Chapter 1
The sun was still high in Albania, but in a forest in the north of the country all was dark and quiet. Two figures ran through the trees, one was taller than the other was, the tallest appeared to be the leader. They ran on through the trees, both holding a wand in their hand, until the smallest fell on a root.
"Lumos," he muttered, a light appeared at the end of his wand, illuminating him and the area around him. His face was pale and there were bags under his tear-filled eyes. His blonde hair was dirty and scruffy. The taller man approached, he was a sallow-faced man with a hooked nose. He swept his hand through his dark, greasy hair. This was Severus Snape.
"Draco, we must go," said Snape. "The Dark Lord is waiting for us."
"Where are we going?" Draco asked, turning his wand in his fingers and staring at the floor.
"It is not far, you will see soon," Snape replied. "Now get up!"
"I'm not moving!" Draco exclaimed. "We've been moving for weeks and you never stop!"
"We cannot risk being seen," said Snape. "We also cannot risk Apparating, you do not have your licence and if we Splinched, that would cause serious problems. The Ministry is looking for us, Draco."
"Let them, it was you that killed Dumbledore, not me," Draco muttered. Snape leapt towards him; his fingers closed on Draco's throat.
"Do you want me to kill you?" said Snape, bitterly. "The Dark Lord will not be pleased, you did not complete the task he set you, he will torture you. Killing you would save you from the pain and torment." He released Draco and walked away. Draco stood a few moments later and followed, rubbing his neck where Snape had strangled him.
After another hour walking, the two of them reached a clearing in the forest. A man stood alone, wearing long robes. He turned; his face was paler than Draco's was and very snake-like. His eyes had scarlet slit-like pupils.
"Severus, Draco," he said. His voice was high and cold.
"My Lord," said Snape, stepping forwards. "The task was completed, Dumbledore is dead."
"I thank you, Severus," said Lord Voldemort. "I was wrong to believe that your loyalties lied with Dumbledore and not myself." Voldemort turned to face Malfoy, who was cowering at the bottom of the trees. "Am I correct in believing it was not you, Draco, that killed him?" Draco nodded; he was shaking with fear. "You will be punished for this. However, you were able to let my followers into the school, for this, I will not kill you."
"My lord," said Severus. "Draco was ready to complete the task when I arrived. I thought it best to complete it, he was taking too long, the members of the Order of the Phoenix were fighting us."
"I do not blame you," said Voldemort. "But Draco did not do as I said. Do you wish to argue with me Severus?"
"No, my lord," Snape replied. "I am sorry, I was trying to explain."
"The boy is no longer your student, Severus, you do not have to cover up his mistakes," said Voldemort.
"Give me your arm!" Snape held out his left arm, the Dark Mark could be seen on his wrist skull, with a serpent protruding from the mouth like a tongue. Voldemort touched the mark with his long finger and it turned black. Minutes later, Voldemort was surrounded by a tight circle of hooded, masked figures.
"Welcome," said Voldemort, loudly. "I believe you have all heard of the death of Professor Dumbledore." The Death Eaters laughed. "Indeed. Now, there is only one person that stands in my way of victory. Harry Potter."
"My Lord," said Snape, stepping forwards. "I have been researching the magic protecting Potter while he is at the home of his Aunt and Uncle. The protection will end when he turns seventeen."
"Thank you, Severus.," said Voldemort. "Is it decided then, that we shall go to Potter on the thirty-first of July."
"But, My Lord, Potter will know that the magic will run out," said Severus. "He may go to the Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, or even the Weasley's home."
"You have been unable to tell me that whereabouts of the headquarters, Severus," said Voldemort. "However, I already have a spy at the Weasleys home."
"My Lord, the Fidelius charm cannot be broken. Albus was the Secret Keeper and the location shall remain ever secret now that he is gone."
"Lets just hope that we get to Potter before that. If we don't, we will attack the Weasleys. Wormtail says that the blood traitors are very busy at the moment, planning a wedding," said Voldemort, with a disgusted look on his face. "I will not be defeated by him again. Now, it is time for you to see what happens if you betray me." Malfoy looked up; tears were still leaking from his eyes. "Crucio!" Voldemort roared. Malfoy shrieked in pain and writhed on the floor. Voldemort laughed, his death eaters joined in. Voldemort stopped the curse and looked down at Malfoy, who was shaking and whimpering on the ground.
"You are a failure, just like your father," he said. Malfoy looked at Voldemort. He slowly picked himself up off the ground and stood in front of Voldemort. His face was pale and tracks from his tears ran down his cheeks
"Shut up about my father!" he roared, raising his wand. The death eaters laughed, however, Voldemort raised one hand and silenced them.
"Do you wish to stand up to me?" Voldemort said. Suddenly, one of the Death Eaters stepped forwards. They pulled their hood back to reveal their face. It was a woman, she had long blonde hair and there were many tears running down her face.
"Leave him alone," she said shakily.
"Narcissa," Voldemort hissed. "I was not expecting you, who told you of this meeting?" Another Death Eater stepped forward. "Ah, Bellatrix."
"Sorry, My Lord," said Bellatrix. "I should not have told her."
"No, I will deal with you later," said Voldemort. He turned to Narcissa. "Why do you come here?"
"To save my son," Narcissa replied. "You cannot punish Draco because Lucius was arrested."
"That is not why I am punishing him," said Voldemort. "He did not complete the task i gave him."
"And why did you set him the task of killing Dumbledore?" said Narcissa, bitterly. "It was because you lost one of your Death Eaters, you wanted revenge, so you took it out on my son. He couldn't refuse. You would have killed him. Well, I am not going to let you!" Voldemort laughed. He raised his wand, pointing it at Narcissa.
"You will pay for this," Voldemort said. Narcissa grabbed her son and the two of them ran through the forest. Voldemort turned to face his Death Eaters.
"Bellatrix!" Voldemort exclaimed. Bellatrix Lestrange stepped forward. "Bring her back to me, do what you wish with your dear nephew. Avery, Crabbe, Nott. Help her."
"Yes, my Lord," said Bellatrix, excitedly. The four Death Eaters ran through the forest after Narcissa and Draco, firing many curses at them at once.
"Is there anyone else who wished to stand up to me like Narcissa?" Voldemort said. No one moved. "I assure you, that will not be tolerated, Narcissa will get what she deserves, Draco will too. The Malfoys are traitors!" Once again, no one moved. The only sound to be heard was the trees swaying in the wind. Voldemort smiled "I thank you all for your loyalty, you may go."
There were a number of pops and cracks and the people disappeared, leaving Voldemort and Severus alone in the clearing.
"Severus, what other information do you have on Potter?" Voldemort asked.
"My Lord, Potter seems to have fallen for the Weasley girl." Snape replied, his lip curling. "Potter is a very loyal friend, and would do anything to protect his friends and girlfriend."
"I remember," Voldemort replied. "I shall use that fact against him. Do you have anything else?"
"No, my lord," said Snape.
"You do not know what Potter was doing with Dumbledore that night?" asked Voldemort. "You said Potter witnessed the murder, why was he there?"
"I do not know, My Lord," Snape replied. "Potter is a nosey, troublesome young boy. It wouldn't surprise me if he saw the Dark Mark and decided to face the Death Eaters on his own. I think that is what he did."
"Thank you, Severus," said Voldemort. "You may leave," There was another crack and Snape disappeared. A few minutes later, Bellatrix returned, followed by the three Death Eaters, who were dragging Narcissa. Voldemort smiled.
"Thankyou," he said, he raised his wand and pointed it at Narcissa. He walked across to Narcissa, the Death Eaters released her and stepped back. "You made a mistake coming here, Narcissa, now you will see what I do to those that betray me, that oppose me." He kicked Narcissa in the ribs, she let out a scream and rolled over, attempting to crawl away. "Avada Kedavra!" There was a flash of green light, Narcissa flew back through the air and landed a few metres away. She was dead.
"Where is the boy?" Voldemort asked.
"I'm afraid he escaped," Bellatrix replied.
"How was that possible?" Voldemort spat. "I gave you the simple task of catching him, he cannot apparate, how could he escape?"
"There was another, in the forest, my Lord," Bellatrix replied. "I would not disobey your orders, My Lord, my loyalty lies only with you and none other."
"Crucio!" Voldemort shouted, Bellatrix fell to the floor, and, like Draco, writhed around in agony. Voldemort released the curse and looked down. "You will find him, and bring him back to me, dead or alive, I don't care."
"Yes, my Lord," said Bellatrix. There were more pops and cracks and the other Death Eaters disappeared. Voldemort raised his wand and pointed it at Narcissa's body and it disappeared. There was another crack and Voldemort vanished.
The sun had set. Stars lit up the late night sky. The streets of little Whinging were deserted; an unusual silence crept over them. Many people were indoors, their eyes glued to their television sets, waiting for more news about the strange disappearances, murders and other unexplainable happenings that had occurred over the last few weeks. In the last week, over twenty people were killed on a crowded London street. The police had told everyone that it was terrorists, but no one seemed to believe this story, especially since the victims had not been stabbed, shot or poisoned and no other rational explanation could be found.
At number four, Privet Drive, sixteen-year old Harry Potter laid asleep on his bed. His black hair was more untidy than ever, his sellotaped glasses were sliding off his nose and hidden beneath his fringe was a lightening-bolt shape scar that Harry had received when his parents were killed by Lord Voldemort when Harry was just one year old. Only a small part of the bedroom floor could be seen because of a large trunk. The contents of this trunk were most unusual; Spellbooks, a broomstick, copies of the 'Daily Prophet'. Of course, Harry Potter was no ordinary boy. He was a wizard, and for the last six years he had attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry woke suddenly; his bright green eyes darted around the bedroom. He stood and walked across to the window and looked into the street. The only living creature to be seen was Mr. Tibbles, a cat belonging to Mrs. Figg, Harry's neighbour. Mrs. Figg was a squib, which meant that she had wizarding parents but possessed no magical ability herself. She was also a member of the Order of the Phoenix, a group of witches and wizards that fought Voldemort, and Harry knew that she would be watching him. Harry sat down on his bed and picked up the letter he had been reading before he fell asleep.
Dear Harry,
I hope you're enjoying your summer holidays and that the Dursleys are treating you alright. My summer has been amazing, we went to Egypt when I returned from Hogwarts and I've been spending the rest of my time researching for what we will be doing this year (I won't aay anything else incase this gets intercepted.) Anyway, we still need to arrange plans for this year. If you are going to live at HQ, I'll meet you there on the 6th August, I'm sure Ron will come too.
See you soon
Hermione.
Harry threw the letter onto a large stack on his bedside table. Hermione Granger was one of Harrys best friends from school, and when Harry had told her that he would not be returning to Hogwarts this year, she refused to let him go alone. Ron Weasley, Harrys other best friend, was also coming with them. Harry picked up the copy of the Daily Prophet that had been delivered that morning.
More attacks: Minister for Magic refuses to comment.
The Minister for Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour has refused to comment following the increased number of attacks on Muggles and Muggle-borns. Yesterday, the Daily Prophet reported that there had been an Inferi attack in Nottingham, which caused many problems for Obliviators as they tried to modify the memories over fifteen Muggles. Many of those attacked were Muggles. "These attacks are getting worse each time," says Griselda Marchbanks of the Wizenmagot. "The Minister for Magic has not done anything to prevent attacks as far as we know."
Scrimgeour caused a lot of problems following his announcement that he had told the muggle Prime minister about the "Second War" as many people are calling it.
"Mr. Scrimgeour is doing a fine job as minister for magic." Says Percy Weasley, Junior Assistant to the Minister. "During his year of leadership, he has arrested many well-known Death Eaters and has currently got most of the aurors tracking down you-know-who."
Harry laughed, that was typical of Percy, Rons older brother, he had chosen his job over his family, and refused to speak to his mother, father, brothers or sisters since he had left to live in London. Harry threw the newspaper into his trunk and stood up again. He had hardly left his room since he returned to the Dursleys. When Harrys parents had been killed, he had been sent to live with his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, who hated magic. They had treated him like an outsider all of his life, while Dudley, his extremely overweight cousin, had received anything he wanted. When Harry had returned from Hogwarts, he had had the death of Dumbledore on his mind and had enjoyed the solitude, away from everyone asking if he was alright. When he had dared to leave the room and face his Aunt and Uncle, he had been treated like part of the wallpaper. Dudley, however, had resumed his hobby of Harry-hunting whenever Harry left the house, Dudley and his gang would chase after Harry, but Harry was far too fast. The rest of his summer was spent reading his schoolbooks, waiting for his birthday to arrive. Harry hadn't wanted to return to the Dursleys, however, while he was there, there was magic protecting him, this magic would end on his seventeenth birthday. So, Harry had decided to stay until then, the only thing that kept him sane was the fact that he wouldn't have to return there again.
Harry looked down at the clock. 9:57. Uncle Vernon wasn't home yet, he had been working many late nights over the holidays after two of his employees went missing. One of them was later found, but had been sent to hospital with severe mental problems. Harry walked across to the door and approached the staircase, he peered over the banister rail and saw the hall was empty (he now did this every time he went downstairs; Dudley was so overweight that it was painful to pass him on the staircase). He ran down the stairs and into the kitchen, where Aunt Petunia was cleaning the worktops.
"What do you want?" she said, as Harry entered the room.
"I just wanted to tell you that I'm leaving tomorrow," Harry replied.
"Fine," Said Aunt Petunia, she turned again and carried on cleaning, before speaking again. "Where are you going? And how are you getting there?" She didn't face Harry, but there was something different in her voice.
"My house," said Harry. Number twelve, Grimmauld Place was the home that had belonged to Harrys godfather, Sirius Black, who had left it to Harry when he died. He hadn't wanted to return there, but there was no other option. "The one my godfather left me."
"How are you getting there?" Petunia asked again.
"Some people I know are fetching me," said Harry, "Mr. Weasley, the one that came here in my three years ago." Harry tried not to laugh, in the summer holidays before his fourth year at Hogwarts, the whole Weasley family had came to collect him and ended up blowing up the living room. "And Remus Lupin."
"The werewolf?" Petunia asked.
"Yeah…" Harry said, "How did you know?"
"Lily knew him." Petunia replied, avoiding Harry's eye. Harrys jaw dropped, it was one thing for Aunt Petunia to say werewolf, but she had also mentioned her sister, something that she had tried to avoid for the last sixteen years.
"He's not dangerous," Harry said quickly.
"I know," said Petunia, smiling. The kitchen door burst open and Dudley squeezed through, heading straight to the fridge, he stopped when he saw Harry standing there.
"What are you doing here?" he said.
"I live here, Dud, surely even you noticed that by now," Harry replied. He loved taunting Dudley, especially in front of Aunt Petunia. Dudley screwed his face up and clenched his fist. Harry raised his arm a little, revealing his wand, Dudleys little piggy eyes opened wide.
"Mum... He's got that thing out!" he squealed. Aunt Petunia stepped forward and glared at Harry.
"Put it away!" she said. "Now!" Harry laughed.
"Sorry," said Harry. "I was only messing." He heard the front door open; Uncle Vernon was home. Harry shoved the wand into his pocket and left the room, smiling at Uncle Vernon as he passed him in the hall.
That night, Harry didn't return to the living room. Instead, he went to his bedroom and packed all his things for the next day. He wasn't sure his Spellbooks had managed to find their way into the hallway, but by midnight he had carefully packed everything into his trunk and locked it. He placed Hedwigs cage carefully on top, leaving the door open for her return from the nights hunting. He opened his window and stared out into the darkness. It was strange how he had hated his life at the Dursleys for all these years, but now, he really thought he was going to miss living there.
"Happy Birthday," he said to himself, turning away from the window. He remembered the large amount of cakes and sweets that he had hidden under the loose floorboard in his bedroom. He pulled them out and left them on his bed, deciding that they would be his "Thank you" present for the Dursleys. There was a loud crash, Harry peered out of the window and saw Errol, the owl belonging to the Weasleys hovering outside his window. He grabbed the bird and pulled it inside, ripping the letter and package from its leg. The bird flew across the room and landed in the empty birdcage.
Happy Birthday, Harry!
Great news, Dad has managed to book us apparition tests for the 2nd October! I still haven't told them our planning, I'm saving that until you and Hermione are here. Mum and Dad have been to the Order meetings and apparently Scrimgeour doesn't want Hogwarts to re-open! (Not that it will affect us in any way).
I hope you like the present, I've been working at Fred and Georges all summer to be able to buy it (Well, also to get away from all the wedding planning, it is completely ridiculous!)
See you soon,
Ron.
Harry looked the package, feeling slightly guilty that Ron had had to work to buy him it. Ron's family was quite poor, they had to buy second-hand books and robes. Harry had always felt guilty that hidden under London he had a bank vault filled with golden galleons, silver sickles and gold knuts; he would gladly offer it all to the Weasleys, but he knew they wouldn't accept it. He opened the package, inside was a small book about quidditch (a wizarding sport played on broomsticks where there were four different balls, two of which tried to knock you off your broom) and a small, golden snitch. Harry let the snitch fly from his hand, then caught it again. He sighed, he would be missing a year of quidditch again. Harry let the snitch fly around the room while he read the book slowly. No other letters or packages arrived for him, Harry wasn't upset: he guessed that they would be given to him when he left the Dursleys. Harry caught the snitch and packed it into his case with the book, he took off his glasses and got into bed.
Harry woke early the next morning, he pushed his glasses onto his nose, changed into his clothes and went downstairs into the kitchen. Uncle Vernon was sat at the table reading the newspaper, Dudley was eating his breakfast and Aunt Petunia was washing up after Dudley.
"Morning," Harry said, he received no reply, but it didn't bother Harry, he never expected one. He grabbed a slice of toast from the toast rack and ate it slowly.
"Petunia tells me you're leaving today," Uncle Vernon said, his eyes never leaving the paper.
"Yeah," said Harry. "They should be here soon,"
"I should be getting to work," said Vernon. He folded the paper, said goodbye to Petunia and Dudley, then left. An hour later, the doorbell rang. Harry, who had been in his room, ran down the stairs, narrowly avoiding Dudley, who ran up to his bedroom clutching his bottom. Harry reached the front door and opened slowly. Two men were stood on the doorstep, one was Remus Lupin, his robes were shabbier and his hair was even greyer than when Harry had last seen him.
"Harry!" he said, shaking Harry's hand. "Great to see you!" The other man was wearing a suit, his yellowish eyes hidden behind his wire-rimmed glasses. "Arthur couldn't make it, luckily, Rufus stepped in to help."
"Happy Birthday, Harry," said Rufus Scrimgeour, Minister for Magic. Aunt Petunia approached the door, she saw the two men and gestured for them to enter.
"Harry, can I have a word?" Scrimgeour asked. Lupin nodded at Harry, then entered the house, Harry followed Scrimgeour and they stopped at the end of the garden path. "Harry, I want to know what you and Dumbledore were doing last year, and if you are continuing this year."
"I have told you before, that is between me and Dumbledore." Said Harry. "And I am completing it this year."
"But, Harry, we can help you." Scrimgeour said. Harry thought for a moment.
"Wait. Will you still help me if I don't tell you exactly what I'm doing?" Harry asked. Scrimgeour frowned.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Is this conversation just between us?" Harry asked, "I don't want anyone else knowing, it could ruin everything." Scrimgeour nodded. "Dumbledore found out something about Voldemort, how to kill him."
"And he thinks a sixteen-year old is the person to do that?" Scrimgeour laughed.
"I am the only person that can kill him." Said Harry. "There was a prophecy made before I was born. It said that the one to defeat Voldemort would be born at the end of July, whose parents had thrice defied him. Voldemort would mark me as his equal, but I would have a power he didn't know, and…" Harry paused for a moment. "Either must die at the hands of another, for neither can live while the other survives."
"So, you are the chosen one" Scrimgeour said.
"I guess so," Harry replied. "And I'm doing this alone, no one must know exactly what I am doing, but I might need some help."
"Well, Harry, the ministry will always be there to help you." Scrimgeour said. They both returned to the house, and found Lupin alone in the living room.
"Shall I go get my things?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Harry, We should leave soon." Lupin replied. He tried to pick his trunk up, but then realised he was seventeen, and allowed to do magic.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" he said. The trunk rose a few inches from the ground and Harry followed it downstairs, carrying Hedwigs cage (which was now occupied by both Hedwig and Errol) in his hand. He dropped them in the hallway and returned to the living room, to find that someone else now joined Scrimgeour and Lupin.
"Dobby?" Harry asked. The creature looked up, it had long ears and big green eyes.
"Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby squealed. "Dobby has been sent here by Professor McGonagall, sir, to give Harry Potter a warning."
"What's wrong?" asked Harry.
"She says that Dobby is to tell Harry Potter to leave now," said Dobby. "He-who-must-not-be-named knows and he is coming. Harry Potter, sir, you must leave."
"Thanks Dobby." Said Harry. The house-elf disappeared. Aunt Petunia entered the room. Lupin jumped to his feet.
"We'd better leave," he said.
"Wait," said Harry, looking at Petunia. "If Voldemort comes here, he'll kill you." Aunt Petunia let out a small scream. "Go to Mrs. Figgs." Aunt Petunia frowned. "She's a squib, that means she's got-"
"- magical parents, I know what a squib is," said Petunia.
"Just go there," Harry said. Petunia stood still for a moment, looking at Harry, who couldn't work out if it was fear or anger that he could see in her pale grey eyes. They walked into the hall. Lupin sent Harrys trunk and the birdcage to Harry's house first, then the two of them stepped outside. Harry could see Death Eaters at the end of the street, all wearing hoods, long black robes and masks. Harry looked from Lupin to Scrimgeour.
"I'll warn the Ministry," said Scrimgeour. "Hopefully, we will be able to catch some of these Death Eaters." There was a loud crack and Scrimgeour vanished.
"Harry, get inside, now!" Lupin whispered. The two of them entered the house again and closed the door behind them. Harry watched as Petunia ran out of the back door, shortly followed by Dudley, who was trying to stuff many different chocolate bars inside his pockets while running away. "Harry, quickly, grab my arm!" Lupin said, a hint of panic in his voice.
"No, we can catch some of them," Harry said, "If you go and alert the members of the order, I'll stay upstairs, by the time they find me, you will be here, and the aurors from the ministry." Lupin stared at Harry for a few moments, then nodded.
"You've been planning this, haven't you?" Lupin said, Harry nodded. He ran upstairs and into his bedroom, closing the door behind him. He sat against the wall opposite the door, and listened intently.
Just under ten minutes later, Harry heard a crash downstairs. He stood up and raised his wand, he quickly turned around and saw that more Death Eaters where gathering on the street, attacking many nosey neighbours that had came to see what was happening. Harry stepped away from the window, so that he was out of site and stood still.
"Look upstairs!" came a voice from downstairs. There were footsteps, many footsteps, it sounded as if there was at least five people coming upstairs. Harry quickly leapt across the room so that he was now stod behind the door. He pointed his wand at the window and muttered a spell. The glass shattered and flew outside.
"In here!" Shouted another voice. A female voice that Harry recognized. It was the voice of Bellatrix Lestrange, the murderer of Harrys godfather, Sirius Black, who was her cousin. Harry leaned back against the wall as the door slowly opened, not even daring to take a breath.