Chapter Twenty
War and Peace
"Guys, wait!" Hermione called to them as they walked up the stairs quietly. Harry and Serena turned around.
"What is it Hermione?" Harry asked.
"Follow me, Harry, I'll tell you what's been going on." Hermione said, nodding at Serena. "She doesn't know either, not being one of the houses most popular people."
Harry look at Serena, who nodded in agreement. Harry looked at Hermione, confused. Shouldn't she hate me too? He thought. He quickly gave up that idea. Better to have one person to stand by them than none. He smiled at Hermione gratefully.
"Thanks, Mione. Lead the way." He said. She took them upstairs to the door that never opened.
"Dobby told me he and Winky fixed the door today." Hermione said. "I still wish you would pay Winky, though. It's not right to have a slave in your house Harry."
"She said she would work as a house elf would, and if she choose later she could take pay and be free." Harry said laughing. "It was her decision, Hermione. Choice is the first part of being free isn't it?"
"Well, yes. Come on you two. No one besides Dumbledore knows this works, so we won't be disturbed." Hermione said opening the door.
They followed her to another door near the end of the hall. Despite Harry's curiosity, he didn't stop at any of the other rooms. He was amazed at how large this place really was. There was even another flight of steps leading up. He counted 12 doors on either side. He suddenly felt small in the house. Harry followed Serena and Hermione into the room Hermione entered.
He laughed immediately upon entering. It was a library. It seemed to be almost as large as the library at Hogwarts, and looked more comfortable. Two large comfortable looking chairs and a sofa were placed near the large marble fireplace. There were a few small tables with two chairs each, for people to study. What struck Harry as odd was a large muggle picture of Harry's parents, Sirius, and Remus. As Harry looked closer, he saw that Sirius and Remus both had women standing next to them. Well Remus had one woman, Harry knew this had to be Sam. Sirius had a woman for each arm, the picture holding true to what Remus said about him.
"I like this room Hermione. Even if it is a library." Harry said cheerfully, still looking at the picture.
"It's not a library, Harry. It's where Sirius would study during the summer." Hermione said casually. "I found some of what had to be his homework on one of the desks. I left it don't worry."
They all sat down, Harry taking one chair, Serena taking the other. Hermione sat on the sofa. Harry waved his hand toward the fireplace, and a fire sprung to life. Both girls jumped when this happened, causing Harry to laugh softly.
"Relax, it's only magic." Harry said happily.
"Mione, you were going to say something?" Serena asked, not trying to acknowledge Harry's control over his power right now.
"Yes, get you guys up to date." Hermione said. "First of all, I'm not mad at you like any of the Weasley's. I am disappointed in you both, but I know you feel bad enough and don't need someone else throwing it in your faces. It seems a sort of rebellion has broken through the house. The Weasley's are leaving tonight, as soon as the meeting is over. They said they won't stay in this house another minute longer than they have too."
"Great, just what we need." Harry said angrily. "They are going to go back to where we had to save them just a day ago."
"No, Harry, they aren't. Dumbledore is sending them somewhere safe. Not even the Order knows where it is. I convinced my parents to stay here until after the holidays, giving Dumbledore a chance to place as many protection spells on the house as he can. Remus is also helping him. Ron is not happy with this at all though." Hermione said, adding the last part sadly.
"Mione don't stay here and cause trouble for yourself. Go with the Weasley's. I understand, really. I don't want you to choose me over your boyfriend." Harry said, concerned.
"That's not what's happening. I'm not choosing anyone over anyone. I'm standing up for what I believe is right. I don't think it's right that they speak of you as badly as they do. I won't stand beside them and let them think that it's right. I said as much in the meeting tonight before I walked out." Hermione said heatedly. "Let's continue. This only gave the people who think you shouldn't be in the order another reason to bring up to Dumbledore, who will hear none of it. He stands for his belief that you need to know all you can, and that you will need the help of everyone in the Order-"
"Aaaaaaah" Harry screamed, clutching his head.
"What do you have to say to me?" He said. He looked menacingly at his servant.
"My lord, Potter has given a part of the prophecy away. He said that you and he would have to fight to the death, and only he could defeat you."
"You have done well, finally. I was beginning to have my doubts." He said. "So only Potter can defeat me. This is very interesting news. Where is he?"
"He is at -"
"Ah so he is where only Dumbledore can truly say. Interesting. We shall have to change this." He said. "But for now I have more important business to handle." He pointed his wand at his servant. "Crucio!" He shouted, laughing while the man lie on the ground writhing in pain, screaming.
Harry opened his eyes quickly, jumping up from the floor. He ran from the room and down to the kitchen. He saw only Dumbledore, Remus, Moody, and Kingsley Shacklebolt. He looked at them furiously.
"Where is he?" Harry yelled at them.
"Where is who, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Where did you send Snivellus?"
"I sent him to escort the Weasley's to their hiding place, then return to the castle." Dumbledore said calmly. "What is the problem Harry?"
"Move the Weasley's. Get them far away from any place he knows. We have a problem." Harry said angrily. "Never trust a Death Eater sir. Voldemort knows one of the most important parts of the prophecy now."
"You don't think that-" Remus started.
"No I don't. I know, I just saw it, Remus. Snivellus is feeding him information." Harry said fiercely.
"Who am I giving information, Potter?" Snape asked from behind him. Harry whirled on him, giving him no time to think.
"Legillimens!" Harry shouted. Snape fell utterly still as Harry saw the memories float through Snape's head. Harry stopped, seeing what he needed. "You bastard. You offered them to him to draw me out."
Harry, trying to find the right way to handle this situation, looked to the four adults in the room. They all looked grimly at Snape, and Harry nodded. He turned to Snape and waved his hand, causing Snape to fly into wall. With another flick of his hand, Snape flew within inches of Harry's face.
"Now Snivellus, you pay for your mistakes." Harry said, anger flaring in his eyes. This time he clapped both his hands together, pointing at Snape with one finger from each hand he whispered a charm that no one could hear. Snape's eyes went blank and he flew into another wall.
"Dobby!" Harry yelled. Dobby appeared in a flash. "Take Snape back to Hogwarts. Leave him in the potions room, and ask one of the teachers there to watch the room day and night until Dumbledore returns." Dobby nodded and took Snape away.
"What did you do to him, Harry?" Remus asked.
"He will now relive the very moment he found out about you and my father saved him for the rest of his life." Harry said grimly. "It's irreversible, not even used anymore. It was created around the same time the shield charm I use was. It seemed like a good spell to use on Voldemort. I guess it has other uses too. He has no memory of anything that happened after or before that moment. For all purposes, he is insane."
"What! Why would you do that?" Remus asked, shocked.
"He gave the Weasley's to Voldemort Remus. We have to go there immediately, they aren't safe." Harry said quickly. "You can ground me later. Apparate there if you know where it is, grab hold of me if you don't."
Dumbledore, Moody, and Kingsley immediately disapparated, while Remus, Serena and Hermione Grabbed onto him.
"Everyone got their wands?" Harry asked. Serena and Remus nodded. Hermione shook her head. Harry handed her both of his wands. "Be careful and don't loose them. Those are important." He said as they all appeared in front of the new Weasley home.
They arrived just in time, as the attack had just begun. Harry, angry about what he saw, waved his hand at the Death Eaters, causing them all to be thrown back twenty feet. He ran into the house, dragging Hermione and Serena with him. As he entered, the Weasley's glared at him. Frustrated, he waved his hand and none of them could speak.
"I'm afraid I don't have time to argue with you." Harry said to them all. "Serena, Hermione, protect the people I can't get out of here, on the first move. The silencing charm will lift as soon as I appear in Grimmauld Place." They nodded at him.
"Ginny, forget that you are mad and put your arms around my neck. Mr. Weasley, please take one arm and get your wife to do the same. Ron, grab my other arm." They all did as they were told. Harry sighed. "I really hope this works." He disappeared, reappearing in Grimmauld Place, with four people shouting at him.
"I don't have time for this!" Harry shouted. "Ginny, are you willing to put aside your problems with me for now, and fight as we always have?" Ginny nodded firmly. "Thank you. Everyone else, LET GO OF ME!" They all let go, eyes wide. He grabbed Ginny, and they appeared in what seemed to be the perfect time.
Some Death Eaters had found their way into the house. Harry, furious, threw his hands forward, whispering a spell and the Death Eaters flew threw the air as if shot from a cannon. He looked at Ginny and nodded.
"Gin, you and Serena help the Order. Hermione give Ginny my wands, you are coming with me. Fred, George, come on. They want to kill all of you and I will not let that happen. None of you can do the spells Ginny can." Harry said, as Hermione ran to Ginny handing her the wands she grabbed Harry's hand. He walked to Fred and George, and grabbed Fred's arm, while George grabbed Harry's, they disappeared. Harry stood in Grimmauld place hearing more shouting, He screamed again.
"EVERYONE LET GO OF ME NOW!" Everyone did as told. He disappeared again.
As he exited the house, he saw what he feared. A war had erupted on this once quiet street. Many wizards and witches had come from their houses fighting against the Death Eaters. Many from both sides were falling. He couldn't let anyone else get hurt. Serena and Ginny were shielding themselves as well as the Order members, but there were too many people to shield them all. Harry walked up next to both of them and nodded. He cast a shield of all three of them as they ran to face their enemies head on.
Harry quickly cast an anti apparition spell over the Death Eaters. His eyes now burning with anger, he began to throw balls of fire toward the Death Eaters, muttering spells that could only be shielded by his shield spell, and sending curses that Dumbledore had never seen used before.
Serena, using all her training began using both wands expertly. She would send ten spells before the Death Eaters saw her, then she moved quickly and sent ten more elsewhere. She became frustrated quickly as every time ten would fall ten more would appear in their place. This only made her work faster, with stronger spells.
Ginny was working as well as Serena. She would send spells and curses to Death Eaters, move, and shield the Order members when theirs failed. She didn't worry about herself, Harry, or Serena, knowing the shields Harry cast would only fall once he calmed down. She moved as quickly as the other two trying to keep up with both sides. She started to feel overwhelmed by the fact that the amount of Death Eaters never seemed to decrease.
Dumbledore watched these three in awe between his spells. These three, torn apart by problems in their personal life, fought side by side as if they had never had trouble. None were communicating with the others, though they all seemed to know what the others were going to do. This was a bond Dumbledore had never seen before and never expected to see again.
Harry began to feel his anger rise again. The Death Eaters were not stopping. They kept coming in force. Suddenly Harry's eyes widened as he knew what was happening. He looked to the two girls beside him now. This was not a plan to attack the Weasley's, but an attempt to weaken him so Voldemort could finish him when he was weak.
"Get everyone out of here!" Harry shouted. "Get Dumbledore to make you two a portkey and get as far away from here as fast as you can. This fight was meant for me!" Neither of them moved. "I mean it! I don't want either of you to see if this goes wrong! Go NOW!" Harry said, and still they didn't move.
"We aren't leaving you now, Potter! You might need us!" Serena called
"I'm beside you, Harry. I'm not leaving either." Ginny said strongly.
"Fine!" Harry shouted. "At least stand back by Dumbledore." He looked at Dumbledore and nodded to him. "Protect them, cause I don't know the damage this will do!" Serena and Ginny nodded after a moment.
They backed up toward Dumbledore and threw a large shield over the entire order. Harry sighed knowing someone innocent might be hurt. No, don't think like that. He thought. Think only of the Death Eaters, you have controlled spells like this before. Harry faced the Death Eaters alone. They seemed to think it was going to be easy now.
Harry threw both hands forward, causing a massive ball of fire to fly into the middle of this growing army. A large explosion came as the fireball hit the ground. Harry threw a shield over the group of Death Eaters as it exploded. Death Eaters began to be engulfed in fire, though the shield protected people outside of it from getting hurt. He released the shield from around them and stood laughing.
"Gotta do better than that, Tom Riddle! Show yourself and let us end it" Harry shouted. Dumbledore gasped, as did most of the Order.
Voldemort appeared in front of him, a snarl on his face. Harry grinned mischievously. Voldemort was hoping to see him weak, but instead found him as if he had not even seen a battle.
"So boy, do you think to end this now?" Voldemort spat. "Avada Kedavra!" Voldemort cried, as many gasped. Harry only smiled and summoned his second shield. The shield absorbed the curse.
"Gotta do better than that! What's wrong Tom? Did you forget you aren't a pureblood?" Harry said calmly, watching Voldemort's rage build.
"How did you do that?" Voldemort asked angrily.
"Really, Tom, it's only magic. Let me show you." Harry said cheerfully. He waved his hand and Voldemort flew into the wall of one of the houses. Falling to the ground, Voldemort started sending curses towards Harry, who dodged them all easily.
"You will die boy!" Voldemort cried.
"Yes Tom, I will." Harry said calmly. "We all die. But I will not die before you. So are we going to finish this or are you going to run again?" Harry flicked his hand and Voldemort rose from the ground, about twenty feet into the air, then came down forcefully.
"You will die by my hand boy!" Voldemort screamed and apparated.
"Always the coward, Tom." Harry said softly. Then he collapsed on the ground, unconscious.
Harry woke the next morning to voices from downstairs. Happy voices it sounded like. Harry knew it was Christmas morning, but refused to rise just then. He felt a bit tired from the night before. Mental note: never use that much power ever again. He laid on the bed, eyes closed, not even moving. He began to hear voices next to him and decided to listen.
"Dumbledore said he would be fine, but he still hasn't moved."
"No, Dumbledore said he would survive. That is very different from fine."
"He will be perfectly well and healthy, as soon as he wakes up."
"Why would he do that for us, though? We treated him like dirt when he came back last night."
"He loves you. He loves your whole family. You should have seen what he did to Snape when he found out what happened."
"What did he do?"
"He cursed him with an old spell that can't be reversed. He will live in the moment Remus almost attacked him as a werewolf for the rest of his life."
"Go Harry! Bout time someone set that git straight."
"It was only a matter of time before he did something like that to Snape."
"You ok, Gin?"
"I know I shouldn't still be thinking like this, but I still feel horrible. He's here, hurt and suffering for all we know, and here I am thinking, why did he sleep with you. If I just knew he loved you, or he loved me and just couldn't control his hormones, anything really."
"Well, I think the only person who would really be able to tell you is Remus."
Harry listened to his best friends talking about all this, and a warmth spread through him. No matter what came up between them, they would always be there for him in the end. He decided that he had listened enough, that it was time for him to speak.
"You could always ask me, Gin." He said hoarsely.
"Harry!" They all shouted. The three girls hugged him tightly and Ron just shook his head, laughing.
"Always trying to surprise people huh?" Ron said happily.
"Of course. Happy Christmas everyone," Harry said, still a bit hoarse. They all looked at him in surprise.
"How did you know it's Christmas?" Hermione asked.
"Well all the cheerful voices downstairs is a good sign. Also I wasn't so tired when I collapsed that I could sleep through an entire day. Just a bit weak really." Harry said, his voice returning to normal. "Didn't realize that I would be that weak after doing that."
"That was so stupid! What were you thinking, doing that!" Ginny screamed, tears falling from her eyes. "You could have gotten yourself killed!"
"I'm sorry, Gin. I didn't realize what was happening until it was done." Harry said softly. "I didn't mean to scare you."
Ginny looked at him again, meeting his eyes, and he saw that she was worried about him. He felt such a pain inside that he felt nothing would ever make him cheer up again.
"Can I talk to Ginny alone for a minute guys? Tell Dumbledore I'm awake and I will find out what happened when I finish talking to her." Harry asked, pleading with his eyes for them to understand.
"Course, Potter. Ron, Hermione, come on, we will need to tell your parents too, they all wanted to talk to Harry as well." Serena said, looking at Ron she added. "Your family still isn't too happy with me." With that they all left, leaving Harry and Ginny alone.
Neither of them spoke at first. Harry adjusting himself into a more comfortable position, and looking at Ginny. Ginny finally sat in the chair closest to the bed. When she started crying, Harry moved off the bed and held her in his arms, whispering comforting words and just letting her cry. When she finished she looked up at Harry, and asked the same question she asked the morning before.
"Why, Harry?" She said softly, tears fighting to escape from her eyes.
"I made a mistake, Gin." Harry said sadly. "I talked with Remus last night. He told me things that made sense. They all made mistakes too. But he told me something else, something that is going to hurt you more now than you already are." He looked at the floor. "He said I should find out why I made this mistake, meaning to find out if I have feelings for Serena, or if it was hormones, or if there was something else altogether.
"I agreed that he was right, only because I don't want you to always worry that it will happen again. Even if as Remus said, we weren't meant to be, I never want you to not be my friend. I couldn't live with that, Gin, you not being in my life at all. I can't say I'm sorry enough to ever make up for what I did, or what I'm saying to you now. But I am sorry." He said, trying to fight back his own tears. He pulled something from his pocket and put the necklace around her neck and fastened it. "This is yours, and it always will be. No matter what happens, Ginny, I do love you."
Ginny began crying again and ran from the room. Dumbledore stood outside the doorway, with the Weasley's and Granger's behind him. They all walked in and Harry nodded toward the chairs, not looking up. He knew who had entered, and didn't need to see them.
"What happened after I passed out?" He asked.
"Well, with all the Weasley's already out of the house, we had no need to worry that they would be hurt. You caused quite a bit of damage to the Death Eaters there, Harry. None of them were gravely injured, though they were seriously hurt. They will stand trial for their actions. More importantly, Harry, Bellatrix Lestrange was captured during the aftermath. The ministry is making her stand trial for murder. I thought that would interest you." Dumbledore said carefully.
"Did I.. did I hurt anyone besides the Death Eaters?" Harry asked quietly.
"No, Harry, you did not." Dumbledore said firmly. "I wanted to ask you something, Harry. Why did you not fight Voldemort more strongly to get the life you so want to have?"
"I couldn't at that time. I put up a strong front, but I knew I wouldn't last long if I used stronger spells." Harry said, ashamed. "I just wasn't strong enough at that time. All the shields, and that spell against the Death Eaters. Those are powerful spells. With a wand I would have been better able to handle the situation, but Ginny didn't have her wands, so I gave her mine and just used as much of my powers as I could. I almost fell after he tried to kill me. I had to make him run sir, it was the only way at that time."
"I see. Another suggestion might be, that using your power all day, and then in a battle was too much for you." Dumbledore said calmly. "You have to be careful, Harry, as no one really understands your power any better than you do. The wizarding world has not seen such power as you demonstrated last night, even in the times of Merlin himself."
"I'm sorry sir, but I couldn't let them hurt the Weasley's. I didn't think it would affect me that badly, and I didn't know Voldemort would be there until it was too late." Harry said, feeling disturbed. He had begun to think he acted rashly.
"Harry, you saved my family, you have no reason to be sorry." Mrs. Weasley said sincerely. "I'm sorry for what I said about you yesterday, dear. I let my motherly instincts to protect my daughter affect me in a way I didn't know it would."
"You were right to be angry, Mrs. Weasley." Harry said. "However, there is nothing I can do to change it, so I must live with the mistakes I made."
"Harry, these four have come up to talk with you. If you feel you are not up to it, I can send them away and let you rest." Dumbledore said, a hint of cheerfulness in his voice. "However I have never known you to not be willing to talk, especially on Christmas."
"I will speak with them, Professor. Could you have Dobby bring me some food, though. I am remarkably hungry." Harry said, smiling at Dumbledore.
"I see. That is my call to leave. I shall see to it that food is brought to you, and tea for your visitors as well. When you are finished, there is a large number of people waiting for you to arrive downstairs, as Molly refused to let anyone open their presents until you were there." Dumbledore said, leaving the room.
"Son, I admit we don't know much about you." Mr. Granger said. "Only what Hermione has told us, and more recently what Mr. Dumbledore has said. I want to thank you, as I think it is because of you that my family survived that night."
"Sir, you should thank Dumbledore. He stayed to fight to save you. I had to go somewhere else, where I felt my presence was more necessary." Harry said.
"He said you would say that, but he also said that only you could have gotten us away from there so fast." Mrs. Granger said.
"Well, then I can only say you're welcome. I would do it again if it was needed. I only wish there wasn't a need for me to have to do such a thing." Harry said politely.
"Harry, we want to thank you as well. Without you, our family would have been killed last night." Mr. Weasley said. "The Order is strong, but none of us could have done what you did last night. You risked your life for people who you thought hated you. I can never repay you."
"You already have, Mr. Weasley. Just by talking to me again." Harry said quietly. Mrs. Weasley suddenly hugged him as tight as she always did.
"I'm so sorry, Harry dear. I'm so glad you are alright!" She said, until Harry had to get her to release him.
"Mrs. Weasley, I can't breathe!" He croaked. She quickly released him. They all sat with him while he ate. Mrs. Weasley told Mr. and Mrs. Granger why he was so famous in the wizarding world. Mr. Granger began explaining muggle things to Mr. Weasley, who responded back excitedly over every question that was answered. They all talked to Harry about things of little importance. Harry felt happier than he had in a long time.
"Come on, it's Christmas and you lot are all looking so gloomy! Why aren't the presents opened yet?" Harry said as he came down the stairs. His friends cheered in response and began attacking presents. Order members looked at him with a what he thought was respect in their eyes as they nodded to him. Dumbledore smiled happily as Harry sat in a chair next to him.
"I believe there are presents there for you." Dumbledore said nodding towards the tree.
"Probably, sir, but even though I feel better, I still don't think I have the strength to fight them for space near the tree." Harry said smiling. "Besides, I have friends all around me. I could not ask for a better present in my whole life."
"I see." Dumbledore said simply. "I would not recommend you grow old and mature before your time, Harry. Little things like opening presents on Christmas is what makes us remain young at heart."
Harry laughed and nodded his head. He waved his hand and his presents, along with a few others, moved from the tree and landed softly in front of Harry. Harry handed a package to Dumbledore and smiled. "Well, Happy Christmas Professor."
"Happy Christmas to you as well, Harry." Dumbledore said, opening the large box Harry handed him. "What are these, Harry?"
"A rather large collection of muggle candy. Chocolate bars, jelly beans, and many other things." Harry said smiling. "I hope you like them."
"Ah, m&m's, my favorite!" Dumbledore said smiling. "Thank you, Harry."
"You're welcome, Professor." Harry said, as he began passing out presents to some of the older people in the home.
Everyone who had opened presents, were now either enjoying the things that they had received, or in Mr. Weasley's case, asking about various items that the Grangers, or Harry would tell him about. They all enjoyed the day immensely, including Dobby and Winky, who had both received rooms with rather large and comfortable beds. Dobby had received an entire wardrobe of clothes, complete with hundreds of socks. Winky received quite a few dresses, and a few hats Hermione had made for her, as Winky chose to wear clothes.
After dinner, Harry went to Sirius' room, and looked at the journals he had left. One was marked The Marauder's Handbook, which contained spells and jokes fit only for a marauder. He laughed and put it aside. He picked up the next, which said Diary of Lilly Potter, which he began to read. As he read he learned that this was started the day his parents were married. After reading about half of it, he put it aside also, promising himself to read it all soon. The last was marked Journal of Padfoot and Prongs: A beginners guide to life at Hogwarts. Harry read a few pages and laughed loudly. It was full of different thoughts, actions, and ideas that his father and godfather had in their time at school.
"What's all the noise about, Harry?" Serena asked. "I could hear you all the way at the end of the hall."
Harry showed her the journals, and said. "It doesn't hurt as much anymore, you know. Thinking about Sirius. These just remind me that he was just like we are."
"Yeah, he was." Serena said, "Ginny told me what you said to her today."
"Oh." Harry said quietly.
"I don't know what it all meant, but I will help you in any way I can." Serena said.
"It meant I can't figure out why I couldn't control myself around you, and I need to know why." Harry said.
"Potter, that's easy. I am a beautiful, smart, and charming girl." She said smiling. Then she became serious. "What do you want to do to figure this out?"
"Don't know, haven't gotten that far in the plan." Harry said.
Serena kissed him at that moment, causing him to again loose control of his senses. He tried to stop everything but his body refused his commands. Instead he pulled her close, her body molding to his. With great effort, he pulled away from her. When he did they just sat there staring at each other.
"Well, that didn't work. Still don't know why." Harry said.
"I felt it too." Serena said.
"Great, you felt it. What the hell was it?" He asked confused by the situation at hand.
"You two are needed downstairs." Remus said from the hall. They followed him down to the kitchen, where again, they were faced with the entire order staring at them.
"Now, without any further delay, I present to you the newest members of the Order." Dumbledore said, his hand motioning to Harry, Serena, and Hermione. All the heads in the room nodded solemnly. "Harry has found our leak as well. As such you will notice that Severus is no longer here, and due to the nature of his newfound illness, he will no longer be able to teach."
"What is his illness, Albus?" McGonagall asked.
"Insanity, quite simply." Harry said grimly. "An insanity he will never break free of, and he deserves every minute of it." No one spoke for a long minute after this.
"Yes, as Harry said, he is insane. But we have other problems at the moment, I am afraid." Dumbledore began. "We have been shown that Voldemort is willing to sacrifice any number of his servants to dispatch of Harry, and his army is far stronger than we are at this time. I do not know how we can stop them from growing in number."
"I don't know how we can stop them from growing, Professor." Harry said. "But I know how to make the field a bit more even."
"How is that, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Well, with your permission of course, I would like to restore the DA." Harry said firmly. "With me, Serena and Ginny teaching defense in hand to hand and spells, as well as offensive spells. Hermione can have full access to my library, as well as all the books in Sirius' study to research stronger and more powerful spells to teach us all. Ron can help us and prepare with us as well, so we can catch him and Hermione up to what us three can do. Training all of them to protect themselves in the best way possible would make the school stronger and harder to attack, as well as being able to help us when the time comes."
"Harry, we cannot ask students to fight for a cause they do not know." Dumbledore said cautiously.
"We're not. We are asking them to fight for a cause they all know well. How many people have lost loved ones in this war and the first one." Harry said resolutely. "How many have watched others suffer at the hands of Death Eaters, and wished they could do something about it. This war is not the Order versus Voldemort. This war is everyone who refuses to live in fear against those who wish to enslave us all. Though the final battle may come to me and Voldemort, everyone who chooses should be able to stand and fight against him and people who want the world to be as he does. You taught me that Professor."
"I do not know, Harry. This is a great difference in thinking." Dumbledore said. "We shall need the opinions of the others, not just me and you." Harry nodded.
"I agree with Harry. We are young but we fight strongly. Everyone should have that chance, and that training if for no other reason then to defend themselves if necessary." Serena said.
"I agree with Harry too, Professor." Hermione said quietly.
"I agree with them, Albus." Remus said, standing beside the three students. "Everyone deserves a chance to fight. It is what makes them grow, the chance for responsibility."
Fred and George stopped whispering among themselves and stood. "We agree too, Professor." Fred said. "Yes we would have like the chance to fight earlier on." George said.
"Potter if I agree with you, I want you to teach one thing." Moody growled. "Constant Vigilance!" Harry nodded to him in agreement. "Then I will agree with you, Potter."
"Alright, I see the point." Dumbledore said calmly. "Harry, I agree with you as well. But you must make sure the students you teach are doing this willingly. I will not allow you to force people to join this fight. Is that an acceptable term?"
"Of course, sir. Though I did not want to force anyone to fight anyway." Harry said, suddenly acting more mature than his years. "I only think it is fair that everyone be allowed the choice."
"Very good, Harry. Tell me what you will need and I will see to it that it is provided to you when you return to school." Dumbledore said in agreement.
"Also, sir. I have decided to ask you a request." Harry said, swallowing visibly. "I'm going to become an animagus, illegally, and I need any information to help me progress quickly."
"I believe, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "That is my area of expertise. I will teach you how, so you learn quicker than you father and his friends. Why do you wish it to be illegally though?"
"Sometimes, Professor," Harry began. "It is required to break the laws in order to keep a secret. Anything I can use against Voldemort will have to remain secret. Also, I wish to carry on the tradition of the Marauders. Break as many rules as possible without getting caught."