Two weeks after the Third Task, all was eerily quiet in the ancient castle as finals had come to an end and people couldn't even celebrate due to recent events plaguing the minds of every student. Harry, who ranked second in his year only because Hermione did better than him in written responses and Harry being in his own head, couldn't even celebrate his own achievement because he feels like a failure. He may have freed himself of Voldemort's Horcrux and did some damage on said man, but he couldn't truly count it as a victory since he felt Voldemort returning in the first place was a failure on his part, especially since he knew something bad was going to happen.
Harry sighed to himself as he sat down in the Great Hall for the last time this year, due to a mandatory assembly meeting that was called by Dumbledore. Most people believed it was likely to explain the true events behind the finale of the tournament, as pretty much everyone in the country was in the dark since the Minister denied Harry's claims and destroyed the evidence by giving Fake Moody (who was Barty Crouch Jr.) a Dementor's kiss before anyone could verify Voldemort's return. Harry was practically sent into a fit of rage when he heard that and took all three of his wives to calm him down and talk him out of setting fire to Fudge's bullocks, though they did hesitate for a brief moment. No one believed Harry was telling the truth outside of his wives, Dumbledore, and Cedric, who thankfully survived his injuries and would eventually recover in about six months; unfortunately, they had to amputate his leg. Harry felt incredibly guilty when he first saw him in the hospital wing, a few beds away from the weakened and real Alister Moody, but Cedric just waved him off and said, "I knew the risks when I entered Harry, Death Eaters, or no Death Eaters. I'm still alive, and that's all that matters. Just need a peg leg and we're all good. Ha-ha."
Harry cracked a small smile at the memory, leave it to Cedric to find a positive even with his situation. All he asked of Harry was to make it count for something, which he swore he would. Now, sitting here in the Great Hall in between Penny and Fleur with Tonks not far off against the wall, he awaits the old man's speech which Harry just knows is either going to convince people of the truth, something he knows deep down won't happen, or will condemn them both. Harry looked around and saw that the mood in the room was a somber one, but when he looked over at the Slytherin table, he noticed many of them had smiles on their faces and others seemed scared of something. Harry assumed that many of their parents, who were either Death Eaters or associated with Death Eaters, informed their children of the truth or at the very least, told them that something happened that would make them and their beliefs even more powerful.
Harry's thoughts were interrupted when Dumbledore finally came in from the side door and sat down in his chair with a tired expression on his face that made him seem even more ancient. After a few minutes pause, the old man took a long-exasperated breath and decided to finally address the crowd.
"Today, we are meant to gather and celebrate the end of another exciting year, that not only saw us come together with our usual friends and loved ones, but also with new friends from across the continent. However, today is regretfully one of dread and uncertainty as a coming darkness threatens our way of life once again. For you see…Lord Voldemort has indeed returned. The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this, but I think that by not doing so, I would undermine the bravery on one young man. The young man who risked his life and confronted Voldemort during the Third Task: Harry Potter.", he finished.
Panicked whispers broke out in the hall and many of the older students and staff looked pale, likely remembering the first war with Voldemort. While the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs all looked worried or terrified, half of the Slytherins were subtlety grinning and the other half all looked downtrodden. He saw Daphne, Tracey, and Pansy all not making eye contact with any of the other Slytherins as Daphne was hugging her younger sister Astoria close to her and he saw some of the boys leering at them, which made his blood boil. Sensing he was in distress, Penny and Fleur took his hands underneath the table and interlocked their fingers with his where no one noticed, causing him to smile at them.
Dumbledore continued on, "In light of recent events, the bonds of friendships we have made this year are more important than ever. Pain, love, hatred, kindness are emotions we all share that not only make us human but help us to understand that we are in this together and our hearts beat as one. Remember that and let go of petty rivalries and grudges for in the future, we will all need to lean on each other. All that being said, let us toast to another successful year and to our four champions of the Triwizard Tournament, who risked much to ensure that we came together as three schools in an exchange of cultural knowledge."
They all toasted, and the closing feast went on rather quietly, until it ended an hour later. Just as Harry and his wives were about to leave, McGonagall told him to follow her to the headmaster's office to speak with him before getting his things packed and ready to leave. Harry groaned internally but complied when his three girls nodded to him for him to agree and so, he left with his Head of House. They reached his office and McGonagall parted from him, allowing Harry to enter the impressive office that always made Harry look in awe at it and he always liked seeing Fawkes.
Dumbledore told him to sit, and once he did, the old man said, "I know this has been a trying time for you Harry. How are you feeling?"
"As well as can be expected, given everything that happened in the graveyard.", Harry said.
Dumbledore nodded slowly, "I put you in terrible danger this year, Harry. I'm sorry."
Harry bit back a sarcastic remark and replied neutrally, "What's done is done, all that matters is the future and how we save it."
Albus smiled weakly, "So much like your parents, not only in looks but in personality."
Harry chuckled then remembered something, "Professor, when I was in the graveyard, there was a moment…where mine and Voldemort's magic connected, and something happened."
Dumbledore had a moment of realization, "Priori Incantatem. You saw your parents that night, didn't you? They reappeared."
Harry nodded and he continued, "No spell can reawaken the dead, Harry. I trust you know that."
Harry sighed, "I do, but it was still a moment I'll always cherish, despite the circumstances."
Dumbledore nodded sadly, "Well as you know, with Voldemort's return, a line is going to be drawn in the sand as people pick sides in the coming conflict and we know Voldemort is likely already starting to build up his army again. Have no fear though, I have decided to reform an old group of mine that was instrumental in the war effort for our side last time and I'll be recruiting members, both old and new, over the summer."
Harry nodded as he was expecting this, "What do you need from me, sir?"
Albus shook his head, "Nothing, my boy. For the summer, I just want you to focus on taking time to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the harsh trials that ley ahead and reflect on all that has transpired this year, including your disagreements with your fellow Gryffindors this past Halloween. When you return next year, I'm going to have to insist you stay in Gryffindor Tower and try to make peace with your peers."
Harry wanted to smack the beard off the old man for suggesting that as, despite being friends with Neville and making peace with the Chaser Trio, he still wanted nothing to do with the rest of them. Thankfully, however, Dumbles still didn't know he was staying in the chamber, so Harry could just agree now and still just continue to sleep down there and make routine appearances in the common room during the day. Swallowing his pride, Harry just nodded with a fake smile that the old coot seemingly bought.
Albus coughed awkwardly, "Speaking of living arrangements, I am afraid you are going to have to remain with the Dursley's again during the summer. I know it is unpleasant, but it is necessary now more than ever with Tom's return, but do not worry, I am going to have guards rotating around the house-."
Harry cut him off, "You can save the speech this time, I have it memorized from the last three years every time you told me this."
Dumbledore widened his eyes at Harry's tone, but said nothing, likely chalking it up to anger on having to return to his relatives. Little did he know, Harry had his own plans for the summer that did not revolve around being locked in that house for two months again. It would take all of his skill and luck to not get caught, but it was worth it.
The old man nodded, "Well, if there is nothing more, I have to get ready for the Hogwarts Commencement ceremony tonight for our graduating class. I imagine you will attend for young Ms. Clearwater, especially since she is Valedictorian."
Harry froze for a second as he was caught off guard, "Well, she is my friend, so I was planning on it yes. Is that a problem, sir?"
Albus shook his head, "No, Harry, of course you can attend. It's too bad that Ms. Delacour and Auror Tonks will be unable to attend. Everyone, even an out-of-date old man like me, has noticed just how close you all are. I am happy you have had them to weather the storm with you this past year during the trials you've faced."
Harry's face was blank, but he was screaming "Fuck!" repeatedly in his brain. It looks like the old man isn't as senile as he had thought, and Harry was trying to think of ways to defuse any suspicions Dumbledore had.
Harry breathed slowly and said, "Well, the three of them have been there for me when everyone else turned their backs on me, so their friendships mean a lot to me. Next year is going to tough without them."
Dumbledore gave him a lingering gaze, but quickly just nodded at Harry's explanation and said, "Well, I'm sure that they will each make a fine ally in our upcoming conflict. Now, it's time to depart and I hope you a pleasant ride home tomorrow and a good summer. Difficult times await us, but I know we can manage as long as you never lose hope."
With that, Harry was dismissed, and he released a breath he didn't know he was holding. It was clear that Albus was closer to the truth than he thought, but he was confident that even the ancient headmaster could not imagine just how intertwined he is with these girls. He eventually went outside to cut across the courtyard and was shocked to see so many all huddled around, and he paid particular interest to the groups that had students from all three schools in it as they seemed to actually develop strong friendships. "Maybe some good did come out of all this mess?", he thought. Perhaps protecting the magical world is worth it after all.
He looked over and saw Malfoy talking to, or rather posturing on to, Daphne, Astoria, Pansy, and Tracey. Daphne was hugging her younger sister tightly and Tracey and Pansy were standing in front of them, shielding them from Malfoy and his two goons. Malfoy looked like he was getting frustrated by the conversation and seemed to have his twitchy fingers nearing his wand, forcing Harry to jump in before something happened.
Harry stepped in front of a surprised Malfoy and said, "Is there a problem here, Draco?"
Malfoy sneered, "Nothing that concerns you, Potter. I was just making sure that these girls understand what is expected of them in the future, especially now."
Harry raised an eyebrow, "Oh, why is that Malfoy?"
Malfoy went wide-eyed that Harry caught the slip, "Nothing. I'll see you girls soon. Stay out of my business affairs, Potter."
With that, the goon squad stalked off and Harry turned to the four girls, "What was that all about?"
Tracey spoke up, "Nothing, just Draco trying to intimidate us as usual and failing. Thanks for stepping in as, ever since the First Task when you defeated a dragon, Malfoy's been keeping himself tight lipped around us. Now though, it seems that something's happened to embolden his ego and leering."
Harry nodded, knowing exactly what happened, and said, "Well, as long as everything's okay. Are you sure there's nothing I can help with?"
The four girls looked at each other with unsure glances, as if wondering they could trust Harry with some important secret. Then, the three older ones all look at Astoria, as if asking for permission and she nods.
Daphne sighed and told Harry, "Draco is now determined to lock down a marriage contract between himself and Astoria, since he has now convinced himself entirely that he's going to be Lord Black. I was wondering Potter…have you heard anything from your 'friend' in the Black family?"
Harry's eyes widened slightly and responded with, "I can tell you that things are in motion and Malfoy won't be Lord Black, but I can't tell you anything else, at least not yet."
Astoria beamed and hugged Harry and the other girls just looked relieved, though for some reason, Pansy wasn't looking him in the eye. She waved off his concern and the four girls and Harry went their separate ways. Harry sighed to himself once alone though, as he foresaw that Malfoy's ambitions were going to hurt his anonymity one day soon and he would have to deal with it once the time came and he could only hope he would be prepared to have his secrets revealed. He and the others agreed not to reveal their marriage status until after Voldemort was dead for good, but knowing his infamous Potter luck, that wouldn't happen.
Pushing those depressing thoughts aside for now, he made his way back towards the chamber when he saw Madame Bones talking with Susan and Hannah, the latter of which appeared to be crying heavily. He noticed that Hannah was already in civilian robes and had her suitcases packed and ready to go. Amelia hugged her niece one last time before letting go and letting Hannah bear hug her best friend for a good thirty seconds, until she let go and proceeded to walk away with the DMLE head. Susan began walking toward him but didn't notice him as she was seemingly deep in thought, until Harry tapped her on the shoulder surprising her.
"Harry!", she realized and hugged him.
Harry hugged her back, "Hey, Susan. I'm sorry I haven't really seen you these last two weeks, but I just wanted to say goodbye before the summer. What's going on with Hannah, though?"
Susan just looked down, "Her mom went missing a few weeks ago, the family kept it quiet, but her body was found last night. She's been murdered, Harry."
Harry just went wide-eyed as he couldn't help but feel awful for Hannah. Despite their rocky past, Harry never wished ill-will on her or her family and they actually became friendly over the last few months, ever since the incident at the Yule Ball. Suddenly, a memory popped into his head, of the mysterious woman's ghost he saw in the graveyard and struggled with why she looked so familiar and then a dreadful thought popped into his head.
He looked back at Susan, "How…exactly was she killed?"
Susan titled her head, "Killing Curse, pretty strange though. No evidence has been found yet that points to any suspect."
Harry just nodded absentmindedly as he now realized that the woman from the graveyard was Hannah's mother and that's why she looked so familiar, even though they had never met. It was likely that either Wormtail used Voldemort's wand on her or she was brought to him and was killed. The real question is why, as Harry didn't believe that Riddle would waste his time on some random woman, unless it benefited him in some way. He would have to think about this some other time, or maybe wait until next term when Hannah and Susan returned so he could ask them directly. However, if he was a betting man, he would place quite a few galleons on the MacMillan family being involved somehow, given their ties to the Abbotts and Voldemort.
"H-Harry, I just want to say that I believe you, about V-Volde…Voldemort.", Susan whispered.
Harry just gave her a smile, "Thanks, Susan. That means a lot. Don't worry about that for now, just be there for Hannah as she's going to need you over the summer and likely beyond that."
Susan just nodded and they said their goodbyes as Harry finally made it to the girl's bathroom and unlocked the entrance to the chamber and went inside. He made it to the study room where he found his three beautiful wives and the four founders waiting for him and Harry just couldn't help but think to himself just how much shit happened this year, even compared to his other three years at this school. He boarded the Hogwarts Express ten months ago thinking the biggest challenge would be improving his grades, but instead, he got sucked into a death tournament, lost both of his best friends and his housemates, fell in love, and got married to three witches, made some new friends with whom he never thought he would, and saw Voldemort rise again. For once, he was actually praying that summer vacation would feel long as he intended to spend almost all of it with the lovely ladies in front of him.
"Hello, Angels.", Harry said teasingly.
"Good morning, Harry.", they said in unison before laughing at the shared joke.
The founders looked confused, but Harry didn't want to explain the reference to an old television show, or what television was in general. He noticed Penny was already dressed in her graduation robes and Harry couldn't help but notice that, even in those large robes, she still looked beautiful.
She caught him staring, "Don't look at me like that while I'm dressed in this ghastly thing."
Harry smiled, "It's a little hard when my wife looks great in absolutely everything."
She blushed and Tonks said, "What are me and Fleur, chopped liver?"
They all laughed, and Harry said, "You all look beautiful all the time, no matter what."
The three just smiled at Harry as Salazar coughed, "If you are all through, there will be plenty of time for these matters of the heart later. We need to focus on next steps for the summer and next year."
The four lovebirds nodded, and Rowena spoke, "As you know, the piece of Voldemort's soul that lived in Harry is now gone and as a result, Harry should begin growing physically and magically over the next few months as his body and soul heals itself. Therefore, we will not have our regularly scheduled lessons and spell craft over the summer break so we can let your body adjust, and we will pick up your training next year. Besides, I am positive you all want to enjoy your honeymoons in relative peace since you won't get another chance until after Voldemort is defeated."
They all nodded sadly, but they cheered up when they thought about how they were going to spend their honeymoon, or in Harry's case, three honeymoons as the girls agreed to each have Harry for two weeks during the summer with Fleur going first, then Penny, and then Tonks. The idea was that Tonks would take Harry's place by morphing into him and staying with the Dursley's for a month, while Harry would go off with the girls until it was her turn. Harry immediately objected to that idea, not wanting his wife anywhere near those people, but the girls reminded him that he could now use magic legally outside of school and could…persuade his relatives to behave and leave him locked in his room and not ask questions. The two weeks with Tonks would be difficult to fool Dumbledore's guards, but Tonks apparently volunteered to take up 'guarding' Harry for those two weeks, so no one should be the wiser if all goes according to plan. He would likely have to spend the last two weeks of break at his relative's house, but it was a small price to pay and there was a possibility that Dumbledore would collect him early anyway like he has done in the past. Harry was just glad Tonks just got the next two months off thanks to all the sick, personal, and vacation days she had saved up and Fleur and Penny didn't have to start their jobs at Gringotts and the Ministry respectively, until August.
The problem, though, was this Order that Tonks had told him about last week when Dumbledore asked her to join, which the old man essentially confirmed his suspicions earlier about how this group he was reforming was a vigilante group dedicated to stopping Voldemort. While Harry liked the idea of such a group, he also feared that they were going to be too invasive into his personal life and Dumbledore might discover the truth about his lordships and the girls. He and Tonks agreed to work with the group, as it was too beneficial at the moment not to, but they both would have to keep up their guards.
"As soon as I get back to the Dursley's house tomorrow afternoon, I'll make sure they understand the new way things are going to work from now on. Then, I'll wait for Fleur and Tonks to come in and we'll use an international Port Key to get to France, while Tonks takes my place. I promise we'll be careful and if there's any sign of trouble, we will leave and retreat back to the Dursley's or, if all else fails, back here since we can apparate to the chamber.", Harry said.
The founders nodded and Helga spoke, "Okay, Harry. Have a nice time this summer and do your best to enjoy life, because soon, you'll realize that it's a very short and precious thing."
Godric smirked and said, "Also, try not to give us anymore descendants until after the war."
The girls went red, and Harry coughed awkwardly while Rowena and Helga were chastising Godric and Salazar was smart enough not to say anything, but one could see a small smile on his face.
Rowena eventually cleared her throat and said, "Well, all that being said, go and enjoy yourselves and we'll be here when you return next term, Harry. If anything, bad arises during the summer, please return here and we will work together to solve the problem. Also, congratulations on becoming Valedictorian Penny, I'm very proud that you represent my house, and you should be proud of your achievements while here at Hogwarts. You know, some say Commencement is meant to signify the end of one thing and the start of something new and I think that applies no better this year with everything the four of you have been through this year. Do well to remember that there is nothing more beautiful than starting a new chapter in life, whether it be graduation or marriage."
The four looked at each other and smiled as they nodded and said goodbye to the founders as they exited the chamber. All of his stuff was already packed and was in the bed chamber, where he would sleep one last night and head straight to the train station in Hogsmeade with Penny. Fleur and Tonks would be leaving tonight though, as one had to be at Beauxbatons tomorrow morning for her own Commencement ceremony (which Harry couldn't attend unfortunately) and the other had to report in at the DMLE. They were walking through the castle as they stopped when they came across all the other French students heading towards the carriage to leave, so Fleur turned towards her new family one last time.
"I guess this is it, at least until tomorrow when we officially begin the rest of our lives together. I spent my whole life thinking I would never understand what true love is until I met you, 'Arry. No matter what happens in the future, I know you'll always do right by us, and I hope you know that we will always stand with you, mon amour. I love you, 'Arry.", she said.
Harry smiled and said, "I know, and I love you too. I can't wait for the next two weeks."
She nodded and they discreetly kissed when no one saw and once separated, she turned and walked towards the carriage. The now trio walked towards the refurbished Quidditch Pitch which would hold the ceremony as both Penny and Tonks left Harry in the stands as one was needed on the stage and the other needed to work security just outside the stadium. He looked over to see Cedric being wheeled in by his family, Cho, and Su Li as many in the audience applauded the young man, Harry included. Once seated, Cho and the Diggory's sat on the other side of the stands as Su saw him and walked up to him.
She sat down next to him and said, "Hello, Harry. I'm sorry we haven't talked much since I visited you in the hospital last week. How have you been?"
Harry smiled, "It's okay, Su. I'm…doing the best I can since everything went down. How about you? Is everything okay, you look a little tired and that says a lot coming from me, you know?"
Su chuckled slightly, "Yeah, everything's fine. My father's just being a little bit overbearing."
Harry wanted to ask more about that, but the ceremony had officially started, and he didn't get another opportunity to do so, but he did make a mental note of it. It was starting to look like each one of his friends was having some sort of problem and he felt like he should help, but he simply didn't know if he could or should help out. These were questions for later though, for now, he paid attention to the ceremony at hand and cheered on for his wife.
The ceremony itself was pretty standard and downright boring, except for Penny who gave a nice speech about community and coming together during hard times, regardless of race, class, and blood. Many of the Slytherins, who were already angry that Penny was at the top of the class, didn't seem to appreciate what she said, but they wisely kept silent as they likely feared getting into trouble by saying something in public. Her speech eventually ended, and many people clapped loudly, none more so than Harry and she smiled at him lovingly, something a few people in the audience noticed. The ceremony eventually ended, and Harry wished Su a good break as he went to collect Penny and noticed that his wife seemed to be talking to a tall blonde man who looked like her and Harry knew that this had to be her father. She introduced the two and he seemed nice enough who didn't treat Harry differently as he was a muggle with little to no knowledge of Harry's fame and wasn't a pureblood bigot like many of the magical folk. He did ask a couple of questions concerning how close he was to Penny and seemed to enjoy teasing his daughter mercilessly over her obvious crush, oh little did he know.
Harry and Penny said goodbye to the man and made their way back to the castle, where they separated for the night. Tonks came out behind a pillar to scare Harry (which he will deny slightly worked) to say goodbye until she saw him tomorrow with a quick 'I love you' and a kiss. He made his way down to the chamber for the final time that year and as he went to bed that night, he couldn't help but reflect again on all that had happened this year and how drastically his life had changed. However, despite all the crap that the world threw at him, he couldn't help but smile at how loved he felt now compared to his whole life going without it and he honestly didn't think if he had the chance to do it all over again that he would if it meant losing his wives or his new friends. He went to sleep, finally, with peaceful dreams of the future for the first time in a year with a content smile on his face.
The next morning, after telling Dobby to take his trunk and Hedwig to the train, Harry had a quick breakfast and left the chamber one last time. He saw Penny talking with her friends at the Great Hall entrance, before she saw him and said goodbye to her friends before walking out towards the train station with him. They got a corner compartment away from the others, all of whom he ignored except for when the Chaser Trio walked past and gave him a wave, which he returned with a smile, and they seemed happy he responded to them without anger as they kept walking. As the train eventually began moving, Penny leaned into him as they both stared out the window, admiring the sunset in each other's arms.
"Everything's going to change now, isn't it?", she asked quietly.
"Yes.", Harry said sadly, but also with a hint of hope.
They stayed like that the entire train ride to London as the Hogwarts Express took the young couple home and towards the next step on the path to freedom.