Harry Potter and the Council of ArchMages

by Mirengard

The summer after his fifth year, Harry is sinking deeper and deeper into a depression. However, on his Birthday, Harry gets a surprise that could change his life forever... (First Fic ever, PLEASE READ and REVIEW!) Re-posted, changed all 8 previous cha

8. The Start of Classes

Chapter 8: The start of classes

After they had planned the prank to end all pranks, and had talked a bit more, Harry and Ron convinced the Ginny and Hermione to join House Team as the new Chasers, and after everyone convincing Harry to be captain of the team, everyone left.  Harry, after some thought, conjured up another of the comfortable chairs.  When Ginny asked him why he had done that, he told her that he figured he might as well, considering the fact that they it looked like they would probably be entertaining guests again, and next time he expected at least Remus and Miranda to be there as well. After a bit of thought, Ginny agreed with him and had him move the chairs and couch back a bit so that everything was 'just so.' After that, Harry and Ginny spent a wonderfully unknown amount of time getting to know each other better, and while they did not go all the way, they still experimented with what they could do.  Finally, however, they both found themselves rather exhausted, so they changed into night clothes (neither had anything to hide from the other at this point) and climbed into bed. 

Harry woke up in his bed extremely refreshed the next morning, especially when he felt the soft warm body next to him as she slept.  He contemplated letting her sleep in a bit, but then glanced at the clock.  It was already 7:30, and classes started at nine.  If they wanted to get breakfast, they needed to get up.  Grinning for a second, Harry cupped Ginny's jaw in his hand, and pulled her into a kiss.  Fairly soon, she responded, wrapping her arms around his neck, and pulling him closer. Finally when they broke apart, she smiled at him.

"Good Morning to you too!" she joked.  "What time is it?"

"Around seven thirty, I thought we should get ready then go down to breakfast together." Harry replied.

"OK then," returned Ginny with an impish look on her face, "just enough time for us to shower together and get down to the Great Hall."  Harry was not about to argue.

After they had showered, which took longer than usual for *ahem* unknown *ahem* reasons, they dressed in their black Hogwarts robes, pinned their prefects badges onto their robes, then left the dormitory, with Lily flying above them.  As Harry and Ginny entered into the Great Hall, all eyes turned to them, and they both knew it was not because of the Phoenix flying over their heads.  Word had spread about them sharing a room, and everyone wanted to see how they reacted after their 'first night together.'  Well almost everyone, Ron and Hermione were talking softly to themselves.  Katie, after hearing a small amount of the prank had disavowed any knowledge of it, and fled to the Head Girl's dormitory in Gryffindor.  Harry and Ginny sat down next to Ron and Hermione and brightly greeted the other couple.  As they were all eating, Matilda and Remus walked into the Hall.  Remus quickly walked over to Harry and the others, and dropped a note in Harry's lap.  Harry looked at Remus surprised, but Remus was already hurrying to the staff table.  Harry opened the letter, and spread it on the table so everyone could see it.

Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione,

            You are all cordially invited to join the Order of the Phoenix.  Meet in the Great Hall after hours tonight if you wish to join.  Since you are all prefects, and prefects are allowed out after hours, this does not break any school rules.  Please come dressed in dress robes, with your wands at promptly 11:00 p.m.

Professor M. McGonnogall,

Deputy Headmistress

Order of the Phoenix

Harry was about to comment, when he saw Malfoy edging towards them, obviously trying to find out what was going on.  Pulling out his wand, he quickly put fire to the letter, and let it burn most of the parchment before putting it out.  Looking at the rest of the group, he mouthed 'Later,' and they all nodded in understanding.  Just then, Professor Dumbledore called out to him.

"Mr. Potter, could you please approach the Head Table?" he asked.

Looking mystified as to what could possibly be wrong, Harry, quickly followed by Ginny went up to see what was going on.

"You may sit down Miss Weasley, you were not called up here," said Snape, as awful as ever.

"She may stay if she wishes Severus, we are not disclosing any secret information, we are simply asking Mr. Potter if his Phoenix will be attending classes with him," replied Dumbledore.

Harry, understanding looked to Lily, which was comfortably perched on Ginny's shoulder now and focused on her.

"Lily?" as soon as he said her name the phoenix looked at him.  "Do you want to follow me around to classes, or do you want to go back up to the dorm and stay there?"  Lily pondered this for a moment then trilled her reply I do not wish to leave you Harry, you or your Ginny, but if it is your wish that I remain in your quarters, that I will abide by them.

"Why don't you want to leave me Lily?" asked Harry, knowing that everyone in the Hall, except for Dumbledore and the others who had been in his office the previous night were looking at him as if he were crazy.  There are dangers within these walls that none know of.  Fawkes has informed me of some, and I have found others.  You, Harry, are powerful and can handle these dangers, but what of your Ginny?

Harry pondered this for a few moments.  Then, closed his eyes and opened his extra senses to the world around him.  As Lily said, he felt the danger within the walls of the castle; in fact, he felt danger everywhere around him.  That made up his mind.  Before opening his eyes, Harry opened all his senses fully, so that he would be able to sense any and all magic around him at all times.  Opening his eyes, he was ready for the wash of colors and information filtering into his mind, one of the things that he could now do as an Arch-mage was partition off parts of his mind to certain tasks.  Setting aside a small amount of his mind to deal with all the information he was receiving, He turned back towards Dumbledore.

"Lily is to be allowed in any and all classrooms that she goes into, regardless of the time or currant occupants," he softly, but firmly said, making sure there was no way Dumbledore could mistake it for anything but an order.  Snape was looking at Harry in surprise, not believing that Harry would talk to the Headmaster that way, but Dumbledore merely nodded, and then just as quietly informed Harry that the teachers would be made aware of his wishes.

As they were about to go back to the Gryffindor table, Harry, mind full of mischief, stopped suddenly.  "Ginny?" he said, making sure that his voice carried to the far end of the hall. 

Ginny, hearing the mischief in his voice turned and looked at him and raised her eyebrow.  What are you plan- but that was as far as she got because Harry had again pulled her to him, and in front of the whole school this time, kissed her soundly on the mouth.  When they had finished (Harry cut it short so that none of the teachers would have a chance to react) Harry, a bit breathless, said, "Thanks, I needed that." Then led the slightly dazed Ginny back to the Gryffindor table which had all come to their senses just seconds before, and were all clapping and cheering as Harry and Ginny sat down.

"Harry, as much as I love kissing you, you really need to stop doing that to me," chided Ginny lightly.  "Kissing me senseless in private, or even with the rest of our family and friends around is one thing, but in front of the whole school?  What were you thinking?"

"Oh well, I decided that since rumors were going to be flying around about us sooner or later, we might as well make sure that the whole school knows about our relationship, so all the girls could know that I have eyes for no one but you," replied Harry with a grin.

*Oh, quick thinking,* came Rowena's voice.  *you really should have seen Snape's expression when he saw that kiss, it was priceless.*

*Yeah, it was.* came Salazar's voice.  *It makes me sorry for that fool of a man who thinks he can successfully lead MY house as well as I could.  What ARROGANCE!  I should turn him into a toad!*

*Now Salazar* came Helga's teasing voice.  *You know that transfiguring is never to be used on idiots to teach them a lesson, it wouldn't be appropriate.*

*Focus* said Godric.  *Harry, while you are in classes, we will go ahead and do our own scans of Hogewarts, see if anything is not what it should be.  In turn, I want you to keep your eyes open for any of these dangers that Lily was talking about, and if you can, deal with them as soon as possible, immediately if you can swing it.*

I'll keep my eyes and other senses peeled promised Harry as he, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny walked out of the Hall.  Harry quickly told his two best friends that he would meet them in Defense Against the Dark Arts after he walked Ginny to Transfiguration.  He walked with Ginny, hand in hand until they reached the Transfiguration classroom where he kissed her again, and promised to see her at lunch.  He then made his way to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, knowing that he and his friends had left early and he was still ten minutes early.  He walked into the room, and saw Remus and Matilda talking quietly in the front of the room.  He quickly put his bag onto a table in the front, making sure to save spaces for Ron and Hermione, and then joined the two of adults.

"Harry, you should have SEEN the looks that you and Ginny got!" exclaimed Remus as soon as he walked up.

"Snape's face was priceless," added Matilda. 

"I bet it was," said Harry grinning, "It was really fun too." 

Before Remus or Miranda could comment about THAT, Ron, Hermione, and the rest of the class walked in and started taking their seats.  Matilda, winking at him, made her way into Remus' office, and Remus motioned for Harry to take stay where he was.

"Ah, wonderful," began Remus.  "Most of you probably remember me, but for those who have forgotten, I am Professor Remus Lupin."  At his name, several students flinched involuntarily, they all knew he was a werewolf.  After he chuckled for a few seconds, he went on.  "Now then, for the first few days of term, we are going to be studying Dementors."  Again, the class shuddered, and Hermione raised her hand.

"Yes Miss Granger?" asked Remus.  "Do you have a question?"

"Yes sir," replied Hermione.  "I was just wondering why we are studying Dementors now, I mean, that's on the seventh year's agenda isn't it?"

Harry, who had been wondering why the heck he was standing in front of the class with the two teachers, now began wondering how in the heck Hermione knew what seventh year Defense against the Dark Arts students were supposed to know.

*Well, YOU knew that, didn't you?* asked Salazar in amusement.

Yes Salazar, but Hermione didn't go through the classes from first through seventh during her stay at Avalon either did she? returned Harry.

"Yes, well I was just getting to that Miss Granger," answered Remus.  "Professor Dumbledore wants as many students to know about Dementors in the unlikely event that they join with Voldemort's ranks, so that they can fight them."

"Now then, it will be a few days until we get to the actually fighting of the Dementors, but I thought that it would be a good idea for the class to get a bit of a preview as to what we are studying, Harry, if you please?" asked Remus.

"Maybe I shouldn't…" he said uncomfortably.

"Nonsense, I know you can do it," said Remus cheerfully.

Harry, who had easily figured out what his guardian wanted him to do, had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.  Great he had to chose a spell that changes due to abnormal power levels didn't he?

*Go easy on him Harry,* replied Morgana.  *He probably doesn't KNOW that it will be different because you are an Arch-mage.  There hasn't been an Arch-mage in several hundred years.*

Harry, resigning himself to the worst, raised his wand towards the back of the class room, hoping that his Patronus wouldn't hurt anyone, and yelled out "Expecto Patronum," while thinking about his kissing Ginny in the Great Hall minutes before.

Out of his want shot out a huge stag, followed by another, then another, until at least ten had shot out, and then out shot a huge wolf, that those in the classroom who knew about it would know that it was a werewolf.  Nine other werewolves followed then ten large dogs that looked like Grims.  That was not the most astonishing thing about them, however, no, these patronii were not just numerous but they were all solid gold.  To top it off, instead of just wandering around the room docilely as they should have done when not faced with a Dementor, they all charged.  Right THROUGH the wall at the back of the classroom and charged off down the hall, which the astonished students and class could see, since they back wall was in shambles.  Before anyone else could react to THAT, Harry was running behind them.

"Harry!" yelled Remus, forgetting to distance himself from his students momentarily.  "Where are you going?"

"Dementors!" came back Harry's quick reply.

The rest of the class, as well as Remus and Miranda, not knowing what to say or think, quickly followed the young Arch-mage, until they saw literally LEAP out a window falling towards the ground.  By now, the commotion had caused several other classes to come out and see what where going on, so it was not surprising to hear Ginny Weasley's frightened scream as she watched her boyfriend apparently leap to his death. 

However, that was not what was to occur.  Moments after he leapt out of the window, Lily, his Phoenix caught his robes in her strong claws, and flew him quickly, yet safely to the ground.  It was only then that the students and teachers truly saw what was going on.  Standing on the grounds before the school where hundreds upon hundreds of Dementors.  Everyone watching from the windows of the school were just in time to see Harry's thirty gold patronii slam into their ranks.  Wherever one of Harry's Patronii attacked a Dementor, it would simply disappear in a puff of evil looking black smoke.  Harry, as soon as he had gotten on the ground, had pointed his wand , and methodically began to cut through the Dementor ranks with cast after cast of a strange spell that shot out a golden beam of light, much like that of the Patronus, except it simply went through Dementors like they were paper, and kept on going.  As effective as he was, it seemed to all watching that Harry and his magical protectors were simply outmatched, because for every one dementor that was destroyed, two seemed to take it's place, and they were slowly but surely drawing near to the young man.

"EXPECTO PATRONUM" yelled five voices, and the watching students, turned to see Professor Remus Lupin, along with Matilda Stormcloud, Hermione Granger, and Ron and Ginny Weasley pointing their wands at the ground.  Five silver patronii went down to join the fray.  Even though the sliver patronii were not able to actually kill Dementors like Harry's, they were able to hold them off for a time, long enough it seems for Harry to finish the job. 

To most who saw it that day, none knew whether they had actually seen Harry change or not.   It was over too soon to tell, but it seemed that Harry suddenly let off a glow of power around him, and there was a flash of bright gold light that everyone averted their eyes to, and as soon as they looked back, they saw Harry and thirty magical protectors alone on the grounds.

Harry was extremely angry.  WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME THAT THERE WERE DEMENTORS COMING THIS WAY?!?!?

*Harry calm down,* came Merlin's calm voice.  *We were all focusing INSIDE the castle, none of us thought that an attack would come from the outside.*

*Plus,* added Morgana.  *You seemed to be able to handle them fairly well.*

Weren't YOU the ones that told me to keep my power levels and spells strictly to those of a wizard? he asked the Council.  I just used MAGUS Level spell!

*Harry no one remembers anything about the ancient ranks of powers,* came Circe's soft voice.  *They will simple assume that you were using wizarding spells, because the ancient Mage and Arch-mage ranks have not been seen for thousands upon thousands of years.  Most of us worked behind the scenes enough to make sure that the wizarding world is happily ignorant to our existence*

By this time, students and teachers were streaming out the doors of the castle, Remus, Matilda, Hermione and the Weasleys at the front of the crowd of people rushing towards the young man.

"Harry!  What where you THINKING?" yelled Remus and Matilda, as soon as they had reached him.  "You could have been killed!"

Everyone, it seemed was waiting for him to answer that question because, as he looked around, he saw everyone from Ginny to Dumbledore looking at him expectantly.

"Well… you did say that you wanted to show the class a preview of Dementors didn't you?  I was just trying to accommodate you," came his weak response.

Due to the fact that all the students were now scared witless as to whether the Dementors were coming back or not, and the fact that the teachers were just as witless after Harry's 'Dementor demonstration,' as he put it.  Classes had been canceled for the day.  All the students had been sent back to their commons room, except for Harry, which of course meant that Ginny, Ron, and Hermione were all going with him up to Dumbledore's office with the rest of the staff and Matilda.

As soon as the office door was closed, Professor Snape rounded on the young man.

"WHAT WERE YOU DOING POTTER?" he yelled.  "COULDN'T STAY OUT OF THE LIMELIGHT FOR ONE DAY COULD YOU?  JUST LIKE YOUR FA-," but Snape was not able to finish his sentence, because he had been blown back onto the floor by a banishing charm that Harry had calmly cast.  All the teachers and students looked at Harry in astonishment, especially Professor Snape, who was struggling up at the time.

"You will NOT speak of my parents EVER again SIR," spat out Harry, saying the last word with obvious contempt.  "I just saved your life, as well of every single life in this school, and if you even THINK about my parents, I will do things to you that will make you WISH for the Cruciatus curse!" 

At that, those teachers and students who knew about Harry's true nature started edging away from him slowly, not wanting to anger him even more.  Those teachers and students that DIDN'T know about his identity started to as well.  All that is, except Matilda.  Matilda with fire blazing in her beautiful blue eyes strode angrily over to Snape and punched him, hard on the jaw, knocking him down again.

"IF YOU EVER SAY ANYTHING LIKE THAT TO MY GODSON SEVERUS I WILL KILL YOU!" she screamed at him.  Then, before anyone could react to HER fiery outburst, she walked over to Harry and engulfed him in a tight hug.  "Thank you, Harry."

When his godmother hugged and thanked him, all of Harry's anger melted away instantly, and he hugged her back.  Everyone else, let out the breaths that they had unconsciously been holding, as Snape tried to get back off the ground, but couldn't quite seem to do so.  Matilda had broken his jaw.  Harry, seeing this, and  in an attempt of apologizing, raises his wand again, and quickly mended the Potions Master.

As soon as Matilda let go, Harry was engulfed by a now sobbing Ginny as she pulled him close to her, obviously afraid that he would go do something dangerous and stupid if she let him go.  When everyone was seated around the growing number of couches and chairs around Dumbledore's fire, Ginny sitting in Harry's lap hugging him just as tightly as she had before and outright refusing to let go of him, Dumbledore turned to Harry and asked him what happened.

"Well sir," he began.  "I was in Defense Against the Dark Arts where we were going over Dementors when Remus, I mean Professor Lupin, asked me to perform the Patronus charm to show the other students what we would be leading up to.  I did so, even though I tried to warn Professor Lupin that my patronus was… larger than he might have thought… and as soon as I cast it, they all started charging towards the back of the room, broke through the back wall of the classroom and started charging down the hallway.  I knew that they would only do this if there were Dementors around, so I quickly followed them, not wanting to allow Dementors to gain access to the school.  I saw them all jump out the window and make their way to the ground, I also saw Lily circling in the sky, and I knew she would catch me, so I followed my Patronii out the window.  Lily caught me like I expected, and as soon as I got on the ground, I started killing those filthy creatures," this he spat out as if he had a bad taste on his tongue.

"Yes I was going to ask you about that," said Professor Flitwick.  "If I am not mistaken, and I rarely am when it comes to charms, you performed the Luminous Patros Charm, correct?  When Harry nodded, Flitwick continued.  "You simply must tell me how you learned it.  I teach it to seventy years as theory, due to the fact that I can't perform it!"

Harry looked at the expectant teachers, then said, "It was in a book that Hermione gave me for my birthday.  I learned it from there, knowing that if I ever came across a dementor it might come in handy.

*Nice lie Harry,* teased an amused Godric.  *Next you can tell them that the bright light actually was due to the position of Venus in the sky at the time, and you had nothing to do with it*

Well what do you want me to say Grandfather? asked Harry.   'Oh I learned that charm after I was endowed with more power than any other witch or wizard alive, because I am the Chosen of prophecy to usher in a new golden age for wizarding kind.  Oh yeah and I learned it from a bunch of famous witches and wizards that everyone thinks is dead but are really in a castle in another dimension.  How well would THAT go over?

"What's going on here?" asked Professor Snape suddenly looking around at the other teachers.  "If this were any other student, we would have already expelled him from school for such a dangerous and rash act, regardless of whether he 'saved the entire school.'"

"Be quite Severus, everyone knows that you were jealous of James, and now that jealousy has transferred on to James' son," growled Remus.  "I will not stand for it!"

"Be quiet you filthy werewolf!  I KNOW that something is going on here and I demand to know what it is.  It is my right as a teacher of this school!" returned Snape, angrily.

"Actually Professor, you can demand to know all you want, but you are not going to find out," returned Harry, a bit of his anger coming back.  "I'm not going to inform you about anything that you don't need to know.  I've informed the Headmaster, and the head of my house and THEY are the only ones who really NEED to know what is going on here."

At this statement, Dumbledore looked from Harry to an extremely angry Snape and decided to step in before someone, namely Snape, got hurt.  "Harry, perhaps the rest of the teachers shou-,"but that was as far as he got.

"You can stop right there Albus," broke in Harry, shocking all the teachers other than Professor McGonnagall that he was addressing Dumbledore on a first name basis.  "I'm not going to budge over this.  YOU may trust Severus Snape with your secrets and  you life, however I will not," Harry informed him firmly.  Then, looking to the absolutely livid Potions Master, he went on.  "You have done nothing, for all my time here at Hogwarts to give me the impression that I can trust you Professor Snape.  In fact, the one time my life was entrusted into your hands, someone dear to me was killed.  I still have not forgiven you for Sirius' death, it is quite possible that I never will.  Why do you think that you are entitled to that trust now when you never EARNED it before?"

Snape looked even more pale than usual as he looked around the room at the other Professors, finally raising his head to look at the Headmaster.  "Potter has gone TOO FAR this time Albus.  I WILL NOT PUT UP WITH IT.  I demand that you both take the necessary disciplinary actions and INFORM me what all this is about, OR I will hand in my resignation IMMEDIATELY!"

Dumbledore, alarmed at the vehemence of his fellow Professor's demand.  Looking to Harry, he saw that the sixteen year old was looking firmly back at him, and Dumbledore knew that he would not budge in his decision.

"This is Mr. Potter's secret Severus," said Dumbledore wearily.  "If he does not wish for you to know about it, I cannot betray his trust by telling you."  Snape looked stunned at this.  He had been sure that Dumbledore would tell him, or make Potter tell him.  "If you wish to hand in your resignation that is your decision of course, but…"

Snape slowly looked around the room.  Harry had a guilty, yet determined look on his face.  Ginny was gazing between Dumbledore, Harry, and Snape unsure as to how to react.  All the other students were so surprised by this conversation, that they were just dumbly looking at each other.  The rest of the staff looked fearfully, yet expectantly between Snape and Dumbledore.  Finally, someone spoke to Harry in defense of Snape, but it was the last person anyone would have thought to side with the Potions Master.

"Harry, I might not like Severus," stated Remus.  "But I do think that you can trust him."  At this, the entire room looked at Remus in surprise, but he was looking straight into his godson's eyes.  "Normally, I would be the first person to side against Severus Snape, but you do owe the staff an explanation for today, and I think that Severus should be privy to that.  He is entitled to it as a member of the Hogwarts staff."

Harry considered his words for a moment, and then decided to ask the Council for their opinion.  What do you guys think?  What should I say?

*Personally I'm inclined to side with you Harry,* informed Salazar.  *In this instance you must be shrewd if you do not wish to reveal your hand too early.  Whether or not he is trustworthy is immaterial.  If you tell one of Voldemort's supporters, even a double agent like Snape, then you risk the Dark Lord finding out.  You do not know what Voldemort does to his followers.  He could easily torture them for information if he does not hear what he wants to, and you can be sure that Snape will be called to answer the questions that Voldemort has as to what occurred today.  The less he knows the better, for all our sakes.*

*Yes, what he doesn't know, he can't pass on to the enemy,* agreed Morgana.  *However I propose that you meet them all halfway in this instance.*

What do you mean? asked Harry.

*Allow Snape to remain as you give an explanation, but stick to your story as to how you learned the charm.  Then, remind the teachers that you were well within your rights an honorary member of the Dark Force Defense League.  After that, refuse to supply any information to any member of the staff,* came Morgana's reply.

Harry sighed looking from face to face.  Everyone was tense, and fearful about the situation.  His friends looked as if they wanted to bolt out of the room, so that they could get away from what this meeting had turned in to.  Even Ginny, still in his lap was looking unsure about what was going to happen.  Remus looked to be quietly supportive of him, but still had questions that they wished to ask.  Finally Harry looked to his godmother.  What made up his mind, was the slight nod that Matilda gave him when he looked to her.

"Very well, I know that I owe a bit of an explanation to the staff.  Professor Snape, I'm sorry for my earlier words, they were said in the heat of the moment and I didn't mean them."  When Snape had nodded, Harry went on.  "As you all know I've had a bit of a growth spurt during the summer.  I've had a magical growth spurt as well.  That was how I was able to stun five Death Eaters at once, and that was why my Patronus is… the way it is.  I did not feel safe in the least with my Aunt and Uncle, regardless of what Professor Dumbledore said, so I took it upon myself to prepare myself against all the enemies that I knew I had, and that definitely includes Dementors.  After one of them tried to perform the Kiss to me in my third year and once again last summer, I knew that I would have to face them again, so I prepared."  At his words, everyone looked relieved at first, then a bit uncomfortable when he revealed his feelings during the summer.  "When I figured out that there were Dementors on the grounds, I simply acted.  I did not think of ramifications, I simply did not want any student to have to go through what those creatures do to people.  I wanted to protect them from that.  I DO however believe that I have not over stepped myself in this matter Professor Snape."  At this, Snape looked at him with a sneer on his face once again, daring him to talk his way out of trouble.  "As you may or may not know, one of the things rewarded to me was an honorary membership in the Dark Force Defense League.  I have also have my underage magical use restrictions waived.  Due to these facts, I repeat that I do not believe that I have done anything wrong."

After hearing this, everyone looked expectantly at Dumbledore who, after a moments thought, told all the students, including Harry to make their way to Gryffindor tower, so that the teachers could discuss the matter among themselves.  As everyone left, Harry sent a quick message to Remus and Matilda.  Meet us all in my dorm room tonight after dinner.  Not waiting to see their reactions, Harry quickly led the Weasleys, and Hermione back to Gryffindor Tower where Ginny pulled him up to their room, which now had both their names on it.  As soon as the door was closed, Ginny rounded on him.

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?!?!"  she yelled.  "I FELT MY HEART STOP AROUND THIRTY TIMES TODAY!!!"

"Ginny, calm down," pleaded Harry.

"CALM DOWN?!?! WHEN YOU ALMOST GET KILLED!  YOU WANT ME TO BE CALM?  I AM CALM!!!" came her reply, then in a quivering voice, she continued.  "I thought that you were going to DIE Harry.  I-I just can get it out of my head that I almost lost you."  She looked down, the tears that had threatened to fall in Dumbledore's office, finally spilling onto her face.

"Ginny, look at me," said Harry, gently raising her head to look at her in the eyes, as well as wiping her tears away.  "You are not going to lose me.  I could have taken care of those Dementors any time I wanted to.  I just wanted to refrain from using my power if I could."

"So… so you weren't about to die?" asked Ginny.

"No," answered Harry, leading her to the couch and pulling her down onto it with him.  "Truth be told, it was suicide for them to even come near me."

Hearing this, Ginny was silent for a moment, then, "Harry, what can you do now?  I mean… what are you capable of?  How did you BECOME an Arch-mage?"

"I'm going to be answering that for everyone tonight, but I'll tell you a bit of it," replied Harry.  "First of all, you might as well know that I'm connected with the Council at all times." At her confused look, he explained.  "We can hear each other's thoughts, as well as see, hear, taste, smell, even feel what any other member of the Council can."  Sensing what she was thinking, he added.  "We can also close ourselves off if we want to, and you can be sure that I close myself off to everything whenever I with you." She colored at this, but nodded her acceptance, so Harry went on.  "You already know that I am telepathic, and that I am a Shifter.  I can also sense and see magic around me.  It's something more than the Scanner ability, even though I have that as well.  In fact, every single ability that you have ever heard of, I have.  I also have several that you haven't.  For example, I'm a Beast-speaker, which means that I am able to speak to and understand anything from an ant to a Dragon.  I am also able to perform Elemental magic."

"Elemental magic?" asked Ginny, still confused.

"I'm able to control the elements.  Fire, Water, Earth, Air, I'm able to control pretty much anything around us.  Combining those four, I can do anything from raising mountains, to controlling lightening," came his calm reply.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door.  Ginny pulled out her wand, and waived it in the direction of the door, and it unlocked.  She then asked whomever it was outside to come in.  Professors Dumbledore, McGonnagall, and Lupin stepped in, as well as Matilda.  They all had somewhat grim expressions on their faces.

"Harry, first of all, I would like to tell you that you have earned Gryffindor Two Hundred points for your act of heroism today," began Dumbledore.  "After discussing what happened, the staff agreed that you were indeed in your rights to do what you did, and that you deserved a suitable reward.  So, since I know that you would like to tell your friends and family about what REALLY happened, and probably will have to answer several questions, Professor McGonnagall and I decided to allow you and whoever you wish to receive dinner here in your rooms tonight."  At that, Dumbledore conjured a large table and chairs, which fit, on one side of the bed, away from the couch and chairs by the fireplace.  "Unfortunately, Professor Snape did not agree with the rest of the staff, and has decided to take an extended sabbatical and will spend the next few years off," he went on.  "So, I have decided to hire Professor Stormcloud here to take over for him.  Unless things change between you and Professor Snape, she will probably be your potions professor for the remainder of your stay at Hogwarts.  Professor Vector has become the interim head of Slytherine house.  I will caution you, however, as to what you reveal tonight.  Both Professor McGonnagall and I will be speaking to the two Professors here, and they will tell us anything and everything that you reveal tonight."

After that, he and Professor McGonnagall left, leaving Remus and Matilda standing by the door.  Harry looked from face to face, saw that they had questions, and decided to get on with the interrogation.  "Remus, why don't you get the Ron and bring them up here.  I know that everyone has questions, and I might as well answer them all at once."  As Remus left, Harry pulled Ginny into one of the chairs by the fire, and motioned for the Matilda to sit down.  Matilda, following Harry and Ginny's example both sank into a chair, obviously saving it for herself and Remus.  After a few moments, he returned with Ron and Hermione.  When everyone had seated themselves, Harry got up, put Ginny back in the chair that they had sat in, and began.

"I know that all of you have questions that you want to ask, but wait until everyone has been brought up to speed," he said.  When everyone had nodded in understanding he went on.  "This past summer on my birthday I was made a member of the Council of Arch-mages, I know that those of you who didn't know this before don't believe me, so I will prove it to you," and before anyone could react Harry changed, for the second time it two days.  An aura of sheer power surrounded him, and his eyes all but glowed with that same power.  His hair began to move of it's own accord, and he snapped his fingers, and his staff was back in his hand, the ruby at the head glowing as bright as ever. 

Matilda stared at him, her jaw slack in unbelief.  Not unbelief that he was now an Arch-Mage, but in unbelief that they power that was evidently inside of him was possible to contain.  Everyone who had seen this side of Harry before, were not affected as much, but they were still uneasy with the powerful figure before them.  Everyone had noticed that Harry's movement's had been unnaturally graceful, catlike, but adding the sheer power that was within him, and the knowledge that they could see in his eyes, and the wisdom that was clear by his expression, and he now looked downright dangerous.  After a few moments of this, Harry again took control of his power, and he was the same again, only his staff remaining.  Again he raised the staff and pointed it at the door.  The door glowed in response to the glow of the ruby on his staff, and that glow slowly surrounded the floor, walls and ceiling of the room, then disappeared.  Then, Harry let go of his staff, and it disappeared as well.  "There, now we can speak freely, and no one will be able to bother us," he informed them.

"What did you do?" asked a curious Hermione.

"Cast a Mage level Locking and Silencing charm around the room, so that no one can leave or enter the room, or eavesdrop, even if they are flying right outside one of these windows.  Also, since it's a Mage Level charm, no witch or wizard alive can break it, not even Dumbledore," came Harry's answer.

At this, everyone frowned in confusion.  Harry, knowing what they were thinking answered their unasked question. "There are several levels of spells that can be cast.  You all know about the O.W.L's, and the N.E.W.T.'s.  Remus and Matilda know about the A.W.L.'s: the Advanced Wizarding Levels, which many Ministry employees must learn.  These are all grouped under the Wizard Level spell group.  Above that group in power and complexity is the Sorcerer Level spell group, which Professor Dumbledore, Nicholas Flamel, and a few others can cast.  Yes that does unfortionately include Voldemort.  Above those, however are three other levels that the wizarding world has forgotten the Enchanter, Mage, and finally Arch-Mage spell groups.  All of these require even more levels of power and complexity than most people are capable of."  He stopped there to make sure everyone was following so far, and by the expressions on their faces, he knew they were so he went on.  "Voldemort, if he tried, could probably cast Enchanter level spells, but since there is no spell book that has recorded anything past Sorcerer lever, he probably does not know this.  Given my title, all you must guess have guessed that I can cast Arch-Mage level spells."  Then he shocked them even more by saying.  "The powerful aura that all of you witnessed was not my true power, it was the power of a Mage.  My true power is exponentially greater than that, but I didn't want to show you, because it's quite shocking."

"What does your whole body catch fire or something?" asked Ron, half jokingly.

"No, actually I'll look the same as I do right now," answered Harry.  "You'll just be able to… sense… the power that I can wield.  When I first saw Merlin, I almost wet my pants in surprise, and I'm a lot more powerful than Merlin is."

At this, everyone was torn between curiosity and confusion, and curiosity quickly won.   "Could you show us what you mean?" asked Ginny.  "Could you show us your true power?"  Harry looked at her for a moment, and then nodded, immediately, even though he did not look different, they knew what me meant.  It was more than slightly disconcerting.  On the one hand, Harry looked the same as he had since they met in Diagon Alley on the 25th of August, but on the other, every single person in the room could sense, almost see the power radiating from him.  It was enormous, as he said exponentially larger than what they had witnessed before.  In fact, if they were to guess, everyone in the room would have guessed that Harry had an infinite amount of power that he could call upon.  To say that everyone was unnerved was an understatement. 

Harry was nervously looking from person to person trying to gauge their reactions.  Everyone looked back at him in surprise and fear, which was of course what he had been worried would happen.  Finally, however, Ginny got up out of her seat, and walked towards her boyfriend who was eying her warily.  As soon as she got close enough she got on her tiptoes, pulled his head down, and kissed him as lovingly and as passionately as she could.  Breaking apart again, Harry looked into her eyes, and saw love and pride shining in her chocolate brown eyes, and then he saw mischief bubble to the surface.

"I don't care HOW powerful you are Potter," she said.  "You'll still do well to do whatever I say WHENEVER I say it, and not make me angry if you want to live."  At her words, the tension in the room broke and everyone laughed.

Harry hugged Ginny close to him in thanks.  "I was worried that if you lot found out the truth, you would turn me away," he said to them, to her.  "Being involved in any way with an Arch-Mage, especially one that's prone to dangerous situations would be hard on anyone; I wouldn't blame you if you did."

At his words, Matilda spoke for everyone in the room.  "Harry we would never turn our backs on you, we all love you.  It doesn't matter if you are the most powerful Arch-mage in the history of the world, or the weakest squib, we would never leave you."  Harry smiled in thanks, and pulled Ginny back into the chair with him, holding her close.

"O.K, I know that I've answered some questions, and probably raised some more, after you guys finish asking your other questions, I will tell you all how I became an Arch-Mage, since I know all of you are dying to know."

"What all can you do?" asked Ron, and Harry quickly outlined his abilities to them all, demonstrating by talking to each of them telepathically, and shifting into several different creatures, some magical and some not. 

He also showed off his beast speaking abilities by making Midnight, Lily, and Hedwig to a number of tricks.  As soon as he was done with that, Midnight jumped into Ginny's lap, who incidentally was on Harry's lap and mewed at Harry.  Harry, laughing, informed Ginny that Midnight was demanding that she pet the kitten.  As soon as Ginny did so, Midnight started to purr ecstatically, and everyone laughed in amusement. 

Finally, to show off his elemental abilities, Harry created three astonishingly beautiful roses.  Each rose was made out of blue and red fire, somehow trapped in ice, creating a beautiful effect.  What's more, each rose was warm to the touch, instead of cold, and the ice was not melting.  Everyone's breath was taken away at the beautiful objects.

Harry handed Ginny one of the roses, and the other two floated to Matilda and Hermione.  "They will never melt," Harry informed them.  "And they won't break, no matter what you do."  Each woman looked touched by the gift, especially Ginny, who quickly kissed him in thanks.

"If you already know everything that the school can teach you, then why are you still here?" asked Ron.

"Well for a few reasons," replied Harry.  "First of all, I don't want anyone to know that I'm anything but a seemingly extremely powerful wizard.  If I don't stay here at Hogwarts, that illusion will not be accepted.  Secondly, I want to be here to protect the students in case Voldemort decides to attack the school, like he did today.  And finally, I would simply just miss it if I were anywhere else.  I would miss the castle, my friends, my family, Ginny… I would miss it all, I would miss YOU all."  At this, his friends and family smiled at him.

"How many O.W.L's did you get?" asked Hermione, and when everyone looked at her as if she had gone mad, she blushed and added, "well you said that you knew EVERYTHING that Hogwarts can teach you, I was wondering how much you knew beforehand.

"Actually Hermione, did fairly good.  I got at least an Exceedingly Excellent in everything but History of Magic and Divinations," answered Harry, amused.  "I got Outstandings in Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and, surprisingly, Potions.  I got Exceedingly Excellent in Transfigurations, an Adequate in History of Magic, and a Poor in Divinations."

"Do you have a title?" asked Remus, with a frown.  "I mean, everyone calls Dumbledore 'Professor,' or 'Headmaster,' do you have a title that we are supposed to use when addressing you in an official capacity?"

"The answer to your question is a bit complicated," Harry informed her.  "First of all, yes I do have a title.  Professors Dumbledore, and McGonnogall all guessed that it was 'My Lord Arch-mage,' which is close, but not accurate.  While it is true that I am an Arch-mage, I am also the most powerful, as Matilda unknowingly pointed out, and therefore the leader of the Council.  I am also, apparently the descendant of Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Merlin and Morgana le Fey.  Godric and Rowena were both married, even though most people do not know this, as were Merlin and Morgana.  While people know a lot about Merlin, his marriage is not well know at all, in fact, besides the Council, all of you are probably the only living souls that know about either marriages.  Since both Merlin and Morgana were royalty, and I am their sole surviving heir, My title is that of 'Highness.' It would be higher, but since Merlin is still alive, and technically still ruling over Avalon, I am 'just' a prince."  Everyone was looking with stunned, yet prideful expressions on his face.  "That being said, I don't want any of you ever calling me anything but Harry, we know each other too well to get strung up on titles and what not."

"Why was Godric Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaw's marriage not included in Hogwarts, a History?" asked Hermione, a bit put out that a fact this massive was left out of her beloved book.

Harry tapped his finer on Ginny's soft thigh for a few seconds before answering.  "The four founders decided against publicizing it.  They knew that if anyone found out that a single person was the heir of not only one, but two of the most powerful people in the world, that person would be in danger, so they hid their marriage, and named their children with a different last name.  If you do the research, you will find that the Potter family, sprung up out of nowhere around ten years after the school was opened.  It came as a bit of a shock to me, but Salazar told me that he was the one that told them to do it, that it was the 'smart thing to do.'"

"SALAZAR SLYTHERIN IS AN ARCH MAGE?" exclaimed Ron in surprise.  "I thought you guys were the GOOD guys!"

Harry chuckled.  "All the founders are Arch-mages, and I can assure you that Salazar is NOT evil, he even dislikes Snape, said he was a sorry excuse for a head of HIS house."  At this Remus snorted and Matilda and Ginny giggled.  Hermione was, torn between horror and amusement, was trying to hide a smile, and the Ron was all laughing hysterically.

Once they had settled down again, Harry went on, "Actually Salazar and Godric staged the argument and everything because a Dark Lord was gathering followers, and the Hogwarts founders knew that one of them would have to deal with it personally.  Not wanting to alert the Dark Lord, they pretended to grow apart, and fight, and Salazar 'left in anger after leaving a monster in the chamber of secrets for his heir to find.'  In actuality, Salazar went off to fight, and later defeat the Dark Lord, and he had SEALED the basilisk INTO the chamber, in hopes that it would be trapped there, and die, so that no one would be killed by it."

"How did you learn all of this in a month?" asked Ginny, speaking up finally.

"I didn't," answered Harry, earning confused looks from everyone.

"How long did it take to learn what you learned then?" asked Remus and Matilda at the same time.

"A really long time," Harry replied, earning frowns of confusion from Ginny, Remus, and Matilda.  "Merlin took Avalon outside of time and space," he explained.  "Time inside Avalon moves differently than it does everywhere else.  In fact, there are spells all over the place, so that time from room to room moves differently.  For example, time inside the Council Chamber moves at the same rate as time outside of Avalon, but in the libraries, and other places, years, or even centuries could pass, and only a day or even an hour would pass normally."

"That's why you look so different, so much older," said Hermione.  "It's because you actually ARE older."

Harry nodded.  "Yeah, I'm actually a lot older than I look now, I won't tell you how much.  I'm not complaining though, I received more than you can know because of it.  I got Ginny because of it."

At this, Ginny looked at him, interested.  "How so?" she asked.

"Well, as you know, I didn't receive many letters from Ron or Hermione," Harry said, making both of them look rather embarrassed.  "Well, I DID receive all of your letters, and I found myself reading and re-reading them.  I also sort of spied on you a bit," he added guiltily.  "Never when I shouldn't or anything like that, just looking in on you, all of you actually, well not Matilda, just checking in on your day to day lives, making sure you were all OK.  Anyway, after a while, again I won't tell you how long, I figured out how much I missed you, and I found myself checking in on you more and more, until Circe caught me gazing at you for hours on end.  Boy did I get teased for that!  Anyway, because of the time away, well as it seemed to me, I figured out that I had slowly fallen in love with you," he finished.

As he told her this, Harry had been looking at Ginny, trying to figure out how she was taking this news.  At first, she had been surprised, and she seemed to be a bit annoyed that Harry had spied on her, but that faded as well.  Now she was looking at him, her chocolate brown eyes wide with happiness.  "Remind me to thank the Council whenever I meet them," she said.  At this, the room again dissolved into laughter.

After they had quieted down, everyone noticed that the smell of cooked food was in the room. Looking over at the table Dumbledore had conjured, they saw that dinner had arrived, and that, somehow, twelve chairs surrounded the table, even though it should only be big enough for six.  Looking around, they all agreed, without saying anything, to table the conversation until after dinner.  As they sat down and started passing out food, Remus brought up another topic that had been on everyone's mind.

"Have any of you thought about joining the Order of the Phoenix?" he asked, as he passed the roast chicken to Matilda, who was sitting to his right.

"Yes, I was wondering about that," said Ginny as she helped herself to some roasted potatoes.  "Why is the Order still active?"

"As you know The Order of the Phoenix was formed by Professor Dumbledore to battle the rising threat of Lord Voldemort," answered Remus.  He took a drink of pumpkin juice, and then continued.  "It is a secret organization which several witches and wizards have joined, in hopes that we will be able to defeat the Dark Lord one day.  Because of Fudge's inaction we are not sure if there are Supporters of Voldemort in the Ministry of Magic.  So the Order is still going to head the fight against Voldemort, as it should."

"How effective has the Order been so far?" asked Harry, between bites of chicken.   "Have you had any luck foiling any Death Eater attacks?"

"Well, you haven't heard of any, except the one that you foiled, have you?" asked Matilda.  "Since Severus has been able to spy on Voldemort's movements, we have been able to keep one step ahead of Voldemort.  He probably knows that Severus is a spy now though," she added.  "That's why we weren't alerted to the attack on Hogwarts."

"How DID Snape get into the Order anyway?" asked Ron in disbelief.

"Honestly Ron," chided Hermione, hitting him lightly on the arm.  "The way you speak of him, he's the most evil man alive."

"Actually he is," replied Harry.  When everyone looked at him in surprise, he grinned and added.  "The Council has been betting on when he will sprout horns and a tail ever since they saw him at the welcome back feast."

Everyone laughed at that, then Ginny said, "Well I for one, think I'm going to join.  I like the idea of dealing some grief on back onto Voldemort."  Everyone at the table, who had been invited to join, quickly agreed.

"Oh that reminds me," said Harry suddenly.  "Remind me to go and capture a group of Death Eaters after the meeting."  When everyone looked at him, he reminded them.  "I warned Voldemort not to try and attack my family and friends.  I told him that I would take every attack out of the ranks of his Death Eaters, and that's what I'm going to do!"

"Oh Harry, don't be silly," said Ginny, looking a bit worried.  "You won't be going after Death Eaters, I mean how would you find them?"

"Simple actually," replied Harry calmly.  "I know that there's a group of Death Eaters in the Dark Forest.  I'm going to go take care of them."

Remus, looking alarmed, asked him, "How do you know that?"

"I felt their presence at the attack," answered Harry as he put some more food on his plate.  "I put a tracking spell on them, so that I would be able to find them in case they Disapparated away."

"B-But Harry," said and obviously scared Ginny.  "Won't that be a bit dangerous?"

"Of course it will," said Harry, a dangerous look in his eyes, "for them."

At this, everyone decided to drop the subject, even though Ginny was glancing worriedly at Harry every so often.  Noticing this, Harry said, "Well do you want me to wait until they attack the school again?  Would that make you feel better?"

"I would feel better if you never had to go into a dangerous situation ever again," replied Ginny truthfully.  "I know in my head that you'll be ok, but my heart worries every second that you are away from me"

"Yes, I was thinking about that," said Harry, earning strange looks from everyone there.  "Remus, I think I'll be going with you when you go talk to Professor Dumbledore," he informed them all.

"Why would you want to do that Harry," asked Remus with a frown.

"Well, with everything… the way it is… in the castle right now, I don't think it's safe to let go off alone in the castle.  I'm going to inform Professor Dumbledore that Ginny is going to be skipping a year and joining the sixth years tomorrow," he informed them all, earning surprised looks from everyone there.

"You're going to INFORM HIM?" asked Ron, not sure he had heard right, just as Remus asked, "What do you mean it's not safe in the castle? What things are going on?"

"Yes Ron, I'm going to inform him," replied Harry.  "If need be I'll go over his head on this matter.  And well, to answer your question Remus, I don't exactly know what's going on, yet.  I haven't been able to take a look around yet, but Lily informed me that several things are not as they should be, and when I opened up my senses, I was able to tell that there's something dangerous going on here."

At this eerie pronouncement, everyone was silent for a moment, then Ginny asked.  "How can you go over Dumbledore's head?  He's the Headmaster.  And do you really think I'm ready to be a sixth year?  I mean…I've never even DONE any fifth year spells… I haven't even taken my O.W.L.'s."

"Well, you'll be ready for sixth year by tomorrow," replied Harry mysteriously.  "And I can easily go over Dumbledore's head to the Founders.  If I get a signed document from THEM, there's nothing Dumbledore could do about it, but I really don't think it'll be a problem."

"How are you going to convince him?" asked Hermione.

"I'm going to convince him to let Ginny test out of all her subjects before classes tomorrow," replied Harry with a grin on his face.  "He's got tests in his office that I'll bring back here, and have Ginny take, and then once she passes them, she'll be a sixth year."  Seeing the nervous look on Ginny's face he added, "don't worry, hon, I'll make sure that you are ready for them before you take them."

"How are you going to do that?" asked Ron, a look of unbelief on his face.

"Simply, I'll take Ginny to Avalon after the Order of the Phoenix meeting, and train her there," answered Harry.  "It shouldn't take longer than about an hour or so.  Then, I'll perform the practical sections of the tests, and have Ginny take the written test.  I'll submit the written test, and extract my memories into a pensive for the practical."

"You can take me to Avalon?" asked Ginny, a look of wonder on her face.  "I thought that only the Council of Arch-mages could enter."

"That's true, but any Arch-mage can bring someone into Avalon, they just usually don't," informed Harry with a grin.  "Heck, I'll invite all of you to visit over the summer if you like," he added seeing the excited expressions on their faces.

Before anyone could ask anything else about Avalon, Remus looked at his watch and informed everyone that Harry and the teachers would have to leave soon if they wanted to have time to talk to Dumbledore before the meeting.  Everyone quickly finished eating and got up.  As soon as they had done so, the table, chairs, and everything that was on it disappeared.  Harry quickly said goodbye to everyone in the room, kissed Ginny quickly, then left with the four teachers, promising to tell everyone how the meeting with Dumbledore went as soon as he got back.