Chapter 5 - A Secret No More
His morning had started off so well too. The Daily Prophet had broken the story, and printed it just as he'd planned. Malfoys Murdered by Boy-Who-Kills was a headline that would grab everyone's attention. His favourite though was 'Dumbledore attacks Minister and Aurors before fleeing with Potter'. There was a nice picture of the Minister on the front page too, in quite an authoritative pose - if Cornelius said so himself. With Dumbledore and Potter now disgraced, that would leave Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, as the most popular wizard in Britain. That thought alone had made Cornelius' morning.
Of the dastardly deed, all the paper's emphasis was placed on Potter cursing Lucius in the back. What Lucius was wearing at the time of being cursed didn't rate a mention. Neither did the fact that young Draco had cast the killing curse. After all, the curse only hit a muggle.
That there was no mention of Madam Bones' resignation as Head of the DMLE was a deliberate action on Cornelius' part. He wanted to have someone in place to take over the DMLE before publicly announcing the change, with no mention being made of why Bones resigned.
That's where his morning started to go wrong, with the first candidate he had sent for point-blank refusing to accept the position of DMLE head. When Cornelius attempted to force the issue, he found an auror badge being tossed onto his desk. After that, the scene had been replayed spookily similar to the earlier episode in his office by his second choice for the post. This one actually threw their badge at the Minister, Cornelius was left perplexed at what to do next.
In this situation, his normal modus operandi was to ask for advice. With Lucius dead and Dumbledore on the run, Cornelius sent for his Senior Undersecretary.
When Dolores finally arrived, Cornelius was about to reprimand her for the time she took to answer his summons when he noticed she seemed rather flustered and somewhat detached. "Dolores, are you feeling unwell?"
"What? No Cornelius. I apologise for taking so long but I was in the Department of Mysteries when your summons arrived."
"What were you doing down there?"
A troubled Dolores explained how she'd spent her morning - up until now. "There's a vicious rumour spreading throughout the ministry that a prophecy exists regarding Harry Potter and you-know-who. Apparently Potter is prophesied to defeat him. I was down there checking if there could be any truth in these rumours."
This was dismissed out of hand by Cornelius. "It doesn't matter if there was a prophecy or not. Harry Potter defeated you-know-who so the prophecy would already be fulfilled. There was no need for you to go all the way down there to discover that."
"I'm afraid there was, Cornelius. The rumour has since evolved to include the existence of this prophecy. Someone has apparently already been down there and confirmed that fact. I had to see it for myself…"
Cornelius shook his head, good staff was getting harder to find. "I already told you, any prophecy that existed has already been fulfilled!"
"The unspeakable told me that, when a prophecy has been fulfilled, the sphere turns black. I saw this prophecy orb for myself. This prophecy was made by a seer to Dumbledore, and the orb is still silver."
Getting really worried now, Cornelius was left clutching at proverbial straws. "Could there be a mistake?"
"I asked that very same question. In all the centuries prophecy orbs have been used, there has never been a mistake. The unspeakable was quite adamant, this particular prophecy is still active."
Both officials in the Minister's Office knew exactly what this meant. For the prophecy to still be active, you-know-who couldn't be dead."Do we have any means of discovering the exact wording of this prophecy? I am the Minister of Magic after all, and this is a matter of national security."
Shaking her head, Dolores delivered the bad news. "Only Potter or you-know-who can touch the sphere, never mind listen to it. This is ancient magic that existed before the ministry, it won't recognise your authority. The only bit of this prophecy that I was able to squeeze out of someone, who heard it from a source in the DMLE, was this; The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches… There is apparently a little more known, but not the complete prophecy. Since it was made to Dumbledore, he would certainly know it. If Potter is the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord, that puts a completely different slant on Dumbledore's actions last night. Knowing you-know-who had returned, he would of course need to protect the Potter boy."
That one phrase - 'the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches' - and the confirmation that the prophecy was still in play left Cornelius in a position that was untenable. He'd publicly declared that you-know-who was not back, and then threatened the boy-who-lived with a dementor's kiss. If the ministry was already buzzing with this information about a Prophecy, it would only be a matter of days before the entire country knew of it too.
"Amelia claimed that, should you-know-who return, the head of the DMLE would be his first target. With the rumour already reaching that department, you could safely bet it was one of them who checked the hall of prophecies too. It's no wonder none of them want the job. With Potter and Dumbledore now wanted criminals, I could have a drawer full of Auror badges before the week is out." Looking again at the newspaper on his desk, the headline he'd been so happy with mere moments ago now mocked Cornelius.
"If I try to bring Dumbledore and Potter back, I'm finished as Minister of Magic. If I don't drop the charges, the Ministry might be finished. Dammed if I do and dammed if I don't."
With parts of the prophecy rumour able to be confirmed, Dolores knew this wasn't a situation that could be waited out - it simply wasn't going to die down. Action would need to be taken to solve this problem. Only having a plausible excuse for taking that action could save Cornelius' position - and her own.
"You need to have new evidence that clears Dumbledore and Potter of any wrongdoing."
An incredulous Minister of Magic practically shouted his response at his Undersecretary. "Potter killed two purebloods, he didn't even try to deny it."
Slowly picking a nonexistent piece of lint from the sleeve of her robes, Dolores didn't let the Minister's anger affect her in the slightest. "We need to change that perception. Yes Potter undoubtedly killed two Malfoys, but he claimed they were Death Eaters. If Potter's claim could be substantiated, that would put him in the clear. Dumbledore dragged Potter away before the investigation could run its course, we claim new evidence has been uncovered that leaves him with no charges to answer."
Like a drowning man, Cornelius snatched at the lifeline Dolores had just thrown him. "That could work, but only if we had this new evidence to display."
"Lucius was dressed as a Death Eater, and Draco killed with an unforgivable curse. That can be used to justify a search of Malfoy Manor from top to bottom. Evidence could be found that proves the Malfoys were Death Eaters - clearing Potter and Dumbledore."
"What if we don't find any evidence?"
Dolores just stared at the Minister, that stupid question didn't deserve an answer. Even if there was not one shred of evidence in the entire manor, the people doing the searching would still 'find' some.
Leaving all the arrangements to Dolores, a relieved Cornelius though he just might survive this very public stramash as Minister of Magic. That the stramash was of his own making never even crossed his mind.
-oOoOo-
The single chime of her beloved clock informed Molly that someone had just crossed their wards. Her usual response to that chime would be putting the kettle on, but these were not usual times. With her wand already drawn, a quick glance out the window settled her nerves. Whatever this woman was doing here, it wouldn't be to harm them. She moved to answer the expected knock on the door.
"Madam Bones, what a surprise. What brings you all the way to Devon?"
"Please, it's Amelia. I'm rather embarrassed to say this Molly, but I was hoping to have a chat with your youngest boy."
"My Ronald? What's he done?"
"Oh, he's not in any trouble. I've actually resigned from the ministry."
"My apologies, Amelia, and where are my manners. Please come in and I'll put the kettle on. The kids are all down at the paddock playing quiddich but I'm expecting them back for lunch in ten minutes or so."
Entering the house, Amelia wore a wry smile, knowing Molly Weasley would be using those 'ten minutes' to interrogate her. That was probably a good idea, since Amelia herself wasn't exactly sure why she was here.
Sitting at the kitchen table while Molly prepared the obligatory tea, spotting an obviously well read edition of today's Prophet lying somewhat crumpled on the same table gave Amelia her starting point.
Gesturing toward the paper, Amelia began explaining to Molly why she was here. "Realising at once the implications of this case, the senior responding auror contacted me immediately. I got there barely five minutes before Fudge. He wasn't interested in any investigation, he didn't want the truth of the matter to become known. His interpretation of the matter is today's front page, and was the last straw for me. I resigned, with the intention that Susan and I would leave the country. That was until I spoke to Susan."
Gratefully accepting the cup of tea Molly provided, Amelia looked at the woman with something resembling awe.
"Molly, I don't know how you do it - raise seven children I mean. It seams like only yesterday my Susan was in pigtails and heading off to Hogwarts for the first time. The young woman who spent hours yesterday arguing with me bore only a passing resemblance to that little girl. It seems like I blinked, and missed her growing up. Her arguments were so well presented too, I'm honestly not sure what to do next."
Molly wasn't sure what to do next either. She had one of the most powerful and respected witches in the country sitting at her table looking at Molly Weasley in admiration. Was she here for, tips on how to raise children?
"My Susan said we shouldn't be running from this, but standing and fighting for our way of life. She was adamant that's what Harry Potter would be doing, and claimed Dumbledore would back him. It was strange to see anyone being put before Albus in importance but Susan definitely listed them in that order. Susan said watching Harry fly against that dragon was easily the bravest thing she'd ever seen. Cedric's claim that Harry had helped him with the dragons too cemented his support in Hufflepuff. It was so difficult to see her standing there, so young but ready to fight rather than run. We really have let that generation down."
Amelia needed a sip of her tea before she could continue. "Susan was also adamant that anyone trying to attack Hermione Granger, our your children, would need to go through Harry Potter first. From what I saw of the boy I would have to agree with her. She also said your Ronald would usually have been standing right beside his best friends, ready to take on all comers, and that's what brought me here."
Looking directly at Molly, Amelia spoke from the heart. "Dumbledore took action while I just stood there and did nothing. The shame in my Susan's eyes at hearing that was worse than being cursed. That's what brought me here today. Susan claimed there was no way Harry and Hermione wouldn't have contacted your Ronald, even if just to let him know they were okay. I was wondering if he had any way of passing on a message for me. I want to help them, any way I can."
It was Molly who now needed a gulp of tea before she could answer, her mind shooting back to her own actions yesterday - and the loud words with Arthur last night. "Harry and Hermione figure prominently in the worst and best day of my life. My Ginny had been taken into the Chamber of Secrets, the bloody message written on the wall said her bones would lie there forever. Acting on information Hermione had gotten, Ron and Harry went down there to save her. I'm sure only Hermione lying petrified in the infirmary stopped her being with the boys too. I was left sitting in Hogwarts, falling to bits while trying to face the terrible thought of loosing my two youngest, when it suddenly became the best day of my life too."
It was with a smile Molly recounted the next bit. "Harry staggered into the room, supporting Ron - who'd broken his ankle - and with Ginny clinging to him for dear life. The boy could barely stand himself, and the bloody sword he carried was all the indication I ever got of the battle he'd fought to save my children. Ron couldn't make it to the actual chamber and Ginny didn't wake until Harry had fought his battle. Harry reminded me of this yesterday, when I was chiding him about being too young to fight. Your Susan was right, that's the path he's chosen."
The two witches sat in silence for a moment before Molly spoke her thoughts. "It's really hard to let your children grow up, especially when we now know what awaits them. My Ginny adores Harry, Ron thinks of him like another brother. He's also heavily involved with my twins, in what I haven't quite figured out yet. Arthur and I see that boy like family, and it's hard to let go…"
They were interrupted by the noisy arrival of the four youngest Weasleys, though their boisterous behaviour stopped the instant they noticed their mother had company.
Making her mind up, Molly barked out an order. "Ron, floo over and ask Harry if Madam Bones can visit. Make sure he has that dog of his under control, and I want you back here by dinnertime…"
Shouting thanks as he raced for the fireplace, Ron was soon gone. The fact that her youngest son didn't even mention missing lunch told Molly she'd gotten it right. Looking toward her twins, she gave her next order. "When Ron sends back a message, you two can accompany Madam Bones to her destination."
Seeing how excited this made the twins, and that Ginny was almost in tears at apparently missing out, Molly added a proviso. "Again I want you back here by dinnertime, and look after your sister."
A delighted Ginny hugged her mother just as Ron's head appeared in the fireplace and told them to come through. In the space of a few minutes, her kitchen had gone from being full and noisy to just Molly and the tick of her clock. While knowing she was still a few years from all her children leaving, for some strange reason what just happened felt like the first step.
Not even another chocolate biscuit could stop the tears from running down Molly's cheeks.
-oOoOo-
With a dozen aurors and two unspeakable in her raiding party, Dolores was taking no chances with her unannounced visit to Malfoy Manor. Faced with the locked iron gate, she tried the blindingly obvious solution first.
"We're here on official Ministry of Magic business. I command you to open." No one was more surprised than Dolores when the gates obeyed her command.
One of the unspeakables made his way to Dolores' side to offer a possible explanation as they headed down the manicured drive toward the Manor.
"With both male Malfoys now dead, the estate may be awaiting a new owner. That command would really only work though if the estate had been abandoned."
The thought that she might not have to deal with Narcissa Malfoy was a pleasant one for Dolores. The beautiful blonde pureblood always made her nervous and insecure, as if showing Dolores something she could never have. Narcissa not being in the house would also make things easier if evidence had to be planted, before it could then be shockingly discovered.
The main doors of the manor opened to the same command. Dolores had four pairs of aurors sweep the impressive building, searching for anyone being home. Both unspeakable began casting charms, looking for hidden things or spaces. They hit pay dirt almost immediately, their spells detecting a large cavern directly under the floor of Lucius Malfoy's study. It took both of them working together another twenty minutes to actually get the trapdoor open but what was found there saw Dolores send off a couple of patronus messages. The tiny cats shot from her wand to find their targets, Cornelius and the Daily Prophet.
-oOoOo-
Stepping out of the fireplace into what was clearly an old pureblood house, Amelia's auror instincts had her automatically scanning the room. She of course recognised Dumbledore, few in her world wouldn't. She also recognised Harry Potter, the same rules of recognition applied to him too. Of the other two adults, Amelia thought one was Remus Lupin. She then approached the lady standing beside Harry - and the girl who could only be her daughter.
"Mrs Granger?" Receiving a nod of confirmation saw Amelia continue. "You and your family have my deepest sympathies for your loss. We didn't even get to speak the other night. That idiot Fudge turning up threw a right spanner in the works. I resigned my position shortly after you left but I would just like to say no charges were placed against you - or your daughter. I couldn't do anything about the rubbish printed in todays Prophet though."
"Thank you for that, one less thing to worry about. I have been wondering how I would tell our friends, neighbours, colleagues and patients about Dan - our authorities too will need to know… How do I explain to them he was murdered by magic?"
Emma's tears had never been far away since that terrible event. Thankfully, neither had Hermione nor Harry. Amelia watched as the two teenagers immediately moved closer to offer the woman a little comfort, she tried to alleviate at least some of those worries Emma just mentioned.
"When a muggle is killed by a witch or wizard, a branch of my former department takes over to handle most of that. All the correct documentation will already be in your house, properly signed to say your husband died of a sudden but massive heart seizure. With you and your daughter disappearing, the insert to the local press will probably say you both are staying with family or friends to get over the shock. It is a sad state of affairs that we are very good at taking care of things like this. You will have no problems from your authorities."
"Well, that's at least something less to worry about. Hermione and I might be facing no charges but, should we appear in Diagon Alley, how long would it be before the Ministry or this Voldemort and his followers came after us? Everyone wants to get their hands on Harry, we won't play any part in that."
It was time for Amelia to say why she was here. Turning to face Harry, she laid it all out on the table. "My Susan has a very high opinion of you, and your friends. She didn't believe Fudge's version for a second and was certain you would be preparing to fight back against Voldemort. I'm here to offer our help in that fight. Anything you need, just ask?"
As it was to Harry Amelia had made the offer, Albus and Remus were content to stand back and let him handle this. Both though would be quick to offer any advice, if they were asked for it.
Wondering if the rumours had already reached Amelia, Harry decided just to ask. "Madam Bones, have you heard about the prophecy that links Voldemort and me?"
Amelia appearing as if she'd been physically slapped kinda answered that question to the entire room. She then spun to face Dumbledore. "You knew! That's why you grabbed Harry…" As things began to fall into place, she once more addressed Harry.
"I think it's plain to see I didn't know that, but understand why you asked. My offer still stands though, I was already committed to helping you fight Voldemort and his followers. Fudge making an arse of himself and the ministry is something we'll need to look at closely - especially if his actions hinder the fight and help Voldemort."
"The ministry rushing to make an arse of itself, all to tie things up quickly and neatly, is not a new thing." Scratching the big black dog, that had never moved from his side, behind the ear, Harry gently spoke to it. "I trust her, Padfoot. As I have repeatedly said, we need to trust people or we've already lost."
The dog let out a nervous whine before transferring into a wizard. Amelia thought she was all shocked out for the day, after hearing about this prophecy. Seeing the most wanted wizard in all of Britain standing right in front of her proved that theory wrong. Harry's introduction just kept those shocks coming.
"Madam Bones, I'd like to introduce you to my Godfather, Sirius Black. It must run in the family because he was thrown into Azkaban without a trial too."
The two had of course known one another, since previous to his extended stay in Azkaban, Sirius worked as an auror. "It's true Amelia. No questioning, no trial - I was stunned and woke in an Azkaban cell that had a dementor parked outside it. For the record, I was not the Potters secret keeper - I would have died before betraying James, Lily and my infant godson. I didn't kill Pettigrew or any of those muggles. Pettigrew is alive and responsible for all of that. You have five people in this room who not only spoke to the rat, we all heard him confess to everything I've just said."
Ron, Hermione, Harry and Remus indicated that they were the people Sirius had just mentioned, and confirmed everything he'd said. Albus couldn't believe their luck in recruiting Amelia Bones to their struggle, it was time to move things along though.
"Amelia, you look as if you need a seat, and a stiff drink. Let's sit down and we can answer the questions I know you must have. Harry, you are of course welcome to join us, or would you and Hermione rather take some time to catch up with your friends?"
Both Harry and Hermione instantly sussed what Dumbledore was up to, positioning himself once more as leader of their resistance. They also knew Sirius and Remus would tell them anything they needed to know about what would be discussed.
"It"s a lovely day so I think I will ask Dobby if he could make us a picnic, we'll eat it out in the garden." Dobby instantly appeared, saying he would bring a picnic basket out to them.
Slipping her arm into her mother's, Hermione started to steer her toward the garden. Emma protested, though not very strenuously. "Hermione, you and Harry should be spending time with your friends."
"Mum, after five minutes the talk will inevitably switch to quidditch. With Ginny getting just as bad as the rest of them, I need someone I can talk to." Hermione's wink at Ginny let her friend know what was happening here, Harry also helped by taking Emma's other arm.
"Hermione must be getting delusional if she thinks Ron could talk for five minutes without mentioning quidditch. It really is too nice a day to sit in this house, and you know Dobby will make a wonderful picnic. Fred and George, no pranks!"
"No quidditch talk for at least five minutes…"
"And no pranks - hardly worth coming…" The broad smiles the twins were wearing belied their words. Taking an arm each of their little sister, they led the way to the garden. Ron following on, shaking his head at their antics.
That was all the coaxing Emma needed and the seven headed off to share the afternoon and a picnic together.
Albus was also grinning as they left, something Remus noticed. He answered the unasked question as honestly as he could. "I'm merely glad to see Harry having some time to spend with his friends. He has chosen a rather onerous path for himself. Harry will need those friends, and his family, if he is to come out the other side of this and still be the outstanding young man we know - and love."
Both Remus and Sirius nodded at that, while Amelia was intrigued. She couldn't wait to discover what was behind Albus' comments.
-oOoOo-
By the time the reporter and photographer arrived at Malfoy Manor, Cornelius and Dolores had already worked out how they wanted to present this new evidence. Laid out on display for the press to see, but certainly not touch, were a few items so dark that anyone owning them would immediately find themselves being sent to Azkaban. There were also many dark items of a lesser severity, though still heavily restricted and outright banned.
Dolores had all the information from the unspeakables in front of her, they would be taking the items to their department for study, or to be destroyed, directly after this impromptu press conference. Using this information, she then walked the reporter through what the items were, and what they could disgustingly do. The photographer was busy photographing everything while his reporting colleague tried to keep the contents of his stomach down.
Even although he was feeling rather green about the gills, the reporter eventually asked the question both Cornelius and Dolores knew had to come.
"Given all this evidence found in Malfoy Manor, what effect will that have on the charges filed against Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore?"
This was where Cornelius discovered if he would still be Minister of Magic this time next week. "When this evidence is added to what was found at the scene of the crime, I think you'll agree this proves beyond doubt Lucius Malfoy was a Death Eater. Taking that into consideration, this would see Mister Potter's actions classed as self-defence. If Albus Dumbledore hadn't acted so presumptuously, justice would soon have prevailed and this whole mess could have been avoided. Naturally the Ministry still wants to speak with both of them regarding what happened the other night."
Cornelius wanted Potter down in the Department of Mysteries, so he could use the boy to discover what that prophecy said. He wasn't about to tell the reporter that though, just use him so the ministry could get its hands on Potter.
"The most serious charges they would be facing however would be leaving the scene of a crime. Given the circumstances, their actions are perhaps understandable. As for me, this whole mess can be settled by a couple of handshakes. There are no hard feelings from myself or the Ministry. Due process has brought forward the evidence that clear Mister Potter of any crimes."
The reporter was taking his time writing down that statement. The only reason he could think of for this total reversal of the Minister's opinion were these rumours that were buzzing around everywhere, and that was a terrifying thought. He asked another question, just to try and gauge how much the Minister's position on this matter had changed.
"This evidence certainly lends credence to Lucius Malfoy being a Death Eater, and Mister Potter acting in self-defence. What about the youngest Malfoy though, where is the evidence that condemns him?"
Cornelius fielded that question, since they'd again known it would have to be asked. "While an investigation is ongoing, it is important not to comment on specific details that could sway people's opinion. Draco Malfoy used the killing curse to murder Mister Potter's girlfriend's father. He was a muggle who died in his own back garden, right in front of Mister Potter, murdered by a wannabe Death Eater. Mister Potter's actions are again understandable, and most definitely self defence against both Malfoys."
The reporter knew fine well that nugget of information changed everything, and that the Minister would have to have a very good reason for releasing it now. It was time to ask the big question.
"Minister, are you aware of the rumour that's sweeping the country?"
Trying to laugh that off, Cornelius attempted a bluff. "There are rumours sweeping through the Ministry on a daily, sometimes it feels like an hourly, basis. The vast majority of these rumours prove to be nothing more than that - mere rumours."
Seeing this shaping up as the biggest story of his life, the reporter reached for the brass ring. "I understand these rumours, of a prophecy linking Harry Potter and you-know-who, have been substantiated by members of your own Ministry. As Minister of Magic, do you have a comment for the witches and wizards of Britain?"
It would be a cold day in Hell before Cornelius Fudge publicly announced you-know-who was back, certainly not without conclusive proof that he couldn't hide. He tried to muddy the waters somewhat, while neither denying nor confirming anything. He was a politician after all, this is what he was supposed to be good at.
"After the final task of the Tri-wizard tournament, Mister Potter claimed he had been physically forced to participate in a dark ritual that saw you-know-who being reborn. I suspect this is where all these rumours started from. That Mister Potter was distraught at the death of his friend, Mister Diggory, was perfectly understandable. Given that the person who supposedly attacked Mister Potter and Mister Diggory has been dead himself since just after the lad's parents were murdered, you can perhaps understand why those claims weren't taken too seriously. They were investigated though, and no evidence to support Mister Potter's claims has yet been found."
The reporter could clearly see how Fudge wanted things to play out here but the reasons behind these actions terrified the journalists. Since his wife was muggle born, he would be getting his family together and getting out of Britain before the hammer fell. This lent him the courage to push further than he ever had before, knowing ministerial repercussions were the least of his worries. "Given that no body was ever found the night the Boy-who-lived earned that nomenclature, do you think that it's possible you-know-who could one day return?"
Faced with such a direct question, Cornelius' first reaction was to lie. He took a moment though and tried to formulate an answer that wouldn't come back to bite him on the arse. "I would think it most unlikely but, with magic, you can never really say never. Thank you for coming here today but we need to get on with cataloging all these items, it's time to head off and let the professionals do their jobs."
The fact that, if it suited his needs, Fudge would be dictating what he wanted to happen next to all of those same professionals was known to all in the room. That he could make that statement with such conviction just reiterated how much of a manipulative lying bastard their Minister of Magic actually was.
The reporter and photographer quickly headed off, knowing their work would grace the front page tomorrow. Cornelius and Dolores returned to the ministry, now thinking there was a better than even chance of them saving their jobs.
-oOoOo-
The picnic proved to be a wonderful success, with the twins going all out to put grins on the faces of the two Granger ladies. When the last of the food was polished off, by Ron of course, the company slowly split along gender lines. Ginny was desperate to hear the story of how Hermione and Harry became a couple, and Emma was delighted to have something normal to talk about. Gently embarrassing your daughter about her new boyfriend in front of her friend was as normal as things were going to get.
Ginny was agog, hanging on every word. Her brows furrowed though at something she didn't understand. "How could Harry contact you when he was stuck in London and you were heading home?"
Taking out her mobile, Hermione flicked it open and pressed the speed dial for Harry.
The four boys were sitting under a different tree, though only a few yards from the girls when Harry's phone began ringing. Looking up, he could see Hermione holding hers and smiling at him. Taking it out his pocket, Harry pressed the accept button and three male Weasleys were shocked to hear Hermione's voice coming out of the device. Due to the wards, Hermione's voice was slightly distorted - though still clearly recognisable as hers.
"Hello love, Ginny wanted to know how I contacted you when the Dursleys buggered off and left you stranded."
Seeing his girlfriend hand the mobile to Ginny, Harry spoke to the youngest Weasley. "Hi Ginny, these are mobile phones and can connect to anyone else who has one. My wonderful girlfriend bought me one so we could stay in touch this summer. She would even have been able to use it while we stayed at the Burrow to keep in contact with her parents." The words were hardly out Harry's mouth when he regretted them, his eyes drawn to the headstone further along the garden.
Ginny tried to cover for him. "These are brilliant. Would they work in Hogwarts?"
"We don't think so. Hermione reckons it's the concentration of magic, and all the witches and wizards, that fries any electronics taken into the castle. We've established that they work under wards but don't want to use them too much - just in case."
With that Harry said 'bye' and hung up. The four young men sat and watched as Ginny excitedly continued talking with Hermione and Emma. It was then Ron mentioned the elephant in the room.
"I'll say it again mate, I'm so glad you were there that night. I would love to volunteer for the extra training you two will be getting but I honestly don't know if I could do what you did. I might freeze and get someone else hurt…"
Knowing how much it took for Ron to admit that, Harry helped him out. He was still looking over at the girls as he spoke. "Don't sell yourself short. All you need to do is ask yourself this question. What would you have done if the Malfoys had come to the Burrow to take Ginny away?"
There was three loud gasps beside him, loud enough to see the girls looking in their direction. Seeing Harry still calmly sitting there, the girls returned to their own conversation.
"I know you three, there is not one shred of doubt in my mind that each of you would fight to the death to protect her - and the rest of your family. The thing is, I'm sure that's how bad things are going to get. The ministry aren't going to help, Dumbledore wasn't going to help, that's why I decided to fight. We need to take these bastards out before they turn up at the Burrow, or anyone else's home. That doesn't mean everyone needs to be on the front line though."
Facing the twins, Harry laid it out for them. "George and Fred, you guys are geniuses. Use that gift to give me an advantage when I go up against a target. Ron, you can see four moves ahead in chess. Again, I'll need that ability to keep us safe. I have this horrible feeling Hermione will demand to do this with me…"
Almost as if she knew Harry was talking about her, Hermione looked over and smiled. That settled it for Ron.
"if you two are doing this, then count me in. That's assuming mum will let me…"
The sheer absurdity of that statement - I'll fight the Death eaters with you, if my mum will let me - had all four of them rolling on the grass with laughter.
Hermione wore a genuine smile as she looked over at the laughter. After all the doom and gloom, it was nice that they had found something to laugh about. She hoped hearing about it later might get her mum to laugh too. Suspecting the twins involvement though, she would need to check with Harry first to see if the story was suitable to tell to her mother.
Chapter 6 - A Day in the Life...
If yesterday's edition of the Daily Prophet sent shockwaves the length and breadth of the country, then today's edition was a tsunami - sweeping everyone who read it away on a wave of emotions.
Boy-Who-Lived Prophesied to Banish Dark Lord
Prophesied One Killed Death Eater Malfoys in Self-Defence
Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore to Face No Charges
The editor couldn't decide which headline to lead with so chose all three. While the Prophet's readers were familiar with moving pictures, this was the first time the newspaper had experimented with moving text. As one headline faded, the next would appear, the unusual effect captivating its readers - and slightly deflecting the shock each headline provided.
If this new publishing effect distracted ever so slightly from their content, the article underneath these headlines then proceeded to focus, in far greater detail than the readers of this newspaper were used to, on the specific reasoning behind each of the three headlines. The existence of this prophecy was no longer in any doubt, and the Prophet had even managed to get hold of a 'source' that confirmed the Ministry of Magic would know if this prophecy was still active.
The chilling consequences of this prophecy still being active were glaringly obvious to everyone, and questions had apparently already been asked of the Minister. When asked if he thought the Dark Lord of this prophecy had returned, Cornelius Fudge was quoted as saying "With magic, you can never really say never."
On reading that line, Cornelius' copy of the Prophet was flung across his desk. "I've been misquoted. I also said 'it was highly unlikely' but that part has been ignored. This makes it sound as if you-know-who is back, and about to start killing everyone."
With a calmly asked question, Dolores easily punctured the Minister's anger. "Isn't he?"
Cornelius was almost sulking as he answered his Undersecretary. "He might well be, that doesn't mean I want it plastered on the front page of the Prophet. We need to pull that reporter in, let him see it's not in his best interest to set the Minister of Magic up like he did. This makes it look as if our only hope of defeating you-know-who is Harry bloody Potter."
"Isn't he?"
Letting his exasperation show, Cornelius rounded on his Senior Undersecretary. "Dolores, I need someone with answers to this. Not someone sniping at me, I'll get plenty of that the moment I step out of this office."
Giving him a moment to calm down, Dolores then checked whether he was finished with his rantings. "Okay, are we ready to discuss this now?"
After Cornelius nodded, she continued with her briefing. "This journalist has faded into the night. His house is empty, wife and two young children gone. His wife is a muggle born, he himself is a half blood. He obviously believes the war is about to start again and has gotten his family to safety. While I would normally be leading the cheering at people like this leaving Britain, they could be just the tip of the iceberg. In the last war, the Death Eaters killed almost as many pureblood as they did mudbloods. If all the witches and wizards who believe themselves at risk adopt the same approach, then the Ministry might not survive an exodus from Britain on that scale."
Now sitting behind his desk with his head in his hands, Cornelius was beginning to think he'd jumped from the frying pan into the fire. "I asked for answers, Dolores, not more problems."
"The Potter boy is the answer to all your problems." This had Cornelius paying attention so Dolores continued with the answer he clearly wanted to hear.
"A picture of you shaking hands with Harry Potter anywhere in the ministry will see most of your immediate problems disappear. Potter being seen out and about in public will let everyone know that the country is still running as normal. Potter being on the Hogwarts express on the first of September might be the only reason that Hogwarts will be able to stay open. If he's not there, how many people will think that makes Hogwarts unsafe and keep their children home?"
Thinking those statements over, Cornelius was unable to disagree with any of it. "How did Potter become so powerful?"
With a shrug of her shoulders, Dolores explained the blindingly obvious. "The prophecy turns the boy-who-lived into the boy-who-gets-whatever-he-asks-for. The witches and wizards of Britain are terrified of the Dark Lord, I'm terrified of the Dark Lord. While certainly not a follower of Dumbledore or his little protege, they at least don't torture or murder those who disagree with them. This whole thing is now about survival, and I don't just mean political."
Sitting straighter, Cornelius thought this was a game he could play. "We'll just have to wait and see what he wants then. Dolores, I want you to take over the DMLE."
"What! Are you seriously suggesting I put my head on the block here?"
"I was going to make you Hogwarts headmaster, dropping the charges against Dumbledore took that position off the table."
This was a move that, if she turned it down, would end her career at the Ministry. Accepting it however might end her life. "You told me yourself, Bones was sure you-know-who would be targeting whoever held that job. That is not a move I see helping me with my career."
The smile Cornelius was wearing confused Dolores, until an explanation was offered. "He would certainly target Amelia Bones if she still held that post. We both know she would have gone after him and his Death Eaters with everything at her disposal. As the new holder of that post, you will do no such thing. Protect the Ministry, let the public see we're protecting Diagonal Alley - that will be the limit of our efforts."
While seeing the sense in not provoking a response from he-who-must-not-be-named, this proposed strategy made no attempt to actually deal with the problem. "How do we respond when attacks start happening outside those specific areas, and people start dying?"
"Then Potter will discover the other side of the coin. With great power comes great responsibility. Who do you think the public and press will be baying at to do something? I'll give you a clue, it won't be us."
With an almost reverence for Cornelius' genius, Dolores whispered the name. "Harry Potter..."
A now smirking Cornelius agreed with that. "Too right. Today's paper should flush him out, then we can see what he wants. In return, we - at the very least - discover what this blasted Prophecy actually says. After the first attack, we'll issue some sort of home defence advice. That will let everyone see their ministry is doing something, putting more pressure onto Potter to respond."
With a smile and a nod, Dolores gratefully accepted her new promotion.
-oOoOo-
In Grimmauld Place, whistles, cheers, clapping and banging on the kitchen table greeted Harry's response to today's newspaper. Undeterred, he continued kissing Hermione. They eventually finished and rested their foreheads together, oblivious to all around.
"You, my beautiful girl, are a bloody genius! I can't believe the result that idea of yours caused. Thank you so much…"
While Sirius, Remus and Emma had been the ones making all the noise, and gently ribbing the young couple, Albus only stared at the copy of the newspaper in front of him. He'd been against news of the prophecy leaking, yet who could argue with the results that leak achieved. "This changes everything…"
Harry picked up on Albus' muttered comment immediately. "I hope you were talking about yourself there, Sir, because, for me, this changes nothing."
"Of course this changes things, you can return to Hogwarts now…"
The kitchen had suddenly gone quiet as Harry answered Albus. "And why would I want to do that? Napping in Binn's History class isn't going to help me learn what I need to. Do the names Quirrell, Lockhart and Couch ring any bells? They didn't teach me what I need to know either. Unless Voldemort gets hit by a lorry before September, I will not be returning to Hogwarts."
Letting out a sigh of frustration, Albus tried to explain the new situation. "I was planning on giving you private lessons when you returned to the castle…"
Harry felt Hermione's hand tighten on his arm at hearing that. He knew she would be excited to receive private lessons from Dumbledore but Harry was learning you couldn't take anything the headmaster said at face value. You always had to look deeper to try and figure out what he was up to.
"What will these extra lessons consist of?"
"Oh, I would like to think I am the foremost expert on one Tom Marvel Riddle - I've been researching him for many years. I have important memories to show you, memories that will throw light onto how Tom Riddle became Lord Voldemort. In any conflict, knowing your enemy can be key."
Harry was waiting on Dumbledore saying more but Hermione didn't have his level of patience, not where her boyfriend's safety was concerned. "Know thy enemy is a sound strategy. Will you also be teaching Harry how to defeat Voldemort? New spells, a better strategy?"
"Miss Granger, knowledge is power…"
Not impressed, Hermione cut him off. "That would be a no then?"
His frustration clearly showing now, Albus was not used to having his every suggestion dissected and questioned, he thought it was time to point out a few home truths to this young couple. "Harry, you say this changes nothing but I am once more your headmaster…"
It was Harry's turn to cut across Dumbledore. "We're not in Hogwarts and it's the summer holidays - you have no control over me."
"I am also restored to my position in government…"
"Again, this is not the Wizengamot… unless you plan to change the law to put me under your control?" A thoughtful Harry then turned to Hermione. "Fancy a little trip to the Ministry, love. I'm sure they would treat us to lunch too."
This clearly scared Albus. "Harry, I can't allow you to do that. Fudge would have you reveal the prophecy to him. From there, it would soon be in Voldemort's hands."
Harry stood and faced Dumbledore directly. "First, you can't stop me. This is a Black Property, I am scion to the House of Black. The house wards would evict you if you tried to use your wand on Sirius or me. Secondly, yes I would have to let Fudge know the prophecy. For that I would insist on Sirius receiving a trial, and that I get all the training I need. Shit, I could probably get Hermione awarded half the Malfoy fortune for what those bastards did to Dan. Now headmaster, where is your counteroffer?"
Albus was really knocked back on his heels at that. "Do you really think I would draw my wand?"
"Hey, you made me compete in that tournament. Knowing someone had entered my name to do me harm, you told me that yourself, and still wouldn't give me any help."
"Harry, the rules…"
For the first time since that terrible night in the graveyard, Harry lost his temper. "Fuck the rules! Your own rules said Hogwarts couldn't have two champions, there was your get-out clause. I was supposedly entered under another school so you could easily have helped. You deliberately left me dangling, unaware and unprepared - like bait in a trap. We all know Fudge is a lying bastard, how does it feel to know I trust him more than I do you? You obviously have plans for me, plans you refuse to tell anyone about - not gonna happen. There is an order meeting tonight that you invited Amelia Bones to. You have until then to present your counter offer. Otherwise, we go and see the Minister of Magic tomorrow. I don't think we'll have any trouble getting an appointment."
Taking a deep, calming breath, Harry then spoke to Hermione and Emma. "Would you ladies like to accompany me for a day out in the normal world? With the ministry no longer looking for me, we should be perfectly safe."
Sirius digging Remus in the ribs was Moony's cue to offer his services accompanying them. Checking that was all right with both ladies, Harry quickly agreed.
They had no sooner left the kitchen when Sirius started on Albus. "I will not have Harry going to Fudge."
"I'm glad to hear that…"
"You shouldn't be, Albus, I agree with everything my godson just said. If you don't come up with a better offer for Harry by tonight's meeting, I will initiate a vote of no confidence in your ability to lead the Order - you know Remus will second that motion. I will base my motion on your past treatment and future plans for my godson. In your head these actions of yours might make some weird sort of sense but, unless you're prepared to reveal your secrets at the meeting, it will look like a pile of shit to the rest of us. I'm quite confident I can have Mad-Eye or Amelia elected as our new leader by the end of the evening."
Albus attempted to interrupt but Sirius shut him down. "You tried to threaten my godson, not only in front of me but in my bloody house. You fuck with me on this Albus and I'l see you barred from this house - barred from playing any part in Harry's life. I honestly think Moony and I could convince the three of them to leave Britain, leave you and Voldemort to sort out the mess you both made of everything. This is not Harry's fight, no matter what your bloody pet seer says. I'm prouder than I can say that he's willing to take up this challenge but it will not be using a rulebook that you write - and then don't tell him those rules."
It was Sirius' turn to lose his temper at the old wizard as he now shouted at Dumbledore. "How dare you say nothing has changed. There is a good man buried in my garden - that alone clearly indicates for the three people who just left here that their whole lives have dramatically changed. This is your last warning, Albus. Stop trying to control Harry, neither he nor I will stand for it."
With that, Sirius left Albus staring at newspaper headlines that clearly didn't mean what he'd hoped for. For Albus, Sirius' threat of ousting him from the Order was a very real one. Cast in a certain light, his actions with Harry could be made to appear very daming. Everyone at tonight's meeting would also know he was against Order members learning about the prophecy, far less the British magical population reading news of it with their breakfast.
Now that news of this prophecy was out there, it made Harry Potter a very powerful individual. Albus was sure Harry was now powerful enough to have Fudge falling over himself to grant everything he'd mentioned a few minutes ago. He was probably powerful enough to sway the Order members to vote for a new leader too. Albus really would have to come up with a counter offer, and clearly that offer would need to be more than showing Harry a few memories. That thought gave Albus an idea though, one he would have to move fast on.
-oOoOo-
Remus side-along apparated Harry, with Dobby then bringing Hermione and Emma to join them. That was how the four found themselves spending a very pleasant day in Brighton, trying to put all that had happened - and would happen - behind them for a few hours at least. Just walking up and down the prom, holding Hermione's hand and staring at the sea, was enough to make Harry happy. The lovely little bistro that they had lunch in soon had all four of them in a far more relaxed frame of mind. Even Hermione insisting Harry shop for a few things and some clothes didn't dent the mood any.
Dobby had visited Gringotts for Harry, exchanging gallons into sterling, meaning the day was on him. He did slip Remus a couple of hundred quid, so he could pay for lunch and such. With Dobby taking away any shopping bags they accumulated, and also keeping Sirius informed of what they were up to, none of them were in any hurry to return to Grimmauld Place.
After such a good, you could even say normal, day, they rounded it off by getting some traditional take-away fish and chips and eating it where Harry could still see the sea. Remus surreptitiously erected a ward that kept the flying thieves - seagulls - from interrupting their impromptu alfresco dining.
They arrived back in Grimmauld just before the meeting started. Hermione hoped the stuffed toy under her arm, that Harry had won for her, wasn't a bad omen of what was to come - it was a pink elephant.
They were immediately approached by the four younger Weasleys, Susan Bones too. Amelia, obviously not feeling comfortable leaving her niece alone in the evening, had brought her along to the meeting. Apart from offering Harry congratulations on no longer being a wanted criminal, there wasn't really time to say any more as the meeting was about to start.
This time Molly didn't chase her brood out of the room, knowing Harry and Hermione had already told them what happened at the last meeting. Susan was invited to sit with the friends too as Dumbledore got the meeting started.
"We have all seen today's newspaper. I have spent most of the day trying to figure out what this means for us here tonight, then I realised we were all missing some vital information. I have an idea of how to remedy that at tonight's meeting, and then hope we can collectively agree on a way forward. This of course will depend on Harry. Sorry I never had time to ask you before the meeting started but I wondered if you would consent to your memory of the end of the third task being shown? That experience has left you with a different perspective on this coming conflict, a perspective more than a few of us are struggling to understand. I feel seeing this memory would help."
Harry first looked to Hermione, then Sirius. Since neither of them had any objections, Harry then wanted to know more. "I'll say right now this will not make pleasant watching, please be certain you want to see this. What do I need to do?"
"Since the news broke in this morning's paper that we were no longer facing charges, I was able to return to Hogwarts. This is a pensieve, it allows people to enter or display memories. I would think display would be best, though some people might want to enter the memory later to look at it in more detail. Harry, you simply have to bring the thought to the front of your mind, I can take a copy of that memory to place in the pensieve."
Agreeing, Harry stood and then watched as a silvery thread left his forehead on the tip of Dumbledore's wand and was placed into the stone basin. He then nudged Hermione up a seat so Harry could sit between her and Emma. That more than anything indicated to Hermione just how bad this was going to be, she burrowed into Harry's side as his arm looped around her. The memory started with Harry's first sight of the cup, Emma screamed and burrowed into his other side at her first sight of the giant spider.
The pensieve displayed the scene above the bowl, with the figures scaled about sixteen inches tall. Hermione and Emma had heard Harry describe the scene where he and Cedric debated who should take the trophy, seeing it in this format was much more painful. Harry was now clinging to both Granger girls as the scene continued.
Having already lived this, Harry really had no inclination to watch it again. He spent his time comforting Hermione and Emma while watching the watchers. Ron soon had his arms full of a sobbing young female as Susan broke down when Cedric was so casually murdered. Under normal circumstances, Ron would have been mortified to have a pretty witch crying all over him. This wasn't normal though so Ron just held onto Susan, while never taking his eyes off the scene playing out in front of him.
The baby thing that was Voldemort sent a shiver of disgust around the room, with more than one person sharing Harry's original hope that it drowned in that cauldron. A one-handed Peter making his way to Harry with the bloody knife had Sirius on his feet, an also raging Remus retaining enough sense to pull his best friend back into his seat. A resurrected Voldemort emerging from the steam at the end of the ritual had quite a few of the watchers screaming in fright.
When Voldemort called his Death Eaters, there was a scramble amongst some of the watchers to get hold of writing implements to take note of who appeared. Albus announcing they could watch it again later to work that out saw them settle back to view the rest of the memory.
Seeing a bruised, battered and bloody Harry refusing to bow to this monster had Emma squeezing Harry even tighter - though she couldn't match the pressure being applied by her equally terrified daughter. Neither Granger could look as Voldemort casually tortured Harry with the Cruciatus Curse.
The two wands locking spells amazed everyone. As they worked out the struggle Voldemort was having with Harry, the bead of magic where the spells met being an indicator of who was winning the battle, the crowd watching were suddenly more involved than at any time since the presentation started. Harry felt a hand on each of his shoulders, the twins were behind him and practically willing the pensieve version of him on. As the bead of magic made its way toward Voldemort's wand, the room became so charged with positive energy that Harry could feel the hairs on his arms standing up.
As the bead reached Voldemort's wand, Ron was on his feet - a victory yell that seemed to come from the soles of his feet, before travelling the length of his body, reverberated around the room. All thoughts of celebration ended though as Cedric's ghost made an appearance. Cedric asking if Harry could take his body back finished Hermione, she was now sobbing at what Harry had to endure. Her sobs stopped abruptly when she heard the Potters make an appearance.
Sirius and Remus looked as if their hearts had stopped as they watched their friends talking to their son, both had tears streaming down their cheeks. Harry thought he was the only person who noticed Severus Snape was in the same condition. The potions professor was so caught up in watching what was happening that he made no attempt to wipe those tears away. Harry wasn't even sure Snape realised they were there.
In the melee that followed the joined wands breaking contact, all realised that Harry had still loads to do as the assembled Death eaters were now trying to kill him too. Harry holding onto Cedric's body and summoning the cup saw the memory end as the portkey activated.
Apart from some sniffling and nose blowing as people tried to get themselves back under control, the room was silent. To put it simply, no one knew what to say about what they had just witnessed.
Rather than letting the silence drag out and become uncomfortable, Harry ended it by trying to get his point across. "To that madman, we're all 'spares' that he won't hesitate to order murdered. We can run, we can hide, or we can fight. I chose to fight, and you all just witnessed the targets at the top of the list to be taken out. Every Death Eater who joined Voldemort that night is a dead man walking, deserving nothing more than they would do to their victims."
Albus just couldn't help himself. "That's very black and white, Harry. There could be consequences…"
It seemed like cutting Dumbledore off as he spoke was becoming a habit, a habit Harry continued. "The ninth of June, nineteen ninety four - late evening at Hogwarts. I stopped Sirius and Remus murdering Pettigrew, let's look at the consequences of that. Sirius still has a dementor's 'kiss on sight' order against him, the best defence professor we ever had was effectively sacked. Pettigrew has since murdered Cedric and returned his master, Voldemort, to a body. I learned about consequences that night, and having to live with them. Killing any of those Death Eaters will bother me a lot less than not doing the right thing that night. They've clearly made their choice, it's time for us to make ours."
The amount of approval Harry got for his views on these Death Eaters left Albus knowing he would lose any challenge to his leadership of the Order, the majority clearly approved off his intended actions. It was time to put his plan forward. "Harry, if you agree, I will take this copy of your memory to the Ministry of Magic tomorrow. By doing so, I hope to accomplish three things. With Pettigrew clearly alive, a trial for Sirius - I will make sure they know he's your godfather - should be the least they can offer. They should also be able to accept that you will not be returning to Hogwarts, rather undergoing specialised training at a secret location in preparation for the task you face. The Ministry will in all probability leak that to the press, ensuring that the rest of the country don't keep their children away from the castle."
Harry and Sirius were liking what they heard so far, they were waiting for the 'but' - it never came.
"I will explain to Cornelius that anyone knowing the full prophecy would be placing themselves in deadly danger. That should discourage him from hounding you, and may even see aurors guarding the prophecy. That would free up Order members to respond to this crisis. Assuming you accept this offer, we can discuss what that response will be now. The people you intend to target are very powerful and experienced individuals."
Having thought long and hard about this, Harry knew what he wanted to say. There was something else that needed to be mentioned first though. "Tell Fudge I will be at any trial Sirius has, and would be prepared to have my picture taken beside him - and my exonerated Godfather."
Moody couldn't help it, he burst out laughing. "Oh we have a right one here. Not only are you making Albus jump through hoops, you know exactly how to get that idiot Fudge to do what you want too. I'm really looking forward to training you, Potter. You have the balls and the power to back up what that devious mind of yours has planned. Let's hear it then, lad."
Nodding acceptance at Mad-Eye's compliment, Harry gave an outline of what he intended to do. "I have no intention of taking these people on in a duel, nor attempting to break into their probably well fortified homes in the middle of the night. What we need is information on these people, files of information showing their every move. There are enough people here to gather that information without putting themselves in danger, or alerting our victims that they're being watched. While I'm training, those files can be constructed and updated. We're looking for patterns and weaknesses in their behaviour, not even Mad-Eye can be vigilant every minute of the day. If we know someone eats at a specific restaurant on a certain night, we can use that information to plan the attack. If we can, the first few should appear as accidents, to hopefully stop anyone changing their behaviour that we've probably spent months mapping. The information gathered will determine who and where the first hit will take place."
It was Amelia who broke the silence that followed Harry's explanation. "I can say without doubt, what we just watched is the bravest thing I've ever seen. If one of my aurors had accomplished that, the paperwork would already be on my desk to recommend them for an Order of Merlin. No one can doubt those who answered Voldemort's call that night deserve justice visited upon them. None of us here think the ministry will provide that justice - not with Dolores Umbridge now heading the D.M.L.E. Providing we have proof of the target's guilt, I will support this program anyway I can. Voldemort needs to be stopped but there is also more that could be done."
"Ma'am, thank you for your support but that was the only idea I had…"
Amelia smiled at the boy, no - young man. "And that is why we have a group here, to pool ideas, skills, resources and anything else we can get together. This prophecy might say you are the one to defeat Voldemort but that doesn't mean we can't all help you. I propose a strike team take care of this problem, with members having to be passed capable of joining by Moody or me."
Molly and Emma were really pleased to hear that, and not just because both had children that would want to join Harry on these missions. Anything that made this safer for Harry got their vote. Sirius and Remus were also quick to confirm that there was never any chance of Harry doing this alone, or before he was ready.
Rather than being annoyed, Harry's smile just got wider and wider as the floodgates opened and ideas poured from this group.
Dumbledore sat taking notes, occasionally nodding in agreement or offering advice for or against an idea. Involving everyone like this certainly opened his eyes, as did some of the ideas put forward. Gaining a controlling interest in the Daily Prophet is something he thought was beyond their little group but, by pooling resources, it might just be doable. Auror Tonks' suggestion of portkeys to a safe place for everyone started another discussion that resulted in positive action.
A secure room would be set up at Grimmauld to receive anyone using these portkeys. With a real danger of these falling into enemy hands, or someone unwillingly bringing a passenger with them, all arrivals would be greeted by automated stunning curses. These portkeys were for emergency use only, and being stunned would be far better than staying to face whatever causer the emergency.
Miss Granger's idea for coins that would allow simple messages to be passed between the group was a brilliant one. Her suggestion of the Order having a counter to the Death Eater's Dark Mark, something that would give the witches and wizards hope, was shocking in its simplicity.
"We were at the Quidditch World Cup, the Dark Mark was actually cast using Harry's wand. We all saw the panic that mark in the sky caused. Imagine that effect reversed? It would give the ordinary witches and wizards of Britain hope, while striking fear into the Death Eaters. Their tactics work, so let's turn those same tactics against them."
This idea of Hermione's was only one of many that would need further research before decisions could be made, with teams of members volunteering to work on those ideas that suited their skills best.
Albus couldn't remember a more productive meeting, with everyone putting their name forward for at least one item. This was making him rethink his solo stance on the horcruxes. There were people in this room who would literally do anything for Harry, perhaps it was time to form a small team dedicated to tracing these abominations down and then destroying them. He would see how the meeting at the Ministry of Magic unfolded before making any further plans in that direction. It was time to call tonight's meeting to an end.
As the meeting ended, Harry could see there were a lot of people wanting to talk with him. He decided on the best way to dodge that, and establish something else he was keen on. Grabbing a surprised Fred and George, he dragged them over to be introduced to their heroes.
"Padfoot and Moony, meet the current masters of mischief inside Hogwarts. I wondered if the four of you, working together with those unique skills, could come up with some prank diversions that would help this strike team? Even just making the target look the other way at exactly the wrong moment - the wrong moment for them that is…"
Hermione had of course figured out exactly what Harry was doing, and why. She and her mother stood behind Harry as he tried to follow the discussion that was taking place between the four pranksters. With both missions accomplished, Harry found himself only having to say goodnight to the Weasleys, Amelia and Susan - the latter of whom hugged him almost as tight as Hermione did.
"I'll make sure the rest of the Puffs know what I watched earlier. You know Hogwarts, the entire school will know the truth by the second of September. You couldn't have done any more for Cedric…"
Hermione actually smiled as Harry hugged Susan back just as fiercely. That was exactly what her boyfriend needed to hear. That someone who knew and admired Cedric didn't blame him for the Hufflepuff's death, nor shy away from him after hearing how he proposed to fight back.
A blushing but beaming Susan handed a now emotional Harry back to Hermione. "Look after each other. We all know this is going to get a lot worse before we can even hope to turn things around. Just remember, you're not alone in this."
Susan then found herself being hugged from behind by her normally not so demonstrative aunt. "I said to Molly that I must have blinked and missed you growing up. Your generation shouldn't have to fight the coming war, we should have finished it the last time. That more than anything saw me agree with your idea, Harry. We have to finish it this time. If we don't, there might not be future generations to continue the fight. I'm so proud of all of you, but terrified at the same time."
Both Molly and Emma assured Amelia they knew exactly how she felt. The Hogwarts contingent of Albus, Minerva and Severus had witnessed this conversation before heading back to the castle. Each had their own thoughts but all silently agreed with Amelia, they had to end it this time.
When the three finally made it back to their sitting room, Hermione dragged Harry onto the sofa and wrapped him in a hug. "Hearing you talk about that night was bad, watching it was brutal, you had to live it. Harry, showing that memory won you the respect of everyone in that room tonight but what did it do to you?"
With Hermione holding him so tight, Harry really couldn't shrug. Both ladies got the gist of it though. "To be honest, that night is never far away from my thoughts. It kinda competes every evening with that night at your house for the right to torment me the minute I close my eyes…"
Emma knelt and held both of them. "Watching that was.. I don't really have the words. It certainly wiped out any good our lovely day out in Brighton did. I don't think any of us are in the right frame of mind to sleep alone tonight."
A surprised Hermione and Harry could only watch as Emma summoned Dobby. The little elf was only too willing to help. Dobby soon had an area of their sitting room cleared of furniture before three camp beds soon occupied that space.
"I think we should go and change into our nightclothes and then have some of Dobby's fantastic hot chocolate. Harry, the middle bunk is yours."
Dobby spent the rest of the night sitting on the sofa, watching over his sleeping family. Whenever Master Harry would get restless, the little elf would smile as his Mistress automatically reached for her mate's hand. That brief contact between them was enough to chase away whatever was bothering his master. Dobby now had a good family, and Dobby would protect them. Whether that be from crazy old Black elf, witches or wizards - they would all discover Dobby was up to the job of protecting his family.