Unofficial Portkey Archive

CHAPTER TWENTY

Guardians of Hogwarts

The funeral took place two days later. Mrs. Weasley was beyond sad--she was completely devastated. Mr. Weasley, along with the rest of the family helped in the grieving process, but everyone had a terrible time.

They stayed in St. Mungo's for that first night, to stay by George. As hard as it was for everyone, they knew the hardest hit would be George. Waking up to find his brother-his best friend-his equal, was no more; Harry couldn't comprehend how he would feel.

When George did stir, Mr. Weasley was the one to break the news. Harry could see in George's face that he knew something was wrong before he was told. He woke up, and looked around to find Fred, and only found an empty bed next to him.

The family took turns consoling, and just supporting George. Everyone went in one at a time, and made sure never to leave him alone. As much as he might ask to be left alone, they never did. George continued to talk about times he and Fred shared, and some of their lesser known pranks that they accomplished. Harry's time in the room made him miss Fred even more, but also made sure he would never forget him either.

George was brought home to The Burrow the next day. He stayed in his old room, and Bill and Charlie cleaned up the store, and closed it up properly for the time. One of George's assistants, Verity, came and tried to help George. They were close, the family found out, and George seemed to open up with her.

On the day of the funeral, everyone made their way quietly to a nearby hill not far from The Burrow. Harry never ventured this way, and when he arrived at the top, he found a small white-picket fence surrounding a small cemetery. A wide branching Oak tree stood near the middle of the stones, and provided a skeleton-like canopy; the dark brown contrasting greatly against the grey sky and ivory snow.

The ceremony was somber and quiet. Mrs. Weasley wept while the Cleric performed the funeral rights. Mr. Weasley, along with Bill held onto her tightly. George stood like a statue, lost in perpetual sorrow and grief. Charlie, Ron, Ginny, Harry, and Hermione stood close to George for support. A cold December wind blew through the group, which also included numerous Order members, Hogwarts professors, many regulars at the joke shop, and people from George's year at Hogwarts, including Lee Jordan.

Once the Cleric finished, he gave his wand a slow wave, and the ground covered over the casket. The Weasley family had a long tradition of burying their relatives in a manner much like that of muggles. The Cleric then came and handed Mr. and Mrs. Weasley Fred's wand. Mrs. Weasley was too overwhelmed to accept it, and Mr. Weasley--tears trickling down his cheeks-grasped his son's wand, and nodded thankfully to the Cleric.

With an immense amount of tears in his eyes, Mr. Weasley looked to his family, and down at his downcast wife. His waterlogged eyes then moved to the area where Fred was buried. In a horribly slow and painful move, he took hold of Fred's wand with both of his hands.

The wind died, and everyone was silent. Closing his eyes, and allowing a sob to exit his mouth, Mr. Weasley--in pure and utter anguish-snapped his late-son's wand. The sound of the snapping wood echoed across the open plain, and seemed intensified by the lack of wind or even breath from the mourners.

Mrs. Weasley doubled over in grief as the sound penetrated her soul, and Mr. Weasley held on to her tightly, the wand fragments now held in his hand firmly. His fingers ran the length of the wood behind Mrs. Weasley's back, and he cried as a mourning father would for his lost son. People watching the scene cried for the parents, and Hermione held Harry's arm for support, as she wiped her tears.

Mr. Weasley recovered himself enough after a few moments, and began helping his wife down the hill.

Everyone made their way back to The Burrow silently, and sat down to talk with each other quietly. Most conversation revolved around Fred, and how wonderful a person he was in life. The pranks he made with George, and the time they went through the halls in Hogwarts with Harry yelling `Make way for the Heir of Slytherin, seriously evil wizard coming through" in his second year were talked about, along with many other wonderful memories that-even in the sad atmosphere-made people smile.

Harry felt it helped George a lot to have so many people there helping him and the family. Although he never smiled, Harry could tell he was improving, if only slightly. He did worry if George would ever return to the fun-loving person he used to be, but only time would tell.

Hermione went through the Weasley family, and gave them her sympathies and good-byes. She was leaving to go and see her own family for a few days. She and Mrs. Weasley held a long and drawn out hug, and both women cried in each others arms. Hermione then took Harry by the hand, and they walked outside by themselves.

`I'll be back at Hogwarts in a few days' she said quietly to Harry as they walked into the snow covered garden. They stopped a few meters from the house, and Hermione turned to face Harry. She draped her arms around Harry, their coats making the move harder to do than usual, and they kissed short, but sweetly.

Hermione pulled back, and she glanced up to the hill with the Oak tree. Tears began brimming, as they had for many people that day, and she hugged Harry tightly.

`Harry I'm so worried' she admitted to Harry's shoulder. Harry squeezed back, and stroked her rippled and slightly frizzed hair.

`Don't worry Hermione. Just see your parents, and enjoy the time. I'll see you when you come back alright?' he asked encouragingly. Hermione stayed in the hug, and she nodded. They parted, and he gave her a kiss. She took a few steps back, and sighed.

She gave a small wave, Harry retuning it, and she Apparated to her home. Harry looked up at the hill for a moment, the cold December wind nipping at his nose, then returned to The Burrow.

Harry went and sat by Ron in the sitting room. He and Ginny were sitting with Bill and Fleur; all of whom were quiet. Ron gave Harry a placid smile, and looked back to the fire. Harry looked around the room, and found George moving towards the small group, facing Harry. Everyone stood up, and George put a shaky hand on Harry's shoulder. His eyes were bloodshot and tired, and his face was pale.

`Whatever you need to defeat Voldemort-whatever you want-I'll make it' he asserted. It was the most confident sentence Harry heard him say since he was released from St. Mungo's.

`Thanks George. We'll get him' Harry answered strongly, placing a hand on George's shoulder. George's expression turned to one of determination and hardness, and the two hugged each other tightly. Ron pat his brother's shoulder, and George gave him a shadow of a smile, and turned to Ginny to hug her. Harry faced Ron with a new found sense of confidence.

`We need to find out what the Order knows about the attack. There had to be a reason behind it' Harry reasoned. Ron nodded, and the two of them made their way to a group of Order members, including Tonks, Shacklebolt-who's leg was working fine now--, Lupin, and a few others.

`How are you doing Harry?' Remus asked, looking tired and drained, the creases on his face as apparent as ever.

`I'm fine. I figured you would still be transformed; that's why I didn't think to call you to help' Harry responded. He remembered the full moon on Christmas Eve, and knew it took Remus a few days to recover.

`Yes, I figured as much, thank you. I am sad to hear about Fred, but glad to hear no one else was hurt seriously. Might I ask where you learned how to perform the Phoenix Fire?'

`Sorry, the what?' Harry asked.

`Phoenix Fire. It's the spell Dumbledore always used to gather Order members when needed. Last time he used it was the night your parents died' Lupin explained.

`I saw it in his Pensieve, and in a spell book. I thought I'd try it out' Harry answered. Lupin smiled, and Moody looked surprised. Well, as surprised as a man with one electric blue eye could look like.

`Try it out? You mean that was your first time doing it Potter?' the ex-Auror asked gruffly. Harry nodded diminutively, and Moody looked at Lupin.

`The Phoenix Fire is a very hard spell; that's why Dumbledore was the only one to use it. You must have been very focused to make it work. Well done!' Lupin praised. Harry couldn't help his cheeks blush a little with the praise, and turned his mind to the reason he came and saw the group of men.

`Does the Order have any ideas why the attack happened?' he asked.

`So far, we think Voldemort wanted to make an example of Fred and George. They continued on working like nothing was wrong, and he probably didn't like that. The imposter who was captured was a younger man; totally devoted to Voldemort. He's in Azkaban now, along with the captured Death Eaters, but they told the Ministry what their plan was' Remus explained.

`So what was it?' Ron asked.

`They were going to enter The Burrow, and try to learn as much as possible about Hogwarts and, more specifically, you Harry. One was even supposed to impersonate Hermione if he could. The two would stay in here with the family until the surprise Death Eater attack. This way, they could either stay with the family if the attack failed, or turn on the family and surprise them by attacking. It was lucky Baldric checked on the twins, or it could have been a lot worst.' Remus rubbed his forehead, and Tonks placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

`Where is Baldric?' Ron asked. Remus looked up, and placed a short smile on his face, trying to stave off his tiredness.

`He had some business at the Ministry. He'll be around later I'm sure' he answered.

`How is your leg Kingsley?' Harry asked. The tall man lifted his leg, and stretched it back for show.

`Good as new. Got hit by three separate spells at once, made for a bad combination' he answered in his deep voice. Harry looked around for a moment for the other injury from the night, and for the second time that week, noticed someone missing.

`Was Topher not invited?' Harry inquired. Ron looked around as well, and shrugged his shoulders.

`He was, but he asked me to give you this' Tonks said, giving Harry a sealed piece of parchment. Harry ran his wand over the seal, and opened it.

Dear Harry,

Sincerely,
Topher

Harry folded up the parchment, and put it in his pocket. When he looked up, he found the group around him looking at him expectantly.

`He said he was busy doing research' Harry answered, everyone nodding their understanding.

`You know, I saw him in the Ministry a few days ago' Tonks mentioned.

`In the Ministry?' Ron asked, giving Harry a strange look. Tonks nodded.

`Yeah, making his way to the administration offices on the Level One. I didn't know he was your DADA professor, otherwise I would have said hello.' Ron again gave a strange look to Harry, and he understood his meaning.

What was Topher doing in the Ministry for Magic? He never mentioned going there, or needing to go there. Going back to the message, he mentioned more research. Harry decided for the time, to keep his ponderings and wonders low, and continue to be with his family.

*

Harry, Ron, and Ginny returned to Hogwarts two days later. The mood in The Burrow remained quiet and solemn, but Harry could feel the healing process taking place when he left. Mrs. Weasley's crying was lessened, and George started talking more to everyone, and started spending less time in his old room.

The entire family, the day Harry returned to Hogwarts, went to the shop, to slowly allow the healing to continue, and was surprised by an amazing outpour of mourning.

In front of the door, where the closed sign hung, hundreds of flowers were laid on the snow. Deep pink and white Roses stood out from the rest, all laid in pairs-no singles, and no bunches. Light purple Statices and various colours of Zinnias made the memorial burst with colour and warmth against the pale grey of the snow; while mingled within the Roses and colour, the constant blue of Forget-Me-Not brought the whole scene to completeness.

Littered within the grief-grown flower garden, dozens upon dozens of notes of gratitude and sadness to both Fred and George were present. Picking a few up, George cried at the wonderful messages of thanks and encouragement to fight on that was held within the notes. The family left the flowers be, and everyone returned to The Burrow, were Harry and the others left back to Hogwarts through the fireplace.

When they arrived, Professor McGonagall gave her sympathies to them all and their family. Harry told her of Hermione's visit to her parents, and she nicely decided to wait until after she returned to have a meeting with the two of them about this next month and duties.

Walking through the hallways towards the East Tower, Harry was surprised at the number of students. Some must have come back earlier, because the number on Christmas was not as high as he was seeing. Of course it was not near the number in a regular year, or the number before Christmas Holidays, but it was promising.

Wasting no time, Harry put his items in his dormitory, sent his letter to Hermione using the same owl she was allowed to use during the past summer, Capella, and made his way to the Defence classroom.

Harry knocked on the door, and found no sound coming from inside. He looked up and down the corridor, and finding it empty, tried banging on the door. Finally, after several moments, the door opened, and Topher peered out.

`Harry! Oh, sorry about that. I didn't know you came back' he said, inviting Harry inside. Harry entered, and turned when he saw Topher once again sealing the door, and casting a few silent charms on it.

`How was the service?' he asked, as he moved around, and motioned Harry to sit in front of his desk, which had a single sheet of very, very old yellowed parchment.

`Quiet, but nice.' Topher sat down, and nodded slowly.

`I am sorry I couldn't be there. After my arm was healed, I needed to come back here right away.'

`Where were you on Christmas? You weren't in the Great Hall for the feast' Harry inquired. Topher smiled-with both sides-and leaned back a little.

`Very attentive Harry. I was busy doing my research. I wish I could have done it another day, but I was allowed an opportunity I couldn't pass. How was your Christmas?' he asked, Harry knowing he was trying to steer the conversation away from his research.

`It was fine. Why were you in the Ministry for Magic?' Harry let out. Harry was worried if he was becoming too nosy, but relaxed when Topher again smiled, even larger than before.

`You catch everything, don't you? Yes, I was in the Ministry, on Christmas in fact' he divulged.

`Doing what, if you don't mind me asking?' Harry, in the few seconds that passed, realized he should be a little less demanding with the man-who not only just a week earlier showed him his parents graves-but also was a professor, and on his side.

`I don't mind at all Harry, really. I have a friend, actually one of Dumbledore's friends, that allowed me access to a very old room. The lack of staff in the Ministry made it easier to do on Christmas' Topher explained quietly, as if still worried someone could hear, even though he obviously put a Silencing Charm on the room.

`And old room? Where?' Harry asked, some of his wonder escaping into his voice.

`Have you ever been in the lower levels of the Ministry?'

`Yeah, I was charged with underage wizardry when I was fifteen, and had my trial in Courtroom Ten, on Level Ten.'

`Along the hallway to the courtroom there are rooms that run off, with large wooden doors. They're record rooms, where the Ministry stores all its very old parchment records, incase they need them.' Harry's brow furrowed slightly at the news.

`Why did you need Ministry records?' he asked. Topher stood up beaming again, and pulled out the parchment roll Harry had seen before, with the snake and figures.

`The magic on this scroll' he explained, pointing to the scroll, `is said to be Egyptian. As I told you, most-if not all-the remaining scrolls from Egypt are in the Ministry. I know getting access to those will be impossible, but finding the records of what the Ministry has is different. I contacted this friend of Dumbledore, and asked him if he could get the records. He did one better, and was able to allow me access to the rooms. He told the guard it was for a school project on History of Magic, and that he would supervise.'

`So what did you find?' Topher put away the scroll with the snake, and motioned to the ancient looking parchment that was on his desk in the first place.

`This scroll here. It's very promising, because it talks about an expedition into a very ancient, and powerfully magical tomb, and the retrieval of many scrolls and other artifacts.'

`Why is that so different than any other expedition?' Harry asked, some doubt in his voice. Topher bent down over the scroll, and pointed at a section that looked to be written in some odd form of writing and pictures.

`This is what makes this different' Topher remarked.

`What is it?' Harry got up, and moved around to see the parchment correctly.

`The recorder wrote down a part of the hieroglyphics that were found on some of the items recovered from the tomb' Harry looked at the pictures, and tilted his head.

`But I remember seeing hieroglyphics at the museum when I was a young, and they didn't look like this' he confessed. Topher simply continued smiling, and nodding.

`Yes, because those were muggle hieroglyphics-these are wizard's' he informed, sounding neither condescending nor boastful.

`So, have you figured out what is says?' Harry asked hesitantly. Topher shook his head, but pointed one of his fingers at a prominent symbol.

`No, only this one' he professed. Harry looked down, and found him pointing to a hieroglyph of something that resembled a stork, followed by a semi-circle and two diagonal lines.

`What does it mean?'

`Have you ever heard of Thoth?' Topher asked somewhat dramatically. Wracking his brain, the name sounded vaguely familiar to Harry; possibly from History of Magic.

`I think so. Wasn't he a really powerful wizard?' He never liked History of Magic, but he hoped he was right here. Where was Hermione when he needed her?

`The most powerful wizard to ever live actually. It was written that he could control the sky and the earth, talk to animals, and perform magic the world has never seen. Muggles thought he was a God, and wrote him as the God of wisdom, the moon, time, magic, and writing.

`It was believed, by wizard historians, that before Thoth died, he wrote all his knowledge in a book. It was put in the tomb of a prince, and protected by immortal guards and countless powerful spells and curses.'

`And you think this record is of an expedition to that tomb?' Harry questioned. Topher motioned Harry to sit back down, and he did so. Topher then leaned back in his chair, and put his fingers to his chin.

`That I'm unsure of. I still need to decipher the rest of the scroll. But, I'll tell you this Harry; the Book of Thoth was believed to have a terrible curse set upon it. Anyone to remove it from the tomb would suffer a terrible life, and death, if they didn't return it to its proper place of rest.'

`And?'

`And at the bottom of this scroll, the recorder wrote that all the men on this expedition died within two months, along with their families. Almost all died very horrifically, I might add; some by dragons, some by horrible plagues, and so on.' Harry leaned back, and let out an astonished breath, however was still pessimistic about it all.

`So you think this, what was it, Oroborus thing, is in this book, that you think the Ministry has, or had?' Harry questioned. Topher chuckled a little, and smiled.

`I know, it sounds like a long shot. The Book of Thoth is just a myth really. Those who believe it existed, think it was lost thousands of years ago. The magic to defeat Voldemort would definitely reside in the Book of Thoth however, so I'm going to try. I still need to do more research, and that's why I came here. With this revelation, I think I'm on the right path. For the time, let me worry about this, and you worry about your dueling lessons' Topher asserted calmly.

`Yeah, well, I still need to plan those out' Harry admitted.

`I'd suggest you go and do that then' Topher said easily. Harry smiled, and stood up, Topher doing the same.

`Oh, and well done with Hermione' he added. Harry's smile increased, and Topher laughed.

`Thanks for the advice from before by the way' said Harry. Topher came around the desk, and started to walk Harry out leisurely.

`Not a problem Harry. I could see you needed a little kick in the pants to get moving.' Topher and Harry bid farewell to each other, and Harry returned to the East Tower. Once he sat down at the desk, he started planning out his first dueling lesson.

*

`Do you think a lot of people will show up?' Ron asked, as he, Harry, and Hermione moved through the hallway. It was the first week back, and the school numbers were almost identical to that from before Christmas. Seamus stayed, and many others that were debating not to before did as well. Seamus himself said it was because of the dueling lessons. That, and he didn't find the idea of spending all that time around his grandmother to be too exciting.

`I've had a lot of people ask me about the dueling club, so I can imagine so' Hermione put in. So far, Harry had many people come and ask him the time and place to go for the meeting. Harry decided to have the lessons on Wednesday nights, and once more, in the Room of Requirement.

They started up the flight of stairs towards the seventh floor. As they turned the corner, Harry found a mob of people standing the hallway.

`Bloody hell!' Ron voiced, looking at Harry, his surprise plainly showing on his face. Harry moved into the throng of people, to where the doorway to the Room of Requirement would be. One thing he did know; he would need to think of a bigger room.

Ron and Hermione, knowing what to do, cleared some space for Harry to think of the room he needed, while he paced. Three times he walked across the barrier, and finally a doorway appeared. He walked over, and opened the door, while the others watched.

Walking in, Harry found the room to be a mixture of the Great Hall, and the library. Although not as huge as the Great Hall, it was wide and long, and more than large enough for the new members of the club. Bookshelves lined the stone walls, except for the ends where massive stone-cut fireplaces stood, and red carpeting filled the floor.

While the mass of students entered the room, Harry walked towards the far end, where a heavy wood table was sitting, with one blank scroll of parchment, a quill, and a few wooden chairs sitting around it. Hermione walked up behind Harry, as well as Ron, and both smiled at him.

`This will be perfect' Harry said gazing around the hall, turning around and hearing the door close shut.

Over a hundred people now stood in the room, all looking squarely at Harry. As if reading his mind, a small stage appeared in front of him, and he stood on it, so even people in the back could see him. He cleared his throat, and was once again reminded about how he hated talking in front of a crowd.

`Hello everyone. This is going to be the dueling club. For starters, I am in charge. If you have a problem with me, or start trouble, you're out. Next, this is for protection only. Don't use these spells on friends, or for pranks. You do, and you'll find yourself out of Hogwarts.' Everyone was listening to Harry carefully, and the air seemed thick with the seriousness of Harry's claims.

`To start, I need everyone to get in a line, and sign their name on the parchment roll up here. People who were in the DA, I need you up here first' Harry announced. He came off the stage, and let out a sigh. Hermione beamed at him, and started getting people in line, while Ron took the parchment roll, and got it ready for people to sign.

Quickly, old members of the DA came to the front, including Neville, Luna, Ginny, Susan Bones, both Creevey brothers, Ernie Macmillan, Dean, and Seamus. They all quickly signed their names, and made their way over to Harry, who was standing away from the crowd of chatting new members.

`Now this is a turn out!' Ernie cheered, the other members agreeing. Harry smiled, and looked at the old members.

`I'll need you're help guys. Ernie is right, there's a lot of people here, and I can't teach them all-`

`Harry' Seamus interrupted, `we'll help, don't worry. This isn't for us anymore, this is for Hogwarts.' The statement shook Harry with its truth, and the other members agreed with Seamus and his assessment.

`Thanks guys. Today I planned on just trying Disarming Spells; simple and easy, since there are people from every year. If you guys can just go through and help people out, that'd be great' said Harry. Everyone nodded, and Harry turned back to see the line halfway done. He went ahead and sat down next to Ron and Hermione behind the table.

`Harry, this will be great. There are students from every year, and every house. It's exactly like the Sorting Hat said; "You all must stand together, and protect Hogwarts from its foes"' Hermione proclaimed.

`Yeah, well I'm just--wait, how in the world did you remember that?' Harry asked disbelievingly.

`Oh you know, a little Memory Potion here . . .'

`I knew it! You do take that stuff!' Ron expounded, turning to the two of them. Hermione rolled her eyes, and smirked at Harry. The final students signed their name on the now long list, and Harry stood once again on the stage, Hermione just off the stage behind him with the scroll.

`Alright, first thing we'll be doing-`

`Is coming up with a name' Hermione insisted. Harry turned around, and she stood up on the stage next to Harry, and smiled at the crowd.

`I thought we were using "Dumbledore's Army" again?' Ginny asked, who was standing in front.

`We used Dumbledore's Army, because it was pertinent to the time. Calling the club that now wouldn't make as much sense. We need a name that reflects what we're doing' Hermione justified. There was a slight murmur between the students, and Colin Creevey spoke up

`We're defending Hogwarts, and ourselves' he put in. People nodded, and the murmur continued.

`We're guardians' Luna voiced simply, but loud enough for people to hear. The noise level lowered, and everyone looked at her.

`Sorry?' Harry asked. Luna approached the stage and explained.

`We're protectors of Hogwarts. That makes us guardians.' The statement sounded good, but the effect was lessened by Luna playing with her Butterbeer cork necklace, and looking around at the lantern lights after she was done.

`Guardians of Hogwarts!' a few energetic students shouted together after a second or two. Everyone clapped in agreement, and Hermione smiled.

`Alright, Guardians of Hogwarts it is' she said, writing the name on the top of the parchment.

`The Guard for short' Seamus added. The murmur grew again, to one of excitement. Hermione mouthed sorry, and Harry returned to his lesson.

`To start, I need everyone to pair up. We're going to start with disarming spells.' The mass of students, moved into pairs, and Harry and his helpers started moving through the crowd helping students. Harry found that it helped to pair the younger students together, and keep the older ones with students in their year. In this manner, Harry could get more DA members to help the younger, less focused students, while the older students progressed easier.

The meeting ended after an hour, and it looked to be doing great. Many of the older students could perform the charm easily. Some first years were even getting it, but most had some difficulty. As everyone filed out of the room, talking happily over the lesson and its worth, Harry asked the older DA members to say back.

`Thanks again guys for all the help. Since the Guard is so large, I'll really need your help' Harry requested. Everyone looked at each other in thought, and Neville stepped forward.

`Seamus and Ernie are right; we're doing this for Hogwarts. I'll help as much as I can' he said confidently. Harry smiled at Neville, and looked to the rest. They all nodded in agreement, and stepped forward as well.

`We'll help Harry. You helped us, now we'll help you' Ernie said nobly.

`OK. You guys will still be the DA, to make things easy. I doubt you guys still have your Galleons, right?' Harry asked. At the mention of Galleons, every one of the members reached into their pockets, and pulled out the fake Galleons that Hermione made two years prior. Harry couldn't hide the surprise on his face, and it was obvious, since all the DA members chuckled at his reaction.

`Oh, well . . . in that case, if I need to get a hold of you guys outside lessons, just check the Galleon' he said. Everyone agreed, and headed out of the room. Ron left with Luna, and left Harry and Hermione in the cavernous room. As the door closed, Hermione turned to Harry, and beamed at him as she approached.

`This is wonderful Harry. If we can teach them well enough, they'll have a chance when Voldemort comes.' She kissed Harry, and he returned it, but stopped it short. He started pacing around, and Hermione tilted her head in worry.

`Harry, what's the matter?' she asked. Harry sighed, and smiled when she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

`How are we going to find the other Horcruxes?' he questioned. He stepped away, and her hand fell to her side.

`How many are left?'

`If there are six, with the part in Voldemort, then there's Hufflepuff's Cup, Nagini, and my . . . my scar.' Harry once again placed his hand to his forehead, and felt a shiver run through him, as it did when he remembered the deformity. Hermione came around in front of him, and gently took his hand in hers, and kissed his forehead.

`Then let's focus on the Cup. Have you talked to Dumbledore about it?' Harry shook his head, and she smiled sweetly at him.

`Well, go talk to him, and we'll get started.' Harry smiled at Hermione, and they left the room.

The next night, Harry made his way to Professor McGonagall's office. She was inside talking to Professor Fourmove, and the two graciously left the office so he could talk to Dumbledore's Portrait by himself.

`Hello Harry. I should start by congratulating you and Miss Granger' he said, smiling warmly.

`How did you find out?' Harry asked, as he took a seat.

`Being a portrait has its advantages. That, and I know about the tradition.' He smiled again, and the Head Boy laughed.

`It seemed everyone knew about it but me. Was it you that chose Hermione and I to be Heads?' Harry asked, wondering if it was Dumbledore that was playing match-maker. Dumbledore shook his head.

`No. I recommended you two, but the staff selected you. The Governors then approved, and sent the badges. Don't think it was the tradition that put you two together. I could tell from very early on that you two would make it together in some manner.' Dumbledore then smiled again, and fixed his hat.

`So how are your lesson with Topher going?' he asked.

`They're going well. He said we're going to start on more advanced magic now.'

`That's very good Harry. I was told you and Hermione performed a Patronus Sphere. That is a great feat.'

`Why is it so hard to do? We just did a Patronus at the same time' Harry mentioned.

`It's hard, because not only do the casters have to do the charm at the same time, but also have to be using the exact same happy thought or memory.'

`Really?' Harry asked. Hermione used the memory of the hug as well? Dumbledore nodded, and Harry felt his insides warm with the realization.

`I have also heard you started a dueling club to help the students and Topher.'

`Yeah, sort of like the DA in fifth year. It's a lot bigger though, at least a third of the school.'

`Yes, well, be expecting more Harry. Dark times are approaching, and students need to be prepared for the worst. Have you named the club?'

`Guardians of Hogwarts. The old DA members are helping me out. We had our first meeting last night, and it seemed to work well.' Dumbledore nodded, looking off to the side in thought.

`Guardians you say? A better choice of name than I think you know.' Harry's brow furrowed, and Dumbledore continued.

`I suggest talking to Miss Granger about that. I daresay you have read Hogwarts: A History, but it will shed some light.' Harry nodded, and made a mental note to ask her once he returned to the East Tower. `Have you made any way with the Horcruxes?' Dumbledore asked.

`Actually, that's what I came to talk to you about' Harry informed.

`Oh, I see. And what is it you wish to discuss?'

`Well, by my count, there are three Horcruxes left to destroy: Hufflepuff's Cup, Nagini, and my scar.'

`That sounds correct' Dumbledore affirmed.

`Do you have ideas where Hufflepuff's Cup could be?'

`Ideas? Hundreds of them, however many are outlandish and I know, false. The places I think that are most plausible, I have already shown you.'

`You have?' Harry questioned. Dumbledore nodded.

`I did, just this past year, in the Pensieve.'

`So showing me those memories wasn't just for the history lesson?' Harry asked, trying not to sound rude. Dumbledore smiled.

`Not entirely. It is important for you to know Lord Voldemort's history, but yes, there was this reason as well. Do you remember the places you saw?' Harry stretched his mind, trying to remember.

`There was: the Orphanage, Hogwarts, the Gaunt House, Riddle's House, the old lady's house, what was her name?'

`Hepzibah Smith' Dumbledore offered.

`Yeah. You think the Cup could be at one of those places?'

`Not all of them. We can rule out the Gaunt House, because the ring was there. Also, there is little chance one resides in Hepzibah Smith's home.'

`Why is that sir?'

`Because it is no more. It was destroyed in a very violent fire a few weeks after her death. There is nothing left of it.' Harry nodded his head, and thought for a moment.

`So we need to go and search Hogwarts, as well as the Riddle House and the Orphanage?' Dumbledore nodded.

`I would start with the castle. Though I am sure there is nothing here, a Cup could easily be hidden somewhere.' Harry's memory was still working well however, and he wondered about a Horcrux being in the castle.

`But how could Voldemort get one in here?' Harry asked.

`Remember, Tom came back to ask for the Defence Against the Dark Arts position. He could have hidden it then' Dumbledore stated. Harry's face fell into dismay wit the prospect of searching the entire castle, and Dumbledore seemed to notice.

`I think it may be best to enlist the help of the house elves here. They can search the castle much more thoroughly than students.' Harry's face lightened with the idea, since it would make things a great deal better, and would not require him to get on his hands and knees, searching the dungeons and bowels of the castle for a flimsy cup.

`I'll get started right away' Harry said, getting up.

`Please give my condolences to the Weasley's. Fred will be remembered as one of those wonderful people, who could always bring a ray of sunshine to a room.'

`It'll be tough, especially for George.' Dumbledore leaned in portrait to face Harry more seriously.

`Get him to help you Harry. George will be looking for methods of pouring his sorrow and grief out. If you do not help him focus, he could do something rash, and serious consequences could arise.' Harry walked to the portrait, so he faced it closely.

`He did offer to help me' Harry mentioned.

`Good, good. Think of items your Guardians or you and your friends could use to fight Death Eaters, or find the Horcruxes. Get him working, get him motivated, and driven to fight those who took his brother. He will be better for it in the end.' Harry could see his reasoning, and nodded confidently. He bid Dumbledore farewell, and went back to the East Tower.

Upon entering, Harry found Hermione sitting at the desk reading a book. She looked up at Harry, and waved him over quickly.

`What's up?' he asked lightly, leaning down next to her, the perfume of honeysuckle wafting under his nose.

`The Guardians of Hogwarts existed before' she claimed. Harry looked at her wondrously, and she nodded, pointing to the text, which Harry saw was Hogwarts: A History.

After the departure of Salazar Slytherin, the remaining Founders believed that the school could be threatened by him, or his descendants. There were still many problems in both the muggle world, and the wizarding worlds at the time. With the beginning of the Wizard's Civil War, the Founders created Guardians to protect Hogwarts.

The Guardians of Hogwarts stood for almost a century, until the Civil War subsided. By this time, around the year 1080AD in the Muggle calendar, the Wizarding world was beginning to calm, and Hogwarts, which had been closed for several years, was reopened. Salazar Slytherin's whereabouts was unknown; however he was never seen alive again. The Founders, agreeing with each other that the school was safe, disbanded the Guardians.

`You see. These Guardians of Hogwarts protected Hogwarts like we will be. We couldn't have picked a better name' Hermione said happily, giving Harry a nice smile. `Maybe Luna read Hogwarts: A History, and thought of the name from there' she suggested, looking at Harry for a response. Harry looked at her and laughed openly.

`No, I think that was just Luna being Luna. Besides, I think you're the only person who has ever read that book.' Harry smirked at Hermione, and received a smack on his shoulder--with the aforementioned book-for the comment. Harry held his shoulder, but continued laughing. Hermione's eyes focused on Harry with a tinge of annoyance.

`What?' she asked, questioning Harry's increased laughter after the swipe at his shoulder.

`Finally you found a good use for that book' he laughed.

Hermione smacked him in the shoulder again with the book.

Spell / Name Meanings:
The flowers placed in front of the twin's shop, and their meanings:
Forget-Me-Not - Faithful love; Undying hope; Memories; Do not forget; True love
Rose (Deep Pink) - Thank you
Rose (White) - Innocence; Purity; Heavenly; Secrecy; Silence; Charm
Statice - Sympathy; Rememberance
Zinnia - Thoughts of absent friends

A/N - Hope you all enjoy enjoyed this chapter here. Please review folks!

-->