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CHAPTER NINETEEN: A New Solution

The battle between Harry and Ron continued to rage through the Ministry atrium. The fighting around them had effectively ceased. All those still standing had stopped to watch the duel, as if accepting that the outcome of the fight between their leaders would decide the battle.

Harry generated a swirl of water around his body and then hurled it at Ron. Ron froze it and then shattered it. He transfigured chains which surrounded Harry and tied him up, drawing him towards Ron. Harry concentrated hard and the chains broke up. He summoned up a flurry of darts and fired them at Ron, who deflected them so they struck harmlessly against the walls and roof.

"Stop!"

The voice was so commanding that both Harry and Ron obeyed it immediately. They turned their attention to the speaker, as did everyone else in the room. The sight that greeted their eyes amazed them. There was James, with Gemini, Beverley, Bradley, Maxwell and Nymphadora standing behind him. And behind them…was the Purification Device.

"What are you doing with that?"Ron demanded.

Harry meanwhile had raised his wand again. "Stand aside, James, we need to destroy it."

"I'm carrying out a little test, Minister,"James explained. "And no, Dad, we're not going to destroy it."

Parvati looked at him angrily. "Who do you think you are?"

"James Potter. Heir of the House of Potter, Head of Gryffindor House, Hogwarts, and leader and mentor of Dumbledore's Army."

"Dumbledore's Army?"Neville repeated.

"We liked the name,"Nymphadora explained.

Luna smiled knowingly. "I think he would have approved."

"James, what do you think you're doing bringing the children here?"Hermione asked.

"I needed help,"James explained. "And everyone else had given in to the insanity. Look at yourselves! People I've known all my life, people I remember being born, fighting each other. There has to be a better way!"

"Show us one,"Harry insisted.

"I'm going to." James looked at Ron. "Minister…Uncle Ron, you knew the Purification Device would be controversial. You haven't had a chance for full testing, you don't know for sure what it does. Yes, there'll be people who oppose it either way but you haven't made any attempt to win anyone over. No consultation, just 'This is what we're doing.' You might have been elected by the people, but you can't act like a dictator. You have to let the will of the people guide you, not think you know what's best for everyone."

"I'm just trying to keep them safe,"Ron protested. "I didn't want any of this."

"Maybe not but you've got it. And you, Dad. Do you really think the Purification Device is evil, that anyone who uses it is evil? It was built as a last resort, out of fear. And yes, it was nearly used for evil purposes. But if we can put this magic to good use, isn't that a good thing? If we use it to protect people?"

"It's dangerous,"Harry insisted. "If it's not properly controlled…"

"We controlled it before, stopped Lucius Malfoy misusing it. If this could have been used on criminals in the past, maybe we could have saved lives. Maybe we could have saved Mum."

Harry felt suddenly uncomfortable. "Maybe…maybe if it was properly regulated. But we still don't know how it works…"

"Which is why I've brought it here. To test it. If it can be used to take away someone's magic and then restore it, then we know it's controllable. Of course, that means a test subject and that person would be in danger of ending up as a squib. So if no-one else volunteers, I'll do it."

"No,"Harry replied. "I'll do it."

"So will I,"Ron agreed.

James nodded and stepped aside. Harry handed his wand to Hermione. "Look after this for me."

Ron handed his to Parvati. "Just in case we're wrong."

United for the first time in a long while, Harry and Ron walked towards the Purification Device, standing either side of it. "Look after the wounded,"Harry instructed.

"Terry, you know the Device as well as anyone,"Ron noted. "Set it in motion."

Terry swallowed hard but nodded. He stepped forward and placed his wand in the Device's slot. "Excitant."

"Three minutes, remember,"Ron commented, as Terry withdrew.

Hermione, Parvati, Neville, Luna, James, Emily, George, Hugo, Kingsley, Victoire, Nymphadora, Gemini and Bradley all surrounded the Purification Device. "Protego!"they shouted together, generating a Shield Charm around the Device, sealing Harry and Ron in with it. Meanwhile, Lily, Rose, Lisa and Davina had moved to look after the wounded on both sides, performing counter-curses and giving minor healing spells to those with physical wounds. Hagrid moved around them, offering comfort.

The Purification Device activated and the inside of the shield filled with energy. Those casting the shield struggled to maintain it, with others moving to help them. Finally, it dissipated and they lowered the shield.

Harry and Ron emerged and accepted their wands. They pointed them at a chunk of masonry. "Wingardium leviosa!" Nothing happened. They handed the wands back to their partners and went to stand by the Device.

Terry waved his wand along the Device's side, adjusting the new controls fitted by the Ministry. Then he set it in motion again. The shield went up and the inside crackled with energy again, less intense this time, more of a healing feel to it.

Harry and Ron emerged and took their wands again. "Wingardium leviosa!"

The chunk moved. Both of them cast the spell on their own, just to make sure they were both restored. It worked every time.

Harry looked around at his followers. "Order of the Phoenix, stand down." The members of the Order put their wands away.

Ron looked at Harry uncomfortably. "Harry…you know I'm going to have to take you all into custody."

Harry nodded. "I know."

Ron gestured to his security guards. "Aurors, take them to the detention area."