Chapter 2 First Order Recruits

It had been four days since Hermione had spent the night, leaving early the next morning. Harry had purchased up-to-date furnishing, dishware and appliances for the flat, including a new television. He had set up an area for target practice off in a corner, to practice both his accuracy and spell casting speed. The one thing that irked Harry most about his dueling was how slow he was in his spellcasting. He was actually in the bottom half of his year and if he wanted to have any hope of being Voldemort, he needed to be a lot better.

He had gone to the Ministry and set up a floo connection so he could make floo calls, although he didn't see Dumbledore. He had floo called Sirius and Remus that day to let them both know he was ok. After an expensive trip to a grocery store to stock up his fridge and cupboards, he had spent a night pigging out on all the muggle junk food he wasn't allowed to have as a child and watching as many movies as he could. The last thing he did was get a membership to the local gym. The three fighting classes; boxing, kick boxing and jujitsu, would be starting soon and he was debating which ones to sign up for.

Sirius had turned himself in after Dumbledore officially took the role of Minister. Two days later he was declared innocent, given a lot of money in compensation and offered a job as a Senior Hit-Wizard. The goblins pushed through Harry's emancipation papers, and he was approved the same day. So far things seemed to be going smoothly for Harry. Which may have been the first time he was ever able to say that.

Several Daily Prophets sat on the counter. He had started his subscription again with Fudge gone, since the paper had stopped slandering him and had issued a public apology for spreading so many lies about him.

'Dumbledore Inaugurated! Black Turns Himself In At Inauguration Ceremony!'

'Amos Diggory Made Undersecretary.'

'Sirius Black Declared Innocent! Peter Pettigrew Is Alive!'

'Remus Lupin, Known Werewolf, Made Assistant Head of Department of Magical Creatures!"

'Black Reinstated as Hit-Wizard.'

'Hit-Wizard Recruitment Increased!'

'Grades Required For Auror Training Reduced!'

Those were just several of the headlines that jumped out at him. Dumbledore was making so many new changes that the Prophet seemed to be having a hard time choosing which story would be front page material. Instead they just cut the front page in half, sometimes thirds, with details continuing on later pages.

The paper he had gotten today, which he read as he sat down and ate breakfast, talked of two important things. The first was the changes being made in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. The first of the changes was the re-naming of the MLE Squad into Auxiliaries. They still performed the same task, just under a different name; with the nickname 'Ox' being given to their members. The second of the changes was the creation of the Ministry of Magic Investigative Services, called mommies (MoMIS) by disgruntled Ministry workers. The MMIS was created to look into any funny business involving Ministry workers. If an Auror was thought to be too abusive when questioning suspects, MMIS looked into it. If a Department head was thought corrupt, MMIS looked into it.

Along with those two changes was the fact that the fourth floor, where the offices of each of the separate divisions of the larger department sat, was considered too small to house all of them. The Auxiliaries, were given control of most of the floor, sharing it with the Improper Use of Magic office, the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office, the Wizengamot Administration Services and the Ministry of Magic Investigative Services. The Hit-Wizards and Aurors were given new headquarters.

The Hit-Wizards were moved to two new buildings. One was located in Diagon Alley, down a side alley named Eagle Street. The other was located in the countryside of Wales, several miles from Cardiff. The Diagon Alley one was the main building, designated Alpha, and could house up to sixty-five Hit-Wizards on duty. The other one was the secondary building, designated Bravo, and where the training of new recruits took place. It could house up to twenty Hit Wizards and fifteen recruits. Each one contained barracks, equipment store rooms, offices, training grounds, prison cells, a mess hall, an infirmary and an R&R room.

With Hogsmeade being rebuilt, it was decided that a few new additions would be added to the town and new regulations needed to be enforced. The Mayor of the village had agreed to allow Auror Headquarters to be built on the outskirts of the town, north of the railroad tracks. The Auror Headquarters would be equipped with offices, a mess hall, training grounds, barracks, several cells for prisoners, equipment stockrooms, potion labs, forensic labs, evidence lockers, an infirmary and an R&R room. The building was heavily warded and was built with defenses that could be activated at a moment's notice. It could house up to one hundred Aurors at one time, though there was only forty-nine right now.

The second important thing involved the changes being made at Hogsmeade, and not just the fact that Auror Headquarters would be located there. All public buildings were restricted to allow only floo-calls and outgoing floo travel. All private floos were to be password and magical signature protected to prevent anyone unwanted from using them. A group of twenty Auxiliaries would patrol the town at all times. A village militia, at the moment only containing fourteen of the villages two hundred and fifty-three adult population, was being trained by Auxiliaries every Sunday and Wednesday night. Anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards had not only been erected over the town, but in a two mile radius in all directions. A public floo, portkey and apparition center had been set up on the outskirts, the only place you could arrive within the wards, and would be guarded by eight Auxiliaries.

Other wards, such as those that kept out dementors, vampires, giants and transformed werewolves, had also been erected. A small hospital, about a tenth of the size of St. Mungo's, was being built near the dueling arena. Along with all the old houses and businesses being rebuilt, fifty new houses were going to be added to the residential area, half of the deeds already purchased by families thinking a heavily warded Hogsmeade with Auror Headquarters right there being safer than their current locations.

With Hogsmeade being located so close to Hogwarts it was viewed as a prime target for Voldemort and with Dumbledore no longer at the school, it seemed even more tempting a target. Rumors were running that Dumbledore was in talks with the centaur herd to patrol the Forbidden Forest along the boundaries of the village and school. Though no one had any idea what Dumbledore could offer the centaurs to consider such a thing.

He put the paper down as he heard a knock at his door. Grabbing his wand, which sat next to his breakfast plate, he cautiously approached it. Looking through the peephole he could see Ron and Mrs. Weasley standing on his doormat. Ron had sent him a letter because after Mrs. Weasley found out he was living on his own; she had wanted to talk to him. He had sent Ron a letter telling him the address of his apartment.

Harry swung open the door, his wand aimed at the two in front of him. Both frowned at the wand pointed at them. Harry wasn't taking any chances.

"Ron, after we found out Snape was refereeing my match against Hufflepuff in my first year, and Hermione suggested I pretend to break my leg so I couldn't play, what did you suggest?"

Ron scrunched up his face for a second before a grin made its way onto his face. "I suggested you really break your leg."

Harry nodded his head with a grin, lowering his wand. He supposed he should have asked Mrs. Weasley something too but he figured Ron wasn't stupid enough to get duped by someone not his own mom.

"Would you like to come in?" Harry asked, stepping back from the door.

Ron went to walk in but Mrs. Weasley's hand grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back. "Bill said to make sure you properly invite us in. Is that enough?"

Harry frowned, having never dealt with that before. He had moved all the furniture and appliances in himself with some shrinking charms, and Hermione had already been in the apartment when the wards were added. "I'm not sure. I never really thought about it when they told me I had to properly invite people in. I'd like to invite Ron Weasley and Mrs. Weasley to enter my flat."

This time Mrs. Weasley let Ron step into the flat, following right behind her son when nothing happened. They both looked around the flat, Ron with appreciation and Mrs. Weasley with disapproval.

"I'd offer you breakfast, but I'm just about done with mine. Unless you'd like me to make you something?"

"It's alright Harry dear. We already ate."

Harry could tell Mrs. Weasley wanted to say something, probably about him living on his own. Mrs. Weasley had good intentions but she was way too smothering.

"I'm emancipated now."

The dam was broken. "Emancipation doesn't mean anything! That Sirius and Remus would let you be so irresponsible like this! Putting your life in danger by living on your own; in London no less!"

Ron took a step back. He was use to his mom in this kind of state. Harry's best bet was to curl up in a ball and play dead. That's what most of the Weasley children did. The Boy-Who-Lived could try pulling a Bill, the only Weasley child known to win in an argument against their mom when she was like this, by standing up to her but it would be tricky; she could smell fear.

"Sirius and Remus are against it as well. However, they realize the fact that I need my independence, especially if I'm going to take a more active role in this war."

Mrs. Weasley put her hands on Harry's shoulders. "A more active role? You're a teenager! Let the adults handle this. You should be worrying about homework and girls."

"Mrs. Weasley I have to kill Voldemort."

"Don't say such things! Killing at your age..."

"It was prophesized."

That shut Mrs. Weasley up. She stared at Harry hopelessly. Ron blinked in surprise. He had never heard this before. When did Harry find out? Why hadn't he told his best friend?

"Prophecies are vague things," Mrs. Weasley stuttered.

Harry shook his head. "I saw the Oracle of Delphi. She told me it had to be me."

Mrs. Weasley brought a hand to her mouth as she stared at Harry. She reached out and pulled Harry into a hug, a small sob escaping her lips. Harry looked at Ron in bewilderment and all Ron could do was shrug back hopelessly. Harry hesitantly returned the hug, patting Mrs. Weasley on the back.

"Everything bad seems to happen to you," Mrs. Weasley stated with a sob.

"It's ok Mrs. Weasley, honestly. I'm use to it and better me than someone else."

Mrs. Weasley pulled back and seemed to look at Harry in a new light. "Still living on your own..."

Harry glanced over at Ron. "Ron could live with me."

Ron's face lit up at the thought while Mrs. Weasley didn't look so thrilled. Harry figured having someone his own age living with him, someone who wouldn't feel it there need to be an adult figure, would be fun. Ron was his best friend. Living with Ron in London for the summer sounded like a pretty good time.

"Please mom?"

"I don't know Ron. You're only sixteen and with the war picking up again, I don't know if it will be safe."

"I have anti-scrying and trace-negating enchantments on me. Plus there are owl-repelling wards over the place, unless the letter is sent by someone I approved of. Unless they stumble upon me its pretty much impossible for Death Eaters to track me down," Harry explained.

"Bill set these wards up himself mom, just like the new wards around the Burrow. Plus another ward builder set up wards as well. It won't be any safer there then it is here. In fact, it might be a little safer here then the Burrow. Besides, I'll be with Harry and he's as good as most Hit-Wizards in a fight." Ron gave his mom his best puppy-eyes.

"We could even get a third roommate, if you'd feel safer if we had one more person," Harry added. "I can see what Neville is up to."

"Plus the Ministry is so close by. I mean the new Hit-Wizards headquarters will only be blocks away!" Ron mentioned

"I came in second in the Junior European Dueling Tournament," Harry pointed out.

"Bloody good fighter I tell you mom."

Mrs. Weasley looked back and forth between the two hopeful faces as each one uttered statement after statement trying to sway her opinion. It would do Harry some good to have someone else around, since Merlin knew the boy could probably use the comfort of having someone who cared about him around. He was still to self-reliant, not realizing that there were dozens of people who would willingly help him. He always felt the need to go off and do things on his own; due to his horrible upbringing she was sure. Though, it seemed he was starting to understand the idea of asking for help.

While she was against having Ron away from the house, especially in such dangerous times, having someone else with Harry would give her more comfort. Not to mention, judging from the dueling tournament, Harry really was a great fighter. Much better then Arthur was, though her husband was no slouch, and she herself was no fighter. With the twins moving out, that left only Ginny of her other children in the house. Harry would probably be able to protect Ron better than his own parents could; though it upset her to admit so.

"As long as you promise to floo call me every day Ronald, and don't go gallivanting off in muggle London all the time, you can spend the summer here with Harry."

"Thanks mom!" Ron grabbed his mother in a hug.

"Let's go home so you can pack up your things and then I'll drop you off."

"Hold on a second," Harry cried, racing from the room. He ran up to his bedroom, grabbed the master ward stone and came storming back down. He held out the piece of bone to both of the Weasleys.

"Just add a drop of blood and your both keyed into the wards. This way you can stop off if you ever feel like checking in on us."

With a prod of her wand, Mrs. Weasley gave herself a tiny cut on her finger, blood rising to the surface. She wiped her finger on the stone, which flashed white for a second before the blood appeared to be sucked into the master stone. Ron held out his finger, not knowing how to perform such a small cut, and repeated the process.

It was a little over an hour that Harry was by himself, waiting for the return of Ron. When they returned Ron carried his trunk with him, along with his school bag hung over his shoulder. Mrs. Weasley carried several trays of food.

"These are leftovers from last night, as well as whatever I could whip up in an hour. If you boys need any more food, don't hesitate to ask for it."

"Thanks Mrs. Weasley," Harry murmured, staring at all the food. They were going to feast tonight.

"Remember to be safe! "

Ron rolled his eyes, probably having heard such a statement countless times from his mum since they left to get his things.

"Don't worry mom. We'll be careful, I promise."

As soon as Mrs. Weasley left, Ron turned toward Harry with a grin on his face. "So what does this summer have in store for us? Daring adventures? Death defying duels? Damsels in distress? Harry, please tell me there will be damsels in distress."

Harry snorted. Ron hadn't had a girlfriend last year but Harry had seen him snogging Lavender Brown during a bunch of the parties in the Gryffindor common room. When asked about it, Ron had gotten a dreamy smile and said that, "if they all kiss like Lavender maybe girls aren't all that bad you know?" Harry had assured Ron that a lot of girls kissed like Lavender, having the personal experience himself.

"Let's get you settled in first." Harry indicated the hallway. "There are two bedrooms down here. Pick which one you want."

Ron looked into both rooms, similar in layout and size, just different in color scheme. He decided to go with the room Sirius had used, the one with the bolder looking colors. Ron was a lot like Sirius, if a tamer version. Harry didn't think anyone could be as wild as Sirius Black.

Harry helped Ron put away some clothes and put up his obnoxiously orange Chudley Cannon posters. They talked about non-important things like the Quidditch standings and the fact that the Puddlemere United keeper had stated he would be retiring after this year, giving Oliver Wood the role of starter next season. It was obvious Ron wanted to talk about what to expect from the summer, but was waiting for Harry to broach the subject.

"I've joined a gym." Ron shot Harry a questioning look. "It's a muggle place filled with the equipment we used to work out last year in the Room of Requirement. Except they have a lot more machines, some we didn't even use in the Room."

"I was worried I wouldn't be able to do enough to keep in shape while at the Burrow," Ron stated. "I've been doing running and stuff but it feels weird not using all those weights and other things."

"Trust me, this place has everything. They even offer some fighting classes I'm probably going to sign up for. Want me to bring you, to get a membership?"

"Yeah, what are the fighting classes?"

As Harry led Ron to the gym he had joined, he told him about the three fighting styles. How boxing only used fist in its fighting style. How kickboxing, Japanese kickboxing to be more specific for the class being taught, used fist, elbow, feet and knees to strike an opponent. How jujutsu relied more on throwing, joint-locking and strangling to subdue opponents, since it was created to take down a heavily armed and armored opponent when lacking in weapons.

Harry gave Ron the money to pay for the membership and the fighting classes. It was an awkward moment between the two, when Harry slipped Ron the money but after a silent conversation, Ron accepted the money. Ron signed up for boxing and kick boxing, while Harry signed up for kickboxing and jujutsu. Boxing was to be held Monday and Thursday nights. Kickboxing was to be held Sunday and Wednesday nights. Jujutsu was to be held Tuesday and Friday nights.

"I appreciate the money and everything Harry, but I feel uncomfortable accepting all this money from you."

Harry nodded his head, knowing how much Ron hated being poor and how he hated accepting what he called charity from others even more. "You could get a job you know. Work a few hours a week for spending money. If not the magical world, then definitely the muggle world."

Ron scratched his chin as he thought about it. "I told my mom I wouldn't go gallivanting off in the muggle world, so probably the magical one. Though to be fair I've already signed up for a membership at a muggle gym so I think I've already broken my word."

Harry shrugged his shoulders as he led Ron to the little café he had visited a few days ago. He led his friend to the table he sat at last time, noticing that Brandy was working again. He waited for her to hand them a menu, Harry accepting it this time and take their order for drinks, Harry having to order for Ron; "What's pumpkin juice?"

Once Brandy walked away to put their orders through, Harry turned toward Ron and rolled his eyes. "You really are clueless about the muggle world huh?"

Ron shrugged his shoulders in return. "How am I supposed to know what a Pepsi is? Strange name if you ask me."

Harry wanted to point out the wizarding world had much stranger names but decided not to comment. He had to fill Ron in on what he would be up to this summer. He would be doing things that might leave Ron on his own for a day or two, and had conveniently forgot to mention it when Mrs. Weasley was around.

"I thought I'd let you know, I'll be gone a few times during vacation. Moody wants me to recruit members for the Order, since I'd know a lot of recent Hogwarts graduates. Not to mention, I think he wants to use my image as the Boy-Who-Lived to convince people."

"Are you a member?" Ron asked with a hint of annoyance in his voice as he looked over his menu.

"Moody said I am but I think it is more to placate me to get me to recruit members. He said I'm his eyes and ears in Hogwarts, which means he probably wants me to keep an eye on future Death Eaters, maybe let him know which ones will be joining Voldemort when out of school. Doubt I'll go to meetings or participate in operations."

Their drinks were handed to them and they each placed their order, Harry flirting a little with Brandy. Ron noticed the playfulness in Harry's voice, and raised an eyebrow at his best friend. Harry gave him a look and a shrug of his shoulders.

"So do you have a list of who you're going to recruit?"

"I got about two dozen names. Some of them are out of the country though."

"Anyone I know?"

Harry looked around carefully. An elderly couple was sitting off in the corner opposite them. Brandy and the older waitress were talking at the register. Still, that didn't mean they were being overheard. Harry discreetly drew his wand and cast a simple privacy ward.

"Well I can't recruit Ministry members and I've heard Jeff Summerby and Alicia Spinnet have both applied for Hit Wizard training so I can't ask them. I'm going to ask Angelina sometime soon. She has a Quidditch tryout in three days; I think the Harpies, Bats and Cannons will all have representatives there. At least that's what Fred and George told me. I'm going to wait until after the tryout to ask her, so as not to distract her. I'm going to ask Oliver tomorrow, after his Puddlemere practice. Lee Jordan got an internship at a wireless station; I think he wants to host his own show. I'm gonna have the twins set up a meeting with him. You remember Patricia Stimpson and Andrew Kirke?"

Ron's face scrunched up for a second. "Didn't they just graduate? Gryffindors right? Stimpson was president of the Charms Club right?"

"Yeah that's her. She helped me with my Charm work during the tournament at Flitwick's suggestion. She has a pretty fast wand too. And Kirke use to play pickup games with us, as a beater. He's a pretty good duelist; I think top 10 of his class. I don't think you'd know the rest."

"That's it?" Ron asked. "I'd thought you'd be asking more of the former Gryffindors."

"Moody wants fighters. I trained Angelina and Lee. Kirke and Stimpson are both talented. Wood fought in the junior dueling tournament his sixth and seventh years. Half of the Gryffindors aren't really fighters, as Parvati and Lavender can attest to, and the ones that are have recently joined the Ministry as Aurors, Hit Wizards and Auxiliaries, especially since the war is starting up again and the requirements to start training have been lessened."

Harry noticed Brandy coming with their food and quickly dispelled the privacy ward over them. She placed their food on the table in front of them and left with a smile. As they ate they made small talk about things they could do this summer, to keep themselves entertained. Harry suggested going to the movies or maybe bowling. Being sixteen years old meant they were in that in between age of doing things. Ron wanted to try the muggle clubs he had heard Bill and Charlie talk about. Harry told him they were only for people of age, which they were two years away from being.

"Can't we just get the goblins to get us stuff to say we're of age?" Ron asked.

"I don't think the goblins can legally falsify a license like that. Although there are muggles who can make us fake ids, if we really want one."

Ron nodded his head and took a large bite of his burger. "I think we should. Bill and Charlie use to rave about them when I was younger. Sounds like it would be fun."

"I'll warn you, there is dancing at these clubs but its different then what we saw during the Yule ball," Harry pointed out.

Ron made a face at the thought of dancing, even if he was wondering exactly what type of dancing Harry was referring to. They finished eating, Harry throwing money on the table, before leaving. When they got back to the flat, Harry decided to see what Neville was up to.

"Longbottom Manor!"

Harry stuck his head in the fire as it turned green. His head appeared in the fireplace of a very formal looking lounge. Everything in the room looked very expensive and decorative and Harry wasn't sure if people were actually meant to sit on the couches. A house-elf wearing a tea cozy popped into the room.

"Can I be helping you sirs?"

"I was wondering if I could speak with Neville, is he around?"

"Who is asking sirs?"

"Harry Potter."

The house-elf squeaked, his eyes widening as he gazed upon Harry. With a snap of his fingers the house-elf vanished from the room, leaving Harry frowning. He wondered if the house-elf was getting Neville, getting an autograph book or having a heart attack.

It was a few minutes later that Neville entered the room, a look of amusement on his face. "Apparently my house-elf is honored to have the great Harry Potter's head appear in his family's fireplace."

"The honor is all mine, I can assure you," Harry answered, grinning.

"How's your summer been so far Harry? Good I hope."

"Excellent actually. It's one of the reasons I'm here. I'm living in a flat in London. Ron just moved in as my second roommate and I was wondering if you wanted to join us? I have an extra bedroom."

Neville looked to be mulling it over. "I'll have to ask Gran. She might even want to speak with you," Neville warned.

"I've faced Voldemort, I'm sure I can handle your grandmother."

"Don't be so sure of that Mr. Potter," a stern voiced sounded.

Neville turned quickly in surprise as an old and tall woman entered the lounge. She looked to be in her late forties, which in the wizarding world indicated she was probably around eighty. She wore the green dress Harry had seen on the Snape-boggart in their third year. She was rather bony but carried herself in a way that indicated power and a deep pride.

"Hello Mrs. Longbottom, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"And you as well Mr. Potter. I have heard a lot about you from Neville. He looks up to you."

Although Neville was turned from him, Harry could see the redness on the teen's neck, indicating his embarrassment. "Neville is a very capable wizard in his own right Mrs. Longbottom. You should have seen him in the Forbidden Forest. The way he charged a Death Eater who had just injured his friend, it was very brave."

Augusta smiled fondly at her grandson. "I always worried he would be too weak to stand up for himself and his beliefs but I see now that it was never about him being weak, it was about him not believing in himself, which I am sad to say I didn't help. I'd like to thank you Mr. Potter, for helping Neville become confident in himself and to shake any self-doubt I had caused."

"I just gave him a shove, he did the rest." Harry paused, realizing it was probably uncomfortable for Neville to be talked about like he wasn't even in the room. "I just popped in to see if Neville could spend the summer with me at my flat in London. Ron Weasley is here as well. It has been warded by the best Gringotts has to offer, so it is very safe."

"I would love to go Gran," Neville chimed in.

"Neville told me all about the training last year, would you be continuing it?" Mrs. Longbottom asked, looking at Harry critically.

"Well I won't be getting private lessons again so we'll be learning as we go, but yes I do plan on continuing the training."

"Neville has told me he wishes to be a Hit-Wizard, not exactly like his parents, but still a job to be proud of. This training will definitely give him a boost in that regard and I want him to achieve his dreams. Besides, maybe it is time he spends a summer having fun instead of spending it with his stuffy, old grandmother."

"Thanks Gran!" Neville cried, as he stepped forward and hugged his grandmother. For the first time Harry noticed that Neville, who was about the same height as his tall grandmother, had hit a growth spurt over the past year.

"The fireplace is too small for floo travel, so how about Ron and I meet you at the Leaky Cauldron in two hours?"

Neville nodded his head enthusiastically. "That sounds great Harry."

"It was nice meeting you Mrs. Longbottom."

"Stop by any time you need help Mr. Potter. The Longbottoms and Potters have been allies since your grandfather saved my husband's life during the war against Grindelwald. Whenever you need assistance, I will try to provide it."

"Thank you ma'am," Harry stated before pulling his head from the fireplace.

When he turned from the fireplace, he saw that Ron was standing in front of the television and prodding it with his wand. Harry walked over to the coffee table where the remote sat and grabbed the piece of plastic. He pressed the power button, causing the telly to turn on. Ron jumped back from the box as an image appeared and sound started playing, a curse half-way out his mouth before he heard Harry laughing behind him.

"Merlin mate! Don't scare a bloke like that! Is this that fellyvision thing dad talks about?" Ron indicated the television.

"It's called a television Ron."

"Television," Ron murmured, prodding the tv one more time with his wand.

Harry shook his head at his pureblood friend. "We're meeting Neville at the Leaky Cauldron in two hours. I think I want to try to recruit a new Order member tonight. He should be at Gringotts so if you guys are willing, we'll stop off there before coming back here. I think Neville would want to join the gym too, so we'll stop off there on the way back."

"Sounds good to me."

They watched television while they waited to meet up with Neville. Ron was fascinated by many of the different shows Harry flicked through, to show Ron what muggles had come up with. However, he was especially interested in the Discovery Channel and its show on predators of the world. Harry knew Ron was ready to take the potion to see if he could be an animagus, and Harry felt guilty for having forgotten about it. The redhead was probably thinking of all the cool animals he could potentially turn into. He told himself he would pick up the potion at the apothecary when they passed by it on the way to Gringotts.

Neville was sitting at the bar, drinking a butterbeer when they arrived at the Leaky Cauldron. He patted his side pocket, indicating his trunk. Harry nodded his head, and told the teen his plan to visit Gringotts quick.

Harry stopped off at the apothecary quickly, dropping several galleons on the expensive potion to see if Ron could be an animagus. While they waited outside, Ron told Neville all about the gym and fighting classes he and Harry had signed up for. Neville was interested in signing the gym, like Harry guessed he would be.

"Just wish we had more room to practice dueling," Harry muttered, thinking about all the duels, including group duels, they had fought in the Room of Requirement.

"Why don't you rent out one of the dueling chambers at the Gryffindor Arena?" Neville asked.

Ron smacked himself in the forehead as if reprimanding himself for something. Harry looked between the two in confusion.

"Gryffindor Arena?"

"I can't believe I forgot about that," Ron exclaimed, shaking his head. "The Gryffindor Arena is a dueling arena here in Diagon Alley. It has several practice chambers in it, which can be rented out. You just have to sign contracts agreeing not to use anything on its list of banned spells."

"I've never seen such a place."

"Of course you won't if you only stay on the main road Harry. There are several side roads here in Diagon Alley. A few of them are filled with dozens of townhouses and a few of them have more shops and businesses. Gryffindor Arena is located on Eagle Street. The new Hit Wizard Headquarters was actually built next to Gryffindor Arena," Neville explained.

Harry absorbed the information, once again reminded of his general ignorance of the wizarding world. "Do you guys mind if we stop off on the way back? I want to check the place out."

"No problem," Neville replied for the both of them.

"You do know Bill and Fleur are already in the Order right?" Ron asked as they walked up the steps to Gringotts.

"Order?" Neville asked, curiously.

"I know Ron; I'm not here for them. We'll tell you about it when we get back to the flat Neville."

Harry approached an empty line and stopped in front of the goblin. The shorter creature stared at him with beady eyes, waiting for Harry to speak.

"I was wondering if I could speak with Michael Patterson please."

The goblin stared at him for a second before pointing toward a hallway. "Fifth door on the right."

"Thank you," Harry stated, bowing slightly before walking off.

"Michael Patterson? Why does that name sound familiar?" Ron asked as he and Neville trailed behind Harry.

Harry looked over his shoulder. "He was Bill's apprentice for two years."

"Oh yeah, that's right. He was with Bill when we visited him the summer after second year."

Harry knocked on the door that read 'Michael Patterson' with the title 'Curse Breaker' written underneath it. A muffled "come in" had him turning the door knob and pushing open the door.

Michael's office was filled with various pictures of a people, probably friends and family. Several shelves were filled with dozens of books, as well as cool looking trinkets and various souvenirs from Egyptian tombs and Babylonian catacombs. Michael sat behind his desk, his legs propped up on his desk.

"Harry! Good to see you mate!" Michael dropped his feet from his desk and rose to shake Harry's hand.

"Michael, it's great to see you too man. I don't know if you remember Ron, Bill's youngest brother," Harry nodded to Ron, "and this is Neville Longbottom," Harry nodded at Neville.

"Of course I remember Ron. And it's nice to meet you Neville. Please, sit down."

Michael waved his hand at the two chairs in front of his desk. Harry waved his wand and conjured a third chair, similar looking to the other two.

"How have you been since the tournament?" Harry asked.

"Good. Mostly been stuck here at Gringotts though. They're nervous about this whole war thing and are trying to keep all hands on deck, in case things start going down. I've been itching to get out of here and explore some tombs somewhere."

Harry nodded sympathetically at that statement, knowing the feeling of being cooped up and how much he hated it. "I wish I could say this is a friendly visit but I didn't stop off to catch up."

"I should have known it wasn't my good looks that brought you here."

Harry grinned at Michael's comment. "No, although they did greatly sway me. As you know Voldemort is back."

Michael snorted. "Kind of hard not to know mate."

"True. Anyway, it isn't just the Ministry that is fighting Voldemort. There are others who fight him; a group. This group is looking for others who are willing to stand up to the Death Eaters, who will take action when no one else will. With the Ministry pulling their heads out of their asses, this group has lost half of its members and is looking for new recruits."

Michael had an unreadable look on his face as he rubbed his chin. Harry waited with bated breath, hoping his friend would accept the offer. Harry wanted to tell him that Bill and Fleur were members, knowing that his friendship with two of the members would sway Michael's opinion but he didn't want to give away members names, especially if Michael turned down the offer.

"What does this group do exactly?" Michael asked, after almost two minutes of silence.

"They watch Death Eater movements, try to gather information and when necessary assist in battles against the Death Eaters."

There was another long moment of silence as Harry watched Michael anxiously.

"I do want to help in this war. I was thinking of quitting this job and joining the Hit-Wizards but too be honest I love curse breaking too much. This seems like the perfect opportunity to do what I love and assist like I wanted."

Harry gave a sigh in relief and withdrew one of the envelopes Moody had given him at King's Cross five days ago. He handed it to Michael, who opened it cautiously. He first pulled out the pendant inside, staring at the red and gold phoenix pendant hanging from a small gold chain. He set the pendant on the desk and pulled out the contract, which he read over carefully. With a shrug of his shoulders, he signed the contract. A soft red glow enveloped Michael for a second before disappearing. Michael took out the last thing in the envelope, a parchment with directions written on it.

Harry reached over and grabbed the contract, folding it up and putting it in his robe pocket. He had read the contract several times; after all he did sign one himself. It swore the signer to secrecy on anything having to do with the Order, including its members, the various locations having to do with it and its operations. "In case you're curious, both Bill and Fleur are in it."

Michael looked up, a hint of shock on his face. "Really? Well Bill I can see, what with his family's participation in the war so far but Fleur is a surprise. Although, I guess it really isn't that surprising after her little speech at dinner while we were in Finland."

"Yeah, they've been members for over a year now. When you feel the pendant heat up, just follow the directions to the Order's headquarters."

Harry stood up, indicating he was probably leaving. Ron and Neville followed his example, standing as well. Neither had said anything throughout the entire stay, not wanting to draw away from Harry's natural charisma and leadership. Michael stood and reached across his desk to shake Harry's hand.

"Thanks for giving me this opportunity to help out Harry."

"No thank you for having the courage to stand up and take a stand against the darkness that threatens our world, Michael. Many people are too afraid to do what you are doing."

"It's because of you Harry. You're my hero!" Michael fluttered his eyes at Harry, causing the teen to laugh.

"I'll see you around. And try to make sure Bill doesn't get strangled by anymore mummy children. I'm sure his mom won't appreciate it."

Michael slapped a salute. "Aye captain, that is if they send us out into the field again anytime soon. I swear I thought the goblins weren't such pansies when I signed up to be a Gringotts Curse Breaker."

The next day found Harry waiting in the stands for Puddlemere to finish their practice. Apparently Lee was doing a spot on the upcoming Quidditch season for the radio show he was interning on and would be visiting the training camps of each team that summer. The twins had convinced their former partner in crime to start with Puddlemere, where they knew Harry would be. Harry had sent a note to both of them, saying he wanted to meet them after the practice.

Yesterday, after leaving Gringotts with Michael's contract in hand, the three friends stopped off at Gryffindor Arena. Harry ended up renting the biggest dueling chamber they had for the rest of the summer, every Monday and Thursday. He planned on sending an invite to everyone he trained with last year, telling them if they wished to continue improving on their skills, he, Ron and Neville would be there and that they were welcome to join them.

However, the letters to the thirty-five people would have to wait, as he was on Order business. Lee was the first one to appear. He had shaven off his dreads since Harry saw him last on the train a week ago. While Lee always had an outrageous sense of fashion, at the moment he had on a more subdued look, probably due to his job.

"Wotcher Harry."

"What's going on Lee?"

"Not much. Fred and George told me you had something important to talk to me about."

Harry nodded his head. While Lee was friendly, the two of them weren't really friends. They were acquaintances who never seemed to hit it off like Harry and everyone else, or Lee and everyone else seemed to. It just seemed like there was something that was preventing the two usually friendly people from becoming friends.

"I'd rather wait for Oliver to get here, so I don't have to explain it twice."

Lee nodded his head and sat down next to Harry. They sat in silence for fifteen minutes before Oliver emerged from the locker room.

"Young Harry!" Oliver cried, approaching the two. "Good to see you again."

Harry rolled his eyes at Oliver. "I'm sixteen Oliver and I'm pretty sure I could kick your butt. Must you insist on the Young Harry?"

"Young Harry is much more violent then I remember," Oliver whispered loudly to Lee.

Harry knew that the older Gryffindor Quidditch team members had kept in contact with Oliver after he graduated, and it made sense that Lee would have too, being such a good friend of the Weasley twins. That probably explained why Oliver and Lee didn't share much of a greeting. They've probably seen each other multiple times throughout the two years since Oliver's graduation.

Harry spent a moment catching up with Oliver, trading Quidditch stories and the like. When Harry was younger he had kind of looked up to Oliver, who was popular, athletic and taught Harry a lot of things throughout the three years he captained the green-eyed seeker, and not all about Quidditch.

"So what is the good word sir? I'm sure you didn't ask to see the both of us to catch up with me," Oliver inquired after a good ten minutes of catching up.

"Right, sorry just got off track. Voldemort is back." They both flinched at the name. "While the Ministry under Dumbledore is actually competent, they aren't the only ones standing up to the Death Eaters. There are others who won't stand by as our world is threatened. This group is looking for members to join its rank, those who aren't part of the Ministry but won't sit by idly as their world is attacked. I was asked to help recruit members. To find those who I thought would want to take a stand and ask them to join."

Oliver raised his eyebrows in surprise while Lee nodded as if it made sense. Lee had been attacked by Pucey and his goons back in December. He had been in the hospital wing for two weeks recovering from his injuries. It is what made him decide to join Harry and his friends in their training. If what the twins said were true, Lee was still pissed off at what happened to him and wanted to make the Death Eaters pay.

"I'm in," Lee stated, only taking a moment to think about it.

Oliver looked at Lee in surprise for a second before he rubbed the back of his head. "This involves fighting Death Eaters and everything doesn't it?"

"Yeah, amongst other things."

Oliver sighed. "I haven't dueled in two years. I guess I'll have to brush up on it huh?"

"So you'll join?" Harry asked, a hopeful expression on his face.

"Of course I'll join. I'm a Gryffindor aren't I?"

It was a rhetorical question so Harry didn't answer. He pulled out two of the Order recruitment envelopes and explained to the two former Gryffindors what everything was for. They both handed him their signed contracts as he explained to them briefly what he knew of the Order. How Moody was its leader and Professors Flitwick, McGonagall and Hagrid all being members. It was about twenty minutes of discussing things before Harry left the two, flooing back to the Leaky Cauldron so he could walk home.