The Fountain of Oblivion

Chapter 3 The Second War Council

He made a mental note to ask Ron about that and hurried to join the member of the Order for the meeting. When Harry came back to the hall, he had the pleasure of meeting just about every one he liked in the Order: Arthur and Molly Weasley, Bill and Charlie (''Yes, I have come back from Romania, seems that the Order needs me here.''), Remus Lupin, Hagrid, Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks (''It's Tonks! How many times shall I tell you!''), and even Mundungus Fletcher. It was a good fifteen minutes before Harry had greeted everyone (the fact that Mrs Weasley seemed to always forget she had already hugged him before did not help). Harry was definitely thinking that he had been wished a happy birthday today by more people than in his whole life before. The calm, yet resolute voice of Dumbledore brought every one back to silence.

''Well, well. I think that even though it is getting quite late, the arrival of Harry is an appropriate moment for answering some legitimate questions. After all, it is largely due to the bravery and talent of so many of our youngest members here that I dare say Lord Voldemort is now in a weaker position than at the beginning of last year,'' said Dumbledore.

''But before informing all of you of the challenge that awaits us now,'' Dumbledore went on,''I feel it is my duty to honour the memory of one of the bravest man I have ever met. He spent twelve long years in Azkaban for a crime he had not commited and his last three years in hiding, yet constantly fighting the schemes of Lord Voldemort with all his might. He finally left us, dueling with one of the most dangerous followers of our enemy, who is still free. Let us all honour Sirius Black.'' When Dumbledore said Sirius' name, his voice suddenly grew stronger and he looked taller and more powerful. Harry was deeply moved by the intensity emanating from Dumbledore and the memory of his Godfather seemed for a moment to sweep over his spirit. He vaguely noticed that he was not the only one to react to Dumbledore's words: Hermione had shining eyes and Lupin was looking even paler than usual. However, when Dumbledore resumed his speaking, he looked immensely old and weak, as if some shadow has spread in his heart when thinking about Sirius. It was thus in an almost tired voice that he said:

''As most of you already know, Lord Voldemort has spent last year trying to exploit the special bond he has with Harry to gain special information he crucially needed. Largely thanks to the incredible courage of our youngest members, he has dismally failed.'' Harry noticed with pleasure that both Ron and Hermione turned quite red when Dumbledore praised their courage. He also happily noted that none of his friends flinched in any visible way when Dumbledore uttered Voldemort's name.

''Not only has Voldemort been stopped in his endeavours,'' Dumbledore went on. ''He has also lost a significant number of some of his most dreadful and fanatic supporters. They are for the time being in Azkaban, and even though the Ministry has acknowledged losing control of the Dementors, no-one has yet been able to escape, largely thanks to the effort of Rubeus Hagrid and Charles Weasley, who have found most effective guardians. That's the good news, however, they are but a small step towards the victory we envision. It is my belief that Lord Voldemort will not act in the open until he has not regained some followers. Now that the Ministry is willing to co-operate with us, the efforts of the Order should go to preventing by all means people to consider joining the ranks of our enemy. An important step in this process will be revealed soon, one that will demand a good deal of energy and persuasion, I am afraid, and for which I will mostly rely on you, Arthur.''

''What is he referring to?'' Harry whispered to Ron. Ron answered with a shrug of his shoulders that clearly indicated he did not know any more about it.

''This is not the only task I have in mind though,'' Dumbledore said. ''For the next one I am afraid I will be forced to turn to someone here. In a time of war, well-trained fighters are a trump too important to be neglected. With a most remarkable exception, the teaching in Defence against the Dark Arts has been abysmal these last years at Hogwarts. I would like to ask Harry here if he would be willing to resume the lessons he has given last year's to volunteered students, lessons that went on under the name of DA if I recollect correctly. Nothing could more benefit Hogwarts than a sound training in Defence against the Dark Arts. Would you agree Harry?''

Harry was used to all looks gathering towards him, seeing that ever since he had joined the wizarding world, complete strangers had often stared at him. Yet, when all the Order of the Phoenix and his closest friends, turned to him, clearly waiting eagerly for his agreement, he felt suddenly quite uncomfortable and, in fact, useless. His mind seemed to be paralysed. After all, it was Hermione who had staged most of the DA organisation last year and even though he had dearly wished at least some of his friends would have wanted to join again this year, he was taken aback by Dumbledore's official announcement.

''Please say yes, Harry,'' muttered Hermione next to him, in a audible pleading tone.

''Sure,'' said Harry, in what was anything but a sure voice. The look of relief that appeared on most faces encouraged him enough to go on more confidently. ''To tell the truth Professor, I had been looking forward to continuing the DA.''

''Very well,'' said Dumbledore. ''Will you then object if I make an announcement at the beginning of the term, saying that I strongly recommend joining the DA?''

''Er, no, of course not'' answered Harry just before he realised that meant all Hogwarts would stare at him for at least ten minutes at the words of Dumbledore. He was about to correct himself but Dumbledore had already went on.

''I would now like to turn to Fred and George Weasley. As they are now official members of the Order, it is with great pleasure that I will grant them with a public relations mission. Considering the number of people that have asked me to prove I was the true Albus Dumbledore, I have gathered that your Changeling Chewing-gums have had quite an honest success or am I wrong?''

For the first time in his life, Harry saw the twins actually blush at the compliment. ''In fact, the Dumbledore flavoured ones were among the most successful,'' said Fred.

''Only outperformed by the Harry's, I think,'' said George.

''So I think it appropriate to ask you to have a nice little chat with your clients, seeing what is being said in Diagon Alley. Now, it is getting awfully late, I think it wise to end here, unless some of you have urgent questions.'' As no-one seemed too eager to ask questions, Dumbledore formally closed the council and everyone started to discuss various subjects, with the exception of Molly who was rather ineffectively trying to convince her children to go to bed. Harry was thinking about Dumbledore's discourse. He had been right, Voldemort had lost most of his Death Eaters in one night. 'What could he do now?', Harry wondered. He realised that he knew almost nothing about the first war, even less than Aunt Petunia now that he thought of it. If he was to teach defence against Voldemort next year, wasn't it necessary that he at least enquire the technique Voldemort had used to gain power last time he had been a menace? Harry thought with some anger that this should have been taught by Umbridge in his fifth year and that he had spent most of his year trying to escape her tyrannic influence. His thoughts were drawn to his lessons in Defence against the Dark Arts and he suddenly realised Dumbledore had not mentioned who was going to teach this year. Surely he knew by now. So he sprinted towards the entrance corridor, catching Dumbledore as he was crossing the door.

''Professor!'' Harry yelled.

''Yes Harry, what is it?''

''I was wondering, if I am to start again the DA, I might plan some lessons with the new Defence against Dark Arts teachers. So maybe you already know who that will be?'' asked Harry. A pained expression appeared on Dumbledore's face.

''I think I do, Harry, but I am afraid I cannot talk about this now. It is something I hoped I would not have to do, but so it is. Goodbye Harry.'' And leaving Harry utterly nonplussed, Dumbledore disapparated in the dark night.

The following days were so cheerful that for the first time, Harry almost forgot about Sirius and the fate that had been revealed to him through the prophecy.

'Almost,' he thought.

Like last year, life at 12 Grimmauld Place was rather exciting, but unlike last year, you did not have to worry if some dark magic artefact was about to kill you if you were not paying attention. Harry spent most of his time discussing just about everything that came to his mind with Hermione and the Weasleys. 'Everything except Sirius and the prophecy', Harry thought while Ron and Hermione where laughing like mad at the face he had made when he had bumped to what he had thought for a second was Snape (but turned out to be Ginny eating a Changeling Chewing-gum).

''How does it work anyway, that Changeling stuff?'' he had asked Fred one afternoon.

''Oh, it's just some kind of temporary Polyjuice Potion, only we have worked like mad to remove the taste.''

''Ewww,'' blurted Ron ''that's Polyjuice gum? And I have actually eaten some. Never tasted anything so disgusting in my all life.''

''What are you talking about, little bro?'' said George. ''If you had tasted real Polyjuice potion, like us, you would not joke about its taste.'' Harry saw that Ron was about to tell them he had actually tasted Polyjuice Potion in his second year, but their eyes met and Ron knew better.

He just said: ''Anyway, your little bro is now a head taller than you and more than willing to take you both at Wizard Duel whenever you want." He added in a conspirator-like whisper to Harry, "Hermione has shown me some really amazing hexes I have practised in secret.''

''There is something I don't get though,'' Hermione said. ''You would need tons of hairs from your models to make that gum, if they are made with Polyjuice Potion''

''Aaaah, there is at least someone here who appreciates our art, partner,'' said Fred approvingly. ''We discovered a way to multiply the effect of the one hair we could get from our victims. But the drawback is the effects fade out quickly, as you have seen.''

''So you actually took hair from Snape?'' Harry asked.

''Yep, and that is the first and last time that I ever touch that greasy hair-ball,'' told George with laughs from the group.

A few moments later, Ginny and the Twins where discussing what new models they could find for their gum as Harry, Ron and Hermione were simply relaxing in a couch, drinking Butter Beers and talking pleasantly.

''Ron, do you have any news from Percy?'' Hermione asked suddenly, looking worried.

''Why do you ask?'' said Ron, clearly upset by the subject.

''Well,'' Hermione said, and Harry had a fleeting impression that she was slightly blushing. ''Yesterday I was spying on the Order meeting with Ginny, and I heard your mum and dad speak about him.''

''You were spying too!'' said Ron. ''If only I had known that, Harry and I would not have hidden from you when we tried to spy. Percy? Well, I am not sure, but Dad reckons he's in trouble now. You see, when Volde...mort's return was made official, the Daily Prophet harassed Fudge, always asking him why he had not realised the catastrophe earlier. He finally told them that he would have taken the most appropriate measure, had information not been concealed from him and he looked for a scapegoat. He suggested more or less openly that Percy was responsible for it, sometimes even saying that he had been working for You-Know-Wh... Voldemort all along. So the Prophet has asked for his resignation, and maybe for a trial. They have brought back Crouch's affair and Percy has been fired. Dad has sent him an owl, but he has not answered. He certainly cannot afford his apartment now he's unemployed. I don't know how he manages.''

''Stupid Prophet!'' Harry said. ''They should be helpful, for a change. What do they say about the Death Eaters trial anyway?''

It was Hermione who answered. ''They have written about a dozen articles saying that it is necessary not to repeat the errors of the past, and to guarantee that the defendants are allowed a fair trial. They even asked for a new law decree to ensure the fairness of justice. They call the amendment Sirius Bl... Oh sorry, Harry,'' she said.

''It's okay Hermione'' Harry said in a soft voice ''you're not responsible for Sirius' death. I am. And I will make up for it.'' Harry thought that he must have sounded a little scary, because Ron and Hermione stared at him and looked pale.

Hermione finally said in a tense whisper: ''Don't do anything dangerous Harry, please''

''I won't'' said Harry both to reassure her and because he meant it. ''You know, I have seen Dumbledore and Voldemort duel in the Ministry, and I can tell you they are both more powerful that anything I had imagined. I know I can't run to Voldemort's lair and challenge him like that. But I will learn Hermione and train. Next time I encounter Bellatrix Lestrange, she will not be laughing, I promise.''

''Next time we meet her, mate,'' said Ron heartily. Harry felt both sad and incredibly relieved by the look on his friend's face. He felt he had no right to endanger them like he had last year. And yet he knew perfectly well they would be at his side till the end. He could not suppress a smile.

''So, when are we going to Diagon Alley?'' asked Harry to change the subject.

''I think I heard Mum saying that would be tomorrow,'' said Ron.

''That's good news'' said Hermione briskly. ''I am starting to feel a bit bored here. I have read all my books and want to have a glimpse at the NEWT text book before the start of term,'' she added very quickly when she noticed Ron's disappointed look.

''Er yeah, me too,'' Ron said unconvincingly.

''What are you going to take anyway?'' asked Harry. ''Ron and I will take Transfiguration, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures and Defense against the Hooded Psycho,'' he said winking to Ron.

''Glad you asked, Harry,'' said Hermione in a concerned voice. ''See, the thing is that Professor McGonagall has told me that Advanced Arithmancy is at the same time as Advanced Runes, and I don't want to use a Time Turner, it's too stressing, honestly. So I thought I could go alternatively to one and the other, but seeing my results in the Runes OWL, I think it is going to be very hard in NEWT classes...'' Harry and Ron spent the rest of the afternoon patiently listening to Hermione's thoughts about the respective merits of NEWT Arithmancy and NEWT Runes, sometimes nodding slightly.

''... and then there is Advanced Potions. I have heard Snape gives a lot of homework.''

''Ah, good thing we don't have him anymore,'' said Ron, as if he had been awakened by the name of the Hogwarts Potions teacher.

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This document was translated from L^AT_EX by H^EV^EA.