Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe isn't mine, it belongs to JK Rowling and all she deems worthy of owning a part of it, and sadly I am not one of those worthy.

Harry groaned as he rolled out of his bed in the sixth year Gryffindor boys' dormitory. The adrenaline from the previous night had finally extinguished around two in the morning and Harry dragged himself up to the dormitory and collapsed into his bed. The dormitory was empty as Ron and Neville were still in the Hospital Wing while Dean and Seamus had gone home for the holidays. Harry flicked his wand, the numbers 7:06am appeared above his head.

"Urgh," Harry groaned once more as he sat up in bed. He knew that he wouldn't be able to get back to sleep now that he was up. Climbing out of his four-poster, Harry stumbled into the showers and stepped under the scalding water.

"How are Hermione and Ron doing?" Harry asked as he entered the Hospital Wing after washing up.

"Ms. Granger should be waking up soon," Madam Pomfrey said. "Mr. Weasley's condition, however, is more complicated."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, a sinking feeling pulling at his stomach.

"As you know, Mr. Weasley was injured last year during your adventure into the Department of Mysteries," Harry flinched, "those brains attacked Mr. Weasley's mind, specifically the inhibition center of the brain, the orbitofrontal cortex. The neurotoxin that was introduced to Mr. Weasley's system focuses solely on eliminating the brain's ability to control a person's impulse control."

"What does that mean? I thought that Ron was cured," Harry asked.

"In essence, yes Mr. Weasley was," Madam Pomfrey said. "I was able to get the majority of the toxin out of Mr. Weasley's system quick enough but I wasn't able to get all of it. Mr. Weasley's magic was keeping the small amount of the toxin from affecting his brain but now with it fighting off the injuries that he incurred last night, there is a chance that the toxin will begin to affect Mr. Weasley."

Harry paled as he thought of a Ron without any impulse control; the redhead already had problems not putting his foot in his mouth already. "Is there anything else you can do?" he asked.

"We can only wait until Mr. Weasley's wounds heal," Madam Pomfrey said. Harry looked around the Hospital Wing matron to see the Weasley family huddled around Ron's bed with Mrs. Weasley stroking Ron's hair. The Weasley matron looked up and saw Harry standing there. Harry thought he saw Molly's eyes narrow but brushed it off as a trick of the light as Molly turned back to her injured son. Harry walked over to Hermione's bed and conjured a chair to sit next to Juliet Granger.

"How's she doing?" he asked quietly. Juliet jumped slightly at the sound of Harry's voice and when she turned to face Harry, Harry noticed the large and dark bags under the woman's eyes. "You didn't get any sleep last night did you?"

Juliet shook her head. "I couldn't," she said. "My body just wouldn't let me leave her here. Matthew wanted to stay as well but I told him to go with those Weasley twins to show the others to their rooms. I was surprised that he didn't come back down."

"I got lost," Matthew's voice came from behind the pair. The rest of Hermione's family trailed Mr. Granger, including her young cousins who were looking around in awe at the sights and sounds. "Once those devious redheads left us, I wanted to come back but I had no idea how to get back here."

"It's ok Matthew," Juliet said. "I'm sure Hermione knows that you were here in spirit."

"I know," a soft voice whispered from the bed. Harry looked down to see Hermione's eyes flutter open.

"Hermione!" Juliet and Matthew cried. Harry quickly stepped aside as Mr. Granger rushed to join his wife at Hermione's bedside. Harry watch as the Grangers embraced their daughter; he felt a pang deep in his heart at the thought that he would never have the opportunity to remember being embraced by his parents.

"Harry!" Harry heard Hermione call out. Turning back around, he saw Hermione sitting up in bed looking right at him. Putting a smile on his face, Harry walked back over.

"Hey Hermione, how you feeling?" Harry asked.

"Don't give me that fake smile Harry Potter!" Hermione scolded. "I'm fine."

Harry snorted, causing Hermione to chuckle dryly as well. "Pot calling the kettle black, eh Hermione?" Harry grinned, this time a true smile gracing his face. Hermione giggled as Harry stepped up next to Hermione's bed. "So are you how are you feeling?"

"Ok," Hermione said. "Though it feels like something is crawling under my skin all over," she added. "Is this what you felt two years ago?"

"Sort of," Harry said. "Not to make light of your pain but Malfoy has nothing on Riddle. I could barely move even two days after the Third Task." Hermione shivered at the phantom pain that raced across her nerves. "I'm sorry Hermione but you're going to have to let the curse run its course, your nerves won't heal fully if you are given too much Nerve Dampening Potion."

"I'll be fine," Hermione said shortly. "If you can handle Voldemort's curse, then I can handle the ferret's. What happened last night?"

Harry sighed as he gently recounted the events of Christmas night after Hermione had been cursed.

"And Dumbledore wanted to let Malfoy get off!" she cried.

"He did what!" Juliet and Matthew shouted, whirling to Harry.

Harry nodded. "It's true," he said. "Dumbledore thinks only about the larger picture. As long as Voldemort is defeated, and preferably with the least amount of causalities, he won't care on which side those causalities are on. He seems more concerned about protecting the guilty than punishing them."

"But then, that just tells those bastards that they can get away with anything," Matthew said aghast.

"We know that all to well," Harry said. "Before this year, Snape was the Head of Slytherin and would do nothing to stop the abuse that his House poured on the rest of the school, and Dumbledore would just let him. Dumbledore might be a powerful wizard and a wiser man than myself but he is a piss poor Headmaster. He's too afraid of 'pushing people away from the Light' when he should be punishing them and making them see the errors of their ways. Forgiveness is a virtue but it is unwise to have too much of, especially during times of war."

"Harry, why are the Weasleys here? What happened?" Hermione asked.

"Riddle didn't just attack your house," Harry said. "He also had Death Eaters attack the Burrow, Neville's home and Luna's. Percy and Mr. Lovegood were killed, and Ron was cursed."

"Ron? How is he?" Hermione whispered.

"Madam Pomfrey doesn't know yet," Harry said. "It seems that he never fully recovered from that brain attack last summer. And now with these injuries, there's a chance that some side effects from the brains."

"What side effects?"

"Madam Pomfrey said that the brains had this neurotoxin that attacked the impulse control center of Ron's brain," Harry answered. "Ron's magic was fighting off the worse side effects but now its got to fight these new injuries."

"Oh Ronald," Hermione whispered. "And you said Luna's father was killed too?"

Harry nodded. "Don't worry about Luna, I talked to her last night and the best man is on the job. Neville," he added when he saw Hermione's confused look.

"Oh," she said. She looked over to the family of redheads who were huddled around a bed with a shock of red hair at its head.

Suddenly Harry heard a familiar hoot and looked up. Hedwig had just swooped into the Hospital Wing through the open doors much to the amused chagrin of Madam Pomfrey.

"Whatcha got Hedwig?" Harry asked as the snowy owl landed on the foot of Hermione's bed. Hedwig stuck out her leg and Harry quickly undid the parcel from Hedwig's leg. Once free of her package, Hedwig leapt up to the head of the bed and nuzzled her head against Hermione's own head.

"Hey there Hedwig," Hermione cooed. "You're such a clever owl aren't you?" Harry chuckled as he unfurled the Daily Prophet that had been delivered by Hedwig.

"Oh bugger," Harry cursed as he saw the headline of the Daily Prophet.

"Harry language!" Hermione scolded.

"Hermione, I think my cursing is well warranted in this situation," Harry responded as he tossed the Daily Prophet down on Hermione's bed. Hermione picked it up and quickly read the headline, her eyes narrowing as they flew over the page.

Lord Potter-Black 'Chosen One?'

Last night, the forces of You-Know-Who launched their most coordinated attack since the Diagon Alley attack of November 1980. Death Eaters descended upon five separate targets, though each target needs no introduction. Last summer, Harry Potter led five fellow students, fellow fifth year Gryffindors Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley and Neville Longbottom, along with fourth year Gryffindor Ginerva Weasley and Ravenclaw fourth year Luna Lovegood. Well, You-Know-Who has struck back launching attacks on the residences of the Ministry Six.

Ministry Aurors were called to the Weasley ancestral home, Longbottom Manor, the Lovegood's home in Ottery St. Catchpole, the home of Hermione Granger in the outskirts of London and the residence of Harry Potter's relatives in Little Whinging in response to cries of help from the Weasleys, Lovegoods, Longbottoms and the use of magic in Muggle-populated areas in the case of London and Little Whinging.

However, it seemed that You-Know-Who's plans backfired as instead of a massacre, it were the Death Eaters that suffered the most causalities. In fact, nearly all of the Death Eaters sent to attack Hermione Granger and her home were either killed or captured as Ms. Granger wasn't the only magical in attendance. Lord Potter-Black was apparently spending the holidays with Ms. Granger and her family when the attack happened and according to early reports, he was the one who single-handily fought off or defeated several Death Eaters including the feared Bellatrix Lestrange.

However the forces of Light did suffer several causalities:

Percival Arthur Weasley, killed in defense of his family and home

Xenophilius Lovegood, killed in defense of his daughter and home

Vernon, Petunia and Dudley Dursley

Known or discovered Death Eaters that participated in raids:

Draco Malfoy, captured, Granger home

Gregory Goyle, captured, Granger home

Vincent Crabbe, captured, Granger home

Pansy Parkinson, captured, Granger home

Bellatrix Lestrange, escaped, Granger home

Hector Crabbe, KIA, Granger home

Alecto Carrow, KIA, Granger home

Amycus Carrow, KIA, Granger home

Theodore Nott Jr., KIA, Granger home

Antonin Dolohov, escaped, Weasley home

Fenrir Greyback, escaped, Weasley home

Anthony Parkinson, captured, Weasley home

Rabastan Lestrange, escaped, Weasley home

Rodolphus Lestrange, captured, Weasley home

Thomas Gibbon, escaped, Weasley home

Thorfinn Rowle, captured, Lovegood home

Walden Macnair, escaped, Lovegood home

Stephen Yaxley, escaped, Lovegood home

Roger Jugson, captured, Longbottom Manor

Evan Rosier, KIA, Longbottom Manor

Joseph Rosier, KIA, Longbottom Manor

And there were at least three other Death Eaters that attacked Little Whinging who managed to escape that have gone unknown

One can only hope that this culling of You-Know-Who's ranks will be enough for the forces of Light to gain the upper hand under the control of the 'Chosen One' Lord Potter-Black.

"For Merlin's sake, another title!" Harry growled. "I just know how this one is going to be used, everyone now is going to act like this is my problem and expect me to do everything."

"They won't do that Harry," Hermione chided.

"Oh really Hermione, the British magical world will believe anything that the Prophet says, or anything they want too, especially if it means that they don't have any responsibility," Harry snapped. "Remember second year, I was accused of being the Heir of Slytherin just I could speak Parseltongue or then fourth year, when my name came out of the Goblet, everyone even Ron instantly thought that I had put my name in no matter what I said."

"I believed you Harry," Hermione interrupted.

"I know Hermione, and I will always remember that," Harry said. "But that still doesn't disprove my point, and then last year, the Prophet calling me delusional and attention-seeking because I tried to warn them that Riddle was back. Well if they expect me to do everything for them while they sit back and do nothing, they've got another thing coming."

Hermione's shoulders slumped. She knew that Harry was right; this moniker of the 'Chosen One' put even more weight on Harry's shoulders, and the wizarding world was inherently lazy preferring to let someone else do all the work.

"Look Hermione, I'll be back later, there's something I need to do, blow off some steam so to speak," Harry said as he rose from his seat. Hermione caught him stuffing a piece of parchment into his pocket but didn't say anything, she knew that Harry had secrets and if she tried to push him, he would just clam up and stay quiet.

"Ah Private Potter, glad of you to join us," the Prime Minister said as Harry was escorted into the office. Harry nodded. "Please give your report."

"Yes sir," Harry said. "On Christmas Eve, Tom Riddle launched his largest coordinated attack since the last war. He had teams of Death Eaters attack my relatives' home, the Weasleys, the Longbottom, the Lovegoods and the Grangers. I was spending Christmas at the Grangers, and was able to help Ms. Granger defend her home. A team of ten Death Eaters led by Bellatrix Lestrange attacked the Grangers. Ms. Granger and I were able to successfully defend the Grangers home, resulting in four dead Death Eaters, five captured Death Eaters, only Bellatrix managed to escape."

"Were there any injuries?" M asked.

"Minor," Harry said. "Bellatrix got me with a cutting spell when I had my back turned, and Hermio…Ms. Granger suffered some Cruciatus exposure."

"Cruciatus?" M asked.

"The torture curse ma'am," Harry said. "It is an evil spell that causes immense pain to every inch of the body, too much can cause the victim to lose their minds."

"Continue Private," the Minister said. Harry nodded.

"After repelling the attack on the Grangers, several members of Dumbledore's Order showed up and transported us to Hogwarts for medical treatment. There I learned of the other attacks that resulted in two other killed Death Eaters and five captured Death Eaters. On our side, there were two deaths, Percival Weasley and Xenophilius Lovegood and several other minor injuries including Ronald Weasley."

"So in terms of straight numbers, it was a win for your side," M said.

"That is correct ma'am," Harry said. "Though Dumbledore would consider any death a loss. He even attempted to reprimand me for killing the Death Eaters that attacked the Grangers."

M and the Minister blinked at Harry. "This Dumbledore must be extremely naïve to think that death isn't a part of war," M said.

"You would be correct ma'am," Harry said. "Dumbledore seems more interested in protecting Death Eaters than getting justice for their victims. He actually wanted the Death Eaters that I captured at the Grangers released because they were children. But that was shot down quickly; they are all in custody of the Ministry for the time being. Though I don't know how long they will be in custody."

"Yes, we have heard about your Ministry's corruption," M said.

"How goes your efforts to find out students who are loyal to the Crown rather than this Ministry for Magic?" the Minister asked.

"It goes," Harry said. "The members of the DA are loyal to me or at least they will follow my orders if a fight comes to Hogwarts. Several of my classmates know that I've joined the military at least in some capacity and they have seen what my methods have enabled them to get stronger. When I return from the holidays I will approach some members that I think that would be willing to help."

"Very good," the Minister said. "M, is there anything on your end on finding out the locations of these senior Death Eaters?"

"No," M grunted. "They just seem to not exist."

"Their homes most likely have various wards over them to insure that no one can find them," Harry said. "I know the area where Malfoy Manor is, somewhere in Wiltshire but there is one target you can watch, Riddle Manor in Little Hangleton. That's Tom Riddle's family home and I know that he stayed there during my fourth year, I don't know if he's still there but it's worth a shot."

"We shall look into it," M said. "Private, Minister," the older woman nodded before leaving the office.

"You know if she was about a foot taller I'd think that she was my Transfiguration professor," Harry said. He shuddered. "Probably a good thing that she isn't."

"So Private Potter, I believe that wraps up your debriefing," the Minister said. "What have you heard about that new department you proposed? Has there been anymore word?"

"Not yet," Harry said. "But the Minister and Director of the DMLE want to speak with me once the holidays have finished. As soon as I know something, you will nothing something sir."

"Very well," the Minister said. Harry nodded and left the office.

Harry, Hermione and the other victims of the Christmas Eve attacks remained at Hogwarts for the remainder of the holidays. Hermione spent much of the holidays with her family, trying to explain the new world that the majority of them had been thrust into. Harry had talked with Neville, Luna and Hermione, avoiding the Weasleys after his and Mrs. Weasley's confrontation when Harry had returned to the Hospital Wing.

Flashback

"HARRY JAMES POTTER! What in Merlin's name were you thinking!" Molly Weasley's foghorn of a voice cut through the early evening air. Harry blinked at the short red-haired woman who was bearing down on him like a freight train.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley, but what are you talking about?" Harry asked.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about young man," Mrs. Weasley shouted. "You were supposed to come to the Burrow for Christmas, not with some strangers! Christmas is a time for family!"

"I agree," Harry said with a frown. "And Hermione is as much a member of my family as you are Mrs. Weasley. I believe I explained my reasons to at King's Cross when term ended. Hermione's parents were kind enough to invite me to spend Christmas with them and I accepted. Hermione is my best friend and unfortunately I haven't been the best friend to her over the years, and I felt that spending some time with her and her family would make up for my taking advantage of her. Hermione also invited Ron to come as well but he declined. And if I hadn't been there, Hermione and her family might not be even here, in case you didn't realize, Hermione's family is not magical so they can't defend themselves against Death Eaters while your entire family is magical and able to defend themselves."

"I am happy that Hermione and her family weren't hurt but what about my Ronald!" Molly screamed. "He was cursed by those monsters and now Poppy said that he might never recover because of the injuries he suffered following you on that blasted crusade to rescue Sirius when he wasn't even there. Good riddance, Sirius was a bad influence on you anyway, if you hadn't met, my Ronald wouldn't have gotten…" Mrs. Weasley suddenly fell silent as she felt an explosion of magical energy burst forth from Harry.

"Mrs. Weasley, you will refrain from speaking ill of the dead!" Harry boomed, his eyes flashing. "You madam have welcomed me into your home and family, treated me as one of your own and that is something I will always appreciate but I will not stand for you insulting a member of my family, as well as a great man."

"A great man!" Molly screamed. "Sirius abandoned you that night!"

"I said SILENCE!" Harry roared. Molly shivered under Harry's furious gaze. "Yes, Sirius made a mistake that night, a mistake that he paid for by spending the next TWELVE years in Azkaban being branded a murderer even though he never received a trial! I think Sirius paid for his mistakes; no one is perfect no one can be. In fact, you make mistakes everyday with your own children."

"What!" Molly screeched.

"You constantly belittle your children's accomplishments," Harry snapped. "You yell at Bill and Charlie, telling them that they should quit their jobs and come home. You yell at the twins for doing what they love, making people laugh. They are geniuses in their own right, but you only see OWL and NEWT results as being smart yet now they are own a very successful business. You belittle Ron by comparing him to his brothers, and destroy his self-confidence because he doesn't think that you love him as much as Bill or Charlie or even Percy or that he will never measure up to them in your eyes. Get it through your head, each of your children are different and to compare them to each other is a disservice to them and to you and Mr. Weasley as parents. Also, you are not my mother so stop trying to be. Again I appreciate all that you've done for me over the years but you have to realize that your children will grow up and if you keep treating them like children, they will leave you behind."

"That's enough Harry," Mr. Weasley announced as he saw his wife tremble under Harry's verbal onslaught. "You've said enough. Molly was out of line regarding Sirius but that is no reason for you to question her raising my children."

"Mr. Weasley, I apologize for my harsh tone but not for the words themselves," Harry said. "Your wife has successfully run off her three oldest children and seems to be doing the same to Fred and George. She would wrap all of her children up in cotton rather than let them experience the real world. Each of your adult sons have become extremely successful in their own ways. And you don't think for one second Mrs. Weasley, that I don't feel responsible for Ron's injuries that he suffered at the Department of Mysteries but he did decide to come along. I told everyone that it was most likely a trap but they all decided to come with me, like true Gryffindors."

End Flashback

When term finally began, Harry noticed a wariness and alertness had descended on the castle. The Christmas Eve attacks was the first real attack by Riddle since the Department of Mysteries, Riddle had launched small attacks on the outside world rather than the wizarding world, and in typical magical arrogance, the wizarding world didn't care if the outside world was attacked by Voldemort, only if it effected them. The Yule attacks were the most deadly attacks that Riddle had launched since the First War. The attacks had brought the war to the forefront of everyone's minds and it scared everyone.

Another thing that Harry noticed was the fact that Ron and Hermione seemed to be fighting more than ever. They were still dating but they were just hanging on by a thread. Hermione had confided in Harry that she knew that Ron had nothing to do with the charms on her necklace but she couldn't put it past her mind in thinking that the charms were the only reason they got together in the first place. She and Harry began to spend more and more time together, while Ron spent time with Dean, Seamus and Lavender.

Harry restarted the DA as soon as everyone had returned from the holidays. He wanted to take everyone's mind off the attacks and force them to think about what they could do to prevent future ones.

"Welcome back everyone," Harry said to the assembled DA. "As you are most certainly aware of, Voldemort launched a series of attacks on several targets over the holidays. Myself, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, Luna and Ron were the main targets for these attacks because of what we did last June. We took a stand against the darkness, and Voldemort didn't like seeing people standing up against him. But all Voldemort is, is a coward just like his so-called Death Eaters. Six school children were able to take on his twelve best and came out without any truly serious injuries, and eleven of the twelve were captured. And even this last wave of attacks, true several people were killed and we will miss them but more Death Eaters were killed or captured in these attacks then the Auror Force killed or captured in the last two years of the First War. If this is what six undertrained students could do, what do you think about now? All of you could pass your OWLs or NEWTs right now, so instead of teaching you all more spells, we're going to be focusing on mastering those spells and we will be having simulations to learn how to deal with battle. I know that Professor Lupin's Defence class will be having a dueling tournament at the end of the month to see how much we've forgotten over the holidays, but like I said, there is a difference between dueling and fighting. In a fight there are no rules, remember that. Voldemort's Death Eaters won't care how old you are, they will try and kill you no matter what. Now, our simulations will be as real as we can possibly get them without having true danger. The only rule that we will have is no lethal spells; we don't want anyone getting hurt."

"Harry, you know it might be wise to learn some healing spells," Hermione suggested. "At least some basic first aid to insure that any injured have a chance to get to a hospital."

"That's a brilliant idea Hermione," Harry said. Hermione beamed at him, Harry caught Ron's expression out of the corner of his eye and it didn't look good. The redhead was glaring up at Harry, the tips of his ears turning slightly red a warning sign that Harry easily recognized as the Weasley temper brewing under the surface. "I'll talk with Madam Pomfrey about the possibility of her coming to a meeting to teach whoever is interested."

The first several DA battle simulations were pretty pathetic in Harry's opinion. Harry randomly choose the teams, though took care to make sure that each team had at least one Lion, Badger, Raven and Snake in them, as well as at least one member from the four year groups. Harry wanted to get people over their prejudices against the other houses as well as have them branch out. However it didn't work very well as Harry had hoped, as the Gryffindors and Slytherins didn't want to work together. The Lion would want to charge ahead but that would also put the Snake at his or her back, in perfect position to stab them in the back.

"All right, that's enough," Harry called out at the end of a training session. "I've had it with this stupid House rivalry shite! Death Eaters are not going to care what house you are in when they're trying to kill you!"

"But they're Slytherins!" Ron shouted. "Most of them have family or parents who are Death Eaters and they would sooner stab us in the back than help."

"Enough!" Harry roared, his magic flaring. "Ron, I thought that you had gotten over your 'all-Slytherins' are evil thing. We've had Slytherins in the DA for all of term and you haven't said anything before. Why now? And besides, the wards on the door won't allow anyone who is not loyal to m…loyal to Riddle inside." Harry cursed himself for his near slip, he was sure that Hermione had noticed it, though it didn't seem that anyone else did. "If you don't change your attitude and soon, I'm afraid you'll no longer be welcome at these meetings."

Ron's mouth fell open at Harry's declaration. No one had been asked to, or even been threatened with expulsion from the group. And if Harry was willing to kick Ron, his best friend, out of the group, everyone realized Harry was serious. And so did Ron, who shut his mouth and crossed his arms, glaring up at Harry but didn't say anything.

A knock at the door brought the tension that was growing in the room to a sudden halt. Harry climbed off the platform where he had been addressing the group and made his way over to the door.

"Oh hello Madam Pomfrey," Harry grinned as he stepped aside to allow the hospital wing matron entrance into Room. "I'm glad you were able to find the place. Thank you so much for coming."

"Of course Mr. Potter," Pomfrey said with a grin of her own. "I was very much surprised when the Headmaster relied your proposal. I don't know how you managed to convince him to allow this, I've been trying to get Albus to start up the Healing elective for years but he said that there wouldn't be enough interest."

"That's Dumbledore for you Poppy," Harry chuckled. "He'll just twinkle at you and say that we'll see and in time nothing will come of it because something always seems to pop up."

Poppy giggled at Harry's crude but accurate presentation of the Headmaster's personality of passive aggressive way of getting people to acquiesce to his wishes. "So who are my students?" she asked.

Harry led the matron up to the platform and needlessly introduced her and explained to the group why she was there. The rest of the meeting was spent with Poppy teaching each of the DA members a basic diagnostic spell that would show where and how severely a person was injured. As Poppy went around the Room, she noticed that several of the students were picking up the healing spells quite easily; Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley, Daphne Greengrass, Susan Bones, Terry Boot and several others.

"Welcome to the Ministry Lord Potter-Black," Minister for Magic Rufus Scrimgeour said as Harry entered the Minister's office escorted by two Aurors.

"Thank you Minister Scrimgeour," Harry said with a thin smile. He noticed that Madam Bones was also in the office, which meant that he would have at least one ally in this fight. "Hello Director Bones, it's good to see you again." Amelia inclined her head in response.

"So then Lord Potter-Black, if you would be seated we can begin," Scrimgeour said gesturing to the empty seat in front of the desk. Harry nodded and took the offered seat. "As you mentioned at the Wizengamont meeting last month, you would be willing to help fund the proposed department?"

'So we get right to it eh Rufus,' Harry thought. "That is correct Minister," he said. "Both of my families' fortunes are quite extensive as you are no doubt aware, and the Black family has been notoriously 'Dark' for ages and what better way to change perception than have one of the Darkest families in Britain fund a way for new magical families to be introduced into our world."

"Yes it would surprise quite a few many of the Dark families," Amelia said. "But there is also quite a bit of risk in creating such a department. There are many who would take advantage of such a position to dissuade muggleborns from joining our world, and that's putting it mildly."

"Yes there is a large risk," Harry conceded. "And that's why there must be strict measures in place to make sure that people doesn't take advantage of their positions. I'm thinking of an oath that they won't abuse their position."

"I don't think that's wise," Rufus said. "No one will want to be a put of this department if they are forced to take an oath."

"Anyone who doesn't want to take the oath, isn't the type of person that we want in the department," Harry said. "This department is supposed to help bring new magical lines into this world instead of driving them away. We want to show the newbloods that they can find a place in this world, that they are just as important to this world as half bloods and purebloods. How goes the confiscation of the Death Eater vaults?"

"They are going well," Amelia said. "Gringotts has been quite cooperative in this matter. They've seized all of the known Death Eater vaults, including all of those who were captured last June as well as on Christmas Eve. Our estimates of You-Know-Who's forces show that we've captured or killed roughly half of his magical forces, that's not accounting for Dark creatures in his army though."

"That's a good start but this is just the beginning," Harry said. "I trust that you have the Death Eaters that were captured on Christmas Eve hidden away somewhere."

"They are in Azkaban awaiting trial," Scrimgeour said, puffing up his chest.

"Are you MAD?" Harry barked. "Why aren't they in custody, or at least the ones who have already escaped from there haven't already been tossed through the Veil?"

"Why would we do that?" Rufus gasped. "Why would we kill them? That would make us just as bad as You-Know-Who!"

"No it won't!" Harry growled. "We are at war! This isn't just some little argument that words can settle! People are dying! If you don't show Riddle and his Death Eaters that you are willing to fight, then they will just walk all over this world! Why are you not allowing yourselves to even the playing field? Lift the restrictions on lethal spells for Aurors, they don't have to us the Unforgivables but I would allow the Aurors the option to save their own skins. They are not pawns that you can just throw at the enemy with impunity, these are brave men and women who are risking their lives needlessly because their leaders won't let them use all spells at their disposal to fight back. Barty Crouch might have been an arrogant sod that cared more for personal power than his own family or the law, but he had the right idea in how to deal with these scum. In war, when someone is trying to kill you, you don't have the option of trying to capture him! You allow the Death Eaters to curse the rest of the wizarding world with impunity but you won't fight back. Cowards."

"Now see here Potter!" Scrimgeour shouted, leaping to his feet. "You might think that just because you are a Lord, you are entitled to something. I am the Minister for Magic, and you will do well to remember it. And I am no coward."

"Really, then why haven't you actually done something about the Death Eaters? Stop allowing Voldemort the chance to break out his followers, deny him the opportunity to regain his numbers! Send those who were already sent to Azkaban they were already sentenced to life, give them the Kiss or toss them through the Veil."

"I am the Minister, and my decision stands!" Rufus shouted.

"Fine then," Harry growled. "Then you're going to be fighting this war yourself. If you, as Minister, aren't willing to actually fight for what is right, then I want no part of this Ministry."

"What do you mean?" Director Bones asked.

"Why should I have to fight if the government I'm trying to save isn't willing to even to save its own skin?" Harry asked. "Good day Minister, Director. Its time to do what is right instead of what is easy, I know what choice I will be doing, what about you?"

Harry walked out of the office leaving a fuming Minister and thoughtful Director. Reaching the lifts, Harry silently cast a Notice-Me-Not charm over himself to ensure that he wasn't hounded or seen by anyone that might recognize him. Once he has left the Atrium and returned to the busy streets of London, Harry slipped into a back alley and Disapparated.

"Ah Harry, come in," Dumbledore's jovial voice came from the other side of the Headmaster's office door. Harry rolled his eyes at the blatant power play and pushed open the door.

"You wanted to see me Professor?" Harry asked as he took the offered seat.

"Yes Harry, I must thank you for taking time out of your busy day to meet with an old man," Dumbledore chuckled. "Being a dual-Lord must be quite difficult."

"Some days it can be," Harry answered. "But I'm dealing with it. Now then Headmaster, what did you want to talk about?"

"Oh yes, my apologies Harry, one of the curses of old age is a tendency to wander with your thoughts," Dumbledore said with a wry grin. "I have asked you here tonight because I wish to show you something." He gestured over to a side table beside his desk; on it sat Dumbledore's Pensive along with several phials filled with a smoky substance. "As you can see, we will be delving into several memories that I have collected over the years about someone who we are both very familiar with."

"Voldemort," Harry said shortly. Dumbledore nodded.

"Correct," the Headmaster said.

"Why are you showing me these memories Headmaster? I know all about Riddle already, he's a murdering psychotic megalomaniac who doesn't have the decency to stay dead," Harry grunted. Dumbledore frowned slightly at Harry's crude but accurate description of Riddle.

"Yes you do know quite a bit about Tom but it is essential that you learn why he became what he has become," Dumbledore said. "So then let us delve into the unknown," he finished with a broad smile.

Several hours later, Harry and Dumbledore reappeared in the office coming from viewing the final memory.

"Is that everything you've found?" Harry asked. "It didn't really tell me anything that I didn't already know aside from that Riddle seems to have a magpie fixation and that bit about his mother using a love potion to ensnare his father."

"Ah so you did notice that Tom did like to collect trophies even then," Dumbledore said with a grin. "That is very important."

"Why?" Harry asked. "Surely thievery isn't as bad as murder, terrorism and rape because isn't that what Merope did to Tom Sr. when she gave him that potion."

"Yes it was unfortunate that Merope had to use such methods in an attempt to gain happiness, but as I said, Tom's fixation with collecting trophies is of vital importance. I have a task for you to complete Harry, there was one memory that I wasn't able to retrieve that would make our quest much easier. I need you to convince Horace to willingly hand over his complete and non-tampered memory. I believe it has vital information that could spell victory or defeat for the Light in this war."

Harry nodded. "I'll try my best Headmaster, if that is all?" he asked.

"Yes Harry, you are dismissed," Dumbledore said.

Harry left the Headmaster's office, frowning. 'I can't believe he would just wave off the fact that Merope used love potions,' Harry thought. 'They are illegal for a reason, though I'm sure since Tom Sr. was a Muggle, it wouldn't have mattered. And I know Dumbledore was trying to tell me something about Riddle's fixation collecting trophies, but why? Who cares if Riddle is a thief, he's committed many more heinous crimes than simple thievery.'

"Harry!" a voice brought Harry out of his musing. Looking up, he saw Hermione and Ron sitting at their favorite table in the Gryffindor Common Room. "What did Professor Dumbledore want?" Hermione asked as Harry made his way over to the table.

"Just wanted to show me some memories about Riddle," Harry said. "Though I have no idea why he wants me to know about Riddle's childhood, it's creepy how similar our upbringings were. I mean, both of us lost our parents early in life, sent somewhere where we received little or no affection and we were constantly set back to places that we hated. It's like Dumbledore is going out of his way to show that I could have become a second Riddle."

"Don't say that Harry, you are nothing like that monster," Hermione scolded. "And I don't know what Dumbledore is playing at by making you think so. You are the most caring, selfless, courageous person I know, you are nothing like the evil, destructive monster that V. is."

Harry gave the bushy haired young woman a warm smile. "Thanks Hermione," he said. "Don't tell anyone else this but Dumbledore asked me to try and get a memory from Slughorn, apparently the memory that he gave Dumbledore was tampered with and Dumbledore wants the original one."

"Why does Dumbledore need you to get it?" Ron asked, sliding slightly closer to Hermione. "He's Albus Dumbledore, why doesn't he just do it himself?"

"I don't know Ron," Harry sighed. "Why does Dumbledore do anything?" Harry reached into his backpack and pulled out a sheaf of parchment and grabbed a pen as well.

"Harry, what are you doing?" Hermione asked.

"Writing a letter," Harry said shortly.

"But you are using a pen?"

"Of course," he responded. "Quills are quaint and such but having to reload them with ink over and over again is troublesome and annoying. And it's not like using a pen is against the rules."

"Who are you writing to?" Ron asked.

"Bill," Harry answered.

"Why are you writing to Bill?"

"I want to know if he has any suggestions on curse breaking books and spells that we can use in DA," Harry said shortly. "Also, curse breaking is something I might want to do after Hogwarts and when I get out of the service. Traveling the world, discovering new magic and stuff like that, and best of all, I'd be away from all the 'Boy-Who-Lived' groupies'."

"You'd leave Britain?" Hermione asked.

"What about being an Auror?" Ron shouted. "We had it all planned out mate, you and me Auror partners and Herms would be a prosecutor for the DMLE."

"Ron, I don't think chasing after Dark Wizards and criminals is something that I want to do for the rest of my life," Harry said. "I've already got the so-called Darkest Wizard of all time after me personally, why should I try and get more attention?"

"Curse breaking is a very exclusive career choice Harry," Hermione said. "I mean, it's very free lance aside from Gringotts I don't know of anyone who hires curse breakers."

"That's fine though," Harry said. "Thanks to my parents, I have enough money saved up to hold me over. And besides, I think I'll want to get away from Britain after the war is over. Once the war is over, everyone is going to want a piece of me and I don't know if I'll be able to stand it. It would be who knows how much worse than it is right now. Look it's late, and I'm knackered. I'll see you both in the morning. Night."

"Good night Harry," Hermione said as Harry wrapped up his letter and pocketed it, before she turned back to Ron and his homework.

"All right you lot," Lupin barked as he stood in front of his sixth year Defence class. "It's time for our bi-monthly dueling tournament. You all know the rules; no lethal spells, the duel ends when someone forfeits, is knocked out or when I call it, no exceptions. Now based on the results of our last attempt, we have a long way to go before most of you can be considered competent duelers. As you are no doubt aware, Voldemort has started open war upon our way of life and he and his Death Eaters will not hesitate to kill you, no matter your age. You are either with Voldemort or against him, there is no time for neutrality any longer."

Harry glanced around the room at the students, trying to pick up which students were most likely to join Riddle or stay true to the Light. Much of class was members of the DA, and Harry had told them to downplay their improvements. It was better that the enemy underestimates them; it would allow the DA members an advantage over their enemies. The dueling tournament went by quickly, as Lupin limited the duels to only five minutes in length, and Harry, Hermione, Ron, Daphne Greengrass and Neville breezed through much of the competition only having slight trouble against their fellow DA members. The finalists were Harry, Hermione, Daphne and Neville, with Daphne beating Ron to get to the semi-finals, something that really didn't sit well with Ron. Harry had noticed that ever since the Yule holidays, Ron's attitude had become much more belligerent and unstable. Ron had had trouble keeping his mouth shut during the best of times but ever since Christmas it seemed that Ron never thought about what he was saying, and it was beginning to get on quite a few people's nerves. Harry knew that Ron couldn't really help it but it seemed that sometimes he went out of his way to spout his mouth and piss people off.

"Very good," Lupin said. "Now unfortunately we don't have time to finish today so we will have the final duels next class, you are all dismissed."

"Well done Neville," Harry said as the class exited the room. "You've really come a long way."

"Thanks Harry," Neville smiled. "I wouldn't have been able to do any of this if it wasn't for you."

"Yes, let's all praise the all so special Harry Potter," a sneering voice echoed up and down the corridor. Harry and the others turned to see Ron glaring at Harry with his eyes blazing. "The so-called Chosen One, the Boy-Who-Lived, Triwizard Champion, a Dual Lord but you're nothing more than a fake are you Potter?"

"Ron, what are you doing?" Hermione asked softly. "You know Harry, he's nothing like a fake."

"Stay out of this Granger, you're always taking his side," Ron snapped. "You're supposed to be my girlfriend but all you seem to care about is Harry bloody Potter. So what's it going to be Granger, your boyfriend or him?"

Hermione blinked at Ron. He had never acted like this before. Sure he had gotten angry before but she had never seen him stare at Harry with such hate and disdain. "Ron," she whispered. He whirled on her, his eyes flashing with venom and disgust.

"I get it, you choose him," Ron shouted. "I should have known, I'll never measure up to the 'great Harry Potter' in your eyes. Well then Granger, you are always going to be a just an uppity know-it-all muggleborn to the rest of the world. Now matter how much you think you're going to amount to anything in this world, you are wrong. You are always going to be a muggleborn, and you can't change that."

"That's enough Ron," Harry barked, stepping up to the lanky redhead.

"You don't mean that Ronald," Hermione whispered, tears filling her eyes.

"Of course I do," Ron snapped. "You'll never amount to anything in the wizarding world, why are you even trying?"

"I said ENOUGH!" Harry roared, his magic flaring. Ron stumbled backward and seemed to come back to himself.

"Harry mate, Hermione, I, I, I don't know what came over me," the redhead stammered. "You know I would never say anything like that."

"Then why would you?" Hermione snapped.

"You know me babe, sometimes I say things before my mind catches up to me," Ron explained. "I'm sorry Hermione."

"I know you are Ronald," Hermione said. "But that still doesn't take away the fact that you still said all those things. And deep down, I think you truly believe what you said. Is that all I am to you Ron, just some uppity know-it-all who won't amount to anything?"

"No, of course not Hermione," Ron said quickly. "You are the smartest person I know Hermione, you'll be able to do anything you set your mind too."

"Thank you Ronald but until you learn to control your mouth, I think we should stop seeing each other," Hermione said.

"What!" Ron shouted. "You can't be serious! I apologized! You know me Hermione; I didn't mean anything by it. I was just angry that I lost to a slimy Slytherin!"

"That's another thing Ronald, you need to get over this stupid and petty bigotry against Slytherins," Hermione snapped. "Daphne beat you fair and square, there's nothing wrong about that. Just keeping working at it and you'll get better."

Harry's hand slid into his pocket, reaching for his wand when he noticed Ron's eyes flash once more.

"You did this!" Ron growled, glaring at Harry. "You turned her against me."

"You have done that yourself Ron," Harry snapped. "I didn't make you say anything."

"Oh spare me Potter," Ron snarled. "Playing the sad orphan card has run its course. You could have any girl in the castle but you had to take my girl! I've had it with everyone just giving you everything, money, power, girls, I've had it!" Ron's hand darted into his robe pocket.

"Petrificus Totalus!" Hermione's voice cried as her wand came flying out of her robes. Ron went rigid and to began to topple. Harry's wand shot out and applied a Hovering Charm to the frozen Ron.

"We need to take him to Madam Pomfrey," Harry said. "I think he's having a relapse or something."

Hermione nodded.

"Harry, Hermione, what's wrong with Ron? Sure he can be a bit of a prat, but I've never seen him lash out like that," Neville asked.

"He's still recovering from last summer and when he got cursed over the holidays, it set back his recovery," Harry explained. Neville nodded. "Nev, can you take Hermione back to the common room while I take Ron to the Hospital Wing?" Neville nodded again. "Don't worry Hermione, Poppy will fix Ron up real quick."

Hermione nodded and allowed Neville to lead her away up the corridor. Harry turned back to Ron who was still glaring at him with hate shining in his eyes. Harry sighed and quickly Silenced Ron and began walking toward the Hospital Wing with Ron floating in front of him.

"Mr. Potter, what is the meaning of this?" Madam Pomfrey asked as Harry entered the Hospital Wing with Ron still floating in front of him. "Why aren't you in class and why is Mr. Weasley frozen and silenced?"

"Ron seems to have had a bit of a relapse Madam Pomfrey," Harry said. He quickly explained what had happened in the Defence corridor while setting Ron gently on a nearby bed.

"I see," Madam Pomfrey said. "Well unfortunately there isn't much I can do for Mr. Weasley, I can give him a dose of Flushing Draught but it won't do much."

"There really isn't anything you can do for Ron?" Harry asked.

"I'm afraid not," Poppy said. Harry looked down before turning back to Ron. The redhead was looking up at Harry, the anger draining from his eyes and slowly turning into fear and sorrow.

"I'll leave Ron in your care then Poppy," Harry said. The Hospital Wing matron nodded and turned toward her new patient.

Harry made his way down from the Hospital Wing to Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration classroom where he was sure to find Hermione and Neville. And indeed he did.

"Nice of you to join us Mr. Potter," McGonagall said curtly as Harry sat down at his desk next to Hermione. "I trust you have a good explanation for why you are late for my class?"

"I was taking an injured student to the Hospital Wing Professor," Harry answered shortly.

"And where is Mr. Weasley?"

"The Hospital Wing ma'am," Harry answered the open question. "He didn't come out of his duel in Defence one hundred percent, so I took him to the Hospital wing to get him checked up."

"I see," McGonagall said, though Harry could tell that she didn't believe him.

"Harry, what did Madam Pomfrey said when you told her about Ronald?" Hermione asked.

Harry sighed heavily. "She said there isn't much she can do for him," he said. "She was going to give him a Flushing Draught to try and get more of the toxin out of his system but its most likely too late." Hermione hung her head.

"I shouldn't have let Ronald's words get to me," she said softly. "I know he doesn't mean them but…"

"But nothing Hermione," Harry said forcefully. "I know Ron didn't mean much of what he said but deep down, there might have been something. His injuries don't change his mindset, they just remove the filter that was between his brain and mouth, the very small filter there was to begin with."

Hermione nodded. The duo sat down next to Neville and was just about to grab some lunch when the doors to the Great Hall were thrown open with a loud crash. Everyone turned to see Minister Scrimgeour storming up the aisle with about a dozen Aurors at his back. Harry narrowed his eyes at the Minister when he saw the lion-looking man scan the room and lock eyes with him. Scrimgeour and his Aurors walked up to the Gryffindor Table and stopped right in front of Harry.

"Harry James Potter, by order of the Wizengamont and the Minister for Magic, you are hereby under arrest for murder, assault and breaking the Statue of Secrecy by performing magic in front of a muggle!" Scrimgeour announced, a smug smile etched on his face.

A/N: Well here you go, chapter seven of 'Vengeance', I'll admit it's a bit of a filler chapter but there's quite a bit of stuff in that filler. In fact, I had to cut this chapter short because I had only gotten through about 3/4 of the chapter outline and it had already reached 9,000 words. Let me know what you all think, the last several chapters I've gotten some great feedback from you all and I would love to see it continue. Again, any constructive criticism is most welcome and will always be considered in my attempts to get better and make this story more enjoyable for you, the readers.

Enjoy

S.R.W.M.O