CHAPTER 10 "HEIR TO TWO"

If it wasn't for the state of the Magical world, and threat of Voldermort Harry would have found the looks he was receiving comical. Every member of the council he had called stood frozen to the spot, and the looks of shock, fear, and even anger could be distinguished from each member.

"Please take a seat, All will be explained" Harry said to the group, who simply stared at him in shock. "Ron, please take a seat Harry said again, walking to his best friend, and touching his right forearm sending a shock of warmth through his friend, and reviving him from his momentary shock.

"Good. Thank you Ron" Harry said, as Ron finally gained composure, and took his seat. Moving to Hermione, Harry had to laugh at her gapping mouth, and sweeping her into a hug spoke softly into her ear, "Hermione, come on its alright, I am okay, been to hell and back, but I'm alright," Harry whispered, and even though she had broken into tears, she proceeded to sit down.

Harry continued through the ranks of his council, until all were seated. When he arrived back at his chair he advised the others to wait momentarily, and with a flash of red, and gold flames, Harry disappeared, only to reappear minutes later with a sobbing Cho.

Over the next Hour Harry explained all he could. Remembering the impact of the killing curse just a week and a half earlier Harry went on to explain that once his energy was spent he was pulled mentally from his body, and had spent the time with his ancestor Godric Gryffindor where he was taught to travel by flame, within Hogwarts, as well as part of his special Magical abilities. More importantly however was the time he spent with Merlin, and the gift of foresight, as well as wandless magic. Pausing as the mouths dropped open from everyone in the room, Harry explained.

"My Mother, Lily Evans is the great great, and numerous more great granddaughter of Merlin himself. Passed down from Father to Daughter My mother inherited it from her father Richard M. Peterson, before he passed away just two weeks prior to my mothers birth. Through remarriage, and a name change, my mother became Lily P. Evans, heir to Merlin himself" Harry finished smiling proudly.

"Th-That makes you" Hermione stuttered being the first to speak "Heir to both Gryffindor, and Merlin" Harry finished, and the group in the council room finally noticed the bead of red, and silver that now encircled the green in Harry's eyes. Dumbledore seemed to take this news better to the others, and Harry noticed the twinkle in his eyes return.

"It has been a long time since the heir of Merlin has been known." Dumbledore spoke suppressing a yawn, but still showing his excitement. Ever since the turn of the century it has been a mystery for the names in every book were destroyed" He finished looking at Hermione, who he knew would acknowledge his truth.

"But Harry, how is it that you spent time with Merlin, and Godric, I mean they have been dead for well." Hermione spoke again., and Harry had to laugh. Leave it up to Hermione to want a logical explanation to everything.

"Well Hermione, it is most likely because for the short time between being hit with the killing curse and being revived by Cho" He said squeezing the hand of Cho, who had not let it go since he woke her in the hospital wing, I had in fact passed on into the spiritual realm in which Both Godric, and Merlin taught me. Harry finished seeing the confused looks on everyone's face.

Deciding he needed to explain more, Harry went on. "You see time is different in our world. When dead, time flies to put it lightly, in the two and a half weeks I spent with Merlin, and Godric, twenty-five minutes passed down here. My Body physically kept me under until it caught up to the mind" Harry finished standing.

"Now, as I am assure you are all tired, lets call it a night. We will plan to meet again this weekend in which we will discuss in more detail what we can do to better defeat Voldermort. Harry said lifting his hands, and without a single word, each member of the order found themselves back in their rooms, all but Dumbledore, Cho, and Harry, who remained.

"I see the time off has done you well Harry" Dumbledore smiled walking over to the young couple. "It has sir" Harry smiled placing a hand through his untidy hair. "I kept you behind for a update, I have been out for a while, and from what I caught from Ron, attacks have increased" Harry said sitting down again with Cho and Dumbledore taking a seat next to him.

"They have indeed Harry, six total since Durmstrang, three this week alone, the first one was in Wellington where Voldermort focused on killing, and torturing Muggles. Second was in Godric Hollow, there he focused on old wizarding families, since then however his other attacks have been focused on young towns such as Flourish where he attacks for two hours, and then his forces vanish, each time they loose less, and less. I believe he is using the attacks as training." Dumbledore finished.

"And our forces?" Harry asked. "We have struggled finding willing, and able recruits. Voldermort has done a good job in terrifying all those that appose him, and even though Remus is trying, I am afraid our numbers are not a tenth of Voldermorts" Dumbledore continued.

"Then we will meet again tomorrow to discuss recruiting in more detail" Harry said again smiling at Dumbledore, and raising a hand. Moments later Dumbledore found himself back in his office, while Harry and Cho were transported into Marauders Hall, and into Harry's room where he quickly placed both a silencing charm, as well as a locking charm on the door.

That night, Harry and Cho slept arm in arm in Harry's bed. From the moment that he had awoken her in the hospital room, Cho had created a mental connection with him, and Harry knew that there was no way she would be leaving his side until she was sure he was safe. Harry however had no concerns about the new sleeping arrangements. Pulling Cho close to him, Harry quickly fell into a peaceful slumber, and remained that way until close to noon the next day. Being the first of the couple to wake, Harry was surprised to see it was already 11:00. Staring down at the Cho Peacefully sleeping, Harry was content to let her lay while he watched over her.

"Cho, Cho dear, it is time to wake up" Harry said after what was close to an hour had passed. By now his stomach was letting him know it disapproved of the lack off food. Seeing that Cho was not about get up, Harry reluctantly pulled his numb arm from beneath her, and quietly made his way from her warm embrace to the cold bathroom, where he took a quick shower, and changed. Bye the time he was finished, Cho was awake, and sitting up on his bed stretching.

"Morning Beautiful" Harry said walking over to her, and sitting down. "Did you sleep well?" He asked knowing the answer, but delighted to hear Cho's voice. As a response however Cho did not talk, but instead landed a passionate kiss, which Harry returned just as passionate.

"I guess you did" he laughed as Cho finally pulled away, and there eyes meet. In that moment Cho was reassured that everything would be alright, and after getting dressed, the two made there way hand in hand into the great hall where lunch was being served, and there friends were waiting. Upon entering the hall fell silent.

Harry and Cho however paid no attention to this, instead they simply walked past the staring teachers to where Ron, and Hermione were waiting, and after a friendly hello proceeded to sit down, and fill there plates. It was then however that Hermione handed them the copy of the morning post, and Harry looked on slightly angry.

Our Savior The title read as on the front page was a picture of Harry from early that morning. Below Harry read the article with amusement.

This morning in the small town of Flourish a tragedy took place. Twenty- five of He-who-must-not-be-named servants, along with countless Dementors attacked the small town killing 23 wizards 15 witches. Through the aftermath however many questions were answered. None more important however than finally getting some answers from the leader of the group calling themselves The Order Of The Phoenix.

When asked, of his identity, and the reason in which The Order Of Phoenix continues to fight the likes of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, the leader said this.

"Although the new Minister has made great improvements in the MOM, there are still many things that need to be done. First, the Wizarding Community must unite, and force out Death Eaters from within the Ministry itself. Men like Lucius Malfoy, McNeir, Knott, Crabb, and Goyle are infections of this higher authority, and are working for the man you know as Lord Voldermort. Until their removal, the MOM cannot be looked upon as the only line of defense."

We of course attempted to contact the men accused of being death eaters, and received only one reply, and that was from Lucius Malfoy.

"The allocations against me and my family are completely false. We have been questioned before by the ministry of magic and were cleared of all charges."

With that said we asked, who are these men that risk their lives to protect us from the Dark world we live in, and who accuse men like Lucius Malfoy, and in answer, I tell you. This is a direct quote may you have it.

" For the safety of their families and friends, I have asked those fighting for the Order Of The Phoenix to remain unidentified. As for myself I have nothing to fear, my name Is Harry Potter, son of Lily and James Potter, Heir to Godric Gryffindor, and Founder to The Order Of The Phoenix.

You heard it here first, Harry Potter, the same boy who lived through the killing curse at the age of one, the one who lost both his parents to the dark lord himself is the leader of the organization set on fighting He-Who- Must-Not-Be-Named. Latter on in the one on one interview Mr., Potter was recorded saying

"By blood I am sworn to ride this world from the evil of the heir to Salzar Slytherin, one Tom Marvolo Riddle, as well as those to follow."

Some ask for the removal of Harry Potter from the school of Hogwarts, Fearing that his presence places other children in danger, the Hogwarts council meet concerning this, and although it is rumored that some shared the same worries of added attacks on Hogwarts, that under the direct guidance of their current headmaster Albus Dumbledore, the council choose to keep young Mr. Potter in School.

Minister Fletcher, upon hearing of the news, said the following.

"In dark times like the ones we are in now it is imperative that our youth be fully taught in all magic so when the day comes they will be able to make a wise, and educated decision about there future. Harry Potter, although widely known by many, deserves the same chance at education as any other boy his age. Therefore for his, as well as the other students of Hogwarts safety, I am sending a team of my finest Aurors to his aid, and to protect the school from any rumored attacks.

Rita. Skitter, Daily Prophet reporter

"Well, at least she didn't write anything I didn't say" Harry said lightheartedly setting down the paper, and standing, "Harry, this is serious" Hermione said as Harry stepped out from behind the table, all eyes on him. Making his way up to the head table, Harry spoke to Dumbledore for only a moment, before turning, and addressing his classmates.

"Now I am sure you have all had a good opportunity to read a copy of this mornings daily prophet" Harry said standing confident in front of the school. "Being that I just read it myself, I would assume many of you have questions. Feel free to ask away, and I will answer as many of them as I can." he said looking around at the silent students,

"Now come on, I know you have questions" Harry said when no one spoke a word. Turning to the headmaster and shrugging, Harry begun to make his way back to his seat when out of the silence a timid voice shouted.

"Is it true" the voice asked, and stopping in his tracks Harry returned to the center of the hall. "I am sorry, I did not catch the question" he replied, and a timid third year Hufflepuff stood up.

"Um, I would like to know if it is true?" He asked again, Harry noticing the edge of fear in his voice.

"Miss Skitter was correct in her article. My name is Harry Potter" Harry answered successfully getting a few small laughs, mainly Ron, Hermione, and Cho. "As for if I am the founder to The Order of Phoenix" Harry said again pulling his wand, and with a small motion transforming his robes from the school ones he was wearing to his order uniform. He answered.

"Yes, What Miss Skitter informed you is correct, I am the founder to The Order Of The Phoenix. Harry finished pulling out the sword of Godric Gryffindor, and placing the tip of the blade on the marble hall floor, hilt in hand.

To say this surprised the students would be an understatement. Many screams were heard; along with a few choice swear words from the Slytherins. Holding back a laugh, Harry was about to put away the sword when the next question came, and surprising enough it came from Neville.

"Are you really the Heir to Godric Gryffindor, and what does being the heir to one of the founders have anything to do with this" he asked as all eyes turned to him for just a second before immediately returning to Harry.

"Because the Heir to Slytherin was Tom Riddle, Most of you know him better as Lord Voldermort" Harry answered, and again there was screams, and choice words, Bloody Hell being the most popular.

What happened next however Harry was not expecting. Being that he specifically stated he wanted the order to remain unknown, Harry was completely unprepared when a hand fell on his shoulder, and behind him stood Professor Dumbledore, Cho, Remus, and Sirius. All four of them were wearing their order cloaks, and like him, both Cho, and Dumbledore displayed their swords.

"Like Harry I have nothing to hide. Most of you know who I am, but those that do not my name is Cho Chang, daughter to Won, and Jennie Chang, Heir to Rowena Ravenclaw, and member of The Order Of The Phoenix, she stated taking a step forward coming level with Harry, and placing the pointed edge of her sword next to his.

"I unlike the two before do not need an introduction for I assume you all know who I am" Dumbledore spoke next, like Cho stepping forward, and placing the edge of his sword against that of Harry's. "What most of you may not know is that I am the remaining descendent of Helga Hufflepuff, and Co founder to The Order Of The Phoenix." He finished as both Sirius, and Remus stepped forward.

Following the actions of the three before them, Sirius and Remus both identified who they were, followed by being members of the order. Looking around the room at the shocked faces, Harry could make out Ron, and Hermione nodding there heads as if deciding to join him, but reacting first, Harry held up his hand to both silence the now chattering students, as well as placing a silencing, spell over the remaining order members, gluing them to there seats.

"As for the rest of The Order they shall remain unknown" Harry said making sure he made eye contact with each of them. McGonagall the exception being that she was behind him. "Now, knowing that class is about to begin," Harry said mentally telling the others thank you, and placing away his sword. "Any further questions can be answered by your head of houses" He finished, transforming his robes back to the school robes he had put on earlier that day.

Taking this as a sign to do the same, it wasn't long before Dumbledore, Sirius, and Remus had returned to their seats at the teacher's table, along with Cho, and Harry at the Gryffindor table. After the bell rang, and the hall cleared, Harry and Dumbledore held a small meeting with the head of houses, and Harry had to laugh at the looks he was receiving from Snape.

Deciding that it would most likely be a good idea to have the staff on board, Harry offered just enough information to keep them satisfied until they were tested. Once sworn in, Harry would explain the rest. Deciding that they would need a larger room to meet in, or a system to the order meetings, Harry made a mental note to talk to Dumbledore. Laughing out loud as Dumbledore replied he had already planned it, Harry excused himself and made to the Marauder Hall where he, along with Ron, and Hermione spent the rest of the afternoon resting from the attack earlier that day, and getting a bit of studying in, Harry quietly on his own.

"What's he up to?" Ron asked the other three as he put away his potions homework. Standing up, and walking over to Harry, Ron was surprised as Harry quickly banished his things to his room so that Ron did not see them. "What was that all about" Ron asked, as the color drained a bit in Harry's face. "Nothing mate I just don't feel that good, and got frustrated with studying," Harry lied getting up, and heading to the couch where he fell to sleep moments after his head hit Cho's lap.