The Leader

Chapter 73

"Go hunt, then have some rest," Harry ordered, as he walked into the room, that had dozens of crystals imbedded in the walls. Each of them broadcasting from another location. Malfoy manor, Hogsmeade, Hogwarts, Diagon Alley the works. They were keeping an eye on everyone just waiting on the opportune moment. Every capable adult had a six-hour session in the room at a time. Considering his vast enterprise, he wasn't without people to do their bit. They didn't get tired, but they did have lives, and boredom could get to vampires too so he didn't keep them watching too long.

"Yes, Sir," came their immediate replies, one scribbling on their paperwork, while the two others – Josh and Alan – handed him their own paperwork before leaving.

Takumi made a soft sound, "Skeeters is blonde, isn't she?" zeroing in on a specific screen.

"Yes, like the Lovegood and Malfoy families." Severus agreed, stepping forward, gaze seeking out what Takumi had saw, but he couldn't see anything at all. There wasn't anything remotely silvery blonde making its appearance on the screens at all.

"She is an Animagus, some sort of tiny creature that flies," Takumi told them, "I saw her here, before she turned her hair blue," he couldn't quite make out what she'd been, she was much too small, and the screen wasn't exactly sharp and perfect, unlike the magic that had been put into making them.

"Interesting, she certainly hasn't declared that in the eyes of the Ministry," Harry said, humming softly, "That's a one way trip to Azkaban for ten years, I believe." Which was ridiculous really, for hiding an Animagus form. The only way it should be penalised is if it was ever used to cause harm to someone. Then again, they wouldn't know which way to look if they weren't registered.

"She was here," the Japanese vampire pointed his finger at the screen, "We should see her around here unless she's transformed back into her Animagus form." If not for the fact he was a vampire and staring at the screen he would have thought she'd just Apparated but he'd literally saw her go from her Animagus form to her human form.

"Expecto Patronum Message as is follows: Rick, possible sighting, wait for more information," Harry commented, and the magical guardian shot out of the room, passing on the message to Rick no matter where he was. He had little doubt Rick would have the group together in mere moments. Tilting his face, he watched the scenes, his mind able to process what humans would miss in droves.

"Nothing…perhaps she's returned to her Animagus form?" Severus said, staring intently just as his bonded was.

"It's possible," Takumi pondered, "More than possible…I just cannot find her…unless she's changed the colour of her hair again?" watching for any sign of those ringlets in any colour, they were pretty unmistakable. How many people had ringlet curls? Then again, knowing this, perhaps she'd straightened her hair? It would be pointless to continue on with only changing the colour of her hair. "Look for black straight hair."

"Can they be paused?" Severus questioned, not having asked before, surely, they could, given everything they were capable of. Watching as the people went about their business unaware of their privacy being evaded.

"It can," Takumi and Harry answered quietly, having no need to raise their voice.

"There," Severus called out far louder than he needed causing both to startle a little, "Her red horn glasses, they're distinctive, she changed her appearance and forgot her classes."

"Easily done," Harry said shrewdly, recalling himself doing it during his younger years while playing the part of human Harry Potter. "Expecto Patronum as is follows: Knockturn Alley, beside Black candle, be quick, black straight hair, red horn classes." With that yet another Patronus sped off, to inform Rick of the message he'd been given.

Severus just watched it go awed with the strength and ability he had. To not need to speak aloud who it's to go to, indicates an immense focus and concentration. Not many had the ability to cast corporal Patronuses. It was more possible back in the day, naturally. Nowadays they believed it when they were told they weren't capable of it. If told often enough that you couldn't perform a particular magic, you believed it so they didn't even attempt to try. Foolish idiots they were, hampering their own magic, but that was what the Ministry and Dumbledore wanted. They wanted to be relied upon, saw as better, superior.

"That's them there," Takumi spoke, noticing them just north of the location they'd given them. "Good, they're being cautious, making sure it's not a trap, but she'd have been more obvious if it was."

"I believe so, yes, but if whoever is behind this, knows its vampires, they'll know we'll lock down on her scent easily." Harry pointed out grimly, although, it was well known that humans forgot the majority of what they were told. So, it's unlikely they'd remember everything about vampires, except that they drink blood. Of course, according to Hogwarts they didn't stop and killed the human they were drinking. Bullshit, they didn't all do that, to blame them all for something a few did was idiotically foolish. It's like blaming them all for the actions of Grindelwald and Voldemort. Yet they'd take umbrage at that, wouldn't they? But hell would descend upon them before they thought of vampires as individuals too.

"You think they're assuming we've worked together?" Takumi suggested, flexing his shoulders a habit left behind from his years as a human.

"If someone is behind it, it's possible." Severus deduced, "I mean all the good press we've been getting lately?"

"Severus and I will go to the main alley," Harry stated, "Keep watch, use the Patronus message system or get Josh to act as messenger." He was aware that not all his people had the ability to use the Patronus charm which was unfortunate. He attempted to help them for a while, but after a point you have to give up.

"Can I come? I would very much like to help now that I'm recovered?" Rachel asked, eager to do something, anything at this point.

"Keep watch with Takumi, there really should be someone else here," Harry stated, "But it can wait, they'll be here soon enough." They were due in about three or four minutes, he'd let them go early, to hunt and have some rest. Their replacements would be fully focused, which was needed right now. "Tak, don't stay unless you want to." Harry added, thumping the vampire on the back in camaraderie.

"Sir," Takumi inclined his head, in silent agreement as he watched intently as his people moved into position.

"Let's go," Harry said, moving out of the room, finding the replacements coming up the stairs as he moved. "Takumi is in charge; he will update all of you to what is going on." He informs them as he and Severus breezed passed them on the stairs.

Harry linked both his and Severus' hands together, silently asking him if he was ready, when Severus nodded, Harry wrapped them both in his magic and apparated them both to Diagon Alley. He was glad he had Severus, he'd been so lonely, and hadn't even realised it. He hadn't minded if he'd been able to do as he promised Kai he would. To rush in a new era where there was peace (even if he had to force it) and prosperity for all beings in the magical world. Allowing werewolves and vampires to come out of their caves and hiding in the underworld.

That was over, if it was the last thing in the world Harry accomplished, it would be that. They'd live a more normal life.

"What do you suggest now?" Severus murmured so quietly nobody, not even eavesdropping charms and spells would pick it up. He never took anything for granted, between animals that might not be animals, humans that might be listening in, and other creatures being able to listen too. Not all creatures were on Harry's side after all.

"Hmm, I am short on blood-pops," Harry said, might as well get two things done opposed to just the one.

"I'll get them," Severus replied immediately, checking to make sure he had a bag of galleons on him. Which he did so, it was compulsory for him. Almost as compulsory as having Potion ingredients on him. He hated waiting, it might sound odd coming from a spy. However, just waiting doing nothing and utterly bored was something he could barely tolerate. It was different when you were at a meeting, every second he spent there, he watched and waited while his heart pounded erratically. When you're that wound up, you are barely aware of the time passing.

"I'll get us a seat out here," Harry told Severus' back, who was already moving towards the sweet shop.

Severus inclined his head, the only indication he'd heard.

Harry moved over to the corner table and chairs, seating himself in the chair with the best view of everything and everyone. He was surprised there seemed to be no caution, suspicion or wariness of any of them. He couldn't hear anyone discussing the article, how intriguing. Perhaps there wasn't going to be any backlash over the article for them. Which genuinely fascinated him for sure, still, there was time though and he knew better than to be hasty. Perhaps he had just missed their initial conversation, and the fact it was still morning, and not everyone was an early bird like them.

"Harry! My Boy!" came the ecstatic sound of Albus Dumbledore's voice, somehow quietening the crowd almost entirely.

Harry blankly turned to face Dumbledore, "Still haven't learned from the last time? I am not your boy." A little sneer creeping onto his face, as his lips curled in disgust. Honestly, did Dumbledore think he would just bow down and let Dumbledore think he had certain sway in public? "Do refrain from being so informal."

"Harry! You really shouldn't speak to the headmaster that way," Hermione scolded him, haughty as ever.

Harry's gaze zeroed in on her, it looked like she'd re-grown that spine she lost from the last encounter with him. which he had to say was going practically the same way, "Don't you have any new lines to use? I mean honestly? If I want the same conversations narrated to me, I'd go and buy a parrot. Which by the way they'd likely have a more titillating conversation anyway."

"Just wait, you'll need the headmaster," Hermione said smugly, brown eyes gleaming triumphantly.

"Uh-huh, like you need him to help you get a job in the Ministry? Finding it difficult, are we?" Harry taunted her, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table, a bored countenance exuding from him.

Hermione's face flushed a florid red, her nostrils flared, angry at his dig. "At least I can get a job." She said trying to get one over him, but she knew it was weak at best.

"Yes, but can you keep it?" Harry asked her, his rejoinder immediate. "You really should see the reports that your superiors have on you, they do make the very best of readings."

Severus snorted from within the shop, "Now that is putting it mildly." She was intelligent, but she'd never learned to keep her mouth shut. Dumbledore and Minerva truly hadn't done her any favours, by letting her away with it. Now that insubordination (which they indulged in a show of favouritism) wasn't focused on her professors and headmaster, no, it was used in a job setting. Adults three times her age who were in no way desiring to be made to feel stupid by an insubordinate child of all things. He honestly disliked thinking of her, or the red headed menace she'd married. Thank Merlin, he no longer had to endure their company.

"Not even your marriage to Weasley has opened any doors for you, it? Did you honestly expect it to given the names practically synonyms with blood traitors. Ever wondered why the eldest had to leave the country to get a job? Honestly the name Granger would have heralded a greater respect and possibility of getting any well-meaning job in our society." Harry sassily stated, a half smirk adorned his face, relishing in the look on her face, oh, it was wonderful getting one over the smug bitch that she was.

"Oh, to be missing the look on her face," Severus murmured, giving the money over to the clerk, and plucking up the two boxes. "She didn't think of that did she?" too eager to abandon her Muggle heritage to make her mark in the magical world. It's not like she'd be the first female Minister or hell, even the first Muggle-born either. She was in no way remarkable. With that Severus left, making his way back over to Harry uncaring that they'd know him for what he was due to his unnatural speed. "Hmm, I didn't miss it, perfect." Practically purring that one word out, it wasn't often he saw her so befuddled.

"Severus," Albus commented, his blue eyes giving an appearance of looking through you, the twinkle slightly lessening at his arrival.

"He still believes that you would be easily manipulated without me there," Severus laughed quietly, "Albus," he inclined his head, as he took a seat next to Harry. Who he noticed had his wand in his fingers ready to react. He stiffened himself, ready to react to any threat. He wouldn't like to think Dumbledore was a threat to Harry, at least not yet. Dumbledore wholeheartedly believes in the Prophecy. He needs Harry for that, no doubt, so he'd never put Harry in any danger.

"At least he actually acknowledged you almost right away," Harry said wryly, opening one of the boxes and begun to gleefully rummage around until he found the yellow plastic covered lollypop. There! Perfect, he napped a blue one and handed it over. "You got the rare ones, you noticed." Very pleased as he plopped the dragon blood lolly pop onto his tongue, yum.

"Of course I did," Severus said, as if he wouldn't notice Harry's favourite items, it's not like he had a whole lot of things he really enjoyed. Blood pops were one of the rare things he actually enjoyed, not as much as actually drinking blood from humans naturally.

Hermione grimaced watching them, the looks they gave each other, it was almost as if they were lovers. Which was wrong, disgusting and immoral. She had to be wrong, they must just be friends, good friends perhaps? There was no way Potter would be gay, he had a duty to carry on his name.

"Still attempting to have the magical world think you're a parental influence in Harry's life, Albus?" Severus asked, crunching the lolly to pieces before putting the pieces on his mouth. Discarding the stick in the box, he chewed the remnants using his tongue to get a good taste of the blood. Yes, Harry had noticed his own preferences, Abraxan horse, almost had that aftertaste of whisky in it. "Not good form that, especially after the last attempt left you looking entirely too foolish." If felt so good being able to talk to Dumbledore like that without worrying about the backlash.

"Not to mention everyone heard and it was reported in the Newspaper," Harry added, "Honestly, Dumbledore, do you gave your special members that stubbornness too?"

The whispers started up immediately at that, not that Dumbledore would be able to hear those remarks. Not at least without an eavesdropping charm, which would get a bit too much for a human. It was no problem for a vampire to retain all information but a human couldn't retain it all, even with the best of efforts. Their minds could only process so much.

He might not know what they were saying, but he was looking around, blue eyes cautious.

Severus pursed his lips, coughing to hide his laughter, "Now, Harry, do not be too obstinate, you wouldn't want to utterly wreck Dumbledore's life." 'Special members' they were going to a very gross place right now. Although, it was truly alright with him. Dumbledore was a collector, he collected at least four or five special students per year whilst they're at Hogwarts. "I'm sure he's been too busy to collect any special members these past years." Unable to help but dig it in.

Plus, the look on Dumbledore's face was comically amusing.

"Other than Lavender Brown, Colin Creevy, and Barney Weasley," Harry threw out, "Wonder what Dumbledore sees in them?"

Hermione couldn't help but be grateful that her husband wasn't there for this. He would have already stupidly attacked Harry. Likely would have gotten hurt too, and it wasn't something they could afford right now. The negative press, not injury, Poppy could get him fixed up in a jiffy. That's if she's there, more and more frequent of late, she seemed rather tired of dealing with the injuries the Order got while protecting their world. "They're very talented." Hermione couldn't help but comment.

"Oh, yes? At what exactly? I mean I can only imagine if it can make Albus Dumbledore sit up and take notice, I mean he's what over one hundred years old…" whistling as he shook his head.

Severus couldn't think to hide his laughter this time, it was disgusting really, he shouldn't be laughing. However, he had never seen Dumbledore completely stunned, so much so that he was just gaping. Horrified by what they were insinuating let alone saying and more so over what the bystanders could be possibly hearing.

"What are you talking about?" Hermione asked, staring at Harry as if he were something rather strange. She didn't understand his words or why he was saying them. She also didn't understand professor Snape's reaction to the words either. Were they just being awful? "They're intelligent, powerful and capable of more than you can fathom! More than you!"

This was where Dumbledore grimaced, now that was definitely not true, comparing Harry Potter to anyone was unfathomable. He was singularly capable of being the most powerful wizard in the magical world. If he was Tom Riddle's equal? Then yes, most definitely capable of more. Tom was destroyed because of the Horcruxes, less powerful, insane. But Harry? Young? Creature blood in his veins? Yes, very likely the most powerful wizard in the magical world. Even he didn't hold a candle to the boy, and it made him sick to confess as such even in his own thoughts. It meant the boy was a danger, but until Tom was destroyed, there was nothing he could do.

While Dumbledore grimaced, Severus and Harry laughed uproariously. Hermione flustered at their reactions, puffing up in that 'superior than you' way glaring at them. Monsters, the pair of them, utter monstrous. She couldn't wait until they were all destroyed so they couldn't hurt anyone else in the world.

"While it's lovely that you're sticking up for your friends we have gotten largely off topic," Albus said, praising and chiding Hermione, mostly for the public to see how 'loyal' the girl was. "Our last conversation did not go the way I had hoped either. Unfortunately, you've been ignoring my letters and avoiding Wizengamot meetings." Blue eyes filled with disappointment, his patented look if you like. He was largely unaware of using it, it was often used and thoughtlessly so.

"Hardly surprising it didn't go the way you desired," Harry said dryly, "You thought I was naïve and foolish and utterly stupid. Needless to say, I found myself amazed by your reactions, they were and remain to this day some of the most entertaining memories I have. Yours too, wouldn't want to be neglectful." A bland smile appearing on his face.

"Listen," Albus said sternly, his voice raising just a tad, the moment he stood at the desk, his wand was out waving intricately, Harry and Severus had their wands out immediately, and Hermione half a minute later. She didn't dare actually use a spell unless she knew she had to. "The Dark Lord is a danger to us all, he needs to be destroyed, you must begin to fulfil your destiny." Not ready to let everyone hear what he had to say.

"You truly find no irony in trying to force me to listen to you when you refuse to listen to me?" Harry said dryly, eyes gleaming as he lost patience quickly. "I told you the last time we met that I would not come with you. I would not work with you. I would not be taught anything from you. I emphatically refuse to do what you see is my 'destiny' do you understand?"

"Please," Albus said, his tone desperate, smacking his hand down, leaning forward, "We need your help."

Harry blinked, utterly dumbfounded, never in a million years had he expected Dumbledore to beg.

"You smell of death," Harry said, reeling back, utterly bewildered, his eyes zoning in on the arm, he could smell the Declay. The silencing spell Dumbledore had up waned and sputtered to a stop, as the volume increased.

"Albus?" Severus declared, silently demanding an explanation, already having a good idea what spell it was. It wasn't until Harry mentioned it that Severus finally understood what that scent was. He'd never really been around decaying flesh before, the closest he'd gotten to it was Gilderoy Lockhart's dead body, but it hadn't even begun to decay before he was gone. "What is going on?" was there a far more desperate reason Dumbledore had been waiting for Harry? Perhaps a ward honed in on Harry's magical signature around the Alley? He felt no sadness for whatever the old fool had gotten himself into. Or pity, as far as he was concerned, the moment Dumbledore sent him to death…that was when he ceased to feel anything for him or his bloody Order.

Harry cocked his head to the side, observing everything, all of Dumbledore's emotions. His fear, his dread, his panic, the desire to finish what he started. He truly was desperate; it was amusing to feel that from Dumbledore who was so used to getting his own way. So, much so that he'd likely never felt this feeling of desperation in…Merlin, who knows how long? If ever.

Hermione just looked confused, staring between Harry, Severus and the headmaster, and the arm they were looking at. As if she expected a picture to pop up and everything make sense again. Nothing had made sense for a long time now. Worse still, she couldn't hold down a job, she'd finally gotten one as a tea girl (the Minister was one before he became the Minister) but she'd barely lasted a fortnight. She had to correct them when they were wrong, and she was sure they appreciated it. She was smarter than them, it would only be a matter of time before she was given a promotion. She'd been so sure that was why she'd been called into her bosses office, vibrating with excitement to see her new duties. Only to suffer the disappointment and shame of being told she was dismissed.

"We've got her," Rick's voice was clear as anything even with the chatter from the background, "Heading to the warehouse."

Harry glanced at Severus, arching a brow, did he desire to stay and find out what this was all about? Or did he want to return with him and just cease all contact? Put a stop to Dumbledore's manipulation, and despite his desperation…he was manipulating this outcome.

"My boy…please," Albus said, hand raised as he stared pleadingly at the young Lord. Elation flowing through him, finally he was getting to him.

Severus shook his head too quickly for the humans to even observe.

"No, manipulate someone else." Harry declared, before he apparated before Dumbledore could think to stop him, Severus naturally followed right behind him.

He had followed the Dark Lord sure of his place in the world. He had followed Dumbledore out of guilt and to right his wrongs. For the first time he was following someone who held the same belief's and let him make his own decisions regarding everything he did. Refusing to even tell him they were mates to grant him the freedom of choice.

It's fun to write this actually, I've likely said it a million times :D but despite the muses not being fully blown it's fun to write but it's sad that it will be coming to an end, is there anything in particular you actually want to see happen/in the story before I finish it? Only get so long to make a suggestion or forever regret it lol admit it none of you were expecting that were you? just how did it happen? R&R please