It was now the middle of November, two weeks after the events of Halloween, and while things had simmered down in the castle, everyone in the castle was still on edge, either because of Umbridge or the deaths of two students. While Dumbledore and the Hogwarts staff made a big deal out of mourning Montague and Warrington, most of the students (including many of the Slytherins) simply didn't care much since neither boy was well liked. An investigation was launched immediately into their deaths, Malfoy being the prime suspect, despite Lucius trying to bury it as much as possible, but Malfoy's wand being responsible for obliviating Crabbe and Goyle and being at the scene of the crime was damning evidence. Also, once Amelia Bones found those Dark Marks on the bodies, she made it a point to uncover where Warrington and Montague had been and who they have been talking too, despite Fudge doing his best to stall any inquiry into them. None of the Death Eaters, even Lucius, could admit to what the five boys were actually doing that night without incriminating themselves, so Draco was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He is in the minimum-security part of Azkaban now, awaiting trial.
As for Harry Potter, he spoke about his plans with his friends in each Hogwarts house and they all agreed with him about creating a small group dedicated to practicing defensive and even offensive spells to counter the Dark Arts. He also told them about what had really happened during Halloween, he had no choice now that he knew they were potential targets, and while Hannah and Su were a little uneasy about the situation, they understood the circumstances after the Slytherin girls explained everything to them. The Chasers and Susan were in full support of what Harry had to do considering they hated men like Warrington and Montague, his wives also understood what he did and were happy he got out alive. However, they were not very happy he didn't summon at least one of them before going in to save the others, they reamed his ass out for three hours and eventually forgave them after forcing Harry to make it up to them that night.
Shaking his head of those pleasurable thoughts, Harry continued to head to trudge through the snow towards Hogsmeade, where he has organized a meeting of a select group of students to talk about the new DADA club at The Hog's Head. Harry tasked each of his friends to find any trustworthy students in each house who could be taught without risk of being caught, and they each said they found a select few he could trust, although Harry had his doubts. Harry frowned as he knew Ron and Hermione would also be in attendance, due to the former overhearing the Weasley twins talking about it with Angelina, but he at least knew they wouldn't sell him out since they were keeping the Order secret.
Harry sighed as he finally made it to the crappy old pub that's infamous in Hogsmeade for being a familiar meeting place for suspected Dark Wizards and other notorious criminals, basically making it forbidden for students and the perfect place for this meeting. He nodded at the barkeep and made his way to the backroom where he was met with the sight of about thirty or some odd students, many of whom were very familiar. From Gryffindor, there was the Chaser Trio, the Weasley twins, Neville, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Lavender, Dean, Parvarti, and Neigel Creevey. From Ravenclaw, there was Su, Padma, Cho, Anthony Goldstein, Terry Boot, and Luna. From Hufflepuff, there was Susan, Hannah, Megan Jones, and Justin Finch-Fletchley. And from Slytherin, there was Daphne, Tracey, Pansy, Astoria, and Blaize. There was also about fifteen or so faces he didn't recognize, and they appeared to very in age, but he trusted that the girls to pick only those who wouldn't go running to Umbridge.
Susan went up to Harry and said, "Hey, you ready for this?"
Harry sighed, "As much as I can be, never in my life did I ever think myself leader material. Be honest, am I making a mistake?"
"Harry, no man, no matter how strong or smart they are, can do everything on their own. Not even Voldemort and Dumbledore, they are arguably the two most powerful wizards to ever live, but neither could accomplish their goals without their armies, and we are yours. You need to trust others.", she said softly.
Harry scoffed slightly, "Yeah, but who's going to follow me, I'm just a nutter and a liar, remember?"
Susan gave a small smile, "You're no liar Harry, definitely a nutter, but an alright nutter."
Harry chuckled, "Thanks, Susan, I can always count on you to point out the positives. Looks like it's showtime, mind warming up the dubious crowd for me. I'll be more credible with one of the brightest and beautiful witches backing me."
Susan blushed, "Sure, Harry. You owe me and Hannah a Butterbeer later, though."
Harry nodded and the two made their way to the front of the room, facing the crowd, as Susan began, "Hello, everyone. You all know why we're here, we need a teacher, a proper teacher. One who, unlike that pink toad, has actual experience defending against the Dark Arts."
"Why?", asked a random Ravenclaw student.
Hannah looked annoyed at the outburst, "Why? How about You-Know-Who returning, wanker?"
The student scoffed, "So he says."
Hannah countered with, "So does Dumbledore, and Harry's no liar."
Goldstein spoke up this time, "Dumbledore says because he says. Point is, where's the proof?"
Harry exhaled loudly, "You want proof, just look at all the people who have been disappearing in the news or worse. Montague and Warrington had dark marks on their arms when they died, showing recent Death Eater activity and also what happened at the World Cup last year. Hell, our corrupt Ministry has buried the truth and before you say otherwise, do any of you actually think what they've been saying adds up or makes sense or that they would let Umbridge run wild. If you still don't believe me, you might as well clear out now."
No one really said anything until Luna of all people asked, "Is it true you can do the Patronus charm?"
Hermione finally spoke, "Yes, I've seen it."
Everyone looked impressed as Dean whistled, "Blimey Harry, I didn't know you could do that."
"He also killed a basilisk, with the Sword of Gryffindor.", piped up Neville.
"It's true!", Ginny exclaimed.
Even Ron supported him with, "Third year, he fought off 100 Dementors at once."
"Last year, he kicked the shit out of a dragon with that awesome spell!", shouted Tracey.
Susan nodded at all of them and said, "And last year, he really did fight You-Know-Who."
Harry had to speak up, "Wait, it all sounds great when you say it like that, but a lot of that was luck, courage, and quick thinking. I didn't know what I was doing half the time and I almost always had help."
"He's just being modest, everyone.", Susan stated.
Harry shook his head, "No, I'm not, Susan. I know I asked you here, but I'm not going to filly our heads with fairy tales like those old books about me and you have to know the cold truth. Facing this stuff in real life isn't like school, because in school, you can always try again if you fail but it's not like that out there. When you're a second away from being murdered, or watching someone you love die in front of you…you don't know what that's like."
Harry sat down tired, and Susan placed her hand on his shoulder and said, "You're right Harry, we don't. That's why we need your help if we hope to have any chance of beating…Voldemort."
Neigel looked scared and asked, "He's really back?"
Harry just nodded and everyone looked at each other in the room and in that moment, a movement was born. All around, a chorus of agreements were made, and Harry got his army as he placed an enchanted parchment on the table for everyone to sign their names and ensure the secrecy of the group. This parchment, created by Su, would magically bind anyone who signs it from speaking about it to unwanted parties like Umbridge and should they try to, they'll become paralyzed for three hours straight. Su thought the punishment a little harsh, but Harry assured her that they couldn't afford to take any chances here. Hermione thanked Harry for trusting them with this when she signed, while Ron just mumbled a simple thank you, to which he just gave a simple nod, knowing he might need her as he has in the past.
Eventually, after the meeting ended and everyone signed, Harry and his friends were making their way back to the castle, talking about what they were going to practice, how they were going to schedule the training, and the Chasers making sure it didn't interfere with Quidditch, of course.
Harry, however, brought up the most important issue, "We need to find a place to practice where Umbridge won't find out."
"The Shrieking Shack?", Daphne suggested.
Harry shook his head, "Too small."
"The Forbidden Forrest?", Susan asked.
Harry gave her a deadpan stare, "You did listen to my story about the Acromantula colony, right?"
That shut everyone up and Pansy asked, "Harry, what exactly are we going to do if that troll Umbridge does find out?"
Tracey grinned and exclaimed, "Who Cares!? If she tries anything, we kick her arse with our new skills, you know?"
They shared a chuckle and Harry said, "Not a bad idea, Trace. I've been looking forward to that for a while now. For now, though, we should each come up with possible places to practice. We have to make sure wherever it is, there can be no chance she can find us."
If any of them had been paying attention, they would have noticed the object of their paranoia glaring down at them as she began whispering instructions to her loyal pet, Filch, to halt Harry's plans as much as possible.
"Educational Decree #25 – All student organizations are henceforth disbanded."
Neville sighed to himself as he and Luna were walking through the castle, lost in thought. While she was still likely in the dark about their organization, Umbridge clearly suspected something was afoot with all of us being together. Still, Harry and the others would not be deterred, and Neville especially was determined to learn and fight more than any of the others, which surprised most people since they thought little of him. It's true that Neville was never the most courageous or strongest person, despite being a Gryffindor, but if Voldemort and the Death Eaters have indeed returned, then he wanted to stand his ground and fight.
When they reached the seventh floor and were alone, Luna turned to Neville, "Are you okay, Neville? You seem pensive about something."
Neville shook his head, "No, I'm ok Luna. I just want to prove my worth when the battle for our freedom finally comes."
Luna looked slightly concerned, "Neville, you don't need to prove anything. Why would you think otherwise?"
Neville sighed and started pacing, "Fourteen years ago, a Death Eater named Bellatrix LeStrange used the Cruciatus curse on my parents. She…tortured them endlessly for information, but they never gave in, they were real heroes. I quite proud to be their son."
Luna smiled, "I know that they're proud of you."
Neville smiled back, "Thanks, Luna. I just wish there was a way for us to practice in secret, without Umbridge finding us. The way things are going, our rebellion will die before it begins."
Luna nodded sadly, but if the two had been paying attention, they would have noticed a door suddenly appearing behind them, almost reacting to their words and thoughts. They were about to walk away, when Luna tilted her head at the door she happened to know wasn't there before, she may be ditzy, but even she wasn't that oblivious. However, she realized where they were and quickly realized what this door led too.
She turned towards Neville and said, "Well done, Neville. Seems you've made your wish a reality. We need to find Harry and Su."
Su Li was very rarely shocked at something, either because she already knew about it or because she was a very reserved person, but now she was standing in a place she thought only as myth with her mouth agape.
Harry saw her state and chuckled, "You got a little drool there, Su."
Su snapped out of her daze and blushed in embarrassment, "Cut me some slack, Harry, we have just discovered the Room of Requirement."
Harry, Neville and Su looked confused, and Su sighed, "Also known as the come and go room. It can give you almost anything you think of. Honestly, don't you three read?"
Actually, Harry already knew about the room from the founders, but he never used it since he practiced in the chamber. He couldn't tell anyone about the room without drawing suspicion, so he hoped that it would reveal itself to someone in the group without him saying anything. If no one had by the end of the week, he would have come up with an excuse as to how he found it, but it seems fate had intervened in a good way this time.
Harry looked around and smiled brightly, "Well, it looks like Hogwarts wants us to fight back. Neville and Luna, I want you two to go inform everyone we have found a new place to practice. Our first session starts on Monday night after dinner. Remind everyone that they cannot be spotted and either use the disillusionment charm or an invisibility cloak, tell them to aid each other if necessary."
Neville and Luna nodded and left, arm and arm surprisingly, but Harry chose not to comment. Su seemed to know something about it, based on her cute giggles, but he just shook his head and thought about where they went from here.
Su eventually spoke up again, "Merlin, I can't believe I'm really here. Helena mentioned it once or twice, but I never thought I could find it since she refused to show me."
Harry raised an eyebrow, "Helena?"
Su nodded, "Helena Ravenclaw, the Ghost of Ravenclaw. You'd know her as the Grey Lady."
Harry's eyes widened at that, he knew of Rowena's estranged daughter, Helena. Envious of her mother's smarts, she ran away from home and stole her mother's diadem. Rowena, on her death bed, sent the Bloody Barron to find her and bring her back to make amends, but the Barron killed Helena in a fit of rage after she refused to return, and he would later take his own life in regret. He didn't realize she and the Grey Lady were one and the same, though, since Rowena almost never spoke about it.
"I didn't realize that she was the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw. Isn't the Grey Lady anti-social and unwilling to talk to anyone?", he asked.
Su nodded sadly, "Yeah, took me three years to get her to have an actual conversation with me. She liked that I was quiet and respectful, while also being smart without being obnoxious about it. She had a hard time opening up to me since the last person she was close to betrayed her somehow. She still hasn't told me what happened, only that it was about 50 years ago, and it involved a Slytherin boy named Tom."
Harry froze, to his knowledge, only one boy named Tom was in Slytherin 50 years ago and just so happened to be interested in everything pertaining to the founders. And lord knows, Harry doesn't believe in coincidences, not with his rotten luck.
Harry calmed himself and asked, "Su, where is Helena now?"
Su tilted her head, "Overlooking the courtyard, brooding as usual. Why?''
Harry just waved her off, "Oh, no reason, just curious. I have to go now; I'll see you later."
Before Su could respond, Harry had already turned on his heel and exited the room, and then bolted down the castle steps towards the courtyard. His research into finding another of Tom's Horcruxes here at the castle had essentially hit a dead end, he did know Rowena's diadem was last seen in Albania with Helena, but he found nothing on the Hufflepuff cup or the Gaunt Ring, nor did he know what the last Horcrux even was. Now, though, all signs had pointed to Helena knowing where Voldemort had hidden the Ravenclaw artifact, or hopefully, at least has an idea. After what felt like an eternity and different flights of stairs, he finally made it to the third floor, open walkway that overlooked the courtyard and saw the Grey Lady looking down at the other students with a saddened look on her face.
Harry took a deep breath and approached, "Helena Ravenclaw?"
Helena flinched and glared, "Go away."
Harry shook his head, "I'm afraid I can't do that. I have questions…about Tom Riddle."
Helena's eyes widened and then narrowed in anger, "DO NOT SPEAK THAT NAME!"
Harry sighed, "I'm sorry, I more than anyone understand your anger towards him, but I have to know what you talked about…and what you gave him."
Helena looked ready to bolt, "I want nothing to do with him or you."
Harry stopped her, "Wait, please. I'm a friend of Su's, she told me about you and Tom. I just have to know the truth."
Helena looked closer at him, "You're Harry, aren't you? Su talks about you a lot. She and Luna are kind, unlike so many of the others. I'm sorry, though, I cannot help you."
She was about to leave when Harry said, "I know you gave him your mother's diadem, and I know he did something awful to it. I want to destroy it."
That got Helena to freeze and look at him again, "He also made me a promise to destroy it, but he lied. He was kind…sympathetic…I thought I could trust him. Instead, he defiled my mother's diadem with dark magic!"
Harry looked sympathetically at her and said, "I know, and you have no reason to trust me, but I promise you I can destroy it. I need you to tell me where he hid it, though. You do know where he hid it, don't you, Helena?"
Helena said nothing as she spent the next minute circling Harry as she observed him until she said, "It's strange, you remind me of him a little. However, you're also different…full of light and love to his never-ending hatred and darkness."
She finished looking him over and sighed as she continued, "It's here, in the castle, in the place where everything is hidden."
Harry's eyes widened in realization, "The Room of Requirement, that's how you knew about it."
Helena nodded, "Don't disappoint me, Harry."
Harry nodded, "Thank you…you know, there's a portrait of your mother here in the castle, deep within the Chamber of Secrets. She's there in case you wish to speak with her."
Helena said nothing, though she looked like she wanted to, before leaving and Harry turned around and had to (to his great displeasure) run all the way back to the Room of Requirement. When he got back there, he saw the doorway missing and he didn't sense Su still inside, so pacing back and forth, he mentally asked for a Horcrux and for Rowena's diadem, in case it didn't respond to the former. Suddenly, the doorway slowly appeared again, and Harry cautiously entered, wand in hand.
Upon entering, Harry was slightly shocked at how the room, that was completely empty not more than twenty minutes ago, was now completely filled with twenty-foot piles of junk, all scattered throughout the room. Harry cursed his luck, but remembered he could feel Voldemort's Horcruxes, even if he wasn't technically one anymore. He concentrated his magic to pulse throughout the room and see if another magically powerful source would react, and to his surprise, he felt something coming from the north-western part of the room. He quickly made his way through the maze of junk and came across a large pile where he saw something silver and shining at the top.
"Accio!", he shouted as he pointed his wand at the object.
The object that appeared in his hand was undoubtedly the long-lost diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw, imbued with blue and bronze jewels with the Ravenclaw crest on it. He could also feel the dark and tainted magic of the Horcrux surrounding it with its malicious aura. Not wasting anymore any time, he apparated directly to the chamber and placed the diadem in an enchanted box that Fleur made that she created, with Rowena's help, that would prevent that mass of darkness from lashing out when a Horcrux is destroyed like the locket did. Placing the box down near the center of the Chamber of Secrets, he pointed his wand at the box.
"Fiendfyre!", he shouted.
Large flames burst from his wand and enveloped the box and began burning it, the box seemed to be moving as the Horcrux attempted to escape it. After ten minutes, draining even Harry's magic and control, but finally the box melted and stopped moving as Harry cancelled the flames. There was virtually nothing left of the box, and it looks like there was only a small part of the crown left, showing just how strong its resistance was. After casting a water spell on the diadem to cool it down, he picked it up and went to the study where the founders were.
Rowena spoke, "Harry, are you all right? We heard a noise and…where did you get that?"
Harry smiled, "The Room of Requirement, with the help of your daughter. Why didn't you tell me she and Tom knew each other?"
Rowena sighed, "I didn't realize she gave Tom the diadem and he turned it into a Horcrux, not until I suspected otherwise last year when he first discovered the Horcrux situation. I'm sorry."
Harry smiled, "It's okay, I told her you were here, in case you want to speak with her. The important thing is we have another one down, and our army is ready to fight. Let's get to work."