6
Monday
9:30 Charms 11:00 Transfiguration 2:30 Potions
Tuesday
10:00 Care of Magical Creatures 1:00 Elvin History
3:00 Defense Against the Dark Arts
Wednesday
9:30 Charms 1:00 Herbology (3:00 History of Magic)
Thursday
9:00 Potions 11:00 Defense Against the Dark Arts
2:00 Elvin History
Friday
9:00 Transfiguration 11:00Herbology
Chapter Eighteen*~~
Harry lifted his glass to his lips and sipped. Bill and Fleur shared another kiss. He smiled softly into the cup before sitting it down. Ginny sat on his right and Hermione on his left.
~Hermione looks nice tonight,~ Harry thought to Ron, closing the girls out of the conversation. Ron was seated next to his girlfriend
~Yeah, she does,~ Ron agreed. ~Ginny looks so OLD tonight.~
~She's fifteen Ron,~ Harry reminded him.
~I know, but she's still Ginny,~ Ron persisted. Harry smiled and shook his head before taking another sip of wine.
They turned their attention to Remus and Mayraline. Their minds drifted to when they had first seen each other.
~~
Sirius walked into the church, talking quietly to Remus, Harry, and Ron.
"Remus?!" They looked up to see a beautiful witch with sort, spiral curly black hair. Her eyes were a surprised gold that seemed to explode into blue around the edge.
"May," Remus said breathlessly. The others grinned softly.
"May!" squealed Melanie. She froze after she hugged her friend. "Re- Re!" Mel quickly moved away. They all watched the two intently.
"Oh, stop!" snapped May. She hugged Remus tentatively. He gave the same back.
"Just bloody kiss her," Fred said. His twin nodded his agreement. They both went red.
"You heard them," Remus said quietly. "I guess we shouldn't disappoint them. A stunned May received a heart-stopping kiss from her long- time crush.
"R-remus?" she choked out.
"Come on, Lover Boy," Sirius said, tugging on Remus's sleeve. Fleur and Alicia dragged May away as Ron and Charlie did the same to Remus. Bill was waiting for Percy to come tell him Fleur was gone.
~~
They watched now as the room cheered whilst May leaned in and kissed Remus. It seemed they had talked about how their relationship would be. Bill and Fleur were hooting.
"Apparently," Fleur said loudly. "There will be another wedding very, very soon." The two went scarlet and Remus started muttering incoherent threats under his breath.
It was a while later that the four friends sat cheerfully watching Fleur and Bill dance. "They look so sweet," Hermione said wistfully.
"I can already see you and Ron there," Harry said softly. Neither of the couple had heard him, though Ginny had. She nodded her agreement.
As another slow song started the Weasley boys immediately asked their respective girlfriends to dance. Fleur dragged Elle over to dance with the formerly mentioned Bonamy.
"Gin, want to dance?" asked Harry. She smiled and took his offered hand. They revolved slowly and talked mind to mind. But soon, they were lost in the music. Ginny let her body lean against Harry's firm figure.
Harry loved the sensation of her warm body molded onto his. He dropped both arms to her waist as hers instinctively reached around his neck. They hardly noticed when the slow songs changed.
It was only when a fast song started and Hermione tugged Ginny away to dance that they broke apart. Harry stood still for a while, staring at her. She smiled softly in an apology and trotted after her friend.
After a while of dancing, Harry excused himself out to the balcony. The reception was being held in Dumbledore Manner as a wedding gift from Dumbledore. Harry sighed and ran his hand through his hair distractedly.
'If things had been different, I may have spent many days of my life here, with Grandfather.' He shook his head. 'I'm not going to dwell on how tings could have been if Grandmother hadn't lied to Grandfather. I'm having too much fun.'
He smiled as he let the wind dance over his face. It was an amazing night. Bill and Fleur were so happy. And he was very happy for them.
"Harry?"
"Yes, Grandfather?" asked Harry, turning and looking at the older man that stood before him.
"You and Ginny looked quite nice together," he said, sitting on a stone bench. "You looked right."
"She's Ginny," Harry muttered, going slightly red. "Besides, I've met a lot of people who thought someone fit with me. Do you have any idea how many relationships I had in the Elvin Realm?"
"Twenty-five," he said off-handedly. "Harry, come here." Horry obeyed and sat next to his mentor and his blood family.
"What is it?"
"You must promise to listen to what I am about to say," Dumbledore said seriously. "It is very important."
"I promise," Harry vowed.
"I haven't been able to give you advice that a grandfather should give his heir. I once learned a lesson the hard way. Just because something has always been, Harry, it does not mean it must always be. We can change the way things have been done. We are not helpless."
"I." Harry couldn't say anything.
"Just remember that." Dumbledore moved to get up. He paused and looked back at the young boy who came to be because of him. "And whatever you fight for, test it with a theory. In the course of a lifetime, what will it matter?" Dumbledore walked back into the reception.
Harry moved to his previous place. 'I've gotten advice from my great- grandfather. I have a family. A really, really big one.' He smiled a real smile.
"You seem happy tonight," Ginny said. Harry looked at her. She was standing next to him, hands clinching the iron railing.
"I am," he replied, grinning helplessly. "For the first time in a long time, I'm really, truly, completely happy."
"Good," Ginny said firmly. "You deserve it." He pushed off the rail and studied her. She turned to look at him.
"You mean that?" he asked.
"Yeah, I do," Ginny said, smiling softly at him. He stared at her for a long while.
He wasn't sure when, but at some point, he had moved closer. He lowered his head to hers and brushed her lips with his. Her hands pulled his neck down and he clasped her to him.
As he tasted her lips, he felt excitement and something he couldn't describe shoot through him. At the same moment they shifted to kissing with their tongues. They explored each other cautiously.
"Ginny! Harry!" called Hermione. They jerked apart. Harry stared at her. She stared back.
"Gin, I, I- we can't do this," Harry said panicky. She stared at him oddly before nodding. "It's just that-"
"Harry, it's okay," Ginny whispered, placing a finger on his lips. "I don't understand my feelings anymore than you do. We have to work them out. Kissing isn't the way to do it. Just remember, I may be here for a while, but I can't wait for love forever." She strode back inside. Harry stood stock still.
'I love her,' he thought suddenly. Tears stung at his eyes. 'And I want to tell her. But I can't. She'd be in so much danger. Even with that put aside. I can't. But I do want to.'
**
The next day, they were back at Hogwarts. It was supper time and the four friends were discussing their next prank. They were going to try and get Fred and George on the opening day of their shop. It was then that the four, the elves, and the adult wizards in the room felt a great magical disturbance.
Suddenly, Harry remembered his dream. He clumsily began to pull out the chain on his neck. But a portal began to open before he had managed.
This time, the person out of the portal was a Royal Messenger. Harry quickly walked over to the elves. He bowed respectfully.
"What is it?" asked Atonics. This was a Death Messenger.
"Princess Aika committed suicide." There was a collective gasp from the students and teachers.
"We saw it coming," Kilala said.
"Everyone knew when that marriage was arranger that she'd never marry the Prince," Sala agreed.
"You speak above position, Silver Healer," the Messenger said crossly.
"No, that would be you," Harry said snidely. "It was ignored that we all knew she'd kill herself before marry without will."
"She left this," the Death Messenger said. "She killed herself five minutes ago in the feasting hall of the royal palace. A replacement is already being selected."
"Aika was NOT-!"
"Harry," Atonics interrupted.
"Good-bye, Death Messenger," Harry said coolly.
"Amiko, Head Magician, Fighter, Silver Healer," he said. "Jistone." Harry glared.
"Yes, I am," he snapped. The Death Messenger left. Harry snatched the letter from Atonics. "We all knew it! We saw the sign s right away. But no! Tradition rules over all! Well let me tell you something. In the course of my lifetime, it DOES matter!"
Harry stalked venomously from the hall.
"Who do you think they'll choose?" asked Sala softly.
"Minda (female noble) Kana," Atonics said. "Vidori will not like that."
"Neither will Prince Laohan," Kilala said. The other elves nodded in agreement. Harry's three best friends left the Great Hall and headed quickly to The Layer.
"Harry?" Ginny asked softly. He was sitting on the couch with his head in his hands. Ron and Hermione sat on either side of him and Ginny sat cross legged on the floor. When he pulled his face from his hands, Ginny noticed they were damp. She took his hands in her small, soft ones and whipped them dry.
"She," Harry took a deep shuddering breath. "I'll never understand it. She killed herself because she was being forced into marriage. The elves are dishonoring her name. No one will ever be named Aika again. It should not even be spoken. Traditions like that were gone for a few hundred years. And now, with the return of the royal family, they're coming back."
"You can't control it," Hermione said softly. Harry rubbed his hand along his scar.
"But I think I could have," Harry said.
"What do you mean?" asked Ron.
"I had a dream. I didn't understand it but I think I was seeing through Princess Aika's mind as she prepared for death. And now they'll select a new princess," Harry said heatedly. "It'll be the same thing over. Only they'll probably pick someone timid so she won't rebel. But she'll love someone else."
"Look at me, Harry," Ginny ordered. He looked up, eyes glistening. "You wish- you dream- that you had been able to stop her. But it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live. You can still make changes. Don't spend hours thinking of what might have been. All you can do is try to change what may happen if his continues." Harry looked at her a long while.
"I only wish it were that simple," he whispered hoarsely. Ginny fingered something around her throat and looked away.
**
The next day at breakfast, Harry idly twirled his food around his plate. "Harry?"
"Yeah, Quill?" he asked dully.
"Harry, you can't be so sad and depressed," Hermione told him. "She's dead and nothing you can do can bring her back."
"If-"
"If didn't happen," Ginny said briskly. "You should learn that rather fast. I'm surprised to haven't already."
"She's right mate," Ron said. "Besides Christmas is coming up. And we have DA practice tonight."
"Oh joy, I get to yell at Zach for being mean to Draco and Raanan," Harry said bitterly.
"At least he's speaking with emotion now," Hermione said diplomatically.
"I am sitting right here you know."
"That's very nice Harry," Hermione said, patting his head absently. Ginny snickered and stuck her tongue out at Harry. He smiled slightly. Noting more had been said about their kiss. He was too afraid to say anything. He supposed Ginny felt like he didn't like her. 'If only she knew the truth,' Harry thought wistfully.
"Come on, we'll be late-" but the sound of a portal opening interrupted Ron. Harr quickly stood.
~What now!~ he screamed through their connection.
~How the hell should we know?~ Ginny snapped. ~Think quieter.~
Out of the portal stepped another Messenger. This time it was a War Messenger. "War Messenger Jinklo," Harry said in shock. "What on earth are you doing here?"
"I have a massage," he replied professionally.
"Give it then," Ricu said.
"The Dimukai have caught the Death Party. They were at the Crypt Castle to burn Aika and dishonor her name for dodging Royal orders. They are presently held at Crypt Castle. The Dimukai plan to behead the prince when Ra sets."
"What?!" yelled Atonics. "Kilala, Sala, we're needed back home. No one is going to spill blood save the Dimukai."
"Albus!" the door flew open. There stood Tonks. "The phoenix cries." Immediately all Order members exited the hall. The elves opened a portal.
"I'm coming with you," Harry told Atonics.
"We must save the prince," Kilala said. "You must stay here. Ricu, Migra, do not, under any circumstances, let Harry out of your site." The two guards formally bowed to their friends.
"Kilala!" Harry yelled as she jumped into the portal. He made to grab for Ricatone as she went through. Harry felt someone jerk on his clothes. He spun around, glaring at Migra. "Migra!"
"Your heard our orders," Migra said tonelessly.
"I order you-"
"Harry!" snapped Hermione. "Don't you think we should figure out what's going on? Tonks obviously has news for the Order!"
"You can't do anything about the elves now," Ron said. His three friends dragged him away. They walked silently to Dumbledore's office in an unspoken agreement.
"Canary Creams," the four recited as one. The gargoyle began to move and they stepped onto the moving staircase. Four fists rapped the door to Dumbledore's office.
"Come in," came the resigned voice of the Headmaster. They walked in. "I can't say that I wasn't expecting you. How close behind you are Ricu and Migra?"
"Right behind," said Ricu, settling himself in a chair. Migra did the same. "Continue."
"What's this all about, Grandfather?" asked Harry sharply. Dumbledore sighed. Tonks looked between the two, confused. The same was of Snape and the other Order members that had been summoned. "Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley? Obviously this is serious."
"It's Voldemort," Dumbledore said a moment later.
"We weren't really sure about that," muttered Ginny. Harry couldn't help but smile with her.
"Grandfather," Harry said in a tone only his grandfather understood.
"We have information that he has gathered unusual followers. There was an attack today. It was small but unusual. There wasn't a dark mark but it was strange enough to attract our attention," Dumbledore said. "It was a small country home in France. The parents of a young 'exotic dancer' here in England. Their daughter should have been there at the time, but she had gotten a last minute job with her friend Jen."
"Jen?" Harry sat down heavily. "Everything always seems to come back to one of my relationships."
"What's your theory, then?" Snape asked, eyeing the boy. He sighed and rubbed his temples. But it was Dumbledore who answered.
"The mother was found with five poisonous arrows in her back and the father had one in his arm and a dagger in his heart. We've gotten a hold of the weapons." He handed them to Harry.
Harry studied the arrows quickly and the dagger a bit slower. "Elvish, no doubt. The arrows were used by Dimukai. I'm sure a few elves are being nursed from it right now, seeing as there's a battle raging over at the Crypt Castle."
"And the dagger?" asked Ron.
"That's more important," Harry said. "Any Dimukai would have used arrows identical to these. But only the direct bloodline would have used a dagger like this. Obviously, this kill was important. Grandfather, was Jen supposed to journey home with her friend?"
"Yes," he said, eyes questioning.
"Then I think I'm right," Harry said. "Jen used to be an elf, as I'm sure you're aware. She was born before the Last Prince left. Same as with Atonics's deceased wife, Ashizu. They were good friends. And everyone knows that Ashizu had had Mimiru for a while."
"Mimiru?" asked Hermione.
"The Ring of Power," said Harry, Dumbledore, Ricu, and Migra.
"They're after it then," Ricu said bitterly. "I knew that Ukigol would convince the leader of Dimukai to go after it. The Lord and Lady are not concerned with it nor with the warning Ashizu left."
"We have to get Jen and her friends safe," Harry said. "This isn't really their battle."
"It is now," Dumbledore said. "Now, it's all wizards and witches battle. If we're not careful it will become a battle for the muggles as well."
"What do you mean?" asked Mrs. Weasley, frightened.
"The only reason any Dimukai would go after Mimiru was to give it to someone else," Dumbledore said. "The Dimukai do not believe that their power comes from something so small. They would only get it for a Dark Lord. Lord Voldemort in this case."
"How does that make it our battle?" asked Sirius, very interested. "I mean, besides the obvious reasoning Harry's so involved in it. We need to have a talk about that."
~Along with your sex talk,~ teased Ron. Harry shot him a glare.
"You see, Sirius," Dumbledore said. "When the Dimukai formed alliance with Voldemort and decided to help him, it makes the elves part of our war, for some of their kind crossing a line. And when Voldemort alliance with the Dimukai it has dragged us into the elves' war. Things are only beginning. I have a feeling that we no longer fight separate wars for different purposes and different people."
Dumbledore stopped his roaming gaze on the four friends.
"I do believe your army, Harry, will be needed more than you know." Harry stared.
"It's a question of whether you mean those I have trained and trust or those who would fight for me only because of custom and law."
"Your army, Harry, is not those who fight for you with no choice- whatever it was that they would have chosen- but rather the army that you know will fight to their deaths to defend what is right."
"Then I believe that we really should be getting on with today's lessons. The DA meetings can only come sooner."
"What on earth is going on?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"We've formed an army," Harry said. "It was Hermione's and Ron's idea. I teach it and Ginny helps. So do Luna and Neville. It's just students-a few have graduated. We're training to fight."
"Do you really think it's wise, Dumbledore?" asked Kingsley. "Letting such young students fight?"
"Kingsley," Ginny said. He looked at her, a bit surprised. "We never said it was the smart thing. But often the right things, well, they seem rather stupid."
"You're going to fight to the death then?" asked a tearful Mrs. Weasley. Remus and Sirius traded glances. Mel patted Mrs. Weasleys back.
"You're going to battle evil to the end?" Fleur asked. She didn't sound questioning, more like she was stating a fact.
"The way I see it," Harry said. "There is no good or evil. And it's not people who see power and those who don't, as Voldemort and the Dimukai believe. It's those who seek to steel power and those who will go to any lengths to defend it."
"Such wise words from such a small person," Dung decided out loud.
"And he's never even seen Harry string a bow, let alone hold a sword," muttered Migra. Harry snorted.
"That supposed to be a challenge, Guard?"
"Mertiku, no!" Migra cried.
"You may want to lay off Father God." Harry smiled. "Now then, we have to get to lessons." Harry and his friends left the office full of Order members ready to demand explanations from Dumbledore. Harry felt sorry for his grandfather as the four headed back to the Great Hall for their bags.
**
Harry was restless by the time the DA meeting was due to start. "Quiet down!" Harry called. Silence fell. "You all need to know something very important. Now, Ricu, Migra, I'm going to ask you escort these fine people out." Immediately the Order members began to protest. A few had remained to see the meeting. Tonks, Charlie, Bill, Sirius, Remus, Fleur, and Mel were protesting loudly. "And stay out there with them. Go get May as well. She knows some fighting and that'll help. Go. This next talk is for Dumbledore's Army only."
9:30 Charms 11:00 Transfiguration 2:30 Potions
Tuesday
10:00 Care of Magical Creatures 1:00 Elvin History
3:00 Defense Against the Dark Arts
Wednesday
9:30 Charms 1:00 Herbology (3:00 History of Magic)
Thursday
9:00 Potions 11:00 Defense Against the Dark Arts
2:00 Elvin History
Friday
9:00 Transfiguration 11:00Herbology
Chapter Eighteen*~~
Harry lifted his glass to his lips and sipped. Bill and Fleur shared another kiss. He smiled softly into the cup before sitting it down. Ginny sat on his right and Hermione on his left.
~Hermione looks nice tonight,~ Harry thought to Ron, closing the girls out of the conversation. Ron was seated next to his girlfriend
~Yeah, she does,~ Ron agreed. ~Ginny looks so OLD tonight.~
~She's fifteen Ron,~ Harry reminded him.
~I know, but she's still Ginny,~ Ron persisted. Harry smiled and shook his head before taking another sip of wine.
They turned their attention to Remus and Mayraline. Their minds drifted to when they had first seen each other.
~~
Sirius walked into the church, talking quietly to Remus, Harry, and Ron.
"Remus?!" They looked up to see a beautiful witch with sort, spiral curly black hair. Her eyes were a surprised gold that seemed to explode into blue around the edge.
"May," Remus said breathlessly. The others grinned softly.
"May!" squealed Melanie. She froze after she hugged her friend. "Re- Re!" Mel quickly moved away. They all watched the two intently.
"Oh, stop!" snapped May. She hugged Remus tentatively. He gave the same back.
"Just bloody kiss her," Fred said. His twin nodded his agreement. They both went red.
"You heard them," Remus said quietly. "I guess we shouldn't disappoint them. A stunned May received a heart-stopping kiss from her long- time crush.
"R-remus?" she choked out.
"Come on, Lover Boy," Sirius said, tugging on Remus's sleeve. Fleur and Alicia dragged May away as Ron and Charlie did the same to Remus. Bill was waiting for Percy to come tell him Fleur was gone.
~~
They watched now as the room cheered whilst May leaned in and kissed Remus. It seemed they had talked about how their relationship would be. Bill and Fleur were hooting.
"Apparently," Fleur said loudly. "There will be another wedding very, very soon." The two went scarlet and Remus started muttering incoherent threats under his breath.
It was a while later that the four friends sat cheerfully watching Fleur and Bill dance. "They look so sweet," Hermione said wistfully.
"I can already see you and Ron there," Harry said softly. Neither of the couple had heard him, though Ginny had. She nodded her agreement.
As another slow song started the Weasley boys immediately asked their respective girlfriends to dance. Fleur dragged Elle over to dance with the formerly mentioned Bonamy.
"Gin, want to dance?" asked Harry. She smiled and took his offered hand. They revolved slowly and talked mind to mind. But soon, they were lost in the music. Ginny let her body lean against Harry's firm figure.
Harry loved the sensation of her warm body molded onto his. He dropped both arms to her waist as hers instinctively reached around his neck. They hardly noticed when the slow songs changed.
It was only when a fast song started and Hermione tugged Ginny away to dance that they broke apart. Harry stood still for a while, staring at her. She smiled softly in an apology and trotted after her friend.
After a while of dancing, Harry excused himself out to the balcony. The reception was being held in Dumbledore Manner as a wedding gift from Dumbledore. Harry sighed and ran his hand through his hair distractedly.
'If things had been different, I may have spent many days of my life here, with Grandfather.' He shook his head. 'I'm not going to dwell on how tings could have been if Grandmother hadn't lied to Grandfather. I'm having too much fun.'
He smiled as he let the wind dance over his face. It was an amazing night. Bill and Fleur were so happy. And he was very happy for them.
"Harry?"
"Yes, Grandfather?" asked Harry, turning and looking at the older man that stood before him.
"You and Ginny looked quite nice together," he said, sitting on a stone bench. "You looked right."
"She's Ginny," Harry muttered, going slightly red. "Besides, I've met a lot of people who thought someone fit with me. Do you have any idea how many relationships I had in the Elvin Realm?"
"Twenty-five," he said off-handedly. "Harry, come here." Horry obeyed and sat next to his mentor and his blood family.
"What is it?"
"You must promise to listen to what I am about to say," Dumbledore said seriously. "It is very important."
"I promise," Harry vowed.
"I haven't been able to give you advice that a grandfather should give his heir. I once learned a lesson the hard way. Just because something has always been, Harry, it does not mean it must always be. We can change the way things have been done. We are not helpless."
"I." Harry couldn't say anything.
"Just remember that." Dumbledore moved to get up. He paused and looked back at the young boy who came to be because of him. "And whatever you fight for, test it with a theory. In the course of a lifetime, what will it matter?" Dumbledore walked back into the reception.
Harry moved to his previous place. 'I've gotten advice from my great- grandfather. I have a family. A really, really big one.' He smiled a real smile.
"You seem happy tonight," Ginny said. Harry looked at her. She was standing next to him, hands clinching the iron railing.
"I am," he replied, grinning helplessly. "For the first time in a long time, I'm really, truly, completely happy."
"Good," Ginny said firmly. "You deserve it." He pushed off the rail and studied her. She turned to look at him.
"You mean that?" he asked.
"Yeah, I do," Ginny said, smiling softly at him. He stared at her for a long while.
He wasn't sure when, but at some point, he had moved closer. He lowered his head to hers and brushed her lips with his. Her hands pulled his neck down and he clasped her to him.
As he tasted her lips, he felt excitement and something he couldn't describe shoot through him. At the same moment they shifted to kissing with their tongues. They explored each other cautiously.
"Ginny! Harry!" called Hermione. They jerked apart. Harry stared at her. She stared back.
"Gin, I, I- we can't do this," Harry said panicky. She stared at him oddly before nodding. "It's just that-"
"Harry, it's okay," Ginny whispered, placing a finger on his lips. "I don't understand my feelings anymore than you do. We have to work them out. Kissing isn't the way to do it. Just remember, I may be here for a while, but I can't wait for love forever." She strode back inside. Harry stood stock still.
'I love her,' he thought suddenly. Tears stung at his eyes. 'And I want to tell her. But I can't. She'd be in so much danger. Even with that put aside. I can't. But I do want to.'
**
The next day, they were back at Hogwarts. It was supper time and the four friends were discussing their next prank. They were going to try and get Fred and George on the opening day of their shop. It was then that the four, the elves, and the adult wizards in the room felt a great magical disturbance.
Suddenly, Harry remembered his dream. He clumsily began to pull out the chain on his neck. But a portal began to open before he had managed.
This time, the person out of the portal was a Royal Messenger. Harry quickly walked over to the elves. He bowed respectfully.
"What is it?" asked Atonics. This was a Death Messenger.
"Princess Aika committed suicide." There was a collective gasp from the students and teachers.
"We saw it coming," Kilala said.
"Everyone knew when that marriage was arranger that she'd never marry the Prince," Sala agreed.
"You speak above position, Silver Healer," the Messenger said crossly.
"No, that would be you," Harry said snidely. "It was ignored that we all knew she'd kill herself before marry without will."
"She left this," the Death Messenger said. "She killed herself five minutes ago in the feasting hall of the royal palace. A replacement is already being selected."
"Aika was NOT-!"
"Harry," Atonics interrupted.
"Good-bye, Death Messenger," Harry said coolly.
"Amiko, Head Magician, Fighter, Silver Healer," he said. "Jistone." Harry glared.
"Yes, I am," he snapped. The Death Messenger left. Harry snatched the letter from Atonics. "We all knew it! We saw the sign s right away. But no! Tradition rules over all! Well let me tell you something. In the course of my lifetime, it DOES matter!"
Harry stalked venomously from the hall.
"Who do you think they'll choose?" asked Sala softly.
"Minda (female noble) Kana," Atonics said. "Vidori will not like that."
"Neither will Prince Laohan," Kilala said. The other elves nodded in agreement. Harry's three best friends left the Great Hall and headed quickly to The Layer.
"Harry?" Ginny asked softly. He was sitting on the couch with his head in his hands. Ron and Hermione sat on either side of him and Ginny sat cross legged on the floor. When he pulled his face from his hands, Ginny noticed they were damp. She took his hands in her small, soft ones and whipped them dry.
"She," Harry took a deep shuddering breath. "I'll never understand it. She killed herself because she was being forced into marriage. The elves are dishonoring her name. No one will ever be named Aika again. It should not even be spoken. Traditions like that were gone for a few hundred years. And now, with the return of the royal family, they're coming back."
"You can't control it," Hermione said softly. Harry rubbed his hand along his scar.
"But I think I could have," Harry said.
"What do you mean?" asked Ron.
"I had a dream. I didn't understand it but I think I was seeing through Princess Aika's mind as she prepared for death. And now they'll select a new princess," Harry said heatedly. "It'll be the same thing over. Only they'll probably pick someone timid so she won't rebel. But she'll love someone else."
"Look at me, Harry," Ginny ordered. He looked up, eyes glistening. "You wish- you dream- that you had been able to stop her. But it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live. You can still make changes. Don't spend hours thinking of what might have been. All you can do is try to change what may happen if his continues." Harry looked at her a long while.
"I only wish it were that simple," he whispered hoarsely. Ginny fingered something around her throat and looked away.
**
The next day at breakfast, Harry idly twirled his food around his plate. "Harry?"
"Yeah, Quill?" he asked dully.
"Harry, you can't be so sad and depressed," Hermione told him. "She's dead and nothing you can do can bring her back."
"If-"
"If didn't happen," Ginny said briskly. "You should learn that rather fast. I'm surprised to haven't already."
"She's right mate," Ron said. "Besides Christmas is coming up. And we have DA practice tonight."
"Oh joy, I get to yell at Zach for being mean to Draco and Raanan," Harry said bitterly.
"At least he's speaking with emotion now," Hermione said diplomatically.
"I am sitting right here you know."
"That's very nice Harry," Hermione said, patting his head absently. Ginny snickered and stuck her tongue out at Harry. He smiled slightly. Noting more had been said about their kiss. He was too afraid to say anything. He supposed Ginny felt like he didn't like her. 'If only she knew the truth,' Harry thought wistfully.
"Come on, we'll be late-" but the sound of a portal opening interrupted Ron. Harr quickly stood.
~What now!~ he screamed through their connection.
~How the hell should we know?~ Ginny snapped. ~Think quieter.~
Out of the portal stepped another Messenger. This time it was a War Messenger. "War Messenger Jinklo," Harry said in shock. "What on earth are you doing here?"
"I have a massage," he replied professionally.
"Give it then," Ricu said.
"The Dimukai have caught the Death Party. They were at the Crypt Castle to burn Aika and dishonor her name for dodging Royal orders. They are presently held at Crypt Castle. The Dimukai plan to behead the prince when Ra sets."
"What?!" yelled Atonics. "Kilala, Sala, we're needed back home. No one is going to spill blood save the Dimukai."
"Albus!" the door flew open. There stood Tonks. "The phoenix cries." Immediately all Order members exited the hall. The elves opened a portal.
"I'm coming with you," Harry told Atonics.
"We must save the prince," Kilala said. "You must stay here. Ricu, Migra, do not, under any circumstances, let Harry out of your site." The two guards formally bowed to their friends.
"Kilala!" Harry yelled as she jumped into the portal. He made to grab for Ricatone as she went through. Harry felt someone jerk on his clothes. He spun around, glaring at Migra. "Migra!"
"Your heard our orders," Migra said tonelessly.
"I order you-"
"Harry!" snapped Hermione. "Don't you think we should figure out what's going on? Tonks obviously has news for the Order!"
"You can't do anything about the elves now," Ron said. His three friends dragged him away. They walked silently to Dumbledore's office in an unspoken agreement.
"Canary Creams," the four recited as one. The gargoyle began to move and they stepped onto the moving staircase. Four fists rapped the door to Dumbledore's office.
"Come in," came the resigned voice of the Headmaster. They walked in. "I can't say that I wasn't expecting you. How close behind you are Ricu and Migra?"
"Right behind," said Ricu, settling himself in a chair. Migra did the same. "Continue."
"What's this all about, Grandfather?" asked Harry sharply. Dumbledore sighed. Tonks looked between the two, confused. The same was of Snape and the other Order members that had been summoned. "Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley? Obviously this is serious."
"It's Voldemort," Dumbledore said a moment later.
"We weren't really sure about that," muttered Ginny. Harry couldn't help but smile with her.
"Grandfather," Harry said in a tone only his grandfather understood.
"We have information that he has gathered unusual followers. There was an attack today. It was small but unusual. There wasn't a dark mark but it was strange enough to attract our attention," Dumbledore said. "It was a small country home in France. The parents of a young 'exotic dancer' here in England. Their daughter should have been there at the time, but she had gotten a last minute job with her friend Jen."
"Jen?" Harry sat down heavily. "Everything always seems to come back to one of my relationships."
"What's your theory, then?" Snape asked, eyeing the boy. He sighed and rubbed his temples. But it was Dumbledore who answered.
"The mother was found with five poisonous arrows in her back and the father had one in his arm and a dagger in his heart. We've gotten a hold of the weapons." He handed them to Harry.
Harry studied the arrows quickly and the dagger a bit slower. "Elvish, no doubt. The arrows were used by Dimukai. I'm sure a few elves are being nursed from it right now, seeing as there's a battle raging over at the Crypt Castle."
"And the dagger?" asked Ron.
"That's more important," Harry said. "Any Dimukai would have used arrows identical to these. But only the direct bloodline would have used a dagger like this. Obviously, this kill was important. Grandfather, was Jen supposed to journey home with her friend?"
"Yes," he said, eyes questioning.
"Then I think I'm right," Harry said. "Jen used to be an elf, as I'm sure you're aware. She was born before the Last Prince left. Same as with Atonics's deceased wife, Ashizu. They were good friends. And everyone knows that Ashizu had had Mimiru for a while."
"Mimiru?" asked Hermione.
"The Ring of Power," said Harry, Dumbledore, Ricu, and Migra.
"They're after it then," Ricu said bitterly. "I knew that Ukigol would convince the leader of Dimukai to go after it. The Lord and Lady are not concerned with it nor with the warning Ashizu left."
"We have to get Jen and her friends safe," Harry said. "This isn't really their battle."
"It is now," Dumbledore said. "Now, it's all wizards and witches battle. If we're not careful it will become a battle for the muggles as well."
"What do you mean?" asked Mrs. Weasley, frightened.
"The only reason any Dimukai would go after Mimiru was to give it to someone else," Dumbledore said. "The Dimukai do not believe that their power comes from something so small. They would only get it for a Dark Lord. Lord Voldemort in this case."
"How does that make it our battle?" asked Sirius, very interested. "I mean, besides the obvious reasoning Harry's so involved in it. We need to have a talk about that."
~Along with your sex talk,~ teased Ron. Harry shot him a glare.
"You see, Sirius," Dumbledore said. "When the Dimukai formed alliance with Voldemort and decided to help him, it makes the elves part of our war, for some of their kind crossing a line. And when Voldemort alliance with the Dimukai it has dragged us into the elves' war. Things are only beginning. I have a feeling that we no longer fight separate wars for different purposes and different people."
Dumbledore stopped his roaming gaze on the four friends.
"I do believe your army, Harry, will be needed more than you know." Harry stared.
"It's a question of whether you mean those I have trained and trust or those who would fight for me only because of custom and law."
"Your army, Harry, is not those who fight for you with no choice- whatever it was that they would have chosen- but rather the army that you know will fight to their deaths to defend what is right."
"Then I believe that we really should be getting on with today's lessons. The DA meetings can only come sooner."
"What on earth is going on?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"We've formed an army," Harry said. "It was Hermione's and Ron's idea. I teach it and Ginny helps. So do Luna and Neville. It's just students-a few have graduated. We're training to fight."
"Do you really think it's wise, Dumbledore?" asked Kingsley. "Letting such young students fight?"
"Kingsley," Ginny said. He looked at her, a bit surprised. "We never said it was the smart thing. But often the right things, well, they seem rather stupid."
"You're going to fight to the death then?" asked a tearful Mrs. Weasley. Remus and Sirius traded glances. Mel patted Mrs. Weasleys back.
"You're going to battle evil to the end?" Fleur asked. She didn't sound questioning, more like she was stating a fact.
"The way I see it," Harry said. "There is no good or evil. And it's not people who see power and those who don't, as Voldemort and the Dimukai believe. It's those who seek to steel power and those who will go to any lengths to defend it."
"Such wise words from such a small person," Dung decided out loud.
"And he's never even seen Harry string a bow, let alone hold a sword," muttered Migra. Harry snorted.
"That supposed to be a challenge, Guard?"
"Mertiku, no!" Migra cried.
"You may want to lay off Father God." Harry smiled. "Now then, we have to get to lessons." Harry and his friends left the office full of Order members ready to demand explanations from Dumbledore. Harry felt sorry for his grandfather as the four headed back to the Great Hall for their bags.
**
Harry was restless by the time the DA meeting was due to start. "Quiet down!" Harry called. Silence fell. "You all need to know something very important. Now, Ricu, Migra, I'm going to ask you escort these fine people out." Immediately the Order members began to protest. A few had remained to see the meeting. Tonks, Charlie, Bill, Sirius, Remus, Fleur, and Mel were protesting loudly. "And stay out there with them. Go get May as well. She knows some fighting and that'll help. Go. This next talk is for Dumbledore's Army only."