A/N: Sorry for the delay, life happened at a remarkable rate over the last week. If any of you are college students, I feel your pain. I didn't get any new writing on this story done, but I plan to over the weekend, and what I've written so far is quickly approaching the conclusion. Frustrating thing is, I've had more and better ideas for my next story (if I decide to write it), but hopefully my brain will focus as I go. Thanks as always for the interaction with this story, as it's above and beyond anything I expected.

Also, my interest was peeked by an article I read about the new HBO HP series, but honestly, I think the books piqued at OotP. I peaked at the rumored cast list, and the only real hope I have is for Adam Driver as the role he was born to play. And for everyone besides Caskettfan5, I'm sorry for wasting your time with this paragraph. Caskett, I've been practicing :)

Chapter 49

October 10, 1996

Charlie sat in the richly appointed waiting room, his mind whirling in confusion at how he found himself in this position. He'd recently been elevated to a General, answering only to Harry and Moody, but that was apparently the warm up for the ridiculousness of his current situation.

"I'm sure the Prime Minister will be with you shortly," the assistant offered from his desk, for at least the fifteenth time.

"Thank you," Arthur answered with a warm smile, his eyes finding Charlie's immediately. "I doubt we'll make dinner at this rate…"

"Where the hell is Harry?" Amelia hissed in frustration.

Moody had given him the orders yesterday, and Charlie was officially the new 'public face' of the British Wizarding Forces. The idea was abhorrent, and immediately refused, but after an honest conversation with the man and Harry, he folded like a cheap suit. He could understand why it couldn't be Alastor, the man's physical presence jarring to all who met him, but the realization that Harry wanted him to build a relationship with the other Commanders and the muggles in case something happened to him was a sobering thought.

"He'll be here," Charlie answered firmly, knowing his friend understood how important this meeting was.

"A terrible look for us if he's late," Amelia, the Wizengamot's representative, countered with a grimace.

"He's already late," Arthur offered easily. "Just a race to see who's moreso, it seems…"

Charlie cast his eyes around the room, hiding a grin at the armed guards staring warily at the newcomers. Albus explained the protocol for requesting meetings with the Prime Minister to Arthur, and his father had followed them perfectly, but the world leader's security force was still clearly uneasy.

They had a right to be, as Voldemort was soon to set his sights on the muggle world. The intel from the goblins was shocking, but Snape was quick to confirm the educated guess from his own work. It seemed as if the monster would be targeting Britain's muggle leadership, and perhaps the Queen herself, and Harry was immediate in his decision to warn them.

"And if he doesn't make it, we'll be just fine," Arthur continued calmly, a bastion of peace between two anxious subordinates. "I thought our troops looked great when we arrived, Charlie."

"They always do, Dad," he agreed, smiling at the change of topic. "Moody picked the cream of the crop to make an impression, though Davies didn't look pleased to wait outside."

"Perhaps we should use titles," Amelia interjected waspishly. "The muggles are sticklers about formality…"

"Arthur!"

The call surprised the trio, and Charlie was quick to suppress a chuckle at the Prime Minister's thoroughly informal greeting as he exited his office.

"It's such a pleasure to meet you," the man continued, moving forward with an extended hand. "Jonathan, if you and the guard could wait outside, we'd like some privacy…"

"I can't do that, sir," the Captain of the guard argued firmly.

"You can and will. I'm in no danger here, and you'll take my staffers with you. Do so now, but thank you for your diligence."

The man was clearly hesitant to remove his men, but a stern look from his superior finally wilted his stubbornness. The welcome forced Charlie's arm hairs to stand upright, but he took a deep breath to calm himself until an explanation was provided.

The Prime Minister waited until the door to the larger office closed, and turned back to Arthur with another smile.

"Prime Minister," Arthur began.

"Call me Rupert, please…"

"Rupert…I'm a bit confused by your welcome…"

"My fault!" a familiar voice called from inside the distant office, forcing three pairs of eyebrows to furrow in sudden annoyed realization.

Charlie followed the others into the impressive office, rolling his eyes at Harry's bemused grin of welcome.

"Hi, guys…"

"Hello, Harry," the Minister for Magic replied sternly.

"I know," Harry offered, his hands raised in surrender. "Thought I was late, so I apparated through the wards and into the office… turns out Rupert hadn't yet admitted you, but to be fair, that's not my fault."

"A happy accident," Rubert countered with a grin. "Please, everyone… sit and be at ease. Ten minutes with Harry, and I feel I know all three of you well. Charlie, congratulations on the recent promotion!"

"Er… thank you, sir," he offered dumbly, his earlier anxiety replaced with shock.

"And Amelia, I hear you're a stalwart in session…"

"I try to be, Minister," she answered as confusedly. "If I may, what has Marshal Potter told you of our visit?"

"The basics, though he never shared his impressive title," the man answered easily, and Charlie turned his glare to Harry once more. "He and the lovely Miss Greengrass popped in, chaos ensued, and here we are!"

"'Chaos Ensued' will be the title of the book I write about the boy," Arthur countered with a chuckle. "You brought Daphne, Harry?"

"She wanted to meet Rupert! I was running late from Hogwarts, and figured it wasn't a big deal…"

"It was a bit shocking on this end," Rupert admitted dryly. "I was briefed on your World upon election, and met Fudge a time or two, but I have to say, I'm glad leadership has changed hands."

"As are we," Charlie immediately agreed. "I'm sorry, but could I ask for a further explanation?"

"Nothing to tell," Harry interrupted. "Rupert was quick to react defensively, but I managed to persuade him to hear us out. We explained the situation, and spent a few minutes getting to know each other before Daphne went home…"

"Tell her I meant it when I said I'd introduce her, Harry," the Prime Minister interjected.

"I will, sir. She's always been fascinated by the Royal Family."

"Aren't we all? Now perhaps to business… Arthur?"

Charlie watched his father breathe deeply, repeating the action in an effort to regain his own bearings. Harry was a tornado at the best of times, but this moment seemed above and beyond what even he was capable of.

"An unfortunate meeting, Rupert," Arthur answered after a moment. "We've had intelligence that you and the Royal Family may be in danger from a dark element of our World, and we wanted to work out a possible protection team if you would be amenable."

"This… Voldemort… fellow?"

"Indeed," the Minister for Magic confirmed, glaring their fearless leader deeper into his chair once more.

"Dark times," Rupert agreed, his countenance growing serious. "Harry and Daphne outlined the war your kind faces, though I find it hard to grasp, if I'm honest…"

"I don't blame you, sir," Charlie offered soberly. "Two teenagers popping into your office speaking of an indefensible danger must have been quite the surprise…"

"It was, but his plan to protect the Royal family was just as impressive. He's already been given permission for the unit, and they shall be integrated into the Royal Protection Group immediately. Harry, you're sure two of your people for each of the family is sufficient?"

"They're merely an escape plan," the teen answered confidently. "At the first sign of danger, they'll move the entire party to a thoroughly warded vacation home of your choice."

"Windsor, if you could."

"I thought you'd say that."

"Can I speak freely?" Amelia asked frustratedly, drawing all four sets of eyes. "Prime Minister, you can't encourage this type of behavior from Harry! He's enough of a nuisance as it stands!"

"I can see that," Rupert countered with a laugh. "He tied me to my chair for a moment, but he did… something… in my head, and relayed all the relevant information in a very helpful way."

"And you trusted him?"

"Was I wrong to do so?"

"No, sir! But it's a bit… different… from how we planned this meeting to go."

"My brief introduction to your World required me to set aside my expectations of reality, Amelia, and the story he shared with me is too frustrating to be untrue. The only concern I have with the situation is the fact that you're relying on a teenager, as impressive as he may be, to fight a war."

"Something I hate with every fiber of my being," Arthur countered passionately. "If there was another able person to follow, I'd lock Harry in his room."

"Good luck with that, Minister. We can meet later to discuss details, but I'll brief Her Majesty this evening on the generalities."

"All set, then," Harry celebrated while standing. "We won't take any more of your time, and I apologize again for… everything…"

"And you're forgiven once more. Keep me posted, Harry. Anything I can offer will be done, but… do the stag one more time before you go…"

Handshakes and words of farewell were shared among the group once Prongs faded, though Charlie's mind didn't stop whirling until they were back in Harry's office.

"Mate…"

"… Oops?"

—

October 12, 1996

Remus grinned at the group's laughter, squeezing Tonks' hand as she enjoyed the story for the third time. The couple, along with Charlie, Narcissa, Daniel, and Emily decided to visit the newest pub in the Village, though the last couple, Andromeda and Ted, hadn't yet heard the newest gossip.

He'd nearly burst a gasket when he was told for the first time, but Harry's confident assurance that the Prime Minister held no ill will eventually set him at ease. Diplomacy was somehow the teen's greatest strength and biggest weakness, but so far, things had fallen in their favor. The protection unit had been training for weeks, and their final assessment over the weekend was passed with flying colors. The Royal Family and other possible targets now had two constant escape plans, those troops outfitted with expandable portkeys to a now Fideliused Windsor Castle.

A bizarre turn of events at the very least, but Remus couldn't help but marvel at how well Harry adapted to whatever problem was presented to him. He took a moment to soak in the environment around him, and the new pub proving a hit to the thriving Village was further proof the teen was a walking miracle. He noticed a few former students serving as waitstaff, and others as patrons, but the general vibe of the establishment was as pleasant as it was welcome.

"Why didn't one of you stop him?" Andromeda asked once she composed herself. "Remus! Control your ward!"

"Not mine, Andi," he countered with a grin. "I take no fault or praise for that hellion's actions, and his actual parental figure would've just made things worse!"

"It was for the best," Charlie offered with a chuckle. "We had these formal plans on how to broach the subject, and how to make sure Rupert didn't shit himself, but Harry blows in, and the problem is solved while we're waiting to be seen. I can't say it wasn't annoying, but he's got supernatural skills, and I'm thrilled I wasn't needed."

"Get used to it, I haven't been needed since his third year."

"Lies," Tonks argued with a squeeze of his hand. "Harry's amazing, for sure, but he's a result of his environment. You, Sirius, and Daniel are the reason he is who he is."

"Wow," Emily interjected with a glare. "Thanks so much!"

"You're important too, you specimen of a woman, just as I've been! But those three and Albus have really molded our fearless leader…"

"Substitute father figures, maybe," Andromeda offered gently. "I'm surprised he hasn't latched on to a mother, though."

"I'm not," Remus countered with a smile, glad for their strong privacy wards. "James was a great dad, and it's a fucking tragedy that he wasn't able to continue… but Lily was born to be a mother. She was the most capable person I've ever known in a few things, but she was the best mother I've ever seen, hands down."

"You think the time he spent with her last year was enough?" Narcissa asked in surprise, her questioning expression mirrored by the friends around her.

"Enough? Never. I'm just saying she's harder to replace for him. The day he was born, James was offering 'substitute fathers', and I was introduced as 'this is who you turn to if me and Pads aren't around.' Lily, though, she's something else entirely. She can't be replaced or replicated, and I think he feels that in a subconscious way…"

"Impossible shoes to fill," Emily offered somewhat hesitantly.

"Yet you fill them better than anyone else could," he admitted with a warm smile. "He loves you, I'm just saying the 'mum' side of his heart isn't as available as the 'dad'."

"I'm happy to have any of it, Remus."

"As am I," Daniel agreed with a smile. "Suffice it to say, we're all lucky to know him, no matter how much we tear our hair out because of the boy."

"Amen to that," Remus offered, though his attention was suddenly split.

He watched as a group entered the pub, the men well-known to any who had weekly briefings from the local constabulary. Macmillan was at his wits' end with the villagers, and Remus could smell the liquor on them from across the room.

"Heads up, Charlie."

"I see 'em. Should we leave?"

"Let's see what they do," Tonks offered optimistically, though she was immediately proven wrong.

Remus grimaced as their leader met his eye, and his six followers lived up to their titles as he stormed through the room. Andrew Taylor was an ex-auror, an impressive man, and stubbornly against all things 'dark'. That stance proved him unsuitable for the perversion of the force Lucius required, but also proved him a nuisance in his retirement, especially towards the few werewolves the Village held. The man was quick to wax poetic about what he would do at the head of the new government, and he'd managed to draw a small following in the Village while Macmillan worked to retain the peace.

"If it isn't Harry's pet wolf," Andrew sneered as he stepped through the privacy ward.

"Taylor," Remus greeted neutrally. "We're just finishing up, you can have our table in a few minutes."

He felt Tonks draw her wand under the table, but grabbed her wrist in an attempt to see this confrontation out peacefully.

"I wouldn't stoop low enough to spend my money at an establishment that serves your kind," Taylor countered drunkenly. "This place'll be closed in weeks if they don't limit who they allow in…"

"You think so?" Tonks asked dangerously, ripping her hand out of his own. "You think you have a say in who stays or goes?"

"Didn't say that," he slurred with a lecherous grin. "Just sayin' things are getting a little outta hand. Nobody feels safe this close to a full moon…"

"The full moon is a week away," Daniel supplied firmly, standing to place himself in front of the drunken man.

"Like that matters… Just not safe, is it?"

"Safer than a group of drunken idiots wandering around."

"We may be drunk, but we aren't idiots, Greengrass. Werewolves aren't human. Their brains don't work the same as the rest of us, and they're a danger to this community!"

"I'm sure you've had time to think about that in the months you've spent here not contributing a damn thing…"

"There it is," Taylor drawled happily, gesturing back towards his friends. "There's the arrogance we've come to expect. You have no idea what I did for this country, Lord Greengrass. You've been off your high horse for an hour, and judge me for mine… Your little group is disgusting, you fucking traitor."

—

Harry re-racked the balls for the fourth time in a row, ignoring Sirius' smug grin as he poured himself another drink. It was a cloudy night, their excuse to spend the time inside, but both he and his godfather knew the real reason. Neville had recently reached a milestone with Healer Wilson, and returned to the Manor a few days ago with the goal of explaining how alone he felt.

It was a heartbreaking conversation for all involved, and a problem Harry wished he'd been able to pick out beforehand. It was obvious in hindsight as his friend was just as much an orphan as he, but with only a fraction of the close support structure he enjoyed. Neville approached the conversation light-heartedly, simply wanting to inform those he cared for about what he was going through, but his audience received it in a more determined manner.

He'd spoken to Daniel and Emily afterwards, both emotional in their promise to make more of an effort, and his godfather and Remus the next day. That any in their small group could possibly feel alone felt wrong to Harry, and he swore to himself he'd help solve the problem every day. Sirius was immediate in his agreement, and quickly suggested altering their alone time to include the teen, namely foregoing flying around the property.

"Yeah, yeah…" Neville called frustratedly. "You've played this dumb game for years, Padfoot. It's me and Harry's first time…"

"I may never lose again," the man countered with a grin. "It's normally a galleon a ball, just so you know…"

"I'll give you ten now to shut the hell up…"

"No deal, Nev," Sirius countered with a grin. "My dominance deserves to be celebrated, and you two can bow at my feet whenever the feeling strikes."

"I'm having another striking feeling," Harry answered with a grin. "The chimney hasn't had company in a while…"

"You promised you wouldn't do that anymore!"

"It was a punishment for poor behavior, Pads… and what I'm seeing from you tonight is close…"

"You're no fun. What good is winning if I can't be smug about it after? That's why the damn game was invented! It gives guys a chance to act like a dick!"

"Like you needed a reason…"

"I've been on my best behavior, kiddo," the man countered with a grimace. "Do you know how frustrating it is sitting in on all your bullshit meetings? This is payback."

"Like I enjoy them?"

"You call them! If you don't like 'em, let's go find Voldemort now! Me, you, and Nev… ending this nonsense once and for all."

"I kinda like that idea, Harry," Neville countered with a grin.

"Same," he offered frustratedly. "If I thought we'd get close I'd be all for it. Send the rest of our team to dinner, and kill the bastard while he enjoys his… A perfect plan in my opinion."

"But since we can't," Sirius countered pompously. "You two get in depth lessons on how to be good at things men enjoy!"

"Being a dick is what men enjoy?"

"Apparently… I never understood, but I learned all the same."

Harry couldn't help but smile as the man's superior mask fell, and again as he and Neville wrestled over the last bag of crisps. Neville won that contest, and Sirius turned to the cabinet for another snack. His heart soared at the sight, and made a mental note to thank his godfather for including his friend as easily as he had. Neville might still feel alone after, but Harry knew it wouldn't be from lack of effort from his group.

"Me and you, Nev," he offered since Sirius was distracted. "A galleon a ball, from Sirius' vault."

"Deal," his friend answered, his eyes showing true happiness.

"No deal!"

"Eat your popcorn, Pads."

"Deal!"

Neville was up first, but his inexperience showed again at the glancing contact. The teens held their breath, however, as the back right ball split from the grouping. It trailed slowly towards the corner pocket, and their celebration when it finally fell belied the lack of skill the shot showed. They swapped turns for a few minutes, neither showing much improvement, though they enjoyed themselves all the same.

Harry finally sunk one, celebrating obnoxiously, but the feeling was quickly cut off by an external one.

"Pads, where's Moony right now?"

"At the new pub in the Village, why?"

"There's an issue…"

"I'm sure they can handle it, kiddo…"

"I dunno," he countered, sinking into himself. "Remus feels like he's hesitant to react, but he's fucking furious. It's gotta be some werewolf bullshit, and I'm sick of hearing the reports."

"Harry, I think I know what you're suggesting," Sirius offered excitedly. "But, don't you dare get my hopes up… "

"Nev," he said in lieu of response. "How do you feel about a bar fight on guys' night?"

"Fuck yeah!"

"Where's Astoria?" Neville asked, ignoring the celebrating Lord Black.

"In bed."

"Then what he said, I guess…"

—

The trio apparated into almost-chaos, though Harry was quick to point out their friends. Charlie and Tonks held huge shields in front of the rest of the pub, protecting the patrons and equipment, while Remus and Daniel stared down the seven men surrounding them. He recognized their leader from Remus' weekly report on the Village, and immediately moved to stand within arm's reach of the drunken and oblivious group.

"No, my Lord," Andrew Taylor called angrily. "I'm sick of being told how to act and what to think, and if you want me to leave you can do your best to move me…"

He caught Daniel's eye over the man's head, and saw his friend deflate in relief. He pantomimed using the handheld floo to Tonks, and the woman immediately took the hint. Taylor seemed to hesitate after seeing her speak into the device, but chose aggression rather than surrender.

"So predictable!" he called loudly into the silent pub. "You finally have someone stand up to you, and you immediately cry for help… I expected a fight out of the werewolf at the very least…"

"I don't think you'd like that," Remus countered softly, his voice carrying despite the volume. "But feel free to keep acting like an ignorant piece of shit, I guess... Draw your wand, Taylor, but make sure to keep count in your head…"

"For what?"

"How many seconds it takes until you're unconscious…"

"You little…"

Harry moved when Taylor did, the man's wand barely clearing its holster before he grabbed him by the collar. He kicked with his left foot and yanked with his right hand, upending the drunkard with all the strength in his body. Taylor's head cracked loudly on the wooden floor as his body came to an abrupt stop, and a quick glance showed a painfully unconscious idiot. The rest of the group seemed to take the violence as their cue to move, though Neville and Sirius were quicker to react than the alcohol-hindered idiots.

Neville took the first to move out by stomping on his knee at an angle, a disgusting crack of broken bone filling the room. The scream that followed was silenced with a stunner, and Harry grinned as his friend mercifully silenced two more with the same spell. His confidence under pressure was still a bizarre sight after years of meekness, but it seemed the teen was overcorrecting in the best way.

A glance to his left, however, showed Sirius electing to handle the problem much more expectedly. Two lay unconscious at his feet, showing no signs of spell damage, and his godfather's fist glowed with power as it connected with the last drunkard's jaw. The man was tossed bodily through the air, unconscious before he landed against the bar.

"That's the last of them," Harry offered as the man looked around for his next target. "Take a breath, Pads…"

"I only got three? Damn it…"

"I only got one."

"And you left none for me," Tonks interrupted frustratedly. "Macmillan should be here any minute, but thanks for the unnecessary save, I guess…"

"We had it under control, Harry," Daniel offered as he approached. "You didn't need to interrupt your night…"

"I know you did," he countered with a grin as the man clapped him on his shoulder. "But I'm sick of hearing about these idiots, and figured tonight was as good a night as any…"

"To do what?" Remus asked, still visibly attempting to calm himself.

"Throw them off my land," he answered loudly, glad for the rapt audience around him. "I won't stand for bigotry and ignorance in this Village, especially when it comes hand in hand with violence. This is a refuge at the very least, and our home in reality. People like Andrew fucking Taylor can go make the best of their idiocy elsewhere."

"Well said," Macmillan offered from the door, his constables standing behind. "I knew it would come to this Lord Potter, but I'm sorry you had to step in yourself…"

"Nonsense, Mayor. We're still figuring this 'Village' stuff out, and I know you and your men are doing the best you can with the uncertainty. I'll ask Minerva McGonagall to help codify our Village protocols, as she's been begging for something to do."

"Count me in as well," Daniel offered with a nod to the man. "Our laws need to be lawful after all…"

"I'll take all the help I can get," Macmillan accepted with a smile before turning to the proprietor of the pub. "Michelle, I'm so sorry for the unpleasantness, I'll post a man or two outside from here on out."

"The hell you will," Michelle countered dangerously, drawing laughter from the still dumbstruck crowd. "A pub with police in front is one that's not long for the world. I'll rely on Lord Potter to settle things when they need it…"

"Happy to," he answered with a grin, seeing the tease in the unfamiliar woman's eyes. "Any time I'm available, I'll storm in with my thugs and knock some folk around…"

"My hero…" she swooned sarcastically. "Seriously, Mayor… This has been the only issue, and it seems as if we've buttoned it up pretty well. I'll reach out if we need help, though I appreciate the offer."

"If you're sure…"

"Positive."

"Harry?"

"The hell you asking me for?" he asked indignantly. "I'm only here because I'd never been in a bar fight before."

—

October 19, 1996

"Perfect, Ron!" Harry called loudly, smiling as his friend shielded his team expertly.

His weekly training sessions at Hogwarts had been a good distraction the last couple months, and the group was improving by leaps and bounds. His original training group was supplemented by thirty new members, each sworn to a contract of Hermione's making, and his two friends were pushing them harder than he'd ever dare to do. They were responding impressively, however, and the group was even instituting the fireteam method the Wizarding Force utilized.

He watched as Ron and Hermione's teammates fired from behind the shield, though Katie's team was quick to shift positions in an effort to breach the defense. The redhead adjusted in time to thwart the flank, however, and Hermione's sudden counter-attack quickly turned the tides in the defenders' favor. The spectating students cheered as Katie's team was quickly revived, and Harry was joined by Daphne and Neville when he moved forward.

"Great job, mate," he congratulated, slapping Ron on the back firmly. "And the rest of you, very well done."

"Thanks, Harry," Hermione answered with a pleased smile, before being swept off her feet and into a hug from her boyfriend.

Harry left them to celebrate, proud of his friends for proving victorious in the tournament they'd set up. He approached Katie's team, expecting disappointment, and was proven wrong immediately.

"It's fine, Colin," he heard the newest Head Girl offer warmly. "That shield got the better of us, but you've all done incredibly well to get this far. They were better today, but I'd take the three of you over anyone, and no, Seamus… that wasn't an offer…"

"Great job, guys," Harry interrupted, grinning at his blushing ex-roommate. "Ron and Hermione are something else, but you four are amazing in your own right."

"Not quite amazing enough," Padma countered with a frustrated sigh. "But I'll give it to Ron, we didn't expect that shield."

"Blame his older brother. Bill's the human equivalent of castle walls, and Ron practiced with him all summer."

"That feels a bit unfair."

"You live at the Village, too," Harry offered with a teasing grin. "All it would've taken was grabbing one of my team and asking to train…"

"I… damn it. Why didn't I think of that?"

"I didn't either," Katie interjected supportively. "It was just too easy to sit back and enjoy the break."

"And I hope you'll be able to do so in the future," he answered firmly. "Ron has a bit more of a personal reason to train, but it's a shame that any of us have to."

"Agreed," Seamus replied, clapping him on his shoulder. "How many teams do you think we should include in the Holy Trinity's inevitable demonstration, mate?"

"Watch it… Neville hates that nickname."

"And you don't?"

"Hell, I'm just pleased others are getting obnoxious titles too," he countered, matching Seamus' grin. "I gotta head up to meet with Albus, but you might be able to talk Daphne and Neville into fighting a few teams…"

"Without you? Harry… our team could take them on alone."

"You think so, Finnegan?" Neville interrupted, approaching from behind their friend. "Your team first then, and we'll do three at once from there on out…"

Harry laughed aloud as the color drained from Seamus' face, and Katie rounded on the teen in anger. He stepped away as she began her tirade, returning Daphne's smile as he met her eyes in his bid for the exit. She sent him a wink, turning his stomach to jelly, though his heart felt heavy at the coming conversation.

—

"Come in, Harry." Albus intoned as he reached the man's office.

"Fawkes! It's been too long, buddy."

He smiled as the phoenix trilled happily, circling over his head as he took a seat across from his mentor. The bird slowed when he was settled, finally landing on his knee and accepting the attention he'd come to expect.

"He'll come to you," Albus offered into the silence, his voice a mixture of happiness and regret.

Harry didn't need further context, the unspoken 'upon my death' ringing loudly in the room. It was an incredibly bittersweet thought, but he pushed it away as firmly as he could.

"He'll be welcomed with love in a few decades, sir."

"Start explaining it to Hedwig anyway, my boy. I'd hate to see the state of your face if she turns jealous…"

"She'd never. She's the most emotionally mature being in my life, and I'm thinking of getting her to tutor Sirius."

"Severus could use it, too," Albus countered with a grin, as Harry finally met his gaze.

"I expected him to be here," he offered confusedly. "Is he okay?"

"He's actually on a date if you can believe it…"

"I think that's the fiftieth sign of the apocalypse we've had in the last twelve months… Who the hell is he seeing? Bloody Mary herself?"

"Don't be rude," Albus reprimanded gently. "One of your Villagers, actually. I believe he's joining Michelle for drinks in her pub."

"I met Michelle! She seemed so… normal…"

"Your godfather is speaking through you, my boy, and it's not a good look…"

"I'm sorry, Albus," he offered contritely, taking a moment to force his shock away. "It's just hard to picture, you know?"

"I know better than most," the man agreed, his stern countenance breaking into a grin. "I'm happy for him, though. He hasn't had a true break in decades, and he deserves it despite what most think of him."

"How's Defense going for him?"

"Very well, and he's thrilled to have his new office returned to him. The room took a month to recover from the burning of its previous occupant's decor, but things are going smoothly here, I promise you."

"I'm glad to hear it, and I'm glad the students are getting a chance at normalcy."

"And I'm pleased to remove a burden from your plate. Now, what is it you wanted to speak to me about?"

"What happens if that burden returns…"

Harry winced as Albus' eyebrows rose in surprise, though his expression quickly turned pessimistically understanding. He couldn't afford Hogwarts to become a new front in the war, and he knew the few months of relative peace wouldn't last. Six members of the Royal Family were already at home in their new refuge, his troops whisking them away safely at the onset of the attacks, but he knew Voldemort would turn his efforts elsewhere when he realized he'd been outmaneuvered.

That those efforts could turn to Hogwarts was the definition of a nightmare for Harry, and he refused to allow the school to fall, or its occupants to suffer. The flipside, however, was that his plan could be compared to one from Minister Fudge without too much of a mental leap, and the thought made him slightly queasy.

"And what did you have in mind, my boy?" Albus asked, the familiar weakness returning to his voice.

"Nothing from you, sir. I have Echo Company training everyday at a mockup of the castle, and we've had discussions about a permanent detachment to stand guard…"

"I won't have a military on my grounds!" Albus interrupted firmly, just when Harry knew he would. "This school is a refuge for my students, and this war won't touch them while I have breath in my body…"

Harry held his tongue, having prepared for this reaction for over a week, and allowed the man to regain his composure. It was almost a pleasing reaction from the Headmaster, as the power he'd been missing came rushing back at the sudden threat he felt he was facing. That Harry himself was that threat was heartbreaking, but Remus and Charlie had been thorough in their training for this moment.

"I'm sorry, my boy…"

Harry interrupted him with a raised hand and understanding smile, and gave his mentor a moment to grab a lemon drop before responding.

"In my time on the other side," he began gently, accepting one of the offered candies himself. "I had an argument with Arcturus. You knew the man, he was the definition of a jackass… but he had the ability to cut to the issue in a way that was supernatural in its effectiveness."

"He did indeed."

"Well the argument I'm referring to was staged, though I didn't realize that fact until I was back with the living. He suggested that I would become the power I hate so much, and would run roughshod in that power over people that didn't deserve it. I recently shared that memory with Daphne, because I realized he was right.

"I've taken over the government and didn't think twice... I've ordered the torturing of one prisoner, and the inevitable deaths of others. I've usurped power at every opportunity, and wielded it to suit my needs, and I realized I'll continue to do so, and not think twice about the decision."

"Harry, the power you've usurped needs to be consolidated during a war," Albus offered supportively, his eyes showing the concern he felt.

"Does it? Do I need to kick bigoted men from a place of safety when their other option is a warzone? Do I need to demand oaths and contracts from children who may be no threat at all? Do I need to kill enemies before they even draw their wands? I believe my 'necessity' has morphed into what I'd 'like', and that realization has me wishing for an end to this nonsense like never before. I'm too powerful right now, Albus."

"I assume you aren't speaking magically…"

"That's part of it," he breathed frustratedly. "I've killed hundreds, and I wonder if there was another option. Hell, I stunned Neville in a moment of distress, just because it was easier… Arcturus was right in every way, but his warning will go unheeded for as long as this war continues."

"Arcturus, despite his wisdom, was never infallible, my boy. He may have an opinion on the big picture, but he's not here. He can't possibly have understood what you would face, and his advice should be treated with a large grain of salt."

"Fuck his advice, Albus," Harry countered with a smirk. "He's an asshole that I love in a way, but I've grown enough in the past year to know he's just one of many voices I should listen to. He asked me what I would do if my loved ones were killed, and I'd burn the world down around us despite his suggestion and meet him with a smile on my face afterwards."

"Then I'm confused about your point, Harry…"

"I figured, and I'm sorry for using you as a vessel for things that should be said to Healer Wilson," he offered with an apologetic smile, ordering his thoughts and steeling himself for their response. "Albus, I respect your passion for this school, and this place will always be a home to me.

"Hogwarts holds a place in my heart that won't be touched, and I'll be forever grateful to you for manning its walls as you have. But Echo Company will be in place in a week, as I can't trust you to protect my friends if Voldemort attacks. That decision is final, and I'll leave you to your thoughts..."

He stood with a frustrated sigh, unwilling to meet his mentor's eyes as the man deflated in his chair. His heart was shattered by the conversation, and what Albus thought of him in this moment, but he knew this was a necessary precaution. He stroked Fawkes head as the bird took roost on his perch, forcing a smile towards the creature before heading towards the door.

"You do this despite my feelings on the matter?" Albus asked weakly, stopping his hand as it neared the handle.

"I do, Albus. And I hope you'll forgive me."

He pulled the handle without looking back, and swung the door open gently as he made his exit. He never saw the look of pride from the man behind him, his thoughts focused on finding the young woman he needed more than any other.

A/N: I'm hoping to get the next chapter out by the end of the weekend, as next week will be as hectic as this one, but we'll see. Thanks again for reading, and for all of you who have had positive things to say!