Casandra checked with the coordinator, then came back and said. "We go that way and head to the second field. We've a large space reserved with Mister Payne."
The boys buddied up to carry the two crates and three bags that contained the camping things, while the girls trailed behind them admiring the view.
The site in Mr. Payne's field was close to the woods that housed the International Quidditch Pitch. Harry marshaled the males to set up the campsite while dispatching the girls with three large magically expanded and lightened buckets to collect water from the spigot. The other boys were surprised at how quickly and efficiently Harry organized them and had the camp set up. The walled sixteen by twenty four foot tent, included a camp kitchen that was on the leeward side of the tent and sheltered from the view of muggles. The tent also hid a large area that Harry figure could house a campfire circle or with some modifications a workout space. Once the girls got back from getting water he called them all into the tent.
"Okay, a couple quick announcements. As some, if not most, of you know I'm a somewhat paranoid S.O.B. So it won't come as a surprise that given my enemies I have something of a spy network built and in place. Just before we left I got word that Death Eaters are planning to create a rumpus here at the Q.W.C.. Yes, Susan, I gave your aunt what I had, which wasn't much. But since I'm nominally in charge of the safety of this group, I am telling you. One, I want you aware that the possibility exists so no one panics if something starts. Two, I'd like to get suggestions of things we can do to make sure we stay safe even if things do happen. Finally, I also want to make sure everyone knows each other, so I'll go around and introduce everyone and how they relate to me. I'll start with our adults. Most of you know the first one, Remus Lupin, from when he was our professor. The next is my godfather, Sirius Black. The third is my lovely and talented assistant Cassandra Yaxley. We will be joined, when her other duties allow, by Madame Amelia Bones.
"So, guys, trying to sneak into the girls' room: very bad idea."
Harry paused while the snickers died down. "Next are my teammates: Monty, Adrian, Ferris, and Charles we will be joined by Marcus later tonight and by Draco for tea tomorrow before the game. Friends that have chosen to join us are: Neville, Aaron, Blaise, Ernie, Michael, Hermione, Susan and Hannah. Tracey will be joining us for the game as well as tea before, and Daphne will just be here for tea. Saving the best for last is Zinnia," The house elf popped in. "Who's chief cook and bottle washer of this outfit, be nice or she may not feed you. I've seen the menu and it isn't something you want to miss." Zinnia blushed emerald and popped back out. "Most of us know each other at least a bit, so let's take advantage and get to know each other better. Now, I think I'll turn it our to our resident defense expert to start discussing our safety. Remus?"
Remus was a bit surprised, but he supposed he shouldn't be. "As most of you are underage, I'd say stay in groups and stay near one of us adults."
Cassandra spoke up. "For the record I am not a qualified adult where defense is concerned."
"Remus, are there any wards we can put on this tent to make it a minor fortress?" Harry asked.
Remus looked at Sirius. Sirius frowned thinking hard he had always been the ward expert of the marauders. "Maybe, we should also probably plan an escape route just to be on the safe side." Sirius said.
Harry's mirror buzzed. "Okay, you two work that out; I've got to get this."
Harry stepped into the adult room since both of the them were busy in the main room. "Madame Bones." he said calmly activating the mirror.
"Where did you get this and is it credible?"
"My assistant has a few clandestine functions she performs for me. One of those was building a network of informants for me. She believes the source to be a credible one. I trust her judgement."
"Then why are you and my niece at the Q.W.C.?"
"Because a life lived in fear, is a life half lived. Rest assured, Madame Bones, I am not taking our safety lightly. Remus is here and he has been the best defense professor Hogwarts has had since I've been attending there. Moments ago I informed everyone of what was in that note. We will be on our guard and even as we speak plans are being made to insure that this group, at least, will stay safe."
Amelia frowned. Lord Potter was right, but damn she hated the thought of Susan being in any kind of danger. With her increased budget she had more aurors in training than she'd had since the last war ended but they weren't ready. Most her forces were already on security at the Q.W.C. But maybe she could get a few more there if she put final year trainees with the aurors on duty elsewhere. And she could put Trainee Tonks with Susan when she herself wasn't there. "Is there room for one more person there, Lord Potter?"
"Yes, Madame, there is. I even have an extra ticket to the game."
"I'll be sending an Senior Auror Trainee to you, she'll be acting as personal security for Susan. Because I am DMLE Susan might be a priority target. I also will privately authorize you and your group of friends, if something starts feel free to fire spells back. I won't be able to live with myself if you can't defend yourselves. I'll take care of any underage magic warnings. BUT that is only if something starts."
"Understood, Madame. I promise to keep Susan safe for you."
"I'll come at tea, and bring Tonks with me then. And I'll keep this mirror on me, buzz me if anything starts."
"I'll let Zinnia know, and of course I'll let you know. I very much doubt anything will happen until after the game anyway."
"What makes you say that?"
"More people will be here. People will be off guard; half will probably be drunk, either from drowning their sorrows over losing or celebrating a win. Easier to start a bunch of chaos then. Anything else?"
"No." Amelia thought through his reasoning and figured he was probably right. "Thank you, Lord Potter."
"No problem."
Harry went back out.
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