"Well?" Moody barked.

Dumbledore looked over at one of his oldest friends and released a sigh. The events that had transpired on New Years Eve were still fresh on the forefront of his mind. When he had been informed of the attack he had hoped he had heard wrong. Unfortunately, he had gone to the Ministry morgue and had seen for himself the mangled bodies of those that had been killed.

He had trouble containing his shock when he saw that several children of men he knew were Death Eaters had been killed. His shock had turned into confusion when he had been informed that several bodies were found to have suffered prolonged torture up until the moment of death. He knew that meant they couldn't have been killed in Hogsmeade. That those bodies were all men he suspected to be Death Eaters had confounded him.

Dumbledore didn't know what was going on amongst the Death Eaters, but he knew Voldemort well enough to know that the attack on New Years Eve didn't seem like something he would have authorized. He had theorized that the attack had been performed against Voldemort's wishes, and that the strange bodies from the morgue were those who had taken part in the attack. Voldemort must have assumed no one would look closely at the bodies that had been recovered. Moody had come to the same conclusion, and had spent the better part of an hour telling him that now was the time to strike.

"They're fighting each other," Moody continued. "They'll be less prepared."

"What if that's what Voldemort wants us to think?" Kingsley asked rationally.

Moody's fake eye spun around wildly before landing on Kingsley.

"Kingsley makes an excellent point," Dumbledore said. "That is what I myself fear."

"Does it matter?" Moody growled. "We must act now! The longer we do nothing, the more time Voldemort has to plan and carry out an even worse attack."

Dumbledore feared that Kingsley was right, but he also knew that Moody was too. The Ministry adding more aurors to their ranks wasn't doing enough, and neither were the new laws in regard to allowing aurors to use the killing curse in battle. Those two things did nothing unless the Death Eaters actually attacked.

"What is it you supposed we do, Alastor?" Kingsley asked patiently. "We aren't Death Eaters, we have to do things by the book. Unless we are attacked, we can't attack them."

"We arrest the bastards!" Moody snarled. "Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange, and the rest of that horrid lot. We know they're Death Eaters."

"Not according to the Ministry of Magic," Kingsley said. "You know that in the eyes of the law they're nothing more than upstanding citizens who donate millions of galleons a year to various charities."

"It's time the world saw them for what they really are," Moody said, "scum."

"These people have carefully constructed their images over decades," Kingsley sighed. "It would be their word verse ours, and we all know who everyone would believe."

"So we just wait for them to strike out against us?" Moody growled. "Great plan!"

"There's no need for that, Alastor," Kingsley said, his voice taking on a stern edge. "I want Voldemort and his Death Eaters to pay for what they've done, but we aren't them. The last time we went around the laws, a Death Eater was arrested then released for obtaining an illegal search warrant. The entire auror department was made to look like fools. All it did was make our job more difficult."

"The Wizengamot," Dumbledore interrupted the two men's arguing.

"What about the Wizengamot?" Kingsley asked.

"The Wizengamot is meeting tomorrow," Dumbledore answered. "If an idea to identify and capture Death Eaters is presented it will, without doubt, pass."

"Because those who vote against the idea would risk incriminating themselves," Kingsley surmised. "Although, you'd have to make sure that what you propose is one hundred percent above board. If not you'll risk it's acceptance being postponed until the next meeting."

"Amelia," Moody grunted, as he leaned against his staff. "Have her propose the idea. As the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, no one will suggest that she's going against the laws. She'll know how to word it."

"You're right," Dumbledore said. "It appears as if I'll be visiting the Ministry this afternoon."

Dumbledore looked around the large meeting chamber and a hundred pairs of eyes stared back at him, some bored while others were intent and focused.

"Before this afternoon's session of the Wizengamot comes to a close," Dumbledore began, "does anyone have any proposals for consideration?"

The meeting chamber was silent until Amelia cleared her throat and stood up.

"Madame Bones," Dumbledore smiled kindly, "you have the floor."

"Thank you, Chief Warlock," Amelia said respectfully. Her sharp eyes scanned the chamber, and she clasped her hands behind her back. "You are all aware of the egregious attack that took place on the thirty-first of December."

Several murmurs sprung out. Dumbledore looked over to where Lucius and his close associates were sitting. He could see the wheels spinning in their heads, as they tried to guess what Amelia was going to say before she said it. Rodolphus' lips fell into a thin line as his eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

"As the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement," Amelia continued, "I take the safety of each and every citizen of wizarding Britain seriously. Although, with the blessing of the Ministry of Magic and this esteemed body, measures have been put into place to help ensure safety, it has become quite evident that an increase in the number of aurors and additional security is not enough."

Lucius' eyes snapped over to Dumbledore, and Dumbledore merely smiled in response. The Malfoy patriarch's eyes seemed to glow for a moment, before his lip curled slightly and he looked back to Amelia.

"This most recent attack, at the hands of Death Eaters led to the death of dozens of innocent witches and wizards," Amelia continued, "including members of the Wizengamot and defenseless children. It never should have taken such a tragedy to show us that more needs to be done to stop the Death Eaters and the self-titled Dark Lord Voldemort." Several gasps echoed throughout the hall, but Amelia ignored them.

"Since the attack, the Ministry has been inundated by complaints and concerns that we are not doing enough to protect them," Amelia said. "It is unfortunate that they are correct. The Ministry of Magic not only should, but needs to, identify and capture every last Death Eater. To do this we must be able to trust everyone within. That is why I propose that all Ministry of Magic employees be subjected to a mandatory questioning, in addition to having their homes searched for any illegal activities." More murmurs sprung up. "These searches should be at random and with no warning."

"That's outrageous!" Cornelius spluttered. "We are not criminals. Why should our homes be invaded by aurors?"

"These are dark times, Minister," Amelia said sharply. "Mistrust is rampant, and the Death Eaters appear to know when and where to attack with the least amount of aurors. It is quite obvious that someone on the inside is feeding them information."

Cornelius opened and closed his mouth, looking like a fish out of water.

"Hem, hem," Umbridge said. All eyes turned towards the toad faced woman. "I agree with Amelia." Dumbledore's eyebrows rose slightly. "There is nothing to fear, Minister, because we have nothing to hide. If these searches will help catch those plotting against the Ministry of Magic it would be detrimental for us not to allow them." She gave Amelia a smile.

Dumbledore could see no sincerity in Umbridge's words or demeanor, although everyone else appeared to believe her concern. He watched as Umbridge continued to smile while altering the large pink gem that sparkled on her finger. He had been watching Umbridge carefully since she had begun working at Hogwarts. Umbridge seemed exceedingly loyal to Fudge, and that made Dumbledore wonder if he was the only person she was loyal to.

Dumbledore moved his eyes away from Umbridge and onto Lucius who was staring at Amelia while Rodolphus whispered something in his ear. Lucius nodded sharply once then Rodolphus sat back properly in his seat.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Do you have anything more to add, Madame Bones, or shall we put your proposal to a vote?"

"I am not quite done, Chief Warlock," Amelia said. "It is also my belief that for their safety, a dozen aurors should be stationed at Hogwarts at all times."

"By Merlin!" Amos Diggory exclaimed. "Do you really believe that necessary? You Know Who can't get into Hogwarts."

"As far as we know, Voldemort," Amelia put emphasis on his name, "cannot get into Hogwarts. However, that does not mean him or his Death Eaters will not find a way. And with children, is it not better to be safe than sorry?"

No one said a word as Amelia looked around the hall, daring someone to contradict her. Amelia nodded as though her point had been made.

"Now I am finished," Amelia said, as she sat down.

Dumbledore rose to his feet. "We will now vote on Madame Bones' proposal."

All around the chamber wands were raised into the air. Amelia's wand tip glowed blue, as did those around her. Dumbledore looked at Lucius who stared haughtily back at him. Lucius raised his wand and the tip glowed blue. He had to give Lucius credit, the man didn't look furious, although he no doubt was. Cornelius looked around the hall before his wand too lit up blue.

Dumbledore smiled as not a single wand lit up red.

"Madame Bones' proposal has passed," Dumbledore banged down his gavel. "Meeting adjourned."

Cass watched as rolling green hills turned into snow capped mountains. A chill ran down her spine and she pulled her velvet cloak tight against her body. For the first time, it felt strange sitting on the Hogwarts Express. She usually spent the journey from King's Cross to Hogwarts laughing at her friends' silly jokes or talking about how they were going to spend their weekends down by the lake. But as she looked away from the window and at her friends she saw that no one was so much as smiling, and no one looked as if they cared to discuss future plans.

Draco was sitting opposite her, looking out the window. Although, to Cass it seemed as if he wasn't seeing anything. His eyes were glazed over, as though he was lost in thought. Leo was staring down at a book, but he hadn't turned a single page since entering the compartment. Blaise was leaning back, staring at the ceiling, and occasionally running his hand through his hair. Jenna was looking around the compartment, her eyes slightly red. While Daphne, Pansy, and Tracey were trying to sleep. The only one who didn't look completely miserable was Harrison, which was a surprise to Cass, as she knew Theo's death had devastated him.

"We can't keep on like this," Harrison said suddenly. Everyone looked at Harrison. "Theo is dead." Cass flinched.

Harrison continued, "Theo is dead, and us being miserable isn't going to bring him back. We're going to be at Hogwarts soon, and we can't walk in there as nothing more than zombies. We're Slytherins. We represent more than ourselves. People die every day. This is war. Theo won't be the last to die. We need to accept that and keep going."

"Harrison," Daphne said sharply.

"No, Daph," Harrison said, his tone even sharper. "It's the truth. All we can do is protect ourselves and the people we love the best we can. We all know that it's going to get worse. The storm is coming, sooner than it was supposed to. Do you not think it hurts me being here without Theo? It does. But the longer we spend grieving for him, the longer we go without getting ready. If we aren't ready…" He looked around the compartment. "I don't want to lose any of you."

Daphne touched Harrison's arm. "You aren't going to."

"That's what Theo once told me," Harrison said sadly.

Cass felt as though her stomach had grown arms and was trying to punch its way out of her stomach. It had been nearly two weeks since Theo had died, and she still saw images of his dead body every time she closed her eyes.

Blaise placed his hand on her knee and Cass shot him a grateful smile. She didn't know what was going on between her and Blaise. She hadn't meant to sleep with him, it had just happened. Then it happened again, and again. Blaise had been one of her best friends since before she even understood what that meant. She had always found him attractive, but she had never seen him as more than a friend until he had come by to check on her the day after Theo had died. She had suddenly seem him in an entirely new light. Whether or not it was her guilt and sadness that drew her to him she didn't know. And at the moment she didn't care. All she knew was that when she was in his arms she felt like everything would be ok.

"I agree with Harrison," Cass said.

Everyone looked at Cass in surprise. She hadn't said anything all morning. She swallowed. She had been so angry over her mother's miscarriage, then sad and guilty over Theo's death. She was starting to feel as though she was drowning from all of the negative emotions she was experiencing. But she knew that if she didn't want to lose anyone else she needed to fight her way to the surface.

"I can't lose any of you," Cass said quietly. She looked out the window, a beautiful frozen lake in the distance. "I couldn't survive it."

The cart descended into silence, and Blaise slipped his arm around her shoulders.

The atmosphere in the Great Hall was thick with tension as students got up and began to make their way towards their dorms. Dumbledore's announcement that aurors would now be stationed around the school, and roaming the grounds had been met with mixed reactions. Some of the students had looked relieved and others wary. As Ron walked out of the hall he passed several wizards flanking the large wooden doors, wearing the red robes and gleaming gold badge of an auror.

"The Slytherins didn't seem pleased to see the aurors," Seamus mused.

"Of course, they didn't," Ron scoffed.

"You have to feel a little bad for them, don't you?" Dean asked. Ron and Seamus looked at him as though he had three heads, so he elaborated. "Some of their friends and parents died. Slytherin's or not, that has to hurt."

"Their parents are Death Eaters," Ron said stubbornly.

"Still," Dean said uneasily.

"You're a muggleborn," Ron said, "you don't know what it's like to have lost your family to those monsters. My Uncles, grandma, and grandfather were all killed by Death Eaters. I have no sympathy for them."

"Ron has a point," Seamus said uncomfortably at Dean's affronted look. "You've only heard and seen the things that have happened in the past few years. We grew up hearing about the Death Eaters. Seeing their victims faces in the Daily Prophet. I find it hard to feel bad myself."

"Their parents, I understand, but the kids?" Dean asked. "They never did anything."

"Nott was practically a Death Eater," Ron said. "He would've grown up to be as bad as his father."

The three Gryffindor's rounded a corner and stopped upon being confronted by four furious faces. Harrison's eyes looked inhuman as they glowed green.

"I would stop talking, Weasley," Leo said coldly.

"Shove off, Lestrange," Ron said.

"Don't," Harrison said, when Leo opened his mouth to retort. "Let the little Gryffindor's keep talking. I want them to give me a reason to wipe those stupid looks off their faces."

"Speaking of faces, I wonder what Nott's looked like when he died," Ron said.

Seamus and Dean both looked at Ron in shock.

Ron had never seen so much hate radiate off a person until now. Harrison's eyes glowed even brighter. Draco's eyes narrowed into slits, and his cheeks turned red. Blaise's nostrils flared, and Leo's hands balled into fists. Ron thought for sure one of the boys would attack him.

Leo suddenly relaxed his hands and smiled. "His face looked better than your sister's when she's getting fucked in the ass by Viktor Krum."

Ron's face turned red and he pulled out his wand. The four Slytherin's were faster, and their wands were out before his was. But before anyone could think of casting a spell, a shimmering shield formed between the Gryffindors and Slytherins.

"What is the meaning of this?" Snape asked, after appearing seemingly out of nowhere.

"Ronald here thought it would be a good idea to speak ill of the dead," Harrison said coldly.

Snape's eyes narrowed. "Did he now?"

"He said my sister—" Ron was cut off.

"Do not speak, Mister Weasley," Snape said sharply. "The three of you will serve detention with me for the entire week, and I will deduct twenty points from Gryffindor." The three Gryffindors widened their eyes. "Each."

"What?" Seamus said. "That isn't fair."

"Do not speak about fair while you stand here alive," Snape said lowly. His eyes flickered over all of the fourth years. "To your dormitories immediately."

Ron had to bite his tongue from making a retort. He glared at the Slytherins before pushing past them and walking towards the Gryffindor common room.

"I can't believe that git," Ron snapped.

"That was low," Dean said.

Ron spun around. "Are you taking their side?"

"What? No!" Dean said. "But you didn't have to mention Nott."

"Who cares about Nott," Ron said, "did you hear what they said about Ginny?" His ears turned red.

"They were just messing with you," Seamus said awkwardly.

"They better have been," Ron mumbled.

xxXXxxXXxxXXxxXx

Leo shook with anger as his narrowed eyes watched the Gryffindors walk away. He didn't need his wand, he would tear Ron apart with his bare hands. A calming hand came to rest on his shoulder.

"I'm angry too, but the time will come when he will get what he deserves," Harrison said quietly. "He'll pay for his words before this ends."

Leo nodded stiffly, as Harrison gently tugged his arm towards the Slytherin common room.

"I don't like the way they keep staring at us," Pansy said, with a glare behind Harrison.

Harrison glanced over his shoulder. Two aurors were standing on either side of the Great Hall doors, their expressions impassive. Their eyes scanned the entire Hall, but Harrison noticed that they looked more frequently at the Slytherin table.

"Let them stare," Harrison said.

Fleur sniffed disdainfully. "I agree with Pansy, it's uncomfortable. I've never been looked at that way before."

"You're stared at all day, every day," Jenna said slowly. Her eyes still red rimmed.

"Yes, but not as if I was some criminal," Fleur said sourly.

"They're aurors," Blaise said, while buttering a slice of toast. "They're suspicious of everyone." He nodded his head back towards the aurors. "Look, that one on the right is eyeing the Hufflepuff table as if the Dark Lord himself is sitting amongst them."

Harrison snorted at the thought, but the sound was drowned out by flapping wings. Harrison watched as owls soared to every table to deliver the morning post. The Daily Prophet landed in front of him but he didn't pay it any mind.

"Oh Merlin," Tracey gasped.

"What?" Blaise asked.

Tracey pushed her copy of the Daily Prophet forwards as gasps and murmurs sprung up around the hall. Harrison looked down and read in large, bold print, Dozens of Ministry Employees Arrested for Questioning After Ministry Ordered Searches!

AN: NEW STORY! For those interested, I have a new story up. It's called Darkness Rising. Voldemort raises Harry and Luna. Don't worry, I'll still be doing this story. I'd like to have them both updated about once a week (that's the goal)! My goal with this new story is to greatly improve my writing, and to have a much tighter plot. I also want it to be on a more grand scale. Don't worry, it will not be this story on repeat. Please check it out and review! :)

PLEASE REVIEW! It really means a lot.