Chapter 17

For a few days there was calm, then, on the first day of November, war was declared between France and Britain, and Italy. Reports from the Ministry showed an increase in refugee numbers from Europe, and Harry knew that soon the muggle world would be in chaos.

Then came the news. A convoy of British troops had been ambushed by a company of soldiers bearing the Italian emblem. The British had retaliated with a bombing raid on some of Italy's fuel depots. It was war. While Sweden and Norway had joined the Circle, (Britain and France) Austria had joined Italy.

For the first few days reports were not good, though there had been no evidence of magical activity. However the Circles were being defeated on every turn, and it was with worry that Cott returned to Hogwarts to report to Harry.

Both showed the lack of sleep that was plaguing so many, and it was obvious that Cott had been under a lot of pressure at the hands of the Circle Government. They met in the private chamber. When Cott entered, Harry rose wearily and clasped his arm in the sign of the Guardians. They both sat.

'Hawk.' A nod.

'Cott. What news?'

'I'll get straight down to business. We are failing at every front. We are being attacked by a force twice our size. There is no way that we can hold with our present number of troops. We are being opposed by almost two million men. It's not possible.'

'What of supplies?'

'Fine. The Medical, food, and ammo aspect is good. It's simply men that we lack. We need time to train a bigger army, but we have none.'

'Then we must make time. Tell the Generals to establish strong borders, and to simply defend what we do have, not to attack what we want.'

'They won't like it.' Cott's voice was skeptical.

'Make them. We must have time. It will take four months to train enough men for service. Tell them they don't have a choice.'

'Ok. But where are we going to get people to train?'

'Conscription.' Harry's voice was grim.

'There'll be an outrage! I'm no muggle but I know that.'

'It will have conditions. Only non-married men between twenty and thirty. The Generals won't like it, but they'll have sense enough to know it's the only way.'

Cott nodded, and stood.

'I'd best get back.' His voice sounded resigned. 'Oh, one more thing. There are about a hundred capable wizards who have offered there services, but Fudge had refused top put them through auror training. I have told them to come here. If we train them up they'll make a good addition to our force. When do you want them?'

'Later today. Eight. Make sure they have kit.' Harry answered, and Cott nodded.

'I'll tell them, and hand out kit. Can I take some from here?'

'Yes, get it off Peace, she's in charge of stores. Good luck.'

Harry clasped his wrist once again, and he left without further delays, after arranging for quarters to be set up and kit provided with Ginny and Hermione.

Because Cott had left so soon, Harry had a few hours before he was due to coach group Fire, so he decided to go and talk to Snape. He had been thinking about it for several days, and needed some advice on what to do about Jack. Harry felt that he couldn't just let it go, but at the same time, even with all his own experiences on the subject, he had no idea what to do. Knowing Snape had finished with classes, he went down to the dungeons, and knocked on the door to his old classroom.

'Come.'

Snape snapped, but his voice softened when he saw who it was that entered. He put down the roots he was shredding, and wiped his hands.

'What can I do for you?'

'It's about that boy I got the potion for. I need some advice on what to do about it.'

'What are you planning on doing?'

'I don't know! But I can't just leave him to be beaten, it's inhuman.' Harry's voice was strained, and his body movement showed his frustration.

'You are hardly in a position to lecture me about the importance of child protection.' Snape pointed out. Harry sat down heavily in a chair. 'Has he recovered?'

'Yes, completely. A few scars, nothing more.'

'Then I suggest you try to talk to him about it. Other than that, there is nothing you can do at present. Now stop worrying and join me in a drink.' Harry sighed and did as he was told.

Because he had to greet the new arrivals, Harry left Fire early, leaving them in free fights. Not having time to change, Harry was still in just trousers when he group turned up in the Entrance Hall. Not wanted to cause even more confusion, Harry ignored the confused looks he was getting, and was about to lead them to the Great Hall when he was approached by someone.

'Harry?'

'Hawk.' Harry spoke stiffly, and was about to walk past when he saw who it was. 'Charlie! What the hell are you doing here?'

'Offering my services.' He grinned. 'More to the point, what are you doing here?'

'I'm the Hawk of the Guardians.'

Harry did not hesitate. He knew who he was, and it was not the same Harry Potter he had been. Charlie gave a low whistle, which was soon added to by Bill, who it appeared was also part of the group.

'Look, it'll all become clear in a couple of days. But right now I need top get your lot organized and ready for tomorrow.'

Harry walked through to the Great Hall, with Bill and Charlie beside him.

'What exactly happens tomorrow?' Queried Bill.

'Tomorrow, you lot get put at the mercy of the Instructors. Believe me, not a fun place to be.' Harry grinned, as he watched the brothers exchanged looks.

'It seems to have done you good.' Observed Charlie, glancing at Harry's chest. They were considerably stronger than they had ever been.

Soon all the wizards were in the Hall, and Harry stood on the platform to address them. Bill and Charlie had moved back to the group.

'Okay, listen up. Welcome to Hogwarts. You're not the first to lion us, and you won't be the last. Because of the numbers here, it can get confusing. Hunter will be showing you around later. He is a Guardian, so I would suggest you respect him. You are here because you wanted to be trained, and to fight Voldemort, so I will have no complaints whatsoever. There are ninety of you, so I will now split you into three groups. Will the Weasleys please step forward, followed by another of their choosing. They will lead the groups.' Bill and Charlie did so, and beckoned forward another young man. HE was dark haired, and very lean. Harry liked him.

'The rest of you, please follow Hunter and listen to what he has to say.'

Harry stepped down, and walked briskly over to where the three men were standing. He halted.

'Nice speech.' Said Bill, sounding impressed.

'I give it about once a week.' Harry replied, wryly. 'Who's this?' He asked, looking at the third man.

'Fletch. Son of Mundungus Fletcher. One of the best.' Bill introduced the young man. Harry nodded approvingly.

'Fine. You need to split the group into three. Each of you leading one of the groups. Bill, your group will be called Fox, Charlie, you'll like this, Dragon, and Fletch, Bow. If you come to the chamber you can get your marks.

'Marks?' Fletch voiced the question for all of them.

'Like a tattoo, on the back of your hand. It's how we communicate. You touch it and speak a name or group, and they can hear a message.'

Harry talked as he led the way down the winding halls to the chamber. The others looked around them, taking in the route, trying to commit it to memory. Harry shivered, wishing he had had time to put on a shirt.

'Okay, if you'll hold out your hands?'

The three men complied, slightly hesitantly. Harry muttered a quick charm after drawing his wand from his belt, merchado, and the flame appeared on their skin. Unlike the Guardians, which were silver, or the Guards, which were blue, these were a metallic green, and shone vividly in the torchlight.

'Nice.' Charlie spoke approvingly. 'Very clever.'

'Everyone working with the Guardians carries the mark, so feel free to use it. Hunter will have split your group up, and they'll be in dorms according to their groups. You three can join them, or there a room near the Guardian quarters you can share. In fact, if you'd like to follow me, that's a better idea.'

Harry led them to a corridor just off the Entrance Hall, and into a spacious room with beds, cupboards, and several tables. The cupboards were open, and Harry moved to one of them.

'Guardians wear black, Guards grey, and you will wear navy. You'll be known as the Swords. In the afternoons you wear robes, and shirts. In the mornings the other stuff. Keep your blades on you always. We meet in the Entrance Hall at five-thirty. I'd avoid being late.'

'We'll try.' Said Bill, eyebrows raised. 'But come on. Forget your duties for a while and explain everything. How did you become the Hawk, and where's Ron? I can't wait to see his face.'

'You'll have trouble recognizing it. He's changed nearly as much as me. Including the hair.' Harry grinned, and sat down in one of the armchairs.

We've been.