Chapter One: The New Guard

"You would think people would be looking for the remains of the Death Eaters rather than celebrating the achievements of us," Harry commented to Hermione as they sat down together in the living room of the Weasley's House. "All we did was cause a reason to celebrate, what about all the people who will be hurt when the Death Eaters gain strength again?"

"All we did was cause a reason to CELEBRATE?" asked Hermione, shocked. "Harry, we defeated the greatest wizard of all time! That is something far more than merely giving a reason to celebrate. It is a cause for relief for anyone who has ever had to live in fear of Voldemort and his Death Eaters."

"While we may have put a lot of people's minds at ease, we still should be on the lookout for the rest of the Death Eater group."

"That's true, but let's enjoy this while we can."

"And your wrong, by the way, Hermione," said Harry sadly. "We defeated the SECOND greatest wizard of all time; Snape took out the greatest wizard the magical world has ever seen.

"There was nothing you could have done" Hermione said gently. "Dumbledore knew you would do anything to try and help him, so he did the only thing he could and that was to make sure you lived to be able to finish what he couldn't."

"So, he would be proud to know we are protecting the school he gave his whole life to, huh?"

"Yeah, I think Dumbledore would be proud of all of us," Hermione said. "I mean, because of us, Hogwarts is still in one piece. With what Professor McGonagall has said, it looks like we will get to make sure it stays in one piece."
"How exactly ARE we protecting the school anyway?"

"No idea, actually. I assume since it's the key members of Dumbledore Army, it is something she needs to keep secret."

It was at that precise moment when Ron burst into the room carrying a rather small envelope just delivered by owl from Hogwarts. Harry and Hermione looked up unexpectedly as Ron nearly tripped over himself bursting with excitement.

"Harry, Hermione, Ginny!" Ron yelled. "They are here, they are finally here!"

"Our instructions from McGonagall came fast," Hermione commented, "It's only been a week since summer began. We don't even have our supplies for next term. I wonder if the letters got to the others just as quickly?"

"Why is it only one package?" asked Harry. "It has all of our names on it, but it is only one envelope."

Indeed, the envelope did have their names on it. Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron, and Ginny Weasley. The handwriting was obviously McGonagall's.

"Well open it up, Harry," Ginny said. "Let's see what's so important for all of us."

Harry quickly opened up the envelope. Inside he found only one piece of parchment.

Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny,

Upon receipt of this letter, bring yourselves and your belongings to Hogwarts immediately. School supplies are not necessary, as they will be determined by each one of you individually. Tell only whom you must of your departure. The other key members of the DA will join you at Hogwarts in two day's time. I would like to have certain decisions made before they arrive.

M. McGonagall

"School supplies are not necessary, as they will be determined by each one of you individually," Ron observed. "Wonder what she means by that?"

"Who knows?" said Hermione. "Probably something to do with us not being part of the school anymore, and getting to choose whatever classes we want."

"Ron, we have to at least tell mum and dad," Ginny said.

"Yeah, alright," Ron said. "Tell mum we are going back to Hogwarts at McGonagall's request, and we will keep in touch with them whenever we can. Ask dad if we can borrow the car, since the Hogwarts Express is out of the question and we cant use magic to get there."

Molly Weasley was certainly not happy with them leaving a week after they had gotten into summer, but she knew they could take care of themselves- they HAD defeated Voldemort. They quickly packed their trunks and, with Arthur's permission, Ron took the car out of the garage and prepared it for flight. Once everything was loaded, the car was heavier and more crowded than usual, but they got it off the ground.

"Next stop, Hogwarts." Ron announced.