Harry Potter: Another Chance

Chapter 434: Return to Normalcy, Part 2

Disclaimer: Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 434: Return to Normalcy, Part 2

In the afternoon, Ginny and Lyra made their way into the dungeons for their last class of the day.

"Ugh… not looking forward to this one," Lyra grumbled, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

Ginny gave her a side-eye. "I still don't understand your dislike for Potions. Professor Snape never treats you badly, and you're actually decent at brewing."

Lyra shrugged with a dramatic sigh. "It's just… boring. All you do is stare at a cauldron. I'd rather be in DADA, where I can actually throw spells around." She waved her hands as if casting imaginary hexes.

Ginny rolled her eyes. After all the chaos they'd experienced in the past few years, she couldn't believe Lyra wanted more excitement. "You're not planning on becoming an Auror like your dad, are you?" she asked, curious about her friend's career aspirations.

Lyra tilted her head, considering. "Maybe I am... that sounds like an exciting job, you know?."

Ginny gave a knowing smirk. "Then you might want to pay attention in Potions. You need a N.E.W.T. in it to qualify for that position."

Lyra frowned, muttering something under her breath.

Changing the subject, Ginny asked, "Say, when do you think your brother's coming back?"

"I have no idea," Lyra admitted, her tone softening. "He didn't look great when I last saw him. Honestly, he might not come back this year." She glanced at the ground, her voice quieter now. "Maybe I should send Mum a letter, ask how things are going."

Their conversation ended as they entered the classroom and froze.

" Ehmm…I don't think you need a letter." Ginny stared at the person sitting at the teacher's desk.

"Mum?!" Lyra nearly shouted, staring at the person seated on the other side of the classroom.

Lily Potter looked up with a bright smile. "Hey, sweetie! Come sit at the front. I want to keep an eye on you." She lifted a finger, her expression growing serious. "And remember, while we're at school, it's Professor Potter."

"Erm… excuse me, but… where is Professor Snape?" a Slytherin student asked hesitantly.

Lily waited until all the students had settled into their seats before addressing the class. "Alright, are we all here? Good. Now, to answer your question from earlier...Professor Snape has officially retired."

A wave of whispers and murmurs erupted through the room.

"Enough chatter!" Lily said firmly, her voice cutting through the noise. "I will be your Potions professor for the remainder of the year, or until the Headmaster finds someone more permanent."

A Gryffindor student raised their hand. "Excuse me, Professor Potter, but why did he leave?"

"Shh!, who cares?!" A boy next to him tried to shut him up.

Lily's expression softened slightly. "Well… he decided it was time to step away from teaching and spend some time traveling the world with his new companion."

"New companion?"

"You don't mean..."

"Professor Snape got a girlfriend?!"

The class erupted in murmurs coming mostly from the Gryffindor side.

The Slytherins were mostly in disbelief.

"That doesn't sound like Professor Snape at all," a skeptical Slytherin student muttered.

"Yeah!, he wouldn't leave without saying anything!" Another student added.

Lily merely shrugged. "You're welcome to ask someone else if you don't believe me. Now, let's get to work."

<><><><><><> Ministry of Magic <><><><><><><>

"This is too sudden," Kingsley Shacklebolt muttered while pacing around the room.

James Potter leaned against a desk with his arms crossed. "Of course it's sudden. But the nation needs proper leadership, and they chose you."

Kingsley shook his head. "The I.C.W. chose me...not the citizens of Magical Britain."

James pushed off the desk and placed a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. "There wasn't time for an election, and after everything, I'm sure people will understand. Besides, you're one of the Heroes of Hogsmeade. They would've voted for you in a heartbeat if given the chance."

Kingsley's expression darkened. "Please don't call me that." He sighed heavily. "Dumbledore did most of the work, and he paid the highest price."

James nodded solemnly. "I know Dumbledore well enough to say he'd never take this position. The I.C.W. likely thought the same."

Kingsley's pacing slowed. The chaos left in Voldemort's wake had all but dismantled the Ministry. Many officials had fled, been detained, or… worse.

The I.C.W.'s intervention had been swift, ensuring a complete purge of Voldemort's influence from the government. A fresh start was imperative afterward, and a new government had to be formed...starting with a new Minister of Magic.

"Look," James continued, "this country needs a good, honest leader for a change. The people deserve it. Don't you think so?"

Kingsley stopped pacing and sat heavily in a chair, his face lined with weariness. After a long pause, he finally said, "Very well. I'll accept the position of Minister for Magic."

James started to speak, but Kingsley cut him off, pointing a finger at him.

"But…" Kingsley said firmly. "I want you by my side."

James blinked in surprise. "You know I'm married, right?"

Kingsley raised an eyebrow. "Very funny. But that's not what I meant. With Lady Bones gone, we need a new Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I can't think of anyone better than you for the job. Will you take it?"

James hesitated, the weight of the offer settling on him. After a moment, he smiled faintly. "How could I say no to that?"