Chapter 26
Jason
We had decided in advance that this group did not need to know about us being demigods, at least not all of them and not yet. Some might ultimately become so close as to require it, but we expected we would be working concurrently with the Order rather than as a part of it. All we worked with in the Order had been approved, but we felt like the time wasn't right. Likewise we felt it unlikely that they would join us. It would be interesting to see what they thought of our training of the kids, especially since there were parents and god-parents present.
"Thanks to everyone for coming." Dumbledore said as he raised his goblet. The aerials kept everything filled of course but no one seemed awed by that since all had attended Hogwarts where food magically appears on your plate at every meal.
"I wanted to have this meeting to introduce to each other two groups that I believe will be instrumental in the defeat of the dark lord. I have known some of the people at this table many, many years, and others for but a few days, yet each of you has earned my heartfelt trust and respect. I want to thank Miss Jennifer and Leo for their hospitality in allowing us the comforts of their home, and I assure those in the order that security here is better than anywhere, including the Hollow and Grimmauld. Miss Oceans and Mr Solace, today you have given us back our friends Frank and Alice Longbottom. We cannot express to you the joy you have given us as their friends, or to Neville and Augusta. Their happiness today must be as unfathomable as the misery and anguish that 15 years absence has been."
"Many years ago a dark cloud fell across the face of magic. I called out to my friends to assemble and rise against it and from that came the Order of the Phoenix. We have many members, but our leaders are here. Along the way we lost so many good people, James and Lily, Fabian and Gideon, and so many more. But thanks to the sacrifice of Lily and Harry, Voldemort was defeated. As you know by now, he has risen again. You should all know that now I called on Hecate herself, she who gave us magic, to assist in restoring the balance to our world. She has sent us the America House. In the few days they have been here they have not only reduced the known, at large, population of Death Eaters by approximately fifty percent, but have also been training our youth in their techniques so that they can defend themselves should the time come. I endorse this training without hesitation. Moreover, tonight at dinner, in just a few hours, I will introduce a Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor who's training and instruction I feel with augment and work with the America House training hand in hand. We delude ourselves if we think Harry and his friends will not be attacked. I wish for them to be ready to act without fear and hesitation when that moment arrives." Dumbledore said.
"At this time I was going to ask that each of us introduce ourselves, but I feel before that I should share the events of the day that might not be known to all. As you can see, Alice and Frank have returned to us. They will recuperating in Miss Jennifer's care for the next several days but I know it warms the hearts of all of their old friends to see them back, and Neville, you are excused from all classes through Wednesday, except Defense Against the Dark Arts, and your training with America House."
"Thank you sir." Neville smiled as he hugged his mother. She and his father were seated beside Neville and Reyna and they had not stopped smiling at each other since they arrived.
"On the other side of the coin, Remus, the young lady seated opposite you with the stormy gray eyes and the pretty blond hair is named Annabeth Chase. I think if you look up the old phrase from the 1960's, "California Dream Girl" in a muggle dictionary you might find her photograph. I do hope Mr Jackson will forgive a harmless old man's musings" He smiled as Annabeth blushed.
"No problem, I dream about her all the time, and coincidentally her family lives in California." Percy said, as Annabeth gently smacked his arm.
"Yes, I imagine you do. In any event, Miss Chase robbed Remus today of his goal of ridding the world of Fenrir Greyback. As I and Severus watched, she threw Greyback to the ground and drove a sword made, as I understand it, of silver and drakken bone, into his heart. He dissolved into the underworld as we stood there and Mr De Angelo, who has a way with such knowledge, assures us he will not be returning."
"That's incredible! That.. are you sure?" Lupin asked, almost too excited to speak.
"Oh yes. We have a, well as I understand it, it is called a Leo-dio? You can watch and see for yourself. Since their arrival, by my count, the American House has killed nine death eaters, and banished two more. Not all of these were known of course. One of the banished ones from today was hired in Knockturn Ally just a few hours before the attack for instance, but the other was Yaxley. Any week in which the civilized magical world is ridded of Yaxley and Greyback is an excellent week. Unfortunately a cursory scan of Yaxley's recent memories was not fruitful for learning the whereabouts of the death eaters, but the plan was sound and we should continue it. Now, I've spoken long enough. Perhaps we could introduce our selves at last?"
We began going around the table, starting with the Order.
"Rubeus Hagrid. I teach Care of Magical Creatures and I've been in the order as long as anybody, exceptn' the Headmaster of course."
"I'm Arthur Weasley, Ginny and Ron's father, Molly's husband." He grinned. "When the first war happened, we were mostly busy with the kids, but since then I've been working with the Ministry in the Department of Muggle Artifacts. I, and Molly, fully support the Order and the Headmaster, always have, always will."
"And I'm Molly, um. I raised Ginny and Ron and, well, all our kids." She smiled.
"Molly was one of the highest scores ever in the Defense against the Dark Arts OWL's and NEWTS." Dumbledore said. "She could easily have been an auror should she have so chosen."
"Alastor Moody. Auror. Many of you think you know because I taught here last year. I didn't. Barty Crouch Jr. did. I fought in the last war, and I'll fight again in this one."
"Tonks, uh, Dora Tonks, I'm an auror." Said a young woman seated next to Moody. She was slightly older than the DA so I guessed, as it turned out rightly, that she had graduated several years before.
"Okay, forgive me" Hazel said, "but I've heard the term 'Auror', what exactly is an 'Auror'?"
"We work for the ministry hunting down dark wizards and witches." Tonks said.
"Oh! Okay. Thanks!" Hazel said.
"Remis Lupin. I'm a currently retired professor and auror."
"Kingsley Shacklebolt. I work in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
"Oh, that must be fascinating, what do you do?" Hazel asked.
"Mostly I spend my time searching as to the whereabouts of known fugitive Sirius Black, the only person to ever escape from Azkaban Prison."
"I'm Sirius Black, known fugitive, the only man to ever escape from Azkaban Prison, and I'm Harry's Godfather" said the man beside Shacklebolt with a grin.
"Minerva McGonagall. You all know me. Transfiguration professor. My real role most days is to insure Gryffindor doesn't burn the tower down.
"Severus Snape. Potions master. You all know me as well."
"Harry Potter. Uh. I'm the chosen one." He said, ironically with a smirk.
"Ginny Weasley, girlfriend of the chosen one." Which caused her mother and father to look up suddenly.
"Ron Weasley, friend of the chosen one, brother of the girlfriend of the chosen one." He grinned as he said this.
"Hermione Grainger, friend of the chosen one, girlfriend of the friend of the chosen one and friend of the chosen one's girlfriend." She giggled. I had to admit, as humorless as she seemed, Hermione knew when to step up in loyalty.
"About time.." Molly muttered loud enough for all to hear, bringing a chuckle to the faces of the Order.
"Frank Longbottom. I, uh, well, in the war we helped fight the dark lord. We lost 15 years of our lives and missed seeing our son grow up. It really wasn't worth it. I mean that. I'm glad he was defeated, but if I had to go back I wouldn't do it again. My son deserves better, and so do all the other sons and daughters out there. I don't know what I'm doing anymore, I don't even have a wand, but if there is a place for me in the line, I will stand and fight so no one else has to make that kind of sacrifice."
I'm not sure who started clapping, but soon we were all on our feet applauding. When it died down, it was Neville's turn.
"I'm Neville. Proud son. I can't hope for any greater title."
"Alice. I agree with Frank." She smiled.
"Reyna RamÃrez-Arellano, but most gringos find that a mouthful, so please just call me Reyna. I'm the proud girlfriend of Neville. Also I teach small and large unit tactics and strategy and I handle some logistics."
"Reyna also has the best Amazon Prime membership ever!" Hazel said, with Jennifer quickly agreeing.
"Hazel Levesque. I'm the quest leader.. but only because everyone else had already led a quest. Except Piper. And I'm going to get her bitch ass for nominating me. Did I say that right? 'bitch ass'? Oh, and I'm Frank's girlfriend." She smiled.
"Yeah, bitch ass or punk ass. We're trying to get Hazel integrated into contemporary American idioms. She was, uh, sheltered growing up. Anyway, I'm Frank Zhang, I'm actually Canadian, not American. I teach large unit tactics and strategy and sometimes I'm a dragon, or bear or"
"Weasel?" Leo asked.
"Don't remind me." Frank laughed.
"I'm Piper Mclean and I have no idea at all what Hazel is talking about." She smiled innocently, fanned her face with her hand and batted her eyes.
"Jason Grace. I teach, well whatever Hazel asks me to. I'm Piper's boyfriend." I said.
"Leo Valdez. I'm the engineer, and the luckiest guy in the world to be Jennifer's guy." He smiled. "Some days I fly dragons."
"I'm Jennifer. I, well I'm the newest member I guess so I'm still learning what the guys need me to do. Leo is, well. Leo is "da bomb?" Is that how I say it honey?"
"You did fine" He laughed. "Jennifer is our goddess of logistics and helps Will with healing." Leo said. When he said "goddess" I think we all gasped just a little.
"Will Solace. Healer. I heal the injured and make sure they stay healthy. I'll also be teaching archery and survival. Partner of Nico."
"Nico De Angelo. I'm the Lord of the Undead and Prince of Ghosts. I kill things and make sure they stay dead. Partner of Will."
"Rachel Dare. I dont' really have a role. Or a boyfriend. Or a need for one." She laughed. "I'm an oracle who no longer has visions of the future, and I try to help out where ever I can. I'm learning all this combat stuff with the Gryffindor guys myself."
"Annabeth Chase. Small arms combat and tactics. Percy is my little man slave." She smiled.
"Percy Jackson. Integrated wand and blade combat. Basically, I teach swords and as Hermione teaches us spells I try to integrate them into our fighting style. I kill things too. When Annabeth lets me. I'm her little man slave." He smiled.
Well, now that we've met" Dumbledore began, "I suppose we should talk about our positions on how to execute the war we find ourselves facing. For the benefit of America House, and the students who haven't already learned this by eaves dropping at Grimmauld, we are of two minds. Now, all of us seek to destroy the dark lord, but I think it fair to say that Sirius and Alastor seek a more active approach, while Remus and Severus are more reserved, waiting to build our numbers and seek out weakness and opportunity. I confess, I agree with both. I think it fair to say that Molly and Arthur have no strong opinion either way, but are quite protective of the children. I suspect you are about to have serious questions about the training you are providing." Dumbledore smiled.
"You can say that..." Molly said, looking right at Percy. Even though Hazel was in charge, it was clear to any casual observer that Percy and Annabeth were our leaders. It was Percy who interrupted though.
"You should be concerned. You absolutely should. For whatever reason this guy, the Dark Lord? Voldemort? He has decided that before he can proceed to crush the world of magic and muggles, he has to kill the kid that stopped him last time. He will stop at nothing to do so, and will kill any other kids that are in his way. In the last few days he has attempted to kill Harry, and by extension Ron, Ginny, Hermione and a train load of other kids, and tried to kidnap and torture Neville this morning. He is not going to stop. Now, I know we seem young to be teaching military arts and sword work but frankly we may well be the best in the world at what we do. Hecate didn't send us by mistake or accident. You didn't get the reserves or the B team. I know your kids at Hogwarts may seem young, but Voldemort doesn't care how old they are, he wants them dead. We will teach Harry and his friends everything we know, and we will do so because none of us want to move permanently to Great Britain to become body guards, and because we were ordered to by the gods. When we are done, they will be able to defend themselves with magical weapons, and with spells as best as we can teach. Also we stand with you in your fight against Voldemort and his followers. America wasn't involved in your last wizarding war, but we are correcting that oversight now. Look, I admit you guys have forgotten more about spells than we have ever learned. Our spells are powerful, but few. Just this morning Ron taught me Agua Eructo for instance. But the key thing here is, together we can form an outstanding fighting unit. You have concerns about our training? Good, come and observe it, or even better assist with it, anytime. I understand from talking with Professor Dumbledore that Professor Lupin knows spell combat as well as anyone, and that Sirius has more actual experience than anyone except the Headmaster himself. I ask, no, I pray that both of you will assist us. Jennifer and Leo have said they will make room for you to stay here with us. Mr Black, you cannot be detected here, and Mr Lupin, you need not worry about the full moon, as we don't have one. I hope I haven't overstepped by saying that, but we could use your experience at spell combat."
"Don't have a what and how did you know?" Lupin asked.
"Oh. I hope you don't mind, we had information from Hecate that one of our enemies and one of our allies were lycanthropes so we armed ourselves accordingly, and after Annabeth killed Greyback today, I asked who the ally was. The point is that here we are in parallel space. No moon, so no full moon.
"We can either put you up in the mansion or build a home here at the training field for you, whichever you would prefer. " Jennifer said. "And my uh, I mean Bob, won't mind if you apparate from his place so you can come and go as you like."
"And we can pay whatever salary Hogwarts would, so you don't have to worry about financial matters while you help us. We don't expect you to work for free." Hazel said.
"Now, I know you are all concerned about the safety of the kids we have started calling 'DA1'... Percy continued, this time interrupted by Molly.
"They're just children!"
"We weren't much older when we founded the Order" Sirius replied.
"Mrs Weasley, over the last few days I feel I've gotten to know Ron and Ginny, as well as Fred and George for that matter. You have raised remarkable kids and should be proud. They are absolutely loyal and incredibly brave, but you're right, they are young. Can I tell you a story though?" Percy asked, then continued before anyone could object.
"When I was twelve I found myself in a similar state as Harry. I had some very powerful folks that wanted me dead, basically because I had committed the sin of being born. My mother hid me until I was twelve, but then she could not. The reach of our enemies was too long. She took me to, uh, school so that I could learn magic and how to defend myself, but waiting just outside the protections of the, uh, school, was the Minotaur."
"You and your mother fought a Minotaur?" Snape asked, clearly thinking this a lie.
"Uh, no. The Minotaur, there is just the one. Common misconception. And no, he teleported my mother away to kidnap her then attacked just me and my friend Grover. I ended up jumping on his head as he bent over and charged, and I pulled his horns trying to steer him into a tree to knock him out. His right horn broke and I ended up being the one that crashed into the tree. Then I dodged him as he ran by on a second pass, and I stabbed him the side with that horn and gutted him. Now he, like most monsters, has regenerated and we've fought him since then. But the point is that a 12 year old can be killed by magic, and a 12 year old can defend themselves against magical creatures and dark wizards that wish to kill them."
Snape seemed to doubt the story until Percy laid the Minotaur's horn on the table for all to see.
"That's his horn. Look at it, it is like no other creature on earth. Cast a spell to detect magic on it if you doubt me. Since then we have built this team you see today. We come from two different, uh, disciplines and have different approaches, especially in combat. Some of us learned to fight strictly as individuals. We developed amazing skills, but the others learned to fight as a group and learned to inflict insanely massive amounts of damage on enemies. Last year we all came together and learned there was a place for both skill sets in what we do. It took some growing pains"
"Leo blew up my home." Reyna said with a grin. "That was more than a growing pain."
"You sent a squadron of giant eagles to kill me! So we're even!" Leo laughed.
"Fortunately before we all killed each other we formed into a cohesive unit, learned ways to integrate both disciplines, and in the end improved both. With these folks at my side, there is no magician or monster in the world I would be afraid to fight. Voldemort included. This is what we intend to teach the kids who are loyal to Harry and the Order. We won't be teaching them to seek fights, but lets not kid ourselves and pretend after the events of the last few days that the fights aren't going to be seeking them."
"Which is why they need to learn defensive spells to use against the Dark Arts, in a controlled environment." Molly argued.
"Indeed, and so do I. I look forward to integrating the three forms together, our sword and spell work, along with the fine British tradition of spell combat. Your magic is renown throughout the magical world, but, and I say this humbly, I would not be afraid to take on your best, one on one, skill against skill. If I can do that would you agree that there is merit to what we teach?" Percy asked.
"Your sword against our best wand?" Snape asked.
"Well, no, I would use a padded sword, and request the favor of non fatal spells only. But yes. Professor Dumbledore, would you duel me?"
"I would not. But Professor Snape may if he chooses."
"I... I would find that refreshing, to smack some of the cheekiness from you Mr Jackson. Shall we?'
"So long as Miss Molly agrees that should I win she will accept that our teaching is both safe and has value to the students."
"I don't know about safe, but if Sirius and Remus agree to assist you, and you can best Professor Snape, I will not object. For now." Mrs Weasley said, to the cheers of delight from DA1.
"Come on Percy! You can do it!" Someone shouted, I think Ginny.
"Sure, how about right over here?" Percy led Snape, and by extension all of us, to the area of grass still wet from his column of water that morning. " Are there any rules to wizards duels I need to know?"
"There are certain.. courtesies. First, wands at the ready."
Snape raised his wand to his face and Percy the practice wooden sword, then popped open his shield.
"Next we bow." Snape said as he bowed low, followed by Percy.
"Finally we begin when the Judge says to. Professor Dumbledore if you please"
"Begin."
Percy took off running as fast as he could to close the distance between them, which given that he was running on water soaked ground, his home turf, was pretty fast. Snape was startled a moment but raised his wand and cast a stunning spell which Percy batted away with his shield when he was about two thirds of the distance to Snape. Percy leaped, drew back his sword and pushed his shield into Snape's wand hand as his foot came down on the opposite shoulder, his momentum pushing the professor to the ground. Percy landed straddling him, hold his wand hand at bay against the ground with his shield, and holding the practice sword in a drawn back, striking position, aimed directly at Snape's face.
"You're dead." Percy said, then stood and extended his hand to a throughly shocked Snape to assist him in rising.
The crowd was silent. Some of the Hogwarts kids expected Percy to win, but I doubt any of them thought it would be so one sided. Of course Annabeth probably wondered what took him so long.
"Now, before any of DA1 kids starts thinking its cute that Percy beat your potions master, think again." Annabeth announced. "For one thing you are sworn to secrecy as to your training here, and this is part of it. For another, most folks who have seen Percy with a sword won't go anywhere near a fight with him, so frankly, what Professor Snape just did was probably the bravest act any of you have ever seen. Remember he was there with us on the road this morning, not only has he seen Percy fight and kill two armed men that had the drop on him, he dueled him anyway. He's seen Percy come back from death, and dueled him anyway. He's seen the carnage left at the train, and still, he dueled him anyway. If you're thinking anything, it should be a new found respect. I know I have it. Thanks Professor. And finally, not only does Professor Snape's sacrifice allow us to continue training you, it illustrates a tactical point. Harry do you recall what, from your training, was illustrated?" Annabeth asked.
"That when facing a numerically or otherwise potentially stronger opponent from which you cannot retreat or regroup, it is better to charge than to stand off. Standing off allows them to grind you down at a distance, but charging limits their attacks, and allows you to strike either a decisive or even killing blow at close range where their skill with spells is less important."
"Exactly. Now, when you get a chance I expect each of you to thank the Professor, and in the future show him the proper respect in class." Annabeth said.
Snape straightened his robes up and accepted Percy's hand to stand up. "Thank you Professor." Percy said, and you could almost see Snape grin.
"I suppose you wouldn't want a rematch, wands only?" Snape smiled.
"No thanks, I know my limits." Percy replied, loud enough to make sure all the students heard.
