Feeling very good with themselves, Harry and Ginny appeared in the entry hall of Phoenix Nest, the official name of the Headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. Deciding to check up on the operations of the Order, they headed for the nerve center, the Command Room.
As they entered the Command Room, Ginny noticed immediately that there were many more people here than there had been earlier in the day. There were four people looking over maps, three people reading reports, and another couple of people updating information.
In the center of it all was Hestia Jones. The woman was in her element here. The former Hufflepuff was managing this madness like a conductor conducting an orchestra. It didn't make sense to Harry and Ginny, but the results were extremely promising.
Hestia spotted the young couple and moved over to them. "Harry, Ginny, I didn't think you'd be back here today. I mean I got a report from Moody saying the Hermione and Ron were off for the day, and I figured that when you left the ministry you would do the same thing."
Ginny blushed at this statement. "No Hestia, Ron and Hermione are with Hermione's folks for lunch then off to dinner and an overnight stay in France tonight. We're actually just checking in on everything and then planning on heading home to Potter Manor."
Hestia nodded. She, like many of the older members of the Order, thought that these two young people needed some alone time. They were everywhere they needed to be when they were needed and it really freaked Hestia out a little bit. The only other person Hestia ever met that could do that was Albus Dumbledore.
"Well, so far most of the Death Eaters are in hiding. We are currently running a number of operations in conjunction with the goblins and the MRG. So far we have cleared out Malfoy Manor, where Narcissa Malfoy was found raped and murdered, Spinner's End-where Severus Snape once lived, and the homes of the Nott's, Crabbe's, Goyle's, Parkinson's and a couple of unlisted homes of Delores Jane Umbridge.
"According to one report, Madam Umbridge attempted to attack a goblin, who reacted and defended himself. The remains of Madam Umbridge have been sent to St. Mungo's for proper identification.
"All of the new Phoenix Pendants are in use and we are receiving normal reports from all members. They all report that things are looking very quiet. Because of this, I sent a small team to the continent to check to see if they can find Bellatrix and a few others who have run."
"Excellent work Hestia. Just to let you know, if you feel like you need to make a decision, then do it and let me know later. After all, it is one of the reasons why I placed you in this position."
In her younger years, Hestia Jones was the senior secretary to the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement where she ran the department with a young and fiery Amelia Bones. Together, they compiled the most accurate information on Death Eaters, their locations, strategies, size, and command structure. Nothing like this had ever been documented before; because of it, many more Death Eaters and dark sympathizers were caught.
Shortly after Voldemort's first fall, Hestia retired to care for her injured husband, another Auror. She did some freelance work for Amelia, but decided to stay out of the field as much as possible. When her husband recovered, they went into business for themselves as private investigators and security experts.
Hestia and Jack, her husband, were very successful. However, no one can have success forever. Jack had been killed in a muggle automobile accident, shortly afterwards, her contacts within the Ministry had told her that many of Voldemort's supporters were beginning to be active. Hestia knew that if the Death Eaters were becoming active, then Voldemort would soon be returned from the dead, so began to make plans.
Shortly before the Quidditch World Cup, Hestia closed down her business and sold her home in Muggle Yorkshire. She then moved into a flat above Ted Tonks' law office where she met Nymphadora and began to take refresher courses. Hestia and Ted went to Hogwarts together, Ted was in Hufflepuff, and Hestia was in Ravenclaw. Both were a year younger then the Original Marauders. Sirius found her a few days after leaving Hogwarts to gather the Order back together. After some quick words and explanations involving his innocence, Sirius managed to convince Hestia to rejoin the Order.
Because of her skills, Hestia was made the Order's secretary and has been continuing on in that role since that day.
"Oh, by the way, Harry, Griphook delivered a few items for you earlier today. They are in the main training room."
"Thank you Hestia. Kreacher said that he would have the four new house elves ready to work by this afternoon, so if you need anything, just call them."
With a wave, Harry and Ginny headed towards the training room that Hestia had left the items in. As Harry walked in, the torches in the room lit up and a three dimensional image of Griphook appeared before them.
"Good morning Harry. If you are seeing me, then one of our greatest inventions actually works. The image you are viewing works very similar to a pensieve, but it is fully interactive. What this means is that this image is an ideal trainer and repository for information.
"Today however, I am here to introduce you to some of the finest gear ever created by goblin kind." With that, a disillusionment charm was lifted and before Harry and Ginny stood over 100 matching sets of battle robes. Each set was crimson red with black and gold trim. On the back of the robes was the crest of the Order of the Phoenix filling the whole back. Each set of robes also had a utility belt wrapped around the waist line. Harry inspected the belt and found many of Fred and George's products stuffed within the compartments.
"As you can see Harry, our workers have been very busy. Each set of robes is designed to either absorb or deflect minor and mid-level curses and lessen the impact of any other curse except for the three unforgivables.
"After discussions were Bill, Fred, and George Weasley, we incorporated this utility belt idea. They said something about reading how a bat-man creature had one that he used to help defeat evil. These
belts are packed with decoy detonators, cheering charms, Peruvian instant darkness powder, sling shots with a number of different types of ammo, pepper-up potions, calming drafts, and a basic Auror grade first-aid kit. There is an emergency portkey imbedded into the belt buckle. The portkey has been set to return them here to the entry hall of headquarters. If the wearer is injured, the portkey will redirect them directly to your infirmary.
"Along the bottom of the robes and also on the insides of the robes are different runes. These runes do different things; from keeping the wearer dry and comfortable to making the robes self adjust to the wearer. The runes also keep the permanent charms placed on the robes powered. These charms cover the whole wearer, impervious charms, fire suppression charms, basic protego, a charm to see other order members no matter the condition, a charm to see thru any of the Weasley Products effects, and also a charm that allows the wearer of the robes to see thru invisibility robes.
"We have also included self sizing dragon hide boots, from a Welsh Green, that are charmed to be quiet, leave no foot prints, keep the wearer's feet dry and comfortable, and contain two boot knives and locations for two wands.
"Of course we also have included wand holsters and weapon holders. All of these holsters, portkeys, and robes are charmed to be resistant against summoning except from another order member. Also the robes and gear cannot be forcibly removed from the wearer."
Harry and Ginny were both floored. These robes were great. They would provide a tactical advantage to the Order when it comes time fight the Death eaters again. "Thank you Master Griphook. These are by the far some of the finest robes I have ever seen. I notice that some of these robes also have a larger back pouch than others, what are they?"
Harry suddenly remembered that the image in front of him was not Griphook, but an image. However the image laughed,
"Ah Lord Gryffindor, do not worry about addressing me as a person, though I am but an image. The best part of this system is that when I come back to claim the storage device, I can absorb the entire experience into myself. It will be as if I were here the entire time.
"Anyway, back to the task at hand; these pouches are some of our finest work ever. The larger pouches are what we call battlefield kits. The ones with the first aid insignia are portable triage kits. They are larger scale first aid kits designed to aid larger amounts of injured, probably innocent bystanders.
"The pouches with a potion's vial are portable potions labs. Each one contains a lab equipped for a Potions Master, including almost every known potion ingredient known to wizard and goblin-kind; the only thing that is missing is basilisk venom.
"The pouches with a campfire are mobile kitchens, complete with enough food to feed 12 people with the appetite of Mr. Ronald Weasley, three meals a day for two weeks.
The last couple types of pouches are rather unique. The first one has a symbol of a tent; they are wizarding tents. Each tent contains 5 bedrooms with baths, living room, dining room, sitting room and small kitchen. They are all designed to be attached to each other and have standard home wards as well as wards to stop owl delivery and make them unplottable.
"This last pouch contains a Wizarding Tent which we have designed to serve as a Command Center for you. It has all the same features that your Command Center has here as well as conference rooms, interrogation rooms, and two training rooms.
"Oh, and the best thing Lord Gryffindor, the pouches can be summoned from headquarters by any member of the Order of the Phoenix using the instrument on each set of robes. All you do is touch the symbol you need. The pouches will portkey directly to their location, thru any known ward. This device is also a communication device. The main channel will connect all the robes and the Command Center. You can select different people to talk to on different channels."
Harry was beyond impressed. Looking at the time, he summoned Dobby and told him that as order members came thru, they needed to come in and get their battle robes and learn how they worked. With a quick bow, Dobby disappeared.
_________________________________________________________________________________
After inspecting their battle robes, Harry and Ginny proceeded up to their suite and looked thru the paperwork that had piled up while they were gone. Most of it was from Albus and Amelia discussing changes that were coming; however, the one that got their attention was the one from Hagrid.
To: Harry
From: Hagrid
Subject: Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest
Harry. Hope you and Ginny are well. Hogwarts is still in lockdown, I have been staying with Grawp but would like to go home soon. There are a few unicorns that need some medicine.
Also, Magorian and Bane have been to see me. They want an audience with you. See you soon
End Report
After reading the report, he handed it off to Ginny who read it too "Dobby!" Harry called for his little friend who appeared a moment later.
"Harry Potter sir called Dobby?"
"Yeah Dobby, I did. Do you know how to stop the lockdown condition at Hogwarts?"
Dobby thought for a moment, then answered, in a disappointing voice, "I'm sorry Harry Potter sir. I is not knowing how to do that. Perhaps the answer is in the Hogwarts Vault at Gringotts?"
Harry thought for a moment, then thought it wasn't a bad idea. "Thanks Dobby. Can you do me a favor, contact Albus and let him know that we're going to Hogwarts later?"
"Of course Harry Potter sir" Dobby disappeared with pop. Harry and Ginny both flamed to the training room where their battle robes were. After dressing they flamed to Gringotts.
"Lord & Lady Gryffindor to access our vaults please." Harry spoke to first available teller, whom quickly fell off of his chair. He quickly ordered one of his subordinates to escort the couple to their vaults.
The vaults the Potters controlled were some of the oldest vaults that Gringotts had. After a thirty minute ride, they arrived at the Hogwarts Vault. The doors to the vault held the Hogwarts Crest with a Phoenix overhead. Harry approached the door, removed his sword from his scabbard, placed it in the mouth of the Gryffindor Lion, and waited as the door opened. As soon as they crossed the doorway, the sword reappeared in Harry hand.
The vault was three times the size of the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Besides gold, there were heirlooms, portraits, furniture, weapons, and books. Lots and lots of books. Harry moved towards the books and began searching for something about the wards when he heard Ginny suddenly scream.
In an instant, Harry was beside her, ready to kill whoever threatened her. What he found was a portrait of the Founders of Hogwarts.
"Ah this must be our heir. Though I am trying to figure out how he was able to apparate in the vault." Rowena stated matter of factly.
"Ro, I don't think he apparated. It looked like he flame traveled. How is that possible? You cannot become a phoenix animagus. The magic within a phoenix makes it impossible." Salazar stated.
"Well, if you all would be quiet, I am sure that these two would love to tell us. Hello dears, as you can tell, we are the Founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry and you my dear sir is our heir.
"The lady to the far right of me is Lady Rowena Ravenclaw, to her left is Lord Salazar Slytherin, next to him is Lord Godric Gryffindor, and of course I am Lady Helga Hufflepuff."
Harry straightened up and addressed the paining. "I am Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, Lord Protector of the Realm, Head of the Families Potter, Black, Flamel, Azkaban, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. Next to me is my wife and soulmate, Lady Gryffindor, Ginevra Molly Potter."
"Welcome, Harry and Ginny, as you have gained access to this vault, it means that you are the only heirs remaining from the four of us. Everything in this vault is now yours. We of course stand ready to aid you."
"Thank you Rowena. Actually, I have a situation. I somehow placed Hogwarts in a state of prolonged lockdown and I have no idea how to get it out of lockdown." Harry said, somewhat shyly.
Slytherin just rolled his eyes at his young heir. "That sounds like something Godric's bloodline would do alright. Well, you can enter the castle thru the Chamber of Secrets. However do remember that I do have a basilisk down there—"
"Had Salazar. Harry had to kill it to save me in my second year from the horcrux of Tom Riddle."
Salazar looked like Ginny had just stolen his favorite teddy bear. Helga, who was the empath of the group, decided they needed to hear Harry's, and by extension Ginny's, life story. Sitting down in freshly conjured chairs, Harry and Ginny told their tale.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Albus Dumbledore was sitting in his office in the Ministry. As Chief of the Wizengamot, Albus had an office that he used for official meetings. It also served as his private sanctuary away from the world for a short while.
However today, he was meeting with the new Minister and a number of Department Heads plus Alastor Moody and Griphook. They were meeting in Albus' office because the Minister's Office was sealed tight. The crest on the door no longer showed the seal of the Minister, it now showed the Official Seal of the Royal Family, which meant that the office now belonged to Harry.
"Thank you all for coming. Albus has graciously allowed me to use his office hear since the Minister's Office is no longer available. Now, after processing all of the changes the Lord Protector made this morning, where are we standing?"
Alastor Moody spoke up first, "We've gone thru the entire Ministry and discovered over 200 recording devices, all unauthorized, and 38 people with the dark mark. The goblins have been kind enough to check over the wards and strengthen them."
"We have also stationed an entire battalion of our best warriors here under the direct command of the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. The Lord of Azkaban has granted us permission to land on Azkaban Island and inspect the prison. Once out upgrades are complete, we will then be ready to accept new prisoners."
"Thank you Griphook. You help has been greatly appreciated. Arthur, how is the MLE doing?" Minister Bones asked.
"The department is a mess. I have had to rely on the MRG and the Order of the Phoenix quite heavily. Out of 300 hundred active Aurors, 80 of them were detained because they carried the dark mark, and another 40 should not be on Aurors period, they were appointments by Fudge and Umbridge.
"The Hit-Wizards and Obliviators are over worked, but they are coping. Currently the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts is being run single handily by Perkins, but he needs more help down there. Besides that, I have asked the MRG and the Order to handle the security for Diagon Alley.
"Griphook mentioned to me before I entered that he has deployed some of his forces to augment my people. So far, people are scared, but the Death Eaters are keeping a low profile. I have also received word from some of my other contacts on the continent that Death Eaters have all fallen off the face of the planet."
"Keep me posted Arthur. Albus, do you have any information from the order that you can share?"
"Well, as you know, Harry and Ginny Potter are now in charge of the Order of the Phoenix. I have also discovered that the ICW now considers the Order to be an official organization charged with defeating Voldemort and any dark wizards that will crop up.
"The members of the Order are now considered ICW Aurors and Hit-Wizards. Because of this, we can now cross many national boundaries to capture the Death Eaters on the run. I have also been in contact with a few members of the ICW and they are pledging their support."
"You're right Albus. I have already spoken to the Secretary of Magic of the United States of America and the Ministers from France, Germany, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Mexico, each have pledged their support and aid. The Americans, Australians, and Canadians are sending us two hundred war mages and Aurors each.
"The others will send us whomever we need; many of this people who are coming here left England because of the incompetence of the Ministry. I want to show them that we are working on changing for the better."
A few minutes later, the meeting ended, leaving only Amelia, Albus, and Arthur Weasley sitting around the conference table.
"You know Albus, I don't think I have said it yet, but I am glad you came back. I know from what Susan told me, Harry was very depressed."
Albus, who had been in deep thought looked all 173 years of his age spoke. "Yes. I knew Harry would take my death badly, but I was unprepared for how badly he would take it. If I had more up front with Harry, and if I would have listened, then perhaps things would be different."
"You know that Harry broke up with Ginny at your funeral right Albus? She tried to be strong, but it was killing her, slowly. I saw this when she got off the Hogwarts Express. Her skin was pale, her eyes dull, it was devastating to see. I'll admit that I wanted to have a chat with Harry, but then I saw him. If Ginny looked bad, then Harry looked almost dead.
"Thank god he came straight to the Burrow. I hate to think what would have happened if he went to those animals. Anyway, as you the day the Burrow as attacked, Harry was outside alone, when the wards detected two rather large magical readings, one outside where Harry was, and the other one from the swing that Ginny always sits on. Anyway, you know happened from there."
"You're right Arthur. If I had been more diligent in my duties, I would have never have allowed Harry to remain there. However, as we all know, out of sight, out of mind. Most of my time was spent dealing the Board of Governors or with Fudge.
"However, I believe that Harry is doing remarkably well right now. Even with the pressure he carries, he is still the same man he was last week, only stronger. This strength comes from his love of Ginny and also his unwavering belief that he can actually defeat Voldemort.
"After watching their battle thru a pensieve, I saw in Harry's face that he knew that he could beat Voldemort. That is something that I have never seen in anyone before, including myself.
"However, we must remember that they are still young. Harry is not even 17 yet, and Ginny is not 16 yet. They are dealing with issues that many older people would have a hard time handling. Once things cool down, I want to send them on their honeymoon. Somewhere where they can relax and be young for awhile, I think they deserve it."
Everyone agreed to this idea, as they were discussing other things, Dobby appeared. "Pardon the interruption Professor Headmaster Dumbledore Sir. Dobby was told to deliver a message from Harry Potter sir."
"Go ahead Dobby, what is the message?" Albus asked.
"Harry Potter says that they are heading to Gringotts, then to Hogwarts to deactivate the lockdown. Harry Potter and his Misses Potter are setting up an endowment for St. Mungo's."
Albus smiled at the little elf. "Thank you Dobby, it will be nice to sleep in my own bed tonight. Also, did Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger get to Paris alright?"
"Oh yes Professor Headmaster sir! Mr. Wheezy asked Miss Grangy to marry him in front of Miss Grangy's parents." Dobby answered with a wide smile on his face.
Arthur laughed loudly, "Thank god. Maybe they will stop fighting now."
Dobby left a few moments later as the humans continued to plan out the future of the Ministry.
_________________________________________________________________________________
After reading up on the wards around the castle, and learning all that they could from the founder's portraits, Harry and Ginny left the Hogwarts Vaults and prepared to return to the surface when Mackrack approached them.
"Good day Harry, Ginny. Everything is in order at St. Mungo's and I have heard from Griphook at the Ministry. The foreign governments are mobilizing and sending in help."
"Thank you Mackrack, that makes me feel really good. But why are you down here? I would assume that you would be catching up with paperwork in your office."
Mackrack smiled at the two humans in front of him. He was really beginning to love them like they were his own children. "I often walk the vaults when I do not want to handle the paperwork. It gives me time to think and today I have been doing a lot of thinking.
"I am well over 125 years old, and in all that time I have never met a witch of wizard like the two if you. Neither of you hold the same prejudices that many other witches and wizards do. You look at everyone, human, goblin, werewolf, and vampire the same. Blood status doesn't matter to you, neither does wealth, power, social or political standing.
"I am going to be honest with you both. I have supported both of you because I was planning on using your influence to better my people. However after meeting with you and seeing that you really are out to better all races, I realize that I am not worthy of your friendship and trust.
"Because of this, I am stepping down from my positions—"
Harry and Ginny spoke quickly at the same time "NO!!"
Both Harry and Ginny looked at each other before Ginny spoke, "Mackrack, did you do what you did for the betterment of your people?"
"Yes."
"Did you base your responses and plans on your previous encounters with wizards?"
"Yes I did."
Harry spoke up, "Did you ever break any laws or compacts between Gringotts, the Goblin Nation, and any of my families?"
"No."
"Good, then as Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, Lord Protector of the Realm and Head of the Houses of Potter, Black, Gryffindor, Flamel, Azkaban, and Slytherin, I hereby find you Mackrack, Chairman of Gringotts Bank and Leader of the Goblin Nation, to be guilty of following past prejudices in dealing with the Ministry of Magic of Great Britain.
"I hereby sentence you to community service in the form of creating the endowment funds for St. Mungo's Hospital, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, and the Marauders Relief Fund. Once these endowments are created you are to serve as the account manager for the accounts for a term of 20 standard years. So mote it be."
Mackrack stood and stared at Harry with his jaw open for a full minute before Harry started to laugh, followed by Ginny.
After another minute, Ginny took pity on the goblin. "Mackrack, we want you to remain in your current position, but you felt guilty for deceiving us. So Harry, under the authority granted to him by the crown, found you guilty and sentenced you. Since you are the Leader of the Goblin Nation, you are honor bound to carry out this sentence. Now everyone is happy."
"Thank you Harry, and of course you too Ginny; you have given me my honor back. I am forever indebted to you. Whatever you need, all you need to do is ask. Now, please explain to me the Marauders Relief Fund?"