Harry Potter and the Order of Ashrien

Chapter Four

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"Come on, Ron. We're going to be late! The fire-call from your father said it was IMPORTANT!" Hermione said, tapping her foot impatiently as she waited just inside the door to Ron's bedroom.

"Bugger off 'Mione, I'm coming, I'm coming. And I bloody well know what my dad said in the call. I was there when he called, don't you know," Ron replied, as he hastily pulled on his favorite Chudley Cannons t-shirt. "Besides that, Dad said Harry was okay."

"Ron Weasley, you are an insufferable prat. You know that, don't you? Here, completely out of the blue, your dad fire-calls us from the Leaky Cauldron, of all places, all excited and such and he can't, or won't, say what it's all about. And then, he tells us to get our stuff together and floo to Hogwarts as soon as possible. Of course it's all about Harry. Come on, Ron, surely even you can't be that dense, can you?" Hermione threw back, exasperation creeping into her voice.

Ron looked up from his furious packing just long enough to give his girlfriend a look that said, 'I know, and you know, that Harry is okay. Just be patient and we'll find out soon enough'.

"Are you done yet, Ron?"

"Yes, Mum. I'm done. We can go now." Ron replied, a bit of a smile crossing his freckled face upon seeing the exasperation on Hermione's face.

With a quick flick of their wands, Hermione and Ron quickly shrank their trunks. They placed the shrunken objects in their pockets and headed downstairs, where they found Molly Weasley waiting anxiously for them at the base of the stairs.

"And just where do you think you two are going right now?" Molly asked, her hands nervously twisting in her apron.

Ron shot a guilty look at Hermione before answering his mother.

"Umm, Mum. We're off to Hogwarts, to meet Professor Dumbledore. Dad just fire-called us while you were outside, not more than two minutes ago, and said that it was important that we get there as soon as we can. I think it has something to do with Harry, and why he hasn't answered any of our letters this summer."

Molly Weasley looked down at her youngest son, her expression changing rapidly from one of anger to one of concern. Even though Molly hadn't given birth to him, she loved Harry like another son, and any threat to his safety and well being was a threat to her as well. Her subtle, yet definite change in posture wasn't lost on the young couple, and they looked impatiently at her.

"Molly, please. It's about Harry, I just know it. Whatever it is, it's significant or Mr. Weasley wouldn't have called us. Come along with us if you want to, but we have to go," Hermione pleaded, her voice thick with concern.

Molly threw up her hands in exasperation, already having decided to join the two of them at Hogwarts. Molly, though she didn't want to acknowledg it, that these two were correct about Arthur's firecall. She had overheard the last part of the conversation between Arthur and Ron. Motioning to her son and Hermione, Molly hastily grabbed her robe off the hook and walked up to the fireplace, snagging the can of Floo Powder from the mantle as she walked by. After grabbing enough Floo Powder for the three of them, she pushed Ron and Hermione into the fireplace. Quickly, Molly jumped in herself, saying in a loud and clear voice.

"Headmaster Dumbledore's office, Hogwarts."

With a bright greenish-blue flash, they were off to Hogwarts.

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"Hello, Harry. Hello, Remus."

Harry stood frozen in place as soon as he heard that voice call out his name. Harry had heard that voice every night in his dreams and nightmares for the past two years, since the incident at the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry. It had been over two years since the 'incident', as it came to be called by those who were involved. Two very long, nightmare filled years since he had last heard Sirius' voice. Harry felt Remus freeze in place beside him as well. Harry watched warily as a figure stepped forward slowly out of the shadows, their features becoming recognizable as they moved into the light. The hands of the figure reached out to him.

"Go on, Harry. It's all right; he's really here. He's not an illusion." Kim's voice whispered into his ear.

Harry was frozen in place as Sirius stepped fully into the light right in front of him. He rubbed his eyes hard, not wanting to get his hopes up too much, because there was a chance, in his mind at least, that this was all some sort of cruel illusion, or trick, of Voldemort's. He had only a moment to collect himself, before he was being drawn forward and into a fierce, unrelenting hug. Immediately convinced that it wasn't an illusion, Harry returned that hug for all he was worth, burying his head against his godfather's chest.

"You... you're here... but you can't be... you died... been two years..." Harry mumbled, his head buried tightly against Sirius' chest, his arms firmly locked around his godfather.

Sirius gently brushed the back of Harry's head with one hand, while looking directly at Remus. The werewolf was standing frozen in place, not wanting to believe what he was seeing. Sirius noticed Moony's obvious discomfort: while he held Harry close, he spoke to his friend.

"I'm real, Moony, please believe me. I'm not saying how or why; but I'm back and I'm here."

Completely oblivious to the others in the room, Moony strode forward quickly and enveloped both Harry and Sirius in his arms. They stayed together like that for several minutes until a voice said:

"Excuse me, gentlemen. Why don't you all take a seat on the sofa, and then we can talk," Dumbledore said, pausing to wipe away a stray tear off of his own face.

With only a small amount of effort, Sirius managed to guide Harry and Remus to the small, comfortable looking sofa that Dumbledore had transfigured for them. The trio sat down heavily onto the sofa, with Harry's arms still locked tightly around Sirius. A moment later, after realizing he was now sitting down, Harry released his bear-like grasp on Sirius and finally sat upright; a slight blush to his face as he recognized the other adults in the room with him.

"Sorry about that, sir."

"It's quite all right Harry. I was expecting to see that kind of reaction from you. It tends to make me feel very good about what I do," Marelle replied from her seat next to Dumbledore's desk.

Moony looked at Marelle, seeing her sitting next to Dumbledore calmly, for the first time. Swallowing rather deeply, Moony asked Marelle, "How is... this possible? Sirius was..." He trailed off, unable to complete his sentence.

Marelle, sensing his discomfort, quickly spoke up.

"You mean the fact that Sirius was dead, Mr. Lupin? I'm quite sure that, by now, Nick and Kim have told you what they are. Mages can do a great many things Mr. Moony, especially if the mage involved was a Prime Mage as I am."

That answer seemed to satisfy Remus' curiosity for the moment, and brought about a question from Severus, who had been sitting quietly, observing the reunion, until now.

"Grant me this question if you will, for I am extremely curious about something. I have just returned from a 'gathering' and Pettigrew was there. How could he have been captured over two weeks ago, according to the Daily Prophet, and yet still be at that meeting?"

Marelle seemed somewhat amused at his deduction and decided to answer him.

"Your question is a valid one, Professor Snape. Among the mage's many talents is the ability for illusion- the higher your rank in the Guild, the better the illusion you can create. I can make illusions that seem very real and solid to the person that they're being cast against. We have been here for just under three weeks, arriving not too long after your summoning attempt on the Quidditch pitch. That brief amount of time was just long enough for us to locate and catch Mr. Pettigrew, and to...make a 'copy' of him, if you will. The copy I made of him is so real and lifelike that it manifests all his powers, attributes, and so forth. Mr. Pettigrew's 'copy' will remain that way until I decide that it's time to dismiss the illusion. Until then, Voldemort will be none the wiser and neither with the Ashrin."

Harry turned his head away from Sirius to look at Marelle, a huge smile plastered all over his face. He stood up and gave Marelle a huge hug, much to the delight of Sirius.

"Thank you. It's all I can say, thank you. I don't have to go back to the Dursleys any more."

"You're quite welcome Harry. Consider this a birthday present to you from the three of us. Now Harry, I believe your friends should be arriving here any time now."

As if on cue, the fireplace in Dumbledore's office roared to life with green flames and three figures tumbled out. The figures stood up and began to brush themselves off.

"Hello Ron, Hermione, Molly."

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After brushing the last of the soot off of their robes, Ron and Hermione froze in place at the sound of Sirius' voice. Neither one of them had heard that voice in over two years, and they just stood in the middle of Dumbledore's office looking at Sirius as if he was a ghost. Hermione came to her senses before Ron did, and she took a hesitant step forward.

"But...But you're dead. You fell through the Veil. Harry and Remus both saw you fall. How can this be, Professor?" Hermione asked, confusion plainly evident on her face.

"I assure you Hermione, Sirius is quite alive and well. And we owe his return to our new DADA professor," Dumbledore replied, with a very amused sparkle in his eyes.

"Another new DADA professor? Who is it? Can you tell us?" Hermione replied, her ever-curious mind piqued by the revelation.

Dumbledore smiled to himself, knowing what he was about to say would quite shock the young girl.

"It's not just anyone, Ms. Granger. I daresay the school year will most interesting with a true mage teaching here," Dumbledore replied, waiting for Hermione's reaction. He was not disappointed in the least as he watched a variety of expressions come over her features before finally settling on one of excitement.

"A mage? A real mage? But they are only rumored to have existed!" Hermione stated, a million questions in her inquisitive mind.

"I can assure you Ms. Granger, we do exist," Marelle replied, finally taking a step forward into the light. "The Mage's Guild has existed for far longer than this planet has been in existence, but that is another story and for another time. Ah, but where are my manners? I am Marelle and those two over there," Marelle paused and pointed at Nick and Kim, "are my son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas and Kimberly."

"Actually, please just call us Nick and Kim. Our Guild ranks wouldn't mean much to everyone here, and Mum tends to be a bit formal sometimes," Nick said, stepping forward to shake Ron's and Hermione's hands.

"Nicholas..." Marelle started, but was stopped by the Headmaster.

"May I make a suggestion here? Marelle, why don't we discuss the remainder of your requests for the school year, while Harry, Ron, Hermione and Nick and Kim get acquainted better in the Great Hall? It's about lunchtime, I do believe, and the elves have made a simply marvelous lunch. Why don't you join them in the Great Hall, Sirius, Remus? It would be the perfect opportunity for all of you to get better acquainted."

With a vigorous nod, the party quickly rose and left the room. Sirius did not relinquish his hold on Harry's shoulders as they made their way out of the room. The group made their way down towards the Great Hall, quite ready for the wonderful lunch that awaited them there.

"I believe that we can get some things accomplished now," Marelle replied as she watched the door shut behind them.

"So, you're here to protect Harry?" Molly asked, finally making her presence known. "Do you see him in any more danger than he is usually in?"

"You are correct to a point, Molly. I am here to not only protect Harry, but the rest of the students this year as well. Apparently, Voldemort has somehow managed to enlist an associate to aid him in his goals to rule over the wizarding world. In actuality," Marelle paused to allow Molly to regain her composure, "this associate of his will take Voldemort's place very soon. And when that happens, the Death Eaters will be the least of your worries."

"If I may, I have some information that might be helpful. I have seen a cloaked figure present at several of the 'meetings' over the past several months. I have not heard this...creature speak until last night. At last night's meeting, this figure was quite upset about something. And Lucius Malfoy took a severe beating because of the failed attack on Potter's residence. I can safely assume that it was you he was upset about, then?" Severus replied.

Marelle turned to look at Severus, fixing him with a calm, yet commanding, gaze.

"You are correct in your assumption, Professor Snape. What can you tell me about this creature at the meeting? Please include every little detail, for it is vitally important," Marelle replied, pulling her chair closer to his.

"I never saw its face at any of the meetings, the hood on its robes was always up and hanging down slightly in the front. This creature, as you called it, was wearing a dark green robe with red trimmings and sash. We were all instructed to address this creature as 'Master' and nothing else." Severus replied, "Is this information helpful to you?"

"Your information is most helpful, Severus," Marelle replied, before turning to face Dumbledore. "It seems that your problem is much more serious. The creature that Severus has just described is that of an Ashrin holding the equivalent rank of Arch mage in our Order."

"And how does this affect Harry, and Hogwarts?" Minerva asked, voicing her first question since Harry's departure.

"It means," Marelle paused, "That there is more than one Ashrin present here on Earth. And more importantly, an Ashrin enclave is now involved."

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"You're really mages?" Hermione asked, as she sipped some pumpkin juice from the goblet in front of her.

"Yep, both of us. Nick introduced me to the mage arts way back when and, well, I've been learning ever since," Kim replied, taking a hearty bite out of the roast beef sandwich on the plate in front of her.

"Your mum said that you're married? How are the two of you going to manage here? Hogwarts usually does not allow married students," Remus asked, pausing to glance at the young couple.

"The proper term for what we are is life-bonded. That happened when a spell we were doing kind of went out of control. We were underneath an intersection point of eight planetary lay lines when we attempted the spell, but we didn't know that at the time. Being that we were both about eight years old when it happened, when we lost control of the spell; it took the both of us by surprise. Fortunately, there were no real negative consequences, just the melding of our two life forces. We had a proper Guild ceremony when we reached thirteen years old, and have been legally married since then," Nick replied.

"What is life-bonding actually? I wonder if it's similar to a wizarding marriage? Life-bonding has been vaguely referred to in some of the older books, but there's nothing more than a theory," Hermione said, her voice regaining its usual inquisitiveness.

"To be honest, it's a bit like your relationship with Voldemort through your scar, Harry. It's saved both our lives on more than one occasion, and it does have its advantages. We can talk to each other without speaking out loud, sense the emotions and moods of each other, and we can tell if we're in danger, even if we are not near each other at the time," Kim replied.

Sirius spoke for the first time, one of his arms still around Harry's shoulders, and the other one holding a sandwich similar to Kim's.

"Where's Harry going to spend the rest of the summer? Hogwarts isn't usually open to students during this time. And I'm quite sure that he doesn't want to go back to Surrey."

"I don't know actually. I guess it's up to Mum and the headmaster," Nick replied. "Although, I'd bet on Harry going to stay over at your house, Ron, for the rest of the summer. "

"Why is that?" Ron asked, managing to not spray food over everyone seated at the table.

"Next to here, it's one of the best warded areas in Britain. And I think Mum was going to ask if we could stay with you as well," Kim replied, a wry grin on her face. "Think about it: if those silly Death Eaters were to attack you there, who better than Nick and myself to have around?"

"I'd like to ask a question if I may," Remus interjected. "We know a bit about Nick here, but can you tell us anything about yourself, Kim?"

Both Nick and Hermione caught the faint shadow that passed over Kim's features before her face composed itself.

"What do you want to know?" Kim replied, taking a bite out of the sandwich on her plate

"Where did you grow up?" Remus asked

"I was a victim of the wonderful system of the Los Angeles County Welfare Department."

"Welfare department? What exactly is that?" Ron asked, his voice somewhat muffled by the food in his mouth.

"Ronald Weasley, once again you are a prat! That's the American version of Social Services. Are you saying you grew up in orphanages?" Hermione asked, eager for more information about Kim and Nicholas.

Remus and Sirius didn't miss the shadow of pain that crossed Kim's eyes as she replied:

"Actually, I grew up in a variety of foster homes scattered in and around South Central, L.A. It was not a very pleasant way to live or grow up, really. And that's all I'll say about it. Anything else?"

"What about your parents? Don't you know what happened to them?" Hermione pressed, her curiosity overriding her common sense.

Harry and Sirius saw Kim stiffen at Hermione's latest question, and they also saw Nick take Kim's hand underneath the table.

"I never knew them. They disappeared when I was six months old, while on an assignment for the British Government. It's not something I talk about much, all right?" Kim replied, a slight but noticeable edge creeping into her voice.

"What kind of assignment?" Hermione continued, determined to satisfy her curiosity

"None of your business, Hermione, so just drop it." Kim replied, her voice taking an even harder edge.

Remus noticed the rapidly building tension between Kim and Hermione, and quickly changed the subject.

"Could one of you please explain a bit more about mages to us? I know you've said that there is a difference in power levels, but what are some of the other differences?"

Nick quickly took this opportunity to take Kim's mind off of Hermione's questions and replied:

"Mages, for the most part don't use wands exclusively. Most of our spells use vocal commands and hand gestures, and as we progress in rank, often we can use either one or the other. As part of their training, each mage is required to create a wand or two for their personal use. The wands that are created are attuned to the mage that created them."

Hermione, still miffed at Kim's comments, however looked fascinated with Nicholas' explanations and eagerly waited for him to continue.

"What kinds of mages are there? Your mum didn't say too much about that," Harry said.

Kim turned to face Harry and Sirius, ignoring Hermione, so all traces of her previous agitation were gone, then replied:

"There are quite a variety of mages, specializing in all branches of magic. Mages, while trained to an extent in all areas often tend to have a couple of specialties, such as elemental magic, temporal/dimensional magic, etc. Nick, Mum, and I are battle mages. That means we are the first into a fight, and we can also heal those who need it. It's my personal favorite of the disciplines."

"Do you think we'll be learning any of that stuff this summer or when school starts?" Ron asked.

"With Mum as your professor, that's a certainty. As to when you might start, I can't tell you that. Mum doesn't do things in half measures, especially where Ashrin are involved," Nick replied, as he drained his goblet completely.

"Do you think she'll start teaching us early?" Hermione asked eagerly.

"That's up to her. Although with you three, she might be willing to let Kim and me administer the aptitude tests. If she does, it will help her decide if special tutoring is needed for the three of you. With my rank and Kim's, we're encouraged to take on an apprentice, if we feel they are capable of it. We've both tangled with Ashrin before, so we can possibly help her with demonstrations and such," Nick continued.

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"I don't see any problems with Nicholas and Kim joining the seventh years except for one: the fact that they are married. Hogwarts has not had married students in almost five hundred years. There will have to be an exception from the Ministry, I'm afraid," Minerva said, making herself heard over the noise in the room.

"I believe that is where I come in, Professor," Arthur replied, pulling a blank parchment and quill out of his pocket. He then scribbled down the exception needed. "With my new position as deputy minister, I can authorize such things. And, after what they've already done for Harry, I believe it's the least we can do for them."

"I heartily agree with you, Arthur. Now all that matters is which house to put them in. I don't know where the hat will put them," Albus replied, glancing up to where the Sorting Hat sat on the bookshelf.

"I would suggest that you place them both in Gryffindor, Albus. Skip the Sorting Hat this one time, and just place them there. From what Marelle has already said about them, and my own brief observations, I don't think that either one of them would be well suited to Slytherin. If they are in Gryffindor, they will be able to protect Potter better than if they were farther away from him," Severus replied, looking scathingly at the hat.

Albus glanced at his potions master carefully, wondering if he had just heard correctly.

Severus noticed Albus' surprised look at his statement on this and replied:

"Yes Albus, you heard me correctly. Normally, were it any other occasion; I would demand that the hat be used and even try to influence it to put them into Slytherin, but their personalities are definitely not well suited to my house. Not that they wouldn't do well there,they have many of the qualities that Slytherin embodies but I believe that I would have very few students left if they were in there. There is no offense of any kind intended to your son or daughter-in-law, Marelle. Voldemort has many eyes and ears as well as recruits amongst my house, and for him to try and 'convert' a mage, not that he would be able to, would be an opportunity he would not pass up."

Marelle looked at Severus with great interest and respect. Not only had he freely given her vital information regarding the Ashrin, but he had been honest about his views on his house.

"I would have to agree with Severus here. Nick and Kim have very strong personalities and if the wrong type were to anger Kim, simply put, you would have a dead student on your hands," Marelle replied. "I think you all should know this about Kim, but do not let on to her that I told you. I know that Ms. Granger has already tread on this subject a bit too much for her own good. Kim's parents disappeared when she was six months old and she was forced to grow up in various foster homes in the states, specifically Los Angeles County."

"The poor girl. How is it she is so well adjusted now?" Molly asked, her parental instincts quickly rising.

"Kim is not as well-adjusted as you might think. She's quite good at hiding things from everyone except for Nick and myself and sometimes she still manages to hide things that hurt her. Meeting my son when she did and the eventual bonding that happened between them had a lot to do with the adjustments she's made, but they didn't meet until they were seven, almost eight, years old. And by that time a great deal of mental and physical damage had already been done. Now, I think you should know a few things about Kim for your own safety. How much do you know about the Muggle world, specifically the military aspects of it?" Marelle asked.

"What part of the Muggle military?" queried Severus, steeping his hands in his lap.

"Intelligence division of the British Military, to be precise." Marelle replied.

There was a general murmur for a few moments before Severus replied, having served as a spy himself for many years.

"I've heard of MI-5."

"Have you ever heard of MI-6?" Marelle countered, pausing for a moment to let her words sink in before continuing. "We were able to learn that her parents worked for the British Secret Service, specifically MI-6. They were on a mission for the government when they disappeared. She's known the truth about her parents for some time and she is still extremely touchy about this subject. If she's really pushed about it, she's quite likely to do something if Nick's not around."

"You said if Kim was really angered, if she were in my house, there would be a dead student. Can you please explain a bit more; I wish to avoid this possibility," Severus asked, inching forward to the edge of his chair.

Marelle took a deep breath before continuing, debating about how much to tell them.

"Kim's had a very, very hard life growing up. Much more so than Harry ever had. She grew up in a succession of abusive foster homes in one of the worst areas of Los Angeles County. She was fortunate however, to have inherited some unique things from her parents; one of them being extraordinary eyesight. She occasionally did, at a very young age mind you, what's commonly known in the intelligence business as wet work."

"What is that? What is wet work? I've never heard of it before," Molly said.

Severus stood up from his chair and walked to one of the windows, looking out at the clear skies before replying.

"I know what it means, because I've done a bit of it myself. It means Arthur, Molly, that she is an assassin. Am I correct?"

"Yes, Severus you are correct. It was an unfortunate side effect of where she grew up."

Marelle paused for a few moments to let the rest of the assembled teachers digest this new information about one of their newest students.

"I must thank you for your candor, Marelle. I will do what I can to put a lid on my house, but there will most likely be some slip-ups," Severus replied, the first of the adults present to find his voice.

"Albus, are you sure about this? Allowing a trained assassin to become a student here at Hogwarts? What if the parents of our students found out, and what do you think the Ministry would do? There would be Aurors all over the place and the Prophet would have a field day," Minerva said, her voice strained as she spoke up for the first time.

Marelle turned around to look at her; the expression on her face was cold and hard. Marelle loved her daughter-in-law fiercely and, despite Minerva's concerns, she took this as an affront to Kim. But Marelle knew that Minerva was also very deeply concerned about the safety and well- being of the students and staff at the school and she had said this out of her concern for them.

"Who better to watch Harry, Minerva? Someone who knows exactly what to look for, exactly who to look for, and how to look for it. I'll sleep better knowing that she's here," Molly replied.

"If there are no more questions, I think it would be most prudent to get Harry to the Weasleys', so that he may enjoy the rest of his summer, " Dumbledore said, standing up from his chair.

With a general murmur of agreement, the six adults quietly left Dumbledore's office and walked down to the Great Hall.

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After a few exchanged words and a few silent glances between Nick and Marelle, the group consisting of five adults and five teenagers quickly disappeared from Hogwarts and reappeared outside the front door of the Burrow.

Arthur, Molly, Sirius and Remus looked at Marelle with wide eyes, all of them surprised at the ease of their transportation.

"That was so easy. No jarring, abrupt stops, nothing. And we transported right through the wards around Hogwarts. How is that possible?" Molly said, as she quickly opened the door to the Burrow.

Marelle smiled as she replied, "Our method of transportation is much easier and a lot smoother. Being what we are, we can work around those wards without damaging them. I let Nick and Kim take Harry, Ron and Hermione."

Molly and Arthur quickly ushered in their guests, showing them to seats in the joint living/dining room. Neither of them was sure as to what kind of accommodation Marelle was used to, and hoped that she wouldn't be too disappointed in their rather humble abode.

Marelle noticed Molly and Arthur's discomfort while she surveyed their home, and said, smiling at them, "This is quite ingenious and creative work. Much of the magic here is quite old and strong. How long has your family lived here?"

Molly looked relieved at Marelle's comment and replied, "We've lived on this land for many years and it has been in the family for several hundred years. Each generation of Weasleys that have lived here has put their own mark on the place."

"I can tell. Each set of wards has been carefully woven so as not to interfere with the others. A job rather well done, I should say. I could if you like, add a few more so that Harry may stay here as often as he wishes, if that would be all right with you two?"

Molly and Arthur shook their heads vigorously in agreement, while Sirius and Remus made their way outside to where the kids were currently engaged in a water balloon fight.

Marelle stood slowly, taking her time to study the many layers of wards on the house and surrounding land. Moving to a point near the large open hearth fireplace, Marelle closed her eyes and lifted her hands to about shoulder height as she whispered a few phrases in a language neither adult present had ever heard of. Satisfied with her work, Marelle opened her eyes and sat down across from Molly and Arthur.

"There now, everything is all set. You won't have to worry about those silly Death Eaters ever bothering you again."

"What exactly did you do, Marelle? I've never heard that language before," Arthur stated, sipping a cup of steaming hot tea.

"Ah, I actually used a very old combination of spells. Thank you, the tea smells lovely," Marelle replied, taking the cup Molly offered and continuing. "As for the language; it's very old and dates from the earliest records of the Guild."

"I would like to hear more about the Guild, but I must be headed back to the Ministry. Perhaps we could continue when I return?" Arthur asked.

"I would enjoy that very much. I do enjoy educating others, especially those who express an interest about the Guild and its history," Marelle replied, as Arthur stepped into the fireplace and Flooed to the Ministry.

"I'd best get supper started. Ron and Ginny can eat like there's no tomorrow, and I'll be needing to make quite a bit of extra food with everyone here."

"I'll help you with that. Nick and Kim both have appetites that need to be seen to be believed," Marelle replied, moving to join Molly in the cozy kitchen area of the Burrow. The two mothers chatted for the next hour as they prepared lunch for the crowd outside.

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The rest of the summer passed rather quickly for Harry and his friends. Their days were spent playing Quidditch, with the occasional water balloon fight and studying on rainy days, of which there were more than a few, much to Hermione's delight. Harry also spent a great deal of time with Sirius, catching him up on things that had happened while he had been 'away'. Harry and his friends found that Nick and Kim were nearly as mischievous as Ron's brothers, Fred and George, who visited quite frequently over the summer. Not one mention was made about Kim's parents the rest of the summer, much to the relief of Marelle and Nicholas. Their nights were spent with a bit of studying, and with Marelle teaching them about the history of the Guild and tales of a few of her adventures. Sirius and Remus were also included in these lessons, and thoroughly enjoyed those few occasions when Marelle was persuaded to give a demonstration or two.

Harry was having perhaps the best summer of his life. He was free of the Dursleys, staying with people who considered him part of their family. And most importantly, to Harry anyway, he had his godfather back. While he still had the nightmares almost every night, he no longer woke up screaming from them, due to the charmed necklace that he had been given by Marelle and Kimberly. Harry looked and felt a great deal healthier than he had before as well. He had no real chores to do, he had more than enough to eat, and for the first time since starting at Hogwarts, he had all of his summer homework finished before the start of term.

The first few days of summer weren't quite so calm for Sirius and Marelle however. It took three weeks before things were settled with regards to Sirius and his properties and money. Along with a few heated arguments and several trips to the Ministry for various tests they insisted upon before Sirius Black was declared alive, the reports of his 'death' were quickly disguised as something the Death Eaters had placed, to discourage the wizarding public. A summer of rest, food and being near his godson did wonders for the former Azkaban prisoner, as it did for Remus as well. In August, as the day of the full moon arrived, Remus began his preparations to protect the others from his monthly transformation. As he left for the shed, which had been heavily warded for this purpose, he was stopped by Marelle.

"Where do you think you are going, Remus?"

"I am off to the shed. I need to get there before the sun sets. The transformation will take place shortly and I will not place anyone in danger," Remus replied, moving to unlock the door. What he heard next froze him in his tracks.

"You need not lock yourself away any longer. Your lycanthropy is no longer an issue."

Remus whirled around in shock. He had been secretly dreaming of a cure since he had been bitten many years ago, but knew that there was no chance of one being found.

"No offense, but how can you be so sure? There isn't a cure for lycanthropy."

"Simply put, I removed it from you. I am a Prime Mage after all; not just a simple medi-wizard. You will keep the positive aspects of the lycanthrope- that being the enhanced strength, speed, and senses. And you now have the ability to transform into a wolf at will, not at the will of the moon. You always did wish to be an Animagus, am I not correct?" Marelle replied, a small smile on her face.

Remus looked hard at Marelle, desperately wanting to believe what she had said.

Marelle noticed this and replied, "I can understand your doubts about what I've told you. Why don't you take a look at the sky, Remus? The full moon has been up for five minutes now and nothing has happened. Of all people, you deserve this Remus, for all of your years of suffering. Enjoy."

Remus glanced at the now moon-filled sky and noticed that she was indeed right. Gone from his thoughts was the all-consuming bloodthirst, the pain from the transformation, and most importantly, the need to kill. In its place was that sense of calm he had been seeking for nearly all of his life. And, he noted with awe, his magic was much stronger as well.

"Thank you. For everything," Remus said, not having the words to describe what he was feeling.

"You're welcome. And since your lycanthropy is no longer a problem, you and Sirius are more than welcome to come and join me at Hogwarts. I will be heavily concentrating on the fifth through seventh year students, as they are the ones most likely to face Voldemort and his supporters. I will need two people that I can trust to assist with the younger students, if you're interested. And don't worry, I've already dealt with the Ministry on your behalf. You are a 'whole' person again, which means you are fully employable anywhere."

The Tuesday before everyone was set to head off to Hogwarts for their final year, they received some bad news. A large, official owl swooped into the Weasley kitchen, coming to a rest on the edge of the table. It patiently held out its leg while Ron untied the letter and newspaper from it. After handing the owl a couple of treats and a drink of water, it was off again while Ron unrolled the newspaper. All the color drained from Ron's face and he yelled loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Mum, Harry, everyone come quick. You've got to read this!"

Molly and Harry made it to the kitchen first, barely beating out Nick and Kim, with Sirius, Remus, Marelle and Hermione right behind them.

"What is it?" Marelle asked.

"Look at the Daily Prophet," Harry replied, slumping down in one of the chairs after handing the newspaper to Marelle.

Everyone crowded around Marelle only to gasp at the headline staring at them in bold print.

Cornelius Fudge reinstated as Minister of Magic

In a surprising reversal of the recent elections, Amos Diggory was removed as Minister of Magic just over two hours ago. The reasons given for his removal were the discovery of a ballot box of uncounted votes found in a ministry storeroom just three hours ago by a Ministry employee. After counting these votes, it was discovered that former Minister Fudge had indeed won re-election by a very narrow margin of only eleven votes.

When asked for comment about this development, former Minister Diggory stated he had petitioned the Wizengamot for full authentication of these 'missing' votes before making any more comments on this surprising turn of events. Diggory then left for his old offices in the Ministry where he has remained in seclusion since.

A beaming and triumphant Cornelius Fudge sat down in his old office and had this comment for us.

"I knew that I was still the rightful Minister, and am pleased that I have been proven correct. My only regrets in my brief retirement are that I cannot undo what Diggory has done foolishly to upset the wizarding community. You may all rest assured that He Who Must Not Be Named is not back, despite the foolish warnings from Diggory and all those associated with him."

When asked about the issues of Sirius Black, Minister Fudge had this to say:

"Unfortunately, I cannot undo what Diggory has already done about Black and the pardon. And yes, before anyone asks, Harry Potter is now in the custody of his godfather, Sirius Black."

When asked about Albus Dumbledore and Hogwarts, Minister Fudge had this to say:

"Albus Dumbledore is an old fool whose time has come. There is no way that the Dark Lord could be back, and the fact that he still believes Potter and his stories is absurd. There is no concrete proof of the Dark Lord's return, and I feel that it may be time for Dumbledore to step down from his position as Headmaster of Hogwartsr. I will allow him one last year to change his mind and come to his senses. I can assure the public that I will be keeping a very close eye on what goes on at Hogwarts this year, and an even closer eye on the staff and students. I will also be appointing a special envoy to monitor the situation there, and report back to me if there is a problem which warrants the Ministry's attention."

"Bloody hell, this year is going to be difficult! Especially with Fudge 'the Pudge' back," Ron said, snagging a roll and biting into it savagely.

"What does the letter say, Molly?" Remus asked.

"Hold on a moment. It's from the Ministry," Molly replied as she opened the official envelope, pulling out the parchment inside.

"Well, what does it say?" Sirius asked, impatiently shifting from one foot to the other.

"It's from your father. He's been allowed to stay in his position as deputy minister, seeing as the position has been empty for too long, but he has been informed that he's being watched due to his loyalty to Dumbledore. Any 'slip-ups' and he's back to his old position."

"Mum, should I go and take care of the problem?" Kim asked, a small gleam in her eyes.

"Not now, Kim, at least not yet. There isn't much we can do about it now," Marelle said, a bit of a sparkle in her eye. "I had expected this to happen, although not quite so soon. Don't worry everyone, Cornelius Fudge will not be an issue, and neither will his special envoy."

Despite Marelle's reassurances, everyone except for Kim and Nicholas were rather wary as the first of September approached. Their last year at Hogwarts was going to be interesting, to say the least.

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