Chapter 13: Halloween and The Big Meeting

Harry awoke the morning of Halloween in a bit of a mood. The quidditch match against Slytherin had been postponed due to the whole team coming down with a rare case of food poisoning, which Harry felt Ron had something to do with. Both he and Dean Thomas seemed too happy about the whole team getting it. So instead Harry asked to have a pick up game with Hufflepuff, which proved to be very useful. However Harry had one monstrous bruise on his chest. Seamus was trying to get the Hufflepuffs seeker who was tailing Harry but just as he hit the bludger Harry had seen the snitch and started to go for it, this resulted in Harry taking the bludger directly in the chest. What was amazing is that Harry didn't fall off his broom, but he hadn't told anyone about how bad the bruise looked.

He slowly pushed himself up on his bed and saw a card lying on his bedside table. He didn't recognize the handwriting.

Dear Mr. Harry Potter,

The Headmaster wanted me to inform you that tonight after the feast he will ask those to join the cause. He wanted to give you advanced notice so you could spread the word to the DA to be prepared. See you at the meeting.
Sincerely,
Dobby
House Elf

This was what Harry needed, something to start happening. Now they could start getting ready for this battle. With a renewed energy Harry got up and headed for the shower. When he left his room he found Hermione in the same spot she was sitting in last night and still reading one of Sirius's books.

"Hermione did you go to bed?" asked Harry.

"Oh yeah just a couple of minutes after you," she said with out looking up from the page she was reading. "I just got up early so I figured I might as well read more of the book."

"How's it going?" asked Harry as he sat down next to her.

"Well I'm learning a lot about the accident magic and how it revolved a lot more around emotions and nature but nothing about love yet," She looked right at Harry who was staring at her in the strangest way. "Harry you okay?"

"Yeah, sorry about that," Harry had been watching how the firelight made Hermiones hair come alive. "So let me see what you've been reading," he said. Hermione scooted closer to him and Harry put his arm on the couch to allow himself to get even closer to see the book.

"Well you see here they're talking about how at night you can use this incantation to make yourself look like a shadow–" Hermione turned to face Harry in mid sentence and as before they were only inches from each other. Harry sensing the moment slowly reached over and grabbed her hand. He rubbed his thumb over her palm as he continued to look into her eyes.

"Hermione I was umm – well you see I want to ask if maybe–" the sound of Ron's door opening caused the two to jump apart before Ron could see. He slowly walked through the door scratching his head and yawning.

"I'm starving, lets eat," said Ron as he continued to walk through the portrait without stopping. Harry and Hermione just sat there staring at the portrait closing behind him. Then they looked at each other and burst in to laughter.

"I swear he could eat a horse and still be hungry," laughed Hermione.

"No, he'd just wonder what was for dessert," giggled Harry. He stood and offered his hand to help Hermione up. After she stood instead of letting go she laced her fingers between his. The two walked hand in hand down to breakfast, unaware of the people staring at them. They both let go of each other as they reached the great hall and sat down across from Ron who was stuffing his face with eggs and sausage.

"So I have a confession," said Ron, who was starting to giggle, "I planted some of Fred and George's new Vendetta Vapors in the Slytherin locker room one night before they had a practice."

"I knew you had something to do with it. Let me guess, Dean Thomas helped," said Harry.

"How'd you know?" gasped Dean Thomas who was sitting next to Ginny.

"You guys both seemed a little too happy about the WHOLE team getting sick," teased Hermione, who then gave Harry a smile. "What are Vendetta Vapors Ron?"

"Well, there these little capsules that you break open. Leave them hidden in a room for about five minutes. Then whoever walks in that room for the next hour is going to be very sick the next day. That's why Fred and George named it Vendetta Vapors, so you can get back at someone with out them ever knowing." Laughed Ron as he looked in Harry's direction. Harry had the sinking feeling he was going to experience one of these attacks after he and Ron talked about Hermione. "Blast, I forgot my books up stairs, I'll see you guys in class." Ron said as he was getting up from the table. Harry and Hermione continued to eat until Luna approached.

"Come on you two we're going to be late to Julia's class," said Luna. Harry suddenly remembered the note he had received this morning and pulled Luna down to sit with him and Hermione.

"I forgot to tell you guys, I got a note this morning from Dobby. Dumbledore is going to do it tonight after the feast," whispered Harry. "Luna spread the word to all the Ravenclaw DA members to be ready!"

It didn't take long for the word to spread to all the DA members and to Malfoy and the eight Slytherin. Harry wrote a note and knocked into him after Julia's class. At lunch he had seen Draco give him a small nod of understanding. Harry could tell the teachers were nervous, he didn't know how Dumbledore was planning on keeping this a secret. The students who didn't join would surely write their parents who would in turn tell Voldemort. But Harry soon forgot all about it, the halls of Hogwarts were still buzzing with excitement for the feast. All the ghosts were in high spirits, especially Peeves who seemed to keep Filch busy all day with one prank after another. As dusk approached the grounds were soon lit with the soft lights from inside the pumpkins that hung all around the school. It was soon time to head down to the feast but before the three left their common room Harry asked for both Hermione and Ron to bring their Order Robes, but wouldn't tell them why. All he said was that Dumbledore asked him to pass the message along. Harry was actually planning on taking a picture of the new Order Of The Phoenix which he would make copies of to give to everyone at Christmas. He had talked with Dumbledore and Colin to help him plan it earlier in the day.

The trio entered the great hall to the sweet smell of candy apples, chocolates, and any other type of candy one could think of. The sounds of children's laugher filled the hall. Friends and enemies alike enjoyed the feast that was before them. Harry took it all in. He watched Dean Thomas try and win back Ginny by impressing her with his charm, but Harry could sense Ginny was watching someone else. He followed her eye line until he was looking at Draco Malfoy. But for some reason Harry wasn't surprised, Ginny had spent a lot of time over the summer bringing the Slytherin's food and asking if they needed anything. Now Ron on the other hand, might go ballistic if he knew so Harry decided to keep this little secret he discovered to himself. Harry also watched as Luna Lovegood continued to stare at Ron who was trying to ignore her as much as possible. Then a sad thought entered Harry's mind. Some of these people who were now enjoying the feast with out a care in the world would soon be joining the fight and some might not make it through the battle. He then felt a nudge from the person next to him.

"You okay?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah I'm fine, just thinking about things to come, that's all," Harry tried to smile back but he knew Hermione would keep pestering him, but he was saved by Dumbledore standing up to address the crowd.

"I hope you all are enjoying the feast?" asked Dumbledore. A cheer rose from the crowd. "Wonderful, I would also like you to give a hand to those hard working house elves who take pride in there efforts to make every Halloween better then the last." Again the crowd cheered. "Also to our Care of Magical Creatures Professor Hagrid for a marvelous patch of pumpkins this year." The Gryffindor table cheered particularly louder then all the other tables for Hagrid. The cheer died down and Harry could tell Dumbledore was preparing to talk about the battle.

"Some of you may remember that the sorting hat gave us a warning, that the four houses need to unite and become one. Also that history books would remember what you did here and how brave you will be. The sorting hat gave you this warning for a reason," he paused and took a moment. "A battle is coming to Hogwarts," the hall became deathly quiet, even the ghost stopped to listen to the headmaster. "Many of you know that Voldemort has returned to power, but before he can take back the fear he used to hold over everyone, he must first destroy this school. These walls, your teachers and you are the only thing standing in his way. He knows this school is a safe house for all that oppose him and until he can stop us, hope will always live." He stopped and looked right at Harry, "Some of you may think that this is about Voldemort getting back at the one person who stopped him last time . . . this is not about Harry Potter versus Voldemort!" Dumbledore said in a very strong tone. "This is about controlling everything that is good about our world, and it's future. Tonight I stand before you not as your Headmaster but as one wizard who will stand and fight for you, for all children of magical power so that they can learn and develop their skill with out fear and hatred," Dumbledore slowly started to walk around the teachers table. "I stand here tonight as a wizard who will to do whatever it takes to make sure Hogwarts will be opened to all who wish to learn and I stand here tonight to ask for your help for I can not do it alone." Gasps could be heard through out the hall.

"Some of you may think that the adults should handle this, that we are more trained to handle Death Eaters, but this is your school, not there's. You will fight harder and stronger then anyone to protect that which you love, and I know many of you love this school," as Dumbledore spoke Harry could see kids nodding their heads. "I am asking you to join me in fighting this battle, to work with the Aurors and other adults that will join us because with you, we are much stronger then anyone can imagine. Together we can take any force . . . who will join us?" asked Dumbledore. Harry looked down the table and everyone gave him a nod. He slowly rose and cleared his throat.

"Gryffindor will join!" said Harry in a strong voice. A cheer erupted from the table as everyone stood.

"So will Ravenclaw!" shouted Luna as she and about three quarters of the table stood.

"And Hufflepuff!" said Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott and about three quarters of Hufflepuff's stood. Both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw cheered, but then a hush feel over the crowd as everyone stared at the Slytherin table. Draco made eye contact with Harry and started to rise.

"What's he doing? He'll blow his cover!" whispered Ron. Harry just shrugged his shoulders. The crowd watch in anticipation as Draco slowly stood.

"The sorting hat said that the four house needed to united," he paused to look down at the rest of the table. About one quarter of the table stood to everyone's surprise. "Slytherin will fight." After a moment the three other tables burst into a thunderous roar. Dumbledore gave Draco a smile as he walked back behind the teacher's table.

"For those of you who do not wish to fight, please understand that no hard feeling will be held towards you. But I ask that you follow Professor Snape and leave the hall." said Dumbledore. The group of Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and the majority of Slytherin walked out of the front door. Once the doors were closed, Dumbledore closed his eyes and started to chant. When he reopened them he looked at the crowd and waited for several minutes until the door reopened and Professor Snape and Madam Pomfrey walked in.

"It worked Headmaster, they're all asleep, and their memories completely wiped," said Professor Snape as he walked towards the table.

"Thank you Professor Snape and Madam Pomfrey," said Dumbledore. "Some of you might be wondering why we asked them to leave. What we're doing must be kept a secret. The Dark Lord must not known that you all have joined this fight, and if any of you at any time feel that you made the wrong decision let me or any of the teachers know and we will give you a potion which will erase any memory you might have about this. So know that once you've made the decision to leave you can't come back." Dumbledore looked over the crowd to see if anyone might want to leave, but all the students stood still. "Now if the party of Slytherin's could please move to either the Hufflepuff table or the Ravenclaw table, we have some more guests." Instructed Dumbledore.

"So those people will have no memory of Draco standing up," whispered Hermione to Harry.

"It was a good move to prove to everyone else here they were serious about helping us," said Harry.

"Yeah but they must have known beforehand that the other Slytherin's memories were going to get wiped. I doubt he's that brave," said Ron smugly. Dumbledore raised his hands and clapped them twice a second later the Slytherin table was filled with the house elves.

"The house elves have asked to fight alongside the students they care for and provide for everyday. Hogwarts is their home just as much as it is yours, and they want to help preserve it. I thank them for joining us here tonight and now I will let Julia take over from here," Dumbledore took and seat and from where Harry was standing he could see Dumbledore looked tired. Julia slowly rose from the table and walked in front of it to address the crowd.

"First thing, first through third years will not be on the battle field," said Julia as groans came from the group of students. "I understand your displeasure but we need you all to assist Madam Pomfrey with the wounded and help protect the school from any of the Death Eaters who might try to break in while the rest of us are fighting. Fourth through seventh you will be on the battle field along side the teachers and Aurors," she started to walk down between the tables. "You all will receive extra training to prepare yourselves for this fight. We'll split up into two groups, the first through third years in one and the fourth through seventh years in another. You'll have training every weekend, and once a month we will meet in one large group," Julia walked over to the house elves and grabbed a box Dobby was holding.

"Each of you will receive one of these necklaces. When the time for your meeting has been decided it will show on the back of the medallion. Please wear these under all clothing so the students who are not fighting won't see them. Also, on the night of the battle these medallions will allow Madam Pomfrey and the house elves to monitor your health, as long as you have the medallion touching your skin," Julia took a moment to set the box on a stool at the front of the hall.

"Genius I should have thought of that," Hermione said out loud.

"Hermione, you did," said a confused Ron.

"I'm talking about the health monitoring, just brilliant," said Hermione who was still impressed by the idea.

"By taking one of these, you are fully committing to helping us fight and we'll know if anyone spills this secret," Julia gave the crowd a menacing look. "So again only take one if you know this is what you want to do." Julia instructed. The crowd slowly made their way up front and people started to take the necklaces. Harry took a closer look at the silver chain in his hand. The medallion was actually the Hogwarts crest, with the four houses together on the shield. He put it on and suddenly felt a warm wave travel down his body.

"You'll feel a warm sensation go through you once you putt the necklace on but don't worry that means it's working," said Julia as students began to put them on. Julia then explained how every meeting would be in a different place so the other students wouldn't get suspicious, and again explained how no one was to tell anyone about their plans, not even their parents. Once the group left if was just Harry, Hermione, Ron and the teachers. Harry walked up to Dumbledore to see if he had gotten word to the other Order members to come.

"Where's everyone else?" he asked.

"They should be arriving now," smiled Dumbledore as Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, Fred, George, Lupin and all the others walked into the hall.

"Hey what are you guys doing here?" asked Ron.

"Dumbledore asked us to come," said Fred who was wearing his Order robe. "And he asked that we wear these."

"Thank you all for coming," Dumbledore said. "The group has seen many changes over the years and I wanted to take a picture of the new Order so that we could always remember those who we fought bravely with," smiled Dumbledore who winked at Harry. "So if you all will please get into positions, Colin will take our picture."

"Fred, George stand over here," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Albus you should be in the middle," grumbled Mad Eye.

"What color should my hair be?" asked Tonks

"Something besides blue," teased Lupin.

"Hagrid, you should probably stand in the back," said McGonagall as she put her Order robe on. After a couple more minutes everyone settled into place, all of them wearing their robes and smiling at the camera. Harry, Hermione and Ron stood in the first row on the lower step.

"Everyone ready?" asked Colin behind the camera.

"Yes," they all shouted.

"Okay, 1 – 2 –3" said Colin as a bright flash went off. "Okay one more."

"Oh god, not another," complained Snape causing everyone else to laugh as another flash went off. As the group began to break up Harry ran over to Colin and asked him to get one more picture.

"Hermione, Ron over here," shouted Harry. "Colin will you take a picture of just the three of us?"

"Sure Harry!" said an excited Colin. Harry grabbed Hermione and Ron and the three all held each other tight as Colin took they're picture. Once he had the shot, Ron went over to talk to his parents and Hermione went to talk with Tonks and Lupin.

"How much will I owe you for all the copies of the group picture?" Harry asked Colin.

"Free of charge Harry, and I'll make copies of this last picture for Hermione and Ron," he smiled.

"Please let me give you something," Harry felt bad.

"No, I wont except it," he said as he packed up his camera. "But I do have a question."

"Sure," Harry thought it was probably something about Voldemort.

"How long have you and Hermione been dating?" ask Colin. Harry completely went numb. He stood there for a moment thinking he might have miss heard him.

"I – I'm sorry what did you say?" asked a terrified Harry.

"How long have you and Hermione been dating? The school has been talking about it all day," said Colin confused by Harry's reaction. If the whole school was talking about it that meant one way or another Ron was going to hear about it, even if it wasn't true.

"Why do people think we're dating?" Harry hoping it was just gossip.

"You two were holding hands on the way to breakfast this morning, it just seemed like you guys were together." Colin explained, as he got ready to leave.

"Oh," Harry could feel his hands getting sweaty and cold, how could he have been so careless. "Well, we're not dating," Harry, said to Colin as Harry began to walk away. He slowly realized he was going to have to talk to Ron a lot sooner then he thought.