OLD MAGIC

Chapter 74: Battle Practice

The next day dawned overcast and threatening snow. Breakfast had been lively with hundreds of voices talking all at once. Conversation encompassed the days practice and battle and the real battle tomorrow. Spirits were high with the knowledge that the end of war was now at hand.

After breakfast a huge stream of people and beings headed to the armory to gather their arms and protective gear and those who already were armed streamed out of headquarters heading for the practice field that had been magically cleared of snow.

Having not left headquarters, Dumbledore and his people were already gathering in one section of the field watching as all the others began appearing everywhere about them. It wasn't long before the Aurors appeared near the tree line then began walking towards the Order group. Madame Bones was in the lead followed by her ten, big Aurors wearing gear reminiscent of SWAT police in the muggle world. The rest wore only their normal battle gear with cloaks.

"What on earth are they wearing?" Molly Weasley asked staring at the arriving Aurors.

"Those be body armor muggle law enforcement wear. Heavy duty stuff that can stop a bullet from muggle weapons. Not great against spells but excellent against knives, arrows, axes, and perhaps bludgeons," Tonks said, eyeing the gear with admiration and envy. "Wonder how she got her hands on it though?"

"Same as the muggles do, through an equipment outfit," Madame Bones said, smiling have heard Tonks as she came up beside them.

"I have got to get me a set. When this is over give me the name of the company, yes?" Tonks begged.

"Of course, I would be glad to. So, are we about ready to do this?" Bones asked looking around at the rapidly filling field.

"Don't know yet. Big bosses will probably be calling us together here soon," Tonks opined, looking around as well.

Far off to the left the roar and scream of dragons could be heard. Nearer to the Order of the Phoenix and the Aurors was a gathering of centaurs with four Phoenixes sitting on their backs, the centaurs themselves carried bows slung over their chests with a quiver of arrows at their backs. A pair of Hippogriff were milling around near the rear of the centaurs who were stamping their hooves impatiently.

A huge shadow passed over the field making all present look up in awe at the incredible sight of a Thunderbird in Europe (they were native to North America) soaring along on the morning thermals. It's wingspan was so large and long that it had been rumored to be able to haul a whale from the water and carry it off. It's beautiful multi-colored feathers made it seem like a rainbow then a bird as it passed sedately overhead. It's appearance resembled some kind of gigantic eagle. Thunder pealed loudly which was rather apropos as the bird was well known for the sound of thunder it's wings made in flight and sending down lightning and rain when it attacked it's enemies. It's yellow beak was as huge as a boat anchor and sharp enough to cut steel or concrete. A truly dangerous creature and perfect for the enemy they were facing.

"How the devil did that thing happen to be in bloody England?" Sirius Black exclaimed, still staring at the amazing creature that was now circling them.

"Hmm, I heard it was visiting the area but not why. However, I'm glad to see it since it's lightning could come in handy," Remus Lupin observed as he and Tonks walked with the rest of the Order of the Phoenix as they headed toward the practice field.

"Or set the bloody forest on fire," grumbled Podmore sourly as he passed them.

Wisely no one responded to him. Other shouts of amazement and awe could be heard from the group of muggles and Delacour's forces coming up behind them.

As the Thunderbird circled it was joined by a murder of crows, and one Blackfeather.

"Oy look at that, Snape's stretching his wings with the lot. He better watch how close he gets to that flying fortress," Tonks crowed, pumping a fist in the air.

"Heh, I wager he's far more agile than that huge chicken," Black snorted irreverently while admiring the winged display overhead. The sight of the Thunderbird gave him hope that all they had planned would indeed put an end to this endless, useless war. Whatever happened he would do his part and come out a hero then he snorted again at his maudlin thoughts.

North of them, Dwarves, Wood Elves, Fae, and a few Ogres came into view before halting halfway into the field, many equipped with bow and arrows too as well as axes and huge cudgels.

Soon the exodus from headquarters was done and each group shifted and moved into their assigned teams.

Aestra could be seen moving from group to group, switching and moving individuals from each group until she seemed satisfied with how her forces were arrayed to take advantage of everyone's abilities and skills in the coming scrimmage.

A voice boomed across the field and was heard clearly in every part of it. "Listen up people, all of you here are familiar enough with sparring and that is what we want you to do so you know what your fellow teams skills are and how to work with them. I expect you to figure that out and as you are working, I want you to also pay attention to those forest beings that aren't human in shape and learn to adjust your fighting to theirs so you are all finding ways to work with them best. We will break at noon. Begin!"

Breaking up into smaller groups each team met and spoke with the other groups they intended to spar with and soon the field was filled with the grunts and cries of mock battle.

Over the next few hours, Aestra, Jason, and Shacklebolt tested out all the strategies they intended to use for the real battle. As the day waned to late afternoon, a halt was called so people could rest while the results of the battle were reviewed by their leaders. In the distance, dragon howling and roaring could be heard as the cranky dragons voiced their displeasure at not being allowed to fly or fight. It was thought keeping them mostly caged would ensure no escapes on their part. No one needed dragons going on the rampage at this late stage.

"I don't even know how Charlie's managing that noisy lot right now," Bill Weasley grunted as he guzzled the water the house elves were handing around and munching on sandwiches. He lay on the ground under some shade with his other brother and parents. His mom looked rather sweaty, her hair plastered against her forehead. This type of battle wasn't her normal thing. His Da didn't look much better in his rumbled jumper and grass stained pants but Bill knew not to comment on it as their pride and need to do their part would not allow them to bow out of this fight.

He was just glad Ron and Ginny weren't here. They weren't old enough for a battle of this kind anyway and if they were all successful, which he had no doubt they would be, then his younger siblings would never have to be in a war ever again.

Checking on the Hippogriffs to ensure they were hydrated and doing alright was Hagrid who wandered tirelessly among the trees caring for the more beastly of their allies. He stopped by Magorian to discuss the practice session and have some lunch himself.

"So, my friend, what think ye?" Hagrid asked, dropping down to the ground where Magorian was sitting with his legs folded beneath him. He pulled from one of his deep pockets a bottle and a packet. Opening the bottle, he took a deep guzzle of his cider and then a huge bite of a giant meat sandwich his mum had sent along for him.

"I think we be ready, Rubeus," Magorian rejoined. "And rest and supper should be mandated about now. Weapons need to be checked, loaded, or repaired whatever the case maybe. Tomorrow will be a turning point in the lives of all in the magical world."

"Oh aye, to be sure. Glad I'll be to see the end of this stupid and useless war," Hagrid sighed as he laid down in the grass and rested a bit.

"This war will be over tomorrow," Magorian said with certainty. "And a new one will begin with the crusade young Harry will lead. That one will be relatively bloodless."

"Just a lot of thick heads to retrain and push in the right direction," Hagrid rumbled.

Magorian grunted, "Just so."

Up on the tower in the center of the field

Jason asked, "What say you of our battle readiness Aestra?"

"They are ready. No more practice is necessary. Refreshing it is to deal with experienced fighters. They only needed to known where to be, how to interact with new team members, and obey orders from one they don't know well. It's good. Now it's time for rest and food. Tomorrow we will be fresh and ready to put an end to this war at last," she said with great satisfaction and surety.

"I agree. We can't get any readier than we are already. My only concern is the dragons but Mr Weasley assures me they are noisy because they are itching for a fight. The Thunderbird is an awesome sight. Have we figured out where it fits into the battle plan?" Shacklebolt asked.

"Aye. In discussion with our dragon handler, it was decided the Thunderbird should stay above the dragons and fly as silent as it can so not to alert the giants and trolls to soon. After the dragons swoop down to take the enemy, the Thunderbird will stay close and take care of any other flying or towering enemy we hadn't seen. It will also keep the smaller enemy contained by firing lightning around the encampment," Jason said.

Aestra frowned at that answer. "Are you certain the lightning won't hit our own army accidentally?"

Jason shook his head. "I have been assured that wont happen. Unlike the dragons, the Thunderbird does understand what we say and it has been asked to take care not to hit any of our people. To ensure no accidents happen, everyone will be magically marked with our colors … blue was chosen. Since its eyesight is astonishingly sharp, it can see who is who from very high up. It will be the most excellent back up we could ask for."

"Good. However, that means we need to mark everyone just before we transport. Who will do this?" Aestra asked.

"I haven't gotten with them yet but I plan to ask Dumbledore and Madame Bones who among them would be the best at this and be able to do it quickly. It may take all of them due to how large our army is but I'm certain it will be done … perhaps tonight but I will know more when I speak with them," Jason assured her.

"Alright. Keep me informed, obviously, so I know when its done," Aestra said. "Now, if there be nothing else to discuss, I wish to release them. Do you want me to tell them of the marking before I do so?"

Jason thought a moment but Shacklebolt, who had been silent up to now, spoke up. "I would say yes since you do have them all together right now. And you can pass on to Dumbledore and Bones that Jason wishes to speak with them. That work for you, Jason?"

Jason smiled. "Aye, that be perfect, thank you, Kingsley." Turning to Aestra, he further added, "Please tell them to meet me in my office."

Aestra nodded, saluted the pair before vanishing.

She appeared, hovering above the army. Using a bullhorn enchantment, she called for attention. Across the broad field, her voice carried easily and all stopped talking and moving to hear what instructions she would give now.

"You all did well. We are now ready for the fight." A roar of pleasure met that. She smiled and continued. "I now need you to all report to the armory where you will be outfitted with new weapons and communications gear so we can stay in touch. Crows and Owls will not work as they would suffer many losses trying to fly among the dragons and other flying monsters." A brief spate of laughter greeted that statement.

"Blayrock will be giving you a briefing on how to use the equipment especially the comm gear that I know nearly all but a few of you have any idea of how to use. Pay close attention when he and his Dwarves outfit you. One more thing before I release you to Blayrock's tender mercies. I have been told everyone in the army will be marked. A blue glow will be placed on your heads courtesy of the wizards to help identify you more easily to our ally the Thunderbird. We want no accidents.

The Thunderbird will be sweeping our perimeter to ensure no escapees, using its lightning to accomplish that and hopefully missing its allies in the process. It will also fly silent so as not to tip off the army before we engage. But after the dragons attack, it's mighty thunder should frighten some of the enemy making the battle easier for us. At this moment, I don't know when the glow will be added … most likely it will be tonight. Do not be concerned and don't worry about getting the mark. I'm told it will simply appear without you noticing it. Some of you might feel the magic, most won't.

Now off with you all. Get lots of rest. Food will be provided outside on the field just outside the west side of headquarters as soon as you finish with the Dwarves.

More importantly, we will here in the field at five am sharp. Don't be late."

Cheers and some laughter greeted that last statement. Then the field began to empty. Some apparated and others decided to just walk back toward the back of headquarters where the Dwarves waited for them.

Aestra vanished only to appear again in front of Dumbledore. "Headmaster, Jason would like to see you and Madame Bones in his office immediately, please."

Dumbledore eyed her and nodded. "This has to do with the marking, correct?"

"Aye. Please let me know when you do it or if there be any problem accomplishing it. Send a crow to me with the answer. Until then …." She nodded at him then disappeared once more.

Madame Bones had seen Aestra appear before Dumbledore so waved her people off to be outfitted and made her way to the headmaster. Aestra had left by the time he turned to look for her and was pleased to see she was already heading his way.

"So do I take it, Jason wants us to do the "marking" as he called it over the entire army?" She asked when she reached his side.

Dumbledore began heading for the headquarters building as he answered. "Yes he does and by the time we reach him we should have some idea of how to do it."

"Hmm, normally it would be easy but we're talking over 400 people and beings to be marked. I don't know about you but I'm not sure by myself I could do more than fifty," she worried, shaking her head.

"I am powerful enough to do about 200 but that is stretching me to my limit," Dumbledore admitted.

Bones' eyebrows rose at the number but then remembered he was one of few very powerful wizards of this century. "I know you have other powerful people in the Order … so which of them can raise the number we can cover?"

"Excuse me," a voice said from behind them.

Startled, both wizards halted and looked over their shoulder. There stood Hagrid and a female giantess. They turned to face them and waited to hear what they wanted.

"Sorry to have startled yew, but me mother, Agatha, and I could be of assistance in this marking task Jason needs done," Hagrid said with easy assurance. Agatha nodded in greeting giving the pair a piercing once over.

Bones had never met another half-giant before that was as intelligent as Hagrid but of course she would be different but was her magic as strong as a wizard's. Then she remembered the demonstration Hagrid had performed for her when they first met to plan this operation. Eyeing the other half-giant uneasily, she was beginning to think it was she that was outclassed here.

Agatha nodded her head as if she was satisfied by something, Bones couldn't see or feel. "Yes, I am certain just the four of us could do this but there is no harm in adding Moody and Lupin. They have the most magic within them. Do you agree, headmaster?"

Dumbledore looked aback a moment but then slowly nodded. "Yes, I agree even though I don't know just how powerful you both are since I have only witnessed Hagrid and then only briefly. But we will know for certain when we actually do this so casting. Shall we hurry to our meeting …." he gestured and began moving forward again.

"Pardon me, headmaster, but I can send us straight to Jason's office if you wish it," Hagrid offered.

Again Dumbledore halted then shrugged. "Thank you, Hagrid. Unless Madam Bones objects …." He glanced over at her and she simply nodded head. "Then go ahead. It would be faster."

Without any fanfare or warning than that, the four appeared in a mid size office with a view of the field. Standing near his desk was Jason.

"Ah, thank you Hagrid. Are you part of this as well? And hello dear Agatha," Jason said with a warm smile.

"Hello to you too, Jason. Yes, Rubeus and I felt we could aid these two and two more from the Order to do the marking. I don't believe more will be needed and the extra two are just added insurance that it does get done the way you want it," Agatha said.

"Brilliant! I thank you for your help. And who be the other two from the Order," Jason asked of Dumbledore.

"Agatha had suggested Alastor Moody and Remus Lupin and I agree. They both should have what it takes for what is essentially a very simple charm casting but one that has never been used to do something on such a large scale. I do have one question, though," Dumbledore said, frowning.

"Yes?"

"I understand the entire army will be marked but will that include the dragon handlers and Severus who will be airborne?"

"Oh, I didn't even think about them," Jason blinked in surprise. He rubbed his face in thought a moment. "Yesss, perhaps just to be safe they should be included too."

"Alright, then unless you have something further to tell us, I believe we should get on this task immediately so that we will have the evening to recoup the energy will be using for tomorrow," Dumbledore said firmly.

"No I have nothing more for you but I do want to remind you to notify us when the spell is done to your satisfaction as soon as possible," he warned.

"Of course, Aestra asked that of us as well. Where should we perform our spell casting that will reach all we need it to?" The headmaster asked.

"The tower of this building. I will have Dobby escort you. We have a lot of electronic equipment up there so Dobby will direct you the part of the roof that will safe for you to sling your spell," Jason said with a small smile. "Do you wish to start now or eat something for strength first?"

"Oh bother, I had forgotten how much time has passed," Dumbledore sighed in dismay. "Yes, having a meal first would be a good idea then I suggest we gather on the roof. There we will figure out the parameters of the spell before casting it. And if all goes well, we'll be able to enjoy what's left of the evening before bedtime."

"I concur. Off to dinner, then," Madame Bones said turning to leave.

"Oh, I just realized that you came straight here. You still need to go see Blayrock to receive the communication gear all will be wearing. So please do that first then food then the spell. An don't forget to report to me afterwards. Good luck," Jason said.

The group departed the office and made for the stairs just a few feet away.

"Sigh what a bother. I still do not see why this so called communication gear is necessary," Bones muttered as they made their way toward the main doors again.

"Magic cannot hear or spell the equipment hence we can speak to each other and received updated information from Jason or Delacour without the enemy hearing us or so is the assurances I got on its use," Hagrid. "Trust me, it isn't that bad."

Bones just shook her head. When they had finally been outfitted and let go Bones still wasn't that enamored of the odd earpiece she was given. But, since she couldn't complain, she focused on getting some food in her belly.

The food pavilion held many long tables covered with all kinds of food. Most of the army had already filled their dishes and had moved off to sit under the trees to rest and eat. House Elves could be seen flashing in and out with drink pitchers filling cups everywhere.

The four late arrivals found they hadn't missed any of the good stuff and filled their trays before moving off to the few tables dotted about the area. A group had just left one under a large tree so they snatched it quickly.

After their meal, where they had used the time to discuss the charm they intended to use, the group trouped back into headquarters and headed up the stairs lead by Dobby, who had suggested a quick transport but they opted for the walk so they could digest their food more slowly and learn the route to the roof themselves.

Ten minutes later they stepped into a small tower room that had three windows with a breathtaking view of the forests surrounding the headquarters. Padded benches were placed around the walls to sit and stare at that view. A small door faced them which led to the roof veranda.

Dobby opened the door and gestured for them to go through. They exited onto a beautiful wide veranda that held comfortable chairs and small tables plus a porch swing. But it also held a huge telescope nearby, the edge of a huge dish like thing pointed at the skies, and a lot of strange poles with devices attached.

"What are those things," Remus asked pointing at the dish and the weird devices.

"Those be what is called satellite dishes that pick up signals from the muggle world. It allows the computers below to function. Something called the internet is what they tap into. Those devices are something that helps keep our location here secure from being spied on by those same muggles. Please don't ask me more as I do not understand these things either," Dobby said with a shrug. "If you want to know more I suggest you speak with those who work with all that below in the situation room."

"I'm almost afraid to for fear of losing my mind when it's explained," Remus said facetiously.

Madame Bones snorted, amused. "I'm afraid I agree with you. However, I have a bad feeling going forward, when we're at peace, this weird stuff ..." she gestured at all the tech "...will be required training so we're better able to understand muggle society and keep informed on their tech and threat level to us," she said resignedly.

"You would be right Madame Bones. I was taught much of this early in life as my family wanted me to be comfortable with working with muggle tech and know what muggles be saying when they talk about it among themselves. It is imperative we catch up and then stay on top of what they be doing," Hagrid agreed.

Dumbledore sighed and shook his head. "I used to be up on what they were doing but that was during Grindelwald's time. Since then the muggles have sprinted forward at a phenomenal rate and I am woefully behind."

"This be why we had Rubeus educated in this and to make friends with muggles trusted with our secrets," Agatha said.

"I am not so certain I can learn such things," Moody said, frowning.

"Nay, I am certain I can teach you the basics, Alastor so you may at least understand what those around you are saying," Hagrid soothed him.

Moody's real eye gave Hagrid a skeptical look but said nothing more as he turned his attention to the view. "I suggest we get on with the spell casting," he rumbled.

"Agreed," Dumbledore said equitably. "We are all in agreement the Colour Change Charm with the small change we have discussed and inserted into the charm will do what we hope it will. Someone want to be the guinea pig to test it?" He raised his wand and eyed the three with him.

"Perhaps it should be me because I'm a mix human. It probably would help us see if it will work on the non-human or mix anyway," Remus Lupin said stepping clear of them then waited.

"Good point," Bones said. "Let's see it headmaster."

Without saying anything more, Dumbledore waved his wand in a small graceful movement then muttered the altered charm and cast it on Lupin.

There was a brief flash of light which turned the top of Lupin's head blue. The other three blinked and stared.

"Is that what we were after?" Bones asked, frowning.

"Why, what do you see?" Lupin asked as he couldn't see if a change happened at all.

"Do you feel anything?" Dumbledore asked. Lupin shook his head. "Then I think it did just what we wanted and it doesn't interfere with anything he needs to do."

"Oh, I just had a thought. We should have had someone ask the Thunderbird to check the charm to see if it can see it! After all, it is what the charm was meant to do to protect our people from the bird, right?"

Moody and Dumbledore snorted in disgust that neither had remembered that fact.

"Headmaster, I can ask the Thunderbird to come," Dobby interrupted.

"I wasn't aware you were able to speak to it, Dobby," Dumbledore said, staring at the house elf in surprise.

Dobby shrugged deprecatingly. "Dobby it was who had brought the Thunderbird here headmaster at the behest of Hogwart's who felt such a creature would be needed."

Now all four could only gape at the house elf.

It was Lupin who spoke first, "the Hogwart's Spirit speaks to you or to all house elves?"

"I was told that Hogwarts had spoken to many sir in the past but people stopped talking to it. Only recently has it been willing to do so once more and Dobby was honored to be one of those it speaks to as well as a few others." He shrugged, a bit uncomfortable with all the attention.

"Sadly, Dobby is right. We of the forest are guilty of pulling away which made the poor thing very lonely but the war and what was going on in our world forbade us from trying to stay in touch. But I am happy to say that has changed and many are speaking with it again. It is very pleased by all the recent changes and especially the cleansing of Hogwarts," Agatha said smiling in memory of her recent conversations with the castle spirit.

Lupin shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Our world has definitely changed," was all he could say.

"I didn't even know Hogwarts was sentient so color me shocked," Madame Bones said, shaking her own head then eyed Dumbledore questioningly. "I take you did know it was, headmaster. And does that mean it talks to you?"

"All headmasters of Hogwarts could communicate with the spirit because it was needful in the running of the school and managing its security measures," Dumbledore confirmed.

"You're right Mr. Lupin, my worldview is changing rapidly with all these revelations," she sighed. "As fascinating as all this new information is the hour is growing late so Dobby please have the Thunderbird come and take a look then we can get on with performing this, fortunately, easy charm. At least it doesn't require that much energy to summon it casting it over so many …." she shook her head "... I foresee an exhausted sleep for all soon."

Dobby nodded and vanished.

Bones turned away and stared out over the snow covered landscape before her. Dusk was approaching but they didn't need light to perform the charm, fortunately. "It is a truly spectacular view up here," she murmured.

"It is indeed," Lupin agree coming to her side. "And, by the way, no one has told me what the charm looks like on me."

She turned to him and looked at his blue hair and snorted, "You have blue hair. And I'm assuming beings without hair or horns or other things will look positively gruesome." Chuckling lightly she made a mirror appear and held it up for Lupin.

He stared at his image then laughed. "I do look rather freaky as the students would say. Thank you."

Bones made the mirror disappear. "You're welcome."

Suddenly a low thrumming filled the air. All turned to look in the direction the sound was coming from. It's feathers glowing a bit with the lowering sun, the Thunderbird glided majestically toward the tower.

The four eyed the huge being with a bit of trepidation as it came to a halt a half mile from the tower and vaned it's wings lazily as it held its position and eyed them with that piercing black gaze.

Dobby appeared once more beside them. "Please to step forward, Mr. Lupin so it may look at you."

Lupin stepped away from Bones and the rest and waited. The Thunderbird was silent except for the sound it's wings made, for a few minutes before making a deep throated sound they could feel in their bodies. Then it turned around and flew off into the dying sunlight.

No one said anything for several minutes then Dobby spoke. "It says this will work well."

"Well, with that endorsement, I suppose we should get on with it then," Dumbledore said. "Move into a circle please. Keep your distance Dobby while we cast."

Dobby nodded and moved back to stand near the door while the wizards took their places in the widest section of the veranda. Arms raised with wands ready, then Dumbledore started the casting with the other three echoing him. A great light of power grew larger and larger until it encompassed the entire veranda then with one last word the light flashed outward and swiftly disappeared.

The four's arms dropped and their bodies drooped in exhaustion.

"Dobby will take you to your quarters where you can seek your rest," Dobby said preparing to send them to their rooms.

"Wait!" Dumbledore managed to say though it was very hard to talk now.

Dobby eyed him questioningly.

"We need to confirm the charmed did what it was supposed to do and the army is marked. Also both Jason and Aestra need to be told of its success," he said tiredly.

"That was already foreseen, headmaster. All house elves are now being sent to all beings of the army and confirming this, sir. Do you wish to wait for that report?"

Dumbledore found it hard to focus but had enough energy to stare at Dobby in surprise. "I shouldn't be surprised you have been delegated to do this already. Thank you and yes, we will wait for that confirmation."

Bones groaned and made her slow way to one of the many chairs nearby. Though more powerful than the humans, even Agatha felt incredibly drained. Lupin swayed on his feet but managed to sink into a seated position where he was and rested his head on his hands. Moody managed to get to a chair a few feet from him and dropped hard, nearly flipping the seat. Hagrid decided to do what Lupin had done and settled to the floor with a tired but satisfied sigh.

It took but twenty minutes before a house elf appeared before Dobby. The elf wore a slightly different uniform than Dobby but looked just as spiffy. "Mission done. All glow blue except dragons," it reported. Dobby nodded and the elf vanished.

"To bed now?" Dobby asked. "And would you like a snack and a restorative before you sleep?"

"Sounds heavenly," Bones muttered. "Make that a yes from me."

There were murmurs of agreement from the rest. Nodding, Dobby snapped his fingers and quickly delivered all to their quarters. Then he appeared in Jason's office.

"Charm worked, confirmation made, all are to bed. I will go to Aestra and let her know," Dobby reported.

"Excellent. Are they alright?"

"Very tired they are sir but they will be fine. I have ordered restoratives and a snack for them. Hopefully, they remain awake long enough to consume it," Dobby said.

"Thank you, Dobby. I assume you took it upon yourself to report this to me, eh," Jason said with a smile.

"Yes sir. Poor Headmaster Dumbledore intended to deliver the message which is why they waited on the roof before allowing me to send them to bed but, Dobby knew he would not be up to following through. Very upset he will be for failing his self imposed task," Dobby warned.

"Not to worry, Dobby. I will tell him when he wakes up. Again thank you for your excellent service."

"You are welcome, sir. Dobby go to Delacour now. Any other message you wish sent to her, sir?"

"Nay, your message is sufficient. Do not forget to get rest yourself, my friend."

"Dobby wont sir, good night to you and good rest," Dobby said, warm inside at the compliments their leader gave him. Nodding once he left to deliver his message.