Chapter 1 - Defense, Defense!!
"All right, Harry?"
Harry groaned. Only one person he knew could sneak up on him to say that. Colin Creevey. Harry turned around, a resigned, and somewhat forced, smile on his face. "Oh, hi Colin." He started to edge backwards.. Slowly. Colin beamed at him, delighted at the chance to have a conversation with his hero. "Can you believe it, Harry? You did it again!" Harry sighed. "Did What, Colin?" With eyes as wide as saucers, and a look verging on adulation, Colin squeaked. "You won the Cup! The Tri-Wizard Cup! You're a hero!"
Harry's eyes started to tear. Last year, one of the Death Eaters had arrived in school disguised as Mad-Eye Moody, their new Defens Against the Dark Arts teacher. This time, the holder of that wonderful cursed position had put his name into the Goblet of Fire, thus entering him into the Tri-Wizard Tournament, a very dangerous series of magical contests. Harry had won, with the help of Cedric Diggory. However, at the end, had watched Cedric die at the hands of a magically reborn Voldemort. Cho still wouldn't look Harry in the eye, and all the congratualtions he was getting were wearing on him. He had no business even entering that tournament, and would never have won had it not been for Cedric. Now he was dead. And Voldemort was very much alive.
"I don't mean to sound rude Colin, but, I have to get going. I'm late for Hagrid's class." Harry started to walk away. "Just one picture, Harry?" Harry turned to say he hadn't the time, but Colin caught him as he turned. CLICK! "Thanks, Harry!"
Ron and Hermione caught up to him as he was crossing the grounds to Hagrid's hut. "Have you seen Colin yet?" asked Ron, "He's doing the hero thing again. I'm telling you Harry, he'll start that fan club soon." "Shut up, Ron." Hermione just laughed. "How can you laugh with that cart-horse load on your back?" Ron asked, glaring at her book bag. As usual, Hermione was trying to take every class Hogwarts offered, and her bag must have weighed 100 pounds. Hermione stuck her tongue out at Ron, then turned to Harry. "Have you seen Hagrid at all since he cam back fom the giants?" Harry shook his head. "No, he sent me an owl though. He found his mother up there. It sounded like he was happy, but you never kno---"
BOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!
A huge explosion came from the vicinity of Hagrid's hut, accompanied by a flash of blue green light. Harry had a momentary flashback to his third year, when the Dementors had unlocked the memory of his parents death. For them, death came in a flash of green light. "avada kedrava." Harry shuddered, shook his head, and ran to catch up to Ron and Hermione, who were already running to see if Hagrid was ok.
"Haagrid!!" "Hagriiiiiiiiiiid!!"
Ron and Hermione got there just steps in front of Harry, screaming for Hagrid, praying this wasn't the attack they were all fearing. Wands held high, curses on their lips, they stepped around to the paddock behind Hagrid's hut. "Dag blasted thin'! Hol' still, I jist want ter feed yer!!"
Harry's mouth fell open. Standing in the middle of the paddock was Hagrid, holding what appeared to be a two ton glowing green hedgehog in a headlock. "Here yer go. Just one more…… There!" Hagrid shoved something small in the monsters mouth, noded in satisfaction, and began to stroke it's head. "All right, you three, how de yer like her?" Harry snapped his jaw closed. "What on earth is that.. that.. Thing??" He asked, not willing to hazard a guess. "This ere's a Volt 'Awg!" Hagrid replied, a huge grin on his face.
"A Volt Hog?" Ron asked, eyeing Hagrid like he'd lost his mind. "Do you know how dangerous those are?" Harry had no idea what was going on. "Do you know what they're talking about?" he asked Hermione. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Haven't you read the Monster book of Monster's yet??" she asked, sounding exasperated. "Volt Hogs eat lightning bugs, and generate electricity between their quills. If you make them mad, or touch them wrong, they can arc like a penny in an outlet." Ron looked at Hagrid angrily. "Yeah, and fry us like bacon!"
"Now c'mere Ron, she's not like that! She's sweet, and ain't 'er glow pretty?" This was Hagrid's main failing. He never thought monsters were as bad as they really were. Maybe this had something to do with his being half monster himself. Hagrid was a half giant. Although Harry had only found out last year, the information had not surprised him. He was one of the most gentle people Harry had ever met, but Hagrid was near to nine feet tall, and outweighed most cars. His black hair and beard were of a texture akin to a bottlebrush, and his voice could knock you over. Despite all this, he was one of the three's closest friends.
Carefully keeping his distance from the Volt Hog, Ron got close enough to talk to Hagrid without the approaching students hearing. "How did things go with the giants, Hagrid?" Hagrid just beamed. "After class, we'll talk." "Now, c'mon, g'ther round here, don' be shy. This is my newest friend. Ain't she pretty?"
"What are you trying to kill us with today?" That lazy drawl could only be one person. Harry glared at Draco. "Why don't you ever give Hagrid a chance, Malfoy!" Harry yelled, throwing as much spite into the name as he could. Draco turned his pale eyes on Harry, shaking a lock of palest blonde hair out his face as he did so. "What's it to you, scar-head? Trying to save the incompetent half-oaf's job again?" He sneered. "Why don't you, the pauper, and the mudblood do us all a favor, and go play with a werewolf."
Ron's face turned a bright shade of red, and he launched himself at Draco, only to have Hagrid stop him in midair. "None o' that, Ron. Draco, since yer so keen on my teachin' skills, you probably already know how to pet a Volt Hog. So, yer firs'." Draco paled. "Well, go on." Draco snorted, turned on his heel, and slithered off to join Crabbe and Goyle. Who were hunched over by the fence.
"All right then, this here's a Volt Hog, and it's time to feed him"
After class, Harry, Ron, and Hermione waited for the other students to leave, so they could talk to Hagrid alone. "Lousy Malfoy, thinks he's so special. My father's a Death Eater! I'm rich! I'm better than everyone!" Ron started off on a blistering series of curses, all having to do with Draco, his family, and anything else even remotely connected to the Malfoy Clan. "Do you think Lucius has gone back to join You-Know-Who?" Harry laughed bitterly. "Lucius Malfoy is a sniveling little git, but he'd do anything to go against Dunmbledore. I guarantee he was with that crowd watching me and Voldemort fight."
Just then, Hagrid came back from tying up his new pet. "So, how was it?" Hermione asked, pushing her frizzy hair out of her face. "Firs' come inside and have some tea. I'll tell ye all about it."
v
Just then, Proffessor Severus Snape was pacing back and forth in his little dungeon room. He understood why Dumbledore had asked this of him. He knew he was the only one who could do it. But he couldn't help but be terrified. Ever since last year, the mark on his left forearm had been burning, itching, driving him insane. Calling him back. Back to Voldemort. Noone knew why he had turned away from the dark. Why he had shown up so long ago at Hogwarts, begging Dumbledore to take him in, to hide him from Him. But he had his reasons. Voldemort was cruel. Far more so than most people believed. And now He had returned.
A knock sounded at the door. "Yes, what is it!" Proffessor Snape demanded, hiding the fear in his voice with a mask of impatience. Dumbledore came in, accompanied by Professor Mcgonagall and Proffessor Flitwick. "It is time, Severus" Dumbledore said quietly, peering at Professor Snape intently. "Are you sure you can do this?" Professor Snape sneered at him. "Of course I can. I did it for years, didn't I?" he sounded mean, but his face took on a haunted look. "What will be done here?" Dumbledore looked at him for a moment longer, and then nodded. "I have arranged for Minerva and Flitwick here to be 'overheard' having a conversation about your disappearance. It will be quite unexplained, and they will assume you have gone back to serve the Dark Lord." He sighed. "hopefully, the right students will overhear it, and inform their parents. Who will then inform Voldemort.
Professor Snape sighed. "Draco?" Professor Mcgonagall nodded. "Precisely whom we hope to overhear us." Snape nodded. "Voldemort shall be informed then." He gathered his wand and cloak. "I shall leave at once. Please be sure to be overheard by the time I get far enough away to apperate. I'd have to arrive at His lair just in time to hear him yell Avada Kedrava." Dumbledore Mcgonagall and flitwick nodded. "Good luck, Severus." Dumbledore whispered. "I will see you soon." Proffessor Snape snorted. "You hope." And stormed away. Dumbledore lowered his head sadly. "Yes, I do."
v
As Hagrid made the tea for the three of them, Harry, Ron and Hermione launched into a fast series of questions, not bothering with the fact that they didn't give him enough time to answer. "What were the giants like?" "Did you really find your mother?" "Were they mean and vicious?" "Was it horribly dangerous?"
Hagrid laughed. "One at a time! I'll get to all of those, just sit down an' listen!" He poured their tea and sat down. "Al'right then. It was a long way to the mountains where they're livin' now, and I was plum tired when I fin'ly got to 'em" His eyes unfocused as he stared off, obviously remembering the experience vividly. "When I got there, a big feller by the name o' Orgran saw me, and thought I mus' of been a little 'un. He kep' at me about where were me mum and pop. When I finally convinced 'im I was full grown, he seemed to feel sorry fer me, and took me to where they was all congregatin'. That's when I saw her. Me mum was sittin' on top o' a boulder as big as me house. I remembered her bein' tall, but I was surprised at how tall she is. Musta been twenty two or twenty three feet tall, and as pretty as I ever could imagine. She knew me right away too." His eyes misted a little. "At first she seemed angry. She just yelled at me. 'Hagrid, What are you doing here?! Why aren't you with your father!' " He lowered his head. "She never knew. She just up and took off, and never looked back. So I had to tell her."
Harry walked over to Hagrid and patted him on the back. "I'm sorry, Hagrid." Hagrid smiled, "It's Al'righ' Harry, t'isn't your fault." He leaned back. "So, I told her. At first she looked right upset by the whole thing. Then she shrugged, patted me on the head, and told me it was good to see me, and I should stop by again. Then she walked away." Hermione looked outraged. "That's it?! You haven't seen her for more than 20 years and she just walks away?! The nerve?!?!" Hagrid looked reprovingly at her. "It's not in her nature to 'ave no maternal instincts, Hermione, don't look down on 'er fer it. She's still me mum, Hermione's cheeks flamed red, "But.. I'm not.. I didn't mean.." Hagrid looked at the floor. "I know, not to worry."
Ron had been sitting surprisingly quiet through all of this, but could not contain himself anymore. "Well are they on our side or not?!" He yelled, his eyes wide. "Or are the brutes going to help out Vol.. Vol.. Him?!?" Hagrid look thoughtful for a moment. "Well, They didn't say one way or t'other.. But, I think they may surprise us yet.." He looked out the window. "It's getting' dark. Ya three best head back to the school now." They all stood up. "I'll walk ye back."
v
The room was dark as pitch. It was always dark as pitch. The servant stood trembling, waiting for that horrible moment when the sibilant, soft, horrible voice of the master would come. Bearing the weight of whatever gruesome deed the servant was to commit. Even in the dark the servant could see the masters eyes. Red as blood, strangely reptile. Wholly inhuman. "Lucius tells me that Severus has returned." The servant cringes, unsure of how to respond. "y-y-y-yess, Lord, just t-t-tonight."the eyes disappear, as the master bows his head down in thought. When they reappear, they shine with a fire brighter than any candle. "Have you seen him?" The servant quails, is the master angry, or excited? "I have" the light from the masters wand flares, illuminating the bare stone walls of the room, and the pathetic shaking lump curled on the floor, clutching his new metal arm, awaiting his command. "How does he look, wormtail. Has Dumbledore broken him, or is he still mine?" roared Lord Voldemort, pointing his wand at his servant. "I cannot t-t-tell, Lord. His head is held high, and he is as cold as ever. I believe we still own him." Voldemort nodded, and pointed his wand at Pettigrew as he cowered. "CRUCIO!!" He roared, and stood back to watch as Pettigrew writhed and screamed. Only releasing the spell after several long moments. "Let that be a reminder that Severus is MINE, not ours. I am master here. You are a pathetic coward." Sobbing, Pettigrew choked on his words. "Y-y-y-y-yes, L-l-l-l-or-lord, I will not forget." A slight smile crossed the face of the most powerful Dark Wizard ever. "Good. Now bring me Severus Snape."
Pacing in the hallway outside Voldemort's chambers, Severus Snape heard Pettigrew's howl of pain, and a brief look of fear passed over his face. He wiped it away, replacing it with one of smug superiority. He was not surprised when minutes later, Pettigrew appeared at the door. "He wishes to see you." Snaped smiled. A cold, predatory smile. "And Our dear Dark Lord must have his wishes fulfilled, mustn't he, Peter?" at the sound of his first name, Peter Pettigrew looked up hopefully at Severus Snape. A look of disgust crossed Snapes face. He backhanded the pathetic creature that was Peter. "Do not look upon me as an equal. I am now, and will ever be your better, wretch. Leave me with our Lord." Pettigrew fled.
Entering Voldemorts personal chambers, Snape looked around. This place rather reminded him of his own quarters at Hogwarts. Then he saw the figure seated upon the throne. Using all of his strength to keep from falling on the floor like that idiot Pettigrew, Snape calmly lowered himself to one knee, and, managing to keep the fear out of his voice somehow, spoke. "My Lord, welcome back."
Voldemort watched as the man who had been one his most powerful Death Eaters lowered himself to one knee. When he spoke, there was no tremble in his voice, no hint that he may have betrayed his master. Interesting. "Severus, you have been away overlong. Why did you not come when you were summoned?" With no hesitation, Snape answered forcefully, "The time was wrong. I must keep up appearances at Hogwarts, or suspicion will be my downfall. Dumbledore must not know." Voldemort considered this. His eyes blazing, the serpentine slits of his pupils contracting. "Agreed. However, in the future, you will come. Or there will be consequences." He idly fingered his wand. Snape gritted his teeth. "I understand."
v
Back at Hogwarts, Dumbledore watched with an uneasy feeling in his stomach. He had sent Severus into this, and if all did not go perfectly, He would lose his potions master. Unable to bear witness, he walked away from the scrying pool. Sending its picture away with a wave of his wand. "Carefully, Severus, carefully."
v
"He is gone." Voldemort looked at Snape, eyes widening. "What does that mean?" He demanded, irritated at this cryptic comment. "Snape smiled. His lip twitching involuntarily into a sneer. "Dumbledore. He was scrying. Now he is gone." Voldemort launched himself at the one-time potions master, raising his wand. "CRUCIO!!!" Snape fell to the ground, twisting, clawing at his own arms, yet refusing to cry out. Voldemort released the spell. "Idiot! You allowed Dumbledore to see into my lair! How dare you! Your death will take an eternity!" Snape picked himself up, brushing the dust from his robe. "My lord, Dumbledore sent me here. Just as you sent me to him so long ago. He believes I come to work against you, as a spy for him." Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "Why do you tell me this? It will not save you." Snape finished brushing the last of the dirt from his robes and looked the Dark Lord in the eye. Something few were willing to do.
"I tell you this, because Dumbledore is a trusting fool. And WE will be his downfall."
v
Harry groaned and rolled out of bed. He just didn't feel as though he were up to facing school today. He looked over and realized that Ron was already up, and in the process of pulling on his robes. "Is the world ending? Why are you up?" Ron grinned, threw a pillow at Harry and ducked as it was thrown back. "Dumbledore has called an assembly. I was just about to wake you up. Get dressed." Harry sighed, rolled out of bed, got tangled in his sheets, and fell. When he got up, he had pulled his robes on, and was rubbing the bumb rising on his forehead from hitting the ground. "What do you think it's all about?" Ron thought for a second and shrugged. "I guess we'll find out."
They met Hermione in the Griffyndor common room, and the three made their way down to the common room together. "I bet he's going to announce that school is closing until they beat You-Know-Who!" Harry turned to see Pavarti whispering to her sister Padma. He shook his head. "Dumbledore knows that Hogwarts is the safest place to be until this thing ends. That's now what this is about." Lavender glared at him. "then what is it about, Head-Boy" she said spitefully. Hermione broke in. "He doesn't know. None of us know. No more fighting, just get in the common room and sit down." Lavender, Pavarti and Padma sniffed, threw their noses in the air and marched off. "Why do girls have to be so annoying?" Hermione asked, pulling her qild hair out of her face. Ron snickered. "I don't know, why don't you tell me?" Although the two of them had struck a truce since the incident with Viktor Krum, Harry noticed Ron still seemed miffed. He shook his head and ignored them.
Everyone was seated at their respected tables in the Great Hall, anxious to hear any news, when they noticed something odd. Proffessor Snape was missing. This caused a commotion for quite some time while every table buzzed with speculations. Only the Slytherin table was quiet. They did not seem surprised. Draco simply sat and smiled at the room. As if daring someone to ask.
Finally, Dumbledore appeared at the head table, and raised his hand for silence. Eventually, he got it. "Students, I know you are all wondering why you are here. As you may have heard, the Death Eaters have been much more active lately, what with the issues at the Tri-Wizard Championships, the Quidditch Cup, and the trouble at Azkaban. I have received word, from very good sources, that somehow Voldemort has risen again."
The room let out a collective gasp. More, Harry thought, at the fact that Dumbledore had spoken Voldemort's name aloud, than surprise. Dumbledore waited for the conversation to die again. "Now, it is my opinion that this place is safer than anywhere else would be in times of crisis, and I have therefore taken the liberty of sending owls to each of your families, inviting them to weather the storm here, at Hogwarts." A smattering of applause, and cheers. "Your classes will not be cancelled!" He said sternly, and was answered with a chorus of groans. "However, they will be geared more towards defense. As we now have a very real threat to face. With this in mind, I would like to introduce your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I assure you, he is good. It is my distinct pleasure, to give you; Sibis Crulak."
The entire crowd seemed to be holding its breath. The man now approaching the podium was as plain as a person could be. He was about Dumbledore's height, with short black hair, and a face that Harry forgot as soon as he looked away. "Thank you, Albus." Harry twitched. That voice was so familiar. Why couldn't he place it? " Students, I am very glad to be here. As my dear friend Albus has just explained, we are in a dire situation. It is our feeling that you should be prepared. To that effect, not only will I be moving all classes straight ahead to counter-curses, curse-identification, and Patronus charms, all of your classes will now be geared in this direction. Professor Mcgonagall will now be teaching you reversing charms, Proffessor Flitwick will be teaching Healing charms, and Proffessor Sprout will be teaching you how to properly extract mandrake roots for restorative potions. I hope you will find me to be a good teacher. Thank you."
After the new teacher had taken his seat again, Dumbledore once again assumed the podium. "You may also have noticed that we are one teacher short. Professor Snape was called away from us, so I have also had to find a replacement for him. I trust you remember Proffessor Lupin." Dumbledore smiled and stepped away again, and Harry beamed as he saw Remus Lupin wave from the head table. Dumbledore stepped up again. "Now we are caught up. This will not be an easy year, and," he smiled and patted his stomach. "We will need to have our strength, so let's eat." He waved his wand, and food appeared on all the tables.
As they all reached for their food, Harry kep thinking about the new teacher. "Ron," Harry whispered. Ron looked up from his huge pile of food. "Whaff thef matffer?" Harry snickered. Ron ate more than anyone he had ever met. "That new teacher, Sibis Crulak… Did his voice sound familiar to you?" Ron thought for a second, and then shrugged. "Not really, but I was waiting for the food, so I wasn't really paying attention. Hermione?" Hermione looked up at the head table for a second. "I don't know…"
After the feast, all the students retired to their respective houses, to get ready for the day. Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat in the Griffyndor common room, talking excitedly. "I can't believe Lupin's back! I missed him so much!" Hermione said with a huge grin on her face. "I know," agreed Harry, "I wonder if he's heard from Sirius." Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, had been accused of a murder he didn't commit, and locked in Azkaban. He had escaped During third year, and was now in hiding. "I haven't heard from him in weeks. I'm starting to get worried." Hermione just looked at him, a half smile on her face. "Harry, Sirius is h-"
"Everyone come on, it's time for Defense Against the Dark Arts!" Neville interrupted her. She sighed, and everyone gathered their books to go to class.
v
They took their usual seats, glad that this year was not double with the Slytherins. As they sat down, Harry started to ask Hermione what she was going to say about Sirius. Just then, the new teacher walked in.
Harry couldn't for the life of him figure out what was so odd about this new teacher. He certainly seemed to be a perfectly normal guy. As a matter of fact, he was as normal as anyone could get. The only thing that stood out about him was his voice, and harry seemed to be the only who noticed this. The new teacher started right away.
"Allright, class, we have no time to waste, so we will be getting right on with this. As many of you know, Voldemort," the class gasped, "uses Dementors as his footsoldiers. There is only one way to get rid of a Dementor, so we will be learning the patronus charm. It's a pity I don't have a Dementor to practice with, but, that would not be safe." Harry raised his hand. "Yes, Harry?" Harry blushed. "I already know the Patronus Charm, Proffessor Crulak." The teacher smiled. "I've been informed, Harry. I'm counting on you to help me teach it." Harry blushed harder. Hermione gasped. Ron looked slightly sullen. "umn, sure, Professor." Harry stammered.
Halfway through the lesson, Harry finally got the chance to talk to Hermione. She was trying desperately to summon the Patronus, and had gotten a dense silver mist to emit from her wand, and she decided she needed a break. Harry grabbed her elbow and steered her to a remote corner of the room. "What were you going to say about Sirius?" He whispered. Hermione looked around suspiciously, and her eyes etlled on her quill. "Accio Quill!" She muttered, "Accio Scroll!" Her quill and scroll sailed across the room to her hand. Looking around again, set them on a table and wrote out 'Sirius Black' on the scroll. "What are you-" Harry stammered, but she silenced him with her hand. The she tapped the name with her wand, and the letters began to rearrange.
SIRIUS BLACK
Suddenly became
SIBIS CRULAK
Harry jumped, and almost ran over to the new teacher, until Hermione stomped on his foot. "ow! Why didn't you tell me?" He demanded. "Why Didn't he tell me?" Hermione frowned, "I tried, but Neville interrupted me. As for him," she jerked her finger at the new teacher. "I'm sure he had his reasons."
Harry could hardly wait for class to end. When it finally did, he took a little longer than the rest of the calss to gather his things. As soon as he noticed that all the other students were gone, he walked over to the new teacher. "ahem." Professor Crulak whirled around. "Oh, Harry, what are you still doing here?" Harry grinned, and then glared reprovingly at his 'teacher'. "The real question is, why are you here, Sirius,"
Professor Crulak jumped. Then smiled. "Hermione?" Harry grinned. "Yup.. I don't know how she does it, but, she always does." Sirius hugged his godson. "Well, I guess I should explain." He gestured for Harry to sit down.
"You quite obviously know of Voldemort. You witnessed his rebirth." Sirius said gravely. Harry nodded. Not wanting to think about it. Sirius saw this, and continued. "Well, what you don't know is how much that rebirth is helping in his cause. It is being looked upon as a miracle. Because he is not an animated corpse. He made sure he was actually reborn. By doing this, he has that much more of a hold on his followers, and that much more power to persuade new followers. I have heard the Death Eaters screaming their new cry in the night. They are saying, 'Hujus, inquam, libelli, quasi quaedam lucerna, exordium, diale manifestatum est miraculum; ut deinceps transeamus ad cetera, quae per ipsum ostensa sunt, virtutum miracula!' " Sirius finished this with an expectant look in Harry's direction.
Harry had no idea what it meant. "What does Hoojus inkim whatsis whoja mean???" Sirius smiled. "It's Latin. A lanquage only wizards still use. It means 'Let this divine miracle, shine as a light in the beginning of this, that it may lead us on to the other divine and miraculous powers which were seen in him.' " He shook his head. "He has become less a leader to them, and more of a god. He MUST be stopped this time. For good. Dumbledore is going to need every helping hand he can get this time, and that means me, too. I was going to tell you, but hadn't had the opportunity. Forgive me?"
Harry smiled. "Always. But next time, tell me! So, what's the plan? How are we going to beat old Moldywarts?" Sirius chuckled. Harry was definitely James' son. "Well, here's what we have so far….."
v
Snape stalked the dark hallways of Voldemort's lair, readjusting to the once familiar atmosphere. As he passed, masked Death Eaters would turn to stare at him, whispering to each other as he passed. Unlike the others, Snape did not wear a mask. Something a select few were allowed to do. His conversation with Voldemort had gone well. Better even than he had expected. Things were going to work out quite well, he thought.
As Snape walked into the great hall, a tall, fair haired figure turned to him. "Severus, how good to see you," Lucius Malfor sneered, throwing as much sarcarsm into the greeting as he could. "I had heard you had returned. Finally decided to stop licking Dumbledore's botts, eh?" Snape stiffened, turning to face Lucius. A cold, cruel smile crept to his face. "Ah, Lucius, my dear school friend," Snape chuckled. "I see you still think you may rise above your station. Unfortunately, you are delusional. I am second only to our Lord, and will not tolerate being spoken to in such a manner." His eye's glinted in the harsh, cold light of the blue flame torches. His wand out, he slowly lowered it to point directly at Lucius Malfoy's heart. "I will give you one chance to repeal your most unfortunate comment. As you well know, my time among the fools of Hogwarts was at our Lord's behest. Repent, Malfoy, or face my wrath." Lucius' face paled. "I-I-I…" He sweated, searching for the qords to quell Snape's anger. "My apologies, Severus. Great Wizards! I have done you wrong." Snape smiled. "Pretty words, Lucius, You son also speaks well. I see where he learned." Lucius smiled, glad all was forgiven. Snapes eye's glinted. "But not enough. CRUCIO!" Lucius dropped to the floor, crying out, writhing in pain. Snape released the spell, the usual cold sneer on his face. "Perhaps now you will remember. I command respect, and punish those who fail to give it. Such is the way things are done here, as you should have known. Do not forget." He stalked away, leaving Lucius Malfoy gasping on the floor.
v
"Class! Class! Calm down, and come up here so I can heal any burns you may have!" Lupin was not having a good day. Potions master, indeed. Albus Dumbledore be cursed! He knew Lupin was no good at potions!
This was Lupin's first class of the day, and luckily it had been the Griffyndors. He had been attempting to make a restorative draught for petrified wizards, and had somehow managed to blow his cauldron sky high. Of the day's annoyance's, this. That I blew up my own classroom. Luckily, Hermione saw what was about to happen, and got everyone under the desks in time. Well, almost everyone.
"Idiot werewolf! Potions master indeed, when my father hears of this!" Draco went on, and on, and on. Lupin sighed. "Mister Malfoy, sit down!" he barked. "Things are bad enough as it is, without having to listen to you shout. I am well aware I did not brew the potion correctly. Thank You for noticing. No permanent damage was done, and you babbling will not help matters!" Draco puffed up as if to start again. Lupin growled, and gave him a warning glance. Seeing it, draco looked hesitant, and sat down. "Thank you, Mister Malfoy." Lupin sighed. "Ok, now. Tomorrow, we will try again. I want you all to research the proper making of a mandrake restoratrive draught. We will be teaching each other. Tomorrow, Hermione will be helping me." The class let out a collective sigh of relief. Except Draco, who puffed up again. Before he could start, lupin excused the class.
After all the other students had left, Harry, Ron and Hermione sat around, talking to Lupin, who had buried his head in his hands. "it's ok, Remus, it's not an easy potion!" Harry said, looking at Ron, who could only shake his head. Lupion groaned. "Why, oh why did Albus make me potions master? Sirius could have done so much better!" Hermione giggled, "Probably," Lupin groaned again, "But would he have made it this much fun?" Hermione finished. Ron snickered. So did Harry. Suddenly, all four of them were laughing together. Lupin shook his head. "Thanks Hermione, I needed that." He looked up, "So, who wants to help me learn how to make this sludge?" Hermione looked excited, "Well, lets go to the-" Harry interrupted her, "Library, surprise, surprise?" Hermione blushed. Ron groaned, "Allright, let's get this over with."
v
Back in the Gryffindor common room, the three sat around the fire, whispering softly. "So, do you think this will all really work?" Hermione asked Harry. He had explained everything Sirius had told him to them last night. Ron looked up, "I think it will. It's the last thing You-Know-Who would expect." Harry nodded grimly. "It's a huge risk, but, I think it will work. It has to." Ron and Hermione nodded solemnly. The three of them would be an intregal part of the plan. They had spoken to Dumbledore today, and, after much arguing, he had agreed. As much as he had hated to admit it, they had more experience the past 4 years fighting Voldemort than nearly anyone else alive.
Harry stared into the fire, his mind obviously far away. Hermione rubbed his shoulder. "Where are you, Harry?" She whispered, her concern evident on her face. "Harry sighed and looked away from the Fire. "The night he killed my parents, Voldemort was surprised by my mother. By giving her life up, she saved me. Voldemort told her he would trade her life for mine, but, after she was dead tried to kill me anyway. That was his undoing. We have no such charms now, and if we did, he isn't dumb enough to do the same thing twice." He stopped, his chest hitching in a sob. He held it, refusing to cry. Refusing to be weak. His friends, his school, needed him. He took a deep breath, and then continued. "Fourth year, whenever the dementors came around, I heard her. Pleading. Begging him to spare me. And then the words. 'avada kedrava'. The light. That horrible, sickly green light." He stared into the flame again. "He destroyed my life. He took my parents. This time, it ends for good."
Ron and Hermione looked at their friend. They had no words to help him. Although they had always known of the grief Harry had carried around with him, they had never seen him express it. They did the only thing they could think of. They hugged him. "We're always here, Harry. Always." Hermione whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks. Even Ron could not hold back a soft sob. "Yeah, Harry. The three of us can take on anything, together." Harry hugged his friends, his Family, tightly. "Thank you. I may have an idea, but I need to speak to Dumbledore. You two go to sleep." The three stood up. "Do you want us to go with you?" Ron asked, wiping his nose on the sleeve of his robes. "No," Harry said, "I need to do this alone. When I have it worked out, we'll talk." Ron nodded. Hermione hugged Harry one last time, and turned to go to bed. "Goodnight, you two." She said, as she disappeared up the stairs. "Goodnight, Harry." Ron whispered, walking towards their room. The common room was now uncomfortably silent. Harry stared at the flame for a moment longer, then turned towards the portrait door, pulling his invisibility cloak from his pocket.
v
Harry stared at the gargoyle in front of him, concentrating, trying to remember. "Acid pop?" His words echoed back to him, nothing ahppened. He started naming every type of candy he could think of. " Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans! Chocolate Frog! Peppermint Toad! Cockroach Cluster!" He groaned. "Butter Beer?" The gargoyle sprang to life, jumping out of the way, and revelaing the stairway behind him. Harry grinned, and went up the stairs. He knocked on the door, waited a second, and then knocked three times, very slowly. "Come in, Harry"
Proffessor Dumbledore's office had not changed a bit. Looking around this room always made harry feel good. He walked over to the perch by the window, and stroked the ugly, balding bird sitting there. "Hello, Fawkes." He whispered. The bird croaked, and lightly nipped his hand. Then it burst into flame. Harry jerked his hand back, and laughed, watching the hatchling phoenix struggle out of the ashes that was his old body.
Harry turned towards the desk dominating the center of the room. Dumbledore looked at him. 'something's wrong', Harry though. He peered at Dumbledore, willing him to speak. "Hello, Harry." When he spoke, Harry realized what the problem was. Dumbledore looked old. He always looke like an elderly man, with his long white beard, and weathered face. But now he looked old. The twinkle was gone from his eye, and he looked as though he were reaching the end of his days. "Hello, Proffessor Dumbledore." The old man behind the desk sighed. "It must be important, or you would have come in the morning. So, out with it, son." Harry thought for a moment, struggling for words. "Well, I have an idea… I don't know how good it is, but.." He frowned, unsure how to put his thoughts together. "Umn, proffessor, maybe if I showed you," He said, looking towards the shelf Dumbledore kept his pensieve on.
Dumbledore looked startled. He stared at harry for a second, his eyes no longer twinkling. Then he nodded. "Allright, Harry. Let's see." He reached to the shelf, and withdrew the little bowl. Harry drew his wand, put it to his forehead, and pointed it at the bowl. Immediately, a thin tendril of smoke started to drift into the bowl. After a few seconds, harry moved his wand. "There. Go ahead, proffessor, take a look."
Dumbledore walked over, and stuck his finger in the bowl. Harry watched his eyes go blank, and then close. A moment later, Dumbledore shook his head, and pulled his finger out of the misty water. He looked at Harry. "Harry, my boy, you are a genius." Harry grinned, happy. Not so much about the praise, but because he noticed that that youthful gleam had returned to Dumbledore's eyes. "We have much to do, Harry," dumbledore said, leading him to the door. "Gather your friends,a tell them everything. I will begin research, as Miss Granger will too, I have no doubt." He paused, thinking. "I will make the announcement tomorrow night, I think. Come to me before supper." Harry nodded. "Do you think it will work, Proffessor?" He asked, hopeful. Dumbledore nodded. "I think so. If we do it correctly. Tell Sirius to see me tomorrow morning, we will need him, as well."
v
'Everything's turning up roses.' Thought Voldemort, contemplating the past few days. Snape had returned, and supplied Voldemort with all the necessary information about the school, and the defense they planned. He was also behaving perfectly. The years at Hogwarts had not spoiled his pets cruelty at all. He was especially nasty to that mooning fool Lucius. Although he would never question their loyalty, Voldemort often grew tired of the Malfoy clan, and their insipid fawning. He yawned. Oh well, Severus would handle it. The Dark Lord smiled. Between the two of them, Snape and himself would make a fine team. Severus had provided all the information he needed, and was eager for the chance to destroy that meddling git Albus Dumbledore. 'Yes, everything's turning up roses.'
"All right, Harry?"
Harry groaned. Only one person he knew could sneak up on him to say that. Colin Creevey. Harry turned around, a resigned, and somewhat forced, smile on his face. "Oh, hi Colin." He started to edge backwards.. Slowly. Colin beamed at him, delighted at the chance to have a conversation with his hero. "Can you believe it, Harry? You did it again!" Harry sighed. "Did What, Colin?" With eyes as wide as saucers, and a look verging on adulation, Colin squeaked. "You won the Cup! The Tri-Wizard Cup! You're a hero!"
Harry's eyes started to tear. Last year, one of the Death Eaters had arrived in school disguised as Mad-Eye Moody, their new Defens Against the Dark Arts teacher. This time, the holder of that wonderful cursed position had put his name into the Goblet of Fire, thus entering him into the Tri-Wizard Tournament, a very dangerous series of magical contests. Harry had won, with the help of Cedric Diggory. However, at the end, had watched Cedric die at the hands of a magically reborn Voldemort. Cho still wouldn't look Harry in the eye, and all the congratualtions he was getting were wearing on him. He had no business even entering that tournament, and would never have won had it not been for Cedric. Now he was dead. And Voldemort was very much alive.
"I don't mean to sound rude Colin, but, I have to get going. I'm late for Hagrid's class." Harry started to walk away. "Just one picture, Harry?" Harry turned to say he hadn't the time, but Colin caught him as he turned. CLICK! "Thanks, Harry!"
Ron and Hermione caught up to him as he was crossing the grounds to Hagrid's hut. "Have you seen Colin yet?" asked Ron, "He's doing the hero thing again. I'm telling you Harry, he'll start that fan club soon." "Shut up, Ron." Hermione just laughed. "How can you laugh with that cart-horse load on your back?" Ron asked, glaring at her book bag. As usual, Hermione was trying to take every class Hogwarts offered, and her bag must have weighed 100 pounds. Hermione stuck her tongue out at Ron, then turned to Harry. "Have you seen Hagrid at all since he cam back fom the giants?" Harry shook his head. "No, he sent me an owl though. He found his mother up there. It sounded like he was happy, but you never kno---"
BOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!
A huge explosion came from the vicinity of Hagrid's hut, accompanied by a flash of blue green light. Harry had a momentary flashback to his third year, when the Dementors had unlocked the memory of his parents death. For them, death came in a flash of green light. "avada kedrava." Harry shuddered, shook his head, and ran to catch up to Ron and Hermione, who were already running to see if Hagrid was ok.
"Haagrid!!" "Hagriiiiiiiiiiid!!"
Ron and Hermione got there just steps in front of Harry, screaming for Hagrid, praying this wasn't the attack they were all fearing. Wands held high, curses on their lips, they stepped around to the paddock behind Hagrid's hut. "Dag blasted thin'! Hol' still, I jist want ter feed yer!!"
Harry's mouth fell open. Standing in the middle of the paddock was Hagrid, holding what appeared to be a two ton glowing green hedgehog in a headlock. "Here yer go. Just one more…… There!" Hagrid shoved something small in the monsters mouth, noded in satisfaction, and began to stroke it's head. "All right, you three, how de yer like her?" Harry snapped his jaw closed. "What on earth is that.. that.. Thing??" He asked, not willing to hazard a guess. "This ere's a Volt 'Awg!" Hagrid replied, a huge grin on his face.
"A Volt Hog?" Ron asked, eyeing Hagrid like he'd lost his mind. "Do you know how dangerous those are?" Harry had no idea what was going on. "Do you know what they're talking about?" he asked Hermione. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Haven't you read the Monster book of Monster's yet??" she asked, sounding exasperated. "Volt Hogs eat lightning bugs, and generate electricity between their quills. If you make them mad, or touch them wrong, they can arc like a penny in an outlet." Ron looked at Hagrid angrily. "Yeah, and fry us like bacon!"
"Now c'mere Ron, she's not like that! She's sweet, and ain't 'er glow pretty?" This was Hagrid's main failing. He never thought monsters were as bad as they really were. Maybe this had something to do with his being half monster himself. Hagrid was a half giant. Although Harry had only found out last year, the information had not surprised him. He was one of the most gentle people Harry had ever met, but Hagrid was near to nine feet tall, and outweighed most cars. His black hair and beard were of a texture akin to a bottlebrush, and his voice could knock you over. Despite all this, he was one of the three's closest friends.
Carefully keeping his distance from the Volt Hog, Ron got close enough to talk to Hagrid without the approaching students hearing. "How did things go with the giants, Hagrid?" Hagrid just beamed. "After class, we'll talk." "Now, c'mon, g'ther round here, don' be shy. This is my newest friend. Ain't she pretty?"
"What are you trying to kill us with today?" That lazy drawl could only be one person. Harry glared at Draco. "Why don't you ever give Hagrid a chance, Malfoy!" Harry yelled, throwing as much spite into the name as he could. Draco turned his pale eyes on Harry, shaking a lock of palest blonde hair out his face as he did so. "What's it to you, scar-head? Trying to save the incompetent half-oaf's job again?" He sneered. "Why don't you, the pauper, and the mudblood do us all a favor, and go play with a werewolf."
Ron's face turned a bright shade of red, and he launched himself at Draco, only to have Hagrid stop him in midair. "None o' that, Ron. Draco, since yer so keen on my teachin' skills, you probably already know how to pet a Volt Hog. So, yer firs'." Draco paled. "Well, go on." Draco snorted, turned on his heel, and slithered off to join Crabbe and Goyle. Who were hunched over by the fence.
"All right then, this here's a Volt Hog, and it's time to feed him"
After class, Harry, Ron, and Hermione waited for the other students to leave, so they could talk to Hagrid alone. "Lousy Malfoy, thinks he's so special. My father's a Death Eater! I'm rich! I'm better than everyone!" Ron started off on a blistering series of curses, all having to do with Draco, his family, and anything else even remotely connected to the Malfoy Clan. "Do you think Lucius has gone back to join You-Know-Who?" Harry laughed bitterly. "Lucius Malfoy is a sniveling little git, but he'd do anything to go against Dunmbledore. I guarantee he was with that crowd watching me and Voldemort fight."
Just then, Hagrid came back from tying up his new pet. "So, how was it?" Hermione asked, pushing her frizzy hair out of her face. "Firs' come inside and have some tea. I'll tell ye all about it."
v
Just then, Proffessor Severus Snape was pacing back and forth in his little dungeon room. He understood why Dumbledore had asked this of him. He knew he was the only one who could do it. But he couldn't help but be terrified. Ever since last year, the mark on his left forearm had been burning, itching, driving him insane. Calling him back. Back to Voldemort. Noone knew why he had turned away from the dark. Why he had shown up so long ago at Hogwarts, begging Dumbledore to take him in, to hide him from Him. But he had his reasons. Voldemort was cruel. Far more so than most people believed. And now He had returned.
A knock sounded at the door. "Yes, what is it!" Proffessor Snape demanded, hiding the fear in his voice with a mask of impatience. Dumbledore came in, accompanied by Professor Mcgonagall and Proffessor Flitwick. "It is time, Severus" Dumbledore said quietly, peering at Professor Snape intently. "Are you sure you can do this?" Professor Snape sneered at him. "Of course I can. I did it for years, didn't I?" he sounded mean, but his face took on a haunted look. "What will be done here?" Dumbledore looked at him for a moment longer, and then nodded. "I have arranged for Minerva and Flitwick here to be 'overheard' having a conversation about your disappearance. It will be quite unexplained, and they will assume you have gone back to serve the Dark Lord." He sighed. "hopefully, the right students will overhear it, and inform their parents. Who will then inform Voldemort.
Professor Snape sighed. "Draco?" Professor Mcgonagall nodded. "Precisely whom we hope to overhear us." Snape nodded. "Voldemort shall be informed then." He gathered his wand and cloak. "I shall leave at once. Please be sure to be overheard by the time I get far enough away to apperate. I'd have to arrive at His lair just in time to hear him yell Avada Kedrava." Dumbledore Mcgonagall and flitwick nodded. "Good luck, Severus." Dumbledore whispered. "I will see you soon." Proffessor Snape snorted. "You hope." And stormed away. Dumbledore lowered his head sadly. "Yes, I do."
v
As Hagrid made the tea for the three of them, Harry, Ron and Hermione launched into a fast series of questions, not bothering with the fact that they didn't give him enough time to answer. "What were the giants like?" "Did you really find your mother?" "Were they mean and vicious?" "Was it horribly dangerous?"
Hagrid laughed. "One at a time! I'll get to all of those, just sit down an' listen!" He poured their tea and sat down. "Al'right then. It was a long way to the mountains where they're livin' now, and I was plum tired when I fin'ly got to 'em" His eyes unfocused as he stared off, obviously remembering the experience vividly. "When I got there, a big feller by the name o' Orgran saw me, and thought I mus' of been a little 'un. He kep' at me about where were me mum and pop. When I finally convinced 'im I was full grown, he seemed to feel sorry fer me, and took me to where they was all congregatin'. That's when I saw her. Me mum was sittin' on top o' a boulder as big as me house. I remembered her bein' tall, but I was surprised at how tall she is. Musta been twenty two or twenty three feet tall, and as pretty as I ever could imagine. She knew me right away too." His eyes misted a little. "At first she seemed angry. She just yelled at me. 'Hagrid, What are you doing here?! Why aren't you with your father!' " He lowered his head. "She never knew. She just up and took off, and never looked back. So I had to tell her."
Harry walked over to Hagrid and patted him on the back. "I'm sorry, Hagrid." Hagrid smiled, "It's Al'righ' Harry, t'isn't your fault." He leaned back. "So, I told her. At first she looked right upset by the whole thing. Then she shrugged, patted me on the head, and told me it was good to see me, and I should stop by again. Then she walked away." Hermione looked outraged. "That's it?! You haven't seen her for more than 20 years and she just walks away?! The nerve?!?!" Hagrid looked reprovingly at her. "It's not in her nature to 'ave no maternal instincts, Hermione, don't look down on 'er fer it. She's still me mum, Hermione's cheeks flamed red, "But.. I'm not.. I didn't mean.." Hagrid looked at the floor. "I know, not to worry."
Ron had been sitting surprisingly quiet through all of this, but could not contain himself anymore. "Well are they on our side or not?!" He yelled, his eyes wide. "Or are the brutes going to help out Vol.. Vol.. Him?!?" Hagrid look thoughtful for a moment. "Well, They didn't say one way or t'other.. But, I think they may surprise us yet.." He looked out the window. "It's getting' dark. Ya three best head back to the school now." They all stood up. "I'll walk ye back."
v
The room was dark as pitch. It was always dark as pitch. The servant stood trembling, waiting for that horrible moment when the sibilant, soft, horrible voice of the master would come. Bearing the weight of whatever gruesome deed the servant was to commit. Even in the dark the servant could see the masters eyes. Red as blood, strangely reptile. Wholly inhuman. "Lucius tells me that Severus has returned." The servant cringes, unsure of how to respond. "y-y-y-yess, Lord, just t-t-tonight."the eyes disappear, as the master bows his head down in thought. When they reappear, they shine with a fire brighter than any candle. "Have you seen him?" The servant quails, is the master angry, or excited? "I have" the light from the masters wand flares, illuminating the bare stone walls of the room, and the pathetic shaking lump curled on the floor, clutching his new metal arm, awaiting his command. "How does he look, wormtail. Has Dumbledore broken him, or is he still mine?" roared Lord Voldemort, pointing his wand at his servant. "I cannot t-t-tell, Lord. His head is held high, and he is as cold as ever. I believe we still own him." Voldemort nodded, and pointed his wand at Pettigrew as he cowered. "CRUCIO!!" He roared, and stood back to watch as Pettigrew writhed and screamed. Only releasing the spell after several long moments. "Let that be a reminder that Severus is MINE, not ours. I am master here. You are a pathetic coward." Sobbing, Pettigrew choked on his words. "Y-y-y-y-yes, L-l-l-l-or-lord, I will not forget." A slight smile crossed the face of the most powerful Dark Wizard ever. "Good. Now bring me Severus Snape."
Pacing in the hallway outside Voldemort's chambers, Severus Snape heard Pettigrew's howl of pain, and a brief look of fear passed over his face. He wiped it away, replacing it with one of smug superiority. He was not surprised when minutes later, Pettigrew appeared at the door. "He wishes to see you." Snaped smiled. A cold, predatory smile. "And Our dear Dark Lord must have his wishes fulfilled, mustn't he, Peter?" at the sound of his first name, Peter Pettigrew looked up hopefully at Severus Snape. A look of disgust crossed Snapes face. He backhanded the pathetic creature that was Peter. "Do not look upon me as an equal. I am now, and will ever be your better, wretch. Leave me with our Lord." Pettigrew fled.
Entering Voldemorts personal chambers, Snape looked around. This place rather reminded him of his own quarters at Hogwarts. Then he saw the figure seated upon the throne. Using all of his strength to keep from falling on the floor like that idiot Pettigrew, Snape calmly lowered himself to one knee, and, managing to keep the fear out of his voice somehow, spoke. "My Lord, welcome back."
Voldemort watched as the man who had been one his most powerful Death Eaters lowered himself to one knee. When he spoke, there was no tremble in his voice, no hint that he may have betrayed his master. Interesting. "Severus, you have been away overlong. Why did you not come when you were summoned?" With no hesitation, Snape answered forcefully, "The time was wrong. I must keep up appearances at Hogwarts, or suspicion will be my downfall. Dumbledore must not know." Voldemort considered this. His eyes blazing, the serpentine slits of his pupils contracting. "Agreed. However, in the future, you will come. Or there will be consequences." He idly fingered his wand. Snape gritted his teeth. "I understand."
v
Back at Hogwarts, Dumbledore watched with an uneasy feeling in his stomach. He had sent Severus into this, and if all did not go perfectly, He would lose his potions master. Unable to bear witness, he walked away from the scrying pool. Sending its picture away with a wave of his wand. "Carefully, Severus, carefully."
v
"He is gone." Voldemort looked at Snape, eyes widening. "What does that mean?" He demanded, irritated at this cryptic comment. "Snape smiled. His lip twitching involuntarily into a sneer. "Dumbledore. He was scrying. Now he is gone." Voldemort launched himself at the one-time potions master, raising his wand. "CRUCIO!!!" Snape fell to the ground, twisting, clawing at his own arms, yet refusing to cry out. Voldemort released the spell. "Idiot! You allowed Dumbledore to see into my lair! How dare you! Your death will take an eternity!" Snape picked himself up, brushing the dust from his robe. "My lord, Dumbledore sent me here. Just as you sent me to him so long ago. He believes I come to work against you, as a spy for him." Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "Why do you tell me this? It will not save you." Snape finished brushing the last of the dirt from his robes and looked the Dark Lord in the eye. Something few were willing to do.
"I tell you this, because Dumbledore is a trusting fool. And WE will be his downfall."
v
Harry groaned and rolled out of bed. He just didn't feel as though he were up to facing school today. He looked over and realized that Ron was already up, and in the process of pulling on his robes. "Is the world ending? Why are you up?" Ron grinned, threw a pillow at Harry and ducked as it was thrown back. "Dumbledore has called an assembly. I was just about to wake you up. Get dressed." Harry sighed, rolled out of bed, got tangled in his sheets, and fell. When he got up, he had pulled his robes on, and was rubbing the bumb rising on his forehead from hitting the ground. "What do you think it's all about?" Ron thought for a second and shrugged. "I guess we'll find out."
They met Hermione in the Griffyndor common room, and the three made their way down to the common room together. "I bet he's going to announce that school is closing until they beat You-Know-Who!" Harry turned to see Pavarti whispering to her sister Padma. He shook his head. "Dumbledore knows that Hogwarts is the safest place to be until this thing ends. That's now what this is about." Lavender glared at him. "then what is it about, Head-Boy" she said spitefully. Hermione broke in. "He doesn't know. None of us know. No more fighting, just get in the common room and sit down." Lavender, Pavarti and Padma sniffed, threw their noses in the air and marched off. "Why do girls have to be so annoying?" Hermione asked, pulling her qild hair out of her face. Ron snickered. "I don't know, why don't you tell me?" Although the two of them had struck a truce since the incident with Viktor Krum, Harry noticed Ron still seemed miffed. He shook his head and ignored them.
Everyone was seated at their respected tables in the Great Hall, anxious to hear any news, when they noticed something odd. Proffessor Snape was missing. This caused a commotion for quite some time while every table buzzed with speculations. Only the Slytherin table was quiet. They did not seem surprised. Draco simply sat and smiled at the room. As if daring someone to ask.
Finally, Dumbledore appeared at the head table, and raised his hand for silence. Eventually, he got it. "Students, I know you are all wondering why you are here. As you may have heard, the Death Eaters have been much more active lately, what with the issues at the Tri-Wizard Championships, the Quidditch Cup, and the trouble at Azkaban. I have received word, from very good sources, that somehow Voldemort has risen again."
The room let out a collective gasp. More, Harry thought, at the fact that Dumbledore had spoken Voldemort's name aloud, than surprise. Dumbledore waited for the conversation to die again. "Now, it is my opinion that this place is safer than anywhere else would be in times of crisis, and I have therefore taken the liberty of sending owls to each of your families, inviting them to weather the storm here, at Hogwarts." A smattering of applause, and cheers. "Your classes will not be cancelled!" He said sternly, and was answered with a chorus of groans. "However, they will be geared more towards defense. As we now have a very real threat to face. With this in mind, I would like to introduce your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I assure you, he is good. It is my distinct pleasure, to give you; Sibis Crulak."
The entire crowd seemed to be holding its breath. The man now approaching the podium was as plain as a person could be. He was about Dumbledore's height, with short black hair, and a face that Harry forgot as soon as he looked away. "Thank you, Albus." Harry twitched. That voice was so familiar. Why couldn't he place it? " Students, I am very glad to be here. As my dear friend Albus has just explained, we are in a dire situation. It is our feeling that you should be prepared. To that effect, not only will I be moving all classes straight ahead to counter-curses, curse-identification, and Patronus charms, all of your classes will now be geared in this direction. Professor Mcgonagall will now be teaching you reversing charms, Proffessor Flitwick will be teaching Healing charms, and Proffessor Sprout will be teaching you how to properly extract mandrake roots for restorative potions. I hope you will find me to be a good teacher. Thank you."
After the new teacher had taken his seat again, Dumbledore once again assumed the podium. "You may also have noticed that we are one teacher short. Professor Snape was called away from us, so I have also had to find a replacement for him. I trust you remember Proffessor Lupin." Dumbledore smiled and stepped away again, and Harry beamed as he saw Remus Lupin wave from the head table. Dumbledore stepped up again. "Now we are caught up. This will not be an easy year, and," he smiled and patted his stomach. "We will need to have our strength, so let's eat." He waved his wand, and food appeared on all the tables.
As they all reached for their food, Harry kep thinking about the new teacher. "Ron," Harry whispered. Ron looked up from his huge pile of food. "Whaff thef matffer?" Harry snickered. Ron ate more than anyone he had ever met. "That new teacher, Sibis Crulak… Did his voice sound familiar to you?" Ron thought for a second, and then shrugged. "Not really, but I was waiting for the food, so I wasn't really paying attention. Hermione?" Hermione looked up at the head table for a second. "I don't know…"
After the feast, all the students retired to their respective houses, to get ready for the day. Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat in the Griffyndor common room, talking excitedly. "I can't believe Lupin's back! I missed him so much!" Hermione said with a huge grin on her face. "I know," agreed Harry, "I wonder if he's heard from Sirius." Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, had been accused of a murder he didn't commit, and locked in Azkaban. He had escaped During third year, and was now in hiding. "I haven't heard from him in weeks. I'm starting to get worried." Hermione just looked at him, a half smile on her face. "Harry, Sirius is h-"
"Everyone come on, it's time for Defense Against the Dark Arts!" Neville interrupted her. She sighed, and everyone gathered their books to go to class.
v
They took their usual seats, glad that this year was not double with the Slytherins. As they sat down, Harry started to ask Hermione what she was going to say about Sirius. Just then, the new teacher walked in.
Harry couldn't for the life of him figure out what was so odd about this new teacher. He certainly seemed to be a perfectly normal guy. As a matter of fact, he was as normal as anyone could get. The only thing that stood out about him was his voice, and harry seemed to be the only who noticed this. The new teacher started right away.
"Allright, class, we have no time to waste, so we will be getting right on with this. As many of you know, Voldemort," the class gasped, "uses Dementors as his footsoldiers. There is only one way to get rid of a Dementor, so we will be learning the patronus charm. It's a pity I don't have a Dementor to practice with, but, that would not be safe." Harry raised his hand. "Yes, Harry?" Harry blushed. "I already know the Patronus Charm, Proffessor Crulak." The teacher smiled. "I've been informed, Harry. I'm counting on you to help me teach it." Harry blushed harder. Hermione gasped. Ron looked slightly sullen. "umn, sure, Professor." Harry stammered.
Halfway through the lesson, Harry finally got the chance to talk to Hermione. She was trying desperately to summon the Patronus, and had gotten a dense silver mist to emit from her wand, and she decided she needed a break. Harry grabbed her elbow and steered her to a remote corner of the room. "What were you going to say about Sirius?" He whispered. Hermione looked around suspiciously, and her eyes etlled on her quill. "Accio Quill!" She muttered, "Accio Scroll!" Her quill and scroll sailed across the room to her hand. Looking around again, set them on a table and wrote out 'Sirius Black' on the scroll. "What are you-" Harry stammered, but she silenced him with her hand. The she tapped the name with her wand, and the letters began to rearrange.
SIRIUS BLACK
Suddenly became
SIBIS CRULAK
Harry jumped, and almost ran over to the new teacher, until Hermione stomped on his foot. "ow! Why didn't you tell me?" He demanded. "Why Didn't he tell me?" Hermione frowned, "I tried, but Neville interrupted me. As for him," she jerked her finger at the new teacher. "I'm sure he had his reasons."
Harry could hardly wait for class to end. When it finally did, he took a little longer than the rest of the calss to gather his things. As soon as he noticed that all the other students were gone, he walked over to the new teacher. "ahem." Professor Crulak whirled around. "Oh, Harry, what are you still doing here?" Harry grinned, and then glared reprovingly at his 'teacher'. "The real question is, why are you here, Sirius,"
Professor Crulak jumped. Then smiled. "Hermione?" Harry grinned. "Yup.. I don't know how she does it, but, she always does." Sirius hugged his godson. "Well, I guess I should explain." He gestured for Harry to sit down.
"You quite obviously know of Voldemort. You witnessed his rebirth." Sirius said gravely. Harry nodded. Not wanting to think about it. Sirius saw this, and continued. "Well, what you don't know is how much that rebirth is helping in his cause. It is being looked upon as a miracle. Because he is not an animated corpse. He made sure he was actually reborn. By doing this, he has that much more of a hold on his followers, and that much more power to persuade new followers. I have heard the Death Eaters screaming their new cry in the night. They are saying, 'Hujus, inquam, libelli, quasi quaedam lucerna, exordium, diale manifestatum est miraculum; ut deinceps transeamus ad cetera, quae per ipsum ostensa sunt, virtutum miracula!' " Sirius finished this with an expectant look in Harry's direction.
Harry had no idea what it meant. "What does Hoojus inkim whatsis whoja mean???" Sirius smiled. "It's Latin. A lanquage only wizards still use. It means 'Let this divine miracle, shine as a light in the beginning of this, that it may lead us on to the other divine and miraculous powers which were seen in him.' " He shook his head. "He has become less a leader to them, and more of a god. He MUST be stopped this time. For good. Dumbledore is going to need every helping hand he can get this time, and that means me, too. I was going to tell you, but hadn't had the opportunity. Forgive me?"
Harry smiled. "Always. But next time, tell me! So, what's the plan? How are we going to beat old Moldywarts?" Sirius chuckled. Harry was definitely James' son. "Well, here's what we have so far….."
v
Snape stalked the dark hallways of Voldemort's lair, readjusting to the once familiar atmosphere. As he passed, masked Death Eaters would turn to stare at him, whispering to each other as he passed. Unlike the others, Snape did not wear a mask. Something a select few were allowed to do. His conversation with Voldemort had gone well. Better even than he had expected. Things were going to work out quite well, he thought.
As Snape walked into the great hall, a tall, fair haired figure turned to him. "Severus, how good to see you," Lucius Malfor sneered, throwing as much sarcarsm into the greeting as he could. "I had heard you had returned. Finally decided to stop licking Dumbledore's botts, eh?" Snape stiffened, turning to face Lucius. A cold, cruel smile crept to his face. "Ah, Lucius, my dear school friend," Snape chuckled. "I see you still think you may rise above your station. Unfortunately, you are delusional. I am second only to our Lord, and will not tolerate being spoken to in such a manner." His eye's glinted in the harsh, cold light of the blue flame torches. His wand out, he slowly lowered it to point directly at Lucius Malfoy's heart. "I will give you one chance to repeal your most unfortunate comment. As you well know, my time among the fools of Hogwarts was at our Lord's behest. Repent, Malfoy, or face my wrath." Lucius' face paled. "I-I-I…" He sweated, searching for the qords to quell Snape's anger. "My apologies, Severus. Great Wizards! I have done you wrong." Snape smiled. "Pretty words, Lucius, You son also speaks well. I see where he learned." Lucius smiled, glad all was forgiven. Snapes eye's glinted. "But not enough. CRUCIO!" Lucius dropped to the floor, crying out, writhing in pain. Snape released the spell, the usual cold sneer on his face. "Perhaps now you will remember. I command respect, and punish those who fail to give it. Such is the way things are done here, as you should have known. Do not forget." He stalked away, leaving Lucius Malfoy gasping on the floor.
v
"Class! Class! Calm down, and come up here so I can heal any burns you may have!" Lupin was not having a good day. Potions master, indeed. Albus Dumbledore be cursed! He knew Lupin was no good at potions!
This was Lupin's first class of the day, and luckily it had been the Griffyndors. He had been attempting to make a restorative draught for petrified wizards, and had somehow managed to blow his cauldron sky high. Of the day's annoyance's, this. That I blew up my own classroom. Luckily, Hermione saw what was about to happen, and got everyone under the desks in time. Well, almost everyone.
"Idiot werewolf! Potions master indeed, when my father hears of this!" Draco went on, and on, and on. Lupin sighed. "Mister Malfoy, sit down!" he barked. "Things are bad enough as it is, without having to listen to you shout. I am well aware I did not brew the potion correctly. Thank You for noticing. No permanent damage was done, and you babbling will not help matters!" Draco puffed up as if to start again. Lupin growled, and gave him a warning glance. Seeing it, draco looked hesitant, and sat down. "Thank you, Mister Malfoy." Lupin sighed. "Ok, now. Tomorrow, we will try again. I want you all to research the proper making of a mandrake restoratrive draught. We will be teaching each other. Tomorrow, Hermione will be helping me." The class let out a collective sigh of relief. Except Draco, who puffed up again. Before he could start, lupin excused the class.
After all the other students had left, Harry, Ron and Hermione sat around, talking to Lupin, who had buried his head in his hands. "it's ok, Remus, it's not an easy potion!" Harry said, looking at Ron, who could only shake his head. Lupion groaned. "Why, oh why did Albus make me potions master? Sirius could have done so much better!" Hermione giggled, "Probably," Lupin groaned again, "But would he have made it this much fun?" Hermione finished. Ron snickered. So did Harry. Suddenly, all four of them were laughing together. Lupin shook his head. "Thanks Hermione, I needed that." He looked up, "So, who wants to help me learn how to make this sludge?" Hermione looked excited, "Well, lets go to the-" Harry interrupted her, "Library, surprise, surprise?" Hermione blushed. Ron groaned, "Allright, let's get this over with."
v
Back in the Gryffindor common room, the three sat around the fire, whispering softly. "So, do you think this will all really work?" Hermione asked Harry. He had explained everything Sirius had told him to them last night. Ron looked up, "I think it will. It's the last thing You-Know-Who would expect." Harry nodded grimly. "It's a huge risk, but, I think it will work. It has to." Ron and Hermione nodded solemnly. The three of them would be an intregal part of the plan. They had spoken to Dumbledore today, and, after much arguing, he had agreed. As much as he had hated to admit it, they had more experience the past 4 years fighting Voldemort than nearly anyone else alive.
Harry stared into the fire, his mind obviously far away. Hermione rubbed his shoulder. "Where are you, Harry?" She whispered, her concern evident on her face. "Harry sighed and looked away from the Fire. "The night he killed my parents, Voldemort was surprised by my mother. By giving her life up, she saved me. Voldemort told her he would trade her life for mine, but, after she was dead tried to kill me anyway. That was his undoing. We have no such charms now, and if we did, he isn't dumb enough to do the same thing twice." He stopped, his chest hitching in a sob. He held it, refusing to cry. Refusing to be weak. His friends, his school, needed him. He took a deep breath, and then continued. "Fourth year, whenever the dementors came around, I heard her. Pleading. Begging him to spare me. And then the words. 'avada kedrava'. The light. That horrible, sickly green light." He stared into the flame again. "He destroyed my life. He took my parents. This time, it ends for good."
Ron and Hermione looked at their friend. They had no words to help him. Although they had always known of the grief Harry had carried around with him, they had never seen him express it. They did the only thing they could think of. They hugged him. "We're always here, Harry. Always." Hermione whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks. Even Ron could not hold back a soft sob. "Yeah, Harry. The three of us can take on anything, together." Harry hugged his friends, his Family, tightly. "Thank you. I may have an idea, but I need to speak to Dumbledore. You two go to sleep." The three stood up. "Do you want us to go with you?" Ron asked, wiping his nose on the sleeve of his robes. "No," Harry said, "I need to do this alone. When I have it worked out, we'll talk." Ron nodded. Hermione hugged Harry one last time, and turned to go to bed. "Goodnight, you two." She said, as she disappeared up the stairs. "Goodnight, Harry." Ron whispered, walking towards their room. The common room was now uncomfortably silent. Harry stared at the flame for a moment longer, then turned towards the portrait door, pulling his invisibility cloak from his pocket.
v
Harry stared at the gargoyle in front of him, concentrating, trying to remember. "Acid pop?" His words echoed back to him, nothing ahppened. He started naming every type of candy he could think of. " Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans! Chocolate Frog! Peppermint Toad! Cockroach Cluster!" He groaned. "Butter Beer?" The gargoyle sprang to life, jumping out of the way, and revelaing the stairway behind him. Harry grinned, and went up the stairs. He knocked on the door, waited a second, and then knocked three times, very slowly. "Come in, Harry"
Proffessor Dumbledore's office had not changed a bit. Looking around this room always made harry feel good. He walked over to the perch by the window, and stroked the ugly, balding bird sitting there. "Hello, Fawkes." He whispered. The bird croaked, and lightly nipped his hand. Then it burst into flame. Harry jerked his hand back, and laughed, watching the hatchling phoenix struggle out of the ashes that was his old body.
Harry turned towards the desk dominating the center of the room. Dumbledore looked at him. 'something's wrong', Harry though. He peered at Dumbledore, willing him to speak. "Hello, Harry." When he spoke, Harry realized what the problem was. Dumbledore looked old. He always looke like an elderly man, with his long white beard, and weathered face. But now he looked old. The twinkle was gone from his eye, and he looked as though he were reaching the end of his days. "Hello, Proffessor Dumbledore." The old man behind the desk sighed. "It must be important, or you would have come in the morning. So, out with it, son." Harry thought for a moment, struggling for words. "Well, I have an idea… I don't know how good it is, but.." He frowned, unsure how to put his thoughts together. "Umn, proffessor, maybe if I showed you," He said, looking towards the shelf Dumbledore kept his pensieve on.
Dumbledore looked startled. He stared at harry for a second, his eyes no longer twinkling. Then he nodded. "Allright, Harry. Let's see." He reached to the shelf, and withdrew the little bowl. Harry drew his wand, put it to his forehead, and pointed it at the bowl. Immediately, a thin tendril of smoke started to drift into the bowl. After a few seconds, harry moved his wand. "There. Go ahead, proffessor, take a look."
Dumbledore walked over, and stuck his finger in the bowl. Harry watched his eyes go blank, and then close. A moment later, Dumbledore shook his head, and pulled his finger out of the misty water. He looked at Harry. "Harry, my boy, you are a genius." Harry grinned, happy. Not so much about the praise, but because he noticed that that youthful gleam had returned to Dumbledore's eyes. "We have much to do, Harry," dumbledore said, leading him to the door. "Gather your friends,a tell them everything. I will begin research, as Miss Granger will too, I have no doubt." He paused, thinking. "I will make the announcement tomorrow night, I think. Come to me before supper." Harry nodded. "Do you think it will work, Proffessor?" He asked, hopeful. Dumbledore nodded. "I think so. If we do it correctly. Tell Sirius to see me tomorrow morning, we will need him, as well."
v
'Everything's turning up roses.' Thought Voldemort, contemplating the past few days. Snape had returned, and supplied Voldemort with all the necessary information about the school, and the defense they planned. He was also behaving perfectly. The years at Hogwarts had not spoiled his pets cruelty at all. He was especially nasty to that mooning fool Lucius. Although he would never question their loyalty, Voldemort often grew tired of the Malfoy clan, and their insipid fawning. He yawned. Oh well, Severus would handle it. The Dark Lord smiled. Between the two of them, Snape and himself would make a fine team. Severus had provided all the information he needed, and was eager for the chance to destroy that meddling git Albus Dumbledore. 'Yes, everything's turning up roses.'