With a sudden crack, Harry, Ginny, and Remus appeared on the dirt path the lead up to The Burrow. Harry quickly grasped Ginny's hand and led her to the house while Remus disappeared once more to go and gather anyone that he could find. As Harry and Ginny entered the house, they suddenly found themselves in the motherly embrace of Mrs. Weasley.
"Welcome home you two. I was so worried that something may have happened while you two were away." Molly looked down to see that Harry's face had gone slightly pale. "Harry, what is it? Had something happened?"
"Not right now Mrs. Weasley. We need to get everyone into the kitchen before I can say anything. Remus has gone to gather some people and then I will tell everyone what is going on." Harry met Mrs. Weasley's eyes to see that they had gradually grown wider as he spoke. As Harry was talking, he didn't notice that Ron and Hermione were standing in the doorway hearing the whole exchange.
"Harry, what is it?" Harry looked over to see that Hermione had a worried expression on her face. However, before he could answer, a series of pops were heard from the kitchen and Harry knew that people had started to arise.
"Lets go to the kitchen and I will explain everything there." Harry, while still holding Ginny's hand, walked into the kitchen with the others in tow. As Harry entered, He saw that Remus was able to get Tonks, Moody, Minerva, Arthur, and Kingsley Shacklebolt. Before Harry could even get to the table, questions had started flying from all over the place.
"Potter, what's going on?"
"Mr. Potter, what is the meaning of this?"
"Is everything alright Harry?"
"Wotcher Harr-"
"Ok enough!" Harry scanned the assembled crowd to see that all of them had a shocked expression on their face. Harry also saw that Minerva's lips had started to form a thin line which knew could only mean trouble. "I'm sorry for the outburst, but I promise that all your questions will be answered shortly." Harry paused to take a breath and pulled the envelope from his pocket. "While Ginny, Remus and I were visiting my home, I received this letter from a supposed unknown source."
"What do you mean 'supposed' Potter?" Harry looked over to see that Moody was giving him a suspicious glare. Leave it to Moody to be the paranoid.
"What I mean is that the letter wasn't signed. All it contained was a message for me as well as a request. Now, before you start asking more questions, let me read to you what the letter says.
Phoenix,
I have reason to believe that a strong storm is headed for Surrey. I cannot give details, as the weather cannot be totally predictable. All I can say is that it will be bad and cause severe damage to those in the area. Please take necessary precautions to ensure that those there are out of harms path or the skies will only get darker. I myself am currently searching for a means to get out of this storm. Please meet me at the haunted house as soon as possible to discuss a proper course of action. I will be there continuously until you arrive.
Although this letter wasn't signed, I have reason to believe that I know who it was from." Harry looked over the crowd to see that everyone wore a puzzled expression. "Hermione, look at this envelope and tell me what you see." Harry handed Hermione the envelope and she quickly looked it over until her eyes came to rest on the picture.
"All I see is a dragon. How can you tell who it was from based on a, oh." Hermione looked back to Harry to see that he had given her a confirming nod.
"What, whose it from?" This time it was Remus' turn to speak up.
"Draco." Harry heard a collective gasp from everyone in the room before they all started to speak at once.
"I'm not finished. It is my intention to meet him and find out all he knows." Before Harry could continue, Minerva interrupted him.
"Mr. Potter, have you lost your mind? What makes you think that what he says is true? How do you know that this isn't some trap that his father has put together to get to you?" Harry could tell that his head of house was not too happy with his decision.
"Professor, I do not and will not trust Draco Malfoy. However, with the manner in which he wrote this without signature, I can only assume that it was done in secrecy without anyone else knowing. Now, as I said earlier, I plan to meet him as soon as we are through here. However, as I'm sure you have guessed, I will not be going alone. Moody will go with me to ensure that he is in fact alone before I approach the Shrieking Shack. Remus and Tonks will also be there with me in case there is trouble. Anyone else who wishes to go can do so but must stay back and provide security around the location." Harry paused to see that everyone had a look of surprise and shock on their faces.
"Mr. Potter, you must be out of your mind if you think that we will let you do this. Not only are you still in school, but this is just too dangerous a job for you, not to mention the extreme and unnecessary dangers that you could be putting yourself into." As Minerva spoke, Harry looked around to see the grim faces of those around the table. Harry also noticed that Mrs. Weasley had a look of worry on her face as she was slowly shaking her head. Harry figured that it was now or never for him to put his foot down.
"Professor, I can understand your worry, but there is something that you need to understand as well. For my entire sixth year, I worked in secret with Professor Dumbledore in trying to figure out Voldemort's secret. It was he and I who went out on the final mission for a horcrux before he was killed. Now I have no intention on stopping what he and I had started last year. When it is all said and done, this fight is ultimately between Voldemort and myself. I plan to do everything in my power to ensure his death while minimizing the deaths of others. Now, this is a warning to me that the Dursleys will be killed if I do not do something." As Harry spoke, Minerva noticed that faint crackles of electricity played through Harry's eyes. Upon seeing this, Minerva took a small step back away from the boy. "The bottom line is, I will do this with or without the help of others. Regardless of that fact, I am going to meet him and get as much information as possible. I am tired of sitting back and not doing anything as those around me are murdered. Voldemort has finally drawn his last straw and I am going to end it. I am now assuming command of The Order of the Phoenix. If there are any who object, speak now or forever remain silent. If there are those who will not follow me, then leave now and let it be known." Harry once again fell silent and cast his now electrically charge blue eyes across those assembled before him. Harry noticed that all had taken a few steps away from the table with a look of fear in their eyes as things had started to levitate and explode seemingly on their own. Harry was further surprised to feel that Ginny was still holding his hand and standing beside him.
"Harry, calm down. Please." Harry looked to Ginny who had whispered in his ear to see that she had a slightly fearful look in her eyes. Slowly, Harry's eyes changed back to their normal emerald green shade as he turned once more to the crowd.
"We're with you Harry. We've stood beside you this long, no way we're going to back down now." Harry watched as both Ron and Hermione walked back to the table. Harry sent them both a nod of gratitude and he continued to watch the group.
"You know that I'll be beside you. There's no way that I will ever leave your side." Harry felt Ginny squeeze his hand in confirmation. Harry was starting to feel doubtful as none of the adults present had yet to say anything. Harry looked over to Remus and watched as his face turned from one of fear to that of respect.
"You know Harry, your parents would be proud, and perhaps a little scared, if they were here with us today. I stood beside your father through the first war and I will be proud to stand beside you in this one. Count me in." Harry couldn't help but smile as a small tear had fallen from his eye.
"Lets finish this bastard once and for all. Potter, I'm with you." Harry turned to see that Moody had once again stepped up to the table.
"The Aurors under my command will be behind you all the way. I'm in." Harry sent Kingsley a small nod as he and Tonks both stepped back to the table.
Harry scanned around the table to take in all of the faces that were looking back at him. As Harry was looking at each one, a distinct sound was heard from his right. Mrs. Weasley was openly crying by now as her husband had placed a comforting arm around her shoulder. Just as Harry started to open his mouth to say something, Mrs. Weasley broke from Arthur's embrace and ran upstairs to her bedroom.
"I'm sorry, Harry. This is all too much for Molly to take in at the moment. You've got to understand that although she doesn't like what you are doing, she agrees that this is the way that it must be. She is just worried for everyone and it is starting to take its toll. Know that both she and I will be behind you one hundred percent. For now, I need to go check on my wife. Please excuse me." With that being said, Mr. Weasley left the group to follow where his wife had gone upstairs. Harry's gaze followed Arthur up the stairs until he was no longer visible. The clearing of a throat was heard and Harry turned to see Minerva glaring back at him. Abruptly, Minerva's eye's turned from penetrating to a more understanding gaze.
"Know this Mr. Potter. While I share Molly's assessment that this is not the best idea, I also know that this is the way things must be. I will use all of my resources to help you out in any way that I can. But please understand that things will be complicated when you and your friends return to school."
"While I know that things will be difficult, they will be no more so than they were last year. Professor Dumbledore left me with a mission of utmost importance that I will see through to the end. The details of which I will disclose once this business with Draco is finalized. Please, just give me some time I will tell everyone what is going on for those who do not know already." Harry paused to ensure that everyone was listening to what he had said. "Now, I need to get to the Whomping Willow and into the Shrieking Shack before I run out of time. I ask now that Moody, Ron, Hermione, and Kingsley go on ahead of me to ensure that Draco is in fact alone. I will wait here for the all clear before I proceed. Once word is brought back to me, Remus, Tonks, and I will apparate just outside Hogwarts grounds and go through the secret passage into the Shrieking Shack. From there, we will interrogate Draco to determine a proper course of action and meet back here when everything is done. Are there any questions?" Harry waiting patiently to see that everyone had shaken their heads to say that they know what is going on. "Very well then, you all know what to do. I'll be here." With that, Moody and Kingsley each took a teen in their arms and apparated away. All Harry could do now was wait for the all clear.
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Arthur sat in his bedroom cradling his wife while she cried into his shoulder. Arthur was at a loss of words to say that would make her feel better. He was just as scared as she was and knew the dangers that his children, both by blood and love, were putting themselves into. But Arthur also knew that they have and would continue to follow Harry in this war as long as it raged.
"I wish I knew what to say to ease your fears and pain love. I know that you are scared for them, but you also knew that it was only a matter of time before something like this would happen." Arthur just held his wife as she cried even harder.
"Oh Arthur, every time I think about it, all I can think of is Lily and James and how they were killed in the first war. I can't help but think that the same thing is going to happen to Harry and Ginny. It's killing me inside every time I think of what could happen to them." Molly managed to speak through broken sobs before she finally broke down to wailing into her husbands shoulder. Arthur was thankful that he had put silencing charms around the room; otherwise people would begin to wonder about his wife.
"I know. Those same fears have been playing through my mind. But just like Bill and Fluer, Harry and Ginny's love for each other will carry them through this war. One way or another, everything will work out for the best. All we can do is hope and pray that they will make the right choices along the way. I know with every fiber of my body that Harry will place himself before Ginny in any situation. Harry would rather die than let anything happen to our baby girl. With that in mind, I am put at ease with what is going on. My faith is in Harry and what he knows must be done to end this war." As Arthur was talking, a loud pop could be heard downstairs followed by a second series of pops. Arthur held his wife close as she once again started to cry in his shoulder. 'Please let them be safe. Harry, I trust you with my little girl. Please take good care of her.'
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It had been several minutes since Harry watched Moody and Kingsley disappear with his other two friends to check out the Shrieking Shack. Minerva had returned to Hogwarts to have to house elves set up a room for Draco in the case the he was indeed sincere with what he wrote, as well as to alert Madam Pomphrey that there may be a chance of possible wounded coming in. Harry now sat at the kitchen table with Ginny in his arms with Remus and Tonks on the other side of the table.
"Harry, do you think that Draco is telling the truth with what he said in his letter?" Remus looked to Harry to see that he was seriously thinking about this question.
"Remus, I can only hope for his sake that he is. I was up there on the tower when he had Dumbledore cornered and held at wand point. But I also saw something else in Draco that I didn't think was possible. I saw fear and hesitation. I watched as Draco talked a big talk, but when it came down to actually doing the deed, he couldn't bring himself to do it. There are many things that I think Draco Malfoy is, but I don't think that a murderer is one of them." Harry paused to look at Tonks before speaking again. "Tonks, do you have and veritaserum with you?"
Tonks jumped slightly at being addressed, but quickly got back under control. "That is one of the things I always carry with me, for times like this." Harry gave Tonks a brief nod before resuming his thought.
'Is Draco telling the truth or is he merely trying to get me out in the open? Why would he come to me for help, and why would he warn me if muggles were about to be killed? This isn't like him to start caring all of a sudden.'
Harry was brought out of his thoughts as a loud pop was heard and Kingsley stood before them. "All's clear at the Shack. I left Moody and the other two to keep a watch out in case people decided to show up. But he told me that the boy is indeed alone and that there is no one around under any invisibility cloaks. We're ready when you are."
"Very well. Return to the Shrieking Shack and stand guard. The rest of us will be there momentarily." Harry watched as Kingsley disappeared once more with a pop. Harry turned to face Remus and received a nod to say that he was ready. Harry and Ginny rose as one and walked to the other side of the table. Once each of the teens and a firm grip on an arm, Remus and Tonks disappeared with loud cracks.
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Harry stood just outside Hogwarts grounds trying to steady himself as the spinning sensation slowly left his body. Apparating always left Harry slightly dizzy. Once Harry felt sure of himself, he quickly led the group across the grounds to where the Whomping Willow stood. Harry looked across the ground until he found a long enough stick and used it to freeze the tree enabling his group to enter the passage safely. Once the group was inside, the four drew their wands and slowly made their way down to path until it emerged in the basement of the abandoned house. Harry and the rest of his group continued through the house until they came to a set of stairs that would take them to the levels above. As Harry climbed the stairs, he started to hear footsteps pacing back and forth in the room to his right. Harry quietly brought the group to a halt until he was sure that there was only one set of feet walking around. Once Harry was sure, he and the others quickly entered the room to find a surprised Draco staring at them.
"One wrong move Draco, and that will be your last. Nod if you understand me." Draco, with still wide eyes, slowly started to nod his head. "Very well. Now, very slowly, remove your wand and place it on the table beside you." Harry watched with unblinking eyes as Draco slowly retrieved his wand from a pocket in his cloak and placed it on the table closest to him. "What you are going to do now is go and sit in that chair against the wall. From there we are going to see just how truthful you were in that letter you wrote." Harry waited while Draco slowly crossed the room and took a seat in the indicated chair. Once Draco was seated, and without warning, Tonks conjured ropes that bound the teen to the chair to prevent escape. With a nod from Harry, Remus walked over and administered three drops of the veritaserum to the boy. After a few moments, Draco's eyes had glazed over and Harry knew that the potion had taken effect.
"What is your name?" Harry decided to test the potion to see if it had truly set in.
"Draco Malfoy."
"Why didn't you sign the letter?" Harry was fairly sure of this answer, but wanted to see if he was right.
"I did sign it, however, not by name. I knew that Granger would see the Dragon and understand it to be me. I did this to try and avoid detection. There aren't many who knew that my name comes from the word 'draconis'."
"Why could you not kill our headmaster on the tower?" Harry held his breath in anticipation of what he might here.
"Despite what people think, I am not a murderer. Cruel, yes, but I could not bring myself to kill anyone."
"What about all those years when you threatened and harassed me and my friends. Surely you would have done something if you could have."
"There is nothing more between us but house rivalry. I agree though that many of my friends would have, but I always made excuses to stop them. My family name used to be one of respect throughout the wizarding world. But now it is only one of greed and fear. It is my goal to bring respect back to the name Malfoy. My father has gone on long enough dragging our name through the mud. I wish to put an end to it."
"Is that why you warned me about the Dursleys?"
"Yes, and no. Although I wish to prevent the killing, that is not the only reason why. I have come to know that your muggle relatives somehow protect you, although I do not know how. All I know is that if they are killed, you will be vulnerable to attack. The Dark Lord fears you and is willing to do anything to weaken you. I have also warned you because I know that they are the only family that you have left. Although my biological parents are alive, to me they are dead. I know what it is like to be totally alone in the world and am willing to prevent that for you. Even though we have always been enemies, this is one thing that I would not allow to happen." Harry was taken back by what Draco said and had to take a steadying breath before he could continue. Ginny, having witnessed Harry's reaction had moved over to take his hand in silent comfort and offer him strength. After a few moments, Harry was able to resume his questioning.
"How many Death Eaters had been ordered for this strike?"
"Two, Severus Snape and myself. I was ordered to do this so that I may regain standing with the Dark Lord. As soon as I found out, I wrote the letter in hopes that you would meet with me. This is what my father calls my task in order to receive my Dark Mark."
"So you have not yet been given the Mark?" Harry was surprised at this bit of information.
"No."
"What would you had done had I decided not to meet you?"
"I would have disappeared never to be seen from of heard from again. Even now, I may still do that after this meeting." For some reason, Harry starting to feel slight pity for the person sitting in front of him. It was not like Draco to just run and hide from anything. But there again, if it is his only means to survive, he would probably do just that.
"There will be no running Draco. You will do as you have been ordered, but there will be a few differences. After this attack, your parents will not only be dead to you, but you will be dead to them. Here is what you will do." Harry proceeded into and intricate plan of how the order will meet the Death Eaters in their attack and what Draco will do. As Harry was talking, he noticed that a small tear had fallen from Draco's eye. Harry looked around to see that Remus and Tonks were continuously gazing around the room and out the door and had not witnessed this minor show of emotion.
"Draco, are you still under the effect of the potion?" Harry looked into Draco's eyes to see that they no longer had a glazed look to them.
"No. Are you satisfied with my answers?" Harry looked into Draco's eyes before responding.
"Yes. Do you remember my instructions to you?" Draco nodded once saying that he understood what he was to do. "Alright. We'll meet again in two days time." With that, Draco disapparated back to Malfoy Manor leaving the others in the Shrieking Shack.
"Harry, are you sure this will work?" Harry turned to see that Remus was talking to him.
"No, not really. But for some reason I trust Draco. That is all that I can count on right now. I need to go up to the school and talk to Professor McGonagall before we return to The Burrow." Harry watched as both Remus and Tonks gave him a nod of understanding. "Remus, you and Tonks go downstairs and let the others know that we are done here and that Ginny and I will be back shortly." Harry watched as the two adults disappeared with a pop before turning to go back downstairs.
As Harry and Ginny cleared the Whomping Willow and started up the grounds, Ginny turned to look at Harry. "Harry, are you absolutely sure that this will work? I know you said that you trust Draco, but what if something goes wrong?"
Harry squeezed Ginny's hand in a reassuring manner before responding to her question. "If things go wrong, then all hell will break loose because I will be holding nothing back. But don't worry about that. Everything will work out."
Harry and Ginny found Minerva in her office and proceeded to tell her of the plan that Harry had worked out. Although she was as uneasy with it as the others, she reluctantly agreed and proceeded to do all that she could to ensure success.
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Draco arrived in the lounge of Malfoy Manor on the morning of the planned attack. When he entered the room, Draco found his father and Severus in deep conversation, so he decided not to interrupt. As the two men finished talking, Lucius turned to face his son.
"Draco, are you ready to embrace the future?" Draco could see a small sneer playing across his father's mouth. Draco averted his eyes to Severus and received and brief nod before he answered.
"Yes father, I am."
"Very well then. I shall wait here until I hear the news." With that, Draco and Severus disappeared with two pops leaving Lucius to collect his own thoughts.
'If that boy fails again, he will not live long enough to regret it. I just fear to consequences against myself should he fail.'
Lucius waited a few moments before disappearing himself to meet with awaiting friends. Avery, Nott, and himself had been secretly assigned to follow his son under invisibility cloaks incase things went wrong.
As the three men took up their posts across the street, they were surprised to hear yells coming from the house.
"You! You will pay for this!"
Lucius looked up just in time to see Severus diving into the house as his son ran up the stairs. 'Very good. Go for the kill and get out.'
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AN: Well, four down and I am not sure how many more to go. Any who, I don't own anything that you may read, minus the plot. Thanks for the reviews and please keep them coming. It's the critiques that help me with my writing. Until next update…Later!