CHAPTER 20: REALIZATION

     Everyone was downstairs within thirty minutes.  There were aurors everywhere outside making sure that things were safe.  Hermione and Harry went into the kitchen together.  They saw Sirius and Remus, Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and someone that they didn't know. 

     "Hello Harry," said the gentleman.

     He took hold of Hermione's hand.  "Hello sir," he said.  "Um, who are you?"

     "Harry this is Judge Reynolds."  Mr. Weasley stood up and said.  "He presided over Sirius' trial a last week."

     "Really?  Is there something wrong?  Did Peter escape?"

     "No it's nothing like that Harry.  Actually I'm here for you."

     "For me?  Why?"

     "Harry," Sirius began slowly.  "You said the Killing Curse when you were fighting Voldemort."

     "I was asked by Arthur to come and see you.  This is a serious thing Mr. Potter.  It really doesn't matter that you were fighting Voldemort.  There are other ways that could have been used to capture him."

     "I realize that sir.  All I can say is that I'm guilty for saying those curses, but there was no other way to save us.  It had to be done."  Harry stood and for the first time in his life Sirius realized just how much he looked and acted like his father.  "I'm sorry Judge Reynolds.  If you want to throw me in Azkaban or give me the Dementor's Kiss then by all means try, but I think that you and everyone else will have a hard time trying to capture me.  Most likely I'll be harder to catch than even Voldemort."

     "Now wait just a moment Mr. Potter," the judge started.

     "No you wait," Harry cut him off.  "I saved more lives today by saying those curses than if I hadn't.  I will not stand by and watch that maniac kill innocent people any longer.  If he wants a fight then he'll get one."

     "I see," Judge Reynolds stood.  "Well Arthur, if that's the case then we have no other choice."  He looked up at Harry.  "Mr. Harry Potter, it is the judgment of myself Judge Harrison Reynolds and that of the Minister here that you are to be given every possible means to rid our world of Tom Marvolo Riddle a.k.a. Lord Voldemort.  I hear by give you and your team special permission to use the Unforgivable Curses, ONLY in extreme condition.  That means in life or death only, Mr. Potter.  Do you understand?"

     Harry looked confused, "I don't understand sir.  What do you mean by team?"

     "I'll explain that when Judge Reynolds leaves," Mr. Weasley said.

     "Okay then.  Thanks your honor."

     "My pleasure Mr. Potter," the judge extended his hand.  "I hope that you might want to work for the Ministry after your schooling is over.  Perhaps become an Unspeakable like your father."

     "Maybe your honor, but I'll have to ask him about it when or if I see him."

     "Yes, I've heard that you got to spend some time with your parents a few days ago.  I had the chance to work with your grandfather and your father on a few occasions.  They were quite the pair.  I only wish that you had the chance to talk with them both.  I must be leaving now."  Turning to Mr. Weasley he asked, "Minister if that is all?"

     "Yes Harrison.  Thank you."

     "Of course," he said.  Judge Reynolds apperated back to his office – he didn't see the smiling faces on everyone that was standing in the kitchen.

     "Well Harry I think that there is an explanation in order, but I'll wait until after everyone is done eating."

     "That's fine with me, but I think that the others will have a different idea about that."

     "That much is certain.  Let's go in the living room everyone.  We'll eat in there with the rest."

     They joined the rest of the group and finished their breakfast.  After Minki cleared off the table Mr. Weasley started to explain what happened.   

     "Before I really get into this I want to tell all of you that you fought bravely today.  All of you should be happy about what you accomplished.  Now I know that everyone heard Harry say the Unforgivables.  I want to assure you that there will be no repercussion because of it.  The last time that we faced Voldemort and his Death Eaters it was nearly a disaster.  Today we were more organized and focused.  We had a plan and we stuck with it.  That makes what I have to suggest all that easier.  After the first fight Judge Reynolds came to my office to tell me about Sirius and Peter.  It was then that we had a conversation about setting up a group of people that would be a special task force to deal with Voldemort. 

     Now I know that Albus has the Order, but this would be different.  You will have the responsibility of all the other Order members, but you may act independently if you must.  You will fight as a group, and heaven help us, you will win this fight.  That's why, Harry, that Judge Reynolds said something about you having a team.  We want you to lead this special task force."

     "So you had this planned from the start?"

     "Yes.  We were going to wait until school was almost over to suggest it, but considering what happened today I thought that it might be a good idea to have you start thinking about it now.  I must tell you though that your school responsibilities will come first.  Do you have any other questions?"

     "Who gets to choose the members of my team?  Will it be the Order or Ministry?"

     "Neither.  You are the leader so you get to pick your team.  Is that all?"

     "Well for now yeah.  I need to think about few things."  Harry got up from his spot.  "Sirius can you do me a favor?"

     "What's that Harry?"

     "Grab the keys for the Manor.  I think we'll be going today instead of tomorrow."

     "Just tell me when you're ready to leave."

     "Will do," he said.  He reached out his hand towards Hermione who took it.  "Will you come upstairs with me?"

     She smiled at him.  "Of course I will."

     He looked at Ron, Ginny and Draco.  "Are you guys coming?  I think we need to talk about a few things.  I think about a half an hour should do it Sirius."

     He gave Harry thumbs up, and turned to talk with Dumbledore, McGonagall and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.