Chapter 3 - Reconsidering
Albus, Minerva and Poppy portkeyed into the Grangers' back garden, and into total chaos. Harry was being held in wrist restraints by a pair of aurors, he seemed to be stoically facing his fate. The same couldn't be said of Hermione, who was having to be restrained by another pair of aurors. She was obviously vociferously objecting to Harry being arrested but, since someone had placed a silencing charm on her, that assumption had to be an educated guess. Her mother was just sitting on the ground, quietly staring at a cloth covered human shape.
The real noise was being generated by an argument between Amelia Bones and Cornelius Fudge. Both seemed to hold contradictory opinions on what had happened here, and what should take place next. Cornelius was trying to lay down the law but Amelia was just as animatedly quoting the actual law of the land straight back at him - as well as reminding the Minister of Magic that she was the one in charge here. Needless to say, Cornelius wasn't too happy with any of that.
"Potter killed two people, he's not even contesting that fact. Poor Lucius was cursed in the back."
Amelia wasn't standing for Ministerial interference in a case that could blow their world apart, not without one hell of a fight. "Your 'poor Lucius' is lying there in full Death Eater regalia, including a mask with his name on the inside. He also carries the dark mark on his arm. Had I been here, I would have fired on him too. What about Draco? His wand clearly shows a killing curse as the last spell cast, and we have a body here for which that spell was the cause of death."
Trying to bluster, and piece together an explanation that would fit the circumstances, Fudge clearly indicated the tone of interpretation he wanted placed on tonight's events. "Young Draco had just seen his father murdered. His grief would understandably see him cast that awful curse at his father's killer - Potter. The muggle was probably just in the way - an unfortunate accident."
A thoroughly frustrated Amelia came right back at him. "Could the reason that muggle was in the way be that this is his property? What excuse do you have for both Malfoys being here, in the middle of the night, with Lucius wearing his Death Eater uniform?"
A flustered Fudge just tried to stamp his authority, and his solution, over the situation. "We'll probably never know, because Potter murdered them both before we could ask."
Harry answered that question, even although he wasn't asked. He had spotted Dumbledore's arrival and shouted the vitally important information to Albus as soon as the headmaster came close enough to hear.
"Sir, they came for Hermione. Malfoy wanted to take her to Voldemort."
Whipping around, Cornelius spotted Dumbledore for the first time. "Not that old chestnut again, boy. You-know-who is not back. Dumbledore, this is your fault for spreading these lies amongst impressionable children."
Harry came right back at the Minister. "I'm prepared to give evidence about that incident, and tonight, under truth serum. Or do you plan to do another Barty Crouch and have me kissed by a dementor before I can tell people what really happened?"
A raging Fudge turned his anger onto a physically restrained Harry. "You will face Ministerial justice for what you did tonight, boy, and you will pay for your crimes."
A coolness seemed to have embraced Harry, he calmly answered the Minister's shouted threats. "I've seen your version of ministerial justice and I wasn't impressed. Sending Hagrid to Azkaban because you had to be seen to be doing something comes to mind. It was also me who saved your arse over that matter as well, a matter your good friend Lucius here caused. I wonder if he was under the imperious curse then too?"
A gleam in the Minister's eyes was not a good sign. "So this was a revenge killing! Potter holding a grudge because his girlfriend was petrified, they probably lured both Malfoy's here so he could murder them."
Shaking his head, Albus couldn't let that go. "Cornelius, I don't think I've heard anything so ridiculous in my long life."
The Minister didn't take too kindly to that, throwing Dumbledore's own claims back at him. "More ridiculous than you-know-who returning from the dead? I know which one is more believable to me. Madam Bones, Potter here has already confessed to killing both Lucius and Draco Malfoy - I want him in Azkaban."
The witch in question was less than happy with the Minister's attempt to circumnavigate the law, especially when it was to generate the specific result he wanted. "What about the lad's trial? You want me to throw a boy who's not yet fifteen straight into Azkaban?"
Cornelius wasn't for backing down. "Amelia, I will not have this tragedy used to spread Dumbledore's latest crazy scheme. He may have convinced Potter here but I will not have the lie that you-know-who has returned terrifying our citizens. My job is to protect this country, that's what I'm doing here. I'll make this a Ministerial Order if I have to."
In the silence that declaration caused, Minerva reported to Dumbledore. "Both Granger ladies are suffering from shock, Poppy has administered a light calming draught to them. Cornelius, how did you get here so quickly?"
A now growling Amelia answered that one. "Mafalda Hopkirk will be looking for a new job tomorrow - make that today. She sent word to Cornelius that an underage Draco Malfoy had cast the killing curse. Our Minister of Magic rushed to the scene, obviously intending to declare Draco innocent. Now that he can't, Cornelius is hell-bent on seeing Potter punished - irrespective of facts, laws or people's rights. Only the fact Miss Granger's wand is still in her bedroom is saving her facing manufactured Ministerial charges too."
Cornelius really let his temper out now. "This boy just killed the head and heir apparent of an old pureblood family, he has single-handedly ended the Malfoy line. A few detentions and loss of some house points isn't going to be his punishment here."
Albus was desperately trying to change Cornelius' mind, otherwise he would have no other choice left open but to act. "The Potters are a far older and more respected family than the Malfoys. You are deliberately trying to end the Potter line, without even providing the head of that family with his legal right of a trial."
"So you can use that trial to spread your lies? No - I won't allow it. If I had a dementor here at the moment, we wouldn't be having this argument, and the problem would already be solved. Amelia, as Minister of Magic, I'm ordering you to place Potter in Azkaban."
"I can't allow that, Cornelius."
"The Chief Mugwump has no say in this…" Cornelius was supremely confident of his position on this matter. Dumbledore though didn't back down an inch. If the Ministry were going to disregard their own laws to achieve the result this small minded wizard wanted, Albus really couldn't afford to stand here and let them - not this time.
"I still can't allow that…"
Finally realising what was actually being said by Albus, a now panicking Cornelius reacted. "Aurors, arrest Albus Dumbledore."
Their collective hesitation as the aurors questioned that order was more than enough time for Albus. Everyone but those he deemed necessary were soon lying unconscious on the grass.
"That will only hold them for a few moments. Harry we need to get out of here. Minerva…"
"NO!" Harry's shout stopped Dumbledore's instructions to his deputy as he, Minerva, Poppy, Emma and Hermione all stared at Harry.
"Harry, my boy. We need to get out of here."
"No. If Fudge gets me, he'll leave Hermione and Emma alone. You can then protect them from Voldemort. If I leave with you, Fudge will arrest them. With you then a fugitive too, they will be left defenceless. I can't allow that to happen, I'm not leaving here without them."
Knowing the sand was already running out here, Albus tried to reason with Harry. "If I take them with us, they will become fugitives too."
Hermione and Emma stood beside Harry. "We don't mind that, as long as we're together." The potion might have slowed Emma's speech but the hand clamped on each of the teen's shoulders demonstrated she meant business. Her words also showed she was thinking clearly on this matter.
"I don't want Harry to go to prison and I don't want Hermione anywhere near the people who would send him there. The only way to achieve that is for all of us to leave together with you. I don't want to leave my Dan here either though."
With a wave of Albus' wand, Harry's appeared from the auror who had confiscated it while Hermione's wand shot out a window of her house. The restraints on Harry's wrists also dropped to the ground. Dan's covered body was quickly levitated by Dumbledore toward the group.
"Minerva, you know where I must take them. Look after Hogwarts for me." Turning his attention to Harry, Hermione and her mother, Albus gave instructions that they simply couldn't ignore. "I need the three of you to hold onto a tail feather, I will take Mister Granger."
At that, Fawkes appeared above them. With one hand on Dan and the other on Fawkes, Albus made sure they were all holding on before they flamed out of there.
Minerva and Poppy quickly sat on the grass, pretending to be just recovering like everyone else. Not quite like everyone else however, Cornelius was now apoplectic with rage.
"Amelia, I want all of them hunted down and flung in Azkaban. Dumbledore and Potter will learn they're not above the law."
"I can and will issue warrants for both of their arrests. I cannot do so for either of the Grangers. They have committed no crimes and we don't even know if they wished to leave, or were coerced into doing so. What am I supposed to charge them with?"
Knowing that, in their society, the fate of a muggleborn witch and her family would be inconsequential when compared to the murder of two prominent pureblood wizards, Cornelius nodded his agreement. He had more to say on the matter though.
"With Sirius Black still on the run, and now Potter and Dumbledore being added to the most wanted list, we really need to see some results soon. If we don't see some positive results in those cases quickly, your position as Head of the D.M.L.E. might just become untenable."
Having worked with Fudge since he snuck into the post of Minister, Amelia was well aquatinted with how he operated. Cornelius was setting her up for the fall, and protecting his own political skin in the process. The fact that he wanted to send a fourteen year old wizard to Azkaban, without the benefit of a trial, clearly forced Dumbledore's hand tonight. Amelia also had no reason to disbelieve Dumbledore or Potter's claims that Voldemort had returned, a dead Death Eater lying on the grass was further proof things were changing.
With Fudge being an arse about it, and refusing to even consider the possibility things had changed, they were woefully underprepared to deal with this. If Voldemort had returned, his next move would be to quietly take out those who would oppose him. Amelia knew she would be near the top of that list and had no intention of leaving Susan as the last living Bones. Fixing Cornelius with her best 'talking to an imbecile' stare, Amelia blasted right back.
"When the Minister of Magic interferes in a live D.M.L.E. investigation and then attempts to impose his own solution on us - just because his friends are involved - then that is when my position becomes untenable. Since that is exactly what you tried to do here tonight, you've left me with no option other than to tender my resignation - effective immediately."
A shocked Fudge could only watch as Amelia turned away. She had however some parting words for the Minister.
"If Voldemort has returned, your refusal to believe Dumbledore and Potter could see the entire country fall to that dark madman. Remember Minister, no body was ever found that Halloween. Remember also, you are about to issue arrest warrants against the only two people with any hope of saving us."
Amelia thought 'us' sounded better, though she now intended for her and Susan to be out of the country long before it fell to the darkness. She also knew dear Cornelius would insist on being the one who told Narcissa Malfoy she no longer had a son or husband. That was one task she was glad the Minister of Magic insisted on. Amelia disapparated away, leaving Fudge to deal with the mess.
-oOoOo-
The intruder alarm had Sirius and Remus racing from their respective bedrooms with wands already drawn. Spotting Dumbledore was one of the intruders certainly lessened the tension both Marauders were feeling. Seeing his godson amongst the group initially had Sirius excited, that was until he laid eyes on the cloth covered body lying in front of them.
"What happened?"
The calming draft might have dulled Hermione's emotions but her words broke Sirius' heart, knowing the pain that would hit his godson's best friend later.
"Draco Malfoy murdered my father."
"Hermione, I'm so sorry. I swear that little shit will pay for this…"
"Harry's already taken care of that, Sirius. He took out Draco and his father. Thanks for offering though, that's already more than the Ministry did. They were going to send Harry to Azkaban. Sorry for dropping in on you like this…"
Harry was standing behind Hermione, with both arms wrapped around her. Emma was behind Harry with her arms doing their best to encircle both of the teenagers.
Approaching, Sirius bent and kissed Hermione on the forehead. "You helped Harry save my life, even without that I will help you any way I can." Switching his attention to the woman he didn't know, Sirius introduced himself.
"Excuse me, Ma'am. We haven't been introduced but I'm assuming you're Hermione's mother." A nod from Emma saw him continue. "I'm Sirius Black, Harry's godfather and your host. You also have my condolences. My offer to your wonderful daughter of course includes you too, anything I can do."
The same calming potion was still working on Emma, allowing her to think practically. "My Dan, what will happen next? We're not particularly religious, nor had we ever talked about this, but I think he would like to be buried. How can I make arrangements?"
Albus spoke for the first time since arriving, trying to offer the oh so recently widowed lady some reassurance. "Mrs Granger, please allow us to take care of your wishes for you." Waving his wand, the cloth covering Dan transfigured into a simple but elegant oak coffin.
"Ma'am, there is rather a large garden at the back of this house. Your husband would be welcome to rest there, permanently or until your circumstances change."
Staring at the coffin, her vision blurred by tears, Emma felt Hermione nod her agreement before accepting Sirius' offer. "That's very kind. If it's not too much trouble, could it be done tomorrow?"
After being assured it would be no trouble, Sirius led them to a bedroom they had prepared for anyone staying over. Hermione was clinging to Harry, not wanting to let him go.
"Hermione, your mother will need you."
"I know, but so do you. I know you, Harry, don't blame yourself for this. Neither me nor my mum does…" Emma emphasised Hermione's sentiments by kissing Harry on the cheek.
"Over the coming days and weeks, we're all going to need each other."
Gripping Hermione tighter, Harry wasn't aware he'd spoken his thoughts out loud. "I'll need you a lot longer than that."
At any other time, hearing Harry say that would have Hermione ecstatic. The circumstances, and the potion, left her barely able to muster a smile. Her arms tightening around Harry though told its own story.
Sirius closed the door, taking the first chance to speak with his godson. He tried to keep it light. "This old house is in a bit of a state. You're going to have to bunk with me tonight until a room can be made ready…"
Watching as Harry casually sat on the floor, taking his wand out as he did so, totally confused Sirius. "Harry, what are you doing?"
"Anyone trying to get near Hermione or Emma will have to go through me - and I'm done holding back."
"They will be safe here…" His godson totally cut Sirius off.
"They should have been safe in their own house. We were even supposed to have a guard, with Dumbledore putting wards up tomorrow - later on today. I heard them say why they had come, they wanted to take Hermione to Voldemort, yet I kept waiting on the guard doing something. Turns out he'd buggered off because 'a bit of business came up'. Dan walked right into them. I thought Lucius was the most dangerous so took him out first - and that little bastard Draco cast the killing curse. I killed them both, Sirius, and my only regret is I didn't do it before Dan got murdered. I will take out anyone who tries to hurt those I love, and the ministry can go and fuck themselves. The Death Eaters don't follow laws, we have to do the same to deal with these murdering bastards. With both the Ministry and their master protecting them, I don't see any other option."
Seeing the determination in Harry's eyes, Sirius realised there was no way of moving him from here tonight. Instead, he levitated an armchair to beside the door before supplying a blanket. After being thanked by a grateful godson, Sirius strode off in search of Dumbledore - and some answers.
Albus was sitting quietly chatting with Remus, a bottle of fire whisky and some glasses on the table in front of them. Taking the time to pour a glass of the spirit, and having a measured sip, Sirius finally let out what was eating away at his insides.
"Albus, what the fuck happened tonight? Did Harry really kill two Malfoys? Where was the guard you placed there, and why did it have to be tomorrow those wards went up? We heard from Arthur what those Dursleys did, and I was delighted Harry was staying with Hermione. Surely though protections should have been put in place immediately after you discovered where Harry was?"
Dumbledore appeared to age before their eyes as Sirius continued his rant.
"He's along there sitting outside the Grangers' room door, ready to kill anyone who goes near Hermione or her mum. We all knew he was blaming himself for Cedric Diggory's death, Now he'll add Hermione's father to a list no fourteen year old should ever have. I want to know, I demand to know why he wasn't protected."
Not lifting his eyes from the glass of firewhisky now held in his lap, it was almost as if Albus was having a discussion with himself. "Harry initially refused to come with me tonight. He predicted, probably correctly, that him leaving with me would see the Minister of Magic turn his ire onto both the Granger ladies. He was prepared to end up in Azkaban, knowing we would protect Hermione and her mother. Harry has always has a large self-sacrificing streak running through him but that has been joined buy a ruthlessness that saw him cast a fatal curse at Lucius Malfoy's back. No warning, no attempt at restraining, Harry killed him."
There wasn't any danger of Sirius not coming back after Albus saying that. "Harry told me they were there for Hermione, planning to hand her over to Voldemort like some sick 'welcome back' gift for their master. I would have killed the bastard too."
"And what of young Draco?"
Not wanting the fact he'd been sitting there quietly be construed as he didn't have an opinion on this, Remus now entered the argument. He also made his position clearly understood. "Hermione said it was Draco who murdered her father. Was Harry supposed to stand there and hope he survived being hit with another killing curse? Choosing between the life of a Malfoy or Harry is not a difficult choice for me, or Sirius. I saw how close Harry and Hermione were last year, Sirius caught the end of it and had the same opinion as me. Arthur telling us they were kissing in King's Cross had this old mutt wagging his tail. I also noticed you never answered Sirius' questions over the wards and guard?"
"I had Mundungus…" Albus never got to say anymore. Remus was on his feet, his tumbler of firewhisky thrown into the fire as the werewolf fought to control his temper.
"I was available and desperate to help, you knew this. Had I been there, this entire incident could have been avoided. Your actions - or inactions - leave us with an innocent man dead and Harry piling even more guilt onto himself. Since you don't pick what robes you're going to wear without a good reason, I think Sirius and I deserve to hear the reasons behind tonight."
The old wizard sat there and said nothing, leaving the Marauders in complete agreement over what they would do next. His position as Harry's godfather saw Sirius telling Dumbledore what that would be.
"Albus, you're now a wanted criminal - just like me. You're not Harry's headmaster anymore, nor do you hold any position of authority over him. I will talk to my godson tomorrow and discover what he wants to do next, that opinion will be my only concern. Your opinion will neither be sought nor listened to. You could be a great help, with whatever we decide to do next, but we just don't trust you. I do thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing Harry here tonight. Azkaban is no place for a teenager and Fudge is a right bastard who needs a good cursing for even suggesting that option."
With his temper once more under control, Remus tried to be the voice of reason here. "Albus, we shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves - there's already more than enough enemies facing us. You seem far more concerned though over Draco's death than the fact that Harry lived. It's also obvious to us that you have plans for Harry - plans that you refuse to discuss with us - or Harry. You have to see we can't sit back and allow that to go unchallenged."
The resulting silence was eventually broken by a sorrowful sigh from Albus. "The last twenty four hours has changed many things. everything now needs to be reconsidered. I understand you are both desperate for answers but right now is not the time, we need our heads clear before treading that dangerous path. If you gentlemen will excuse me, I intend to use this extremely comfortable chair and meditate for a few hours."
Seeing both Marauders about to object, Albus supplied the timescale he was considering here. "I'll attempt some reconsidering of my own and have answers for you after we bury Mister Granger. Tonight happened too late to feature in today's Prophet but I think we need to call an Order meeting for tomorrow as well. You can also be certain Harry and Miss Granger will be looking for answers too. There is something I have been meaning to tell that boy but kept putting it off, I fear I have run out of time. I can only hope Harry may see it in his heart to forgive an old man his mistakes."
Sirius and Remus were prepared to wait that long for some answers. Albus apparently going to include the teens in those discussions sealed the deal for both of them. As Remus headed back to bed, Sirius headed off to see if Harry needed any company in his vigil. He guessed neither him nor Harry would sleep much tonight anyway.
-oOoOo-
Being awakened in the middle of the night was always going to put Narcissa Malfoy in a bad mood. That she was awoken by that bumbling fool of a Minister turning up at their manor just darkened her mood. Hearing the news Cornelius had come to personally deliver certainly didn't lighten Narcissa's demeanour any.
While maintaining her stoic pureblood exterior, there was an intense internal battle being fought under that flawless alabaster skin. A part of Narcissa was wailing like a banshee, grieving for her son. Another part wanted to reanimate her fucking cretin of a husband, just so she could make his death a great deal slower and infinitely more painful.
As Cornelius was poo-pooing Potter's explanation for both Malfoys being in Crawley in the middle of the night, it actually made perfect sense to Narcissa. Lucius had obviously done something really stupid, he'd returned from being summoned by the Dark Lord barely able to crawl.
To compound that stupidity, Lucius had apparently then attempted a big play. Her husband's idiotic decision to end all idiotic decisions though was to take Draco along with him. Hearing that Draco had fired the killing curse on that muggle actually offered Narcissa a grain of comfort, in the strangest of ways. If Draco was successfully able to generate enough hate to power that curse, then the boy she loved had already been lost to her - well before Potter fired on Lucius' son.
Her grief and anger however were soon being swamped by a much stronger desire, self-preservation. The Malfoy fortune would be closed to her now, a widow's stipend would be all she would ever see of it as others fought over Lucius' gold. Not only was that fortune lost to her, it was also no longer available to the Dark Lord. That's where the real danger to her well-being lay.
In the upcoming war, Narcissa Malfoy was no longer a player. She had nothing either side would want. To compound that problem, she was now the last remaining Malfoy. Since Lucius had so obviously earned his master's displeasure, and that was before going off and getting himself killed, the Dark Lord would be desperate to show his followers what would happen when one of his Death Eaters angered him.
If any Death Eater got hold of her, Narcissa understood her life was over. Her life would end as publicly and unpleasantly as the Dark Lord could make it. Since the Dark Lord was rightfully considered an expert on the administration of pain, that was an option Narcissa needed to avoid at all costs.
After getting the Minister out of the manor, it was time to pack. Reckoning she had mere hours before this news reached the Dark Lord, she needed to be out the country by then. Over the years Narcissa had managed to squirrel away enough gold to see her comfortable for at least a few years. With her jewellery available for sale if things got tight, she would get by. Compared to being raped and tortured to death for the Dark Lord's amusement, anything was preferable as an alternative.
She would grieve for her son only when it was safe to do so. Right now, she didn't have the time. Draco and Lucius were dead, her first priority was to ensure she didn't join them anytime soon.
-oOoOo-
Hermione awoke and thought she was in a different room from the one she'd eventually fallen asleep in. Hermione knew she was in Sirius' house, and well remembered the circumstances that brought them here. What she didn't understand is how she was now surrounded by things from her own home - and Crookshanks was on the bed purring for her to wake. Opening the room door saw a dozing Harry shoot up from a chair to enquire if anything was wrong.
"Our entire room has been changed while we slept. Our clothes, toiletries and other possessions from home are there.." Hugging Crookshanks to her, she couldn't say anymore.
"Hermione, I never moved from here…"
A pop saw a disconsolate little elf pulling at his ears. "Dobby is sorry, he was only trying to help."
With merely a glance at each other, it was decided Harry should ask the questions. "Dobby, what are you doing here?"
"With Harry Potter leaving Hogwarts, Dobby no longer wants to work there. Dobby spoke to Headmaster Dumbledore, asking if Harry Potter might want an elf, now Harry Potter has left Hogwarts. Dobby cleaned the room next to this one, putting Harry Potter's things in it. Dobby then thought Harry Potter's friends would need their things too…" A smiling Harry saw Dobby stop speaking.
"Dobby, I honestly don't know my circumstances at the moment. I have a few galleons in my trunk and that's it. I hadn't even thought about me not being able to return to Hogwarts."
"If Dobby is Harry Potter's elf, Dobby can go to Gringotts for him. Dobby can do many things…"
Again Harry's smile stopped Dobby talking, allowing him a chance to answer. "I need to sit down and do some talking about my situation but I can promise you this. If I need an elf, yours is the only name on my list." Harry now had an elf hugging his legs while promising to work hard, the touching scene almost had Hermione grinning too. She heard her mother beginning to stir and kissed Harry on the cheek.
"Go grab a shower and get changed. If your room is next door, I'm sure you could sleep there tonight. Dobby would make a fantastic sentry, neither of us heard or saw him."
This had the little elf standing as tall as he could, and swearing not even Kreacher would get passed him. This left both teens puzzled, until an aged elf made his presence known.
"Halfblood brat murdered Master Draco, whelp deserves beheading for daring to curse pureblood son of a Black. Mudbloods and Muggles in the proud house of Black - Kreacher feels the shame to his bones. The unworthy should be smothered in their sleep."
Without taking his eyes off the old elf, Harry let his little friend know his decision. "Dobby, the job is yours. We can discuss details later but your main task is to protect Hermione and Emma - they are family."
Dobby was again hugging Harry's legs, his dreams having just come true. Hermione's hand on Harry's shoulder saw him turn to face his girlfriend. Instead of a row, he found himself being kissed. Hermione then explained her reasoning to a puzzled boyfriend.
"Dobby is way beyond happy with your decision, and my mother is defenceless in this house. What grounds would I have for arguing?"
As she headed back into her room, Sirius appeared and was raging at seeing Kreacher there.
"I told you to leave my guests alone. Kreacher, I am ordering you to have no contact with Emma, Hermione and Harry. You will stay away, nor will you pass information about them to anyone else. Do you understand?"
"Yes, master." All heard the mutterings from the old elf as he shuffled away, with Harry having to physically restrain Dobby from attacking Kreacher.
"Sirius, Dobby here is the best house elf in the world, and he now works for me. Will that cause any problems, this being your house?"
"You're my heir, so someday all this might be yours. Now there's a depressing thought to start the day with. Did you get any sleep last night?"
"Not really…"
"I didn't think so. I came down to stand guard so you could go freshen up."
"Dobby was going to do that."
"I'm a better guard than I am a cook. If Dobby makes breakfast for everyone, I'll stay here. None of us should eat anything Kreacher has been near."
"Kreacher is a bad elf. Let his house get filthy, and then says terrible things about Harry Potter. Dobby will look after his family." The little elf popped away, neither Sirius nor Harry sure which of Kreacher's offences were worse in Dobby's eyes.
-oOoOo-
A passing summer rainstorm that morning meant it was now afternoon before Dan's burial could take place. This pushed Dumbledore's promised discussion with the Marauders back until after the already scheduled Order meeting. Albus was waiting to see how the teenagers handled the funeral before suggesting they become part of that discussion, Sirius and Remus agreed - as long as the meeting went ahead today. They needed to know what was going on, and they could then help decide when to tell Harry.
The dark rain-filled clouds of earlier had quickly passed, leaving blue sky for the somber occasion. Emma and Hermione were wearing black dresses, with Harry in a dark resized suit that belonged to Dan. As both Granger ladies held each other for comfort, Harry hovered at Hermione's side. That was until Hermione grabbed his arm in a vice like grip.
"Someone needs to say something, we can't just lower my dad into that great hole without someone saying something." Tears were running down Hermione's cheeks as she said those words, her eyes fixed on the coffin that contained her father.
With Sirius, Remus Albus and Minerva there too, only the head of Gryffindor had ever spoken with Dan Granger. In a situation like this, saying the wrong thing could be a lot worse than saying nothing. All four were then shocked when Harry started to speak.
"I only knew Dan for a very short time, and that is already one of the greatest regrets of my life. He had a wonderful way of leading you to take a step back and look at situations from a different angle, something I will always be grateful for and try my best to keep doing. Although I only stayed with the Grangers for a day or so, it was more than enough for me to see where Dan's main focus lay. He leaves behind a wife and daughter whose love for Dan was only matched by his devotion to both of them. He was an innocent victim in this war, sadly not the first - nor will he be the last. I will make a promise here to do everything I can to help Hermione and Emma, now and for as long as they'll have me around. Knowing Dan, that would mean a lot more to him than the fact the person who murdered him will never hurt another soul."
Emma and Hermione now had Harry wrapped in their joint embrace, both making it clear they wanted him around for a long time. As Albus levitated the coffin, in preparation for lowering the coffin into the prepared grave, something just came to Hermione and she went with it.
"An honest man here lies at rest,
As e'er God with His image blest:
The friend of man, the friend of truth;
The friend of age, and guide of youth:
Few hearts like his, with virtue warm'd,
Few heads with knowledge so inform'd:
If there's another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this."
There wasn't a dry eye present as Hermione finished reciting the poem just as the coffin came to rest. Wiping her own eyes, Minerva asked what had inspired that particular verse. It was actually Emma who answered, Hermione was sobbing into Harry's chest at the moment.
"My Dan loved his poetry, especially Robert Burns. He frequently used to recite it - in the worst Scottish accent I've ever heard - but those words lost none of their power because of that. When she was little, Hermione used to love sitting on her father's knee as he read 'Tam O' Shanter' to her. Dan will never really be gone as long as we remember things like that."
The grave was now filled in, and Albus transfigured a few rocks rocks into a headstone. Removing his wand, Harry created bunches of flowers for Hermione and Emma to lay.
As Hermione placed the flowers on her father's grave, she looked around and approved of the location. The garden was obviously as expanded as the house, with this little glade at the end of walk about fifty yards behind the Black residence. Hermione also suspected Dobby had played a part in this area looking so nice as some parts of the garden they had walked through to get here were wild. Here, amongst the few apple, cherry and rowan trees, it was actually beautiful.
"Thanks, Sirius. This is a lovely spot."
Emma agreed with her daughter. Not only that, she could visit Dan anytime she was in this house. The way things were progressing, with their fugitive status and the two teens getting closer every time Emma looked in their direction, they could be spending a lot of time here.
Harry stood back as the other four left. Hermione then joined him as they waited on Emma being ready to leave. The trio were arm in arm, with Emma in the middle, as they made their way back into the house.
They entered a much busier house than the one they'd left. All the red hair amongst the new guests was an instant indicator that the Weasleys were here, though both Harry and Hermione could have done without spotting the greasy locks of their potions professor. Sometimes you just couldn't catch a break.
Chapter 4 - A Prophecy Told
Ron was first to react, quickly making his way over to the entering trio. "Hermione, I don't really know what to say. Sorry just doesn't seem to be enough."
Hermione had a now blushing Ron in a hug, tears once more running down her cheeks. Not knowing how to cope with a crying Hermione, Ron turned his attention onto Harry. "Glad you were there, mate."
Harry just nodded as he took Hermione back into his arms - just before Mrs Weasley arrived. With her arms around the hugging couple, Molly was in full smothering mode.
"Oh my dear, we're all so sorry for your loss. You're going to have to leave the kitchen however as we're about to have an Order meeting. I brought some sandwiches so you children could go somewhere and chat..."
His arms tightening around Hermione, Harry stared straight at the woman. "Mrs Weasley, what age were Ron and I when we saved Ginny?"
If Harry had drawn back and smacked Molly one, the effect on the crowded room couldn't have been any more pronounced. He noticed Arthur move to wrap his arms around Ginny, almost as if to reassure himself his daughter was still with them. Harry's question also had Molly taking a few steps back. Although she now had the complexion of a bottle of milk, after being reminded of the day she almost lost two of her children, Molly was a tough witch. She wasn't about to have her opinion publicly challenged by the teenage wizard in front of her.
"That doesn't change the fact you're still only fourteen. You need to leave this to the adults..."
Using the same calmness that served him well last night, Harry then proceeded to use logic to destroy her argument. "Ron and I took an adult with us to save Ginny. That 'adult' tried to leave us all down there to die - while he got a new bestseller out of our deaths. Last night, I waited on the adult who was supposed to be guarding us taking action - we just buried a good man because I waited. We have a returned Voldemort who wants everyone in this room dead, and a powerfully corrupt Minister of Magic who would throw all of us in Azkaban - but only if he didn't have a dementor with him at the time."
Not being able to contain himself any longer, the sarcasm was dripping from every syllable of Severus' comment. "So you think you know better than everyone in this room now? Potter, your arrogance is astonishing."
The expected explosion never came, a respectful Harry calmly answered Snape. "Professor, I would be the first to put my hand up to admit the amount I don't know is astonishing. There are people in this room, yourself included, with a far greater understanding of what is happening around us - and what we need to do to change things for the better. I would love to go and spend time with my friends, time spent just being a teenager. Whether people in here like it or not that just can't happen. Time and time again, Voldemort has come after me. Now he's coming after my friends, I can't keep relying on luck to save me and them. I need to be better, I need to be more prepared, then next time we might not have to bury any of ours."
Looking directly at Snape, Harry tried to reach the man behind the scowl. "Professor, from the moment I met Draco his greatest ambition was to be just like his father. Lucius Malfoy was a death eater, one who turned up in Crawley with the intention of taking my fifteen year old girlfriend to Voldemort. Her parents were only muggles, not worth their consideration, they were simply to be dealt with. Lucius took his son on that mission, a mission Draco was clearly looking forward too. Had I stunned both of them, Fudge would have seen the Malfoys were cleared of any wrongdoing - and I would probably still have ended up sentenced to Azkaban."
Now talking to the entire room, Harry made his point. "That is what we're up against here, a corrupt system where the death eaters use their positions and gold to help make the rules. These are the same rules they know they can break whenever it suits them, their position and gold again enough to protect them from justice. That is why I need help with training, to fight against all of that. That is the only way we're ever going to win this war, because this is a war. I've witnessed two innocent casualties of this war murdered in the last couple of weeks, it's time to fight back."
There were well over twenty people in that room yet the shock Harry's remark caused resulted in total silence. It was Dumbledore who finally broke that silence, horrified at what he was hearing here. "Surely, Harry, you're not implying we start killing?"
"This is war, Sir. In war it's kill or be killed. When it's down to them or us, that's not a hard choice to make. Does anyone here think Emma, Hermione or me would have survived last night had half-a-dozen death eaters appeared in the Grangers' garden, rather than just the two Malfoys? If we let them choose where and when the battles will take place, then we've already lost."
Snape again snarled out a question. "So you see yourself as judge, jury and executioner?"
Seeing what he was doing here was working, Harry again kept his cool. The best way to be taken seriously here was not to set off on some teenage rant at the world. "No professor, again I have neither the knowledge or experience to make those decisions. There are people in this room who do though, and that knowledge and experience will be telling them what's coming next. You know who the guilty are. You also know, under the current system, they will never be punished. Lucius Malfoy was at the Grangers, in full Death Eater garb, yet Fudge declared he was innocent. Just like he declared Voldemort couldn't be back, and we're all powerless to do anything about it. Pick the targets and train me to take those targets out, then we will at the very least make a difference."
Apparently Albus only thought he was horrified before. Hearing that Harry was willing to kill people just took his horror to a whole new level. "You would deliberately set out to murder people?"
Hermione had gotten herself back together and decided it was time to enter the fray, there was never any doubt which side she would be supporting. Still with Harry's arms around her, she turned to face Dumbledore. "Professor, do you consider Harry's actions last night to be murder?"
Silence once more descended as everyone awaited Albus' answer. He of course tried to dodge the question. "I believe Harry could have made different choices last night..."
Hermione was having none of that. "I notice you didn't answer the question, or perhaps you did. Tell me, Professor, what is it about Draco Malfoy that makes his life so much more important than that of my fathers? Is it his age? Him being magical, or is it that Draco was a pureblood?"
"Miss Granger, all life is sacred. Taking a life can also change someone, that is all I wished for Harry - to save him from that."
Harry was standing with Hermione in his arms while she leaned back on him, Emma just behind them with her hands on Harry's shoulders. A quick squeeze of Hermione's waist signalled that he would play the next shot in what was becoming a verbal tennis match. The rest of the room were certainly as enthralled as if watching a Wimbledon final, only this one was about life or death matters.
"You're a bit late for that, Professor. I killed a Voldemort possessed Professor Quirrell when only eleven. I asked you after that incident if there was a reason Voldemort kept coming after me, you said I was too young to hear it? Am I still to young?"
With a sigh of resignation, Albus was able to answer honestly. "No, Harry, you're not. I had already made arrangements to sit down with Sirius and Remus later to discuss that very thing. You and Miss Granger's involvement was dependant on how you coped with the burial of Mister Granger. I now have no qualms about inviting you both to that meeting."
It was only hearing the loud commotion from outside the room that Harry noticed neither his godfather nor Remus were currently present. Their absence, and the reason for the disturbance, was soon explained as their supposed guard from last night rushed into the room. His hand was pressed to his face in an unsuccessful attempt to stop the blood gushing from his nose.
A raging Sirius followed closely behind, with Remus trying to stop his best friend committing murder. As Mundungus headed straight for Dumbledore, Sirius loudly made his opinion known.
"That piece of shit not only didn't apologise for leaving his post when guarding my godson last night, he actually wanted compensating for the merchandise Harry destroyed when the piercing curse hit it. He cost a life, nearly lost his own, but all he's concerned about is the little gold he lost. Was he getting paid to guard Harry?"
Finding himself once more in the spotlight, Albus again had to come up with an answer. "Mundungus has been gracious enough to carry out some tasks for me in the past, I of course compensated him for his time…"
This time it was Remus who lost it. "You were getting paid to do a job, but left it when something more profitable came along. How the hell can we trust him not to sell us down the river the instant he gets a better offer?"
Nodding in agreement with his best friend, Sirius took it further. "Albus, I don't want him in my house. Remus is right, he can't be trusted."
Seeing an opening, Harry pounced on it. "We seem to have a lot of trust issues within this group, issues that will see us beaten before we even begin to start fighting back. There has to be trust amongst us, otherwise what's the point? Professor Dumbledore, could the reason Voldemort is after me be shared with this group? Trust has to be started somewhere."
As all eyes were once more on Dumbledore, it was Albus' turn to appear ashen. "Harry, I can't express how much of a bad idea that is. Voldemort doesn't have all the information, and I was intending taking steps to ensure he didn't get his hands on it. This information getting out could literally change the course of this conflict."
It was Hermione who came back at him. "Sir, you say that like it's a bad thing? With you a fugitive, who's left to stand up to Voldemort? Fudge will be no obstacle, Voldemort could take over the country by Christmas. From where we're standing, I struggle to see how things could get much worse?"
Harry backed up his girlfriend. "I am all for denying Voldemort vital information but could you share the portion that Voldemort already knows? That would show a level of trust to the people in this room without jeopardising what you don't want him to discover."
While Albus was contemplating his answer, a deep baritone voice cut right through the argument. "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies… That is the reason you are his main target, and why your parents went into hiding. Albus is certain you are the one from the prophecy but hasn't shared the complete version with me."
"Severus, what have you done?"
"Exactly what Potter suggested, showed some trust. You are going to ask for volunteers to guard the entrance to the Hall of Prophecies, without disclosing what is being guarded or why. If the Dark Lord comes for that prophecy, those people's lives will be on the line. They need to know why they're there, and then make that risky decision for themselves. It's already clear Fletcher here is not suitable for guard duty…" Severus was interrupted by a stunning spell shooting past him and striking Dung. Sirius then justified his actions to the rest of the room.
"He would have that news spread all around the country by the end of the week."
Looking up at Harry and getting a smile of agreement, Hermione then added her tuppence worth. "Sirius, that might be a good thing. Fudge will have declared Harry and Professor Dumbledore fugitives by now…"
Minerva confirmed that to be true, and that Amelia Bones had resigned from her position too.
Hermione's smile contained no joy, it was almost predatory. "Fudge has lost his biggest backer in Malfoy. We heard him try to spin the story to make both Malfoys seem nothing more than innocent victims, with Harry and Professor Dumbledore now wanted criminals. News of this prophecy can be spread, leaving our Minister of Magic without a scapegoat, or a saviour, when Voldemort eventually makes his move."
Harry then really stirred the pot. "I'm actually glad neither of us are going back to Hogwarts. Without Professor Dumbledore there, the castle will be as inviting a target as the ministry."
Albus of course instantly proclaimed Hogwarts would be safe, Harry calmly refuted that claim.
"Our first year, Voldemort taught there for a full year - possessing Professor Quirrell. Second year he was back, possessing a student and controlling a basilisk. Last year we had one of his most fanatical Death Eaters polyjuced as Professor Moody, sorry Professor."
Moody was standing back and enjoying this. Like Black, he thought Albus' decision to have Dung guarding the lad was a ludicrous one. He decided to declare what side of the argument he agreed with.
"Since I was never actually your professor, lad, just call me Moody. I would certainly like to be involved in any training you're looking for, and help you with any missions."
Turning to face Emma, Hermione started pleading. "Mum, I want to do this training too. Can I?"
Bending and kissing her daughter's forehead, Emma never could resist Hermione when she really wanted something. She didn't want to give in too easily though. "I want to know more about this training before I say yes. I also want it understood I'm only saying yes to the training. I couldn't lose you too. You, and Harry, need to be safe."
There was far too much going on here outwith his control, Albus wasn't happy. "No one has agreed to anything here."
Harry remaining calm was winning arguments for him, he kept doing what was working. It was a perfectly poised Harry who dropped a bomb into the middle of the room. "Professor, I actually don't need your permission to do anything. I will have a talk with Sirius, Emma and Hermione - you're welcome at that talk too, Remus."
Moody was almost chuckling as this skinny, dark-haired lad had Albus all in a tizzy. He also noticed Molly glaring at her own lads. three of them seemed ready to volunteer for training too, only their mother's scowl was keeping them from asking.
Noticing that Albus was getting annoyed, Harry's next barb deflated Dumbledore. "If you have a plan that sees Hermione and I living long and happy lives, providing Emma with grandchildren to spoil, this entire conversation can be classed as irrelevant."
The Granger ladies were not the only ones who let out audible gasps at hearing that, they were the only ones whose opinions mattered to Harry though. He was looking at them while continuing to speak to Albus. "You offer me that, I will bite your arm off right up to your shoulder blade. You can't offer that though, you can't keep us safe - even in the castle."
Returning his full attention to the headmaster, Harry laid it all out. "I really want to work with you, listen to your advice, but I will not blindly follow anyone. If I make mistakes, they will be my own - and hopefully I can learn from them. At the moment all I've got is the knowledge that I don't know enough but need to fight back. I hope the people in this room can help me refine that need into some kind of plan."
"Hey kiddo, you know Remus and me are already in for all of that. I'm already bored sitting around this mausoleum - and you've met my mother's painting. Albus, everyone is here because they want to fight back against Voldemort. Whether that's gathering information, passing on knowledge or doing the actual fighting, one thing is certain - we have to become a unit. Everyone in this room respects your knowledge and skill, however that doesn't make you our commander that we should blindly follow orders from. If you have things needing done, things we need to know, put it out there and ask for volunteers."
This was a step too far for Molly. "Sirius Black, you can't seriously be considering letting children train to fight Death Eaters? Look around this room, very few of us are fighters, what are we supposed to do?"
After quoting Burns so successfully at her father's burial, Hermione once more dipped into her father's teachings to sum up what was happening here. This time though she didn't try for the Scot's version, rather converted Burns' verse into English.
"Who will be a traitor knave? Who will fill a coward's grave? Who's so base as to be a slave? Let him turn, and flee."
Minerva had of course recognised the Robert Burns poem recited at Dan's burial, she had just been surprised Hermione had known it - and used "Epitaph on a Friend' to such effect. Here though, 'Scots Wha Hae' sent a shiver down her spine. She then explain the concept behind the verse to the rest of the room, the vast majority of whom were looking at the girl in puzzlement.
"Miss Granger's words are Robert Burns' version of a speech made to his troops by Robert the Bruce - just before the battle of Bannockburn. He was basically saying to them they could go home - and might be allowed to live under English rule - or stand and fight for what they believed in. This is a choice faced by all of us in this room today. Yes, most of us could offer no resistance and probably survive under Voldemort's rule - I refuse to call that living. Our other choice is a decision to stand and fight with everything we have, for all we hold dear. As Sirius said, that fighting will take many forms but, if everyone plays to their strengths, I thing we have a chance. I already know I will fight, a McGonagall could do no less. In all of this only one thing is certain, if we do nothing then Voldemort has already won."
As everyone contemplated their reactions to what they'd heard here today, Albus took out his wand and revived Dung. That same wand soon had Dung's nose fixed before Albus helped him up.
"With emotions running so high, I think you should give today's meeting a miss. Have a few drinks on me for your troubles." The few gold coins Albus offered disappeared with amazing speed into Dung's pocket before the cagy wizard then did the same to Grimmauld Place.
As Sirius appeared ready to start shouting at Albus, the old wizard held up his hand. "If we want the news that Harry here is the prophesied one to spread, I can't think of a more effective method of doing so than Mundungus Fletcher in a pub. His voice will get louder with every drink he takes. Now, we came here to have a meeting. Can I suggest we start? Harry, you and Hermione are welcome to stay. Anyone younger than seventeen can stay - with their guardian's permission."
After just having avoiding a war with Molly, Albus spoke to Emma as the miffed younger redheads were being marshalled out the room by their mother.
"Mrs Granger, you have the sympathies of everyone in this room. You are also welcome to stay, and anything you have to say will certainly be considered. As has been continually said, we all need to work together to come out the other side of this." With all the revelations that had been passed on to Order members, Albus was going to have to work harder to get people doing what he wanted to do. Then again, it wasn't like he was going to be busy doing anything else.
-oOoOo-
The Dark Lord wasn't sure how to react at hearing reports of what had transpired at Potter's mudblood's muggle home. That two Malfoys couldn't kidnap a mudblood from her muggle parents was embarrassing - and would have seen both of them severely punished at the end of his wand had Potter not deprived him off that pleasure.
That Potter had chosen to kill, rather than stun, actually surprised Voldemort. He thought Dumbledore would have his golden child well indoctrinated into his 'everyone can be redeemed' philosophy by now. What to do about Dumbledore also vexed the Dark Lord. With any ordinary wizard, losing all their positions of power and becoming a wanted criminal would take them completely off the game board. Dumbledore was not an ordinary wizard however, and would still be doing his best to thwart whatever moves he ordered his Death Eaters to make.
The biggest puzzle for the Dark Lord though was the current Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. His actions last night made no sense. Yes he could see the wizard wanting to protect his friend, and main benefactor, Lucius Malfoy, but he was already dead. There would be no more Malfoy gold bolstering Fudge, so why take those actions?
Anyone who knew the facts, and there were far too many people present last night for those facts not to become known, could easily see their Minister of Magic had made a horrendous mistake. In what must eventually prove a futile attempt to keep knowledge of the Dark Lord's return out of the public domain, the Minister of Magic had just made outlaws of the two people that same public would look to for a degree of protection from Lord Voldemort.
Was this merely a temper tantrum, caused by Fudge being faced with losing all that Malfoy gold, or was their some deeper message here? Was he so desperate to hold onto the position of Minister that he was prepared to serve as a puppet under Lord Voldemort's rule? That outcome had some serious advantages and really had to be explored.
His initial plan called for bolstering his forces under the noses of the ministry, while quietly dispatching anyone in that institution who could be the slightest threat to his eventual take-over of Britain. Lord Voldemort was going to have to tweak that plan slightly so a personal meeting with the Minister of Magic could be arranged. That meeting would have one of two outcomes. Either Cornelius Fudge would call him master, or the country would be left looking for a new Minister of Magic.
-oOoOo-
Harry, Hermione and Emma were sitting in their new lounge, resting and contemplating what had been a long, harrowing day for all three of them.
"I can't believe that little friend of yours can just create rooms, and then fill it with our belongings. He also makes the best hot chocolate I've ever tasted."
Sipping his own mug of that wonderful elixir, Harry agreed with Emma. "Dobby has been a godsend. That I'm heir apparent to the house of Black allows him to alter the house to better suit our needs."
Even with four years of magical education behind her, Hermione too was in awe of the house elf. "Making a sitting room between our bedrooms was fantastic. To then decorate it similar to our home, and put our furniture in here is… I haven't the words to thank Dobby enough."
"Just knowing he pleased both of you will be enough for Dobby, that's when he's at his happiest. We could all do with some of that." Harry was looking at both Granger ladies as he made that remark, Emma actually smiled as Hermione lent her head on her boyfriend's shoulder. It had been rather a traumatic day for Harry too.
"How are you coping, after hearing all that today?"
Harry's free arm slipped around Hermione as he thought about how to answer Emma's question. "I'm actually okay. Voldemort was always coming after me, knowing why doesn't really change that. Well, not for me at least…"
Hermione quickly confirmed it made no difference to her either. This had Harry pecking her on the forehead before continuing. "I would've liked a chance to talk with Ron after the first meeting broke up but Molly seemed worried we would tell him about anything discussed in there. She couldn't wait to drag them into the fireplace and floo home."
Emma had been allowed into both meetings, something that seemed to irritate Molly as well, and gave her a good reading of the Weasley situation. "I think the only time Molly got her own way today was when she hustled her children out before the Order meeting started. Arthur volunteering to help guard that prophecy appeared to be the last straw for her. She was fizzing mad as she dragged your friends away. I think Arthur will be in for a bollocking tonight." Emma started off giggling but it soon changed to sobs as her thoughts turned to Dan.
Hermione was over like a shot, sitting on the arm of her mother's chair and trying to offer some comfort. Seeing Harry was holding back, both of them signalled for him to come over too and join them. Taking the other wing of the chair as a seat, Emma then had an arm around each of them.
"I keep expecting Dan to walk in that door, and then it hits me he'll never do that again. Harry, I can understand your anger over this but I hope that isn't what's set you down the path you're taking? You said yourself, Dan would much prefer you being around to take care of Hermione rather than setting off looking for revenge. I also heard you mention grandchildren today. You are both far too young for that so you're going to have to be with us for many years to come."
After a moment to make sure Hermione knew he'd seen her deep blush at that remark, Harry answered as best he could. "Last night changed all of our lives, that can't be disputed. It nudged me down a path I was already considering. Since that night in the graveyard you both know I haven't been sleeping well. This has given me a lot of quiet time to consider my life, and what I want to do with it. Since returning to a world I knew nothing about, I have survived one death-defying ordeal after another. Looking back, luck has played a massive part in both Hermione and I still sitting here. That luck had to run out sometime, I'm sorrier than I can say it picked last night to do it. I need to learn how to be better at so many things so I'm not as reliant on being lucky."
Emma's arms tightened around both of them as she heard that, her tears still slowly falling. "Harry, we don't blame you for last night. Please don't blame yourself. Without doubt, you saved Hermione and I. I knew Dan better than anybody, he would have settled for that outcome."
While agreeing with her mum's opinion about Harry and her dad, Hermione was sill trying to comfort her. Something else Harry said was also bothering her though. Eventually she had to ask.
"You mean all that time I thought you were brooding, you were trying to come up with a master plan? Why didn't you ask me for help?"
"I didn't have a plan, still don't - more like a few notions of what I need to do. Like when we kissed at the station, my new more-confident inner self was screaming at me it was something I needed to do. I don't know where I got the nerve from but I'm already sure it was my best decision ever."
Losing his smile, Harry then got deadly serious. "Looking Voldemort in the eye is like facing up to total evil. Cedric was a spare he didn't need, there was no hesitation in giving the order to kill a seventeen year old wizard who was no threat to him whatsoever. That was why your verse was so effective before the Order meeting. You either bend to Voldemort's will or he murders you. There is no middle ground, no sitting on the fence, no room for negotiations, serve - or die. I could never serve, his imperius couldn't even make me do what he ordered, so I will fight. I'd already made that decision before last night, and before hearing about any prophecy. That was all I had, Hermione. The events from last night and today have just brought into focus how I can best fight back. There were a couple of aurors in that meeting, add in Moody, Sirius and Remus, and we have a good team around to train us."
"And what about knowing you have to kill Voldemort? Dumbledore seemed pretty clear that's what the prophecy meant."
His girlfriend's question saw Harry shrug his shoulders. "I'm not a great believer in prophecy, neither are you. Had he turned up at your house last night and I had the shot, I wouldn't have hesitated to curse him in the back. I can't even think of him as a man any longer, he looks like something out of a nightmare. Red eyes, no nose, almost reptilian in appearance - I will have no problem taking the shot if the opportunity comes along. I think concentrating on his followers first is the right place to start. The hunters can become the hunted, see how they like it."
This also bothered Emma. "Are you going to be okay with putting yourself forward as the one to do the hunting Harry?"
"Emma, the people I'll be going after will be the worst of the Death Eaters. Murderers, rapists, torturers, arsonists and any other horrors that you can think of. These Death Eaters never paid for their crimes the last time, and now their master is back, they'll pick right up where they left off. You, Hermione, Sirius, Remus, Hagrid - the list of people close to me that Voldemort and his Death Eaters would murder out of hand just keeps growing. You were at the Order meeting today, Dumbledore had no plan for fighting back - none of them did. If I need to be the point of the spear, so be it. This is not for revenge or some Queen and country patriotism. I think this is the best way I can protect those I love. If Dumbledore had a better plan to keep everyone safe I would certainly have listened to it."
While Emma sat with her arms around both of them, Hermione tried to change the subject. Mentioning that there was a library in the house certainly did that. It wasn't much later though that Emma rose to go to bed, telling Hermione not to stay up too late.
When they were alone, both teens cuddled into each other for comfort. "I can't leave my mum too long…" A smile from Harry was all Hermione needed to know he understood. Now they were alone, the question that had burned brightly since earlier today could now be asked.
"Harry, did you mean what you said today about us - or was it just to get a reaction out of Professor Dumbledore?"
"It certainly got a reaction, and left him with nowhere else to go. I think it was so effective because I meant every word of it. I know it's something we should have spoke about first, and sorry for putting it out there without doing so. If you don't feel the same way…"
Seeing the hurt in Harry's face, Hermione thought actions would speak louder than words. Gently placing her hands on Harry's cheeks, she kissed him with all the love she possessed in her body. She then spoke to her now dazed boyfriend.
"You put into words what I've been dreaming about. I know we're young but I also think we're both mature enough to understand this is no summer romance. You mean far too much to me for this to be a fling. It's taken us four years to reach this point, and I really like where we're at now. I have no intention of rushing into anything we're not ready for but I think we can both see this working for many years to come."
"I'm only sorry it saw the Malfoys turning up at your door…"
"Harry, Draco Malfoy hated me from the minute we met. After you, I was probably top of his list of people he wanted dead. Killing my parents in front of me before dragging me off to Voldemort must have been a dream come true for the blond bastard. Mum was right, my dad would have gladly sacrificed himself to see both of us escape that fate. Neither Malfoy will ever hurt anyone again…"
Holding his girlfriend as she cried, Harry could only make sure she knew he was there for her. Getting herself back under control, Hermione asked Harry's opinion on something else that had bothered her today.
"Why do you think Snape said what he did? I don't think Dumbledore would have told the others about the prophecy."
"Dumbledore had no intention of letting that slip, Snape forced his hand. Snape puts his life on the line every time he goes anywhere near Voldemort, that is not an exaggeration. He must have been as pissed off as us that Dumbledore had no plan for going forward. I don't think we'll ever reach the stage where we like one another but I'll certainly work with him to bring Voldemort down. I think he probably reached the same conclusion. The enemy of my enemy kinda thing. Dumbledore eventually saw the way things were going and just went with it, he would have lost too many people otherwise. He also knew the prophecy, and that I have more options than just to blindly follow whatever path he choses for me."
There was something he needed to say, knowing his girlfriend wasn't going to like it. "Hermione, this training is going to be brutal…"
Having been expecting something like this, Hermione just smiled at him. "Don't worry, Harry. I won't let Sirius tease you too much if you can't keep up with me." She kissed him, declaring the subject was now closed. A few more kisses and Hermione left to join her mother.
Harry was standing shaking his head at how easily Hermione had circumnavigated his objections, before he had a chance to air those objections too! He called for Dobby and the little elf was instantly by his side.
"Nothing will get passed Dobby, Harry Potter needn't worry."
"Am I that obvious that everyone knows what I'm going to say?" Harry's smile was greeted by Dobby's megawatt variety. He was very pleased to have anticipated his master's needs.
"Dobby, while guarding Hermione and Emma is your top priority, there has to be time during the day when you can rest. We can't have you working yourself into bad health. You must look after yourself too."
Dobby could only nod in agreement, his voice wouldn't work at the moment. Never before had anyone taken Dobby's health into consideration. Harry Potter was an even greater wizard than Dobby had thought, and Dobby was now working for this great wizard. Things were certainly changed for the better in Dobby's life.
-oOoOo-
The older he got, the less sleep Albus found he needed. That was why he was browsing through the Black family library while everyone else in the house slept. That the events of today kept running through his head and would have prevented sleep anyway was immaterial.
The first revelation that had set him back on his heels was Severus telling everyone the prophecy, or at least the part he knew. Looking back, Albus now thought it was the right thing to do. Harry was instantly accepted into the Order meeting and everyone became more focused on the tasks in hand. The prophecy, and Harry's willingness to fight, seemed to give them hope - something Albus hadn't considered.
Then again, Harry's quip about having children with Hermione certainly gave Albus hope. He had worried Harry was an angry young man who was ready to kill for revenge. It wasn't a massive step from there to becoming a dark lord, a pitfall Albus would need to be careful Harry didn't slip into. Harry's new relationship with Hermione appeared to cement the close bond that had undoubtably already existed between the pair - and Ronald Weasley.
Molly's interference there could see Ronald losing his two best friends, especially with the couple not returning to Hogwarts. The more ties Harry had to family and friends, the less chance there was of him being tempted by the dark. Albus intended to carefully monitor the situation, and perhaps have a quiet word with Arthur about it next time they met. Having a 'quiet word' with Molly was a misnomer, and something Albus would happily leave to her husband.