Chapter Fourteen

Holiday's Over

Harry began walking restlessly through the mansion almost constantly since hearing Dobby and Winky refused to let them return to Godric's Hollow till they finished cleaning. He found himself thinking of how much his life had changed in the past few days. He was going to be a father, was moving back to England, and was also about to say goodbye to his friends who he had spent the last seven years with nearly constantly.

However he wasn't as depressed about these things as he always thought he would be. He had seen the time they would all separate and start living their lives coming soon. He just never thought he and Serena would be the first to do it. They had been living life as if the fun would never end and now when they talked their conversations were more of worried thoughts that they would be horrible parents. It was a daunting time for Harry and it was beginning to wear on his mind.

Harry had many more issues plaguing his mind as well. He had been talking to Kingsley about the adoption of Michael. This was the easiest problem of all of them. Kingsley acted quickly getting things in preparation for the adoption. The only thing left was for someone to look at the house where Michael would be staying along with the interview between a ministry worker and Harry and Serena. This was postponed till Dobby and Winky were finished cleaning Harry's home. Kingsley assured Harry that age would hold no bearing on this case, and he would see to it that anyone who came to their home would know that.

The other problem was the Mandatum Specialis. Harry knew that leaving this group would be a thousand times harder than when he joined. These were not people who took rejection well. They would most likely come for him, if they didn't try to kill him before he even left the building. Harry sighed at the thought of trying to make a clean break of America.

Harry watched as life in Potter Mansion slowed down. People were preparing to leave already. Seeing as school was about to start again Dumbledore, Remus, and Hagrid were preparing to go back to school. Michael had begun to sulk at the idea of returning ever since learning that Harry was going to adopt him. Harry had to keep reminding him that the sooner he went back to school, the sooner he would be able to hang out at Godric's Hollow.

Harry was also helping Michael at every available turn so that he would be a more accomplished flyer. Michael seemed to love flying more than anything else, which made Harry smile. Michael loved to be able to fly and he was becoming one of the best seekers Harry had seen in a long time. He was still a better chaser in Harry's mind, but he kept that thought quiet as Michael was determined to be a seeker.

When the day came for school to start Harry moved everyone back to Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore smiled as he always did after traveling in Harry's fashion. Remus and Sam shook their heads clear them while Hagrid and Michael looked a bit shaken. Harry quickly placed a hand on Michael's shoulder to steady him.

"You alright mate?" Harry asked.

"Yeah. I'm a bit off but I'll be okay." Michael said.

"Good. I have to go and handle a few things before summer comes up. I'll come and visit you when me and Serena have finished with everything with the adoption, okay?" Harry asked.

"Yeah." Michael said cheerfully. "What are we going to do for the summer?"

"Have fun, what else?" Harry responded with a smile.

"Cool!" Michael exclaimed.

"Everyone." Dumbledore said calmly. "Could I speak to Harry in private for a moment?"

Everyone nodded and left the office, quickly saying their goodbyes to Harry. When only Harry and Dumbledore were left, Harry was offered a seat. Taking it quietly he wondered what Dumbledore had in store for him now.

"I have heard what your plan is for this secret society of yours." Dumbledore said calmly. "It is time I tell you what I have learned of this group. I do not admit to knowing much, but I know some since you have asked."

"Okay. What do you know?" Harry asked curious.

"First let me apologize." Dumbledore said quietly. "I had suspicions of such things happening in America, and I suspected you would find out about them and try to help the American government rid themselves of the problem. I had no knowing that the council of America would keep the objects you requested from you. I want you to know that I put up a strong fight for you to get them. I now see why they were so important to you, and for that reason alone I am glad you received them, no matter the means.

"Now, for the problem. These are not the kind of people you say no to." Dumbledore said with a sigh. "Many who have been tied to them have disappeared mysteriously when they tried to get out of their inner circle. I want you to think about this before you try to sever your ties with them."

"Do you think I should stay in this society?" Harry asked.

"Harry, I would not. I would not have joined in the beginning." Dumbledore said. "However, you have different decisions from mine. You also had different circumstances. I merely want you to be careful when doing this."

"I understand sir." Harry said. "Was Sirius right? Did the death eaters start much as this society did?"

"Yes, Harry. They were much the same until Voldemort decided the only way to succeed in their plans was to fight for their beliefs. It was only a small step from there to killing, to killing mindlessly and enjoying the death they caused." Dumbledore answered. "Is that a worry of yours?"

"I just get a feeling that something is wrong with their thinking." Harry said, still trying to figure it out himself. "They just don't have the right feeling about them. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, Harry. I understand completely." Dumbledore said with a smile. "I will now talk of something a bit happier. I am thinking of starting a new class here at Hogwarts, and I will be needing a new teacher to take it over."

"Are you offering me a job sir?" Harry asked.

"If you would like it." Dumbledore said. "It appears that Kingsley was very happy with your teaching with the DA. It appears that most of them joined the Ministry as Aurors. They were better trained than Aurors who had been working for years. Many Aurors have even asked to take a training course with you. It was a very impressive class, and one that many are asking their children to be able to attend."

Harry sighed, though he had a smile. "Well, I will have to deal with my problems in the States first. After that I suppose I will be looking for a job. I wonder if any other people will be able to use wandless magic."

"You may try to teach them if you wish. Though I ask that you do not grade that, as I have a feeling that only six people in this world will have a skill that strong. Maybe seven when your child is born."

"Would that really be possible?" Harry asked.

"Harry, your child, as well as any your friends may have, are the only ones who I believe truly stand a chance at inheriting the power inside of you." Dumbledore replied.

"Because it is inside all of us." Harry said. "But will it be as strong?"

"That I do not know." Dumbledore answered. "The most I can do is speculate."

"I understand." Harry said.

"I believe it is time for you to go, as you have a great many things to prepare for. I will be expecting you to visit when you return so I may hear of this adventure as well." Dumbledore said with a warm smile. "Take care Harry."

"You too sir." Harry said returning his smile.

"What is taking him so long?" Serena asked frustrated. "How long does it take to get them all there and then just come right back?"

"I think he is having a talk with Dumbledore." Sirius answered. "He told me he had a few things Harry needed to know."

"That sounds like Harry's in trouble." Serena replied. "What is going on Sirius?"

"That's not for me to say, kid." Sirius answered. "Ask Harry if you want to know. I promised him I wouldn't say a word."

"Why did he tell you and not me?" Serena asked angrily.

"Because I hate to admit when I've screwed up." Harry said from behind Serena. "I've never liked to admit those kinds of things to you."

"What's going on Harry?" Serena asked with her voice calm though Harry knew it was forced.

"I sold myself off to the group that gave me what I needed to get my parents and Sirius back." Harry said with a sigh as he fell onto the couch. "They gave me what I wanted and in return I joined them. Now I see that they aren't the sort to be involved with and I have to get away from them. I just don't know how yet."

"Can't you just stay here? They haven't bothered you here." Serena said seriously.

Harry shook his head. "No. They'd just come after me and try to kill anyone who'd cause me the most pain. I have to beat them at their own game." He said.

"How do you plan to do that?" Serena asked.

"I don't know but I know it has to be done in America. I can't let the fight come here." Harry answered.

"Hey mate, why didn't you tell us before?" Ron asked. "We've always helped you out."

"Before I didn't know how bad this could be. I just thought they were doing all the wrong things with the best of intentions. But I'm beginning to think that their intentions aren't as good as I thought." Harry answered.

"But why didn't you tell us something?" Serena asked. "At least tell us that you did this."

"I wasn't supposed to. They cling to their secret and that was what I had to do." Harry replied. "Now I don't feel a real need to keep any of it secret though."

"Maybe that's how you fight them, Harry." Hermione said as she stroked her chin. "Bring them out into the open. Don't let them stay a secret and then they can't hide in the shadows."

"Yeah but who would believe me?" Harry asked. "What am I supposed to do? Go around and give reviews to every paper in the wizarding world? They'd all think I'd just lost my mind."

"What if you told the American council?" Serena asked. "Surely they'd believe you."

"Maybe." Harry answered. "I need to think about all this first though. But right now I have to get everyone who's going back to America."

"Be careful Harry." Serena said as she hugged him tightly. "I love you so don't go and get yourself killed okay?"

"I love you too." Harry said. "I'll be back and in one piece before you know it. Keep an eye on her for me, will you Sirius?"

Sirius smiled. "Of course I will. Take care of yourself."

"I will. See you all soon." Harry said as he, Ginny, Neville, Hermione, and Ron disappeared.

Harry had finally set his mind on a plan of action and was now about to take his first steps toward the beginning. He stood in front of the council looking very serious and calm despite the nervousness that was wracking him inside. Taking a deep breath he looked at Mr. Aldebourne and began.

"Sir, I have come here today to tell you that I have broken your laws and am ready to face my punishments in any way you see fit." Harry said.

"What crime did you commit Mr. Potter and why are you coming forward to admit this now?" Aldebourne asked carefully as if not sure what to expect.

"I found a group called the Mandatum Specialis who was willing to give me the items I asked you for so I could return my parents and godfather back to life." Harry said with a firm look of resolve. "In return I was to give myself to the group in a capacity I'm not yet aware of. Through startling discoveries I've learned that the death eaters formed the same way and I don't want to be a part of anything that could come out that evil."

Aldebourne gasped at the name he had heard. "The Mandatum Specialis? You are a part of this society?" He asked.

"Now unwillingly. As such I turn myself over to the Council." Harry responded.

"How did you become a member of this society?" Aldebourne asked. "You must tell me who recruited you."

Harry sighed. "Gabriel Ashenhurst and Dorian Smyth." He said.

"Harry, be smart and shut up now!" Gabriel exclaimed.

"Mr. Ashenhurst!" Aldebourne bellowed. "You will not say another word until I am finished."

Gabriel paled visibly and only nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Who else do you know of?" Aldebourne asked as he turned his attention back to Harry.

"I don't know the names of any others but you can have the memory of my meeting with them and see if you do." Harry replied honestly.

"We will do that. Now I must ask you something equally important. What do they do?" Aldebourne asked Harry.

"They speak of keeping the world balanced with an equal amount of Dark wizards to the others and killing those who can teach the dark wizards and make them more powerful, but I haven't seen this. I only saw a meeting that was about politics and financing. I wish I knew more to help you." Harry said.

"You have helped us greatly already, Mr. Potter." Aldebourne replied. "We will speak more on this after we regard Mr. Ashenhurst's involvement in this society. Please see your liaison about giving us the memory of this event. She will know what to expect and what to do when you arrive."

Harry nodded slowly. "Yes sir." He said before turning and walking from the room.