Chapter Twenty-One

The End of One Life, the Beginning of Another

Dumbledore's Office.

He then jumped off his a variety of candies until "licorice" caused the door to open. He jumped off his broom and rattled off a variety or candy names until "licorice" caused the door to open. He jumped into the phoenix-like elevator and impatiently waited for it to get to the top.

When it did, he ran full force to the Headmaster's desk.

"Professor...Voldemort...forest...tried...kill..."

"Harry, Harry, breathe," Dumbledore urged. "Relax, now, what about Voldemort?"

"he's in the forest right now with some Death Eaters and Karakoff. He tried to kill me."

"Lead the way, Harry, lead the way."

They both went as fast as possible back to the circle in the forest.

"I could have sworn they were here," Harry said as they found the circle, empty.

"Ahh... look at this!" said Dumbledore as he picked a piece of parchment off of the ground. "How did this get here? Professor Lupin came to borrow it..."

"Lupin?"

"Yes Harry, why?"

"Karakoff had used the Polyjuice Potion to turn into Professor Lupin. He was obviously trying to make sure you wouldn't find out what was happening out here."

"Indeed, it does seem that way, doesn't it?

"But why, why go through so much trouble?"

"Actually, Professor, his plan was very simple."

"Was it?" Dumbledore asked with the twinkle Harry was used to. The one that meant he knew more about the situation than Harry did.

"All he planned to do way perform the three Unforgivable Curses on me."

"All he could do."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, Harry, those spells are the only ones he could have used to cause a mass amount of pain while keeping the victim silenced at the same time."

"I understand, sir."

"Now, Harry," he said as he literally drew up two chairs for them (he had seen Dumbledore do this once before).

" I am sorry to ask you to do this again, Harry, but could you please relive this ordeal for me again?"

Harry spent the better part of half an hour telling Dumbledore what had happened. For the first time though, he didn't go hoarse. Most likely his voice had adapted to all the previous times he had done this.

"Thank you very much, Harry," Dumbledore said after Harry finished. "You are free to return to your dormatory."

"Yes, sir."

"But, if I may make a suggestion. I would fly your Firebolt to the third window from that tower. That way no one can talk to you."

"Thank you, sir." and he followed Dumbledore's advice.

The next morning was the end-of-the-year feast. The food was delicious, as usual, and most of the people were cheerful.

Then, near the feast's end, Dumbledore stood up, as he had so many times before. However, something was different about him. He seemed older, but more importantly, wiser.

And as he rose, the volume of the Great Hall, lowered.

"The end, of another year, and, yet again, we face evil. For last night, Lord Voldemort was in the Forbidden Forest."

Mummers grew amongst the students.

"And yet again, he attempted, but failed, to kill Harry."

Nearly everyone in the Hall turned and looked at him.

"Ties of friendship are. now, more important than ever. It is time for all to find and keep their friends close and their enemies closer because your best friends may very well be your worst enemy.

"Now, let us all pack and get ready to leave once again. But before you go, know that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who need it."

Harry felt a little gladder than usual packing his trunk, because for the first time, he would not be returning to the Dursley's.

The train ride was mostly spent telling Ron and Hermione what had happened the night before. Before the train stopped, he received a note:

Dear Harry-

I know you are probably worried about me, knowing what Karakoff did, but know that I am perfectly safe. I am currently in hiding with Sirius and waiting to return to Hogwarts.

I may, though, visit you at Arabella's house over the summer.

Take care of your self,

Remus

When they left the train, the three shared a final embrace and vowed to send owls to the others as soon as possible.

As Harry walked toward Mrs. Figg, a familiar and welcome voice entered Harry's head, and it's message was more important than ever:

What's commin' will come, an' we'll meet it when it does.

"Yeah," Harry said to himself, "we will."