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 41: Building An Army

After everyone except for the leaders and the founders had left Harry called for all of his house elves. When they had assembled before him with curious expressions he smiled, "I have a question to ask you. I know that you may not be able to give me a definite answer but at least consider it?"

"Of course Harry Potter sir! Anything you ask!" Nodsy reassured.

"Right, well I don't really know how house elf society works. But I was wondering if you know of anyone I could talk to regarding enlisting the house elves' assistance in the coming war?" Harry explained.

Dingle frowned slightly, "We house elves is not normally talking to wizards about our leaders sir."

Dobby replied for Harry, "That is because wizards don't inquire! Harry Potter is a great wizard who cares for all creatures. His intentions are honourable Dingle!"

The younger elf twitched, "Sir please! I is not suggesting that you are not so! I is just saying…"

Harry hastened to reassure the elf, "It's ok Dingle, I do understand. I do not demand that you tell me, only that you think about it. If it makes it easier I could let you off for the day so that you could talk to someone who is in charge?"

Nodsy looked at the other elves for a moment before nodding, "Yes Harry Potter sir, I is taking your request before our ruling council. They will have your answer before sundown."

Startled Harry smiled, "Th-thank you, that is more than I could have asked for. Please tell them though, that when the war is over, no matter what they decide now, I will endeavour to see that house elves are given better working conditions."

The head Potter Castle elf cracked a grin, "Harry Potter sir, of that I is not doubting for Dobby is right, you is truly a great wizard." With that there was a crack and he disappeared, the other elves soon following.

Ginny raised her eyebrows at Harry, "Well that was easy."

Godric shook his head, "Don't get too confident, they haven't given you their answer yet. Still, even getting a request to the ruling council is impressive. Usually it goes through the regional councils first."

Hermione looked interested, "So do house elves have their own society that wizards don't know about? Or is it just the ministry trying to cover up the fact that sentient creatures may answer to something other than them?"

Salazar gave a derisive snort, "Almost certainly the latter Hermione. From what you have told us, your Ministry is run by a bunch of egocentric fools."

Harry nodded, "Yes that has certainly been the case, but hopefully with Amelia in charge things will improve. I don't know her very well, but if her niece is anything to go by then she will be a strong leader who will lead fairly." He stood up, "Well, no time like the present to go and speak with the goblins. I'm off to Gringotts, Ginny do you want to come?"

She looked uncertain, "Um I actually wanted to spend a little bit of time with my brothers. You don't mind?"

Rolling his eyes he replied sarcastically, "Yes Gin, I do mind. How dare you want to spend time with your brothers?"

She giggled, "Thanks Harry, see you when you get back."

He grinned and left the hall, walking to his room where the portal to his vault was. He frowned, "Um can this thing transport me to the main Gringotts hall instead of my vault?" he wondered aloud. Instantly the portal shimmered gold and returned to its normal form. Shrugging Harry muttered, "Guess I'll see when I get there."

Stepping through he was relieved to see giant pillars signifying the entrance to the bank. Walking up to the nearest goblin he said respectfully, "Good day sir."

The goblin looked up impatiently and his eyes went wide, "Lord Harry Potter! What can I do for you sir?"

Harry inwardly winced, "Um, call me Harry, and I was wondering if it would be possible to speak to Lord Lardol? If not, could I please book in a time to see him as soon as possible?"

The goblin nodded, "Please wait here sir, I will check with his secretary." With that the small being dashed off as fast as his legs would carry him, bursting through the doors behind the main desk.

Harry was only standing around for a couple of minutes before Lord Lardol himself hustled out of the door with a large smile on his face, "Harry! It is good to see you again! Please come this way and we can talk."

Following the head goblin into his ornate office Harry settled himself on the proffered chair and smiled back at Lardol, "It is good to see you again as well. I am sorry I haven't been sooner but I have been very busy."

The goblin laughed, "Oh I have no doubt of that, especially if what the papers say is true. Coming out and proclaiming your heritage? You certainly turned heads!"

Chuckling Harry nodded, "Indeed though I think I may have made some more enemies when I told the minister that I could do whatever I liked and he can't arrest me."

"Well if he hadn't been in such a hurry to convict you he wouldn't have looked like such a fool. Nice touch with the forced public apology by the way; very clever getting the public to sack him so that your hands were clean in the deposition." Clapping his hands he sat up straighter, "Now, the reason for your visit?"

"Yes, that." Harry cleared his throat, "As leader of Dumbledore's Army, I am trying to recruit members to fight Voldemort."

The goblin nodded easily, "Naturally. It would be foolish to try and take him on singlehandedly."

"Indeed. Many witches and wizards, tired of the haphazard way of the Order, have joined with me and my original team. It is not enough however, we are still outnumbered badly especially since Voldemort has the werewolves on his side and maybe even the vampires. I come to you to ask if the goblin people would be willing to fight alongside Dumbledore's Army against the threat that Voldemort presents."

Harry looked the goblin in the eyes, continuing, "I have already placed a request in with the elves but I will make the same comment to you as them. No matter your decision, when Voldemort is destroyed I will be turning my attention to the Ministry to get better rights for all magical beings."

Lardol gave a weary smile, "Ah Harry you are a treasure. But I think you will find that task a harder one than destroying the Dark Lord. Still I thank you for your words. Obviously I cannot speak for my people, but I am a member of the court and as such I can bring your request forward. However, I should tell you that if it was up to me I would refuse your request for the goblins to fight alongside you."

Harry kept the disappointment out of his eyes, "Of course, I understand."

Lardol smiled again, "Instead, I would petition for us be allowed to join Dumbledore's Army. Too long have we sat idly by while the wizarding community tore itself apart. We have suffered because of your war and I say enough."

Harry looked up at the head of Gringotts, grinning gratefully, "Thank you Lord Lardol."

"Oh don't thank me yet, I still have to try and convince the others. Still, at least three of the nine will definitely vote with me since they have been trying to get us into the war for the last year anyway." The goblin stood up and walked over to Harry, "You have borne a great burden for a long time Harry, it pleases me that you are learning to share it around and I wish to help. Know that if the goblin nation refuses your request you can still come to me as a friend and I will endeavour to help you with anything I can."

Harry held out his hand, "Friendship then Lord Lardol."

Taking his hand and shaking it the goblin smiled, "Friendship."

"So did he tell you when he thought they would make up their mind?" Hermione asked curiously.

The founders and the leaders were sitting in one of the many comfortable lounge rooms in the castle as Harry told of his meeting.

He shook his head, "No but he knows how to reach me."

"So now you have to speak with the centaurs." Ginny stated a slight frown marring her face.

Ron rolled his eyes, "What's the bet that Mars is bright?"

Harry grinned, "Look the centaurs may be obscure, but there is no doubt that they are wise in their own right. They would make powerful allies and if they are willing to join us I will not begrudge them a few confusing statements regarding the heavens."

CRACK!

"Harry Potter sir! Nodsy has news from the Ruling Council!" the head elf exclaimed, bouncing on his feet in agitation.

Harry focussed his attention full on the small being, "Indeed? That was very fast, I wasn't expecting you for another couple of hours. Please, tell me what they said."

The elf nodded smiling happily, "They is agreeing to help you. I has a letter from the Head Elf for you."

Taking the proffered parchment Harry opened it, letting his eyes drink in the words greedily.

Lord Harry Potter,

It is with great honour that I write you this letter. Your head elf Nodsy brought us your request for help against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Not in living memory has a wizard asked the elvish community for help so it came as quite a surprise.

Please understand that many of our brethren serve the followers of You-Know-Who so joining with you places their lives in danger. That being said, the ruling council unanimously agreed to assist you for we recognise the threat that the evil one represents to all of us.

We are still unsure as to your expectations of us, but know that if it is within our power to assist you we shall do so. If you have the time, please let Nodsy bring you before us so that you can clarify your request.

Yours in Service
Bont, Chairman of the Ruling Council

Harry was smiling broadly by the end of the letter and looked at Nodsy, "Please take me now if you don't mind."

The elf nodded and grasped his arm, disapparating them instantly. When they reappeared Harry nearly gasped at the beautiful room that they were in. It was perfectly circular with gold pillars inlaid with rubies and sapphires. There were 12 chairs arrayed around the room and in each one was an elf dressed in pure white sheets.

Harry, suddenly nervous, gave a slight bow, "Thank you for bringing me here."

An old elf holding a golden staff got to his feet and smiled, "There is no need for formalities Lord Potter, we are honoured that you would request us for assistance."

Harry relaxed, "Well if there is no need for formalities then I insist you call me Harry. Lord Potter is not a title that I intend to be known as in the future."

The elf inclined his head in acceptance, "Very well, so shall it be, I am Bont. Now, as I explained in the letter, we have agreed to help you. What exactly do you need?"

A little shocked at the directness of the request Harry shrugged, "Honestly, I hadn't thought that far ahead. I am fully aware that elvish magic is beyond any wizards comprehension so I am unsure how you could assist. I once saw Dobby launch Lucius Malfoy halfway across a room when he tried to attack me. Do any of your people fight? Would they be willing to enter a battle against Voldemort's forces?"

The twelve elves flinched and gasped at the name but Bont, the quickest to recover, eyed Harry appreciatively, "There are those among our people who have forgone the life of servitude and instead have trained themselves in the art of battle. They are few and tend to hide themselves as they are hunted by your ministry for being 'rogue' elves."

Harry swore under his breath, "Bloody Ministry, interfering where they have no right." He muttered.

Apparently the elves' hearing was better than he imagined and a small elf behind him exclaimed, "Indeed, I wonder how your people have put up with them for so long!"

"Peace Pilly, we all know your distain for the Ministry, no need to bore our guest." Bont admonished before turning back to Harry, "If you wish, I shall send messages to those elves to see if they will join you. But in return you must swear that you will protect them from your people. They cannot be punished by your ministry simply because they choose to fight against You-Know-Who."

Harry nodded solemnly, "I, Harry James Potter swear a wizard's oath that any elf that joins with me shall be protected, not only from the ministry but from any individual or group that wishes them harm."

Bont smiled, "I did not ask you for a wizard's oath, but I thank you all the same. Very well, what else can we help with?"

Harry winced slightly, "Um, I really don't like having to ask this since I hate slavery of any type, but if any of your people are willing to cook that would be very helpful. Our army is growing and my elves are quickly finding themselves overwhelmed. Some of my friends are cooking to try and lessen the load, but they aren't professionals."

There was a full bellied high pitch laugh from Harry's left and a heavier elf grinned, "Ah Lo-sorry, Harry, you may abhor servitude, but it is what we elves live for. I do not think you will find any problems getting volunteers from our free elves to help with your civic duties."

Harry nodded, "I thank you then. If they wish I will of course pay them, but I have found that most elves find such an offer insulting."

Bont inclined his head, "Indeed, only the very rare will accept any form of reimbursement. Still, I will definitely include your offer when I put the word out." The elf's brow creased, "Do you need healers? Or perhaps people to help brew potions? There is a sect of elves that live in Wales that specialise in such areas."

Harry blinked in astonishment, "T-That would be fantastic! I wasn't aware that there were elvish communities except where the councils have residence."

Bont smiled, "That is hardly surprising. We tend to keep our whereabouts secret since your kind has often tried mass enslavements in the past when they discovered where we lived."

Harry growled, shaking his head, "Well, if they are willing, then yes, I would be extremely grateful for any help they can offer."

"Is there anything else we can do for you?" Bont asked.

Harry shook his head, "I think you have offered more than enough. I cannot thank you enough, I know you do not owe my kind anything, but your kindness and generosity will not be forgotten. I swear it on my life!"

The elves blushed deeply and Bont grinned, "Of that I have no doubt Harry. Very well, we are glad that we can do our part to see the evil one destroyed. How do you wish for us to get our people to you?"

Harry considered the elf thoughtfully before shrugging, "You have the ability to create portals don't you?"

"Indeed."

"Then create a portal from here to my castle. I trust that you will not abuse it and it is the easiest option."

Bont looked surprised, "Thank you for your trust in us Harry. Very well, we shall do as you suggested. If you could have your head elf stay here to help us that would be appreciated as he knows how the wards around your home work."

"Of course. I wish there was something I could say to show how grateful I am. Thank you is too poor a statement, but it is all I can come up with."

Bont waved his small hands, "Harry, we know that you are going to be the one to destroy You-Know-Who. We are the ones who in the end will be thanking you."

Inclining his head in respect and farewell, Harry disapparated back to Potter Castle. When he arrived he was immediately accosted by a very small and beautiful red-head, "Harry! What were you thinking? Leaving like that without even telling us what was going on."

Grinning at Ginny he shrugged, "Sorry."

"Sorry?" Hermione exclaimed from a sofa, "Sorry?!"

"Ease up, he's back now." Ron said, highly amused by the two teens.

Harry sat down, "Well, the elves have given us more help then I could have possibly believed. Between fighters, healers and cooks they have us pretty well covered."

Salazar's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline, "They actually said that they would request their fighters to help you? Do you realise how rare that is? Not even Merlin could get them to do that!"

Harry nodded, "yes I realised that it was something very special when they asked for an oath that I would protect them from the ministry. I gave it of course, not that I needed to. From what they were telling me, I just want to go down to the Department of Magical Creatures and rip into them!"

Rowena chuckled, "One thing at a time Harry. Let's take care of Voldemort first then you can worry about equality for all creatures."

"You're right; it's just that sort of abuse of power sticks in my throat."

"Of course it does, you are a Gryffindor." Godric reassured him, "Now, when are we going to the fabulous forest that you call Forbidden? I do believe there are a bunch of four legged and eight legged creatures that need to be talked to?"

Harry sighed, "May as well do it tonight. The spiders are not going to be any more receptive to us whether the sun is up or down and the centaurs are primarily nocturnal due to their star-gazing natures."

Ron shuddered, "I still cannot believe that you are going to try and get those monsters to help. They tried to eat us last time we were in there!"

"Yes Ron, I am well aware of what they tried to do, my memory isn't that bad. But if we can get them to help they will make very good guardians of the forest." Harry patiently explained, "now, how about a chess tournament while we are waiting? I want to see Rowena and Helga beat you again!"

Suitably enticed, they all engaged in round-robin chess tournament. As the hours passed and the sun sank behind the horizon casting long shadows Harry looked up, "Well as much as I would love to see Ron get his arse kicked again we should probably head off if we want to be back before the early hours of the morning."

The others, nodding in agreement packed up the chess board, the founders summoning their swords and strapping them to their waists. Harry grinned at Hermione and Ron, "You sure you don't want to come?"

Ron went white and Hermione glared at him, "Harry! Now I am going to have to spend all night consoling him that spiders won't be coming to eat him!"

He grinned, "Or tap dance with him."

She looked confused, "Huh?"

"Never mind, boy's bedroom joke. Alright then, we'll see you when we get back, hopefully we won't have to many limbs missing!"

"That's not funny Harry." Ron managed to squeak out.

Helga gave him a pitying glance, "Ron, we are going to see the centaurs first, with any luck they may have some suggestions as to how to convince the spiders."

Ron looked slightly better and they group apparated to the edge of Hogwart's grounds. Harry led the way towards to Forbidden Forest, making sure to keep an eye out for anyone as he wanted to keep their visit secret. As they approached the tree line Ginny shivered slightly.

Harry looked at her, concerned, "Ginny? What's wrong?"

She gave a nervous smile, "I-I have only been in here once and that time I was so preoccupied with Sirius that I never payed attention. I'm fine though, don't worry."

He nodded, "Alright, let's go find the centaurs."

Plunging into the forest carelessly Harry walked down the path towards Grawp's sanctuary trying to make as much noise as possible. They had barely walked 100m into the forest before an arrow came whizzing through the air, imbedding itself into a tree next to Harry's head.

Freezing Harry looked along the direction of the arrow's flight path and saw a golden centaur. Breathing a sigh of relief he whispered to Salazar, "Well that was easier than I thought. I was afraid we'd have to go deeper into the forest."

"Human." The centaur's voice rang out harshly, "You have no business in our forest! Leave. Now."

Harry straightened and looked the half-man in the eye, "No." There was no arrogance or malice in his voice, only a calm confidence that spoke volumes.

Shocked, the centaur actually took a step back, obviously amazed at the confidence Harry displayed. More hoof beats could be heard and five more centaurs came into view, half surrounding the group. Harry surveyed them through narrowed eyes, "I am Harry James Potter, I wish to speak to your leader. Now."

Surprised whispers wafted through the air as the centaurs spoke to each other. Suddenly a strong voice rang out, "We know why you have come here, the stars long foretolled this day." A large chestnut centaur walked forward, surveying the humans through solemn eyes.

Harry inclined his head, "Ronan, it is good to see you again."

"You wish for our help in your wizarding war against The Dark Lord." It was a statement, not a question.

Harry nodded, "Correct."

"The answer is yes."

"Bu-What? Just like that? You agree?" Harry was shocked.

Ronan cracked a rare smile, "You thought you would have to persuade us yes? I have said once before Harry Potter, we do not align ourselves against the heavens."

Ginny's eyebrows rose, "So the heavens have told you to help us?"

"Indeed. We will help protect Hogwarts in any way we can. That is what you were wanting isn't it?" Ronan asked, a slight smirk visible.

Harry grinned, "You're asking me? You seem to have all of the answers already! But yes, that is what I was going to request."

"Very well, I will ask two of my warriors to escort you to the edge of the forest…"

"Um, actually we aren't done here Ronan."

The centaur frowned, "What else are you planning? Remember, this is our home and we will not allow you to just trespass where you will."

Harry gave a slight bow, "I understand that and I have no intention of insulting my newest allies. No, I and my friends are also going to try and persuade the spiders to be guardians of the forest."

A snort emanated from one of the centaurs, "You speak foolishness like a newly weaned foal! The spiders are mindless monsters who should never have been allowed in the forest to begin with."

"With all due respect, the acromantula are not mindless beasts. They may be territorial and aggressive but they are still sentient and I hope that I can appeal to some part of their nature." Harry explained.

Ronan shook his head, "I believe it to be a foolish enterprise Harry Potter, but we will not stop you. Just try not to stir up the nest like the last time you went in there. It took nearly a month for them to settle down and they made several attempts to attack our homes."

Harry winced, "Sorry. We will be much more careful this time as we know what we are getting ourselves into."

"Very well. Farewell for now Harry Potter, the stars speak much about the future but the chances of our meeting again are slim." With that somewhat grim statement the centaurs left, their hoof beats fading into the nightly forest noises.

Rowena shook her head, "Centaurs."

Harry grinned at her, "That was the most direct I have ever heard them; almost a normal conversation! Come on, spiders time."

Ginny flinched, "I don't suppose we could skip out on that part of tonight's activities?"

"Come on Ginny, they can't be that bad. They are only spiders." Godric reassured her.

Harry started coughing in an effort to disguise his laughter, "Godric, have you actually seen a nest of angry acromantula before?"

The lion founder frowned, "No, but I have seen plenty of angry magical creatures."

Harry shook his head, "Trust me, 'just spiders' does not do them justice. They are huge, sentient, quick and ruthless. Keep you guard up."

Leading the way quickly towards the nest Harry entered it without even pausing, "My name is Harry Potter, I came here once before to speak to your deceased father, Aragog. I wish to talk to you leader."

The webs that lined the walls rustled slightly and many of the large spiders appeared, their eyes glittering in the darkness. Harry heard a slight gasp from Rowena and even Godric hissed under his breath at the number of them.

A raspy voice echoed out, "You must have a death wish Harry Potter, friend of Hagrid. What makes you think that you will escape us a second time?"

Harry looked around for the speaking spider but couldn't see it. He shrugged, "I am not a twelve year old boy anymore. I did not come here to be eaten however, I came here to negotiate with your nest."

"We do not negotiate with food." An enormous spider finally came into view. While slightly smaller than Aragog, its eyes glittered evilly and Harry had no doubt that its intelligence was less.

Harry refused to be cowed by its size, "Well then it is just as well we are not food. I come here to enlist your help to protect the forest."

The rustling noise all around them increased as the head spider gave a hoarse laugh, "Help? We do not help humans!"

Harry rolled his eyes and muttered, "What is it with beings in this forest and that saying?" he spoke up, "Eventually Voldemort will attack Hogwarts. If we do not band together to stop him he will take control. When that happens, you can be assured that he will seek your destruction. After all, he is a snake-lord, your natural enemy."

Recoiling slightly the spider hissed, "The monster below the school is dead, the enemy cannot resurrect it!"

"Perhaps not, but that doesn't mean he can't create another one. And then he will set it to destroy you! It is in your best interest to help me." Harry thundered.

Another, higher pitched voice rang out, "So what do you ask of us then oh tasty one?"

Harry's raised an eyebrow, "Not much, merely patrol the forest and any that bears the mark of the Dark Lord you can eat. Also, any werewolf or vampire that crosses into your territory should also be killed if possible for they also serve Voldemort, or will soon enough."

Ginny finally spoke up, "But any person who does not bear the mark you must leave alone, do not consider them food."

There was silence for a moment, "If, if we agree, what is in it for us?"

Harry nodded, "I know that you and the centaurs are continually fighting for land and food. I have an unused mansion that Dumbledore left me. The grounds there are huge and once Voldemort is destroyed I am willing to transport all of you there. You cannot leave the grounds, but you can have ownership of the forests there. You will not have to compete with any other group of beings."

"No humans live there? To persecute us?"

"No, like I said, Dumbledore left it to me but I have no need of it since I have Potter Castle." He stared hard at the spider, "So? Do we have a deal?"

The spider hesitated for a moment before bowing its grotesque head in a gesture of acceptance, "You have our word that we will protect this forest to the best of our ability. We shall also no longer attack stray students and the centaurs. In return, when the Dark Lord is destroyed, you will relocate us to the forests in your grounds."

"Deal."

"And they just let you walk out of there?" Ron asked, disbelief written on every feature.

Harry laughed, "Yes, we didn't even need to threaten them with force!" he sighed, "Well, today has been a complete success."

Fawkes suddenly appeared, "It is actually going to get better Harry, Lord Lardol sent me. Apparently the court has already met and agreed to your request. When you wish the goblins to help, they will send four score worth of warriors. I think eighty battle-ready goblins is a fairly nice addition to your army."

Harry's jaw dropped, "I'll say! Wow, so the goblins are on side as well, that is just incredible!"

"Indeed, you have succeeded in uniting the majority of the magical community. Only those with a distinct lust for power are those not under your banner. You should be extremely proud Harry, not even Merlin managed such feat." Salazar approved.

Harry blushed, "You shouldn't compare me to him Salazar. Merlin was a great wizard, I am just a boy who has been forced to grow up far too quickly."

Helga hugged him lightly, "They are one and the same Harry. You may not believe it, but you are a great wizard, and you will long be remembered not just for your deeds but your incredible courage, loyalty and goodness of heart."

Ginny chuckled, "You keep talking to him like that he is going to sink through the floor in embarrassment! Harry is just far too modest to accept praise."

"I fear you are right Ginny."

Two days after the goblins had agreed to join forces Tonks found Harry sparring with Ginny, the two of them sweaty and tired. She looked in awe at the fluid motions of the two teens and marvelled at the ease at which they wielded their weapons.

Harry, sensing someone watching them, stopped the spar and turned to the Auror, "Tonks! What's up?"

She came forward smiling brightly, "You two are amazing with those swords! I would love to know where you learnt how to use them." Harry shrugged and she laughed, "Oh I know, trade secret. Doesn't matter, I was actually coming to ask you a favour."

"Of course, what do you need?"

"It's not a matter of need per sue. See my mother, being a blood traitor is in danger, not to mention my father and I was wondering if I could bring them here? They want to fight and mother, being a Black, is quite proficient at duelling." Tonks explained hastily.

Harry grinned, "Oh I have no doubt of that. I have duelled you, Sirius and Bellatrix, I know just how powerful your mother could be. I have no problems with you bringing them and I am sure Dingle can find some more rooms for them."

Tonks sighed in relief, "Cheers Harry that means a lot. Can I bring them now? They have been packed and ready for a while now."

Harry chuckled, "Sure bring them on over, I'll meet them in the entry hall."

Tonks nodded in understanding and disappeared with a crack. Harry and Ginny made their way through the castle to the entrance. They weren't waiting long before three loud cracks split the air and Tonks and her parents arrived.

Harry took in the pink haired Auror and a short and roundish man before fixing his eyes on the older woman behind them. He had to fight the initial reflex to grab his wand as he stared at a mirror image of Bellatrix. Andromeda could have been her twin, not just her sister and it was rather disconcerting. Blinking past the familiarity he walked forward, "Um, welcome to Potter Castle, I am glad that Tonks brought you here."

Ted Tonks smiled broadly, "Ah lad, thanks lots for having us here! You are probably saving our bacon just by letting us live in your home. Magnificent castle this but I'd hate to see the cleaning bill."

Harry chuckled at the man's comment before looking back to Andromeda. She looked slightly tense but gave a smile, "yes thank you for having us here." The smile made all the difference for it wasn't a crazed and power hungry smirk but a natural and beautiful smile.

"It is my pleasure, please make yourselves at home. Tonks will take you to your rooms and I am sure she will give you a wondrous tour of the place."

There was the sound of footsteps approaching and Ron and Hermione came into view. They skidded to a halt at the sight of the Tonks'. Ron gave a strangled yell and pulled out his wand before Hermione grabbed his hand, "Easy Ron, that isn't her!"

He frowned, "Oh yeah right, she's dead."

Ginny slapped her forehead, "Ron you tactless idiot! That was her sister!"

Andromeda's face had frozen slightly and Harry hastened to apologise, "I am sorry Ma-am, please excuse my friend, he tends to speak before thinking." He glared at Ron who blushed and looked away.

Andromeda shook her head, "N-no its fine, you don't have to apologise. My sister was a crazy crackpot who got what she deserved. She was my sister in name only, even as children she was a bully and a terror. We never got on and I always cursed myself that I look like her."

"Only much better looking." Ted piped up, putting an arm around her.

Suddenly a piercing alarm shot through the air and Harry's head snapped around, "That's the proximity alarm. Tonks, take your parents to their rooms please, I have to see what is going on."

She frowned, "Do you need any help?"

"Na, that alarm means that whoever the intruder is they have been detected and immobilised. See you soon!" With that he and the three other teens dashed out the front door towards the gate. Harry frowned, "Well whoever it was obviously wanted to be discovered because they were pretty well knocking on the front door!"

As he opened the gate Harry felt his eyes being assaulted by a lurid green outfit and meticulous gold curls. Freezing in surprise he almost missed the growl that came from Ginny's throat and the wand that was suddenly pointed at the frozen woman.

Cancelling the freezing spell Harry said, "Well well, Rita Skeeter. To what do we owe this pleasure?"

She got to her feet and sniffed, "Ah Harry dear, such a delight to see you again."

"What do you want you bitch!" Hermione exclaimed, exasperated.

Glaring at the teen the reporter replied, "You might be surprised."

Harry snorted, "Oh I doubt it. After all of your past escapades I don't think anything you do could surprise me."

"I wish to join your little army."

Harry felt his jaw drop, "Well, I guess I was wrong, consider me surprised! And just why do you want to join with me Rita? You have spent your last few years trying to discredit me!"

She shrugged, "Business is business Potter. You were news and that is how I make my way. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is closing in on the news business. Pretty soon we will be told what to write and that I cannot allow. I want him dead as much as the next person so that I can go back to writing what I want without having to look over my shoulder."

Ginny rolled her eyes, "This isn't a tea party Skeeter, people fight and people die." She said scathingly, "Think you could handle a battle where you pristine clothes are covered in blood and gore? The sounds of terrified children along with the screams of the dying filling your ears? You honestly think you could be involved in that?"

She shrugged, "I am not just a pretty face."

Hermione burst out laughing, "Just as well, or we would all be doomed!"

Rita ignored them and looked at Harry, "I thought this little gathering of yours was for anyone who wishes to fight to rid the world of You-Know-Who. I have just as much right to fight for my freedom as you children do! I want in!"

Harry, greatly amused mere shrugged, "Alright Rita, who am I to turn away someone who wants to fight. Be my guest, come on in and make yourself at home. The elves will explain the rules to you, know that if you break even one of them you'll be out on your ass so fast you'll get splinters in your buttocks. Got it?"

She winced, "Perfectly." Not even waiting for Harry to welcome her in, she strode onto the grounds and made her way up to the castle.

The four teens watched her go and Harry started laughing, "Oh I truly have seen it all now." He looked at the dumbstruck faces of his friends, "Just pass the word around, keep an eye on her. I don't trust her as far as I can throw this castle."

They nodded in agreement.