Review Responses:
CrystalBlue: I hope this chapter clears things up a bit for you.
Shoia: I might end up making them animagi, though the question is how, if it takes years to do it that would work, but having it take a short time might be more useful; however, the question remains is how. I'll think about including the DoM team in this story, though they probably wouldn't be together all the time. If you keep a group of stressed teenagers together too long, things could get ugly; actually, that might not be so horrible. -grin-
Chapter 4: The Order of the Phoenix
Harry spent the next several days corresponding to his friends while reading some of the books Remus already had on the dark arts, and practicing a few of the spells. He received congratulations from Hermione on his increased amount of studying, and friendly letters from Ron, Ginny and, to his slight surprise, Neville and Luna. Luna's message had been delivered by a rather fluffy and odd-looking grey owl, whose eyes were as round and as dreamy as his owners. Once Harry had removed the letter, the owl lazily took off out the window, flying in circles before deciding on a direction. The message itself had been just as odd, though the tone was unmistakably Luna's. She asked him about his summer so far, told him about hers, and how her and her father had tried tracking down one of the Fur Ghouls that was haunting the nearby muggle grocery store.
The letter caused Harry to laugh, and he read it a couple more times before placing it in a box with the rest of his letters. Neville's also asked Harry how he was doing, if the DA was going to be started up, and how he felt about a new Headmistress. Feeling a pang in his chest, Harry quickly skipped that part when writing his response and sending it off with the tawny owl that had delivered Neville's letter. The letters from Ginny and Ron were both delivered by Errol, whom Harry allowed to stay for the night in order to recover. He shook his head, thinking that the elderly and impaired owl ought to be given a retirement.
It was as Harry was waiting beside his window with a book in his lap that he wasn't reading, that he realized he was delaying. He didn't want to see Dumbledore, it would only bring back painful memories of all the times he'd spoken with the Headmaster, how Harry hadn't been able to help him, about how many people had died for him, Harry. But he knew he had to, who else knew enough about horcruxes to help him begin his search?
With a resigned sigh, Harry shut his window and set down the book. Getting to his feet, he walked over to the door and opened it, to be met by Remus, whose hand was raised to knock. "Aren't I supposed to be the one with good hearing?" he asked with a grin.
Harry smiled, "I dunno, age might be getting to you." Remus scowled for a moment before they both started to laugh. They'd gotten more relaxed around each other now, much like Harry had been relaxed with Sirius, and often teased each other for no real reason at all. "But actually," he began, while Remus began the same.
"You go first," Remus said with a smile.
Harry replied, "No, you go."
"Alright. There's an Order meeting today, and I was planning to go; Hermione and Ron might be there, so I thought youwould like to come."
Harry swallowed a lump in his throat; go to the place that reminded him of both Sirius' and Dumbledore's deaths? He heard himself answer, "Sure, when do we go?"
Remus looked at his watch and said, "Well...the meeting is in about five minutes, so now would be a good time." Harry chuckled, and followed Remus downstairs. The older wizard went downstairs to the fireplace and took a pinch of Floo powder from the dish that held it. Tossing it into the fire he said, "Hogwarts."
Harry blinked in surprise as Remus stepped into the green flames and disappeared. Hogwarts? When had Headquarters been moved there? Grimmauld Place wasn't used last year, Harry reminded himself, so now it's at the safest place... His throat dried as he thought that; it had only been truly safe because of Dumbledore... Shaking his head, Harry took some powder and tossed it in, repeating the location before stepping in.
Harry was jerked out into the familiar, circular office of the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Headmistress, he thought to himself, remembering McGonagall. "Harry!"
Hearing his name called, Harry turned his head and saw Hermione smiling at him. "Hey Hermione," he said in reply, returning the smile.
"Hey mate," Ron greeted, stepping through the door.
"Hiya Ron," he said, feeling his heart lighten at seeing his friends still safe. There were others in the office as well, all members of the Order. There was Kingsley, Mad-Eye, the Weasleys (all save Percy), Dedalus Diggle, several professors from Hogwarts, and also several new members that Harry didn't recognize. As Harry sat down next to Remus, he saw the portrait of Albus Dumbledore hanging among the others, a dish of lemon drops sat next to him on top a small end table. His blues eyes twinkled merrily as he spotted the young wizard looking at him, and he gave Harry a smile.
Harry just stared back, feeling the loss of Dumbledore lighten. Part of him was still here to help Harry after all...
"Thank you all for coming," McGonagall's voice broke through Harry's thoughts, and he focused his attention on the new Headmistress. "Before we begin the meeting, I would like to introduce a few of our new members. From left to right: Hilda Fylt, Jason Graz, Ophelia Lightstone, and Derikanlaf-" she stumbled slightly on the last name.
The wizard to whom it belonged, a copper-skinned fellow who had to be at least half a foot over six feet with blue eyes and black hair smiled. "Derikanlafaej'orine Draculiona'han." He said kindly, "Derik for short." There were a few chuckles from the other members. Harry smiled slightly and looked at the other new arrivals. Hilda Fylt was blonde, with a slim, flexible frame. Despite the fact that she was only two feet taller than Flitwick, she had a firm gaze that told anyone who looked not to take her lightly. Jason Graz wasn't as tall as Derik, but seemed taller, due to his muscular build. His skin was dark, like Kingsley's, and his chocolate brown eyes were cheerful; his hair was a fine black fuzz over his skull, and he was dressed in muggle clothes. Ophelia Lightstone was the palest of the lot, and the oldest. However, even though her long curly hair was now white, and her skin was wrinkled, Harry could tell that this was not one of the kindly-grandmother types.
"Thank you," McGonagall said to Derik for the clarification of his name. "Now, because the situation regarding Voldemort-" a few people flinched still, "has declined towards his favor, we need to form new strategies; ours are not working. To put it lightly, the death toll of muggle citizens is becoming too many." The members nodded in agreement, but Harry did not; he didn't need to show his approval of a fact, he needed to do something about the fact.
There were a few suggestions offered, the new members having the more creative ideas, and the older pointing out the pitfalls that could occur as well as the helpful reactions. Harry did not say anything, more focused on thinking about how he could both help the Order in their attempts to keep things in—if you'll excuse the pun—order, as well as search and destroy the horcruxes.
Dumbledore's portrait also listened to the meeting, offering odd remarks for every idea he added. After about an hour of talking, the Order Board called the meeting to a close, and Harry had to keep himself from shaking his head; all they'd done was talk, reject ideas, and decide to increase the patrols in Diagon Alley. They need to find the problem at its source, he thought to himself, they need to flush out the contacts the Death Eaters use, check out the darker areas, like Knockturn Alley, not just try to guard everything. He blinked; maybe I could do it while I search? But will I have time?
A familiar, comforting voice broke through Harry's thoughts as he stood to follow Remus. "Harry? May I have a word?"
He looked up, and saw Dumbledore smiling at him. He swallowed, I did want to talk to him... he thought, and answered, "Yeah."
"I'll wait outside," Remus said, clapping Harry on the shoulder before leaving through the door. Even McGonagall left, smiling slightly at the former Headmaster and Harry. The young wizard positioned himself in easy view of Dumbledore's portrait, sitting on the edge of an armchair.
"How have you been Harry?" Dumbledore asked gently.
He licked his lips. "Alright, Sir."
"I am glad to hear it," the portrait said, "However, you seem to have a great discomfort on your shoulders. What do you think of the Order?"
"It's... it's doing the best it can, I s'pose." Harry answered.
"But you do not believe it will be enough?"
He shook his head, glancing at his shoes. "No..."
"I thought much the same thing."
Harry looked up in surprise. "Sir?"
Dumbledore sighed. "Things will be much more difficult for the Order, Harry. But you must not loose faith, nor hope, and you must avoid anger and hate at all costs." Harry's brow creased in irritation; not hate Snape for what he did? Dumbledore smiled sadly, "I see you know what I mean."
"I can't not hate him, Sir." Harry growled furiously. "He doesn't deserve to live."
"Such thoughts do not become your spirit Harry," Dumbledore said sadly, "But I have a quest for you."
"What is it?"
"I want you to learn all you can, about horcruxes, curses, defense, Occlumency, and love. You will need all those things to survive and overcome Tom."
"But, Sir, I don't know where to learn about horcruxes or Occlumency!" Harry protested.
"I know Harry, that is why I am going to tell you about the library where I studied after I graduated from Hogwarts." His eyes were solemn. "It is located at a magical university in Bulgaria, and is not the most...respected of education centers, due to its reputation of knowing more of the dark arts than is allowed in most countries. The name of the university is 'Zotzion,' you will be able to find information on horcruxes there."
"But what about Occlumency Sir?" asked Harry, "Only you and... and him could have taught me." There was no hiding the bitterness in his voice at the mention of the traitor.
Dumbledore's eyes saddened, but he answered. "I am afraid that is something you must learn on your own, and until then I cannot fully explain things to you."
"Explain things?" Harry repeated, jerking his gaze from the floor to the portrait. "What things?"
"Alas, you must learn to keep your mind your own before I can tell you."
Harry opened his mouth to reply when the door burst open. He turned to see Tonks, her face flushed as her eyes sought out Dumbledore's portrait. "We found her!" she gasped, panting for breath.
Harry blinked, found who? But Dumbledore seemed to understand, he smiled. "The irony of it all," he said to himself, "I assume you will go to her soon?"
Tonks nodded. "Immediately, we've already gathered a team to go."
"Who?" Harry asked, "Where?"
Tonks blinked, realizing he was there. "Cabo San Lucas, Mexico."