Chapter 56 – Getting Down to Business

October 5th, 1997

Harry, for the first time in his life, had a hard time keeping up to his usual standards with regards to Molly's cooking. Eating seven sheep will tend to have that result. He did manage to finish his usual double portion of treacle tart, though. Neville was talking with the twins in what Harry assumed was a very serious conversation about the possible repercussions that Neville could expect should he exceed the maximum level that the twins deemed appropriate in his and Ginny's physical relationship. Unfortunately, this was below the minimum level that Ginny had established some time ago. Harry was glad, not for the first time, that he had survived his dating experience with Ginny.

Harry, sitting as he was at a picnic table under an apple tree with Ron and Hermione, then turned his attention to watching as Honey helped Greta help Molly with collecting the dishes and general cleaning up after lunch. Rufus had agreed to allow his granddaughter to go with the Potters, after being informed that several of Harry's commandos would be joining them. Greta, at least, wouldn't be cheated out of her ride. Harry glanced around at his bodyguard. They were patrolling the perimeter of the Burrow's farmyard, ever vigilant to any trouble. Some of them watched as Molly and her crew did what would normally be their work, but they knew their duties did not include dishes, today.

"I have some news from the goblins," whispered Bill. He joined the three teens discreetly and sat down.

"That's great," said Harry. "I've been wondering what was taking them so long. What was the reason for the big delay?"

"It's probably the most confused I've ever seen them about whether or not to agree to a business deal," answered Bill. Although he acknowledged the presence of the other two, including his own brother, it was to Harry that he was speaking. "I think they don't know what to make of you. On the one hand, you've managed to inflict some serious damage on You-know-who; but on the other hand, you're just a school boy. If they openly aid you, they might have to suffer some serious consequences down the road if you should end up losing this war."

"They might be thinking that's more of a possibility than ever now that the Ministry took such a hit at Azkaban and our group also suffered casualties," agreed Harry.

"Exactly," said Bill. "Ragnok has asked to meet with you in secret. He wishes to know exactly what it is that you expect from the goblins and exactly what they may expect in return. He made it very clear that he expects whatever arrangements that might or might not be made to remain secret. You may take my word on it that you don't want to violate his terms."

"Since I want the exact same terms," said Harry, "I don't think we'll have a problem. When does he want us to go and see him."

"He doesn't want to see 'us'," said Bill. "He wants to see 'you'. That was made very clear. In fact, that arrangement has been ensured by the method he has provided to bring you around." At this, he handed Harry a ring.

Harry examined the ring closely. It was gold with a band of some sort of a deep red mineral inlaid into the outer circumference.

"I'll guess this is a portkey," said Harry. What else could it be?

"Correct," said Bill. "It will warm up ten minutes before your meeting. Make sure that you are alone when the transportation charm kicks in. Just before your ten minutes are up, the outer band will jump to around five hundred degrees for a couple of seconds so make sure that your other fingers aren't touching it. That's to make sure that no one comes with you."

"Devilishly clever, these goblins," mused Harry, putting on the ring. "Do you know approximately when this will all happen?"

"Sometime early this week," answered Bill. "That's all they would say. I'd recommend that you have your requests figured out as soon as possible. I must stress that if word of any part of that meeting, including the fact of the meeting itself, gets back to them after they've expressed their wish for it to remain secret, they won't be pleased; and you want them to be happy with you, believe me."

"I get it," said Harry. "The three of us will need to discuss our requirements with our core team but they must know we'll have to do that. I'll stress the secrecy part to everyone. If it wouldn't be a conflict of interest for you, are there any suggestions or pointers you might have in regards to negotiating with goblins?"

"Number one," said Bill, "is don't promise or agree to anything that you aren't sure that you will be able to fulfill. They really hate people who don't live up to their bargains. Second, don't show weakness or desperation. They'll take advantage of you if they think they can get away with it. Third, never take their first offer. They like to haggle. Fourth, and maybe the most important, be prepared for unusual terms. They haven't asked for anyone's firstborn for decades but it isn't like they wouldn't do it. No matter what they say, remember that they aren't joking, so don't laugh. Have all your socks in one drawer when you arrive and everything should work out fine."

"Did they say why they only wanted to see Harry?" asked Hermione. She didn't seem pleased at being excluded.

"I'd guess to limit any witnesses," said Bill, shrugging. "It's like I said, they don't want to choose sides. It's been pretty disasterous for them every time they've been involved in a wizard war so they tend to prefer remaining neutral, these days."

"So how can they help me without choosing sides?" asked Harry.

"I'd say that as long as you stick with defensive measures, you'll be fine," answered Bill. "Portkey wards and the like should be no problem along with concealment charms. As long as you don't ask for any offensive curses or anything that would specifically identify them as being on your side, you should be able to get what you want; provided, of course, that you have the gold to pay for it."

"That won't be a problem," said Harry. "I just need to protect our headquarters and a couple of related places. I wouldn't know where to begin with anything offensive."

"Just as well," said Bill. He stopped talking as Honey and Greta came over. Molly was close behind.

"Miss Honey said that I could have a ride, now," gushed Greta. She had been very helpful with picking up after lunch and felt she deserved her reward.

"She did?" asked Harry. He looked at Bill.

"That's all that I had, anyway," said Bill.

"Well, then, we'd better be off," said Harry to Greta. He stood up but Greta stopped him.

"Not a dragon ride, Harry," she said, dismissively; Miss Honey and I want to go on Ron's flying blanket." She beamed at Ron as she said this.

Ron gave her the 'thumbs up' and rose on his carpet, a simple feat since he had been sitting on it during the discussion. He scooted back, allowing Greta to sit in front with Honey climbing on behind. After everyone was situated, they took off over the woods nearby the Burrow.

At two o'clock, Harry, Hermione and Greta were preparing to leave. Before they could do so, Molly stopped them.

"Just a moment, Harry," she said, indicating the three of them should take a seat. "I'd like to make an announcement," she boomed, silencing the rest of her family. "I finally know what I want for my birthday." Everyone paid attention since it was difficult to come up with a present for Molly that didn't involve a boxcar load of yarn.

"Unfortunately, for the time being, only Bill, Percy and Harry are in a position to provide me with one," said Molly. She then added, "Or Ron, I suppose. I had better not get one from Ginny, though." She gave Neville a sharp look that made him cringe behind Ginny, "and I really don't want one from you, Arthur, although you are obviously capable."

Everyone looked around, hesitant to even offer a guess. Finally, George said, "Well, what is this mystery present that only your 'good' children may obtain?"

Molly walked over next to Hermione and said, "I want one of these," as she put her hand on Greta's head. "Soon. Preferably by my next birthday."

"I'm trying my best," said Harry. He then pointed at Hermione and added, "She's the one that's not cooperating."

Hermione stood up and said, "I beg your pardon. It's not like a gumball machine where you put in your money and out pops a baby."

"Maybe you're not turning the crank the right way," suggested George.

"I think we're doing everything right," countered Harry. "Although she's limited me to two tries a day." Hermione punched Harry in the arm and stood up.

"Just two?" asked Bill. "How could you expect any results with that kind of a half-hearted work ethic?"

"Right you are, Bill," said Honey. "Why Ron and I manage at least..." She stopped herself, realizing that this was not the type of contest she wanted to be openly competing in.

"You should'ent be zoe mean to your 'usband, 'ermione," said Fleur, coming to Honey's rescue. "E will get zee wandering eye."

"I think it's too late for that," said Hermione. At everyone's stunned silence, she said, "Don't worry. I know that Harry's perfectly faithful. I only meant that he seems to be a bit more than slightly smitten by a large lass he just met named Caoimhe."

"She's a dragon," explained Harry, "and she's already taken. I only said that she was very nice and helped teach me the proper technique to each sheep."

"The only way I've seen dragons eat sheep is whole," said Charlie, queasily. "Did your chums have a different method?"

"No," replied Harry, "but you shouldn't knock it until you've tried it. Once you get the hang of it, it's hard to stop."

"Exactly how many sheep did you eat?" asked Hermione, shocked.

"Six or seven, I think," said Harry, trying to remember. "There was one other that I had a bit of trouble with. If done properly, they're wonderful."

"Well, that explains your lack of appetite, today," said Molly, relieved that her cooking hadn't degraded.

"I always save room for treacle tart," said Harry. "That reminds me; I promised to bring dessert next time. How much should I take?" He looked around the room as if expecting anyone to know.

"From what I saw of your friends," said Molly, "I'd guess about a hundred pounds each for them and whatever you think you could handle."

"About a ton, then," said Harry. "I'll put Win, er, my eldest female elf on it right away." Winky had become so protective of them that both he and Hermione had to consciously avoid saying her name lest she think she was being summoned.

"Now that that's settled, we really have to get going," said Hermione. "Ron? Honey? You'll be back later tonight, then?" Ron and Honey would not be able to accompany Greta and the Potters to Scrimgeour's house since they would have to walk for a few blocks and the flying carpet would be a bit conspicuous.

"I'd say by five," said Honey, looking to Ron for confirmation. He nodded and Honey said, "We'll see you at supper, then."

With that, Harry apparated Hermione and Greta to just outside of the Ministry of Magic, the closest point they knew to Greta and Rufus' house. Two of the six elves, under invisibility cloaks, immediately followed.

"I live on this street," said Greta, pointing down a fairly wide, yet still cobblestoned street. "My school is on the way," she added. "Would you like to see it?" She showed the pride that all kindergarteners had for their school.

"I'd love to," said Hermione. She had taken a liking to the young girl and didn't mind this small indulgence.

"Follow me!" shouted Greta, exuberantly starting to lead the way.

The three of them walked hand in hand, Greta in the middle, down the sidewalk. As they walked, Greta told them all about her school, the other children in her room, her favorite piece of playground equipment (the swings), her teacher, the project she had started in class, the story her teacher was reading to her class and her favorite part of the day; music time. She sang a bit for them and Harry thought he could almost recognize the tune as they arrived at Westminster Primary School No. 14.

It was a fairly cool October afternoon but there were still a few other children playing on the equipment as one or more parent sat nearby, either watching, reading or just enjoying the day. "There's nobody on the swings!" exclaimed Greta when they entered the school grounds. She let go of their hands and ran over to the swing set. She was having a bit of difficulty getting into the seat so Harry set her in place when he caught up.

"Push me, Harry," commanded Greta. She was trying to make the swing move but, as is often the case with five year olds, couldn't get the proper rhythm.

"Ready?" he asked, taking his position behind Greta. Hermione sat on one of the swings, nearby. "Hold on," said Harry as he gently pushed Greta. Greta laughed as she swung back and forth with Hermione and Harry joining in; her excitement and merriment contagious.

After a few minutes, Hermione stood up and said, "My turn," and she took over pushing Greta while Harry took her place on the swing.

"You swing, too," said Greta to Harry. "We'll see who can go higher." She laughed as Hermione began the competition and pushed Greta to new heights.

Harry grabbed the chains and faced forward but didn't do anything, at first. After a few seconds, he leaned back, pulling on the chains. This propelled him forward but he didn't change his orientation at the apex of his swing and lost most of his momentum on the way back. He then pulled himself to a sitting position and tried again with similar results.

"Really, Harry," laughed Hermione, "have you forgotten how to swing?" She laughed again until she caught sight of the expression on his face. She let Greta coast for a bit while she went over and bent low to his ear. "What is it, Harry?" she asked, quietly.

Harry didn't reply for a second. His face was a vivid red and he averted his eyes. He then spoke, very softly. "I've never gotten a swing to work," he explained. "I couldn't figure it out on my own, as a child, and the other children were afraid to help because of Dudley and his gang." He turned away from her, embarrassed at not being able to perform a task which was, quite literally, child's play.

Hermione had to pause a moment to allow her anger at the way Harry was treated while growing up subside. She then went back behind Greta and pushed her a bit more while thinking. Harry was about to stand when Hermione said, "I think it's high time you learn to swing on your own, Greta. Harry and I'll show you how to do it and then you try. Okay?"

Greta beamed at Hermione and said, "Ready, Herminome." Well, she was getting closer.

"All right," began Hermione, winking at Harry. "You saw how Harry pulled back on the chains to go forward?" Greta nodded. "Well," continued Hermione, "what he was doing was shifting his weight towards the back. Since the swing wants to hang with the most weight at the lowest point, it moves so that Harry's body was where the swing was. Once it started to move, it kept moving right on by due to something called momentum. Momentum is why something moving, like Harry, you, me or anything else doesn't just stop all of a sudden. If there is mass, or weight, then it wants to keep moving once it starts." Harry wondered if Hermione had it in her to get to the point before nightfall.

"Eventually," continued Hermione, "you will stop going forward as you get higher. That's gravity trying to pull you down. When you get as far as you can, lean forward and tuck your legs under your seat. You'll go backwards. When you get back as far as you can, start over by leaning back. The trick is to lean back while you go forward and lean forward while going back. Got it?"

"Maybe you should start with something easier like explaining Cricket," suggested Harry.

Hermione looked confused for a second before she realized that she was being mocked. "I'm sorry, Harry," she said sweetly. "I was keeping it at a level appropriate for a five year old. I'll tone it down a bit for you, later."

Greta laughed and said, "I understand, Harry. Just watch how I do it." With that, and after only a couple tries, she was soon swinging at an acceptable level. She was afraid to fully lay out on the forward portions of the routine but had managed to get a fairly good arc going.

Harry watched closely and, with a few aborted attempts of his own, was soon swinging right along with Greta. They both swung happily for a few minutes. Eventually, Harry allowed himself to slow to the point where Greta exceeded his height.

"Hermione, help me!" shouted Harry. "Greta's swinging higher that I am. Push me, Hermione! Push me!" He then acted like he was trying to speed up, intentionally disrupting his own timing.

This had the effect of causing Greta to increase her efforts. Harry laughed while watching her and the Fawkes amplified happiness of Harry pushed the little girl to the point of near hysterics. Worried that her lack of concentration might cause Greta to let go of the chains, Hermione had to jump in and play the wicked witch by reminding them that they had to get Greta home.

"I think we'd best be off," said Hermione. "There are a lot of people waiting to talk to you, Harry."

Harry, who had for the first time in his life managed to play on a playground without fear of harassment, felt the absurdity of the moment. He was an adult, married man, with responsibilities to see after numerous prisoners, refugees and warriors under his command and his primary desire at the moment was to continue playing with a five year old girl. Allowing himself the indulgence of a quick laugh and smile before rising, he filed the situation away under things he intended to do the moment that Voldemort was finally defeated.

As they walked back towards the street, they noticed a man with a familiar face looking over the fence. He was flanked on either side by Kingsley Shacklebolt and Jack Dawlish.

"Grampa!" shouted Greta, running up to him with her arms raised high. Grampa didn't hesitate to pick her up although he did wonder how much longer he would be able to perform this particular duty.

"Good afternoon, Minister," said Hermione as she and Harry followed. "I didn't think that we were so late that you'd come looking for us."

"I have a pretty good idea where Greta is most of the time," explained Rufus. "We're also pretty close to our house so you'd naturally come under our regular surveillance." He looked around. "Not that I'm questioning your abilities to safeguard the light of my life," he said, "but I believe you were going to have your own security along on this trip. What happened?"

"They're here," replied Harry, "even though you can't see them."

"I checked the area not two minutes ago," argued Kingsley. "Invisibility cloaks won't help with those maps you gave us and I saw no one around but the muggles."

"Nevertheless," replied Hermione, "they are here. Perhaps a demonstration is in order." She smiled and turned around, talking very quietly, as if to herself. A few seconds later, she turned back around.

"If you would be so kind as to look at your shoes," said Hermione, smiling. "Don't try to move your feet, though," she warned.

Kingsley skeptically pulled apart the sides of his full length trench coat that he wore in lieu of robes when out in the muggle world. It took him a moment to notice anything but when he did, he started to laugh. His shoelaces were neatly tied together. Crouching down, he quickly set them right. "I take it that your commandos don't show up on your maps, then?"

"Only wizards and witches are visible," confirmed Harry. The twins and Remus had mentioned that characteristic while working with Dobby on developing the maps. He then thought about the subjects of their conversation and said, "I don't think we should discuss this further while in the open like this, Rufus. Now that Greta is in good hands, we should probably be heading out. I expect we have a busy afternoon ahead of us."

"Yes, indeed," agreed Rufus. "I've caused some of that activity myself. I have no doubt that the families involved will be thankful. It looked like three or four dozen of your prisoners will be changing status, as well."

"That's right," said Hermione. "Then there's the long term problem of increasing our available housing."

"Of course," said Rufus. "Has your medical practice picked up, as well?"

"That's been leveling off," said Harry. "We're down to one or two patients per week, now."

"That's probably a relief," said Scrimgeour. "And how has all of this fit into defeating Voldemort?"

Harry was a bit confused by the question, at first, but answered, "It hasn't really been that much help. We hope the disenchanted ex-Death Eaters will help to propel us along that path a bit more. We have a few other things to do when we have time, as well."

Rufus looked at both Harry and Hermione before speaking. "Let me give you just one bit of advice," said the Minister of Magic. "Don't forget your main purpose. You can't do everything by yourself and you'd be foolish to try. You have many competent people surrounding you. Start to use them. Tonks and Hammer should be able to train the ex-Death Eaters. Mary Geneva should be able to help someone get set up helping the displaced families. Although you've never told me your main objectives, I doubt that either of those activities are part of them. Believe me; when I took over as Minister of Magic, I wanted to control everything, including you and Dumbledore. I couldn't do it and neither can you. Just find yourself some trusted friends like I did and let them do their jobs so that you can do yours."

Harry thought about that and said," I know that you are correct, Rufus. We almost fell into that trap shortly after we arrived at school. Once I helped the first boy, though, it was only a matter of time before his new leg became known. In that case, our cover story with Madam Pomfrey prevented too much of our time being taken up. In that task, of course, I had to be involved. If we stay heavily involved in these new activities, though, we'll collapse from exhaustion." He glanced at Hermione for comment.

"I might not be the correct person to talk to about limiting our objectives," she laughed, "but Rufus is right; we'll have to delegate anything not directly related to our main goal. We made that choice with a relatively unknown person to head up our surveillance unit. Our friends are just as competent and trustworthy."

"Thanks, Rufus," said Harry. "We'll take your advice as soon as possible."

"That's good," said Rufus. "We all need you to remain focused. Be sure to let me know if either I or the Ministry is in a position to help."

"We will," said Hermione. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she added, "of course we'll try to be available to baby-sit, if you find yourself visiting Hogwarts more often."

"That might be a possibility," agreed Rufus, smiling. "At our age, you shouldn't pass up on the chance for a little companionship."

They all said their goodbyes with Hermione getting an extra hug from Greta and then Harry and Hermione, followed shortly by Jumper and Tripper, apparated back to Hogwarts.

October 5th, 1997 – Late Afternoon

The general meeting of the inner and mid-level circle took place in Honey and Ron's apartment. This was mostly due to the inclusion of Hammer Coldiron, the only member of the group who had yet to visit the Fortress of Solitude. He had, however, agreed to assist Tonks in training any members of the innocent ex-Death Eaters that wished to help the Ministry by doing clerical and other, low danger tasks. His personal recommendation by the Minister of Magic was enough to get him an invitation but it was the chit chat with Luna and Dougal during the earlier session with the Death Eaters that carried the most weight. Luna told Harry and Hermione, after their return, that Professor Coldiron was not hiding anything and that they could trust him.

"Good afternoon," said Harry, opening the meeting. "I believe that everyone knows everyone else with one exception. Martha, allow me to introduce Professor Hammer Coldiron. Professor, this is Martha Murphy." They exchanged their greetings and Harry continued. "Martha is in charge of our ongoing surveillance program. She has a team of about twenty-six or so working for her and it is due to her efforts that we know the names of approximately four-hundred and seventy-five Death Eaters as well as their major travel patterns."

"We have just increased to thirty workers, now," corrected Martha, "but they are mostly idle, at the moment. Since the attacks, we haven't seen anyone in the known locations. I expect that they will have to venture out at some time, though, or else go hungry."

"It's hard to say what they'll do now that the majority of the original Death Eaters are back with Voldemort," said Hermione. "Rufus mentioned that some unmarked shoppers were out and about the afternoon of the raids so they might use that sort for general purchases and low level reconnaisance. Eventually, they'll either have to come out in the open or go crazy from the isolation."

"It is also possible that Voldemort will do the same thing that we have done and remove the Dark Marks," said Harry. "I believe that Martha is already geared up for that possibility."

"We are," agreed Martha. "That's why we have the extra help. We're checking everyone we see and comparing their names with those of the known Death Eaters."

Ron raised his hand and quickly wrote, 'We were discussing recapturing the old crew as we find them but that would only net us a few of them. I think we should allow them to get comforable for a bit until we have the opportunity to catch at least a dozen at a time. That way, if they do keep them at home afterwards, it won't be that bad.'

"A dozen Death Eaters aren't all that easy to capture," put in Hammer. "That would take a pretty large strike force to be effective and safe."

"We wouldn't do them in a single group, Professor," said Hermione. "We have the ability to monitor many different locations from a distance; that's what Martha and her team does."

"And we happen to have a fairly effective group of commandos," added Harry. "You've met a few of them this morning, I believe. Slider, here," he indicated the red robed elf next to Minerva, "is the leader of the house elves who are helping us. Ten of them are able to make their own raids during which they can engage and capture Death Eaters."

"I see," said Hammer, smiling. "I believe that this all helps to explain why the four of you don't seem to find the other students to be much of a challenge in class." He included the fourth member of their class team, Dougal, in his remark. This had the effect, naturally, of confusing everyone.

"Four?" asked Minerva. "Who's the fourth?" She, along with a few of the others, looked at Hammer and waited for a response.

Harry, surprisingly enough, caught on immediately. "That would be Dougal," he said. "He's on our team."

"I think I'm just doing well by association," said Dougal, also knowing the team that was being referenced. "It's basically Harry's show with Ron and Hermione offering the most support."

"You and Luna are also important," said Hermione, surprisingly behind the curve of understanding. "Your perspective and inside information are quite helpful, from time to time."

"I was talking about our class with Professor Coldiron," corrected Dougal. "Although, I've been of little enough use to this group, too, so far."

I expect that might be changing," said Hermione, "which brings us to one of the major topics of this meeting. Harry and I were just talking with Rufus a bit ago and he recommended that we put you lot to work doing a bit more of the subordinate tasks that we have acquired."

"Isn't that what we have been doing?" asked Martha.

"Well, you have been doing just that, of course," replied Harry, "but we've picked up a bit more than we need to be dealing with. Now, as most of you know, almost none of you know what we're really doing." He thought that didn't come out quite right. "What I mean is, the real purpose behind the surveillance that Martha is doing and the reason we need so many prisoners is top secret. That is what Hermione, Ron and I are supposed to be concentrating on accomplishing. Along the way, however, we've picked up a limb replacement practice, an employment service for ex-Death Eaters and about a dozen displaced families. This will lead us into planning and constructing more flats so that we will have some available when needed. Now Tonks and Professor Coldiron are already planning on working with any willing ex-Death Eaters with training so that they can free up fully qualified aurors for more important work. Professor Coldiron, would you be willing to also spend a bit of time with Slider and our commandos for a bit of advanced training? They're pretty good right now but your expertise might offer a few new wrinkles."

"I'm still spending a fairly large amount of time getting used to this whole teaching concept," replied Coldiron, "but I could probably swing a few hours per week."

"Thank you, Professor," said Harry. "Slider, please see Professor Coldiron after the meeting to schedule some times when the Hogwarts Free Elves could get together with him."

"Yes, Harry Potter," said Slider.

"The next potentially pressing issue is these families that are in the protective custody program. Eleven will be arriving tomorrow. We currently have enough flats but there aren't that many to spare. We'll need to add some more. I'd like you, Remus, and you, Minerva," said Harry, looking at each in turn, "to take over that program. I will make a key available to a Gringotts vault that holds enough gold to meet any needs. If a location on the grounds of Hogwarts would be available, we could save a lot of galleons on windows. Otherwise, we'll stick with the enchanted variety. Just make sure the flats are homey. I don't want anyone to feel like they are in prison."

"I've already ordered play areas, both inside and out, to be set up for the children," said Minerva. "The elves are handling that and arranging security and transportation for each family."

"We'll also need to see to any medical requirements," added Hermione. "One of the ex-Death Eaters had to fetch her mother. She has some sort of dementia and needs to be cared for. I placed them in one of the flats but I think that you should check her out yourself, Poppy." She made this request directly to the nurse.

"I should probably give them all a once over," said Poppy. "All we did when they arrived was check for broken bones and major injuries." She thought for a moment and then said, obviously in jest, "I should probably ask for a raise."

"That's a good point," said Harry. "I've thought about this from time to time and I think we should probably look into a fair wage for the part time members of our group."

"I was just kidding, Harry," said Poppy, shocked. "I don't mind helping out these poor people." She certainly didn't want to come across as a mercenary.

"Money is not a problem," countered Harry. "As I've mentioned, we have access to an almost unlimited supply of galleons. Our full time compatriots, Remus and Martha, are compensated for their work. There are some other people who do research and development for us from time to time who are also compensated. Come to think of it, we should be paying Tonks, as well. Sorry, Tonks. We'll have to take care of that. Anyway, the point I am making is we are not a charity. As Professor Coldiron pointed out, you all have other things you could be doing."

"Of course we do, Harry," said Minerva, "but preparing our lesson plans pales in comparison to fighting Voldemort or helping out his victims. We never paid anyone in the Order of the Phoenix, you know."

"I agree with Harry, oddly enough," said Hermione. "It would be different if everyone was working for free. As Harry said, Martha, Remus and Tonks are all full time. They still have personal expenses and deserve to be paid. If everyone is treated fairly, and by this I mean compensated, there would be less chance of any hard feelings."

There were some sullen looks around the table but everyone realized that the point was valid, if not totally proven.

"I don't know if it will turn out to cause more trouble that it solves," said Harry, "but let's just try it for a while. If problems arise, we'll revisit the subject. Remus, I'd like you to be in charge of setting up the rates for the part-timers." He then added, "And make sure that Tonks is put on the payroll." Turning to Tonks, he added, "I'm sorry for not thinking of this earlier, Tonks, but you've not only been working for free, you've taken a leave from your paying job. That just isn't fair."

"I didn't really care, one way or the other," said Tonks. "If you'll recall, I was Sirius' favorite cousin. He left me enough to keep the wolves from the door." She looked at Remus and said, "Present company accepted, of course."

"I'm going to start docking you for the werewolf jokes," said Remus, grimacing.

"Sounds fair enough," said Harry, laughing. "Now, let's see. Luna, I know you weren't very comfortable doing it but may we continue to count on you to help with the sorting and interrogations?" She had seemed to be a little agitated after the morning's session.

"I'd prefer not to talk to so many people all at once," said Luna, "but I will help when I am able."

"Thanks, Luna," said Harry. "Dougal, I assume you will continue to provide security and support for Luna during her shifts." He did not ask this as a question. He was just verifying his instincts.

"Of course," said Dougal. "I will do my best to be available when needed." He glanced quickly at McGonagall but recovered before it became obvious.

"That's fine," said Harry. "I think that's... Wait a moment. Where's Ginny and Neville?" He had not noticed their absence in the crowd. "Didn't they come back with you two?" Harry addressed this last question to Ron and Honey.

"Yes, they did," replied Honey, "but Neville was a bit shaken up and Ginny took him somewhere to calm his nerves."

"What happened?" asked a concerned Minerva.

"Neville got a double dose of Weasley," explained Hermione. "All of Ginny's brothers as well as her parents were interviewing him off and on all weekend. For some reason, they think she needs protection. Personally, ..." Hermione let the last thought pass unspoken.

"So what will you be doing now that the rest of us are doing your work?" asked Dougal, abruptly changing the subject.. "Are you going on vacation, or something?"

"No," said Hermione. "We'll be traveling around the country, visiting all of the places that Martha and her crew have been monitoring."

"And that is different from a vacation because...?" asked Luna. She had been working on her sense of humor and it was developing quite nicely.

"Well, for one thing," said Harry, "Hermione will be with us."

"WHAT!" exclaimed Hermione as everyone else laughed. "What, exactly, is the problem with me being along on this trip." She wanted to question him a bit more intensely but there were too many witnesses.

"Nothing, dear," said Harry. "Well, maybe just the fact that you get a bit enthusiastic when researching new places." At her hardening glance, he added, "Not that it's a bad thing to know what type of aggravate they used when pouring the footing for the Butter Cross in whatever town it's in."

"Dunster," said Hermione, hotly, "and I do not blather on about footings. It's called 'aggregate', by the way." She thought a moment and added, "I think the Butter Cross is resting on a granite slab, anyway. I think you might mean the Barochan Cross. They did some restoration work on that a few years ago and..."

"I withdraw the question," interrupted Dougal. "I agree that it won't be a vacation."

"Thank you," said Harry. "Now, is there anything that we need to take care of before we start our trips?"

"We have forty-three one-armed ex-Death Eaters that need your services," said Tonks.

"Some of the flats might need to be modified a bit if we want to combine compatible families," added Minerva.

"We need to get together with the small group and discuss your upcoming meeting," alluded Hermione, cryptically. She hoped that Harry would remember why he was wearing an extra ring.

"What meeting?" asked Harry, falling short again.

Hermione sighed. "I'll tell you at the meeting with the inner circle," she said.

Late that night.

Harry walked into the office of the Fortress and Hermione, Honey, Tonks, Remus and Ron all sat up from their earlier, more relaxed, positions. Minerva, of course, was already seated with the proper posture. "Only one more batch to go," sighed Harry as he sat down in his chair.

"Thank goodness," said Honey. "I don't know about the rest of you but I'm ready for bed." She made it even harder for her companions to resist an innuendo laden reply by taking Ron's hand and smiling lovingly at him.

"I'm with you, Honey," said Harry. "I don't understand why this is so hard on me. I've replaced dozens of limbs and was never this worn out." He rubbed his eyes, attempting to stimulate their continued usefulness.

"I believe it has to do with the number of the limbs," suggested Hermione. "It's like running up one flight of stairs versus ten. Eventually, you'll run out of energy."

"At least you'll be done in one day," said Tonks. "Everyone will be able to fluff their pillows properly."

"True," agreed Minerva, "but it's too late to modify the flats to accommodate multiple families. That will have to be put off until tomorrow."

"Right," said Harry, recovering from his sixth session replacing the arms that he and Hermione had removed the previous week. "So what else should I ask for when I meet the goblins?"

"So far, we have portkey wards and the means to bypass them, anti-apparition wards that work on elves, and the means to bypass them, as well," said Hermione. "Maybe they'd be willing to install some of those one-way doors you've mentioned." She remembered Harry's description of the consequences when someone other than a Gringott's goblin tried to open certain vaults.

"I suppose everything should be on the table," agreed Harry. "Perhaps they'd have a few suggestions of their own if I gave a few general clues on our situation."

"It would be fine to fill them in to a point," agreed Remus. "They are fairly trustworthy of other people's secrets since that is what they expect for themselves."

Everyone sat silently for a moment in thought, trying to think of anything addional. After a few seconds, Tonks spoke up.

"It sounds like you have the goblins worked out as much as you're likely to get," said Tonks. "Is the next item on your list to return to checking out the Death Eater sites?"

"Almost," said Harry. "We intend to leave most of the interrogations to you and Remus but I'd like to talk to Wormtail myself."

Remus grimaced as he always did when Pettigrew's name came up. He had not confronted his old friend, yet. In fact, Remus had consciously avoided the B-Block cells since his other life-changing antagonist, Greyback, had also joined the ranks of their prisoners.

"I don't envy you that job, Harry," said Remus. "Personally, I don't think I'd last five minutes before I ripped his traitorous throat out." He was definitely not kidding.

"I'm not looking forward to it, either," said Harry, "but he was there while Voldemort was still just a spirit. He helped him regain his body and has been with him ever since. It's logical to assume that at some point, they might have at least tried to use a horcrux."

"Well, he's had time to reflect on his options now that the newspaper stories came out," said Tonks. "Basically, he can help you or wait to die horribly and slowly at the hands of an enraged Voldemort."

"Exactly," said Hermione. "At this point, we aren't sure if he would have had to just use a horcrux or if he had to cash one in. If the latter, then our job just got easier. Since he made virtually no progress until Wormtail joined him, it is reasonable to assume that he'd know all about it."

"That's the plan, at least," said Harry. "We'll have our first serious chat tomorrow morning."

"I believe that Luna has classes," said Honey. "Shouldn't you wait until evening?"

"I'll have her check up on anything important," replied Harry, "but I'm going to assume he'll be cooperative, for now. As we've already mentioned, he is currently better off being our friend that Voldemort's."

"Friend? What does he know about friendship?" snorted Remus. All eyes turned to him but he remained silent. After a few moments, the group, by mutual consent, decided that the meeting was over and started to break up. Harry sat quietly for a bit longer, contemplating Remus' outburst. Harry remembered that Peter Pettigrew was one of the original marauders. He was a friend to not only Remus, but to his father and Sirius. They grew up together as near brothers yet Wormtail had betrayed them. As he thought about it, Remus' continued fury at the rat became easier to understand. If Ron betrayed him, he'd never get over it, either.