Disclaimer: I own no part of Harry Potter or its associated canon nor, any other already copyrighted material.

(A/N): Couple things here. First, Captain Jack, thanks for the comments. That's the kind of review I really value. A little praise, a little criticism and some (very) insightful guesses as to where the story is going. Props to you. Second, Snape, Malfoy and company. They will be reappearing very soon. Finally, for anyone who cares, the whole story is currently slated out at 45 chapters. The final battle is spaced out over five and I'm still trying to decide if I should post them one at a time or all at once.

Chapter 26

Choices

Harry finished tying the brown paper package to the handle of his broom. He had a couple extra things to bring back to school and this seemed to be the best way to do it. They had waited as long as they could, but with classes starting tomorrow, the time had finally come to leave. Setting it at the end of his freshly made bed, he began to double check that he had everything else that needed to come with him. The feather now sat next to the DA coin in his pocket, both held snugly in place by his invisibility cloak. His wand had again found a home up his sleeve, a bare inch of the handle sticking out at his wrist. Everything seemed to be in order as he headed over to Hedwig's cage.

Feeding her a couple treats he stroked her feathers and thought back on all the trips she had made for him over the years. From the first time he had seen her in Eyelop's, through every delivery dangerous or not, to all the flights she had made just trying to find him when he disappeared from place to place, she was the second oldest magical friend he had had. Only Hagrid had been his friend longer, being the person who first introduced him to the magical world. After a moment he held out his arm for her to step to. Lifting her to the window, he hesitated for a moment.

"Thanks. See you at school." The owl dipped her head slightly in acknowledgement before turning and taking off into the midday sky. Waiting a few moments and watching her disappear into the clouds; he turned back to his room after closing the window. Grabbing his coat from where it was hanging over his footboard, he slipped it on and glanced around to make sure everything was where it belonged. Taking one last look at the picture of his parents Hagrid had recovered; he picked up the parcel and headed for the door.

Magically sealing the door with the charm Ginny had managed to teach him, he replaced his wand, picked up the package and carried it carefully down the hall. She had sealed most of the other rooms as they had finished with them. He glanced inside the war room as he passed. Tonks and Moody were inside discussing the map and trying to find patterns in the attacks. With a nod to each he headed down the stairs. Order members had begun heading out, back to their jobs and cover stories, a few days ago and now only a few rooms showed signs of recent use.

Reaching the entryway he found the collected gear of the others piled near the door, ready to go. Setting his bundle in the corner, he glanced around at the empty space. The portrait still glared at him in silent anger. Over the past several months since he had moved in Mrs. Weasley, at his request, had led an effort to strip the building of all the Black family things and make it more into his home. He had done bits and pieces as well, by actively maintained anything connected with Sirius, which was very little, as it was. To this point she still hadn't been able to remove the portrait and replace it with something more tasteful. Shrugging his shoulders as if to say 'eh…what the hell', Harry drew his wand pointed it at the portrait.

"Eximo!" The release spell collided with the frame and started to pull it away from the wall. The locking spell that held it in place fought back and the portrait began to rattle against the wall while Mrs. Black looked around frantically. The frame pulled back tight to the wall and Harry responded by throwing everything he had into the spell. Scuffing the paint behind badly, it rattled harder and harder, flopping against the surface. With a burst of released tension at the broken spell, it came free and fell to the floor in front of him. Replacing his wand he picked the portrait up and moved it across the room, facing it to the wall, ignoring Mrs. Black's outraged silent shouts.

Letting out a small sigh of relief he headed down the last flight of stairs to the kitchen for some late breakfast. The other three were already there as was a cooking Mrs. Weasley. The twins were also picking through a meal and casting malicious glances at their brother and Hermione. Both looked as if they were waiting for a landslide to come down on top of them and their glances indicated the twins were up the hill side with pry bars and dynamite. On seeing Harry, Fred tapped his brother and they both immediately ceased the glances.

Taking his seat next to Ginny with a good morning kiss, he dove into the plate Mrs. Weasley had delivered. "Good morning Harry dear."

"Good morning." After taking a few bites, he glanced around. "Say…anybody have an idea for a new portrait up in the entryway?" Their eyes all swung around to him, surprised.

"Won't Mrs. Black have a problem with that?" Harry shrugged in response.

"Eh…we'll just move her to the attic." Hermione was the first to realize what he meant.

"You…you took her down?" He nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah. She fought hard, but she's gone now." He received approving grins from everyone else. Ginny cocked her head to the side in thought.

"Well then…only one person I can think of to replace her." He gestured for her to continue. "Dumbledore." Harry nearly laughed at how perfect it was.

"Brilliant."

"I'll get right on it." He could tell Mrs. Weasley was making a mental note to find the portrait as soon as possible and a second to remove the old one. As she cleared the dishes away, she paused for a moment. "Oh…by the way, I received a letter from St. Mungo's this morning." Each of the Weasleys leaned in, eager for news on their brother. "They're going to keep him for a couple weeks, just to make sure there's nothing wrong with him." As if that bit of information had been the trigger, both twins popped to their feet.

"Well then, we'd best get back to work while we're still free of him."

"Until we meet again ladies and gents…" With simultaneous flourishes and bows, they dissapperated back to their shop. Both Ron and Hermione looked supremely relieved they were gone, much to the puzzlement of Mrs. Weasley. Acting before she could question it, Hermione rose.

"Well, we'd better get going." Ron was right behind her in thanking his mother and heading up the stairs. Ginny and Harry followed them a moment later and found the pair admiring the work he had done with the portrait. Harry glanced up at the scuffed paint that was several shades lighter than the surrounding wall as he passed by. As each collected their belongings, Harry took Ginny's trunk and his bundle in one hand and her in the other. As one, all four of them took one last glance at the now peaceful house and vanished from the entryway.

The sun was shining brightly on the snowy fields outside Hogsmeade as they arrived at the train station. It was still empty save a small group of Aurors arriving to watch over the returning students and a few coaches lining up to transport them back. Only a few students had gone home for the holidays after the attack at the Ministry, but the express was due to arrive soon and others would be apperating back. Reaching the first of the carriages, they decided on a whim to walk back to the school.

Harry and Ron of course pulled the trunks up the well cleared path that wound the mile long distance from the village to the gates. Without the usual biting wind the sun was able to warm them quite a bit. Harry took the opportunity to look over the grounds before the walls that Ron had so perfectly drawn on his parchment map. Harry could see the area as Ron had described it, the strengths and weaknesses and where the battle would be when it came. It was almost surreal trying to envision what might happen here at any random time. Pushing that aside the best he could as they finally reached the gates; he noticed it hadn't seemed nearly as hard a walk as it had last year. All that training was paying off.

The gates themselves were guarded by a small group of Aurors, both on the ground and patrolling the walls, as well as Filch and Slughorn taking a turn at checking the returning students. Slughorn seemed even more haggard after the holiday than he had been before and the Aurors were on pins and needles trying to look everywhere at once. Only Filch seemed the same, though how one could tell if he changed was quite beyond Harry. They were already halfway through the gatehouse when they noticed Alastor Moody drawn back into a shadow and watching them closely. His eye seemed to pay close attention to Harry's bundle, but he soon waved them all through with a small nod.

Just before they moved through, Slughorn caught Harry's arm. He turned to find the plump little man shoving a small envelope at him. "Harry m'boy, almost forgot. Headmistress said you give this to you. She'd have my head if I'd forgotten." Harry took the envelope and flipped it over to find his name once again written in her severe script.

"Thank you professor." Sticking it carefully in his pocket, he caught up with the others. Making their entrance into a very full Hogwarts, they passed a good number of parents and Ministry members before reaching the heights of the castle and splitting off to their separate rooms.

After leaving Ginny at the entrance to the Girls' dorms he headed up to his room and tossed the bundle down on the bed. The house elves must have been overworked indeed considering the mess the room was in, but considering all the extra people, it was to be expected. Stripping off his coat he pulled out the letter and tore it open. Whatever McGonagall wanted, it was unlikely to be something he could put off.

Mr. Potter,

My office as soon as you arrive.

Headmistress McGonagall

For some odd reason the word 'ferret' was scrawled across the bottom in much less tidy script, almost like an afterthought. Glancing once at the bundle on his bed, he sighed and returned the note to his pocket. Break over apparently. Heading out through the door, he passed through the rather empty common room and out into the school. Doing his best to dodge overly inquisitive parents, whose eyes lighted up at seeing him, and the odd ministry official who behaved much the same, he ducked and wove over to the gargoyle.

"Quiddich." What had been the password now had no effect on the stone gargoyle, which sat perfectly still. Harry tried to puzzle out what the new word would be for a moment before pulling out the note. "Hmm…ferret?" The statue still refused to move. Ferret…ferret…what could she have meant? With a wicked grin, he spoke again. "Draco Malfoy." The figure nodded and jumped nimbly aside. Really, it was a brilliant password considering the situation.

Climbing the small flight once again he knocked soundly on the door. At her invitation, he stepped in and found Fudge also waiting on him. There seemed to be an air of lingering conversation between them, as if they had been discussing something in bits and pieces. It was odd to see the look on Fudge's face that seemed to say he was actually considering what had been said. With a wide grin and a nod he welcomed Harry.

"Good morning Mr. Potter, glad you could come."

"Uh…thank you Minister." Not sure quite how to continue with the man, he turned to McGonagall. "You summoned me Ma'am?"

"Yes Mr. Potter." She set aside the letter she had been working on and looked up. "The Minister and I have a situation in which we would value your thoughts." Though he had managed to browbeat the Order and command the Army it was still a little amazing that McGonagall was asking for his opinion.

"Um…okay. What's the problem?" Instead of answering, she gestured to the acting minister.

"Well…the problem is that, without a building to call home, the Ministry is hard pressed to keep any sort of order within its ranks. The offices and cubicles did more than just provide a place to work; they gave people a sense of security and purpose. Without that…" Harry nodded in understanding and waited for him to continue. "Anyway…as a group, we've decided to temporarily suspend the activity of most of the departments within the Ministry until the war is over. If we win, all can be restarted fairly easily. If we lose…"

"It won't matter."

"Exactly. A few departments are staying open. Arthur Weasley's for instance is among them, also the Auror office, Accident Reversal, Wizengamot and International Cooperation. We're considering a skeleton crew for a couple others, but the rest are going home and most likely to hiding for the time being. With the obvious exception of the Aurors, very few of us have any real skill in fighting and hiding is our best choice." Harry nodded, a fleeting inkling in his mind disappearing before he could work out what it might be.

"O…kay. But I still don't see what I…"

"Right, right… You see, even with only a few departments operating, we still need a building to operate from. To that end I've been attempting to convince Headmistress McGonagall to let us use Hogwarts for the time being." Harry's eyebrows shot up. McGonagall nodded in annoyed confirmation.

"And I have been refusing him. That's why we wish to speak with you Mr. Potter. We were hoping to hear your thoughts on the matter. When we spoke two weeks past you made it perfectly clear Hogwarts is Voldemort's next target and that it will come under attack at some point. Despite this, it is also clear that the school is still the safest place in Britain." He turned as the Minister began.

"And it would only be safer with extra personnel and the Aurors stationed here, not that it needs more protection. With so many of us scattered across the country, there would only be thirty or so more people here on top of the Aurors already on station. So…what so you say?" Harry considered it for several moments. Though a flight of fancy the possibility this would happen had crossed their minds when he and Ron had been throwing around ideas.

"You won't try to interfere with the way the school is run?"

"We've tried that. It was a stupid mistake. It won't happen again." Harry nodded in agreement with that. The now dead Umbridge had cause irreparable damage when she had taken over.

"You'll leave the students alone?"

"Of course."

"And if you are all asked to leave, Aurors, officials, everyone…you'll go?" Fudge hesitated before responding and McGonagall looked rather surprised at the question. Ideas were already formulating in his mind about how this could be made to work. But it all hinged on how Fudge responded now. After a moment's consideration and the realization that it was the only way to convince him, he nodded.

"Yes, though I don't see why. If the Headmistress asks, we shall leave immediately." With that, Harry turned back to her.

"I'd say yes. He's right, the more help we have, the better and this is the safest place right now." McGonagall sighed quietly and nodded in response.

"Very well Cornelius. You're people may take over that third floor corridor as soon as the parents have left. Remember, you're here on my good graces." Fudge made a surprisingly deep bow in response.

"Of course Minerva, we shall do our best to behave ourselves in your house. Headmistress, Mr. Potter." With another bow he turned and headed out the door. They both watched him go, similar head shakes of disbelief present. McGonagall was the first to voice what they were both thinking.

"It's going to take a long time to get used to that."

"Agreed." He turned back to the desk and waited. After a moment her eyes refocused from the closed door to him. "Was there something else?"

"Actually, yes." She held up a letter he recognized as the one he had sent her just after Christmas. "I finally had a free moment to check on this girl you wrote me about. Now I just have one question. How did you know?" He smiled a little at that.

"She's in the book?"

"Yes. Year after next I'll be sending a Hogwarts letter…or actually having it delivered, to one Julliette Allison." Harry smiled again. "So again, how did you know?"

"Oh…just someone I met along the way. Thanks for looking it up. Anything else?"

For a moment it looked as if she was going to push further. "No…not right now." With a quick farewell he left before she could press him for more information. Returning back through the school he headed straight for his room. Passing through the common room he found Neville staring at the fire. The room was oddly empty, most of the students likely spending last moments with family.

"Hey Harry." Harry nodded toward him.

"Neville." He paused, trying to figure out what to say next. "So…have a good New Years?"

"Hm? Oh…yeah. Same as always I suppose. So…" He seemed to space out for a moment before turning.
"Can I ask you something?"

"Uh…yeah. Sure."

"Why…do you think…was Voldemort afraid to face us?" Harry was stunned by the question.

"What…what do you mean?"

"At the Ministry. He was there, people saw him. So why didn't he attack us?"

"I don't know." It seemed an empty answer, but Harry had no other.

"Someone does." Harry waited for a moment but Neville just turned back to the fire. Leaving him, Harry dashed up to his room and back to his bed. Pulling apart the bundle he set his broom back in its place next to his bed and took the other part, a long paper wrapped package, and brought it with him.

Snaking his way through open corridors and hidden passages, he dodged quite a few people on his way to his next destination. Many of them were parents walking slowly down the halls and remembering the time they had spent here. They would all, save a few ministry employees, be leaving very soon. The same Hogwarts Express that was bringing students back would carry many of those parents back to London. Personally, Harry would be glad to see them go. He really didn't want to have to dodge curious stares and odd questions while he was here. Moving quickly through the entryway he passed several families saying good bye and parents hugging their children.

He paused for a moment, wondering how many of them he would see again and if some parents might be seeing their offspring for the last time. Picking up the pace, as if to outrun that thought, he continued on. It only took a few more minutes before he reached the open double doors of the Defense classroom. Stepping through he found the main room empty and standing ready for tomorrow's class. Walking up past the desks he reached the open office door and stepped in while knocking. "Professor?"

"Y…ello?" Keystone glanced over from behind his desk. He was leaned back in his chair feet propped up on the corner of his desk, legs crossed at the ankles. He was holding a book into which he stuck a bookmark before setting it aside. "Mr. Potter! Come in. What can I do for you? More questions about Halloween perhaps?" Harry sat down on the plain wooden chair in front of the desk.

"Actually, I was hoping you could help me with something."

"Sure. Whatcha need? Information? Letter of recommendation? Study guide for the NEWTS?" Harry shook his head at each of the ideas.

"No… Training." He set the package down heavily on the desk and it rang with a deep metallic sound as he did so. A moment later he opened the paper to reveal the Sword of Gryffindor. On seeing the blade, Keystone dropped his feet to the ground and rose for a better look. Harry picked it up. "With this." The professor's eyes traced over the finely crafted weapon, ignoring the gold and ruby handle and instead focusing on the blade. A look of awe came over him as looked it over.

A moment later he seemed to regain his composure. "No." Pulling back sharply he dropped back into his seat, propped his feet back up and opened the book. "Sorry, can't do it." Harry was stunned. This wasn't the response he was expecting at all. Setting the blade back down, he leaned partway across the desk.

"What do you mean you can't do it? Is there some sort of certification you need?" The professor didn't look up from his book.

"Yep."

"And you don't have it?"

"Actually…I do.'

"Then…?"

"You're an excellent magical duelist Potter. Stick with that."

"But you've shown how effective a sword can be in a magical fight. You've taken down Dementors, Death Eaters…"

"My sword was made by a master Forge Wizard." Harry lifted the blade to show the inscription.

"Mine was made by Godric Gryffindor. I've killed a basilisk with it." The professor's head popped back up at that and he stared at the weapon with wide eyes. After a moment though, he returned to his book.

"Doesn't mean it'll help you. Focus on your magic; it should be all you need." Harry let out an angry grunt and clenched the sword tighter.

"I need your help. I've got the fight of my life coming up and I need all the weapons I can get."

"So you've got to take on Voldemort…again. You've done fine so far. Why do you need a sword for that? It's strictly a magical duel."

"Because he's not all I have to deal with. He'll have werewolves, giants, inferi…"

"Let the rest of us deal with them. Take out Voldemort and you'll have done your share."

"Damnit!" Harry slammed the sword down. "You can do this! Why won't you?"

"Why are you so hell bent on trying to learn the sword?"

"Why are you so hell bent on stopping me?"

"Why?" The professor popped to his feet in a flash and rounded the desk, true anger making a rare appearance. Harry stepped back, still clutching the sword. "You want to know why? Because it takes years to understand even the basics of how to use a sword correctly. It took you seven years and incredible amounts of forced growth to become the duelist you are today. It would take that again to learn the sword. You don't have that kind of time! It took me two years to be able to block the simplest strike! By the time you could block this-" His hand drew the sword from his back and swung it in a wide arc toward Harry's neck. With out thinking he twisted his hand so the blade pointed down and effortlessly blocked the attack.

They both froze, eyes popping. The professor stared at the swords where they touched and at Harry. Harry was afraid to move, wondering what had just happened. He could still feel the lightest pressure against his wrist coming through the blades. The professor drew back his weapon slowly. Without warning he stuck again from the other side. Again Harry blocked effortlessly. Two, three more strikes and the result was the same. With a slight sound of awe, Keystone spoke slowly.

"How did you kill the basilisk?"

"It was blinded and lunging at me. I stabbed it through the roof of its mouth." He demonstrated with the sword, stabbing an imaginary Basilisk.

"Did you try to slash it?"

"No." The professor drew back and sheathed his sword. "Why?"

"Almost everyone, when they first pick up a sword, tries to slash with it. Stabbing just seems counter intuitive, especially with such a curved blade. Now…you could have gotten lucky and magically done the perfect thing to survive… Or you could have had some help." His eyes had settled on the sword, and specifically the inscription. Harry followed his gaze down to the etching.

"You mean…from the sword?" Keystone nodded slowly, contemplating the possibility.

"Seems possible. Gryffindor was an excellent swordsman. Some of that could have been passed into the sword when he crafted it. Perhaps training wouldn't be such a bad idea. But do you have the time?" Harry answered after only a second.

"I'll make time."

"Think carefully about this Potter. You still have a full class load, your study group and the war to deal with. This isn't something to be taken up lightly." Harry took several moments to work out what his study group was. After he did he took several more to consider his constraints. His time was already very limited and with the attack by Voldemort possible at any moment, he might never gain enough knowledge to make it worthwhile. "Perhaps we should take it one lesson at a time?"

"Yes…"

"How about…Tuesday afternoon? I finish with the fifth years at two. Say…two-thirty?"

"I'll be here."

"Perhaps you should leave the sword here. I doubt the Headmistress would care to have you waving it up and down the halls." Harry chuckled a little at that thought. A moment later he set the sword carefully down on the desk.

"Thank you professor."

"Tuesday then."

"Tuesday." Harry turned and headed slowly out of the classroom. Taking random turns and stairs he began to wander idly through the castle, taking advantage of the last day before classes resumed. Heading up several floors he came to the Room of Requirements. Walking past it he turned and found the door. Passing through he found a room empty save a very comfortable, over stuffed couch. Falling thankfully into it he laid back and enjoyed a few minutes of peace and quiet.

(A/N): If you feel it is warranted feel free to review. I welcome any and all opinions.