Chapter 17: The Wider World
The train ride back to London was filled with a mix of nostalgia and excitement. As we sped through the countryside, conversations turned to our imminent return to the Muggle world and the new lives awaiting us.
Arriving at King's Cross Station, the transition felt surreal. The bustling Muggle world seemed almost detached from the intense experiences we had lived through. Yet, we knew it was time to step back into it, armed with the knowledge and strength we had gained.
Over the summer, we all settled into our new routines. Hermione quickly dove into an internship at the Ministry of Magic, working in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Her passion for justice and equality shone through in her work, and she often wrote to us, sharing stories of her efforts to improve the rights of house-elves and other magical beings.
Ron, true to his word, tried out for the Chudley Cannons. To everyone's delight, he secured a position as their keeper. His letters were filled with excitement and humor, recounting the highs and lows of professional Quidditch. His enthusiasm was infectious, and we could feel his joy through every word.
Neville, who had returned home to his grandmother, was preparing to start his apprenticeship under Professor Sprout at Hogwarts. He often visited the castle, helping to restore the greenhouses and tending to the magical plants. His passion for Herbology was evident, and we knew he would make an excellent professor one day.
As for Harry and me, we had both decided to pursue careers as Aurors. The training was rigorous, but we thrived in the challenge. We were driven by a shared determination to ensure that the peace we had fought for would last. The Auror headquarters became our new base, and the camaraderie among our fellow trainees reminded us of our time at Hogwarts.
One evening, after a particularly grueling training session, Harry and I found ourselves sitting in the Auror common room, nursing cups of hot tea.
"Do you ever miss it?" Harry asked, his eyes distant. "Hogwarts, I mean."
I nodded, understanding the longing in his voice. "Every day. But I also feel like we're doing something important here. Like we're honoring everyone we lost."
Harry smiled, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Yeah. I just wish they were here to see it."
We sat in comfortable silence for a while, lost in our thoughts. The weight of our past was always there, but it was balanced by the promise of the future.
In the following weeks, our training intensified. We learned advanced defensive spells, honed our dueling skills, and studied magical forensics. The work was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Each day brought new lessons and new ways to protect the magical community.
One day, we received word from Hermione about a significant breakthrough in her department. She had successfully lobbied for a new bill that granted more rights to house-elves, a small but crucial step towards equality. Her passion and dedication were inspiring, and we celebrated her achievement with a dinner at the Burrow, surrounded by friends and family.
As the summer drew to a close, we prepared for our official induction as Aurors. The ceremony was held at the Ministry, and it was a momentous occasion. Dressed in our formal robes, we stood proudly as we took our oaths, vowing to protect the magical world from any threats that might arise.
After the ceremony, we gathered with our friends and family, sharing stories and laughter. The future was bright, and we were ready to face it together, just as we had always done.
Looking around at the familiar faces, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. We had come so far, and though the road ahead was uncertain, we knew we had each other. And that was enough.