Chapter 11: A Wedding you say?

The next day proved to be eventful, everyone returned to their homes, Harry was enjoying his day of meditation and listening to Hedwig sing. The only thing that interrupted it all was Headmistress McGonagall portkeyed into his room.

'Headmistress an honour but a note next time if you please, after all people may talk.' Harry smiled and the headmistress grew a little red.

'Mr Potter, Alastor told me a tale that you will still be coming to Hogwarts next year, is this true?'

'Yes mame, yet Professor Dumbledore has left me a few tasks to do in the near future. So I would like to attend, but my evenings and weekends may be needed else where without prying questions.' Harry was waiting for the back lash.

'Umm I see, well I suppose if you are to destroy a dark lord, you need time to do it. Very well, your time when not in class is yours to spend as you wish. I assume you wish the same for others?'

'Can I get a witches vow never to revel what I am about to say or ask you?' Harry sat on his bed, one leg crossed, staring at the headmistress watching her.

'Slightly impertinent, but yes you can, do you wish it now?' She said slightly flustered but intrigued. 'I swear on my life and magic, not to revel anything that Mr Harry Potter is about to tell me to another soul or being.'

'What about storage devices like pensives?'

'And any storage devices so say I.' A light engulfed her. 'Mr Potter that has only happened once before and that was with Albus, so lets hear it then.'

'I don't believe it, you're a typical old gossip, you want to know what everyone else it up to. Well right you want to know. Ginny, Neville, Luna, Ron and Hermione will all be participating in this war in a big way. That's all you need to know, sorry but I cant let too many cats out the bag as it were and pardon me for the rude pun as well.'

'Boring but accepted. Albus used to be just as tight lipped, drove me up the wall. I suppose you are going to be no better. Oh well, enjoy your day Mr Potter.' The headmistress tapped the tea cup once and was gone.

Hermione asked Luna the charms to be used on the Zabini's estate and placed the same ones with a slight alteration down her street. She enjoyed her day with her parents, just doing simple things, like cooking by hand, going to the cinema or bowling with her parents. They were spending a work day with their daughter for the reason they may never see her again.

'please Hermione just stay safe and alive, I don't care about scars, just come home at the end of it all alive ok.' Her dad pleaded.

'Its ok dad, I'm more prepared than most and it's my choice. I'm fighting for my country just like uncle Pat did.'

'Like your father says, be good. When you come home next, bring back the man you love. Don't tell me there isn't one, I see it in your eyes young lady, I was in young as well once.'

Her father ended on, 'Just don't get married without inviting us.' He smiled. 'We love you Hermione.'

'I love you too and you as well mum.' She embraced them both.

Once finished with the embrace Hermione her things packed apperated to the Burrow.

Ron was feeling happy today, Hermione would be round later. Ok they couldn't share the same bed for now. Typical parents. But still her near him was just as good, he didn't care about the teasing the twins were going to give him because Ron was going to surprise Hermione with a romantic meal.

Ginny in full war mode still was writing left right and centre. Encouraging people to stand up to the death eater, to fight till the bitter end, freedom was far more worthy a cause to fight for than cowardice to run and hide. She would have to wait till tomorrow when Harry would arrive and even then the act would allow them no time together. Damn you Potter, but I do love you.

Harry was just about finished with his meditation and thinking of seeing the goblins when a stone hit his window. Strange. He went to investigate to find Mad Eye.

'Hello Professor Moody' he called.

'Come let me in lad.'

Moments later Harry had the door open, he then proceeded to pull mad eye in, close the door and forced Mad Eye against the wall with a wand under his chin. 'Tell me my favourite spell!' Harry questioned Mad Eye.

'Er…I don't know lad, you never said. But from memory reducto seems to be popular.'

'Good answer and correct.'

'What!? You can't use a question which no on knows the answer to!'

'Why not? It certainly weeds out death eaters who are known for bull shitting.'

'Alright then, lets try this on for size smart arse, who do I fancy?'

'Eww wrong the whole leg thing really, um don't know. God I'm gonna have night mares about this now, thanks. But a guess would go with Madame Bones.' Harry tucked his wand away and tore at his eyes and he stumbled up the stairs.

'Well common on then.' He commanded to Mad Eye.

Mad Eye followed him up the stairs into the little room and cast several spells. 'Right, how did you know I fancied her?'

'What? I'm right? Oh man….don't ask me! Have you thought about taking her on a date?'

'Well you see it's a bit difficult especially since her niece has just been taken by death eaters.' Mad Eye stared at Harry.

'Ah well yes, its an incentive to move her bum. Same for the Zabini's oh and we have one of the St. Mungos nurses under our care since she is a death eater.'

'Ah that answers the question I actually came here to ask you. Can I assume then the kids are being well looked after then?'

'Oh yes, they can still practice magic, but any serious misbehaving gets them a cell with Bella.'

'Just to let you know, the minister is going to apologise next time he see you in public.' Alastor informed Harry.

'Thanks for the heads up. Alastor.' Begun a hesitant Harry. 'Do you think I'm doing the right thing. By the end of the war, I will have killed a fair few people, ruined peoples livelihood just to force them into the right group. I have already killed, does the shame and nightmares ever leave you?'

'No lad they don't, not truly.'

'I worry more about the others and getting them out of this alive than I do myself. I'm afraid of all the people I'm going to let down.'

'This is what makes you a great leader Harry, you may not want it, but you have it. People will follow you because you care too much. As it stands lad, if you gave me an order, I would follow it.' Alastor bowed his head. 'Strange is it not a man who has seen two wars and a life time of service and yet here I am ready to serve you like you were my King.' Alastor had a sad smile on his face.

'There is no need to follow me Alastor, you have the Order and the ministry seems to be doing something this time.'

'neither has my trust, but you hold mine, and now lad I've said more than I should have. I must be getting on. See you tomorrow.'

'Bye Alastor.' It was too late Mad Eye was already out the front door. It scared Harry that a man would pledge his life to him. A tingling feeling ran up his arm as Luna informed him of death eaters attempting to enter the Zabini property. The next warm sensation was Ron with a battle plan. Harry put his cloak on and flamed out.

A green flame silently disappeared leaving a cloaked figure behind.

'Hello Green, nice of you to join us.' Yellow whispered across the group.

'I see we are all here, right then, red, green and white hit them from behind, the rest hit them from the side.' Blue outlined the plan again.

'ok, lets do this.' Black said.

'Three….two….one….flame'

A click was heard by the forest before the flames died down.

Six figures appeared around the eleven unsuspecting death eaters. Harry's group moved through the wooded terrain using cover and getting firing positions. Neville's team crawled through the long grass and set up for the cross fire. The clicking of weapons could be faintly heard. A death eater turned around to look for the noise. He dropped to the floor with blood seeping out a bullet hole in his head. The massacre began.

'We're under attack from behind, Reducto!' A death eater yelled whilst another screamed and fainted. The nine remaining men all ran for covering positions behind trees all firing hexes and curses at the invisible assailant. They kept a constant barrage up for a few minutes. McNair noticing nothing had happened against them assumed the assailant was dead. He poked his head out behind the tree. A death eater named George watching the back of McNair witnessed skull and blood erupt from the back of McNair's head as the body dropped listlessly to the floor. The next few moments saw bark flying, hearing thuds as something hit the trees and embedding. George turned right to see people dropping on that side as well. Oh sweet Merlin! All I wanted to do was make my mum proud. He tried apperating, it didn't work and he tried the emergency portkey. Oh bollocks the portkey had failed as well.

The last thing he knew was crawling away and six shadows loaming over him and all raising their wands. He fainted.

'Interesting, two fainted. Lets get the bodies back to the lair.' Yellow commented.

Back at the lair Hermione dumped the two prisoners in the cell.

'I'll leave them to sweet it out first. Anyway I want Ron there to watch my back this time.'

'Fair dos, Neville fancy doing Gringotts now?' Harry asked.

'Yeah might as well. See you in your office in say twenty minutes.' Neville flamed away with Luna. Harry quickly followed.

'oh bollocks, the potatoes are going to be burnt now. Shit!' Ron yelped and flamed away.

'What?' Hermione queried.

'He is doing a romantic meal for you two. It's a surprise, so just remember. He does try.' Ginny said and flamed away.

At Gringotts bank in the Potter family room, Harry Potter appeared before Griphook.

'Ahhhhh,' the goblin yelled as he fell backwards in surprise but quickly grabbed a halberdier of the wall and held it threateningly, with the point just under Harry's chin. 'One day you will tell me how you do that, and I suggest next time you warn me, for mercy sake.' The point of the halberdier dropped to the ground. 'You know you nearly gave me a heart attack with that stunt!'

Harry's smile just infuriated the goblin more so. 'I'm sorry Griphook.' Harry then spoke further, 'Is there a room for which the bank manager, ourselves and two guests may be held for a short meeting today Griphook?'

'Why yes there is, this room, Mr Longbottoms or the managers himself. Do not fear, Ironarm and myself are now playing with the financial world and ruining several death eater families.' A gruesome smile appeared on his face.

'Well I suggest we invite Neville and Ironarm you say in. Is there any chance of gaining the manager's time today?' Harry asked hopefully.

Griphook surprised Harry with the result. 'He has been waiting for one of you two to call as it is. I will call him now.'

As Griphook went to call the manager, Harry touched his tattoo and relayed the information to Neville.

'I see you talked to some other goblins about my last proposal Ironarm.' Neville opened his eyes, with light dancing merrily in them.

'Don't do that, I thought I was in trouble then. Yes I told Griphook. As it is two death eater families are near broke now.' The young goblin informed Neville.

'Shall we take a walk to the Potter family room?' Neville invited Ironarm to walk beside him.

'Why certainly Neville, let us march to victory.'

The manager entered the Potter family room and Harry stood up in respect. (useful some old school habits). Just as the manager was sitting down, Neville and a young Goblin entered.

'Ahh Mr Ironarm I believe. A pleasure to meet you.' Harry offered his hand to Ironarm, who took it with aww on his face and shook Harry's hand.

Neville greeted Griphook in much the same manner.

Neville looked to Harry to lead. 'Its your show mate, you start it off.' He urged.

'Ok Nev.' Harry turned to the manager. 'Sir allow me to introduce my guests, Mr Griphook, Mr Ironarm and Lord Longbottom and forgive me for my short sightedness for not knowing yours sir.'

'My name is Clawtooth Mr Potter. Now first things first if you please, Lord Longbottom, with the demise of your parents, full control of your family assets now falls to you.'

'Thank you sir.' Neville intoned.

'Hence why Griphook and Ironarm are ruining several families and running circles around most people. I cannot say I approve, but I will not object if you feel you trust them, then that is the most important concern. Most people disregard that in business today, it is sad to see and business looses out for it. Now I think you should say what you have to offer us that Voldermort cannot.' Clawtooth spoke evenly.

'Well that's easy' Started Neville, with Harry following on, just like the twins.

'We can off you respect and power at the end of the war when we win. With our influence'

'And respect,' Neville continued. 'we could get a few old laws dismissed and a few new ones implemented. Oh say?'

'Goblins, werewolves, house elves and other members of the community all have equal rights and responsibilities to that community.'

'Also if the goblins were seen to be taking an initiative in this war and that they also suffer at Toms hand then you gain support and sympathy does no harm.' Neville finished.

Clawtooth looked at the two goblins who managed some of the most influential accounts of the UK branch. 'You know Albus once came here with the same dream and still we are here waiting.'

'Albus was never really that politically motivated was he. But we have titles already. Our ancestors have done deeds that afford both our families respect. We also have a drive to see this through not to make a utopia, but make it a realistic society. One where everyone has the chance for a job, not just wizards. We need each other really.' Harry said.

'What about the giants? Will they have rights? The vampires? The Dementors?' Clawtooth asked.

'The giants are dying out. Soon they will be all but extinct it is sad to say. The death eaters are using them as cannon fodder.' Neville commented. 'As for the others, they have a choice before the end game. If some stay with Tom then they will await trial like anyone else. Not all vampires have joined Tom, nor have all the Dementors. They are in hiding, fearing for their lives since the wizarding world is tracking down their kind and exterminating them.'

Clawtooth was impressed, it wasn't often he was surprised or impressed and by two young men no less.

'Very well, I will support you in this war. Now let us talk about a death eater attack.'

'Well after Bill Weasley's wedding some late afternoon an explosion will rip of Madame Malkins shop front.' Harry started.

'Why?' Griphook asked curious.

'Well most see her as good, but she is a reluctant supporter of him. She has been forced into it. I'm hoping if we push it, she may just stand up, especially with the support she will get from the community.' Neville replied for Harry.

'Oh, just goes to show, you never know do you.' Ironarm spoke.

Harry continued, 'Five persons in death eater garb will attack the front of the building and demonstrate any weaknesses you have, we work very quickly.'

'erm I'm sorry but I thought it was six of you.' Ironarm looked confused.

Clawtooth answered for them. 'Simple either one of these two stay out front acting as themselves and throwing themselves into the fray.'

'Yes sir, at which point the five attackers will become increasingly tired and start to fall back. The goblins with who ever is around will trap them in a room. When it is stormed, the public will find five dead death eater bodies.' Harry said.

'I like it, one it will waken the guards up to the reality of this war. Two it will like you say gain us sympathy and gratitude for keeping peoples money safe. After this event we invoke all known death eaters' assets be frozen and untouchable, until the family can show itself to be reliable. Also the bank will help the government by aiding in the funding of the Auror corps.'

Harry laughed, 'And so you get your fingers in yourself if we fail to. Very well Clawtooth. I believe we have a start of a plan. Now gentlefolk I have to be getting on. Good day to you.' Harry bowed and disappeared.

Harry arrived back at his room at Privet drive, Well that went well, now back to the books. He studied long into the evening, when night fell he stayed in bed for once, getting the sleep he desperately needed.

The next day broke early for Harry as he was rudely awoken by his cousin saying there were people downstairs to see him. Harry got up and descended the stairs, he looked up to see Tonks and Arthur.

'Please come in, I believe you were due tonight. Is there a change in plans?' Harry asked not bothering with the security thing.

Arthur spoke up, 'Sorry Harry but security first, when did we first meet?'

'At your place, just after Ron and the twins rescued me from here. Your question Tonks?' Harry responded with a bored tone.

'erm, what did I keep tripping over?'

'an umbrella stand and Snape knows that as well so be more careful next time Nymphadora.' Harry turned and walked up the stairs. 'You are allowed to come up you know.'

The two quickly followed Harry, both felt concern. This was not the boy they knew, this person was emotionless, empty. They hoped he wasn't in a depression what with Dumbledore's death and him dumping Ginny.

'Harry? Are you alright.' Arthur asked.

'Oh yeah, fine and dandy. Now you ask me my opinion. Let me just finish getting this stuff sorted then we can be gone from this hell.' Harry deadpanned back.

Tonks looked around concernedly, she was starting to think Ginny was right. This was a hell hole and they forced him here each summer.

Harry was soon packed as Hedwig flew onto his shoulder.

'Ohh Harry, when did you get a Phoenix?' Tonks asked revenantly.

'Oh you know she came to me at the start of the summer. Only good thing that's happened this summer.' He said as he stroked Hedwig's head.

'Harry since you have a Phoenix, you do realise you will expected to lead the Order.'

'No.'

'Pardon?' Arthur was shocked, after last year, he though Harry would jump at the chance to be part of the war effort.

'I said no, for the reason I already have a task and before you ask, no I cannot tell you.'

Tonks started crying, He really does hate us, what have we done!

'Come on Tonks, got to get Harry to the Burrow, where he will be safe.' Arthur rebuked her, whilst gave her a comforting hand to her shoulder. Tonk's got up, acting more in response to Arthur than any will of her own. The troop went downstairs and entered the kitchen, Arthur pulled out a saucepan.

'Harry you know how this works,' Arthur said, slightly worried at the amused expression on Harry's face. 'Just touch right, you too Tonks.' Tonks placed her hand on the pan as well as Harry.

Arthur muttered 'activate Burrow' and they were gone.

They landed in the field outside the shed, Tonks and Arthur quickly made their way to the house but Harry just stared at the countryside.

'Common Harry, its not safe out here for you,' Tonks spoke, then continued by muttering under her breath 'or any of us really.'

'I will not run in fear. If they wish a fight then here I stand, but they will not, they are more scared of their masters wrath.' Harry turned to face the house and walked up to the front door, walking past the two fearful adults. Harry rapt his hand on the door for the door to open to revel Hermione. She winked at him.

'Whats in the chamber?' She asked loud enough for others to hear her.

'oh a comfy chair, what do you think, you found the answer.' He bit sarcastically. 'A Basilisk.'

Hermione kept the smile hidden. He plays the part well. I suppose for my part now. 'There is no need for that. You are with some friends now. Let me help you.' She aimed her wand at his luggage and had it floating into the house and up the stairs. She followed it up.

As Harry entered Tonks pushed him into a chair. 'What is wrong with you?' she shouted at him. 'Are you angry with us, sad with the headmaster's death? WHAT.'

'Death happens, deal with it. So what is the point in caring for people who will die in the end and try to run your life, like it's a play or puppet show. You expect me to beg and crawl thanking the heavens you took me away? Albus knew he would never get any of that from me. So why should any of you?'

Harry turned to walk up the stairs, Remus walked over to his girlfriend and put a comforting arm around her.

Remus spoke a dangerous thought, 'well it seems that he has been forged. Then again I'm surprised it hasn't happened earlier considering what he has been through. He is like stone, I suggest we keep out of his way. I believe Ginny may have been right, if we wish to keep on his good side, we ask him how he wants to go.'

'Rubbish, he is a spoilt brat that needs lessons in manners.' Charlie commented.

'I think not lad,' Mad Eye spoke from the shadow. 'he is a warrior. You have never met a warrior, the last one I knew of died during the second world war. He took down forty dark wizards that night, but Grinderwald got him in the end. He may need to be trained how to use more magic but do not see him as spoilt or tempered. How many of you have killed anyone yet? That lad already has, and that sort of thing affects you deeply.' Moody stomped to the door and left leaving a confused Charlie.

'Mum, what is a warrior?' Charlie asked.

'I thought they were legends myself.' She answered with pain on her face. 'I'm too young myself to remember the last one. I thought they were just stories to make children do as they were told.'

'Mum you babbling.' Bill said.

'Bill, Charlie' Remus interrupted. 'A warrior is a person who will face a constant struggle, born in a time of war. They live to fight in war. The good ones never start one, they only serve the light by protecting anyone they can. They are the sort that will take a Crucio spell several times and when its lifted, the warrior is still thinking of protecting the ones he loves or cares about.'

'How do you know so much about them?' Molly asked.

'The last one was Neville's Great Grandfather. The few times I spoke with Frank and speaking of his family he remembered the stories with great enthusiasm. The time before that it was a Potter that was one.' Remus stood up and walked out the door.

Tonks still in shock spoke the thought, 'when has he had to kill someone?'

The others around the room looking worried. No one knew he had. What else has he had to do to stay alive?

Harry walked into Ginny's room. 'So what you planning then against the Order?'

'Oh you know, public slander in a way that says they do not do much good in the community, they should leave the fighting to those who are prepared and ready to give the death eaters a taste of their own medicine.' She replied. 'Aren't you worried they will wonder why you are in here?'

'No, I got them all talking and guessing now.'

'Oh, well I have a host of information about various people, especially in the wizard council. We got dirt and know their voting tendencies.'

'Cool, so we know who to butter up, and who to drop in the shit.'

'yup' Ginny smiled a dazzling smile at Harry who smiled back. 'You realise the Basilisk skin will be ready for me to make into clothes tonight, so I'm going to be busy. Sorry babe.' She kissed him on the forehead.

Harry taking his cue, took the information folder and proceeded down into Ron's room. Harry found Ron and Hermione playing chess, but not normal chess, it looked like something off the tv. 'Hermione, are you a treky or something?'

'No, but I thought Ron would like the change and a challenge. Makes him think more in three dimensions rather than the traditional two.'

'oh. Ok.' Harry shocked face was replaced with interest as he opened up the folder. He sat on his bed, with his back against the wall.

After a few moments harry noticed it was quiet, not quiet as in a silencing charm, but quiet for a house about to have a wedding.

'Erm Ron, are Bill and Fleur still going ahead with this wedding thing here?' Harry asked curiously.

'Yeah, why do you ask?' Ron responded.

'Well just the lack of panic, no female is running around looking for final alterations with their dress and the kitchen didn't seem abuzz with activity in preparation for the feast.'

Ron thought about these things, then came with a response.

'Pass, first wedding I'm going to. So I don't know what normally happens anyway. Should be interesting and all. I know more about a muggle wedding than I do a wizard one. How weird is that.'

'Well if it is happening tomorrow then, we will be sure to find out.' Hermione voiced her opinion.

'Why is it I get the feeling something is going to go wrong. Oh, say a Dementor attack?' Ron voiced.

'So its not just me then?' Harry voiced.

'No' finished Hermione.

They all touched their tattoo at the same time, with them thinking of the group as a collective gave them a weird view but allowed them to link mentally.

So do we all feel there will be an attack tomorrow, either at the wedding or somewhere else?

Yes everyone else thought.

If we need the new identities we will need to time it just right, all of the group must be seen at one point or another in the centre of a fight. Neville thought.

Agreed Luna joined in.

Neville thought, well since I aint invited I will mill around the Auror command, invisible of course.

You lucky git, you can by-pass their security? Ginny stated.

Oh course, the security is only on the doors, we can flame straight in.

Will the conversation concluded they all went back to normal. Harry reading up on the interesting habits of some of the council members. Harry thought the goblins might be interested in some of this information.

Hermione broke Harry out of his thought.

'You do realise the school will wish to be trained by you in the defence against the dark arts. That or restarting the club.'

Ron continued, 'It wouldn't be a bad idea to see people and train them to at least defend themselves for a few seconds at least. Give them a chance at getting away. It also allows the school to feel re-united again, if you give Slytherin a chance.'

'I know, but if I'm doing that, who will be doing the further research?' Harry worried.

'Neville and Luna, if she aint on his cock at the time.' Ron said and received a hit to he chest. 'What?'

'oh nothing.' Hermione said.

'Great another ruddy mystery to solve, Women!' Ron said dramatically with a smile on his face. He got one back from Hermione. He knew he was safe. For now.

'Ok so forgetting that image, thanks Ron, I think we can agree, that I will be teaching again. So which Slytherins to allow in?'

'Easy, make them swear an oath to use what they learn for their safety and the communities' protection against terrorists like death eaters.'

'You already had that planned didn't you.'

'Yup. Don't you love it.'

The day passed by easily after the morning madness. Each of the six was happy and content with their lot, that was until late at night when all hell broke loose and Molly realised nothing was ready and started beavering away like mad in the kitchen and ordering everyone about. Sadly four people in the house just didn't bother. They were locked in their rooms all sleeping soundly. Or so everyone else thought.

The next morning the four woke up early and moved into the surrounding area of the Burrow to place charms and traps for any would be attackers. Once done they moved back to the house. Harry started cooking the breakfast and prepared the meats that would be cooked that day. He used a little help in the form of Dobby. Hermione and Ron set up the aisle with seating and a stage for the ceremony. Then proceeded to set up the dinning area. Ginny got to work on the music front, she had called in Fleur's favourite band, some weird classical French stuff. Ginny also brought in Weird Sisters for the younger generation, paid by one photo opportunity with Harry. She was also setting up the fireworks. Then hide the whole lot with various charms.

When the rest of the exhausted household woke to the bright and celebratory day they were shocked by the amount of work and thought the four teens had put in. The only thing visible was the Ceremony area and the dinning tables. Ginny walked up to her mum and placed a hand on her arm.

'Trust me mum, it's all right, really, we have taken care of everything.' Ginny showed an award wining smile. Ginny steered her mum to a seat at the breakfast table and promptly served her a plate full of food. 'You need your energy today. Eat.' Ginny urged.

Molly wanted to get up and be of use, its her kitchen, she should be running it, but the food smelled so good. 'Who cooked dear?'

'Harry of course.' That said Ginny left to make sure both bands were happy, watered and fed.