Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to the wondrous mind of J.K.Rowling. I am simply borrowing them.

A/N: Hi all. I hope I didn't scare you all away with that last chapter. I hope we're all doing well. I would love to hear your thoughts on my chapters, so please send me a review. Thanks in advance.

Harry Potter and the Shards of Voldemort's Soul

Chapter 3: Preparations

Hermione decided to help Ginny to continue preparing for her OWL examinations; Ron reluctantly agreed after a few scathing remarks from Hermione. With the death of the Headmaster, all OWL exams had been postponed, giving the fifth year students a much needed relief period. However, it was not long before they began to feel that same despair that they had been feeling since they had first heard word of Dumbledore's passing and eventually they gave up on the studying.

At this point, the students couldn't really see the point in studying as it was not entirely clear if the school would remain open come September, even the steadfast Hermione who would always advocate the necessity of studying could not get in to the mood to care. However, despite the recent attack, Hogwart's would still be the safest place to be and could afford the students some measure of protection. Hermione had preached that she was sure that the teachers would enhance the strength of the wards before the new term should the school be permitted to remain open. But even she could not see many students returning in the fall. The feelings of the last few days had been very somber. She had seen many of her classmates carted off the school grounds by their parents, some willing, some not. Some students had argued over returning and the reactions of the parents were usually the same; no.

In her heart, Hermione couldn't blame them after having a huge disagreement with her own parents over going to stay with Harry at the Dursleys. However, they couldn't fault her logic, she was of age and could make her own choices, but they were only trying to protect her. In this past year, she had been so worried that Death Eaters would try to attack her home, but thankfully the Order had taken some steps to ensure their safety. Harry had offered to move them into Grimmauld Place if necessary to protect them and Hermione almost took him up on that offer, but her parents had refused to give up their lives and their professions. It may eventually come to pass that they would have no other alternative, but she didn't tell them about that eventuality. Over the years, she had tried to keep her parents from learning too much about the Wizarding world in order to prevent them from getting too worried over her well being.

However, the last couple of years had proven too difficult to continue to keep them in the dark. When she had been injured at the end of her fifth year, they had strongly demanded that she move back home and not return to Hogwarts at all. She had argued long and hard to convince them to let her stay with the promise that she would maintain a continual flow of updates so that they knew that she was safe. She had also promised to keep them better informed about her school activities and adventures. She snickered, if you could even call them adventures, more like nightmares. Reflecting back on her time spent her at Hogwarts, she marveled at how far she had grown and matured from the bookish nag she used to be to the more outspoken bookish nag she was now.

Smiling, she looked over at her friends and saw Ginny frowning.

"What's wrong Ginny?" she asked.

"Don't you hear it," Ginny replied. She stood up and started pacing about the room, craning her neck appearing as if she was hearing something. Hermione frowned as she had heard nothing but the sound of Ron's loud snores; Ginny had been under a great deal of stress since she had broken up with Harry, Hermione mused.

"Hear what?"

"Phoenix Song," Ginny replied exasperatedly. Hermione tried again to detect what Ginny was hearing but could not hear anything.

"Gin, I don't hear anything. Are you sure you hear Phoenix Song?" Ginny ignored and continued to pace, her hand over her heart.

"I know I can hear it, it's such a beautiful sound. I can feel it in my heart Hermione, it fills me with hope." Hermione nudged Ron who snorted loudly and promptly fell off the couch. Now fully awake, he jerked to his feet, sputtering and breathing nosily. Hermione stifled a chuckle.

"Wha goin on?" he mumbled.

"Ginny says she hears Phoenix Song," Hermione replied with a worried look. Ron caught her expression and immediately went over to his sister.

"What's up Gin?" Ginny looked at her brother with frustrated glare.

"I hear Phoenix Song you git, isn't it obvious, but where is it coming from," she retorted now getting annoyed at her two friends. This time Ron tried listening for the Phoenix Song, but he couldn't hear it either.

"Ginny, there is no Phoenix Song. Maybe you should go for a lie dow.." Ron started to say, but Ginny let out an exasperated yell.

"You two are hopeless," Ginny said with a great sigh.

At that point, there was a creak and the door to the common room opened revealing a smiling Harry Potter striding inside. Ginny ran up to Harry.

"Harry, please tell me that you hear it," she pleaded. Harry frowned slightly. He had only just broken up with Ginny and the pain was far too fresh. His heart skipped a beat as he looked down at the smallish figure with beautiful red hair and took in her familiar flowery scent.

"Hear what Gin?" Harry asked with a confused look.

"The Phoenix Song," Ginny answered. Harry immediately smiled and nodded excitedly.

Hermione and Ron gasped and Ginny let out a triumphant shout. Turning back to her two friends, she gave them a smirk that clearly said I told you so.

A piercing cry sounded above them and in a flash of bright flames, Hope materialized and flew to Harry's outstretched arm. With a great rush of air and a flap of her wings, the Phoenix deftly landed on Harry's arm and preened under Harry's tender caress. The others watched in astonishment.

"Her name is Hope and she appeared to me at Dumbledore's tomb," Harry explained. "She's my Phoenix companion." Hope sang a note and Harry chuckled. "She said that I am her wizard," Harry told them. They laughed, but Ginny's hand was covering her open mouth. "Gin?" he asked puzzled.

"I heard her. I can understand her," she exclaimed. Harry was surprised at this unexpected development. Hermione frowned in thought.

"That's unheard of. I've never heard of a person who could understand a Phoenix outside of someone who is their chosen companion." Hope sang a few notes and then flew to Ginny's shoulder nuzzling against Ginny's cheek. Both Harry and Ginny looked at each other then turned away, both blushing a fierce shade of red.

"What?' Ron asked, but both refused to answer or even look at each other. He shook his head and flopped back down on the couch, mumbling about girls and best friends. Hermione was deep in thought. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she knew that a session in the library would resolve her dilemma; she knew that she had something before about Phoenixes and their companions. The four friends sat down by the fire, Hope deciding to stay with Ginny. Harry cleared his throat to bring them to his attention.

"Well, I have had a chance to do some soul searching and I think its time for me to tell you of my plans," Harry began. He now had their full attention. It was very rare for Harry to be so open and upfront with his thoughts and feelings when usually he was kept things to himself.

"Hermione is there anyone left in the dorms that could overhear us?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, there are still a few students that are probably packing in their rooms," she said. Realizing what was on his mind, she took out her wand and drew a small circle above their heads and ended with a sharp flourish. The air seemed to crackle with energy around them for a moment then it was gone. "I have cast a seal of silence around us. No one can hear us now," she said confidently. Harry smiled at his friend; she really was the most powerful Witch in their year. He would have to ask her to teach him that sometime.

"Thanks Mione. Now, some of this Ron and Hermione know already and some they do not. So for now, just let me get through this first and then we'll tackle questions after. Is everyone ok with that?" They all nodded silently. "Ok, well, for the past year, I have been training with Dumbledore learning about Voldemort's life or rather, the beginning of his life as Tom Riddle." Ginny was shocked; she knew that Harry had been training, but she thought that he was learning charms and spells to defend himself with. "Dumbledore was able to acquire memories from people that had dealings with Tom Riddle at one time or another. I was also able to acquire a memory of him from Professor Slughorn as well. Through all of these memories, we have been able to piece together the secret of Voldemort's immortality, the Horcruxes."

Harry went on to describe in detail the life of Riddle that he had seen in Dumbledore's Pensieve. Ginny's expression changed from shock and astonishment to horror as Harry went through the life of the person she had most feared. From looking at Ron and Hermione's expression, she knew that they had already been told about this. For a moment, she felt a pang of jealousy, but it vanished quickly. After all, Harry was telling her now wasn't he? She looked back at Harry; he had stopped talking and appeared to be holding in his pain and knew that he was about to tell them something that had hurt him deeply. She got up and sat next to him; reaching down she grabbed his hand. Hope moved to his shoulder and crooned softly in his ear. Harry absently stroked her soft feathers and after a few moments, hr seemed ready to continue. He described his journey with the Headmaster to the cave and told them about the locket, the lake and the fight with the Inferi, finally ending with the note from R.A.B and the fake locket.

He looked up at them waiting for them to comment. He could only guess at what they were feeling. Ron seemed to be lost in thought and Hermione seemed to be in shock. He looked over at Ginny, who was still holding his hand. She smiled at him with love in her eyes and he nearly broke down wanting nothing more to scoop her up in his arms and kiss her right then and there, but steeled himself against it. Hope sang a note which they both clearly understood and he looked away in shame. Hope was right; he did love her, but now was not the time to discuss it. They needed some time to be alone with each other and talk, but it would have to wait until later.

"Now, you are all up to date. It was Dumbledore's intention for me to stay with the Dursleys to renew my mother's blood protection, but this year, Mr. and Mrs. High and Mighty over there have decided that they are going to come with me," he said gesturing at Ron and Hermione, who both grinned.

"Damn straight," Ron snorted.

"Ron language," Mione chided.

"Yes dear," Ron said in shame. Harry laughed at the two before continuing.

"Ever since the funeral, I have been running through my mind the list of things that I need to do. I know that I can't do this on my own anymore. Dumbledore is gone, he was my beacon of light against all of this … Voldemort chaos, but now that he's gone..," Harry trailed off, overcome with grief. Ginny gripped his hand harder which seemed to give him the strength to continue.

"I need to continue the search for the Horcruxes. Once they are all destroyed, I alone will have to go up against Voldemort and hopefully kill him." He stopped, knowing that his friends would respond at this statement and of course he was right.

"Harry, it's not up to you alone, we…," Ron shouted.

"We are here to help you….," Hermione continued.

"QUIET!" Ginny stood there red-faced and trembling and her eyes on the verge of tears. "Don't you understand; it does have to be Harry. That's what the prophecy was about, that's why you broke up with me." Turning to Harry, she asked," Wasn't it?"

Harry nodded silently and turned his face away from her. Harry recited the prophecy.

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches. … Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies … and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not … and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives. … The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies. …"

Ron sat there quietly, looking very pale and Hermione had tears in her eyes. Angrily she wiped them away with fierce determination.

"I don't care what the prophecy says Harry," Hermione stated. "No matter what, I will stand by your side." Ron nodded grimly in agreement. Harry turned to look at Ginny who had her heart in her eyes and she also nodded. Harry was overwhelmed by the courage and concern of his friends. It was at that moment that he had an inkling of what the Headmaster had been trying to tell him, the power that he had inside of him that Voldemort did not. The power of Love and right now, it was the greatest feeling of all.

Smiling, he grabbed his friends in to a big group hug and let their emotions wash away his feelings of doubt. When they parted, even Ron had unshed tears in his eyes. He grumbled about something being in his eye and turned away red-faced. Hermione just beamed at him.

"Thank you all for your support. You will never know just how much that means to me. Now, I want to go over some of the ideas that I have been bouncing around. Hermione, I know you have parchment and a quill available; you can be our recorder and organizer. Feel free to add changes where you feel necessary, ok?" Hermione nodded and pulled out her ever ready quill and parchment and immediately started scratching down notes.

"Ok, so we know that I have…," Harry started.

"We," Ginny corrected. Harry smiled and nodded.

"We have to retrieve the rest of the Horcruxes. Both the ring and the diary are destroyed, but Slytherin's locket, Hufflepuff's cup, Nagini and something that belonged to Gryffindor's or Ravenclaw's is left."

"Wait a minute," Ron interrupted. "There's one last piece."

"No, the last piece is Voldemort himself," Harry said quietly.

"That leads me up to my next point. We will need more battle training. We have all been in fights with Death Eaters, but lets face it, we are vastly inexperienced," continued Harry remembering his fight against Snape. "I have a couple of ideas on that one, but that all depends on what we discuss next."

"What's that Harry," Ginny asked.

"The Order," Hermione answered for him.

"That's right. Dumbledore was leader of the Order of the Phoenix, they obeyed him without question and he kept them in line. I know that I am going to need their help, but without Dumbledore, I don't know if I can trust them completely. We need some way of ensuring their trust."

"Harry, I think I may be able to help on that note, but let me check a couple of things in the library first, ok?" Hermione said. Harry nodded hiding a smile behind his hand. Ron visible rolled eyes, but Hermione caught it and slapped him on the back of his head.

"Hey," he said indignantly.

"Ok guys, let's focus," Harry said bringing them back their focus. "Hermione, once you have completed your research, let me know so I can call the Order together. I don't think that we should use Grimmauld Place anymore."

"Why?" Ron asked.

"Snape used it. He was capable of getting in and out of headquarters with no problems and he betrayed Dumbledore. It's unsafe."

"Harry's right. After Dumbledore…after he died, the protection spells he placed there would have fallen. That means the Fidelius charm is also gone. The wards will have to be replaced," Hermione added. "I've done some research on the types of wards that the Headmaster might have used, but I think that this would be better placed in the hands of the Order."

"We may not be able to use the Order depending on how they react to my plans. Continue your studying. I want you to be able to show me how to re-cast the wards, especially the Fidelius charm if necessary, just in case." Hermione nodded.

"That being said, we may need to find a different headquarters, one used only by ourselves and I think I have just the place."

"Where Harry?" Ginny asked.

"Godric's Hollow," he stated flatly.

"But Harry wasn't it destroyed by Voldemort?" Hermione said questioningly unsure of where Harry was leading with this.

"I honestly don't know. But I have this strange compulsion to go back there. I need to see…," said Harry, his voice trailing off, overcome with the thoughts of seeing the place where his parents were killed. "I just need to go there," he said fiercely. He felt strangely passionate about this place that was his home. He had no idea why, but he had this strange need to go there and see it.

"Ok Harry, no problem. We'll go with you ok," Ginny soothed while Hope at the same started nuzzling against his cheek.

"Ok Harry that gives us a lot to go over. But, there is still one last thing."

"What's that Hermione?"

"Well, Hogwarts. I don't know if it's going to be open come September or even if you want to, but it really is the safest place to be. Besides, Voldemort will want to destroy it. It is still a key location to the forces of light," she said simply. Harry mulled that over in his mind before answering.

"You're right Mione. The question is how do we protect it? Voldemort and his Death Eaters were able to get in thanks to Malfoy and Snape has been coming and going for years."

"That will have to be left up to McGonagall and the Board of Governors. If they decide to re-open the school, they will have to ensure that they can protect it," Hermione retorted. "But that doesn't mean that if the school does re-open, that we can't do something to help protect it and the students." Intrigued, Harry waved her to continue. "What about the DA?" she asked. Harry frowned.

"Outside of Neville and Luna, the DA didn't respond to the summons a few days ago," Harry snorted. "What makes you think that they will want to help now?"

"That was because they didn't understand that there was a real threat. Now they have seen what can happen, what has happened. I think that they could be used to help protect the school, or at least prepare themselves in case of an attack," Hermione continued pushing. "Harry, I know that you said that you were not coming back if the school opened, but think about the benefit of using a place like this for a base of Operations. We have the library to help us with our research and a place to use for training. Also, if you sent a letter out endorsing that you were coming back to Hogwarts, then maybe more parents would be inclined to send their children back." Harry looked at her in shock. Some of what she said had merit, but the bit about endorsing the school sounded exactly like what the Minister had asked but in favor of the Ministry. He couldn't risk putting anymore lives in danger; no more lives would be affected by him.

"Mione, I can't believe you would ask me to endorse coming back to the school. Voldemort is after me, if I am here, Hogwarts will be targeted. Not only that, you're sounding like Scrimgeour when he asked me to endorse the Ministry. I'm not some poster boy to be bill-boarded up for all to see. Besides, who am I to endorse anything? I don't want to hear anything about this again, ok?" he demanded. She nodded mutely.

"Now, I do think that maybe contacting the DA would be a good idea, if anything to prepare them for the possibilities should they decide to return, if they can return. Using the Room of Requirement is also a great place to train, but I am not going to depend on it. Well, I guess that's it for now. Hermione, what have you got down?" Hermione placed her roll of parchment before them to read.

Priorities:

1. Go to Dursley's

· Renew Blood Protection
· Research Wards and Fidelius
· Research a way to secure Order's trust

2. Godric's Hollow

· Find out how to get there
· Visit Godric's Hollow with Harry

3. Meet with Order

· Secure Trust of Order members
· Discuss Plans

4. Headquarters

· Review alternative locations (Hogwart's?)
· Renew/place wards and Fidelius on Old or New Headquarters

5. Hogwarts

· Letter to DA
· Talk to McGonagall about school re-opening
· Talk to McGonagall about wards

6. Training

· Secure training (Moody?, Kingsley?, Tonks?, Remus?)
· Locate study materials and practice location
· Occlumency and Legilimency
· Battle training
· Battle Robes or Armor

7. Horcruxes

· Who is RAB
· Find locket
· Find cup
· Find Gryffindor or Ravenclaw artifact
· Destroy Nagini

8. Voldemort

· Secure help from Ministry
· Secure help from other sentient beings
(Centaurs, Giants, Goblins, House Elves)
· Find Voldemort's lair
· Defend Hogwarts
· Kill Voldemort

They all nodded in agreement as they read through the list. Harry was stunned with the level of effort that she had put in to the tiniest details. She had everything in to perspective and now he felt that they were ready to begin the real work.

"Hermione, I am really impressed. You have done a really good job here," Harry praised her.

Hermione blushed with pride. "Before we leave, I am going to take out some books from the library that may help us. But, what we really need to do is go to Diagon Alley. We should be able to pick up a lot of our supplies from there," Hermione told them.

"One thing at a time; we need to the Dursleys first before we can look at …," Harry's voice trailed off as he saw what appeared to be a silvery Tabby cat strolling up to them.

With a graceful leap, it landed in Harry's lap, staring right in to his eyes. He then heard a voice in his head he could swear sounded like McGonagall. He had seen Dumbledore and Tonks send messages like this, but never experienced it himself. "Harry, please come to the Headmaster's office immediately. We have some things to discuss," the voice of McGonagall sounded in his head. With the message delivered, the Tabby vanished in a twinkle of sparkles. He vowed to ask McGonagall how to send messages like this, it could be useful.

Turning back to the others who were watching him with interest, he informed them, "I've got to go see McGonagall. She just asked me to go the Headmast….to her office. I'll be back soon. I suggest that we all start getting ready. The last Hogwarts Express is leaving in about two hours. Hermione, I know you'll be going to the library; you should go now and get what you need. Let's meet back here before we leave."

Hermione nodded and got up to leave. Ron and Ginny turned and headed up to their rooms. Harry wondered at how easily they took to his leadership as he started his walk down to see McGonagall. Hope stayed on his shoulder and he thought about what McGonagall would say when she saw her. He absently reached up and petted her on the neck. She sang a few notes in his ear which seemed to give his heart strength. Yes, he had been dreading going back to the Headmaster's office, knowing that it would be painful to remember.

Soon, the familiar Gargoyle statues that guarded the Headmaster's office loomed before him when he realized that he didn't know the password. Much to his surprise and relief, they immediately moved aside, granting him entry. As he rode the rising staircase, he remembered his very first visit to this office. He remembered his awe and fear at being in the presence of the great Headmaster. He heaved a great sigh; things were so different then. He knocked on the Headmistress' door and it opened soundlessly. He was a little surprised that the inside of the office was much the same as it had been before. McGonagall must not have wanted it changed. With a pang, he saw that Dumbledore was still sleeping in his portrait; he had so wanted to talk with him.

The new Headmistress was seated at her desk a large pile of unopened letters laid in front of her. She had what looked to be even more lines of care and worry etched on her face and her eyes were puffy and red. She gestured for Harry to take a seat without looking at him, without seeing Hope still standing on his shoulder. As if waiting for the right moment, Hope leapt off of his shoulder to land in the center of the desk before a startled McGonagall.

"Potter, what is going on? Who is this Phoenix?" she demanded, easily recognizing that is was not Fawkes. Hope edged forward bending its head low, its eyes pleading for McGonagall to pet her. Tentatively, she reached out with her hand and rubbed the Phoenix on its head. Hope crooned in her touch and started to sing her song of hope and happiness. Harry felt his heart lighten as the song filled him with joy. McGonagall eyes seemed to brighten and she released tears of happiness.

"Her name is Hope professor as is the song she sings. She came to me today when I was in front of the tomb. She is my companion and I am her wizard," Harry said proudly. Hope perked up her head and trilled a note that sounded her agreement.

"Well Harry, I must say that this is indeed unexpected. You should be very proud of yourself. A Phoenix only bonds with those it considers to be very pure of heart. The greatest of wizards have been bonded with a Phoenix; Merlin, Gryffindor and as you know, Dumbledore himself, have all been bonded with a Phoenix and now you. This could only be a good omen for the side of good and Merlin knows that we need one right now," said McGonagall, wiping the tears from her eye. Harry shifted in his seat uncomfortably, waiting for her to continue. Hope flapped her wings and flew to Fawkes old perch and settled down comfortably for a nap. "Well Harry, I won't ask you again what you and Albus were doing throughout the year as I doubt the answer will be any different. I know that it must be indeed very important. I do ask however that you allow me and the other members of the Order to help you in your quest. All of us have had years of experience and you may be able to benefit from that."

"Thank you professor, I would appreciate that," Harry replied immediately.

"Now Harry, I know that you feel that you are old enough and don't want our help, but it is high time tha….what did you say?" Harry smiled; clearly, she had expected him to refuse her help.

"I said thank you professor. I would appreciate that and I really do. I have been doing a lot of thinking in the past few days and you're right, I do need help," Harry explained to the stunned witch.

"Well, er, Harry, I must say that I am quite surprised and proud at your display of maturity. I must also say that it's about time," she said with a harrumph. "I shall assemble the Order immediately."

"Wait, Professor. I said that I do wish to discuss things with the Order; however, I wish to do it when I am ready. I am sorry, but I can't trust everyone in the Order right now. Snape has betrayed us and I caught Mundungus stealing artifacts from Siriu.. from my home. I want a way of securing your trust and ensuring that those I let into plans will not betray me in the end. I am sorry for this lack of faith, but I will not blindly trust anyone, especially after what has happened. I hope you understand Professor." McGonagall was silent for a few minutes before answering.

"Harry, I understand your trepidation and I firmly believe that all of the members of the Order would submit to your wishes. I must say that I am quite impressed with your new attitude Potter and quite looking forward to what Granger may have in store for us," she said with a smirk. Harry blushed.

"Well Professor, she may one of my best friends, but she is by far the cleverest witch I know," Harry replied sincerely.

"I quite agree with you," echoed McGonagall. "Well Harry, I know that you have Albus' work to continue, but I would like to know what your thoughts are on returning to Hogwart's in September should the Board of Governors allow the school to remain open." Harry had expected this question and was trying to work out a response to her that would explain his position without giving too much away.

"Professor, I won't be returning to Hogwarts in September, at least not as a student," Harry said slowly. Seeing the Headmistress about to retort, he held up his hand to forestall her. "Professor, I have a lot of work to do and I really don't have the time to be bothered with homework or exams. Should I survive the coming battle with Voldemort, then I will return and finish my last year as a student, but not now."

"Harry, what you say concerns me deeply. Do you think that you are going to die in this war?" McGonagall asked softly.

"It's a very real possibility Professor. Voldemort has targeted me specifically for the past six years and he and the Death Eaters have killed any number of people since his return. Any one of us may die in this war," Harry said casually.

"I agree with you on that note Potter, but there was something more then that in your voice. When you spoke just now, you sounded as if it was you who would battle with Voldemort personally. Not only that, you have been speaking today with a very authoritative note, not that I mind as I personally prefer this side of you. Is it true what they say? That you are indeed the Chosen One?" This was the one question that he dreaded as he knew it to be true.

"Professor, when we meet with the rest of the Order I will tell you and the others everything, but not until then. I am sorry, but I can't promise anymore than that," Harry said apologetically. Again, McGonagall looked in to Harry's eyes and this time she saw power and wisdom that belied the boy's age. In them, she saw what she thought was a spark of her old mentor and friend, Albus Dumbledore.

"Alright Harry, I will wait until then," McGonagall responded

"Thank you Professor. I appreciate your patience and I promise that I will tell you all everything, but when I am ready. Now, unless there is anything else, I should go and get packed."

"One more thing Harry, there will be a reading of Professor Dumbledore's will in two days time at Gringotts beginning promptly at ten in morning. I will arrange to have a member of the Order pick you up an hour before hand which should give you plenty of time to get there. Speaking of which, I will assume that you are going back to your Aunt's and Uncle's home?" McGonagall asked with obvious distaste.

"Yes, he would have wanted that. Besides I won't be alone this time. Ron and Hermione are going with me," Harry replied. The Headmistress raised her eyebrows at this before responding.

"Well, perhaps that will keep those awful Muggles in line," she retorted with a snort.

"I doubt it, but stranger things have happened. I should be going Professor. I will contact you when I am ready." At that moment, Hope woke from her peaceful slumber and flew to Harry's shoulder. The Headmistress watched as Harry walked out of her office. Shaking her head in disbelief, she marveled at how much he had grown in the last few days and wondered at how a boy so young could carry the weight of the world on his shoulders and still remain strong.

"Don't worry Minerva, Harry has a very good heart and has the strength for what is to come," said the voice of Dumbledore who had just woken from a slumber.
"Yes Albus, I agree. I have great faith in him. I just hope that it is enough," she replied sadly.

"It will have to be. He's all we got left." McGonagall sat there in silence and Dumbledore's portrait went back to sleep.

A/N: Hello everyone, I hope you like the way the story is going.