Chapter 26 – Preparing the Plan

Harry couldn't remember the last time he felt this positive about defeating Voldemort. They had destroyed five out of the six Horcruxes and, assuming Dumbledore was right, they just had one left to go: Nagini. With any luck, Voldemort hadn't even noticed that anything was amiss. He was, however, probably getting a little frustrated with the fact that the rest of the Secret Keepers for the Gramarye Crystal seemed to have disappeared – thanks to the actions of Rufus Scrimgeour. In Harry's opinion, the new Minister was finally starting to use his power and position for some good. He had released the three false arrestees, regained control of Azkaban with wizard guards, authorised the destruction of the Dementors, and was now protecting the remaining Secret Keepers of the Crystal, as well as assigning more Keepers for the Crystal itself. It return, Harry had been seen popping into the Ministry on a couple of occasions, to raise the population morale, or whatever it was he was doing. On top of all that, the Order was working hard, too. They had more members than ever before; most were being trained as Healers and running shelters to replace the services no longer offered by St Mungo's; Bettina Briarthorn had managed to fix Harry's hand with very minimal scarring. Others were trailing known Death Eaters, attempting to prevent them from successfully carrying out the Dark Lord's plans, by schemes such as executing Confundus charms, and driving them as close as possible to strategically stationed Aurors. This tactic had already proved its worth in the arrests of both Montague and Avery. Flitwick had been working hard on charms to overcome the fire resistance of the Inferi he had been forced to create, and Hermione was, dutifully as ever, making Ron and Harry revise hard for their NEWTs.

"Hermione," Ron groaned with his head resting sideways on the table. "I'm tired. I'm bored. I don't care when the best time to harvest a Mimbulus Mimbletonia is!" A quick glare from Hermione and Ron quickly changed tack. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm really pleased that you're teaching us," he said, sitting up straight and momentarily delaying a bossy outburst, "but could we, you know, have a break or something?"

"Alright," Hermione conceded, although Harry could tell she would have been more than content to continue studying for several more hours yet. "How about you and Harry have some more duelling practise? I'll go and check on the Felix – I think it might be ready soon."

Delighted with this answer, Ron perked up again immediately. "C'mon Harry," he said, already out of his seat. "Let's see if I can beat you this time."

Harry grinned in response – he had always been better than Ron at Defence against the Dark Arts, and his advantage had only increased with repeated practise. Having been actively using defensive spells for the past ten months or so, Harry was now more than adequately adept at non-verbal magic, good at predicting the tactics of his partner, and knew a wealth of relatively harmless spells – a suitable counter to the Unforgiveables usually favoured by Death Eaters. Harry preferred to use non-aggressive magic, such as blocks, shields and binding magics, to prevent the opponent from causing harm, rather than attacking in a similar fashion. He also knew that his magic was strong, and even a burning Hex sent with hatred was no match for his Protego. The incident with the Malfoys was an indication that Harry's shields could even reflect the killing curse, but that wasn't a theory Harry was especially keen to put to the test, if he could possibly help it.

Hermione was a successful dueller, too, but Harry thought her methods were far too predictable, despite the accuracy of her spells. Ron, on the other hand, was erratic in his casting, therefore very difficult to predict, but his spells was sloppy and unfocussed, making him rather less formidable than he had the potential to become. Harry spent that afternoon trying to coach his friend in channelling his strength more affectively. It wasn't an easy task as Ron didn't respond well to criticism or direction, but nevertheless Harry felt that some progress had been made. Therefore it was with a certain air of satisfaction that the boys headed back downstairs, guided by the smell of hot bread and melting cheese issuing from the kitchen.

"I made us a quick snack before the meeting," Hermione exclaimed, presenting each of them with a plate of cheese on toast. "The potion is very nearly ready now, so I've added the rosewater and it's starting to turn gold," she told them. "I've been over the exam syllabus again, too, and I think we've nearly covered everything. There are a few more bits here and there but it's not looking too bad," she said. Talking about the exams made Harry's food taste like cardboard.

"So the potion's nearly ready?" he repeated, in a feeble attempt to steer the subject back away from exams, as it was starting to make his stomach feel tight. What if he didn't pass any? Would they let him go back to Hogwarts and take them a year later? How would failing his exams affect his Auror applications?

"Yes, it won't be long now," Hermione clarified. "I think we should talk about it tonight, after the meeting, with Moody and Lupin, maybe Tonks and Shaklebolt, too," she said. Harry's stomach clenched further – he wished they were talking about exams again. Anything to stop him thinking about the impending and inevitable final battle with Voldemort. Harry finished his cheese on toast with difficulty, trying desperately but ultimately unsuccessfully to direct his thoughts onto a subject that didn't constrict his throat and turn his intestines to jelly. It wasn't much later that members of the Order of the Phoenix began to arrive.

"Oh not again," Molly Weasley lamented as Mrs Black's screeching started up again.

"I'm so sorry, Molly," Tonks apologised profusely, dragging the troll's leg umbrella stand back into its original position. "Oh hi there," Tonks said with a grin as she noticed Harry, Ron and Hermione apparate onto the doorstep behind her. Hermione stayed to help Tonks with the stand as Ron and Harry hurried forwards to cease the incessant screeching.

Once everyone had gathered in the dining room (which had mysteriously swollen to admit almost all of the two hundred members of the Order), Mad Eye Moody gave a brief general greeting before passing the floor over to Harry, as the two of them had discussed moments earlier.

"Hi," Harry began nervously, not used to speaking in public despite his repeated practise. "Well, this thing me, Ron and Hermione have been doing, it's almost finished. So that means that we're almost ready to take on You-Know-Who." Harry paused as he waited for the sudden eruption of whispers to die down. "We reckon he's probably close to finishing his army, too," Harry said, saying nothing of his visions regarding Voldemort's thoughts and schemes. "So it might be a good idea to attack the Death Eaters on the day that they send the Inferi out, because they won't be expecting anything like that. They'll expect us to be fighting the Inferi," Harry explained, "not fighting the Death Eaters. There's still loads we need to sort out before we can plan any details, so now we need to know where everyone is."

Following Harry's brief speech, those assembled then proceeded to detail how their own contributions could be of use. Bettina Briarthorn was personally monitoring the thirty emergency health shelters she'd set up around the country, one of which was manned by Fred and George, who'd undergone several sessions of basic Healer training with Bettina in preparation. The twins had also furthered their products to include high strength shield capes, and candles that, as with the Hand of Glory that had aided the Death Eaters last year, only give light to the carrier.

Professor Flitwick had developed a series of charms to use on the winged Inferi, and proceeded to arrange tutoring sessions to impart his knowledge on the rest of the Order. Harry knew the Felix Felicis was close to completion, and his own insubstantiality potion had been tested, too. By the end of the meeting, most were feeling fairly positive about the upcoming battle, though it was evident that there was much work still to be done.

As was becoming customary, those Weasleys who had attended the meeting, plus Tonks, Lupin and Mad Eye, opted to stay at Grimmauld Place for a friendly meal. While Mrs Weasley and Fred and George were down in the kitchen preparing the food, Harry sat nervously under the gaze of both of Moody's eyes, while they discussed what steps had to be taken next.

"If we're going to take on Voldemort and his Death Eaters," Lupin said quietly, "we're going to need an army. He'll have one, of that much we can be sure."

"Then we'll form an army," Moody growled, rather louder than Harry considered necessary. "We can leave you in charge of that one, Potter."

"But I don't know how to plan an army!" Harry exclaimed, bewildered.

"You don't have to do it on your own," Tonks said, laughing and ruffling his hair. Harry batted her hand away distractedly.

"I've never done anything like this," Harry argued, not wanting to sound like a coward, but at the same time eager to convince them all that he was a poor choice for co-ordinating something so massive.

"None of us have, Harry," Lupin said, and his calm manner at least helped Harry to settle, even if it was only by a very small degree.

"Who would you have fight for you Harry? Just think about that, and we'll go from there."

"Right," Harry said uncertainly. At least he had somewhere to start now. "First I'd call together all the DA members who'd be in seventh year or above," Harry began. He knew that the younger years had joined for a reason, but Harry didn't want Ginny in the battle. She could help protect Hogwarts if necessary, and if anyone asked for a reason, Harry would tell them it was for Molly Weasley's peace of mind, rather than his own. "And all the Order members except Hogwarts staff; they need to stay there to protect the students."

"And the Aurors?" Tonks offered.

"No," Harry replied, earning him a full round of quizzical glances. "All the Aurors who aren't in the Order need to be on call in case they're needed by the rest of the community."

"And the Healers?" Hermione queried.

Harry thought silently a little before answering. "Those not already accounted for must go to St Mungo's, which will re-open on that day. Voldemort will think we expect a lot of casualties, so he'll get complacent." Harry decided to ignore the debate of whether or not Voldemort would be correct in these morbid assumptions. "Back to the defence then. We can't very well put House Elves at the front if Hermione wants to take SPEW any further."

"Well if you asked the elves first it would be okay," Lupin offered. "Those who seem unsure don't have to take part. It would be a shame to exclude them altogether. Welfare rights aside, House elves are powerful creatures and very resilient. Their success might even throw the SPEW campaign into the public eye."

"Right then, we'll ask the house-elves," Harry said, as Hermione beamed silently across the table at him.

Even after dinner was served and the group gratefully tucked into large plates of shepherd's pie, Harry was still discussing those who might help them out, whilst others offered their own suggestions.

"We've got Grawp," Ron said.

"But he won't be much use if there are loads of giants on the other side," Harry replied glumly. "Hagrid and Madam Maxime would barely count. We'll just have to hope he underplays it."

"We'll need to keep this very quiet, and maybe lull him into a false sense of security," Hermione agreed.

"Might be easier said than done," Moody added, ever the optimist.

"Hermione, get Krum and his lot," Harry said, determined to remain on topic, and ignoring Ron's scowl at the mention of Viktor Krum. "If I remember correctly they were pretty anti-Karkaroff, so they might be against Death Eaters in general. Who knows? We'll ask Fleur to get her lot, too. I wonder if she's in touch with many Veela? And would they be more of a help of a hindrance?"

"What about the Minister?" Fred asked.

"Can we stick him on the front line?" George inquired.

"Scrimgeour said he wants to fight with us. Who am I to deny him the pleasure?" Harry replied. "The centaurs won't, the mermaids can't," Harry continued, now having finished his dinner, counting off the different groups on his fingers. "The acromantulas won't distinguish between friend and foe – they'll just eat everyone. I wonder if Charlie can get us any dragons? Or is that going too far? And I'll ask Bill again about the goblins, and Lupin you can check…"

"I'll try again Harry, but I can't promise anything."

"That's great, thanks. Also, I thought I might get some snakes to join in. What do you think?"

"Snakes?" Hermione and Tonks repeated together.

"Knowing Riddle, he won't be out to fight himself, he'll be tucked away somewhere safe, watching from the sidelines," Harry explained. "So if I could get some snakes to attack the Death Eaters…" he trailed off as the others exchanged looks varying from amusement to concern.

"We'll consider it as an option," Lupin diplomatically supplied.

"Right. We need to get all the Death Eaters in one place," Harry said. "There's no way we can incriminate them otherwise. We need to be able to keep them all together and have the Aurors arrest them."

Hermione nodded, understanding Harry's decision. He wanted this to be done properly, not to be rounding up Death Eaters for the next few years, as had been the case with the last downfall. Last time, several Death Eaters had still managed to remain free, like Lucius Malfoy.

"Then there's the Inferi," Harry said, running a hand through his hair, giving it a rumpled look. "We need people around keeping them at bay, making sure nobody gets hurt."

The plates were cleared away, and Tonks had started to yawn before their discussions began to die down. "We'll meet again soon to continue this," Moody said as he hauled himself to his feet. "Until next time." With a nod of his head, Mad-Eye clumped his way out into the hallway, and Molly followed to lock the door after him. As Tonks rubbed her eyes yet again, Lupin leant across the table to talk quietly to Harry.

"Harry, you are sure about this, aren't you?" Lupin asked. "I know you wouldn't send people to Death Eaters unless you had good reason, but are you absolutely sure this will work?"

"No." Harry replied truthfully, "but Dumbledore said it would. That's got to be good enough, because it's all we've got." Even Lupin couldn't argue with the hopeful sincerity shining in Harry's eyes. Instead he sighed, and joined the others in rising from his seat.

"Oh, Tonks!" Harry called out, suddenly remembering he had wanted to ask her something. "Before you go, could I ask you for another application form?"

"You didn't mess it up did you Harry?" she teased.

"Of course not. Ron wants to apply as well."

Tonks raised an eyebrow and looked over at Ron, whose ears had turned a delicate shade of pink. "I'm sure you'll both be great Aurors," Tonks said, winking and smiling at Harry. "I'll send the forms over in the morning."

"Thanks," Harry replied, grinning as he waved farewell.

Once the Weasleys had departed, too, Harry, Ron and Hermione retired to the more comfortable sitting room on the second storey. Harry's mind was still buzzing from the anticipation of the upcoming war, and how much they still had to prepare in what could be a very short space of time.

"I think you did really well," Hermione said, startling Harry from his reverie. "You had some really good ideas about who should be where. I'm proud of you, Harry."

"Uh, thanks," Harry replied, at a loss. He hadn't been that magnificent; just about everyone else had contributed ideas too. From the crestfallen look on Ron's face, he obviously felt the same way, too. "I couldn't have done it without you two," Harry hastened to add. "Most of my ideas came from discussions we've had already," he said, pointedly looking at Ron to alleviate his friend's dejected state.

"Yeah," Ron said, brightening a little. "We're a good team, aren't we?"

"An excellent team," Harry agreed.

"Yes," Hermione replied, sounding, Harry thought, a little confused by the boys' behaviour. "A team that should get some sleep so we can spend tomorrow revising herbology," she said, and was greeted by simultaneous groans from both boys.

Although Harry obediently headed up to his room, he had no intention of sleeping so soon. His head was reeling with the thoughts from the Order meeting and post-meeting planning, and some parts of his brain were still trying to dredge up memories from his lessons with Professor Sprout, so Hermione wouldn't crucify him in the morning. The fact that they were already planning Voldemort's defeat indicated a real possibility that the three of them would return to Hogwarts in time to take their NEWTs examinations. As he re-read a chapter of a book on magical flora, Harry wondered vaguely whether it was worth delaying Voldemort's demise purely to allow himself more revision time. His thoughts tending thus, it was hardly surprising that when Harry did settle down to sleep, he was haunted by dreams of winged Inferi bursting forth from his examination papers, and the examiner laughing at him while he accidentally transfigured Ron into a toad with red, slit-like eyes.