DISCLAIMER: The following stories are based on situations and characters from the Harry Potter books which are created and owned by J. K. Rowling, and various other publishers, including, but not limited to Warner Bros., Inc., Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books, and Raincoat Books. No use other than entertainment is intended and no financial gain is being made. No trademark or copyright infringement is intended.

Note: Thanks a lot for your reviews, favs. Just to reply to a reviewer. Harry is 13 years old at this point in the story. Basically we're entering POA timeline.

Enjoy the next one :)

Warning for this chapter: Beheading

Chapter 21: Training The Strong

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen." Minister Farnes smiled, raising her hand to call attention to herself. Looking up, Harry caught Dumbledore's eye. The old man took a seat right across from Minister Fudge. It was odd, but not surprising to see Fudge and Dumbledore set so far apart, Harry thought. They'd never present a united front against the Dark, despite sharing similar ideals.

Harry nodded in greeting, but otherwise remained silent. His gaze swept past the congregated masses, briefly landing on a furious Pius Thicknesse and the somewhat more impassive gaze of Yaxley who was sitting right next to the frail man, watching Harry just as intently.

The Death Eater was still parading around as politician, which meant that Fudge had no idea about the man's loyalties. Dumbledore however did. Harry wondered if maybe he could oust those two in some way.

Tapping his quill against the notebook, he focused on the meeting.

"We've gathered here today in order to discuss the future of several private schools as well as Durmstrang Institute in light of the threat we're facing against the Dark Lord," Farnes began. Her grave voice carried over to the last rows and people fell silent.

Harry noticed the sneers that were being directed at her. No doubt, they probably hated that she always addressed Voldemort so respectfully. And some would never be able to distinguish between moderate dark wizards and Death Eaters. To them, everyone was conspiring against the light side and Muggles.

"With the latest attacks on several government buildings across Europe, we're dealing with a threat that poses a serious danger to our political stability. To go as far as to infiltrate educational institutions, it seems that the Dark Lord won't stop at borders to get what he wants."

"And what do you think he wants, Minister Farnes?" Gladow asked mockingly, relaxing in his high back chair. "There's also the issue of Mr. Potter's involvement in the attack and infiltration of London's Ministry. Nothing has been said about that. Rumors also indicate the boy has ties to the very man you're so afraid of."

Murmurs broke out and people threw pointed looks at Harry, which unnerved him slightly. But he couldn't back down or appear guilty in some way. Still, for Gladow to make such a remark... The man had a history of suffering under the Dark, which he ruthlessly used against Farnes, playing on the light's sympathies as a result. And in secret he was cozying up to the Death Eaters. A hypocrite with motives of his own, Harry thought.

"If we want to go by rumors, then almost everyone in this room has ties to the Dark Lord or his army, most notably you," Harry said. "One could even say Chief Warlock Dumbledore has at some point known the Dark Lord personally."

Gladow sneered and was about to launch another attack, but the outrageous voices of several politicians drowned him out. It was only Dumbledore's reaction that seemed to shut people up. As Harry predicted.

"Indeed, my boy." The headmaster smiled at him, before his expression turned serious. "As for Voldemort's past and his aims for the wizarding world, we can predict several outcomes," the old man explained, stroking his beard, completely ignoring the fearful expression of those around him. "Forgive my forwardness in this matter, but I believe I'm intimately familiar with his ideology. The extermination of Muggles for example has always been his priority. One we need to look out for."

Yaxley's disgust was pretty clear and Harry observed the others carefully, noting that not many held favorable opinions of Muggles. A sideways glance revealed a somewhat disgruntled Minister Farnes.

"The Dark Lord wouldn't prioritize Muggles over completely control of the entire Wizarding World," she warned. "His agenda diverted from the first war, as some of you might have noticed. The way I see it, he's undermining our stability first and refusing to make a public spectacle out of Muggle hunting for now. Or do you see any Giants and Werewolves destroying our towns?"

"He won't stop once he got his way. First us and then the Muggle world," Fudge said, sounding fearful. Several people nodded in agreement.

Harry frowned. Most of them seemed to regard Voldemort in a very black-white sort of way, refusing to look beyond the superficial image of a tyrant. But it wasn't as simple as wanting world domination. Not after witnessing the man's terribly ruthless yet intelligent reasoning behind his every move.

"It's strategic," he said and people around him fell silent. Across the room, the annoying Auror was already giving him his undivided attention.

Giving public speeches like that was an issue he would've avoided entirely, if it wasn't so damn useful.

"The Dark Lord is toying with you, using small groups to stage attacks on suppliers like Gregorovitch or engaging them in battles with your Aurors. But he's just wearing you down, trying to keep the public on high alert. It's most likely that his true objective is something else entirely," said Harry calmly.

"And what would you know about that, boy?" Thicknesse threw in.

"Harry has a point," Dumbledore said suddenly, bringing attention to himself. It was a deliberate act and one that surprised Harry. So far, the headmaster's unconditional support for him raised a few eyebrows, given the position both Dumbledore and Harry were in and the shaken trust the public had in the pristine Boy-Who-Lived image.

"Voldemort will always seek ways to enhance his power, be it through external means or by using other men. The fact that he attacked Mykew Gregrorovitch and sought out a prophecy for himself indicates that he's prepared for direct battle at some point. And for that he needs-"

"A weapon," Harry interrupted. Now he knew that Dumbledore had extensive knowledge about Voldemort's motives. In fact, Dumbledore's uncharacteristically grave expression indicated that he knew something Harry didn't.

Interesting.

"Indeed," Dumbledore said, looking at Harry past his half moon glasses. His agreement turned the mood sour and people looked worried for the first time. Even the undercover Death Eaters in attendance didn't appreciate Dumbledore's simple yet accurate deduction.

"Then what are we waiting for?" another politician exclaimed. "We should attack him while he's still battling without one."

"How?" one of the German representatives asked derisively. "He already gained allies and has several hideouts that are difficult to track down. Besides, Norway lost an entire Auror squadron recently. You-Know-Who can't be beaten even with several highly skilled people fighting against him. Only Albus Dumbledore can do it. Or Potter, if the boy's mysterious powers are to be believed."

Harry snorted. Mysterious powers, huh?

"Something to say, Potter?" the man asked suddenly.

Harry just eyed him in veiled disdain."I already told you that I wouldn't interfere unless he directly came after me, which might not even happen in the immediate future."

It wouldn't, given the contract he signed, but no one needed to know that. "I already did my part with Durmstrang's Death Eater problem," he said. From somewhere to the right a witch muttered something that sounded suspiciously like 'coward'.

Farnes turned toward him and smiled briefly, before addressing the crowd. "He did. In fact, we've managed to purge the school with Minister Fudge's help. Several Death Eaters have been taken into custody as a result."

"Custody?" Pius asked, sounding interested. Yaxley on the other hand barely refrained from rolling his eyes at that. And the man was right. It was simply too obvious.

People like Thicknesse would naturally like to get the details on their comrades' imprisonment.

"You've heard me and that is all I'm willing to disclose on the matter," she said and Harry smirked.

"In the end, the school has been taken care of and my country ensured that no associates of the Dark Lord would ever manage to get positions of power, especially around children who can be molded to the man's twisted cause. I hope that our partners in France and the UK can manage the same." Farnes glanced in Dumbledore's direction and the headmaster picked up on it.

"Hogwarts will remain safe for everyone who wishes to seek protection," Dumbledore said. "We also have students walking our halls who have family in support of Voldemort's cause. But we also believe children need a safe place in our world, regardless of any ideologies their parents hold."

"Yes, without a doubt. Your school is a bastion for all that is right and holy in this world. Let's just forget the Dark Arts practice that has been banned as soon as you became Headmaster," Farnes said, shocking everyone in attendance. It was a very straightforward attack. Few people dared to call Albus Dumbledore out in public.

Harry's respect rose up a few notches as a result. But he'd also need to talk to her about that, in case she ever dared to criticize him for his boldness.

Dumbledore however remained calm and unimpressed, his faint amusement revealing a shockingly patronizing attitude for a man who prided himself on benevolence. His supporters however didn't take this comment lightly and shouts broke out.

Time to relax.

Harry was about to write something down, a simple observation of those in attendance, but a strange light coming from Fudge's direction caught his eye.

Cornelius looked completely out of place, refusing to participate in the shouting matches. He wasn't taking any initiative in this meeting, which didn't surprise Harry much. Fudge was no leader and lacked the backbone necessary to deal with Voldemort on his own.

The man was currently taking another sip from his glass, the water almost spilling all over his trembling hand. Harry narrowed his eyes at the contents. The light wasn't just an optical illusion, he thought, knowing that something was wrong.

The water looked...green?

His eyes widened in alarm and he wasn't the only one to notice. Dumbledore already left his seat, about to shout something. The sudden violent reaction from Fudge however beat him to it. The Minister started to cough and his eyes bulged out, looking obscenely frightened.

Harry reacted on instinct. Using his fast reflexes, he withdrew his Holly wand and shattered the glass with a spell, grimacing when pieces of it embedded themselves in the man's hand.

His reaction immediately brought more attention to the poisoned Minister. Because that's what must've been in the water. Pure poison.

Fudge stumbled back and his chair was pushed back, making even more noise. People began to scream, but Harry acted on autopilot. Jumping over the table, he ignored Farnes, as he quickly tried to make his way over to the Minister. Fudge was struggling to breathe and the screams intensified.

Luckily, his reaction was on time. A spell was already heading for the man, no doubt an Avada Kedavra that would finish the job. It missed them both by mere inches, as Harry threw himself to the ground, taking Fudge with him. More spells rushed over his head, this time from another corner of the room.

A frightened witch ducked under the table and Harry caught her look.

"Make sure he survives," he barked, knowing that she wasn't the attacker. His eyes were already on the figure that was backing away from them. The maddening look and his bright grin told Harry everything.

The unknown attacker spelled the door open and left, his shield disintegrating with the force of Dumbledore's spells.

Harry ran after him, quickly followed by Dumbledore and several Aurors who caught onto the situation.

"COME ON, LITTLE POTTER. LET'S PLAY," the person shouted and Harry threw a blood-boiling curse at him. He missed and the wizard turned around the corner, heading for the Ministry's main hall. He probably intended to use one of the fireplaces to escape. Fuck. Hopefully, Farnes would have the foresight to block them.

Another curse almost took his head off, but an Auror suddenly intercepted the spell, protecting Harry from the worst.

He recognized Auror Rendahl, but the young wizard focused on blocking another curse.

"Get him, Potter. I'll cover you," he said, his cheerful voice breaking Harry's concentration.

Dumbledore reached them as well and together they ran after the attacker. A powerful shield from the Headmaster blocked even more harmful spells, but they had another problem at hand.

Civilians were crowding the main hall and the unknown man quickly used the opportunity to lose himself in the masses of bodies. They couldn't attack without hurting innocent people.

Harry followed, losing both the Auror and Dumbledore in the process. His eyes scanned the people, frantically looking for the man whose features weren't noticeable. He was probably under a glamour.

Panic broke out and more shouts were heard. A mass panic was the last thing he needed, though.

"Lockdown," a voice from seemingly everywhere echoed off the walls. It was Minister Farnes and Harry sighed in relief. Maybe the wizard didn't manage to escape yet. No green flames erupted from the fireplaces, but the screams didn't stop.

Something was definitely wrong.

He pushed past another group of people and caught Dumbledore's concerned gaze. The man was also trying to pinpoint the location of the attacker, his eyes taking everything in with a sharp look.

Harry was about to turn around and head back to join the Aurors, but then something happened. Flickering lights rose slowly, attaching themselves to the high wall behind Dumbledore. Harry gasped.

The light was slowly forming letters, dancing above the heads of several shocked onlookers.

Harry's reaction must've alerted Dumbledore and the old man whirled around, taking in the spectacle.

The letters spelled out ominous words and he pushed forward, reaching Dumbledore's side to take a closer look.

Slowly they formed a phrase.

For the Greater Good.

That was all it said and then the spell disappeared, leaving nothing but faint particles behind. Harry turned around, about to ask the headmaster what he thought, but his voice got stuck in his throat when he saw Dumbledore's expression.

Devastation. Sheer terror.

Dumbledore was pale and frozen in place and Harry couldn't imagine why such a simple phrase could shock a powerful man such as him.

From behind him, Auror Rendahl passed them and pointed at something in the corner. Harry's eyes followed the movement and he suddenly knew why people kept screaming.

The severed head of Antonin Dolohov lay on the ground, innocently staring up at them. Blood stained a white robe that has been carelessly left behind.

And Harry knew.

The spy must've been caught and none of this was Voldemort's doing.

His conclusion left him cold and the fact that neither Dumbledore nor the Auror said anything added to his unease.

Unfortunately, his problems just didn't end when another group of Aurors pushed past the terrified civilians, worry etched onto their faces.

"Auror Rendahl," one of the men said and then he began to speak in Norwegian. Dumbledore barely reacted, still watching the spot where the spell has disintegrated.

The report however spelled trouble and Rendahl nodded, his cheerful demeanor completely gone.

The man turned toward Harry and his next words completely shocked the younger wizard to the core.

"Mass breakout from Azkaban. The Dark Lord's most deadly followers are back."

Minister Farnes led the way and Harry almost needed to run to keep up with her pace. She was worried and rightfully so. This was the third time an attack happened under her watchful eye, leaving nothing but death and more trauma behind. The political outcome just added to the catastrophe, causing tension between several countries.

Fudge was in a coma. That alone created such a mess Harry didn't want to even think about. Elections appointed Rufus Scrimgeour as his successor. Usuallly, the loss of a man like Fudge wouldn't have aggravated the wizarding world to such a degree. He had been weeks away from stepping down.

But the circumstances and the attack left a bitter taste, fundamentally destroying whatever faith people across Europe had in their governments.

One thing was certain, though. Antonin Dolohov didn't attack Fudge. The forensics department at St. Mungos managed to confirm that Dolohov has been dead for more than a couple of hours. It didn't give them a lead on the identity of the attacker, but it also made people aware that they were essentially dealing with attacks coming from multiple sides.

No one knew about the association, but it was only a matter of time before Voldemort retaliated against them.

"Don't look so distraught," Farnes said, noticing his expression. "You'd feel worse if you were in my position."

She led him down to an underground department, which was exclusively used by Aurors for training.

"That bad?" Harry asked.

Farnes smiled, but it was forced, more like a pained grimace. Nonetheless, she continued on, nodding at the guards who opened the door for them.

"They want me to resign," she whispered. "They don't think I can protect them. Not after so many attacks. And honestly, I don't even know if I'm doing the right thing. Not after this."

"Let them talk," Harry said. He didn't need to add the Minister's insecurity to his problems. Especially with him putting his safety in Norway's hands.

"That's easy for you to say, Potter."

Harry's laugh burst out of him, surprising them both.

"Actually it is." His pointed look made Farnes grin, before she regained her composure.

"True. But in the end, you have to appear strong and in control of the situation. As a leader that is the most important component for us and that's why I want you to start your training."

Harry sighed and turned away from her to take a closer look at the training room and the small group of young Aurors who were currently busy kicking each others' asses. To his surprise, he noticed the strange training equipment decorating the walls of the hall. The stuff looked suspiciously like Muggle devices and there were even some medieval-looking swords and crossbows one could use.

"We're dealing with both, Lord Voldemort and the association and that's why I want you to give it your best. Train your magic and your body and use every opportunity to gain more knowledge," Farnes said, stepping away from him.

Harry nodded, understanding the gravity of their situation. There was no time for covert planning and reluctant dancing with the devil. But something bothered him, still.

"Do you think, the whole 'For the Greater Good' thing has anything to do with Grindelwald?" he asked carefully, watching her face for a reaction. Farnes closed her eyes briefly.

And that was all the confirmation he needed. But she chose her words carefully.

"It could be," she said. "The association is essentially fighting against Dark Lords, but what's to say some of his followers didn't join them to establish a new society? All we know is that Gellert Grindelwald is still imprisoned at Nurmengard. He won't be able to escape."

"But that doesn't mean he couldn't be involved in some way. Even indirectly," Harry threw in, crossing his arms. Auror Rendahl was approaching them, giving Harry a bright smile.

"Let me worry about that, Potter. Focus on your training and leave the rest to me," she said, grimacing at the sheer happiness that seemed to radiate from the Auror. She turned around and left Harry standing.

He hated it when people left him out of their plans. Especially when it concerned him to some degree.

The door closed behind her and the Auror touched his shoulder briefly, annoying Harry further.

"Finally joining us, Potter? Now let's see if I can make a man out of you," Rendahl mocked, leading him over to the strange equipment that looked as if it was designed for people to lift weights.

"If that's what you're going for, start with yourself," Harry said, looking him up and down. Thoughts on Grindelwald and Dumbledore's reaction swirled inside his mind and he had zero time for arrogant Aurors who thought they could belittle him.

Rendahl chuckled, not bothered in the slightest.

"We'll see if you can talk back after this." His smile grew.

Aurors were ruthless bastards, Harry thought, hitting the ground after a particularly nasty spell caught his shoulder.

They have gleefully informed him that nothing in his room contained any cushioning charms.

"Your centre of gravity is off and you're leaving too much space for me to attack. It's deplorable."

Harry just huffed and got back on his feet. He wasn't here to talk or take the bait. Instead, he used his Rowan wand and cast a silent Impedimenta. Wordless spellcasting didn't come that easy to him, but he was slowly improving. He had fought off several Death Eaters by using it, after all. These people were highly trained professionals and he was starting his third year soon.

He wanted to slack off, but in reality that would probably mean death. The looming threat of war didn't leave much time and despite his agreement with Voldemort, he knew the older wizard would find loopholes to get rid of him, if he wanted.

Rendahl easily sidestepped the curse and Harry got punished for his overconfidence. A whispered Crucio and the pain became merciless, leaving him shaking and unstable in both body and mind. Only the strange, comforting presence in his head gave Harry the courage to push past the effects.

To be honest, he should feel worried that some strange being existed inside him that constantly appeared whenever he was in danger. He chalked it up to self-preservation, or his conscience. But hearing voices and imagining things wasn't very common. He knew that.

And he should feel worried.

Some Aurors began to laugh, clearly enjoying his suffering. It was striking how much they mirrored Voldemort's Death Eaters in that moment.

"Your battle tactics are unimaginative and weak, Potter," Rendahl jeered. "Using your invisibility and some fancy toys won't always work. And frankly speaking, it's how a coward would fight."

Coward.

There was that word again.

Fuck him. Harry snarled, jumping up. The thing inside his mind crooned in delight and Harry suddenly remembered something Eileen had explained while guiding him through another meditation exercise. It was a faint memory, but suddenly he understood it. He just knew.

His body was a weapon.

His mind a conduct.

And his soul the driving force.

His wand a mere extension of them.

Deep inside him, magic was flowing through his body like a tidal wave. And Harry wanted to use it. He wanted to use all of it.

Wizards were ignorant to rely on a piece of wood. But Harry did't want to be like them.

He was better than them.

"Your parents would be ashamed, Potter. I hear James and Lily were formidable warriors. But you? Cries like a baby after hitting the ground. Shall we take a break?"

People around him began to laugh harder.

Hatred pooled inside him, growing stronger with every word, every insult that was hurled at him. Rationally, he knew it was another attempt to goad him into fighting back. But rational thinking wasn't required for what Harry was attempting to do. He'd never used more than a fraction of his magic against others, not for a lack of trying, but because he never managed to control it. But this time he knew he could.

And so he did.

Lily is getting worried. I know she's trying to hide it from me, but I noticed. She's so strong. Far better and smarter than I could ever be.

But something seems to bother her constantly. Even more so than Lord Voldemort's plans.

I don't know how much time we have left, but I want to keep her safe from it all. Yet, she insists on making these damned potions. Her kindness never seems to find its breaking point.

Then there's our future. Our son.

I don't know what to do anymore.

But I want to do something. There has to be a solution...

-J P

Harry reread the entry, could see the worry carved into the parchment. It was a diary entry from before Harry's birth, detailing all that his mother had done to help the werewolves in need, despite her pregnancy.

He could also see the admiration and love James had for her, which made Harry feel considerably better. That longing would never disappear, but he no longer denied that he still wanted a family, or love. It was something that would always stay with him and Harry took strength from that. It made him feel more human.

Alive.

He was sitting by the fireplace in Potter manor, recovering from the ordeal of the day. His wandless magic underwent a breakthrough and Harry was confident he'd never have issues with his Rowan wand again. Not after getting complete control over his own magical core.

All he needed to do now was to study battle strategies, work on his spell repertoire and continue to train.

From Rendahl's satisfied look, it was a training they were both looking forward to.

Harry was currently wrapped up in his invisibility cloak, taking comfort in the soft material and the amount of magic it contained. It felt familiar.

Of course, Dumbledore had given him his father's cloak for a reason, entrusting him with one of the Deathly Hallows and not just a simple family heirloom. There was no cloak in existence that could hide a person as effectively as this one did.

And Harry fully intended to make the most of it. In fact, the road to becoming the Master of Death and thwarting Voldemort's ambitions became slightly easier to walk for him. As for what happened after he achieved his goal... He'd deal with it in the future.

Alby suddenly appeared, holding a letter, which the elf handed over, before disappearing again. Harry read it, his eyes scanning the contents for any deception.

It was decided.

Rita Skeeter agreed to do the interview and Harry grinned after reading her hasty reply. It was just bloody perfect.

Unfortunately, his relief was abruptly taken away from him, because Alby reappeared again, announcing that Harry had a visitor.

He stood on shaky legs, still feeling battered.

Not many people knew of this place. And all Durmstrang students he had invited over in the past had promised to keep it a secret. So it was either one of them, or a threat.

"Did he introduce himself?" he asked the house-elf and Alby nodded, staring at him with wide eyes.

"A Remus Lupin requested to see you, Master Harry."

Harry froze.

What?