Don’t forget that this is a sequel to Harry Potter and the Heir of the Four Founders. If you don’t read that first this probably won’t make any sense.

Harry walked out of the Ministry building and apparated to Hogwarts. As he walked up the drive to the castle, surrounded by his Aurors, he thought back on the last twelve years. Harry couldn’t believe how quickly it had passed. Emilie and the chosen ones had all graduated and made their way out into the big wide world, not that they went far anyway. All of them had joined the Aurors and distinguished themselves highly, before returning to Hogwarts three years ago, when some of the teachers decided that had had enough and wished to retire. Harry had continued to teach for almost two years after Voldemort had finally been destroyed but found that by the end of the second year he was in demand more an more throughout the world. By the time the last of the original special forces finished their days at Hogwarts, Harry was a rare sight around the corridors of the school.

Albus had been the first to go, a little over three years ago. He had retired with little fanfare to the south of France with Minerva. Severus had taken over as Headmaster and Emilie as Transfiguration Professor. Emilie had also taken over as Head of Gryffindor house, and loved each and every one of her students as if they were her own, which in turn left her with any number of babysitters when she really needed to see Harry. Hermione had returned as Professor of Ancient Runes, Ginny taught Muggle Studies, of all things and Draco, of course, had Severus’ old job. And Ron, well let’s just say he said the best day of his life, other than marrying Hermione, had been when Madame Hooch had decided to spend three or four years trekking around South America. The Potter’s still lived at Hogwarts, in those special rooms that Harry had been given all those years before, and although Harry had been given a large house in London, he very rarely stayed there, preferring to return to Emilie and the children.

The children, Harry thought to himself. One minute Lily and Jean-Paul were babies in nappies, the next they were having their first birthday, and now they were both on the Gryffindor quidditch team. JP as a Beater and Lily as Seeker. Harry shook his head as he thought of his two children. Both had Harry sparkling green eyes but whereas JP had inherited Emilie’s fair hair and colouring, Spitfire Lily as she was fondly referred to, took after her dad. Jet black hair that cascaded down her back in waves, and it didn’t matter if it was long or short, it was always messy. And she certainly did have her mother’s temper when it was let loose. Harry had hoped they would be able to grow up without fear and without war, but it was not to be.

Two years ago the Ministry of Magic had been attacked in a well planned raid by someone who called themselves Count Krutormvik. Sirius had died in the attack along with Percy and Arthur Weasley. It had been a disastrous blow to the wizarding world. Minister Black had been popular and fair. No one had been prepared for it and there had been no rumours of any uprising, let alone something of this magnitude. It had been over ten years since Voldemort and everyone was relaxed. Security had been taken for granted and Sirius had paid for it with his life. It had taken Harry a good six months to recover from the shock. In fact the only thing that had pulled him out of his shell had been a visit from the entire cabinet of the Ministry begging for him to take over as Minister. At first he had refused but the cabinet had kept asking, soon they had the papers requesting and in turn Harry began to received hundreds of letters all telling him that they needed a leader in this time of war and he was the best they had. Emilie pleaded with him not to take it, but in the end, his ‘Gryffindor morality’ as Emilie called it, had hit home, and he accepted.

Emilie didn’t speak to him for a week after that.

It was their first real fight, Emilie screaming at him about the dangers and about not being able to say no to anybody. In fact, it only ended when Harry was attacked one evening as he apparated into Hogsmeade. Harry was okay but they lost one of the Aurors that had been accompanying him. Emilie had come racing down from the castle, crying hysterically to throw herself into his arms. She never fought with him again after that. Now Harry had no fewer than six Aurors with him where ever he went, under orders of the Ministry cabinet. There was no way they wanted to loose this Minister. Currently the six consisted of almost half of his original special forces team. Fred and George, Blaise, Seamus, David and Nathan all had volunteered quite loudly and firmly when Harry had become Minister. Katie, Justin, Josh, Dean and Cho were on the morning shift with David Wittingslow, who was still extremely loyal to Harry, and would be ready at seven am to go back to London with him. They all had rooms at the school. When they apparated in for the Ministry they landed in a specially warded circle just outside the gates that Harry had set up and they could step directly onto the grounds from it. Harry could have jumped them all up to the castle, but he enjoyed this quiet walk of an evening to try and clear his thoughts. And today they needed some clearing. Wizarding towns in both England and Germany had been attacked the day before, leaving over eighty people dead and Harry had been distressed to find out that Count Krutormvik was actually Viktor Krum. That information had yet to be released to the public, but when it was, Harry knew the storm would hit. Voldemort had had no trouble finding followers willing to do his bidding and he hadn’t been an internationally renowned quidditch player. Sure Krum didn’t have Voldemort’s charisma, well, in his early days, and he wasn’t much to look at, but then neither was Voldemort at the end. Deep down Harry knew they were in for what could be the biggest war of all time.

Finally Harry reached the entrance doors and waved them open, crossing into the entrance hall. Fred looked worriedly at him as he held open the door to the great hall. Harry nodded his thanks and tried to smile but it wouldn’t come. He walked through the doors and up the aisle towards the head table as the Aurors stationed themselves around the room. Two covering the doors, one either side of the hall and two following Harry to stand behind the table. Harry smiled as he heard ’Daddy.’ screamed across the hall and felt his small twelve year old daughter barrel in to him. He stopped and looked down to see his eyes reflected in matching green ones. However while Lily’s were sparkling at the joy of seeing her father again, Harry were dull and tired and lined with worry.

‘Hey Princess.’ he said softly, stroking her hair. ’It’s good to see you too.’

‘Daddy, we won against Slytherin.’ she said proudly. Harry felt a pang in his heart. He had forgotten that the first quidditch game of the season had been last Saturday.

‘I’m sorry I missed it, Baby.’ Just then he felt a hand on his sleeve and turned to see his son standing there. JP was a spitting image of his mother, other than having his eyes, and it always gave Harry’s heart a small leap to see him. ’Hey Jean-Paul. I hear you did well against Slytherin?’ Harry said giving his son a hug. JP nodded, smiling brightly. They were such happy kids, Harry just hoped that they would never know the pain that their parents had. ’You two had better finish your dinner. I think your mother’s getting antsy.’ Harry smiled as they both giggled and hugged him once more before returning to the Gryffindor Table. The students were used to the Minister turning up during their dinner and paid Harry no mind as he continued on towards the head table. He could see Emilie, smiling softly, tears shining in her eyes as he walked around the table to greet her. He pulled her to him, kissing her softly before tucking her head under his chin and hugging her tightly. He had been gone for almost a two weeks. The longest he could go on the Dreamless Sleep potion before he would have to return to Emilie. The nightmares had gone away for a few years but had returned with a vengeance when Sirius died.

‘That bad?’ Emilie whispered.

‘You don’t know the half of it.’ he whispered back, releasing her.

‘Harry.’ Severus greeted him also giving him a quick hug. ‘After dinner?’ Harry nodded.

‘Griffin.’ the chosen ones chorused. Harry laughed.

‘I don’t know if leaving you lot linked all those years ago was such a good idea.’ he chuckled.

‘Is it that bad, Griffin?’ Draco said softly, taking in the worried expression in Harry‘s eyes despite his laughter. Harry sighed, his smile leaving him quickly.

‘Yeah. I’ll tell you all after dinner.’ he said taking his place next to Emilie. Severus, Emilie and the chosen ones kept glancing at Harry in concern as he pushed his food idly around his plate for the rest of the meal.

Harry waited until all of the students had left for their dormitories before nodding to the Aurors and holding his arm out. When everybody was holding on he jumped them all up to the Headmaster’s office.

‘Hey Fawkes.’ he trilled, catching sight of the vibrant red plumage of Albus’ old phoenix. ‘How are you?’ Harry said, softly stroking the birds chest. Fawkes tilted his head and let out a soft melody before nipping Harry gently on the fingers in affection. Harry spent a few minutes talking with Fawkes as the others all found seats and looked at him expectantly. Harry finally turned to face them, looking at his nearest and dearest with sorrow.

‘Eighty people died today. Twenty seven on Orion Bay in Devon and fifty three in Dusselwith in Germany.’ Harry said softly. Everyone just stared at him. ‘We can’t seem to find out where Krutormvik is hiding but we did find one important fact.’ Harry looked straight a Hermione.

‘What is it, Griffin.’ Hermione’s voice trembled.

‘Krutormvik is Victor Krum.’ Harry whispered.

‘Oh my god.’ Hermione covered her mouth with her hands, her face draining of blood. ‘But I’ve been writing to him. Telling him all sorts of things. About Hogwarts and you and Emilie. Oh my god.’ she said again. ‘What have I done?’ Ron wrapped an arm around his wife’s waist.

‘It’s okay Hermione. You didn’t know. His letters were always so nice.’ Ron said softly. Harry raised an eyebrow in wonder and glanced at Emilie.

‘Who is that and where is Ron?’ he sent. Emilie shook her head.

‘Ron has grown up a lot over the last few years, you just haven’t been here to see it.’ she sent back in an accusing tone. Harry nodded slowly in agreement. She was right, he hadn’t been around much over the last few years, particularly the last two.

‘What now?’ Draco asked. Harry shrugged.

‘Dragon, to be honest. I really don’t know.’ Harry admitted.

‘Harry, you can’t say that.’ Severus scolded. ‘Not out loud. You are the Minister for Magic, it is your job to know.’ Harry sighed loudly and ran his hand through his hair as he paced back and forward in front of Severus‘ desk. The others could all see how tense Harry was, the slight limp caused by his broken back twelve years ago became more pronounced the more stressed and tired Harry became. It hadn’t been noticeable for the first few years but as time went on it got worse. Most of the time, you would have to know him well to notice it, as the occupants of the room did. But tonight it was there for all to see. ‘You are a leader and as such you have to show leadership, even when you have know idea at what is going on.’

‘Your right.’ Harry said, continuing to pace, his hand coming around to rest on his lower back. ‘I mean remember Fudge. He never knew anything that was happening and yet he carried on as it nothing was going on. I can’t do that Sev.’ Harry stopped and looked at his guardian imploringly. ‘I can’t lie to people like that.’ Severus came around the desk to wrap his arm around the man in front of him, giving him a firm hug.

‘You don’t have to Harry. You don’t have to lie to them. Tell them what you know, but don’t ever tell them you don’t know something. They have faith in you, trust in you Harry. We all do.’ Severus gestured to the others in the room who were nodding. Just then a knock sounded at the door. ‘Come in.’ Severus called.

‘Still can’t do the door thing, hey Sev?’ Harry snorted, referring to the way Albus always used to know who was behind the door. Severus ignored him and went to take the proffered envelope from the Auror.

‘It’s for Minister Potter.’ The young Auror said. Hogwarts had a group of twenty Aurors stationed there at all times. Harry took the envelope and thanked the Auror. Leaning back on the desk he placed his palm over the seal on the back and muttered the incantation. Emilie held her breath, waiting. She had seen Harry open a few of these special purple envelopes over the last two years and they were never good news. Sure enough, right on cue, Harry face paled as the blood drained and he grasped hold of the edge of the desk taking several deep breaths.

‘Harry?’ Emilie said hesitantly, standing up and going to put her arms around him.

‘Krutormvik. He’s hit the German Ministry. It’s wiped out. The Minister is dead.’ Harry whispered. ‘I have to go. Sweetheart, I’m sorry but I have to get back to London.’ Harry said sadly. Emilie nodded.

‘When will you be back?’ she said softly.

‘As soon as I can, I promise.’ Harry kissed her passionately. ‘Tell the children for me.’ she nodded. ‘I love you.’

Harry gave each of the others a quick goodbye hug.

‘I’ll send Hedwig or Erte with any news, in the morning.’ he promised. ‘Oh, and can one of you let Dudley know I won’t have time to see him and Hannah tomorrow.’ Harry said remembering he had promised his cousin he would have lunch with him and his wife the next day.

‘No problem Griffin.’ Draco said shoving him out the door. ‘Go. They need you.’ Harry smiled.

‘Thanks Dragon.’ he whispered before disappearing down the stairs. Twenty eight year old Harry Potter, Britain’s current Minister for Magic, found his Aurors and jumped them all down to the gates, where they quickly stepped into the circle and all apparated away to London. The six Professors watching from the Headmaster’s office as they disappeared. Emilie looking longingly at the spot her husband had stood for not more than a second.

There you go. Just a little teaser of the sequel which I will write one day.