Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, I wish I did coz that'll mean I'll have lots of money but I fortunately I don't so... please don't sue ^^.

Dark Order Rising
Chapter 5: Headlines
by ARaZhi

"One woman," Fletcher murmured as he and Remus surveyed the damage around them.

None of the ministry wizards are dead but most are unconscious and all are wounded in some way.

The scuffle that lasted no more than three minutes resulted in a wreck that will take weeks to clear up, especially since it will be hard to make muggles ignore it. Already the place is swarming with reporters, muggles and wizards alike.

"Vampire, actually, against at least seventy warlocks..." Fletcher shook his head still a bit awestruck.

"I suppose Snuffles helped some," Remus said, feeling quite shocked himself.

Not far from them Cornelius Fudge was arguing with the wizards. The minister couldn't believe how Black escaped them again and wants to know the name of the unknown vampire who helped him.

"How did this happen! Why didn't that vampire burst to flames? The sun was rising during this whole mess for Merlin's sake! And why was she able to do magic! TELL ME!"

"Minister.. we don't know..."

"DON'T TELL ME YOU DON'T KNOW!" Fudge bellowed. "That woman is obviously one of Black's minions! Go figure out who she is!"

"He sounds brave now, doesn't he?" Fletcher commented dryly.

Remus nodded in agreement. The moment the fight broke out, Fudge mysteriously disappeared, as did Malfoy and Macnair. Probably didn't want to dirty their muggle suits what will all the dust and debris flying around.

"Shall we go to Dumbledore?"

"That will be best," Fletcher sighed. "He will like to know what happened. And I don't want the Ministry hauling you off for questioning."

With that both men Disapparated towards Hogsmead.

~*~

Minerva McGonagall walked out of Hogwart's Castle, preoccupied with thoughts of Voldemort's return and worries of her student's safety, especially Harry Potter. She had taking an instant liking of Harry, though she'd never admit it to anyone, except maybe Albus Dumbledore.

Most of the teachers are going home, at least for a few weeks. They will all be back soon enough. They are needed here in Hogwarts where they could do something to prevent Voldemort from getting the power and influence he once had.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a high-pitched scream followed by the thud of a falling body.

Minerva broke into a run and caught sight of Sibyll Trelawney sprawled on the ground, a hand clutching her heart.

Thankfully, Minerva is not as superstitious as Sibyll, else she might have fainted as well by the sight of the so-called Grim. A big, shaggy, black dog running at top speed towards the castle. The dog is familiar. Wasn't it the same dog she led towards Dumbledore's office just a week ago?

Minerva was torn between helping Sibyll and chastising the dog for scaring the Divination professor (although Sibyll deserved it more than anyone else). She stopped short when she caught sight of Dumbledore walking quickly towards the dog, an old parchment clutched in his hand. The Headmaster's face was lined with concern and worry.

"What happened, Snuffles?"

The dog barked and took off towards Hogsmead.

"Albus! What's going on?"

"I don't know, Minerva..."

The dog stopped and looked back at Dumbledore. It gave several impatient barks.

"Coming. He never had much patience," Dumbledore said, sounding a bit amused. "In my old age, I can no longer run that fast," Dumbledore let out a soft sigh. "Oh well, I has been awhile... Accio Silver Arrow!"

An old Silver Arrow, in good working condition, flew towards the old man. Dumbledore mounted his broom and kicked off.

"Dumbledore are you--"

"I will be fine, Minerva! Look after Sibyll."

With that Dumbledore disappeared towards Hogsmead.

Grumbling about superstitions and unreliable predictions, Minerva created a stretcher and took the Divination professor to the hospital wing. Silently thanking Merlin that Poppy decided to stay. The last thing she needs is to have to cure her old Hogwarts rival herself.

~*~

Sirius stopped long enough to check if Dumbledore is still behind him but found nothing. What happened to Dumbledore? He was just flying behind him on that museum piece of a broom.

"I am right behind you, Snuffles," the familiar voice of the headmaster spoke from his right.

Sirius nearly jumped out of his Animagus form in surprise.

"I cannot fly in Hogsmead chasing after a dog. People will stare," said the invisible Dumbledore.

With a half-annoyed, half-amused bark, Sirius resumed running towards the cave.

Upon arrival at the cave, Sirius turned back to his human form and found Dumbledore already there. The headmaster was looking at the unconscious and chained vampire.

"What is the meaning of this, Sirius? Who is this woman?" Dumbledore's voice was uncharacteristically sharp. There was something in his eyes that Sirius couldn't place. Was is fear? Shock? Hope?

"We have to take her to Hogwarts. I'll tell you everything when we get there. We have to get out of here! It's not safe... she's not safe," Sirius spoke hurriedly.

Dumbledore wretched his eyes away from the face he was staring at. He looked at though he was looking at something Sirius couldn't see.

Dumbledore created a stretcher, released Angel from her chains, and laid her on the stretcher, strapping her firmly to it.

"Hold on to this for me, please," Sirius spoke softly as he handed Wormtail's cage to Dumbledore, handling it as he would an expensive glassware.

"This is who I think it is?"

"Yes."

Dumbledore smiled and Sirius felt as though a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders. He will be free. Soon. Very soon.

"Go. I'll be right behind you."

Sirius quickly transformed and made his way back to Hogwarts.

~*~

Minerva was met by a strange sight as she walked by the hallway leading to Dumbledore's office.

"Albus? What happened?" she demanded, seeing the unconscious blonde, bloody and wounded floating beside Dumbledore and the dog.

"I don't know," Dumbledore replied after a moment. He seemed lost in thought, staring at the unknown woman as though he'd never seen another woman before in his life.

"Can you help me prepare the room adjoining my quarters?"

"Of course. But, Dumbledore, don't you think it's better to bring her to the hospital wing."

"No," Dumbledore cut her off. "She'll be much safer in my office."

The woman began to twitch and mutter in her sleep. The dog let out a bark.

"We must hurry. I think she's delirious. How did she get to be on this state?"

Dumbledore didn't answer but the dog looked frantic. Did dogs normally show that much agitation?

"Canary Cream!"

Canary cream? Minerva wondered silently when the headmaster started taking a liking towards the Weasley twins' crazy sweets.

The moment the door closed behind them, the black dog transform.

"Sirius Black!" Minerva shrieked. She was too surprised to make a grab for her wand.

"It's alright, Minerva!" Dumbledore shouted over Professor McGonagall's screams. "You shouldn't have done that," Dumbledore reprimanded Sirius as he shot a quick look of concern at Minerva, breathing fast and clutching her heart.

Sirius ignored them both and took woman's hand in his. A gold glow appeared between their hands and the woman's labored breathing returned to normal.

"She's regaining her memories," Sirius said, his voice laced with worry. "We've got to put wards around her..."

Minerva have gotten over her shock and was now pointing her wand at Sirius' heart. "Sirius Black. Dumbledore what are you doing with this murderer?"

"He is not a murderer, Minerva. He was framed," Dumbledore took something from his robes and held it out to her. "Take a look at this."

Minerva summoned it to her hand.

"Hey! Be careful with that!" Sirius complained.

Minerva glared suspiciously at Sirius as though expecting one of the Marauder's infamous pranks to explode at her face. She opened the small cage and pulled out a rat with a silver paw.

"That's Peter Pettigrew. An illegal Animagus. Please do me a favor, lock him up and prevent him from transforming," Sirius gave McGonagall his most charming smile, a smile that used to get him everything he ever wanted. The only few people immune from that smile are a handful of teachers, the other Marauders, and Lily Evans.

"Pettigrew? An Animagus? Preposterous! Next to Pettigrew, Longbottom looks like an expert in Transfiguration! The boy spent nearly the whole of first year trying to transfigure a toothpick into a needle!"

"Actually, professor, he never succeeded in transfiguring a toothpick into a needle. We spend more than half of Transfiguration class transfiguring his work for him," Sirius said.

"And you claim he's an Animagus?"

"Only one way to find out. I'd do it myself but I don't have a wand."

Still looking at Sirius suspiciously, Minerva uttered a spell. In moments, the human body parts began to grow out of the unconscious rat.

"Pettigrew," Minerva whispered in shock. This is too much. She'd always thought the Marauders were the worst pranksters to ever set foot in Hogwarts. She had hoped that they will grow out of their troublemaking ways. But apparently, even when they are now in their mid-thirties their troublemaking have just gotten worse. She just can't take it anymore! Therefore, she fainted.

"I was expecting that," Dumbledore said, sounding quite amused. "I suggest you secure Pettigrew there," Dumbledore continued, pointing towards the other side of the room. "Make sure he remains unconscious. I have no wish to talk to him yet."

Sirius nodded and dragged Pettigrew across the room.

"Poppy!" Dumbledore called through the fire. "Please come to my office there is someone here who needs your care."

A moment later, Madam Pomfrey came into the room through the fire, carrying a bag of supplies. At the same moment, Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, flew into the room, singing loudly, clearly excited about something.

The phoenix circled around and around the sleeping woman, singing and effectively waking up McGonagall.

Minerva gingerly stood up, trying to regain her composure and control the pounding of her brain. Too much information, too little time to comprehend. She ignored all the other questions flying around her mind and focused on the most coherent one.

"What's Fawkes singing about, Albus?" she asked, noticing that not only is Fawkes singing, he's also crying, covering the sleeping woman's form with his tears.

"He keeps repeating: It's her! It's her! We've found her..." Albus' voice faded as he unsteadily walked towards a chair and sank down it. "Does she remind you of anyone, Minerva?" Albus asked, softly.

McGonagall walked towards the sleeping form and looked at woman closely. Fair complexion. Beautiful blonde hair. An exquisite face that was the envy of almost every girl at Hogwarts.

"Dawn," she whispered. Dawn. Her best friend at Hogwarts! But that's impossible... Dawn can't be this young. She's supposed to be seventy years old now... but she never lived long enough to reach twenty...

"Oh, my!" Madam Pomfrey's hand flew to her mouth and she shot a look of pure sympathy at Dumbledore.

"Dawn?" Sirius asked, blankly. "She told me her name is Angel."

Madam Pomfrey shrieked when she caught sight of Sirius.

"Poppy! Poppy, it's okay," Minerva shouted, trying to calm the other witch. Poppy's screaming made Minerva's head hurt more.

Dumbledore seems to be lost in his thoughts. He swallowed hard and when he spoke his voice was thick with emotion, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "Dawn was my granddaughter..."

"But Albus, this can't be Dawn!" Minerva's choked out. "Dawn died when she was 15! I was there! I saw---" her voice trailed off, no longer able to continue.

"She didn't die, Minerva. Her mother took her away to safety. Grindewald was after my whole family. We performed a charm that will enable Fawkes, and only Fawkes to find them. But only if they comes to us... neither Fawkes nor I can look for them and find them. They have to be the ones to seek us out. It was fail safe. Too safe. And for nearly half my life I was cut off from my whole family..." Dumbledore blinked back tears. "This is my great-granddaughter, Minerva. I knew, from the moment I saw her, I knew."

"No..." Angel whimpered. "Sirius... Sirius please... you've got to help me... NOOOO!"

Sirius ran beside the shaking blonde but before he could touch her, her body was enveloped in a blinding white light. Her scream sent shivers of terror up Minerva's spine. Waves of pain, anger, terror, hatred, and raw power hit everyone in the room and threw them off their feet. As sudden as it came, the power blast ended.

Sirius scrambled up to his feet, being quicker and younger than the rest, he reached Angel's side first. He grabbed her hand and was shocked when none of the warmth he usually felt when he touched her was there. She was cold. The warmth of her magic is gone. Sirius gasped in pain and clutched his head.

"Her magic is decreasing," he managed to breathe out. "She's too weak. We have to do something! Her pain... I can feel her pain..."

"Sirius! Who did this to her?" Dumbledore demanded.

"Voldemort. She's Voldemort's second-in-command," Sirius locked gazes with Dumbledore, "And he wants her back."

"Headmaster! She's having a siezure! None of my spells are working!" Madam Pomfrey's voice was rising in panic. Minerva had never seen the usually calm and strict nurse like that.

"She's a vampire with a soul. The vampire in her is trying to take over since it found out that Voldemort is alive. That was why I chained her up. I think she did something to herself to trap herself and the vampire away... it's affecting her magic. It's getting too weak..."

Sirius' explanations where cut-off by the arrival of Remus and Fletcher.

"Dumbledore!" Fletcher shouted before pushing open the door. "Sirius Black escaped we don't---"

"Sirius!" Remus yelled catching sight off him. Remus was looking at Sirius as though he couldn't quite decide whether he wanted to hug or punch Sirius. "What in Merlin's beard where you thinking---"

"Isn't that---" Fletcher began to question, pointing at Angel.

"Everyone out! Minerva, explain to them what has happened so far. Gus, I want you back here after you've talked to Minerva. There is a rat I would like you to see. Minerva, please contact the Ministry after you've filled Remus and Gus on what's been going on. Remus, see to it that Sirius gets medical attention. Poppy, fetch me the strongest de-aging potion that you have. My granddaughter is covered with more than twenty years of protection spells..." Dumbledore took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Poppy, hurry!" Dumbledore turned back to his weakening granddaughter and muttered, "Where is Severus when you need him?"

Madam Pomprey left hurriedly.

"His granddaughter?" Remus whispered.

"Great granddaughter," Sirius corrected.

"You three, let's leave the Headmaster. And you," Minerva gave Sirius one of her strictest stares making Sirius felt like a sixteen year old boy about to receive a month long detention, "young man, have a LOT of explaining to you."

"Yes, professor," Sirius grinned as they followed McGonagall out of the office, "I am going to be a free man!"

"You are? But how.. you didn't---?"

Sirius' grinned widened.

"You did?" Remus said his eyes widening and a smile lighting up on his face.

"Did so! Nearly got myself cursed in the process, though. But catching that rat more that worth it!"

"Wait til Harry hears about this! He'll be ecstatic!"

"You think so?" Sirius asked sounding a bit worried. "What if he's changed his mind? What if he doesn't want to live with me anymore?"

"Padfoot, you prat! The boy wanted to leave the Dursleys for ages and he said he wanted to live with you."

"Yeah, but that was more than a year ago..."

"Stop worrying. And you say I worry too much."

Sirius grinned, "You're a bad influence."

Remus huffed, "And you're not? Do remember I hardly know pranks and swear words until you corrupted my innocence."

Sirius laughed, he hadn't felt so happy in days, "You? Innocent? Give me a bloody break! Whose idea was it to sneak into the prefects bathroom and string up the Slytherin underwear--- ouch! What did you do that for?" Sirius glared at Remus who just elbowed him sharply.

"So that was you," McGonagall said, "be grateful I can no longer give you detention."

"Oh, come now, professor, admit it, you find our pranks funny!" Sirius favored her with another blinding white grin.

~*~

While Remus tries to patch up an overly excited Sirius (who was telling McGonagall how they became Animagi), Arthur Weasley is drinking his morning tea. The past few days have been nothing but a nightmare. First he had to contact everyone and anyone who would listen to the truth about Voldemort's return. He was wrong in thinking that everyone he talked to would listen. Nearly half refused flat out to believe him. They insist on believing that nothing could shatter the perfectly peaceful world they are in.

What annoyed Arthur the most was the questions they had regarding about Harry Potter's sanity. As far as Arthur was concerned Harry was like the twin brother his son Ron never had. The boy have always been kind and well mannered. It's amazing how people who glorified the boy's name in 1981 are now turning against him just because they found out from a questionable source of gossip that he's a Parselmouth.

After getting over the initial shock of Voldemort's return and Cedric's death. Molly returned with the news that Sirius Black is innocent. Arthur spent the whole night, after hearing that news, brooding. He'd worked for the Ministry his whole life and he felt somewhat responsible for being unable to doing anything while Crouch sent men and women to Azkaban without trial.

When Ron got home, he told the whole family everything about Sirius Black. It was quite an adventure that impressed the twins and appalled Molly and Percy. Percy's anxiety grew when he found out that not only was the Ministry stupid enough to sentence the wrong man, but they are too thick to accept Voldemort's return.

Molly was upset that Dumbledore did not allow Harry to stay with them during the summer. Molly never hid from him her intense dislike of Harry's muggle family. His wife's mood was not improved when she found out from him that the Ministry have trapped Sirius Black in a forest with a vampire. Arthur, Molly, and Percy agreed to keep the information from the younger members of the family. Harry might do something rash if he finds out what happened to his godfather.

The owl bearing the newspaper swooped inside. Arthur placed several knuts in the pouch tied to the owl's leg. The owl took flight and Arthur unfolded the newspaper.

The headline made his heart leap in shock:

BOY-WHO-LIVED KILLED SCHOOLMATE
Dumbledore, Harbors Death Eaters

The Triwizard tournament have come to a deadly end, writes Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent. Harry Potter is guilty of murder. The Daily Prophet can exclusively reveal that a student, Cedric Diggory, was murdered by Potter.

Potter came out of the maze, the winner of the third task and champion of the Triwizard Tournament. With him is the dead body of Diggory, unmarked. One wonders if You-Know-Who wanted to kill Potter when he was a baby to avoid competition from another Dark Lord. A normal boy of fourteen cannot be capable of Dark Magic such as the Killing Curse. But Potter is far from normal, he had shown he was capable of destroying You-Know-Who when he was just a baby.

In the hospital wing of Hogwarts, this Daily Prophet reporter witnessed Potter lying to the Minister Cornelius Fudge. Potter told Fudge that You-Know-Who is alive. Potter tried to put the blame on a Dark wizard long dead. A staff of Hogwarts, Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, claimed that the long dead son of Bartemius Crouch (an accused Death Eater) was alive and working for You-Know-Who.

These nonsensical news are unquestioningly believed by Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts. How powerful is Potter that he can put the Confundus Charm on the Headmaster? He must be very powerful, indeed.

Potter have also allied himself with Sirius Black. This Daily Prophet reporter saw Black materialize in the hospital ward at Hogwarts. Black spoke with Potter. It now appears that Black, once second-in-command to You-Know-Who, have pledged allegiance to his new master. Another Death Eater, who undoubtedly, allied himself with Potter is Severus Snape.

Hogwarts, once thought of as the safest place in the world, is no longer safe. The Headmaster and without a doubt most of the staff have fallen under Potter's Dark Magic.

Potter is disturbed and dangerous. He deserves Azkaban more than Black.

This is just the summary of a five-part report detailing the fall of the Boy-Who-Lived into Darkness.

Arthur's hands shook as he gripped the paper tightly. "That---that Skeeter," his lips curled in disgust, "---woman!" he finally spat, unable to find a satisfactory swear word to describe the reporter.

"Dad? What's wrong?" Ron came into the room followed by the twins. None of them had seen their dad look so angry.

"What is it, Arthur?" Molly grabbed the paper from his tight grip, nearly ripping it apart. "Oh, my goodness!" Molly's eyes filled with angry tears and she sat down.

"Mum?" Fred exchange concerned glances with George. The three boys got up and looked over their shaking mother's shoulder.

"NO!" Ron shouted his face pale. "That damned bug!"

Everyone in the room jumped as Ron's fist made contact with the wall. Ron stomped back to his room, ignoring his terrified sister.

"Ron! Where are you going?" Arthur demanded when Ron stormed back in the kitchen barely a minute later.

"I am going to Skeeter. And I will wring the life out of her!"

"Wait here," George ordered, "I'm going with you."

"I'm with you, too!" Fred ran after his brother to change.

"None of you are going anywhere!" Arthur said, trying to sound calm. "I'll go sort this out."

"But, Dad! They can't throw Harry to Azkaban! They just can't!" Ginny began to shake with uncontrollable sobs.

"Shhh, dear, we're not going to let Harry get thrown to Azkaban," Molly wrapped her arms around Ginny.

"Yeah," croaked Percy, still white with shock, "he's innocent. They can't do that to him."

"They did it to Sirius, Perce! What makes you think they won't do the same to Harry?" Ron demanded.

"We can prove his innoncence..."

"Oh, yeah?" Ron challenged, "How? There were no other witnesses except the Death Eaters. The only witness is Harry and no thanks to that Skeeter everyone thinks he's some sort of lunatic!"

The twins returned, both identically furious. "Let's go!"

The door banged shut and they turned to their father who's holding his wand, pointed at the door.

"I will sort this out. Percy, you're coming with me..."

The radio blared to life, it does that whenever there's important news, "Sirius Black have once again eluded capture! Black escaped with an unknown female vampire. The vampire is capable of magic and unaffected by daylight. Everyone is advised to remain calm but alert. Sixty-eight wizards and witches were injured during Black's escape. Most of the injuries are minor and, thankfully, no one died."

Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. "That's a good news. Come on, Percy, we're leaving. All of you stay here!"

Percy hurried after his father and the two Disapparated.

"Mum! We have to do something!" Ron said, trying to fight down his fear. Harry, his best friend. They can't send him to Azkaban! They just can't!

"I'll try to contact Dumbledore..."

"I want to see, Harry!"

"Ron, they're not sending anyone to arrest Harry..."

"Hmp. Not yet."

"It's just an article by the worst reporter on the face of the planet! Try to calm down while I talk to Professor Dumbledore," Molly said, her voice sounding calmer than she felt.

"Fine," Ron gritted out before stomping back to his room.

Silence descended upon them after Ron have slammed his bedroom door shut. Fred shook his head, looking as miserable as George. Ginny's eyes were bloodshot.

A knock sounded on the door, startling all of them.

"Good morning!" Bill greeted them, grinning. His face fell when he caught sight of their faces.

"Wow. This is a cheery welcome," Charlie commented when he stepped into the room.

Ginny jumped from her seat, threw her arms around Bill and sobbed. Bill hugged his sister and tried to comfort her.

Molly gave each of her son a hug. "Have some breakfast. The others seem to have lost their appetite..."

"Who died?" Charlie mouthed.

George pointed to the article laying on the kitchen floor.

Charlie and Bill's eyes fell on the headline. The two young men paled.

"That cow," Bill cursed.

Charlie couldn't think of a word bad enough to describe Skeeter.

Further discussion was interrupted by their mother's frantic voice.

"I have to talk to him, Minerva! It's urgent!"

The Weasley's walked towards their fireplace where their mother is talking to Professor McGonagall.

"I'm really sorry, Molly, but Dumbledore gave me strict orders not to disturb him. He's in the middle of something very important right now. Perhaps I can assist you, instead? What is this about?"

"Harry."

Just one name and McGonagall's poker face changed to one of pure concern. "Is something wrong?"

Molly grabbed the paper Bill was holding and held it for McGonagall to see. "You should take a look at the paper, Minerva."

McGonagall paled at the sight of the headline. Someone behind McGonagall cursed loudly. "We've been busy here at the moment... but we'll see what we can do. Th--thank you for the information. I'll try to get back to you." McGonagall disappeared.

To be continued...

Author's Note: I hope you liked this chapter :) Next part will come as soon as I get back from my vacation. Somnus is Latin for sleep. Necare is Latin for die, it was used more as a swear word than as a spell because I'm writing with the premise that Angel doesn't need wands and spells for magic because she's a dark creature, thus, her magic is stronger and more focused. I'm hoping I won't end up turning Angel into a Mary Sue. If, unfortunately, she becomes a Mary Sue... hm... can someone describe Mary Sue to me? I want to make sure I don't turn my characters into her. I'm new to Harry Potter fandom but based on what I've seen so far it seems that a number of the fans don't like Mary Sue characters ^^;

A lot of thanks to Black Goddess for reviewing my fic! I really appreciate it :)