Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix
Chapter Nine - The Order
Harry walked cautiously down the old stone stairs. Looking at the sides of the narrow shaft he was descending he saw coats of armor, symbols and crests, of which he recognized only a few. He was nervous, obviously. Thoughts such as 'what have I gotten my self into,' or 'what am I doing' raced in his head. He reached the bottom, but couldn't see anything, for it was pitch black. Harry looked around for a torch of some kind but found nothing. So removing his wand from his pocket he muttered "Lumos" and a ray of light shot out from it's end, illuminating the round room.
Harry could see a large door in front of him, covered in strange markings and symbols. To his left there was a long open hall. Harry saw several items made of Gold, the light bouncing off and casting a soft glow. Turning to the right he saw another door, this one made of wood, with a sign above it reading Phoenix bibliotheca. Latin, obviously. Harry took a deep breath and made his way to the large stone doors. Looking them over he saw a carving of what was obviously a phoenix, a giant bird engulfed in flame. Harry tried to push the door open but it didn't budge. Harry scratched his head. He took a step back, looking for a switch of some kind. But then, to his surprise the door opened from the inside.
"Harry?" The familiar voice of Remus Lupin asked. Harry nodded. "Well, come here! We don't have all night." Remus said somewhat agitated. Harry quickly walked over to his former professor.
"Sorry, I don't quite know what's going on." He said, looking around the room he had just entered. It was smaller than the last, but seemed to be a parlor of some kind. There were several doors jutting out and there was a large staircase that Remus began to ascend. Harry followed.
"I'm sure your confused, but Dumbledore will explain it all after the meeting. Come on, this way." Remus continued, leading Harry up the stairs and through a door. They emerged in what looked like a giant circular auditorium. They were in a balcony that went all the way around the entire meeting place. "Beautiful, isn't it. This is the Gathering place. This is were the order meets. It was made by the founders after a Dragon attacked the school just eleven years after it was built. Then, well, I'll let Albus give you the full History, it's quite long, and in my opinion boring." Remus stated.
"Hermione will like it then." Harry said, grinning. Remus laughed. A man Harry didn't recognize was approaching them. He looked to be about Remus' age. He wore ministry robes and was smiling happily.
"Remus! How have you been?" He asked, extending a hand for him to shake. He looked from Remus to Harry and gasped. "Harry Potter? My God, you look so much like James, but Lilly's eyes." He murmured under his breath.
"Oh, Harry this is Mundungus Fletcher, he went to school with us, well he was two years ahead, but he new your parents too." Remus said. Harry extended a hand and shook with Mundungus. Just then the door that they had entered from opened again, revealing Professor McGonagall and Hermione. She rushed at Harry.
"I knew you'd except!" She said. " This is so exiting! A whole assembly under Hogwarts! And did you see the library?" Harry tried hard to surpress the smile tugging at his lips, only Hermione could be exited about a library at a time like this. A few minutes later, Ron being accompanied by Sirius joined them. Slowly, while all this was going on the room had started to fill. There were many witches and wizards, at least 700 by Harry's count, and they had piled into the lower and upper levels. Dumbledore was last to come in. Sirius led the trio to sit near him, in the upper left area. Jason was there as well, sitting next to Dumbledore and Harry, with Ron on Harry's other side and Hermione next to him. The meeting began with Dumbledore standing and calling everyone to order.
"Today, is a day many here have been anticipating. First let us welcome our three new members. Taking the seat of Peter Pettigrew, Ronald Weasley." Dumbledore said. Ron seemed to be torn between being angry to be taking Pettigrews seat and feeling embarrassed over the applause he was hearing for himself. Dumbledore continued "Taking Lilly Potters seat is Ms. Hermione Granger." More applause was heard, Hermione went red. "And finally, taking James Potters seat, Harry Potter." At this there was a moment of awed silence. Then a great wave of applause took effect. Harry simply smiled weakly. Dumbledore held up his hand to quiet the crowd. He cleared his voice again and spoke. "Now all of you are aware that this meeting was scheduled for next week, but some important news has forced us to accelerate this. Mary, the floor is yours." He said. A woman on the ground level stood and made her way to the center of the arena where a platform had been raised.
"That is Mary Dumas, she heads the Ancient Artifacts department of the International Ministry of Magic." Jason whispered to Harry. He nodded, not really understanding how this dealt with Voldemort. The woman spoke, her voice clear.
"Earlier this week archeologists in Ireland discovered the Book of Pantales." A collective gasp was heard in the room. Jason in particular seemed off kilter.
"What," He whispered to Dumbledore who simply raised his hand and spoke "later." He then addressed the assembly.
"All of you know the importance of this find, now we must plan a course of action." He said. Jason looked at the three new members and gave them an obvious "we will tell you later" look. Dumbledore continued to speak to the crowd. "I purpose that we send in a special operation team to retrieve it." He said.
Jason stood now. "I agree." This caused for some reason made several other people stand and agree as well. "Well, than, it seems that we are in agreement Albus." Jason said. Dumbledore nodded at him.
The meeting went on for about an hour longer, with various discussions of suspected Death Eaters activities, reports from different departments and an open discussion. After the meeting ended Harry, Ron and Hermione went back to Dumbledore's office along with Dumbledore, Jason Remus and Sirius. They adults all stood around the room as the Trio sat in chairs.
"Okay. Now I suppose we should start with just what is the Order exactly hm?" Dumbledore asked. Harry nodded as Hermione looked on eagerly. Dumbledore smiled. "Okay. The Order of Phoenix is a group of the best witches and wizards from around the world who banded together to fight any and all evil. It was started by the four Hogwarts founders when a Dragon Mage, a beastmage who can control dragons, attacked the school. Originally it was supposed to be the top students, but..." Dumbledore trailed off. Jason let out a disgusted sigh.
"Say it Albus. Slytherin went bonkers. Turned evil and tried to smoke out everything in sight." Jason said.
"Smoke out?" Ron echoed. Jason grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry, it's American slang for kill." Jason said, He looked to Dumbledore who nodded, and continued. "So the three remaining founders took their best students and drove Salazar off. That was the 'difference of opinions' all the books list. So after the founders died, the headmaster was put in charge of the order. And it slowly grew to encompass the best witches and wizards of not only Hogwarts but then Britain and gradually the entire world." Jason said. Dumbledore held up his hand.
"Now there were many great men and women in the Order, but we only need to discuss one now, Pantales." Dumbledore said.
"The one who wrote that book the Order was discussing?" Hermione quickly asked. Dumbledore smiled.
"Yes, they are one and the same. Pantales was a seer. A very accurate one at that. And the book is very important. We believe it may contain the key to defeating Voldemort." Harry nodded. "So," Dumbledore continued, "it is imperative we find it before he does." Dumbledore said. The trio nodded. "Now, We need to speak with Harry Privately. Jason, could you accompany Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger to the Gryffindor dorms. And no speaking of the Order to anyone." Dumbledore said as Jason escorted the other two from the room.
"How are you Harry?" Sirius asked, engulfing him in a bone crushing hug. Harry smiled warily. 'Well, now is the time, truth or no?' He thought. Dumbledore looked at him seemingly reading him, but saying nothing.
"I'm, uh, okay." Harry said, finding a suitable middle ground. Dumbledore nodded. "I have had some, um, strange dreams lately." Harry began.
"What kind of dreams?" Sirius was quick to ask.
"I would be near, near, Him." Harry answered.
"Go on." Dumbledore said.
"He'd talk to me, say things like 'The time is coming'. Cryptic things like that. Then he would curse me, and it would really hurt. Not just my scar, but even when I woke up." He said. Dumbledore looked seriously at him.
"Tell me if this happens again. Is there anything else?" He asked. Harry shook his head. "Fine, Sirius escort him to his common room where you two may talk." He said.
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Hermione sat on a couch reading a book on advanced Ancient Runes Studies when Harry and Sirius came in. She saw them walk strait to Harry's dorm, barely acknowledging anyone else. 'Odd.' She thought.
Jason, who had been by the fire approached her. "I need to go out for a second. If someone needs me, tell them I'll be back in a few minutes." He said.
"You okay?" She asked. He seemed a bit, shaken. His normal demeanor was nonexistent. He seemed a bit taken aback by the question.
"Yes, I'm fine. Be right back." He said. He left the common at a high speed.
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Sirius and Harry sat opposite each other on Harry's bed. They were talking, laughing at Harry's stories of Dudley and the Dursleys fear of Sirius.
"That's great." Sirius said, falling backwards in laughter. Harry laughed too. But something was bothering him. Well, there was always something bothering him these days, but this was different.
"Hey Sirius," He said. The change in demeanor of his voice seemed to startle his Godfather, who sat up quickly.
"What's up? Is something wrong?" He asked. Harry shook his head.
"No, nothing wrong. I was just wondering, when you think about my parents, what do you remember about them?" He asked slowly. Sirius seemed to consider this a moment. He looked at Harry, the spitting image of his dad, and found he just couldn't lie.
"I remember how we would always play pranks on Snape and the head of Slytherin, and how he would look at Lilly. And how everyday at work he would come in and talk about what you had done, how cute you were, how proud he was of you. And," He trailed off after this. He looked down, not wanting to meet Harry's eyes.
"And what? What is it?" Harry asked.
"I think about how I failed them. How if I would have been their secret keeper none of this would have happened to you, to them." He said, obviously on the verge of tears. "I'm sorry, Harry. I shouldn't have gone into this." He tried to apologize. Harry shook his head.
"I brought it up. Don't feel bad. You did all you could. I'm here. So cheer up. Let's go to the kitchens." Harry said grinning. Sirius looked at Harry's watch, he jumped.
"Sorry Harry, wish I could but Dumbledore needs me." He said, rushing out of the dorm.
"Will you be leaving?" Harry asked. Sirius shrugged. He left, leaving Harry to join his friends in the common room.
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Jason, Remus, and Dumbledore sat in his office, talking idly. Sirius barged in.
"Sorry, Harry." He began. Dumbledore held up a hand to silence him.
"It's okay Sirius." He said.
"Now that we are here, we can begin." Jason said, turning to face Dumbledore. "I think we need a small team. Four at the most." He said. Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "Then I'll owl Ace, he can get the others ready." Jason said. Dumbledore's expression changed to one of pain and sympathy. Jason saw this and his head dropped as he realized his mistake. "I'm sorry. Knee jerk reaction that's all. I know they are gone." He said quietly. "So who is going with me then?" He asked. Dumbledore looked at him, trademark sparkle in his eyes. Jason shook his head. "No. They aren't ready. They haven't even started training, Albus." He said.
"Jason, they can handle themselves. Besides, there shouldn't be any fighting." Jason just shook his head.
"Fine, brief them tomorrow."
There it is. Please drop me a review, if only to say you read it. It really motivates me to write more. I am sure you all know what I mean. Next up is Harry and CO's first mission.
Chapter Nine - The Order
Harry walked cautiously down the old stone stairs. Looking at the sides of the narrow shaft he was descending he saw coats of armor, symbols and crests, of which he recognized only a few. He was nervous, obviously. Thoughts such as 'what have I gotten my self into,' or 'what am I doing' raced in his head. He reached the bottom, but couldn't see anything, for it was pitch black. Harry looked around for a torch of some kind but found nothing. So removing his wand from his pocket he muttered "Lumos" and a ray of light shot out from it's end, illuminating the round room.
Harry could see a large door in front of him, covered in strange markings and symbols. To his left there was a long open hall. Harry saw several items made of Gold, the light bouncing off and casting a soft glow. Turning to the right he saw another door, this one made of wood, with a sign above it reading Phoenix bibliotheca. Latin, obviously. Harry took a deep breath and made his way to the large stone doors. Looking them over he saw a carving of what was obviously a phoenix, a giant bird engulfed in flame. Harry tried to push the door open but it didn't budge. Harry scratched his head. He took a step back, looking for a switch of some kind. But then, to his surprise the door opened from the inside.
"Harry?" The familiar voice of Remus Lupin asked. Harry nodded. "Well, come here! We don't have all night." Remus said somewhat agitated. Harry quickly walked over to his former professor.
"Sorry, I don't quite know what's going on." He said, looking around the room he had just entered. It was smaller than the last, but seemed to be a parlor of some kind. There were several doors jutting out and there was a large staircase that Remus began to ascend. Harry followed.
"I'm sure your confused, but Dumbledore will explain it all after the meeting. Come on, this way." Remus continued, leading Harry up the stairs and through a door. They emerged in what looked like a giant circular auditorium. They were in a balcony that went all the way around the entire meeting place. "Beautiful, isn't it. This is the Gathering place. This is were the order meets. It was made by the founders after a Dragon attacked the school just eleven years after it was built. Then, well, I'll let Albus give you the full History, it's quite long, and in my opinion boring." Remus stated.
"Hermione will like it then." Harry said, grinning. Remus laughed. A man Harry didn't recognize was approaching them. He looked to be about Remus' age. He wore ministry robes and was smiling happily.
"Remus! How have you been?" He asked, extending a hand for him to shake. He looked from Remus to Harry and gasped. "Harry Potter? My God, you look so much like James, but Lilly's eyes." He murmured under his breath.
"Oh, Harry this is Mundungus Fletcher, he went to school with us, well he was two years ahead, but he new your parents too." Remus said. Harry extended a hand and shook with Mundungus. Just then the door that they had entered from opened again, revealing Professor McGonagall and Hermione. She rushed at Harry.
"I knew you'd except!" She said. " This is so exiting! A whole assembly under Hogwarts! And did you see the library?" Harry tried hard to surpress the smile tugging at his lips, only Hermione could be exited about a library at a time like this. A few minutes later, Ron being accompanied by Sirius joined them. Slowly, while all this was going on the room had started to fill. There were many witches and wizards, at least 700 by Harry's count, and they had piled into the lower and upper levels. Dumbledore was last to come in. Sirius led the trio to sit near him, in the upper left area. Jason was there as well, sitting next to Dumbledore and Harry, with Ron on Harry's other side and Hermione next to him. The meeting began with Dumbledore standing and calling everyone to order.
"Today, is a day many here have been anticipating. First let us welcome our three new members. Taking the seat of Peter Pettigrew, Ronald Weasley." Dumbledore said. Ron seemed to be torn between being angry to be taking Pettigrews seat and feeling embarrassed over the applause he was hearing for himself. Dumbledore continued "Taking Lilly Potters seat is Ms. Hermione Granger." More applause was heard, Hermione went red. "And finally, taking James Potters seat, Harry Potter." At this there was a moment of awed silence. Then a great wave of applause took effect. Harry simply smiled weakly. Dumbledore held up his hand to quiet the crowd. He cleared his voice again and spoke. "Now all of you are aware that this meeting was scheduled for next week, but some important news has forced us to accelerate this. Mary, the floor is yours." He said. A woman on the ground level stood and made her way to the center of the arena where a platform had been raised.
"That is Mary Dumas, she heads the Ancient Artifacts department of the International Ministry of Magic." Jason whispered to Harry. He nodded, not really understanding how this dealt with Voldemort. The woman spoke, her voice clear.
"Earlier this week archeologists in Ireland discovered the Book of Pantales." A collective gasp was heard in the room. Jason in particular seemed off kilter.
"What," He whispered to Dumbledore who simply raised his hand and spoke "later." He then addressed the assembly.
"All of you know the importance of this find, now we must plan a course of action." He said. Jason looked at the three new members and gave them an obvious "we will tell you later" look. Dumbledore continued to speak to the crowd. "I purpose that we send in a special operation team to retrieve it." He said.
Jason stood now. "I agree." This caused for some reason made several other people stand and agree as well. "Well, than, it seems that we are in agreement Albus." Jason said. Dumbledore nodded at him.
The meeting went on for about an hour longer, with various discussions of suspected Death Eaters activities, reports from different departments and an open discussion. After the meeting ended Harry, Ron and Hermione went back to Dumbledore's office along with Dumbledore, Jason Remus and Sirius. They adults all stood around the room as the Trio sat in chairs.
"Okay. Now I suppose we should start with just what is the Order exactly hm?" Dumbledore asked. Harry nodded as Hermione looked on eagerly. Dumbledore smiled. "Okay. The Order of Phoenix is a group of the best witches and wizards from around the world who banded together to fight any and all evil. It was started by the four Hogwarts founders when a Dragon Mage, a beastmage who can control dragons, attacked the school. Originally it was supposed to be the top students, but..." Dumbledore trailed off. Jason let out a disgusted sigh.
"Say it Albus. Slytherin went bonkers. Turned evil and tried to smoke out everything in sight." Jason said.
"Smoke out?" Ron echoed. Jason grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry, it's American slang for kill." Jason said, He looked to Dumbledore who nodded, and continued. "So the three remaining founders took their best students and drove Salazar off. That was the 'difference of opinions' all the books list. So after the founders died, the headmaster was put in charge of the order. And it slowly grew to encompass the best witches and wizards of not only Hogwarts but then Britain and gradually the entire world." Jason said. Dumbledore held up his hand.
"Now there were many great men and women in the Order, but we only need to discuss one now, Pantales." Dumbledore said.
"The one who wrote that book the Order was discussing?" Hermione quickly asked. Dumbledore smiled.
"Yes, they are one and the same. Pantales was a seer. A very accurate one at that. And the book is very important. We believe it may contain the key to defeating Voldemort." Harry nodded. "So," Dumbledore continued, "it is imperative we find it before he does." Dumbledore said. The trio nodded. "Now, We need to speak with Harry Privately. Jason, could you accompany Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger to the Gryffindor dorms. And no speaking of the Order to anyone." Dumbledore said as Jason escorted the other two from the room.
"How are you Harry?" Sirius asked, engulfing him in a bone crushing hug. Harry smiled warily. 'Well, now is the time, truth or no?' He thought. Dumbledore looked at him seemingly reading him, but saying nothing.
"I'm, uh, okay." Harry said, finding a suitable middle ground. Dumbledore nodded. "I have had some, um, strange dreams lately." Harry began.
"What kind of dreams?" Sirius was quick to ask.
"I would be near, near, Him." Harry answered.
"Go on." Dumbledore said.
"He'd talk to me, say things like 'The time is coming'. Cryptic things like that. Then he would curse me, and it would really hurt. Not just my scar, but even when I woke up." He said. Dumbledore looked seriously at him.
"Tell me if this happens again. Is there anything else?" He asked. Harry shook his head. "Fine, Sirius escort him to his common room where you two may talk." He said.
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Hermione sat on a couch reading a book on advanced Ancient Runes Studies when Harry and Sirius came in. She saw them walk strait to Harry's dorm, barely acknowledging anyone else. 'Odd.' She thought.
Jason, who had been by the fire approached her. "I need to go out for a second. If someone needs me, tell them I'll be back in a few minutes." He said.
"You okay?" She asked. He seemed a bit, shaken. His normal demeanor was nonexistent. He seemed a bit taken aback by the question.
"Yes, I'm fine. Be right back." He said. He left the common at a high speed.
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Sirius and Harry sat opposite each other on Harry's bed. They were talking, laughing at Harry's stories of Dudley and the Dursleys fear of Sirius.
"That's great." Sirius said, falling backwards in laughter. Harry laughed too. But something was bothering him. Well, there was always something bothering him these days, but this was different.
"Hey Sirius," He said. The change in demeanor of his voice seemed to startle his Godfather, who sat up quickly.
"What's up? Is something wrong?" He asked. Harry shook his head.
"No, nothing wrong. I was just wondering, when you think about my parents, what do you remember about them?" He asked slowly. Sirius seemed to consider this a moment. He looked at Harry, the spitting image of his dad, and found he just couldn't lie.
"I remember how we would always play pranks on Snape and the head of Slytherin, and how he would look at Lilly. And how everyday at work he would come in and talk about what you had done, how cute you were, how proud he was of you. And," He trailed off after this. He looked down, not wanting to meet Harry's eyes.
"And what? What is it?" Harry asked.
"I think about how I failed them. How if I would have been their secret keeper none of this would have happened to you, to them." He said, obviously on the verge of tears. "I'm sorry, Harry. I shouldn't have gone into this." He tried to apologize. Harry shook his head.
"I brought it up. Don't feel bad. You did all you could. I'm here. So cheer up. Let's go to the kitchens." Harry said grinning. Sirius looked at Harry's watch, he jumped.
"Sorry Harry, wish I could but Dumbledore needs me." He said, rushing out of the dorm.
"Will you be leaving?" Harry asked. Sirius shrugged. He left, leaving Harry to join his friends in the common room.
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Jason, Remus, and Dumbledore sat in his office, talking idly. Sirius barged in.
"Sorry, Harry." He began. Dumbledore held up a hand to silence him.
"It's okay Sirius." He said.
"Now that we are here, we can begin." Jason said, turning to face Dumbledore. "I think we need a small team. Four at the most." He said. Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "Then I'll owl Ace, he can get the others ready." Jason said. Dumbledore's expression changed to one of pain and sympathy. Jason saw this and his head dropped as he realized his mistake. "I'm sorry. Knee jerk reaction that's all. I know they are gone." He said quietly. "So who is going with me then?" He asked. Dumbledore looked at him, trademark sparkle in his eyes. Jason shook his head. "No. They aren't ready. They haven't even started training, Albus." He said.
"Jason, they can handle themselves. Besides, there shouldn't be any fighting." Jason just shook his head.
"Fine, brief them tomorrow."
There it is. Please drop me a review, if only to say you read it. It really motivates me to write more. I am sure you all know what I mean. Next up is Harry and CO's first mission.
