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King of Bandit

Chapter 6

Rays of the New Light

Albus Dumbledore could not help but marvel at the magical and battle talent Harry King had when he reviewed the memories of his battle. He only took note of the bit in Hogsmead, as he did not feel the need to view much more, and the bit with the sirens made Tonks too uncomfortable to hand over her memory anyway and he didn't want to pry, he had what he needed.

He has been looking for a Defence against the Dark Arts teacher for a while now, and Severus Snape, his potion teacher and spy had been after the job. However, Dumbledore had started questioning his loyalty as late because of things here and there not quite adding up. Therefore, with a man he was unsure about, he could not give such an important job, and now more than ever needed someone to actually teach the kids how to fight if need be.

He knew Snape had not been the best… well would have been the worst teacher if not for the lame Defence Teachers he gets. They say the job is jinxed; he says that that was rubbish, and is the reason crap teachers do not last was because they could not teach, and the others, (Remus Lupin, a great defence teacher etc.,) because Snape lets out their 'dark' secrets in his jealousy, ruining everything for them and the school.

It did not matter how much easier it would be to get a new potion teacher, Severus Snape could not have the job. However, here was a boy who could not only defend himself, but he could do a much better job of it than full-grown adults could. So, he was a bit young to be a teacher, he was better than no one, and had such talent to pass on already, no doubt having gotten into plenty of trouble with his family.

He had never seen such ancient, ritualistic magiks used in combat before, and he doubted he could learn something like it now he had grown so much in his ways, but maybe the children could, and then they would be prepared for the hardships that waited then outside of the schools protection.

Sitting down in his office chair, he held back a yawn, looking to the golden perch in the corner where his golden and crimson friend, Fawkes the Phoenix sat preening himself, wondering why the magical people could not be that simple.

He had grown so tired and wary that he should probably back down once Voldemort had been dethroned, so he will need a successor to his phony position as the Great White Wizard, or whatever the people call him these days; he is old, he forgets. In addition, the thought of retiring and relaxing to the muggle world away from it all seems like a pleasant idea, and already had his eyes set on sunny Florida, or California because he wanted to stay as far as he could from whatever that thing in New York was. It still baffled him how everyone either didn't notice or forgot; now that was some impressive magic.

He had thought about Rosette succeeding him, but though a possibility; she had yet to show signs of any 'non-school' talent. He knew she had it in her, but she did not go out of her way to learn as he did when he was young, at school, the way Harry obviously did, and he could not just poke her in the arm and outright tell her; that would be cheating her own potential.

Therefore, while Harry taught at the school he could watch, and see what else he had, and maybe he might motivate Rosette to be a better witch. He could only hope that she did better this year. He could see such talent squandered by the pressure the magical people tended to put on the poor girl when she needed to play and find herself, as well as being a child too. She gets so conflicted.

In the past too-few men and women had stood as beacons of hope in the wizarding world, and that was why the purebloods and purists had gained such a hold over everything, and had not allowed many traditions to change or die out, as they should during the passing of time.

The muggle world was a testament to what such change could bring, evolving a people beyond all expectations where they do not even need the thought of tradition to be happy, and freedom of expression was important to them just as it should be to the wizarding world so it could move forward.

He had done a lot over the years to open people's minds and open new paths and new ideas, but it had been a hard road. He wanted to retire some day in the future if he lasted through this war, and needed someone powerful, talented, and intelligent to stand up as his or her hero as he once did. Then somebody else would get bitched at for being wrong, and any royal screw ups wouldn't be his fault.

It had been difficult and complicated trying to get people to see werewolves were not monsters but people with a virus, and though he could not get funding, even from supporters to help find a cure, he could make their lives more bearable. However, for this and other things besides, some more important he had been fought every step of the way, by ignorant, fearful fools.

If he did not have someone capable of being seen, strong, and in the brightness of the light then all of his hard work could be undone. The magical world, though still very primitive had changed a lot because of him, but with Rose, or possibly Harry if she didn't cut it in the end, standing up in his stead, young and strong, the next generation would change everything, for the betterment and advancement of the wizarding people.

Yes, he just had to figure out a way to convince Mr. King to come and teach at the school. Though, that might not be so hard if he wanted to protect his sisters. All Albus had to do is make sure young Harry does not realise he could just enrol in the school instead; blindside him with the offer out of nowhere. And then hope he had forgotten that it was his huge mess up that made him run away in the first place, and Albus would promise to never try to force a fortune ever again.

Thinking of that he grimaced when his mind wondered to James Potter. The man had obviously lost sense in the light of Rosette's fame, and if Harry had any sense, he would take in Juniper and Rosette before he did something stupid and hurt June, and had Rosette murdering him. Albus didn't doubt Harry would protect Rose even if she did commit murder considering he was not exactly the type that would not have got to James first if he could.

He may be a little crazy sometimes, but he saw the way Rosette loved her little sister, and how protective she was of her; especially since their mother's death; just a few months ago. Lily's death was a braking point for him too. He never wanted to admit it but they couldn't go easy any more. They took a very bright and powerful young witch away from them, and now they had to take off the kid gloves or lose so many more.

Sighing, he shuddered a little thinking that they had to be violent to truly stop these things, just as Lily had said before she died fighting his way, showing her respect for him even though she likely wanted to fight her way, and kick his arse for the thing with Harry to begin with. If that meant killing then, killing them, then because you cannot fight violence with violence without taking a few heads, accidental or otherwise. He realised from looking at the events in Hogsmead that the Death Eater's were only scared when the rules changed.

It had never really occurred to him before, but the Death Eater's were never scared. If they didn't get let off because evidence conveniently disappeared, or they lined someone's pockets with gold, they were just broken out a few days later anyway. The ministry was scarcely prepared, so frightened the younger aurors were foolishly taught to fear Death Eater's, but maybe this would show them to fight.

However, it was human nature to fear the unknown, to fear death and pain. Some men could push through that fear, enjoy it, let it fuel their victory, and it was always there waiting, in the back of the mind. If they realised that they could actually die, or be maimed by a cutting jinx then they were less likely to want to join the Death Eater's in the first place.

Though, he knew that wouldn't cut the numbers, but hopefully lessen recruits. If they had the Dark Mark, then that was it, they were in Voldemort's pants forever, or death was the only way out. He felt bad for them, but they chose to harm men, women, and children who would never want to strike them just because of their ancestry, even if they might have reason.

However, he wondered what Voldemort would do if he found out about that Dark Fatty as Harry has taken to calling her, and her use of Death Eater's, using tricks and illusions. He shuddered to think of the pain he would cause them if they had survived, but it was very unlikely they would have, as sirens could be deadly when their sisters were threatened or hurt.

If indeed the Dark Fatty woman was truly dead, last, he knew, the sirens had her, but he had learnt that evil like hers and Voldemort's… well, they seem to be slippery escape artists until they meet the right hero who has the talent and power to completely vanquish them.

The world weaves these things in an odd loop, but he had learnt to deal with these things in the best way possible, and end up going with the flow and helping as much as he could, no matter how much more he may wish to help. He was after all still the accomplished and powerful sorcerer, but he was still an old man.

He rubbed his tired and wary eyes under his glasses as he looked down at the papers on his desk. He moved one, which was a report from Amelia Bones on Rosette's progress with occlumency. He had asked the woman to help her with it, as she felt more comfortable with a woman looking at her memories.

Rosette was not doing too bad, and Amelia only wrote a few notes about her best friend's progression, as she had agreed to let them learn too, which would keep her secrets safer, and made Rosette feel more comfortable and happy with her friends by her side.

He looked it over. It only told him bits and pieces, nothing about any memories as the woman took confidentiality very strictly, as she should while dealing with such personal issues as memories.

He had been wondering whether he should perhaps get June in on the lessons too. That might be a good idea. He had to remember that just being Rosette's sister made her just as big a target as the Girl-Who-Lived herself. He was sure Amelia would accept June and June's best friend too as she would no doubt want her to go with her, and vice versa.

"Albus!" he was so deep in his own thoughts that Professor McGonagall startled him as she barged into his office before he had the chance to sense her presence, which was his trick, memorising everyone's presence of mana. No one had found the right book yet to call him on how he knew who they were before they enter, most thinking the paintings told him or something like that.

She came to a stop in front of his desk looking flustered, having hurried. "I've just gotten word from the Ministry that a Harry King had just turned over the body of Fenrir Greyback and captured Peter Pettigrew alive. There was an incident at Borgin and Burkes that resulted in a fight, and the place has been burnt down."

The old head teachers' eyes opened wide in shock. "I see; Pettigrew's capture is something but Greyback's death. I know of many people who will feel safer for both, but with Greyback's death the people will see some hope in the darkness."

She nodded as she let it sink in that it was good news. The death of minions was a bright spark but clearing out generals was celebration worthy. "Also, it was said that he almost had Bellatrix too, and possibly that Draco Malfoy and his mother were there, they can't be certain. James Potter has already gotten to the ministry…!"

Dumbledore perked up at this. "Where did he leave the girls?" he quickly demanded in worry for them as they were like grandchildren to him.

"He says with the Weasley twins at their shop," she answered straight away. "They'll be OK there won't they?" she asked sounding concerned for them too, having grown attached over the years.

"Yes, for a while, but a source has informed me of a planned attack today," he replied, worried. "I had been organising some people together. However, with everything that has been happening, I am afraid that we had not much of a gathering yet. I'm sorry, I got lost in thoughts and memories," he said gesturing his memory bowl, which got a nod of understanding, having seen the amazing feats herself.

"Surely after their defeats they wouldn't try their luck again so soon?" McGonagall tried to reason. "Even they'll have heard of King by now, and they would play that cautious, right?"

"I'm afraid I cannot begin to imagine what Voldemort will do or think of this," he replied, shaking his head in sadness. "We must hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Take Professor Flitwick, gather some others capable of fighting, and head to the Weasley's shop to secure the children's safety. I shall be there soon. I'll be gathering some more members of the Order to help evacuate the civilians to safety should the need arise."

"Understood," she readily agreed as she stormed out of his office and he went to his fireplace, disappearing through the emerald flames moments later to appear out of a fire in the middle of soot covered filthy ruins with fires blazing and rubble all around him.

His eyes widened as he looked around to see half of the wonky house missing with a huge green skulls with serpents tongue clouds in the sky over the house and the cornfields on fire.

He ground his teeth as he saw the young blonde woman under an onslaught of the torture curse screaming nearby, withering on the ground in pain while the filth harming her laughed. It always made him feel sick that these people would really find pleasure in another creature's pain, let alone other humans.

Albus's wand slid out of his sleeve, into his right hand in a fit of anger and he was surprised with himself as the Death Eaters wand arm was sliced clean off at the elbow sprouting blood as he looked to it in horror.

"Miss. Delacour!" he said in concern ignoring the Death Eater as he helped her up while she scrambled for her wand panting for breath. She looked from Dumbledore to the Death Eater, slashing her wand the Death Eater went down in a flash of blue light where he squirmed in pain, unconscious.

"I d-didn't think anyone got out a message for help," she said with tears in her eyes as they looked around at other members of the Order of the Phoenix fighting Death Eater's and big bulking, ugly-mountain trolls.

"They didn't," he said looking to the darkened sky, littered with smoke and ash from the attack, and none of his people had even a clue this was going to happen, let alone the vast majority not having a clue it WAS happening.

"My sister!" she suddenly said looking over to an unconscious lump a little way from them. "G-Gabrielle!" she called out breaking free from Dumbledore, rushing to her, and dropping to her knees and cradling the bloodied twelve year old girl, grimacing as her right leg was torn up at an odd angle with bone protruding from her torn skin.

Gabrielle opened her eyes, blurrily, half lidded, but only one, the right was a brilliant blue, tearing, the other was bloodied and oozing puss with two huge gashes across it, down her cheek and up across her forehead.

"F-Fleur, b-big sister!" she muttered before she passed out cold, eyes fluttering closed, whimpering cold.

Fleur had never felt such rage bubbling in her before as she turned to see her boyfriend, Bill being ganged up on by four, Death Eater's. She gripped her wand tightly between her fingers, and with a swish, flick and twirl, boom, all four blew up with the ground around them, falling down in screams and cries as their legs were torn up, blood splattering all over them in their agony.

Albus was soon in helping the plump woman Molly Weasley while Bill ran to help his girlfriend and her sister. He swished his wand deflecting spells, and for once, he was not being the typical Albus Dumbledore, as they were attacking some of his favourite people, some of the nicest he knew.

He sent their sickening spells straight back at them, which caused some to start panicking as their comrades screamed on the floor; one man's skin peeling from his flesh and bones withering on the dirt.

"You made your beds!" the old man roared in his anger, his magic booming, his robes bellowing in his power, engulfing them in his anger. "Now you will sleep in them!" he said, continuing, deflecting a spell back that cut a Death Eater in two at the waist. "I am sick and tired of you getting away with whatever you want! You racist piles of dung!" he spat out, that being the closest he will get to swearing if he could help himself.

They turned and fled, screaming in panic, apparating or trying on foot only to get mowed down by Dumbledore's stunners for the wizards, but the trolls weren't so bright as to flee that he slaughtered them all with ease. He was showing his power, and a little of what he was capable, before it was all over, and in one more bout of anger…

He shot a white spell into the sky. It blast through the dark marks dispelling them in blasts of white lightning and thunder booms, clearing the smoke, letting the sunshine through as warm rain came from nowhere, starting to douse the flames. He could see some members of his order down and not moving and knew he had lost some good people who would be missed terribly.

"Albus!" he was shocked as he was breathing heavily still pumped with adrenalin and soaking wet to see Arthur Weasley, head of the family had approached, touching his shoulder to get his attention. They could still hear the screams as they looked around at the Death Eaters withering in the pain of their own spells.

"For once, Arthur, I can't feel any pity!" he said as he calmed. "But let us show them a semblance of mercy and get them to the hospital chambers within the auror department for medical attention, and our injured to hospital and fast. It appears young Gabrielle has been seriously and grievously injured. Then we need to prepare for an attempt on Diagon Alley sometime within the next day or two. If they attacked here, it's still possible that Diagon Alley shall be attacked too."

"Right, we're on it," said Charlie Weasley, the second eldest son from where he listened in near his father. "I'll get some people together… we managed to get Ron through the floo to the Longbottom's to his dismay, but he'll be safe there for a while. Gabby had been outside at the time with Fleur, sorry."

"It will be okay, let's just get moving and get her to hospital, fast!" he said with a sigh as he looked around at all of the mess and damage, wondering what could be salvaged from this.

Voldemort did have a habit of waiting until guards were low and then making multiple attacks, but maybe they needed to do more than sit around and wait for the next time.

to be continued...