Once everyone settled down, Albus once again called the meeting back to order. "Well I must say that I suppose it is a good thing that Harry was accepted, if he had not been then we would no longer be allowed to use this house as a headquarters. Harry becoming a member of the order was his one stipulation on us continuing to use this house. Now that we have taken care of that, it is time for updates. What do we hear from the ministry Arthur?"
Arthur Weasley stood and began, "It would seem that a vote of no confidence in the Minister is upon us. The Wizengamot seems to have come to the same conclusion about Minister Fudge's ability to lead our world as we have."
"They finally feel he is a git," added in Nymphadora Tonks, today in her shocking pink spiky hair. With this pronouncement, everyone in the room chuckled.
Arthur resumed his report, "I think it would be good for us to begin preparing to back a new candidate who is sympathetic to our cause. Does anyone have any suggestions?"
Kingsley Shacklebolt spoke up, "Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement would be good."
Harry thought for a moment and spoke up, "I believe that Amos Diggory of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures would be a good choice. The fact that he lost his son to Voldemort would be a big boost in our direction."
Everyone looked surprised by this comment; no one had expected Harry to willingly talk about those events again. Arthur responded, "Yes I quite agree with those assessments. Can anyone think of anyone else?"
Everyone was quiet for a few moments before Albus spoke again, "I believe that you would be a good candidate as well Arthur." Arthur looked shocked by this announcement, as did all of the Weasleys. "You are a Head of your Department, you have strong moral fiber, and you are a definite proponent of the light. I believe that if you, or any of the afore mentioned candidates, were to receive a ringing endorsement from certain respected individuals that you could easily be elected."
Arthur finally got his wits about him and spoke again, "Albus I am flattered that you feel that way but I don't know if I would have as much chance as one of the other two."
"We can discuss this more later once everyone has had a chance to think about it. Anything else from the Ministry Arthur?"
"The level of security is finally beginning to increase and every department is doing extensive checks on their employees to try to route out any with connections to the Death Eaters."
With this Snape added, "Yes the Dark Lord is very concerned about this turn of events. He does not wish to lose Fudge as minister, he may not be a Death Eater, but his inadequacy is invaluable to the Dark Lord. We must be very cautious of any other candidates for Fudge's position."
Everyone nodded in agreement at this. Albus continued, "What else is happening with Voldemort Severus?"
"The Dark Lord is very unhappy about the events in June." He put a bit of extra emphasis on the word unhappy. "He is still unaware of the full extent of the prophecy. He is also trying to come up with a plan to free the Death Eaters who were captured at the Ministry. But he is most displeased with the fact that Mr. Potter managed to slip through his fingers yet again."
"I'll bet," mumbled an amused Harry, which was followed by a small nervous chuckle from some of the others in the room and a glare from Snape.
Albus continued, "Do you know what Voldemort's plan is to free his followers?"
"No Headmaster, he is not sharing that information with me at this time. I believe that he is unaware that the prophecy can still be found. Since Mr. Potter has not yet shown the ability to learn Occlumency and block out the Dark Lord do you really think it was wise to allow him to know the prophecy sir?"
"Maybe if you had actually tried to teach me I would have mastered it by now," Harry replied scathingly.
"Mr. Potter," Snape replied coolly, "I doubt it was my teaching methods, it was more likely your questionable intelligence that was the problem."
At this, Professor Smith intervened, "If you teach potions anywhere as poorly as you attempt to teach occlumency then it is a wonder anyone can pass the OWLS or NEWTS."
There was a silence in the room so severe that everyone thought a silencing charm had been cast. Snape looked at the new professor with disgust. "How DARE you question my teaching methods, especially in front of students. If you think you can have any more success be my guest, but I am quite sure you will find the task just as difficult."
Professor Smith looked at Harry for a moment before speaking, "Harry, when was the last time you had any mental contact with Voldemort?"
Harry was unsure of where this was going, "A week ago sir."
"Before that did you have any difficulty getting rest? Any restless nights? Any nightmares? Any visions?"
"Yes sir."
"How often?"
Harry was very tentative in responding now. "Please answer the question."
Harry was wishing that this conversation were not happening here and now. Finally, after a few moments he responded, "Every night since the trip to the Ministry." Harry looked down ashamed at his feelings of weakness only to look up in surprise when he felt someone grasp his hand and give it a gentle squeeze. He looked to his left to see Ginny smiling warmly at him in support, making his heart feel lighter again.
Professor Smith continued, "Have you had any episodes since then?"
Harry looked back at his new professor thinking, "No sir, not a one. I have gotten a lot of good rest this last week."
Snape was frowning while a smile began to work across Professor Smith's face, "Would you be so kind as to tell us what has happened to create this drastic change?"
Harry was also beginning to smile now; he could finally see where this was going and loved every minute of it. "I've learned to clear my mind and organize my thoughts, just as you taught me sir."
"So Professor Snape, since Harry has made considerably more progress in one week with me than several months with you I would have to disagree with your assessment of his learning ability." The scowl on Snape's face was beyond anything he had ever done before. The ever-present animosity toward Harry was never higher than it was now. Harry couldn't help but smile a huge grin; his new DADA professor had just publicly humiliated his most hated teacher, which had been something that Harry had wanted to do for years.
"That is enough gentlemen," intervened Albus, the twinkle in his eyes was very noticeable. "Do you have anything else Severus?"
"No Headmaster," he replied and returned to his seat his never-ending scowl firmly in tact.
"Very well," Albus replied turning to Bill Weasley, "Bill anything to note from the goblins?"
"Nothing Albus, they are still keeping to themselves. I think they are still waiting for the balance to sway in favor of one group before taking a side. They want to pick the winning side."
Albus nodded and turned to Remus, "Remus, any word from the werewolves and other so called dark creatures?"
"They have been approached and I fear that they are leaning in the direction of the dark. We need to give them a reason not to, but it would have to come from the ministry in the way of a law change granting them more freedoms." The look on Remus's face as he spoke was one of fleeting hope. It was obvious that without a new minister, who would be much more open minded, that the dark creatures would all join Voldemort.
"We will have to keep trying until we are successful." Albus looked around expectantly for a few moments, "Well if no one has anything else to add than I think it time for us to adjourn for the evening."
"Professor, I have a question," remarked Harry. "I believe that Remus told you about my 'talk' with Voldemort the other night." Albus nodded and Harry continued, "Do you have any idea what it is that he thinks I have that he wants sir?"
"Harry, I have spoken at length with Severus about it and we believe that he may believe that you have some special power which keeps saving you from him. We believe that his strongest desire right now is to find a way to finally beat you for good. It is good that your lessons with Professor Smith are going well for I fear that he will continue to attempt to break into your mind to attain information that he can use against us."
No one had anything else to add so Albus adjourned the meeting and everyone began to get up and make their way in their separate directions. Snape stood quickly and stormed out of the room, cloak billowing as he went. This caused Professor Smith to chuckle and do a fairly good imitation of Snape's exit as he made his way upstairs for Harry's next lesson. This had the effect of sending the entire room into a gale of laughter. As the laughter started to subside, Mrs. Weasley made her way over to Harry and gave him a warm hug, consoling him on the contents of the prophecy. Harry had to endure several more people giving their support to help in any way they can, before he could finally move upstairs for his next meeting with Professor Smith. Harry entered the drawing room with a smile on his face. He made is way over to his usual chair by the fireplace, made himself comfortable, and began to clear his mind.
Several hours later, Harry and Professor Smith were calling it a night. "Harry I just want you to know that I am very impressed with your progress this week. You have come a long way in a very short time. Other than getting more peaceful rest have you noticed any other changes?"
Harry thought about the last week, "Actually sir I have noticed that I seem to be able to concentrate better. I can actually give my friend Ron a challenge at wizard's chess, and I seem to be able to learn a little faster. Is this a side effect of the occlumency training?"
"Yes it is Harry. You see by organizing your thoughts and working with a clear mind you become much more aware of what is going on around you. You don't have to spend as much time and energy searching through your thoughts and memories to find what you are looking for. I think you will also find that it helps when you are in a fight by speeding up your decision-making ability. Between this and the physical training you are doing now and will be doing in the future your dueling ability should increase dramatically."
"What new physical training will you be adding sir?"
"Once you get back to school, I expect you to begin running and doing other basic calisthenics in the mornings every morning regardless of the weather. This will build up your endurance and stamina, both are important during a time of war since battles tend to be longer and more drawn out." Professor Smith paused to consider his new student for a while before continuing, "Harry I will be honest with you. I wasn't expecting you to catch on this quickly. You have surprised me and believe me when I say that it is very difficult to surprise me. I knew that you were a powerful wizard and intelligent, but you have exceeded my expectations. Considering that you and I started from scratch, I find it amazing that I feel that you are ready to begin learning how to build your mental barriers. Once you learn that I will start trying to invade your mind. Once I feel you are doing well in our clinical situation I will begin to try to catch you off guard when we are outside this room. It will be unannounced and anywhere so you will have to always be on your guard."
Harry laughed, "You sound like Mad-Eye Moody. Constant Vigilance!"
"Auror Moody is a very smart man. One does not become the best without having a good head on one's shoulders." There was another pause while the professor studied Harry intently. "Harry what is bothering you? You seem to be more lost in thought tonight than normal."
"Listening to the prophecy, neither can live while the other survives, I don't know if I can kill someone. I realize that he is evil but killing him makes me a murderer and I don't know if I like that thought."
Professor Smith could tell this was a big sticking point for Harry. "Harry, the fact that you are questioning your ability to do this is the fundamental difference between you and Voldemort. He kills because he enjoys it, it makes him feel powerful and in control. That makes him evil and dark. You would only kill out of necessity, not because you want to but because you need to. Yes, it is bad, you will probably feel terrible about it afterward, and that is the fundamental difference. You are a human being who cares and loves, while he is a monster who doesn't feel anything but hatred."
Harry pondered this way of looking at things, he still wasn't sure if he could do it but didn't feel as wrong about it as before. They finally decided to call it enough for the night and went there separate ways. As Harry entered his room, he noticed that not only was Ron not asleep, but he wasn't alone either. Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Fred, and George were all sitting in the room waiting for him. He stood in the doorway for a few minutes looking at everyone, trying to discern what this was all about.
Finally, Ron spoke, "I'm sorry mate, I had no idea that you had that much weight on your shoulders." This was followed up by the others making comments that were along the same lines.
Harry was ready for them to tell him that they wanted away from him, that they didn't want that big of a target on themselves. His shoulders slumped and he began to look down at his feet. He knew that this was too much for them.
"Harry, whatever you need from us, just ask and you have it. As long as it isn't for us to go away, we're with you till the end," said a very sincere Ginny. Harry looked up to see all of them nodding in agreement and even smiling a little.
"You have no idea how that makes me feel. I thought once you guys heard that that you would want to get as far away from me as possible. I don't know what I did to deserve friends like you guys, but I am glad that I have you by my side for this." Harry just stood there and smiled back at everyone.
Fred and George walked forward giving him a smile and a slap on the back saying, "We couldn't bale on our major investor after all you did for us. Anything that we can supply for you to do this and it's yours, mate." They then made their way back to their own home.
Hermione and Ginny then got up and each gave him a big hug telling him that they would help out in whatever way they could whether with fighting or research. "That is what family does for each other, and you are part of our family." They then said goodnight and headed back to their room for the night.
Harry and Ron both got ready for bed in silence. Once in bed, Ron told Harry, "Mate, were you serious about not keeping us in the dark any more?"
"Yes Ron I was. If you remember last year, I would have to say that it is obvious that keeping a secret like that from someone ends up having a very bad ending."
Ron nodded at this statement, "Goodnight mate."
"Goodnight Ron." Harry then cleared his mind and was off to another good night's sleep.