Chapter 4: A New Member

A thin ray of sunlight slide through the curtains and danced their way over to Harry's half swollen face accenting the purple and blue that lined the one side of his face and the more green and yellow that captured the jaw line on the other. He wasn't wearing a shirt and bandages covered the majority of his chest and torso. Several veils of potions sat on the table next to the bed, along with fresh bandages. The room was very still and all that could be heard was the faint breathing of its inhibitor. The room had been that way for several days. Only when it was time to fix Harry's bandages or to give him another potion did someone disrupt the serene environment.

The warmth of the sun started to arouse Harry from his slumber, he had been in and out of consciousness, but today seemed like the day Harry was going to finally come out of it. He slowly blinked his eyes open, after rubbing them for several moments they finally started to adjust to the new surroundings. He slowly reached over toward the table to grab his glasses then he started to sit himself up as much as his ribs would let him, which was not very far. He started to recognize were he was, it was Sirius's room in Grimmauld Place but it had changed. It was much cleaner then the last time he saw it, the carpets, curtains, sheets and even the furniture looked all brand new. What else had changed, Harry wondered. He decided he'd been in bed long enough and slowly made his way to the edge. He pushed himself up and was just about to take his first step when a wave of dizziness washed over him. He sat back down for a moment, letting his body adjust to being upright again. After a few more moments he pushed himself back up again and started to walk. His ribs were still sore so his walk was very ridged. He pushed open his door and looked down the hall. He was guessing everyone was at breakfast.

The kitchen was buzzing with activity, the whole Weasley family, except Percy, was there, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Lupin, Tonks, Mad Eye, Snape, Madam Pomfrey, and Hermione. Harry slowly opened the kitchen door and saw them all happily eating.

"Harry!" an excited Hermione shouted. Everyone turned to see Harry standing in the doorway; they quickly made a space for him at the table. He sat down between Lupin and Fred. Everyone seemed to have an expression of relief, even Snape seemed to look a little calmer.

"You gave us quit the scare Harry," said Dumbledore, who was sitting across from him.

"What happened? I just remember talking with my Uncle Vernon then somehow the protection charm was brought up," Harry paused. "Then he mentioned . . ." once again Harry stopped himself from saying Sirius's name out loud. He felt everyone's eyes rest on him and it made him feel very uncomfortable.

"It seems that two of Voldemorts follows took some Polyjuice potion and captured your uncle and cousin." A touch of concern in Dumbledore's voice, "But the spell has been broken, other then Hogwarts this is the only safe place for you to be." Another long pause, "Well, if you would excuse me I have some business to take care of. Molly, thank you for a wonderful meal."

Once Dumbledore had left everyone's attention was turned back towards Harry. The typical questions began to be asked and as time went on people slowly began to filter out, until it was just Harry, Ron, Hermione, McGonagall, Lupin, Madam Pomfrey, and Mrs. Weasley. The four adults were all huddled down at the end of the table having some serious discussion.

"You defiantly gave us a scare mate, we all arrived just as that Death Eater kicked you in the face," said Ron.

"How are your ribs Harry, them seemed to bother you a lot while Dumbledore was holding you," a very concerned Hermione asked. Her big brown eyes looked as if they were staring right into Harry's soul, he could never hide anything from Hermione and for a moment Harry was lost in her gaze, he quickly recovered.

"They're a bit sore but they feel better then my head does," said Harry. "You took several blows to the head Harry, you need to take it easy the next couple of days and let it heal. Ron and I will keep you company don't worry," Hermione said as she reached across the table to squeeze Harry's hand. Her touch felt very familiar and Harry didn't want to let it go so he held onto it for a bit longer.

"Harry dear, why don't we get you back upstairs," said Professor McGonagall. Harry immediately let go of Hermione's hand and tried to turn around but was met with some pain.

"Here let Ron and I help you," said Lupin. Both he and Ron flanked Harry and helped him up the stairs, they were followed by all the women from the kitchen. Ron and Lupin helped Harry get comfortable in bed.

"Well now that I have you three all together I have some things I'd like to discusses with you. Dumbledore feels that we need to get you three ready for facing You-Know-Who."

"Three? As in Harry, Hermione and me, taking on You –Know-Who. I thought Harry was the only one who could beat," Ron paused. "Him."

"Thanks a lot," teased Harry.

"No offence Harry but I can't even out-dual Ginny let alone You-Know-Who," said Ron.

"Precisely the point Mr. Weasley, Dumbledore feels that you and Ms. Granger will be of some help to Harry during the battle, and we need to get you all ready," said McGonagall.

"Battle Professor?" a curious Hermione asked.

"Yes, the sorting hat gave a warning to Dumbledore the other night," said a now concerned McGonagall.

"What type of warning Professor," ask Harry.

"I don't know, but that is why Professor Dumbledore has called a meeting tonight for all of the Order, and he would like you three at the meeting as well. Our main goal is to help you three be ready for whatever is to come, and so with that said you will all be having lessons for the rest of the summer." McGonagall took out a piece of parchment. "I will be helping you transfigure into an animagus . . . "

"No way!" gasped Ron. McGonagall eyed him but then continued.

"Professor Lupin will be working on your Defense Against The Dark Arts. Moody will be teaching dueling and pain deflection. Snape will continue to instruct you on potions and Dumbledore will work with all three of you on Occlumency. It is imperative that you master Occlumency before school, so the Dark Lord can't use any of you to find out what we are planning. Now I'll let you three catch up, if you have any questions I'll be in the living room down stairs." Said McGonagall.

"Here Mr. Potter drink these two veils and if you have any severe pain have Ms. Granger or Mr. Weasley come and get me." Madam Pomfrey explained.

"Oh Harry I'm so glad you're feeling better. Now don't you worry I'll bring lunch up here so you can save your strength for tonight." Said Mrs. Weasley as she gave Harry a cautious hug.

"If you need anything just let us know," smiled Lupin. All the adults made there way over towards the door and quietly left the three friends alone.

"Bloody Hell, we're gonna become animagus,"said Ron.

"Ron!" Snapped Hermione. "Did you listen to anything McGonagall said? There's going to be a battle, which means we're not just fighting Voldemort, we're also going to be fighting Death Eaters . . . most likely hundreds of them."

"By ourselves?" said a confused Ron.

"I doubt it, but lets wait an see what happens tonight. For all we know it could be a battle of wizards chess," smiled Harry as he winked at Ron.

"Way ahead of you mate," said Ron as he dragged a table already setup.

"Well I'm ahead of both of you," beamed Hermione as she tossed both Ron and Harry a box of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans and pulled a book out of Harry's bedside table. They all laughed, and began their various activities. The afternoon was quiet and uneventful, Ron destroyed Harry at Wizards Chest so many times that Hermione felt the need to step in and try and knock Ron off his thrown. Harry watched his two best friends play. He loved them both so much. They were the only family he had and if he lost either of them he wouldn't know what he would do. Harry felt bad for all the pain he had caused both of them and now they might have to put their lives on the line to help Harry yet again. He made a vow right there that he would do everything in his power to protect them and keep them out of harms way, he owed them that much.

Before too long, Lupin came upstairs to help Harry get a shirt on and escort him down to the meeting. Everyone was already seated when Harry arrived, everyone from that morning including some people Harry didn't recognize were all packed into the living room. Dumbledore was standing at the far end of the room and gave Harry a small nod as he entered. Once Harry was settled next to Ron and Hermione on the couch, Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"First I'd like to thank you all for coming, I know gathering in numbers isn't the safest thing to do but you may notice just under half of us are present. You also might be wondering why Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny are in this meeting. Well . . . because it involves them the most." But before Dumbledore could finish there was a loud knock at the door. Everyone jumped and pulled their wands out.

"Everyone remain calm, I believe our new member has arrived," said Dumbledore as he motioned for Lupin to open the door.

A young women stepped into the room carrying a broom Harry had never seen before and a large green duffle bag, the kind someone in the armed forces would have. She was wearing low-rise jeans and a T-shirt that read "Property of the Irish Quidditch Team." Sunglasses were holding her honey blonde hair back and if she weren't carrying a broom you would have thought a muggle had just walked in.

"Dumbledore is it okay if Rosie comes in, she's in a holding pattern out back," said the woman with the hint of a brogue.

"Of course, please go ahead and get her," said Dumbledore. The woman pulled out a Dragon Hide glove from her back pocket and left the room. Once she was gone the room immediately erupted with whispered conversations.

"What's the Irish doing here?" George asked Fred.

"I dunno but did you see that broom? I read the Irish team has been experimenting with aerodynamic brooms in preparation for the next World Cup. Those are the fastest brooms on earth, I didn't know any of the players had started using them." A shocked Fred stated.

"Who is she? I didn't see her at the last Quidditch Cup?" said Ron

"All I know is her names Julia, rumor has it she's the best seeker in the world . . . better then Krum, but she refused to play until she was through with Auror training." Said Ginny with a smile.

The whispers stopped as footsteps could be heard coming toward the living room again. The woman stepped into the room with a majestic bald Eagle on a gloved arm. Everyone was in awe for a moment over the beautiful creature.

"That's one of the original Eagles," gasped Tonks.

"An original Eagle?" asked Harry.

"Yes, also referred to as a founding Eagle or Elder." Stated Dumbledore. "You see Harry, Eagles along with Phoenixes are some of the oldest magical creatures still left. A founding Eagle has many powers and when Witches and Wizards started to abuse them they migrated to the new world were the local tribes understood and respected the new creature."

"Aye, and once you've earned their respect, they will be loyal to you until your death, because they out-live humans by many years," interrupted Julia. "But I doubt I was brought here to discuss Rosie."

"Quite right, well first let me introduce are new guest, Julia is one of the finest Auror's Ireland has but she is also a close friend of mine and I'd trust her with my life. She has agreed to fill the Defense Against The Dark Arts position at Hogwarts and has joined the Order. I ask that you treat her with the same respect you'd show your own mothers." Smiled Dumbledore, "Now for the reason I called you all here, I will let my old friend explain himself." Dumbledore stepped aside to reveal the sorting hat sitting on a stool.

"Many brave and true of heart gather in this room, for the hour grows late and the battle will begin soon," the hat paused and looked straight at Harry. "Heir of Godric Gryffindor listen to my words, the time will come that the once four separate houses will become one and stand behind you in your fight. Which will happen during the six month's longest night. The one thing you need to remember is this . . . love of family, the love of a friend, and the most powerful of all . . . the undying love of another. The heir of Salazar Slytherin can never know how powerful these elements can be, for hatred and cruelty is all that he sees." The hat stopped for a moment then looked at Julia, "I know that many of you have been waiting for the task ahead but know that good will win out in the end. I fear my time for rhyme has come to an end but heed this last word my friends. Never forget that the greatest power comes from within," and with that the sorting hat fell silent. No one moved nor spoke for several minutes following, until Julia took two steps forward.

"Well we know when the battle is happening," she paused. "The real question is, does Voldemort?"