Chapter 23

The next few weeks were critical. Besides having to train Ron and Hermione, he also needed to step up the training sessions in Magical Combat. Harry had asked professor to help Ron with more animagus forms to see how many he had. As it turned out Harry activated a gene responsible for the metamorphic ability so Tonks was brought in to help him as well. Harry and Godric took on Ginny's training in the evenings, to both their delight. Godric seemed delighted that they had grown so close to each other and kept coming up with names for their children, to the mutual embarrassment of the pair.

The week before the Hogsmeade outing Harry and Hermione were in Arithmancy class when an idea struck Harry.

"Mione, I have an idea!" Harry blurted out interrupting everyone in the room.

Hermione looked at him and Harry continued more quietly "We need to design a new set of spells for attack and defense. The Death Eaters and Voldemort know ALL of our current spells. If we have some new spells with unknown counters, save for us, then they cant defend against them."

Hermione suddenly grinned at the thought and replied, "Well new spell construction is very difficult, and especially as they are not really legal till they are approved by the Ministry. However, I will bet we can modify existing spells to do the same thing. I can have professors Vector and Flitwick help me on that along with our project for the Order."

Harry nodded and added, "We need to get some ready as soon as possible to start teaching them to Order members and some trusted DA members."

After class, Harry met Albus in the room of requirement. Since Ginny had many of the same, mental powers Harry possessed Dumbledore thought it wise to tutor her as well in some of the same combat that Harry did.

Harry explained his idea of spell modification to Dumbledore and he smiled saying, "You never cease to amaze me with your cleverness Harry. If this proves fruitful, it will give us a great edge in this war. Speaking of which shall we get back to it?" Dumbledore waved his hand and 40 Death Eaters appeared firing curses at the pair.

The pair fought well together and no enemies stood a chance against them. Harry tried to keep his fighting less malicious when fighting with Ginny there, not wanting to scare her. Therefore, he used his powers to stop and hold his enemies rather than outright destroying them as he usually would have. Ginny was having the time of her life fighting groups of Death Eaters and vampires and werewolves. A small part in her mind reminded her that this was only training and the real thing would be different.

Finally, Dumbledore called a stop for the day and looked at the two. "I dare say, with the abilities you two possess along with the metamorphic abilities of young Ronald combined with the raw intelligence and creativeness of Ms.Granger you four make quite a formidable team."

Harry and Ginny blushed at his praise and Dumbledore his eyes twinkling said, "Well I can see I have embarrassed you two enough for now. Now off with the pair of you, perhaps flying to your secluded rest area in the forest will relax you."

The pair left hurriedly and Ginny turned to Harry and asked, "How does he know about our spot?"

Harry just grinned and replied, "If there's one thing I've learned about Dumbledore is that he seems to know EVERYTHING that happens at school."

Ginny just smiled slyly and said, "Well it's not a bad idea after all lets go"

Harry took her hand and they turned themselves invisible and walked out of the school. Taking flight, they went to their hideaway to enjoy themselves. Later they returned to dinner and were chatting with Ron and Hermione about spell modification when Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.

"If I may have your attention please. As you know there is a Hogsmeade weekend coming up this weekend." Many heads nodded in excitement at the prospect and Dumbledore continued, "With all the recent attacks we feel it prudent that any student leaving the grounds will sign out of the castle along with the time they left and sign in again. Additionally any students planning to go MUST sign the roster to be placed on the bulletin board in your dormitories before Thursday. This will allow all guardians to coordinate what groups they will be responsible for."

Dumbledore looked grave and continued, "You will follow the instructions of your group leader and not go into any dangerous places or shops. This is for your own safety as well as those around you."

Dumbledore sat down and after dinner Harry made his way to the Room of Requirement and made ready for his class. Surprisingly over the last few weeks many more students had elected to come and learn, he now had over 70 students. As the number was now so great Harry had split the class into years and had DA members were helping them as well as Harry after his initial lecture.

So far, almost everyone had mastered the shield spells and the basic disarm charms. Harry had the upper years still working on Patronus charms and advanced attack routines. All in all Harry was pleased with their progress, yet knew they had a long way to go; He only hoped they would have time.

It was decided that Snape would lead the Slytherin group, Harry the Gryffindors, professor Vector the Ravenclaws and Sprout the Hufflepuffs. Plans finalized and Dumbledore, using various means, finally got the hairs of twelve students that the aurors would be assuming the identity of.

Finally, the day came and the members of the auror team each received a flask of poly juice potion. Adding the hairs the aurors downed the potions with a gag and went in pairs down to Hogsmeade to scout and position themselves.

Harry and the Gryffindors were the first to leave followed by the Slytherins and the other houses. The students frolicked and shopped, examining the various shops and enjoying the treats the town had to offer. The day seemed to go along perfectly, as they were sitting in a pub drinking a butterbeer discussing where to go next a loud explosion rocked the building to its very foundation.

Harry stood up looking at his friends. Ron, Ginny, and Hermione got up wordlessly. Harry placed shields around them and opened a portal back to the castle. Harry sent all other students back through and the four went to meet destiny. Looking outside Harry saw total chaos. There were at least one hundred Death Eaters as well as at least 60 Dementors. Harry saw the group of disguised aurors fighting off the Dementors, the Patronus forms of everything from donkeys to chimps trying to hold back the flood of the horrific beings.

Civilian personnel were being cursed or kissed left and right. They had to end this FAST. Thinking quickly Harry mentally sent to Ginny Hold off the Death Eaters for a few moments would you dear?

Ginny sent back OK but don't be too long

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Snape trying to gather his students into safety. Draco just stood back grinning as if Christmas had come early. Harry saw the intent in Malfoys eyes and knew he needed to save Snape, but those damned Dementors were still on the loose, he could feel the chill even through his shield. Getting very angry Harrys eyes lit up and pure white beams of energy pierced the Dementors. They were not being driven off. They were being destroyed. Their unearthly screams filled the air as their bodies crumbled to dust.

The Death Eaters seeing this looked aghast. Nothing could kill Dementors, NOTHING! Ginny had erected a wall of force to hold the Death Eaters at bay while Ron had transformed himself into a Tyrannosaurus Rex and was wading through them, eating them like popcorn. Finally, Harry made his way to Ginny's side.

To say that the sight was breath taking was an understatement. Harry and Ginny made a deadly duo. Fighting back to back, Death Eaters were flying into walls, heads exploded or imploded, bodies were ripped limb from limb. Wands were flying to the duo and snapped in half without a word. Harry caused lightning and fire to destroy what he could not drown or bury. Ginny sent waves of mental energy that disintegrated all that stood in her path.

Finally, the fighting died down and the last of the prisoners was bound for transport. Harry looking over the casualties saw the blackened crumpled body of Severus Snape among the dead. Looking around Harry noticed Draco Malfoy was nowhere to be seen. Mentally contacting Dumbledore he sent Albus, apprehend Malfoy at once

Albus sent back we will Harry, The ministry will take it from there please come back to the castle

Ministry personnel arriving on the scene looked around taking in all the bodies both dead and living and the destruction that surrounded them. Harry gave them his statement and they nodded.

Moody stepped up and said, "Well it worked Potter. We lost a few aurors and a few students, but it could have been much worse."

Harry just nodded and they walked over to the body of Snape. Harry waved his hand and Snapes body changed shape. Suddenly the dead body of Peter Pettigrew, A.K.A Wormtail was laying dead at his feet.

Moody smiled and said, "Well our bait worked. That was a fine idea using mental control and the use of Poly juice. Did we catch Malfoy?"

Harry just grimaced and replied, "Not yet, I have to return to the school and check his wand."

Moody suddenly laughed and said, "Damned Potter you make a fine auror. I am going to recommend you and your team for the Order of Merlin for this."

Harry just shook his head and replied, "Not for me Moody, I am just doing my duty, but Ron, Ginny and Hermione deserve it. Ron and Ginny fought side by side with me while Mione got any injured to safety. Give it to them."

Harry bid his friend good day and opened a portal back to Hogwarts. Harry went straight to Dumbledores office and found a bound Malfoy sitting in the chair in front of Dumbledore. Gone was the ever present twinkle in the old mans eyes, now cold hard fury burned in them.

Harry looked and Dumbledore and asked, "Did we test his wand?"

Albus nodded gravely and replied, "Yes, he cast the killing curse."

Albus stood facing Draco Malfoy and announced, "Draco Malfoy for use of the killing Curse on Mr Peter Pettigrew, also know as Wormtail, in the guise of a Professor. Though he was a convicted criminal sentenced to Sheol, you are hereby EXPELLED from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You have one hour to leave the premises."

Draco Malfoy just seethed with anger at the two and stormed from the office.

A/N Thanks for all your reviews. Please keep em coming. You inspire me to write more. I try to answer questions you have for me in the story as well as any needed explanations. You all may think it's strange for Dumbledore to expel Malfoy for using an unforgivable but trust me its part of the plot. I have some ideas to apprentice Malfoy to Voldie but am still mulling over scenarios. Thanks for your patience. If you have any ideas or plot elements please don't hesitate to send em to me. Thanks Ben.