At The Heart Of The Matter

Authors Note: This chapter has been edited. Thanks again to ALL my reviewers....Harry Potter is still not mine!

The Cost Of Time

**********************

Harry, coming back to his senses, began calming himself and wiping the tears from his face. He needed this release to help clear his mind so that he could start battling back from the emotional turmoil and total betrayal that was Dumbledore. How long he’d been outside, he didn't know, but digging deep inside, he began to find the strength to move forward. Harry had begun fighting back, and he would not stop until all his enemies were crushed! With a renewed sense of purpose, he finished composing himself and returned to the house.

Upon seeing Neville and Hermione keeping guard over his privacy, he said, "You two truly are my best friends. Thank you for giving me the time and privacy in which to deal with all my anger and....well, anyway, I'm ready to finish what was started....all of it!"

Knowing that he wasn't just talking about the meeting inside the Manor, Neville said, "Then we're with you, Harry, through it all....never doubt that!"

"Neville's right! I've been on every adventure with you thus far....NO WAY am I going to miss this biggest one!" Hermione said, finishing with a bit of humor.

"Thanks guys....I needed that!" he said this while giving Neville a pat on the back and Hermione a huge hug. "Let's get back inside. I know Cornelius and Amelia still want to talk to me."

When he entered the dining room again, Harry saw the concerned faces of his allies and said with a small smile, "I'm okay. I just needed a few minutes to gather myself so that we can move forward. Now, what's next?"

"I will need all the information from you, Harry, and Minister Fudge, Tony, I will need what you have, as well as what the goblins gave you all, to compile a list of all charges to be filed against Dumbledore and Snape. Tony has informed me that we’re going to let Hordak, Chief of the Goblins, deal out any judgments that are necessary concerning any goblins involved. After we have the charges filed, a court date will be set and I will let you all know when that’ll be. Other than that, Minister, if I'm not mistaken, I believe we were going to talk with Harry and Tony about our plans concerning Harry's training?" said Amelia.

Fudge gestured in affirmation and said, "That is correct, Amelia. Harry, we’ve come up with what we consider a good, but bold, plan for your training. It is a bit unorthodox, but after what you have told me concerning the prophecy, I feel it may be the best approach."

"Before we go any further, I need to know how Professor McGonagall and Mr. Shacklebolt feel about what has happened here today?" said Harry turning to the two people in question.

"Harry, I just don't know what to say. I am completely overwhelmed by what I’ve learned, and for what it’s worth, with the evidence presented, I am convinced that you are doing the right thing and doing it with a maturity that a 15 year old should not possess. Dumbledore has lied and disappointed me beyond words. I will support you in anyway I can. Let me say this, Poppy is a very good friend of mine, and after what must have been the receipt of your letter, I watched her fall apart. It broke my heart to see a person who is usually so together, in such a state. When I asked her what was wrong, she wouldn't go into detail, stating that she had to talk to you first. Finding out today about the block, please believe me when I say that Poppy would have taken you in a heartbeat if her anguish yesterday is any proof. She is a wonderful woman and I know, if given the chance, she will be a wonderful influence in your life." said Minerva with as much emotion as anyone had seen from her in a long time.

"I too, have had the rug pulled out from under me. Being an Auror, I’ve always tried to fight the good fight, to ensure our worlds safety, and uphold the laws that guide us. Being in the Order, I thought that would give me another avenue in which to help. Trust me when I say that I had no idea any of this was going on, and if I had, I would have seen justice done." said the normally use-as-few-words-as-possible Shacklebolt.

"I welcome both of your explanations, and Professor, I'm sure Poppy will appreciate the warm words you have spoken. I hate to sound paranoid, but I'm going to pull a Moody and use Constant Vigilance! I’ve learned to become cautious with my trust and with Amelia's approval, would like you to reaffirm what you have said under a truth spell or potion. I am sorry if this offends you, but I can no longer trust blindly." explained Harry.

"Harry, I have no problem with that. I completely understand your reasoning." said McGonagall

Shacklebolt, nodding in agreement said, "That goes the same for me, Mr. Potter. Director Bones, I would also like to apologize for my lack of judgment concerning the events of the last few days. I really thought I was doing what was best with the information I was given."

"Auror Shacklebolt, I will accept that you were as duped as the rest of us by Mr. Dumbledore, and will hold you no more responsible than myself. Harry, I believe using the Truth Serum instead of Veritiserum will be sufficient. The side effects with Veritiserum are severe." Amelia stated.

"That is fine, thank you." said Harry. Not long after, both McGonagall, Shacklebolt and to the surprise of everyone, Fudge had all taken the serum to prove their loyalties. "I appreciate you all doing this, especially you, Cornelius, since you were not even asked to partake in the Truth Serum." said a grateful Harry.

With a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder, Cornelius stated quietly, "I wanted you to be 100% sure that I had been upfront and honest with you during our discussions back at Hogwarts and to date. After what I put you through last year, I wouldn't expect instant trust, but also recognize the implied trust you had in me by not asking that I take the Truth Serum."

Harry said back, "I'm glad we have it all settled now."

Turning back to the group, Harry said, "Thank you, all of you! It's 3:05pm, so why don't we have a light snack as we go over the training plans...some of us have yet to actually eat. Dumbledore can do a hurting on an appetite!" and with a chuckle, the group sat down again and Smitty began to serve tea and a variety of biscuits and light fare sandwiches.

A few minutes later, Fudge started, "Okay. Here’s what Amelia, Moody and I have come up with, Harry. I'll start by letting you know that not many people know of, or can afford what we are going to suggest. Goblin magic is one of the oldest of the ritual based magic's out there and one of the most powerful. They don't necessarily use spells on an everyday basis like we do, but when they perform their branch of magic, it is amazing to say the least. That is why they tend to be the best warders around. Anyway, for the right price, they can perform a ritual that will allow for a time warp to happen. What this entails, is that while in this time contortion, you will be able to train for a longer period of time. Mad-Eye, since you already know of our plans, could you go and retrieve either Koldbuk or someone from the Ritual Magic Office in Gringotts, they will be better able to explain this in full detail?"

"Right away, sir." and with that, Moody left to do as he was asked. Getting back to laying out the details of Harry's training, Cornelius continued, "While in this time warp, which is a predetermined time span, very little time passes in real time. We were thinking that a time frame of 3-5 years will be sufficient to get you fully trained. I would like to see you wait to start your training until after going through your coming of age, that way we can utilize any new talents or capabilities you may receive. During your training, we will have instructors who can teach you advanced magic, dueling, hand to hand combat, martial arts, sword fighting, knives, and any special areas that we may find you have an affinity for. To find out what types of instruction you will need, we will send you to the Unspeakable Department for testing, and from what they find, we can acquire the proper teachers for you. Some of the instructors we think would be a good choice, irregardless, are Filius Flitwick, who’s an expert dueler, Mad-Eye Moody who instructed most of our current Aurors, and we thought of asking you, Shacklebolt, knowing your talent with weaponry. Their will be more instructors, but we thought we would get your opinion on those. Any questions so far?"

Amazed by the plan so far, Harry said, "This is quite detailed so far, but I do have a few questions. Would it be possible to have more than just myself learning and training in this time warp? There are several people that I would like to have trained as they, too, are potential targets of Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The other question I have is, can this time warp happen anywhere or is it place specific?"

Amelia spoke up at this point and said, "Harry, as far as we know, the number of people in a time warp can be unlimited. Keep in mind, the more people to train, the more instructors you will need, and if you want the best, some may require payment for their service. As for where the time warp will happen, that question I will leave for the goblin representative. I am really not sure how this all works myself, only what I have heard."

Nodding, Harry said, "Fair enough, Amelia. I have no problem paying any and all instructors for their services. It's only fair considering they will be giving up 3-5 years of their time. What I have in mind, is to invite most of the DA from last year, excluding those who either do not wish to be trained, or those I do not wish to attend. Off the top of my head, I would say the list would include around 30 people, not all being current students, as I have it in mind to also asked a few graduates that I know. If we hired 8-10 instructors, that would give each instructor only 3-4 students at a time, a very manageable number which will also allow for individual instruction. Is that acceptable?"

Cornelius responded back, "I don't see a problem with any of that. Depending on what branches of magic we get instructors for, Amelia and I may wish to send a few of our Aurors in, too. We can negotiate with each teacher individually in regards to salary, and I think a group meeting, including the guardians of those you want involved in this training, would be a good idea. I'll not let anyone into the training who does not have the proper permission to be there." The group hashed out the finer details until Moody returned a short while later with Hordak and one other military looking goblin.

After taking a seat, Hordak said in greeting, "Good afternoon, Minister Fudge, Mr. Potter, Mr. Rooks, and to the rest of you Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Hordak, Chief Goblin of Gringotts, and this is Smyte, head to the Ritual Department. I understand from Mr. Moody, that you are interested in the Time Phase Ritual?"

Harry took the helm and replied back, "It is good to see you again, Hordak, and I appreciate you personally coming here today. I'm to receive training in my pursuit of bringing down Voldemort and I need more time, and quickly. Cornelius, Amelia and Moody have come up with a plan, and we were hoping you could provide the ritual for the time warp and give us an explanation of what it entails."

"Of course, Harry. I will turn this over to Smyte, and let him give the details." said Hordak.

"Thank you, Chief Hordak. The ritual is a very old and complex form of magic. Mr. Moody has explained that you are hoping to gain 3-5 years in this endeavor, which should not be a problem. I will say this, you will age the same number of years physically and mentally at the same rate you are in the time contortion; for example, if you enter at 16, for a time warp of 5 years, when you exit the warp, you will be 21. All documents and records will update instantly concerning the aging and it will become available knowledge , with a little digging in the Ministry's Records Department, that the ritual had been performed." Smyte said giving each person a serious look. Such a thing was not to be taken lightly and he wanted to make sure they all understood this.

Satisfied that he was taken seriously, Smyte continued, "Now, for such a complex ritual as the Time Phase, it will take 7 goblins to perform this service. As you are all aware, 7 is the most powerful number in magic, hence the number of goblins used. The Time Phase can be performed at any location you desire, but will only cover an area of 1500' by 1500'. That is a fairly large area, but while your in the time warp, you will find it can become very small. The one major draw back to this ritual is, once you enter, you can not leave until the time has run its course. The number of persons in the time warp does not matter, but keep in mind how long you will be in and the size of the area you will have access to. Having said this, only a few hours will have gone by in real time, approximately 1-hour to 1-year is the formula. I say this is a drawback, due to being confined to such a relatively small area for so long, it can be a little maddening. The advantage to using this ritual over an advanced time-turner, is there is no need to worry about running into yourself, altering the past or the future, which can be detrimental to say the least. The disadvantage is the cost of this ritual. For what you are asking, the cost will run you 500 Million Galleons, plus any food and supplies you will need. The reasoning for this is simple. The goblins involved in the ritual will lose their magic once they have performed it, so the money goes to supplementing any incomes that will be lost due to said goblins being unemployable by Gringotts. It is also this costly, because we do not wish for this ritual to become commonly used, thereby eliminating our race. In the last 1000 years, we have only performed the Time Phase two times. Obviously, most wizards or other magical beings can not afford this service and that is the way it will stay. Are there any questions?"

Everyone at the table was completely lost in his or her own thoughts. Some were shocked by the cost and the loss of magic the goblins would suffer and that had Harry more concerned than anything.

"Smyte, how could you find 7 goblins willing to give up their magic for a wizard...I just don't know if I am comfortable with asking this of them. It seems an awfully high price to pay, only to get some gold in exchange?" asked Harry with a thoughtful frown on his face.

"I understand and commend you on your concern, Harry, but there are plenty of goblins that would do this ritual. It is a great honor among our race to be called upon to perform such complex magic. The 7 goblins involved would be regaled in our society as well as being financially well off. Do not trouble yourself over this, it is not necessary." said Hordak, with a prideful glint in his eyes towards Harry.

"Hordak, Smyte, thank you for the informative overview. I believe we should discuss this and vote on whether we want to do this or not. Would you stay incase there are any other questions?" asked Tony. When he received confirmation that the two goblins would stay, the group set to work on laying out the pluses and minuses of using such a powerful form of magic in their plan for training, and who would be responsible for incurring the cost of said plan. Over half and hour, and many points of contention later, they finally voted on whether to use the ritual or not.

Cornelius announced the results and said, "Everyone seems to have voted for the ritual, so Hordak, when you leave, could you start working on the details from your end. Plan to due the ritual August 10th, as this will give us time to line up any other instructors needed after Harry's coming of age. We thank you both, again, for taking time today to join us."

"I will let you know when we have everything finalized from our end. Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen. Good day." said Hordak, and the two goblins left.

"Okay, we know we’re going to do the time warp, and I feel that I should pay for the ritual as it is myself that technically needs this training to defeat Voldemort. What I would like from each of you, is a list of possible trainee's and instructor's that you feel would work out best." stated Harry.

Cornelius spoke up next and said, "Harry, I think you should let the Ministry pick up some of the cost….as you will be helping out our world by eliminating You-Know-Who. If you will pick up the tab for the actual ritual, as we just don't have that kind of money in our coffers, we could pay for the instructors and supplies needed."

"That's sounds fair. I can afford the ritual without much damage to my estates and in the long run, this is money well invested if I am able do defeat Voldemort. Tony, I would like to request that you go into the time warp for a couple of reasons. One, you will become a target if for no other reason than I'm your client, so any extra training could be beneficial for you as well. Secondly, you could also teach anyone who wanted to learn the new and old laws of our world and about handling finances. Off hand I can think of Neville, Susan, if you let her join us Amelia, and myself that could use this advice and counseling. If you aren't comfortable with this request, maybe you could make a suggestion as to who could do this?" said Harry.

"Considering, I'm technically only going to be away for a few hours, and that I'm still relatively young where gaining a few years won't hurt, I have no problem with joining you. Your reasons are very valid." answered Tony.

Hermione, who’d been relatively quite throughout, said, "Harry, who don't you want from the DA last year to be involved?"

Smiling at his friend, Harry answered, "Good question. Ron, for obvious reasons, Cho Chang and Marietta Edgecomb, the Creevey brothers, and unfortunately, Ginny and Luna, unless we can find a way to get them tested early for their OWL's. I refuse to pull a Dumbledore, and break laws on the pretext that I won't be caught. If they don't complete their OWL's, then they can't do magic, and if they can't do magic, they won't be going into time warp. Anyone have any ideas?"

"With private tutoring, and a time turner used in a private suite or something similar, considering how smart Ginny and Luna are, the could probably be ready to test out in a month or so, then they would be able to go into time warp with the rest of us....that's to say if they want to, of course." said Hermione.

"Ms. Granger, that is an excellent idea, and I would be more than willing, free of charge, to be one of the tutors for the two young ladies. Besides Transfiguration, I could tutor them in Potions, Arithmancy and History of Magic. I could help find a couple of more tutors to teach multiple subjects....Remus Lupin comes to mind. Not only is he an expert in DADA, he is very good in Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures. I'd have to think about who else could help out." said McGonagall, getting more and more excited by the prospect of helping Harry and his friends out.

"Great! That only leaves Herbology, Astronomy and Charms. I think we can skip Divination....I don't think either one is taking it anyway." Hermione said enthusiastically.

"Let's stop things here, for now, and we can meet later to finalize who goes in the time warp. Professor McGonagall, if you could solidify the instructors within a couple of days, I will have someone speak with both Ms. Weasley and Ms. Lovegood and their parents, about taking their OWL's early. Also, being Deputy Headmistress, for now you are going to have to assume the role of Headmistress." said Cornelius.

McGonagall nodded in affirmation and said, "Someone also needs to organize an Order meeting for tonight, explain what has happened and find out where loyalties lie. Harry, I think it would help more if you were willing to be there to recount your side of what has happened."

"I agree with you Professor. Moody, could you organize the meeting and let us know?" Harry asked.

"Already being done. I took the liberty while waiting at Gringotts to alert everyone that a meeting for 8pm tonight at Snuffles house is required by all to attend...about the only smart thing Dumbledore did was to set these amulets we carry to have just that ability. Minerva, you must have left yours at home if you didn't know this already....Constant Vigilance!!" At this the group broke up while chuckling at the closest thing to a joke Moody could produce. Sending Smitty with a note telling Bill that their meeting was again postponed, but that he would see him at the order meeting tonight, Harry and his friends spent the next few hours relaxing as much as was possible considering the days' events.

At eight o'clock, Harry, Moody and the new Headmistress descended into the kitchen of #12 Grimmauld Place. For Harry, it was a bitter sweet feeling to be in his godfathers house. He knew how much Sirius hated this house, but this was also where the memories of a happy Sirius, over Christmas break just 6 months previous, were. Squelching his inner turmoil till later, they entered what would prove to be a very challenging Order of the Phoenix meeting.

Moody opened the meeting by saying, "Okay, everyone, let's settle down. I know some of you are wondering why I’m opening this meeting. Professor Dumbledore was arrested earlier this afternoon and the charges are numerous." Chaos ensued with this revelation. Screams and shouts of injustice were heard by many. It was Arthur Weasley that noticed Moody, Minerva, Harry and Bill weren't as completely shocked and upset as the rest of the group.

"Minerva, what is going on? You don't seem shocked by this?" Arthur asked, gaining the quiet that was needed.

Sighing, Minerva said, "That’s because I’m not surprised, Arthur. I was there when it happened, and before I turn over the explanation of what happened to Harry, I will say this, Dumbledore is getting what he deserved. In all the time that I have known Albus, never did I think him capable of committing the acts that he is being charged with. I will let Harry explain from here, but understand that what he says can be backed up with documented proof. Harry, if you will?"

Standing so everyone could see him, Harry started, "Thank you, Professor. It’s not easy to stand before you all, knowing that I’m the main reason that Dumbledore is not here. Since the happenings in the D.O.M., I’ve been questioning many things, most of those having to due with the decisions that were made on my behalf by Dumbledore. As the answers started coming in, more and more devastating information was revealed. If you'll bear with me, I'll start at the beginning. It all started when Neville questioned why I had to go back to the Dursley's when the blood wards were obviously null and void considering Voldemort has some of my blood. This got me thinking about my parents wishes, and it just didn't make any sense that my Mum and Dad would leave me with people who hate all things magic and therefore, me. After getting a copy of the will...." here, Harry explained everything that had happened in the last two weeks, with the exception of his Chuzzor heritage.

Harry ended with, "....then this afternoon, after confronting Dumbledore about everything in the presence of Minister Fudge and Amelia Bones, he was arrested. I didn’t start out my information gathering in the hopes of doing this to Dumbledore, but after all the facts were laid before me, I can say that I am looking forward to his demise. No one, especially a defenseless child should have to go through what I have. I will only ask this, before you assume his innocence, ask the hard questions and see the proof before you. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask." To say that it was a stunned crowd in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place, would be an understatement.

With tears in her eyes for Harry, Molly brokenly asked, "Harry, dear, are you 100% sure that Dumbledore did all these things? I am in no way trying to say these things didn't happen, but are you sure it was Albus? And Ron! Spying on you.....you know I love you as my own...this is just so unbelievable, but it has to be true, oh my poor, dear, sweet, Harry...." she trailed off lost in her motherly emotions.

Standing, and making his way over to the only woman to show him any motherly affection, he squatted down in front of Molly and before he could say anything, was enveloped in one of her famous hugs. After releasing Harry from her hug, but not relinquishing her grip on his hand, that she had somehow come to hold, she said, "I love you, Harry, like you were of my womb! Never doubt that we will stand behind you. I will speak with Ron and find out was going on in that boy's head! I knew he was a little envious of you, but never in my life did I think he would stoop to this. I'm sorry that Ron, Dumbledore, and Snape have betrayed you."

"I love you, too, Mrs. Weasley. Unfortunately, the friendship with Ron is severed and I won't even bring up Percy, but I can safely say that the rest of you are as close to my heart as ever." With a smile, Mr. Weasley and Bill both clapped him on the back in show of the same support Molly had shown. Tonks came over next and after a few words exchanged, she, too, gave her support to Harry.

"WAIT! I want to know why no one is questioning this so-called story or the non-existing proof. I will not stand by and watch as this little nose wipe stands here and degrades the greatest of men! Your nothing but a bunch of turncoats....that's what you are! How DARE you all assume Albus is guilty!" said Dedalus Diggle while receiving nods in agreement from Hestia Jones, Sturgis Podmore, Mundungus Fletcher.

"As was said before, Diggle, I was there when all the evidence and proof was shown...unless you are calling me a liar!” growled Moody, then went on with an even more determined air, “I can confirm that the story you have all heard this evening is the exact recount of what actually happened! A private investigative group in the Ministry, that I am involved in, has been investigating Albus for some time now, and I'll confirm what was said is the truth. Watch what you say about Harry, 'cause I'll not have you insult the only innocent in this whole situation! If you think us such turncoats, you can quit the Order for all I care!" finished an irate Moody.

With Moody's angry words, only Diggle and Fletcher decided to quit, but not before Mad-Eye and Bill obliviated them of any thing having to do with the Order of the Phoenix.

When everyone else asked their questions and confirmed that they would stick with the new Order, continuing the fight against Voldemort, Harry decided that he had enough for one day and headed back to Longbottom Manor. He thought wryly to himself, 'Hopefully, tomorrow won't be so hectic, but with my luck, that's not probable!'