Chapter 14: The Minister of Magic

When Harry got to the office, he muttered the password, ignoring the two aurors standing by the door.

"Mr. Potter, the Minister of Magic wants to talk to you."

"Minister, what about the legislation," Harry asked, without stopping to see the man speak.

"I can't do it. Dolores…"

Harry saw the bitch behind the minister and stood to leave.

"I'm sorry, Minister. You heard what I said."

Harry turned to walk out.

"Mr. Potter," Minerva said. "Have a seat."

Harry knew better than to disregard the headmistress. He sat down, disinterested.

"Mr. Potter, do you know what kind of accusations you have made?"

"Yes I do," Harry said. "And they're fact. Shall I retrieve memories from my own head for you to peruse?"

The Minister shook his head.

"No. I want to ask why you did it in the hospital."

"Because my wife was prevented from seeing her sister in law," Harry said. "The witch said at your orders. And then there's the question of ordering the aurors to arrest me in Diagon Alley. And that really pissed me off."

"Yes, I wanted to question her. But you have a certain disregard for authority, Dolores tells me."

"Did she tell you about the Dementors? Or this scar? I don't disregard proper authority. Only those who do not belong in positions of power."

Harry held up his hand so they could see the scar.

"What about the Cruciatus Curse? I respect the authority that respects me back. I dislike those who are snide toward me, and make me out for a liar when they know damn well that I'm telling the truth."

Harry glared at Umbridge. McGonagall spoke.

"Mr. Potter, there's no use for this language here."

"Sorry," Harry said, but only toward Minerva.

"Harry," the Minister said. "We must forget these past transgressions and work together if we're to defeat Voldemort. I have just authorized the use of the Unforgivable Curses against the Death Eaters."

"No good," Harry said. "That just brings everyone down to his level. Voldemort wants that. He wants us to fear his name. You can bring them in by using other curses and jinxes, as the Order of the Phoenix has shown you. Thank Merlin someone is doing it right."

"Harry, I can't fire Delores. She's an important…"

"She isn't important," Harry said, coldly. "I remember all too well what she tried to teach us. It was nothing. Theory does not protect you against the Dark Arts. Practical exercises do."

"I agree with Harry," Minerva said. "If I would have known Delores had done that to Harry, I would have been a lot more upset."

"If I recall, all of the professors had a certain disregard for my authority."

"You were usurping Professor Dumbledore," Harry said. "You didn't do a damn thing to Draco Malfoy when you know damn well he was the one who started the fight that you tried to ban me from Quidditch for."

"You still play?"

"No," Harry said. "I resigned from the team because I have more important things to worry about. Such as defeating certain dark wizards."

"So you give up something you love for this?"

"I love Quidditch," Harry said to the Minister. "I'd love nothing more than have just Quidditch and my education to worry about. But I don't. Voldemort has had it in for me since I was a child. And he will continue to do so until either he or I die. So I figured I should focus on him so he can die and I can move on with my life. And so I can protect those I love."

"Are you so sure you can defeat him?"

"I don't know I can," Harry said. "But I know that I will try my hardest to protect those I love. And if you recall, Love is the one thing Voldemort doesn't understand. He kills for pleasure, and to 'purify' wizarding. Blood is not a problem. It's the snobby Lucius Malfoys of the world who cause the problems."

"Mr. Potter," Dolores said. "I have come to inform you that you are under charges of lying to a Ministry official and hampering an investigation."

"What investigation?"

"The investigation into the death of Albus Dumbledore."

"Snape killed him. Draco Malfoy set him up. That's it. Case closed. As for lying, I have done neither. You, Umbridge, are the liar in this matter. You still do not believe me when I have been proven right time and time again."

The woman snorted at Harry.

"I knew they should have expelled you from school. I'm going to work to make sure you are finally expelled."

"You and what army," Harry muttered.

"Harry," Minerva said. "Enough. Dolores, I am tired of your unfounded accusations against Mr. Potter. He was proven right. And I have no reason to doubt his truthfulness now."

"Why doesn't he submit to veritaserum?"

"Because I will not allow it!" Minerva shouted. "Dumbledore instructed me that I was to assist Mr. Potter in his quest against Voldemort and I will do so."

"How so?"

"Mr. Potter and certain close associates of his are able to leave Hogwarts to accomplish the mission they have been assigned to defeat Voldemort once and for all. I, for one, will not stand in his way. He is determined to do things. And do you know he is the heir of Godric Gryffindor and Merlin himself?"

The look on the faces of Dolores and Scrimgeour made Harry smile.

"No, we weren't aware. Then why isn't Mr. Potter coming by the Ministry more often?"

"Minister," Harry said, as calm as he could. "I have told you my reasons. You wish nothing more than to use me to say that you are working on destroying Voldemort. Your aurors take credit for capturing Death Eaters that others, including myself, have captured or have killed in battle."

"So you admit you have killed?"

"Yes. Myself and one more shot a stunning curse at Bellatrix Lestrange, Voldemort's top lieutenant. She was hit at the same time by them and thrown back hard into a wall. The combined stunners killed her, but the force of the impact on the wall would have killed her as well. It wasn't intended, but it happened. And I say good riddance to that evil woman."

"That was you? Who was the other?"

"I refuse to name names," Harry said. "Let it suffice to say that I know this person is very gifted with magic. And I know a good number of such wizards and witches here at Hogwarts and outside of Hogwarts."

The Minister scowled and turned to Dolores.

"Please go get Dawlish and the other Auror. I will have Mr. Potter come in for questioning."

"Minister, trust me, you don't want to do that," Harry said.

"Why not?"

"Because, your wands will not work in here. I have made sure of that."

"Is he true, Minerva?"

"Yes. Mr. Potter and Mrs. Potter have been able to cast a ward that prohibits unauthorized magic."

"This would be authorized."

"No Minister," Harry said. "It would not be. Only professors and certain students of Hogwarts will be able to use magic in here."

"Why is that?"

"I instituted the rule after Mr. and Mrs. Potter learned of this spell from their studies this summer. It is very complex, and Mr. Potter can disable it as he sees fit. In fact, I think the Ministry would be wise to consider asking Mr. Potter to do the same for the Ministry itself, and other important locations, such as Diagon Alley."

"How do we get an exception for the aurors?"

"How do I get your guarantee that they will not use that against me," Harry asked. "I will do no such thing unless I can trust the people."

"Would you disable magic use in Diagon Alley?"

"Yes. I will do that. But for the Ministry to be able to use magic, I must be guaranteed in writing, that I nor my friends will be brought in for questioning when you don't like what we have told you."

"Do you think you can do that?"

"Yes I can. I don't need to work for you, or anyone else for that matter. I have inherited enough from my parents to live comfortably for the rest of my life. I can even secret myself to a secure location and let the Ministry deal with Voldemort. But I don't want more lives taken by Voldemort. I am going to risk my life to kill him. My friends will risk their lives to help me kill him. I do not want the Ministry trying to stop us on our quest."

The two Aurors walked in.

"Bind him and take his wand," The Minister said.

But the Auror couldn't use his wand.

"I told you," Harry said, brandishing his own wand.

He conjured a flock of eagles and then vanished them to prove he could still do magic. The Aurors didn't move toward him. They looked at the Minister, fear in their eyes.

"Oh, weren't you two there when I took out ten of your best aurors?"

They nodded.

"Great," Harry said. "Maybe you can convince the Minister that you did attack me. Right, Dawlish?"

The man nodded sheepishly.

"Yes Minister, what he says is true. I shot a spell at him, but Mrs. Potter shielded both of them and he stunned us to get away."

"What? I told you not to do that."

"Sorry, Minister. But he was refusing to come along."

"Why, Mr. Potter?"

"I have told you why," Harry said. "I have no further answers to your questions. I'll be more than happy to tell the story when Voldemort is finally dead, but until then, I cannot for the safety of my family, and the families of my closest friends. Maybe even people here at Hogwarts and the rest of the wizarding world."

"Mr. Potter, are you aware that we can have you expelled from Hogwarts?"

"Miss Umbridge, are you aware that I don't need a wand to use magic?"

"Prove it."

Harry placed his wand on McGonagall's desk and summoned it.

"A simple summoning charm," the woman said.

"I want to see you do it," Harry said.

The woman didn't reply.

"I can't," she said.

"You said it was simple."

"Do something else," Minerva said, pleased with Harry now.

Harry handed her his wand.

He motioned at Dawlish, and the auror was bound up in the air.

"Nonverbally, I might add," Minerva said. "Harry is one of our best Defense against the Dark Arts students. He is assisting Aberforth in teaching the classes to OWL levels and even NEWT levels."

"What class is he taking then?"

"Mr. Potter and his friends have studied long and hard over the summer so they could take post-NEWT level courses. They will take their NEWT exams, and I expect each of them will score no less than Exceeds Expectations on each of them."

"What other NEWTs?'

"All of us are taking Charms, DADA, Transfiguration, Potions, and Herbology. Miss Granger and Ginny are taking Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. We all are taking a healing class and a curse breaking class."

"You're taking only seven courses?"

"Yes," Harry said. "I have to have time to assist Professor Dumbledore. And I am taking on independent study with a number of professors and knowledgeable individuals, including Nymphadora Tonks and Alastor Moody."

The Minister looked stunned.

"How did you…"

"Minister, I am the heir of Merlin. What else would you expect?"

Minerva looked at Harry, pleased. She was more than happy to show him off.

"Minister, if you'll excuse me," Harry said. "I'm late for my first class."

"Mr. Potter," Minerva said. "I have sent a message to Aberforth."

"Thank you, Professor. I'm sure Ginny, Ron, and Hermione will do very well."

The woman nodded.

"I think so too. Minister, these are my brightest students. Their OWLs may not reflect it, but they are very bright. Mr. Potter has personally dueled Voldemort twice and lived to tell the story. He has also destroyed the Basilisk that threatened Hogwarts about five years back, and has proven the innocence of Sirius Black."

Dolores was quiet.

"Mr. Potter, can you show me the memory of when Delores used the Cruciatus curse on you, or attempted to do so, and then your detention?"

Harry nodded and touched his wand to his temple. He withdrew two silvery strands from his memory and placed them in a bottle that Minerva had.

They then looked at the pensieve. As he watched them again, Harry glanced over at Dolores, who frowned, and then Scrimgeour.

After the memories were through, Minerva glared at Dolores.

"I knew there was a reason they hated you," Minerva said. "Minister, I do believe you have enough evidence and we can call witnesses for this. You know Draco Malfoy and her so called Inquisitorial Squad are the children of Death Eaters or allies to Voldemort."

"But they broke into my office."

"Harry was trying to save his Godfather, though Voldemort was sending him dreams."

"How does he do that?"

"My scar," Harry said. "Somehow, we were connected. I can speak Parseltongue though no one I know of in my lineage can. I've learned to block them, so I no longer have the visions. And I do know when he's upset and such as well."

Minerva nodded.

"He was talking to Professor Dumbledore before he died and learning what he could do about that," Minerva said. "Professor Dumbledore, as you know, was very interested in Harry's life. Now, I think I know the perfect wizard who is going to have powers that surpass Dumbledore and Voldemort."

"Mr. Potter?"

"I refuse to believe he has those powers."

"Harry, conjure a shield, please."

Harry conjured a shield.

"Now, Harry, please use your wand to do the protego charm."

Harry did so, causing the hair on everyone in the room to stand up.

Harry are you ok?

Yes Ginny, I'm fine. I'm just demonstrating some magic to the Minister and that bitch.

She's here? Wait until I see her. She'll have a Bat Bogey hex from hell to deal with.

Harry smiled before going on with Ginny.

Hold on. I think I may be winning my argument. But I would like to see you to see how your class is going.

I'll tell you later, my love. See you in Potions.

Minerva smiled at Harry.

"Why were you looking at the desk for a moment," the Minister asked.

"My wife and I have a connection," Harry said. "And she felt the magic I produced, so she was worried about me because she's the only other one who can produce a shield that people can feel like this. At least according to some of my friends and professors here."

"That's rare as well," Minerva said. "At least for someone so young. Harry is an outstanding wizard who is coming into his own power. So is Mrs. Potter."

"How much power do you have?"

"I don't know the full extent of my powers, Minister," Harry said. "I'm still learning through the books I've inherited from Merlin and Godric Gryffindor."

"You're reading them?"

"And then trying the spells out in a properly protected area," Harry said. "Like I said, the best way to defend against the Dark Arts is to hold a practical class. And Professor, can I have permission to restart the DA?"

"Of course, Harry. I know how much that means to the students."

Harry nodded as Umbridge flinched.

"That illegal group Dumbledore set up to overthrow the Minister of Magic?"

"No," Harry said. "We formed it in his honor because Fudge thought this was the case. It was a play on words. And now that Dumbledore has passed on, we are Dumbledore's Army. And I'm sure that most of the members will agree that we will fight Voldemort until we're all dead or he's dead."

Minerva nodded her agreement.

"And he taught them how to produce a patronus, didn't you Harry?"

"Yes Professor. I could produce a patronus when I was in my third year, thanks to Professor Lupin."

"The werewolf?"

"Yes. He's a good friend of mine," Harry said. "And it's because of people like Miss Umbridge that he can't find a job that he can keep for a while."

"Why are you friends with him?"

"He was a mentor in my third year, and he was close friends with my father until the day he died," Harry said. "It's through him and Sirius that I learned more about my father than I ever would without them."

"What do you want to do after you graduate?"

"Currently, my desire is to be an auror," Harry said.

"Why would you want to do that," Dolores asked. "You don't have the…"

"No, Dolores," Minerva said. "Harry is under my tutelage, and I told you that I would help him become an auror. He is working toward that goal, and I am overseeing his education and that of his close friends so they will be prepared for the battles they face when hunting down Voldemort."

"You know, Rufus," Dolores said. "I think we should confiscate Mr. Potter's assets to make him come over."

Harry frowned.

Minerva spoke before Harry did.

"And if you do that, especially after what Harry has done, I think that you will immediately lose your job. This morning, I have received a lot of owls from wizards and witches who are thanking Harry for standing up for what is right. After the debacle in his fifth year, he is supported and loved by many. I say that if you attempt to do any harm to him, you will have to answer for it."

"I am already receiving howlers," Scrimgeour said. "They think Mr. Potter was telling the truth."

"I am," Harry said. "You saw the memories. And I'm glad that Rita decided to use Voldemort's name instead of skirting around it. Everyone knows who you're talking about if you use that, so why not use the name?"

"What did you do to get her on your side? She wrote that horrible article in the Quibbler."

Harry smiled.

"Hermione Granger knows that," Harry said. "That's between her and Hermione."

"And what about the professors here? I don't think they're up to par."

Harry looked at them.

"Look, during my OWLs, you tried to evict Hagrid and your goons attacked Professor McGonagall. That's another reason I don't like you. You hate half-breeds. You're no better than Voldemort, as you use your positions to your purpose. And I might add I've heard rumors that you are close to Death Eater Lucius Malfoy."

Umbridge flinched at Harry's remark. The Minister looked at Harry, having come to expect Harry to speak his mind. Now, he was beginning to respect him more as well, as he was sticking for what he believed in. And from the memory, he had no doubt that this was true.

"Dawlish," Harry said. "You were there. Why did you stun Professor McGonagall?"

Dawlish turned red as he hung in the office.

"Right," Harry said, thinking about something. He waved his hand and Dawlish was released from his bonds. "Now, can you answer the question?"

The man nodded.

"Yes. We took it to believe that we were doing good," Dawlish said.

"Now, Dawlish," Harry said. "Do you believe this now?"

"No."

"Good," Harry said. "Are you for or against Voldemort? There's no in between."

"Against," Dawlish said.

"Minister?"

"Against."

"Umbridge?"

She didn't answer.

"I'm against, Harry," Professor McGonagall said. "But you know that from our private discussions this summer."

Harry nodded.

"I can see only one way to be," Harry said. "And that's against. If we don't unite against Voldemort, then he will win. He's got the wizarding world split right now, especially with some influential families being on his side. You must not give in to being bribed by them, Minister. I would suggest you pose the same questions to your staff and every Ministry employee. Anyone who hesitates to answer should be fired immediately and possibly imprisoned. Or, at the minimum, watched.

"I am willing to work with a Ministry that is going to act. Right now, the Ministry seems to react. I know it's hard to be proactive, but I can guarantee that a number of your employees, including trusted employees, are either with Voldemort, or rooting for him to win from the sidelines for their own evil purposes. Either way, they should be held accountable for their actions."

"I agree," Minerva said. "We must unite against Voldemort. Last night, I was informed that the sorting hat again told everyone to unite. I see many students doing that. This morning, as Harry walked into the Great Hall for breakfast, he had many more supporters than he did enemies. And most of the enemies are at the Slytherin table."

Harry nodded.

"People didn't say much, but my close friends were with me, though I was admonished for what I said to you."

"Are you going to take it back?"

"Take back the truth? Never. I may take back the names I called you, or ask for forgiveness, but I will never take back the truth. Minister, I think now is the time for us to stop feuding. I propose a truce. I will not help the Ministry until you are sure where the loyalties lie. And I must have free reign to complete my mission. I cannot reveal it until the time is right, but I will do so when I want to draw Voldemort into a final battle."

"You will have my support, Harry," Minister Scrimgeour said, shaking Harry's offered hand. "I think we should put aside our differences to defeat this evil wizard and his evil minions. Delores, on the evidence I have seen today, you will clean out your office by the end of the day. I cannot have people like you working for me if we are to defeat Voldemort. Harry, I must have your public support."

"Minister, I will give it. But seriously consider the legislation I have proposed. It will help you gain allies immensely, though some people, mostly those on Voldemort's side, will oppose."

"What about people who are imperioused?"

"I do believe that's an entirely different issue. If they can prove it, give them prison time anyway. But not as long as those who hold the Dark Mark. Anyone holding the Dark Mark should be given the kiss. Unless," Harry added as an afterthought. "They can be proven to be loyal allies in the fight against Voldemort."

Minerva smiled at his comment.

"How do you propose we do that?"

"That will be difficult," Harry said. "I know of one person I think I can trust with my life right now. I won't reveal the name, but talking with Dumbledore's portrait has led me to believe that I was wrong with my beliefs of where the loyalties of a person I've met since finding out about the wizarding world."

Behind Minerva, Harry could see Dumbledore have a tear run down his face. He was pretending to not listen, but he was listening anyway.

"How can you prove it?"

"Minister, I believe that we will have to ask the person himself if we can prove it. It is his life we're talking about. I can't reveal this source right now. There are too many lives on the line to reveal sources in organizations."

Minerva smiled.

"I agree with Harry. Now that's over with, I think Harry has to get to class, Minister. And I would like to have a chat with you alone. Mr. Potter, as soon as you are completed with your classes for the day, I wish to talk to you, Mrs. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger in my office."

"Yes Professor. Minister."

With that, Harry left.

When he got outside of the office, Dawlish looked at Harry.

"Thank you, Harry."

"For what?"

"For helping me learn that I've been wrong."

"We all make mistakes, Dawlish. Dumbledore wasn't against the Ministry. The Ministry was against him only because Fudge feared Dumbledore was after his job. He wasn't. Like me, I believe that we should believe in the good of people until proven otherwise. But someone like Voldemort, there is no shred of good in him."

"I know," Dawlish said. "But why do you hate Umbridge?"

Harry held up the scar.

"She made my fifth year a living hell. If you want, I think you could arrest her for using an Unforgivable Curse. But I know my memory wouldn't be enough to convict her. I think it's more important that we fight Voldemort and sort out things later. But by no means must innocent people be put into prison unless there is a profound suspicion as to their loyalties."

The two aurors nodded.

"I shall look forward to working with you to defeat Voldemort."

"We'll come if you call for us."

"We'll need help at the final battle," Harry said. "I'm sure you will be alerted by Kingsley Shacklebolt. He's a friend and mentor."

"Is he the one who helped teach you the dueling techniques?"

"Yes. Along with Tonks and Moody. They've taken an interest in my career."

When Harry met Ginny, she hugged him.

"So, what happened?"

"I'll tell you guys at lunch," Harry said. "We'll grab something and go to the Head's Dorm."

"Ok," Ginny said, as Harry joined her. "But what do you think?"

"I think I convinced the Minister to be on our side. He fired Umbridge."

"Great!" Ginny said.

"Peeves," Harry said, spotting the poltergeist.

"Yes Mr. Potter?"

"Miss Umbridge is back in the castle. When she leaves, would you make sure she has a good escort? Maybe talk to a couple of Centaurs."

"Yes Mr. Potter."

Ginny smiled at Harry.

"You," she said.

Harry grinned.

"The Twins would be proud of this moment."

"Yes they would, Harry. We were taught how to enable and disable the wand wards in the DADA classroom."

"Good," Harry said. "I thought Aberforth would do that."

"Actually, Tonks did. Aberforth isn't going to be there until our lesson this afternoon."

"Right," Harry said. "Now to potions."

Ginny nodded.

After the advanced potions class, they went to the Great Hall for lunch.

"How did the meeting go," Hermione asked Harry.

"Come," he said. "Let's grab a sandwich and head to our Dorm before our DADA class."

Hermione nodded.

"But…"

"No buts, Ron," Ginny said. "You must listen to our fearless leader."

"Who attacked you," Hermione asked.

"Why do you ask?"

"In class, I felt your magic, and then I heard Ginny yelp."

"Oh, I was demonstrating my magic to Umbridge and Scrimgeour."

"Umbridge?"

"Don't worry. The Minister fired her. I'll show you in the pensieve we brought from my house."

They nodded.

While discussing it, Harry brought out the memory of the event.

He put it in the pensieve, and then they watched the conversation again.

"Very good," Hermione said.

"Did you see Dumbledore," Ginny asked. "He was tearing up."

"I saw it," Harry said. "I think I finally get what he's been teaching me, and the lessons I've learned throughout the years."

"I know," Hermione said. "It's amazing. You got Scrimgeour on our side. And you got us free reign to do as we need in order to complete the task."

Harry nodded.

"And," he said. "The aurors will come to help when summoned for the final battle."

Hermione nodded.

"I bet Professor McGonagall was pleased."

"She was. But I pissed her off with my comments at first."

"I could tell," Hermione said. "So, we're going today after our lessons?"

"I think so. After dinner," Harry said. "Then we're off."

"Bring our miniature trunks?"

"Yes," Harry said. "Anything you think you might need."

The other three nodded as Harry got up to go teach a DADA class. He had to teach at least two classes a week, and attend at least three, including his lessons with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny.

He got there and set his books down, ready for the first lesson. Ron was off with Hermione, in the library, doing research.

When the class arrived, Harry saw Tonks arriving.

"Tonks," Harry said.

"Wotcher, Harry," the woman said. "I'm glad you made it today. What was that about with Minerva?"

"I'll tell you later," Harry said. "I think you should know what transpired."

Tonks nodded.

When they got started, Harry was going through a review with the fifth years. It was a quick review, and one that they had to deal with. After this session, he stopped by Tonks, and spoke.

"Well, the Minister was upset with me. But I've convinced him to act on our side."

Tonks nodded.

"And," Harry added. "When the final battle begins, the Ministry will send as many aurors as they can get."

Tonks nodded and grinned.

"Great," she said. "That's good news. I'll tell Remus."

"Actually, I just heard," Remus said, looking at them. "Harry, where are you going?"

"I'm going to my first lesson with Aberforth," Harry said. "Going to Hogsmeade."

"How did Minerva work that out?"

"It was easy," Harry said, with a smile. "After all, I did tell you about what happened last night, didn't I?"

Harry explained it, and Remus looked at him as they walked into the bar. Aberforth ushered them into the private area, where Ron, Hermione, and Ginny waited.

"About time," Aberforth said. "But I know you were teaching a class. How did it go?"

"Great. I think they don't mind me teaching them," Harry said.

"I didn't think they would, even after you told the Minister off," Aberforth said, with a knowing smile. "That's been the talk of the bar today."

"And he was here this morning, making miss my first class."

"The one I have you four teaching for me?"

Harry nodded.

"What did he say?"

Harry pulled out the bottled memory and handed it to Aberforth.

"They already know, and I showed them during lunch."

Aberforth nodded and pocketed the bottle.

"Now, let's talk about theory behind some of the Dark Art Spells."

Remus sat back and listened to this. He was enthralled by the discussion. At the end of the hour long period, the four got up to follow Remus back to Hogwarts. When they reached the gate, Harry opened it, speaking the incantation that opened it.

"Harry, I want to know how you and Ginny know to do that."

"Well, Remus," Harry said. "It helps that we helped Professor McGonagall with protective wards."

Ginny nodded.

"Do you guys have everything? We're supposed to meet Professor McGonagall right now."

There were nods.

"Good," Remus said. "You know what we're doing. Minerva and I have some strict warnings about what you should do. However, Harry, I do think you should use the memory charm to tell your parents and the Marauders about your history. They won't ask again after you enable the charm's protection."

"What does it do," Hermione asked. "If he tells them, then something may happen."

"No it won't," Remus said. "I remember everything Harry says to us. Except the charm wasn't activated until today."

"Really?"

"Really," Remus said. "It was a powerful memory charm. And I can sense how it worked to help me make the decisions that positively affected the future to come out how it has today."

"So mum and Dad…"

"They didn't realize they they'd talked to you. It was supposed to activate after they'd fulfilled everything. However, I bet Wormtail doesn't remember."

"Why?"

"You excluded him from the conversation for obvious reasons. And I think you should do the same, lest we don't get to today with the same things happening."

Hermione frowned.

"Is that normally productive?"

"No," Remus said. "In your case, it is. I think Harry and Ginny together can make that powerful charm that will last so long, yet dissipate as soon as you reach your seventh year of Hogwarts. That's the way it was planned by myself and the rest involved before you specifically activated it."

Harry nodded.

"So we'll know when to talk?'

"Yes. You should know when to talk to us about it. And I want you to do something for me."

Harry listened and smiled as Remus whispered into his ear.

"I'll love doing that."

"I thought you would."

"What is it?"

Ginny looked at Harry as he thought what Remus told him.

She giggled.

Remus looked at them and smiled.

"Do you think that's a good idea?"

Ginny nodded.

"Now give it one go, Harry."

Harry waved his hand and produced a dozen red roses. He handed them promptly to Ginny. Then he produced a single Lily, handing it to Hermione.

Hermione got it and smiled.

"Good one, Remus."

Remus smiled.

"What's the idea with the flowers," Ron asked.

"You dolt," Hermione said. "Harry handed me a Lily."

"As in your mum? You're going to set up your mum and dad?"

Harry nodded.

"That's our task."

"How hard can that be?"

"We'll be at Hogwarts in the past from September 1st until about June," Harry said. "We'll leave right before NEWTs and everyone will forget we've been there, except for Remus."

Remus nodded.

A half hour later, Minerva was filling them in on details she'd worked out with Dumbledore in the Marauders' time, thus he expected them, and they had a plausible cover story for most people. But the Marauders would get a slightly different story, on they would remember, yet forget, until the time was right.

After the intense briefing, they were sent to get something to eat, and report back immediately.

They had little time to eat, as dinner was about to end when they got there.

"Where were you," Neville asked them.

"Professor McGonagall wanted to talk to us about how our classes were going," Ginny said.

"Right," Neville said. "Especially the ones you taught?"

Harry nodded. That was their cover story for the meeting, and would be the cover story for meeting with McGonagall later.

As soon as they arrived, Remus checked their pockets and removed anything he thought they shouldn't carry back. That included a lot of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, which upset Ron.

"Harry, open the bag," Remus said, pointing to the bag.

Harry easily opened it, and Remus had him take things out. Harry removed a lot of stuff, including a number of DADA books, Charms books, and other books that would help them on their quest.

"Good thinking, Harry," Remus said. "Don't forget to ask Remus to help you research the founders. Tell him it's for a book you want to write after Hogwarts."

Harry nodded, with Hermione smirking.

"I'm sure we'll figure out something," Harry said. "This will help us in our research, and as soon as we get back, we'll be better prepared to go for the first one."

Remus nodded.

"That's the plan. Harry, what's this?"

Harry blushed when he saw what Remus was talking about. He looked at Ginny.

"Sorry, Harry," Ginny said. "I thought he wouldn't look in there."

She grabbed the item, and Ron stared at her.

"Ginny, how could you…"

"What?"

"Use Muggle contraceptives?"

"That's my business, Ron," Ginny said. "And if you don't shut up about it, I'll make sure you're cursed so you have them follow you everywhere."

"Don't be ashamed, Harry," Minerva said, with a smile. "You're a married man, and no one should question what you and your wife do behind closed doors. Now, Mr. Weasley, why don't your forget you saw that?"

"But it's…"

"I know," Hermione said. "Forget it, ok? I got them when I went home to visit mum and dad before school started. "I thought Harry and Ginny would get a kick out of them."

Harry nodded and tossed them back into his bag, with everything else that had passed Remus' inspection.

"What are you looking for," Ginny asked.

"I don't want you taking back anything that would hurt. And no, not the map."

Harry saw Remus take the map.

"Why not?"

"You can't let them know you have it," Remus said. "Filch has it in his office now, and you must not get it either. Else you won't get it in the future."

"Right," Harry said.

"Can I see that," Minerva asked.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," Harry said, tapping it with his wand.

It opened, and the woman was aghast at the map.

"Remus, you guys made this?"

"Yes, Minerva. Filch didn't know what it was. But he took it off of Sirius at the beginning of this school year."

"So this is how you avoid getting caught, Potter?"

"Partially," Harry allowed. "I do have an invisibility cloak that I got from my father."

The woman smiled.

"That explains more of it. But I won't take your cloak. You may need it."

Harry nodded.

"Remus, I shall keep this map for the time being. Mr. Potter, I will return it to you when you return. How do you shut it off?"

"Mischief Managed," Harry said, tapping it again. "And, if you try like Snape did to open it by another method, it will insult you. At least it insulted him."

Minerva smiled.

"Well, we'll have to see what it does later when I try to use the revealing spell."

Moony smiled.

"Minerva, I wouldn't if I were you. It will think of some insult. I know. I made the spell."

Minerva smiled.

"Another one of my bright students used his brains for pranks. Mr. Potter, at least you don't do that. Except maybe at weddings."

Harry blushed and the others laughed.

"Especially your own," Ginny added, with an impish smile.

"I couldn't help it," Harry said. "They had it coming. And I wouldn't have done anything if they hadn't released those fireworks."

"I know, Harry," Minerva said. "You and Ginny seemed to take it in stride."

"Well," Ginny said. "I think we were both thinking about what would happen later that evening."

"Not the Ministry thing, right?"

"Those prats," Ginny said. "Harry was ready to curse them for interrupting us."

"I was too," Hermione said. "But you handled it well. What was that, by the way?"

Ginny smiled.

"I think that when we consummated our marriage, then we were fully endowed with the powers of the founders and our ancestors. It's why Harry and I can speak those odd languages while making charms or wards."

Minerva nodded.

"Right. Before you leave, I must request that you leave me with the phrase to disable the wand wards, just in case."

Harry wrote it down and handed it to her.

"This should work," he said. "As headmistress, I can only reveal this to you to fully disable because you are responsible for the school."

The woman nodded.

"I know. I talked to Dumbledore."

Harry nodded.

"What language is this?"

"I'm not familiar with it, other than I can instinctively speak it correctly," Harry said.

"It's obviously an ancient language," Hermione said. "I've heard you muttering it before, when you were setting wards up at my house."

Harry and Ginny had set up wards at Mr. and Mrs. Granger's house as well, to protect them since Voldemort was attacking the families of some Muggle born witches and wizards. The Order had also assigned someone to watch over the Grangers, and the Weasleys, just to make sure they were safe.

The couple had also set up stronger wards at the Burrow, and at Harry's properties around England. It was good practice for them, and they got so good at doing it that no one could counter their work though they tried. At least no one that was working with them for good.

Ten minutes later, the four found themselves in Hogwarts, in the Headmaster's office, with a younger Dumbledore in the office.

"Welcome, visitors from the future," Dumbledore said, examining them.