Chapter 291: Chapter 291: "The Order's Agenda and Confrontations Part -1"
"Some of you already know why I've reconvened the Order," Dumbledore began, his voice echoing through the dimly lit kitchen of Grimmauld Place. The flickering candles cast long shadows, and the tension in the air was thick. "The Dark Lord, Voldemort has returned."
A shiver went through the gathered members. Some flinched at the mention of Voldemort's name, while others exchanged serious, knowing looks.
"For those who still doubt young Charles's account," Dumbledore continued, his gaze steady beneath his half-moon glasses, "Severus has confirmed Voldemort's resurrection through direct contact just a few nights ago. Voldemort is back and as dangerous as ever."
A heavy silence fell over the room. The weight of the situation hung over everyone, making their mission seem even more daunting.
"Unfortunately," Dumbledore went on, "we have major obstacles. The Ministry, especially Minister Fudge, refuses to believe this truth. He desperately hopes all of this will go away without damaging his political career and dismisses any evidence I show him."
He turned his gaze to Sirius. "Have the Aurors made any progress on this front?"
Sirius shook his head grimly. "None. Fudge won't move without what he calls 'concrete proof.' We've given him evidence—reports of known Death Eaters like Fenrir Greyback returning to the country—but he just finds excuses. He's convinced this is all some elaborate plot to undermine him." A bitter chuckle escaped his lips. "He even suggested that you and Amelia are behind this to set yourselves up for the next Ministerial election. Unless Voldemort shows himself publicly—which he's careful to avoid—Fudge won't change his mind. And with him refusing to act, we can't take any preventive measures or prepare for war."
"Indeed," Dumbledore sighed, his face looking weary. "The situation at the Ministry gets more troubling by the day. Cornelius has surrounded himself with new advisors—people who have conveniently filled positions left empty by recent... losses in our world."
Harry caught the subtle reference to the dead Death Eaters. It proved that as Harry thought, Dumbledore was upset by their deaths.
"The new advisors are different from the old guard," Sirius added. "They don't have the experience or influence of their predecessors, but they're cunning. Every time Fudge dismisses a warning about Voldemort, they're right there, telling him exactly what he wants to hear."
"This leaves us largely alone in our fight," Dumbledore acknowledged, pacing slowly behind his chair. "The Aurors are caught up in political games, and the Unspeakables won't act without official orders. They're busy with their own mysterious work and rarely get involved in conflicts like this. Our mission is clear: we must stop Voldemort's efforts, protect innocent people, and prevent the spread of darkness."
He turned to Severus Snape, who stepped out of the shadows in the corner of the room. "Severus, please share what you've learned of Voldemort's plans."
Severus Snape stepped forward, his black robes billowing slightly as he moved into the light. His expression was hard to read, his dark eyes revealing nothing. "The Dark Lord plans to rebuild his forces quietly," he said, his voice smooth but tense. "He's especially interested in recruiting those the Ministry has pushed to the margins—werewolves, giants, and other magical beings who are angry at the current system. With his numbers down, he's eager to accept anyone willing to follow him."
"We have to stop this," Dumbledore said firmly. Turning to Remus Lupin, he continued, "Remus, I need you to reach out to the werewolf communities. Get information and offer them alternatives."
"Of course," Remus replied quietly, a hint of resignation in his eyes.
"Hagrid and Madame Maxime have already started a similar mission to the giants," Dumbledore added.
Harry noticed Snape's subtle reaction—a slight curl of his lip at the mention of werewolves. Old prejudices, born from past experiences, still lingered under his calm exterior.
"There's another serious matter," Dumbledore continued. "Voldemort wants the complete prophecy from the Department of Mysteries. His current knowledge is incomplete, and he believes the full prophecy might reveal something important."
Harry's interest piqued at the mention of the prophecy. He glanced at Snape and noticed a faint tightening around his eyes. Snape was a master of hiding his emotions, but Harry had spent years watching him. The mention of the prophecy clearly made him uneasy.
Having observed both Snape and his mother throughout his school years, Harry had serious doubts about the "eternal love" motivation from his book memories. Maybe that was true in the book, but here there was no love between them. Snape's situation was more complicated—a risky balancing act between two powerful wizards. Forced into this by mistakes from his teenage years, Snape was now stuck working for both sides, each capable of killing him at any moment.
Dumbledore went on, "We must make sure Voldemort doesn't get it. I suggest setting up a guard rotation to watch the Department and make sure the prophecy stays safe."
Harry cleared his throat. "Excuse me, Professor, but what exactly is this prophecy? I've heard about it so many times. Is it really that important?"
Harry knew the words from the book and didn't think the prophecy was all that important. The words were vague, and even if Voldemort knew what it said, nothing would really change. There would still be a battle. However, Harry wanted to see the prophecy for himself—just to be sure if it was about him and Voldemort. His birthday wasn't in July, which made it seem less likely, but considering the other details, like the soul piece, he was sure he was the prophesied child. He might need to confirm it once and for all.
Dumbledore regarded Harry with a steady gaze. "The prophecy is very important, Mr. Potter. It concerns Charles and Voldemort. For everyone's safety, I think it's best to keep the details confidential."
"Okay, let's assume the prophecy is important, though I don't think it is," Harry interrupted. "Why do we need to guard it? Only those named in it can retrieve it—like you said, only Charles and Voldemort. So unless you plan to guard it yourself, Headmaster, you're sending Order members to face a threat they can't handle."
"Harry's right," Sirius said immediately, his grey eyes flashing with conviction. "If Voldemort can get past Ministry security and the Department's defenses, what chance does a couple of Order members have? It would be suicide."Murmurs of agreement went around the table. Members who had fought in the first war nodded solemnly, their faces serious.
Dumbledore's expression tightened slightly—he wasn't used to having his plans questioned like this. After a moment, though, he nodded. "You make good points. I'll reconsider this plan and present an alternative at our next meeting." He paused, gathering his thoughts.
The tension in the room eased a little, but it was short-lived as Dumbledore changed the topic. "Now, about our efforts to identify the mysterious wizard who intervened at the graveyard..."
Harry's head snapped up, his eyes locking onto Dumbledore's. "Excuse me? What exactly are you trying to do? Wasn't my testimony to the Wizengamot enough for you to understand?"
Dumbledore met his eyes steadily. "We need to know who this person is, Mr. Potter. Anyone capable of using such destructive magic without oversight could be a potential threat."
Harry's temper flared. "A threat? This person saved Charles's life, facing Voldemort and his Death Eaters alone. And you want to hunt him down like a criminal instead of thanking him?"
"Power that strong, used without control or accountability, is dangerous," Dumbledore said. "He took many lives that night. It was a significant loss to the wizarding world."
"A loss?" Harry said incredulously. "You're talking about some of the most ruthless Death Eaters—murderers who terrorized innocent people. Their deaths are a 'great loss'? Is there something wrong with your mind, Professor?"
"The individual had no right to take the law into his own hands," Dumbledore replied firmly. "Those wizards, despite their past actions, could have been apprehended and given a chance at redemption."
"Redemption?" Harry scoffed. "That's the most naive thing I've heard. These are murderers who showed no remorse. People died to stop them, and you're talking about redemption? Their victims would be rolling in their graves."
"No one has the right to act as judge, jury, and executioner," Dumbledore insisted. "He should have subdued them and let the Aurors handle justice."
"One wizard against Voldemort and his inner circle, and you expect him to take them alive?" Harry shot back, his voice rising. "That's not just unrealistic; it's absurd."
"Your defense of this individual is quite strong," Dumbledore observed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Is there something you'd like to share, Harry?"
Harry glared. "He killed those Death Eaters to save Charles's life. I can't believe you're supporting this, Lily and James."
"Harry," Lily said gently, her eyes pleading. "We understand how you feel, but Professor Dumbledore has a point. Power like that, used without limits, is concerning."
"Concerning?" Harry repeated, his gaze hardening. "That power saved your son's life. And now you're supporting a hunt for his savior?"
James stepped forward, his hands raised in a calming gesture. "Harry, we're just thinking about everyone's safety. We need to know who this person is."
"Don't patronize me," Harry snapped. "This isn't about safety. It's about control. Your leader can't stand the idea of someone powerful acting outside of his influence."
Chapter 292: Chapter 292: "The Order's Agenda and Confrontations Part -2"
"Wait," Dumbledore said, raising a hand. "Maybe we should all take a moment to—"
"No," Harry cut him off. "I've heard enough. This meeting was supposed to be about uniting against Voldemort, not chasing personal agendas against potential allies."
"Harry, please," Lily called after him, her voice trembling.
He turned back, eyes blazing. "What? Do you think I don't understand why Dumbledore wants to go after that wizard? I thought you, having grown up in the Muggle world with an open mind, would see what's happening here. Dumbledore, like most politicians and manipulators, can't stand people he can't control or who don't follow his ideas. Isn't that right, Headmaster?"
"Your perspective is clouded," Dumbledore said softly. "Your studies have taken you down a dark path."
Harry's eyes flashed angrily. "Oh, spare me the lecture. I've done my homework on you, Dumbledore. I know about your past—your early ideals with Grindelwald, your best buddy, and maybe more. Don't talk to me about right and wrong."
Gasps echoed around the room. Dumbledore's expression remained serene, but a shadow passed over his eyes. "I was young and made mistakes. I've dedicated my life to atoning for them."
"Have you?" Harry challenged. "Or have you just gotten better at hiding your true intentions? Manipulating events, and people—putting me with the Dursleys, arranging things at Hogwarts. It's all part of your big plan, isn't it?"
"Harry, that's enough," James said firmly.
"No, let him speak," Dumbledore said calmly. "If there are complaints, they should be heard."
"Fine," Harry said coldly. "Didn't you notice anything off about 'Moody' last year? A Death Eater was impersonating your old friend right under your nose. Either you're losing your touch, or you let it happen. Which one is it?"
A murmur spread through the room. Dumbledore's silence spoke volumes.
"You have issues with me, Harry," Dumbledore finally said. "I understand that. Maybe it's because my decisions caused you to have a rough childhood, and I'm sorry for that. But that doesn't give you the right to make false accusations against me."
"Believe what you want," Harry replied, his voice steady and filled with determination. "But understand this: I won't stand by while you try to hunt down someone who risked everything to save Charles. If you want to go after him, you'll have to get through me. I'll do whatever it takes to protect him. That's a debt the Potter family owes him."
With that, Harry let his magical power flow freely. The room seemed to darken, the air buzzing with energy. Everyone could feel his strength and a mix of awe and fear spread through the room. For the first time, Dumbledore truly felt Harry's power, and it was clear that Harry was nearly as strong as he was.
"You're strong," Dumbledore said quietly, his eyes locked on Harry's. There was no arrogance in his voice; it was just recognition of Harry's strength.
"Thanks to you, Professor," Harry responded, his gaze never wavering. "Because of you, I learned early what power means and what it takes to protect myself and others. I've trained for years to be ready. So, what's the Order's decision? Will you focus on fighting Voldemort, or waste time and resources trying to control potential allies?"
Sirius rose to stand beside Harry. "I'm with Harry on this. If the Order is more interested in controlling those who stand up against Voldemort than actually fighting him, then count me out."
"Sirius—" Dumbledore started, but he was cut off as Tonks also rose from her seat.
"He's right," she said firmly, her eyes blazing. "This isn't what I signed up for."
To everyone's surprise, Frank and Alice Longbottom stood up too. "We came back to reconnect with old friends," Frank said calmly, though his voice carried a sharp edge. "Not to join a campaign against those who might help us. We've learned the dangers of blind loyalty, and we're not going to make that mistake again."
Alice nodded in agreement. "Count me out too. If you think the Death Eaters who almost destroyed our family can be redeemed, then I don't want to be here."
Harry looked to his parents, giving them one last chance. "Well?"
Lily looked down at the table, her eyes conflicted. She couldn't bring herself to meet Harry's gaze, while James shifted uncomfortably beside her, trying to find the right words.
"I see," Harry said softly, his voice filled with finality. "There's nothing more to discuss. I'm glad I never tried to fix our relationship. If you can turn against someone who saved your own child so easily, then our values clearly don't align. Even after everything our family has been through because of Dumbledore's manipulations, you still trust him. I don't want to be associated with that kind of thinking."
"Harry, you don't understand," James began, trying to explain. "Charley needs—"
"There's no need to talk more," Harry interrupted, his expression hardening. "I understand perfectly well."
Dumbledore looked around the room, his expression unreadable, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "May we still use the house as headquarters?" he asked, turning to Sirius.
Sirius crossed his arms, his expression stern. "Yes, but if you're going to put another Fidelius Charm on it, I'll be involved, or it won't happen. This is my house."
"I will consider it and inform you of my decision," Dumbledore responded quietly.
Without another word, Harry led the group out of the kitchen. As they walked away, the sound of renewed discussion followed them up the stairs, but Harry didn't look back. Some bridges, once burned, weren't worth rebuilding.
Outside, the cool night air was a relief. Harry took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside him.
"Well," Sirius said, trying to sound light-hearted as they walked down the empty street. "That was... eventful, to say the least."
"Yeah," Harry replied shortly, his mind still racing.
"How about a drink?" Tonks suggested, offering a small smile. "I think we all could use one after that."
"Agreed," Sirius said, nodding. "Leaky Cauldron?"
"Sounds good," Harry said, and they made their way to the pub.
Once they settled into a quiet corner of the pub, the tension between them started to ease. The Leaky Cauldron was busy, but their corner felt like a calm bubble in the middle of the noise.
Sirius looked at Harry thoughtfully, his eyes studying his godson's face. "You really let loose back there," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Harry sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "It's been building for a long time. Dumbledore needed to hear it. They all did."
"Was everything you said true?" Tonks asked gently, her eyes curious.
Harry nodded. "I've done my research. There's more to Dumbledore than people think—more than he lets on."
Sirius leaned back, looking thoughtful. "I've heard rumors over the years, whispers of things that never quite made sense. If you've found something solid, I want to know."
"Another time," Harry promised, his voice heavy. "It's a long story, and I'm not in the mood tonight."
They sat in silence for a few moments, each lost in their thoughts. Finally, Harry spoke again. "Do you think they'll keep using the house?"
"Probably," Sirius replied with a shrug. "It's too useful to give up. But I expect Dumbledore will want to 'discuss' the new terms with me."
Tonks grinned, her eyes twinkling. "And what about your dear Aunt Walburga? Are you going to let her stay?"
Sirius chuckled, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Oh, she stays. I can't deny the Order the full Black family experience, can I? Let them deal with her screaming portrait."
They all laughed, the tension easing further. It felt good to laugh, to let go of the weight of what had happened, even if just for a moment.
Harry looked at both of them, his expression softening. "Thank you," he said quietly. "For standing with me tonight. It means a lot."
"Always," Sirius replied without hesitation, his loyalty clear.
"You're not alone in this," Tonks added sincerely. "We're in it together, Harry. No matter what."
Sirius raised his glass, determination in his eyes. "To facing the future on our own terms."
They clinked their glasses together, a silent pact formed among them.
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