after that when he left negotiations behind, which he found rather delightful, as he'd grown tired of the Magical and Muggle governments talking back and forth, stating needless threats, and eventually coming to grudging agreements with each other.
Harry spent his time raising Rose, who was glad to have him home more often than he had been. He answered her questions, showed her magic, and kept up with the Magical and Muggle news, which were still separated from each other for the moment. Unfortunately, suspicion from the Muggles kept the negotiations, which Harry had helped along, from going much further despite another person who had lived in both cultures negotiating with both sides. The statement by the Muggles was that, should they make any concessions, they had no real way of knowing that the Magicals weren't modifying their memories, or hadn't modified them already. The issue was one of trust, and Harry hoped they could eventually bridge that gap. The terrorist attacks, some organized and others not, which came from both Muggles and Magicals, didn't help in that regard, and perhaps because of the mistrust, Muggles had demanded that Magicals going to Hogwarts be filed in their systems. Harry found the request rather reasonable, but even the news seemed bias toward keeping the Magical world as hidden as possible. The Muggles and Magicals both needed to learn how to get passed their past issues of violence, fear, and mistrust, and Harry didn't know how long it would take.
By the time Rose was eleven, Diagon Alley had changed in a few different ways. The robes shops that were available, not only sold robes, but some Muggle clothes as well. Quills and parchment were being replaced with pens and paper, Something Rose had hoped would happen, as she'd struggled with using a Quill when she'd tried one of Daphne's once. Harry, Daphne and Magic took Rose shopping for her school supplies, and on September 1, took her to Kings Cross station and identified her to a man carrying a portable computer, who was entering information on who was going to Hogwarts, what their names were, and when they were born. After hugging Harry, Magic and Daphne, Rose hurried on to the train, quite excited to attend Hogwarts. Harry remained in the station with Daphne and Magic as the train pulled out of the station, listening to its sound fade into the distance, feeling a strange longing to be back at Hogwarts again.
"You will miss her." Magic stated.
"Yes, I will." Harry responded. "Won't you?"
"Yes." Magic replied.
"She's promised to write us both every day." Daphne said as they began walking toward the exit. "I wonder how long it'll be until she forgets."
"I don't think she will." Harry said. "She might not write us sometimes, but I think she'll remember. Her memories almost as good as Magic's is."
Daphne left platform Nine and Three Quarters first, then Harry and Magic came behind her. With a thought, Harry teleported them back to their home, then Harry heard Daphne sigh.
"What is it?" He asked.
"I'm just wondering how long it'll be until Muggles start trusting us." Daphne said.
"They're just afraid." Harry replied. "They don't understand magic, can't manipulate it, and know of its power. My guess, it'll take generations, if it'll happen at all."
"Do you think Muggles and Magicals will eventually trust each other?" Daphne asked.
"I don't know." Harry responded. "In my diplomatic work, I researched things of this nature. Eventually, things seem to be resolved, but there's always going to be people out there who don't trust Magicals, and Magicals who don't trust Muggles. For the most part, yes, I think it'll be resolved. But partly because of the secrecy that's been around as far back as our history goes, I think it's going to take a long, long time."
"Since I'm sure you'll be around then, look forward to the future with hope. Will you?" Daphne asked.
"You too, Daphne, because people might start getting along better in your own lifetime." Harry responded optimistically.
"I hope so." Daphne said. "I just don't like the idea of people staying suspicious. By the way, heard from Hermione?"
"Yes, actually." Harry said. "She's on some archeological dig somewhere."
"Figures." Daphne said, and Harry heard the grin in her voice.
"Have you heard anything about Neville and his work on combining Muggle and Magical plants?" Harry asked.
"No, I think he's rather absorbed in it. Tracey's told me that he works long hours, but always comes home quite happy." Daphne said.
"That's good to hear." Harry replied.
"Well, I've got a case at work to get to. See you later?" Daphne asked.
"Good luck." Harry replied. Moments later, Daphne disapparated.
Later on that night, Harry received two letters. One was from Rose, telling he, Magic and Daphne that she'd arrived safely at Hogwarts, and been sorted into Ravenclaw. The other was from Sharen and Sirius, who kept Harry updated on their own relationship, and a child they'd named Elizabeth Reign Black, who was a four-year-old mischief maker, something Sirius was proud of, though despite that, he knew when to be responsible and when to be a free, pranking spirit. It always made Harry smile to read such letters, and he excitedly told Sharen and Sirius that he'd come to see them the next weekend, as they'd invited him over to their home. Grinning at the letters, Harry climbed into bed after hugging Magic goodnight, who went to wait for Daphne's return as Harry closed his eyes, falling peacefully asleep in the silence.
A.N.2. My thoughts regarding the situation in the story.
For those re-reading this author's note, I'd like to state that, after more thought, I realized there's a great deal more to look at than I did before. I won't go into great detail about how things were before the update, but those who read the chapter before will know how extreme I took things to be. Perhaps, with cultural situations, things wouldn't be quite the same as they'd be on an individual basis when dealing with a person of extraordinary ability. The truth is, though, we don't actually know what the reaction would be if a society of normal people met with a society of extraordinary people. I think this chapter's a more realistic look at it, though, and the suspicion that will likely exist between them for quite some time. To take a look at why, I'll point out a few different ideas below.
First, the magical people seem to fear Muggles. They certainly don't work with them to use modern conveniences, even something as simple as paper and pens. Some magical people do, but places like Hogwarts or Diagon Alley, or places where large amounts of wizards and witches exist, rely on things that are needlessly complicated. Why dip a Quill into a vial of ink over using a pen, perhaps with a charm that will automatically refill the ink within, or something else more innovative. Why not determine a means for magic to work along side electricity rather than interfere with Muggle technology? In short, why keep the magical and muggle worlds separated before their discovery?
The answer, to me, seems to be that Muggles fear Magicals. They know this, so they do everything they can to keep themselves hidden, even going to lengths of removing memories, which, in turn, only demonstrates the magicals fear of Muggles as well. They fear the retaliation, the wish for magicals to solve Muggles problems for them that they can't easily solve for themselves. And, of course, the violence. And, they rightly fear such a thing, in my opinion. I'll explain below.
Some may find what I'm about to say rather controversial, but my goal isn't to launch a debate on the matter, only to state truth and facts. Any review or private message is welcome. It'll be a long explanation off this particular topic, but I do believe the two relate, so hang in there, we'll get back to the magicals.
For an excellent example of humanities violent responses to the spectacular on an individual basis, one who can do such things they could never accomplish, take a look at the Gospels within the Bible. Jesus Christ was, and is, a perfect man of truth, providing teachings and the only way to God. He performed miracles, rose the dead, healed the blind and the unhealthy. He rebuked those whom claimed they followed the law of God, and yet, deep within their hearts and minds, or within the life beyond the masquerade they showed to others, they performed acts of sin, which we all do.
The teachings of Christ provoked anger, jealousy, and such an extreme response that he was crucified, and endured much suffering and pain. And three days after he died, he rose from the dead, just as he said he would. This, of course, had its purpose for sinners, to save those who believe in what he did and accept him as their savior, to save them from God's perfect judgement that none of us can measure up to, his blood payment and justification for our sins, as all of us have sinned against God, and none are good, measured by God's standards. And, if we don't measure up, if we've not lived a sinless life, there's only one other place for us in our eternal lives. Those saved will go to Heaven, and live a new life with God, free of any suffering. Those unsaved will go to Hell, and shall know endless suffering, as they sinned against God, who must carry out his judgement as he stated he would, or that would make a liar out of him, and God can't sin or lie, as he's incapable of going against his own nature.
What response does this receive? Some accept it and come to know the joy and challenges of following Christ. Some are indifferent, and shrug off the grave importance of the Gospel message. Others are bitterly enraged and angered, some even become violent. The same happens when Christians stand up for truth and what's morally right, but what society believes is good and helpful, and exists for the betterment of man kind. They are scorned and ridiculed, and are even killed by some who take things well beyond words. As an example, the moral thing to do in marriage, is one man married to one woman. But society has accepted the immorality of a marriage between two women and two men whom deeply love each other. And, I have no doubt that they do. However, we can compare this very simply to parenting children. Is it love to encourage a child to do anything they want, and never punish them because it would hurt the child, and potentially the parent as well? The hurt I'm speaking of is, of course, emotional. The very simple answer is that children should be punished for their wrongdoings, despite the fact that such punishment may emotionally harm them for a time. If I hadn't been punished by my parents, I'd be a much different person than I am today. In relation, people performing acts of immorality shouldn't be encouraged or supported in such pursuits, even if society finds it acceptable, good, and right. Whether society thinks it's hate or ridicule to do so, it's always better to measure moral standards against God than imperfect human reasoning.
Now, as I've stated above, responses to this are varied. Some probably will state that it's just an opinion of mine. Others may agree enthusiastically. Still others may insult, dismiss, show contempt. Some may have long since stopped reading in disgust, or because they simply don't care. But the reaction to Christ can't be argued if you're to use proper reasoning and inference. As an example, there may be some who state that the Bible's a book of stories, it's not actually real. My question is this. Why would the many authors in the bible go to the trouble of making up such unyielding statements of truth? Many of whom probably didn't know one another. But, whatever the response to this, the response to Christ did occur. There was violence, anger, jealousy, and even delight from some in the crowd and some who were carrying out the torture of Christ. My belief in why the response was so extreme, is this. Whether those people knew it or not, they harbored fear of what they knew to be true, even if they didn't know it consciously. Fear can evoke responses of extreme anger and violence. It can be seen throughout human history.
In this world of fiction that we have, the magical people can perform acts of what Muggles would call miracles. They can do something that human beings without magic could never accomplish. Such a reaction to the extraordinary is likely to be varied, just as it is with the truth of Christ. Some may not care. Some may be angry. Whether there is diplomacy in the beginning or not, one thing would be certain. There will be Muggles and Magicals alike who fear one another. There will be violence. And, eventually, when the Magical people reveal the powers at their command, especially when Harry reveals all that he can do which is well beyond other Magicals, they may be seen as a threat by the Muggle governments. I'm sure many people, at first, would react with fear in varying levels, when they find out that witches and wizards have been modifying their memories and the memories of other Muggles, all in the name of secrecy. Two such disparate societies are bound to eventually clash. After all, wouldn't you fear someone that can remove and modify memories without your knowledge? I would, though I wouldn't go nearly as far as violence, and definitely wouldn't be insulting. If the mere words of the Gospel message can evoke insulting and hostile responses, ranging from words to violent actions, what would a demonstration of something beyond human limitation evoke? We already know, the Bible tells us what happens on an individual basis, and something smaller than cultural dealings.
Now, when dealing with a cultural situation like the Magicals and Muggles, while I do think there would be fear and suspicion, and perhaps the Magicals may even be seen as threatening by the Muggles, they couldn't simply be rid of each other. The Magicals certainly couldn't be rid of the Muggles, so they'd have to determine some means of working together in some way. I could see this going one of two ways. Either the two societies would learn to work together in peace, or one society would gain control of the other, whether it took a long or short time. The story is somewhat open in that regard despite Harry's thoughts that, eventually, they'll be at peace for the most part. I still believe it could go either way, though. If, say, the Muggles gained control of the Magicals, restricted their freedoms, I couldn't see that ending in anything but a violent war.
There's an example of such extreme responses in the Harry Potter books, too, with the witch burnings talked about at the beginning of the Prisoner of Azkaban, I believe it is. Though the witch in question rather enjoyed herself, and seemed to seek out such situations, such things only reinforce the Magicals fear of Muggles. That, I believe, is likely one of the reasons why the societies remained separated for the most part, until, in my story at least, they were forced to stop being secretive.
Hopefully I've explained my logic well, and done a decent job at correcting it. I'm always open to feedback, and willing to admit when I'm wrong on a subject if the author of such feedback is willing to explain themselves well, and provide logical evidence or data as to their reasoning behind their conclusion, just as Mona Ogg did.
And that, as they say, is that. Hope everyone has enjoyed the story. And remember, accept the truth of the Gospel. Believe in Christ. Come to know you need forgiveness for your sins, and that such saving grace can only come from Christ himself. It's the most important thing you can do.