OK, I promised I'd update as soon as I could. I hope you all like this. As
always, please let me know what you think.
Onkel - Thanks for the review. Hope you like this next chapter.
Peachy Keen - Sorry that I kept you waiting there! Won't happen again, hope you like the rest of the story.
Linky2 - Erm, Bump? Is that, well, good? Thanks anyway!
Sew2100 - Thanks for reviewing again. Please let me know what you make of this chapter.
YoSHi - Great to read your comments again. I'll try and answer your other queries as the story goes on but of course, I'm going to keep you guessing!
Ok - on we go..
Chapter 18 - The Massacre
Harry headed to Dumbledore's office as quickly as he could, being careful to keep his emotions in check. He knew he couldn't allow Rosenna to get free again but there were so many thoughts running through his head. He knew Selina was being deadly serious and wouldn't think twice about running to the ministry. Even though Fudge had accepted the truth about Voldemort, it didn't mean he trusted Dumbledore or Harry. In fact, Harry was sure Fudge hated them more, for making him look like an idiot in front of the whole wizarding world.
Harry stopped outside Dumbledores office, trying to steel his nerves. He had made up his mind and knew what he had to do but that didn't make it any easier. He stood outside for a few minutes, working out what he was going to say. Finally, after plucking up his courage as far as it would go, he said quietly "Sugar Swizzler," and the door swung open. After one last deep breath, he entered and the door closed behind him.
Harry walked slowly though the room. Dumbledore was stood beside Fawkes and turned as Harry walked towards him. "Back so soon, Harry?" Harry smiled at his Headmaster. "Erm, there was something else I needed to tell you Professor, I should have told you this ages ago actually but I was scared." Dumbledore sighed, went to his desk and sat down. "I guess there was something you weren't telling me Harry. I could see it in your eyes. Now, tell me what is worrying you." Harry sat opposite him and swallowed hard. How should he being?
"Ok," he began, "As you know, I saw the vision of Lucius Malfoy at my Aunt's place. He warned me that something was coming; he said all wizards, witches and muggles should be worried, including Voldemort. He said something called Alezina was coming." Dumbledore put up his hand at this to stop Harry. "Alezina, you mentioned that name before." Harry nodded. "Yes, at that meeting the Order had. At the time, I thought he meant Rosenna, but now." Dumbledore shook his head. "Alezina is something quite different Harry and it is not a witch, nor wizard but something more." Harry watched Dumbledore, listening closely. "Not much is known about Alezina, there was a prophecy about it a long time ago. Supposedly, a power will be born to us, stronger and more terrible than any before it. I have no idea if this will be a force for good. The vision you had was quite right however, we should all fear this force. According to the prophecy, it has the power to destroy the whole world in a blink of an eye." Harry had listened to this in shock, fear growing inside him. "But why was I warned Professor and why is it called Alezina?" "Why you were told of this Harry, I have no idea. Alezina is a from a very ancient wizarding language. I believe it means unity, or something close to that. The translation isn't great, I'm afraid!" Harry grinned and thought back again to his conversation with Malfoy. "Another thing Professor, the vision told me that Voldemort was concerned about the danger but you were turning a blind eye, what did that mean?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at this. "I don't know Harry, I'm sorry. We'll have to wait and see." Harry nodded. "One more thing Sir, Professor Snape knew about Alezina. He said it needed blood of a founder but he didn't know about Rosenna, why is that?" Dumbledore sighed. "It seems to me that Voldemort has been being very careful about what information he allows Professor Snape to hear. I suppose he instructed all his trusted Death Eaters not to mention Rosenna to Severus, but he did hear about Alezina. We should be grateful Harry, this information is very important." Harry nodded and then said quietly "It's my blood they need isn't it?" Dumbledore frowned. "Yours, or Tom Riddles of course. I think we can safely presume though that it is yours Rosenna is after." Dumbledore gave Harry a quick smile. "No need to fear this Harry, I will keep you safe, I promise. Now please, continue.
Harry again thought back. "A few days after that, I saw the Ravenscar in my room. I told you all about that before but -" Harry paused, Dumbledore's blue eyes were watching him closely and he felt so nervous. "There was something else I should have told you before. The Ravenscar did something to me. It burned my arm and left a mark." Harry stopped immediately as Dumbledore jumped up and moved straight to Harry. "Show me". Harry pulled up his sleeve and held his arm out to Dumbledore, who recoiled at the mark. He then moved his hand over the burn. "You should have told me about this straightaway Harry," Dumbledore said softly. "This mark, I can feel the power from it. This is Rosenna's mark, what she used to control people back in her day. She made her Ravenscars pass it on, which was exactly what happened to you. I assume she has been entering your mind through this." Harry was watching the floor, ashamed. He nodded slowly. "What has she made you do Harry?" Dumbledore asked him, kindly. "Well, there was Michael Corner but I don't remember what I did to him." Dumbledore sighed. "ROSENNA tortured him for a long time Harry, you didn't do anything. He is still unconscious, I'm afraid I cannot tell you when or even if he will wake up." Harry shut his eyes tightly, Luna's dead staring eyes appeared in his head again and he wiped away a tear.
Dumbledore was waiting for him to continue. "Erm", Harry said, "I also attacked Cho Chang but she got away, and there was, well, eh, Luna." Dumbledore glanced at him. "Luna Lovegood? She hasn't been seen for a day or two. Where is she Harry?" Harry felt more tears well up in his eyes and tried desperately to keep himself together. "She came to me, warned me about Ron, who has been acting really strangely lately. I guess I lost control as I felt Rosenna take control. She pushed me out of my own mind, I couldn't do anything." Harry realised that Dumbledore now had hold of his arm, supporting him. "I could feel Rosenna's anger, her excitement and her hatred of Luna. She took out my wand, and, and -" Dumbledore's face was graver than Harry had ever seen. "Tell me, Harry, tell me what happened." "I, I killed her," he whimpered. "I killed her for no reason, I did it, I can't get her face out of my head, I ." and Harry fell to the ground sobbing. Everything that he had kept inside him, the pain, the fear, just exploded inside him and he couldn't stop the tears. He crumpled himself into a ball and Dumbledore helped him to his feet. "Listen to me Harry, you didn't kill her. You were used as a weapon. Rosenna is the murderer; you must put those thoughts out of your head. PLEASE Harry." Harry's looked up at Dumbledore. "Don't let them do this to you my friend, you are stronger than this." Harry nodded his head at Dumbledore and wiped his eyes. "I'm sorry Professor." Dumbledore smiled. "You should have told me about that mark Harry but that was the only thing you did wrong. Believe me. Harry, you must tell me, where is Luna now." Harry looked at Dumbledore in shock. "Her body Harry, it must be brought back to Hogwarts, where is she?" Harry swallowed again. Although Dumbledore had managed to make him feel calmer, the thought of Luna's body made him feel sick. "I buried her Professor, she made me. In the Forest." Dumbledore frowned for a moment. "Very well," he said, "then we cannot allow Luna too sat out there alone for a moment longer. We must go and fetch her back Harry, immediately." Harry gasped. "But Sir, its dark and Snape told me that it was really dangerous to go to the Forest at night." "He's quite right Harry, but I refuse to leave Luna out in that place any longer. Come Harry, there is nothing to fear when you are with me." Harry nodded and got to his feet and walked, with Dumbledore to the door.
The stepped out of the office and walked towards the staircase, not knowing that someone was spying on them as they went. Selina Umbridge frowned as she watched them walk down the steps, then turned and disappeared in the other direction, moving as quickly as she could.
Dumbledore and Harry walked though the entrance hall together. Harry knew how dangerous it was for the two of them to go into the Forest at night but if Dumbledore said it was OK then he guessed it was. "How is Hagrid Professor?" Dumbledore gave Harry a sad look. "Still unconscious I'm afraid Harry. I will be honest with you, Hagrid took a very bad beating that night and I don't know if he ever will wake up. If he had been human, he certainly would be dead. We mustn't allow anyone else to get hurt Harry. I intend to put a stop to this as soon as possible, believe me." They walked towards the huge front doors, which magically opened as they approached and walked through, heading towards the Forest.
As soon as they entered, Dumbledore pulled his wand out. "Cast lumos for me please Harry, I need my own wand." Harry nodded and waved his wand stating "lumos" and a bright light lit at the end of his wand. Dumbledore pointed his own wand out in front of him and whispered "pointus" and a small green light appeared on the ground. Harry gasped. "Just a small guiding spell Harry, it will lead us to Luna. Now please, keep you wits about you at all time, I can feel the hatred in this forest, it is overpowering." Dumbledore walked deeper into the Forest, with Harry following.
The walked quite a way without getting noticed at all. This seemed to be worrying Dumbledore. "Where are the Centaurs Harry? The unicorns? The other creatures of the Forest?" Harry snorted. "The Centaurs have probably run away, scared of what you will do to them. They deserve whatever they get, after what they did to Hagrid." Dumbledore stopped and turned round to look at Harry. "We are not here for revenge Harry. I will deal with what happened to Hagrid in due time. The most important thing is to find Luna, THAT is why we are here." Harry felt this was unfair. "I know that Sir but the Centaurs have gone crazy. You can't let them live here now." "I would never force any creature out of their home Harry." That seemed to bring the conversation to an end but Harry still felt angry. He walked behind Dumbledore, but didn't speak.
Suddenly, Dumbledore stopped dead. "Did you hear something Harry?" he asked. "No Sir," Harry replied, shortly. "I'm sure I heard a cry," Dumbledore said, staring around. Harry walked forward, and fell to the ground as he tripped over something - large. Dumbledore rushed over to him. "Are you all right Harry?" He nodded slowly but his mouth was hanging open. A dead Centaur was lying on the ground in front of him, its blood covering the ground. Dumbledore touched the Creature's body. "This happened recently Harry, be prepared." Harry, trying not to cry, backed away from the dead Centaur until he knocked something else. "P-professor?" Harry stammered. Dumbledore turned round, held his wand up high called "Totalus Lumos" and a huge bright light filled the whole clearing. Both Harry and Dumbledore gasped at the sight in front of them. There were at least 15 dead Centaurs lying in the clearing, there bodies all dumped together. They had been tortured and beaten to death and all the bodies were covered in blood. Harry turned to gaze at Dumbledore. "What, what did this?" Dumbledore turned to Harry, his face displaying his rage. "I will find out Harry and they will pay." Harry completely believed him. Dumbledore raised his wand again and muttered something under his breath. A grave for each body appeared in the ground and the Centaurs' bodies were gently lifted and put into each grave. He then waved his wand and the ground covered them again. Small, bright flowers popped up by each grave, giving the clearing a look of tranquillity and respect. "I know how strong Centaurs are Professor, I don't understand." Dumbledore was walking away now "Nor do I Harry," he whispered, "but I will find out who did this disgrace and I will deal them, I promise."
Harry then followed Dumbledore deeper into the Forest, once again being led by the Headmasters spell, no longer saying anything to each other. Harry knew the sight of the dead Centaurs and the clearing covered in bright red blood would stay with him for a long, long time, as would the words "they deserve whatever they get." He couldn't help but feel that whatever awaited them in the forest; the worst was yet to come.
Onkel - Thanks for the review. Hope you like this next chapter.
Peachy Keen - Sorry that I kept you waiting there! Won't happen again, hope you like the rest of the story.
Linky2 - Erm, Bump? Is that, well, good? Thanks anyway!
Sew2100 - Thanks for reviewing again. Please let me know what you make of this chapter.
YoSHi - Great to read your comments again. I'll try and answer your other queries as the story goes on but of course, I'm going to keep you guessing!
Ok - on we go..
Chapter 18 - The Massacre
Harry headed to Dumbledore's office as quickly as he could, being careful to keep his emotions in check. He knew he couldn't allow Rosenna to get free again but there were so many thoughts running through his head. He knew Selina was being deadly serious and wouldn't think twice about running to the ministry. Even though Fudge had accepted the truth about Voldemort, it didn't mean he trusted Dumbledore or Harry. In fact, Harry was sure Fudge hated them more, for making him look like an idiot in front of the whole wizarding world.
Harry stopped outside Dumbledores office, trying to steel his nerves. He had made up his mind and knew what he had to do but that didn't make it any easier. He stood outside for a few minutes, working out what he was going to say. Finally, after plucking up his courage as far as it would go, he said quietly "Sugar Swizzler," and the door swung open. After one last deep breath, he entered and the door closed behind him.
Harry walked slowly though the room. Dumbledore was stood beside Fawkes and turned as Harry walked towards him. "Back so soon, Harry?" Harry smiled at his Headmaster. "Erm, there was something else I needed to tell you Professor, I should have told you this ages ago actually but I was scared." Dumbledore sighed, went to his desk and sat down. "I guess there was something you weren't telling me Harry. I could see it in your eyes. Now, tell me what is worrying you." Harry sat opposite him and swallowed hard. How should he being?
"Ok," he began, "As you know, I saw the vision of Lucius Malfoy at my Aunt's place. He warned me that something was coming; he said all wizards, witches and muggles should be worried, including Voldemort. He said something called Alezina was coming." Dumbledore put up his hand at this to stop Harry. "Alezina, you mentioned that name before." Harry nodded. "Yes, at that meeting the Order had. At the time, I thought he meant Rosenna, but now." Dumbledore shook his head. "Alezina is something quite different Harry and it is not a witch, nor wizard but something more." Harry watched Dumbledore, listening closely. "Not much is known about Alezina, there was a prophecy about it a long time ago. Supposedly, a power will be born to us, stronger and more terrible than any before it. I have no idea if this will be a force for good. The vision you had was quite right however, we should all fear this force. According to the prophecy, it has the power to destroy the whole world in a blink of an eye." Harry had listened to this in shock, fear growing inside him. "But why was I warned Professor and why is it called Alezina?" "Why you were told of this Harry, I have no idea. Alezina is a from a very ancient wizarding language. I believe it means unity, or something close to that. The translation isn't great, I'm afraid!" Harry grinned and thought back again to his conversation with Malfoy. "Another thing Professor, the vision told me that Voldemort was concerned about the danger but you were turning a blind eye, what did that mean?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at this. "I don't know Harry, I'm sorry. We'll have to wait and see." Harry nodded. "One more thing Sir, Professor Snape knew about Alezina. He said it needed blood of a founder but he didn't know about Rosenna, why is that?" Dumbledore sighed. "It seems to me that Voldemort has been being very careful about what information he allows Professor Snape to hear. I suppose he instructed all his trusted Death Eaters not to mention Rosenna to Severus, but he did hear about Alezina. We should be grateful Harry, this information is very important." Harry nodded and then said quietly "It's my blood they need isn't it?" Dumbledore frowned. "Yours, or Tom Riddles of course. I think we can safely presume though that it is yours Rosenna is after." Dumbledore gave Harry a quick smile. "No need to fear this Harry, I will keep you safe, I promise. Now please, continue.
Harry again thought back. "A few days after that, I saw the Ravenscar in my room. I told you all about that before but -" Harry paused, Dumbledore's blue eyes were watching him closely and he felt so nervous. "There was something else I should have told you before. The Ravenscar did something to me. It burned my arm and left a mark." Harry stopped immediately as Dumbledore jumped up and moved straight to Harry. "Show me". Harry pulled up his sleeve and held his arm out to Dumbledore, who recoiled at the mark. He then moved his hand over the burn. "You should have told me about this straightaway Harry," Dumbledore said softly. "This mark, I can feel the power from it. This is Rosenna's mark, what she used to control people back in her day. She made her Ravenscars pass it on, which was exactly what happened to you. I assume she has been entering your mind through this." Harry was watching the floor, ashamed. He nodded slowly. "What has she made you do Harry?" Dumbledore asked him, kindly. "Well, there was Michael Corner but I don't remember what I did to him." Dumbledore sighed. "ROSENNA tortured him for a long time Harry, you didn't do anything. He is still unconscious, I'm afraid I cannot tell you when or even if he will wake up." Harry shut his eyes tightly, Luna's dead staring eyes appeared in his head again and he wiped away a tear.
Dumbledore was waiting for him to continue. "Erm", Harry said, "I also attacked Cho Chang but she got away, and there was, well, eh, Luna." Dumbledore glanced at him. "Luna Lovegood? She hasn't been seen for a day or two. Where is she Harry?" Harry felt more tears well up in his eyes and tried desperately to keep himself together. "She came to me, warned me about Ron, who has been acting really strangely lately. I guess I lost control as I felt Rosenna take control. She pushed me out of my own mind, I couldn't do anything." Harry realised that Dumbledore now had hold of his arm, supporting him. "I could feel Rosenna's anger, her excitement and her hatred of Luna. She took out my wand, and, and -" Dumbledore's face was graver than Harry had ever seen. "Tell me, Harry, tell me what happened." "I, I killed her," he whimpered. "I killed her for no reason, I did it, I can't get her face out of my head, I ." and Harry fell to the ground sobbing. Everything that he had kept inside him, the pain, the fear, just exploded inside him and he couldn't stop the tears. He crumpled himself into a ball and Dumbledore helped him to his feet. "Listen to me Harry, you didn't kill her. You were used as a weapon. Rosenna is the murderer; you must put those thoughts out of your head. PLEASE Harry." Harry's looked up at Dumbledore. "Don't let them do this to you my friend, you are stronger than this." Harry nodded his head at Dumbledore and wiped his eyes. "I'm sorry Professor." Dumbledore smiled. "You should have told me about that mark Harry but that was the only thing you did wrong. Believe me. Harry, you must tell me, where is Luna now." Harry looked at Dumbledore in shock. "Her body Harry, it must be brought back to Hogwarts, where is she?" Harry swallowed again. Although Dumbledore had managed to make him feel calmer, the thought of Luna's body made him feel sick. "I buried her Professor, she made me. In the Forest." Dumbledore frowned for a moment. "Very well," he said, "then we cannot allow Luna too sat out there alone for a moment longer. We must go and fetch her back Harry, immediately." Harry gasped. "But Sir, its dark and Snape told me that it was really dangerous to go to the Forest at night." "He's quite right Harry, but I refuse to leave Luna out in that place any longer. Come Harry, there is nothing to fear when you are with me." Harry nodded and got to his feet and walked, with Dumbledore to the door.
The stepped out of the office and walked towards the staircase, not knowing that someone was spying on them as they went. Selina Umbridge frowned as she watched them walk down the steps, then turned and disappeared in the other direction, moving as quickly as she could.
Dumbledore and Harry walked though the entrance hall together. Harry knew how dangerous it was for the two of them to go into the Forest at night but if Dumbledore said it was OK then he guessed it was. "How is Hagrid Professor?" Dumbledore gave Harry a sad look. "Still unconscious I'm afraid Harry. I will be honest with you, Hagrid took a very bad beating that night and I don't know if he ever will wake up. If he had been human, he certainly would be dead. We mustn't allow anyone else to get hurt Harry. I intend to put a stop to this as soon as possible, believe me." They walked towards the huge front doors, which magically opened as they approached and walked through, heading towards the Forest.
As soon as they entered, Dumbledore pulled his wand out. "Cast lumos for me please Harry, I need my own wand." Harry nodded and waved his wand stating "lumos" and a bright light lit at the end of his wand. Dumbledore pointed his own wand out in front of him and whispered "pointus" and a small green light appeared on the ground. Harry gasped. "Just a small guiding spell Harry, it will lead us to Luna. Now please, keep you wits about you at all time, I can feel the hatred in this forest, it is overpowering." Dumbledore walked deeper into the Forest, with Harry following.
The walked quite a way without getting noticed at all. This seemed to be worrying Dumbledore. "Where are the Centaurs Harry? The unicorns? The other creatures of the Forest?" Harry snorted. "The Centaurs have probably run away, scared of what you will do to them. They deserve whatever they get, after what they did to Hagrid." Dumbledore stopped and turned round to look at Harry. "We are not here for revenge Harry. I will deal with what happened to Hagrid in due time. The most important thing is to find Luna, THAT is why we are here." Harry felt this was unfair. "I know that Sir but the Centaurs have gone crazy. You can't let them live here now." "I would never force any creature out of their home Harry." That seemed to bring the conversation to an end but Harry still felt angry. He walked behind Dumbledore, but didn't speak.
Suddenly, Dumbledore stopped dead. "Did you hear something Harry?" he asked. "No Sir," Harry replied, shortly. "I'm sure I heard a cry," Dumbledore said, staring around. Harry walked forward, and fell to the ground as he tripped over something - large. Dumbledore rushed over to him. "Are you all right Harry?" He nodded slowly but his mouth was hanging open. A dead Centaur was lying on the ground in front of him, its blood covering the ground. Dumbledore touched the Creature's body. "This happened recently Harry, be prepared." Harry, trying not to cry, backed away from the dead Centaur until he knocked something else. "P-professor?" Harry stammered. Dumbledore turned round, held his wand up high called "Totalus Lumos" and a huge bright light filled the whole clearing. Both Harry and Dumbledore gasped at the sight in front of them. There were at least 15 dead Centaurs lying in the clearing, there bodies all dumped together. They had been tortured and beaten to death and all the bodies were covered in blood. Harry turned to gaze at Dumbledore. "What, what did this?" Dumbledore turned to Harry, his face displaying his rage. "I will find out Harry and they will pay." Harry completely believed him. Dumbledore raised his wand again and muttered something under his breath. A grave for each body appeared in the ground and the Centaurs' bodies were gently lifted and put into each grave. He then waved his wand and the ground covered them again. Small, bright flowers popped up by each grave, giving the clearing a look of tranquillity and respect. "I know how strong Centaurs are Professor, I don't understand." Dumbledore was walking away now "Nor do I Harry," he whispered, "but I will find out who did this disgrace and I will deal them, I promise."
Harry then followed Dumbledore deeper into the Forest, once again being led by the Headmasters spell, no longer saying anything to each other. Harry knew the sight of the dead Centaurs and the clearing covered in bright red blood would stay with him for a long, long time, as would the words "they deserve whatever they get." He couldn't help but feel that whatever awaited them in the forest; the worst was yet to come.
