A/N: Sorry for the long period between updates y'all! I've been finalizing my own novel which I'm happy to say will be out August 28 on Amazon! My editor is just wrapping up the final edits and then it's on to self publishing!

"Leave me be for the next hour." Fudge snapped at his secretary as he slammed the door of his office behind him. Instantly he walked over to the window closest to his desk. The one with the aged bottle of Firewhiskey. He poured himself a healthy serving and downed it in two gulps. He took a second and poured himself another. This one he intended to savor.

Savor as he came up with a bloody plan. Over the last month everything had started to fall to pieces around him. Everything he had ever worked towards, everything he had built. It was all for nothing. And it was all because of Dumbledore.

The man had begun to spout off lies that You-Know-Who had returned. Out of nowhere too! He would've just been able to squash the rumors like a bug if it had just been the Headmaster but no! His own people were singing the same tunes. Amelia Bones for instance. She was one of the most influential voices in his government and the bitch knew it. She claimed to have help fight Death Eaters with Dumbledore and his people. There was proof of that at least. There were more than a few bodies recovered from that graveyard they had mentioned. One of them had been the body of his old accomplice Lucius. The man had been found with his head severed and the Dark Mark proudly worn. There could be no doubt that the man was a Death Eater. There had been no Dark Lord here now that could put the Imperius Curse on him. The man had been a Dark Wizard all this time.

What Fudge couldn't figure out was, why now? Why now did the man suddenly reveal his true colors? Had they been organizing themselves for a planned coup against his government? A few of the deceased recovered had been members of the Wizengamot after all. But how would they have done it?

And where was the rest of the Malfoy family? After that night Draco Malfoy had disappeared into the woodwork with his mother. He hadn't gone into hiding. Fudge's spies told him that the boy was still seen coming in and out of his manor. But when it came to organized society, the boy was a ghost. Could he have been involved in some way?

No. The Death Eaters wouldn't want a boy with one hand as a recruit especially when that severed hand was the one that carried his wand. At most the boy was a Pure-blood elitist who might have some sympathies for the Death Eaters but that was a large amount of Pure-bloods.

No matter what he was out of luck here. On one side, he had Daniel Greengrass who was gaining supporters every day to run against him as Minister. Then on another he had Death Eaters who would rather just kill him and be rid of him. Either way he would come out the loser. And that's not who he was.

Every single day he was facing more and more pressure from the Wizengamot to step down from office but if he did, he would be a dead man! He would lose all Ministry protection that he now carried. Right now, he had Aurors protecting him around the clock but the second he left office that would end. Death Eaters would be knocking his bloody door down no doubt led by that crazy bitch Lestrange.

He shivered and took another sip of Firewhiskey. How had the bastards done it? Only one man had broken out of Azkaban and that had been Sirius Black, yet another blemish on his record. Black couldn't have done it. Even if he was a Dark Wizard, he couldn't have taken the risk of being seen with Death Eaters.

The only option that Fudge could think of was the Dementors but why? The only thing those flying cloaks cared about were souls and the Ministry provided them. Outside the Ministry the only one the Dementors had ever listened to was the Dark Lord. What if-

No. Absolutely not. Dead people did not just come back. Once they were dead, they stayed bloody dead.

The Death Eaters must have made a deal with the Dementors. That had to be it.

Damn that Potter boy. This had all started with him and his testimony at Black's trial. Cornelius had always been fair with the boy. He had even cleared him of blowing up his uncle's sister two summers ago and this was the thanks he received? The boy was a menace. If only he had been there the day his damn relatives had been slaughtered. He had been the one they had been after anyway. Potter's name had been written in their blood on the wall.

Damn Potter. Damn Dumbledore. Damn Bones. DAMN THEM ALL!

He sighed as he finished his glass of Firewhiskey. He debated whether or not to refill his glass and of course the answer was yes. He had been through hard times these past few weeks. He deserved it.

He had no idea who the next Minister was going to be. Right now, there were four likely candidates. Daniel Greengrass was the most popular out of them all. The man was from an old family, well liked, and had many supporters in the Wizengamot. Amelia Bones was another. She was an effective head of the DMLE. She had shown zero tolerance for Dark Wizards in the past. This would not endear her to the Red faction, formerly led by Lucius Malfoy but it would definitely help her gain Dumbledore's support if for some reason Greengrass lost momentum.

Rufus Scrimgeour was an unlikely choice, but he had been entertaining the idea of succeeding Fudge. He was the head of the Auror office, and would no doubt be tough on these Death Eaters, but the man had no passion. He didn't know how to play the game and that was why Madam Bones was the more popular out of the two of them.

And now there was the least likely candidate at least according to some people. Being the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister most people would've assumed that Dolores would succeed him, but he wouldn't allow it. If he truly was not long for office, then he would do whatever it took to make sure that bitch didn't succeed him. She had been one of his strongest allies for the longest time then she had turned on him. He would rather a bloody dog wearing a suit hold his office than her.

Whoever this new Minister might be, it would not bode well for him. All of these candidates saw him as the enemy. Greengrass and Bones saw him as a hinderance to their plans. The Minister who didn't believe them about You-Know-Who's return. Spiteful bastards would destroy what little remained of his reputation.

Scrimgeour would most likely ignore him and leave him out there to dry. There was no way that the man would assign Aurors for Fudge's protection.

Dolores would have him killed no question about it. The bitch had it out for him. The day she became Minister was the day he was put into the ground. He could not allow that woman to be given any measure of power with this new government.

He had files on her. Files that would discredit her in the eyes of the public and the Wizengamot. All it took was a quick letter to the Prophet and her reputation would be gone.

That cleared him of one threat but there were still another thirty that he knew about and perhaps hundreds lying in the shadows.

He took one huge gulp finishing off the Firewhiskey.

The vultures were coming for him.

He wouldn't let them have him without going kicking and screaming.

"Mistress Amelia?" Demi said bowing deeply. "Miss Susan's guest be arriving."

"Thank you, Demi." Amelia nodded at her house elf. "Set Mr. Zabini up in the guest room. I'll greet him shortly."

"Right away Mistress." Demi said bowing before she left.

Amelia sighed and shook her head. She had asked the house elf multiple times over the years to call her Amelia or Madam Bones. Bloody hell anything BUT Mistress. It was basically a lost cause at this point. If that's what Demi had to do to maintain her magic, then Amelia was okay with it. There had been multiple attempts over the years to acquire equality for House Elves. This came mostly from Muggle-borns who were foreign to their world. She could understand where they were coming from. Muggle-borns were treated by some as second-class citizens, so she could understand them wanting equal rights for all.

But what they didn't know is when an elf didn't have a Master its magic began to die. A House Elf's magic was so deeply attuned with its family that the second that it was set free, then it slowly began to wither away. That was why many Elves that didn't in fact serve a family instead served Hogwarts in the kitchens and as cleaners. House Elves made the lives of wizards easier and in return they were able to be strong and healthy. It was beneficial to both sides.

But there were also wizards that would treat their Elves as vermin. Nothing more than slaves at their beck and call whenever need be. She liked to think that she treated Demi well. The Elf was an essential part of raising her niece from the time she was a baby to now.

Susan. She was beginning to look more like her sister in law every day. Except for that personality. That was definitely her brother's attitude.

Amelia had never wanted children. She would've just been fine being the popular aunt who would come around and spoil her nieces and nephews but that wasn't what the fates had in store for her. Her brother and his wife had been brutally murdered by Death Eaters. She had been the first one on the scene. What she saw was horrible. Her brother had been tied up and brutally beaten. Her sister in law was tied up front of him. Her pants had been ripped off and they had finally granted her the mercy of death.

"Susan… Safe Room." Those were brother's last words as he died painfully. She had fought through the tears and made her way to the safe room. It was her family's last resort. Built into their ancestral home, it had been the place they sought protection in from invaders.

Her brother and sister in law had always been headstrong. They must've thought they could have beaten these Death Eaters back while their little girl was in the safe room. They were wrong.

After that she devoted her life to two things. One was her niece. She would never be an actual mother to Susan, but she would love her no matter what.

She would also fight against Dark Wizards everywhere. She would not allow Lord Voldemort and his minions to dominate this world. She wouldn't let him make any more orphans like her niece. She would do whatever it took to help stop them.

Which was why she was running for Minister. The only man that she would support in her stead was Daniel Greengrass. Rufus was a good man yes but personally she thought he would give off the illusion of security and not actual security. He was still a bit skeptical about the return of Voldemort. He didn't whole heartedly deny it like Fudge, but he still wanted a bit more proof. They didn't have time for that. They needed to take action now.

And there were rumors that Dolores Umbridge was running. She didn't care what she had to do. She would deny that horrid woman the office if it was the last thing she'd do. She'd be more likely to declare her loyalty to Voldemort than to actually fight against him.

No. Daniel was the only option. He was a kind man, but he wouldn't hesitate to defend those he cared about. She found that out firsthand when they fought alongside one another in the Graveyard. She knew he would give the Aurors what they needed to fight this war. He also knew how to maneuver through the Ministry. He could deal with the public just as well as he could deal with the Wizengamot. He was a leader.

She got up from her desk and made her way out of her study. It was time to greet her niece's boyfriend. The Zabini boy.

His family was an old family although not from the British Isles. His mother was originally from Italy and had only moved here in the last decade or so. Her husband had been a well-respected man at the time. She couldn't remember his name, but she did know it was the sixth out of the seven that she had. Each man had died mysteriously but nobody could prove foul play. Each time one died they only added to the sizeable fortune that Helena had already built. Which would make Blaise a very rich boy when he came of age.

Which was also the reason that Helena had fled from the country. She was now at one of their estates just south of Rome. She had attempted to get Blaise to come with her, but the boy had refused. He wasn't going to run from the Death Eaters. Plus, he had already agreed to begin training with his friends. He wasn't going to walk out now.

Helena and Amelia had discussed it and they had both agreed that the boy would stay here for the summer. In a room as far away from Susan's as possible. She trusted her niece, but she was still a teenage girl.

"Madam Bones." The boy said as soon as she entered the guest room. Susan was already there helping him unpack his belongings.

"Mr. Zabini." She nodded. "No troubles with the floo I hope?"

"No Ma'am." He responded. "Thank you again for letting me stay at your home this summer."

"Think nothing of it. We will have to go over some ground rules." Amelia said. "While you are here, you are considered a guest. You are welcome to anything in the kitchen and to the other amenities, such as the pool and sauna." Her eyes narrowed. "While you are a guest, I ask that you do behave yourself. That goes for you as well." She looked over to her niece who nodded sheepishly. "I understand that, mhmm, you both are young, and you will have urges." Susan groaned but Amelia pressed on. "BUT while you are here I except you to both behave yourselves. If either of you are in each other's bedrooms I expect the door to be kept open at all times. I will expect you to sleep in your own beds each night, no exceptions. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Madam Bones." Blaise's dark complexion had gone red. It wasn't his plan to ravish his girlfriend as soon as her aunt left but he understood why she had to set ground rules. It still made him uncomfortable.

"I have been in contact with Headmaster Dumbledore." Amelia continued. "You will both begin training with him and your friends every other day. I am not aware of the location as of yet, but I do know that it is owned by Sirius Black. I expect you both to give your all at each training session." The two nodded firmly. They knew the risks. This training would help them fight against You-Know-Who and the Death Eaters. They would do whatever it took. "Good." Amelia said. "Dinner will be served in an hour or so. I will Demi come fetch you both when it is done."

"Yes ma'am. Thank you." Blaise said. Amelia nodded at him before leaving. "Well that was bloody terrifying."

"Are you surprised?" Susan snorted. "Auntie wouldn't be doing her job right if she didn't give you the boyfriend talk." She stepped forward and stepped into his warm embrace. "I'm glad you're here."

"Me too." He smiled. "I couldn't imagine not seeing you this summer. Mum almost hexed me when I told her I wasn't going to the estate." She still wasn't okay with it, but his mother knew that he would be in danger no matter what. If the Dark Lord took power, then Blaise would be given a choice: pledge fealty or die. He wasn't going to serve You-Know-Who so he needed to fight. He wasn't a runner.

"I can't wait to start training." Susan whispered to him. Now she would know how to defend herself. When the Death Eaters had come for her Mum and Dad that horrid night, there was nothing that she could do. Now she was grown. You-Know-Who and his followers would be the ones living in terror now.

"You say that now." Blaise said. "We're training with one of the greatest wizards since Merlin. I have a feeling that he's going to push us to our limits."

"Can you pass the orange juice?" Harry asked John which the other boy slid across the table at him.

"What time are we even supposed to leave anyway?" John asked Harry. They had both slept in about an hour today instead of working out. They wanted to be well rested for whatever Dumbledore had planned for them.

Besides each had felt like they were going to drop anyway. Training for their respective teams was the hardest they've ever been pushed for Quidditch. It made Oliver Wood's training in Harry's third year look like a walk in the park.

John shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "This better be worth it when we blow you bastards out next month."

Harry grinned. "Look at who is confident."

"Confidence is better than pessimism." John shrugged. At that moment an owl flew through the open window. "Prophet's he- HEY!" He snapped at the bird that had begun to help itself to his breakfast.

Harry started to laugh. "He needs a tip. Can't fault him for that."

John glared at his friend as the owl offered the paper to him which he took. Suddenly his whole expression changed. "Hey Harry, you're going to want to take a look at this." Harry got up and walked around the table to his friend's chair. His eyes went wide.

WIZENGAMOT DECLARES NO CONFIDINCE FUDGE OUT AS MINISTER

Late yesterday, an emergency meeting of the Wizengamot was called by faction leader, Lord Daniel Greengrass. Lord Greengrass has spoken out against the now former Minister ever since mid-March saying that he is not the man to prosecute this conflict with the resurgent Death Eaters. Lord Greengrass is also one of the many men and women who have claimed that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has now risen again. Another prominent voice is the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Bones. Bones claims to have helped fought these Death Eaters in a graveyard just outside Little Hangleton. Her story is corroborated by several prominent families that claim to have fought alongside them, including Albus Dumbledore, who is best known for defeating the Dark Lord Gridenwald.

Now that there has been a vacancy in the role of Minister, there have been several candidates put forth to take Fudge's place. The one who sticks out the most is Lord Daniel Greengrass himself. There have been rumors going around that perhaps this is a play at power by the Lord.

For more on this story, read Pg 4

"Play at power my ass." John spat. "Uncle Daniel is only trying to do what those bastards won't. If they actually did their job right, then none of this would be necessary."

"Fudge is out at least that's what matters." Harry replied taking his seat again.

"I think with Black's endorsement, Uncle Daniel has a real shot at this."

"Real shot?" Sirius scoffed entering the kitchen. "Even without my support he'd probably win. I wouldn't say I'm the driving force behind his campaign."

"You're the head of a very prestigious family, Black." John said. "To the Pure-bloods that means something."

"Bunch of bloody bigots is what they are." Sirius muttered.

"Maybe so." Harry sighed. "But if Daniel is going to win, he'll need their support."

"You're right Harry." Sirius shook his head. "When did you become such a politician?"

"Thank Neville. He was giving me lessons for a while on the all ins and outs of higher society." Harry responded.

"I guess it's up to me help your education continue then." Sirius said. "I wasn't always the carefree soul that I am now. At one point I was the heir of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. Things were expected of me, so my parents hired a tutor for me. For five hours a day that bloody bastard drilled high society behavior into my head. Never figured I'd have a use for it. Glad I was wrong."

"I'd appreciate it." Harry said even though he groaned on the inside. This was something he'd have to learn but that didn't mean he had to be happy about it. Just one more lesson for each day.

"But that we can continue another day." Sirius clapped his hands together. "For now we best get you lads to Oakentree."

"Erhmm…Oakentree?" John blinked. "Shouldn't we get to the others and start training?"

"That's why we're going to Oakentree." Sirius grinned. "It's a nice secluded piece of land tucked away in the countryside. Been in the Black Family for centuries. It's where Padfoot learned how to duel."

"Padfoot?" John muttered to Harry.

"Long story." Harry replied. It wasn't really but it wasn't his to tell. "So, everyone else will meet us at Oakentree?"

"Righto." Sirius said. "Some of them might already be there. We might've beaten them there if you boys stopped asking question. Can we stop wasting time?"

"I'd just like to point out that we were actually waiting on you scruffy." Harry commented. "Me and John were up early as u-"

"Tick tock tick tock." Sirius tutted. "You know what that is? The sound of the clock. Just shut up and follow me."

"Why?" John asked as Sirius lead them to the fireplace. "Aren't we using a Portkey?"

"Why use a Portkey when we can just use the Floo?" Sirius replied. "It's hooked up to a private network. Only members of House Black have access to the location."

"EVERY member of House Black?" Harry asked slowly.

"It's in the family." Sirius replied. "Why do you ask?"

"Sirius, won't Bellatrix Lestrange be able to find her way there?" Harry asked. Had his Godfather forgotten that his Death Eater cousin had escaped from Azkaban after all?

"Not an issue." Sirius grinned. "It would've mattered before but me and the old man put up a new Charm around the place when I was showing him around. It completely destroyed the old one. Bellatrix knows the location but has no way of getting through. We're safe don't worry."

Harry nodded although he was still worried. Ever since he had moved in with Sirius, he had done some reading around the Fidelus Charm. There were ways around it such as burning the building the area with Fiendfyre, annihilating everything in its path.

"Alright boys the destination is Oakentree." Sirius said giving them each a handful of Floo powder. "You know the drill. Say it clearly and loudly. John, you're first."

"See you both in a second then." John said as he stepped into the fireplace. "OAKENTREE!" He exclaimed disappearing in a flash of green light.

Harry stepped in next. "OAKENTREE!"

The Dark wizards all took their places at the long table. Not all Death Eaters were assembled only the Dark Lord's most trusted followers.

They had taken a piece of land up in the Orkney Islands as a new base of operations. It belonged to Claudius Nott and he was more than willing to host his Master there for as long as he required.

The door to the meeting room came open and in came their Lord. The power radiating off him was enough to make a lesser wizard tremble in fear but empowered his followers.

"Master." Bellatrix rose to her feet and bowed deeply to the Dark Lord.

"Bellatrix." If snakes could smile, then that's what it looked like Voldemort was doing right now. There was no humor there, no love. Just darkness. "You may be seated."

"My friends." The Dark Lord addressed them as he took his seat at the head of the table. "As some of you might already know our dear Minister, Cornelius Fudge has been ousted from office. What a travesty." The statement was greeted by chuckles by his followers. Everyone knew that the Fudge had been one of the worst if not THE worst Minister in the position's history. "We saw this as an eventuality and planned for it. Cladius."

"My Lord." The tall blonde man with the face of a hawk bowed his head.

"What have you learned?"

"My Lord, my sources in the Ministry tell me that there are four candidates for Minister. Daniel Greengrass, Amelia Bones, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Dolores Umbridge."

"Greengrass." Voldemort spat the name. "He must be dealt with. The entire family."

"My Lord." Joseph said. "Allow me to deal with this blood traitor."

"No." Voldemort replied simply.

"But My Lord-"

"Did you not hear me Duffy." Voldemort hissed. "Greengrass has already shown that he is your better. You stand no chance against the man."

"Black is the one who got the drop on me." Duffy said. "Please, allow me this mission."

"No, although I will have need of you in the near future." Duffy couldn't keep the disappointment off his face but bowed his head nonetheless. "Rodolphus. Rabastan. You will take three others and you will burn the Greengrass Estate to the ground. Kill everyone inside."

"Consider it done My Lord." Rodolphus bowed deeply. "And if Potter is there shall we kil-"

"No!" Voldemort snapped. "The boy is mine to kill and mine alone. Whoever lays a finger on Potter, I shall wipe your family line off the face of this Earth."

"Yes Master." All gathered Death Eaters responded.

"Bellatrix, I want you to pay a visit to your cousin Sirius Black. I want you to make an example of him."

"Yes My Lord." She bowed deeply.

Duffy had to stop the irritation from becoming noticeable on his face. If anyone should kill Black, it should be him. Hopefully his whore of an ex-wife would be there as well.

"Duffy, you and Macnair will go to the continent. I want you to go to every back alley, every pub, every establishment of ill repute and recruit for our cause. I trust you'll find much success."

"Master." Duffy bowed his head. "And what of Hogwarts?"

"What of Hogwarts?" Voldemort asked.

"Perhaps we should recruit from the students as well." Joseph explained. "We would find many that would be willing to join us." Around the table, everybody murmured their agreement. Many of their army had children that were enrolled at the school. No doubt many would also join them.

"No." Voldemort replied. "At least not yet. Right now, we aren't strong enough to move against the Ministry openly. One slip of the tongue from a student and our whole force would be compromised. We move forward with our plans with the men we have."

"Bartemis, you and Dolohov assemble a group of men. I have a mission for you."

"What do you command My Lord." Barty asked reverently.

"Destruction." The Dark Lord said simply.

Ron gazed into the fire as he pondered the situation. What in the bloody hell had he been thinking?

When You-Know-Who had come and released all the prisoners, he had panicked. Here was the Dark Lord. The one who had hurt so many in the last war, including killing the Potter's. The Dark Lord who had made an entire nation tremble before Harry Potter finally beat him.

He had never believed Potter that he had fought You-Know-Who in first and second year. First he had been on the back of Professor Quirrel's head and then he had been coming out of a diary? That couldn't be possible. Once someone was dead, they stayed dead. Potter had either been seeing things or he had been lying. Ginny too. He didn't know who had been opening the Chamber of Secrets but it was sure as hell not his little sister possessed by You-Know-Who. She was enamored with Potter everyone knew that. She would lie for him in a heartbeat.

But he saw it now. Potter had been telling the truth the entire time. You-Know-Who was still alive, and he had returned now.

When the Dark Lord had asked for recruits, Ron had delusions of grandeur. Not as a Death Eater, but as a double agent! He would work on the inside and work with the Ministry. Maybe if he did a good enough job his Dad would let him back in the family.

But only now could he see how stupid he had been. He was stuck on this bloody island for who knew how long, he didn't know how to contact the Ministry and if he did then the Death Eaters would find out instantly. What the hell was he going to do?

"Weasley!" Malfoy barked at him. "Follow me."

"Why?" Ron asked. Since he had arrived the other boy had been bossing him around the entire time and he just had to sit there and take it. Malfoy had taken the Mark. That made him Ron's superior according to You-Know-Who.

"Because I said so." Draco snarled. "Now come on."

Ron reluctantly got up and followed the other boy. The manor that they were in was a dreary place. It was exactly what he expected a Dark family's residence to be like. There was bedroom after bedroom and each one was filled to the brink with Death Eaters. Many of the Dark Lord's forces were located here but this couldn't be all of them. No, the rest of them had to be located somewhere else. Perhaps on the mainland. Ron had heard rumors that this manor was only temporary. Soon they would move to a new location. Perhaps even one close enough to London where he could get away to. They wouldn't even notice he was gone. He would just slip away to owl a letter to his father.

Then again, he doubted his father would even read it. All he would see was his former son's disgraced name and then he would trash it. Perhaps after the prison break, Ron was even thought dead. Killed by the Death Eaters.

"Where are we going Malfoy?" Ron grunted to the blonde.

"The Dark Lord thinks you're worthy enough of a mission Weasley." Malfoy replied. "You, Krum and I are going to stir up trouble."

"Where are we going?" Ron repeated hoping for a different answer. He got one.

"London if you must know." Draco replied.

"Vhat took you so long?" Krum snarled at Malfoy as he led Ron to the entrance.

"Had to get Weasley. Are we ready to move?"

"He is coming vith us?" Krum asked surprised. "For this mission?"

"Aunt Bella's orders." Draco said simply. "He's to stand guard outside while we take down the target."

Krum walked over to Ron and looked him up and down. "You sure he is ready for this?"

"What are we doing Malfoy?" Ron asked not able to hold the foreign boy's gaze anymore. "Who are you two planning on killing?"

"That's on a need to know basis Weasley." Malfoy smirked. "And you don't need to know. Just guard our exit."

"Without a wand?" Ron asked.

Draco rolled his eyes. He reached into his cloak and pulled out a wand. "Take this."

"Who's was it?" This definitely wasn't the wand that he gotten after he snapped his old wand.

Malfoy shrugged. "No idea. Duffy said we took it off some wizard at the graveyard."

Krum snorted. "I can tell you. That vas my Headmaster's old wand. He von't be needing it any longer."

"We need to get going." Draco told Krum. "We need to make it to the ship."

"Ship?" Ron was confused. "We're not using a Portkey or Apparating?"

"The only one out of us three who can Apparate is Krum and he can't get us there. You have to know where you're going, and Viktor hasn't seen this house before. The Dark Lord also wants to retrieve a shipment for him while we're there."

"A shipment of what?" Ron asked as Krum pushed the door open and instantly, they were hit with the smell of the sea.

"Again, that's need to know. And you don't." Draco smirked. Ron doubted that even he knew what they were picking up.

"Hurry up." Krum snarled. "I von't vait for you two."

Ron followed the two other boys. What the hell was he getting himself into?

Harry came out of the Floo with ease. He was getting better and better at that. He hadn't even stumbled that time.

"Harry!" Tracey yelled as she rushed forward and gave him a big hug. Behind her Harry saw Neville.

"Hey Tracey." He smiled returning her hug. "Nice to see you too."

She pulled back and frowned at him. "I'll say the same even though me and Neville are a bit miffed we weren't invited out on your group date." Behind her Neville was indifferent showing who was really mad at the situation.

"I didn't plan it really." Harry replied. "It was Daphne and Hermione's idea."

"Only taking the mickey." She said and then looked past him. "So, you're Sirius Black?"

"In the flesh." Sirius bowed deeply as he stepped out of the floo. "And you are?"

"Tracey Davis." She replied putting a hand forward. She was a bit surprised when he took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles.

"Pleasure to meet you Miss Davis. How are your mother and father?" Sirius asked releasing her hand.

"They're well. I didn't realize that you were friends."

"Friends? No, but me and Edgar knew each other at Hogwarts. He's a good man." Sirius said. "And your mother Naomi is one of the kindest people I've ever met. You look just like her at your age."

"Thank you, I'll let them know you said hello." She smiled and then noticed Harry staring at her.

"I don't have to start kissing your knuckles every time I see you now do I?" He wanted to groan.

She shrugged. "Not unless you're going to start doing the same for Daphne, Tori, their mom, Pansy, and literally every other Pure-blood that you run into. It is customary though whenever you meet a witch that belongs to an older family for the first time."

"Fair enough." Harry said and then moved past Tracey to say hello to his other friend. "Neville." He grinned.

"Hey Harry." Neville said clapping him on the back. "Good to see you."

"You too mate." Harry replied and then looked around. "Is this everyone that's here right now?" It was only him, John, Tracey, Neville, and Sirius. Before anyone could answer and then in came Daphne. "Speak of the devil." Harry grinned as he took his girlfriend into his arms.

"Hi." She said simply giving Harry a chaste kiss on the lips. This was the first time they had been able to see each other since they had been drenched in water. Daphne's father had been unwilling to let her leave the manor saying, "That it was too dangerous". Maybe it was but she knew he was really worried that she would come back pregnant.

"Now we just need a few more don't we?" Sirius commented. Again, the door to the room came open and in came Hermione followed by Cedric and Fleur.

"Make that two more Black." John grinned as he gave Hermione a long kiss.

"Get a bloody room." Tracey muttered.

"We're in a room… does that count?" John asked. Sirius was the only one who laughed.

"Were Blaise and Susan behind you?" Harry asked Cedric. "They're the only ones who we're missing."

Cedric shook his head. "They might be right behind us, but I didn't see them."

"They'll have to wait." A familiar Scottish accent declared as he hobbled into the room.

"Professor Moody?" Harry blinked.

Moody snorted. "Didn't teach you lot anything so you can forget this Professor business."

"That's not true." Cedric declared. "You were one of the best Professors I ever had sir." He obviously didn't know the full story.

Moody shook his head. "We can go over this later but right now we better get started. You lot follow me." He walked to the other side of the room and pushed open a door that Harry hadn't even known was there.

"Where are we going…erhm…" Harry asked as the group began to follow the man.

"Just call me Moody." Moody barked as he hobbled down the hallway. It was extremely bland with nothing hanging on the walls. "And we're going to the training room."

"Pretty damn impressive if I do say so myself Black." Moody added and Sirius gave a little bow. "Shouldn't be surprised. Your Great-Uncle was one of the best damn duelists on the circuit back in his day. Guess I know why now."

"Thanks, Mad-Eye." Sirius replied plainly. His Great-Uncle was clearly someone he didn't hold in high regard as with most of his family.

"Ahh here we are." They had come to the end of the hallway where Moody had led them to a door that two swords crossed into an X across it. He pushed it open and led them into a dark room. As if on command, around them candles lit themselves and illuminated the room.

The whole room was rather large. On the walls were racks on racks of weaponry. There were longswords, daggers, claymores, longbows, crossbows. Any type of weapon that one could think of from the time of feudal society was there. The whole room came together at the center. There was a small white circle with black filling in the rest of the area around it. And at the white circle was a giant black B.

"I'll be honest when I tell you lot that I don't know how to use half these ruddy weapons." Moody said to the group as they took everything in. "I'm here to show you how to beat Dark Wizards." He pointed to the small white circle. "That right there is meant for dueling. What I'm going to be teaching you isn't dueling, it's how to fight. There's a difference. Before we get started how about I get two of you in there, show me what you can do. Any volunteers?" Nobody stepped up. "Greengrass, Granger. Thanks for stepping up."

Both girls looked at each other and gulped. "Shouldn't we wait for Professor Dumbledore?" Hermione asked. She wanted to train but she didn't want to hurt Daphne or the other way around.

"Dumbledore is running late which means I'm in charge." Moody barked. "Now both of you get in the circle." It wasn't a request. The two girls sighed and made their way to the center of the ring. They both started to bow to each other before Moody snapped at them. "Don't bow! Your enemies won't, so you sure as hell shouldn't."

"First one of out of the circle loses." He continued. "Begin whenever you're ready."

The two girls stared at each other from across the circle each waiting for the other to make the first move.

"I've got a Galleon on Hermione." John whispered to Harry.

"She's your girlfriend you have to back her." Harry responded.

"So, you're going to put money on Daphne then?" John raised an eyebrow.

"No because I don't bet." Harry rolled his eyes.

"Coward." John muttered as Hermione finally cast the first spell.

"EXPELIARMUS."

"Protego!" Daphne defended and the disarming spell deflected off the shield. "Flippendo!" She quickly cast not even stopping the motion of her wand from the Protego Charm. Hermione couldn't block it in time. It forced her back just a few feet but enough for her foot to step on the white line.

"Greengrass wins." Moody barked but looked anything but pleased. "What were you doing in there?" He addressed them both.

"We were doing what you told us to do." Daphne responded.

Moody shook his head in exasperation. "When I say push each other out of the circle, I mean push each other out of the circle. You don't have to use an Unforgivable but maybe a stunning spell."

"Potter, Duffy." Moody cocked his head. "You two next."

John grimaced. "The exact person I didn't want to face." He muttered thinking Moody didn't hear him.

He had no such luck. "I've seen Potter fight. If you can hold your own against him then you can handle a Death Eater or two. Now get yourself in the circle."

They both stepped in past their girlfriends and faced each other. "Good luck." Harry said.

"Yeah you too." John replied all traces of anything resembling a smile gone. He was all business now.

"Begin."

"Stupefy!" A red light streaked towards Harry who turned out of the way.

"Expulso!" John ducked his head as the blue light shot over his head and hit the wall behind him.

"Bombada!" Harry again sidestepped the curse as it went by him.

"Diffendo!" He cast and while John was moving out of the way Harry struck again. "Expeliarmus! Confringo!" John's wand shot out of the boy's hand and sailed through the air as a fiery orange light hit the ground in front of him. He flew back as he tried to avoid it.

"Winner is Potter." Moody declared.

John cursed as he realized that he was outside the white circle. "Not bad Potter." He sighed as Harry tossed him back his wand that had sailed into his hand.

Harry shrugged. Honestly, he was happy. He was afraid that the Confringo curse might hurt his friend. Ever since that Horcrux had been ripped out of him, Harry had still been adjusting to his new power. It felt like he was capable of anything. And it wasn't just his magic. He had so much more stamina now that he felt like could run for five hours straight without breaking a sweat.

"Now can anyone tell me what Potter and Duffy did differently?" Moody asked the group. Nobody gave a response. "For one they dodged. Protego is all well and good but it'll shred like butter with a hot knife if it goes up against an Unforgivable. The only way to stop those three is to either put a solid object between you and it or get the hell out of the way."

"Second is these two weren't afraid to hurt each other. Like I said I'm not expecting you to use the Killing Curse when you fight but you need to know when you're fighting against Death Eaters, you're fighting for your life. They won't be trying to disarm you, so you shouldn't either."

The whole group murmured in understanding, but nobody said anything else. Nobody here had ever taken a life except Moody and Sirius. None of them wanted to but they knew it was inevitable. War made killers out of everyone.

"Now." Moody continued. "I want you all to pa-"

"Alastor!" They all turned to see Professor Dumbledore all but running into the room with Sirius at his side. Harry hadn't even noticed his Godfather leaving earlier. His smirk that he had worn was now replace by a grim expression. "Alastor there's been news from Amelia."

Susan's aunt. "Are Susan and Blaise on their way?" Harry asked. His heart dropped into his stomach at the look of despair that the man gave him. The next nine words brought this reality of war home.

"Lord Voldemort has struck. Bones Manor has been destroyed.