Disclaimer: Not mine. They belong to Whedon and Rowling and their respective production companies. I"m just having some fun and no profit is being made.
Reviewer Responses:
Zayra: Thanks so much for the review. I'll make sure to answer all your questions, but only in the story. Its no fun if I tell you what's gonna happen here, now is it? :) I've got big things planned for these characters.
Padfoot and Moony: As far as I'm concerned, the best compliment one can give a fanfiction writer is that the characters they are writing are actually in character and look like the people they watched or read. Thank you so much for that compliment! I hope I can continue to hold to that standard. Please let me know if I don't!
Chapter Eight – Daydream Believer
Harry thought, in a moment of perverse childishness, that one of the greatest perks of being joined to the Order that night was the look on Snape's face when they walked in the room. He looked as if he had just swallowed the vomit flavored Bernie Bott's Every Flavored Bean ". Harry just couldn't resist sending a smirk his way. Though he did feel a smidge of guilt when Hermione sent him a scolding look. He made a point after that to avoid looking at Snape as much as possible.
There were more people in the room than he had expected. Some more must've come in while they met in the kitchen. Dumbledore quickly called them to order. "I will begin this evening's meeting by introducing our newest members: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron and Ginny Weasley."
There was shocked silence at this, and the members present traded looks between Dumbledore and the four new additions.
"Albus, last time I checked, they're underage," a lady in the back, whom Harry recognized as Amelia Bones, spoke.
"Yes, Amelia, you are quite right. However, I believe, due to the circumstances, that an exception must be made. Seeing as Mr. Potter is one of Voldemort's main targets, it is only right that he have an idea of what is going on. And, since whatever Harry knows the other three will know...well, I decided that the exception would be made for all of them."
There was quiet for a few more moments, but the majority of the group seemed to accept Dumbledore's word as good enough for them.
"Now," Albus said, "I believe we have several things we need to discuss."
With that, the four teenagers were accepted and the meeting began. Dumbledore spoke of Hagrid's small, but hopeful, successes so far with the giants. It seems that Grawp had been of more use than any of them could have realized. Charlie Weasley delivered the unsettling news that several dragons had gone missing for the reservation he usually worked on. Harry was surprised to find out that the twins were developing several items to be used by Order members, though not as surprised as Ron and Ginny were, given the looks on their faces.
"They were working for the Order all this time!" Ron whispered furiously to Harry, "I can't believe they didn't tell us anything!"
There was some more general discussion over plans for the upcoming school year and ideas as to what Voldemort might have in mind. It was at this point that Snape cleared his throat and moved forward slightly.
"Yes, Severus," Dumbledore turned to him, "You have something to report?"
"We had several...requests...given to us at the last meeting. We've been given one week for all of us to bring in new faces to be joined to the group. We're to bring in two new recruits each. And, he has grown," here Snape's face tightened, and an expression Harry couldn't quite place slid over his face, "...impatient with my...inability to produce the Phasma Directus potion. He has informed me I have one week in which to produce the potion. Failure to do so will result in most...unpleasant consequences."
Dumbledore looked greatly worried at this news, "You still have no idea as to why he has become so interested in this potion?"
Snape shook his head, "None. Though...I think..." He trailed off, a look of concern and uncertainty on his face. It was one Harry had never seen on the man before, and he found the fact that it was there to be strangely unsettling.
"Severus?" Dumbldore prompted.
Snape shook himself slightly and turned to the Headmaster, "I have no proof, no evidence whatsoever. But...I believe that somehow the Dark Lord has already procured and used some of the potion previously."
The whole group took this news hard, it was obvious. Harry had no clue what the Phasma Directus was and could tell that his friends also were uncertain as to what all of this meant.
"And do you have any guesses as to where he may have gone?" Dumbledore asked Snape, his voice troubled.
Snape shook his head, "He spoke of bringing yours and Potter's worst nightmares to life and he mentioned the hounds of hell."
Harry was at just the right angle to see Dumbledore's face clearly. Snape's mention of the 'hounds of hell' meant something to him. It unsettled him, that much was clear. "I have to admit," Harry thought, "it doesn't leave me feeling very comfortable either."
For a moment there was quiet, as Dumbledore seemed lost in thought. Finally, he seemed to come out of his reverie and sighed. "Very well, Severus. You will have to make him the potion, then."
Moody spoke up at this point, "Are you sure that's the step you want to take, Albus? We don't know for sure what he's doing with this potion."
"No, Alastor, we do not. And because we do not is all the more reason why we need Severus where he is. If we decide not to make the potion, then Severus cannot return to Voldemort. As much as I would like to see Severus never go in front of him again, the information he brings us is invaluable. Therefore, I see little choice but to make the potion."
Moody didn't look any happier with this answer, but he didn't say anything else.
At this point, Hermione finally decided that she had had quite enough of having no clue what was going on, thank you very much.
"Excuse me, Professor, but what is the Phasma Directus potion exactly?"
Snape turned and snapped at her, "Hold your tongue, girl!"
Dumbledore spoke up then, "It is quite alright, Severus. They are members and, as such, have the right to be brought up to speed. The Phasma Directus is a potion that directs astral travel. It has not been in use in many centuries, once the spell for apparation was developed. Before that point, the Phasma Directus could be used to maintain contact between long distances. However, it has several unfortunate...side effects, the worst of which was the occasional loss of the astral spirit. And, a tendency for the astral self to slip into other dimensions."
Harry, Ron, and Ginny exchanged surprised and confused looks while Hermione sputtered, "Other dimensions?!"
Snape sneered and rolled his eyes at the girl, "Yes, Ms. Granger, other dimensions. Can it be we've finally stumbled across something you don't know?"
Hermione blushed and ducked her head.
"That will be quite enough, Severus," Dumbledore said mildly. Snape closed his mouth, but the sneer remained firmly in place.
"The existence of other dimensions is not a widely known fact, Ms. Granger, though it was more generally known and accepted in times past. It is not a surprise that you would find this information so astonishing, for, since the development of apparating, the practice of astral travel has fallen into disuse and knowledge of the Phasma Directus, and also of other dimensions, has been mostly forgotten."
Hermione nodded, taking all of this in. Harry was taking it in as well, along with watching Dumbledore closely. And he thought he had figured out what it was that had the Headmaster so worried.
"You think Voldemort's traveling to these other dimensions, don't you?"
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at Harry. "That is one possibility, yes. Highly unlikely, as I cannot imagine what can be gained by visiting these other places. But a possibility nonetheless. In any case," he turned back to Snape, "you will have to make the potion and get it to him. As always, keep your eyes open for any information as to what he is using it for."
Snape nodded. "There is one other thing, Headmaster. Voldemort has secured the support of the vampires."
If there had been tension in the room before, it was nothing compared to the level that existed in it now. The four teenagers exchanged looks of apprehension. Even they could see how bad this news was.
For a moment, Dumbledore looked each and every one of his years. He sighed, "That is not totally unexpected, but I had hoped they would continue their neutrality from the last war."
"Well, it's great to know Fudge's magical decrees for dark creatures have done so much good," Bill Weasley said, shaking his head in disgust.
"Indeed," said Dumbledore. "It is very likely that those decrees play a large part in their decision. We will need to begin development of strategies for fighting the vampires on large scales. Kingsley, perhaps you and Alastor could work on that?"
Shacklebolt and Moody both nodded their agreement.
Albus went on, "And, since we are speaking of Cornelius and his decrees, we will now speak of my news for the evening. I have spent the past several days at the Ministry in meetings with many of its members as well as meetings of the Wizengamot. It seems that quite a few people are concerned with the Minister's...handling...of the situation with Voldemort. Two days ago the Wizengamot called for a vote of no-confidence in the Minister."
There were exclamations all over the room, most of them running along the lines of, "It's about time."
Arthur Weasley nodded his head, "I've been hearing the rumblings that something of the sort might be coming over the past weeks. People aren't very happy with Fudge at the moment."
Fred and George Weasley had exchanged looks of satisfaction at the news and Fred spoke up, "Wonder how he'll like his trial?"
To which George responded, "Couldn't happen to a better fellow."
Dumbledore gave a small smile, "That may well be. However, Cornelius will not face trial. He tendered his resignation just a few hours ago."
Now, there was shocked silence, broken when Moody spoke up, "Bloody coward," which was a sentiment everyone seemed in agreement with.
Dumbledore's face remained solemn, "Perhaps. Regardless, this could cause quite a few problems. What is that muggle saying? Better the enemy you know? At this point, the position of Minister of Magic is up for grabs. We have to insure that it is someone on our side who claims it. Arthur, Amelia, I will need the two of you especially working on this. The Wizengamot will meet in the morning in order to consider those applicable for appointment as Minister. I need suggestions as to who would be ideal for that position, and I'm afraid I need them quickly."
These words seemed to galvanize the group into action. Arthur Weasley and Amelia Bones had already begun to discuss those names to offer for appointment as new Minister. Moody and Shacklebolt were also joining in on the conversation, along with discussing the situation with the vampires. Harry was strangely surprised at the cacophony of noise – it seemed rather unorganized.
Dumbledore seemed to agree, as he spoke up again, "Since there is much to be done, why don't we dismiss so that we can all get to work on our various parts? Arthur, Amelia, if the two of you wouldn't mind accompanying me back to the ministry, we will work on our candidates for Minister. The rest of you, you know your assignments. I don't believe I need to tell you how little time we have."
With that the group began to leave, each going about their own plans. Dumbledore moved over to where the four teenagers stood. "That concludes your first meeting of the Order. How does it compare to what you envisioned of it?" he asked amusedly.
Harry ignored the question, and the flash of anger that once again swelled in him at the man. Now wasn't the time. "What can we be doing, sir? I have no desire to sit here and stare at the walls."
Dumbledore nodded in understanding. "I can imagine not. I had already planned to begin some specialized training for you, Harry. I think we shall continue with that plan, and include Mr. and Miss Weasley and Miss Granger in it as well. That will begin the day after tomorrow. I believe Remus Lupin will be your first instructor. After that, several of the Aurors will be giving you lessons straight from Auror training. I believe the information and practice will be of great benefit to all of you."
Harry couldn't help but think it would've been a lot better if they'd started this special training quite a few years ago, but he was happy that it was to be started now. If it truly did come down to kill Voldemort or be killed, well...he'd like to at least have some chance of surviving the encounter.
"Along with the training, I wonder if you might check the Black library for information on the Phasma Directus and its effects and impacts? There are quite a few ancient and original texts here that I have not been able to go through as yet. Perhaps the four of you could do some research and report to me what you find." Hermione was practically salivating at this instruction and happily nodding her head. Ron didn't look quite as happy, but had matured enough to realize the importance of what Dumbledore was asking of them.
The four teens nodded, accepting the assignment given to them. Dumbledore gave them a small smile and a nod, as he moved off to where Arthur and Amelia were waiting for him. The other Order members had drifted off to their own assignments, already, Snape of course leaving the moment he was free to do so. Harry exchanged looks with his friends, and as one they all headed upstairs.
They all slipped into the room Harry and Ron shared and sat down on the beds. After a few moments of silence, Ginny finally spoke up, "Wow. I think I'm on information overload."
The others nodded their agreement. "Well, at least we finally know what's going on," Ron spoke up, "not that I understand it all."
Hermione looked concerned, "To think...other dimensions! I thought that was just science fiction."
Harry shook his head, "Obviously not. And I'll tell you this, there's more to the other dimension thing than Dumbledore was letting on. He's greatly concerned about it. Whatever Voldemort's doing with the Phasma Directus potion, Dumbledore is pretty worried that it has something to do with these other dimensions."
They all mulled over this for a few moments, before Hermione stood up. "Well, nothing more to be done with it tonight. We won't be starting the new training 'til the day after tomorrow, so that leaves us tomorrow to go through the Black library. I think I'll head to bed so that I can be well-rested for the research."
Ginny stood with her and they both walked to their room. Ron glanced over at Harry after the girls had left and shook his head, "Great. Studying during holidays. Welcome to the Order of the Phoenix, indeed."
Harry shared a smile of commiseration with Ron as they both got ready for and settled into bed.
As Harry lay there, waiting for sleep to come, he tried to push away the ever-present thoughts of Sirius. He wondered if his godfather would be glad that Harry had finally been included in the Order of the Phoenix. God, he missed Sirius. In the quiet of the night, with no more eyes upon him and no one else to hide from, as the rest of those in the house at Grimmauld Place slept, Harry let his tears fall and whispered, "I'm so sorry, Sirius. I'm so sorry." Finally, guilt heavy upon his soul, Harry slept...and dreamt.
It was a desert. It was barren and hot, full of nothing but rocks and sand, at least so far that he could see. However, Harry doubted regular deserts had the feel to them that this one had. It was...wrong somehow. As if all the bad things in the world existed in this one place. Perhaps even came from this place.
He began moving slowly, walking in the direction of some large rocks in the distance. It seemed as good a direction as any, he supposed.
He was closing in on the rocks when he saw them, whatever they were. They were horrible to behold, giving him a sick feeling just to look at them for too long. They were put together wrong somehow, with all the pieces in the wrong places. Except for their mouths. Their mouths were where they should be. And what mouths they were too. Full of sharp-looking teeth, with slime dripping from the sides. He had no clue how they saw, though, as he couldn't find any eyes. They were altogether alarming, even without taking into account the serrated spikes that stuck out all over their bodies. Those were just icing on the cake.
Harry had already begun to slowly back away when he realized the...demons, he supposed, didn't seem to notice him. They were focused on the group of rocks towards which he'd been headed. There were four of the creatures and they moved stealthily as they approached the large stones. Harry decided he should probably leave while they were still preoccupied with the rocks, when his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden yell from within the rocks and loud screeches from the monsters. He stopped, staring in shock as the demons leapt over into the section of rocks and sounds of fighting were heard.
Harry knew this was the best chance he had to get away and yet...something held him there, listening to the obvious sounds of a death match going on beyond his sight in the rocks. The screeches of the monsters caused chills to travel up and down his spine and made him want to curl up in a ball.
However, he got quite the shock when one of the monsters suddenly flew back over the rocks, landing on the ground with a sickening crunch. Another flew after it a moment later, though this one was back on its feet fairly quickly.
Even more astonishing than the creatures, however, was the dark-haired human woman who suddenly vaulted over the rocks, landing in front of the monsters, swearing colorfully the whole time.
"That was my favorite jacket! Hell, that was my only damn jacket, you eyeless, piece of crap excuse for a demon!"
She launched herself at it and the demon immediately held out its spiked arms. Harry opened his mouth to shout out a warning, but just stood there with his jaw hanging open as the girl proceeded to dance around the creature, jabbing and punching and kicking as she moved. It was almost like an art form, watching her move. The two traded blows for a bit and Harry cried out in alarm when she took a nasty hit to the side. However she jumped back up, with only a slight grimace and threw herself back at him again.
Harry had had enough however. The shock of it all had held him in place for far too long, but seeing her hurt had been enough to pull him out of it. He began to move towards her, having no idea how he would help, but planning on doing so all the same. However, he'd moved no more than two steps when a blonde girl suddenly came around the rocks and yelled, "Faith!"
The brunette sidestepped a swipe by the demon, moved back out of range and looked over towards the blonde in time to catch the weapon that had been thrown her way.
"Thanks, B!" she yelled and turned back to the demon with a feral look on her face. "Now let's see just how tough you are, big and ugly."
She had been fairly fearsome before, but with the weapon, Harry thought it looked like a scythe, she was truly lethal. The demon didn't last much longer, although Harry couldn't for the life of him decide how she knew how to kill it. How did one cut off the head of something when one couldn't even find its head, after all?
He breathed a sigh of relief when the demon finally fell and looked back at the two girls, the blonde having now joined the brunette, Faith, he guessed her name was.
"That was a little too close," the blonde spoke, toeing one of the demons almost daintily with one booted foot, then looking back at Faith. "You ok?"
The brunette looked down at the blood at her side and winced slightly, but nodded. "It's a scratch. Hurts like hell, but it'll heal. Had worse."
Suddenly there was a shout behind the rocks, "Hey! A little help here would be nice!"
"Damn!" Faith swore as she and the blonde rushed back around the rocks.
Harry however was frozen to his spot. That voice...it had sounded like...but that wasn't possible. It couldn't be possible.
The sounds of scuffling behind the rock suddenly cut off and Harry began walking towards where he'd seen the girls go. He had no bloody clue what was going on, but he was bound and determined to find out.
He hadn't gone far when the blonde appeared again, dragging the corpse of one of the demons behind her. Faith followed behind dragging another one. But it was the person behind them that grabbed Harry's complete and total attention. Because, walking behind the two girls, thin and dirty and looking even worse than he had after Azkaban, was his godfather.
"Sirius," Harry breathed. It was a whisper, a prayer, and a plea, barely audible. And yet he suddenly had the attention of all three people.
Sirius' jaw dropped and he stared in shock, frozen. "Harry?" he said, in disbelief.
Harry figured his expression likely matched Sirius' pretty well as he took in the figure of his godfather. "Sirius? Is it really you?"
He began moving towards the man and the man was matching his steps when he suddenly felt himself moving away, fading.
Sirius moved forward quickly now, calling frantically, "Harry, wait! Harry, its me, don't go! Wait!"
Harry struggled against the force that pulled him backwards, reaching towards his godfather. "Sirius! No, please! Sirius! Siriusssssssssssss!"
"HARRY!"
His eyes snapped open and he jerked upright in bed, flailing against the arms that were holding him.
"Sirius! No, I've got to get back to him! He was there! Damn it, let me go!" He shoved against the arms holding him.
"Harry please!" A female voice spoke to him, "Please Harry, you've got to calm down!"
That voice he recognized as Hermione and he suddenly stopped pushing long enough to try and get his bearings. As he relaxed, the arms holding him relaxed as well, and released him, moving away.
Harry blinked, trying to make the world focus around him, and only then realized that he didn't have his glasses on.
"Here, Harry." That was Ron and he pushed Harry's glasses into his hands.
Harry slid the glasses onto his face and looked up into the worried gazes of Ron, Hermione, and Ginny.
"You all right, there, Harry?" Ron asked.
Harry shook his head, too shaken to even attempt to deny it.
Ginny sat next to him on the bed. "Was it a scar dream or a nightmare?"
Harry looked up at her and then at the other two, "It's Sirius. He's alive. And he's in danger."
They looked at him, eyes wide in astonishment as he recounted his dream.
There were several moments of silence as they took in what he told them.
Hermione was the first to speak, and from her tentative look and tone, Harry didn't figure he was going to much like what she said.
"Harry, is it possible this was just a dream?"
Harry was already shaking his head. "You don't get it Hermione. This isn't the first time I've had this dream." He waved his hand, "It's not exactly the same, but it's always in the same place, this barren desert land. They're not always as clear as this one was, but I know it's the same. And why would I dream up those two girls? I've never seen them before! What's the possibility that I'd just come up with two complete strangers helping Sirius out in my dream?"
Hermione didn't look convinced and it was obvious that all of them thought he was just a bit mental.
Harry bit back the anger that filled him and took a deep breath. "Look, I know how this sounds, alright? But I am not crazy and it was not just a dream. The fact of the matter is, we don't know anything about the veil! And, from the little the others would say about it, they're not all that sure what it is or how it works either. There is the possibility that Sirius got stuck somewhere else."
His friends still looked doubtful, but Hermione's expression had gone thoughtful, so she at least was considering his words.
He sighed then and sent them all a pleading look, "How about this – I'll admit the possibility that I could be wrong. It could all just be...a dream and Sirius could be really...gone. IF you guys admit that I could be right and Sirius could be trapped in another place. Help me check it out at least. Please."
Ginny and Ron were already nodding their agreement to help before he'd finished speaking. They all then turned to Hermione. She looked at Harry searchingly for a moment then sighed, "All right, Harry. We will investigate the veil and see what we can figure out." She reached over to a nearby desk and pulled out a quill and parchment. "I'll need you to write down every detail of your dream that you can remember – everything. We'll research this along with the Phasma Directus. If there's a chance Sirius is...alive, then we'll find him and we'll get him back."
"Thank you, Hermione," Harry said, relieved beyond what he could express. If anyone could put all these things together and come up with the right answer, it was Hermione. He honestly didn't think he could bear it if she wasn't helping him. He smiled at her as he accepted the quill and parchment and she returned the smile, without reservation. He felt the lift of a load from his shoulders at that moment. With his friends behind him, they would get to the bottom of this. And, if his dreams were true and Sirius was alive, they would get him back.
