A/N: As you may have guessed from the last chapter, I'm not big on writing accents. It gets a bit confusing and annoying when done poorly, and I'm not smart enough to do it well. Feel free to picture a thick accent in your head if you'd like. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 5

June 30,1995

As the Hogwarts Express sped towards London, Harry enjoyed the chance to relax. It had been a busy few days to say the least, and Harry was grateful to be able to simply enjoy the company of his friends.

The compartment was a bit crowded as the trio were quickly joined by Neville, and a few minutes later by Ginny and her friend Luna.

"The jerks in our compartment were making fun of her," Ginny whispered to Harry, as Luna introduced herself to everyone. He must have made a face, as Ginny seemed to know what he was thinking. "I took care of it," she said with a smirk.

"Yeah," Harry overheard Ron say with a hint of exasperation. "We've met, Luna. About ten years ago when you moved to our neighborhood. We used to play together every day as kids."

Luna brightened considerably.

"I'm so glad you remember, Ronald! You haven't spoken to me at school, so I wondered…" the girl trailed off, seemingly honest in her confusion.

Ron's ears reddened, and Hermione shot him a pointed look.

"Er…" he began, awkwardly. "Sorry about that, Luna. With being in different years and houses and everything…"

"Oh, I understand," Luna interrupted dreamily. "I'm just happy we're friends again, now."

With that, she seemed to believe the matter closed and sat next to Neville, opening the magazine in her hands. Harry quickly decided he liked the girl, especially if she kept Ron on his back foot more often.

"Nev," Harry began. "I met your Grandmother after the Wizengamot session the other day. She's an impressive lady."

"Yeah, that's Gran," Neville responded with a shy smile. "She sent an owl saying you've shaken up the place. And that I 'should endeavor to build a strong friendship with Potter, as he will be a strong ally once I pass the seat onto you'," he quoted, with a passable impression of the formidable witch.

"Congrats then," Harry cheered with a grin. "You just did."

Hermione rolled her eyes at the smiling boys.

"All this talk of allies and factions the last few days," she said, her frustration evident. "Does anyone else feel like we should be worrying about exams, not politics?"

"It's not that easy for heirs of the Faithful Eight families, Hermione," Neville explained gently. "Those seats are hereditary, and come with a lot of influence. Gran's been giving me lessons during the summer ever since I started at Hogwarts. It's important to her, and is beginning to become important to me."

Hermione, fearing she had offended the boy, quickly backpedaled. "I get that, Neville. And I think you'll be a great leader one day. But life the last few days just seems like everything is flipped upside down. Harry's a member of our government all of a sudden, and honestly, it's just frustrating hearing about how much different his experience will be compared to a muggleborn."

"Different for now," Harry said with a smile. "You're going to help me and Neville change that."

Neville, caught unaware, eventually nodded confidently. "If anyone can do it, I think you can, Harry. Especially with Hermione in your corner."

"Does the Potter seat come with that much authority?" Hermione asked curiously.

"No," Neville answered. "But from what Gran says, the person now sitting in it might."

"How have you already got a reputation, mate?" Ron asked jokingly.

"Challenging another member of the Eight to a duel probably helped," Neville supplied, wincing slightly at the glare Harry sent his way.

Harry had hoped, since it hadn't hit the papers yet, that his friends wouldn't find out until he was safe at home at the very least.

"You did WHAT?" He could feel the heat coming off Hermione, as she looked at him in horror.

"It was necessary," he shrugged in response.

"You. Are. Fourteen. Years. Old. Harry. James. Potter," she argued through clenched teeth. "You can not go around challenging grown wizards to duels!"

"It was surprisingly easy, actually," Harry countered glibly despite standing on thin ice.

"Did he really ask that it be to the death?" Neville asked, very unhelpfully.

Harry held up a hand to stall the explosion he knew was imminent from Hermione's side of the bench.

"Unfortunately, he did," Harry responded. "I'm gonna try not to kill him, though. Just because it's 'to the death' doesn't mean I can't force him to concede before we get to that point."

"Harry," Ron said calmly before Hermione could get started. "Are you sure that this is a good idea? I mean, best case scenario, you have to almost kill a person."

"I've already killed, Ron," he responded seriously, not minding sharing that information to those in the compartment that didn't already know. "Quirrel, remember? I didn't mean to, but I killed him. I'm not proud of it, but it was him or me. And I guarantee that won't be the last time. War is coming, and it won't be fought with pillows like the other night. Yaxley needs to be removed from the equation."

He chanced a look around the compartment, and all seemed to be thinking dark thoughts. Luna, however, continued to read her magazine. Upside down, he realized with an amused look.

"Daddy wrote to me yesterday to tell me a war was coming," the girl spoke up, maybe not as distracted as Harry first thought. "He wanted me to get off the train and to him as quickly as possible."

"That's a good idea, Luna," Harry agreed. "It's going to get dangerous for people who don't have the training needed."

"And you do?" Ginny asked, a bit skeptical.

Harry just shrugged in response, hoping to change the subject.

"Let's not think about it yet, guys. We have a couple more hours before we get to King's Cross. We should enjoy it."

Everyone seemed to agree, except for Hermione who continued to glare at him. He mouthed a silent 'Later' to the girl, which seemed to mollify her slightly.

The group slowly rose from the funk the dark conversation had caused, helped along by the sounds of Ron and Neville playing exploding snap. It turned out to be a pleasant trip, and Harry, stepping off the train, realized that Ginny actually managed to speak normally around him. And they hadn't had a visit from the ferret. For both things, he was eternally grateful.

As he scanned the crowd of families on the platform to pick up their children, he quickly noticed Sirius and Remus grinning at him. They weren't exactly hard to spot, as everyone else had mutually decided to give them a wide berth. Harry guessed Sirius' reputation could still use some work.

As he made his way over to them, trunk and owl in hand, he saw Arthur and Molly Weasley arrive. He was glad to see that neither hesitated to approach the two men, shaking hands as they did so. Harry, being the first to reach them, was quickly wrapped in Molly's crushing embrace.

"Hey, Mrs. Weasley," he said, muffled by her shoulder.

"Harry, dear," she answered emotionally. "How are you holding up? Arthur told me about your terrible experience in the graveyard."

He escaped her arms and smiled at the woman, extending a hand to her husband as he did.

"I'm doing okay. It's been a lot to take in, but I have a lot of help. Hi, Mr. Weasley."

"It's still Arthur, Harry," the man replied, shaking the offered hand.

Thankfully, the rest of the Weasley's and Hermione caught up, and Harry was able to escape the scrutiny for a moment. He moved to hug his godfather, and the man clung tightly to him. Sirius was quickly replaced by Remus, and Harry laughed in the man's ear as he was squeezed.

"I take it you've heard about my journey," the boy guessed in a whisper.

"I did, Harry. We'll talk when we get you home."

After hugs of hello and goodbye were exchanged, the Weasley's, who were dropping Hermione off on their way, made their chaotic exit. Harry made sure to double check his body for anything the twins may have stuck him with during their exuberant goodbyes.

"So where to, kiddo?" Sirius asked, looking truly happy.

"Huh? I thought that was your job, godfather."

"I thought you said he had it covered," Remus ranted, slapping Sirius on the back of the head.

"He does," Sirius responded indignantly, trying and failing to return the slap, Remus dodging deftly. "He just thinks he's funny!"

Harry laughed at the pair making idiots of themselves for all the world to see. "I swear, I'm finally free of a pair of twin goofballs, only to be saddled with an older version."

"Hey," Sirius whined, his indignation finding a new target. "I'm not old!"

"Just incredibly, unbelievably, immeasurably… experienced." Remus finished sarcastically.

Sirius decided to take that as a compliment, and Harry smirked as he collected his luggage.

"Exactly! Wise, even!" Sirius' eyes quickly opened wide, like a cartoon character with a sudden idea. "Harry, are the Dursley's waiting for you on the other side? Should I go scare the life out of them?"

"No," he grinned. "Dumbledore said he contacted them. They know they won't be seeing me for a while. Dobby?"

The elf quickly appeared in front of him, wearing a uniform with the Potter Crest on the chest. "Nice duds!" Harry congratulated his friend.

"Dobby be finding house-elf uniforms in the Manor, Harry."

"You look great, buddy," Harry said fondly. "Can you take all three of us home, or do you need to call Winky and Pocky?"

"Dobby being strong enough. If Harry and his grownups be grabbing Dobby's arms," the elf indicated, extending both arms.

All three wizards did so, and were quickly popped away, reappearing in an impressively large and well-appointed entrance hall.

"Wow," Remus muttered. "That was better than apparating by a longshot."

"It was," Harry agreed. "The place looks great, Dobby!"

He'd only seen the Manor through the eyes of his Dad, when he was practicing Legilimency, and the memory didn't do the place justice.

"How's the cleaning coming?"

"We's be ahead of schedule, Harry. The main floor be finished, and the kitchen, den, and bedrooms for all three of Harry and his grownups also being done on the second floor."

"Wait," Remus interjected. "I don't need a room, Harry. I have my flat. You don't need me in your hair."

"Moony," Harry replied. "Unless you just don't want to have roommates, I'd prefer if you stayed. Things are going to get dangerous soon, and besides that, I'd like the chance to get to know you better."

Remus smiled, touched by the boy's words. "Then I'd love to, Harry. But, what about…"

"Dobby be fixing up a room for when Mr. Moony's furriness being a problem," Dobby interrupted with a proud grin.

Remus, not used to his lycanthropy being called 'furriness', chuckled. "I'll just pop home to pack my things, then."

"Dobby be doing that too," the elf quickly offered before disappearing with a pop.

The three wizards were left staring at the spot the elf had just occupied, completely bemused.

"Quite the elf there, Harry." Sirius broke the silence with a smile.

"He's been amazing," Harry said fondly. "I asked him to stop by every night to keep me updated. It's incredible how much he's changed in just a few days."

"Tea is being served in the sitting room, Masters," a second squeaky voice spoke up from behind them.

Winky, looking much healthier than the last time Harry had seen her, stood by the door of the room, hands wide to invite them in.

"Thank you, Winky," Harry said with a small bow. "You look lovely in your dress."

"Thank you, Master," she giggled with a slight blush.

"It's Harry, Winky. I thought Dobby explained things to you."

Winky quickly shook her head. "Silly Dobby is being explained it, but it being Silly Dobby's fault if Silly Dobby is wanting to be a silly elf. Winky is not being a silly elf like Silly Dobby. Winky be calling Master 'Master', whether Master be wanting to be called 'Master' or nots."

The stubborn look on the elf's face, and the mental gymnastics Harry had to do to understand what she was upset by, made Harry realize he wasn't winning this argument today.

"Okay, Winky. You may call me 'Master'. For now."

The elf popped away, and the two older wizards simultaneously pointed at Harry and burst into laughter.

"Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up." Harry waited for the two to compose themselves. "The scary thing is, I haven't met Pocky yet. He may be even more entertaining."

"With your luck, I'd count on it," Sirius grinned.

Harry took a look around him, taking in the beautiful sitting room. The wall to the far right held a massive bay window, views of the newly-refurbished courtyard visible beyond. The furniture was in muted colors and very formal. Books and pieces of art dotted the built-in bookshelves that lined the wall opposite the door, and a gigantic fireplace was built into the wall on the left.

"Fancy," Remus commented dryly, grabbing a cup of tea while looking around.

"Yeah," Harry agreed, flopping onto a couch inelegantly. "This is the formal sitting room that Dobby insisted we keep. All the fun rooms are towards the back or on different levels."

Sirius had followed Harry's example and stretched out onto the second couch, leaving Remus to claim one of the somewhat-comfortable chairs. "Sirius obviously remembers his time here, but I never got to visit. How many rooms?"

"Too many to count," Harry said with a shrug. "Most of which will go completely unused. The main floor has three sitting rooms of varying sizes, a large kitchen, formal dining, ballroom, a few bathrooms, solarium, shared library, and the office of the head of the family. The next floor up has the family library, three offices- I think, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large den with an attached smaller kitchen, and a cool breakfast nook slash family dining room. Floor three is more bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices. Top floor is the elf quarters and a massive storage room."

"Impressive," Remus said, raising his cup of tea in salute.

"Unnecessary," Harry responded, sarcastically returning the tone and the gesture with an empty hand. "The basement is what I'm looking forward to. It was originally a wine cellar and storage. I had the elves move that stuff to an out-building, and they're going to start working on a training room that will take up the entire level. Exercise equipment, dueling area, potions lab, swimming pool. All warded to hell and back to be completely safe and silent to the rest of the Manor."

Both men perked up at the news. "That'll be great, Harry," Sirius said. "Problem though, if we're going to be living here, will we need to call an elf every time we need to come home?"

"Nope," Harry sighed, swinging his feet off the couch and standing. "Let's actually go do that now," he finished as he left the room.

"Go where and do what?" Sirius asked sarcastically, still speaking to the now empty couch as if Harry hadn't moved so suddenly.

Remus snickered, "I think we're meant to follow, Paddy-boy. Harry doesn't seem to sit still well. Apres-vous."

"Watch your language," Sirius answered, following Harry into an office further down the wide entrance hall on the opposite side.

"This is…" Harry paused in confusion. "My office, I guess. The head of the family's office. Whatever."

Uncomfortable with the thought, he busied himself searching through the drawers of a massive walnut desk. He eventually found what he was looking for, lifting a large stone basin out of the bottom left drawer.

"I need your blood," he explained simply.

"'Come with me', he says. 'Live in my house', he says. 'Here's some tea', he says. 'I need your blood', he says…" Sirius responded with a beleaguered look. "It's always too good to be true, isn't it Moony."

"Oh shut it," Harry snapped over Remus' laughter. "This is linked to the anchor stone for the wards. It's how my Dad tied the wards to the house when he refused to live here after Hogwarts. A drop of blood will tie you into the wards, and allow you to move freely to and from. Not many people will have that option, so please, feel free to feel special."

The two older wizards quickly did as instructed, the basin glowing slightly with each offering.

"Why didn't James want to live here?" Remus asked. "I'm sure Sirius got the full story, but I wasn't around as much at the time."

"It's a bit complicated," Harry said, running a hand through his hair, looking very much like the man in question. "He and his father had a falling out after his mum died in fifth year from Dragon Pox. His dad was devastated, and somehow, in his grief, he started blaming Dad. And Dad, going through grief himself, responded in an equally immature way. They didn't have a great relationship after that, but when he graduated, he moved back here for about three days.

"He told his dad his plans to marry Mum, and apparently the man flew off the handle. Kicked him out of the house. Told him if there was another option for an heir, he would have disowned him. He left to stay with Sirius until the wedding, and never spoke to his dad again.

"When his dad died not long after the wedding, Dad decided to pretend the Manor didn't exist. Too many memories. He visited once, to install the wards, and tried to forget about it. When I talked to him, he said it was one of his few regrets. He wished he had tried at least one more time to reconnect with his father. And he wondered if he and Mum would have still been around if they had moved in here. I didn't get to meet either of his parents on the other side. Something to do with the magic of the place."

"I never knew," Remus mused sadly.

"He didn't want you to," Sirius interjected. "He swore me to secrecy. With everything going on, he wanted everyone to be as happy as possible, and it wasn't a very happy story."

Remus seemed to understand, but still looked as if he wished he could have helped. "By the way, Harry. I'm unbelievably happy and jealous that you got to spend time with him and Lily. Was it amazing?"

"It was perfect," Harry replied easily with a smile. "It was everything I could have asked for."

July 1, 1995

Harry grouchily took a bite of a muffin, which must not have looked as intimidating as he wanted it to, as Sirius snorted a laugh. The boy ignored his Godfather, choosing to continue to glare at the werewolf at his kitchen table on the second floor. The newspaper the man held in front of him somewhat lessened the effect of said glare.

Remus woke the boy at 7:30 in the morning, and took him to St. Mungo's for a check-up. Didn't even allow him breakfast, since many of the wizarding inoculations required an empty stomach. And needles. Who knew? The muffin he now angrily munched on was all that Winky would allow this late in the morning, as to 'not spoil Master's lunch'. Harry began to wonder what good being a Master was if he didn't get his way.

"Let me know when you're done being angry," Remus said from behind his paper. Harry was satisfied to know his glare was working.

"Let me know when you wanna take me to get stabbed again, Lupin," Harry countered petulantly.

The bemused man lowered his paper, Sirius giggling quietly to his left. He watched as Harry took another aggressive bite of his muffin, stood and walked behind Sirius, and waited until the boy's mouth was full before responding.

"You're acting like a child, Harry."

"I AM A CHILD," the boy yelled, spraying bits of muffin all over his caught-in-the-middle godfather, who yelped in disgust.

Remus calmly returned to his seat, having accomplished his goal.

"Do you feel better now?" he asked, watching Sirius attempt to pull crumbs out of his long hair.

Harry, torn between aggravation and amusement, decided to move on.

"I do, actually. Sorry there, Pads."

"I hate you both," the very crumbly man responded. He was ignored.

"Where do you want to set up for this, Harry," Remus asked, referring to the upcoming meeting they had with Albus and Arthur.

"I asked Winky to put a tea service in my office. There's plenty of seating, and that old chalkboard may come in useful."

"Smart. I'll go help set up. Remember to send Dobby and Winky to pick them up."

Harry nodded as the man left the room.

"He did that on purpose," Sirius grumbled, still trying to remove bits of muffin.

"I know," Harry responded with a smirk, also leaving the room.

"YOU did that on purpose!" Sirius realized angrily.

Harry chuckled to himself, and called his elves to go pick up the two missing members of his fledgling group.

A few minutes later, all five men, and an extra Bill Weasley, were settled in Harry's office. Harry dismissed the desk in favor of a chair on the other side of it, and thanked everyone for coming.

"Obviously a lot has happened, including Moony taking me for a check-up this morning," he grumped once more, still not happy.

"Make sure to take those potions," Remus replied, undisturbed. "You're still far too short to run a meeting."

Harry glared at the man, but knew he was right. Apparently, he had nutrient deficiencies from his time with the Dursley's that may still be stunting his growth.

"Bill," he began, moving on. "I'm glad you've joined us, but I need to make sure you're okay with what I'm asking."

"I haven't been told anything, Harry," the man responded calmly, glancing at his father. "Dad just told me you needed people you could rely on, and I jumped at the chance. Charlie wrote back saying he'd meet with you next time he was home, by the way."

Harry's heart warmed at the idea that both men had agreed with no information. "Thank you for your trust," he said seriously. "And not to be pessimistic, but Remus, could I ask you to write up a magically binding, confidentiality agreement for everyone to sign before they leave?"

"I'll do it now," the man agreed easily, noting the nervous look from the younger Weasley.

"Sorry, Bill," Harry continued. "Short story is that I got to meet my parents, as wild as that sounds. And they gave me four names of people they believed I could trust with my life. Arthur's name was on it, and he chose to include you and Charlie, which I'm thankful for, but I'm not willing to take any risks."

"Understood, Harry. The goblins will like the way you think," the man replied, calming a bit. "But how, if I can ask, could you have met your parents."

"For the sake of time, you get the short answer. Your Dad can fill you in after, if you'd like." At Bill's nod, Harry continued. "I died. Got hit with a second Avada, and woke up in a room with my Mum. I spent loads of time with my parents, and had some pretty great lessons from other people. I have a plan to fight Voldemort's worthless ass, and to essentially change our world. Man, that sounds arrogant as hell now that I say it aloud."

Bill was a bit stunned, but as he looked to Arthur and Albus for confirmation he shrugged.

"Count me in, I guess."

Harry barked a laugh, loving the Weasleys' ability to make a decision.

"Great! Right now even though there's only six of us, seven if Charlie agrees, we cover a lot of bases. Professor Dumbledore for the ICW, myself and eventually Sirius, for the Wizengamot, Arthur for the Ministry, Bill for Gringotts, and Remus for all things torturous and painful," he finished with one final glare at the man.

"Quiet down, or I'll add a clause in this that we can all flick your ears whenever we feel like it," Remus replied, pointing at the contract he was drawing up.

"Harry," Albus interjected with a grin. "Firstly, call me Albus, to preserve oxygen if nothing else." Harry nodded, feeling weird about it. "Secondly, do you still intend to ask for an Unbreakable Vow?"

"I don't," he assured the older man. "Sirius, Remus, and I talked about it last night. Remus is sure he can write up a contract that will make sure none of us can physically speak, write, or otherwise communicate about what we're doing to anyone that hasn't already signed, and that sounds healthier to me than the chance of death if we slip up."

"Excellent. I was going to suggest the same thing. Remus, please make sure to add a protection for attempted Legilimency." Remus nodded, quickly starting over on a fresh parchment.

"Bill, I believe you're the only one that doesn't know," Harry continued. "There's a prophecy that Voldemort believes. It states that he and I will fight, and I'll be capable of killing him. I think it's crap, but it's bound to make my life interesting regardless."

"I can see how," the man replied.

"In my time spent on the other side, I made plans with people much smarter than me, and I think those plans will help. Step one was getting Sirius' name cleared. Step two is happening now. A small group of people that I can trust implicitly. I'll add to this group when it makes sense to do so, and I hope you'll all respect my wishes when I do." Harry watched as the group nodded easily.

"Step three is defining roles. I, myself, will begin training extensively. I'm going to be at the front of this, and I don't want anyone else sacrificing themselves for me. I will be ready," he added with determination. "Any of you that want to join me can, though I don't expect it from any of you except Sirius."

If Sirius was surprised by the revelation, he didn't show it. "I'm there, Harry. I would have been regardless."

"Why not the rest of us, Harry?" Arthur asked.

"Various reasons," Harry answered. "Albus is likely beyond what we'll be practicing, and has too many other responsibilities that can't be ignored. You, Arthur, have a family and a career to consider, so your time is limited. Remus would be absolutely crucified if a 'werewolf' were to be found stepping a toe outside of the law. And Bill," the boy paused for a moment to find the words. "Honestly, I didn't account for Bill."

"Then count me in, Harry. And Charlie, most likely. You're just a dark-haired Weasley, after all. We'll follow your lead."

"Thank you," Harry said sincerely.

Remus spoke up before Harry could continue. "Me as well, Harry. Damn the consequences, you and Sirius are all I have left. I'd hate myself if I didn't."

"Thanks Moony," he nodded gratefully. "I'm hoping we can get enough power in the Wizengamot before things kick off for the law to really matter, but I don't want to put every egg in that basket."

"Arthur and I will help as we can, Harry," Albus added. "This is the most important thing we'll be doing, so we'll make time. I'd like to say something if I may?"

Harry nodded, uncomfortable that the man even asked for permission.

"I just want to make it clear that I am following Harry in this endeavor. I see in him a power that makes me certain he is the right leader for what is coming. If any who join us have doubts, I'll be happy to address them. But to those of us here now, I want to say that what I sense from Harry is something I believe in wholeheartedly, and that I am happy to play second fiddle to."

"Thank you, sir," Harry responded, grateful for the man's trust. "Just so we're clear, I'm not asking you to help me become a quick reaction force. I'm asking you to help me take the fight to them when we can."

Silence reigned for a moment, each wizard thinking through his decision. Bill finally broke the silence.

"I have six siblings, two parents, and loads of other friends and family," the man said quietly. "Chances are, we aren't getting out of this war unscathed. I'd rather be proactive than reactive."

Harry, seeing nods of agreement, considered the matter decided.

"I really appreciate it. This bloody war was avoidable. But not anymore," he responded, the regret at the situation evident in his tone. "Once we've all signed the contract, I'll key you three into the wards, unless anyone has anything else to add first."

"I do," Bill offered. "What happened to you Harry? When I met you before the World Cup, you were a teenager, if a talented one. But now, I find myself signing on to follow you without a doubt in my mind."

"A lot," Harry answered with a smile. "It started with the Tournament, I guess. I was forced to grow up rather quickly this last year. Meeting Voldemort in the flesh, probably helped that along. Meeting my parents and my time on the other side definitely did. But honestly, watching Cedric killed like he was just a bug under a wheel. My childhood ended in that moment. I'm not happy about it, but I'm not looking back. Every single one of those bastards will pay, and I plan to be the one to make them."

Harry's vehemence caused his eyes to glow a bit, and the papers on the desk behind him moved slightly in the magically induced breeze. Remus, writing on said papers, shot the boy a quick annoyed look before realizing it wasn't a great time for sarcasm, and continued to write.

"I'm with you, Harry," Bill said seriously, as the group began to stand and move around. "One last thing though," the younger redhead said with a smirk. "How about getting some women involved. You lot aren't exactly the sight for sore eyes I'll look forward to meeting with after a tough fight."

Harry laughed, glad that the man had so easily broken the tension. "Well, Hermione and Ginny are too young, your Mom would wring my neck, and I'm slightly terrified of McGonagall. So I'm out of options."

"We'll find others soon," Dumbledore offered with a laugh. "And Minerva is a lovely woman… once you've known her for a few decades."

"Fair enough," Harry laughed, checking that Remus was finished with the contract. "Albus, could you check Moony's work? I'm not sure I trust him not to add some sort of prank into the contract."

Remus feigned offense, clutching his chest, as Dumbledore read through the contract.

"It looks good, Harry. But just so everyone is on the same page, this will not allow our meetings or activities to be spoken about around anyone who hasn't signed this document. This includes the Wizengamot if anyone is called to testify," he explained with a look to Harry, "and trusted members who have yet to sign," he finished with a look at the Weasley's.

Sirius, without a shred of doubt or moment of thought, grabbed a quill.

"Sounds all sorts of mysterious," he joked, moving to sign. "The ladies will eat it up."

After signing the contract, Albus and the two Weasleys added their blood to the wards, and the group moved to the formal dining room for lunch. Molly had sent some sandwiches along with her husband after she learned where he was going, and Winky added her own exquisite cooking to the table as well. Harry was starving, and did his best impression of Ron, eating with reckless abandon. Finally satiated, he sat back in his chair.

"I don't think I'll ever want to eat again," he groaned, immediately regretting his gorging.

"Wouldn't be surprised if you never had to," Sirius commented dryly from his right.

"Oh hush," the boy replied. "I don't want to keep you all for too long, but I would like to mention one other thing."

"I too have some things we need to discuss, Harry," Dumbledore added.

"After you, Albus. Mine can wait."

"Bill, Severus Snape is a spy for me in Voldemort's inner circle," the man began simply. "I trust him with my life, and though he'll likely never join this group, he has Harry's trust as well."

Bill, surprised by the revelation, glanced at Harry. The teen nodded, and Bill seemed to accept that as enough.

"Our guess that the Death Eaters would start slowly may not be entirely accurate," the Headmaster continued. "Voldemort, though not planning any immediate attacks on the public, has asked some of his followers to find further supporters. Severus believes he plans for his inner circle to approach some of the more neutral families."

"We saw this in the last war, Albus," Arthur added sobrely. "Entire families were wiped out for refusing."

"Indeed. We may only have a few days to get the word out. I thought that I could approach those in the Wizengamot that may be in danger, and Arthur could do the same in the Ministry."

"It's a big Ministry," Arthur broke in with a sigh. "I'll need some help figuring out who's who."

"If you make time to come to the school tonight, I'll see if I can help come up with a list," Albus offered seriously. "Chances are we won't be able to speak to everyone," he finished quietly.

"Then we do all we can, and hope for the best," Harry offered darkly.

"There are few wards that will stop him, if Voldemort puts his mind to it," Dumbledore continued. "But Severus believes he will allow others to work for him at the moment. He would be foolish to let himself be seen if the Ministry refuses to believe he's returned."

"He won't hesitate to kidnap children to force their parents' hand," Sirius added with a scowl. "Getting the Ministry on side would go a long way in making sure that won't happen."

"It would," Albus agreed. "Unfortunately, Cornelius has feet of stone, and they are not in our camp at the moment."

"He needs to go," Harry agreed. "I don't think I'm prepared to start disappearing non-Death Eaters, but something needs to change."

"I'll put out some feelers in the Wizengamot, Harry. I'm also opposed to any sort of violent removal at the moment, so a vote of no-confidence may be our only route forward. It will take time."

Harry nodded at the Headmaster, frustrated that their options were limited. "I'm meeting with Daniel Greengrass in an hour. I'll take his temperature if I can."

"Greengrass?" Remus asked in surprise.

"He was friends with Dad before he died," Harry explained, knowing the man wouldn't be one to bear a grudge based on a Hogwarts house. "He's coming to give me a rundown of the Wizengamot from his perspective."

"He'll be at the top of Voldemort's list, Harry," Albus warned. "His father disappeared in the last war, and it now feels a lot like what we're talking about."

"I'll speak to him," Harry promised. "I'd like to introduce you, Sirius. He may be a strong ally in the Wizengamot. And you, Arthur."

"I'm happy to meet him, Harry," the redhead replied. "But why me?"

"There's currently an opening in the Wizengamot, after whoever-it-was killed Pettigrew in a full session," Harry supplied easily.

"Jackson Rosier," Albus supplied.

"Related to Felix?" Bill asked of his classmate, surprised.

The Ministry had forced the Daily Prophet to hold any articles about the Wizengamot chaos until Fudge decided he had everything back in hand.

"A cousin."

"Well with Rosier on the run," Harry continued. "There will soon be an election for the seat, and if we can swing it with everything else going on, having another friendly vote would certainly be an advantage."

"I'll speak to Molly," Arthur agreed.

"I appreciate it," Harry said while standing. "You are all welcome to stay and explore if you'd like, I hear there's all sorts of animals in the forest. After introductions, though, I'd like to speak with Daniel alone."

"And you're sure that's the best idea?" Bill asked with a bit of skepticism.

"Even if my Dad was wrong about him, attempting to harm me in Potter Manor would be the last thing he tried to do. The wards are… extremely thorough."