Old Magic (WIP)

by ulyferal

What if Hagrid took Harry away that terrible night his parents died? What if Hagrid wasn't as simple as everyone thought he was? REMEMBER THIS IS AU...a mix of canon, movie and books plus pure fantasy. Due to a time error I had to rewrite Chapter 47, made small editing changes to Chapters 48-51, and am writing Chapter 52. Will post soon.

69. Chapter 69

OLD MAGIC

Chapter 69: Cleansing of Hogwarts 2

Dumbledore decided to wait out the operation sitting in his chair at the high table in the great hall. It wasn't very long before he began receiving reports from all the Head of Houses. Only mildly surprised, he found at least four owls, one cat and a raven had been missing from the count. But all the students had been accounted, fortunately.

He summoned Fawkes who appeared instantly in a bright flash of light, settling with a rustle of his brilliant plumage on the highback of his familiar's chair.

"Please inform Hagrid that it's been reported four owls, one cat, and a raven are missing. Hopefully, they aren't far away and are found swiftly." Fawkes trilled a response that Dumbledore recognized as agreement then the bird vanished again.

As Fawkes delivered his message, Dumbledore mused on why these creatures were gone. The most mundane of reasons would be simply hunting or stretching their limbs as animals needed to do regularly. The other possibility would have been they had been sent with a message to the enemy. That was especially true of the owls and the raven. However, he wasn't so certain about what the cat might be up to.

Well, no matter, I'm certain they will be found quickly and then, the owners will be interviewed. He sighed and returned his focus to his daily paperwork. It would make the waiting time go faster.

Elsewhere, while Snape and Dobby were making their way to the great hall where it had been agreed everyone involved with the take down would meet to give their reports, the marked children that had been gathered were being transported into the empty Room of Requirement.

As each batch arrived, the students looked around themselves in bewildered unhappiness. A few were waking to the realization of where they were and why. Within minutes, voices were raised in anger, fear, or dismay. A tiny number were overwhelmed to the point of cowering, whimpering and crying.

Into this chaos another blip of displaced air was felt and four more very familiar students appeared. There stood the four who had drawn wands on a fellow student just days ago: Marcus Flint, Peregrine Derrick, Gregory Goyle, and Vincent Crabbe.

Millicent Bulstrode blinked in shock but before she could voice a question, her best friend Pansy screeched a demand.

"What the bloody hell is going on?" Her immediate fury was directed at being taken so summarily from Slytherin House to wherever she was now. Her temper rose upon seeing the four known death eater followers. Since they were here too, she had a very bad feeling they were all in some kind of trouble.

"You be in the Room of Requirement by order of Headmaster Dumbledore," A flat, cold voice spoke suddenly, silencing them all. As was normal for house elves, his entry was completely silent and unnoticed by those in the room.

But it wasn't that there was a strange house elf there but that this house elf was unusual. Taller and more formidable appearing than any the students had ever seen before, the male stood in front of the spot where the door had been. His large, powerful body stood with legs spread and thick arms crossed over his wide chest. His clothing were the type normally worn by dwarves, rough simple trous and tunic with an "H" in red and wearing no shoes on his big spayed and hairy feet. Piercing black eyes studied the stunned students with a hard appraising gaze under bushy brows. There was no sign of the normal shy behavior displayed by the normal Hogwarts elves on his craggy face.

The students gaped at the house elf in some consternation. No elf in their memory had ever spoken to a wizard in that arrogant and cold a tone. They couldn't recall if they spoke much at all except to respond to a question or order, or they might speak a message verbatim but this … this was unheard of behavior.

Disconcerted and scared but burying it beneath a towering fury, Millicent Bulstrode stomped toward the house elf, shoving her fellow students out of the way, until she nearly towered over the elf, his head coming level with her neck instead of her waist. Which made him even more unnerving to those watching.

Tilting her head down to his face, she spat, "You are lying, elf! Why would Headmaster Dumbledore order such a thing?"

Not the least bit intimidated, Head House Elf Firg merely eyed the belligerent student with a stone face expression. "Am only allowed to tell students that Hogwarts is being cleansed of all the evil brought inside its walls by the creature known as Voldemort."

Many flinched when he boldly spoke their leader's name. "All you here are to be kept in the Room of Requirement until your disposition be decided by the Headmaster. I and my elves ...," he gestured toward the walls of the room pointedly.

It was only then did the students realize they were now surrounded by about some fifteen house elves, standing uquietly and spaced out along the walls of the room, eyes focused firmly and unflinchingly on them.

"... are to see to your needs and to prevent fights among you. You do well to behave and cause no trouble or to the Dark Tower you will be sent instantly." Crossing his arms again he stared at the children and they stared back … no one said anything for a few seconds. He nodded when he saw they were now listening.

"May ask for things to eat, things for your comfort, homework, or entertainment nothing more. Your belongings and trunks have been delivered to your bed areas that I will create within this space in a few minutes. Behave, relax, Headmaster will be along soon to speak with you," Firg finished then went silent, waiting.

No one spoke, too stunned by their changed circumstances at first but then the dam broke and an explosion of shouts, curses, demands, denials of wrongdoing, cries of fear, and a smattering of pleas to be forgiven rang out. The room seemed to muffle the noise enough so it wouldn't echo back and cause the chaos of emotions to rise even higher, though the students were too upset to notice.

The more cowardly and fearful of their number fell back away from the rest, finding a spot to huddle together. Others moved away from the more furious of their number, their minds more focused on what their parents would say and do when they found out what had become of their children. There was real fear they would be cast out, abandoned, or face harsh punishment once home after being expelled from Hogwarts which they were certain would happen. The more violent and temper prone students hadn't yet realized that this was a very real possibility for them as well.

"How could he do such a thing?" Angelina Johnson snarled. She hadn't been on the original list Dumbledore had given the teachers but the elves were more cognizant of her involvement with the death eaters hence her presence here.

"I want to go home!" Tracy Davis wailed.

"My father will kill me!" Daphne Greengrass whispered in terror.

Firg winced inwardly at those last two wails of hopelessness. It was those few children with no choices thanks to their parents, he spared any pity for.

"Wait till I tell my father about this! He'll be furious!" Theodore Nott warned the house elf who only stared stonily back at him unimpressed.

"Mine will take this school apart!" Marcus Belbe snarled, reaching into his robes.

"Are you mad? My father would think I had something to do with this and punish me?" Marcus Flint snapped, already knowing how his father would react which was why he was debating not going home.

"Coward!" Nott snapped at the criers, disgusted, while also reaching into his robes.

"Hey! My wand is gone!" Belbe bellowed, his search of his robes not finding that slim piece of wood, his eyes furious as he stared over at Firg.

His words caused a frantic search of robes by the those still aware of their surroundings. Another wave of hysteria and fury rose up when they found themselves disarmed.

"Wands have been confiscated per the Headmaster's orders," Firg said as if he was simply telling them lunch was ready.

"Give them back!" Millicent Bulstrode snarled at the head elf, still standing over the elf, angry that it was ignoring her anger.

"No wands!" Firg repeated firmly.

That started even more ranting and raving from the more militant of the students while those more cowardly quietly fell apart, falling to the floor in huddled little bodies of misery and fear here and there around the huge room. Except for the four. Their wands had already been confiscated and they knew no amount of yelling or pleading was going to get them back so they had moved away from the furious ones and remained silent, waiting for whatever was next.

Plainly losing patience and being short tempered already, Millicent did something immensely stupid but then that was her go to action most times anyway. Not caring about the Dark Tower threat as she had already sampled that punishment several times already, she shot her hands forward and grabbed the rough shirt. If she gave it any thought at all, she might have just stomped away and sulked, but thinking just wasn't her thing.

As her fingers made brief contact with the material, she never saw the head elf's long fingers raise up and snap … POP! … instantly she was disparated to the tower.

Those that had seen Bulstrode disappear so abruptly were forcibly reminded that the threat of being sent to the tower hadn't been an empty one but then if they had bothered to think at all they would remember that house elves were not given to empty threats in the first place. All they did know at that moment was the house elves could and would enforce the rule without any further commands from a wizard. And with exceptional dispatch too.

This just wasn't done! The students went silent and froze in place, eyes focused on the spot the nasty girl had been standing seconds before.

The first to react was Pansy who shrieked in frightened dismay. "Millicent!" But she was drowned out by all the shouting, ranting, and crying. But there was one that had heard her and had enough of all the caterwauling.

"SHUT UP, YOU STUPID GETS!" Theodore Nott thundered over all the hullabaloo, succeeding in getting the room to go mostly quiet, some hotheads still grumbled but he ignored their complaints about his temerity in telling them what to do when he wasn't the prefect.

"Did none of you fools remember the blighter did warn us that would happen? Anyone care to give that another try? We could use more quiet in here." Nott's words dripped with disgust.

Faces reflected anger still and confusion as they stared at Nott for several minutes.

"There's something hinky about how she left isn't there?" Cassius Worthington ventured to say into that silence, frowning in confusion at something that was bothering him.

"Bloody hell! It isn't just hinky but wrong, very wrong!" Lisa Turpin agreed angrily.

Nott turned to Lisa, frowning. "What are you going on about?"

"Don't you lot remember? No one can apparate within Hogwarts! Blimey, ye can't even apparate anywhere off the grounds so how did this house elf do what no one else can with an Anti-Apparition Spell in place?" She stared at everyone, demanding an answer.

"Took you idiots long enough to figure that out," Flint drawled. "Don't you fools get it? The house elves aren't slaves and they have abilities that allow them to do things wizards can't. And though they work for our kind, they really don't have to as they be more powerful than us. But weirdly enough they much prefer to be ordered around, which I simply don't get." Flint snorted eyeing the house elves in some annoyance and confusion.

Everyone looked around at each other then at the elves with new eyes and definite wariness. They couldn't' very well call Flint a liar when they just witnessed the power the elves could exert for themselves.

"Bugger it, that means these blighters could take over if they had a mind to," Nott muttered, not a little disconcerted by this new revelation. Doubt me da knows this about them. Nor has any other adult I know figured out how powerful they can be if they wished.

A chill raced up Nott's spine at the realization that house elves were much more of a threat than his father ever realized. However, frustratingly, there was no way he was going to be able to warn the man of this fact.

"I don't like this! I don't like this at all," Marcus Belbe muttered thickly, reflexively reaching for his wand then remembering no one had one thanks to Firg. He glared warily at the house elf but that worthy paid no attention to his death stare.

Instead the leader of the elves, for that was who he seemed to be, turned to face the main part of the room, raised his arms and began gesturing with those long thick fingers, using no words at all which a few of the more intelligent children realized meant the leader could communicate with Hogwarts directly so didn't need to verbalize what he needed done. That was the most frightening bit of knowledge they wished they hadn't discovered. They could never see house elves as "harmless" again. So the watched in fear and fascination as the leader created a new space for them.

A fireplace appeared at one end of the room, a fire already crackling within. Sofa chairs, couches, floor cushions, thick rugs, tables, and other familiar items that filled their own common rooms were placed tastefully around the space that featured the fireplace. Lighted torches graced the walls giving off a soft light. And to one side of the common room area, a small library room stood with doors open. Inside more tables and chairs sat for studying and reading.

Turning a bit to the side, Firg made a wall appear with an open archway and no door that lead into a more secluded area where beds began appearing in small individual rooms each holding a bed with curtains of plum color, no house colors here. The space also held an oak Armoire, nightstand with small drawers, a stand with water pitcher, and a comfy chair with a small desk in a corner. A small shelf for knickknacks was placed above the head of the bed. Beside the Amoire was a full mirror and on the other side was a chute for their dirty/damaged clothing. Each room had a door with a small window, no privacy here apparently. Finally, at the foot of each bed a student's trunk appeared.

Glumly, each realized it probably contained all their belongings. They weren't returning to their houses obviously, much to many of the students anguished dismay.

Surprisingly or perhaps not, Firg added to several of the rooms perches for those that had avian familiars while pet beds or small enclosures were there for other types of creatures comforts.

Firg's final touch after he had finished producing many bedrooms was magically engraving each student's name upon each door. They could easily see boys were along the right side and girls were facing them on the left, a carpeted corridor separated them.

At the end of this line of rooms sat two bathrooms which most likely contained the toilets and the bathing pool, the doors marked with the sexes on it.

Firg halted his construction of the space to address the children huddled together in the new common room that appeared around them. They eyed the formidable house elf leader with wary eyes and nerves.

"Find your rooms and remain there, door open until I call thee out again," he commanded. Looking at each other for a minute the children began filing forward into the newly formed corridor hunting for their names. After about ten minutes all had found their space and stared around.

Nodding to himself, Firg went about completing the rest of the space. He formed a large classroom that quickly filled with desks, blackboard, and other accouterments necessary for different types of classes to be taught within it. Obviously their education would not be halted by their incarceration.

In yet another space a small room appeared with a thick closed door. The symbol upon its surface designated it as the medical room. Next to that a heavy door appeared with the familiar broomstick symbol designating this as the exercise/gym space which had a magical sky on the ceiling so the students wouldn't become claustrophobic. Guess they were also going to fly their broomsticks within as well.

With a final wave of his hand, Firg made a dining room appear just before the common room space separated by a half wall between the two. A final gesture toward the table made a full complement of different types of foods and drink to appear.

By the breathless number of accommodations, it was dawning on even the dumbest student that none of them would be allowed outside this room for the foreseeable future.

When he was done, Firg turned his attentions back to the waiting students. They knew house elves could do many things but this display had shown them another side of the elves they had never seen before. None were certain if it was just this elf, because he was the leader, or if all the elves were capable of such displays of easy power … one that didn't need spells, potions, words, or a wand to accomplish what they wanted.

"Come out and stand here in the dining hall," Firg ordered. Having no choice, the students filed out of their rooms and stood in a line before the long dining table.

They stared around at the changed Room of Requirement and saw the true evidence of the elves hidden power. None felt inclined to challenge it nor ask it how they were able to do such things. They simply continued to stare around them mutely.

"We are leaving. Rest, study, eat, your choice, but no fighting. We will be watching even if not here. Also, a warning, if anyone attempts to trespass into a another person's room that person will be immediately sent back to their room and locked in till morning."

"Wait!" Nott exclaimed. "You mean we can't visit each other?"

"Nay, I said if thee trespass … that means if you go in without permission of that room's owner," Firg clarified. When he saw they understood, he gave a brief nod of satisfaction then vanished along with all his fellow elves.

Silence continued as the students absorbed the enormity of their situation.

"We are well and truly fukked," Nott said into the silence.

Flint gave a snorted laugh then turned to go back to his room. He had enough of all this right now.

No one disagreed with Nott's assessment of their situation. And with nothing more to add to that stark statement they took stock of their situation. Several students felt overwhelmed by this new change in their lives, followed Flint back to their rooms, doors shutting nosily. The rest made of sterner stuff, decided to check out the new spaces and still others were enticed by the smell of food wandered into the dining room.

Equally trapped with their people, the familiars too explored their new environment and availed themselves of the food. A few decided to join their masters. Since the doors were closed, they had to figure out how to gain entry. To their pleased relief, the big elf had made certain the doors would make a hole for them the moment they touched the door's surface.

The owls, more disturbed than the others, hooted dolefully as they took up a perch on the half wall between the common and dining rooms. A few ravens cawed mournfully before seeking their equally upset owners shoulders. Cats were a bit more laid back but the new restrictions were particularly uncomfortable to their free natures. Unhappy, they hissed at any that got too close. The only ferret in the group actually found the new space more interesting than distressing and set off to explore. A couple of rats were more hungry than concerned so crawled up onto the dining table to sample the food.

The Dark Tower

In one of the highest towers of Hogwarts, the present unhappy guests were desultorily finishing up their breakfasts with very little appetite, some savoring their tea and staring blankly out into the boring center of the room. A fireplace was set at the far end of the room, a meager fire burning and providing a dim light over everything. The few windows were mere slits. The beds in each cell had been refreshed with clean hay. They were allowed a heavy coverlet for the hay and one heavy quilt and thick pillow. The privy was a bucket that emptied automatically. A water fountain hung in midair with watering trickling down constantly vanishing as it hit the bottom of the small bowl. It was very primitive but at least it was clean and sort of warm.

Suddenly a new prisoner popped into one of the few cells remaining. The inner circle stared at the strange, ugly, lean man with little interest. However, the newcomer wasn't as sanguine about his location. Anger shook him at being sent to the tower. Then he had a good look at who shared his unhappy circumstances. Shock replaced anger for a moment as he stared at all the people, a few with familiar faces.

"Nay! You should not be here! You should be out there leading us to victory," Filch exclaimed, now extremely upset, anger turning to fear.

The only one who bothered to answer him was the same one who had been a regular visitor of the Dark Tower in her youth at Hogwarts. Bellatrix eyed the old man with distaste.

"Argus Filch isn't it? The miserable squib who works around Hogwarts as its so called caretaker?" She asked only mildly interested in the answer.

"Eh?" Filch stared hard trying to place the woman. "Ah, Bellatrix Le Strange it is. Yes I be Filch. Not liking the fact you be here either. Weren't you his right hand death eater? Where is our master?"

Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "He's dead, you fool. We are all dead here," she said in a more subdued and somber tone before turning away, tired of the conversation already.

"Nay! He can't be...he's..." Filch shouted back before being interrupted.

"Shut up, fool! Our lord is dead and our cause is lost," Malfoy hissed at him then he too looked away.

Filch stood there, hands gripping the bars, his mouth hanging open in shock as he recognized Lucius Malfoy. He spotted Crabbe and Goyle seniors and Nott. The rest he only had a vague notion of who they were. This was not good … not good at all.

While he was absorbing the news and trying to soothe his cat, Mrs. Norris, time passed for awhile. But a few hours later there was yet another pop. More prisoners for the tower.

This time it looked to be a student. An ugly and unappealing girl with a furious expression on her face that made her even more hideous looking stood with her fists raised. Seeing where she was, the girl lowered her fist and stared around her in a fury so hot she didn't show any fear at her location.

"Perhaps she be too stupid to realize the danger she is in," thought Filch sourly. "But then she be one of several truly stupid children he normally avoided from Slytherin House." Her name escaped him for the moment. Though he really didn't care to know it anyway.

The other prisoners, those that even bothered to notice the newcomer, studied her dispassionately. The girl wore a Slytherin robe and was truly ugly of feature and beefy of body, no womanly curves here. Her hair was a thick mass of black tamed into a small ponytail. The girl was so furious at her situation that they could hear her gnash her teeth viciously. Her hot eyes were glaring at the thick door of the tower. It was plainly obvious she had been a frequent tower visitor.

Millicent Bulstrode and Pansy Parkinson were soo stupid and stubborn they often found themselves in the tower more than a few times in just the past month. Sulking, she flopped down on the iron bedstead, crossed her arms across her ample chest and simply glared at the bars. She never even noticed her familiar wasn't with her though she was aware it had left before she had awakened that morning so wasn't much concerned. She blindly didn't take note that she wasn't alone either.

"One that never learns to control their temper and sees the world in black fury will never flourish," the spirit of Hogwarts intoned ponderously.

"Oh shut up!"Millicent snapped, rudely, thick headed enough not to realize just how dumb it was to be so disrespectful to such a powerful spirit. But to be fair, she was just tired of hearing such platitudes every time she was here.

Hogwarts watched her and sighed to itself. This one was simply too stupid to learn and it regretted having sent her a letter. Perhaps it needed to discuss with the Headmaster about narrowing the qualifications of who would benefit from training at Hogwarts. Children with such low IQ's wouldn't make safe witches. It had already made a change that prevented those with serious mental issues, like sociopaths and psychopaths, from receiving a letter. And it had gone further by requesting the afflicted child had their magical core purged so they could live as a muggle and be happy. Musing over that, it allowed its mind to drift away from the smoldering Millicent.

"Eh, your mouth has been your constant undoing brat," a caustic and too familiar voice said from her left.

She turned her head and scowled at the former caretaker of the castle. Filch and his benighted cat stared at her balefully from the cell next to hers, the cat squatting unhappily near her master's feet.

"You should talk, ya old reprobate," Millicent snarled nastily. "What you doing here anyway, eh?"

Filch just scowled back. It took a few minutes but a light dawned in Millicent's thick head (a surprising miracle in and of itself).

"Wot, you actually a death eater follower? Now ain't that rich and you are caught just like the rest of us so ye ain't got nothing to say to me that matters." She snorted and looked away again.

"And this is what we had for an army," a disgusted voice echoed out of the darkness.

Millicent squinted toward the other half of the tower and made out a dozen cages, each with a prisoner. Whatever she had been about to say stalled in her mouth at the sight of some familiar faces.

"Well shite! They caught the whole inner circle?" She finally managed to say. The first smart thing she had ever said to the surprise of some of the prisoners.

"Unfortunately, and if you are an example of our followers it is a wonder we survived as long as we had before being captured when our lord died," Avery, who had first spoken, spat in loathing at the mulish girl then turned away.

"Hey!" Affronted by his characterization of her and her friends, no matter how accurate it was, Millicent nonetheless had nothing further to say either. Now she knew for certain they were all dead for picking the wrong side. She didn't know what to think about that so she said nothing and sat staring into space, fuming.

Except for some shifting, cursing, and the grunts of discomfort it remained silent in the tower for some time after.

Hogwarts grounds ...

Outside the castle, Hagrid and his team had been patrolling the grounds and in the air above for less than an hour monitoring for any possible exit from Hogwarts. Hagrid was glad the cleansing had gone off without a hitch but now Fawkes had informed them that at seven familiars were missing and unaccounted for. What was of concern was whether any had been sent on messenger duty which actually wouldn't matter as there were none to take a message from them though there was a very slim chance they might warn the army. But he didn't think that likely.

A swish of huge wings pulled Hagrid from his introspection and prepared him for something big flying in. Looking upward he saw Thiralon, the Hippogriff, swooping toward him. He watched and admired the hippogriff gliding over the lake toward him, then landing in a clatter of hoofs and whoosh of wings. Folding his pinions, the Hippogriff proudly trotted toward the half giant. In his beak he held very carefully, by the feet, a huge barred owl who screeched in pain and anger at being caught.

Nodding in satisfaction, Hagrid reached out and secured the irate and unhappy bird. "Be still!" He commanded it. With a last mournful hoot, it did as ordered and sat miserably on Hagrid's fist. "That's better. Your master be under arrest and you will join him. Dobby!" Hagrid called out.

Instantly, the house elf appeared. "Ah, Dobby sees Hagrid has caught a missing familiar already. Good. Want me to take to its master?"

"Aye and thank ye, Dobby. Hopefully soon we will have the others." Smiling, Dobby nodded then disappeared with the owl in hand.

Turning to Thiralon, Hagrid said, "Fine catch that were my friend. Let us hope the last five will be as easy. I suspects some are returning from messenger service so be alert to the owlery since they might go there though that's been blocked for the nonce." He gave Thiralon a brief head caress before the creature trumpeted and ran off to once more leap into the air to hunt for more of the missing familiars.

Meanwhile on the forest's edge, Firenze too got lucky, managing to snag a very sneaky cat attempting to slip past him to slink up to the back area of the castle where most ground familiars found access through storm drains leading to the kitchens below the castle.

His hand swept down just as the cat thought to race from under a hedge. It hissed in anger when Firenze grabbed it by the scruff. He shook it gently. "Now, now, you have been fairly caught so stop fighting or I might just break your neck by accident," he warned it quietly. Obviously, not being an ordinary cat it understood the threat and froze, then sagged in defeat. He had no doubt at all the centaur would indeed end him.

"Wise decision," Firenze said then called out quietly, "Dobby!" Again the house elf appeared within seconds.

"Ah, friend Firenze, another caught familiar. Dobby take to its master," the house elf said briskly relieving the centaur of his burden.

"By that you must mean we have been fortunate enough to capture others?" the centaur asked.

"Oh yes. Friend Thiralon has just brought in an owl. That means there are but three more owls and a raven left to capture."

"Hmm, I will see if I can take the raven."

"Good. Dobby be off taking this one to Room of Requirement. Happy hunting." That said Dobby vanished with the cat.

Left alone, Firenze pulled on his beard and thought on how he might capture the usually crafty raven. A small smile pulled at his mouth as an idea came to him. Turning, he trotted silently into the forest.

Walking toward the Herbology Gardens, Hagrid kept his eyes toward the skies hoping to catch sight of another owl. Since the birds were not usually found out during the daylight, he thought to search the interior of the Herbology buildings as the birds sometimes liked to roost in the warm hothouses.

He stepped into Greenhouse One where the least dangerous plants were growing and the smart birds knew this. Producing a ball of blue light he stared intently toward the ceiling and was rewarded with the sight of two owls. Smiling with pleasure, he pointed towards the pair and apparated them instantly into two cages he transfigured from a pair of apples he had in his capacious pockets. The owls stared at him balefully. Shaking his head, he called out again. "Dobby!"

Dobby appeared at his elbow. "Very good, Hagrid, sir. Only one left and a raven. Firenze after the raven is, the last owl is left to you. Good fortune on its capture," the house elf said smiling as he took the cages from Hagrid.

"Aye, shouldn't be too hard. We needs be finished with this business speedily. Much else needs doing and children to be released soon. They must be getting a might antsy being locked up, eh," Hagrid said, smiling a little.

"Restless and annoyed they be, yes but confident I am that friend Firenze and you will have last ones caught soon," Dobby said with another smile which Hagrid returned before the elf disappeared with his twin burdens.

"So where might the last birdy be ..." Hagrid thought aloud. He left Herbology and began another walk around the grounds.

Meanwhile, Firenze was walking some distance into the forest before halting beneath a particularly broad and thickly leafed tree. He could hear rustling sounds and some cawing from high above him. Staring upward, he detected a great deal of movement among the trees topmost branches.

"Greetings be to you. I am here on the behest of the Elder Council. Would one of you assist me in finding a certain raven familiar that belongs to a Hogwart's child? Heard, I'm certain you have, that a cleansing has begun in removing the evil from all places of our world. Hogwarts be the one doing its cleansing today as we speak but a few familiars were unaccounted for and have since been captured save but one raven and an owl. I be searching for the raven and have sought your assistance in locating it more swiftly. May I prevail upon you to help with the search?" Finishing his plea, he waited patiently.

A lot of mutterings and soft cawings went on above him for some minutes then five crows suddenly set to wing and disappeared.

Taking that as his answer, Firenze settled down, standing hip shot, to waiting and hoped the search would not take long. One very big crow suddenly lifted off its perch then flew down to a branch just above the centaur's head. Cocking its head it emitted a special call. Firenze nodded his head that he heard and understood. For the next little while, Firenze answered the many questions the leader of this murder of crows asked of him about how went the war effort.

Some fifteen minutes later a loud caw came from above. The five crows had returned. Within the claws of two of them hung a very bloody raven. They flew down and deposited the injured raven on the ground before the hoofs of the centaur. The crow leader cawed at his people, most likely giving them thanks for their good work.

Firenze tsked as he leaned down and carefully picked up the bloody bird. "We will take care of your wounds back at Hogwarts so rest easy and don't fight me." Raising his head he addressed the crow leader. "My thanks for your assistance, fair winds beneath your wings," he said in parting. A pleased caw that he knew the proper farewell greeting, was his answer as the leader flew up to join his crows.

Pleased with his success, Firenze reared around on his heels then galloped back to Hogwarts with the raven carefully pressed against his chest protectively.

Hagrid was becoming rather disgusted that he hadn't succeeded in finding the last owl by this time and was about to head toward his cabin when a soft hoot made him halt and listen closely for a few minutes. He was presently passing the storage area for the broomsticks when he had heard the hoot. Moving silently, he closed in on the shed and carefully opened the door a crack. In that glimpse he spotted his target sleeping in the upper corner of the shed.

Smiling, he waved his hand and formed a net around the unsuspecting owl. It screeched in surprise and fell net and all to the floor. Hagrid quickly entered and gathered up the struggling owl.

"Gotcha now," he said triumphantly. "Easy, don't want to hurt you unless you force me to be more aggressive in my hold," he warned it. The owl glared up at him but went still. "Good." Hagrid unwrapped the hapless bird and it meekly sat on his fist as he quickly walked out of the shed, closing the door behind him before striding rapidly for the castle doors.

However, just short of the doors, Firenze ran up to him, something pressed to his chest. "Ah, you were successful though he be a bit beat up. Struggle did he?" Hagrid asked.

"Not by me, Rubeus. I enlisted the aid of some friendly crows who found her. Glad I be the hunt is over with the last two missing familiars in our hands," Firenze said, carefully handing the injured raven over to the half giant.

"Here, please take this owl while I see to the raven's injuries," Hagrid said trading his burden for Firenze's. The centaur raised a hand and the owl reluctantly traded perching places.

Looking over the raven carefully, Hagrid saw the injuries were numerous and a few were deep. Sighing, he held the bird in one huge hand while used the other to murmur a healing spell. He wasn't as good as his mother but his skills were sufficient enough for this kind of healing. In moments, the raven sighed and sat obediently on Hagrid's fist.

"Glad you see escape be not a good thing. Now let's return you to your master for safe keeping," he said. But before he and Firenze could head inside, a loud caw and swooshing of huge wings warned of Thiralon's return.

Landing a short distance away, the Hippogriff trotted up to the pair.

Hagrid smiled. "Thanks to the two of you we have been successful in capturing our wandering familiars safe and sound. You both may leave now. I will keep you up to date on how goes the rest of our plans."

Thiralon nodded its head but warbled something.

"Oh, have no fear my friend. I will ensure you are in on the take down of the army. That will be within days. Be ready," Hagrid assured it.

The Hippogriff trumpeted a pleased sound, then bowed to the two who returned it before turning about and racing over the grounds wings spread wide. It caught a good updraft and was up and away swiftly.

"I believe I will remain to see the end of this as well, Hagrid," Firenze said.

"Don't blame you my friend. Shall we go inside?" Firenze nodded and followed Hagrid up the stairs and to the heavy doors. Hagrid smiled broadly at a task well done as he reached for the handle of one of the heavy doors, gesturing for Firenze to precede him into the castle.

As they entered, Dobby appeared, bobbed his head and reached for the two familiars. Hagrid handed them over and the house elf disappeared bearing them away. Hagrid and Firenze walked on through into the great hall, joining up with Dumbledore.

"Ah Firenze, Hagrid, you were successful I see. Excellent. Join me for some tea. The operation, I believe it was called by Severus, is nearly completed," Dumbledore greeted them warmly.

"Aye, Headmaster, them were the last and, yes, I could use a spot of something but not tea. A mug of cocoa should do me well, instead," Hagrid said as he took a seat and a steaming mug instantly appeared before him. "Would you be wanting anything, Firenze?" He asked politely as the centaur took up a stance just behind him.

"Hmm, I could do with a cup of chamomile tea, thank you, Hagrid," Firenze said.

"You're most welcome." Hagrid made a larger than normal tea cup appear in the centaur's waiting fist.

The three settled down in the quiet knowing it would be very noisy again soon.

Moving downstairs from the Trophy room area some thirty minutes earlier...

Earlier, while Snape and Dobby were headed to the great room, the house elf paused then said quickly, "Forgive me, Professor Snape, sir but I am summoned," then he promptly snapped away.

Snape sighed then realized Dobby probably had been called to deal with the familiars he was sure Hagrid's team had found. He decided he wasn't needed back at the great hall yet so he would do a quick sweep of the area as he continued his downward trek. "Hope Hagrid's reconnaissance of the grounds has been problem free. Don't need escaped students or familiars to muck things up now," he mused as he strode down the empty hallway.

In the great hall ...

At least an hour and forty-five minutes had passed since the operation had begun so by the time Snape made his way finally to the great hall, others were already gathered, waiting. The teachers that weren't head of house had done their sweeps of the castle and were sitting at the table drinking their favorite beverages and eating snacks the house elves had provided.

He noted that even Hagrid and Firenze had returned. This boded well in his mind as he climbed to the high table and took his normal seat. A cup of hot tea, just the way he liked it and a lemon scone waited for him. Sighing with pleasure, he took a sip of tea.

"It seems we are all here except for those with watch duty in the houses," Dumbledore noted. "Dobby," he called out. Dobby appeared looking pleased and ready for anything else he was needed for.

"What can Dobby do for Headmaster Dumbledore?"

"Would you be so kind and retrieve the teachers still holding fort in the houses. But before you take them away have them instruct the children that they must remain in their houses until released in … oh … let's us say about forty-five minutes and that they must report to the great hall for a brief meeting and early lunch. Additionally, remind them they are still under the observation of the house elves so no sneaking out before the time is up and that you, personally, Dobby will release them. That will make it official. Understood?" Dumbledore asked Dobby peering at the house elf over his glasses.

"Dobby understands, sir." Bobbing his head briefly, Dobby left on the first half of his mission. What Dumbledore didn't know was the house elf first stopped at the kitchens to deliver an important message.

"Lunch will be served early, prepare and be ready for the call," he announced to the general population of elves responsible for the preparing of meals. Firg, he knew, was dealing with the imprisoned children at this moment. The elves obeyed him as the perceived second in command so a murmur of agreement met his announcement. Satisfied, Dobby quickly went to Gryffindor House first to give his message.

Back in the great hall, Dumbledore was still speaking, "As soon as all of us are here, we'll debrief and go on from there, meanwhile let's enjoy this short moment of peace shall we ..."

Everyone smiled and did as he asked, relaxing, some murmuring school business among themselves while others merely soaked up the quiet, saying nothing.

In the dungeon area …

Arriving at Slytherin House, his second stop, Dobby appeared beside Professor Vector making him jump a little in his seat, his mind having been deep in his book. "Oh, you have a message?" He managed before Dobby had a chance to speak.

"Yes Professor Vector." Speaking in a low voice, Dobby relayed Dumbledore's message before blinking away again.

Using a voice casting spell, Professor Vector called out, "All students report to the common room immediately." Then he settled back and waited.

It took about ten minutes but soon all Slytherin students were gathered around the common room in grumpy but surprisingly silent clumps.

"Headmaster Dumbledore has said you will all be released from here within forty-five minutes. The house elf Dobby, that was just here, is the one that will officially release you when the time is up. I have been summoned so wont be here. I suggest you don't try sneaking out as the house elves are still watching you. Understand?" He asked, his eyes scanning all of them for their reaction to this news. No surprise, many held expressions of disgust or resignation.

"As soon as Dobby releases you, make your way to the great hall for a brief message from Headmaster Dumbledore and an early lunch so no taking off for other places." With that parting message given and not answering the spate of questions that erupted as he turned away, Vector quickly slipped out the house door.

As Vector was leaving Slytherin, Dobby had completed his task swiftly going through Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw houses then began the clock in his head for when he would be returning. Knowing he would most likely be needed again, he snapped himself to the hidden space that allowed him to listen in on the meeting below him while simultaneously keeping a watch on all the houses, a talent no wizard was aware the house elves possessed. But this gift was only used for watch duty as it could be very tiring for a single elf to maintain. Normally, many would be given the task but Dobby was unusually skilled at this task and so felt no need to get others to help him. He got comfortable and listened.

Once all the last teachers arrived in the great hall, Dumbledore quickly brought the meeting to order. "Now that we're all here, I need to hear the reports from those involved in the actual cleansing first then from the head of houses on how the students behaved during this period. First you, Severus …."

"My job was to collect Argus Filch and his cat which was done swiftly, the two are now in the Dark Tower. The Trophy Room was where I had found him so continued my sweep from there and down through the dungeons. All is clear."

"Excellent. Hagrid?"

"We had just completed our second sweep of the grounds when you sent Fawkes to inform I and my team that there be five owls, one raven, and one cat missing. We managed to catch them all rather swiftly and all are accounted for with Dobby taking them to the Room of Requirement to join their partners. I thanked Thiralon for his assistance and he wishes me to insure he is summoned when we go for the army. And, of course, Firenze did a great job in his own hunt and is now here to be in this debrief. When all familiars were captured, I and my team did yet another full sweep of the grounds. I can verify Hogwarts grounds be free of the enemy," Hagrid finished, a broad smile of satisfaction on his hairy face.

"My only concern is where those familiars had gone and had they informed anyone that might be still out there on the enemy's side. Is there a way to find that out, baring having to use Veritaserum on their partners, which I would rather not do?" Dumbledore asked, looking around at everyone.

A loud trill heralded the arrival of Fawkes, his phoenix familiar, who swooped down from the ceiling to take a perch on Dumbledore's chair. He warbled a few sounds then went silent.

Snape translated before anyone could ask what was going on with the bird, "Fawkes says he can interrogate them if you wish, Headmaster."

Dumbledore blinked in surprise as he turned his head to frown at his familiar. The phoenix merely bobbed his head. "That would be a yes, then. Thank you,Fawkes. If you would do that soon I would appreciate it." Fawkes nodded then settled as he wanted to hear the rest of the briefing first.

The other teachers eyed the phoenix with surprised confusion, and Snape with shock. None but a very tiny few knew of Snape's ability to understand the phoenix. After all, the bird wasn't a familiar of the potion's master so how was he able to understand Fawkes at all. But by Snape's and Dumbledore's closed expressions they were not going to be enlightened on that subject.

"I hope the familiars were just involved in things animals tend to do but until we hear otherwise from Fawkes, we will consider that open until we receive his report. So let us move on. Dobby?" Dumbledore called out.

Dobby appeared on the table in front of the headmaster. "Sir?"

"How are the prisoners faring in the Dark Tower when you delivered Filch and his cat there earlier?"

"The Inner Circle be quiet and subdued. They remained so when I delivered their breakfasts. Filch and his cat are distressed and angry both at being in the Dark Tower and finding out they had lost the war when he noted who was with him. When last I was there but moments ago, as thought I you might wish a report on them, several of the Inner Circle were sleeping, Filch is sulking, the cat is sleeping, and Millicent Bulstrode was in a cell also sulking but that not be unusual for her. Not surprised to see her there either," Dobby added. "Bad one she is. By order of our leader, Firg, I and other house elves have searched the castle thoroughly from towers, owlery, to dungeons. Firg confirms Hogwarts is clear of all evil beings," Dobby summed up.

"I take that to include those few house elves that were on the enemy's side as well?" Dumbledore asked, wanting to be certain.

"Yes headmaster. Firg has dealt with them himself yesterday evening," Dobby confirmed, but said nothing about just how Firg had taken care of his problem elves. However, one of the teachers was not satisfied with that non answer.

"Who is Firg and how has he dealt with evil house elves and why was he allowed to take such actions?" The Muggle Studies teacher, Professor Burbage demanded.

Dobby did not answer, instead looked toward Fawkes and not Dumbledore for direction to the surprise and confusion of those not in the know. Fawkes cocked his head and appeared to be thinking then warbled out a few sounds. Dobby nodded back respectfully before turning back to Professor Burbage who was staring at Dobby then Fawkes in confused amazement. Apparently, house elves were included in those able to understand the phoenix and she learned why when Dobby explained. They were all about to get the education of a lifetime.

"Professor Burbage, authorized am I to pass this information on to you and the others here that know not this before now. Firg be leader of the Hogwart's House Elves and Fawkes is a member of the Elder Council who speaks for and represents familiars, house elves, unicorns, and other flying magical creatures of the Forbidden Forest. As agreed to by the council, head house elves such as Firg were authorized to deal with their own kind as custom dictates for them. To reassure all, I am allowed to tell you that any and all creatures that worked with Voldemort have been dealt with and will no longer be a threat to wizarding kind," Dobby informed the now frankly gaping staff.

So much unbelievable information held many silent as they tried to grapple with this bit of history none were before privy to until this moment. Except for those who were fighting on the side of the Light, none sitting around the table had any idea just how many intelligent magical beings were out there fighting in this war against Voldemort's army. Nor did they yet know the Dark Lord was gone for good.

The only thing they, the teachers did know, was an introduction had been made by that astonishing wireless announcement from the Elder Council of their existence but none had really been ready to accept it as fact. But, with this new bit of knowledge added to that made the Hogwarts staff realize that the Elder Council was just the tip of the iceberg on a society they hadn't known existed. Which meant a great many creatures they thought more animal than intelligent were, in fact, the exact opposite. By many of the teacher's expressions that didn't sit very well. Nor was the information that this army of actually intelligent and magically skilled creatures were joining with wizarding forces to finish this war.

As the children of this decade would call it, this was a mind blowing event many still couldn't believe was real despite trusting the ones telling them about it in detail.

But, within all that information they also learned just how close they were to finally being free from evil sorcerers and achieving peace for all the wizarding world yet again. What they didn't know was the information avalanche wasn't done yet when Snape dropped a bigger bomb on them.

Standing up, he announced, "Before I add even more information to your poor brains, I have an important announcement to make to those not in the know, that the Dark Lord, self named Voldemort, real named, Thomas Riddle who attended and was expelled from Hogwarts long ago, has finally and completely been destroyed by the Elder Council." Shocked silence greeted this bit of news then erupted into shouts of disbelief and hope as everyone not previously in the know talked over one another, too excited to be silent.

Suddenly a sharp trill sliced through the noise making everyone shut up in astonishment staring over at Fawkes who had made the sound.

Snape used that moment to speak again. "I know many of you were not aware of my part in all this except as rumor and suspicion. I now confirm I was indeed a double agent, working for the Light and for Voldemort. I wore the tattoo of a death eater."

He pulled up the left sleeve of his robe and showed his upper arm. "As you can see it is now gone and Professor McGonagell verified it. The Dark Lord is dead. All that is going on now is to take prisoner all his death eaters that have infiltrated our society and put a final end this long nightmare."

Once again a stunned silence fell but after a moment frantic whispers began racing around the table as those just learning of these events now needed to discuss it with their fellow teachers to help them understand and accept this even more momentous news.

Snape waited five minutes before getting their attention again. "Excuse me, but we are on a time limit here and must cover more information in this briefing so please shelve your need to discuss this new knowledge for later." It went quiet and everyone gave him their attention again.

"Now, about the house elf leaders, the one at the head of the Ministry of Magic headquarters is named Jeg. He has been tasked with identifying the infiltrating death eaters within the ministry. That information has been passed to the Order of the Phoenix, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and the Elder Council's warriors who are now working together and are now scheduled to have a planning session on Monday for the purpose of taking down the enemy within the ministry either that day or a few days after. I'm not privy to that time table. But whenever the mission takes place, it will be very similar to what the cleansing we completed here at Hogwarts.

The house elves will make a clean sweep of all those death eaters with a snap … so there should be no casualties. A prison for them has already been set up within the Forbidden Forest. And to answer a question I know you will ask, all this has been going on for several months. Jeg was part of a team that consisted of him, the wizard responsible for the security of the main entry of the ministry, Munch is his name, and the goblins under the leadership Blodrig. Over the past few months they conducted a meticulous investigation to discover who were the infiltrators, so a list has been made and been given to the leader of the Elder Council. And just so you know, Elder Jason is not the soul leader of this mission. Kingsley Shackelbolt was prevailed upon to be co-leader so there is a representative of the wizards manning this effort. Jason is good with people but Shackelbolt has a strategic mind that can handle the needs of an army and directing one."

Before anyone could interrupt because it was a lot to take in and many were only just trying to shake their disbelief of what they were hearing, Snape plowed on, "After the mission at the ministry is completed, the last action to be taken is going out to where the enemy's army was seen and is presently being watched and take them out. The army is much reduced in size so this shouldn't take long either. Within at least a week, the wizarding world should be free at last of the evil stench of Voldemort's reign."

He finally fell silent. The poor teachers were reeling and overwhelmed by this plethora of amazing news. It would take more than minutes to try to digest all they had heard over the past thirty minutes. It was some minutes as all took a long breath and a fortifying drink before one of their number suddenly recalled something said earlier in the briefing that just couldn't be true but with all the rest of the incredibly, fantastic information that been passed on to them this had to be true too but this teacher needed to be certain.

"Wait, did I actually hear you say the Dark Lord's Inner Circle is in the Dark Tower right this minute?" Professor Vector demanded, shaken such a danger could be over their heads raising the threat level for the children to new heights.

But someone else had a different matter to be upset about. "What are you talking about, a mission to take out the infiltrators at the Ministry of Magic and an army?" Professor Vector exploded at the same time. The shocks kept coming and he was feeling overwhelmed … but this last … was just fantasy … it had to be!

"Why are the prisoners not being taken to Azkaban?" Professor Sinestra angrily interjected. Prisoners were always taken to Azkaban. She couldn't understand how that wouldn't be the case here.

"Be still everyone. Each of your questions will be answered as time allows, otherwise they must wait until later" Dumbledore soothed them. "Professor Sinestra, in answer to your question, it is because it has been compromised by the enemy. If you weren't aware, the Dementors changed sides and worked for the Dark Lord. And, of course, everyone knows the Ministry of Magic had been infiltrated since the beginning of the war. It was felt these prisoners should be completely unreachable for the time being. The court will hear their cases, I assure you, when everything has quieted down," he added to reassure them that each would see their day in court.

"Oh, well that certainly makes sense and I agree that was a good decision," She said, subsiding but not completely satisfied as there was too much information to process.

"And, yes, that is who indeed is in the tower," Dumbledore continued, answering the other questions. "It was thanks to the house elves and their ability to snap anyone anywhere they want that captured them and sent them directly to a place no one would be able to find them. And, it was Madame Bones who gave permission to keep them here. This was to insure their army wouldn't be aware of their capture." As objections started up again, he banged the table to get them to be quiet.

"Do not be concerned. Hogwarts itself is insuring they can't escape and the house elves have taken their wands so they are powerless plus they keep watch over them. As you have plainly heard, the house elves have talents we wizards have shamefully taken advantage of without realizing just how powerful they truly are. It is a shameful thing we have done to them by treating them as little more than slaves as we took for granted their willingness to help we wizards, making our lives easier. But not once over the centuries have we realized or cared how their powerful abilities might have been invaluable in ending the previous war and perhaps ended this one before so many lives and damages had been done to our world. It is an unforgivable thing we've done ignoring their efforts in our day to day comforts … no thanks do they ask … they declare it their duty to serve wizarding kind." He shook his head and sighed.

"But I ask you, is it right to be so callous to they who give us their heart and soul? A thank you, a kind word, decent treatment, and housing, perhaps should have been given? At the very least acknowledge just how important they are and allow them a voice in our affairs, as friends not just servants," Dumbledore said passionately.

"But, those were but rhetorical questions to make you think and reconsider how we have treated all those who aren't human but are nonetheless intelligent and possessing magical skills as good or better than ours. A mindset we must now cultivate as they have made it clear they will not be treated as lesser any longer but as equals."

The teachers stared at him then at each other, shame and dismay burned the faces of many of the teachers, while others still tried to process everything into neat little boxes it wouldn't go into. But over all that was the realization of just how right the headmaster was on the matter of the house elves treatment by wizarding kind. They had shamefully perpetuated bigotry for centuries against those not human to the detriment of them all.

"Bigotry whatever the flavor is never logical," Charity Burbage was the first to speak. What everyone forgets because it doesn't sit well with their image of themselves, is the simple fact that there is no such thing as pure bloods. Wizards have mixed their blood with magical beings from the beginning of our existence. If our DNA were traced we would find that we are human at our core and are the same species as muggles. What sets us apart is the mutation that gave us a magical core and left them without. But bigotry is strictly a mindset found in all beings of intellect. There is something within us that seems to need to be better than someone else but it doesn't have to be that way. If the young are taught to be color and species blind then bigotry could cease to exist," she affirmed passionately. This was something she had always believed.

Everyone stared at her in amazement and no little disbelief. She was such an unassuming person that no one thought she could be this passionate about a subject outside of teaching.

Hearing her words, no one had heard anything about bigotry except the pure blood nonsense, but her take on it hit to the heart of what no one wanted to talk about so they had no idea how to process this new way of thinking. By their expressions, it seemed some thought her insane, others were scandalized by the sheer notion they had anything in common with muggles, and a few held thoughtful looks.

"How very insightful of you, Professor Burbage," Dumbledore said warmly, surprised by her insightful comments on such a contentious subject. "And you are right. We might not get these children when very young and they do come here with prejudices fully formed but that does not mean Hogwarts can't step in and change that mindset. I would like you to write up a presentation on this subject and how we can incorporate it in our curriculum. We may even be able to push for its inclusion at the other schools of magic if it proves successful here. And I believe, you, Professor Burbage, are just the one with the right mindset and knowledge to do this and teach it," Dumbledore added, eyes twinkling with excitement. "This might very well be one of the many changes Harry would be fighting for in the coming years. We are definitely on the cusp of new ways of thinking and doing."

Burbage blushed at the compliment and felt chills run down her back at the challenge she had been handed of introducing such a world changing subject most did not want to address. However, she was a also afraid she might not be able to handle the backlash this surely would cause the school and her own reputation by those afraid of making such a huge change in the way things were done or thought about.

Dumbledore must have guessed what she was thinking because he added, "We at Hogwarts will stand behind and by you during what will be a tumultuous change for the wizarding world's way of thinking. This task wont be easy nor accepted by the masses but I firmly believe it is the right step toward a more peaceful future."

She brightened at that statement of encouragement and the promise of support. "Thank you, headmaster. I'll try not to disappoint. It is rather a daunting task but it does need to be heard and taught."

"It does indeed, my dear. And you will rise to the challenge. As for your questions, Professor Vector, yes we are in the final stages of taking out the last of the enemy's forces. We will be gathering all our forces on Monday and hopefully if all goes as well as we think, the Ministry of Magic will be clear of the enemy soon after. Following that, the combined forces of the Order of the Phoenix, the Magical Enforcement Agency, and the forces of the Elder Council will take out the army," Dumbledore repeated, since he was certain many in the room missed it in the torrent of information.

That firm announcement freed the tongues of many and for several minutes there was shouting, arguing, denials, and demands for more information.

Dumbledore let them go on for a bit before bellowing, "Silence!" Quiet fell and all eyes turned to him again. "Accept what is happening or not, we must move on with this briefing now. And one more important thing before we do. No one and I mean no one may speak to anyone outside the school about the missions until the take down of the enemy is completed and a public notice has been broadcasted across the wizarding world about it. Just to be safe I will be locking down the school until Tuesday." He paused to collect his thoughts and give them a moment of calm before continuing.

"Now enough of this subject. What I need now is a report on the children's behaviors. They are to be released very soon and I wish to be done before they begin pouring into here. Professor Vector, if you please?" Dumbledore moved them on.

Vector shook himself out, his brain whirling with all he'd just learned. "Uh, well they were angry of course and insisted on answers but once I refused to respond they settled down. Wasn't surprised by how many were removed from this house. And of course, four of the missing owls were Slytherins as well. I did not think trying to interrogate the children of the familiars about where they had gone off to as I could plainly see by several mulish expressions I wouldn't get a straight answer anyway."

"Perfectly understandable and I'm glad you did not force the issue and that our outside forces did manage to capture them. Next, Professor Sprout?"

Professor Sprout stared at him for a moment bemused before her brain caught up to the fact he had called on her. "Oh, uhm, no problems in my house. Was surprised there were four students involved and especially about two of them that I was certain were not involved with the dark. Nothing else noteworthy occurred. Oh, and I had the missing raven and cat. Glad they were retrieved."

Dumbledore nodded. "Professor Flitwick?"

"I was aware of three of my students working for the dark but not Robert Hilliard. I would swear on my magic that he has never by thought or deed ever worked for the dark though I had heard his parents had gotten mixed up in some of their activities but never included Robert. I insist there be an investigation on his character immediately. And perhaps those two of Pomona's should be as well. I would not want any child punished for appearing to be associated with the Dark Lord's business. And it was Robert's owl that was missing. I am sure he would tell me where he had sent it or if it was simply out on its own," Flitwick said earnestly.

"Oh, well that is a surprise. I had given his name when I listed the children yesterday ...," Dumbledore said, frowning.

"Sorry, I must have missed hearing it. But I'm certain in my heart, Robert is not connected with any of this," Flitwick said firmly.

"Then I will look into that immediately, Filius, and insure he's released immediately if he's been maligned wrongly as well as the two you are concerned about Pomona," Dumbledore promised.

"Thank you, headmaster," Flitwick said.

"I appreciate that, headmaster," Pomona said, relieved.

"Professor McGonagell, any problems?" Dumbledore asked, feeling time running out.

"No problems. Pleased there were no more than two in my house and no familiars missing. And the terrible three were surprisingly cooperative," She reported with a small pleased smell.

Dumbledore smiled too. "I believe of anyone in the school those three realized there was a serious security reason going on rather than a test but decided to wait and see, thankfully. So, that concludes anything more that needs to be discussed. Hogwarts is now cleansed. Thank you all for your invaluable assistance. As soon as the children are released to meet here, I will be briefing them on what is expected of them for the weekend, though there will certainly be complaints about the communication and travel lock down I mean to institute immediately. You all do what you have to in keeping them too busy to argue or break the rules. Be creative. They must be kept in the dark until Tuesday when a public announcement should be made."

"And one final thing, take extreme care and use a privacy charm every time you wish to speak among yourselves on these matters we have discussed during this briefing so no young ears hear what they shouldn't. I, McGonagell, and Snape will be dealing with the children in the Room of Requirement. No one else may have contact with them until I say otherwise. Any questions?" Dumbledore asked, anxious to get on with his own plans.

Everyone stared around thoughtfully then began shaking their heads. Many had a lot to absorb and think about. Questions could come later when it was calmer.

"Good, then those that have classes go prepare then return for lunch. Your children will be there after lunch. I will not keep them long. I'll apologize now for sending you very irritated and angry children. Do your best … perhaps load them down with projects and some physical activity. I believe a Quidditch Game is planned for this weekend which is all to the good as that will keep them occupied as well," Dumbledore said, smiling.

"Dobby release the children," Dumbledore said abruptly into the air. An answer came back immediately, "It shall be done now, sir!"

With that the teachers broke up and went their separate ways except for Snape, McGonagell, Lupin, Firenze, and Hagrid.

Fawkes sang out his departure then flashed away. His first task to question the familiars. Now that he had learned there was a possibility a few of the children had been wrongly accused, he wanted to clear that up post haste.

Dumbledore wasn't surprised his familiar had taken off with such speed. It must gall the bird to know there might have been a mistake in the identification of the children. He felt confident Fawkes would sort that out quickly. It would be a relief to find less children requiring lockup.

However, though he felt confident Fawkes would solve this, it couldn't hurt to have someone else do a deeper scan of records and other avenues of information on all the children locked up. He would have used Severus but he was needed for the next phase as was Dumbledore, himself, Hagrid, Firenze, and Lupin so the only one left would have to be his second, Minerva.

To that end, he turned toward McGonagell, only to find that worthy already set to speak first.

"Do you want me to check on the backgrounds of all the children to make sure we are not being overly zealous in painting them as evil as their parents?" She asked.

"Reading my mind, Minerva," Dumbledore said smiling. "Yes, that is exactly what I need you to do. I suspect Fawkes will already be questioning Hilliard's owl right now. I believe he's very unhappy about the possibility of children being accused who may only be guilty by parental association and nothing more."

"Yes, I admit I was shocked that might have happened. Obviously, the house elves might have been guilty of the same mistake as us. Perhaps we should hold off speaking to the ones locked away until we have that information?" Snape interjected.

"I second that idea," Minerva agreed.

"I agree," Lupin said quickly. That such a mistake could have happened had made him concerned that more errors in other areas could also happen though he certainly hoped not.

"As do I!" Hagrid added. "We do not need mistakes now. It would certainly blow up in our faces and not in a good way."

"You are absolutely, correct in that, Rubeus. I agree, the children have had their needs met so waiting to speak to them will not be that onerous though they might think otherwise. Oh, they will be angry or scared but a bit longer wait might allow them to calm until we have our answers." Dumbledore heard the sound of children approaching.

"I suggest you all depart before the children see you. Minerva, Severus, Firenze, Rubeus, Lupin, meet at Hagrid's cabin when I'm done?"

"I can't just yet, headmaster. I have a few things to check on in my office and a few other contacts as well as remain available to be interpreter for Fawkes," Snape reminded his boss.

"Oh that is true. Very well, I'll be seeing you when I see you then. I may check in with my own contacts and deal with work on my desk as well. That is where you should find me for a little while. You might want to keep in touch as well Minerva since Fawkes' information will aid you as well," Dumbledore said, nodding to her.

"Certainly. Later all," She rose and quickly made for her office.

"Then we will be seeing you later headmaster. Neither Firenze nor I have classes today and will take lunch away," Hagrid reminded the headmaster, then rose and headed for the outer doors with Firenze on his heels.

"And neither do I," Lupin said, "I will see you later as well, Albus." He gave a brief bob of his head before hurrying to catch up with Hagrid.

Elsewhere in the castle...

Fawkes appeared in the empty Astronomy Tower and alighted on a ledge overlooking the lake. Mentally, he summoned Firg and Dobby. They appeared instantly.

"Sorry am I to have pulled you from duties you both are sorely needed for but this needs to be addressed immediately," He said as soon as the two stood before him.

"Worry not, what you need must be urgent so tell us what you need," Firg said bluntly. Dobby nodded in agreement, certain he knew what the phoenix needed done as he had been listening in though he was releasing the students at the same time. A trick he had learned when he had been servant to the Malfoy house.

Fawkes nodded then explained the problem they may have uncovered. "It appears misidentified some children may have been. One known and questioned about his true feelings about the Dark Lord is Robert Hilliard. I wish to question the familiars that were just captured and determine what they were doing when all others had been recalled. Your assistance is welcome in managing them as I may needs be more forceful in my interrogation."

Firg frowned. "Did my elves make errors in identification?" Unhappy this might have happened. Causing wizards pain was always avoided where possible.

"It appears they may have misinterpreted some of the children's actions and intentions thinking they were complicit with the Dark Lord's orders when, in truth, the parents were the only ones involved. I must needs determine if this indeed has happened with a small number of these children," Fawkes said carefully. He didn't want to insult Firg with unjustified accusations.

Still frowning, Firg nodded, "Understand, this may have happened as we are not always sure of humans true intentions for what they do. Very well, you want Dobby and I retrieve all of the suspected familiars or just the owl of the Hilliard child?"

Fawks thought a moment on that. If he took just one at a time the others might become more difficult but if he had them all brought before him the same could be true. Giving a whistling sigh, he was at a loss for a moment.

"Excuse Dobby, Fawkes, sir, but I believe we should bring all but blindfold and place silence spell on those that wait their turn to be questioned."

Fawkes blinked in surprise then nodded. "Yes, that be excellent solution, Dobby. Please do that. Let us get this unpleasantness done with."

Dobby smiled, pleased that he had been helpful.

"Excellent thinking, Dobby. You take owls and I take raven, cat, and Hilliard," Firg ordered.

"No!" Fawkes shouted.

Firg blinked at the bird in surprise. "Sorry, but not the child as yet. Others are checking his background first." Firg shrugged and nodded his agreement. He turned and gave the signal to transport the familiars.

Without further ado, Dobby quickly fetched the owls the house elf way as Firg did the same with the raven and cat. Before the creatures could run or howl an objection, both elves cast a quick bubble of silence over the creatures as well as blinding them with a spell. Unable to see or hear, the creatures cried out in unhappy surprise but quickly settled and waited for whatever was going to happen. They were, of course, unhappy to have been captured a second time with no idea why. And they didn't know where they were except it was very high up, they were still in the castle by the smell, and that wind was able to blow through meaning it was somewhere windows weren't tight.

With brisk efficiency, Firg retrieved the owl belonging to Hilliard and used magic to hold it firmly in the air before the phoenix while Dobby maintained the security around the others.

Narrowing his gaze, Fawkes made the owl focus squarely on him alone. "Questions I have of you. Answer truthfully and you will be returned to your master. Lie and suffer painful punishment," he said bluntly into the other's mind.

The owl moaned in unhappiness and no little fear at being so restrained and facing the formidable phoenix.

"Where were you when the children were placed on lock down this morning? Where did you go and why?"

The brown owl blinked in surprise. Perhaps this wouldn't be so bad after all. Since it didn't speak in any kind of human way, the owl simply showed Fawkes what it had been doing. The phoenix watched as the owl left the owlery early that morning to go hunting. It had nothing much else in mind and it's master normally slept in. When it had been returning to the owlery it was surprised to find its way blocked. It tried to return to its master but again found itself blocked. It flew around trying to find a way inside the castle with no luck so settled on sleeping in the flying broomstick shed where it then had been captured for reasons it still wasn't certain of.

It's memory ended where its master was being detained. Fawkes could feel no deceit. Alright, then, a more difficult and complex question needed to be asked.

"You know of the Dark Lord?" Fawkes asked next but presented it in a picture memory rather than words.

The owl shuddered and gave a hoot of alarm. It immediately showed its master huddling in a closet somewhere … it wasn't Hogwarts, he was certain, perhaps the boy's residence. The owl's mental images were of fear for itself and its familiar. What Fawkes could ascertain, death eaters had apparently visited the Hilliard family early in the war and threatened them. His parents seemingly pretended to obey whatever it was the enemy wanted from them then they left. The parents never told Robert what was going on and never allowed him to witness anything they might be doing for the Dark Lord, if anything. According to the little owls memories, there had been many visits by two, identities unknown, death eaters and each time the Hilliards seemed to agree to whatever task they had been given. The only thing Robert did know was his parents weren't very good at hiding just how much they hated what they were doing for the enemy. Fawkes clearly got a sense of unhappiness and fear on the part of the owl for its master and anger at not being able to do anything about it. The only time it felt safe for both itself and its master was when they were at Hogwarts. The fear for the parents, though, was why Hilliard never said anything or asked for help.

Fawkes was furious but blocked that emotion from the young owl. "So much intimidation and fear going on in many, many, homes that we knew nothing about because we had not created a safe way for them get help and prevent reprisals from the enemy. The true threat of a war like this is so many innocents are harmed. We are all guilty of failing the people we care for. That must and will change with the war now ended," he promised himself.

Fawkes released the owl's mind. "Worry not. I understand and it was not your fault you could not do anything but what you have done your best to do, protect your master from harm. Be easy, your master will be released soon and his parents will be safe, I promise. Thank you for your honesty. You will be sent back to him but you both must be patient a bit longer before release from holding place of all the bad children. Many I have still to investigate first."

The owl relaxed with relief and gave a soft hoot of understanding. It was even more ecstatic to be once more united with his master only seconds later.

Robert was, of course, confused as to where his owl had gone but didn't try to press the bird for an answer upon his return as he could sense how upset it was. He took it to his bed space and proceeded to soothe it with a bit of food and some caressing.

Back in the tower, Fawks eyed the other waiting familiars. Deciding to deal with the cat next, he signaled Firg to release it then hold it while Fawkes spoke with it. Firg complied using magic to suspend the poor cat before the phoenix. But he wasn't a cruel being so made sure the cats feet were supported on a column of air.

The cat didn't like that much but had enough intelligence to know fighting would be useless and perhaps deadly to its continued life. He glared balefully at the bird. Even he wasn't stupid enough think he could take the magical creature with the breathtaking powers so he waited like cats are wont to do.

Without preamble, Fawkes demanded, "Where go you this morn when sun was rising?"

The cat blinked in surprise at the unexpected and odd question. Using imagery the cat willingly showed it hunting in the forest's edge for mice and shrews. Though it sometimes hunted in the castle, today it wanted wild prey and fresh air on its face. When it tried to return to the castle after a successful hunt it found itself locked out.

Fawkes sighed. No deceit did he sense from the cat. "What part did your master play with the death eaters?"

Here the cat was much warier. It stayed blank. Annoyed but not surprised, Fawkes decided a little useful information might loosen the cat's tongue. "Who is your master?" A brief flash of an ugly girl appeared before vanishing. Too late pussy, Fawkes thought. No need for dancing around with this one then. The family were known death eaters. Since it hadn't left the grounds, doubtful it was delivering any messages and even if it did there was no one to take the message too. Satisfied it had gotten everything pertinent from the cat, Fawkes turned to Firg.

"Did this cat go to the tower when it was returned to the castle?" He asked.

Firg blinked then looked over at Dobby, a question in his eyes.

Dobby frowned then realized that, no, he hadn't taken the cat there. "Dobby, sorry, Fawkes. Knowing the cat belonged to Millicent Bulstrode who was being punished in the Dark Tower, Dobby felt she shouldn't be allowed her familiar so took the cat to the Room of Requirement instead, knowing it would be reunited, when girl's punishment was done."

Because Dobby looked worried that he might have made a mistake, Fawkes was quick to say, "That was an excellent decision, Dobby. You did nothing wrong making it and the cat was where it needed to be anyway. However, I think separation from its partner be rather cruel so please take it to the Dark Tower as I am finished questioning it."

Relieved, Dobby ducked his head in obedience, pleased he hadn't made a mistake and quickly transported the cat to join its partner in the Dark Tower.

Bulstrode was laying on the hard bed staring up at the boring ceiling when her cat appeared suddenly inside the cell with her. Meowing in relief, the cat leaped onto the bed. Unlike her treatment of just about anyone and anything else, Millicent did care about her cat.

"Oh, I'm so glad those horrible people didn't harm you my sweet," she said hugging the cat.

Some of the inner circle rolled their eyes at the ugly girl while a few eyed her in surprise that she actually cared about the cat.

In quick succession, Fawkes was able to eliminate the rest of the owls, sending them back more quickly than the last two familiars. Now all that was left was the raven.

As he eyed the creature, he sensed tension and fear. Hmm, trouble may be with this one, careful I need to be with my questions.

But the interrogation of the raven was a bust. It had a mean disposition but was totally loyal to its partner and the feelings were mutual. Though they did do some spy work for the death eaters, none of it was recent nor very harmful. The child did need to learn better morals and was in the right place for retraining so there was nothing more Fawkes needed to do but send the raven back to its master.

Now his next task was to quickly question the rest of the familiars in Hogwarts. Sighing at how long this was going to take, he decided on how to do this the best way. After a little thought, he decided, for obvious reasons, questioning the ones already in the Room of Requirement was next then move to the owlery. After that, with the aid of the house elves, go through all the familiars left in Hogwarts.

He made a brief caw of dismay. "Dobby, need the headmaster to order all familiars to remain within Hogwarts. Under no circumstances can they be allowed out until I have finished my investigation," he instructed.

"Dobby will relay at once, Fawkes!" He snapped away quickly. The Headmaster was now in his office after the meeting with the teachers. Dumbledore eyed him in surprise but listened to the quiet message and nodded he understood. Message delivered, he quickly returned to Fawkes.

"Apologizes for my abruptness, Firg. I failed to remember with the children released, their familiars would scatter," Fawkes said, feeling foolish had having forgotten that.

"Forgiven, say no more, lot on your mind right now, my friend. What can I do for ye now?" Firg said.

"Thank you, please return the raven to its master. I am finished here and the only child so far that seems to be judged wrongly is Robert Hilliard. I must examine all the others now to see which of them already incarcerated be a mistake."

Firg grunted, snapped the raven away. "Be large task you set for yourself, Fawkes. How can I and my elves help you make it thorough and quick?"

"Need you I wont for questioning of those in the Room of Requirement. But later, the chasing down of the familiars around the castle will be easier with your help. Will let you know when I need that."

"Then other tasks I needs be about but will be alert to your call. Good hunting, Fawkes." Firg snapped away.

Shaking his wings out, Fawkes spread them and flashed away to the first floor of the castle. He appeared in a bright flash within the Room of Requirement. The children were scattered about, reading, sleeping, and a few sitting in small groups talking or arguing. The familiars were also scattered about. The ones already interrogated watched him warily.

Perching on an unused sofa cushion chair in a corner near the fire place, he warbled a command the familiars could not refuse. They flew or walked from where they had been in the room and seated themselves around the phoenix. Fawkes excused the ones he had already spoken to and those returned to their partners in relief.

"Here now, what's this about?" Nott demanded having seen the sudden gathering of the familiars to the common room. Flint had heard him and had stepped from his room to also witness the weird parade of familiars.

Frowning, Flint said, "Let's go see." Nott nodded and the two made for the common room. Two more had also wanted to know "what was going on" and had already walked toward the fireplace area from the dining room where they had been just finishing a snack.

The small group came close and stared in confusion at the phoenix apparently holding court with the familiars standing, laying, or perched on chairs in a circle before the majestic and powerful bird.

"Oy, what goes on here? Why are our familiars doing this?" Nott demanded, seeing his owl perched nearby.

Annoyed but not surprised, Fawkes mind spoke to all those standing near. "Question them I must. You will not interfere. Your familiars will not be harmed and will be released when done I am with interrogating them, he said bluntly.

"What the bloody hell?" Flint blurted, surprised at the firm voice in his head. Nott looked just as shocked as did the others standing near. No one had even dreamed a phoenix could speak to anyone but there own partner.

Before anyone could shake off the new experience, Fawkes ignored them and began his questioning, picking a familiar at random, asking them a few pointed questions, before releasing them. Only one child decided to test the phoenix's directive to stay away and that was Nott. Stepping forward to forcibly take his owl he painfully encountered an invisible barrier that gave a sharp sting to the offender.

"Ow, bloody hell that hurt," Nott cried, holding his hand with his other one and examining it for damage but only saw a small welt in his palm.

The others standing near immediately back off and decided to watch the bird in action from a much safer distance.

Fawkes cawed something and a translucent bubble formed around himself and the familiars. "I must interrogate each of you. If you do not resist this will take no time at all. Known it is that you have been a part of the death eaters cult so waste not my time trying to lie about it. This is for confirmation only not punishment. I will start in this corner and work around. When done I am with you, I will release you. Let us begin."

There was fear which was to be expected and anger, equally not surprising but Fawkes found nothing more than he expected. Most if not all had served as messengers and nothing more. All the ones in here had been actively involved in death eater matters for and with their parents. Except for three. Surprisingly, only one of the two Professor Sprout was concerned about was innocent, the other very much wasn't, and there was one from Hufflepuff and another from Ravenclaw there caught by circumstances beyond their control, similar to Hilliard's when it came to their involvement with the death eaters.

The children that had been awake had been watching closely, the odd business of a phoenix apparently interrogating their familiars was something they had never known was possible. It was fascinating and scary to learn a phoenix had this ability or was it just Dumbledore's familiar that could do this? The whole affair was going to be a long source of conversation, debate, and argument for some time.

Feeling very tired but needing to finish at least this part before taking a brief rest, Fawkes mentally called for Firg.

The children blinked when the powerful house elf they had the misfortune to meet, appeared again.

"Firg, I need these children taken to Headmaster Dumbledore's office and send Dobby for Snape to meet us there. I still have to check all other familiars but need rest before doing that."

"Was going to insist you take time for yourself. Glad I am you realize a brief rest is indicated. Less mistakes made," Firg observed. "Meet you at the Headmaster's office."

"Thank you." Fawkes spread his wings and disappeared.

"I require Robert Hilliard, Laura Madley, and Keven Entwhistle with their familiars, now please. Don't make me take them forcibly."

Swallowing hard, Entwhistle, who had been sitting in their common room, walked toward the elf, his owl joining him in relief that it was free again. Other students had gotten up and gone to retrieve the last two who appeared a bit bedraggled as they had been sleeping. Not knowing what was going on, they were dragged by the other students to stand beside Entwhistle before the imposing elf. They looked confused and scared.

Before they got too upset, Firg snapped his fingers. The three students wavered on shaky feet at the swift and unusual transport. They weren't any happier to see they had wound up in Headmaster Dumbledore's office. Waiting for them was Professor Snape, another house elf, Professor McGonagell, Fawkes, and, of course, Dumbledore.

Frowning at the three, Dumbledore turned to his familiar for an explanation. Fawkes trilled and warbled for several minutes then went silent. Snape translated.

"He says he's finished interrogating all the familiars in the Room of Requirement and especially the ones that had been captured earlier. The results are standing before you. As suspected by Professors Flitwick and Sprout, there were indeed a mistake made in identification. There are various reasons but at the end, the reasons are basically for the same reasons. For these three, there parents were forced to work with the death eaters because they worked in fields Voldemort required for his war. None of them had any choice if they had wanted to remain alive. However, they did manage to minimize their children's involvement. Fawkes is completely satisfied that these three children and their parents are innocent and have done nothing to warrant punishment or jail. He wishes you, Headmaster to quickly notify Madame Bones with the names and the circumstances of why these three families are innocent so they wont be swept up in the cleansing of the Ministry of Magic Headquarters."

The children's eyes widened in surprise when they realized they and their parents had been exonerated of any crimes despite having worked for Voldemort though they weren't foolish enough to think their parents weren't going to receive some form of punishment but still, they weren't going to Azkaban at least. They nearly collapsed with relief.

"Children, come here before me," Dumbledore said kindly. The three did so rather warily. Their day so far had not been a really good one.

"Do not be afraid. This is good news. You will all be returned to your houses with explanations to your fellow house mates to ensure you will not be troubled. I will be in contact with Madame Bones immediately to see that your parents are removed from the capture list until the war is completely finished which may happen within a few days from now. Be patient and keep up with your studies until you are reunited with them," he said reassuringly. He turned to Firg who was still waiting.

"If I may prevail upon you, Firg, please escort these young ones back to their dorms and explain to the other children why they are returned. When you have completed that task, you are welcome to go on with your busy schedule with my thanks for your excellent help in these matters," Dumbledore said, bowing his head to the elf and smiling.

Firg gave a tiny sort of smile back, bowing in turn, pleased at the new behavior toward his people at last by wizards. "It was our pleasure to be of service, headmaster. Come along children," he gestured for them to come to his side which they did, still bewildered by the fast moving events. The four of them vanished immediately.

Fawkes trilled again. Snape nodded. "Fawkes says, he still has all the rest of the familiars to interview but needs a short rest. He will have the task completed by end of day."

"Excellent my friend. That is wonderful news. Seems the cleansing is nearly finished. Fawkes' briefing should be enlightening but I do hope it is not filled with too many serious deeds. I believe I am hardily sick of just how bad things have been for and with these children," Dumbledore sighed, the twinkling in his eyes dimmed a bit

"It is what it will be, Albus. War is always ugly," Minerva sighed. "And if I may, I too have completed my investigation on the students and have found my results match Fawkes' and I consider the cleansing on my part completed. With Fawkes finishing up with the familiars later today, I feel we can look forward to a quiet and uneventful weekend, don't you think?" She asked, hopefully.

Fawkes answered her with a final trill of hope before vanishing. "Dare I take that as an agreement?" McGonagell asked, bemused.

"Yes, you may Minerva. I too have completed my own investigations and agree that we can safely say the cleansing is nearly complete and no matter what Fawkes uncovers it will not dim this accomplishment," Snape said warmly.

"Then we may be having a small celebration at dinner tonight. I look forward to that. However, Snape and I still have one rather important task to complete. Dealing with the children in the Room of Requirement," Dumbledore sighed not looking forward to this conversation.

"Yes, unfortunately, there is still that. May I suggest we do that after lunch? They might listen better if they too had a meal before we dump a great deal of important and scary choices on them," Snape suggested.

"Excellent advice, Severus though I think I should indulge in something light so my stomach wont be upset with me later after what is sure to be a very emotional discussion," Dumbledore mused, rising from his seat and making for the door.

"Hmm, that may be a sound idea for myself," Severus murmured as he followed.

McGonagell sighed and followed the two men to the great hall. She wasn't sure she even had an appetite right now despite the actual good news she had just heard.

What occupied her mind was those children in the Room of Requirement and what came next. They had only barely begun putting together the program Severus and Albus had proposed to provide protection for those children coming under Hogwart's guardianship (and wasn't that going to be a hard thing to sell in the first place). Then there was the emotional fallout and the fact they still hadn't hired the councilors they desperately needed right now.

Add to that was the fact they had yet to even bring this novel idea up to the magical school board about doing something so radical in the first place. It was new ground that none had ever thought of and it needed careful negotiations and dissemination for it to be successful. Not to mention fending off the inevitable objections and interference by the Ministry of Magic in doing it at all. However, one strong argument might win their case above all others and that was the emotional fall out of the war people didn't even admit was happening beneath their very noses. Guilt is a strong emotion and they could use that to get what they were asking for. Yes, she would insure that would be their platform to fight for these changes.

However, no matter what this was going to be a long drawn out affair as they, meaning her and Dumbledore, tried to get all this done when they were still involved with finishing the war to its complete end and the months of reclaiming and repairing all that Voldemort had harmed or destroyed over the long years of the war.

She did know the very first thing needing done was setting up legal precedence to expand Hogwarts status as temporary guardians of the children during a school year, the same as any boarding school possessed, to one that also allowed them to become a "foster home" for those being "punished" for their part in the war as well as including children whose home life is dangerous due to abuse requiring they be allowed to remain at the school for their safety year round until graduation. This was something that could not must not be delayed. The children's lives depended on a decision made quickly.

She paused to think about that a moment. Perhaps that's the key. They would have two types of housing available at Hogwarts. One that was the purview of a boarding school and one that was technically considered a foster home for those with no where else to go. There were, of course, orphanages in the wizarding world which is what the school board would demand these children be housed and cared for. Dumbledore and herself would have to make a compelling reason why this would not work for these particular children, not the least of which, was the danger these children would face from those who would harbor hatred for the children's part in the war. Then there was the other reason that Hogwarts was better equipped to handle the other types of children suffering abuse in their homes. One argument could be that the torment and abuse could lead to the creation of yet another dark lord. To stop this raising them at Hogwarts would see to their basic needs, their education, and their mental well being as well. That might not be strong enough to counter that this type of care could be had in foster care, to which her counter argument would be that the current foster care system was not set up to handle this type of abuse nor did they have the man power to monitor the children because their normal procedure was to send the children home after doing an investigation on their home life which parents have been known to cover up, then return the child and not do due diligence in follow up. They were simply too busy. The wizarding world was considerably better than the treatment muggles gave their own orphans and abuse cases, she snorted, as she remembered reading about so many children falling through the cracks and ending up dead due to the overwhelming number of cases the social services had to deal with in the muggle world. No that didn't happen here that often, still... she sighed again. This was going to take a lot of work to build their case on why Hogwarts would be a better place.

She shook her head as the three of them entered the great hall and made for the high table. "I feel overwhelmed. I need to find those people that can help us put together this complex plan we're planning. Whatever it takes, we'll do it. This is a good idea and yes, it will meet a lot of opposition but these children deserve no less from us if they are to become the law abiding citizens of wizarding society we need them to be."

The bell rang and the sound of children could be heard from a distance. The teachers murmured their meal choices, the elves heard, and soon their food appeared just as children began pouring into the room.

Eyeing them critically, Dumbledore watched to see if the children were unduly upset. As he slowly ate his peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a hot mug of tea, he listened closely.

At the tables, the houses quickly set themselves down but the sound was more subdued than normal however, that wasn't unusual after the morning they had been through. He set his sandwich down then stood up.

"Silence please," He used magic to project his voice. There was a ripple of sound and movement before it became quiet and all heads turned his way. "I know this morning was difficult but let me congratulate you all for doing what was asked without any incidents occurring. I know it was upsetting to see some of you being taken away. I'm sorry that was necessary. Trust me when I say your fellow house mates are safe but sequestered in a space within the castle. These children had a part in the war. This has been verified as some of you can attest as three students were exonerated and returned to their houses. Those children taken are to be given a choice to stay and learn or to leave and return to their parents care. But whatever happens from their choices, we at Hogwarts intend to offer them sanctuary where they can live safely and attend school and grow into useful adults. However, they will not be integrated with you all for some time until they demonstrate they can be trusted. This is all new and untried ground for the staff at Hogwarts so bear with us as we feel our way through." He paused there and watched their bemused expressions. This news was unsettling and a few found it hard to take by their more militant or anxious faces.

Well that wasn't unexpected, he thought. Now for the good news. "There is some good news that all of you should be glad to hear ... the Dark Lord is incontrovertibly dead. His army of death eaters are being rounded up as we speak. Peace is ours at last!" He announced with a flash of balloons and confetti.

There was a stunned moment before the children absorbed this very momentous news their headmaster had burst on them, before there was a shouts of cheering and joy. They leaped from their seats to pummel, hug, jump up and down, and generally went wild with a surfeit of joy and relief, many grabbed at balloons and batted each other with them.

Sighing, Dumbledore smiled benevolently, letting the mayhem go on for about fifteen minutes before reining in their justifiable enthusiasm. "All right children, calm down and take your seats he called out again. With much laughing and some tears the children did as he asked, faces glowing with happiness.

"Much as we would love to allow you to just enjoy the moment, we do have a school day to finish. Now, there is a very important warning I need you to heed and not disobey." Now their faces reflected worry and concern. What could be left with the evil gone?

"The Dark Lord may be gone but as I said a moment ago, his army is still being identified and captured. What this means to you and your safety and the safety of the hunters is no word of Voldemort's demise must leave Hogwarts. That means lock down has been instituted over Hogwart's and its grounds. No one will leave here not even the familiars or owls. Only those adults still involved in the enemy take down will be allowed through the barrier that will remain in place."

"But what about those students who were in league with the Dark Lord? You said they were still here?" Draco suddenly called out. He had already divined the reason for those particular students being whisked away this morning.

Dumbledore allowed the boy the interruption though he did give Malfoy a stern eye. "As I said before, those students are sequestered within the castle … not the dungeon ," he added quickly as he saw some students look worried or angry. "Trust me, all their needs are being provided for and they are comfortable. You might say, I've created a mini school within the school for them so they wont fall behind in their studies and will move along at the same time as you all here. They simply will not be allowed to communicate with anyone during this time. How long they remain sequestered is dependent upon their proving they can be trusted. Only then will they be allowed to return to their houses and places within the school." He waited a moment to get a feel for their reaction and except for a few students here and there, most accepted this with little fuss.

"This situation may continue through the end of this school year. Meanwhile, outside the school, the enemy take down should be completed by the end of this week or the next. When it has concluded and only when we have been given the all clear, the lock down of the school will finally end. I'm sorry that means you may not contact family but it really wont be that long. Meanwhile, I expect you all to keep up with your schoolwork and act as normal as you can. And towards that end, I understand there is a Quidditch match scheduled this weekend and I expect full attendance. Your fellow school mates need your support and it is my hope a rousing game will help take our minds off what is happening outside our gates. Try to not worry and go about your affairs as normally as possible under these trying circumstances."

"One last note, some of you know this already but I will reiterate for the rest of your classmates edification. Three students had been wrongfully identified as associating with the death eaters but it had been their parents that were guilty. However, even they weren't totally at fault as the death eaters had coerced and threatened their family so that they would do illegal things the death eaters needed done. Now with that threat removed, their families are once more safe, however, it will be up to the courts to decide if the parents will be punished in any way. The children, however, have been investigated and exonerated as none of them took part in what their parents were forced to do. The three, Robert Hilliard, Laura Madley, and Keven Entwhistle are now back in their houses. Please accord them the courtesy of whether they wish to discuss what they have been through or not and not harass them about it. Your understanding and friendship will help them recover faster than snubbing them for something they had no control over. Lastly, due to miss-identification of those three, my familiar, Fawkes will be interrogating everyone's familiar so we can insure that all avenues that could threaten our security at Hogwarts have been investigated so if your familiar suddenly leaves that is why. Now that's the whole of the news I needed to pass on. How about we eat lunch?" With that statement from Dumbledore, food immediately appeared.

Sighing, Dumbledore took his seat once more and resumed his interrupted meal while the children began talking excitedly while serving up theirs. As he watched and listened, he noted Harry Potter was giving him a steady stare. Once he acknowledged it, the boy who lived gave him a small smile and a nod that he agreed with what the headmaster had done and was pleased with the results. Dumbledore gave a tiny nod back. It felt truly strange to feel warmth at the boy's approval when he was the adult and Harry was the child. But what a child he was. What he represented for them all and had already set in motion despite his age, made the headmaster feel in awe and wariness at what the boy would accomplish when he was an adult.

He shook off the sensation and picked up his sandwich. Harry had also returned his attention to his friends and food. Things were going to be very different around here from now on.

After lunch, Professor Snape and Headmaster Dumbledore headed secretly to the Room of Requirement which would now be called the Auxiliary Schoolroom while it functioned as the new home for the incarcerated children.

Room of Requirement ...

Stepping up to the wall hiding the room, the two didn't wait long before the hidden door appeared. They stepped through then looked around for a moment.

Dumbledore was suitably impressed by what Firg had done to make this space seem comfortable and familiar to the students. There was even a magical ceiling in the main room that showed the outdoors so the space didn't feel claustrophobic. Added to that fresh air flowed through smelling of the outdoors but muted so it didn't overwhelm. This helped the familiars handle the confinement as well.

Many of the students were just finishing their lunch with a few others wandering here and there.

"Please report to the common room," Dumbledore called out, projecting his voice to all parts of the room. He then walked toward the common room and took a seat, turning it so that it would face everyone easily. Snape took another seat and sat to one side and back a bit from Dumbledore.

Within ten minutes, all the students had appeared. "Please find a seat so that we can talk comfortable and you can see and hear me easily. I want to keep this informal."

Giving each other the eye, the students hesitated then sorted themselves out, some sitting close to Dumbledore and Snape while others spread out to sit on the floor of the common room and still others took seats on the benches pulled from the dining room.

"Familiars," Snape suddenly spoke, "... come sit with your partners You need to listen on this to as it affects your lives as well." He repeated his message in a strange, warbling language which had the children gaping at him in astonishment. Whatever he had said, the flying familiars appeared with alacrity to sit either on their partners shoulders or on the furniture nearby while the mammals ran in and cozied up to their familiars.

Once everyone was settled and silence fell, Dumbledore began the briefing that would change these children's lives forever.

"First of all, I want to have the four students who have already heard what I intend to say give you a reason for their change of heart about the direction of their lives." He looked at each of those four and signaled they should come to stand on the other side of him away from Snape. Reluctant and not very happy about doing this, also embarrassed as well, the four walked up and turned to face the others.

"I want you to tell them what the Spirit of Hogwarts showed you and what you took away from that terrifying lesson," Dumbledore ordered.

The four glanced at each other uncomfortably. No one wanted to talk. "Go ahead, Marcus. You speak better than all of us," Perry Derrick urged.

Marcus gave him an unfriendly look but since the others were looking at him to do this as well, he didn't think it was a good idea to argue. Huffing out a breath, he told the story of their visits to the past and how they were forced to experience how real wars fought by wizards and muggles were in reality. He was forced to admit that the muggle wars were the more horrific of them all. Then he stopped, unwilling to go on.

"Go on … tell them what lessons you learned from that experience, especially the one in Germany's death camp," Snape pushed.

Grimacing, Flint continued, describing the horror of being put in a steel box so that poison gas could be poured in. "It was horrible. All those people around us screaming, crying, clawing the walls. But even worse was the sight of all those claw marks on the metal walls of all those that died before us. Then we were whisked away to a place of complete death. Bodies lying everywhere, burned or in pieces, the buildings blasted into piles of debris. It was Japan and an American atom bomb, something very earth-shattering, that blew apart two whole cities. It was then all of us learned there's no glory in war, only death, suffering, and loss on both sides. I, like all of you, thought once we won we would be rewarded with power, money, and anything else we wanted but that's a lie."

"Aw come on, that is exactly why we did what we did along with our parents," Pansy Parkinson shouted out her denial of this grim picture.

Neither Snape nor Dumbledore interfered as this was what they both wanted … interaction by those who hadn't had the lesson and were blind and insistent they were in the right and those with haunted eyes that had seen the truth. If only a few listened, it was a win as far as they were concerned.

Flint snapped back, "You weren't there Pansy, none of you were. If you don't want to believe us I'm sure the Hogwarts spirit would love to give you a first hand experience just like we got!"

Pansy just stared at him in disgust. "I don't need no lesson to believe that's just bunk. They snookered you or put you under an imperious curse."

"Yeah, I don't buy any of this either," Millicent snorted. She had been returned from the Dark Tower only an hour before, just as militant as ever.

None of the other students commented, holding their opinions until they heard everything first. But one did speak up.

"I want to know why you think the goals the Dark Lord was pursuing were useless to attain," Lisa Turbin interrupted. The posturing of the Slytherin nitwits were of no interest to her right now but what Flint had to say most definitely did. The boy was hard and cold so something truly noteworthy and life changing happened and she, for one, wanted to know what that had been.

Flint stared at her a moment and realized she was dead serious. He nodded and continued as if Millicent and Pansy hadn't spoken at all. "Why do I feel those things we wanted are no longer worth it? It's because if you really take the time to think it through, you would realize that none of us kids nor any who were just the messengers and runners with no real power in the war, would get none of the spoils!" There were shout of denial.

Flint just stared at them until they shut up. "Think you nitwits!" He snarled. "The ones at the top get the spoils, money, power, mansions, positions of leadership, but those beneath them, just the leavings and maybe not much of those. Know why?" He pushed on not letting anyone respond.

"Because after a war of that magnitude there isn't anything left in the magical world. Supplies would funnel to the big shots leaving nothing much for the rest of us because, hello? Not much is left after a war. Tons of people will be dead so who will grow your food, eh since Voldemort believed in a scorched earth sort of thing, who would make all the things we enjoy that magic can't just replace. After all the raw materials have to come from somewhere don't they? So screaming that we have magic still wont fill your cupboards with goods even if it can repair home and buildings."

"Are all of you so stupid that you hadn't learned that magic must come from somewhere and that somewhere is our own energy from our own bodies. That this is why many of our possessions and food are made not produced by magic as it would exhaust you to do that every single day. So I ask again, who would be the ones producing these materials, why the ones we've killed by the thousands," Flint snarled, surprising himself at how worked up he was getting trying to get these knot heads to hear reason. Now he understood why changing the minds of those that only thought of themselves and what they could get out of life was hard to make see reason. And he had been one of them.

"He's right. The rest of us would be lucky to see even a thimble of the spoils of war except what we could steal or hide from Voldemort," Goyle said with certainty.

"No one would be crazy enough to attempt that," Derrick interjected.

"Right. But even if the Dark Lord did give out favors, the Inner Circle would get it first then our fathers, and my da isn't the most giving type so I wouldn't see any of the booty," Flint added. "Also, that would mean I would be stuck living at home under me da's thumb perhaps for the rest of my life unless I be willing to sell my soul to do horrible things for Voldemort."

"And what about all the craftsman, farmers, livestockers, medical wizards, broom makers, and all those other important and skilled, mind you, people that make our lives a comfortable one in the first place were all killed or severely reduced in number? Who then would do those things?" Goyle demanded, surprising everyone with that intelligent assessment. "If too many people were killed who would you rule or push around, eh? Do you get the picture yet?"

"He's right. We were made to realize that much of the world would be far too damaged to sustain any kind of cushy life for the victors. So ... what! We live among the other magical enclaves in the world? Oh, sure like they would love to have us so called conquerors in their countries. We would be shunned or worse killed should we dare to cross their borders," Derrick said flatly.

"But Voldemort would make war on them you would say," Flint said caustically when he saw those militant students about to jump in. "Oh yes, he could and probably planned to do that but then what? The war would never end and still too many people would be killed. Where would it end? Do you want to live in a world where so much of wizarding society was destroyed and only the victors which would be the top fighters and leaders so we the lower members would be forced to go into the muggle world to even survive? But then you would say, so the muggles need to be taken out. Again, I ask, when would it end? Did you want to fight for the rest of your natural lives because the world is big and Voldemort doesn't have that large of an army in the first place." He stopped and stared at all of them then shook his head in disgust. "I don't know about the rest of you but I wanted to live in comfort and wealth but constant war insures I will never have any of that. And there was every chance I would die before I could even think about enjoying my so called spoils of war."

"After what we had seen from previous wars there is nothing left for a long time so what victory is there to enjoy," Goyle said, flatly.

"And there will always be someone or something more powerful that will take you out or end the war in a way you never dreamed. And this is the news we wanted to bring to you," Dumbledore stepped in again.

"Voldemort is dead, his spirit dispersed. And his Inner Circle is locked away. The rest of the death eaters that include your parents or guardians are or have already been captured. The Elder Council has been busy all these months. The end is nearly over for Voldemort's Army as a coalition of the Elder Council, the Ministry of Law Enforcement, and the Order of the Phoenix is taking out the infiltrators within the Ministry of Magic this week then the dark army hidden in another country. Once done, by next week peace will finally be had by our world."

Stunned silence greeted his announcement even the four still standing.

Shaking his head, Flint, sighed. "See that's what I meant. So what do we do with our lives now? Do you want to spend it in Azkaban? I have it on good authority that the headmaster here has something else in mind for us. I suggest you listen and decide where you want to be by tomorrow." With that Flint went and sat back down. The others realized that their part wasn't needed so they too took their seats. None of them argued that Flint was most likely right. Dumbledore intended to tell the others here about the choice they would have to make.

"Thank you gentlemen, you have made my task easier with your honesty," Dumbledore nodded at them. He stared out at all the young faces staring back at him with varying degrees of expressions, most of fear, anger, and disbelief.

"As Mr. Flint has said, I do have a solution for you to avoid severe punishment at the hands of the aurors like your parents will be receiving. The first step is this room which is only temporary, ending most likely at the end of this school year. During this time you must make a very difficult choice. To stand against your parents and take sanctuary here, which I am prepared to offer you, or, be expelled from Hogwarts and take your chances with the law or at the hands of your guardians or on the run if your guardians are already arrested. I know that is harsh, but it is still your choice," Dumbledore said bluntly.

Horror and anger mixed showed on all the faces.

He pushed on before there was an outcry. "However, we are not doing this to be cruel. You do face the law if you step out of Hogwarts, there's really nothing we can do about that. But, we would rather that not happen. It is more importantly to the future of our kind to save you and help you to survive, thrive, and learn which is why we offer sanctuary at Hogwarts. That means you will fall under the guardianship of Hogwarts and live here year round until you graduate. You will be safe from those that might seek retribution for your part in the war no matter how small that might have been. With so many losses due to the war, you are the hope of a better future if you chose it." He went silent.

As soon as the full impact of what he had said reached their brains there was an eruption of angry denials that they would be arrested or treated poorly by their parents, though those voices were few but loud. The rest were more subdued but no less shocked by the choice and no less afraid of either parents or the law or both.

After letting them rant for a bit longer, Dumbledore called out for their attention once more. "Hear me out! We do understand that this isn't a simple decision. No one wants to pull you from your families but neither do we want you abused or harmed by that same family as we are aware many of you have been suffering abuse at the hands of those that are supposed to care for you and your needs. What we propose is to allow you to go home if that be your desire but you must understand that if your parents are jailed so must you be. Though you would be treated a bit more lightly as it was your parents that led you into this nightmare life. But it also means you will never be able to return to Hogwarts after prosecution."

"Then what the heck could you offer us that would be any better? All I'm hearing is we could live here but we would never see our parents again!" Lisa Turpin objected.

"Let me finish, please," Dumbledore warned. She subsided but wasn't mollified.

"I repeat no one wants to make you leave your guardians and home but it depends on whether their guilt or suspicion of guilt causes them to be swooped up by the Aurors or others doing the hunting. There are several of you that know without a doubt your parents will be apprehended. Then where would you go? We will, of course, find out the status of your parents before you are even allowed out of here. But if your parent's crimes weren't that severe and they remain home until facing court, you will at that time, be given a choice about returning home or remaining here. Also, it is up to you whether you tell your parents or not about what you intend to do next … stay at Hogwarts or leave permanently."

"We may not be allowed to choose to come back," Pansy said caustically. More fearful of the children nodded anxiously at that statement.

"Yes, that we do understand, most painfully. Understand, we do not want any of you to suffer any type of serious punishment from your parents such as abuse disguised as justifiable punishment. Only you are aware of just what kinds those are within the framework of your own family dynamics," Dumbledore commiserated with them.

Snape suddenly spoke up, "I know what lurks for you in many of your homes if you should voice a desire to change your life choices from your parents desires for your future. I have experienced such for less than that." Many blinked in surprise to learn the potion's master hadn't had a very nice family life either.

"What we absolutely don't want you to do is wait until your life is threatened before you seek sanctuary within Hogwarts. No matter how much you love your parents, there are those that feel they own your love and loyalty and that you belong to them like property. That is not love. If this is what you face if you choose to go home, we want you to call for help. We will step in. House elves will be listening at all times for your call and will extract you instantly. You will be given immediate safe harbor within these walls and no one can retrieve you as the Hogwart's spirit wont allow it."

Stunned gasps met that bald statement. No one had actually believed the castle was truly sentient but Snape had boldly admitted that this was the case. But even more shocking was the realization the castle spirit would actually protect them. It was frankly too far fetched to be believable to many of them.

"What we hope is when the war is fully over and the disposition of your parents is known, you might be able to return home and attend school as usual," Dumbledore gathered their attention to him once more. "I know this is a lot to take in so we will leave a copy of what we have just presented to you so that you can take more time to study it and be able to make an informed choice."

"What choice? I still don't understand what is going on here?" One of the students complained. There were many confused faces staring at them.

"That is why we are leaving you a document to read," Dumbledore repeated. "It was a great deal of information we dumped into your young ears which is why we want you to read the information covered slowly and carefully and at your own pace. You should speak with those you trust, and with Misters Derrick, Flint, Goyle, and Crabb as they have already seen this document. Once you all have had time to digest it only then we will hold a question and answer period. Until then, you will remain in this auxiliary school room until the war is completely over which should be within a week. You will go to school like normal but will not be allowed out of here nor contact with the rest of the school except for the teachers and elves. This is for your own protection and the rest of the school which is also on lock down," Dumbledore warned them. He turned to Snape.

"Please place the discussion paper on the dining room table, Professor Snape," he requested, glancing over at Snape who nodded and made a stack of parchments appear on the corner of the dining room table. "Make sure you take a copy and read it thoroughly. Sign it! This does not mean you are signing an agreement. It only tells us you have read it, nothing more. Now, get some rest. You have some make up schooling to do this weekend."

There were groans and verbal complaints but Dumbledore ignored them. He and the Snape left quickly.

"Well that went as well as could be expected," Dumbledore sighed as the pair walked toward the main doors and their meeting with Hagrid and the others at his cabin. It was late afternoon but not yet dinner time.

"Yes, though upset and not listening, I believe at least a quarter of them will be relieved to have such a choice to remain here while the rest are evenly split between not fearing their parents so they will go or going because they are too terrified to disobey their parents. How ever many want to stay, I believe Firg's excellent room design will be acceptable and comfortable enough for the duration they must remain locked up," Snape said, truly pleased by how well Firg had made the Room of Requirement look so inviting, though still a school look, and less like the jail it actually was.

"I agree. Now we need to discuss Monday's plans a little then rest up and, hopefully, enjoy a rousing game of Quidditch. Who is playing?"

"I have been so busy that I actually don't know," Snape said, rather surprised that was true. "But I know where to get the answer, a moment please ….," he said, then opened his mind to a certain someone. "Draco?"

"Yes, Godfather," came Draco's bright mind voice. Over the past few months, Draco had practiced with Snape until his mind skills were nearly as good as Harry's.

"Forgive me, but I've been so busy that I have no clue who is playing Quidditch this weekend," Snape said.

A brief laugh filled Snape's mind. "I daresay you have been soo busy Harry and I are wondering what is going on lately. You have been remiss in keeping us in the loop. But to answer your question, it's Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Should be a hot game. You attending?"

"Yes and so are the headmaster, Hagrid, Firenze, and I'm certain Fawkes will also make an appearance. And you are right. Are you and Harry in class right now?"

"Unfortunately, yes, Herbology. Perhaps this weekend we can talk?"

"Hmm, should be doable. Will ask. See you at the game."

"Brilliant. Peaceful day, Godfather," Draco said then closed his mind shield.

"The game is between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, Albus," Snape told his companion as they stepped outside and headed at a brisk walk down the hill toward the cabin who's chimney had a stream of white smoke drifting upward into the slate sky. A brisk wind blew leaves past their feet.

"Oh, wonderful, hope it doesn't decide to snow. That makes it very hard to observe," Dumbledore mused staring up at the leaden sky.

"No, it doesn't feel like it is going to do anything more than it is," Snape opined.

Conversation dropped off as the pair walked in comfortable silence to Hagrid's door.

The half giant opened it before Snape could reach to knock. "Greetings gentlemen, come in. I have some hot cocoa ready to warm your innards from the cold."

The two tramped inside and hung their cloaks on the back of the door Hagrid had shut. Nodding at Firenze standing near the fireplace and Fawkes who had arrived before them perched on a swing hanging from the ceiling. Lupin sat sprawled in a chair on the other side of the rock fireplace, a large hand petting the big boar hound in its bed beside the fireplace to its happy appreciation. His hand held a steaming mug.

McGonagell sat in a small chair near the window but not far from the fireplace. A mug clasped in her hands. Hagrid sat in is own chair at the head of the table when the two entered. Snape and Dumbledore nodded at the group before taking the last two seats waiting for them, each with a steaming mug set before them.

After taking a grateful sip of the hot beverage, Snape asked, "Albus, did you get a chance to notify Madame Bones about the three children's parents?"

Dumbledore grimaced. "No, I did not. And that is something I need to rectify immediately." He made a piece of parchment appear and a quill. The others in the room remained silent as the headmaster speedily wrote a concise message then signed it before rolling it up and sealing it with wax and pressing his ring for these things into the wax. He rose and made for the door, stepping outside an owl swiftly appeared. "To Madame Bones, please." The owl hooted, took the roll and soared upward into the sky to soon disappear from sight. Satisfied, Dumbledore returned inside and took his seat.

"There that's done. Thank you for the reminder, Severus. Shall we recap the day and the plans for Monday?" he asked before taking a deep draught of his cocoa. "Fawkes how went your sweep of the rest of the familiars?"

"Thankfully, very well, my familiar. No more surprises. All in the Room of Requirement are indeed guilty and all the rest of the student body are cleared," he said, pleased this was true. Snape immediately translated Fawkes message and smiles of relief greeted the news.

"That is very good news indeed. Jason will be pleased. Now as to the rest …." Dumbledore said before going onto the review of the cleansing with the others. The report was jointly wrote up and separate documents were made for the council and Shackelbolt as well as Madame Bones. That done they talked about what the plans for the Ministry of Magic's take down would entail and what questions they felt needed answered about their parts in it before going on to discuss what they were supposed to do Monday morning.

"So as I understand it, I'm to meet you and the rest of the Order at Grimmauld Place at eight-thirty Monday morning, yes?" Lupin asked. Dumbledore nodded. "But how are you, three getting to this meeting?" he asked of Hagrid, Snape, and Firenze.

Hagrid smiled mysteriously. "Don't be worrying about that Remus. Firenze and I have our own special way of getting there."

Lupin rolled his eyes and smiled in amusement. "Of course, you are part of the forest people after all." Hagrid just smirked. "But what about you, Severus?" Lupin asked of the potion's master.

"I will be meeting Madame Bones at Queerditch Marsh at eight-thirty and transporting with them using the new devices the Dwarves have come up with. It should be interesting," Snape smiled rather lopsidedly.

"A new transport device? Not a port key?" Lupin asked, intrigued.

"No. It apparently has the ability to keep the traveler from knowing where they are going and keeping them from leaving as well. If it works well on this maiden test, then it is intended to be used when the council meets with the wizarding government."

"Really? That astonishing. I do hope it works then," Minerva said, marveling yet again at the ingenuity of the Dwarves.

"So do I as it means security will be tight, insuring everyone attending will be safe for such an important meeting. Here's to a successful test!" Lupin raised his cup in a toast. The rest did the same and drank down their drinks.

"Thank you. We will need all the prayers we can get on this," Snape said.

"Well that seems to be all the business we need to cover and everyone knows where they are supposed to be to transport to this momentous meeting with the Elder Council, is there anything else we might have missed or need to cover?" Dumbledore asked finishing his cocoa.

"Nay, seems we are in accord. I have two classes tomorrow and intend to join up with my leader and clan Saturday. So I will take my leave now and see most of you in the morning but not at breakfast," Firenze said, politely, moving to place his mug in the sink before carefully turning in the tight space to head for the door. "Thank you for the tea, Rubeus."

"You be welcome and see you later perhaps. I too have classes tomorrow and intend to be at the Quidditch Game Saturday. Should be an exciting one, I'm certain," Hagrid said in farewell.

""Since I am staying behind, I will wish you all a safe and successful mission," Minerva said. Firenze nodded his head in thanks.

A brief gust of cold air blew in with Firenze's departure.

"Whelp, that is my signal to be leaving as well. As I don't have classes tomorrow, I plan on getting some rest and seeing you all at the game if I don't see you earlier," Lupin said, sending his cup sailing toward the sink to join Firenze's. He rose and walked to the door to fetch his cloak. Opening the door, he turned his head and called out, "Evening all." before striding out and up the hill at a tangent, apparently heading for a different entry point into the castle.

Minerva, Snape and Dumbledore also rose in preparation to leave. "Thank you for your hospitality, Rubeus. See you tomorrow." Dumbledore sent his mug to the sink and went to fetch his cloak, but Hagrid was already there preparing to help the headmaster and Minerva with putting them on. "Thank you." Dumbledore stepped out then waited for McGonagell.

"Yes, thank you Rubeus. A good evening to you," Hagrid gave her a small bow of his head, smiling.

Snape followed right behind, sending his own cup to join the others then taking his cloak from Hagrid's waiting hand. He nodded his thanks and with a smile and a tug of his cloak over his shoulders, he said, "See you tomorrow my friend."

"Aye, you all have a good evening. It has been a long but very fruitful day. If you excuse me, Albus, I wont be joining yeu for dinner but will be there at breakfast time to see how things be going with the students before my first class."

"Not a problem my dear fellow. Good evening to you too," Dumbledore said amiably as he and Snape put Minerva between them and walked her back to the castle.

After casting a quick cleaning spell that would wash the mugs then returned them to his cupboard, Hagrid pulled his great coat on and whistled for his hound, "Fang, let's be off for a bit of a stroll." Fang stretched and slowly dragged himself from his comfortable bed. Though he was a lazy sort of dog, he did like the walks with his master in the evenings. Within minutes the huge half-giant and the boar hound made their way into the trees and vanished from view.

Dinner was a bit celebratory with special foods and a great dessert. The students had a choice to appear at dinner or not since it had been a very stressful day for them all but when word spread of what was being served, the dorms emptied and bodies quickly were sitting down and filling plates full. Conversation was rather subdued but that wasn't unexpected. The teachers relaxed and enjoyed the peace that had fallen over Hogwarts at last. And thus, the turbulent Thursday ended on a quiet note to the relief of everyone but the prisoners.

Breakfast that Friday morning at Hogwarts was peaceful with the students emotions returning to near normal levels. Missing was the former trace of bullying behavior and sullen tempers which was refreshing. Seemed the students were in a better frame of mind to handle their classes easily today. Hagrid, Snape, McGonagell, and Dumbledore enjoyed a nice hot meal while studying the students.

Harry gave his adopted father a grin as he and his friends sat to tuck into the food. Despite what had happened the day before, the Gryffindor table seemed happy and boisterous. The Slytherins were quiet but actually seemed happy despite the loss of more than half of their housemates or perhaps because of that loss because it meant no bullying was going on to the relief of those left behind. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw also seemed happy and contented. Gryffindor was also in high spirits about the game planned for the next day. Bets were being made and a lot of goodnatured heckling went on between them and Ravenclaw.

Listening to the happy voices, Dumbledore felt the stress he had been under these past few weeks ease a bit. It was going to be alright, he could feel it. When the last of the enemy had been dealt with the next step would be a shakedown of the ministry since Fudge wouldn't be seen in a good light with anyone after word got out how he ignored and denied the Dark Lord had taken over his government secretly. No one wanted such an incompetent leader. He was certain a shakeup would occur before the meeting between the ministry and the Elder Council.

"Now that should be interesting to witness but I'm certain it will be quick and internal. We will just have to wait and see," he mused to himself.

After breakfast the teachers headed off to their classrooms while Dumbledore and McGonagell headed to their offices to finally tackle work that had been set aside while the matter of the cleansing and the incarcerated students was dealt with. Though McGonagell's work was increased by the need to begin the work needed to change Hogwarts status from just a boarding school to the addition as a foster home as well.

At the evening meal, the house elves had apparently decided the students needed some comfort foods to help them get over all that had happened recently. So with a flourish they had put out many favorites and an excellent mixture of desserts to tantalize the palate of even the pickiest child.

With filled bellies, the peace offering from the elves only eased the angst the students felt when faced with hours of homework before bedtime. The teachers had taken Dumbledore's advice to heart and loaded them down with quite a bit of homework much to their collective disgust.

Elder Council Headquarters, Forbidden Forest …

While Hogwarts was getting on with their school day, Elder Council Leader Jason was reviewing all the reports coming through his hands before sending them on for Shackelbolt's perusal and action.

He was pleased to note events were moving along swiftly toward a quick conclusion of this benighted and long war. The report he had just received from Headmaster Dumbledore on the successful conclusion of Hogwart's cleansing, boded well for a successful mission of the ministry.

Another recent bit of news relieved a concern he had that Voldemort's Army might disband or move to a new location during the prolonged wait to form their own army to take them out. The missive he had just received from Apolline Delacour reported the army was camped out but there were rumbles of discontent and some desertions which her team swooped up and sent to the council prison.

But the best news had been the one about the werewolf Fenrir. That deadly foe had been captured with a few of his lieutenants when he was preparing to leave the army, most likely to rejoin the inner circle not knowing they were already in custody. Fenrir's capture meant there was no real leader left over the Army, Yaxley being less than effective at the job. So taking out the army would be brutal, most likely bloody with perhaps a few casualties but at least it would be swift done as well.

The weekend could be spent in completing whatever needed done before Monday's joining of all parties at council headquarters. He might even be able to rest for longer than just a quick catnap. Satisfied, he gathered his notes and left his small private office for the command center where Kingsley Shackelbolt was installed so he could be where all could reach him and where he could see all that was going on to prepare for the final missions.

Jason walked soft footed up to the massive planning table where Kingsley sat, a secretary at his left arm, a cup of something hot steaming on his right and a raft of papers in a stack before him on top of which was a mission folder the black wizard was reading, a frown on his broad forehead.

"Kingsley," Jason said quietly. The man blinked then raised his head to stare upward in question at his co-leader.

Jason waved the reports folder at the man. "I have some good news for your. Would you like to read it now or have me give you the highlights," he asked politely.

Shackelbolt leaned back and smiled a little. "Give me the highlights if you would. I could use some good news right now."

"Oh, have there been problems?"

"No, not as such. Irritants more like. It's tough gathering so many different kinds of people together for something on this scale. But it is happening and not too badly either. So do you have something that will make all this worth it?"

"Well, I'm sure it wouldn't slow things down at least," Jason said smiling. "First bit of news is our dear Apolline has captured Fenrir and some of his men before they could disapparte from the army's location."

"Brilliant!"

"Thought you would like that, also she reports the army shows no signs of moving though there have been some deserters, which were not unexpected. Captured as they tried to slip away. And, finally, a report from Headmaster Dumbledore that Hogwarts has been completely cleansed. As well as letting us know the inner circle is still safely under guard as are the children caught in the web of evil their parents enslaved them to," Jason said with satisfaction.

"That is a great deal of good news." Shackelbolt closed the file he had been studying and rose to his feet. "I feel the need for a break. Join me for a meal ..." he frowned a moment, "... I realize I have no idea what meal is being served right now if any."

Jason laughed, laid the report on top of the one Kingsley had closed and clapped a huge palm carefully onto the man's shoulder. "I believe it might be dinner time but no matter what time it is I'm sure we can convince someone to feed us." So saying he led the way from the control center to the staircase leading down to the dining hall.

Hogwarts Quidditch Field, Saturday afternoon ….

Saturday did remain snow free though heavy clouds did threaten but to their great fortune, it held off and didn't throw winds at them.

The students poured into the stadium just after lunch and were already cheering and yelling as they waited for the teams to come flying out of the entry doors at the base of the field.

In this game, Harry and Draco were facing off as the Seekers. They gave each other a high five and a signal for luck. In quick order the game was announced and the players took off to the screams of their fans. Unlike most of the games played up to now this one showed better team cooperation and more sportsmanlike behavior on both sides making this a more fair competition but still hot and fast as well. Most showed off their excellent skills as they fought to get the upper hand. The snitch didn't show until well into the middle of the game and Harry and Draco accorded themselves very well in their efforts to be the first to take the snitch. No nasty cheating and shoving occurred, just plain skill and speed.

In the end, it was Draco who actually caught the prize much to the screaming pleasure of his Ravenclaw housemates. Harry was smiling as he and his team mates shook the hands of the winners, no bad manners here. Dinner that night was loud and boisterous as they all celebrated a game well played and more fun than been had when school had started that year.

That evening, Draco and Harry managed to sneak off though that really wasn't hard as the house elves were perfectly aware these two had permission to leave their houses to meet with Hagrid and Snape at the half-giant's cabin.

After receiving a steaming hot cup of cocoa with marshmallows on top, both boys, bright eyes focused on the two adults seated opposite from them, could barely contain themselves as they waited to hear all the doings that had been going on behind the scenes while they slaved away at their schoolwork.

"Right fantastic game you both played today," Hagrid started the conversation first.

"Never seen one played with such good behavior on display, either," Snape added, smirking.

Both boys smiled and blushed at the compliments. "It was more fun, wasn't it Draco?" Harry asked his friend.

"Oh yes, definitely and I admit it made the game more challenging rather than easy and more fun," the white haired boy said happily.

"Oh most assuredly. Now I know you be champing at the bite to hear all the doings so pay close attention, …." Hagrid said before launching into a lengthy report with Snape's occasional additions where required. It took a good forty minutes but when he was done, the boys stared at him in amazement.

"That's mind boggling! But we're now closer to finish the death eaters, right?" Harry asked, uncertain of all this good news.

"Oh definitely. Just got to gather our allies and get down to business. Should be done by end of week if nothing interferes," Hagrid assured the boy.

"It's hard to believe we're going to be free … uh … except for my father, that is," Draco said, grimacing. He hadn't known his father had been in the castle for days but he understood why. "Will I be able to see him before he's taken away?"

"Hmm, I'm not sure ..." Hagrid rumbled, pulling on his beard in thought. He looked over at Snape in question.

Snape sighed. "I really can't say, Draco. Perhaps, you should ask that of the headmaster. Though technically they are under the control of Madame Bones until she takes them into permanent custody."

Draco looked downhearted but at the same time a little relieved. As a good son he should see his father but though he knew Lucius Malfoy well, he wasn't certain the man would forgive Draco of the decision he had made. Was his love strong enough for family or was his pride more important? Draco didn't know if he really wanted to find that out.

His Godfather sighed again and gently laid an arm across the boy's shoulders. "I could ask if you would like but that will have to wait until after we take down the complete threat the death eaters represent. But I will try to see if you two can have a brief reunion. Alright?"

Draco looked up into the man's eyes before nodding his understanding. They hugged then went back to finishing their cocoa before going their separate ways before anyone saw them there.