Chapter 17

POP.

Aberforth grunted as he landed in the dim hospital wing. Harry was particularly heavy, and started to cramp his arms as he continued to hold him. The other kids behind him seemed relieved to be back in the wing.

"Poppy," Aberforth yelled as he began moving toward an empty bed.

"Aberforth? What do you think you're doing here," Poppy replied cautiously as she came from behind her office, "Please tell me everything's okay?"

Aberforth dropped Harry down on an empty bed, "What does it look like I'm doing here. The kid passed out."

"Aberforth, quiet down. You're in a hospital wing, not your bar," Poppy snapped as she rushed over, "Are you all okay? Where is Astoria? "

Aberforth turned to look at the other kids. A Weasley, a random tag-along, and the most interesting one...the oldest Greengrass girl. Harry had put the entire order in a strange predicament, but Albus would know what to do.

"She'll be staying with us...for now. As far as the kids, emotionally fucked, but physically fine," Aberforth said quieter, his gruff voice still echoing loudly in the wing, "Poppy, what the hell is wrong with Harry?"

"He's still recovering from a massive amount of higher level stunners he took onto himself. He shouldn't have left, but given the circumstances and knowing his capabilities, I trusted him enough to make that decision."

Aberforth turned to look at Poppy, whispering toward her, "There should have been no circumstance where he had to leave. At the very least, you should have immediately told me. "

Poppy looked up at Aberforth, "This is the hospital wing. Not the Order. It's my job to heal, not be a babysitter."

Aberforth laughed, "Did I ever tell you how sexy you are when you're angry, Poppy?"

"Get out of my wing. Harry will be fine. He needs to rest."A flustered Poppy said.

"Thank you, Poppy," Aberforth replied sincerely as he gazed at Harry. "I know you did everything you could."

"Please take care of yourself, Aberforth."

Aberforth groaned as he walked away from the bed. As he made his way toward the middle of the room, he stopped in front of the three kids. Each of them looked pretty exhausted as they looked back up at him, especially the Greengrass girl.

"For some reason, the boy trusted each of you with his life. That means for now, I trust you with some of the sensitive information you may have learned tonight," Aberforth said calmly, "However; if you tell anyone... if it leaves this room, and if I somehow found out you opened your lips...I won't hesitate to fucking kill you."

Aberforth could see the look of terror in each of them. Mission accomplished. It would have to do for now.

"Kreacher, get your ass here now," Aberforth yelled with the dagger stare from Poppy. "See you soon, Poppy."

POP.

Hermione had never been so glad to see the Gryffindor entrance in her life. She missed her bed. She missed the leaky showers. She even missed her annoying roommates. Her body physically ached and she wanted nothing more than to sit and cry for just a few minutes.

The aurors stopped in front of the portrait as Ron led the way back into the Gryffindor Common room. The early morning had given the room a quiet and empty feeling as she sat on the couch.

"Are you okay?" Ron asked as he sat down next to her.

"I'm…" Hermione paused as she thought, "I'm exhausted and...I'm sad... Really confused...and... Happy. I'm happy that you were there with me tonight through it all."

Ron scoffed, "You shouldn't. I was pretty useless."

"No, you were anything but...You stood up for yourself and me. You saved Harry. You saved me...at the end." Hermione smiled, "As much as you don't believe it, If it wasn't for you...we'd all be dead."

Ron's eyes lit up, "That's not true. I was entirely useless in trying to fight Caine. I was entirely in the way."

Hermione reached out to grab Ron's hand, "Yes, you can't beat Harry or Caine in a battle. It's true, but you wer-...have always been brave enough to say and stand up for what you believe in. If you hadn't stood up to Harry tonight, the whole ordeal could have been entirely different."

Ron sighed, "I'm just glad we're done. No more putting our lives at risk. Harry gives us the answers we want and then we're done. We stay away for good."

"I'm going to join the order."

Ron pulled back his hand, "What?"

"Harry is an instrumental part of this war. I still don't know why, but I've always known he is my key into this fight. This phoenix order...that has your family and has that guy, and has headquarters...it sounds like the place where I belong."

"Hermione, You-know-who is dangerous. You saw the abilities Caine had. We're just kids. Think about what you're saying!"

Hermione rubbed her forehead, "We haven't been kids since your sister died. I'd rather fight and die then watch people like Caine destroy everything I hold dear."

Ron opened his mouth to argue, but stopped, "I'm going to go to bed. I think if I hear anymore craziness toni-today, I'm going to lose it."

Hermione smiled as they both got up, "Ron, Seriously, thank you for everything."

Hermione embraced Ron in a tight hug. She could smell the strong scent of smoke in his clothes as they embraced tightly. In all honesty, his arms around her made her feel safe, and warm, like everything was going to be okay.

"Is that you Ron?"

They both departed to look at Neville who had walked into the common room.

"Oh-Hermione, how long have you been back? Are you okay?"

Hermione awkwardly stepped away from Ron, "Neville, W-I got back... just a few minutes ago."

"I've been so worried about you. No one had seen you or Ron all night," Neville said as he came closer.

"Yeah, She got stuck helping stupid me with my homework all night during lockdown in the hospital wing," Ron replied as he threw his arms behind his head, "We were safe though. Really tired."

Hermione smiled as she walked over and kissed Neville on the forehead, "I'm sorry about not getting to have that date night. I'll make it up to you, I promise. I'm just really tired right now, so I'm going to go to bed."

Neville gave a weird look, "Okay, well, find me when you're up. I've missed you."

"I will." Hermione replied as she began walking up the stairs. As she turned back to smile at Neville, she glanced at Ron who gave her a reassuring look before turning to go to his own dorm.

"The pureblood slayer. I've heard a lot about you," Tom Riddle said smugly, "I must say causing an auror chase, attacking a department head on top of the already massive list of violations you've incurred...was it worth it?"

Harry sat still. Everything in him wanted to kill the horcrux in front of him, but even if he wanted to, the chain locking his arm to the chair prevented him from doing anything. If that didn't stop him, the aurors and Dawlish that surrounded him would.

"Speak when spoken too, you disrespectful boy," Dawlish said.

Tom Riddle raised his hands to stop Dawlish from speaking, "No worries, Headmaster. He will speak soon. Would you mind leaving the room for a bit? He might be a bit intimidated."

"That's a great idea, sir. I will be standing outside the door if you need me." Dawlish replied as he rushed out the door, leaving just Harry and Riddle in the same room. Tom leaned against the desk for a minute as they both eyed each other.

"It's been some time, Potter," Tom Riddle laughed. "I must say your emotional outburst was-"

"I am going to kill you," Harry muttered, "Not today. Not tomorrow, but I will kill you."

"You speak so recklessly for someone in such a powerless position,"Tom Riddle replied as he came closer, his hand lightly reaching out toward Harry's scar. Harry flinched as Tom ran his clammy finger down the scar, "Where is Dumbledore?"

Harry could feel an overwhelming intrusion into his mind as he fought to keep Riddle out of his mind. Harry shot his foot forward, landing a solid hit on Riddle's knee. Tom recoiled and backed away, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Harry.

"You're quite a skilled occlumency user."

Harry spat on the ground, "You're not getting anything for me. You might as well kill me if that's what you're here to do."

Tom Riddle grinned, "You don't get it do you? Fear is the most powerful weapon we have."

Tom knocked on his desk and quickly Dawlish and several aurors entered. Tom Riddle leaned against the desk as they surrounded Harry.

"Let it be known to the Minister for Magic that I recommend an opening to a full investigative trial for Harry James Potter for murder, conspiracy, and treason based on the evidence found by my department. Upon approval, authority of Mr. Potter will be given to the Magical Law Enforcement."

"So should we arrange a shuttle to akazban?" Dawlish asked

"No, Akazban is still being rebuilt. He stays in Hogwarts 24/7 surveillance while the rest of my team investigates everything there is to know about Mr. Potter to present to the Wizengamot."

Dawlish looked uneasy, "What about Holidays?"

"He can go home, but if he does not return he will be declared wanted and the number 2 enemy of the country after you-know-who. Even then he must have an auror stationed with him at home...wouldn't want him making any conspiracies."

Harry felt his entire body shake with anger as he continued to eye Riddle. Riddle smirked at Harry. Fear. Whether he complied or he didn't, Tom Riddle had set up Harry to look guilty in the eyes of the public.

"The evil that you have committed for you-know-who will stop here," Tom said as he gazed around the room. "No one is above the law, and it's finally time we prove that."

Dawlish giddly replied, "You are right! The ministry will win against all opponents."

"You are free to go, Mr. Potter. Aurors, I want an hourly sweep of Mr. Potter in his room. No missed classes. No missed meals. Nothing he does should go under the radar."

Harry chains were let go as he got up, his eyes not leaving Riddle's. As he was accompanied out the office, Harry could feel nothing but the anger that surged through him. How had he missed Tom Riddle taking over such an important position, how had he been so foolish this term.

As Harry entered the common room, he received a lot of looks as the aurors entered and escorted him to his room. As he opened the door, he noticed his room had been ransacked, all of his drawers had been turned over, his clothes were strewn all over the floor, and his desk had basically been flipped upside down. Harry sighed as he went to close his door.

"We'll be doing a routine inspection in 50 minutes, Mr. Potter."

Harry nodded as he shut the door. He took a breath.

"Wotcher, Harry," Someone whispered.

Harry jumped, his wand in his hand as he turned around to the voice. It was him or someone that looked just like him, staring back at him.

"Looks like I got your nose a little wrong."

"Tonks," Harry replied, relief washing over his face as he pocketed his wand, "How?"

"Dumbledore. He told me to be prepared for something like this a month ago, and I always listen to Dumbledore." Tonks said as he wandered over to a mirror, "I'll be your doppelgänger for this week. Or longer. I guess it depends."

Harry sighed. Dumbledore had a foresight that was unmatched by anyone he had ever met. The ability to think six moves ahead on mere whim. Harry was no Dumbledore yet. Not even close.

"So how is this going to work Tonks, won't someone notice you've been missing?"

Tonks flattened her nose before turning back to Harry, "Nope. I am super sick with Black Cat Flu this week."

Harry watched as Tonks wandered over, but fell over a piece of clothing. Harry came over and pulled her up.

"Thanks! I've got some things for you." Tonks said as she pulled out two notes, "Here. One's a note from Dumbledore. Another the schedule I wrote out. These will be the times I'm in the room if you want to switch or something, I'll go to class as you and everything for now. You don't have a girlfriend I have to keep up with? What If I get you a girlfriend?"

Harry groaned as he took both letters from Tonks, who quickly jumped into his bed.

"Or a boyfriend? Doesn't matter to me." She said as she bounced on the bed, "You know you really need to clean your room. It's not a good habit."

Harry nodded, "I'll keep it in mind. Thanks Tonks."

Harry waved his wand as a staircase opened.

"Cool!" Tonks said, "Good to see my doppelgänger."

As Harry entered the staircase and went down, he opened Dumbledore's note.

If you're receiving this then I anticipate that there was an attempt to detain you by the Ministry of Magic. I'm hoping the circumstance that landed you in this situation is only temporary, but I must admit I believe you will be set-up indefinitely. Whatever the case may be, there are a fair bit of contingency plans in place if things become dire. I still believe that having you in school is protecting its residents far more than you'd like to believe. Alas, I am hopeful, Tonks will provide a fair bit of breathing room, in the meantime. Everything shall be made clear once I see you again,

-Albus Dumbledore

As Harry finished the letter, it went up into flames as he continued down the stairs. Harry shook his head angrily; the only thing he had done this term was get people killed and put in danger. Carelessness. He wasn't ready to lead an entire Order yet. He couldn't be the next Dumbledore even if he wanted too. As Harry reached the chamber floor, he marched toward the library.

"Harry!"

Harry looked up to see Daphne who was standing at the library entrance with Blaise. As Harry came closer, Daphne embraced him in a hug. Harry stood awkwardly, he wasn't sure what to do with his hands.

"What are you doing...here?" Harry asked as Daphne's hair rubbed against his face.

"She cornered me this morning during lunch and made me bring her here," Blaise said awkwardly, "She wanted-"

"-I wanted to see you," Daphne interrupted as she backed away, "I figured you would come back here."

Harry looked over to Blaise, "How is she?"

Blaise sighed, "A constant diet of sleeping potions. The current dosage should be wearing off within an hour. Draco is on watch currently. How much trouble are you in?"

Harry looked between Blaise and Daphne, "I'll meet you in there, Blaise. Let me talk to Daphne for a moment."

Blaise awkwardly backed away back into the library entrance as Harry moved away from the entrance. Daphne followed Harry away from the entrance.

"Thank you for everything, Harry. I don't know-"

"-I don't want you here, Daphne," Harry interrupted.

Daphne smiled briefly before the colder look of Harry caused her smile to die.

"You aren't serious, are you?"

"I am. I'm not an ordinary guy; people that come around me are only setting themselves up for suffering. It was a mistake...letting you get this close."

"No."

Harry stepped closer to Daphne, "It wasn't a request."

"And my answer wasn't an opinion. You live like you're responsible for everyone's suffering, but you're not."

"Your sister was in danger because of me. Your dad died because of me."

"My sister was going to get herself killed far before you. My dad had been a puppet long before you. His death...I feel at peace," Daphne looked away as tears fell from her eyes, "I feel at peace knowing that he's with my mom. I feel peace knowing he isn't under anyone's control...and none of it has to do with you."

Harry's stern expression fell, "It's not just that-

Daphne looked back at Harry as she fought tears, "-So fuck your, 'It's my fault; no one has suffered more than me' attitude. I can think through my own bad decisions just fine without you trying to take responsibility for them."

Harry pleaded, "Daphne, It's just safer if you don't. Things are going to become complicated for me."

Daphne wiped her eyes as a smile crept on her face, "You're an arsehole, how could they not?"

Harry tried, unsuccessfully, to fight back the small grin that crept on his face.

"I'm a part of this now, and you're not going to tell me no."

Harry pleaded, "Daphne, it's not going to be easy. It's only going to get harder. It's only going to get messier. You don't-"

"You know I thought you would realize by now," Daphne replied as she began walking away from Harry, "My mind was made up the moment I gained an ugly purple scar for you."

A/N Thanks for Reading!