I do not own Harry Potter. JK Rowling dose, and Warner Borthers as well so bugs bunny, a cartoon rabbit owns Harry Potter a ficticius literary wizard and I get diddly squat. That dosent seem fair some how.
Chapter 13 – Order of the Phoenix
No sooner had they left Gringotts, Remus side along apparated Harry back to the Grangers house in Oxford.
"How did it go?" Hermione asked.
Harry explained about Merlin's ring, Gryffindor's staff and access to the Glastonbury tor.
"Harry, Glastonbury Tor is one of the most magical sights in all of England." Hermione told him. "Some say that's where Camelot was."
"Well I suppose we are going to find out." Harry said. "I'm going to have to talk to Dumbledore about all of this." He went on. "And Remus, can you arrange a meeting with Ted as soon as possible? I want to have access to the Potter Estate as soon as possible."
"Of course, Harry." Remus nodded. "I will also ask Gringotts for a full accounting of the investments and such."
"Brilliant." Harry smiled. "Are we ready?"
Harry adjusted his robes as Hermione pulled her cloak about herself. Remus pulled a picture frame out from his pocket.
"Right then, grab on." He told them. "1…2…3… Portus." They felt the familiar pull from their navels as they vanished from the Grangers living room.
They arrived in the anti-chamber of the Great Hall at Hogwarts where Professor Dumbledore awaited them. "Ah, Remus, Lord Potter, welcome." Dumbledore greeted them. "And Miss Granger? An unexpected, yet pleasant surprise. I am afraid Miss Granger you will not be allowed to attend the meeting, as you are not a member of the Order. I am afraid you will have to wait here."
"Actually Professor," Harry said. "Hermione will be joining the order."
"Out of the question Harry." Dumbledore stated. "Miss Granger is not of age."
"That didn't stop me having to compete in the Triwizard tournament." Said Harry. "This is not a negotiation sir. I trust Hermione implicitly and I need her in the Order."
"Very well." Dumbledore said, realising he was defeated. "You are, of course, in command of the Order Harry. Before we go through to the Great Hall, where all of the Order is awaiting, I would like to discuss with you the structure of the order."
"That may be best." Harry said. Hermione took out a muggle note pad and ball point pen and began to take notes.
"First of all, we have the Political wing." Dumbledore began. "These are thirteen witches and wizards who work within the Ministry and the Wizengamot." He explained. "They feed intelligence to the Executive committee and generally keep an eye on the goings of in the Ministry."
"Right, I suppose Mr Weasley is amongst them?" Hermione asked.
"As it happens, no." Dumbledore replied. "Arthur serves the order in our undercover committee. As well as some forty-five operatives from all parts of our society."
"Including Snape?" Harry asked.
"That is correct." Dumbledore confirmed. "Severus is one of our undercover operatives. Remus has also served in that capacity from time to time." He went on. "Not everyone in that role is actively a spy. Many of them are handlers, in fact most of the actual spies are absent from this evening meeting to protect their identities, as well as the identities of others within the Order."
"Counterintelligence?" Hermione asked.
"That is indeed correct Miss Granger." Dumbledore confirmed. "We must be ever mindful of the possibility of double agents within our midst. The final wing of the order is our fighting force. At the present we can but up to fifty wands in the field."
"Is that all?" Harry asked. "I think we may need more before this is over."
"It is possible to recruit more people into the Order, but we have to be very careful." Dumbledore said. "The Minister would not be pleased with either of us at the helm of a privet army."
"I understand that, sir." Harry agreed. "Can I ask what the executive committee is?"
"The committee makes decisions for the Order." Dumbledore told them. "I sit as the chairman of that body. It is made up for four others. Remus, also, sits upon it."
"Then I want to meet with this committee as soon as it can be arranged."
"I have already anticipated this, and we will meet with the committee after we induct you, and apparently Miss Granger, into the order."
"Thank you, sir." Harry said. "One more thing." He added.
"What's that?" Dumbledore asked.
"For the moment I would like it if the Order in general didn't know that I was in command." Harry explained.
"Of course." Dumbledore agreed. "But you do know those on the executive committee will need to know."
"I know sir." Harry confirmed. "And the rest of the Order will know as well, when the time is right."
"Very well." Dumbledore agreed. "Shall we proceed?" Dumbledore led them out into the Great Hall that was filled with several wizards and witches. Harry could pick out a few that he recognised. Dumbledore led them to the place where the teachers table usually stood. "Good afternoon everyone." Dumbledore greeted the gathering. "Today we gather to induct two new members into our numbers, Harry Potter, the boy who lived and Hermione Granger."
"But they are students." Someone objected.
"Indeed, they are." Dumbledore agreed. "However, there are reasons, which will be made clear at a later time."
"Are you looking to induct more children?" Another voice demanded.
"I cannot comment to that." Dumbledore said raising his arms for calmness. "My friends, I have never done anything without purpose and today is no different. I ask that you trust me, these inductions are for the good of our cause." The objections ceased and Dumbledore continued. "Mr Potter, Miss Granger please take out your wands and listen carefully to this oath."
Ever the showman, Dumbledore raised his arms and the candles in the hall dimmed.
"Do you Harry James Potter and you Hermione Jean Granger, swear upon your honour and your magic to fight for the light? To protect those who cannot protect themselves and to oppose the forces of darkness wherever they appear?"
"I do." Harry and Hermione said together.
"Then as the power invested in me, I do here by induct you both into the Order of the Phoenix." Dumbledore intoned.
Harry and Hermione's wands glowed with a golden colour, the golden aura emanating from their wands and surrounded them both. Dumbledore glanced at Remus and raised an eyebrow. The assembled order applauded politely, somewhat confused by why they were all needed to witness the new inductions.
Dumbledore moved to the centre of the platform again. "Now my friends, we must be ever vigilant. Lord Voldemort has, so far, remained inactive but I fear it is only a matter of time before we see an overt strike against magical Britton or perhaps even more worrisome, an attack against the muggles, who will not be able to defend themselves. Thank you all for coming. Please help yourself to refreshments."
Everyone stood and began milling around. Remus guided Harry and Hermione through the throng, introducing them to people as needed. Mostly, Harry had never met most of these wizards and witches. Some, like Tom from the Leaky Cauldron, he had some intermit knowledge. "Good evening Mister Potter, Miss Granger." Tom said tipping his hat.
"And this Harry and Hermione…" Remus began pointing to an elderly witch.
"Mrs Figg?" Harry exclaimed. "You're a witch?"
"Squib as it goes." Mrs Figg said. "How are you Harry?"
"I'm good." Harry said. "So, all my life you were watching me?"
"That's right." Mrs Figg confirmed. "I kept as good an eye on you as I could. I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you Harry but if that fat oaf Vernon knew I treated you well he would have never sent you back to me."
They milled around for another few minutes artfully avoiding Mrs Weasley before Remus led them away to the Headmasters study.
The Executive committee of the Order of the Phoenix sat in Dumbledore study. The committee was made up of Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Alastor Moody, Remus Lupin and Albus Dumbledore.
"Introductions are in order I believe." Dumbledore said cheerfully waving Harry and Hermione to seats.
"Apart for Professor Moody we know everybody around this table sir." Harry said. "I assume you all have questions as to why we are here?"
"The thought had come to mind Potter." Snape sneered at Harry.
"You will address me as Lord Potter, Snape." Harry said forcefully. "I refuse to have you speak to me like dragon dung."
"Preposterous!" Snape continued. "You insolent little insect. Headmaster I must protest at Potter's inclusion in our meetings. It's one thing letting him feel important by allowing him to join the Order, but it is another allowing him access to our secrets."
Harry passed a parchment to the potion's professor. "What is this nonsense?" Snape demanded.
"That is from the Will of Merlin." Hermione explained. "It was read to Harry this afternoon by the Goblin King himself. It states that Harry has over all command of the Order of the Phoenix."
"Thanks Hermione." Harry smiled. "As you can see here, I have been given command of the Order. Now I understand that I am inexperienced, and I have a lot to learn. I want to be guided by your experience but ultimately the buck dose stop with me."
"Then perhaps I shall withdraw my services." Snape threatened.
"Come now Severus." Dumbledore said trying to calm things down.
"No, sir." Harry said. "If Snape feels he can no longer work with the Order then we should thank him for his service."
"You're bluffing Potter." Snape sneered.
"Lord Potter." Harry corrected, "and I'm not at all bluffing. A quick memory charm and you are free to go."
"What the hell did you say?" Snape said shocked. "Do you think I will submit to you poking holes in my brain?"
"Probably not, no." Harry said. "Professor Moody, could you take care of this please?"
"I, um, suppose so." Moody said standing up. "Come now Severus, let's not make this unpleasant. You won't remember it after all."
"Alastor, please." Dumbledore said standing himself now. "You know that we need the intelligence Severus provides."
"That is true." Moody agreed. "But if Lord Potter is in command…"
"Please, Harry." Dumbledore implored. "Listen to reason."
"Look, it's this simple." Harry said. "If Professor Snape agrees to keep our council and our secrets as well as agreeing to serve the order then he can stay. And I welcome it. But if he doesn't feel he can fulfil those commitments then he absolutely leaves, and if he leaves and goes back to Voldemort, he has intimate knowledge of how we work and that is a massive risk."
"All right Potter, I was bluffing." Snape muttered.
"Good." Harry said pleasantly. "I don't expect you to like me Professor, but you will treat me with respect."
"Now that that is settled," Dumbledore said taking his seat "Perhaps we can discuss your other bequests?"
Harry explained about the Will of Merlin and the Will of Gryffindor. "Do you know where the founders chamber is?" Harry asked.
"I do." Dumbledore told them. "We can go there now. But what are you going to do about Glastonbury Tor?"
"We are going there in a couple of days." Hermione told them. "As well as visit the Manor House while we are down there."
"Very well." Dumbledore announced. "Shall we go?" Dumbledore lead Harry and Hermione to Gryffindor Tower. "There are many entrances to the Founders Chamber hidden throughout Hogwarts. I thought this one would be most appropriate." Dumbledore explained as they approached the Fat Lady.
"Good evening Headmaster." The Fay Lady sang.
"Quadraginta quinique." Dumbledore intoned.
The Fat Lady's portrait sank into the floor revealing a set of steep spiral stairs leading down.
"Lumus." Dumbledore cast and led them down to a large vaulted chamber. The chamber was a perfect square and against three walls, where three stone sarcophaguses. "Here are the earthly remains of Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff and Godric Gryffindor."
Stuck on the fourth wall where three staffs. "The centre one is the Staff of Gryffindor." Dumbledore told them. "If you were meant to possess it Harry, then it should come off the wall when you touch it."
Harry reached up and pulled down the staff. It came away from the wall easily. The staff stood at four and a half feet made of a dark wood with a sapphire on the end. Harry raised it above his head, and it glowed with power.
"Well then." Dumbledore said. "If there was any doubt of your destiny it has most definitely been dispelled."
"I'll say." Harry said. "I have never felt magic like this."
Dumbledore led them back to the entrance hall where Remus was waiting to take them back to Hermione's house.
Aurthers notes: Last chapter I was a bad bad hombre and forgot to thank Gin-Sensu for beatering chapter 12 so Thank you Gin-Sensu.
Thank you for all of your follows and likes and favourites. It makes me so happy when I get those emails. But I like to get review emails more :p
Karatekid-Ninja: Don't worry Harry has plenty of struggles ahead. Learning his place in the community, learning his place in the Order and learning his new powers.
Clive54: Thank you for your incredibly kind review. We are feeling the lock down as well, thank god we have a back garden for the kids to run around in. I am so incredibly pleased that I can provide you a little bit of light relief in these incredibly messed up days.
Luvluvharrypotter: Thank you for your review. I'm glad your enjoying the story.
Bones71: thank you for your review. I'm glad your enjoying the story and I hope that I am making your Lockdown a bit more bearable. Reading Dumbeldork made me laugh. If im being honest I think the Dursleys should have been left to their fate, but Harry insisted I save them, some thing about them serving a purpose in about 3 or 4 chapters time. hell, you think im in charge hear? Ted was supposed to be a one shot deal and he is now a reoccurring character.
Lyannette Zoe Cullen: Thank you for your review things are a bit crazy over hear. We are being locked down for three more weeks.
Thank you to Gin-Sensu for betering this chapter. See you all soon. Stay safe and for Christ sake stay at home!