Chapter 15
"Mr. Potter, where have you been? Your detention started fifteen minutes ago," said McGonagall with a stern look on her face.
"Sorry professor, I had some last minute things to take care of before I could get here," said Harry.
"Oh, and what would these important matters be pertaining to?" Asked McGonagall.
"Nothing that you would find interesting professor, just some kid stuff," said Harry while trying to keep his voice even. He had been dreading this detention all day because he was sure that Dumbledore had instructed McGonagall to question him on what he was doing at St. Mungos.
"Professor, is Voldemort planning something again?" Asked Harry in hopes that McGonagall would show him some mercy on the subject. She had always been the one who in the end told him about certain topics that were kept secrete from him such as Sirius and the Chamber of Secrets.
"I can't answer that Harry, and you know it," said McGonagall.
"FINE!" Huffed Harry. "Then you will see that you will not get any information from me either."
"Mr. Potter. Harry I don't want you to feel the way you do towards us, it's just we are concerned about you and want to make sure you stay safe. I know you don't want all of the attention you are getting, but it is for your own good whether you can see this or not," said McGonagall. However, McGonagall realized she must have said something that Harry had not taken well for she quickly changed the subject matter before he was able to get what he wanted to say out.
"Okay, well this is a detention, so I want you to clean all the chalkboards in the room without your wand and then scrub down the tables with the sponge sitting over there. I will come back in thirty minutes to check on you and then we will go from there," said McGonagall while only getting a nod of acknowledgement from Harry. "Very well then I leave you to begin," said McGonagall as she watched Harry begin erasing her chalkboard as she looked on from the classroom door. You poor dear, you have had one horrible life, and it is constantly getting worse. I just wish you had your parents here with you to help you with the task that now lies before you, thought McGonagall as she closed the door of her classroom where her favorite student was.
As Harry heard the door closed he quickly retrieved his wand from his cloak pocket and with a quick wave of his wand the boards had erased themselves, and the sponge that was setting on the classroom tables sprang to life and began scrubbing each table earnestly. "Thanks Mrs. Weasley that spell really did come in handy," said Harry as he removed the book on deadly curses and spells that Mr. Lenoge had sent him early this morning as a gift to show his, Mary, and April's gratitude and their apologies for him getting caught while recruiting them.
(The killing curse is on of the most complex curses to be cast by any Witch or Wizard. Much like the Imperius Curse and the Cruciatus Curse, the Killing Curse requires a high level of magical power and the intent to cause bodily harm or pain. If the Witches' or Wizard's magical level is not strong enough then these three curses cannot be cast, or if the caster's intent is to not cause harm, death, or pain then the curse will not be effective. The most the recipient of a these curses could receive without the proper steps being followed will be that they will only feel minor pain with the Cruciatus Curse, a small amount of light headedness with the Imperious Curse, and maybe a bloody nose or small burn with the Killing Curse,) read Harry as he sat waiting for McGonagall to return.
"Very good Mr. Potter, I see that you have done an efficient job with your assignment so instead of giving you any more duties I thought that we could talk and maybe practice on your Transfiguration skills," said McGonagall as she walked to sit behind her desk.
"Okay, said Harry, but I don't want to talk about what happened yesterday."
"Harry. Listen I know that you are having a very difficult time right now, and I just want you to know that I am also here if you ever want to talk. I may be your professor and Head of House, but I care for you more then just a student," said McGonagall.
"Then why do you feel it necessary to lie and keep things from me?" said Harry sharply.
"We keep from you only what we do not think you are ready to here, but we never lie to you," said McGonagall.
"And why do any of you feel that you have the right to keep things that pertain to me a secrete. The way I see it, I should be the one that decides when all of you are to know these things," said Harry.
"Harry, Professor Dumbledore has tried his very best to let you know these things when you are old enough, and only then does he think you should know them," said McGonagall.
"ONLY THEN, HE HAS NO RIGHT TO KEEP THESE THINGS FROM ME AT ALL. HE IS NOT MY GARDIEN, I HAVE NO REAL GARDIEN," said Harry losing all control of his anger at this moment.
"Mr. Potter do not shout in my class room. I am sorry that you are angry at his decision to keep things from you a secrete, but I will never change my views toward Albus. He knows what he is doing," said McGonagall getting a bit flustered herself. He admires what you are trying to do with your order and all, he has told us countless times. However, we all know that you and your own order are just children and the matters that you all are dealing with are way over your head. Harry, we don't want to lose any of you sooner then we have to.
"And that is why I do not trust him fully any longer professor. In fact I find myself questioning everything that is told to me now because I know that there is probably more to every story that I am being told," said Harry. "He thinks that I do not see what he is doing because my mind is not able to cope with it! HA! I think I know exactly what he is trying to do with me by not giving me any information.
"Harry, listen to me please. Just because we kept some things from you does not mean that we lie to you. We are only doing what we think is best," said McGonagall in a somewhat pleading voice.
"I asked him every year that I have been at Hogwarts why Voldemort is after me and why he killed my parents, and he never told me. Then last year when things were bearing down on me he turned his back on me. He wouldn't even look at me the whole year. I thought he blamed me for Voldemort's return. Then I was forced to take Occulemency lesson from Snape, and I was not told why, and now my godfather is dead because of it. No one told me that he could put false thoughts in my head. NO ONE, AND YOU ALL NEW THAT HE COULD. He was all I had professor, and now he is gone because of me. If only I would have known that that was why I was taking those lessons. HE DIDN'T TELL ME ANYTHING AND NOW SIRIUS IS DEAD! NONE OF YOU TOLD ME ANYTHING! Then Dumbledore feels it is appropriate to tell me everything after Sirius died. The only person that I had left and he thinks that is the best time. NO, NO, NO.!" said Harry as his wand that he was gripping ferociously began emitting red sparks from the tip.
"Ha-Harry, calm down honey. Here take a ginger snap, and then maybe you should go to bed, you have had a long day," said McGonagall as she could see Harry was on the brink of another break down.
"I think I am going to go to bed now, professor, I don't want to talk to anyone tonight," said Harry.
"Yes that is a good idea, I will be sure to see that no one bothers you this evening. Why don't you put a silencing charm on your bed Harry, that way you won't be woken up," said McGonagall.
"Okay," said Harry as he walked out of McGonagall's office, but instead of heading towards the Gryffindor Tower he went straight to the Room of Requirements.
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"Harry mate what are you doing here?" Asked Ron as everyone turned around to see Harry walk in.
"Is everyone making progress?" Asked Harry as Ron walked over to him.
"Yes they seem to be, and my Patronomus is starting to take form. Here watch this," said Ron.
"Hold on Ron, that's great about your Patronomus, but I want to have another meeting," said Harry.
"Sure," said Ron.
"A everyone, I would like to have another meeting. I know that Ron has told you all about the battle that is coming up, and I just want to here from all of you that you are ready," said Harry.
"As ready as we will ever be," said Lee Jordan.
"I'm a little scared Harry, but I told you that I would always follow you ever since I didn't believe you last year, and saw how hard you fought to let us all know the truth. Plus Parvati and I did our Lunar Charts, and it shows that we will all be fine," said Lavender.
"I can not assure you that everyone will be fine, apparently this is not going to be a small battle like we faced last time. I think Voldemort is bringing a small army with him because he wants the Centaurs to tell him something that he didn't find out last year. Dumbledore's order is probably thinking the same thing since they are willing to go into a battle to prevent him from getting the Centaurs," said Harry.
"Harry is it true that they have the Dementors fighting with them," Asked Cho.
"From what Ron overheard outside of Dumbledore's office and their strange disappearance, I'm pretty sure they are," said Harry. "But we all know how to produce a Patronomus, and many of yours have taking forms, so I don't think we should worry about them too much. As long as we stick with our tactics, and our aireal team hits their marks, then I think we will be all right. Just remember to keep an eye out for you teammates and help our medical team get them out of the battle quickly if they get hurt," said Harry.
"Don't worry everyone, I saw how Harry handles pressure situations last year, and I am not worried to go into battle under his lead," said Neville.
"Plus I am sure there are thestral and sorts in those woods. They bring good luck," said Luna in a dreamy voice.
"B-B-But I thought they brought death with them because you can only see them when you witness someone's death," said Parvati fearfully.
Several people in the order could not contain their laughter and in seconds the whole order where guffawing and laughing merrily.
"Seriously though," said Harry after everyone had calmed down. The battle is in a week and half, and I want everyone to continue practicing. I want to show everyone that we are strong a order, and that we will defeat Voldemort."
"YEAH," chorused the order.
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As the week rolled by and the battle was vastly approaching all of Harry's order seemed to be a little anxious about what they knew was coming up. It was now only one day away from the battle that was suspected to take place and everyone felt it. Even the professors were not there normal selves, and had stopped giving homework which Harry and the rest suspected was because they were planning their strategies as well. Even Harry's detentions had been dropped, but Harry suspected that McGonagall had taken pity on him after their little discussion during his first detention. She often spoke with him briefly every morning to make sure he was still holding everything together. Harry almost believed the she thought he was going to hurt himself, not that he hadn't thought that at one point in time, but now all he wanted to do was stop Voldemort.
"I was wondering," said Hermione suddenly at the dinner table. "How are we going to know when it is time for us to leave for the battle?"
"I thought that we would use Dobby to see when Dumbledore and his order left. They always seem to be in his office now, so I thought that when they left then we should leave a few minutes after them," said Harry.
"Do you think Dobby will spy on them for us?" Asked Ron.
"Yeah, I do. Dobby is always willing to help me out ever since I freed him. You know once last year he asked me if I would allow him to be my house elf after I left Hogwarts," said Harry.
"Cool, only the richest people get house elves. You'll never have to make your bed again. Hey do you think he can stop by my flat from time to time to tidy up a bit. Mom says she is going to stop picking up after me when I move out," said Ron.
"Ron, Harry would never let Dobby be his house elf," said Hermione.
"Of course Harry will except Dobby's offer because that is a huge disgrace to a house elf if they are turned down from a master they have chosen, and who wants to clean up after themselves anyway?" Asked Ron.
Harry laughed and patted Ron on the back while Hermione looked appalled, and Sarah looked on in amusement.
"Well, at least it is Saturday, so we can practice our training tonight," said Hermione.
"Yeah that's a good idea, by the way what are yours' and Sarah's plan for the Christmas break?" Asked Ron.
"Oh my parents are wanting me to come home this year and see them. I am really looking forward to it after I didn't spend Christmas with them last year. I haven't got to spend much time with them in a while, and I really miss my father/daughter outings," said Hermione.
"I am going home to. My family and I always spend Christmas together," said Sarah.
"I'm just glad that you aren't staying here this year for Christmas Harry. With You-Know-Who back no one is allowing their kids to stay at Hogwarts this year, and I really didn't want to leave you here all alone," said Hermione.
"I am looking forward to spending Christmas with Ron and his family, Tonks, and the rest," said Harry.
"What about Remus?" Asked Ron.
"I am still pretty mad at him, but I am afraid to hold a grudge to long because I am afraid I will lose him too," said Harry.
"UMMMM! UMMMMM! Mr. Potter sir," said Dobby as he frantically pulled on the hem of Harry's robe.
"Dobby what's the matter?" Asked Harry.
"Dobby over here Headmaster Dumbledore sir. Mr. Potter asked Dobby to tell him if anything came up about the battle," whispered Dobby.
"And," said Ron.
"It is happening tonight. The order is preparing to leave now," said Dobby with tears in his eyes.
"Mr. Potter sir must be careful tonight. Dobby does not want to see Mr. Potter and his friends hurt, but Dobby understands what sir and his loyal friends are doing," said Dobby.
"Thank you, Dobby, and don't worry if I make it through all of this stuff I would be more than happy for you to be my house elf," said Harry.
"Ooohhh. Dobby is so happy to hear that from Mr. Potter sir. Dobby has prided himself on taking care of Harry Potter since he has set Dobby free," said Dobby.
"Good, now Dobby make sure the Room of Requirements is ready for us when we get back okay," said Harry as he, Ron, Hermione, and Sarah all got up from the table.
"Of course, anything for Harry Potter sir," said Dobby.
As they were making there way to the Room of Requirements Harry summoned the rest of his order.
Within minutes everyone in the order counting Mary, April, and Mr. Lenoge were present and in their robes. "Harry, I think you may need to give us a little pep talk," said Hermione with a quiver in her voice and she was slightly pale in color.
"Right," said Harry. "A listen, I'm not going to lie, this is going to be our biggest battle yet, and I don't know how it's going to turn out. All I do know is that if my life is taking tonight then I know. I know that I will have died for a good cause," said Harry.
"A Harry that was not a good motivator. I think you scared everyone more then you helped them," said Ron. "I mean that speech scared me mate."
As Harry looked around at his order that was standing in front of him in their midnight blue robes with the emblems of a flaming phoenix on the back he truly seen how scared everyone looked. "A. Lis-listen everyone. started Harry but he truly didn't know what to say. Everyone around him where all paler then usual. Mary, April, and Mr. Lenoge where clutching Harry's invisibility cloak so tight that he was afraid it was going to tare, and the arial team has such holds on their brooms that their knuckles had turned white. What are we doing, thought Harry. However, as his mind began drifting again he began hearing the thing he had heard so many times in his dreams and around the dreaded Dementors that he wanted to stop so badly.
"NO, PLEASON NO, NOT HARRY! NOT MY BABY, PLEASE!" The words of Harry's mother began playing through Harry's mind as he stood in front of the order.
"Harry, you there mate?" Asked Ron.
"Harry are you okay?" said Sarah.
"NO! LISTEN UP EVERYONE. The time for worrying is over. Voldemort has plagued my dreams for to long, and I will not stand for it any longer. If death is what that means than so be it. We will not stand by and let our world be plundered and ruined because on man decides he wants to kill everyone that does not serve him. I will gladly die before I serve him, and I know that you all will too. We are going into battle tonight not because we fear him, but for us to put the fear in Voldemort," said Harry.
"We are with you all the way," said Fred and George.
"As I," said Neville.
"We have always been by your side through thick and thin, and we aren't about to leave now," said Ron.
As they all crowded around the portkeys Harry took in his order again. The still seemed a little anxious, sort of like players look before a Quidditch match, thought Harry. However, he could see in each of their eyes that they had found their inner strength and was prepared to take on whatever awaited them. "In four, three, two, one, said Harry," and they were gone.
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I know all of you have been waiting on a big battle to take place, and now you have it. The battle takes place in the next chapter. I hope you all are prepared for what is going to happen. I'm just joking with you, but the battle will be fierce. I know you all expect nothing less. Thanks again for all of your reviews they mean a lot. I can't stop myself from periodically checking to see if I have more reviews every time I pass by the computer. Thanks again everyone, and especially the reviewers that have been reviewing since chapter one. Well until next Saturday I hope you enjoy and have fun.
"Mr. Potter, where have you been? Your detention started fifteen minutes ago," said McGonagall with a stern look on her face.
"Sorry professor, I had some last minute things to take care of before I could get here," said Harry.
"Oh, and what would these important matters be pertaining to?" Asked McGonagall.
"Nothing that you would find interesting professor, just some kid stuff," said Harry while trying to keep his voice even. He had been dreading this detention all day because he was sure that Dumbledore had instructed McGonagall to question him on what he was doing at St. Mungos.
"Professor, is Voldemort planning something again?" Asked Harry in hopes that McGonagall would show him some mercy on the subject. She had always been the one who in the end told him about certain topics that were kept secrete from him such as Sirius and the Chamber of Secrets.
"I can't answer that Harry, and you know it," said McGonagall.
"FINE!" Huffed Harry. "Then you will see that you will not get any information from me either."
"Mr. Potter. Harry I don't want you to feel the way you do towards us, it's just we are concerned about you and want to make sure you stay safe. I know you don't want all of the attention you are getting, but it is for your own good whether you can see this or not," said McGonagall. However, McGonagall realized she must have said something that Harry had not taken well for she quickly changed the subject matter before he was able to get what he wanted to say out.
"Okay, well this is a detention, so I want you to clean all the chalkboards in the room without your wand and then scrub down the tables with the sponge sitting over there. I will come back in thirty minutes to check on you and then we will go from there," said McGonagall while only getting a nod of acknowledgement from Harry. "Very well then I leave you to begin," said McGonagall as she watched Harry begin erasing her chalkboard as she looked on from the classroom door. You poor dear, you have had one horrible life, and it is constantly getting worse. I just wish you had your parents here with you to help you with the task that now lies before you, thought McGonagall as she closed the door of her classroom where her favorite student was.
As Harry heard the door closed he quickly retrieved his wand from his cloak pocket and with a quick wave of his wand the boards had erased themselves, and the sponge that was setting on the classroom tables sprang to life and began scrubbing each table earnestly. "Thanks Mrs. Weasley that spell really did come in handy," said Harry as he removed the book on deadly curses and spells that Mr. Lenoge had sent him early this morning as a gift to show his, Mary, and April's gratitude and their apologies for him getting caught while recruiting them.
(The killing curse is on of the most complex curses to be cast by any Witch or Wizard. Much like the Imperius Curse and the Cruciatus Curse, the Killing Curse requires a high level of magical power and the intent to cause bodily harm or pain. If the Witches' or Wizard's magical level is not strong enough then these three curses cannot be cast, or if the caster's intent is to not cause harm, death, or pain then the curse will not be effective. The most the recipient of a these curses could receive without the proper steps being followed will be that they will only feel minor pain with the Cruciatus Curse, a small amount of light headedness with the Imperious Curse, and maybe a bloody nose or small burn with the Killing Curse,) read Harry as he sat waiting for McGonagall to return.
"Very good Mr. Potter, I see that you have done an efficient job with your assignment so instead of giving you any more duties I thought that we could talk and maybe practice on your Transfiguration skills," said McGonagall as she walked to sit behind her desk.
"Okay, said Harry, but I don't want to talk about what happened yesterday."
"Harry. Listen I know that you are having a very difficult time right now, and I just want you to know that I am also here if you ever want to talk. I may be your professor and Head of House, but I care for you more then just a student," said McGonagall.
"Then why do you feel it necessary to lie and keep things from me?" said Harry sharply.
"We keep from you only what we do not think you are ready to here, but we never lie to you," said McGonagall.
"And why do any of you feel that you have the right to keep things that pertain to me a secrete. The way I see it, I should be the one that decides when all of you are to know these things," said Harry.
"Harry, Professor Dumbledore has tried his very best to let you know these things when you are old enough, and only then does he think you should know them," said McGonagall.
"ONLY THEN, HE HAS NO RIGHT TO KEEP THESE THINGS FROM ME AT ALL. HE IS NOT MY GARDIEN, I HAVE NO REAL GARDIEN," said Harry losing all control of his anger at this moment.
"Mr. Potter do not shout in my class room. I am sorry that you are angry at his decision to keep things from you a secrete, but I will never change my views toward Albus. He knows what he is doing," said McGonagall getting a bit flustered herself. He admires what you are trying to do with your order and all, he has told us countless times. However, we all know that you and your own order are just children and the matters that you all are dealing with are way over your head. Harry, we don't want to lose any of you sooner then we have to.
"And that is why I do not trust him fully any longer professor. In fact I find myself questioning everything that is told to me now because I know that there is probably more to every story that I am being told," said Harry. "He thinks that I do not see what he is doing because my mind is not able to cope with it! HA! I think I know exactly what he is trying to do with me by not giving me any information.
"Harry, listen to me please. Just because we kept some things from you does not mean that we lie to you. We are only doing what we think is best," said McGonagall in a somewhat pleading voice.
"I asked him every year that I have been at Hogwarts why Voldemort is after me and why he killed my parents, and he never told me. Then last year when things were bearing down on me he turned his back on me. He wouldn't even look at me the whole year. I thought he blamed me for Voldemort's return. Then I was forced to take Occulemency lesson from Snape, and I was not told why, and now my godfather is dead because of it. No one told me that he could put false thoughts in my head. NO ONE, AND YOU ALL NEW THAT HE COULD. He was all I had professor, and now he is gone because of me. If only I would have known that that was why I was taking those lessons. HE DIDN'T TELL ME ANYTHING AND NOW SIRIUS IS DEAD! NONE OF YOU TOLD ME ANYTHING! Then Dumbledore feels it is appropriate to tell me everything after Sirius died. The only person that I had left and he thinks that is the best time. NO, NO, NO.!" said Harry as his wand that he was gripping ferociously began emitting red sparks from the tip.
"Ha-Harry, calm down honey. Here take a ginger snap, and then maybe you should go to bed, you have had a long day," said McGonagall as she could see Harry was on the brink of another break down.
"I think I am going to go to bed now, professor, I don't want to talk to anyone tonight," said Harry.
"Yes that is a good idea, I will be sure to see that no one bothers you this evening. Why don't you put a silencing charm on your bed Harry, that way you won't be woken up," said McGonagall.
"Okay," said Harry as he walked out of McGonagall's office, but instead of heading towards the Gryffindor Tower he went straight to the Room of Requirements.
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"Harry mate what are you doing here?" Asked Ron as everyone turned around to see Harry walk in.
"Is everyone making progress?" Asked Harry as Ron walked over to him.
"Yes they seem to be, and my Patronomus is starting to take form. Here watch this," said Ron.
"Hold on Ron, that's great about your Patronomus, but I want to have another meeting," said Harry.
"Sure," said Ron.
"A everyone, I would like to have another meeting. I know that Ron has told you all about the battle that is coming up, and I just want to here from all of you that you are ready," said Harry.
"As ready as we will ever be," said Lee Jordan.
"I'm a little scared Harry, but I told you that I would always follow you ever since I didn't believe you last year, and saw how hard you fought to let us all know the truth. Plus Parvati and I did our Lunar Charts, and it shows that we will all be fine," said Lavender.
"I can not assure you that everyone will be fine, apparently this is not going to be a small battle like we faced last time. I think Voldemort is bringing a small army with him because he wants the Centaurs to tell him something that he didn't find out last year. Dumbledore's order is probably thinking the same thing since they are willing to go into a battle to prevent him from getting the Centaurs," said Harry.
"Harry is it true that they have the Dementors fighting with them," Asked Cho.
"From what Ron overheard outside of Dumbledore's office and their strange disappearance, I'm pretty sure they are," said Harry. "But we all know how to produce a Patronomus, and many of yours have taking forms, so I don't think we should worry about them too much. As long as we stick with our tactics, and our aireal team hits their marks, then I think we will be all right. Just remember to keep an eye out for you teammates and help our medical team get them out of the battle quickly if they get hurt," said Harry.
"Don't worry everyone, I saw how Harry handles pressure situations last year, and I am not worried to go into battle under his lead," said Neville.
"Plus I am sure there are thestral and sorts in those woods. They bring good luck," said Luna in a dreamy voice.
"B-B-But I thought they brought death with them because you can only see them when you witness someone's death," said Parvati fearfully.
Several people in the order could not contain their laughter and in seconds the whole order where guffawing and laughing merrily.
"Seriously though," said Harry after everyone had calmed down. The battle is in a week and half, and I want everyone to continue practicing. I want to show everyone that we are strong a order, and that we will defeat Voldemort."
"YEAH," chorused the order.
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As the week rolled by and the battle was vastly approaching all of Harry's order seemed to be a little anxious about what they knew was coming up. It was now only one day away from the battle that was suspected to take place and everyone felt it. Even the professors were not there normal selves, and had stopped giving homework which Harry and the rest suspected was because they were planning their strategies as well. Even Harry's detentions had been dropped, but Harry suspected that McGonagall had taken pity on him after their little discussion during his first detention. She often spoke with him briefly every morning to make sure he was still holding everything together. Harry almost believed the she thought he was going to hurt himself, not that he hadn't thought that at one point in time, but now all he wanted to do was stop Voldemort.
"I was wondering," said Hermione suddenly at the dinner table. "How are we going to know when it is time for us to leave for the battle?"
"I thought that we would use Dobby to see when Dumbledore and his order left. They always seem to be in his office now, so I thought that when they left then we should leave a few minutes after them," said Harry.
"Do you think Dobby will spy on them for us?" Asked Ron.
"Yeah, I do. Dobby is always willing to help me out ever since I freed him. You know once last year he asked me if I would allow him to be my house elf after I left Hogwarts," said Harry.
"Cool, only the richest people get house elves. You'll never have to make your bed again. Hey do you think he can stop by my flat from time to time to tidy up a bit. Mom says she is going to stop picking up after me when I move out," said Ron.
"Ron, Harry would never let Dobby be his house elf," said Hermione.
"Of course Harry will except Dobby's offer because that is a huge disgrace to a house elf if they are turned down from a master they have chosen, and who wants to clean up after themselves anyway?" Asked Ron.
Harry laughed and patted Ron on the back while Hermione looked appalled, and Sarah looked on in amusement.
"Well, at least it is Saturday, so we can practice our training tonight," said Hermione.
"Yeah that's a good idea, by the way what are yours' and Sarah's plan for the Christmas break?" Asked Ron.
"Oh my parents are wanting me to come home this year and see them. I am really looking forward to it after I didn't spend Christmas with them last year. I haven't got to spend much time with them in a while, and I really miss my father/daughter outings," said Hermione.
"I am going home to. My family and I always spend Christmas together," said Sarah.
"I'm just glad that you aren't staying here this year for Christmas Harry. With You-Know-Who back no one is allowing their kids to stay at Hogwarts this year, and I really didn't want to leave you here all alone," said Hermione.
"I am looking forward to spending Christmas with Ron and his family, Tonks, and the rest," said Harry.
"What about Remus?" Asked Ron.
"I am still pretty mad at him, but I am afraid to hold a grudge to long because I am afraid I will lose him too," said Harry.
"UMMMM! UMMMMM! Mr. Potter sir," said Dobby as he frantically pulled on the hem of Harry's robe.
"Dobby what's the matter?" Asked Harry.
"Dobby over here Headmaster Dumbledore sir. Mr. Potter asked Dobby to tell him if anything came up about the battle," whispered Dobby.
"And," said Ron.
"It is happening tonight. The order is preparing to leave now," said Dobby with tears in his eyes.
"Mr. Potter sir must be careful tonight. Dobby does not want to see Mr. Potter and his friends hurt, but Dobby understands what sir and his loyal friends are doing," said Dobby.
"Thank you, Dobby, and don't worry if I make it through all of this stuff I would be more than happy for you to be my house elf," said Harry.
"Ooohhh. Dobby is so happy to hear that from Mr. Potter sir. Dobby has prided himself on taking care of Harry Potter since he has set Dobby free," said Dobby.
"Good, now Dobby make sure the Room of Requirements is ready for us when we get back okay," said Harry as he, Ron, Hermione, and Sarah all got up from the table.
"Of course, anything for Harry Potter sir," said Dobby.
As they were making there way to the Room of Requirements Harry summoned the rest of his order.
Within minutes everyone in the order counting Mary, April, and Mr. Lenoge were present and in their robes. "Harry, I think you may need to give us a little pep talk," said Hermione with a quiver in her voice and she was slightly pale in color.
"Right," said Harry. "A listen, I'm not going to lie, this is going to be our biggest battle yet, and I don't know how it's going to turn out. All I do know is that if my life is taking tonight then I know. I know that I will have died for a good cause," said Harry.
"A Harry that was not a good motivator. I think you scared everyone more then you helped them," said Ron. "I mean that speech scared me mate."
As Harry looked around at his order that was standing in front of him in their midnight blue robes with the emblems of a flaming phoenix on the back he truly seen how scared everyone looked. "A. Lis-listen everyone. started Harry but he truly didn't know what to say. Everyone around him where all paler then usual. Mary, April, and Mr. Lenoge where clutching Harry's invisibility cloak so tight that he was afraid it was going to tare, and the arial team has such holds on their brooms that their knuckles had turned white. What are we doing, thought Harry. However, as his mind began drifting again he began hearing the thing he had heard so many times in his dreams and around the dreaded Dementors that he wanted to stop so badly.
"NO, PLEASON NO, NOT HARRY! NOT MY BABY, PLEASE!" The words of Harry's mother began playing through Harry's mind as he stood in front of the order.
"Harry, you there mate?" Asked Ron.
"Harry are you okay?" said Sarah.
"NO! LISTEN UP EVERYONE. The time for worrying is over. Voldemort has plagued my dreams for to long, and I will not stand for it any longer. If death is what that means than so be it. We will not stand by and let our world be plundered and ruined because on man decides he wants to kill everyone that does not serve him. I will gladly die before I serve him, and I know that you all will too. We are going into battle tonight not because we fear him, but for us to put the fear in Voldemort," said Harry.
"We are with you all the way," said Fred and George.
"As I," said Neville.
"We have always been by your side through thick and thin, and we aren't about to leave now," said Ron.
As they all crowded around the portkeys Harry took in his order again. The still seemed a little anxious, sort of like players look before a Quidditch match, thought Harry. However, he could see in each of their eyes that they had found their inner strength and was prepared to take on whatever awaited them. "In four, three, two, one, said Harry," and they were gone.
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I know all of you have been waiting on a big battle to take place, and now you have it. The battle takes place in the next chapter. I hope you all are prepared for what is going to happen. I'm just joking with you, but the battle will be fierce. I know you all expect nothing less. Thanks again for all of your reviews they mean a lot. I can't stop myself from periodically checking to see if I have more reviews every time I pass by the computer. Thanks again everyone, and especially the reviewers that have been reviewing since chapter one. Well until next Saturday I hope you enjoy and have fun.