Hello, Readers :)
PLEASE READ:
An Open Letter, To The Person Who Accused Me Of Story Theft,
As you left your review as a guest, I am forced to address your concerns publicly. In future, it would be more proper of you to allow me and other authors to contact you directly so that we could discuss and fix any issues you may have with us and/or our writing.
If you feel inclined to throw false accusations, please at least include evidence for your claims. That is common professional courtesy. I assure you I have never, and will never, steal from another author. I am happy to personally send you several hour long video clips of my writing and editing process for all future chapters, if you would like.
If your issue lies with me not writing a disclaimer to J.K. Rowling and associates, I must inform you that writing such as disclaimer is optional, due to how this site is exclusively a non-profit archive of fanfiction. The nature of this site is in itself a disclaimer. However, I am happy to write one, and edit all of my other stories to include one, if that is your wish. You only had to ask politely. You will find politeness will often garner more favourable results than a childlike overuse of caps lock.
Love,
Bambi x
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"I don't think so."
Harry sighed, not bothering to turn around as a cold, pale hand latched around his wrist. "I've been summoned, Draco. As much as I'd like to, I can't just not turn up to a meeting with Dumbledore."
Draco tugged, forcing the other to give him his full attention. "What part of you now leading an army don't you understand? You don't do anything alone."
Brow furrowed, Harry peered down into agitated silver eyes. "It's just Dumbledore, Draco. What's he going to do, accidentally overdose me on tea?"
"Don't underestimate him, Harry. He's smart, and ruthless, and will stop at nothing to get his way." Draco frowned up at him, unhappy with his attitude. "And I think we've established that his way varies from yours. What if he decides our little group are traitors? What if he wants you to do something you don't want to? What if he's using you, again, in some great scheme that you're not aware of yet?" He brandished his free hand towards one of the parchments on the desk before him. "Don't trust him, Harry. And please, don't be alone with him."
Harry studied the parchment, eyes ticking down the numerous names scrawled on it. Since the idea of the Grey Army had first been brought up a week ago, many students had been in contact with him, registering their interest in joining their ranks. Just like they had been moments ago, he, Draco and Hermione, as well as a few others that occasionally joined them, had spent most evenings huddled together before the large fireplace in the Gryffindor common room, shrouded by a muffliato and surrounded by various texts and papers. Their experiences with the DA had them preparing thoroughly, patching over their previous mistakes and making sure the Grey Army would thrive. They were working on members, schedules, learning plans, resources, everything and anything they could think of to make their venture successful.
Green eyes flicked between Draco and Hermione, his boyfriend and best friend, his partners, his equals. "What would you have me do?"
"At the very least, take me with you," Draco stated. "Then, if you are willing to, bring Hermione, McGonagall, and Severus." He couldn't help the small smirk that graced his face when the two Gryffindors shared a look, uncomfortable with the casual use of their most hated professor's first name.
"I think he's right, Harry," Hermione agreed. "That sounds like a good combination to have. Draco and I will obviously stand by you and have you and the Army's best interests at heart. McGonagall and Snape are not blind to Dumbledore's faults and will not unconditionally follow his orders, they are not afraid to stand up to him if anything he says is…unsavoury."
"Okay, then it's settled." Harry lifted his chin, setting his shoulders, unconsciously taking on the air of a leader. He didn't notice the glinting looks and small, knowing smirks shared between the duo as he passed out his orders, "Draco and I will go to Snape and request his presence, Hermione please do the same with McGonagall. We will meet back up at Dumbledore's office. None of us are to allow the meeting to start until all are present."
"Understood, Harry." Hermione stood, gave a short nod, then headed towards the exit to fulfil her job without hesitation or a backwards glance.
Draco rose more slowly, linking his fingers with Harry's and gently pulling them in the same direction. "You know, you're good at this."
Harry grinned goofily, scrunching up his nose as he stared up at the blonde, completely ruining any appearance of strength, power, or authority. "Huh? Really?"
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Severus trailed after his favourite and least favourite students, his feet silent but his mind loud and frantic, working through all possible meanings for this meeting. He had been surprised to see Draco on his doorstep an hour before curfew, Harry at his flank, grey and green peering up at him levelly, determinedly. At first, he felt reluctant to follow Harry and be present at the meeting, sure it wouldn't be of any value or interest, but when Draco repeated the request he changed his mind. He trusted Draco's judgment; if he suspected his presence was needed then he would give it gladly.
He followed the two past the docile gargoyle and up the winding steps, pausing as the bodies before him halted. Harry quirked his head to the side, listening at the door, before lifting his chin and barging into the room. Severus frowned at the boy's unusual rudeness but slunk in after them without a word. He was surprised as loud arguing fell deathly quiet, quick eyes taking in Hermione Granger and Minerva McGonagall in chairs before the large desk, looks of anger and confusion on their faces respectively. He saw Albus Dumbledore in his usual seat, reclining in a relaxed fashion as he regarded those present in his office, but he knew the man well enough to detect the hard set of his jaw and the slight crease between white brows.
"Ah, Harry, my boy, so nice of you to join us," The Headmaster greeted lightly, his hands clapping together. "I was just telling Miss Granger and Minerva here that they are not needed, and that this is, in fact, a private meeting between us two. Hence why my request for you to join me this evening was sent to you personally by letter, and not asked in front of the entire school. And, as much as I also enjoy the company of young Draco and Severus, I must ask in the politest of ways that they as well take their leave."
"They are here at my request, not yours, Professor Dumbledore," Harry spoke softly, but he met the sparkling blue eyes directly. "Anything you would like to speak to me about can be spoken in the presence of these individuals. Otherwise, I must decline your invitation, and I'll be on my way, Sir."
Severus's frown deepened as Draco took up the position of right-hand man, standing at Harry's shoulder and patiently waiting. Whether he was waiting for his decision, or his orders, he didn't know. He was beginning to understand the need for his presence in the office, and why it seemed Harry had also sought out Hermione and Minerva. It was obvious Albus was up to something, possibly had been for a while, and they were here as witness and prevention, to stop any plans that may cause more harm than good before they could become fully realised.
"Now, now, Harry," Dumbledore continued. "I would like to share with you some sensitive matters, teach you many new things, help you with what's to come and your duty. I know you have your little club now, and I'm glad you're taking an interest in learning outside of your classes, but this information is just for you, Harry, as the Chosen One."
Harry bit his tongue to hold back the smirk that threatened to spill across his face when twin derisive, delicate snorts met his ears from the two men behind him. He would be forever grateful that Draco had made him see sense; he was beginning to understand how wrong he had been to always be alone when listening to the alluring, silver tipped words the headmaster spoke. Surrounded by intelligent gazes, he felt the silky persuasions and manipulations wash over him. "My statement still stands."
Dumbledore peered at the assembled group over half-moon glasses, quietly calculating. He watched as Severus closed ranks around the two students he had accompanied, standing at Harry's other shoulder. Hermione sat with her arms crossed, a gently smug look on her face, and Minerva had her head tilted to the side, eyes looking past him as she thought, dawning realisation slowly falling across her features.
"Very well," the headmaster finally relinquished on a sigh. "I am highly disappointed that you do not trust me, Harry, especially after all we have been through together. I apologise if I have done something to garner such animosity from you. I will respect your request as a sign of good faith, and hope that one day you will return my faith."
Minerva sat up straighter at his words, eyes narrow as she regarded the man she respected above all else. "I am sure you are not intentionally trying to guilt trip my student, Albus, but all the same, I must ask you to refrain from doing so. Potter is well within his rights to request the presence of other staff members during a meeting with you, and I personally have so issues with Miss Granger or Mr Malfoy being here, either."
Severus gently pushed the two boys by him towards the empty seats left before the desk. He waited for them to be seated comfortable before conjuring his own chair, positioning himself so that Harry was in the centre of their group, flanked by Hermione and Draco, and he and Minerva bookended the students. "Minerva is right, Albus. And, I am beginning to understand the necessity of our presences here," He let the unspoken true meaning of his words hang in the air for a moment before tacking on a somewhat emptier elaboration, "Just in case what you have to teach him should be misunderstood or misinterpreted, naturally. If I may be so bold, it is rather…unprofessional of you to be so against his rather standard and, surprisingly for him, intelligent request. I, and I'm sure I speak for Minerva as well, am willing to also aid Potter in whatever knowledge it is you wish to impart on him. Adding in our own expertise could be nothing but beneficial, don't you agree?"
Harry glanced to Draco, resisting the urge to stick his tongue out at him at the clear I-told-you-so look on his face. He and Hermione had been right; this group was perfect, and much needed. He felt his respect for the two professors growing as they both stared down the headmaster, expressions soft but eyes steady and stubborn.
"Forgive me, Severus, my age does not let me express myself correctly at times," Albus chuckled lightly. "I was merely inquiring whether Harry was certain in his decision, I know he is quite a private boy, so was merely offering him a quieter meeting. However, I see he has made up his mind with that Gryffindor spirit we all adore. So, if we are all ready, we shall begin."
He reluctantly began his tale, unwilling to give the information to everyone present but not seeing that he had much choice. Besides, a quick calculation in a wise brain told him it wouldn't cause any harm for the others to know, it may even be beneficial in the long run. He was certain everyone would see things the way he did, and it would help the cause if there were several hands helping and guiding Harry down the correct path and leading him towards making the right decisions.
He told them everything, not caring as several instruments along his walls chimed the start of curfew. He told them the story of Tom Marvolo Riddle and his transformation into Lord Voldemort. He told them of the prophesy, and what it meant for Harry's role in the war. Recounting the events of the previous school year, he told them about the Order of the Phoenix, and what they did, and what they stood for. Black eyes flashing in warning didn't stop his from also divulging Severus's story, spilling the secrets of his double agent status as if discussing the weather. Finally, he filled the stunned silence in the room with the tale of the Horcruxes, and his desire for Harry to join him on a quest to seek one of them out.
"Absolutely not!" Draco exclaimed, outrage clear on his handsome face.
"I must agree with Mister Malfoy's statement, Albus, absolutely not. That idea is preposterous, you should know better," Minerva spoke in a quieter tone, but it didn't soften the anger in it.
Dumbledore just smiled like he was looking at a pair of young children. "Harry will be perfectly fine, he'll be with me. It would be good practice for him to witness the outcome of Voldemort's darkness, and see what kind of man he is up against in this war."
"No," Draco continued firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Even with you present, Sir, Harry will still be at risk. With all due respect, if you want the Horcruxes found and destroyed, do it yourself. Or better yet, tell the Ministry of your knowledge instead of a student, and get a team of Aurors, Curse-Breakers, or even Unspeakables to deal with it."
"Draco is again correct, Albus," Severus added with a sharp nod. "This is not the work for an undertrained, underaged, ungraduated boy, but for professionals. Any suggestion otherwise would end in certain disaster, and begs the questioning of your decisions and morals, Albus."
Minerva nodded, her breathing sharp and fast, pure distress etched into her face, making her appear older than she was. "He's just a boy, Albus! What are you thinking? He's sixteen! That damned prophecy is already too much, I will not have you putting a student of this school in danger." Her voice turned cold, stubborn, reminding everyone why she was the Head of Gryffindor, "I won't allow it."
"Minerva, Severus, please, control yourselves." Albus eased a relaxed expression onto his face, holding up his hands in a sign of innocence. "Surely after everything Harry has been through he should be considered more than a child? I think he should be allowed to make his own decision on the matter, hasn't he earned that right? Especially considering all he is destined for."
Harry looked up with fiery eyes, his body tense, the only thing keeping him in his seat the presence of Hermione's hand wrapped firmly around his bicep. "I agree with everything that has been said by my requested guests. I refuse your offer, Sir." His voice was jaded, biting, jarring unpleasantly with his polite words.
"You may come to regret that decision, Harry, my boy. There is a lot you could learn from this experience. I thought you wanted to become stronger, a better soldier? I thought that was the reasoning behind you started your club?"
"It is not a club, it is an Army," Harry spat. "An Army made up of children because you have failed me, you have failed us, Sir. We are having to teach ourselves because at present we would be slaughtered like sheep if Voldemort decided to attack. Voldemort knows of the Prophecy. He is after me, and as I spend the majority of my time here, this is the most likely place for him to attack. I will not have my fellow students killed, especially not because of me." Harry leaned forward, a dangerous light burning in death green eyes. "Speaking of the Prophecy, while it is destined one of us will die, I have no intention of it being me. I want to be as prepared as I can be to face Voldemort, and I will not risk my life unnecessarily before that time if I am the only chance at stopping him. So again, I refuse your offer, Sir."
The brunette stood up gracefully, nodding his head at each individual on his side of the desk politely. "I would like to thank you all for giving me your time, and your advice. I fear that without you I may have made some dire choices tonight. If you will excuse us, we must be heading off; it's well past curfew and we have classes in the morning." He stood up and his two fellow students rose with him, standing by his sides as he turned towards the exit.
"No, thank you, Mister Potter. This meeting has been rather…enlightening." Severus drawled out, not paying the slightest bit of attention to the headmaster watching the group.
"Yes, rather," Minerva agreed. "I would like for the three of you to continue keeping me in the loop, as it were. If you need any further help or advice, don't hesitate to ask for it, my door is always open." She paused for a moment, letting her eyes flick briefly to Dumbledore before holding her head high, a definitive tone in her voice, "And, if you'll allow, I would be honoured to aid your organisation. I fear your predictions about the location You-Know-Who will choose for war may ring true, and I want my students as prepared as possible. I may be able to teach you all a trick or two that might help with those preparation." She marched out of the room with a final nod, ignoring the calls of her name coming from behind the desk.
Severus peered at the three students, his gaze cold, calculating. "Have you got many names enlisted in your army, yet?"
"Yes," Harry stated bluntly.
"Good. Add mine to that list. It seems you could do with all the help you can get." He turned to sweep out of the room, but unlike his co-worker, the call of his name gave him pause.
"You will do no such thing, Severus!" Dumbledore declared. "You will not be training students to fight."
"No, I will be training them to defend themselves. That is my job, headmaster. I am simply offering some extracurricular defence against the dark arts classes to some keen students. Is there an issue?"
Dumbledore was furious, the blue of his eyes turning icy. "You work for me, Severus. You are my staff, and my spy in the Order of the Phoenix. Your loyalty is to me, not to a bunch of foolish children playing adults."
Severus quirked an eyebrow; it wasn't often Albus lost his temper or forgot himself, speaking without weighing out his every word. "You can't treat them like adults in one sentence, and then treat them like children in another when it is convenient for you, Albus," Severus drawled, his tone bored. "I will continue working with you and the Order, but not for you. I will continue to work in the best interest of my students and the Light, as I have for the last sixteen years. My loyalty was never to you, Albus. It was to Lily Potter. Now, it is to her son, and my godson. Always."
This time he did leave the room, exiting in a swirl of black fabric. He left the door open purposely, knowing the three students were following his departure. Once down the stairs and in the cool air of the corridor he let out a tense breath, slowing his pacing to allow the three to catch up. He ducked around a shadowed corner, coming to an abrupt halt, waiting for them to gather around him.
"Thank you, godfather," Draco spoke politely, softly, his head bowing in respect.
"You were correct to find me, Draco. I dread to think how much damage that man has caused while I haven't been present." Black eyes shifted to sheepish green ones. "Never meet Albus alone again, Potter. I expect you to inform either or both of me and Minerva if he contacts you. His behaviour has been simply unforgivable. I will be keeping an eye on him and will be intervening whenever I deem it necessary. I will also personally make sure news of the Horcruxes reach the appropriate ears, and that they are dealt with in a timely, efficient manner."
"Thank you, sir." Harry nodded his head, holding out a hand for the professor to shake. Severus raised a delicate black brow, seeing the action for what it was, an offer of truce. The brunette let out a breath as his hand was clasped tightly. "May I ask, why did you offer to help us, sir?"
Severus pulled his hand away, expression growing tired. "As I quite clearly said back in the office, and as you should have gathered from Albus's rather lengthy explanation of my personal affairs, I was friends with your mother. I was loyal to her, to the end, and only joined the Order to protect her. When Albus failed to do so, I stayed because I thought it was the best way to keep you safe. I promised your mother I would protect you at all costs and have been doing so since the day you first stepped foot in the school, even if you haven't realised it." Severus's eyes fell back to his godson, the stern set of his lips softening but never smiling. "And, of course, I promised the same to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy when I agreed to be Draco's godfather."
"Then, I must thank you again, sir." Harry stepped back, falling into line between Draco and Hermione. "But, you must forgive me if I don't trust you unconditionally."
"I would be disappointed in you if you did." Severus turned to leave, ready to dismiss the three without so much as a goodbye, but spun back on his heel when a thought struck him. "However, I must inform you that you have been trusting me already, Mister Potter, but, yet again, it's another thing you haven't realised. Please, if you insist on starting an Army, pay more attention to your surroundings, it may save your life." He whirled around, disappearing down the corridor, speaking softly but loud enough for his words to carry to the trio, "Congratulations on your improving grades, Potter. Feel free to keep my old copy of Advanced Potions Making as a gesture of goodwill."
Harry stared at his retreating back, ignoring Draco's knowing smirk and Hermione's shock. He shook his head, laughing freely as he hooked his arms around their shoulders, dragging them back to the Tower as his mind raced over all the information he had been given that evening.
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To Be Continued (within 48 hours).
Happy Reading,
Love,
Bambi x
