Chapter 2 - Dark Offensive
Harry sat and twiddled his thumbs as he stared at Hermione who was sitting opposite him. They were both trying to ignore Vernon and Petunia's obnoxious television show that was blaring nearby. It was only a few minutes until midnight according to the clock on the wall, but the only time piece that Harry cared about was a tiny crystal sun dial that sat on the table between him and Hermione. The little sundial was magically synchronized to keep official Ministry time and always cast a shadow no matter how poor the light happened to be.
The clock struck with its usual odd twanging sound. "Well, are you ruddy well leaving now boy?" Vernon asked gruffly.
"In a minute," Harry replied. He pointed at the sundial. "We're giving it some extra time so that the Ministry has no room to complain."
Hermione grinned excitedly. "Mum and Dad can't wait to finally meet you properly."
It was actually strange to Harry that he'd never really got to meet with the Grangers in person for any long period of time under normal circumstances. He had seen them in Diagon Alley a few times and exchanged pleasantries, though that was hardly enough to get to know anyone. They'd even been in the same room together for extended periods of time just a few weeks ago when he was healing Hermione, but of course they had hardly been able to have a conversation for obvious reasons. Those times had never given them the luxury of just talking and getting to know each other like he had been able to with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
"I still don't know why you're insisting we go in the middle of the night," Harry replied. "I was going to go to Grimmauld Place and then come over tomorrow."
"You're such an old timer Harry. Mum and Dad don't sleep that much, especially on a weekend when they don't have to go in to the practice," Hermione said. Her parents were dentists who owned their own business, which apparently afforded them a great deal of control over their schedules.
"Looks like its time," Harry said when the timepiece finally indicated it was about five minutes past midnight.
"Happy birthday Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. She shot a meaningful glance at Harry's relatives.
"Uh, yes, very nice," Vernon managed to choke out, but Petunia didn't even try. Hermione rolled her eyes at them with frustration and with that the teens shimmered away.
The Granger residence was a very modest place despite having two stories. The rooms were not nearly as tidy as the Dursley household was but they weren't overly messy either. Everything about the home seemed to speak to moderation or perhaps just normalcy. Harry wasn't sure he would know the difference.
"Harry, Hermione, you made it," came a high melodious voice. A woman that could only be Hermione's mum came up behind them and gently began steering them out of the main room. She was a nondescript woman with surprisingly straight dirty blonde hair. "Come on into the kitchen."
"Harry, so glad you could make it at this late hour," Mr. Granger said as they entered the kitchen. He was a few inches taller than his wife and had wily brown hair that Harry was quite familiar with.
On the table was a frosted cake with candles that Harry could tell had been enchanted to burn by Hermione due to their tell tale blue tinge. Harry felt his face burn red with embarrassment that they'd went to so much trouble.
"Thank you. You shouldn't have, really," he said shyly.
"Hermione told us you never had much of a birthday back with your relatives," Mrs. Granger said gently.
"It's the least we can do for the one who saved our daughter," Mr. Granger added fondly.
Harry just nodded. He felt torn again. Even though he knew intellectually that Hermione would have been in danger with or without him he still felt responsible for what happened to her. He didn't let her know that though since it would have worried her immensely.
"Make a wish" Mrs. Granger told Harry as she urged him to blow out the candles. Harry blew but the candles didn't quite go out at the right moment. He looked at Hermione curiously.
"Sorry," she blushed. "I forgot that my fires are hard to put out."
"What's with you and fire anyway?" Harry asked rather off topic.
"Er, I don't know, its just always been my natural element," Hermione said nonchalantly.
"So how are you feeling now Harry?" Mr. Granger asked as he cut the cake and began passing out slices to everyone.
"Much better," Harry said. He took a bite of cake. "I think I'm almost back to normal now."
"Enjoy Harry," Hermione said between mouthfuls. "This cake has real sugar in it. That's a rarity around here."
Hermione's parents grinned a little sheepishly at them. Hermione had often talked about their obsession with not using sugar. Their smiles were bright and healthy enough that Harry thought that perhaps they had a point though.
"Headmaster Dumbledore told us that you two can communicate in your minds, telepathically, how does that work exactly?" Mr. Granger suddenly asked in a serious tone.
"You didn't explain it to them?" Harry asked Hermione nervously.
"They didn't really ask. I guess they wanted to wait until they had us both together before they talked about it." Hermione said.
"Well, basically, it's an advanced form of legimency called Itomency. Legimency is a skill that enables one person to see into the mind of another depending on the relative strengths of the minds of the people involved. We really don't know much about it except how it works from using it since there is almost no literature on the subject." Harry explained.
"Harry and I used legimency on each other so often we developed a strong mental connection. That connection was further enhanced by our own, uh…emotions and over time we began to see glimpses into each other's minds." Hermione said. She blushed deeply and Harry could tell from her emotional overflow through the link that she really didn't want to talk about it with her parents.
"Now we've got a pretty fine control over it. We can communicate thoughts, memories, or emotions basically at will," Harry added.
"It must be nice," Mrs. Granger said wistfully. Harry supposed that most couples would like to share their emotions and thoughts on such a level.
"It's my favorite part of magic," Hermione said solemnly. "Is this about something Dumbledore told you?"
"He called it a soul bond and he did mention several things about it," Mrs. Granger replied. Harry admired Hermione's insight even if it was her own parents. She had an uncanny ability to read the intentions behind the actions of others and spot secondary motives.
"You shouldn't believe everything Dumbledore says," Hermione said stiffly.
"Just because he made a mistake about the whole ministry business doesn't mean that he doesn't know things. He is the most powerful and knowledgeable wizard in the world, right?" Mr. Granger asked.
"Dumbledore may be the most knowledgeable, he is one of the oldest wizards after all, but in terms of power I doubt it." Harry said, slightly babbling. "Of course he is strong. Before Voldemort knew that I am the only one who can kill him he dreaded Dumbledore and refused to fight him."
"Being knowledgeable doesn't make your decisions always turn out to be the wisest though," Hermione added. "We've seen the proof of that."
"The bottom line is, I'd trust Hermione's judgement against Dumbledore's any day," Harry interrupted as he finally came to his point. "She's been right now on almost every major issue that Dumbledore got wrong."
"We just don't want either of you to get hurt," Mrs. Granger said soothingly. "Hermione's our only daughter and anyone who is important to her is important to us. The Headmaster was concerned that you might be experimenting with something dangerous."
Hermione looked like she was ready to throw a fit as she often was at Dumbledore's interference. Harry had to admit that his patience had grown very thin with his old mentor too, especially since he had taken to continually questioning Hermione.
"It's late," Harry said diplomatically in an attempt to head off a confrontation, "I should go…"
"No Harry, don't," Hermione said in a mollified tone. Her anger over Dumbledore's thinly veiled attack on her research into the Sorcerer's Stone evaporated. "The Order was scheduled to have a big meeting and you'd have to put up with Kreacher. You can stay here tonight."
"I didn't want to impose," Harry replied politely. Actually he was delighted to not need to return so quickly to Grimmauld Place after the fiasco over the winter holidays. He and Hermione had a serious row with elements of the Order over some dark magic books in the library. He wasn't looking forward to spending more time under the same roof with them.
"We've got an extra room you can use dear," Mrs. Granger said. She looked glad that Harry had stopped Hermione's oncoming tirade.
"I take it your parents have been siding with Dumbledore," Harry asked.
"They just want to protect me," Hermione replied, "Its so frustrating though. They won't understand that I can't be protected, least of all by them, during a war being waged in part to eradicate people like us."
People like the muggle born and others that the pureblood movement attached to Voldemort wanted to enslave or destroy.
"Maybe if we explained everything to them," Harry suggested.
"That would just worry them more," Hermione said sadly.
"Are you sure?" Harry asked. "Sometimes not knowing can be worse…"
Harry was thinking specifically of how he had felt when no one would tell him anything during his fifth year. Even though Dumbledore had a good reason for keeping Harry in the dark that was little consolation to him.
"Like when Dumbledore hides things from you," Hermione said, mirroring his thoughts. "I have been a little hypocritical haven't I?"
Harry squirmed uncomfortably. "It's a little different. Dumbledore was hiding things that directly affected future decisions I might make and things that I would be required to do."
"You two are doing it again aren't you." Mr. Granger interrupted. "Talking to each other telepathically I mean."
"We were trying to decide how much we can tell you safely," Hermione said.
"Tell us about what?" Mr. Granger asked suspiciously.
"Safely?" Mrs. Granger added quizzically.
"I've told you about the war and you found out that Harry has to kill Voldemort when everyone else did. There are other things though that no one knows, not even Dumbledore, and I didn't really want to tell you because it would be simple for even a weak wizard to pry the information from your minds."
"Not that you should come in contact with hostile wizards behind these wards," Harry said reassuringly.
"Harry and I created a shadow organization like the Order of the Phoenix a few months ago. Ever since the fiasco at the Ministry when Voldemort nearly got the prophecy the first time we've become convinced that the Order will never be aggressive enough. Dumbledore won't listen to us, he won't let us join the Order, so we're going to fight ourselves on our own terms." Hermione said bluntly.
"But…fight?" Mrs. Granger said with deep concern. Harry suspected she was trying to control her emotions. Being told that her little girl was going to go fight a war was too much for any mother. He had seen Mrs. Weasley's reaction to similar situations often enough to know.
"There's no choice Mum. Except for Harry and possibly Dumbledore there is no one else that Voldemort wants dead more than me." Hermione explained. "I'll really be safer out there fighting because I'll be able to do something to weaken Voldemort's forces."
"I know your teachers have said that you're very smart darling and we have confidence in you. We're very proud of you, but what can you possibly do…?" Mr. Granger asked.
"Hermione is very powerful, she is one of the few people to have defied Voldemort and lived," Harry spoke up proudly. "She's stronger than me and I'm expected to defeat Voldemort."
"That's not true Harry," Hermione said, her face reddening. "Last I checked we tied in our duel."
"Dumbledore said that knowledge is what makes a wizard strong and I know we don't tie when it comes to that," Harry insisted.
"Anyway that's not the point, the point is that Harry has to fight and I'm not going to let him fight alone no matter what anyone says," Hermione said defiantly.
"I'm beginning to regret getting that letter from Hogwarts," Mr. Granger said sourly.
"It wouldn't have mattered," Harry said quickly. "Voldemort wants to enslave and kill muggles too. He is especially eager to subject muggle born wizards and witches like Hermione. Believe me when I say that without Hermione I would already be dead and the world would be doomed."
"At least this way we know what's happening and we can do something…" Hermione cut off sharply and lurched to her feet. A silver bird had just entered the room and hovered in front of her. It unraveled itself into a glimmering piece of magical parchment.
"It's from Fred," Hermione said as she scanned the message. "The Order is under a wide scale attack, Death Eaters are hitting residences all over England. The Ministry may be under attack to, they're out of communication."
Harry felt something heavy descending onto his shoulders an instant before the house rocked violently.
"Anti-apparation jinx," Harry said tersely.
"The wards are under attack," Hermione moaned. "This can't be a coincidence. Quick, we've got to get upstairs."
Hermione's parents followed the young couple as they raced to the house's second story. Hermione practically flew across her room to rip a drawer out of her desk before dumping its contents on the bed.
"I left all my stuff at Grimmauld Place. I'll I've got is my wand," Harry said.
"Yeah I know, most of my things are there too, but I kept a ward just in case we might need to buy time." Hermione said as she grabbed the slips of paper and started slapping them up in the air. The wards glowed briefly and then whisked away to reinforce the protections already in place.
"There are several strong powers out there," Harry said. He could feel the raw magic surging all around him. "We're the focus of the attack and we can't take on all those avatars at once. The Order is being diverted from coming to our rescue with those other attacks that Fred mentioned. We've got no choice but to escape."
"We'll fly out," Hermione said. "We should get to the Dursley's since those wards are still probably the safest and in any event we can't trust Grimmauld Place because there is a change that it may have been compromised. We have no idea how much Dumbledore told the aurors about our safe houses or how much of that information may have leaked to Death Eaters."
"What about your parents?" Harry asked. The Grangers were peering out the windows terrified at the dozens of masked people standing around firing curses at their house.
"I told you how we got into Voldemort's cabin to rescue you. We'll transfigure them into mice and carry them out," Hermione explained. "We don't have much time. As soon as they realize the wards have been reinforced they're going to start trying harder."
As if to prove her right a green beam of destruction lanced through the floor and set Hermione's bookshelf on fire. Killing curses could penetrate any magical defense and would rapidly deplete the wards.
"Hurry" Hermione urged as she moved her parents into the middle of the room and erected a tiny fence around them. A transfiguration into an animal caused a resulting decrease in intelligence except for those who mastered the animagus transformation. The true power of the animagus was the ability to retain human intellect in animal form.
Hermione waved her wand and transformed her parents before assuming her animagus shape. Harry quickly followed suit and together they each picked up one of the little mice scurrying about in the pin. Green killing beams were carefully slicing the house apart all around them now and it sounded like Death Eaters had stormed the first floor. Harry flapped his powerful wings and tried to make sure he didn't squeeze his charge too tightly. No one noticed as a falcon and an owl, each carrying a wiggling mouse, escaped into the night.
"This is bad Harry," Hermione's voice echoed into his mind as he pulled along side her. The night was warm but high up in the sky in a strong breeze it was rather chilly. "They must have been watching the house. That's the only reason why they would attack like this so soon after you arrived. They've been waiting for you to leave the protection of the Dursley's."
"Yeah, but the Dursley's may not be safe much longer," Harry responded. "I could tell the wards had begun weakening slightly these last few days."
"Hopefully they tipped their hand too quickly." Hermione said. "If we can get to the Dursley's we can confirm the status of Grimmauld Place. If its still safe then we should be okay, even Voldemort can't crack a Fidelius charm."
"I hope not," Harry replied grimly. Harry couldn't see as well in the dark as Hermione so he stuck close to her. It was a great feeling to soar suspended on the air and despite their dire situation Harry enjoyed the trip. There were millions of tiny lights below them of streetlights, cars, and buildings. Millions of muggles who had no idea of the war being fought next to them.
"We've gotten out of the anti-apparation area of effect," Harry said when he felt the heavy pressure of the jinx fade. "We could put down and apparate the rest of the way."
"We don't dare Harry, what if the wards at your relative's house have failed and Death Eaters are already there waiting? We'd be trapped again and who knows if we'd be able to sneak out a second time." Hermione replied. The Death Eaters could very well be watching the place ready to toss up portkey dispersion wards and anti-apparation jinxes the instant they arrived.
After what seemed a very long time, even for a bird, they arrived in the neighborhood of Number 4 Privet Drive. They circled the area for a few minutes looking for something suspicious but they couldn't see or sense anything amiss.
"The wards still seem to be strong, do we risk it?" Harry asked.
"I can't see any reason why we shouldn't. I wish they had left a window open though." Hermione said.
The house was shut up as tight as a drum though. The teens set down on the front door step and transformed. The mice tried to run away but Hermione transfigured them back into her parents before they could get far. The Grangers appeared all haphazard and ruffled from their journey.
"That was…unpleasant," Mrs. Granger coughed roughly.
"Better than the alternative, trust me," Hermione said. Harry had already gotten the door open and was urging them inside. Death Eaters or not they didn't want to be seen. Harry waved his wand again once they got into the dark house to give them some light.
"I'll send for an update on the situation from Fred," Hermione said, "you go wake everyone up."
"What in the bloody hell?" Vernon roared from the top of the stairs. "Boy? You'd better have a good excuse for this."
"Death Eaters just destroyed the Granger's house and nearly killed us," Harry said blandly.
"So you run here?" Vernon shouted even louder. "Get out! You'll bring the whole bloody lot of them down on us."
"It's too late for that," Harry shouted back. "The wards are starting to break down now that I'm of age. They seem to be holding at the moment but who knows how much longer that'll last."
Aunt Petunia and Dudley had come up behind Vernon to listen. Petunia looked especially fearful and Dudley seemed to fear anything that his mother did.
"Fred's reply is here," Hermione said. A silver bird was unraveling in front of her into a magical piece of parchment. "He doesn't know what's going on but he seems confident that Grimmauld Place is still secure. I think we should go Harry. We may be needed anyway."
"All right then, everyone gather around," Harry said. He conjured up a long metal pole that they could all easily hold on to and then transfigured it into a portkey that would arrive in the main room at Grimmauld Place. "Hold on tight…"
Everyone felt a peculiar tug as they spun away into the multicolor world of portkey transportation. An instant later they were deposited in the cavernous living room of Grimmauld Place. The Dursleys and Grangers looked very unsettled by the experience but they weren't throwing up so Harry didn't worry too much.
"Harry, Hermione!" Ron shouted from the doorway. "We were afraid something had happened. I was preparing a team to come after you when your message came."
"We may still need to go out," Harry replied. "Where are you set up at?"
"The study. Fred, George, and Luna are already there," Ron replied. Ron rushed back out with Harry and Hermione striding quickly behind him.
"What about us?" Vernon sputtered. From the looks on their faces the Dursleys saw having to stay in a magical house as a nightmare come alive.
"Kreacher," Harry called. The little elf popped up in front of him. "Put the Dursleys in the empty room next to mine. Move Hermione's belongings up to the room across the hall. Mr. and Mrs. Granger can stay there. Is everyone all right with that?"
"That's fine Harry, now come on, we don't have time for this," Hermione said. She gave him a little shove and they nearly ran up the stairs to the study leaving the adults looking bewildered. Kreacher glared at them all for a minute before he motioned darkly for them to follow him. His distaste toward muggles was even more pronounced than Vernon's distaste for magic.
Fred and George looked up when they entered the study. "Harry, Hermione, thank goodness you're here. It's hard to tell right now but from the looks of things the Order is really getting trounced out there. The two Order safe houses we were aware of have been destroyed. A few Ministry outposts were apparently raided too, but the Order is definitely bearing the brunt of the attack."
"Any idea where ongoing attacks are right now?" Hermione asked.
"You can't go," Luna piped up. She looked as dreamy and disjointed as ever but Harry had long ago learned not to judge Luna by her appearance. "The Order wouldn't know you from the Death Eaters."
"She's right Hermione, they'd probably curse anyone at this point assuming that we could even get there. If Voldemort is serious about hitting someplace then he probably has anti-apparation and anti-portkey measures in place." Harry said reasonably.
"The best thing we can do is prepare to receive refugees," George said. "People's families are being targeted."
"All right then, we start enlarging the house to make as much space as possible. Hide everything here and this conversation never happened," Harry said, more to Luna than anyone else since he didn't know how much she knew to hide.
The six young people concealed the Light Bearer documents and communications before dispersing out into the mansion to prepare it. Harry and Hermione headed back to the main room. A wounded girl, an old woman, the Grangers, the Dursleys, and an irate Kreacher confronted them.
"Master they is not going to the rooms you instructed for them to have," Kreacher groused.
"We couldn't sleep at a time like this," Mrs. Granger said indignantly.
"There's no bloody way we're going anywhere with that…with that…that…thing," Aunt Petunia huffed.
"Fine, then help out, we've got wounded here and likely more on the way," Harry said. "Hermione and I have to heal so shove all the furniture up against the wall. Kreacher go fetch some of the plain cloaks and special robes that I showed you over winter break."
Harry and Hermione had stored a cache of protective clothing, dragon hide, and other materials, but they had made sure to leave off any markings that would identify them as belonging to Light Bearers.
The old lady was apparently the little girl's grandmother. "Are you two healers?" she asked plaintively.
"Don't worry, her injuries are not too severe for us," Hermione told her gently. The girl had deep lacerations and burns caused by some unknown spells. Harry and Hermione's healing charms quickly repaired most of the visible damage.
"Take her to your room, Kreacher will show you, and make sure she rests," Harry told her grandmother once they finished.
The old lady had barely shuffled out when more people started arriving. Harry didn't recognize most of them but he was confident that none of them could be there if Dumbledore hadn't told them the secret of Grimmauld Place's location. Harry and Hermione worked frantically for a while trying to heal those who they could until Madam Pomfrey was finally called in. Remus arrived with her looking pretty beat up himself.
"Harry, thank goodness you're safe, we went by the Granger's place after we were able to escape from the attacks and from the damage we were afraid that they'd got you." Remus said with relief.
"It was a close thing," Harry responded.
"Who's we?" Hermione asked.
"Dumbledore, Shacklebolt, Tonks, McGonagall, and a couple other of our best fighters that you've never met before," Remus replied. "They left a dark mark…"
"My parents are fine Remus, they're here," Hermione responded. The kindly werewolf looked relieved for a second time.
"The Dursleys are here too," Harry said. "The wards are beginning to fail. I figure it's only a matter of time before the Death Eaters move on Privet Drive too."
"You're probably right," Remus said. He conjured up a silver bird and sent it winging away. "Dumbledore thought you might have made it here. He's awaiting my signal about what to do next."
"Remus…what happened?" Harry asked him earnestly.
"I don't know yet but I tell you Harry I've only seen Dumbledore that angry a few times before. He went up against one of those avatars at the southern house, that was one of our staging depots, and nearly tore the whole country side apart." Remus said shakily, "He couldn't beat it before more arrived though and so we barely escaped."
"Who were the avatars?" Hermione asked. Remus just shook his head and stood up.
"I couldn't see any faces," he replied, "and I've got to go too. I'm with one of Voldemort's werewolf contingents right now and if I don't make contact soon they're going to get suspicious."
Before anyone could say anything more Remus screwed up his face in concentration and disappeared with a mighty cracking noise.
"Come on Harry, we'd best get back to helping people settle in," Hermione said.
"Wait," Fred said as they turned to leave. He and George had finished enlarging several rooms. "You said that they managed to break down the wards around your house right, Hermione?"
"The bloody strong ones that Dumbledore set up to prevent other wizards from finding, let alone attacking you, right?" George added.
"Er, yeah, why?" Hermione asked.
The twins exchanged dire looks. "Mum and Ginny are still at the Burrow. We told Ron that we should go get them but he told us that the Burrow was as safe as here."
"I didn't know the Burrow had protections on it," Harry said.
"Are you kiddin mate? We're purebloods remember? The Burrow's got the strongest protections known to wizard kind." George replied.
"Yeah, it's every bit as well defended as Grimmauld Place…except," Fred trailed off.
"Except that it isn't protected by the Fidelius Charm," Hermione filled in.
"How did the wards on Hermione's home stack up against ancient pureblood wards?" Harry asked. He tried to keep the sarcasm out of his voice over the pureblood thing but judging from the twin's glances he didn't entirely succeed.
"Probably pretty well since Dumbledore is one of the strongest wizards that has ever lived even by ancient pureblood standards," Hermione said.
"There's no point in taking the risk. Go bring them in and lock the Burrow down. Lay down shield wards, security wards, and put up a sentinel." Harry suggested. The sentinel referred to the great stone guardians that Hermione conjured and animated. She had discovered a way to miniaturize them so that others could deploy them to guard a specific area.
"You really think that your own wards will help?" Fred asked skeptically.
"It doesn't matter if they help or not," Harry bristled. For some reason the whole pureblood pride thing grated him and not just because it was the cause championed by Voldemort's followers. "We have alarms built into those wards. If the Burrow is attacked we'll feel it even if they manage to trick the sentinel or break past the wards' main defenses."
The twins didn't question them any further. They apparated away back to their home after gathering the devices Harry suggested. Harry looked balefully at Hermione who was busily studying her shoes.
"What was that?" he asked.
"I don't know Harry," she sighed. "Let's not think about it right now. We should go tell my parents and your relatives how to use the equipment Kreacher brought up for them."
"Yeah, good idea, we don't want them petrifying themselves by accident," Harry sighed too. "I think they're in the kitchen. Dudley has probably emptied it by now."
Hermione stifled a giggle as they pushed through the swinging door. The Dursleys and Grangers were sitting at the table eyeing each other with suspicion. Piled on the table in front of them was some cloaks, robes, and a rack of vials. They sat down tiredly at the far end of the table while everyone looked up expectantly at them.
"Everyone should put those clothes on," Hermione said.
"I'm not going to run about looking like some kind of freak," Vernon snarled.
"You're in our world now," Harry retorted. "You'll look like a freak running around in muggle clothes, not that you're going to be leaving this house. Those clothes aren't for fashion anyway. There are powerful spells woven into them to protect you from minor attacks."
"They're the best defense we can provide you for when we're not here personally," Hermione said. She picked up one of the vials. "These on the other hand are for offense. If you can hit someone with this they'll be petrified but be careful not to get any on yourself. The antidote is hard to come by."
"So can you tell us what's going on?" Mr. Granger asked.
"Not really," Hermione said apologetically. Morning was approaching now and none of them had gotten any sleep. The house was a continual buzz of refugees who were packed densely into every space available. The Grangers had been forced to move in with the Dursleys and all the Weasley's were going to have to share a single room. Hermione and Harry had their things removed down to the potions lab but there was no place to sleep there.
"Until Dumbledore gets back we're just going to have bits and pieces…" Harry said dourly.
"I'm afraid that I too only know, uh, bits and pieces as you so eloquently put it," Dumbledore said as he strode into the kitchen. Arthur, Shacklebolt, and a very tired looking McGonagall accompanied him.
"Professor," Hermione acknowledged stiffly. Harry nodded politely but didn't say anything. The Grangers looked concerned and the Dursleys looked bewildered at the tension between them.
"I suspect you know about as much as I do at this point." Dumbledore said. "A few hours ago we got distress messages from a dozen locations we thought were secure. We dispatched the bulk of our force to defend our resources and immediately thereafter a number of our member's families were attacked. By the time I realized Miss Granger's home was under attack I was in the middle of a battle I couldn't leave and there was no one else to send. It seems rather obvious that Voldemort staged tonight's events in hopes of capturing Harry and killing Hermione. A muggle born witch crossed wands with him and lived. Its bad on his image."
The Grangers had already heard this basic outline before but nonetheless they looked mortified all over again.
"However, the worse part is that Azkaban was attacked and emptied," Dumbledore continued heavily. This time it was Harry and Hermione's turn to be mortified. "According to Shacklebolt, Voldemort attacked the prison alone and swept through the defenses like they didn't even exist. He knew you would be tied down Harry so for all intents and purposes he was invincible. Voldemort will use the prophecy to destroy us."
"This is a disaster," Hermione said acidly. "The Order is decimated and Voldemort is on a rampage…"
"Voldemort isn't the only one who can use the prophecy," Harry intoned gravely.
"I am aware Miss Granger, of my own culpability in this matter, which is why I'm inviting yourself, Ron, and Harry to join the Order of the Phoenix immediately," Dumbledore replied as if Harry had said nothing.
Harry glanced at Hermione's enraged features but he already knew that their joining the order and taking its restrictive oaths were utterly out of the question.
"You must be joking," Hermione snapped coldly, "The Order has become one catastrophe after another."
Arthur and McGonagall gasped in shock at Hermione's harsh words. Shacklebolt looked as if all his preconceived ideas had been confirmed. Dumbledore looked like he had finally pieced something together too or perhaps confirmed what he already knew.
"Harry?" he asked.
"Hermione and I are of an alike mind in this matter," Harry replied calmly. "Ron will not join you either."
"Of course not Harry, your friends are very loyal," Dumbledore said finally. He paused a moment before continuing. "I didn't expect you to join. For months now there have been rumors but I wasn't sure until you were kidnapped, Harry, just who the leaders of the Bearers of the Light were."
"Albus surely you can't mean," McGongall started. Dumbledore cut her off with a wave of the hand.
"I assure you they are Minverva. Harry and Hermione left Grimmauld Place the day that the Light Bearers made their first appearance in Diagon Alley. Their organization has been recruiting heavily ever since. Their recruiters in chief seem to be a certain pair of red headed troublemakers that mysteriously refused to join the Order last month after having begged for membership for over a year. Need I continue?"
"It would seem you're clever enough to uncover secrets but not clever enough to keep them," Hermione said with a glare.
"Is there a point to this?" Harry asked.
"The fact that the two of you could put together an organization like the Bearers of the Light in secret demonstrates capabilities far beyond your years. Although, I should like some more details if you would humor me." Dumbledore said calmly. "How is your group organized, funded, and led?"
"Should we tell him?" Hermione asked Harry through their link.
"I can't see any reason not to at this point," Harry responded.
"We're organized on a cell based principle," Hermione said. "Only a few people know who all the members are and that information is protected by a Fidelius Charm."
Arthur and Shacklebolt looked very surprised by this information. The Fidelius Charm was considered to be one of the most powerful and difficult spells. Dumbledore and McGonagall seemed less shocked but amply impressed.
"Harry is funding us of course," Hermione continued, "and the leadership is hierarchical, much like a muggle army. Harry and I are the leaders but Ron actually controls tactical organization. Under him are Ginny and Luna who each control autonomous wings. Each wing is further divided into cells and special task forces like our champion breaker teams."
"Champion breakers?" Arthur asked.
"Each wing's best fighters are put together in a group whose sole purpose is to engage the avatars with overwhelming numbers to offset the power difference." Harry replied.
"Everything is controlled with these," Hermione said as she pulled out her golden torch emblem. "With these we can call any member, anywhere, anytime, to apparate to us or we can use them to apparate to members in distress. Only the ones that Harry and I carry can be used in that way all the others we issued to members are dependent on them."
Dumbledore seemed to understand even if no one else did and he seemed to be very pleased. "I suspect you two are already aware that the Order has suffered greatly in the last few months. Only our oldest and strongest members managed to come through this latest round. As an effective fighting force I'm afraid that we have nearly ceased to function."
"Headmaster what are you saying," McGonagall asked, her voice etched with worry. "This is no worse than last time."
"No, this is much better," Dumbledore said with a small smile. "Harry, since you won't join us I request that you allow the Order of the Phoenix to join you."
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