"Alright, you're clear," a deep voice intoned toward a kindly old man as he passed through a tiny entrance at the Ministry of Magic. The tag on his vest said magical maintenance but the auror on duty had to inspect all incoming traffic regardless. The old man continued about his business idly picking up scattered trash along the way. He supposed he could use a spell just as easily, but he found that he enjoyed the exercise. He also hadn't had to buy a copy of any major newspaper in the last twenty years. It was amazing how much people tossed away that was still perfectly usable. He glanced at the Prophet's headline, another jab at Dumbledore as usual.
He snorted as he continued along reading the paper. Dumbledore was the only thing that stopped Voldemort from taking over the last time around. If it hadn't been for him the Dark Lord would have succeeded in conquering the world before the Potter boy had even been born, but the Ministry just didn't like anything it couldn't control. The old janitor rounded a corner and came upon an elderly wizard in deep purple robes.
"The Minister will see you now, sir." A voice came from inside an open door. The tall figure replaced an odd looking golden watch into his clothing before stepping into the room and disappearing from sight.
The walk back from Kings Cross was uneventful for Harry. Hermione had hugged them all good-bye before apparating back to her home. Mad Eye and Remus were the escort that had drawn the duty of taking them all back to Grimmauld Place. Harry figured that they'd be happy to get out and about but both of them seemed pretty dour. Harry decided that the increasing escalation of the war must be taking its toll on their endurance.
It was getting dark when they arrived and there were very few people at Grimmauld Place. Harry quickly stowed the things he had brought with him and descended the stone staircase that led to the potion room. He didn't think that the ingredient he needed for the petrifaction potion was in there and after a bit of searching he was convinced that he was correct.
When Harry made his way back upstairs he found that Remus had went out and only old Mad Eye was left sitting nervously as if he expected an attack at any moment. Having had prior experience with Mad Eye's cooking Harry made himself, Ron, and Ginny some sandwiches. After the three had finished eating they retired to their respective rooms to get some rest. Harry hadn't been asleep long when Hermione fell asleep too and joined his dream.
"Enjoying your first night of vacation?" Harry asked her.
"Yes, well enough. Its good to see Mum and Dad again even though I didn't miss them nearly so much this term thanks to your lovely mirror," Hermione said.
"I'm glad you can talk to them whenever you like. So are you going to come over tomorrow?" Harry asked.
"Yes, we've got tons of stuff to do. We need to talk to Fred and George about recruiting for the Bearers of the Light." Hermione said.
"Assuming they join. We need to get the essence of basilisk for the petrifaction potion too," Harry reminded her.
"I also wanted to look through the library again. I'm sure there are tons of things in there that we'll find more useful now than we did during the summer." Hermione said. Harry grinned at her typical eagerness to reacquaint herself with a library. They chatted all through the night about their plans for the Light Bearers, new potion experiments, the latest news from the government press, and the Order's unusually low key behavior.
Harry awoke refreshed the next morning and feeling ready to accomplish things. It was an exuberant feeling that he hadn't felt often since Sirius had died but one that a long night's talk with Hermione seemed to be able to bring out in him.
"Kreacher?" Harry said into the empty room. There was a faint popping sound as the old elf appeared in the dark room.
"Master, how can Kreacher be serving you?" he asked reverently. Harry was shocked at the tone of the elf. He had heard Kreacher use that kind of simpering admiration before toward his old mistress Mrs. Black, Sirius' mother. Harry decided that the elf's curious change of attitude needed investigation but there was no reason too not to forge ahead with his question.
"Can the anti-apparation wards in the house be altered to admit additional people?" Harry asked.
"Of course Master, Kreacher can be making all the adjustments," Kreacher replied.
"Good, then I need you to add myself, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger so that we can disapparate and apparate at will," Harry commanded.
"Master can already apparate, wards never block Master, but why would Master wish for blood traitor and mudblood to gain access to his home?" Kreacher asked darkly.
Harry felt something begin to click in his mind about Kreacher's new attitude so he decided to give him a more cryptic response. Harry grinned slightly as a thought flickered across his mind that he was becoming nearly as observant as Hermione. In fact Harry was acting more and more like Hermione all the time.
"I will not explain all my purposes to you Kreacher," Harry snapped. The elf seemed to take this very well because he bowed low, his eyes full of admiration, before popping away. Harry waited for a few minutes before Kreacher returned announcing his success.
"Hermione, you can apparate directly into Grimmauld Place now whenever you want. I had Kreacher set the wards to recognize and admit you." Harry said.
"Ok Harry, I'll be there after I eat," Hermione replied.
Harry decided that eating would be a good idea so he headed down to the kitchen. He missed Molly's cooking as he made some toast and tried to ignore Mad Eye's obsession with his magical eye. The retired auror had it out in a bowl of water as usual, poking it with his wand.
Harry decided that he just didn't want to eat with that eye spinning about so he grabbed his toast and headed toward the library. He had made it about half way there when Hermione appeared in front of him. She was dressed casually in muggle clothes just like Harry was. They had been cooped up in constrictive dragon hide and robes for so long that it was refreshing to wear something more comfortable.
"Hey Hermione, I was just heading to the library," Harry said.
"You, heading to the library on your own," Hermione teased.
"Yeah, its still to early for Ron or Ginny to be up," Harry said, "besides, I actually like spending time in the library these days."
"We are becoming more alike aren't we," Hermione said. It wasn't a question.
"Do you think it's the Itomanic bond?" Harry asked.
"Seems kinda obvious don't you think? You've become more logical and calm, I've become more brash." Hermione said.
"Seems like you got the worse end of this deal," Harry smirked.
"I wouldn't say that. Being more forceful seems kinda natural to me actually. I was rather timid when I was younger but I tried to cover it up by being knowledgeable about everything. I still let people run over me though." Hermione explained. Harry thought back to their first days at Hogwarts when everyone had picked on Hermione and realized that she really had been a rather shy withdrawn person for all her bossiness.
When they reached the library Harry grabbed Hermione's elbow and pulled her aside to explain Kreacher's bizarre behavior. She listened attentively until he finished and then apparently came to the same conclusion that he had.
"So you think that Kreacher's been reading the Daily Prophet about all your dark wizard traits and has decided you're a worthy master after all," Hermione said with a grin.
"Well, that would be the most logical explanation for his sudden change of heart," Harry replied.
"So you want to see if I can get in on his good side too," Hermione said.
"It's almost like you can read my mind," Harry smirked. He outlined his plan briefly and Hermione nodded that it was worth a shot. Having Kreacher loyal and devoted to them would be a great benefit even if they could never fully trust him.
Harry and Hermione opened the library doors with the key since they had been locked down at the end of the summer to prevent unauthorized access. The library appeared to be unchanged but Harry summoned Kreacher anyway. The elf appeared straight away still throwing off radiance towards Harry but he kept his more frigid attitude toward Hermione.
"Kreacher, did you make sure that no one disturbed this library like I instructed?" Harry asked gruffly.
"Yes Master, the nosey one with strange hair tried to break in but Kreacher keeps his Master's secrets," Kreacher said. Harry assumed he must have been talking about Tonks.
"Then perhaps we need additional security, what do you think Hermione?" Harry asked. Hermione immediately stepped into the plan.
"A wise precaution," she intoned as she took out her wand. Kreacher watched on as Hermione conjured up two great stone statues of fell hounds. Next she conjured up stone pillars on either side of the entrance to the library. The great dogs leaped up onto the pillars, their red eyes glowed briefly before they froze in place. Satisfied with her corporeal guardians Hermione next began drawing a complex symbol in the air in fiery red lines. The symbol grew with every wand stroke until it split into dozens of identical smaller copies that settled on each bookshelf. The master symbol burned dark lines into the entrance doors before fading away. Harry recognized the magic and knew it was barely non-lethal. Kreacher apparently recognized the dark magic too because he was looking at Hermione in a whole new light.
"That should keep away anyone who would tamper with this place," Harry said proudly.
"If the spell doesn't stop them the guardians most assuredly will," Hermione said.
"Thank you Kreacher, that will be all for now," Harry said, snapping the old elf back to reality.
"Yes, Kreacher is delighted to serve, Master, Missus," Kreacher said as he bowed low before disappearing.
Harry grinned. "Well done my Dark Queen."
"Stuff it," Hermione said while grinning back. "Let's get to searching, I want to find something on wards."
"Wards? You mean like the protections on this house?" Harry asked.
"Or the protections on Hogwarts. Wards are like permanent self sustaining spells, but only certain types of spells like anti-apparation jinxes are suitable for being placed in a ward." Hermione said.
"We don't really need any new wards though. This house is already protected as well as it possibly can be, Sirius told me that his family put every protection available on it." Harry said.
"Wards aren't just for buildings, they can be used anywhere. For example, if we can store up powerful defensive spells in wards then we can use them quickly to buy us time to escape from traps." Hermione explained, "Or we could even use them for simple detection purposes."
"All right then, wards it is, but I didn't see any the last time," Harry said, still slightly skeptical.
"Some books are charmed to be incorporeal except in the presence of wizards of sufficient power," Hermione said, "and unless I miss my guess I'd say we're both several orders of magnitude stronger than we were this summer."
"Probably true, maybe some other types of books have revealed themselves too," Harry said as they started down the first isle. He noticed that there were several books that he hadn't seen before but none of them were particularly useful. Harry wasn't even totally sure that they were new since there were so many books in the library that he couldn't hope to recognize each of them even if he had seen them before.
"Found one," Hermione said. "It looks fairly incomprehensible, we need one on the basics."
"Here's something," Harry said as he spotted a huge black book. "It isn't about wards though, it's some kind of dark magic."
"The runes on the cover roughly translate to Bane of the Living or Banish Life," Hermione said softly. "These curses are in the same class as the Killing Curse, but not quite as potent. They don't kill instantly nor are they undefeatable."
"They should still be Unforgivable," Harry said darkly.
"There are many spells that should be, but what is truly unforgivable is when any spell is used for evil," Hermione replied evenly.
They had been amassing books for several hours straight when Harry finally began to get tired. He placed the final book he had found on the pile they were setting aside for further study before going up to the second story of the room to find Hermione.
"Let's take a break, I'm tired and we've not eaten all day," he told her.
Hermione was chewing on her lip anxiously as she peered at her latest discovery. "Oh, I suppose you're right Harry, we should at least get something to drink before dinner."
"I think Ron said that Molly is going to be dropping by to cook again, thankfully," Harry said. Hermione locked the library with a charm as they left on the outside chance that someone would wander into it and discover the rather thick pile of dark books they had gathered. Neither of them figured that the Order would be too pleased about their unsupervised studies.
Harry and Hermione walked arm in arm back downstairs toward the kitchen to get a snack or at least some butter beers. Hermione was really enjoying herself Harry could feel the warm pleasant emotions radiating off of her as she chattered eagerly about their impending trip to Diagon Alley. Hermione wanted to do some shopping besides their more serious business.
"Oh Harry we're going to have so much fun tomorrow," Hermione said, "I enjoy Diagon Alley so much more than Hogsmeade."
"Hogsmeade does get a little boring after a while, there isn't as much to do after all," Harry replied.
Hermione started humming something that Harry recognized and soon they were both singing God Rest Ye Merry Hippogriffs as they made their way down the hall. Harry couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so happy.
"Sounds like some of us are having a good time then," Remus said as Harry and Hermione walked into the kitchen. Ron, Ginny, Molly, Tonks, Remus and Kreacher were all there too. Harry had never seen Kreacher willingly in the same room with the Weasleys so he assumed that Molly must have been using him for something.
"Where've you lot been?" Ron asked grumpily, "it's been right boring."
"Er, library Ron, there's still a lot of searching left to be done," Harry said hesitantly. He didn't want people to start prying into the library. Remus seemed to pick up on his discomfort because he quickly changed the topic.
"So I hear you've all been qualified for apparation. How does it feel?" he asked.
"Can't you apparate too?" Harry asked.
"Apparation feels differently for each wizard depending on their power and technique," Hermione said exasperatedly as if that were common knowledge.
"Oh, well, I suppose it feels a bit like I'd imagine flowing water to feel," Harry said.
"It's more of a fuzzy feeling to me," Hermione said, "like I'm falling apart and then being put back together really quickly."
"Lucky you guys, it feels more like getting drug across some bramble bushes for me," Ron interjected.
"Yeah, that's about what it feels like to me too," Remus said. "I avoid apparating whenever I can."
Tonks, however, was not to be so easily put off by Remus' attempt at shifting the topic. Her scowl deepened as they chatted until finally she looked like she was about ready to burst.
"You know you really shouldn't go into that library alone. It could be dangerous, there could still be creatures, and you might find books on dark magic without realizing it. I think you both should stay out of it until I can give it a good going over and toss out all the dark things."
"Tonks, we are very careful aren't we Hermione," Harry said.
"Yes, really we are, and I don't think that we should be so hasty to toss things out. Knowledge is never useless." Hermione added.
"Some things ought not be known," Tonks bit back peevishly. Harry grimaced at the young auror's bitter mood.
"Tonks, please, I'm sure they're careful and I'm sure that we'll go through the library together as soon as possible," Remus said diplomatically.
"Besides," Molly added, "If it were really that dangerous don't you think Dumbledore would be taking a bigger interest in it?"
"Well in the mean time everyone should stay away from it," Hermione said briskly, "I've placed protective enchantments to keep the room sealed except when Harry or I am there."
"You don't know what you're doing child," Tonks said loudly at this bit of information. "You'll bloody well do something disastrous with those evil books."
"YOU WILL NOT SECOND GUESS MISSUS!" Kreacher shouted suddenly. Everyone froze and stared unbelievingly at the old little elf. Kreacher was just getting wound up though. "Nasty blood traitors bossing and talking, always talking bad about Missus…"
"Kreacher, enough," Harry said, finally regaining his presence of mind after Kreacher's outburst. Kreacher whirled around and bowed lowly with a grimace.
"Kreacher is sorry Master but she shouldn't speak ill of Master or Missus," Kreacher groveled.
"Tonks is our friend and guest Kreacher, remember what we discussed this morning," Harry said softly. "Why don't you go see to your duties Kreacher."
"Yes Master, Kreacher is honored to serve Master and Missus," Kreacher said as he gave another couple of scraping bows before vanishing.
Remus sat there a little slack jawed and Tonks looked like she was getting ready to put on a rage worthy of Uncle Vernon. Ron and Ginny looked bewildered at what had just taken place.
"Your elf is certainly loyal to the two of you," Molly said finally.
"Yes, so he is, we think that you can thank the Daily Prophet for that," Hermione said.
Remus nodded understandingly, "He thinks you're dark wizards."
Tonks' eyes flared with alarm, "Dark wizards indeed, but it would take far more than a couple of newspaper clippings to convince something like Kreacher of that."
"Now Tonks let's be reasonable. A lot of people were convinced that Harry was a powerful dark wizard because he defeated Voldemort," Molly said.
Tonks shuddered at Voldemort's name. "Nothing good will come of this, mark my words. If you kids are dabbling in dangerous things…"
"Tonks," Remus said sharply, "you know Harry wouldn't do anything like that."
Tonks finally seemed to decide that a larger row was pointless and settled down but all through dinner the tension was still thick. Hermione didn't linger long before making a hasty retreat back up to the study. Harry and Remus soon followed since they really didn't want to hang around a glowering Tonks. Harry could feel disappointed and sad feelings coming from Hermione.
"What was that all about?" Harry asked when they were all alone in the study.
"Tonks has voiced some…concerns…about Hermione and her, uh, influence on you," Remus explained.
"You mean Tonks thinks I'm dabbling in dark magic and sucking Harry into my evil ways too," Hermione bit back.
"I suppose you could put it that way," Remus said.
"That's preposterous, Hermione isn't a dark witch," Harry said indignantly, "and Tonks should know better than to pay attention to the Prophet by now."
"Actually, she probably thinks that we're obsessed with power to defeat Voldemort or something," Hermione said insightfully.
"Tonks' main motivation is concern over the two of you. She cares for you both very much, she doesn't want you to get hurt," Remus said. "She was also probably disconcerted by Kreacher's sudden change of heart towards a muggle born, as was I."
"Well, Tonks may not be reading the Prophet but Kreacher certainly has been. He thinks that Hermione and I are dark wizards or at least dark enough to be worthy of being his masters." Harry explained.
"Kreacher isn't that easily convinced," Remus said knowingly.
"If you really must know Kreacher watched me create the new protections for the library. I used a nightmare infection curse to attack the mind and conjured stone guardians to attack the body." Hermione explained.
Remus gulped, "I guess that would convince him alright."
"Should we tell him about the prophecy?" Harry asked.
"No, we can't risk it, Remus goes out undercover for the Order all the time. He may even be acting as a double agent with the werewolves. Anyone skilled in Legilimency could conceivably be able to pry it out of him." Hermione said.
"Don't worry about it Remus, those safeguards aren't lethal, they're just to insure that no one starts destroying rare books that we might need later." Harry said. Remus appeared to be mollified and Harry appreciated how much the werewolf trusted his judgement even when he didn't know the full story.
"Well I'm going to get out of here for the night," Hermione said suddenly, "Harry and I have business to attend to tomorrow in Diagon Alley so I want to get some sleep."
Hermione gave Harry a hug before apparating back to her own home. Remus didn't say anything but Harry could tell that he wasn't totally approving of their impending visit to Diagon Alley.
"Don't worry Remus, we're going to wear cloaks so no one will recognize us," Harry said.
"You're going whether anyone else approves or not?" Remus said.
"Its very important Remus or else we wouldn't bother." Harry affirmed.
"You won't take a protection team?" Remus asked hopefully.
"I doubt that would be a good idea. Two people being guarded by several more is bound to draw attention. We'll actually be safer by ourselves and it isn't like Diagon Alley is a prime target for Death Eaters." Harry said.
Remus sighed gently as if in deep contemplation. "I won't try to persuade you not to go then but keep in mind that the Order may be mighty upset. Most members of the Order wouldn't think that you're responsible enough to go out alone."
"You disagree though?" Harry asked.
"Unfortunately most people still seem to easily confuse you with your father. Well I actually knew your father and I can assure you that you are not him." Remus said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Harry asked aggressively. He knew that his father had some issues with rule following but he still bristled at any negative implications about him.
"What that means is that your father was quite reckless at your age Harry. Let's just say that if you were like James I'd sleep even less soundly than I do when Fred and George drop by to visit." Remus said with a smirk. Harry couldn't help but grin back. His father had been apparently quite the practical joker.
The next morning Harry got up early when Hermione apparated into his room. The noise of their conversation woke Ron up.
"Oi, what are you two doing this early?" Ron asked irritably.
"We've got a lot to do today and we want to leave before anyone else from the Order shows up," Hermione said.
"We're going over the list of things we're going to get one last time," Harry added.
"What are we waiting for then?" Ron said excitedly.
"Ron, you can't come," Hermione said. Ron's face immediately fell.
"Why not?" he demanded.
"How do you think you're going to get there?" Hermione asked.
"Er, I dunno," Ron replied.
"We can't use floo, Harry can't apparate, and it would be too suspicious to have the Knight Bus come around anywhere near headquarters to pick us up." Hermione said.
"Well then how are you two going?" Ron asked.
"Honestly Ron, have you forgotten that we can fly?" Hermione said exasperatedly.
"Oh, yeah, I guess so," Ron said, defeated.
"Ron even if there was a way for you to go we would need you to stay here. We need you to cover for us while we're gone or else the Order might try to come get us." Harry said.
Ron brightened up a little at the thought of being needed. "Sure thing, no one will ever miss you if they think we're all off somewhere else. We can be doing homework or something."
"All right then, if that's settled the we should probably be going," Hermione said. She gave her wand a flick and her clothes transformed into a set of black robes that Harry had never seen before. They were shorter and closer fitting than normal wizarding robes so as to prevent the wearer from tripping. Over those fell a long black cloak that attached at the throat. The cloak itself was nondescript except for the outline of a burning torch that was etched in gold and adorned the right shoulder. Harry could feel powerful spells woven into it.
"You made us new clothes?" Harry asked as Hermione flicked her wand again and Harry was suddenly arrayed in an identical outfit. He realized that the dragon hide he had purchased for them was also a part of the uniform.
"We're going to need them if this is to be our first recruiting trip," Hermione said briskly, "plus I put much more powerful spells into these."
"Wow, when do I get a set?" Ron asked.
"As soon as I can make some more, these took me a couple of weeks, but I think I'm getting better at it now," Hermione said.
Harry and Hermione walked over to the window after saying a last farewell to Ron. Harry opened the window before he and Hermione transformed into their animagus forms.
"I'm a little out of practice," Hermione said as they flapped awkwardly into the air.
"Yeah, I think I am too," Harry said as he pulled along side her. They soon got used to the sensation of flight in the open sky as they quickly made their way to Diagon Alley. They landed and transformed in a secluded part of a muggle housing community near the entrance to the alley. Hermione led the way since she used the muggle entrance more often than Harry had. Before they entered Hermione took out two long scarves that they wrapped around their heads so that only their eyes showed.
"They'll just think that we're hags probably," Hermione said.
"Are there male hags?" Harry asked.
"No, but would you want to be recognized in the company of a hag?" Hermione asked.
"Er, well, I don't guess, that is to say, is this a trick question?" Harry spluttered.
Hermione's laughter rang through is head, "Don't worry Harry, it looks like a lot of people are dressing discretely these days."
Harry glanced around at the few other people who were in the street and realized she was right. Most people were wearing cloaks and hoods or else keeping their heads down. Apparently Diagon Alley wasn't perceived to be the haven that it once was now that the Death Eaters were bold again. Harry and Hermione marched briskly toward the wizarding bank Gingotts to get the money that they would need.
Harry immediately noticed that the bank was transformed from the last time he had visited it. There were guards posted at the entrance and all the goblins looked like they were on edge. Many of them were carrying strange items Harry assumed were weapons that he had never seen before. One of them approached the couple as they entered the main lobby.
"I am Grimshaw. Do you have business?" asked the gruesome looking creature bluntly.
"Yes, I need to add someone to my vault access and make a withdrawal," Harry said.
"Harry, you don't need to add me to your vault," Hermione said.
"Yes I do, if you need money and I'm not available then you might need access to my account. We're going to need cash to support the army we're going to build." Harry replied. Hermione caved at his logic and agreed, though with some feelings of reluctance.
"I will need your key sir and you will need to verify your identity," Grimshaw said.
"Not here," Harry muttered.
"Of course sir, step this way please," Grimshaw said. He led them to a row of doors past the teller booths and ushered them inside what Harry presumed was his office. Once there he and Hermione removed their scarves.
"Mr. Potter, I am surprised to see you," Grimshaw said as he took the key Harry held out. "I assume that Miss Granger here is the person to be added to your account?"
"Yes and I trust that all transactions here today will be strictly off the record," Harry said.
"Of course, we don't report to the Ministry," Grimshaw said with a touch of offense in his voice.
"I'm glad to hear that, what with the Ministry tightening its grip on all our lives these days," Hermione said.
The goblin looked at them with a touch of surprise but quickly moved on to business. He put Harry's key in a strange little box, which he then turned upside down and reopened to reveal two identical keys. Grimshaw handed one to each of them.
"Miss Granger has been added to your account successfully. I will accompany you to your vault now if you are ready."
Harry and Hermione put their scarves back on before following the little goblin out of his office and toward the entrance to the catacombs that contained the vaults. After a short fast ride on the sled they arrived at Harry's vault. Harry felt Hermione's shock as they entered into the rather large money filled space. He quickly began filling a sack with galleons, eager to get out as quickly as possible. Harry always felt embarrassed for anyone else to see his fortune since he felt it was so undeserved.
"I knew you were wealthy Harry, but I had no idea," Hermione said softly.
"I just hope it can help us beat Voldemort," Harry replied.
"Most guys would love to show off their wealth," Hermione said knowingly.
"Yeah, well, I didn't earn this and I don't really deserve it," Harry replied.
"I'd say that it's small compensation for the hardships in your life," Hermione said with a small sad voice.
"I guess, can we just go?" Harry pleaded ucomfortably.
"What's this stuff over here?" Hermione asked as she pointed to some trunks and boxes.
"Well most of it is the few things that were salvaged from my parent's house and that long box is my Firebolt. Professor Dumbledore had it sent here since I was banned from quiddich," Harry said. Hermione didn't reply, not wanting to bring up Harry's parents anymore than she already had. She knew he really didn't like to talk about them very much and she highly doubted that he would want to go rummaging about their old things.
"Comon, lets get out of here, we've still got a lot of stuff to do," Harry said. He closed the vault and jumped up on the sled before extending his hand to help Hermione get on board. Another short wild ride ensued as they returned to the lobby.
Hermione looked wistfully at the ice cream shop as they walked down the street toward Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. Harry wished that they could just loiter about all day enjoying themselves like they used to do before Voldemort decided to start his second war but of course they couldn't. No one else seemed to be able to either judging by the deserted nature of the once bustling street.
Fred and George's place was relatively empty when they arrived. The twins were no where in sight either so the couple went to the counter that was positioned like an island in the center of the store. Hermione rang the tiny bell that was sitting on the counter after they finished looking around. Almost immediately two red heads popped through a door near the rear of the store.
"Just a minute," Fred called.
"How can we help…" George cut off as he and Fred finally saw the two of them. The twin's hands suddenly dipped inside their robes.
"That won't be necessary you two," Hermione said.
"Hermi…" Fred started, but was cut off again by Hermione.
"Quite, we need to talk someplace private, can you close your store for a minute?" she hissed.
"Er, sure, slow day anyway," George said. The twins looked pretty nervous about their unexpected appearance.
"There's nothing to worry about guys, everything's fine, we just didn't want to be recognized by anyone," Harry said, attempting to ease their minds.
"Why don't we go back into our office," George said. Harry and Hermione had removed the scarves covering their faces before following the twins to the back of the store.
"So what is this about?" Fred asked. The twin's usual jovial demeanor had disappeared at the sight of Harry and Hermione dressed like a pair of grim reapers.
"Do you two still want to join the Order of the Phoenix?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know," George said, "they don't seem to think we'd be of any use to them."
"I think Mum is trying to keep us out too," Fred added.
"Harry and I have…lost confidence…in the ability of the Order to be effective," Hermione said slowly.
"In light of the, er, well let's be honest, the Order is Dumbledore's and Dumbledore doesn't always focus in on the right course of action," Harry said.
"Dumbledore is obsessive with trying to defend everything, everywhere, at all times. So far he hasn't done anything we can see about actually taking the fight to Voldemort's forces. The closest he has come to diminishing Voldemort's army is to convince groups not to join." Hermione said.
"Unsuccessfully, for the most part," Harry added. In truth the giants, werewolves, vampires, and trolls were mostly siding with the dark forces. Not to mention that purely dark creatures like dementors were on board from the very start.
"That's all very fascinating but what does it have to do with us?" Fred asked.
"Harry and I have founded a new group to fight against Voldemort. We call ourselves the Bearers of the Light and we want you both to join." Hermione said.
"You want to form a secret group behind Dumbledore's back because you don't like his methods?" the twins asked in unison.
"Well, I suppose you could put it like that," Harry replied.
"Did we ever mention that you two would make great Weasley twins?" George asked.
"Bloody brilliant, of course we'll join," Fred chirped.
"I knew we could count on you two. I really can't imagine why the Order hasn't already recruited you actually," Hermione said as she took two small boxes out from under her robes. The boxes grew quickly into two briefcases. Hermione pushed one at each of the twins who opened them. Inside was a set of robes with a necklace sitting on top.
"These are your uniforms and your emblems. Wear the emblems at all times but the robes are only for when you're on a mission for us. The emblems are client charms to the master charms carried by Harry and I. As long as you have them on we can find you and apparate to you at will. When we want you to apparate to us you'll feel the call through these emblems and we'll also be able to direct you to us. When we call conjure your uniform and make sure you have your wand out because you may be apparating into a fight." Hermione explained briskly. The twins nodded and admired the spell work that went into their new equipment.
"After all this is over we'd love to have you dream up spells for our joke shop," George added with a wink.
"There is also one other thing we want you two to do because of your unique qualifications," Harry said. "We want you to recruit more people, especially fully qualified witches and wizards since Hermione and I will be tied down to Hogwarts for the foreseeable future."
"We know that you two are very well connected, far better than Harry or I," Hermione added. "That's why I can't believe the Order hasn't tried to recruit you two."
"You can count on us," Fred said proudly.
"We know tons of reliable people who would be willing to join up," George affirmed.
"Thanks you guys, you don't know how much this means to us," Harry said.
"Now that we've settled that," Fred said with a grin, "I'm sure our favorite investor would like a tour of the shop."
Fred and George were really in their element as they showed Harry around their store. Hermione even seemed to enjoy herself as they showed them all their latest inventions. Some of them they had seen before, like their enchanted fireworks and portable swamp. Other things were new like a pair of extendable eyes that they made based on the same idea as the extendable ears. As usual most of their items had questionable uses like their biting lunchbox and screaming sneakers.
"Do people actually buy a lunchbox that tries to eat them?" Harry asked.
"Absolutely, they're great to keep people from lifting your lunch when you're not watching it," George replied.
"So, Harry, do you need any more supplies, I bet you're running low after a whole term in school," Fred put in. The twins had gotten Harry a big box of their wares for his birthday.
Harry smirked, "I'm surrounded by prefects guys, it's a little hard to prank. Don't worry though, I've got some second and third year patrons who've been helping me out. I hear Snape had an awful term."
"Honestly Harry," Hermione said with a shake of her head, but she was grinning too. "It's been fun you two, but we really should be going. We've still got other things to do."
"I guess you're right, we'll be in touch you two," Harry said. He and Hermione put their scarves back on before waving a farewell to the twins on their way out.
There were a few more people out as Harry and Hermione made their way toward the shady Knockturn Alley. Harry felt his skin crawl when they made the turn to head down the narrow street. Vendors with strange wares dotted the side of the road but they ignored their urgent pleas to make a sale. Hermione led the way and Harry suspected that she had grilled Mundungus Fletcher about where to find the type of ingredients that they were looking for. She stopped in front of a building with a dirty faded sign Harry could make out but that did have a cauldron hanging over the door.
Harry took over the lead and pushed through the door into the store. The room was fairly large, dank, dark, and filled with all manner of curious items that reeked of evil magic. There was an ancient looking witch sitting on a stool behind a counter at the far end of the store so they headed back there.
"Looking for something specific?" the old crone asked.
Hermione waved her wand, creating a bubble of silence around them before speaking. When she did Harry didn't recognize her voice since she had magically disguised it with a deep wheezing rasp.
"Yes, we seek essence of basilisk," she hissed.
The proprietor looked a bit frightened, which Harry supposed was the effect Hermione was going for, but she nodded and disappeared behind the counter. A moment later she reappeared holding a small dark green bottle.
"Three hundred galleons," she said flatly.
"What a small bottle," Hermione hissed back.
"Rare and illegal," the witch replied stiffly.
"Yes, it would be a pity if aurors happened to search this store for contraband," Hermione hissed.
"They wouldn't dare, they have no cause," the witch said, now looking a little scared.
"Aurors may search at will during war," Hermione replied. "Fortunately for you we're willing to take that off your hands before you get an extended trip to Azkaban."
"Two hundred galleons," the witch said. Hermione just stared at her.
"Fine, one hundred fifty galleons, but not a knut less, I'll destroy it first," the witch said defiantly.
"Acceptable," Hermione intoned as she motioned to Harry to pay her. Harry quickly made the transaction as the witch wrapped the bottle into a box to keep it safe.
Harry and Hermione slowly made their way back out of Knockturn Alley. They tried to be unobtrusive about their presence and Harry felt that they succeeded. Most of the patrons of the shady alley were cloaked and hooded just like them. When they finally made it back to Diagon Alley Harry let out a breath of relief.
"That place gives me the creeps, though not nearly as bad as it did when I fell in there at the start of second year," Harry said.
"I'm not anxious to go back anytime soon, that's for sure," Hermione replied.
A sudden commotion at the other end of the street, near Gringotts, caught their attention. Harry and Hermione surged forward to see what the problem was. Someone screamed and as the crowd thinned out they could make out two people surrounded by four masked men in cloaks.
"Death Eaters!" Harry said. Hermione gave him a grim nod. "Where are aurors when you need them?"
"I don't know Harry but they're torturing those people," Hermione replied. "We've got to stop them or it will be killing in another minute."
"Ok, I'll take the two on the left," Harry said as he started to draw his wand.
"You can't Harry, you're still underage, the Ministry will detect it," Hermione replied.
"Are you kidding me?!" Harry asked incredulously, "I'm not letting you tackle them alone."
"Harry we can't afford for the Ministry to get wind of our activities which they will if they find out that we were here today. We don't have time to argue, just trust me, I can handle it," Hermione said tersely.
They were now less than a hundred meters away from the attackers and could make out their victims, Neville and his gran. Harry heard one of the Death Eaters call out crucio again as Neville rolled shrieking on the ground.
"Filthy blood traitors, you fought against the Dark Lord and now its time to reap your reward," one of them said.
At that moment a powerful spell struck the man square in the back causing him to crumple and fall face forward onto the street. The other three whirled around in shock at being confronted so quickly by this strangely dressed person. Harry glanced around the emptied street and could see a few people staring out of windows at the events transpiring outside.
"No one is reaping anything today," Hermione said with ringing authority as she raised her wand high in the air. The Death Eaters felt an anti-apparation jinx settle down around them like a heavy wet blanket.
The Death Eaters said nothing, instead choosing to reply with spells. They had barely mouthed the curses though before Hermione had summoned a shining silver shield to absorb them. She let off another spell that caused a second one of their number to crumple to the ground. The remaining two attackers let out a bellow of rage and stepped apart to make themselves more difficult targets.
"Avada Kedavra," they yelled at the same time. Harry remained motionless even though his stomach lurched because he could feel sure confidence radiating off of Hermione. The twin beams of green light sped toward her with deadly intent but Hermione didn't attempt to dodge. With a flash of light the beams exploded an instant before they would have struck her. Harry flinched slightly as his eyes adjusted so he could see what Hermione had done. Several large cobblestones from the street were floating lazily around her and several more had been reduced to powder when they intercepted the killing curses.
With great calm Hermione flicked her wand and dropped another of the masked men. The fourth turned to run but it was futile. Hermione brandished her wand like a whip, exactly as Harry had seen Dumbledore do during his duel with Voldemort, which caused a long thin tendril of fire to lash out and wrap itself around the fleeing Death Eater. The man staggered and tried to perform a counter spell but he was immobilized long enough for Hermione's follow up spell to render him unconscious.
People began to emerge from hiding as shadowy ethereal chains burst from her wand tip and coiled like serpents around the fallen attackers binding them together. Harry knew that the combined power draining effects of the chains and the stunners would keep them unconscious for some time. He could see that Hermione's eyes still burned with barely restrained power as she jerked the masks off of each of the men and rolled up their sleeves. There was no dark mark burned into their arms and Harry recognized none of them.
"They're not even Death Eaters, they're just mercenaries or recruits or something," Hermione said.
"Doubt they'll get into the Voldemort fan club since they botched their first mission," Harry said.
"I'm going to check on Neville, keep watch for more Death Eaters or aurors, we can't be caught here," Hermione said. She whipped off her hat, bushy hair spilling down, and pulled two vials out of its magically enlarged space. People were starting to crowd around now.
"You let her fight those four alone?" one man groused at Harry.
"You saw the result," Harry replied gruffly, but he still felt his face burn uncomfortably.
"What kind of wizard are you? They were using unforgivable curses." Several bystanders were starting to work themselves up.
"You wouldn't understand what kind of wizard he is," Hermione said as she walked up. Neville and his gran had finished drinking the restorative potions that she had given them and were standing shakily. "He trusts and respects my talents. Not that any of you have a right to question him since I didn't see any of you helping me out."
Someone coughed and the first man that had spoken looked a little abashed. Hermione's eyes had died down but now they blazed with power again. She pointed her wand at the street in front of the captured Death Eater recruits and a silver light shot out. It splashed into a misshapen glob before shimmering and morphing into an image of a burning torch.
"What do you think of the Light Mark?" Hermione asked.
"Very nice, your own original spell," Harry said, pride at Hermione's exceptional skill swelling in his heart.
"I know there are more here who serve Voldemort," Hermione shouted to the gathering crowd, "Go tell your master that the Bearers of the Light will see him dead."
"Going for the dramatic eh?" Harry asked as Hermione stood next to him. The crowd had broken out in nervous chatter over Hermione's bold proclamation.
"Yeah, but now its time to leave, aurors just apparated in," Hermione said. Sure enough, a half dozen men bearing the insignia of the Ministry were running toward them.
"Halt, no one leaves here," one of them shouted.
Hermione flicked her wand and two powerful invisibility charms shrouded them. Everyone gasped as they vanished from
sight unexpectedly. The aurors drew up short and fumbled around in their cloaks. They quickly donned some odd looking
blue tinted eyepieces that fit over their left eye like a patch. Immediately they began scanning the area but when they
came to Harry and Hermione's location they still looked right through them.
"The invisibility charm is stronger than those eyepieces," Hermione said in awe.
"What does that mean?" Harry asked.
"That means that my charm is stronger than whoever created the revealing spell used by the aurors," Hermione said. That was some accomplishment indeed since aurors only used the best equipment created by the most powerful wizards. "Comon Harry, we still shouldn't linger, we need to get back before we're missed."
They walked swiftly to get away from the crowds so they could reappear and take on their bird forms for the trip back to Grimmauld Place. No one noticed the owl or the falcon as they sped off purposefully into the sky