Chapter 23
Over the next few days Harry experienced a change of mood. He was often seen frowning, deep in thought, oblivious to the world around him. He spent much of his time alone, with only Raima for company.
His mood moved by osmosis to the others, and soon everyone was working with more concentration and thought. There were also several mock battles, often between the groups, and a fierce rivalry was developing, with the pride and moral rising hugely.
It was early one morning at breakfast that Harry called them to him. Zab came first with Ginny, and Charlie, Bill and Fletch followed quickly in their wake. They were surprised to see a remarkably alert Harry, his face clear and open. They sat, all wondering what was happening. Harry only kept them in suspense for a few minutes before he started to speak.
'Over the last few days I have been doing a lot of thinking on several important subjects. The first and most important is the next move of Voldemort, and how we should counter it. We have gained some intelligence. Voldemort plans to attack on the wizarding settlement of Horkane in Turkey. We need more news, so I suggest that we ambush the attackers, and capture a few. If we plan it properly it should not pose a problem. Do you all agree?'
Everyone nodded, looking at each other to see if anyone was going to argue. None did, a measure of how much they trusted Harry's judgement.
'Okay, in that case we can move on. I think it is time the Swords had a chance to prove themselves, so they can take this, accompanied by two squads of Guards. Take Arrow and Dragon, Stealth you choose the Guards. Talk to Hermione for equipment and transport. It is planned for next Sunday so you only have a few days.'
Harry looked towards Charlie and Zab, who both nodded, and then to the parchment in front of him. His eyes scanned what was obviously a list, while Charlie fidgeted.
'You'll want o get planning now but I'm afraid we have lots more to do. What do you think about trying to recruit some support? We are weak yet, and a large force that we can call upon if needed would give Voldemort some trouble. It would also mean we could station someone at important points such as Diagon alley.'
Bill voiced the doubt they were all feeling.
'What about the Ministry?'
'We would inform them that we oppose Voldemort. If Fudge is difficult we will have to replace him. I have a suitable candidate.'
Harry voice was dead calm, and betrayed none of the emotions he was feeling.
'How would we do it?'
That question came form Fletch, who had stayed remarkably calm throughout the meeting.
'Floo Network. We post a notice to every household in the country, and even abroad. It would ask simply if they wanted to oppose the Dark. If they agreed, they pack and leave on a certain date. We meat them, and give them certain choices.'
They were gob smacked. Abroad? But the more they thought the clearer it became. They would have an army of hundreds, thousands even. There would be no more massacres, and at last people would be able to defend themselves. It was they best possible solution. One by one, they agreed in their own minds, and the change was evident in their faces. Harry grinned.
'So you agree with me?'
'In principle only. Where do you intend to train them?' Queried Zab.
'Here. We send out different dates so they don't all come at once. Say, two hundred at a time. I've talked to Dumbledore, and he suggested a camp in the forest. There is a clearing only half a mile in big enough to fit another castle in it. It will give us secrecy and space. There are a few of the Swords from the Department of Magical Building, it should only take a few days of hard work.'
Harry looked towards Charlie for confirmation.
'I'll send them to the Meeting room first thing tomorrow.'
Harry nodded, and turned to Ginny.
'When they arrive, we'll separate them into groups according to what they want to do. It's time we had a full medical team. We should end up with at least fifty medics, with a few to lead them. You can choose from the replies.'
'Good. If we're going to have another base we'll need a team there as well, and with nay permanent posts.'
Ginny spoke with confidence, having fully accepted the responsibilities that had been place don her over the last few months. Harry nodded, noting her points.
'Also, can you give a monthly list of supplies to Hannah, including anything for training. We also need to talk about uniforms for volunteers. Any suggestions?'
'The same training clothes, but just conditions for robes, with so me sort of insignia to be worn even if their not here. And something to show rank. It's getting confusing enough as it is.'
The suggestion came from Zab, and everyone nodded I agreement.
'Ok. Stealth, you can sort that out. The next issue is very important. We need to set up a permanent HQ. That means having intelligence teams, Equipment rooms, and a good communication system. I need you to select those you think could head groups like that, and what groups you think we need.'
Nods went round the table, and several frowns developed as they racked their brains to think of those best suited to leadership. Seeing he was not going to get any verbal response, Harry continued.
'We'll meet again on Monday, so you can get the attack out of the way. I want all issues sorted, so we can hopefully send out letters within a month. Ok.'
They all stood up and filed out of the room, all hurrying to start working on their tasks. Harry also rose, and went back to the dorm to get ready to teach Fire. They were coming along nicely, with Jack the best at solo, but Fred and George unbeatable as a pair. He was content as he started to drill the group, and they all relaxed, realising that the cloud of the last few days were over.
Over the next few days Harry experienced a change of mood. He was often seen frowning, deep in thought, oblivious to the world around him. He spent much of his time alone, with only Raima for company.
His mood moved by osmosis to the others, and soon everyone was working with more concentration and thought. There were also several mock battles, often between the groups, and a fierce rivalry was developing, with the pride and moral rising hugely.
It was early one morning at breakfast that Harry called them to him. Zab came first with Ginny, and Charlie, Bill and Fletch followed quickly in their wake. They were surprised to see a remarkably alert Harry, his face clear and open. They sat, all wondering what was happening. Harry only kept them in suspense for a few minutes before he started to speak.
'Over the last few days I have been doing a lot of thinking on several important subjects. The first and most important is the next move of Voldemort, and how we should counter it. We have gained some intelligence. Voldemort plans to attack on the wizarding settlement of Horkane in Turkey. We need more news, so I suggest that we ambush the attackers, and capture a few. If we plan it properly it should not pose a problem. Do you all agree?'
Everyone nodded, looking at each other to see if anyone was going to argue. None did, a measure of how much they trusted Harry's judgement.
'Okay, in that case we can move on. I think it is time the Swords had a chance to prove themselves, so they can take this, accompanied by two squads of Guards. Take Arrow and Dragon, Stealth you choose the Guards. Talk to Hermione for equipment and transport. It is planned for next Sunday so you only have a few days.'
Harry looked towards Charlie and Zab, who both nodded, and then to the parchment in front of him. His eyes scanned what was obviously a list, while Charlie fidgeted.
'You'll want o get planning now but I'm afraid we have lots more to do. What do you think about trying to recruit some support? We are weak yet, and a large force that we can call upon if needed would give Voldemort some trouble. It would also mean we could station someone at important points such as Diagon alley.'
Bill voiced the doubt they were all feeling.
'What about the Ministry?'
'We would inform them that we oppose Voldemort. If Fudge is difficult we will have to replace him. I have a suitable candidate.'
Harry voice was dead calm, and betrayed none of the emotions he was feeling.
'How would we do it?'
That question came form Fletch, who had stayed remarkably calm throughout the meeting.
'Floo Network. We post a notice to every household in the country, and even abroad. It would ask simply if they wanted to oppose the Dark. If they agreed, they pack and leave on a certain date. We meat them, and give them certain choices.'
They were gob smacked. Abroad? But the more they thought the clearer it became. They would have an army of hundreds, thousands even. There would be no more massacres, and at last people would be able to defend themselves. It was they best possible solution. One by one, they agreed in their own minds, and the change was evident in their faces. Harry grinned.
'So you agree with me?'
'In principle only. Where do you intend to train them?' Queried Zab.
'Here. We send out different dates so they don't all come at once. Say, two hundred at a time. I've talked to Dumbledore, and he suggested a camp in the forest. There is a clearing only half a mile in big enough to fit another castle in it. It will give us secrecy and space. There are a few of the Swords from the Department of Magical Building, it should only take a few days of hard work.'
Harry looked towards Charlie for confirmation.
'I'll send them to the Meeting room first thing tomorrow.'
Harry nodded, and turned to Ginny.
'When they arrive, we'll separate them into groups according to what they want to do. It's time we had a full medical team. We should end up with at least fifty medics, with a few to lead them. You can choose from the replies.'
'Good. If we're going to have another base we'll need a team there as well, and with nay permanent posts.'
Ginny spoke with confidence, having fully accepted the responsibilities that had been place don her over the last few months. Harry nodded, noting her points.
'Also, can you give a monthly list of supplies to Hannah, including anything for training. We also need to talk about uniforms for volunteers. Any suggestions?'
'The same training clothes, but just conditions for robes, with so me sort of insignia to be worn even if their not here. And something to show rank. It's getting confusing enough as it is.'
The suggestion came from Zab, and everyone nodded I agreement.
'Ok. Stealth, you can sort that out. The next issue is very important. We need to set up a permanent HQ. That means having intelligence teams, Equipment rooms, and a good communication system. I need you to select those you think could head groups like that, and what groups you think we need.'
Nods went round the table, and several frowns developed as they racked their brains to think of those best suited to leadership. Seeing he was not going to get any verbal response, Harry continued.
'We'll meet again on Monday, so you can get the attack out of the way. I want all issues sorted, so we can hopefully send out letters within a month. Ok.'
They all stood up and filed out of the room, all hurrying to start working on their tasks. Harry also rose, and went back to the dorm to get ready to teach Fire. They were coming along nicely, with Jack the best at solo, but Fred and George unbeatable as a pair. He was content as he started to drill the group, and they all relaxed, realising that the cloud of the last few days were over.