A/N: As it may come as a surprise to you, I do not own Harry Potter
or any of the characters in this story. They happen to belong to a loony
bin named J.K Rowling who is one bloody hell of an author.
The grounds of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry had never before been so quiet. None of the Forbidden Forest creatures were scurrying about in the lush forest and even the most fearsome of creatures dared not move. The days of the dark lord were once upon the wizarding age and everyone (and everything) sensed that impending doom was once again on the rise. In his office, Professor Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of the school paced his study wondering too what could be done to somehow stop the impending doom upon the wizarding world. But Dumbledore wondered in his own way, eating lemon drops and playing exploding snaps with a school elf
"Twelve out of eleven Dobby?" Dumbledore requested after having been beaten by the elf a matter of times.
"No sir, there is only so much embarrassment a Headmaster can take without feeling a bit slow, sir," Dobby replied smiling.
"Yes, I suppose you are right my friend. I'm expecting some guests in a while. Would you be as kind as to fetch a few refreshments? I'm quite sure they'll be hungry after traveling."
"Anything for you, Dumbledore sir," The elf replied with a smile retreating out of the office.
Dumbledore smiled as he thought about the elf's latest predicament, which involved gambling with the local garden gnomes. The elf had been chased over Hogwarts and back again until the headmaster branded a memory charm upon the gnomes and they retreated confused to the gardens. Dumbledore enjoyed the elf's company and was quite glad he'd stayed for the summer as company. Dumbledore now realized the importance of why he was here. He stood and glanced at the fireplace, which would soon be host to a variety of people who were all looking to defeat the Dark Lord from rising once more. Suddenly, Dumbledore heard a body land in his fireplace. He turned around in anticipation and smiled when he realized it was Sirius Black: an escaped convict from the most heavily guarded prisons in the wizarding world. He was also a close friend of Dumbledore's.
"Hello old friend, you haven't aged a bit," Sirius said smiling down at Dumbledore. Sirius was a tall wizard who had long black hair and dark eyes that sparked with flames when he was a child. He usually had a gaunt expression on his face, but today he was tanned with a smile on his face and Tropical bird on his shoulder.
"Salutations to you as well Sirius. And if I haven't aged, it's because you stopped counting my wrinkles years ago." This got a laugh out of Sirius and Dumbledore continued, "It seems you got here without much trouble, I trust?"
"If you exclude the fact that a muggle woman somewhere in Bristol is currently bewitched to her ceiling and that the Azakaban guards spotted me near London, making my visit into a wild man-hunt, I'd say my trip was rather dull."
Dumbledore chuckled and continued. "Severus, Minerva, Hagrid, and Lupin should be here momentarily. Hagrid, I fear has gotten into, -er- a bit of trouble with the law. He apparently tried to 'adopt' another one of his 'harmless' pets again"
"When will that bloke learn the difference between a pup and a wild beast?"
"Apparently, never. Although, you can depend on Hagrid to make event he worst of creatures seem as harmless as a pussycat."
Just then, a pair of voices arose from the fireplace and one loud thump was followed by an "oomph!" Finally, a man's deep growling voice emerged from the fireplace.
"Minerva, I'm quite aware that you may be fond of me, but I'd rather you get off of my lap now that we are in public."
"Don't flatter yourself Severus. It was a minor miscalculation of time and believe me, you won't ever again have to worry about repeating that phrase in your life."
The two figures, Severus Snape and Minerva McGonagall, walked out of the fireplace a bit upset and Severus jumped at the sight of Sirius.
"You again," Snape said with the utmost loathing. "To what do I owe the favor, Black?"
"It's pleasant to see you again too Snape, although I have seen enough of your kind crawling about the London sewage lines," Black said with identical loathing. "Get used to them Sirius, because down in the sewers is where you'll stay if none other than Dumbledore believe your innocence." Snape said with a wry smile.
Sirius moved for his wand and Severus reached for his, eyes still on Black. Dumbledore eyed the men and said calmly.
"If we fight divided, divided we all shall fall. And unfortunately, we don't have the time to settle childhood grudges, so please pause until our meeting is completed."
Another loud noise came from Dumbledore's office and a loud rumble shook Dumbledore's office. A large bearded man attempted to walk out of the fireplace and bumped his head on the mantelpiece, shattering it to pieces. After muttering a few choice words, the giant stepped out and smiled at the guests.
"Hello Dumbledore, Severus and Minerva. 'N Black! Is that yeh? Must tah had too much too drink, is tha Sirius?"
Sirius smiled at the giant. "It's me Hagrid. I'm still hiding form the law, but as I've heard, you've gotten into a little tiff yourself."
"Ah, well, I've gotten in a lil' trouble with Ole' man Garredy's mystical Creatures Shop in France. Thought I was tryin' tah steal his Dragon's eggs?"
"Were you?" all voices asked, expecting the full story.
"Nah, I wasn't tryin' tah steal tha eggs, I was just tryin' tah keep them warm."
"Hagrid, was their incubator not good enough? Ah, I see it now, your pocket is a better incubator. Or, were you trying to return them to their mothers?" Snape asked sarcastically. Minvera snorted and Dumbledore chortled lightly.
"Haha, Let's all laugh at the fat man."
Black stood and stared out of Dumbledore's office window. Dumbledore crept away from the conversation (that now spoke of a new Bertie Bott's Jelly Bean) and stood next to Black.
"Do you think Harry will be alright? I know he's faced him before, but Voldemort has regained his powers fully."
"I have contemplated the subject for quite a while now, Black. Though the boy has faced the Lord; of whom I've never heard you say his name, He has only faced him in more concentrated forms. I fear that the only thing that can spare Harry now is that wand he has. Something phenomenal happened that day, Sirius, as I'm sure you may know of by now, and I believe that whatever powers Voldemort has, Harry has unknowingly up his sleeve. He's destined for greatness, Sirius, and I know his hour has not yet come."
Sirius and Dumbledore walked back to the group and discussed what was to be done about the recent events. When yet another person came flying down the chimney. This man was wearing tattered old robes and a very exausted facial expression.
"Is that you Moony?" Black called out with enthusiasm.
"Indeed it is, Padfoot" Moony, also known as Lupin responded lightly.
"Oh heavens. Speaking of childhood grudges, if it isn't one half of the Marauders back to Hogwarts for yet another pleasant visit," Snape said vengefully eying both Lupin and Black.
"Snape, what a pleasure. Last time we met, I recall you being clonked out by Miss Granger," Lupin said grinning profusely.
"I'm sure the memory is etched into your heart, Lupin."
"You can bet your last Galleon on it," Black replied laughing hysterically on the floor.
"I see you both haven't changed. Not even when one of your most trusted fellow Marauders has done great travesty against you both and sided with the dark lord," Snape said with relish.
"The only trusted member of the Marauders that ever lived beside Lupin and myself was James Potter," Lupin said shortly.
"Well, let us hope his only son doesn't live up to his father's Marauder name and angrily.
"If Harry did, Snape, I'm quite sure Draco Malfoy would cast as you," Hagrid said slyly.
"I'd quite like to see Miss Granger become a studious werewolf," Dumbledore said grinning in spite of himself.
Everyone in the room giggled and then returned to absolute silence. Dobby cam in with refreshments and left the room as quickly as he had entered. Dumbledore sat in his office seat and motioned for his guests to have a seat as well.
"As I'm sure you all know, we have come here today hoping for some kind of miracle to have happened. I've asked you to report here to tell me of any recent findings and alliances that may benefit our cause of saving the wizarding world.
Hagrid began.
"Professor Dumbledore, I've found that the giants of the northern woods are still contemplating whether or not to pledge their allegiance to us or the dark lord. However, If it means anything, The nomad giant groups from Scotland, France and northern Normandy have both agreed to pledge their allegiance to us."
"Well, though they are small in number, I know the giants to be large at heart. Thank you Hagrid. Minerva?"
"Save the fact that Rita Skeeter, that wretched muckraker of a journalist has finally been found, I found no concrete information save a few rumors that Voldemort was last seen near Russia, America, Spain, Antarctica-"
"Thank you Minerva. Black?"
"I've been lurking in some of the most evil parts of our wizarding world and I've found a few friends who claim they know where to find Voldemort-"
"Don't say that name!" Hagrid hissed.
"Know where to find -er you-know-who. I believe I've found the actual lair and have spoken to our old friend Wormtail, Moony. Wasn't too happy to see me. I dread to say I didn't succeed in stomping him to death because he wasn't in his animal form, but I did succeed in giving the coward a pretty bad rash."
"Darn it. It's always the rats, isn't it?" Lupin said angrily.
"I'll need to get a specific coordinate form you later, Sirius. Thank you for that information. Lupin?"
"My kind, the werewolves and Animagus are willing to fight to the death. I've found that even a few ogres and trolls would be willing to fight for our cause, but as we stand, the dementors are as good to us as a fatal disease."
"I was dreading that. With the dementors, we have little options left. Snape?"
Snape stood and walked over to the professor, handing him a slip of parchment. Dumbledore read the parchment and sat dumbfounded.
"They've found the phoenix," was all Dumbledore could say.
"What phoenix? Sirius asked.
"As I'm sure you may know, Voldemort and Harry both have wands with phoenix tales from the same bird. It is myth that the phoenix, when reunited with the owner of his tail feather can do great things. Great things, but powerful. I regret to inform you that the phoenix that gave Harry and Voldemort's tail feather has been found missing."
"Well, that isn't good enough! Hagrid exclaimed. "We'll hunt the man down who last had the phoenix."
"Hagrid, look no further for the criminal, because he is sitting in front of your face," Dumbledore said guiltily.
"What? You lost him Dumbledore?" Minerva said jumping our of her seat.
"Actually, I let the bird go on a brief vacation. I figured he deserved it. But this was after I confirmed with Mr. Ollivander himself that Fawkes is indeed the legendary phoenix who gave the tail feather that changed history. I honestly never though the bird was that important. I used him as a paper weight," Dumbledore said calmly.
"Albus! I do not believe this! If that bird is caught-" Minerva said hotly.
"Minerva, I have faith that the bird knows what is going on. For though I may use the bird as a mere paperweight, there is more to that bird than just rocks. He shall return, but I fear that if the bird is captured, we could be in a dilemma."
"What of Harry," Sirius asked solemnly.
"I fear that without the bird, we may meet the end of our legend Harry Potter," Dumbledore said in less than a whisper.
Miles away at the muggle address of 4 Privet Drive, Harry Potter, who happened to be sixteen this very day lie awake on his bed reading the Daily Prophet.
The grounds of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry had never before been so quiet. None of the Forbidden Forest creatures were scurrying about in the lush forest and even the most fearsome of creatures dared not move. The days of the dark lord were once upon the wizarding age and everyone (and everything) sensed that impending doom was once again on the rise. In his office, Professor Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of the school paced his study wondering too what could be done to somehow stop the impending doom upon the wizarding world. But Dumbledore wondered in his own way, eating lemon drops and playing exploding snaps with a school elf
"Twelve out of eleven Dobby?" Dumbledore requested after having been beaten by the elf a matter of times.
"No sir, there is only so much embarrassment a Headmaster can take without feeling a bit slow, sir," Dobby replied smiling.
"Yes, I suppose you are right my friend. I'm expecting some guests in a while. Would you be as kind as to fetch a few refreshments? I'm quite sure they'll be hungry after traveling."
"Anything for you, Dumbledore sir," The elf replied with a smile retreating out of the office.
Dumbledore smiled as he thought about the elf's latest predicament, which involved gambling with the local garden gnomes. The elf had been chased over Hogwarts and back again until the headmaster branded a memory charm upon the gnomes and they retreated confused to the gardens. Dumbledore enjoyed the elf's company and was quite glad he'd stayed for the summer as company. Dumbledore now realized the importance of why he was here. He stood and glanced at the fireplace, which would soon be host to a variety of people who were all looking to defeat the Dark Lord from rising once more. Suddenly, Dumbledore heard a body land in his fireplace. He turned around in anticipation and smiled when he realized it was Sirius Black: an escaped convict from the most heavily guarded prisons in the wizarding world. He was also a close friend of Dumbledore's.
"Hello old friend, you haven't aged a bit," Sirius said smiling down at Dumbledore. Sirius was a tall wizard who had long black hair and dark eyes that sparked with flames when he was a child. He usually had a gaunt expression on his face, but today he was tanned with a smile on his face and Tropical bird on his shoulder.
"Salutations to you as well Sirius. And if I haven't aged, it's because you stopped counting my wrinkles years ago." This got a laugh out of Sirius and Dumbledore continued, "It seems you got here without much trouble, I trust?"
"If you exclude the fact that a muggle woman somewhere in Bristol is currently bewitched to her ceiling and that the Azakaban guards spotted me near London, making my visit into a wild man-hunt, I'd say my trip was rather dull."
Dumbledore chuckled and continued. "Severus, Minerva, Hagrid, and Lupin should be here momentarily. Hagrid, I fear has gotten into, -er- a bit of trouble with the law. He apparently tried to 'adopt' another one of his 'harmless' pets again"
"When will that bloke learn the difference between a pup and a wild beast?"
"Apparently, never. Although, you can depend on Hagrid to make event he worst of creatures seem as harmless as a pussycat."
Just then, a pair of voices arose from the fireplace and one loud thump was followed by an "oomph!" Finally, a man's deep growling voice emerged from the fireplace.
"Minerva, I'm quite aware that you may be fond of me, but I'd rather you get off of my lap now that we are in public."
"Don't flatter yourself Severus. It was a minor miscalculation of time and believe me, you won't ever again have to worry about repeating that phrase in your life."
The two figures, Severus Snape and Minerva McGonagall, walked out of the fireplace a bit upset and Severus jumped at the sight of Sirius.
"You again," Snape said with the utmost loathing. "To what do I owe the favor, Black?"
"It's pleasant to see you again too Snape, although I have seen enough of your kind crawling about the London sewage lines," Black said with identical loathing. "Get used to them Sirius, because down in the sewers is where you'll stay if none other than Dumbledore believe your innocence." Snape said with a wry smile.
Sirius moved for his wand and Severus reached for his, eyes still on Black. Dumbledore eyed the men and said calmly.
"If we fight divided, divided we all shall fall. And unfortunately, we don't have the time to settle childhood grudges, so please pause until our meeting is completed."
Another loud noise came from Dumbledore's office and a loud rumble shook Dumbledore's office. A large bearded man attempted to walk out of the fireplace and bumped his head on the mantelpiece, shattering it to pieces. After muttering a few choice words, the giant stepped out and smiled at the guests.
"Hello Dumbledore, Severus and Minerva. 'N Black! Is that yeh? Must tah had too much too drink, is tha Sirius?"
Sirius smiled at the giant. "It's me Hagrid. I'm still hiding form the law, but as I've heard, you've gotten into a little tiff yourself."
"Ah, well, I've gotten in a lil' trouble with Ole' man Garredy's mystical Creatures Shop in France. Thought I was tryin' tah steal his Dragon's eggs?"
"Were you?" all voices asked, expecting the full story.
"Nah, I wasn't tryin' tah steal tha eggs, I was just tryin' tah keep them warm."
"Hagrid, was their incubator not good enough? Ah, I see it now, your pocket is a better incubator. Or, were you trying to return them to their mothers?" Snape asked sarcastically. Minvera snorted and Dumbledore chortled lightly.
"Haha, Let's all laugh at the fat man."
Black stood and stared out of Dumbledore's office window. Dumbledore crept away from the conversation (that now spoke of a new Bertie Bott's Jelly Bean) and stood next to Black.
"Do you think Harry will be alright? I know he's faced him before, but Voldemort has regained his powers fully."
"I have contemplated the subject for quite a while now, Black. Though the boy has faced the Lord; of whom I've never heard you say his name, He has only faced him in more concentrated forms. I fear that the only thing that can spare Harry now is that wand he has. Something phenomenal happened that day, Sirius, as I'm sure you may know of by now, and I believe that whatever powers Voldemort has, Harry has unknowingly up his sleeve. He's destined for greatness, Sirius, and I know his hour has not yet come."
Sirius and Dumbledore walked back to the group and discussed what was to be done about the recent events. When yet another person came flying down the chimney. This man was wearing tattered old robes and a very exausted facial expression.
"Is that you Moony?" Black called out with enthusiasm.
"Indeed it is, Padfoot" Moony, also known as Lupin responded lightly.
"Oh heavens. Speaking of childhood grudges, if it isn't one half of the Marauders back to Hogwarts for yet another pleasant visit," Snape said vengefully eying both Lupin and Black.
"Snape, what a pleasure. Last time we met, I recall you being clonked out by Miss Granger," Lupin said grinning profusely.
"I'm sure the memory is etched into your heart, Lupin."
"You can bet your last Galleon on it," Black replied laughing hysterically on the floor.
"I see you both haven't changed. Not even when one of your most trusted fellow Marauders has done great travesty against you both and sided with the dark lord," Snape said with relish.
"The only trusted member of the Marauders that ever lived beside Lupin and myself was James Potter," Lupin said shortly.
"Well, let us hope his only son doesn't live up to his father's Marauder name and angrily.
"If Harry did, Snape, I'm quite sure Draco Malfoy would cast as you," Hagrid said slyly.
"I'd quite like to see Miss Granger become a studious werewolf," Dumbledore said grinning in spite of himself.
Everyone in the room giggled and then returned to absolute silence. Dobby cam in with refreshments and left the room as quickly as he had entered. Dumbledore sat in his office seat and motioned for his guests to have a seat as well.
"As I'm sure you all know, we have come here today hoping for some kind of miracle to have happened. I've asked you to report here to tell me of any recent findings and alliances that may benefit our cause of saving the wizarding world.
Hagrid began.
"Professor Dumbledore, I've found that the giants of the northern woods are still contemplating whether or not to pledge their allegiance to us or the dark lord. However, If it means anything, The nomad giant groups from Scotland, France and northern Normandy have both agreed to pledge their allegiance to us."
"Well, though they are small in number, I know the giants to be large at heart. Thank you Hagrid. Minerva?"
"Save the fact that Rita Skeeter, that wretched muckraker of a journalist has finally been found, I found no concrete information save a few rumors that Voldemort was last seen near Russia, America, Spain, Antarctica-"
"Thank you Minerva. Black?"
"I've been lurking in some of the most evil parts of our wizarding world and I've found a few friends who claim they know where to find Voldemort-"
"Don't say that name!" Hagrid hissed.
"Know where to find -er you-know-who. I believe I've found the actual lair and have spoken to our old friend Wormtail, Moony. Wasn't too happy to see me. I dread to say I didn't succeed in stomping him to death because he wasn't in his animal form, but I did succeed in giving the coward a pretty bad rash."
"Darn it. It's always the rats, isn't it?" Lupin said angrily.
"I'll need to get a specific coordinate form you later, Sirius. Thank you for that information. Lupin?"
"My kind, the werewolves and Animagus are willing to fight to the death. I've found that even a few ogres and trolls would be willing to fight for our cause, but as we stand, the dementors are as good to us as a fatal disease."
"I was dreading that. With the dementors, we have little options left. Snape?"
Snape stood and walked over to the professor, handing him a slip of parchment. Dumbledore read the parchment and sat dumbfounded.
"They've found the phoenix," was all Dumbledore could say.
"What phoenix? Sirius asked.
"As I'm sure you may know, Voldemort and Harry both have wands with phoenix tales from the same bird. It is myth that the phoenix, when reunited with the owner of his tail feather can do great things. Great things, but powerful. I regret to inform you that the phoenix that gave Harry and Voldemort's tail feather has been found missing."
"Well, that isn't good enough! Hagrid exclaimed. "We'll hunt the man down who last had the phoenix."
"Hagrid, look no further for the criminal, because he is sitting in front of your face," Dumbledore said guiltily.
"What? You lost him Dumbledore?" Minerva said jumping our of her seat.
"Actually, I let the bird go on a brief vacation. I figured he deserved it. But this was after I confirmed with Mr. Ollivander himself that Fawkes is indeed the legendary phoenix who gave the tail feather that changed history. I honestly never though the bird was that important. I used him as a paper weight," Dumbledore said calmly.
"Albus! I do not believe this! If that bird is caught-" Minerva said hotly.
"Minerva, I have faith that the bird knows what is going on. For though I may use the bird as a mere paperweight, there is more to that bird than just rocks. He shall return, but I fear that if the bird is captured, we could be in a dilemma."
"What of Harry," Sirius asked solemnly.
"I fear that without the bird, we may meet the end of our legend Harry Potter," Dumbledore said in less than a whisper.
Miles away at the muggle address of 4 Privet Drive, Harry Potter, who happened to be sixteen this very day lie awake on his bed reading the Daily Prophet.