The next morning Harry awoke to a large bang. He rolled over several time to throw off the Death Eaters aim and pulled his wand casting the expelliarmus charm in the direction of the figure He quickly slid his glasses onto his face and saw Ron leaning against the wall with a surprised look on several peoples face's. Suddenly they all broke into laughter. Well every one except Harry and Ron.
"What, What's going on?" Harry asked completely confused. He thought he was being attacked.
"We… have… been… trying… to… wake… you" Ginny said through fits of laughter.
"Yeah, We couldn't get you up mate." Ron said rubbing his head "So I thought I would toss a book down next to your head to scare you up. I wouldn't have done it if I had known this would have happened."
"Oh Ron, I'm sorry, Are you, Okay…." Hermione asked as her laughter was slowly dieing down.
"I'll live." He said still rubbing the back of his head.
"Ron, I'm really sorry man." Harry said feeling very guilty about cursing Ron.
"It's fine" Ron said chuckling, "I'll just remember to not do that again." Harry laughed at this as well. The others filed out of the room and Harry got dressed heading downstairs to join them at breakfast, all thoughts of the strange dream he had last night out of his head. After a quick breakfast and some intense packing Harry and the others were ready to head to Diagon Ally and get their books. Dumbledore had left a note of the books they would need. Once again they had escorts (Tonks, Remus, Shacklebolt, and Moody) but Mrs. Weasley wouldn't be coming with them. She said that she would be taking their trunks to Hogwarts for them. A few hours later and several book loads heavier (did the classes require this many books each) they were on their way to Hogwarts. They were to use the floo network to get there. The charms that usually kept people from doing this were going to be dropped for only one minute as an extra precaution.
"Okay everyone get ready and take your floo powder now." Kingsley Shacklebolt ordered. Everyone took a pinch of floo powder and got back into line. They were in a line to make the travel quicker. Tonks was in front followed by Shacklebolt, then Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Neville, Luna, and finally Harry. Moody and Remus were going to apperate to the gates of Hogwarts.
"Alright everyone. One last time to make sure you understand. When given the word Tonks will step into the fire and floo to Hogwarts. Remember your going to Dumbledore's office. As soon as the person in front of you has left step in and go yourself. Once you arrive fall jump what ever it doesn't matter just get out of the fireplace. This is going to need to happen very fast so stay on your toes." Lupin explained to them for what had to be the twentieth time.
"Twenty seconds." Moody said. Harry was getting tense now, "Ten" Step in Dumbledore's office fall out…"Five" Harry Shifted his feet, "Four" Almost there, "Three" please let everyone be out of my way, "two" what if Luna didn't get out fast enough, "ONE" She would be in danger and it would be his fault, "GO, GO, GO" Moody hollered to Tonks. She stepped in and was gone, Shacklebolt also gone, Ron, Ginny, Harry wanted to get in front of Luna, Hermione, last chance, Neville, Too late, Luna, Harry stepped in after her and waited half a second. "HARRY GO!" Moody hollered. The window was closing, but he had to wait, "HARRY FIFTEEN SECONDS!"
"DUMBLEDORE"S OFFICE, HOGWARTS" Harry yelled throwing the powder onto the fire. Harry saw fireplaces spinning past him. The trip was taking longer than he thought. Would he make it? Another Fireplace whizzed past his view, At least he gave Luna plenty of time. Suddenly he started spinning and shaking really bad bouncing off of the sidings, this wasn't normal. He felt himself shudder violently as if he hit something. Harry closed his Eyes and hoped he hadn't waited too long. Suddenly Harry stopped and fell forward onto a hard floor. He kept his eye's closed. "Please let me have made it, Please let me have made it." He kept thinking to himself.
"HARRY, HARRY ARE YOU OKAY?" Hermione's voice rang loud and clear in his ears. He had made it.
"Yeah, Yeah I'm fine." Harry said opening his eyes and lifting himself up.
"Yo Mate, what happened?" Ron asked.
"I had to wait to make sure Luna was clear." Harry said simply straightening his glasses.
"Not that, Your pants." Ron said pointing at the bottom of Harry's jeans. Harry looked down to see them smoldering and his shoe's were missing.
"I, I'm not sure." Harry said startled that his shoe's were missing and his jeans were smoldering.
"He barely made it is what happened." Dumbledore said calmly looking at Harry from his desk. "Welcome everyone. Sorry you had to be rushed but security is of a very big importance now." Dumbledore said looking over his half moon spectacles at Harry.
"Uhm, Professor?" Harry said to Dumbledore.
"Yes Harry?" Dumbledore replied.
"What did you mean that I almost didn't make it and why is that the reason I have no shoes?" Harry asked confused.
"Well Harry you crossed the border into my fireplace just as the barrier was going back up. See what would normally happen if you tried to get here is you would have simply went to the next available fireplace. If you are crossing just as the barrier comes up though something completely different happens, as you have noticed. You see the Floo network losses it's stability and the fire your traveling on will start catching things on fire. Such as the hems of your pants. Your feet came across the barrier so close that the soles of your shoes hadn't crossed it when it completed. Therefore your shoes have continued to the next fireplace while you ended up here. I'm sure a family somewhere is very surprised by the presence of a pair of tennis shoe's sitting in the fireplace most likely melted." Dumbledore explained with a twinkle in his eyes. Harry could see the mixed emotion of humor from the thought of smoldering shoe's in a fireplace with surprised looks on some couple's face and the worry that Harry had come that close to missing the room. "I am glad you took the extra time and were willing to risk your own guarantee of a safe trip for that of your friends but it wasn't necessary. Tonks and Shacklebolt here were pulling everyone out just as they arrived. I trust that if we should ever have to do this again that you will follow the plan?" Dumbledore asked more in the form of a statement than a question.
"I will Sir." Harry said looking down at his feet. Harry was wondering if he should apologize but never had to make that choice because at that moment Dumbledore's office door slammed open as Lupin ran into the room breathing hard.
"DID HARRY MAKE…" Lupin began but stopped himself as he saw Harry. He sighed in relief. "Harry you cut it really close you shouldn't…" Lupin was cut off by Dumbledore.
"I have already taken care of it Remus. Thank you all the same though." Dumbledore said with a smile at Lupin.
"Yes, of course Professor." Lupin said taking deep breaths.
"Tonks, Would you be so kind as to take the students to their room?" Dumbledore asked he kindly.
"Of course Professor." Tonks replied. She motioned them all to follow her. They did so without a word most likely because of all the excitement that was caused by Harry appearing so close to the deadline for the floo network that he was almost burnt to a crisp. Tonks led them to the fifth floor just off the main staircase. She led them to a door that Harry had never seen before. He had been through Hogwarts on several occasions and found it hard to believe that for five years now her had passed this door almost every day and not once seen it. It appeared that Harry was not the only one thinking of this because everyone else stopped and stared at the door as well. Tonks turned when she heard their movement stop and smiled at them. "It's okay everyone. You're not losing your minds. Hogwarts changes during the summer. It is believe that the four founders would almost always stay here. In the castle I mean. So when students weren't here the castle would change and become more accommodating for the staff that stayed behind. As you know not many people stay during the summer anymore but I have it from Hagrid and Dumbledore that just about every room of the school changes." She silently laughed as they all seemed very surprised about this (even Hermione). Tonks then turned to the door and opened it for them all to enter. They all filed into the room with Harry entering just before Tonks who brought up the rear. The looked like, what Harry guessed, was all the common rooms mixed into one. He had seen the Slytherin common room in his second year and knew his own house's common room. This room had aspects of both plus others. The room didn't host any single color of a house but all four colors mixed together. There was a large fireplace with the Hogwarts seal above it. Around five couches and a couple dozen lounging chairs. There were three circular tables with four chairs to each table. It had a set of steps that counted around four that only went up about foot but lead to two separate stair cases that led to what Harry guessed was the girls rooms and the boys.
"Kewl…" Ron said breaking the silence.
"Yes Ron. Very KEWL as you put it." Tonks said with a smile. "I guess I should fill you in on what's going to take place. You will all stay here at Hogwarts until school starts. To keep up appearance's when it comes time for school to start you will all be moved back to your respective house rooms."
"Tonks? I thought we were going to have to go back to the Weasley's and then take the train back here. You know to keep up appearances." Harry said carefully.
"Ah, well that was the original plan. We realized though that with you all coming to Hogwarts anyways that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named would realize this and therefore any attempt to try and make it look otherwise would lead to a moral boost for HIM and lead HIM to think that we are afraid of him. So Dumbledore decided to just keep you all here." She explained answering Harry's question. "Well if that's all I must get back to Dumbledore. Why don't you all get settled in. I'm sure someone will check in on all of you every now and then. The teachers will arrive back here to prepare for classes in about two weeks. So you should all be free until than. Before I leave is there anything else you wish to ask?" She finished. When there was no reply she smiled and nodded a goodbye to them all. As she headed to the door she suddenly stopped and turned around. "Oh, and Harry perhaps you would like your shoe's back." Tonks gave a wave of her wand and Harry's shoe's were back and pants were fixed. She then turned back to the door and then left the room. They all just milled around the room for about half an hour before Harry couldn't stand it anymore.
"HEY! We're at HOGWARTS. At Hogwarts with no classes and almost no rules. Let's have some fun?" Harry exclaimed as his mind started buzzing with all sorts of things they could do.
"What is there to do?" Neville asked quietly from one of the large sitting chairs.
"What is there to do? Load's Neville! We have been given a unique opportunity to explore the castle in its summer state. Something that's you can rarely do. I doubt even the Marauder's had opportunities like this!" Harry said getting very excited at the idea that he was walking in the same direction as his father in the potential exploration of Hogwarts.
"Harry, try not to get so excited. I'm sure Dumbledore won't just be letting us loose in Hogwarts.
"Hermione why do you always have to ruin a moment?" Ron said in air of pure exaction.
"I'm not ruining the moment. I'm being realistic." Hermione said defensively.
"Well why do you always have to be "REALISTIC" " Ron retorted, putting emphasis on realistic.
Hermione opened her mouth to retort but was cut off by Ginny. "Oh would you two give it a rest already. We haven't even been here ten minutes and you're already at each others throats!" Neither Ron nor Hermione said anything but they did take extra care to not look at each other. The room was filled with an awkward silence for the next couple of seconds. Harry decided to break the uneasy silence.
"So what do you say we go, uh, outside?" Harry said not sure what to suggest at the exact moment. He did want to explore the school but then again he wasn't sure what exactly they would gain from it.
"Sounds like a good idea to me." Ginny said smiling. Hermione and Ron simply nodded.
With a shrug Neville said, "I don't have any problems with it." Luna suddenly sighed very loudly and quickly. Harry turned to her and raised and eyebrow.
"Are you okay?" He asked. He knew he was going to regret asking that question as soon as he did and a huge smile crossed Luna's lips.
"Why of course. I was just clearing out my lungs. I want to make sure I clear them of all Picidy pumped prolags." She said. Harry wanted to roll his eyes, he wanted to know what the heck those were supposed to do, he wanted to tell her they didn't exist and above all else he really, really wanted to have a look at her medical record and see if she had EVER suffered ANY form of head injury. He wanted to do all that but he just simply smiled back and nodded.
"Right, Well I'd hate for uh,"
"Picidy pumped prolag," Luna clarified
"Right, I'd hate for them to get into my lungs." With deep regret but knowing it was for the best he too let out a deep sigh trying to copy what she had just did. Judging by the smile he did, whatever, right. He then turned and headed out the door and towards the grounds. Harry let his feet guide him to wherever their destination was as he was the guide for the others. Finally he found himself a tree and he sat down under it and leaned up against it. Everyone sat around him and nobody said a word. They all sat in silence on the beautiful summer day staring at the grounds. Harry's arms were behind his head and his eyes were closed as he rested his head against the tree. Harry was lost to the world. He heard talking almost distant like and slowly opened his eyes to see Ginny and Luna on their back pointing at clouds in the sky talking about what they looked like (Luna didn't mention a single strange creature that most likely didn't exist). Hermione was flipping through a book she had brought while Neville sat not to far from Harry pulling up individual blades of grass. Ron was cross legged slightly in front of Harry. Staring right at him. Harry smiled at Ron who nodded back. Harry allowed himself a slow sigh of relaxation. Suddenly the image from Snape's pensieve flashed in front of Harry's view. His father, Sirius (the thought making his heart plummet), Peter (making his blood boil), and Remus had all sat around this very tree so many years earlier. Harry smiled as the mental image of his Father and friends slowly melded into Harry and his. This was both comforting and disturbing. In so many years time would he and his friends be like his father? What if they were. Two of the marauders were murdered, one had betrayed them and was now in hiding, and the final one had to suffer through life alone without the comfort of his once life long friends making his transformations easier. Harry couldn't help himself but look around and think who fit which part. He who looked like his father with the same skills fit that part of course. Ron was the modern day transformed version of Sirius. Harry's gaze then fell onto Neville. His heart sank, Neville was a lot like Wormtail. He wasn't that bright, he didn't have a true group to belong to until DA, and just like Wormtail and his father Harry could never see Neville betraying him for power or out of fear. They were different though. Wormtail was the outcast of the group just like Neville but his family hadn't been torn apart by evil such as Neville's. At this moment Neville looked up at Harry and gave him a confused look as he caught Harry staring at him. Harry simple smiled and nodded at Neville who's face lit up in an instant. Harry then moved to Hermione. Ah yes, Hermione. She was like Lupin. She wasn't a werewolf but she was a book worm and always the word of caution and obedience. Harry watched her as the mental motion picture started to play. There was Lupin with his study's. Slowly the child Lupin grew to the nowadays Lupin who slowly melded into Hermione. Harry's smile faded as the mental image of Hermione slowly aged and her bushy brown hair aged and became knotted and gray. The full face shrunk back as if mal nourished and her eye's sank back showing years of great pain and loneliness. Harry suddenly felt terrible and at the same time felt as if he had a better understanding up Lupin. His gaze then drifted over to Ginny and Luna. Two extra's in the Modern Day marauder's. Who were they? Harry watched as his mind slowly reverse aged a Ginny Weasley into a Lily Potter who slowly got younger and became Lily Evans. A silent tear leaked out of Harry's eye. His mother had given her life for him. He was here because of her. How many time's and she done the same thing Ginny was doing with her friends? How much had Harry missed out on knowing about his parents because of Voldermort. What did the future hold for all of them? The questions and thoughts of a much older man filled the mind of a sixteen year old boy, a boy who had lived. Harry shook his head and whipped his eye's. He spun his head around looking at the group wondering if anyone had noticed his tears. Ron was staring at Hermione who was gazing at her book. Ginny and Luna still lay on the grass but had their face's turned towards each other whispering about who knows what. Neville was, staring straight into Harry's eyes. Neville and Harry's gazes were locked together as if they were holding a deep conversation. With a barely noticeable nod Neville ended their unspoken discussion in understanding and returned to his grass blades. Once again Harry looked at his friends and his inside's leapt. He was his father. They were the modern day marauders and no matter what the future held for them all he would do his best to comfort, love, and protect even with his very life each and every one of them. It was this realization that spurted the words that came out of Harry's mouth.
"hey…guys…." Nobody seemed to hear him. "Hey, Guys." He said a little louder this time bringing everyone's gaze onto him. He was once again reminded of his father but went on with his thought. "Well I was just thinking." Harry paused here to figure out what exactly he was trying to say to them.
As Harry sat there trying to come up with the words Ron piped in with a remark on what appeared to have been his reason for getting everyone's attention, "Well congratulations on that Harry. Thinking, wow, well I always knew you had it in you." Ron said and started chuckling. Harry and the others joined in at the joke at Harry.
"Yes, it is such a grand experience. Who knows maybe you will know what it feels like one day Ron." Harry replied back. Everyone broke out in more laughter as Ron suddenly resembled a fish by opening and closing his mouth looking for a reply. As the laughing settled down Harry then finished. "Well I was thinking, about my father," amazing how as Harry said this every smile fell form the owners face. Harry had never really discussed his parents to them. He had said some with Ron and Hermione but there wasn't much he could tell them that would be new. For almost every time he learned something about his parents they were there to learn it too. He had just never felt the desire to speak about his long dead mother and father. He still didn't want to but his idea was based on explaining a few things about his father. "Well, I'm sure none of you know this but I just realized that my father and the other marauders at about our ages sat under this very tree. Doing what we are doing now. Just relaxing." Harry paused for a moment as everyone glanced at one another and as he replenished his courage to keep his speech going, "Well I can't help but notice our group has several things similar with theirs. I wont go into detail about it but I was wondering if you all might be interested in carrying on the tradition, or at least begin a tradition of Marauders?" He slowly finished. He wasn't sure if they understood what he just said but waited to see.
"You mean like give ourselves the name Marauders?" Hermione asked. Of course she would understand first. Harry smiled.
"Something like that. We could also rename ourselves as The Marauders two or something." Harry said attempting to think of a way to continue his fathers group of school bonded friendship without intruding on the name that his father and their friends had thought up.
"I thought we had already did that? You know with Dumbledore's Army. I thought that's what we called our group." Neville said slightly confused.
"That's not the same Neville. That was for anyone and everyone that was willing to learn and support the learning of the defenses Harry could teach us. More like a class or a club than a private group of friends with a special name for themselves. Right Harry?" Ginny elaborated to Neville and then had in turn looked to Harry to make sure she had understood correctly.
"Exactly. If we were to give ourselves a name it would be just us six. Also it should be a secret. A secret name just for us," Harry swallowed before continuing, "the original marauders, and our children. I understand that the only marauder remaining is Lupin but I still think he should have the right to know that no matter what he is not the last of the marauders and that if something should happen to him there will be others to carry on his and the others tradition of friendship and occasional mischief." Harry said finishing with a smile. Everyone was silent each person thinking about what Harry had just said. Harry knew what they were thinking about. It was one thing for them to hang around together and occasionally get into trouble together. But, it was something completely different to do that while taking a step into the history of mischief makers and keep accept the responsibility of keeping their memories alive and well.
"What about others Harry? I mean the original marauders only hung out with each other all the time. I mean it wouldn't be too much of a change for you, me, Ron, and Neville. But, what about Ginny and Luna. Their not in our year and already have their own friends. Would it be one of those friends with us and only us kind of groups?" Hermione asked choosing her words carefully.
"No, I don't think it would be. It would just simply be us accepting a name for ourselves and at the same time remembering to honor the one's before us. We could even accept others into the group as long as we all agreed before hand." Harry said as a slight joy filled him at the idea that it was well on it's way to becoming official. They were already making up rules so all that would be left is for it to be agreed upon.
"Well I like it. I don't have any friends other than all of you anyways and to be part of an official group of friends sounds great." Luna said in her usual dreamy voice, but sounded as if a deep unspoken desire was about to be filled.
"I'm for it." Neville said also appearing to be all for the idea of officially having people he could call friends.
"Yeah, we could even make our own little device to help future trouble makers like that map of yours Harry. Hey we could even become animagus'es as well!" Ron said getting excited.
"Oh Ron your hopeless. Well I'm all for it. Just as long as you don't plan on us getting into too much trouble. I really would like to get a decent job when I graduate and I don't think any good one's will take disciplinary case's Harry." Hermione said making Harry want to laugh. Every now turned and looked at Ginny who was the only who had not yet agreed to become the New Marauder's.
"Well of course I'm in. Have you known me to yet say no to…oh what's the term Fred and George always used…oh yes, making things interesting?" She said with a mischievous grin. Harry smiled as a feeling like pure happiness was filling him.
"So what is our official name going to be?" Ron asked.
"Well why not just call ourselves the Modern Marauders?" Harry said simply. He really wanted to keep his fathers group name of the marauders but didn't want to keep the exact same name because they weren't the same…or at least hoped they wouldn't end up as the original marauders had.
"Fine with me." Neville said smiling.
"Well I guess it's settled than. We are now the official Modern Marauders." Hermione pronounced very officially. "Harry, when do you think we should tell professor Lupin?"
"Well, I will most likely write him later tonight. If we don't see him before he leaves." Harry said not sure if he had left in the few minutes they had spent in their temporary common room. Most likely not, but then again Moody never showed back up so maybe they hadn't planned on being at Hogwarts very long anyways.
"Hermione," Neville said in a slightly timid voice bringing Harry back out of his thoughts again.
"Yes Neville?" Hermione answered giving Neville a comforting smile.
"Well I was thinking about what Ron said, and well, is it possible to become an animagus?" Neville finished.
"Well, I would say no if it hadn't been for the fact that Harry's father and his friends had been able to do it." Hermione said thinking of any possible way that they might be able to do it.
"So, it is possible?" Ron asked this time.
"Well since it has been done before than yes. I just don't have any idea of how to go about it." Hermione said honestly. "I mean they weren't exactly being legal so you wouldn't find it in any book on it and as far as I know there isn't any record of a person gaining the ability to become one." They all fell silent.
"Well if we never gain that ability it isn't that big of a loss. I mean we don't have to be able to become animals to be special. We all are anyways." Ginny said smiling at them all. "Besides, how would you like it if you turned into a pig or a frog or something like that?" She said with a soft chuckle that everyone joined in on.
"I don't know Ginny, I think Harry would look good as a frog." Ron said chuckling at Harry.
"Well at least a frog turns into a charming prince, what have you got going for you piggy Ron?" Harry said laughing at his own remark as the others joined in. Ron opened his mouth to respond but had no idea what to say so closed it again and then joined in laughing with them.
"Well… maybe… becoming… an… animagus… isn't… such… a… good… idea… after… all." Ron said through his laughter.
"Maybe not…but that would still be kewl. Like what if we turned into a dragon?" Neville said smiling.
"Neville, You can't turn into a dragon. It has to be some sort of non-magical creature. Like dog's, cat's, birds, you know that kind of stuff." Hermione said.
"Well, if I could become a dragon first thing I would do is eat Crabbe and Goyal. See how tough they are when facing a dragon!" Neville said his eyes going slightly glossy with pleasure.
"NEVILLE!" Ron shouted at him in surprise "How could you even say that?"
"Sorry Ron," Neville said slightly confused at why Ron was defending them. As a matter of fact everyone was staring at Ron in surprise.
"Don't look at me like that. You should all know by just the way they look that if he were to eat them He would probably be sick for a week from the taste!" Ron said grinning widely. Everyone sat quite for a split second as what he said sank in and then started laughing with each other. Harry patted Neville on the back.
"Neville, I think Ron here just saved you from a week in the hospital wing!" Harry started laughing with renewed vigor.
"At least a week!" Ginny added. The next couple of hours after this was filled with silence, laughter, casual conversation, and mixed chatter. Finally at one of their laughing occasions Dumbledore appeared near them smiling.
"I'm glad to see your all having a nice time." He said in his usual calm voice and demeanor, "as sorry as I am to break up this little bright party of yours in such dark times I really must insist that you all come inside and have something to eat. I dare say your mother would have a few things to say if I didn't stuff you at least once a day." He finished with a smile. So they all nodded to him and stood up dusting themselves off then followed their headmaster into the great hall without speaking a word. When they got into the great hall they found that all the tables were leaning against the wall with one in the middle lined with eight chairs. Harry did the math and realized that there was an extra chair at the table.
"Professor? There are seven of us and eight chairs. Who else is supposed to be eating with us? If you don't mind me asking." Harry said quite timidly.
Dumbledore chuckled and then smiled at Harry, "I would think that you wouldn't so soon forget about our groundskeeper, Hagrid." The headmaster finished. Harry mentally kicked himself for forgetting Hagrid. He was actually hoping it would have been Lupin since he had to talk to him about the Modern Marauders.
"Oops, I guess I thought he wouldn't be here." Harry lied. Dumbledore of course knew he was but didn't let on that he knew and simply replied as if Harry got away with it.
"Well, We do have to still take care of the grounds even during the summer, but enough about the duties of running a school lets just have a seat and begin our dinner." He finished. With that everyone sat down and began on their meals. They ate with the usual conversations and soon found themselves quite full. Dumbledore clapped his hands twice and the food disappeared from the table. He was smiling at all of them. "Well I guess I should give you all your letters even though you already have your books. Well here you are." He waved his wand and a letter with the Hogwarts seal sat in front of each of them. Once again Hermione and Ron had made prefects. Harry though was quite surprised to see that he had been given the position of Gryffindor House Quidditch team captain. He had hoped but found it unlikely. But the little badge just like that of the prefects other than the fact it had a small C on it instead of a P made it clear. HE was now the Quidditch team captain. Dumbledore had been watching him very closely to see his reaction and smiled as he saw the shock and surprise on Harry's face. "Surprised, Harry? Who else would be better for the job of captain than you who has been on the team since his first year?" Dumbledore asked.
"Well you have a point professor, it's just that, well after all the trouble I caused, and then the lifetime ban. I was worried that…" Harry couldn't finish he was still too shocked.
"Ah, yes that lifetime ban. Well after the little escapade that took place at the ministry last year the minister saw that the removal of that ban was very appropriate." Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye that led Harry to believe that he had somehow managed to get it removed by himself and that ministry didn't simply take back their ban. "This does mean that you now have permission for the use of the prefects bathroom of course." He added.
"Thank you professor." Harry voiced with shock still apparent. Ron was the next to say something.
"Professor, you said the extra chair was for Hagrid. Yet, he never joined us. Do you know why?" He asked.
"Well, as I'm sure you know, Hagrid is very sensitive. He doesn't always come up to the castle to eat but if I don't leave him a chair he acts as if he just wanted to ask a question and then leaves. He will refuse any invite I give to stay. If I leave an extra chair though it's as if he thinks that is the only way he is welcome so that will be the only time he joins me and any company I may have. Though I can not be certain I believe his feelings about this stem from how he was treated younger. He did not know that not everyone is willing to accept a half giant in open company. When he finally found this out it was too late for everyone already knew of his parentage. I am afraid that this left scars on him that can't be seen and he has troubles with it to this day. Though I must say that is only my guess and I could be very wrong. I would like to ask that none of you speak to him of this though. He may be afraid to join us at all if he thinks for even a second we leave places for him to enter just because he wont join us otherwise. Like I said he is a very sensitive individual, and especially one with giant blood running through his veins." Dumbledore finished with a very sad yet serious look upon his face. They all nodded in agreement to not mention anything to Hagrid. "Well best be off to your rooms than. It is getting quite late." They all said their goodnights and headed towards the Great Hall doors. As they neared them the doors flew open and Mrs. McGonagall came striding into the hall looking very serious, and very worried. Everyone watched her as she passed them with a slight nod and then approached Dumbledore.
"Albus, sir, we need to talk." She said simply. Not as if she was angry with him but as if it were very important and urgent.
"Very well Minerva. Kids head off to your rooms now." He said with a smile. They all left the two professors alone to talk. As they entered their room and the door closed they looked at one another curiously.
"What do you think that was all about?" Ron asked.
"Haven't a clue. Think it's about the order?" Harry asked turning to Hermione as if she knew what was going on.
"I don't know." She paused for a second then butted in again. "BUT, I would guess that it was judging by how serious she looked."
"You don't think any of our families have been hurt do you?" Neville asked nervously.
"No, She didn't really look at any one of us so I doubt it was that." Harry said racking his brain for what could possibly be going on.
"Maybe they found Voldermort!" Hermione said hopefully.
"I don't think that's likely either. If that were the case since I'm supposed to be the one to defeat him she would have at least glanced at me." Harry said lost in his own thoughts. For some reason his dreams kept popping into mind but Harry didn't understand what they could possibly have to do with this. He hadn't told anyone about them.
"Well we will just have to keep our ears open for any clues that the others may drop on accident." Hermione said as if she were some classic detective in a muggle novel. The rest of the evening went by with more and more wild suggestions of what had Professor McGonagall so worked up. Every idea more and more extreme. Luna even suggested that the fire flanked lorsics had organized and were going to attack. A picture of several gnome looking creatures with their rear ends on fire talking calmly to each other came to Harry's mind. Harry had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing. As Harry laid his head on his pillow several hours later he couldn't help but think once again that his dreams were some missing link in the problem. Harry soon fell asleep and found himself back in the corridor yet again. He silently wondered how much time he had this time. So far he kept getting woken up from the strange dream by different things. Determined to finish his exploration he walked to the third door (second on the right hand wall), as he approached it Harry remembered this was the same door that boy had entered in one of his earlier dreams. He reached the door and opened it. He found himself staring into a room with several rows of books. The thought that Hermione would have loved this room crossed Harry's mind. The books didn't interest Harry and he was about to turn and leave the room when he heard voices. Slowly he turned and followed the sound. After a short walk (how large was this library anyway!) Harry found himself approaching a sitting area that looked to be right in the middle of all the books. As he looked at the sitting area it came to his attention that all the bookshelves were extending from this point in a circle. His attention was suddenly brought back to the sitting area when a person moved in one of the chairs. As Harry approached he saw three boys sitting quietly as if thinking. There were at least six plush chairs that fit one person, Two love seats, and a large couch that appeared would hold only three (it was large mainly because of it's back that stood abnormally tall). Finally a boy with really curly hair and looking just like the boy with the book that had passed Harry in a previous dream spoke.
"So, Rob? What do you think?" The boy said to another boy that appeared the oldest. He looked to be in his twenties and very fit. His face was full of worry but what caught Harry's glance the most was his eyes as he looked at the curly haired boy. His eye's looked as if they had seen a lot of hardships and been through much more than what one would think was possible by this boy's age.
"Sam are you completely sure they know?" Rob asked the curly haired boy in a ton that suggested he was trying to come up with some sort of plan. This made Harry slightly nervous. If these guys were planning something then they must work for Voldermort. The snake in the house suggested that much. Harry concluded that they must have been some of Voldermort's most trusted minions since they were making up plans themselves.
"Positive. Professor McGonagall reported it earlier this evening." Sam replied.
"I would really love to know where you get your information from Sam." Rob said smiling warmly to Sam. When he said this Harry noticed his eyes held the same look of age beyond his years but still looked very peaceful. As if a great pride was erupting from them.
"You know me Rob. I've got my ways and no use in trying to get me to give it up" A short pause, "Even IF you are my brother." This shocked Harry the two did look similar in some ways but then again they appeared so different. How could one boy have such pain and lose in his eyes when the other just…well held youth and the little shaky effect that reminded Harry of Hermione's eyes. Harry snapped out of his thoughts by Rob's chuckle.
"No, I guess you wouldn't share. Still if they know then they may try and silence it. You know if Voldermort," There was a shudder from the third boy who had still not said a word. This boy seemed to be cocky and even possibly dangerous. Not that Rob didn't look dangerous but he appeared to be more of a physical danger than a magical one. "OH FOR GOODNESS SAKE!" Rob shouted frustrated to the third boy. "You claim to work for him, yet you can't even stand his name!" Danger and frustration was evident in every word Rob spoke. Harry though had found out the truth. These men DID work for Voldermort. Odd though how the two seemed comfortable with the name and third didn't.
"I don't CLAIM to work for him Rob. I DO work for him!" The boy spat back dangerously. Rob was suddenly on his feet.
"You have never so much as seen the man! So don't you try and be all high and mighty about your position to ME! I've fought for my place in this house. Fought and DIED for my place, so don't you dare act like you deserve anything. If it weren't for the fact that you are my brother and I've GOT to take care of family you wouldn't even be HERE!" Rob spat loudly. Harry noticed he put emphasis on the word died…how could he have died if he was standing in front of them in flesh and blood. Sure Voldermort had done it but Harry couldn't see him giving such a precious ability to anyone. What if they planned to turn on him? If this man could come back as well as Voldermort than Voldermort would have a hard time scarring him with the threat of death.
"YOU HAVE GOT TO TAKE CARE OF ME?" the third boy said also jumping to his feet. "WHO WAS IT THAT DIED AND HAD TO BE BROUGHT BACK?"
"Blake, don't go there. You had to be brought back too." Sam said softly still remaining in his seat.
"I WOULDN'T HAVE NEEDED TO BE BROUGHT BACK IF YOU WOULD HAVE DIED LIKE YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO!" The third boy who had just been called Blake yelled. "NOT TO MENTION YOU ALSO USED AN UNFORGIVABLE ON ME TO MAKE SURE YOU SURVIVED!"
"I wouldn't have needed to if you hadn't ordered my death." Sam said again calmly.
"YOU WERE DATING A VAMPIRE! THEY WERE THE ONE'S THAT KILLED DAD!" Blake screamed at Sam who, Harry noticed, was beginning to lose his patience.
"We do not know that. Then again you are siding with a man who has allied himself with such dark creatures." Sam stated.
"Just until they are of no further use is all." Blake said with a wicked smile. "Then they will meet the same sticky end as that foolish old man." Harry knew he was talking about Dumbledore and this made his blood start to boil. In such speed as Harry had never seen rob had stepped forward and slammed a fist into Blake's stomach knocking the air out of him and causing him to fall back into his chair. Okay now Harry was really confused. This man was with Voldermort, yet he attacked his brother for bad mouthing Dumbledore. This was starting to not make any since at all.
"Dumbledore is a hundred time the man you are. He stands up for what is right. He also doesn't change sides when the going gets rough. I would still be dead if Sam here hadn't needed me to come back and slap some since into you. Also as far as you being killed goes, that is what you deserve for ordering the death of your own Brother. I still can't believe you started that awful group back up after all the work I went through to help you get out of it." Rob said sitting back down himself.
"What was I supposed to do. The school was being flooded with members of his side. At least I know who was on whose side that way. I would also live longer with them since you weren't around. Sam was only good at incantations and that's normally just support. He couldn't actually fight if I needed him too. In the end Rob it all goes back to you. If you had just told us how to get that armor off we could have saved you. You didn't have to die, You chose death! Death over staying alive with your brothers. You claim that facing your death when it's time, that accepting it was right. Well keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better but I know the truth. The truth is that you were afraid that to stay and live on without her. The truth was you weren't accepting death, you were RUNNING from your problems. So don't talk to me about being honorable or a man." Blake said finally finished. Harry stood there in awe as these brothers went at it. Two had died once, the one named Sam had used and Unforgivable to have Blake killed. These men almost screamed Death Eater. Blake claimed to be one. The only piece that didn't make since was the one where Rob had defended Dumbledore. There was an uneasy Silence in the room.
"So what are we going to do about the Order and the incantation Rob?" Sam asked again.
"Well we will just have to wait. Beef up the protection of the house in case there's an attack. I also want all references to it destroyed. Minus yours of course." Sam made like he was going to say something but Rob cut him off, "I don't care about the knowledge or ancestry it had. You almost fell to the Dark path because of it and some things are better left dead." Rob finished.
"Harry" Harry heard his voice and knew it was time to wake up. He had heard enough to give the order a big step up in the battle. He was about to smile in triumph when he noticed all three of the boys were standing and facing Harry.
"Did you hear that?" Rob asked the other two who nodded. Harry backed up and reached for his wand. He found that he didn't have it and remembered he was in a dream. A very real dream, but still a dream and his wand was back with his sleeping body.
"Haaarry" The voice said again. This time Blake grabbed his wand and pointed it in Harry's direction. They didn't seem to be able to see him but sure could hear what Harry was hearing…this didn't make any since how could they hear it!
"Do you think it's really him?" Blake asked.
"Of course it is. I wont go into detail right now…" Sam said. Obviously this Sam guy knew something. Suddenly Rob spoke to the air in Harry's direction.
"Harry, tell Dumbledore that were not going to let them do it without a fight. I don't care what he thinks is right or what reasons he has but were back and were not handing Sam over to be some stunt freak!" Rob said his eye's darting between the three rows around Harry. The row Harry was in, and the one's just to his left and right. Harry suddenly felt a sharp nudged and almost sat upright in bed. Ginny was smiling at him.
"Took you long enough sleepy head. The day's half gone. I know we didn't stay up that late!" She said smiling at him playfully. Her face suddenly dropped though when she saw the serious look on Harry's face. "Harry what's wrong?" She asked.
"I've got to see Dumbledore!" Harry said throwing his glasses on along with a robe and his wand into his pocket.
"What's going on? Is it HIM?" Ginny asked swallowing hard.
"Not sure!" Harry said jumping up and running out of the room. Harry ran through the door and down the steps.
"Hey maaaaate…" Ron started as Harry came down from the boys room but kept running through the common room and out the door. Ginny came down only a second after Harry.
"Hey Gin, what's up with Harry?" Ron asked her confused.
"Haven't a clue. I woke him up and he looked really worried and serious. I asked him what was wrong and he said he had to see Dumbledore. He's had dreams about HIM before, so I asked if it was about him and Harry just said he didn't know and took off." She finished reliving the story to them. Everyone in the room looked at each other then Ron stood up.
"Well let's go!" he said charging out the door as the other's followed.
Harry was almost to Dumbledore's office by now. He reached the statue and suddenly remembered he didn't know the password. He mentally kicked himself and tried to think of a way to get up to Dumbledore's office when he heard The Professor's voice from behind him. "Good morning Harry. Uhm, not feel like getting dressed?" Dumbledore asked looking at Harry with a night robe on and in his PJ's.
"I just had a dream sir!" Harry said ignoring the professors question and announcing his news excitedly. Dumbledore just smiled at Harry.
"Well I'm glad your excited Harry but really it is quite a normal thing to have dreams when you sleep. Why just the other day I was…." Harry cut his headmaster off feeling a tinge of annoyance that his professor thought he was excited about some regular dream.
"NO SIR! I had a dream about three Death Eaters talking about some incantation and about the order!" Harry said excitedly Some reason he though this news was very important. Dumbledore's gaze dropped just a hair as he tried to take in what Harry was saying. Was this another insight of Harry's, or just some dream? About this time the others ran up behind the headmaster and severely out of breath.
"What's going on Harry?" Ron said gasping for air.
"Well let's all head into my office and find out." Dumbledore said as he approached the statue and said, "Wrigley's Spearmint gum." The statue came to life and jumped out of the way as a winding staircase went up to the headmasters office. They all walked quickly up the steps and into the office. Dumbledore quickly summoned four extra chairs for all of them as there were already two chairs in front of his desk. They all had seat and didn't speak as Dumbledore sat silently behind his desk. "Well now Harry. Please take a few deep breaths and explain to me what about this dream has you so excited." The headmaster said politely while crossing his fingers and watching Harry intently. Harry relived all the dreams he had over the summer that lead up to this one and how he would be interrupted (he left out the fact that one was due to a sleeping Ginny on his chest) as he got so far in each one. He then fed Dumbledore the whole story of the dream he just had explaining how the boys were talking about having died and having come back. He told Dumbledore that when Ginny spoke to wake him that they all seemed to hear it and then finally gave Harry the boy's message. The headmaster's expression didn't change during the whole story except for when Harry had left out the part about Ginny waking him up. At that point The headmaster's eyes flicked quickly to Ginny and then back to Harry as if he knew exactly what had woke Harry. Finally Harry finished his story and sat quietly in front of his beloved Headmaster. Dumbledore looked into the face of Harry which resembled that of a pet that had just did something great and expected a treat. "Well Harry that is a very interesting dream you had." He began. "I just have a couple questions about it. My first being are you sure this wasn't just some dream?" Harry looked as if he had just been slapped.
"Of course I'm sure. I mean it was so real and then the fact that they knew I was there just reinforced it." Harry said in shock.
"That's what bothers me Harry. In all of your other dreams about Voldermort," at which everyone minus Harry and Hermione shuttered, "do you ever remember them knowing you were there or talking to you?" Dumbledore asked simply.
"Well no, not other than the fake dream I had of Voldermort," More shutters "torturing Serious…" Harry's heart plummeted remembering this dream. It had been because of that dream that Harry had went to the Ministry that ended with his godfather dead.
"Exactly, but even in that one you were never spoken to directly correct?" Dumbledore asked pointing out another inconsistency.
"No, I wasn't." Harry said softly starting to fear that he had gotten his hopes up that he was helping the order to just find out he had had a normal dream and was over reacting.
"Well than it is my opinion that you must have simply had a very strange dream Harry." Dumbledore said smiling softly.
"But sir, I haven't ever seen any of those people before…and then there is the message he wanted me to give you." Harry said grabbing for anything that might prove it was real.
"True Harry you were given a message to give me. Doesn't it seem odd to you that not only did this people hear your waking call but they also spoke to you when they couldn't see you and told you to give me a message. Is it not possible that you wanted to be more than just hiding here at Hogwarts and had internally wanted to be helping find the death eaters and Voldermort? For if that is true couldn't it also be true that you subconscious mind gave you a way to do just that in a setting of which you had already dreamed of?" The headmaster spoke simply. Harry was beginning to really feel embarrassed by his sudden surge of confidence in helping the order to have rushed to his headmaster and told him about a dream that might have just been a dream.
"Well, I guess it could be possible." Harry said softly as his eye's fell to the floor. Dumbledore smiled encouragingly at Harry.
"Don't feel bad Harry. The important thing is that you were trying to help. If you have any more of these dreams feel free to stop by and let me know about them but don't worry yourself about running through the school to tell me. Just as a precaution though I will let the order know to stand on their toes and keeps their eyes open just in case I happen to be wrong." The smile that showed such understanding to Harry on Dumbledore's face just made Harry feel worse. He had got everyone excited for nothing.
"Well why don't you all go and have some lunch and enjoy this beautiful day out on the grounds." The Headmaster suggested. Slowly everyone stood and made their way to the door. As Harry reached the door he turned and saw Hermione hadn't moved.
"Hermione?" he asked but her and Dumbledore were looking at each other. Hermione with a look of confusion and calculation and Dumbledore with one of simple respect and interest.
"Is there something you would like to say Mrs. Granger?" Dumbledore asked still smiling at her. She shook her head and slowly stood up following Harry out the Headmasters door. What happened next shocked Harry more than anything that had happened thus far. As soon as Hermione closed the door she stuck her ear to the door. Harry looked at her confused but she put her figure to her lips and waved him over. Harry slowly placed his ear to the door and surprisingly enough heard his Headmaster's voice. "Yes Minerva. Harry had a dream about them. They know we know."
"How is that possible?" They heard their transfiguration teacher ask.
"I'm not positive but I believe he has something to do with Sam's unusual talent with wand less magic and his exceptional magical powers." Dumbledore said.
"But Albus, if they know we may be coming it will make it much harder. As you said yourself he has exceptional power and you remember his defensive incantations. I dare say it would be near impossible to get into the Black House now." Harry's heart lurched in his chest. The Black house? Were these boys related to Sirius? If so than they must be Death Eaters because his whole family was.
"You are right Minerva, still we can't let Voldermort get his hands on Sam. If he learns how to perform the revival ritual than he may just bring back people that could make this war so much harder." Dumbledore said.
"Of course Albus. I still don't understand though, If we can convince them to come to us why can't we use it? There are possibly just as many good Witches and Wizards that we could bring back to help us. Not to mention Lily and James…" Harry's heart jumped. She was talking about some how bringing his parents back to life. Wasn't she? It sounded as if Professor McGonagall was going to continue but Dumbledore cut her off.
"No, once a person die's in isn't natural for them to continue to live. What would happen if every time a loved one died we brought them back? What kind of pain would that be to force them to die more than once? Then there's always the fact of what would happen if the ritual failed. Would you be willing to take that risk with their souls Minerva?" The Headmaster finished.
"No, of course you are right Albus. I'll let the other order members know what is going on…still to think that the legend is true. Albus this opens doors on so many other myths that could also be true." She said with excitement in her voice.
"Exactly, and what if the others ARE true? What if Voldermort finds out that this one is true and starts looking closely at the others? If one boy could bring his two dead brothers back with only a year's research, think of what Voldermort could do with hundreds at his command and the same year?" Their headmaster said with sorrow filling his voice.
"Oh my!" McGonagall exclaimed.
"Now you see." The headmaster said softly.
"I'll warn the others right away!" She said with determination in her voice.
"Please do." He replied. There was a soft sizzling sound as if a fire was flickering lower. Hermione motioned for Harry to follow her and they left the staircase to find the others in the common room. After a short explanation of what they overheard the six sat alone in silence.
"I don't understand though. Why would he make me believe it was just another dream?" Harry asked to one in particular.
"Isn't it obvious Harry?" Hermione asked. She glanced around the room and nobody except her seemed to realize what had been so obvious. With a sigh of frustration she continued, "Think about it Harry. You have a dream about three boys talking. One of them had brought his two brother back from the dead. Now look at Dumbledore's position. He has to make sure this Legend doesn't reach Voldermort, he also has to worry about whether or not you will try and bring your parents back. Think back to your first year Harry. The thing you wanted most of all was to have your parents back. Now they prove there is a way to do it, he is obviously worried you would have believed that you could bring your parents back to life!" She explained.
"Why is that a problem?" Ginny asked aggravated. "If anyone deserves some happiness isn't it Harry? How many times has he fought Him? How much suffering has he been through? Doesn't he deserve to at least see his parents?"
"I agree with you Ginny. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Harry doesn't deserve to have his parents back. It's just what Dumbledore said though. It isn't natural for a person to die and then come back to live on again and then die again." Hermione said. Harry thought of Voldermort and suddenly a fire erupted in him.
"SO A MURDERER GETS TO DIE AND COME BACK BUT MY PARENTS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR ME CAN'T?" Harry shouted at the injustice of it all. Nobody spoke. "WHAT ABOUT SIRIUS? HE SPENT HALF HIS LIFE BEHIND BARS AND DEMENTORS BECAUSE OF A COWARD! DOESN'T HE DESERVE TO COME BACK TOO?" Still silence. This time tears were starting to form in the corners of his eyes. "IT'S JUST SO DAMN UNFAIR!" He screamed as the tears fell freely.
"Nobody is saying it is Harry. We all totally agree with you mate. Just, well, Yeah. Why can't they use it to bring all those people back?" Ron felt a flame flickering inside himself as well. Here was Harry his best mate. He had been forced to live with some awful muggle family because his parents were murdered, he lost his godfather just a year earlier because of the same man who took away his parents. All this had happened and yet nobody said a thing about why A murderer got a free come back pass and no one else.
"Ron, Dumbledore said there were terrible side effects if it failed. He mentioned the soul. I think we should trust in Dumbledore's wisdom." Hermione said timidly.
"Trust in his wisdom?" Harry said his heart aching from the injustice of it all. "This is the same man that didn't tell me about a prophecy that had I known about it would have kept my godfather from ever dieing. From the same man that told me nothing could bring back the dead. Finally from the same man who keeps sending death eaters to a prison that is guarded by creatures that work for Voldermort and just let the prisoners escape? Trust in THAT mans wisdom? Sorry but I think he can't even see the forest through all the tree's anymore!" Harry said not meaning it but rage was boiling inside him. Dumbledore had kept stuff from him his whole life to quote unquote protect him. Each time he did things ended up worse for Harry. "No, if I find this Sam before they do I'm having him bring my parents back!" Harry said defiantly. "Wormtail betrayed them and they deserve at least that much!"
"Harry," Harry was about to interrupt her when she interrupted his interruption, "let me finish before you shoot it down." She said firmly. Harry nodded still fuming, "I think I should do some research into this Revival Ceremony before we ask this Sam guy to perform it. Not to mention find out where HIS loyalties lie. If there is a risk with your parents souls then we should find out so you can make a well formed decision." She stated finishing finally. She then readied herself for his explosion. By the looks on everyone's face they were ready for the same. Harry thought about what she said. If his parents souls were at risk would he be willing to go through with it anyway. What if this Sam guy was loyal to Voldermort and somehow turned his parents against him. Could he bare to have to fight them. Finally he answered her.
"Fine, You research and I'll keep my mind open to whatever you find." He said softly. Everyone slowly let out the breath they had been holding waiting for him to say something. They sat in silence for a long time all lost in their own thoughts. Harry's kept tripping over the same thing. A secret that Dumbledore had been hiding from him. Dumbledore had known about at least a LEGEND that told about a way to bring people back and yet he had kept it from Harry. Well looked like yet again another one of Dumbledore's secrets had been revealed and once again it didn't raise Harry's opinion of him. If anything it lowered it.