Purpose

~ Chapter 31: Special Divisions ~

They were all lazily sipping down on Butterbeer, except for Fenix who was content with her mango juice when there was a knock on the door. Sirius stood up to check whom it was and gave an exclamation of surprise when he saw Charlie Weasley, accompanied by Moody and Vance.

"Charlie?" Ron stared at his brother and he smiled broadly at the Romanian Dragon Keeper.

"Hello, all! Dumbledore advised us that you all would be here," he paused and stared cautiously at the group of Slytherins among them. He pointedly looked at Fenix who just smiled enigmatically at him. "Is this her idea?" the burly Weasley asked Harry's godfather.

"Actually, the dinner was my idea," Sirius said modestly and casually conjured up three more chairs for the newcomers.

"So who's new?" Moody spoke up harshly, conjuring a mug of Butterbeer for him and his comrades while he eyed the Potions Master almost in a taunting manner. "Did you just stop at Snape?" His magical eye spinned to his left as he scrutinized Fenix.

"No..." she answered as she finished her glass of juice and it began to fill itself up magically again. She pointed her chin at Draco and Charlie spluttered. "So, everyone's all right?" Moody nodded and helped himself to the deserts that were still on the table.

"By the way, Fenix, Dumbledore wants to introduce you to someone. Were you the one who brought up that idea about the special units?"

"I can't take all the credit though," the Fire Master conceded with faint disappointment, and Draco hid his smile. "It just sprang up when I had a silent discussion with three unmarried men and a pair of wolves about an army." The Auror was silent but his face shined with his approval. "When does the Headmaster want me?"

"As soon as you're done with dinner. Go on up to his office."

**********

Tension was building in the room and Hermione signaled to her friends that they should leave the adults because she had observed that Charlie was getting a little restless and kept looking at Sirius most of the time. The students said their goodnights to their elders and the Fire Master accompanied them out, since she had to see Dumbledore.

"All right, Charlie. What's got into you?" Sirius spoke calmly. Vance held her hand up as she stared blankly at the space ahead of her and gave a wave of her wand. She nodded when the place was secure from prying eyes and eavesdroppers.

The Weasley took a deep breath and calmly reported that Hagrid and Madame Maxime had failed to bring the major giant clans around and Voldemort now already has them in his pocket. "And from Cathal's report-- that's one of Fenix's comrades-- and our own intelligence network, major confrontations could be expected to happen within the next few months. It will probably take them a while to move out."

Sirius nodded solemnly. "But you couldn't know. Giants can move very fast for all we know," he said in a warning tone and informed them of the news that had been passed on to Fenix by Aldren. "The elves are worried that Voldemort might also try to instigate trouble via the Muggle societies and also, their spies had reported that the Death Eaters have consolidated with some very dubious Muggles."

Vance chose that moment to add in her findings. "My people too, had found the Dark Lord's followers to be bringing in... scientists. I had wanted to discuss this with Maxwell since she knows more about this than we could ever will. We fear that this group of people will be helping the Dark Lord to invent weapons for his followers."

"Probably guns, I expect." Moody snorted.

: That is troubling news indeed. :

Krill's deep mindvoice was grave. : Please, tell me the exact location of this particular group. :

Sirius was a little surprised by the determined mindvoice of Fenix's chief Elemental. I thought they only do stuff if Fenix ordered them to, Sirius thought to himself.

: Nothing but a façade, Sirius, :

Krill answered only to him, and the rest looked at the slightly scowling Black curiously. : And Fenix knows enough about us to understand that we are fighters in our own right. We are concerned with the outcomes of the war as well as you people do, : the Salamander explained patiently. Emmeline Vance dubiously conjured up a map and placed it on the table, talking to the invisible character as she pinpointed the location of the Death Eaters' hideout.

: Aelwyn? :

the Salamander requested his second-in-command politely.

: We're on it, :

the Sylph replied, urgently communing with her kind.

Sirius gazed at Vance thoughtfully and queried, "Were you able to get more information on just what those 'scientists' were doing for Voldemort?" The woman shook her head regretfully.

"It was too risky for us. The place was exactly situated in a civilian area. And the police are just a few blocks away from their hideout." They were flattened almost immediately by the Sylphs' rush of alarm and anger.

"Krill?" Sirius demanded, his voice barking out harshly. To everyone's surprise, the Salamander swore.

"These people don't know what they're doing!" Krill's deep voice rang in the room angrily. "They're preparing a biological weapon. The Dark Lord has made a terrible mistake! Terrible indeed!" The Salamander vanished to inform Fenix about the new Situation.

Sirius was staring at the air in bafflement. He asked his best friend. "Did you understand any of that?" Remus was just as mystified as he was. Out of the five men and one woman, only Snape was looking very worried.

**********

Fenix had already reached Dumbledore's office and had already spoken the password 'Aurora Borealis' and it was already swinging open when Krill suddenly appeared right before her. Her Fire Elemental was looking very agitated. The Headmaster was conversing quietly with another man and was about to hail her in when he caught sight of her horrified expression.

: I'm sorry, Albus. I have something to take care right now, :

Fenix said apologetically before she vanished.

"Albus?" a man bearing almost a similar resemblance to the Headmaster inquired, peering at the empty door. "Where is the lady you wish to introduce me to?" Dumbledore gave a soft sigh and smiled at the other man.

"I'm sure she'll come back soon, when her work is done, whatever they are."

**********

Fenix popped in suddenly into the room, startling Sirius severely. She did not hesitate, quickly striding forward to the map and made Vance show the location again. She narrowed her eyes as she tried to recall some of her friends and fellow Mages who were living around in the district. She quickly dispatched the Sylphs to inform one policeman who was also an Earth Master about the illegal activities and asked him to seek the help of two elves and one lady who would be ideal to stop the construction. Sirius waited patiently and took a deep breath when she told them it might take a bit of time for the scientists to be nabbed by the authorities.

"But how about the Death Eaters?" Sirius questioned her.

"The elves would take care of that and also, the elves will tamper with the memories of the scientists a little, just to be on the safe side," Fenix reassured him. "Now, I do have to go and see the Headmaster." She gave a brief smile at all of them and vanished off.

"Do you think it will be noisy?" Remus asked the thin air. He was referring to the situation about the Death Eaters.

"Noisy enough that Voldemort will notice that he's being suppressed," the Salamander replied. Sirius gave a crooked smile and refilled their mugs with stronger drinks.

**********

Fenix reappeared before Dumbledore's office and repeated the password. She stepped into the room and gave the Headmaster a little smile when he saw her. Dumbledore beckoned her to come closer and she was distracted momentarily when a flash of brilliant red suddenly landed on her shoulder. The Headmaster looked pleased as he watched Fawkes butting his head against her cheek for a scratch. The Fire Master chuckled softly and indulged the glorious bird.

The two men in the office stood up and she slowly strode forward to meet the other wizard. Fawkes finally launched himself off to his perch and Dumbledore began his introduction. "Aberforth, this is the Fire Master, Fenix Maxwell. She is currently teaching Defence with Professor Lupin." The Headmaster then turned to her to introduce the stranger. He looked almost similar to Dumbledore, although his face was stern and hardened. His long gray hair and beard was combed neatly and he was clad in austere dark gray clothing. "And Fenix, this is my older brother, Aberforth Dumbledore."

Fenix gave her right hand for the other man to shake but surprisingly he bowed slightly and gave her hand a gentle kiss. "I am honored to meet you, lovely lady. But such a lovely exterior does very well hide that part of you that is cold." She was not really surprised by his words and gave him a small smile.

"It's in the genes," she said casually and the man guided her to a seat. "Will he be taking part in the spellcasting tomorrow?" she asked the Headmaster and he nodded.

"Yes, he is. Since he holds the famous black crystal that will enable us to help sort out the students," the Headmaster replied. The next hour or so was spent on letting Fenix and Aberforth feel each other out, as they discussed how they were to set the spell on hundred-over students. She was occasionally disturbed by the quick goodnights of her oathbrother, her partner and Snape while they were discussing and by the time the three had concluded their discussion, it was well after midnight. The Headmaster offered to escort her down but she gracefully declined the invitation, saying that she might as well take a bit of a walk. She bade Aberforth a goodnight as well and stepped out of the office.

The castle was strangely quiet, though she could hear the sounds of falling raindrops outside. She was wandering slowly downwards and gave a start when Sirius suddenly popped out of a dim corridor. She looked accusingly at him. "I thought you had already gone to bed."

"I can't really sleep," Sirius laughed softly, and they walked slowly to her quarters. "How is Neville doing?" he asked her, relying on her gift as an Empath.

"He is still feeling a little shocked. His mother is doing well though. It's surprising that she remembered every single detail that had happened to her after the first war, and still remain sane," she replied softly. "The loss of her husband might harden her in some ways," she informed her oathbrother.

: I want to ask you something. I assume that Aurors and staff would be those who will head the divisions? :

he asked, his mindvoice almost apprehensive. She gave him a curious look as she nodded her head and suddenly gave a sly smile.

: I'm placing you in charge of the 'Attack unit'. :

And she quickly left her oathbrother for her quarters and blocked him out of her mind, to prevent any arguments. Sirius stared at the door with a stupefied expression.

: She was just kidding, Sirius, :

Silver said comfortingly at him. : The staff would also be subjected to the sorting spell tomorrow. :

: But I won't be surprised if you get chosen to lead the unit. You've got what it takes, :

his mate interjected in a condescending tone.

Sirius took a deep breath and walked to his office. He had already returned his office into its normal state and thought to himself. Whatever will happen, it will happen. Have to see how it goes later in the morning. He was deep in thought and carelessly kicked the door close and headed to his bedroom, kicking off his shoes and unbuttoned his shirt to change. I wonder if the Ministry sanctioned Dumbledore's move in making an army of students. But seriously, who else is left to fight the war? There were so many orphaned students in this school, and at least forty percent of them had lost their family members during the first war with Voldemort. He carefully hung his shirt on a hanger and took out his sleeping robe and slipped it on. He sighed and flung himself down on his bed, staring at the ceiling and absently extinguished the candlelight lighting the bedroom. Thoughts about Harry filled his mind and he could not help thinking that maybe, he would not be able to cheat death in this war. He closed his eyes, trying to remember all of the occasions that he had spent with his godson. It was an image of Harry of flying beside him on his Firebolt that accompanied him to his sleep.

**********

In the Great Hall...

The atmosphere in the Hall over breakfast was restless as the students twitched with excitement. Ron suddenly nudged Harry with his elbow and nodded his chin at a familiar figure that was striding slowly toward the teachers' table. Several of the DA members that had visited the Hog's Head stared at him with round eyes, so filled with disbelief.

"He looks just like Dumbledore!" Harry whispered to his friends, his eyes not leaving the stern-looking man.

"Maybe because he is a Dumbledore," Hermione whispered urgently.

"Is that Dumbledore's elder brother? The one called--"

"Aberforth?" Hermione hazarded. "Highly possible."

The unknown man inclined his head gravely to the Headmaster and took a seat next to Professor Flitwick, his eyes scanning the Hall slowly. Fenix had already finished her breakfast, which was quite light actually, and Snape was constantly forcing her to eat more. She shot an annoyed look at him and Ginny's mouth curled up in a smile when she saw the unobtrusive argument between the Fire Master and the Head of Slytherin House.

: Snivellus, stop that. I think it's inadvisable for her to eat too much before the spellcasting. You could shovel all the food in her later, though her partner would probably object, :

Sirius informed the Potions Master. Snape gave Fenix an indescribable look and stopped conjuring more pancakes for her. An hour later, Dumbledore stood up and cleared his throat, and all traces of conversation instantly stopped.

"I seem to have a lot to apologize for," the Headmaster said lightly and he apologized to the students for involving them in the war with Voldemort. Several of the students shook their heads, and a representative from Hufflepuff stood up and spoke to him in a clear voice that they were all aware of the need of involving themselves and of the consequences that may come out of it. The Headmaster bowed his head in gratitude and proceeded to explain to the students just how they would be sorted into the specialized units. "So as not to make you panic, the staff would get to be sorted out first, and they would be the ones to head each respective divisions." The staff of Hogwarts got out of their seats to stand in a circle at a space that had been cleared up specifically for their use.

The presumable Dumbledore's older brother moved to the center of the staff table and Harry noticed that he was holding what looked like black crystal to him. It was irregular in shape and the wizard was carefully balancing the crystal in his palms and it hinted that it did not have a flat base. The Headmaster and Fenix moved to stand at each side of him, fingertips touching the crystal's surface. The students watched excitedly, forgetting to breathe momentarily. Harry felt his face turning blue and reprimanded himself. Remember to keep on breathing.

Minutes passed and nothing seemed to happen. Just when Harry was about to think that maybe their spell was not working, colored mists began to form on some individuals. A few moments passed and by now, the colors that had surrounded some of them were already distinctive. Peculiarly, the librarian, Professor Trelawney, the teachers teaching Arithmancy, Muggle Studies and Ancient Runes, Firenze, Hagrid, Madam Hooch and Professor Sinistra did not sport any of the color. The Headmaster who was shrouded in a pale orange mist instructed those who have no mists to get back to their seats.

Dumbledore and Fenix had broken their contact with the crystal but the mists were still glowing strongly. The Headmaster spoke up again in a clear voice, "I'm sure all of you can see that some of your teachers have mists clouding them, they themselves however could not see the mists clouding them, but are able to see the colors of their neighbors. The colors represent the six divisions." Out of nowhere six square platforms appeared, various points in the Great Hall. "So, blue is for the Reserves." Kingsley Shacklebolt and Charlie moved off toward the platform situated near the entrance of the Hall and Kingsley labeled the air above it, 'The Blues-Reserves'.

The Headmaster nodded in approval at the Auror's innovation and looked at Professor Sprout and Madam Pomfrey, both enveloped in bright green mists. "Green is for the Paramedics." The witch and the nurse moved off and Dumbledore continued, "Black, the Rearguards." Moody and Vance moved off for a platform. "Silver, Defence." Professor Lupin moved off. Although the Fire Master was enshrouded with the silver mist too, she did not move and Harry thought it was because she may be needed to cast the spell on the students. "Gold, the Attackers." Snape and Harry's godfather took the nearest platform near the Hufflepuffs. Sirius managed to give a look of irritation at his oathsister before he climbed the steps of the platform and gave his wand a flick, and an ostentatious banner floated above his head. Snape gave him a disgusted look but Sirius just gave the Potions Master an oblique look.

"Yellow, the Main." And Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick got up to the platform just right in front of the teachers' table. Turning to Fenix, he questioned her calmly, "What color am I, of course, assuming that I do have the mist covering me?" Several students chuckled heartily.

"Yellow..." Fenix said softly. "You're silver by the way," she informed Aberforth. Dumbledore's brother gave a faint sardonic smile. The Headmaster then looked gravely at the students.

"If you don't mind, please stand up. We'll clear up the tables in a moment." The moment the words left his mouth, the students jumped up clear of their seats, making Fenix smile briefly at their eagerness but a shadow of sadness descended on her. "You will feel a strong pull to go over to either of the six stands where your teachers with the same colored mist are standing."

Fenix placed her fingertips back onto the black crystal and merged her mind with the two other casters and interacted with the ancient stone. The process took much longer as the stone slowly assessed the personalities of more than a hundred students at one go. About fifteen minutes of listless standing, more and more of the students were beginning to get enveloped by the various colored mists.

Sirius was watching the Gryffindor table carefully and watched Neville Longbottom going over to Professor McGonagall while Hermione, Harry and Draco who were covered with bright golden mist, slowly walked forward to the platform where he and the Potions Master were standing. Susan Bones, a Hufflepuff whose almost an entire family was killed by Death Eaters was looking extremely enthusiastic when she felt herself moving along toward where Harry had gathered. Time passed by and finally all the students were sorted out-- even Crabbe and Goyle, although Crabbe was in the Main but Goyle was over with the Paramedics.

The Headmaster spoke up, "You will now be the specialized units of the School's Army. Although you are divided into six groups, you will have to work with each other as each of the groups depends is dependent on the other. Now, no classes will be conducted today so you are free to spend your time wisely. We'll assemble here at five sharp in the evening, to brief you what you could expect from your new set of education." Dumbledore muttered 'Finite' and the clouds of mist disappeared. He beckoned the teachers with him as they prepared to proceed with a meeting, and the students were left to plan what they could do with six free hours.

**********

Gryffindor Tower. The boys' dormitory...

The bedroom that was shared by the four boys was quiet, though two girls and an additional boy were in with them. Crookshanks was resting above Hermione's abdomen while she rested her head on Ron's lap. Dean was playfully braiding Ginny's waist-length hair as she cuddled Pig. Harry stifled a sigh at the unbearable silence that had filled the room. It was expected, feeling that his friend Ron was greatly surprised that Hermione was covered in golden mist but he was not with her. Both Dean and Ginny got themselves chosen for Defence with Luna, while Parvati and her twin were in the Main. They had found out that most of the first years were in the Reserves, except for Alamanda who was in the Paramedics and Jude Howell, who was in the Attack group. Ron was very silent, making Hermione glance at his freckled face often.

It really came as a surprise to Ron that he, together with Seamus, Lee Jordan, Montague, Dina and her boyfriend, Justin, were chosen into the Rearguards. The Weasley was deep in thought, worrying about the dangers Hermione might face in the future. The bushy-haired Granger suddenly turned pensive and said in a very quiet voice, "Do you want to know something, Ron?" Her question caught the attention of the people in the room and Ron's ears turned a little red with embarrassment at being the central attention. "I think whatever you will be doing will be much more dangerous." She sighed, scratching Crookshanks's chin, making the cat purr with bliss at the attention.

"She may be right," Neville spoke up. That was a good sign because it was the first time that he had talked to them ever since the attack on St. Mungo's. Ron looked at him for an explanation, and Neville cleared his throat uneasily. "I'm just guessing but I think you will work very closely with the Paramedics and Defence. I know I'm grasping at straws," he conceded when Ron was just about to speak up, wanting to know just what exactly his friend was trying to say. "The idea just stood out in my mind. Rearguard, it's like guarding the rear to ensure that the rest could retreat safely... or something like that." Hermione nodded her head at Neville's assessment.

Seamus gave a soft whistle. "That sounds like a lot of responsibility..." Harry sighed and stood up from where he had been sitting on the floor to flop onto his own bed. He had already taken off his shoes and reached out for the new timetable. Not surprisingly, the schedule had been alternated again.

"You guys ought to check your timetable. It looks like it is changing again. And there seem to be two new subjects on my schedule," Harry informed them then gave a long sigh. "We're having classes all the way to seven."

"You're joking," Ginny exclaimed in disbelief.

"I dunno, but maybe your schedule won't be the same as ours," Harry said in reassuring voice. The sighs from his friends echoed all around the room and Harry fell into a light doze.

**********

The meeting between the Headmaster and the rest of the teachers continued for about three hours, with most of them taking careful notes that Dumbledore had highlighted. He had informed that for every Thursday afternoon, there would be lectures and joint exercises for the six divisions to work together as one unit. That meant that the teachers had to plan what they would be doing in advance.

Fenix happened to make an observation sometime during the meeting. "Is there any chance that a siege might be laid to the castle?" Blank and surprised looks were exchanged all around the table except for Aberforth, who was gazing at her intently.

"Nothing is impossible," he said quietly. His answer seemed to satisfy her and the wheels in her mind began turning at a fast motion as she began making contingency plans in her head. Dumbledore gained their attention once more and began making some suggestions as to what they could teach their students during the three hour periods on Tuesdays, which was specially dedicated to train each division. This was what Sirius, Snape, Remus and Fenix were discussing silently as they all headed to Fenix's bedroom for a brief rest while they get something planned for their lessons on both Tuesday and Thursday.

"Fenix, I think it's a mistake that you've placed me to lead the students," Sirius almost yelled in frustration as he took off his shoes and threw himself on the bed.

"Speak for yourself, Black. I haven't been in my combat mode for decades," Snape answered sharply, sitting tentatively at the foot of the bed. Remus maneuvered to the other side and sat cross-legged on it. Fenix crawled onto the bed and sat beside the werewolf, casually pulling Snape's shoulder down. The Potions Master relented and rested his head against on her lap. Remus gave a feigned jealous look at his partner, who was caressing the Potions Master's black hair fondly. She gave a crooked smile at the werewolf, and sighed contentedly as she leaned against him.

"Sirius, Sev, you know it wasn't I who chose you, neither was it Dumbledore nor his brother. It's the nature of the stone to measure your strength and witnesses. And Sirius, you were actually with a silver mist for a moment, before it changed to gold," she informed her oathbrother. "But I guess that you must have the brains to launch attacks on your opponent. I'm sure that the Assailants would do well under both of your supervision," she said with a smile, then fondly looked down at the Potions Master. : You need a haircut by the way. And what kind of hair cream are you using, Sev? : she asked teasingly, earning a very sharp look from the reclining Potions Master.

: Are we gathering information as to what we should teach the students or are we going to discuss on what I use to keep my current hairstyle? :

he asked scathingly while Fenix looked at him cheerfully.

: Oh, well... :

Fenix pretended to be disappointed. : Business then... but we'll get to your hair after that, : she said seriously. Snape slammed a soft fluffy pillow at her face, making her laugh. "I was joking!" she protested, refusing to give the pillow back to the Potions Master. Sirius and Remus both were thinking deeply and finally broke off from attention when Snape spoke up.

"Dumbledore did say we ought to start with something that both the 'Assailants' and 'Defenders' should start with something common," he contemplated.

"Maybe... Patronuses?" Fenix piped up and the three men nodded. "But what's going to be the guinea pig?"

"Boggarts?" Sirius turned over, his eyes looking thoughtful.

"If we can find one and persuade it to look like a Dementor," Remus agreed.

"I remembered what some of the students did to ward off the Dementors that night. I wonder if they could also use the Patronus Charm against someone instead of some what." Her voice trailed off as she pondered.

"It's possible," Remus answered with a smile and gave them a brief account on what happened during a Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw during Harry's third year of school. Fenix nodded once in a while and formulated several plans in her mind, putting them away carefully in her memory so she could examine the plans later.

"I would also suggest practicing the Shield Charm for the two of you," Snape inclined his head up to look at Fenix and then Remus. He had noticed that every time the group spent their time briefly just to have a chat or gathering, he felt strangely refreshed and renewed. The werewolf nodded once and requested if Fenix could throw some fireballs at the students in order for them to deflect it. She nodded her agreement but warned that she could not possibly do it too often, and she prudently added if they modified the spell to something like the spell that they had taught the students on the very first day of school, resources could be saved. And if it was possible, they might teach the students to turn their defensive shield into a weapon en bloc.

"Because bear in mind, if it's really a case of an emergency, some of them won't have the concentration to hold up their shields. We ought to think about this, Remus. Maybe for next Monday's D.A.D.A lesson," the Fire Master suggested and the four continued to debate on what kind of spells they could use in defence or attack as they planned for their lessons until it was time for them to go down to the Hall again.

**********

In Harry's dormitory...

Ron was shaking him lightly on his shoulder and he finally roused. He was still wearing his glasses and took them off to rub his eyes briefly before putting them back on. He looked at his watch. It was fifteen minutes to five. His friend told that Hermione and the rest were waiting for them at the common room while Harry washed himself up first before joining them.

They were silent as they went down to the Entrance Hall, bumping into Warrington. He gave a casual nod then ignored them, as he waited for Draco and the rest. Pansy Parkinson and some of her friends, which included Millicent Bulstrode, had already left Hogwarts for their own sanctuary. Much to the relief of everyone. To no one's surprise, Sirius and the rest of the company were back to sitting at the table where Harry and his friends usually sat. The students seemed to accept the slightly nicer behavior of the Potions Master with calm, and there were even rumors of some students having a crush on Snape, which was not really a laughable matter. Now that he isn't intending to be the biggest bully in school, he is rather... nice. Harry gave Sirius a broad smile and sat beside him.

"Hello," Fenix greeted them cheerfully, indicating Neville that he should take a seat beside her. "How's everyone feeling?"

"Weird..." Ron said truthfully.

"But kind of... cool," Dean supplied, as he sat down beside Ginny. He suddenly jerked back in surprise when thick scrolls suddenly appeared in front of every student, including the staff. "What's this?" he asked curiously and began untying the ribbon fastened on the scroll. He suddenly chuckled lightly under his breath. "I thought he wanted to personally brief us!"

The students all faced the Headmaster who was looking slightly sheepish. The Headmaster took his wand out and whispered something quietly. He held his wand like a microphone and after several moments of apologizing to the students, then halted when his elder brother motioned him to stop talking and pointed his chin at his audience. A huge part of the audience was trying to stifle their giggles but was failing rather miserably.

"Never mind, Professor. We get the idea that you've lost your voice. We'll be good and read your written briefing!" one student from Hufflepuff spoke up. The rustling of scrolling down the scrolls filled the Hall as each of the students referred to the section that he was under although it was also necessary for them to read the other five divisions.

Harry read the section for those under 'Attack' carefully. It said in the scroll, that the Assailants would be the specialists in planned brief skirmishes, to try to cause major disruption in the enemy lines and retreating back as quickly as possible. "Hermione, I do think that your specialty might rather come in handy." His friend looked at him absently while Fenix looked inquiringly at them.

"What specialty?" Fenix asked and Hermione gave a very uneasy glance at all of them, especially to the Potions Master.

"I believe it was called the Bluebell flames. Isn't that right, Miss Granger?" Snape asked silkily. Hermione groaned as she remembered her first year in Hogwarts, who suspected that it had been the Potions Master who had tried to kill Harry. Fenix looked at her in amusement when the young woman's face turned scarlet.

"Hermione's able to conjure waterproof fire," Ron said shortly, intently reading his segment. After Harry had read his section, he scanned the scroll for the Rearguards and found that Neville's previous assessment back in the dormitory was not far from wrong. Since the Assailants would also have the Defenders watching their backs, the Rearguards would ensure that their opponents remain clear of the Defenders' backs.

The Main would be responsible for causing major blows to the opponents en masse and it was the responsibility of the Assailants and the Defenders to let them have enough time to put everything together before they would be able to launch their attack. Fenix chose that particular moment to explain something to them, but only after she had called Draco over to them and spoke to the company using mindspeech. The Slytherin looked curiously at her as he sat down beside the Potions Master.

: I wish to make something clear to you. Don't think that Dumbledore's handing you the dangerous stuff all to you, all right? Some of your teachers might feel it's better if you're ignorant of this, :

she stared suggestively at Remus as she said this, and somehow, it seemed that Aberforth was aware of what she was trying to do because he gave her a nod of approval. : But I think otherwise. It's just that you people have the higher chances of survival rather than, say Parvati or Lavender, or perhaps, Goyle. Most of you had experienced Death Eaters-- except for this one of course-- : Fenix gazed significantly at Snape, then continued, : or Voldemort in one way or another. You are able to react to danger better than anyone else could, although it will take quite some time for us to polish that skill to its maximum. And I hope that we would be able to train you well. I certainly have no intention of sending anyone straight to Death's arms without any kind of courtship. : She looked sadly at them, her eyes mainly gazing on Harry and Draco. None of them liked that, as if she had seen something that she had not expected. : Gods, I'm sorry. I did not mean to get you all so gloomy. : Fenix gave a little forced laugh but Draco, Harry, his godfather, Snape and Remus stared at her with open concern.

Dinner went on as usual; the students somehow seemed more revived and determined. The Headmaster was able to watch his students in contentment and concluded that bringing the Fire Master into Hogwarts was a good thing indeed, since students were seated all over the four Houses. Only their badges on their cloaks differentiated them from the other. To his amusement, some of the staff was not able to cope with the idea that the Potions Master was acting like a very stern uncle instead of a man with a heart of stone, the Divination teacher especially. He suddenly managed to glimpse a very melancholy look that Fenix gave the Slytherin prefect before quickly hiding it with conversation.

"That's because she has the feeling that the boy will indeed become an orphan, not just a disowned one," Aberforth spoke softly to him. Dumbledore gave him a surprised look. His brother gave a crooked smile. "You forget, Wulf, that I do have a bit of a Seer in me." The Headmaster nodded gravely. "And Wulf, think about what the lovely lady did say during the meeting. Even the strongest enchantments might be broken. Heed my words, Wulfric."

**********