Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
Chapter Thirty Five
The Last Christmas
And so, the reconstruction work begun. The Goblins, without Ulic, had retreated to Gringotts, and were now under the joint command of Gringott himself, Ragnok and Griphook. They had appealed for a treaty with the Ministry. The Ministry itself was in disarray, as they tried to get a resemblance of order back into the wizarding world. Werewolves, lost and confused, had split into two factions, and were now either serving Lupin, under Harry's command, or serving Silvermane, under Voldemort's command. Vampires were now all but extinct.
Hogwarts was in a right mess. Bodies and debris littered the grounds and entrance hall, and they were all working terribly hard to clean up the mess. The school was to be closed, and all the students were now going home, leaving the Order and their army behind to guard the castle. Harry was overcome with guilt. Over two thousand people had died in the battle, and he blamed himself. They wouldn't have died if it wasn't for him. And then, there were the two deaths that hurt the most: Hagrid and Neville. Neville had been his friend, and had been killed by the sadistic monster that had tortured his parents to insanity. Sirius and Daraala had told him of how they had tried to stop Bella, to no avail. Slughorn was now locked up in the hospital wing, undergoing severe surgery to get his insides replaced. While they had won the battle, it had come at a great price. Neville, Hagrid, Sturgis, Tom, Madam Malkin and Mrs Longbottom, along with all the other two thousand people who had died in the army. Meanwhile, Voldemort's losses were nothing to sneeze at either. He had lost the entire species of Vampires and Dementors, thousands of Inferi, Macnair, Greyback, Ulic, Demagoth and Drakul, and the loyalty of the goblins and many werewolves.
Harry looked sadly out at the grounds. Blood stained the grass, and all the bodies were creating a horrible stench that caught in the nostrils. He felt someone coming up behind him, and relaxed as Ginny pulled him into a hug. He couldn't be more proud of her. She had killed Demagoth and had reversed all the Dementor's effects on the world. And he had wanted to send her away!
"It isn't your fault." Ginny said softly.
"Then whose fault is it then? They fought for me, and they died for me. That makes it my fault." Harry said miserably.
"No it doesn't. It makes it Voldemort's fault for attacking in the first place. Anyway, McGonagall asked me to tell you that the funeral for the others is next week."
"Hagrid and Neville. Hagrid. I, I cant believe he's gone. He's been there since my first year. He was the first wizard I remember meeting and knowing what he was. He was like…"
Ginny kissed his cheek.
"A father?" she asked shrewdly.
"In a way. And an uncle. And a brother. I'm fed up of losing people I care about!"
Harry blinked the tears out of his eyes. Ginny pulled him close. He buried his head in her shoulder, and she stood there, rubbing his back.
"Have you seen Luna?" he asked.
"Yes. She looks miserable."
Harry pulled a little bit away from her.
"I've got a theory about that."
Ginny cocked her eyebrow.
"What?"
"You don't think Neville and Luna were, you know, together, do you?"
Ginny looked at him in thought.
"That could be it. She hasn't been her usual dreamy self." Ron said as he came out onto the steps, closely followed by Hermione.
"In love with Neville? You think?" Hermione asked.
"It might explain it." Harry said.
"I'll talk to her." Ginny promised.
Harry amused himself for a minute, watching as Professor Flitwick tried valiantly to direct the dead bodies to a large pile, but he kept losing his grip and they kept tumbling on top of him. Over in the corner, he saw the dragon pen, where the dragons Charlie's girlfriend Ekria, had brought were staying. Harry recognised the Horntail he had fought in his fourth year. To his horror, he discovered it was called Cuddles. And Norbert, Hagrid's dragon from their first year was there too. Tears flooded Harry's eyes again.
"We all miss him Harry." Hermione said tenderly, pulling her friend into a hug.
"But, considering the odds against us, we were lucky that we only lost six we knew personally." Ginny said.
Harry turned to glare at her, and she knew immediately that she had said the wrong thing.
"How can you say that? Two thousand people dead, and all you can say is we were lucky it wasn't more people we knew or cared about! Hagrid! Neville! Sturgis! Tom! Madam Malkin! Mrs Longbottom! Yeah, we're really lucky we didn't lose anyone else we care about!"
And with that, Harry stormed into the castle, leaving them outside in the frosty cold.
"What did you say?" Ron asked in confusion.
"Ginny!" Hermione said in exasperation.
"It isn't my fault he's as likely to go off as the average Blast Ended Skrewt nowadays!" Ginny said indignantly.
Ginny knew she was lying. She had meant what she had said, but hadn't meant it to come out that way.
"Go and talk to him Ginny. He needs you at the moment. We all need each other."
Ginny listened to Hermione's advice, and then decided to heed it, and went to look for her boyfriend.
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Voldemort was looking in the Daily Prophet at the report of the battle. Under the big flashy headline of: Voldemort Thwarted, was a picture of the ruined Hogwarts. Voldemort had to admit, that Potter had put up a marvellous fight, and had certainly given Voldemort a run for his money. Now, the only problem was that the larger components of his army were unravelling at the seams, now that there were no Dementors and Vampires, the goblins had disappeared and the werewolves were splitting up. Well, that wasn't strictly true. Half the werewolves were still under Voldemorts command, and he still had twenty four Dementors and thirty six Vampires. Voldemort's lip curled in distaste. They belonged to Lumiya, and they served her before they served all others. Typical. Then, the door thudded open, and he was distracted from his musings.
"Dolohov got a new arm yet?" Voldemort asked.
"No. We don't know what it is, and every time we create a new arm for him, it just drops right back off again." Bella complained, sitting down.
"But, my lord, there is something we must tell you." Bane said.
"It had better not be bad news." Voldemort warned.
"Voldemort, everything to do with you is bad news."
Voldemort glared at Lumiya, who was flanked as always by Maladi and Krayt. They sat down and listened to Bella and Bane.
"Well, what is it? Good or bad news?"
"Depends on your point of view." Bane said.
Something in the centaurs voice troubled Voldemort.
"Why?"
"We discovered something in the battle yesterday." Bella said cautiously.
Lumiya's expression was most curious. It was a look of foreboding, and a look of dread, as if she already knew the answer and feared it.
"Well?" Voldemort asked.
"We have discovered Phoenix."
There was silence in the room, and Lumiya closed her eyes in dread.
"Dark Phoenix?" Voldemort asked excitedly.
"The very same." Bella said miserably.
"Who?"
"The Mudblood Granger."
"Don't use that term in my presence. I do not hold with this blood purity nonsense." Lumiya warned.
"Be quiet Lumiya." Voldemort said, imagining the possibilities.
"My Lady, what is Dark Phoenix?" Nihl asked.
He has just appeared in the room, behind Lumiya's chair. He and Talon had a knack for doing that.
"Oh, of course, I never told you. Dark Phoenix is an ancient spirit, more powerful than any force in this world. She's nigh invincible. She controls all things. She can control metal, fire, water, lighting, the weather, you name it, she can use it to her own advantage. She possesses class five witches, and then uses them to carry her around and carry out her evil ends."
Nihl looked impressed.
"What class is she?" he asked.
"Class Five to the power of infinite. Standard form." She added, for Nihl looked confused.
"And she is a marvellous weapon for us to use!" Voldemort exclaimed.
"You want to use her! She's too dangerous! Or have you forgotten the last two times she appeared!" Lumiya challenged.
Voldemort's eyes flashed.
"Have a care Lumiya. I am in charge here."
"Of the Death Eaters. Not of me, or my Lords and Ladies."
Voldemort glared at her.
"Yes, I remember the last two times she appeared. Why?"
"This. The American one in the nineteen-forties was very powerful. And her lover was killed in Pearl Harbour. Dark Phoenix was then unleashed upon the world. Did you truly think it was the blasted Americans who blew up Hiroshima and Nagasaki? No! It was Phoenix! She wanted to avenge the death of her lover, and she did! Wiping out goodness knows how many innocents in the process!"
"She killed herself too." Krayt added in his deep booming voice.
"Yes, I know she did dear. And that was only because she got to close to a gas explosion. That was the only thing that stopped the utter destruction of Japan. And now he wants to use her in battle!"
"I am a class five wizard. I can control her." Voldemort said confidently.
"No you can't! None of us can! The last two times she appeared she was a class four witch! Granger is a class five. Potter, and all the Weasleys are class fives. Her mental blocks are the only thing preventing Phoenix's escape! She possessed that Russian witch last time, and look what happened. Her husband was killed in an accident at work, and then look! She lost control, and poof, you had Chernobyl!"
"Please Lumiya my dear. I am perfectly capable of controlling Granger."
Lumiya roared in frustration.
"You aren't! Two to one Dumbledore put those blocks in place. Now, because he is dead and everything that's going on, they're bound to be failing. All it needs is something that will break Granger's mind and poof, Phoenix will be unleashed! The world can't withstand it anymore!"
She realised instantly that she had said too much.
"Of course! We kill Weasley, she will unleash Phoenix and we will be able to use her for our own purposes!"
Lumiya had tears of rage in her eyes now.
"Voldemort. Listen to me. She cannot be controlled! She is far too powerful!"
Voldemort was lost in thought, imagining the destructive power Hermione would have on the world. Lumiya shook her head, and grabbed him, and then shook him hard. She stopped and looked him directly in the eye.
"Please. Promise me you'll only use her as a last resort."
Voldemort rolled his eyes, but conceded.
"Very well. If it will stop you nagging."
Lumiya nodded, beckoned to her three lords, and left the room, her cape billowing out behind her.
"He will use her then?" Nihl asked.
"Of course he will! He wants to control the greatest weapon in the world, and if he can break down the Hermione part of the mind, Phoenix will have a clear field! The fool! Phoenix cannot be controlled!"
"How do you think he will break down her barriers?" Maladi asked.
Lumiya smiled grimly.
"Voldemort will do as he always does. Prey on those close to his enemy. In this case, Ron Weasley."
"He's going to kill him? What'll that achieve?" Krayt asked.
"Because dear heart, unlike us, Voldemort underestimates love. He hates it, nor does he believe in it. That is his failing. We do understand it. We accept it, and we allow it and understand it, and therefore do not underestimate it. Killing her beloved will not only break down her barriers, it will utterly destroy them. And then, Hermione will be forced out, as Phoenix takes control. Phoenix cannot control her own power."
"What about Harry?" Nihl asked.
"And that is Voldemort's final mistake. If he unleashes Phoenix upon the world, Potter will stop at nothing to get Hermione back. And if he fails, no one will stop her." Lumiya finished grimly.
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Ginny was en route to the Astronomy Tower, where she was sure she would find Harry, when she saw Luna. The poor girl was sitting on a pedestal, crying.
"Luna?" Ginny asked.
She looked up.
"Oh, hello Ginny. Just thinking…"
Ginny patted her friend's shoulder.
"About Neville?"
Luna gazed up at her.
"How do you know? We kept it quiet…"
"Harry guessed. I'm sorry Luna."
Luna sighed.
"Well, he's gone, and there's nothing we can do about it."
Then, a door opened, and Mrs Weasley emerged.
"Luna dear? Come to my office, we'll have a cup of tea. Ginny, what did you say to Harry? He was in tears."
Ginny shook her head.
"I upset him. I'm away to fix it."
Mrs Weasley nodded, and steered Luna into her office. Ginny then dashed to the tower. As she had expected, she found Harry there.
"Harry?" she asked softly.
He ignored her. Sighing in misery, she went up to him, and pulled him to her.
"I'm sorry love."
Harry looked at her.
"What?" she asked.
"You've never called me that before." He stated.
Ginny smiled at him. He just looked miserably back.
"I'm sorry about what I said. I shouldn't have. But…"
Harry hugged her.
"I know you didn't mean what you said. I know what you meant. And I'm sorry I flew off the handle at you." He bent down, and kissed her fiercely.
"I might not be here next year." Harry said suddenly.
Ginny looked at him sharply.
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean."
Ginny glared at him.
"Don't even think about dying on me Potter. I need you. Voldemort isn't going to kill you. You're going to kill him."
Harry smiled at her.
"You sure?"
"Positive. And don't even think about getting killed just to prove me wrong."
Harry snorted with laughter, and kissed her again. Then, the snow started to fall. They stood there, making up, as the world turned white around them.
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It was the week before Christmas, and Harry, Ron and Hermione were in the library studying books on the four Hogwarts founders, determined to find the other Horcrux. Then, Rita entered looking grim.
"What is it Rita?" Harry asked, as Hermione took his book from him.
"I have some good news and I have some bad news." She said grimly.
"Good news. We can't much more bad news." Ron said, as Hermione took his book too.
"The good news is that the Goblins have appealed for peace, and Kingsley is going to grant it. Ragnok's taken command of them, while Griphook has taken command of the bank. Half the werewolves are now serving Lupin and have been granted immunity by the Ministry." She reported.
"We knew that. What's the bad news?" Hermione asked, stretching as she did so.
"Four bits of bad news. The rest of the werewolves have gone under Silvermane's command as if nothing's happened. The hags, ogres, merpeople and giants aren't doing anything else either."
Harry rolled his eyes.
"We didn't expect them to. Anything else?"
Rita looked apprehensive.
"You aren't going to like this Harry. Right, you remember before the big fallout Dumbledore had with Fudge three years ago?"
"Aided and abetted by you of course." Hermione reminded her tartly.
Rita went red, but ignored her.
"Well, the Death Eater, Barty Crouch Jnr, was given the Dementor's Kiss wasn't he?"
Ron looked confused, but dread filled Harry.
"Because Ginny killed Demagoth that'll be reversed. He's back?"
"Yep. And he's making his way to Voldemort's side as we speak."
Harry shuddered. The idea of Voldemort having back one of his most lethal supporters was frightening.
"What else?"
"Lady Lumiya's back on the scene. She's joined forces with Voldemort. But, we have one advantage. They don't seem to be getting on very well."
That was a small comfort. Daraala had told Harry several stories about the dear Lady Lumiya and her Lords and Ladies.
"And the last part?" Ron asked.
"I think there might be a traitor in the Order." Rita said cautiously.
Harry stared at her. Hermione was looking confused. And Ron, looked thoughtful.
"She could be right. The enemy knew exactly where to hit us." He said.
"It wasn't that hard to see Ron. In case you didn't notice, we were rather outnumbered. It wouldn't take a genius to figure out what to do." Hermione said snappily.
"No Hermione. I think they're right." Harry said softly.
Hermione looked flabbergasted, however Ron looked triumphant.
"You do?"
"Yeah. Thanks Rita. That all?"
"Yes. I'm away to interview Kingsley about the battle."
Harry smiled.
"You seem to be spending a lot of time with the good Minister for Magic. Anything we should know about?"
Rita went scarlet, made an obscene hand gesture and left the library, the friends chortles making her ears burn.
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McGonagall approached him as he made his way down the marble staircase to find Ginny. She had spent the day with Luna, comforting her friend.
"Harry!"
He turned, to see her wearing an expression of excitement that would make Hermione proud.
"I've had an idea."
Harry smirked.
"No, you can't make a cauldron out of cheese." Harry said, remembering a conversation with Dumbledore last year.
"Eh?"
"Never mind."
McGonagall shrugged, and ploughed on.
"I was thinking we should have a sort of party, to celebrate our victory."
Harry looked at her.
"Professor, we lost loads of people! Hagrid, Neville! And you want a party?"
McGonagall placed her hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Harry, we can't dwell on the past. It'll just slow us down."
Harry thought about it.
"I think it's a wonderful idea." Ginny said, slipping up beside them.
He looked at her questioningly.
"I do." She said earnestly.
"I won't do it without your say so Harry. And after the party, the students can be sent home."
Harry shrugged.
"All right. But I won't dance."
Ginny glared at him.
"Oh yes you will." She said fiercely.
"Wont."
"You will." She said forcefully.
"Or what?" he challenged.
Ginny stood on her tiptoes and whispered something in his ear. He went scarlet.
"Oh aye. Good piece of blackmailing Ginny." McGonagall said, as she sauntered off.
"You fight dirty." Harry moaned ruefully.
"Of course. What chance do I have against the boy who lived? I need any weapon I can get my hands on."
"Well, you've just found your trump card. I can't beat that. I surrender."
Ginny giggled, and muttered as she left.
"Coward."
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Edinburgh's High Street was a nice enough place in the daylight. But at night, things were quite different. Lady Lumiya was dining in a small restaurant, called Gordon's Trattoria, a marvellous little place (its Carbonnara was exquisite), awaiting a weapon that could be used against Potter. Lord Maleval, his head shrouded in a hood, was eating Spaghetti Al Mare at another table, while Talon and Nihl seemed to be two lovers enjoying a pizza in the shape of a love heart. After finishing her meal, she tipped the wee manny, stood and left the restaurant. Outside, the High Street was dark. This was a memory of bad times. Eleven years old, barely scrounging an existence in the streets of Edinburgh and down the Red Light District of Leith, coming up here and looking into the shops when she had money left over from her customers. Those had not been pleasant days. Lumiya, her face covered in a hood, walked to the other side of the street. A small, red shop called White Dove was there. She looked absently in the windows, liking the look of a small, pewter dragon. Feeling like exhausting her supply of muggle money (Voldemort had given it to her), she entered.
She entered the cluttered shop. Piggins stood in a small cabinet beside the door. Little pocket dragons were beside them. An odd little shop. Mostly used for tourist items, but enough ornaments for permanent residents could be had here. The man behind the counter was obviously in the midst of closing up shop.
"Oh, hello. Can I have a look around?" Lumiya asked sweetly.
"Certainly." The man said, before returning to his till.
He was a tall man, bespectacled and thin. Hearing a ding, Lumiya turned to see a woman, also bespectacled, with curly blonde hair and a large box in her arms.
"That's the last box of Scottie dogs. We need some more." She said, nodding to Lumiya.
Lumiya nodded back. Why someone was selling Scottie dogs, she didn't know. What was wrong with lovely little Spaniels, or nice wee Labradors? Why bleeding Scottie dogs? All the same, there was no noise coming from the box. Christ, the woman had killed them. Ah well. Looking in a cabinet, she saw a pewter dragon labelled Dragon of the Crystal Ice. Oh yes, that would look very nice on her mantelpiece.
"Excuse me, could I have that dragon?" Lumiya asked.
The woman went to her. After unlocking the cabinet, she went to the counter.
"Do you like dragons?" the woman asked.
"I revere them." Lumiya answered.
Especially when someone uses them against Voldemort. Arrogant fool.
"People call me the Dragon Lady." The woman said as she wrapped the item.
"Whatever for? You don't look remotely like a dragon. They're large and have big teeth. And shoot fire."
The woman laughed.
"I collect them you see."
"Oh. Oops. Minor faux pas." Lumiya said, wishing the one she was supposed to be meeting would hurry up.
Lord Stryfe, standing beside the church at the bottom of the street, would send a mental message to her when he arrived.
"Don't worry. Her friends always having them." The man said.
"That's my friend!" the woman said defensively.
Lumiya smiled at the two muggles. The woman finished wrapping the item.
"That'll be twenty one ninety nine."
What was the muggle fixation with making everything so many pounds ninety nine? Why not just round it up and make it a nice, whole number? Stupid flipping muggles. It happened every time she went into the chippy for a fish supper. Four ninety nine. Give it a rest!
"Thank you." The woman said as Lumiya handed over the money.
Lumiya nodded. On the way out, she turned to them.
"A fabulous restaurant over the road by the way." She said.
"Is it empty?" the man asked.
"Near enough."
"Good. Come on, if we shift we can get the King Prawns." The woman said.
With that, they locked the till, and followed Lumiya from the shop. Lumiya quite liked the odd couple. Then, at last, Stryfe contacted her. Turning to the steps, she met the man she was meant to meet.
"Well? Why do you want to help us?" Lumiya asked harshly.
Best lure him into a sense of fear of his masters.
"I want her back." The man answered.
"Of course. You realise I am not like Voldemort in the aspect of love. I do not underestimate it, because I understand it and use it and condone it. He doesn't. She is in love with another man."
"I know that. I thought we should kill him."
"NO!" Lumiya barked.
"Why not?"
Lumiya shook her head.
"It isn't up to you to know, or to find out. Under no circumstances are you to do something that might break her heart or her mind! Or my plans will fail. And then, you will die, very slowly and painfully."
The man nodded.
"I shall keep you informed of what you are to do. We will meet at this time each week unless I say otherwise. Understood?"
The man nodded.
"Good."
The man Disapparated.
"Can he be trusted?" Stryfe asked from the shadows.
"No. No one can. But he will be of use to us. Until that time ends, we shall continue with his services."
Then suddenly, she felt them moving in the shadows. Stryfe tried to block her mind off, but too late.
"Lord Stryfe. I wondered who the traitor was going to be when I first saw it. I didn't dream it would be you. I hoped it would be that fool Lord Ruyn."
"My lady, don't make this difficult." Stryfe said.
She turned to him, her headdress flashing in the moonlight.
"Difficult? You're trying to kill me. And even should you succeed, what makes you think the others will follow you? Krayt, Maladi, Wyrlock, Talon, Nihl, the others. They won't follow you. Unless…"
She forced into his mind.
"Voldemort gave you help. Of course. The fool. He would try that. He fears me, because I'm the only one of the Dark Art users who will stand up to him. And he fears that I will take my army and leave him defenceless. Coward. Idiot."
Then, she could clearly identify them.
"Twenty five Inferi. Forty of my Undead Legionaries. Six centaurs. Ten of my Gigantes. Six of my Hydras. Oh, three of my Gorgons. A Priestess. And one of my Minotaurs. Three Trolls. Five of Voldemort's werewolves. Oh, and three of my Dementors. And two of my vampires. I would rather not kill any of them, as they all have uses. But, an example must be made."
Lumiya hand her wand out in a split second. It was most unusual. It was a normal end, but then a large whip came off from it. The whip ended in nine parts, giving her nine whips with which to defeat an enemy, and nine times of using a spell. Then, she moved.
She leapt into the air, using her ancient art of Shii-Cho, and landed in front of the Inferi.
"Incendio Tria!"
Orange light shot down the whips, as she swung it. Each tendril hit another target, hitting one on fire. She did that to all the Inferi, then back flipped to the Centaurs.
"Avada Kedavra!"
Green light shone on each of the tendrils this time, and she killed the centaurs with a flash of her whip. The thing that could be both blessing a curse was that the wand never fired the spell, and had to wait for the whip to hit something. Lumiya twirled through the air to reach the Priestess, before the woman, who had a little bit of Lumiya's knowledge, reincarnated the dead troops.
"Avada Kedavra!"
The Priestess fell, as Lumiya went and slammed her foot into Stryfe. He was knocked to the ground, and she went for the others. The Undead came next.
"Mortiali!"
As was true with all her Undead soldiers, the instant they were brought to life, they instantly died with all their wounds and illnesses and age. She dashed for the Minotaur.
"Equinus!"
The Minotaur separated, and left the bull part gasping for air, as the human part had been killed. Next was the Gorgons.
"Reflecto!"
Their lethal gazes bounced back at them, cremating them in flame. She danced to the Vampires.
"Lumos!"
The disintegrated. Lumiya leapt to the trolls, and brandished her whip.
"Gillotinus!"
Their heads flew off and thudded to the floor. The Gigantes were ten foot tall, fat, and bulged with muscles, and were used for breaking through enemy lines.
"Reducio!"
They shrunk to the size of her pinky. The werewolves came at her, and she cackled.
"Homophrus!"
The werewolves screamed, as the human parts were eaten by the wolf parts, and the wolf parts attacked by the human parts. In other words, the two sides of the personality killed each other. The Hydras came next.
"Cautero Cleavium!"
Their heads were maimed, and the wounds were cauterised. Now only the Dementors remained.
"Expecto Patronum!"
Her panther patronus blazed into them, running them down. Lumiya then landed in front of Stryfe.
"You fool! Did you really think you could slay me?"
Stryfe was too amazed to speak. The fight had taken two minutes.
"Die traitor! Gillotinus!"
His head came bouncing off, blood soaking the pavement. Then, she heard footsteps and her other Lords and Ladies joined her.
"Stryfe! Who would have thought?" Wyrlock exclaimed.
"Never mind that, clean this mess up." Lumiya chastised lightly.
They did so, demolishing all evidence of their presence.
"Lord Krayt, I want one of your spines." Lumiya said.
Krayt obliged, and she put Stryfe's head onto the stick.
"That will be a warning to Voldemort: if he ever tries to do me in again, even if he just supported it, the same will happen to him." Lumiya promised.
"What now?" Maladi asked.
"We go home. We're finished here. Lord Krayt, go and replace the troops we just lost. Typical. He attacks and we need to supply the troops."
Krayt vanished.
"What's that?" Nihl asked, indicating her bag.
"An ornament that will go wonderfully on the mantelpiece. From that shop up there."
Nihl pulled her aside.
"Does it sell rings?" he asked quietly.
Lumiya smiled at him.
"Some. I'll want to know as soon as she's said yes." Lumiya warned.
Nihl blushed grey. Lumiya winked at him, and gave him a hug before joining the others.
"Stryfe and Voldemort. A true unholy alliance." Maleval stated.
"Indeed. But no matter. It's over now. And I got a workout." Lumiya said.
"Do you think they'll suspect your eventual plan?" Talon asked.
"No. And by the time anyone realises what my plan is, it will be far too late."
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The next day was the funeral. Harry and the others all stood outside in the frozen grounds. People who had fought in the battle formed a circle around the massive funeral pyre. A minister led the service. Hermione was in tears, and Ron was comforting her. The same went for Ginny and Harry. Harry fought to keep the tears out of his own eyes as people who had died for him and his cause were consumed by flame. Hagrid and Neville's body disappeared in flame, and the tears started. They had died for him. And now it was up to him to stop Lord Voldemort, before he did anything like this again.
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Christmas Day dawned bright white, snow covering the ground. The school was empty apart from the Order. Harry nudged Ginny awake.
"Merry Christmas." He whispered.
Ginny grunted. Sleeping with her had told Harry one thing: Ginny was not a morning person. Smiling, Harry got out of bed, and headed to the table. A small pile had been placed there during the night by house-elves. Harry picked up the first one, from Mr and Mrs Weasley. Inside was a large box of chocolates and a box of fudge, along with his yearly jumper. Next was Bill and Fleur. From them he received a book on fighting the Dark Arts. From Charlie he got a small collection of dragon figures. From Fred and George he got some of their merchandise. This included a love potion which came with a note.
Dear Harry,
If you ever use this on anyone apart from our sister we'll hunt you down and hang you by your reproductive organs from the Astronomy Tower.
Fred and George
Smiling, Harry went and unwrapped Ron and Hermione's. From Ron he got a bottle of Firewhisky. From Hermione he got a box of chocolate frogs and a new cloak. Harry grinned. Saved him trying to get one by owl order. From Ginny he got, apart from the things he normally got, a new watch. Good. Demagoth had broken his old one during the battle. Next he got a volume of Dark Arts books from Sirius and Daraala. From Lupin and Tonks he got a new set of robes that would match his eyes. From McGonagall, he got a Broomstick Servicing Kit. From Dobby and Winky he got a sculpture of himself. Harry had to admit that it was quite good. From Rita he got a set of three luxury quills. From Moody and Madam Pomfrey, who had finally admitted they were together, he got a box of all his favourite sweets. From Kreacher he got a bag of snake skin. From Luna he got a Gurdyroot. And from Kingsley he got a voucher for Quality Quidditch Supplies if it ever opened again.
Grinning from ear to ear, he went to raise the others.
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Voldemort looked at his presents. From Snape, obviously his idea of a joke, he got the U-No-Poo from the Weasley twins shop. From Bella he got a box of fireworks and a box of sweets. From Pettigrew he got a bottle of wine. From Lumiya he got an ornament, one of the Lilliput Lane collection. She was quite fond of that muggle shop White Dove. Perhaps he should pay a visit. He snorted. The idea of the most evil wizard in history just strolling casually into a shop was laughable. He wasn't very happy that she was blaming him for Stryfe's betrayal, however. Never mind that. He went outside, to see the Death Eaters exchanging presents and Lumiya's lot exchanging gifts too.
"See? That's why you're wrong to underestimate love." Lumiya said from behind him.
Voldemort stuck his tongue out, and Lumiya smiled at him from beneath her veil for the first time in years.
"Shall we?"
He offered her his arm, and they went to dance to White Christmas.
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Christmas Dinner was an enjoyable affair. They ate turkey, potatoes, sprouts (much to Ginny's disgust), parsnips, carrots and all other things associated with Christmas dinner. For pudding they had normal Christmas pudding, trifle, profiteroles and a lime torte. Then, they all went outside for a snowball fight in the grounds.
The youngers fought the olders, and the youngers were being thrashed until it occurred to them that the olders had Flitwick, Sprout, Slughorn and McGonagall on their team and that they were charming the snowballs. So, Hermione did this several times, and eventually the youngers had to dig the olders out from a foot of snow. Harry looked sadly at them all. This could be his last Christmas. Ginny then threw a snowball that hit him in the side of the head. Grinning, he thought to himself. Well, if this is your last Christmas, you may as well make it as enjoyable as possible. Charming several snowballs, he started to get his revenge on his girlfriend.
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That night, it was the ball. McGonagall had changed the idea, deciding to get the students out of the place as soon as possible. So, it was only the Order left. That didn't bother them in the slightest, as they all danced in the Great Hall. And at long last, Fred and George's love interests were revealed to be Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell, Harry's old team-mates from the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Charlie was with Ekria, the raven haired woman who had rode Norbert to the battle. They all danced with their respective partners way into the night. Some new couples were blossoming as well. Rita was spending a lot of time with Kingsley, seemingly getting interviews. Harry could imagine what those interviews involved. Madam Rosmerta was spending a lot of time with Bagman as well. And to top it all off, Sprout was with Slughorn. Harry smiled. This reason, inside this hall, he thought as he danced with Ginny, was the reason Voldemort was going to lose this war.
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The next day, Harry was preparing to return to the war with Voldemort. Then, McGonagall entered, waking Ron up (having fallen asleep beside the fire), making Hermione look at McGonagall in relief, (Ron had been crushing her legs), making Harry look up from his assignments and making Ginny stop looking under the bed for Arnold the Pygmy Puff.
"Harry, he would like a word." She said.
"Who?" he asked in confusion.
"Who else? Professor Dumbledore."
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Harry had forgotten that there was a portrait of Dumbledore inside McGonagall's office. McGonagall left them alone, and Harry looked up at his old headmaster.
"Hello Professor." Harry said awkwardly.
"Hello Harry. How are you?"
"Fine."
"Jolly good. And Ron? Hermione? Ginny?"
"All fine."
"Good. I take it you forgot that I could talk to you in this form?"
Harry blushed.
"Yeah."
"Not to worry. I take it you a great many things to ask me." Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling.
Harry nodded.
"I won't say I told you so though." Harry said.
Dumbledore laughed.
"I thank you for not saying 'I told you so.' However, it seems you were right, and I was wrong about Severus. I'm sorry I never believed you."
Harry found his voice sticking.
"Well, when he did it…"
"I'm aware of the events following my death. Minerva told me. But that is of little concern. I have many things to say to you."
Harry sat down, and for the first time noticed Fawkes. This was the second time anyone had seen him since Harry had become leader of the Order.
"First of all, I want to say I'm sorry. I was foolish to trust Snape. You were right. I believed I could turn him against Voldemort. I was wrong."
Harry was ashamed of himself for feeling a vindictive pleasure at this. Dumbledore winked at him.
"Next, I want to say how proud of you I am. Minerva has told me that under you the Order has achieved a lot more success than it ever managed under me. You have done very well Harry."
Harry went scarlet.
"Next, I would like to know how you are doing with the Horcruxes."
Harry smiled.
"There's only three left, and one of them's Voldemort. It's only the snake and another one left."
Dumbledore beamed at him.
"Excellent Harry! Now, there is something I must tell you. And I will not blame you in the slightest for hating me for it."
Harry looked at Dumbledore.
"Harry, as soon as your mother mentioned her pregnancy, I had suspicions. Then of course, I heard Professor Trelawney's prophecy. I knew then that things were on the move, and that destiny was moving. I knew that the long prophesised war was about to come to pass."
Harry was confused.
"Somebody made another prophecy?"
"Yes. I knew that with your birth, the true war between the Light and Dark Arts was going to begin. A war that would unleash either utter destruction or full out cooperation in the wizarding world. And so, I formulated my plan. I knew that you would become the ringleader in this war, and that it would be either won or lost under you."
"And you needed to forge me into a weapon." Harry growled, his tone icy.
"Yes. I am dreadfully sorry. However, I knew that if nothing bad happened to you, your hate wouldn't be strong enough to hope to defeat Voldemort."
"So you sold my mum and dad to Voldemort!"
Harry couldn't believe it. Snape, Pettigrew, Aunt Petunia, he could accept them. But Dumbledore!
"Harry. I never knew that Voldemort would murder you parents. My original plan was for them to go into hiding for several years and raise you away from them. That would ensure your hate, but it didn't work that way. And then, Voldemort returned to your life earlier than anticipated. And he returned to power much sooner than I had thought he would. Your mother and fathers deaths were the only ones I planned. I didn't even plan them. All I planned was their disappearance."
Harry was glaring at Dumbledore, but there was no strength behind it. He knew what Dumbledore was saying was true.
"I…I forgive you Professor."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Thank you Harry. I knew you would understand eventually. You did it quicker than I could have hoped. Now, there is one last thing."
"Wait. What about the rest of it?"
"As I said, events didn't transpire as I wanted them to. I'm sorry for making you into what you are now Harry. But it needed to be done to ensure the life of all things."
"There's one more thing. What about Lady Lumiya?"
"Lumiya. I had hoped when she disappeared at the end of the last war that she was dead."
"What's so dangerous about her?"
"Very well. I'll tell you about Lady Lumiya. Lumiya was a girl, alone and friendless in Edinburgh. Her parents had died in a gas explosion when she was young. Her carers at the orphanage where abusive, so she ran away. She took up a life on the streets, selling herself for cash to survive. She did not have an easy childhood. And then, in a small, burnt out shack in Inverleith Park, I told her she was a witch and was to come to Hogwarts. She accepted. So, school began."
"What house was she in? Slytherin?"
Dumbledore chuckled.
"You would think so wouldn't you? No. Lumiya was sorted into Ravenclaw of all places. She rose quickly through the school becoming a very great witch. She charmed many."
"A female Voldemort."
"Yes and no. She was a model student, like he was. She was able to charm the staff, like he was. However, she was not drawn to the Dark Arts. There was inquisitiveness about the subject, but she never explored it in the same way Voldemort did. She never really cared much for the Dark Arts. And there was one other thing. Voldemort charmed all but me. Lumiya, charmed me too."
Harry grinned.
"So who was she afraid of?"
"A teacher who had just started at the school. Professor McGonagall. She was the only one Lumiya ever feared."
Harry nodded.
"She stayed at Hogwarts during the holidays, even the summer. She helped the staff and was always ready for term to begin."
Harry nodded in understanding.
"So, she went through her seven years here, passing with top grades. And, she was fully willing to join the Ministry for Magic. But, there were no jobs to be had. These were dark times. It was when people were disappearing fairly frequently, and to top it all of, unemployment was high in the wizarding world. So, she went back to her old life, once again selling herself on the streets of Edinburgh."
"So, how did she end up being the Dark Lady?" Harry asked.
"You remember last year, when I told you Voldemort has never loved, been loved, or had friends? I was correct about that. However, that does not mean he never sampled the pleasures a woman can bring."
"He was her customer?" Harry asked in revulsion.
"Yes. And that was when it happened. Voldemort took her away, and taught her the Dark Arts. And, unfortunately, she understands them a lot better than Voldemort, and knows how they can be used for whatever purpose she needs."
"So, she started separating herself from Lord Voldemort, getting certain forces of her own, and getting her own lords and ladies. She was much wiser than Voldemort ever was. She warned him against many things, and he didn't listen. If he had listened to her the night he attacked your parents, your parents probably wouldn't be dead, you probably wouldn't have that scar and there probably wouldn't be a Chosen One. But, he never listened to her, and thus set events into motion. She disappeared, to wherever she calls home, and waited, until now."
Harry nodded.
"However Harry, do not underestimate her. She, unlike the Dark Lord, is pretty wise. She's also very lethal with that blasted whip thing of hers. She is quite sane. Voldemort, I think, is beginning to lose the plot. His many defeats, the times he's been beaten, have unhinged him. She, unlike Voldemort, cares for the people who serve her. And most important of all, she, unlike Voldemort, does not underestimate love, she even accepts it and allows it to happen."
Lumiya, basically, wasn't someone you got on the wrong side of.
"Harry, there is one other thing. When Hermione was a little girl, I discovered something. She was possessed by Dark Phoenix."
Harry was confused.
"What's Dark Phoenix?"
"An ancient, destructive spirit, who uses Class Five witches for her own, evil ends. So, when she was just a year old, I went to her parent's house, and put a series of mental and magical barriers in Hermione's mind, isolating Phoenix from the Hermione you know."
"What? Why possess a little girl? Why does she need barriers? What did you do to Hermione?"
"Phoenix is very patient. She could wait centuries before she got restless. Waiting eighteen or nineteen years wouldn't bother her in the slightest. She needs barriers to keep the terrible, destructive force of Phoenix safely locked up. And I did to Hermione what I did because I needed to. If Phoenix was unleashed upon the world, we would all be doomed."
"That's why you held her back, isn't it?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore looked at him enquiringly.
"She should have been at Hogwarts the year before me. But you kept her back so I could keep an eye on her."
"I knew, that, because of Hermione's demons, she wouldn't be liked. But, I foresaw, or rather Professor Trelawney did, that you and Ron would eventually end up liking her. So, I did keep her back a year. And, with you, I thought there was little chance Hermione would ever unleash Phoenix. And her mind is strong enough to contain Phoenix. If Hermione died without Phoenix ever being unleashed, Phoenix would wither and die. But, because of things happening, Krum, my death, the way Ron treated her last year, the way the two of you treated her in your third year, the blocks are failing. And if they fail, Phoenix will be unleashed."
"What's so dangerous about her? I thought you said love was the strongest thing in the world?"
"It is. But, that is part of Phoenix's powers. So is anger. Hate. Rage. Happiness. The strongest of human emotions are what give Phoenix her power."
"And let me guess. Voldemort will want to use her."
"Indeed. Bellatrix studied her history. It was prophesied that when the godfather of the Chosen One returned, Phoenix would be coming on swift heels behind him. Now, Voldemort will know. Bane will also know, he will have foreseen it. And the last piece of the puzzle is Dolohov's arm. She lost control and blew it off. That will confirm Voldemort's suspicions about Hermione."
"But, he won't be able to control her, right?"
"Correct. No one can control Phoenix. But, he won't listen to anyone. He will only see how he could increase his own power by controlling her."
"What about Lumiya?"
"Lumiya will know full well that Phoenix should not be unleashed. And she will warn Voldemort not to. But, he will do as he always does and ignore her."
"So, what happens if she does become Phoenix?"
Dumbledore sighed.
"If she does, it will be because Hermione will not be able to cope with something."
Dread filled Harry.
"Ron dying."
"Exactly. If he dies, Hermione will break, and Phoenix will be free. And then, you, and only you, can hope to be able to stop her."
"How am I meant to kill one of my best friends?" Harry asked in terror.
"I don't know. But, I hope for the sake of all things, you will find out."
The things going pear shaped now isnt it?
We have a traitor in the Order, which is bad news.
Hermione is a mad spirit that can destroy the world, and depends on Ron staying alive to keep her in place. And as that isnt very likely in a war..
Lumiya is up to something very nasty, which will be revealed soon. And she's just killed Lord Stryfe for betrayal.
The shop she went in was the shop I used to work in, but we're now closed down, so I'm unemployed and going mad because I dont have much money. And the restaurant is brilliant if you're ever up the High Street.
So, what will happen next? What will bwe our enmies next move? Read on and find out!