Ascension: Rogues of the Fallen Sun

by Define Anachronistic

(AU) After the traumatic end to his first year, Harry Potter is a man on the run, pursued by friends, foes, and forces unknown. But that's only the most immediate of his problems. Ancient monsters, Rogues, escaped convicts, and Witch-Hunters are all waiting for him over the horizon. His second year is shaping up to be even crazier than his first.

14. Chapter 14

INTERLUDE VI

Albus knew that he should have expected this meeting sooner or later.

"You should have told me sooner!" Remus had stood up and made his way to the window half-way through his retelling of Harry Potter's First Year. Albus knew that Remus would discover the truth sooner or later, so he decided that it was optimal for him to hear it from Albus' own lips. It was for the same reason that he told Harry the truth about both Slughorn and Snape, so that he could at least retain some level of trust.

Remus was taking the show of trust far worse than his godson did.

"You didn't see how he reacted to that Dementor." While Remus had his eyes closed as he slowly shook his head, Albus thought that this might be a good thing. Dementors always had greater effect on those who considered themselves guilty. It had been difficult to tell if Harry had even cared that he had killed an innocent man, but this was a sign that the boy was not completely lost. Remus' next words snapped him back to the present. "I never should have trusted him with you."

Albus sensed the threat and responded in kind. "I seem to remember that you had limited choice in the matter." His voice was cold enough to make Remus flinch.

There was a knock on the door that Remus had left ajar in his haste to confront Albus. Severus Snape stepped into the room and regarded Remus as though he had fleas. Unable to meet his eyes, Remus left the room without another word.

"Please close the door." Albus requested, supressing his urge to yawn. It had been a long day, and this meeting was to be his last before bed. Once Severus was seated, Albus launched right into the heart of the matter without preamble. "Lord Voldemort was possessing Quirrell."

Severus stared at him open mouthed, shocked by his blunt statement. Albus had wondered if it was even worth telling him the truth, if he even trusted him with it, but a spy without all the necessary information to act was a useless one.

"You have previously told me that a young General is in charge now. Renata Cushing?"

Severus nodded, slowly. "Yes. She even commands the more experienced Acolytes, as the Dark Lord has made his favour of her well known." He frowned. "She has kept them separate from one another as they recover, and I believed it was because she feared that they might collaborate against her. But now..." he trailed off.

Albus finished the thought for him. "Lord Voldemort has most likely taken possession of the young woman's body."

Severus sat back in his seat. "How is he doing this? How is he even alive?"

Albus sighed. "I wish I knew."