Hey everyone,
This chapter is going to make up for me not doing as I said a few chapters ago when it comes to Amelia. Oh, and because her "secret" boyfriend plays such a negative, but vital role in this story, expect her to be part of a LOT more chapters from now on. She and Molly are going to be working together to FINALLY set the Order straight, if only to finally help Harry stop feeling like he needs to hide from those who are supposed to be supporting him.
Again, fun,

Venquine1990

Chapter 20
Trouble At The Stations

24th of December 1995
Grimmauld Place, London
Ron's POV

Percy actually got the train to delay the departure. A lot of students tried to argue with this, but Percy used the magical intercom to speak to them all and explain himself. And it shocked Ginny and me to the core to hear about what happened at the Minister's office. How Umbridge had threatened to publicly destroy Fudge during the upcoming elections if he didn't just give the Minister's seat to her in his next press conference. How Fudge had her take the test to see if Magic would accept her and how badly wrong it went – well, for her.
"So because Umbridge has been around you for the past four months, the Minister wants me to gather as much evidence of her potential crimes against you all as possible. So if you have been abused, magically attacked or forced to do something for her that is against the English Code, please move to the front of the train and wait in the carriages there. The Prefects, if they're willing to help me in this, will come escort you to my compartment one carriage at a time."

Ginny and I had instantly sought out Neville and Hermione at this and the two had assured me. "Don't worry, we got this. You two just wait in the compartment we saved for you. Trevor, Crookshanks are already in there. You'll see Crookshanks lying on one of the seats." Ginny and I had nodded and then the twins had actually joined us and shown us something horrifying. Very faint scars of I'll respect proper authority written on their hands.
"We had detention with her just after Harry went down under. We did use Murtlap Essence, but she kept us long enough those two nights that this stuck. Guess that's a good thing now, huh?" The two had been so in sync with each other I didn't even realize they were talking in turns this time, though that was also because I felt so horrified at how upbeat they sounded about the whole thing. instantly Hermione had jumped into action and dragged them upfront.

Neville had given Ginny and me the reassurance with the words: "Don't worry, we've got this." Before he had left. And Ginny and I had gone the other way as that had been the direction that our friends had come from when we met up with them. And less than half a carriage away, we had found the compartment as Hermione had described it. We had sat down and just watched as Prefects walked up and down the train and helping Percy gathering evidence.
All together this had taken about an hour and a few minutes and after this, just as the train started to move out of the station, I had seen Percy stand on the platform. The look on his face had me pretty worried and yet he had waved at Ginny and me – and the twins who had joined us early on – with a look of reassurance on his face. We had waved back and shortly after Hermione and Neville had also joined us, Hermione taking Crookshanks on her lap as she sat down.

The two look pretty exhausted and Ginny asks: "That bad?" But Neville answers: "We don't really know. We just escorted the students to the compartment Percy was in and then stayed outside to indicate to the other Prefects that there was a testimony being given. And then we would escort them back." I notice Hermione nodding, but the look on her face has me ask: "But something happened?" The girl gives me a tired look and says:
"From time to time we would be behind Malfoy, who seemed to only want to escort certain students. We didn't really care much for this, but with one compartment, he asked if they had something to report. They denied this, but when we passed their compartment, they asked if we could escort them to see Percy. And every time they thought we would pass a Slytherin compartment, they crouched down and tried to stay out of sight. It was just – so weird of them."

Yet while the girl is clearly unable to understand the behavior of her fellow students, I can't help but sigh and say: "Umbridge's behavior of the last few months has been especially beneficial to the Snakes. I'm betting some older Snakes decided to help her in her detentions. And because the Snakes have their hierarchy, these students probably didn't think that Malfoy would pick their plight over his own House; they probably feared worse repercussions or something."
The girl looks at me shocked and horrified and Neville moans: "The worst of it all? You're probably right, so we'll probably see some Aurors on the platform when we get to London." To this Ginny spoke up. "Only better. If Umbridge gets arrested, but those Snakes go free, they'll just start to think they can get away with their horrible behavior no matter what. Let them get arrested, it might just make them think twice next time."

We all agree on this and keep quiet for a bit after that. Yet after a few minutes my curiosity peaks again and I ask Neville: "So, other than the twins were there any others that we know?" The boy nods and says: "A few of those in our year, though – surprise, surprise – not a single Snake. Hannah Abbot and Terry Boot as well as that one Hufflepuff that hardly ever speaks up. You know, Leanne. Also, Lee and a few of Angelina's dorm mates, like a girl named Macey."
My eyes are wide as I gaze at him and then I notice that a playful grin is growing on his face, same with Ginny. "Okay, what are we missing here?" The twins ask and Ginny smirks at them as she says: "While you guys were busy keeping it a Secret that you are Harry's Secret Keepers, Neville, Luna and I went on where Harry left off. We found a place to train and gathered the people we met in the Hogs Head together. We've been holding random meetings ever since."

"Why didn't you tell us?" Hermione asks horrified and Neville answers: "You were both watched way closer than I think either of you realized. We figured that the club would be found within days if we included you guys. Don't worry, we used what little we knew of Harry and his adventures and practiced spells that we think he could or might have used and spells that, if he had used them, might have increased his survival chances.
Though from time to time, we would also just focus on spells that Lee told us were on the OWLs DADA test that he took two years ago. I guess, now that Riddle is gone, we can just focus on those when we get back from our break." To this Ginny leans back and says: "If the club even remains necessary. I mean, who knows, right? Maybe when we get back, either Dumbledore or Fudge might have hired someone actually decent."
Silence falls over our compartment again and I feel sure that all of us are imagining what we would consider a decent DADA teacher. Yet at the same time I can't help but smirk as I realize that the DADA curse struck again, and even quicker than before. And while I do still worry for Harry and Sirius, I also feel like I am leaving a good Hogwarts behind and that I might come back to a Hogwarts that is even better.

A few hours later
At the London Platform

Malfoy actually didn't make his annual visit to our compartment to annoy and insult us and the twins treated us to candy when the trolley lady came by. Most of our conversations, about an hour into the ride, were light and even helped us catch up with each other. I really hadn't expected that this was necessary thanks to how close the whole thing with Harry and the Order made us, but Ginny and Neville – and later Luna, who also joined us – proved different.
Neville has actually started dating Padma Patil, my old date for the Yule Ball and Ginny has admitted that she has started looking for some kind of artistic hobby, but that she is still hoping to get on a professional Quidditch team after Hogwarts. And while Luna annoyed Hermione a bit with her vague terms, I learned to read between the lines and discovered things about her that I had never expected to learn about the dreamy girl.
She's actually been at the top of her class for the past four years, but because those at the top of their class in the older years – or at least those in Ravenclaw – can't accept this, they really bully her and often even steal from her. And when I ask: "You went to Percy about this, right?" The girl looked at me as if I had grown a second head or sprouted wings or something. I worry over this and silently vow to myself to do so as soon as possible.

And when we finally arrive at the station, the sight there is most unusual. Aurors are lining the front of the crowd and they are standing with their faces aimed for the train, but with their arms behind their backs and their backs straight. Kingsley is easy to spot thanks to him being one of the few tanned men in the line, but Tonks is actually harder than normal. This because the woman doesn't have her usual spiky bubblegum pink hair.
"There she is!" Ginny yells just before the train comes to a full stop and she aims for a young woman with mousy brown hair that is short enough it doesn't even reach the woman's ears and sharp blue eyes. "How can you tell?" I can't help but ask and the girl answers: "Her nose. Hermione and I constantly asked to change it, so I recognize her regular one anywhere. Plus, her hair is brown, but it has a bit of a pink shine to it."
I squint and even tilt my head a little and this allows me to see that my sister's right about the shine. The train comes to a full stop, but I don't hear the doors making their usual sound when they open. Instead a couple of the Aurors start to move and they seem to inspect all of the carriages, while a couple of their coworkers stay standing. And after I take another look at the latter, it suddenly hits me. "They're guarding the doors." I exclaim.

Hermione's eyes widen and she whimpers: "How many students have been helping that woman?" But then Neville says: "It might not be that many. Usually, to arrest one person, a good three Aurors are sent out. It might just be that there are this many to work as a precaution or as a warning to the ones that know they did something wrong. You know, for them to make sure that the more rotten apples don't try anything against those that spoke up."
Then the doors to the train do open, but when George heads for the door of the compartment, he can't open it. "What's this for? We didn't do anything!" Fred yells when he sees his twin struggle and yet Ginny calmly says: "It must be another precaution. We can't get out, but the ones that might want to hurt us in retaliation for snitching can't get in either. I'm sure this is the case with all compartments." Yet to this Hermione shrieks:

"But we're Prefects." And while she motions for herself and Neville, our joined friend rolls his eyes and says: "And they're Aurors. I don't think they need us to watch the students in this one." The girl turns slightly red, but she does nod in understanding. The twins aim their wands at our trunks and cast shrinking spells on them. And as they do, I spot Tonks coming to our door. She waves her wand over the handle and then she opens it.
"Hey guys, I got permission from the boss to escort you to your mum. Now come on, she got really worried when she saw me arrive with my team.""Did she think you were here to arrest us?" Fred asks and I notice that his tone is both suspicious and as if he is expecting the woman to answer in the confirmative. I grimace at this as the twins don't often show how much mum's displeasure of their goals and dreams affects them. But Tonks smiles and says:

"At first she almost did say that, but she stopped herself." This shocks the twins and the Auror motions for us as she says: "Now come on, grab those critters of yours and let's go." But then she turns to Hermione and says: "Oh, before I forget, Hermione. I checked the Muggle side of the station before I took position and I couldn't find your parents anywhere." Hermione smiles at her and says: "That's right, they went on holiday two days ago.
But don't worry about it, Tonks. They've gone skiing and I have no intention of ever doing that, ever. So when Dumbledore postponed the break, I had McGonagall tell my parents that I would spend Christmas with the Weasleys and wished them well. I already had my presents for them so McGonagall took them with her." All of us grin at her and we follow Tonks off of the train. Yet as we get off, a loud yell startles us.

"GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME! I AM THE HEIR OF HELGA HUFFLEPUFF! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!" We turn to where the voice is coming from and I notice that Ginny, Neville and Luna's eyes widen as we see a tall, skinny blond boy with an upturned nose get escorted off the train. And it's actually Kingsley who's escorting him and who snarls: "I don't care if you're Fudge's son, you used a Cutting curse on a younger student and handicapped her."
And while this makes Hermione gasp, I notice a girl who looks to be a Second or Third year, walk past the Aurors and their captive. And to my horror, the girl is actually missing half of her lower arm and her hand. The girl is also being escorted by a pair of friendly looking Aurors, who have obviously come to cover for her, yet she is still staring at the arrested brat with great fear in her eyes. And not without reason as the brat is glaring at her as if he wants her dead.

But before he can start to yell, Ginny marches over and actually pulls her own wand. "Auror Shacklebolt, did I just hear you say that this brat used a Cutting Curse on that young girl over there?" She asks and while Kingsley shows to be startled for a moment, he nods and Ginny glares at the brat. " "It's your fault, really! You taught me that spell! They should be arresting you, not me!" The brat actually tries, but Ginny is the first to react.
And to the horror of a lot of those around us, mum included as she has come over, my sister aims her wand straight at the lad's crotch as she says: "When we taught you that spell, we gave a very clear warning. That spell was to destroy an enemy's wand and keep them from cursing you; it was solely for Death Eaters and scum like that. We were crystal clear when we made the following statement and I do quote:
Use this spell on anyone else and you're on your own. And don't think you'll be able to get away with it, we'll know and we'll make sure you pay. And when we said this, Susan Bones, who is also in the club, nodded to prove that she agreed with us and even said that she would personally report to her aunt if it happened. Now you have two options, Smith. Either you accept your fate and take it as a man – or I end the Hufflepuff line right here, right now. And I'm willing to swear on my magic that that is not a death threat, just a warning."

Hermione and I stare at each other and I can't help but think: "What the hell did my sister and the others teach these guys? What spells were they learning while I was busy being Harry's Secret Keeper and dealing with Dumbledore and his crap?" I turn back and notice that Smith has stopped his struggling. Kingsley sends Ginny a short look that conveys his gratitude and he continues escorting the brat off the station.
Ginny then turns to the girl that had been watching fearfully and walks over. And her whole demeanor changes as she approaches the girl. She even crouches down a bit and asks: "Hey, mind if I ask what happened?" The girl shakes her head, but then a woman with a stern look on her face and a monocle in front of one of her eyes approaches the two and requests: "I'd like to know the same, miss. Would you mind if we make this an official statement gathering? That way you won't have to visit the Ministry for such a reason later on."

The girl gives a quick grateful nod and the woman turns to the group of Aurors that is with her as well as my family and says: "Merith, Molly, would you two mind escorting your kids and our young victim to the conductor's office? I already got his permission to use it for this purpose, for those who wanted to give testimony to the official Aurors and not just Percy, who was in a hurry at the time." Mum looks shocked at hearing Percy's name, but she still nods.
And after we found the girl's parents and quickly caught them up to speed, the lot of us headed for the far right of the station and into a nice looking office. The Aurors and the girl's father take a seat on one side of a table and Ginny, Neville and Luna on the other. Mum, Hermione, the twins and I all move to stand in the corner, but then Ginny says: "If you don't want them here, that's fine. You only need to talk with who you want to."

But while mum wants to object, the girl shakes her head and says: "I don't want to separate you, not this close to Christmas." We all smile at the girl and then her father asks: "Sweetie, what happened to your arm?" The girl hesitates for a moment, but then she starts to talk. "During the party the other night, Smith came to my friends and me. He had discovered that my friend descended from someone who once, as he called it, served Helga Hufflepuff.
He was arrogant and felt that my friend should start to do the same. He even said you can start by showing me proper respect. Bow down and show me your back like a good human House Elf. Needless to say, my friend and I didn't take that kindly. My friend even retorted and snapped Dude, it's the twentieth century, not the fifth. Get with the times and get real. That is never going to happen. Now leave me alone, I want to enjoy the party."
I notice that the words the girl quotes from Smith really upset my sister and my two friends, but I personally feel a grin of pride and agreement grow on my face when I hear her quote her friend. The girl goes on: "Smith didn't take kindly to that and pulled his wand. He even said you won't show me respect, I'll show you the inside of your knees. Then you'll bow. I panicked and pushed my friend out of the way, but my arm got hit in the process."

The girl puts her hand over the stump that was once her arm at this, tears streaming down her face as she must be vividly remembering the pain she was in. We all keep quiet to give the girl a bit of time and after a minute or so, she continues. "At first, Smith did look like he was horrified and regretted his actions. He and a few others even escorted me to the Hospital Wing. But after Madam Pomfrey cleaned the cut, he got me alone and went on to threaten me.
Speak of this to anyone and it's your neck that I will cut next. And trust me, my family owns many wands, even ones we don't really own, understand? It really terrified me, but – I remember all the amazing stories that the older years tell about Potter and his friends. So – so when Granger came by my compartment, I – I took my shot. I had seen Smith move to the other side of the train, so I knew he wouldn't find out until it was too late."

We nod at the girl and then one of the Aurors gently puts a hand on her shoulder as she asks: "You've been very brave, Mss. Rens. Now can you answer us one last question?" The girl nods and the Auror asks: "Do you think Smith did this before? Cast this spell on other students? Perhaps with more – deadly consequences?" The girl shakes her head frantically, but before the Auror can apologize, she speaks so softly, she almost whispers as she says:
"No, I don't think he has. But – there has been an increase in rumors about him. About how he's been using magic to bolster his reputation and enforce his will upon others if they won't just accept his privileges as Heir of Helga Hufflepuff." At this Ginny grimaces and says: "That's on us. Smith was part of a club we formed that was meant to do what Umbridge wouldn't; it was to teach us how to defend ourselves against Death Eaters and the like.
We didn't really want Smith in our club, but he had already been approached about it before we changed the style and the members. You see, the club was originally meant to be lead by Harry as he, Ron and Hermione lead the first meeting in the Hogs Head. But then Harry went down under and because Ron and Hermione were under such heavy scrutiny, Neville, Luna and I decided to take the lead of the club for them.
We studied spells that would be needed to pass our tests, but also spells that would help us survive as most of us did indeed believe that Riddle had returned and – well, we didn't want to end up like Cedric. We wanted to have a fighting chance. And, like Neville said during our first meeting after Harry left, there are those among the group who, while they don't remember the war, have constant reminders of what the war cost them.

So we learned spells that were meant to help us prevent that from happening to the loved ones we had left. We kept it Neutral and Grey, but we did learn a few – sort of – lethal spells." The Aurors nod in understanding, while I notice a strange look of confusion adorn Hermione's face. "Could you give us a few examples? And before you do, Miss Rens, do you want to stay here for this or would you rather leave?" The girl answers the latter and Ginny answers her own question.
"We learned the nerve numbing spell, but only the version that numbs the amount of nerves that are in a person's hand or something. We also learned a light burning charm, but it would only cause someone to have a burning kind of itching. We learned this one, so we could aim it at the hand of the enemy, so that they would let go of their wand as they used their other to scratch or something. And – well, that cutting curse, but like I said, it was meant to cut wands in half, not cut off limbs."

And while mum is obviously horrified by Ginny's explanation, I can't help myself. I smile widely at the fact that my sister really worked hard to make sure she could defend herself. And a small part of me even wishes that Ginny had already known these spells when she was in her First or that Harry knew these spells last year. The Aurors also nod and the woman from before comes in. "I heard the last bit. I got to say, Miss Weasley, I'm impressed.
If you ever feel the need, I would love to have you join my squad once you graduate. Also Miss Rens, thank you very much for giving us your testimony. You can go home now. Percy and I will make sure to keep you up to date on what goes on with Smith and his case." But to this the girl turns to her and says: "I don't want to know anything about that other than his sentence." And while her father pulls her close, the woman nods in understanding.
"Alright, enough of this. I need to take my kids back to London and obviously they have much to tell me. Madam Bones, thank you for lending us your time and for your Aurors picking up all these – these horribly nasty students, but I think that's enough for now." Mum then suddenly speaks up and yet the woman, Madam Bones, remains unfazed and nods in agreement. "Kids, come with me." Mum says, pointedly looking at Hermione and Ginny.

A few minutes later mum has escorted Neville and Luna back to their grandmother and father respectively and has moved us back into the Muggle world. There was a moment of confusion when she couldn't find Hermione's parents, but my friend explained it before she could cause a scene. And after this the six of us found a secluded side alley off of King's Cross and mum told the twins to Apparate Ginny and Hermione.
"Come, Ronnie dear." Mum says as she motions for me and while I really wish she would stop calling me that as it is a petname that is too childish for someone in their mid-teens, I let her take my arm and grimace at the sensation of Apparation, one I hadn't experienced since Charlie's returned from his Seventh year. Luckily, because the distance is shorter, the Apparation doesn't take as long, yet I still gasp for air when we arrive at London's front porch.

Mum guides us inside, but after she closes the door behind her, she turns to me and asks: "Ron, where are Harry and Sirius? Is he Apparating Harry over later or something?" But I shake my head and say: "No mum, because Riddle was never the reason for Harry to go into hiding, he hasn't come out of hiding yet either. I just escorted Sirius to where he's staying last night and now they're making up for what they haven't been able to do since Harry was an infant.
They're doing what James and Lily would have wanted them to do when they died for them." And while I had expected mum to start yelling and arguing, my words seem to halt the woman in her tracks. She looks at me and I can tell that she is thinking through what I said. And slowly I see a loving and proud smile grow on her face as she says: "You're right. Good work, dear." And I release a breath I hadn't known I was holding.

That went well,
Remember, in this story Molly got to see Ron for someone to be proud of a few chapters ago. Because of this she is more reasonable and more willing to listen to Ron and the others, not just consider them kids who should know better. Plus, like I said at the start of the chapter, she is going to play a large role in getting the Order to get their heads on straight and regain their moral code. And that is going to start
Next time,

Venquine1990