Disclaimer: I obviously don't own the idea of Harry Potter or any of the money making forms of it.
A/N: Classes have started, and some of them are going to demand an amount of time I have to give. I will continue writing and posting when I have time, so don't think I've abandoned this story (or my other called Guardian).
Thanks for the reviews :)
Oh, and before anyone asks me again, this is NOT SLASH. See my profile if you have doubts or concerns.
:Parseltongue:
- - - Book 2 — Part 12: Explanations and Letters
It was early, and Dumbledore was pacing in his office. He had thought over every single word Harry had quoted to him from Voldemort's rant.
Something wasn't right. Why would Voldemort say those things right before going to the Potters? Why wouldn't he say something along the lines of taking out those who opposed him or something?
What did this mean? Had Voldemort left more in Harry than just his memories of that night? Had he left his beliefs as well? Or was it something more than that?
This is maddening, why can't I grasp what must be so clearly in front of me? What should I be seeing that I'm not?
He thought more on the Horcruxes, but something concerning them with Harry was a topic he was not willing to think about, so he forced it aside when it had gotten too close.
There was too much to think about, and that previous thought he had pushed aside was just too much to take into possibility at the moment. He didn't want to even think about thinking about what it would mean if what he 'wasn't' thinking about was true…
Well, at least I know Harry is opposed to everything Voldemort desires. He would not have responded the way he had if that wasn't so, he reasoned, suddenly wondering when he would hear from the Custosae concerning his letter.
Hopefully some answers will be coming, he thought, glancing at his sleeping familiar.
Minerva had contacted Sirius that night, telling him what had happened. It took several minutes to get Sirius to calm down and not immediately floo over to personally make sure Harry was alright.
In the morning, McGonagall was just as busy. The whole Gryffindor Tower had been affected, and there was damage control to take care of. She and Dumbledore had decided it was better to share the bare facts of what had happened to all of the Gryffindors, since the boys had already been told the night before, so she went to the Girl Dormitories and gave an announcement.
Dumbledore had been right in his statement that the Houses took care of their own, and this fact never ceased to amaze even him.
McGonagall had told the girls what he had told the boys, and she later told him the only person who didn't seem surprised was Hermione.
This was a small comfort to him, and made everything a little less gloomy. Harry had friends, friends he felt secure enough with in sharing at least some things with.
McGonagall also continued by telling the girls they could speak briefly about this to the Gryffindor boys in the privacy of the Common Room, since she knew they were going to anyway, but reminded them this was a Gryffindor matter, and should stay that way. Woe to anyone who let this leak to the other Houses.
- - -
Harry followed Ron and Neville down into the Common Room. He had been briefed with what had happened before he had woken up, including the appearance of Draco and what Dumbledore had said to the other Gryffindor boys afterwards. He had been intrigued by Draco's apparent new power, but was dreading having to face the Gryffindors.
Everyone near was subdued, and Harry knew the events of last night were the reason. Continuing forward with Ron and Neville (Dean and Seamus already having left for breakfast), he saw Hermione by the fireplace, waiting.
"McGonagall spoke to us early this morning, Harry," Hermione said softly as they stopped before her.
"What?" Harry asked.
As if things weren't bad enough. No wonder everyone's so quiet, he thought.
"Don't worry Harry, this is something that will stay within the House. I've never seen McGonagall look so serious, and that's saying something. I know everyone saw that too, and looking at them…"
"Hey," Oliver said, silently apologizing at interrupting.
The others quickly pardoned him, and before Harry knew it, they had shifted away and allowed Oliver to guide him away to a more secluded spot in the Common Room (most having already left for breakfast).
"Um, so you ready for this year's season of Quidditch?" Oliver asked, deciding to start the conversation there.
"Yeah, I think so. Is the time of quidditch practice what you wanted to talk to me about?" Harry asked, though pretty sure it wasn't.
"Not exactly…"
Harry raised an eyebrow, knowing Oliver wasn't doing this to be rude or nosey, but still getting a little annoyed.
"I just wanted to tell you that if you ever…ever need to, I don't know, blow off some steam or something, I'll be here to help you do that. I'll go get permission from McGonagall for you to use the Quidditch Pitch, or anything else I can do to help. I also have some favors I can call on so…yeah. I'm your captain and that doesn't end at the pitch."
Harry smiled a little, annoyance disappearing as he nodded, deciding to put Oliver Wood on his short list of possible candidates for future Custosae or Amici. He would make a good member, but more importantly, a good friend.
"Thanks," Harry said, and with a parting nod, Oliver left for breakfast.
- - -
Harry received solemn nods from the Gryffindors, all of them giving him the secret message that they would keep his secret and were proud to guard it.
Harry returned them, much to his dazed amazement in seeing his House's response to his outburst of magic and learning the reason for it. Dumbledore had been right.
At breakfast, Draco, Vincent, and Greg stopped by the Gryffindor table and simply said they would meet later after their classes. Harry and the others quickly agreed.
Draco had received the letter from Snape that morning, and decided that after they figured out how he had popped, they would read the letter from Long Beard.
At breakfast, the mail arrived, and Ron received a letter from his dad. He felt the prickle from the magic on the letter, instantly telling him this would concern the Custosae, so he put it away for later, since it wasn't safe to open right there, obviously. He gave a nod to Harry and the others before they left for class.
- - -
The other Houses could tell something was different about Gryffindor House, but as the day went on, the trace of the oddity disappeared. Though the members of the other Houses still asked their Gryffindor friends, if they had one, what the matter was. Every single Gryffindor answered simply, "McGonagall held a House meeting…"
That was all that they needed to say, for they had their own Head of House and knew the after effects of such boring meetings, and left it at that.
Harry and the others were grateful.
It was the hour for DADA, and (since they got their lessons from Snape during the weekends) Draco and Harry had that time free. They had agreed to meet at Hagrid's. Revlis had also decided it best for him to stay with Draco for that hour, and Neville heartily agreed, since him taking Revlis to class would not only look suspicious, but Revlis had admitted he didn't know if he'd be able to refrain from biting Lockhart.
Harry and Draco's DADA lesson with Snape was still scheduled on Saturdays, and that seemed to work fine for them all, though the year had only just begun.
"Come on'n," Hagrid said, opening the door for them to enter.
"Hi, Hagrid," Harry said.
They shut the door behind them, Draco already putting up privacy wards and protections.
"Usually havin' biscuits an' tea don't call fer such precaut'ns," Hagrid said with a half amused, half concerned, smirk.
"Well, we just wanted to tell you we're going to have a Custosae meeting after the others get out of class, and we'll be meeting in the Come and Go Room. We want you to come too," Harry said.
"Since you're now a member," Draco added.
Harry then gave a rundown of where the room was and how it worked.
"Blimey, I've heard o' the room, but never had thought it could be real. Thought it was a myth," Hagrid said.
"Well, it's real, and the Headquarters of the Custosae now," Harry said with a smile.
"So what is the meetin' today gonna include?" Hagrid asked.
"A lot of things…" Draco said.
They then told Hagrid what had happened the previous night. From Harry's nightmare/memory dream, Draco popping in and Dobby taking him back, to Dumbledore and McGonagall's talk with the Gryffindors.
Hagrid had been startled about the dream, and sniffled, though he collected himself rather quickly.
"Sorry yeh had ter see that, 'Arry," Hagrid said gruffly. "And a basilisk…"
"That's part of what we're going to discuss at the meeting, Hagrid. We are also going to try and figure out how Draco can now pop. We'll then read the letters that have just come in, as well as Long Beard's, and then discuss other possible new Amici and allies, you know, like Griphook and the Pixies? Well, Hermione already has four letters ready to be sent out, which we will as soon as possible," Harry said.
"Wow Harry, how do ya keep all this in line?" Hagrid asked.
Harry shrugged.
A half an hour later, they were in the Come and Go Room, Draco having gone ahead to make sure the hall was clear before Hagrid and Harry followed and entered.
Ron and the others were already there, but upon entering, the door sealing itself behind them, they found Hermione in the middle of a rant.
"That man shouldn't even be allowed in a classroom unless he's there to learn everything he doesn't know, which is a lot! How can he be a professor?! And after the Dueling Club?! What a disaster! His books might have some truth behind them, but he clearly didn't do what he supposedly did in them. He can't even demonstrate a single one of the spells that are in his books. How are we supposed to be able to learn anything from that man? And I refuse to call him a professor. And Neville, him choosing you to demonstrate on, he could have hurt you! Leaping off of the table and accidentally knocking you over towards the desk, good grief! And after everything this summer, we need to know how to defend ourselves, and all we are learning from him is how to drop a wand and fall off a desk! We need to do something…"
"Hey, Hagrid," Ron said, while Hermione had finally stopped ranting, now in deep thought.
Hagrid returned the greeting while looking around in awe.
"Pretty cool, huh?" Draco asked, Revlis on his shoulders.
"Yeah, I'll say," Hagrid agreed as they gathered together and sat down on the couches, a very large lounge chair appearing for Hagrid.
Neville shrugged, he being the one who thought of the chair for the Room to provide.
"Seemed you might need it," he said to Hagrid.
"Alright," Hermione said, "We have a lot to figure out, and we need to get it done before dinner."
"Right. Oh, Dobby!" Draco called, Vince and Greg on the couch beside him.
-POP-
"Yes, master Draco?" Dobby asked with a bow.
"We are having a Custosae meeting, and have some things you might be able to help us on. There's also some letters we'd like you to deliver, but that can wait," Draco said.
"Dobby is glad to help with anything, sir," he said.
"Well, any thoughts as to how Draco was able to apparate?" Hermione asked them all.
"Yous all wanting to know how Draco can pop?" Dobby asked, his eyes going slightly wide, as if surprised they didn't know.
"Yes, Dobby. Do you know how that happened?" Hermione asked.
Dobby wringed his hands, still a little saddened by him knocking Harry to the ground during the summer.
"Dobby thinks he might," Dobby said.
"How?" Greg asked.
"Dobby shared memory with Harry Potter, sir…"
"Of course!" Hermione said with a slight jump of ah-ha!-ness. "The memory he gave you, Harry, included him popping himself and Draco to you, and we know that anything you see in Voldemort's memories you are able to do, because you are able to process it differently somehow. So, from seeing everything from Dobby's point of view and it being a memory, you gained that knowledge," she said.
"Um, Hermione, Harry wasn't the one who popped, it was Draco," Ron said, a little confused.
"I was getting to that," she stated. "And then, the—"
"The bond," Harry finished for her.
"Exactly," she said.
"Then, would that mean Harry can, can pop too?" Neville asked.
"More than likely," Hermione said, quite proud of herself for figuring it out, with Dobby's help of course.
"Harry Potter sir can, we House Elves can feel that ability in others," Dobby said.
"Wow," Ron said. "To pop, to appear and disappear at will."
"Well, now that we know about that, I suppose later you two will arrange a time with Dobby to practice that, but for right now, we need to move on," Hermione directed, gathering that popping was difference than apparating, since one couldn't apparate within the walls of Hogwarts.
Dobby beamed when Draco and Harry looked to him as if in permission. Dobby nodded excitedly before they continued on.
"Alright, letters. Ron, you dad sent one, right?"
"It's right here," he said, opening it and waving his wand over it to banish the protections, since it had been spelled only for him to be able to touch and give to the leader of the Custosae.
They then all quickly read it.
Fire Ant,
Iron Man has accepted, but requested me to ask for a face to face meeting with a Custosae for him. He told me he desired to personally give the list to a Custosae because of safety reasons and his own curiosity, to put it frankly. He was rather surprised about there being another group who opposed the Dark Lord, and was comforted by my assurances in the genuineness of our group. He told me to tell you he has seven on the list and is willing to meet any time and any place.
Torch
"Hmm, well, I don't think he would take any of us seriously, that is, except…" Vince began as they all looked to Hagrid.
"I'd be willin' ter meet with 'im. Could invite him ter tea," Hagrid said.
"Hmm, I think having an Auror come here might look a little suspicious," Draco said.
"We could just have you go to his house. Just send a letter to my dad which tells Iron Man that Little John will meet him at his house at a certain time. You go and say the Custosae greeting to let him know it really is you, and then talk to him and get the list," Ron suggested.
"Yeah, there's a self updating housing location book in the library," Greg said. "I'm sure his house is in there."
"Okay, that'll work," Hermione said, already nearly done with the little note. She then put it in the envelope and sealed it with all of the necessary protections, ensuring it would only be opened and read by Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Neville picked up four letters from the coffee table in front of them.
"The four letters are pretty much done, just need their contacts. The letters are to Jean Burry, Bill and Charlie Weasley, and Professor McGonagall," Neville said, having helped Hermione in writing them.
"I can give the letter to Snape and tell him to give it to Dumbledore. He will then open the first part which will ask him to give the sealed letter within to McGonagall, since she is the Deputy Headmistress," Draco said. "So McGonagall's main contact is Dumbledore. We could then have Hagrid be her other contact, just not let her know Hagrid is a Custosae, at least for now."
They all nodded in agreement.
"I can be Jean Burry's contact, since it won't be strange for me to write to her 'cause she's my parent's main nurse," Neville said. "Dobby needs to deliver it though, since she needs to open it when she's alone. As for her other contact…we could give the second to her later, when we have a better idea of who's needed."
Harry agreed, though he already had a few people in mind, he would wait, since they weren't Amici… yet anyway.
"Alright, that leaves Bill and Charlie," Harry said.
"I can be their contact and our dad could be their second," Ron said.
"Okay, that'll work," Hermione said. "Oh, and Bill's other contact will be Rook, I'll send a letter letting Rook know later today," she continued, sealing their letters after writing their contacts down, having come up with codenames for all of them earlier.
Jean Burry's codename was Nightingale; McGonagall's was Cheshire; Bill Weasley's was Breaker, and Charlie's was Fire Ball.
"It would also be easier if Dobby delivered these letters too," Ron said, much to the excitement and eagerness of Dobby.
"Dobby is happy to help sirs and ma'am," he said to them, Ron and Neville handing him the letters, leaving the one Draco would deliver to Snape. Draco already started the part to Long Beard that would tell him to give it to McGonagall.
Hermione read over what he wrote and was pleased with it so far. Draco then pulled out the letter Snape had given him and gave it to Harry, who in turn did what Ron had done to Torch's letter before they then read it.
Head of the Custosae de Lux
After some diligent thought on my part, I have decided it would be a good time to share information. I assume you know a great deal about Riddle's background, considering your statements on his heritage and upbringing, but I will give you a brief rundown of what I know.
Riddle was placed in an orphanage after his mother had given birth and sadly passed away. His father was a muggle and did not like magic so had left Tom's mother. Growing up at the orphanage, he began controlling his accidental magic which resulted in myself finding him. From there, I took him to Hogwarts and he became a gifted student, even becoming Head Boy in Slytherin. However, during his fifth year I believe he was the cause of a fellow student's death. I have no proof, only suspicions that became stronger after he left Hogwarts. I became Headmaster soon after, and a few years later, Tom returned, asking to be the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I refused. I believe the position is cursed now due to Riddle. Afterwards, Tom changed his identity and began his reign of terror, gathering allies and followers.
As for the reason why Riddle has been unable to be permanently destroyed… I only have a vague suspicion at present, so am eager to learn what information you have, as well as what you may be planning to do concerning this. However, I do have some information that is vital to this, and I would be astonished if you knew of this; though, you do know about the Order so I will not underestimate your ability to gather information.
I am only willing to share this piece of information in a face to face meeting, since secrecy at this point is something of the utmost importance, and something of this scale cannot be safely placed in a letter. Not only because of what the information itself is, but what it can do to the safety of individuals, one in particular who I will share only in this face to face meeting.
I understand your possible reluctance in revealing yourself to me. Someone of your stature must be cautious, for like myself, you must have several enemies, but despite all of this, I humbly ask you to consider meeting me. The information I have may be just as vital as the information you have for me.
I await your decision and condition(s) of our meeting.
Fellow Defender of Light,
Long Beard
"Well, that was direct," Ron stated.
"Harry can't have a meeting with him," Neville said. "Any glamour or anything else we could try to use on Harry wouldn't work; Long Beard would see right through it."
"Hmm…" Harry said. "I might have a way, but I don't know if Dumbledore would go for it. But I could just give a wizard's oath saying no one else is in the room…"
"How?" Greg asked.
"Two-way mirror. You know, I use it to speak to Sirius before I go to bed," Harry said.
"So you're saying we get two of those kinds of mirrors," Hermione began.
"And give one to Dark Knight to give to Long Beard, and have a meeting that way?" Vince asked, slowly getting it.
"We're going to have to think on this before we decide anything," Hermione said.
They all agreed.
"But we can tell him it is being considered. Do you think we should include the Horcruxes now? He now knows about them because of last night," Hermione said.
"We could tell him Riddle has five of them, and you know where they all are, but not say where yet. Save that information for later," Vince suggested.
"I'll start the letter tonight," Hermione said, nodding, the letter already forming in her head.
"Alright, anything else we need to discuss?" Harry asked, looking at them all.
"Um, screening possible members? We need to find a way to do that," Draco said. "I have possibles, but giving them the choice outright is not something that can be safely done."
They all thought for a moment.
"I think I might have a way…" Ron said, looking at Hermione. "Hermione, you said something about Lockhart not being a good enough teacher to teach defense, and said something needs to be done."
"Yeah…" she said.
"Why don't we do something about it?" Ron asked.
"What, have a Dueling Club all our own?" Draco asked.
"I think yuh guys could do it," Hagrid said.
"I think it should be a little secretive, only tell people we think are possibles and see how they take the secret kind of stuff. It will also show us their trustworthiness," Hermione said.
"Hmm, we could take this to Flitwick; he doesn't like Lockhart much, and was a dueling champion when he was younger. I'm sure he'd help and keep it hush-hush," Harry said.
"We could also get Snape into this, since he's giving us lessons anyway," Draco said, talking about the lessons he and Harry had on Saturday with him.
"Alright, I'll talk to Flitwick, you go talk with Snape, Draco," Harry said.
"Then we'll go from there?" Greg asked.
"Yeah, so for right now we probably should start thinking about who to invite and how," Ron said.
"We could talk to the Heads of Houses and ask them if they have any students they think would like to join our slightly secretive club, and just say we want people who are serious about learning advanced defense, so don't want people who wouldn't take it seriously and slow the others down," Neville said.
"Okay, we'll talk with Flitwick and Snape first, see how that goes, and then take it to McGonagall and Sprout. Hmm, Hermione, you could talk with McGonagall; Neville, you'll talk with Sprout," Harry directed.
"Okay," they said.
"Alright… now, before I forget, the Basilisk," Harry stated, changing subjects. "What should we do about him?"
"Hmm, well, it's not like he's doing anything right now…and going down there probably isn't safe," Neville said.
"That's why Revlis agreed to go. He'll talk with the basilisk and tell him about us," Draco said, Revlis nodding in agreement.
"Alright, later we'll send him down then," Harry said.
"Why do I feel like we're forgetting something?" Ron asked.
:The bond: Revlis interrupted.
"Oh, thanks, Revlis," Harry said, looking to Neville. "Notice anything with the bond between you and Revlis?"
"Nope, nothing yet, just the slightly different feel to my magic," Neville said.
"Okay, we'll just have to make sure we keep an eye on it," Harry said.
"Yes, after what I've read so far, bonds can be a little unpredictable," Hermione said.
"It's nearly dinner time, anything else before we go?" Harry asked them all.
"I 'ave sumthin'," Hagrid spoke up. "I'm not sure they'd be willin', but I could ask one o' the Centuars about helpin'; 'specially after last year. I dare say a number o' 'em were mighty impressed with the lot o' yeh."
"Alright Hagrid. You can talk to the one you trust the most about what he might think about taking a more aggressive approach towards Voldemort, and ask if he thinks the others might too," Harry said. "You might hint at there being a group, but I'd like to hear what they think about the idea before inviting them in."
"'Kay, will do, 'Arry," Hagrid said.
A few minutes after that, they gave the letters to be delivered to Dobby and then left for the Great Hall, Revlis back on Neville's shoulders.
- - -
On the way to the Great Hall, someone stepped out in front of them.
"Uh, hi," Harry greeted the dazed looking blond haired girl.
"Hello, Harry Potter," she said, glancing to his friends beside and behind him.
She paused slightly on Draco, then on Neville and Revlis before looking back to Harry.
"I'm Luna Lovegood. I wanted to thank you for what you and Draco Malfoy did yesterday. Reminded me of the courageous Dudderkins intercepting Prutogists and saving the little Bedibugs." She paused, looking back to Neville and Revlis. "Can I pet him, since I see he is no longer impersonating a Protogist and no Sesumarongi are around?" she asked, walking forward; though to Neville and the others, she looked as if she was gliding.
"Uh, sure," Neville said, Revlis happy to meet another person willing to pet him.
Before any of them knew it, Revlis was around Luna's head, much like a crown. She carried him all the way to the Great Hall, where she gave him back to Neville, a great deal of people shocked the girl who had just been 'attacked' by the deadly snake a day before was even near the thing.
"That was…" Hermione said quietly as they sat down.
"Loony," Ron finished, only to get wacked by Hermione. "Well it was…" he managed.
:I like her: Revlis said.
:We noticed: Draco said.
:Any reason why?: Harry asked.
:Hmm, she's attentive and gentle. Very inquisitive, I'd suggest inviting her to that club of yours later: Revlis said.
:I think we will: Harry said, looking to the others who seemed to have already decided the very same thing.
It was clear they all had people in mind to invite to the Dueling Club, well, once they had made it.
- - -
That night, Dobby delivered the letters, making sure only the person it was addressed to would get it. He had to wait nearly an hour for it to be safe for him to leave Charlie's letter, and another two for Jean Burry. Finally, he had delivered all three, Bill's having been easy, having left it on his bed when he saw Bill enter the apartment and lock the door behind him.
Draco knocked on Snape's door that night, Snape waving him in, everyone else having gone to bed.
"Dark Knight, we are a Formation of Defenders. I am Tavi," he said, pulling out the magically sealed letter. "This goes to Long Beard; however, I was told this is not the letter replying to his last one, but is about a different matter. Good night, sir."
"Good night, Tavi," Snape said, taking the letter and allowing Draco to simply leave.
- - -
Dumbledore's Office
Snape entered, happy to see Dumbledore was alone.
"Ah, Severus," Dumbledore greeted as Snape took out the envelope.
Dumbledore instantly grew serious.
"A Custosae matter, I see," he said, taking the letter from him.
"It's not the letter replying to the one you sent, my contact informed me this concerns another matter," Snape said.
"Thank you, Severus," Dumbledore said.
Snape gave a departing nod and left.
A few minutes later, Dumbledore fire-called McGonagall, asking if he could step through. A long discussion after that, the Amici had a new member: Cheshire.
- - -
The following week went fast. Custosae 'business' continuing to thrive, Hagrid carrying out his first true Custosae mission just days after the long Custosae meeting…
Kingsley had gotten the message from the Custosae through Arthur, and was waiting a little impatiently within his house, waiting for the knock on the door which would tell him his visitor had arrived.
A few agonizing minutes later, a heavy knock on the door came, right on time.
He opened the door, instantly taken aback by who was standing there.
"Mighty good weather today. May I com'n, Auror Shacklebolt? You were expectin' me if I'm not mistak'n," Hagrid said, remembering the words he was told to use to let Kingsley know he was the Custosae member.
"Of course," Kingsley said, recovering quickly as he got out of the way (really out of the way, Hagrid was a big guy after all).
Hagrid shut and locked the door behind him before following Kingsley into the living room.
"No one else is here," Kingsley said, already waving his wand about to put up the precautions requested in the letter, and a few of his own, which was truly overkill. The Custosae precautions were more than adequate.
"Good," Hagrid said with a nod, waiting for Kingsley to finish. When he did, Hagrid stood up straighter (not that he really needed to) and said, "Iron Man, we are a Formation of Defenders. I am Little John, a member of the Custosae. You requested a meetin'?"
"Uh, yeah…" Kingsley said, slowly pulling out a handwritten list, a little intimidated for some reason (besides by Hagrid's size).
Here was a Custosae member, a member of an organization Arthur Weasley said was genuine, growing, and powerful. And now, seeing first hand the organization, formal and traditional type of greeting coming from Hagrid, someone he would have never thought able to apply himself that way, was a part of it: the umbrella that led and overshadowed the group he was now a part of, the Amici.
"Here's the list," Kingsley said, handing it over.
Hagrid took it and smiled.
"Great minds think alike," he said, reading the list.
Remis Lupin
Stephanie Somac
Joseph D. Moy
Forshaw Craw
Alastor Moody
Amos Diggery
Bill Weasley
"Can you people contact them, or do you need their locations?" Kingsley asked.
"Locations please, just to make sure," Hagrid said.
Kingley took to paper back and added their addresses and their jobs.
"I'll take this to the others an' we'll contact 'em. Thanks. Is there anythin' else?" Hagrid asked, taking the list and folding it before putting it into his pocket.
"No-no, I don't think so. Thanks for stopping by," he said, his curiosity having been met.
"No problem. Tell Torch to expect some letters soon, if not visits. He'll know about what soon enough," Hagrid said with a wave.
"Of course."
- -
Revlis had also been sent on his first mission that first week, the very same day Hagrid had left on his in fact.
Harry, Neville and Hermione snuck to the girl's bathroom on the second floor, Harry knowing exactly where the entrance was. The others (except Draco who was talking with Snape about the Dueling Club) were in the Come and Go Room, practicing spells and making a list of people to invite to the Club once it got formed.
They had a quick chat with Moaning Myrtle, but she dived into the toilet soon after spotting Revlis. She apparently didn't like snakes, the others couldn't blame her.
"Alright, just go in there and have a conversation. Don't do anything rash, I don't want him to hurt you or something," Harry said.
:Don't worry, I care about my well being too, you know: Revlis answered, before Harry stood up and said :Open, stairs:
"Good luck," Neville said, Revlis giving him a nod before looking down and spiral stairs.
"How is he supposed to get out? We won't know when he's done talking to the basilisk," Hermione said.
"The plumbing. That's how Riddle was planning to continue his attack before he decided to stop. He knew about the pipes and layout of the castle. I told Revlis that, he'll come to us when he's done," Harry said.
At that, Revlis went down, Harry closing the chamber soon after.
- -
The next day started out like any other. Draco and Harry were in the Come and Go Room, this being their excused hour from Lockhart's 'class'.
Dobby was spastic, teaching them how to properly -pop-.
"Like this sirs."
-Pop-
"You focus, draw in your magics and then release. Intent, intent is everything sirs. You must want and need to be somewhere else," Dobby instructed.
Harry and Draco both focused, trying to get on the other side of the room. But it still wouldn't work, no matter how they tried. They had been at this for three days now, and still no progress.
Draco paced, Harry stubbornly still focusing as Draco paused at the other side of the room, wondering why he couldn't pop again.
-Pop-
"You did it Harry Potter!" Dobby clapped.
"H-how?" Draco asked.
"I focused…" Harry paused, thinking, before an invisible light bulb turned on above his head. "I focused on getting to where you were," he said, both of them figuring out the problem.
"Dobby, go over there, I want to try something," Draco said. Dobby happily obeyed.
-Pop-
Dobby appeared on the far corner of the room.
Draco closed his eyes, focusing on getting to Dobby.
-Pop-
"Yes!" Draco shouted. "It's not a location, it's a person, an individual!"
"But… House Elves don't have to pop to people," Harry said, the three of them going to the couch.
"Yes we do, Harry Potter. We come to our masters when we are called," Dobby said. "Very young House Elves can only do that, until they get older and learn to pop without focusing on a person. Dobby's sorry for not thinking about that…" Dobby said, his ears sagging.
"It's alright Dobby, we didn't know either, and there wasn't any reason for you to compare us to young house elves," Harry said.
"So… for right now, me and Harry can only pop to people?" Draco asked, deciding to continue the conversation in hopes of getting Dobby out of a possible depression. "Will we later learn to pop to locations?"
"I think so Master. It is just easier to focus your magic to a person since your magic senses them," Dobby said.
"So, like a homing device?" Harry asked.
"A what?" Draco and Dobby asked.
"Oh, sorry, Muggle device. I mean, like a locator, a locator charm kind of?" Harry asked.
Dobby nodded. "And soon, when young sirs' magic is strong enough, you won't need a…um, 'homing device'," Dobby said.
"That would be cool," Draco said, noticing the time.
"Thanks for teaching us so far, Dobby. You're a great teacher," Harry said.
Dobby beamed, depression diverted.
Later that day, they met up with Neville and the others for another Custosae meeting (save for Hagrid who had some work to do), and it only took one look for Draco and Harry to know something had happened.
"Oh man, guys, you should have been there. It was the only time I was actually glad I went to that man's class. Neville he…man it was so wicked!" Ron said.
"What was?" Draco asked.
"Neville is like a chameleon!" Ron said. "Look," he said, taking Neville's hand. "Go on Neville, show them."
Neville blushed, but did as he was told, making his hand fade into the background, which was the floor and Ron's hand.
"Whoa," Harry said, Draco's eyes widening.
"Do you think…" Draco began.
"The bond with Revlis?" Harry asked.
"That's what it is," Hermione got in, "I looked up Silver Mambas, and they have the same ability."
"Awesome, Neville," Greg said, clapping him on the back.
"When do you think Revlis will be back?" Vince asked.
"I don't know, but I'm getting a little worried though," Harry admitted.
The others nodded.
"Well, he'll be back, but until then, I have good news," Hermione said. "McGonagall has given us permission to hold the 'secretive' club; she said the Headmaster had particularly liked the idea."
They had all spoken to who they had been 'assigned' to talk to, and Snape had said he might make an appearance to give some pointers, including Flitwick, McGonagall, and Sprout; all of them making the silent vow to keep Lockhart out.
Flitwick especially had been intrigued with the idea, and had given a list of students he felt would take this extra 'training' seriously, understanding their desire to only take in people who would truly desire to learn this, and not for the simple 'hey, I'm taking this, I'm cool' kind of reason.
Flitwick also agreed wholeheartedly with Harry in his reasons for wanting to do this. After what had happened in the summer, they needed to be taught how to defend themselves and others, and he also acknowledged that it would not be wise to openly tell and include every student. Sadly there were dark families, both in and outside of Slytherin.
"Great," Harry said. "And we have a list of students, so now we just have to spread the word."
"McGonagall said she and the other professors would handle it. They'll hold certain people after class and tell them. Those people will then tell the others," Hermione said.
"Wicked, it's like networks within networks, and they don't even realize it," Ron said.
"It's getting a little hard to keep it all in order though, but I think it's worth it," Hermione said.
"Yes, it is. With the Diary gone and Death Eaters within the Ministry, this is definitely worth it," Draco said.
"Alright, I got a reply from Torch. They've accepted," Ron said. "Breaker and Fire Ball are now in."
"Very good. Neville?" Harry asked.
"She said she'd think about it, but not before telling me that this is serious and to make sure I know what I'm doing… she's a little concerned, but at least is taking me seriously," Neville said, talking about Jean Burry.
"Alright, we might need to get her a contact sooner than we thought. We'll make sure that's done by next week," Hermione said. "Draco?"
"Snape said he's given Long Beard the letter replying to his last, you know, with the face to face meeting. Oh, and McGonagall has accepted. She met with Hagrid earlier today," Draco said.
"Very good. I've finished a few more letters. Remus Lupin, Alastor Moody, and Flitwick. I think after what Flitwick has done with us so far tells us we can include him with us," Hermione said.
"So who are their contacts, and when are we sending those letters?" Greg asked.
"Well, I know it's a little risky, but…Harry can be Flitwick and Lupin's contacts. He's already hit it off with them, so they should take him seriously, and with McGonagall being Lupin's other contact, and Snape being Flitwick's, it should be fine," Hermione said. "Moody's contacts will be Kingsley and Dumbledore. As for when they will get the letters… we can send the letters through the contacts, but I think for Lupin, Dobby will need to deliver his when he has time."
"Dobby has time," Dobby piped up.
"Thanks Dobby, you really are indispensable. I don't know how we would be able to do this without you," Hermione said, feeling bad about making Dobby work so hard for them.
Dobby beamed, tears in his eyes.
"It is Dobby's honor to help the noble Custosae," he said.
"Hmm, you know, I think Dobby needs a codename…" Vince said.
"I think you're right, how could we have overlooked that?" Neville asked.
"Um…I've also been thinking, but didn't know how to bring it up…maybe some kind of uniform or something…. The pillow case…" Hermione began awkwardly.
They all stared at her.
"I think Hermit's right," Harry said, breaking the silence. "Dobby, you need something else to wear. You can keep that on, but something over it might be a good idea," he said.
Dobby turned to Draco. Draco blinked.
"Postal," Draco said.
"What?" the others asked.
"His codename. He's like our messenger, a mailman. So, 'Postal' should be his name. He's our postal service," Draco explained. "And I agree. A nice, sleek, green and gold uniform would do nicely."
"Master's giving Dobby clothes!?" Dobby asked, horrified.
"You'll still be in my service, don't worry, I'm not setting you free, that is, unless you really want to be," Draco said, knowing Dobby wouldn't.
"Oh nononono… Dobby wishes to serve Great Malfoy Family, newly restored to the Honor it was originally meant to have," Dobby pleaded.
"Very well then, I'll order a uniform for you, green and gold," Draco said, a little amused by his house elf.
"Dobby has great master, and master has great friends who are friends with Dobby. How can Dobby be so lucky?"
"Good job, Draco. I think it's about time old families respected their helpers," Hermione said approvingly (though she didn't agree with 'slavery', after her time with Dobby, it was clear to her they didn't see it like that).
"Perfect," Harry said, though he refrained from giggling, postal also referred to crazy, and after Dobby's recent demonstration, it was a dead match.
"Postal…" Dobby breathed, eyes streaming with joy. "I shall deliver the letter now," he declared.
"Alright Dobby, you know where and stuff?" Harry asked.
"Of course, Griffin," Dobby said, going all out with the Custosae jargon.
"Alright Postal, good luck," he said, handing him Lupin's letter.
-Pop-
"We'll tell Hagrid to tell McGonagall about Lupin, or rather, Lunar. And Draco—" Hermione began.
"I'll tell the Dark Knight about Colossus, via Flitwick, being his new contact," Draco finished.
"I'll send the letter to Torch, who will go to Iron Man, and then to Moody," Ron said.
"Right. And Moody's codename is Peg," Hermione said, happy they were getting it.
"Then once we get their replies and they've said yes, hopefully, I'll make contact with Colossus and Lunar," Harry said.
"And while we're waiting, we will finish up the other letters," Hermione said.
"Do you think we made the right choice in the mirror idea with Long Beard?" Ron asked.
"I think it was the only option. There's no way I can physically be in the same room with him. For us to really do what we plan to, he can't know," Harry said. "At least, not for right now."
"We don't even know if he will agree to the two-way mirror idea, though," Vince said.
"Yeah, but I'm sure he'll take it, since we made it quite clear it's the only thing we will agree to right now," Harry said.
- - -
A few days later, Revlis finally returned, slithering up and onto Harry's bed in the dead of night.
:Master Harry: a voice hissed by Harry's head on the pillow. :Wake up, I'm back:
- - - - -
Custosae-
Harry- Griffin... ... ... Draco- Rikki-Tikki-Tavi (Tavi)... ... ... Hermione- Hermit... ... ... Neville- Fly Trap... ... ... Ron- Fire Ant... ... ... Vince- Sebastian... ... ... Greg- Silver Gargoyle... ... ... Hagrid- Little John
Amici Lucis Codenames
Amelia Susan Bones- Lone Lantern... ... ... AD- Long Beard... ... ... Snape- The Dark Knight... ... ... Arthur Weasley- Torch... ... ... Kingsley Shacklebolt- Iron Man... ... ... Bill Weasley- Breaker... ... ... Charlie Weasley- Fire Ball... ... ... McGonagall- Cheshire... ... ... Jean Burry- Nightingale... ... ... Alastor Moody- Peg... ... ... Remus Lupin- Lunar... ... ... Flitwick- Colossus
Allies
Griphook- Rook... ... ... Pixies... ... ... Dobby- Postal
----
A/N: For the full detailed network of the Custosae, Amici, and Allies, refer to my profile.
Next Part: The Pact
