Disclaimer: All charcters and world concepts are property of J.K. Rowling
Disclaimer: This is not the work of CNG25 but that of Lilausty, originally published on harrypotterfanfiction-dot-com.
Chapter 17: Resurrection Of An Army
"Harry, I've been thinking." Ginny said to him the next day at breakfast.
He raised his eyebrows, "Uh-oh, that is always a dangerous sign."
She shoved him lightly, "None of that! After that horrible run you made me do this morning, I am not in the mood to be trifled with!"
He grinned, "Godric made you do the run, I was just there to encourage you not to quit. Believe me, the first week or so, I was ready to die, but you do get used to it."
"Mmm, maybe. Anyway, that isn't an issue, but I did have an idea which I think you should consider." She began again.
"Oh, what sort of idea?" Hermione's voice came from behind them.
They turned and smiled in greeting to the bushy haired girl, and almost laughed as they saw she had pretty well dragged Ron from bed. He was bleary eyed and obviously completely out of it, but he managed a grunt in greeting before grabbing four different foods and shoving them in his mouth…at the same time.
Hermione gave him a look of fond disgust before turning back to Ginny, "Sorry, you were saying? You had an idea?"
Ginny looked unsure now, whether or not she wanted to talk in front of the older girl, but after a moment she shrugged, "Well, with Dumbledore dead, people are starting to lose hope. They don't see anyone fighting the Death Eaters with much success, so why don't we create our own army that will? Harry, you should resurrect the DA!"
He sighed, having half expected her to raise the issue sooner, "Gin, I have had this conversation with Hermione already. In principle I think it is a great idea, but there are several problems. One is time, after all we are very busy, second, I do not think McGonagall would be too thrilled about us preparing for war, and thirdly, do you actually think anyone would want to join? I mean think about it, it is one of the quickest ways to paint a giant target on your chest and say 'hit me!'"
Ron snorted, spraying little bits of egg across the table, "as if all the muggleborns don't already have that mate!"
Ginny nodded, "He is right, I think that more and more people are angered by Voldemort and his Death Eaters, and are willing to fight for their lives and their families."
"I'll reluctantly concede that there may be some people who will wish to fight, though I doubt there would be many. But that still doesn't solve the other two problems." Harry argued.
"Well, as far as time goes, I think that this is more important than anything else." Hermione says strongly.
Harry raised his eyebrows, "Oh? You think so?"
Hermione nodded enthusiastically, "Absolutely! I mean, sure school is important, but this is more so!"
"And what about that other little task that is supposed to be taking up some of our time here and there?" Harry asked innocently.
Hermione frowned, "Harry. I don't think that you should be worrying about Quidditch when there is a war going on!"
Ron looked up, obviously scandalized, "Oi! Quidditch is very important!"
Harry held up his hands to halt the rapidly approaching argument, "Easy you two. You argue like an old married couple! Besides, I wasn't talking about Quidditch, but our other little task."
Hermione shook her head, "I doubt we will be spending that much time on it, especially since we haven't a clue where to begin."
Ginny piped up, "And besides, in training the DA, we may come up with ideas to destroy the little darlings when we do eventually find them."
Harry almost blurted out that he knew how to destroy them, but held himself back in time, merely nodding in reluctant agreement, "Alright, well what about McGonagall? I mean, I am NOT going through what we did with Umbridge again."
Hermione sighed, "I doubt she would use blood quills on us just 'cause we want to defend ourselves. Maybe you should just try and ask her and see what she says. Just because you two are having a disagreement, doesn't mean she is unreasonable."
Harry lowered his eyes slightly, hiding the flash of anger, "I do not want to be in debt to her for anything though."
"Oh honestly Harry! She is not like the mafia for crying out loud!" Hermione burst out in exasperation.
"Says you." He muttered causing her to shove him good naturedly.
"What's the mafia?" Ron asked, looking interested.
"Crime organisation." Hermione replied before turning to Harry, "So? Are you going to ask her?"
"Hermione, don't badger him! You'll just put him off the idea." Ginny scolded, frowning at the older girl.
Harry put a thankful arm around her before smiling slightly at Hermione, "Herm, I promise to consider it ok? But I am not making any decisions until I have talked to…"
Ginny coughed loudly, looking slightly anxious, but Harry continued on "…my girlfriend in private." He grinned down at her, "Did you have something caught in your throat Gin?"
Her face was a mixture of relief, embarrassment and amusement, "Just some pepper."
"Come on, we don't want to be late for Transfiguration, especially if we are wanting to get on McGonagall's good side." Ron said, grabbing Hermione's hand and pulling her to her feet.
Harry gave Ginny a quick kiss goodbye and followed the other two up to the Transfiguration classroom, where most of the class had already assembled. McGonagall, as always was on time, but Harry could see that she was looking more and more haggard. He felt a twinge of reluctant sympathy and admiration. Being the co-ordinator to fight against Voldemort, Headmistress and Transfiguration teacher was obviously taking its toll on her.
Where she found the strength to keep going Harry didn't know, but was certainly impressed with her tenaciousness.
"Right, today's class involves human transfiguration." She began. "Obviously this is a very difficult let alone dangerous activity, so do not be discouraged if you do not get it right away. That being said, any fooling around and the consequences will probably be worse that just a detention. This is not to be trifled with!"
As she started to talk about the different types of human Transfiguration, Harry zoned out, having done it with Godric a couple of weeks before. He knew that Hermione was watching him in annoyance, but ignored her, simply drawing on his notepad.
"Mr Potter?" Professor McGonagall's voice broke through his thoughts.
He looked up, "Yes Ma-am?"
"Since you seem to be concentrating really hard on my lesson, perhaps you can tell me when human transfiguration is practical?"
Harry nodded, "Of course Ma-am. Obviously we have seen one use of it during the Tri-wizard tournament when Victor tried to turn himself into a shark to rescue Hermione. It would also be practical when in a fight, you could try and turn the opposition into something that is harmless. Or, if you were running away, and managed to get out of sight of your opposition, you could turn yourself into an animal of some kind to mislead them. Do you require any more reasons Professor? Because I am sure I can come up with some more."
She shook her head, "No, that is fine, you obviously know a bit about the subject." She paused, "and 10 points to Gryffindor." She turned back to the class, "As Mr Potter said, there are ample uses for human transfiguration in a battle. This is one of the reasons why I am covering this subject now, and not after the holidays. I feel that given the current situation with You-Know-Who and his followers, any technique that could help you in a fight is beneficial."
Most of the class had given themselves nervous looks when she mentioned Voldemort, but Harry was pleased to see that there were some, mostly from Gryffindor, that didn't even flinch.
Perhaps there are people out there that would be willing to become part of the DA again he mused.
"Harry! At least try and look like you are paying attention." Hermione hissed into his ear.
Startled, he looked up and was surprised to see that most of the class were getting to their feet and pointing wands at themselves. He gave a sheepish grin to the bushy haired girl, "Sorry, I have a lot on my mind at the moment. What are we supposed to be doing?"
She rolled her eyes, "McGonagall wants us to try and transfigure a single finger into an ape's finger. They are the animal with the closest shape to our own."
Harry raised an eyebrow, "Which type of ape?"
She sighed, "I don't know, does it matter?"
He laughed, "You're asking me? I just thought that McGonagall would have told the class."
She shrugged, "No she didn't, but the shape of the fingers are pretty standard I think, and besides, she has given us the incantation, so it'll only change into a single type of ape."
He nodded, "Ok, what is the incantation?"
"You should have been listening Harry!" she exclaimed in exasperation.
"Yeah, but I wasn't so can you pretty please tell me?" he begged, using puppy eyes.
"Oh Hermione, just tell him for crying out loud!" Ron interrupted, "That way I can concentration on this stupid spell instead of you two bickering."
Harry grinned, "Now you know how I feel most of the time when you two are going at it."
Ron grinned back as Hermione huffed, "Fine, the spell is Meta Petta Gossinga, happy now?"
"Very much so. Thanks a million Hermione." Harry replied, smiling at her.
She turned away, immediately pointing her wand at her finger and saying the spell. Ron likewise had returned to scrutinizing his own finger.
Harry pulled his wand out and pointed it at his finger, deliberately saying the spell wrong a few times to make sure that no one realised that he already knew how to do it. After the fourth 'unsuccessful' try, he decided to do it properly and said with determination, "Meta Petta Gossinga!" Immediately all of his fingers and part of his hand changed. He winced, realising that he had done more than necessary.
"Well done Mr Potter!" McGonagall exclaimed, making her way over to him and surveying him with surprise and admiration in her eyes. "No only have you managed to do a finger, but nearly a whole hand! Care to tell the class how you managed it?"
He shrugged, "I kept getting the spell wrong, so I just said it very firmly in my frustration and it just happened like that."
She nodded, "Well, that makes sense, because the amount of transfiguration that occurs is in direct relation to the confidence used. Now you just need to learn to control the spell." She turned back to the class and ushered them back to trying.
Hermione made her way over to Harry and whispered, "Nice story; what is the real one?"
He looked at her warily, "What do you mean?"
She rolled her eyes again, "Harry, we have been best friends for far to long for you to be able to hid things from me. I was watching you and could tell that you were saying the spell wrong on purpose."
He sighed, "Over the summer when I was on my own I did some pretty thorough studying, and I covered human transfiguration then. I can already turn myself fully into most types of animals." This wasn't quite a lie, because he had researched human transfiguration during the holidays, just had not tried it on himself.
She nodded, "Oh that makes sense I suppose. Do you think you can show me how to do it please?"
He smiled, "Sure! And by the way, I think I am going to start the DA back up again."
It took a moment for what he said to sink in, but when it did Hermione's eyes went wide with delight, and she gave him a quick hug, "Oh Harry thank you! That is fantastic."
Ron made his way over, "What is up?"
"He says he is going to restart the DA!" she replied excitedly.
"Hold up! I still have to clear it with McGonagall and I do not think that she is going to be entirely happy with the idea." Harry interrupted, holding up a hand.
Just then, the bell rang and the seventh years made their way out of the classroom. Harry shooed Ron and Hermione and walked up to the Headmistress. She surveyed him with narrowed eyes, "Yes Mr Potter?"
"Professor, could I book in a time sometime tonight to come and see you about something? I have been mulling over an idea and wish to raise it with you if that is ok." He said politely.
A wave of surprise made its way over her face before a mask of scepticism settled, "You haven't exactly been asking my permission for much lately, what has changed?"
He shrugged, "Nothing at all. I do not ask your permission for things that have nothing to do with you. In this case, it has a lot to do with you, so I need to talk to you about it. So? Do you have a time for me to see you?"
She stared at him for a moment, obviously contemplating the situation before nodded, "Very well, come up to my office at 8pm, the password is Absidian."
He inclined his head, "Thank you Professor, I'll see you tonight."
"Well, you certainly didn't take long to make your decision. I was kinda looking forward to having that long talk to try and convince you." Ginny said, when she heard of Harry's actions during the morning.
He put his arms around her, "Gin, I promise we can still have the conversation and you can tell me all of your wonderful arguments. It doesn't matter if they are completely immaterial."
She rolled her eyes before giving him a mischievous smile, "Oh I think we can find far better things to do with our time."
Ron shuddered and put his hands over his ears, "Hello? Brother here! Does not want to hear such things coming from his baby sister and best mate!"
"Oh Ron get over it! It isn't like they are going to be doing something that we haven't." Hermione said matter of factly.
Ron flushed bright red, Ginny throwing him a measuring look, "Oh? And just how far have you gone with dear Hermione brother o mine?"
He grumbled, "None of your business." His ears were burning brighter and even Hermione had flushed slightly pink.
Harry looked surprised, "Wow, I knew you two were serious, but I never realised it was that serious!"
"Oh knock it off Harry, we haven't done it!" Hermione said shrilly.
Ginny rolled her eyes, "Sure you haven't." she grabbed Harry's hand, "Come on, lets go to our special place, I think these two will have plenty of activities to occupy their time."
Ron looked up, "Special place?"
Ginny nodded, "Yeah, you know, a place that has meaning for you? I am sure that you and Herm have one as well. My guess is it is in the kitchen, after all, your one true love is food!"
Before Ron could retaliate Harry had pulled Ginny away from the table and out of the Great Hall. After making sure that they were not being followed, they made their way to Phoenix's Nest.
"You are a little early this evening, it is barely 6pm." Godric noted, when he saw who it was that had arrived.
Harry nodded, "Yeah, I need to discuss something with you guys before 8 when I have a meeting with McGonagall."
Godric shrugged, "Okay, I'll call the others. OI, YOU LOT, GET IN HERE NOW! HARRY NEEDS TO TALK TO US ABOUT SOMETHING!"
Harry grinned at the lion founder, "'cause that was so much easier than just walking the 3 steps to the hallway."
He grinned back, "Of course."
"Ah Harry, good to see you. Ginny dear, how are you today?" Helga said by way of greeting.
"Fine thank you Ma- ah Helga." Ginny replied, obviously still slightly nervous to be in their presence.
"You need to talk to us Harry?" Salazar asked.
He nodded, "Yeah, Ginny wants me to start up the DA again, and I agreed with her. I am talking to McGonagall tonight to try and convince her to let me. Got any hints on how to do that?"
"Hang on, back up a sec. You want to restart the DA? As in that little study group you had in your 5th year?" Rowena mused.
"Yeah, except it wasn't really a study group, more of a small practical defence organisation." Harry replied.
She gave a wry smile, "I stand corrected. So, why do you want to start it back up again?"
"It's not that we want to start the DA again, but more turn it into an actual army! Something that will be useful in the war." Ginny replied excitedly.
Helga smiled, "Such a noble idea, though you may find it more difficult than you think. Still, convincing the Headmistress will probably be the hardest hurdle."
Salazar nodded, "If you want to get her on side, you will probably have to do something for her. Nothing is ever given away for free, and if she can hold something over your head then she will."
Harry frowned, "I do not like the idea of me being in debt to her for anything. Especially if she can call it in at anytime."
"Well, then you are simply going to have to tell her the ground rules. Remember, if she says no, you can always go behind her back. We can help you hide the students who wish to be part, so that they cannot be caught." Godric said.
Harry smiled, "I may take you up on that offer. But you think it is a good idea to get the group back up and running?"
"Certainly, for more than one reason as well." Salazar nodded.
Rowena smiled, "You know that you are the head of the true Order. This group you wish to establish will be the new Order of the Phoenix. The order as it was supposed to be once your mentor had died."
The others nodded, and a sad smile played around Harry's lips, "I hope he would have been proud."
Ginny poked him quite hard in the ribs.
"Ouch! What was that for?"
"For acting like a soppy git! Of course he is proud of you!" she replied, rolling her eyes at him.
He couldn't help but laugh, "I though girlfriends were supposed to be the moral support for their boyfriends, keeping them going in their darkest hours and being a sympathetic shoulder to cry on!"
Her mouth twitched, "The day I become an emotional female is the day you will break up with me Harry."
He shrugged, "I haven't yet, and I have put up with your temper on several occasions."
She tossed her head dismissively, "Anger doesn't count!"
He was about to respond when Godric burst out laughing, "They fight like an old married couple!"
Ginny and Harry both turned glares on him and he raised his hands in mock surrender. However, he had successfully defused the argument and Ginny turned to Helga, "So, is there anything in particular that Harry can say to McGonagall to get her to agree?"
The kindly woman's eyebrows creased as she pondered the situation. After a moment she shrugged, "You can always just play the group as a study group and not tell her exactly what you intend to do with them. At least not at first, that way she thinks you are purely trying to help the students through their schooling. Especially if you tell her you aren't just going to teach them offense."
Harry looked up, startled, "What else am I going to teach them?"
Salazar gave him an incredulous look, "Uh, the stuff we have been teaching you maybe?"
"Oh."
"You could also get Fawkes to help you." Rowena suggested, "He was a fantastic help for me, especially I passing messages between people."
Harry smiled, "Thanks to Hermione we actually have a very good method of communication which is instantaneous and goes to everyone or only a select few. But if Fawkes can suggest things to teach that would be fantastic."
"Mmm, perhaps you can show me this way of communicating, I must say I am intrigued." Rowena said.
"Ah, the intellect rears her head once again." Godric laughed.
She glared at him before turning back to Harry who shrugged, "Sure, we have time to kill I suppose. I was actually hoping to change them slightly, but I guess I'll have to talk to Hermione about that."
Harry spent the next hour or so explaining how she had created the fake galleons and applied the protean charm on them. The founders were very impressed, with Rowena wanting to look at the galleon with a promise to try and improve the existing arrangements.
He looked up at the clock and was surprised to see that it was already 7:45pm. He got to his feet, "Well, I am off to bargain with a dragon, if you'll excuse me."
"Good luck!" they chorused.
He rolled his eyes and called Fawkes who promptly flashed him to the outside of the Head office. He looked up at the griffin thoughtfully, realising that this would be the first time he had been in the office since Dumbledore's death. He wondered if the portrait of the late headmaster would be hung yet, if he would be awake and talkative.
Shaking himself of these thoughts he said "Absidian."
He walked into the office slowly and knocked on the door, entering only when he heard McGonagall say "Enter."
"Hello Professor." He said politely, trying not to look at the office which had changed drastically.
"Mr Potter, I believe you had something to talk to me about? Please hurry, as you can imagine, I am very busy." She said, gesturing to a wooden seat in front of her desk.
He nodded, "Very well, I will get straight to it. Do you remember the DA?"
She nodded, "Of course, it was the group of students that you taught during Umbridge's time here. Got Professor Dumbledore into quite a bit of trouble to if I remember correctly."
He inwardly winced, but merely nodded, "Yes, I seem to have a habit of that. Anyway, I was seeking your permission and approval to start it back up again. I do not know if we will keep the same name, though I cannot see a reason why we would change it. But the fundamentals of the group would be the same."
She pierced him with a stare, "I am assuming that you would be teaching these students?"
He nodded, "I plus Hermione and anyone else who can, I am not fussed. Just as long as the students can defend themselves in a fight, I really don't have an issue."
"Professor Tonks seems to be doing an admirable job as the Defence Teacher. Why would such a group be needed?" She asked.
Harry shrugged, "Same reason that there is a charms group and even a transfiguration group. To better themselves at the subject. Tonks is brilliant, but she cannot be everywhere at once, and this will give the students a little bit more of a personal tutoring. And I will probably teach a few things that she will not."
McGonagall's head snapped up, "What kind of things?" she demanded.
"I don't know yet, but you have to understand, this group will not be a defence class, but an offence class. I am going to teach them how to fight."
McGonagall sighed, "In other words, turn them into an army."
He gave a humourless smile, "Well, our name was Dumbledore's Army for a reason you know. Personally, aside from the Gryffindors and a few Hufflepuffs, I do not think that many students will want to join, but I feel I should at least offer to help those that wish to learn."
"If…if I agree, I want to know what ages you are going to teach." She said.
Harry considered the question, "I do not think I would discriminate between grades. After all, the Death Eaters are not going to be more merciful just because a person is younger. If they want to learn, I will teach them. Obviously I am not going to be teaching eleven year olds how to kill, but I can certainly start them on basic offensive spells."
"I do not like the idea of such young children being exposed to violence so early." McGonagall frowned.
Harry looked at her incredulously, "With all due respect Professor, but I doubt anything I could teach them would even remotely compare to what they are hearing on the radio or reading in the paper. Let's be honest, Voldemort is getting stronger and pretty soon all of these kids are going to be faced with death. The quicker they can learn that it isn't something to be feared the better."
McGonagall didn't look happy about this but she sighed, "I suppose that if I do not agree you will simply go and do it anyway. Umbridge couldn't stop you, I doubt I could. Just, please, don't put the children in danger."
Harry shook his head, "I will do my best Ma-am, but I cannot make a promise. We are in a war, whether we like it or not, and if Voldemort attacks Hogwarts, understand, the DA will fight. I will endeavour to keep the younger students out of harm's way, but I can guarantee that there would be some who want to fight."
For a moment, Harry thought she was going to argue with him, but she merely slumped into her chair, "Oh very well, you have my permission to start the DA back up again. I have only two conditions, one, you use the Room of Requirement and two, you let me know when your meetings are happening."
Harry considered the conditions before nodding, "Very well, I will give you our way of communicating so that you can be informed when the rest of them are." He gave her a small smile, "Thank you Professor."
A hint of a smile crossed her face, "You are welcome Mr Potter. I expect to hear the rumours starting tomorrow about your group."
"I'll aim to please. Goodnight Professor."
"Goodnight…Harry."
Harry plopped down on the couch next to Ginny, "Well, that went better than expected I must say. She didn't put up a fight at all! She merely asked to know when our meetings are, and that we use the Room of Requirement. And that was it!"
"That doesn't actually surprise me Harry. I know that she has wronged you badly, but from everything you have told me, this McGonagall is not a bad person. She is fighting and risking her own life in this battle, and I am sure she would welcome any help she can get." Helga said sadly.
Harry nodded, "Well, if that is the case, I can work with her, but I refuse to be controlled. I do appreciate that she is no longer trying to determine what it was that Professor Dumbledore was doing with me."
"Can you forgive her?" Helga asked softly.
Harry went very still, and considered his answer. After a moment's hesitation he nodded, "Yes I think so, but only if she genuinely asked for it. Some of the pain of the betrayal has faded, and now I feel pity for her, seeing her so tired and haggard when some of her stress was so needless."
Helga smiled, "I am glad Harry. If you can forgive, then we need never fear for your mental state."
He shot her a sharp look, "Were you?"
Her eyebrows rose, "With everything you are going through? Of course!"
"Oh."
Godric snorted, "It isn't an insult Harry, we were just concerned is all."
Ginny nodded, "Aren't we all? I have lost count the number of times I have walked in on Ron and Hermione discussing Harry's state of mind, particularly just after fifth year."
Harry rolled his eyes, "Thanks guys, at least I know that there will be people watching me as I decline into gaga land!"
"Happy to help!" Godric replied.
"Right, well I need to go and start spreading the rumours about the re-start of the DA. So if you'll excuse me!" Harry said, grinning.
"I take it you probably won't make your classes tonight on time?" Rowena said.
Harry shrugged, "I dunno, I might be a bit late, but I can't see me getting here any later than 1am."
The founders nodded, Salazar replying, "Very well, hopefully by the end of tonight all of Gryffindor will know about it and by the end of tomorrow so will the school!"
Ginny and Harry waved goodbye and Fawkes flashed them to the portrait of the Fat Lady. They quickly gave the password and clambered inside. Spotting Ron and Hermione kissing on their favourite couch, the sneaked over and pounced on them.
"Howdy you two! Doesn't look like you missed us at all!" Harry said, grinning.
"Shove off Harry!" Ron grumbled.
"Oooooh, touchy!"
Hermione meanwhile had straightened out her clothes and had a curious expression on her face, "So? Did you speak to Professor McGonagall?"
He nodded, "Yeah I did, and she says it is ok to start the DA back up again. So we need to put the word out. I reckon if we schedule our first meeting for Saturday night that will give us plenty of time to spread the word."
"Oh that is fantastic! I must say I am surprised she agreed so easily, considering everything that you have put her through this year." Hermione said, looking impressed.
Harry frowned, "Everything that I have put her through?"
Hermione froze, "That came out worse than I meant it."
Ginny broke in, "It's ok Herm, we know what you meant." She elbowed Harry in the ribs and he nodded, his smile slightly forced, at the bushy haired girl.
"Right, rumour spreading time!" Ron said, clapping his hands. "Oi! Neville, Dean, Seamus! Get over here!" he shouted to the three other seventh year boys.
They looked up and sauntered over, "What's up?" Dean asked as they sat down.
Harry leaned in, "We are starting the DA back up again. You interested?"
Neville immediately spoke up, "Course! When's the meeting?"
"Saturday, 7pm in the usual spot. Can you start spreading the word?" Harry replied.
The boys nodded easily, Seamus asking, "Is it secret like in fifth? Or can we be a little more open?"
Harry smiled, "McGonagall knows if that's what you mean. But if you can make it seem like it is supposed to be secret we may avoid passing on the news to some of the more unpleasant individuals in the school."
"Gotcha!" The three boys got up and immediately took different parts of the room, whispering in certain people's ears.
Ron sighed, "Right, that's Gryffindor done! I'm exhausted from all that!"
They laughed, Hermione tickling him slightly.
Ginny frowned, "Harry, what happens if a Slytherin wants to join the DA?"
Harry stared at her, "You know, I honestly don't know. I suppose we could nick some veritaserium and see where their allegiance is, but if I do it for a single person then I have to do it to all. And I am sure that there would be some people who wouldn't like their allegiance questioned."
Ron shrugged, "Simple solution, don't let them in! They're all a bunch of slimy gits and traitors anyway."
"Ron! How can you say that? You do not even know most of them, what if some of them are descent and kind and hate Voldemort as much as us?" Hermione exclaimed.
He turned an incredulous stare onto her, "Name me one Slytherin that meets those criteria?"
She glared back at him, "Alright, how about Tonks?"
Silence.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
Hermione sighed, "Tonks was a Slytherin. She keeps it hush hush because she knows they are not trusted. It made it very difficult for her to get into the Auror training because of it, but thankfully her mother has some sway in the ministry coming from an old pureblood family."
"I keep forgetting that she is a Black." Harry muttered, thinking of his godfather and their conversation by the tapestry.
Hermione meanwhile had turned back to Ron, "So, are you going to say that she is just a slimy git and a traitor?"
He muttered under his breath and glared into the fire.
She nodded, "I didn't think so! Do not judge someone just because they have certain personality traits. One has to be crafty and ambitious to be in Slytherin, not evil!"
Harry looked at his friend with a new sense of respect, "That is a very insightful view Hermione, and I am sure that there would be people out there that would be grateful if more people believed that." He shared a meaningful glance with Ginny.
Hermione shrugged, "It is only common sense."
Ginny laughed, "Yes well, we know that most people do not have that."
The following days passed very quickly with the start of the DA being highly anticipated by most of the student body. Harry knew that for the first meeting there would be a huge number of students, but he also knew that once he had explained to them what he would be turning the DA into, that number would decrease rapidly.
The founders had been counselling him on what to say, and he felt as ready as he could be when he stepped into the Room of Requirement at 7pm on Saturday night.
The room had expanded itself to fit in half the school and a couple of hundred sets of eyes focussed themselves on Harry as he walked to the front of the room and up onto the stage.
He had selected the five others that had fought with him at the end of last year to stand with him. Ron and Hermione stood behind him with Ginny at his side. Neville and Luna stood slightly to the side, Neville looking really nervous and Luna looking like she was in another world.
Harry focussed his attention on the expectant faces staring up at him, "Welcome everyone. Obviously you have heard about the DA and wish to join. I am encouraged and honoured that so many people deem this group to be worthy of their time."
He paused and looked down at Ginny who squeezed his hand in encouragement. He was not really looking forward to dropping a bombshell on all of them, particularly the original members, but he was not going to beat around the bush about it.
"Unfortunately, I have to be perfectly blunt with all of you. I am re-modelling the DA; no longer will it be a study group to learn Defence. We have a fantastic teacher who knows her stuff, so in that way, the DA as it stood would be superfluous." He began.
Some faces already were looking dubious, but most still had enthusiastic stares. He sighed, "I am going to turn the DA into an actual fighting group that will be available to fight in real battles in the future."
A pin drop could have been heard and he nodded, "We are at war everyone! Voldemort is at large, killing left right and centre, and there are too few people willing to fight him and his followers. Innocents are being massacred simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and I say ENOUGH!"
Everyone jumped, many looking terrified as they realised what he was proposing. He gave a sad smile, "It is a terrible truth that you all must face. I understand that many of you will have no interest in being apart of the new DA. I understand, do not fear that I will think you a coward if you walk out that door and not look back. I won't! If I could, I would walk away, but I am, shall we say, pigheaded enough to stick it out."
He sighed again, "Before you make your decision, I will lay down the truth, right here, right now. If you stay, you will be apart of a group where people will lose their lives. That is war. We will fight, some will live and some will die. We fight for freedom, we fight for kindness and we fight for equality. If you stay, you will become targets for Voldemort and his followers. I do not believe that I could keep the DA secret if I tried. He will find out! You have to ask yourselves if you are willing to risk your lives and the lives of those you care about, to help put an end to his tyranny. If the answer is yes, then you are more than welcome!"
He stopped and stared out at the crowd. A bunch of scared, dumbstruck and confused teenagers stared back at him. A voice rang out, "But what can we possibly do? Even if you train us, we are still kids! Kids fighting an adults war. Not even trained aurors can face some of the Death Eaters, how can you expect us to?"
Harry focussed his gaze upon the speaker and recognised one of the chasers from Ravenclaw. He believed that she was a fifth year. He nodded, "It is true, many of Voldemort's followers are powerful, cruel and talented. But many are not! I am not saying that you could go head to head with Bellatrix Lestrange and win, but neither can I! What you could do after training is take on his plebs, the ones who are sent to kill muggles and muggleborns, the ones whose cruelty knows no bounds, but their brains are the size of peas!" giggles rang throughout the hall.
"Make your decision, but know that it isn't final. Anytime you wish to come or go, you are welcome to. I know the dangers associated to this group, and would not hold anyone here who doesn't fully accept the risks involved. Thank you." He gestured for them to talk amongst themselves.
He sat down with the other five sitting by him as they watched the student body. Immediately, almost half of the students got up and left, not even looking back. Almost all of the original DA were still in the room, with several already pushing their way up to where Harry sat.
Seamus, Dean, Justin, Padma, Parvati, Lavender and Ernie all joined them, grinning ear to ear. Harry smiled back at them and gestured for them to take a seat. For the next ten minutes they watched the rest of the students make their decision. Most of the younger students had gone, obviously terrified at the prospect of risking their lives.
However, Harry was very surprised at the number of people that had joined him. All of the Gryffindors fourth year and above had sat down happily and were talking amongst themselves. There were plenty of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws as well.
Finally, as the last few individuals made their decision and chose their direction, Harry stood up and smiled at the people that had stayed. He spoke only a single sentence, "Welcome….and thank you."
It had been decided that Ginny would take it from there and she stood up, "For those of you that do not know me, I am Ginny Weasley. As Harry has said, this new organisation will be run as an army, with specified training times as well as duty times. If Hogwarts is attacked, aside from the teachers, we are the only line of defence between the Death Eaters and the rest of the students. Do any of you have anything to say before we continue?"
Instantly Dean, Seamus and Neville shot to their feet, all grinning broadly. Neville spoke, "We – that is us three – had predicted that you would propose something like this. We were wondering if you are going to keep the name the same."
Harry frowned slightly, "I hadn't planned on changing the name. Remember, who we named it after! I do not think a better name could be found for such an organisation."
Neville nodded and Seamus replied, "Yes, we thought that might be the case. The only other thing we wondered was, are you going to give us an emblem of some sort? Like identification, so we know who we are?"
Harry raised his eyebrows, "Short of painting a giant red and white target on you all, no, I hadn't."
Titters floated around the room as Dean grinned, producing several bits of parchment, "Well, don't you think it might be a good idea? Give us a bit of uniformity? I mean the Order has one, so why can't we?"
Harry shrugged, "You want an emblem? Great, have one! It doesn't bother me. I assume those bits of parchment have some designs you came up with?"
Dean nodded and laid them out before the rest of the students. There were gasps of amazement and admiration as they viewed his works. Most of the Gryffindors already knew that Dean had a flair for art, but the rest of the student body didn't have a clue.
He looked down modestly, "I wasn't sure what everyone would like, so I tried to come up with a variety of ideas."
Harry's eye had been drawn to one picture in particular. It was an attacking phoenix with glowing eyes with a sun behind it. Circling the bird was a set of runes that he identified (thanks to Rowena) as goblin. He pointed to it, "I really like that one Dean, it is magnificent, and symbolic as well."
He nodded, "yeah, but I was a little hesitant to draw it, since the Order already has a phoenix as their emblem."
Harry smiled, "For good reason! A phoenix will always triumph over a basilisk my friends. However, I like it for a completely different reason. FAWKES!" he cried.
With a great flash, the beautiful red and gold phoenix appeared and landed on his shoulder. He smiled at the stunned faces before him, "This is Fawkes, he used to be Professor Dumbledore's pet, but now he is bonded to me. Fawkes is 2000 years old, and holds a plethora of knowledge that can aid us in our war. And before you ask, yes, he is sentient and yes he talks to me."
Fawkes trilled slightly, and everyone's face immediately became peaceful and relaxed as a feeling of joy washed over them. Harry couldn't help but chuckle, "That is just one of his little tricks."
"Harry?" a hesitant voice asked.
He focussed onto Colin Creevy, "Yes Colin?"
"You said that a Phoenix will always triumph over a basilisk, but how could something so small be able to harm something so large?"
Harry smiled back at him, "I guess it would surprise you to know that it was Fawkes that aided me in killing the Basilisk when you were in first year?"
Colin's jaw hit the floor causing some of the others to laugh. Neville raised his voice, "Well, I like the phoenix emblem by Dean. I think that it is perfect for our group. Could we take a vote Harry?"
He nodded, "By all means."
Neville and Seamus then took the vote, counting the hands for each of the symbols. It was an overwhelming majority that liked the attacking phoenix and so the DA officially had an insignia.
Harry looked at his watch and nearly jumped, "Wow! How time flies. You all need to get back to your dorms, but before you go, take one of these fake galleons. They will tell you when the next meeting is. For those original members, you will also need one as we have changed them slightly. Goodnight all!"
There was a scrabbling for the coins and various farewells tossed around as the students exited the Room of Requirement, chattering happily amongst themselves.
Finally just the Gryffindor seventh years were left. Harry smiled at Dean, "That was wonderful work mate, you truly do have a talent with art. Hopefully when all this is over, you will get the chance to really exploit it."
Dean shrugged, "Eh, it's no big deal. I do it cause I enjoy it, but I am not sure if I would like to make a career out of it. Anyway, goodnight! Cya in class tomorrow." He, Seamus, Parvati and Lavender left.
Harry yawned and got to his feet, "well, that went pretty good. There are more people apart of the DA then I expected, though I think when the realisation of what they are facing hits home, we may lose a few more."
Neville nodded as he too stood up, "Yeah, but we probably will also gain some, when their friends start to suffer and die, and they decide to try and fight. Anyway, goodnight, see you tomorrow." He wandered out of the room, Ron and Hermione following him after bidding Harry and Ginny hasty goodnights.
As soon as they were alone, Ginny pounced on Harry and kissed him. When she finally let him breathe she grinned and said, "Well General Potter, how do you feel? You are no leader of an army and one that is going to kick some arse!"
He smiled sadly, "I wish I didn't have to be. If, no, when one of them dies, I fear that they will blame me. I know I will probably blame myself."
Ginny shrugged, "You always do, even if it has nothing to do with you. Always remember, if you don't do this, many more people will die. Could you live with yourself then?"
He shook his head, "No, no I couldn't."
She kissed him again, tenderly before saying, "Come on, let's get to Phoenix's Nest. I want to tell them how it all went."
Harry nodded and wrapped his arms around her, Fawkes automatically landed on his shoulder and flashed them back Phoenix's Nest.