Harry sat on a plush armchair at the head of the dinner table in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place which had been expanded to accommodate the members of the Order of the Phoenix who were arriving one by one. Some were already present there like Sirius, Mr. Weasley, Bill, Charlie, the Tonks family, an old man named Dedalus Diggle, whom Harry remembered from his first visit to Diagon Alley. Mad-eye Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt were also seated on one side of the table next to Nymphadora and another lady named Emily Vance, a hit-witch.
Many were yet to arrive as there were still fifteen minutes left for the meeting time.
The doorbell sounded again and a minute later, Lord and Lady Greengrass entered the room. They glanced around the room, taking in who all were there before taking a seat next to Andromeda Tonks.
More people trickled in, all of them working in different fields. A witch worked as a Healer from St. Mungo's, two old wizards working in the Magical reversal squad for the ministry and their wives. Two more Hit-wizards from the ministry. There was also a friend of Bill's who worked for Gringotts. After him, a man named Elphias Doge and his wife entered with another man named Sturgis Podmore. They were followed by a hit-witch named Hestia Jones, a friend of Nymphadora with a couple of more people from the auror forces, and a crook named Mundungus Fletcher who was admitted on Dumbledore's insistence as the man was well known in the shadier parts of the wizarding world. All in all, it was a pretty diverse group.
Finally, at two minutes to seven, the main group entered: Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick, and Snape followed by Mrs. Weasley who closed the door behind her. Harry discreetly jabbed his wand, erecting a privacy ward on the door. Dumbledore looked around and beamed at everyone. He walked around the table and stood near the empty seat next to Harry at the head of the table.
"Thank you all for coming here at such short notice." Dumbledore began. "As you have undoubtedly been informed, Lord Voldemort returned a few days ago." At this, several people shuddered and flinched. "Harry Potter here witnessed his return and dueled Lord Voldemort in front of his Death Eaters, fighting him to a standstill, injuring him and killing his death eaters before returning via the cup portkey that had taken him there."
Many people looked in awe towards Harry, but he remained as impassive as ever.
"Now, I informed the minister of this, but in his hunger for power and cowardice, he refused to believe me. So, it leaves us no option other than to operate in secrecy until Lord Voldemort is revealed to the world, seen red-handed." Dumbledore said, spreading his arms wide. "And once he is, we will be playing a vital role in protecting innocents and foiling his plans. Now, Severus, please tell us what is happening amongst the forces of the Dark Lord, at the moment." Dumbledore ordered before taking his seat.
Snape stood up. "Headmaster, the dark lord is scheming at the moment as and mainly trying to recruit more people after... what Potter did to him and his forces." He said as if the words were poison in his mouth.
Harry smirked at the man.
Dumbledore had insisted that Snape should be in the order as he was a vital part of it as the spy in the Dark Lord's forces. Harry and Sirius were against it but Dumbledore had put his foot down saying Snape had his complete trust.
On the other hand, the Daily Prophet had begun to become a pain in the ass. A few days ago, there was an article proclaiming the mysterious disappearance of fourteen respectable purebloods and highlighting their contributions to society, and declaring an award for any person who could find them. While this was still alright, the very morning, there was an article printed on the front page of the Prophet titled: Dumbledore- Daft or Dangerous? The article was nothing but a character assassination and the idea of it was along the lines of what Fudge had been thinking... that Dumbledore was plotting to overthrow the Ministry by causing unrest among the public by proclaiming the return of a dead man or had gone insane.
The article also subtly jabbed at Harry being an attention-seeker, addled-brained individual. He had half a mind to bring his wrath upon the daily prophet reporter, a lady named Chole Adgate who was from a minor pureblood family. Harry could've easily destroyed her but didn't deem it worthy of wasting his time on her when he had bigger problems to worry about. Also, Dumbledore's plan was sound in regards to them proving the whole media wrong and Harry liked it.
"Potter killed fourteen of his death eaters, nine of whom were a part of the Dark Lord's inner circle. He also horribly injured several, including the Dark Lord himself. The worst of his injuries was a burnt, rotting liver which would've had a severe effect on him, had it not been for Rookwood."
"Wait, wait," Hestia Jones interrupted. "Augustus Rookwood is dead. I saw his body at Azkaban."
"No, he isn't," Harry said, speaking for the first time since the meeting began. "Voldemort removed him from Azkaban and faked his death with the help of Walden MacNair, and they, along with Barty Crouch Junior, helped Voldemort return to a body."
"What? How? Can we get a few more details?" Sturgis Podmore asked.
Harry glanced at Dumbledore who gave him a subtle nod. Harry nodded at the group before explaining what Voldemort had told him of the plan of his return. People gasped as the revelations were made.
"So, Azkaban is no longer safe," Lord Greengrass said gravely.
"And he plans to recruit the dementors to his side," Remus added. "Those... are just the worst..." Sirius shuddered next to him, remembering his time at Azkaban.
"How many of you can perform a fully corporeal Patronus, kindly raise your hands," Harry said after a moment of grim silence, and a little more than half the people in the room raised their hands. Harry pursed his lips. That just won't do.
"Continue, Snape," He said to the man who scowled.
"I am still your professor, you—"
"We are not at school. You are in my house as far as I am concerned." Harry snapped. "Continue your damned report."
Snape took a deep breath and glared at Harry before continuing. "So, as I was saying, the dark lord is concentrating on recruiting and rebuilding his forces. He has already sent a few envoys and recalled everyone who was previously in his service, bar Karkaroff. He also plans to free his most loyal from Azkaban as soon as possible. He has also instructed everyone to steer clear of Potter, saying that Potter will fall only by his hand. No one is allowed to harm him unless directly confronted or they will suffer his wrath."
Several people glanced at Harry at the statement.
"What about the death eaters themselves?" Sirius asked. "Undoubtedly you and your buddies talk with each other."
Snape clenched his jaw. "Many... are scared... and revengeful. They want to put Potter in his place but well, they can't. Many are contemplating fleeing the country but they know it is useless as the Dark Lord can find them anywhere. Also, Rookwood has become the Dark Lord's right hand at the moment, surpassing Lucius's, who is now second. But that will change once again once he frees the rest of his Death Eaters."
"Aye, Bellatrix Lestrange, Dolohov, Rabastan and Rodolphus Lestrange, Travers and that nasty lot. His most loyal lot." Moody said. Snape nodded in agreement.
"What are we going to do? To fight him, you know?" one of the healers from St. Mungos asked.
"Ah, Charlotte. That is what we are here to discuss. First, we have the ministry, but leave that to me for now. We just need to make sure that Fudge doesn't get wind of what we are doing. As for the other matters, we do need to discuss each matter and who will be doing what. First, we need to keep abreast of what is happening at the ministry. For that, we will need everyone who works there." Dumbledore said.
"What do we need to do?" Nymphadora asked.
"Just keep your eyes and ears open, lass. And Constant Vigilance!" Moody said. Tonks grumbled but nodded, undoubtedly hating the words Constant Vigilance by now.
"As Alastor said, you just need to see and hear what goes around. A lot of information can be gathered by simply observing those around you." Dumbledore said serenely before turning to Remus.
"Remus, when will you be contacting werewolf packs?"
"Soon, Headmaster. I have already sent out letters to them. But, I am afraid that Fernier Greyback will prove to be a greater influence than me because of his threats to eradicate the packs if they don't join him."
"We must try what we can, my boy. Even a small pack swayed not to join Voldemort will be a success on our part." Dumbledore said. "On another note, I have already sent Hagrid and Madame Maxime as an envoy to the Giants along with gifts. So, that part is already covered."
"Giants," Moody muttered. "Ruddy hard to kill. I remember Grindelwald using them. I was a mere rookie back then and most of the Aurors and hit-wizards ran away at their sight. Potter's Grandfather didn't run though, and single-handedly killed them all with ruthless precision."
"Yes, using heavy transfigured objects like swords and spears and banishing them at vital points is the only way to kill them." Harry nodded in agreement.
People muttered and nodded.
"Very well... we also need to recruit. We need more members." Dumbledore said. "So, whoever you can trust and gather, you should ask them to contact me via owl."
"What other things can we do, Headmaster?" Lady Greengrass asked.
"For now, keep your eyes and ears open. Try to spread the word of Lord Voldemort's return." Dumbledore said.
"And raise the wards on your houses. Make them stronger. If you need any help with securing your homes, tell us. We have two Gringotts curse breakers amongst us. Professor Flitwick, Dumbledore, and I are also pretty well versed in the art of warding. We will come and check your wards and add to them if necessary." Harry said, looking around the table.
"Quite arrogant of you, kid. You may be Harry Potter, but do you want us to believe that you are as skilled as Gringotts curse breakers and Dumbledore in the obscure magic of warding? Something not even taught at Hogwarts till your seventh year?" One of the ministry workers snorted.
"Yes, he is," Bill Weasley declared. "During the second task of the Triwizard, he warded his box so tightly that we took nearly five hours with the senior team of curse breakers to break all the wards on it. And he did the warding in like ten minutes. We had never seen some of the wards he used. Even the most senior team at Gringotts were baffled."
"Where did you get the box? I thought it was only for the champions?" Harry frowned.
"The Diggory bloke never touched your box. So, we took it for inspection as none of the other two champions were able to break your wards. It was an experience breaking them." Bill's friend said. "The head goblin was all for recruiting you with the highest paying package possible until he came to know you were fourteen. Now, he is going to wait for three years before sending that job offer to you."
Harry raised an eyebrow but said nothing on the matter before turning to the guy who had questioned him. "Now, if you are satisfied with the assessment of my skills, I have another matter to bring up. We all need to train."
"Train?" Emily Vance asked.
"Yep, train in the art of combat."
"Why? And who would do that?" Emily Vance asked.
"Well, you are a hit-witch and do fieldwork. But many here have either no experience in it or are rusty by sitting behind desks in the past thirteen years. We will be fighting Death Eaters. Fighting for protecting innocents and your own families. We cannot afford mistakes. That is why the Order must prepare itself for the fights to come."
There were murmurs around the table but before anyone could say anything, Dumbledore spoke. "Harry is correct. Most of the war veterans are rusty while several of us here have never been on a battlefield or faced Death Eaters." He said. "And yes, even the younger Aurors. Fighting Death Eaters is vastly different from fighting petty criminals and miscreants." He added.
All around the table, the ones who had fought the first war nodded in agreement.
"But who will train us? Like, who will train the hit-wizards and hit-witches in here? We are pretty much at the top of the fighting order here." One of the Hit-wizards snorted. "So, we train them?"
Dumbledore chuckled. "No, Michael. I remember you had excellent scores in Defense and Transfiguration and I have no doubt that you are capable with a wand, you won't be leading the practices. We have Alastor and Filius here. Filius is a master duelist and one of the best instructors on the planet while Alastor has trained some of the most capable hit-wizards and Aurors to have ever graced the halls of the ministry. Minerva will also lend them a hand in teaching when she is free. I would've done it myself as well, but I don't have so much time. So, Minerva, Alastor, and Filius, I trust you handle this. "
Flitwick chuckled. "I am afraid you are still missing the best of us all, Albus. If you are busy, there is one more in this room much more capable with a wand than any of us." He declared before casting a look at Harry. "I think Mr. Potter here can give us three a run for our money in a three on one fight and even win. He should take part in their training as well."
"Harry, what do you say?" Dumbledore asked.
"I will assist them in any way I can," Harry replied with a shrug. "But the question is when will we do it? Most of them here have jobs and all. They don't have all day free and we can't stand there and teach in groups for the whole day. Maybe two batches at the best."
"Maybe every Sunday we can come together to practice for a couple of hours?" Someone suggested.
Harry snorted. "If you think a couple of hours of practice a week is sufficient, you are delusional. The Death Eaters won't play around now once Voldemort tells them to kill. And just wait till he has broken his most loyal out of Azkaban. The Lestranges, Dolohov, Rosier, Travers, Carrows, Selwyn family, and the lot. The training needs to be at least four times a week. I'd say alternate days will be the best."
"Potter is right," Moody grunted. "We need to train. Even I do. Crouch bested me and had I not been useful to them, I would be dead by now. This is war and we need to be prepared the best we can."
There was muttering as several people in the group nodded and agreed with Moody.
"Can we arrange a session every alternate evening?" Kingsley Shacklebolt asked. "Like... before dinner maybe?"
"But everyone cannot be accommodated at that time," One of the Healers from St. Mungo's said with concern. "Like, I have an evening shift from the fifteenth of this month at the hospital. Even if I want to, I can't come here to practice."
"Okay, how many of us here can come at this time, or let us say 8 PM to 10 PM every alternate day, to practice, raise your hands please," Sirius said before raising his own hand. Along with him, several hands went up.
Harry could see that there were about a total of seventy-five percent of the group who could make it at the time that had been called for.
"We can do two batches as well if it is possible. Some like me can come at any time of the day... if that is not a problem. We can divide the whole order into two batches." Lady Greengrass suggested.
"An excellent idea," Dumbledore agreed. "What do you say, Harry?"
"I will be free almost the whole day," Harry shrugged. "And it will be more beneficial if we do it in batches. Handling a smaller group will be more efficient and productive."
"Yes, I think I can manage from nine to eleven in the morning as well at least when I don't have muggleborn introduction duty," McGonagall said.
"Wait, wait," Arthur Weasley interrupted. "I have two questions. One, where will we practice?"
"Down in the basement," Sirius replied. "It is a big space and already warded to withstand spell-fire."
"Okay, and what will happen once Hogwarts starts? This will all be good till September. What will happen once the term begins? Because, Harry, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Flitwick won't be able to come here for four hours every alternate day, once in the morning and once in the evening."
Harry blinked. He had not considered that, but he did have a solution to it. He immediately looked at Dumbledore and sent a Legilimency message to Dumbledore.
'Time-turner? We can use it to be at Hogwarts and come here at the same time.' He suggested to the Headmaster.
'Excellent idea, my boy. I have one in my office at Hogwarts.' He sent back before turning to the group.
"Leave that to me, Arthur. There won't be any disruption in it even once Hogwarts starts." Dumbledore assured. "So, today's session concludes that Lord Voldemort has risen and we need to spread the word as discreetly as possible, at least until Cornelius sees the error of his ways. More recruitment will be needed. And there will be training sessions every alternate day, in two batches. One at nine in the morning and one at eight in the evening. Before leaving, just give your name to... Sirius, will you take time preferences as everyone leaves, my boy?"
"Of course, Headmaster. Before leaving, just tell me which batch you want and I'll note it down. If you're comfortable with both, wait for some time till all the ones with the preference are done so we can balance the batches." Sirius said before summoning a quill and two rolls of parchment.
"Excellent. And when will it start?" Dumbledore asked, looking at Harry, Alastor Moody, and the two Hogwarts professors. They shared a look.
"Day-after?" Moody asked. "So, we can make a basic plan for the sessions?"
"I am fine with it," Flitwick said while Harry and McGonagall nodded.
"Alright, so the first session will be on the eighth of July at 9 AM and the evening one at 8 PM, for two hours each. Thank you all, you will be informed when the next meeting is soon."
"Wait, wait! I have something for everyone!" Harry declared before bringing out the trunk of wands he had brought from Knockturn Alley and enlarging it on the table. "If you are wondering, what is in this, there are second-hand wands. Along with wand holsters and a few other things. I think it will be prudent for everyone to have some proper equipment and a secondary wand."
"Carrying two wands is illegal for a civilian," Kingsley said.
"But, yet, there is no punishment if a civilian is found with two wands. And you are literally sitting in a meeting of a vigilante military group, Shacklebolt. And by what I am planning, so will be the Head of DMLE in the next meeting. Don't teach me 'illegal'." Harry snorted, making air quotes.
"Wait, you are going to bring Amelia Bones here?" Nymphadora asked.
"I am meeting her tomorrow, Tonks," Harry replied.
"She didn't join last time, saying she won't break rules... even though we had her brother with us... a good man, Edgar." Elphias Doge said.
"Leave her to me, sir," Harry assured. "I will convince her. Having her amongst us will be a huge boon, considering her capability and her position."
"Fair enough." the man conceded before getting up and stretching. "Now, I already have a secondary wand, so I won't be taking one from this pile. But if you kids need help, tell me. If not, I'll go home. I need to have dinner."
"No, Mr. Doge. We'll handle it. Those who have secondary wands can leave after giving their batch preference... and taking expanded pouches, a knife, and your own Order communication Medallion which will inform you of meeting times or emergencies and something that only you will be able to see and use. Sirius will tell you how to use it when you collect it."
The medallion was basically a Necklace with the phoenix-shaped pendant created by Dumbledore. He used it in the first war and an albeit different variant during the Grindelwald war as well. It had several charms which would help people communicate with short messages and alert the person that a message had been received by becoming hot. It also had an inbuilt portkey to another safe house which Dumbledore had already stocked medical potions. It had enough security to house people for a short amount of time even if it was under attack.
"Why a knife?" Someone asked.
"Extra precaution. Knives are useful." Moody grunted. "I have three knives on myself right now with four extra wands."
Harry turned and ogled at the man. That was just overkill. Even he only had a single knife and an extra wand.
"Well," Albus Dumbledore said, "Thank you for coming. Once you collect what is needed, you all can leave. Have a good day."
"And if anyone wishes, they can stay for dinner!" Molly Weasley declared while beaming at all those around. "I will start making dinner."
"Err, Molly, we have house-elves here," Sirius said.
"Nonsense," She said. "I am perfectly fine with doing it. Now, how many will eat here?"
7th July 1995
Bones Manor
Harry appeared in a flash of flames and gracefully stepped out of the floo-place at Bones manor before vanishing the soot on him with a flick of his finger. He looked around and saw he was in a posh parlor, similar to the one at the Greengrass manor, albeit with a little less grandiose. He shivered as he felt a magical tingle wash over him which persisted for a second before vanishing. He immediately recognized what it was.
Amelia Bones had already activated her war-wards.
Harry mentally applauded her. The wards were powerful and protective enough to judge even those who were invited. Harry shuddered to think what they would've done to someone who wasn't invited. But, then again, they were nothing compared to those at Grimmauld Place. But they were Harry's. They won't judge him. Here, if he was hostile, the wards would likely try to tear him to shreds in seconds... try to.
The door at the end of the parlor opened, and Amelia entered holding her wand at the ready. "What did I ask you at the ministry ball while dancing with you?" She asked, pointing her wand at him.
"You asked how was it going between myself and Susan. And proceeded to ask if we had sex or not." Harry replied.
Amelia nodded and put her wand back before eyeing Harry. "You should also ask me something to make sure I am not an imposter."
"Had you been an imposter in place of Amelia Bones, you would have been torn to shreds the second you would've stepped inside these wards. War wards have been raised by you. Anyone with the intent to harm a member of House Bones won't survive these." Harry replied nonchalantly. "Though it is lovely to see you, Amelia. Sirius sends his regards."
"I half expected him to come with you," Amelia stated.
"No, this is a meeting between the two of us to discuss Voldemort and the ministry. Sirius, well, he is in another meeting right now."
Amelia nodded, "Well, then let us go to my office to discuss whatever you want. You can even give me memories of things to support yourself if you want. I have a pensive there."
"Excellent," Harry said and followed Amelia Bones to her office while looking around searching for Susan.
"Susan is at Hannah's place. Hannah Abbott. She will be back by dinnertime." Amelia said before pushing open an ornate door. "Before you go in, please remove all your wands and weapons and deposit them in this tray." She said, picking up the tray on the table next to the door and presenting it to Harry.
"Why?" Harry asked with narrowed eyes.
"Well, in 1706, one of my ancestors was assassinated in this very office. The person didn't make it out alive, but the damage was done. Since then, no one can go into this office with a weapon unless they are a member of House Bones. There is a ward on the room to prevent it."
Harry felt the magic at the door and nodded. Amelia was telling the truth. He removed his wands and the knife and kept them in the tray before placing a protective dome on the tray and sticking it to the table.
"Was that really necessary?"
"Yes. No one should pick it up without my permission. Can we go now?"
"Yes, come in." She said, Harry passed the threshold and entered the room. There were already three people there and Harry instantly recognized one of them as Rufus Scrimgeour, head of the hit-wizard squad at the ministry. There was a Lady, who looked as old as Amelia with him and a person wearing a long, bluish-grey cloak with a hood on that hid his face with a shadow charm. Harry recognized the uniform as the unspeakable uniform.
Amelia wasn't pulling punches when he had written it was a matter concerning Voldemort.
"I hope you don't mind a couple of extra people." Amelia Bones said as she closed the door behind him.
"I mind, but I will let it go," Harry said and conjured a plush armchair wandlessly and sat down on it.
"Wait, how did you get a wand in?" Amelia half-yelled in panic, pointing her wand at him.
"I don't need a wand to do magic, Madame Bones. Now, take your seat and we can begin the meeting with three uncalled people." He replied glaring at her. Amelia gulped and went to her seat behind the desk.
"You are an Archmage," The unspeakable said. Harry couldn't discern his voice. It sounded both male, female, and robotic at the same time. Harry could only tell that it was a male due to the build. He activated his mage sight to try and see through the shadow enchantment but failed.
"I am sorry, but who are you, Mr. Unspeakable?"
"My name is Saul Croaker, head of the Department of Mysteries, British branch."
"Saul Croaker, hmm... one of the foremost authorities on chrono-magic in the world. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Croaker stiffened. "How did you know that? People never know what we study bar the other Unspeakables!" Harry immediately felt a Legilimency probe come at his mind-shields and batted it away.
"I know a lot of things, Croaker. Information on different types of magic that will make you spooks drool. And next time you try to read my mind, your Unspeakables won't be able to find your body. Consider this my final warning." He said coldly as Croaker staggered back.
"Croaker!" Amelia exclaimed. "I told you not to antagonize him. Must you always disregard what I say!? A Legilimency on a minor! are you out of your fucking mind!"
"Yeah, whatever. The kid's got powerful shields. Batted my probe away like it was nothing. Now, why did you call us here on such an urgent notice?" He asked, trying to change the topic.
"Harry wished to discuss the return of Lord Voldemort with me and what Fudge is doing. I think we all read yesterday's paper and what it wrote." Amelia informed after glaring at Croaker for a few moments. "But the fact remains, despite whatever Fudge may proclaim, Lord Voldemort has returned. Harry witnessed his return and fought him as far as I know..."
"Are you perhaps even responsible for the disappearance of the fourteen people that was reported a few days ago? Some of them claimed imperious in the first war... and most were associated with death eaters in some way or the other." The other woman in the room asked.
"They are not missing. They are dead. They were with Voldemort in the graveyard. They all fell to my wand or were subjected to death due to redirected spells during my fight with Voldemort." Harry stated.
"You say, that you-know-who returned. But how is it possible? You killed him thirteen years ago. Dead men do not return to life!" The other woman in the room hissed.
"Then do show me his dead body, Ms..."
"Weaver. Mary Weaver. Head of Investigations department of DMLE. " she introduced herself. "What do you mean by 'show me the dead body'?"
"Well, if he died thirteen years ago, where is his body? If a person dies, there should be something like his blood, body parts... So, that is what I am asking for."
"You-know-who's body was obliterated in the explosion in Godric's Hollow. The whole floor of your house was destroyed in the backlash of magic."
"Bullshit. And nothing happened to me, a baby in a crib, a few feet away when the whole floor was destroyed?" Harry snapped.
"Like—"
"Wait, let me stop you there, Weaver. The question isn't if it is possible. There are several ways to cheat death with magic. Obscure, dangerous, and untested. But, very much existent." Saul Croaker said. "My question is how. What did he use?"
"A potion and a ritual. I don't know what was in the potion but three ingredients were the bone of the father, flesh of the servant, and blood of the enemy. He used my blood to return." Harry replied.
"No, no. That is a body-giving ritual. It can be used to give ghosts a body if needed, provided the ghost is magically powerful enough and manages to possess a rudimentary, weak-willed body. It also needs the bone marrow of a wizard, the amoebic fluid of a seven-month pregnant lady, unicorn blood, vampire fang, phoenix ash... and a few other components."
Everyone felt sick on hearing what Croaker said. Even Harry hadn't known the exact details of what was in the potion as Salazar and Helga had refused to speak of it as it was disgusting to an absurd degree and irrelevant now that it had been carried out.
"Moving on," Amelia declared. "Can we see the memory of the fight? It would give us names of the death eaters and information. Even if the minister prevents us from doing anything right now, we can act discreetly and the information will definitely be useful when he comes out in the open. That is why I brought them here." She added, pointing at the other three adults in the room.
Harry pursed his lips and contemplated what to do.
"I will give you the memory on two conditions. One, no legal action would be taken against me. And two, you will swear that you won't disclose the details of what exactly happened without my permission to anyone in any form."
"Why should we do that? Like, why will we take legal actions against you?" Scrimgeour asked.
"With Fudge acting the way he is, I don't wish to take any risks, Mr. Scrimgeour," Harry stated. "The information in the memory is sensitive and can be used against me if taken out of context. So, the vow."
"And if we don't?" Weaver challenged with a raised eyebrow.
"You won't remember anything of all this," Harry stated. "Not even Croaker. So, do not tempt me, Miss Weaver."
"Weaver! We are here to take Potter as an ally. Not fight him. Behave!" Amelia barked.
"Funny. I was here for the same, albeit to Amelia only. But, I am not averse to you three coming in."
"Excuse me?" Amelia asked, turning to him again.
"The vows first, my dear Madame Bones."
"We will take the vows if that is what you want. A standard secrecy vow along with a promise to take no actions against you regarding whatever you did on the 24th of June 1995. Will that be acceptable?" Croaker asked.
"Yes."
A couple of minutes later everyone had made their vows and Harry gave his memory of the fight to them. Amelia put it in the pensive and the four adults plunged in a moment later and so did Harry... just to witness their reactions.
They did not disappoint, to say the least, except Croaker who was making notes throughout the memory, without making a single noise. The rest were exclaiming, cursing, and shrieking throughout the fight. Amelia, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Weaver were openly gaping at the fight within the first minute.
Once the memory was over, all the five came back into Amelia's office.
"That was the most awe-inspiring duel I have ever seen!" Scrimgeour breathed after a minute of silence.
"Thank you, Mr. Scrimgeour," Harry said quietly.
"Shows us how hopelessly outmatched we are..." Amelia said softly. "We never stand a chance... they never stood a chance..."
Her eyes were tearing up.
"Who, Amelia?" Harry asked
"Edgar... he never stood a chance..." She said as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Seeing him in action... Seeing him actually fighting with all he has... It is eye-opening. He just toyed with us all this time..."
"What do you mean by toying with us?" Weaver asked.
"You didn't see the first war at the front lines, Weaver," Amelia said, wiping off her tears and looking her dead in the eye. "I was a hit-witch at the front lines during the war. I faced him once, you know. With a team... It was twenty-three against one and we forced him to flee with his six death eaters including Bellatrix Lestrange... or so I thought till now. He had fought us for seven minutes... and killed twelve before going away, taking two of his Death Eaters that we would've captured if he had not intervened." She said, "Heck, we would've captured all the six bastards or killed them, but we considered it a Victory that we forced him to flee... When I got the news of my Brother's death, till now I wished that I was there... I thought I would've held him off long enough along with the rest of the Bones family, six of us, for the hit-wizards to arrive... seeing him fight with all he has... he is so fast. I couldn't distinguish where one spell ended and the other began."
"Yes, he is insanely fast," Weaver agreed. "How did you keep up?" She asked, looking at Harry.
"Mind Arts," Croaker replied instead of Harry in a knowing tone. "When you achieve a level of mastery in Occlumency, you can perceive things faster than a normal human can."
Amelia frowned. "Croaker, I am a level five. I can't do that."
"But Potter is Level Seven. So is the Dark Lord and so is Dumbledore. All of them are masters of mind-arts, at least occlumency. Am I right, Potter?"
"Yes," Harry replied.
"So, like if we all achieve it..." Scrimgeour said, trailing off.
Croaker snorted. "It is not easy, Scrimgeour. It takes years of patient practice and dedication."
"Potter is fifteen," Scrimgeour scoffed.
"That he is," Croaker agreed.
"Well?" Scrimgeour snapped, looking at Harry.
"Well, what?" Harry asked with bewilderment.
"Tell us how you do it?" the man snapped.
"What makes you think you can demand anything of me, Scrimgeour?" Harry asked with narrowed eyes.
"The ministry has—"
"No right to poke their noses in the secrets of Most Noble and Most Ancient Houses and you will do well to remember that," Harry said with steel in his tone. "Head hit the wizard or the Minister of Magic, I don't care. If you try to demand anything outside your powers, you will be at the wrong end of my wand, Scrimgeour. Don't go down the path Fudge is currently on."
"And what are you doing with regards to Fudge?" Weaver asked.
"When he is kicked out of office, it will be in such a disgrace that no mother in Britain will name their child Cornelius after that," Harry stated. "He will be marked as the worst Minister of Magic in the history of magical Britain."
"But what about right now? See kid, you faced you-know-who. The minister is denying his return and is refusing to fund or prepare the hit-wizards and auror corps. If he is replaced, we can get funding and start preparing. Can't you just..." Weaver trailed off waving her hands dramatically.
"What? Go and overthrow him by force? That is the most terrible idea I've heard all year." Harry said dryly.
"Well, between you and Dumbledore, I am sure you can just impeach him. I'll help as well." Amelia said.
"That will take a long procedure and time, Amelia. And there is a risk that Voldemort will place one of his as the minister. When we replace Fudge, it will be swift and brutal... and to be honest, I planned for you to take his seat."
"Me?"
"Yes, you. Who better than you, Amelia, to lead the country during a war? Everyone knows you hate Death Eaters. Everyone knows you are a decent but ruthless person. You are a capable witch. That is why I came here to offer you something, which now, as these three are present, I will extend the offer to them as well." Harry said.
Scrimgeour frowned. "What offer?"
"An offer to join the Order of the Phoenix," Harry stated.
"Dumbledore's group?" Scrimgeour asked.
"Yes," Amelia answered. "Edgar was a part of it... back in the first war. I had been offered to join as well, but I had declined."
"We are offering you again, Amelia. You joining us will give us a huge boost of power against Voldemort. And I am not talking about your skills with a wand only. Your position as the Head of DMLE, your connections, reagent Bones... and all that. Think, what you and your Aurors can't do without breaking protocols and you being put in front of the martial court of the ICW, we, the other members of the Order of the Phoenix can."
"Illegal military groups are forbidden not only by the British Ministry of Magic but the ICW as well," Amelia stated.
Harry snorted. "And see the irony. The bloody Supreme Mugwump is leading the group. See, Amelia. We cannot leave this country to the ministry. The last time Dumbledore did that, Death Eaters were pardoned under the imperious excuse by Crouch and Bagnold. We won't be doing the same again. This time, we are not letting innocents suffer. This time, the order will be fighting independently against Voldemort's Forces and not help the ministry as they did in the last war. The corruption that the ministry has will see Voldemort win like he almost did thirteen years ago."
"He isn't wrong," Croaker said, giving his input. "It was only due to the Potter miracle as I call it that the wizarding world didn't fall to you-know-who. I can join hands with you, but if it conflicts with my oaths as an unspeakable, I will choose that and not what the order wants. I don't have a death wish."
"Fair enough," Harry said. "I know there are stringent oaths for you guys to not reveal the secrets of the department."
"Yes, there are."
"What about you three?" Harry asked.
"What if we decline?" Weaver asked.
"I'll make you take an oath of silence to not mention any information to anyone of what you were told in this meeting without my permission, nothing more. If you refuse, well, I will obliviate your memory of this meeting."
"Then, I will take the oath," Scrimgeour said. "I am afraid that I prefer to do things legally rather than your way. But, if you need help, I'll give it if it is within my reach to do so." He declared before taking the oath.
Harry nodded, "I will respect your decision, Mr. Scrimgeour," he said before turning to the two ladies.
"I will join, if Amelia does," Weaver said before looking at Amelia who was fiddling with a quill in her hands.
"Amelia, the ministry, even if you or Scrimgeour may disagree, is a piece of shit which would become the reason for the fall of the world if we don't take actions to counteract Voldemort and prevent the ministry from doing stupid things. If you join us, it will be much smoother and easier to do the latter."
She closed her eyes before nodding. "Alright. I'll join the order," She said. "I'll join you all in Edgar's memory. This time no Death Eater will go scot-free. And I hope you will kill the Bastard."
"I will, for the same reason. I lost my parents to him too." Harry replied.
"Well then, I am in as well," Weaver piped up.
"Superb, Mr. Scrimgeour, do you wish to change your mind?"
He muttered under his breath, "Damn Amelia, you as well? Breaking laws and all?"
"It is, as Dumbledore says, for the greater good," Amelia said.
"Or, I'll say, Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men." Harry chimed in. "Some of them have to be thrown out of the window to do what is right... And one must do what is right rather than what is easy, Mr. Scrimgeour."
"Alright, I'll join," Scrimgeour grumbled and Harry grinned in triumph.
"Superb," Harry said, clapping his hands. "Tomorrow, the order is going to have its first practice session where we'll practice dueling and stuff and provide help to people who need it. These are going to be held every alternate day for two hours. If you all will join, it will be excellent."
"Err... Harry, I think we will decline the practice session for now, but can Susan be included in those sessions?"
"I will be taking separate sessions for all the underage kids in the order. You both are even welcome to stay at the safe house, which is under Fidelius and a shit ton of wards. It is certainly better than leaving Susan alone when you go to work."
"Then I can just drop off Susan there. She'll get your and your friends' company over the summer which will be good for her... I can always bring her back here at night to sleep." She said contemplatively.
"It is your wish, Amelia. But I did recommend you to shift there permanently. You have a big target on your back already. Why compromise your safety by staying alone at night?"
"You think anyone can breach these wards?" Amelia asked with genuine curiosity.
"Nothing is infallible, Amelia. I think I can breach through these wards if I have sufficient time, and if I can do it, so can Voldemort. They are powerful but those over the safehouse are even better. Also, there will at least be a few people present there, all of whom are capable witches and wizards."
"I will consider it," Amelia said after a few moments. "I will give you your answer tomorrow when I come to drop Susan off at this safe house. Speaking of which, where is it?"
Harry took out a slip of parchment that Dumbledore had written on and handed it to her. "Read and memorize it," He said.
"That's Dumbledore's handwriting," Amelia said after reading the address and giving it to Weaver. "He is the secret keeper."
"Yep," Harry affirmed.
"Nice," Amelia said.
Harry waited until everyone had read it before taking the parchment back and putting it safely into his moleskin pouch.
"If everything is done, I will take your leave. Have a good day." Croaker said and turned to leave before he whirled back "But, when is the meeting?"
"Someone will inform you. Once you get there, you will receive an artifact to communicate with a couple of other basic things." Harry replied.
"Alright. Good night everyone." Croaker said.
"I'll leave as well, goodbye everyone," Scrimgeour said before following Croaker out of the room.
Amelia looked at Harry and Weaver. "Will you two like to stay for dinner? Susan will come home in a few minutes. I am sure we can dine in fifteen-twenty minutes."
"Well, I haven't cooked dinner, so I will accept your offer," Weaver said with a grin.
"And I will have to decline. But, I'll wait till Susan comes and meet her before leaving," Harry declared.
"Fair enough."
8th July 1995
Number 12 Grimmauld Place
"Alright you lot, gather around," Alastor Moody called gruffly and the twenty-three people in the room immediately paid attention to him. "I am going to run you through basic auror drills first. Some of you," He said, pointing to eight people who were standing in a separate group apart from the general public, "may be familiar with it, but you are going to do it as well."
"Is that really necessary?" One of the men whined and Moody instantly shot a stinging hex at him, which hit the man square in the chest.
"CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" Moody roared. "That is what I taught you at Auror school, didn't I, Smith? ANSWER ME!"
"Sorry sir, won't happen ag— OUCH!" He shouted as a punching jinx impacted his gut, courtesy of Harry who had wandlessly shot the jinx. The man doubled over in pain, clutching his stomach.
"No, you aren't," Harry stated. "You eight, you are going to give everyone a demo with me. Six Aurors and two hit-wizards, you think you are great with a wand and can stand against Death Eaters cause you have a shiny batch? I'll show you how wrong you are. You eight against me, alone. Let us see how you fare."
"See kid—" one began but was cut off by Harry.
"Come on, I won't use a wand. Eight fully trained witches and wizards against one fourteen-year-old kid, No need to be scared. It is just a simple demo. Clear the space please so we can duel." Harry challenged and everyone else moved away, giving the nine witches and wizards a place to stand and fight. The room itself was very big, specially prepared for this purpose. It had additional wards, cushioning charms, and everything so people could duel here.
"Ooh, I am very excited to see this," Flitwick declared with a smile. "I bet twenty galleons on Harry winning. Anyone wants to take it up?"
No one responded though some were contemplating it. After a few moments, four people in the group did take him up on the bet and Flitwick looked very happy with that.
Soon, Harry stood on one side, facing the eight witches and wizards who were shooting each other looks. They all had wands in their hands and were preparing themselves. Harry, on the other hand, was standing with his arms behind his back looking completely calm.
"Moody, the countdown please,"
"Lad, there is no countdown in a real fight," Moody grunted.
"Well, let's not be so harsh on them," Harry said. "Countdown, please."
"Well, 3...2...1, GO!"
Immediately the Aurors and the hit wizards shot stunners at him with rapid speed. As the barrage of spells headed towards him, Harry stood completely still not moving a muscle. The group thought he was a goner until Harry just disappeared from his place just before the spells reached him.
A fraction of a second later, the whole group was knocked off their feet, disarmed, and stunned in one go. They hadn't even noticed when Harry had appeared behind them and shot a single spell to take them all out.
Harry smirked, mentally thanking Dumbledore for the ingenious spell. Dumbledore had christened it the ten-pin bowler spell. It was extremely useful to subdue multiple opponents at once. It was quick and efficient, but its only drawback was that it could be easily shielded against if any of the opponents was quick enough. It was one of Dumbledore's favorite spells to be used in battle.
Stunned silence filled the room as people looked between Harry and the eight wizards and witches lying on the floor. The whole duel had lasted for a grand total of one second.
Flitwick broke the silence by turning to the ones who had bet against Harry and said, "Pay up!"
Harry shot his mentor a grin before enervating the downed group. They groaned as they woke up before realizing what had happened.
"You cheated!" One exclaimed. "We didn't know apparition was allowed!"
"A war has no rules, you idiot. If you all had been my real opponents on the battlefield, you would've been dead. Get up! And follow what Moody says!" Harry roared and the group scrambled to their feet.
"Alright, so we'll be practicing dodging first," Moody grunted as he limped to the center of the room. "You cannot shield against every spell. There would be some spells you won't recognize. Some you would've never seen. If such a spell comes your way, it is better to dodge than shield against it. I'll put you into pairs. one will shoot stunners, disarmers, or any minor jinxes or hexes which are non-lethal at the other, who will dodge them. After five minutes, they will switch."
Some grumbled but followed through Moody's orders nonetheless. None wanted a repeat of what Harry had just done to the Eight Aurors and hit-wizards.
11th July 1995
Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire
Lucius Malfoy sat in his study nursing a glass of fire whiskey after a tiring day of running the Dark Lord's errands. He had been sent to recruit heavily in the past few days for the Dark Lord's forces ever since the injured death eaters, those who were alive anyways, had been healed. Several Death Eaters and the dark lord himself had been severely injured in the graveyard during the Dark Lord's duel with Harry Potter.
When Potter had confronted him two years ago, catching him off-guard and had threatened him, he had been scared. Now, he was bloody terrified of him.
Seeing the boy, a fourteen-year-old, go toe-on-toe with the Dark Lord himself had been terrifying. Till that day, Lucius thought that the old fool, Dumbledore, was the only one who could pose a challenge to the Dark Lord. And then, Potter had just stood against him, survived the killing curse, and taken the cruciatus without as much as a flinch before dueling one of the most dangerous wizards to walk on the face of the Earth while surrounded by several wizards, and admittedly came out on the top.
Fourteen. Fourteen Death Eaters had fallen to the boy's wand that day, either directly or indirectly.
A part of him was glad that he had sworn a vow not to harm the boy two years ago, even if it was against his wishes. Perhaps he could be of some use to Potter and survive this war, regardless of its outcome. He was one of the top Death Eaters amongst the ranks of the Dark Lord. If the Dark Lord won, it would be good for Lucius anyways. If he lost, he would be praised for being a spy for Potter.
It was an absolute win.
"Hello, Lucius," A smooth voice said, startling him. He immediately whirled around, pointing his wand at the invader, a curse on his lips, only for the wand to rip itself out of his hands even before he could utter a syllable.
He gulped seeing who it was.
"Hello, Lucius. That wasn't very nice, was it?" Harry Potter asked, twirling Lucius's wand in his hand.
"How-how did you get in, Potter?" Lucius demanded as a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. "How did you get in without me knowing?"
The wards on the Malfoy manor were no joke. They were protected with some of the best wards money could buy. As the Lord, Lucius should've detected any person entering his manor, with or without his permission.
Harry smiled. "I have my ways, Lucius. May I take a seat?" he asked, sitting down on a chair, without waiting for permission.
"Ah, comfortable furniture you've got here, even if the room is a bit too gaudy for my tastes," He stated, comfortably lounging in the armchair.
"W-what do you want, Potter?"
"Many things. Sit down Malfoy. You've got a lot of work to do for me unless you wish to harm me by your inactions," Harry ordered with a smirk, reminding the man of the vow he had sworn.
Malfoy promptly sat down on the chair he was sitting on before.
"Good, now let us get down to business," Harry said. "Two years ago, you swore an unbreakable vow to me that you will not harm me in any way or form. Now, your master has returned... you were there in the graveyard to answer his call, weren't you?"
"Yes, I was. But I didn't fire a single spell at you. I only shielded myself against the spells that were flying around, I swear!"
"Yes, you didn't. You wouldn't be alive otherwise if you had fired the spell at me." Harry agreed.
"And, once your gag was removed, I even bought you time to catch your breath by questioning the dark lord," Lucius added quickly. "I am on your side, Heir Potter-Black." He said reverently.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "You are on no one's side but your own right now, Lucius. Trying to find a balance between your master and the oath and hoping to go scot-free regardless of the outcome of the war. Did you think you could butter me up and get in my good graces, Malfoy? Well, you are wrong, but well, I do have use of you."
"I am not a huge fan of the Dark Lord, even if I believe in his cause, I assure you," Lucius replied smoothly. "But he will be the end of the world with the madness he is displaying of late."
"Madness? Do tell."
"The dark lord... he is actively moving all his Death Eaters to recruit more people to the cause or run his errands. Even the slightest failures result in us being tortured under the cruciatus curse. Also, he is obsessed with finding out all about you. He has been questioning several people, whom you may have come in contact with to tell him all they know about you, including my son, Draco... He came out trembling and crying after suffering the cruciatus curse... that moment, I lost all respect for the Dark Lord," Lucius lied smoothly about the last part. Draco had just been kicked out of the room in reality and none of the heirs had been put under the cruciatus.
Currying Potter's favor was vital for him and his family to survive this war.
"Hmmm... what else?" Harry asked.
"The Dark Lord is trying to find a wand that suits him," He replied truthfully. "He says that if he had a compatible wand, the outcome of the duel would've been a lot different than it was that day. Over the past few days, he has tried over a hundred wands, but none so far have suited him. As of the moment, he is using my father's wand, Aspen, Dragon Heartstring, twelve and a quarter inches, which suited him the best amongst all of them."
"Alright, what else is he planning?"
"MacNair and two others have been sent abroad to converse with the giants. Envoys have been sent to the werewolf pack as well along with vampires. We all have been tasked to either recruit or gain information. Seven of his who work in the ministry have been told to get maps and stuff of every important location in the wizarding world. The ministry itself, St Mungo's, Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, Azkaban, and even a few international places like ICW headquarters, high-security prisons all over the world, Foreign ministries... and likes. I suspect, he would find all those of Britain but none of the international places."
"Interesting..." Harry mused.
"He and Rookwood... they are constantly planning something for the past few days it seems. Something big but none others are aware of it... They both are going to go somewhere soon though, once everything settles for an important mission. But what it is, I have no idea."
"If you are lying, it may harm me, Lucius," Harry said but nothing happened.
"I am not," He said firmly.
"Good. Now, any other development, even the smallest details... you should inform me immediately."
"How? I tried to owl you, a week ago. The owl flew around my head before refusing to take the letter."
"By this," Harry said, giving him a small pocket diary. "press your wand to a page and say what you wish to inform. I will get the message."
Lucius examined the diary before asking, "Where did you buy this from?"
"Enchanted it myself. Now, you will inform me of every small detail of what Voldemort is planning, am I understood? Anything that you don't communicate could potentially harm me."
"Of course."
"Good, I'll show myself out. Take care Lucius, because even a single mistake would cost you your life." Harry said before walking out of the room with a pop. Lucius followed him a moment later but found him already gone, much to his shock.