Author's Note:

I usually like to leave a lot for the readers imagination when I end a story, to leave them room to imagine what could be. But I have had a number of reviewers say I need an epilog to bring more closure to the story. But I won't call it an epilog because people complain about epilogs too. It's just a final chapter – with epilog-like attributes. I suppose it could be described as epilogical.

UPDATE: Added an explanation for Luna's absence.

Chapter 16

Before The Dust Settles

Dr. Emma Granger

Wednesday, 20 July, 1994

Emma stood at the kitchen counter making her morning coffee as Hermione stood and sorted through a pile of books on the kitchen table. The front door opened and Harry came running in and threw his arms around Hermione and kissed her cheek. Hermione's face filled with joy. Harry whispered something in her ear. Her jaw set with a determined smile, her eyes became mischievous, her hands reached out to tickle Harry and he backed away laughing trying to catch those dangerous fingers. Hermione withdrew her attack and drew Harry back into a hug as her index finger found his neck below his ear. He collapsed helplessly into a chair laughing.

Emma smiled at their joy. They acted like eight year olds rather than fourteen. Their simple playfulness was so heartwarming to see after so many years of quiet pain. Particularly after that assassination attempt in March. She really shouldn't need to worry about those kinds of things, she kept telling herself. Harry and Hermione were so unbelievably capable with magic and so sensitive to other's intentions that she should be able to relax. She just couldn't figure out how, quite yet.

She thought back over this last year of seemingly interminable upheaval in the magical world. It all started with Hermione meeting Harry on the train. But even after the disaster of Voldie dieing the changes just sped up. The Queen installing a new Minister for Magic, the Wizengamot being dissolved into an advisory board, each department in the Ministry being taken apart and restructured, and in some cases the whole-sale replacement of sections of magical law. Effectively outlawing some rather favored traditions in magical society. Emma thought it was all going to come flying apart a number of times. But Major Hartfield was brilliant at describing how the changes were good for the wizarding world by explaining the abuses of the past system. She smiled as she thought how Harry had been the poster-child describing most of those abuses. He had not liked that but he dutifully put up with it because it brought about real change. It took a number of months but he finally came to understand that he was the symbol of hope for the magical world in Britain. That allowed him to step in and take and active part in spreading that hope. And he was very effective at the business of hope, particularly surrounding the revelation of Harry's technological enhancements to magic. That was the carrot that kept the magical world struggling along toward a brighter future.

Emma came back to the present and noticed Harry looking through the piles of books on the table, effectively disturbing the careful sorting Hermione had given them. Hermione shadowed his hands replacing the books in their proper place as he absentmindedly set them down. It seemed an unconscious process for Hermione, like a folk dance. Emma noticed Harry's eyes peeking at Hermione which a slight grin. Harry was teasing Hermione by slowly disturbing her careful sorting. Until she caught on and playfully slapped his arm and pulled him away from the books into an embrace.

Emma turned back to her coffee, snickering. Those two were quite the pair. They constantly had some sort of game going between them. What was worse was when they teamed up against Remus or Sirius. Always some little joke. At least Harry and Hermione convinced Remus and Sirius to calm down on their quite over-done and sometimes painful pranks. Now Remus and Sirius' energy went into just keeping up with Harry and Hermione's humour and teasing.

Emma sighed heavily. Not that it had all been peaches and cream. Harry's obliviation for PTSD has been taking significantly longer than anyone expected. There were so many layers to that onion. But progress was being made. Even in spite of the significant set-backs during the Dursley's trials. Harry had such a difficult time with that. And in a lot of ways Hermione was worse than Harry. Those were a very difficult two months. Of course, it was made more difficult by being a much more detailed and exacting muggle trial because the magical branch of the ministry of justice was not organized enough yet. But as a muggle trial it needed to be held in a court covered by National Security statutes and procedures, though moving the venue to the Ministry of Magic building helped. Thank God the media circus was limited to the magical media outlets.

Emma's attention was again drawn back to seeing Harry and Hermione lost in practicing their dancing for the Ministry ball tonight. They looked sublime, so peaceful, so fluid. Emma had to look away as the tears threatened. Just watching them was an emotional experience. They had been through so much and still shown like a bright star to her. Her hope was still growing.

Emma's coffee was getting cold. She had gotten caught up in mulling over the last year again. Not for the last time, she was sure.

Madam Amelia Bones

Madam Bones and Susan Bones arrived at the Ministry building's Hall of Merlin 20 minutes early. The banquet and ball to celebrate the opening of the new Ministry of Justice, Magical Branch, was likely to be one of the most well-attended events since the Queen began the restructuring of the Ministry of Magic in October of last year. It was the most visible and likely to have the largest affect on the people of wizarding Britain. In her position as an advisor to Minister Hartfield these social events were not mandatory but this is where significant changes were tested. Specifically, tonight's test case is to float the idea of opening the new Ministry of Justice by the trial in absentia of Dumbledore. Some will likely complain that this amounts to changing the rules after the crimes were committed. But the Queen's Courts have always been in session and it was the failure of Wizarding justice that prevented a trial. Therefore, this is merely a change of jurisdiction not a change of the rules. Regardless, it should be an interesting discussion.

They found their seats and set down their bags. Susan wanted to ask the staff about the menu while Amelia wanted to get a jump on the night's discussions. She moved over toward the door. As she was approaching, Major Hartfield came in talking to Madam Longbottom and Neville Longbottom.

Major Hartfield was making a point to Madam Longbottom, "... I think the affects on Hogwarts will be minimal but the long-term strategic changes on all of wizarding society will be profound. The only adverse effect of creating a magical research university modeled after Oxford or Cambridge will be be the pressure placed on the Apprenticeship and the Guild systems, which won't be able to compete. – Good evening Madam Bones." Hartfield and Madam Longbottom turned to greet Amelia.

Amelia smiled. Hartfield wore his dress military uniform, which was quite a statement. He was probably the best Minister Wizarding Britain has had for many hundreds of years, and he was a muggle. That irony was so delicious. "Good evening Major, Madam Longbottom, Mr. Longbottom."

Neville looked surprised, "Good evening."

Major Hartfield put out his hand, "Mr. Longbottom, I don't think I've had the pleasure."

Neville stood a little taller, "Major Hartfield, I am honoured." He bowed slightly.

Major Hartfield spoke quietly almost in confidence, "Harry speaks quite highly of you. I'm glad to finally get the opportunity to meet you."

Neville looked quite touched, "I am proud to renew the alliance between House Longbottom and House Potter."

Madam Longbottom quietly beamed at Neville.

Neville looked serious again, "Also, Luna asked me to let you know that she is currently on an expedition with her father hunting something and will not be able to attend tonight. She apologizes."

Major Hatfield smiled knowingly and indulgently, "Yes, I've heard about those hunts and I fully understand the importance of them."

Amelia leaned over and smiled at Neville, "Neville, I think I saw Susan asking the staff about the food choices." She pointed toward the kitchen entrance.

Neville grinned while trying to hold a mock-serious expression, "A true strategist. If you don't mind I'll go learn from a master."

Major Hartfield smiled after Neville, "I understand that Harry's technological solution had a profound effect on Neville."

Madam Longbottom had a grim smile, "Yes, quite." Her face went cold, "And if Dumbles ever shows his face again I will kill him where he stands. The ruthless cruelty of what he did to Neville is unforgivable."

Major Hartfield nodded then something caught his eye as he was facing the door. He came to attention and bowed, "Ragnok. I'm honored that you could attend." He held out his hand.

Ragnok displayed a Goblin salute dressed in what looked like a Roman Centurion's uniform. He met the Major's hand, "I wouldn't miss it for the world." His tone indicated his expression should be considered a grin. "Madam Bones, Madam Longbottom. It is very good to see you again."

Amelia shook his hand, "How has your discussions of the Native People's status been going?"

Ragnok smiled wryly, "We are making progress. Though some of the older clans have been caught flat-footed by your proposal. But I think they will come around as soon as I start talking about the alternatives. I think we will be able to begin negotiations on modifications to the Canadian Native Peoples Treaties as a good model to start with."

Major Hartfield looked pleased, "Excellent. I think those are the most well-rounded. have you made any progress on expanding into the full range of banking services?"

Ragnok nodded, "Yes. Though, I admit, it has taken some clans time to come to understand the full opportunity presented by expanding into debt instruments and equities. They were too – distracted – by the capitalization requirements and the other banking standards rules that they – failed to appreciated the other opportunities." Ragnok's frustration was evident.

Amelia smiled, "Well, I for one can hardly wait to see you expand your operations."

Ragnok was almost apologetic, "Thank you, Madam Bones. As I read somewhere, 'we are faced with an insurmountable opportunity.' It would seem that we Goblins were complicit in the stagnation of the wizarding society in Britain, much more than I realized. My apologies."

Amelia smiled wryly, "Just responding to the needs of your customers."

Ragnok looked rather serious, "Your are too kind, Madam Bones. Much kinder than I will be if these clans don't start moving. – Ah, if you don't mind I see someone I need to talk to."

Everyone nodded and Ragnok headed off to find his discussion.

Madam Longbottom spoke up, "I hope he can make some moves soon. We need that injection into our economy."

Major Hartfield started to nod when someone approached, "Good evening Mrs. Malfoy, Mr. Malfoy."

Madam Bones and Madam Longbottom stiffened and turned.

Narcissa smiled quite genuinely, "Major Hartfield." She bowed. "Please, I've changed my name back to Black as has Draco here. We are now free to live again and I couldn't be happier."

Everyone relaxed again.

Major Hartfield looked concerned, "I hope that process has not been too – difficult."

Draco spoke up, "Mother, if I may? It has actually been quite painful for me. I have come to be horrified by all my father's activities and I am re-evaluating everything I thought I knew. That has been very hard. But I can see no other way forward. I have rejected my father utterly. The last Malfoy died with Voldemort. I am now Draco Black and I will have to decide what I think that means in the future."

Major Hartfield nodded respectfully, "Mr. Black, I must say I'm impressed. That is a difficult path to walk."

Draco nodded and looked across the room, "Madam Longbottom, is that Neville over there?"

She looked, "Yes, it is."

Draco bowed, "Please excuse me. I need to go apologize to him."

Madam Longbottom smirked, "Careful Mr. Black you could shock him."

Draco developed his own sly smile, "My goal is to see if I can get him to faint. If he does, then Mr Potter will owe me a few Galleons."

Augusta chuckled, "Well, good luck Mr. Black." Draco moved off.

Narcissa watched him leave, "My education campaign has been quite rough on Draco. I do hope he can forgive me some day."

"Narcissa!"

Narcissa turned, "Sirius! How are you? And you, Mr. Lupin?"

Sirius gave Narcissa a long hug. He was dressed in elegant robes with the Black crest which matched Narcissa's, "I'm so glad we all survived. And you're back from the dead now."

Remus nodded all around with a big smile.

Narcissa smiled with irony, "That's an apt description." She turned quite somber, "I want to thank you again for taking me – us back into the Black family."

Sirius gave a sad smile, "When I heard what happened I felt like I died again. I couldn't leave you there. – Besides, It gives me the opportunity to completely destroy the Malfoy name."

Narcissa looked pleading, "Sirius, can you help me deal with Malfoy Manor? I can't set foot back there and I can't, in good conscience, sell that place without sterilizing it and removing the evil taint. To me, it's just a mass grave. I don't know what to do with it."

Sirius smirked and looked at Mooney, "That sounds like an interesting project." Sirius turned to everyone else, "Pardon us, I think we have some planning to do." He and Narcissa started to walk away.

Major Hartfield spoke up, "Mr. Lupin, if you have a moment."

Remus nodded to Sirius who nodded back and kept walking, "Yes, Major? What can I do for you?"

"I understand that St. Mungo's is preparing to release a treatment regime for Lycanthropy."

Remus smiled, "Yes. One more round of testing with some unusual cases, so probably about 3 weeks."

The Major nodded seriously, "How is that being received by the werewolf community?"

"The community is in shock, actually. It takes us from pariah to specialist status in a few days." At everyone's curious look Remus continued, "The treatment basically changes us all into wolf anamagus' while we retain our increased strength and healing. Well, we also retain our sensitivity to silver. But we regain our conscious control at all times and can change at will. – We've even had a few people ask to be bitten. It is an amazing reversal of fortune. Most are not sure how to handle it. Some have enough other problems that they will find it difficult to capitalize on their new windfall."

Major Hartfield looked sober, "I look forward to any recommendations you may have on how we can help. For that community to have been so completely abandoned by previous administrations is unconscionable."

Remus looked thoughtful, "To be honest, a lot of the werewolf communities problems stem from being pariahs. Once we become employable the pressure will be reduced to something close to normal for most werewolves. For those that still have difficulties the changes to St. Mungo's brought on by adjusting to National Health System standards are still an unknown. But opening Hogwarts to the werewolf children is the ultimate answer for our future."

Augusta looked around, "I haven't seen Minerva yet this evening. I'll ask her the next chance I get."

Major Hartfield came to attention and bowed, "Dame Rimington, welcome to the Ministry on Magic."

Dame Rimington was wearing elegant non-magical formal wear.

"Thank you, Major. It's nice to finally see this place after hearing about it for so many years. Madam Bones, I must compliment you on your Auror corps. They have folded quite nicely into MI-5."

Amelia smiled, "Thank you, Dame Rimington. I'm glad to hear they are behaving themselves. How are the Unspeakables faring?"

Dame Rimington's face became serious, "Not nearly so well. They are not used to the scrutiny. But I have given them the option to stay as part of MI-5 and help with the crime research lab or move to help start the new magical research university. I'm confident we will find a place for everyone."

Amelia smiled knowing some of the characters in the Unspeakables. "I read the research paper they published on the effects of Field Generators on Magicals. I was quite impressed that they published anything at all but the paper was actually quite good."

Dame Rimington smiled, "Yes, I brought in some high end researchers to act as peer review and to hold their feet to the fire to come out with a good paper. Everyone learned quite a lot."

Amelia laughed, "I bet they did."

Dame Rimington continued, "Actually, I wanted to ask you – all of you." She looked around the group, "I would like to propose we set up a muggle studies class for the adult population. We require the class before they can have access to the Field Generator technology to enhance their magic. Rather like an apparition license, don't you think?"

Amelia and Augusta broke out laughing. Amelia recovered first, "Oh, yes! That is excellent. I heartily agree."

Major Hartfield turned as someone approached the group, "Headmistress McGonagall, welcome."

She bowed her head, "Thank you, Major. I heard you mention a muggle studies class for adults, may I suggest Remus Lupin to help develop that? I think he is almost uniquely qualified to develop that having both taught at Hogwarts and lived most of his life in the non-magical world."

Remus' eyes lit up, "I would love the opportunity to help in any way with a project like that."

Dame Rimington held out her hand, "Excellent. Come up with a course outline. It needs to wow them a bit with non-magical technology and it needs to show them the basics of technology and science. The goal here is to entice them to learn more."

Remus looked overwhelmed, "How would I wow them?"

She looked thoughtful, "How about pictures from the Viking Lander on Mars, pictures or video from the Moon landings, or pictures from orbit."

Remus got an intense smile, "Yes. How long do I have?"

She smiled, "Two weeks maximum."

His smile almost burst, "Give me a week and you can review it."

They all heard a noise of voices near the door and turned to see.

Harry and Hermione walked in followed by Hermione's parents. Harry was wearing a tuxedo and Hermione was wearing an elegant periwinkle dress. They shook a few hands and then saw the group and walked over hand in hand.

Major Hartfield stepped forward, "Good evening Mr Potter, Miss Granger, Mr and Mrs Granger. I'm so glad you could come."

Harry and Hermione bowed. Harry looked at each of them, "I'm very glad to be here. It has been an eventful year."

Laughter ran around the group.

Major Hartfield summed it up with a grin, "Yes, rather busy I think."

Harry's arm went around Hermione's waist. "But I think I have all that I need."

The lights dimmed slightly indicating the festivities were about to begin. Major Hartfield excused himself to make an opening announcement. He walked across the room to a raised platform to stand in front of the orchestra. He clinked a spoon on a glass to gain attention. "Honored Guests. Today we celebrate the opening of the new Ministry of Justice, Magical Branch here in the Ministry of Magic building. Justice is the foundation of any society. The glue that holds it together. Without it, nothing will maintain any value. To measure justice in a society is to measure the value of it's members, the quality of their relationships, and the society's fundamental strength and resilience. Today we place a ward-stone to keep out the chaos and corrosion of injustice. Today we declare the Ministry of Justice, Magical Branch, is now operational. Let justice take root. Let the festivities begin."

The orchestra started a slow Mozart waltz. The lights dimmed over the tables leaving the center open area lit for dancing. About six couples started dancing around the edge of the lights, one of which was Harry and Hermione. They moved farther into the center. They only had eyes for each other. No one else existed in their world. They slowly twirled and swayed to the music. They danced as if the music was their's alone. They lived in the music and the motion. They were gorgeous. The other couples faded to a stop to watch Harry and Hermione float across the floor. It was startlingly intimate. They didn't look 8 or even 14, they looked 24. They were the image of the hopefulness of youth. Their lives spoke of change. They carried the scars of a nation's broken past and became the symbol of hope for their people. The hope of a brighter future for all.

The End

Final Author's Notes:

A set of reviewers questioned the speed of Harry's recovery and how fast his personality changed after coming to Hogwarts. First, try not to underestimate the power of a cathartic experience and Harry had several. Second, a compartmentalized life can cover a multitude of sins so Harry can look a lot healthier in certain areas than he actually is in total. Third, magical healing always seems at least ten times faster than normal so why not magical mind healing too? Fourth, try not to underestimate the power of friends and how deeply they can be catalysts in provoking a change in behavior. I think his change in behavior can be within the realm of reasonable for a wizard.

Finally, there is an important consideration to be made when giving a review. This is a very difficult consideration as I have fallen afoul of it myself a number of times. I'd like to draw a distinction between the actions characters took in a story (as decided by the author) and how well the author told about those actions. Unless the characters took actions way outside of rationality or believability then we should let the author tell the story they want to tell. How they told the story (style, expression, narrative, etc) is fair game. In other words, please try not to criticize a story because it is not the story you would have written.

Oh, one last thing. If you look on Google Maps you can find Harry's hide-out. A small building in a clump of trees just to the north of the Health Sciences Building on Surrey University. A lake to the north of that and an area of trees to the east of the lake. A bit of virtual geocaching.