"Professor … you came," Dudley said, looking up at his friend. Professor Lockhart looked pale and anxious. He remembered it clearly—hiding behind the tombstone, expecting any moment for Voldemort to kill him. Then, miraculously, Lockhart had appeared, apparating him to safety.

"Duddy Durzy is safe! Dobby is so pleased!" the tiny elf's eyes were filled with tears.

"Professor … I need to … Dumbledore …" Dudley said, remembering everything. He tried to stand up, but Lockhart forced him to stay down.

"We're meant to send up red sparks if we find you," Lockhart said, raising his wand and firing a blast of red sparks into the air.

"He killed Neville …" Dudley said, remembering what Neville had gone through and how Voldemort had callously, cruelly finished him off with Avada Kedavra.

"Albus is coming," said Lockhart. "Don't you worry, we'll soon get him. He can't have gotten far."

Sure enough the distinctive white beard and long white hair of Albus Dumbledore was hurrying over. With him was Alastor Moody and Cornelius Fudge.

"Gilderoy, you have him!" Dumbledore said, sounding immensely relieved. He paused, noticing it was just Dudley. "Where is Neville?" he said, sharply.

"He's … he's dead!" Dudley shouted. He tried to get to his feet again, but Lockhart forced him back down.

"Voldemort is back! He killed Neville! He … he tried to kill me!"

Dumbledore gave Lockhart a push out of the way and Dudley felt Dumbledore's hands lift him to his feet. He was strong for a man of such age.

"You-Know-Who …" Fudge whispered. "No … it can't be."

"He needs to go the hospital wing," came a voice that Dudley recognized as being that of Professor McGonagall. "Come on, Dudley!"

"Albus, where is Neville … what happened?" Fudge said. "You-Know-Who can't be back—surely?"

There was the sound of footsteps and shouting. More people were approaching. "Dudley, stay here—Minerva, with me!" Dumbledore said.

"Its all right, son, I've got you...come on...hospital wing..."

It was Moody.

"Dumbledore said stay," Dudley said.

"You need to lie down...Come on now..."

"Alastor, he really should stay," said Lockhart.

"Albus wanted him to remain here," said Fudge.

"He's in no condition to," Moody said.

"Dumbledore insisted," Fudge argued.

Dudley felt his head swim and he fell to his knees once more.

"See!" said Moody.

"Stand aside," it was Dumbledore. He was back. With him was Severus Snape.

He gave a wave of his wand and Dudley felt the pain from his head leave as his wounds healed.

"I should have done that," said Lockhart. Everybody ignored him.

"Minerva and Filius are keeping everyone back in the stadiums," said Dumbledore. "Now—Cornelius, Alastor, Severus, Dudley-to my office. You, too, Gilderoy."

"What about Dobby, sir?" nobody it seemed had noticed the diminutive elf crouched by Dudley's side.

Dumbledore looked at him kindly. Fudge looked bewildered that a house elf was here.

"You can come too, Mr …" Dumbledore said.

"Dobby sir. My name is Dobby,"

"I'm sure you have much you can help us with, Dobby," Dumbledore said, kindly.

'Alastor, assist Dudley,"

Moody's face looked angry momentarily, but it relaxed into its usual expression so fast that Dudley thought he might have imagined it. Moody took a sip from his hip flask and his mouth on his sleeve.

"I can manage," Dudley said, softly. "Professor … Neville …"

"All in due time, Dudley," Dumbeldore said, softly.

He led the way into the castle and up to his office.

He sat himself behind his desk and with a wave of his wand, summoned extra chairs. He gave another wave of his wand and five glasses of liquid appeared. As Dudley sat down, Dumbledore slid one over.

"Drink," he said.

Dudley, numbly, did as he was told. He was immediately filled with warmth.

"I ask that all you remain quiet until Dudley has finished his story," Dumbledore said, eyeing the others and Lockhart in particular. "It is vital we learn what occurred tonight with no interruptions."

Dudley took a deep breath, and forcing himself to remain calm, he told Dumbledore all about what had happened. How the trophy had been a protkey. How Lucius Malfoy had attacked them. How the ritual had been carried out.

And Dumbledore listened, his gaze fixed intently on Dudley. He gave no expression of alarm or even any emotion, at least, not until Dudley, his voice cracking, told about how Voldemort had murdered Neville.

"Neville stood up to Lord Voldemort the way only a true Gryffindor can," Dumbledore said, softly. "He showed a level of defiance not many would have. His parents would be proud. I am proud to have called him a student of Hogwarts."

Then, Dudley told him about the duel with Voldemort.

"I ran …" Dudley said, suddenly feeling ashamed. "Neville fought but I ran …"

"Do not think of it as an act of cowardice," Dumbledore said, sharply. "You are no coward. What you did was smart. By escaping Lord Voldemort, you alerted the world to his return. But, how did you get away?"

"Lockhart …" Dudley said softly.

Snape gave a small snort and for the first time, Albus Dumbledore looked stunned. "Gilderoy?"

"Lockhart came to save me. He … apparated here. He fired a spell at Voldemort. He apparated me back here."

Dumbledore now was staring hard at Dudley, the blue eyes piercing into his very soul, Dudley thought. "And you remember this clearly," Dumbledore said, finally. "There are no gaps, no missing memories, no darkness, no … contradictions."

Dudley frowned, not sure what Dumbledore was getting at. He shook his head. "No, I remember …"

Dumbledore gave a small nod and turned his attention to Lockhart. "Gilderoy? How did you know where Dudley was?"

"The elf, Albus—the elf came to get me. Of course, you can't apparate in Hogwarts—everyone knows that. But House Elves can? This elf, er … Dinky …"

"Dobby, sir," said Dobby.

"Yes, Dobby—he apparated us there. I kept back the Dark Lord with a stunner—handy spell in a pinch—and then Doobie brought us back here."

Dumbledore was silent, regarding both Lockhart and Dobby for a few long seconds before finally giving a nod of his head.

"Then it seems your actions have saved Dudley's life, Gilderoy," said Dumbledore at last.

Lockhart puffed his chest out proudly.

"Albus … do you really believe this?" Fudge said angrily. "You-Know-Who is dead … he can't be back … can he?"

Now, Snape stepped forward. He rolled up his left sleeve.

He stuck out his forearm and showed it to Fudge, who recoiled.

"There," said Snape harshly. "There. The Dark Mark. It is not as clear as it was an hour or so ago, when it burned black, but you can still see it. Every Death Eater had the sign burned into him by the Dark Lord. It was a means of distinguishing one another, and his means of summoning us to him. When he touched the Mark of any Death Eater, we were to Disapparate, and Apparate, instantly, at his side. This Mark has been growing clearer all year. Karkaroff's too. Why do you think Karkaroff fled tonight? We both felt the Mark burn. We both knew he had returned. Karkaroff fears the Dark Lord's vengeance. He betrayed too many of his fellow Death Eaters to be sure of a welcome back into the fold."

"He's back Cornelius," said Lockhart. "I saw him. He's back."

"Dobby did too," said Dobby, sounding nervous at speaking up.

Fudge paled and sank further down in his chair. "He can't be …" he whispered.

"Well, he is," said Dumbledore. "We always knew this day would come. Dudley, did you know any of the Death Eaters who he summoned?"

"What about Neville!" Dudley said, suddenly. "His body …"

Suddenly, Dumbledore looked ashamed. "Please, forgive me I …"

Fudge sat upright. "I will order a team of Aurors to fetch Neville's body." He said, stiffly. It seems that he had come to terms that Voldemort was indeed back. "If the elf could show us …"

"Dobby would be glad to serve, if Duddy Durzy gives permission?" He turned his large, round eyes at Dudley.

Dudley nodded.

"Very well, Dudley—who else was there?"

Dudley thought. "Crabbe and Goyle," he said, remembering. "Someone called Thorin Rowle … Thorron Roll?"

"Thorfin Rowle," Moody grunted. "An old friend, it's a crime that he walked free."

"A brother and sister—I don't think Voldemort said their names. Who else—Macnair, Voldemort said he worked at the Ministry."

"Not … Walden Macnair!" Fudge sounded stunned.

"I dunno, he just said Macnair," Dudley said. "There were more—oh, yes—two Avery's. Julian Avery."

At this, Lockhart visibly jumped. "Avery!" he repeated loudly. "Julian Avery II works for me! He's … he's been my publicist for the past year!" he sank in his chair. "No … a Death Eater … I …" he took a deep breath and composed himself.

"I know where he lives!" Lockhart said, suddenly excited. "I've been to his home plenty of times! Why, I can get in touch with my boys at the Dark Force Defence Force and have him rounded up immediately!"

Dumbledore looked thoughtful at this. Finally, he gave a small nod of his head. "Do it," he said, seemingly reaching a decision.

"Albus I must …" Snape began.

"The Dark Force Defence Force are a highly skilled group of wizards," Dumbledore interrupted. "Some of your old colleagues are there, I believe, Alastor?"

"They know their stuff," Moody grunted. "Lot of ex-Aurors."

"We can strike now and have at least one Death Eater arrested," said Dumbledore.

"Albus, surely, the Aurors …" began Fudge.

"I believe there is extra work for the Aurors tonight," Dumbledore interrupted. "Macnair …"

Fudge paled. "Yes … Walden. With a bit of luck we can intercept him immediately. And Rowle—he runs a Dark Arts shop in Knockturn Alley."

"Albus, maybe I should go with Gilderoy," said Moody. "The Dark Force Defence League will need every wand they can get."

Dumbledore, however, shook his head. "I wish you to remain here, Alastor—there is more I need from yourself."

Moody looked put out but didn't argue.

"Gilderoy …"

"Right on it, Professor!" Lockhart said, importantly. "We'll have Julian apprehended. No fear, just leave it in my capable hands! I'll go and summon the league immediately!"

Fudge looked old and tired when he stood up. "I need to summon the Aurors," he announced. "I will retrieve Neville's body and have it sent here."

"Thank you, Cornelius," said Dumbledore.

Fudge headed to follow Lockhart out of the door. He paused and looked back. "Is he really back?" he whispered.

"He is, Cornelius," said Dumbledore.

Fudge left, leaving Dudley alone with Dumbledore, Snape and Moody.

"It is time to get down to business," Dumbledore said, once the two men are left. "Severus, will you go to the grounds and bring me Rubeus Hagrid and Bill and Molly Weasley."

"The Longbottoms?" Snape asked.

"Minerva is with them. I will of course go and see them when our business here is concluded," Dumbledore said.

Once Snape had left, Dumbledore looked at Dudley. "Do you wish to stay, or would you like to go and rest? I would very much like you to stay—we have more to discuss and it is important that you understand. But the choice is yours."

"I'll stay," Dudley said with a nod. "I …" he hesitated, not wanting to show any sign of weakness in front of Dumbledore and Moody. Moody, however, seemed to know what he was thinking.

"You don't want to face your friends and the questions?" Moody asked.

Dudley nodded.

"What you went through tonight would have broken older and more experienced wizards," Moody said. "There aren't many who escape You-Know-Who."

"Yes …" said Dumbledore. "It's …"

Suddenly, Dudley remembered something that Voldemort had said. He could have kicked himself for forgetting about it until now. "There's a Death Eater at Hogwarts!" Dudley shouted. "I forgot … Voldemort said, his Death Eater put Neville's name in the Goblet and mine!"

Moody looked shocked for a few seconds. "Of course!" he shouted and banged his fist down on the table making some of Dumbledore's instruments wobble dangerously.

"Alastor?" Dumbledore asked.

"Bagman …" Moody growled. "I wondered why he disappeared after the tournament ended."

"Bagman …" Dumbledore linked his fingers together thoughtfully.

"I said we should have thrown him to the Dementors long ago," said Moody. "I knew he was in league with You-Know-Who. I had my eye on him from the get go, but he's a slippery one."

"Neville said …" Dudley began and swallowed as he remembered his friend. "He said, ages ago, that Bagman kept offering hints."

Dumbledore and Moody exchanged a look.

"It makes sense," Moody growled. "He's been close to the tournament from the get go. And don't forgot, he was accused of being You-Know-Who's spy before."

"Tracking Ludo down must be a priority," Dumbledore agreed. "But first, we have much to discuss, once the others return."

"Discuss about what?" Dudley asked, looking at Dumbledore.

"It is time to gather The Order of the Phoenix," said Dumbledore.

"What's the Order of the Phoenix?" Dudley asked.

"A group that opposed You-Know-Who in the last war," said Moody. "Our numbers are diminished … Lupin gone, Black …"

"Black!" Dudley shouted. He remembered what Voldemort had said. "Sirius Black—Voldemort said he was innocent. That he was never a Death Eater and that I …" Dudley trailed off, suddenly feeling sick. "That I got rid of him."

"You did no such thing!" Dumbledore said sharply.

"Was he innocent?" Dudley asked.

"I had my suspicions that there was more to his story," Dumbledore admitted. "His actions made little sense, and I began to think … what if? It's why I wished for Sirius to be captured alive, so I could get to the bottom of it."

"Voldemort said he was," Dudley said. "Said he was one of his enemies."

"It could be that Voldemort only wanted to torment you," said Dumbledore. "But, I suspect he was being honest. The truth can hurt even more than a lie."

"Then it is my fault," Dudley said. "I agreed to …"

"No!" Dumbledore said. "Sirius Black's actions were not those of an innocent man. He assaulted the castle. Kidnapped students. I don't know what his goals were … but he acted like the guilty person most believed him to be. You acted with the facts before you—that Sirius Black was a murderer who had kidnapped your friend and was going to kill you. Nobody, especially I, will blame you for your actions, Dudley."

"But still … if I …"

"I wasn't there," said Moody. "But Black's fate came about as a result of Black's own actions. You are not responsible. You acted the way anybody else in your position would."

Before Dudley could speak further, there was a double knock on the door and Snape walked in. He was followed by Molly Weasley, Bill Weasley, Rubeus Hagrid and Minerva McGonagall. McGonagall's eyes were red, as if she had been crying, but her face was calm now.

Molly ran over to hug Dudley tightly and Dudley hugged back, feeling grateful that she was here.

"I have left Augusta and Algie with Pomona," McGonagall said softly. "Poor Neville … I was often abrupt with him … but he was a good boy."

"He died in a way that would make any Gryffindor proud," Dumbledore said.

McGonagall sniffled and blew her nose on a hanky.

"Some of you may not have heard," said Dumbledore. "But Lord Voldemort is back."

Bill swore quietly. Mrs. Weasley slowly released Dudley and stood up, her face suddenly pale and frightened.

"How?" said Hagrid.

Dumbledore took a quick look at Dudley. "That I will explain later," he said. "Now, it is time for action. We need to move quickly. Cornelius is mustering the Aurors, but it is time for the Order of the Phoenix to return and oppose Voldemort separately."

"Molly, am I right in thinking that I can count on you and Arthur?"

"Of course you can," said Mrs. Weasley. "My brothers were in the Order last time. We will do our part."

"Then I will need to send a message to Arthur," said Dumbledore. "I will need people inside the Ministry."

"You don't trust Fudge?" Bill asked.

"It's not that I don't trust Cornelius," said Dumbledore. "But that I think the Ministry will be easily compromised."

"I'll go to dad," Bill said.

"Excellent," said Dumbledore. "Tell him what happened. Tell him I will be in touch."

"Leave it to me," said Bill.

He clapped a hand on Dudley's shoulder, kissed his mother on the cheek, pulled on his cloak, and strode quickly from the room.

"Rubeus, I expect you know what it is I will ask of you," said Dumbledore.

Hagrid nodded his great shaggy head.

"It will be of great risk, but I need you to send an envoy to the giants,"

Dudley sat up straight, suspecting he had misheard.

Hagrid nodded again. "Leave it teh me," he said.

"See if Madame Maxime will be willing to help," Dumbledore said. "Explain the situation, then, return to my office. We will go through the details."

Hagrid looked as if he wanted to say something to Dudley, but he gave another nod of his head and left to follow Dumbledore's instructions.

Dumbledore now turned to Professor McGonagall. "Minevra, I wish for you to get in contact with Emmeline Vance—tell her to alert the old crowd—Arabella Figg, Mundungus Fletcher, Dedalus Diggle. Then, return here to join me in seeing Augusta and Algernon."

McGonagall's face was set. "You can count on me Albus … but …" she hesitated and looked at Dudley.

"It is important for Dudley to stay here, so he understands what happened and understands that we are going to fight," said Dumbledore.

"I'm Ok Professor," Dudley said, softly.

McGonagall moved slightly, as if she wanted to come and hug him. Then she relaxed and, giving a curt nod, she too left to follow Dumbledore's orders.

"Severus," said Dumbledore, turning to Snape, "you know what I must ask you to do. If you are ready...if you are prepared..."

"I am," said Snape.

He looked slightly paler than usual, and his cold, black eyes glittered strangely. "But there may be issues … I am a werewolf now. He hates my kind.

"You have served him well in the past, and you must make him believe that you continue to do so. It will be harder, but I trust you, Severus."

"I will do my best," Snape replied.

"Then good luck," said Dumbledore, and he watched, with a trace of apprehension on his face, as Snape swept wordlessly out of the room.

It was several minutes before Dumbledore spoke again.

"I must see to the Longbottoms," Dumbledore said.

"But first, Dobby … do you wish to remain by your master's side, or return to The Burrow?"

"Dobby wishes to stay, sir," Dobby said, fiercely. "Dobby will not leave Duddy Durzy until Duddy Durzy says so."

"Yeah … Dobby, I'd like you to say," Dudley said.

Dobby beamed at him.

"Dobby, I am not your master and can't give you orders, but watch over him," Dumbledore said.

"Dobby will," he said, nodding his head rapidly. "Dobby won't let anyone near Master Duddy Durzy … and if anyone tries. Dobby will … will …"

"Thank you, Dobby," said Dumbledore.

"Molly, can I ask that you take Dudley to the hospital wing? I believe it's best to spend the night there,"

Dudley nodded. He had no wish to answer a bunch of questions about Voldemort. "Do they know I'm …"

"Yes, and they are most relieved," said Dumbledore. "You may see them tomorrow."

"Molly?"

"Yes, of course, Albus, come along dear."

"Thanks Professor," Dudley said, glumly as he followed Mrs. Weasley.

"Now, Alastor," said Dumbledore. "Can I ask that you remain here? I have a special assignment I wish to go through with you."