Chapter Eight
The Power Awakened
"Harry, you already had the power." Serena said nervously. "What happened?"
"Want to see a trick?" Harry asked smiling.
"Sure." Serena said, laughing at him.
"Shishaya" Harry said smiling as the sword of Gryffindor appeared in his hand.
"What the hell!" Serena said jumping back.
"You know the answer." Harry said.
"Magic." Serena whispered.
Harry nodded. "Slytherin's magic to be exact. Though the sword is a Gryffindor specialty." He said, waving his hand as the sword disappeared.
"Harry, what happened?" Dumbledore asked.
"I know have full control of the power." Harry said.
"What else do you have?" Dumbledore asked knowingly.
"The knowledge of every spell created by Gryffindor and Slytherin." Harry said lazily. "And the rings to help increase my power and strength when they are needed."
"All this happened tonight?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yup, never glowed gold and had sparks shooting off my skin before." Harry said.
"How did you know?" Ginny asked.
"Almost dying has that effect." Harry said. "I had to keep jumping out and more than a few times I was worried I wouldn't get back in."
"So that's why they did that." Hermione said thoughtfully. "Harry, can you jump out of your body again?"
"Sure." Harry said, and then his lifeless body fell to the bed, and the five of them screamed. Harry jumped up again. "Are you guys okay?"
"Yeah, Harry, we're fine." Neville said. "Just stop doing that or else find a way for us to block the pain."
"I'll work on it." Harry said sympathetically. "You guys should be stronger now too."
"Why?" Ron asked.
"The magic I gave you." Harry said easily. He threw a spell at Ron, who had a shield around him instantly. "See."
"Wow!" Ron said. "That's a nice trick to have."
"Harry are you sure you are alright?" Dumbledore asked.
"Perfectly fine." Harry said. "Sorry if that worried you, but I didn't really have a say in it. It just sort of happened."
"I understand Harry." Dumbledore said. "I would like to speak with you tomorrow if you feel up to it."
"I can talk with you now." Harry said. "Especially since we now have something else working on our side now."
"What is that?"
"I can see what Voldemort is thinking." Harry said, grinning arrogantly. "He is a tricky bastard, but I'm more so. Lets talk Professor."
"Very well, all of you come with me." Dumbledore said.
"No, come with me." Harry said. He waved his hand and Dumbledore watched as the room around him shifted and morphed into his office.
"How did you do that Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"That is what it looks like when he moves." Remus said. "Though I've never knew he was able to do it without touching people."
"Couldn't before." Harry said. "New trick."
"Bloody hell." Serena said, staring at Harry in shock. "you have got to teach me that spell."
"No I don't, you already have a way of doing the same thing." Harry said, still smiling. "Besides, I don't even know how I do it as well as I do. No one has done that in over a thousand years."
"Enough, children." Dumbledore said. "Harry what is Voldemort planning?"
"He's planning another attack on the Ministry. He's going to use an attack in Diagon Alley as a distraction. This is going to happen in two weeks." Harry said. "But, worry not. I have a plan."
"One moment." Dumbledore said, and walked to the fire. Harry nodded and disappeared, reappearing a second later with Kingsley. "This who you wanted?"
"Harry, we must also talk about reading people's minds." Dumbledore said firmly, though he was smiling.
"Still getting used to the power from tonight. Give me a few days." Harry said. Harry turned to Hermione. "I'm very honored you think I'm so smart, but please leave those thoughts about Ron out of your mind for now, please?"
"Sorry, Harry." Hermione said.
"No it's my fault. I just can't think straight with so many thoughts in my head." Harry said. His eyes widened and he stared at Sam in shock. "What the hell!"
"Oh my god!" Sam said flushing.
"This is going to stop now." Harry said. He began whispering spells quickly. They started to notice the gold glow returning to him. It faded quickly and he smiled. "Ah, that's better."
"I see." Dumbledore said, still smiling. "Harry, your plan?"
"Oh, sorry." Harry said. "We need Voldemort to attack Diagon Alley, have it look as though it is succeeding."
"You want him to kill others?" Kingsley asked, his voice not hiding his disgust at the idea.
"No, you git!" Harry said angrily. "Don't make me stun you again. We need him to think that the Ministry is defenseless. Watch for the attacks Wednesday, two weeks from now. As soon as they start send every auror you can there. There will be a very large surprise waiting for Tom at the Ministry."
"What surprise?" Dumbledore asked.
"The Order, and the Marauders, of course." Harry said, grinning happily. "He knows how strong I was, and I want him to keep thinking that I am only that strong. I believe that if we all fight him and his servants we will give him a good show. He will be outnumbered, and he will run quickly. He hates it when the odds are not at least ten to one in his favor. He will be going to the Ministry with only the most trusted of his servants. Malfoy, who escaped from Azkaban I should say, Rudolphus Lestrange, Crabbe, Goyle, and someone I don't know. This one is new to me, but that makes him a threat. They won't be expecting anyone to put up a strong fight. That is where his mistake will be, as he will meet the two he now fears above all others."
"I see. So he is afraid of you now?" Dumbledore asked.
"Hearing how strong I was, that I was willing to kill if I felt it necessary, these things scare him. He thought he wouldn't have to worry because I was afraid to kill. He didn't realize it wasn't fear of it, but a lack of want that was the only problem." Harry said.
"Okay, I will accept your plan Harry." Dumbledore said. "The Order will stand beside you."
"The Ministry will follow your plan as well." Kingsley said.
"Warn the aurors to use whatever force necessary." Harry said. "They are not recruiting. They will be using the most painful and deadly spells they have."
"Ok." Kingsley said.
"I'm not going to be nice this time." Harry said, looking at Dumbledore. "I know what spells are strong, and how to use them effectively."
"I am aware of that Harry. If this can end the war, then I will not utter a word."
"It won't end it." Harry said. "He won't stand and fight me with you around. This will be when he learns what happens when you force a prophecy to be true."
"Lets kill them." Serena said. "Fuck lessons. Let's hide and when they appear just hit them with everything we've got. Harry you can pass on the Parseltongue to us, and we can fight them as strongly as you."
"No, I can't." Harry said. "I can't do it at will. I don't even know how I did it that day. I am going to show him something very scary though."
"What is that?" Remus asked.
"That I can destroy those he values above the rest without batting an eye." Harry said. "Let it leak what happened during the battle Kingsley." Harry said. "I want the death eaters scared, not just Voldemort. I want them to be looking over their shoulders, thinking that I may be about to attack anytime."
"Harry, you realize that this could be bad for you." Kingsley said.
"If I am to be punished, I have two very important people to offer me a pardon." Harry said. "It's a smart move. Make your enemy scared and they will make mistakes. Terrify them and they will flee before battle."
"Where did you hear this, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Read it in a muggle book." Harry said. "Can't remember the name."
"That is the way of Voldemort." Dumbledore said carefully.
"I know." Harry said. "That's why it will work to our advantage. If they fear me more than him, they won't be afraid to run away. The main reason they fight so hard is that they fear what will happen if they fail. I want them to fear what could happen trying to win."
"Why Harry," Dumbledore asked confused. "do you wish them to fear you?"
"Because Tom is coming after me." Harry said. "I want that fear in them every time they are ordered to attack my friends, my family, everyone and everything I love. I want them to fear the thought of me."
"I see." Dumbledore said. "Be careful with this act Harry. It may have dark consequences."
"I know what I am doing." Harry said. "It sounds like I'm turning into the next dark lord. In reality, I've just learned a new trick against dark wizards."
"What is your new trick, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Use their own tactics against them." Harry said. "They called themselves death eaters, and say they crave death of all who oppose them, but when death turned to them, they ran, screamed and cried in fear. Will you do what I ask Kingsley?"
"Yes, I will let it leak to the Prophet." Kingsley said. "I will try and give you the most positive light I can."
"Good." Harry said, then looked at Dumbledore. "Please don't allow me to be interviewed by any reporters sir."
"I will see to it that any reporters coming to the castle meet only me." Dumbledore said. "I have to speak to the Order about your plan. I should take my leave. All of you, take normal methods of returning to your sleeping areas. Goodnight." He said stepping into the fire saying "12 Grimmauld Place"
Harry, Serena, Ginny, Neville, Hermione, Ron, Remus, and Sam all went back to Gryffindor tower and into the Marauders common room. They sat there for a while thinking about everything that had happened. Remus looked worriedly at Harry, who said nothing but seemed lost in thoughts of his own. Serena said nothing, only holding on to Harry, looking desperate to keep him safe. Hermione and Ron seemed to be quietly thinking what Harry had in mind. Neville and Ginny were preparing themselves mentally, knowing that in only two weeks, another fight would be coming. Sam seemed to take this the worst of them all, being as she would have to wait to hear whether they were alright or not. That worry could do serious damage to a persons mind.
"Sam, you shouldn't worry." Harry said. "If everything works according to my plan, I will be the only one fighting. Serena can shield Remus and herself. So don't worry, we won't die that day."
"Harry, I thought you closed your mind." Sam said, smiling at him.
"I did, but I can see the worry on your face." Harry said. Harry stood. "Alright guys, time for bed. We aren't going into a fight tomorrow, only classes. It's late enough that we should all be able to sleep. If anyone is worried or thinking too much, I'm sure Ginny has enough sleeping potion for everyone." He finished and walked to his room.
"He's getting himself ready." Serena said to Remus as he just stared shocked at Harry's words.
"He seems like he doesn't have a care in the world." Remus said.
"Would you rather he were a nervous wreck, expecting death at every turn?" Serena asked.
"I would rather he worry some." Remus said.
"He is worrying, Moony." Hermione said. "But he'll never admit it. That's not a new thing either. You should know that by now."
"I should, yes." Remus said. "So much like his father."
"And his mother." Sam said, smiling to herself. "She was as stubborn as James, even if she didn't have as big a head."
"I hope he makes it through all this." Remus said sadly.
"He will, Moony." Serena said. Then, smiling, she added, "He knows I'll kill him myself if he doesn't."
The next two weeks moved quickly for Harry and the Marauders. Classes were moving along nicely, the pace having picked up in the last week. Potions was becoming even easier for Harry, as it seemed Slytherin was a potion master himself. The six were moving through the school as if they never had a problem in their life. Until two days before the attack was planned.
They all walked to the great hall together, which was usual for them now. They moved as a group or not at all, each one taking their normal places. This kept Harry and Serena walking in front of the other four, mainly because they had seen that the power Harry had split between them seemed to be stronger in Serena. They sat at Gryffindor table and ate comfortably.
When they had finished, owls started pouring into the great hall, and Harry was shocked to find that he had received mail as well. A black envelope laid beside his plate. Looking at it briefly he knew who it was from. He instead looked at Hermione, who had just opened the Daily Prophet. She stayed still, only her eyes moving quickly over the page. She looked at Harry and nodded, handing him the paper.
The true account of the Battle for Hogsmeade
Minister heard talking about the true events.
Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt has been heard recently speaking about what really happened at the Battle for Hogsmeade only three weeks ago. It appears they were not saving the children as was said in his earlier announcement.
In the newest story heard it appears that Harry Potter was helping the town of Hogsmeade along with many of his friends, when Death Eaters attacked the village. Harry Potter and his friends proceeded to assist aurors in the battle.
Many of those dead were killed by Harry Potter and his five closest friends. The Minister was heard saying that they attacked in this manner to save the lives of everyone they were helping.
He was also heard saying that the spells used to kill the Death Eaters were only lethal because none chose to save their companions, but continue to battle on.
The children were cleared of all charges as their, though brutal defense, was only an effort to defend others. The children were also kept out of the official reports to spare them unnecessary hardships. We believe, however that the people have a right to know.
Also reported was...
Harry stopped reading. He nodded at Serena as he passed the paper to her. This form continued till all six had read the paper. They knew today was not going to be an easy one to get through. Now they would be seen as the enemies they were to all the death eaters in the school, as well as outside it. It was certain that this would be their longest day.
They moved carefully through the school, always ready to put their shields up. Despite their caution, they walked with a sense of ease, seemingly unworried. Yet nothing happened. They had managed until lunch with no problems. It was only then that Harry remembered that he had received a letter that day. Pulling it from his backpack he opened it quickly.
Harry Potter,
I see you have an interesting power in you. Seeing this
I wish to no longer fight you. Instead, I offer you an easy
way out. I wish for you to leave this country for me.
In return for this, I offer you my word that you will not be
harmed in any way when I take over this world. I will leave
you and your friends in perfect health.
You can choose to accept this or accept death by my hand.
Know that I do not fear you, only respect your power. If you
leave, that power will continue to live on. If not it shall die.
But not before those you love suffer that same fate.
I hope you understand what this means of course. I will
not hesitate to kill you the next time we meet. I will make
you suffer for your lack of appreciation for my power.
It was not signed, but a signature was not needed. He knew this came from Voldemort. Harry noticed Malfoy and his friends watching him, smiling, thinking their lord had won. This caused an interesting reaction in Harry. He laughed gleefully at the letter. Waving his hand, causing the letter to burst into flames. He walked calmly to Malfoy. Staring him in the eyes as he spoke.
"Tell Tom that I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to be in his every nightmare, waiting there with wands ready, and just when he is ready to plead for his life, I'm going to rip it away from him with a smile of pure happiness." He said and walked out of the great hall.
Harry spent the rest of the day laughing at the Slytherins, who mysteriously began to feel rare illnesses. Dragon pocks spread like a plague, which happened when Malfoy refused to listen when Ginny said specifically not to touch her new potion. Harry refused all pretenses and just began curses the Slytherins at random. Many of the curses were Slytherin's own, so no one knew the counter spells but him, though he mysteriously could not remember them.
This meant that during dinner, many of the wannabe Death Eaters were looking more than a little under the weather. Malfoy could no longer see, as his eyes seemed to have swollen almost shut, only opening when the muck in them built up too much. He also had marks covering his face, his teeth were growing at shrinking at amazing speed, and he had bitten his tongue, which now resembled a snakes, about ten times already. That was not to mention that Serena had cast the same spell on him that she had on Neville a few months ago.
The next day passed in much the same way. More curses were spread through the Slytherins, who were now suffering from an uncommon cold, temporary blindness, and they spent more time in the bathrooms than in classes after lunch. Harry laughed as he thought that wizards were lost against muggle medicines.
They spent that night having fun. They stayed up till eleven talking to each other, then went to their rooms for some more intimate events. Harry and Serena finally closed their eyes, laying beside each other at two in the morning. Harry had a dream that night of seeing America for the first time, all of his friends with him, waiting for a friend of Dumbledore's to collect them.
It was weird to sit and wait for an attack to come. Harry swore that he would never get used to it. This war was beginning to feel like a game of chess. Only Voldemort wasn't as good as Ron, and Harry kept pushing him into making moves. The anticipation of knowing what would happen was worse than not knowing.
They heard an alarm and quickly they all jumped and moved into position, camouflaging themselves to blend in with their surroundings. Dumbledore said he would wait for Kingsley's word that Voldemort had arrived before he came with the Order. The Marauders were at the Ministry in the main hall, waiting for the right moment to attack.
Voldemort walked into the entrance gracefully, taking slow, powerful strides. His most loyal Death Eaters beside him. Harry sent the message to Kingsley and removed his invisibility cloak. Not able to suppress the smile forming on his lips as he noticed no one saw him.
"Tom, good to see you." Harry said. "I was wondering when you were going to show up."
"Ah, Harry Potter. Alone I see." Voldemort said. "Come to answer my letter personally?"
"Not really. I decided to give you a chance to surrender." Harry said, smiling mischievously.
"I do not think that is wise for me, as there are more on my side." Voldemort said. "You have no one to stand and fight with you."
"Oh, is that the only problem?" Harry asked evilly. "I am more than willing to see this stays as me fighting only you."
"How is it you plan to do that, you insignificant whelp?" Lucius asked angrily. "When I plan to kill you for what you did to my wife!"
"Malfoy, learn your place." Harry said arrogantly. "You would live much longer on my good side."
"Avada Kedavra!" Lucius shouted. Harry called his shield up and smiled as the spell hit it and disappeared.
"I warned you, Malfoy." Harry said. "Tom, I'm going to give you a present now."
"I can't wait." Voldemort said, venom dripping into his voice.
"I believe you can't." Harry said.
The look in Harry's eyes became evil, and he immediately cast a spell. He was to quick to be prepared for. Instantly Voldemort was standing alone, his strongest servants laying at his feet bleeding profusely. Harry smiled and looked calmly at Voldemort.
"I said it would be only the two of us." Harry said.
"I believe I would like to help you Harry." Dumbledore said, nodding at Voldemort he added "Good to see you again, Tom."
"I wanna kill him too!" Serena said as the five under concealment charms appeared.
"Well, well, well. It seems that I have the upper hand today Tom." Harry said. "Do you want to surrender yet?"
"You have not seen the end of me, boy!" Voldemort screamed. "I will kill you yet!"
"Keep saying that Tom." Harry said. "I'm getting quite used to it. Fight me or sod off." He added lazily. Voldemort apparated immediately. "Surprise, surprise." Harry said, shaking his head.
"Why didn't you kill him?" Serena asked angrily. "You had a chance and you let him go!"
"Its not time yet." Harry said.
"How do you know?" Serena asked.
"Because I still don't know how to kill the part that can't be seen." Harry answered. "Today was enough. Voldemort was scared. More scared than I have ever seen him. It will make things easier." Harry waved his hand, causing the Death Eaters laying on the floor to stand frozen and bound. "Tell Kingsley to make sure they can't get back to their precious master." He said to Dumbledore.
"I thought you killed them." Dumbledore said.
"They will be in this state for a few days, then they will awake feeling horrible as hell. I want to make them pay for their crimes however." Harry said. "Think Kingsley would mind?"
"He gave you liberty to treat them as you would." Dumbledore said. "May I ask you not to kill them?"
"I'm not going to." Harry said. "Something worse than death awaits them."
Harry waved his hands, hissings quietly. He glowed the same gold color as before. The Death Eaters standing in front of them seemed to pale and grow older before everyone's eyes. When Harry was finished he looked at them and nodded to himself.
"How do you punish someone proud of being a pureblood?" Harry asked.
"I do not know, Harry." Dumbledore said, playing along with Harry's question.
"You turn them into a squib." Harry said, a new smile forming on his lips.
"What happened to their magic?" Dumbledore asked.
"Don't know, but its not in them, and I know its not in me." Harry said. "A gift to the heir of Slytherin. His most loyal are now the most worthless."
"That really is some power you've got there, Potter." Serena said smiling.