Thanks so much for all the reviews of the previous chapters. They really encourage me to continue writing this, especially when it gets harder to find time. Especial thanks to my beta Summer Phoenix for checking this even through your cold, hope you get better soon girl :) Also, I'll update the George and Estella story next week if anyone is reading that and I'm in search for a beta for that story, so any suggestions are welcome.
Fifth Year
The Weasleys were now at the Burrow and tried to keep everything as normal as possible. Explosions could be heard from the twins' room, Ron and Ginny played Quidditch outside and everyone helped with the usual chores, but they knew that each of them was worried about their friends. No news arrived until the morning of August 31st when the headmaster contacted Arthur and announced that they would connect the fireplace at the Burrow to Professor McGonagall's office and use that to return to school. He gave no details of how the Snape move went.
The next day, after their mum gave them many hugs and reminders to behave (especially to the twins), they took their belongings and got in the fireplace. As they exited they saw McGonagall waiting for them.
"It's good to see you safe and sound. You may head to Gryffindor tower and put your things away. All students should arrive in a few hours, but I do believe Mr. Snape and his company are already here," she said before they hurried to exit the room. "Mr. Weasley, come back with Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy to talk about your prefect duties," the Professor yelled at the last minute so that a hastened Ron would catch the message.
The Weasleys rushed to the tower levitating their trunks. When they got there they found Dobby the elf who handed them a note remarking on his joy in helping Lily Snape's son. The note was short and to the point - meet us in the room for YPS general meetings. Think Headquarters.
They quickly dropped their bags in their respective rooms, changed to their uniforms and ran to the seventh floor towards the Room of Requirement. When they arrived, they walked into a replica of the living room at Godric's Hollow and saw their four friends sitting around and looking tired. Ron joined Harry and Hermione in a large sofa while Ginny and Fred sat on a loveseat. Draco had one of the armchairs and Ella who was sitting across from him stood to let George take her spot. He smiled and sweetly said, "happy birthday gorgeous," before sitting on the chair and bringing her to his lap. Everyone else relayed their birthday wishes, asked about presents, and enjoyed the moment, but eventually the room fell silent.
"Well, how did the move go?" asked Ginny trying to start a new conversation.
"Fantastic," said Harry sarcastically.
"Harry," said Estella and Hermione with kind tones.
"Sorry, it was just weird. We practically emptied our houses, all that's left in there are the beds and a few chairs and tables. Our home is supposed become a safe house for The Order since my parents and Dumbledore have put loads of wards and protective charms around it. It's just… just strange," he said gloomily.
"Harry," said Hermione and moved her hand to his arm to comfort him, "it's alright, it's just different, we'll adjust."
"I'm sorry, I should know going to your house was probably worse," said Harry trying to smile at her.
"You went to your house?" asked Ron rashly letting out some of the mixed concern and anger he felt as he endured all the bloody comforting between these two.
"Yeah," answered Hermione. "I took all my clothes, mum's photo albums, dad's coin collection... and all their books. We left the house and furniture ready for sale. Lily said she'll take care of it and get your brother Bill to exchange the pounds for galleons and put it in Gringotts for me."
"What about you two?" asked George looking at Estella and then Draco.
"Well they knew we went to the mansion and I packed, so we didn't go there. Severus and Dumbledore just took Harry and me to meet an old professor who'll be the new potions master and head of Slytherin."
"And where would I go?" said Draco. "The Manor? Reckon that wouldn't go so well. Mum just got money from Gringotts and bought all new things for us. She'll move in with Aunt Dromeda and her family in a couple of days."
"Well… as much as chatting about my birthday and this last week is… interesting, I hope you two asked us to meet secretly for a reason," said Estella looking at Harry and Hermione.
"Right, well, I asked Harry to call this meeting because I'd like to restart the Young Phoenix Society this year. With everything that happened I think we need to learn as much as possible to defend ourselves and teach other students," Hermione replied.
"How? Half the small group leaders are gone and Ely and the Snapes coordinated everything," said Ron.
"Actually that's not true. When Ely was gone Mel, Ella and I talked to the Snapes and organized everything to open the YPS to more students. Then Ella and Harry were chosen leaders and they planned the large sessions with help from Severus and Lily until Ely came back. They can do that together and we can choose new small group leaders and continue what we started," answered Hermione.
"I don't know… look where everything got us last time. Ely, Mel and Sam died, Ron got injured and Severus and I were cursed… all because we went to fight like reckless heroes. Plus the Snapes and Ely really were the ones behind all the lesson plans… I just don't know," said Estella standing up and refusing to look Hermione in the eye.
"I'm sorry, the members we lost are… irreplaceable, but if we hadn't had those meetings it would have been worse. I would have never been able to duel them without the training. We survived because of the YPS, plus you and Harry already knew a lot of the things Ely and the Snapes shared. I know that you two have loads more that you can teach us. And I can help research and practice more spells and defensive techniques, we all could, right?" asked Hermione clearly pleading to the rest of the group.
"Yes, we could. Hermione is right. I couldn't have fought the way I did without the training," said Ginny convincingly. The other Weasleys and Harry agreed.
"Pretty boy?"
"You'll never stop the name calling, will you sassy girl? Anyhow, I reckon Granger's got a point. You know I'm not the fighting type, but if there's no other choice, I want to be prepared. Plus you do know more, you should teach all of them what you and Ely taught Mel and me,"
"What's that?" asked Ron.
"Extra things and I started teaching Harry and George," answered Estella looking at Draco.
"You did?" asked George puzzled.
"Well it wasn't official for you, it sort of happened when we would… umm..." she uttered almost stammering and blushing as she looked at him.
"I think I know where this is going and we need no details in front of our baby sister," said Fred.
"Shut up Fred! It's not like I didn't catch them snogging at Godric's Hollow! And I'm not a baby, I'm not even that much younger than you!" snapped Ginny.
"Yes you are," said all the Weasley boys simultaneously.
"Alright, back to the point. Estella... I think Ely and Mel would have liked us to continue, it was his idea to begin with. We have to make sure we recruit students for the good side," stated Hermione.
"Ely did say that and I reckon this isn't any more reckless than going to the manor. Alright you win, I'll help. But I have one condition," said Estella.
"What?" asked Hermione.
"Harry and I will lead large group meetings and oversee training. But we have to choose new people to keep track of the progress of each member, everyone's schedules and all the pesky details Ely set-up. And we'll need loads of help researching and learning new spells since we'll be busy with some training on our own and watching those memories,"
"Wait a minute! Are you trying to say that just you and Harry will watch those? I took the memories to headquarters and got hell from mum! I better get to watch them!" said Ginny outraged to be on the verge of being left out again.
"Some of those vials had my mum's name on, so I get to watch also," stated Draco firmly.
"We all deserve to!" added Ron.
"We're watching them too!" exclaimed the twins in unison.
"Fine! Then we need to set-up times to watch them together," said an annoyed Estella.
"Good, now we can work on the details to reopen the YPS and choose the new leaders. Then we'll figure out the memories," said Hermione who already had a load of ideas about the new set-up of the YPS. Estella sat on George's lap and again and the group began to discuss the assignments to revamp the Society and when to watch the memories. Once done, Hermione, Ron and Draco left together to catch up on prefect duties with McGonagall, while the rest headed to their houses. George and Estella stayed behind saying they would join them at the feast.
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The opening feast began with all students shocked at George and Estella who arrived at the Great Hall together, holding hands and gave each other a kiss on the cheek before heading to their respective tables. The Gryffindor-Slytherin romance would be part of incessant talk for weeks.
The feast continued with the sorting of new students and Hermione was quick to point out the smaller number of first-years she saw. The sorting itself didn't take long, but when that was done the hat gave a long speech about uniting to fight new obstacles and how each student must stay strong and live to their full potential.
"Easy for it to say, it's a hat," said Ron. Hermione smiled at him and Harry also smirked.
Soon after, they ate their fill and then the headmaster started his opening of the year speech.
"The beginning of another year… there is so much that I would like to say to you tonight, but first I must introduce our new staff members. Professor Remus Lupin, our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, and Professor Horace Slughorn who will be retake his old post as Potions Master and Head of Slytherin. Please give them a warm welcome." Both professors stood at the call of the headmaster and the entire hall clapped, but was also filled with murmurs. It was clear that making up reasons for the Snapes' replacement had become a major topic of gossip for the night and that several Slytherins enjoyed the loss of the two professors.
Harry felt overtaken by sadness and anger. For the first time in his life he was at Hogwarts without his parents. A couple of years ago, he would have been thrilled to not have them around to nag and watch over him. But now, knowing his dad was dying, his mum was distressed and pregnant, and everyone was talking about them, he felt like running away. He just wanted to be with them while they home-schooled him in Hogsmeade. He didn't even care about what his dad had done anymore, he just wanted things to be normal again; he wanted his life, his family, back.
Hermione noticed the twisted brow on his face and his clenched fists and simply murmured, "It'll be alright Harry."
"Now, I must acknowledge the regrettable losses that we suffered at the end of last year," said Dumbledore looking at each of the long tables. The entire hall went completely quiet and everyone listened eagerly, waiting for an explanation.
"Words cannot truly depict what each of us has experienced because of the attack on the Hogwarts Express. Twelve unique people, four aurors and eight of our own students are missing from our lives because of it. Tonight we show our respect to Aurors Tamara Anderson, Lester Newarton, Joseph Parker and Donald Randwrick and to our students, Melinda Cooper, Cedric Diggory, Chloe Edgecombe, Mia Finch-Fletchey, Nicholas Jones, Camilla McLaggen, Samuel Roberts, and Ely Swanson."
At the mention of the names of friends that many had avoided saying since the beginning of summer, soft sobbing echoed throughout the large hall.
"Their loss has impacted us all. Some of us knew them as friends, others as mentors or tutors; some had the pleasure of instructing them, while to others they were family. Each of these students had goals and dreams and set an example for us. Melinda Cooper was a remarkably dedicated young woman. She fulfilled Prefect and then Head Girl duties with incomparable kindness and modesty. She was set to begin a rigorous training in Magizoology after marrying Mr. Swanson."
A loud sob from Hagrid broke the solemn speech, "Amazin' with creatures," he said as he tried to regain composure and allowed the headmaster to continue.
"Cedric Diggory, was an exceptionally hard-working and honourable young man. He was a fierce friend and his plans included training for the Irish Quidditch team and a part-time post in the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes."
And so the headmaster continued telling his students about Chloe's poise and her wishes to be Assistant to the Minister, Mia's wits and how she was looking forward to her OWLs year, about how Nicholas had made so many friends in his first year that his popularity rivalled that of any student, about Camilla who loved to fly and wanted to try out for Quidditch in her third year, about Sam who had to redo his seventh year because of a sudden illness, but as a result scored some of the best NEWT marks the school had ever seen and was accepted to one of the most prestigious Auror academies in Britain. And finally he talked about Ely Swanson.
"Ely Swanson was a brilliant young man who viewed duty to his studies, the rules of the school and those he loved as his life priority. He was highly skilled in many areas, but his favourite subject was Muggle Studies. He proposed last term and was planning to be married to Melinda Cooper in late June and then follow in his father's footsteps and begin training to be an Unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries. I ask you to hold a moment of silence to pay respect to all these talented young people," said the headmaster.
Most of the students' faces were filled with a myriad of emotions, grief, fright, fury and all that comes when you face the loss of people you knew and cared about. But hints of cruel sneers marked the silent faces of a few Slytherins as Dumbledore continued.
"I do not tell you these facts about them so that you can feel sad or angry or guilty. I tell you their stories because soon you might face the choice between what is right and what is easy. Soon we each will have to make a decision. So I ask you to always remember them, their bravery, intelligence, kindness, and every good quality they possessed. But most of all remember their sacrifice, remember that they died protecting others who were younger, or smaller, or simply those who they loved. The Ministry doesn't want me to share this with you, but a new group of dark witches and wizards, going by the name of The Black Hand, has emerged to fight in the name of the old war and Voldemort's bigotry. They were the ones responsible for the deaths the day after Christmas and they attacked the train, killed twelve people and injured many others, not some deranged wizard, not the Swansons, not the Snapes. Our students, our friends, died fighting courageously and if I didn't tell you the truth today, I would dishonour them," stated the Headmaster. He continued telling them to stay hopeful, work hard and to always follow their hearts. Then he dismissed them.
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The next week was hectic and frustrating for many of Hogwarts students, but Harry was beyond angry and outraged. His parents and the order had kept all that had happened in the Ministry throughout the summer a secret, and now it all hit him like bludger to the face. The Daily Prophet described everything, the attack on the train and the events of the summer, but in the most twisted and false of ways. Lucius Malfoy had been named top advisor to the Minister and had involved his dad in the train attack. He had testified against Severus and brought to the table Snape's history as a death eater and his magical experiments while serving the Dark Lord. He had accused him of killing Voldemort simply to take his place as the most powerful dark wizard in Europe, and charged the Swansons as Snape's top accomplices.
Even worse, Lucius Malfoy pressed charges against Estella and the twins for breaking into his home and kidnapping his wife and son under Snape's orders. Investigations regarding Severus' involvement in all the murders and the break-in at Malfoy Manor had only been halted recently by Lily who sided with Dumbledore as a new member in the Wizengamot and brought evidence to dismantle the lies. She personally took over the defence of Severus and Estella and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley arranged a solid defence for the twins. Worst of all Marcus McDavol had begun training as an unspeakable and his uncle Pertricus had started a proposal to replace Dumbledore as headmaster.
Harry seemed to be on the verge of exploding constantly. Most of his time was spent in lessons, training and planning with Estella, or simply avoiding the gossip around the school. He tried to relax around Ron and Hermione, but half of the time they ended up receiving the nasty attitude that erupted from his anxiety. He always followed any outburst with sincere apologies.
Hermione busied herself with school work, prefect duties, and trying to deny the lies from the Prophet. She had quickly read every summer issue of the newspaper and began to study the workings of the Wizengamot with devotion. Every so often she would owl Mrs. Snape and Mrs. Weasley with ideas for the defence of Severus, Estella and the twins. She also led the efforts to have the first YPS meeting of the year within the first two weeks of school and hounded all students who were members last year to decide on who they would invite to join.
Ron tried to keep up with them and deal with all the questions that gossipy idiots seemed to randomly throw in their direction. He still felt awkward around Hermione since seeing her made him remember the shower morning. She wasn't much better than him when they were alone, and a clear blush came to her face any time their eyes would connect. This was especially true when they would engage in a row, which seemed to be happening as often as ever. They fought about the elves, lessons, homework, how to perform prefect duties properly and even how to respond to the gossip around school.
In a way he enjoyed getting a rise out of her, but still he tried hard to have fun and relax with her, even right after the fights. Unfortunately, there was one part of the day when Ron felt completely subdued and unable to even look in Hermione's direction, not even to argue, and that was their time in potions. Professor Slughorn was alright, in all truth he was easier than Snape, but he had a unique way to get Ron to feel inadequate from tip to toe. The old man seemed to be almost in love with Hermione and her brilliance, and off course he adored Harry because he was a Snape.
"Gifted as your parents I would expect," had said the professor.
But what truly bothered Ron was that Slughorn seemed to also worship Draco, who had learned all sorts of things from Estella and begun to rival Hermione in knowing the answers to Sluggie's questions. It was particularly annoying to watch the professor ask Harry and Hermione to partner with Malfoy and say, "I can't wait to see what you three can accomplish together!" Off course the professor also invited them to a dinner party and left him out of it.
'I can't believe he grouped them with the bloody blond! We've always been partners in lessons! Now I get to work with Neville and Finnigan, dammit! Harry is rubbish at potions! He should be my partner!' thought Ron in class as he watched Hermione talk with Harry and Malfoy before adding ingredients to their potions. Meanwhile Neville burned through his cauldron for what seemed like the millionth time and Seamus' potion exploded and left all three of them looking ridiculous and covered in ashes.
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On the second Saturday of the term they got ready for their Young Phoenix Society Meeting. Hermione was nervous, she really didn't want to repeat the story of her parents and Christmas for the potential new members, but she would if it was needed. Her eyes fell on Harry who was obviously restless as he practiced what he would teach today and then there was Estella who continued to practice the spell to obliviate those who decided not to become members. The twins were their normal selves and felt compelled to lighten the mood at all cost.
"Future branch leader Weasley, could you share the secret for beating hands of terror?" asked Fred.
"Well yes future branch leader Weasley! Use the patented tearing dung bombs and decoy detonators, and keep a girlfriend that can beat them to a pulp," answered George in the silliest of tones.
Everyone laughed and Estella seemed at the most relaxed state they had seen her all morning.
All in all the last minute coordinating in the Room of Requirement went well. Hermione had managed to make a good team with Ron and Draco, and was feeling really good about the upcoming meeting. Ron on the other hand simply said "at least the git can be useful sometimes," still annoyed at the recent popularity Draco had achieved with everyone, especially Hermione and Ginny. At three in the afternoon the other members and the friends they had invited arrived.
They were surprised at the number of people that came. Hermione had been assigned the task of starting the meeting and did an excellent job at explaining how Ely Swanson started the Young Phoenix Society to help defend muggleborns from the Christmas attack. This led to questions about how he knew of the attack in the first place and Estella and Draco explained their spying roles. Then came all the questions about the train attack; and arguments burst all over the room until a loud "Enough!" echoed through the place. Hermione stood tall in front of them. "Do you really think I would side with them if they were behind killing muggles, if they had anything to do with my parents' death?"
"That's it! Anyone that came here expecting to hear the details on how the Grangers, the Swansons, or any other person died, clear off!" said Harry firmly
"Same goes for whomever wants to gossip about the reasons why the Snapes are not teaching this year. Dumbledore told you the truth about the Black Hand. Our families didn't kill anyone, if you believe us stay, if not like Harry said, clear off!" added Estella.
"Did you really knock down six of them at once?" asked Justin Finch-Fletchley looking at her.
"She did, even though McDavol had cursed her," said George taking hold of her hand.
"Is it true that you fought your father?" asked Padma Patil looking straight at Draco.
"Yes, I saw him," said Ginny, "He held his ground."
"Harry helped fight him too," added Ron.
"And Harry can cast the Patronus charm and send it in corporeal form with messages," said Luna Lovegood dreamily.
"And they taught us how to make untraceable portkeys last year," added Dean.
"And how to cast stronger shields," said Neville.
"Did you lot really break into Malfoy Manor?" asked Marcus Belby excitedly, looking at the twins.
"You make it sound like we're great and everything will be fine. But, it's not like that. When they attacked the train we fought but barely survived until more help came. Ely, Mel, Sam and five other students died, Estella and my dad got cursed, and Ron and a load of other people got injured. I know we were all there, but do you really understand what it's like? What it's like when they hurt people you care about, it's..."
"Horrible... to see your little sister running right behind you and then fall completely lifeless," said Cormac.
"Or your favourite cousin," said Justin.
"Or one of your best mates," added Colin.
"Or your boyfriend, we get it, we really do Harry," stated Cho.
"So, like Dumbledore said, we have a choice, leave and forget about it or fight the Black Hand to make it right," said Hermione.
"I understand everything, the pain because Chloe died, and fighting to make it right. But, how can we trust Slytherins when none of them got killed? How can we trust them when they are a part of it?" asked Marietta Edgecombe looking straight at Estella and Draco.
"Not all the Slytherins left the attack without a scratch. Ella was cursed horribly, it took weeks to recover, and if you are going to give her a hard time leave," answered George.
"And Draco's mum was trapped and tortured because he fought on our side," added Hermione, "That's why we broke into the Manor. Make a choice, if you want to stay you can, if not Ella will walk you out and erase any memory related to this meeting."
Only five left and the new large group discussed the mission of the YPS, approved the new leaders and reassigned members. They tried to keep members that were grouped together last year with the same leader, but they also used random selection from a hat as needed. In the end they hung the big parchment with a statement of purpose, society structure and all their signatures right on the front wall of the room, and placed pictures of their loved ones who died next to it. The parchment read:
Young Phoenix Society
The Young Phoenix Society was founded by Ely Swanson in 1994 to fight the terror that the Black Hand began spreading through the wizarding and muggle worlds. We miss and honour all those who have been victims to the Black Hand's hatred. In their memory we train and fight to bring peace and get to share a world where everyone is given the right to live freely and seek happiness.
Society Heads
Harry Snape and Estella Swanson
Lead Organizers
Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy
Branch Leaders and Members
Harry Snape - Cho Chang, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, Nigel Westpur and Blaise Zabini
Estella Swanson – Neville Longbottom, Colin Creevey, Marietta Edgecombe, Lee Jordan and Padma Patil
Hermione Granger - Terry Boot, Thaddeus Boot, Ernie McMillan, and Parvati Patil
Ron Weasley - Lavender Brown, Justin Finch-Fletchey, Anthony Goldstein and Susan Bones
Draco Malfoy - Marcus Belby, Cormac McLaggen, Angelina Johnson and Ginny Weasley
Fred Weasley - Daphne Greengrass, Alicia Spinnet, Michael Corner, and Dennis Creevey
George Weasley - Luna Lovegood, Katie Bell, Hannah Abbot and Zacharias Smith
Phoenixes outside Hogwarts
Leah McDowal
Christa Moyne
Fallen Hogwarts' Friends
Melinda Cooper, Hufflepuff
Sam Roberts, Ravenclaw
Ely Swanson, Ravenclaw
Cedric Diggory, Hufflepuff
Chloe Edgecombe, Hufflepuff
Mia Finch-Fletchey, Ravenclaw
Nick Jones, Gryffindor
Camilla McLaggen, Gryffindor
Other Friends Who Passed in the fight with the Black Hand
Tamara Anderson
Tobias Anderson
The Grangers
Abigail Lewis and her two muggle sisters
Alicia Moyne
Leonard McDowal
Muggles at the New Piccadilly Café
Lester Newarton
Joseph Parker
Donald Randwrick
The Swansons
Prudence Turner and her muggle family
Once they had finished the parchment placement, they broke into groups and began their first practice. Those who were there the previous year helped the new members with their protective charms, important DADA spells and the basics for making portkeys. Everyone's mood improved, they had a purpose and Hermione thought that if her parents could see her they might be proud of her.
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This chapter is sort of transitional and gloomy at times, but I hope it helps with setting up the rest of the story. It doesn't have the fun Ron and Hermione moments like the last few chapters, but I'll get back to that soon, promise.
Next Chapter: First viewing of the memories