Disclaimer: If you recognize it as someone else's then I don't own it.
A/N: Just so you all know, Charlie's age goes against what it should be in the book. Cadance is 23 because she is six years older than the seventh years, who are approximately 17. I said in the Christmas scene that Cadance and Charlie are three years apart, making him 26. Just to let you know. Thanks to my sister for pointing out that I haven't followed the book. (Hey guess what. I found out what sisters are good for)
"But what about Sirius?"
"Well…" said Cadance. "Sirius is a free man."
"That's wonderful!" said Dumbledore.
"That's not all," said Cadance. "Arthur Weasley came in early this morning, right after the trial, and was sworn in as Minister. It'll be in the newspapers today. Rita Skeeter didn't write the articles so it might be good."
Right on cue, a newspaper arrived through the window. Dumbledore paid the owl and looked at the front page. There were two articles: Weasley Sworn in as Minister and Black Innocent; Pettigrew in Custody.
Both articles were good. They article about Mr. Weasley sung praises about his work. The article about Sirius said that the Ministry had full faith that Sirius was innocent and that Pettigrew was indeed a Death Eater. This was proven by the Dark Mark on his forearm.
Cadance looked at her watch. "It's 7 o'clock. Cati should be in her office now. I'm going to see her. I'll be back in a bit."
"Hold on, Cadance. First of all, where's Sirius?" asked Dumbledore.
"Oh! He's registering as an Animagus then he and Remus are signing papers to get their old houses in Godric's Hollow back. They were saying something about being tired of sharing a bathroom," said Cadance.
"Which brings me to my next point. Sirius has to tell Harry that he has to go back to the Dursleys," said Dumbledore.
"I was hoping that you'd forget about that," said Cadance. "If I see Sirius I'll tell him to tell Harry."
"That's all I'm asking," said Dumbledore. "And if you're going to see Cati can you take her this?" He pulled a letter out of his pocket. The seal on the front bore a Phoenix.
"Is this what I think it is?" asked Cadance.
"Perhaps," said Dumbledore.
"Are you sure you want to put Bill, Charlie, Cati, and I in a room together?" asked Cadance. "We are kind of…"
"Mischievous?" offered Dumbledore. "We'll risk it."
"All right. I'm leaving then. Can I borrow the newspaper?" asked Cadance.
"Enjoy," said Dumbledore. "And we have a meeting tonight."
Cadance nodded then went to her room to get her cloak. She walked to the meeting room then apparated to the Ministry. She went to the Auror's department. There were very few people there. Cadance walked to Cati's cubicle and leaned on one of the lower walls and looked in on her.
"I was right," said Cadance.
"No you weren't," replied Cati without looking up from her work.
"Yes I was."
"No you weren't."
"Yes I was."
"No you weren't."
"Yes I was."
"What are we disagreeing about this time?" asked Cati.
"Didn't you see the paper yet this morning?" asked Cadance.
"No," said Cati. Cadance tossed the newspaper and Cati caught it. She looked at it. "Oh my god. You were right. You're not crazy!"
"I've been telling you that for years but you just never listened," said Cadance as she entered the cubicle and sat in the chair across from Cati's desk. "So I hear you've been assigned to Hogwarts."
"Yep."
"You know what this means don't you?" asked Cadance.
"All-out prank war?"
"Me and you vs. Fred and George?"
"Best prank wins?"
"I'll go inform the twins," said Cadance. "And this is for you." She handed her the envelope. "I'd best be going. I have to go find Sirius and Remus. Prank war starts at 11. Be there or be square."
"I'll be there. You just tell Fred and George," said Cati.
Cadance exited the Auroring Department just as Cati was reading her letter. She went through a few corridors, rounded a few hallways, and went up a flight of stairs before she found Sirius and Remus. "Sirius, my uncle says that today you have to tell Harry that he has to go to those rotten relatives of his," she said.
"Hello to you too," said Sirius.
"Sirius, I'm being serious," said Cadance. She paused to sort out what she just said then continued. "And do you remember when you told me to find a way to get him out of it?"
"Yes," said Sirius.
"Well, I think I have it," said Cadance. "All I need is rope, a flying car, and a manticore."
"Umm… maybe you should do some more thinking," said Remus.
"Suit yourself. My plan was foolproof… unless the manticore got loose or the flying car decided that it didn't want to fly anymore or the rope didn't hold. And the whole plan kind of depends on the Dursleys having a ventilation system like the kind that you can play Mission Impossible in."
"Yeah, you definitely need to do more thinking," said Sirius.
* * *
A few hours later, in the Gryffindor Common Room…
"Are you sure you want to go through with this?" asked Jen.
"Positive. Are you sure you don't want to join us?" asked Cadance.
"Yep. I like pulling pranks and everything but I personally don't want detention," replied Jen. "Well, have fun and take pictures of Fred and George once you get their hair purple." She handed Cadance her camera.
"Deal," said Cadance. "Come on, Cati." Cadance and Cati exited the Common Room to set up their prank.
Ginny and Jen looked at each other and rolled their eyes. "Nothing good can come of this," said Ginny.
"How much money do you want to bet that they all get detention?" asked Jen.
"All of them? Even Cadance and Cati?" asked Ginny. "I'd bet 5 Galleons on it."
"Want to go to the library?" asked Jen.
"Sure," said Ginny. They walked out of the Common Room and towards the library.
They were almost to the library when Cadance and Cati came running past them. "Whoa! Hold it!" exclaimed Jen. They stopped and turned around. "What are you doing?"
Cadance thought for a moment then said, "Running." She paused. "Bye." And they took off again.
Jen and Ginny looked on with a confused look on their face. Then, Sirius came running past… with purple hair. Jen and Ginny stared with open mouths. "Which way did they go?" he asked. Jen and Ginny just pointed down the hallway. He took off in that direction.
"I think the prank hit the wrong person," said Ginny.
"I think you're right," said Jen.
It went on like this all day. Out of all of the pranks that Cadance and Cati pulled, only two actually hit Fred and George. Fred and George were having worse luck, unless you count the fact that they had received a detention when they accidentally hit McGonagall with a leg-locker curse then poured duck feathers on her.
Then, Cadance and Cati schemed up a prank that they thought was foolproof. They went to the Gryffindor Common Room when everyone else was at dinner.
"Did you charm the room so nothing will get ruined?"
"Yeah. Did you put a Charm on the Portrait Hole so no water will get out?"
"Yes I did. And the Charm so that everyone could breath."
"Good. Let's go."
* * *
McGonagall and Sirius were walking to the Gryffindor Common Room. Sirius had to tell Harry about the Dursley's letter commanding them to send him home. McGonagall had to give Fred and George Weasley information about their detention. McGonagall said the password and the Portrait Hole opened. Both of their jaws dropped at the scene that lay before them. The Common Room was filled to the ceiling with water. Fred and George Weasley were sitting on a couch rowing it through the water as if they were on a boat. Most people were swimming about the Common Room trying to find out what had happened.
"CADANCE ROSE DUMBLEDORE AND CATI MARIE NUPERSON!" screamed McGonagall.
Meanwhile, Cadance and Cati were walking down the hallway. "That was a good prank," said Cati.
"I'm so glad we thought of it," said Cadance.
Then they heard, ringing through the hallways, "CADANCE ROSE DUMBLEDORE AND CATI MARIE NUPERSON!"
"Uh oh," said Cadance.
"We're in trouble," said Cati.
"This way," said Cadance as she ran down the hallway and into Professor McGonagall's office. She ran over to the window and opened it.
"Oh my god. You're not serious," said Cati.
"Would you rather be caught by Minerva?" asked Cadance.
"Good point," said Cati. "After you."
Cadance climbed onto the windowsill and jumped into the lake. Cati was right behind her.
* * *
Fifteen minutes later a very wet Cadance and Cati were joining Fred and George in Dumbledore's office.
"You filled the Common Room with water?" asked Dumbledore looking quite amused. "I thought that you would all have more sense than this."
"No you didn't," said Cadance. Cati elbowed her in the ribs.
"Today, in total, Fred and George's pranks have accidentally hit Professor McGonagall, Professor Trelawney, and Professor Snape… twice," said Dumbledore.
"Actually, that second time wasn't an accident," said Fred.
"And Cadance and Catalin's have accidentally hit Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Professor Flitwick," said Dumbledore.
"Hey! Those two charms mixed together made him a whole inch taller," argued Cadance.
Dumbledore sighed. "Fred and George, go back to the Gryffindor Common Room. It's all dried out now. When you get there, will you please tell Harry to wait right outside of the Common Room? Tell him his godfather wishes to meet him there." They left his office.
"Now. As for you two," said Dumbledore. "Don't ever start a prank war again. Please. I'm begging you."
"We promise," said Cadance.
"All right," said Dumbledore. "The Order of the Phoenix meeting will start in an hour. I trust you got your letter, Catalin." Cati nodded.
When they left the office, Cati went home to change out of her wet clothes before the meeting. Cadance headed to her room to change. She met Sirius in the hallway. "Going to tell Harry now?" asked Cadance.
"Yes," said Sirius. "I wish I didn't have to, but I do."
"Good luck," said Cadance as she parted from Sirius to go into her room. Sirius continued on to the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry was waiting out front.
"Hey, Sirius," said Harry. "What's it like to be a free man?"
"It's great, Harry," said Sirius.
"You don't sound great," said Harry. "What's wrong?"
"You caught me. I'm just going to come right out and say this. Harry, your aunt and uncle wrote to Dumbledore before Christmas saying that they want you to go back over the summer," said Sirius. "I've argued with Dumbledore about this. Cadance has argued with Dumbledore about this but… they're your legal guardians and there is nothing we can do."
Harry looked as if he had just been hit in the gut really hard. "I don't want to go, Sirius," said Harry. "I can't go back there."
"There's nothing we can do, Harry," said Sirius. "We're going to try to do everything that we can to get you out. We're not going to give in with out a fight. We'll take it to the Ministry if we have to."
"Couldn't you have told me this after the Quidditch game tomorrow?" asked Harry. "Now I'm going to think about it during the game."
"I'm sorry, Harry. Dumbledore told me I had to," said Sirius.
"I'm going to bed to try to forget about it," said Harry dejectedly as he walked back into the Gryffindor common Room.
"Harry, wait…" said Sirius to Harry's retreating back but Harry just kept walking.
"He'll be okay," said a voice behind Sirius.
Sirius turned around. Cadance was leaning against the wall. "I didn't do so well," said Sirius.
"You think?" said Cadance sarcastically.
"You're being very comforting. Thank you, Cadance," said Sirius.
"I'm just telling it like it is," said Cadance.
"You're not supposed to tell it like it is. You're supposed to be kind about it and tell me I did just fine and that everything is going to be okay," said Sirius.
"Since when is that my job?" asked Cadance.
"Since I said it was," said Sirius.
"The last time I checked you had no jurisdiction over me," said Cadance. "You gave that up when you went to Azkaban."
"What's the matter with you, Cadance? You seem a bit… pissed off," said Sirius.
"I am not pissed off!"
"You're sure acting like it!"
"What is going on here!" exclaimed a voice behind them. Professor McGonagall was standing there. Cadance and Sirius were looking at each other angrily. "Cadance, there is a demon in the dungeons that you need to vanquish."
"All right," said Cadance. "I'm going."
"Maybe someone should go with you, Cadance. You're powers are going to be on the fritz now that you're pissed," said Sirius.
"I am not pissed and I do not need help!" exclaimed Cadance.
"I'm staying out of this one," said McGonagall. She walked away from the scene.
"You and your damned vulnerability complex!" exclaimed Sirius to Cadance.
"I do not have a vulnerability complex!" argued Cadance.
"You do, too!"
"Well, if I have a vulnerability complex, it's nothing compared to your stupidity complex!"
"What are you talking about, Cadance?"
"If you had been thinking that night none of this ever would have happened!" exclaimed Cadance.
"What night?" asked Sirius.
"The night you went after Pettigrew! If you had been thinking none of this would have happened! You were an Auror, Einstein! Auror's were allowed to use Unforgivable Curses! If you had just checked in with Bob Reynolds before you went after Pettigrew, it would have been an assignment! You would have been going after him as an Auror and it would have been legal and everything! Then Harry wouldn't have had to go to the Dursley's and I might not have had fifteen years stolen from me and my sister!"
"Are you blaming me for your parents' deaths?" asked Sirius.
"No, Sirius, I'm not blaming you for my parents' deaths," said Cadance.
"Lily and James's?"
"No," said Cadance. "My parents and Lily and James are dead and there's nothing I can do about it and I know that's not your fault."
"So you're blaming me for everything else?" asked Sirius.
"Basically! God, Sirius, do I have to spell it out for you?! If you had checked in before you went after Pettigrew Harry wouldn't be in this mess! And I might not have lost all those years with my sister!" exclaimed Cadance.
"If you thought all of this was my fault then why did you rescue me from Azkaban!"
"I don't know. It seemed like the right thing to do!"
"If you felt that way you should have just let the Dementors suck the soul out of me! Maybe then you wouldn't be so mad right now!"
"Well, I guess we'll never know!"
"Cadance, you need to grow up! You're twenty-three years old for god's sake. You should know your limitations! I heard you've been vanquishing Dark Lighters and that definitely exceeds your limitations!"
"You're not my mother! And since when were we talking about my limitations?! I don't remember bringing it up! I can't take this any more! I'm out of here!" exclaimed Cadance as she stomped away. Sirius walked in the opposite direction.
* * *
"Welcome back," said Dumbledore as he stood in front of the Order of the Phoenix. "I'm glad to see that everyone is here, safe and sound. Especially after last night's Death Eater attack. I would like to introduce a new member. I'm sure most of you already know her. Over sitting next to Cadance is Catalin Nuperson."
"Oh no. We have Cadance, Cati, Bill, and Charlie all sitting next to each other. We're all going to end up with some horrible prank pulled on us," joked Arabella.
"Yes. Because some people just never grow up," said Sirius.
"That's mature, Sirius. Bring it up in the middle of a meeting," said Cadance.
"Cadance? Sirius? Is there something you'd like to share with the class?" asked Arabella.
"Those two had a fight a little bit ago," said McGonagall.
"How did you know we had a fight?" asked Sirius.
"I could hear it from my office. You both have big mouths," said McGonagall.
"Well that's just great. I'm sure half of the Gryffindor Common Room heard it too," said Sirius.
"Oh big deal. Who cares?" said Cadance.
"I certainly don't want Harry knowing that we fought. Or the nature of our fight. And I can't believe you don't care that Jen probably knows," said Sirius.
"Since when do you care about anything but revenge on Pettigrew? That is what got all of us into this situation, isn't it? Pettigrew may be in Azkaban but last I checked he was still breathing," said Cadance.
"Oh yeah, why don't you go rescue him from Azkaban. It should be more of a challenge for you. He's being guarded by about ten Aurors. You might get yourself killed but, you won't admit that," said Sirius.
"ENOUGH!" exclaimed Dumbledore. "I don't want to hear another word out of either of you unless you have something productive to add to the meeting!"
"Are all meetings like this?" asked Cati.
"No, those two usually get along," said Mundungus Fletcher.
"Can we get on with the meeting?" asked Dumbledore. "Thank you. Now, Severus tells me that he received word earlier that Voldemort moved his lair out of Little Hangleton."
"Pettigrew said that he was thinking of moving it to Azkaban," said Nicholas Flamel.
"He wouldn't move it there," said Arthur. "This morning I ordered that Aurors be on guard in Azkaban since the Heads of the Departments wouldn't go for removing the Dementors."
"What about those two Department Heads? The spies?" asked Cadance.
"I mentioned it to Bob Reynolds. He's going to have them followed," said Arthur.
"Wow. You're good," said Arabella.
"Thank you," said Arthur.
"Next order of business," said Dumbledore. "The Quidditch final is tomorrow. I want the Aurors that were assigned to Hogwarts to be stationed all around the pitch."
"We can do that," said Arabella, who had been appointed as Head of the division. "It shouldn't be a problem."
"Also, the rooms in Hogsmeade will be ready for the Aurors to move into on Wednesday. Now they'll only be a short distance away, should a problem occur," said Dumbledore. "I think that's all that needed to be covered. Are there any questions? Comments?"
Both Sirius and Cadance opened their mouths to say something but Cati and Remus covered both of their mouths to avoid trouble. "They have absolutely nothing to say," said Remus.
"Nothing nice anyways," added Cati.
"Then this meeting is over," said Dumbledore.
* * *
Saturday came. The Aurors had started to patrol Hogwarts at night during the previous night. Harry woke up that morning feeling that he had forgotten something.
"The Quidditch Final!" exclaimed Harry. How could he have forgotten? They had been practicing everyday. Gryffindor vs. Slytherin for the Cup.
"RON!"
"What, Harry?" asked sleepily.
"It's five o'clock for god's sake, man!" exclaimed Seamus. The other three boys had been awakened.
Footsteps could be heard pounding up the stairs. The door flung open and Jen and Ginny were standing there.
"SHUTUP!" they exclaimed. The next second Harry was hit with two pillows. The two girls left the room.
"Harry, go back to bed," said Dean.
"Yeah, mate. We still have another two hours of sleep and I intend on using them. I suggest… no, I'm telling you to do the same," said Ron.
"Okay, okay. Goodnight or good morning or whatever it is," said Harry.
* * *TWO HOURS LATER* * *
"RON!"
"I'm up!"
Harry and Ron got ready for the match. The other three boys mumbled incoherently but Harry caught words like 'God-forsaken hours of the morning' and 'I'm going to hurt you when I'm fully awake'.
Ron and Harry walked down into the Common Room. Ginny and Jen were down there already. "Harry, you suck," said Jen.
"Yeah. Sorry about that," said Harry. "I thought I was late."
Then, the portrait hole opened and Cadance and Cati walked in.
"Hey you chuckleheads! Who screamed at the most godforsaken hour of the morning?" asked Cadance.
"That was me," said Harry.
"You suck," said Cadance. "Oh, and for those of you who didn't meet her yesterday, this is Catalin Nuperson."
"We all know Cati Nuperson. You and her flooded our Common Room yesterday," said Angelina.
"That was nothing compared to Cadance and Cati's prank when they were seventh years," said Lee Jordan.
"Hanging the Slytherins' underwear in the Great Hall is a great prank," said Angelina. "But it scarred me for life."
"Hey! We were the ones who had to touch it. Talk about being scarred for life," said Cati.
* * *
"Hellooooooo everyone! This is your commentator, Lee Jordan. This is going to be one heck of a game! Gryffindor will be facing Slytherin for the cup! You know, I don't know why we're actually playing this game. You should just give Gryffindor the cup. We're going to win anyways…"
"JORDAN!"
"What?"
Down on the Pitch…
"Captains, shake hands. And don't try to kill each other," said Madame Hooch.
Draco and Harry shook hands but immediately pulled away. They took off and waited for the whistle. And the game started!
"The Quaffle is taken immediately by Gryffindor! No surprise there."
"JORDAN!"
"Oh c'mon, Professor! This is the last game I'll ever be commentating for!"
"Thank god."
"Oh admit it, Professor McGonagall. You're going to miss my commentating!" argued Lee.
"Just commentate on the game, Lee," said Cadance. "Minerva's screaming in my ear."
Charlie Weasley was up in the stands with Cadance. Jen, Ginny, and Hermione were sitting in front of them.
A few minutes into the game, Dumbledore and Snape joined them. Dumbledore leaned into Cadance and Charlie. "All the Auror's are stationed around the Pitch just in case. The Order Members are a little closer to the entrance. I don't think there will be any trouble. Severus hasn't heard of anything planned."
"So today, we're going to either fight Death Eaters or watch a Quidditch game?" asked Cadance.
"That sounds about right," said Charlie.
"Either way we're going to have fun," said Cadance.
Dumbledore rolled his eyes as he took a seat.
"AND GRYFFIDOR SCORES! Ten to nothing: Gryffindor!"
Harry watched from his broom a full twenty feet above the action. All of the sudden he got a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Fred, George, Angelina, Alicia, and Katie would all be graduating. This was the last game they'd all play together. Not to mention he and Ron would have to pick five sevenths of a team next year.
"Gryffindor scores again!" exclaimed Lee causing Harry to focus on the game again.
"Slytherin in possession of the Quaffle. Nice stop by the Gryffindor Keeper! And… FOUL!"
Harry had been flying around when he had been knocked off his broom by Malfoy. He fell a full fifty feet. He hit the ground and did not move from where he had fallen.
"WHAT THE… OF ALL THE LOW-DOWN… THAT WAS… DAMN!" Even Lee Jordan was at a loss for words. McGonagall wasn't paying enough attention to reprimand him for swearing.
All of the other players stayed where they were. Nobody moved. The stands were dead silent. Dumbledore was standing with his wand outstretched. But he had not pulled it out fast enough. Harry had still fallen and hit the ground with full force. Madame Hooch flew down to Harry's side.
"Uncle Albus!" exclaimed Cadance. He didn't move. His wand was still outstretched. "Uncle Albus, let's go!"
McGonagall and Snape were already running down to the field. Dumbledore pocketed his wand and started down quickly. Cadance and Charlie were right behind him.
They reached the field. Madame Hooch stood up and blew her whistle, signaling for the players to land. "Go to the locker rooms and wait there for further instructions," she said.
Meanwhile, Dumbledore had bent over Harry's limp body. "He has to get the hospital wing immediately. Minerva, will you please announce to the students that the game is over. Tell them to go up to the castle and wait in the Great Hall." Madame Hooch had already conjured a stretcher for Harry.
"Charlie, go get Sirius and inform the Aurors of the situation. Cadance, come with me. We're going to the Gryffindor Locker Room. Severus, please go to the Slytherin Locker Room and bring Draco Malfoy to my office," said Dumbledore. Everyone went to do what they were told.
Dumbledore and Cadance went into the Gryffindor Locker Room. "How's Harry?" asked Ron.
"Not so good, Mr. Weasley," said Dumbledore.
"He's going to be all right though, isn't he?" asked Fred.
"I hope so," said Dumbledore
"You hope so?" asked Cadance. "No. You know so."
"Cadance, to be perfectly honest, he's not doing very well," said Dumbledore.
"You know this by looking at him?!"
"You're just looking to pick fights, aren't you?" asked Dumbledore. "Take a pill."
"Excuse me, professor. Did you just say 'take a pill'?" asked Katie Bell.
"Yes, Ms. Bell," said Dumbledore. "Now. All of you go back up to the Great Hall. I'm going to have a talk with the whole school."
They all went up to the Great Hall. Everyone else was already there. The Auror's were lined up along the wall. Sirius, however, was not present. Cadance and Dumbledore joined the Head table. Dumbledore stood up. "This has gone on long enough. This fighting between houses has gone too far. I realize that it was a Quidditch match, but it is getting ridiculous. Knocking someone off of their broom is definitely not sportsmanlike behavior. I believe I already told you that you would be punished if you didn't begin to get along. Well, here's the punishment. The Quidditch Final is over and will not be rescheduled." A murmur went up through the Hall. Some of the Slytherins called out to Professor Snape in complaint. The Gryffindors said nothing because they were too worried about Harry.
"Now," said Dumbledore as he looked around the room. "Everyone is to return to their Common Rooms immediately." The Staff and the Aurors (and Charlie Weasley) watched the students file silently out of the Great Hall. When they were all gone, Dumbledore told the Aurors that they could leave until their shifts that night. Charlie left to go home (Cadance had begun telling him that he spent more time at Hogwarts now than he had when he was in school). Dumbledore turned to the staff. "What are we going to do? This fighting among houses has grown worse."
"Do you really think this is about houses?" asked Cadance. "The son of a Death Eater just attacked the one person who is highest up on Voldemort's hit list."
"But we have to put that aside. Even if Mr. Malfoy's father is a Death Eater, we can't judge his son by that," said Dumbledore.
"Actually," said Professor Flitwick. "You could. It just wouldn't be very fair."
"Might I point out that Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw aren't fighting with each other. Nor are they fighting with Gryffindor. But they have begun quarreling more and more with Slytherin," said Professor Sprout. At this everyone looked at Professor Snape.
"Why do you all look surprised?" asked Snape. "This has been going on for…"
"A thousand years or more or so?" offered Professor McGonagall.
"Exactly," said Snape.
"And I don't think we should punish the students for what we did when we were in school," added Professor Vector.
"Why not?" asked Cadance. "Our professors did it to us. Why break tradition?"
"Excuse me, Cadance, but I believe we were those professors," said McGonagall.
"Sorry," said Cadance. "I'm only saying that inter-house fighting has gone on for a long time. Nobody is going to stop that. Not overnight at least. But I think this is bigger than inter-house. Maybe not as big as Voldemort, but definitely bigger than inter-house."
"While I hope that my niece is wrong, I can't rule it out as a possibility. I think that our only option is to keep our eyes and ears open," said Dumbledore.
"What action should be taken with Draco Malfoy?" asked Professor Trelawney (A/N: What? She can't be predicting people's deaths all the time. She has to have something intelligent to add to a conversation sometime… Ha! I almost fooled myself.)
"Some form of punishment must be administered," said Professor Sinistra.
"As odd as it may seem to all of you, I agree," said Snape. "If Cadance is right, then we should definitely try to discourage retreats to the Dark Side."
"Thank you, Master Yoda," said Cadance.
* * *
Cadance hurried up to the Hospital Wing. Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall were in Dumbledore's office with Draco Malfoy. Cadance had been in there briefly a few minutes earlier. She was in there just long enough to subtly hint to her uncle that expulsion wouldn't be totally barbaric in the situation ("Expulsion wouldn't be totally barbaric in this situation," she had told him).
Sirius was sitting by Harry's bed. Madame Pomfrey came bustling in and Sirius stood up. "Mr. Black. I have already told you. I will not know anything about his condition for several hours," said Madame Pomfrey.
"That's too long," said Cadance from the doorway, alerting the two to her presence. "I'm going to go find a White Lighter." She turned and walked out of the Hospital Wing and through her Common Room and into her room and got the Book of Shadows out from under her mattress.
"If you can summon Dark Lighters so you can vanquish them using the Book of Light, then you should be able to summon White Lighters using the Book of Shadows," she said to herself. She flipped through the book until she found the page that she was looking for.
She ran over to her wardrobe and pulled out three white candles. She lit them and made a circle with them on the floor. She pulled out her wand. "Lightus Witeus. What the hell kind of a spell is that? It doesn't even sound like Latin!"
In a flash of white light, a man stood standing in the middle of the circle of candles. He was wearing white robes and looked very confused. "Wow, it worked," said Cadance. "Okay, you're coming with me. Watch the candles as you step out of the circle, oh absent one. I don't want my room caught on fire."
"Where am I?" asked the White Lighter.
"Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," said Cadance.
"Oh man. Hogwarts? You must be Cadance Dumbledore," said the White Lighter.
"In the flesh," said Cadance.
"'They' told us to watch out for you. 'They' said that you'd try to get us to interfere," he replied.
"Well, they were right. And you need to heal someone," said Cadance. "Let's go." She grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the room.
"Wait… you don't understand… I can't… 'they'…" he protested all the way to the Hospital Wing each time being silenced by Cadance.
"Listen, buddy," said Cadance. "When you get back up there you can just tell 'them'… wait a minute. Do 'they' have a name?"
"The Powers that Be will serve the purpose," said the White Lighter.
"Well you just tell the Powers that Be that they are doing a really bad job," said Cadance. They reached the Hospital Wing. "Sirius, I would like you to meet… well, actually I don't know his name. It's not important. All that's important is that he's a White Lighter."
"Oh my. That's Harry Potter," said the White Lighter. "And my name's Sam. I don't answer to 'hey you' or 'White Lighter'. Just Sam."
"Fine. Less talking more healing," said Cadance.
"You don't understand. I tried to tell you earlier but you kept shushing me. I can heal my charges and only my charges. I can't heal anyone else," said Sam. "And he's not one of my charges."
"Well, if that isn't the biggest amount of bullshit I've ever heard," said Cadance. "Who is his White Lighter?"
"I don't know," he said.
"Then we'll have to find out," said Cadance. "We'll have to ask the Powers that Be."
"The Powers that Be?" asked Sirius.
"'They'," said Cadance. "Apparently 'they' have a name."
"It's impossible to ask them. Only White Lighters can see them. And besides, you couldn't get to them. The only way is to orb and neither of you can do that," said Sam. Cadance gave an evil smile. "No," he said. "I'm not taking you."
"You don't have to take me. You just have to let me borrow your power for a bit," said Cadance.
"No."
"Do I have to take them by force?" asked Cadance.
Sam considered his options. "Fine," said Sam. "You go right there then you come right back. They are going to kill me for this." He held his had our and a bead of white light emitted from it. Cadance touched it.
"Sirius," said Cadance. "I am completely and utterly sorry. I was just looking for someone to blame. I mostly blamed Fudge but I can't blame him now that he's dead. And Pettigrew is being punished in Azkaban so I can't blame him to his face like I could Fudge. I was just pissed off. I just wanted you to know that I'm sorry before we go."
"I'm sorry, too," he said clasping his hand on her shoulder. "And did you just say 'we'?"
Cadance looked at him and grinned evilly. In a flash of White Light, they were both gone.
A/N: Just so you all know, Charlie's age goes against what it should be in the book. Cadance is 23 because she is six years older than the seventh years, who are approximately 17. I said in the Christmas scene that Cadance and Charlie are three years apart, making him 26. Just to let you know. Thanks to my sister for pointing out that I haven't followed the book. (Hey guess what. I found out what sisters are good for)
"But what about Sirius?"
"Well…" said Cadance. "Sirius is a free man."
"That's wonderful!" said Dumbledore.
"That's not all," said Cadance. "Arthur Weasley came in early this morning, right after the trial, and was sworn in as Minister. It'll be in the newspapers today. Rita Skeeter didn't write the articles so it might be good."
Right on cue, a newspaper arrived through the window. Dumbledore paid the owl and looked at the front page. There were two articles: Weasley Sworn in as Minister and Black Innocent; Pettigrew in Custody.
Both articles were good. They article about Mr. Weasley sung praises about his work. The article about Sirius said that the Ministry had full faith that Sirius was innocent and that Pettigrew was indeed a Death Eater. This was proven by the Dark Mark on his forearm.
Cadance looked at her watch. "It's 7 o'clock. Cati should be in her office now. I'm going to see her. I'll be back in a bit."
"Hold on, Cadance. First of all, where's Sirius?" asked Dumbledore.
"Oh! He's registering as an Animagus then he and Remus are signing papers to get their old houses in Godric's Hollow back. They were saying something about being tired of sharing a bathroom," said Cadance.
"Which brings me to my next point. Sirius has to tell Harry that he has to go back to the Dursleys," said Dumbledore.
"I was hoping that you'd forget about that," said Cadance. "If I see Sirius I'll tell him to tell Harry."
"That's all I'm asking," said Dumbledore. "And if you're going to see Cati can you take her this?" He pulled a letter out of his pocket. The seal on the front bore a Phoenix.
"Is this what I think it is?" asked Cadance.
"Perhaps," said Dumbledore.
"Are you sure you want to put Bill, Charlie, Cati, and I in a room together?" asked Cadance. "We are kind of…"
"Mischievous?" offered Dumbledore. "We'll risk it."
"All right. I'm leaving then. Can I borrow the newspaper?" asked Cadance.
"Enjoy," said Dumbledore. "And we have a meeting tonight."
Cadance nodded then went to her room to get her cloak. She walked to the meeting room then apparated to the Ministry. She went to the Auror's department. There were very few people there. Cadance walked to Cati's cubicle and leaned on one of the lower walls and looked in on her.
"I was right," said Cadance.
"No you weren't," replied Cati without looking up from her work.
"Yes I was."
"No you weren't."
"Yes I was."
"No you weren't."
"Yes I was."
"What are we disagreeing about this time?" asked Cati.
"Didn't you see the paper yet this morning?" asked Cadance.
"No," said Cati. Cadance tossed the newspaper and Cati caught it. She looked at it. "Oh my god. You were right. You're not crazy!"
"I've been telling you that for years but you just never listened," said Cadance as she entered the cubicle and sat in the chair across from Cati's desk. "So I hear you've been assigned to Hogwarts."
"Yep."
"You know what this means don't you?" asked Cadance.
"All-out prank war?"
"Me and you vs. Fred and George?"
"Best prank wins?"
"I'll go inform the twins," said Cadance. "And this is for you." She handed her the envelope. "I'd best be going. I have to go find Sirius and Remus. Prank war starts at 11. Be there or be square."
"I'll be there. You just tell Fred and George," said Cati.
Cadance exited the Auroring Department just as Cati was reading her letter. She went through a few corridors, rounded a few hallways, and went up a flight of stairs before she found Sirius and Remus. "Sirius, my uncle says that today you have to tell Harry that he has to go to those rotten relatives of his," she said.
"Hello to you too," said Sirius.
"Sirius, I'm being serious," said Cadance. She paused to sort out what she just said then continued. "And do you remember when you told me to find a way to get him out of it?"
"Yes," said Sirius.
"Well, I think I have it," said Cadance. "All I need is rope, a flying car, and a manticore."
"Umm… maybe you should do some more thinking," said Remus.
"Suit yourself. My plan was foolproof… unless the manticore got loose or the flying car decided that it didn't want to fly anymore or the rope didn't hold. And the whole plan kind of depends on the Dursleys having a ventilation system like the kind that you can play Mission Impossible in."
"Yeah, you definitely need to do more thinking," said Sirius.
* * *
A few hours later, in the Gryffindor Common Room…
"Are you sure you want to go through with this?" asked Jen.
"Positive. Are you sure you don't want to join us?" asked Cadance.
"Yep. I like pulling pranks and everything but I personally don't want detention," replied Jen. "Well, have fun and take pictures of Fred and George once you get their hair purple." She handed Cadance her camera.
"Deal," said Cadance. "Come on, Cati." Cadance and Cati exited the Common Room to set up their prank.
Ginny and Jen looked at each other and rolled their eyes. "Nothing good can come of this," said Ginny.
"How much money do you want to bet that they all get detention?" asked Jen.
"All of them? Even Cadance and Cati?" asked Ginny. "I'd bet 5 Galleons on it."
"Want to go to the library?" asked Jen.
"Sure," said Ginny. They walked out of the Common Room and towards the library.
They were almost to the library when Cadance and Cati came running past them. "Whoa! Hold it!" exclaimed Jen. They stopped and turned around. "What are you doing?"
Cadance thought for a moment then said, "Running." She paused. "Bye." And they took off again.
Jen and Ginny looked on with a confused look on their face. Then, Sirius came running past… with purple hair. Jen and Ginny stared with open mouths. "Which way did they go?" he asked. Jen and Ginny just pointed down the hallway. He took off in that direction.
"I think the prank hit the wrong person," said Ginny.
"I think you're right," said Jen.
It went on like this all day. Out of all of the pranks that Cadance and Cati pulled, only two actually hit Fred and George. Fred and George were having worse luck, unless you count the fact that they had received a detention when they accidentally hit McGonagall with a leg-locker curse then poured duck feathers on her.
Then, Cadance and Cati schemed up a prank that they thought was foolproof. They went to the Gryffindor Common Room when everyone else was at dinner.
"Did you charm the room so nothing will get ruined?"
"Yeah. Did you put a Charm on the Portrait Hole so no water will get out?"
"Yes I did. And the Charm so that everyone could breath."
"Good. Let's go."
* * *
McGonagall and Sirius were walking to the Gryffindor Common Room. Sirius had to tell Harry about the Dursley's letter commanding them to send him home. McGonagall had to give Fred and George Weasley information about their detention. McGonagall said the password and the Portrait Hole opened. Both of their jaws dropped at the scene that lay before them. The Common Room was filled to the ceiling with water. Fred and George Weasley were sitting on a couch rowing it through the water as if they were on a boat. Most people were swimming about the Common Room trying to find out what had happened.
"CADANCE ROSE DUMBLEDORE AND CATI MARIE NUPERSON!" screamed McGonagall.
Meanwhile, Cadance and Cati were walking down the hallway. "That was a good prank," said Cati.
"I'm so glad we thought of it," said Cadance.
Then they heard, ringing through the hallways, "CADANCE ROSE DUMBLEDORE AND CATI MARIE NUPERSON!"
"Uh oh," said Cadance.
"We're in trouble," said Cati.
"This way," said Cadance as she ran down the hallway and into Professor McGonagall's office. She ran over to the window and opened it.
"Oh my god. You're not serious," said Cati.
"Would you rather be caught by Minerva?" asked Cadance.
"Good point," said Cati. "After you."
Cadance climbed onto the windowsill and jumped into the lake. Cati was right behind her.
* * *
Fifteen minutes later a very wet Cadance and Cati were joining Fred and George in Dumbledore's office.
"You filled the Common Room with water?" asked Dumbledore looking quite amused. "I thought that you would all have more sense than this."
"No you didn't," said Cadance. Cati elbowed her in the ribs.
"Today, in total, Fred and George's pranks have accidentally hit Professor McGonagall, Professor Trelawney, and Professor Snape… twice," said Dumbledore.
"Actually, that second time wasn't an accident," said Fred.
"And Cadance and Catalin's have accidentally hit Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Professor Flitwick," said Dumbledore.
"Hey! Those two charms mixed together made him a whole inch taller," argued Cadance.
Dumbledore sighed. "Fred and George, go back to the Gryffindor Common Room. It's all dried out now. When you get there, will you please tell Harry to wait right outside of the Common Room? Tell him his godfather wishes to meet him there." They left his office.
"Now. As for you two," said Dumbledore. "Don't ever start a prank war again. Please. I'm begging you."
"We promise," said Cadance.
"All right," said Dumbledore. "The Order of the Phoenix meeting will start in an hour. I trust you got your letter, Catalin." Cati nodded.
When they left the office, Cati went home to change out of her wet clothes before the meeting. Cadance headed to her room to change. She met Sirius in the hallway. "Going to tell Harry now?" asked Cadance.
"Yes," said Sirius. "I wish I didn't have to, but I do."
"Good luck," said Cadance as she parted from Sirius to go into her room. Sirius continued on to the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry was waiting out front.
"Hey, Sirius," said Harry. "What's it like to be a free man?"
"It's great, Harry," said Sirius.
"You don't sound great," said Harry. "What's wrong?"
"You caught me. I'm just going to come right out and say this. Harry, your aunt and uncle wrote to Dumbledore before Christmas saying that they want you to go back over the summer," said Sirius. "I've argued with Dumbledore about this. Cadance has argued with Dumbledore about this but… they're your legal guardians and there is nothing we can do."
Harry looked as if he had just been hit in the gut really hard. "I don't want to go, Sirius," said Harry. "I can't go back there."
"There's nothing we can do, Harry," said Sirius. "We're going to try to do everything that we can to get you out. We're not going to give in with out a fight. We'll take it to the Ministry if we have to."
"Couldn't you have told me this after the Quidditch game tomorrow?" asked Harry. "Now I'm going to think about it during the game."
"I'm sorry, Harry. Dumbledore told me I had to," said Sirius.
"I'm going to bed to try to forget about it," said Harry dejectedly as he walked back into the Gryffindor common Room.
"Harry, wait…" said Sirius to Harry's retreating back but Harry just kept walking.
"He'll be okay," said a voice behind Sirius.
Sirius turned around. Cadance was leaning against the wall. "I didn't do so well," said Sirius.
"You think?" said Cadance sarcastically.
"You're being very comforting. Thank you, Cadance," said Sirius.
"I'm just telling it like it is," said Cadance.
"You're not supposed to tell it like it is. You're supposed to be kind about it and tell me I did just fine and that everything is going to be okay," said Sirius.
"Since when is that my job?" asked Cadance.
"Since I said it was," said Sirius.
"The last time I checked you had no jurisdiction over me," said Cadance. "You gave that up when you went to Azkaban."
"What's the matter with you, Cadance? You seem a bit… pissed off," said Sirius.
"I am not pissed off!"
"You're sure acting like it!"
"What is going on here!" exclaimed a voice behind them. Professor McGonagall was standing there. Cadance and Sirius were looking at each other angrily. "Cadance, there is a demon in the dungeons that you need to vanquish."
"All right," said Cadance. "I'm going."
"Maybe someone should go with you, Cadance. You're powers are going to be on the fritz now that you're pissed," said Sirius.
"I am not pissed and I do not need help!" exclaimed Cadance.
"I'm staying out of this one," said McGonagall. She walked away from the scene.
"You and your damned vulnerability complex!" exclaimed Sirius to Cadance.
"I do not have a vulnerability complex!" argued Cadance.
"You do, too!"
"Well, if I have a vulnerability complex, it's nothing compared to your stupidity complex!"
"What are you talking about, Cadance?"
"If you had been thinking that night none of this ever would have happened!" exclaimed Cadance.
"What night?" asked Sirius.
"The night you went after Pettigrew! If you had been thinking none of this would have happened! You were an Auror, Einstein! Auror's were allowed to use Unforgivable Curses! If you had just checked in with Bob Reynolds before you went after Pettigrew, it would have been an assignment! You would have been going after him as an Auror and it would have been legal and everything! Then Harry wouldn't have had to go to the Dursley's and I might not have had fifteen years stolen from me and my sister!"
"Are you blaming me for your parents' deaths?" asked Sirius.
"No, Sirius, I'm not blaming you for my parents' deaths," said Cadance.
"Lily and James's?"
"No," said Cadance. "My parents and Lily and James are dead and there's nothing I can do about it and I know that's not your fault."
"So you're blaming me for everything else?" asked Sirius.
"Basically! God, Sirius, do I have to spell it out for you?! If you had checked in before you went after Pettigrew Harry wouldn't be in this mess! And I might not have lost all those years with my sister!" exclaimed Cadance.
"If you thought all of this was my fault then why did you rescue me from Azkaban!"
"I don't know. It seemed like the right thing to do!"
"If you felt that way you should have just let the Dementors suck the soul out of me! Maybe then you wouldn't be so mad right now!"
"Well, I guess we'll never know!"
"Cadance, you need to grow up! You're twenty-three years old for god's sake. You should know your limitations! I heard you've been vanquishing Dark Lighters and that definitely exceeds your limitations!"
"You're not my mother! And since when were we talking about my limitations?! I don't remember bringing it up! I can't take this any more! I'm out of here!" exclaimed Cadance as she stomped away. Sirius walked in the opposite direction.
* * *
"Welcome back," said Dumbledore as he stood in front of the Order of the Phoenix. "I'm glad to see that everyone is here, safe and sound. Especially after last night's Death Eater attack. I would like to introduce a new member. I'm sure most of you already know her. Over sitting next to Cadance is Catalin Nuperson."
"Oh no. We have Cadance, Cati, Bill, and Charlie all sitting next to each other. We're all going to end up with some horrible prank pulled on us," joked Arabella.
"Yes. Because some people just never grow up," said Sirius.
"That's mature, Sirius. Bring it up in the middle of a meeting," said Cadance.
"Cadance? Sirius? Is there something you'd like to share with the class?" asked Arabella.
"Those two had a fight a little bit ago," said McGonagall.
"How did you know we had a fight?" asked Sirius.
"I could hear it from my office. You both have big mouths," said McGonagall.
"Well that's just great. I'm sure half of the Gryffindor Common Room heard it too," said Sirius.
"Oh big deal. Who cares?" said Cadance.
"I certainly don't want Harry knowing that we fought. Or the nature of our fight. And I can't believe you don't care that Jen probably knows," said Sirius.
"Since when do you care about anything but revenge on Pettigrew? That is what got all of us into this situation, isn't it? Pettigrew may be in Azkaban but last I checked he was still breathing," said Cadance.
"Oh yeah, why don't you go rescue him from Azkaban. It should be more of a challenge for you. He's being guarded by about ten Aurors. You might get yourself killed but, you won't admit that," said Sirius.
"ENOUGH!" exclaimed Dumbledore. "I don't want to hear another word out of either of you unless you have something productive to add to the meeting!"
"Are all meetings like this?" asked Cati.
"No, those two usually get along," said Mundungus Fletcher.
"Can we get on with the meeting?" asked Dumbledore. "Thank you. Now, Severus tells me that he received word earlier that Voldemort moved his lair out of Little Hangleton."
"Pettigrew said that he was thinking of moving it to Azkaban," said Nicholas Flamel.
"He wouldn't move it there," said Arthur. "This morning I ordered that Aurors be on guard in Azkaban since the Heads of the Departments wouldn't go for removing the Dementors."
"What about those two Department Heads? The spies?" asked Cadance.
"I mentioned it to Bob Reynolds. He's going to have them followed," said Arthur.
"Wow. You're good," said Arabella.
"Thank you," said Arthur.
"Next order of business," said Dumbledore. "The Quidditch final is tomorrow. I want the Aurors that were assigned to Hogwarts to be stationed all around the pitch."
"We can do that," said Arabella, who had been appointed as Head of the division. "It shouldn't be a problem."
"Also, the rooms in Hogsmeade will be ready for the Aurors to move into on Wednesday. Now they'll only be a short distance away, should a problem occur," said Dumbledore. "I think that's all that needed to be covered. Are there any questions? Comments?"
Both Sirius and Cadance opened their mouths to say something but Cati and Remus covered both of their mouths to avoid trouble. "They have absolutely nothing to say," said Remus.
"Nothing nice anyways," added Cati.
"Then this meeting is over," said Dumbledore.
* * *
Saturday came. The Aurors had started to patrol Hogwarts at night during the previous night. Harry woke up that morning feeling that he had forgotten something.
"The Quidditch Final!" exclaimed Harry. How could he have forgotten? They had been practicing everyday. Gryffindor vs. Slytherin for the Cup.
"RON!"
"What, Harry?" asked sleepily.
"It's five o'clock for god's sake, man!" exclaimed Seamus. The other three boys had been awakened.
Footsteps could be heard pounding up the stairs. The door flung open and Jen and Ginny were standing there.
"SHUTUP!" they exclaimed. The next second Harry was hit with two pillows. The two girls left the room.
"Harry, go back to bed," said Dean.
"Yeah, mate. We still have another two hours of sleep and I intend on using them. I suggest… no, I'm telling you to do the same," said Ron.
"Okay, okay. Goodnight or good morning or whatever it is," said Harry.
* * *TWO HOURS LATER* * *
"RON!"
"I'm up!"
Harry and Ron got ready for the match. The other three boys mumbled incoherently but Harry caught words like 'God-forsaken hours of the morning' and 'I'm going to hurt you when I'm fully awake'.
Ron and Harry walked down into the Common Room. Ginny and Jen were down there already. "Harry, you suck," said Jen.
"Yeah. Sorry about that," said Harry. "I thought I was late."
Then, the portrait hole opened and Cadance and Cati walked in.
"Hey you chuckleheads! Who screamed at the most godforsaken hour of the morning?" asked Cadance.
"That was me," said Harry.
"You suck," said Cadance. "Oh, and for those of you who didn't meet her yesterday, this is Catalin Nuperson."
"We all know Cati Nuperson. You and her flooded our Common Room yesterday," said Angelina.
"That was nothing compared to Cadance and Cati's prank when they were seventh years," said Lee Jordan.
"Hanging the Slytherins' underwear in the Great Hall is a great prank," said Angelina. "But it scarred me for life."
"Hey! We were the ones who had to touch it. Talk about being scarred for life," said Cati.
* * *
"Hellooooooo everyone! This is your commentator, Lee Jordan. This is going to be one heck of a game! Gryffindor will be facing Slytherin for the cup! You know, I don't know why we're actually playing this game. You should just give Gryffindor the cup. We're going to win anyways…"
"JORDAN!"
"What?"
Down on the Pitch…
"Captains, shake hands. And don't try to kill each other," said Madame Hooch.
Draco and Harry shook hands but immediately pulled away. They took off and waited for the whistle. And the game started!
"The Quaffle is taken immediately by Gryffindor! No surprise there."
"JORDAN!"
"Oh c'mon, Professor! This is the last game I'll ever be commentating for!"
"Thank god."
"Oh admit it, Professor McGonagall. You're going to miss my commentating!" argued Lee.
"Just commentate on the game, Lee," said Cadance. "Minerva's screaming in my ear."
Charlie Weasley was up in the stands with Cadance. Jen, Ginny, and Hermione were sitting in front of them.
A few minutes into the game, Dumbledore and Snape joined them. Dumbledore leaned into Cadance and Charlie. "All the Auror's are stationed around the Pitch just in case. The Order Members are a little closer to the entrance. I don't think there will be any trouble. Severus hasn't heard of anything planned."
"So today, we're going to either fight Death Eaters or watch a Quidditch game?" asked Cadance.
"That sounds about right," said Charlie.
"Either way we're going to have fun," said Cadance.
Dumbledore rolled his eyes as he took a seat.
"AND GRYFFIDOR SCORES! Ten to nothing: Gryffindor!"
Harry watched from his broom a full twenty feet above the action. All of the sudden he got a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Fred, George, Angelina, Alicia, and Katie would all be graduating. This was the last game they'd all play together. Not to mention he and Ron would have to pick five sevenths of a team next year.
"Gryffindor scores again!" exclaimed Lee causing Harry to focus on the game again.
"Slytherin in possession of the Quaffle. Nice stop by the Gryffindor Keeper! And… FOUL!"
Harry had been flying around when he had been knocked off his broom by Malfoy. He fell a full fifty feet. He hit the ground and did not move from where he had fallen.
"WHAT THE… OF ALL THE LOW-DOWN… THAT WAS… DAMN!" Even Lee Jordan was at a loss for words. McGonagall wasn't paying enough attention to reprimand him for swearing.
All of the other players stayed where they were. Nobody moved. The stands were dead silent. Dumbledore was standing with his wand outstretched. But he had not pulled it out fast enough. Harry had still fallen and hit the ground with full force. Madame Hooch flew down to Harry's side.
"Uncle Albus!" exclaimed Cadance. He didn't move. His wand was still outstretched. "Uncle Albus, let's go!"
McGonagall and Snape were already running down to the field. Dumbledore pocketed his wand and started down quickly. Cadance and Charlie were right behind him.
They reached the field. Madame Hooch stood up and blew her whistle, signaling for the players to land. "Go to the locker rooms and wait there for further instructions," she said.
Meanwhile, Dumbledore had bent over Harry's limp body. "He has to get the hospital wing immediately. Minerva, will you please announce to the students that the game is over. Tell them to go up to the castle and wait in the Great Hall." Madame Hooch had already conjured a stretcher for Harry.
"Charlie, go get Sirius and inform the Aurors of the situation. Cadance, come with me. We're going to the Gryffindor Locker Room. Severus, please go to the Slytherin Locker Room and bring Draco Malfoy to my office," said Dumbledore. Everyone went to do what they were told.
Dumbledore and Cadance went into the Gryffindor Locker Room. "How's Harry?" asked Ron.
"Not so good, Mr. Weasley," said Dumbledore.
"He's going to be all right though, isn't he?" asked Fred.
"I hope so," said Dumbledore
"You hope so?" asked Cadance. "No. You know so."
"Cadance, to be perfectly honest, he's not doing very well," said Dumbledore.
"You know this by looking at him?!"
"You're just looking to pick fights, aren't you?" asked Dumbledore. "Take a pill."
"Excuse me, professor. Did you just say 'take a pill'?" asked Katie Bell.
"Yes, Ms. Bell," said Dumbledore. "Now. All of you go back up to the Great Hall. I'm going to have a talk with the whole school."
They all went up to the Great Hall. Everyone else was already there. The Auror's were lined up along the wall. Sirius, however, was not present. Cadance and Dumbledore joined the Head table. Dumbledore stood up. "This has gone on long enough. This fighting between houses has gone too far. I realize that it was a Quidditch match, but it is getting ridiculous. Knocking someone off of their broom is definitely not sportsmanlike behavior. I believe I already told you that you would be punished if you didn't begin to get along. Well, here's the punishment. The Quidditch Final is over and will not be rescheduled." A murmur went up through the Hall. Some of the Slytherins called out to Professor Snape in complaint. The Gryffindors said nothing because they were too worried about Harry.
"Now," said Dumbledore as he looked around the room. "Everyone is to return to their Common Rooms immediately." The Staff and the Aurors (and Charlie Weasley) watched the students file silently out of the Great Hall. When they were all gone, Dumbledore told the Aurors that they could leave until their shifts that night. Charlie left to go home (Cadance had begun telling him that he spent more time at Hogwarts now than he had when he was in school). Dumbledore turned to the staff. "What are we going to do? This fighting among houses has grown worse."
"Do you really think this is about houses?" asked Cadance. "The son of a Death Eater just attacked the one person who is highest up on Voldemort's hit list."
"But we have to put that aside. Even if Mr. Malfoy's father is a Death Eater, we can't judge his son by that," said Dumbledore.
"Actually," said Professor Flitwick. "You could. It just wouldn't be very fair."
"Might I point out that Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw aren't fighting with each other. Nor are they fighting with Gryffindor. But they have begun quarreling more and more with Slytherin," said Professor Sprout. At this everyone looked at Professor Snape.
"Why do you all look surprised?" asked Snape. "This has been going on for…"
"A thousand years or more or so?" offered Professor McGonagall.
"Exactly," said Snape.
"And I don't think we should punish the students for what we did when we were in school," added Professor Vector.
"Why not?" asked Cadance. "Our professors did it to us. Why break tradition?"
"Excuse me, Cadance, but I believe we were those professors," said McGonagall.
"Sorry," said Cadance. "I'm only saying that inter-house fighting has gone on for a long time. Nobody is going to stop that. Not overnight at least. But I think this is bigger than inter-house. Maybe not as big as Voldemort, but definitely bigger than inter-house."
"While I hope that my niece is wrong, I can't rule it out as a possibility. I think that our only option is to keep our eyes and ears open," said Dumbledore.
"What action should be taken with Draco Malfoy?" asked Professor Trelawney (A/N: What? She can't be predicting people's deaths all the time. She has to have something intelligent to add to a conversation sometime… Ha! I almost fooled myself.)
"Some form of punishment must be administered," said Professor Sinistra.
"As odd as it may seem to all of you, I agree," said Snape. "If Cadance is right, then we should definitely try to discourage retreats to the Dark Side."
"Thank you, Master Yoda," said Cadance.
* * *
Cadance hurried up to the Hospital Wing. Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall were in Dumbledore's office with Draco Malfoy. Cadance had been in there briefly a few minutes earlier. She was in there just long enough to subtly hint to her uncle that expulsion wouldn't be totally barbaric in the situation ("Expulsion wouldn't be totally barbaric in this situation," she had told him).
Sirius was sitting by Harry's bed. Madame Pomfrey came bustling in and Sirius stood up. "Mr. Black. I have already told you. I will not know anything about his condition for several hours," said Madame Pomfrey.
"That's too long," said Cadance from the doorway, alerting the two to her presence. "I'm going to go find a White Lighter." She turned and walked out of the Hospital Wing and through her Common Room and into her room and got the Book of Shadows out from under her mattress.
"If you can summon Dark Lighters so you can vanquish them using the Book of Light, then you should be able to summon White Lighters using the Book of Shadows," she said to herself. She flipped through the book until she found the page that she was looking for.
She ran over to her wardrobe and pulled out three white candles. She lit them and made a circle with them on the floor. She pulled out her wand. "Lightus Witeus. What the hell kind of a spell is that? It doesn't even sound like Latin!"
In a flash of white light, a man stood standing in the middle of the circle of candles. He was wearing white robes and looked very confused. "Wow, it worked," said Cadance. "Okay, you're coming with me. Watch the candles as you step out of the circle, oh absent one. I don't want my room caught on fire."
"Where am I?" asked the White Lighter.
"Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," said Cadance.
"Oh man. Hogwarts? You must be Cadance Dumbledore," said the White Lighter.
"In the flesh," said Cadance.
"'They' told us to watch out for you. 'They' said that you'd try to get us to interfere," he replied.
"Well, they were right. And you need to heal someone," said Cadance. "Let's go." She grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the room.
"Wait… you don't understand… I can't… 'they'…" he protested all the way to the Hospital Wing each time being silenced by Cadance.
"Listen, buddy," said Cadance. "When you get back up there you can just tell 'them'… wait a minute. Do 'they' have a name?"
"The Powers that Be will serve the purpose," said the White Lighter.
"Well you just tell the Powers that Be that they are doing a really bad job," said Cadance. They reached the Hospital Wing. "Sirius, I would like you to meet… well, actually I don't know his name. It's not important. All that's important is that he's a White Lighter."
"Oh my. That's Harry Potter," said the White Lighter. "And my name's Sam. I don't answer to 'hey you' or 'White Lighter'. Just Sam."
"Fine. Less talking more healing," said Cadance.
"You don't understand. I tried to tell you earlier but you kept shushing me. I can heal my charges and only my charges. I can't heal anyone else," said Sam. "And he's not one of my charges."
"Well, if that isn't the biggest amount of bullshit I've ever heard," said Cadance. "Who is his White Lighter?"
"I don't know," he said.
"Then we'll have to find out," said Cadance. "We'll have to ask the Powers that Be."
"The Powers that Be?" asked Sirius.
"'They'," said Cadance. "Apparently 'they' have a name."
"It's impossible to ask them. Only White Lighters can see them. And besides, you couldn't get to them. The only way is to orb and neither of you can do that," said Sam. Cadance gave an evil smile. "No," he said. "I'm not taking you."
"You don't have to take me. You just have to let me borrow your power for a bit," said Cadance.
"No."
"Do I have to take them by force?" asked Cadance.
Sam considered his options. "Fine," said Sam. "You go right there then you come right back. They are going to kill me for this." He held his had our and a bead of white light emitted from it. Cadance touched it.
"Sirius," said Cadance. "I am completely and utterly sorry. I was just looking for someone to blame. I mostly blamed Fudge but I can't blame him now that he's dead. And Pettigrew is being punished in Azkaban so I can't blame him to his face like I could Fudge. I was just pissed off. I just wanted you to know that I'm sorry before we go."
"I'm sorry, too," he said clasping his hand on her shoulder. "And did you just say 'we'?"
Cadance looked at him and grinned evilly. In a flash of White Light, they were both gone.
