Chapter 17 – Visitation

"Tell me you've got something for me, Tem."

Harry ran his hand through his hair. It was tangled and caught on his fingers. He needed some sort of movement on this case. Kingsley and Hermione had been constantly prodding him for results. Now the Americans were demanding to know what was happening. The case was becoming an embarrassment. Kingsley was claiming a need for secrecy because of suspected infiltration in the Ministry for now. He hated doing that because it made the Ministry of Magic look weak, even incompetent.

Tempest Savage smiled and Harry felt hope once more.

"It's taken a while. I've had to lean the right amount on the right people. But, yes, it's starting to pay off. I heard this morning who Lestrange's second in command is."

"Who?" Harry demanded.

"Your old friend, Thorfinn Rowle."

Harry flopped back in his chair. "Rowle? We thought he was dead. Died in the Battle of Hogwarts."

"I know, chief," Tempest grimaced. "How do you hide a big lump of meat like him for ten years?"

"Rabastan Lestrange was bad enough but he's a… fop compared to Rowle," Harry shook his head.

Tempest scowled. "From what little I've heard so far, he's more forceful a leader than Lestrange. The Death Eaters, or whatever this new movement is called, were all for giving up after they lost Rabastan. Rowle is whipping them back into shape already."

"Wants to capitalise on all the bad feeling against muggles out there, Tem."

Tempest nodded. "Before it fizzles out. I suppose you heard about the rumours that came out after Christmas?"

"Draco told me. He's worried about Lydia. Kids are starting to shun her. Just when we were hoping to get her to blend in."

"From what you've told me she can look after herself."

Harry sighed. "She could. But if she does it would prove she's different and that would make it look like all the fears were confirmed. I hope she can keep her control. It's hell for someone that young to have the whole school against them."

"Speaking from experience, of course."

"Exactly. If I'd had that in the first year AND had her power. God, Tem, I would have killed someone!"

Tempest sat back in his seat and scratched his grizzled stubble. "Have you considered putting an auror in to watch her?"

Harry frowned. "In disguise, you mean?"

"I'm thinking swap an existing student out. Replace with a seasoned auror and a load of Polyjuice. Use a prefect and you could give the real student a head start on some training here. There must be a high-flying prefect who wants to join the aurors."

Harry scowled.

"I know it's a bit of a moral grey area," Tempest began.

"Grey?!" Harry was aghast. "It's a big black area covered in thorns and nettles. With landmines underneath. Kingsley wouldn't wear it and Hermione would want the aurors disbanded, I bet."

"How about deputising said prefect and giving them on-the-job experience?"

"About as grey as a coal cellar," Harry remarked. "No. The staff at Hogwarts, or several of them at least, are already mobilised and watching over her. Some prefects, too. I think we'd better leave it to them. Unless you fancy a vacation in Azkaban?"

"I think I'll give that a miss. Don't have many friends there."

"Exactly," Harry agreed. "We need to focus on attacking this from the other end. Can you write up everything you know about Rowle's activities and let me have it soonest?"

Tempest slapped a couple of sheets of parchment down on Harry's desk. "Is now soon enough?"

Harry grinned. "Now will have to do. McGonagall has asked me to do some Defence talks on the war again. It would be a chance to underline that Lydia is a friend of the family. Rowle doesn't have the Daily Prophet on his side this time. We might be able to quash the rumours."

"Talking of The Prophet, there's your friend, Dennis. Maybe you could take him along to do an article? Quash the rumours in the community, as well as in the school."

"Good thinking, Tem. I'll have a quiet word with him."

Tempest nodded. "I'll see if I can close in on Rowle without arousing any suspicion. I'm hoping he's rash enough to make a few mistakes in his rush to get their operation up and running again."

Harry and Dennis apparated in front of the gates to Hogwarts. There were patches of snow here and there on the grass, and on the backs of the winged stone boars atop the gate posts.

"In one jump, Harry?! And carrying a passenger? It's got to be four hundred miles," Dennis was amazed.

"About that. I have been before, you know."

Dennis gave him a wry smile. "So have I, but I would have done it in three jumps. Even Dumbledore used to do it by broom or thestral."

Harry snorted. "So he used to tell people. I don't believe a word of it. Even his portrait is cagey about things he actually used to do."

"Harry! Dennis!"

Draco Malfoy was striding down the drive towards them. They called back and waited for him to reach the gates.

"Thanks for coming, Harry," Draco said as he opened the gates for them. "Good to see you again, Dennis."

They shook hands and set off up to the castle.

"What's the latest, Draco?" Harry asked.

"Is Dennis fully in on this?" Draco inquired.

"Absolutely. If we're trying to keep it to as few people as possible then we need to make the best use of those who already know."

Draco nodded. "There's still a lot of looking and pointing in the public areas but her friends are rallying round and keeping her safe. I was worried something might happen at the Astronomy class on Wednesday night. You know how the atmosphere always feels different late at night? Well, the Slytherins were fine with her, even Bulstrode and Zabini. 'Fine' in that they didn't try to attack her or sabotage her. I don't think they'll ever be friends, though. They're a bit wary of her after that first incident. Scared, actually."

"A bit like you with Hermione?" Harry grinned.

"Harry, a bit like all of us with Hermione!" Draco countered. "My worry is that they'll try something more underhanded. Bulstrode is no great shakes, doing quite well in his studies, but Zabini is clever and cunning. I would not be surprised if he's plotting right now."

Harry nodded. "Any pointers on how best to put down these rumours?"

"Ravenclaw and Gryffindor have Defence before lunch. It will be easy for you to show how friendly you and Lydia are. Similarly at lunch. Perhaps we could bring her up onto the top table, and let the whole school see?"

"We don't want to single her out too much," Harry warned. "I prefer to spend a bit of time sitting at each house table with the first-years. I can show I'm friends with her on Ravenclaw and have a chance to gauge the mood in the other houses."

Draco nodded. "Good idea. The only concern is Hufflepuff and Slytherin in their Defence class after lunch."

"How would it be if we got Teddy Lupin to ask me if I know Lydia's family?"

Draco frowned and sighed. "I'm afraid it looks like Teddy is taking a step back from Lydia."

"What? Should I have a word with him? I would have thought he, of all people, would understand after those werewolf rumours."

Draco shook his head. "I suspect that may be the problem, Harry. Teddy is popular here, across all the houses. It might be that he's scared of losing that by associating with Lydia."

"And you don't think that's terrible?"

"I think it's understandable. Don't forget, Harry, he's only a first-year. He will have a different perspective on it after these events. We must hope they can reclaim their friendship. People change but he's essentially a good person, from what I've seen."

"Hmm. I suppose you're right, Draco. It's just that, as his godfather…"

"As his godfather you should be more understanding and less controlling," Draco smiled.

They had reached the castle steps by this time. Professor McGonagall was waiting in the Entrance Hall for them.

"Good morning, Head Auror. Good morning, Mr Creevey," she greeted them. "I thought you might want refreshments and a chat before you address the first of your Defence groups."

She led them down a ground floor corridor to the office which had previously been used by DeKelley Lee, Alorea Rakissen's alter ego. The room had been stripped of all personal items but retained the furniture. They took to their seats. McGonagall's was the one behind the desk.

"Draco has been filling us in on the situation with the rumours and how they affect Lydia," Harry told her. "I have told Dennis pretty much all I know, so don't feel you need to hold anything back."

"Is there any news from the outside world about this, Potter?" McGonagall asked.

Harry raised an eyebrow at being addressed as though he were still a student, but let it pass. "On these rumours we have confirmed that it seems to have been a coordinated effort by the Death Eaters over Christmas. This suggests that at least some of their previous followers are back in touch and helping to spread the propaganda. No word of any gatherings, though. On the Death Eaters themselves, it appears that Thorfinn Rowle has taken over in Rabastan Lestrange's absence. The indications are that he will push the programme forward, probably more aggressively than before."

"And the way they are targeting Lydia?" McGonagall prompted.

Draco cleared his throat. "Excuse me, Minerva. I need to prep the classroom for Harry's talk."

"Same place as usual, Draco?" Harry asked.

Draco nodded.

"We'll meet you up there," Harry said.

Draco nodded again, smiled and left.

"Yes," Harry resumed. "They seem to have had information from Lucius Malfoy and worked out that Lydia got us out of Throakley Mine. We have no indications yet whether they know what happened to Alorea Rakissen. They seem to be carrying on with the plans regardless. We have no idea if they have either a grimoire or a token. I doubt we'll know until we can infiltrate them again or until they start producing the new super-wizards and witches."

"A grim situation," McGonagall mused. "What of the muggle-born witches and wizards they took and their original plan to use them as fake 'muggles-with-powers'?"

Dennis sat up. "I've been scouring the muggle newspapers for any missing children that might fit the bill. The trouble is that the muggles lose so many young people without a trace every year they seldom think it newsworthy."

McGonagall shook her head. "Barbarians," she muttered. "All I can tell you from our end is that there is more interest within the student body over Lydia than I am comfortable with. However there has been little direct action – a few idiots pushing her or bumping into her 'accidentally'. Her friends have rallied round and she has managed to control any vengeful impulses she may have had. She is a splendid young lady."

Harry smiled. "I'm hoping we can help quash the rumours with this visit. And it looks like we should probably go, if we don't want to be late."

"One other thing, Head Auror, before you go," McGonagall said as Harry and Dennis rose to leave. "Ambrose told me he advised you to destroy the grimoire and token we captured. Do you know if that has happened?"

Harry frowned and pursed his lips. "I believe they are being held by Kingsley, or possibly Hermione."

The headteacher sighed. "I can understand the fascination the grimoire would hold for Granger. Harry, I implore you to discuss Ambrose's suggestion with them. These items are the key to too much power. If they find, or even suspect, we have them, the Death Eaters will stop at nothing to take them back."

Harry contemplated the arguments for and against for a moment then said, "I will discuss it with them, I promise."

McGonagall bowed her head in acknowledgement.

Harry and Dennis made it to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom as the students were arriving. Without being prompted, Lydia ran up to Harry, so he hugged her like an old friend. It was not difficult for either of them, Lydia needed a friend and Harry knew he owed her his life. After all they had been through together they felt they had been friends for a long time. As they entered the classroom Dennis took the opportunity to photograph Harry, Lydia, Draco, and the class in various combinations. Harry and Draco, Head Auror and reformed Death Eater, was a story which had been done before. Dennis thought there might be an opportunity to work a mention into the new article. Harry and Lydia together was a good thing for the other students to witness but would be too much public exposure for Lydia in a Daily Prophet article. The picture of the class, with Harry next to Lydia in the middle would be enough. Relatives would love to look for their youngster and might notice and ask who Harry had his arm around.

Lydia introduced her classmates and Harry talked to the class about his exploits in the war. They all adjourned to the Great Hall for lunch. As Harry had planned, he shared his time between the four house tables as the students dined. At Draco's suggestion, he was accompanied by each head of house at their own house's table. Harry liked this idea. He had been worried what his reception at the Slytherin table might be like. Slytherin was easing away from its former reputation. However, there were still students whose relatives had died or were in Azkaban because of Harry's actions. Draco, as always, took care to place the blame on Voldemort.

Lydia said goodbye to Harry after lunch, assuming he would leave after he had done his talk to the Hufflepuff and Slytherin class. Harry asked her to meet him afterwards, at the start of her Friday free period, to show him the new Joint Common Room. Despite the official denials, it was school folklore that Lydia had been the one who, for better or for worse, had instigated the new common room. It would be another good photo opportunity for Harry and another hint at his friendship with Lydia.

As Lydia set off to her class, Muggle Appreciation, Harry asked her to remember him to her professor, Justin Finch-Fletchley. It would be another hint that Lydia was 'in' with the former DA members.

Harry presented his talk on the war to the Hufflepuff and Slytherin first-years. There were more opportunities for Dennis to take photos. In the questions and answers session, Harry managed to drop in a mention of Lydia and her family. The class passed smoothly, though with more participation from the Hufflepuffs than from the Slytherins.

"It was always going to be a slow process rehabilitating my house," Draco apologised to Harry after the lesson was over. "Have fun with all the hordes in the new JCR."

"Join me, Draco," Harry suggested.

Draco winced. "You do know I was never in Dumbledore's Army, don't you?"

Harry laughed. "All the more reason for you to be there, Draco. Members of the DA – and the Order, possibly – with the Head of Slytherin. That would be a good thing for the new generation to see."

"It would be a powerful image for the whole community, Draco," Dennis urged him.

Draco nodded in resignation. "I suppose when you put it like that it really is my duty."

As they arrived at the new common room Lydia and her friends, including Freddie and Teddy, were milling around looking for somewhere to sit. They had begun dragging chairs and tables around. They were trying to create an area for a large group to sit together. Harry and Draco joined them, 'helping' with the seating plan until no one knew what was happening.

Draco laughed. "Let's sit down and allow people to find and arrange their own chairs."

Harry grabbed a sofa and sat down, inviting Lydia and Teddy to sit either side of him. Teddy insisted on sitting with Lydia between him and Harry. He explained that he had plenty of opportunities to see Harry. Harry scowled at him, but was secretly delighted to see Teddy spending time with Lydia. Freddie sat on the arm of the sofa next to Teddy. Harry stood to greet Justin, Professor Finch-Fletchley. Harry confirmed to the growing audience that they had been in the now-legendary Dumbledore's Army together. At this point Neville arrived, swelling the ranks of the DA members.

The crowds of students came and went. Dennis moved around taking pictures and making notes. Other professors, notably Flitwick and McGonagall, also joined in for a while. Hagrid arrived but simply stood in the doorway and boomed greetings to his friends over the heads of the gathered students.

"Won't join ye, 'Arry," he added. "If I try to make me way over to ye through this crowd the 'Ospital Wing'll be full for a week!"

As dinner time drew close, Harry, who had wandered through the crowd answering questions for most of the last hour, announced his departure.

"There is always work for the Head Auror to do," he explained. "I've enjoyed meeting you all and seeing old friends." At this point he waved a hand towards Draco, Justin, Teddy and Lydia.

There were numerous calls for him to stay and join them for dinner but Harry waved them away, blaming his workload. He ended by hugging Teddy then Lydia. He shook hands with the remaining professors, Draco, Justin, and Neville, then made his way to the door, down the marble stairs to the Entrance Hall. Here he turned again to wave to the students. He and Dennis left through the main doors and made their way down the steps and across the grounds towards the gates.

The Great Hall buzzed with excitement and chatter that evening.

7