Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, objects, words, or anything else that comes from J.K Rowling's Harry Potter series as well as anything from the Star Wars franchise owned by Disney.
Warning: This story will contain scenes of violence, bad language, and maybe other themes that some audiences may find unsuitable. You have been advised.
'Mind Link Language'
"Regular Language"
"Communication Through the Mind, Communicator, or Parseltongue/Draconian"
'Thought or Spell'
The Grey Army
Chapter 5
"Is everything ready?"
"Yes, sir. Everything you asked for is in place. Materials, troops, and information."
"Good. What kind of response are we seeing from the targets?"
Harry Potter Hogwarts stood in his Orderian robes with his hood back, exposing his hardened face. Every member of the Grey Army stood around the table he was at the head of in the Chamber of Secrets. Their faces were revealed as well, stern expressions amongst all of them.
"Moving exactly as we predicted. All the pieces are in play." Draco replied.
Harry nodded in recognition. Everyone was able to tell that his mind was thinking through everything.
"Then as of this moment, we are in a countdown. All of you know the plan and what part you play. I trust each and every single one of you completely, not just as members of this organization but as my friends. I want each and every single one of you coming out of this. Lead your forces where needed. This won't be as easy as it was last time. The Ministry is sending everything it has at us along with the pretend lord. You know the Death Eaters like to play rough."
Seamus chuckled. "That mean we can take the kiddy gloves off?" He then pounded his right fist into his left hand.
The corners of Harry's lips upturned. "Each of you have full authorization to go full out. Obviously save some of our greater tricks if you can, but don't hesitate to use them if needed." His smile was replaced with his former stern look. "We are all coming back from this. Do you understand me?"
"We understand you, sir!" The rest chorused, and a smile returned to his face.
"Besides, it's not like we don't have quite a few surprises in store for them already." Blaise showed an almost evil grin that was soon reciprocated by many of those around him.
"That we do. Go, get your rest guys. We have…" Harry drifted off as he revealed the time on his gauntlet. "Forty three hours and counting before they arrive. When they do, we end this war."
"Only if you do the same." Seamus chuckled. "No use having you dead tired on the field."
Harry nodded. "Don't worry. I will."
Almost as one, the collective teenagers, excluding Lord and Lady Hogwarts, turned and stared at Daphne, much to Harry's chagrin and his wife's laughter.
"Oh trust me, I've already given him an earful, and he knows better than to reopen that argument." Daphne crossed her arms with a self-assured smile, placating the others.
"You know I'm right here." Harry objected, crossing his arms in defiance.
"Yep, and I'm very grateful you are. It lets you see how determined all of us are." Daphne leaned over, embracing her husband before leaning up and giving him a kiss on his cheek.
Immediately, his mood seemed to improve, and the pout on his lips was replaced with a goofy smile. "Fine. I won't worry you."
"Ahem." Neville coughed, everyone alongside him looking at Harry expectantly.
The raven haired boy rolled his eyes at his teammates' actions but finally nodded. "I won't worry any of you. I promise, okay?"
"You better not. Whenever it happens, my kids are going to need an uncle, and I refuse to explain to them that he got himself killed by being an idiot." Astoria warned while Draco's face seemed to pale a little at her words.
Draco, though, was saved by his future sister-in-law. "Isn't that a bit much, Astoria? You two aren't married yet, and last I checked he hasn't even proposed."
Okay, maybe she wasn't trying to save him.
"Just because we are bonded doesn't mean we have to rush marriage like you did, Daffy." Astoria snapped back.
Harry visibly winced. "Okay, it looks like a family matter has come up. Would everyone else please leave?"
"... for your own good." He muttered under his breath.
Seeing their chance, everyone excluding the two bonded couples hurried out as quickly as was polite. Seamus gave a pained look at Harry before closing the door.
"Lucky bastard." Harry grumbled again before turning to the couple near him and his wife. "Now, forgive me if I'm wrong, but there seems to be more going on here." He spared a glance over at Daphne. "Would any of you care to enlighten me?"
Astoria and Draco shared a look between themselves before each sighed together.
"We may have… um…" Draco started stuttering out but couldn't seem to finish his sentence much to Harry and Daphne's surprise.
"Mate, whatever is going on, you're my brother-in-arms. You're the first one I recruited into our ranks and have been by my side through it all. Now, please, tell me before I have to try to hold Daphne back from killing Astoria." Sensing Daphne's feelings through their link, he quickly added, "Emphasis on try."
Astoria merely locked eyes back with Daphne, though a slip of fear in her face did not do well against Daphne's icy glare.
Draco gulped and finally muttered quietly under his breath. Even Harry and Daphne's enhanced hearing couldn't make out what he said.
"What?" Daphne levied her glare on her future brother-in-law.
"We're already married." Draco spoke softly.
Well, apparently, her brother-in-law.
In an instant, her glare was replaced with shock, and Harry joined her. Silence descended on the room, and for over a minute it seemed none of them wished to break it. Astoria looked on at the other two in fear while holding her bonded's arm in support. Draco for his part kept his eyes low except to comfortingly pat at the arm entwined with his.
"When?" Harry finally spoke.
"About a month ago." Astoria meekly replied.
"Wh-why didn't you tell us?" He followed up.
"The war. We… with everything going on… we…" Draco replied.
"We didn't want to have something happen and have any regrets." Astoria finished for him.
The blonde teen nodded. "We eloped. We're still planning on having a real wedding, but you two should understand. Being bonded…"
"It's unique." Harry nodded back.
"That still doesn't say why you hid it from us." Daphne's tone gave nothing away, her full Orderian persona at work.
"Well…" Astoria drifted off for a moment. "We… didn't think you'd approve."
Immediately Harry and Daphne looked at each other.
"Even if we did," She began.
"It's not like we could undo anything." He finished. "After all…"
"As long as you two are happy." She continued.
"That's what matters." The two spoke as one.
Confusion delayed the other couple in front of them for a few moments before the words sunk in. Whether their confusion was based on Harry and Daphne's back and forth or their reaction, the Lord and Lady couldn't tell.
"So, you're not mad?" Astoria looked up at her sister.
"Oh, I'm furious." She growled. "I have told you a million times, never call me Daffy." Daphne almost spit out her hated nickname. Harry had to suppress a chuckle.
"As far as you two getting married, though?" She asked as she walked up to her younger sister.
"Congratulations." Daphne hugged her, squeezing tighter than she should have, but she did need to get her back for the Daffy comment.
Harry meanwhile went up and gave his brother-in-law a much more lighthearted hug. "Exactly. Congratulations."
Dumbledore stood, looking at his own reflection in the mirror. He wore a mixture of a suit that reminded him of his younger days with his now more commonplace, colorful robes. The stars shined brightly on its purple background. He quickly ensured his original wand was tucked in the robes of his wand arm, easily accessible with just a slight bit of wandless magic.
'Tonight, Tom makes his move and so do we. Even with his horcruxes in place, we can trap him until the time comes and they're destroyed. The boy may be trouble, but he and his allies won't be able to withstand a full out assault from both us and my other failed student.' The old wizard's eyes glinted for the first time in months.
The old wizard's face looked more carved from ash than flesh still. His time in Azkaban had not done him well. So many happy memories gone. So many failures left in his mind.
'By the end of this I swear, I will once more be the hero of the magical world, and all my mistakes will just merely be a thing of the past. I will get it all back. Every last bit.'
With that final thought, Dumbledore turned from the mirror and started making his way to where he and many of the other Ministry forces were to depart. Even the remaining members of the Order of the Phoenix would be joining them, though their numbers had been severely weakened by the fiasco surrounding Dumbledore.
Meanwhile, Voldemort sat in front of his subjects at the head of the table inside Gaunt Manor. His black robes as always hung off his slim figure, barely revealing his pale skin. His red eyes glowered at his head Death Eaters, the table emptier than it had been when he first returned to his body.
"Where are Bellatrix and Severeus?" He snapped, noting their absence.
Rodolphus cleared his throat and lowered his head towards the snakelike man. "I found a note this morning, milord. They have both run from the cause." His shame and fear were evident.
"What?! Why?!"
Rodolphus gulped and pulled out the letter that had been laying on his dresser that morning. "Apparently, with the Grey targeting your known lieutenants like Zabini, Nott, and even Malfoy, they have decided to try to escape the country…"
Voldemort seethed for a moment before he voiced his thoughts. "But why together Rodolphus? Neither seemed the type to betray us, let alone leave together!"
The dark lord's servant bowed his head in shame. "The letter details that they are… together, milord."
"You already told me that! I asked you why!" Voldemort stood with a sneer.
"My lord. I mean that…" Rodolphus paused to gulp. "Bellatrix has betrayed more than our cause. She has broken her marriage vows."
The entire table's eyes went wide in understanding, though many quickly found lecherous grins on their lips. Voldermort for his part merely sat back down, his face a stony pale mask.
"Once we finish our assault on Hogwarts and eliminate these fools, we will come for them. There is nowhere far enough for them to hide." The dark lord growled.
The two weren't hiding off in some far off land, however. Their letter had held truth in their relationship but not of their destination or true motives. It had come as quite a shock to Draco to learn that his godfather and aunt were in love.
Harry of course claimed to know nothing of it, despite "knowing their plan," but was obviously happy that one of his fathers had found some happiness in another soul.
Three hours before the assault was to begin, all of the British Grey Army along with the representatives from the goblins and centaurs as well as the American soldiers stationed at Hogwarts met in the Great Hall. Many of the most recent members were in attendance, including Flitwick and Sprout.
"Greetings. I thank you all for your appearance. Tonight, we end what we started on these very grounds. Tonight, we end this operation, Operation: Founding!" Harry raised his fist to the air, inciting a vicious fear. "This won't be the end of this war, unfortunately, but this is another great leap forward in our cause, the cause to let every magical species, whether they be human, goblin, centaur, or any other. Life is life and is granted to us additionally with magic. Magic can cause pain and death but it also creates and heals. Magic is not dark or light. It is everything."
The entire hall seemed to roar in cheer. The walls shook with their combined flare of magic, and even the walls of the castle seemed to be glowing faintly, as if the castle was readying itself of its own will for the coming battle. Outside the castle, the founder's familiars, Basiliscum, and even the Giant Squid bellowed and roared, joining in the elation.
"I cannot promise everyone will go home from this, but I give you my word that I will do all in my power to make sure that each and every one of you does. I am honoured to have all of you by my side. Let our enemies quake in fear, and if they do not, let them pay for their arrogance!" Harry paused, panting.
"Now, everyone, move out to your starting positions. Everything should be prepared already, but we should not take any chances. I'd rather not be caught off guard by our enemies arriving sooner than expected. Good luck, may the blood of your enemies flow, and let magic flow through you."
Everyone inside the hall instantly rose and started filing out quickly but in an organized fashion. Severus, Bellatrix, Sirius, and Remus stopped Harry and Daphne as they started to leave. Each was dressed in battle robes.
"I thought you couldn't help our generation, being the old Order?" Harry's brow furrowed.
"Like we'd ever let you charge into battle alone when we could help." Remus smiled.
"Merlin knows, James and Lily would kick my ass if I wasn't at your side." Sirius chuckled.
Harry turned to Severus.
"Your generation has broken so many traditions. Another one or two don't hurt." Severus wrapped his son in a hug. "You've grown so much, and I'm so proud of you. There's nowhere else I'd rather be."
Harry hugged his father back and smiled, his eyes watering. "Thank you," he whispered.
Severus smiled back at the man who once was a boy he rescued from a cupboard under the stairs. "It's my honour to stand at your side."
"Besides- can't let you have all the fun! This is going to be good!" Bellatrix cackled.
The former potions professor shook his head with a slight grin on his face. "Well from what Harry has told me of the plan, it definitely will be."
The young lord straightened up and nodded, the tears in his eyes gone. "Then let's get to it. It's time we show the world what we are capable of."
Hours later, the castle stood still. For all the energy and anticipation in the air, there seemed to be no life. No bodies, no creatures. Not even a corpse. The Whomping Willow and its friendly counterparts swayed in the breeze, marking some of the only sounds to be heard. The water of the Black Lake slowly raked back and forth across the shore.
Right on time, a dark cloud appeared to condense in the sky near this eerie scene of serenity but outside its wards. The black in the sky grew thicker and thicker until, finally, it appeared to press against the wards of the castle. The shield of magic stood still but inside there still was no movement. Death Eaters began ricocheting off the wards like bullets off of concrete. Despite their efforts, the shield held still.
The cloud descended, revealing Voldemort and all of his followers. He was sparing no one for this attack. They converged on the side of the grounds outside the main entrance gate. The dark lord stood at the front and pointed his wand, prompting the rest of his followers to as well.
'Confingro maxima!'
With Voldemort leading, their magic channeled through their wands towards the gate. Over a thousand spells rocketed forth.
Still, the castle's shields held, and inside there was no movement.
"Milord, something doesn't feel right. They may be cowards, but it's not like them to just let one attack them." Fenrir spoke from his leader's right.
Vodlemort chuckled. "They have not faced us in a fair fight, Fenrir, or should I say our version of a fair fight." An evil grin grew on the snakish man's face. "Continue the onslaught. Any word of the Ministry?"
Alecto Carrow spoke up, "Yes, milord. Our spies have spotted them making their way from the other side. They seem more focused on the Grey than us."
Voldemort's grin grew into a full, dastardly smile. "Good. Tonight, the Grey Order will be crushed, leaving nothing in our way to take over Britain!"
The dark forces continued their bombardment while on the other side, Dumbledore and the ministry began theirs. Fudge had opted to let the legendary wizard leave this battle so that he may better command "the overall picture." Neither wizard would admit Fudge's cowardice; Dumbledore was all too eager to get his revenge.
"Everyone, on me!" The old man yelled before pointing his wand at the rear entrance to the school.
"Bombarda maxima!'
The wards seemed to strain, their multilayered colors changing under the force of magic on opposing sides, but still they held.
"Why won't the wards fall? Surely they don't have so much power!" Fudge screamed as he leaned over his spot at the head of the table in the war room. It was deserted excluding the Minister, half a dozen aurors, and one of his undersecretaries, a young man whose name constantly escaped him.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that." A male voice spoke inside the room but none of the occupants could locate it. Immediately the aurors went on guard, and Fudge looked around manically, his eyes unable to stay on one spot.
"Guards, get me out of here!" The minister shouted as he continued to glance around.
When the first step was taken, the room immediately erupted in smoke, obscuring all vision immediately.
A moment later, muffled groans started erupting all around Minister Fudge, but he couldn't seem to find anything except the table at his back. After a few moments of silence the smoke disappeared as quick as it had come. In front of him, two of his aurors were collapsed on the floor.
"Nobody is here to save you now," Harry whispered in Fudge's ear. The Warrior was crouched on the table behind the man, his wand touching the middle of his opponent's back.
A chill traveled down the minister's spine followed by lines of urine down the front of his pants.
"You are to hand over all authority, effective immediately. The Grey Order controls the ministry of Magic and each of its departments. Am I understood, Fudge?" Harry's words bit out like a dragon.
The man could only nod in response.
"I said, 'Am I understood?!'" Harry roared.
"Yes! Yes! I understand! I grant you the entire power of the Ministry! Please don't hurt me!"
Harry smiled. "Thank you." A stunner impacted Fudge's back, and he collapsed in a pile on the floor. "Percy, grab Fudge, and take him to the minister's office. Prepare to send out a mass communication when I arrive."
"Yes, sir." Percy nodded before snatching Fudge's wand, throwing the fat man over his shoulders and merging into the shadows.
Harry revealed his gauntlet before calling the others. "Status update?"
"DoM secured." Seamus answered.
"DMLE under our control." Draco replied.
"Floos and wards are under our control." Daphne spoke.
Harry smiled. "HVT secured. Command transferred. Spring the trap."
The mostly deserted building suddenly went into lockdown. The Grey Order's spies had allowed easy access to the Warriors and the stragglers were no match for the well-versed Orderians. Many attempted to flee using their emergency portkeys but found them disabled, and floo travel as well as communication in and out was suspended all at once.
The Grey Army had within minutes secured the Ministry of Magic with not even a drop of blood spilt. Aurors were stunned or incapacitated rather than killed.
Harry emerged inside the minister's office and nodded at Percy who was poised in the shadows against the wall. Fudge was bound, laying in a pile in front of his desk.
"Ready for me?" Harry asked as he made his way to the desk.
"All you need to do is press that button there and you have the ear of all Magical Britain." Percy smiled, though his face was obstructed by his cowl.
"Thank you. I think this would be an apt time to share our success, don't-" The leader of the Grey Order was caught off guard for a moment and stumbled suddenly with what seemed no provocation.
"Harry, are you okay?" Percy rushed to him.
The teen just waved him off. "I'm fine. Don't worry. Voldemort and Dumbledore are really giving it their all against Hogwarts. The wards won't hold much longer. I can feel it."
"I'll let the others know to get ready to move to phase two, then."
"Good idea. As we discussed you are in charge here until reinforcements arrive. You shouldn't have any problems in the meantime, but if anything happens let us know. I'm not leaving you to fend for yourself."
Percy put a hand on his leader's shoulder. "I know, Harry, but don't worry about me. You trained us well. I'll do my part. Just focus on yours."
"Thank you, Percy." Harry clapped a hand on the other's shoulder. "Now, get going. The night is young, and there's much more left to do."
"Sir, yes, sir." Percy replied in mock rigidity.
Seeing Percy depart, Harry turned and pressed the indicated button on the desk. All at once, his voice was projected throughout the halls of the Ministry and on every magical wireless frequency.
"Attention all. This is Harry Potter, the leader of the Grey Army, calling from the Minister's office. The Ministry of Magic is under our control. I repeat: the Grey Army has taken the Ministry. We are not trying to perpetuate any further violence. All Ministry employees will be treated fairly and justly. Some will go to trial for crimes against humanity, but not for any slight against our cause.
"I urge every and all members of the Ministry outside the building to return home. Do not attempt to enter through the floos or any portkey you may have in your possession. They have been disabled. We will allow any who wish to accept our olive branch, the opportunity of peace. You can return here to help with the change in power once the battle of Hogwarts is finished.
"Yes, we know you are there, and if any of Voldemort's followers are listening, we know you are there as well. Guess where we will be next." Lord Hogwarts chuckled. "The war for magical Britain ends tonight, Tom Marvalo Riddle. The corruption of the light has ended. The dark will fall as well. The grey… arises."
Harry pressed the button once more before destroying the desk and leaving the room for the entrance to the building. Someone would be back to take Fudge away.
Once there, Harry along with his squad, Daphne, and her squad departed.
"Milord… Potter has taken the Ministry." Amycus Carrow spoke, afraid of his lord's reaction.
"What? The boy has fled! ARGH!" Voldemort screamed and thrust as much magic as he could against the wards to the school, his rage empowering the spell.
Finally, the shield broke open right at the front gate. Hogwarts had been breached.
AN: Hey everyone. Was hoping to get 5k words in this one but felt this was a better place to leave off. A little suspense never hurts, right? ;) I always love to see reviews with your thoughts to help me improve or just as motivation if you enjoy. Thanks for reading!
As Always
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