Chapter 9

Ariana stared at the bed where her brother lay sleeping. A silvery tear rolled down her cheek. It had been nearly five years since she'd made her deal with Lily. Over that time, she'd kept a close eye on Albus, but to no avail. After that letter, Dumbledore had left Harry and Lily alone, but he hadn't stopped plotting. She didn't know what his current plan was because he'd become very secretive over the past five years, but the large quantities of dragons blood he'd purchased made her scared for her friends. She knew what was coming.

Tomorrow, at midnight, Merlin would be coming. She had no doubt that if Dumbledore did not swear an oath to leave Harry and Lily alone, he would die. She had known Merlin for nearly a century. He'd been the one to help her after her death. They'd become very close. If she asked, he would let her brother live, but she couldn't do that. Dumbledore would kill Harry and Lily if allowed to go unchecked. How could she live with herself if he ended their lives?

"Goodbye, Albus," she whispered. She turned and floated from the room, forcing herself not to look back.

XXX

Dumbledore stood behind his desk, wand drawn and pointed at the door. He looked around his office one last time.

Bookcases lined the back walls of his office. A large wooden cabinet set to the right of the door, and several small tables were spaced throughout the room. On these tables were many instruments, most incomprehensible to the uneducated eye. Waving his wand, all the puffs of smoke and whirring stopped. For the first time in decades, his office was totally silent. He strained his ears, listening intently for the slightest noise. There was nothing. Glancing down at his watch, Dumbledore was just in time to see the hands land on twelve. It was now exactly midnight. Far off, he could hear a clock chiming the hour. He frowned. Hogwarts had no clocks like that, did they? At the last chime, he sat across from him. Dumbledore jumped.

Merlin lifted an eyebrow, his lips twitching slightly. "Well, here we are," he said sounding like a man preparing to perform a particularly unpleasant task, cleaning public toilets maybe. "It has been ten years Albus and from what I see you have learned nothing."

Dumbledore's grip tightened on his wand. "I happen to think I have learned a lot." His voice was surprisingly calm. "I suppose you know that Lily and Harry escaped? I have not tried to imprison them again. I have not even sought contact in five years. Does that count for anything?"

"Answer me truthfully," Merlin leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs. "If you could lock them back in Azkaban, would you?"

Dumbledore nodded. "I still believe them to be a threat, but they have made contact with the outside world over the years. They have told no one what was done to them, but they have made friends, one of which is my brother, Aberforth."

Merlin grinned, the glow in his red eyes flickering. "That must sting. Aberforth knows what you did. As uh, turbulent as your relationship is, I'm surprised he hasn't torn you a new one."

Dumbledore frowned. "I haven't spoken to him in five years. Come to think of it, I haven't seen Ariana in that time either."

Merlin said nothing. He glanced over at the sleeping phoenix. Slowly, he opened just a fraction of his sight, just enough to see the aura of the firebird. He nodded in satisfaction. The edges of the phoenixes bright golden aura were tinged black. It had been corrupted no doubt by Dumbledore's influence. It looked like they had the heart they needed if Puck couldn't find another one to use. He turned back to face Dumbledore and saw that the old man was watching him speculatively.

"Why were you looking at Fawkes?"

"Because it astonishes me that a supposed creature of the light would stay with you as far from the light as you have fallen."

"Fawkes knows that I do what is best for everyone. He knows that I serve the greater good."

"Funny," Merlin growled, his red eyes turning cold. "That is the same crap your lover spouted, isn't it? What were the end results of his actions, hmm? He aided in a war that caused the deaths of at least six million people. How are those results for anyone's greater good? Your methods may be a little less violent, but the end result would be the same. You are not much different than Hitler are you? No, you won't kill, but you have no qualms about allowing others to kill for you." By the end, Merlin was shouting. He leaned back, panting, his fists clenched.

Dumbledore sat silently, listening to Merlin's diatribe. When he was sure he had finished, he spoke, his own eyes like chips of blue ice.

"You dare to judge me?" he hissed. "You, why don't we review what you have done. Let's talk about Uther, shall we? Who was it that aided him in stealing another man's wife? Who taught Morgaine her magic, which she then used to aid Morgaus in seducing her brother? Who was it that told Arthur that the son born of that incestuous union would be the death of him, causing him to send the child far away? You can point out my flaws all you like, but your sins are far more grievous than anything I have done."

Merlin ground his teeth. "I may be a manipulative bastard, but most of my crimes are well documented. I have hidden nothing. I freely admit what I did was wrong. Was it wrong to aid Uther in seducing Igraine, yes? I would change it if I could, but I can't. God has made sure I paid for that sin over my long life. Does the name Nimue ring a bell?" He paused to take a breath before continuing.

"As for Morgaus, I am responsible for teaching Morgaine magic, nothing more. She used that magic to do the exact thing I did to Uther. Are you responsible for teaching Tom Riddle magic? Yes, you are, but that does not make you responsible for his actions. I feel regret for what Morgaus did, but I would still have taught Morgaine given the chance."

"Does Lily know?" Dumbledore asked quietly. "Does she know that you caused the infidelity of her adoptive Mother?"

Merlin rolled his eyes. "It was not Infidelity. Igraine was just as much a victim as her husband. The duke was dead before Uther even entered her chambers. Yes, Morgaine was fully aware of what I'd done."

"This is getting us nowhere," Dumbledore snapped. "Are you here to kill me or not, you great hypocrite."

"You still don't get it, do you? I admit what I did was wrong. If I could go back in time and correct my mistakes, I would. You on the other hand still have not realized that what you're doing is wrong and that makes all the difference between us. You are arrogant enough to believe that you know best for everyone, but you are not God."

"So where does that leave us," Dumbledore said.

Merlin let out a frustrated huff of air. "I would like to kill you," he said conversationally. "Over the years I have learned the only good enemy is a dead enemy. However, for the sake of Ariana, I will not kill you. You and Bagnold were the only ones who knew what Lily and Harry are. Luckily for us, your habit of keeping secrets close to the vest works in our favor. Bagnold has vanished without a trace, so that just leaves you."

"If you aren't going to kill me, what will you do?"

"Against my better judgement, I am going to modify your memory. I will remove all traces of Lily and Harry's elven heritage from your mind."

Dumbledore stared at Merlin horrified. "You can't," he whispered. "The wizarding world will be defenseless."

"I can and I will," Merlin said stonily. "I have tracked down all the aurors that knew Harry and Lily were in Azkaban and dealt with them. I have also done the same to the guards of Azkaban. There is no record either physical or mental of Lily and Harry ever being there. The last loose string to tie up is you, Albus."

Dumbledore raised his wand, pointing it at the approaching Merlin. "Don't make me hurt you."

Almost gently, Merlin brushed the wand aside. "Understand," he said softly as he gripped Dumbledore's shoulder, keeping him in his chair. "This is not a punishment. You are receiving what many people do not. You get a second chance."

"No!" Dumbledore struggled, but Merlin's grip was too strong. He felt a warm hand on his forehead. There was a gentle wiping sensation, as if someone had wiped a cool moist rag over the surface of his brain. As he lost consciousness, he heard Merlin's voice again.

"For your sake, I hope we never see each other again. Use this gift well, Albus."

XXX

Puck crept closer to the nest, moving as silently as possible. He was careful where he placed his feet, making sure he didn't step on so much as a twig. If he was discovered before he was ready, things would go badly for him, but they needed a phoenix's heart. He released a shaky breath as he came right up to the entrance of the nest. He looked up at the towering structure in awe.

The nest was at least ten feet high comprised of mud, sticks, and what looked like ash. It was a cylindrical shape with only one entrance. From inside, Puck could hear the croaking of baby phoenixes. He felt a pang of remorse. What he was doing was wrong, but Ariana needed a body and this was the only way to get it. He started to lift his foot, preparing to step into the nest. There was a burst of flame right over his head. Puck looked up, eyes widening.

"Oh balls," he muttered. "This is not going to go well."

Glaring down at him with two large amber eyes was the biggest phoenix Puck had ever seen. The bird was at least seven feet tall and weighed at least one hundred and fifty pounds. It's spread wings blocked out the sun as it hovered. It's shriek of rage was loud enough to make him wince.

"Oh, shit," he stepped backwards, raising one hand. "Um, I meant you no harm?"

The phoenix shrieked again, darting it's beak at Puck's hand.

Puck jerked his hand back. "I didn't think that would work. Listen, I'm just going to go now. I promise I'll never bother you aga…"

The phoenix flew forward. It's talons flashed out, tearing a chunk of meet from Puck's shoulder. Blood splashed the phoenix's red and gold feathers. Fire blazed as the phoenix's beak darted at Puck's eyes.

Puck screamed and turned to flee. As he dodged the talons and beak, he tried to explain why he was there. Typically of males talking to women everywhere, the more he talked, the madder the Mother phoenix got.

"Hey listen, I only needed a heart. You guys would come back, maybe. It's for a good cause. I'm giving a ghost her body back, and totally not violating the laws of nature in the process. You aren't listening to a word I'm saying, are you? I'm not even here for your babies. I'm here to take your heart. Ow, that's my hair, let go. That hurts. There is a scalp attached to that, you know. So, I assume I can't have your heart?" There was a flash of fire and the smell of burning hair. "I'm on fire," his mouth dropped open in shock.

He quickly flicked a hand, sighing in relief as the fire went out. "I'm taking that as a NO." There was another shriek of rage from behind him. Talons tore at the back of his shirt, slicing deep into the flesh beneath. He could feel warm blood running down his back. "Okay, Puck, time to cut your losses. There is no shame in running far away from this forest and never ever coming back. Oh who am I kidding? I don't care if it is shameful. Apparently, elves and pissed off Momma phoenixes don't mix. I'm getting the hell out of here."

Decision made, Puck vanished, the shrieks of the Mother phoenix ringing in his ears.

XXX

"You modified his memory?" Lily snapped. "I thought you were going to kill him and take his place? What happened to that idea?"

"Ariana happened," Merlin said calmly. "I couldn't just kill him, much as I'd have liked to. Ariana deserves the chance to see her brother redeemed."

"But memory charms can be broken," Lily cried, "Not to mention, you still want me to send Harry to Hogwarts. What happens when the memory charm breaks?"

"Dumbledore's memory isn't blocked. I removed all memories pertaining to your elven heritage. I had to do a little tinkering to cover my tracks. He thinks you've been raising Harry out of the country since James's death."

"And Ariana?"

"He still remembers her. He knows she is a ghost, but as far as he knows, she came to see him one night. He knows nothing about me."

Lily collapsed back into her chair, rubbing her temples. "I don't like this, Merlin."

"Well," Harry said entering the room. "It does leave us in a better situation than we were in before. Now at least we can go out in public without being afraid he's going to show up and try to kill us."

Lily nodded. "Good point." She frowned at her son. "How long were you listening?"

"Since the beginning." At his Mother's annoyed look, Harry raised his hands. "Hey, the conversation was about me."

Merlin chuckled. "Sounds like someone else I know."

"Hush you," Lily snapped. She stood up and walked over to Harry. "Are you sure you want to go. We can teach you just as well at home, probably even better."

Harry hugged Lily. "I'm sure Mum. I have to learn to interact with the outside world. I can't just keep hiding. Besides, Ariana will be going. I can't let her go alone."

"I can take care of myself," Ariana said floating through the door. She scowled at Harry. "I'm old enough to be your Grandmother you know."

"No you're not," Harry said promptly. "Dead people don't age. At most, you're mentally and physically fourteen."

Ariana pouted and Harry laughed. Merlin stepped toward the ghost.

"I suppose you heard the conversation to?"

Ariana sobered at once. She nodded at him. "Yes, thank you for not killing my brother."

"You are welcome."

"Why erase his memories?" Ariana asked. "You could've simply used a compulsion spell, but you didn't, why?"

"I am giving him one more chance," Merlin said. "I want him to get to know Lily and Sirius again. I want him to get to know Harry. I want him to form his own opinions, not the opinions of prejudiced people he's read about in books."

Lily was studying her old teacher speculatively. "There's more to it, isn't there?"

"Perhaps," Merlin said, "but that is a story for a different time. We have more important things to discuss."

"Such as?"

"How are the ingredients for the spell coming along?"

"We have most of them. We've located Ariana's grave. Aberforth has agreed to give us his blood, but we can't find another phoenix. I've been searching for the past five years and nothing."

Merlin scratched his chin, thinking. "There is a phoenix we can use, but it would be risky."

"Fawkes," Harry said excitedly, but then he frowned, "but that's Dumbledore's phoenix. He's sure to notice it's gone."

Merlin nodded. "Yes, he would. However, I don't see any alternative. Phoenixes are supposed to be creatures of light." He glanced at Lily. "Pardon me for saying my dear, but you aren't exactly a light elf."

Lily shrugged. "True enough." She grinned nastily. "The type of ritual were using to restore Ariana is the kind of thing that got me banished from Avalon."

"And you're still going to do it," Harry said dryly.

"Hell, I'm banished. What more can they do to me?"

Merlin rolled his eyes. "You have no shame, Morgaine."

"Are we going to use Fawkes or not?" Harry asked. "Unless Dad found another one, it seems to be the only option."

At that moment, Puck appeared. "Dad didn't find another one," he said wincing and dabbing blood from his face. There were deep gashes in his forehead and one eye was swollen shut. As he limped over to a chair, they could all clearly see the rips in the back of his shirt and the gashes in the flesh beneath.

Lily walked over and laid a hand on his forehead. There was a brief golden glow, and Puck's wounds faded. His shirt repaired itself, covering the pristine skin of his back. "What happened to you?"

"Did you know phoenix Mothers are just as protective of their chicks as regular birds, I didn't?"

Lily stared at him, horrified. "You went after a baby phoenix?"

"Of course not," Puck said looking offended. "What kind of monster do you think I am? I was after the Mother."

"But then the babies would die," Lily spluttered.

"Lily," Puck said patiently. "It was the only option I had at the time. I wasn't going to kill the babies and I know that when phoenix's mate, they stay together until the chicks are grown. The Father would've been able to finish raising them." He glared up at the ceiling. "I got my arse kicked by a bird. I'm never living this down."

"That's still pretty dark, Dad. If something happened to the male phoenix, they would just keep dying and being reborn over and over again. That sounds like a phoenix version of hell."

"After what that phoenix bitch did to me, I don't really care," Puck grumbled.

"You did try to kill her," Lily said reasonably.

"I also explained that it was for a good cause," Puck said sounding offended.

"Okay that's it," Merlin said loudly. "Were using Dumbledore's phoenix."

"How are we going to get it?" Lily asked sounding relieved.

"Harry will have to do it," Merlin said.

"Why?" Lily asked.

"Because I'm still mostly innocent," Harry said. "Fawkes will let me close to him."

Lily opened her mouth to protest, but Merlin cut her off with a raised hand. "I'll be going with him, don't worry. It's our only option."

Lily slumped. "Alright, but be careful."

"I'll go to," Puck said eagerly.

"No," Merlin said raising one hand. "It's risky enough for me to go. I'm only going to watch Harry's back. If you go, Fawkes will flash out. Harry will have to contain him fast. If Fawkes even suspects what is happening, he'll flash out."

Puck nodded looking disappointed. "When will you go?"

"Tonight," Merlin said. He turned to Harry. "I suggest you go get some rest. Has your Mother taught you containment spells?"

Harry nodded.

"How good are you at them?"

"Pretty good," Harry said. "I wouldn't say I've mastered the spell, but I'm not a novice either."

Merlin frowned. "It'll have to do. This is going to take all your strength. Phoenixes are very powerful magically speaking."

"I'll do my best," Harry promised.

"That is all anyone can ask," Merlin said patting his shoulder, "Now go get some rest."

XXX

Harry stood at his mirror later that night staring at his reflection.

He was a tall boy, looking nearer thirteen than his actual ten. For tonight, he'd dressed in a black T-shirt, black jeans, and black dragon hide boots. He'd used Glamour to change his hair black. He stared at all the black, frowning heavily.

"You look like you're going to pull off a robbery," Ariana said as she floated through the door.

Harry turned and smiled at his best friend. The two had grown quite close over the years. Ariana may have been a ghost, but she was the one Harry spent the most time with. She'd always been there for him to talk to and he'd tried to do the same. "I guess the clothing fits then," he said walking towards her.

"You don't have to do this you know?" Ariana said softly. "I am perfectly content being dead."

"But you deserve the life that was stolen from you. Besides, you kept up your end of the bargain. You've watched Dumbledore all these years."

Ariana snorted. "It's not like it amounted to much. He didn't do anything after sending that letter. He just waited."

"Nevertheless," Harry said firmly. "You watched him and kept us informed of what he was doing."

Ariana bowed her head. "I know I'm not going to talk you out of it, so I'll just wish you good luck."

"Thanks," Harry said. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Ariana watched him leave the room. "Come back safe," she whispered.

XXX

Harry and Merlin appeared in the middle of Dumbledore's office. Looking around, Harry sniffed.

"This is the office of one of the greatest wizards on the planet? It looks more like the office of some kind of mad scientist."

Merlin held up one hand for silence, pointing to the sleeping phoenix. Harry approached slowly and looked down at the magnificent red and gold bird. Merlin leaned so close; he could feel his breath on his ear.

"Cast the spell now," he whispered just loud enough for Harry to hear. "Don't waste time. Once the containment spell is active, I'll solidify it and trap him inside."

Harry nodded. Slowly, he began moving his fingers in intricate patterns. As he moved, thin strands of energy flowed from his fingertips and wrapped around the phoenix. The phoenix's wings rustled, it's eyes rolled beneath their lids, but it didn't wake.

"Easy," Merlin breathed. "Easy, don't move to fast."

Harry didn't answer. Sweat dripped down his face. The strands of energy had already tied Fawkes's legs together, and wrapped around his neck. As he bound his wings to his sides, he glanced at Merlin. "Alright," he whispered. "I'm almost…"

Fawkes's eyes flew open. Fire blazed from the tips of his wings, burning through some of the strands of energy. The bird let out a scream of fury, struggling to free itself from the web binding it.

Instantly, Merlin was there, weaving strands to reinforce Harry's web. Boy and man struggled to hold the spell as the phoenix thrashed. Harry grunted each time the phoenix's wings beat against the web. Each impact made him feel as if he'd been hit in the chest with a closed fist.

"Harry," Merlin said urgently. "I'm going to begin solidifying the spell. You have to hold it. Reinforce it as much as you can. If Fawkes escapes, we're in real trouble."

Harry nodded, drawing on more magic and poring it into the web binding the phoenix. He winced as Fawkes tried burning his way through the web again. Phantom flames seared his hands and forearms.

Stepping back, Merlin gestured at the energy binding Fawkes. "Web that binds the bird so well now will become a crystal cell."

There was a crackling sound, like a log burning in a wood stove. Fawkes's struggles became more frantic as the web binding his feet turned to crystal. Within seconds, he was incased in a black crystal. As they watched, Harry and Merlin could see the crystal twitching slightly.

"Will that hold?" Harry asked worriedly.

"For now, but we need to get back and perform the ritual as soon as possible. I have no doubt that, given enough time; Fawkes can break out of there. That spell was never meant to contain a phoenix. If Fawkes was a little older, I doubt it would've worked at all."

Harry nodded. Together, he and Merlin took hold of the crystalized phoenix. With a rustle of air, they were gone.

XXX

Aberforth, Harry, Lily, Merlin, and Puck were all gathered around a grave. Aberforth stared down at the headstone, scowling. The stone read:

Ariana Dumbledore, 1885-1899.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Gently, Aberforth lifted the tombstone and set it aside. "Now what?"

"We'll need the bones," Lily said softly. "Would you like me to…"

"No," Aberforth interrupted. "I'll do it. They won't be surprised at anything I do." Waving his wand, the dirt of the grave rolled like water. A coffin rose from the depths of the earth, like a sunken ship rising from the sea. Another wave of the wand, and the coffin sprang open. Aberforth looked down at the body of his little sister lying inside.

"Preservation charms," he grunted. "She's still mostly intact. What do we do now?"

Lily looked down at the body of the young girl. It was true. She was mostly intact. If it hadn't been for a slight growth of moss on the exposed skin, she could've been sleeping. Reaching out, Lily allowed a hand to hover over the body. She frowned. "Harry, come over here. I need you to take a look at this."

Harry walked over and copied his Mother's actions. "There's been some decay," he said turning to his Mother, "but I think we can fix it, what do you think?"

Lily nodded. "I agree."

Puck was glaring at Fawkes, Stroking a long silver knife with an almost intimate caress. "Let me do it," he growled.

Merlin plucked the knife from his hands. "No, you might enjoy it too much at the moment. Killing, even if it is needed, should never be celebrated."

Puck glared, but said nothing. He turned back to Lily and Harry.

"We'll need to burn all this moss off. On the count of three. One, two, three." There was a flash of fire. When their eyes adjusted, Ariana's body was free of moss. Lily knelt and examined the body closely.

There was some slight discoloration of the skin. It had gone an unpleasant greyish green color. Apparently, preservation charms couldn't entirely hold back the ravages of time. With a few murmured words, some of the decay on the face and hands faded. "That's all I can do for now," she said. "The rest will be up to the magic to mend. It's good the body's in this good of condition. It'll take a lot less power to get the organs started again."

"What would've happened if the preservation charms hadn't held?"

Lily winced. "We'd have had to try and recreate her body from the ground up, using her bones as a kind of guideline. Honestly, I'm not sure how that would've gone. I'm a great healer, but you need someone far more educated in the workings of dark magic and human anatomy to pull that off."

Now what," Aberforth said, his voice shaking slightly.

In answer, Lily held out a silver cup. "We need your blood," she said gently.

Unflinching, Aberforth took the cup and drawing a silver knife from his robes, sliced into his forearm. Blood spirted into the cup. When it was full to the brim, Lily gently took it from him, being very careful not to spill a drop. She turned to Merlin.

"We need the heart."

Merlin nodded and approached the crystal holding Fawkes. He drew a silver knife and raised it. He swung his arm downward, the silver blade passing straight through the crystal and plunging deep into the breast of the phoenix. Fawkes let out a cry of pain that brought tears to the eyes of all present.

Merlin didn't pause. He swiftly split open Fawkes's chest. He saw the small red muscle beating frantically. Gently, he cut the heart free. No sooner had it been removed, Fawkes burst into flame and crumbled to ash. They waited for several moments, but no baby phoenix appeared.

Merlin handed Lily the still beating heart. "Do you need help?"

Lily shook her head. "No, I can handle it from here."

Raising her right hand, she spoke to the night. "Bones of the fallen, you shall call the soul."

Ariana suddenly appeared, hovering over her coffin, watching in silence.

Picking up the silver cup full of Aberforth's blood, Lily spoke again. "Blood of family, you shall renew the flesh."

She tipped the cup, pouring the blood onto the chest of the body.

A soft white light began to emanate from the body.

Lily raised the heart of the phoenix to the sky. "Heart of the phoenix," she intoned solemnly. "You shall restore life." Gently, she placed the heart in the center of the puddle of blood.

A blue flash of flame obscured the coffin and its contents. The smell of ozone filled the air. Crackling veins of white energy flew from Lily's fingertips, fusing with the fire. The occupants of the graveyard watched breathlessly as the fire slowly died.

A beautiful young girl sat up slowly, brushing her blond hair out of her sparkling blue eyes. "Did it work," she asked, her voice soft.

Aberforth stepped forward and drew the girl into a hug. "Ariana," he whispered, tears rolling down his cheeks. "You're back."

Ariana laid her head on her brother's chest. "I've missed you Abe," she said quietly as she hugged him tightly.