Chapter 3: Awards, Electives and Disagreements. Part 2

The last time around he only mumbled some words together. By no means was his reply then was as elaborate and profound as it was this time. He knew what he needed after his godfather's death after the Department of Mysteries debacle, he just watered down his advice to suit the current situation with Ginny. 'All anyone needs after a tragedy is the support from their loved ones.'

Harry watched as the students started to settle into their house tables. Neville came into the hall a while later followed by Dean, Seamus, and Ron. They sat around Harry with Neville sitting across Harry and Ron sitting to his left. Neville asked, "Oh hey Harry, we didn't see you at the common room or the dorm, is there anything wrong?"

Harry shook his head and answered, "No, I just took a walk around the castle alone."

Neville nodded and decided not to press, even though he noted the sour mood when he left the Great Hall at breakfast. Ron looked to question him further, but he got distracted by a conversation about the upcoming Quidditch season by some of the upper years. Just about when everyone was gathered at the hall, the doors opened, and the petrified students were let into the hall.

Pin drop silence pervaded the Great Hall and all heads snapped towards the entrance. Harry Potter stood up and spotted his best friend. He did not hold himself back, unlike the last time; he broke into a run with a silly smile all over his face, he wanted to let his best friend know how much he missed her. Even if he came back in time this morning, he still felt the raw sense of happiness at seeing her healthy again.

Hermione watched as the charging form of her best friend cross the distance between them rapidly with wide eyes. His overflowing happiness at seeing her, brought tears to her eyes. Madame Pomphrey discreetly told her that Harry was her regular visitor and gave her a knowing smile as she walked away. To see actual evidence of his affection stunned her and did things to her heart she thought was not possible before.

Time seemed to stop at that very moment, her face flushed a very beautiful shade of red. He then did what she thought was impossible for one Harry James Potter. He initiated a hug. He pulled her to him and twirled her around, and she could not help giggling. Giggling! The Hermione Granger, giggling! As he stopped his twirling, he drew her for a very tight embrace, and she unconsciously leant her head on his shoulder. 'Has he gotten slightly taller?' She took in the myriad of sensations she was feeling and a maelstrom of emotions running through her.

Before they pulled back, she reached forward and planted a kiss on his cheek, and it was his turn to an iridescent shade of red. She felt satisfaction at being able to get a reaction from him and at the same time felt abashed that she showed intimacy in front of everyone in the Great Hall. She looked over to Professor McGonagall, prepared to see her disappointment at the two of them; instead, what she saw was a slight smile and a knowing glance directed at the two of them, quite like the look Madame Pomphrey gave her earlier.

Harry on the other hand could care less about anyone around him, other than Hermione. He did not hear the wolf whistles by the Twins, the cheers from the rest of the hall, the morose expressions by some of the Slytherins, the distant look on Snape's visage, the smile that never reached the calculating gaze of the headmaster and the elation of the head table. Nor did he notice the change in hand of gold between Professors McGonagall and Sprout. He just felt elation at her kiss on his cheek, an emotion that felt foreign to him rose in his chest. Still grinning like a loon, he took her hand and whispered, "You're back."

Overwhelmed with all the emotions around her, she just nodded. While she was still dazed, the Headmaster stood up and clinked his glass thrice, and the rest of the students started to gather themselves again. Harry, while still holding her hand, led her over to where the rest of their year were seated. He helped her take a seat and then sat next to her. It was then he noted several things, Neville giving him a smirk, the Twins reenacting their little episode, Ron wearing a frown, and the smiles on the rest of the housemates.

Hermione leant in and said, "You two did it, you two solved the pieces of the puzzle! I am so proud of you," a lovely smile gracing her features.

Harry shook his head and countered, "If it wasn't for you, we would have been lost. I am so sorry that I was not there to help you," his tone laced with a hint of remorse.

Hermione reached out and squeezed his hand. As she was about to say something, the door to Great Hall opened once again to reveal Hagrid. The Gryffindor's burst into cheers followed by Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. Hagrid gave a small bow to the Hall and walked towards the head table. As got to where Harry was seated, he stopped and emotionally said, "Yer saved me there Harry, yer parents would be right proud of yer. Thank you," Harry got up and gave his giant friend a hug. Hagrid then walked back to the head table and took his usual seat.

The Headmaster got up once again. "Yes, all is well again. Our students have been healed from our petrification and our friend Hagrid has been released from Azkaban and he is back among us once again. Though, I would remiss my duties if I do not take this opportunity to thank the ones responsible for ending this tragedy. For uncovering the secret of the Chamber of Secrets and ending the Slytherin's Monster, as the Headmaster of Hogwarts, I would like to present two Special Services Awards to Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley," and with that, the Great hall exploded once again into a cacophony of cheers lead by the Gryffindor.

However, Harry sat silently for a minute. A thought, then appeared in his mind and an odd glint appeared in his eyes. Hermione, who was the only noticed his change, narrowed her eyes.

Harry Potter stood up and walked to the center of the Hall, not far from where he was seated. He then glanced at the general direction of the head table and he made sure to not make any eye contact with both Dumbledore and Snape. He waited till the noise died out. After noticing that Harry Potter was standing in silence in the middle of the hall, the rest of students quietened quickly in anticipation of the next sequence of events.

Harry took a deep breath and exhaled. Here goes nothing. He schooled a neutral expression and spoke, "Thank you Headmaster for your recognition. However, it would be remiss my duties as a fellow student and a friend to not recognize two people who contributed greatly in helping secure the lives of our students at Hogwarts. They are Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom."

Looks of surprise were directed at Harry, and he even heard the scoffs of others. Surprisingly, some from his own house. 'Not like that bunch were any good with anything. Demean those who contribute to the wellbeing of society, while not recognizing that the reason why they are alive could be pointed to contributions of the very people they spit on.' He cleared his throat and continued

"Neville Longbottom has worked tirelessly over the last year or so working with Professor Sprout in making sure that the Mandrake Restorative Draft can be made. As Professor Sprout can attest to," he took a pause to nod at Professor Sprout, who in turn nodded back with a hint of respect and happiness, he continued, "much of Neville's work was beyond the curriculum of a second year. After all, handling adult Mandrakes is hazardous to even the most accomplished Herbologists. To that extent I must thank Professor Sprout and Neville to help cure my best friend. For his contributions, I ask you to award a Special Services Award to Neville," he glanced at Neville and smiled at the dumbfounded expression on his face.

Turning to look back the head table he noted several expressions. Many of the staff supporting expressions of approval. The look of subtle elation and pride on McGonagall's face, a look of approval from Madame Pomphrey, the unabashed tears of joy and the furious nodding by Professor Sprout, Professor Flitwick who was bouncing up and down in his seat, and Hagrid who was blowing his nose with a giant handkerchief. Harry to his dying day swore that he saw Hagrid's boogers land on Snape's greasy hair. Meanwhile, Snape and Dumbledore looked on without revealing any emotions.

He took a moment to let the room absorb what he said. He continued, "I would like to present three ways in which Hermione helped put an end to this madness. First, Hermione was the reason why we discovered the Slytherin's monster," much to his glee, he saw the grimaces and expressions of disgust and hatred on the faces of several children of Death Eaters and their supporters. Most amusing to Harry was the shade of purple that the Blond Ponce of Slytherin and Overall Waste of Magic seemed to sport. He did note the hints of admiration directed towards him from the more neutral families. 'Another little note to self to be shelved for another time.'

"You see, just before she was petrified, she found the identity and how the monster was using to petrify its victims. However, before she could use the information in a meaningful way, she was petrified along with the Ravenclaw Prefect Ms. Clearwater. She hid the necessary information in her palm the same moment she was petrified, leaving a vital piece of information for us to find.

And that brings to second point of why Ms. Granger should receive the award. If she did not take the precautions she did, Ms. Clearwater would have died," several eyebrows rose at this and murmurs spread throughout the hall. Harry saw from the corner of his eyes many Ravenclaws asking Ms. Clearwater the same question, her nod proving the truth of Harry's words. Dumbledore furrowed his eyebrows for a second before schooling his usual grandfatherly demeanor, a change that did not go unnoticed to Harry Potter.

Finally, Ms. Granger aided Mr. Longbottom in finding necessary reading material that would help supplement his work with the Mandrakes, a fact that Mr. Longbottom confided with me after our visit to the Hospital Wing when we visited her," he turned his gaze towards the Headmaster, while making sure he avoided eye contact. He paused for a few moments and continued.

Headmaster you have reiterated that at the end of the day, it is about the choices people make. I would like to add that great wizards and witches choose what is right over what is easy. Neither Neville nor Hermione needed to be involved at all. They chose to do what was right by their own initiation. By inference, that marks them to be a great witch and a wizard. Thus, if Hogwarts is to award me for ending the monster, then much credit must be given to all those who supported me in the process. With that I rest my case," and Harry stood silently and closed his eyes, absorbing the various sounds of the Great Hall that once again burst into a standing ovation at Harry's words.

He knew that even Snape knew not to berate him right now, his public opinion is at a high and furthermore Harry just presented a case for rewarding his friends, the very ones who did a great service to Hogwarts. His words resonated with the rest of the student body, and the message was profound yet simple.

To lead is not to assume accolades and none of the responsibilities. To lead is to assume responsibilities and to uplift the lives of those around you while giving due credit to those who deserve it.