CHAPTER 50: The Invisible Hand

As students and teachers alike poured from the stands Harry could only stare at his unconscious headmaster. How could he have possibly won? He had pretty much resigned himself to losing the battle, but somehow he had won. It was then that Harry realized what had happened, Albus Dumbledore had let him win.

"Ennervate." Harry said quietly. Dumbledore rose slowly and shakily from the ground. He looked around to get his bearings and when his eyes fell on Harry he smiled.

"I believe it is a time we had a private chat, is it not, Harry?" Harry nodded and followed the headmaster out of the crowd of screaming students. Harry briefly looked around for Hermione but realized it would be nearly impossible for her to get anywhere near him in a crowd like this.

Seconds later, or that's what it seemed like to Harry who had lots of new thoughts on his mind, they reached Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore opened his mouth to say the password but the stone gargoyles leapt aside. Dumbledore merely smiled at Harry and stood aside allowing the boy who lived to enter first.

Once they were seated in the office the two sat and stared at each other, neither wanted to be the first to speak. Finally Harry broke the silence.

"You let me win." It wasn't a question. Dumbledore smiled once again, his blue eyes twinkling.

"Yes…and no." Harry cocked his head to the side and gave the old man a quizzical look. "I did want to make sure you won…for obvious reasons." Harry suddenly realized that Dumbledore knew exactly what was going through his mind before the duel. The old man had ensured that Harry could hide his powers without forfeiting the duel and the hope of so many who believed in him. "However, you bested me, it is that simple. The only thing I did was use spells that I knew you would find a way to recover from. I never used a stunner or anything that would end the duel if it struck."

"You used some pretty powerful spells though, Albus." Harry said. Neither man was thrown by the use of his first name. Harry wasn't sure why but he felt as though it was the right thing to call him.

"That I did, Harry. I guess if one of those spells made contact it could've done some serious damage, but I had the feeling you weren't in any immediate danger." Dumbledore paused. "I didn't think you were going to use any of your other powers?" he asked with a smile. Harry smirked.

"I'm not surprised you noticed…I don't think anyone else did though."

"No I believe you are right. I had not realized what you did at first either. Singing and cutting your robes was an especially nice touch though."

"I thought so too." Their smiles vanished as they sat in silence once again, both considering which topic to broach next.

"You've been manipulating me this year." Harry stated simply. It was Dumbledore's turn to be confused.

"I believe we have had this conversation before, Harry."

"Yes but I hadn't realized just how far your manipulations went. All those conversations before were bull weren't they, Albus? You weren't actually manipulating me. You were making it obvious that you were trying to and making me take control. You were manipulating me by making me think you were manipulating me!" Harry suddenly realized that what he had just said would sound crazy to anyone who didn't know exactly what was happening. Dumbledore, however, smiled.

"I always said that a fight is the only way to really get to know somebody's intentions. You could put it that way. I like to think of it more as giving you the means to take control. I do want to apologize about the Dursleys, however. I knew you would not be coddled there, which, I must admit, I waas happy about. However I did not wish that you be harmed there. I sent you there because your mother died for a reason and that was it. I didn't send you there to be protected by your aunt and uncle I sent you there to be protected by your mother." Dumbledore paused. "That scene you saw concerning the tracking potion was false as well. I would never use anything like that on a student. I have far better ways of keeping my eye on a student." Dumbledore winked at him before continuing. "The antidote you bought from the man in Diagon Alley was really just a simple brew. If you took the real potion without the tracking potion you would have gotten sick." Dumbledore smiled and looked away almost sheepishly. Harry couldn't help but laugh. "I also made you and your friends and allies inside the order detest me enough to overthrow me. This is your war and you should be leading the effort. I just wanted to make sure you saw that."

"You could have just said that." Dumbledore's voice became hard as he responded.

"Could I have?" He snapped. "If I merely made put you in a position of control would you be the leader that you are? If I handed everything to you you would be that much weaker. You would not have earned anything in your eyes or the eyes of your followers. On top of that you would still feel dependant on me and others who ultimately you may have to sacrifice." Dumbledore's face softened. "You must love your friends Harry, but you mustn't be dependant on them at this time. They may want it but they don't need friendly, teenage Harry; they need Harry Potter, the man who will lead them to victory. If you try to be their friend during this battle you will be ineffective and we will all die. If, however, you prepare them and lead them as I know you can you will bring them out the other side unscathed." Harry stared at Dumbledore in awe. He suddenly realized just how dangeroud Dumbledore could be. He was a man who loved deeply but also knew what it took to win.

"That's how you beat Grindelwald wasn't it? You pushed and they followed you?" Dumbledore nodded.

"And that is why I cannot lead this battle as much as I wish I could take that burden from you. I cannot push any longer. I told you last year that I cared to deeply for you to ensure that my plan worked. Because I cared too much Sirius was killed and six students almost shared that fate. You however saved them. You pulled them through the battle not by being their friend but by being their general. When you are on that battlefield you want your enemy to cower before you and your friends to be inspired by you. That won't happen by being nice."

Harry sat back and cleared his mind to allow these thoughts to sink in. It was the problem he had run into during DA meetings. He felt bad about pushing his friends so hard, but now he understood. He had to do whatever it took to make sure they survived. If at the end of the battle they still held that grudge against him it would be ok. Better the people he loved be alive and hate him then be dead because he coddled them.

"Now that we have all of those questions out of the way we have more important matters to discuss. I wanted to talk to you about the prophecy-"

"I wanted to ask you about that too, Albus." Harry cut in. "I've been wondering if I kill Voldemort will that make me invincible?" Dumbledore smiled.

"You seem to have read my mind." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling. Harry realized that he very well could have read the man's mind, and that was something very few people could say. "Permit me, however, before answering your question to ask you something." Harry nodded and waited for Dumbledore to continue. "What do you want in this life?" Harry thought that it was an odd question to ask in a conversation like this but decided to humor the headmaster.

"I want to be a normal kid. I want to have friends, a girlfriend; I want to pull pranks and get detentions. I don't want to have to look over my shoulder all the time knowing that half of Britain wants me dead and the other half wants me put in a museum."

"And do you wish to live forever?"

"No. I want to find a wife and some friends, raise a family, and live a long happy life. I don't think I could bare to outlive all my friends and family. I always felt bad for Breannan because of all the loved ones he lost."

"Exactly the answer I expected. Now I will point your attention to the phrase 'Neither can live while the other survives.' You wish to kill Voldemort so you can be a normal person again. That is the life you choose and that is the life you can earn by killing him. Tom Riddle, however, wants nothing more than to be invincible. While for you there is no life without death, for him there is no life with death. If he defeats you that is the life he will earn. He will become invincible."

"So as long as I am alive he can be killed?" Dumbledore raised his hand to silence Harry.

"Before you get your hopes up you must remember that 'Either must die at the hand of the other'. He is mortal to you and only you, Harry. Riddle has achieved far too much in his lifetime to be killed by a lesser wizard." Dumbledore sighed. "To be perfectly honest he should be invincible even now. The only thing that gives us a chance is that prophecy."

All of a sudden Harry realized that the prophecy, something he had always thought of as a curse was really a blessing. It wasn't that Harry was being given the task of killing Voldemort. Harry was being given the opportunity to kill Voldemort. The prophecy just gave Voldemort one more obstacle to defeat on his road to immortality. Harry knew that unlike Riddle's past victims he would not be so easily swept aside.

"Why is it that when I cast spells at Voldemort they bounce off?" Dumbledore suddenly looked concerned.

"What do you mean, Harry?" Harry remembered that he hadn't told Dumbledore that he had taken Snape's place at the meeting. He told Dumbledore the entire story and waited for the headmaster's advice.

"I don't know, Harry." Dumbledore looked very old and careworn. "It is an obstacle that you will have to find a way around. The only advice I can give you is to pay close attention to him and a very simple answer may present itself." Dumbledore frowned, obviously sensing that he was being of very little help. "I would like to discuss the allies who will be stationed at Hogwarts starting next week." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled once again.

"What is there to discuss?" Harry asked confidently.

"Well I am glad to see that you are in control of things but you should also try to remember that we will need to house and feed them." Harry's face went white.

"I didn't think of that."

"No I'm sure you didn't. I have made arrangements, however, to convert certain empty classrooms into barracks. Others will be able to stay in some of the…emptied rooms within the four houses." Harry realized Dumbledore was referring to the students who had been expelled after the battle in the Room of Requirement. "You should also remember that some soldiers may not take kindly to being ordered around by a teenager. I suggest you prove that you are capable. I'm sure you can figure out a way to accomplish that." Dumbledore allowed himself a brief smile before continuing. "How are Fred and George coming along with those products?" Harry didn't remember telling Dumbledore anything about the products but didn't really care enough at this point to question it.

"The last product is proving difficult for them but we have every confidence that it will be completed in plenty of time to teach everybody how to use them." Harry sensed that Dumbledore wanted to ask what the list of products consisted of but decided that he should keep certain things a secret even from Dumbledore. Obviously sensing Harry's thoughts Dumbledore moved on.

"Harry I have a favor to ask of you." Harry's ears seemed to perk up as if he were a dog.

"I guess I owe you a small favor." He responded with a wry smile.

"We have no Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in a time where that is the most important subject. I have found ways to rearrange the schedules so other teachers can take the younger student's classes. However, I have been unable as of yet to find a teacher able to cover the fifth through seventh years." Dumbledore eyes Harry carefully.

"What would you want me to do about it?" Harry asked but already knew what the headmaster was thinking.

"I want you to teach those classes until I can find a replacement. I assure you it will not be long though I have my doubts whether I will find a better teacher than you."

"I have my own training to do. I have so much more to learn and to practice-"

"You have less to learn then you may think, Harry. You have learned advanced magic quicker than I was ever able to. You have grown up so much that you were able to sneak out of the castle and build an army with neither your allies nor your enemies realizing it." Dumbledore paused. When he continued he spoke slowly. "You will defeat Lord Voldemort, of that I am sure. I do worry that when you emerge from your battle you will find only death eaters awaiting you. You will not be able to protect your allies once the battle starts. You can draw up a brilliant plan but if they are unable to execute it they will die. I need you to make sure that they can stand without you."

Harry leaned back in his chair and allowed his head to droop over the back of the chair. As he stared at the ceiling he considered Dumbledore's words. He realized that the Headmaster had been moving towards this discussion all night long. He had told Harry that he could not coddle his friends but must push them so they could survive. What Dumbledore had really meant was that he must push all of his allies. Harry shook his head almost unable to believe what he was about to say.

"I'll do it."

"Wonderful. I will give you two options. You can either accept the remainder of the students into the DA and teach them on your own free time or you can become an actual teacher and use the current rooms and schedules." Harry had anticipated this question and prepared his answer.

"I'll use the current schedule. It's not that I don't trust the rest of the students it's just that the DA is a closely knit group. Adding that many outsiders this late won't be good." Suddenly an idea hit Harry. "What I can do is create more DA's." Upon seeing Dumbledore's confused look he explained. "Each class has gotten used to working with each other this year. I'll use that. I'll break them into squads now and make sure they are comfortable working with each other by the time we have to fight." Dumbledore smiled.

"As clever as people think I am that thought had never even occurred to me. You have no idea how many battles I have witnessed and wished things were less chaotic. As soon as spells started flying any half-formed plans we may have had went out the window. If we can remain organized through this battle than there is a chance we will pull through this. Now take this and get out of here. If I had any money to spend I would bet it that your common room is filled with drink and food awaiting your return." Harry took his teacher's schedule and turned to leave. "Oh, Harry?" Harry turned to see Dumbledore beaming at him. "Do watch out for the Weasley twins."

Harry could hear the noise in the Gryffindor Common room before he even got near the portrait of the fat lady. It was nothing, however, when compared to the deafening roar that started when he entered.

"Where the hell have you been, Harry?" Dean Thomas yelled over the commotion. "We've been waiting for you for half an hour!"

"I had some stuff to take care of."

"WHAT?" Dean yelled, putting his hand to his ear as if trying to funnel the noise.

"Nevermind." Harry said. Dean leaned in closer and turned his ear towards Harry.

"NEVERMIND!" Harry screamed into his ear. Dean just nodded and made his way back into the throng of students.

"Harry!"

"Glad to see you!"

"It's about time you showed up!"

"Here try one of these!" Harry turned around just in time to see two red headed blurs. Before Harry knew what was happening one of the Weasley twins shoved something into Harry's mouth. At first Harry didn't feel a thing and thought the Weasley twins had actually given him a normal treat. Harry dismissed the thought as ludicrous just as his throat and stomach began to burn as if he had swallowed a whole bottle of hot sauce.

"What-" Harry stammered but couldn't complete the sentence as he dropped to his knees. He became so hot that he actually began to sweat. Just when he thought he wouldn't be able to take it anymore Harry's body disappeared in a flash of fire. Everyone in the room covered there eyes. When the light went away they saw Harry sitting on the floor of the common room in a pile of ash.

"Our latest inventions!" Fred yelled to the now silent room. "Combustable Cake!" The room broke into applause once they realized that harry was alright. Harry, however, grabbed the twins by the arms and led them from the common room. Once in the hallway Harry slammed the portrait of the fat lady closed so hard she gave an indignant yelp and walked out of the frame muttering threats.

"What the hell do you think your doing?" Harry asked, his eyes blazing.

"Sorry, Harry. We didn't think you'd mind the prank." George said quietly. Harry realized with a certain vindictive pleasure that the twins actually looked scared for the first time he could remember.

"I guess we should dial that down a bit though. We didn't think it would actually hurt like that." Fred added desperately trying to avoid Harry's stare.

"I don't give a damn about your pranks." Harry started in a low, cold voice. "What I want to know is how you're making these combustable cakes when supposedly you're working so hard on that list I gave you! Did you finish?" Harry paused and waited for Fred and George to shake their heads. "I suggest you get it done if you want to be able to kill the bastards that killed your sister." The twins went through a series of emotions starting with shame and ending in outrage. The two stormed off down the corridor and Haryr had the strong impression that the twins had just been spurred to finish the list by the end of the night.

As Harry watched the two disappear around the corner the portrait swung open. Harry was momentarily amused to see the door swing open without the fat lady inside but that thought was erased when Hermione poked her head out.

"Harry?" She asked tentatively.

"Don't worry the yelling is over Hermione." He said with a wry smile. Hermione grinned and opened the door the rest of the way and walked outside. She looked as f she wanted to ask about the fat lady but decided against it.

"Did you out them in their place?"

"Yes it would've made Hermione the prefect proud." Hermione tried to scowl but broke into a smile.

"That was a seriously impressive bit of magic though." Harry's jaw dropped.

"Do mine ears deceive me? Harry Potter telling off people for pranks while Hermione talks about how good it was?"

"Ha ha. It really was though. To base a prank on a phoenix' burning day is incredible!" Harry shook his head.

"I've seen Fawkes' burning day more than once now and I didn't even make the connection."

"Well it's not like you got to see yourself did you? You were too busy bursting into flame!" A silence fell between them. Harry knew he would have to tell her about his teaching post eventually, he just hadn't thought it would be this soon.

"Listen, Hermione. I need your help." Harry went on to explain what Dumbledore had told him. "It's only for a little while though; until Dumbledore can find someone more suitable. I'll need your help making up lesson plans. You're much better at that stuff than me." Hermione gave a small smile.

"You haven't needed my help with schoolwork for almost a year now." Harry tried to interrupt her but she silenced him. "I know you ask for my help from time to time but it's not like you need it. I've seen some things in your essays that I hadn't even seen in any of my books. You just got used to me checking your work. It's a routine not a necessity. You really don't need me anymore." Harry looked up and stared into Hermione's eyes.

"You're only partially right you know." Hermione gave him a questioning look. "I may not need your help with school but I do need you. You and Ron have been my best friends ever since that whole troll incident in our first year. You guys are always there for me…even if I do have to fight alone." Hermione took Harry's hand.

"Yes we will always be there for you. So will Sirius…and your parents…and Ginny…and everyone else in this school. They are all here because of you Harry."

"Harry opened his mouth to respond but his voice was gone. He looked at Hermione but suddenly his vision was blurry and he felt hot tears running down his face. Hermione put her arms around him and he let his head droop down onto her shoulder.

"Isn't this how we got into this whole mess?" A familiar voice said. Harry and Hermione both spun away to see a rather sallow looking person limping down the corridor towards them.

"Ron!"