LAST GIFT BY TAKSHAK

Disclaimer: All Harry Potter works belong to J.K. Rowling.

AN: This story is an idea I got from "In Light of Silver Memories" by Taliath.

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Chapter 1

Harry Potter woke up from a rather violent dream of being in department of mysteries again. These dreams have been plaguing him since returning from Hogwarts at the closure of another eventful year. He was in the bed in the smallest room in Privet Drive, wondering why he would be dreaming about that particular subject, when he trying as much as he can to forget about it. Every time he dreams this particular dream he feels like a piece of him dying with Sirus's fall in to the veil. Guilt so powerful fills him after replaying said scene that a tiny voice at the back of his mind was driving him to commit suicide. But majority of his being knew that he couldn't have done anything more. Even so since the day Sirus died his thoughts were turning black. Driving him into severe depression or on the other side to go out there wand blazing and kill all death eaters, though he knows that he is no match for most of the death eaters and certainly not for Bellatrix who pushed Sirus through veil.

The sun started creping over the horizon as the new day showed itself in Little-whinging. Harry got up from the small bed and looked outside the window where three owls were waiting for him to deliver their letters. He ignored them as he didn't want to face the reality of what his friends were going to say to him. He was not worried that they will blame him for Dom's debacle, no not at all, for he knew his friends. So with that thought he collected his toiletries and goes downstairs in Dursley's pristine world to freshen-up.

By the time Harry returned to his room after his morning rituals he was ready to take on the world once again, there was great fire burning inside of him which was compelling him to do something in the coming war which was almost at the wizarding world's doorstep as evidenced by their fight in Department Of Mysteries.

Before Harry could make further plans for himself there was burst of golden fire just ahead of him, Harry immediately dived for his wand which was on the table near his bed. He came up with his wand pointing directly at the being occupying the handle of his rickety chair with reducto curse at his lips.

It took him a movement to realize that it is Fawkes which has disturbed him so. Harry looked a bit sheepishly at Fawkes who was preening himself in satisfaction.

"Hello Fawkes, what brings you here?"

Fawkes looked up into boys eyes and lifted his leg up for Harry to take off the message tied to it.

"Oh! So you are here also bearing message. What does Albus want now with me haven't he done enough." Though Harry respected and loved Albus like a grandfather but right now he was very much frustrated and cross at Albus for ignoring him all of last year. Also he wanted very much to blame him for DOM fiasco.

Fawkes chirped at him and beckoned him to take the message of him again.

"Alright, alright Fawkes I will take it don't get your feathers in a twist."

Fawkes took a swipe at Harry's head for this quip.

Harry unhooked the message from Fawkes leg still muttering about the old coots and flaming turkeys.

He looked at the phoenix again to see him still waiting.

"So you want me to read it now, can't it wait some time as I m not in the mood for reading any more missives right now and especially from him, though I might reply later when I cool down a bit."

Fawkes chirped loudly as admonishing the said boy then he suddenly flew down to Harry's lap and stared singing. It was one sad song which reminded Harry of his godfather. After reminiscing about the time Harry spent with Sirius at the end of fourth year he cleared his head and said

"You are right Fawkes but I can't seem to forget the only parent figure in my life who wanted me to live with him."

Fawkes chirped at this and Harry replied "ok I will reply to Albus right away, it must be important for you to be still here & listening to my moody nothings."

Harry unrolled the parchment to look what his professor has written.

Dear Harry

As you pointed out at our last meeting that I have been neglecting you and your training regarding Tom, so as to that end I will be at your residence this evening at 7:00pm sharp.

Be prepared to come with me and get all your belongings packed as you will not be returning to little whinging again ever.

I will once again apologize to you as I did at the end of your 5th year, for I have made some plans for the unique situation we both find ourselves regarding to Lord Voldemort.

Here's once again hoping that you can forgive this old man for all the mistakes I have made regarding your welfare. Hope I can still make amends with you.

Yours faithful

Albus Dumbledore.

Harry's first reaction after reading Dumbledore's missive was to reject the offer but once again Harry's mind prevailed and he picked some parchment and quill to write back. He wrote the reply and tied it to Fawkes leg. Fawkes once again chirped and with burst of fire he was gone from no.4 Privet Drive.

When Fawkes was gone Harry looked at his long time friend and companion Hedwig. So what do you think Hedwig do I pack now or wait for the professor to come and then pack? Hedwig hooted at his wizard and looked at him with big round as eyes beseeching him for being a lazy sod.

"OK, OK I know Hedwig I know you are correct as usual I will pack right away." He began packing his meager belongings in his battered trunk.

At the same time at Ministry

Rufus Scrimgeour was sitting behind the minister's desk looking at the latest reports at his desk from the auror's.

Rufus was still angry with Dumbledore for his refusal to endorse his candidacy for the minister's post and then again for refusing to publicly speak on behalf of the ministry.

He knew that Dumbledore was not only the figure of authority in England but also a very shrewd politician himself. He would have to be for maintaining his various positions through out the wizarding world for such a long time and keeping at bay his detractors through out the wizarding world.

Albus was also powerful magically such that he was the only person who was feared by Dark Lord and who can fight the said Dark Lord on an even footing.

But Rufus never agreed with Dumbledore's policies regarding the muggleborn's and second chances to the law breakers. He knew that he cannot take any direct action against Dumbledore for he is too powerful for that. He has to bell the cat in a different way. For that to happen he have to know headmaster's weaknesses and what he can use as leverage against the headmaster.

He called for his secretary.

"Yes minister what can I get you."

"Martha get me all the files related to Mr. Harry Potter we have in the ministry. Especially files related to last months DOM incident and then send for DMLE head."

While at Hogwarts

After sending Fawkes with letter to Harry, Albus called Minerva and Fillus and sat thinking how they both will take the news which he was going to impart.

Minerva was relaxing with Fillus and discussing with him about the year which has gone. They both were talking about the ministry battle and the role played by Harry & his friends at the said battle.

There was a slight pop beside the sofa where they both were sitting when they saw a Hogwarts elf standing there.

"Prof. Minnie and Prof. phillus you are both wanting by headmaster in his office. He said to tell yous that it is urgent."

Minerva looks at Fillus and then nods at elf "ok tell headmaster we will be there shortly" and they both stood up to go to headmaster's room.

"What do you think Fillus? What does Albus wants to talk about, do you have any idea." "No Minerva probably about the ministry battle."

Minerva stops to give the gargoyle password "ice pops"

They both ascend they staircase leading up to the headmaster's office. Minerva knocks at the door. They both hear Albus beckoning them inside.

"Come, come both of you have a seat."

"What is this about Albus, what do you want to talk about to both of us" Minerva asks.

"Patience Minerva patience" Albus replies and offer's them both lemon drops while popping the sour candy in his mouth.

Albus was silent for long while thinking how to broach the topic of his imminent death and what that will entail for Hogwarts and Order of Phoenix.

Seeing Albus so serious Minerva asks "what happened Albus, has there been an another attack"

"No nothing of the sort but its not good news for which I have called both of you here. Though I am at a loss as to how I am going present this news to you both."

Albus stands up and begun pacing the room meanwhile Minerva begins to think what has happened that has Albus in such a tizzy.

After thinking for long Albus begins to speak "well there is no easy way to say this but the sad truth is that my time for next great adventure is at hand and I have much to do in the time which is left to me".

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AN: that's the end of first chapter. Next chapter reveals Dumbledore's plan for Harry & Hogwarts.

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