Chapter 34
Late that night in the Headmaster's office, Dawn, Drano, Hermione, the Weasleys, Sirius, Remus, Diana, Demeter, Damien, McGonagall and Snape were all gathered. It seemed like Snape seemed slightly green at the prospect of being in the same room as a bunch of Gryffindors or he was green because his own godson had kissed a Potter.
"Well now, as you are all here let us begin. I am sure you have plenty of questions for Dawn and Draco yet I have some things to give them before we start the interrogation." The Headmaster said causing Dawn and Draco to laugh softly.
The Headmaster gave a snap and swiftly two trunks appeared before them. Both instantly recognized them as their old school trunks from the past. After that, a stack of letters was given to them although Dawn's seem much bigger. Then two items both Dawn and Draco had not seen in more then two years. There placed before them were their first wands. Gently they both accepted them and strapped them to their bodies.
"Harold wrote you both, along with Professor Slughorn for you Draco. Might I inform you that Professor Slughorn has returned as a Professor and I am sure that he would enjoy seeing his old pupil once more." The Headmaster remarked causing Draco to chuckle. "As for yours Dawn, Professor Crystal and Storm both left letters for you encase you were to return your old students also left you letters and young Harold as well. The Potters also left you letters and current letters from your parents. They requested that I only give them to you once you turned of age and seeing as you have, I have the right to give them to you."
"Thank you sir." Dawn whispered while looking at the stack of envelops.
Swiftly both Dawn and Draco placed them in the trunks before looking up at the Headmaster.
"The last things I have to give you are these. Christopher gave me the right to give you these." He continued before handing over two large purple velvet boxes.
Both accepted them and found gold phoenix' placed on them yet Dawn's had a crown. When they opened them, they were both shocked to find an Order of Merlin First class.
"Holly shit." Draco whispered yet Dawn did not say a word.
"Also letters from Christopher himself, as Minister of Magic." The Headmaster finished while handing over two additional letters but these with the official Minister of Magic seal waxed onto them. Gently both Dawn and Draco placed them into their trunks and the Headmaster at last rested against his seat. "Two additional things were placed in your vault Dawn, for both you and Draco. During the last battle, you were seen fighting with two muggle guns and they were placed in your vault. Apparently they are treasures of war."
That of course caused both Dawn and Draco to wince, to think that two weapons of destruction was in Dawn's vault was not very comforting yet it was better then in the Malfoy vault.
"Now then let us start with the questions." The Headmaster declared and the first one to speak with Sirius.
"For how long have you two been together?" He asked causing both Dawn and Draco to look at each other.
"Um – a year in a half about." Dawn answered hesitantly.
"We got together after we were able to save Dawn from her imprisonment during the war." Draco continued.
"What imprisonment!" Hermione asked looking quite horrified.
"I was captured during a battle, early on and brought to one of Grindelwalds prisons. There, I found out that the Potters were also there and a few others. I wasn't there for long since the Order of the Phoenix was formed after I was captured. Anyway Draco kissed me the moment they were able to get me out of my cell." She answered causing the females of the group to ah.
"How old are you both exactly?" Minerva asked.
"Well since we restarted half our four year did our fifth and our sixth year we are seventeen but will be turning eighteen on our next birthdays." Draco answered this time.
"Were you really the leader of the Order of the Phoenix?" Ron asked.
"Yes I was." Dawn answered while looking at the Headmaster. "The new leader is the Headmaster and I have to admit he is doing a fairly good job."
That of course caused the Headmaster to chuckle and Dawn was happy to see that his eyes were twinkling once more.
"How was it like in the past?" Ginny asked looking quite eager to learn.
"Different, the Headmaster here was still Head of Gryffindor when we arrived and had dark red hair. His beard wasn't as long and he hadn't developed his twinkling eye thingy. Gryffindor and Slytherin weren't total enemies like they are now and Quidditch had been cancelled during the war. Battles were vicious especially those including both muggle and wizarding people. The government had no choice but to form a unite that included people who knew about the wizarding world to help fight during those battles. It was not easy and the uniform was not what I expected at the time." Dawn stated her eyes dimming at the memories of battles long past yet still fresh in her mind.
"Who did you stay with?" Ron asked curiously.
"We stayed with Christopher and Maria Potter, Christopher was the Minister of Magic at the time and far more responsible then Fudge. Sadly the first summer we were there, they were kidnapped and we had to stay at a different location with Harold after sealing the manor." Draco answered.
"I never asked where you both stayed after that." The Headmaster remarked.
"We asked Harold what was the one place that nobody knew about. He answered Godrics Hallow." Dawn answered and that caused everybody's eyes to widen in horror.
"You mean you stayed at…"
"Yes we stayed at Godrics Hallow until we could go to Hogwarts." Dawn answered and for a moment, there was silence. Most people were saddened by the thought that Dawn had stayed in the very building were her life was ripped away from her and where her own life could have ended.
"Dawn, did you really Master in Charms?" Hermione asked clearly eager to get of the subject.
"Yes I did, my Mistress was the Charms Professor of the time, Professor Crystal." Dawn answered.
"And you did it all in one year?" Ron asked clearly hesitant.
"Yes, I did it in one year, it was fun and I was very happy to have been given the chance." She stated.
"What a minute!" Hermione cried before searching in her bag. For a moment, everybody watched until she took a book out and gave it to Dawn who looked down at it. She just blinked then laughed and showed it to Draco who started to chuckle.
"Where did you find this?" She asked causing Hermione to blush.
"In Gryffindor Tower." Ginny answered.
"Why, what is it?" Sirius asked.
"The Guide to pass ones DADA OWL's." Dawn stated.
"What does it say in the back my dear?" The Headmaster asked and Dawn turned it around. There stuck to the back was not only a picture but words. Dawn and Draco both recognized the people as themselves dressed in their armour or almost all of it.
"It says, Dawn and Orion, two fighters against Grindelwald, leaders of war. Whoever finds this book should use it in the best way possible. Learn from it." Draco read causing the Headmaster to chuckle.
"You wrote a book?" Remus asked confused.
"It's handwritten and actually it's Dawn who wrote most of it. I wrote perhaps two pages." Orion answered causing Dawn to blush.
"It's really useful Dawn; all Gryffindor fifth years used it and while Umbridge was still teaching and even after that. There were really helpful pointers to pass our OWL's." Ron said and Dawn gave a happy smile.
"I'm glad to hear it; I never thought it would be found though." She murmured causing Ginny to grin. "Let me guess you found it Miss Grin a lot."
"Yes." Ginny answered.
"Well now, Miss Granger, Mister Weasley, Miss Weasley could you three please return to Gryffindor Tower, I have a few more things to discus with Dawn and Orion." The Headmaster said.
The trio were about to protest when Dawn gave them looks.
"But Dawn, you were what sixteen when you joined the Order?" Ron exclaimed.
"I was different Ron, I am involved in war no matter what, and you are not. I refuse to let you guys get involved. I know it may sound hypercritic but I have never been a child." Dawn stated causing the entire office to fall silent. "Please understand this."
"We will." Hermione whispered before pulling Ron and Ginny out of the office behind her.
For a moment, there was silence but then Dawn let a sigh leave her lips.
"Thank you my dear, now I assume you have questions for me?" The Headmaster asked and Dawn gave a nod.
"What happened to Harold eh, my Grandfather?" She asked.
"I'm afraid Harold disappeared before the first war with Voldemort ended. He disappeared before your parents went into hiding. He and his wife. I'm afraid they have not been found as of yet nor heard of." Dumbledore answered causing Dawn's eyes to brighten.
"Who is my grandmother?" She asked curious as to whom it might be.
"Your grandmother was a young Hufflepuff in Harold's year. She went by the name Anesta Bones. She was the younger sister of Activius Bones, who is Susan Bones grandfather and Amelia Bones father." The Headmaster answered causing Dawn's eyes to widen in shock. So she was related to the Bones Family in some way, interesting.
"What happened to the original Order?" She asked looking quite uncertain about the fact.
"Some died, some went into hiding and some are still alive." The Headmaster answered and then Minerva jumped in.
"My parents are still alive." She answered causing Dawn to brighten.
"I would really like to thank them personally Professor, your parents put their lives in danger every day by spying on Grindelwald and his followers." Dawn said her voice sincere.
"I can arrange for them to visit. They have not seen Hogwarts in many years." Professor McGonagall remarked.
"I would like that." She agreed.
"Dawn, Draco I would like that you both attend the next meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. It will be held tomorrow night here at the castle." Dumbledore stated and both Dawn and Draco gave nods of agreement.
"We shall be there." They agreed but then Dawn thought about something.
"Professor would you have folders on the war. Documents of sorts?" She asked and the Headmaster gave a nod.
"I have documented everything of about this war. I will gladly share this with you my dear." he stated while reaching into his desk and taking a thick and large folder out. He handed it to Dawn who gave a nod.
At midnight, Dawn and Draco finally left for their dorms. The next day would be easy going since it was still Christmas Vacations yet slightly tense as Voldemort could attack at anytime.
Arriving at Gryffindor tower, Dawn looked at the painting and smiled.
"Hello my lady, a pleasure to see you once more." Dawn remarked causing the woman's eyes to widen.
"My word is it Dawn Potter I am speaking with?" She asked shocked.
"The one and only, may I inform you of the password I do know?" She asked.
"Of course my dear, you were quite nice to me." The Fat Lady agreed.
"Snitches and pudding." Dawn stated and the woman swung open letting her enter the Gryffindor common room.
The moment she entered she spotted, the entire Fifth year group waiting for her. When they say her, they all looked at her and so she walked forward.
"Let me guess some of you have questions?" She asked and they gave nods. "Then first one to go will be you Neville."
"Um, Dawn where were you?" He asked.
"The past, I was in the time of the second world war and the Grindelwald war." She answered causing his eyes to widen.
"Then you're the one my grandmother was speaking of!" he exclaimed causing her to laugh.
"Your grandmother is Augusta Longbottom."
"Yes she is, wow, I'm sure she would be happy to hear about this." Neville whispered causing Dawn to grin.
"Then send her a letter but do not reveal too much Neville… or is she in the Order?" Dawn asked curiously.
"Yes, she is in it as a political figure of sorts I think." Neville answered causing Dawn to grin.
"Then no need to send a letter, I shall see her tomorrow evening." Dawn stated causing Neville's eyes to widen.
Thankfully, though the questions that fallowed didn't last long only a half an hour and at last, Dawn was allowed to go to bed in her old room. At first the group were wondering where she was going but when they say that it was a bedroom, they were slightly shocked. Still Dawn closed the door behind her before going over to her trunk and grabbing a long sleeved t-shirt fallowed by a pair of panties. After changing she law down in her bed and let a content sigh, leave her lips. It felt great to be back in her bed. Suddenly she turned and found Draco looking at her from the side of her bed. Laughing softly she lifted the covers up and he climbed in beside her. Grateful for having him beside her she cuddled to his side and went strait to sleep a smile on her lips.
The next morning both woke up and with a quick time spell, they realised that it was quite late. Neither were worried by that fact seeing, as they hadn't slept in so long that it felt good.
"I think I'll call the house elf, perhaps they can prepare us a little something before lunch." Dawn whispered yet just after that, a house elf did appear.
"Mistress Dawn asked for food?" It asked and Dawn gave a bright smile.
"Yes thank you."
As soon as the house elf left, the duo started to eat and even read the letters the received the day before.
Dear Dawn,
I suppose you might be wondering why I would write you a letter when well you are supposed to be dead. After all, who could survive that explosion? Still I feel as though I should write this and even though I feel stupid, I am. I am fifteen now, four years have passed since the end of the wars and everything is getting fixed up pretty well. Diagon Alley is completely cleaned up and Hogsmead is as well. There had been a ceremony to honour those fallen during the time of war and a black stone wall placed in the Ministry of magic with all your names on it. You're both on it even though some of the adults don't think you are actually dead. Father did not want your name placed on it though, he didn't seem happy at all. Well anyway, this year is my OWL year and I hope I do just as well as you guys. You guys were brilliant and even did two NEWT's. Well Orion did one but still. Professor Crystal left about two years ago. I guess she didn't want to be reminded of you or something. Our new Professor is really tiny, Professor Filius Flitwick, he was a Ravenclaw and he is a duelling champions. Professor McGonagall took Professor Crystal's position as Gryffindor Head of House and she is really good at it. Um, what else to say oh yes, I met this cute girl. Her name is Anesta Bones. Mum and dad met her at a function we attended and they seemed to like her. She is a Hufflepuff but really nice and she is really good in duels. I am sure you would have loved her as well; she seems to look up to you as a hero of sorts. I asked her who her hero was once in class, because of a project and she answered you. She says she likes how you stood up for what you believed was right and even fought when most woman would stay at home. Well you are a hero to me as well. You and Orion are. I wish you would have survived Dawn, I really do, your Charms Classes were brilliant and you were brilliant. I miss you so much, you were the older sister I never had and I loved you like one.
Harold
Part 2
Strange how I am writing this in parts but it is unique for a letter is it not. I am older now, out of Hogwarts and married, yes married. I married Anesta Bones and we have a son, his name James Potter. Damien had a grandson by the way, his name is Remus Lupin, same age as my own son. Demeter married Diana by the way. Its strange you know, I rather thought that by now you and Orion would be married and would have children as well. Perhaps I could have been an uncle of sorts. Well, James I can tell will be a prankster, I mean I see it in his eyes and he is already playing small pranks. His accidental magic was brilliant and he is only nine. He will be starting at Hogwarts in a few years and I just know he will be in Gryffindor. He is going to cause the Professor's hair to go grey although I think that Albus, the Headmaster, is getting up there with his white bear and hair. He only has a few more strands of red hair left. Funny is not it yet he seems perfectly happy especially now that his eyes twinkle all the time. Things are still peaceful around here.
Harold
Part 3
Well Dawn, my worst fear has happened, although my son is in school, war has started. This new Dark Lord has risen with a group he calls Death Eaters. The man calls himself the Dark Lord Voldemort. He is powerful and people are starting to call him you know who. Albus has restarted the Order of the Phoenix and some of the old crowed has returned. Professor Crystal and Storm have not thought. Nobody really does know where they are or even if they are alive. My son is a Gryffindor by the way. His best friend is a Black, Sirius Black the heir of the House of Black and Remus Lupin they are also friends with another boy by the name of Peter Pettergrew. They call themselves the Marauders and pull pranks on the students at school. I have already been called to Hogwarts ten times this year and it is only his first year! I have been informed that he has had ten detentions in two weeks. His mother is not too happy but James is a happy boy. Apparently, he has his eyes on a pretty red head by the name of Lily Evans, but Miss Evans does not seem to return it.
Harold
Part 4
This is the last part of this letter that I will write to you Dawn, my son has graduated from Hogwarts and has a son of his own, his name is Harry Potter. They named him after me. I was touched by they are going into hiding. Voldemort is after them and us. We have decided to go into hiding as well but James says it is safer if we go to different places. I don't know where James and Lily, yes Lily Evans, the one who wouldn't say yes before said yes in their seventh year, will be going. They are going under the Fidelius Charm. We shall be doing so as well, but I have decided to choose myself as the Secret Keeper. We will be going to one of our properties since they are the safest ones we have.
I now say goodbye Dawn.
Harold
Tears fell from Dawn's eyes as she read her Grandfathers letter. She laughed when he mentioned that she was named after him. Gently she placed the letter down and promised herself to look into all the properties. If they would be going under the Fidelius Charm they would probably chose one of the most well protected places. The next letter she read was Professor Crystals, fallowed by Professor Storms. She of course read her Great Grandparents' letters and then the student's letters. It seemed like her 'dead' had been quite a sad affair when announced to the students.
Gently she put down the last letter written by her students and took the only letter left to open. Christopher's as the Minister of Magic. Gently she picked it up and broke the seal. From there she pulled the papers out and started to read.
Dawn Potter, Head of the Order of the Phoenix,
You have shown great bravery and exception loyalty to your country by fighting in battles that where meant to be fought by soldiers and Aurors. You were a civilian yet made it your duty to protect and defend your fellow fellow citizens. You have been imprisoned by the Dark Lord Grindelwald yet held strong; you have lead men and woman onto the battlefield and saved many people during those battles. I am honoured to give you the Order of Merlin First class. I am also honoured to give you the medal of the Phoenix. This medal can be given to you at the Ministry of Magic by the Minister of Magic in person. This medal is to show that you have been a leader during the time of war, a leader of the light that should be shown with honour.
Minister of Magic, Order of Merlin First class,
Lord Christopher Henry Potter
Shaking her head, she let a smile form on her face. It seems like she would be making a visit to the Ministry of Magic soon.
Turning to Orion he gave her a smile and they swiftly put all there letters away.
"I think we best get dressed and down to the Great hall. Don't want to worry the Headmaster to much now do we." Draco remarked causing Dawn to smile.
"I agree."
With a final kiss, Draco left for his own room and Dawn started to get dressed. She decided to go with a pair of black skinny jeans that were slightly distressed and to go with it a white tank top. Over that she wore a black sweater that hugged her curves and finally a pair of black high heel boots. Finished she strapped her wands to her body before leaving her room and walking into the common room. There were a few students hanging about and when she walked in they seemed to look at her yet she just walked out and started to make her way towards the Great Hall for the lunch that would be happening in a few moments. Entering the Great hall both were speaking and it seemed that everybody was looking at them. Shaking their heads they decided to sit at each others tables and so separately for the first time in years.
Sitting at Gryffindor Dawn found herself soon joined by, what would have been, her fellow sixth years if she had not accepted the teaching position.
"Hey Dawn, did you know that we are getting a new Charms Professor because Flitwick was injured?" Ron asked as he started to pile some of the food that had just appeared.
"Um, the Headmaster did inform me of that. I am curious as to whom it might be, but I hope you enjoy the new Professor." Dawn remarked.
"Why?" Neville asked.
"I won't be attending Charms Class with you guys, because I am a Mistress of Charms." She answered causing Nevilles eyes to widen "Neville have you ever thought of going for a Herbology Mastery?"
"Well I sort of did, I mean I love Herbology, I really do and it's something I'm good at." Neville said and Dawn gave a nod.
"You are very good at Herbology, I don't think I have ever seen anybody with a greener thumb then yourself." She stated causing Neville to frown.
"But my thumb isn't green?" He asked causing Hermione and Dawn to laugh.
"Sorry I guess it's a muggle expression, a green thumb means that you are good at Gardening and such." Dawn explained and Neville gave a nod of understanding.
"I see, it makes sense." He said before continuing to eat.
For a moment nothing was said in reality Dawn didn't really know what to speak about with her friends. She was used to speaking with Draco about the war but considering she still needed to read the folder and before the meeting that night she didn't want to spend to much time eating. She needed to really know, in more detail what had happened during the years she had been gone.
"So Dawn, do you want to do something this afternoon?" Hermione asked and Dawn gave a sad smile.
"I'm afraid I have to read over some papers from the Order. I need to make sure that I'm in the know for when the meeting takes place." She answered causing Hermione and Ron to grow sad.
"Oh." Ron whispered.
"But if you want you can come into my room and perhaps read or something. I can't tell you anything about the order but if you want I can help with your homework if you have any." She said causing Hermione to brighten and Ron to groan.
"Homework?" He wined causing Dawn to smile.
"Getting it down sooner will save you time for later." She said and Ron gave a sigh.
"Oh alright, we can do homework." He agreed.