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 39: Changing of the Guard

Pushing open the door to the pub Harry breathed in deeply the familiar smell of goats and mead. Waving merrily at the barman he took a seat in the corner, the rest of the DA imitating him, chatting amongst themselves. After a while they quietened down and looked at him expectantly with Dean asking "So Harry, what now?"

"Actually, I was going to leave that up to you. I have just broadcasted that I am a Lord and cannot be controlled. Not only that, but by announcing that I am descendant and heir to the four founders of Hogwarts I have just thrown down the gauntlet to Voldemort who believed that he was the only living heir of Slytherin."

"Well, what are our options?" Ernie asked interestedly.

Harry nodded, "We have three of them as far as I can see. The first is to stay at Hogwarts and defend it until Voldemort attacks. He knows that he will have to try and take it eventually if he wants to control the next generation and what they learn. Also, it was his first true home so it makes sense that he will want it under his control eventually. The only problem with living there is that it is relatively difficult to come and go with all the wards in place. Plus I can't see McGonagall being very receptive to our living there considering we just humiliated her."

"Well she had it coming. You gave her more than enough chances during the year to prove herself to you." Anthony grumbled.

Harry grinned, "Right, so the next option, which is the one I am most partial towards is to move permanently to Potter Castle. It is plenty big enough, so even if lots of others want to join, they can still be housed. It is defendable and there are some pretty impressive wards defending the place. If we go there though, it won't be to sit out the war. It will be to take it to the next level. I am talking about major recruiting, spying and attacks. The final option is to go out into the wilderness and rough it. We won't be able to know what is going on all that easily, but we will be able to dodge the Death Eaters pretty well."

"So basically it comes down to how we want to run this war?" Stacey confirmed.

Harry nodded, "Essentially, yes that is correct."

Terry shrugged, "Well I am not one for sneaking around, and I certainly don't want McGonagall breathing down my neck. I vote for Potter castle, we have all seen it so we know what we are getting into, and it is high time the war was upped against ol' Voldy."

Ever the voice of reason, Hermione spoke up, "But, we are only forty students, how can we defeat Voldemort? He has at least two hundred Death Eaters at his command, not to mention the werewolves and probably the vampires as well!"

Harry sighed, "Leave that to me, I think I and our friends will be able to come up with something. There are plenty of other magical creatures who haven't been approached yet. So? What do you all think we should do?"

Ron shrugged, "Vote and see."

"Alright, all in favour of staying at Hogwarts?"

Two people put their hands up.

"Ok, those in favour of living in Potter Castle?"

Almost all hands went up instantly.

Grinning Harry replied, "Alright then, I don't think we need to take the other count then. Well, I'll send the Potter Castle elves to pack up all of your belongings and take them to the castle. Dobby!"

CRACK.

"Yes Harry Potter sir!"

"Could you please inform the rest of the Potter Castle elves that I and my friends will be coming to live in Potter Castle. We need for all of their belongings to be packed up from Hogwarts and moved as soon as possible. Is that ok or do you need some more help?" Harry replied.

"Oh no sir we is not needing any more help! The belongings is being moved immediately!"

CRACK.

Jimmy chuckled, "Gotta love house-elves."

"Right, well I'll make you all a portkey to take you to the castle. I will be staying here for a couple more days in case anyone wants to join us. I am pretty sure that at least Remus and Tonks will want to and probably the Weasley siblings as well." Harry explained, "If you need anything just call for Dobby and he'll take care of you. Any questions?"

"Yeah, can we come to the press conference tomorrow? I really want to see it." Hermione said immediately.

Neville frowned, "Why would you want to see Scrimegeour apologise?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Do none of you know what Harry has done?"

Most shook their heads so Harry explained, "I couldn't get the Wizengamot off their butts and sack Scrimegeour straight away, so I am going to let public opinion do it for me. As soon as the general public knows what he has tried to do to me, particularly the reason for it, they are going to be calling for his head. See, the daily prophet has been singing all our praises lately, particularly about the Hogsmeade attack since we saved the editor's life as well as his family's. So public opinion for us is at an all time high."

"And so the Wizengamot is going to have no choice but to sack Scrimegeour when people start baying for his blood. You're spooky sometimes, you know that Harry?" Ron summed up grinning.

Harry shrugged, "I try. So yes, if you want to watch the apology, go right ahead. Dingle will get you all there in plenty of time. The only thing I ask is for you to go disguised, the last thing we need is for the press to mob. Also, if the meeting is attacked for any reason, I do not want you actively fighting. Do what you need to, to defend yourselves, but get home as quickly as possible. Understood?"

Once he had received their nods he grinned, "But I seriously doubt Voldemort is going to attack considering his troops did get their asses whooped only a few days ago."

The rest of the DA chuckled as they went outside and Harry created the portkey and transported them away. Ginny smiled at him, "I think we are overdue for a meeting with our friends."

"Yeah, but they can come to us. Let me just book in a room upstairs and the Fawkes can get them for us." Harry replied, going back inside.

Walking straight up to the barman he gave a nod, "I would like to book out a room for the next two nights please."

The old man's eyebrow went up as he continued to examine the glass he was cleaning, "Indeed, and why would you need a room here Mr Potter?"

Harry grinned, "I am expecting some friends and want somewhere to entertain them."

Shrugging he replied, "Seven sickles for the two nights. Just don't have your bird setting fire to the place."

Harry's eyes narrowed, "Has that happened before good sir?"

Finally making eye contact with Harry he smirked, "Once or twice. Albus was a frequent customer after all."

Startled by the twinkling blue eyes staring at him, Harry took a step backwards. Licking his lips he examined the barman carefully for the first time, "Aberforth? Aberforth Dumbledore?"

"Indeed."

Harry smiled, "Very pleased to meet you sir. I wish I had of known before now."

Aberforth shrugged, "Why would you want to know an old man like me? Young strapping thing like you should be friends with your own age group. I am not my brother, young at heart he was. Me, I'm happy enough to act my age."

"Nevertheless sir, it is good to see that the Dumbledore's have not died out. But why if you were still living did Albus leave everything to me? Shouldn't it have gone to you?"

Aberforth shook his head, "Nah, for starters I am an old man myself and will be dying soon anyways. I have no children so I told Albus to write the will and to give it to whoever he thought was the best recipient. He chose well if past actions are anything to go by."

Harry frowned in confusion so the older man clarified, "You saved my bar Mr Potter. When the Death Eaters attacked, I knew that I could not defend it against so many enemies. You and your little army drove them back and saved it. Oh I know that was not foremost on your mind, but this bar is my life."

Harry blushed and Ginny who was amazed beside him, coughed a couple of times. Aberforth chuckled before clapping his hands together, "Very well, one room, here is the key. If anyone comes in looking for you, what do you want me to tell them?"

Harry took the key, "If they are from the Order, tell them where I am and I'll speak with them. If they are not, use your own judgement. Obviously I would prefer Death Eaters did not know where I am, and the same is true with the press."

"Done. By the way, you need anything at all, just ask. I was in the original Order, I know how it works and I know what Fawkes' joining to you means. I can't fight anymore due to past injuries, but anything else and I could help." Dumbledore offered.

Harry nodded, smiling, "Thank you sir, I will certainly take you up on that offer." Nodding goodbye, Harry turned and went upstairs, Ginny trailing after him.

Closing the door behind them Harry immediately felt two slim strong arms fasten around his waist in a strong hug. Smiling he turned around and gathered Ginny's diminutive figure into his arms, breathing in her scent deeply.

He looked down into her beautiful warm brown eyes and smiled, "I don't think I've been this relaxed in a while."

She grinned and pulled him down onto the bed, intertwining her legs with his and laying her head on the pillow, "I must admit, it does make a nice change to running around killing people."

Leaning up on a single elbow he raised his eyebrows at her, "That has to be the most unromantic thing you have ever said Gin. Way to spoil the mood."

Her grin became cheeky, "Oh, I think I can put you back in the mood if you so wish." She leaned forward and kissed him lightly, teasingly.

He leaned in, deepening the kiss, returning her fire with his own. Gently he wound his hands up into her hair, pulling her down on top of him. He moved his mouth from her lips to her jaw, kissing her softly. She gasped slightly and tilted her head to give him better access to her throat.

Her fingers started to move causing his mind to be filled with a dizzing number of sensations. His own hands became bolder than they had ever been before, they explored parts of her that had been uncharged territory before and the gasps the emanated from her pleased him.

His hands started to reach for the first button on her shirt when…

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Jerking apart Harry rolled off the bed cursing, hastily righting his clothes and running his hand through his hair. He looked at Ginny and saw that she was red and flustered, a dazed grin plastered over her face. He looked in askance at her and she nodded.

Walking over to the door he wrenched it open "Yes?"

Aberforth took one look at him and grinned, "Ah, Mr Potter, you weren't busy were you?"

Gritting his teeth slightly Harry shook his head, "Why no, whatever gave you that impression sir? Was there something you were wanting?"

"Well, some people have gathered downstairs and want to speak with you. I thought you might want to know."

Harry nodded, "Thank you, we'll be right down." Shutting the door Harry groaned.

Ginny grinned, "Looks like it didn't take long for the cavalry to arrive."

He reached over and straightened out her dress, "You still looked messed up Gin."

She snorted, "You hardly look like you just came out of a cool shower yourself Mr Potter. Think they'll guess?"

"If they are who I think they are, then yes, probably."

She grimaced, "Swell. You think it's my brothers don't you?"

"Yep. Shall we?"

They quickly walked downstairs and pushed open the door into the main bar. The first thing Harry was struck by was the noise. The second thing was the number of people in the room for every single chair was taken with many more people milling around, chatting happily with each other.

Harry cleared his throat and several people noticed him and Ginny standing to the side. "Oi everyone! Harry's here!" Angelina Johnson yelled out causing the rest of the room to shut up and look over at them.

Harry grinned, "Wow, I expected a few people to show up, but never this many people. Why are you all here?"

Fred rolled his eyes, "We want to join you of course. What? You think we just wanted to say hello?"

Harry's jaw dropped, "You want to join with me? All of you? But most of you weren't even in the Order! Why would you want to join with me now?"

"Silly question Harry, it's because we believe in you." Cho Chang said, rolling her eyes, "And we want to fight for a world we can be proud of. Word has already gotten out about your trial and what happened. We refuse to sit back and be outshone by mere school children."

Ginny narrowed her eyes, "Watch who you call a mere school child Cho. You did only graduate last year after all, and those mere school children have managed to take out one of Voldemort's main attack forces."

The former Ravenclaw nodded, "Yes of course, I just meant that we want to help."

"So let me get this straight. Every single one of you wishes to join me and the DA to fight Voldemort? Do you know what you are getting into? I mean, we don't just run around big noting ourselves. We will be actively seeking battle to wipe out the Death Eaters. To say that it will be dangerous is putting it mildly and some of you will die." Harry explained earnestly.

"Some of us have already lost family at the hands of the enemy. You are not telling us anything we do not already know." A voice from the back of the room spoke up.

Harry focussed his gaze on the voice and felt himself freeze with surprise at the sight of a scraggly rough red beard, "Mr Diggory? It has been some time sir."

"Indeed it has Harry-lad, though I think the years have been kinder to me than you if the papers publish anything like what your life has been like." Cedric's father affirmed.

Harry nodded, "No, they haven't been easy I'll admit." He focussed his attention on the rest of them, "Alright, well, if you are all serious then I'll make you a portkey that will take you to our headquarters. When you get there, call out for Dobby, he will get you all sorted."

As he received their confirming nods he gestured for them to move outside and transfigured a piece of grass into an enormous rug and turned it into a porkey, whisking them all to Potter Castle. Once they were gone, Harry turned to Ginny, still slightly startled, "There would have to have been at least 50 people there. I knew we would get a couple come over, like your brothers and their wives and girlfriends, but never could I have imagined so many people."

Ginny nodded, "I know, it's fantastic. Voldemort only outnumbers us 2-1 now, minus the creatures that he has on his side."

"Well hopefully after tomorrow's press conference, we may get some more people willing to join up with us." Harry replied as they made their way back inside to the bar.

The next day was a bright and cheery morning with a fresh wind and sunny sky. What was not so sunny was the Minister's disposition as he stood at the front of a dais that had been erected for the press conference. Harry and Ginny had arrived incognito and had spotted several members of the DA who hadn't bothered to create very thorough disguises.

The press had turned out in force with cameras and quick-quill notes being used by the dozen. Harry was glad that none were pointed at him, enjoying being left alone for once in his life. The minister certainly didn't look like he was enjoying the attention that Harry had organised for him.

Finally, midday struck and like a man approaching his execution, Scrimegeour approached the podium and raised his hands for silence. Clearing his throat he began, "Good day to all of you, thank you for coming to this assembly that I have called. I wish it were for a happy reason that brings me before you, but alas that is not the case. As my time as Minister I have done my best to rule by the law, with fairness and goodness; to draw a line against the darkness that threatens to overtake us. However, in my haste to protect the people, it has come to my attention that I have overstepped my authority when it comes to an individual and a group of people associated with him."

Taking a deep breath he continued, "Lord Harry James Potter and a group of school children, who I had arrested four days ago for using illegal spells against fellow human beings at the trial yesterday unearthed a previously unknown law which places him solely at the feet of the reigning monarch. Basically he cannot be tried in a court of law except by one headed by the Queen."

Some of the reporters started whispering amongst themselves, but Scrimegeour spoke over them, "Lord Potter was offended by my actions in arresting and charging him. I wish to publicly apologise for overstepping my bounds in regards to the law, and hope that we can move past this little trouble that we have had. Thank you."

Instantly, the reporters were on their feet shouting out questions at the harassed looking Minister. Knowing that he couldn't get away from them he sighed and pointed to one, "Yes? You have a question?"

"Sharyn Candleburr from the Daily Prophet sir, and yes I do. The press was barred from Mr Potter, sorry, Lord Potter's trial. Could you please tell us what he was initially charged with?" a blonde reporter asked.

"I already did Ms Candleburr. He and his associates were charged with using illegal magic against human beings, using magic in a public area and underage magic for some of them."

"What human beings?" another reporter shouted.

Scrimegeour glared at him, "Does it matter? I came here to apologise, not be interrogated."

"What are you trying to hide Minister?" a calm but loud voice rang out.

Rufus focuses his attention on a tall pale man at the back, "I am not trying to hide anything I just don't see how it is relevant."

"Could it be because you don't want the public to know that it was a group of Death Eaters, intent on destroying St Mungo's that Potter and his group stopped? Possibly saving countless lives in the process?" the man shouted.

Scrimegeour went white, "That information is classified Mr…?"

"Lovegood, Xenophillius Lovegood. My daughter was part of that attack, she was also locked up in Azkaban along with the rest of the group. You, our vaunted leader, locked up a bunch of children in a prison that would turn most adults into quivering wrecks. And you wander why Lord Potter wanted you to apologise!"

Harry turned surprised eyes to Ginny, "Looks like Luna had a nice long chat with her father after the trial."

The audience were muttering even louder amongst themselves and Scrimegeour was starting to look nervous. Another reporter shouted out, "Minister! Do you refute Mr Lovegood's claims? Is this the real reason why Lord Potter called for today's conference?"

Scrimegeour started looking around, as if for an escape, but there was none. Stuttering, he replied, "W-well, um, it, it is true that Lord Potter's group d-did ruthlessly attack a group of Death Eaters. But this is not relevant!"

"And what about locking up school children in Azkaban prison without their parent's knowledge?" Lovegood shouted.

The public, obviously shocked by such an appalling action, started to shout out as well, wanting explanations. Harry grinned, "Well, I think our job here is done. By tomorrow I doubt very much that Scrimegeour will still have his office. Shall we go?" Ginny nodded, satisfaction written on her face and together they disapparated back to the Hog's Head.

As soon as they walked in Fawkes appeared, "Ah Harry, I have a letter for you that I think you will find most interesting. I couldn't bring it to you at the press meet for obvious reasons, so here it is." The phoenix gestured for Harry to take the parchment off his leg.

Harry did so and opened the letter, curious to the contents.

Dear Lord Potter,

I hope this letter finds you well and in good health, particularly considering where you have spent the last few nights. I was genuinely shocked when my sources inside of the Ministry told me that you and your associates were locked up in Azkaban.

Seven years ago you did me a great service by keeping a certain stone of my creation out of Voldemort's hands. I now wish to repay the favour by joining you in your attempt to destroy him. My wife and I, while old (very old) still have some elixir left over and have the ability to fight if you'll have us.

If you agree, please reply as soon as possible. As I am sure you are well aware, Voldemort is growing stronger, and must be destroyed soon.

Kind Regards
Nicholas Flamel

Harry's eyebrows had disappeared into his hairline, "That's a shock. Guess we shouldn't have made fun at Hermione for thinking of Flamel when Snape wrote us."

"So? Are you going to let them join us at the Castle?" Ginny asked interestedly.

Harry looked incredulously at her, "You are joking aren't you? Of course I am they are over six hundred years old! Think of what they know, they would be a huge asset in the war." Harry summoned a piece of parchment and quickly wrote his assent. "Fawkes, after they read this, can you please flash them to the castle? I'll be here for a couple of days yet I think."

"Of course. What about the Founders?"

Biting his lip Harry replied, "I almost forgot about them actually. Um, for the moment, can you flash them to the castle as well, but don't let them out amongst the new people yet. We don't know if everyone is genuinely against Voldemort and I would prefer them to stay out of sight for a while."

"Very wise. I am sure that Salazar would have kept them away anyway." With that, Fawkes took the letter and flashed away.

KNOCK KNOCK!

Harry looked up from the sheet of paper he was writing on, "Come in please."

The door opened up and Aberforth burst into the room, "It worked!"

Confused, Harry eyed the older man, "Sir, if vagueness is anything to go by, you are definitely Albus's brother. What worked?"

"Oh, right, your press conference! Scrimegeour was sacked first thing this morning by the Wizengamot. And apparently he didn't go down gracefully either, yelling and screaming as the Aurors forced him out of his office."

Harry's face cracked into a grin, "I would love to have seen that. That is awesome, do you know who they replaced him with?"

Aberforth nodded, "it would seem they took your suggestion to heart, and put Amelia Bones in charge. The front page of the Prophet is her taking her oath."

Ginny, who had just come from the shower but had heard everything, bounded into the room, "It'll be nice to have someone in power who isn't going to fight us every step of the way."

Harry nodded, "Indeed, having her in the DA definitely isn't a drawback. I wonder if Susan knows yet, she should be really proud of her aunt. After all, Amelia did it without backstabbing and manipulating the Wizengamot. She'll make a good leader even after Voldemort's destruction." Standing up, Harry faced Aberforth, "Well, we have been here for two days, I don't think anyone else is going to come that hasn't already done so. Will you come to the castle with us?"

The old man smiled gently but shook his head, "No, you are going to need as much information as possible, and the Hog's Head is a hotspot for the less scrupulous individuals of the wizarding world. I'll send word along if I hear anything, otherwise, yell when you need me and I'll be there."

Harry nodded, "Alright then, cheers Aberforth. Hope to hear from you soon."

"Count on it."