Notations: /Thoughts/
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There was a gentle cool breezing blowing against Harry's tear stricken face, as he stared out to the lake on the astronomy tower. Harry's wasn't certain on what he should be feeling right now, since he found Ron and Hermione embracing each other on Ron's bed. Harry had been up on the astronomy tower ever since he stormed out of the Gryffindor common room. His mind kept replaying what he saw when he opened the 5th year boys dormitory door, seeing Ron and Hermione with her arms around his neck. He would have at first thought it was a friendly hug, but his eyes told him a completely different story. He felt his heart stop at that moment seeing them like that, before all of his emotions surged to the surface, anger being the strongest. / Why? Why? Why, would my two best friends do this to me? All this time they were going behind my back. The least they could have done was tell me. / Harry thought angrily at the last part. It was around 2a.m. in the morning before Harry finally decided to head back to the Gryffindor tower. As he closed the door to the deck of the astronomy tower, he was unaware that someone was watching him. Fawkes was there the entire time that Harry had arrived at the tower deck. He hid himself from Harry's view by sitting on the pointed roof of the small building on the deck. Once Harry was gone, Fawkes let out a single note and flew back to his perch in Dumbledore's office.
Ron woke up to the rays of light shining through the window. As he rubbed his eyes, the events of last night replayed in his head. After Ron sat up in his bed, he looked over at Harry's bed to see it hasn't been slept in. / I guess Harry, didn't come back last night. / Ron thought to himself as he got out of bed. He knew that he himself didn't fell asleep until at least 1a.m. feeling miserable about last night and Harry hadn't returned. He noticed that Harry's toothbrush and towel were wet, which meant that he did return at some point and left. Ron got dressed slowly and made his way to the common room. As he was heading out he noticed that breakfast started 10 minutes ago, but since it was Sunday there really wasn't any rush get down to the Great Hall. He saw Hermione sitting in one of the chair. When she looked up to see who it was who came down, Ron saw that she hadn't gotten much sleep either.
"Where's Harry?" she asked in a shaky voice.
"I don't know, he wasn't in there when I woke up. His bed looks like he hadn't slept in it, but I believe that he did return at some point and then left." Ron replied low voice.
"Maybe he went down to breakfast already. We should go down there now and see if he's there. We need to talk to him about last night." Hermione said, getting up from the chair. Ron nodded in agreement, they really needed to talk to Harry and sort out what happened last night. They walked down to the Great Hall, and when they arrived they surveyed the table for their friend, but to no luck. They took an empty space and started eating, hoping that maybe he would come in later. As breakfast was nearly finished, Hermione started to worry.
"Hey Neville, have you Harry come by?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, actually he was here. Right when breakfast started he grabbed some toast and fruit than left. I don't know where he is know though." Neville replied finishing up his eggs. Hermione thanked him, and walked out of the Great Hall with Ron. Once they were out, the two decided that they would search around the school for the day and try to find Harry. Their first thought was using the Marauder's Map to find him, but when they searched for the map it wasn't there. They guessed that he wanted to left alone for a while, and he didn't want to be found. They hadn't even noticed that the invisibility cloak wasn't there either. So they spent the entire day looking in all of the places that they thought he would be the quidditch pitch, common room, dorm room, and anywhere else. As they searched they asked a few people if they saw him and most of them did. After telling Ron and Hermione where they saw him, they searched that area until they gave up. All throughout the day they couldn't find him, and during dinner he didn't show up. After dinner, Hermione sudden thought of a place where they hadn't looked.
"Ron, there is one place we haven't searched yet?"
"Where?" asked Ron hopefully.
"We haven't looked in the library. It's one of the last places we'd think to look for him." replied Hermione, hoping that they did find him. Since she saw the hurt in Harry's face last night, and the angry when he left.
"You know what. I think you're right, that is the last place we'd think to look for him. Since it's the first place we'd think to look for you." Ron said jokily. They ran for the library after Hermione punched him in the arm for making that last comment.
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Harry didn't want to be bothered by anybody, so after showering in the Gryffindor tower this morning when everyone was asleep, he gathered his books to do his homework. As he was about to close his trunk it noticed the Marauder's Map. He remember Dumbledore giving it back to him after he recovered and was discharged from the Hospital Wing, after searching through Barty Crouch's things. He quickly grabbed it since it could be used to find him, and right now he didn't want to talk to anybody. He also grabbed invisibility cloak just incase someone does find him he can hide. He especially didn't want to talk to Ron or Hermione right now. Before Harry left he gave a cold stare to Ron, who was sleeping in his bed. After leaving he down one of the halls, trying to think of a quiet place to work. The library sounded good to him, and since it was a weekend not many people would be in there. But he knew that the library wasn't open at this hour, however he remembered a secret passage that led to there. It wasn't on the map and he discovered it during the summer exploring, but he never thought he actually use it. After getting settled in a very secluded spot in the library he started his Charms, he noticed the breakfast was going to start soon after finishing about half of his Charms. He left his books and covered them with his cloak, and left through the same passage. After arriving at the Great Hall the food had just appeared and he grabbed some toast and fruit. He put them in his pockets and left right after, to return to the library. But his actions weren't unobserved be Albus Dumbledore, who found this curious from where he was sitting.
After returning to the library the same way he entered the last time, he took his food out and ate as did his homework. He spent the entire day doing his homework, which he finished. Harry hoped that by doing this, it would take his mind off everything. Harry really surprised himself, when he finished. As he looked over his work he was surprised that each assignment was fairly well written, even his potions. As he was about to leave he heard to familiar voices through the bookshelves. The voices belonged to Ron and Hermione, and Harry's anger returned as he heard the voices getting closer. / What are they doing here? / Harry thought angrily as he throw his invisibility cloak over himself with his books under his arms. Finally he saw them coming around the corner looking down each path and checking each desk, as if looking for something.
After searching the entire library Ron and Hermione were at a total loss at where Harry could be. They looked everywhere.
"I don't understand it. Where could he be, we looked all over the place." said Hermione, standing next to Ron.
"I know. Maybe we'll have better luck tomorrow. We do have class with him remember." replied Ron, trying to sound encouraging. Hermione's eyes started to water, appeared she was on the verge of tears. Ron seeing this put a hand on her shoulder hoping it would provide comfort.
"But what if he never talks to us again? I am worried about him, he looked really hurt when he saw us together. I hope he doesn't do anything… drastic." Hermione said, looking at the ground. At this point Harry was seething; he didn't want to hear anymore about them being together. So he left through the secret passage, not making a single sound as he entered it.
"I know that's why we have to talk to him. I am sure once he's simmered down a bit he'll talk us, and everything will be back to normal." Ron at this point was really hoping that what he was saying would come true. After their small talk completely unaware that Harry was there was heard part of the conversation they left for the common room.
Harry was trying to keep his anger in check as he made his way to the Gryffindor tower. / So they were worried about me, how touching. They were probably trying to see how I felt about the two of them being together. Well right now I could careless about them. / Harry thought was he walked the halls. He needed to relax, so he decided to go back up to the astronomy tower tonight. After depositing his books he grabbed a thick cloak just in case. He left the tower without anyone noticing he was even there, and made his way for the astronomy tower. After reaching the deck of the astronomy tower, he glazed up at the sky to see a clear sky and not a single cloud in sight. Harry's heart felt more at peace in the absolute calm and peaceful atmosphere up there. His anger had gone with the wind as a gentle breeze blew by. He sat down next to the low wall and leaned against it to think about what he heard in the library. Right now Harry was torn between anger and sadness from his heart and trust being broken. As Harry sat there, tears started crawling their ways down his face. / Why did they have lie to me? / Harry thought to himself, as more tears came and as sleep slowly came upon him.
Harry woke up about an hour later in cold sweat again. He had the same nightmare about the attack on the school, and everyone being killed or tortured. Harry was now shaking not from the cold night air, but from the horrific images that keep flashing before his eyes. He than heard a rustle of feathers above him and looked to see what it was. When he looked up Harry found himself staring at his own reflection in a pair of black pearly eyes belong to Fawkes. Fawkes was sitting on top of the wall that Harry was leaning against, looking down at him.
"Oh. Hey there, Fawkes." said Harry trying to sound happy. He was glad to see Fawkes, remembering every time he saw the beautiful red and gold phoenix he felt more relaxed. Fawkes greeted Harry with a gentle note and flew down to stand next to him. Harry looked into Fawkes' eyes, to see him asking a question like, 'What are you doing here?' Harry stroked his plumage see the concern in the phoenix's eyes. Fawkes just stared at Harry, since he seemed to be waiting for an answer. "I suppose you want to know why I'm here?" Harry asked in a low voice. Fawkes replied with a gentle nod of his head, Harry smiled and he wondered if phoenixes could really understand human problems. "Alright than I guess I can tell you." Fawkes released another note and jumped onto Harry's lap making himself comfortable. Harry stared at the phoenix curiously before shaking his head and chuckling, "Make yourself comfortable, why don't you?" Fawkes settled his head onto Harry's shoulder, and Harry could have sworn he saw Fawkes smile, if that was possible. Harry felt very comfortable with Fawkes with him, and he didn't feel cold and afraid from the night or the nightmarish images.
Harry spent most of the night just talking to Fawkes about everything. He had a lot of things on his mind. The first and foremost was about Ron and Hermione. Harry couldn't help but be anger at them, right now. He knew that his anger would simmer down eventually, but that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. After a few hours Harry felt better and asked Fawkes to sing for him before he left. Fawkes jumped out Harry's lap, which was nice and warm after he left. Fawkes sang for about five minutes a beautiful melody that was slowly putting Harry to sleep. After he was done, Harry stood up hoping he doesn't fall asleep and headed back to the Gryffindor tower. Once he was back in the dorms, he fell asleep in his bed the moment his head hit the pillow, completely unaware of Fawkes sitting on the open windowsill of the room watching him.
The next morning Harry was feeling a lot better than he did yesterday. He slept through what remained of the night without any nightmares. He was up before the others, and decided to take a quick shower. Once he was done, he got dress, fixed his hair into a ponytail, hold sure the phoenix amulet was on since he rarely ever took it off now, and grabbed his schoolbooks for the day. As he headed out of the room, he saw Ron asleep in bad, and his anger suddenly returned. He went down to the Great Hall to see the there were a few students up already and he took a seat on the Gryffindor table. After almost finishing his breakfast, Ron and Hermione came in to the Great Hall. They instantly spotted him, and went straight to him. Harry saw them heading towards him, and he readied his book to leave. They took their usual seats on either side of him and started eating not saying a word. Neither of them looking at each other or speaking until Hermione broke it.
"Harry…" She started but was interrupted by Harry.
"I don't want to hear it." He said coldly, as he stood up and grabbed his books. When he was able to leave when Ron placed his hand on his shoulder to stop him, and Hermione place her hand on his arm. Harry looked at his arm and than up so see that both of them were looking at him, pleadingly asking him to stay. "Please let go of me?" he asked politely at first. When neither of them let go, his anger was slowly raising. "Now." Harry ordered with anger in his voice that could rival Snape's. Both of them removed their hands from him, suddenly frightened by Harry voice. He turned around and left the Great Hall leaving Ron and Hermione really shocked at his sudden change in personality.
During potions, Harry made sure that he was on a table that was filled already before Ron and Hermione came in. Harry endured Malfoy's taunting, which he completely ignored. This made Malfoy a little anger since he couldn't seem to get Harry anger, and give a reason for Snape to take off more points. After potions was done, Harry quickly left the class and used one of the secret passages that he knew that would cut his time in half getting to his next class, which was transfiguration. When Ron and Hermione left, they tried to find Harry to explain that he misunderstood what really happened at the party. But when they got out of the class, they couldn't find him anywhere. They knew that he couldn't be that fast in leaving the area, since the two of them were less than 5 seconds behind him. This was basically was how the day went, Ron and Hermione would see Harry in class but once it was done he quickly left and disappeared. The day passed reasonable well, for Harry until classes when he saw Ron and Hermione.
When Hagrid's class started outside, Harry and everyone else noticed that there were no creatures within view. / Strange? Usually Hagrid has 'something' here. I wonder what we'll be learning today. / Wondered Harry along with most the class, and some were starting to worry when they saw that Hagrid had a smile on his face. / Uh oh… / The entire class thought, fearing what was about to come.
"Alright class, today we'll be learning something special." The class starts to back away slightly, incase they had to run. "Today we'll be learning about phoenixes." Hagrid said excitedly. The class breathed a sign of relief, since it wasn't going to be anything dangerous. Most of them were intrigued by what today's lesson was going to be. Since nearly all of them have never seen a phoenix. At that moment a beautiful melody filled the air, and everyone looked up to see a magnificent red and gold-feathered bird flying over them. Hagrid held out his arm and the phoenix landed on his arm. Of course Harry immediately recognized the phoenix as Fawkes, and he made his way to the front of the class so he could say 'hello'.
"This here is a phoenix. This particular one belongs to your Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore and his name is Fawkes." The class awed at the beauty of Fawkes' feathers as the glittered in the sunlight. Harry was about 4 ft. in front of the class, before he stopped. Fawkes saw Harry and let out a soothing note, and jumped off Hagrid's arm, he flew over to Harry who had his arm out. Harry never realized until now that Fawkes was almost weightless, he didn't any weight on his out stretched arm that Fawkes was perched on. He smiled as he stroked Fawkes' feather chest, which he seemed to enjoy a lot. Hagrid who was about to continue his lesson speech, stopped when Fawkes suddenly flew over to one of the students. He was a little surprised to see that the student was Harry. / My Harry does have a thing with magical creatures. / Hagrid smiled inwardly, watching Harry pet Fawkes. Most of the class was also thinking along the same lines as Hagrid, as they watched Harry. It appeared that every magical creature that the class had so far, seemed to either like or knew Harry already.
Hagrid continued his lesson on phoenixes as the class half listened to him and stared at Fawkes. During the entire lesson Fawkes never left Harry's shoulder until it was time for the class to finish. Ron and Hermione watched Harry throughout the entire time; he was truly enjoying himself and the company of the phoenix. Also they noticed that he was smiling, a really smile, one that they have not seen for several days. Hermione's face fell seeing Harry happy, but without their company and in a way she really couldn't blame Harry for acting the way that he did. And now Harry seemed to not want anything to do with them completely.
During dinner that night, Harry sat at the end of the table where he sat alone, away from everybody. Harry tried to eat some of his dinner but found it very difficult. Just before dinner Harry took a nap, which turned out to be a bad idea since he had the same nightmare again. So the images of the nightmare were now fresh in his mind. After fiddling with his meal a bit, he pushed the plate away since he couldn't eat anything. Dumbledore noticed this and was a little concerned for him, but he had arranged for an Order meeting tonight and Harry's message should be coming to him any minute. Harry, who was just staring at the full plate of food, felt something bump his knee. He looked under the table to see Snuffles with a piece of parchment tucked under a collar. He pulled the parchment from under the collar to read it, and he thanked Snuffles who promptly left. Harry opened it to read:
Order meeting is being held at 9pm. Meet at the same place as last time. I believe you know the way in.
A.D.
Harry tucked the note in his pocket and looked up at the high table to see Dumbledore looking right at him. Harry nodded to him confirming that he'll be there, and he stood up and left. As he left he was surprised that the Order of Light was still letting him come to their meetings even though he wasn't even an official member. Harry was unaware that Ron and Hermione were talking to Snuffles discreetly, hoping that no one would notice especially Harry.
"Hey there, Snuffles!" Hermione said to the large dog under the table. Who licked her hand greeting her back.
"Snuffles, do you think you can meet the two of us tonight?" asked Ron the dog. Who just tilted his head, in curiosity and confusion. Hermione saw this and clarified why.
"It's about Harry." Sirius's attention was instantly caught. "Can you meet us, a few minutes after dinner in Fluffy's old room? You know where that is right?" Hermione asked. Snuffles just gave a little bark and nodded with his head. After Hermione and Ron thanked him he left to meet Ron and Hermione for their meeting.
Harry headed up to Dumbledore's office, deep in thought that he didn't even notice that the gargoyle guarding the doorway, moved aside without him giving a password. He went to the secret meeting room, behind the bookcase. Once there he saw that nobody was there, so he went to the lounge room where the portrait was. After taking a seat he watching the three people in the painting smile, and talk simply enjoying each other's company. He didn't wait long till Dumbledore took a seat in a chair next to him. Seeing that Harry was deep in thought; he decided to make his presence known.
"What are you thinking about, Harry?" he asked. Suddenly startled, Harry jumped in his seat, turning to see that it was only Dumbledore he breath a sigh of relief.
"Oh, it's only you." Dumbledore smiled. "You know, I really wish I knew how you seem to appear and disappear out of nowhere sometimes?" Harry said, a little annoyed that he completely missed him coming in.
"One can always move about freely, others are too busy to notice." He replied. There was a moment of silence as Harry absorbed the information. He seemed to agree with it. Harry looked up at the portrait, while they seemed to be watching them also.
"Sir… I mean, Albus. Sorry I'm still getting use to calling you that." Dumbledore smiled, again.
"It's all right. Please continue, Harry." Dumbledore continued.
"Um. I was wondering a few things about the Order." Seeing that he was listening Harry continued. "When and who founded the Order, since I never heard of it before? And if you can answer this one who are those people in that painting? Also during the last meeting, you asked about what the Order should be named. I was wondering what was it named before? That is before I suddenly suggested a name. And just to be clear I don't know where I got that name. Also why did that phoenix statue glow when I suggested that name out of the blue?" Harry finished with most of the questions that were nagging at his mind since the first meeting. Dumbledore smiled at Harry's desire to understand the Order.
"Very well, Harry I shall as always answer what I can." Dumbledore replied, relaxing in the chair since it might take awhile to explain. "Now I can answer your question concerning the people in the portrait. In truth, I'm not certain as to what kingdom they were the royal family to but I have an idea. Since the painting is 5,000 years, my guess is that they are the royal family of Atlantis. Not much is known about that time, except through old legends, myths, and stories pasted down through the generations. As to why they look like you and your parents. Well your guess is a good as mine." Dumbledore finished and watched Harry absorb and sort the information. Harry was needless to say surprised that people 5,000 years ago back in Atlantis looked like him and his parents, much less the royal family. After Harry nodded in understanding, Dumbledore continued in answering his questions.
"Now first let me give a bet of history on the Order. The Order itself is an ancient organization that was started well before the time of the Hogwarts founders. Its soul purpose was to fight any and all evil and darkness that appeared in the world. Unfortunately over time information and knowledge is lost. As a result, we don't know who precisely started the Order, only that it he started it in the kingdom of Atlantis. As I'm sure you're guessing, the royal family." Dumbledore points to the portrait. "They probably knew the founder of the Order was, because he was there around their time. Also history says that he himself came from the kingdom of Atlantis and at the same time he didn't. I don't know what that is suppose to mean, so I along with everyone else have our own theories on what it means." (A/N: If only he knew. You'll find out later.)
"Albus, I don't mean to interrupt. But I've never heard of this person, even in Professor Binns class. I mean shouldn't there be at least something about him and the Order in books?" Harry asked looking at Albus.
"True, Harry. There is very little about the Order only because all those who were in it, were sworn to secrecy. That's why there's little to no information about the Order in books, and if there is any it's mostly speculations. As for the founder, yes, there are some vague descriptions about him. Most of them describe him as a young man who had enormous magical power. He was very skilled in both the magical arts and physical arts of fighting. They even say that he could talk to animals and that ability does still exist even today. It is a rare gift and those who have it are very fortunate. I myself have the ability to talk to certain animals." Harry's head looked up in shock. He always wondered why people thought he was off his rocker sometimes. Harry figured it was because they happen to walk into him while he was probably talking to Fawkes, since he's the only animal usually around him. "Don't look to surprised." Albus smiled. "Now where was I? Oh yes. Well, there is one little thing that people are unsure of about him. According to one story, they say that the founder wasn't even human, yet he was. I don't know what that means, so most people like myself just dismiss that one as made up. Oh there is one more thing that was somewhat known about him. He was the only known person to have a Phoenix Lord as a pet." Harry looked at Albus funny, since he never heard of a 'Phoenix Lord' before. "Don't worry Harry you'll find out what a Phoenix Lord is in Hagrid's class soon, but basically it is a special phoenix." Harry nodded in understanding and was very intrigued about the founder. He never thought that such a young person could organize an Order that would fight dark wizards. Harry thought that the founder must have had a lot of experience fighting dark wizards and dark magic, to pull an Order like this together.
"As you know, the Order now is known as the Order of Light. When the Order is called together for the first time, the members decide what it should be called. After they have decided, they turned to the statue and ask if it approves. When the phoenix statue glows like it did at the last meeting, it shows that it approves." Harry nodded. "Oh before I forget to mention it, and incase your wondering the founder of the Order, also created the phoenix statue in the other room. He created it so that it could choose who could enter the Order. Since a phoenix can tell if a person is trustworthy. So naturally it is a logical choice to have a phoenix as a judge so to speak. I chose the name Order of the Phoenix, because nobody knew what the original name for the Order was. So I thought that the name 'phoenix' was appropriate since the magical object that chose whether or not you joined was that of a phoenix." Harry thought about it and was inclined to agree. "Now this is the strange part, and this I found out not to long ago." Dumbledore started, and Harry held his breath sensing that something was about to be said concerning him and odds are he was not going to like it. "I'm sure you don't know this, but the phoenix statue in a way is alive, that's how it is able to judge a person if they are trustworthy. It doesn't really have a soul or anything like that but it is able to make decisions concerning a person who wants to be in the Order. Since the founder created it, it alone is the only one who knows who the founder really is, and the original name of the Order since it was lost through time. Of course it doesn't share this information very often, but a few days ago I went to it to inquire about a few things since the last meeting. The only information it gave me is that the name you, Harry suggested out of the blue as you say, is in fact the original name of the Order." Harry groaned as he sank into his chair thinking. / Why? Why always me? / He thought repeatedly in his head, while Dumbledore watched him. Even he wondered why everything seemed to happen to Harry.
While Harry was in deep thought, Dumbledore could see that Harry really wasn't enjoying that last bit of information. He looked at the time to see that the meeting was about to start. "Come on Harry, the Order meeting is about to start. We don't want to keep the others waiting, now do we?" This get Harry's attention and they both stood up and opened the door to the meeting room. There they found everyone waiting for them, as they took the same seats as last time Dumbledore noticed that the phoenix statue was glowing like last time. The others that he informed at the end of the last meeting also noticed it this time, and they all glanced at Harry trying to remain inconspicuous. However Sirius was watching Harry with concern on his face, after his little meeting with Ron and Hermione he was deeply concern for him. He decided that he would watch Harry and see how he acted around them.
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While Harry and Dumbledore were in the lounge room talking, Ron and Hermione were waiting for Sirius in Fuffy's old room, on the third floor corridor. As they waited, Ron and Hermione could remember the events of their first year standing in the room. In fact that room was where their adventures first began, when they went sneaking around at night and tried to hide from the caretaker Filch. Both were brought out of memory lane when the door opened and Sirius walked in, in human form. They greeted him and asked how he was doing, and he answered their questions politely. Once they were done with the formalities, the mood of the conversation became serious.
"Alright tell me. What's wrong with Harry?" asked a concerned Sirius.
"Well. We're not exactly sure. That's why we're worried about him." replied Hermione.
"Yeah, lately Harry's been extremely tense and nervous. It's like he's expecting something to happen, but he just doesn't know when. When he isn't doing homework, and has free time sometimes all he does is stare out the window like a lookout." continued Ron.
"Maybe he's just stress? I know that this year you guys have O.W.L.s and that usually gives a lot of stress to most students. It's probably just harder for him considering what happened last year, since he was blaming himself for Cedric's death. He isn't blaming himself right?" asked a now worried Sirius. Both Ron and Hermione look at each other and shrug.
"We don't know he doesn't talk about it to us. So far only those he told, which I am assuming is only Professor Dumbledore and you are the only ones who know." Ron replied.
"Sirius, we think it's something else that's bothering him." Hermione started, getting his attention. "We think it's possible that he's having nightmares involving You-Know-Who. That's why we think he's always nervous." This really caught Sirius' attention.
"If it did involve Voldemort, Harry would have told someone." Sirius stated, while Ron and Hermione tried not to flinch at the Dark Lord's name.
"I don't think he's going too this time. Something happens in his nightmare which I believe involves us greatly, and whatever it is; it's really scares him. Because I've noticed that he's tired a lot more than usual, I think he's getting very little sleep if any at all. And during meals he barely eats anything on his plate." Hermione replied in a scared tone.
"Yeah, also during the party after the quidditch match, we both notice Harry was sitting next to a window and wasn't celebrating so we went over. He must have been thinking about that nightmare, because when he looked up at us after we got there…" Ron tried to continue but remembering Harry's face sending chills down his back.
"When he looked up at us, it seemed like he just walked through a massacre of some kind. His face was so pale, and his eyes looked like they had seen more death than anyone should. They had so many emotions in them from sorrow, pain, and most of all fear. He looked like he was on the verge of tears, when we came up to him. When we asked him about it, he said that it was nothing. He doesn't want us to worry about him, but I am now. More than ever." Hermione continued.
"All right I'll see what I can do. When I see him, which should be very soon. I am sorry I have to leave you now, but I have an important meeting with Albus and Harry.
Also why don't you two continue to see what you can get out of him." Both Ron and Hermione suddenly became very nervous, which Sirius picked up.
"That could be a bit of a problem Sirius." Hermione commented looking at the ground.
"Yeah, you see. Harry not talking to us anymore." Ron continued.
"Why? What happened?" Sirius asked, looking at the two. Who reminded silent for a while. Hermione toke a deep breath and started telling Sirius what happened after the Gryffindor party. With Ron helping her with other parts. After finishing their story to Sirius, they both looked at the floor in embarrassment of what happened at the party. Now Sirius understood why Harry was sitting alone at the table during dinner, he was wondering why his godson was doing that. "Well." He started, unsure of how to start. "To certainly complicates things a bit. I really can't offer any advice on how to deal with this. I guess all I can say for you two, is to give him time. Harry's apparently is very upset, and from what you told me. He might be like that for a while. Just be there for him, he is going through rough time. That's all you can really do for him, and when his angry finally settles explain to him what really happened."
Both of them added that they tried to explain earlier but Harry didn't want to talk to them. Sirius just reminded them that they just had to wait. The three of them knew that Harry was rarely ever angry and even then they knew that it was never for a long time. So Ron and Hermione agreed that they would continue to try and get Harry to talk to them.
"I'll see you two around and take care." Sirius said as he exited the room. Ron and Hermione said their goodbyes to him as he left. Until they realized that he had a meeting with Dumbledore and Harry.
"Could this meeting have something to do with the one Harry had earlier in the year?" Hermione asked Ron. Ron just shrugged and so they dropped the subject and left for the Gryffindor tower.
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The Order meeting got under way just like before. The same topics were brought up and most of them remained unchanged. Since Voldemort hasn't attacked anywhere else other than the Dursley house, the public wasn't really worried. And the Ministry was dismissing it as an isolated incident, and it was kept off the Daily Prophet so the public was unaware of the attack. Also the Minister Fudge was still refusing to believe that Voldemort has returned, even after all of them letters that Dumbledore had been sending him. Than it was Snape's turn to report any news about Death Eater meetings and possible activities.
"There's nothing new to report, Albus. Voldemort has held a few gatherings but not many. And as you know he doesn't trust everyone in his ranks. So he's keeping his plans if he has any to only his most trusted servants. He doesn't trust me that much anymore, so if he does have any plans I probably won't hear of it until they're ready to commence it. But I can report that he is getting more recruits though slowly but it is slowly getting bigger." reported Severus and Albus thanked him. Than he turned his attention to Harry.
"Harry? Have you had any dreams lately concerning Voldemort?" he asked. Since both he and Harry knew that his scar is link between him and Voldemort. Harry suddenly got nervous and incredibly pale when he remembered the nightmare. He wasn't sure if he should tell them about it, thinking that they might think he's insane. Still nervous and not trusting his face, he stared down at his hands, and replied "No, Albus I haven't any." Trying to keep his voice emotionless, hoping that they didn't notice he was nervous. Unfortunately Dumbledore saw that Harry was nervous about answering that question, since he was right next to him. And Sirius knew instantly that Harry was lying, from the look on his face from where he was seating. He probably wouldn't have thought about it much if Ron and Hermione didn't inform him about Harry's strange behavior. But neither of them said anything, seeing that there were others in the room. The meeting continued as scheduled. Harry really didn't pay much attention to it though, until the issue about help from the Elves came up.
"Do you know if the Elves are going to help us, Mr. Fletcher?" Dumbledore asked.
"I have sent them letters concerning our situation. And I keep getting the same response, and I quote, 'We await his arrival.' That's all they say in response. Mind that they haven't exactly been on good terms with humans in general for a very long time too. As you know they value their privacy and they don't like interfering with other races affairs. But based on their response, I think they are willing to help. I don't know how, and I still know what they mean by 'his arrival'. reported Mr. Fletcher.
"Thank you, I see what I can do also. Since I'm on slightly better terms with the Elves than the Ministry." Dumbledore said in the firm voice. "Well I believe that's enough for now. I inform all of you of our next meeting. Good night everyone."
Everyone got up and made their way to the door. Dumbledore was heading towards the door when he noticed that Sirius was still sitting in his chair. He appeared to be in deep thought, not even noticing that the meeting is over. Slowly Dumbledore walked over to him, and placed his hand on his shoulder, which brought him back to reality.
"Oh. Albus is the meeting over?" Sirius asked noticing that nobody was there except for the two of them. Sirius' old headmaster chuckled as he took a seat next to him.
"Your wondering why Harry's lied when I asked him about his dreams, aren't you?" Albus asked, with concern showing in his voice. Sirius was a little surprised that he knew what he was thinking, but dismissed the thought.
"Yes I worried about him. How did you know he was lying?" Sirius asked.
"I could see it in his face and eyes. I don't know why though, he's always came to me when he had dreams concerning Voldemort. So why is he lying to me now?" Albus wondered. Sirius already having an idea now since his talk with Ron and Hermione decided it would be better to tell him. So Sirius informed Albus of his suspicions along with Ron and Hermione as well. Albus' face seemed to age as Sirius told him, and now he was filled with even more concern than ever before. After he was finished Sirius looked at Albus wondering if he should bring up a certain subject that was been bothering him since Harry told him how much the Dursleys hated him. Though he never knew that they usual to beat him, and sometimes still did.
"You know Harry is going to have a rough time getting through this. This is usually where a family member would help him." Sirius suggested hoping that Albus would take the initiative. Of course Albus did catch the hidden meaning in Sirius' words.
"I know. But I don't know if this is the right time. From what you've told me, he's already under a lot of stress with so many things happening to him. If I tell him, it may intensify it even more." Albus replied looking down at his hands, not meeting Sirius' eyes.
"Albus you're going to have to tell him some time. You can't keep putting it off forever, he's going to find out soon or later. And I would think it would be better if he found out from you, rather than some other way." Sirius stood up and was now standing next to Albus' chair with a comforting hand on his shoulder. While Albus was in deep thought. / Yes. I have been keeping this secret from him, for a very long time. Now I think is the time, for him to know. /
"Your right, I'll tell him myself. Soon." Sirius looks at him skeptically. "Don't worry Sirius. I'll talk to Harry by the end of the week at the latest. I promise. Right now I'm more worried about what he's not telling us." Sirius nodded in agreement. Both of them left the room and entered Albus' office. Sirius transformed into his animagus again, since some students are still nervous around him even though he was clear of his charges. Even though no students should be out at this hour but just to be safe, he did and left the office.
Albus relaxed in his desk chair and sighed. He relaxed for a minute since so many things were now happening. The Order of Light was starting up again, Voldemort was in hiding and still hasn't done anything which has making him nervous, there was still Hogwarts and Ministry issues, but the one thing that was nagging in his mind was Harry. He saw Harry's face pale and become nervous or scared, he wasn't really certain. Harry was apparently hiding something from them, and he was really hoping that Harry would tell them. If the nightmare was really that bad according to Harry's two friends, what could he have seen that would frighten him that much. Just them Albus heard the humming of a note, he turned his chair around to see Fawkes was there looking at him.
"Well I haven't seen you in a well." Fawkes looked at him worriedly. Than Fawkes turned his attention to a drawer behind Albus's desk. Albus followed his gaze and saw what he was looking at. Albus knew what was in that drawer all to well and reach to open it. After retrieving the book that was in it, he opened it so see pages filled with photos. Some of them had photos of him when he was younger, as an adult, and as a teacher with young students. Than he came across the last page with just two photos on it. The one at the top was a photo of him and his beautiful wife, with them was a young girl about the age 3 – 4 years old and in his wife's arms was their newborn baby girl. She had the cutest face he had ever seen, with red hair, and the one thing that set her apart from all of them was her bright emerald green eyes. Albus stared at the photo as he brought back fond memories, he than turned his attention to the photo at the bottom. There were two adults in it; one was the now not so young baby girl, but a young beautiful woman with red hair and emerald green eyes. With her was her husband with uncontrollable black hair and round glasses. The young lady was holding their newborn son, as her husband held her. Albus closed his eyes and let a single tear slide down the side of his face, in remembering his daughter as he slowly closed the photo album. It sat there in his lap for a while, until Albus put the album back into the drawer and closed it. Albus looked at Fawkes and he just looked back. / I really should tell Harry this; I kept this secret not just from him but from someone else too. And I never told her either, and now she's gone. / Albus thought to himself, as Fawkes stared at him as if asking the same question that Sirius asked him earlier.
"Don't worry Fawkes. I will tell him, this secret has been kept from him long enough." Albus said to his phoenix, who sang a note in approval. Albus stood up out of his chair and headed for his chamber to sleep for the night. Although he wasn't really going to get a lot of sleep as he lay in his bed, he kept wondering. / I know I have to tell Harry. But. How do I tell him that he has another living relative? How do I tell him that I am his grandfather? /
(A/N: Dun. Dun. Dun. I hope you all know that the photos Dumbledore was looking at were wizard photos, so they move around obviously. And the second one you should remember from the first movie)
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Harry was heading to the Gryffindor tower, to turn in for the night since he was really tired no thanks to the nightmare. Suddenly Harry stopped about two corridors from the stairs that lead up to the Gryffindor tower. Harry had been thinking for some time now since the nightmare on how to protect the students here at the school. He knew that there were enchantments already from the founder's era, but if the dream was true than Voldemort had found a way through them. / No. I can't let that happen. I won't. / He thought to himself, as he was now determined to protect the students. Harry turned around and started heading for the library. He knew it was closed since it was pretty late; he used the same passageway as before to get in. Once inside he went straight to the restricted section.
Once there Harry started looking around for any books that might hold anything that he could use, on shield and protection charms or enchantments. After about a half hour search Harry came across several old leather bound books way in the corner of the restricted section that looked promising. After settling in a table, Harry started to read through them. Harry was a little disappointed since most of the shield and protection spells, he either already knew or were impossible to do since it required something to complete it. Harry closed his eyes to take a small break after reading through five thick books and he was very exhausted. After his small break Harry looked at the stack of books that he had gone through, and was about to get up to search again, till he noticed a smaller book of reasonable thickness sitting on the table where the other books used to be. / Strange, I don't remember grabbing that book. I guess I grabbed it when I got the other books. / Seeing no harm in looking through it, he grabbed it and read the title, Forbidden Shield and Wards. Harry was immediately interested and he opened it to the first page.
Harry was surprised that this book had pretty much everything he wanted. In it were a variety of shield and protection spells. Most of them were within his ability to do, since most of them didn't require a certain item. It had spells from protecting yourself to locations against spells, physical attack, and intruders. After just skimming through the book, Harry decided that he would take this one. He quickly put back the other books that he took out of the restricted section, so that nobody would know that someone was in there looking at them. Harry was also happy that none of the ones that he took screamed like the last time in first year. Harry quickly hurried back to the table where he left the book.
Once there he grabbed it and was about to leave through the passageway, when suddenly a burning sensation started in his chest. The burning was painful, and Harry fell to the ground on all fours. Than the burning started to spread to the rest of his body, Harry tried to not scream from the pain. But small audible groans and moans of pain were escaping from this mouth. After about fifteen minutes the burning subsided, Harry was trying to take deep slow breaths to slow down his rapidly beating heart. Harry relaxed on the floor of the library for a few minutes to calm himself down.
Slowly Harry made his way to a window still on the floor to see his reflection. Pulling himself up off the ground and to the window, Harry's eyes widened in shock. He could see a faint reflection of himself in the window, and he looked really tired with faint dark marks under his eyes from the t lack of sleep. But his hair was no longer black; instead it was shimmering silver along with his five golden colored lightning shaped bangs again, just like on his birthday. Also he could feel some kind of strange energy running through him, and he couldn't tell what it was. / Oh no, not again. What's happening to me? I can't have this happen, not now. / Harry once again tired to concentrate just like before at his relative's house. But this time, it was much harder to change back. It was like something was mentally fighting back this time, in order to not change back. After about five minutes of trying Harry was finally able to change his hair back to its black color. Now he was really exhausted, and whatever it was, is still fighting him. To Harry it was like a nagging feeling in the back of his mind, and now he had to concentrate on it to keep it down.
Harry left the library, and headed up to the Astronomy tower to think about what just happened and maybe read some of the spells in the book he found. After arriving getting onto the deck of the tower and closing the door, Harry turned around to find that he wasn't alone. There sitting on the wall watching him was Fawkes. Harry couldn't help but smile at the phoenix. Harry approached the phoenix and once he reached him, he gently stroked Fawkes's plumage.
"I see that you knew I was going to come here. You weren't waiting long were you?" Harry asked the phoenix, who was enjoying the grooming. Fawkes shook his head, saying that he wasn't waiting long. Harry settled down on the deck floor and made himself comfortable as best as he could. Fawkes settled himself again in Harry's lap, while Harry got the spell book out and started reading what shield and protection spells there were in more detail. Thanks to the moonlight that was out and the gentle glow that Fawkes was giving off, Harry was able to read the book with little problem.
After an hour of reading Harry finally found a spell that caught his interest:
One of the most powerful and dangerous magical and physical shields ever created is called the Shield of Light. This spell isn't really a spell as in the normal kind; it is more of an invocation. It doesn't require a wand, or any needed materials to cast it. This invocation calls upon your own magic and desire. This shield can be cast upon a person or a group of people or a location that you wish to protect. The shield strength isn't really dependent on the caster magical power, but more on the caster's desire to protect. If the shield is cast properly, a white dome of light will appear around what you are protecting. This shield will nullify any magical spells fired at it, and anyone from the outside trying to get in will be electrocuted. Those who are inside the shield are completely contained and protected from harm. Unfortunately they are unable to assist the caster should help be needed. Once they are inside it they can do nothing until the shield is brought down.
In theory if the desire to protect is strong enough, this shield can even stop any curse, even the Avada Kedavra. Of course no one wants to test this theory, since the subject might get killed. Again this is uncertain since no one has ever used this invocation in centuries. This invocation when called upon not only draws upon the caster's magic, but also the very life force of the caster and by using their will power he or she can weaves it with his magic to strengthen the shield. Once the shield has been cast there is no way to remove it. Only the one who cast the shield can remove it.
Unfortunately this invocation is also very dangerous. By using it, the caster is giving their life force or energy to power the shield. If the caster keeps the shield up for to long their life energy will deplete itself. If the caster doesn't cancel the shield, he or she will become unconscious while their desire to protect those within the shield continues to drain their energy. As a result when the caster's energy will continue provide for the shield until it is depleted and the shield will dissipate, leaving the caster dead. This is one of the fears of using this invocation, when the person casts it they have be prepared for the inevitable. Of course should the caster remove the shield before it drains them of their life energy, than within time the caster will regain all of his energy both magical and life.
Many people believe that this shield invocation should only be used by a person, who is willingly enough to sacrifice themselves to protect those they care about. In order to cast this invocation, the caster has to recite the enchantment while envisioning who or place to that want to protect. The large the area to protect the greater the amount of energy is again to drawn from the caster.
To cast the shield you hold your palm faced out at an angle to the ground and to the person or place that you want to cast it on. While doing this think of the person, place, or thing that you want to protect as you repeat these words:
By the power of my mind
Through the power of my soul
I call upon the Light of my desire
To protect those from evil
I invoke the Shield of LightHarry was both impressed and scared that such a shield existed. It held great power and has the ability to possibly even stop the Killing Curse, but at a great price. The price that you might not survive to remove the shield when the danger has passed since it drains you of your magical and life energy, with the possibility of death. Harry thought what would happen if he didn't use this invocation to protect those at Hogwarts. It would protect all the students and teachers, but that would still leave the Death Eaters outside the shield to just wait for the shield drain him and he would be doing them a favor. / No. / Harry thought firmly to himself, he wasn't going to make it that easy for them. Harry knew there was only one choice, when the attack comes, he would be on the outside of the shield while everyone else was inside and safe. He would fight the Death Eaters and possibly Voldemort to ensure that none of them gets in while the shield is up. And if that meant sacrificing himself, than so be it.
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