Chapter 35

Politics

Before he finally went to bed, he checked his two way letter and found a message from Daphne. 'Christmas has incurred wrath, tomorrow play along.'

Harry replied. '?'

'I suspect, the more genuine your surprise the better your performance.'

"I'll stay on my toes."

Harry put his attention to the Marauders Map. He scanned and found Draco's name in his room, with Astoria next to him. He took a moment to try to think about this logically. Logically, Harry knew Draco couldn't conduct any plot in his room. Harry was going to need to watch him more often and more carefully. Then he hung his head low. The moment that Hermione had predicted finally came to be. This was the moment that homework was going to be useful. He grabbed his aurors training manual and flipped to the chapter on stakeout and observation procedure. He remembered there was a chart for things to note: times, location, people, actions. He grabbed a piece of paper and made a blank copy of the chart. He then filled the first row. He left the action column blank. No need to be crude. By the end of that, he was feeling the hour so he tucked the papers into the back of his spell book, that yes he was slowly starting to fill in, and fell into his bed.

The next morning was Hogwarts as normal. But the unexpected happened early. When he walked into the Great Hall, Daphne rose from the Slytherin table with Draco close behind. She looked enraged beyond belief as she marched up and slapped Harry straight across the face. The sound of the crack echoed through the Great Hall and left a handprint the shade of Ginny's hair. "I will thank you very much for leaving Astoria alone!" Then promptly stormed out of the hall.

Harry turned his face to watch Daphne leave, when he looked back he Draco was close enough to feel his breath on his cheek. Harry's hand reflexive hovered over his wand in his tactical holster.

"I scryed that cloak you gave Astoria. You've very lucky you didn't place a single charm on it, otherwise we would be having quite a different chat."

"It was Christmas. I was being kind." Harry growled back.

"No one asked you to be Potter."

"Well I guess that's the difference between us. Kind comes naturally to me. Just like being pompous comes to you."

"I would watch your tongue if I were you."

"And I would watch your step if I were you, Malfoy."

"Gentlemen!" a loud and commanding voice sounded that could only come from one source. Both the boys turned to look at Professor McGonagall, who scowled in extreme disappointment. Having their attention she spoke far softer, but no less frightening. "I am certain this is an important display of testosterone, but you have chosen a poor time and place. If you damage my castle, I assure you, you will make me grumpy."

Draco stared daggers at Harry as he tried to walk away with a shove through Harry's shoulder. However, the last six months had been good to Harry adding six inches to his height and fifteen pounds of muscle. Draco found Harry didn't move.

Rather than continue speaking in front of his head of house. Harry raised his eyebrows, clearly flashing an expression of, 'Well?'

Draco finally relented and left heading out the Hall.

Harry turned back to McGonagill. "Sorry ma'am."

"I give you slack, Mr. Potter, because I believe on the whole you do more good than harm. Do not to hang yourself with it."

'Yes Ma'am," he nodded in respect.

"Go get your breakfast." she said, rolling her eyes. Harry walked off only for McGonagall to stop him. "Harry."

He turned back to his teacher.

"Nice belt," she said, then she returned to her duties.

Harry shook his head as took his seat next to Ginny.

"Feeling feisty this morning?" she asked with a grin.

"What did you do to deserve that?" Hermione asked.

"Nevermind that, how's your face? If you look closely I think I can see her fingerprints." Ron asked, leaning forward.

"I don't know about prints," Neville corrected with a smile, raising his hand to match the red mark on Harry's cheek. "But you can definitely see the definition between her fingers. And I think I see the impression from her ring too."

Harry brushed his hand away. "Nev mate, if you touch my face. I swear I'll hex you."

"No, you won't." Neville laughed, calling Harry's bluff.

"Okay, I won't, but let a bloke get breakfast." Harry confessed as he started to grab a few bits and a pumpkin juice. "So all I did was get her and Daphne a new robe each for the holiday. Nothing special, off the rack. A Christmas kindness considering this last fall for them. Gin saw me, she was there when we bought them."

"Can confirm." Ginny nodded. Harry didn't even touch them. Had the store deliver them."

Hermione looked at the two of them. "Harry… you're clever."

Harry grinned. "You finally noticed, eh?"

"Let me try this another way." Hermione said, turning her attention across the table. "Ginny, you just said you were there."

"Oh, you think I'm going to snitch on Harry?" Ginny laughed at the idea.

"Fine, I don't need you." The Brightest Witch turned her attention back to Harry. "You said Santa was going to deliver Daphne's … package. You had the store deliver it with her robe didn't you?"

"See 'Mione, I don't need to tell you these things, you figured it out yourself anyway."

"Why get Astoria a robe though?" Ron asked.

"Cover." Neville said. "It's less suspicious if he gets them both a gift."

Harry spread his arms wide as he chewed a piece of bacon.

Nodding in understanding, Ron asked, "So clearly the delivery was made, did she get the letter?"

Harry nodded, "Yep, even warned me about that."

"You let her do that?" Hermione asked. Harry nodded and grinned as he chewed.

Ginny smiled. "Because the more outwardly hostile she is to you, the less likely she is to be helping you. Nicely done, Master Potter."

Hermione frowned. "Before we get busy for the day, can I grab all of us for a meeting… someplace more private. It doesn't need to be the Room."

"But not in the middle of the hall?" Neville clarified. Hermione nodded.

With a few nods and waves across the hall Hermione gathered the Marauders into a nearby stretch of hall. With a look to ensure she wasn't seen. She disappeared behind an illusion of a wall. Ginny and Harry shook their heads as they followed into another vacant classroom that had been taken residence by a student.

Hermione had turned this classroom into a study and workshop. In one corner were several shelves full of books and a pair of char padded chairs. In a second was a bed made with an old trunk by it a third had a desk with leather ink blotter on it and in the last was clearly a work table.

"Hermione, when did you set this place up?" Harry asked.

"Started our third year," she replied, very matter of factly. "Where do you think I've done my charm work for all of our extra side projects?"

"First visit?" Ron asked curiously.

"Actually, yes." Harry nodded.

"Really?" Ron said surprised.

Hermione smiled and put a hand on Ron's shoulder. "Boyfriend privileges, dear," she explained. Ron nodded his head, finally understanding. The group all snickered.

"Harry, how many of these abandoned classrooms do you think students have claimed?" Ginny asked.

"It's a thousand year old castle, no idea." Harry replied in wonder.

"Who else has done this?" Neville asked, gesturing around to the room.

"Daphne."

"I'm not surprised." Hermione said. "She does strike me as clever too. Regardless," she said, focusing on the reason they came. "I'll be brief. As Harry and I mentioned when we were talking to you this break we want to give you the ability to map and monitor your house locations. I've studied the spell work from Harry's father. I'm certain we can do it, but before we send off the instructions to your people, I feel it would be irresponsible if we didn't test it ourselves first."

"Wait? Are you saying you want to make a second Marauder's Map?" Ron asked.

"Second?" Susan asked.

"Brief history," Harry said, opening his spell book. Ginny and Hermione smiled at it being used. "Back in their day, the original Marauders made this." He unfolded the parchment. "I solemnly swear, I am up to no good." The map of Hogwarts appeared as did the moving dots of the people inside. "Welcome to how the hell we've kept from being discovered at night. This is also how I'm monitoring Malfoy right now…" he said as his voice drifted off looking for him.. "Who is just in Transfiguration, damn."

"That's bad?" Neville asked.

"He's up to something." Ginny replied. "Something big and bad, so yes, we're watching him."

Hermione nodded. "Another reason for the second map. More eyes watching, divide into teams. Regardless of that, once we verify we know how, each of your houses can secure whatever locations you need to."

"Most of you are bringing personnel to the fight." Harry said with a respectful nod. This is something House Potter can contribute, security." He looked up to the brains of the team. "What do we need to do?"

Hermione pulled up a sack and pulled up a palm sized crystal ball with a silver glow. "I have these set to scry, They have a decent range of about a hundred feet. If we carry these around the castle for the next week they capture the scrys we need. We'll just want to make sure at least one of us gets close to every room in the castle. Then Friday we bring them back together, a minor ritual and we can move the scrys onto prepared parchment and we have a new map.

Ron was watching Hermione carefully. "Why do I get the feeling now you're going to tell us there is a problem?"

"Well, well, look who's paying attention." Hermione smiled. "The original map shows us if we don't get close or get inside certain rooms, like the Room or Requirement, then they won't appear on the map. That's why I'm giving us a week. That's why Harry started yesterday."

Ginny looked at her boyfriend with surprise. "You didn't?!"

Harry pulled out the crystal ball from his pocket. "Walk up to Dumbldore's office with a scry ball in my pocket? Damn well better believe I did. The fact I got away with it makes me think even more he's losing his edge."

"Nice work, Harry!" Ron cheered.

"So most of the castle I don't see a problem but we will need to coordinate. Susan, we need you to cover Hufflepuff dorms." Hermione said, handing over the scry ball.

"No problem. Basically I pocket this and walk all around the halls that I can?"

"Exactly, yes please." Hermione nodded, then sighed. "Now the… uncomfortable parts. The kitchen, Harry, I can't belive-"

"I'll have Dobby pop in and out, good enough?"

"Yes," she groused. "Next, Ravenclaw Tower. Now there is an obvious candidate, but that feels like it would be bringing Luna into the fold here and I didn't want to assume without consulting.

Neville smiled at his girlfriend. "Hannah hun, did I miss something? I could have sworn we brought Luna on the team back at Christmas.

She patted his shoulder. "Beats me babe I thought the same thing."

Ginny laughed. "You're all late to the 'liking Luna club'. I've been on Team Luna for like a decade."

Harry smiled. "I literally scared the piss out of her date. Ya, she's welcome at the table. She's got some extra skills that may come in handy."

Hermione shot a questioning look at Harry. "I feel there is more to that, but I'll be patient and wait for later." She passed two scry balls to Ginny. "I trust you can get one to Luna. Again, walk around as much of the open area of Ravenclaw Tower as possible." Ginny nodded. "And can I put you down for a walk around for Hagrids?"

"No problem."

"Ron, one assumes I can get your assistance during our prefect patrol?"

"Are we getting the bathrooms too?"

"Good thinking, thank you Ronald."

"Hanna, Hospital ward?"

"I'm there daily."

"Me too… almost." Harry joked. The Marauders laughed, even Ginny, though she did elbow him in the ribs.

"Ron, Astronomy Tower?"

"I pull a watch on Wednesday."

"Very good. Neville, Herbology gardens?"

"Sure thing."

Then Hermione sighed. "The biggest problem I see are Slytherin Dorms. Harry, do you think you can get Daphne to do this?"

Harry grinned. "After the slap I just received. I'd say she owes me. We'll sus it out."

"What are you going to tell her?" Ron asked.

"As little as possible. She seems to understand the less said the better. I haven't told her much because I admit she still could be a snake in the grass, but this is war so we are cautiously working in the same direction."

Hermione breathed deeply. "Okay, I hope you know what you're doing." she said handing over a scry ball.

"Playing with fire, what else?"

"You never complained before." Ginny said with a grin.

That made everyone groan, even Ron shook his head, but he did crack a smile.

It was on the walk to Hagrid's that Ginny had the opportunity to catch Luna. "Thank you very much for the bracelet," she greeted.

"You are welcome again." Ginny said. "Can we walk and talk?"

"Of course, have a good Christmas?"

"Quite, yes. Things go well with your Dad?"

Luna nodded warmly, "Yes, thank you. Anyway, what did you need?"

Ginny slowed their pace to be more alone. "Luna, do you remember last year, Harry started the D.A. We needed to be quiet to keep out of trouble."

Luna smiled and nodded. "Harry's doing something again, isn't he?"

"Nothing gets past you Lu." Ginny smiled. "We'd like your help with something."

"Sure," she said without hesitation.

Ginny gave her the scry ball. "Keep this in your pocket, safe, sound, and secret. Most importantly, We need you to walk around Ravenclaw Tower with it. Later this week, we'll have a meeting and we can explain further."

Luna shrugged as she pocketed the scry ball. "Okay."

"You're good with just that?"

Luna laughed. "Well, it's you and it's Harry asking. Clearly this is something to help people, so sure."

Ginny smiled wide. "Thank you Luna. Remember to keep it quiet."

"Keep what quiet?"

"Exactly."

"Welcome back Cadets," Tonks smiled as the Marauders gathered in the illusioned version of the Hogwarts grounds. "I hope you enjoyed the holiday. Now it is time to get back to work. We've spent time with you each Going Home, and Closing Doors. I know some of you have started on Building Walls. The only way to truly know what this is like is experience. So now I am going to try to visit you. But I want you all to try and stop me. Today I start light, and over the next few weeks we will progress on reinforcing your walls more and more until you can block me at full strength."

"You want us to fight you, Sergeant?" Hermione clarified, the idea going against several core beliefs of her academic upbringing.

"Absolutely Hermione." Tonks nodded. "Can you suggest a better way to train occulemncy?"

"No, it's just, I've never fought a teacher before."

"Wait till next period." the auror said with a devilish grin.

Over the next hour it became essentially a game of metal tag. As Tonks randomly bounced from mind to mind popping in and essentially saying hi. To which the Marauders verbally announced their failures. After every contact she pointed out how she got in, for them to reinforce and they reset and tried again.

"Me." Ron said.

A few minutes later Neville announced, "She got me."

Then Susan said, "She's over here."

Tonks smiled as her eyes stayed closed and she kept her concentration on the spell up. "You all are a month in. I'm a veteran Auror. None of you are supposed to be able to beat me… yet. This is how you learn to."

Harry was deeply appreciative of the difference between his teachers. Snape had been essentially abusive torture. Tonks was making this actually fun. After Tonk waived 'hello' in his mind he even joked, "Hey all, she even got the Chosen One, so we all suck." He looked over to see Ginny actually smiling. Considering the material and what was happening, that meant everything to him.

The following period they rejoined the remainder of the squadron. When they fell into formation Tonks was wearing a smirk Harry recognized from Christmas, and he had to force himself not to drop his head. Hermione and Ginny recognized it too and were all smiles.

"Squadron, over the last four months, I have asked a lot and you all have delivered. But I would be remiss if I did not recognize the efforts of one specific cadet who has given his blood, sweat, tears in the course of this war already. One who has been the founder and driving force for this unit, longer than I have, and a source of strength in class, in battle, and off the clock. So it is my pleasure to promote Mr. Harry Potter to Cadet First Class."

The squadron broke into applause as Harry had to stand there and take it. He looked over to Tonks and Remus who both smiled widely as he took it decently. After Harry had an appropriate amount of embarrassment, she began pacing in front of the cadets again. "Cadet Potter's duties will be expanding as we continue, as will each of you as you all progress. For today though, we still have much to learn. Now previously, we have been focusing on tactical offense, I wanted you to be able to strike hard and strike fast. Today I want to work on your defenses. Quite simply this unit is too dependent on shield charms. Make no mistake, that charm is important, but one does not win a battle hiding in a bubble. Everyone clear the floor."

The cadets headed to the sides of the hall. "Except for Potter." Tonks added at the end.

Harry heard the collective chuckles of the squad and looked over to see the grins of his friends including Remus crossing his arms and smiling wide. Harry walked out to the center of the floor in front of the door, Tonks in front of the fireplace. Tonks smiled as she looked down the lane to her opponent. "Keep a moderate charge in your wand and you'll be able to deflect most shots." Then with unprecedented speed Tonks flicked her arm out and shot a white molt to Harry. His reflexes kicked in and dipped to the right. "I said deflect! Not dodge, Potter."

"Sorry, ma'am force of habit." Harry said as charged his wand and began striking away the shots.

"Cease fire!" Tonks shouted. "Nice work deflecting. Now Mr. Potter, why were you dodging? And be honest." the auror smiled letting Harry know he could be on the level.

"Because you're not the first witch to take a shot at me and I prefer not getting hit."

"Exactly right Mr. Potter!" Tonks looked back to the rest of the class. "Evasion is your first defense. Someone takes a shot, get the hell out of the way!" Tonks smiled wide as the class laughed at the simplicity.

Then she got back in position. "Alright Harry, the moment you've been waiting for…shoot me."

Harry expected that and didn't hesitate. He shot a stunned aimed to Tonks's center mass. She quickly deflected it, then laughed and looked at Remus. "I told you he wouldn't hesitate! Five Galleons!"

"Yes dear." Remus nodded.

"Wait," Harry said, "You two bet on me?"

"That's nothing," Tonks smiled. "Rumor has it quite a lot of coins moved when you and Ginny started dating."

The class openly laughed. Ginny smiled, clearly not offended but admitting it likely was true. Harry wasn't dumb. He knew Tonks was goading him, but damn to hell if the idea of trying to take out an auror didn't appeal to him. "Hey Tonks… dance!" He opened fire that Tonks dodged quickly. Tonks had to put effort in, but she was able to stay ahead of Harry's barrage, but she was smiling at the difficulty she had. Quickly she returned fire and they both were shuffling back and forth. They were both giving and taking. Both were dropping beads of sweat on the floor. Remus lightly monitored his watch as the minutes went by while the teacher and the prodigy each sought to find an opening. Finally with an impressive mid air roll to avoid, Tonk dropped a triple shot with the center finally hitting Harry. He fell back and slid on the floor. He gave the courtesy thumbs up to show he was okay, but he did take the opportunity to catch his breath… and reconsider how it is he made life decisions.

Tonks holstered her wand but quickly came to Harry with a hand out. "Harry, you lasted over seven minutes with a trained professional. Nicely done," she panted, still catching her breath.

"Still on the ground." Harry coughed with a grin, but accepted her hand up.

"True, but I had to work to get you there. I'm the auror, you're the cadet, and this is lesson one. That is damn respectable."

"Thanks," Harry nodded.

Tonks returned her attention to the squad. "What's everyone standing around for? We showed what to do. Pair off and practice!"

Remus quickly came by with a wide and proud smile.

"Thoughts?" Harry asked.

"Harry, I never ever saw your father move anything like that. Well done lad."

After drill, and after dinner, and in fact near lights out Harry and Ginny were working on the last project for the night on a third floor. As they came around the last corner then needed to turn. Harry stopped her and they both looked around carefully. Satisfied they were alone, Harry took out the cloak and Ginny cast the silence charm.

"Alright Lightning, what is tonight's surprise?"

Harry smiled, "Let's say I'm showing you what's behind door number two. Put your goggles on." He led them down the corridor to the statue of the One-Eyed Witch.

"Okay, obviously I've seen this before. What don't I know?" Ginny asked with a grin.

"Dissendium" Harry said with a smile. Then the sound grinding against stone filled their ears as the statues hump away to open the passage. Ginny needed no encouragement to step inside. Harry followed quickly after, and the passage closed behind them, then Harry pulled the cloak off.

"Where does this go?" Ginny asked, looking down as far as she could.

"It's about an hour's walk, but to the basement of Honeydukes."

"Really?" Ginny said surprised. "Another tunnel out of the school?"

"Yep. According to the original Marauders' map there's like seven of them. Though Fred and George told us one of them had a cave in in the last couple years."

"Why does it not surprise me they knew about them?"

"Where do you think I got the map from babe?" Harry grinned as he started looking and fiddling at the stones in the wall.

"Really, I thought that came from the original Marauders."

"They made it, yes. I don't know when or how but at some point Flitch got it. Then during one of their detentions, Fred and George nicked it from his office. My Third year, they gave it to me. Here we go." Harry finished seemingly satisfied with a loose rock in the wall.

"Are we heading to town?" Ginny asked, thumbing over her shoulder.

"No, tonight we are making a delivery." Harry said taking out his knife to help carve around the loose rock and with minimal effort he was able to pull it out.

"Okay… Daphne?" she asked, taking a knee as Harry did the same, putting the rock on the ground.

"Yep," he replied as he took his wand and carefully cleaved the rock in two, cutting off the back half of it. Then he stopped to explain to Ginny.

"So the two way letters let us talk. I want to set up a site for us to be able to drop and pick up stuff. I think this passage will do just fine."

"Why this one?"

"Well to start, I've had some close calls. I think Malfoy and or Snape may know about this one. So I really don't like to use it too often. So sharing this with Daphne, I don't feel like I'm losing much." Harry took his knife out again and began carving on the front of the stone. "Second, I like the Whomping Willow to Shrieking Shack as it has a pretty secure entrance both ways. Not likely to blindly walk out in front of someone."

Ginny smiled and shook her head. "You're going to be a hell of an auror, Harry."

Harry shrugged, but then lifted the rock to show off his work: a clearly carved lightning bolt. "What do you think?"

"I'm surprised you didn't sign your damn name, Harry." she smirked.

"Lightning bolt is one character. My name is eighteen." he grinned. He put the scry ball in the back of the hole in the wall and then carefully put the marked stone back in to cover it.

"You think she'll do it, scry Slytherin for us?"

Harry nodded. "Ever since Diagon Alley, she has no love for the Death Eaters and is not crazy about her house. So long as we don't put her sister and her in danger, I think she'll help. She owes me for that slap anyway. And with this I'll sell it as if you help me I'll give her an emergency escape route out of the castle. " Harry gestured down the tunnel.

Ginny shook her head. "Harry?"

"Gin?"

"Never tell me you don't belong dealing with the noble's again."

"You too, Lady Weasley. Care for a walk?" He said, offering his arm. "For the scry map we should at least walk the tunnel."

"So two hours in the dark, alone with my boyfriend. Master Potter, you know how to make a girl happy."

There was a message from Daphne waiting for him when he got back to his room. "Thank you for playing along."

Harry brewed a cup of tea before he sat down for what he anticipated to be a longer letter with Daphne.

"I've taken harder hits." Harry replied.

"I'll strike harder next time."

"Next time?"

"War is far from over."

"I have a business offer I would like to propose."

"?"

"First, let me begin with what's in it for you. Would you care to know of a secret passage outside of the castle to town?"

"Why would you share that with me?"

"Because, I saw the look in your face at Diagon Alley and I very much doubt you would risk that happening to others. If I were to make my assumption, at worst you would use it for important personal uses and far more likely an escape for you and 'A'."

There was a pause in the writing. Clearly Daphne was thinking about her reply. Finally though, the text appeared. "You are not incorrect. What is the price for this passage?"

"No harm to anyone. But there is an item, fits in the palm of your hand. I need it carried around the halls of Slytherin's dorm."

"Incantations? Energies needed?

"All completed. It is the size of a snitch. I need you to simply put it in your pocket and walk around your dorm, then return it. Preferably this week."

There were several minutes worth of delay. Harry understood Daphne was weighing her options. There were reasons Harry opened with the secret passage offer. It was clear her sister's safety was the most important thing to Daphne, even if she hid it behind a veil of her House. Harry let her think. He sipped his tea as she flipped through his text on occlumency.

Finally a response came to the page. "I'm smart enough to know there is more here than what is obvious. But also wise enough to know the less said the safer… yes, I will carry your bobble."

"Excellent. Third Floor, statue of the One-Eyed Witch. Incantation is 'Dissendium'. A passage will appear. That is your payment. The tunnel leads to the confectioner in town. When you step inside, on your right side, will be a stone with my mark. Behind is a crystal ball. That is the bobble to carry and return."

"Crystal ball? Decent Fellow, I can put two and two together. Clever."

"But I didn't ask you too, so you don't know what I'm doing."

"As it should be. Grant me a few days. I will write when done."

The week was a return to Hogwarts normalcy of classes and academic stresses. Ginny and Luna started to notice an increase in O.W.L. work. Luna smiled and Ginny bit her lip and batted her eyes. Harry agreed to keep up with being their study buddy, because why the hell wouldn't he. Which often meant Hermione was there to help and Ron was there to keep things relaxed. In general there were times when it seemed like normal class without a war on the outside.

Wednesday night he received a note from Daphne her task was completed and the crystal ball returned. Thursday night he retrieved it.

Friday, 10 January 1997

By Friday, Harry knew he had delayed the inevitable long enough. He brought Regulas's Journal with him to potions and stayed behind. Ron and Hermione gave him knowing nods of luck as they left

"Come on, now, Harry, you'll be late for your next lesson," said Slughorn affably, snapping the gold clasps shut on his dragon-skin briefcase.

"Professor," said Harry, "I wanted to thank you again for both the help with the Turn Trigger and with that stupid love potion incident."

"You are quite welcome Harry. I trust you and the lovely Miss Weasley enjoyed your break?" Slughorn said with a twinkle in his eye.

Harry had to honestly smile. "Yes sir, quite."

"Young love," Slughorn said, his eyes clearly drifting back to memories of earlier days. "Cherish these days Harry, they only come 'round once."

"Yes sir," Harry nodded. "If I may Professor, I wonder if I could ask your assistance on an auror case again?" Harry didn't feel like he was lying, more stretching the truth.

"Ask away, then, my dear boy, ask away."

"Sir, In a recent scene investigation, my team, Miss Granger in fact, found a journal from Regulus Black."

"Regulus?" Tonks smiled. "I remember him. Quite the ambitious Black. Clever mind."

"Yes sir. His journal was found to be connected with recent Death Eater activities. Now, most we can independently corroborate, but there are certain areas that Sergeant Tonks and Professor Lupin are at a loss to understand." Harry shot his cocky grin. "I don't really get on with Snape, and well, you are the brightest-"

"Harry, I'm happy to help. What seems to be the question?"

Harry opened the journal to the back page, and pointed to the final entries. "Sir, these Horcruxes that Regulus says are the key to Riddle's immortality. What are they?"

Slughorn froze. His round face seemed to sink in upon itself. He licked his lips and said hoarsely, "What did you say?"

"If you read here, Regulus says Riddle 'had taken yet another step in his quest of immortality.' Further down he cites it is from Riddle's 'latest horcrux.' Hermione has already checked the library-

"Dumbledore put you up to this," whispered Slughorn. His voice had changed completely. It was not genial anymore, but shocked, terrified. He fumbled in his breast pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, mopping his sweating brow. "Dumbledore's shown you that — that memory. Well? Hasn't he?"

"Yes," said Harry, deciding on the spot that it was best not to lie further. "That's why I thought you could shed light-

"Well, if you've seen that memory, Harry, you'll know that I don't know anything — anything" — he repeated the word forcefully — "about Horcruxes!" He seized his briefcase, stuffed his handkerchief back into his pocket, and marched to the dungeon door.

Harry could feel the reddening of his ears in heat and rage. He stared daggers at the desk he'd been leaning against. He could already feel the arcs of electricity around his fingers. He could hear Molly's voice in the back of his head. "You could outcharm the devil."

"Not bloody today!" Harry growled as he punched the desk in frustration. The pain in his knuckles subsided his arcing as he shook out the sting in his fingers. He needed to get to the next class.

Harry and Ginny had taken their jackets and brooms out to fly the exterior grounds from the castle to the walls Saturday then grabbed some hot chocolate with Luna to explain the scry map ritual and its use for the Aligned Houses. She easily accepted everything at face value and smiled. "You can't stop yourself from diving in the middle of everything, can you Harry?" was all Luna asked.

Harry grinned. "Guilty as charged."

Sunday the Marauders met again, this time with Luna, in the Room of Requirement. Luna looked around recognizing it. "It's the D.A. Room, isn't it?"

"If it's not broken, I didn't see the point of breaking it, that and I'm horribly uncreative." Harry smiled. Until Ginny elbowed him in the ribs.

"Ow."

Ginny and Luna both shared smiles of mischief.

Ron looked over at them and asked, "Harry what level of madness have you just introduced to us now?"

"I don't know." Hermione answered for him. "Could be worse, we could have invited the twins."

Everyone shuddered at the thought of the mayhem they could cause, then laughed.

After securing themselves Hermione took out parchment that glistened in the light. Hermione took the lead. "I've got the paper alchemically prepared and precharmed. Everyone place your scry balls on the parchment please."

The Marauders all nodded. Then Hermione brought out a second more normal paper with notes written on it. "Alright, we only get one shot at this or we start back at the beginning. So I want to read down a list of areas. Let me know if you carried your scry ball there. Twice is fine, so long as we don't have misses." They all took a seat as Hermione worked down an extensive list. But it was the same list she had been reminding everyone of over the course of the week. Finally, Hermione nodded with approval. "I think we have everywhere." She said expectantly to Harry.

Harry gestured back to the parchments and scry balls. "Do the honors, Miracle. You've never let us down before. Hermione smiled as she took a flask out and poured out ink charged with silver energy with her left hand while she enchanted the map with her wand in her right. Once all the scry balls were covered, Hermione spoke the incantation command of 'carta revealo'. The ink flowed out from the scry balls and out to draw the familiar layout of Hogwarts. As the ink settled in soon dots and names of the students in school. This one even included their own names, sitting in the Room of Requirement.

Harry smiled and began the applause but all of them soon joined in and Hermione smiled with a touch of blush. "I just followed the directions."

"Yeah, but you did it brilliantly babe." Ron said with a tight hug and kiss to her head.

"Mione, can you work up simplified directions and get those off to the Houses?" Harry asked. He came over to the map. Realistically, speaking Harry knew it was safe, but still he reached out to touch the newly formed art, as if to test if the ink was dry. Obviously, it was. "Mischief managed." Harry said and the ink faded away. He folded the new scry map with a deep sense of accomplishment and appreciation.

"I think I may change the passwords," she smiled. "But beyond that, absolutely, by Monday at the latest."

Harry nodded in approval and appreciation.

"Neville mate, why don't you hold on to this one?"

"Me? I figured it would be one of, you know, you four."

Ron smiled. "Exactly the point. Four of us are around each other all the time. Ease of access to the original. Whole point of a second map was for you newer recruits to the team."

Hannah looked over to him with a look of confidence and warmth.

"Whatever you say, Harry." Neville finally accepted as he took the new scry map.

Harry reached into the back of his spellbook and pulled out a blank stakeout chart and passed it with the map. "Our current project is keeping eyes on Draco."

Ginny picked up. "He's up to something. It can't be good. It involves Snape. We need to know what, and stop it."

"And we can't just hex him?" Luna asked.

The crowd shook their heads. "Not that simple." Hermione explained.

"Snape, why am I not surprised?" Neville snickered.

"Everyone, be careful around those two. I don't trust him for a second. But do not engage. I'm using the map, maps, to keep low profiles. I've just about got Draco's entire class schedule figured out." Harry said as he passed another sheet out. "Right now, I want to know where he spends most of his time outside of classes."

Everyone nodded in understanding.

"While we're here. What do we need to talk about? Hermione and I have an idea about the diadem we want to do homework on. From what it sounds the Aligned Houses security seems to be stabilizing the war. I will be honest enough I realize I need to add 'for now.'"

Everyone looked around. It was Susan who seemed to grow more rigid and concerned. "Actually, Harry, I think there may be a new problem." The team all became quiet as it was clear Susan had their attention. "You all remember my aunt was on the Wizengamot and came up through the D.M.L.E.?"

Ron chuckled. "Some of us are thick, but none of us are dumb Sue, we remember."

The table caught a round of giggles before Susan continued. "Well, you can believe that she didn't do so without developing contacts, friends, and informants. Since her passing, I've been keeping up with them."

"Really?" Hermione said with surprise. "That seems so… nefarious."

"There's nothing nefarious about it." Susan defended. "It's politics, that's reality. To think it doesn't happen is foolish."

Hermione's shock was clear and apparent… and unappreciated.

Susan continued. "Hermione, you may be the brightest witch academically but there is more to the world than academics. Our government, every government, is generally a competition of ambitions and I for one refuse to be blindsided by them."

Hermione opened her mouth to speak but Harry could tell from her expression it wasn't going to be pretty or eloquent. "Ladies!" he interrupted. Once he had their attention. "We're in the middle of a war, and the enemy is Riddle, not each other. Susan, especially since the Minister paid us a visit on Christmas I would love to know what has your attention."

"The Minster what!?" Susan asked in surprise.

Ginny hopped in. "The Ministry of Magic used Percy as an excuse to visit us on Christmas Day. Very obviously plucked Harry away from the table to have a conversation with him."

"About what?"

"Frankly, he was surprised how good we, the D.A. / auror squadron are. We caught him off guard. Also he's not too keen that the Aligned Houses aren't under his direct control. I think I bruised his ego."

"Who cares about ego?" Hannah asked. "You're trying to keep people alive!"

"That's what I told the Minister. Regardless, Susan, what's up?"

"Well, as I was saying. I've been keeping up with my Aunt's network Keeping up with the payments, taking their tips and reports."

"Logic suggests something changed." Ron deduced.

"You would be correct. The tips are cooling off, some of the reports have stopped completely. What few I'm still getting, they are becoming almost paranoid."

"Define paranoid, please." Hermione asked.

"To hear them say it, personnel are changing both in the definition of different people in positions but also that the people themselves are changing. Making different decisions than they normally would."

"What the hell?" Neville asked. "Is Scrimgeour cleaning house?"

"That was my thought. But when I pressed, the new voices are more and more against him, Scrimgeour."

"If they don't want Scrimgeour, who the hell do they like?" Ron asked.

"Current favorite is Pius Thicknesse, current D.M.L.E. head."

"Do we have any reason as to why?" Ginny asked.

"Not yet." Susan shook her head.

Harry glared ahead at nothing in particular. "It's the damn Second Wizard War and we still have politicians playing games… Merlin."

Bill looked over at the mechanical clock on his desk and started to clear it for his four o'clock appointment, a new client, Able Newman. Just as his desk was cleared a goblin knocked at his door. "Mr. Weasley, Mr. Newman is here for you." Bill rose and came to the door.

"Thank you, Griphook. Please lead the way."

Bill followed the goblin as he had hundreds of times over.

They approached from behind and saw a tall slender man, clearly well dressed with platinum blond hair. "Mr. Newman, Mr. Weasley." Newman turned around with a stoic expression.

It was Percy.