hpml411-420

Chapter 411

Harry ground his teeth and mumbled unintelligibly about singed dog while Viktor just

laughed harder. "To answer question, we wear Seeker uniform to present united front. It

shows you are strong and determined and successful. Sleeves rolled up to show off your

tattoos further reinforcing image." He paused and shrugged. "Also, Minister is huge fan of

Quidditch."

Harry groaned as his two friends smirked at him. A few moments later the doors to the

office opened and the trio was beckoned inside. After shaking hands and sitting down the

man behind the desk started the meeting off. "Mr. Krum, Lord Potter, Lord Black, velcome

to Bulgaria. I am Minister Anton Oblansk. I do hope the portkey wasn't too bad. The

international ones can be so very nauseating at times."

Harry nodded. "Thank god I'm not alone. One day I hope to fix that issue."

"I had heard you were vorking on that. You vill certainly have me lined up at the store

should something come of it!" Anton said smiling. "Though that is neither here nor there.

Lord Black, you are Minister Bones' representative, yes?"

"That's correct," Sirius said leaning forward. Harry was pleased to note that most of the

joking nature present in his face and posture just a few moments ago had fled leaving

Sirius' expression hard and piercing. "Minister Oblansk, I am sure you're already aware,

but we've been gathering allies for the battle against Voldemort. We were hoping we

might be able to reach some agreement with your government."

Anton leaned back with his hands clasped. "I am certainly open to speaking vith you. Now

that Fudge is gone at least. Vhat has happened to the little schemer by the vay?"

The grin that crossed Sirius' face was all teeth and helped to remind the people in the

room that he had been incarcerated in Azkaban for quite some time previously. "From

what I hear Fudge had…run into some unhappy constituents."

Anton raised his eyebrows and smirked. "That is vhat you get for pitting teenagers against

manticores, chimeras and hydras. Good riddance. Bulgaria is prepared to offer three Auror

squadrons in assistance."

"Wow, just like that?" Sirius asked leaning back and blinking quickly. "What's the catch?"

"Ve'd like access to Lord Potter's exclusive rune stone stock, vith similar arrangements that

the French received. Ve vould also request that Britain assist us should a similar issue arise

in our country."

Harry and Sirius both nodded quickly. "Certainly," Harry said. "Both conditions are easy to

meet. I brought some order forms along if you wanted to take them to your Magical Law

Enforcement department after the meeting. We might be a bit behind in filling any orders

not going to the war effort though so please don't expect everything immediately."

"Of course," Anton said nodding. He leaned forward and smiled flicking his eyes between

Harry and Viktor. "Now, one more stipulation before anything is written down." A bead of

sweat dripped down Harry's back. This was going to end up embarrassing him yet again. "I

vant a personal assurance that, should you ever play a professional or exhibition Quidditch

match, I vill receive an invite to vatch. And I vant both your autographs."

Harry leaned back into his seat with a hand over his eyes groaning. Sirius and Viktor just

started laughing.

The day prior to returning to Hogwarts, Daphne strode through the main doors to

Greengrass Manor. The reverberating gong signaling the master – well mistress now – of

the grounds had arrived saw a large smile spreading over her face. Barely 16 and already

Head of her family…going after Harry, Neville and Hermione that day so long ago had been

the best decision of her life!

"Daph! You're home!" Astoria shouted as she ran up to hug her sister. "Did you sic the

goblins of Father? Or was it Harry? Or did Mum do it? Tell me please!"

"Calm down, Tori. Breathe," Daphne said smirked and patting her sister on the head. "It

was actually the goblins' idea. Harry and I certainly had no objections to it though, I'll

admit."

Astoria nodded. "I see, I see. So you're the Lady Greengrass now?" At Daphne's

confirmation Astoria quickly continued. "And you're still keeping the betrothal to Harry?"

"I am."

"Darn," Astoria mumbled. She heaved a great sigh and shrugged. "Well, at least he'll make

a cool big brother. Can I date whoever I want now?"

Daphne laughed and started to walk around her sister to head deeper into the house. "Tori,

I don't care who you date. I just draw the line at sadistic murderers. Stay away from those

types and you're free to do whatever you want."

Astoria snorted as she moved to keep pace with Daphne. "Please, I'm a Greengrass! They

should be afraid of me!" The brunette looked up at Daphne and smirked. "Especially

considering who my extended family is."

"So true, Tori, so true." Daphne stopped outside the doors to the family study and squared

her shoulders. "Are you coming in as well or do you want me to give you the highlights

later?"

Astoria frowned and narrowed her eyes at the door. "Father may have liked me better than

you, but that really doesn't mean much…you're not going to kill him are you, Daph?"

"Not unless he tries to kill me," Daphne said shaking her head. "If I had thought he would

attempt it, I would've brought backup."

Astoria sighed again. "Then I'll head up to my room. I'll see you in a bit, sis." She padded

softly down the corridor and Daphne turned back to the doors. Taking a deep breath,

Daphne stepped forward and pushed inside.

Marcus looked up as she entered and he chuckled raising his tumbler of firewhiskey to her.

"All hail the conquering Lady!" Scowling, her father tossed the drink back and poured

another glaring at the bottle as it ran dry with the glass only half filled. "Out of ruddy

liquor. Perfect. Daphne, be a good Lady of the House of get me another bottle would you?"

Daphne raised her eyebrows at him. "I can honestly say I never expected to find you drunk,

Father. Raging, certainly; murderous, possibly; utterly depressed, likely; but not drunk."

Marcus raised his head and glared at her for a moment before draining his glass and falling

back into his chair. "Of course I'm drunk. I can't kill you…hell I bloody made you! More

successful than I had ever dreamed I was there…stole my own house out from under

me…bravo girl, bravo. I didn't think you had it in you."

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Chapter 412

Daphne stepped forward crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes. "As much as I hate to

admit it, you taught me well, Father. You should have seen this coming."

He nodded and closed his eyes. "Yes I should have. Especially after you outmaneuvered me

with that bloody betrothal. Made me look like a fool and I didn't even think that you had

deeper plans…I deserve this. What do you plan to do with me and your mother now,

Daphne? Are we to 'disappear'?"

Daphne laughed though there was little humor in the sound. "Why would I go against

Mother? She has only ever helped and supported me. Unlike you."

Marcus scowled and leaned forward to glare at her again. The heavy swaying in his

movement sapped a lot of the effect. "I was making you strong and worthy to lead!"

"You were making me into a glorified baby factory! At least have the decency to admit it!"

she snarled.

"You would have had status." Marcus fell back into the seat and sighed. "Though I suppose

if Potter wins this, you'll have that anyway. Are you going to kill me, Daphne?"

Daphne almost moved to say no however she held her tongue. Her father may have been

defanged, but he could still be dangerous if his bitterness was allowed to fester. "That

depends on you, Father. As much as I dislike you…you are correct that you made me into

who I am. So if you wish to live I will require an Oath from you. You are to never harm me

or mine; you are to always pass on information that could lead to harm against us; you are

to remain out of the political arena henceforth. Do you think you can do all this, Father?"

Marcus nodded slowly. "Am I in exile as well, daughter?"

"To a degree," Daphne said. "You will live in one of the smaller houses in the countryside. I

will ensure you have a reasonable stipend to live on though it will not be to the same

standard you are used to. It won't even be close. Mother may accompany you or not as she

wishes." Daphne sighed and stood up shaking her head. "You are not evil, Father. You are

simply a bastard and a horrible parent. I don't want to hurt you, I just want you out of my

life. Stay at the cottage and keep quiet and we can both move on with our lives as we each

see fit. I'll have the necessary papers for the Oath sent over by tonight."

As she walked to the door, a shifting sound behind her saw Daphne pausing with a hand on

the handle. "You are far stronger than I ever gave you credit for, Daphne. You are more

worthy of the Greengrass Lordship than I ever was," Marcus murmured from his position

near the fire. "Don't let anyone stamp that out like I tried to do."

Daphne nodded and closed her eyes. "I won't, Father. Goodbye."

After a thoroughly uneventful train ride on, Harry and his friends filed out of their chosen

carriage and headed into the castle. Harry and Hermione immediately split off from the

others and walked hand-in-hand to the kitchen entrance. Hermione's grip on him

tightened and Harry paused and leaned over to feather his lips against her cheek. "I

promise, Mione, we'll work on getting them more rights after this is all over. Think of how

much easier it'll be if they actively participate."

Hermione sighed and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I know and I know they'll be a

huge help if they agree but…well I just hate that we have conditioned them to slavery…"

"Mione, we've been over this, House Elves have very different values and outlooks.

They're not human, you really can't treat them like they are. You've talked with Dobby and

Winky enough to know that, Mione."

"Getting rid of a lifetime of beliefs doesn't exactly happen overnight you know," Hermione

commented with a slight huff. "Just because I learned to deal with being in a multiple

relationship does not mean I have learned to deal with an entire race that actually desires

slavery. I'm working on it. Just let me be surly for a bit."

Harry nodded and patted her back. "Yes, Ma'am." Reaching out he tickled the pear and

with a small squeak, the door to the kitchens opened allowing the two teens into the

House Elf headquarters at Hogwarts. Short shouts rang out around them and a flood of

elves rushed to offer food and assistance. Harry smiled politely at them and tried to ignore

Hermione's brief grimace. "Hello, and thank you for the food, but we're actually waiting

for dinner before eating. However, Miss Granger and I do need to speak with your primary

representative for a few minutes."

Soft murmurs flowed out from the elves before most shifted back and one ancient looking

elf stepped to the front of the group bowing low. "Master Harry Potter, Mistress Hermione

Granger, I is Kilik. I is Head Elf for Hogwarts. How can Kilik be assisting you?"

Hermione took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. "Hello, Kilik, it's a pleasure to

meet you. If at all possible, we'd prefer to be addressed as Harry and Hermione though it is

of course up to you how you address us. As to what we want, we'd prefer to ask in

private."

Kilik's face took on a thoughtful bent as he cocked his head to the side and scrunched up

his mouth. After a few moments, the old elf shook his head and waved them towards a

table just behind the group. "Master Potter and Mistress Granger may speak here. Elves

have no secrets in the castle."

"Okay, we understand," Harry said taking the offered seat. "Kilik, I'm sure you're aware

that Voldemort is gathering his forces and that things will likely come to a battle sometime

before the end of the year."

"Kilik knows this, yes." The elf bobbed his head while many of the other nearby beings

twisted their hands and frowned. "Does Master Harry expect the Dark One to attack

Hogwarts?"

"I do." Harry grimaced and shook his head. "I hate to ask you this, Kilik, but we need to be

sure that the school and the students will be safe. When the attack comes would any of

the House Elves here be willing to assist in the defense efforts?"

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Chapter 413

Kilik stayed silent for a long time as did the rest of the elves. Harry couldn't help but notice

that all of the background noise had ceased – all of the House Elves in the kitchen had

drifted closer to listen in. Finally Kilik nodded his ancient head. "House Elves not supposed

to harm wizards or witches. However…to House Elves, protection of their family and home

is most sacred vow."

"Kilik," Hermione said softly. "You don't have to do anything that would make you

uncomfortable. This is not an order or it would be the Headmistress coming down here

asking you. We are asking for your help as people fighting against the darkness, not as

superiors and not as Harry Potter Savior of Elves." Hermione steadfastly ignored Harry's

brief glare. They had heard Dobby quietly referring to him as that to Winky the other day

and he'd been adamant about no one ever repeating that title near other House Elves. "If

you agree to help, please don't agree because of who we are. If you want to fight with us,

fight for yourselves, fight because it is right, fight because you want to."

The old elf smiled at her and patted her hand. "Kilik and Hogwarts' elves consider students

our family. We consider castle our home. Elves will protect family. Elves will protect

Hogwarts. When the Dark One comes, Kilik will lead elves to war."

After dinner, Harry collected Luna and moved off to his final – theoretically at least – ally

recruitment mission. He nodded to the others and took a second to collect himself as they

reached the main doors. Luna just smiled at him as he paused and looped her arm through

his, pulling him along behind her. "No need to worry, Harry. I'm sure they already know

you're coming."

"Luna," Harry said rolling his eyes and picking up his pace to keep up with her. "You can't

play the psychic card. We all already know that you aren't actually a Seer."

Luna looked at him with wide eyes and tilted her head just enough that she appeared so

innocent even Santa would cry. "I didn't say anything about seeing them being ready,

Harry." She tapped her chin with one finger before shrugging. "I did however neglect to

mention that I saw Bane and Firenze near the Forest border waving to us as the carriages

emptied."

Harry groaned and rubbed his forehead. "Luna, please warn me if you ever go into politics.

I think any session you attend in the Wizengamot would leave me with nightmares."

"Not you, Harry, just our enemies," Luna said with a spreading smile that promised pain to

anyone standing in her way.

Harry raised his eyebrows at the younger blonde. "Yup, nightmares." Luna's smile shifted

to something radiating sweetness and contentment and she hugged Harry's arm. He

reached over and patted her head suppressing a chuckle. They stopped at the edge of the

Forbidden Forest behind Hagrid's hut and waited patiently for the centaurs to arrive.

They didn't have to wait long. Less than a minute after arriving, two of the magical beings

melted out of the gloom and stepped forward to stand in front of the humans. All four

bowed slightly to each other. Not enough to show any deference or fealty, but enough to

prove mutual respect. The smaller of the centaurs pawed the ground and pointed

hesitantly at Harry. "Harry Potter. The stars have said you would come bearing ill tidings.

We have foreseen Change sweeping behind your path like a hurricane. Luna Lovegood

speaks highly of you. I am Firenze. My companion is Bane."

Harry smiled politely at them. "It's an honor to meet you Firenze, Bane. Has Luna

mentioned why we're here?"

Bane scowled and turned narrowed eyes on him. "She did not have to. Tom Riddle has

recently invaded our territory and sought out the acromantulas. We do not know what

exactly was discussed, but it is not hard to reach the correct conclusion even without

consulting the heavens. The death of Aragog before the end of the meeting certainly left

out all possible doubt."

Harry frowned at that. "Aragog?"

Firenze waved a hand to indicate the forest. "Aragog was the one rescued and raised by

Hagrid. Aragog was the sole acromantula capable of keeping his spawn tame. Aragog was

the reason the school has remained untouched. Aragog was the reason we have allowed

the monsters to remain in our forest. Now Aragog is gone. Now the spawn will swarm at

Tom Riddle's command."

Harry growled and ran a hand through his hair while Luna just sighed heavily. "One bloody

thing after another," he muttered. Looking up at the centaurs Harry spoke louder, "Firenze,

Bane, we have reason to believe that Voldemort, Tom Riddle, will attack Hogwarts in May.

If I can assure you that the acromantulas will be exterminated afterwards – one way or

another – will you agree to fight by our side during the battle?"

Firenze moved to speak, but Bane cut him off. "I wish to hear from Luna Lovegood first."

Luna nodded happily and smiled up at the two. "Certainly. Voldemort is going to try and

destroy Hogwarts. He won't stop there though, he'll raze the forest just to make certain he

kills you all. Voldemort won't do this because he cares about killing you. He'll do it because

he needs to in order to maintain his power. Voldemort is every bit as much of a monster as

the acromantulas you hate so much. Help us with our monster and we will ensure that our

friends help you with your monster."

Bane nodded and Firenze looked up at the stars just starting to twinkle in the darkening

sky. "Thank you for the candor, Luna Lovegood. Harry Potter, the stars say that you keep

the promises you make. You promise to ensure our forest is cleansed of its infestation?"

"I do," Harry said.

Firenze and Bane both bowed their heads. "Harry Potter, Luna Lovegood," Firenze

proclaimed, "you both are trustworthy and the stars have foretold that our fate would lie

in your hands. Our bows will sing at your command."

About an hour before curfew Harry walked into his mother's room – after having

thoroughly knocked and received the all-clear…several times just to be sure. He collapsed

onto the couch with a muffled groan and ran his hands through his hair. "Done. They're in.

I think we have everyone we're liable to get now."

Lily smiled and sat down next him patting her son on the leg. "Excellent. You do realize

you've not only made alliances with three separate foreign nations, but you've also

managed to gain the assistance of House Elves, centaurs and goblins? I may be Muggleborn,

but I read more than Binns' lessons…those three races haven't fought together on a single

side for four centuries. They haven't fought as our allies for nearly six."

Harry pulled one hand away from his face and cocked an eyebrow at his mother. "Way to

make me feel more normal, mum."

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Chapter 414

Lily just laughed and went to get some tea. "Harry, I am the wrong mother to go to for

normal. Physically I'm barely older than your future Lady Black. In no way are you and I

normal!"

Harry grimaced. "Please don't remind me of how weird that is. On a scale of one to

shadow panther I think we hit Giant Squid on that one."

Lily's hand hovered over the tea kettle as she turned her head to stare at Harry with wide

eyes. A moment later she just shook her head and finished with the tea. "You are one

strange child."

"Thanks," Harry said rolling his eyes. "So you're only physically older than Nym huh? How

about mentally?" he teased.

Lily set the cup in front of him with raised eyebrows and a smirk. "Really? Half the time I'm

amazed she's mature enough to tie her own shoes."

"She's not that bad," Harry laughed. "She's like, seventeen tops. Well…minimum? Anyway

yes, mum, I realize that I have a veritable army ready to fight under my banner. I just hope

it's enough."

Lily shrugged and snorted into her tea. "You obviously have developed a very poor sense of

overkill."

Harry turned to her and gestured with arms wide. "My life is overkill. I blew up a troll's

head as an eleven year old! My mind is guarded by the bloody Death Star and the

Xenomorph Queen! I have Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel on my comm stone!"

Lily laughed and held up her hands in surrender. "I give, I give! I wasn't criticizing, Harry, I

was making a comment. Besides…I like overkill. I married your father to keep him out of

trouble after all," she said smiling.

Harry shook his head at her. "You did not marry Dad just to keep him away from pranking."

"Well it was part of the reason. He also had the most beautiful hair…" Lily commented

reaching up to playfully ruffle Harry's own hair.

"Mum!"

"Spoilsport," Lily said pulled her hand back and leaning back into the couch. "I was serious

about the overkill though, Harry. I am a huge fan of it. If you're going to do something,

might as well make sure you don't have to do it a second time. If you want to secure a

home, make it a fortress. If you want to kill someone blow up their house and Fiendfyre

the ashes. If your enemy is bringing an army, bring your own five times as large. I'd almost

say we should try to ask the ICW for help, but they are rather useless for the most part

unfortunately."

Harry chuckled at that. "Agreed. Plus I think we recruited pretty much everyone we could

possibly get already."

"That you have, son. I'm proud of you, Harry," Lily said giving him a hug and a kiss on the

head.

Harry leaned against her shoulder and nodded. "Thanks, mum. That…that means a lot."

Lily could only smile at that. Until a few moments later when a stray thought crossed her

mind that she seemingly just had to voice. "What about dragons? Could we use them? It's

not true overkill until there is fire raining down from the sky."

Harry was torn between laughing and facepalming. "Mum!"

XXX

The weeks after returning to Hogwarts passed in a sort of daze for Harry. Always

dominating his thoughts were Voldemort and the uncertainty of when the attack would

come. Snape could have been fed false information. The quiet infiltrations of the country

that Amelia kept finding could be a diversion. The pattern from the past years could be

broken. Voldemort could get spooked. His allies could get spooked. So many things could

force the conflict before Harry's side was ready.

He quickly forced himself into a routine in order to avoid dwelling on the issues. They still

weighed on him, but as long as he kept busy he could keep the stress to a minimum. No

matter the horror show coming he did still have to pass his O.W.L.s after all. The one time

he'd tried to get out of it Hermione and Daphne had both ganged up on him. Hermione

was adamant about him not neglecting his studies – completely irregardless of the fact

that he could likely pass his N.E.W.T.s for Ancient Runes in Third Year and that was really

the only important class he needed for the life he planned after Hogwarts.

"Harry James Potter! No future husband of mine is going to drop out of school with one

passing grade to his name! You march back into that library and start studying, right now!"

she had yelled, her face crimson and hands clenched into fists.

"You may be content just running Potter Runes, Harry, but I plan to change our society,"

Daphne had piggybacked into the argument. "How is it going to look if I end up the

Consort of a man who couldn't even finish his O.W.L.s?"

Harry had rolled his eyes, mumbled about domineering women ruling his life and trudged

back to his revisions. He couldn't even say he disagreed with them. It had just been a nice

fantasy avoiding the tests and all…at least for the few minutes that the idea had existed…

On the weekends Harry could almost always be found in the Defense Association's training

sessions assisting Daphne and the rest with teaching the students advanced combat spells.

Sirius, McGonagall and Flitwick were proving to be extremely welcome additions to those

extra periods as their presence allowed for greater freedom with Harry's own activities

during the sessions.

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Chapter 415

In contrast, his weekdays turned rather predictable. Harry'd go to class, finish the

homework, revise for an hour, train for an hour, help Fred and George's assembly team to

craft the more complex rune schemes for an hour, then spend any remaining time in

developing potential new combat/defense runes. Unfortunately the R&D periods weren't

proving very productive beyond streamlining the creation of already existing items.

Crumpling up yet another failed design, Harry scowled and shoved his papers away. "This

is ridiculous! I'm having better luck advancing the Gold Digger than I am finishing up this

thing!"

"The Gold Digger was the one that converts lead into gold right?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. "Yeah. Figure I've got like ten to fifteen years left of work to iron out the

kinks; assuming I keep leaving it as a side project."

"Well let's hope you move it up the priority line at some point. We need to be ready for

whenever the next generation starts looking at school. You have four women who all want

children, Harry. That's going to get expensive and it'd be nice to have a backup to the

store," Hermione said. She turned a page in her book and smiled before jotting down

another note on her pad.

"Are you even listening or just appeasing my fragile male ego?"

Hermione shrugged. "Both. Probably more the latter. Did you know that Nifflers were

where wizards got the idea for an expansion charm from? Magicals were interesting in

replicating the holding ability of their pouch."

"That is very interesting, Hermione," Harry said snorting in amusement at her ability to

multitask. "Mind if I borrow that book for a few minutes? I really need to look at

something besides runes for a bit."

Hermione marked her page and passed it over with heavy sigh. "Just when I was at the

good bits too. I've been trying to figure out how Newt Scamander managed to capture a

Nundu by himself…he's horribly vague about the whole incident. Want me to take a look

at this scheme for you?"

Harry shifted the book onto his lap and blinked at his partner. "How do you avoid getting

whiplash changing topics that fast?" At Hermione's arched eyebrows, Harry rolled his eyes

and passed her his own work. "I was trying to make a stone that would let me rapidly

shoot out multiple Yamato Cannons. Failing that, at least maybe just smaller balls of

energy rapid fire. I'm starting to think it's just not possible without getting more exotic

materials."

"Have you considered metal options?"

Harry nodded as he flipped through the pages to try and find an interesting article. "Yeah.

The magic doesn't work well with the metal. Ends up completely shorting out the entire

scheme. Shiva hasn't mentioned that in class?"

Hermione sighed and nudged his side. "Of course she's mentioned that. I just thought

maybe you could use that shorting effect to channel the energy without breaking the

stone."

Harry looked up at her and frowned tapping his finger as he considered that option. After

several moments he shook his head. "No, I don't think it would work. The energy wouldn't

be able to properly form into a coherent matrix before shorting out. Good idea though,

Mione."

Both students nodded and turned back their respective work. Harry finally found an article

that seemed promising and started reading. His frown returned in full force before he was

halfway through the article and he was openly scowling as he starting into the last part.

Coco started to bump into his foot repeatedly, squeaking out worried huffs as Harry

finished the article and slammed the book closed. Standing up he left it on the seat behind

him and sidestepped the little snorkack. Hermione's head rose to stare at him as he started

walking quickly to the portrait hole. "Harry? What's wrong?"

"Nothing, thank god!" Harry yelled over his shoulder. "I'm going to see Shiva for a few

minutes. I'll be back before curfew. Probably."

As the entrance started to swing closed again, Harry heard Hermione say to Luna, "He was

on this page I think. What's an Obscurus?"

Harry hurried along the corridors and coming to a stop in front of the door to Shiva's office

he started knocking insistently. A muffled, "Give me a minute!" sounded from the other

side. Harry just kept knocking trying to calm his roiling stomach and stop his tattoos from

itching. "Jeez, I'm here, I'm here! Who wants what?" Shiva asked yanking the door open.

As soon as the there was enough clearance Harry leapt forward and wrapped his arms

around the woman. "Harry? What's wrong, kid?" Shiva patted his back and awkwardly

stepped back into the room flicking the door closed as she dragged him fully into her

quarters. "Lils, it's Harry. You should put some clothes on."

"Roger," Lily's muffled voice said through the closed bedroom door. Harry dimly noticed

that Shiva was in a bathrobe and shorts though he couldn't really be bothered to care all

that much.

"Hey, kid, what's wrong?" Shiva asked gently lifting Harry's face from her chest and wiping

a finger down his cheek. He hadn't even realized he'd been crying until then…

"Thank you," he whispered and buried his head into his adoptive mother again. "Thank

you!"

The bedroom door opened and Lily came out with a small frown. "Harry?"

"I got this, Lils," Shiva said waving the other woman to the couch. "What am I being

thanked for, kid?"

Harry strangled the manic laugh that tried to bubble out though he didn't quite manage to

catch it all. He took a few deep breathes and when he was sure he wouldn't devolve into a

blubbering mess he said, "You got me away from the Dursleys. I…I never realized how bad

it could've been. I've always said I was fine. I've always avoided talking about them. About

how much I hated being different and getting punished for something I couldn't control

and didn't understand. I never knew that…I didn't…I could've…thank you, Shiva!" He felt

the tears start streaking down his face this time. "Thank you!"

Harry felt a third hand settle onto his back and knew his other mother had left the couch.

"What prompted this, Harry? Did someone say something?"

"I read about Obscurials," Harry said softly. A gasp from above him and a tightening of

Shiva's arms told him he didn't need to explain further.

"Goddess, I never even thought of that…" Shiva muttered. "Lily, when a magical child

actively suppresses their magic due to mental or physical trauma it bottles up like a

volcano. Given enough time, enough pain and enough power the child becomes an

Obscurial releasing a destructive rage force called an Obscurus. There's…never been a

documented case of someone surviving that for long and only one who even managed

lived past ten that I know of…"

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Chapter 416

That annoying, manic laugh escaped Harry's control as he shook his head. He felt his

mothers' hands tightening on him more. "We all know the rules don't tend to apply to me.

I would've been the second case of that probably…Good thing Vernon usually stayed away

from actual beating huh? There probably wouldn't have even been a Privet Drive…"

"Ariana," Lily whispered. Harry felt her shake for a moment before she moved to envelop

the other two. "Yet another thing my family owes you apparently, Shiva."

Shiva stayed silent for a long time. Eventually all three seemed to calm down enough for

her to say quietly, "Once Voldemort is gone, those relatives are following right along in his

wake, kid. I promise you that."

The next day, was the regular DA meeting though Tonks had stopped by to help out for a

bit this time. Harry'd given Hermione and Luna a brief, heavily edited, explanation of why

he'd run off the night prior and proceeded to use the perfectly timed meeting to take out

some of his remaining stress. His spells were more powerful, his casting faster, his runes

more prone to breaking, his tattoos more itchy…he'd even swapped into Midnight for a

few minutes to practice jumping between the shadows of different people in the room.

Breathing hard Harry finally sat down on a bench to take a break when Su came up to him.

"Someone's worked up," she said arms crossed and eyebrows raised.

Harry shrugged. "It's not really a secret. Just needed to work through some stuff."

Su shrugged. "You make the mistake of thinking I'm criticizing. I'm not. I think this is a good

time to step up your dagger lessons if you're game. You channel that energy into your

stances and movements and we'll make you into a martial master in addition to a rune

master and a duel master."

"I don't need to be a master at hand-to-hand, Su," Harry chuckled. "I just need to hold my

own. "Master is a bit out of my reach for the time we have."

Su rolled her eyes and yanked him to his feet pushing him towards the little section where

she taught her – admittedly small – group. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just grab the black and

silver ones. Colin's up to this point too so you two are facing off against each other. Harry,

use your longer reach. Colin, use your agility and size."

The older Creevy brother nodded to Su. He cast a nervous smile at Harry which Harry

quickly returned. "Ready, Harry?" Harry nodded and they set off.

The fight was hard. Harry was used to firing off spells while he jumped around the

battlefield yet for this they were going without wands or magic of any sort. Colin actually

had a bit of an advantage because of his slightly higher speed and his smaller build

presented a reduced target. Harry finally managed to get in a jab to the stomach at the

same time that Colin skidded and slashed across Harry's inner thigh.

"And goal!" Su called. Both students helped each other up and Su came over shaking her

head. "Not bad overall, but the aim is to survive. A pyrrhic victory isn't a true win.

Gryffindors…getting killed while you strike the lethal blow is not a good strategy. Work on

shifting the opponent's lunging blade with one dagger and striking with the other for next

time guys."

As Su walked away, Colin visibly gulped and turned to Harry shuffling his feet. "Harry, um,

can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, Colin. What's up?"

"Well, you see I was wondering if…It's just that…Would you go to Hogsmeade with me?!"

Colin finished in a rush, his cheeks flaring crimson.

Harry sighed and shook his head. "I'm sorry, Colin, you're a really nice guy, but I'm already

dating four people that I love very much. I'm not planning to break anything off with any of

them at this point in our lives."

Colin grimaced. "I figured. Just wanted to be sure, you know…did I ever have a chance?

Maybe if I'd asked earlier? You know…before the whole thing with Daphne?"

"Err," Harry fumbled for an easy way to put it and came up blank. Running his hand

through his hair Harry decided it was probably better to just rip the band-aid off. "I don't

really think so, Colin. I just don't really swing that way…I'm sorry…"

"It's not your fault," Colin said his lips widening into a semblance of a smile. "We're born

how we're born. Thanks for being straight with me, Harry." He walked a few feet away and

stopped to turn back with a frown etched across his features. "I can still keep taking

pictures though right? I promise they're all innocent and um well um – "

"Sure, Colin, you can keep taking pictures when mood strikes you as long as they are

wholesome," Harry said rolling his eyes. Keeping the younger boy away from his camera

for even a day would probably win Fred and George some money, but Harry wasn't going

to be the one to dash that hobby. Colin smiled widely and nodded hurrying off.

Harry had just put the knives back into their sheathes when Daphne called the group's

attention. "Okay, everyone is doing very well. I want you all to keep practicing what we

learned today. Next week's class is cancelled for Fifth and Seventh Years in order to allow

them a final study weekend." Harry snorted at that. He still wasn't sure whether that had

been Daphne's or Hermione's idea though he could see both reaching that conclusion

independently considering their class ranking. "Professors Black, Flitwick, Potter and

McGonagall have all offered extended office hours throughout the week in order to make

up for the lost time. Have a pleasant evening and don't hesitate to ask one of your peers

for assistance if required!"

The group started to file out of the Room while Harry continued to clean up the area near

him. Tonks threaded out of the throng and paced over to him. "You know, the Room resets

all that stuff the next time we open it up, Wonder Boy."

"Still seems like we should clean-up though," Harry said shrugging. "It only takes an extra

few minutes."

"Well let me help then," Tonks said picking up some of the mats and lugging them into the

corner. They worked in comfortable silence for a few minutes as the last of the DA

members left. When it was just the two of them left Tonks asked, "So...what got you so

worked up last night? Hermione mentioned it to me this morning."

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Chapter 417

Harry grimaced and shrugged. "Guess that's why you showed up to help with the training

today?"

"That and the war council meeting in the afternoon," Tonks agreed with a smirk. "It's not

always about you, Wonder Boy."

"Oh really?" Harry's raised eyebrows and askance glance had them both laughing in short

order. Coming down from the amusement Harry shrugged again. "Honestly, Nym, it's not

that big of a deal. I was reading Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and found the

article about Obscurials is all."

Tonks frowned at that. "I remember hearing something about that in training...some sort

of super powerful, invisible raw magic force or something?"

"Something like that. That's the Obscurus itself. The Obscurial is the wizard releasing it.

Basically repressing your magic while still young leads to bad things. And death," Harry

said. He leaned against the wall folding his arms across his chest. "I just got spooked that

that could've been me if Vernon had gone one step further or if Shiva hadn't gotten me out

when she did is all."

Tonks nodded and stepped forward to lightly kiss him. "See, not so bad talking about your

feelings is it?"

"You should take your own advice sometimes, Nym," Harry replied with a low chuckle

snaking his arms around her waist and pulling her against him. He sighed at the feeling of

her pressing close. "This is nice."

"It better be nice, Wonder Boy," Tonks murmured, smirking in amusement. She pulled back

and tilted her head to look at him with a playful grin. "You need to loosen up and relax a

bit, Harry. You're way too worked up. Close your eyes for a minute, I've got a surprise for

you."

Harry raised his eyebrows in question, but did as he was told. He found it was best not to

try and predict what his partner was up to. He felt Tonks pull away and heard a rustling of

fabric, followed by a muffled curse as a dull thump sounded. "You okay, Nym?" he asked

cocking his head curiously.

A grumble was the answer, before she spoke up. "Don't mind me, the crash dummy and I

got into a disagreement," Tonks said. "Ah, much better. You can open your eyes now,

Harry."

\/

MATURE SCENE BELOW

\/

As Harry cracked his lids, it was all he could do to not drop his mouth open at her. Tonks

had tossed most of her clothing onto the mats in the corner leaving her clad in just her

combat boots, fingerless gloves and black thong. Her toned voluptuous legs, firm bum and

athletic form weren't the product of any sort of metamorphic talent, he knew. He'd seen

her enough to know that Tonks' sensuous form was the result of real hard work. Harry

licked his lips as she paced closer swaying her hips seductively.

The image of beauty broke somewhat as Tonks' boot caught on something and she

squawked indignantly, flying forwards through the air. Harry reached out and caught her

slamming them both into the wall behind him. Looking at Tonks glaring at the mat behind

her Harry couldn't help laughing which soon set her off as well. "You and your clumsiness,"

Harry murmured brushing a lock of pink hair out of her eyes.

Tonks' lips lifted into a rueful smile as she shrugged. "What can I say, the Room apparently

has it out for me. At least my hero was here to catch me." She shook her head and the hair

in his hand switched into cascading gold flowing down her back. Tonks lifted a hand and

held it over her forehead in mock theatrics. "Oh my prince! You have rescued me from the

horrific fate of the evil Room!"

Harry's laugh shook them both and he shook his head lightly kissing Tonks' hand. "Sorry,

luv, the innocent princess thing just does not work with combat boots and gloves on."

Tonks eyed him and rolled her eyes in amusement, shifting back into short blue hair and

pulling back to stand up. "Well I could always switch to Tracey I suppose. She's a strong

type, I could see her in boots." Tonks posed with one arm behind her back and settled into

a low stance. "What do you think?"

Harry hurriedly shook his head. "Please don't give me ideas. I'm fine, I really don't need to

see Tracey naked."

Tonks tapped his chin with a smirk and raised eyebrows. "Hmm, well anyone else you got

the hots to see under their clothes? One of your Chaser friends perhaps?"

He sighed, exasperated. "Nym, I'm dating four girls including one who can constantly shift

little things here and there to always be someone ever so slightly different. I don't need to

fantasize about anyone else."

"Spoilsport," Tonks said shaking her head. "Well, one day I'll wheedle your fantasy out of

you. Or I'll switch to Fleur and you can have two of the girl at once. There's an idea…"

Harry stepped forward and placed a hand behind Tonks' head gently pulling her into a

deep kiss. When their tongues started to twine against each other Harry pulled back and

kissed her nose ignoring the mewl of protest. "Just because I don't ask for changes doesn't

mean you have to search for ones, Nym."

"I know. But it's fun being able to choose to shift for you, Harry. You don't ask, which

makes it my choice. I'll stay me for this time."

"Fully you or this you?" he asked.

"This me. I still don't really like my default you know."

Harry shrugged. "Nice breasts though," he said with a smirk.

Tonks rolled her eyes and stepped into him letting her chest drop down into the B range.

"Just for that mister you get to play with them smaller today."

Harry laughed as Tonks started to pull his shirt over his head. "Someone's eager."

"Someone is talking far too much and ignoring his randy partner," she returned sticking her

tongue out at him and proceeding to remove his shoes and trousers in record time. Her

boots were kicked off and joined the growing pile as she let Harry drop them both to the

few mats still on the floor.

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Chapter 418

"Did you already cast the contraceptive charm, Nym?" Harry asked lightly kissing her neck.

"On the potion, Wonder Boy," she breathed out suppressing a shudder at the tingling from

his lips. "But yeah. Door's locked and silenced too."

"Good," Harry murmured. He lifted his head and without warning shifted one arm

underneath her arse and leaned forward laying Tonks out flat on the mat. Her brief protest

died as he shifted his mouth onto her nipple gently rolling it between his tongue and

grazing it with his teeth. He couldn't help but wonder if the piercings there shifted as she

did to avoid discomfort; the tiny bar certainly looked like it had to adjust slightly if she

altered her breasts too much. Unaware of his musing, Tonks gasped and wrapped her arms

around his head. Harry didn't let her keep him trapped there for long though and quickly

started to trail kisses down her delightfully muscular stomach.

Reaching her damp center soon enough, Harry lifted his head to meet her eyes. Tonks'

bright green irises stared back at him and his smile widened. Her irises always seemed to

shift to match him when he'd gotten her ramped up. Diving down between her legs, Harry,

ran his tongue briefly along her lower lips until he found the small button at the top. Tonks'

moan of pleasure, and slight tremble, was enough to let him know he was in the right spot.

Smirking to himself, Harry shifted his thoughts so that the next words he spoken were in

Parseltongue.

He didn't say anything that made sense – he'd long ago learned that simply humming in

the language or murmuring sweet nothings was more than enough to satisfy the girls. His

tongue rapidly vibrated back and forth with the hisses and flicks. Tonks gasped and

clutched his hair with her hands pulling him against her harder and her legs wrapped

around his shoulders. "Merlin! I swear, men were behind vilifying Parseltongue! No

woman would ever speak out against this!" She shuddered and bucked underneath him

reaching release ridiculously quickly and dampening his lips somewhat.

Slowly easing off his humming, Harry unwrapped Tonks' legs from his shoulders and

crawled up her body placing soft kisses as he went. He spent a moment on each breast

before returning to her mouth and plunging his tongue inside to do battle with hers. Tonks

responded eagerly flinging her arms around his neck and wrapping her legs back around

his arse. She pulled him into her and shifted her body subtly to make them fit better

together. Pulling back Harry murmured, "Not interested in me teasing you today then?"

"Screw teasing, just fuck me, Harry, please!" Tonks whispered taking his ear into her

mouth and nibbling.

Harry suppressed his own grunt of approval as he pushed his hips back far enough so when

he bucked forward again he entered her with a muffled clap. Tonks moaned loud in

appreciation and Harry couldn't help the answering one from his own mouth. He'd only

gotten in a few thrusts before Tonks was shuddering underneath him again and her arms

clamped around him hard enough to bruise, mewling piteously. Harry lifted his head and

kissed her nose as she came down from her high, continuing his slow thrusts. "You cheat."

"Hey if you've got the power, use it," Tonks said, between gasping breaths. "Just because I

can extend my – uh! – G-spot a tad to make sure you hit doesn't – mmph! – mean I'm

cheating per se…" She protested grunting slightly as they continued.

He chuckled. "You're cheating. Wait til I tell Mione."

Tonks moaned again clutching him tighter. "I look forward to it, Wonder Boy."

Chuckling Harry pulled back bringing her with him as he sat up. Tonks ended up in his lap

still seated firmly around his length and mewling in satisfaction. "Ride me," Harry

whispered into her ear.

No further encouragement was needed as Tonks started bouncing up and down

enthusiastically, her breasts moving with her pleasantly as she went. Harry managed to get

one nipple back into his mouth long enough to flick at it with some more with

Parseltongue. He hummed gently sending a shiver of pleasure resounding through Tonks'

body. Harry felt her shudder again and then cry out. He let her breast pop back out of his

mouth. He could feel his own release building up, but it wasn't quite enough yet.

An idea striking across his mind, Harry grinned. He leaned back and gently prodded Tonks.

"Stand up and turn around, Nym." She quickly complied on legs that were shaking ever so

slightly. As his partner knelt down to plant herself on him again, Harry lifted up to meet

her halfway. As soon as he was buried back inside her wet folds, Harry immediately rose to

his knees and, leaning a hand on her back, pushed her forward onto all fours. Tonks

groaned in appreciation of the new angle as Harry started thrusting again.

He watched the beautiful arc of her back and leaned over to kiss the space between her

shoulder blades while reaching around to grab a hold of her swaying breasts. He enjoyed

the sensation of some of her slick lubrication dripping along his shaft and off his bollocks,

reveling in knowing how much he was pleasing her. This time, when Tonks started

shuddering underneath him – even more strongly than before – her legs gave out

completely and she collapsed to the ground moaning long and loud as she clenched

around him. Her climax, massaging his length with her fluttering spasms, sent Harry over

the edge and he bit down gently on her neck. Groaning into his lover's tender flesh, Harry

let loose inside her repeatedly, before he let his weight settle onto her back. Panting

heavily, his manhood still inside her, Harry gently leaned up enough to kiss Tonks' flushed

cheek and the edge of her mouth as she turned her head. "Bloody hell, Nym, you need to

visit more often!" he gasped.

She chuckled, rolling over with some effort and poking him gently in the chest. Blowing a

strand of sweaty hair out of her face. "You're just saying that because, you…" she teased

her finger down his chest tantalizingly, "just got laid."

He snorted in amusement, and she reached down with one hand to tease her button a

little while the other massaged one of her breasts. "Want to go again?" she asked

hopefully.

Harry chuckled. "You are incorrigible." He sighed as he sank into her properly once again,

"But yes, I would enjoy that quite a bit I think," he laughed.

She groaned, panting slightly as he bumped over her G-spot and rubbed against her cervix.

"Best boyfriend ever," Tonks moaned happily in reply, quivering in anticipation.

MATURE SCENE ENDS

After another few hours with Tonks, both she and Harry cleaned up and briefly left the

Room in order to reset it to the Conference configuration. They opened the door just as

Hermione, Luna, Daphne and Tracey turned the corner. Tracey smirked at the couple and

wiggled her eyebrows. "Wow, that's a pretty good time-span you two. No wonder Harry

can satisfy you all."

Harry's face turned crimson while Tonks just grinned wide. "You better believe he can. We

all know you're jealous Trace."

Luna shrugged. "No she isn't. I can keep up." That effectively killed the conversation as

Tracey just smirked and the others tried to think of something besides what Luna was like

in bed.

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Chapter 419

Harry managed to get his blush under control as the rest of the core group filed into the

room and took their seats around the table. As Sirius sat down he nodded to the others.

"Amy can't make it so I'll fill her in later. Anyone feel like starting?"

"I'll go," Harry said standing up. "Before we start with the main meeting, I want to go over

two things. First, Bane passed on word that we've found the main Acromantula nest. Are

we still sure we don't want to take out that threat immediately?"

Lily grimaced and nodded along with McGonagall and Flitwick. "Unfortunately, yes. I've

dealt with this in the last war; if we attack one of the elements he'll retaliate with the full

force immediately. We've made that mistake before and it cost us dearly. We simply can't

risk it."

Harry sighed and nodded. "Well, at least we have a target for once they start the attack."

The others nodded around him. "Alright then, second issue. How sure are we of the

timetable? I know that Snape is giving us all he can, but are we certain that Voldemort is

feeding him correct intel? It probably isn't too hard to figure out that Snape is a spy…"

Flitwick shrugged. "Honestly, that is somewhat immaterial. Voldemort can know Snape is a

spy all day long, but it's simply impossible to craft a large scale assault for a particular

window and have a single individual expecting a different time frame. Magic can do quite a

bit, but not that. Also…we know he will either attack prior to, or after the end of, the

O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s. Riddle is smart enough to know that there would be far too many

additional skilled adult defenders should he choose that specific week."

Harry nodded again. "Okay. Fred, George, how's our production looking?"

The twins saluted with matching grins. "On track partner. The last set of items just started

being put together this morning. We should be delivering the final crate to the troops in a

few days. All that's left are the main castle defenses."

"I got those covered already," Shiva said. "The rune clusters are primed and the standalone

comm relays are already set up. Each station is linked to Auror Headquarters as well as to

Potter Manor in case we need to evacuate to the second front. Gringotts has a tie-in too as

do the French, Australian and Bulgarian Ministries. All central stones are large enough to

maintain active links with the entire network for about two hours before we have to shut

some down to avoid burnout."

"The defenses themselves are Mortar Circles on the ramparts?" Harry asked.

"Yup. Bill and I," Shiva said waving a hand towards the other seated Weasley, "managed to

get them tied into the main castle wards so they'll leech the power from the ambient

magic instead of having to latch onto the ley lines."

McGonagall grunted her agreement. "I've personally ensured that all castle Prefects are

fluent in their use."

Harry nodded. "Good. We have evacuation routes set up through the Chamber and this

room. Students can portkey out directly from the Chamber since it's outside the main

protections though if they come here they'll have to be partway into the created tunnel in

order to get outside the boundaries. All our allies have reported in ready as well." He

looked around at the group before plowing ahead. "Now for the topic that we really need

to hit on…Nagini."

Remus, Tonks and Sirius all scowled while a light pattering of feathers briefly showed on

Fleur's arm before absorbing back into her skin. The rest in the room just narrowed their

eyes and waited. "Voldemort isn't stupid. Insane, yes, but not stupid. There is a chance

that he won't bring her along…" Harry said hesitantly. "We know he wears the ring so that

isn't a problem, but if we do end up killing the bastard without getting the snake…"

Sirius shook his head. "I say we still off him. Took the arsehole over a decade to cobble

together a body again. We'll be able to find and destroy the stupid slithering wonder by

then."

Flitwick snorted. "Why push our luck? We should aim to capture him instead in order to be

certain. There is precious little information that says what may happen should the

Horcruxes be destroyed while Voldemort's spirit is ephemeral. There is every chance he

will remain and we will be forced to tangle with the monster yet again."

"And just how are we supposed to capture him?" Remus asked waving for Flitwick to fill

them in on the grand plan.

Harry took charge of the conversation before anyone else could start bickering. "I think I'll

be able to if we have to." All pairs of eyes snapped to him and any murmurs ceased

immediately. Harry closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. He stood

straighter and faced his friends and allies. "Look, let's be realistic here. He has decades of

experience on me. I've held my own until now and I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve and

on my bandolier however Voldemort still has a reputation for being one of the strongest

wizards of the age for a reason. I'm confident that I can pull out ahead and take him out.

However…I'm fairly certain that even my strongest attacks won't kill him in a single shot. I

plan on being able to wind him or knock him senseless, but I doubt I'll be unintentionally

killing him. Get me next to him and I'll get him on the ground for capture."

A few grimaces greeted that response though most of the people present sighed and

nodded. Millicent was the first to speak up about the potential flaws. "So if we manage

that, then how do we keep him down?"

Daphne stood, her expression frozen into her Ice Queen persona. Harry had to hold himself

back from reached out to grasp her hand seeing that. His eyes briefly met Tracey's to find

the other girl in a similarly conflicted position with her own fists balled and her lips set into

a thin line. "We prevent him from using magic to the best extent we can." Daphne held up

a hand to stop anyone from interrupting her as she forged on. "Voldemort is skilled in

wandless magic so simply destroying his wand is not enough. We need to amputate his

limbs after we capture him. Arms and legs both. Wandless magic is still possible at that

point, but only after weeks or years of practice. It will be enough time for us to delve into

his mind and ascertain the location of the snake."

Lavender held up a questioning hand and waited for Harry to wave her on before she

started to speak. "Um, so if we have him in our custody at that point, rather than cutting

off all his limbs…" she turned slightly green and had to pause for a second as she gagged.

"Rather than amputating, why don't we just obliviate him? Make him into the next

Lockhart. The man can finally speak again from what I hear, but he's barely at the toddler

level."

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Chapter 420

Padma shook her head. "It's a good idea, Lav, but it's too risky. We'd be leaving a Horcrux

out there and if that thing managed to leech enough strength from Nagini it could come

back and re-embody like the diary one tried to do. Voldemort probably locked the snake

under a Fidelius with himself as Secret Keeper."

"Anyone know what happens when the Secret Keeper forgets the secret?" Su asked

frowning.

Lily sighed. "The secret remains protected unfortunately. The charm doesn't break until the

Secret Keeper dies and even then it only splinters into the remaining personnel who

previously knew the secret. Once that second set dies, the Fidelius permanently falls."

Parvati paled. "Bugger. So since Voldemort can't die without Nagini dying first…that's a

brilliant defense…"

Harry quickly shook his head and started speaking again before anyone could lose hope.

"It's good, but it's not foolproof. If he's still able to keep out all the interrogators I'll figure

out a way to get the information out of him with a rune. It'll all be a moot point though if

he's confident enough to take the snake with him."

"Or paranoid enough," Hermione said. Many questioning glances found her leading the

brunette to shrug. "Tom Riddle's primary trait beyond a need to gain control of everything

around him has always been paranoia. With so many of his safeguards confirmed

destroyed…there is not insufficient reason to suspect that he will be afraid to ever let the

snake out of his sight. Instead of searching for a hidden house we will merely have to

contend with felling whatever cage he has erected around Nagini when he arrives with her

in tow."

Fleur's grin had a distinct edge to it that could probably chill the heart of any demon it was

directed at. "Leave zat to me. Between curse breaking and ze passionfyre I will have ze

Horcrux destroyed in short order. Simply keep his attention off of me for a few minutes."

"I got that," Harry said directing a large smile and thankful gesture to his partner. "You'll

have all the time you need, Fleur. Now, was there anything else anyone felt immediately

pressing for the group?"

As specifics were discussed Harry looked around the room at his friends. If someone had

told him five years ago that he'd wind up surrounded by some of the most loyal and

competent people in the country, calling them all friends and trusting his life and the lives

of others to them…he'd have called that person insane and laughed in their face.

What a difference having a family had made.

Harry looked over the people arrayed throughout the Great Hall and gulped. He had never

been so thankful for the experiences of previous years – and the tutoring of his more

politically aligned partners. Standing in front of dozens, no, hundreds of people from

varying nationalities and races was always going to be intimidating. Without the prior

boons he'd likely have been quailing under such attention. That certainly wouldn't have

looked good considering he was supposed to be their general…

"I appreciate everyone being willing to stay in the castle's guest quarters for the next three

weeks," Harry said, his voice carrying to all corners of the room. A series of nods and

smirks answered him. "The O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s start next week so we expect the attack

to come shortly. Please ensure you remain within the assigned areas to maintain the

secrecy of your presence."

One of the Australian volunteers waved two fingers in the air and called out, "Question,

mate, how sure are you about the loyalty of the rest of the students not in the room?"

Harry grimaced and leaned back against the desk to prevent himself from shrugging. His

mother shifted slightly from her position nearby and stood up beside him. Lily nodded

towards the Australian Auror before replying, "We're pretty sure that most of the people

who would betray us have already been kicked out or are otherwise too wary to do/say

anything. Just to be safe though we are asking you to remain within your assigned sections

until the operation commences. Only people who have been properly vetted will be

trafficking those areas."

A goblin frowned in response. "Will we be required to berth above ground, Lady Potter,

Warrior Potter?"

"No," Harry said shaking his head as Lily resumed her earlier position and left the floor to

him. "The goblins have an area near the Chamber of Secrets actually. We found a side

tunnel that is still within the main Hogwarts wards. Now to go over some of the major

items you should've recently received." Harry paused to ensure that everyone was paying

attention.

"The robes that are being handed out now are called Armor Robes," he said gesturing to

parcels that Fred, George and Lee were distributing. "They are a bit heavier than regular

robes so I recommend practicing with them in order to get used to the extra weight. They'll

shield you from a few spells; though if too many hit it in short order or if a spell is too

powerful, the robes will disintegrate." A few snickers greeted that pronouncement and

Harry barely managed to prevent his face from blushing red.

One goblin held up his hand and at Harry's nod asked, "Warrior Potter, is the damage from

spells cumulative or will the armor regenerate after a time?"

Harry frowned. "It's not so much a regeneration as a recharge. The robes work because of

runic inscriptions on the stone inlays. As long as you allow enough time for the runes to

bleed off the energy they've absorbed you'll be fine."

Su's hand was the next to rise only barely beating out Viktor. "Harry, you said a single

strong spell would cause it to be overload. What type of strength range are we speaking

of?"

"Fred?" Harry said nodding for the Weasley twin to take that question.

"From our bench test, any spells up to the Sixth Year curriculum can be taken up to three

times in five seconds before catastrophic failure. Seventh Year spells drop that to two

spells in five seconds. Anything Fourth Year and up that is relatively overpowered will also

lead to immediate failure. Same with most of the dark spells. You'll be able to block a

single bone-breaker or blood-boiling curse for example, but expect to be running around in

whatever you have on underneath afterwards," Fred said no trace of his usual joking.

George jumped in on his twin's heels. "And for the love Merlin people do not think that

this can tank a Cruciatus or Killing Curse. Both will shred through it like parchment."

Lee held up one finger and grinned. "Ironically, it actually can block a single Imperio. Make

of that what you will."

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