Lothey: Wow. I am still floored that you drew such a comical scene based
on my story. I am so pleased, and grateful, and touched! Thank you again,
and as always, thanks for your kind reviews. And because I'm the author
here, by golly, I'm just going to list that link for everyone else to see
your work as well! Thanks again!
http://www.geocities.com/gredandfeorgeareuptonogood/gandf.jpg
Grace, Michelle, Malena, velondra539, Japangirlcarley24, Sou (phew, glad we got that cleared up g), Prongsjr, WillowGyrl29, Someone, mnemosyne, Hyper Princess, ratgirl, Lady FoxFire, summersun, Lynx, Phoenix, CocaCola, and Mija: Well, many of you had questions and hopefully at least a few will be answered here. As always, I am profoundly grateful for the reviews. Thanks again!
Tanya: Ginny's nightmares are more just from her experiences with the diary. No connection to Harry's current ones. You'll have to see what I have in mind for Professor Snape. I find myself eagerly looking forward and oddly anxious to write about him. You'll get more of a picture about Harry's dreams as things progress. Hope the longer chapter makes up for the wait!
Kaydee: Yikes! No pairing here (as this is my first fic, I'm a bit shy about these things…). Yes, they'll eventually learn the truth about Sirius and Remus, but first they must understand what it means to be a prankmaster! 8-)
Kate the Great: I just read your story, and I am so bummed! I thought my idea was original, but I see in your lovely story Harry Potter and the Wish of Dreams that Hermione's idea has already been used. No plagiarism was intended (in my defense, I've been hinting at Hermione's idea for a little while… Sigh. Sometimes it's hard that I am such a Harry Potter fanfiction nut.) 8-(
Nicky: As always, thanks a million! Especially about the date. You rock!
Author's Note: Please note I've changed the rating of this story to PG-13 due to the unpleasant nature of Harry's dreams.
Chapter 13
Sirius jumped as a bony hand rested gently on his shoulder. Opening his eyes blearily, he looked around to find Remus behind him, a cup of tea in his hand. He must have dozed off. Instinctively, Sirius looked over to check up on Harry. He was still asleep, turned on his side with his face burrowed into the back cushion as if to keep out the intrusively cheerful late morning sunshine that was slowly creeping its way through the windows.
"I really wish you'd let me at least make a bed out of some blankets for you. Watching your head bob as you doze, wake yourself up, then doze again is giving me sympathetic whiplash," Remus said, handing the cup of tea to Sirius, who gratefully accepted it. In truth, Sirius was more content on the floor than in a bed now anyway. Perhaps it was all the time spent as 'Snuffles' both in Azkaban and on the run. Sitting was only slightly more difficult. He gulped the hot tea eagerly, savoring the warmth of the drink in an attempt to thaw the chill of fear that had been growing inside him all morning. Remus had allowed it to steep far too long, giving Sirius a sorely needed and deeply appreciated caffeine boost.
"Mmmmph," Sirius said grumpily, curling the toes of his left foot to try to get circulation back to his leg, which had annoyingly fallen asleep. He drank again, finishing the tea and setting the cup gingerly on the coffee table. "Ooooh, I feel like a quaffle that's gone through the hoops one too many times," he said tiredly, his voice quiet.
Harry stirred for a moment, whimpering softly as his hand pressed against his forehead. His fingers were rigidly straight, and a slight hiss of pain escaped his lips before he once more buried his head in the couch cushions. His arm shielded his face from view, and his shoulders tensed. Sirius reached out and gently rubbed Harry's back. After a moment, Harry seemed to relax back into peaceful sleep. Remus' eyes were clouded as he watched Sirius.
"I think his scar hurts all the time now," Sirius said quietly. Remus nodded.
"I do too," Remus agreed, sitting across from Sirius in a chair, settling wearily.
"I don't know what to do," Sirius said with stark candor. It caught Remus by surprise. He blinked a couple of times, considering his answer before responding.
"You're doing it," Remus replied.
"It's not enough," Sirius said, his eyes on Harry as he ran his fingers through his hair roughly. It was a gesture of frustration Remus recognized.
"No, it isn't. But it's the best we can do for now," Remus said, then leaned forward, looking first at Harry, then at Sirius intently.
"And I hate it," Sirius said, flinching at the lost sound his own voice made. Remus was up and in front of him before Sirius realized he'd moved. He held out his hand to Sirius in invitation, but the look on his face made it more of a command.
"Come on, we'll get Ron and Hermione to stay in here for a while. You need some fresh air," Remus commanded. Sirius glanced over at Harry one more time before accepting Remus' hand and wearily standing. He stretched for a moment, arching his back then hunching it forward to try to work out some of the kinks. With a last look to make sure Harry still slept, Sirius turned and followed Remus out of the room, unaware of two green eyes blearily watching them leave before closing again, their expression unreadable.
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Harry awoke to warmth. A soothing, relaxing wave of peace seemed to overwhelm him. Muscles unclenched and nerve endings ceased to spasm and jump painfully. Harry sighed, riding the sensations almost to the brink of sleep again before he realized with a start that his scar had stopped hurting.
Warm, narrow bony fingers with sharp nails shifted on his shoulder, and in the next instant Harry was nearly leaping off the couch fearfully. Blankets flew everywhere as well as limbs as Harry scrambled up out of sleep. Frantic trilling caught his attention as several voices spoke up at once.
"Easy, Harry, it's okay! It's just Fawkes," Hermione said soothingly. Harry grabbed his glasses with trembling hands and looked up to see Fawkes hovering above him, beady eyes wide and distressed. Harry pressed a hand to his heart and took deep breaths for a moment, looking around him. Professor Dumbledore sat across from Harry with a cup of tea in his hand, some of which appeared to have spilt on his beard. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were also in the room, along with Ron and Hermione. They had all rushed forward, reaching out soothingly to Harry to help him settle back on to the couch. Harry flushed uncomfortably.
"Blimey, Harry, I think you gave me a heart attack," Ron said with an edgy laugh.
"I almost gave myself one," Harry joked and shot an apologetic glance up towards Fawkes. Fawkes warbled out a couple more flustered notes before settling once more on Harry's shoulder. Harry suppressed the shudder as Fawkes' talons once again brought up memories of the graveyard and Cedric's uninhabited eyes. He swallowed dryly against the unwelcome flashbacks and closed his eyes briefly. Fawkes seemed to sense his fear and nestled against Harry's neck, making a noise in his ear that could almost be a purr. The memories dissipated as once again a sense of peace seeped into Harry's bones. Running a hand distractedly through his disheveled hair, Harry became aware that the right side of his head was wet. Harry locked eyes with Dumbledore as he felt the moisture against his skull.
"Fawkes' tears…?" Harry asked. Dumbledore nodded brightly.
"He insisted on visiting you for your birthday. I think he wanted to give you a present, too," Dumbledore replied with a faint smile.
Harry sat still for a moment, mentally checking to see how he felt. He held out his hand in front of him for a moment. It still trembled, but not nearly as bad as it had been. He could easily write with a quill now. His stomach, which had been in painful knots for over a month now, was relaxed and… growling again. Harry raised his eyebrows at that.
"How do you feel, Harry?" Arthur Weasley asked intently. Ron and Hermione's eyes were huge as they stared from Fawkes to Harry.
"I feel… much better. Like I could even take a walk, or do something other than just sit," Harry said, then frowned. "What time is it? I thought you weren't supposed to be home until this evening, Mr. Weasley," Harry asked. Mr. Weasley smiled.
"I left early. In fact, Percy is holding down the fort at the moment. He'll be by later… Don't worry, Harry," Mr. Weasley said, raising a hand to forestall Harry's worries about Sirius. "I've already told Sirius when he'll be arriving."
"Where is Sirius?" Harry asked curiously. He hadn't left Harry's side for days now.
"Remus made him go outside for a while. All he had to do was tell Sirius that he was beginning to look as pale as Snape," Ron said with a wry grin. Harry smiled weakly.
"So how much better do you feel?" Hermione asked, as always seeking a more qualified answer.
"I don't think I could play Quidditch, but I think I could risk flying," Harry said wistfully. The idea of flying again nearly made his heart sing… He honestly hadn't thought he'd be able to… 'Stop that. You're feeling better,' Harry corrected himself before that thought ran away with him.
"Perfect! Now you're certain to get better!" Ron said happily. Harry smiled. His friends knew how much flying meant to him.
"That's amazing. I've read of the healing property of phoenix tears, of course, but it's so different to see it happen. You look a lot better, Harry. You're not as pale, and even your eyes seem a bit brighter," Hermione said. Dumbledore raised a hand to interrupt Harry's friends.
"Unfortunately, Fawkes' gift is not a solution. Phoenix tears cannot protect you from future dreams, Harry, and as you can see by the tremors in your hands, you've not been completely healed, either. But he's given us more time to find a more reliable solution," Dumbledore said.
"But can't he do this again the next time Harry gets bad?" Ron demanded, frowning. Hermione shook her head.
"For phoenix tears to contain healing properties, they must be freely given, Ron," Hermione answered.
"And although Fawkes is very fond of Mr. Potter here, he comes and goes as he pleases. He disappears for months at a time in the winter. I assume he goes south somewhere, but no one really knows for sure. Phoenixes are quite reclusive," Dumbledore said. Ron frowned in frustration.
"Does he have to go south?" Ron asked. Harry noted that Fawkes seemed to be eyeing Ron warily, as if he was about to start chasing him with a net at any moment.
"I would never dream of limiting Fawkes' freedom, Mr. Weasley. It is an honor he keeps me company at all. Besides, phoenix tears are only potent during certain times during the Burning Cycle anyway," Dumbledore said seriously. Ron nodded, but wasn't pleased with the answer.
Harry decided to stand, arms outstretched as if he expected to falter. He did have a moment of dizziness, but it quickly passed. Ron and Hermione stood up as well, smiling at Harry's newfound health. Fawkes chirped once, and left Harry's shoulder to return to Dumbledore's.
"Thanks, Fawkes," Harry said sincerely. He looked at the remaining adults for a moment. He knew the healing of the phoenix tears would not last too long. Already he could feel a prickle of energy along his scar, so he quickly decided to make the most of his renewed health while it lasted.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to go outside and maybe try to ride my broom a little," Harry said.
"Please be careful, Harry. Don't fly very high, keep it slow and above all don't push yourself," Mrs. Weasley, concerned. Harry nodded agreeably. "Perhaps the twins should accompany you, just in case. Has that Reverse Gravity spell worn off yet?" she asked all three Gryffindors. Harry shrugged, and both Ron and Hermione shook their heads.
"I don't think so," Ron replied just as a loud crash shook the ceiling above them. Cursing was clearly audible, but the twins' voices were too faint to hear the words. 'Good thing,' Harry thought as he saw Mrs. Weasley frown in disapproval.
"It is now," Hermione said with a straight face.
"Why don't you fetch the twins, Ron, and see if Ginny wants to join you outside as well?" Mrs. Weasley instructed, glancing at Dumbledore for a moment, who faintly nodded. Harry frowned. So they were clearing out everyone for a talk, were they? Harry sighed. He probably didn't want to know anyway.
As they left the room, Hermione quietly said something to Mr. Weasley, who looked serious but nodded. Hermione smiled in what looked like gratitude and headed towards the back door. Harry grabbed his broom as Mrs. Weasley called, "Could you send in Remus and Sirius when you see them?"
"Certainly," Hermione replied. Harry glanced back once more to the adults remaining in the living room, and squelched his own desire to eavesdrop. He'd listened to the worry in Sirius' voice earlier, and decided that some conversations were better left unheard.
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"I think it's time you hear first hand what Voldemort's been doing over the summer. This is Harry's dream journal," Dumbledore said solemnly. Dumbledore handed Sirius the journal to read first. Everyone's eyes were on him. Sirius took the journal gingerly from Dumbledore, suppressing the guilt he felt at reading something so personal. Well, maybe it was guilt at the eagerness to read something so personal. After all, he'd been desperate to try to understand how to help Harry when he awoke from his nightmares, but Harry was always loathe to talk about them.
"Is there a certain page you want me to read?" Sirius asked. Dumbledore shook his head, his blue eyes solemn.
"Any page will do," he replied gravely. Sirius opened the book, letting the pages fall open randomly. The first thing Sirius noted was how Harry's writing had deteriorated drastically from the notes he'd written last year. Sirius began to read…
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July13th
I'm in someone's bedroom. Actually, there are two people: a couple. They're really young. Voldemort is already in the room by the time my dream starts. He's taken the man's wand and is taunting him with it. She's terrified. She keeps asking the man… Ted, his name is Ted. She keeps asking Ted what's going on. I don't think she even knows who the Death Eaters are or who Voldemort is, so I'm assuming she's a Muggle.
Voldemort is telling Ted about how wrong it is that he's married a Muggle. She tries to dive for the phone to call the police, but Voldemort freezes her with the Imperious Curse. He… um… he… Headmaster… Voldemort makes her do things with the other Death Eaters, and then with himself. She's crying while it's happening. Two of the Death Eaters are holding the man down. Voldemort says he likes to hear his screams. Her name is Maggie. They're… they're brutal with her, sir. I'd rather not say more than that. I know this journal is supposed to help and all, but… well… I don't see how retelling this dream in detail will help anyone. When he's done with her, he puts her under the Cruciatus Curse. He holds her under it for a long time, and I know he means to kill her with it. And him. Then I wake up.
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'No oh no, oh no, oh no, no, not Harry, not this, oh no…" Sirius realized he'd been thinking over and over. He set the journal down and looked across to Dumbledore, whose expression was solemn, even sad. Sirius watched as Remus leaned over to pick up the journal. Remus' eyes widened the moment he began to read after flipping it open randomly as well.
Sirius felt sick inside, disgusted. He felt horrified that Harry had to experience this, had to talk about this, had to see this. How on Earth was he going to be able to help Harry through this? What could anyone say to reassure a teenage boy who saw people sadistically murdered nearly every night? It was a wonder Harry had any appetite at all. Merlin help him.
"How long?" Sirius asked hoarsely. His voice trembled.
"Two weeks after the Tri Wizard Tournament ended Harry's dreams began," Dumbledore replied gravely.
"Has there been anything of value learned through these dreams? Any important intelligence that we could have gotten no other way?" Remus asked as he handed the book off to Arthur Weasley as if it scolded his hands. "Because I don't see how we can let Harry dream at all, if this is the sort of thing he's been seeing," he continued. Sirius nodded his head in total agreement.
"I agree. There may come a time when we'll need these dreams of Harry's, but for now it is doing nothing but harm," Dumbledore agreed. "Unfortunately, the human mind needs to dream. Even if Severus were to come up with a non-addictive, side effect free Dreamless Sleeping potion tomorrow, Harry would still be harmed. I read the initial reports that came out when Dreamless Sleep was invented hundreds of years ago. Set aside all the known problems with the potion. Subjects with amazing constitutions who hadn't initially been affected any other way still couldn't take more than three or four weeks before their sanity began to be seriously affected. Within two months, most were driven mad," Dumbledore said solemnly.
Arthur Weasley's face was sickly pale as he gave the journal to Molly. Sirius could see the reluctance in his eyes. He did not want to have Molly read it. Sirius couldn't blame him. He wished he hadn't read it himself. Sirius locked eyes with Remus for a moment. This was bad. Far worse then he'd feared… and Sirius had quite an imagination. He knew Harry was witnessing torture and possibly death. He hadn't realized just how many ways, though, Voldemort had for doing it. He should have. After all, the man tried to kill a one-year-old child.
"So how have I not heard about this?" Arthur Weasley interjected. "I know the list of Missing Persons the Ministry keeps has tripled in the last month or so, but I haven't seen anything about murders. How could Fudge keep this under wraps internally?" he asked, directing his question to Dumbledore.
"Fudge is terrified to lose his position. He's surrounded himself with people whose loyalty he doesn't question. Even the Aurors he uses are hand chosen. While everyone is on the sidelines chasing red herrings, his own team is covering up evidence of Voldemort's return," Dumbledore said.
"What about bodies? The houses? The Dark Mark?" Sirius asked.
"The Dark Mark fades in a day. Oblivate the neighbors, and no one is the wiser. Even Unforgivable signatures fade. All Fudge has to do is keep everyone from where the murders were committed for a month or two, and almost all of the evidence will be gone. As for the bodies… I don't know what he's doing with them. But we need to find out. At this point, all we need is evidence that Fudge is perpetuating a fraud on the wizard community, and his term is over," Dumbledore said.
Arthur Weasley nodded grimly and put his arm around Molly as she began to sob. The journal slipped from her hands to fall on the floor. "He can't keep this under wraps forever, though. If nothing else, there are too many loved ones looking for the dead," Arthur said. Dumbledore nodded.
"And that is why I believe he's already putting the pieces in place for a distraction when that happens," Dumbledore said. Sirius felt a chill run up his spine.
"Harry," Sirius said.
"That's right, Sirius. Harry. I believe that is why he's been pushing to have Harry investigated for Mr. Diggory's death. It will certainly keep the Daily Prophet occupied for a while," Dumbledore agreed.
"The Boy Who Lived being investigated for Tri Wizard Tournament champion and fellow schoolmate's death. Page One. The list of missing wizards and witches triples in one month. Page Seven," Arthur said in disgust. "How very brave of Fudge, to offer up the innocence of a teenage boy to save his job," he continued, and Sirius realized how heavily this sat on Arthur's shoulders. Sirius suspected that, as much as Arthur loved his job, he would have quit a long time ago in protest if Dumbledore hadn't needed sources within the Ministry of Magic.
"But we still have time before that happens, right?" Remus asked quietly. Dumbledore slipped his fingers underneath his glasses and massaged the bridge of his nose.
"Yes, I believe we still have time," Dumbledore said.
"Then our first priority must be to stop these dreams," Molly said. Her eyes were still red and puffy, but her voice was firm and clear.
"Headmaster?" a timid voice called from the doorway. Sirius spun anxiously in his chair. He watched Remus stand, then change his mind and abruptly sit again. Hermione stood, looking distraught as she saw Molly's tear stained face.
"Yes, Ms. Granger?" Dumbledore asked kindly. Sirius prayed she hadn't overheard much.
"I had an idea I wanted to talk to you about, but I have a few questions before I suggest it. I wanted to ask them when Harry wasn't around," Hermione said, nearly shrinking in on herself at the scrutiny of everyone in the room.
"Please go ahead," Dumbledore said reassuringly.
1.1 "Well, when are these attacks happening? Are there attacks day and night, or just during the night?" Hermione asked in a rush. Sirius stilled in surprise. Clever girl. "I mean… I've seen Harry resting okay during the day. I mean, he still has nightmares, but he doesn't write about them. I think they're normal nightmares, not… not the ones with You Know Who in them," she said. Dumbledore began to smile.
"Out of the mouths of babes…" Remus muttered under his breath. Sirius felt himself nodding enthusiastically.
"You are correct, Ms. Granger," Dumbledore said with a gentle smile. "For now, Voldemort still prefers the shadows. If Harry were to just sleep during the day and stay up through the night… it is certainly a valuable idea. One I suggest we put to use the moment he goes off the Dreamless Sleep potion again. Thank you, Ms. Granger," Dumbledore gently dismissed Hermione. Hermione smiled brightly then spun on her heel and ran out of the room.
"Death Eater attacks used to occur all the time, not just at night," Arthur said, referring to the time before James and Lily's death. Remus and Sirius nodded.
"Very true. Voldemort will not need to remain hidden for long as his power increases. He is growing stronger daily, and soon will be bold enough to not fear the light of day," Dumbledore stated. Arthur nodded.
"And we're making it so easy for him to return," Sirius said in disgust.
"Especially with Fudge working so hard to clean up after him," Arthur said bitterly. "By the time the public knows…"
"That is why it is imperative we find the bodies," Dumbledore said firmly.
"I assume they are already being looked for?" Remus asked. Dumbledore nodded.
"I have others searching, but I need your help as well, Arthur. Please keep an eye out for any suspicious expenses. Mentions of a location you aren't familiar with. Anything odd. There's every possibility you may stumble across something, because if Fudge is nothing else, he is a bureaucrat," Dumbledore said. Arthur nodded, and Sirius could see he was pleased to be able to help. "Just don't risk exposure, Arthur. I need you, so don't take any risks that could jeopardize your position there," he continued. Arthur nodded again, and Sirius watched him squeeze Molly's hand.
"We still have a little time, then. Time Harry desperately needs," Remus said, trying to smile reassuringly at Sirius. While Sirius appreciated it, he was having a hard time not leaping out of his chair and tracking down Fudge to kill him while he ate his lunch.
"So Harry gets three days reprieve with the potion, then we change his sleeping schedule," Sirius said, trying to refocus. It tasted bitter in his mouth to be able to do so little.
"I will also have Severus observe Harry for a couple of days once he's off the potion," Dumbledore said. Sirius knew if he were 'Snuffles' his hackles would be raising.
"What could Snape possibly be able to help Harry with?" Sirius nearly spat. Remus shot Sirius a warning look. 'Respect for a colleague my foot,' Sirius thought to Remus, daring him to try once again to change his opinion of the man.
"I think you would be surprised just how much Severus can help," Dumbledore said with certainty. Sirius had to repress a snort.
Grace, Michelle, Malena, velondra539, Japangirlcarley24, Sou (phew, glad we got that cleared up g), Prongsjr, WillowGyrl29, Someone, mnemosyne, Hyper Princess, ratgirl, Lady FoxFire, summersun, Lynx, Phoenix, CocaCola, and Mija: Well, many of you had questions and hopefully at least a few will be answered here. As always, I am profoundly grateful for the reviews. Thanks again!
Tanya: Ginny's nightmares are more just from her experiences with the diary. No connection to Harry's current ones. You'll have to see what I have in mind for Professor Snape. I find myself eagerly looking forward and oddly anxious to write about him. You'll get more of a picture about Harry's dreams as things progress. Hope the longer chapter makes up for the wait!
Kaydee: Yikes! No pairing here (as this is my first fic, I'm a bit shy about these things…). Yes, they'll eventually learn the truth about Sirius and Remus, but first they must understand what it means to be a prankmaster! 8-)
Kate the Great: I just read your story, and I am so bummed! I thought my idea was original, but I see in your lovely story Harry Potter and the Wish of Dreams that Hermione's idea has already been used. No plagiarism was intended (in my defense, I've been hinting at Hermione's idea for a little while… Sigh. Sometimes it's hard that I am such a Harry Potter fanfiction nut.) 8-(
Nicky: As always, thanks a million! Especially about the date. You rock!
Author's Note: Please note I've changed the rating of this story to PG-13 due to the unpleasant nature of Harry's dreams.
Chapter 13
Sirius jumped as a bony hand rested gently on his shoulder. Opening his eyes blearily, he looked around to find Remus behind him, a cup of tea in his hand. He must have dozed off. Instinctively, Sirius looked over to check up on Harry. He was still asleep, turned on his side with his face burrowed into the back cushion as if to keep out the intrusively cheerful late morning sunshine that was slowly creeping its way through the windows.
"I really wish you'd let me at least make a bed out of some blankets for you. Watching your head bob as you doze, wake yourself up, then doze again is giving me sympathetic whiplash," Remus said, handing the cup of tea to Sirius, who gratefully accepted it. In truth, Sirius was more content on the floor than in a bed now anyway. Perhaps it was all the time spent as 'Snuffles' both in Azkaban and on the run. Sitting was only slightly more difficult. He gulped the hot tea eagerly, savoring the warmth of the drink in an attempt to thaw the chill of fear that had been growing inside him all morning. Remus had allowed it to steep far too long, giving Sirius a sorely needed and deeply appreciated caffeine boost.
"Mmmmph," Sirius said grumpily, curling the toes of his left foot to try to get circulation back to his leg, which had annoyingly fallen asleep. He drank again, finishing the tea and setting the cup gingerly on the coffee table. "Ooooh, I feel like a quaffle that's gone through the hoops one too many times," he said tiredly, his voice quiet.
Harry stirred for a moment, whimpering softly as his hand pressed against his forehead. His fingers were rigidly straight, and a slight hiss of pain escaped his lips before he once more buried his head in the couch cushions. His arm shielded his face from view, and his shoulders tensed. Sirius reached out and gently rubbed Harry's back. After a moment, Harry seemed to relax back into peaceful sleep. Remus' eyes were clouded as he watched Sirius.
"I think his scar hurts all the time now," Sirius said quietly. Remus nodded.
"I do too," Remus agreed, sitting across from Sirius in a chair, settling wearily.
"I don't know what to do," Sirius said with stark candor. It caught Remus by surprise. He blinked a couple of times, considering his answer before responding.
"You're doing it," Remus replied.
"It's not enough," Sirius said, his eyes on Harry as he ran his fingers through his hair roughly. It was a gesture of frustration Remus recognized.
"No, it isn't. But it's the best we can do for now," Remus said, then leaned forward, looking first at Harry, then at Sirius intently.
"And I hate it," Sirius said, flinching at the lost sound his own voice made. Remus was up and in front of him before Sirius realized he'd moved. He held out his hand to Sirius in invitation, but the look on his face made it more of a command.
"Come on, we'll get Ron and Hermione to stay in here for a while. You need some fresh air," Remus commanded. Sirius glanced over at Harry one more time before accepting Remus' hand and wearily standing. He stretched for a moment, arching his back then hunching it forward to try to work out some of the kinks. With a last look to make sure Harry still slept, Sirius turned and followed Remus out of the room, unaware of two green eyes blearily watching them leave before closing again, their expression unreadable.
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Harry awoke to warmth. A soothing, relaxing wave of peace seemed to overwhelm him. Muscles unclenched and nerve endings ceased to spasm and jump painfully. Harry sighed, riding the sensations almost to the brink of sleep again before he realized with a start that his scar had stopped hurting.
Warm, narrow bony fingers with sharp nails shifted on his shoulder, and in the next instant Harry was nearly leaping off the couch fearfully. Blankets flew everywhere as well as limbs as Harry scrambled up out of sleep. Frantic trilling caught his attention as several voices spoke up at once.
"Easy, Harry, it's okay! It's just Fawkes," Hermione said soothingly. Harry grabbed his glasses with trembling hands and looked up to see Fawkes hovering above him, beady eyes wide and distressed. Harry pressed a hand to his heart and took deep breaths for a moment, looking around him. Professor Dumbledore sat across from Harry with a cup of tea in his hand, some of which appeared to have spilt on his beard. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were also in the room, along with Ron and Hermione. They had all rushed forward, reaching out soothingly to Harry to help him settle back on to the couch. Harry flushed uncomfortably.
"Blimey, Harry, I think you gave me a heart attack," Ron said with an edgy laugh.
"I almost gave myself one," Harry joked and shot an apologetic glance up towards Fawkes. Fawkes warbled out a couple more flustered notes before settling once more on Harry's shoulder. Harry suppressed the shudder as Fawkes' talons once again brought up memories of the graveyard and Cedric's uninhabited eyes. He swallowed dryly against the unwelcome flashbacks and closed his eyes briefly. Fawkes seemed to sense his fear and nestled against Harry's neck, making a noise in his ear that could almost be a purr. The memories dissipated as once again a sense of peace seeped into Harry's bones. Running a hand distractedly through his disheveled hair, Harry became aware that the right side of his head was wet. Harry locked eyes with Dumbledore as he felt the moisture against his skull.
"Fawkes' tears…?" Harry asked. Dumbledore nodded brightly.
"He insisted on visiting you for your birthday. I think he wanted to give you a present, too," Dumbledore replied with a faint smile.
Harry sat still for a moment, mentally checking to see how he felt. He held out his hand in front of him for a moment. It still trembled, but not nearly as bad as it had been. He could easily write with a quill now. His stomach, which had been in painful knots for over a month now, was relaxed and… growling again. Harry raised his eyebrows at that.
"How do you feel, Harry?" Arthur Weasley asked intently. Ron and Hermione's eyes were huge as they stared from Fawkes to Harry.
"I feel… much better. Like I could even take a walk, or do something other than just sit," Harry said, then frowned. "What time is it? I thought you weren't supposed to be home until this evening, Mr. Weasley," Harry asked. Mr. Weasley smiled.
"I left early. In fact, Percy is holding down the fort at the moment. He'll be by later… Don't worry, Harry," Mr. Weasley said, raising a hand to forestall Harry's worries about Sirius. "I've already told Sirius when he'll be arriving."
"Where is Sirius?" Harry asked curiously. He hadn't left Harry's side for days now.
"Remus made him go outside for a while. All he had to do was tell Sirius that he was beginning to look as pale as Snape," Ron said with a wry grin. Harry smiled weakly.
"So how much better do you feel?" Hermione asked, as always seeking a more qualified answer.
"I don't think I could play Quidditch, but I think I could risk flying," Harry said wistfully. The idea of flying again nearly made his heart sing… He honestly hadn't thought he'd be able to… 'Stop that. You're feeling better,' Harry corrected himself before that thought ran away with him.
"Perfect! Now you're certain to get better!" Ron said happily. Harry smiled. His friends knew how much flying meant to him.
"That's amazing. I've read of the healing property of phoenix tears, of course, but it's so different to see it happen. You look a lot better, Harry. You're not as pale, and even your eyes seem a bit brighter," Hermione said. Dumbledore raised a hand to interrupt Harry's friends.
"Unfortunately, Fawkes' gift is not a solution. Phoenix tears cannot protect you from future dreams, Harry, and as you can see by the tremors in your hands, you've not been completely healed, either. But he's given us more time to find a more reliable solution," Dumbledore said.
"But can't he do this again the next time Harry gets bad?" Ron demanded, frowning. Hermione shook her head.
"For phoenix tears to contain healing properties, they must be freely given, Ron," Hermione answered.
"And although Fawkes is very fond of Mr. Potter here, he comes and goes as he pleases. He disappears for months at a time in the winter. I assume he goes south somewhere, but no one really knows for sure. Phoenixes are quite reclusive," Dumbledore said. Ron frowned in frustration.
"Does he have to go south?" Ron asked. Harry noted that Fawkes seemed to be eyeing Ron warily, as if he was about to start chasing him with a net at any moment.
"I would never dream of limiting Fawkes' freedom, Mr. Weasley. It is an honor he keeps me company at all. Besides, phoenix tears are only potent during certain times during the Burning Cycle anyway," Dumbledore said seriously. Ron nodded, but wasn't pleased with the answer.
Harry decided to stand, arms outstretched as if he expected to falter. He did have a moment of dizziness, but it quickly passed. Ron and Hermione stood up as well, smiling at Harry's newfound health. Fawkes chirped once, and left Harry's shoulder to return to Dumbledore's.
"Thanks, Fawkes," Harry said sincerely. He looked at the remaining adults for a moment. He knew the healing of the phoenix tears would not last too long. Already he could feel a prickle of energy along his scar, so he quickly decided to make the most of his renewed health while it lasted.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to go outside and maybe try to ride my broom a little," Harry said.
"Please be careful, Harry. Don't fly very high, keep it slow and above all don't push yourself," Mrs. Weasley, concerned. Harry nodded agreeably. "Perhaps the twins should accompany you, just in case. Has that Reverse Gravity spell worn off yet?" she asked all three Gryffindors. Harry shrugged, and both Ron and Hermione shook their heads.
"I don't think so," Ron replied just as a loud crash shook the ceiling above them. Cursing was clearly audible, but the twins' voices were too faint to hear the words. 'Good thing,' Harry thought as he saw Mrs. Weasley frown in disapproval.
"It is now," Hermione said with a straight face.
"Why don't you fetch the twins, Ron, and see if Ginny wants to join you outside as well?" Mrs. Weasley instructed, glancing at Dumbledore for a moment, who faintly nodded. Harry frowned. So they were clearing out everyone for a talk, were they? Harry sighed. He probably didn't want to know anyway.
As they left the room, Hermione quietly said something to Mr. Weasley, who looked serious but nodded. Hermione smiled in what looked like gratitude and headed towards the back door. Harry grabbed his broom as Mrs. Weasley called, "Could you send in Remus and Sirius when you see them?"
"Certainly," Hermione replied. Harry glanced back once more to the adults remaining in the living room, and squelched his own desire to eavesdrop. He'd listened to the worry in Sirius' voice earlier, and decided that some conversations were better left unheard.
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"I think it's time you hear first hand what Voldemort's been doing over the summer. This is Harry's dream journal," Dumbledore said solemnly. Dumbledore handed Sirius the journal to read first. Everyone's eyes were on him. Sirius took the journal gingerly from Dumbledore, suppressing the guilt he felt at reading something so personal. Well, maybe it was guilt at the eagerness to read something so personal. After all, he'd been desperate to try to understand how to help Harry when he awoke from his nightmares, but Harry was always loathe to talk about them.
"Is there a certain page you want me to read?" Sirius asked. Dumbledore shook his head, his blue eyes solemn.
"Any page will do," he replied gravely. Sirius opened the book, letting the pages fall open randomly. The first thing Sirius noted was how Harry's writing had deteriorated drastically from the notes he'd written last year. Sirius began to read…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
July13th
I'm in someone's bedroom. Actually, there are two people: a couple. They're really young. Voldemort is already in the room by the time my dream starts. He's taken the man's wand and is taunting him with it. She's terrified. She keeps asking the man… Ted, his name is Ted. She keeps asking Ted what's going on. I don't think she even knows who the Death Eaters are or who Voldemort is, so I'm assuming she's a Muggle.
Voldemort is telling Ted about how wrong it is that he's married a Muggle. She tries to dive for the phone to call the police, but Voldemort freezes her with the Imperious Curse. He… um… he… Headmaster… Voldemort makes her do things with the other Death Eaters, and then with himself. She's crying while it's happening. Two of the Death Eaters are holding the man down. Voldemort says he likes to hear his screams. Her name is Maggie. They're… they're brutal with her, sir. I'd rather not say more than that. I know this journal is supposed to help and all, but… well… I don't see how retelling this dream in detail will help anyone. When he's done with her, he puts her under the Cruciatus Curse. He holds her under it for a long time, and I know he means to kill her with it. And him. Then I wake up.
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'No oh no, oh no, oh no, no, not Harry, not this, oh no…" Sirius realized he'd been thinking over and over. He set the journal down and looked across to Dumbledore, whose expression was solemn, even sad. Sirius watched as Remus leaned over to pick up the journal. Remus' eyes widened the moment he began to read after flipping it open randomly as well.
Sirius felt sick inside, disgusted. He felt horrified that Harry had to experience this, had to talk about this, had to see this. How on Earth was he going to be able to help Harry through this? What could anyone say to reassure a teenage boy who saw people sadistically murdered nearly every night? It was a wonder Harry had any appetite at all. Merlin help him.
"How long?" Sirius asked hoarsely. His voice trembled.
"Two weeks after the Tri Wizard Tournament ended Harry's dreams began," Dumbledore replied gravely.
"Has there been anything of value learned through these dreams? Any important intelligence that we could have gotten no other way?" Remus asked as he handed the book off to Arthur Weasley as if it scolded his hands. "Because I don't see how we can let Harry dream at all, if this is the sort of thing he's been seeing," he continued. Sirius nodded his head in total agreement.
"I agree. There may come a time when we'll need these dreams of Harry's, but for now it is doing nothing but harm," Dumbledore agreed. "Unfortunately, the human mind needs to dream. Even if Severus were to come up with a non-addictive, side effect free Dreamless Sleeping potion tomorrow, Harry would still be harmed. I read the initial reports that came out when Dreamless Sleep was invented hundreds of years ago. Set aside all the known problems with the potion. Subjects with amazing constitutions who hadn't initially been affected any other way still couldn't take more than three or four weeks before their sanity began to be seriously affected. Within two months, most were driven mad," Dumbledore said solemnly.
Arthur Weasley's face was sickly pale as he gave the journal to Molly. Sirius could see the reluctance in his eyes. He did not want to have Molly read it. Sirius couldn't blame him. He wished he hadn't read it himself. Sirius locked eyes with Remus for a moment. This was bad. Far worse then he'd feared… and Sirius had quite an imagination. He knew Harry was witnessing torture and possibly death. He hadn't realized just how many ways, though, Voldemort had for doing it. He should have. After all, the man tried to kill a one-year-old child.
"So how have I not heard about this?" Arthur Weasley interjected. "I know the list of Missing Persons the Ministry keeps has tripled in the last month or so, but I haven't seen anything about murders. How could Fudge keep this under wraps internally?" he asked, directing his question to Dumbledore.
"Fudge is terrified to lose his position. He's surrounded himself with people whose loyalty he doesn't question. Even the Aurors he uses are hand chosen. While everyone is on the sidelines chasing red herrings, his own team is covering up evidence of Voldemort's return," Dumbledore said.
"What about bodies? The houses? The Dark Mark?" Sirius asked.
"The Dark Mark fades in a day. Oblivate the neighbors, and no one is the wiser. Even Unforgivable signatures fade. All Fudge has to do is keep everyone from where the murders were committed for a month or two, and almost all of the evidence will be gone. As for the bodies… I don't know what he's doing with them. But we need to find out. At this point, all we need is evidence that Fudge is perpetuating a fraud on the wizard community, and his term is over," Dumbledore said.
Arthur Weasley nodded grimly and put his arm around Molly as she began to sob. The journal slipped from her hands to fall on the floor. "He can't keep this under wraps forever, though. If nothing else, there are too many loved ones looking for the dead," Arthur said. Dumbledore nodded.
"And that is why I believe he's already putting the pieces in place for a distraction when that happens," Dumbledore said. Sirius felt a chill run up his spine.
"Harry," Sirius said.
"That's right, Sirius. Harry. I believe that is why he's been pushing to have Harry investigated for Mr. Diggory's death. It will certainly keep the Daily Prophet occupied for a while," Dumbledore agreed.
"The Boy Who Lived being investigated for Tri Wizard Tournament champion and fellow schoolmate's death. Page One. The list of missing wizards and witches triples in one month. Page Seven," Arthur said in disgust. "How very brave of Fudge, to offer up the innocence of a teenage boy to save his job," he continued, and Sirius realized how heavily this sat on Arthur's shoulders. Sirius suspected that, as much as Arthur loved his job, he would have quit a long time ago in protest if Dumbledore hadn't needed sources within the Ministry of Magic.
"But we still have time before that happens, right?" Remus asked quietly. Dumbledore slipped his fingers underneath his glasses and massaged the bridge of his nose.
"Yes, I believe we still have time," Dumbledore said.
"Then our first priority must be to stop these dreams," Molly said. Her eyes were still red and puffy, but her voice was firm and clear.
"Headmaster?" a timid voice called from the doorway. Sirius spun anxiously in his chair. He watched Remus stand, then change his mind and abruptly sit again. Hermione stood, looking distraught as she saw Molly's tear stained face.
"Yes, Ms. Granger?" Dumbledore asked kindly. Sirius prayed she hadn't overheard much.
"I had an idea I wanted to talk to you about, but I have a few questions before I suggest it. I wanted to ask them when Harry wasn't around," Hermione said, nearly shrinking in on herself at the scrutiny of everyone in the room.
"Please go ahead," Dumbledore said reassuringly.
1.1 "Well, when are these attacks happening? Are there attacks day and night, or just during the night?" Hermione asked in a rush. Sirius stilled in surprise. Clever girl. "I mean… I've seen Harry resting okay during the day. I mean, he still has nightmares, but he doesn't write about them. I think they're normal nightmares, not… not the ones with You Know Who in them," she said. Dumbledore began to smile.
"Out of the mouths of babes…" Remus muttered under his breath. Sirius felt himself nodding enthusiastically.
"You are correct, Ms. Granger," Dumbledore said with a gentle smile. "For now, Voldemort still prefers the shadows. If Harry were to just sleep during the day and stay up through the night… it is certainly a valuable idea. One I suggest we put to use the moment he goes off the Dreamless Sleep potion again. Thank you, Ms. Granger," Dumbledore gently dismissed Hermione. Hermione smiled brightly then spun on her heel and ran out of the room.
"Death Eater attacks used to occur all the time, not just at night," Arthur said, referring to the time before James and Lily's death. Remus and Sirius nodded.
"Very true. Voldemort will not need to remain hidden for long as his power increases. He is growing stronger daily, and soon will be bold enough to not fear the light of day," Dumbledore stated. Arthur nodded.
"And we're making it so easy for him to return," Sirius said in disgust.
"Especially with Fudge working so hard to clean up after him," Arthur said bitterly. "By the time the public knows…"
"That is why it is imperative we find the bodies," Dumbledore said firmly.
"I assume they are already being looked for?" Remus asked. Dumbledore nodded.
"I have others searching, but I need your help as well, Arthur. Please keep an eye out for any suspicious expenses. Mentions of a location you aren't familiar with. Anything odd. There's every possibility you may stumble across something, because if Fudge is nothing else, he is a bureaucrat," Dumbledore said. Arthur nodded, and Sirius could see he was pleased to be able to help. "Just don't risk exposure, Arthur. I need you, so don't take any risks that could jeopardize your position there," he continued. Arthur nodded again, and Sirius watched him squeeze Molly's hand.
"We still have a little time, then. Time Harry desperately needs," Remus said, trying to smile reassuringly at Sirius. While Sirius appreciated it, he was having a hard time not leaping out of his chair and tracking down Fudge to kill him while he ate his lunch.
"So Harry gets three days reprieve with the potion, then we change his sleeping schedule," Sirius said, trying to refocus. It tasted bitter in his mouth to be able to do so little.
"I will also have Severus observe Harry for a couple of days once he's off the potion," Dumbledore said. Sirius knew if he were 'Snuffles' his hackles would be raising.
"What could Snape possibly be able to help Harry with?" Sirius nearly spat. Remus shot Sirius a warning look. 'Respect for a colleague my foot,' Sirius thought to Remus, daring him to try once again to change his opinion of the man.
"I think you would be surprised just how much Severus can help," Dumbledore said with certainty. Sirius had to repress a snort.