Chapter Four: New Allies
indicates telepathic communication.
Harry couldn't remember the last time he had been in the Staff Room, Probably that time Lupin found the Boggart in one of the cupboards in third year. he thought, laughing inwardly as he remembered Neville's Professor Boggart Snape. Looking around the room he could see that the room itself had changed little since that day, although there were now several unfamiliar faces there. Most of the teachers were there, as well as Evelyn, Mad-Eye Moody and, to Harry's surprise, Sirius. His godfather placed his fingers to his lips in a gesture of silence, Harry grinned and began to look around the room. A tall, stocky, regal-looking man with dark-hair and beard was talking to another man Harry didn't recognise, this one was dark-haired and leanly built, although the man only looked in his early thirties, Harry could see a strange, oldness, in the man's eyes as if like the late Nicholas Flamel he had lived for ever. Standing with a small group of familiar faces which included Hagrid, Fleur Delacour, and Bill and Charlie Weasley were three new arrivals; a tall, very thin cloaked woman, a huge man with a neatly trimmed goatee and huge muscles, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Hagrid, with a tiny, but also muscular man on his shoulders. Evelyn was standing with another man who kept darting looks at the cloaked woman, he was a brawny, but athletic Greek and carried a short sword and a round shield. Finally, in the shadows, behind the door, Harry could just make out another group, a young white who looked like they were probably related, a woman in white healer's robes, a large muscular man, the other four members of the group were a elderly white-haired bearded man, a slim black woman in a Muggle doctor's coat, and a tall black man and a tall, athletic white woman, both of whom Harry thought looked rather intimidating. It's the dark glasses. Harry told himself, Or maybe it's the swords.
"Now we are all together we can begin." said Dumbledore. "Now, so that everyone knows each other, I'll introduce everyone. Before I do though, I would like say one thing. I have said this before to some of you, but for the sake of clarity I shall repeat myself. The impact of our unusual situation on the pupils must be minimised, so unless absolutely necessary, those of you who are not teachers, with the exception of Alastor, Evelyn, Victor, and Fleur should remain out of sight and your presence and nature should not be revealed to the students and certainly not to anyone, outside the school, clear?"
All present nodded. "I'm sure you all know our long-term professors, so I will start by introducing the four pupils who have just arrived. We have Head-Boy Harry James Potter, Head-Girl Hermione Granger, Prefect Ronald Weasley and Chaser Virginia 'Ginny' Weasley all of Gryffindor House. Joining us as allies against the fight against Voldemort we have Julius 'Caesar' Gladaros, The Gladiator of Greece. Evelyn Bey of the Egyptian Magi. From Central Europe we are joined by Elektra Stavros, the Harpie of Greece, and the Bavarian brothers, Hans 'The Titanic' and Konrad 'The Dwarf' Titan. We are also have among us the Blood Devil, Jon and Mima Harker, the Vampire Hunters Abrahm Whister and Dr Karen Jenson, the Day-Walkers Eric Blade and Nyssa Damaskinos, Fleur Delacour, formally of Beauxbatons Academy and Bill 'Curse-Breaker' and Charlie 'Dragonfire' Weasley. We also have the following members of the Order of the Phoenix: Peter 'Patron' Harris, James 'Orion' Howlett, Mundungus 'Loki' Fletcher and Arabella 'Sphinx' Figg, and Marcus 'Pendragon' du Lac.
We do not know all the enemies and challenges we will have to face in the coming year. Voldemort, The Death Eaters, and probably the Dementors will have to be faced. Also, due to an alliance by Voldemort with Baron Fredric von Blut, the Blood King, we will likely have to contend with vampires at some point. Regretfully, I must inform you that these vampires will have been made invulnerable to sunlight." This information shocked many of those present, Harry was unsurprised of course, the Blood Devil, also remained impassive.
"Unfortunately, Hagrid and Madame Maximine were unsuccessful in obtaining the assistance of the banished giants, although Hagrid tells me that some at least, have been persuaded not to get involved at all. However, we will probably have to deal with at least one or two giants and probably some trolls, eventually.
We do however, have two advantages, one Voldemort must attack us, so we need only plan a defensive action, Voldemort must plan an offensive action into a highly protected centre of magical power, namely Hogwarts. This gives us the 'home field advantage'. Also, we know Voldemort's likely strategies, his weaknesses and probable troop strengths. He has no idea of our true situation, we must make the most of this. Minerva, I believe you have something for us?"
"Using the Animagus Charm, reinforced by the Wolfsbane Potion in the initial stages, we have been able to establish full control over the transformation and mind of a werewolf. In case, Remus." McGonagall announced. Harry glanced at Hermione questioningly, she smiled and nodded. "Also the Menssermo Potion, is almost ready, the telepathic comm-link will be available by tomorrow morning."
"Excellent." said Dumbledore, "Anything else?"
"Thanks to Evelyn, we have the Heart of Bestia."
"Have you tested it?"
"Yes. The legends are accurate. The Heart of Bestia will enable four, closely connected, young people to become the Bellatori, a special kind of Animagi. The Bellatori are highly resistant to dark magic and retain their ability to cast spells even while in Animagus form or disarmed."
"Very good." said Dumbledore. "Does anyone else want to add or ask anything?"
"I do." said Jon from the shadows, "How do we protect the students and counter-attack if we are attacked, our forces would be too thinly stretched."
"A valid question." admitted Dumbledore, "I discussed this very point with some of the others before you arrived, Jon. The Chamber of Secrets and the Erised Chamber which can only be accessed via the third floor Charms corridor both provide secure and defendable refuges, if required, the Common Rooms should also provide adequate protection. If most of the students, say those below sixth year, were taken to these areas in an attack a small number of teachers and older students could protect them, if necessary, so the rest of us can counter-attack without having to worry about shielding the less able."
Most of the others were satisfied by this, Jon wasn't. "Good plan, but we may not have enough time to implement it before the major assault of an attack."
"All plans have weakness Jon. This was the best idea we could come up with. Do you have any thoughts on how we could improve the plan?"
"No, however evacuation drills would shorten response time."
"I agree." added Moody, "We also need duelling practice for all students, especially the sixth and seventh years, we also need to work some counter-attack strategies so we're, maybe, ready when Voldemort attacks."
"You're right Alastor." said Dumbledore, "We will do that, and include our secret weapons in the scenarios of course. Is there anything else?"
"No. Well then you can go. Sirius, Minerva, Evelyn, could you stay? Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny, could you remain also?"
Dumbledore waited a few moments until the room was mostly clear, then he turned to Harry, who was exchanging pleasantries with his godfather. "As you have no doubt guessed, you four will be getting the power of the Heart." Harry and Hermione nodded, "If you want it, that is?"
"What do we do?" Harry said.
"In order to draw off the power, the four of you must touch the Heart at the same and say an incantation. Are you ready?"
Harry and Hermione nodded immediately, Ron a breath later, Ginny hesitated. "We need you Ginny." Harry told her, looking her straight in the face, "I need you."
Ron raised his eyebrows questioningly at Hermione, she shrugged. Ginny looked down at the floor for a moment, then looked up. "I won't let you down Harry." she said and went to stand beside him.
Dumbledore smiled, "Then we may begin. Evelyn, if you would?"
Evelyn removed four scrolls from inside her cloak, "The ritual is in six parts, first an invocation that you all say. Then one power one part for each person, first Harry, then Ginny, Ron, Hermione and finally the binding charm which I will say." She handed the scrolls to the teenagers, who scrutinised them from about half an hour, then first Hermione, Harry, Ginny and Ron put the papers aside.
"We're ready." declared Harry, and they moved together, forming a circle, Evelyn pulled a large black jewel from his pocket and held it in the middle of the circle, the other four placed their hands over the jewel.
"Begin."
"By the Power of the Magus and the Gold of Gelden Valley, we challenge thee.
By the Power of the Three of Light; Gryffindor the Brave, Ravenclaw the Wise, and Hufflepuff the Loyal, we implore thee.
By the Power of the Circle, and the Power of Roma, Daughter of Merlin, we charge thee.
Give us the Power to change, so thy task be done."
"I am Leo, the Lion of Fire and Bravery."
"I am Equa, the Mare of Air and Speed."
"I am Vulpes, the Fox of Earth and Cunning."
"I am Noctua, the Owl of Water and Knowledge."
"By Adligare, the Binder, who brings all together. By his Power let the will be done."
There was a flash of light and the jewel disappeared, the light flowed into the five warriors and then gradually faded. "It is done." Evelyn told them.
At that moment, Dobby opened the door and came in, he waited until the five had separated, "Professor Dumbledore sir. Are you wanting something else or can Dobby go back into the kitchens, they will be missing Dobby sir."
"Come in Dobby." the Headmaster turned to Harry, "Harry, as you know being Head Boy is a great honour, and as such it carries both responsibilities and rewards. One reward you know of already, your own room and a private bathroom also. There is also another perk, because being Head Boy is time-consuming and does not afford much free time, especially if he also Quidditch Captain, my predecessor Armando Dippet, decided that Head Boys and Girls should have a personal house-elf assigned to them."
Harry was a little surprised at this, he looked enquiringly at Hermione, Had she?
Hermione correctly read Harry's expression, "Winky."
Harry grinned, Hermione had wanted to help Winky fit in since the fourth year, having one person to look after would make the elf feel better about being free. Dobby looked at Harry, "Harry Potter sir, Dobby would be glad indeed if he could look after Harry Potter. Begging your pardon Professor Dumbledore sir."
"I'd like that Dobby." said Harry looked questioningly at Dumbledore.
The old man nodded, "You can go now Harry, and take Dobby with you. Dobby, I will inform Snidis."
Harry and his friends turned to go, Harry looked back at Sirius. "I will join you soon Harry." Satisfied, Harry opened the door and went out, Dobby hopping merrily beside him and Ginny just behind him and Ron and Hermione, who were now holding hands again brought up the rear.
The headmaster turned to McGonagall, "Minerva, were you able to get any new information from MacNair?"
"No Albus. He confirmed that Voldemort has returned and that He ordered the attack on Harry. He also confirmed that the vampires have joined him, and the Dementors and the Azkaban prisoners will join Him within the day. He doesn't know what his plans are though. He has also signed a statement about his activities and the Dark Lord. Should we send it to the Minister?"
"Do we have copies?"
"Yes. Two."
"Then it cannot do any harm."
"Did he say anything about Wormtail?" asked Sirius.
"He confirmed that Mr Pettigrew is alive and well and was instrumental in the resurrection."
"It will probably not change anything." Dumbledore told them, "Cornelius will be reluctant to act even with sworn evidence. You should remain in your Animagus form while at Hogwarts unless in a secure location." Sirius nodded and transformed into his black dog form and nosing open the office door, he bounded off towards Gryffindor Tower.
----
"Dobby?"
"Yes Harry Potter sir?"
"Who is Snidis?"
"Snidis is chief of Hogwarts' house-elves sir. All the house-elves except the personal elves report to him sir."
"I was just wondering."
"Can Dobby do anything for Harry Potter, sir? Dobby has got sir's luggage and taken it to sir's room. Does Harry Potter want anything else?"
Thinking about it, Harry was feeling rather hungry. "Could you get me some food?"
"Certainly Harry Potter sir, Dobby will do anything for Harry Potter. Dobby will get Harry Potter some food right away sir." said Dobby and scurried off to the kitchens.
"Having Dobby could come in handy, eh Harry?"
Harry nodded. Hermione harrumphed derisively and stalked out. Ron looked at Harry, shrugged and chased after her.
"Its good to back." declared Harry, leaning back in his chair.
"Harry?" asked Ginny.
Harry jumped, he had forgotten she was there. "What is it Ginny?"
"Was Sirius Black in the Staff Room?"
Harry paused for a moment, he nodded.
"Didn't he help You-Know-Who kill your parents?"
Harry did a double take, he had expected her to know. "Didn't anyone tell you? We know he didn't do it."
"No Harry. I'm the little kid of the family. No one tells me anything. How do you know?"
"Well, it's a long story Ginny." said Harry getting to his feet, and beginning to pace up and down.
"I'd like to hear it."
"Okay then. Once, I don't know actually when, there were four friends at Hogwarts. They were pranksters, as bad as the twins."
"That must have been fun." said Ginny, thinking about all the trouble her two brothers had caused at Hogwarts.
"Yes, I'm sure it was. They were James Potter, my father, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew, they were inseparable. Because Lupin was a werewolf, it wasn't always safe for them to be around him, so they became Animagi."
"That's how he escaped from Azkaban!"
"Yes. Simple wasn't it? Anyway, they prowled around the grounds in their animal forms, Lupin included, exploring and finding out about the grounds. So as they didn't forget what they had learned they created an enchanted map, which they called the Marauder's Map."
"What happened to it?"
"Filch confiscated it. Fred and George stole it from him in their 1st year."
Ginny laughed, "That's how they all about the secret passages and things!"
"Uh huh. Then in my 3rd year they gave it to me so I could get past the Dementors to Hogsmeade."
"Do you still have it?"
"Yep." said Harry, taking the old scroll from his desk, he touched it with this wand, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." he intoned, he sat down beside Ginny on the sofa and handed her the map.
She examined at it for a few minutes, then looked at him, "Who were the Marauders?"
"My father, Sirius, Lupin and Pettigrew. It was my fathers idea, his Animagus was a stag."
"Prongs. And Lupin was Moony?"
"Yep. Sirius was Padfoot, a black dog, Pettigrew a rat, so Wormtail."
"If they were such good friends why does everyone think he betrayed your father and killed Pettigrew?"
"He didn't betray Dad, Ginny. He loved Dad, Mum and me, his god-son too much and he was far too strong willed to be turned into a traitor."
"He's your god-father?"
"Uh huh. He was partly responsible though, and he has blamed himself ever since. That's why he didn't claim to be innocent."
"How?"
"There was a traitor. A weak-minded, sorry excuse for a wizard, who just liked to suck up to the most powerful person around."
"Pettigrew."
"Yes."
"But Black, I mean Sirius, did kill Pettigrew didn't he?"
"No. Although I think he may have wanted to at the time. He certainly does now."
"How…?"
"Wormtail set him up. He staged the whole thing, killed those muggles with a concealed wand, cut off his own finger and then fled the scene as a rat. The Ministry thought Sirius had killed him so they never bothered looking. He's with Voldemort now."
"Why do people think Sirius was the traitor?"
"Partly, because of Wormtail's 'dying' words, but the main reason was that as far as everyone was concerned Sirius was the only person who knew where we were."
"How did that work?"
"The Fidelius Charm. It works by hiding the location inside the soul of a single person, a Secret Keeper. Unless that person reveals their location, they cannot be found, by any method. If the Secret Keeper hadn't turned on us, Voldemort could have looked in our front room and not known we were there."
"But he did?"
"Yes. Sirius was going to be the Keeper, everyone including Dumbledore and Lupin though he was. But he persuaded my dad to change to Wormtail at the last minute, thinking that no-one would think that Wormtail had been given this trust. He was probably right, but Wormtail betrayed us, my parents died and I became the Boy-Who-Lived."
Ginny sat silent for a few minutes, trying to absorb all the new information Harry had told her. "Thank you Harry. I needed to know."
"I'm glad I told you Ginny. You do believe me don't you?"
"Of course Harry."
"Fudge doesn't, Snape was more persuasive, plus I think he loathes the idea of admitting he was wrong."
"My dad said something like that about him once."
"I'm not surprised."
"Professor Snape doesn't know the truth though, does he?"
"No, he does. He just hates all the Marauders to much to lose anything for them."
"Why?"
"Sirius played a trick on him once which almost got him killed. My dad saved him, so Snape hated him and initially hated me, because of the perceived debt that put him under. He hates Lupin because his werewolf form was, the danger."
Ginny leaned back on Harry's chest as he sat back on the sofa. Why is she doing that? She still fancies me? Suddenly, the door creaked open and Dobby came into the room carrying a large breakfast tray and followed by Snuffles. Harry and Ginny sprang apart, Ginny blushed and looked away guiltily. Dobby looked at Harry as he laid down the tray. "Is there anything else Harry Potter sir?"
"No Dobby. But come back for the tray later okay?"
"Certainly sir." said Dobby, bowing as he left and closed the door. Snuffles went over to the burning fire and curled up on the rug, he looked curiously between the two teenagers and then put his head on his paws and went to sleep.
"Is that…?"
"Yep. Breakfast?"
"Thanks Harry."
"That fine, I enjoy your company."
A companionable silence reigned as the two hungry teenagers attacked their food.
----
Over the next four days, Harry and Ginny most of their time together outside of the training sessions, sometimes they spent time with Ron and Hermione, but the couple did like to be alone sometimes, They also spent time with Snuffles, Lupin, Hagrid, and Evelyn, practicing shape-shifting or just hanging around talking, but often the adults were busy and the two teens were on their own, this allowed Harry time to reflect on his changing feelings towards Ron's sister. I think I love her. he thought to himself one morning as he lay in bed, I'm not sure what to do about it though. I need some advice, I'll ask Sirius what he thinks. He opened his bed curtains and looked over at the fire, Snuffles curled up in his usual nighttime spot on the rug. "Sirius, are you awake?"
The dog looked up at him, Yes Lion, what is it?
"Its about Ginny, I have feelings for her, I think a love her. I'm not sure she feels the same way though and don't want to ruin what we already have. What should I do?"
I think she does love you, just as you do her.
"How do you…?"
Know your feelings better than you do? That's what being a parent is all about Lion. he replied, Besides, I spend most of my time as a dog, your body language and hers is so clear to a dog's senses, you might as well shout it from the treetops.
"I see. Should I go for it?"
I think so, but take it slow, if she gets hurt, the Weasleys will have your head.
Harry gulped nervously. "I'll be careful."
Do. We need you alive.
Harry realised something, "Sirius, what am I going to do about school supplies? I haven't got them yet and term starts in three days."
I know. I talked to Phoenix last night, he says Magi can take us to Diagon Alley in her car. She and I should be enough to protect you if we run into trouble.
"Good. Can we go today?"
If she's free yes. Incidentally, Fox wants to get Owl on a broomstick, what do you think?
"What does Ginny think?"
She thinks it's a good idea.
"Let's do it then."
I'm glad you agree. Dobby sent an owl order off with Hedwig for me this morning. We can pick up the broomstick from Quality Quidditch Supplies when we go to Diagon Alley.
"What type of broomstick?"
Another Firebolt, same as yours, Fox's and Mare's.
"Sirius, are you sure you can afford another Firebolt?" Harry asked, "You have been spending a lot on me and my friends lately."
Don't worry Harry. I had about ten times as much gold as your parents when I was sent to Azkaban. Other than your presents and the broomsticks I got for Ron and Ginny, I haven't spent much since I escaped. I've still got one of the largest accounts in Gringotts. I'll be fine.
Harry was somewhat relieved, "Can Ginny come with us to Diagon Alley?" he added quickly, "And Ron and Hermione."
Snuffles chuckled, Of course they can Harry." he said jokingly, All four of you need supplies. Now get dressed, breakfast's in half-an-hour.
Nodding, Harry jumped quickly out of bed, went to his chest and started pulling out clothes and putting them on.
A/N: Phoenix is Dumbledore. I thought he is probably the head of the Order and so that with Fawkes meant that it seemed like a good 'call-sign' for whem they are talking on psychic links.