Chapter 24: The New Order
Previously
The group walked deeper into the cavern, walking down four long flights of narrow stone stairs. Captain Sheff had to walk sideways down them to accommodate his large feet. They passed a snake carved on a wall at the first landing. Then an eagle on the second. A badger was etched into third. Finally, they came to a lion carved onto the wall. Mordec motioned to the huge door. Harry stepped forward, placing his hand on the door where a handprint was outlined. The door glowed a bright blue for a few seconds before a loud clack was heard. The vault opened wide, but from their reactions, the other couldn't see inside. Ginny shrugged as they stepped into the huge vault.
"Hello, young master and lady," a robust voice called from the darkened center of the room.
Harry and Ginny exchanged a confused look as they entered the vault. Just as they cleared the doorway, the door closed with a thud. They stood still in the total darkness for a few seconds before numerous torches lit of their own accord. The flickering firelight bathed the inner vault with a reddish-orange glow that was reflected off the mountainous piles of gold and jewels that lined the walls. In the center of the vault stood a life-sized portrait of a large man in crimson red robes with gold trim. He wore a brown leather belt with a ruby-encrusted sword around his waist. His long hair and beard were dark red. His face had a kind smile, but his brown eyes looked very calculating and aware. In the background was a huge tapestry with the Gryffindor crest adorned on it.
"You're Godric Gryffindor, aren't you?" Harry asked.
"Well spotted, young master!" Gryffindor laughed. "T'is my old vault."
"Sorry," Harry blushed. "Just wasn't expecting to meet your portrait in here."
"Quite understandable, young Lord Potter," Gryffindor nodded. "I dare say a great many things have been kept from ye o'er the years."
"Yes, they have," Harry agreed.
"Well, don't be rude, introduce me to yer lady here," Gryffindor gestured to Ginny.
"Oh, sorry. Still a little shocked," Harry shook his head. "This is my wife, Ginevra Potter, but she prefers Ginny," he added quickly with a glare from Ginny.
Gryffindor laughed a robust, booming laugh that echoed around the vault. "Nothing e'er changes with ye Potters!"
"Sir?" Harry asked.
"Since the day me portrait was set up in this vault, my descendants have come here, waiting for the day to be named me heir," he began. "I don't mean just family heir, but me Magical heir as well. Many have come. Many of dem Potters. All with redheaded lasses that knew exactly how to handle dem! Yer father, included!"
"My…my parents came here?" Harry asked weakly. Ginny took his hand to give him strength.
"Oh, yes! Lord James and Lady Lily came here shortly after they were wed," Gryffindor nodded. "And I must say, yer mother was especially well versed in handling yer father!"
"That sounds about right," Ginny laughed. "From what Harry's godfather has told us, my late mother-in-law definitely had that gift!"
"Oh, aye! That she did!" smiled Gryffindor. "But that is not why ye are here. Ye found the Pin in the Potter Vault, correct?"
"Yes, sir," Harry answered.
"My dear laddie, stop calling me 'sir'!" Gryffindor frowned. "Now, ye have received the location of me castle from the Pin?"
"Yes, we did," Ginny answered.
"Ah! Ye are bonded, aye?" smiled Gryffindor.
"Yes," Harry smiled as he looked at Ginny.
"Have been for two years now," Ginny smiled.
"Then ye are the ones that were meant fer me Heirs. And remember, young Lord Potter, the key to your power is yer love fer young Lady Potter," smiled Gryffindor. "Extend yer joined hands."
Harry and Ginny looked at each other with a shrug before they lifted their joined hands to the portrait. A golden light surrounded them, much like the one that bound them. Suddenly, they felt an onrush of power coursing through their cores. Sparks and crackles echoed through the vault as they were given the Magical Heir-hood of Godric Gryffindor. As the light faded, Harry and Ginny dropped their hands, panting as if they had just run a marathon.
"All I have ever had, in possessions and in Magic is now yers," Gryffindor bowed to them slightly. "Seek my council here or at the castle."
"Th…thank you…Godric…" Harry panted. Gryffindor nodded before walking out of the frame. "You alright, love?"
"I think so," Ginny answered. "That was a rush!"
"One more stop here, then to the Ministry," Harry took a deep breath. Ginny nodded.
After finding his father's Penceive in the Evans vault, Harry and Ginny joined Sirius and Neville back at the cart. Bill and Fleur met them as they emerged from the tunnels. Fleur hugged both Harry and Ginny with a huge smile on her face. After telling Bill they had something to talk to them about later, Harry and Ginny followed Sirius to the fireplace in the lobby. Neville waved as he left, promising to let his grandmother know they would be by Longbottom Manor that afternoon.
Harry managed to only slightly stumble as he exited the grate at the Ministry. Ginny giggled but congratulated him for not falling on his face. Harry frowned at her. She knew he hated using the floo.
After a quick stop in the lower levels to the Department of Mysteries, Harry and Ginny followed Sirius to Arthur's office on the second floor. Sirius waved at the desk attendant as they walked past the counter. When she looked up, her eyes grew big at seeing Harry and Ginny. Sirius gave her a frown as she gasped.
Sirius knocked lightly on Arthur's door as they arrived. They entered after he called for them to enter.
"Well, this is a surprise!" Arthur smiled as he stood, hugging his guests.
"Hi, Dad," Ginny smiled. "We want to chat with you about something."
"Oh," Arthur looked intrigued. "Well, have a seat."
"Dad, Harry and I think that…" Ginny started but faltered. She knew this would be hard for her father to hear. She just didn't realize it would be so hard for her to bring up. Harry laid a hand on hers with a smile.
"We want you and everyone else to move into Potter Manor with us," Harry finished for her.
"You…" Arthur looked startled. "What?"
Ginny sighed. "Dad, please, just hear us out."
"Of course," Arthur nodded as he leaned forward on his desk.
"With Tom being back, being close to us is going to be dangerous," Ginny began.
"All we want to do is keep everybody close to us as safe as possible," Harry added. "And the safest place is somewhere with very high security and a Secret Keeper that won't talk no matter what."
Arthur sat back considering their words. He knew Tom Riddle was after them. He knew the wards around the Burrow would never hold the Death Eaters out for the duration of the war. Arthur agreed with his daughter and son-in-law completely, the trick was getting Molly to agree to leave the Burrow.
"If it's mum you're worried about convincing, dad," Ginny gave him a knowing look, "just tell her, we think it's the safest for everyone.
"And as far as the Burrow goes," Harry spoke up, "we have a plan to keep it safe for your return after the war is over."
"May I ask what that is, Harry?" Arthur inquired with a raised eyebrow.
Harry grinned. "We shrink it, and bring it with us."
"Shrink…?" Arthur looked taken aback. "But that would…take…power…"
Harry and Ginny released a little of their new power from Godric Gryffindor. Arthur was usually not sensitive to the changes in Magical power, but Harry and Ginny exuded power well beyond most Wizards and Witches three times their age. The power he felt from them now was at least four times what it had been before. An aura of energy surrounded them, bathing both Harry and Ginny in an orange glow. Even Sirius looked surprised as they shed the power off of their bodies.
"My word!" Arthur exclaimed with wide eyes. "How…?"
"A gift from an ancestor," Harry vaguely told him.
"I will speak with Molly and your brothers tonight," Arthur nodded. "I'll make sure she understands. And I know most of your brothers will readily agree."
"Thanks, Dad," Ginny sprang up, hugging her father.
After leaving the Ministry, Harry and Ginny had a very busy afternoon. Their first stop was Longbottom Manor to have the same discussion with Augusta and Neville. Augusta was a little reluctant, at first, but after Harry told her Neville was his godbrother she agreed. Next, they went to see Luna and her father. Xenophilius Lovegood was troubled about leaving his paper for an extended period of time. Harry and Ginny offered the use of part of the Manor to run his paper from. Harry even offered to have some of the house-elves help move anything he needed to keep his paper going. Xeno had smiled, accepting those terms. Luna smiled broadly before hugging Harry and Ginny. The hardest people to convince were Hermione's parents. It took Harry and Ginny two hours of explaining to convince them they would be safer at Potter Manor then anywhere else, even out of the country.
They stopped in Diagon Alley to invite Fleur into their home before meeting with Tonks to visit her parents. Ted and Andromeda Tonks were fairly easy to convince. A few words from Sirius and they were starting to pack their things. Tonks pulled Ginny aside to speak to her about something. It only took a little time, before Ginny grinned and nodded at her. Within thirty minutes, Ted and Andi were ready to leave. Andi explained they had started to plan to go into hiding because Ted was a Muggleborn, and Bellatrix Lestrange was Andi's sister. Harry nodded in understanding at the mention of Bellatrix. He had heard enough about her from Sirius and Neville to fuel an extreme dislike for the woman.
Harry and Ginny used the floo to open the grate at Potter Manor to let their guest in. Ginny had hurried up the large staircase after asking Dobby a question Harry didn't quite catch. He was too busy talking to one of the other elves about sleeping arrangements for everyone. Harry glanced up as Remus joined him by the fireplace in the Entry Hall. Ginny arrived back, with Luna, just as Tonks came through. Remus greeted her with a kiss as her parents stepped out of the grate. They froze, staring at their daughter and Remus.
"Oh, more soul-mates!" Luna chirped. "Something you and Harry have in common, Remus."
"Soul-mates?" Andi asked weakly. "You and…"
"Oh…mum, dad, this is my boyfriend Remus Lupin," Tonks blushed.
"Wait," Ted spoke. "I remember you. You're one of Sirius' friends from Hogwarts."
"Yes," Remus confirmed.
"And, no, mum, we didn't know," Tonks added quickly.
"Andi," Sirius spoke quietly to her. She turned to him still in a state of shock. "Luna, there, has a special gift for seeing that kind of thing."
"Well…" Andi breathed, turning back to Remus. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Remus."
"You as well, Andi," Remus nodded. "I'll show you to your rooms, and then we can all talk more," he offered.
"Lead the way," Ted gestured still with wide eyes.
Over the next two weeks, Potter Manor had become a compound with all the people that were gathering. Harry and Ginny stayed away from most people as they let Sirius and Remus do the recruiting of adults. They did, however, write many letters to friends and acquaintances from Hogwarts. They were also busy reviewing the memories taken from Dumbledore's former office. They viewed, with much disgust, all of the knowledge the old man had, yet had done nothing to prevent any of the bloodshed of the first war.
Once everyone on their lists was gathered Sirius called a general meeting in the ballroom. It was the only place besides the back garden or Quidditch pitch that could hold the eighty-five adults and fifty underage witches and wizards. When everyone was seated, Remus sent a Patronus to Sirius telling him they were ready.
Harry and Ginny entered the ballroom hand in hand behind Sirius.
"What's this all about, Black?" Alastor Moody grumped from his seat near the front. "And who put you in charge?"
Sirius laughed a barking laugh that echoed around the room. "Me? You think I'm in charge?"
"You called us here," stated Kingsley Shacklebolt sounding annoyed.
"No, I just signed the invitations," Sirius shook his head. "I didn't have access to the Manor until they picked up the key. Harry's the one in charge. Ginny's his second."
"So, what? We gotta listen to some kid?" someone shouted. Harry looked at him and waved him to the front. The young man's eyes grew large as he approached. He reminded Harry of Stan Shunpike from the Knight Bus.
"What's your name?" Harry asked loudly.
"Orville Hodgekiss," he gulped as he recognized Harry.
"Orville, do you know who I am?" Harry asked, but he could tell Orville already knew.
"You…you're Harry Potter," he gulped again.
"That's right," Harry nodded as he crossed his arms. "Do you know how many times I've faced Voldemort?" Harry watched as most of the room flinched at the name.
"Once?" he answered uncertainly.
"I wish," Harry chuckled bitterly. "Four times. And am I still alive?"
"Y…y…yes," stammered Orville. Beads of sweat were appearing on his forehead.
"How many times have you faced him, Orville?" Harry asked pointedly.
"No…n…none."
Harry nodded. "Do you know why I'm in charge?" Orville shook his head. "Because Voldemort wants to kill me, and I don't plan on dying. Do you know why he's after me?"
"N…n…no."
"I do," Harry stated. Harry let a Magic pulse out of his body. The gathered adults and students stared in shock as they felt the wave wash over them. "One more question: Who do think can beat Voldemort?"
"You," Orville stated with a white face and wide eyes.
Harry nodded. He turned back to the crowd. "Any more questions?"
No one spoke.
"Take your seat, Orville," Ginny nodded to him from behind Harry. Orville all but ran back to his seat.
"Welcome to the New Order," Harry began. "To start, any of you that are parents of the students here, relax. Your kids won't be doing the actual fighting unless absolutely necessary. They will, however, be working and training behind the scenes. Many of them will act as our SpyNet at Hogwarts. Others will be escorts in case we have to evacuate the school. Others will work as medics."
"Adults, when the fighting starts," Ginny took over, "you will be doing most of the fighting. Until then, when you are not training and you are at your regular jobs, you will be our spies in your departments at the Ministry and wherever else you may work or go."
"Any Death Eater you face," Harry spoke solemnly, "will not hesitate to try and kill you. The old way of capture first and let the courts have them, is not going to work anymore. It didn't work last time, because here we are planning to fight them all over again.
"You will be trained to disable them. Hurt them if needed, kill if you have no other choice," he continued. "Believe me, I don't like it, either. But they had their second chance from Dumbledore. I am not him. They follow a man who killed my parents. They had their chance to change, and a lot of them, if any, haven't!"
"Do your jobs. Continue with daily life, but report here three times a week with any information you have, and for training and any new orders you may need," Ginny added. "Keep your eyes and ears open. And be careful who you talk to. Look around you. These people in this room were chosen by us. The wards around the Manor would have detained anyone that had any ill intent to the ones that live here. These are the only people you can trust without worry."
"Now," Harry announced, "those of you who received a red letter by owl, please stay. Everyone else is free to go. If you must return to work, remember your standing orders. Those that have time, report to the Quidditch pitch for a training briefing. After that, you can choose where you want to help the effort."
A rumble of low voices accompanied the crowd that exited the room. Many were nodding and whispering to those they were walking with. Orville made a point of walking close to the front. He gave Harry a determined look with a short nod. Harry knew Orville would be loyal to the cause from that moment. Harry returned the nod as he waited for the room to clear.
After the majority of the New Order had left, Harry motioned the remaining people to move closer to the front before addressing them.
"Thanks for staying," Harry began as he and Ginny leaned on the desk in front. "To start, Voldemort has his Inner Circle, we have ours. You lot have been chosen to be our Inner Circle for several reasons. Some are trusted friends, others are family. The few here that don't fall into either category, such as Professor McGonagall and Minister Bones are trusted allies and need to know these things. I have said before, but it's worth repeating, I will not run this Order like Dumbledore ran his." He paused as he turned with a slight nod. "Arthur, Sirius, Remus."
Arthur flicked his wand at the windows making the shades drop. Sirius and Remus went around the room quickly sealing the doors and windows with Privacy Charms. Harry waited until the three of them were done and seated again. Ginny waved her wand at the desk behind them. Harry's Penceive floated out from under it. She settled it on the desk to her left.
"Some of you have heard this before, but not from the one that gave it," Harry stated as he poured a silvery thread into the basin. He turned back to address the audience before starting the memory. "We will have full disclosure with the people in this room. You have already signed your silence pact by returning the invitation to be here.
"First and foremost, Ginny and I are married by virtue of a Soul Bond. We are also soul mates," Harry stated. There were a few gasps from around the crowd.
"For those that don't know," Ginny continued, "a soul mate bond and a Soul Bond are two very different things."
"So, you're twice bonded?" Xeno Lovegood spoke in awe.
"Yes," Harry and Ginny answered together.
"What you are about to see is the original Prophecy given before I was born," Harry went on. He held up a hand as a few people were about to speak. "Before any of you scoff, just remember part of it has already come true."
Harry tapped the side of the basin with his wand. An image of Professor Trelawny rose out of it.
"The One with the Power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches. Born as the seventh month dies…Born to those who have thrice defied Him…The Soulmate approaches one year later…Alone neither can defeat the Dark Lord…She will be born of seven, the first in seven, and the only one of seven, the Soulmate brings her fire and passion to the Chosen One…And the Dark Lord will mark him as His equal and superior…The Dark Lord will leave a mark on the Soulmate in the years to follow…One, in fact, One in spirit the marks will be given…For neither can live while the other survives…They must be the Ones to end His reign, any others will fail…The One with the Power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches as the seventh month dies…The Soulmate a year after…"
The room was silent. Sirius looked pale after hearing the memory. Remus looked to be in shock. Arthur was holding a silently sobbing Molly. Augusta Longbottom looked horrified. Xeno Lovegood was sharing a terrified look with Amelia Bones. The Weasley boys were all looking at each other with varying degrees of shock and horror. Fleur was leaning forward with her face in her hands. Hermione sat frozen, covering her mouth as tears ran down her cheeks. Ted and Andi were looking aghast from their daughter and Remus back to Harry and Ginny.
"Now," Harry spoke to get everyone's attention again. "The night my parents died, Voldemort did not die."
"What?" Amelia Bones yelled out.
"He just lost his body," Harry nodded grimly. He flicked his wand at the rune-covered trunk in the corner. Several objects floated out to the right of Harry. "These are the reasons why."
"Does anyone besides Bill and Fleur, or those who know already know, know what these are?" Ginny asked looking around. No one spoke.
"They're Horcruxes," Harry informed them. Xeno gasped. Augusta looked pale. Amelia looked revolted. Andi looked sick. Everyone else looked confused. "To clear the confusion, they are objects that have a piece of Voldemort's soul Magically bond to them to help him achieve immortality. They are made by committing cold-blooded murder."
The room went completely silent. Hermione covered her mouth again looking like she wanted to vomit. Everyone looked decidedly green at that information.
"It's because of these, he was able to return a couple of weeks ago," Harry added pointedly.
"Wait," Hermione swallowed hard. "Harry, is that the same diary…"
"Yes," Ginny answered with disgust.
"There is at least one more," Harry went on. "We believe it's Voldemort's snake, Nagini."
"Makes sense," Arthur nodded. "He is a Parseltongue."
"If we can find and kill the snake, destroy these foul things," Harry pointed to the floating objects, "Ginny and I can get rid of Tom Riddle for good."
"Tom Riddle?" Amelia asked.
"Lord Voldemort is a made-up name," Harry ground out. "His real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. His ancestors were the Gaunt Family from Little Hangleton. He is also the last descendent of Salazar Slytherin."
"He's also only a half-blood," Ginny added.
Amelia's eyes narrowed. "You mean to tell me, for all his pureblood rhetoric, he is half-blood?"
"Ironic, isn't it?" Harry asked in return.
"Ron, we need your strategic mind on how best to kill the snake and finish off Tom for good when we destroy these wretched things," Ginny ordered.
"On it," Ron nodded. "Any specific places to plan for?"
"Godric's Hollow, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts," Harry answered.
"You got it," Ron nodded. "Can I borrow the Map?" Harry grinned as he floated the parchment over to him.
"Check with the Research Team for maps of the other places," Harry smiled.
"Speaking of which," Ginny spoke up. "Hermione, Xeno, Remus, Luna, that's you." They all nodded.
"At the moment, the rest of you will focus on training," Harry took over. "Bill, Sirius, Tonks, Amelia, you will head the training program." They nodded. "That's all I have, I think. Gin?"
"Mum, coordinate with house-elves on cooking and cleaning. They can, and will, do most of it. We need you to help them schedule meal times and rotate everyone in and out of the dining area."
"Of course, dear," Molly agreed.
"Professor McGonagall, we need you to be a liaison to the other professors at Hogwarts," Ginny turned to her.
"Of course, Mrs. Potter," McGonagall agreed.
"Any question?" Harry asked. No one spoke. "Alright. We will be continuing our research. Good night, everyone," he waved as he took Ginny's hand before leaving the room.
