IT'S HERE!!!! Chapter Eleven, the Monstrosity That Chewed Us Its Author Several Times. I'm incredibly sorry for the delay; I was graduating, finding a new house, and going on vacation, among other things. Not to mention yielding to plot bunnies...

Many thanks to all my reviewers, both positive and negative. I particularly enjoyed the one whose sole purpose, it seemed, was to tell me that the reviewer wasn't going to read any more chapters of my story. Sweetie, if I was doing this writing for anyone by myself, I would've stopped long ago. No, seriously, most of the reviews were lovely, and I appreciate them very very much. I appreciate everyone's comments, they really do help when I'm going over the chapter after it's written and when I'm developing the future plot. Yeah for reviewers!!



The days simmered along slowly leading up to Halloween. A rainstorm moved in in mid-October, and stayed for over a week. Harry continued to very, very subtly make progress with Hermione, and the others reported that Charlie seemed receptive. Harry planned to approach him the day before Halloween, not knowing the chaos that Halloween itself would bring.

Sirius returned to Hogwarts three days before Halloween, and Harry resumed his lessons on Animagi the next day, pleased that Sirius said he had mastered the incantation. Only a few more weeks of study would be necessary before Harry could attempt the transformation itself. Harry was also pleased that his godfather finally stopped asking Harry if he was ever going to get a girlfriend. Why, reasoned Harry, would I want to be exclusive with someone, male or female?

The day before Halloween, Care of Magical Creatures was their last class of the day, and Harry stayed behind to talk to Charlie, his dormmates silently wishing him good luck.

Harry settled down at the table across from Charlie, sipping tea and nibbling at a biscuit that, Harry was certain, had been sent by Mrs. Weasley. He swallowed nervously, but looked confident as he turned his attention and his gaze fully on the professor.





You've probably been wondering why my dormmates have been so, ah...

Harry offered.

Have they been that, too? Good, then, I'll have to reward them properly, Harry noted absently. No, the word I was looking for was interested. Interested in you and your opinions.

Oh, that. Yeah, I noticed, but I mostly agreed with them, so that was enlightening in of itself.



Yeah, I think we could let other creatures besides just dragons be seen, and definitely let Muggles be wary of us, rather than vice versa.

Harry beamed, and mentally praised Draco, Blaise, Greg, and Vince. They had practically wrapped Charlie, tied him with a bow, and presented him to Harry, ripe for the picking.

I'm very glad you feel that way. Now, I'm going to make you an offer shortly, but I will be forced to use a memory charm if you don't accept. No hard feelings, it's just business, in a way. Charlie was eyeing him somewhat warily now. I'm gathering a group together. A group that is primarily to oppose Voldemort, but has certain aims in establishing the government afterwards. Aims like not cowering from Muggles. Not leaving wizarding orphans in Muggle homes. Not allowing people like Fudge to dictate our policies. This isn't evil, not by a long stretch. You know me, Charlie. It's not just Slytherin, or just any one or two Houses. It's about our world, and why we're fighting Voldemort and what we're fighting for. We're fighting to protect Muggles, and for what? So we can hide? Harry took a deep breath. I won't deny that you are my top candidate for my groups at this moment for political reasons. You come from a respected family – not feared, there is a difference – you're a professor, you know other dragon trainers, whom I think should be especially amenable, you were a Gryffindor – do I need to continue? But beyond that, I like you, and I want to work with you.

Charlie was silent for a long time, and Harry began to worry. Had he made a huge mistake? Finally, Charlie spoke up.

I'm in. And... I can think of at least ten other potential members, or whatever you call us.

Harry couldn't believe his luck.

Maybe Bill, Fred, George, some dragontrainers, and Professor Howard, who teaches Muggle Studies.

Harry nodded, impressed. I should tell you one other thing. Sex is – at least right now – a large part of this. Sex, power, control. Kind of like the Muggle saying sex, drugs, and rock and roll. If you have a problem with that kind of interaction, we'll make sure to leave you out of it, but it won't cease.

Charlie shrugged. Doesn't bother me either way. Let's do the initiation, then.

Harry drew his wand and carefully explained how the Mark would work, the tickling touch, and other fine points. then he slowly bared the older man's thigh, touched his wand to the pale skin, and murmured the words quietly. Within seconds, the bright green design was finished, and Harry tested it for a few moments. Then he touched his fingers to it lightly, and kissed the professor full on the mouth. Harry said. You're one of us now. Binding your loyalties to us above all, and to above any other. He paused. I think that myself, Draco, Blaise, Vince, and Greg, or some combinations thereof, need to work on special projects for your class, don't you?

Charlie smiled. Yes. Clever, clever Slytherin, Harry. Leave anything else out?

Harry smirked. You will just have to wait and see. He drank the remaining dregs of his tea and polished off another biscuit. Oh, here's something I just thought of. Get me back on your mum's good list. I'll be upset when I don't get my jumper at Christmas.

Charlie laughed. I'll try. Although, considering her views on the Malfoys, I'll leave off how chummy you lot are. As it is, it might take Imperius. Which I don't care to use, at least not on my own mother. Harry's mind clicked into utter exultation, but he showed no outward sign. He took his leave and hurried back to the calm, cool comfort of the Slytherin dungeons.

He entered his dormitory quietly. Only Blaise and Vince were there, and Harry beckoned them to his side once they looked up. Putting an arm around each of them, he then kissed Vince, followed by Blaise, before leaning back slightly and grinning widely. Charlie's in. Initiated, Marked, and has about ten other people we can eventually approach. Whatever the four of you did to prep him was absolutely perfect. Things could not have gone better from any perspective!

That's fantastic! Blaise blurted out. I knew he was probably receptive, but... that's so fantastic!

Yes. And you are all going to be rewarded. Just name what – or who – you want.

Blaise grinned. Can I have you pleasuring me, whatever I want, for one evening?

No. Two evenings.

Blaise beamed.

Vince, what about you?

There's a slightly illegal hallucinogenic potion I want to try – either buy or make it. I need a gold cauldron to brew it, that's the hard part, the ingredients are simple, so...

I'll get you one as soon as possible, Harry promised. Just write out all the specs for me – the best one, your dream cauldron.

Harry moved to sit down on his bed, and had just cracked the cover of yet another Muggle novel – One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest – when Greg came in.

Greg, we're getting rewarded, Blaise said immediately, eyes shining.



Oh yes. Harry closed his novel. Richly rewarded. You – all four of you – have done exceptionally well. We're one member and ten possibilities greater. Greg smiled. So – you name your reward.

HIs eyes widened. Can I think about it and get back to you?

Not a problem. Harry returned to his book, basking in a rare moment of repose. He devoured the opportunity to read the novel, almost certain there was an assignment, at least one, he could be tackling. Today, though, he thought, everything felt good, and he didn't want to be the one who spoilt his own good mood. One by one, the others trickled out, headed for the common room, library, or trying to be early for dinner, but Harry had asked Vince, as he left, to go see Dobby and have Harry's supper sent down, so Harry remained where he was. Harry was just expecting Dobby at any moment when Draco entered, visibly flustered.

What's wrong?

Draco's head snapped up. Merlin! You scared me, Harry. Nothing's up, really, I just forgot that I have to send my bogus monthly report' tomorrow, and deciding how little truth I can get away with is a tedious business.

Harry nodded, and was about to return to Nurse Ratchett. Oh! Reward. Charlie's in, and he has ten possibilities. So, you're each being rewarded, you name your own reward.

Draco smirked. I want the sexy boy toy leader of our group.

Bound and gagged, all with leather? Oh, honey, you shouldn't have, Harry cried in a lovely falsetto.

Hmm... possibilities. Possibilities. So, yeah, you, all mine. How many nights?

Blaise already has two, Vince is getting a gold cauldron, and Greg's undecided. So...

Three nights? Draco wheedled. You know I'm smarter than Blaise. And I can bring in Parkinson and Bulstrode pretty quick, once you say the word.

Harry frowned Fine, but only tell Blaise you got three to his two in situations of dire need. And we'll bring the girls in soon – let me get a few off Charlie's list, because I think some should be ready in a week or two, and then the girls. Harry paused and yawned. Rewards tomorrow night. You and Blaise decide who's first.

Dobby appeared then with Harry's dinner, and went back to the kitchen with the admonishment not to tell anyone he had brought Harry dinner. It wasn't exactly against any rules, but it wasn't within them, either. Draco left for his own dinner, and Harry neatly finished off the small feast offered by the industrious house-elves, continuing to read as he did so. When his dormmates began to trickle up, Harry put aside the book and went down to the common room to work on a few assignments. He wrote a letter to Sirius, who was having to stay in the Shrieking Shack for the most part, and then headed up to bed, early for once, not knowing what was coming.



On Halloween, things exploded. The day began calmly enough, with all five boys rising, washing, and dressing before heading up to breakfast. Harry left breakfast a little early, to return a book to the library, but was still slightly early as he walked to potions, when Severus intercepted him. Harry, I'm afraid I have to ask you to join me and your dormmates in my office right now. Surprised, Harry followed the professor down the hall and sat down with the others.

Now. I personally wouldn't make an issue of this, but Albus insists. Someone – and I don't know who – reported that some of you, or all of you, or one of you – the person wasn't very clear – have been casting the Imperius Curse. I tried to make the problem go away, as Imperius isn't that far from lesser Dark curses I have taught you, but Albus overstepped his bounds, in my opinion, and took the liberty of taking your wand, Mr. Zabini, and performing priori incanantem on it. He found traces of two Imperius Curses. I don't care why you are casting it, but Dumbledore's about to appropriate ALL your wands, and maybe even expel you all, unless I can give him some reasonable explanations.

Harry's mind had been working rapidly as Severus had talked, and he shot the other four discreet glances that clearly read Keep your mouth shut, and go along with what I say! He then smiled sheepishly at Severus and began to spin his tale.

I'm sorry, Severus, it's my fault. I wanted to work on throwing off the Imperius curse, because I can't always, only part of the time. So I asked them to help me – you know, different casters, different strengths and weaknesses. Draco wanted to be able to throw it off too, so I cast it a few times as well. That's all. We had to perform Dark Arts in order to defend ourselves, but it was primarily a defense lesson.

Severus was nodding. Thank you, Harry. That's precisely what I'll tell Albus. It should more than satisfy him, seeing as it's you. All the occupants of the office, including Harry himself, rolled their eyes. There's something you five aren't telling me though, so I'll be keeping an eye on you.

The five boys and the professor hurried down the hall to the potions classroom, Harry swearing profusely in his mind. And one question burned foremost – who had reported them?



Just after Potions, another long-standing problem came to a head – the problem of Ron Weasley. He and Harry had steadfastly ignored each other, but at the end of class, he approached Harry's desk.

Did you want something in particular, Weasley, or did you just come to be jealous of people who can afford cauldrons that aren't secondhand? Harry asked cooly. Last time, Ron had taken the upper hand, but Harry intended to give as good as he got.

Ron flushed. No. I want to talk to you.

So? Talk.

Not here, he hissed furiously. Privately. Later.

Harry frowned. What could Ron have to say that he wanted to hear? Ron could be extremely hard on people when he chose to be, and was, in some ways, more dark in nature than any of Harry's new dormmates. Harry was wary, but, depending on what was said, it could be turned to his advantage. He had long ago lost hope that Ron would ever be his friend again. Still frowning, Harry replied, I'm free before dinner, after Defense. Meet me by the old Charms classroom.

Ron nodded and walked away, and Harry immediately turned to Draco, who had been listening to every word. I want you and one of the others – you decide who – to come with, underneath the invisibility cloak. I don't trust him.

Draco nodded, obviously relieved. I'll get either Greg or Vince, but we'll be there.

The day passes relatively smoothly after that until Defense. Professor Lupin decided to give a lesson on Dark possession, and Harry was even more wary of Ron after hearing the symptoms – sudden uncharacteristic behavior, a desire to be alone that's somewhat unusual – as well as what could make a person especially vulnerable. Voldemort had enough eyes and ears in Hogwarts to know that Ron and Harry were far from on speaking terms.

Dark possession was similar to the Imperius curse, but virtually unremembered. It was more insidious and harder to break, not to mention much more difficult to perform. Professor Lupin said that only two living wizards had enough power to perform it – one was Voldemort, and the other one was unaware of the power he or she possessed. The possessed would be unaware that he or she wasn't acting on their own volition, yet if pressed, would admit to not remembering certain chunks of time.

Class ended before Professor Lupin could go into counteracting Dark possession, and Harry was joined by Draco and Vince outside the classroom. Once the corridor was clear, he handed them his invisibility cloak and some final instructions. Stay close; I have a bad feeling about this. No Imperius or Dark Arts, not here; we can't risk the exposure yet. Draco and Vince nodded before slipping on the cloak and following Harry to the appointed meeting place outside the old Charms classroom. Ron was already there, staring off into space as he absentmindedly swung his one by one end dangling from his fingers.

he said, his voice odd; a quality Harry had never heard in it before was present. I'm glad you came.

Harry's senses were heightened even further. he answered evenly. Why don't we got outside to talk?

Ron wheeled, facing him full-on. No need, he said silkily. I have only two words to say to you. His eyes glinted oddly, and he was bringing his wand slowly up.

Harry cried, even as Ron's voice said Simultaneously, Vince came barreling out of thin air to knock Ron off his feet, and Draco uttered a quick Petrificus Totalis! followed by Harry looked at his ex-friend sadly. he said, and walked Ron back towards Professor Lupin's office. He knocked, and the werewolf's soft voice bade him enter.

What happened? he asked in alarm, as Harry and the others entered.

Harry frowned and collapsed on the nearest chair, letting Ron drop to the floor. He – he tried to kill me, he said slowly.

Professor Lupin's eyes widened. Well. We'd best check for Imperius first.

What about that stuff – Dark possession – you mentioned in class? Draco pressed.

Lupin nodded. Yes, I'll check for that as well, though it's unlikely. Drawing his wand, the professor muttered under his breath as he moved the wand up and back the length of Ron's body. His frown was deeper still when he straightened and looked at the other three boys. You were right, Draco. I'm going to remove the silencio and try to find out what Voldemort's plan is or was.

It was several moments before Ron's mouth opened, and an odd, chilling voice exited it – one Harry would have recognised anywhere. Voldemort's voice. Desstory thisss vessssel or not; it hasss no meaning to me. I will not divulge my plansss.

You will, Professor Lupin grated, because if the piece of the spirit in this vessel is destroyed, you will be weak and vulnerable for several hours. Turning his head, he mouthed at the others, Actually, days. Then he addressed Ron's prone figure once more. Got you thinking now, then? Tell me, Tom, what are your plans?

The answer was an insane cackle that lasted for several minutes at the least. Slowly it subsided, and Voldemort's voice returned. The boy must be destroyed. I would kill him by means of an estranged friend. Now, I will continue to search out opportunities.

Professor Lupin looked at Harry apologetically. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to have you three leave for now. I'll tell you more later, but the Headmaster and others need to hear this, and then I'll have to remove the possession – arduous work you should not witness at your age. Please, Harry, go on to the Feast later, and we'll talk afterwards, or in the morning.

Harry stood reluctantly, and discreetly motioned for the others to follow him, berating himself silently and almost immediately as he left the office. If Professor Lupin hadn't been distracted, he would've seen, and what would he have thought? Once the three cleared the hallway around the office, Harry spoke. Dungeons. Now. No. Charlie's. I'll call the others. He pressed the cloak into their hands once more. I'll meet Greg and Blaise inside the castle and we'll walk together. You two find Charlie and sit tight. Draco nodded tightly, while Vince merely swallowed. Then Harry turned and went down a corridor away from them, calling Blaise, then Greg, alternating between them as he moved through the castle. He reached the entrance hall as Greg entered it, and Blaise came hurtling out of the dungeons.

What's wrong? Greg asked breathlessly.

Harry gathered them toward him and walked towards the door, uttering only one word:

The trio walked in silence towards the hut, and the door cracked open as they approached. Still silent, Harry joined the others at the table, pouring himself some tea, then setting the cup down as he realised the stress of the afternoon was expressing itself no in shaking hands. Even more shaken by the realisation, Harry slumped into the empty chair.

He took a deep breath and began. Voldemort just tried to kill me, through Dark possession.

Blaise asked, stunned.

He possessed Ron.

My brother? Charlie blurted.

Harry nodded wordlessly as Charlie swore profusely. What happens to him now? he asked finally.

Harry could only shrug eloquently. Professor Lupin is removing the possession now. I expect you'll be officially informed later; remember that you don't know. He paused. Aside from any issues raised by Voldemort's use of Ron, there's the fact hat I will most certainly be put under even tighter watch. Harry made a face. Which means our activities will be limited, perhaps, and it also means that you, Charlie, just became a very vital cog in the operation.

Charlie nodded, lips pursed in thought. I'll see what I can do. I'll figure something out in a day or so.

The others nodded and Blaise stood. We'd best get back, before anyone gets suspicious. They all stood then, and Draco, Vince, and Harry shoved up under the cloak, while Greg and Blaise accompanied Charlie, as they walked towards dinner and the Halloween Feast.

As the main course was cleared away, a lone owl flew in, and most of the Slytherins – most of the hall, in fact – recognised it as Lucius Malfoy's personal owl, which always arrived at a time other than the morning post. Draco had told Harry it was a result of Lucius' small mind being desperate to show somehow that he, Lucius Malfoy, flaunted the rules, and didn't have to follow anyone else's ideas for behavior. Draco called it pomposity, and labeled it ultimately dangerous. Harry agreed with that assessment.

Draco removed the letter, read it quickly, then swore as it burnt itself into ash before disappearing. We've got another problem, he said under his breath to Harry. Lucius says I'm to receive the Dark Mark in June, at the end of term. He thought I'd like to know, to look forward to it or something.

Oh, shit... Harry mumbled. If you go, then the Dark Mark can't be put on, and if you don't go, different questions will be asked. Either way, they're questions we can't answer yet. Damn! This puts us on a timetable now. Harry fell silent, mind working rapidly. Wait! Will... anyone else be expected?

Draco said, giving both much relief. Lucius say it's some special favor to him personally for his son to be initiated at sixteen instead of eighteen or post-Hogwarts.

Harry continued his desperate thoughts throughout the remainder of the feast, and he was inwardly thankful that Hermione hadn't asked him about Ron. He hadn't even registered it when she came over, attempting to question him, and Draco and Blaise had firmly but relatively nicely directed her away from the stewing boy.

Harry was nearly in bed before he brought it up again with Draco, and the two talked in low tones. What happens if you show up at home and refuse the Dark Mark? Harry asked curiously.

He'll try to force me, Draco answered dully. Sure, I could cast off Imperius, but he might stupefy me, or tie me up even, and drag me to see You-Know-Who. Then they'll try to put his Mark on me, nothing will happen, and they'll discover our Mark, sooner or later. And they might kill me, he concluded matter of factly.

Harry was uncharacteristically uncertain; he was certain, however, that he would not sacrifice Draco to death or the Dark Lord. How could he protect him, though? You won't go home, Harry said at last, the finality in his tone almost palatable. If there are things you need or want and you feel it would be safe, go home at Christmas, or Easter, and get them, but you can't go home after that.

What, exactly, am I supposed to do then? Draco's tone was sarcastic, but Harry knew the other boy was on edge. He was actually handling himself admirably well, all things considered.

We'll hide you. Secret-Keeper if need be. You can come to Privet Drive – it's protected, for sure, but I wouldn't wish that hell on anyone – or we'll set you up somewhere, although it might have to be Muggle.

Draco shrugged wearily. It doesn't really matter. Although, if we can engineer an escape for me, why not for you?

Harry grinned sheepishly. Dunno. Good idea. Still, this puts everything on a timetable, as far as both organising and recruiting go, because the moment we enact any plan to hide us, both Voldemort and Dumbledore will start looking. They'll find people who might have helped and, one way or another, news of our group will surface.

And no one will know what we're about, Draco finished in a horrified whisper. Harry, we have to strike against Voldemort before summer, don't we. Oh Merlin!

Harry answered, even though both boys knew an answer was unnecessary. It was true. Harry's fledgling group would have to take a public stand in less than nine months' time.

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In the next chapter: Hermione's reaction; new security measures on Harry; looking for the snitch – golden as well as the tattletale, and much more!