The morning found Viktor in the Potions lab with Severus Snape. He had enlisted the older man in brewing an anti-nausea potion for Hermione. Snape had chuckled at Viktor's urgency, telling him Hermione would not need such a potion for weeks yet, but Viktor was insistent.

"You, of all people, should remember how she always has to do everything much sooner than anyone else. Trust me, she will need it this morning," Viktor said with firm conviction.

Severus merely raised an eyebrow and brewed the potion. He walked with Viktor to the second floor DADA rooms and heard, distinctly, Hermione retching miserably. He handed Viktor the potion and said, quietly, "You do seem to know her better than anyone else. I am glad you two found each other again. I thought you were much too different to have a future, back in her fourth year, but I was horribly wrong. You are ideally suited. She would have murdered Potter or Weasley, and walked all over Longbottom. You have my most sincere felicitations, Viktor, both on the marriage and the coming child." He patted Viktor on the shoulder and made his way downstairs again.

Viktor hurried into the suite of rooms and handed Hermione the peppermint-flavoured potion. She welcomed his return and drank the potion down immediately.

"Did I eat something bad last night, Viktor? Oh, oh, it's...," she whispered before clasping her hands to her abdomen.

"Yes, love, we were successful last night. I got Severus to brew the strongest anti-nausea potion he knew for you. I knew you would need it this morning." He chuckled at her. "You always had to be first in your classes, so I knew you would have to have morning sickness the absolute first morning you were pregnant. Severus assured me that this potion would only have to be taken three times, a month apart. Are you feeling better now?"

"Oh, yes, I am. In fact, I'm now starving. Let's go down for breakfast." She was pulling clothes on as she spoke.

He turned her towards the mirror in the room and told her, "Look at yourself, love. You are glowing. Molly and Minerva will know instantly that we are going to be parents. Luna will surely guess as well. You grow more beautiful every day. I cannot wait to see you rounded with the baby and trying not to waddle like a duck."

"I'll never get that fat, will I? Oh, Viktor, this is exciting, and yet very scary. Now I have to think about another whole person besides us. What if I do something wrong? Let's go eat and I can pick Dora's brains about pregnancy." She was determined.

He laughed and followed her down the stairs. They made their way to the table where the Lupins were sitting. Remus looked at Hermione and then sent a questioning look at Viktor.

Viktor's grin was enough answer for Remus. He leaned over to Dora and whispered in her ear.

Her welcoming words to Hermione made the whole room sit up and listen. "I think you and I need to have a discussion about pregnancy, Hermione. From the glow surrounding you, I am assuming there will be an addition to the Krum household in the upcoming year."

Hermione blushed bright pink, but answered, "Yes," loud enough to be heard throughout the room.

Everyone in the room, except one, grinned at the couple. Ron Weasley merely scowled, realising that Hermione had never been more than a friend. He knew he should be happy for her, but the hurt at seeing her so happy with Viktor ate at his peace.

Lavender apparently knew how Ron was feeling because she said softly, "It would never have worked, Ron. You two were like chalk and cheese, as different as night and day. She'd have driven you mad in a week."

He looked at the young woman sitting next to him and realised it was true. She was much better suited to him than Hermione had been. He smiled at her and took her hand.

"Lav, I think you and I will rub along just fine, if you'll have me, that is. Will you? I think my parents would like to see us married."

Her radiant smile and nod were all the answer he needed. He sat a little taller, knowing he wasn't alone any more.

He watched how Viktor and Hermione interacted with each other, how carefully Viktor treated her. Ron saw, finally, how much they loved each other and how perfect they were together. He felt something he would never have thought possible, happiness for them. He looked at Lav and asked, "Shall we go congratulate them, sweets? We can ask them about having our ceremony, too."

On the way, Ron saw Harry talking to Snape and Ginny. He remembered that Harry was due to marry Ginny in the morning.

"We'll need to make another detour on the way back, Lav. I want to talk to Harry," he said.

"Sure, Ron, I don't mind," she answered.

When Ron had made his request, Viktor answered him at once. "Alastor and Kingsley are going to do a few more marriages this afternoon; you could have it done then. We will, of course, be there as well to wish all of you much happiness. I'm glad you're going to take on the job rebuilding Hogsmeade. I am certain you will do an excellent job." Viktor patted Ron on the shoulder.

Ron and Lavender walked toward Harry and Ginny, who looked at them with suspicion.

Harry forestalled Ginny's comments by saying, "Isn't it great news about Hermione and Viktor. I am as excited about that as I am about our wedding tomorrow."

Lavender hesitated, fearing that Ron would get upset again. Instead, Ron took her hand and said simply, "Wish us happy, Harry. I asked Lav to marry me. And yes, it is wonderful news about Hermione and Viktor, they make a wonderful couple. I was wrong to try to separate them. Maybe even my little sister will forgive me, if I ask."

Ginny grinned hugely, threw her arms around Ron's neck, and hugged him tightly. "Yes, you prat, I forgive you. I am so happy for you. Lavender, are you sure you can put up with him? He is the most impossible arse at times."

Arthur, having heard what his youngest son had said, brought Molly over and they gathered the rest of the family together to plan a party for the wedding for their youngest children.

Viktor and Alastor watched as the Weasley clan gathered, noisily making plans. A look over at their wives confirmed that Hermione and Minerva were enjoying the happy, excited noises coming from the other side of the room.

Alastor, however, had other things on his mind. His words were concise and to the point.

"Are we ready for tonight? Have you and Draco handed out robes and masks yet?"

Viktor's answer was, "No, I was planning on waiting until the last minute. Do you think we need to raid the Ministry and bring the collaborators here? I do not think my Hermione will want to put on Death Eater robes."

"I'm going to bring Fudge. I'll let the founders deal with him after we tell them what he did. I'm thinking we may need a new Minister after tonight. Are you coming with me? It always looks better when the Head of the Order of the Phoenix confronts that idiot Fudge. And you're the head of the European Order."

"Alastor, how many of the Wizengamot are here? How many survived? I know we can put together a panel representing the different countries, but how many of the actual Wizengamot are in this building?" Viktor asked, pointedly.

"Elphias Doge, Augusta Longbottom, Min, myself, perhaps fifteen others, all made it to France. We can muster about half the full Wizengamot. Why do you want to convene the Wizengamot?" Alastor was puzzled.

"I want them to invest Harry with the four treasures before he goes to fight the Dark Lord, the Spear, the Sword, the Stone, and the Cauldron. If Harry is to defeat the Dark Lord, he should have all of the magical regalia that proclaim him our champion. I want them to try Riddle in absentia, and they will have to name a new Minister. You are the only one who can go to the Department of the Mysteries and bring the regalia back, Alastor. Take Arthur with you and I'll send Percy and Bill to lure Fudge here." Viktor was not telling Alastor the real reason he wanted him gone for a while.

The three Weasley males accompanied Alastor when he Flooed back to the Ministry in London. Minerva, who had been told that the Wizengamot need to be convened, asked Viktor a question, point blank, "Why have you gotten my husband conveniently out of the way when the Wizengamot meets?"

Viktor grinned cheekily at her as he said, "The name I am going to put up as the new Minister is Alastor Moody. That is why he is sent off on an errand."

"Viktor, you know they will listen to whatever you say. Do you really think he is the best choice?" she asked.

"Minerva, he has the best insight on the folks who lean toward the dark side, he reads people better than anyone I know, and he has the experience of over sixty years of fighting crazed megalomaniacs. I think he will be appointed without any argument at all." Viktor's words convinced Minerva, who realised he was right. She went off to notify the Wizengamot members that they were summoned to a council.

Within twenty minutes, the Wizengamot members had gathered in the Great Hall and agreed that Augusta Longbottom was the senior member, so she took charge of the meeting.

Augusta had a very soft spot in her heart for young Mr. Krum. He had done much for Augusta's grandson and saved all of their lives by relocating the folks opposed to the Dark Lord to France.

"Very well, Viktor, you have convened us. What do you want?" she asked, with a twinkle in her eye.

"Madam Longbottom, it is time to impeach the current Minister and choose another, one who both understands and recognises the seductive and elusive nature of the Dark Arts. I propose Alastor Moody for the next Minister of Magic. He is uniquely qualified, having been an Auror, and having served on the Wizard committee for Muggle protection during the Muggle Second World War. He understands both worlds, can spot trends concerning Dark Magic long before others do, and is de facto Head of the English Order of the Phoenix." Viktor was at his most persuasive, smiling and charming the members of the Wizengamot.

Augusta had just one question for him. "Am I to understand you sent him on an errand so he would not decline this nomination?"

Viktor had the grace to blush a bit, but answered, "Yes, that is true. However, his wife, Minerva McGonagall-Moody agrees with me that he is indeed the best possible candidate."

Minerva caught Augusta's eye and nodded in corroboration of Viktor's words.

Augusta Longbottom looked at her fellow Wizengamot members and asked, "Will you each vote on the motion before us? A show of hands should be sufficient."

In response, every member of the Wizengamot raised his or her hands in agreement.

Augusta nodded and grinned back at Viktor, saying, "There you have it, young Viktor. They have acceded to your suggestion. It is you who have to tell him, and I, for one, don't envy you that task."

Viktor turned at the sound of Hermione approaching, and said, "Madam Longbottom, one more request. Since Harry James Potter is going to do battle with the Dark Lord this evening, I thought it prudent that he be invested with the regalia of all magic in this country. Alastor Moody has retrieved the Four Treasures from the Hall of Mysteries. Will the Wizengamot perform the investiture?"

The entire Wizengamot was speechless, not since the Dark Ages had any champion been invested with the Four Treasures. The last person who had received them was King Arthur, given them by Merlin.

After a hurried consultation, the members of the Wizengamot voted unanimously to invest Harry James Potter with the Four Treasures as proof of their belief, and their trust in him.

Viktor sent a thought to Hermione outside the room. "Bring Harry, but make him put his dress robes on. This is important."

She sent back her agreement, and in just a few minutes, Harry and Alastor appeared in the doorway to the Great Hall.

Alastor hovered the chest holding the treasures up to where Augusta sat. Then he took his place in the ranks of the Wizengamot.

Augusta sent a spell towards the doors to the Great Hall and opened them, calling, "Come in everyone, please. This is a ceremony you will all need to witness." As people filled the back of the room, the castle ghosts began to appear as well.

Augusta spoke clearly, so all could hear. "Harry James Potter, you have been called here to receive the ancient symbols of magic sacred to our kind. This is an investiture ceremony. We are placing our faith and belief in you as our champion. This Sword is the one carried by King Arthur."

The Sword, gleaming with precious stones, flew out of the chest to hang in the air in front of Harry.

"The Spear was also carried by King Arthur, when he rid England of the invaders."

The Spear appeared next to the Sword.

"The Stone represents the wealth of the vanquished invaders and was displayed at Camelot as proof of King Arthur's Victory."

The Stone appeared next to the Sword and the Spear.

"The Cauldron represents the Pensieve, so that you may remember how we have placed our faith in you."

The Cauldron joined the other three pieces in the air before Harry.

"Harry James Potter, we the Wizengamot, do hereby invest you with the Four Treasures of magical Britain. You now serve as our champion in the coming battle against the Dark Lord."

Harry stood taller at that moment as he answered, "I will make you all proud. Thank you."

The Four Treasures began to circle Harry before enveloping him in a golden light. The Treasures winked out, having left a golden glow of protection around Harry.

Everyone began to applaud until it became deafening.

Augusta adjourned the meeting of the Wizengamot after calling Alastor forward and saying, "Oh, Alastor, we chose a new Minister while you were gone. Congratulations. You have been given the job."

Alastor was totally gobsmacked. He shook hands with all the Wizengamot members as they filed out of the room until he could get a moment alone with Minerva.

"Was this Krum's idea, Min?" he asked.

At her nod of agreement, he laughed heartily. "Trust the boy to pull a fast one on me. All right, I guess the lads will have arrived with our former Minister. Viktor, you and I are going to have a chat with Cornelius Fudge."

Viktor, Alastor, Minerva, Hermione, and Harry all went to Minerva's office. The passwords had changed that very morning, so Minerva quietly said, "Urquhart Castle," which made the Gargoyle jump hastily aside.

They proceeded up the winding staircase and arrived in the Headmistress' office where they found three Weasley males pointing their wands at a furious Cornelius Fudge. Fudge began to splutter angrily when everyone trooped into the small office. Minerva simply handed Fudge the parchment the Wizengamot had produced stating that Fudge had been removed as Minister and a new Minister chosen. Fudge was charged with collaborating with an enemy of Wizardkind and would stand trial within the next few days.

Fudge deflated rapidly, whinging that he had done what he did for the good of the people.

Alastor just looked at the pathetic excuse for a Minister and said, "Bill, Percy, Arthur, take him down to the Slytherin Dungeons. I'm sure there is a place for him down there."

Once Fudge was gone, the others sat down to discuss the plan for that evening. Viktor reported that there were robes and masks enough for the Heads of all four houses, as well as at least twenty others.

"I think Madam Longbottom, Neville, Arthur, Molly, Snape, Minerva, Alastor, Remus, Dora, Andromeda, Ginny, Draco, Hermione, and I should be present as well as Professors Flitwick and Sprout. If I am not mistaken, the castle ghosts will most likely join us. We have about three hours before the appointed time. Shall we get the rest of the weddings out of the way while we wait?" Viktor asked.

Alastor answered him. "Done and done, Viktor. Kingsley and I will handle the weddings; you and Hermione distribute the robes and masks. We'll meet up in the hallway in front of the Room of Requirement at the appointed time."

Viktor acknowledged Alastor's words with a curt nod, before taking Hermione's hand and leaving the room.

The approached both Flitwick and Sprout who agreed to be present but declined wearing the robes. Arthur, Kingsley, the elder Weasley sons, Minerva, Augusta, Oliver Wood, and several of Viktor's Quidditch teammates all accepted robes and masks.

Bill Weasley summed up the feelings of the group. "We are the ones who will have to tell our children what we see here tonight. We are simply reviving the Bardic traditions. Thank you both for all you have done and suffered for all our sakes. We will be silent and deferential as Harry fights Riddle, I swear."

When the last of the robes had been given out, Hermione and Viktor took theirs back to their rooms.

Alastor sent a Patronus message that the last of the weddings were about to begin, so they went down to the courtyard.

Kingsley had begun the ceremony for the last twenty or so couples. His deep, rich voice carried across the cold open space of the courtyard.

"Do you both bind your hearts, minds, and magic to each other? Will you bind your faith to each other and to the Light?"

Everyone murmured affirmatively, with one male voice louder than the rest. Ron Weasley looked at Viktor and Hermione as he answered firmly. He looked from them to Lavender and kissed her as he finished saying the words.

Kingsley asked for blessings and wishes for the couples to be woven into the binding. Hermione and Viktor both whispered the same one.

"May Ron and Lavender find the same happiness we have." Then Viktor kissed Hermione gently.

The great clock over the doors chimed the hour, proclaiming it two hours before sunset. Everyone hurried inside to prepare for the masquerade in the Room of Requirement.

Polyjuice was handed out along with the hair samples of the person whose robes and masks each was wearing. The dosage was to be taken forty-five minutes before going to the seventh floor hallway. It would wear off while they were in the room, when they would doff the disguises to show Riddle that his 'followers' were, in fact, Order members.

Viktor had planned everything down to the last detail. Harry arrived at the door to their room just minutes before they drank the Polyjuice Potion.

His words confirmed what Viktor had been hoping. "Snape says he still has the Elder Wand. That should be sufficient to not get me killed. Are you and Hermione going to be at the forefront of the 'followers'?"

"Do you really think I'd let you go to fight that sick bastard without staying close by, Harry?" Hermione asked him, indignantly.

Viktor added a comment as well. "And we both know the i Repercutio/i spell. So, even if he does try to cast a killing curse at you, it will never reach you."

Harry just smiled at them, saying, "I couldn't ask for any better friends and allies. I really want you both to do the binding ceremony for us tomorrow morning. Gin says she agrees wholeheartedly. I'm glad Ron married Lavender. She'll stabilise him and get him sussed out. I guess we had better do this."

They gathered up the robes, masks, phials of Polyjuice, and packets of hair as they made their way to the stairways. Hermione took her packet of hair and looked at the name.

"Narcissa. I was afraid I would get Bellatrix. That is a relief. Drinking now," she said.

Viktor looked at the name on his packet of hair. "It figures that I would get Rabastan Lestrange. Drinking now."

Harry watched his friends take on the likeness of the deceased Death Eaters. They donned their robes and masks before making their way up to the seventh floor hallway.

Once there, the others appeared directly. Moody had taken on the likeness of Rodolphus Lestrange and Minerva was now wearing Bellatrix's face. Severus Snape shuddered a bit as he looked at the faces before him. He removed a parchment from his robes and handed it to Alastor.

"We have never seen eye to eye, Moody. However, if something happens to me tonight, I want you to take this to Mary. I do love her, but I do not think she believes it. I want all of you to know that I appreciate everything that has been done for me and my family."

A frisson of foreboding ran up Hermione's spine. She grabbed Viktor's arm and whispered, "He is planning on dying, Viktor. We have to shield him as well."

"I will keep an eye on him, love. If Harry dispatches Riddle fast enough, Snape will not be in any danger unless he decides to do something stupid," Viktor replied.

Moody spoke up then, interrupting their conversation. "It is time. Hermione, open the doors."

Before she could do so, however, the doors opened of their own accord. The voices of the founders could be heard immediately.

"Welcome, followers of Lord Voldemort. Bring the captive in."

The Polyjuiced Order members surrounded Harry and they all marched into the room.

The Disillusioned Fudge and his guards entered as well. The doors swung shut with a great crash.

The Dark Lord rose from a throne-like chair to face Harry.

"Ah, yes, Harry Potter, my supposed Nemesis. Not so cocky now, are you boy? My minions have brought you here to die. I will reign supreme once you have been dealt with. Severus, give the brat his wand. I suppose I shall have to do this on skill alone. My great friends, the founders of Hogwarts, have requested that it be a fair fight not an execution."

Snape bowed, then turned to Harry and handed him not a wand, but a picture. The picture was of James, Lily, and baby Harry on his first birthday. Snape's words were audible to everyone, including the Dark Lord.

"Kill him, Harry. Finish this."

With a snarl of rage, Riddle attempted to send a killing curse at Snape. Before any of the Order members could react, Snape simply shimmered out of sight. Riddle turned his newly ignited fury against Harry, who used his signature spell i Expelliarmus/i to great effect. The killing curse met Harry's spell in mid-air and the Elder wand spun out of Riddle's hand. The killing curse rebounded on Riddle who literally saw his death coming for him. His scream of rage was the last sound he ever made. The Elder wand had acknowledged Harry as its master even after nearly three years. Tom Marvolo Riddle lay dead in the middle of the Room of requirement, having believed to the very end that he was the more powerful wizard.

The founders moved forward and gestured to the spot where Snape had disappeared. In seconds, Snape shimmered back into existence looking very shocked.

Harry picked up the Elder Wand and handed it to the ghost of Godric Gryffindor.

"I think this belongs somewhere exceptionally safe, sir. Could you put it into the foundations of Hogwarts?" he asked.

"It will be destroyed, young Harry. Fiendfyre will be set in the Chamber of Secrets to consume the wand and the body of Riddle. Salazar and I will permanently seal the Chamber thereafter. Will that suffice?" The ghost told him.

"It most assuredly will. Thank you for everything. I don't suppose the four of you would like to attend a bonding ceremony in the morning. You are invited to see me marry Ginevra Weasley," Harry said.

Rowena Ravenclaw looked at her fellow founders and answered, "We would be delighted to attend. We will see you all at daybreak in the Great Hall."

The ghosts, the wand, and the body of Ton Riddle all shimmered out of sight.

The order members, now wearing their own faces again, dropped the robes and masks in the middle of the room and Alastor Moody pointed his wand at the pile and said, "iEvanesco!/i"

The pile vanished as the Order members turned to leave the room.

Outside the room, the rest of the inhabitants of the castle waited. When Harry came through the doors, a great shout went up. Ginny launched herself at him, kissing him passionately. Viktor and Hermione had each taken an arm of the still shaken Snape.

He kept mumbling to himself, "I survived. I am alive. Merlin, help me, what the hell do I do now?"

Viktor answered him succinctly, "You go on living, Snape. Go find your wife and children."

When everyone had reached the ground floor, they found the house-elves had created a Solstice eve celebratory feast.

The celebrating finished early, everyone wanting to get a good night's sleep before attending the wedding of the century. Unbeknownst to Harry, Viktor and Hermione had arranged for the house-elves to decorate an unused classroom in the Defence area as a temporary bedroom for Harry that night. Hermione had made sure to tell Ginny where Harry was going to sleep.

Viktor and Hermione stood at the door to the Defence classroom, watching as their friends and fellow Order members made their way to the rooms assigned to them. They watched Ginny sneak into the room prepared for Harry. They saw Harry enter the room and shut the door.

Later that evening, as Hermione and Viktor lay in bed, she asked, "Are you happy it is over? That we are finally free of the craziness?"

Instead of answering, he kissed her.

During the night, the house-elves had transformed the Great Hall into a Christmas wonderland. A shimmering white dress and a set of elegant dress robes were hanging in the room where Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley lay sleeping.

Dress robes had also appeared in the room where the Krums slept.

At precisely half seven the next morning, the occupants of both rooms were awakened by the delivery of tea and breakfast. The house-elf informed them that sunrise was due at eight forty-six.

At forty minutes past eight in the morning, all the inhabitants of Hogwarts were assembled in the Great Hall to watch Harry Potter marry Ginevra Weasley.

The marriage was celebrated by Viktor and Hermione Krum.

The sun began to rise just as the bride walked into the room; the vows were spoken as the sun lifted from the horizon. The wedding was finalised as the rays of the sun hit the windows of the Great Hall.

Peace had come to Wizarding Britain after many years. The Order of the Phoenix would see that it stayed peaceful.