Harry led Hermione from the courtroom, trying to avoid the press. He had no wish to comment on what had happened inside, especially on his emotions. They were currently riding a rollercoaster. He spotted the remaining Weasleys standing off in a corner. They too seem to be avoiding the press. Harry really didn't blame them.
"Let's go talk to them" said Hermione. It was like she had read his mind. Harry made his way over to the four men. They seemed to have been waiting for him and Hermione to come talk to them. He wanted to tell them that he held no grudge against the rest of the family but Bill beat him to it.
"Harry, we just want to say that we're sorry for all that our family has done to you. We understand if you want nothing to do with us, let alone speak to us. We don't deserve that."
"Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, there is nothing to say. I don't blame you, neither does Hermione. Of course I still want to talk and hang around with you. You're like the older brothers that I never had. To show you that I mean it I want all of you to come to Hogwarts in the morning. I have a proposition to offer each of you."
"We'll be there and thank you."
The couple made their way out of the Ministry and into Diagon Alley. Harry sent an owl back to McGonagall saying that they would be there in a couple of hours. Also that he wanted to have a staff meeting when he returned. Hermione wanted to do a bit of shopping for herself and Michael. It would seem that both were out growing their clothes, Michael faster than Hermione. Harry agreed to whatever she said, not truly paying attention to her, but to their surroundings. He felt that it would be a perfect time to attack them. He breathed a sigh of relief when Hermione said that she was done and ready to go home.
Most of the students were outside on the grounds when they returned. Harry stopped briefly in the room with the Heart of Hogwarts to set up several new wards, including one that hid the secret passages from those with the Dark Mark. He was afraid of Wormtail trying to get inside and spy.
As Harry and Hermione reached the staff room, voices could be heard through the closed door. Both stopped to listen.
"If the 'school' has selected Mr. Potter as Headmaster, then we must abide by that decision", said Professor McGonagall. "He has proved that he is in control considering that he stopped everyone from entering the Headmaster's office without him there."
"I refuse to believe such a tale Minerva. Mr. Potter is simply trying to cause trouble. After all, look who his father and godfather were. Worst set of trouble makers this school has seen in well over a century. No I must insist that Mr. Potter be made to resume his classes and one of us take over the running of the school. It would be safer for the rest of the students. His record states that he wants to be an auror, so I believe that we should encourage that. I refuse to be dictated to by a child" said Professor Sheffield.
"Amanda, Mr. Potter has already taken his NEWTS and therefore has graduated. The same can be said for Mrs. Potter. He has the blood of two founders within him. They are the ones who decided that he should take over the school, not us. He has already turned down the Aurors as well as the Department of Mysteries. I will not deny his claim and ability to take care of this school and its students. I feel safer with him here as it is."
"Then you are a fool, Minerva."
Harry had heard enough. He pushed open the door and held it for Hermione. When they reached the table Harry held Hermione's chair for her until she sat down. Then he turned his icy stare to Amanda Sheffield.
"I think that you have said enough. If you don't like it, then leave. I had already decided to release you from your contract at the start of the winter break and have lined up a replacement for you. I'm sure that he would love to start early", said Harry.
"You have no right to dismiss me. I DO have a contract and intend to make sure that it is fulfilled. YOU need to learn some manners and some discipline Mr. Potter. I expect you to serve detention with me for the next two weeks. I'll teach you to put yourself above your superiors."
Harry let loose an evil chuckle. "You couldn't teach a vampire how to bite and drink blood. Not one student has learned anything in your classes. They're almost as bad as when Umbridge was teaching, only they get to actually try to do the spell. I AM in charge, Ms. Sheffield. You are released from your teaching duties and have two hours to pack and leave the castle before I have Hogwarts physically throw you out, preferably off of the Astronomy tower."
"I refuse to leave. I WILL not leave the fate of the students here in the hands of a child who has no concept of the real world or how to live in it. Not everyone was treated like a god growing up, Mr. Potter. Make sure that you are on time for your detention", said Amanda Sheffield as she left the room.
"That mean foul hag. I wish that I could hex her" muttered Hermione causing McGonagall and Flitwick to grin. "I think that a prank is in order. Leave her to me", she said as she stood, kissed Harry on the cheek and sailed from the room.
"I hope whatever Mrs. Potter has planned, we all get to see the end result", said Professor McGonagall.
"Knowing Hermione and that fact that she is very hormonal right now, I say we will have front row seats." Many around the table grinned. They all silently agreed with that assessment. "Shall we get on it?" All nodded for him to continue.
"For your information, I have already asked Remus Lupin to return to teach the DADA."
"The governors will not allow it."
"There are no more school governors. Since I hold two of the founder direct bloodlines, there is no need for them. It was they who told me that, not the other way around. Although Lucius Malfoy refuses to honor it."
"Lupin was an extremely competent teacher and well liked as well. But what of the times during the full moon?"
"I intend to ask Bill Weasley to be Remus' assistant and handle those times as well. I have a meeting with the remaining Weasleys in the morning. I also intend to ask the Twins to teach Potions. Both passed their NEWTS with very high results, better that even Snape's. I also intend to ask them to take over as Head of Slytherin House."
Every person in the room stared back at Harry like he had lost his mind. It was Professor Flitwick who answered. "If you feel that they can handle the position than I am all for it. I had always felt that those too were slightly misplaced."
"You have no idea." That brought a round of chuckles and giggles from the rest of the group. "I ask that Professor McGonagall remain as Deputy Headmistress. There is a lot that you can teach me Professor. I would like to have you around for a while longer." He could see the faint show of gratitude in her face.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter. You may call me, Minerva."
"Only if you call me, Harry. That goes for the rest of you as well." Many nodded in agreement.
"I want to meet with each of you and go over what you need as far as supplies or anything else for that matter. Hermione will draw up a schedule so that everyone will be accommodated. She wanted to tell you that she would be more than happy to help anyone of you with grading papers or substituting for you. As well as overseeing detentions. I ask that you give her something to do or she'll drive me crazy. Just remember that she is pregnant and will be emotional, as you have already seen. Also she will need to rest more. I want her to be happy but not over do it. I want all the rest of you to be happy here. I feel that you are part of my family. It has been you that have shaped me into the man that I am today. Also I am going to announce at dinner tonight that tomorrow will be a Hogsmeade day, so there will be no classes. I can't go into the real reason for this, but I must ask that you trust me on this. After I make the announcement no student will be allowed outside the castle, not even to send an owl. Now is there anything that we need to address?"
Fifteen minutes later the staff was seen leaving the room and headed toward the Great Hall. Harry met Hermione outside the door. She had a slightly evil smirk on her face.
"What did you do?"
"Wait and see."
He followed her into the Hall and up to the Staff table. The room was silent as they all watched Harry potter and Hermione Granger seat themselves, with Harry in the Headmasters' chair. Professor Sheffield looked livid.
"MR. POTTER! MS. GRANGER! YOU WILL REMOVE YOURSELVES FROM THIS TABLE AND JOIN YOUR CLASSMATES THIS INSTANT! I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS NONSENSE! FOUR HUNDRED POINTS FROM GRYFFINDOR FOR YOUR ARROGANCE!"
Many heads turned to watch the red hour glass decline but to the surprise of most, especially the Slytherins, it didn't move. All turned their attention back to the Staff table. Just then the food appeared.
The staff watched as Amanda Sheffield filled her plate only to have the food on it disappear before her eyes. She tried for ten minutes in vain. Then she simply stuck her fork into the meatloaf in front of her. Just as she got the fork to her mouth the food disappeared. She glared at Harry and Hermione, both of whom were enjoying the show.
"What have you done? This has to be Dark Magic. Denying a teacher food!"
Hermione answered. "But since you are no longer a teacher, then the castle feels that you shouldn't take food from those that are." She smiled a sickening sweet smile at the vile woman. "Dobby!"
The house elf appeared in front of the staff table. Every student had their eyes glued to the scene in front of them, hoping that the show would be good. Most hated the woman.
"Yes, Mrs. Harry Potter?"
A collective gasp was heard through out the student body. Hermione Granger had married Harry Potter. When had that happened! Hermione actually blushed. "Did the task that I asked you to help me with get completed yet?"
"OH Yes, Mrs. Harry Potter. Dobby had several of his acquaintances help him with the task. Is you wanting everything here?"
"For now yes, but I might need you to move it later."
All watched as Dobby snapped his fingers and suddenly it looked like someone's entire room, minus furniture, was laid out on the floor in front of the staff. Every article of women's underwear was placed in public view, not to mention several embarrassing photos. Professor Sheffield went from red to white in a manner of seconds, then back to red. She stood up and pulled her wand, but Harry had her frozen before she could utter a single curse. None of the students heard what Harry said. But all heard Hermione call the elf back and watched him remove everything, taking the frozen ex-professor with him.
If that wasn't enough excitement, the Great Hall was suddenly filled with delivery owls from the Daily Prophet. Many were stunned as they read the multiple headlines. Harry had received a complementary copy. He scanned it then handed it to Hermione. She saw the following headlines:
'Boy-Who-Lived Sues Ministry'
'Boy-Who-Lived Married To Muggleborn and Expecting A Child'
'Boy-Who-Lived Abused as a Child'
'Boy-Who-Lived Claims to be Headmaster of Hogwarts'
The noise in the Hall had risen sharply once the shock had worn off. Harry could see the thicker than normal paper being passed from housemate to housemate, even from house table to house table. He could see that the Slytherins were far from happy. He signaled to Minerva. She tapped her goblet to get their attention. Harry stood up.
"As you can see a lot has happened today. I won't go into details, but I will confirm this. Yes, I am the new Headmaster of Hogwarts. The castle, herself, accepted me and I assumed the office. Yes, as you heard, I did marry Hermione. As to why, I refuse to say other than I love her. The rest I will not talk about. It, frankly, is none of your business. Anyway, to celebrate, I have decided that tomorrow will be a Hogsmeade day and all classes are cancelled for tomorrow. All third years and above may go if they have permission. But must return by tea time. Now enjoy dessert and have a good night."