Harry Potter and the Spirit of Time

by dbzdragonlanceman

Sequel to Harry Potter and the Year of Discovery. Harry continues his quest to defeat Voldemort during his seventh year at Hogwarts.

2. Hunting

Chapter 2:

Hunting

The next evening after dinner, Harry disappeared, and it caused Ginny to worry. She went upstairs to look for him, and she found him dressed completely in black, climbing out the window. "Harry James Potter, just where do you think that you're going?"

Harry turned back around, "Where do you think? I'm going after some Death Eaters."

Ginny put her hands on her hips, "Not alone, you're not."

Harry sighed, "Ginny, I'll be fine."

"I know that, because I'm coming with you." said Ginny vehemently.

Harry looked into her eyes, and realized that there was no talking her out of coming with him. "Alright, but you'll need to be dressed more appropriately." Harry waved a hand at her, and her clothes were transformed into black tight fitting clothing very similar to what Harry was wearing. He smiled appreciatively, "You look good that way."

Ginny grinned impishly, "You don't look so bad yourself, Mr. Potter."

Harry chuckled, "You'll need a weapon, too. Do you think that you would be comfortable with a sword?"

Ginny nodded, "I think that I am quite proficient with a blade. I had an excellent teacher."

Harry snorted, "Suck up." Harry waved his hand and a blade, complete with scabbard appeared. "That should do. Strap it around your waist and we'll get going."

As Ginny was strapping the sword around her waist, Ron walked into the room He stopped in surprise to see Harry armed with a sword, and his baby sister arming herself. "What are the two of you doing?"

Harry flashed a feral grin, "We're going Death Eater hunting."

"Not without me, you're not." said Ron in a similar vein to the one Ginny had used just a few moments before.

Harry shook his head, "Sorry, Ron, you can't go."

"Why not? You're not starting this stuff about keeping us out of danger. I think that we have proven ourselves enough. You're even going to take Ginny." said Ron in a resentful and hurt voice.

Harry shook his head, "That has nothing to do with it. You won't be able to keep up, and we can't afford to have you slowing us down."

Ron responded indignantly, "I'm not slow."

Ginny jumped in, "You are if you're on the ground, and we're in the air."

Ron stopped, "Oh."

Harry spoke, "We're going to be flying over the forest around the Burrow. If I know anything, there will be a group of Death Eaters posted there to watch for me to come by. We're going to take them." Harry turned to Ginny, "Do you have your wand?"

She nodded, "Of course. My dueling instructor told me to always have my wand ready."

"As I said before, suck up. Let's go." Harry turned back to Ron to see concern etched all over his face. Harry smiled, "Don't worry. I'll bring your sister back safe and sound." Harry transformed and Ginny quickly followed suit. The two birds flew out the window and into the warm summer night air.

Ron stared after them long after they had disappeared in the distance. Hermione walked in a few minutes later to find Ron staring out the window. "What are you doing? What is so interesting outside?"

Ron sighed, "Harry and Ginny just took off to go hunting for Death Eaters around the Burrow."

Hermione gasped in surprise, "Are you serious?"

Ron nodded, "Of course I'm serious. They just left."

"What did they do, fly?" asked Hermione.

Ron nodded, again, "Yes, they both have flying Animagus forms."

Hermione sighed, "I hope that they're going to be alright."

"They will. Harry would never let anything happen to Ginny." Ron said with conviction.

"Then, why did he take here into danger?" asked Hermione.

Ron gave a half smile, "I know Ginny. Harry probably didn't have much of a choice. If he had told her to stay here, she would have followed him anyway. At least if he knows where she's at, he can protect her."

Hermione wrapped an arm around Ron's shoulder and leaned her head on his shoulder, "If it makes you feel better, we can stand here and wait for them to come back."

"I intended to. Thanks for waiting with me."

Hermione smiled, and the two of them continued to stare out the window in silence.

Meanwhile, Harry and Ginny were making exceptionally good time heading for the Burrow since Harry was magically augmenting their speed. The two made large circular sweeps over the forest once they arrived. Harry spotted the campfire, first. Then, he flew over to Ginny, and motioned with his head for her to follow him. They soared down into the trees, and landed. The two of them transformed back into human form. Harry put a finger in front of his lips to indicate to Ginny that she should be silent. He whispered quickly, "I'm going to attack in my panther form. There appeared to be about six of them. It shouldn't be too difficult to take them. Once I attack, you need to start throwing Stunning Spells at them as quickly as you can."

Ginny nodded to show that she understood. She pulled out her wand, and gripped it tightly. Harry transformed into a panther and stalked purposefully off towards the encampment. Ginny followed somewhat more slowly to allow Harry time to position himself. Once he was close enough, Harry leaped forward into the midst of the Death Eaters, and they jumped up in surprise. As soon as he did, Ginny began firing off Stunning Spells. Two of the Death Eaters attempted to use Avada Kedavra Spells on Harry. He dodged out of the way, and the spells hit two different Death Eaters. Ginny caught three of them with Stunners, and Harry transformed back into his human form. The sixth Death Eater took one look at him and screamed, "Potter." Then, he Disapparated away.

Harry looked around at the strewn bodies. Ginny walked into the clearing. Harry grinned at her, "Nice spell work, my dear."

She smiled, "I try. One of them got away, though."

Harry nodded, "I know. I let him get away on purpose."

"What does that mean?" asked Ginny.

"It means that I wanted to let one of them to go back and report to Tom. So, I blocked the Stunning Spell that you sent at him." answered Harry.

Ginny frowned, "You could have told me. I would have avoided throwing a curse at one of them."

Harry smirked, "Ah, but then I wouldn't have gotten an accurate picture of your skills. This was a test as much as anything else."

"A test?" echoed Ginny.

Harry nodded, "Of course. I am still your dueling instructor. Now, we need to contact the Ministry, and let them know they can come collect these Death Eaters." At this moment, Dumbledore and Dawlish appeared with a collection of Aurors in tow. Harry smiled, "I expected all of you to be keeping a watch on me."

Dawlish shook his head, "We weren't. The Improper Use of Magic Office reported that young Miss Weasley was performing magic outside of school in contradiction to the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery. We assumed that meant she was with you."

Harry looked at Ginny in exasperation, "Ginny, you weren't masking your magic."

Ginny grinned sheepishly, "I got caught up in the moment, and forgot."

"I think that you need to be punished for this." said Harry.

"What did you have in mind?" asked Ginny suggestively.

Harry grinned broadly, "I think that you should have to make me pancakes for breakfast in the morning."

Ginny nodded, "Sounds like a plan to me."

Dawlish interrupted them, "While your flirtation is extremely amusing, can we get back to more serious matters?"

Harry flushed slightly, while Ginny hid her face. Harry looked at Dawlish, "What did you want to know?"

Dawlish looked at Harry in disbelief, "First of all, what happened here?"

"Well, Ginny and I decided that we needed to hunt some Death Eaters. I expected there to be some watching the wreckage of the Burrow. So, we came here. Ginny hid in the woods, while I jumped into the campsite in my Animagus form. They drew their wands, and Ginny stunned three of them. Two of the ones that she stunned managed to throw Killing Curses at me. I dodged them, and they hit other Death Eaters. The sixth one got away." explained Harry.

Dumbledore smiled, "I believe that explains everything, Dawlish. Now, I must insist that you allow me to take Ginny and Harry back home. We need to have an Order meeting this evening as well. Alert Kingsley. I will inform the others."

Dawlish nodded, and he and the other Aurors Disapparated away with the Death Eaters in tow with a Portkey. Harry grinned at Dumbledore, "Back to Grimmauld Place, I assume."

Dumbledore nodded, "Yes. Would you like to take us, or do I need to make a Portkey?"

Harry chuckled, "I'll take us. Each of you grab one of my shoulders." Dumbledore and Ginny each placed a hand on his shoulder. The three of them disappeared, and then reappeared in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place with a pop.

Molly gasped when they appeared. "Where have the two of you been?"

Harry backed up a step, "We sort of went after some Death Eaters."

Molly burst out, "You did what?"

Ginny looked down at her feet, and left Harry to deal with her mother's temper. Dumbledore interceded on their behalf. "It appears that Harry and Ginny felt that it was their duty to take revenge for what happened in Ottery-St. Catchpole last night."

Molly advanced on the two teenagers, "Are you crazy? You could have been hurt. You had no right to decide something like that."

Dumbledore interrupted her tirade, "Molly, Harry had every right to decide to go after the Death Eaters. He is the leader that we have been waiting for. The war against Voldemort will be run at his discretion from now on. You need to be prepared to take orders from him."

Molly appeared to be flabbergasted. Ginny looked up at Dumbledore with her mouth hanging open. Harry smiled, "I take it this means that you are turning The Order of the Phoenix over to me."

Dumbledore nodded, "As soon as the Order is assembled, I will be doing just that, Harry."

Molly finally found her voice, "You can't be serious, Albus."

Dumbledore eyed her, "I assure you that I am, Molly. Also you will find that you are the only person that will have a problem with the concept. Everyone else in the Order recognizes the fact that Harry was born to do this. It is his destiny. I shall return with the Order." Dumbledore Disapparated away.

Molly looked at Harry pleadingly, "Harry, you can't accept this. You are still a boy."

Harry smiled down at Mrs. Weasley, and said gently, "Molly, this is something that I have to do. Just as your children know that it is their duty to fight against the Dark forces, it is my duty to lead them in that fight. As Dumbledore said, it is my destiny."

Molly hugged Harry and cried. Ginny joined the two of them, and Ron and Hermione came downstairs at the sound of crying to find the three of them in a mutual embrace.

Ron asked immediately, "What's the matter?"

Molly released the two teenagers, and began to wipe her eyes, "Nothing. I'm just being a bit stupid."

Ron persisted, "Then, what's going on?"

Harry motioned towards the table, and said, "Take a seat, and you'll find out as soon as the rest of the Order arrives."

Ron stopped dead in his tracks, "We get to stay in an Order meeting?"

Harry nodded, "Yes, I believe that it is time."

Molly looked stricken, but Harry caught the look and headed her off before she could say anything, "Don't worry, Molly. Just because I'm letting them join the meetings, doesn't mean that I am going to allow them to do anything dangerous. I intend to keep them as safe as possible. Tom's going to be getting really desperate, though. They need to know and understand what's going on."

Molly nodded, "I know. I still don't like it."

Harry shook his head as he gazed at the three people who were closer to him than any other, "Neither do I, Molly. Neither do I."

Hermione asked, "What did you mean by saying that you were letting us join the meetings? Isn't that up to Professor Dumbledore?"

Dumbledore chose that moment to reappear in the kitchen. He answered her question before Harry could respond, "Not anymore, Miss Granger. I am no longer the head of the Order of the Phoenix. It is Harry's turn to take the burden of leadership."

Harry turned to Dumbledore, "How long before everyone is assembled?"

Dumbledore checked his watch, "They should all be here shortly."

Harry nodded, "We might as well get ready."

A few minutes later witches and wizards began popping into the kitchen at Grimmauld Place. There was Alastor Moody, Hestia Jones, Dedalus Diggle, Elphias Doge, Dawlish, Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, and Arthur Weasley, Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Tonks, and Lupin. Dumbledore stood at the head of the table for the last time. "Greetings. We are here for a most auspicious occasion. I am prepared to lay down the leadership of the Order of the Phoenix to my rightful successor."

McGonagall interrupted him, "Albus, you cannot be seriously considering doing this."

Dumbledore continued, "I assure you that not only have I considered it, that I see it as the only possible course of action remaining to us. As most of you know, we are speaking of Harry Potter. It is with the deepest pride that I present the new leader of The Order of the Phoenix."

There was a rattle of applause around the table, especially from the group of Weasleys. Dumbledore stepped aside and Harry took his place at the head of the table. Lupin spoke, "Your parents would be proud, Harry."

Harry smiled, "Thanks, Remus. Now, on to business. Dawlish, how did the Ministry take to the news that Ginny and I captured those Death Eaters?"

Dawlish chuckled at the memory, "Fudge threw a fit. Davis and Amelia managed to convince him that he could gain nothing by doing anything, though. They dropped the charges against Ginny accepting the fact that she was performing magic to save your life."

Harry nodded, "That was expected. What about the prisoners? Where are you keeping them?"

Dawlish answered, "We have a detention center just outside of London where we are keeping any captured Death Eaters. It is bound by Apparition wards, and they are under constant guard."

Harry shook his head, "That's not good enough. Tom will discover where this facility is and attack soon enough. We need to transport the prisoners back to Azkaban."

Kingsley spoke up, "What good will that do? We don't have the number of Aurors that it would take to guard Azkaban. Without the Dementors on our side, we have little hope of holding that island."

Harry smiled, "What if I were to arrange the guards for the prison?"

Tonks asked, "What kind of guards?"

"I was thinking that golems would do nicely."

Lupin shook his head, "That won't work, Harry. We would need at least two-hundred and fifty golems to guard the prison effectively. Anything less and Voldemort would merely destroy them."

Harry shrugged, "So, what's the problem?"

Dumbledore answered, "Harry, there are only about a dozen golems in existence."

"So, we make new ones." said Harry matter-of-factly.

Kingsley spoke up, again, "It can't be done. I doubt Albus could make more than one or two. Most of the rest of us couldn't even make one. There's no way that we could create two-hundred and fifty."

Harry sighed, "You have a lot to learn about power, Kingsley. Don't assume that because you understand your own limitations that you could even begin to comprehend anyone else's."

Kingsley shot back, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Harry responded, "It means that someone can be immensely powerful at one thing and appear weak, simply because they do not reveal their talent. I know people that are amazingly gifted at Transfiguration, yet couldn't defend themselves in a duel. I know people that can duel excellently, but can't cast a simple Scouring Charm properly." Harry paused, as Tonks turned bright red. Harry smiled, "It's nothing to be ashamed of, Nymphadora."

"Don't call me Nymphadora." yelled Tonks.

The rest of the table smirked in amusement. Snape asked, "I still don't understand what you are getting at?"

Harry continued, "I am merely pointing out that just because you can't do something, do not assume that somebody else can't. It could even be someone that appears to be weaker than you. Hidden powers rarely make any sense."

Dawlish entered the conversation, "When do you think that we could get these golems?"

Harry cleared his throat, "Well, go get the Minister, and meet myself and Dumbledore at Azkaban in half an hour."

Dawlish immediately jumped up and Disapparated away. Kingsley looked at Harry in amazement, "You have got to be kidding me."

Harry shook his head, "No, Kingsley, I am not." Harry turned to the twins, "On to the next order of business. I need the two of you to work on something for me."

The twins nodded enthusiastically, "Anything, Harry."

"I want a magical bomb that will explode with minor hexes and jinxes. Nothing dangerous, but just some things to confuse and disorient the opposition. I want it to function along the lines of a Muggle grenade." Harry waved his hand and a book appeared on the table in front of the twins. "This book should explain anything that you need to know about Muggle explosives. Let me know what kind of funds you need for this project, and I'll have it withdrawn from my vault."

The twins immediately dove into the book. Harry turned his gaze back to the rest of the table, "Is there anything else that anyone needs to report?"

Heads shook around the table, so Harry continued, "Good, then I would like to welcome the newest members of the Order of the Phoenix. Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Ginny Weasley. If there is nothing else, I need to go meet the Minister." Everyone got up from the table. Some of them Disapparated away, while others remained. Fred and George appeared to be deep in conversation with their father, Bill, and Charlie. Ginny walked up to Harry and Dumbledore, "Can I go with you?"

Harry nodded, "If you want."

Kingsley, Tonks, and Lupin joined them. Kingsley was the first one to speak up, "I would like to go as well." Tonks and Lupin nodded to indicate that they wished to join the group as well.

"Let's go then." said Harry. He took Ginny's hand and Apparated to Azkaban. The rest of the group wasn't far behind.

Kingsley looked around at the golems in awe. Lupin managed to ask, "Are they real?"

Harry nodded, and Tonks asked, "Then, why aren't they moving?"

Harry laughed lightly, "I haven't activated them, yet. We are waiting for the Minister, and then I will set them to work."

A few minutes later, Dawlish appeared with Fudge, Davis Weatherby, and Amelia Bones in tow. All four of them gasped at the array of golems before them.

Amelia spoke first, "Did you create these, Mr. Potter?"

"That I did, Madam Bones."

Davis asked, "When?"

"A couple of days ago. I came out and laid down the enchantments necessary to create golems. Now, all that is left is to activate them." Harry clapped his hands and the golems began to move. They arrayed themselves in a defensive formation around the castle, and began walking rounds. Harry grinned at Fudge, "Now, Minister, I have returned your prison to you. Fill it. I have other matters that need my attention."

Fudge nodded in shock, "Yes, Mr. Potter."

A/N: I know Harry is being a little big-headed again, but bear with me, it will all make sense in the end. Thank you to everyone who is reading.

Phred doesn't like you: You must really enjoy the word goodie. Thanks for the review.

Hubbabubba12: I hope you continue to enjoy. Thanks for the review.

John: If you don't like the story anymore, stop reading it. I can't please everybody. My apologies. Thanks for the review.

Jbfritz: I thought most people would enjoy the clowns. Thanks for the review.

Joby: He has gotten relatively powerful, but he isn't invincible. Maybe I can continue to kick ass. Thanks for the review.

Lucugirl07: I'm glad you like the beginning. Hopefully, you will enjoy the rest of the plot as it develops. Thanks for the review.

Skeeter007: Excellent analysis. I couldn't have explained better myself. Thanks for the review.

Kemporer: We can only hope. Thanks for the review.

Lourdes: Expect more conversations like that before it is over. Thanks for the review.

ExpectoPatronum0: Wait till you read their face to face conversations. Thanks for the review.

Voxenking: This one will be thirty chapters as well. In actual word count, I think it is going to end up being slightly longer, but not much. Thanks for the review.

Sillypaulie: You'll have to wait and see if Voldie kicks the bucket. Thanks for the review.

r: My apologies. I will try to do better next time. Thanks for the review.

RLupin1003: I would recommend Tylenol later in the book, then. LOL. Thanks for the review.

Hyper yoyo boy: My friends and I have been throwing around time travel theories since we saw Back to the Future in the 80's. Thanks for the review.

HP-wannabe69: You didn't mention the past. Thanks for the review.

Goddess of war and wisdom: I'm glad you enjoyed. Thanks for the review.

fuzz furry: Stay away from sugar. LOL. Thanks for the review.

Lady Kel: Define main characters and I'll get back to you on that. Thanks for the review.

Cur03: And along tumbles another chapter. Thanks for the review.

Junior1544: You hitting right around the bull's eye. Merlin will come into play, just not like you might think. Thanks for the review.

PotterGuy25: I appreciate it. Thanks for the review.

Harryp123: I will try to keep you intrigued. Thanks for the review.

Athenakitty: Yeah, the picture is gone. Harry will have the Burrow rebuilt, and his birthday will be the best ever. Thanks for the review.

HP FAN 29: If I started with a bang, then maybe I can keep the momentum going. Thanks for the review.

Immortalwizardelf-fan: I'll cross my fingers and hope you're right. Thanks for the review.

Maria: Expect them that way unless I leave an author's note to suggest otherwise. Thanks for the review.

Renoldo9: Posting will be like clockwork barring acts of nature. Thanks for the review.

Dragonstorm316: As long as you trust me, then you won't need them, but I figure there are going to be points where you feel the need to yell at me. Thanks for the review.

US HP Fan: Yes, I said that Morgana created the dementors. I'm using golems similar to the way they exist in the Dungeons and Dragons universe, but more intelligent. They will obey their creator and anyone he designates only. Thanks for the review.

Mark33-w: You're starting to turn into my Harry character, man. You're going to be scaring people with an evil laugh like that. Thanks for the review.

Yugioh/Potter/Pokemonfanatic: Never fear. As long as everyone doesn't do 180's on me and tell me that it sucks or something, I will continue updating. Thanks for the review.

Udderpd: The anticipation for Chapter Two has ended. Let it build for Chapter Three. Thanks for the review.

Bizodge: Three chapters a week. Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday. Thanks for the review.

Pumpkin Lord: Thanks for the pep talk. I will persevere. Thanks for the review.

Oomahey: There are going to be some twists in the road, so watch out for them. Thanks for the review.

Ted M. Hammett: If you're hooked, does that mean my writing is addictive? Thanks for the review.

The One: I've already killed one Weasley, but don't worry about the rest of the family. I like them. Thanks for the review.

Blue-Eyed-Baby91090369: I promise to give you more. Thanks for the review.

Jelly belly: The Burrow will be back better than ever before the book is out. Thanks for the review.

HermioneGreen: I will try to keep this ride as interesting and surprising as the last. Thanks for the review.

PadfootRules89: We'll see how things develop. Thanks for the review.