Harry found himself seated at the head of the dining table in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place again, waiting for all the members of the Order of the Phoenix to arrive for the second meeting of the group. There were about ten minutes left for the meeting to begin and people were slowly trickling in one by one. Many people were asking for Dumbledore.
Why? Because he had been fired from both the ICW and the Wizengamot. The whole world had heard this news in the morning papers. The Prophet had half of the morning edition dedicated to the man and how he was going barmy and failing in his duties. They were applauding the ministry and Wizengamot for taking timely action before 'Dumbledore led the world to ruin.' Prophet's words, not his.
Harry, along with several other Lords, including Sirius and Cyrus, had stormed the ministry after breakfast to demand answers for why an emergency meeting had been called without them being notified.
Apparently, Fudge had called an emergency session of the Wizengamot at 2 AM of all times. The Quorum was barely achieved and Fudge called for the vote of firing the Chief Warlock. Seventy-eight percent of those voted to fire Dumbledore. The rest of the Wizengamot, including Dumbledore, were absent. Several Lords were furious that no notification had been given for the emergency meeting and had gone to the ministry as soon as they had seen the news in the prophet. But, as per the law, the firing of Dumbledore was legal as more than 66% of members present had voted for it.
It was clearly a scheme cooked up by Fudge. He was doing everything in his power to reduce Dumbledore's influence. And he was doing this when Dumbledore or any other person wasn't present to oppose him in the political arena.
When the emergency session had been called, Dumbledore had gone for the ICW conference in Los Angeles, where he was fired from his position as the Supreme Mugwump when he gave the speech of Lord Voldemort's return. Those who were jealous of Dumbledore's power had taken Fudge's propaganda in stride and used it to fire him, claiming he was gone senile and spreading needless fear to undermine authority.
At exactly a minute before Seven, which was the time for the meeting to begin, the doors of the kitchen opened again and Dumbledore entered, looking as cheerful as ever as if nothing had happened.
"Good evening to you all. Is everyone, including our new members present?" Dumbledore greeted, striding across the room before standing next to Harry.
"Yes... everyone is here, Headmaster," Mr. Weasley said, looking around the room.
"Excellent, then we can begin," Dumbledore declared before taking his seat.
"Professor," Hestia Jones called. "We heard... The prophet said that you have been fired from your positions."
"Yes, I have," Dumbledore said in a completely unbothered tone. "And I had been anticipating this move for days, Miss Jones."
"And you have no problem with it?" One of the members asked incredulously.
"I have no problems as long as they do not take me off the chocolate frog cards. They are a much more accurate version of the deeds of a person than these political positions."
"But- but they can't just fire you like that!" Mrs. Weasley shrieked.
"I am afraid that they have, Molly. Do not worry. This gives me more time to concentrate on Lord Voldemort than spend time doing a load of paperwork which I loathe doing." He replied serenely.
"But it will also cost us a lot of political clout that you carried," Augusta Longbottom said, leaning forward, making her presence known.
She had joined the order a few days ago… a day after Harry had convinced Amelia, Scrimgeour, and Weaver. It was Sirius who had gone to meet her and had successfully convinced her to be a part of the group.
Augusta Longbottom, despite her age, was still as sharp as she had been when Charlus Potter had led the Dragon Legion against Grindelwald's forces. And her tongue had grown sharper as she gathered Political acumen in the Wizengamot. Many on the body feared and respected her. She was a woman not to be trifled with. Everyone knew that.
She had also agreed to let Neville join them in training sessions, the first of which was going to be held soon for those who were underage.
"Ah, Augusta. First and foremost, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new members, Augusta Longbottom, Amelia Bones, Rufus Scrimgeour, Mary Weaver, Amos and Ashley Diggory, Christine Taylor, Oliver Wood, and finally, Saul Croaker." His announcement was met with polite applause by most while some shot looks varying from shock to fear at Croaker, who was sitting on a chair next to Scrimgeour in complete Unspeakable uniform with his hood and everything on.
"For those who don't know, Croaker is the head of the Department of Mysteries," Harry added. "He is an Unspeakable and prefers to be in his uniform."
"So, I think we should—" Dumbledore began but stopped short as a buzzing noise emerged from his pocket. He removed an odd-looking piece of contraception before smiling widely and standing up.
"Excuse me, Ladies and Gentlemen. I'll be back in a moment with someone. Harry, Sirius, can you open the wards for a minute?"
Harry frowned at the sudden request but nodded and so did Sirius.
"I'll be right back then," Dumbledore said before apparating away.
Nearly forty seconds later, Harry and Sirius felt Dumbledore and another man entering the wards… with something weird that the wards were having trouble recognizing. The wards were telling him that several living beings had entered, though it couldn't be detected what they were except for the fact that they were not human.
Harry stood up nonetheless and prepared himself by pointing his wand at the door of the kitchen. A few seconds later, the door opened again and Dumbledore entered, followed by another old man who looked only a couple of decades younger than the Headmaster himself.
The man had white hair but was sporting a clean shave. He had hazel eyes which looked around the room taking in everything at a single glance. He carried a suitcase in his left hand.
He looked at Harry and he raised his hands in a universal motion of surrender before saying, "I mean you no harm. Please put your wand down, kid."
Harry raised his eyebrow. "The wards say otherwise. You have brought several creatures of some sort into the property and in a way that beyond their entry, the wards are unable to detect what or where they are."
The man blinked before gaining an impressed look. "Then you certainly have ingenious wards on this property to even detect that something is in this suitcase."
"Your suitcase… what is in it, Mister…"
"Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Newton Scamander. Though you may call me Newt."
Harry sucked in a sharp breath at the man's identity as several gasps echoed around the table.
Newt Scamander, the world's foremost Magilogist and the foremost authority on magical creatures. That meant… "Your fabled creature suitcase. That is what the wards detected." Harry breathed and lowered his wand.
Scamander beamed. "You are interested in magical creatures, kid?"
"Magical creatures are fascinating but I am more interested in the enchantments layered in your suitcase. It makes a whole habitat for several rare and highly magical creatures."
"Harry is much more interested in those things where wand waving and doing work is required than what you do, Newton."
"Of course, many of them prefer charms and transfiguration rather than working with the sheer beauty of nature," Scamander said. "But, if you wish, I'll show you the trunk on the inside once this meeting is over."
"Thank you, sir," Harry replied sincerely. This would probably be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Newt Scamander was rumored to have some of the rarest creatures from around the world in his suitcase including a few species of dragons and a Nundu.
"Please take a seat Newton," Dumbledore said. "We will be beginning the meeting."
"Of course, professor," Newt said before sitting down next to Kingsley Shacklebolt while Dumbledore strode back to his seat.
"I think we should hear the reports first. First, does anyone wish to share some important information they may have gained?"
"Apart from Fudge kicking you out of the Wizengamot using underhand methods, nothing big." Augusta Longbottom snarked.
"My dear Augusta, they didn't kick me off the Wizengamot. Only my position as the Chief Warlock was taken away. I still hold a position in the body due to my Order of Merlin and my house seat." Dumbledore reminded her. "And I am certain that this change will be temporary. What do you think will happen when Lord Voldemort is revealed to the world?"
"Those shit stains would come back begging you to retake your positions, of course," She answered.
"Precisely. My removal at this moment gives me time to work peacefully behind the scenes. Also, I am free to concentrate on more concerning matters than doing paperwork. I see this as an absolute win."
"And what of the fact that they are dragging your name through the mud, Headmaster?" Kingsley asked. "Fudge and his undersecretary have been in close contact with the Daily Prophet. Only a few days ago she visited their office with a bunch of Auror guards who are basically Fudge's lackeys."
"It means they are controlling the media by force," Lord Greengrass growled.
"Of course they are," Amelia snorted. "Most of the public will believe whatever the prophet says, regardless of how fake it is."
"All this is okay," Croaker interrupted. "Dumbledore is powerful enough to handle anything put his way politically, regardless of his positions being taken away, and will regain it all back as soon as He-who-must-not-be-named is revealed to the world. I have a greater concern. Some people have been lurking outside the Department of Mysteries for the past four days. They are under invisibility cloaks and masking spells. I suspect that they are Death Eaters."
Harry and Dumbledore shared a look, knowing what it exactly was.
"Have they tried to do anything so far?" Harry questioned.
"Not yet. They are observing, I reckon."
"But what are they after?" Newt Scamander asked. "There are various things in the department of Mysteries, which could be disastrous if they fall in Voldemort's hands."
"Yes, things like time turners could spell disaster if they fall in Death Eaters' hands," Amelia agreed.
"Hide them," Harry declared. "Put those things under wards or something. Maybe put them all in a room and put it under the Fidelius Charm."
"I have already moved a few items to a secure and warded room deep in the department, accessible only to a selected few Unspeakables."
"Could Rookwood access it by breaking in?" Harry questioned.
"Rookwood was one of the most capable Unspeakables the DOM has ever seen. Had he not been a Death Eater, he would be the Head of DOM now instead of me. So, if he has sufficient time, he should be able to find and break in… but, given enough time."
"That is not good enough then," Dumbledore interrupted. "Put it under Fidelius, Mr. Croaker, and ward it more if possible."
"Well, fair enough. Extra precautions never go amiss," Croaker relented.
"But what is he after?" Molly Weasley asked.
"I have an idea but I am not sure," Dumbledore replied. "I think we should have a guard at the DOM to make sure Death Eaters don't make a move."
"Respectfully, I'll ask that you don't. We are keeping a close eye on the people who lurk outside."
"That is in the morning. What at night?" Harry challenged. "You all go home at seven-thirty, leaving the department empty. If Death Eaters break in, none of you would be able to respond in time."
"I have a suggestion," Amelia said. "What if we do things legally? An auror or hit wizard guard outside the department at night?"
"Won't that look suspicious?" Bill Weasley asked. "Placing a sudden patrol at night."
"Not if Fudge orders it," Amelia replied. "We just need to convince him that Dumbledore might want to steal something from the Ministry. He will immediately order a 24/7 patrol throughout the ministry. That way, even the records can be protected. They do have a lot of valuable information about where everyone lives… well almost everyone bar the Manors of the Sacred twenty-eight."
"A brilliant idea," Harry said with a grin. "Playing on Fudge's paranoia. I like it."
"It is a sound suggestion and it will also save the Order's time," Dumbledore agreed. "But who will fill Cornelius's ears?"
"Leave that to me, Professor," Harry said. "I have an excellent person to suggest this to the minister."
"Who?" Someone asked.
"That is for me to know and you to find out," Harry replied mysteriously. "I, on the other hand, would like to give a report on how the whole Order is progressing with regards to practice."
Several people shifted in their seats.
"Do tell," Dumbledore said, noting the reactions around the table.
Before Harry could say anything, Moody growled, "Most of the lot is shit who don't know one end of the wand from the other. The old guard was so much better! The Potters! Longbottoms! Edgar Bones! Prewett twins! McKinnon siblings! This new crop is shit Dumbledore. Even the Aurors and hit wizards! I don't know what has been happening in the academy. Even most of the old guard is completely rusted!"
"Calm down, Alastor," McGonagall said firmly. "They are not as bad as you are saying. They are just inexperienced."
"Inexperienced my arse," He muttered.
"Harry, what do you say?" Dumbledore asked.
"It is not bad as moody is saying, but work is required. Most don't know anything beyond the basic NEWT DADA curriculum… some even less. They have never shot a spell to protect or attack in their life. They are either vastly inexperienced or rusty. We are still playing catch-up to Hogwarts syllabus in some cases if you ask me."
"Really?"
"Yes. To be perfectly honest, they aren't bad for an average citizen or even an Auror. They… I find that they aren't quick. Quickness is what matters during duels and fighting. Moody has been running drills but many find physical exercise beneath them despite getting their asses handed to them by a fifteen-year-old."
"Not every fifteen-year-old is you, Potter," One snapped. "You're a different case!"
Harry snorted. "We will see in the next session when I bring a couple of my friends to face you lazy asses."
"Why you—"
"So," Dumbledore interrupted before it could devolve into a fight. "How long will they take to be ready to go to the battlefield if needed and face Death Eaters?"
Harry pursed his lips. "Sir, I will be completely honest and say that I have a feeling that if I train my friends… the under seventeen lot whom you have excluded from the order, they will be ready by Christmas at the latest to take down Death Eaters. Heck, I am sure Susan and Daphne will be ready before school starts. We three have been training together once a week since our third year and it only increased at the start of this calendar year."
"How good is Susan?" Amelia asked, leaning forward.
"Good enough to defeat most of the Aurors and new hit-wizards… bar the best ones like Shaklebolt. And she would give even Shacklebolt here a run for his money right now."
Amelia raised her eyebrows. "Really?"
"Yep," Harry replied, popping the p. "So is Daphne. Both the girls are terrific with a wand. You can test her. I am sure she'll make you proud."
"You are going to train everyone?" Amos asked. "Can Cedric join? My boy is good, but practice never goes amiss."
"Of course he can, Mr. Diggory. Anyone above 13 and still at Hogwarts can join."
"Excellent. I'll send him over when you call for them."
"No problem, Mister Diggory."
"Excuse me, are we completely going to ignore the fact that he is calling us incompetent?" One witch said, jabbing her finger in Harry's direction.
"Because you are incompetent," Moody growled, shutting every protest up.
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "What does this mean for the order, Harry? Do give me a clearer idea on when we will be ready."
Harry sighed. "If you ask for every single member of the order, I have no idea. But we can have a decent fight force ready by Halloween at the latest consisting mainly of the old guard, Hit-Wizards, and Aurors. A better number would be ready by Christmas…. To at least face death eaters and not, hopefully, die."
"What Potter is not saying is that they are all wimps, Albus," Moody snapped. "They only use bloody stunners even in practice duels and are unenthusiastic to even learn! I wonder how they will face the Death Eaters who throw unforgivables around like candy."
"They are telling us to use dangerous spells, Headmaster!" One shouted. "Spells which would kill if misaimed! Some of it is borderline dark magic! We never used them in the last war and we did win."
There were noises of agreement across the table. Harry pursed his lips. Despite all Moody, Flitwick and he told them, many were unwilling to use anything more than stunners and disarmers. Heck, they didn't even use a Diffindo as they were afraid that they would cut someone's neck. They classified anything not taught at Hogwarts as dark magic.
Also, they were unwilling to learn things thinking they knew enough. They thought exercise and practice were beneath them, especially those who had been raised in magical households throughout their lives.
"You didn't win the war that time," Harry said dryly. "You didn't do shit. It was my parents who won the war. You were losing badly from what I know. It was only due to the fact that Voldemort… STOP FLINCHING AT THE NAME YOU FUCKING COWARDS!" Harry roared as many people flinched again at the name. It was getting irritating.
"How can I expect you all to even face him if you flinch at his mere name?" Harry said in a cold tone and his voice filled the whole room.
"Harry isn't wrong," Dumbledore said. "We need to take Death Eaters out of a fight by at least incapacitating them."
"I agree," Lord Greengrass said. "It is either them or you and your family."
"I implore you all to listen to what Alastor, Harry, and Filius tell you. It is vital for us to win this war and make sure Lord Voldemort doesn't take over the wizarding world. Harry is also correct in saying that we were indeed on the brink of losing last time. We had lost many of our ranks and a year more and Britain would've fallen to Voldemort. I am unwilling to let this happen again. This time, we are an active resistance. We actively work to ensure that the world is safe!" Dumbledore said.
There were murmurs around the table.
"We are all going to face dark and difficult times ahead. Many of you in this room have already suffered directly or indirectly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder. Many others have been as well who aren't in this room or this world. I refuse to let it happen again. I won't tell you what to do now. To those who wish to be an active part of this resistance against the Dark forces, you can continue the training sessions. But, if you do, you need to do what they tell you to. That's all."
Silence reigned over the table as Dumbledore finished. No one spoke for a minute. Then Snape drawled, "I would like to make my report on what is happening within the Dark Lord's forces right now if you allow."
"Do tell, Severus," Dumbledore said.
"The dark lord is actively moving all his Death Eaters to recruit more people or creatures to his cause or to run his errands. He is unforgiving of favors and is using the cruciatus quite liberally. Even the slightest failures result in Death Eaters being tortured under the cruciatus curse. Also, he is obsessed with finding out all about Potter." Snape said, spitting the last word. "He has been questioning several people, including me, whom Potter may have come in contact with. He is forcing everyone to tell him all they know about this brat."
"Oh, and what did you say, Snivellous?" Harry asked, twirling his wand in his hands.
"Harry, enough. Severus, anything else of importance?"
"The Dark Lord is trying to find a wand that suits him as his previous one was snapped by Potter when Pettigrew was caught. He blames his failure to kill Potter in the graveyard on the unfit wand he was wielding. 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 week, he has tried over a hundred wands, but none so far have suited him. Currently, he is using the most compatible wand he found, but I do not know of its composition." Snape replied with a shrug.
"Aspen, Dragon Heartstring, twelve and a quarter inches. The wand of Arbaxus Malfoy." Harry supplied. "That is the wand he's using."
"How do you know that, Potter?" Snape snapped.
"I am Harry Potter. Continue with your report."
"No…. that is the crux of the information I have. And as Croaker said, the Dark Lord has ordered a few of his Death Eaters to keep an eye on the DOM." Snape replied.
"Pathetic. I'll give you more. Voldemort has sent envoys to the giants, Werewolves, and Vampires already. He plans to recruit them all to his cause. Some of his Death Eaters have been tasked to infiltrate the ministry and get maps and information on all important places in Britain and around the world. The Ministries of Magic, St Mungo's, Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, Azkaban, ICW headquarters, high-security prisons all over the world… all of it."
Many around the table sucked in a sharp breath.
"Does he wish to attack all these locations?" Hestia Jones asked.
"Most likely. All are of the importance of one form or another to the world and thus, to him."
"That is concerning," Dumbledore mused. "Very concerning. Amelia, how prepared will your Aurors be if any of these places are attacked?"
"Well, they should be able to handle a small force but if Voldemort himself is with them… all bets are off."
"Then prepare them the best you can," Harry said. "Do a few training exercises or something to keep them in shape."
Amelia sighed before nodding. She knew that most of the new lot would've to be put under complete training to prepare them to fight Death Eaters… At least her Aurors. Hit-wizards would be good to go with a few training exercises. But the new Aurors who had taken a position in the last decade… they were useless. Fudge had massively cut the budget for Auror force and as a result, the new crop was hardly trained to deal with anything more than common thugs.
"Also, Harry, do be careful when you step out of this home. I don't think it'll be long before Cornelius turns his attention to you and tries to frame you or something so that you are expelled from Hogwarts."
Harry snorted. "He'll try. And if he succeeds, well, just take me as an apprentice. The ministry can't snap my wand if I am under an apprenticeship unless I commit a heinous crime and am tried in front of the Wizengamot. So, expelling me from Hogwarts won't do shit."
"True. But as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure."
"Of course. If you wish, I would give my OWLs in the first week of August."
"A good idea… Harry, tell me, do you have a problem with taking Lordship of House Potter early?"
Harry blinked. "No, sir. But I can only take Lordship when I am seventeen."
"Not necessarily. You can officially vote on the Wizengamot once you are seventeen. But, the Lordship as such can be obtained early in your case."
"But how?"
"Well, in 1673, a law has been passed that, if a there is a sole surviving member of a house of the Sacred 28, the member can obtain the Lordship or the Ladyship of the house if he or she has; one, an emancipation, which is something you got by achieving an Order of Merlin. Second, the person must have at least five OWLs and at least one of them must be in a core, wand-related subject, that is charms, transfiguration, or DADA. Something I am sure you'll achieve easily."
"Of course," Harry nodded. "Are there any more conditions?"
"The person must not have any life-threatening disease… which you won't… and a criminal record shouldn't exist either. So, you are clean to achieve it."
"Cool… just recheck the law, won't you, sir? We don't want to miss something."
"Of course," Dumbledore agreed. "You should begin preparing for your exams in the meanwhile. While I am sure you will perform brilliantly even if you give the exams right now, I wouldn't want anything less than perfection from you."
"Yes, sir."
"Excellent. Once you achieve your OWLs, even if they expel you from the school, they can't snap your wand. Now, does someone wish to add anything?"
"If Potter gives his OWLs in the summer, will he attend my sixth-year class?" McGonagall asked.
"Yes, Minerva, he will." Dumbledore replied and McGonagall nodded in satisfaction before shooting Harry a look that screamed, 'You better be in my sixth-year class next September, Potter, or else…'
Harry gulped and gave her a nod. While he was sure he would receive nothing less than an O, McGonagall was still terrifying.
15th July 1995
12 Grimmauld Place, London
Harry stood in a corner of the room tapping his foot impatiently, waiting for his girlfriend, Daphne to arrive with her little sister. It was the first training session that he was going to take for his friends. His inner circle.
When he had told Dumbledore that his friends would be able to face Death Eaters by Christmas, he wasn't lying. He intended to prepare them as such, even if they wouldn't be his first preference to take into battle when compared to the Order of the Phoenix. But, he knew they had to be ready.
Sooner or later, everyone would have to fight for their lives and battle Voldemort's forces. A single attack during a Hogsmeade weekend would ensure that.
Finally, the door opened and Daphne and Astoria jogged in.
"I am so sorry!" Daphne exclaimed, closing the door. "This midget caused the delay,"
"Hey!" Astoria exclaimed at being called a midget and glared at her sister.
"No problem. Come and we'll start." Harry replied before walking to the center as the two girls went and stood next to Hermione and Susan.
There were a total of ten people in front of Harry. First were the Weasleys: Ron, Ginny, and the twins. Next to them, Cedric stood with Neville Longbottom. Next to him, there were Susan, Hermione, Astoria, and Daphne.
Harry smiled at them.
"Welcome, everyone. As you know, you all are here to learn to protect yourself in case something happens… that is partially true. I have gathered you all to teach you how to fight. Fight for your and your family's life. To fight Death Eaters and forces that threaten our world. As you all know, Lord Voldemort is alive and kicking once more. It won't be long before an open war breaks out. Many of your parents don't wish for you all to be in this war." Harry informed, looking everyone in the eye.
"But I say differently! You all, regardless of your age or your parents' wishes, are going to be plunged into the war, sooner or later. You need to know how to fight. You need to know how to protect yourself and take down Death Eaters. To protect yourself, your friends, and your family. But, being on the battlefield is dangerous. Whoever wishes to stay out of it, can leave the room right now." Harry declared, gesturing to the door.
No one moved a muscle.
"You are here to learn the true power of magic," Harry started, slowly drifting forward. "The might you can truly hold within your wands. I will teach you how to blast a wall into pieces, how to tear your enemies apart, how to cast a shield so powerful that spells will simply bounce off of it. I am going to teach you to kill and to survive. If anyone doesn't wish to learn it, the door is still open."
No one moved and Harry smiled. "Then, we will begin, right here, right now. None of the things I am teaching you should fall on your parent's ears. Why? Simply because they disapprove of their children being taught to fight for their lives. Any parent will want their children safe. But, in a war, that is not practical. Is everyone with me?"
"YES!" They exclaimed as one and Harry smiled.
"Excellent. Let us begin. First, I wish to get down all the basic spells so that you can cast them perfectly. And I call a spell perfectly cast, only when it is silent and without wand movement. So, we are going to perfect the disarming charm and the stunning spell today. After that is done, I'll teach you a powerful cutting curse. And in the end, if time permits, I'll get you all through some basic practices. Now, here, I know Susan and Daphne can do all four perfectly. I have taught them. And I assume you know it as well, Cedric."
"I can cast both spells silently. But which cutting curse are you talking about?"
"Lacero," Harry replied.
"Yeah, I learned that for the tournament," Cedric replied. "Useful spell."
"So, you three can go to a side and practice dueling while I teach them to cast spells. I'll come to you in a few minutes." They nodded and walked off to the side before beginning to speak in hushed tones.
"As for you all, show me your disarming spell on the dummy," Harry said, pointing to the dummy that stood a little distance away with a wooden stick in its hand.
Hermione walked and stood in the circle first before pointing her wand at the dummy and shouting, "EXPELLIARMUS!"
A red beam of light shot from her wand and impacted the dummy, throwing it back as the wand flew towards Hermione who ducked under it before turning to Harry who nodded at her before gesturing to Ginny to take her place.
Ginny too, performed the charm perfectly like Hermione but with wand moments. Harry also noted that her spell was more powerful than Hermione's.
"Fred, you next," Harry said and Fred replaced Ginny before shooting a silent Expelliarmus at the dummy, disarming and throwing it back.
Harry frowned. "If you can do the spell silently, why are you doing wand movements?" Harry asked.
"Err… cause they taught us that way?" Fred replied.
"Do it again but just point and cast. Don't make wand movements. Only a few spells need wand movements to perform and Expelliarmus is definitely not one of them."
"Alright," He said, before pointing and shooting the spell. The dummy got disarmed but wasn't knocked off its feet.
"George, do the same if you can," Harry said, and true to his assumption, George too managed a silent disarmer but it just pushed the dummy back a few inches.
"Alright, you two, practice with those two dummies there and make your spell powerful enough to throw the dummy back. Let me show you a perfect disarming charm. George, can you move?"
"Yeah, sure."
Harry stood in front of the dummy before pointing his wand at it and shooting an Expelliarmus at it. The beam of red light hit the dummy and its wand was ripped out of its hands and came flying towards him.
Harry caught the wand in his free hand as the Dummy slammed into the wall a few feet away.
"That is what an Expelliarmus is capable of doing. But, knocking it off its feet, throwing it a few feet back will also suffice" Harry said to them. "Ron, you next. You both, go and perfect it."
The twins nodded and went to practice with the dummies. Harry turned to Ron who had taken his place in the marked circle in front of the Dummy.
"Expelliarmus!" Ron said and the dummy was disarmed. But Harry cringed at the spell. The wand movements were exaggerated, and the spell was weak. He would need a little work.
"Neville, your turn."
The boy in question gulped and shakily came to stand in the circle. He pointed his wand at the dummy. His arm was shaking.
"Expelliarmus," a pale red light shot from his wand and impacted the dummy. But the dummy's wand never left its hand.
"I am useless," He muttered.
Harry flicked his wand and transfigured the dummy into a replica of Bellatrix Lestrange before animating it and providing a sound.
"Aww… ickle baby Neville can't even do a disarming spell…" She taunted making a babyface before grinning evilly.
Neville looked at the dummy with shock before rage clouded his eyes. He gripped his wand so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He gritted his teeth.
"Is Lil Neville afraid of me?" She laughed. "Is he—"
"EXPELLIARMUS!" Neville roared. A bright red light shot from his wand and hit the transfigured Bellatrix Lestrange, ripping the wand arm off and smashing the dummy into the wall.
Harry's eyes widened before he ducked under the arm that had come flying at him.
"You will pay, bitch!" Neville roared before pointing his wand at the dummy. "Crucio!"
Harry's eyes widened as Neville shot the torture curse at the dummy. A perfect cruciatus curse on the first try. He had not expected it in his wildest dreams.
Harry immediately disarmed Neville, knocking him off his feet, careful not to hurt him before rushing to him.
"Neville, calm down!"
"Leave me, Harry! LET ME TORTURE THE BITCH! SHE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO MY PARENTS! LEAVE ME DAMN IT! LET ME GET JUSTICE!" Neville shouted, shaking with rage.
"CALM DOWN! Nev, this is not real. This isn't Bellatrix." Harry said, shaking him. "Look at me. That is not her. It was a dummy." Harry said before reverting the dummy to its original form. "A dummy. It is not real, Nev."
Neville looked at the Dummy, still breathing harshly. He was clenching his fists and his nails digging into his palm.
"Dobby, bring me a calming draught," Harry said and a moment later Dobby popped in with a vial of the asked potion. Harry took it from the house-elf before making Neville drink it.
A few moments later, he visibly calmed and opened his fists. Harry could see that he had injured himself and waved his wand, healing the boy's hands. "You good now, Nev?" Harry asked.
He nodded.
"Excellently cast. I can't believe you got the cruciatus down on the first try. And the disarmer was a killer one."
He looked at Harry incredulously. "Are you complimenting me for casting an unforgivable?"
Harry smiled before getting up. "Gather around," He told everyone, as they stared at Neville.
"I would like to make one thing clear. There is nothing such as dark arts. Magic is magic. It is the intent that matters. Dark arts were merely a label of the ministry to make sure people stay away from the more powerful variety of spells and refrain from using them. A cutting curse to the neck and the killing curse has the same effect. The cruciatus was invented to be a medical spell to restart the heart.
Though, I recommend you put down your enemies as quickly as possible. And by putting them down, I do not necessarily mean to kill them."
"Then what does it mean?" Hermione asked with a frown.
"Anything that takes them out of the fight so that they can't fight that battle. Cutting off an arm or breaking it is also effective and so are spells like an advanced stunner… but it can be easily protected against by the simplest Protego or will be ineffective if it hits good quality protective clothing. Like the attire I wore during the third task, even the Lacero curse bounces off it harmlessly. But, that is basilisk hide… the best protective armor there is."
"From the one you killed in the chamber?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, and I wear a battle robe on top of it."
"The dragon legion's… that belonged to your grandfather, right?" Neville asked, surprising Harry again.
"Yes, the very same." He replied.
"You know, there is a saying in my and… even your family. Where a Potter goes, a Longbottom follows. Did you know that?"
Harry blinked. "No… no, I didn't."
Neville nodded before getting to his feet. "Understandable. My grandmother told this to me a couple of days ago… We have been allies for centuries. Our families have been, at least. I hope we can continue the tradition, Heir Potter."
"Of course, Heir Longbottom," Harry replied before grasping his arm and shaking it.
"What just happened?" Ron asked.
"They acknowledged the continuation of the Potter-Longbottom support alliance," Daphne replied. "It is not a public thing, I guess because even I heard about it for the first time now. It must be a family thing. But, then again, it is known that Potter and Longbottom families are friendly with each other. Hector Longbottom and Charlus Potter were both important members of the Dragon Legion… but the friendship between Charlus Potter and Arcturus Black was much greater as were their joint accomplishments. Your parents too were members of the Order of the Phoenix as far as I know."
"True," Neville said before turning to Harry. "Thank you for helping me out, Harry. And… sorry that I lost control."
"No problem. I can understand. But, you had to understand that you could do it. You are capable of doing it. I predicted that using your rage was the best way to bring out the magic."
"And it was damn powerful," Cedric agreed. "Your disarmer ripped off the dummy's arm."
"The whole dummy is badly damaged," Astoria added, pointing at the pieces of the dummy which had broken off due to Neville's spell.
"What I am wondering is how can Neville's spell be so underpowered if he could do that?" Susan asked. "The magic he did… the power behind it was on another level."
"His wand is hot due to the power he put," George said, picking up Neville's wand.
"Hot?" Harry frowned. His wand hadn't even gotten warm when he fought Voldemort. How did Neville get hot with two spells, regardless of how much he overpowered them?
"Yep, see." George handed him the wand and Harry examined it.
The wand wood was indeed hot. Harry looked at it closely and saw that cracks had formed on it. Not too damaging but unfitting for a wand.
"Neville, is this the wand you got from Ollivanders?" Harry asked.
"No, that is my dad's wand. His legacy."
"Neville… the reason for your performance… through school till now is this wand," Harry informed. "The wand chooses the wizard. Each wand has different compatibility with a person. The bond is special. Your father's wand won't yield the best result for you."
"But…"
"I don't think it is even debatable, Neville," Susan said. "Despite how great your father was, the wand was his. Using his wand won't make you better but rather hinder you. Even if you use Merlin's wand, it won't make you great."
"True," Cedric agreed. "You need your own wand."
"Put this in a safe or display as a remembrance to him. But, don't use it. It will hinder you. The wand's magic will resist yours."
"My grandmother won't approve," Neville said.
"I'll talk to her… or put McGonagall on it," Harry replied. "They are made of the same fabric. They'll deal with each other." Harry added.
"Fair enough. So… Do we go now?" Neville asked.
"I'll call Sirius, he'll go with you. Till then, I'll have fun with the rest." Harry replied before flicking his wand and sending a Patronus message to Sirius.
"Are you going to teach us the Patronus as well?" Hermione asked.
"Soon. First, you all need to get the basic spells down before moving onto something as complex as a Patronus charm." Harry replied and a moment later, there was a knock at the door. Harry waved his wand and the door swung open and Sirius entered.
"What's up, kids?" He asked, grinning at everyone around.
"You need to take Neville to Ollivanders and get him back. Go, Sirius." Harry said.
"What? No hi, no hello, no greetings? What am I? A dog?" Sirius asked in a mock hurt voice.
"Yes," Harry replied in a deadpan tone. "You are a dog Padfoot. Now, get going."
"Whatever. Come, Neville." Sirius said before side-along apparating Neville away.
Harry turned back to the rest and asked them to continue.
Astoria and Ginny were good as well.
"Superb, you all can at least do a disarming charm decently. Now, we need to perfect it so that you can do the spell with a mere thought. The disarming charm is one of the most useful spells you can probably hit your opponent with. Most wizards and witches do not carry a secondary wand. Being disarmed is as good as putting them out of the fight if you follow it up with a stunner." Harry said, looking at each one of them.
"So, what you all are going to do is that you will stand in front of the wall and start shooting Expelliarmus in rapid succession at it. After seven tries, try to do it without wand movements and speak softer. No need to shout the spell. Repeat seven times without wand movement once you get it down. After those seven, try to speak the spell in your mind instead of speaking it aloud."
"And we'll get it down?" Astoria asked. "Silent casting is sixth-year stuff. I have just passed my second year."
"I learned it at the end of my second year as well," Harry replied. "If you want, instead of seven, do it ten times. And you can do the spell pretty well already."
She nodded before standing in front of the wall with the others. And they began.
1st August 1995
Ministry of Magic, London
Harry walked down the atrium of the ministry of magic, dressed in normal robes with a small book bag slung over his shoulder. The bag didn't contain a lot of things. Only a few quills, two bottles of ink, the fifth-year textbooks for Transfiguration and History of Magic, a writing pad, a packet of sandwiches for lunch, and a bottle of water.
Harry usually would have just conjured the necessary things but the use of magic during theory examination was forbidden. And he couldn't conjure food.
His wands were secure in their holsters as he walked towards the golden gates beyond which the elevators were while keeping an eye on his surroundings in case Death Eaters decided to attack.
Harry walked the gates into the smaller hall beyond, where at least twenty lifts stood behind wrought golden grilles. He stepped into one of them along with two other wizards and a witch. One of them, a big, bearded wizard holding a large cardboard box stood next to him. The box was emitting rasping noises.
"What've you got there, Bob?" asked the witch, looking at the box.
"We're not sure," said the wizard seriously. "We thought it was a bog-standard chicken until it started breathing fire. Looks like a serious breach of the Ban on Experimental Breeding to me."
The lift started to descend before moving in all directions according to where the occupants wished to go.
Finally, after a few minutes, the automated voice declared, "Level two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Improper Use of Magic Office, Auror Headquarters, and Wizengamot Administration Services. Also, the Wizarding Education Administration office."
Harry walked out of the lift into the hall and walked down to the WEA section, specifically to Griselda Marchbanks's office. He knocked at the door and Griselda Marchbanks's voice called, "Come in."
Harry pushed the door open and walked into a sufficiently large room. There was a large desk, behind which the old lady sat, looking as regal as ever tapping her fingers on the desk.
"Good Morning, ma'am," Harry greeted.
"Potter, take a seat. I am glad you are a bit early. One should always reach the examination hall before time. Good." She said, gesturing to the seat in front of her.
Harry gave her a nod before sitting on the indicated seat.
"So, you are giving your exams early," she stated. "I won't ask you for the reasons but I hope you are prepared."
"Of course ma'am. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't." Harry replied.
"Good. Today, you are giving your transfiguration and History of magic exam. At 10 AM sharp, your exam will begin. Three hours long, and a hundred marks. After that, you can have a break for one hour for lunch. At 2 PM, you will have your practical exam for transfiguration. Let me assure you, it doesn't take long. At 3 PM, you will start your history of magic exam, three hours long and a hundred marks. At six, you can go home." She informed him.
"What if I complete the paper early?" Harry asked.
"Usually, you have to sit till the time's up. But that is because there are forty-fifty people in the exam hall at the time when we take exams at Hogwarts. So, here I'll let you go or have your practicals early. I am not giving up on my lunch break for you though."
"Fair enough."
"Good. There are still fifteen minutes left. At five minutes to ten, I'll provide you with your answer sheet. You will get the paper at ten. Before that, I'll have to check you. So get up."
"Understood ma'am," Harry said before standing up. Marchbanks waved an antenna-like device at him which glowed green a few moments later.
"Clean of chits and magical cheating devices. Good. Show me your writing material." She ordered. Harry nodded and provided her with the said things.
"Potter, keep your quills back. We will provide you with it." She said giving him the quills back. "Rest all is proper. Now sit down peacefully. Also, no use of magic is allowed during theory exams."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Excellent." She said before checking her watch. At exactly five minutes to ten, she handed him his main answer sheet, which was a booklet of parchments stitched together and Harry filled his details on the first page. Finally, when the clock struck ten, he was handed his question paper.
Section I: Answer all ten questions of the following in one or two sentences:
Question one: Draw the wand movement of the spell used to vanish objects. (1m)
Question two: Who was the first wizard or witch to publish the fundamental law of transfiguration? (1m)
The list continued. Harry smiled and began writing the answer to the questions. The paper was a cakewalk for him, considering what all he knew of the subject.
He finished the theory paper and rechecked his answers. He looked at Madame Marchbanks who was reading a sheet of paper while occasionally glancing at him.
"Ma'am, I have finished," Harry declared.
"So soon? You still have more than forty minutes."
"Yes ma'am," Harry replied, sliding his paper towards her.
"Have you rechecked your answers?" Griselda Marchbanks asked
"Twice ma'am."
"Alright then. Go out, have a walk and come in fifteen minutes later for your practicals," she said gesturing to the door. "You can leave your things here."
Harry nodded and walked out of the door and sat down on the bench outside. He closed his eyes and relaxed.
The past few weeks have been demanding. Between his preparations for the OWL exams, training a bunch of people, and his own other level training, he was usually exhausted by the end of the day.
His friends were progressing well. The most surprised he had been was from Neville's progress. In less than a month, he had turned from a shy boy into a confident young man, ready to take the mantle of Lord Longbottom one day. The incident on the first day seemed to have snapped something inside the boy. He was now the first person to get a spell down, bar a few occasions where Hermione beat him to it. His spells were powerful and destructive. He used overpowered spells to hammer his opponent. Also, he was no longer clumsy but he still preferred shielding as compared to dodging.
Hermione, on the other hand, used perfect spell casting with a small range of spells that she had selected during a duel. Her spells were always perfect in every sense when she used them. Perfectly powered, perfectly cast. And she was quick. While this was a good point of hers, she had a journey to cover as far as dueling and fighting were concerned. Her methods were usually predictable and she tended to fall into a pattern while fighting. But she would get there eventually.
Ron was doing decently. He was better than before but he had a very long way to go before Harry could trust him to hold his own in a hostile situation.
Ron's sister, Ginny, was a little bomb. She was vicious to put it simply. One wouldn't want to get hit by her spells. She was quick on her feet and dodged spells gracefully. She preferred painful spells and hexes. She was definitely good.
The Weasley twins, on the other hand, were the best when paired. They complimented each other perfectly. They were very creative when it came to duels, using a variety of spells to get their way.
Astoria was good. Not as good as her sister but better than any third year would be when she went back to Hogwarts.
Cedric was excellent. He picked up spells quickly and could apply them. His spell choice was usually on the tamer side and he preferred transfiguration as compared to curses and hexes.
Susan and Daphne were on another level altogether. Harry could trust them to hold their own. Recently, he had taken them to the adult training session where each had dueled a hit-wizard and won. Harry had particularly enjoyed that and Moody had a field day. Both of their guardians were proud to hear the news.
On a happier note, Susan had moved into Grimmauld Place along with Amelia. Harry was gladful to spend some time with her, or Daphne when she was there and had a nice snogging session with them. It did wonders to relieve his stress. They had progressed their relationship as well, though they had not gone all the way yet.
A marriage contract had been signed with Daphne on his Birthday, along with a line continuation contract for Susan, making their future together official.
His watch chimed, signaling he should be getting ready to go in. A minute later, he knocked on the door again before entering the room.
"Right on time, Mr. Potter," Griselda Marchbanks said. "Come forward and do as I instruct."
Harry nodded and stepped forth before flicking his wand in his hand as his examiner removed a goblet from her bag before filling it with water.
"Mr. Potter, please convert this water into red wine," she said, gesturing to the water. Harry nodded and flicked his wand, doing as she had asked.
"Silent casting, I am impressed," she said, before taking a sip. "Tastes good as well. Excellent. Now, convert this quill into a steel knife. The blade should be eight to ten inches in length."
Harry flicked his wand again, transfiguring the quill into an ornate knife with a dragon-head hilt with intricate carving on it. Madame Marchbanks picked the knife up before examining it. Harry could tell that she was impressed.
"Excellent work, lad. The blade's sharp and the hilt is a work of art. Next, take that hedgehog and turn it into a pincushion." Harry nodded and performed as asked. Once satisfied, she said, "Now, show me the best work of transfiguration you can muster."
Harry rubbed his neck before flicking his wand again. A second later, a life-size marble statue of Griselda Marchbanks stood next to her.
"I'll have you know that flattery will get you nowhere, but I can't deny that you are getting full marks, boy. This is excellent work. Something I haven't seen in my century of teaching. Only Albus Dumbledore did something similar but it was in his NEWT exams, not OWLS. I am impressed."
"Thank you, ma'am," Harry said.
"You can go. Come back at quarter to two for your History exam."
12th August 1995
London, England
Harry and Dumbledore appeared in a narrow alleyway in a small town near London. It was a poor neighborhood as far as Harry could tell. The whole neighborhood was unkempt with trash laying around. The houses around were old and looked on the verge of falling. The road had a few potholes and grass had grown in them.
They walked a few meters and Dumbledore stopped in front of a run-down building. An extremely run-down building that would've made Grimmauld Place look like heaven even before they had cleaned it.
It had a bare courtyard that fronted a rather grim, square building surrounded by high railings. A set of Iron gates, locked with a metallic chain guarded the place. The only problem was that the place was in an extremely deplorable condition, looking like it was on the verge of falling.
"This is Voldemort's childhood home?" Harry asked, looking at the wizened Headmaster next to him.
He nodded in response. "Wool's Orphanage. This was where he was born as well on New year's eve in 1926. Merope Gaunt died in this very place soon after he was born."
"Are you sure this place is even safe to walk in? The structure looks like a breeze would crumble it." Harry asked.
"It certainly looks that way but I hope not. It would serve as an inconvenience to us as we search for a clue of a Horcrux… Tom may have hated this place, but it was his home for eleven years. He may have hidden a Horcrux here." Dumbledore said.
Harry and the headmaster had indeed come here in search of a Horcrux. Their first mission after they had searched the Chamber of secrets a few months ago. Dumbledore had just told him that they would be going Horcrux hunting the previous day when he had just returned to Grimmauld Place after completing his last OWL exam.
Harry nodded and walked with Dumbledore towards the rusted iron gate which was securely closed with an equally rusted chain and a lock.
"There are no magical protections here," Harry said, trying to feel a trace of magic on the gate.
"Not on the gate, at least." Dumbledore agreed before tapping the lock with his wand. The lock and the chains fell and the doors started to swing open. A couple of seconds later, there was a horrible noise as one of the hinges of the right gate gave away.
The two shared a look before entering through the gates. The courtyard was completely hidden with overgrown weeds and grass was covering any sight of a path. Harry had no idea of the animals among the grass and flicked his wrist and burned the grass away within a few seconds leaving an ash-filled path. Harry saw a couple of garden snakes slithering away as well.
"Excellent, let's go," Dumbledore said before walking to the orphanage door. Harry followed closely behind.
"I can't feel any magic here sir.," Harry said and Dumbledore nodded as he unlocked the rotting door and gave it a push. Instead of swinging open, the door fell down, kicking up a cloud of dust. The duo had to move out of the way a second later, as multiple pigeons flew out.
"I am more inclined to burn the whole place down with Fiendfyre," Harry said dryly.
"Let us move inside, Harry," Dumbledore said, ignoring Harry's comment, before banishing the door aside and stepping in. Harry followed again. The inside was no better than the outside. The place was simply deplorable. Dark peeling wallpapers which had been chewed upon by rats adorned the walls.
"We should begin our search, Harry. The sooner we can finish, and hopefully find a Horcrux, the better." Dumbledore said before waving his wand. Immediately, orbs of light floated out of his wand and the dust cleared.
"Professor, can you just step a few feet away?" Harry asked. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow before taking a few steps back. Harry nodded before he began waving his wand in an intricate pattern and hissed while spinning in a clockwise direction. A moment later, Dumbledore glowed a faint green while the floating orbs of light emitted green light for a second. But nothing else of note happened.
The Headmaster shivered. "What was that, Harry?" He asked.
"A Parselmagic spell, sir. It detects active magic around the caster. I could detect magic in only one place on the second floor."
"Are you sure it is infallible?" Dumbledore asked. "Can a ward prevent it from working? Or disrupt it?"
"Only a Fidelius charm, sir," Harry said. "Or my invisibility cloak."
"A handy spell then. It certainly saves our time. Then, lead the way." Dumbledore said and Harry climbed the stone steps with Dumbledore following him. Once on the second floor, he stopped.
"Somewhere from here, sir," Harry said.
"Then I know exactly where. Tom Riddle's room. Here." Dumbledore said, walking to the second nearest door. The door was bolted and he easily opened the bolt. But the door didn't budge.
Dumbledore tapped his wand on the door before frowning and trying again. This time, the door swung open.
Harry almost gaped at what he saw. The room was loads better than the rest of the orphanage. It looked free of pest infestation and dust. The room was in almost pristine condition if the old furniture and the cracks on the gloomy wall were ignored. But there were no cobwebs or such stuff that one would expect in a room that hadn't been used for decades.
Dumbledore closed his eyes and slowly hoovered his hand near the wall, not touching it. "Runic magic," He stated.
Harry frowned. He could feel magic and even discern its general intent. But he couldn't distinguish if it was done through wand magic or runes. "How do you know that, sir? How can you tell that it is runes and not just some sort of permanent maintenance charm?"
Dumbledore smiled. "You can sense magic, correct? And even tell its general intent, if I am to guess?"
Harry nodded.
"You have already progressed a lot then, my boy. As for sensing its origin, it takes practice, especially where Runes and charms are concerned. Blood magic and such is easy to tell… a lot easier than distinguishing if magic has been done through runes or charms. Even mage-sight can not do it. Both have a similar feel to them… similar, not the same. With practice, you will be able to distinguish between the two. There is no trick, I am afraid."
"Fair enough," Harry conceded. Despite learning all he had and progressing in fields of magic that several people hadn't even heard of, Harry couldn't deny that he lacked the experience that Dumbledore had. A century of magic was no joke. He still had a long way to go.
"Harry, be careful. If in danger, apparate away. Don't worry about me." Dumbledore said and Harry raised an eyebrow.
"You think I would leave you to face it alone?"
"Harry, despite all your prowess, you are still young and my student. I have to give you safety instructions. And what I said is an order. If you have no idea of what you are facing or are unsure you can't tackle it, apparate away. If I tell you to run, you run."
"You underestimate me, sir."
"Maybe. But, still."
"Alright. If I feel I can't handle it, I'll apparate away." Harry lied. He wasn't leaving the headmaster alone to face whatever Riddle had put.
"Thank you," Dumbledore said. "Let us begin checking. Be careful not to touch anything unless you make sure it is absolutely safe even if you are going to wear those wonderful gloves you have brought." Dumbledore said as Harry removed a pair of basilisk-hide gloves.
"You are going to wear them as well, professor." He said, tossing the pair to Dumbledore. "Basilisk-hide gloves."
"I was going to wear my Dragonhide ones but, this looks better," Dumbledore said as Harry removed another pair and wore them on his hand before flicking his wand in his hand.
"Let us begin then," Dumbledore declared and they started meticulously searching for a Horcrux.
12th August 1995
12 Grimmauld Place, London
Harry appeared in the hallway of Grimmauld Place without a single sound. Dumbledore and he had been unsuccessful in finding a Horcrux… or anything for that matter. The orphanage had nothing of note left, even in Tom Riddle's room.
Dumbledore reckoned that Voldemort hadn't removed the runes he had placed in his room to keep it in pristine condition when he had left and had simply locked the door with magic when he had left the orphanage in his seventh year.
It was quite ingenious of him to use runic arrays to maintain his room while he was away. Tom Riddle was definitely a very bright and hardworking student. He had carved Runes on every wall, likely without a wand due to ministry restrictions, and powered them without letting the ministry know he was doing magic in a completely muggle building.
"Harry?" Hermione's voice called as he passed the living room. Harry walked a couple of steps back and peeked in.
"Yeah?"
"Where had you gone all this while?" Hermione asked. "We asked Sirius but he said that he didn't know as well."
"It was a small searching mission. Dumbledore and I had gone to look for something but we were unfortunately unsuccessful."
"Oh," Hermione said. "And I suppose you won't say what it was?"
"Yes, sensitive information. Really sensitive information. Even the Order doesn't have a clue of it." Harry replied and Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Well, fair enough. By the way, Susan told me that she is waiting for you in your room." She informed.
"Okay," Harry said before continuing.
"Don't do something I won't do, Harry!" Hermione called mischievously from behind.
"Fuck off," Harry said without turning back and made his way to his room.
He pushed the door open and was immediately hit with the sweet smell of roses. His room had been decorated a bit. A round table with candles had been set up in the middle with three seats surrounding the table. Daphne and Susan were nowhere to be seen but Harry knew they were in the room, waiting for him.
Harry entered the room and closed the door behind him. He removed his t-shirt, revealing the basilisk-hide vest he had worn underneath it before taking it off as well, giving the two hiding girls a show.
A couple of seconds later, he felt two pairs of arms touch him and roam over his body as the invisibility charm faded and Daphne and Susan appeared, standing next to him in a nice tight-fitting, low-cut, sleeveless dress. It showed their cleavage off and the dress ended above the knees, showing off their smooth legs.
Harry pulled them closer. "So, what's up?"
"Huh?" Susan asked, breaking out of her groping. "Oh right, we set up an impromptu date party for you as you completed your OWLs yesterday. A dinner date followed by some fun." She added suggestively.
"So," Daphne continued, trailing her fingers down his abs, "you should get ready… or I won't mind you like this."
"I won't either," Susan agreed.
"I would," Harry said with a smirk. "It would be unfair if I don't get a chance to ogle you while you ogle me."
"Prat. Go, change. You stink as well." Daphne huffed, wrinkling her nose.
"But, no need to wear a shirt if you don't want to," Susan added.
Harry grinned before going to the bathroom, shooting a wink at the girls as he closed the door.