My Father's Legacy - Fred Weasley 18+

17 - As it happened

To Minerva, Ellen was simply a young girl who was handed a great decision to make at birth; to succumb to the Dark like her father, and likely take his place and rule the Wizarding World with fear- or, fight for what was right. As Ellen grew up, Minerva was able to witness the intrepid girl become a lionhearted woman, and the choices she made always kept McGonagall on her toes.

Ellen turned her head to Minerva, catching her gaze, "I'm sorry"
"You're sorry?"
Ellen nodded and glanced at Dumbledore's memorial, before scanning her eyes on the rest of the graves in the cemetery.

"Yes, I'm sorry I couldn't save them".

Minerva shook her head, "My dear, death is but a doorway to a new life", she moved her hand and gestured to the fallen around her.

"If there were no death, there would be no freedom. These people did not feel sorrow or fear when they passed, they felt pride to know that what would come of their choice to fight would be worth it." She turned back to look at Ellen, "and it was worth it, and they can rest, knowing that they were part of a bigger change and a safer future for all".

Ellen sniffed, becoming emotional again as she heard Minerva's gentle words that reminded her that some of these people would now be cast as villains. She began to cry, and Minerva crouched next to her to offer her shoulder to lean on.

"What is it, dear?" she mumbled, patting Ellen's shoulder and pulling away to see her face.

Ellen sniffed again and calmed her tears, gesturing to the row of 20 Death Eaters that rested in the dark corner of the cemetery, "The new curriculum will paint these people as villains, so their choice to fight back wouldn't be worth it"

Minerva frowned at this, appalled that the content for the new curriculum would be presented in such a way.

"Well, in the grand scheme of things, their fight was and is worth it. Voldemort was defeated" she responded.

"But Severus... everyone here... they fought against my father just like everyone else. And they suffered abhorrently for their choices. In death, they still suffer? That's not right" Ellen expressed, her sadness beginning to turn to anger.
"They're going to use my memories to paint it like every Death Eater was bad and evil, and that everyone who fought against the dark was good and perfect.
But there were people on the inside, who despite the more imminent danger, risked and gave their lives to see good prevail. It's not right that the people who risked the most be cast aside and labelled evil. To be shunned and forced into a narrative with the Death Eaters who were actually evil"

Minerva listened and hummed in response, "What would you do differently then, dear?"

"I'd show them everything. Of course the Death Eaters weren't innocent, we never claimed to be. I'd show how ruthless Dark Magic made us, how it gave us an unimaginable power- but I'd show them the price we had to pay for it. I'd show everyone the torture we had to endure if we didn't comply, the Imperio's we be forced to take to carry out tasks we didn't want to. I'd show how Draco risked his life to make sure Harry didn't get caught, how Severus saved Draco and I's lives by saying he owned the Elder Wand! I'd show the times where the Death Eaters who were against my father misled the others with false information on Harry, giving him the time to find the Horcruxes. It's all in my mind! Inside me! And you have Severus' and Dumbledore's memories which could corroborate everything. I grew up knowing everything about my father's return, Severus was loyal until Lily was murdered so I know that everything before I came along was witnessed. We have access to the whole truth, it's only fair that the people who risked their lives daily to fight back from the inside get their voices heard too. Not just the good people who were fortunate to be far enough away from evil to fight against it properly. And we'd still respect the fallen, of course we would. But it should be an accurate and genuine account. It should be the true history of the dark arts. Not a fear mongering book that fuels the saviour complexes and drags undeserving names through shit"

"It should be a fair record for everyone, not just the good side. It should bring justice for everyone who fought back, no matter when they decided to defer" Ellen's voice finally cracked as the stress of the passion she felt for the right thing being done caused tears to prick her eyes again. She never used to cry! What the fuck are these tears!

Minerva blinked as she processed the monologue that had escaped Ellen and placed a hand on her shoulder in comfort. She felt pride for the young woman who wanted to do right by both sides, and the fact that she was the Dark Lord's daughter herself meant her connection would have a real influence, and people would listen. She didn't know why she hadn't considered it before.

"True.. History of Dark Arts" she continued, confidence and pride fuelling the decision she was about to make. "You'll teach it" she said, catching Ellen off guard.

"Teach what?"

"The True History of Dark Arts, you will teach it."

Ellen's face fell as she realised what Minerva meant, "Oh.. Minerva, I don't think I could, the Ministry... Hermione would never approve"

"It's my power to choose, and I've chosen. You will teach the History and the Defense. You are the perfect candidate to show the world what really happened, and do it respectfully for everyone."

"But the students— the parents! They would never allow it, there would be a riot!"

"My dear you forget that your freedom was not only backed up with solid proof, but that most of the parents and siblings of the students witnessed your efforts to do the right thing during your trials. If there's a problem, I will address it"

Ellen thought about it, "My magic is limited, so I couldn't teach Defense. But I'll teach the History if I can teach it my way, and not from the curriculum the Ministry is putting together. I won't teach the lies."

"You will teach both, Ellen. You can't teach the History without teaching the Defense. I will make sure that the Ministry makes this possible."

The two looked at each other, for a long while as both minds evaluated the different methods they'd need to use to achieve their respective goals. As the sun dipped, it shone rays directly on them, lighting up the dark corner of the cemetery, warming the graves of the fallen Death Eaters that lay to rest in that row.

"Forti Animo Estote", Minerva nodded to Ellen, breaking the silence as the sun beamed on their figures. The Gryffindor motto (Stay strong of heart) comforted Ellen and brought a light smile to her face, and she responded automatically with Slytherin's, "Quod Est Necessarium" (Do what is necessary).

They would do what was necessary.