Chapter 32

End of Days

A/N: I answered the question about pairings because it was asked several times but this is by no way a romance story, it will be one of the last things on Harry's to-do list pardon the pun. Though, let's face it a 16 year old boy with no amorous tendencies is a bit creepy not to mention completely unrealistic; but baring some psychotic muse dousing the entire story in a wicked love potion there will be no bed hoping here … (personally I think that should be saved for Buffy fan fic, specifically naked Spike & Angel – yum – but hey we're way off topic now.)

Reviewers: I know I don't usually do this but I couldn't resist. Forgive me my vices.

Sr1918 – Wow! I think someone has really captured my thought process & I must say that's a bit scary … I hope you keep reading, I'd love to see your comments about the ending. (Ahh, if only the rest of the story flowed as easily) … BTW, super-witch pissed me off too G .

Altariel4 – I'll warn you now my following of quidditch is not nearly extensive as my ability to perceive conspiracy everywhere, but I shall do my best.

kadede – Thanx. Nice to know my sadistic, irreverent and occasionally tacky humor is sometimes appreciated; it all too often gets me into trouble.

::chuckles softly:: Such evil thoughts! I was honestly expecting more, huh? posts… Thanx to you all!


The astonishment of Dumbledore's acquiescence took several days to wear off. They all, in particular Remus, were leery of taking the olive tree branch Dumbledore had seemingly offered at face value. He had spent entirely too much time stirring the kettle to manipulate things to be seen completely without motive. However, the momentary abatement was something both Harry and his studies desperately needed. His Occlumency training was going splendidly. There had been no repeat performance of the break through vision which Mikhail attributed to the stress Harry had been placed under. Moreover, he was barely receiving twinges from his scar since committing himself to his routine of morning and evening cleansing. Harry also continued working on his other studies for several hours each afternoon, as Mikhail and Remus were in Moony's own words "children of Luna" and therefore they should not be expected to work mornings.

Harry's other studies were, at least according to Remus, on par with Newt level, with his DADA on par with a first year auror. Harry hoped but rather doubted Moody would be pleased when they met for their first tutoring session after he returned to Hogwarts. Mikhail and Remus pondered about the significance of their observations, but unfortunately had no viable theories as to why Harry continually performed exceedingly well with difficult spell work, while some of the basic levels proved to be the most problematic for him. They had decided not to mention it to Harry but simply monitor the situation as they had no desire to further aggravate the situation by creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Remus privately speculated that perhaps the poor care of the Dursleys had stunted some of Harry's magical potential.

Surprisingly, just thinking about returning to Hogwarts put a damper on his mood. For the first time in his life, Harry did not look forward to returning to a place that less the two months ago he considered his only home. Harry had never enjoyed his time during holiday, except for this year. The cabin was his home and he was loathe to give it up easily. He could not in good conscience not return to Hogwarts though, no matter how tempting. Harry feared what would commotions would ensue should he for all intents and purposes vanish. It could easily put anyone he associated with in harms way, especially Ron and Hermione. They would be the first strike should someone be trying to find him. At least during the holiday, he was expected not to be seen.

Harry's musing led to an almost melancholy mood throughout the last days of summer. Harry had begun to wonder how to plans for the upcoming battle. As much as he wished to face Voldemort alone, and protect all those he held close to his heart, Harry knew he would need help. Especially with Voldemort revealed so to speak, the war would truly begin. Harry's heart wept for the innocents that would be lost, as well as his love ones that would have to fight until he was ready. Remus and Mikhail both noticed his introspective moments and did their best to get him out of his funk to little or no avail.

Before they even realized it, the full moon was upon them. Tonks, still playing both sides of the fence, agreed to keep Harry company. Swinging the time off, however, was not an easy task, when Kinsley heard she wanted off on the full moon, he questioned her for over an hour. Fortunately, it fell on a weekend and she pleaded a cousin's wedding, which was true. She neglected to tell him, she would not be on the guests list, however.

This full moon was the last of the doses of Wolf-bane Remus and Mikhail had available from Snape. It would be urgent to get in touch with Bret Sychak as soon as possible. Remus would contact him to make arrangements for the following month. Mikhail had already heard of his prowess with potions, in fact he had received only good reports on the man so they were hopeful it would not be an issue. They were still trying to get some information about the Liam Roarke mentioned. Apparently, he had been recruited straight from the Emerald isle and there was little known about him here. It would take a few days to make the appropriate contacts.


After Mr. Lovegood unburied his office, he resumed the Quibbler printing schedule. The Quibbler continued to report on the actions, or rather lack there of by the ministry. He reconciled the correspondence by adding an "On The Front" section where he printed not only letters of concern he had received, but any factual information received from the Ministry.

Nevertheless, the Ministry was also loathe to give out information. Even though You-Know-Who's return had been announced last June, there had been little done in the general population to provide additional security measures. There was no official comment on the underage magic question, nor any change in the licensing of apparition. Though the attacks contributed to His return were few and far between, most parents of school age children were terrified. They were the generation that had survived through You-Know-Who's reign last time, most with the scars both emotional and physical to prove it.

Given the lack of information from the ministry, parents were concerned about the security of their children. Minus a pamphlet on how to protect yourself and some sweeping comments from Minister Fudge regarding how the Ministry was on top of the problem, there was little noticeable effort being made. Citizens, parents and departments alike were all clamoring to find out what was being done to protect the students and general population. As term started in less then two weeks, there was a great deal of trepidation of heading to Diagon Alley to get supplies and the transportation available to Hogwarts. Owl order business was booming. However, thus far, no alternative transportation arrangements had been made available.


Mrs. Weasley was growing more and more apprehensive. The children hadn't emerged from their self imposed exile in almost five hours. One would think Ron's stomach alone would be incentive enough for them to appear. What she did not realize was that Ron, Ginny, and Hermione had taken Harry's gift to heart. The revelation of the loophole in the underage magic law had not gone unexploited. Admittedly it took quite a bit of persuasion for Hermione, not to mention two full days of magic by Ginny and Ron with no repercussions, but the three had been practicing magic nearly everyday since they realized they could.

Hermione's organizational skills had proven their worth yet again. She set a tough schedule; then again there was little else to do at headquarters for the underage occupants unless one wanted to entertain the Dursleys. They practiced anything they thought might be useful – transfiguration, charms, even a little potions much to Ron's disgust. He had been celebrating his lack of an Outstanding OWL in potions since he received his results. Even with the grueling agenda, the three were surprised at how much they had learned in such a short period.


Two days before the Hogwart's Express was scheduled to leave. Harry, Remus, Mikhail, and Tonks sat down to review all their plans for the upcoming year. Remus suggested it was time to give Dumbledore Mikhail's name and prepare a study schedule for Harry as well as his friends should they choose to participate. They also decided to contact Moody to set up a schedule as soon as possible.

Remus also noted he would need the morning the next day to get a few things together. He needed to put a few of his contingency plans into effect. He had no desire to leave any of them vulnerable to attack from the Order or Voldemort. Remus had already purchased a small home in Hogsmeade under a pseudonym and made arrangements to move himself and Mikhail in on September 1. This way they would be close to Harry without falling under Dumbledore's domain. Remus was guilt-ridden at leaving the Order's campaign to others even though he felt that perhaps the best service he could perform for the wizarding world was to keep Harry well protected.