Dawn of the Phoenix: Cedric goes to Forks
Story and Characters owned by
Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling
Story Adaptation by Erica K. Bailey
Chapter 11: Owls
It was difficult to believe I had been in Forks for a month. The time had swiftly passed and already it was August. Dumbledore had come and gone a few times by Port Key, checking up on my progress and attending to some matters with Sirius. There was talk of re-establishing a group called the Order of the Phoenix – a group that was apparently initiated during the first rise of… er… Voldemort. Thinking the name was getting easier, but I still had to force it out.
I had passed my drivers test and, surprisingly, on the first go. Not that it was easy. It was very difficult, and from discussion with Bella, it sounded like, just as the written test had been, the driving test was ten times more difficult then if I'd taken it with the state. Carlisle had taken me out one rainy afternoon and we spent two and a half hours driving through the town, along the highway, the freeway in Seattle and though the city streets, parking on hills and in tight spaces, forcing the vehicle to swerve around a flooded corner, driving through a particularly flooded piece of street, and when that was done, he had Jasper drive another vehicle along with me and perform several moves designed to either force me off the road or take evasive action.
During the last part of the test, he brought me back to the patch of highway near his house which was mysteriously covered in snow. As we drove, his hand must have shot out more quickly then I could see because the steering wheel suddenly jerked and I was fish tailing at 50 miles per hour. I counter steered and, after about 4 or 5 swerves, got the vehicle under control and pulled over to the side of the road. Opening the door, I examined the snow to find it was shaved ice. "You really put a lot of effort into this." I was surprised at the end of test when he smiled and said, "You've come a long way in a short period of time. I am proud to give you this." and he handed me my license. I gazed at the photo, marveling at the fact that it didn't move.
It was early in August, when the threat of the impending danger started to feel real. Sirius and I were sitting down to breakfast when the first owl arrived. "It's from Dumbledore." Sirius stated reading the letter. "Harry's in trouble." My heart sunk. After helping Edward watch over him for a year, I felt protective of him. "Heavens! He's been attacked my Dementors in London." Sirius jumped to his feet in anger, a haunted look over took his expression, "And he defended himself and now the Ministry is charging him with the under-aged use of magic." He flung the letter on the table and paced around the house. "What are Dementors doing out of Azkhaban? And what is the Ministry thinking have a hearing? Of course Harry would defend himself." He fumed, then looking down at the letter again he said in a panic, "Oh he's waiting for me," and ran up to the loft to the Port Key.
I sat there with my spoon half lifted toward my mouth as I watched this unfold, in shock at what I was hearing. Dementors in London? A hearing with the Ministry? Almost every young witch and wizard had used some form of magic. I could remember my mother giving me a firm talking to, threatening that the Ministry could expel me from Hogwarts and take away my wand, but nothing ever happened. Why, now, would they have a hearing?
I waited several minutes for Sirius to reappear in the loft, but there was nothing. I realized I had no idea if he even was returning; he'd left in such a hurry.
I heard a single knock and the door open, "Cedric? Bella and I are here." I heard Edward's voice as they walked in, finding me in the kitchen. My spoon had found its way back to the bowl as I read over the letter from Dumbledore.
Sirius,
The time has come. The signs are unavoidable. Fudge refuses to see the obvious and has the press in his pocket spreading the lies of our enemy – making people believe things are safe. I've tried to shelter Harry, had his copy of the Daily Prophet re-routed so he isn't bothered by what is happening, but he's been dragged into it nonetheless.
Tonight Harry and his cousin were attacked by Dementors. What they were doing out of Akhaban is beyond me, but certainly they are receiving their orders from someone other then the Ministry. I am quite certain they will turn any day now. The Ministry, of course, is holding a hearing. I am certain, given the events and Harry's declaration of Voldemort's return, they will use this as an opportunity to discredit him and, I would guess, have him expelled.
We need to reestablish the order and rescue Harry from Privet Drive. I am sure the Death Eaters will be waiting for him to leave the safety of his home. I need to you to return as soon as you receive this letter. We have matters to discuss.
Please make Cedric aware of the situation. We will need for him to remain in Forks for now, but soon enough will have to induct him into the order, if he is willing.
Make haste old friend,
Albus
"I see you got a letter too." I heard Bella's voice. Though she was in the same room, it seemed like she was talking to me from another place. I shook my head bringing myself back the present and looked up at them. Bella was holding a piece of parchment in her hand.
"It's from Dumbledore." She answered my questioning expression. "He said he might not be able to make the wedding and that you might have more information." She handed me the letter. It was very sparse in comparison to mine, which still left me unsatisfied.
"What is going on, Cedric?" Edward asked.
I handed him the letter from Dumbledore. "I can't be sure. I haven't been getting the Daily Prophet, but it sounds like Fudge is feeding them information on Harry to discredit his claim that Voldemort is back. I'll have to ask for back issues to be sure. But now Dementors have left Akhaban and attacked Harry. He defended himself, but the Ministry is calling him up on charges for the use of under-aged magic."
"Dementors?" Edward asked, "But aren't they supposed to be under the control of the Ministry?"
"Yes" I replied, this didn't make any sense, "I've never heard of anything like this… or Harry being brought to a hearing… that never happens. It's something they threaten to do, but I've never heard of anyone actually being called to a hearing or being expelled." I explained, still in a bit of a daze.
"I hope he'll be okay." Bella said with concern.
"Dumbledore is involved. And Sirius has gone back to London." I said, not sure if the past part was helpful or not given his status as a fugitive. "I suppose I might need to go back myself," though what would I do if I went?
It wasn't long before the rest of the Cullen family was crowded in the small kitchen. I have never seen them so still. I realized that this must be their normal state – that the fidgeting and moving about must be something they do to make us more at ease. We were very quiet. There wasn't much to say. I think we were all just waiting for more information.
At about lunch, the next owl arrived. It was for Bella. She opened it immediately and read it to us.
Dear Bella,
It is so horrible. I just received owl from Harry. He has been called in by the Ministry for the use of under aged magic. It is very serious. He could be expelled from Hogwarts… We are waiting to hear of a hearing date. I would have called, but I am currently at Viktor's. I'll be leaving as soon as I can to return to London and will let you know more as I hear it…
Much love, Hermione.
"She doesn't seem to know much more then we do." Edward commented.
"Harry probably sent owls out as soon as it all happened." Bella supposed, "She probably sent this as soon as she heard…"
Just then we heard a noise from up in the loft. "Sirius?" I called up.
"And Dumbledore" I heard his voice, though it lacked his usual humor. As they descended the stairs and stood before us I could see his eyes no longer twinkled as they were filled with grave concern.
"Cedric" He began, "I need to ask you to come back with us right away. Harry needs to be moved from Privet Drive and I am sure the Death Eaters will be waiting. I am almost certain the attack on Harry was ordered by Voldemort himself."
I saw Bella gulp as I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. In very short order I could be facing a Death Eater head on. I suddenly felt very nervous. Dumbledore's expression shifted, "Cedric, this is your choice. I won't down play the danger here. But if you decide to continue, you will need to become one of us officially. I'm sure I don't need to tell you what that means."
I knew. If Father knew, he would flip. Given his Ministry position, he would have to denounce my association. But my mind was already made up. There was no choice to be made.
"What do you need me to do?" I asked.
"You have very little time. You will need to come back with us in a few minutes. We need to prepare." He said gravely. "Prepare to be back for a few days at the least. You'll need your broom."
I stiffly got up and went to my room. What does one pack when they are going to their possible death? What does one wear to face Death Eaters. My hands shook as I tried to pull open my bureau drawer and, in an instant, I felt a cold hand on my shoulder.
I turned to Edward's concerned face. "Are you sure about this, Cedric?" he asked, "I've been there… This is serious. Peter Pettigrew didn't pause for a second to consider when he struck me with the Avada Kadvra curse. It was instant." He was searching my face for something – maybe it was whether or not I really wanted to do this – maybe it was whether or not I realized what I was getting myself into. The shaking got worse. "Do you want me to get-" No, I thought. I was sure he was about to get Carlisle or Dumbledore – but I didn't want them to see me like this. He stopped before finishing his sentence and nodded, "I'll pack."
Part of me realized he had grabbed one of my bags and was flying around the room, throwing clothes in it. He packed my wizard robes and some basics. I could feel the shaking subsiding. I was regaining control. I took a deep breathe and finally calmed down as he finished. "Are you okay, now?" He asked.
"I think so." I found my voice, "It's just overwhelming… I remember seeing you after... I just sort of flipped out for a minute." I admitted.
"You know this is your choice." He said again.
"Would you do anything different?" I asked.
"I suppose not." He admitted, and then smiled. "I was about to say I'm a little more durable then you, but it didn't really help when I was at Hogwarts. You are more then capable, Cedric."
It was somewhat comforting to hear that from him.
"It's just that, I wouldn't want to lose you, Cedric." He continued, "And I don't want to diminish the danger you will face if the Death Eaters are coming for Harry. I've been in battles before and I thought I was prepared, but when I was attacked at the graveyard I had no warning. So, if you go – don't hesitate – act." I could see the concern in his face and it gave me reason to pause. If Edward, a vampire, with his strength, speed and ability was caught off guard by the Death Eaters, what chance did I have?
Then again, if that were the case for me, what chance did Harry have – and he made it out of the graveyard alive. I had to do this or die trying.
Edward must have seen the resolve in my face matching my thoughts for he suddenly clamped down both hands on my shoulders and looked me square in the eye. "Cedric, I've existed… no I've lived for over a century. I've never had the kind of friend that you've been to me. Please come back," and then he pulled me into a bone crunching embrace.
"I'll try my best." Was all I could say, as I tried to hold back the emotions.
I returned to the kitchen where Dumbledore and Sirius were speaking quietly with Carlisle and Jasper. I could see Alice in a trance as the spoke.
"Anything?" Jasper asked her as her eyes came back into focus.
"Just a lot of possibilities. There is no clear direction. I'm sorry." She apologized as she gazed up at Dumbledore.
"Well it was a thought. Perhaps in a day." He considered.
"If there was a way to get a hold of you, I could let you know what I see." She suggested.
"Unfortunately, where we are going is shrouded in magic. There is no way technology such as phones will work. But if you stay close to home, perhaps we can contact you by Port Key. I think we'll be changing the location in a few days anyway." Dumbledore paused, and then looked at Sirius. "I assume your offer still stands."
"To use my family home? It may as well come to some good use. I'm sure my ancestors are turning in their grave at the mere thought – but it is the best option."
"It's settled then." Dumbledore said, smiling grimly, "I'll need to notify the Weasleys that the time has come. The others are prepared."
"So it has begun." Sirius stated. The rest of us stared in silence at his grim pronouncement.
After a pause, Dumbledore took a deep breathe, "Cedric, are you ready?"
"Yes" I replied, holding my bag and broom. And No – I'm not ready. There is so much more I should know. But there was no more time for that. I had to be ready and so I was.
"Make sure make it back." Bella hugged me.
"Give 'em heck for me." Emmett punched me a little too hard in the shoulder.
Esme gave all of us hugs and Carlisle shook our hands with feeling.
"Keep your head about you." Jasper said, clapping my shoulders.
"I'll have your car waiting for your return." Rosalie just smiled from the kitchen counter she was leaning against.
"We'll be in touch… I'll keep a look out." Alice reached up and gave me quick kiss on the cheek.
I turned to say good bye to Edward and looked into his emotion filled eyes. There wasn't anything left to say and if there was I didn't trust my voice to say it. I'll be back I directed my thoughts to him, I'll come to see you marry the love of your life. That's a promise.
He just nodded.
