Harry Potter and the Ancient Order

Chpt. 33. Lessons Learned

Harry somehow managed to sleep that night, in fact a more peaceful sleep than he had experienced in many months. Maybe it was knowing for sure that Voldemort was going to do nothing that night, Harry wasn't sure, but a peaceful calm came over him that night and he awoke with the same feeling in the morning. Most students in their prevailing fear spent the night huddled together in the Gryffindor Common Room, and Harry thought it best to join his classmates but chose to find a corner to himself rather than right next to someone. Why everyone in the school chose to sleep in Gryffindor Tower, he didn't know, but thought that they must feel safe there. All had refused to even lay down until Harry and his friends showed up.

All of the talk over breakfast the following morning was about Xander. Nobody seemed to believe any rumors that were flying around unless Harry himself confirmed them. He spent most of the morning explaining everything he had learned the previous night in the hospital wing, wishing he could answer all questions. That morning taught Harry the true meaning of Xander's words: 'You, Harry, can lead people where they need to be, but don't want to work for. That is the mark of a great leader'. He found he could do this with very little effort, and felt very grateful at the amount of trust he could read in everyone's eyes as they watched him.

Many students had the Daily Prophet delivered that morning, and those who did shared their copies with as many students as could crowd around one copy. Harry took the opportunity to eat his breakfast in silence, yet hung on every word that Hermione read aloud.

In one night, such remarkable events took place that they will change the magical community forever, writes Rita Skeeter, special correspondent in her return to journalism. Past mistakes, new injustices, and future battles are all now so apparent that more than one Ministry official will have to answer for. In the end, we will have two remarkable young men to thank for opening our eyes; Ministry Auror Alexander Majere and The Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter.

Hermione paused here to give Harry a smile of admiration, and Harry noticed that all students had stopped talking amongst themselves as they listened to Hermione. Ron stopped eating and, placing an arm around Hermione's shoulders, leaned over to read for himself as she continued.

In an attempt on the lives of Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts Headmaster, and Harry Potter, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named spread terror and panic throughout the school. In an extraordinary display of bravery and power, Majere, whom the Daily Prophet can exclusively reveal is a mage (an ancient order of wandless magic users), rendered the captured Death Eaters unconscious, saving the lives of the aforementioned as well as hundreds of other students and staff. Though You-Know-Who managed to escape through a magic that as of yet is not understood, Majere's actions resulted in the single largest capture of Death Eaters ever, totaling some twenty-three arrests. Atop the list of those captured is non other than Wilford Martin, head of the Department of Mysteries and according to wizarding law second in line to take over as Minister of Magic should anything happen that renders the Minister unable to perform.

"My God," Ron breathed. "I had no idea it went that high up. Imagine if he made Minister after You-Know-Who finished his attacks!"

If these events aren't enough, The Daily Prophet can also exclusively reveal that somehow among the arrestees is Peter Pettigrew, who was believed murdered by Sirius Black the day after young Potter lost his parents. How Pettigrew is alive and why Black was the one to turn him in remains to be seen, but rumors abound of a Black retrial give us an indication that these amazing questions will be answered. Since Black obviously cannot be considered a criminal as the man he was accused of murdering is mysteriously alive, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge has stated that Black will not be returned to Azkaban Prison, but will be released under the custody of Albus Dumbledore himself until such time comes that a new trial may be held. Pettigrew himself must face charges that he murdered Remus Lupin during the events that transpired last night. Lupin, a former Hogwarts professor and admitted werewolf, was reported to have been aiding Dumbledore in his fight against You-Know-Who. "It is essential that Remus be remembered as a brave individual who put the magical community before himself despite their prejudices against werewolves," Dumbledore said. "He has saved many a life through his efforts, even though those who are in his debt shunned him for his malady. Such a selfless sacrifice must be honored."

Harry felt a lump develop in his throat. He had managed to shield himself from the grievous feelings about Lupin, but he felt them coming back now. He didn't know Lupin nearly as well as he would have liked and was now very upset at the thought of never being able to talk to him again. Harry rarely wished that Sirius was here more than he did right now. He looked up at the staff table to see them all looking down at Hermione, listening to her as she read the article. Professor Dumbledore stood up with a goblet in his hand and broke the silence.

"To Remus Lupin," he said simply.

"Remus Lupin," the hall echoed. Despite himself, Harry felt a wave of anger come over him when he noticed Malfoy among a large group of Slytherins who remained in their seats, but choked it down out of respect for Lupin. Hermione continued to read.

Harry Potter, along with a select group of equally brave and trusted friends, faced You-Know-Who and miraculously managed to subdue him momentarily. When asked how he managed to escape, Fudge would only reveal, "An ancient defensive spell that we had no knowledge of and as of yet are unable to identify." Despite the fact that You-Know-Who managed to escape, the fact that so many of his dangerous followers are now in custody will undoubtedly hamper his attempts at future attacks. Fudge has gone on record that Majere will receive the Order of Merlin, First Class, and that, at eighteen, will be the youngest such person to receive the highest honor the International Confederation of Warlocks has to hand out. Having suffered immense injuries in his efforts, Majere was unavailable for comment.

As for the Pettigrew/Black situation, we can only sit and wait as it unfolds. At this point, it appears as though Black may in fact be innocent and the recipient of injustice so severe that he nearly paid for it with his own life. Though Black was unavailable and unwilling to comment, Fudge did state that "it is much too early to say what will happen, but I will say that the whole of the Ministry will review the situation thoroughly so that such a miscarriage of justice will not take place again". This reporter commends the Ministry on its willingness to reveal the truth and hopes that the magical community will support their officials and listen with an objective ear.

Hermione set the paper down on the table, indicating that this was the end of the article. The students began to chatter amongst themselves about the facts revealed in the paper. Harry felt his head buzzing.

"Rita Skeeter wrote that?" he asked in amazement.

Hermione grinned devilishly. "I told her she still owes me a favor or two for not spilling the beans on her," she whispered to Harry and Ron. "I just saw to it that she didn't twist the facts. The rest was her own words. I'm quite proud of her, actually."

"You're amazing," Ron told her. Hermione blushed a very deep red, unable to look up from her empty breakfast plate. Dumbledore rose once more to address the school, and the entire hall quickly hushed itself.

"First, I wish to commend you all for your actions last night," he began. "I firmly hope you believe me when I tell you that never at any time did I wish to subject you to such terror as you experienced last night. I deeply regret that you all had to experience that, and I pray that one day, you will all accept my apology and find it within yourselves to forgive me. Witnessing harm come to any one of you would cause such pain in my heart that Lord Voldemort himself would never be able to equal."

Dumbledore hung his head for several moments, moments in which none dared to speak, only look hopefully up at Dumbledore.

"The facts that we do know," he continued, "I hope you will all accept as truth. I'm sure that some of you have been wondering why I lied about Mr. Majere in telling you all that he was a Muggle. I do regret that diversion of the truth, but never did I say that he was a Muggle. I merely stated that he could not perform our magic that we study in this school. I brought Mr. Majere to this school this year trusting that he would aid me in my efforts to keep you all from harm, and never have I been so glad that my trust was well-placed. I myself owe my life to him, as you all witnessed for yourselves last night, and for this, I salute him, even though he now lies unconscious in the hospital wing.

"I also feel compelled to mention Harry Potter, as well as his friends, Mr. Ron Weasley, Miss Hermione Granger, and Miss Cho Chang. In showing such bravery last night, they were no less responsible for your safety and I am delighted that they performed as admirably as they did. Our younger students, as well as some of our older ones," Harry was sure he knew exactly whom Dumbledore was referring to, but watching his eyes, Dumbledore indicated no one, "can learn much from them and I feel blessed that we have such students gracing these walls.

"All I wish to ask of all of you is that you remain patient as more and more facts come to surface. Do not jump to conclusions or allow yourselves to be swayed by false statements. Allow yourselves to remain open to all that is to be said and search inside yourself to find the truth. The power of the word is strong indeed, but the power within yourself can be controlled only by you."

Dumbledore's speech did little to curb gossip around the school, but it did succeed in preventing anyone from stating falsities. There were many more "Don't take it as truth, but I heard"'s than there were "Did you know?"'s. Harry chose to keep relatively to himself the remainder of the week.

The day of Lupin's funeral was a sad day indeed. Very few people showed up, and Harry was glad that Sirius could attend himself rather than in animal form. Lupin was buried in a grave next to his parents, and this was the first time he had ever seen his parents' gravesites. Despite his best efforts, he didn't hear much of what was said in the eulogy, a wave of emotion overcoming him as he stood there staring at their tombstones. Harry remained there for a very long time after the ceremony was over. He knew that Sirius was experiencing much that same as he felt, and the two felt comfort in each other's company. Harry was very thankful that his friends stood there for him, and was also happy that they understood he didn't want to talk about his feelings with anybody. Harry sat there, cross-legged, his gaze shifting from Lupin to his Mom, and finally to his Dad. In the silence and lost in his thoughts, he could swear he felt their presence around him.

Xander awoke on Wednesday of that week, two days earlier than he had predicted. Harry and all of his friends had been visiting daily to check on his condition, as did much of the school. Alicia steadfastly refused to leave his side at all those five days, and relied on her friends to bring her meals and force her to sleep. Madam Pomfrey allowed her to sleep in the bed next to Xander's, owing to the fact that Alicia became near violent when told to return to her dorm. Alicia's parents had also decided to stay at the school, worried about both young adults. When told of Xander's actions and what they read in that papers, they felt it very important to be there when he woke up, and thanked him over and over again for looking after their daughter.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were among the first students to visit him after he awoke and were surprised to find him looking so much better. He had visibly thinned as he hadn't eaten in five days, but the color was back in his face and the smile returned to his face. Harry was still in a rather depressed mood from Lupin's funeral the day before, and wasn't shocked that Xander could sense it. He was, however, grateful that Xander had only two sentences to say to him about it: "His fight is over. Now he can rest in peace." This did seem to sum it up in very few words, and gave Harry a small release of his inner pain.

They spent much of the day asking and answering questions, speculating on Sirius's situation, and wondering what the remainder of the year had in store for everybody. Harry learned that Xander was on the verge of being accepted fully into his order, and that the community of mages was now in turmoil over the actions of the Order of the Raven. Such was the respect that was held between all mages that never before had any done battle amongst themselves. They weren't happy that Xander's identity was known throughout the magical community, but accepted the fact that it was unavoidable.

Ron spent much time explaining the workings of the Ministry of Magic to Xander, as he was now a key witness for Sirius and would most likely be called to testify whenever they got around to dealing with his situation. Xander told the three to think about what they will be saying, as they were the only ones present when Sirius explained what happened to Harry's parents. Lupin wouldn't make a very good witness now, he told them, so it was up to Harry, Ron, and Hermione to stand tall and step up to the plate.

"I won't be back at Hogwarts next year," Xander told Ron when asked if he would be playing Quidditch next year.

"Why not?" Ron asked in disappointment.

"I'm full time Ministry now," he said. "The whole wizarding world knows who I am, so I can't lay low here anymore. Besides," he added, waving his hand, "I'm too old to be in school now. I have my nineteenth birthday tomorrow."

The three friends left Xander to spend some time with Alicia, and spent the remainder of the night talking to everyone in Gryffindor Tower.

O.W.L. results were released on Friday. The Gryffindor fifth years were all delighted, as Dean and Neville tied for the lowest number, which was still a respectable eight O.W.L.'s each. Hermione was tops, having gathered an amazing twelve, and Ron was ecstatic with ten. Harry kept his scores to pretty much to himself, sharing his twelve only with Ron, Hermione, and Cho. He was pleased when Sirius told him that his father had received the same amount.

Alicia came down to Gryffindor tower that day for the first time in a week, saying that Xander sent her off while he went through his final check-up and didn't want her to witness his embarrassment (he said it would be a very humiliating experience). Hermione ran up to her room to talk to her about something as Harry and Ron spoke to Fred and George. Everything now in order, they all retreated to the Great Hall for the Leaving Feast.

The hall was decked out in Gryffindor colors, since the last month of the year was plenty to secure the House Cup for them, the fourth time in the last five years (it wasn't awarded last year). The Slytherins seemed to be back in a relatively festive mood, as they were very talkative at their table and among the noisiest in the Hall. Why this was, nobody could tell for sure. It was very unnerving.

After the meal was finished, everyone was surprised when each delegation from the International Scholastic Quidditch Cup entered the hall and sat at tables conjured by Dumbledore. It was amazing that they all fit, but Harry chalked it up to the magic of the building.

Xander stood at the head of the Gryffindor table to greet them all, and once again, the Russians gave him a full salute. This time, however, every other country did it as well, and even the arrogant Bryant took the time to shake Xander's hand. Within the course of one year, Xander had managed to unite hundreds of young witches and wizards from around the world. Dumbledore stood up, and as always, had the ability to draw quiet with his presence.

"Another year has passed," he began. Harry settled himself in for Dumbledore's speech. "I am compelled to thank our visitors for attending on such short notice. This show of unity and loyalty has succeeded in giving me hope for the future of our world.

"As I'm certain everyone knows, we had an incident in this very hall a week ago. I have already addressed this, but wish to revisit a topic of discussion from that day. I told everyone that there is much to be learned from a certain group of five students. Today, I ask you all: what have you learned?"

The hall seemed almost stumped at this question. Apparently, nobody had given this any thought since Dumbledore mentioned it. Dumbledore waited patiently, his hands folded in front of him as everyone looked around in confusion.

"As for myself," he continued, "I have learned that fellowship is possible among those who are different. I have learned that little is impossible, so long as you trust those close to you. I have learned that age makes no difference so long as you have control of your inner self. Lastly," Dumbledore paused, looking directly at Xander, "I have learned that each moment of your life is precious, and should not be taken for granted as time ticks by. It is important to own up to your responsibilities, but it is equally important to enjoy what life has given you. Whatever it is that you may enjoy, be it sports, study, camaraderie with your fellow man, find the time to appreciate everything that means something to you. You may discover that you can no longer enjoy it once time finds you."

As the Great Hall began to clear, Alicia whispered something into Brandy's ear (Brandy had chosen to sit with Alicia when she arrived), and Brandy began to walk briskly around the foreigners relaying a message. It was amazing how quickly it got around, for by the time Harry and his friends made it up to Gryffindor Tower, they had all followed. Alicia did her job and kept Xander busy as the final preparations were made in the Gryffindor Common Room (which included another rather strong Expansion Charm by Hermione) and the whole room, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs included, awaited Xander's entrance.

"What's taking so long?" moaned Ron. "Where'd they go, Ireland?"

"They'll be here," Hermione said confidently. Almost on cue, the lights dimmed as they heard two voices talking and footsteps approaching the portrait hole.

"Buffalo Wings," they heard Xander say the password, but the portrait didn't open.

"It's been changed," Alicia's muffled voice cooed. "Happy Birthday," she said loudly, and the portrait opened.

"SURPRISE!"

Xander nearly fell backward from the sheer volume of voices. He looked around in amazement at the Common Room, filled with hundreds of students and foreigners. Words nearly failed him.

"You know," he said, a grin spreading across his face, "I didn't think that shouting 'surprise' at a guy who had a near-death experience was such a good idea."

Everyone looked down at the floor guiltily.

"Until now."

House elf upon house elf began to serve drinks, butterbeer to the youngsters per Hermione's orders. Music began to play loudly as conversation broke out, and it took Xander nearly an hour to greet everyone. When he got around to Harry, he stood silent for a moment.

"Thank you," he said simply.

"For what?" Harry asked seriously.

"I'm glad to have met you this year," Xander answered. "You and your friends have taught me to have so much fun with life that I can now take life seriously."

It took Harry a while to figure out the meaning of this statement, but when he did, he smiled for a good hour. Xander's birthday party was turning out to be a spectacular blast when everyone tensed up. Miranda walked up behind Xander and Alicia, who were off in a corner talking alone. The noise died down so quickly it felt like someone dropped a house on the room.

Miranda tapped Xander on the shoulder lightly. "Alex?"

"Yes?" he said, though there was no malice in his voice. Alicia, however, looked very unhappy.

"Happy Birthday," Miranda said quietly, handing him a small gift. "Please, open it now."

Xander quietly opened his gift, and nearly dropped it when he saw what it was; a small picture frame. Brandy, who was chatting up Ron and Hermione before Miranda stepped up, whispered to Harry and his friends, "That's his only picture of his family before his father left them."

Xander looked up suspiciously at Miranda. "You told me this was lost in the fire."

Miranda stared at her shoes. "I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have kept it from you," she said quietly, "but I wanted a part of your life that made you vulnerable."

Lost for words, a mixture of emotions flashed across Xander's face. Starting with anger, to relief, then sadness, and lastly forgiveness. "Why are you giving it back to me now?" he asked, finding his voice.

"I've learned that it's time to stop living in the past," she said, her eyes not moving from the floor. "I shouldn't have kept it all this time." Looking up at Xander with tears in her eyes, she croaked, "I'm really sorry for everything I've done. Can you ever forgive me?"

Alicia remained at Xander's side, staring daggers at Miranda. Harry prepared himself to step in should things get ugly, but it turned out he needn't have worried.

"In time, I will," Xander said finally. "This," he indicated the picture, "is a big help." Miranda nearly started crying, and gave Xander a hug. Not the more-than-friends hug she had given him a few months ago, but one of thankful relief. Wiping her eyes, she stepped back and grabbed the hand of a guy that was standing behind her.

"I said that I learned it was time to stop living in the past," she repeated, "and I meant it. I want you to meet my boyfriend, Travis." She pulled Travis forward, a tall young man, though he was still a touch shorter than Xander, but was more well-built, being almost twice as wide as Xander.

Harry couldn't help but smile, and noticed that both Hermione and Cho were following suit. Alicia, however, wore a smile that was wider than anyone's as Xander shook Travis's hand, and clutched onto Xander from behind in an effort to leave no doubt as to whom her affection belonged to.

Kobe Bryant and Michael Vick took over the sound system, speaking over the noise of the party. "Yo, Mij," Bryant called over the mike, "get yo ass on up here. We gots these beats to throw down 'bout our Quidditch match." Everyone looked up expectantly at Bryant, remembering his less-than-sportsmanlike reaction to losing to Xander. Xander strode up and joined them on the bar, and Bryant began to fool around with the turntable until a beat came across the speakers that got everyone bouncing. Again, Harry couldn't help himself and joined Cho on the dance floor. This time, however, he was relieved that Hermione had also dragged Ron out there to share in his humiliation. Vick stepped forward first and began to rap:

Let me tell you this 'bout this game we play

It ain't 'bout the winning no matter what you say

I'll give back all the luv I won

So long as my homies stay true to number one

If you wasn't blood would you still have luv?

Or in fact does the blood make you think you have to luv?

Look, I probably love my family more than anybody here

But my homies is family too, haters get outta here

Bryant stepped forward and started to rap, but looked at Xander the whole time.

Who got the Bennies homie, Who owns the cash

Who cut the bullet out when you was lyin' in the grass?

I don't know much but I gotta assume

When you kissed yo first girl your homies was in the other room

All three began to sing the chorus, which once it was picked up, the entire party joined in.

We talkin' 'bout / HOMIES! HOMIES! / Talkin' 'bout Road Dogs of mine! / Our mutha fuckin' / HOMIES! HOMIES! / We Throw up Mad Luv signs! / World Wide / HOMIES! HOMIES! / Talkin' 'bout Road Dogs of mine! / HOMIES! HOMIIII-EEEEES!

Bryant started to rap again, but this time played the crowd in the arrogant way only he could.

Me and my homies stay tight like a noose

And when you step to one of us you better step to the whole crew

I never knew that I could depend, that I could have some friends

That's down to the very end

Well, that's my homies, excuse me, my family

And when we conquer the world we mackin' on the galaxy

Cause the sky's the limit and we ain't finished

Let me here that freestyle you spin when you drunk Mij!

Xander appeared caught off guard for a second, but picked up immediately, not missing a beat.

See it and seize it and I give it to my homies yo

Find it and I ride it and I give it to my homies yo

I got the world around my finger with my homies yo

And everything is obsolete unless I hear my homies call

We world wide across the planet

Stickin' together like a zipper on a Michael Jackson 'Beat It' jacket

They got my back like my tat, for that I love y'all

Hangin' till we old and gray like grandpa's

They started the chorus again, and this time, Xander jumped down off the bar and slung an arm around Harry's shoulder, who slung his around Ron, who slung his around Hermione, and so on until the whole room was in a sort of major group hug, coming all the way around again to Alicia, who slung her arm around Xander's shoulders, and they all swayed to the beat of the chorus as everyone sang along with it. This lasted for at least five minutes (or rather fifteen, but seeing as most of the room was drunk by this point, it seemed like five minutes), and Harry knew he was in danger of another drunken embarrassment. The more they sang, however, the more the buzz wore off. If the Halloween Cheers Movie was thought to be the measuring stick of all future parties, this one was pure legend.