Dedicated: This is dedicated to my nephew's. Especially the one who got me started in HP. Thank You Christopher!
Author's Note: I do not own HP, this is just my take on what will happen in book seven. Plus I can't wait until it comes out, so I decided to try my own hand at it. If you have a problem with my comma usage; to bad.
Summary: Slightly AU after book six. Takes place right after funeral. Harry seeks answers. Will he ask for help?
This Chapter: Harry has ideas to bounce around, will they work or will they be laughed at. Harry has decisions to make and minds to change. Family comes first with Harry, will the others agree or disagree. Harry also plans ahead.
After the Wake
"Harry we should head back now. We need to finish packing," Hermione said. Harry was contemplating the lake, not really thinking of anything in particular, but at the same time wondering about the what ifs.
"Ya, Harry. I haven't even started," answered Ron.
"'Mione?"
"Yes Harry."
"Do you know if Colin is still here?"
"I believe so, Harry."
"Good. Go find him will you. And make sure he has his camera with him," Harry responded.
As Hermione walked away, to look for the Creevey brothers, Ron turned to look at Harry. "What'cha planning Harry?"
"Something . . . . . wait until 'Mione comes back, I only want to explain it once," Harry responded.
As Harry finished speaking though, Ginny walked over. "Ok, guys I know that look," Ginny stated. "What are you cooking this time?"
"Sorry Ron," Harry said, as he leaned over to pull Ginny into his arms. Harry held Ginny for what seemed like a long time, but in reality were only a few minutes. At this point Harry lifted his head from Ginny's shoulder, and taking a deep breathe, that was filled with her scent, realized that most if not all of the wizarding community was watching them.
"Damn."
"Harry James Potter what was that about?" asked Ginny.
"Ginny, I'll explain later, when we're in the common room."
A short distance away stood Mrs. Longbottom, and not far behind was Neville, leaning against Luna.
"Mrs. Longbottom?"
"Sorry, Harry for a moment there you reminded me of James and Lily. It seems like father, like son. Hmmmmm. . . . Harry I would like to ask you a question. Will you be riding the train the day after tomorrow?" she asked.
By this point Neville and Luna had joined the group. " Of course Mrs. Longbottom, why wouldn't I be," answered Harry.
"I assumed that you or your guardians would make other arrangements Harry. Since it is believed that Hogwarts is no longer safe."
"Well. . ."
"Actually Mrs. Longbottom, no one has mentioned alternatives to the train. Besides riding the train is tradition, and something that I believe that Headmaster Dumbledore would have wanted. If nothing else Mrs. Longbottom that would be my tribute to the Headmaster," Ron stated.
"I agree," Ginny said.
"Well young man what do you say?" asked Mrs. Longbottom.
"Gran, I don't think Harry has to be involved in our conversation."
"Actually Mrs. Longbottom, taking what Neville just said into consideration, I would still ride the train. Not as Ron said, as a tribute to Professor Dumbledore. But in support of what he believed in."
"Excuse me," Mrs. Longbottom said with a slight twist of her eyebrow.
"Hermione, correct me if I'm wrong. Doesn't Hogwarts a History have a really short chapter that addresses the Express?" Harry asked, as Hermione and the Creevey brothers joined the group.
"Yes Harry. I believe so," Hermione replied.
"If I remember correctly, Mrs. Longbottom, any improvements to the wards of the school also include the train. So yes Mrs. Longbottom I plan on taking the train back to London. And if it was up to my guardians, I'd be staying here at Hogwarts until I came of age" Harry stated.
"Hmmmmm. . . Very well Neville. Since it seems that your friends will be accompanying you on the train, I will meet you in London" stated Mrs. Longbottom.
"Thanks Gran."
"Thank you Mrs. Longbottom," Luna said, as she looked at Neville, with a dreamy smile on her face.
A choir of "thank yous" could be heard from the group, as Mrs. Longbottom turned and left the group.
Silence reigned until. . .
"Hiya Harry!"
"Ummmm. Colin, sorry I was distracted. I need you to do me a huge favor."
"Ya, Harry. Whatever you need!"
"Ok, Colin. What I need from you is several pictures of Hogwarts. What I want is different angles of the castle, and I need them within a half'n hour to an hour, tops. Can you do that Colin?"
"YES. No problem Harry," responded Colin.
"Great Colin. When you're done, come find me. I'll probably be in McGonagall's office or the Headmaster's office."
Colin shaking his head said "Sure Harry," before turning and heading towards the castle with Dennis trailing behind.
As Colin and Dennis walked away from the group, Hermione turned to Harry. "Alright Harry what are you planning?"
Before Harry could reply to Hermione's question, he turned to Neville. "Are you up to standing around Neville or should we go up to the infirmary and Madame Pomfrey?"
"Thanks Harry. Madame Pomfrey said I'd be all right for the funeral, and not to over do it. But I think I did, the whole conversation with Gran and all."
"All right. The infirmary it is." And Harry turned and led the group to the infirmary and Madame Pomfrey. As the group left the lake and crossed the grounds of Hogwarts, Harry turned to Ginny. "Ginny do me a favor. Can you get Fred and George and meet me in McGonagall's office. NO, wait! Tell them to meet me in the Defense Against the Dark Arts office."
Harry turned to look at Ron. "Ron go and get me the map. And meet us in the DADA's office."
As the two redheads headed in different directions, Harry turned to Hermione as they continued to escort Luna and Neville to the infirmary. "Hermione not yet. I'll explain it and what I'm planning once we're in the DADA office."
As Hermione, Harry, Luna and Neville neared the Great Doors, Harry remembered that he needed to include someone else in the group discussion. "Hermione could you go and get Moony for me. Yes meet us in the DADA's office."
Hermione gave Harry a stare. Her eyes seemed to ask Harry what are you up to. "All right," she said. Before she turned and returned the crowd on the school grounds.
As Harry, Neville and Luna passed the front doors into the lobby, they had to pause. There seemed to be so many people waiting to enter into the Great Hall. Harry reached over and caught Neville by his left arm to support him, and said to Luna "I'll take him, you lead the way." Luna nodded and turned to lead the way. Before moving forward Harry heard Luna mumble something under her breath. As Luna moved forward into the crowd, every time she said "Excuse me," to someone to allow them to walk by, the witch or wizard would move forward or backward without hesitation, and a baffled look on their face.
Several minutes later they reached the main staircase. Harry looked at the staircase and followed it along with his eyes. "Um, Luna I think it would be better if you conjured a stretcher. I don't know if I can carry him if he over does it."
"Gee thanks Harry."
"Neville, Harry's being honest."
"I know Luna. I was just pulling his leg."
"Good one Neville."
"Efferri Involito Stretcherus." The stretcher appeared floating about mid-thigh level. Harry helped Neville sit down gently on the stretcher. Neville just sat on the stretcher before Harry reminded him that in order to move, Neville needed to have his legs on the stretcher and not hanging over the side.
As the stretcher moved up the staircase Neville just sat there with his eyes closed, as Luna and Harry followed along, deep in their own thoughts. Harry wondered how Moony and the others would take his ideas, if they were even feasible, or even practical.
"Harry?" Luna asked as they neared the infirmary.
"Sorry?"
"You will let us know what's going on won't you?"
"Yes Luna I will be letting you and Neville know what we discuss. Plus there are other things we will need to discuss. But I don't want Neville to over do it, until he has fully recovered, so I will leave you both in Madame Pomfrey's hands," Harry finished as he opened the infirmary doors for Luna and the stretcher sitting Neville.
As Neville passed Harry, Harry told Neville, "Just get better!" Harry waited until the door closed before turning and heading to the DADA office.
Harry made quick time to the DADA office. When he arrived he found that the Weasley's had already arrived. It was the entire family minus Percy. As Harry entered the office, Mrs. Weasley stopped what she was doing, which was talking to Ginny and Ron, walked quickly over to Harry and gave him a hug that squeezed the air out of his lungs, and left Harry breathless.
As Harry slowly recovered from Mrs. Weasley's hug he heard "Oh good you haven't started yet. We haven't missed anything Tonks." Harry opened his eyes to see Hermione, Moony and Tonks (with her bright pink hair) smiling at him.
Harry smiled back, "Alright, I think everyone is here. Let me check." Harry counted; Bill (even though he still wore the bandages on his face), Charlie, Fred or was it George, George, Ron, Ginny Mrs. Weasley, Fleur and Mr. Weasley, Hermione, Tonks and Moony.
"Remus would you be so kind to conjure some additional chairs, Hermione can you do a blackboard, and Mr. Weasley can you do a round table, so we can face each other as we talk about ideas. Remus can you put a spell on the door so no one can listen in, and if they have any devices, all they hear is static."
It was a good thing the offices were very large. The first floor had a large desk by the bay type windows, and had at least ten, if not more bookcases with books and various items used to fight the dark arts. It seemed that the items were the schools, and not as Harry had supposed, the individual teachers.
As everyone took a chair around the table that Mr. Weasley had conjured, Harry remained standing. "Before I get started I want to take a minute and remember those we have lost. . . . From the first war and since this one started." Everyone in the room bent their heads in remembrance, not only of Dumbledore, but also lost ones from before; Lily, James, Sirius, the Prewett twins, and Cedric.
Looking up, Harry noticed sad expressions on everyone's faces. "All right. Everyone in this room, I consider to part of my family. So hear me out before you say whether it's a good idea or not."
"So. . what you're saying Harry is you want to bounce ideas off us?" asked Remus.
"Yes that's it."
"So what'cha" started Fred.
"thinking about?" finished George.
"It started with Hermione, and something I read in the Daily Prophet. Hermione please don't get upset or angry." Harry said while looking at Hermione, and turning to the group at large.
"Voldemort doesn't care whether you're.. Oh, alright how about I call him Tom." Some had flinched, and others had paled at the mention of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
"All right. Tom does not care whether you are a pureblood, half-blood, or Muggle born or not. What I want to do is offer the Muggle born students a way to escape should Death Eaters attack their homes."
"Why?" Ron asked.
"What gave you that idea?" Remus said, as several more "whys" could be heard from around the room.
"Slughorn gave me part of the idea when we, I mean Dumbledore and I visited last summer. He said he only had a couple of minutes to prepare for our arrival. Hermione is the other part of the idea."
"What?" Hermione said.
"What do you mean?" Ron asked.
"I know Hermione is of age, but what if she wasn't? What if Hermione was twelve, had a brother or sister, or had a bunch of brothers or sisters. Would that Hermione be able to protect her family? If witches and wizards who are trained cannot how can a twelve year old? My idea was to set-up a Portkey to get all the children of a family out, yes that includes non-magical children, with a charm that gives them, two to three minutes warning. Any questions?"
Several hands were raised, including Hermione's and Remus's. "Harry where would the children go?" Hermione asked, as she was the first person pointed to.
"Here, since it would be summer vacation. Of course, Professor McGonagall has to agree to it first."
"Yes Remus?"
"If McGonagall agrees, would it be permanent?"
"No. I was wondering. . . Bill since you work at Gringotts could you find out if I have any other properties besides Grimmauld Place. Fleur since you need to practice your English could you find out if there is a way of setting up a foundation, sort of child care service for magical children. Somewhere orphan's can go and live, like Mrs. Weasley's family." Harry turned and looked directly at Mrs. Weasley. "Where every child will be loved because every child is a gift and should be cherished; like they're one of her own." Harry turned back to the group, with a slight sheen in his eyes.
As Harry took a seat, Hermione asked him, "Is that why you wanted Colin to take pictures of Hogwarts?"
"Yes. By the way Ron, can I have the map?"
Ron gave Harry a stare that said Are you mental? But then Hermione, who was sitting to Ron's left, elbowed him in the stomach. "Oh."
To the twins Harry said, "I'm about to introduce you to my second favorite marauder." With that Harry turned to the twins. "You know how the map introduces itself to you. Who do you think was Padfoot and Moony?"
The twins looked at Harry like he was mental. Harry just smiled. "Of course Prongs holds a special place in my heart. . . being that he is. . . was my father." As Harry continued he kept an eye on the twins' facial expressions, right now both twins had their jaws hanging open. "Of course with Sirius being Padfoot," you see the twins jaws hit the table, "can you guess who Moony was?" When Harry finished you could see the surprised expressions on the twins' faces, as they tried to express themselves.
"Are you saying" Fred asked, as both twins stared between Harry and Remus, "that Moony is. . ."
"but that can't"
"be."
Remus had a small smirk on his face as the twins tried to assimilate the bombshell of information. Harry asked them, "Why?"
"Well. . . "
Finally Remus let out a bark of laughter, while Tonks let loose with a fist to Remus's shoulder. Harry turned to Remus, with the map in his hand, "Remus, would you do the honors?"
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
As the marauder's map unfolded, several gasps could be heard from Mrs. Weasley, Charlie and Fleur, and a few "Oh my's" from Bill and Mr. Weasley.
"Are you sure it's safe?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
Harry, Hermione, Ron, Fred and George turned and stared at Mrs. Weasley. "Please tell me that that map is not like the thing that hurt Ginny, is it?" asked Mrs. Weasley. Remus turned to Mr. Weasley and said "No. We did not make the map that way, or with dark purposes." Remus turned back to Harry, "Harry are we looking for someone specific?" Ginny reached over and started looking for Colin Creevey. "Yes Remus we are. Look for Colin Creevey, he should be in the Gryffindor dorms."
"Ginny keep an eye on Colin and Dennis. Let us know when they leave Gryffindor tower."
"Remus, I need to ask you two favors. The first is a way to protect all children, and possibly adults from being attacked by werewolves. You'll be working with Fred and George on a protective shield. I know it's a lot that I ask of you, but a small child was recently attacked, and he didn't make it. The second favor that I need to ask about, and I know the twins will cry about it! But I need copies of the map to be made. I need the map to recognize those with the Dark Mark and adults that specifically don't belong at Hogwarts."
A silence reigned, while everyone absorbing what Harry was saying. Remus looked to Tonks, wondering why he didn't think of the idea himself.
"So what you're saying Harry, is that you want me to make copies of the map. And these copies only to recognize intruders, it won't spot out of bed students."
"Yes Remus that's it exactly."
"What about past students?"
"I want the map to recognize people that don't belong at Hogwarts. Let's take you Remus as an example, if you were still a professor the map would not recognize you. But say Bill, Charlie and Mr. Weasley, would be recognized as intruders. Basically I want all current faculty, staff and students recognized, but not shown, and those that have left, dropped out or graduated, and don't belong as faculty or staff to be seen."
"Harry?"
"Yes, Ginny."
"Why do you need more maps?"
"If the school is to open next year, the students and Professor McGonagall is going to need all the help she can get. My rationale is better safe than sorry. I know that sounds bad, but if it helps prevent students from getting hurt," and here Harry stopped looking at the others, and turned and stared at Ginny, even though she was still watching the marauder's map, "or just saves their lives, then I'll use it!"
"Remus I know I'm not giving you much notice but I'd like to present this idea to McGonagall before we leave Hogwarts. Of course you as the principle inventor will need to come back more often to get reacquainted with the school and search for new stuff, but I want to show McGonagall this one, just let her believe that you recently found it in one of Sirius's old school trunks."
"Yes of course Harry."
"Harry! Colin and Dennis are leaving Gryffindor common room!"
"Thanks Ginny."
"Ron, Hermione would you guys go get Colin and Dennis for me?"
"Sure Harry."
"No problem."
Ron and Hermione stood and walked to the office's door. As they left Harry turned to the rest of his family. "So any questions regarding my ideas, or better yet anything I might have missed?"
Charlie raised his hand it looked like he was about to volunteer something. "Yes Charlie?" Harry asked.
"It seems that you have something, a project for everyone to do. What about me?" he asked.
Everyone in the room heard the whine in his voice, and laughter broke out. Harry could not stop laughing, since he and everyone present knew that Charlie, and for that matter Bill were hard workers, and more than capable of lending a hand in any of the projects.
Harry wiped a tear from his face, as he faced Charlie. "Sorry, I didn't mean to exclude you, but you hardly stay after your visits. So. . . what do you think you want to work on?"
"I was thinking that I could help organize teams to cast those spells you were talking about."
"Ok," Harry said as he nodded his head. "So Charlie does that mean you're staying?"
"Ummmm. . . Well. I really didn't want to say anything until the transfer came in, but yes I'm staying."
"Harry this gives us more options."
"What do you mean, Remus?"
"Well. . . since Charlie works with dragons he might know more about shield charms and repulsion charms than Fred and George. Now Fred and George can definitely work on the design aspect, since most boys don't like what girls like, we'll need several different designs, and of course we need designs that little children like also. Plus we'll need to look into how to power such a charm, remember it has to last at least several hours, it might have to be some type of crystal."
"Sounds like your right Remus."
"Harry they're coming down the corridor," Ginny cried.
"Mischief managed." Remus said as he tapped the map with his wand, before Ginny hid the map in her lap.
"Right. I don't know how many pictures Colin has taken but we need at least four with a maximum of sixteen, to be taken and shown to McGonagall."
As Harry finished speaking Hermione walked into the office, followed closely by Ron, Colin and Dennis. Both Colin and Dennis stopped in their tracks; they seemed surprised by the amount of people in the room. Both cried "Professor Lupin!" when they spotted him amongst the redheaded family.
"Alright Colin, Dennis what do you have to show us?" Harry asked.
Colin reached into his robes and removed an envelope containing the photographs. Colin opened the envelope and withdrew a large stack of photographs. It appeared that the stack had anywhere from between thirty to fifty. It was obvious that the group had their work cut out for them.
"Since there are so many of us, we should each grab three or four photographs and decide on which one we like the most," Hermione suggested.
"That sounds good," Tonks answered.
Everyone reached for the stack at the same time; very few actually got any. Mrs. Weasley picked-up the whole stack and started handing out several of the photographs to those who hadn't been quick enough. Each person was taking their time contemplating each photograph, when out of the corners of their eyes they could see Colin stand on his toes, trying to get a better look at everyone at the table.
"Colin?"
"Yes Professor Lupin."
"We have to look through these first, and then show them to McGonagall. Why don't you go down to the Great Hall and eat some early dinner? Once McGonagall approves of the picture or pictures, we're going to keep you pretty busy, we'll need several hundred copies."
"Ssssseeeevvveral hhuunndreds?" Colin stuttered in
surprise.
"Well yes."
"Bbbut, I don't have enough supplies!"
"Oh, good. I'll go and get the supplies you need Colin," said Mr. Weasley.
"Actually Mr. Weasley, I think Tonks and you should go together. I don't know how much supplies Colin needs but any ventures out should be done by two's. We don't want a repeat from the last war. Right Remus?"
"Sounds good Harry."
"Colin I guess that means making us a list of what supplies you'll need."
"Yes Harry I understand that, but I need to know how many photographs I'm going to be making?"
"Good point. Remus? Tonks? any ideas?"
"Well. . ."
"Harry we are doing it for all the students, right?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, Hermione," Ginny answered with exasperation in her tone.
"Then I think we should make at least three hundred, maybe three hundred-thirty."
"Ok Colin that's the number we want. There's more though; One, don't talk about it yet, not even to your friends. Two, if McGonagall approves you guys will find out with the rest of the school what all of this is about. So please not a word to anyone yet," Harry asked.
"Please," added Remus.
"Sure," Colin said.
"No problem," responded Dennis.
Both turned and walked out of the office, making their way to the Great Hall. For the others had continued looking through the photographs. There were two stacks in the middle of the table, the yea and nay piles. But there seemed to be a lot of photographs on the yea pile, particularly of the Quidditch Pitch.
Mrs. Weasley "hum" silently at the number of Quidditch photographs, but nonetheless had not said anything yet. "Since we decided how many need to be made, we should finalize which ones should be presented to Minerva." Mrs. Weasley collected the yea pile, and sorted by theme: the Quidditch Pitch, the castle itself, the castle by the lake, and the castle by the forest. "We need at least two, maybe three of each group. Here you go Bill, Charlie, you boys can decide which is the best from this group," as Mrs. Weasley said this, she handed the Quidditch photographs over. "Remus, you should pick from these photographs," and Mrs. Weasley handed Remus the photographs with the theme of the castle itself. "Tonks, you should pick from these photographs," and Mrs. Weasley handed Tonks the photographs with the theme of the castle with the forest. "Alright, everyone pick a group, and help decide which should be presented to Minerva.
All the boys (Harry, Ron, Fred and George) stood up and moved over to where Bill and Charlie where sitting, Fleur once realizing the boys where coming to talk Quidditch decided to move. Fleur moved over to sit next to Mrs. Weasley who was holding Mr. Weasley by the hand, as he was trying to leave his sit, seemed to be communicating with their eyes. "Ef u wuld prefer that I go with ather grop I can?" Fleur asked. "No dear it's all right."
Mrs. Weasley turned to Fleur as Mr. Weasley sat down. Mr. Weasley noticed that Ginny and Tonks were working together, while Remus and Hermione were working together. Mrs. Weasley spread out the pictures, so they could see all five at the same time. You could see that Colin had several different angles of the same image. Two were taken from the ground, with the castle high up on the cliff, one with the castle centered, and the other with the castle on the right side. Two others were the same, but seemed to be taken from a higher elevation, which means it was probably taken from a broom. The last one was a mirror image of the castle on the right side; it had the castle on the left side with a view of the forest on the right.
"Well which one?" asked Mr. Weasley.
Both Fleur and Mrs. Weasley pointed to the higher elevation photographs; Fleur to the one with the castle on the right side, Mrs. Weasley to the one with the castle centered. As Mr. Weasley removed the two photographs that were taken from the ground, he said "I guess that means I have to decide which two. Hmmmmm. . ."
But as Mr. Weasley studied the three remaining photographs, he noticed something in one of the photos. He conjured a magnifying glass, but could not make out what was making the flash. He gave the other two photographs a quick view through the magnifying glass, didn't notice anything special and handed them to Mrs. Weasley.
"Those are perfect dears."
"Did you find something dear?"
"Not now," he hissed.
Hermione stood from her chair and went over to sit with Remus.
"Professor?"
"Hermione, I haven't been your teacher in over three years. Can't you call me Remus?"
"It's going to be very hard," Hermione answered.
Remus just shook his head in encouragement. "Alright. Lets get started shall we," he said, as he spread out the six pictures in his hand. Two were of the castle from the front, one where the castle barely fit in the picture and the other one was farther out, you could see some of the forest behind the castle. The other four were from angles (right and left), two were close ups and two were from farther out.
"So Hermione what do you think?"
"I really like this one," Hermione responded, as she pointed to the picture with the forest in the background.
"You're right Hermione, the forest in the background really makes the castle look spectacular," with that Remus picked up the two pictures showing the forest in the background and put the others in the nay pile.
Ginny stood from her chair, and went to sit next to Tonks.
"Tonks what do we have to choose from?"
"There really aren't that many to choose from to begin with," Tonks said as she spread out only three pictures. All three pictures were taken from the same angle, one must have been taken from the ground and the other two must have been taken from a broom, the vintage was higher and you had better views of the forest behind the castle and the Whomping willow.
"Ginny what do you think?" Tonks asked.
"I think this one will do nicely," Ginny said as she pointed to the picture with the best view of the forest and the Whomping willow in the background.
"Yes. That one's good. I think the students will like it." Tonks said as she picked-up the other two photographs and placed them in the nay pile.
Charlie turned to Bill and asked him, "Well how many photographs do we have?" Bill had already counted the photographs and there was ten altogether. Two were taken from behind the goal posts, two were taken from between the stands, four were taken from between goal posts and the stands, and you could see the entire Quidditch pitch in these. The only exceptions were the last two photographs, one was taken from a distance, probably from the path between the castle and the pitch, you could see the entire pitch, not including the locker rooms and the broom shed; the last photograph must have been taken from really, really high in the sky, it looked like an aerial picture of the stadium.
Bill did not place all the photographs on the table; he placed four at a time on the table in front of Charlie, since Ron was sitting on his other side. Harry, George and Fred leaned over Ron, Charlie, and Bill's shoulders to get better views. The photographs showed the entire stadium, but showed it in different angles. Bill asked "Which one?"
Three hands pointed to one photograph of the goal posts, while two hands pointed to the other photograph of the goal posts. No one pointed to the photographs taken from between the stands. "Alright these go into the nay pile," Bill said as he picked-up the two photographs that no one had picked and placed them in the nay pile. Bill picked-up the two chosen photographs and placed them to the side and said "Now forget these for the moment I want you to think only of these four," as he spread out the ones taken from angles of the stadium, with different views and order of the stands.
Bill gave everyone about a minute to study the photographs before asking "Which one?" Four hands pointed to one photograph while one had pointed to another photograph. Both photographs showed what could be considered the front/main entrance to the stadium. "Alright these go to the nay pile," he said as he picked-up the two not chosen photographs and placed them in the nay pile. Bill picked-up the chosen photographs and placed them to the side with the other two photographs already chosen; and once more said "Now forget these for the moment, I want you to think only of these two," as he placed the last two photographs on the table, the aerial view and the stadium at a distance.
Bill gave the boys another minute to study the photographs before asking "Which one?" again. Five hands pointed to one photograph. "I guess that's unanimous," he said as he picked-up the one not chosen and put in the nay pile. Bill then picked-up the chosen photograph and placed it with the other chosen photographs. "We're down to five photographs now," he said as he sorted them, Bill then took two photographs and placed them on the table. One photograph showed the stadium (the other end or back) from behind the goal post, and the other photograph showed the stadium from between the stands and the goal post.
Bill gave the boys several minutes to study the photographs before asking "Which one?" again. Five hands pointed to one photograph. "I guess that's unanimous," he said as he picked-up the one not chosen and placed it in the nay pile. Bill then picked-up the chosen photograph and moved it higher on the table, then placed two more photographs on the table and said "Keep this one in mind," as he pointed to the photograph on top, "but only decide between these two," as he pointed to the recent additions. One photograph showed the stadium (front end) from behind the goal post and the other photograph showed the stadium from a distance.
Bill gave the boys several minutes to study the photographs, this time around you could hear Fred and Charlie arguing over which photograph was better, George and Harry were talking about the pro's of both and Ron was just looking at the photographs. Finally Bill asked "Which one?" Two hands pointed to one photograph and two hands pointed to the other photograph. Bill turned to Ron, "You've got to decide on one." "I can't. I really like both of them," Ron said as he shrugged his shoulders. "I guess that means I get to decide," Bill said, as he pointed to a photograph. Bill then moved the chosen photograph with the other chosen photograph, higher on the table; he then placed the last photograph next to the not chosen one. One photograph showed the stadium (front end) from behind the goal post, and the other photograph showed the stadium from between the goal post and the stands.
Bill again gave the boys several minutes to study the photographs, this time you could hear Harry and Charlie talking about the pro's of both pictures, while Fred, George and Ron were arguing over which photograph was better. Bill asked "Which one?" Four hands pointed to one photograph and one hand pointed to the other photograph. Bill turned and said, "Sorry George, it seems we all want the other one." So Bill picked-up the photographs that the boys liked and handed them to Mrs. Weasley; he then picked-up the photograph not chosen and placed it in the nay pile.
As Harry looked up and around the table, he knew that each and every one of those present were not just brave, but were able to enjoy the simple pleasures of everyday life. "Mrs. Weasley why don't you hold onto the photographs, until we present our ideas to McGonagall." Harry straightened from leaning over Ron and Charlie, and walked over to the blackboard. "Let's go over the projects again," Harry said as he wrote Protection Shield, underneath he wrote Fred and George design, Charlie charms, at this point Harry turned back to the group and asked them, "all right we need someone to help with research, so does anyone have any suggestions? "
It seemed almost everyone assumed that Hermione was the best person to help in the research area, because the whole group turned to look at Hermione. George asked the question everyone else was thinking, "Why not Hermione?"
"Hermione is slated to work with me on another project. We have as volunteers Ginny, Luna or Neville."
"Remus any ideas?" Hermione asked.
"Actually for this project I think Ginny would be an asset. Of course if you want to do the research quicker you might want to add Luna and Neville," Remus responded.
Harry turned to Ginny, "Love?"
Ginny looked at Harry, and smiled. "I'd love to help."
Harry turned back to the blackboard and wrote Ginny research, with Luna underneath with a question mark. The next project: Hogwarts Protection, Harry wrote Remus maps. Harry turned back to the group, "George, Fred your ideas are wacky, and have caused me to laugh, but this time I need you to come up with something really crazy. I'll need some of your portable swamps, but I need some type of stunner. The stunners have to be the strongest you can make them, the witch or wizard that is caught in them won't be able to reawaken. No one from the other side would have the correct combination to terminate the spell." Harry looked up, "any other suggestions?"
When no one said anything Harry continued, "alright let's continue." Harry turned back to the blackboard, and wrote Potter Home slash Magical Children, underneath he wrote Fleur foundation information, Mr. Weasley properties, and Mrs. Weasley care slash management.
"But Harry I thought you wanted me to look for properties?" Bill asked.
"In a way I do. Find the information that is needed and give it to your father. Mr. Weasley, it won't seem odd for you to be checking on things on my behave, since I'm friends with Ron. Bill it would seem odd for you to be checking on things for me. Besides you'll be helping me with a different project, now that I've had sometime to think about it."
"Harry are you sure?"
"Ron, Bill is a curse breaker."
"oh. . . OH!"
"What project are you boys talking about?" Remus asked.
"It's one that Dumbledore left Harry with before he was killed. We'll probably turn it into McGonagall now."
"You're probably right," Remus said with a glint in his eye; trying to remember if Dumbledore had mentioned a special assignment for Harry.
"I guess that means we're done with the special projects. Mrs. Weasley," Harry said as he turned to her, "do you happen to have the letter that McGonagall wrote to the parents and guardians informing them of the events that transpired?"
"Why yes Harry," Mrs. Weasley said as she reached for her handbag, which had been next to her chair, on the floor. As she looked in her bag for the letter, Mr. Weasley asked "Why do you need to know Harry?"
"If the letter informs my aunt and uncle of the death of Dumbledore, they might challenge their guardianship."
"I don't understand Harry," Mr. Weasley responded.
"Me,"
"too."
"Harry, we don't understand," Remus said, "could you please explain."
"In the Muggle world a guardian's job, besides taking care of the child by providing food and clothing, this person or persons also take care of any money or inheritance that the child might have. Also keep in mind that in the Muggle world a child is not considered an adult until the age of eighteen."
"Harry you can't think the Dursleys would do that, could they?" Hermione asked.
"When Dumbledore came to pick me up last summer, we sat in the living room to talk. Dumbledore mentioned Sirius's will, the leaving me of Twelve Grimmauld Place, and supposedly a small amount of money. They would not want the money, thinking they could get more for a house, especially for a house in London."
"But it's a wizarding house!"
"They won't care Remus." You still see Mrs. Weasley rummaging in her purse for the letter as Harry continues. "All they care about is their standing in the neighborhood and how much money they have. Besides this would only be a precautionary measure. Hopefully. Which reminds me. . . Dobby, Dobby can you come here please."
"You called Harry Potter, sir?"
"Dobby I was wondering if you would like to work for me. Of course with the same pay that Dumbledore was giving you." Harry continued after getting a nasty look from Hermione.
"Harry Potter, sir. Dobby don't want to leave Winky behind, sir."
"Oh. . . Dobby bring Winky too, I'll talk to her later."
"Oh, thank you Harry Potter, you's to kind sir."
"Now, Dobby, you and Winky are to work together with Kreacher. So no fighting. The house belonged to my godfather Sirius Black, he was related to the Malfoy's, so the house will have many dark magic items and spells, please be careful in regard to those things. I need you and Winky to clean the bedrooms, there's Sirius's room especially but most importantly I need that library and the front parlors cleaned. I won't be arriving for some time, but I need the house protected. Oh, and Dobby, can you and Winky go now?"
"Yes Harry Potter, sir. We can."
"Wait, Dobby. Some witches and wizards may be allowed into the house, the password in Dumbledore's Army. If they don't know the password they are not to be admitted, oh and absolutely no Muggles allowed. Got it Dobby?"
"YES, Harry Potter sir."
"Good, the house is located at Twelve Grimmauld Place, Dobby." With that Dobby popped out of the room. Harry turned back to the group, "Order members will need to be informed of the change, and the password, Remus, Mr. Weasley I leave that to you." Harry looked expectantly at Mrs. Weasley.
"I'm sorry Harry, but I could have sworn that I had that letter," Mrs. Weasley said.
"That's alright Mrs. Weasley." Harry paused as he considered his next action. "Remus I have a very big favor to ask. . . . . would you be my guardian in the wizarding world?"
Remus had a stunned expression on his face. Of all the things that Remus expected to be asked this was obviously not one of them. "Are you sure Harry?"
Harry gave Remus a small smile, and said "Remus if you could survive my dad and Sirius, you're the only one I would want besides Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."
"What?"
"Sorry, I didn't mean you guys aren't the best, but with things the way they stand I didn't want to put you in more danger than you already are. Tom knows you guys are my family and my dearest friends."
"But Harry" Hermione cried.
"I know Hermione, but I don't want the Weasley's more inconvenienced than they have to be, besides Tom will be after them because of what they represent."
"What do you mean Harry?"
"Ginny, Ron, both of you come from a loving family. Mrs. Weasley," Harry turns to Mrs. Weasley, "has shown you what almost any family strives to be, yes Fred and George are a little out of hand," and here both Fred and George start beaming, "but that is natural for twins and large families. Besides the Weasley's, and for the that matter the Prewett families represent the light, what any family should be, especially in the wizarding world."
"What, you mean poor?"
"You dunderhead." Was heard as several chairs scraped the floor, poor Ron was surrounded by his brothers and was hit on the head several times by each, before they returned to their seats.
"Well, at least I won't add anything to that, yet. Wait until you get home Ronald," added Mrs. Weasley.
"I didn't mean that in a bad way, it's just that, well that I have a lot to live up to, and well I don't get that much recognition and I always get the hand me downs."
"You're not the only one Ron. Look Mum, Dad we are the youngest one's, and it's hard to swallow sometimes. No Bill, Charlie we aren't asking you to help Mum and Dad, it's just occasionally we would like new cloths instead of the hand me downs. We really do appreciate everything Dad and Mum do, it just sometimes gets to us, that's all."
"Before we get more off topic, I just don't want to add to the burden. Look Tom and the Death Eaters will come after you guys not only because you're my friends, but because the family is considered Muggle lovers. Look, I just don't want to be the reason they come and hurt you guys."
"Harry, they'll come whether you're there or not," Ginny said as she reached over to hold his hand.
"I understand that Ginny, I just don't want to be the reason they do," Harry said as he looked adoringly at Ginny. While still looking at Ginny, Harry asked "So Remus still interested?"
"Harry you do realize that there are laws against me holding a job, much less being a guardian."
"Well we'll just have to change that won't we?" Harry said with a glint in his eye.
Harry turned to Mr. Weasley, "Mr. Weasley, I hate to ask but can you check in the ministry, who would handle guardianship
issues, especially financial matters."
"Yes, of course Harry. I'll check with the Muggle Relations office first thing on Monday."
"Thank you Mr. Weasley."
Everyone was quiet as they waited for Harry to continue. Harry just sat there for awhile, "Hermione could you ask Madame Pince for library passes?"
"What?"
"Well there must be a ministry approved central library, and we can't find what we are looking for here at Hogwarts, so we'll need to check out other libraries."
"Oh, I hadn't thought of that!"
"While you're getting passes for Ron and me, you might as well get passes for Neville, Luna and Ginny."
"All right Harry."
"What are you mental! I don't want to be stuck in a library all summer." You could hear laughter from the others in the room at Ron's comment.
"Ron, we all have to give up something in order to win the war. Would you rather give up your life? or your family's life?"
"No, I didn't mean it that way."
"Good, I didn't think so either. All right, I think we have everything settled for the moment; we should head down to the wake. We should probably split up, I don't want to draw attention to the fact that we haven't been there the entire time, or that we're planning something."
"But Harry we are."
"Yes Hermione, but I don't want Minister Scrimgeour to know that, besides Bill has held up pretty well for it being a long, and emotional day, I think that Charlie should help him back to the infirmary. Mrs. Weasley and Fleur will look after him, I'm sure."
"Of course, I will."
"'E es my fiancée."
Both women stood as Charlie and Bill stood, Bill seemed to sway a little before leaning on Charlie. Everyone watched as Fleur and Mrs. Weasley tried to frit over Bill, Mr. Weasley stood to follow, "I better go with them just in case. Tonks, Remus when you get a chance I need to show you something. Not now, find me." With that Mr. Weasley left, to keep some order between Mrs. Weasley and Fleur.
"Hermione, Ron, why don't you go ahead? Ginny you too."
"All right," Ginny said. But her eyes said tell me later.
As Ginny, Ron and Hermione left the DADA office, Harry turned to Tonks and Remus. "Remus, Tonks could you hold on please."
"What'cha Harry?"
"Remus why did it surprise you that I would want you as my guardian?"
"Well. . . ."
"That's right," Tonks said as she turned to look at Remus.
"Most wizard's and witch's who know about my condition, don't want anything to do with me."
"Excuse me," Harry said as his reared back. "First off, I am not just any wizard. I'm the son of one of your best friends, if any thing you should know you're an honorary uncle of mine, so why wouldn't you be my guardian. Secondly, you're the only surviving member from that group of friends, you knew both of my parents."
"But Harry they won't see it that way."
"Look I don't care, if Tonks and I have to challenge them on their perceptions, then we will. Your lycanthropsy takes you from us for one night out of what twenty-eight nights, maybe thirty-one nights, so what?"
"Harry?"
"What Tonks?"
"Thanks for including me."
"Remus, you're part of my family, whether you like it or not."
"But Umbridge will make it a point to go against me."
"Remus, I don't care! Tonks when Mr. Weasley finds all the properties, we'll start a second foundation." At this point Harry stood from where he was sitting, walked over to Remus and Tonks. "Remus you are not Fenrir Greyback. Damn it Remus, you still feel guilty about the prank that Sirius played on Snape, and that was over twenty years ago," Harry said with frustration.
"He's right Remus. Even I see that."
"Remus, since you've been bitten when you were a child, afterwards while you were here at Hogwarts, as an adult, even here as a teacher, have you bitten anyone?"
"No!" Remus vehemently said.
"Doesn't that show you how different you are from Fenrir. You've showed me how different both of you are. He is night to your day! Fenrir will attack a child for an imagined spite, you Remus take the Wolfsbane potion, lock yourself in a protected house to protect others!"
"Well yes."
"Remus," Harry said, "you're lycanthropsy is not contagious, if they don't like being around you they don't have to!"
"But Harry. . . ."
"No but's Remus!"
"Harry?"
"Yes Tonks?"
"Do you need me to do anything?"
"Hmmmmm. Now that you mention it, ya. Could you find out if the Werewolf Registry or the Werewolf Capture Unit has a file on Remus. If it does I need a copy, so we can plan a proper defense."
"Harry, I thought this was a worse case scenario."
"Remus, I know my uncle pretty well by now. If he thought he could get some compensation for taking care of me, he will challenge the guardianship."
"I think your exaggerating. Besides we'll have to wait for Dumbledore's will to be read before anything can be done, so don't worry about the Dursleys just yet."
"Fine. I'll go ahead and leave you to some privacy."
"Thanks Harry," Tonks said as she reached over to give him a hug. Harry accepted the hug, turned to leave the DADA office, when he remembered something. "Moony whatever comes, whatever happens, I love you." Harry turned and ran out of the office. He could feel the slight flush on his face.
Harry didn't see the surprised expression on Remus's face, or the smile on Tonks's face.
New Characters:
None
Spells:
Efferri Involito Stretcherus bring forth floating stretcher
Circumduxi get out of the way spell; Luna is casting it every time she says "excuse me" in the entrance hall; yes she is casting wordlessly.