CHAPTER 4

6:45 AM Gryffindor Common Room

Harry had just come out of his dorm room after he had finished taken a shower and changing into a pair of grey sweatpants and a blue hoodie when he ran into Katie. He had finished training near 5 in the morning, and had taken a run before heading back to his dorm to get ready for the day. Katie looked at him for just a second before speaking up.

"Come on Harry, Angie, Alicia and I been waiting for you for like half an hour" she said " and I'm sure you'll understand all three of us wanting to get our food while it's still warm and fresh"

"Alright then, let's get to it" Harry said "I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long have I?"

"Nah, we only got down here a few minutes ago, and we decided to wait for you, so its perfectly fine" Katie replied, smiling lightly.

"So, you got any big plans for today?" Harry asked.

"Nope" Katie cherfully replied "We decided that we would keep our day open today, so that we can approach as many of the candidates as we can"

"Alright, that sounds like a good plan. I'll probably do the same and try to finish up with everyone today and on that note, I have news for all three of you" he finished just as they finished their walk down the spiral staircase into the common room where Angelina and Alicia were patiently waiting for them.

"Hey Alicia, hey Angelina" Harry greeted "How are you lovely ladies doing today?"

"I'm doing quite well" Angelina responded with a small smile.

"Yeah, me too, I actually got a really good night of sleep" Alicia said, glancing around the room energetically.

"Well then, I believe it is time for breakfast" Harry said "And I also have some news for you guys, but it waits until I've had some coffee"

And with that note, the Gryffindor chasers and Harry left the common room and walked towards the great hall. The hallways looked almost deserted, as it was still very early in the morning and very few people were awake. If there had been anybody there that morning, they would have witnessed a very odd sight. Harry Potter, defeater of Voldemort, was practically being dragged by a certain three girls through the hallways. With all three of the girls wanting to find out just what news Harry had for them, they walked very quickly, and when they had seen Harry wasn't keeping pace with them, they took matter into their own hands, much to his amusement.

Finally arriving in the Great Hall, Alicia practically threw Harry into a seat at the Gryffindor table, while Alicia poured him some hot coffee and Katie grabbed a plate for him and put a bagel on it before throwing it in front of him. Raising an eyebrow at their actions, he silently lifts his coffee to his lips and ightly blew across the steaming coffee. Seeing them leaning towards him in their seats, he continued to tease them lightly as he brought the cup to his lips as though to drink from it before bringing it back down.

Alicia growned "For goodness sakes Harry, just drink it already"

"Yeah, seriously" Katie said "I've been waiting like an hour already"

"Fine, I shall reveal the news" Harry said with a smirk on his face "The one and only Harry Potter, defeater of Voldemort and a bunch of other shit, has managed to get our first three recruits as of last night"

The three girls gave a small cheer as high fives were exchanged between all four of them.

"That's really great, though I didn't know you liked speaking in the third person so much" Angelina jokingly said with a glint in her eyes. Harry just smirked at her comments.

"I thought we were only starting recruitment today though?" Alicia asked.

"We were, but the opportunity came up last night when I was having a conversation, and I managed to convince them" He responded.

"Who was it you recruited anyway?" Katie asked

"Oh, nobody to big, just the Slytherins resident ice queen, Daphne Greengrass, as well as her sister, Astoria, and friend, Tracey Davis" Harry said, with a cocky smirk on his face.

Both Alicia and Katie adopted shocked expressions, as their jaws dropped, bt Angelina looked towards him with a dangerous gleam in her eyes. "And just what were you talking about last night with Greengrass?" Angelina asked

"Uh, I was just, uh, talking about summer plans?" Harry tried.

"So how come you never told us you were friends?" she pressed.

"It never came up?" Harry said uncomfortably, hoping that his interrogation ended soon.

"Oh really? So, you must be pretty close friends if you were planning to meet up over the summer despite the danger?" she asked with a blank expression.

"Uhm, not really, we just meet a few days ago, but we kinda hit it off, and we were quite similar to each other despite our different backgrounds, so I just wanted to see her again" he said a bit shyly, completely losing his cocky attitude he had earlier displayed.

"Awww, that's cute. You wouldn't happen to have a crush on this certain ice queen would you" she said teasingly.

"Um- uh n-no what? We only just met, and she's just a friend" he stuttered as his face went red.

"Suuure, Potter. We'll believe that for now. But don't worry our lips are sealed" Angelina finished as she mimicked locking her lips and was shadowed by the other two who had recovered from their earlier shock.

Harry glared playfully at them, before asking "So we're going to do major recruitment today right?"

"Yeah, I mean, I at least plan to do so" Alicia said looking towards Katie and Angelina.

"Same with us two" Katie said after glancing at Angelina quickly.

"All right then, I've got dibs on Slytherin recruitment. Who do you guys each want?"

"I'll take Gryffindor" Angelina spoke "I know practically everyone there, so it shouldn't be too bad for me"

"I'll take Hufflepuff? If you're ok with Ravenclaw?" Katie said, turning to Alicia.

"Yeah, that's fine, I can take them" Alicia said

"All right then!" Harry clapped "It's a plan. Meet up near the Womping willow before dinner? Lets say 7ish?"

"Great" Angelina said standing up "I'll see you there then"

Alicia echoed her and she too walked off, in search of a ravenclaw on her list to recruit, leaving Katie and Harry alone at the Gryffindor table.

"So, do you want to go throw a quaffle around for a but, before everyone wakes up and we start recruiting?" Harry asked Katie after clearing his throat to get her attention.

"I would love to" Katie said as a small smile graced her lips. Finishing their meals, Harry and Katie head towards the broom shelves to retrieve their brooms and a quaffle.

"So Katie, got any plans for this summer? A vacation to the continent or a visiting some family?" Harry asked.

"Meh, I warned my family earlier this year about Voldemort, and they went to take a 'vacation' in Belgium a few months ago under the excuse of a maternity leave for my mom and some time off for my dad" She replied a bit sorrowfully "I'll probably only be able to visit them for a few days and I'll spend the rest of my between the Leaky Cauldron and Alicia and Angie"

"Wow, I didn't know that they had left. I'm really sorry about that" Harry said frowning "But you know that if I find a place to go over the summer you are more then welcome to come and visit right?"

"I would love too Harry. Just send me Hedwig to let me know when" Katie replied as they got to the broom shed.

Taking out his firebolt, Harry was overcome with another wave of sadness, as he remembered that Sirius had given it to him. It was one of the few physical reminders he had left of his godfather.

Noticing his sad look Katie gave him a questioning look and softly asked "What happened Harry?"

"Its j-just that this broom is practically the last thing I have of my godfather after he died a few days ago" Harry responded as his lip trembled lightly.

"Oh" was all that Katie was able to muster to speak as the words of comfort clogged in her throat at the thought of how much pain Harry must feel like he's in. She truly felt so bad for him and couldn't even begin to imagine how he had been managing to keep his mourning hidden considering his pain. Dropping her broom back onto its rack, she closed the distance to Harry and wrapped her arms around him pulling him into a tight hug, ignoring his light flinch, at least for now. She tried to pour all her feelings of support and sympathy towards him, so that he would understand that she would be there for him, no matter what.

It was only a few seconds later that Harry wrapped his arms around her as well. Being slightly taller than Katie, Harry leaned down his head into her shoulder and allowed tears to escape his eyes. His light crying soon turned into sobs as he released his emotions that he had been keeping tied up inside of himself. As his tears lightly wet the shoulder of Katie's hoody, he thought of how thankful he was that he had such good friends who would be there for him. To him, all three of the Gryffindor girls felt like sisters to him since first year, as they had always looked out for him, even last year during the triwizard tournament.

Meanwhile, as Katie allowed Harry to cry on her shoulder she considered her relationship with him. In his first year when he had showed up smaller than the rest and with a slightly haunted look in his eyes, she, Alicia, and Angie had all taken it upon themselves to be his protector of sorts. Over the past years, they had bonded very closely to the point it felt like he was her little brother, or younger twin. Though they hadn't always been able to spend too much time together, they always enjoyed their time together. She had been there for him last year when he was alone during the tournament, and she remembered some of the nights she and the other girls had spent comforting him when everyone else had turned their back on him. Similarly, he had always been there for her, when she had needed comforting, like when he grandpa died or when she felt like she had let down the quidditch team and wasn't good enough to be on their team. She had always struggled with her anxiety and doubt of self worth. In truth, he was one of the handful of people who she felt truly made her life worth living for. And it hurt her so much see him in this state.

Snapping Katie out of her revier, Harry broke the hug and put his arms on her shoulders. Looking at her with his reddened eyes and tear streaked face he whispered only one thing.

"Thank you"

"You never have to thank me for being there for you" Katie responded, looking into his eyes as though she were trying to see his soul. Harry quickly pulled her into another small hug, before they separated.

"Well then. Now that's done, lets go play some Quidditch!" Harry exclaimed, as his signature smirk appeared upon his face.

Katie returned the smirk, happy that he was at least feeling a bit better, and said "Let's go then"

Their walk to the field was short, and as they tossed the quaffle around, they both enjoyed the early morning breeze and view that was provided for them. Off in the distance, they could see mountains that went so high their tips were blocked by the clouds. Nearby, they could see the forbidden forest and Hagrid's hut as light smoke rose from its chimney, giving off a homly vibe. They could also see the spectacular Hogwarts castle that seemed even more spectacular from a height. While neither were architects, they could both appreciate just how magnificent this creation was.

Both Harry and Katie enjoyed their early morning light practice. However, they could not stay long, as already the rest of the school was waking up and moving around. Soon the field would be covered in others who wanted to spend one of their last days at school having fun on the quidditch team. Wanting to avoid getting dragged into a pickup game, both of them decided it was time to end their fun and head back to the castle and begin their recruitment for the Shadow Warriors.

"So do you think we'll actually be able to convince them that this is going to be worth it?" Harry asked Katie. Despite his eagerness and hope in the groups creation, he still had his doubts about wether they would be able to not only garner enough amount of people, but also to be successful in their goal of destroying the evil that was Voldemort.

"Well, I think that anyone who has any interest in a good future of any kind would want to join" Katie responded as a thoughtful expression crossed her face.

"What do you mean?" Harry questioned.

"Well, this group would be a chance for them to actually help hopefully lead to the demise of you-know-who. If Voldemort wins, and truly manages to take over, it is likely that the wizarding world would fall into chaos and that wouldn't be good for any of them who want to do something for their lives. Not to mention being part of this group would give them a sort of honor should we win. Ya know what I mean?" Katie replied trying to answer his question.

"Yeah i get it but like I feel they wouldn't want to join either because of their parents or because its kinda high risk and they could get killed" Harry said sadly.

"Well, we'll see. But I think most if not all of them will want to join. Like it or not Harry, you really are the hope of this war, and because of that a lot of people look up to you. And after you were able to go against Bellatrix, even some people who would have had doubts are more likely to wish to put them aside and join you" Katie said.

"I 't mean I ave to like the fact they put almost all their hope in a fifteen year old boy" Harry grumpily replied.

Katie lightly punched his shoulder and replied "Just be happy they aren't putting their hope in someone like Malfoy"

Harry snorted "If they did, we would be dead by tomorrow"

"No kidding. Anyways, I'm going to go recruit some Hufflepuffs. Have fun in with the snakes and I'll see you at seven Harry!" Katie exclaimed as they reached the castle and she walked off to find a Hufflepuff on her list.

"See you!" Harry quickly responded before he too went off in search of a Slytherin on his list.

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Dungeons 3:45 AM

Harry walked through the underground, stone-lit hallways in search of his final two candidates, Flora and Hestia Carrow. He had already managed to bring aboard Pritchard, Hanley and Pucey. Pucey had been quite reluctant to join, but he had managed to convince him after making it clear that nobody outside the group would know of his identity until the war was over and even then it would be optional. Now though, he had to convince the Carrow siblings. While their aunt and Uncle were both Death Eaters, and high level ones at that, he had noticed over his years at school that they didn't seem to act like miniature versions of them. He was startled out of his thoughts when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

Harry's wand snapped out and it was quickly pointed at the person who had tapped him, a curse on the tip of his tongue before he saw who it was. Standing right behind him were the exact wo ladies for whom he had been searching. Noticing their startled and slightly worried expressions, he put his wand back in his holder.

"What can I do for you two ladies?" He asked.

Flora gave a nervous look towards her sister before turning her sky blue eyes on him, "We um noticed you uh walking through the Dungeons and uh we were hoping we could um ask you a question?"

"Of course, what is it I can do for you?" He asked, a caring expression on his face. Hestia seemed to take a deep breath as she steadied herself.

"So you know how a few days ago Voldemort finally revealed himself publicly?" at Harry's nod she continued "Well umm we- that is Flora and I were wondering if you could kinda help us out a bit. You see both our aunt and uncle are death eaters and we know that this summer, they plan on making us join you-know-whos ranks. Neither of us want to join those horrible people and were wondering if you could help us?" As she finished she looked up at Harry with a hopeful look in her eyes, while her sister continued to look at her feet.

"Well actually, I believe that I can get you guys at least a temporary arrangement before we find something permanent. I might have to call in a favor or two but I'm pretty sure that I can guarantee you guys a spot for at least the first few weeks of the summer."

"Wow, thank you so much! You have no idea how much we appreciate this!" Hestia said as her expression brightened and Flora finally looked up from the ground with a shy smile gracing her lips.

"Now, on another note, I was actually looking for you guys cause there's something I think you can help me with" Harry said.

"Yeah anything!" Hestia said, still happy she wouldn't have to joint her aunt and uncle in torturing innocent people.

"Well, before I go any further, I need both of you to swear on your life and magic to not reveal what I'm going to tell you for the next ten minutes except to others who already know" he said as the atmosphere in the hall seemed to suddenly grow very serious and slightly colder. Despite both of them wearing slightly confused looks, they both swore the oath and looked at Harry to continue.

"A few days ago, me and some friends came up with the idea of creating a group that would actively fight against Voldemort. When we were looking for who we wanted to help, you two were both on that list. If you guys don't want to fight you can join on as healers or potion makers or even researchers, whatever floats your boat" Harry said.

"I'm seriously hoping you didn't just invite us to join a Dumbledore run group Potter" Flora ground out, speaking up for the first time.

Harry frowned "No I did not. I invited you to join a group that will be run by neither the Ministry, Voldemort, or Dumbledore. I also wanted to make it clear tat should you refuse to join, I will still make sure you guys have a place to stay this summer" he said hoping it helped clarify.

"Can you give us a sec?" Hestia asked.

"Of course. Take as long as you need" Harry replied. Hestia and Flora then moved some distance away from Harry and faced each other as they discussed their options. Out of their range of hearing, Harry took out his wand, and began to twirl it around out of boredom as he waited.

Meanwhile, Flora and Hestia Carrow continued to discuss the pros and cons of joining the group. On the one hand they would be declaring themselves actively the ministry, not to mention Voldemort which meant they risked being killed in battle or captured and tortured. On the other hand, they could see the benefits, as they would always have someone to lean on especially when the war would reach its darkest time. They would also be able to help take down the bastard who they blamed for the pain of their younger years as well as the deaths of their parents. It was only a few minutes later that they cam to their decision. Walking back to Harry who had begun to stare off into space, Hestia cleared her throat, snapping Harry out of his reviere.

"So. What's it going to be?" Harry asked.

"We have decided to join under one condition" Hestia replied.

"You only have to say it" He responded.

"We want to kill Amycus and Alecto Carrow" the dark haired girl said with a light growl.

"Fine. We have a deal. I'll make it clear to whoever else joins the group, that they are to be killed by you two and you two alone" Harry said.

Harry then went ahead and let them in to sign the paper that carried the rest of the Slytherins who had joined names, though they couldn't make them out as they looked blurred. He also gave them their watches, and explained their uses and told them to always wear it. Even if they were showering or something like that, because you never know when you might need help from a friend. Letting them know that he would message them soon about their summer arrangements they parted ways with the Carrow twins heading into the Slytherin common room, while Harry headed towards the Great Hall for a late lunch.

He had managed to recruit everyone that he had tried and was very happy that, already, so many people were willing to go against the monster known as Voldemort. He knew that out of the recruits, only a handful of them would actually be in any real danger. He knew full well that many of the younger years were far too young to fight, but he had recruited them in the hopes of training them for when they would be older. It was so that they could defend Hogwarts from an enemy attack as some members would be graduating and their numbers in Hogwarts. He also knew that this war with Voldemort had a very good chance of dragging out for some years.

He was well aware that already Voldemort had many people who were loyal or sympathetic with him in the ministry and he doubted it would truly stand for more than a year before it became a puppet government at best. With that in mind it wouldn't be too far of a step for him to then take over Hogwarts without much of a fight, implementing his own headmaster who would be loyal to him. He knew that if he wanted to win this war, he must not be allowed to take Hogwarts, where he could directly poison a younger generations mind with his hypocritical idea of pureblood supremacy.

This was where the younger students came in. They would be the support needed should Voldemort attack, not to mention it would also give the rest of the group a reminder of just what and who they were fighting for. The innocence that should come with being young. Not needing to be worried if today would be the day that their family would be murdered. Not the day that they would be tortured to the brink of death.

It was with this hope that he sat down at the end of the Gryffindor table alone, barely sparing a glance to the head table, where he noticed Dumbledore sat, staring at Harry with cold piercing eyes. He couldn't wait until he would see the girls again, as he hoped that they would bring good news about their day and the challenges that laid ahead. As he started to eat his meal, he made a mental note to go and visit the hospital wing so that his behavior didn't seem to erratic and out of place. He could not risk anyone catching a whiff of what he was up to until it was already to late to stop.

/A.N

Alright Chapter 4 is out! I hope you all are doing great even if there's still coronavirus going around. If you have questions or comments just drop a review. I hope you guys enjoyed the story and come back for more. Thank you!

REVIEWS:

InfinityMask: I do plan on something like that happening but it won't happen for another chapter or two. She wouldn't have known as of this time yet, as she only found out her grandma passed a few days earlier and the will hasn't been read yet.

Speedsters and Arrows: Glad to hear it! Thank you!

ObsessedwithHPFanFic: Thanks for all the reviews and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!