CHAPTER 47: The Showdown
Harry walked in a slinet rage towards the elevator. Two wizards stepped in before him but upon seeing Harry they got out.
"Nous attendrons pour le prochain ascenseur." One said with a wave of his hand. Harry couldn't translate it but he knew exactly what it meant. He was receiving the same treatment he had in Bulgaria.
When the doors closed Fleur hit the emergency stop button. The elevator came to a screeching halt and she looked at him. Harry was more confuse than he had ever been in his entire life, and that was saying something.
"Why did you do zat?"
"Do what?"
"All of it! You deliberately made ze Chancellor uncomfortable by introducing me and zen you yelled at him!"
"It was hopeless, I wasn't getting anywhere and you know it." She frowned and looked at her feet.
"Oui, I know zis. Do you usually treat authority like zis?" Harry smiled.
"Pretty much. Only the ones that deserve it though." She threw her head back and laughed, Harry was suddenly captivated.
"I like zis earring on you, it iz vairy suave." Harry suddenly snapped out of his trance when she said that. Something was wrong. She had just used her vela charms on him, it was the only explanation. But that wasn't what his feeling had been about, had it?
"Er-thanks." She suddenly frowned.
"You do not find me attractive?"
"I think your beautiful. I just don't think it's very romantic in here." Harry said gesturing towards their confines. She laughed again, but it was a nervous laugh.
"Eef you do not wish to stay wiz me you may say so." She said, her eyes, however, told Harry differently.
"Why don't you come by Hogwarts so we can start those lessons?" He responded, hitting the emergency stop button again to restart the elevator. He hoped that the answer would satisfy her and it did, to an extent. Harry could tell that she wanted to say something but wouldn't.
When the elevator stopped Harry allowed Fleur to step out first. He followed her to the exit and was soon standing outside by the famous arc. She didn't turn to face him at first, she looked around as if desperately trying to avoid eye contact. Without turning to face him she said:
"Zis iz where I leave you, 'Arry. I shall speak wiz Madame Maxime about our meeting. Her friends and I will arrive at 'Ogwarts shortly." Harry walked up behind her and gently put his hand on her shoulder. She turned around and looked at him for the first time. "I am sorry, I shouldn't have done zat. It iz just zat I do not know anyone who would speak to ze Chancellor like zat even zo he dezerved it. You are just…different." Harry didn't know what to say. He wasn't used to girls liking him, but for some reason they all seemed to this year. He had gotten bigger and stronger from the sword and muggle combat training but when he looked in the mirror he just saw the same old black haired, green eyed kid. Luckily he was saved from responding by Fleur who swooped down and kissed him on each cheek.
"I'll see you soon Fleur."
"Au revoir, 'Arry."
"Thank you, Fleur. For everything." She just smiled before dissaparating.
Harry was left to his thoughts as he took a seat in front of the arc. It was still bothering him why the comment about hhis earring bothered him. True, Ginny had gotten it for him, but he had had constant reminders of her and it didn't provoke that type of response. It also definitely wasn't the fact that Fleur Delacour had complimente him either. He had seen the way she looked at Bill Weasley two years ago when he was wearing the earring. He never expected to be chased by the same girls as Bill Weasley, but that wouldn't have provoked that response either. Harry's thoughts were interrupted by a muggle policeman strolling by.
"Allez! Partez! Gosse Fou!" Harry wasn't exactly sure what he was saying but, once again, he got the point. He quicly stood up and put his hands up in surrender and walked away. After getting a ways down the road Harry turned into an empty alleyway. He waited to see if the policeman followed him but didn't see anyone. He dissaparated with a crack.
When Harry reappeared he was standing int the middle of a market that McClaggan had described to him. He had told him that the walk from there wouldn't take long, but since he hadn't been to the house in so long he couldn't describe the actual house well enough. As Harry looked around he began to wish he had thought of using a penseive to look at the house. It was too late now, however, so he would have to guess.
He looked at the three streets leading out of the market place. One led diagonally to the right, one diagonally to the left, and one was directly behind him. He wished he had asked Fleur how to ask for directions, but once again it was too late. He picked the street to the right and began walking. He passed a small resteraunt but never found the street he needed. He made his way back to the market.
He stood in the center of the market looking at the slip of paper he had written the address on. He was about to pick the next street to try when he heard a woman's voice behind him.
"Are you lost?" Harry turned around and saw an older woman. She was standing perfectly straight with her shoulders back and her head high. Despite the gray hair and wrinkles on her face she eminated power. She seemed a lot like the famous generals Harry had seen on tv.
"Yea, I'm trying to find this address." Harry told her sheepishly as he handed her the piece of paper. Her eyes suddenly narrowed.
"Why do you want this address?" She asked sternly. Harry was reminded of McGonagall for a minute but pushed the thought from his mind. This wasn't the time or place to think about his old professor.
"I'm trying to find a friend of mine. He was meeting someone at this address." She considered him for a minute.
"This is my house. I haven't made any phone calls for a long time though." Harry looked around before responding.
"The meeting wasn't set up by phone…" Harry waited for her to catch on, he didn't have to wait long. Her eyes widened with shock.
"I haven't sent any owl since my husband died." She responded quietly. 'And that was 5 years ago!"
'Are you a witch?" She shook her head.
"My husband was a wizard. He had a spotty past though and wasn't comfortable telling me everything. He had been through a lot. I think when he died it was the first time he found peace." Harry's jaw dropped. McClaggan was meeting with a dead man? That could only mean…
"Take me to your house now." Harry whispered sharply. The woman suddenly realized something was terribly wrong as well. She set off at a pace Harry wouldn't have expected from an older woman. He ran to catch up and was soon beside her.
"It's that one!" She panted, pointing at a house.
"Stay here. If I don't come out in a few minutes call the police, ok?" She nodded. The woman was remarkably calm considering the predicament.
Harry crashed through the door shoulder first. The door flew open and Harry rolled inside. He looked around quickly, trying to figure out which way to go before he heard the clashing of metal to his right. Without thinking he turned right and sprinted down the hallway. The sounds of clashing metal grew louder until he reached a closed door. He could clearly make out the sound of sword on sword through it. He could sense the Scot's presence, his footsteps, breathing, and sword movements were all familiar to Harry. The other person, however, was someone he had never seen before. He kicked the door open and realized with horror that he was wrong, he had fought the second person before, just not with swords. It was Lord Voldemort.
As Harry had smashed through the door McClaggan unleashed an attack at Voldemort that missed by less than an inch, Harry couldn't help but wonder if his interruption had something to do with that. McClaggan's sword was moving so fast that it cut into the wall and stuck. He tried to pull it out but failed. As the Scot tried to pull the sword out Voldemort regrouped. He plunged the sword into McClaggan's side. Blood poured from the wound as Breannan stumbled backwards and fell. Harry could tell that the wound was far beyond anything he could heal. If medical attention didn't come soon his professor would be dead.
Something snapped inside of Harry as he saw the tall, skeletal thin figure of Lord Voldemort raise his sword to finish off the Highlander.
"Time to die, Prince." Voldemort hissed in his high, cold voice. He brought his sword down but Harry was suddenly standing next to his professor, sword extended to block the final blow. "So little Potter wants to play with swords too now?"
"You didn't know? Your little ferret Malfoy never told you how good I was with a sword?" Voldemort's red eyes flickered in anger. "You haven't found little Malfoy, have you? Some big bad wizard you are." Voldemort swung his sword at Harry, who easily began dodging and parrying attacks. Voldemort was dueling with one hand on the sword and one hand held behind his back. He even tried to be aristocratic in battle, his pride would be his downfall.
"You are so arrogant that you think I would learn the sword to do battle with the likes of you?" He screeched. "I could kill you with my barehands!" Harry laughed as he parried another attack.
"You've now failed to kill me with a wand, with your followers, with dark creatures, and with a sword. Do you honestly think that if your magic isn't powerful enough to kill me that your physical might would be? You're dumber than you look." Voldemort opened his mouth to respond but just then the sound of sirens approaching interrupted.
"You will be next, Potter. Your teacher, the almighty Half Blood Prince has fallen to my sword, soon you and that fool Dumbledore will follow. I think I will throw a graduation party for you this year, Potter." Voldemort dissaparated, leaving Harry in the middle of the room with his teacher.
"Harry." McClaggan whispered faintly. Harry ran over to him. "I need to tell you…Aodhan's revenge…it's the technique of…the Half-Blood Prince. I wasn't the first…Aodhan was. The prince is just a title…Dumbledore planted the book…wanted the rumor of you being the heir of Merlin to reach my ears…wanted to tell me you are ready…The people need a Half-Blood Prince…Don't let the title die with me…"
"I won't-I won't fail you, Breannan." McClaggan smiled weakly, blood forming at the corner of his mouth.
"I know…Spinner's end is yours now…use it well…and pass it on." McClaggan stopped moving. His eyes were fixed on the ceiling and Harry could tell that he was no longer breathing. Harry put his hand over his Professor's eyes and closed them.
"Arretez! Policia!" Harry turned and saw four men in police uniforms training their guns on him. Harry suddenly realized that he was standing over a dead body with a sword in his hand. Harry needed a way out. He knew he couldn't hurt the policemen, he couldn't even do magic in front of them, or could he? If he did magic without them realizing what it waas maybe he could escape. He racked his mind and the answer came to him. He drew his Basilisk wand behind his back as he raised his right hand in a fist. He dropped his right hand quickly, mimicking a throwing motion. At the same time he cast the obscurity spell with his basilisk fang wand. The entire room was engulfed in clouds. Harry quickly grabbed hold of his Professor and apparated away.
When Harry reappeared in Dumbledore's office the old man nearly fell off his chair. When he got back up he reset his glasses on top of his long crooked nose and looked at Harry awkwardly. Harry bent down to untangle McClaggan, who was in a rather uncomfortable looking position. Harry knew that it didn't really matter how comfortable a dead man was, but he had too much respect for the Scot to leave him like that.
When Harry looked back up Dumbledore had made his way around the desk and was staring wide-eyed at McClaggan. He kept opening his mouth as if to speak but no noise came out. If the situation hadn't been so dire Harry may have drawn a comparison between Dumbledore and the raven Hermione had learned to use the silencing charm on.
"What happened, Harry?" He finally managed to get out.
"It was Voldemort, he killed him."
"How, Harry?" Harry knew that Dumbledore wanted to hear about where they were and what exactly happened but Harry wasn't prepared to tell him of his secret alliances.
"With a sword, damn it! What does it look like?" Dumbledore took a step backwards as if Harry were going to lose control and attack him. Harry stood up and glared at the headmaster, all of his bad feelings towards the old man boiling up inside him. Harry almost reached for his wand but didn't, he settled for walking quickly from the room and slamming the door so hard that it splintered into tiny pieces.
As Harry left the room he had an idea. He knew Dumbledore's next reaction would be to call an order meeting as quickly as possible. Harry knew it was time to make his move. He knew that there were quite a few in the Order who would gladly take up with him, he just hoped that he could persuade the rest of them to follow him instead of Dumbledore. He would need Dumbledore to run the day to day affairs of the order, but if he, Harry, were in charge than he would know everything and be able to make the decisions that would best help his plans. It was time Dumbledore reported to someone.
Harry made a quick left and ran down towards the Dungeons to find Professor Snape, who was sitting in his office with Remus Lupin.
"Harry, what a surprise, we were just talking about you. Please, come in." Remus stood and made his way over to hug Harry. Snape, however, remained seated.
"Pardon me if I don't hug you, Potter. But I am not the affectionate type." Remus laughed but Harry just stared at his feet.
"What's wrong, Harry?" Lupin asked seriously.
"McClaggans dead. Voldemort killed him." Snape stood up so quickly that Harry flinched.
"Does the Headmaster know?" Harry nodded.
"Not all the details though. I came here because I figured he would call an order meeting and I need in. I just need to know what time it will be." Lupin looked at him with a confused expression.
"Why wouldn't he tell you himself?" Harry laughed, he had forgotten Remus didn't know about Dumbledore's lie. It was Snape, however, who answered the question.
"The headmaster wasn't entirely truthful when he told us that Harry was unable to attend the last few meetings because of…personal reasons. He and Potter here had a falling out after Harry discovered how Dumbledore knew exactly where all the students were at all times." Remus still looked confused.
"How does he know?" Severus shook his head and put on an exasperated expression.
"You never figured it out? I shouldn't be too surprised…The headmaster laced the pumpkin juice served at the start of term feast with a tracking potion."
"So that's how he always caught James and Sirius." He said dreamily, scratching his chin.
"So when I found out I-er-told him off. Then I found the antidote so I could get on with my…plans. Dumbledore didn't like it so he kicked me out of the meetings."
"And what are these plans of yours?"
"I'll tell you during the meeting if you can get me in." He said with a wry smile.
Just then a ghost in the shape of a phoenix flew through the open door. Harry immediately recognized it as the same bird Dumbledore had sent to Madame Pomfrey after the battle at the Room of Requirement. Harry wasn't exactly sure what it was supposed to do so he just stood there, waiting for Snape and Lupin to make the first move. Neither of them, however, so much as blinked. Harry was just about to say something when Dumbledore's voice echoed through the office. The bird was speaking.
"Five minutes, Hogwarts meeting room." The bird vanished.
"You must have really gotten to him, Potter. I suggest you show up a few minutes after the meeting time to make sure everyone is inside." Snape swept from the room without another word. Lupin patted Harry on the shoulder before following the potions master. Harry sat in silence for another five minutes before leaving the room and sealing the door behind him.
Harry walked quickly through the corridors. There weren't many students out but those who were saw the determined glint in his eye and made sure to stay out of his way. Harry didn't even see them.
When Harry arrived at the stone gargoyles they jumped aside and allowed him to climb the spiral staircase. When he got to the top he saw the great wooden doors with the Griffin knocker on it. He tried to open the door but it wouldn't budge, Dumbledore had sealed it from the inside. Harry knew that he could easily break through the wards but didn't want Dumbledore alerted to his presence. His plan would go much smoother if he were able to walk in unannounced and unexpected.
Harry closed his eyes and began a complex wand movement he had learned from one of his many books. If done properly the ritual would show any hidden trips and alarms that would spoil his surprise. After revealing them it would be rather simple to disarm them.
It took close to ten minutes to complete the ritual, mostly because Harry messed up halfway through the first time and had to start again. Once he was able to look at and study Dumbledore's alarm system he knew he had been right not to just barge in. Apart from just setting off an alarm this particular ward would stop the intruder much like a full body bind curse would, only this one seemed much more powerful.
After Harry had disarmed the door he picked the lock with the new penknife Sirius had left him and made his way inside. He could have easily used the alohamora charm but knew that magic left a type of residue that could be detected. Harry had been amazed to learn that from a quick chat with Mudungus Fletcher, who had been caught by magical law enforcement officers after buying stolen artifacts and using his wand to perform certain authentification charms to make sure they were real. The officers had been able to track Dung down because of this magic. Dumbledore, however, had come to his rescue and got him out of any serious trouble by telling the officers Duhng had been helping him track the thieves down. Dumbledore got a slap on the wrists, Dung got off with a warning, and the Headmaster had gained himself a useful spy.
Harry made his way across the room, stopping briefly to pet Fawkes. Harry had been afraid that the Phoenix would send a warning to Dumbledore, but Fawkes apparently trusted Harry enough to let him pass. Harry walked over to the wall which hid the secret meeting place. Harry didn't even have to pull his wand before the wall opened and allowed him to enter the chamber. After a brief walk Harry entered the cave like room where Dumbledore stood, speaking to the gathered crowd.
Harry entered quietly and stood behind him, listening to his speech. He leaned against the wall and watched as one by one the members of the Order of the Phoenix became aware of his presence. After a few minutes Dumbledore caught on that the crowd's attention was no longer on him. He turned around and saw Harry, his face blanched.
"Sorry I'm late, Dumbledore. I ran into some unexpected…obstacles." Harry said, moving forward.
"I thought you said he was sick, Albus." Remus called out. Harry was glad to see his guardian was willing to help push the plans along. Dumbledore realized that he was caught in a very difficult situation. He had lied to the Order and now he had been caught. Harry had anticipated the old man's next move, to tell the truth, or his version of the truth anyway.
"I only told you that because I knew you would object. I did not want to have to tell you this but Harry is not fit to partake in Order business. I've found that I was quite right keeping things from him last year. He has repeatedly gone against my wishes and endangered the operations undertaken by this very group-"
"And what actions are those, Albus? From what I've seen you haven't done a thing. I've fought Death Eaters, I've protected the kids in this school, I've gotten rid of the kids in school who would weaken us, I've forged alliances against Voldemort and it will be me who finishes him off." The crowd was silent, then:
"What alliances are you talking about, Harry?" A witch Harry recognized as Emmeline Vance asked.
"When Voldemort attacks in June he will face not only the Order, the DA, students, teachers, and any ministry workers we can find. He will be fighting against the Acromantulas, the Elves, the Centaurs, five dragons and fifty of their handlers, fifty fighters from Bulgaria's defense corps., and five Frenchmen who, if you ask me, I'd rather have on my side. I'm also going to work on the merpeople and the Goblins. I expect the merpeople to help us out but if worse comes to worse at least I can get the Goblins to remain neutral." The Order looked at him as if he just told them he was really a muggle.
"You did all that?" Dumbledore asked him quietly. Harry nodded. "I hadn't expected you to get that far yet." Harry was confused to say the least. How could Dumbledore have known what he was up to? Harry was about to respond when he realized that Dumbledore wasn't even looking at him, he seemed to be talking to himself. He decided to turn back to the Order members.
"I've spoken to some of you already. I wanted to ask you if you would follow me. Dumbledore will stay on to deal with day to day activities of the Order but he will be held accountable by me. He will report to me. What do you say?" Harry waited for the group to respond. They looked from one to another with shocked expressions, Dumbledore didn't say a word. It seemed like an eternity to Harry, who could do nothing more than to wait and hope.
"I'm with you, Harry." Remus said as he stood up. The rest of the Order regarded him with expressions ranging from awe to outrage. Mudungus Fletcher was next to stand, followed by Snape and Moody. Somewhere near the back Harry saw a man stand up and move out of the shadows.
"I already told you I'm with you." It was Aberforth Dumbledore. The members of the Order who were left seated looked around in astonishment. Dumbledore's own brother had chosen to follow someone else. Slowly but surely, they all followed suit. After everyone in the room was standing Haryr looked around with a smile.
"And you are all ok with Dumbledore remaining on as the manager so to speak?" Everyone nodded in unison. "Then it's decided, let's get back to the meeting, Albus?" Harry took a seat and motioned for the Headmaster to continue the meeting. Harry thought he saw a gleam of triumph in the old man's eyes but it was gone just as quickly as it appeared. For the next hour they discussed what had happened in France and what it meant. It was, however, painfully clear to Harry. Now that the Half Blood Prince was out of the way Voldemort would make good on his promise, he'd attack Hogwarts on the last day of school.