Disclaimer: I own nothing here. JK Rowling owns everything other than the bad story line and a few characters. I am just playing with the story as i see fit. I hope you enjoy.
"Harry are you sure that you want to have a Quiditch practice tonight I mean its Friday. I mean shouldn't you be finishing your homework before Hermes has a fit," Ron had been trying everything to keep Harry from having a practice tonight because him and Luna were supposed to be having a date in the Room of Requirements. In fact he had been trying so hard that he had failed to realize that Professor McGonagall was standing behind him. While Harry had already cast the spell to transfigure a chair into a bed and anther spell to change the chair into a small cat, Ron had yet to cast either one.
"Well, Mr. Weasley if you do not want to have a practice tonight someone else could always take you spot. Now enough talk on Quiditch please try to complete the assignment that was given to you. Mr. Potter I believe that you are holding tryouts tonight," Professor McGonagall smiled a small tight smile at Harry.
"Yes, Professor, I think that we have a few weeks before our first game against Hufflepuff. I will inform you tonight on who makes the team and who doesn't," Harry nodded at his Professor as she walked off. "Mione you know you don't have to try out if you don't want to. I was just joking whenever I said something about you playing," Harry sent over their mental link. He looked over at her as she help Padma learn the spell that both had already been able to cast.
"Now, Mr. Potter, I do believe that you sound scared. If I remember it was you who begged me to get on a broom in the first place. Now your scared that I can't play Quiditch. Baby you really shouldn't worry, it something you don't do well," Hermione giggled at something Padma had said.
McGonagall had sat Hermione next to Padma and Harry next to Ron and her excuse had been that Harry and Ron would need the help with some of the spell but it was more like she thought that maybe Harry would be able to keep Ron's mind on class. "Well, dear. I do believe that it is my job to worry about you as you say it is your job to worried about my arse," Harry watched with amusement as Ron had finally transfigured the bed back to a chair but instead of making the chair a small house cat the chair was a rather large lion. Harry watched as the lion looked around the room and began stocking rather hungerly towards a few Sylthern. As the lion got closer most of the Sylthern ran towards the door. "Don't they know they can't out run it. Hell I would feel sorry for the lion if it ate them it might get sick," Harry thought laughing in his thoughts as he grab his wand and flicked it toward the lion. Immediately it had become a chair again much to most of the Gryffendor's disappointment. Professor McGonagall called a stop to all spell casting and assigned an essay for those who had not been able to do both spells just as the bell had rang.
Harry grab Hermione's book bag as they walked down to the Great Hall for lunch. "Honestly Harry we could put off try outs till tomorrow," Ron whined.
"No, Ronald, but don't fret because I am going to make sure you can still make your date with Luna. I already talked to her and found out but don't be late and don't rush anything, mate," Harry looked at the grin that had blossomed on his Fire haired friend. Ron just rushed ahead to go find Luna to do some pre lunch snogging. As Ron had rounded the corner and was out of ear shot. "Honestly, I ain't sure but the two of them make a really great couple. Apart both of them aren't exactly the most normal people but together they do seem pretty well grounded," Harry laughed as he thought of Ron and Luna together.
"Yeah, well, people say the same thing about us. Only its more like you keep me from being the bookworm and I keep you from trying to take all the attention," Hermione looked at Harry and smiled as she moved closer under the shelter of his arm. Harry just half smiled grimly as Hermione's words first came out. "Sorry, baby I didn't mean to upset you," Hermione looked worried.
"It isn't you, Mione. It's that fact that everyone thinks that being famous is the worlds greatest thing. I would trade it all so that I didn't have to worry about the people around me might die and if it would bring back the ones that already have," Harry barely choked out the last words. Tiny flashes of memories went through his mind of people dying around him.
Lunch went by with as little talking as possible from the trio. Ron cracked a few jokes only to get back a little chuckle here or there. Harry and Hermione neither one ate a lot after what the conversation from leaving transfiguration. Both still had to go to DADA and Hermione had to go to Arithmancy. Harry had decided that while Hermione was in class he would go down to the pitch and get everything ready for tonight Quiditch Tryouts for the Gryffendor house. Hermione was still worried about Harry's mood after what she had said earlier. Hermione began to ask Harry how he was feeling just as the bell rang.
As everyone seated into the DADA classroom people noticed that not only Professor O'Carroll was standing in front of the class but anther young man that looked out of some old western. Many of the students pointed and were whispering something or anther. A couple of girls sighed as the young man looked over a lot of the class. Slone had raised his hand to silence everyone in the room. Then he motioned for Dakota to step up and say something. Dakota didn't look happy about this but just shrugged and made his way to the front of the class.
"Today, I will be helping Professor O'Carroll. Now seeing as no one in here really knows me, I am Dakota Niemeier. I am an American half-blood Wizard. I am something like an Auror with the American government. Now today Slone and myself will be showing you guys how to use some very simple spells to help protect you very well. Now today there will be the use of the Unforgivables which is why I ask for all of you students to remain in your seats. Now please watch to the front of the class room," Dakota did a little bow and then he began to walk back to face Slone. As he took his place the floor where they were stand sunk a little as where the students sat began to rise to form some sort of observation platform. As everyone watched where Slone and Dakota were standing large trees began to grow from no where.
"Now as most of you know most of the time the fighting won't be in a clear area. Sometimes this is best for both sides. While the Professor can see and I can see him, I can also use the trees to take most of his spells," Dakota motioned hard towards the trees. As if a cue, Slone fired a stunner that was sent toward Cody but just as he began to fire it a tree fell into its path and batted it into the ground. Most of the students began clapping, Dakota just bowed to the those students as the platform changed again this time there was a table in the middle of the room. "Now as I was saying an Unforgivable will be used this time. For those of you who will be upset at seeing it will you please leave the room now," After a few minutes and no student budged Dakota just nodded and began levitating the table.
"Avada Kadvera," Slone cried out. Everyone watched in aw is the green spell hurdled towards the large wooden table. As the spell hit the table, the table violently blew apart sending chunks of wood and splinters flying everywhere.
"As you see, the spell was stopped by a solid object which is the only way to stop it. The reason I used wood instead of metal is because metal will actually cause the spell to bounce off and if you don't know how to aim the rebound spell, it could hit a friend in the back, so I suggest sticking to wooden objects or something other than metals," As Dakota finished explaining everything the room changed back to normal. "Now there are a few more things to tell you about that we can't show you because it risk injury to both of us. As most of you know reducto spells are used normally to destroy objects or things that need to be destroyed but they can also be used in combat. A reducto spell could break a bone if it comes in contact with a human being or it could knock them off their feet if it lands within ten feet of them. Also if the reducto spell hit them in the chest or head area it will kill them instantly most times. Something else to think about is any time you are in combat also note your surroundings. The reason for this is because most of the time you can use them to your advantage or if it isn't in your advantage you know to keep your enemy away from it," Dakota looked over the class. Surprisingly even the Sylthern looked attentive. "I hope that none of you even have to use what we showed you and talked about today but these are dark days and this war will touch everyone of you directly or indirectly. Now I will turn it over to your professor, seeing as I believe that he has a bit of homework to for y'all to do," Dakota bowed and walked back to the front of the classroom.
"All right I want three feet on how you can use simple spells that you learned in your first three years here to defend yourself. You cannot use any example we used today but it really isn't a hard assignment if you actually think about it. Class dismissed. Harry and Hermione would you please stay for a few. It won't take long," Slone smiled and waved at the rest of the class. As the finally student left Cody flicked his wand at the door it locked and a white flash sealed the door. "Listen, Hermione I know you have a class to go to but it will be ok I will write you a note. Dumbledore choose this weekend as our attack point. We got wind that Voldie will be out causing trouble but we will still have outside detractions to cover our people on the inside. Tonight we will be gather in the Room of Requirements to go over the plan. I have already passed the message to all the other students. It will be about one before we come and gather you," Slone looked rather worried but none the less he motioned for them to leave. He gave Hermione the note for class and they left.
Harry left Hermione at the Grand staircase, considering she had to go up a few floors and he had to go out and get the pitch ready. Ron met him as he made it out the front doors. "You need any help, Mate," Ron had a certain spring in his step at this moment.
"Well Ronald I could use a little help going over last minute details of how to hold tryouts and setting up the field," Harry continued to walked but he felt as if his body was on auto pilot while his mind was going over many thoughts at once. Finally as they neared the pitch Harry looked over at Ron, "Mate, I am worried about this weekend. What if he is there," Harry frowned at the thought.
"I don't know, Mate. Dumbledore is sure he won't but if he is we all extract just the same as we showed up but for some reason Cody isn't telling any of the Wolf Pack about it yet. Maybe he still feels someone will betray him again," Ron just shook his head as they grabbed the Quiditch Box and sat it in the middle of the field.
"Yeah well I guess tonight we are going over the plan so they might be there. For some reason Cody and Slone both seem very vague here lately. Kinda like they are keeping something from everyone, well other than Dumbledore," Harry motioned toward the castle and both Ron and his brooms zoomed out to their owners.
"Well, Mate, Cody and Slone both have been going through a lot. I mean think about it both of them are for America. They both are military trained over there not only as wizards but as muggles and the American government is wanting to pretent nothing is happening in England just the same as our Muggle Government," Ron looked rather thoughtful at something. Both friends just stayed quite after this as some of Gryffendor house began to come down to the pitch for a little bit of flying practice before tryouts.
Harry noticed as he landed that a lot of the students trying out were first and second year students. "You know half of them I won't let try out," Harry said under his breath to Ron as both sat there watching a lot of the younger students not being able to keep control of their broom.
"Bloody Hell, Mate. Most of the ones trying out are First and Second year students. You would think someone would have told them that you were a special case as being on the team your first year," Ron laughed at the last part.
"Yeah well Mione should be here before too long," Harry smiled as he heard the bell ring and Mione sent "Coming dear," through the ether. Harry mutter a spell to make his voice louder. "Everyone please land your brooms. Thank you I would like to please ask you to first get in lines according to the what year you are," Harrys voiced boom against the great stands. "Now first and second year students I would like to ask you to return to that castle. McGonagall said not to allow first and second year students try out and it was on the notice board this morning. Now as to everyone else would you please line up in the position you would like to try for," Harry paused for a minute as a new but familiar brown head girl came into the group," Chaser please line up to my right. Beaters right in front of me and Keepers to the left of me." Harry watched as everyone fell into the group all except for one lone 7th year. "What position do you wish to try for McLaggen," Harry almost growled.
"Well I was wondering, since this is Open Tryouts. What about the seeker position. I mean really just because you were picked as Captain doesn't mean that you are the best person for the job," The 7th year almost reminded Harry of Malfoy, before he had chosen the side of the light, in his arrogance. His tall lanky form was not made of being a seeker maybe a beater but not a seeker.
"Oy, Mate Harry's position isn't up for grabs because he is the best seeker the Gryffendor team has had in years. Now quit trying to make yourself look good and pick anther position to try for," Ron hollered out.
"Ah, the Wesle King, I do believe I am making a good point he was ban from Quiditch last year because of his temper who is saying he is still as good as he was," McLaggen was being very cheeky in his response.
"ENOUGH. Now McLaggen since you are the only one wanting to try against me for seeker we will decide this by releasing the snitch and whoever catches it first then they are the seeker for this year," Harry heated response left no room for any questioning, "Before we do that I still have to hold try-outs for the other positions so if you could please go stand off somewhere to the side and keep quite so I can pick the rest of the team that would be greatly welcomed. First I would like to set the Chasers into groups of three. Seeing as they are 20 of you some of you will have to go twice to give the other a chance. First group will be you three," Harry pointed to the first three girl in line, "Now I will also be holding Keeper tryouts at the same time seeing as there is only three of you you will rotate in between groups. Ron you will take the first three,Collin will take the next three, and you will take the last three," Harry point to the last kid who was a timid third year student by the name of Charlie Thomas. "Beater what I want you to do is switch between every group your job is to knock the chasers from the broom I will deside of you guys by how I believe you do," Harry noticed to his amusement that Neville had gotten over his fear of flying and him and Seamus looked edger at trying their hand at being beater. "Neville, you and Seamus get the first group. Then switch with John and Allan," Harry smiled at his beaters. "Now First group to the air," Harry shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Nice going, my dear. Why are you even letting McLaggen try," Hermione voice smiled in his head. He had already known she had been there and it turned out that Ginny and Katie Bell were in her group which looked to be his best choices for Chasers at this point in tryouts.
"Well I figure I would like something like a challenge for a little bit," He chuckled as he seen Hermione roll her eyes as she waited in line with the broom that Harry had somehow bought her since they had been here at school. She had always guessed that he had gotten Dumbledore to go out and buy it which she was only half right about. His attention snapped back on the first group about the time a rather small third year girl's broom was snapped in half as she tried to dodge a buldger shot unsuccessfully. Harry winced as she began spiralling toward the ground but as he quickly casted a momentum displacement spell she hit the ground with little harm. Harry just starched her names off the list of the first group of chasers as none had been able to score a goal on Ron in the 10 minutes he had given them.
Harry had just about scratched all the names off of his Chaser list until he had gotten to Hermione's group. They were facing off against Ron seeing as the other two Keepers had both taken buldger hits to the head and both had been sent back to the castle. To Harry's suprise Neville and Seamus while they were really good, though John and Allan had both been just as great. Hermione, Ginny, and Katie managed to score at least two goals a piece and in Hermione's case three. The last group didn't even stand a chance as both girls and one of the girls that had tried earlier all of them ended up flying into each other and falling from their broom. Harry just shook his head and marked off the last of their names he had put two down as reserve players and put one of the older ones trying for keeper. The only decisions left was Beater and Seeker. Harry smiled a little bit thinking about putting his position up against an arrogance.
"Ok one final test for the Beaters I want both teams to bat a buldger back and forth as you fly the length of the field the team who makes it all the way down gets the spot. Now this will keep going until one time makes it from the North Goal to the South Goal. If you miss the buldger you must get it bring it back to the North Goal and then start again. Seeing as both teams are ready let's begin," Harry watched as both teams seemed to have different strategies. Harry noticed that Seamus and Neville seemed to have the better on as both we're still flying at a desent pace but would slow down a bit if they felt they were rushing while the other two seemed to be trying to race each other to the south goal. Harry barely ducked as John hit the buldger his way and Allan ended up just redirecting it towards Harry. Both of the beaters watched in horror as the rouge budlger was sailing toward their captain. Harry with an almost graceful move dove to one side and laid close to the ground as it passed over.
Just as the John and Allan went after the lost Bludger Neville and Seamus made it to the end and were sitting at the post just playing a little tennis match on brooms.
Harry blew his whistle for the first time all of practice and motioned for John and Allan to come over to him, "Listen you didn't make the starting for the team but you are reserves so be ready." Now Ron and Hermione came up behind Harry as he looked over and motioned for McLaggen to come over so they could begin Seeker try-outs. "Hermione I want you to release the Snitch as soon as I motion for you to do so," Harry one comment seemed lost in the wind as Hermione didn't respond, verbally. Harry and McLaggen both mounted their brooms and began hovering over a thousand feet above the field.
"Well, Potter, I am sorry to say but you are about to lose your spot on this team. Time to turn over the reins Captain," McLaggen's smile seemed to just show his ego was bigger than the castle. All Harry did was nod as he sent red sparks out the tip of his wand.
Hermione released the snitch. Instead of shooting straight up like it normally would the snitch shot up then shot toward the stands. Harry wasted little time while McLaggen just sat there still trying to track it's movements. The snitched danced in front of the stands until Harry was two broom lengths away. As it dived into the trenches around the field McLaggen had finally figured that Harry was hot on it tail. "So, McLaggen you still think that you are better at this than me," Harry retorted as the both were ducking cross boards in the trenches fighting for that extra length to catch the small golden ball.
"Potter I could beat you any day...," McLaggen was stopped from saying anything else as he hit his head on one of the many cross boards in the trenches. McLaggen had been knocked unconscious right there.
Harry just kept his eyes on the snitch as it was now temping just his finger tips. With a little more burst of speed Harry caught the ball. Harry circled back around to check on McLaggen as he close meeting with the board had knock a little sense out of him. "Are you ok," Harry asked and with only receiving a groan in response used his wand to lift the boy back up to the field.
As Harry finally grounded Hermione ran over with her hands over her mouth. It wasn't really in shock it was more to hide the smile and giggles that were hiding bellow the skin. "Well I guess Madame Pomfrey will have an over night vistor and it wasn't you," Hermione gave him a little wink at the joke.
"Yeah but I still think I will hear about it," Harry conjured a stretcher and began levitating McLaggen to the hospital wing. Before he left the field he waved his wand over the starting lineup to post it onto the Gryffendor notice board. Hermione just followed him and was holding his hand as he lifted McLaggen up the stairs. After finally making his way to the Hospital wing the medi-witch just crooked an eyebrow.
"Mr. Potter I thought today was only try-outs," Madame Pomfrey just looked over the boy on the stretcher.
"It was but Mr. McLaggen here was trying out against me for seeker and he managed to hit one of the boards in the trenches," Harry just shrugged his shoulders. After receiving only a nod as a dismisal he left the room and was stopped by Professor McGonagall.
"I have seen the selection for this years team and I believe that it will be like recent years. Now Mr. Potter, why on Earth did you put your position up for grabs when you are captain," McGonagall wasn't really asking she was more of making a statement that Harry didn't have to.
"I didn't see that it was fair that everyone else has to try for a spot and then I don't just because I am the captain," Harry just kinda looked down at the floor noticing that the stone floors really were as boring as they looked.
"Well, you are right there, Mr. Potter and I would like to say that I believe that you should have at lesat three practices before your first game against Hufflepuff," McGonagall gave a tight nod and then walked away quickly being stopped by a couple of first years out trying to get into a little mischief. Harry and Hermione just began walking to their common room to start on the mound of homework before they had to go to dinner.
"You would think that they would be more careful about their personal lives," Dakota motioned toward the two teens that were wondering down the hall holding hands.
"Yeah, well you remember what it was like to be a teenager. Oh yeah you believed in that whole keep your personal life separate from your professional life. Cody I have know you for how long?" Slone questioned what would have been his childhood friend had they been born close to each other.
"Well you met me after you moved to town. That was about fifth teen year ago," Dakota smiled at his closest friend and one of the few he thought of as a brother. Slone just smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Ok so I know you almost better than anyone. Cody, not everyone lurks in the shadows like you do and really it isn't good to hide in the shadows. Cody you keep yourself from everyone. I know you had a dark past and you fear a lot but even you need to live a little. Bubba I just worry that you aren't going ever really experience love again," Slone looked at him his normal worried look staining his face.
Cody felt angry at his long time friend but it was short lived. "I know but do you really blame me. The only girl I ever loved left me. No note, no phone call telling me she was ok. Hell not even a goodbye. I done told you how much I loved her and she just left me with nothing," Dakota felt warm tears start tracking down his face. Slone just patted his friend on the back, causing Dakota to kinda pull away from his touch. "By the way I got a quick letter from the president. They found Chippy dead in the woods near the main HQ. They are still investigating what happened but I need to speak to the Grangers to figure out exactly what happened and I have put word out not to trust Sinopa. I wish I could just give her the punishment for traitors but I don't have the god damn proof for it. Slone we have anther two damn months before Christmas and you know how my patients is," Cody slammed his fist hard down on that ancient stone only to draw back muffling a cruse with his hand.
"I doubt you will have to wait that long. Dakota I believe that we have a few things we need to talk over before dinner. If you will excuse us Professor O'Carroll," Dumbledore grab Cody by the arm and began to drag him toward the Room of Requirement.
"As you wish Headmaster," Slone just bowed his head and walked back to his classroom to begin grading papers. Noone even noticed a shadow moving in the hall ways or the rush of high heels clicking agaist the stones as a person ran toward the doors of the castle.
"What is it you need Albus. Honestly I think you can handle dealing with Petigrew by yourself," Dakota huffed in defiance at being drug away from one of his best friends. The much older wizard just shot him a look that warning of the idea of being too loud. As they continued to walk down the 7th floor corridor, Cody felt uneasy about something. "Albus, someone is watching us," Dakota barely whispered but the old wizard gave the slightest of nods in response.
"Then we shall show them why it is never good to have prying eyes," Dumbledore had a nice grasp on his wand at this point and was walk at a rather sedated pace. Neither of them could hear a sound of footsteps following them but they could still feel the presents of anther magical user in this hallway. Cody was just waiting for a green flash of light but much to his disappointment as they began to pace in front of a very plain wall. Shortly after they stopped a door appeared out of thin air. Cody grab the door and made sure it closed right after Albus and himself, and with a flick of his wand the door sealed and a white light flashed around the room.
A lone man sat in a corner of the room surrounded by bars. This man looked dirty but very well fed for his plump form. His almost rat like face was showing fear as both his normal hand and silver hand where fumbling in his pockets. "GET YOUR HANDS OUT OF YOUR POCKETS MAGGOT," Dakota voice was loud and unforgiving. The man snapped his hand out of his pockets and over his ears as the voice reverberated off the walls. Albus for his part just stayed quite and nodded for Dakota to keep going as if prompting a student to keep giving an answer. "Now, Peter answer my question to the best of your knowledge and you won't get hurt TOO much," Dakota gave him a dark toothy smile his canine teeth dropping, as if he was in his animagus form. "We know Voldemort has a contact in the American Wizarding Military. All I want is a name," Dakota looked on the verge of losing control.
"I-I-I-I- d-don't k-know who the contact is," Peter couldn't hid his fear of the wizard standing outside the bars. Dakota had finally looked Peter in the eyes. Peter felt as if someone was looking through ever personal thought he had ever had. After a few minutes Dakota began pacing back and forth as thinking of his next question.
"PETER, YOU DAMN WELL KNOW WHO THE FUCKING CONTACT IS. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS GIVE ME A GOOD DAMN NAME AND MAYBE I MIGHT KILL YOU QUICKLY, RATHER THAN SLOWLY AND PAINFULLY LIKE YOU DESERVE. DUMBLEDOR MIGHT BUT I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH KILLING YOU RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW," Dakota snapped, as he slammed his hands against the bars. Peter shook in fear, while his master might be scary at times, this man seemed to be someone to fear even more.
"I-i-it's some girl named Sinopa. Please p-p-please don't kill me. I am begging you. I don't have a good reason for you not to but I am afraid of dying," Peter stammered trying everything to even keep living. He was kneeling next to the bars grabbing on the wizards leg.
"I got what I need Albus. Do with him as you please. Personally I would say lock him in a room with Hermione's cat with him in his rat form. That would be a deserving end to this coward," Dakota walked out of the room looking almost like a stone sculpture. Not a single emotion betray his face and even worse he walked as if he had a purpose.
"Well Peter I believe that he has given me a very good option but I do believe I will have to speak with Hermione about her cat's diet and if she wants something as dirty as you near her cat," Dumbledore felt nothing but disgust at the former Hogwarts student. For now that wasn't his concern it was for someone who had just stormed out of the room.
That same young man was standing in the DADA Professor's Quarters pacing back and forth confiding in a life long friend. "How could she? What the fuck was she thinking. I mean, yeah all of us barely make it through on our pay but god damn it doesn't mean to make a deal with the people we fight agaist. Hell, Voldie offered me money to turn a blind eye to his actions. Well one of his Death Eaters did, and all he got was a head on a platter in return," Slone just watched his friend trying to wear a hole in the stone floor.
"She had her reasons. I know that doesn't mean anything. Everyone is different, Cody. I mean look at you. You feel that your duty to the world is more important than your own life," Slone just shook his head as the younger man had gathered himself back together and gave him a rather blank expression.
"Well, it is. I swore my life to protect and serve. Not to only do it sometimes but even when the right thing is the hardest thing to do. Yeah our system ain't perfect and I have been wrote up a few times for going to the extreme, as the bureaucrats say. But damn it sometime it has to be done. The only good thing about it is I have proof that she is a traitor to the country. I hate this part of the job but it has to be done," Dakota just shook his head and began writing a letter to the Secretary of Magic in the American government.
"I know it's hard, but you have to do what you have to do to keep your team safe and if she is compromising your team, then you have to do it. How long do you think the letter will take you," Slone was hoping Dakot would be at the teachers table for dinner.
"Probably till after dinner. It will be ok I will magic something up or anther. Anyways no offense to the house elves but they don't know how to make a good American meal. Yes I remember that tonight we have our little meeting with Dumbledore and no the rest of my team isn't invited just yet they won't know until about an hour before we leave. It will be good for them," Dakota gave a small smile. "Hermano por Vida," Dakota nodded his head at Slone.
"How could I forget. Well, I guess I need to go down and begin to over see dinner I will leave you to your letter," Slone just walked out the door before any response was given.
Harry's POV
Dinner ended up just the same as any other dinner. "Harry, have you heard what everyone has started calling Hermy and yourself," Ron was almost bouncing up and down in his seat to tell them. Hermione just glared at the nickname he used but she was kinda interested in the information. Harry just looked rather intently at the plate of food in front of him.
"Let me guess. It's probably the Golden Couple or something along those lines," Harry almost felt disgusted at the thought of people referring to everything in his life as "Golden" but none the less not everyone is the The-Boy-Who-Lived. Ron was still smiling through which made Harry more than nervous.
"Well they are using that, Mate. They are calling you two something, along the lines of Dumbledore's couple. Also there is a rumor that the both of you have been shagging since your Forth year and that you both were just hiding it from everyone. That's all isn't it, Gin," Ron looked to his sister to fill in anything that he missed.
"Honestly, Ronald, I do think that you have gotten everything out there. Well, there is that thing that Hermione's just using Harry for the popularity and nothing else but I think that has died out since everyone who has asked Hermione out has been shot down," Ginny looked rather thoughtful before shaking her head and returning to the conversation that her and Neville were sharing quietly.
"You would think they would have better things to talk about. Hell even if we are the Golden Couple, as everyone so calls us, Voldemort is back and killing people openly. I would be more worried about what his next move is, but then again I am also the one who has to end this," Harry didn't try to hide the depression in his thought to Hermione.
"I know, Harry but still you need to keep strong. Everyone is just trying to forget about the woes outside of Hogwarts. They just want to be kids," Hermione reached for his hand forgetting to use their metal link rather than words to keep the conversation privet. Harry found Hermione's hand under the table and gave her a reassuring squeeze as Dumbledore began to stand up.
Dumbledore stood tall which really hid his age well. Everyone in the hall quickly became quiet waiting to hear from the Headmaster. "As most of you know in these Dark times we all have to find a way to cope with the pain as well as keep living our lives. This weekend will start DA meeting to help prepare you to defend yourself and give you a chance out past these walls. I will know turn this speech over to Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Hermione Granger. I would hope that all of you will be respectful and listen when they speak," Dumbledore motioned for Harry and Hermione to come to the front of the hall.
"I wish he would give us fair warning before he throws us to the wolves," Harry's frustration was evident in his mind while his face held a somewhat warm smile. "Ok the meeting will be held Saturday right after lunch for an hour. For returning Members, I would like to have a meeting tomorrow right after classes end in the Room of Requirements. For all new members, during the meetings you may or may not be directly working with myself or Hermione but you will be dealing with someone that has dealt with Death Eaters first hand or is a remain member of the first DA. Honestly this will be more used to test you and be an extra to DADA seeing as Professor O'Carroll is teaching basically the same thing as we will be. I would like to say that some of the Professor would drop by from time to time to help. Even Professor Dumbledore, himself, every now and then. Also I believe that me and my vice president, have decided that we will meet every two weeks for an hour or two each meeting," Harry looked over all of his peers. Most of them just nodded showing their approval. The Syltherns for their part acted as if almost cared but didn't really think it was necessary. A few of them were planning on being in the DA this year but those were the ones who felt they didn't belong in a house of pure blood supremacist. Harry began to walk back to his seat when he noticed that Hermione wanted to say a few things.
"Listen, I know some of you think because I am the vice president that I am going to make it mostly bookwork. Well it won't be trust me most of the stuff we do is practical because whenever you are in battle you can't just rely on what you learn in books. Actually if all you do is bookwork then you won't be prepared for situations where you actually need some real life references. I hope that most of decide that this would be a good group to join but if not that no one will think any different of you," Hermione then walked back to Harry's and her spot with Harry hand in hand.
"Please give them a round of applause," Dumbledore paused while everyone clapped for their fellow students. After a few moments the clapping stopped, "I would also like to announce that there will be a Halloween Ball this year. I will be the night of the next Hogsmeade trip but it will only be for Forth year students and above," Dumbledore heard many groans of the first, second, and third year students, "For all of those able to go I would suggest finding a date before the ball. Now as I see that dinner is finished all of you have a good night and return to your respective Dorms."
All of the students got up and rushed back to their common rooms to finish on homework or something else. Harry and his friends walked at a much slower pace as Cho Chang and Dumbledore both appeared in front of them. "Tonight, all of you have prefect duty. I expect that you all will do it quickly and hopefully be in your special dorms before mid-night," Cho walked off at a quickened pace.
"What a bloody bitch. You would figure she would just assign two people to patrol the castle why so many of us," Ron looked quizzically. Dumbledore just crooked an eye brow at the blatant profanity but said nothing. Harry just winced again as he felt Hermione hit the roof. Ginny smiled most because her brother was in trouble and Neville just looked away from everyone he was scared of Hermione and Harry both. Luna for her part just looked as if she was studying her shoes or something else among the tiles.
"RONALD WEASLEY. Would you like to watch your mouth whenever you are around the headmaster? By the way, Ron, Molly is so finding out about this," If looks could kill Ron would have been pushing up daisies. Harry just stood there looking around trying not to laugh at how Ron looked like the walking dead.
"Miss Granger is right Ronald. But I know that it doesn't take that many people to cover the castle and really it doesn't considering that map that Harry has in his possession but do hurry. Neville I want you to sneak out before midnight, and then that gives all of you a reason to come to my office. Don't worry Neville you won't be in trouble, well, not any real trouble," Dumbledore smiled at all of them and then walked away, whistling a little tune sounding like Weasley is our King.
"Well I guess we had better get started. As Dumbledore said we should probably use the map to make haste of this task," Harry just waved his wand and the Map appeared. He smiled and then, "Hello, Cody. I figured you would be in some other part of the castle. You know overseeing other things."
"Well, as you see, I am babysitting tonight. So I guess I will just follow along and if you need any help I am here," Dakota looked kinda mad over having to watch over them but didn't say a word about it. Dakota just nodded and moved back to the shadows.
"I solemnly swear I am up to no good," Harry gave a half grin at the map as it filled out like normal. He noticed with Amusement that the Rat was missing from the map. Harry noticed that most of the Slytherins and a few Ravenclaw's were heading toward the Forbidden Forest. "Well looks like we know why Cho gave all of us our duties tonight," Harry had a grim smile. Ron looked over the map and then squinted at something on the page.
"Harry you know that they out number us almost 5 to 1. I mean we can beat them but if we don't get there until they get prepared then we won't be able to. Neville and Luna, I need you to take the map to Dumbledore a like it is and show him near the forest. We are going to go out and see if we can't beat them before they get ready. Cody we are gonna need your help," Ron was looking at everyone. "Harry, You and Hermione need to be the first to attack and take out as many as you can. I think even if this sounds stupid that the both of you should attack from the opening along here. Me and Ginny are gonna sneak around from either the side, while Cody I need you to somehow get behind them and take them for the rear. Ok I know this isn't the best looking plan but it's all we have. Now any questions," Ron looked around the group and no one of them gave the impression of having a question. "Harry you're the leader of the DA. Are these actions good enough," Ron gazed at his friend noticing a rather tired look in his eye.
"I guess they will have to work. Come on we don't have very long before they get prepared to ambush us. Listen if they start using unforgivables evacuate back to the Castle. Not a soul needs to get hurt tonight and quite frankly they are just asking to get hurt," Harry smirked at an observation that wasn't given aloud from Hermione.
"Ok well let's relocate to our approved positions, Shall we," Dakota just pushed past the group and head toward the forest. Harry grimaced at the saunter of the American wizard. Everyone just fell out behind him moving toward their positions.
"I wonder what bee crawled in his bonnet. You know for someone who is supposed to be a well self-controlled leader he seems rather moody the last few days," Harry exasperatedly shot to Hermione. Hermione just shook her head and kept moving.
Dakota just maintained the same tempo of his feet moving. He never looked back or said a word, but Harry could hear in his mind, "Potter, I heard that. Don't go thinking you are the only one that can hear what other people think or respond mentally." If anyone could see Cody's smirk it would have been a priceless look. Harry stumbled in his tracks and Hermione's eyes grew to the size of grapefruits.
"How?" all Hermione's brain was able process by this point. Harry thought for a second about the many possibilities. Dakota for his part remained silent in both worlds. They had finally made it to the departure point of all teams and Ron had stopped the group. Ron knelt down next to a large silver maple tree everyone gathered around.
"Ok, Everyone know their objectives. Listen, Harry is right if they start using Unforgivables don't fight just run cause it's better to live to fight another day. Good luck," Ron just nodded as him and Ginny split up and began to sweep around to either side. Dakota followed Ron to head to the back of the group where he could keep the large group of ambushers from retreating.
Harry looked at Hermione giving her a feeble smile as he brushed a few strands of hair out of her face as he gentle kissed her lips. As they heard a whispered, "Ready," in their minds they both nodded and began to emerge from the woods on the waiting group. As they walked they noticed a loud ruckus up ahead. Harry began to see wand light was showering the many faces in the group. Harry motioned for Hermione to hide behind a nearby tree.
"Ok, now that everyone is here I would like to call this meeting to order," Cho Chang's voice sang out above the noise. All the wand light pointed towards her soft face. "Now we all know why we are here," A few voices shouted No. "It is because of the Golden Trio, as they are so called by the all so mighty Gryffendor house. They think they can prance around this school all so innocent while they are posing a risk to the rest of the students. Slytherins are here because I know they would like to get rid of Potter and his mighty band just for the Dark Lords purposes. Now tonight I sent them out on duty just so our darker brethren could raise a little havoc with them."
"What makes you think that we would help you," a 7th year Slytherin piped up from somewhere near the front row.
"Because this has to do with The-Boy-Who-Lived. That is all your house talks about anymore is how he shouldn't be walking on this planet right now disgracing the face of this Earth," Cho spat out at the front row receiving in return many hisses.
"While we do want Potter gone, I don't believe that we will be taking orders from you," The now chosen leader of Slytherin said with a little more menace in his voice. Just as the group was turning to leave about twenty Red spells rained down on them from a multitude of directions. All twenty were right on target taking out one and knocking the student next to them down as that one fell.
Harry just kept his head out long enough to fire a spell and then he would duck back behind the tree, while Hermione was taking a different approach at firing a spell or two and then moving to a new location each time. Harry noticed that the presents of Dumbledore was growing near and that signified the end of the fight. Everyone in the clearing were just firing spells in random directions they couldn't tell which way the attack was coming from nor did they have the time to worry about it. Harry attention was jerked from the fighting as he could feel that Hermione was in pain. Now it was the attacker who didn't have time to figure out where the spells were coming from. Harry noticed that far fewer spells were being fired off from Ron and Ginny while Dakota was still firing them off but he normally wasn't hitting anyone. Harry noticed that few of the Ravenclaws were left standing and fewer of the Slytherins were left.
"The fire will Cease now," Dumbledore's voice boomed out from somewhere beyond the far tree line near Dakota's fortified positions. Harry barely poked his head from behind the tree as he witnessed all the standing students left dropped their wands. "Everyone here go to the Castle other than Harry and the other prefects on duties. Dakota escort our young rebels back to the Castle and keep them in the Great Hall," Dumbledore made a quick motion of his wand reviving everyone they lay on the ground. As one everyone that had been conspiring against the famous trio had begun making their uncertain journey to the ancient Castle that stood on this hill. Dumbledore stood like a great warrior in an almost perfect replica of what the warriors who built the ancient castle he was head master would have worn. "Ok everyone listen up since they are out of ear shot. I need you in my office as soon as we are done dealing with the mutiny. I suggest just wearing what you have on because we have some new battle gear. Please be assured that we will be running battle plan exercises tonight so prepare for little sleep. Now shall we procede to the castle," Dumbledor motioned with his hand as a gentleman might to a lady he was courting to the dance floor.
"Well so much for doing good in classes tomorrow," Harry shot to Hermione through the ether, "Be lucky if I don't nap in potions tomorrow." Harry smiled as he felt the almost predatory glare fix in on the back of his head. Finally Hermione just settled to huff and walk a few paces in front of him as she could not find a good reason why Harry should not sleep in potions other than Snape would probably use that as reasons to kick him out of class, and even she doubted that now. Harry had just forgot to look at how combat had effected both the Weasleys.
Ron looked rather white for his part and kept mentioning something about spiders. Harry figured he had seen a few out in the woods. Ginny looked as if her whole body had turned the shade of her hair but neither had said a word nor had they so much as looked at Harry. Harry reached out and used his power to hear their thoughts.
"God damn it if I hadn't have been a coward we could have had the whole lot of them down before Dumbledore showed up. Why couldn't I have just kept going knowing that my life could be on the line if one of the Slytherins had decided to use one of the Darker Curses. I won't ever be able to look at myself the same if I don't get it together and start fighting the fear to help Harry and Hermione. GINEVRA Weasley PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER AND GET OVER THE WHOLE FACT THAT YOU COULD DIE TO SAVE THE WIZARDING WORLD," Ginny was being harsh on herself in Harry's eyes. Harry understood what it was like thinking that one minute you could be here and the next your life could end by the hand of a single spell.
Ron's thoughts weren't on the fighting more or less but more focused toward his own abilities. "The spiders came out of no where. Why did they have to start crawling on me? I was in the middle of protecting Harry and Hermione. What will happen if I can't hold it together when Harry has to face Voldemort? I can't think about that I just have to over come my fear. I wonder if Dakota will train me some more. I heard he was part of the Muggle Marine Corp in America. Well considering all wizards in America have to serve in the muggle military I guess he figured might as well pick the toughest of them all. I can do better and I will do better I just need to face my fear face to face," Ron was more on the verge of trying to overcome his fear than to be harsh on himself.
"Harry you shouldn't ease drop on their thoughts it's disrespectful. If they want to talk about it and let you know it's different than if you just want to look in their brains and find out. I know you want to know dear but you can't pry it out of them," Hermione's soft soprano side tracked any further revelations.
"Fine but Mione I had just realized they hadn't said a thing since before the battle. I was just worried about them. I know I shouldn't have found out that way but I fear that this war will push them over the edge," Harry hung his head in defeat. Hermione grab his hand for comfort noticing that Dakota was still handling a big group of Slytherins with getting everyone into the Great Hall. For the most part noone was giving the Staff present any trouble that could have been because everyone was disarmed of their wands. Harry just positioned himself and his team behind Dumbledore as they marched into the room.
"EVERYONE TAKE A SET AND BE QUIET. FIRST OFF WHO WAS THE ONE WHO ORGANIZED THE MEETING IN THE WOODS," Dumbledore looked around the great room. Finally Cho Chang stood up to face the great wizard. "Well Miss Chang I will need to talk to you alone after this. As for everyone else I would like to say that you all will be punished and your punishment will be a month worth of detention for all of you other than the Perfects that had been on duty and caught you. Now onto further more punishment you will all need to begin reporting to the DA meeting to maybe help you realize why we are fighting this war," Dumbledore stopped as a 7th year Slytherin stood up.
"NO WAY IN HELL WILL I DARE LISTEN TO YOU, MUD-BLOOD LOVING FILTH," He bellowed as he turned. Just as he was about to take his first step a multitude of stunners caused him to fall almost gracefully to the floor.
"Now does anyone else feel that it is necessary to have an out burst like the one that was just given. Now I do believe that a teacher will escort you back to your house dormitories. Please note that this behavior next time will not be given such easy punishment. Everyone but Miss Chang is dismissed," Dumbledore motioned for Harry and his group to say and nodded at Dakota to keep him in the room. As Cho made her way up to the front of the Hall, she seemed to be holding her head high as if she had just been announced Queen of England. Harry felt an over whelming urge to stunner her in her tracks. "Now Miss Change, What do you have to say for yourself?" Dumbledore looked at her much like he had viewed a few Death Eater over the years.
"All I have to say Dear Headmaster is that I do believe that you are showing favoritism to your 'Golden Trio'. I mean really how is it that they knew where we were meeting at unless they had an item that allowed them to see where everyone was located or they over heard someone talking about the meeting. I would like to say as Head Girl that both Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger should no longer be Prefects and that Harry Potter should be fully investigated as to him being the leader of The DA. That is all I have to say for myself," Cho shot daggers at Harry and Hermione, almost being rewarded with a nice stunner between the eyes if Harry had decided to be a few seconds too late. Lucky for Cho Hermione's wand hand was entangled in Harry's left hand.
"Miss Chang that is not up for discussion but as to you being Head Girl that is really up for debate at this point. Let see you dragged students out of their assigned Dorms, you abused your power as head girl, and you were plotting to harm fellow students. I believe that qualifies me to remove you of your Head Girl badge," Dumbledore's smile just dared Cho to say something but much to everyone's suprise she just lowered her head. "Luckily for you that I don't like to replace my Head Girl but now you have restrictions. First any decision that you make as to who is on duty and who is off duty goes through myself directly. Secondly you have a curfew and are not allowed to be out of your Dorm from after dinner until breakfast is about to be served. Last but not least you cannot strip Miss Granger or Mr Weasley of their perfect badge. That is all have a good night, Miss Chang. Dakota will escort you to your Dorm."
As Cho was being escorted back to her Dorm Hermione felt about a million questions running through her brain but only one was running out of her mouth. "Why didn't you strip her of her badge I mean you took all of her power aways basically," Hermione questioned the Great wizard in front of her.
"Taking away her badge just gives the rest of the school a reason to hate me. Noone can see that I have taken away all of her power. Yes she can go spreading it around but after kids hear about tonight they will just think that she is trying to start another revolt or something like that," Dumbledor smiled.
"So you were thinking a few steps ahead. That was a really smart move, but I doubt that she is done just yet," Ron looked rather content with just looking of into space.
"Why make it to where they have to show up to DA meeting. Isn't that just showing our enemy all that we can do," Harry was puzzled by having to allow all of the people conspiring against himself to be taught by him.
"Yes and No. While yes it is showing them what we are teaching the other students we can also throw some of what Death Eaters and Voldemort have done just to show them that the Dark Lord is more of a coward than he is a great wizard," Dumbledor smiled over the group, "Also it helps keep them busy. It would keep them from sticking their nose into trouble. Now that all the excitement has calmed down, Let us get down to business." Dumbledore began walking toward his office with all four of the prefects following in an almost dead sprint to keep up with his long strides.
"Grandfather how is it that Dakota can hear mine and Mione's thoughts," Harry reached out to Dumbledore mentally not risking anyone else hearing them other than Hermione. They both wanted to hear the answer that was needed. "I mean I don't think we are the only ones that can hear what other are thinking but how was he able to send something back to us without us going through his thoughts."
"Well just the same as I am able too. Dakota and myself have found ways to put thoughts in other's minds but we can also use it as ways of communications. Much like Hermione and yourself but it takes a little bit more for us to do it. I think tonight after we go over plans we will have to sit down and talk and let Dakota tell his story. I can't share all his secrets only he can," Dumbledore left the matter there. "Now Ronald I will need you to summon your copy of the plans since that is the only copy that we have. I do think we have another copy put up for safe keeping," Dumbledore smiled at Ron as they were riding the spiral stair case to Dumbledore's office. That smile faded when he noticed the door to the office was ajar and a small figure was standing in the middle of his office. He pulled his wand and stepped into the room motioning for the younger ones to stay on the stair case. "Well Sinopa how nice to see you. May I ask why are you here," Dumbledore tried his best to sound like normal but something was off about her being here.
"Cut it Albus. You know I am working hand and hand with Voldemort. I am here to kill you. I know you sent the children back to bed. You wouldn't dare risk poor baby Potter's neck. Now toss your wand over here," Sinopa was smiling like a black widow about to kill her mate.
As Harry went to move forward a strong hand pushed him back. As the face was lite by candle light Harry seen the finger pushed over Dakota's dark face. He read the words "I will deal with come off of his lips" and watched as the American Wizard walked up the stairs. "So Sinopa was working with me that bad that you had to go eat from the hand of the Dark Lord. Honestly I never thought you would but then again everyone suprises us every now and again I suppose. Expelliarmus," Dakota's spell knocked Sinopa flying back and sent both Dumbledore's and her wand flying to Dakota.
"You don't know anything. You look for the best in everyone. I was born to a Family of Dark Wizards the only reason I joined the military was so I could keep everyone's eye off of me. I remember the day that one girl left you. What did you think she was a healer and you were a murderer. You ain't any better than my family is. Go to Hell," Sinopa spit at Dakota's boots.
"I will if I don't change my ways. You don't know the things behind that. Your right I am a murderer but for the right reasons. I would rather kill Dark Wizards than have them killing children. Incarceratia," As Dakota used this spell Sinopa was instantly shackled to the ground in the office. "Ok Harry, you guys can come up now. Dumbledore are you ok," Dakota's worry showed through the light green eyes that showed on his face.
"I am alright and thank you Dakota. I fear that she isn't the only leak in your department though. Sinopa how many others have you turned," Dumbledore stared directly in her eyes. Those dark cold eyes gave away that she was trying to bluff even in the situation she was in.
"All of them and Potter I hope you are ready to die at the Dark Lords wand because he is just waiting for the chance to squash you like a bug," Sinopa was struggling against her chains.
"Well then I guess I should call them all up here. I know you haven't because I have went through all of them and checked every memory they had of the night the Granger's were attacked. None of them knew that you killed Chippy and they didn't even know who moved the Granger's well I had the Granger's memory checked and that gave you away. Sorry sweetheart but you are out," Dakota looked at her trying hard to suppress the grin that was bound to show on his face. "Portus." Dakota grab a ink quill from the desk and the spell made it glow a bright white color. "Now this should take you back to the states where they are waiting to put you into the Wizarding part of Guantanamo Bay. I hope you have a nice life there," Dakota shoved the quill into her hands and she deported away. "Dumbledore I believe we have plans to go over and then I guess I will inform the younger ones about myself seeing as they only know a little about me," Dakota's face looked as if it was ready for business.
"Right you are Mr. Niemeier. I do believe that Mr. Weasley has gathered the plans as I asked of him," Dumbledore grabbed the plans from Ron and laid them out on his desk. The younger ones hadn't noticed that Slone had followed them into the room until he closed the door and sealed it to outside ease droppers. "Now as I was saying the plans we have arranged aren't perfect but I believe they are sufficient for what we are going to do. It has been a long while since I have been in Riddle manor so I do not know the exact lay out of the house we will just have to guess and check everything. I believe that our objectives are being held in the basement and probably under heavy guard so the group going in with me be ready for them to attack us as we near the basement. For the basement we will have to make our way back to the way we came in. As to everything else well all I can say is be ready for everything. Now the team that is going inside with me will consists of Luna, Neville, Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and Harry. Slone and Dakota plus the Wolf Pack will be raining fire from the outside as a distraction. Other than that everything else is going to be played by ear. Normally we would run exercise for this situation but we have no idea what the house is like or what we will be up against so I am just gonna leave it as that. Now be here in my office at Midnight one of us will pick you up or just come by yourself it doesn't matter," Dumbledore looked from face to face seeing that everyone was ok with the plan he gave the piece of paper back to Ron, "Now Dakota is gonna to give us a better idea of who he is. Please be kind and listen to him."
"Alright let's see. Well I was born in a small farm town called Wien Missouri. I was born on August 22 and I am 21 years old. Like some of you I attend a muggle school from the time I was 5 and then when I turned 11 I began to study the wizarding world. Now unlike here I had to go to Muggle school and then at night I would train in Magically studies. So I had to learn both world and hope to god I never mentioned anything that happened in the Wizarding World during Muggle History, seeing as both of them tied together so well. After High School like all Wizarding people I was forced to join a division of the United States' Armed Forces. I joined the Marine Corp and then ended up as a Scout Sniper. After two years of serving with Muggles I was approached about being the leader of a Special Group of Wizarding soldiers. We were used as Spies and as an alternative if the people we were fighting were Wizards. I am one of the four leaders of these special group all of the groups have different names according the their Animagus forms. There is the Wolf Pack, The Tiger Group, The Hawks, and finally the Sharks. As you can tell only certain wizards meet the cuts but we do take in some that don't have the same Animagus form. The Wolf Pack accepts any wizard that has a Canine form and also ones that are powerful but the other groups don't want. Back to myself, As I am leader of the Wolf Pack, I am also a member of the Order of the Phoenix. I joined after I became a Marine Sniper. I had a run in with Death Eaters out in the Middle East. Until then I hadn't known the situation in England seeing as Fudge had kept American's out of his ministration. Now as I see it I think both England and Americans should be working together. My government thinks it doesn't affect us but they are allowing me and my team to aid in this fight. Also something that isn't well know is I am a desendent of Helga Hufflepuff," Dakota smirk at the many different looks of shock around the room.
"Helga disappeared after the war. They never said she had a Family or anything thing like that," Hermione was tracing through the many different facts that she knew about the founders of Hogwarts. Harry for his part was hearing all of them in his mind.
"I know. She made her way to America. While the muggles didn't know about the new land the wizards did. They just felt that it was the land of the people who lived there and felt that the muggles would have ruined it for the Natives. The fact is that Helga had fell in love and Married a Native chief. In fact she had six of his children causing a mix of Native American magic with European Magic. That is why I am special breed of Wizard. I have ties to both worlds and both magics. Not very many wizards can use both," Dakota still looked around smirking. Everyone looked from one to the other. How could an American be the Heir of Hufflepuff. Not much was known about her but her Heir was sitting right there in front of them. Now where were they to go from here.
"Dumbledore here is the item you requested to see it took a while for me to get it through seeing as both Governments don't like to let Magical Items go through unless they know the Origans of the item. This is the sword of Helga Hufflepuff. Also everything is set up for the trip during Christmas. Our President has already gave his word that he will give extra protection just so Harry and Hermione can spend Christmas with her parents and if the Weasleys' want they can come along so everyone is together on Christmas we will be using a portkey to get to the location," Dakota gave that normal country boy smile that he would normally have if the war for the world wasn't in full blow.
"That will have to be discussed with them. I do believe that if almost everyone goes home during Christmas that I will tag along and join you for Christmas as long as you wil have me," Dumbledore smiled at Dakota and then turned his look back to the sword. He noticed that the sword was much like the Ravenclaw and Gryffendor sword but it was a larger broad sword that most humans could wield. Well Dakota was in top shape so it didn't suprise Dumbledore that he was able to use the larger sword. Also Dakota was quite skilled with a sword so both sides being sharp wasn't a problem. Dumbledore handed the sword back to Dakota with many thoughts running through his mind.
"How did you know you were the Heir of Hufflepuff. I mean Harry and myself just found out over the summer but you seem like you have known for a long time," Hermione piped up from next to Harry. Everyone in the room turned toward Cody even the portraits seemed interested in what was gonna be said next.
"Well I knew you were gonna ask that. Here is how I knew my family passed it down for many generations. Some of them believed it and others just thought it was nothing more than some old wise tales on our family heritage. This is her diary and also her notebook of some old ancient magic that only the founders could perform. Also I noticed that it has some security measures for the castle which requires the founders or their heirs to perform. I was kinda shocked when I first found out but then again with my family anything is possible. Hermione if you want you can take it and study if for a while," Dakota handed the book to her and began to pace the room.
"I think I will. Now I think it is time for the rest of us to go to bed seeing as tomorrow night we are storming the doors of Riddle Mansion. Might I ad that while we have almost no plan we still should do pretty well," Hermione's soprano was like a alarm telling everyone that they were tired. Ron just yawned in agreement. While Ginny was already napping on the couch. Luna and Neville both were having trouble keeping their eyes open.
"I do believe that you are correct Miss Granger. Now everyone have a goodnight and don't worry about sleeping in because tomorrow will be a late night. Dakota will you please escort them to their quarters and then come back to talk to me for a little while longer," Dumbledore eyed the young American much like he would a student that was having issue but one that wouldn't talk about them.
"Alright everyone follow me I will drop Luna and Neville off at their respective House Common Rooms and then I will take Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny to their common room. Alright move out," Dakota was talking much like he would to a team of soldiers on a battlefield but noone really cared all they cared about was getting to their own beds. As the last one left the room Slone closed the door and walked from the shadows.
"Dumbledore are you sure that we should raid the Mansion with the little information that we have? I mean it could be postponed until we know for sure the Dark Lord is out of the way," Slone's worry kept plaguing his voice. Dumbledore had stretched back in his large chair and was lightly stroking his long beard. His eyes just focused in on an invisible object that was somewhere in midair as it looked to everyone. Slone was stumped by the lack of response from the Headmaster.
"Slone I know your fear I thought of them myself but it still remains that we never know for certain that Tom will be going anywhere. Even if Tom is there he will not risk his own skin to come stop us from saving our own. I doubt anyone will get hurt but we will have to watch our back regardless of how an old man feels," Dumbledore voice held much emotions on this night but Slone could not piece the puzzle together.
"Harry isn't ready to face Voldemort is he," Slone's question turned out to be more of a statement.
"Harry is ready spell wise and every way he needs to be other than in his own confidence. He still thinks that Tom is just more powerful than himself. I am not sure when Harry will be fully ready but I don't think Tom will be able to play around much longer before Harry pulls himself together," Dumbledore looked at the door and then began to grab some papers from his desk.
"Is there any way that we can help Potter along. I mean I remember how it was for myself and even for Dakota. That first time in combat it normally gets you thinking but sometimes not in the best ways. I just hope nothing goes wrong," Slone looked around and then got up and left the room without getting a response from Dumbledore.
"Me too my dear friend. Me too," Dumbledore just sat there waiting till he spoke to the young American wizard who family heritage gave him ties to this great Castle so far away from home.
Author's Note: I will post the next ten tomorrow night. Hope you have enjoyed the first 10 chapters of my story. Please feel free to leave me a comment.