Chapter 26 – Weight of the World
Harry
wandered round the Ministry for a long time after seeing the veil. He left the
department of mysteries, not wanting to linger in a place that held so many
questions and so many memories.
He had never seen so much of the
Ministry, though he looked at it through unseeing eyes. Floors and floors of
workers, just trying to keep the magical world going. When really it didn't
matter, if he failed then nothing mattered. It was late when he went back to
the Auror headquarters.
"Where have you been?" James said, as soon as he saw his son. "I was worried."
"Oh you know, just been looking around," Harry
managed to say, though he was suddenly very weary.
"Right," James said, looking curiously
at his son. "Are you okay?"
"Not really," Harry said with a sigh. "But I'll be alright."
"What's the matter?" James asked concernedly.
"Oh you know, just feeling a bit
depressed," Harry said, finally looking up at his dad. "I went down to the
Department of Mysteries, brought back a lot of stuff."
"With the prophecy and stuff?" James
asked, and he and Harry began to walk out of office.
"Yeah mostly," Harry said. "But other
stuff too. What was it like to be dead?" The question took James by surprise.
"Um…well peaceful I guess," he said thoughtfully. "Your mum was there and it was warm. I don't remember much really, it wasn't like life, it was just a feeling. Why are you thinking about this?"
"Because no one else is," was Harry's blunt reply.
"About death?" James asked brow furrowed.
"No one talks about it," Harry said, and
he began to feel a little angry. "Everyone expects me to kill Voldemort, and
everyone worries about how I'm going to deal with that. But what if I lose? No
one thinks about that."
"You're wrong Harry, we do think about
that," James said putting a hand on his sons shoulder. "I know I do. But what
do you want us to say: 'You might die, how do you feel about that?'"
"Maybe,"
Harry said defensively. Then his shoulders slumped. "I don't know. It's just I'm
scared. Not so much of death, I've been there before and I've faced that. But
letting everyone down, I hate the fact that if I die, everyone dies."
"There's nothing wrong with being
afraid. We're all afraid," James said softly. "Afraid for you, afraid for what
you have to do. But don't make it into something you are doing for the sake of
others. This is your destiny, what you have to do. And if you fail, then we
will see you again." He smiled at his son and Harry grinned wearily back.
That evening on arriving back at Hogwarts, Harry heard from Ron that there was another meeting in Dumbledore's office and that he was to attend. Harry made his way along the hallways of Hogwarts, passing Mrs Filch who hissed at him.
He entered again and found the office full once more. People were seated, talking quietly.
"Ah Harry,
now we can begin," Dumbledore said, as he saw Harry enter the office. Harry
quickly joined his parents who were seated near the back.
"As many of you know, we will now be
holding these meetings regularly." Dumbledore began. "First item of news, James
Potter has rejoined the Ministry." A small burst of applause broke out and
James grinned widely.
"Secondly, Kingsley Shacklebolt has been
named as Head Auror" Dumbledore continued with a smile and another burst of
applause filled the office. "Both these appointments continue the hope that the
Ministry will finally take the direction we have always hoped. Arthur Weasley
is of course doing all he can to destabilise those trying to enforce Fudge's policies
and stabilise his own." Dumbledore paused and beckoned to Snape who stood up.
"I have discovered that Voldemort's
current headquarters is at Dolohov's manor house," he began, his greasy hair
shining in the torchlight. "I have this on solid information. I have also received
information that he is planning to amass an army, larger than before to bring
the fight to Hogwarts, and the Ministry. He plans to kill Potter in any way he
can." Snape's eyes rested for a moment on Harry and Harry glared back at him.
"You can see that it is imperative that
we prepare for another attack on the castle," Dumbledore said. "We must fortify
the castle, and the Ministry." Buffy stood up and Dumbledore nodded to her.
"Um just an idea, but why?" she said,
her voice powerful in the small room. "Why are we waiting? I say we should take
the fight to his doorstep, go to Dolohov's and finish it." Talk broke out in
the room, as people argued amongst themselves. Dumbledore lifted his hands and
the room quieted down.
"I think it's time to face this," Buffy
continued. "Instead of waiting for him to amass another army and attack us, let's
attack him unawares. The slayers are ready."
"We can't just show up on his doorstep and
expect to achieve victory," Snape broke in.
"Why not?" Dumbledore said unexpectedly.
Several gasps filled the room and Harry sat up straighter. "Miss Summers
presents an interesting idea. The Order is powerful, an army and together I
feel that victory will be at hand. But only with your support. Do I have it?"
Buffy, still on her feet turned to him.
"You have mine," she declared.
"And mine," Sirius said, standing up next
to her and taking her hand.
"I'm in," Harry said, his own voice
taking him by surprise. He stood up clumsily.
"So am I," said James, glancing at his
son, and Lily stood up too. Gradually, the room filled as the Order one by one
pledged their support to Dumbledore and the war. Finally, Dumbledore turned to
Snape.
"Severus, do I have your support?" he
said. Snape scrutinised him.
"Yes, I suppose you do," he said, face
paler than usual. Dumbledore turned back to the Order.
"Then tomorrow we meet here, seven o
clock." He said, and Harry could feel the tension in the room. "Portkeys at
seven thirty. Prepare yourselves."
