"HP: Too Late, System!"Chapter 314: Godric's Hollow Memorial Ceremony (Part Two)
Tonks strode forward, giving Douglas a thorough once-over.
"Morning, Doug. Not bad—nice suit. That badge, though…"
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. This was only the second time they'd ever heard someone address their professor so casually.
Douglas cleared his throat, affecting an air of composure.
"Mr. Black, would you mind leading everyone over? Percy, you and Penelope, help Mr. Black, please."
Without waiting for a reply, he tugged Tonks aside, leaving the students whispering and craning their necks in curiosity.
Without moving his lips, Harry muttered quickly to Ron and Hermione, "That's Sirius's cousin…"
Hermione shot a glance at Sirius and murmured, "No wonder—they really are family."
Percy rapped his two unruly brothers on the head, then whispered to his girlfriend, "I'll tell you their story later."
He straightened his robes, put on a stern face, and began leading the group toward the square.
Noticing Tonks's gaze lingering on his badge, Douglas shrugged.
"Don't get your hopes up. Only current Hogwarts students are eligible for this medal… But what are you doing here? I thought you'd been assigned elsewhere—"
Tonks arched an eyebrow, her hair flashing instantly to bright yellow. Clearing her throat, she put on a look of mock pride.
"You know how it is. The Ministry's stretched thin—everyone's being pulled in a dozen directions. Someone as brilliant as me, naturally, gets sent to the front lines hunting down dark wizards. As for Peter… well, I'd love for him to show up. If I could bag him, that'd be a real feather in my cap."
Douglas smirked. "Blondes have always been the proud ones."
Sunlight spilled across Godric's Hollow, bathing the tranquil land in warmth and serenity.
At the heart of the little village, the tavern had—without the Muggle owner's knowledge—been quietly requisitioned by the Ministry of Magic.
After the arrival of the Hogwarts students, the tavern's Floo Network was activated, and witches and wizards from other Ministry departments began arriving in waves through the fireplace.
With the students' arrival, the square had been transformed. It was solemn and dignified, a massive hero's memorial standing at its center, surrounded by flowers and offerings.
At last, Minister Fudge arrived. He glanced around, frowning when he failed to spot Dumbledore—he'd thought himself the last to arrive.
At that moment, Percy sidled up to Minister Fudge, his tone respectful yet tinged with sycophancy:
"Headmaster Dumbledore is getting on in years, Minister. He was worried he might become emotional and disrupt the ceremony, so he asked me to pass along his regrets—he won't be attending today."
Fudge gave Percy a long look, then scanned the crowd and nodded, evidently satisfied.
He strode to the front of the statue, adjusted his brilliant red tie, drew his wand, and pressed it to his throat.
Sonorus!
"Honored witches and wizards,
Today, we gather in Godric's Hollow, a place of great historical significance. Here, we remember the heroes who gave their lives in the great war—their sacrifice and devotion forever etched in our hearts.
It was a dark time—yes, I won't deny it. Fear and despair hung over us all.
But the Ministry of Magic never faltered. We stood tall, fighting bravely against the forces of evil.
Of course, there were others of good conscience who supported the Ministry's efforts.
During those eleven long years of brutal conflict, countless heroes laid down their lives.
Their courage and strength defended our dignity and freedom. Their names will be remembered always. Their spirit will forever inspire us…"
As Fudge's speech dragged on, murmurs began to ripple through the crowd.
Hermione frowned and whispered, "Have you noticed? He hasn't mentioned Headmaster Dumbledore even once…"
From the moment the speeches began, Harry's attention had been fixed on the three statues before him—a man with wild hair and glasses, a beautiful, kind-faced woman with flowing hair, and a baby boy cradled in his mother's arms.
He hadn't heard a word of Fudge's speech.
It wasn't until Hermione spoke that he snapped back to the present. He glanced around, puzzled. "And Headmaster Dumbledore isn't here, and it doesn't look like Fudge plans to let Professor Holmes speak either."
Fudge pressed on, as though he himself had been the bold leader in those dark days.
"October 31st, 1981—a date we must never forget. On that night, James Potter and Lily Potter, along with Harry Potter, struck a mortal blow against the forces of evil.
But behind this victory stood the Ministry of Magic and countless wizards, united in struggle…
This triumph was hard-won—a testament to our unity and resolve.
In 1990, I was honored to become Minister for Magic. Under my leadership, the Ministry has worked tirelessly to rebuild our world, restoring peace and safety to wizardkind.
But we must not forget our past suffering, nor the heroes who gave their lives for our present.
Let us learn from history, cherish this hard-won peace, and strengthen the Ministry's defenses.
Finally, let me say—our victory belongs to all wizards, united in purpose. Let us join hands and strive for a brighter tomorrow!"
As Fudge finished, a scattering of polite applause was joined by a few dissenting mutters.
"Shouldn't this be Dumbledore's credit?"
"He never mentions it—after all those letters to Albus over the years…"
Fudge ignored the undercurrent, beaming as he beckoned to Harry.
"And now, let us welcome the representative of Hogwarts—the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter—to speak beneath the statue of his heroic family."
The applause that followed made Harry's cheeks flush. It had been a long time since anyone had called him the Boy Who Lived, especially at a moment like this.
He glanced at Douglas and Sirius.
Douglas gave him a reassuring nod. Sirius watched him with red-rimmed eyes, clapping steadily.
As Harry climbed the steps, the Aurors straightened, eyes sharp and alert as they scanned the square.
"Dear friends," Harry began, his voice steady but soft, "today I'm deeply honored to lead you all to this place of enormous meaning for me—Godric's Hollow. Here stands a statue commemorating my parents and me.
Standing before this statue, I'm overwhelmed with emotion. My parents were great wizards who gave their lives to protect me—and the entire wizarding world. Their love and courage have always inspired me, shaping who I am today.
I know each of you has your own family and your own story. Some of you may have faced loss or hardship too. But I hope you can learn something from my parents. They taught me that no matter how great the challenge, you must hold fast to your beliefs and face adversity with courage.
This statue is not only a memorial to my parents, but a tribute to all who have fought for justice and peace. We live in a time full of challenges and opportunities. As the next generation of witches and wizards, it's our responsibility to carry on their legacy and strive for a better world.
Finally, I want to thank every one of you—for the support and help you've given me as I've grown. Let's work together to make the wizarding world a better place.
Thank you, everyone!"
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