Here we go...
this is the last chapter before the ball starts rolling, from here on out, Harry will start making gains, and become more powerful, I also think that the violence and war aspect will be along in 2/3 chapters, so hold on, it's not long now!
Thank you to all my readers, we are on 223 right now, lets so if we can reach 250!
Please enjoy!
Chapter 23
Harry was pacing before the closed door in frustration, following the atrocious week he had had, the last thing he had expected was to be left waiting for twenty minutes, and had it been anyone else behind the door he would have protested,
"If you're not careful, you'll wear through the floor." Harry turned and glared at Rosier, before his expression softened slightly, and he chuckled, walking over to the seat next to the older wizard.
"Very well Evan, let us wait like civilised men."
The two sat together, the silence growing more and more tense, Harry glared at his watch and noted that another ten minutes has passed since he had sat. With a muttered curse he stood up, and was about to resume his relentless pacing when the high doors swung open.
"Harry, Evan, Good Morning, I trust you haven't been waiting long?" the Dark Lord asked, a wide smirk playing across his lips, Harry bowed slightly,
"Of course not my Lord, it was no trouble." Beside him he felt Rosier nod in agreement.
"Well please, do come in, we have a lot to talk about."
The dark haired young man stepped aside and ushered his two followers inside. Harry found himself in the Dark Lords study, the high bay windows showering the room in light, illuminating the many high bookshelves filled with countless tomes.
Harry strode through the room with a familial sense of disregard, barely giving the elegant room a glance, taking a seat in one of the carved wooden seats that stood in front of the large mahogany desk, Harry used his Occlumency shields to suppress the feelings of irritation he still felt bubbling below the surface.
"I do apologise for the wait Harry, I merely thought that given your current status, you were at risk of losing all humility, which we just can't have now can we?"
"As I said my Lord, it is no trouble."
"Quite." The Dark Lord surveyed him for a moment, Harry met his gaze strongly, and the two men appraised each other. Eventually the Dark Lord looked away, and when his scarlet eyes met Harry's again, the amusement was gone, replaced by cold, angry orbs.
The Dark Lord picked up a copy of The Daily Prophet from his desk and threw it to Harry,
"Explain." The words were hissed out slowly, and Harry's eyes flicked down to the Headline,
ALBUS DUMBLEDORE CLEARED OF ALL CHARGES!
"Fudge was smarter than we thought." Harry replied evenly, keeping his eyes firmly above the Dark Lords head.
"We?" asked Riddle, "There is no we. This was your doing. Your mistake."
"Of course My Lord." Harry took a deep breath, "I had thought that Fudge would have ensured Dumbledore's arrest. The man surprised me by organising a fair trial, perhaps he is not as incompetent as we had thought. It will not happen again."
The Dark Lord surveyed him for a long moment, his face impossible to read,
"I cannot blame this entirely on you Harry, Lucius supported your plan of course. It is sometimes easy to forget you are only 18." Harry kept his face impassive, whilst the Dark Lord watched him.
"It will not happen again." He repeated, Riddle frowned at him slowly,
"No, It won't…" Harry knew what was coming a second before the Dark Lord sent the silent curse at him.
Once more Harry felt his entire body experience pain beyond pain, he was dimly aware as he slid out of his chair and onto the floor, he scraped his hands across the polished wood, registering as his nails cracked and broke. After an eternity of agony, it was suddenly gone, leaving Harry with a pounding heart and painful throb in his hands.
On shaky legs, He pulled himself back up to his chair, clasping his shaking hands together and drawing in a wavering breath.
"Apology accepted." Harry looked up at Voldemort and saw the man leering at him. The Dark Lord stared at him for a few seconds, "how do you plan to move on from this failure?"
Harry swallowed, "I will have to follow a new tactic, Dumbledore is clearly aware of my connection to you my Lord, I am concerned about future reprisals."
Riddle laughed, though the sound was cold and lacked any emotion,
"Dumbledore is a fool, he doesn't have the strength to kill those who get in his way." Harry shrugged,
"I don't think so, the man may be altogether too forgiving, however I believe he would destroy those he feels present a true threat to him." Beside him, Evan, who had been quiet up until this point spoke up.
"My Lord, I believe Potter may be correct, he has learnt the lessons of the last war, I fear we cannot rely on his pacifist doctrine anymore." The Dark Lord turned to Rosier slowly, the tall fair haired man looked down at the table quickly.
"Indeed?" he nodded, "I have heard similar reports also, Dumbledore has always believed Death to be a blessing to many…"
Harry looked at Evan and the older man nodded,
"Precisely my Lord, I believe that many of the high profile members of your organisation are at risk from assassination attempts from the Order of the Phoenix." The Dark Lord waved away the suggestion airily,
"Whilst I am prepared to accept the idea of Albus killing on the battlefield, the man still has some morals, he would never sanction assassination."
"Perhaps not, but Mad-Eye Moody would, Sirius Black would, indeed, most of the survivors of the first war would happily end any sort of conflict before it begins with a well-timed curse."
Voldemort eyed him carefully, after around thirty seconds, the he nodded,
"Agreed." He laughed to himself, "I assume you have a plan?" Harry nodded.
"That is why I have brought Evan here." Riddle glanced at Evan quickly, before he nodded for Harry to continue.
"I would like to form a new group, technically under the control of the BAL, but in practice under Mr Rosier and I's direct control." The Dark Lord surveyed him curiously,
"And what would this group do?" Harry took a deep breath,
"They would be a disciplined, militant force, tasked with protecting High Value public figures in the Traditionalists." He released the breath slowly, watching Voldemort's face intently, the Dark Lord looked amused,
"You wish me to sanction the creation of an army loyal to you?" he asked with a small smirk, Evan quickly jumped in defence of the idea,
"No my Lord, not an army, merely a bodyguard service, it would not need to be more than… sixty members." Rosier looked at Harry, who nodded in agreement at the number
"Consider it my Lord, a very visible, very disciplined display of our strength, it would serve great Political value."
Riddle watched the two of them for a very long time, neither Harry nor Evan dared to breath.
"Very Well, but I expect a full list of members, and I expect you to ensure that this group's loyalty is to you two, it would not do for some uppity Politician to gain ideas above his station."
"Yes my Lord." The two men murmured, Voldemort nodded slowly,
"You may go. Harry, do not fail me again."
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When Harry returned to the flat that night he was furious. He slammed the door violently, and strode straight across the sitting room to the tall grandfather clock. Opening the stand, he revealed a modest variety of bottles. With scarcely a look at the labels, he pulled one out and filled a conjured glass with the amber liquid.
"Bad day?" Miranda asked, sauntering around the door from the bedroom.
"You could say that."
"Were you not seeing him today?" she asked, Harry nodded, grimacing as he took another generous gulp.
"That bad hmm?" the blonde asked carefully, Harry shook his head, tiredly.
"I can handle the pain, it's just the nerve of the man, I have been in the government for one year, in that time I have made myself incredibly popular, passed over a dozen pieces of legislation and revolutionised the way the party works, and now I make one mistake, which has no political ramifications for me…" Harry sighed, running his hand through his dark hair angrily, he refilled his glass with another generous measure and knocked it back in one.
Behind him he felt Miranda embrace him tightly from behind.
"Don't be such a fucking weakling Potter." Harry snorted, "You knew the Dark Lord was an megalomaniac when you joined him"
"True enough." He replied,
"And besides, when we win, you will still hold influence, then all we need to do is wait, the Dark Lord is mortal, and will eventually die," she murmured into his shoulder, Harry turned and looked into her shining blue eyes,
"Whereas we will live forever." He whispered, "Together." The girl smiled,
"Precisely, who could be better suited to inherit the nation than the Dark Lord's most trusted lieutenant? 0We shall rule together, forever."
Harry smiled broadly, before he swept down and captured the girl's lips into a passionate kiss, carrying her through to the bedroom, kicking off his shoes as he did so.
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3 Months Later
On a chilly day in September, Harry reflected that forming a bodyguard unit was one of the hardest things he had ever had to do. He and Evan had been working whenever they had time to create their vision.
There had been problems with the financing, problems with the training, problems acquiring uniforms, problems with the legality of the issue, but finally, after many sleepless nights, Harry's Legion stood before him. Harry had inspected their training only a few times, as whilst he had been working on the bureaucratic side of things, Evan, who had far more combat experience than Harry, had trained them, hard, for the last three months.
There were more than sixty of them, their numbers counted 94 at the last check, but Harry was pleased with each and every one of them. The Dark Shield had surpassed all of Harry's initial expectations, selected from the best of the surge of volunteers they had received, the legion comprised of only wizards aged between 20 and 30.
He had received an owl from Rosier that day, in which the man had eagerly told Harry that they were ready. Harry had wasted no time, immediately apparating to a windswept patch of moor in Devon. The training camp was small, with two dozen magical tents set up, as well as a well-trod Parade Ground, at the head of which Harry currently stood.
"Magnificent aren't they?" Evan asked, his voice filled with pride, Harry nodded in pleasure, the soldiers lined up before him were certainly impressive.
Each man looked resplendent in a fitted double breasted black Jacket, decorated in silver thread, with a high stiff collar, sown onto which were the letters DS. They wore loose black trousers, decorated only with a single red strip running down the outside leg, and highly polished knee high leather boots. Beside him, Evan was dressed in the same uniform, though with gold in the place of silver on his jacket.
"Magnificent doesn't do them justice." Harry murmured, his green eyes shining, "This is the Parade uniform I presume?" he questioned,
"Correct, for field duty they have far less extravagant outfits."
"If they fight as well as they parade, then they must be fearsome indeed." Harry complimented, Rosier chuckled,
"Perhaps a demonstration?" Harry grinned and nodded, Evan smiled lightly,
"Dark Shield." He shouted, the men before him came to attention in a single hard movement.
"Dark Shield, Mr Potter would like a demonstration of your prowess." Evan surveyed his soldiers with a proud smile, "Who would care to volunteer?"
As one the entire unit took a measured step forward, Harry laughed,
"I can't fault their enthusiasm." Evan flushed lightly,
"Jackson, Morris and Leeche, step forward." Three men stepped out of the formation and took up a clearly practiced situation, Rosier turned to Harry to explain,
"The Dummy there is supposed to be you Harry, Leeche and Jackson will try to kill you, whilst Morris will keep you alive." Harry nodded slowly,
"So our men are also trained in the termination of defended targets?" he asked, Rosier's smile became suddenly more sinister.
"I thought it best to be prepared for any eventuality." He deadpanned, Harry nodded, and returned his attention to the Demonstration.
The men were good, they moved fast, the two attackers fluidly probing defences whilst the defender danced around, keeping the Dummy safe. After five minutes of combat, Evan called the display to an end. The three men immediately stopped what they were doing and saluted, before stepping into line once more.
Harry turned to Evan with a wide grin, "How fast can we have them in service?"
"Tomorrow." The fair haired man said confidently, Harry clasped him on his shoulder, feeling the stiff decoration of his jacket under his hand.
"Make it happen my friend." Evan nodded seriously,
"It will be done, I cannot wait to see Dumbledore's face when he learns of this." Harry laughed and nodded, clapping Rosier on the back once more, before disaparating with a crack.
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Traditionalists Defend 'Dark Shield'
Thomas Audley, Political Correspondent.
September 10th
The halls of the Wizengamot this morning were rocked with controversy following the announcement of the Traditionalists having formed an elite unit of bodyguards. Albus Dumbledore, newly reinstated Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Headmaster of Hogwarts and Supreme Mugwump of the International confederation of Wizards, immediately decried the existence of the Dark Shield, stating
"For a political party to require a paramilitary force in any situation is laughable, the only reason this Dark Shield exists is for Political Bullying."
Lucius Malfoy, who has recently retaken his place as head of the Traditionalists, following Dumbledore's return to the position of Chief Warlock, however defended his party's new force,
"The Dark Shield are not an offensive force, they exist to ensure the safety of the Parties members."
This journalist was able to talk to Harry Potter last night and ask what his response to Dumbledore's attack on his Dark Shield, an organisation he is rumoured to have worked to create.
"I cannot understand Dumbledore's complaints, isn't every concern he has about the DS (Dark Shield) equally applicable to the Chief Warlocks own 'Order of the Phoenix?' A far more aggressive paramilitary force, which exists to fight Dark magic with or without Ministry support."
Cont. page 9, col. 1
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Trade mission to France named
Bernie Sprocket, Business Correspondent.
September 31st
The ministry today announced the names of the eight witches and wizards chosen to travel to Paris and refresh Britain's trade agreement with the French Wizarding republic.
Of those named, two are politicians, Edwin Truffle, BPP and Harry Potter, Traditionalists, and they shall be joined by William Pennyside and Jane Fairweather, both of International Magical Trading Standards agency.
In addition, several members of leading British businesses shall be present as well, as yet unnamed, they shall represent members of the Nimbus broom company, Flashtravel Floo powder manufacturers, Weights & Measures Cauldron Design and Gladrags Wizardwear.
The trade mission is due to leave on tomorrow, and according to ministry sources, will spend approximately two weeks in the French capital.
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Harry looked around the large room in frustration, though he made sure he kept his face carefully blank as he did so, it would hardly do to insult their hosts at the present time.
"… so of course, any reductions in tariffs would be highly appreciated." The steel-haired woman from the Department of international Magical Trading standards agency was speaking, the Frenchman opposite her held a smug expression as he perused the sheet of parchment in his hands.
"Well of course, 'owever, any reduction in a tariff would lose the French Ministry many s'ousands of Galleons."
Harry tuned out the conversation, it wasn't as if he was expected to provide input in these arguments, his role was expected in the evenings, where he promoted closer ties between the British and French governments.
From his comfortable seat at the long table, Harry imagined the smug look of satisfaction on Dumbledore's face. He knew that it was the Headmasters recommendation that had resulted in him being here. Albus clearly wanted him out of the picture whilst he rebuilt his party from the ruin it had become. Harry would have applauded such a successful move on the veteran statesman's part, had it not resulted in him having to attend these mind numbing discussions.
On the seat to his right, Harry snorted softly as he watched Edwin Truffle preen, the man was a second rate politician who had done nothing to make himself stand out, in short, the sort of man who would typically go on a trade mission with a Nation Britain had been comfortably trading with for hundreds of years.
"D'accord."
Harry blinked and looked up, everyone appeared to have a smile on their face, and Harry assumed such an expression could only come from the end of the meeting. He smiled brightly and shook hands with his opposite man, the French Politician looked just as bored as he did, and the two men rolled their eyes at each other.
"Lunch?" Harry asked, the man laughed loudly and nodded,
"Mon dieu, I 'ope so."
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"I propose a toast," Harry announced from the Dinner table, "At the end of this, the first week of negotiations, to our ever gracious hosts."
There were calls of agreement from the rest of the dinner table as the rest of the English delegation raised their glasses. Harry sat back down with a smile,
"I must say, it is rather a pleasant surprise to have you here Mr Potter." The young woman next to him said, "When my father invited me, I had rather thought I would be surrounded by boring suits." Harry smiled at her, the girl was young, Harry guessed early twenties, and quite beautiful, in a very continental way.
"I do aim to please, may I compliment you on your English, it is quite phenomenal." He replied, the young woman waved her hand casually,
"I attended Hogwarts for my last two years of Education, my father thought it wise given his position."
"Your Father is a wise man, clearly." The girl smiled,
"Well, being the ambassadeur de commerce to England does involve interaction with your country from time to time." She laughed, Harry nodded his head at the point.
"Well you may thank him for me, I like you, had feared this would be an event for overweight old men, your presence is a delightful surprise."
Harry's interest in what the girl said to him next was lost as he saw who entered the room late. Jean-Sebastian Delacour strode in and looked around, his eyes lingered on Harry for a moment before he smiled and opened his arms wide,
"I am sorry I am late, I hoped I haven't missed too much!" he called warmly,
"Not at all, Monsieur Delacour, we have only just started our main course." One of the French Businessmen said quickly,
"Excellent, well, I hope it would be alright if I were to join you?" A chair was brought out for the man, and a place hastily laid by frantic looking house elves. Before long the conversation got back underway and Harry turned back to the girl he had been listening to before the Jean-Sebastian had walked in.
"That's Jean-Sebastian Delacour, he is the Head of the département de la coopération magique internationale, though Papa says the President listens to him for almost all his decisions."
"I know of Mr Delacour, his daughter and I are… friends." He murmured, eyeing the Frenchmen predatorily,
"Fleur?" the girl asked, Harry nodded distractedly, "she was two years below me at Beauxbatons, how is she?" Harry shrugged,
"I haven't seen her in a year or so, last I heard she is working at Gringotts." This set the girl off on a long diatribe on what Fleur had been like at school, Harry listened with half an ear, not too interested in the girl's conversation.
Eventually the meal came to an end and Harry smiled politely at everyone, shaking hands here and laughing at unfunny jokes there. When he finally managed to get to his bed, he was exhausted, his eyes were sore and his stomach felt bloated, he didn't think his English constitution agreed with the French diet, not that he would ever dare say anything to this effect when his hosts could hear.
The next day was Sunday, and the English were treated to a tour of some of Wizarding France's major commercial areas, they were shown the expansive enchanted forests, from which wand woods and broomsticks were fashioned before flooing to the south, and touring the vast greenhouses where France grew its main magical export, potion ingredients.
However, the remarkable day ended, and all too soon Harry was back in the tedious boardroom, listening to debates go back and forth on the standardisation of Exports, whatever the hell that meant.
In this fashion the days progressed, the evenings were spent in opulent luxury, listening to speeches and drinking expensive wine, which almost made up for the tedious days spent in agonising tedium. On the final supper of the delegation, Harry was accosted just minutes after the meal finished.
"I had been meaning to talk to you Mr Potter." Harry turned and to his pleasure saw Jean-Sebastian Delacour smiling at him,
"You almost missed your opportunity." Harry joked,
"Well, I have you now." Harry nodded his agreement. "Have you found the talks satisfactory?"
"I think both parties are very satisfied with the outcome." Harry replied smoothly, Delacour laughed,
"An excellent answer, you needn't lie, they are rather grating aren't they?" Harry smiled and chuckled,
"I am curious why you are here Mr Potter, you are not the typical candidate for a trade mission." Harry raised one eyebrow,
"Oh? And why is that?" The elder Frenchmen smirked and looked at Truffle who was currently talking to the two French Politicians,
"I'd have thought that obvious Harry, you are relevant." Harry smiled
"Thank you, I suppose." He paused and looked the tall man in the eye, "have you been interested in my career Mr Delacour?"
"Of course." The man lowered his voice, "given your relationship to Fleur, I had thought it expedient."
Harry nodded, and Jean-Sebastian saw the boy's expression shift ever so slightly, becoming more predacious, the Frenchmen stiffened ever so slightly, and the air between the two became suddenly colder,
"Mr Delacour" Harry began, "I think we both know that I am not here by choice, and I feel it would be a waste of two weeks if I were not to get anything out of this trip."
"And what do you expect from me?" he asked, his tone cautious.
"Oh, I am sure you will think of something." Harry replied airily, though his insides were roiling, "How's Fleur?" he asked deceptively calmly,
"She is fine." The Frenchman replied, his voice hard and with a dangerous edge. "She is engaged to an Englishman, Bill Weasely."
"Wonderful." Harry's voice remained soft, though his eyes told a very different story, "I imagine you must be very happy."
"Her happiness means more to me than I could say." The man growled out, and Harry let a mocking smile grow on his face,
"As it should be for any father." He leant in closer to the Frenchmen, "I would prefer excellent publicity from this event Jean-Sebastian, if not… well, I don't think anyone will be attending Fleurs wedding in the near future."
The man was silent, glaring down at Harry murderously, and Harry quickly checked to make sure the two DS-guards who had accompanied him on this trip were nearby.
"I have worked in Politics for 31 years Potter." He eventually ground out, "And in that time I have never been so insulted as I am now."
Harry kept his face calm, and prayed the man couldn't hear his wildly beating heart.
"I will do what I can, though I warn you, should you ever use my daughter against me again…" he trailed off warningly,
"You will do exactly what I say, for you are a good father, and a good man. Whilst I have the benefit of being neither, Good day Jean."
With deceptively calm steps, Harry strode away, his two guards in their immaculate uniforms quickly falling into step behind him. When he found himself alone in a corridor he stopped and leant against the wall.
Idiot. He rebuked himself silently, what the fuck were you thinking?! To blackmail the one of the most important men in France was foolish in the extreme, he could only blame his frustration in the entire situation, having been sent on a mission he deserved to be no part of, and then to sit through hours of torturously dull meetings had clearly done a number on his mind, there was no other explanation.
He silently thanked whatever god's existed that he was going back home in less than an hour, he wasn't sure he would be able to handle seeing the honourable Frenchmen again.
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Closer ties with France?
Valerie Truman, International Correspondent
October 15th
Following the successful renegotiation of the Franco-British trade agreement which concluded last night, The French foreign office has suggested that closer political and economic ties between England and France at this time were a strong possibility thanks to their success.
Many have suggested that Harry Potter's presence on the Trade Mission have been responsible for this new direction on the future of Diplomacy, Jean-Sebastian Delacour, the French head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation spoke following the conclusion of events last night,
"Mr Potter spoke to me of the idea of an economic union between our two great countries and I found myself intrigued by such an idea, he was very persuasive, and hopefully our governments can work together to make his powerful vision a reality."
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Results of our competition come in!
Sophie Kale
October 26th
Last month, Witch Weekly asked its readers to write in to and tell us who fit certain categories, well, today the results came in, and they are very interesting,
Most Successful Singer: Celestina Warbeck (38)
Once again, our favourite singing sorceress has topped our poll, with her sell-out tour 'Spellbound', Celestina has been the nations favourite for eight years now.
Most Influential 'Power Couple': Harry Potter (19) and Miranda Rookwood (22)
The first time we've had a politician in our polls, Harry Potter has taken the country by storm, however, we all know that his charismatic charm and good looks would mean nothing without the stunning Miranda Rookwood keeping him on track.
Most Influential Female: Glenda Chittock (29).
Hosting the enormously popular Witching Hour on the WWN, Glenda has been a part of every witch's life for the last three years, her special brand humour and investigative journalism make her great fun and a hugely successful host.
Most Influential Male: Harry Potter (19)
The runaway winner in our little competition, Harry Potter has clearly been impressing our readers with his popular ideas and genuine outlook, it probably doesn't hurt that he's so easy to look at too.
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Dumbledore was pacing angrily in his study at Hogwarts, despite his success in getting Harry sent off to France for two weeks, the old man had still been unsuccessful in reforming the Progressive party. Many of his old allies had returned to his cause following his short stint in prison, however it wasn't nearly enough, from the original body of 53, the Progressives now counted only 39 members.
Whilst Dumbledore wouldn't have been too concerned, he still had another year before the elections after all, he was concerned about the fact that some of his old supporters had defected to the Traditionalists, citing that they would rather be part of a party that got things done.
Dumbledore sighed angrily as he collapsed into his chair, kneading his temples with his withered fingers as he desperately thought about a way out of the current situation.
The easiest way to achieve this would be to prove the Dark Lord had returned. Were the public to discover that he had been right all along, he was certain that his parties support would skyrocket. However, that proof was proving to be very hard to achieve. The Dark Lord had revealed himself to only a few of his most loyal servants, and this time was engaging in no violence, no muggle tortures and far fewer disappearances than he had expected.
Even Dumbledore's closest allies were beginning to doubt Neville's story of Voldemort's return, after all, it had been almost eighteen months and nothing, recruitment to the order of the phoenix had all but dried up, and Fudge was still having the Prophet write slanderous articles about him. It was infuriating.
"Professor Dumbledore sir?" Albus looked up and smiled wearily when he saw Neville's head poking around his door.
"Aha, Neville, do come in." he greeted warmly, and waited until Neville was sat opposite and comfortable,
"Now, Neville, I imagine you have been wondering what I plan to teach you during these lessons?" he asked with a small smile,
"Yes sir," he responded politely, Dumbledore smiled,
"I imagine you have some theories?" he pressed, Neville flushed a little and nodded,
"Well, Ron thought perhaps, some powerful magic I could use to defeat Voldemort…" he trailed off, Dumbledore motioned for him to continue, watching him calmly,
"Well, Hermione thought you might know something, a secret, which you wanted to tell me." Dumbledore clapped his hands together happily,
"Once again, dear Hermione has proven herself to be quite brilliant." Neville looked up,
"She was right? You know something?"
"I know many something's, it is the benefit of having lived rather a lot of years." Dumbledore replied with a wry smile, Neville blushed
"yes sir, but…" the headmaster cut him off,
"But I also know several things about Lord Voldemort, things I believe you would be better off knowing." Neville nodded, an excited look on his face,
"I suppose the wisest place to begin would be the beginning, it seems prudent to me, does it not?" he asked casually, Neville nodded and Dumbledore smiled, he pulled open a drawer and withdrew a wide shallow basin.
"Do you know what this is Neville?" he asked, Neville nodded,
"That's a pensieve, we have one at home." His voice was proud and the Headmaster nodded sagely,
"You are correct, and you are also very lucky, for very few pensieves exist nowadays, their creation is a lost art I am afraid, so guard yours well!" Neville nodded hastily,
"I am going to show you one of my memories first, which I am sure will answer a great many questions you no doubt have, are you ready?" Neville nodded, with three quick flicks of his wand, Neville saw a misty figure rise out of the basin,
"That's…"
"Professor Trelawney. Correct, now listen closely" Dumbledore finished for him, Neville watched in amazement as the Divination Professor spoke in a cracked, croaky tone,
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches… Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies… and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not… and either must die at the hand of the other, for neither can live whilst the other survives."
There was silence when the figure finished speaking, and Neville watched Dumbledore in confusion,
"Did that mean?... Did she mean…"
"She meant you Neville, of that there can be no doubt." Dumbledore watched the sixteen year old before him carefully, his eyes filled with pity,
"But... so, I have to die?" his voice was quiet and Dumbledore at once leant forward and gripped his hands tightly,
"No!" he shook Neville ever so slightly, "No, did you not listen to the prophecy? He will have a power the Dark Lord knows not. You have a power Neville, you can defeat Voldemort."
"But, I don't have any powers, I think I displayed my incompetence at the Triwizard tournament!" He mumbled the last bit and his cheeks pinked,
"Neville, that was two years ago, you have grown since then, besides, there are many forms of strength, many forms of power." Neville looked at him in confusion and Dumbledore sighed,
"What do you have that Voldemort will never possess?" Dumbledore asked simply, Neville frowned,
"I… I don't know." He finally admitted, Dumbledore looked unsurprised,
"You have Love Neville, and I assure, there is no greater power in the world."
"Love?" the teen sounded Dubious,
"Yes, it was love that saved you as a baby, and it is love that protects you even now, Voldemort cannot feel love, he doesn't understand it, and that is his greatest weakness."
"So, I can defeat him with this love?" he asked, still sounded unconvinced,
"This power makes you far greater than him Neville, I assure you of that."
The boy nodded slowly, though he still looked confused, Dumbledore sighed,
"Neville, I would like to discuss with you something else if I may?" Neville nodded distractedly,
"What do you know of Harry Potters exploits since leaving Hogwarts?" the headmaster asked, Neville looked thoughtful for a moment,
"He's done quite a bit, very well respected politician, always seems to be at these high society parties with his girlfriend… Miranda. And isn't he in charge of the British Action League? That group which goes around having rallies and attacking people who campaign against the Traditionalists, he doesn't seem to get on very well with you though, didn't he say you think rather than act or something?" Dumbledore chuckled,
"He did indeed, and you have most of Mr Potters past couple of years well summed up." He smiled in praise at Neville, "However, I am afraid that at some stage since leaving Hogwarts, Harry Potter allied himself to the Dark Lord." The Headmaster frowned for a moment, "although perhaps ally is the wrong phrase, the Dark Lord has no allies, nor has he friends, he has servants."
"Potter is a Death Eater?" Neville asked horrified, Dumbledore nodded sadly, "Then arrest him, or kill him, or something!" Dumbledore shrugged his shoulders sadly,
"He is too powerful to arrest, and I wouldn't kill him even if I could, though his new guards would make any attempt nigh impossible." Neville frowned,
"But he's a death eater, surely you could get a group together and just…" he mimed stabbing someone and Dumbledore frowned,
"He may be a death eater, but Harry Potter is not irredeemable, I will not try to kill him until I have no other choice." He spoke firmly, and Neville appeared cowed.
"Yes sir." He eventually agreed, Dumbledore nodded.
"The problem for you Neville, is that as you know, Harry Potter is a very capable wizard, he could outduel nearly anyone in the country when he left Hogwarts, and since then I am sure he has been training regularly with many veterans of the previous war."
"You think he will become another Dark Lord?" Neville asked nervously, Dumbledore chuckled,
"I doubt Harry Potter would survive long if Voldemort believed him a threat or disloyal, what concerns me most about Mr Potter is Miranda Rookwood."
Neville looked at him in confusion, "You mean her father?" he finally asked, Dumbledore shook his head,
"I do not mean Miss Rookwood herself, I mean what she represents. Harry Potter, whatever his other faults, loves Miranda very much, and that gives him a certain strength, I believe she is what he fights for, and she also keeps him grounded." Neville seemed to realise what he was saying,
"And you said love is the most powerful force in the world." He murmured, Dumbledore nodded sadly,
"Correct, do not naively assume that the good side has a monopoly on love, Harry Potters love makes him, in many ways, far more dangerous than the Dark Lord."
Neville gulped slightly as he remembered Potters skill and power from the tournament.
"How am I supposed to defeat both Potter and Voldemort?" he asked, a note of panic in his voice, Dumbledore chuckled,
"My dear boy, don't get ahead of yourself, the prophecy states you will kill Voldemort, you have no responsibility towards Harry Potter, do not worry." Neville forced a weak smile,
"What I don't understand is why you haven't attacked." Dumbledore looked at him curiously, "Well, you know his followers and the like, why not attack them now?" Dumbledore frowned lightly,
"Neville, Voldemort is not attacking indiscriminately anymore, he is staying in the shadows, if I were to attack now, I would be attacking the Traditionalist Party, please do not forget that Britain loves Harry Potter, he is 'The Peoples Politician' any attack we make on him right now will make us look like we are in the wrong, until Voldemort himself acts, Harry Potter is free to do what he wants." Neville looked lost when Dumbledore finished, and the silence between the two of them grew larger and longer.
"What can we do?" Neville finally asked, his voice very small, Dumbledore leant forward and looked the teenager deep in the eyes.
"We can wait, we can watch, and we can prepare."
AN
I really hope you enjoyed, please review and give me your thoughts, I love reading them, I really do.
For those of you interested, the links on how I picture the DS-Guards Uniforms are on my profile...
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Love and kisses
Marshall