Chapter 10 – Hermione's plan

The following morning Harry's frying skills were tested to the limit as he provided the entire Order of the Phoenix with a traditional cooked breakfast. Over the meal, Harry explained all that Dumbledore had told him about Voldemort's Horcruxes last year, and how he, Hermione, Ron and Neville had found and destroyed them. Harry's words were met with huge scepticism and derision until Neville walked out, and returned with the locket and the cup. As the Horcruxes were displayed, the meeting broke up in disarray.

It took Mad-Eye Moody several minutes to regain enough control to allow the youngsters to continue. Hermione took over and outlined her idea. "It was both Professor Dumbledore's and Frank Longbottom's belief that the last and magically most significant Horcrux was being reserved for a significant death, that of his prophesised adversary, Harry. Voldemort intended to use Gryffindor's sword as a receptacle for the Horcrux, an incredible irony, given that Harry is the last descendant of Godric Gryffindor. These facts combined would have created the most powerful of all his Horcruxes, however as we can thank Merlin that he was thwarted. James Potter was forewarned, Gryffindors sword remained secure at Hogwarts and Voldemort was expelled from his body by Lily's ancient blood magic.

Dumbledore suspected that Voldemort was desperate to make a final Horcrux once he returned, in order that reach the incredibly powerful, seven divisions of his soul. Dumbledore believed that Voldemort used his pet snake as the receptacle. From Harry's dreams, we know Voldemort is very attached to Nagini, probably the closest he has come to every loving anything. This would make sense if they shared his soul." Hermione paused following an outbreak of astonished whispering. A few others, Hagrid among them, nodded.

"What we need to do is separate Voldemort from his snake, which I assume is still in the Riddle House?" Moody and Tonks nodded. "I propose that we announce in public that Harry has discovered the famous Staff Of Merlin in his vault. We could go on to say that he is donating it to go on display at Hogwarts. Maybe we could hold some kind of press conference? If we do we make no mention of knowing about Horcruxes, so Voldemort will think it is an unlucky coincidence. This will serve two-fold. Firstly Voldemort will want to reclaim the staff and his Horcrux, so he will launch an attack on Hogwarts, probably while the press are there for maximum effect. Due to the difficulties of apparating with Nagini, hopefully he will leave her at the Riddle House. Secondly, he will be livid with Bellatrix who was entrusted to keep the Horcrux safe. He will force her to reveal that it was indeed in the Black Vault, thus confirming our story, and with a bit of luck he will kill her in the bargain."

There was a couple of seconds of complete silence after Hermione finished speaking, then absolute bedlam broke out, "We can't do that. If He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named attacks the school, I will never be able to persuade any pupils to return next month."

"This is preposterous, if Dumbledore couldn't fend off Voldemort, how can we, it would be like lambs to the slaughter, I'm not going to die for some kids."

"How dare yer refer to 'Arry in that way. Yer knows full well that if Dumbledore was 'ere, he would be doin' all he could to 'elp 'Arry."

"Hagrid, no! Put him down at once!"

"Silence, Silence, ORDER!!!" Moody finally managed to regain a semblance of control. "Miss Granger, there are a few things, you must understand about the Order. We are not a trained army. We can not afford to get involved in a direct battle with Vol .. him. In a straight fight his Death Eaters will massacre all of us. We're too old, woefully under-trained and ill-equipped. Our role is that of a resistance group; to plan, gather information and pick off Death Eaters one by one when the odds are in our favour."

"Very well," started Harry coldly. "I understand, but this is something I," he glanced at Hermione and Neville before correcting himself. "WE have to do. I would appreciate some help, so if any of you feel able."

With this Harry turned to leave, but Moody cut him off quietly pulling him aside. "I want you to understand why I cannot command the order to help you, lad. The Order of the Phoenix has no leader at the moment. I'm only chairing meetings until a successor is found." Moody cut off Harry's protest, "You need to know a little about our history before you criticise, boy. The Order of the Phoenix was founded by Albus, to enable those who were pure of soul to oppose Voldemort. He stipulated that, in the event of his death, a new leader would be chosen by a phoenix and not by any of us, but. In other words only a phoenix companion can be worthy enough to lead the Order into battle. Even if I asked, the current members wouldn't fight Voldemort at my command."

"Have you looked for anyone? I mean who … Fawkes?" Harry stumbled on his words as he remembered the beautiful phoenix flying into Dumbledore's funeral pyre.

"At the present time, there are only two phoenixes known to be in existence. One is bonded to a weird bloke who lives in Tibet, calls himself something nutty like Dolly the Llama. We've been to see him, but quite frankly, he's too potty to be of much use to us."

Harry unsuccessfully smothered a grin at the thought that Mad-Eye could consider anyone nuttier than himself. Moody's magical eye glared suspiciously at Harry as he continued. "The other phoenix is Fawkes, who after a short period of grief, will bond with another wizard. It is this wizard we shall ask to lead us. Until then we are going to lie low, we can not be expected to attack Voldemort without a leader. We can not even appoint you into the Order, as the phoenix has to approve all appointments. Although much good that has done us in the past, with people like Snape being appointed." Moody spat on the floor as he said the traitors name.

"That reminds me," said Harry turning back to address the whole room. "I went to see Dumbledore's portrait ..." The story of Snape's innocence caused perhaps more incredulity than Hermione's proposed plan. Eventually Harry got fed up and threw his chocolate frog card on the table before storming out saying, "why don't you bloody well ask Dumbledore yourself."

Harry could hear the disgruntled mumblings as he slammed the door shut, almost catching Hermione in the face, as she followed him out. She grabbed his arm. "Come on, let's go and see how Ron's getting on."

Ron, it transpired, was improving quickly. Although initially he was somewhat miffed that Harry and Hermione had not visited him much. He soon forgave them when he heard that they, or rather Bill, had found another Horcrux. As expected he was very enthusiastic with Hermione's idea to lure Voldemort into Hogwarts and away from Nagini. An idea that Hermione had strangely gone off, once she had remembered Ron was in the hospital wing. She bustled off to go and see Madame Pomfrey, leaving Harry and Ron to discuss the Chudley Cannons latest defeat. This time by 530 points to 10, against the Holyhead Harpies. (One of the Harpies chasers suffered a quaffle blow to the head, and scored at the wrong end while disorientated)

Hermione returned shortly, beaming. "Madame Pomfrey says you can come home tomorrow morning, if you promise to take all your potions and agree to do nothing strenuous, like attacking Voldemort, for a week!" Ron looked very hopeful, as Hermione added, "we've got to go, got an interview to plan." She kissed Ron and dragged Harry out of the hospital.

Harry turned apologetically to Ron who mouthed back, "She's mental that one!"

"You go ahead Hermione, I want to talk to Professor Dumbledore," called Harry heading towards Head's office, the Gargoyles opening up for him when he asked them to.

"Potter, how did you get in here? I changed the password. No matter, Please tell me you have given up with this ridiculous idea of Miss Granger's. It will destroy the school if You-Know-Who attacks it," started Professor McGonagall when he entered the room.

Harry looked at the wall, searching for support, but was saddened to see that the chintzy armchair in the portrait of Dumbledore was empty. "Professor, when I kill the snake, it will make Voldemort mortal again. I'm going to finish him off once and for all. You shouldn't worry about Hogwarts, with Voldemort gone, the school will flourish."

"Hmm, I can see that I'm not going to persuade you to stop. I have just been discussing this with Albus, while not happy; he does agree with Miss Granger that the earlier we can strike against You-Know-Who the better." Harry looked inquisitively at the empty portrait. "He's on an errand for me," McGonagall explained. "When are you doing this Pot... Harry?"

"Hermione is going to arrange the ceremony for tomorrow afternoon. It will be in tomorrow morning's Quibbler."

"In that case, as headmistress, it is my duty to stay in my school and defend it against any attackers, even He-Who... Voldemort."

"Professor, do you think you could contact Snape and get him to persuade Voldemort to attack."

"Albus, explained to me about Severus. So yes, I'll send my patronus."

Harry thought he'd pushed his luck enough, so he trudged away from McGonagall's office and headed out of the castle, towards Hogsmead where he could apparate back to Grimmauld Place.

"'Arry, Come 'ere a minute."

"Hagrid!"

"I Just wanted you and 'ermione to know, that I'll be 'ere to 'elp yer. Even if the rest o' the Order won't."

"Thanks Hagrid, but you don't have to. Please take care of yourself tomorrow."

"Cheer up 'Arry, Dumbledore trusted yer, an' so do I. Now I aint clever enuff to understand what yer planning, but I knows 'ermione is the most intelligent witch there's ever been. So if she reckons this is the right thing to do, then this is what we'll do. McGonagall told me 'Ermoine even figured out I was secret keeper 'ere at 'ogwarts," finished Hagrid proudly.

"Yes, that's right. Umm Hagrid, what exactly does that mean?"

"Yer know 'Arry it's me job, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at 'Ogwarts. No-one can find the school if I don't show 'em. An' let me tell yer this, the only way them ruddy foreign Death Eaters is getting into 'Ogwarts is over my dead body."

Harry gulped, "please be careful Hagrid, it's not worth dying for."

Hagrid opened his mouth, but one look at Harry's face made him pause, "Don't yer worry 'bout me. I won't be on my own, I got Fang and Grawp 'ere to 'elp me. Madame Pomfrey let Ron out for a couple of hours yesterday and 'e's been 'elping me teach Grawp to recognise a Death Eater. They won't know what hit 'em. Now would yer like to 'elp me with a new batch o' screwts I got out in th' pumpkin patch?"

Harry made his excuses and left, but not before he once again urged Hagrid to be careful. From Hogsmead he apparated into the park next to Grimmauld Place, and walked up the street to the house where he spotted Fred and George aimlessly meandering around. "Can I help you?" he asked a miffed twin.

"Yeah, you can tell us where you ruddy well live; we can't get past the sodding charm." Harry laughed and guided them into Grimmauld Place. "What's happened to Mrs Black?" asked George as they passed through the empty hallway.

"Oh Hermione painted over her with black paint."

"Cool, how come we didn't think of that Forge?" asked his twin as they moved into the living room where they found Hermione feverishly scribbling on a piece of parchment.

"What can I do for you guys?" asked Harry.

"It's more what we can do for you. We heard that you're picking fight tomorrow afternoon?" Harry nodded. "Excellent, we'll be there. We've got several new products we want to demonstrate to the Death Eaters."

Harry started to ask what, but was interrupted by Hermione "Harry can you sign this for me?"

"Is it the article?"

"No, Luna has already published that, along with a photograph of Merlin's Staff, which Bill dropped off earlier. Don't worry, we cast a reparo on it first," added Hermione at Harry's aghast look. She then thrust the parchment she'd been writing on across the table, and Harry and the twins bent over to read it.

Dear Minister Scrimgeour,

While cleaning out the Gringott's vault I inherited from my late godfather, Sirius Black, (You know, the innocent person, the Ministry locked up in Azkaban for twelve years without a trial) I stumbled across the Staff Of Merlin.

Apparently this relic has been held by the most noble and ancient House of Black for many years. Gringott's most learned Goblin's have verified its authenticity beyond question. I believe that such an important item should not be locked away, unseen in a vault, but should be available for all to see. As a result, I am donating it to Hogwarts to go on display and to be used in the teaching of History of Magic.

The ceremony will take place tomorrow afternoon at Hogwarts, and I was wondering whether you would like to attend and receive the staff on behalf of Hogwarts. This could be a good photo opportunity for both me and the Ministry.

Yours sincerely,

Harry Potter.

Harry and the twins looked at each other gob smacked, "Hermione! Are you intending to lure the Minister of Magic into a fight with Voldemort?" Hermione had been biting her bottom lip nervously as the boys read the letter, but following their approval, the corners of her mouth lifted in a smirk as she nodded her head slowly.

"That is seriously ruthless, I only wish we had thought of it," added Fred as he prostrated himself in front of her. "When this business is over, will you come and work for us Oh greatest, evilest, witch of all time?"

"Now, now Fred, stop hitting on your younger brother's girlfriend," commented Harry slyly.

Fred and George's eyes lit up, "Really, little Ronnikins? At last! We've just remembered we've been terrible brothers and haven't visited him once. Got to dash, bye!" shouted both twins simultaneously as they tore out the front door.

No sooner had the twins gone, than Lupin and Moody arrived, both appeared slightly worse for wear. "We've been discussing what you said at the meeting with Aberforth, Harry," announced Professor Lupin as he tried to prop himself up against a chair.

So that explained the slightly glazed look in their eyes, thought Harry. Even Moody's magical eye looked slightly foggy and out of focus. Moody opened his mouth to say something, but lost his balance and tripped over the chair causing his wooden leg to fall off, in turn sending both him and Remus sprawling into a heap on the floor.

Neville popped his head round the corner, having been disturbed by the noise and laughed. He walked over to the two drunks and waved his wand over them. "That's better, thanks laddy," said Moody rubbing his temple. "Very useful, what was the charm?"

Neville smirked, "Re-hydration charm, I use it on my plants."

"Must remember that one," Moody added reattaching his leg and looking more coherent, although Remus still looked a little green. "Now we've been thinking about what missy here said and while it does make sense, it's one hell of a risky plan. I don't like it one bit, and as a former aurer, I would never have dreamed of putting my men in a situation like this, and they were fully trained hit wizards. But we've received information that Voldemort is planning an attack on Hogwarts in the near future anyway.

Our sources suggest that while his recruitment drive over here has not been very successful, he has managed to recruit over a thousand followers from Eastern Europe. Couple this with about twenty giants, several hundred vampires and a rapidly breeding Dementor colony, which could already be in excess of a hundred."

The three youngsters lost their jovial look, at these figures. "There's no way we can stop all that," commented Harry quietly.

"Not a prayer," agreed Moody in far too jovial voice. "Which is why, we'll be in Hogwarts tomorrow afternoon. If it's my turn to join the founders, then I'm going to take as many of the cowardly scum with me that I can."

"We are hoping to have some Ministry auror assistance as well," added Hermione.

"Now, I admire your plan to get Voldemort to Hogwarts, missy. I'll even go so far as to say it may just work, but you'll find that's a walk in the park compared with trying to get Ministry aurors there to help us. The yellow-bellied bunch of cowardly ..."

"They might come if their beloved Minister was attacked during one of his official engagements," interrupted Hermione.

"Sweet Merlin, tell me you haven't" cried Remus, his head in his hands, as Moody erupted in gales of laughter. His glass eye revolving uncontrollably in its socket, as he gazed at Hermione with a new found respect.

"Come now Remus, I think we should drink a toast to this young witch. May we never cross her! I reckon Aberforth has another bottle of Ogdens finest with our names on it. Longbottom lad, what was that charm again?"

"Hermione, you haven't written any other letters today have you?" asked Harry thoughtfully after he noticed that both Pigwidgeon and Hedwig's cages were empty.

Hermione tried to look innocent, as she replied, "As it's a public event, I had to invite the press."

"Rita?" asked Harry approvingly as Hermione nodded once more." Wait a minute, how am I going to get away to get the Horcrux, if the Minister and The Prophet are expecting me to be in Hogwarts?"

"That's because you won't be getting the Horcrux, Neville and I will."

"No way, I'm calling it off. I'm not letting you go into the Death Eaters haunt on your own."

"You haven't got a choice, Harry. It's all planned, and there is no way you can stop it. Now concentrate on keeping Voldemort busy, while I kill the snake."

Harry spent the remainder of the evening trying to think of a way to accompany Hermione to the Riddle House. But now matter how hard he though he couldn't come up with a better plan, and consequently it was a long time before he fell into a restless sleep.

Neville and Hermione sat huddled on a bench, on the Little Hangleton Village Green, hidden under Harry's invisibility cloak. "Now," whispered Neville as he glanced nervously at his watch for the umpteenth time. Slowly they rose and walked quietly past the Hanged Man pub, before they turned up the hill towards the Riddle House.

Hermione cast a well-practiced silencing charm on them as they reached the overgrown garden gate of the once prosperous house. Hermione nodded to Neville, who reached forward and inched the gate open. There was a small squeak, followed by a loud creak and then a deafening crash as the gate fell from its hinges onto the stone path. Hermione jumped in surprise and then screamed silently as a streak of green hit Neville in the head. He collapsed to the floor eyes permanently frozen in surprise, pulling the invisibility cloak off Hermione as he fell. She turned and knelt over Neville's body, tears running from her eyes, and then she too froze.

"Petrificus Totalis," hissed the voice of Antonin Dolohov from behind her. "Oh, look. What have we here? Potter's mud-blood whore!" He kicked Hermione over, and stared into her brown eyes, eyes that had given up all hope. "Yes mud-blood, you'll die soon enough, but first I fancy a little fun. Evanseco!" Dolohov flicked his wand at Hermione's robes.

"No!" screamed Harry, awakening with a start. He looked around wildly, only to find himself in Sirius's old bedroom at Grimmauld Place sweating profusely. It took several minutes for his heart rate to return to normal and headed off for a cold bath. Ten minutes later he headed downstairs, there was no way he was going back to sleep again after that nightmare. Although it was before 6am, the kitchen was already full. Fred, George and Bill Weasley, Remus, Tonks, Mad Eye, Aberforth, Hagrid, Hermione, Neville and a beautiful Eagle owl all looked expectantly from Harry to the frying pan. Harry gulped as he caught Hermione's brown eyes, but his attention was soon diverted by the Eagle owl, who hopped one legged over to him, holding out the other leg. Harry unrolled the attached piece of parchment and glanced at it.

Harry Potter,

The Minister is pleased that you have eventually decided to work with the Ministry in these difficult times. He has graciously consented to attend the ceremony this afternoon, and will floo directly into Hogwarts shortly before the event.

Yours

Percy Weasley, (Assistant to the Minister of Magic).

As he finished reading, the front door opened and in walked Arthur Weasley accompanied by a tired looking Ron. "Minerva met with Severus this morning," added Arthur. "The good news is that He-Who-Must-Not-Named has fallen for your scheme. Severus says he plans to attack just after the ceremony starts. The problem is that his forces are much greater and better prepared than any of us could have imagined. He called a meeting last night, and literally hundreds of foreign Death Eaters appeared. He wants to see how good they are, a sort of dry run before they try and take over the Ministry Of Magic. He ordered the Dementors, the werewolves, the giants and the vampires to march overnight and hide in the mountains ready to join him. It looks very much like this is going to be the final battle." Mr Weasley grabbed the last remaining empty chair, sitting down with almost a defeated look as the rest stared on in stunned silence.

Eventually Bill stood up. "Both good and bad news here too, dad. The Goblins are not prepared to support us, unless a direct attack is made on Gringotts. Even though we all know thatVoldemort will march on Diagon Alley immediately after he takes control of Hogwarts, I was unable to persuade Ragnok to help us."

Harry could see Tonks bury her head in her hands at this news. "However," continued Bill. "We needn't worry about the vampires. Apparently they flew into a Veela colony, on their way across Europe last night and attacked several of the younger members. Fleur assures me that Veela fireballs are particularly effective against creatures which are allergic to light. Anyway, the result is that the few remaining vampires have been forced back into Eastern Europe, and the Veela's are so furious they are blocking their passage. Knowing how mad Fleur can get when I annoy her, I would say there is no chance of any of them getting here especially as they can't travel in daylight." Bill paused, but nobody could raise even a weak smile at his joke. As he turned to sit down, he added. "Oh, nearly forgot, Charlie and a friend are flying over directly to Hogwarts to help."

Ron who was standing behind Hermione cleared his throat nervously, as his older brother finished. "I talked to Dobby yesterday and asked for help. He organised a meeting in the kitchens late last night, of all the house-elves. Although he couldn't convince them alone, his urgings together with those who were old enough to remember Tom Riddle as a school boy, were enough to persuade the Head Elf to go and see Dumbledore's portrait last night, while cleaning McGonagall's office." Ron paused for breath. "It would appear that our late headmaster used his 'I will only truly have left this school when none here are loyal to me,' speech again. Anyway its part of their bond, their Master can order them to fight, so when you get there this afternoon, you will be joined by one hundred and six house elves."

Hermione looked furious at the thought the Elves were being forced to fight because of their bond to the school, but before she could say anything, Professor Lupin had stood up. "The werewolves have responded to Greyback's summons, but most have done this due to fear of retribution from him. Although they will line up against us, about half will be looking primarily to save their own skins first." He sat back down again, squeezing Tonks's hand in encouragement as she stood.

"Bad news I'm afraid, the Ministry tracked mass Dementor movement towards Scotland overnight. Umbridge is reportedly delighted, as they are now further away from the Ministry. So there are no Ministry plans to do anything at all." Tonks paused looking dejected. "However the body of Bellatrix LeStrange was dumped in Knockturn Alley a couple of hours ago. It will be in the Prophet later, depicted as a successful capture by aurors." She sat back down again, shaking her head in disgust.

Hagrid stood up nervously, hitting his head on the ceiling. As he wiped his nose on his filthy sleeve Harry couldn't help but notice his bloodshot eyes. "The Merpeople 'ave agreed to defend the portal at the bottom of the lake. The one that leads straight to Durmstrang, nothin' will get past them." Hagrid sniffed loudly. "The ruddy centaurs won't help us, they reckon it's written in the stars an' they won't change it. Buggers chased me from the forest, an' threatened to attack any humans that goes in there again. An' I can't get near them ruddy spiders since Aragog died, but if they're prepared to kill me, they'll kill Death Eaters too, they ain't fussy. So I've asked the Headmistress to tell Snape to attack through the forest."

Hagrid paused, took a deep breath and continued, "Olympe an' some other teachers from Beauxbaton found a colony o' giants, as they crossed the Alps, last night. Olympe was ... was killed." Hagrid took out a giant filthy bed sheet and blew his nose on it, massive tears streaming down his face.

Bill stepped back in at this point, "Fleur tells me that the French Ministry is outraged by this unprovoked atrocity against the Headmistress of their premier education academy. The entire French auror squad was despatched to destroy the Giants."

Hagrid sniffed loudly and turned towards the fireplace. "I gotta get back and get ready. Alastor, I'll be in me 'ut if you need me."

Moody stood to take his turn at speaking, "I always knew this day would come. Albus warned me, but I didn't think it would be so soon or that there would be so few of us. But at least we know what we're facing and have prepared. It'll be a surprise for them when we fight back and not a surprise to us. The plan is that all of us except Hagrid, for obvious reasons, will hide in the castle whether we participate in the ceremony or not. While the fidelius charm remains, only the Death Eaters who attended Hogwarts will be able to see it. We can use this to our advantage, as we can attack them from inside the castle, but they will not be able to return fire on us. If the fidelius charm falls, we will still be better placed to attack from inside the castle, as the Death Eaters will be below us and exposed in the open. Remember castles were built to protect their occupents, so under no circumstances does anyone leave the castle, ok?"

Everyone slowly nodded, "Under NO circumstances, understand?" repeated Moody to a chorus of agreement. "Now the anti-apparition wards should be strong enough to prevent Death Eaters apparating into the castle initially. Bill and Minerva will be strengthening and monitoring them as necessary, but it is likely they will fall at some point. When that happens we need to stick together and all fight to protect the main hall. If we spilt up we are doomed.

Finally, Ron lad, you stay here. When we are attacked, we will send word. You must floo the ministry, the press and anyone else you can think of." Moody's speech was greeted with silence as the gravity of the situation sank in. Harry found very few people could muster an appetite for his breakfast and before long, Tonks, Lupin, Moody, Bill, the twins and their father all flooed into Hogwarts to prepare.

Harry caught hold of Neville and Hermione just as they were about to go. "Err, Neville take care, and I errr, suggest that you don't try and go in to the Riddle House through the front gate. It's old and rusty and will probably fall off its hinges. They will also be guarding it, watching to see it open." Neville looked sideways at him, as Harry continued. "Don't forget a silencing charm will only cover the specific thing its cast on."

"Ummm, ok. Are you all right, Harry?"

"Just take care of yourselves, you two, I'm worried about this." Neville and Hermione nodded and disappeared. Leaving just Ron and Harry "Bye, mate" called Harry finally after an awkward pause, and then he too stepped into the fire holding Merlin's Staff.