Chapter 20: Aftermath

"So let me get this straight," Harry was back in the Hospital Wing, sitting up in his bed, with Snape, Saldor, and Silverwood seated around him. Snape was not pleased as he repeated what Harry had just recounted. "You had a hunch that Creevey was the spy, and you knowingly and willingly had Madam Pomfrey leave you alone with the damn boy?"

Harry shrugged. "It was only a hunch. I wasn't certain until we were outside the Great Hall."

"And pray tell, how did you even get dressed and get down to the Hall? Walking appeared to be a challenge from my angle."

"Erm, I made Colin help me?" Harry answered quietly. "I think he knew he couldn't fight me on his own, and was hoping that he would have a moment where I was distracted if he followed me to the Hall. Because I already suspected, I made sure he was never out of my vision."

"I have half a mind to lock you up. There's no way you should have been on your feet for at least another day! You're lucky you didn't just pass out as soon as you stood! Then where would we be? And having a suspected enemy help you dress?"

Harry frowned. He hadn't even thought of the repercussions if he hadn't been able to make it to the Hall and Colin had a chance to attack him.

"So. Ten days?"

Snape nearly rolled his eyes at the boy. "We aren't done. But I'll honor your desire for abstraction."

"Thanks!"

"You won't thank me when you're responsible for telling Sterling," Snape declared.

Silverwood snorted. "Good luck, Aeter. The man's a tactical genius, and likes to make sure you never make the same mistake twice." Harry groaned at that declaration, but didn't argue and allowed Silverwood to continue. "Yes, you were quite unconscious for 10 days. We had to make some excuse for you, and found it most beneficial to indicate that you had been injured on a mission. Only your friends asked questions. Still, only Pandora and Terran are aware of the full truth. Still, your admirers sent gifts."

Harry smiled. "I'll have to thank them. How have the training sessions gone?"

"You'd think I've never trained people?" Silverwood raised an eyebrow. "Terran stepped in a bit, but Isaac is stellar. The man deserves a promotion," he admitted.

"Speaking of Isaac," Snape said, "the man is livid with you. To hear some of the students tell it, he was really looking forward to demonstrations this last week, so he could beat you. I have half a mind to call him in here, right now."

Harry grinned. "The man's competitive. But I'm glad he kept me from cracking my skull in the Great Hall, just now."

A knock sounded on the door, and Isaac entered. "It's so good to see you conscious, Junior Commander," Isaac sneered by way of greeting, his voice betraying that he legitimately was glad to see Harry awake . "Masters," he nodded toward the other three. "Professor Dumbledore asked me to make sure nothing was needed. He asked me to let you know that, as the feast was wrapping up, he sent me to escort the Apprentices back to their quarters. They are most eager to see their friend."

"Thank you, Isaac," Saldor nodded. "I expect we'll have several apprentices sneaking out tonight. Atwater is quite busy with the younger Creevey boy right now."

Silverwood nodded, "Truly. And I need to brief the Guard."

Snape sighed. "I should go let your godfather know. Dom, care to advise Molly?"

Isaac, the last remaining with Snape and Harry, looked at the older man. "Shall I stop them from coming?"

Snape shook his head. "Not tonight."

Isaac nodded, turning to leave. "Yes, Sir. Aeter, I look forward to dueling you when you are up for it."

Harry grinned at the other man. "And I, you, Master Isaac. Thank you for your help tonight."

The two men nodded at each other.

After Isaac exited, Harry stopped Snape. "Sir, my father— James, he, well, he asked me to tell you… thank you, Sir. He says he's grateful you can be the, well, father, he couldn't be."

Snape stood in the doorway for a moment, his face impassive. "Please no more unauthorized field trips."

Harry allowed himself a small smile. "One more question, Sir. When my Mum described our bond, she said that our magic, because our friendship is one of respect and empathy, can manifest in interesting ways. What did she mean?"

Snape gazed at Harry for a moment. "I think your Mum was telling you that you and Pandora will do extraordinary things, if you maintain that trust in one another."

Harry stared at the wall. "Thank you, Sir."

Snape nodded once. "Do not leave until given leave by a healer. If you are not to be released tomorrow, I will bring some work that you can do here in the morning."

"Yes, Sir," Harry agreed as the man quietly shut the door behind him.

"I can't believe you!"

"That was the dumbest-"

Harry couldn't tell the difference between Hermione and Ginny's shouting, as their voices mumbled together.

Harry just sat back and let them carry on. "Hey guys," he said quietly to Ron, Terran, and Strider, who were watching. "How was the feast?"

"Oh, the feast was good, quiet, until some nutter came barging in and passed out," Ron rolled his eyes. "You okay, mate? I can't believe it was Colin! How did you know?"

Harry nodded. "There was no reason for him to be in the Hospital Wing during the Feast, especially when nobody else was present, especially as he was without his camera. How are you guys doing?"

Ginny and Hermione has finally calmed down, and allowed Ron and Terran to talk about the Guard for a short time. After a short pause, Ginny asked, "So, how upset was Pomfrey when she realized you had gone off to the feast?"

Harry laughed. "She threatened to tie me to this bed, she did. I think the only reason she actually didn't is because I was with Master Shadowman, who was already visibly cross with me."

"Rightfully so," Hermione said ruefully. "Oh, I'm so glad you're okay! How long will you be here?"

Harry shrugged. "There were noises about tomorrow, though I'll have to take it easy for a bit yet. My muscles need to adapt to being active before I can participate in my hard efforts again."

"Isaac was livid he couldn't rematch you," Terran said. "He wanted to see if he couldn't best you in the next demonstration. Instead, he was trounced in a fencing demonstration by Master Shadowman."

"I hadn't realized we were that far yet," Harry observed quietly.

"We aren't. But they are getting ready to ramp up, now that the other apprentices are training at the castle too, I think it was meant to impress the students. I'm sure you'll get the full briefing tomorrow."

Harry nodded. "Tell me about classes and quidditch?"

Ron was all too happy to change the topic toward quidditch, talking about the team's strategy for the next game against Slytherin. Harry watched carefully as Ginny's jaw tensed, though she continued to smile and give Ron enthusiastic suggestions. After awhile, Harry noted that Ginny's face had relaxed somewhat, as she and Ron bickered over the best tactic to use against the new chasers.

Harry relaxed back into his pillows, allowing his eyes to close as he drifted back to sleep, feeling comforted by his friends' presence.

When he awoke in the morning, it was to Madam Pomfrey bustling around the room, pouring potions and straightening out his covers.

"Good morning, Madam Pomfrey," Harry said cheerfully.

She glared for a moment, obviously still upset with him. "I should keep you here, so you can't do anything stupid!"

"I'm sorry, Madam, but I knew something was gonna happen at the feast!" Harry protested. "I wasn't going to risk you getting hurt here, either!"

"Hmmph," the woman crossed her arms and stared at him. "Well there's nothing more I can do for you. Make sure you take the potions you're supposed to, and lay low for a week or two before you begin going crazy again."

"Yes, ma'am," Harry agreed kindly. "You won't see me here for another two weeks," he joked.

"I better not!" Her face softened. "Professor Snape has indicated you could go to the Great Hall for breakfast when you woke."

When Harry arrived at the Great Hall, he tried to enter quietly, though a third year Ravenclaw saw him enter and pointed to his friend. Soon, the silence was deafening, as Harry walked down the aisle. Within a few moments, Fred and George had stood and began a rowdy round of applause in faux adoration, Harry was pleased that this did not catch on.

Harry blushed as the hall continued to watch him now and greet his master.

Finally, sensing Harry's discomfort, Dumbledore cleared his throat. "While I know Mister Potter appreciates your well wishes, he would also appreciate some privacy. Classes begin shortly."

The hall immediately resumed activity in a fluster, as Harry nodded gratefully at the Headmaster, who smiled back in return.

"What's on the plan today, boss?" Harry asked, throwing himself in his seat.

"I have to teach," Snape said wryly. "I have seventh years, but Master Silverwood will be strategizing with you on training plans. And then you have a meeting with Master Sterling at Headquarters. Lay low on magic and physical activity today. You will likely be exhausted just from sitting and meeting with people today. We'll resume workouts tomorrow."

"The students and apprentices need to skill up even faster," Silverwood announced, without small talk as Harry seated himself at the table. "Attacks have really ramped up, and if we have a hope of fighting him, before people give up hope, we need to work now."

Harry closed his eyes. "Attacks outside?"

The man nodded. "The Bones manor, notably. There was an attack in muggle London, and we're keeping close track of several murders that the muggles have not yet noted as suspicious."

Harry's eyes were wide. "How do you know all of this?"

"We work closely with the aurors investigating. They aren't meant to be a war time military, not really, so we aren't stepping on any toes."

"Bones? Susan's family?"

"Her aunt is Director of Magical Law Enforcement, though her parents were killed in the first war. Amelia was not home at the time, so it's only property, but Susan was quite shaken up."

Harry sighed. "We need to be able to dispatch troops to help. I'm told Terran was great while I was gone?"

Silverwood looked up from his papers. "He'll be a great second in command. I'm proud of him."

"Should he—"

"He doesn't have the same rapport with the students. He did great, because the students know you stand behind him. Terran is happy with the way things are set up."

Harry nodded. "Alright, so we focus down more. Do we set up a strike force?"

Silverwood nodded. "Yes. The Aurors already have a warning system in place. The problem is they don't have the numbers to keep up with it. Right now, the Guard, and yourself and some of the upper apprentices could be used as assistance. We need to get the others in gear faster, and then we'll be able to respond to these calls more efficiently."

Harry considered, unhappily. He had imagined the danger of the war, and there was no doubt: Voldemort had to be stopped. At what costs, though, were they willing to fight? It was now, even, the future of students' education at risk.

Harry sighed. He knew there was no question about it: if the aurors weren't trained to fight a military's war, then training fighters was the only hope of winning. "Are there concerns that becoming more strict will encourage students to leave?"

"I think Fletcher is doing a fine job of walking the line between tough and traditional education. I think we also push the relationship with the Guard," Silverwood said thoughtfully. "If the students feel the Masters or apprentices will think less of them, it might push them to work harder to avoid being seen as the weak link."

Harry nodded. "The volunteer third year apprentices and the half dozen second years: they've been coming to Hogwarts?"

Silverwood nodded. "It's going smoothly. Sterling and Dumbledore are considering whether or not to offer their masters residence at Hogwarts to allow them to stay daily."

"Is there space at Hogwarts for 80 more people?" Harry asked, surprised.

"Yes. The Hogwarts population is much smaller than it once was. The wizarding population has shrunk to about a third of its size, and the last war didn't help. Realistically, Hogwarts can increase to fit about 600 more people before intervention is needed."

Harry gaped, he truly had no idea the limits of the Founders' magical abilities. "Could Hogwarts somehow benefit from having those masters here?" Harry asked.

"I think those are the negotiations that Dumbledore and Sterling are working through now."

"Excellent. What can I do?"

"Given the sheer number of people we are considering having here, I think it's time we get Hermione working with Sirius and Remus on a map—I anticipate she'll have some ideas for improvements on the map. Filius will be a great help. Sterling is also considering anybody else for the team."

"Similarly, we should get Fred and George set up with some entrepreneurs from the mastery and perhaps aurors to begin considering what they might create for different scenarios. What works for battle may not work for close quarters," Harry pointed out. "Ron and the other strategists might be useful here."

Harry paused, thinking. "If Atwater and Strider will be here to help with trauma, surely we'll need more mind healers on hand? Especially as we know students here will likely suffer losses in this war?"

Silverwood nodded. "It's been discussed, but I'll ask for an update."

Harry leaned back. "Does it ever get easier?"

"I'm afraid not, Aeter."

"Master Sterling," Harry bowed deeply. "I hope you are well."

"Aeter, please sit," Sterling gestured to the seat across from him. They were at a wizarding restaurant next to the London Headquarters. "It is good to see you moving about. How are you feeling?"

"Tired, but other than that, well," Harry smiled. "I am told I can slowly begin resuming my activities, though it will take some time to be back in top conditioning."

"I am glad to hear that Aeter," Harry wondered how many apprentices ever got to see the warm smile that graced the man's face. "You are here in your Guard capacity, please order as you wish."

After they both placed their orders, Sterling spoke again. "I've received reports, of course, so we don't need to meander. I would like to hear your narrative of last night's feast, however."

Harry gulped. He still was not entirely convinced he had done wrong with his addressing of Colin, though he was wary that attempting to justify his actions would unveil holes in his strategy.

Avoiding meeting Sterling's gaze, Harry began speaking about his suspicions of Colin, especially as he should have been at the Feast, and it seemed an odd time for the boy to visit, except for he anticipated Harry's being alone, and unconscious.

"And you sent Madam Pomfrey away?"

"Yes, Sir. Her talent is valuable to us. I knew I could take Colin on, but had no idea of her skill in battle, and whether she would be helpful or harmful. I chose to ensure her safety."

"While I'm not sure it was the best decision, given your handicaps at the time, it is a valid point. But your decision to go to the Great Hall with the boy instead of incapacitating him?"

Harry grimaced. "A way to keep an eye on him. I also wasn't certain of his guilt. I had to get to the Great Hall as nobody knew—"

"While a noble cause, Aeter, there were several very powerful witches and wizards. You think the girl could have done much harm to them?"

"Sir, with all due respect, I wasn't worried about them. I was worried about the students surrounding her. You're used to dealing with well-trained masters who are quick on their feet. Some of these people are only eleven years old, and I doubt she would have been near the much stronger apprentices or masters when attacking."

Sterling watched Harry for a moment as their food arrived. Harry fidgeted under his strict gaze for a moment. "Very well. While I again am not certain the decision was the best available, your instincts are sound. I applaud your courage and bravery."

"Thank you, Sir."

Silence reigned for a few moments as they each began their lunches. "You've spoken with Master Silverwood?"

"Yes, Sir. He advised me of several changes, as well as the current negotiations with Hogwarts."

Sterling nodded. "Your thoughts?"

"It could be good to have them at Hogwarts, Sir. It eases the security risk of so many floos going every day, especially if our strike force operates from Hogwarts and not the Ministry or Headquarters. It would also have the added benefit of many experts to assist. Perhaps Hogwarts could add a subject or two, if there's concern about keeping people active, which would allow apprentices or advanced students to gain experience as teaching assistants.

"I also like the idea of adding an apprentice to our Master-Student teams," Harry added after a moment of thought. "I have thoroughly enjoyed being an Apprentice, but there is an aspect to Hogwarts that many could do with learning, notably cooperation with peers."

Sterling nodded. "I will take these into consideration, and ask the Headmaster to, as well."

Harry was pleasantly surprised by how easy a conversationalist Sterling was. As lunch wrapped up, Sterling became serious again. "Aeter, I must ask you to be cautious. While we know two perpetrators were caught, I am not convinced they were the only two. It seems too easy, and we know how Voldemort is not above the unforgiveables. Hogwarts is the safest place England has, but do not believe it above treachery."

Harry returned to Hogwarts, Sterling's warning weighing heavily on his mind.