Once again, I own nothing of this except the plot and some of the characters.
Oomahey – Thank you for the very flattering review. I keep being told by my friends and family, but I still have a hard time believing that my writing is that good. It's good to hear reviews like yours. Thank you.
Oreo-darcy – Thanks for reading and I'm glad you like it. I realize that I have made it seem that Harry is over his guilt, but the way I see it is he has filled his time up so much with his studies that he doesn't really have time to think about it. However whenever he has been faced with something that reminds him of Sirius, he does feel guilty once again. I figure that he also feels better after his closure from his talks with Sirius and Remus.
Chapter 9 - Birthdays and Beatings
After dinner that evening, Professor Smith and the students made their way back to the castle for dueling practice. After about a half an hour, as Harry was disarming Hermione, the students became aware that they had some company. They all stopped to see Remus, Tonks, Bill, and Charlie had joined them in the room. Harry was about to ask them why they were there when Professor Smith began to explain.
"Ah, I see you have noticed our guests," the professor said to the teens. "I have decided to change the partners with which you are dueling. You are all getting much better, but I can't tell if that is because you are really improving or if you just know each other too well. So I figured if I increased the level of your opponents that I would be able to tell more easily how your skills are improving." The new arrivals were already grinning, seeming to be looking forward to what was about to happen. "Now, it doesn't really matter to me who is dueling who except for Harry. I believe that Harry needs to be tested by the most highly trained amongst the challengers. As an Auror, I believe that Tonks should fill that role quite adequately." Harry showed no outward emotion at this proclamation, but merely nodded in acceptance of the situation. Tonks on the other hand, was grinning madly. She seemed to be quite excited at the opportunity to show off her dueling ability.
A mischievously smiling Bill now spoke, "Well Ron, it looks like I finally get a chance to get back at you for all of the times you beat me at chess." This caused Ron to visibly pale, he could tell Bill was not going to go lightly on him.
Charlie was next to speak up, "As much as I hate to admit it, I have seen Ginny at her worst and have no desire to be on the receiving end of her Bat-Bogey hex so I think I'm going to have to take on Hermione. Sorry, Remus I guess that leaves you with our sister." Ginny was now giving her brother a mischievous yet playful scowl. Remus however was no longer smiling, he seemed a little discouraged by the fact that his opponent seemed to be feared by someone who was, in Remus' opinion, an accomplished dueler.
"Now that that is settled," Professor Smith continued, "who wants to go first?"
Bill stepped forward still grinning, "I think it would be best to let Ron get this over with first instead of making him worry about it." Having heard that, Ron nodded and moved out to the middle of the floor and took his position. His look of worry had been replaced by a look of acceptance then one of determination. Their duel was fast paced and quite good. It took a full twenty minutes for Bill to finally overpower Ron and disarm him. Everyone had very excited looks on their faces, impressed with Ron's ability to hold off Bill, who was a very accomplished dueler, for that long.
As Charlie and Hermione took the floor, Charlie was beginning to wonder what he'd gotten himself into. From conversations he'd had with Professor Smith, he'd assumed that Ron was the one with the least ability. If Ron's skill was the weakest, he could see that he was in for it with Hermione. They assumed their positions and began. This match was just as long as the previous one, but that was where the similarity ended. While Ron had dueled using the power of his spells, Hermione was using her knowledge to its fullest. Charlie was hard pressed to deal with the array of spells she threw at him. In the end, though, he had her wand, but everyone was impressed with Hermione's performance overall.
Now it was Remus and Ginny's turn. Ginny took her spot with a Cheshire cat type of a grin on her face. Remus was looking more serious than anyone had ever seen him as he took his place. All of the adults knew, from Professor Smith, that she was the fastest of the bunch and ruthless in her attack. Remus was the victor after a full half an hour duel, leaving them both quite tired. The teens simply smiled at Ginny, having gotten used to seeing her duel, while the adults showed a very visible amount of appreciation at her ability. Professor Smith hadn't been kidding when he said that these kids were good.
It was now time for Harry and Tonks to take their spots. When Tonks looked at Harry, the smile she wore earlier was quickly removed from her face. What she saw truly chilled her to the bone. Instead of the normal playful smile and cheerful eyes, there was a cold indifferent mask of determination on Harry's face. She could almost feel the power radiating from him like a blast furnace in a foundry. This look and feeling was not lost on the rest of the adults either. Everyone in the room could sense the power that Harry was exuding. All thoughts of taking it easy on Harry were immediately removed from Tonks' thoughts. She could tell she was in for one of the toughest duels in her life.
They bowed to each other and took their positions. Harry wasted no time going on the offensive, having gotten used to dealing with multiple opponents at once he was used to trying to take one out quickly. Tonks spent the first ten minutes in a purely defensive posture by dodging and shielding. She had quickly gone from training mode to survival mode in her mind. This, to her, was no longer a simple training duel. It was now a matter of trying to survive. The next fifty minutes were spent in a very evenly matched duel. Harry seemed to have the best qualities of the three other teens combined into one package. He was powerful, more so than Ron. The amount of spells he was able to send at Tonks was almost as impressive as Hermione's was. While he was not quite as fast as Ginny was, he was firing off spells so fast he was but a blur to watch. In the end, all of the adults were left gaping at the two duelers. The duel had lasted an hour and no one would have guessed that one participant had been underage and not a fully trained Auror. The largest shock had been that in the end it had been Harry standing holding both his and Tonks' wand while she lay stunned on the floor.
"Blimey, you weren't kidding when you told us he was good, Professor Smith." Charlie said this as Bill made his way to Tonks to revive the Auror.
Remus' look of amazement was slowly changing to a look of admiration. "Harry, I can honestly say that you would make your parents very proud. I have no doubt that you can hold your own against most any adult wizard. In fact you reminded me quite a bit of your father just then, he was also an exceptional dueler." Harry's look of indifference was being quickly replaced by a very large smile. The knowledge that he was a lot like his father in more than just looks made his heart soar.
"Yes, I can see that having him continue to practice against his fellow students will not be enough for him. Although it is helpful to the rest of them, it doesn't challenge him enough." Professor Smith was smiling as he said this, very proud of his students. "Harry, I must admit that you and your friends are getting quite good. I would also say that you seem to have found a few more spells on your own. I take it your new library has been helping in that regard?"
"Yes professor," answered Hermione. "We have found lots of interesting spells in the books in the library here."
The professor nodded, "Your endurance is getting better as well. Keep working out everyday and it will only improve." Professor Smith now looked at Harry, "Harry, I believe that it would be a good idea for you to bring some other members of the Order here so that we can include them in your training. I believe that Aurors Moody and Shacklebolt would be good partners for you to continue to learn from. I believe that Professor Flitwick would also be a good partner to practice against since he was a champion dueler. Although I don't think you are quite ready for Professor Dumbledore or Voldemort, I do think that you could give most if not all of the Death Eaters a very difficult time."
Harry was now glowing with pride, "Thank you, sir. I'll bring them here the next chance I get."
Professor Smith nodded and continued, "Now, does anyone want another go?"
Ron spoke up, "Yes sir, I'd like another chance at Bill."
Bill nodded and the brothers took their places again. The duel lasted longer this time but Bill still won. Hermione and Ginny wanted another chance as well, also showing some improvement. Every one was showing definite signs of exhaustion by the end of the session as they all headed back to headquarters. Tonks had never stopped glaring at Harry, it hurt her pride to have been beaten by a kid, and she knew that Remus, Bill, and Charlie would make sure that her loss was made known to the rest of the Order. It was going to be miserable for her for a while. She was quite sure that not many of the Order members would let her live this down.
Harry woke up the next morning full of excitement for the new day. He didn't waste any time getting up and ready. He decided that he would just pretend that he hadn't gotten anything for Ginny for her birthday so it would be a complete surprise. Ron was beginning to get up as Harry was finishing getting dressed, so Harry told Ron that he was going to head down to breakfast without him. Upon entering the kitchen, Harry was met by a bubbling Mrs. Weasley and a still sulking Tonks.
"Good morning, Harry dear," said Mrs. Weasley, "You're looking very chipper this morning."
"Good morning, Mrs. Weasley. Good morning, Tonks. Please tell me you're not still sore about last night. I'm sure that I just got lucky." Mrs. Weasley tried to hide a small chuckle while Tonks just continued to glower.
Soon Hermione and Ginny had joined them, and Mrs. Weasley greeted them as well, hugging her daughter as she smiled and said, "Happy Birthday, Ginny, dear."
"Good morning mum, thanks," responded a very bouncy Ginny.
"Yes, Ginny," said Harry with a smile. "Happy Birthday! You seem to be happier than usual. Is this just because it's your birthday?"
"Of course it is. I'm always extra happy on my birthday, because it's my special day."
"Oh, well until this year, I never really got treated special on my birthday. I didn't know that was supposed to be the case." Harry saw the smile on Ginny's face falter for a moment, "But since I had a really wonderful birthday this year, I understand what you mean, and I'm happy for you. Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day."
Ginny just started smiling again, "You're always welcome to be a part of my birthday, Harry. After all you are part of the family now; it just wouldn't be right without you."
Ron chose this moment to enter the kitchen, followed by Bill and Charlie. They all exchanged their good mornings and wishes for a Happy Birthday, then sat down to eat. Once the food was eaten and the plates cleaned, the four students headed off to the castle to start their daily routine.
When they returned for dinner, they found the kitchen decked out for a birthday celebration. Once again, all of the Weasleys were there, except Percy. Remus, Tonks, Mad-Eye Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Professor Smith were there as well. The table was covered with piles of mouth-watering food, and there was a large banner overhead that read "Happy Birthday to the Newest Gryffindor Prefect". The evening went much the same as for Harry's birthday. Ginny's cake was also decorated in Gryffindor colors but with a shiny prefect badge for the main decoration.
Once desert was finished and the table cleared, it was time to open gifts. Hermione and the adults who were not named Weasley all got Ginny books covering various topics from muggles to defense. Fred and George gave her a box of samples from their store along with a note telling her to try them out at school and report back with their success. Ron got her a selection of her favorite sweets. Bill and Charlie went together to get her a new set of pads for playing quidditch. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley gave her a new writing set with a pair of beautiful quills and inkwell set in a board of dark mahogany.
Ginny was delighted with everything, but her smile faded slightly as she noticed the sad look on Harry's face. "What's the matter, Harry?"
Harry continued to look sad. "I think I owe you an apology, Ginny." She gave him with a questioning look. "I've known you for four years now and it wasn't until yesterday, when Professor Dumbledore mentioned your birthday, that I knew when your birthday was. I haven't been a very good friend to you. Even though you have been there for me when I really needed it, I have never taken the time to get to know anything about you. For that, I'm sorry."
"It's all right, Harry. We aren't in the same year and don't have any classes together, so there hasn't really been that many opportunities to get to know each other."
Harry gave a half-hearted smile, "No, it's not all right. We may not be in the same year and have classes together, but that hasn't stopped you from getting to know anything you wanted to about me. I've been made an honorary member of your family, and I realized that I don't know that much about any of your family, besides Ron. That is something that I plan to change." Harry began to smile, and continued, "Unfortunately, I didn't have time to go shopping for your birthday, but then I remembered that I have a couple of castles full of interesting items at my disposal."
Harry was smiling a huge smile now. "Winky!" Winky appeared with a loud POP. "You called for Winky, Harry?"
"Yes, Winky. Would you please bring Ginny her gift?"
Winky bowed, "Of course, Harry!" She then POPPED out and back with a beautifully wrapped gift, handing it to Ginny.
Ginny opened the gift and her eyes went wide as saucers, "Oh, Harry, these combs are beautiful!"
"I found them at the castle yesterday. According to Moireach, they are enchanted to never fall out. I thought they would be good for holding your hair out of your eyes while playing quidditch. I also figured that the colors are perfect for a member of Gryffindor."
Ginny was stunned, "Harry, I really love them, but it's too much. I couldn't possibly accept this."
"Of course you can. I have more stuff than I could ever hope to make use of. If I am now a part of this family, then who better to share my good fortune with? I have more than enough for myself. Please let me share it with you and your family." Harry paused to make sure she was paying close attention. "Besides, there's one more enchantment on those that I forgot to mention. No one, except the owner, can touch those combs. Since I have given them to you as a gift, you are now the owner, so I could not possibly take them back. Looks like you will just have to accept my gift. Happy birthday, Ginny."
Everyone in the room was taken aback. They had all heard about Harry's generosity and selflessness before but had never been witness to it. Ginny hugged him and said thanks again, while the rest of the group just gapped at this new information. 'Just wait until they see how much money I have access to once Sirius' name gets cleared,' Harry thought. 'They think I'm being generous now….' Harry could only smile to himself. He knew this was just the beginning. After all, he had sixteen years worth of birthdays and Christmas to make up for.
The rest of the evening and the next few days went along as usual. Since Moody and Kingsley were both at the party, Harry had brought them to the castle so they would be able to help the students train in the future. Harry's mental defenses had become quite strong and he was beginning to get the hang of legilimency. He couldn't penetrate the mind of a skilled occlumens, but he could start breaking into his friends minds, with their OK of course.
There was another Order meeting on the following Thursday. There wasn't much new information, but it was decided that Saturday would be the day everyone went to Diagon Alley. Since the Hogwarts letters had all been sent out, this weekend the alley would be very busy and their presence could be hidden a bit better amongst the crowd. There would also be a large Auror presence to try to lessen the chance of a Death Eater attack. Professor Snape had made it clear that Voldemort had given his Death Eaters one standing order above all else. If they were to come across Harry Potter, they were to do anything necessary to capture him regardless of their mission. Harry was now more of a marked man than ever. They had decided that all of the students would be disguised in some way and not move around together so as to blend in. The students didn't like it but understood the reason behind it.
Saturday morning arrived, and the house was buzzing with anticipation. Many members of the Order were present in the house, and even more were stationed in Diagon Alley. The only Order members who would not be present, in the alley, today were the teachers. It was felt that their presence in the alley would be a dead give away about the plans for the day. They would be waiting at headquarters for any word of trouble so they could be summoned quickly if need be. Kingsley and Tonks, being active Aurors, were among those stationed in the alley. Each student would have an escort of two Order members. Ron and Ginny would be with their parents and would be being followed by Sturgis Podmore and Emmaline Vance. Hermione would be followed by Elphias Doge and Hestia Jones. Harry was going to be protected by Dedalus Diggle, and Remus. Moody, hiding under his invisibility cloak, would also be protecting Harry. Mundungus Fletcher would also be hiding in the alley keeping an eye on Harry, and above it all would be Fawkes, the headmaster's phoenix, ready to flash back to headquarters if necessary to summon help.
The groups traveled by portkey, leaving at short intervals, to try to draw less attention. Hermione's group would go first, followed ten minutes later by the Weasleys, and ten minutes later by Harry's group. They each portkeyed into the back room of Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes where they were met by one of the twins. The twins were both unusually serious today, owing to the fact that this was a very dangerous situation.
Harry's group made its way out of the store and headed over to Gringotts so Harry could stock up on money for the year. The security at the goblin bank was tighter than Harry had ever seen it. The goblins were apparently worried about a possible attack as well as the Order and Ministry. After Gringotts, they moved on to Madam Malkin's to get Harry some new robes. He had grown a fair amount since last summer and his old ones were just getting too small. Next up was Eeylops Owl Emporium, to stock up on owl treats and other stuff for Hedwig. The group made their way passed Quality Quidditch Supplies, Magical Menagerie, and Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor on their way to the apothecary to restock Harry's potions supplies. The last stop was Flourish and Blotts for books. Harry had to get books for Transfiguration, Charms, Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, and Care of Magical Creatures.
Harry's group must have made pretty good time on their shopping, because all three groups ran into each other on the way back to the twins' shop. The students laughed about the situation, while the adults all shook their heads. They continued on toward the shop when chaos erupted all around them. There was a sudden series of POPS echoing around the alley as the Aurors all started disappearing. Tonks came running up to the group simply saying, "Attack at the Ministry!" before taking up a defensive stance with the rest of the protectors. By this time, everyone had their wands out, ready for whatever was to happen next as they continued to move through the alley.
They were only a few doors away from the twins' shop when it started to get unseasonably cold and dark. "DEMENTORS IN THE ALLEY," came a yell from behind them. Now there were people running in every direction screaming. Parents were drawing their wands, grabbing their crying children in fear, and running blindly through the street. The group was now in full survival mode. The adults were trying to get the students to the portkey point while the students began to try to stay and help.
"We need to hurry to the shop to get out of here," urged Tonks.
"NO," yelled Harry. "We need to stay and help all of these people! The Aurors have all left for the Ministry and the people here need all of the help they can get!"
Mrs. Weasley broke in, "You kids need to get back to the safety of headquarters. Leave this to the adults. We need people who can produce a patronus and besides you are not old enough to use magic outside of school."
Harry was starting to get really angry, "Well then I guess it's a good thing that we all CAN produce a corporeal patronus isn't it. Besides the fact that it IS okay to use magic outside of school when it's a matter of self-defense. We have all been practicing this on our own and, believe it or not, have gotten very good at it."
There was no more time for argument, as a wall of dementors came gliding into view. All argument stopped as everyone turned in unison and shouted, "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" A dozen bright silver shapes burst out of the wands of the gathered witches and wizards, none of them as bright as Harry's stag.
The dementors began to scatter as the silver patroni came in contact with them, prongs in the lead. The argument from before was now gone, there was no way anyone was leaving before this was over. The students began to direct their patroni around the Alley chasing any dementor that was unfortunate enough to cross their path. They were made aware that dementors were not the only dark thing in the alley as a red stunning spell flew past them. There were Death-Eaters in the alley as well. They could be seen pouring out of Knockturn Alley. Soon the dementors were all gone and Diagon Alley had been turned into an all out war zone. Black robed, white masked Death-Eaters were in full battle with every able bodied adult in the Alley.
The Death-Eaters had the advantage of surprise and slightly more numbers, but the defenders of the alley were able to hide behind fallen objects, thus giving them the advantage of cover. The students were fighting alongside the adults, matching the enemy spell for spell. Flashes of light were flying all over the alley making it look like the Fourth of July in New York harbor. Wizards and witches were falling all over the alley. The defenders were only stunning, while the Death-Eaters were using the killing curse with reckless abandon.
Suddenly, there was an unusual unrest among the Death-Eaters. They were beginning to scramble themselves, and began disapparating left and right. The stunned ones were portkeyed away by the still fighting ones before they could be captured. As the dust of the destroyed parts of buildings began to settle, it became clear why the Death-Eaters were in such a hurry to leave. The rest of the Order of the Phoenix, led by Professor Dumbledore, was coming from the other end of the alley. The defending group made their way over to the reinforcements, glad they had shown up when they did.
Remus, the Weasleys, and the students joined the headmaster and Professor Smith in the middle of the street, while the rest of the Order began to assist the injured and begin helping clean up. The two professors beamed at their students, it was obvious that they knew what had transpired and were quite proud at their abilities. Professor Dumbledore spoke, "It is good to see you are all safe. Yes, I am disappointed that you did not go back to headquarters where you could be safe, but I am proud of how well all of you performed today."
Harry was about to respond when something in the air above the headmaster's shoulder caught his eye. He quickly raised his wand, causing everyone else to whip around and do the same. As whatever it was got closer the wands began to come down and a frown began to form on the headmaster's face. There were four owls flying directly toward them, each carrying a letter. Harry was now starting to frown as well. He had a feeling that he knew what these owls were doing, and if that was the case, he was going to go absolutely ballistic. His anger became more complete as the four owls each dropped an envelope bearing the seal of the Ministry of Magic in front of one of the four students. Harry's anger could be felt by everyone present as he picked up his letter and began to read it.
"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL DOES THAT POMPUS GIT THINK HE'S DOING?" Everyone in the alley stared in awe at Harry's outburst. "WE ARE ALLOWED TO USE MAGIC TO DEFEND OURSELVES! IT'S NOT LIKE HE HAS DONE ANYTHING TO PROTECT ANYONE, EXCEPT MAYBE HIMSELF! WHY DO WE HAVE SUCH A WORTHLESS PILE OF DUNG AS A MINISTER OF MAGIC? HONESTLY, SENDING LETTERS OF DISCIPLANARY ACTION TO US FOR DEFENDING OURSELVES!"
By the end of Harry's rant, the other three students had finished reading their letters as well. Hermione and Ron were both visibly worried, while Ginny's attitude seemed to match Harry's. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley began to try to pacify and comfort their children and Hermione, while Remus tried to calm down Harry. Professor Dumbledore simply took all of the letters and read them quickly to see exactly what they said, so he could develop a plan to deal with this new problem. As he read the letters, all the headmaster could do was shake his head. This was not a good time for the minister to be trying to exert his authority in this manner. The next fifteen minutes were spent getting the students calmed down enough to start heading them back to headquarters. They had almost made it back to the twins' shop, when one of the only things that could have made this situation even worse happened.