Chapter Sixteen: Chaos in the Order
Demetrius Castor was in no sort of condition to do anything as he said goodnight to Potter and slowly closed his door. He slowly walked to his desk and smiled at the gleaming cup sitting atop it. It couldn't believe it himself that after all this time of searching and scraping and doing deeds he wished he wasn't familiar with had finally in a sense paid off. He took a bottle without looking at the label and poured a healthy measure into the cup. He looked back at the door and waved his wand at it. It locked immediately.
A figure came out of the shadows of his main quarters. She was beautiful with fiery red hair and light blue eyes. But she didn't smile as she approached Castor, who was looking at her with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. She walked behind the desk and took the glass in his hand and took a sip. She grimaced.
'Bourbon?' she asked frowning at him.
Castor shrugged.
'Long night,' he admitted.
She smiled, took another sip and kissed him quickly.
Castor only closed his eyes when he was sleeping or when it was moments like these, when a beautiful women allowed you to kiss her. He breathed in her intoxicating scent and relaxed a hundred fold.
'Was it such a long night you don't have any energy to take me to bed?' she asked putting her hands around his neck.
He grinned and kissed her again.
She tugged his hand towards his quarters, Castor walking slowly behind her, placing the Cup of Hufflepuff full of half drank bourbon on his desk. He climbed the stairs slowly, watching the rhythmic sway of her hips. She wasn't wearing any shoes as she pulled back the covers of the bed and slid gracefully into it. Castor, less graceful, fell like a ton of bricks on his side, letting out a grunt as his head hit the pillow. She moved closer to him and put her arm over his chest and kissed him on the neck.
'Feeling any better?' she asked.
'Much,' he said letting his hand slide down her back and rest just below her hip.
'How did Harry do tonight?' she asked.
Castor opened his eyes and turned his head to look at her. He hated it when she brought him up.
'Potter did fine,' he said still looking at her.
'Have you told him about us?'
He laid back down on the pillow and closed his eyes.
'No.'
'Have you told him about Sevagio?'
'No.'
She gave him a stern look. Castor wasn't telepathic but he knew the next question that she was going to ask him.
'So,' she said in a whisper, 'You probably haven't said anything about your father.'
Castor groaned and put a hand over his face.
'No, I haven't.'
'Are you going to?' she insisted.
'Christ Kate,' Castor said pushing her hand away from her and rolling on his side, 'I
really don't want to talk about this.'
'Demetrius,' she said in a scolding tone that reminded him of how his foster parents
spoke to him when he was in trouble, 'You have to tell him.'
'I don't have to tell him shit.'
'I hate when you get like this,' she said flopping down on her back and crossing her arms over her chest.
Castor grunted in reply.
She let an angry huff before turning on her side and moving as far away from him as she could, pulling most of the blankets towards her in the process.
Castor took a deep calming breath.
Might as well be fucking married.
Five agonizing minutes went by until Castor, who usually broke down first, gave in. He turned around, grabbed her roughly by the waist and pulled her closer.
'Demetrius,' she scolded but she couldn't say anything else as Castor put an arm under
her and pulled her close in a deep kiss. For a moment she didn't respond until she let out a sigh in the back of her throat and kissed him back. Castor pulled away and leaned back to look at her.
'That was completely unfair,' she said in fake indignation.
'You're right,' Castor said stroking her cheek. 'Potter will find out soon enough, I just don't think it is the right time to tell him. Christ, he's already ruining my Christmas break by staying at my house, and chances are Ms. Know-It-All Head Girl and the awesome sidekick will be joining us.'
'And I'll probably be sneaking through the upstairs window so I can sleep with you?' she
asked with a grin.
Castor groaned.
'Probably.'
She giggled.
'Its kind of hot,' she said rubbing his back and kissing him playfully on the neck.
'It is?' he asked skeptically.
'Ummmmm,' she said as Castor put his arms around her and started to kiss her neck and
jaw line. 'Feels like I'm a college co-ed sneaking into my boyfriend's room.'
'Since when am I your boyfriend?' Castor said as he slowly pulled off her shirt.
'I don't know what we are,' she said sourly though she didn't stop him. 'Nothing is never
what it appears with you.'
Castor pulled her shirt completely off and flung carelessly over his head.
'That's what makes me so good.'
'Oh, aren't well full of it,' she said grinning.
Castor stopped and looked down at her as he worked the buttons of her jeans.
'Are we going to fight all night?' he asked firmly.
She paused for a minute before shrugging.
'Well,' she said unbuttoning Castor's shirt and sliding it off his shoulders. 'At least we
have great makeup sex.'
Castor grinned.
'That's an optimistic way of looking at it.'
She rolled her eyes affectionately and kissed him.
'It's the only way of looking at it,' she said. 'Now, less talk, more fore play.'
His eyes shot up like a bat out of hell but his body didn't. He didn't know at the time, but Harry had been through a handful of nights of dreariness and fatigue, but when he awoke the next morning to find Sarah sleeping next to him, her breasts open to his satisfaction and her face looking more immortal than any grand image he had seen, Harry realized that a mere five hours of sleep with a woman seems like ten when you're sleeping by yourself.
He lay next to her, his eyes floating over her beautiful shoulders and the creamy complexion of her skin and the way the sunrise melted on her perfection. The chaos he had witnessed first hand the previous night was a distant memory as he kissed her silently. He nudged her a bit and she slowly opened her somber eyes and smiled tiredly.
'Hi,' she said.
Harry grinned. He went through a night of utter hell and anguish but he was in paradise waking up to a stunning woman looking at him with contentment. He leaned forward, not giving a damn what his breath tasted like and kissed her.
She giggled.
'You got morning breath,' she said pushing him away playfully.
'Sorry,' Harry said as he kissed her again on the shoulder and pulling her closer.
She moaned and arched her back in response, allowing Harry a perfect view.
'Sleep well?' he asked her.
She yawned again and looked at him with dreamy eyes.
'Uh huh,' she said snuggling closer to him.
Harry wrapped his arms around her as she laid her head on the crook of his shoulder and put her arm over him.
Not a bad way to start the day.
'Harry,' she said.
'Yea?'
'Can I ask you something?'
'You just did,' he said.
She nudged him.
'No, I mean can I ask you something?'
'Sure,' he said stroking her hair.
She hesitated for a minute before sitting up and looking him in the eye.
'Last night was great, I just wanted to know how you got the key to Professor Castor's
room. I mean, this is a classroom.'
'Yea?' Harry said.
She smiled.
'I can't figure out how we got to stay here.'
Harry didn't really feel like lying to her but then again, telling her the truth wasn't exactly an option.
'Castor gave me the key,' he blurted then kicked himself as he saw the look on Sarah's face.
'He knows we're here together?' she asked incredulously.
'Yea,' Harry said looking away.
Sarah just looked at him with a gaping mouth and disbelief.
'Does he know about us?'
Harry didn't really know what Sarah meant by us.
'He knows you're here with me.'
There was an unbearable silence as Sarah looked at Harry's half naked body then
grimaced as she looked at herself.
'I can't believe it,' she said.
To Harry's great astonishment, she started to laugh.
'What's so funny?' he asked.
'Harry,' she said laughing, 'Your Professor and Head of House gave you the key to this room so you and I can be alone!'
She continued to laugh. Harry looked at her as though she had lost her mind.
'And that's funny?'
'Come on, Harry,' she said kissing him. 'It is pretty funny. Your teacher, a teacher at this school probably broke a million rules to let you stay the night with me. I bet anything Professor Addams or Professor McGonagall don't know.'
Harry shuddered at the thought of Professor McGonagall barging into the room to see Harry and Sarah, who was only wearing a scrap on clothing in the Defense Room.
He'd be dead for sure.
But then he realized that what Sarah said was actually true. Castor had given Harry the key to this room, and he knew full well that he wasn't going to be alone. He easily could have gone after the Grail with Castor then immediately gone back to Gryffindor Tower, but the didn't. It took a moment to truly realize that Castor had taken a considerable risk to let Harry have some time alone with Sarah.
'You know something,' he said putting his hand on the small of Sarah's back.
'Huh?' she said putting her head back on Harry's shoulder.
Harry grinned.
'There are a lot of things I don't like about Professor Castor,' he said kissing her shoulder, 'but the guy sure does have his moments.'
Sarah laughed.
'We should send him a thank you card.'
Demetrius Castor woke up early the next morning to find Kate sleeping next to him. He slowly slid out of bed. She moaned for a second and groped for the place he had been resting silently then turned over and went still. He watched her sleeping peacefully and wished he could fall back into bed and sleep next to her for eternity.
He snatched his wand and pulled a cigar out of the top drawer of his desk and walked out of the door. The sun was peaking over the mountains as he strolled past the Aurors guarding the front gate and out onto the grounds. Hagrid was sitting on his front steps playing on a hand carved pipe softly to his boarhound fang. He waved cheerfully at Castor who nodded his head in reply.
He was never seen by anyone during the daylight hours, except in classes and maybe marching through the halls like a drill sergeant back towards his quarters, but in the twilight hours, before the sun hit the castle and the trolls began pacing the grounds, you would find him at his favorite spot.
He reached the beach tree and looked out beyond the lake, the giant squid lazily flapping the skims of the water. He dug his hands into his pockets and breathed in the scent of pine and cool mist. He stood there silently, gathering his thoughts and taking deep calming breaths. In this moment, Castor would consider the decisions he had made over the years and wished with ignorance on how he wished he would have chosen a different life. True, before Minister Scrimgeour had offered him the job he was tracking down Belatrix LeStrange in France which wasn't much different then hunting down Horcruxes and nearly getting killed in the process, but the weather cooperated better in France, and wine tasted better. Not to mention the women in France, his one weakness, were of superb beauty and captivation.
He shook his head from his thoughts of France and blinked his eyes from the sun slowly rising over the lake. He suddenly heard footsteps clamping through the muddy grass approaching him. He usually would have pulled out his wand and cursed whoever was stupid enough to come near him but the new guest was making an attempt to make sure Castor knew he was in his presence.
'Good morning, Demetrius,' said the wizard who stopped aside Castor and looked over the lake.
'Professor,' Castor said in the same respect he always did when he addressed his old
headmaster.
Professor Addams was wearing his fine black suit and blue shirt, his eyes twinkling and his mouth twitching in a somber expression of a man who always enjoyed the accommodation of the early hours of the morning. They stood in comfortable silence before Castor took his hands out of his pockets and handed the Headmaster the cigar he had taken from his office.
'For the trip,' he said solemnly.
The old man took the cigar and put it to his nose and breathed.
'Nicaguran?' he asked.
Castor chuckled.
'You know you're cigars old man I'll give you that.'
Addams smiled in reply.
They gazed upon the sun rising over the lake until Addams cleared his throat.
'You've changed a great deal since I've seen you Demetrius,' he said.
Castor nodded.
'The line of work I do merits me to act a bit differently from time to time.'
'I wonder,' Addams said turning his head and surveying Castor with mingled curiosity,
'that is it your past that has changed you or is it something else?'
Castor said nothing.
'Many horrors have come upon you, my friend,' Addams said. 'When you came to Balmorhea, a frail but stern little boy. My word, you could perform with such intellect and passion most seventh years didn't.'
'This going somewhere?' Castor said coldly. It was the first time that Castor had ever used a disagreeable tone with Nathaniel Addams but he was right sick and tired of people trying to figure him out. Addams, thankfully, was not imposed.
'Demetrius,' he said placing a hand on his shoulder. 'I am not for a moment questioning what you are doing here. I am not prying into your pass that I swore I would never tell anyone, and I certainly am not criticizing your means of ending this vicious turmoil that Lord Voldemort has placed on our world.'
Castor said nothing for a moment before turning and staring coolly at the man who was like a father to him growing up. Nathaniel Addams favored Castor over all his students. He put with the seven years of Castor's temper and hell-raising inflictions he caused while at school, and most importantly, it was a word from Addams that got Castor into the Auror program.
And it was Nathaniel Addams who got Castor the job at Hogwarts.
'What are you doing then Professor?' Castor asked finally.
Addams gave a smile of understanding and sadness.
'Although you do not believe in the prophecy of Harry and Lord Voldemort, it is you who will set the tide for the final battle. I know you, Demetrius. I know your history, I know your obsession. I know, and not to sound pompous, but I feel I am the only man who truly knows why you are doing this. But this is not about you, and it is not about your father. This is about Harry Potter. It is he, and he alone, that will destroy Lord Voldemort and bring balance back into our world. Still, the responsibilities of teaching Harry the means to defeat the Dark Lord rests solely on your shoulders.'
'You saying I can't do it?' Castor asked, his voice on edge.
Addams sighed.
'No, Demetrius,' he said. 'A man like you can do anything, but a word to the wise.'
Castor inclined his head.
'The desire for glory may not be a sin, Demetrius,' Addams said slowly. 'But the road you choose to reach that glory can destroy your very soul, should you not consider to
walk on cautious steps.'
And with that, Professor Addams patted Castor on the shoulder, and slowly walked back towards the castle.
'Hurry!' Sarah yelled over her shoulder as Harry dashed behind her.
They had overslept and it was only an hour before she, along with the rest of the students along with Addams flew back to Balmorhea.
Harry was mentally kicking himself as he raced through the corridors, getting very peculiar and smirking looks as he ran to keep up with her, and considering he was still dressed in his dress robes and Sarah still had on her skimping black dress that was now crumpled and wrinkled, he prayed he wouldn't have to explain this to Professor
McGonagall, who would surely know now.
They raced up the stairs, passing Seamus and Lindsay who were comfortably in their school robes and grinning at Harry like a mad man.
They reached the door to the fourth floor corridor and Sarah stopped and turned so quickly it nearly knocked Harry over.
'How do I look?' she asked panting straightening her wild hair.
Harry groaned.
'You look great,' he said trying to not laugh.
'Shut up.'
She kissed him quickly and opened the door.
Harry felt a wave of nausea hit him as the figure behind the door stepped forward and peered down at him.
'Good morning Harry,' Professor Addams said pleasantly, looking him over than moving his eyes to Sarah, who had her mouth open in horror. Behind Addams was Professor Castor, who took in Sarah and Harry's state of dress and put his hand over his face and shook his head. Harry gulped.
I'm done for.
'Good morning, Professor,' Harry stammered.
Addams looked at Sarah then back at Harry. Although he didn't look none too pleased, there was a twinkling in his eye, that made Harry more nervous than anything else.
'Enjoy the Ball?' Addams asked gazing right through the two teenagers in front of him.
'Yes Professor,' they both mumbled nervously.
Addams studied them they turned and looked at Castor.
'Your thoughts?' he asked.
Castor still had his face covered by his hand, daring to not look at what he knew was
going to be a long explanation to Addams and Professor McGonagall. He sighed deeply and looked at Sarah.
'Are you of age Ms. Davenport?' he asked coldly.
Sarah gave a squeak of humility then nodded timidly.
Castor took a step forward thrusting his hands into his pockets.
'Then I suppose there's nothing else to address,' he said cocking his head to the side.
Professor Addams grunted.
'And what about the rules pertaining to fraternizing within the castle, and the curfew that has,' he checked his watch, 'practically been obliterated by these two?'
Castor's lip curled and stared at Harry as though when he got Harry alone with him he was going to throw him off the Astronomy Tower. Harry felt like jumping off at that moment anyways.
'Well,' Castor said crossing his arms in front of him, 'I think we can let it go just this once, Professor.'
Professor Addams did not look that highly amused but he nodded.
'You can say good-bye to Ms. Davenport in front of the school, Harry,' he said looking at Harry with a sly smile. 'And you're going to need to rush if you want to be ready on time, Sarah.'
Like a bullet, she let a breath and dashed past the two professors and into the dorms.
Castor walked forward and stood next to Harry. 'You need to be getting ready too, Potter,' he said. 'We're leaving right after them.'
To Harry's astonishment, Professor Addams let out a deep laugh.
'I say Professor,' he said addressing Castor. 'A party, the clubs, the drinking and now this, all in the span of a week.'
He chuckled once more before closing the door.
'And I thought we Yankees were bad.'
The door closed and immediately Castor turned and smacked Harry right over the side of
the head.
'Ow!' Harry said rubbing his head. 'That hurt!'
Castor rounded on him.
'Pray to God that's the only thing I do to you Potter,' he growled. 'McGonagall is going
to have my hide when she's get wind of this.'
Harry couldn't say anything, so he merely lowered his eyes and looked at the floor in shame.
Castor let out a huff of irritation, before patting Harry once on his shoulder.
'Was it good?' he asked.
Harry was taken off guard by the direct question. Was Castor really asking how the sex that he didn't have last night was?
'Yea,' Harry said. 'It was really good.'
Castor looked at Harry then grinned.
'Was it worth it?'
Harry's mind did a re-take of one moment last night where Sarah was straddling him
without her dress on and licking his fingers.
'Yea,' he said. 'It was definitely worth it.'
Every student, both Hogwarts and Balmorhea alike piled out of the castle as the sedans landed gracefully at the front gates. There was an additional car with then, and Harry was astonished to see Professor Castor jump out of it, the engine still running. He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Sarah Davenport smiling at him, though with sad eyes. They just looked at each other, not knowing what to say.
'I wouldn't qualify this as a fling,' Sarah joked slipping a piece of parchment into his hand. 'Write to me.'
Harry smiled back up at her. He looked around. Seamus and Lindsay were tongued tied, getting a disdainful look from Professor McGonagall who was saying her farewells to Professor Addams nearby. Harry looked back at Sarah and flinched at the sight of tears welling up in her eyes. He took her hands in his.
'You'll see me again,' he said.
She smiled.
'You promise?'
Harry leaned forward, not really caring who was watching at his point, and kissed her soundly. Breaking away, Sarah waved at Hermione and Ron, gave one last kiss to Harry then rushed off to her fellow classmates, now getting into the sedans.
'You should swing by Balmorhea one of these days,' said a throaty voice from behind him. Nathaniel Addams was looking at him, his eyes twinkling. 'It would be nice having you there.'
Harry grinned and the two men shook hands.
'I'll look into it,' he said.
Addams looked out over the lake, his eyes landing on the White Tomb. Harry had a feeling what the Headmaster was thinking about.
'Professor?'
Addams turned.
'Yes Harry?'
He didn't know how he wanted to say it. Addams had done so much. After a moment,
Addams grinned.
'You're welcome Harry. It was one of the greatest honors of my life to help you.'
He took a step forward and patted Harry on the shoulder.
'My door is always open.'
With that, he turned and walked to his car, gave one last wave to the students of
Hogwarts, stepped in, and closed the door. The engine gave a roar and bolted into the cool gray sky.
Harry watched the sedans until they were out of sight. Ron came up behind him.
'Man, was she hot!' he exclaimed.
Harry's face broke out into a smile.
'She's a lot more than that.'
The drive to Castor's was long and near the breaking point of intolerable. Ron complained why he, Hermione and Harry couldn't floo there and Castor snapped back, 'I already got two unwanted guests in my house, and I don't want five, especially if I'm not there.'
Ron went to say something but Harry turned in his seat and gave him a look. Ron went silent, arms folded across his chest, pouting, as Castor gunned the car faster through the clouds.
After a two hour long argument with Professor McGonagall and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Castor finally agreed to allow Ron and Hermione to stay at the house for the Christmas break. Mrs. Weasley was not all that pleased with Ron being stubborn about staying with Harry, but she consented when McGonagall more or less ordered Castor to have the next month's Order meetings take place at his house. Watching from the corner of the Headmistress' office, Harry tried not to laugh at the redness on Castor's face. He looked so pissed in fact, another bad comment to him, and the American's head would have exploded.
Of course, Harry learned the hard way that irritating Castor was not the healthiest thing to do, nonetheless, he was eternally grateful by Ron's stubborn loyalty to him. On the other hand, Harry could only speculate that Castor was going through all the trouble because of the Horcrux found, and Harry knew Castor was planning to destroy it over the break, and he had a hunch he was going to be involved.
Four long hours passed until Castor finally touched down in front of his house. Hermione, Ron and Harry unloaded their trunks and were walking behind Castor towards the front doors when he suddenly turned and eyed Hermione and Ron.
'You two,' he said jerking his head. 'Potter can tell you, through personal experience that my say within this house is higher than the Ten fucking Commandments.'
Hermione flinched at Castor's language.
'Do not roam around outside after dark, do not send any correspondence without telling me in advance and most importantly,' he paused, 'stay out of my fucking bedroom.'
Harry, Ron and Hermione all exchanged looks of horror, but nodded at Castor.
'I will not have my house be turned into a three ring circus.' He turned, opened the large oak doors and stopped dead in his tracks. Harry followed up beside him and looked inside. His jaw dropped.
It was utter pandemonium.
Over forty witches and wizards were bustling through the first landing of the house, most
Harry knew. Professor McGonagall, Flitwick, and Mad-Eye Moody were sitting on the leather couch past the staircase, all bent over two foot stacks of parchments. Tonks, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley were frantic in the kitchen, prepping dish after dish, all ovens turned on, pots, pans and silverware flying overhead.
Harry looked into the study and saw Mr. Weasley, Kingsley Shaklebolt, Charlie, Bill, and another tall strange looking wizard he didn't recognize standing around the long rectangular table, a seven foot long map with models of buildings, brooms and dragons spread over it. The Weasley twins were in the corner near the fireplace along with Remus Lupin, next to them were mounds of orders, boxes full of defensive gear from their store, and a mixed variety of half empty bottles and jars of potions. Harry noticed Ron walk towards them.
Over twenty other wizards and witches Harry didn't know were bustling up and down the halls, barking orders, several owls flying in and out of the windows, feathers and white shit landing on Castor's furniture and rugs. In the thick of the chaos, at the small checker table next to the kitchen entrance were the Grangers, twiddling their thumbs and looking extremely nervous, as though they weren't sure they were allowed to witness what was going on. Hermione bolted towards them.
Through all the going ons in front of them, Harry saw Castor was still standing in the doorway, his body shaking with unquenchable rage, one of his eyes beginning to twitch. Just then, Riley Sevagio, the only one inside who seemed not to be in a hurry, casually walked up to Castor and said grinning, 'Hey Dem,' holding up a drink. 'Bloody Mary?'
Harry tried not to laugh as Castor continued to quake with fury until putting both hands through his hair and letting out an exasperated sigh.
'FUCK ME!'
Three seconds after he downed the drink Sevagio offered him in a breath, Castor made a hellacious roar and stormed through his living room, firing miscellaneous curses, spells, and obscenities. The few poor souls who didn't know Castor, drew their wands in alarm, only to be stunned, tarred and feathered as he stampeded past them, leaving burning furniture and broken glass in his wake. Harry made a mental note to ask Castor how to perform the spell, after of course, he had calmed down.
It wasn't easy.
It took Remus Lupin, Kingsley Shaklebolt, Mr. Weasley and Charlie to finally grab hold of Castor and subdue him. His hair flying in all directions, his shirt ripped and his robes askew, Castor angrily pointed an accusing finger at Professor McGonagall, who, in spite of the devastation around her, sat calmly on the couch next to Moody.
'I said you could have meetings here!' he snarled at the Headmistress, 'NOT A FUCKING CONVENTION!'
He tried to free himself from the four wizards holding him up against a wall but to no gain.
'Jesus H. fucking Christ,' he bellowed angrily to no one in particular, 'Its like the Goddamn Quidditch World Cup is parked in my fucking living room!'
No one said a word as Castor finally broke free from Shaklebolt, Lupin and the Weasleys and stomped up the stairs, and into the study, slamming the door so viciously one of the hinges broke.
It was dead silent now, not even the owls were moving. Poor Mrs. Weasley was still cradling a huge pile of dishes in the doorway, unmoving, as though she were stunned, her mouth hanging open like a fish. Five long seconds passed until finally, Mad-Eye Moody stood up and grunted.
'At least he took it well.'
From upstairs, they could hear glass exploding.
Harry had unloaded his trunk and was lying flat on his back in the bed nursing a headache when there was a knock on the door.
'Come in.'
Mrs. Weasley poked her head in.
'Dinner is in thirty minutes dear.'
'Thanks Mrs. Weasley,' he said sitting up. 'Do you need any help?'
'No thank you, Harry,' she said. 'Professor McGonagall asked most of us to leave, after
Castor's, er, tantrum.'
She clucked her tongue disapprovingly. Harry snorted.
'Anyways, dear, clean up, we'll see you downstairs.'
Harry thanked her again but before she could close the door, Ron and Hermione burst in.
'Hey,' he said absentmindedly as Ron closed the door. They were both giving him
peculiar looks and Harry had a guess what they wanted.
'Harry,' Hermione started, looking nervous, 'now please don't get mad when I ask this…'
'Its okay,' he said patiently. 'I know.'
Ron and Hermione exchanged nervous looks. 'You do?'
'Yea,' he said lying back down. 'You're wondering where I went last night.'
It took a moment until Ron nodded. He looked angry all of a sudden.
And Harry went into it. He told them that Addams had come to Hogwarts to help get the Horcrux, he told them about New York, the tunnels and the fight with the Death Eaters. He told them that Sevagio was there and had killed Augustus Rockwood. He left out a few things. He didn't tell them about being tortured by Rockwood, or plunging the knife in his chest, and he left out that Sevagio was a Metamorphegus. He also didn't tell them of course about his sultry night with Sarah in the Defense classroom. When he finished, Ron and Hermione could only gape at him. After a long silence, Hermione put a hand to her mouth.
'A cup belonging to Helga Hufflepuff?'
'Blimey,' said Ron.
'I saw it last year,' Harry said. 'In the pensieve with Dumbledore. It was the last time
anyone saw Tom Riddle.'
'The Holy Grail,' Hermione mused.
'How many are left now?' Ron asked.
'Well, the cup, it hasn't been destroyed yet,' he exclaimed. 'But not counting it there's three. The snake, the soul inside Voldemort himself, oh Ron, give it a rest, and something else, I'm not sure.'
'Neither is Castor?' Hermione asked.
Harry shrugged.
'He's got some ideas, but no, nothing for sure.'
Ron's head shot up.
'Wait a sec,' he said clicking his fingers. 'How exactly did Castor find out about the cup anyways?'
Harry told them about Sevagio and Jack Sloan.
Ron grimaced.
'Sevagio seems pretty deadly.'
'He killed at least four Death Eaters last night.'
'Harry,' Hermione said nudging him, 'has your scar been hurting at all?'
Harry shrugged again.
'It tingles all the time, but nothing serious.'
'Any visions?'
Harry shook his head.
'I'm getting pretty good at Occlumency. I know Voldemort tried getting to me a few times, but I can block him pretty easily now.'
'You haven't tried getting to him have you?' she asked, her eyes narrowing.
'No,' Harry said flatly. 'Castor doesn't think it's a good idea.'
'Why not?'
'Haven't asked.'
'You basically does what he says?' Ron said a bit coolly.
Harry's head shot up. 'What the hell does that suppose to mean?'
'Ron,' Hermione said warningly.
'Yea,' Ron said ignoring Hermione. 'Just do what Castor thinks is right, go after the Horcrux without us, we won't mind being deserted and lied to.'
'Ron, that's not entirely,' Hermione started.
'I mean after all,' Ron said angrily standing up and walking towards the door. 'We're your best friends and he's a bloody mercenary for hire!'
'Ron!'
'Wait a fucking second!' Harry said fiercely. 'I wanted you two to come, but he said no.'
'Again doing what he says!'
'If it wasn't for him,' Harry said angrily, 'we wouldn't have found the damn Horcrux in
the first place!'
'And because of him,' Ron said nastily, 'you've lied to us, went off for the Horcrux without us, and now coming clean only afterwards and now acting like its only a bloody
Tuesday! What would happen if you died?'
'Ron,' Harry started, his blood boiling, 'I couldn't tell you, don't you understand? I wanted to, believe me, but I couldn't. Castor, and Sevagio now you mention it would've murdered me if I told someone, even you.'
'It doesn't stop you from lying!'
'Damnit both of you!' Hermione said shrilly. 'Harry, you should have told us the truth
and we would have understood why you couldn't have taken us.'
'Yea,' Ron said through clenched teeth, 'take the Boy Wonder's side.'
'And you Ron,' she said angrily, 'have all right to be angry, but you have to at least
accept the position that Harry was put in.'
She gave both boy a cold look, the way a mother would when her kids were in trouble.
'Now both of you come here.'
They hesitated but then walked forward and stood on either side of Hermione.
'You two are best friends and this shouldn't come between you, now shake hands, and stop acting like two year olds.'
Neither moved for a minute until Harry finally grunted.
'I'm sorry,' he said lamely. 'I shouldn't have kept you in the dark.'
Ron didn't look up for a minute, until Hermione slugged him on the arm.
'Ow!' he said rubbing his shoulder. 'I mean, look mate, I'm sorry. I understand why you didn't tell us.'
He put out a hand and Harry took it.
'So,' Harry started, 'Are we alright?'
Ron managed a weak smile. 'Yea mate. We're good.'
'Do you remember what Hagrid told you back in fourth year?' Hermione said. 'That what will come will come,'
'And it will be up to me to face it when it does,' Harry finished.
'Well he's right,' she said. 'But he left out one thing.'
'And what's that?' he asked.
'That you're not going to be alone when it does,' Ron said clapping a hand on Harry's shoulder.
'You have us Harry,' Hermione said. 'And the Order, and our friends at school, and thousands of people around the world to help you when you need it.'
Both Hermione and Ron were looking at him solemnly.
'Thanks,' he said. 'And I am sorry for not saying anything.'
'Just don't do it again,' Ron said only half joking.
'I promise,' Harry said flatly. 'And to hell with what Castor thinks.'
Hermione smiled as Ron led them out into the hallway.
'Now that sounds more like it,' he said as they went down the stairs for dinner.
Dinner that evening was anything but tranquil. Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting at the long oak table with Ron and Hermione's parents, Lupin, Charlie, Bill, the twins, Ginny, Mad-Eye Moody, Shaklebolt, McGonagall, Tonks, Sevagio and at the other end of the table was Castor, still brooding, staring daggers at the Headmistress.
The only person who didn't feel affected by the mood was Dobby, who brought plate after plate of delicious cooking.
'Dobby is so very happy to have so many guests visiting him and Professor Castor,' he squeaked joyfully. 'Aren't we happy to have them Professor?'
Half the people at the table snorted into their goblets. Castor pretended not to notice.
'Thrilled.'
To amuse himself, Harry looked down the table at Castor and pictured him with paler skin, long black hair and hollow eyes. He looked just like Snape and for some unknown reason, Harry found it funny. He wasn't surprised when no one, except Sevagio wanted dessert, and knew Sevagio was only wanting it to goad Castor.
'I'll take it to go, Dobby,' he said to the elf fastening his robes and walking towards the fireplace. 'I expect this lot has Order business to discuss.'
'Indeed we do,' McGonagall said in a steely voice with all the grace of a chain saw. 'But you may stay if you wish.'
Sevagio grinned.
'All respect to the Headmistress,' he said bowing sarcastically, 'but I'm not really interested in your damn Order business.'
McGonagall let out an angry huff as Sevagio nodded at Castor, gave a wink to Tonks and vanished in emerald green flames.
'Thought he'd never leave,' muttered Mrs. Weasley but loud enough for everyone to hear.
'Which is why I wanted him to stay,' Castor said in a boring tone.
'That's enough of that,' McGonagall said stiffly. 'Now, if you four will run along and let us get to the meeting.'
'What do you mean all four?' Ron demanded.
'Ronald Weasley, do not talk to your Headmistress like that!' Mrs. Weasley said angrily.
'I'm of age,' he said rounding on his mother, which Harry thought was rather brave, and stupid.
'Ron, Ginny. Upstairs!'
'Bullocks to that,' Ginny said hotly. 'I'm old enough to know what's going on.'
'You two are still in school,' said McGonagall. 'And as such, you are not members.
Upstairs!'
'You too young lady,' Hermione's father said sternly.
'Oh come on Dad!' Hermione said. 'I've been to meetings before.'
'You've been to one Hermione,' said Mrs. Weasley interjecting.
'You lot should know we'll find out anyways!' Ron shouted down the table, looking at his brothers specifically. 'Dad, come on, help me out here.'
Mr. Weasley sighed. 'Well you are of age, but your mother and I have agreed that you won't be a member until after school.'
'WHAT!?!' Ron and Ginny said together.
'That goes for you two, honey,' Hermione's mother put in.
'Well screw that!' Hermione said fiercely.
'Hermione!' her mother said. 'Watch your language!'
'We will not waste anymore time bickering about this. You can join after school, Merlin willing the war will be over by then. Now upstairs!'
Feeling they were defeated, Ron, Ginny and Hermione stood up and made their way to the stairs but stopped when they noticed Harry was not with them. He was still sitting in his seat. McGonagall exchanged looks with Mrs. Weasley.
'Upstairs, Potter,' she said, her voice a little soft. To everyone's surprise, Harry shook his head.
'I'm staying.'
'Harry,' Mrs. Weasley stated but Harry gave her a cold look.
'I'm of age, and I'm staying.'
People at the table looked at each other nervously.
'Harry,' Hermione's father said leaning towards him. 'You are still in school, and I don't think you're allowed to…'
'I'm staying,' Harry said and this time, he pulled out his wand and placed it on the table. 'And if any of you lot want to make me leave, go ahead and try.'
Everyone in the room, especially Ron and Hermione gaped in astonishment at Harry's boldness. Finally, Professor McGonagall let out an angry snort.
'This is ridiculous. Professor Castor,' she said turning to face Castor who was leaning back in his chair, idly smoking. 'You are Harry's legal. This is your decision for him to stay or leave.'
The room went silent as Castor took a drag from his smoke and looked Harry in the eye. Harry stared resolutely back. Castor didn't break eye contact as he put out his cigarette and leaned forward in his chair.
'He stays.'
Mrs. Weasley let out a shriek of indignation.
'Preposterous! He is still in school, Professor Castor,' she bellowed. 'He cannot join!'
'I am no longer his guardian,' Castor said still looking at Harry and completely ignoring
Mrs. Weasley as well as everyone else at the table. 'He is legally an adult wizard and can
do what he wants.'
'It is still up to me whether or not he will be allowed to join,' McGonagall said flatly.
'You'd be pretty stupid not to let him join,' Castor snapped back. 'He is, after all, the
only one who can defeat the Dark Lord.'
'He is still in school!' Mrs. Weasley shouted.
At this, Castor stood up, and Harry knew it was only going to get ugly. But Castor didn't yell, curse or punch anything. Instead, he took a calming breath and looked up at Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
'You three sit back down.'
Mrs. Weasley went to say something, but Castor cut her off.
'I'm going to say my piece, and since you are in my house, you will listen with respect as I did. If you can't,' he paused and pointed, 'there's the fucking door.'
He let his words sit in until continuing, addressing everyone at the table.
'The plain fact is,' he began, his eyes digging in to each person in attendance, 'is that the longer the Dark Lord is active, the harder it will become to defeat him. Though unfair and difficult to accept, whether you believe or you don't, young Potter here is the key to defeating Lord Voldemort.'
He stopped for a minute.
'It is through my own experience that the more someone knows what they're up against, the better their chances of coming out victorious. We're at war, there will be casualties,
and I for one will be shocked to see all of us here at this table alive when this war ends.'
A cold chill went through the room at Castor's words.
'Dr. and Dr. Granger,' he said coolly, 'Your daughter is very close to Potter, they've been friends since day one and do not be foolish enough to think the Dark Lord and his legion
of sadistic ruthless killers don't know it, and won't exploit it.'
He gave them a cold stare then turned to the Weasleys.
'Molly, Arthur,' he said in the same tone,' Everyone in the wizarding world knows where Potter goes, your son Ron will go to. And if they don't know already, they'll soon find out about the relationship between Potter and your daughter.'
Harry looked down the table and blushed as he caught Ginny looking at him. It was the first time in awhile she was looking at him without anger or resentment.
'Now whether you like it or not,' Castor went on, 'We all at this table are close to Potter, from one degree or another, and that makes us on the very top of Voldemort's hit list.'
Castor looked back at the parents.
'I'm not telling you what you should do,' he said flatly, 'but if you want my opinion, the more they know about what the Order is doing to defeat Him, the less likely they'll get killed.'
With that, Castor took one more look around, then sat back in his seat.
'Nevertheless,' he said pointing at Harry, 'You stay.'
Silence hung in the room now. No one looked at each other until Mrs. Weasley spoke.
'Remus,' she said quietly. 'You've always had a level mind on this. What do you think?'
Lupin set down his glass of wine and sighed.
'I would be lying if I said I was happy about this,' he said heavily. 'But Demetrius is right. There's a war going on, and I believe it would be best if they at least knew more about what's been happening.'
'I agree with Remus,' Mad-Eye Moody said. 'They need to know. Constant vigilance.'
'I agree as well,' Kingsley said.
'Us to,' said the twins.
The Grangers looked at each other then back at the table.
'Well,' Hermione's mother said. 'My husband and I may not be apart of the wizarding
community, but we do realize the severity of this situation. And after the attack on our home, I think that if we worked together, it would be the best outcome.' She looked at her husband who nodded. 'If you think its best for our daughter, then she can join.'
Hermione beamed, walked around the table and hugged each of her parents.
Mrs. Weasley left out a huff.
'This is getting out of hand,' she said to her husband. 'The last time this war was going
on, it was absurd to think students would be in the Order.'
'Correct me if I'm wrong Professor,' said Castor now addressing McGonagall, 'but weren't James and Lily Potter the same age as their son when they joined?'
McGonagall flinched at the question, both Remus and Mr. Weasley were hiding smirks.
'Well yes,' McGonagall said stiffly, 'but those were….'
'And you might as well face it Molly,' Castor said lighting a cigarette, 'Potter is just going to tell Ron and Ginny anyways.'
Ron and Ginny looked down the table to Harry, who nodded in confirmation. Ginny and
Harry glanced at each other, and she smiled.
'Fine!' Mrs. Weasley said. She looked at her husband. 'I suppose this is for the best.'
Mrs. Weasley nodded.
'It is dear.'
There was moments silence until Fred Weasley clapped his hands together and grinned good-naturedly.
'Well, that's out of the way,' he said happily. 'What's the first order of business Professor M?'
'Yea,' George piped in, 'Is Quidditch practice in Professor Castor's ballroom still on?'
Everyone laughed, except Castor.
'That is not funny.'
Harry was lying in his bed, the wind and rain had picked up and he could hear the waves breaking against the beach. The meeting, to put it short, was boring. Most of which Shaklebolt and McGongall reported, Harry had no clue what they were talking about, and the Death Eaters mentioned in places like Romania, France and Denmark, he had never heard of. But he didn't care really. It would take time for him, along with Ron, Hermione and Ginny to be brought up to speed.
He looked at his watch.
2:17 a.m.
'Shit,' he muttered to himself. He couldn't sleep, he was too wound up from the past week's activities. He was a member, finally, an acting member of the Order of the Phoenix. He now had a say at the table. He didn't notice the other person in the room until a cool hand was placed on his.
'What the?' he mumbled when through the darkness he could see the petite figure and
soft red hair.
'Ginny?' he said sitting up.
'Don't,' she said placing a hand on his chest and pushing him back down.
She slid back the covers and climbed into the bed. She was wearing old shorts and a snug fitting tank top.
'Harry,' she said leaning closer so she was only inches from his face. 'I'm sorry about yelling at you. I was just jealous of Sarah.'
Harry looked at her then smiled.
'Forget it.'
They looked at each other until Harry slid an arm under her and she laid her head on the crook of his shoulder. They were still for a minute, Harry feeling the sleep coming.
'So what about Zach?' he asked pulling her closer and resting a hand on her hip.
She shrugged.
'I don't think its gonna work out.'
Harry was asleep before his eyes closed, a smile dancing on his lips.
It was only three hours later when Harry heard knocking at his door. Ginny moaned next to him then her eyes fluttered open. Harry's smiled faded when the sudden realization that Ginny was in bed with him and he was not in Gryfindor House.
'Harry?' Ginny said.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
They looked at each other and Harry gulped.
'Oh shit.'
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Ginny stood up and raced for the closet but jumped back into bed and under the covers when the door swung open.
'Wake up Potter,' said Castor angrily. 'You got training to do.'
'Yes Professor,' Harry said trying to cover the lump that was Ginny under the covers
with pillows. Castor was looking outside, peering through the window.
'We got a lot to cover today, so kick it in the ass, you got ten minutes.'
'Yes sir,' Harry said wishing Castor would just leave.
'Don't call me,' he stopped, and looked for the first time at Harry, then down at the lump, then back.
'Potter,' he said warningly, 'Who's in there with you?'
Harry didn't move an inch for five long seconds until Ginny pushed back the covers and
popped her head up to look at Castor.
'Ginny Weasley Professor,' she said meekly.
Castor eyed the two for a minute before walking back out the door.
'Make it twenty minutes,' he said closing it.
It was still early in the morning when Harry arrived back from his run. Only Castor sat at the oak table, a cup of coffee in front of him, reading the Daily Prophet. Harry grabbed some toast from the kitchen and sat down next to Castor.
'Anything?' he asked.
Castor shook his head.
They sat in silence until Castor lit up a smoke and re-filled his coffee.
'So,' Castor said, 'First Sarah now Ginny huh?' He smirked. 'Gonna take a run at the
bookworm next?'
Harry was just about to tell Castor to go to hell when there was a bang and out of the fireplace came a well dressed wizard. Harry went for his wand, but Castor held up a finger. He looked back at the man and suddenly recognized him as the wizard who was at the table surveying the map when he and Castor arrived. He was a medium built tough looking thirty year old with dirt brown hair and hollow green eyes. Long thin sideburns ran down to his square jaw where a scar skimmed diagonally over his chin. He was weather beaten with rough hands, and with his lined face he was the spitting image of a starving vulture. He wore a khaki suit with a ridiculously bright red tie that made him look like a car salesman. He dusted himself off and walked into the room ignoring Harry's quizzical look.
'Little early to be bothering me ain't it Jim?' Castor asked not looking up.
The wizard cleared his throat and reached for a cup of coffee.
'Ca mon' Demy,' he said in a strange accent, 'Guys lika' us n'er sleep too good anyways.'
'Well,' Harry instinctively corrected. It was a force of habit, Aunt Petunia did it all the time growing up. The wizard stopped and peered at Harry, eyes narrowed, his slick eyebrows cocked up. He jerked his thumb at Castor.
'Whoz da wise ass?'
Castor smirked.
'Potter, this is Jimmy Longstreet,' he said. 'Auror for the U.S. Came over here to consult, if that's what you call it. Jim, this here is Harry Potter.'
Longstreet laughed. He sounded like an obsessed hyena.
'Da Chosen One, huh?' he said still chuckling. 'You's look bout as helpful as a vegan in a steakhouse.'
Harry didn't know if he had been insulted or complimented.
'Maybe you can's explain why this 'ere Professor Castor took da damn job in da first place.'
The loud drawling American took another cup and started licking his fingers.
'Who da thought Demy Castor ever be a nine-da-fie kinda boy-o? Az' role model for dem little kids. Blows my mind I tell ya.'
'And I'd venture to say that's the only thing of yours that's being blowed nowadays,'
Castor said cynically.
Longstreet howled again.
'Well, ben' awhile I've been tailin' in Nu Arlens, I admit,' he said grinning. 'Kinda miss my home, Demy, 'specially da chers down yonder. 'Sides, I's ain't the damn Professor here. Da'd be you.'
Castor sighed.
'So I took a lousy teaching job, Jim, so kill me,' he said.
'I alls ready got one stiff on my hands thanks,' the Auror said but this time, he said it
flatly, with no humor. Castor looked up.
'What?'
The Southern Auror downed his coffee and looked directly at Harry.
'Narcissa Malfoy,' he said darkly but with a wicked gleam in my eyes, 'She waz found
mangled ta death las' night.'
A/N: I need reviews, and a lot of them. I will continue to write this book only if I get a lot of feedback on this chapter.