AN: I probably should have mentioned this in the beginning, but Minerva was born on October 4th, 1940 for this story, making her 56 right now. I just wanted to clarify that for anyone who was wondering about it.

As always, thank you for your reviews and continued interest in this story.


Chapter 8

The next morning, Andromeda and Tonks came over for breakfast just as planned. Harry and Minerva, after a short discussion, both decided not to mention their sleeping arrangements to the two witches for the moment. It had worked though because Harry hadn't had another nightmare and was feeling refreshed from the deep sleep he'd gotten. They were a bit awkward around each other when they woke up but managed to get over it by the time their morning run was completed.

When the four of them had finished eating breakfast, they were visited by Harry's three house-elves who had been checking in with him periodically throughout the week.

"Master Harry, we've finished decorating Black Manor," Dobby announced.

Harry smiled at them. "Really? That's great work guys!" He turned to face the other witches. "How about we all check it out right now? It's not like we have anything planned until this evening," he suggested eagerly.

When they all agreed, the three elves popped them to the main entrance. To say they were shocked by what they saw would be entirely accurate. It looked like a completely different place. Gone were the dark and drab décor that gave the place its oppressive atmosphere. Instead, everything was light and peaceful while still looking stately and refined. It was even missing the painting of Walburga Black, something all four of them were relieved by.

Harry, after getting over his surprise, directed his elves to give them a full tour and that's what they did, showing them every single room in the manor. The rest of it didn't disappoint either. Each room was unique while still keeping with the stately yet homely theme of the manor. Some were designed to be more intimate while others were more formal. They even saw the elves' quarters which were quite comfortable for them, something Harry approved of immensely.

The last two rooms they were shown were the master's suite and the master's study. As requested, the suite was decorated to his tastes with dark brown furniture, silver grey walls, and red accents and bed spread. Winky had even fixed and cleaned the jacket Sirius gave him and it was laying across his bed. The study was decorated with same color scheme as well, but it had one addition that caused Minerva to question him. Besides the large desk, comfortable chair, fireplace, and sofa, in the right corner of the room sat an ebony brown baby piano.

"You can play the piano?" she asked him in surprise.

Harry ran his fingers through his hair sheepishly. "I can play a little."

"Code words for he's musical genius," Tonks interjected.

"I wouldn't say I'm that good," Harry argued. "But I'm not bad at it."

"How long have you been playing?" Andromeda asked.

"Since I was eight," Harry replied. "It's a good way to relieve stress for me. Dobby must have added it to the room. I forgot that he caught me playing one night."

"You've played on one at the castle?" Minerva asked.

Harry nodded in confirmation. "I found a room during my first year with one in it. When we discovered the ROR, I sometimes had the room make one for me to play on."

"You'll have to play for us one day," Minerva remarked, curious to hear how good he was.

"Yeah… one day," Harry replied.

After that, Harry retrieved his jacket off of his bed and they adjourned into the kitchen.

"You guys did a spectacular job," Harry praised.

"Yes, what you did with this place is nothing short of amazing," Minerva agreed. "No one will recognize it."

"You guys can decorate my place anytime you want to," Tonks remarked, only half joking.

"I can't believe this is the same place. I never thought I would ever feel comfortable here, but you three made it possible," Andromeda declared.

All three elves blushed at the compliments and humbly accepted them.

"After all of your hard work, you three deserve a break. Take the rest of the weekend off as a thank you for what you've done to this place," Harry announced, causing the three of them to thank him profusely. Then he invited them to sit down as he and the witches asked them various questions about how their cleaning and renovation process went. The humans made them comfortable by treating them like normal, intelligent beings and after a few minutes they were conversing freely, without any hesitation.

After a while, Harry sat back as a nagging thought came to him. It took him a few minutes of racking his brain until it hit him. "Hey, sorry to interrupt, but while you three were cleaning up, did you happen to see a locket around here? It was shaped like an octagon with Slytherin's crest on it. I really need it."

Minerva looked up at him in surprise. "Are you sure you saw it here?" Tonks and Andromeda perked up, curious about what they were talking about.

Harry nodded in confirmation before turning back to the elves. "You're not in trouble if you have it, but it's important that I get it. I need it to stop Voldemort."

Kreacher cautiously stepped forward, his head bowed. "I know what locket you're referring to Master Harry." He popped away, returning a few seconds later with the locket in his hand. "Old master Regulus took this from You-Know-Who and asked me to destroy it, but I failed him. He died while getting it."

Harry kneeled down in front of Kreacher, compassion in his expression and his voice. "I'm sure you tried everything you could to destroy it, but it's not your fault that you were unable to do so. Only few substances can destroy this thing and they're very rare. Don't worry, though. I know exactly how to take care of it for you. Regulus's last wish will be fulfilled, I promise you."

"Thank you, Master Harry," Kreacher said quietly, a tear running down his cheek.

"That's a horcrux, isn't it?" Andromeda asked, seeking confirmation.

"Yep," Harry replied. "We should probably put it somewhere where it can't influence any of us. According to Riddle's memories, it can do so if you're left in its company for too long."

"How are we going to destroy it though?" Tonks asked.

Harry smirked. "Well, one of the substances that can destroy it happens to be Basilisk venom. I happen to know exactly where to get it."

"The Chamber of Secrets?" Minerva guessed.

"Five points to Gryffindor Professor."

- H.M. –

They left Black Manor shortly after that to return to Minerva's place. Harry, realizing they should have done this earlier, let Tonks and Andromeda see the memories about the horcruxes. He showed them everything except his parent's death. Then they spent time in the training room watching and helping Harry practice. He and Tonks even had a few mock duels where he managed to beat her two out of three times. Instead of getting upset about it though, Tonks took the defeats graciously and congratulated him on the progress he had made. When it was time for a break, Harry, remembering that he'd given his elves time off, made a lunch of fish and chips, surprising the witches with his cooking skills.

An hour before it was time to meet with Amelia, they went over how much they wanted to tell her. After vigorous discussion, they decided to reveal everything, including the horcrux in Harry's scar unless she gave them a reason not to. Right before it was time to go, Minerva gathered up the memories they planned on showing Amelia, leaving her pensieve since Tonks informed them that her boss had one of her own. Harry also made sure to bring his jacket with him just in case. Then, Tonks gave them the floo address for the Bones manor and one by one they disappeared into the flames.

- H.M. -

When they arrived, Amelia was waiting for them on her sofa in front of the fireplace, though she stood up to greet them quickly.

"Welcome to Bones Manor Mr. Potter," she stated. "Minerva, Andromeda I did not realize you were coming as well."

Tonks bowed her head sheepishly, her hair turning slightly red. "I may have forgotten to mention that." Andromeda and Minerva shook their heads at her.

"I'm sorry my daughter did not inform you beforehand. I promise I raised her better than that," Andromeda said, teasing her daughter.

"Well, no harm done. Both of you are more than welcome and it's good to see you both. I had Topsy make plenty of food just in case anyway so there's more than enough for all of you," Amelia stated.

"It's good to see you as well," Minerva remarked.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Madame Bones," Harry said. "Will Susan be joining us for dinner?"

"I was assured by Auror Tonks that this meeting would be worth it," Amelia replied. "As for Susan, she is spending the night at the Abbot's house so we can talk privately. Now, before we get into what will likely be a very intense conversation, let us eat."

She led them to the dining room where they sat down at the table, which already had the food on it. Amelia was at the head with Tonks and Andromeda on her left and Harry and Minerva on her right. Almost immediately after they were seated, Topsy popped in to take their drink orders, bringing them back a few seconds later.

"Thank you Topsy," Amelia said gratefully to her elf who bowed before popping away.

They all filled their plates and began to eat, conversing about safer subjects for the moment. Harry and Minerva explained how she had been secretly mentoring him since his fourth year and that he was staying at her house for the summer, but not how he came to be there. Tonks described how she and Harry had become friends and the auror lessons she'd given him. Andromeda informed Amelia of Harry's status as Lord Black and that she was teaching him about politics and what that status meant since he had very little information on the subject. Amelia described the political climate at the moment, letting them know that Minister Fudge was barely holding on to his position.

When they were finished eating, Topsy cleared the table of food and brought Amelia her pensieve as well as some pastries to snack on.

"Well Mr. Potter, my niece has a high opinion of you and she's very grateful for your tutoring this past year, as am I," Amelia began. "She's shown me the skills you taught her and the rest of the DA. You seem to be a very capable teacher."

Harry smiled humbly. "Susan's a strong and brilliant witch, I just helped her realize her potential. As for being a good teacher, I learned from the best."

Amelia glanced at Minerva briefly before nodding in agreement. "Yes, you have," she agreed before becoming serious. "Now, I think we should get to the reason for this meeting. Tonks has informed me that you will no longer be following Dumbledore and that you have information relevant to the war effort."

Harry nodded. "Yes. It's a long story, but before I get to the stuff about the war, you need some background information." He took a deep breath before continuing. "I don't really know how much you know about my so-called childhood, but the truth is that I didn't really have one. I was forced to live with muggle relatives on my mum's side, the Dursleys, who hated me and treated me like a slave. I didn't know anything about my parents or magic until I got my Hogwarts letter and Hagrid brought me to Diagon Alley. I thought things would get better once I started school, but unfortunately it didn't. While I finally made friends and was away from the Dursleys, school wasn't safe for me. I've lost count of how many times my I almost lost my life in the past five years, but I'm sure it was entirely too many times. I have memories to show you some of those incidents, but the main point is that Dumbledore is responsible for every single one of them in some way, shape, or form. He cannot be trusted to do the right thing because he is too focused on accomplishing his so-called Greater Good."

Minerva spoke up next. "He has put not only Harry, but all students at Hogwarts in danger too many times trying to accomplish some scheme or another that only he knows about. I've tried to do everything I can to mitigate the disasters he creates, but I only have so much power."

"May I see these memories before we continue," Amelia requested.

"Of course," Harry replied as he dropped the relevant memories from his past five years into the pensieve. The other three witches, who hadn't seen them all before either also asked if they could watch them which Harry agreed to. He sat silently in thought as he waited for them to finish, which took about half an hour. When they finished, they had to take a moment to compose themselves, all rattled by what they saw. Minerva was the worse off, causing Harry to look at her in concern. She waved him off before he could say anything.

"You didn't tell me it was this bad," Tonks exclaimed, looking at Harry in shock and horror.

"Yes, you really have a talent for understating things," Andromeda agreed sadly. "I can't believe that manipulative bastard let all of that happen at a school. If it weren't for you and your friends, many would have died."

"That man cannot be trusted whatsoever," Amelia declared angrily when she had regained her composure. "He did not inform my department about any of these incidents, which is a mandatory protocol he's supposed to follow when the lives of the students are in danger." She took a deep, calming breath before continuing. "As for you Mr. Potter, the fact that you not only survived these dangerous situations, but emerged victorious, is a testament to your strength, talent, and drive. Susan told me that there was something special about you and now I understand why."

"Thank you, Madam Bones," Harry replied bashfully.

"You're welcome. Now, if you have more shocking information to tell me, I think I'm going to need a stronger drink."

Harry laughed grimly. "You'll be wanting to get that drink then because that's not the worst of it."

Amelia did just that, asking Topsy to bring a bottle of scotch and glasses for all of them, except Harry. After taking a healthy swig from her glass, she spoke again. "All right then. What else do have for me?" The other three witches drunk some of their alcohol as well, with Minerva drinking the most.

"I've read the papers speculations on me being the 'chosen one'. Well there is a prophecy concerning me and Voldemort, one that Dumbledore knew about and kept hidden from everyone, including me. He didn't tell me until after the battle at the in the DOM, right after I… lost Sirius," Harry explained before reciting it for her.

"And let me guess. He did nothing to prepare you for this, has he?" Amelia asked bitterly.

Harry scoffed. "The only thing he's told me is that love is the 'power he knows not'. If it weren't for Minerva's training, I would have died in that graveyard at the end of my fourth year before I could even learn about the prophecy."

"At least somebody has some common sense," Amelia remarked. "While I do not doubt the power that love has seeing as there are several rituals that call for it and the DOM has an entire department devoted to studying it, you won't be able to stop Voldemort by giving him a hug. From what you've told me, it sounds like Dumbledore thinks you have to be sacrificed to defeat Voldemort."

"You're right, Madam Bones," Harry confirmed. "That's exactly what he believes."

"What do you mean?" Amelia asked cautiously.

"Riddle made items called horcruxes," Harry stated, causing Amelia to gasp in horror. "I'm going to assume you know what they are."

"Unfortunately, I do," Amelia replied. "I came across them during a case once when some idiot tried to create one. But you said horcruxes as in plural?"

"Seven in total," Minerva confirmed.

"How did you learn of this?" Amelia asked. She didn't doubt them, just needed confirmation.

Harry looked down for a moment, causing Minerva to put her hand on his shoulder and squeeze it comfortably. "It's okay Harry. Amelia won't think any differently of you if you tell her. She's always been a good judge of character."

Harry nodded in acknowledgement before looking back up at Amelia. "I don't know if you've heard rumors about it, but the night Riddle murdered my parents, he unintentionally formed a connection with me. Recently, I decided to probe this link and gained access to some of his memories, learning about the horcruxes through them. I know what they are, but not where they are. They include: his diary, from the Chamber of Secrets incident; the Gaunt family ring, his maternal family; Ravenclaw's diadem; Slytherin's locket; Hufflepuff's cup; his snake, Nagini; and… and me."

Amelia was horrified, though she didn't think any less of Harry because of it. "That's why the two of you are connected?" Harry nodded in response. "This is why Dumbledore has been trying to condition you as a sacrifice?" Harry nodded again. "I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this. It's bad enough to have a psychopathic dark wizard after you, but to know that a piece of his soul is inside of you… I can't imagine how horrible that feels."

"It's not easy, but I've got people on my side who care enough about me to remind me who I am when I'm feeling low," Harry admitted sadly.

"Well, you can count me as another person on your side. Anything I can help you with, just ask," Amelia declared officially.

"Thank you," Harry said gratefully. "I have copies of all of Riddle's memories for you to view. You should also know that I can sometimes spy on him through our connection, though it's quite dangerous. It's how I was able to learn of the two Death Eater raids I stopped."

"You're the hooded stranger, aren't you? Amelia asked, quickly making the connection.

"Yes," Harry said, briefly putting up the hood of his jacket to prove it, "and before you ask, I had just found out about the horcrux in my scar and wasn't in the right frame of mind when I went to the second raid."

"Very well," Amelia said after giving him a stern look. "I'm sure Minerva has already reprimanded you for that so I will leave it alone. Next time you learn of a raid or attack, I expect to be informed of it. Just because you are the one in the prophecy doesn't mean you have to do everything. My aurors are quite capable when they are utilized properly."

"Of course," Harry replied.

"There are some things we could use your help with," Minerva spoke. "Harry is planning on taking his NEWTs for Transfiguration and Defense to give him more free time while in school, but we don't want anyone to find out about it until afterwards."

Amelia nodded in understanding. "I know someone in the ICW who can help with that. I can also schedule for you to take your apparition exam since you are eligible for it."

"That would be great Madam Bones," Harry said thankfully.

"Your welcome and please call me Amelia," she replied.

"Only if you call me Harry," he responded with a smile.

Andromeda spoke up next, an idea having formed in her mind. "There is another matter to consider. With the political climate as it is and Harry back to being considered a hero, we can change some things in the government."

"What do you mean Andy?" Harry asked in confusion.

"Well, you will be attending the next Wizengamot session to claim your seat and nominate me as your proxy. This presents an opportunity for us to have a vote of no-confidence for Fudge, something you can call for due to your status. We could have someone who will actually take this war serious nominated if we play our cards right," Andromeda explained.

"But who would we nominate?" Tonks asked. "It would have to be someone who has the respect of most of the light and neutral families."

Minerva looked at Amelia, realizing where Andromeda was going with this. "It's simple. We nominate Amelia. She is known for being fair, just, honest, and uncorrupt. She also has a reputation as a strong fighter and leader and is the most respected official in the Ministry."

"Exactly," Andromeda concluded.

"Sounds like a good idea to me. It gives us the ability to neutralize Riddle's influence in the Ministry and actually use its resources to effectively protect the country and fight the war," Harry noted.

Amelia glared at all of them, not really wanting the responsibility but seeing the reason in it. "Fine. If you believe it will work, I will do it. We'll have to reach out to some of the neutral and light families however."

"I can do that," Andromeda declared.

Before anyone could say anything else, Harry got a sharp pain in his scar. "Bloody hell, Riddle's here!" he shouted.

"How many of them are here Harry?" Minerva asked urgently as they all stood up from their seats and drew their wands. Harry pulled up his hood to hide his presence.

"Fifty of them, with Bellatrix and Fenrir Greyback," Harry relayed after he had quickly probed Voldemort's mind. "They've already put up the anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards and jammed the floo connection. They also seem to have disabled all of the wards on your property, so this has to be an inside job."

"Someone will be paying for this," Amelia snarled angrily. Internally, she was thankful she wasn't alone, and Susan was safe at the Abbot's house.

"Do you have another way out of here Boss?" Tonks asked as they heard them start banging on both the front and back doors.

"Never had a need for one," Amelia replied. The room they were in had no doors or windows to the outside, leaving them completely trapped.

"Well, I guess we'll have to fight our way out," Harry declared firmly before calling for his three elves. "I know I gave you the weekend off, but we have an emergency here. I need you three to get as much of Amelia and Susan's stuff out of here as possible but stay safe and hidden." The three of them nodded before popping away. Amelia did the same with Topsy. "If only they could pop us out of here," he muttered aloud. The others silently agreed with him. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible for a house-elf to apparate a human through anti-apparition wards, though they themselves could move through them freely because they weren't recognized as beings by the design of the wards.

"Harry, we need to even the odds, like you did during the second raid," Minerva instructed. He nodded in acknowledgement and the two of them began to showcase their Transfiguration prowess. The changed the dining room into a makeshift battlefield, using everything around them to create barriers and covers to help neutralize the enemies' advantage of numbers. When they ran out of material, they started conjuring up some things, though not too much since they needed to conserve their energy. The other three witches help where they could, using charms where appropriate to enhance some of the objects that had been created.

Just as they were finishing, the first wave of Death Eaters had arrived. Their enemies were taken completely by surprise when they saw five, armed and dangerous people instead of the two they were expecting.

"She's got company," one of the Death Eaters shouted before the spells started to fly. While the Death Eaters threw spells without thought or strategy, the defenders made good use of their environment and carefully selected and aimed their spells. They made sure to use spells and methods that would permanently take their foes out of the battle, some of which were lethal. They also worked as a team, watching each other's back and fighting like a unit, unlike the Death Eaters who fought only for themselves.

After fifteen minutes and with the first wave of enemies almost completely defeated, the second wave arrived, with Bellatrix and Greyback in the front.

"Where's Riddle?" Tonks asked Harry quietly.

"He's still out in the front doing some type of ritual I think," Harry whispered back.

"That's not a good sign," Tonks muttered, echoing all of their thoughts.

They couldn't say anymore as Bellatrix and Greyback had stopped walking. The latter cackled insanely when she recognized her sister and niece.

"Dromeda and little Dora," she called mockingly.

"Bellatrix," Andromeda responded coldly.

"I think you and I have some unfinished business Auntie," Tonks challenged angrily.

Bellatrix laughed even louder until Tonks sent a severing curse at her which she barely managed to dodge. "I will kill you blood-traitor, just like I killed Sirius!" she shouted as the battle began in earnest again. This round was much more intense as these Death Eaters were much more experienced than the first batch were. Still, the group of five continued to hold their own against them as they effectively used the battlefield they'd created. They were starting to sustain some injuries though and time was working against them. Yet despite the odds, the group was able to thin the numbers down. But more kept coming and they'd been at it for a while.

Ten minutes into it, Bellatrix managed to reach Tonks, starting a one-on-one battle between them. Andromeda saw this but was unable to get to them due to the Death Eaters she was taking on at the moment. Tonks was undeterred by her crazy aunt though, fighting as hard as she could against the dark witch. Unlike the time in the DOM, she was able to remain calm and focus on the duel instead of allowing her emotions to control her. Bellatrix was surprised by this but tried to ignore the unease it gave her. She constantly mocked her niece as they fought to anger her, but Tonks was unfazed by her remarks.

Greyback had also managed to get close to the defenders, positioning himself near Harry as he waited for an opportunity to pounce. When it came, Harry had just incapacitated someone and was caught off-guard as Greyback slammed into him from behind. The force the werewolf used sent them crashing through a wall and made Harry lose his grip on his wand. They tumbled over together several times before slamming into an object that caused them to become separated. Unarmed, most wizards would have been powerless against a werewolf, even one that wasn't changed. Harry wasn't most wizards though. Instead of panicking, he jumped to his feet and set himself in a defensive stance, his body loose and ready to react at any time.

Greyback also got to his feet, though slower than Harry did, and looked at him curiously. "You know, most wizards recognize that this is a losing battle. You must be really stupid to think you can actually fight me," he challenged.

Harry chuckled darkly. "Or maybe I just know what I'm doing," he countered calmly.

"Tell me your name, so I know who I'm about to kill," Greyback boasted as he tensed his muscles, ready to attack.

"Why, when you probably won't live long enough for it to matter," Harry retorted back.

Greyback, angered by his words, charged recklessly after him. Harry jumped out of the way easily.

"Alright, so you may have a bit of talent, but that's not enough to save you," Greyback taunted before coming after him again.

No words were spoken after that as both fighters focused on the battle. Greyback came at Harry hard and unrelentingly but Harry fought back just as hard. They both landed several blows on each other, though Greyback's were a bit harder due to his enhanced strength. The werewolf even managed to cut him across his face with one clawed finger, with Harry barely able to move fast enough to avoid the other claws. Then fatigue began to catch up with Harry as his recently healed body didn't have his normal endurance just yet, allowing Greyback to land a damaging punch that knocked him through the hole they had made in the wall earlier. While his jacket gave him some protection, his whole body still ached from the hard impact with the floor. Desperate to survive, Harry practically begged his elemental magic to work for him as the werewolf stalked toward him to deliver the killing strike. When Greyback was about two feet away, Harry managed to call up a strong wind and quickly sent it towards opponent. It lifted Greyback in the air and slammed him into the far wall, which cracked in several places, weakening the protections on it. Then, while Greyback was trying to get up, Harry found his wand nearby by him and quickly snatched it up before sending an overpowered severing curse at him. Surprising both of them, it decapitated him almost instantly. The werewolf's head tumbled to the ground, rolling around for a moment until it came to a stop. Thanking his lucky stars, Harry hurried back into the room where the rest were still fighting.

Minerva, Amelia, and Andromeda were hard at work battling the rest of the remaining Death Eaters, while Tonks was occupied with Bellatrix. The three older witches' performances showed exactly why others were wary to go up against them as they held their enemies at bay, taking them out one-by-one. Andromeda used her extensive knowledge of charms and barely legal curses to fight and defend her allies. Amelia went completely on the offensive, barraging her opponents with high-powered spells that kept them constantly on their guard. Minerva proved her worthiness for the title Mistress of Transfiguration as she artfully used the environment to her advantage. Anything they threw at her, she found a way to turn it back on them. They simply couldn't keep up with her.

Tonks was also still fighting her aunt valiantly, showing why she was considered one of the best aurors in the department. Bellatrix was ruthless in her attacks, but Tonks gave as good she got, using lethal spells just shy of the Unforgivables. They both had cuts and bruises from their fight, but they kept on going, neither giving the other a break.

Then, when Harry ran back into the room, Voldemort finally decided to show his face. The defenders all ran back to each other to form a united front as the Death Eaters scurried to stand behind their master.

"Amelia Bones, we did not expect for you to have visitors. Especially not those as esteemed as Minerva McGonagall, Andromeda Tonks, and her daughter," Voldemort drawled.

"Yet you brought fifty of your followers with you," Amelia retorted angrily.

Voldemort chuckled, not rising to her taunt. "After how long you have fought, and you still have spirit? I could use someone like you on my side."

Harry spoke up this time, making sure his voice was modified to avoid being identified. "You have a lot of nerve asking someone to join you when you've killed their family."

Voldemort turned his attention on Harry, though he didn't know it was him. "And who might you be?"

"The Daily Prophet has taken to calling me the 'Hooded Stranger'. I had fun causing you endless frustration. Looks like I'm about to do the same thing yet again," Harry mocked.

"You dare talk to the Dark Lord with such disrespect," Bellatrix shouted furiously, her wand drawn as she readied to send a curse at him.

"Enough Bella," Voldemort commanded before turning back to Harry. "You have proven yourself to be a formidable foe wizard, yet you are on the losing side. Tell me who you are, and I might grant you the chance of true power."

Harry scoffed at him. "Do you take me for an idiot? Just because these lot are dumb enough to follow you doesn't mean I am. I know for a fact that you aren't the type to share power. No, you like to horde it all for yourself. Besides, you're completely insane and unstable, a combination that causes you to lash out at your subordinates when you don't get your way like a petulant child." Harry's voice turned cold as he concluded his answer. "No, I will never join someone like you."

Anger flashed through Voldemort's eyes briefly before he regained control of himself. "Then I will make sure the last moments of your life are filled with a pain you've never experienced." Then he addressed the rest of the defenders. "And what of the rest of you? Will you join me or die like your foolish comrade?"

Minerva spoke for all of them, a smirk on her face. "The answer is a resounding no."

"So be it," Voldemort snarled before he began throwing spells at them. The five of them shielded what they could and dodged what they couldn't as they worked together to hold him off. His Death Eaters stood back and watched, cheering for their master and taunting the defenders, who ignored their words. They were fully focused on the duel. However, after a few minutes, things started looking bleak as their strength began to falter. While they had been fighting for over an hour, Voldemort was fully refreshed, and that disparity began to show. When Harry had to pull Minerva out of the way of the Killing curse, they knew it was time to get out of there before he killed them.

Harry thought hard before coming up with a desperate plan to get away. Hoping it would work, he looked at them all and mouthed the words, 'get ready to duck', before turning back to face Voldemort. "Hey Tom!" he shouted loudly enough to be heard.

Then before Voldemort could react, he shouted, "Expulso," his wand pointed to the ceiling. The five of them jumped out of the way as everything from above came crashing down, causing chaos among their enemy.

"Alright, I've got an idea," Harry whispered quickly to the others. "Riddle won't leave until he thinks we're dead so how about we transfigure somethings to look like us and sneak out while they're distracted. I'm sure me and Minerva can manage it."

They all nodded in agreement. The two Transfiguration geniuses did as planned, turning five pieces of broken furniture into exact replicas of them all, except for Harry. They didn't want anyone to find out that he was the Hooded Stranger just yet, so they gave his replica a generic and unrecognizable face instead. Harry also made sure to add his coat to his replica to make it more realistic. Tonks added cuts and bruises to the bodies to show their battle damage. Andromeda added some charms to help the spells hold and maintain their life-like qualities while Amelia threw debris onto them to make it look like the ceiling had come crashing down on and around them. Once that was done, they moved to find a way out.

Harry led them through the hole that he and Greyback had created, remembering the wall he'd cracked by throwing the werewolf into it. He stopped in front of it, trying to see if he could break it completely once Amelia confirmed that it led to the outside.

"Wow Harry, remind me not to piss you off," Tonks muttered, referring to the decapitated head of Greyback.

"I didn't actually mean for that to happen," Harry defended.

"No, but you did what you had to do to survive," Amelia pointed out.

"There is no shame in that," Minerva added.

Harry nodded distractedly as he continued to examine the wall. Then, without warning, he sent a highly concentrated blasting curse into the weakest point of the wall followed quickly by a silencing charm to muffle the sound. The wall blew apart exposing the outside world.

"Very good job Harry," Andromeda remarked as they walked outside to get beyond the apparition wards.

"Yes, I was very impressed by your performance," Amelia added.

"See, I told you he was great, Boss," Tonks exclaimed.

Minerva, seeing that Harry was sagging from fatigue, moved to support his weight. "Thanks Minerva," Harry said tiredly.

"You're welcome. I think you may have overdone it though," Minerva replied.

"It worked," Harry pointed out.

Minerva smiled at him laughing gently. "Indeed, it did. I'm very proud of you."

"Hey Amelia, I'm sorry about your house," Harry said.

Amelia shook her head at him. "You just helped save my life yet you're apologizing about my house. Even after you instructed your house-elves to get as much of Susan and mines things as they could. You definitely are a unique young man. One that, after tonight, I'm positive is going to win this war."

"That's Harry for you, a one-of-a-kind wizard," Andromeda noted.

Soon after, they reached the point where they could apparate. Harry told Amelia the secret of Black Manor and gave her the coordinates so she could get there, realizing that it would be safest place for them at the moment. Four pops signaled that their escape was successful.

Meanwhile, Voldemort, sent two of his Death Eaters to find them. They searched through the debris until they came upon all five bodies trapped under piles of damaged wood. One of them cast a spell on the bodies to check for signs of life. When it came up negative, they hurried back to their master to report their findings.

"Good," Voldemort replied before leading them out of the house. Standing in front of the manor, he cast the final step of a ritual he had prepared earlier for the destruction of it and sent his mark up into the sky while his Death Eaters dismantled the wards. They apparated away after, leaving a few minutes before the aurors arrived to see the damage that had been done. By the time the aurors got there, the entire building was burned down to the ground and the Dark Mark hung ominously above it.

- H.M. –

When they arrived at Black Manor, Harry almost fell to the ground because his legs gave out on him. Minerva was able to catch him, but his condition worried her.

"I'm fine Minerva," Harry protested, not wanting her to make a fuss over him.

"No, you aren't. I need to get Poppy," she stated. "I'm sure all of us could use some healing."

"Agreed. I haven't fought that hard since the first war," Amelia said.

Once they got inside and Harry was situated on a sofa, Minerva floo called Poppy who picked up after a few seconds. "Minerva, what seems to be the matter? Are you and Harry alright?"

"We're okay, but we had an unexpected visit from Death Eaters while we were meeting with Amelia. All of us, including Andromeda and Tonks, need to be checked for injuries and Harry seems to have used to much magic," Minerva explained quickly.

"I'll be there in a moment," Poppy replied.

While they waited, Harry and Amelia's house-elves popped into the room.

"We got almost everything from Bones Manor," Dobby stated.

"Yes, I's made sure we get all of you and Mistress Susan's important stuff, Mistress Amelia," Topsy added.

"Thank you Topsy. You did very well," Amelia replied.

"Yeah, good job all of you," Harry spoke up, his voice low. "Please make sure you find a comfortable place for Topsy to sleep and set up bedrooms for Minerva, Amelia, Dora, and Andy. Oh, and also for Susan."

"Yes, Master Harry," Kreacher replied, his words echoed by Dobby and Winky. They popped away just as Poppy arrived.

"Well, it seems like you five had quite the eventful night," Poppy remarked as she put her supplies on the table. She turned to walk toward Harry to check him first since he seemed to be in the worst condition.

"Look at them first. I'm fine, just tired," Harry said.

"I'll be the judge of that," Poppy countered as she continued to walk over to him. Against his protests, she removed his jacket and shirt to check the damage, scanning his body with her wand. There were bruises along his chest and back, but not nearly as bad as the ones from last time. He had some minor scrapes and bruises on his hands and legs as well. The most serious injury was the single claw mark on his face. It stretched diagonally from above his left eyebrow to his hairline and she examined it closely until she realized what it was.

"You fought a werewolf?" Poppy asked, a bit horrified.

"Yeah, Greyback to be exact," Harry confirmed. Poppy looked at him in awed shock for a moment.

Tonks remark didn't help to calm her. "He bloody decapitated him is more accurate."

The other three witches shook their heads at her. "I don't think that makes it any better," Andromeda noted.

"How do you get yourself into these situations?" Poppy asked exasperatedly.

"At least I wasn't alone this time," Harry defended. "Though I probably shouldn't mention that Voldemort was there as well."

"What?" Poppy asked, barely remaining calm.

"Don't worry Poppy. We managed to get away before he could really do some damage," Harry tried to reassure her.

The healer shook her head at him and his ability to understate things before taking a calming breath. She scanned his injuries once more before telling him her diagnosis. "Well, you don't have to worry about being turned but I will keep an eye on it and you. It will definitely leave a scar, however I'm not sure if you will have any behavioral changes or not. You'll have to let me know if you notice anything different about yourself or your thoughts.
When Harry voiced his consent, she continued. "You have used quite a bit of magic, but not enough to completely deplete your core. It should recharge over night, but you'll have to get plenty of rest. As for your other injuries, some bruise paste and pain potion should fix you up soon enough, but I want you to take it easy for at least tomorrow." Poppy decided. She applied the necessary salves, healed up his cuts and scrapes, and made him drink the potion before turning to heal everyone else.

The others also had various cuts and bruises littering their bodies with Tonks having suffered a cut on her arm from a dark curse, Amelia a burn on her shoulder, Andromeda a sprained ankle, and Minerva a cut on her leg. Poppy took care of them all setting up a screen to give them privacy as she applied the salves to them. Then she gave them their potions and instructed them all to take it easy tomorrow before leaving, promising to return in the morning.

"Do you want to get Susan tonight?" Minerva asked Amelia.

"No, I'll get her from the Abbots first thing in the morning," Amelia replied after a moment of thought. "No need to wake her up in the middle of the night to tell her that her home is gone."

The house-elves popped in to show them all to their rooms after that. They bid each other good night before retiring to bed, ready for sleep after their long night. Minerva helped Harry to his room, laying him down in his bed. She cast a cleansing charm on him since she knew he didn't have enough energy to bathe right now. She also transfigured his clothes into something more comfortable for him to sleep in.

"Are you going to be all right for the night, or should I give you a Dreamless sleep potion?" she asked in concern.

"I don't want to take it," Harry argued stubbornly.

"You need your rest Harry, we all do," Minerva pointed out. "I'm only asking you to take it for one night."

Harry, dazed from exhaustion, asked something he normally wouldn't have the courage to. "Will you stay with me instead please? I don't want to sleep alone."

She sighed, unable to say no to him. "Okay. Just let me take a shower first and I'll be right back." He muttered a noise of consent and she left to go to her room which was across the hall.

Fifteen minutes later, she returned, feeling much better now that she was clean. Harry was already sleep when she got back. Hesitantly, she slipped into the bed and moved over until there was only a foot of space between them. Like the night before, she moved her hand to run her fingers through his hair soothingly, drifting off to sleep a few minutes later as her exhaustion caught up with her.


AN: As you've read, I tried to write a big action scene. Hopefully it wasn't too hard for you all to follow. Also, if anyone's wondering why Harry is able to fight off a werewolf, it will be fully explained some in either the next chapter or the one after it.