Chapter 4
"Mr. Potter, what do you need?"
Harry looked up to see Madam Pomfrey coming to Snape's bedside, carrying a small vial of dark blue liquid. "I.uhm.I needed a potion for Mrs. Weasley. She's very distraught over everything."
"Arthur's wife?" Snape asked. He was now semi-awake and just about as coherent, even though his eyes were hooded.
"Yes. I think today's events shocked her quite a bit."
"They should. We did destroy her house. Voldemort was quite.irritated after he found you and Alexandra had escaped. He did seem to feel better after he performed the Cruciatus curse on several of us. None of us knew though how he could get past those wards around their house. Only the Weasleys and Dumbledore knew."
Harry felt bile rise in his throat. The Weasleys had very little, but now everything they owned was gone. What was worse was the knowledge that only family had known the codes to the wards, which meant they had a traitor in the midst. History was repeating itself.
Madam Pomfrey had bustled off and returned with another small vile, this one a dusky yellow. "Go on, get this up to her and make sure she's near her bed when she takes it. It might put her to sleep," she said as she turned to Snape. "Severus, that nose bleed is bad. Are your ears ringing?"
Snape shook his head as he waved Harry off. But as he was walking away, Harry head him say, "Cruciatus does cause brain damage when performed too much and too often."
He made his way back to the Gryffindor common room and met up with Alexandra. Her blond hair was slightly wet as if she had been caught in the rain. "Harry, what is that?"
"A calming potion for Mrs. Weasley."
"She'll need it. Her house has been destroyed and Percy is missing. Bill and Charlie are on their way to your common room. Fred and George have checked in over at their shop, but they're closing it for the time being. Arthur is at the Ministry and I believe he'll be there most of the night."
"I knew their house has been destroyed. Snape just told me."
"Severus is here already? I need to see him."
"He's in the hospital wing being tended to by Madam Pomfrey. I think Voldemort got curse happy."
Alex swallowed. "I better go and see him." She patted Harry's shoulder as she passed him, heading along the corridor he'd just come down.
Harry was held motionless by the electricity that had shot through his body from her touch. When he looked back at her, he saw her shaking the hand she had touched him with.
He shook off the odd feeling and headed for Gryffindor Tower.
Dinner was taken in the common room, where most of the family had gathered, but it was a quiet affair. No one felt inclined to say much.
When most of the family had gone, Ron had said he was going to bed and asked if Harry would be following. Harry nodded and followed his best friend to the seventh year boys dormitory. Ron was ahead of him when he thought he heard a quiet sob. He headed back to the common room, where he found Ginny staring into the fire. "What's wrong Ginny?"
She looked at him, startled, her eyes wet with tears. "Oh Harry, when I woke up this morning, things were simple. I was wondering what might happen between us. I never thought I'd be here already or that any of this would be happening."
Harry walked over to Ginny and brushed her hair out of her face. "Oh Ginny. I'm sorry this is happening to us."
Ginny shook her head. "You know, I saved up all summer for those dress robes. It was all part of my plan to get noticed by you. And.and." Tears welled up in Ginny's eyes and Harry knew all of sudden that it wasn't just about her dress.
"Ginny, we're all going to be just fine. I promise you. Nothing will hurt you or me or." Harry said nothing else as he pulled Ginny, who was now sobbing, into his arms. He felt awkward, wanting to fix everything for her, but he had learned from Hermione last year that it was best to just let her cry and get it out.
Somewhere in his brain, he noticed she fit perfectly in his arms, her curves moulding to his hollows. He led her over to the couch by the fireplace and sat down, pulling her into his lap.
Her head felt right tucked under his chin, her red hair brushing against his coarse whiskers. He dropped a kiss on her forehead, a comforting kiss, and that was when he realised she was asleep.
He carried her up to the girls' dormitories and laid her down in her bed, covering her with her sheets and blankets. He dropped another kiss on her head and walked out.
~*~
Harry awoke the next morning, sure everything the day before had just been a terrible dream. But when he realised he was in the same clothes from the night before, reality came crashing back down.
He felt heavy hearted, not only for himself, but for his friend and.well, just what was Ginny to him, he wondered. He closed his eyes and thought about their kiss they had shared in the hallway the night before last. Had it really been less than 48 hours before?
Harry stood up and looked through a pile of new clothes at the bottom of his bed. The elves had popped in and out, providing them with the clothes Dumbledore had promised. But more than anything, Harry wanted the robes he bought at Diagon Alley and the Firebolt his godfather had given him. He had so little already, but his heart went out to the Weasleys.
Ron was still asleep in the next bed over. His cheeks were flushed, almost as if he had been crying. Harry turned away.
He trudged down the stairs towards the common room, which was empty. His heart and mind were burning with the unfairness of what was happening. No one ever asked him if he wanted to fight Voldemort.
He walked towards the Great Hall, wondering if something would be served. He thought better of that, figuring no one else would be up. He headed for the entrance to the kitchens.
But he was wrong. Alexandra was walking towards him, like she had been coming from Dumbledore's office. Her walk was slow but steady, and she appeared to be deep in thought.
She noticed him finally and smiled. "How are you this morning?"
Harry almost gave the usual positive answer but he felt he would be lying. He thought about it for a second. "I'm not sure."
Alex smiled ruefully. "I think I know what you mean. Generally when I brought in a dark wizard, I always felt.odd the next day. Deflated almost. It is so hard to deal with something so evil and still remain happy."
Harry nodded. "Did Percy ever make it to the Ministry?"
"Yes. He was part of the emergency team that was dispatched to the area to salvage and retrieve. I think it was hard on him, seeing his family's home gone. But they said he did all right."
"Were they able to salvage anything?"
"Yes, quite a few things. Some trunks were saved, such as yours and Ron's. But the furniture is gone. The house, most of Arthur and Molly's belongings.all gone."
Suddenly, Harry didn't care about his broom. He could buy another broom. Almost everything the Weasleys had was gone. But there was one thing good in all of this. They were safe, especially here at Hogwarts.
Alex smiled at him. "But we are safe here, hmm?"
Alex tickled the pear and walked into the kitchens. The sight of all of the house elves running greeted them as they walked through the painting. The noise level was high but it diminished as slowly they were noticed.
"Harry Potter. Welcome back to Hogwarts."
Harry blushed slightly as Dobby came running up to him, even more mismatched than before. He wore one orange sock and one purple sock that had been added to his wide assortment of clothing. "Hello Dobby. I don't think you have met-"
"Lady Mistress Ross. Dobby is honoured to see you again," Dobby said gleefully, getting on his knees and bowing his head until it touched the floor.
"Dobby, please get up," she said softly, her expression unreadable. Dobby immediately sprang to his feet.
"How can Dobby serve you?"
Harry gave Alex an odd look. She seemed slightly relieved by the request. "Well I figure we could use a spot of breakfast, but I wasn't sure if you were serving in the Great Hall."
"Well, we were told to serve a small tray in the common room and in the staff lounge," Dobby said. Harry was sure that the 'small tray' would be like a mountain of food. "Professor Dumbledore, he is a great man for giving Dobby and Winky jobs."
"How is Winky?" asked Harry.
"Winky is not accepting pay anymore for her work. Winky says to accept pay.well.it is bad, sir."
Harry shook his head, smiling ruefully. Hermione would definitely not be pleased. "Well, as long as you're happy."
Dobby smiled. "Yes sir. Dobby is also happy Harry Potter and Mistress.Professor Alexandra Ross is back."
Harry and Alex finally bid the house elves good day and walked back to the portrait hole leading to the Gryffindor dormitories, chatting casually about the day ahead of them. Their trunks would arrive in two days via the Hogwarts Express, along with the rest of the students.
There were still too many unanswered questions. Harry hoped some of them would be answered today by Dumbledore. He had called for a meeting after lunch; everyone was expected to attend.
They all gathered in the teacher's lounge, Dumbledore and Alex being the last to arrive. Dumbledore sat down at the head of the table.
"I would have Lupin and Tonks here, but they have yet to return from their last mission. They have been in touch and are both fine, they just haven't finished collecting their evidence yet. I believe this will be their last mission, as they have finished their tasks."
Harry looked around the table at the teachers and staff that had gathered. Mad-Eye Moody had been retrieved from his station at the Order of the Phoenix headquarters and was now sitting at the table. It had been decided by Moody as he met Bill at the Dursleys that they were as safe as could be expected with Voldemort and the Death Eaters at large.
Snape sat next to Professor McGonagall, looking hard and worn as he always did. His magical eye shifted to each person seated at the table in turn, before finally settling in an odd way on Dumbledore.
Arthur had made his way here from the Ministry, with Percy. Fred and George decided to close their shop early for the day. Molly sat next to Arthur, looking pale and shocked. Ginny sat next to her, their fingers interlocked.
Ron and Hermione sat next to each other, both of Ron's hands were held by Ginny and Hermione. Across from them sat Bill and Charlie. Alex finally sat down in the last seat between Dumbledore and Charlie before Dumbledore spoke.
"The time we have all anticipated and dreaded has come. Harry is finally of age and now has the ability, strength and power to handle the Torch along with Alexandra. Together, they will be able to obliterate Voldemort and all his Death Eaters."
Most of the people at the table, except for Arabella and Moody, looked at Dumbledore in utter bewilderment. "Torch?" Ron asked.
Hermione nodded. "I believe I've heard of this. The Green-Flamed Torch. A powerful Egyptian sorceress supposedly created it, but most accounts say that an Egyptian god handed it down to her, so that she could wipe out all evil. The Pharaoh of Egypt at that time had her magically locked and the torch into the side of a mountain so she could never activate it. In her rage, she exploded into two halves and since then, there's been a legend that one day two very powerful wizards will be born, complete opposites, who will be able to activate it."
Ron looked at her. "Was that in Hogwarts: A History?" Hermione glared at him and hit him on the shoulder. Ginny rolled her eyes.
Dumbledore nodded. "That is correct, Hermione. And those two are Harry and Alexandra. That is why Voldemort wants to kill them."
"Why not just destroy the torch?" Ginny asked.
Percy shook his head. "The torch was made by an immortal. It's indestructible. It would be easier to kill Harry or Alex, at least for this generation."
"Right, Percy. Just before Harry was born, there was a fellow Gryffindor we lost. Terry Jordan, Lee Jordan's older brother. He was in our year and was the other half. The Death Eaters killed him when he went home for the Yule break," Charlie said, a bit choked up.
Alex put her hand on Charlie's, a comforting gesture, but Harry could see the man blush. "And then they came after me, rendering me a Squib, just for their own protection. Or so they thought."
Harry sat forward. "How did you escape them? And why did they think you were a Squib? Obviously you aren't."
"There is a difficult spell that one, with great power behind it, can perform that will strip that person of any magical powers. But I had a spell that would protect me." Everyone looked at her, as if she might be able to say more to explain herself but she said no more. Finally someone spoke.
"I thought this torch was just a myth until Lupin showed up," Bill said. "We went looking for it, only to find tablets buried deep in the sand dunes."
"But how do we know for sure if they're the ones who can make this work?" Moody asked.
Bill pointed at a piece of parchment Dumbledore was holding. "The reason we found no torch is because when the two halves clasp hands and touch wand tips, it will form between them. At least that's what the tablets say. Then they'll have the ability to use the power at will to eradicate all evil. If they are the ones, the Green Flame will form within them. Together, they are the torch."
Dumbledore nodded. "And there is no time like the present to try. Harry, Alexandra, please step forward."
Harry stood up, moving towards the Headmaster. He stood back, pulling his wand out as Alex stepped up to him. She pulled out her wand.
They took each other's hand and Harry gasped at the fire that raced through his arm. He raised the tip of his wand to meet Alexandra's and his eyes rolled into the back of his head.
He couldn't see but he could hear and the words that came from his mouth were not his. They felt odd on his tongue, like a foreign language yet he understood what they meant.
Fire, water, sun and moon Come together once more. From this time forth it will be, Harmony and peace will rule this land.
The force of the power exploded between their hands and Harry tried to resist falling backwards. He stumbled slightly, as did Alex. And then, as if he had opened his eyes again, he could see.
His hand, as well as Alex's glowed a dark golden green. Dumbledore stepped up to Alex. "Point it at me."
Harry's eyes widened as a jet of green exploded from the tips of Alex's fingers. It seemed as if it filled Dumbledore with light from within and was gone just as quickly. "Just as I thought. It passes through anyone whose heart is free of evil."
Harry looked down at his hand and watched as the glow slowly ebbed. He felt suddenly tired, his powers drained. He watched Alex as she swayed slightly.
Charlie shot out of his seat, heading for Alex. He caught her as she slumped into his arms. "I feel so weak," she murmured as Charlie brushed her hair from her forehead. He picked her up, as if she weighed nothing and set her down in the chair she had occupied next to him.
Harry retrieved her wand, which she dropped, handing it to her before he sat down next to Ginny. Dumbledore looked at both them. "The time will come when you will need to use this. Please, do keep your wands with you at all times. I can not stress that enough. You may not get a second chance.
"Molly and Arthur, as I told Molly before, you are welcome to stay here for as long as is needed as I believe you will be safest here. Since you lost most of your belongings, I have made sure adequate provisions have been provided for you and your children." At this, Harry heard Mrs. Weasley gasp and a fresh wave of sniffling began. "Please, do not hesitate to ask if you should need anything."
Bill and Charlie looked at each other and nodded. "I think we'll stay here for the time being as well," Bill said.
Dumbledore nodded his approval before he left. The group ambled out, as Moody and Arabella followed Dumbledore.
The group made their way to the common room, many leaning on each other. They all seemed numb and no one spoke. No one really knew what to say anyway.
Hermione gave the password as they gained admittance. Finally it was Bill who spoke. "I just can't understand how they got past the wards Dumbledore set up."
There was silence. No one wanted to say it, not out loud at least. But they were all thinking it. They had a traitor that had given them up to Voldemort and that could end up being deadly for all of them.
Alex changed the subject onto new topics. She had tried to keep the conversation light but no one seemed in the mood. Finally, they gave up and went to their rooms.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, along with Bill, Percy, Charlie, Fred and George, all headed for the rooms Dumbledore had given them, while the four students headed for their dorm rooms.
Harry frowned. "Someone betrayed us. Not just me, but all of us. Someone told Voldemort how to get past those wards. Ron, it was someone in your family."
Ron grimaced. "Would you please say You Know Who? But I know. We need to find out who it was and tell Dumbledore."
Ginny sighed and gave the password. "I doubt you could do anything that Dumbledore wouldn't be able to do. He will figure this out."
Ron snorted. "Yeah and meanwhile, the dark spy is running around, just looking for a chance to serve one of us up on a platter. Lucky for you Harry doesn't have feelings for you, or you might be You Know Who's next victim."
Ginny stiffened and rounded on Ron. Tears were clouding her eyes and her mouth crumpled. "How.how dare you!" she cried and rushed off towards her room.
Hermione looked to say something but thought better of it and just shot Ron a withering look. She took off after Ginny to try and comfort her. Harry itched to follow them but figured he had better stay with Ron.in fact.
'Ron.you know.well, maybe this isn't the best time.but I like your sister and well I would like to get to know her better and maybe when she comes of age.'
That sounded much better in his head. And he liked his nose the way it was. Since he was sure that Ron would pull no punches, he decided he would keep his mouth shut, except to say, "Ron, don't be such a git to your sister."
"Mr. Potter, what do you need?"
Harry looked up to see Madam Pomfrey coming to Snape's bedside, carrying a small vial of dark blue liquid. "I.uhm.I needed a potion for Mrs. Weasley. She's very distraught over everything."
"Arthur's wife?" Snape asked. He was now semi-awake and just about as coherent, even though his eyes were hooded.
"Yes. I think today's events shocked her quite a bit."
"They should. We did destroy her house. Voldemort was quite.irritated after he found you and Alexandra had escaped. He did seem to feel better after he performed the Cruciatus curse on several of us. None of us knew though how he could get past those wards around their house. Only the Weasleys and Dumbledore knew."
Harry felt bile rise in his throat. The Weasleys had very little, but now everything they owned was gone. What was worse was the knowledge that only family had known the codes to the wards, which meant they had a traitor in the midst. History was repeating itself.
Madam Pomfrey had bustled off and returned with another small vile, this one a dusky yellow. "Go on, get this up to her and make sure she's near her bed when she takes it. It might put her to sleep," she said as she turned to Snape. "Severus, that nose bleed is bad. Are your ears ringing?"
Snape shook his head as he waved Harry off. But as he was walking away, Harry head him say, "Cruciatus does cause brain damage when performed too much and too often."
He made his way back to the Gryffindor common room and met up with Alexandra. Her blond hair was slightly wet as if she had been caught in the rain. "Harry, what is that?"
"A calming potion for Mrs. Weasley."
"She'll need it. Her house has been destroyed and Percy is missing. Bill and Charlie are on their way to your common room. Fred and George have checked in over at their shop, but they're closing it for the time being. Arthur is at the Ministry and I believe he'll be there most of the night."
"I knew their house has been destroyed. Snape just told me."
"Severus is here already? I need to see him."
"He's in the hospital wing being tended to by Madam Pomfrey. I think Voldemort got curse happy."
Alex swallowed. "I better go and see him." She patted Harry's shoulder as she passed him, heading along the corridor he'd just come down.
Harry was held motionless by the electricity that had shot through his body from her touch. When he looked back at her, he saw her shaking the hand she had touched him with.
He shook off the odd feeling and headed for Gryffindor Tower.
Dinner was taken in the common room, where most of the family had gathered, but it was a quiet affair. No one felt inclined to say much.
When most of the family had gone, Ron had said he was going to bed and asked if Harry would be following. Harry nodded and followed his best friend to the seventh year boys dormitory. Ron was ahead of him when he thought he heard a quiet sob. He headed back to the common room, where he found Ginny staring into the fire. "What's wrong Ginny?"
She looked at him, startled, her eyes wet with tears. "Oh Harry, when I woke up this morning, things were simple. I was wondering what might happen between us. I never thought I'd be here already or that any of this would be happening."
Harry walked over to Ginny and brushed her hair out of her face. "Oh Ginny. I'm sorry this is happening to us."
Ginny shook her head. "You know, I saved up all summer for those dress robes. It was all part of my plan to get noticed by you. And.and." Tears welled up in Ginny's eyes and Harry knew all of sudden that it wasn't just about her dress.
"Ginny, we're all going to be just fine. I promise you. Nothing will hurt you or me or." Harry said nothing else as he pulled Ginny, who was now sobbing, into his arms. He felt awkward, wanting to fix everything for her, but he had learned from Hermione last year that it was best to just let her cry and get it out.
Somewhere in his brain, he noticed she fit perfectly in his arms, her curves moulding to his hollows. He led her over to the couch by the fireplace and sat down, pulling her into his lap.
Her head felt right tucked under his chin, her red hair brushing against his coarse whiskers. He dropped a kiss on her forehead, a comforting kiss, and that was when he realised she was asleep.
He carried her up to the girls' dormitories and laid her down in her bed, covering her with her sheets and blankets. He dropped another kiss on her head and walked out.
~*~
Harry awoke the next morning, sure everything the day before had just been a terrible dream. But when he realised he was in the same clothes from the night before, reality came crashing back down.
He felt heavy hearted, not only for himself, but for his friend and.well, just what was Ginny to him, he wondered. He closed his eyes and thought about their kiss they had shared in the hallway the night before last. Had it really been less than 48 hours before?
Harry stood up and looked through a pile of new clothes at the bottom of his bed. The elves had popped in and out, providing them with the clothes Dumbledore had promised. But more than anything, Harry wanted the robes he bought at Diagon Alley and the Firebolt his godfather had given him. He had so little already, but his heart went out to the Weasleys.
Ron was still asleep in the next bed over. His cheeks were flushed, almost as if he had been crying. Harry turned away.
He trudged down the stairs towards the common room, which was empty. His heart and mind were burning with the unfairness of what was happening. No one ever asked him if he wanted to fight Voldemort.
He walked towards the Great Hall, wondering if something would be served. He thought better of that, figuring no one else would be up. He headed for the entrance to the kitchens.
But he was wrong. Alexandra was walking towards him, like she had been coming from Dumbledore's office. Her walk was slow but steady, and she appeared to be deep in thought.
She noticed him finally and smiled. "How are you this morning?"
Harry almost gave the usual positive answer but he felt he would be lying. He thought about it for a second. "I'm not sure."
Alex smiled ruefully. "I think I know what you mean. Generally when I brought in a dark wizard, I always felt.odd the next day. Deflated almost. It is so hard to deal with something so evil and still remain happy."
Harry nodded. "Did Percy ever make it to the Ministry?"
"Yes. He was part of the emergency team that was dispatched to the area to salvage and retrieve. I think it was hard on him, seeing his family's home gone. But they said he did all right."
"Were they able to salvage anything?"
"Yes, quite a few things. Some trunks were saved, such as yours and Ron's. But the furniture is gone. The house, most of Arthur and Molly's belongings.all gone."
Suddenly, Harry didn't care about his broom. He could buy another broom. Almost everything the Weasleys had was gone. But there was one thing good in all of this. They were safe, especially here at Hogwarts.
Alex smiled at him. "But we are safe here, hmm?"
Alex tickled the pear and walked into the kitchens. The sight of all of the house elves running greeted them as they walked through the painting. The noise level was high but it diminished as slowly they were noticed.
"Harry Potter. Welcome back to Hogwarts."
Harry blushed slightly as Dobby came running up to him, even more mismatched than before. He wore one orange sock and one purple sock that had been added to his wide assortment of clothing. "Hello Dobby. I don't think you have met-"
"Lady Mistress Ross. Dobby is honoured to see you again," Dobby said gleefully, getting on his knees and bowing his head until it touched the floor.
"Dobby, please get up," she said softly, her expression unreadable. Dobby immediately sprang to his feet.
"How can Dobby serve you?"
Harry gave Alex an odd look. She seemed slightly relieved by the request. "Well I figure we could use a spot of breakfast, but I wasn't sure if you were serving in the Great Hall."
"Well, we were told to serve a small tray in the common room and in the staff lounge," Dobby said. Harry was sure that the 'small tray' would be like a mountain of food. "Professor Dumbledore, he is a great man for giving Dobby and Winky jobs."
"How is Winky?" asked Harry.
"Winky is not accepting pay anymore for her work. Winky says to accept pay.well.it is bad, sir."
Harry shook his head, smiling ruefully. Hermione would definitely not be pleased. "Well, as long as you're happy."
Dobby smiled. "Yes sir. Dobby is also happy Harry Potter and Mistress.Professor Alexandra Ross is back."
Harry and Alex finally bid the house elves good day and walked back to the portrait hole leading to the Gryffindor dormitories, chatting casually about the day ahead of them. Their trunks would arrive in two days via the Hogwarts Express, along with the rest of the students.
There were still too many unanswered questions. Harry hoped some of them would be answered today by Dumbledore. He had called for a meeting after lunch; everyone was expected to attend.
They all gathered in the teacher's lounge, Dumbledore and Alex being the last to arrive. Dumbledore sat down at the head of the table.
"I would have Lupin and Tonks here, but they have yet to return from their last mission. They have been in touch and are both fine, they just haven't finished collecting their evidence yet. I believe this will be their last mission, as they have finished their tasks."
Harry looked around the table at the teachers and staff that had gathered. Mad-Eye Moody had been retrieved from his station at the Order of the Phoenix headquarters and was now sitting at the table. It had been decided by Moody as he met Bill at the Dursleys that they were as safe as could be expected with Voldemort and the Death Eaters at large.
Snape sat next to Professor McGonagall, looking hard and worn as he always did. His magical eye shifted to each person seated at the table in turn, before finally settling in an odd way on Dumbledore.
Arthur had made his way here from the Ministry, with Percy. Fred and George decided to close their shop early for the day. Molly sat next to Arthur, looking pale and shocked. Ginny sat next to her, their fingers interlocked.
Ron and Hermione sat next to each other, both of Ron's hands were held by Ginny and Hermione. Across from them sat Bill and Charlie. Alex finally sat down in the last seat between Dumbledore and Charlie before Dumbledore spoke.
"The time we have all anticipated and dreaded has come. Harry is finally of age and now has the ability, strength and power to handle the Torch along with Alexandra. Together, they will be able to obliterate Voldemort and all his Death Eaters."
Most of the people at the table, except for Arabella and Moody, looked at Dumbledore in utter bewilderment. "Torch?" Ron asked.
Hermione nodded. "I believe I've heard of this. The Green-Flamed Torch. A powerful Egyptian sorceress supposedly created it, but most accounts say that an Egyptian god handed it down to her, so that she could wipe out all evil. The Pharaoh of Egypt at that time had her magically locked and the torch into the side of a mountain so she could never activate it. In her rage, she exploded into two halves and since then, there's been a legend that one day two very powerful wizards will be born, complete opposites, who will be able to activate it."
Ron looked at her. "Was that in Hogwarts: A History?" Hermione glared at him and hit him on the shoulder. Ginny rolled her eyes.
Dumbledore nodded. "That is correct, Hermione. And those two are Harry and Alexandra. That is why Voldemort wants to kill them."
"Why not just destroy the torch?" Ginny asked.
Percy shook his head. "The torch was made by an immortal. It's indestructible. It would be easier to kill Harry or Alex, at least for this generation."
"Right, Percy. Just before Harry was born, there was a fellow Gryffindor we lost. Terry Jordan, Lee Jordan's older brother. He was in our year and was the other half. The Death Eaters killed him when he went home for the Yule break," Charlie said, a bit choked up.
Alex put her hand on Charlie's, a comforting gesture, but Harry could see the man blush. "And then they came after me, rendering me a Squib, just for their own protection. Or so they thought."
Harry sat forward. "How did you escape them? And why did they think you were a Squib? Obviously you aren't."
"There is a difficult spell that one, with great power behind it, can perform that will strip that person of any magical powers. But I had a spell that would protect me." Everyone looked at her, as if she might be able to say more to explain herself but she said no more. Finally someone spoke.
"I thought this torch was just a myth until Lupin showed up," Bill said. "We went looking for it, only to find tablets buried deep in the sand dunes."
"But how do we know for sure if they're the ones who can make this work?" Moody asked.
Bill pointed at a piece of parchment Dumbledore was holding. "The reason we found no torch is because when the two halves clasp hands and touch wand tips, it will form between them. At least that's what the tablets say. Then they'll have the ability to use the power at will to eradicate all evil. If they are the ones, the Green Flame will form within them. Together, they are the torch."
Dumbledore nodded. "And there is no time like the present to try. Harry, Alexandra, please step forward."
Harry stood up, moving towards the Headmaster. He stood back, pulling his wand out as Alex stepped up to him. She pulled out her wand.
They took each other's hand and Harry gasped at the fire that raced through his arm. He raised the tip of his wand to meet Alexandra's and his eyes rolled into the back of his head.
He couldn't see but he could hear and the words that came from his mouth were not his. They felt odd on his tongue, like a foreign language yet he understood what they meant.
Fire, water, sun and moon Come together once more. From this time forth it will be, Harmony and peace will rule this land.
The force of the power exploded between their hands and Harry tried to resist falling backwards. He stumbled slightly, as did Alex. And then, as if he had opened his eyes again, he could see.
His hand, as well as Alex's glowed a dark golden green. Dumbledore stepped up to Alex. "Point it at me."
Harry's eyes widened as a jet of green exploded from the tips of Alex's fingers. It seemed as if it filled Dumbledore with light from within and was gone just as quickly. "Just as I thought. It passes through anyone whose heart is free of evil."
Harry looked down at his hand and watched as the glow slowly ebbed. He felt suddenly tired, his powers drained. He watched Alex as she swayed slightly.
Charlie shot out of his seat, heading for Alex. He caught her as she slumped into his arms. "I feel so weak," she murmured as Charlie brushed her hair from her forehead. He picked her up, as if she weighed nothing and set her down in the chair she had occupied next to him.
Harry retrieved her wand, which she dropped, handing it to her before he sat down next to Ginny. Dumbledore looked at both them. "The time will come when you will need to use this. Please, do keep your wands with you at all times. I can not stress that enough. You may not get a second chance.
"Molly and Arthur, as I told Molly before, you are welcome to stay here for as long as is needed as I believe you will be safest here. Since you lost most of your belongings, I have made sure adequate provisions have been provided for you and your children." At this, Harry heard Mrs. Weasley gasp and a fresh wave of sniffling began. "Please, do not hesitate to ask if you should need anything."
Bill and Charlie looked at each other and nodded. "I think we'll stay here for the time being as well," Bill said.
Dumbledore nodded his approval before he left. The group ambled out, as Moody and Arabella followed Dumbledore.
The group made their way to the common room, many leaning on each other. They all seemed numb and no one spoke. No one really knew what to say anyway.
Hermione gave the password as they gained admittance. Finally it was Bill who spoke. "I just can't understand how they got past the wards Dumbledore set up."
There was silence. No one wanted to say it, not out loud at least. But they were all thinking it. They had a traitor that had given them up to Voldemort and that could end up being deadly for all of them.
Alex changed the subject onto new topics. She had tried to keep the conversation light but no one seemed in the mood. Finally, they gave up and went to their rooms.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, along with Bill, Percy, Charlie, Fred and George, all headed for the rooms Dumbledore had given them, while the four students headed for their dorm rooms.
Harry frowned. "Someone betrayed us. Not just me, but all of us. Someone told Voldemort how to get past those wards. Ron, it was someone in your family."
Ron grimaced. "Would you please say You Know Who? But I know. We need to find out who it was and tell Dumbledore."
Ginny sighed and gave the password. "I doubt you could do anything that Dumbledore wouldn't be able to do. He will figure this out."
Ron snorted. "Yeah and meanwhile, the dark spy is running around, just looking for a chance to serve one of us up on a platter. Lucky for you Harry doesn't have feelings for you, or you might be You Know Who's next victim."
Ginny stiffened and rounded on Ron. Tears were clouding her eyes and her mouth crumpled. "How.how dare you!" she cried and rushed off towards her room.
Hermione looked to say something but thought better of it and just shot Ron a withering look. She took off after Ginny to try and comfort her. Harry itched to follow them but figured he had better stay with Ron.in fact.
'Ron.you know.well, maybe this isn't the best time.but I like your sister and well I would like to get to know her better and maybe when she comes of age.'
That sounded much better in his head. And he liked his nose the way it was. Since he was sure that Ron would pull no punches, he decided he would keep his mouth shut, except to say, "Ron, don't be such a git to your sister."