Chapter 11: So it Begins

All Harry, Sirius, Remus, Demin, and Kairi could do was stare in utter disbelief and horror at the rubble that had once been the ministry building.

They had been too late. Voldemort hadn't waited an hour; he had come and gone quickly. His dark mark hovered in the sky above them sending them all a clear message: the War for power has begun.

Harry's group had only been there a few minutes when pops were heard and about thirty Aurors appeared wearing the same horrified expression. One of the Aurors spotted Harry's group and walked over to them, it was Amos Diggory.

"Sirius, Remus," Amos said. "I don't know how you knew, but I'm glad you're here. Did Dumbledore come with you?"

"No," Remus said. "We're not sure where he is. We left word at the castle before we left."

"Good," Amos said wearily. "We need to organize into groups and start searching for survives."

"Sounds good," Sirius said, his old training-kicking in. "I think we should split into two groups. One group does the searching, while the other group concentrates on healing what injuries they can."

"Agreed," Amos said. "I'll send word to St. Mungo's for help, but until then I've only got about two good healers."

"My sister, Harry and I can help with the healing," Demin said speaking up.

"You're Demin, right?" Amos asked. "I remember meeting you at the trials. What kind of healing powers do you have?"

"The best," Sirius answered for him. "Elves are better healers than medi-witches, or doctors."

"Really? Well then I'm glad you're here," Amos said before turning to Kairi. "You must be his sister."

"Kairi," Kairi said, shaking his hand.

"Pleasure," Amos said before turning to the black haired boy who was with them and giving a startled cry. "Harry Potter!"

Harry couldn't help but smile slightly at the man. "Hi Mr. Diggory."

"But you're missing!" Amos said.

"Obviously Fudge didn't mention to you that Harry was back safe and fine," Sirius said disgustedly.

"No he didn't," Amos said, a little confused.

Before anything else could be said a voice interrupted them. "Sir, I think you might want to come look at this."

The group all exchanged glances before making their way through the rubble. They came to a halt when they reached the only remaining wall standing of what used to be the Minister's office. On the wall written in blood was a message from Voldemort: "Welcome to the Reign of Terror! Surrender or Your Children will be Next!" At the base of the wall Fudge's dead body lay sprawled out, mangled and tortured.

Harry turned away, sick. Even though he didn't like Fudge and considered him an idiot, no one deserved to die by Voldemort's hand, no one.

"I think we'd better start making a list," Amos said softly. "Families will be arriving soon once they hear the news. Make two columns one for alive and another for the dead."

"I'll make the list," Remus said.

"Good. Let's get to work," Amos said soberly.

And they did. Harry soon lost track of how many bodies were pulled out of the wreckage and how many were brought to him for healing. He just concentrated on pouring all the healing skills and power Demin had taught him over the past two months into helping every victim he could.

Harry didn't even notice when Albus showed up with several Order members and started handing out orders. Hours passed and more and more people were pulled from the wreckage of the ministry building.

Harry had just handed over his recent patient for transport when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. Harry turned to see Sirius standing behind him looking just like Harry felt, exhausted.

"Other's have arrived to relieve us," Sirius said softly to him. "Dumbledore has ordered us to return to the castle to rest."

Harry nodded tiredly and got to his feet slowly only to have the world spin around him causing him to fall back to his knees.

"Harry are you alright?" Sirius asked, kneeling in front of him and placing his hands on his shoulders.

"Dizzy," Harry said, closing his eyes and suddenly having the urge to vomit.

"He's used to much of his magic," Remus said, coming up behind Sirius and kneeling to check Harry's temperature. "He has a fever. We should have been keeping an eye on him. After what happen earlier and then this, it was too much for him."

Harry heard his Godfather curse under his breath and felt Sirius gently lift him into his arms.

"Let's get Demin and Kairi and get Harry back to the castle," Sirius told Remus.

"All right you stay here and I'll go get them," Remus said before disappearing.

Harry felt his Godfather gentle touch his cheek. "Harry, are you all right?"

Harry nodded slowly, "Sirius?" Harry asked quietly. "The Weasleys were they . . .? Are they . . .?"

"Mr. Weasley had already left for the night before the attack," Sirius reassured him. "He showed up a few hours ago with Bill and Charlie to help."

"And Percy?" Harry asked. Harry immediately sensed Sirius's hesitation to answer him. "Is he . . .?"

"No." Sirius answered quickly. "We are unsure what happened to him. His father said he hadn't returned home and we haven't found his body yet."

Harry felt a tear slide down his cheek. He knew that if Percy wasn't found alive it would devastate the Weasleys, as it would him. The Weasleys were just as much his family as Sirius, Remus, Demin, Delia, and Kairi were.

Harry felt his Godfather gently brush his tear away before hugging him closer. "Harry, everything will be fine, I promise."

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When Harry woke up the next morning it was to find himself looking into Albus Dumbledore's grief filled blue eyes.

"Good Afternoon Harry," Dumbledore said, helping Harry into sitting position.

"Afternoon?" Harry asked.

"Yes Harry I believe it is past noon," Dumbledore said, some of his old twinkle showing in his blue eyes. "Your Godfather has given me ten minutes to talk to you before he breaks the door down and kicks me out."

Harry smiled. "I'm surprise he gave you that long."

"Yes, he did seem really reluctant," Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "But after I showed him the new spell I learned he readily agreed."

After that the two fell into an uneasy silence. Harry was the first to break it.

"I'm sorry about your daughter sir," Harry said softly. "I was too late to save her."

Dumbledore smiled gently at Harry. "You have nothing to be sorry for Harry. If anything I should be thanking you for saving Caleb and Mathew."

"I didn't save them," Harry said shaking his head. "They saved themselves."

"Yes, but I believe they killed you in the process," Dumbledore said quietly. "Sirius has filled us all in this morning on what happened to you last night. I have talked to Mathew and Caleb as well. It seems I am indebted to you."

"I think we are more then even," Harry said sadly. "How are Mathew and Caleb?"

"Better than you think. It will take time, but they will be all right," Dumbledore said. "They were raised to be strong."

Harry nodded. "Can I ask you why Voldemort was there? Did he find out that she was your daughter?"

"No." Dumbledore said. "He was looking for something that my daughter had in her possession. Something that, thanks to you, he did not get."

Harry gave Dumbledore a confused look. "What are you talking about?"

"Do you remember this?" Dumbledore asked, holding up the clear globe that Harry had used for a portkey.

"It's just a globe, isn't it?" Harry inquired.

"Oh no Harry," Dumbledore said. "This is what wizards call the Sphere of Elements."

"The Sphere of what?" Harry asked curiously.

Dumbledore smiled. "The Sphere of Elements. With this sphere any Founder's heir would be capable of controlling the elements of nature. They could easily cause floods, draughts, earthquakes, hurricanes, and any other climate disaster they so wished. This is what Voldemort was looking for at my daughter's house and thanks to you and the twins he did not get it."

Harry was looking at Dumbledore horror stricken before questions started spilling from his mouth. "Why is something like that even in existence? If Voldemort would have gotten a hold of it . . .!"

"Yes Voldemort could have caused mass destruction with this sphere," Dumbledore said soberly. "As to why something like this is in existence, you have our Founders to thank for that. When they were young they were a little over confident and careless with their powers. They thought it would be clever to trap the elements' powers in this sphere and then be able to control it. Needless to say they were successful."

"Can't you just destroy it?" Harry asked inquisitively.

"If you want to do Voldemort's job for him," Dumbledore answered. "We destroy it and its power would be released with no one controlling it."

Harry nodded in understanding before inquiring, "Why would your daughter be in possession of the sphere. Diane told me that you were the last Gryffindor heir, so why would she have it if she couldn't even use it?"

"My daughter has had possession of the sphere since she was a little girl. It's completely harmless because it's been dormant for years. No Founder's heir has ever found the need to activate it and no Slytherin heir has ever been in possession of it. When Voldemort returned I warned my daughter and her husband about the sphere and the danger of having the sphere in their home. They both insisted that it was the safe's place to keep it. They said if I was to keep it at the school I would be risking the entire student body and they were right. Not many people know about the sphere and like you, most people just thought it was a normal globe," Dumbledore said, before his face grew sad. "I had no idea Voldemort had discovered where the sphere was. Nevertheless I have no doubt that you were meant to keep this from Voldemort. Your destiny seems to be greater then any of us seem to understand. Fate brought you to that house last night."

Harry stayed silence for a moment thinking before asking, "What's going to happen now?"

"That is what we are going to discuss at the Order meeting that will be taking place in one hour," Dumbledore said, getting up from his chair. "I suggest you get up and get something to eat. Before Sirius comes in here and does it for you."

"I'll do that," Harry said smiling, before his face suddenly became grave. "Sir, did they find Percy?"

This time Dumbledore smiled a real smile. "Yes they did. He had a slight concussion and a lot of bruises, but he should be fine."

Harry gave a sigh of relief and got out of bed a much happier person. Thirty minutes later Harry left his room in Sirius and Remus' quarters only to be knocked off his feet by Delia.

"Don't parents watch their children anymore?" Harry asked rubbing his head.

"No," Sirius said, coming to help Harry up. "Or I would have noticed last night that you were pushing your limits beyond its breaking point."

"Sirius, don't even start. Last night we all had other things to worry about," Harry told Sirius firmly.

"True, but I," Sirius started, but was effectively stopped when Harry covered his mouth with his hand.

"Where's some duct tape when you need it?" Harry muttered before releasing Sirius's mouth.

"Duct tape?" Sirius asked curiously.

"Never mind," Harry said, turning to Delia. "Where are Demin and Kairi?"

"Dumbledore wanted to talk to them for a minute so they left Delia with us," Remus said, coming out of his room. "How do you feel Harry?"

"Fine," Harry said. "Demin left his seven year old child with Sirius? He's crazier then a thought."

"And what is that suppose to mean?" Sirius asked his Godson, offended. "I'll have you know I babysat you loads of time when you were little."

"Well that explains how I sustained my brain damage," Harry said.

Remus laughed. "And you thought he wouldn't remember all those times you dropped him on his head Padfoot."

"It was only once or twice," Sirius said defensively at Harry's accusing gaze. "Harry you're a wizard for crying out loud, you were completely fine! It's not like I put you in a laundry basket and pushed you down the stairs."

"It's not like you and James didn't try," Remus said. "I remember Lily almost killed you for that one."

"You mean they really did try that?" Harry cried.

"Yes, I believe you were about eleven months when they did," Remus said, thinking.

"Unbelievable," Harry muttered. "Sirius and my dad tried to kill me before I was even two. Thank goodness for a mother that loved me."

"We loved you," Sirius said. "We were just trying to make your life a little more exciting."

"Sirius, if I ever have kids, you are not babysitting," Harry informed his Godfather before sitting down at the table to have lunch.

After everyone had finished their lunch they headed to Dumbledore's office, dropping Delia off with Madam Pomfrey. Demin and Kairi had been asked to join the Order Meeting for the time being, but since they were not of this realm they were not obligate to help. However, Demin and Kairi made it pretty clear to Dumbledore that they were going to aid as much as they could.

Harry sat down next to Sirius once they reached the office, noticing the most people were already there. Harry was very relieved to see that the three Weasleys that were there seemed to be fine. Five minutes later Dumbledore entered and started the meeting.

"First I'd like to thank you all for your help last night," Dumbledore said sincerely. "But as you all know, we now have numerous problems to confront. First off, we have no minister. I have been asked to step in for the time being, however I have a school to run so I have put forth a different solution that has been accepted. Amos Diggory and Arthur Weasley together will fill the position for the time being."

Harry glanced at Mr. Weasley and saw him nod slightly to show his recognition. Harry also noticed that most people agreed with Dumbledore on this decision.

"Amos and Arthur will have a heavy responsibility in filling the now vacant spots in the ministry and rebuilding it," Dumbledore continued gravely. "Which brings as to are next item of business. Alastor, the list."

Harry saw Mad Eye Moody nod to Dumbledore before standing and addressing the other Order Members. "I have the list from last night and the casualties due to Voldemort's attack. The death toll was 33, 68 injured, and 5 missing. According to St. Mungo's at least half the injured victims will be able to return to work within the week and the other half soon after."

"Thank you Alastor," Dumbledore said after Moody sat down. "As you can see we were very lucky last night. Over half the ministry officials had already left for the night before the attack took place. We believe that Voldemort's main goal was Fudge."

There was silence after Dumbledore's announcement that was finally broken by Minerva.

"What about the school and the students?" Minerva asked. "Will the school be safe?"

"That brings us to our last item on the agenda," Dumbledore said. "As of now, the school is safe. The wards that are in place right now would take Voldemort months to break and I am also having additional wards put up today and tomorrow. I believe the school will at least be safe from Voldemort for the time being.

"What about the Hogwarts Express?" One of the Order Members questioned.

"Severus?" Dumbledore asked.

"Voldemort does plan on attacking the Hogwarts Express, but not himself. He plans on sending about twenty of his best Death Eaters to do it," Snape answered. "He wants to test the students and the ministry abilities now that he was made the first move. His main target is Hogwarts itself. Voldemort will not attack the students himself until he can take Hogwarts with them."

"Thank you Severus," Dumbledore said. "We have a plan to keep the Express as secure as possible. Aurors will be aboard the train, as will two teachers I have asked. I guarantee you that the students will arrive safely."

"What about Hogsmeade weekends?" Minerva questioned again.

Dumbledore smiled. "New permission slips have been sent out to all parents and guardians notifying them of the new danger. It will be up to the parents or guardian of the child if they are allowed to visit Hogsmeade. The students will still be protected in Hogsmeade, but not as secure as Hogwarts. We can not stop living our lives because of this."

There were nods and mummers of agreement. Harry was thinking that there was no way Sirius was going to sign his permission slip.

After a moment Dumbledore spoke again. "Now if you have no questions I call this meeting to a close. You all have your new assignments and I wish you luck with them. It's only going to get harder from here on in."

HUGE THANKS TO MY BETA READER NATURAL ANTHEM!