Chapter 32

War Plans

Griphook eyed his son shrewdly, taking in his stiff back and recognizing it as a sign of something he didn't want to talk about. The goblin sipped his coffee slowly, savoring the strong caffeine for a moment before speaking.

"So, my son, what is troubling you?" He noted with pride the self-control Harry showed in not showing his surprise when he spoke.

Harry looked down in his untouched cup of tea and smiled. "You know me too well, father" he shrugged. "The final battle is Monday, and I'm struggling with what I have to do."

Griphook moved his chair closer to Harry's. They were sitting in his office in Gringrotts sharing a quiet lunch. "And what do you have to do, my son?" he asked softly.

"Kill, father. I hate Riddle – I hate everything he's done to me, my friends, my family, my world. But can I murder him? Won't that make me the same?" Harry was shredding a scrap of parchment into confetti while he confessed what had been eating away at him for so long. "If I kill once, will it not make it easier a second time? And a third? Will I become the next dark lord?"

The goblin studied his adopted son with pride. Goblins are born warriors – this sort of dilemma rarely came up in their culture. But Griphook had worked with wizards for many decades, and understood their sensitivities. He put a firm hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Son – what is the difference between a soldier and a murderer?" Griphook looked him calmly in the eye with no judgment or disappointment.

"Errr" Harry stammered, running his fingers through his hair. "I, I'm not sure."

"So every soldier or auror or muggle policeman should be put on trail for murder? Every person who defends to the death their family or property from a violent robber should be jailed for life?" Griphook smiled at the light dawning in Harry's eyes.

"No – they do what they have to, to defend the people they love or work for. A murderer is killing for personal profit." The young man visibly relaxed.

"Quite so" the goblin sipped his coffee. "Riddle kills for pleasure, for power, for personal gain. He has no remorse, no pity. Aurors and warriors spend much time in counseling to move past the guilt and agony they feel when they must take a life. The light side kills only when necessary – not for sport. Goblinkind are warriors, but we are not barbarians. You will not be put on trail for putting down a rabid dog like Riddle. The world will rejoice and be a safer place. The Powers-That-Be will not think less of you, my hero son, and the counselors will be ready if you need them."

"It's so hard, father" Harry spoke barely above a whisper. He set the tea down, giving up any pretense of eating or drinking. "I just can't see myself killing anyone. I have fantasized about torturing him and Bella. But I just can not see myself willingly cast the AK at them or knowingly thrust a blade through them."

"That is good, Furybolt" Griphook patted his son's hand. "Righteous anger will serve you. Fear of becoming dark will drive you away from that journey. My advise – kill Riddle for you, for me, for everyone and everything you hold dear. Then do not even consider joining the Aurors. Hopefully you will never need to kill again."

Harry smiled. "How did I get so lucky to get such a wise father?"

"How did I get so lucky to find such a good son?" Griphook returned the smile with sharp-toothed pride.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Harry was standing in front of his fireplace in Godric's Suitcase, his arms crossed, back stiff and legs planted firmly. The Chosen One was the very embodiment of determination. The paintings of Godric's Hollow and Potter Manor hung centered above the mantle, Godric's Hollow on top. His Mum and Dad's portraits were grouped to the left of the two houses, Sirius and Joan to the right.

Currently his parents, godfather and aunt were clustered together in Lily's frame, and all of them were wearing expressions of frustration, anger, and fear as they gawked at Harry. Only Aunt Joan was looking calm and thoughtful.

"You mean to tell me" Sirius was sputtering "you don't know exactly how to kill Riddle, but you have just invited him over for a nice little war? This isn't a Quidditch match, Cub!"

James broke in, even more heated than Padfoot. "At least train some more, son! Train until you have a sure-fire way to destroy him! This is insanity!"

Tears were dripping down his mother's face. "Please, please Harry. Reconsider. Just having 'a good feeling' is not the way to confront him!"

His posture unrelenting, Harry took a deep breath. "I've trained all I can, guys. I understand what you are saying, but now is the time. I can't explain it – I just know we are ready. I'm not jumping into this like a hot-headed Gryffindor. I've thought it out, and I know I can do it. I just don't know how yet, but I will."

Aunt Joan finally spoke up from the rear of the quartet. She put a gentle hand on Sirius' shoulder and cleared her throat. "I for one agree with you, Harry." She looked Lily and James in the eyes as she continued. "I know it sounds crazy, but you three know Harry too closely and love him too dearly. As an outsider who has recently come into his inner group of friends, I think I can be more objective. The Founders have given the four of them their very own training, weapons, and blessing. He has rallied the centaurs and goblins for the first time in countless years. He has linked up with gnomes, fairies, giants, and elves. I have never met a more powerful wizard. I have never seen the signs like they are now." She turned her pretty face toward Harry again. "I agree the time is right."

"Do you have a bad feeling about this, honestly, Mum?" Harry searched his mother's face with a penetrating gaze. His mother did have some seer abilities, and any glimpse of the future, no matter how vague, could be priceless.

Lily started to open her mouth, eyes blazing, but snapped it shut. With a defeated sigh, she visibly deflated. "No, Harry, I don't. It is too easy as a mother to say 'it doesn't feel right' to try and keep you safe. But you will never be safe as long as that monster is alive, will you? If I'm perfectly honest with myself, I have to agree with you. It just doesn't make it easy."

"I'm sorry to put you through this" Harry answered softly. "But I know I can do it."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Madame Bones, the Minister of Magic, eyed the polite house-self standing at attention across from her desk.

"So Harry Potter is fine, and not in any danger or trouble?" she asked skeptically.

Winky nodded politely. "Yes, Madame Minister. He is just in hiding from Headmaster Dumbledore and Tom Riddle. He has become a powerful wizard." She said this last bit swelling with pride.

The fact Dumbledore had been listed as a threat before Voldemort did not escape the Minister's notice. "Why would Harry need to hide from his headmaster?" she asked with a touch of bewilderment.

"It is not Winky's place to discuss her master's business" the elf answered politely and professionally. "He needs to meet with you as soon as possible to discuss important matters in this war."

Amelia Bones re-read the short letter the elf had delivered. It was courteous and to the point. Lord Harry Furybolt James Potter-Black needed to speak with her concerning Tom Riddle. She cleared her throat before speaking to the elf. "Could he be here at 10:30? I know that's not much notice, but I imagine he's prepared."

Winky nodded. "Do you wish him to come through security, or may he pop directly in here?"

"Oh, my office is warded pretty heavily" the witch chuckled. "I'd like to see him manage that."

"Harry Potter will be right with you, ma'm" Winky concluded and popped away.

Amelia Bones had no sooner set Harry's letter down on her desk when she heard the faintest of 'pops' and looked up to see The-Boy-Who-Lived standing in front of her desk, a scarlet phoenix perched on his shoulder. He smiled politely at her and offered a handshake. She took his hand, forcing herself not to gape like a fish.

"Madame Bones," Harry spoke seriously, "Thank you for speaking with me." She gestured Harry to a seat.

"Tea?" she asked.

"Sure" Harry replied, and wandlessly conjured tea and biscuits for the two of them. Noting her surprise, he shrugged and said "it saves time." He took a breath and looked the Minister over. "Madame Bones, may I share thoughts with you? I normally wouldn't ask such a personal thing, and I promise not to go deep or personal, but for the safety of the magical world I need to see where you stand and you need to see where I am coming from."

She sat back in her chair, sipping her tea and contemplating the young wizard before her. Dumbledore was less than flattering about Harry – calling him weak, rebellious and a wild card. The man sitting in front of her was polite, respectful, and with out question, powerful. Could she allow someone that powerful inside her mind? She knew Dumbledore had rummaged around her head, or so he had thought. The headmaster's occlumency was rather obvious and she easily blocked him from where he shouldn't be. How much stronger could a lad of seventeen be? And would it truly be a reciprocal experience?

"OK, Harry. I'm a bit nervous, but if I'm not happy, I think I have the skills to back out. And I do have aurors outside my door, you are aware."

"Minister, you may back out at any time – and I can do the same." Harry leaned forward and took her hands, looking into her eyes.

Harry was pleased to see an organized and loyal mind in the Minister. She loved the light, despised Riddle and the dark, and ached for the pain brought to the magical world. There was deep questioning of Dumbledore, treatment of the magical sentient creatures, and the ministry's handling of underage wizards. She was firm, strict, and fair.

Amelia Bones was astounded by the experience. She had full control, and was pleased to see Harry merely wanted to confirm her loyalties. At no time was she violated or even uncomfortable. She was able to meet the famous Harry Potter like never before – glimpses of an abused child, and a terribly mistreated student. He gave her enough reasons to demand Dumbledore's resignation on the spot, once she confirmed the headmaster had ignored the Potter will, oblivated those scores of people, stolen from Harry, and subjected the students to all that danger.

Harry shared with her the year with the centaurs, Goblins, house-elves, and the Founders (in short flashes because of time). She could feel the magic tingling in his very being – barely contained at times, glorious and powerful. She felt positive Riddle did not stand a chance.

He let go of her hands and the connection was gently broken. "Harry, if you ever chose to go into politics, you know you would have my job" she said with a slight touch of worry. It did take a strong ego and type A personality to go into politics, and she felt a tad insecure with his power revealed.

"Minister" Harry said in his typical soft and humble manner, "I'm not a politician. I hate my popularity and fame. I believe our leader needs to be someone with maturity and experience. Although I've received virtually years of training in the past single year, I lack experience, and maturity doesn't happen over night. As I showed you, the Founders have tasked my friends and me to take the leadership of Hogwarts, and return it to a serious institution of learning once again. Dumbledore has let the school slide into meritocracy and worse over the past decades. But first Riddle has got to be dealt with."

"What do you need from the Ministry, Harry?" Madame Bones threw her full confidence in back of the young man.

"A week from today I plan to duel Riddle. I'm going to send him the challenge when you feel is the best time. I'm not sure if we want to notify him right before, with no notice, or today so the ministry can gather as many willing fighters as possible." Harry spoke so casually, Amelia wasn't sure she heard him correctly.

She gave him a hard look. "All right, Harry. First of all, what makes you think he will come when you challenge him?"

The Chosen One smiled sadly. "I've been keeping tabs on him all year through the link forged by my scar" he pointed to his forehead with a casual gesture. "He can't sense me any more – he thinks I'm overseas actually. But I can spy on him any time I wish – I'm the source of information that has led the aurors to all the attacks this past year. And no, he doesn't control me, despite what Dumbledore says. I can easily work him into a rage to where he has to come."

Amelia shook her head. "You have been truly abused, Lord Potter, by both your family and Professor Dumbledore. I know Riddle isn't in your mind – your mind and your whole aura is clean. Would you like me to have Dumbledore arrested? "

Oh how temping! "No, not right now" Harry laughed. "I do fantasize way too much about Albus in jail, but seriously, he is a hero. I refuse to turn my back on the great good he has done the wizards over the decades. I want him to back down and leave me to do my job against Riddle, and then to retire without a fight afterwards. If he does that, he can remain a hero in the public's eye and preserve his reputation. I just want to be left alone."

Amelia raised an eyebrow. "That's very mature, Lord Potter. More than he deserves. But you are correct – the greater part of the wizards would never believe half of what he's done." She changed directions with the conversation. "Now, about the battle. Where and why so soon?"

Harry gazed out her window with a far away expression. "We feel Hogwarts would be best – it's heavily warded against the outside world, and we don't want the muggles drawn in. We chose next week because we just finished our training with the Founders, and formed alliances with the centaurs, Goblins, Merpeople and more. We want to have this done before the school year starts and children are around."

The Minister had her chin resting on her fists, contemplating what Harry said. "Let me call in Kingsley and see how many aurors we have on hand."

Kingsley Shacklebolt, head of the aurors, strode into the room and gave a start when he saw Harry. "You know Dumbledore is beside himself looking for you?" he said curtly.

"Yes sir, I'm well aware of it" Harry replied with a glint of amusement.

The auror noticed the calmness and power that radiated off the youth. "Well, I'm not telling him anything" he concluded.

Madame Bones and Harry filled the leader of the aurors in with what Harry was proposing. Although caught off guard, he was immediately taken with the plan. "How many fighters do we need? What is the size of Riddle's forces?" he asked with penetrating seriousness.

"He's down to about 3 dozen" Harry replied, "and only a few are seasoned. Most are new green recruits. We just got Wormtail the other day – I can hand him over if you wish. I really don't think the Death Munchers are going to be a problem. Actually – they are in serious trouble – when I destroy Riddle, they die because of the dark mark. It's a bond that is tied to life forces. So if you know any Death Eaters that want out, I must know before the battle so I can remove the mark."

"You can do that?" Kingsley asked, his eyebrows arched in surprise. "What about Snape?"

"Taken care of" Harry said. "Ask him to see next time you see him, but the headmaster doesn't know."

"What are Riddle's forces made of?" Amelia broke in.

"Rumor are flying that he's recruited demons, but that's not true. They wanted his soul in payment, and he's not willing to put it on the line, so they are now ignoring him." Harry started ticking off on his fingers "He has gotten some dark creatures from other dimensions to side with him, but the gnomes and fairies assure me they are small things no more threatening than a kappa or hinky punks. Sadly, he does have the giants, except for Hagrid and his step-brother Garwp, werewolves except for Remus Lupin, and vampires. He's got the boggarts, but the gnomes are going to handle those for us. The biggest problem is the dementors – he controls about 200 of them."

"Gnomes?" the minister asked. "How can garden gnomes be of any help?"

Harry simply smiled and said "It's a long story – they will have to share it with you themselves if they wish."

"You make it sound like it's not going to be much of a battle" Kingsley said darkly, with disbelief.

Harry shook his head. "Don't get me wrong – Riddle is very powerful. Perhaps more powerful than I. But destiny has foretold I can do this, and I know many forms of magic he's overlooked in his arrogance. Dark magic can only do so much." Harry sat back comfortably in his chair. "Tom is also quite insane at this point. Eavesdropping in his brain is not pleasant. He is paranoid and doesn't trust anyone. He thinks his bullying and threats keep his Death Munchers loyal – it doesn't. They stay because they fear him, not because they believe in him. Ever since the aurors started 'canning' the Eaters, his numbers of wizards and witches has dwindled. We need an army of light to keep the battle away from Riddle and I, and act as a clean up crew on the rest of the dark creatures when Riddle is dead."

"When Riddle is dead… what if you fail?" Shacklebolt asked grimly. Amelia stared at Harry intently.

Harry gave a heartfelt sigh. "Then it will be up to the light army to band together and attack him at once. He will not be able to kill me easily or quickly – I promise he will be considerably weakened if I fail."

"I say contact him now" Kingsley stated, "because once we try to recruit wizards or tell the aurors, word will leak to him anyway. I think we should put posters up, contact the Prophet – let the whole world know and get as many to fight on our side as possible." Bones nodded in approval.

"I'll tell him now" Harry said simply. He closed his eyes and followed the blood-red thread to Riddle's diseased mind. "Tom, Tommy boy? I know you can hear me clearly" Harry taunted. He was pleased to see Riddle throwing his face back and forth, looking for the source of Harry's voice. "Really, Tom – after years of torturing me like this, you think you would recognize a voice in your mind. Do you recognize this?" Harry hit him with a crucio from within. He backed out for a minute or two while the dark wizard screamed and thrashed in agony – the same agony he had put Harry through countless times. Harry went back in and cancelled the dark spell of pain.

"Now listen, meat head, and listen carefully" Harry continued to taunt the dark wizard. "Next Monday morning, 10:30, meet me on Hogwart's ground near the Quiddich field. We are going to end this once and for all. The wards will be lifted long enough for you to enter." Before Riddle had a chance to reply or even stammer an acknowledgement, Harry blasted him with jolt of magical fury so intense, Voldemort had a sharp slash of power slice clear through his skull from the inside out, leaving him with a dripping, bleeding scar on his forehead to match Harry's own. Riddle knew he was in serious trouble.

Kingsley and Amelia watched the calm expression on Harry's face, the only hint that something was going on was a sudden golden glow that turned hot-white, and faded away, enveloping his person. He opened his eyes and grinned. "He knows. I even left him with a present."

They didn't ask.

It's almost party time for Harry and friends!