Wednesday dawned cloudy and the Potters were up early and downstairs to have breakfast with the Grangers at seven. Neil and Jean were off to the practice as usual, but the plan was to have their calendars clear for the following week. Both had medical training that could help with the triage of injuries at the manor on Monday. As for the days following, they were keeping them open just in case. As for the rest of the week leading up to the duel, there wasn't much they could do so they would continue to try to work, difficult though it was.
After breakfast, the Potters left for the manor and spent an hour relaxing in the gym and pool before cleaning up and preparing for the arrival of their allies at nine.
Just before nine, the floo started to activate and the manor began to fill as Susan and Blaise arrived first. Not surprisingly, they brought Amelia's regards, but the Minister had a full morning of meetings elsewhere. Next to arrive were Xeno and Luna, then Neville and Augusta. Finally, a full complement of Weasleys showed. Trailing at the end was an unhappy Molly Weasley. None of the clan looked very pleased. All looked like they had been through quite a battle already and Harry was glad that he hadn't been at the Burrow the night before or that morning. He stepped forward and greeted everyone.
"Good morning. Thanks for getting here promptly. The elves told me that they've taken all the training dummies out to the site already. Before we head out, I thought we'd talk briefly. Have all the families discussed if the junior allies will be taking part in the battle?"
Arthur stepped forward with a brief side glance at his wife.
"Yes Harry, we've been in long discussion on this. As head of our family, I've made the final decision to allow Ron and Ginny to train with you. It would be my preference that they take a 'sniper' role if possible during the actual battle. I know this is something that has only been initially discussed though. If the option isn't available, I would appreciate if they could be in one of the groups at the back of the battle. I will not stop them completely from participating though. This was the compromise that we reached. The others are of age, even if not by much in Fred and George's case, so the decision on their role is theirs."
Harry nodded in acceptance. That explained the reason for Molly's demeanor. Augusta and Xeno had already declared themselves the previous day, so he turned to look at Susan and Blaise.
"Aunt Amy talked to both of us quite a bit last night Harry. I'll be honest, I don't know how good I'd be in the front of a fight. Blaise is much better. Still, she asked that we be put in what she calls a reserve position with one of the secondary teams. I guess it's similar to what the Weasleys asked for. I hadn't thought about the sniper idea. I do like that idea. That may suit me better if its available."
"Alright, I understand Susan. We'll keep that in mind for all of you. We never did discuss the idea of sniper platforms with Kingsley last night. We'll make that a priority when we see him in an hour or so. As much as we've been training and as dedicated as you all are, I still prefer the idea of having all of you on a second team as well. You can still contribute, but we need to be smart about this. Voldemort's strategy in many cases is to throw away his lower ranking people that he doesn't care about. We don't have that luxury. We care about everyone, so we're going to fight smarter. So, shall we get out to the field and maybe start warming up?"
Everyone agreed and the entire group apparated out to the site with the help of the elves. The next forty-five minutes was spent with some basic drills. Then Harry's alarm announced it was almost time for the first of Kingsley's portkeys to begin arriving. Harry apparated back to the manor and cleaned up quickly. Dobby handed him his lord's robe and Hermione also was handed her lady's robe. When the first of the Aurors arrived, they were surprised to find their destination was Potter Manor and they were being greeted by the young lord.
"Welcome Director Shacklebolt. We have two more portkeys yet to arrive, so can you please step to the left. Thank you."
Within the next five minutes, the entry hall of the manor was full of seven Auror squads, as well as Kingsley and the Potters. Harry stood at the front of the hall and now addressed all the squads.
"Now that you are all here, I bid you all welcome to Potter Manor. I am Lord Harry James Potter and this is my lady Hermione. Director Shacklebolt will give you more details on your assignment shortly, but I can tell you that you will be our guests for the next few days while you prepare for your duties. We have eight elves here to assist as well. We hope that you will be comfortable and your needs will be met. Please be courteous when dealing with the elves. If you need anything, please ask. Your lodging will be one floor up and will be shown to you this evening. Now, this hall is a bit crowded with all of us. Director Shacklebolt, might I suggest that we all adjourn to the back veranda and you can detail everyone further?"
"I agree Lord Potter. Squads, position right, follow me…"
Harry stepped aside and Kingsley led the seventy Aurors out through the manor to the back veranda. There were a lot of curious faces, but the group were professionals and followed in formation. Harry and Hermione followed alongside Kingsley and their friends followed behind the Aurors, who glanced with curiosity at the young stragglers, but did not voice any questions.
Once everyone reached the veranda, the Aurors lined up in their squads and Kingsley began his briefing. He detailed them on the upcoming duel and battle the following Monday and Harry's primary role. Despite their professionalism, many did not hide their shock as they briefly switched their focus to Harry. Then Kingsley explained why they were in seclusion and about the mockup site that had been arranged for their training. As he continued, some of his details got a bit technical, but the squads all understood and Harry felt reassured as he watched the men and women grow even more hardened and focused as Kingsley continued. Then the subject of the mirrors came up.
"…Finally Lord Potter and his allies have been working on a unique tool for us. Right now we only have enough for squad commanders and their seconds, but more are being produced as we speak. They need to be keyed to each individual and you will need to know who you are calling, so we will use last names as we usually use. There is a broadcast feature, but it is new and untested. The mirrors have unbreakable charms, but we should try to attach them to our uniforms for ease of use. I was thinking last night that a sticking charm might work."
Kingsley turned to Harry and Hermione at this point to consult.
"The mirrors are such a new development that we haven't really worked with them, I tried something last night though and I was able to stick mine to my shoulder and tap it with my chin to activate it. That would keep our hands free."
"Sounds good Director, that's what these training days are about. We need to work together to develop plans to see what will work."
One of the squad leaders stepped forward at that point and was obviously waiting to be called on.
"Yes Roberts?"
"Since we're all brainstorming sir, I like the idea of having my hands free, but a sticking charm can be nullified easily by stray spells. Then the mirror will just fall off."
Kingsley scowled and nodded. Roberts had a point. Then Hermione lit up with an idea.
"I think I may know something. Keep talking, I'll be back in a few!"
Hermione then apparated away, leaving Kingsley shaking his head and Harry smirking. Kingsley took control again as he addressed the squads.
"And this is something else you need to know about this training. Yes, we will be practicing for the battle, but all ideas are welcome. Something a bit nontraditional may be what turns the tide. As Lord Potter says, a bit of common sense on occasion. I'm not saying to interrupt a drill, but when the time is right, please make your suggestions and they will be considered."
At this point Susan stepped forward and Kingsley nodded for her to speak up.
"There is one suggestion that the allies who were practicing yesterday afternoon thought of, but forgot to mention yesterday at dinner. You'll see when we go to the site shortly, but there are a number of trees around the perimeter. Since we have access to the site, we were wondering if it would be possible beforehand to set up disillusioned sniper platforms. Some of the younger allies would like to man those platforms. It would also resolve some of the family conflicts from yesterday's discussions."
"Hmm, an interesting option. We'll certainly look at the possibility Susan. Squads, so that you know who all these young people are, they are classmates and allies of Lord and Lady Potter. They are privy to all and more information about this operation than you have. They have been receiving additional defense training with Auror Tonks above their usual DADA training and they will be training with you over the next days. Their final participation level in the battle will be determined in the next day or two. You are to treat them with the same level of respect that you would Junior Aurors. Harassment will not be tolerated. Remember, as allies, they are under the protection of House Potter."
As Kingsley was finishing, Hermione arrived back, flushed and a bit breathless with a small package in her hand. He turned to her and nodded.
"Alright, I think I have the solution for the mirrors. I like the idea of sticking them to the shoulders of your robes where you can just tap them with your chin to activate and keep your hands free. The issue is keeping them attached with spells flying. I found a solution with something from my non-magical background. These are called Velcro strips. I don't have enough for everyone right now. I just went to my parents' home and grabbed what they had, but I can go to a store shortly and get more. This stuff is inexpensive and available readily. It has an adhesive back and then these two sides that have a fuzzy side and then a rough side with tiny hooks and eyes that loop together. Kind of like when you get burrs caught in your clothes. Here, I'll pass them around. Anyway, you just cut a piece of it and use it to stick one side to your robes and the other to the mirror. In between, you can undo the Velcro. Auror Roberts, would you mind if I tried with you first?"
Auror Roberts was the leader of the second squad and stepped forward gamely as Hermione showed him the Velcro strips. He was a halfblood, but had been raised mostly magical. He was intrigued by the strips. Meanwhile, to his side, Kingsley was playing with a strip like he'd been handed a new toy. Hermione worked with Roberts for a minute to get the positioning where he wanted it. Soon she had the mirror stuck to his robes and keyed to him. She then used her own mirror and they tested calling each other. He was able to activate his mirror with a chin tap and the mirror didn't shift at all with the Velcro. He was grinning at the end, as was Kingsley.
"Brilliant Herm…um Lady Potter."
"It's fine Kingsley. Look everyone. We're not formal around here. Treat everyone with respect and we're fine with first names. So, it looks like we need more Velcro. I'll go run that errand while Harry takes everyone to the mockup site"
With the squads all in formation they all mounted their brooms and followed Harry as he led them to the mockup site. Kingsley was flying by Harry and the allies were flying with the second and third squads. When they reached the site, they flew two passes to get an overview before landing. Once there, Harry landed by the table with all the reconnaissance pictures and data.
"Alright, you've seen the site now. Here on the tables is the actual site of the battle that we did our best to simulate. If anyone sees any major deviations, please let us know. The elves are quite good at helping to move things around."
Kingsley nodded and thanked Harry then he took over and began to split the squads, starting to put them in what were standard practice formations as he spread them over the site. Squads four and six were fall back lesser skilled squads and he placed the allies with those squads. In each squad, all the allies, as well as squad leaders and seconds had mirrors. Harry was placed up front with the first squad, although it was acknowledged that he would be out of the main battle since he would be dueling Voldemort. Arthur and Augusta had remained largely quiet, but now Kingsley took them to look at the feasibility of the sniper platform option, scoping out the trees that were around the perimeter of the dueling site. The other two adult allies, Molly and Xeno meanwhile stayed within their squads. Molly still didn't look happy, but Harry was actually rather surprised to see her focused and taking direction from the squad leader. She was quite a powerful witch.
Once all the squads had begun drilling, Kingsley pulled Harry aside to talk quietly by some trees.
"Harry, I wanted to talk to you about the rest of the Order. I know we only touched on it briefly last night. I sent an owl to Albus and asked for him to contact me when he returned from the continent. I let him know it was most urgent and even told him to please try to return by the weekend at the latest. As it turns out, he was already back. He arrived yesterday. Apparently the ICW finished early. I guess some of the members were more interested in starting their vacations. I wish we had such trivial concerns. Anyway, I'm going to meet with him later today. I know we agreed that we need him on Monday. Have you decided whether you will allow him to train here?"
Harry sighed. He was still a mixture of emotions on this. He wasn't comfortable with the old man and all the decisions he had made. Still, Dumbledore was the only wizard that Voldemort feared.
"Yes Kingsley, Hermione and I are in agreement. The Order is welcome to train here, but if they stay overnight, we don't have enough room for individual quarters. They will have to bunk with the Aurors. And I want to have a talk with Dumbledore beforehand. I want him to understand that he is a squad leader at best here. You outrank him, as do I as lord of the manor. I will dismiss him from my lands if I am unhappy with him for any reason."
"Understood. I will let him know when we talk. I expect that he won't be happy when I tell him the plans, but I hope to have him with me in the morning."
Harry nodded and they returned to training.
For the next hour the squads all worked on their basic drills, using the dummies to practice maneuvering around the field using the natural landscape to dodge and cover, while firing off a series of basic spells at the dummies. Each squad had a sector of space they were given to cover, with a slight overlap with neighboring squads. About forty minutes into the first drills, Hermione arrived back at the manor and announced herself to Harry.
I'm back with all the Velcro from two hardware stores Harry.
Sounds good. Why don't you wait for a few and let us finish this drill sequence. I think it's almost done. I'll let you know when to apparate over. I don't want you coming into the middle of this.
Sounds fine.
Twenty minutes later Kingsley called a break and Harry gave Hermione the all clear. As Kingsley called the squads forward to discuss the first drills, she apparated in to join them, surprising him just a bit.
"Hello Hermione. Excellent timing. Do you have the sticky strips, um Vem…um…"
"Velcro. Yes, I bought out two stores worth. Should we go ahead now?"
"Yes. You should be able to do that while we talk. Everyone with a mirror step forward. Now, the drills are going well. Any ideas for improvements? I do think we'll move forward with the sniper platforms. We still have the site under surveillance and should be able to get in discreetly and install the platforms since we have primary control of the location. Thoughts?"
The squads circled around, maintaining their formations but arranged around Kingsley as everyone adjusted to this new way of training as the discussion moved forward. Harry helped Hermione as everyone with mirrors lined up and the Velcro was quickly applied. He did his best to not smirk at how amazed some of the elite Aurors were at the amazing muggle invention that even small non-magical children were familiar with. Soon the mirrors were in place and the discussions had led to the next exercise as the squads split up and began to face off into active dueling. Meanwhile, Kingsley turned to Blaise and Susan.
"Would you two mind working on the supplies for the platforms? We have a rough sketch. They need to be sturdy, but not complex. Since you both expressed an interest in using them, I thought you might be interested in procuring the materials."
"Sure. I actually worked on a building project with my uncle a couple of summers ago so I have an idea of where to go."
"And I'm covering the cost guys. Will 500 galleons be enough?"
"Um yeah, sure Harry, more than enough."
Harry called for some elves and he went with his friends back to the manor. He gave them the funds, as well as creating a portkey that could be activated to transport the materials. Then Blaise and Susan floo'd from the manor and Harry returned back to the training site to watch the Aurors before resuming his own singular training. As the Aurors progressed, Kingsley stepped aside for a half hour and worked with Harry until lunchtime.
When Besa rang the lunch bell, Kingsley called a halt and then had all the squads jog back to the manor rather than apparating, as part of a cool down exercise. When they arrived back, they found that the elves had been busy and had laid out several long picnic tables in the back garden. Also in attendance were Remus and Sirius, who brought another fourteen completed mirrors. They came for lunch and decided to stay for the afternoon training, which everyone was in agreement on. Lunch went a bit long, but it gave everyone a chance to get to know each other a bit more and all the food was excellent.
Thankfully, Blaise and Susan arrived back before the end of lunch and managed to catch the end of the meal. They had secured all the building supplies, which arrived on a pallet via portkey at the designated spot in the side yard where Harry had keyed the portkey too. Since Kingsley was finished eating he went to inspect the materials and seemed satisfied. Harry promised to get the elves busy on that project later that afternoon.
As lunch finished, Kingsley stood and addressed all the squads.
"Alright everyone, lunch was good, but it's about time to get back at it. I wish I could stay, but I need to check in back at the office and make sure they aren't falling apart there. I'm leaving Williamson in charge while I'm gone. We've got the outline for our drills for the rest of the day. I'm hoping to be back by four, five at the latest. Keep up the good work."
Kingsley left then and a few minutes later Auror Williamson, the lead of squad one, led all the squads on a run back out to the site. Although Harry could tell that all his friends were fatigued, none of them complained and they all followed along, even if they did lag at the tail end of the group.
Once they were back at the site, the Aurors continued with their practice drills with the junior allies joining squads four and six. Harry's first task was to call six of his elves and get them working on the four sniper platforms. The trees had been identified earlier with Kingsley and a basic plan had been drawn up. Once the elves saw what was needed, they took to the task quickly and Harry soon wasn't needed. He decided to join his allies, including Sirius and Remus, in squad four and practice the rest of the drills. He knew that he wouldn't be in the main battle fray, but they were running high impact drills that he knew would still be good. He had plans for the following days, but for this first day he wanted to get familiar with the squads.
The rest of the afternoon was much same until Williamson called a halt as the sun finally started to lower on the horizon.
"All squads stand down! Report front and center!"
All the squads appeared in formation and Harry as well as the rest of the rest of the allies placed themselves at the end of lines with the squads they had been drilling with. Harry was quite tired and he could feel Hermione's fatigue as well. If he had looked at his allies, he would have seen a couple that were about to drop. Williamson's bark soon brought his attention forward.
"Alright, I'm calling a halt for the day. It's ten after 1700. Obviously the director got tied up at the office. I expect that we'll see him before long. Let's get cleaned up. Lord Potter, when should we expect dinner and what should we do with ourselves?"
Harry stepped forward and stood by Williamson.
"Please, just Harry like you have been through the afternoon. Dinner will be at 6:30. I know while you are sequestered that the director has you all on individual anti-apparition wards, so I guess a warm down jog back to the manor like we did at lunch. Once we're there, we'll do a bit of a tour. There are rooms I had converted to dorms for you on the second floor. The basement has training rooms, a gym, sauna, baths and a pool that you are all welcome to use. The main floor has game rooms and a library. You are welcome to utilize it all in the evenings. I know we're all under a lot of stress, so we need to use what downtime we have to relax a little."
Williamson nodded and took over.
"Excellent, thank you Harry. Well then, form up and let's get moving back to the manor."
The squads followed in lines as the warm down jog began back to the manor. As they began though, a few of the allies fell back, including Molly and Augusta. Harry turned to watch them and then he saw them disappear as they decided to apparate to the manor. Oh well, they had done the same at lunch as well. He knew some of his older allies didn't have the same stamina as everyone else. It wasn't like he could expect a lot in just a few days.
Once everyone was back at the manor, Harry and Giley saw to the tour, starting in the basement and working up. Everyone seemed quite appreciative of the facilities offered and the tour was just starting up to the second floor when Kingsley arrived. He was looking a bit harried, but everyone understood that he had a lot of demands on himself. He followed along for the rest of the tour. Once it was complete, everyone was assigned a room and then the each person left to cleanup and prepare for dinner.
Dinner that night was eaten informally in the formal dining hall, almost filling it to capacity. The long table that was meant for grand dinners and had seemed overly ostentatious when Harry had first seen it now came in handy with the manor full of seven squads of Aurors, as well as all of the House Potter allies, including those who had arrived just for dinner. Mead, ale, and wine were all served generously with the plentiful food and the day's training was discussed at length, with the room not emptying until nearly eight that night.
Once dinner was complete, smaller groups dispersed around the manor to enjoy their evening. Harry went to one of the game rooms where he was soon embroiled in a fierce game of darts that he was only moderately decent at. Across the room an intense round of billiards and a couple of tables of card games were also ongoing. Hermione meanwhile retreated to the library. Although she intended to read a book on Runes, she soon found herself in a pleasant discussion with several Aurors on some advanced charms work that they were implementing for some of their armor. Susan also joined them and the evening passed pleasantly. Around the manor, all of the allies and Aurors found themselves getting to know each other in a more relaxed environment throughout the evening. Even the Aurors who hadn't been too pleased with the addition of the younger allies, began to soften a bit toward them.
Around ten the different squad leaders and seconds began to make rounds through the manor and gradually start to suggest that it was time to call it a night. By half past everyone was making their way to their makeshift dorms. As for the allies, the Weasleys were staying at the Burrow and the Grangers went home, but everyone else found rooms at the manor, with the adults all managing private space. Even Amelia, who surprised all the Aurors, who hadn't expected to see the Minister in such an informal environment. The manor was near full capacity, but the elves seemed happy and Harry felt that the manor itself even hummed with contentment, almost as if the imbued magic was happy to be full of life again.
Thursday morning saw everyone up at seven, with all of the Aurors on the back veranda for an early morning workout before breakfast. All the allies who had stayed at the manor joined as well. The Weasleys arrived at a quarter past, none too awake, but joining in nonetheless. Kingsley saw to the beginning of the exercises and then left with a portkey that Harry had created, on his way to meet with Dumbledore and a group of other Order members.
Fifteen minutes after leaving, Kingsley, Dumbledore, and seven additional Order of the Phoenix members arrived at Potter Manor via portkey and Harry and Hermione were waiting to greet them.
"Good morning everyone. Welcome to Potter Manor. I am Lord Harry Potter and this is my wife Lady Hermione. Breakfast is about to be served. We can talk more as we eat. Due to the numbers staying at the manor and thanks to good weather, we are eating on the back veranda. Please follow me."
Everyone followed Harry and were soon seated as the elves served breakfast and Kingsley addressed the squads with the plans for the day. Key among those would be the arrival of twenty hit wizards, more than had initially been planned. They would be joining squads one and three and the drills were being adjusted accordingly. Also, the sniper platforms had been completed by the elves and practice would begin with them first thing that morning.
With the plans for the morning in place breakfast soon wrapped up just as the Harry's alarm sounded to announce the incoming portkey for the hit wizards. He and Hermione left their table, along with Kingsley and the Order members who had yet to be briefed. Harry had offered them the opportunity to join for his welcome speech, which they accepted. Moments later, the first of two portkeys deposited ten hit wizards. Kingsley gave them an initial welcome and then they stepped aside as the second portkey next arrived. Once all were in place and waiting for orders from Kingsley, Harry stepped forward with Hermione at his side. Most obviously recognized him and he found it interesting that they didn't show the same rigidity and decorum as the Aurors.
"Welcome everyone to Potter Manor. I understand that you've been told you are on assignment for the next week. This will be the location where you will be training. There are already seven squads of Aurors in place that arrived yesterday. Director Shacklebolt will give you more specific details, but the basics are this. Most of you are aware of my history with Lord Voldemort. I have faced him more times than I care to count. Well, I have decided it is time to finish this and have challenged him to a duel. I am the last heir of Gryffindor and he is the last heir of Slytherin, so the duel is under the ancient rules. The duel will happen next Monday at noon. The site has been chosen at an ancient location and we have a mockup of the site here on my lands that we are using to train. Although I have to face him one on one, he will be bringing his Death Eaters and I will have support around me as well. That is where you, the Aurors, and my allies come in. So, until Monday, you are guests of mine here to train and prepare. You will be staying in rooms with the Aurors on the second floor. There are eight house elves who take care of the manor. All I ask while you are my guests is that you treat the elves and everyone else with respect."
Harry stepped back and let Kingsley take over again he led the group to the back veranda and Harry followed. Once they arrived, he divided the hit wizards into the squads they were going to be placed with. Then the squads began to form up for their morning run back out to the mockup site. That left the Order members, who Dumbledore then divided up into squads as well. Dumbledore himself was not yet in a squad and Kingsley suggested he go with squad one. Before they began, Harry decided it was time for a talk with Dumbledore and took him back inside to a nearby parlor.
"Yes Harry, was there something specific with your training you wished to address with me?"
"Not right now. There may be in the future, but I will ask for specifics if and when I want them. I know Kingsley talked to you, but are we clear on your role here?"
Dumbledore sighed a bit at Harry's caustic attitude toward him.
"Yes, Kingsley told me that you were quite wary about allowing me to come and train here. I am grateful that you have overcome any doubts. I do not know that this duel was the best course of action, but what is done is done. I really do want to see an end to the war."
"If that is true, then we will have no issues. Just remember, I may be young, but I am the lord of the manor. I also called this duel and it is mine to fight. I will let you know if and when I need specific assistance from you. Otherwise, I will view you and the other Order members as additional fighters in the Auror squads, similar to my own allies. We only have a couple of days. Let's work together."
Dumbledore gave a nod, although his twinkle was gone.
The rest of the morning continued with similar drills as to what was run from the day before. The one major addition was that the sniper platforms were all in place and heavily utilized. They could hold three people easily, placed in a triangle positioning on the platform. There were a few problems with the charms on the platforms though and when everyone broke for lunch a group of allies, a few Aurors, Dumbledore, and McGonagall all gathered at the end of one of the lunch tables to brainstorm the issue. The solution that was decided on was a sequence of runes that were to be carved into conductive plates that would be bolted to the boards of the platform since wood itself was a poor conductor. There was extra material left from the mirror production at Grimmauld and Dumbledore surprisingly volunteered to go with Remus to make the plates an afternoon project.
With Dumbledore and Remus off on their project, Kingsley also had to leave to see to other department business for the afternoon, once again delegating control of the squads. Everyone else though continued with training through the afternoon, although some of the older allies did stay at the manor for a while after lunch. Harry noticed that they were fatiguing a bit and decided to not make an issue of it. In truth he knew that the actual battle would not last for eight to ten hours of the day like they were training and that level of stamina would not be needed. Amelia had also had to leave mid-morning, but did join the training again around three in the afternoon after she was able to separate from her other Ministerial duties.
Around four in the afternoon, Dumbledore and Remus reappeared with the metal plates for all four sniper platforms and the junior allies all assisted with bolting them onto the forward edges of the platforms before then excitedly beginning to test the new rune sequences. The plates worked brilliantly, providing a disillusionment sequence that was not cancelled out by stray spellfire and that actually absorbed spells up to a certain level. There were also runes that provide a low force field effect that helped to provide a barrier to prevent falls in cases when a sniper might be distracted and not watching where they were stepping, something that had already happened twice. Everyone knew that the protections offered by the runes weren't perfect, but combined with the active defensive spells cast by the snipers on the platforms it was another layer of protection. Plus the disillusionment was the most critical.
With the platforms working well and the drills having gone well with all the different forces in place (minus Unspeakables), Thursday soon drew to a close and everyone was back at the manor to once again relax and informally bond a bit more as a group. Most of the Order members decided to stay, although Dumbledore left after dinner. Once again Harry and Hermione made a point as the lord and lady of the manor to rotate around to different groups throughout the evening and try to get to know different people better, especially the new arrivals.
Friday saw much the same activities as Thursday for most of those who were training. For Harry though he decided to set aside his feelings about Dumbledore and use the resources at his disposal. He couldn't deny the wealth of knowledge that Dumbledore could offer, so when he arrived on Friday morning as breakfast was wrapping up, Harry took him aside.
"Albus, I was hoping you could help me today. Training with the squads won't help me as much. I need to practice one on one dueling for Voldemort. Would you mind working with me in the basement training rooms?"
"Of course not Harry. A capital idea. I think that would be an ideal use of time for both of us. Please, lead on."
Hermione, he agreed. I'll see you at lunch.
Take care love.
Harry and Dumbledore spent the rest of the day in the basement training rooms and within the first half hour, Harry knew his decision was the right one. He may have many doubts about the old man's decisions of the past, but his knowledge was vast. He also had a surprising stamina for a man his age. They took a break to eat lunch with the rest of the group and then retreated back to the basement training room in the afternoon. When they did, Kingsley, Sirius, and Remus joined them to assist with Harry's training.
While Friday's training for the squads proceeded much the same, adjustments were made in regards to the sniper platforms. Now that they were working well at the mockup site everyone felt it was important to see how they actually fit in trees at the duel site. So, after a couple of hours of training in the morning, three squads of Aurors were sent on a practice reconnaissance to the site. Kingsley had maintained discreet surveillance and no Death Eaters had appeared in several days, but nonetheless everyone exercised caution.
The three squads arrived at the site at 1100 hours and quickly scouted the location, which was quite familiar after their work at the mockup location. They found four trees in the identical locations and then called a fourth squad in via mirror communication. The platforms had all been packed by the elves, who had instructed squad four on how to quickly break down and reassemble them with a few spells. The squad arrived and spread out to the four trees. Each group within the squad was disillusioned and then enlarged their package to begin assembly of their platforms within the actual trees where they would be placed in three days time. The one issue was that no trees were identical and branches all differed a bit. Each team had to adjust their platforms, as well as maneuver a few branches around. The total setup time took longer than was hoped, but the platforms did get set and were tested for stability in the trees. Auror Timmins, leader of squad 3, was smart and had brought a camera, which he quickly took pictures of each setup with.
Once each setup was complete, a quick call on the mirrors back to Kingsley started a second phase that had not been originally planned as all the platforms were broken down, shrunken back into their packages, and then brought out and reassembled now that they were fit to the trees at the actual site. This time the assembly was timed and the results were much better. Throughout both stages, squads 1-3 were spread out and maintaining full security, but only a stray sheep wandered by. Finally with the tests complete, all four squads portkeyed back to the manor and the tests were complete.
That afternoon the pictures were developed and the trees at the mockup site were adjusted to match the trees at the duel site precisely. By Saturday morning when the platforms were unpacked again, their modifications fit the trees at the mockup site the same as they did at the duel site and the sniper drills continued the same as the training drills did for everyone else.
Throughout the weekend the schedule remained much the same with the drills ongoing with the seven squads of Aurors, twenty hit wizards, all the allies, Dumbledore, and the Order members.
On Saturday Kingsley finally had confirmation from St. Mungo's that a junior healer would be loaned for his 'special operation' at an 'undisclosed location'. The elves had cleared out the unused ladies' parlor on the first floor and ten cots had been arranged in the room instead. It was a bit tight, but it fit. The room was a good choice, as there was also a connecting loo next door. The hospital also provided a list of recommended supplies and Hermione and Susan went shopping on Saturday afternoon to secure the full list. When they returned, Neil and Jean were waiting and helped to set up the triage area with their medical knowledge, with Hermione to assist with her knowledge of magical potions. Later in the afternoon Harry stopped in the doorway to look in and shuddered a bit. He knew it was good to be prepared, but he hated the idea of having a hospital in his home.
Saturday also saw Harry continuing his training with Dumbledore, Kingsley, Sirius, and Remus. Also, after lunch, the squad leaders and Harry's allies all stopped to watch some of the training sessions after having heard rumors of the work that Dumbledore and Harry were going through.
Saturday evening then brought the arrival of an owl for Kingsley, who was now staying at the manor permanently until the duel was over. It was just after dinner and Kingsley looked unusually happy when the owl arrived just as the table was being cleared. He saw everyone looking at him curiously as he folded the note.
"Good news! Croaker finally is talking. The Unspeakables are committing themselves starting tomorrow. They won't stay, but they want to be in on the training. Croaker wants to meet with me in an hour to get the portkey for 0900 tomorrow morning. He's sending eight men."
"Wow, eight. That's more than you anticipated."
"Yes. Eight Unspeakables is nothing to sneer at. Now this doesn't mean they'll be training with us, just that they want to see what we have planned. Still, it's communication, which is something."
"Alright, let me make you a portkey. That will put them here at the same time as the healer tomorrow."
Harry got up and went to his lord's office with Kingsley following. The portkey was made quickly and then Kingsley left, leaving Harry with his thoughts for a few minutes. His grandfather looked down from his portrait.
"Seems that things are moving apace with your plans grandson."
"Yes. A couple of days and the fate of our world may very well be decided. I've got a lot of help, but I have to face Voldemort myself. At least if there's anything to the prophecy. I guess we'll see before long. And now that I've bonded with Hermione, her life rests with mine."
"Have faith young Harry. Already from what I've seen you've shown remarkable fortitude and intelligence for one so young. I may be just an echo of your grandfather, but I am certain that you will persevere successfully."
Harry sighed and gave a bare nod. He was trying to remain positive and project that same attitude for those around him, but in quiet moments alone it was hard. Then he felt the mental touch of his wife soothing him and a moment later she appeared physically in the office. She didn't say anything, but she came around and placed her hands on his shoulders. The touch was comforting and he pulled her around to sit in his lap. They may be always linked, but there was nothing like physically holding her in his arms. They stayed wrapped up together, completely linked for many long minutes. Then Harry made the large effort to mentally pull himself up and leave his office to go play billiards with some of the Aurors. The days spent training were important, but the nights spent getting to know some of the men and women who would be risking their lives were equally important to him.
Sunday morning brought some breaks to the usual schedules of exercises, breakfast, and training. Both the Unspeakables, as well as the Healer Reagan from St. Mungo's arrived. The Healer was a young 24, newly qualified and a bit unsure about the unusual assignment he had been given. Kingsley had briefed him before his arrival and he quickly settled in, making himself welcome in no small part because he was half-blood and treated the Grangers well. He was pleased with the infirmary setup and quite surprised at the amount of stock on hand. He spent the first hours of the morning familiarizing himself with everything and setting a few things to his own specifics before taking an hour to watch some of the training that was happening.
As for the Unspeakables, they were another matter altogether. They arrived wearing robes and masks that made their faces appear uniformly white and blank. The look was disconcerting, but worse was the monotone in which they spoke as their voices were disguised. They were meant to be completely unrecognizable. While it was understandable, it took some getting used to. They arrived with their portkey and Harry welcomed them, but they didn't even allow him to show them the manor, immediately showing themselves to the back veranda and inserting themselves into squad 1 before ordering Williamson to show them what they had been training on. To Williamson's credit, he didn't flinch and led the squads out for the morning training.
Disconcerted by the latest arrivals, Harry continued his own training with Dumbledore and decided to let Kingsley handle the Unspeakables. He knew the plan was to continue heavy drills through the morning. In actuality, training continued until 1300 hours. At that point, the Unspeakables declared themselves satisfied and left, promising to be at the duel site on Monday morning. At that point Kingsley called everyone else together, including calling Harry on his mirror and having him and the others training back at the house join the squads at the mockup site. Once everyone was together, he addressed the group.
"Alright everyone, we're about an hour past lunch. We've had a long, but very productive morning. I know the Unspeakables aren't the easiest to work with, but we need everyone we can get. These last few days have been intense. Especially for those civilians that have been training with us. Even for the Aurors, you probably haven't trained like this since training camp. I don't think at this point that working you into the ground will benefit anyone. We have just under 24 hours until we face off with Voldemort and his forces. I want us all to rest up and prepare. Any injuries, please see Healer Reagan now that he's here. I know we've been patching minor scrapes ourselves, but we've got a professional here now. I want us all one hundred percent for tomorrow. Any questions or concerns, please feel free to talk to me or anyone else. I'm proud of everyone. Now, let's go eat!"
There was a cheer from the crowd and everyone began to walk back to the manor instead of jogging. It was still some good exercise and a good warm down, but without the intensity that the group had endured for the last days. Lunch was also mellower as everyone began to relax and Harry knew that Kingsley had been correct to give the group the half day off. When he had initially suggested it, Harry had been hesitant, wanting to use every available minute to train. Kingsley though was a professional and he knew the squads needed downtime as well.
The rest of Sunday was spent with organized games around the manor. Although there wasn't a Quidditch pitch, some trees on the east side of the manor were transfigured into hoops and were spaced relatively close to the right distance that it worked well enough. Soon a raucous round of matches took up a good bit of the afternoon. Other groups played more mundane games inside, while others could be found taking books out to the veranda, including Hermione and several of the allies.
That night the elves out did themselves with a fantastic meal cooked outside over several grilling pits. There was plenty to drink, but everyone made sure to limit themselves. By common agreement, all the allies were staying at the manor, even the Weasleys, despite Molly's protests. The stars shone brilliantly and Harry thought that it was a beautiful summer night as he looked around at all his friends, old and new. He had a lot to fight for. Then of course there was Hermione. His ultimate reason to fight. Sensing his thoughts, she turned and gave him a wink and Harry knew it was time to call it a night. He gave his tidings to everyone and apparated his wife up to their suite.
As soon as they arrived in their suite, their lips met and both knew that sleep would be a long time in coming. They each discarded their clothes slowly, taking their time to revel in each other. Over the last week they had been so busy that they had been too tired for more than a bit of fondling before sleep would claim them. Tonight though was their last before the uncertainty of the morrow. Once Hermione was laid back on the bed, Harry looked down and marveled at her in the moonlight.
Gods, you're glorious love. I could worship you forever.
That's lovely dear, but if you don't make love to me soon, I'm going cry.
Well now, we can't have that.
With that, Harry grinned and leaned down to kiss her as he simultaneously slipped into his beloved and began to worship her completely with his body and soul. They moved in rhythm, linked completely as only soul mates could be. When they came the first time it was devastating and took many minutes to recover from. The second time was sweeter and took longer to achieve, but was what finally sent them into a blissful sleep that would see them into the fateful day that would mark a turning point for the rest of their lives.