Chapter thirty eight

Harry Potter put on his new robes and made his way down through the castle until he came to the doors of the Great Hall. Mr. Filch nodded and opened the doors for him, then left them open. Harry walked slowly up to the staff table. He knew Tonks wasn't going to be here until she brought the first years in, so he put his hand on his chair, looking at it.

'You okay Harry?' Charlie asked sadly.

'Yeah Charlie, I'm fine. Just haven't sat here yet,' Harry kept looking at the seat, then shook his head and sat down. Harry sat there in silence, thinking about Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore. He didn't realise how long he sat there until he heard the first lot of voices from the students. He looked up and saw the first lot making their way to their table. Some glanced at him sitting there, then started whispering amongst themselves. He saw Teddy, Lily and James walk in with some of their friends and saw that their friends looked from Harry to his children. He realised his children must not have told their friends about their parents. When the last of the students arrived, Harry gave them all a look and silence filled the room. Tonks walked in with the new first years and he watched as his two youngest children got sorted into Gryffindor. Once the sorting finished Harry stood up.

'Welcome back to Hogwarts, now I will have a few announcements to make but as usual that will be after you all enjoy a wonderful feast.' Harry waved his hand, 'So enjoy.' Harry said and the food appeared on the tables and Harry sat back down.

'You okay love?' Tonks as she sat down next to him.

'I'm fine, just going to be hard on some of the students once they hear the news.'

'Yes, it will be.' Harry gripped her hand under the table, then they both started eating, Harry hardly touching anything. 'Didn't Teddy, James or Lily tell their friends about us?'

'No, I noticed the shocked looks when they saw me with the first years. I could just imagine the looks you got once they saw you sitting here.'

'Yeah, some actually looked a little scared, others just stared. I'm not scary, am I love?'

'No, it's not you Harry, it's what you've done. They have been learning about it all, well, what you allowed anyone to know.'

'Yeah, I suppose.' Harry said and he glanced around at the students. He was still getting looked at, but he just kept looking around. He saw Lily give him a smile and he smiled back. Once the deserts had finished, Harry stood back and silence instantly filled the hall.

'I am Professor Potter and as you have probably worked out, I am the new Headmaster of Hogwarts. Let me say this, that when Professor McGonagall approached me about this job, at first I wasn't sure if I wanted to come back here full time. But I knew how much I loved this school, so I really couldn't say no. I will get to know all of you over the year and if any of you wish to talk, my office door will always be open. Now, first, No students are allowed to walk the castle or grounds after dark, unless they have permission from a teacher. No students are permitted to go into the Forbidden Forest, well, unless they have detention with Professor Hagrid. Which I myself had to do as a student here,' a lot of students laughed, then Harry continued. 'Anyone that wishes to join their house quidditch team, let your head of house know. Professor Flitwick retired at the end of last term so you're new charms Professor will be my wife, Professor Potter,' Harry glanced at Tonks and she stood to acknowledge the applause the students gave her. Harry looked around at the students.

'Now, I sorry to have to tell you this, but I have some sad news for you all. Professor McGonagall passed away this morning. She has been sick for a long time, but wanted to hold on until today. She went peacefully, thanks to the care Madame Pomfrey gave her. All of the staff were with her at the end. She told me that she had lived a long and fulfilling life and she was happy to have spent most of it here at Hogwarts. So we will not be starting classes until next Monday. The service will be on Wednesday, so you will have a few days to get yourselves together. If any student finds they are having a hard time with hearing this news, you can come to me or any of the other staff and we will listen to what you have to say. I urge all of you to talk about Minerva McGonagall. Talk about anything, like if you ever got detention from her or had to go to her office, anything at all, it will make you feel better. So I think that's it, prefects please lead your first years to your houses and the rest of you, it's time you all head to bed. The next couple of days are going to be very emotional on all of us.' Harry gave the students a small smile and sat back down.

Harry and Tonks saw their five children make their way to the staff table and hesitated. Harry gave them a nod and Lily ran into her father's arms and hugged him tight. The other four all stood between their parents.

'I'm sorry dad, I know how close you were to Professor McGonagall.' Teddy said putting hand on his father's shoulder.

'Thanks Teddy. I know this has been a shock for all of you, so why don't you all head to the Gryffindor common room. Go spend some time with your friends.' They all nodded and gave their parents hugs and kisses, normally they wouldn't have done this in front of other students, but Harry knew they were all feeling sad for their parents. Lily gave Harry another hug, then walked off with her siblings. 'Let's head up stairs love. Just like for the kids, it's going to be just as hard on all the adults,' Harry stood and looked at Charlie. 'See you in the morning Charlie.' Harry shook his hand and put his arm around his wife and they walked out of the Great Hall.

'I don't think the students are used to seeing the headmaster with his arm around someone. We're getting a few looks.' Tonks whispered to her husband.

'Yeah I know, but right now, I need to feel you close to me.' Harry looked at his wife and she nodded. They got to the gargoyle. 'Well, I should give this thing a password, any suggestions?' Harry asked Tonks.

Tonks thought for a moment then smiled. 'How about Hungarian Horntail,' she said and saw Harry smiled and nod.

'Hungarian horntail,' Harry said and waved his hand, then they stepped on and spiralled up to the office and went straight into their rooms. 'I'm just going to have a shower.' Harry said and walked into the bathroom, he stripped off and stepped into the shower and just let the water run down his body. He felt Tonks arms wrap around him and he looked down at her and kissed her fiercely, running his hands all over her body.

Tonks and Harry made love in the shower until they were both satisfied, then washed and got out, dried and got into bed. They put their arms around each other and Tonks felt Harry's tears, so she held him tighter. They stayed that way until they feel asleep.

Harry woke early on the morning of the service and he just lay there in bed, knowing that today was going to be hard on everyone that cared about Minerva McGonagall. He explained to his children the night before what she had asked Harry to do and they were supportive, but all asked the same thing, how did she know? All Harry could tell them is what she said, that she used to watch him when he was a student here and she noticed Harry doing it. He leaned over and kissed his wife's naked back and went into the bathroom to shower. When he came out Tonks was awake, waiting for him.

'Hi love.' Harry said sitting on the bed beside her and pulled her into his arms. 'I hope I can hold it together today.'

'You will Harry. When the time comes, you'll find the strength you need.' Tonks kissed him tenderly, then she went and had her own shower. Harry went down to the office, to go over the last details. When Tonks walked out she took his hand, 'Let's get down to breakfast.'

'Yeah, let's get down there.' Harry sighed and they left the office, but kept hold of each other's hands. They arrived in the Great Hall and saw there were already a few students sitting there, mostly older ones. When they sat down, three of their children gave them a wave and sat down with their friends, then the other two sat down not long after. Harry never ate anything, just looked around at all the students. He saw some were crying, some were just sitting quietly and some were acting normally. He knew later on it would be a different story.

Once all the students had arrived and finished eating, Harry stood up knowing that all the invited guests were already sitting outside.

'Can I have everyone's attention please,' Harry said and waited a few minutes until the hall was silent. 'I want all of you on your best behaviour today, no exceptions. Now if you will follow your heads of house and make your way outside please,' Harry said and he watched as some of the professors walked over to each table. The students followed them out, then Harry, Tonks with Gryffindor following her and the rest of the staff made their way outside. Harry saw Kingsley sitting on a small raised platform. Harry, Tonks and all the staff sat around him. Once Harry nodded to Kingsley he got up and stood in front of everyone.

'Minerva McGonagall asked that no speeches be made here today. All she asked for was for her long-time friend and the man she thought of as a son to say a few words and she also asked for one more thing from him. So I won't say anymore and ask Harry Potter to please step forward.'

Harry stood up and stepped to the front facing all his students and friends. He glanced around at people he knew and some he didn't know. He nodded to the Weasley family, Hermione and Ron in particular.

'Minerva McGonagall was wonderful friend, mentor, teacher and yes, like a mother to me for many years. I've known her almost my whole life, from the time I started here as an eleven year old. She was strict, but kind and never had a cruel word to say against anyone. She loved this school and spent her whole adult life here doing what she loved to do, teaching. I just hope that I live up to her standard in regards to running this great school. Most of the adults sitting here today have all been taught by her and you all know how good and caring she was. She will be remembered for lots of things, but one thing I remember about Minerva McGonagall, was my first day in her transfiguration class. Ron and I got lost on the way to our first class. When we arrived, she wasn't there, or so we thought. Until the cat sitting on her desk changed and she stood before us, telling us we needed a map so we wouldn't get lost. I'm sure you all have some great memories of this wonderful woman and will probably mention them from time to time. Just know, she cared for every one of her students, no matter which house they came from. So I would like everyone to take a minutes silence to remember Minerva McGonagall.'

Harry lowered his head for the full minute, then walked behind him and picked up a guitar and started playing. Then he sang a beautiful Scottish song as Minerva McGonagall's last request of Harry. All the people that knew Harry stared in shock at his beautiful voice. When Harry finished, he put his guitar down and looked over at the crowd.

'If everyone will please raise their wands in a salute to a wonderful woman and a wonderful headmistress?' Harry and all the staff raised their wands, then they stood behind Harry. When students and adults all raised their wands Harry moved his in intricate patterns and Minerva McGonagall's body was in-cased in a beautiful white tomb that stood right next to her long-time friend, Albus Dumbledore. Harry lowered his wand and looked back at the crowd. 'I wish to thank everyone who came today, I'm sure she would have appreciated it.' Harry said as his voice choked a bit. He nodded to everyone and stepped down of the platform and walked over to the tomb. He stood between both of them, a hand on each one until his daughters both put their arms around their father. He looked down then knelt in front of them, holding them tight as his sons and wife stood around him.

'I'm okay, I'm just going to miss her, just like I still miss Albus Dumbledore.' Harry kissed each of his children, then his wife. He turned and saw all the Weasley's, the Aurors and staff all looking at him.

'You never told us you could sing Harry.' Hermione said as she put her arms around him.

'It's just something I like to do for myself. Minerva found out somehow and asked if I would do that song for her today and of course, she knew I couldn't refuse her.'

'Well you shocked a lot of people Harry, just like you've always done.' Ron said putting a hand on his shoulder.

'That's what I told her, people would be shocked, then start staring at me again. But she said I'd deal with it, just like I used to deal with it. So Ron, how's the Auror office, still in one piece?' Harry grinned at his friend.

'Yes, still in one piece and running smoothly. Everyone misses you though, but it's getting easier.'

'Harry, that was a beautiful service and song.' Molly said as she pulled him into one of her rib cracking hugs.

'Thanks Molly. She didn't want a big fuss. That was the only thing she ask, was for me to sing.'

'Well, it was wonderful Harry.' Arthur said shaking his hand.

Harry and his family sat around talking with the Weasley and their extended family. Harry had overheard one of James' friends ask him if there was anything his father couldn't do. Harry had to laugh at the look on his son's face and knew Minerva probably planned it so the students of Hogwarts got to see a different side of him to the one they read about in their books.

They knew of Harry Potter, the one who defeated the dark lord, they knew he was Head Auror from the age of eighteen. Now they will know him as a kind and caring Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The End: