Author's Note: Alright, here's another Chapter. I hope you like it. I even threw in a reference to another fantasy series. le-gasp! As before my Betas are busy so this has only been read by me. I do my best but I'm a little too close to it to catch all the problems. Rate, Review, Comment, Subscribe, tell your friends etc.
Chapter 24: Rallying Cries
Harry awoke the next morning sometime before dawn to the soft scuffing sound of something sliding along the floor under the door. It was a sound he was actually acutely skilled at interpreting. He had after all been fed for years via a cat flap in the door at Privet Drive.
That he was hearing that sound here at Hogwarts piqued his curiosity and he reluctantly talked himself into extricating himself as carefully as he could from Hermione. He managed it without waking the brunette in question, and padded across the floor to pickup the piece of parchment he could see in the dim light emanating from under the door.
He picked up the parchment delicately so as not to needlessly crumple it. He quickly glanced it over and was informed the note was from Tonks.
Hey Wonderboy (I know you love it when I call you that)
Didn't want to bother you and your lady friends so I figured I'd just write a note you could read when you got up. Turns out the Ministry didn't actually know about the giant nest of killer wagon sized spiders living in the forest. Go figure right?
So I have the dubious honour as "asset in place" of being selected to lead the strike teams to clear them out. Yippee skippee for me right?
I should be back with you guys some time later today, a clearing operation like this can take a while. So do me a favour would you? STAY OUT OF TROUBLE. That'd be great thanks.
- (Thou Shalt Not Say My Name) Tonks
He chuckled as he carefully folded the parchment and laid it on his desk before heading back towards the bed. It was still early yet, so he could rest a little longer. It in no way had anything to do with wanting to cuddle with his Girlfriend some more.
He climbed cautiously into bed beside Hermione and gently wrapped her in his arms. She mumbled incoherently but otherwise didn't stir.
They lay like that for a good while. The sun finally rising above the horizon an hour later. He himself did not fall asleep, it was too close to time to get up anyways by his reckoning.
Eventually the others began stirring. Kara cracked her eyelids first and rolled over onto her back. "Morning Harry." She greeted groggily then shifted up onto her elbows to glance around. Harry had to fight the urge to laugh. Kara's hair was mussed from sleep and her shirt had shifted somewhat to droop over her shoulder.
"Awww…time to get up already?" Luna asked sleepily eyes still closed.
Harry did chuckle this time, there was something so…innocent about Luna. Not childlike, but just a sort of joyously, happy wonder about her. He looked down a Hermione and shook his head. She's one solid sleeper.
He leaned down, brushing some of her hair aside and kissing her on the forehead. However with her immediate smile the jig was up and he laughed. "You were waiting for your good morning kiss weren't you?"
She peered at him shyly. "Maybe I was. So?"
He cocked his head at her amused. "Well come here then, and I'll give you a proper one." He decided.
She pulled herself up off his chest a bit, and considered him before shifting to straddle his lap before leaning in for a kiss.
She pulled back and grinned ruefully glancing down at his lap. Justifiably he blushed. She just chuckled. "It's okay Harry I know perfectly well that happens to guys in the morning.
He sighed rolling his eyes. "Still, it feels rude…"
"Oookay, that's enough you two." Kara protested loudly. "Remember there's other people other than you lovebirds in here."
Harry nodded gratefully as Hermione shifted off his lap to lay next to him again. "So, what's on plate for today?" He asked the room. They all shared the same schedule now, well with the exception of Kara. Who's classes were slightly different.
"Transfiguration in the morning, Defence Against the Dark Arts in the afternoon…" Hermione recalled thinking back to her day timer.
Harry groaned. "Right, and I'm going to miss it because of my History OWL…"
Hermione nodded shaking her head fondly. Harry was such a baby when it came to that subject. "True."
Kara sat up for a second before slumping back down on her side. "Actually I thought of something we all four of us need to discuss…"
"Oh?" Hermione asked curious.
Kara nodded seriously. "Harry's Mission."
Hermione started nodding in agreement as she thought about it. "All four of us know the details now…"
"And Tonks is busy this morning." Harry pointed out jerking his thumb at the desk.
"So we'll never get a better chance to talk…" Hermione agreed she flopped over on her back. Harry tried to ignore the pleasant way the jersey draped across her form and the fact he could see a black lacy bra strap. He bludgeoned his brain back on track.
"Okay. What did you want to talk about?" He asked.
Kara rolled her eyes. She clearly guessed the source of his befuddlement. "Well you know all of us here are in. So that at least isn't an issue. But we need to figure out a plan for the Battle at the Ministry…"
"I thought what Ezekiel said was pretty specific." Harry noted.
"It was if your idea of specific is "gather army, fight here." Kara noted dryly. "What size of group are we taking hm? When? Will we set a trap of our own to counter theirs?"
Harry chuckled. "Okay, okay. Point made, what do you guys think?"
Hermione and Luna looked at each other speculatively. Luna shrugged. "We can't just run in there…" Hermione argued.
Luna nodded agreement. "But we know from the Angels that we must be there. It is still required as part of the plan."
Harry mulled that over. "The only way I can see this working is if we do our best to be prepared before we ever set foot in that department. And I think you're right Kara we need to set a trap of own…"
"But what do we need to pull that off?" Kara asked.
Harry snorted. It would be easier to list what they wouldn't need in some ways. "Training for one…But equipment too if we can get it and allies. We'll need Dumbledore's Army, or whatever we're going to call it this time…." He paused and grimaced. "What about the Order?"
Kara winced. "That's a risky play Harry, you know Dumbledore will try to run the show…"
"We can take measures to counter that surely…" Hermione protested.
Kara sighed theatrically, this was one of those things she'd specifically warned could go wrong. "IF we do involve the Order we need a way to clue them in to Voldemort's plan A) without it getting back to him via Snape or some other method, and B) without the Order figuring out just what kind of foreknowledge we have." She noted rubbing tiredly at her eyes.
Harry took mercy on her on that point. "We can consider that a bit more later. But I think you're right." He allowed. "But I think we need to see about getting this tutoring group together first. And then we can feel out which members we should bring into this."
"Do you want the group as big as it was last time?" Hermione asked curious.
He hurriedly shook his head. "No, and not just because I know some of them weren't trustworthy. I think it would be better to gather people we know were solid and work on building them up."
The girls nodded. "Okay, who were you thinking?" Kara asked.
Harry thought about that. "The Twins, both pairs…Ernie, Susan and Hannah from Hufflepuff." he hesitated. "Daphne and Astoria of course, but maybe Tracey as well? Neville and Ginny I think. Us four of course. That's what…sixteen?" He asked, then nodded to himself. "Yeah, and I think I'm padding the numbers a bit more than we need there…"
"Okay, equipment?" Kara asked.
He shrugged. "Ideally, we get our hands on whatever we can find. I can afford to procure whatever we need…Better than it just sitting there in the vaults." He reasoned. "Assuming we find we do have to do this alone…what kind of trap work can we do? I mean it's not like we can just hang around the Department laying tripwires and such all day long…"
"We can think on that." Hermione assured him. "And maybe get the twins coming up with ideas if we can get them on board."
Harry chuckled. Imagining it would be hard to keep the twins away. "Well…why don't we get downstairs and start asking people if they want in?" He smiled knowingly at the girls as one of their stomachs grumbled. "It's about time for breakfast anyways."
—-
Luna was much better than she had been, there was no denying that. But neither was she back to her old self. She was prone to flinching whenever someone moved too quickly near her and she was still reluctant to leave the confines of the common room and attached prefects dormitories.
They managed to talk her into venturing down to the great hall for breakfast on the condition that they wait for the main common room bellow to clear somewhat before hand.
When they entered the great hall there was hushed murmuring going on everywhere. Groups had gathered to stand together chatting rather than eating at their tables. And a few mixed house groups had gathered at the end of each table. Harry heard a pair of Ravenclaws murmuring off to the side. "Did you hear, Aurors came and took away Marietta?" She whispered to her friend.
"That's not all Malfoy, his bodyguards, and Nott are gone too? What's going on?" was the murmured reply.
The first shook her head. "No, remember Crabbe and Goyle don't follow Malfoy around anymore. They're Nott's lackeys now." The other nodded sagely in response.
He was about to sit when he spotted Padma conversing in low tones further down the table with Parvati. He paused to indicate the girls should get started without him before pacing further along the table to the twins.
"Hey Padma…" He greeted then winced when he saw she had a couple bruises forming. "Uh—Trouble I take it?" He asked somewhat lamely.
Padma gave a start when he spoke then smiled ruefully. "Oh hey Harry. Yeah, you could say that." She agreed.
"What happened?" He asked.
"The Ravenclaws are barbarians…" Pavrati grumbled.
He turned his attention expectantly back to Padma. She shrugged. "Well after the Aurors came and took Marietta, her little band of miscreants and Cho…"
Harry blinked in surprise at that. "They took Cho too?"
She nodded. "Yeah, apparently failing to report a crime is in fact a crime itself…" She noted dryly. "Who knew. Anyways people remembered I'd been asking questions before all that and decided I must have "ratted" out a fellow Ravenclaw." She noted with disgusted snort. "It turned into a…scuffle which Professor Flitwick had to break up."
Harry winced. "I'm sorry I didn't want that to happen."
She bobbed her head. "I know."
He paused considering the Twins as he remembered something. "You know I never got around to saying it, but I should have. But I wanted to apologize for that whole mess at the Yule ball…" He got surprised looks at the non sequitur so he explained. "It wasn't fair to you Parvati and I can't tell you how sorry I am Padma that you got stuck with Ron…"
Parvati offered a tinkling laugh. "Thank you for saying sorry Harry. But I'm over it, besides…" She shrugged. "I was still queen of the castle for days after that thanks to going with you." She noted smiling.
Padma made a face. "Me, not so much." She noted grimly. "But still…thanks for saying sorry Harry."
Parvati nodded sympathetically, "Besides Harry," She shrugged. "I should have expected it. You had your eyes elsewhere?" She noted pointedly.
"Oh?" Harry asked intrigued.
The indian girl nodded to herself. "Yes, I seem to remember Hermione looked like a Princess." She said giving him a pointed look, causing him to blush slightly.
"You two ever going to do something about that?" She asked playfully.
He chuckled. "You'll just have to wait and see won't you?"
She nodded primly. "I hope you go for it, I've got fifty galleons saying you do"
He blinked in surprise. "Fifty? People are betting on who I get together with?"
She nodded sagely. "Go big or go home I always say. But yes, there's a large betting pool going. Smart money, at least in my opinion is on you and Hermione. Though there's a close second for people who think you and the American might have something going. A small faction supports you and Luna…And there's a sort of cult following for you and that Auror." She snickered. "Then again their is a sort of oddly cult like behaviour for those who think you and Parkinson have a secret affair." She laughed as he paled.
He chuckled weakly at that. "If you say so…"
He started making his way back along the table, only to get stopped by Neville.
"Hey Harry, do you know what's going on?" He asked nervously.
Harry noticed Dumbledore was getting to his feet. "I think it's about to be announced Neville, just sit tight." He assured the young man. "Actually why don't you sit with us." He suggested and Neville joined him gratefully.
Dumbledore stepped up to the podium which was usually only pulled out for start and end of year speeches. He cleared his throat quietly and yet it seemed to have the desired effect and silence swept through the hall.
He surveyed the students impassively for a time before nodding. "As many of you have no doubt noticed…Many of your classmates are no longer among us." He noted soberly.
"Yesterday, Aurors dispatched from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement arrived at this school, and, with the help of staff and student alike apprehended those guilty of a most serious and heinous crime." He explained, a small murmur shifted through the hall. Neville looked apprehensive.
"Marietta Edgecombe, Joanna Long, Harriet King, Cho Chang, Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, have all been taken into custody." He explained solemnly. "Those member of Ravenclaw house who were apprehended were charged with attacking and forcibly ejecting a fellow housemate from Ravenclaw Tower, on a regular and ongoing basis." This pronouncement was met with disgusted muttering from many in the hall. It was a well known "fact" that your housemates were your family, and even if you did not necessarily get along there were limits to what you did to one another as such.
Dumbledore nodded. "It has since been learned that Marietta Edgecombe conspired with a group of Slytherin males, with whom she was previously acquainted to further torment her housemate." His gaze had darkened, a frown of extreme disapproval now crossing his visage. "This…unfortunate, series of events culminated two nights ago in the beating and attempted assault of the student in question…" Harry noted Neville was shaking his head in horror. "However through luck, the student escaped their attackers and sought aid. This inevitably resulted in the DMLE being notified and an investigation being launched." The elder wizard explained solemnly.
He raised a finger to forestall any reaction. "I cannot say just how ashamed I am of those who perpetrated this series of crimes. I am…further disappointed in those who have targeted those who made efforts to stop these crimes from going unpunished." Here his gaze settled on Ravenclaw and Slytherin tables in particular.
"So, in the interest of preventing such events in the future the school has decided to take the following actions. First," He began again raising a finger. " Marietta Edgecombe, Joanna Long, Harriet King, Theodore Nott, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle. Even if none are sentence to long term imprisonment are, on the basis of confirmed behaviour to this point, here after they are banned from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." He said solemnly.
"Ravenclaw and Slytherin House are both stripped of what points they have accumulated this term. All Ravenclaw Prefects are stripped of rank and no replacements will be selected this term… Finally the punishments for bullying are to me increased in severity for the foreseeable future." He finished and continued to stared at the blue and green tables.
He straightened. "Now, as punishments were thusly required to be meted out. So to must the rewards. To the following…" he began smiling a touch more benignly. "Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Kara Smith, Ginny Weasley, Ernest Macmillan, Hannah Abbot, Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis and Padma Patil…Fifty points each for your efforts to protect other students. In addition to those who, have in the wake of this event have been made to feel unwelcome or unsafe in their own house…You are hereby being granted permission to seek resorting should you so desire." There was a murmur at this. Resorting was virtually unheard of.
"All such petitions will be review by the heads of house prior to acceptance. However—" he cleared his throat. "Padma Patil, and Luna Lovegood from Ravenclaw have already been accepted for transfer to Gryffindor house." He cleared his throat one last time. "That is all. Would the following students please come to the head table after breakfast. Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Kara Smith, Ginny Weasley, Ernest Macmillan, Hannah Abbot, Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis and Padma Patil…"
Harry blinked surprise, he wondered what the Headmaster desired now. The Gryffindor table had devolved into cheering and welcoming their newest members. The Weasley Twins made a point of personally welcoming Luna and offering her free joke products before wandering off again. She didn't seem quite what to know what to say to that.
—
Draco Malfoy, was a miserable young man. He'd been dragged out of Potions class yesterday and into DMLE custody, and his Godfather hadn't done a thing to stop it.
Apparently he was being investigated in conjunction with attacks carried out against Luna Lovegood. He was fairly certain he wouldn't be prosecuted, as his part in events around Looney had ended when he became persona non-grata among the Dark Lord's more youthful supporters. He hadn't played in part in this latest attack.
Even still, that was cold comfort. His bail had been posted at ten thousand galleons a number not to be sneered at even by him. And yet despite his families wealth he still languished in his cell for the rest of the night. His mother had thus far declined to come and get him.
He'd had to listen to that Oriental bint Cho Chang whinge and whine all night long about how unfair this was. An unpleasant experience to say the least. Plus, and he was certain this might come as a shock to some, but Auror detention cells were not the most comfortable places in the whole world.
It was early morning, or there about, her suspected when rescue finally came. There was a grating sound from the end of the cell block and the door opened with a clang allowing a guard to step through, closely followed by his mother.
He blanched when he saw his mother's expression. To those not of the Malfoy family they would assume his mother's face to be elegantly indifferent. To him, someone more familiar with the nuances of his mother's behaviour and expressions, he knew it to be the kind of cold fury that would be accompanied by rolling heads.
The rotund guard considered him, sucking at his teeth for a moment. "Step back from the bars kid…" He dutifully followed the instruction and the door was unlocked.
"Your mother has posted bail. You're free to go, but are remind to please refrain from leaving the country." The man reminded him.
"Thank you Sergeant Colon. Come Draco…" She instructed brusquely.
He bobbed his head and followed her hurriedly. "Yes Mother."
They were led out of the cell block and to a desk manned by a bandy legged man chewing an old cigarette. The man provided him with with his wand and other belongings before they were permitted to leave.
His mother set a brisk pace back towards the Ministry's main bank of floo grates. "Where are we going?" He asked curious.
She paused as they crossed the atrium of the primary Ministry thoroughfare. "Home Draco. The school staff are still deliberating as to whether or not you will be allowed to return." She explained cooly.
He nodded, worried about the cold note in his mother's voice as they hurried into line for one of the grates.
"What—" Narcissa stopped herself, gritting her teeth. "What were you thinking Draco?" She hissed.
He glanced around worriedly. "Mother, do you truly wish to do this here?" He asked carefully.
She paused, brought up short by that. Then curled her lip in disgust. She did however lower her voice "Personally Draco as much as I abhor making a display of myself, I cannot help but wonder if a little public humiliation might finally etch upon you thick skull, that you are expected to behave better. That more is expected of you."
They made their way to the floo in silence before returning home. He felt the need to defend himself, or rather his pride. "I have always been aware that…"
She whirled on him and snarled. "Truly? Then what is this hmmm?" She demanded waving at the world around them. "Why have your father and I both, in times past been notified of the constant rabble rousing and bullying?" She snapped. "Why is it that we cannot go a single season at that damnable school without you getting in trouble and then complaining to us when you are justly punished?" She asked her voice rising.
She pinned him to the spot with her glare. "Why then is it that a scion of a noble house, who has been educated since birth of what is expected of him. A student who supposedly belongs to the house of cunning, a gentleman…" She sneered. "Is behaving like a common thug! A petulant child!?" She all but shrieked.
He was stunned, he had never, not once seen his mother in such a towering rage. "You think your father and I were not aware?" She asked skeptically. "No, we knew, but we indulged you. Believing foolishly that it was a passing phase, the rebelliousness of youth which would pass with time. But no, it only grows worse as time passes."
She indicated he should follow and she led him deeper into the house. "We are aware you throw your weight around at school Draco, hiding behind your family name. And for a time that was acceptable if not really palatable. Our reputation was secure so long as you were young and your father held power." She explained in a more sedate tone. "But now? You are almost grown, it is but two more years until you are of age, and still you strut about the world believing that nothing can touch you…"
She considered him for a time. "Now…I know you have behaved somewhat differently since the beginning of this term, and that is to your credit. I am not blind to it. But your past sins are now coming back to haunt us."
She poured herself some juice provided by a worried looking elf, and she swirled it in her cup eyeing her son. "Eyes now turn to us Draco, and they wonder if we are the same ilk as your father, and whether or not we might be punished in his stead." She murmured eventually taking a drink.
She looked at him pointedly. "Our goodwill, what there was of it has dried up darling…We can no longer afford your indiscretions." She huffed a sigh. He didn't like the sound of this but listened anyways. "And so it comes time for drastic measures if we hope for things to be as they once were."
She looked him over and sniffed disdainfully. "You…Draco, are to end this Blood Feud. We will bare the shame of surrender this once." She pointed sternly at him when he opened his mouth to protest. "And you will do nothing further to harm our reputation. I will make what amends I can to Lovegood when he returns from his latest mad venture. But, I must warn you Draco…"
She pointed out the window. "People are scenting weakness. Our value to the Dark Lord wanes. Should our wealth be claimed by those we owe favours to…Should our allies abandon us…Do you know what that would mean for us?"
"Surely father can…" He protested weakly.
She surprised him by laughing. It was not a happy sound. "Your father, is trapped at the Dark Lord's side Draco. The only thing keeping him alive is his potential utility to that madman." She replied irritably. "Should the worst occur your father will be dead, even before we." She closed her eyes for a moment and breathed out. "And what little protection we had left will be gone."
She eyed him then shook her head. "Do you know what will be our sole option left should we wish to survive in such a case?"
He shook his head, he had to admit that such a scenario had never occurred to him, it had always seemed unthinkable.
"We would be forced, whether we liked it or not, to throw ourselves upon the mercy of my sole remaining relatives, who do not serve at the Dark Lord's beck and call. And in case you have forgotten just who those people are. That currently includes my disowned sister Andromeda, or Sirius Black. Neither of which are likely to feel particularly merciful."
Draco stared at his hands while he pondered that. Fear…was not something to which Draco was entirely unaccustomed, he had felt it in the past. But it was a feeling he was becoming increasingly familiar with. And it was not a feeling he enjoyed. It was quickly becoming apparent that he had a lot more to lose than just his reputation, his wealth or his pride, should this state of affairs continue.
He had to clear his throat to speak. And even then he did not like the taste it left in his mouth. "I'll speak to Lord Potter, about ending the Blood Feud…" He agreed haltingly.
Narcissa sagged in relief. "Good,"
He nodded, "And I'll—keep my head down."
She nodded her satisfaction. "Good, now please…head to your room, I'll have the elves bring you food in a bit."
He nodded stiffly and got to his feet then marched up the stairs, before reaching the top however he turned. "Mother?"
She sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Yes?"
"I am sorry…" He offered weakly.
Her eyes flicked to his own. "If only sorry were good enough now darling."
—-
Harry and the others Dumbledore had called gathered around the head table. The great hall otherwise emptied of students.
Dumbledore stood once more. "Good, you are all here I see." He began. "It was…decided that those involved in mitigating this incident deserved…additional compensation for their efforts." The other's might have missed it. But something in Dumbledore's tone told Harry that whatever this compensation was he had not been in favour of it.
"It was decided that you, all of you would be granted a special day pass this saturday to enjoy the comforts and sights of Diagon Alley. Ah yes, good…" He trailed off as excited muttering rose among those gathered.
As the fervour died down and it was clear Dumbledore had nothing further to say many of those present gathered around Luna. Daphne and Tracey stepping forward first. "Hey Luna, we're sorry we couldn't stop that from happening to you. We were aware they were getting out after curfew somehow, but not what they were up to…" Daphne offered uncertainly.
Luna just blinked owlishly at them before smiling dreamily. "It's okay, I forgive you."
Harry watched this with interest, until a thought occurred to him and he raised his hand to get everyones attention. "As some of you are aware, I'm going to be running a Defence Against the Dark Arts tutoring group…" he smile ruefully. "I figured, since we're all here I'd make a point to invite all of you to be a part of it. If you decide you wish to attend meet in the entrance hall after supper tonight and we'll discuss it." He promised.
As he turned away from the small murmuring crowd he briefly caught the eye of Dumbledore. The aged wizard was watching him, speculatively Harry thought, before his expression cleared and he once again became unreadable.
—-
Dumbledore had returned to his office following dinner and had situated himself comfortably behind his desk. If one word could be picked to describe him in that time it was pensive. He was thinking. About what? Why the thing, or rather person who had so dominated his considerations in recent weeks.
Harry Potter was—becoming an increasing cause for concern with each successive observed interaction. Not the least because, like the other students whom were to be rewarded, would be beyond Hogwarts protective bounds for a day. But also because of the way in which Harry had started gathering others to himself.
It was, at least to Albus Dumbledore, a disturbing parallel with their opponent. Especially when Harry's own behaviour had changed so in recent months.
Dumbledore shifted somewhat in his seat. He could not deny Harry permission to start this study group…It was after all something which was explicitly supported in the school's rules and charter. It was not something which could be removed from those same rules and charter any time soon, not without some solid and incontrovertibly logical reason to present to the board of Governors.
However, Dumbledore was not one to come at the issue directly like that when he could come at it sideways, or better yet backwards. He could, he decided, instead arrange for these study sessions to be monitored or contained…
Yes, he nodded to himself, if disguised as a show of support, perhaps he could even ensure Harry would accept his interference as a boon. Make it seem as though he had given Harry carte blanche and resources…maybe even going so far as to aid in solidifying the group and it would be that much easier to keep track of…
He made himself stop. He was, after all getting ahead of himself he noted. It was yet to be seen whether or not Harry would successfully unite such a group…But if he could?
He nodded in satisfaction, then paused as he looked up spotting an odd bird staring at him from beside Fawkes. Where had that Raven come from?
—-
Voldemort once again found himself on his knees before an altar of black stone. He had received the summons this afternoon, and once again he had no choice, galling as it was, but to answer his master's call as required.
Another sacrifice prepared, this one more to his master's tastes. He stayed as still as he could as the ritual worked.
Finally he stiffened as he heard the whisper of shifting fabric and the strange shiver in the air of the dark catacomb.
"I answer your call my Lord…" He intoned haltingly as the thing got to it's feet.
"Yes, I can see that." The disturbingly echoing, yet childlike voice of his master noted acerbically. "And so promptly too. Perhaps I have finally impressed upon you the quality of diligence Tom?" He taunted.
Voldemort ached to be able to snap back, to snarl in irritation at the one who mocked him, but held himself in check. To do so would be suicide.
But his irritation failed to go unnoticed by the being inhabiting the child's body. And it laughed "Oh-ho-ho-ho…. That irritated you did it Tom? Wonderful…" The creature considered him as it paced within the casting circle. "Hmmm. As much as I would enjoy taunting you further Tommy—I called you here today for a very specific purpose." He, at least Voldemort believed it was male, sucked in a hissing breath.
"You see I know your much vaunted Death Eaters and their whelps have failed you yet again…." He noted dryly. "And I also know you still obsess over that damnable prophecy…And as much as I wish I could simply vaporize you, I decided it would be less wasteful to simply work around your failings." He noted sarcastically.
Voldemort could not help the bite of anxiety in his belly at the knowledge that his master had been considering removing him. This caused the monster to laugh again. "Oh Tom…do not fret, I have not decided to replace you…yet." It's lips twisted in the approximation of a smile.
"You have the number and the means, yet you dare not pursue your distraction personally. Not yet." The creature sighed theatrically. "But you see Tom, you must act soon if you wish to secure what you seek…Before the opportunity disappears…"
"My Lord…" he offered tentatively when the monster paused. "I would lose many if I were to attempt to storm the Ministry…"
A chuckle "Yes and if only for entertainment value I was serious tempted to order such an attack, believe me…But, something so brash is not needful." The beast noted almost reluctantly. Voldemort tried not to notice the way the creatures vessel was already starting to pale and wither. Such was the nature of what it held that it would not last in it's presence for long.
"Your plan as it stands already will work with some modifications I'm sure. After all, as we both know your foe is drawn inexorably to the same place. You must simply spark the fire within him to set events in motion."
It paused considering. "Your order are this Tom. Accelerate your plans or the window of opportunity will close and your distraction will continue to hobble our efforts." It spun on it's heel and stalked to the boundary of the circle closest Voldemort. "You have…Three months. No more, that is all, in which to draw Potter to the Ministry of Magic and claim your prize. Any longer and the prophecy will be beyond your reach. I will no longer tolerate your dalliances. And neither will my Lord."
"How would you like it Tom…if I or worse for you, he were to take a more personal hand in events hmm?" The creature asked.
Voldemort was frozen with dread at the mere concept of such a creature taking a form less limited than the one it inhabited. The beast laughed before finally leaving him to his thoughts, the small body crumpling to the floor.
He knew perfectly well just who and what his master was, and he did not dare face such a creature as indeed few people would. That such a being, called another Lord, was a staggering thought. And that he might have through his failures drawn the attention of such a being…was not something he wanted to contemplate.
—
That evening, after Harry had completed his OWL, which had so unfortunately prohibited attending DADA that day, had enjoyed supper with the rest of the school and now found himself in the entrance hall. He tried not to be impatient, but there was still a sense of…anticipation accompanying him right now.
He knew he could count on at least some of those invited at least showing. But he wasn't sure of all of them, not under current conditions.
Hermione gave him a brief hug in encouragement, and it soothed his frayed nerves somewhat. Like a balm on his agitated mind.
"Don't worry Harry, they'll show, you'll see." She assured him.
He raised an eyebrow at her. "How can you be so certain?"
She sighed in exasperation, though it lacked the edge of irritation it sometime carried. "Honestly Harry," She shook her head. "Putting aside the fact of what we already know," She said giving him a significant look. "It's you asking them."
"So?" He asked skeptically.
She rolled her eyes good natured. "Harry, most will simply show in the hopes of seeing what kind of excitement erupts around you this time." She chuckled. "And the other's will do it because in one fashion or another you've earned their admiration." She prodded him pointedly in the chest. "Now, stop being silly. See, here come some of them now."
Sure enough Daphne, Astoria and Tracey were hurrying towards them. "Hello Harry," Daphne greeted. It was funny, whenever she said his name, he could hear the small hesitation as she fought the urge to call him…
"Lord Potter" Greeted Astoria, clearly fighting to hold in a smile and he raised an eyebrow.
She snorted in amusement, and smiled. "Sorry, I just like seeing how you get when anyone calls you that."
Tracey was shifting uncomfortably. "Are you sure you want me here? I mean, I know Daph has a—" She cut off as he nodded.
"Yes Tracey, I'm sure."
She smiled sheepishly. "Oh, okay."
Neville and Ginny appeared in the doors to the great hall and then hurried over just as the Slytherins had. They merely acknowledged the rest of them with nods.
The Twins were next, arriving in their usual cacophony of chaos. In this case George vaulting over Fred who had tripped in a chaotic explosion of fireworks and what looked suspiciously like flying whoopee cushions.
Following them more sedately were Susan and Hannah.
In turn followed by the stately Patil Twins.
And finally by a disheveled Ernie Macmillan.
He nodded as they all gathered around him and Hermione. "Alright, If you're here I assume you want in on this…"
He spread his hands "I'll just warn you know this is—well it's a big commitment, bigger than the name might imply. But that's because I'm going to be taking this seriously.
"But before I even consider asking any of you to sign on the dotted line as it were, I reckoned we could take this somewhere else and show you lot a bit of what you can expect and—" He cut off as the front doors to the castle swung open and a very disheveled Tonks stomped in. Notably she was covered in dust, grime, spiderwebs, a bit of goo which Harry suspected was Spider Hemolymph and was missing one of her boots.
She spotted them, and sighed before shuffling over shaking her head. "Have I ever mentioned to you that I hate spiders?" She demanded.
Harry blinked at her trying not to laugh. "No, I don't believe you have."
"Well in that case it's because it's a new acquired condition. I bloody hate spiders…" She turned and considered the various stunned faces watching her. "So, what's all this then?"
"Defence study group…"
She nodded scrubbing at her scalp dislodging a cobweb. "Ah, you were mentioning that…right" She noted tiredly, then shook her head. "Well…I'll go get myself cleaned up and meet you."
"You don't have to you know. You could just I don't know lie down after a day of battling acromantulas…" He cut off as she gave him a baleful look.
He raised his hands in surrender. "Okay fine, we'll be meeting in the sparring room. I'll set the password to your first name."
She glowered at that. "You, are just doing that so I'll have to say the blasted thing…" She accused.
He cocked his head as if thinking. "Let me think about that…yup!" He agreed brightly.
She spun on her heel, almost tripping thanks to the missing boot and clomped away muttering about cheeky sods.
Harry turned to those who were watching the Auror hobble off in horrified fascination and clapped his hands. "well alright then, it's this way come on."
He led them up to the seventh floor and to the corridor which passed in front of the painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Here he began pacing. This got him confused looks even from Hermione until it clicked and it dawned on her where he was taking them and she smiled.
The door appeared to general gasps and surprise. He pulled it open and gestured them all inside.
The room he had constructed this time was somewhat different from what he had built in the past, even compared to the modified version he'd been using to spar with Tonks. It was about three times bigger than the version he usually used. And a good third of that was taken up by a large swimming pool. The training area dominating all except the last quarter of the room space which was occupied by washrooms and a conference room.
He came to a halt in the middle of the matted section of the training area. and indicated they should gather around. "I'll be here every monday, wednesday and friday after supper." he explained. "I'll start us out with a warm up in the pool and some stretching. Then I'll go on to whatever we decide to learn about that day."
Hannah raised a hand tentatively. "Er—why?"
"Why what?" Harry asked.
"The swimming and stretching?" She clarified.
He chuckled. "Let me put it like this. When you are danger you want to be able to do one of two things." He noted smiling. "A) run away for a long period of time without running out of breath or twisting your ankle every five feet. Or B) Outlast your opponent should it come to fighting." he shrugged easily. "Sometimes both at the same time."
Ernie tilted his head confused. "Running and fighting?"
"It happens more than you might think." Harry argued then pointed to the conference room. "Okay, why don't we head over there, we'll skip the swimming tonight because, well none of you have swim suits and frankly this is all just to show you what you'll be in for if you agree."
Then trooped into the conference room and grabbed seats. "Right so you all have been invited because you are allies and friends. And I take care of my friends." He said seriously.
"I will teach you everything I can about surviving a fight for your life. This is in the hopes of allowing you a greater measure of safety when you return home…" He explained.
He took a deep breath and took the plunge. "It will also likely mean something for those of you who chose to accept the responsibility. IF danger should find us here, we will be among those fighting to protect others. Does that sound like something you could do?"
The others looked at each other. Unsurprisingly the first to respond were the Weasley twins. "We're in." The said in unison.
"So are we." Daphne agreed indicating herself and Astoria. "But you already knew that." He nodded.
"I—Would like to talk with my aunt first…" Susan ventured.
"And I'm in if Susan is." Hannah declared stoutly.
Neville nodded when he caught his eye.
Ernie seemed uncertain. "I—need to think about it."
The Patil twins shrugged in unison. "We're in." Padma said.
Pavrati gave a start. "We are?"
Padma sighed and gave her a pointed look. "Of course we are."
"Oh, okay."
There was a minor commotion as Harry nodded, Tonks stumbling into the room. He nodded to her. "Oh and I suppose I'd better give a proper introduction to our arachnophobic friend here." He teased getting a two finger salute in return. "This is Auror Tonks, if I can talk her into it she might help with teaching. If I can't I'm sure she'll make sure we don't kill ourselves off."
"You have an Auror following you around?" Padma queried.
"Hey Tonks" Greeted Susan.
"Hey Susie Q" Tonks nodded with a grin, then turned her attention back to Padma. "I've been assigned to protect Harry, and this is a good way to do that." She explained, getting a thoughtful nod in return.
Harry checked to see if anyone had anything else to add then nodded standing. "Alright. Well, I think that's all I had planned for tonight. Unless there's something specific one of you wanted—"
The Twins, hells carrots variety, nodded together. 'Yeah, why don't you and Tonksie show off for us?" Fred asked.
Harry chuckled, as Tonks visibly sagged at the idea. "I think Tonks deserves a break. She literally just spent the day killing an army of acromantula."
"Boooo!" heckled George, throwing popcorn he had produced from somewhere.
Harry held up a palm placatingly. "But I am sure I could be talked into doing a demonstration next time we meet." He promised. This met with general approval. "Alright, everyone okay with that?"
"Good, see you back here friday…"
Hermione gave him a kiss once they were sure the others had gone. "It will work Harry. You have a good bunch here. You'll see."
—
Thomas Lorenzo Biddle. Unspeakable. Tier 3. Phase 2. And impressive title for an utterly unimpressive man who was essentially a glorified research clerk.
His job was quite simply speaking, to take whatever findings and studies were to be formally announced to the public and deliver them to the Ministry's public relations office. Usually these things included information about new spells that they'd researched, or a New Lordship which had been handed out, or the happy news of new marriages which had been added to the register.
Now an unfortunate but relatively benign foible of Thomas Biddle's was that he liked to take a peek at the news before it made tomorrows paper. Not technically illegal under the circumstances, but highly frowned upon. It allowed him a sense of smug superiority knowing small details of gossip before everyone else, even if it was only by a couple hours.
Today he paused however as he stopped to stare at one document in his precariously balanced pile. Lord Harry James Potter of Most Noble and Most Ancient House Potter is hereby betrothed to be married by right of soul bond to Hermione Jane Granger. The document read.
He shook his head sadly. It was a shame in once sense. His daughter Kayla would of course be heart broken.
But, he shrugged, such was the way of things. Besides he was so much older than her, what did she expect? He reasoned.
—-
Harry decided to try and call Sirius when he returned to his room that night. He pulled his mirror out of the trunk and activated the mirror. Sirius was on it almost immediately, albeit upside down at first.
"Hey Pup." His godfather greeted flipping the mirror right side round. "Thought you'd forgotten about me."
Harry chuckled. "Never, just been fairly busy here."
"So I heard. You and Hermione finally figured it out did you?" Sirius asked with a roguish grin which had his godson's eye's rolling.
"Tonks tell you that?" Harry asked.
"Yup."
Harry chuckled. "Yeah, we figured it out. And I apologize for the the agony my stupidity on the matter caused everyone around me." He said solemnly.
His godfather laughed. "No problem pup. So what did you call about?"
Harry shrugged easily setting the mirror down on his desk so it could see the room. "Mostly just to check on you really. But I also wanted to ask you something."
"Shoot" Sirius barked promptly.
Harry shook his head. "No, first tell me how you're doing."
"I'm managing kiddo. Feels good to be out under the open skies again and Grimmauld isn't quite so depressing anymore."
"Kreacher is behaving?"
Sirius waggled his hand. "Better, he's still not exactly what I'd call friendly. Though he did seem to appreciate the potions for his arthritis."
"Good"
"Okay, now seriously tell me what's up." Sirius instructed.
"Okay, okay. Did you know my family specialized in runes?" He asked.
Sirius nodded. "Yeah, and judging from your tone you didn't." He noted. "Sorry pup didn't occur to me that you might not know."
Harry waved that off. "Any idea where I might get access to some of that?"
"Family vault in Gringotts" Sirius replied promptly. He continued at Harry's questioning glance. "Old families always protect their personal magics jealously.
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, I'll have to see about that when I visit them on saturday."
"Come again?" Sirius barked.
"Apparently Dumbledore was convinced that we deserved to get out a bit after this latest incident." Harry explained.
"Ah, maybe I'll see you there then?" The Dogfather suggested.
Harry nodded pulling on a tshirt for sleeping in. "Okay, well it's getting late Harry, so why don't you hit the sack."
"Okay, sounds good. You take care of yourself you hear?"
Sirius nodded. "You got it. Next time we meet you can tell me how good a kisser she is."
"Good night Sirius" Harry said pointedly shaking his head.
—-
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