I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.
https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon
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Chapter 40: Echoes of a Fallen Dark Lord
The wizarding world was in a state of euphoric disbelief. News of the Dark Lord's defeat spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the magical community. In Diagon Alley, shopkeepers and customers celebrated openly, raising glasses in toast to the mysterious young wizard who had vanquished the most feared dark wizard in a century. The Daily Prophet's front page bore the headline in bold letters: "The Dark Lord Defeated: A New Era Dawns". Beneath it, a grainy image of the aftermath in Hogsmeade captured the destruction but also the hope that had emerged from the chaos.
Whispers filled every pub and parlor about the enigmatic hero named Harry Potter. Who was he? How had he managed to do what countless others had failed to achieve? The questions were endless, and answers were scarce. The only thing the wizarding world knew for certain was that he had done the impossible—defeated Lord Voldemort in a direct duel and survived.
While the general populace reveled in the newfound peace, those who had once sworn allegiance to Voldemort were in shock. In the shadowy corners of the world, the remnants of the Death Eaters huddled together, their fear palpable. They couldn't comprehend how their seemingly invincible leader had fallen. Voldemort, who had promised them dominance and eternal power, was gone, and almost all their comrades had perished with him.
"Lay low," whispered a former Death Eater to his few remaining allies, his voice trembling. "We need to disappear for a while. This... Potter has turned everything on its head. We wait until the dust settles."
The group nodded in agreement, their eyes darting around nervously. The fear of retribution hung over them like a dark cloud. For now, survival was their only goal.
In the heart of the Ministry of Magic, Harry Potter sat in a dimly lit room, awaiting the conclusion of the investigation that had detained him. The echoes of the battle still rang in his ears, but his mind was far from the chaos of Hogsmeade. He had done it. He had defeated Voldemort. The war was over.
So why did it feel like the easy part?
Harry leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his hands clasped tightly together. He had spent so long focused on one goal: defeating Voldemort and ensuring a better future. But now that the Dark Lord was gone, he was left with the daunting task of living in this new timeline—a timeline where everything was different yet familiar.
He had a family here. Charlus and Dorea Potter, his grandparents, who had accepted him without hesitation. Arcturus Black, a formidable ally and mentor. The thought of them brought a warmth to his chest, a sense of belonging he had rarely felt before. Yet, he hadn't allowed himself to fully believe in this new reality, not until Voldemort was dealt with.
Now that he was gone, Harry had no choice but to confront the truth: he had to start anew.
His green eyes, bright and determined, glistened with unshed tears as he stared at the floor. He hadn't allowed himself to grieve for the life he had left behind—the friends, the mentors, the battles fought side by side. He had buried that pain deep, focusing solely on his mission. But now, the weight of it all threatened to overwhelm him.
Taking a deep breath, Harry whispered to himself, "Goodbye." It was a farewell to the future he had come from, the people he had loved, and the life he had known. It was time to let go.
A tear slipped down his cheek, and he quickly brushed it away. He had a new life here, a chance to build something better. The people in this timeline needed him just as much as those in the future had. He had a family that cared for him, a world that was starting to heal.
"I'll make it count," Harry vowed softly, his voice steadying. "I won't waste this chance."
As the door to the room opened, a Ministry official stepped in, nodding to Harry. "Mr. Potter, the Minister would like to see you."
Harry rose from his seat, squaring his shoulders. He was ready to face whatever came next. This was a new beginning, and he would embrace it fully. He had faced the darkest of times and emerged victorious. Now, it was time to live.
Harry was escorted through the grand corridors of the Ministry, the whispers of curious employees echoing in his wake. He kept his gaze forward, his expression calm, though his mind was still racing from the events of the past days. Soon, he found himself standing before the ornate doors of the Minister's office.
The doors swung open, and he stepped inside, greeted by the sight of Minister Millicent Bagnold seated behind her massive desk. Her expression was one of relief mixed with a hint of weariness. She rose as Harry approached, extending a hand in greeting.
"Mr. Potter," she said warmly, "please, have a seat."
Harry nodded, taking the offered chair. He studied the Minister, noting the subtle lines of stress on her face, the weight of responsibility she carried as the leader of a world now shifting into peace.
"I must admit," Bagnold began, "when I first heard of the battle at Hogsmeade, I could hardly believe it. The devastation... the sheer power displayed." She paused, meeting his eyes. "But more than anything, I couldn't believe that the Dark Lord was truly defeated."
Harry remained silent, his gaze steady.
"I want to thank you," she continued, her voice sincere. "You've done what many thought impossible. You've rid our world of a great evil, and for that, we are in your debt."
Harry inclined his head slightly. "I did what had to be done."
Bagnold smiled softly. "A modest response, but nonetheless, the truth remains. Your actions have saved countless lives and given us hope for a better future."
There was a moment of silence before she added, "Given the circumstances, the Ministry has concluded its investigation. We found no evidence of dark magic used by you during the battle. You are free to go."
Harry exhaled quietly, a weight lifting from his shoulders. "Thank you, Minister."
Bagnold stood, signaling the end of their meeting. "If there's anything the Ministry can do for you, don't hesitate to ask. You've earned a place in our history, Mr. Potter."
Harry rose as well, offering a brief but genuine smile. "I appreciate that."
As he turned to leave, Bagnold spoke once more. "Take care, Harry. The wizarding world owes you more than it can ever repay."
With a final nod, Harry exited the office, stepping into the bustling world outside. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, it was a path he was ready to walk.