************CHAPTER ELEVEN***********
DAY ONE
When Harry awoke the next day, he did not want to get out of bed. He knew he could take a lot. Finding out he had been abandoned for 15 years, having to fight one of the evilest evil Dark Lords in History, being lied to for most of his life, but he was not sure that he could take living and training with Draco Malfoy for three days. He had a bad feeling that these would be the longest three days of his entire life.
"Joy."
As he reluctantly made his way into the Great Hall for breakfast, he noticed the somber atmosphere at the head table. 'The headmaster must have told them about the attack,' he thought.
He saw his friends at the Gryffindor table and decided to join them. As he sat down and greeted his friends with a fake, cheerful 'Good Morning,' he looked over to see if Draco had come down yet, and he saw a very disturbing site. He had come down and he was sitting at the end of the Slytherin table, being the center of his classmates ridicule. The two heirs locked eyes, and with a small but sincere smile on his face, Draco stood up. Every eye followed the fair-headed boy as he crossed the Hall. As he sat next to Harry at the Gryffindor table, there was a strong silence. Harry, however, smiled and loudly stated "Welcome, Draco," and the room was once again filled with talking. He then turned to the Slytherin and, in a much lower voice, said
"So, admitting that Gryffindor is the better house?"
"Never!" Draco replied loudly and firmly. "Just didn't want to get killed before I had to fight on Thursday."
"So Dumbledore talked to you?"
"Yes, your great-grandfather told me everything."
Harry glared at Draco and cold warning glare that could have frozen a full lake in a nanosecond.
"Alright, alright. I won't mention it again. So what's first on the agenda for today?"
"We have to move in, then I'll see if I can get you to do some wandless magic. We also need to find someone who knows sword fighting. Do you know anyone?"
"Well, I know this incredibly smart and handsome guy-"
"I already told you Draco, I don't know how to."
"Shut up you git. I was talking about me."
"I know, I'm not stupid."
"Well-"
"Is that schedule okay with you, Draco?"
"It'll do for a Gryffindor plan. What about your staff? And Do you think I have any of those special 'super hero I'm better than everyone else' powers like you?"
"What are you talking about you idiot?"
"You know, like wandless magic and stuff."
"Dumbledore said something about you being able to do wandless magic."
"What about anything else?"
"Well, I know how to find out, but it'll involve getting those two in it," he said, pointing to Ron and Hermione.
Draco sighed. "I guess we'll have to. We only have three days, time is not on our side."
"Hey guys," Harry said, getting the two's attention. "Do you think we could get your help?"
"Sure, what with?"
"Well, we need you to go to the library."
A loud banging noise was heard across the hall as Ron hit his head hard on the table.
Hermione looked at Ron with an annoyed look, than turned back to her boyfriend.
"What do you need us to look up, love?"
To add to the banging noise, a loud snort could be heard from the other side of Harry.
"Oh looooove," Draco said with a high-pitched mocking voice, suppressing the laugh that was trying to get out. "Can we go snog for a while in the broom closet, loooooove?"
"Oh shut up! Anyways Hermione," Harry bent his head towards Ron and Hermione so no one else could hear. "We need you to look up anything you can about Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Merlin. Specifically, their powers and anything special that their swords and staff can do. I'm sure Dumbledore will give you a note to get into the restricted section if you need to."
"I can do that Harry, but why?"
"I'll tell you a little later, okay?"
"Okay."
"Now," Harry said talking a little louder. "The staff table looks too subdued. I think we should do something about it. Any ideas?"
"Harry! You can't pull a prank on the teachers!"
"Sure I can. How about you Draco? Any ideas?"
"I'm thinking polka dots."
"And Orange Hair!" Ron added in. "It can't hurt to show a little Cannon pride!"
"Alright. Orange hair and hmmm... lime green polka dots. Any other suggestions?"
Surprisingly it was Hermione that replied next. "Falsetto voices. They all need falsetto voices."
All three of the boys looked at her in shock. "What? If you aren't going to listen to me, I might at least put in my input."
"Alrighty," Harry replied. "I'll add the falsetto voices. And just for you, sweetie, it'll come off when they leave the hall. Sound good to everyone?"
There were nods from everyone and Harry waved his hand towards the staff table. Immediately, Professor McGonagall screamed at the spots on her hands and almost a second later, the students had looked up and were rolling in laughter. Snape was the first one to get angry, and demanded that the culprit be caught. Had it not been for the high, shrill voice, he might have been listened to, but as it was, he only made the room get louder in laughter. He got up angrily and strode out of the hall.
Sirius and Remus were the next ones to leave, but Harry noticed a mischievous look in their eyes that was directed straight for him. The last one standing at the table was the headmaster, and he too was looking directly at the quartet. But, instead of having looking angry, he had one of the largest smiles Harry had ever seen on him.
Once breakfast was over, Harry and Draco went up to the headmaster.
"Mr. Potter, I would assume you knew nothing about this colorful turn of events?"
"Not I said the little blue duck," replied the grinning boy.
"Draco, have you collected you things?"
"Yes, sir. Professor Snape came with me before breakfast."
"Alright then, lets get going."
On the way to their room, Harry kept his pace with the headmaster, while Draco fell behind.
"Harry, have you thought about what we talked about last night?"
"Indeed, I have, headmaster, and I know what you are looking for."
"And what would that be?"
"Forgiveness. You want me to tell you that I forgive for this entire matter and not to worry about it. Well, I'm sorry, sir, but right now, forgiveness is one thing I cannot give you. I understand why you did what you did, but a part of me will always know that you lied to me all those years. For forgiveness, one must have trust, and I'm sorry, but it may take a little while for me to trust again."
The headmaster had a thoughtful look on his face before replying to Harry. "I think that is sensible decision, Harry. You have turned out to be a clever young man. Never let anyone tell you different."
"No sir, I have made many done many things during my life that have shown my foolhardiness. Contrary to what most people believe, leaving was not one of those choices." He continued in a somewhat quieter voice. "However, coming back may very well have been."
"I still stand by what I said."
And as quickly as the topic was brought up, it was dropped. Harry and Draco followed the old man through the hallways, and finally made it to the familiar third corridor. Dumbledore went to one of the doors and led them into of the room. The room they were assigned to was rather large. There was a fireplace with a sitting area in front of it, complete with two chairs, a couch and a nice coffee table. The beds were on opposite sides of the room (thank Merlin).
"You should be quite comfortable here. Let me know if you need anything." And with that, he left the room.
Draco made his way to one of the beds and sat down. "This room needs some color!" He took out his wand, and with a few words, the entire room was decorated in forest green and silver. "Much better," he exclaimed, and started unshrinking his things.
"Like hell I'm going to allow you to decorate MY room in Slytherin colors!" Harry waved his hand and instantaneously the room was adorned in scarlet and gold.
Draco looked up, saw the change, and with another wave of his wand, changed the room back.
Harry waved his hand again, and the colors went back to Gryffindor. The switching went back and forth for several minutes, until Harry finally yelled,
"Stop! Alright, here!" He took out his wand and drew a bold white line across the room. "You get to decorate that half, I this. Is that okay?"
"I guess. But that means I get the bathroom."
"NO! The bathroom can be a nice, neutral color. Blue?"
A heavy sigh was heard from the Slytherin. "I guess."
"You know Draco, for someone who is Ravenclaw's heir, you sure are obsessed with Slytherin."
"Eh, oh well."
They spent the next hour unpacking, and then made their way to an empty classroom to start training. After and hour and a half, Harry still hadn't even gotten a spark out of Draco using wandless magic.
"Come on! It's not that hard! Just focus on that candle and envision a flame on the wick."
Draco stuck his hand out towards the candle and closed his eyes.
"Nothing. Maybe this was just because you were Merlin's heir! Maybe I'm not supposed to be able to do this."
"Nonsense! Dumbledore said you were able to do it, so do it! I never thought I'd see the day that Draco Malfoy would give up! I thought you said you were all great and mighty. It's like admitting that you know I'm better than you."
"YOU will NEVER be better than me!"
He held his hand out, this time keeping his eye open, and immediately a flame shot out of his hand and lit the candle.
"See? Great AND Mighty. And don't forget it!"
After another half and hour, Draco finally got the hang of it, and was able to do almost all spells without the use of his wand. Deciding it was time for lunch, they headed back towards the Great Hall and sat down next to Ron and Hermione.
"Did you find anything yet?"
"We haven't started looking yet. We had classes this morning."
"No no no no no... we need you to look NOW. We need to know all we can by Wednesday Evening. Need to know like our lives depend on it. I know you don't want to miss class, but Dumbledore excuse you. I need you to spend all your time on the research for now."
"But why, mate?"
Harry bent his head down like he had that morning, and whispered to his friends.
"Hogwarts is going to be attacked on Thursday morning, and we need to know everything we can. Apparently, we are the wizarding world's only hope."
Hermione and Ron looked shell shocked. It was Hermione that finally replied.
"Why didn't you tell us this morning?!?!? Come on, Ron. We don't have time to eat. Let's go."
"But-"
"I said let's go. NOW!"
Not wanting to fear the wrath of Hermione, Ron reluctantly followed her out of the room.
"I'd eat up if I were you, Harry. Your arse is mine this afternoon. And I'm not going easy on you."
An hour later found both boys back in the same empty classroom. After teaching Harry the basic moves, it was time for their first duel with the practice swords. It lasted a good ten minutes, but Draco came out the clear winner.
"I hate to say this, Harry, but you're a natural. After a little more practice, you should be even a decent opponent for me."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Draco."
Seeing that sword fighting was definitely their worst area, they practiced on it for four hours. At six, they went back to their room and got ready for the night's Order Meeting.
"So what do I have to do to be initiated tonight?"
"How much do you know about manticores?"
Harry heard very little from Draco after that.
At six they went down for a quick bite in the Great Hall. At the end of dinner, the headmaster made an announcement that classes would be canceled for the next two days, due to the arrival of guests. The prefects were then asked to escort students back to their common rooms for the night.
As soon as all the students were gone, were gone, adults started filing into the room. Draco and Harry took seats toward the back, trying to fill into the shadows. Unfortunately, Harry's efforts were useless
"HAROLD JAMES POTTER!!!!!!!"
Harry knew that voice. Only one person could yell that loud. However, before he could respond he was pulled into a suffocating hug.
"Don't you EVER pull a stunt like that again!! If you ever leave us again, you might ask for the yearly rate at St. Mungo's!!!"
Had Harry been able to breath, he might have replied, but his personal howler was squeezing too tight. Finally, it was Mr. Weasley who rescued him.
"Molly, dear, I know you don't want him to leave again, but if you don't let him breath, he may do so involuntarily."
"Oh, I'm so sorry Harry! I'm just so glad to see you back. Have you been eating properly? You look too thin."
"I'm quite fine, Mrs. Weasley. How are you doing? Last time I saw you, you were still in the hospital."
"I'm as well can be expected, dear. But maybe if you had been here, you would have known that!"
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Weasley, I just had to be alone for a while. I still feel guilty for leaving, but I don't regret it for a minute. Hopefully I'll be able to go back once this is all over."
"Hmph! We'll see about that!" she replied as she turned to grab a seat.
"Regardless, Harry, we're glad you're back and well. We were worried about you. All of us."
"Thanks, Mr. Weasley."
He too then went and sat down next to his wife, leaving Harry with five irate red heads.
"Hello guys," he said sheepishly.
It was the twins that spoke for the group.
"If you ever pull a prank like that again-"
"We'll be forced to take drastic measures-"
"Kicking will be involved-"
"As will punching and more kicking-"
"And maybe a locked room with quaffles-"
Now that sounded familiar! "Have you guys been spending time with Sirius?"
"How did you know? "
"And we're not done with our threats."
"Look, I'm sorry guys. I can't say much more."
Then smile broke out on each of their faces, and they each shook Harry's hand and went to sit with their parents. Harry tried to go back to the shadows with Draco, and he almost made it, when the headmaster came to talk to the two.
"I want you both to sit at the front, so you can be part of the plans."
Unwillingly, they made their way to the front and sat down. As Dumbledore called the meeting to order, Harry leaned over to Draco.
"Ready for the manticore, Draco?" As Harry saw a bit of fear pass through the boy's eyes, he couldn't help but snigger. "Relax! I was kidding! All you do is take an oath. For some one who never trusted Gryffindors, you're way too gullible!"
If looks could kill, Harry Potter would have no longer been the boy-who- lived.
When it came time for Draco's oath, he went to the front and answered the prominent questions. However, at the end, something happened. That same gorgeous song that Fawkes sung at the end of Harry's initiation could be heard again. It was then that Harry understood why the headmaster thought is so peculiar. 'That pesky little bird! It knew all along!'
Harry listened intently to all the plans made that night. He wasn't happy about this fight, but at least he knew he could go in prepared. The announcement he was the most disturbed to hear was one concerning him.
"Harry, I want you to talk to all of the sixth and seventh years and see who is willing to fight."
"But sir, don't you think they are a little young? They still have Hogwarts to finish! They don't need to be out there in the middle of this!"
"Harry, I have a strong feeling that the war comes down to this fight. If we don't win, then there will be no Hogwarts for them to attend. They don't have to fight if they don't want to. If they don't know no one will think the worse of them, but if they do, it's always another person to help us out."
"I still think they're too young."
"They're your age."
"But they don't have locked up powers, do they?"
"No Harry, your right. They don't. Just do it. I've considered other options. We need every person out there we can muster. I'm having to hold myself back from asking the fifth years, too. Can I count on you for this task or do you want me to ask Draco?"
"I'll do it, sir," the boy replied halfheartedly.
Finally the meeting was over, and Harry helped escort the order members to their rooms. After he was done, he went straight to his room. It was a very sleepy Harry that went to bed that night.
To Be Continued on Day Two....
************************
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I didn't realize that it sounded like he had forgiven Dumbledore so easily. Hopefully you can tell in this chapter. I would've gone back and changed the last one, but ah well...
It looks like the whole outline I made has been thrown to the dogs. Seeing that this chapter was supposed to be only 3 pages in a chapter with other stuff in it, there will probably be a few more chapters than expected. Good for you. Bad for fingers.
Let me know what you think of this chapter... I do this I know what will at least be happening in the rest of it all. That's always a good thing...
My eyes hurt and STILL I put the DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
DAY ONE
When Harry awoke the next day, he did not want to get out of bed. He knew he could take a lot. Finding out he had been abandoned for 15 years, having to fight one of the evilest evil Dark Lords in History, being lied to for most of his life, but he was not sure that he could take living and training with Draco Malfoy for three days. He had a bad feeling that these would be the longest three days of his entire life.
"Joy."
As he reluctantly made his way into the Great Hall for breakfast, he noticed the somber atmosphere at the head table. 'The headmaster must have told them about the attack,' he thought.
He saw his friends at the Gryffindor table and decided to join them. As he sat down and greeted his friends with a fake, cheerful 'Good Morning,' he looked over to see if Draco had come down yet, and he saw a very disturbing site. He had come down and he was sitting at the end of the Slytherin table, being the center of his classmates ridicule. The two heirs locked eyes, and with a small but sincere smile on his face, Draco stood up. Every eye followed the fair-headed boy as he crossed the Hall. As he sat next to Harry at the Gryffindor table, there was a strong silence. Harry, however, smiled and loudly stated "Welcome, Draco," and the room was once again filled with talking. He then turned to the Slytherin and, in a much lower voice, said
"So, admitting that Gryffindor is the better house?"
"Never!" Draco replied loudly and firmly. "Just didn't want to get killed before I had to fight on Thursday."
"So Dumbledore talked to you?"
"Yes, your great-grandfather told me everything."
Harry glared at Draco and cold warning glare that could have frozen a full lake in a nanosecond.
"Alright, alright. I won't mention it again. So what's first on the agenda for today?"
"We have to move in, then I'll see if I can get you to do some wandless magic. We also need to find someone who knows sword fighting. Do you know anyone?"
"Well, I know this incredibly smart and handsome guy-"
"I already told you Draco, I don't know how to."
"Shut up you git. I was talking about me."
"I know, I'm not stupid."
"Well-"
"Is that schedule okay with you, Draco?"
"It'll do for a Gryffindor plan. What about your staff? And Do you think I have any of those special 'super hero I'm better than everyone else' powers like you?"
"What are you talking about you idiot?"
"You know, like wandless magic and stuff."
"Dumbledore said something about you being able to do wandless magic."
"What about anything else?"
"Well, I know how to find out, but it'll involve getting those two in it," he said, pointing to Ron and Hermione.
Draco sighed. "I guess we'll have to. We only have three days, time is not on our side."
"Hey guys," Harry said, getting the two's attention. "Do you think we could get your help?"
"Sure, what with?"
"Well, we need you to go to the library."
A loud banging noise was heard across the hall as Ron hit his head hard on the table.
Hermione looked at Ron with an annoyed look, than turned back to her boyfriend.
"What do you need us to look up, love?"
To add to the banging noise, a loud snort could be heard from the other side of Harry.
"Oh looooove," Draco said with a high-pitched mocking voice, suppressing the laugh that was trying to get out. "Can we go snog for a while in the broom closet, loooooove?"
"Oh shut up! Anyways Hermione," Harry bent his head towards Ron and Hermione so no one else could hear. "We need you to look up anything you can about Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Merlin. Specifically, their powers and anything special that their swords and staff can do. I'm sure Dumbledore will give you a note to get into the restricted section if you need to."
"I can do that Harry, but why?"
"I'll tell you a little later, okay?"
"Okay."
"Now," Harry said talking a little louder. "The staff table looks too subdued. I think we should do something about it. Any ideas?"
"Harry! You can't pull a prank on the teachers!"
"Sure I can. How about you Draco? Any ideas?"
"I'm thinking polka dots."
"And Orange Hair!" Ron added in. "It can't hurt to show a little Cannon pride!"
"Alright. Orange hair and hmmm... lime green polka dots. Any other suggestions?"
Surprisingly it was Hermione that replied next. "Falsetto voices. They all need falsetto voices."
All three of the boys looked at her in shock. "What? If you aren't going to listen to me, I might at least put in my input."
"Alrighty," Harry replied. "I'll add the falsetto voices. And just for you, sweetie, it'll come off when they leave the hall. Sound good to everyone?"
There were nods from everyone and Harry waved his hand towards the staff table. Immediately, Professor McGonagall screamed at the spots on her hands and almost a second later, the students had looked up and were rolling in laughter. Snape was the first one to get angry, and demanded that the culprit be caught. Had it not been for the high, shrill voice, he might have been listened to, but as it was, he only made the room get louder in laughter. He got up angrily and strode out of the hall.
Sirius and Remus were the next ones to leave, but Harry noticed a mischievous look in their eyes that was directed straight for him. The last one standing at the table was the headmaster, and he too was looking directly at the quartet. But, instead of having looking angry, he had one of the largest smiles Harry had ever seen on him.
Once breakfast was over, Harry and Draco went up to the headmaster.
"Mr. Potter, I would assume you knew nothing about this colorful turn of events?"
"Not I said the little blue duck," replied the grinning boy.
"Draco, have you collected you things?"
"Yes, sir. Professor Snape came with me before breakfast."
"Alright then, lets get going."
On the way to their room, Harry kept his pace with the headmaster, while Draco fell behind.
"Harry, have you thought about what we talked about last night?"
"Indeed, I have, headmaster, and I know what you are looking for."
"And what would that be?"
"Forgiveness. You want me to tell you that I forgive for this entire matter and not to worry about it. Well, I'm sorry, sir, but right now, forgiveness is one thing I cannot give you. I understand why you did what you did, but a part of me will always know that you lied to me all those years. For forgiveness, one must have trust, and I'm sorry, but it may take a little while for me to trust again."
The headmaster had a thoughtful look on his face before replying to Harry. "I think that is sensible decision, Harry. You have turned out to be a clever young man. Never let anyone tell you different."
"No sir, I have made many done many things during my life that have shown my foolhardiness. Contrary to what most people believe, leaving was not one of those choices." He continued in a somewhat quieter voice. "However, coming back may very well have been."
"I still stand by what I said."
And as quickly as the topic was brought up, it was dropped. Harry and Draco followed the old man through the hallways, and finally made it to the familiar third corridor. Dumbledore went to one of the doors and led them into of the room. The room they were assigned to was rather large. There was a fireplace with a sitting area in front of it, complete with two chairs, a couch and a nice coffee table. The beds were on opposite sides of the room (thank Merlin).
"You should be quite comfortable here. Let me know if you need anything." And with that, he left the room.
Draco made his way to one of the beds and sat down. "This room needs some color!" He took out his wand, and with a few words, the entire room was decorated in forest green and silver. "Much better," he exclaimed, and started unshrinking his things.
"Like hell I'm going to allow you to decorate MY room in Slytherin colors!" Harry waved his hand and instantaneously the room was adorned in scarlet and gold.
Draco looked up, saw the change, and with another wave of his wand, changed the room back.
Harry waved his hand again, and the colors went back to Gryffindor. The switching went back and forth for several minutes, until Harry finally yelled,
"Stop! Alright, here!" He took out his wand and drew a bold white line across the room. "You get to decorate that half, I this. Is that okay?"
"I guess. But that means I get the bathroom."
"NO! The bathroom can be a nice, neutral color. Blue?"
A heavy sigh was heard from the Slytherin. "I guess."
"You know Draco, for someone who is Ravenclaw's heir, you sure are obsessed with Slytherin."
"Eh, oh well."
They spent the next hour unpacking, and then made their way to an empty classroom to start training. After and hour and a half, Harry still hadn't even gotten a spark out of Draco using wandless magic.
"Come on! It's not that hard! Just focus on that candle and envision a flame on the wick."
Draco stuck his hand out towards the candle and closed his eyes.
"Nothing. Maybe this was just because you were Merlin's heir! Maybe I'm not supposed to be able to do this."
"Nonsense! Dumbledore said you were able to do it, so do it! I never thought I'd see the day that Draco Malfoy would give up! I thought you said you were all great and mighty. It's like admitting that you know I'm better than you."
"YOU will NEVER be better than me!"
He held his hand out, this time keeping his eye open, and immediately a flame shot out of his hand and lit the candle.
"See? Great AND Mighty. And don't forget it!"
After another half and hour, Draco finally got the hang of it, and was able to do almost all spells without the use of his wand. Deciding it was time for lunch, they headed back towards the Great Hall and sat down next to Ron and Hermione.
"Did you find anything yet?"
"We haven't started looking yet. We had classes this morning."
"No no no no no... we need you to look NOW. We need to know all we can by Wednesday Evening. Need to know like our lives depend on it. I know you don't want to miss class, but Dumbledore excuse you. I need you to spend all your time on the research for now."
"But why, mate?"
Harry bent his head down like he had that morning, and whispered to his friends.
"Hogwarts is going to be attacked on Thursday morning, and we need to know everything we can. Apparently, we are the wizarding world's only hope."
Hermione and Ron looked shell shocked. It was Hermione that finally replied.
"Why didn't you tell us this morning?!?!? Come on, Ron. We don't have time to eat. Let's go."
"But-"
"I said let's go. NOW!"
Not wanting to fear the wrath of Hermione, Ron reluctantly followed her out of the room.
"I'd eat up if I were you, Harry. Your arse is mine this afternoon. And I'm not going easy on you."
An hour later found both boys back in the same empty classroom. After teaching Harry the basic moves, it was time for their first duel with the practice swords. It lasted a good ten minutes, but Draco came out the clear winner.
"I hate to say this, Harry, but you're a natural. After a little more practice, you should be even a decent opponent for me."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Draco."
Seeing that sword fighting was definitely their worst area, they practiced on it for four hours. At six, they went back to their room and got ready for the night's Order Meeting.
"So what do I have to do to be initiated tonight?"
"How much do you know about manticores?"
Harry heard very little from Draco after that.
At six they went down for a quick bite in the Great Hall. At the end of dinner, the headmaster made an announcement that classes would be canceled for the next two days, due to the arrival of guests. The prefects were then asked to escort students back to their common rooms for the night.
As soon as all the students were gone, were gone, adults started filing into the room. Draco and Harry took seats toward the back, trying to fill into the shadows. Unfortunately, Harry's efforts were useless
"HAROLD JAMES POTTER!!!!!!!"
Harry knew that voice. Only one person could yell that loud. However, before he could respond he was pulled into a suffocating hug.
"Don't you EVER pull a stunt like that again!! If you ever leave us again, you might ask for the yearly rate at St. Mungo's!!!"
Had Harry been able to breath, he might have replied, but his personal howler was squeezing too tight. Finally, it was Mr. Weasley who rescued him.
"Molly, dear, I know you don't want him to leave again, but if you don't let him breath, he may do so involuntarily."
"Oh, I'm so sorry Harry! I'm just so glad to see you back. Have you been eating properly? You look too thin."
"I'm quite fine, Mrs. Weasley. How are you doing? Last time I saw you, you were still in the hospital."
"I'm as well can be expected, dear. But maybe if you had been here, you would have known that!"
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Weasley, I just had to be alone for a while. I still feel guilty for leaving, but I don't regret it for a minute. Hopefully I'll be able to go back once this is all over."
"Hmph! We'll see about that!" she replied as she turned to grab a seat.
"Regardless, Harry, we're glad you're back and well. We were worried about you. All of us."
"Thanks, Mr. Weasley."
He too then went and sat down next to his wife, leaving Harry with five irate red heads.
"Hello guys," he said sheepishly.
It was the twins that spoke for the group.
"If you ever pull a prank like that again-"
"We'll be forced to take drastic measures-"
"Kicking will be involved-"
"As will punching and more kicking-"
"And maybe a locked room with quaffles-"
Now that sounded familiar! "Have you guys been spending time with Sirius?"
"How did you know? "
"And we're not done with our threats."
"Look, I'm sorry guys. I can't say much more."
Then smile broke out on each of their faces, and they each shook Harry's hand and went to sit with their parents. Harry tried to go back to the shadows with Draco, and he almost made it, when the headmaster came to talk to the two.
"I want you both to sit at the front, so you can be part of the plans."
Unwillingly, they made their way to the front and sat down. As Dumbledore called the meeting to order, Harry leaned over to Draco.
"Ready for the manticore, Draco?" As Harry saw a bit of fear pass through the boy's eyes, he couldn't help but snigger. "Relax! I was kidding! All you do is take an oath. For some one who never trusted Gryffindors, you're way too gullible!"
If looks could kill, Harry Potter would have no longer been the boy-who- lived.
When it came time for Draco's oath, he went to the front and answered the prominent questions. However, at the end, something happened. That same gorgeous song that Fawkes sung at the end of Harry's initiation could be heard again. It was then that Harry understood why the headmaster thought is so peculiar. 'That pesky little bird! It knew all along!'
Harry listened intently to all the plans made that night. He wasn't happy about this fight, but at least he knew he could go in prepared. The announcement he was the most disturbed to hear was one concerning him.
"Harry, I want you to talk to all of the sixth and seventh years and see who is willing to fight."
"But sir, don't you think they are a little young? They still have Hogwarts to finish! They don't need to be out there in the middle of this!"
"Harry, I have a strong feeling that the war comes down to this fight. If we don't win, then there will be no Hogwarts for them to attend. They don't have to fight if they don't want to. If they don't know no one will think the worse of them, but if they do, it's always another person to help us out."
"I still think they're too young."
"They're your age."
"But they don't have locked up powers, do they?"
"No Harry, your right. They don't. Just do it. I've considered other options. We need every person out there we can muster. I'm having to hold myself back from asking the fifth years, too. Can I count on you for this task or do you want me to ask Draco?"
"I'll do it, sir," the boy replied halfheartedly.
Finally the meeting was over, and Harry helped escort the order members to their rooms. After he was done, he went straight to his room. It was a very sleepy Harry that went to bed that night.
To Be Continued on Day Two....
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a/n YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! 100+ Reviews!!!!
A big THANKS goes to my 100th reviewer, shdurrani (YAY TEXAS ;) ), as well as HrryPttrFreak87, coolone007, shadow_cat2612, GracieInGreek, Aeternus and Vicieuxsinge, clockwork, BlackDragon, thefly, Dracotk, AzNKiD, KittenBabyGirl, sew2100, and David M. Potter
I never thought I'd make it too 100 reviews, but you guys made it possible! Thanks so much!!!!
I didn't realize that it sounded like he had forgiven Dumbledore so easily. Hopefully you can tell in this chapter. I would've gone back and changed the last one, but ah well...
It looks like the whole outline I made has been thrown to the dogs. Seeing that this chapter was supposed to be only 3 pages in a chapter with other stuff in it, there will probably be a few more chapters than expected. Good for you. Bad for fingers.
Let me know what you think of this chapter... I do this I know what will at least be happening in the rest of it all. That's always a good thing...
My eyes hurt and STILL I put the DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.