Harry Potter and the Legend of the Twelve

Dumbledore's Army: The Next Generation

Christmas passed and soon the students returned to Hogwarts and settled into the normal routine of the castle.

Harry and Ginny's adoption of Carly was met with great enthusiasm by their extended family. Rose and Hugo were thrilled to have her as another cousin, as were Fred and Victoire. Albus and Carly were happier than ever. She had really taken to being part of the Potter family. Carly and Ginny would talk sometimes about things a mother and daughter would, and Ginny knew that Carly was happy, and it made Ginny, and all of them, happy to see the pain of her past dulled by her new family.

Things in the castle were just about perfect for everyone. Everyone that is, except for Harry.

He was really trying not to think of what might be coming. The dream he had had on Christmas morning done nothing to help. Since the dream, he had been thinking about James wielding the sword against Voldemort. He asked himself over and over again, was that James future he had seen? Would his son die at the hands of Voldemort a few years from now? Harry couldn't see how he could possibly let that happen, unless he weren't around to stop it. That was the only thing Harry could think of. It scared him, not for himself, but for the rest of the people he loved. This led Harry to the conclusion that the New Marauders should learn how to defend themselves, at least with wands. Sword fighting was something different, and he would have to discuss that with the others.

It was mid-January, on a cold Friday afternoon. Harry and Ginny were in Hermione's office in a typical end of the week staff meeting. The other teachers left the office, leaving Harry, Ginny, Hermione, and Ron alone at the table.

"I've been thinking about something," said Harry tentatively. He wasn't sure how they were going to react to his idea.

"Well, that's always dangerous," said Ron with a laugh.

"Honestly, Ron," admonished Hermione. "It sounds like Harry has something on his mind. Don't be flippant about it."

"Easy, Hermione," said Ron in exasperation. "He knows I'm only joking."

They never change, Harry thought, with a grin.

"What is it, Harry?" asked Ginny.

"I've been thinking, we still don't have the book from Kingsley," said Harry. "He owled me that he is making progress, but it may still take months. We know something is coming. I think the children need to know how to defend themselves."

"You want to start the D.A. again?" asked Ron, raising his eyebrows.

"No. Dumbledore's Army was our past," said Harry. He thought back to the day Fawkes had flown off with his D.A. galleon. "Besides, I think they already have a name, the New Marauders."

"Does that mean you will include Jason and Danny?" asked Hermione.

"I think we should," said Harry. "They are all so close, if something happens to one, the rest will jump to their aid." Harry saw Ginny's face darken. "Are you all right Ginny?"

"I was just thinking about Lily and Hugo," said Ginny quietly. "They are so young."

Hermione reached across the table and took Ginny's hand. "I know. I am worried too, but we can't ignore that they are as much a part of the New Marauders, and just as involved with The Twelve as James, Albus, Carly, and Rose are."

"But they don't have wands," said Ron.

"I was thinking about that," said Harry. "There is no law that a nine year old wizard or witch can't have a wand. They just aren't allowed to use them outside of school. Nine year olds aren't in school under most circumstances."

"Very good," said Ron with a smile. "Should we take them to Ollivander's?"

"I was thinking we could take them tomorrow morning, then meet with them all to begin their training tomorrow afternoon," said Harry.