Harry Potter and the Order Defying Dark Lords

by VashonBeader

Harry Potter just wants to fly, throw pottery, and spend time his girlfriend Hermione. That can be difficult when a dark lord is after you. The young Lord Potter has already dealt with one threat and has the nightmares to prove it. Now, on the distant horizon, is a new threat. Rather, an old one. Rated M for a reason.

7. Chapter 7 - Hostilities Formalized

Harry Potter and the Order Defying Dark Lords

~~ODDL~~

A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.

Thanks to Alix33 for her kind and helpful remarks.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by JKRowling. It is our understanding that it is illegal to solicit or receive remuneration for Harry Potter fanfiction. We own nothing but our castles in the sand.

~~ODDL~~

Welcome to the Fireside.

~~ODDL~~

Scorecard of what has happened so far:

This story is AU: Harry Potter or Neville Longbottom? Which will be involved with this other prophecy? Harry has decided to continue his training he had for facing Dumbledore. Neville is devising various plant solutions just in case.

Amanda is going to be spending a couple of days in jail for theft. Her only 'entertainment' is her schoolwork. No friends, no music, no riding. How ever will she survive?

Behind the scenes, she is finally getting some mind-healing. It will take time, but Amanda just might turn into a real person with professional help. Sally-Anne was given the money back as promised. She wouldn't have kept it even if Harry couldn't have fixed her original gowns. She doesn't want the gold and will be sending it to the Youth home in Hogsmeade as she could have wound up there if things had been different.

Harry and Hermione are competing for top student in potions class and practicing making an improved wolfsbane. Will it help or just make the wolves wilder?

Sally-Anne is recovering nicely from her 'ordeal' of seeing her dress investments being destroyed by Amanda. She's inviting Draco to the Harvest Dance. Behind the scenes, Draco is unamused by his girlfriend's admirers. He's even sent post to Mr Felton asking if he needs ointment for the burn he suffered at his betrothed's hands.

Harry will be doing daily checks on the map: making sure Moody is Moody. At least for a while. Ian plans on being an assistant now and then to also check on him as well.

There are two possibilities in the upcoming ritual. The Dark Lord will be killing dozens unless the forces of Light can stop them. There is a chance for the correct side to win and Harry isn't going to just quit.

O.D.D.L, (Order Defying Dark Lords) will continue the work ODD started. Protect the innocent, help free the people still under the previous headmaster's thrall, and do what they can to keep their country safe and dark-lord-free.

Arglwydd means Lord in Welsh, it's in the notes below. Ar glue eeth. Thanks to Fenchurch1 who wrote: Arglwydd is pronounced Ar glue eeth with a hard th like in' then'.

Back to the story.

~~ODDL~~

Chapter 7 - Hostilities Formalized

~~ODDL~~

Saturday, October 22th, Caves just outside Hogsmeade

In order to prevent others from seeing their set-up and practice, both Dan's and Ian's team used the Potter portals to get in and out of the caves. The false walls that could hide both adepts and wizard soldiers were indistinguishable from the natural stone. No one, not even the locals, trekked up there to betray the planned 'resurrection' ritual.

Dan's commanders, as well as the Black Watch Commander Montgomery, wanted Harry safe at home when this was actually happening. His blood had already been stolen and turned over to Professor Snape.

The only ODDL members that planned to participate were fighters or healers. Severus, Lucius, Marius and a few others who had had their terrible tattoos removed were now sporting fake ones that were the same pale greyish color the old ones had been.

A tap of a wand could turn it dark black and animated. Tommy would know they were no longer connected, but the other death eaters wouldn't.

The whole plan was to banish said unwelcome 'Lord' just as soon as he arrived at the party. And, unlike what happened with Ian and Harry blithely walking into the spider's lair, looking for the Potter House in Vienna, Dan was planning on Harry being safe at home for this upcoming battle.

There was really no need for the boy to play any part in this action. The soldiers would take out the tangos. Period.

Halloween was on a school night and Harry wasn't getting an excused absence from any of the parents to risk his own life. A decision of which Lord Harry was still ignorant.

All of his training was of the 'just if he was dragged into it' variety, as far as Dan was concerned and the warrior was grateful for Luna coming up with a solution that no one else had thought of.

Of course, the Lovegood witch hadn't confessed to the stolen kisses or she might still be hiding from Hermione.

~~ODDL~~

Saturday, October 29th, Hogwarts

Lord Selwyn showing up at Hogwarts with a small contingent of their 'allies' had Headmaster Malfoy nervous. The cane he used to try and project an air of harmless aristocrat wasn't working. None of these people were stupid enough to hurt the students, not even the muggleborn ones. Not with the new government. No, but they were here to change the plan to something that Lord Selwyn controlled rather than Lucius.

"What are you doing here, Lord Selwyn?" Lucius demanded.

"You know very well why I am here. Why we are here." Selwyn thought himself so clever.

Headmaster Malfoy drew himself up to his full height. "Do you have any idea how much work I have done over the last few months to make sure that we are successful. You now want to change everything? Hogwarts' wards allow you entry due to my sufferance. But if you dare harm one student, we could all be swimming in Black Lake."

"What's wrong with the better plan, Lucius? You've been trying to get new personnel and we are all volunteers. We won't hurt your budget. Or your students." Thorfinn sneered in what he thought was a cunning way.

It just made him look even more moronic than normal.

Selwyn thumped his cane down, making Alecto jump, "Hogwarts is a far more powerful place than the caves you suggested. And has a floo. What were we supposed to do, camp in magical tents? I think not!

"I know that our Lord always wanted to teach here - to be reborn here will make him very pleased. I have a perfect spot right here to hold this ritual and we have plenty of time to set up the runes. You have to know that I'm right."

Unwilling to start an argument that could easily turn into a premature fight, and that would be the only way to wrest control away, Lucius welcomed this group into the castle. He hoped that Hogwarts understood these evil people would be leaving after said ritual.

And hopefully, they'd be leaving in cheap pine boxes rather than under their own power.

"I will show you to the guest wing. I ask that you not talk to any students - we don't want anyone getting suspicious and sending owls out." Lucius murmured. He took the opportunity to dash into a private loo to tap out an emergency message without speaking, just in case he was being monitored. Black needed to know.

There really was an advantage to holding the ritual here, if their allies could set up the same sort of blinds in the ward room that they had done in the caves. Hopefully, all of their preparation work would still be useful.

His main worry now was Potter and his 'less than pureblood' students.

Lord Selwyn planted himself next to Lucius for the next several hours, insisting on his runic help down in the ward room. The Welsh stone mosaic seemed to puff smoke whenever the interloper drew too close as though, even in sleep, he really didn't approve of this visitor.

~~ODDL~~

Dan received the emergency message from Sirius and typed 'received and understood.' He was camped in Ian's basement and sighed in frustration. They were going to have to set up new concealment in Hogwarts, preferably when no one else was around.

He sent messages first, giving Moody a heads-up, then made his way upstairs. Ian and Sabrina were more than happy to have Dan join them for some tea.

Ian too was upset with the last minute change of site. The kids were going to a dance tonight, but tomorrow, they could ask for a portal and get Sirius over with his map of Hogwarts.

They were not going into Hogwarts blind ever again. Dan agreed with Ian's suggestion of going home to get some pictures of his daughters and talk with the family before coming back.

Dan headed for the portal home.

~~ODDL~~

Narcissa was fighting with her husband. Her real one, "No! I won't have it. Harry has been through too much. Blood magic is dangerous. Use some chicken blood or, if it needs to be magical, use hippogriff blood!"

Severus stopped. Hippogriff blood was still being sold through Greengrass. Not in great quantities, as they only gathered it from the non-racers, and never when the Potter boy was around. Did he even know about it? If the beasties were endangered by this, Snape would have told Harry about it long ago.

Severus would pay to watch when he did find out. A new goblin sport of Welshmen skittles; watch Potter knock them down for ten galleons.

"I will think on this. Just because we already have Potter's blood, taken against his will, doesn't mean we have to use it. Your idea has merit, Narcissa. I will do some research. We have a few days until the optimal night."

"After this ritual, if all goes well, I want another baby. I love you, Severus. I want you to take care of yourself. I know you've vowed to watch over Harry," Narcissa leaned in to gently kiss him. "I have an idea about it." Narcissa shared.

"Oh dear. Who is going to die? Not Lucius." Severus brushed back a tendril of hair from her face and kissed her. She lost her train of thought for a time, but Severus didn't forget.

Hippogriff blood. Having a hippogriff near the caves, for Potter to escape just in case things went sideways, might not be a bad idea.

He had no idea that all of their careful preparations had been uprooted by a group of devoted slaves, looking to bring back 'the good old days'.

~~ODDL~~

Moody, too curious for his own good, went to investigate the intruders. He glimpsed the red hair of a known pair of scoundrels. What were the Carrows doing at Hogwarts? He had only a warning of what was going on but not why. Then he remembered he was supposed to be a marked Death Eater. He winked when the girl looked his way and she smirked back.

Gah! What had Barty been up to? What happened to the happy little boy Alastor had dangled from his knee? He had lecherously bragged during his questioning of the men and women he wanted to seduce. Bleh.

At least Marius didn't mind playing along. Once this was over, Moody was going to track down Lockhart to get a very proper obliviate of this time. Otherwise he'd have nightmares worse than Harry did.

~~ODDL~~

Saturday, October 29, 7:30 pm, SAM Auditorium

The homecoming dance was brightly decorated and ticket sales had been very good. The team had won the quadpot game the night before and everyone was in a great mood.

The photographer was doing a fine business already. Most were going into dance first so the group joined the queue for pictures. Sally-Anne kept craning her neck, hoping that Draco showed up for pictures in time.

The Malfoy heir arrived just moments before it was their turn. He was walking funny and only kissed the air above her hand instead of kissing it. Maybe the portkey had made him a bit dizzy.

"Collinsworth! Imagine seeing you here?" Harry tried to keep smiling. This was for Hermione. And his friends.

Creevy was so happy to see his hero there, "Oh wow! I hoped you'd be here tonight. Harry, can you lean in just a bit? There…"

Hermione startled them both by reaching forward to place a saucy kiss on Harry's cheek. Collin captured Harry's surprise of the sweet buss perfectly.

Draco, meantime, crinkled his nose and muttered something about mudblood wizards under his breath. Susan rolled her eyes. "Watch your mouth, Malfoy, or you'll get your betrothed extra points."

His look of confusion was short-lived as Colin waved the couple forward. He stood very stiffly, as though trying to keep his distance from Sally-Anne. Stupid formal purebloods.

Then Harry's group, as planned, stood for a group photo. Ricardo had bunny ears on Susan, Sally-Anne was pretend-pouting at her date as Draco was refusing to play: The rest of them were all having fun.

Harry wished he could propose to Hermione but she was only fifteen. Ugh. Just another two years…

Colin snapped and snapped. Beautiful!

Draco then put Sally-Anne back on his arm and waved for Harry and Hermione to follow them around a nearby corner, while the rest of their friends went to find food or go dancing. Malfoy went to stand in front of the nearest trophy case and faced the others as they joined him there.

"I wanted to show you something special," Draco stated as he brought out a magical device. The three Salem students lost consciousness, then all four disappeared.

Sarah thought she'd seen movement as she walked by the end of that hallway. Hadn't Sally-Anne, Draco and the others just been over there? Very weird. But then Neville was pulling her over to the game room. Neither of them were here for dancing.

And because it was a portkey made by their own principal, no one knew immediately that anything was wrong at the school.

~~ODDL~~

"The headmaster is going to give us detention for a year!" Vincent claimed, making sure that the real Draco Malfoy was breathing. The boys had found him stunned and on his bed wearing only an undershirt over plain black pants.

"Why worry about him? Draco is going to be late for this dance thing he's been talking about for weeks with his betrothed Arista. He's going to be so mad." Greg pointed out, trying to wake his friend.

They decided to fetch a healer, but someone else was on guard. Soon, those two were also back in bed, as was proper.

Draco had permission to be out late and had a potion to help him stay awake for the time change. Only that potion, his portkey, along with his fancy American-style dance robes, were all missing.

~~ODDL~~

The portals were given over - three matching pairs. The money pocketed.

"This is only a rental!" The Welshman insisted. He didn't want to lose his magic! "And you do nothing towards any member of House Potter!"

"So I have promised. You'll have them back before they are missed." The death eater assured, most insincerely. "Now, how do these work?"

The traitor, Lucius Elam, tried to say but couldn't, so spat, "Figure it out! I'll be back next Saturday and they better be here!" and left with his ill-gotten gains.

By the time he got home, he was feeling very weak. Colin's father went to bed. The next day was Sunday and, by the time he was missed, it was much too late to do more than call in the family to mourn.

Well, at least pretend to.

~~ODDL~~

Padfoot and Carmen were enjoying a nice dinner out when his map alarm went off: Harry was at Hogwarts! WHAT?

The animagus panicked but his wife grabbed his hand. "We have friends and allies there. The whole point of going out was to try and get your mind off the change in the ritual. I suspect that Draco has convinced Harry into some kind of prank. Come. You go home; I'll settle up here and get our food to go. I love you. He's going to be fine."

Calming, suppressing his panic, Sirius made his way to the apparition point, telling the maitre'd he needed to go.

Everyone in the village knew how wealthy these people were. No one tried to stop the anxious godfather from returning home. Carmen too was hustled out. Charging to Gringotts was a common thing. House-elf delivery was a reasonable fee as well and the elves kept their own tips.

~~ODDL~~

Back at SAM…

"Padfoot? What's wrong?" Remus asked the clearly anxious face on the mirror. Both Moony and Frank were at the school as volunteer chaperones. Abigail was at home.

"Luna is about to go crazy! Not just Harry, but Sally-Anne and Hermione are at Hogwarts. No, I don't know why, but my map alarm went off. Frank should be on this call but didn't pick up. I need you to gather our lot and portkey home." Sirius asked/commanded. "I'll message Frank to get out of there!"

Was this part of what happened with Lucius? Death Eaters!

They signed off quickly. Lupin pocketed his mirror and took off running; headed into the huge auditorium. Frank often volunteered at school events to be an extra hand but he wasn't answering his mirror. He likely couldn't hear the mirror ring over the din of the hall. Blast it all!

Only a few people, including the principal, could have a portkey that went through the school wards.

Luna was indeed panicking. Frank, with Neville, Susan, and the others of the House in tow, met up with Remus. He quickly shared what he knew while trying to get the teens to the portkey point to head home.

"I should have noticed earlier. Sally-Anne always asks me to dance…" Neville was most distraught. He'd been happily avoiding her! Now she and Hermione, Draco and Harry were missing! And no one was answering their mirrors at Hogwarts.

Remus felt weak-kneed. They needed to get home and figure this out.

Frank stated, "I've called this in. They'll want to talk to us but Abigail says we can just come home. She's informing her people. Please, take the rest of the children home?"

Neville spoke up, "Dad! I'm fourteen, not a baby! When will I be an adult?"

"When you're sixty. Now, think of the others! Get home!" Frank commanded, angry because he was frightened.

Sarah squeaked as she had never heard Frank raise his voice before. He quickly apologized and got everyone to the portkey portal. What must Dan and Emma be thinking with both of their girls missing?

Frank then thought of his lovely wife. Ever since Fiona Elizabeth was born, she had become even more protective. 'I don't think I should be afraid. Whoever did this better be though.'

~~ODDL~~

Sirius was very angry and ready to apparate to Hogwarts on the spot.

All of the family, including the elves, were summoned and gathered into the smaller ballroom.

Alice, already informed by Frank, and being the calmest, shared the news with an earlier-than-normally roused Moody. She didn't say that this was part of a plan to take down the previous Dark Lord. It didn't seem…wise. She thought any 'kidnap' attempt was to be on Halloween, two days from now. And they had plans to keep Harry safe.

Salem's wards had finally been improved! How could this happen? Not tonight - couldn't Harry catch one break. Something had gone wrong and she was trying to hide her fears.

A shameful thought kept popping up like unexpected weeds on a sunny day: She was so grateful that Neville was safe and hadn't been targeted. Her precious son was home; safe and secure. Harry was better prepared to face this sort of danger, but still, he was her godson and she couldn't help being afraid for Harry.

~~ODDL~~

It took time to contact the Franklin staff as, at first, no one knew anything was wrong. Then, MFBI agents started to show up. Other families were running around, trying to round up siblings and visitors. This was Homecoming! There were extra adults, lots of teens from around the US and more than one international visitor!

Nothing like a kidnapping to ruin a nice event.

~~ODDL~~

It had been incredibly easy to kidnap the missing teens. Far too easy. Especially when the part of Draco was being played by a very jealous teen who wanted to help eliminate some competition.

~~ODDL~~

Earlier that night: Sunday, October 30th, 1:00 AM Hogwarts (8PM Salem Time)

Headmaster Malfoy, Professor Snape, both Carrows, Lord Parkinson, and Professor Moody were in the main entrance of the school waiting for the Salem contingent; who landed in a heap of fancy gowns, feathered fans and finery.

Several of the welcoming party were silently seething as they had just been informed of this part of Selwyn's plan and were most unhappy. Severus cast an enervate charm.

Harry quickly stood, but his spare wand was hidden. A minute shake of Moody's head showed Harry that he needed to play along for now and kept it hidden. He helped both Hermione and Sally-Anne to their feet but the younger Black girl was watching in horror as 'her beau' slowly transformed; becoming a pug. A pug girl. One who could have kissed her hand. Eww!

"Welcome to Hogwarts, everyone." Pansy Parkinson smirked, retreating to her father's side. "I did it! I did it! And Draco told me they aren't allowed to bring wands to school events." The portkey was voice activated.

Edmund Parkinson gave her a quick glare.

Lucius mentally checked the wards. He'd wondered why Draco hadn't left yet; now he knew. Only his occlumency skills kept his face bland and calm.

None of the teens were wearing their shields right now - they were at a local dance! One that was supposed to be under wards. Under great wards. Both Frank Longbottom and Seneschal Lupin had been there!

"So, the Boy-Who-Lived has graciously accepted our invitation for a visit," Alecto Carrow stated inanely, starting to brush Harry's hair aside to see the famous scar.

"I wouldn't do that…" Harry warned, but was too late.

She quickly pulled back burnt fingers. Angrily, she tried to backhand the boy. The headmaster grabbed her wrist. Harry was just grateful his mother's loving protection was still active and strong.

"What magic is this?" The witch demanded, now drawing her wand to punish him.

Lucius just tutted at her, "Nothing to worry about. Nothing but a parlor trick, he is mostly muggle you know. Professor Moody? Why don't you see our young friend to his quarters? Don't forget to remind him of the rules of behavior he is expected to follow. I will host Draco's betrothed and her sister." Lucius menaced, glaring at the Parkinson chit.

"I want to know why this deceit has been pulled on my family and demand a full explanation later. I am oath-sworn to protect House Black and you decide to endanger my magic!" Lucius allowed part of his anger to show: the Parkinson witch wisely took a step back but unwisely shared her reasoning.

Pansy emphasized with her hands, "But don't you see? Draco couldn't betray the current Heir Black, but I could. And I would be happy to remove an unwanted betrothal too."

"Silence, you little fool!" Edmund Parkinson glared at his eldest, "My friend, Lucius. The girl is suffering from her first crush. Can you please forgive her and I? Of course you can host these fine young ladies. They are the picture of nobility."

Hermione's glare should have disintegrated him on the spot.

Sally-Anne was petite but knew several wandless spells for self-defense and wasn't afraid to use them. Hermione's hair was growing rather Medusa-like. But no one made a move to touch her or Sally-Anne. Like Harry, they saw several trusted allies here and kept quiet. For now.

Alecto disagreed with letting the young witches leave, "We need maiden's blood for this ritual, Lucius, freshly taken. Let these ladies stay here as insurance for Mr Potter's good behavior." She turned to the girls, "We only need a bit of blood from you. Our Master will likely invite the Potter boy to join him." Then she turned to Harry, "You try to run away, and these young ladies will suffer. Do you understand?"

Arista (Sally-Anne) just huffed. "You just wait until my father hears about this!"

Hermione nodded. She couldn't reach her dagger or her wand right now without some gymnastic moves but she surely wanted them in her hands.

The headmaster was clearly surprised by his sudden guests, "Whether or not we could have quietly and cunningly obtained such blood without angering oh, say, Lord Black, the girls' parents, Seneschal Lupin, oh, and Lord Potter's godmother, former auror Lady Alice Longbottom? Or the American government? These young ladies are foreign nationals!"

Clearly, the plan had changed without Harry or anyone at home being informed. Had the Death Eaters moved without notifying Lord Malfoy? That was ominous.

Alecto shared glares with her impetuous brother. He's the one that provided the information after all. Hadn't he checked with anyone first? "I promise to take very good care of the young ladies…"

"That wasn't the plan! I want…" Amycus wisely shut up after both his sister's and the other professors' glares.

Alecto seethed but seeing the way her brother was drooling, it was for the best. "Of course. I'll return to Lord Selwyn's with the blood. If you would, Lord Prince?"

Harry put himself in front of the girls to no avail. Severus pulled out three vials. The man was a medi-wizard and more than a bit intimidating. "You will be giving me your blood. This will not hurt. Not much, that is."

All three were petrified, their upper bodies bound, and a small vial drawn from each teen that was labeled carefully. Pansy wanted to point out that so little was not going to kill that terrible Arista but Edmund had silenced her. He took custody of the blood after glaring at both Carrows who were looking mutinous. They wanted to be known as providing this blood even if it was Parkinson's daughter who risked going.

Severus didn't want to but felt compelled to try, "Headmaster? Would it not be prudent to send the children back to America, say to Salem's version of Diagon Alley. A bit of forgetfulness draught and they can chalk it up to losing track of time."

"NO!" Pansy's voice broke through finally.

Edmund too bit out his objection, "We don't have enough pureblood witches anymore. These ladies need to become the Dark Lord's friends and make good marriages here. No one will care about what any Americans have to say. Draco will be Lord Black - he won't put up with blood-traitors like Black. Sirius Black, that is."

Was delusional thinking included with every dark mark? Lucius was quite sure his head was clearer after losing that terrible drain on his soul.

Lucius pretended to smile but his eyes were cold, "Professor Moody? Can you please see to Mr Potter? Alecto, I do see your point but my wife is very fond of Arista. Don't you think allowing her to watch over our guest witches is more appropriate?"

Hermione and Harry shared a scared look. At least his Hermione was headed to safety. Was this Barty again? Or was this his mentor and friend? Harry was very confused and more than a bit scared. He was trained to fight but starting a battle now could put more than just Hermione and Sally-Anne in danger.

The woman gave in and Lucius called for Dobby to escort the young ladies up to his wife's quarters. Moody nodded to all there and started dragging a partially bound Potter up the stairs. The boy stumbled but Moody was strong and soon had him upright and heading up to the DADA office.

Noting the paintings on the wall, when Harry was finally able to speak, the Potter lad was trying to paint the scene for whoever was listening. Barty only knew Moody was the teen's mentor because he'd questioned Moody and got some facts out of him. Most didn't know they had any prior relationship at all.

"So, I would call you Professor Gimpy as I don't know your name. Maybe it will be on your cage door. Or do you zoo exhibits just have numbers?"

Mad-eye's normal eye was laughing. Due to his scars, he was able to keep a calm demeanor.

"Moody. DADA professor. Do you even know what that is? Or does your school only teach fingerpainting and doily making?"

Harry scoffed, mouthing 'nice one'. "I excel at fingerpainting, thank you. I heard him say Hogwarts and presume this is indeed the castle school. As a newly minted eleven year old, I heard your potions program was lacking, and decided to attend another school. Why am I here?"

Professor Moody stood as the stairs moved, time to give the boy real information. "Lord Selwyn wanted to upstage Lucius and teamed up with Edmund Parkinson. His daughter wants Draco for herself, as you saw. Nott is involved now too."

Harry nodded. Thaddeus Nott didn't know it was Harry who removed his dark mark but the lad remembered him from this last summer. By Lucius' score there were anywhere from twenty to fifty marked followers not in Azkaban; not that Harry was going to mention any of this in detail right now: Enemy territory.

"Nice to have another ally in this." Harry whispered and Mad-eye nodded.

He had personally removed the dark marks of over fifty but hadn't really kept track. He just passed the information to Marius and went to sleep, normally.

Then they were back to monitored hallways. Moody shoved him into the DADA office. There was a very uncomfortable looking cot awaiting him. He pointed to a closet. "Loo's there, oh wait, yer an American. The bathroom is there."

Moody closed and warded the office doors and waved Harry to a chest. Opening it, at the bottom of a long drop, Harry saw a man who appeared to be dead in a comfortable room. Junior. Good. This was still his Alastor.

"Barty Crouch, Jr. as you well know. Snape has vats of polyjuice that we couldn't figure out a use for until now. Narcissa will keep yer friends safe. Have no worry about them."

Harry rolled his eyes and pulled out the map. Yep, they were already gone from the castle. They saw Amycus in his room, alone; the Carrow witch in her room, alone; Lord Parkinson, a known marked DE was asleep in his room, and Pansy was back in her dorm. Harry had never wanted to slap a witch as much as he wanted to hurt her. She put his Hermione in deadly danger. She also put his sister-of-his-heart in danger. Selfish entitled witch!

Moody distracted the lad, "Here's my plan. We get someone in to play you. You go home to your family."

Harry walked around, feeling naked without his main focus which was registered at school and left at home for the dance. School rules. "I need a wand."

Alastor dug around in his desk. He had a half-dozen very generic wands. They'd work for almost anyone. As long as they had a good Merlin Index.

It made red and gold sparks, reminding him of his wand in his vault.

Harry went to the window and contemplated his choices. He could go back. Or he could end this. Only he could, according to yet a different Prophecy. Well, or Neville. But he's not the one who was kidnapped, was he?

Concerned by the young man's silence, Mad-Eye asked, "What's going on in that head of yours, me boyo?"

"My second maturation was wild, Moody. I've been fed regularly since I turned eleven. I haven't suffered any horrible sicknesses or injuries; not for years. No one has tried to suppress my magic since that time."

Mad-eye went to the trunk, and dialed a different compartment. He brought out an orb and handed it to the lad. And nearly fainted.

His numbers were higher than Merlin's. He hadn't measured the boy in too long.

"I have plans for the future, Mad-eye. Important plans. So this has to end. And end now." Harry finished, staring at Alastor until the man gave a defeated nod.

"Now, are animagus forms illegal here?" Harry asked.

"No, but you have to be registered."

"Ok, same as the US. I am. Well, my first form is. But not this one." Harry turned into a common red squirrel, climbed Moody's desk, and rubbed his paws.

Moody actually clapped.

It was getting late. Harry transformed back, landing on his feet.

"I need your help, sir. I'll try to be very careful about your cover." Just like when Harry and Alice were there the first week of school when they rescued Moody from his own trunk; They stayed out of sight of everyone else but Lucius. Minerva and Alastor were still pretending to fight in public but were then spending time together in private. "But will you…Help me?" Harry managed not to beg.

Alastor shook his head, " I can't believe there's a group thatwants Moldy back. The best way to assure he's dead is to bring him fully back, then destroy him. Yer guardians wanted you thousands of miles from all this."

Harry was worried, "What's Bill Weasley going to do now?" Severus had already told Sewlyn about the main part of the Dark Lord's soul, just not the details.

Quirrelmort had been captured when he'd been asked by Moody to remove the DADA curse back in what would have been Harry's first year, if he'd gone there. Bill Weasley and Moody had met him with Minerva. They had captured the dork lard bearing wizard and he had been in stasis ever since.

Mad-eye shared, "I haven't contacted him again since our last plan to meet at Halloween. The Carrows, Parkinson, and all just showed up out of the blue today…well, yesterday technically. They still think I'm Barty. Good thing I know how to imitate him."

The pair shared a grin at the irony before Mad-eye continued, "You should try and get some sleep. I dare not dose ya, just in case we have company. Death Eaters in and out of Hogwarts. Now there's a crime."

Harry nodded. The cot was, unexpectedly, wonderfully comfortable, so clearly a ruse. He was wearing second hand but clean pjs that someone had left in the loo for him. There was also a note from home and some added items. It was from Juniper.

'Came to rescue you and heard plan. Can get you anytime if you be changing mind. Asking permission to come work in castle. Being close to good master.'

Bless her - she had left a trunk and right next to the note was a mirror. Hermione!

"Granger Dental," Harry called. Sirius and his pranks.

"Oh Harry! Are you alright? Secure? Lady Narcissa got us home safe and sound. It was like all those pureblood idiots who captured us forgot she belonged to the House of Black. We're going crazy here!" Hermione's hair was undone. She'd put it up for the dance. So pretty. Now was not the time for that.

"Juniper brought me my mirror as you can see and she is going to be here. I'm to be kept at Hogwarts, as if you didn't already know." Harry shared.

Hermione bit her lip. Ever since she got her teeth fixed, she was even cuter than before. "Harry!"

"You're going to find out that I could return…"

"But won't. Because of the prophecy. Sigh. Dad won't like it in the least. I won't say be careful, I know you will be. Dad has been on the phone for what feels like hours. I think he's getting deployed."

She debated telling him about Abigail and Alice's reactions. No, Harry didn't like it when the mothers were angry. At least this time, it wasn't at him. Not at all.

Harry looked pensive and tried to smile at his lady.

A part of him thought he was being an idiot. He wanted to be home! He wanted to have gone for ice cream through the drive thru like they'd planned. Imagine the look from the staff at the order for thirty sundaes from within a space-expanded coach.

He wanted to kiss Hermione again for real. "Oh no! I didn't get a chance to pay Creevy! I want those pictures!"

Hermione rolled her eyes, remembering how Colin worshiped her beau. "I'm sure it's going to be fine. They are developing the pictures now, just for evidence. It's like they don't believe us about Draco not being Draco or something. Lady Narcissa wants to wait to bring Draco for evidence. He was sent the portkey and Pansy somehow found out about the details of this dance. It wasn't secret knowledge. Everyone at home here would know."

Harry yawned, "I'm feeling better now, less scared, now that I know you're safe. At home. Hermione, I want to ask you something. I'm serious. Gagh! I'm being sincere."

Harry knelt, holding up the mirror so she could see, "Hermione. I love you. I want to marry you. I wanted to ask you earlier today, but we're still too young. I don't care. If I can face two, no three dark lords, I should be old enough to ask you this. Can you understand?"

"Yes Harry. I love you too. Yes."

"You mean you will? Marry me?"

"Yes Potter. Now, survive the next few days! Let others help. You're not alone, you know."

Harry beamed, completely at odds with their circumstances. Hermione said yes! Hadn't she?

"You really will?"

Hermione sighed in exasperation, "Yes Harry. But that doesn't mean that we'll be sharing a room anytime soon. I want to go to college." The last was said with mock-snootiness, her nose in the air and making Harry grin.

The family had talked about how a child was a good thing, a very good thing, but should be wanted and hopefully planned for. After marriage.

"Yes dear. Anything you want, dear." Harry stated.

"Good boy! Prat."

Harry yawned again, "Hermione? I'm really glad you're safe. That makes this situation easier. You and Sally-Anne. Oh, I bet she's mad about the whole Draco thing. I have to get some sleep. It's nearly morning here. Talk to you later, tomorrow. Today."

The teens waved goodbye and Harry was asleep the minute he put the mirror down.

~~ODDL~~

While Harry and Hermione talked, A still groggy Draco was dragged into Professor Snape's private quarters. His mother was there with his compact mirror. He wasn't allowed to have it at Hogwarts.

Draco still thought Harry was a prat as the communication device was pink with a prancing unicorn on it. He claimed that his own was the same and showed one off like it. Luna's was. Something bought cheaply on sale for the enchanted mirrors. But Draco had seen Harry's laughing eyes and had doubts. Still, he needed to make sure Arista was alright.

Draco was not surprised that Arista answered promptly, "I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am! I was ambushed by someone in my dorm. When I came to, my dress robes were gone, the portkey was gone. The flowers were gone. All that remained was the necklace I was going to give you."

"Drat. I don't like it when the bad guys have some smarts. She's going to get away with kidnapping Hermione and I but if she had stolen the necklace that would be actionable." Sally-Anne spat, eyes sparking. "But it wasn't your fault Draco. And don't worry. Lord Black is incandescent as is my father. Expect action of the pureblood sort in the Wizengamot."

"But that won't matter if Harry is killed…oh, I shouldn't have said that." Draco apologized.

Sally-Anne was now showing tears. Well, it was late and she had been through a lot. "Draco? I'm so glad it wasn't you. My dad is a very smart and very powerful Adept. He is going to make Parkinson and his daughter beg for mercy before he's done. You can count on it!"

"I love your accent even if I don't understand everything you say. Arista? Will you…I mean…can I ask your father for an official courtship agreement?"

"I'd really like that, Draco. I'd best go calm my mother down. Maybe we can make this a regular thing? Sunday afternoons for you?"

"I'll ask Mother, but I too would enjoy that very much. Until anon, beloved."

He shut the mirror before she could respond, "Beloved? Me?" Now, the former Miss Perks did cry. She could have been killed, turned into some kind of broodmare, or a variety of terrible things. She suffered less pain than a papercut and now her crush, her would-be boyfriend said he loved her. She thought. Maybe.

Best go find her mother and find out what the Response was going to be.

~~ODDL~~

Harry didn't wake until time for dinner, surprised he'd been left alone. He'd lost all of his rest day sleeping. Not good.

Upon waking, Juniper brought him his biggest need along with clothes and a note.

It was a short message on paper that vanished when he was done, 'Ritual going forward. The location has changed to Hogwarts. Don't panic. Dan and Ian helping. Don't overuse mirror except in emergencies. Play along.'

Harry recognized his godfather's elegant hand and his chaotic thoughts. The Potter lad's own quill use had improved with art lessons and that calligraphy class. But no matter how well penned the message was, Sirius was still treating Harry as though he was barely out of diapers! Of course he knew the location had changed. Of course Dan and Ian were helping - those soldiers were likely going to be in the bowels of Hogwarts as he bathed and dressed. He had no intention of allowing anyone to see his mirror or see he wasn't panicked.

And it was Sally-Anne who had tried to get the group to get involved with the Drama Club. He had too much of that just breathing!

Now, Harry really felt alone. No, not alone.

He had Mad-eye. Playing a Death Eater. Playing Mad-eye. Yeah. There was that.

~~ODDL~~

ODD (Order Defying Dumbledore) and ODDL - Order Defying Dark Lords

A/N: Story recommended by our friend csheila: Harry Potter and the Last Chance by Reptilla (Le Quin's take on the Reptilla Challenge with a resourceful Harry and great supporting cast) see s/11922615;

A/N: Your story recommendation here -

~~ODDL~~

ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts

Ɠ Goblin language
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore)

Copyright: The original books are all owned by JK Rowling and her associates. This piece is the intellectual property of the writer VashonBeader and her beta LtsHrIt4ThBoyz and is not to be used or sold elsewhere under any other name.