HP Notes:

Notes: Credit to Eminem "Lose Yourself". I should have said this before, but the story takes place in 2007.

Dialogue guide:

"Talk."
'Thoughts.'

"Other."

Chapter 2: Gathering Followers

One week later, Potter Manor

When it came time to collect followers for his cause, it wasn't the how that was hard. He already knew and Grindelwald provided excellent tips. It was the who. There weren't too few, there were too many. Muggleborns from Hogwarts or muggleborns off the streets? Both, maybe? Carefully selected purebloods? Maybe? Former teachers and classmates? Another maybe. That's a lot of people. However, managing that many people by himself is a bad idea. Grindelwald said one of his faults was trying to do too much. He needed generals, squad leaders, and even paper pushers if his revolt could be successful. Looking for inspiration, he opened Grindelwald's diary.

"Chapter Two: Gathering Followers

When gathering followers, you must remember that everyone has some sort of motivation behind their actions. Some examples are boredom, patriotism, rage, love, blackmail, "because I can", and the list goes on. There are many ways to gather followers, but the top five methods are desire for change, desire to join the winning team, love, patriotism, and blackmail. One of my most loyal followers is/was Krafft Carrow. At first, he was one of Dumbledore's minions but found it boring. He joined my glorious cause and told me he never felt so alive. Most of my followers came from Germany, a place where my ideals were already accepted. They wanted to change the world and fight for the freedom of their country and the freedom of others. Some people follow/followed me because they believed I could win. And I came pretty damn close, too. Some joined my cause because they wanted to take their anger out on someone else and get away with it. They are idiots who always ran headlong into battle and got killed, but they had their uses. Next, is Cassiopeia Black, aka. Cassie. She is/was my lover and would have followed me to the depths of hell. Vinda Rosier was another woman who loved me to death. I did not return the feelings but made full use of them as she would have done the same as my dear Cassie. Last, and certainly least, blackmail. One must be careful when blackmailing and/or threatening your followers. They will do anything and everything they can to make your life miserable without you knowing. A happy follower is an effective follower. An effective follower wins battles.

The methods above are the fine details of gathering followers. But before you can use them, you must first introduce yourself to your audience. An invitation to a fancy event always works. Be sure to include entertainment and make your speech at the end. Make your audience feel important, wanted. Make them feel like they belong with you. In 1941, I told everyone that I would be giving a speech about my ideals and possible next steps. Everyone was invited. Be charismatic and uplifting. Be flashy, and flaunt your skills. But do not become arrogant."

Harry closed the diary. 'Hogwarts, select purebloods, volunteers, and close friends. First stop: Diagon Alley.'

One hour later, Diagon Alley

The first thing Harry noticed was that the Leaky Cauldron was rebuilt. And the new design looked rather lovely. There was a plaque on the outside of the building with all the names of the people who died that day. He completely ignored it. Upon entering, he was amazed by the interior design. The furniture matched the walls, the liquor at the bar was well organized, there was a bulletin board by the front desk, and it even had a list of empty rooms. He also noticed the number of muggleborns. It seemed that his "pureblood purge" made them a little braver. Good. That didn't stop purebloods from glaring holes in their head. They blamed them for the attack last week. Too bad they were wrong.

Harry ordered a few drinks and noticed that everyone was staring at him. Unexpected, but not unwelcome. He did not have a speech planned, but that didn't stop him from creating the DA. "Hello everyone. Glad to see you're all doing well." He began to pace around the room. "I'll be honest with you. I did not come here to have some butterbeer and call it a day. I came here to deliver a message. I will be giving a speech in one week, on Saturday. It starts at 16:00 (4:00 PM) and takes place at the Potter Mausoleum. Portkeys will leave from here at 14:00 (2:00 PM). Everyone is encouraged to come. The only rule; is no fighting." Harry left without his drinks.

When Harry got back to his manor, he collapsed onto his bed.

One week later, Saturday, thirty minutes before the speech, Potter Mausoleum

Harry paced a trench in the mausoleum. Harry never liked crowds before, and he sure as hell doesn't now. His modified muggle smartphone played "Lose Yourself" by Eminem. "His palms are sweaty, knees weak. Arms are heavy, there's vomit on his sweater already. Mom's spaghetti." He checked the time. '15:50.' Ten more minutes until he makes his speech. He rehearsed it countless times over but couldn't shake the nervous feeling in his gut. Regardless, he powered through and walked onto the stage.

When he did, he saw hundreds of people. The expansion charms were beginning to strain. And every news reporter and radio station was here too. He even saw some Hogwarts people from all years. Success or failure, good or bad; Harry Potter made history just by gathering this many people together. Now he just had to convince them why they should follow him. He applied a sonorous to himself and entered the role of inspirational revolutionary. The whole crowd burst into whispered conversation when he walked toward center stage. 'Most of these people aren't old enough to remember Grindelwald. That makes it easier. He cleared his throat and the crowd silenced itself. "My brothers. My sisters. My friends. My peers. My teachers. Thank you for coming to this event. Everyone here knows my name. If they don't, they're living under a rock. "

The crowd chuckled. Harry took a deep breath. "How many of you watched or listened to the latest Wizengamont session?" 70% of them raised their hands. "How many of you know what happened?" Everyone raised their hands. "Good. That makes this easier. But before I continue, please remember that you are neither obligated nor forced to be here. You may leave at any time. Does everyone understand this?" The crowd nodded. "Good. I will now explain what I wasn't able to at the Wizengamont."

Harry took another deep breath and conjured a picture of the black family tree. "Before we talk about the Black family tree, let me give you the basics of genetics. As you know, the mother and father provide the child with their characteristics. These characteristics are often a mix of their Dyoxirybos Nucleic Acid. Or DNA for short. For a child to be born, the DNA of the mother and father must be different. Everyone knows the Older Carrow "siblings" practiced incest. And that is exactly why they couldn't have a child. Their DNA was nearly identical. This is what will happen to Wizarding Britain within twenty years if we don't expand the gene pool. Why do think Draco Malfoy is an only child? Surely a prominent family like the Malfoy's would have more than one child, right?" He pointed to Orion and Walbuga. "No. Because they were either squibs who "disappeared" or miscarriages. Here's a Black Family secret. Regulus and Sirius were born from a potion made by the Yanks."

The Potter heir opened his arms. "Is this not a sign we are going extinct? Yes, tradition is important. But tradition is only as good as it is constructive. And we are destroying ourselves with the "pureblood agenda". He let that sink in. "Any question?"

A wizard-raised half-blood raised his hand. "What about the muggleborns who want to change our society to their muggle one?"

"A valid point. Wizards are fundamentally different from muggles in more ways than one. Unfortunately, the root of that problem lies with us. The new muggleborns are not given the resources to learn about our culture the easy way. Instead, they are forced to learn through trial and error in school where the consequences are bullying and often magical violence."

The half-blood was satisfied with Harry's answer.

Harry took note of the people's expressions. "I see some confusion, anger, sadness, and even happiness and approval. Different groups agree and disagree for different reasons, but we have one unifying goal. That every man, woman, and child will be created and treated equally. Sadly, some people wish to subjugate those who are different or come from a different place, or are a different species. Europe's wizarding population is dwindling, fast. There is no new blood to add to the mix. The successful birth rate is 20%. For those who didn't get a master's in arithmancy, that's one out of five. One out of every five babies is born without complications or failure. And of those one out of five, one out of ten are squibs or have severe birth defects.

And what about the muggleborns that seem to leave our world by the dozens? The systemic discrimination forces them to leave before they can have kids.."

He took a deep breath. "That's enough sadness for one day. Join me, and we can make this country better with equal and equitable rights for all." He intentionally let that detail slip. "We could change Wizarding Europe for the better. Wizarding Europe is statistically one of the worst places to live and visit. Together, we can change that." Harry took a bow, signaling the end of his speech. The crowd had mixed reactions. Some were booing. Some were cheering. Either way, he had their attention. "Go to the Wizengmont, boycott the shops of those that oppress you, and remember that it is possible to change things for the better." The remaining people burst into applause again. When they finished, they apparated out.

Harry wouldn't learn what kind of hell he unleashed until three weeks later.

Three weeks later, Wizengamont Chamber, noon

Harry Potter knew that his speech would spark change. What he didn't was how much and to what degree. Two shops run by purebloods declared bankruptcy and there were loud arguments in public. People were holding up signs like "Muggleborn, not born malicious!" The Wizengamont representatives were hounded by letters and howlers to grant muggleborns more rights. So far the only injuries were egos. But for how long? How long before one side fires something worse than a stunner or tripping jinx? For once, Harry agreed with the corrupt politicians. However, he refused to allow them to pass a law prohibiting non-violent protest. "Have you gone mad?! You claim to be above muggles, yet you seek to ban the freedom of speech!"

Lord Cameran Avery Sr. glared at Harry. "There's a difference between freedom of speech and rebellion! What about the two businesses that filed bankruptcy?!"

"What about them? They weren't vandalized or destroyed. And no law requires people to use them."

Avery. backed down. Nothing Harry said was incorrect.

"My proposal from last time still stands. Equal rights for everyone. Job selection based on academic scores and positive recommendations. Not bias nepotism and bigotry."

The Light Power Bloc led by Harry fought tooth and nail until the Wizengamont adjourned until next month or another emergency meeting. No ground was gained. But they didn't lose ground. If there's one thing Harry learned in the last war, it's that you don't have to win. You just have to not lose.

Three weeks later, Potter Manor

Harry Potter sat across from Daphne Greengrass in the Potter Manor sitting room. He offered her some wine, but she declined. Harry owled her about the status of the neutral faction of the Wizengamont and they agreed to meet. "Thank you for coming, Lady Greengrass."

Daphne nodded. "Of course. You inquired about the status of the neutral faction?"

"I did. Which side will they support?"

"The opposite side they are pushed to. Or the side that looks like it can win."

Harry nodded. "The last Wizengamont session wasn't a success, but it also wasn't a failure. The Dark Power Bloc knows that and will pressure you into choosing the "right" side."

Daphne lowered her gaze. "Most likely. We can't fight back without issues."

"Then maybe it's time for one more pureblood supremacist to die. The Light block will support me on principle and the Neutral bloc will support me for the sake of fairness should the issue go to court. And they outnumber the Dark faction."

Daphne shook her head. "No, they won't. They're too afraid of Avery and his lot."

Harry sighed. "The dark faction is like a snake. They need a head to dangerous. Leave the Lord Avery to me.

The next day, 02:00

Funny thing about Death's Cloak. It is capable of hiding the wearer from Death himself. And if it can hide from Death, it can hide from wards. Harry used the cloak to infiltrate the Avery Family Manor. Cameron Avery was hung with steel wire. And his father was gutted like a fish. Needless to say, the Daily Prophet had words to say about this a few days later.

"Avery family murdered! The "pureblood purge" continues?! 'Mont power-balance changing?!

Written by: Rita Skeeter

My dear readers…if it was bad enough that another pureblood family was destroyed, they did not die easy deaths. Lord Cameron Avery was gutted like a fish. And his father was hung with steel wire. Even worse, this gets worse, the wards were utterly untouched. Professional curse-breakers are calling this a tragic mystery. The autopsy showed no signs of struggle. It's very unlikely that they saw the attacker(s). What does this mean for the Wizengamont? The Avery family led the "dark" faction after the Malfoy family was killed in the last war. Will the "light" and "neutral" factions remain silent? Or will they pass legislation that cripples the "dark" faction? Sadly, there is only one way to find out.'

Five days later, Potter Manor, Lord's Study

Unfortunately, the assassination of the Avery family caused a drastic increase in anti-muggleborn activity. Before, the muggleborns were sneered at. Now, shops actively denied them service and called them names like mudblood. There were three instances of magical violence against muggleborns. Harry voted for the attackers to be sent to Azkaban for life. Unfortunately, they got away with a G100 fine. Another sign of the corruption within their governing body.

Harry looked at the complete list of casualties at the Leaky Cauldron. Unfortunately, he didn't get as many as he thought. Draco Malfoy managed to escape and Marcus Flint was the only other prominent pureblood. Everyone else was a half-blood or pureblood from a family not on the Wizengmont. But the message was clear. Someone is learning forbidden magic—someone who is already skilled. Draco told everyone how "Harry" deflected the organ-rotting curse into the ground. Only the most skilled duelists could accomplish this.

The Lord Potter also reflected on his meeting with Daphne Greengrass. Her parents were killed in the last war. She and her sister are the only survivors. Harry wrote a letter to the Daily Prophet. "I think it's time for another meeting."

Three days later, Potter Mausoleum, 15:00

There were more people than last time. Enough that Harry had to strengthen the expansion charms so no one died. Harry observed the crowd. 'Today is about easing fears and offering another solution.' Harry sharply exhaled. He thought the "Game", was worthless. Just a playful name for greedy bastards fighting for power, influence, money, and other material things. But if he did not play it well, his enemies would vilify him.

Harry used the voice-amping charm. "Good afternoon, everyone. Before we begin, I would like to offer my condolences to the families of those assaulted in Diagon Alley last week. If there is anything you need, please let me know." Harry paused for dramatic effect. "This actually brings up a good point. How many of you are affected by a majority of stores banning muggleborns?" A lot of people used the Lumos spell to signify agreement. The number took people by surprise. "That is honestly more than I thought. Order your supplies from France. The import tax isn't pretty, but it could be worse." Harry took another deep breath. "How many of you have heard the saying, 'Better to be judged by twelve than carried by six'"? Hardly anyone lit their wand this time. "Unsurprising. It was a phrase coined by our cousins across the pond. Keep this in mind if someone openly attacks you." Most of the crowd agreed. Those who didn't quickly left. "Thankfully, I have one more peaceful solution. You will peacefully, let me emphasize the word peacefully, protest at the Ministry of Magic itself. All muggleborns still working there will quit their jobs. Statistics show that a lot of muggleborns work for magical maintenance. Let's see what they do without anyone to clean their floos or keep their luxury charms updated and functional."

The Lord Potter-Black really hoped this worked. Because if it doesn't, he's out of options. "This has the highest chance of working. Remember not to start a riot. I don't want to explain to the wizengamont why someone burned down a building. However, do not hesitate to defend yourself. Better to be judged by twelve than carried by six." Harry promptly dismissed them. After all, he had other tasks.

It's been over six months since the last update. Part of it was because Grammarly would not stop bitching at me. I'm not the best writer on ffn, but I'm also not five years old.