Chapter 43

Christmas Break 1996-1997: Potter Island -Greece

Once Christmas itself was over, LAR met on Harry's island to discuss the eminent war ahead. Most of the adults were not enthused about Harry and Hermione being there.

Sirius interrupted the rancorous arguments. "People, please settle down." Remus and Tonks laughed at him holding up his hands like he was Albus Dumbledore. It didn't work, nor was it his style.

A low growl starts as the heated discussion continues. Soon it grows to the point of loud barking. This stops the battle of minds stone dead. They all turn to see the famous grim of the Marauders. Padfoot is enraged and it sounds like he is willing to take it out on them all.

He turns back and smooths down his outfit. "Thank you. Now as I was about to say before everyone pissed me off" He glares at the group. "This is Harry's island. He is the only one that can do the job. Hermione has kept him safe for the last six years. She is the only one he trusts to go with him. They still might be saddled with Ron, depending on how easily they can get away. Our jobs are to support them, relay information through trusted lines, and to train for battle if it comes to that."

The group was shocked at what Sirius had said. Neville, George and Susan just sighed before stiffening up. They know and it was a burden that couldn't really be shared.

Amelia and the Grangers sat back with Sirius and Remus. They knew what was coming, it was no surprise that Augusta teared up. Harry was like a second grandson to the grand dame, but she knew he would do what he felt he needed to, just like his folks and her son.

The rest were now beginning to come out of their stupors. "But you are just children. Why can't the adults handle this?" Tabitha Diggory cries out. Many agreed with her.

Hermione took a deep breath, she was going to need it. "So far, we've been lucky. Harry and I have had to do some things, that only the adults should have, all of them under the supervision of Albus Dumbledore himself. The fact that we will only be looking for three greatly improves our odds, so does the fact that we know what they are. What we need you all to do is provide a support system the length and breadth of the island. We've been granted special licence via Amelia and Croaker here to apperate around. Our files, meaning mine and Harry's have been secreted away to Croaker's private office and hidden." Hermione paces up and down the front of the room.

"All your homes, the twin's shop, Olivander's, any place you feel warranted need to be under the strongest of wards, especially fire, anti-Death Eater, and the fedelius charm. As Professor Moody is fond of saying, "Constant Vilagence". Occlumancy is a must. Lastly, George, Fred, and Lee are in talks of starting a radio station. It will keep us informed as to what is going on at home. Please see them if you want to help." Hermione sits down and back knowing that the upcoming is going to blow them away.

Neville stands and like Hermione, paces the room. "While Harry and Hermione are gone with Ronald, if they can't help it, we need to add to the defenses of the school. I know a few of you are on the school board. The only way we'll achieve any additions to the safety of the school is if we go through the board. Ever since our first year, Harry has been in danger in one way or the other from outside threats. All of these have been swept under the rug by Dumbledore. The very first thing is new wards. With careful research, we've found that there is enough money to have the wards revamped. They need to be stronger. They need to violently repel dark devices and dark marks. The DA are in need of training up. I can handle this in the remainder of this year with Harry and Hermione and next by myself. We are also going to need an armory of the Weasley's tricks to keep everyone hopping"

Fred, George and Angelina nod, as do Bill and Charlie. "We'll start mass production and distribution of them." George interjects. It'll keep him out of trouble. Neville nods and continues.

"No offence to the gathered Weasleys here, but we will need to do drops of food and messages for Harry and Hermione. Ron will eat them out of house and home within a month." This cracks the twins and Charlie up. Bill still needs to project the big brother image, so can't join in, but agrees wholeheartedly.

The meeting is given back to Harry. "We will be leaving after Bill's wedding. If there is anything you think we should be taking with us, please give it to or tell 'Mione about it. As she said safe houses will need to be set up along with drop offs. I would not put it past him to rush through Blood Laws. Riddle has a willing accomplice in Umbridge. She'll slurp that up, so anyone of either half or muggle decent that you know, please convince them to seek shelter in the muggle world. This has the chance of becoming like the Nazi discrimination of the Jews. There will be informants and squads out before long.

Bill please have them look at the Death Eater's vaults. I don't want to have to figure out how to get one out if need be. Neville introduce some hand to hands and knife and gun skills. Dan will be teaching us all.

Before we go further. I would like to say while I don't want any of you or me to outright kill them, please try to put them down with no way of responding if you can. If you need to though, make sure they don't get back up. The only one that I foresee having been truly forced into this is Draco Malfoy. We just need to get him away from his father, I believe."

With that, the meeting continues. Remus stands and tells them that there will be hand to hand and weapons training for the next two weeks.

Each day Order of the Light members pop in with provisions, books, news of safe houses to be put on the map that Remus and Sirius are making. Dan pits everyone through "boot camp" and they are better for it. He comes up with a detailed program for Neville to implement. Harry and Remus provide the magical side.

Bill contracted the bank and they agree to audit the account vaults. This process sees the goblins look through many records. Ragnock has him tell Harry that if Riddle takes over or Umbridge steps up her programs, they'll be shutting their doors. Bill is authorized to remove the members' accounts to France. The goblins then agree to set up the wards for the Order's homes and designated safe houses. They are then contracted to do the wards on the school, St. Mungo's, and the Ministry.

Sadly, time only allows for the school. During such, the goblins found the destroyed Gaunt ring.

Word goes out about the muggle safe houses that will form a network through the Isles. None is leaked to the Ministry, Order of the Phoenix or Death Eaters.

By the end of the Winter Break, everything is in place. The kids are taken to King's Cross by floo from the Potter Manor and George once again has to say goodbye to his girl. He knows it is a matter of weeks until they see each other again, but it still aches.