Albus Dumbledore and the Wizard's Ruse

Book Three of the Albus Dumbledore at Hogwarts Series

Disclaimer: this is a work of fan fiction based on the worlds created by JK Rowling. The story is written for entertainment and not for profit.

Author's Note: I would like to apologize a thousand times over for taking 2 months to update. I have, as mentioned before, been writing the first draft of my own kid's book and simply haven't had the time to think about fan fiction. Please be warned that I will be writing a second draft soon and there will be more delays with this fan fiction. Not that it matters that much – Albus Dumbledore isn't going anywhere.


"If an eavesdropper misses but one word, confusion will arise."

Chapter 12 – The Mysterious Plot

The Sunday before Christmas 1854 encompassed another visit to Hogsmeade, the first opportunity the Order of Explorers, Adventurers and Investigative Magical Apprentices would have to sneak off to Imhotep's Crypt and investigate whether or not his magical possessions had been tampered with. This was because Albus had finally regained his sense of purpose and enthusiasm, after the dreadful vision he'd seen in his final Divination lesson at Hallowe'en. It had taken him several weeks, but he was back to his usual cheerful self and running lively, interesting Order meetings.

'Let me outline the plan,' Albus was busy saying to the Order on the Sunday prior to the Hogsmeade visit. They were all seated on pouffes and chintz armchairs inside the Room of Requirement. A layer of snow sat on the windowsill, but a fire raged in the fireplace to keep them all warm. 'Fawkes can't take all of us to Egypt on his tail in one go. He also can't do more than one or two trips; otherwise, it would take too long for us to get back to Hogsmeade if a teacher suddenly shows up and wonders where we all are. So, for this adventure, Fawkes will take two groups of five. The others are to keep a watchful eye for any teachers outside the Hog's Head. If a teacher comes around looking suspicious, the rest of you are to use Fawkes to summon us back. Does that sound achievable?'

'Yes, but we want to know who gets to go and who has to stay,' said Emily Marchbanks.

'Is it not obvious?' said John Gaunt carelessly. 'We senior students shall go.'

'No it is certainly not obvious,' Emily snapped, but Albus held up his hands to call for silence.

'I have already made it clear that you shall all get the opportunity to go on an adventure this year,' Albus said. 'Do not turn this into another quarrel, else I shall go alone. Now: Gregory, Alan, Mathilda and Jeremiah, you are second and first years, so you won't be going to Hogsmeade anyway. That leaves eighteen of us: ten to go, eight to keep watch at the Hog's Head.'

'Just tell us who are going and who are staying,' said Mars irritably. 'I cannot bear waiting anymore.'

'Very well,' said Albus, a twinkle in his blue eyes. 'The first group on Fawkes' tail feathers will be Jenning, John, Ruth, Aberforth and I. The second group shall comprise of Mars, Davey, Emily, Maggie and Swarbrick.'

Immediate protestations rose on the lips of Edward and Elizabeth, the two Gryffindors to have been left out, the Ravenclaw Alice Shaftesbury, and the Hufflepuffs Adam, Edith, Keiron, Mary and Mark.

'Be still, the lot of you,' John Gaunt said imperiously. 'Have you, or have you not, elected Albus Dumbledore as the Order's leader? Then accept his rulings without complaint.'

Albus very nearly smiled. Far from being a threat to his leadership, Gaunt had actually been rather supportive of late. He'd taken a shine to being an Order member, and frequently stopped Albus in the corridor with the latest idea he'd thought of to help in the solving of their mystery. Some of his friends in Gryffindor didn't like it, but Albus saw it as a breakthrough in Inter-House relations.

'So what do those of us who stay behind do again?' asked Keiron Bletchley-Adams, who was trying his best not to look sore at being left out.

'Keep an eye out for teachers,' said Albus. 'I doubt they will be concerned by our absence, given the many hundreds of students who will be strolling around Hogsmeade. If it appears; however, that the time has arrived for everyone to return to Hogwarts, then we ought to be alerted. Likewise, if a teacher asks where one of us is, feign innocence and call us using Fawkes.'

'We cannot be too clear on this,' said Gaunt seriously. 'If we are caught travelling to Egypt and back on a phoenix, we all face expulsion.'

Suddenly those who were being left out looked rather happier, and those who'd been thrilled by their inclusion had the smugness wiped from their faces.


Next Sunday dawned bright and clear, with a fresh dumping of snow having fallen overnight. As the children donned their heaviest overcoats and started the walk across the grounds to the gates, they took in the wonder of the scene around them. Hogwarts' lawns were coated with a perfect layer of snow. The trees of the Forbidden Forest were capped with white, like a mountain range, and even the great castle rearing up against the pale blue sky looked white. It was beautiful, but the eyes began to water before long if one stared too hard at the landscape.

As per Gaunt's suggestion, the Order made their way to Hogsmeade in dribs and drabs, rather than huddling together. With Professors Prewett and Dumbledore accompanying them that day, it wouldn't have been sensible for the group to travel together. They would have looked suspicious. The plan was to sidle up to the Hog's Head in twos and threes, until everyone was in attendance. Albus would then summon Fawkes and the adventure could begin.

Albus walked alongside Mars, their outward appearance being two good friends merely enjoying the morning stroll. Mars; however, was whispering under his breath.

'I got a letter back from my parents today about Metamorphmagi in Britain,' Mars breathed.

'What did they say?' asked Albus, his ears perked up.

'Not a great deal,' said Mars dully. 'They did not think I necessarily needed to know such things. My father did say; however, that there are only two or three of them in the land.'

'And…?'

'He did not mention any first names, but he did mention surnames: Tonks, Zabini and Noble.'

'Oh,' said Albus in a disappointed voice. He'd rather hoped to hear the name Black or Nigellus spoken, for that would have been a helpful clue in solving the mystery.

'He did mention the Christmas holidays, though,' said Mars, sounding gloomy.

'And…?'

'I'm to go home,' said Mars miserably. 'My parents have prohibited me from visiting anyone, lest I sneak off to see you.'

'Oh,' said Albus. He was sombre for a while, until he had an idea. 'Do not be despondent, Mars! Consider for a moment what we are about to do?'

'And what's that?'

'Fly to Egypt on Fawkes' tail feathers,' Albus said happily. 'I shall simply send Fawkes to your house every day to fetch you.'

'That is a brilliant plan,' Mars admitted. 'I will have to play a dangerous game, mind. If my parents find me vanished…'

'We will think of something,' said Albus. 'For now, let's concentrate on today's adventure. I think I see the village ahead.'

The eighteen members of the Order took their time arriving at the Hog's Head. Last to arrive, as usual, were Aberforth and Ruth, both of whom had chocolate on their lips and dreamy expressions on their faces. Albus summoned them to the darkest, dankest corner of the pub, where the sudden disappearance of five people at a time was unlikely to be noticed. The Hog's Head was busy today, the mood festive, and nobody paid the Order any attention.

'Right,' Albus said promptly. 'We shall take our turns on Fawkes' tail feathers, five at a time. The eight of you…' he singled out Keiron, Adam, Edith, Mark, Mary, Alice, Edward and Elizabeth, '…stay here. Buy yourselves some Butterbeers and have a good time, if you will. We shall surely tell you everything that happened on our adventure when we return.'

Albus called softly for Fawkes. The gloriously plumed phoenix appeared without show, and Albus, John Gaunt, Ruth, Aberforth and Jenning each took hold of one of its feathers.

'Into Imhotep's Crypt, please,' Albus said. The five vanished with a quiet pop.

They appeared in a dark hall with a flash of flame. Fawkes vanished again, leaving them all in ominous darkness. Moments later, Fawkes returned with Mars, Davey, Emily, Maggie and Swarbrick in tow.

'Lumos,' Albus, Gaunt and Jenning muttered at the same time. The tips of their wands lit up ten pale, slightly apprehensive faces.

'Albus, where are we?' Emily asked nervously.

'I expect we are in Imhotep's Crypt,' Albus said. 'There are no torches burning, so we shall have to use our wands to see.'

All ten lit up their wands and pointed them around. They quickly discovered that they were standing at the foot of a massive statue, of a great Egyptian wizard with terrifying eyes and a giant staff of stone in his hand.

'Imhotep,' said Mars, shivering. Albus' fair-haired friend had been to Imhotep's Crypt with him once before, back in their first year. They'd been brought here by Fawkes, for a reason they hadn't understood at the time. It had become clear later on, when Professor Phineas Nigellus' plan to raise Imhotep from the dead had nearly come to fruition.

'This place gives me the chills,' said Maggie, drawing her coat closer around her. Even though they were in Egypt, it was still very cold in the chamber. They were several hundred feet below ground, by Albus' best guess.

'Remind us again, Albus,' said Gaunt. 'What, precisely, are we looking for?'

'When I was here with Mars, and then later with my father, Professors Fudge and Nigellus, there were four small crypts either side of a tunnel leading to a fifth, larger one where Imhotep's body lay. There were all manner of dark items in each of the crypts. We've come to see if anything has gone missing: anything that might be used to try and bring Imhotep back from the dead again.'

'Very well, show us the way,' said Gaunt.

Albus and Mars led the group along the corridor. Albus couldn't help shivering. The last time he'd been here, Professors Fudge and Nigellus had held him captive and his father had been under the influence of Veritaserum. The tunnel was lined by coffins, where mummies had once stood. These mummies had been brought to life as Inferi, living dead who would have served their reborn master had Imhotep not been destroyed by Fawkes' phoenix song.

They arrived at the first crypt, to their left. It was empty.

'Mars, can you remember what was in here?' Albus asked.

'Staffs, I think,' said Mars. 'There were hundreds of them.'

'Now I recall,' said Albus. 'Some grave robbers must have cleared this vault.'

'Are you certain?' Emily said, her voice trembling. 'What if Dark wizards intend using the staffs to bring him to life?'

'Professor Solstice already did that, in the Chamber of the Everlasting Flame,' said Albus, trying not to think about Victoria when he said it. 'That staff contained part of Imhotep's soul. I doubt he used any other staffs.'

They moved on to the next crypt. It too, was empty.

'There used to be vials of poisons, mummified asps and scarabs in here,' Mars said. 'Why is everything gone?'

'The asps and scarabs were brought to life by Professor Nigellus,' said Albus. 'As for the poisons, I do not know. Again, I have a feeling that nothing of value remained in this crypt for Dark wizards to take.'

'Except for poisons,' said Emily, a terrified note in her voice as if the entire world was now in danger of being poisoned by ancient Egyptian potions.

The next vault, which had once contained numerous black vases and containers, was also devoid of content. Albus had to confess, a tingle was running up his spine now.

'I remember having to carry a vase of Imhotep's dried, preserved blood from this room,' Albus said. 'What if what remained has now been taken?'

'I want to go back to Hogsmeade,' said Jenning. Aberforth and Ruth were holding hands rather tightly. Albus shone the light of his wand in the others' faces and saw that all but Gaunt looked terrified.

'We shall go at any moment,' Albus said. 'Let us look at the last two crypts, at the very least.'

The fourth crypt had been empty but for a skeleton on a plinth, one that appeared to have been in the midst of mummification when the tools had been left inside him. That skeleton was now gone, as were the tools. The final vault, a massive room with a tomb raised on a towering plinth, and walls covered in hieroglyphics where rivers ran with blood and eagle-headed monsters devoured baby children, was also empty. Albus could see the mangle of rocks where Imhotep's killing spell had shattered the wall, directly resulting in his broken nose. Other than that, nothing remained of the calamitous scene he'd been involved in at the start of his first year.

'There is nothing here,' said Gaunt simply. 'Either thieves have broken in and emptied the vaults of their contents, or our fears are correct: Dark wizards unknown have obtained Imhotep's possessions and are planning on using them for nefarious purposes.'

'Can we return to Hogsmeade now,' said Maggie plaintively. Davey, and Jenning were whimpering. Even Swarbrick looked paler than usual.

'Yes,' said Albus. 'Fawkes, bring us back.'

The handsome phoenix took Mars, Davey, Emily, Maggie and Swarbrick back first. Moments later he returned for the rest of them. With a light pop they were back in the Hog's Head.

'Boy, have we something to tell you,' said Edward Stephenson, his freckled face lit up with a wild enthusiasm Albus had not seen before. 'We just overheard a very suspicious conversation between two men in dark robes.'

'And we have our own worrisome findings to report,' said Albus. 'Come, let's all get Butterbeers before we talk. I am in need of warming up.'

A short while later, the Order gathered around a long table in the far corner of the Hog's Head, each holding a mug of steaming Butterbeer in their cold hands. The light of adventure had returned to their eyes. Now that they weren't inside the chilling black crypt of an ancient Dark Lord, people like Emily and Jenning seemed to be bubbling with the knowledge that they'd been on a grand adventure. The eight who had stayed behind urged Albus to tell them what he'd learned, so that they could share their own news.

Albus reported the vanishing of the crypt's contents and the likelihood that it was grave robbers.

'My father did remove the protective charms on the crypt once Imhotep was destroyed,' Albus said. 'He also said he was closing it for all time. This makes me think some Dark wizards have been in there, stealing the contents so that they can bring Imhotep back again.'

'They may not even have that in mind,' said Gaunt carefully. 'Perhaps their motives are different, though no less sinister.'

'What are you talking about?' asked Mars.

'Perhaps they intend unlocking the secrets of Imhotep's magic for their own use,' said Gaunt. 'Imhotep may be destroyed, for all we know. But his magic remains, and powerful would be the wizard who learns it.'

The others shuddered. Emily and Maggie threw Gaunt another disgusted look, as if appalled that he continued to show the ability to think like a Dark wizard.

'So, what did you overhear?' Albus asked Edward.

'Well, the eight of us were minding our business here in the corner,' Edward said, eyes bright with excitement. 'A pair of men in dark robes sat down at the nearest table and started muttering to one another. We might not have paid any attention, if we had not heard the word "Dumbledore".'

Albus and Aberforth leaned forward, listening very intently to the next part. Edward explained that they'd tried to eavesdrop as best as possible, but had only heard fragments of conversation. All eight contributed words they'd heard, so that Albus was able to determine that the conversation had gone something like this:

Dumbledore … useful information not forthcoming …the need to take further action …vast secrets contained there … challenge not beyond us …Minister not entirely cooperative …essential that we succeed … prize too great to fail …

The Order sat in silence for some moments after this, drinking their Butterbeers and contemplating the growing mystery. At last, Albus spoke, his voice calm and confident but his insides wracked with turmoil.

'Let us examine our current situation,' Albus said. 'This is what we know: my family house elf is dead, the circumstances of which are unclear. My father, who ought to be in the East Indies on an archaeowizarding dig, has made some unusual and secretive trips to Hogwarts, trying to dig into my mind for memories about him. Imhotep's Crypt is empty. Someone has a plot underway involving a Minister and someone in my family; they are looking for "useful information" and are striving towards some great "prize". What we don't know is: who these people are, exactly what they are looking for, and how they are going about it. That leaves us in a predicament.'

'What are we going to do?' Mars asked. 'We cannot simply sit here and wait for terrible things to happen, as seems to be the likely outcome of all this.'

'We will not sit and wait,' said Albus. 'Here is my plan: over Christmas, all of you are to eavesdrop on your parents and anyone else you encounter. Maybe someone knows something about all these unusual events. When we return to Hogwarts, we shall attack the Room of Requirement with renewed purpose. It is a Room of Requirement, after all. It must have the answers we need, somewhere inside that library of magical books.'


Everyone seemed energized by Albus' plan, happy to have something mysterious and slightly naughty to do over the holidays. It was hardly likely that any of their parents had the first thing to do with this (except for Gaunt, if you were asking Emily and Maggie), but all the same, it was nice to feel like you were part of some great and complex mystery.

Albus, on the other hand, was again distracted by this new weight of worry on his shoulders. He could hardly bear the thought of Imhotep coming to life a third time, after he'd sacrificed so much to prevent the first two rebirths. The first time, his father had nearly died, his nose had been broken, and Fawkes had saved his life. The second time, Victoria had died (though not by Imhotep's hands, but by Grundelwald's), and Professor Solstice had been turned traitor by the power within Imhotep's staff.

What was going on? Hard as Albus puzzled over it in the coming days, he couldn't fathom the mystery. He hadn't heard from his father for a few months, which gave him hope that the previous lesson had been an isolated incident. But the fact remained; his father's behaviour back then had been most unusual. The more he thought about it, the more he began to think that it hadn't been his father. There was an impostor Archaeon Dumbledore about, a most unsettling thought. More unsettling was the idea that Imhotep's Crypt had been stripped of its dark contents. Where had it all gone? Who was in possession of it now? And what would happen if Imhotep was reborn?

These worries caused Albus to make some uncharacteristic mistakes in class during the coming days, and he endured a terrible lesson in Occlumency with his mother. She obtained several of his thoughts about Imhotep, but fortunately she misconstrued these as bad dreams he'd been having.

'I did not realize you were still having nightmares about those events of your first year,' Lubo said to him after the disastrous lesson was over. Albus' brain felt like it had been prodded with a poker stick. 'I could give you a sleeping draught to allow you more peaceful dreams.'

'I am fine,' Albus lied. 'Can I depart now?'

In fact, Albus hadn't the slightest dash of festive spirit in his heart when he boarded the Hogwarts' Express back to Platform 9 and ¾ for the Christmas holidays. Too many strange happenings were afoot, and for a rare occasion he did not relish the thought of Christmas at home with his parents. One was his Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, the other was possibly a fraud masquerading as his real father. Albus did not hold any high hopes for a memorable Christmas this year.