Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. They are all property of J. K. Rowling.
A/N: Here is yet another chapter. A fairly long one at that! I hope you enjoy it. I'm making up for not having posted in a long time by posting three in the same day! Again, much thanks to Hillary for her help!
Chapter Fourteen
The Order of the Phoenix
"Harry!! What's the matter? Is it your scar? Let's go see professor Dumbledore. Can you walk," Ginny asked her words dripping with concern. Harry barely opened his eyes. He had doubled over and some how wound up on the ground.
"Yeah, can you help me up?"
"Of course," She said bending down to help Harry up. She was holding his hand when a tall shadow was cast over the couple.
"Harry," Hagrid yelled having heard Ginny's concerned scream. Hagrid was soon lifting Harry to his feet standing on one side of him. Ginny hadn't let go of Harry's hand as she had risen with him. She was on his other side helping him into the entrance hall.
"I will go get Dumblydore," Madam Maxime's voice drifted into Harry's head as he began to walk, with help, back to the school. Instead of going into the Great Hall, Hagrid steered Harry and Ginny towards the now familiar gargoyle entrance to Dumbledore's office. The pain in his scar was lessening as they made their way into the round room. After they sat down Harry was able to keep his eyes completely open.
"Harry, do you know what's happening to make your scar hurt," Ginny asked soothingly rubbing Harry's hand. It felt nice to have her so close by especially during these attacks. She always some how managed to sooth him.
"No."
"Is the pain getting any better?"
"Yeah, It's getting better." As soon as his last comment left his lips the door opened revealing a worried Sirius, Remus and Professor Dumbledore.
"Harry, What happened? Why did your scar start hurting," Sirius began rushing into the room before any one else could move.
"I'm okay, Sirius. My scar just started hurting for no reason. I don't know why because I was awake. It just started hurting. Professor, do you know why?"
"I hate to report that I have no idea why you are in pain. Professor Snape has given me all of the information he knows but Voldemort obviously doesn't trust him as much this time around. Sirius, please sit down. We are going to try to decide what to do about this situation."
Everyone took the chairs that were empty when there was a knock at the door, causing Ginny to tighten the grip on Harry's hand. She was scared Harry quickly realized not blaming her. The world was becoming a much darker and scarier place over the course of the past six months.
"Come in," Professor Dumbledore said. Before he could finish, the door burst opened revealing a flushed Hermione and Ron.
"What's going on? Madam Maxime came and to find us. She said something about Harry's scar hurting. Harry, are you okay," Hermione burst asking all of the questions with out taking a single breath. How does she doe that, Harry wondered opening his mouth to answer, "Err… that's really all we know. My scar just began to hurt and we came straight here."
"But we have to know why it's hurting, don't any of you know?"
"Hermione, we are just as confused as you are, and I'm sure Harry is more confused than any of us," Remus said speaking up for the first time since this began.
"Professor Dumbledore, you don't think it means that You-Know-Who is near us, do you," Ron asked hesitatingly.
"Ron, just say Voldemort why don't you," Ginny said, an edge in her voice. Ron turned slightly pink but never stopped looking at Dumbledore imploringly.
"Ron, I really don't know what it means, I don't think it means that he is near us, at least not close enough to cause Harry that much pain. It was likely because Voldemort was feeling particularly murderous, or he was torturing some one."
Suddenly there was another knock on the door. This time Dumbledore wasn't able to open his mouth to answer before the door swung open, this time revealing Professor McGonagall.
"Albus, something is happening in Hogsmeade! Madam Rosmirta just came up to the school screaming about dementors. We need your help now. They are making their way towards the school. I don't know how many there are or why they are coming towards us."
Without another word the group leapt out of their seats and followed Professor McGonagall down the stairs towards the grounds. Sirius had transformed back into a dog and was quickly ahead of everyone. He was running down the lawn by the time that Harry and his friends where out of the entrance hall, wands in hand.
"Harry, you shouldn't be out here. Your scar just hurt you should be resting." Hermione began, but she was soon interrupted by Harry, "Hermione, I'm going to help. I'm one of the only students who knows how to conger a strong patronous. You, Ron and Ginny don't even know what to do, you are the ones who should be back at the castle."
"Actually Harry, I know how to conger one too," Ginny spoke up. Harry stopped in the middle of running and starred at Ginny. "Your not the only one who had bad memories when they were around Dementors you know. I begged Professor Lupin to teach me how to protect myself. Come on Harry we can talk about this later," Ginny said grabbing Harry's arm and running to catch up with Ron and Hermione. By the time they reached the front gates Sirius was out of site. Several towns' people were running towards the gates.
"Help us!! WE can't get away from them," An elderly wizard screamed as he ran towards the gate.
"Has anyone been killed or hurt," Dumbledore asked.
"No, they are all running away. It's so terribly cold," A plump witch with short curly blond hair answered.
"Albus, they're coming," Professor McGonagall shrieked pointing at a mass of dark hooded figures moving towards the gate and the group of wizards trying to get onto the school grounds.
"Harry, can you do this," Lupin asked positioning himself on one side of Harry while Ginny was on the other side.
"Yes," was all Harry had to say.
"On three. One, Two, Three," Dumbledore instructed.
"Expecto patronum," They all screamed.
Six glittering figures emerged from the wands. Harry watched as the familiar figure of Prongs came galloping out from Harry's wand. He didn't even notice the other figures, even Ginny's, which looked a lot like a 12 year old Harry. All Harry watched was Prongs pushing back the Dementors triumphantly. They were soon gliding back towards the other end of the village, being forced away by the glittering figures. The familiar figure of Sirius reappeared at the gates. Remus followed the dog to an abandoned area, soon returning with snuffles the trusty dog.
"There were over one hundred dementors in the village. Snuffles is going to check to make sure the area is clear of dementors. Albus, I'm going to notify the rest of the Order, I'll meet all of you in your office."
"Thank You Remus," Dumbledore said with a nod. Lupin turned and soon disappeared into the school. "Thank you Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny for helping us with this situation. If you would please join me in returning to my office we have a lot to discuss. Minerva, please go and sooth all of the students. It might be good that they stay in the great hall tonight. They will all be safer. Station the prefects around the room at all of the doors. Then please join me in my office. We will be having a meeting of the order tonight."
Harry had to wonder what all this talk about 'the order' was. He was about to ask Dumbledore when Ginny grabbed his hand. "Come on let's go up to the school. They don't need us here."
"Okay. Come on Ron, Hermione, we are going on up to the castle."
The group walked in silence until they were far away from the teachers. "Harry, do you know what this talk about 'the order' is," Hermione asked.
"No, I was going to ask you if you had read about it in one of your books."
"Good thought Harry, our 'mione is a textbook with legs," Ron interjected, receiving a playful nudge from Hermione whose face had turned pink.
"Well, Have you," Ginny pressed.
"No. It sounds like a group of people, but I don't know what they do or who they are. We don't even know order of what. I guess Dumbledore will tell us in this meeting. Harry, your patronus was beautiful. I had forgotten how splendid it was. That's really advanced magic. You too Ginny, you are both really good at that," Hermione said as they climbed the stairs ending in the entrance hall. Harry could see Neville, Seamus, and Dean talking right inside the doors. He could also hear Professor McGonnagall's voice magically projected through out the hall. It looked like all of the younger students had gathered in a corner of the room. The Hall looked more full than usual likely because of all of the different colored robes, Harry thought as he walked past taking a quick glance into the room.
Hermione led the way up to Dumbledore's office. "Pumpkin pasties," She said as the approached the gargoyle. This was Harry's second time in the Headmaster's office in one day, he realized as they climbed the stairs and knocked on the door. Remus Lupin opened it and hurried them in to empty seats.
Seconds after taking their seats Harry heard a pop, looking up he watched a figure appear in the fireplace. Harry recognized it, "Fleur, what are you doing here," Ginny asked with a slight gasp.
"Zey needed uz, so we came," Fleur explained after stepping out of the Fireplace. There was another pop and Bill appeared. They both looked slightly flushed and Harry could have sworn he had lipstick on his face, but a second latter Harry was absorbed by Bill's questions.
"Where is Albus," Bill asked looking around the room.
"He is on his way up. You two are the first to arrive. I have contacted everyone. Ah… that should be Arabella at the door now. Come in," Remus explained.
"Bill, Fleur, it is nice to see you two again," Mrs. Figg said after entering the room.
With in minutes the room was filled with witches and wizards, most of whom Harry did not know. The last to arrive were the Weasleys.
Mrs. Weasley had run to Ginny and Ron embracing them in a tight hug. Then she turned to Harry and Hermione, "Harry, Hermione are the two of you okay? Was anyone hurt?"
"Mum, let Harry and Hermione breathe. We are fine and no one was hurt, to our knowledge. Dad, what's the ministry saying about the dementors," Ginny said taking charge of the situation.
"I don't know what Fudge is going to say. We will find out tomorrow morning. I'm sure he will have an excuses of some sort," Mr. Weasley said frowning slightly.
By the time Dumbledore, Sirius and Professor McGonagall entered the room there were over twenty wizards and witches in the room.
"Hello everyone. It's nice to see you but disappointing to meet on such bad terms. Why don't I introduce everyone to our youngest members? Mundungus Fletcher, Robert and Elizabeth Abbot, Arabella Figg, Louis Murray, Rupert and Sally George, Roberta Vicari, Julia Smith, Peter and Renee Curtis, Kayla Longbottom, Gregory William, Peter Joshua, Mathew and Regina Bones, and you know the real Mad Eye Moody, Molly, Arthur, Charlie Bill, Fleur, Menervia, Remus, and Sirius.
"Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny welcome to the Order of the Phoenix," Dumbledore said. With this last statement about a million questions flashed through Harry's mind. The first of which was 'what is the Order of the Phoenix?'
This puzzlement must have shown through his face because Dumbledore smiled. "I'm sure you all have many questions and I will answer them all in time but first we need to cover the business of the Death Eaters and the Dementors. Sirius tell everyone what you saw in Hogsmeade, then we will address Harry's scar hurting."
"Well, After the first mention of dementors we all went down to the gates to protect the school. I changed into my animagus form and was able to move through out the town. I found one person who had been kissed before anyone could stop the dementors. No one else was hurt. The owners of Honeydukes opened and gave away chocolate to everyone effected by the dementors. I counted over one hundred of them. It's hard to get an accurate count because they move around so much and are always in the shadows. We were able to turn back the dementors before they could kiss or hurt anyone else. Arthur what will the ministry do about these events?"
"Err… to tell you the truth I don't know. Fudge has been trying to cover everything up since Voldemort's return. I guess he will try to cover it up."
Sirius' brow furrowed. "Albus, what do you think was happening when Harry's scar began to hurt?"
"Well, I heard reports that the Dark mark was seen in Little Whinging. Arabella went to investigate. Please tell everyone what you found."
"Like Albus said It was seen in a strictly Muggle area. I quickly found where it was being projected from, Private Drive," With the mention of Private Drive Harry knew what was coming next. As much as he couldn't stand the Dursley's they were family and now they were in trouble, because they were related to him.
"Number Four Private Drive was destroyed. The dark mark was everywhere. The residents, a Mr. Vernon and his wife Petunia Durlsey were killed, my guesses by the killing curse. Luckily their son, Dudley was away at school. I don't know how many of you know that these were Harry's only blood relatives. Harry, I'm sorry for your loss. "
Harry actually felt bad for Dudley, as irritating and infuriating, as he was it wasn't fair for anyone to loose their parents, especially to the dark lord. Dumbledore's voice jolted Harry out of his thoughts; "Hagrid, I need you and Madame Maxime to resume your mission from this summer. I know it didn't work then but you must try again. If Voldemort already has the dementors on his side we don't need him gaining the power of the giants as well."
Hagrid nodded, "When yeh want us ter start?"
"I think you can wait until next term. I will gather information on the where-abouts of the remaining Giants and arrange lodging for your journey. Not to mention the fact that we will be needing a replacement grounds keeper and Care of Magical Creatures teacher."
"Professor, I'll take Hagrid's duties here at school. I can take off from dragon keeping for the term, while Hagrid is gone, and I can come teach for you. I know I won't do as great a job as Hagrid but I would like to help," Charlie Weasley spoke up, Mrs. Weasley swelling with pride at her son's suggestion.
"That is quite kind of you to offer Charlie, and please call me Albus, you are no longer one of my students. I will take you up on your offer. You will start at the end of this term and continue through next term, after the winter holidays."
"Does anyone else have any news to report," Dumbledore continued.
"No," most of them said, the others just shook their heads.
"Bill, Fleur, would you two stay and help me set up new defensive wards, to use as a warning, around Hogsmeade?"
"Of course," Bill and Fleur answered holding hands tightly.
"Well, if there is no other information to discuss, that is all I needed to talk with you about. I will contact you if I know anything else. Arthur and Fletcher are keeping me up to date in the ministry so I will contact you all with the news of what they do next. Our meeting is still planed for December."
With that the meeting was adjourned and many of the witches and wizards left. Leaving Harry and his friends in the company of Remus, Sirius, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, Bill, Fleur, Professor McGonagall and Professor Figg.
"Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry," Mrs. Weasley gushed as soon as she could move over to Harry, giving him a tight hug. "It's just not fair that all of these things happen to you."
"It's okay Mrs. Weasley, I tried to worn them but Dudley didn't listen to me, Professor what's going to happen to him?"
"He will be informed tomorrow by Arabella, I thought that a familiar face might be helpful. He will live with Margery Dursley, unless you have a better idea."
"No sir, err… what about me? I mean, Aunt Marge hates me and last time I saw her I err… blew her up like a balloon, so to say the least we don't get along. And since I'm not related to her by blood I don't really need to live with her do I?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he answered, "Ah, you have a good point Harry. Margery is not your blood relative, and I do remember the unfortunate incident two years ago. I don't know what we will do with you, but we have several months to decide, no need to worry about that detail right now."
"Albus, it is only right that Harry comes with me. I'm his godfather after all," Sirius spoke up.
"There is one unfortunate circumstance to that idea, you are still a wanted murder. What would we do if something happened to you? No, I don't think that will work, not right now at least. We will think about it for a while and discuss it over the course of the next several months."
"Oh, Albus, I wish you would let Harry come live with us. He is already a member of the family," Molly Weasley said.
"We can all discuss this over the winter break. I doubt many students will be staying after tonight's events. Now, I need to talk to our newest members." Dumbeldore said turning to face Harry and his closest friends. "I'm sure you have many questions for me and I will try to explain them to you. I will do the explanation first and if the rest of you don't mind I would like your help in performing the spell to complete their initiation."
"Of course Dumbledore, you can count on us," Arthur said with a nod. The rest muttered similar sentiments before Dumbledore continued.
"I will begin by explaining what the Order of the Phoenix is. It is an ancient group of wizards and witches that would bond together to defeat dark wizards who threatened the rest of the word. It has been together for centuries, the earliest known mention of it is in the pyramids of Egypt, 1444 BC, if I'm not mistaken Bill. The group is comprised of the strongest and most talented good witches and wizards of the time. You four are the bravest, strongest and most talented witches and wizards in your years. It is only natural for you to be members of the order. We are forced to meet in secret to keep Voldemort unaware of our existence and to keep the Ministry from disturbing our plans. Voldemort believed he defeated all of the members during his first reign. Harry, your parents were two of my strongest members. That is one of the reasons he wanted to kill them. There are other reasons that we can discuss later but for now this is all you need to know.
"The spell that is performed for initiation is powerful and needs more than two of the strongest wizards to perform it properly. One of the important, unique qualities of this group is the fact that all of us are connected. Joining this group connects our power and knowledge allowing us access to ancient power and knowledge. That is why we use the strongest and most talented wizards for the group. When one of us dies, their power and knowledge is left in the spell allowing us to continue to fight dark forces. Harry, joining this group will again connect you with your parents."
Harry's heart swelled, like it always did when his parents were mentioned in a good way. He wanted to join, there was no question about it, and looking at his friends they were just as determined as he was. "Okay, let's do this."
"This spell will cause all of you to become exhausted, you will stay in the hospital wing; Madam Pomfrey will leave all of you alone. No one else is there so it will be a quiet place for you to rest and regain your strength. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir," They answered with a renowned since of resolution ringing in their voices.
"Now when I say your name, each of you will step forward extending your arm, wand in hand, and connect with our wands."
As he spoke Dumbledore and the others formed a circle extending their wand arms, wands creating a point above everyone. A golden light began to glow from the wands when they connected.
"Committere en Phoenix, Ronald Weasley," Dumbledore began. Ron followed everyone's lead lifting his wand and connecting it with the others. The golden light swelled turning bright red before returning to a brilliant gold.
"Committere en Phoenix, Hermione Granger," The light briefly flashed blue before returning to gold.
"Committere en Phoenix, Virginia Weasley," This time the light flashed a blinding white. It was almost impossible to look directly at it. Harry squinted as he prepared himself he would be next.
"Committere en Phoenix, Harry Potter," Harry followed everyone's lead. When his wand joined the light changed a blinding silver. No one was able to look at the wands. It shone silver for a long moment before returning to gold. The color was now so bright Harry kept his eyes closed. Power flowed through his body. Harry could feel the power surging through every inch of his body. He could hear the song Ginny had been humming on the night of September 1, in his head, except it was a different voice singing it this time, an oddly familiar voice, it was different yet similar. The sound comforted him more than anything had, reminding him of Ginny's embrace and reassurance.
"Consigno Equites de Phoenix," Dumbledore said as the brightness of the light swelled to new heights. With a nod everyone removed their wand. It was done; Harry and his friends were now a member of this elite group.
"The four of you need to get up to the hospital wing," Mrs. Weasley said.
"I'll bring them up there," Charlie offered.
"Thank you Charlie. I expect the four of you to sleep most of the day tomorrow. I will come and check on you later. I would have Madam Pomfrey give you a dreamless sleep potion but Harry, I think you might have an important dream, we need you to tell us everything you can remember about the dream."
Seeing the meeting was done Harry and his friends followed Charlie up to the hospital wing. Dumbledore was right, it was quiet and peaceful.
"I'll see you later," Charlie said after making sure everyone was changed and tucked into bed.
Ginny's voice was the last thing Harry heard before falling into a deep sleep. "Goodnight Harry," She said with a sleepy grin.
"Goodnight Gin," Harry responded returning the sleepy grin. He liked the sound of his new nickname for her, it was sweet and yet more mature; it fit her. Harry quickly drifted off to sleep.
"I'm glad to say our plans are going a head of schedule," Voldemort announced with a wicked laugh. "You are proving yourselves useful. We have gained the help of the dementors thanks to Avery. They should be here any minute. Also, for those of you not included in this phase, don't worry you will be used in the next part of my plan. Now that Potter doesn't have living relatives we must take care of his friends, Granger and Weasley. The next stage of my plan is to attack the families of all of the mudbloods at Hogwarts. From what Malfoy has told me the Weasley Family is practically a family of muggles. Goyle, Malfoy and Nott will be in charge of the Weasley house. I expect it will be taken care of soon. Macnier, Avery and Snape will be in charge of the Granger house. You have two weeks to complete this mission.
"Here comes Avery with the dementors." Voldemort pointed to a large group of dark figures gliding towards them. He began to speak in an inaudible noise. The dementors responded with other inaudible noises. Some of the Death Eaters shivered as the dementors joined the circle that was formed around Voldemort. "The dementors went straight to Hogwarts but were turned away by unexpected resistance. I thought you said there was a ball tonight and no one would notice the dementors approach. You will pay for this mistake! Crucio!" He shouted turning to a hooded figure.
Harry sat up with a jerk as pain throbbed in his forehead. Ginny was right next to him in seconds trying to sooth him.
"It's Voldemort," Harry began.
"Shh… try to relax and we will try to get rid of the pain first," She said as she began to hum the familiar tune. The pain quickly left allowing Harry to enjoy the song for a long minute. The door to the hospital wing soon opened revealing Professor Dumbledore standing in the doorway. He quickly walked over to where Harry and Ginny were seated.
"Professor, I had another dream."
"I expected that. That's why I came. Are you okay?"
"Yes, I can't remember too many details from the dream. It was long compared to the others. Voldemort congratulated the Death Eaters on the accomplishment of killing the Dursleys. They said something about mudbloods at Hogwarts. I think they are in danger. He knew we had a ball tonight. Did Snape tell him?"
"Now, that is interesting, no Professor Snape did not tell Voldemort or any other Death Eater about the ball."
"Well, maybe Malfoy told them."
"Perhaps, is that all of the dream?"
"Err, no, the dementors are on Voldemorts side, and are no longer stationed at Azkaban. The sooner we get the Giants on our side the better. He is gaining power quickly. Every dream is clearer and more painful. I can't really remember the rest but it wasn't good. He seems to think he is going to get me. That is still his ultimate goal. Professor do you know why that is?"
"Yes Harry, I think I know why that is. Do you remember in your third year when you told me about Trelawny's predication I said it was the second one that she has made," Dumbeldore asked.
Harry nodded in agreement; still able to see the scene like it was yesterday.
"Well, her first prediction was that a Potter would be his down fall. That is why he was determined to kill you and your family."
"But when the dementors are near me I can hear my mothers last words, Voldemort didn't want to kill her, if a Potter would be his down fall why didn't he want to kill her?"
"Ah… Harry, that is a good question. I can not begin to tell you confidently the reason but I think a big part was that she was not a blood relative of the Potters, your mother was an Evens. That or, he was going to torture her by killing you first. Either one was a likely reason," Dumbledore explained in a grave tone. "Now you two need to get back to sleep. You're still not back to regular strength. I will see you later," He concluded standing to leave.
"Professor, is it okay if I move this bed near Harry in case he has another dream. We seem to sooth each other," Ginny asked before Dumbledore reached the door, showing incredible bravery in her question.
He thought for a long moment before answering, "I think it is okay since I know it is an innocent situation. Anything that will help the two of you to get some sleep."
With that he turned and left closing the door behind him.
"Wingardium Leviosa," Ginny muttered pointing her wand at the bed that she had occupied. It floated about a foot off the ground as she moved it towards Harry's bed. She placed it down lining it up perfectly with Harry's. After she crawled into her bed Harry moved towards her so that he was on the edge of his own bed, careful not to rest on Ginnys bed.
She was so wonderful, Harry thought watching her in silence for a long moment. I really like her, Harry decided he would ask her to a picnic after the next Quidditch match, witch was in a week against Slytherin.
"Harry, are you going to be able to fall asleep," She asked looking into his green eyes.
"Eventually," he answered returning her gaze, "You?"
"Eventually," she mumbled closing her eyes. It took her no time to drift off to sleep. Harry wished it was that easy for him to get to sleep. He lay in the bed watching Ginny sleep, thinking how peaceful she looked, and wanting to finish the kiss he had attempted earlier that evening. Ginny, in a deep sleep cuddled closer to Harry. He looked down at her not knowing what to do. He had never been in this position before and it was, nice, he finally decided listening to Ginny's slow even breathing. Harry finally was able to fall asleep, sleeping peacefully.
The next morning they didn't wake up until noon. Harry would have slept longer if Ron hadn't woken him up, "Bloody Hell! What's going on here?"
Opening his eyes Harry quickly realized what Ron was talking about, he found himself curled up, arms draped around Ginny. She too had woken up and was quickly turning red. The two moved apart in the blink of an eye but it didn't help the situation. "Well, would anyone like to explain why the two of you were sleeping together," he demanded.
"Err… It's not what it seems," Harry began.
"Oh, so you weren't sleeping with my baby sister?"
"Well, we were SLEEPING together but we didn't DO anything," Harry tried to explain.
"Ron, you can be so immature! Nothing happened. If you must know Harry and I had another dream last night. Dumbledore came in and I asked if I could move my bed so we could talk and I could be there if Harry had another dream. I quickly fell asleep and just woke up when you started ranting and raving!! You're just jealous because you and Hermione weren't next to each other," Ginny explained exasperated.
Ron turned a brilliant shade of red, obviously realized how stupid he had been to accuse his best friend and his little sister of doing anything with him in the room.
"Ron, I'm sure they are telling the truth. You know Harry wouldn't do anything to Ginny, especially not with you in the room," Hermione scolded coming over and wrapping her arm around him.
"Okay, just don't even think about doing anything, EVER," Ron said.
"Harry, what was in your dream," Hermione asked.
Glad that his friend changed the subject Harry and Ginny, taking a seat on the side of Harry's bed to face Ron and Hermione, explained the dreams. When they were done Harry added, "Look, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, I'm sorry that you are in danger. You are all in danger just for knowing me. Look what happened to the Dursleys and they were just my relatives. I didn't even really like them. I can't imagine what is going to happen to you."
"Harry, It's our chose to be your friend. We know the risk that comes with knowing you. It would come no matter who YOU were. Voldemort has a grudge of some sort against you. You need friends now more than ever to get through this," Hermione explained.
"Harry, you know she's right. To defeat him you are going to need all of us to help. And now we are part of the Order, we are stronger, I don't know about you guys but I can feel it. Dumbledore was right when he said, 'we are only as strong as we are together.' If we don't band together now Voldemort will win," Ginny said placing her hand gently on Harry's arm.
Her touch was electrifying. Harry could feel energy surging through her touch. He looked at his friends, all of whom looked determined.
"Okay, you are right, I won't argue," He sighed.
They sat there talking about the importance of the order when the door opened. It was Dumbledore.
"Ah, I thought you would be up by now. You seem to have rested well. How are all of you feeling?"
"We feel fine," Ron answered for all of them.
"Good. Now, I have spoken with all of the students about what happened yesterday, omitting the events on Private drive. We are going to be adding an evening class, 'Practical Application of Defense Against the Dark Arts,' to prepare for the battles that are coming. It will be every day for an hour and 1/2 after dinner. It is not mandatory but highly recommended. Professor Figg will be teaching it with special guests when they can come. Tonight is the first class, Remus has agreed to help. In your regular Defense Against the Dark Arts class you will be learning about dementors for the remainder of term, concentrating on the patronus charm, you four don't really need it but it won't hurt to attend. If the four of you would get dressed I think a friend of ours would like to visit with you. I will send him in on my way back to my office to deal with the howlers I have received this morning from parents about the danger that we were near last night. I will see you soon," He said before parting ways with the group.
They quickly changed and when the emerged from behind the curtains Sirius was pawing at the door. Harry moved quickly to open it, closing it behind the big dog. Soon the dog had changed into the more familiar form of Sirius Black, Harry's godfather.
"It's nice to see the four of you are awake," He commented taking a seat across from where the four had been seated. "Did you sleep well?"
"Err… other than the dream I had, yeah," Harry said sheepishly, he hated to worry his godfather and knew that telling him about the dream would only worry him.
"Dumbledore told me about the dream last night after you had it. Harry is so rude, we haven't been properly introduced, I'm Sirius Black, Harry's godfather," He said extending his hand to shake Ginny's hand. Harry blushed slightly at his godfather's remarks.
"It's nice to meet you, I've heard great things about you," Ginny said shaking his extended hand.
"Wow, that's a change, most people would scream, calling me a murderer," Sirius responded with a grin.
It was nice that he could actually joke about his time in Azkaban. "So, how does it feel to know you are now a member of the Order?"
"Err… good I guess," Harry responded, not really knowing what to say.
"The four of you are really powerful. I could feel the amount of power that surged into the order when you joined. Each of you were different."
"Sirius, what exactly do you mean," Hermione asked.
"Well, Ron was passionate, and determined, all of you were determined but Ron was the most passionate. You, Hermione, were intellect, it's hard to explain but I felt the knowledge surge through us when you were added. Ginny was purity. Her addition reminded me of the power that was added when Lily joined. Harry, I don't really know how to explain your power. It was just pure power, reminding me a lot like your dad and mum combined. You really are your parents' child. The four of you combined were amazingly powerful," Sirius explained. As each person was mentioned they blushed slightly, Hermione more than anyone.
Sirius pulled out a wand and magicked a large plate of sandwiches along with five goblets of pumpkin juice onto the empty table.
"Sirius, how long have you had a wand, I thought they broke yours when you went to Azkaban," Hermione asked mater-of-factly.
"Well, they do, Dumbledore was able to get me a wand, I don't know what he did to get it but he sent it to me at the beginning of the summer," Sirius said shaking his head. Ron had already helped himself to several of the sandwiches, which were on the plate. "Eat, I know all of you are hungry," he instructed. As they ate every one talked about the new class, what they thought Voldemort would do next and of course Quidditch. Could Harry really have a conversation with Ron with out talking about Quidditch? Several hours had passed before Ron finally stopped eating. The plate was never empty when it would bet close to being empty it would magically refill, so would the goblets.
"So, your first big Quidditch game of the season is Saturday," Sirius said sitting back on the bed and looking at his godson and his friends.
"Yes, it will be great. We are playing Slytherin," Harry answered. He had completely forgotten about the Quidditch match coming up. It was going to be the first one of the season and they had a chance at winning.
"I hope I get to play," Ginny mussed.
"Oh, you are on the team are you? Harry, you seem to have a thing for female Quidditch players."
"Yeah, I'm a reserve chaser. I know that I will get to play next year but I love to fly. It's wonderful being up in the sky zooming here and there. But I understand why I'm not a main player."
"You don't know, we might play the reserve players this week. I don't know what Angelina is going to do."
"Yeah, she might have you play, at least your brother is snogging the captain so you would be the first on to be chosen to play," Ron agreed grinning wickedly.
"Speaking of snogging, Ron told me something about you two being a couple," Sirius prodded pointing to Ron and Hermione. They both blushed brilliantly, while Ron slipped his arm around her.
"Err… yes… yes, we are," He stammered.
"Well, it's about time!"
"What," Ron gasped. "Why does every one keep saying that?"
"I've known you like each other since the first time we met, back in your third year. I saw the look in Hermione's eyes when she looked at you. And I saw the way you looked at her. It was just there."
Ginny tried to change the subject, "So how long are you going to be here?"
"Oh, I'm not sure, at least through next weekend. I have to see the Quidditch game. I've heard that the Gryffindor seeker is amazing, and their new keeper isn't too bad either," Sirius said grinning.
They passed the next hours in the hospital wing talking and joking, almost forgetting the ordeal of the previous night. No matter how happy everything was Harry couldn't completely forget the events. Soon it was time for dinner. Sirius changed back into the form of a dog and joined them on their walk down to the great hall.
Snuffles made his way to the head table where he sat eating food from Remus. After they ate Dumbledore stood up and addressed everyone, "The Practical Application class will be held in the empty room on the left hand side of the Third floor corridor."
