Chapter Text
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I Do Not Own Harry Potter.
All Characters Appearing In This Work Are Fictitious. Any Resemblance To Real Persons, Living Or Dead Is Purely Coincidental.
Chapter I: Honouring a Friend.
Kingsley and his group reached the podium just as the crowd filtered back from the tour of Hogwarts. The tall black man waited, silent, while chairs scraped and voices hushed. Years as an Auror had taught him how to wear a blank mask, but behind the smile his thoughts twisted. He was worried.
He let the silence stretch, then spoke.
“Welcome back, everyone. I trust the tour of Hogwarts Castle was… educational.”
A ripple of laughter broke the tension. Kingsley’s smile held.
“Now then, it is time to begin the final ceremony. The Order of Merlin, First Class. Awarded for acts of outstanding bravery, or distinction in magic. The ribbon for this class is green. As with its predecessors, we begin with the posthumous awards.”
He unrolled a parchment, the crackle loud in the hall.
“The first recipient of the Order of Merlin, First Class, is Nymphadora Tonks. For her participation in the Battle of Hogwarts, and for stopping a group of Snatchers and Death Eaters from attempting to kidnap and assault a group of fifth‑year girls.
Auror Tonks was outnumbered three to one. She did not hesitate. She engaged them in mortal combat while the students fled.”
Kingsley’s voice caught, but he pressed on.
“Despite massive injuries, Tonks did not falter. She fought until the end, even at the cost of her own life. For her brave and selfless actions, it is my honour and my sorrow to present this award to her family.”
The word *assault* hung heavy in the air. Parents pulled their children closer, whispers rippled, outrage simmered. Once again, the so‑called Dark Lord and his followers revealed themselves for what they were: filthy predators.
Kingsley ignored the commotion, his booming voice cutting through the whispers.
“However, before I present this honour, there is one more who must be recognised. Remus Lupin. A brave man. He put his life on the line countless times.
As a member of the Order of the Phoenix, he dedicated himself to helping werewolf victims. When those efforts proved in vain, and Fenrir Greyback’s pack marched upon Hogwarts, Remus stood. Alongside Bill Weasley, he met them in battle. Ten werewolves met two men in mortal combat. Fenrir escaped, but the rest were defeated. Unfortunately Remus did not survive his wounds.”
Kingsley’s voice hardened briefly, then softened again.
“Therefore it is my honour and privilege to posthumously award Remus Lupin for preventing the werewolves from joining the Dark Lord, for his service in the Order, and for sacrificing his life in battle during the Battle of Hogwarts.
He is the first werewolf victim ever to be accorded this honour. I know there are those who will disagree. But I believe a man should not be judged by his circumstances in life… only by his actions.”
Applause burst out, ragged and uneven, layered with whispers. Shock, confusion, the audience chewing over the Minister’s words.
Kingsley let them murmur for a heartbeat, then cut through the noise. Calm, but with unmistakable weight.
“I had the honour of knowing Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks both personally and professionally. I was not only a witness at their wedding but also an honoured guest. And though it gives me great sorrow to know that two people I called friends are no longer in this world, it gives me pride to know their son will grow up in a safer world because of the sacrifices they made.
I now call upon Andromeda Tonks, their last living relative, to receive the Order of Merlin, First Class, on their behalf.”
Applause thundered again, but beneath it the whispers sharpened. Those who understood heard the underlying threat woven into the Minister’s words. Disguised, yes, but not hidden. Any who thought to harm Lupin’s family would face the personal and undivided wrath of Kingsley Shacklebolt.
He was no blubbering politician. He was an Auror, battle‑hardened, resourceful, and a close friend of the Weasleys — famous for their hot tempers and duelling skills. This was the man who had brought down Dolohov and Rookwood single‑handedly, who had stood toe‑to‑toe with Voldemort and lived. A lion mellowed, but still dangerous.
The message was clear: this administration would not compromise with criminals or bullies.
Andromeda Tonks walked to the stage. Her smile was sad but steady as she accepted the green ribbon. She thanked the Minister, then turned to Minerva McGonagall with a challenging smile.
“You have exactly eleven years, Minerva. Rebuild this castle and ensure its foundations are strong, because in eleven years you will see the return of the progeny of the Marauders.
And like their predecessors, they shall shake this magnificent castle to its foundations with their antics. Something tells me they might succeed where their predecessors failed.
Beware, Minerva. For eleven years from now Theodore Remus Lupin will enter this castle for the very first time. He carries the blood of a Marauder many times overm
And while he carries their blood, he will also carry their legacy forward.
Although a Metamorphmagus by nature, he carries the roots and legacies of many pure‑blood families of old — ancestors who not only managed to create mischief on a grand scale, and solemnly swore to be up to no good.”
Minerva laughed good‑naturedly. “Is that a threat, Andromeda?”
The grandmother shrugged. “No threats, Minerva. I simply speak the truth. And soon after him, at least three of his cousins will follow along with countless friends.”
Minerva’s eyes sharpened as.she looked towards Harry,Ginny, Hermione, Ron and george and Angelina sitting in the front row along with the rest of the DA.
her voice clipped but resolute.
“In that case, Andromeda, I shall take this decade to not only fortify the foundations of this castle, but ensure my colleagues and I become the mountains they must overcome.
For not only are we the stewards of this castle, we are also the current peak of magical power. And in their attempts to outwit us — in pranks, in duels, in every scrap of mischief — they will unknowingly apply their lessons, stretch their magic, and surpass us. That is the way of Hogwarts.
So I say let them come — because in their constant attempt to challenge our authority, they will no doubt eventually surpass us.
And then, as is their right, they will in turn become the new height to surpass, thus propelling the next generation forward. While allowing us, at last, to earn our rest.”
Andromeda inclined her head, satisfied. Minerva’s words carried steel, not just hope.
Andromeda stepped down, sitting beside Harry, who had Teddy perched in his lap. The toddler tugged at his godfather’s glasses, and Harry’s whole face lit up in a smile.All the while Kingsley continued to call out smd honor the names of both the living and dead.
Andromeda watched, amazed. Teddy was Harry’s lifeline to the past, and he cherished him fiercely. Remus had been right: Harry would make a fantastic godfather.
“He looks so peaceful, doesn’t he? It's amazing how Teddy has managed to not only his way into Harry's heart but also completely y and utterly pulled off his mask."
Ginny whispered, eyes soft as she watched her beloved shower affection on the child.
Andromeda nodded, voice warm. “He deserves it. He’s been through hell and back. He deserves a happy and prosperous future.
And look at the bright side—even if he’s pants at being an Auror, he’ll make a great house‑husband, won’t he?”
Ginny blushed but did not falter. “I’m sure he will, Andromeda. Not only a good husband, but a good father as well.”