Disclaimer:  I don't own anything you recognize as anyone else's!  There're references to Pirates in this chapter, and those are inspired by The Pirates of the Caribbean and Muppet Treasure Island.

            "This is the most insanely structured collection of cut-throats, villains, and ragamuffins that I have ever seen organized into a group," said Arabella shaking her head.

Cadance and Cati looked around at their small group.  "They're perfect," they said in unison with big smiles.

And so they were.  Part of the Order of the Phoenix (Snape, Fred, George, Bill, Sirius, Remus, Fletcher) stood in a row in the back; waiting and ready for anything.  Arthur and Arabella stood with Cadance and Cati looking at the group.  Kala stood off to the right of the Order, but in front of them, with two upper-level demons from the bar who she felt were trust-worthy.  She was wearing a tight, black, leather outfit complete with a black belt similar to Cadance and Cati's with a few knives and rope and other necessities in it.  Hermione, Ron, and Jen stood next to them, yet separated a little. 

"Is this everyone?" asked Arabella.

"I'm afraid so," said Cadance.

"Where's Bob Reynolds?" asked Arabella.  "He's the Head Auror.  He should be here."

"I know, but we couldn't contact him," said Cadance. 

"Where's Hagrid?" asked Arabella.

"I sent him to get Madame Maxime.  They're going to alert the Giants and then get back here as quick as possible," said Cadance.  "And Charlie is still nowhere to be found.  And then there are just a few other people who aren't here."

"Don't be so sure of that," said Arthur, with a smile crossing his face.  He was looking towards the door of the Three Broomsticks where a few people have just emerged.

"Oliver!" exclaimed Cadance.  Oliver Wood ran up to them with Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, and Katie Bell.  Behind them were three women who nobody recognized.  They walked slowly and looked around.

"Alright, now what's up with this?" asked Arabella.  "Are we storming the castle or playing Quidditch?"

"Both," said Cadance.  "I was thinking that maybe we could challenge the Death Eaters to a match or two."

Arabella looked like her head was about to explode.

"Arabella, I was kidding!" exclaimed Cadance hurriedly.  Then she noticed the three women behind them.  They were dressed similarly to Kala, in that they were dressed in all black.  They wore high-heeled boots similar those that female Aurors wore, only they were black instead of white.  They had robes on over their black pants and black tops.  They each had black bags slung over their shoulders.  They each had matching rings on their fingers.  Each was set with a blue stone that was glowing brightly.

"AHHH!" exclaimed Cadance running over to them.  They recognized her and started running to her, too.

Oliver, Angelina, Alicia, and Katie were now standing with Ron, Hermione, and Jen.  Everyone turned to look at what Cadance was screaming about.  "Oh my God!" exclaimed Cati.

Cadance and the three girls had a group hug and when they pulled away Cadance began talking animatedly.  "I can't believe you're here!  I tried to contact you a while back!  You're impossible to track down!  So much has happened since I last talked to you!  But I'm so glad you're here!  We need your help!"

"Yeah we kinda figured," said one.  "We were in a conference in Australia about Arnookie Beasts when our rings started glowing so we hightailed it out of there and headed to Godric's Hollow.  When you weren't there we decided to come here to ask your Uncle where you were, but we found you instead.  So what's going on?!"

"Long story short," said Cadance.  "Death Eaters invaded the castle and my uncle and a few others went in there to try and save Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley."

Cati came over at this time and hugged the three girls, too.  Bill looked over and screamed, "Look!  It's the McGrady ladies!"  Then, he too came over and hugged them.

"Oh no," said Arabella.  "The only way we could be more doomed would be if Drew were here."

It was at that moment that there was a flash of white light.  Drew appeared sitting in a beach chair in a Hawaiian shirt with a coconut drink and a paper umbrella.  "What the hell!?" he exclaimed.  They all stared at him.

"Now, I know we haven't been in touched for a while, but I heard he was dead," said one of the girls.

Cati ran over and hopped on Drew.  "It's cold here!  I want to go back to Hawaii!" he exclaimed.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" exclaimed Jen and everyone quieted down.  "I think we need some explanations here.  Obviously Drew is a White Lighter.  But who the hell are you three?"

"Jen, these are our distant cousins," said Cadance.  "This is Morgouse (A/N: pronounced Mor-goes), this is Elaine, and this is Gwen.  But more importantly, they're Sorceresses.  We're all members of the same coven."

Jen turned to Harry and Hermione and said, "How do you go from having two relatives to having a whole slew of relatives in just a few short hours?"

"So what the hell am I doing here?!" exclaimed Drew.

"You're a lifesaver, that's what you're doing here," said Cadance as she ran over and put her arms around his neck.

"By the way," said Drew.  "Congratulations on your and Charlie's nuptials."  He winked.

"You got married!?" exclaimed Elaine.

Suddenly there was a burst of lightning and the Dark Mark appeared above the castle.  "I'm afraid we'll have to explain on the way," said Cadance.  "We need to go kick some ass."

"Not dressed like that you're not," said Morgouse.

"What are you talking about?" asked Arabella.

"The Ministry has to get out of the, oh let's say, 10th Century," said Elaine.  "White may have been the color of choice for all good knights back in the days of King Arthur, but these days black is the new white."

Cadance and Cati stared pointedly at Arabella and Arthur.  "I told you!" exclaimed Cati.  "I told you we can't sneak around in the dark in white!"

"Alright, alright," said Arabella.  "Everyone in white robes go change.  Find robes somewhere."

Five minutes later, due to generous contributions from the Hogsmeade apartments of Cati, Sirius, and Remus, everyone was ready to go.  Cadance and Cati were in black turtlenecks and black pants with black robes and their belts.  Cadance refused to part with the Indiana Jones hat. 

Morgouse, Elaine, and Gwen slung their sacks back over their shoulders.  When questioned about what was in them, they answered evasively.

"Yeah, definitely related to Cadance," muttered Sirius under his breath.

* * *

            The group (24 in all) reached the front doors of the castle.    "Alright," said Cadance.  "You are now all officially temporary members of the Order of the Phoenix."

"So what's our plan?" asked Kala.

            "No plan," said Cadance.  "We're winging it.  Everyone ready?"

            "Uh… no," said Arabella.  "How are we supposed to go in there and wing it?  It's hopeless."

            "Don't you know, Arabella?" asked Cadance.  "There is always hope."

            "I know you believe that, Cadance," said Arabella.  "But sometimes reality sets in and you've got to face the fact that this is hopeless."

            "So you're saying that we should just throw in the towel?" asked Cadance.  "That everything we've been trained for, that everything we've worked for, was for nothing?  Everyone here has worked tirelessly against evil, especially the Order Members.  We can't say, right, well our castle's been taken over, I guess it's over then."

            "Hoping against all hope is what makes us the good guys.  We're not going to give up just because the road is going to be long and difficult.  We can't just let Voldemort win," said Cati.

            "I can't just let my Uncle die in there," said Cadance.  "Not when we have the power to help him.  Good has never lost to evil before.  I don't intend to start now."

            "I'd rather die at the hands of the Dark Lord than do his bidding," said Cati.  "If I'm going to die though, there are a few Death Eaters that are going with me."

            "Watch out for Pettigrew.  He won't be using a wand if he can help it.  He knows he's too weak with it.  He'll try and run you through with a sword," said Cadance.  "Now are we ready?"

            Everyone nodded.  Cati said, "Fight well.  Die hard.  And leave a stinking corpse!"

            "Let's go!" said Cadance.  She kicked open the door and they burst in, expecting to come face to face with Death Eaters but instead came face to face with…

            "Nothing," said Cadance and her voice echoed throughout the hall.  "Okay, this is good.  Now we can be stealthy and surprise them."

            "How do you expect to safely sneak 24 people through a castle filled with Death Eaters?" asked Arabella.  "It would be better for our nerves if we didn't have this nerve-racking sneaking."

            "You're right," said Cadance thoughtfully.  "Cati, it's all you."

            "Hell yeah," said Cati.  She took a deep breath.  "HEY VOLDEMORT!!!!!!!!!!  WE'RE HERE!!!!!!!!!"

            "Alright, now everyone get ready!" exclaimed Cadance excitedly.

            It took no more than two minutes before Voldemort himself and ten of his Death Eaters showed up in the Entrance Hall.  "You!" exclaimed Voldemort. 

            "You were expecting a pizza?" asked Kala.

            "And you're supposed to be dead!" exclaimed Voldemort pointing at Drew.

            "Yeah, I was sent back," said Drew.  "I was just as surprised as you were."

            "Where is Harry?" asked Cadance.  Voldemort and his Death Eaters laughed evilly.  "Elaine, do your thing," said Cadance.

            "I thought you'd never ask," said Elaine.  She stepped forward.  Suddenly she disappeared. 

            "But you can't Apparate or Disapparate inside of Hogwarts!" exclaimed Hermione.

            "Just watch," said Cadance.  Voldemort and the other Death Eaters started looking around suspiciously.

            Suddenly several Death Eaters flew backwards and hit the wall.  Then the rest of them hit the wall.  Voldemort was the only one left standing and then Elaine appeared next to Cadance.  "Gwen, would you like to take it from here?" asked Elaine.

            "I'd love to, darling," said Gwen.  She stepped forward and closed her eyes and let her head fall forward.  Suddenly out of nowhere a lion appeared.  Gwen lifted her head up and smiled.  The lion crouched low and the Death Eaters, who were picking themselves up off the ground, started backing away.

            "It's up to you, Voldemort," said Cadance.  "Gwen can prevent the lion from eating some of your best Death Eaters if you just tell us where my Uncle, Alastor, Minerva, Harry, and Ginny are."

            "Fine, let the filthy beast eat the morons.  See if I care," said Voldemort.

            "Gwen," said Cadance.  "Do you think we can kick this up a notch?"

            Gwen nodded.  Suddenly a lioness appeared next to the lion.  Then a vulture appeared on Gwen's shoulder.  "I figured that we'd better have something to pick up what the lions decide not to eat," she explained.

            "Nice touch," said Cadance.

            "Thank you," said Gwen.

            "Call off the beasts," said Voldemort.

            "Well, Morgouse, I guess we're just going to have to save your gift to Voldie-poo for later," said Cadance animatedly as the animals disappeared.

            "Uh oh," said Morgouse.  "I think we'd better do that now."  Cadance turned to look at Voldemort who had his arms stretched out in front of him.  Suddenly sparks flew and a huge deadly ball of light headed towards them.  Morgouse stepped forward and threw her arms out to the side.  As the ball loomed forward, fear gripped everyone's hearts.  And in the same split second several things occurred.  Cati grabbed Bill's hand and looked away as Drew stepped in front of both of them, as he was already dead and therefore couldn't be killed again.  Ron put an arm around Hermione and Jen.  Sirius and Remus moved to pull Cadance and Elaine back out of the way while Arthur tried to pull Gwen and Morgouse.  Cadance and Elaine stepped back with Sirius and Remus, but Gwen stopped Arthur from pulling Morgouse.

            "Have faith," said Elaine as she put a hand on Arthur's shoulder.  The deadly ball of light reached them and everyone braced themselves.  However, instead there was a huge flash of light and Morgouse staggered back a few steps, almost losing her balance. 

            "Are you okay?" asked Elaine.

            "Just fine," said Morgouse.  Voldemort stared in shock.

            "So Voldemort," said Cadance.  "What's it going to be?  I can have Gwen call those animals right back here."

            Voldemort seemed to be considering his options.  Sorcery would only get him so far, considering he was up against so many Sorceresses himself, and one could absorb any energy thrown at them and render it useless.  On the other hand, open war with them could prove victorious for him and his Death Eaters, but Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter were in his clutches and why bother making the efforts to attack and subdue twenty-five witches and wizards when he had only ten of his Death Eaters with him?  Then another thought occurred to him.  He smiled evilly and whispered to the nearest Death Eater who walked into the Great Hall.

            "Where is he going?" asked Cati suspiciously.

            "You'll see," said Voldemort.  Cati tried to poke around inside of Voldemort's mind, but she found it impossible.  He was just too powerful.

            The Death Eater came back out of the Great Hall pushing Albus Dumbledore in front of him and another Death Eater followed behind with Ginny.  Both hostages were blindfolded. 

            "Cadance, I'll make a deal with you," said Voldemort.  "If one of you can beat a Death Eater of my choice, I'll let Ginny free.  But if you lose, she dies."

            "So what are you doing with my Uncle then?" asked Cadance.

            "Incentive," said Voldemort.  "If you don't fight, we'll kill him."

            "You bloody bastard," said Cadance.

            "Cadance, don't rise to it," said Dumbledore.  "Just get out of here while you still have the upper-hand."

            "You leave, and we'll kill him," said Voldemort pulling a knife out of his robes.  "I'll kill them both."

            "I'll do it," said Cadance.  "I'll fight."

            "Cadance, no," said Arthur putting a hand on her shoulder.

            "No," said Cadance.  "I can do it.  Who, Moldy-Voldie, am I fighting?"

            Voldemort snapped his fingers and Pettigrew came into the Entrance Hall.  "You'll be fighting Pettigrew."

            A smile spread across Cadance's face.  "Gladly," she said.

            "And another rule, which I'm sure you won't mind agreeing to," said Voldemort.  "Both you and Pettigrew may have one person to help you if you should need it."

            "Deal," said Cadance.  "Cati, let's go."

            "Wait, Cadance, come here," said Cati.  Cadance walked over and whispered something in Cadance's ear.  Cadance glanced over for a second and then nodded.

            "I've decided that I'm bringing Drew," said Cadance to Voldemort.

            "Fine," said Voldemort.  "Our person will meet you in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, where you will be fighting.  Drew can orb you all there."

            "Hey, I'm not touching that filthy rat," said Drew throwing his arms up.

            "Fine, I'll send you myself," said Voldemort.  He snapped his fingers and they disappeared in a puff of smoke.

            "Tom!" exclaimed Dumbledore.  "Your fight is not with Cadance; it's with me."

            "Yes, but by hurting your niece, I'm hurting you more than I could if I hurt you directly," said Voldemort as he walked around Dumbledore.   "What you don't see, Dumbledore, is that I've just sent your precious niece to go fight Pettigrew.  You do realize that Pettigrew is the better swordsman?  If you don't behave yourself, you'll lose both your nieces."

            At this, Sirius put his arm around Jen while glaring daggers at Voldemort.  Voldemort continued, "Let me describe to you what you would see if I were to remove your blindfold," said Voldemort.  "You would see a group of witches and wizards; not all of them Aurors.  Some of them I recognize, yet some of them I don't.  Young Jennifer is here."

            "Tom, let them go," said Dumbledore.

            "Don't worry, Albus," said Elaine stepping forward.  "There aren't enough of them to hurt us."

            "Elaine?" said Dumbledore looking around as if trying to find where exactly the voice came from.

            "Yes, Albus," said Voldemort.  "The McGrady Sisters have made their reappearance in the Wizarding World at last.  Let me see… the last you heard they were living as Muggles yet fighting like witches.  I'll tell you what, Albus.  Those witches are more mysterious than you are.  I wanted them murdered a few months ago, but my demons just couldn't find them.  I can't wait until this is all over, Albus.  I'll be in control of the castle, and all of you will be dead; starting with Pettigrew killing your niece."

            "Drew will heal any cut, any bruise, any injury that Cadance has," said Cati.  "She'll beat him."

            "Yes, but he can't heal her if she's dead," said Voldemort.  "And that's precisely why I came up the condition that they may each bring a second person with them.  She's sent herself unwittingly into a trap."

            "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"  A high-pitched scream echoed through the castle.

            "Right on schedule," said Voldemort his mouth curling into a smile.

             Dumbledore looked about madly, as if trying to shake off his blindfold.  Cati grabbed on to Bill's arm as her knees felt weak.  Jen started sobbing into Sirius's robes.

            Voldemort laughed maniacally, the Death Eaters with him following suit.  But they stopped abruptly as a woman came hurdling into the Great Hall, her leg bleeding badly.  She hit the ground at Voldemort's feet as she sobbed hysterically.

            Professor McGonagall came into the Entrance Hall, a knife out.  She skidded to a halt then looked around, an eyebrow raised.

            "What's going on?" asked Dumbledore, who had grown worried by the silence.

            McGonagall flipped her knife up so that she was holding it by the blade and handed it to Cati so she took it by the handle.  "Hold this," said McGonagall.

            "Minerva?" asked Dumbledore.  "Is that you?  What's going on?"

            "Well by the looks of things," said Elaine.  "Minerva just kicked that woman's ass and now she's running to Voldemort for help.  And furthermore, by the looks of things, she was the one who screamed, not Cadance.  So, Jen, you can let go of Sirius now.  Your sister is not dead."

            "Yet," said Voldemort.

            McGonagall looked around.  "Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on, and why the hell we are standing in the same hallway as Voldemort without fighting him?!  And also, how the hell did Elaine, Gwen, and Morgouse get here?!"

            "It's a long story," said Elaine

* * *

            Cadance stood very close to Drew.  Pettigrew stood next to a humanoid Demon at the other end of the room.  They were talking in hushed voices.  "Don't be nervous," said Drew.  "I can heal you."

            "I know," said Cadance.  "I know."  Nevertheless her hand was shaking as she took off her long coat and put her hat on Drew's head.  She pulled the sword that the Elves had given her out of her belt and held it.

            "Good luck," said Drew.

            Cadance nodded.  Her throat was dry.  Her hands still shook.  She stepped to the middle of the room, which they had emptied to make room.  Pettigrew turned around and joined her.

            "So Cadance," said Pettigrew.  "How are things?"

            "Shut up, Peter," said Cadance.  "Let's get this started."

            "But that's the beauty of it," said Pettigrew, leaning on the hilt of his sword casually.  "I'm going to beat you without striking a single blow."

            "What are you talking about?" asked Cadance.

            "This," said Pettigrew.  He snapped his fingers.  The demon stepped forward and gave a casual wave of his hand.  Cadance was thrown backwards against the wall.  Drew made to move to her and then he was thrown at the opposite wall.

            Cadance blinked a few times, trying to clear her vision.  She had hit her head when she was thrown backwards and she was dizzy and ached.  Drew wasn't moving.  Cadance tried to stand up, but her head was spinning and the side of her head was starting to bleed.  She didn't know where her sword was and still couldn't see very well.  She could see the figure of Pettigrew moving towards her.  He crouched down next to her.

            "You know, Cadance, I really hate to do this," he said softly.  "It's a pity you and I don't have the same views on power.  You would have joined the Dark side.  Cadance, power is what makes the world go 'round.  You have to go where the power is or die trying to fight it."  He stood up and said to the demon, "Finish her off."

            Cadance managed to sit up.  She had all her weight on one hand to keep herself sitting upright.  She rubbed her head with the other hand.  The demon stepped forward.  It pulled its arm back, ready to throw a fireball.  "Any last words, witch?" it asked in a dark and menacing voice.

            "Yeah," said Cadance.  "Goodbye, bastard."  She pulled her arm back and threw a fireball at him.  He burst into flames.  The flames extinguished and the demon was still standing there.  He laughed evilly.

            "Is that the best you've got?" he asked.

            "No," said Cadance.  She pulled out an athame and threw it at him.  She hit him and he burst into flame again, this time reduced to a smoldering pile of ash.  Drew was starting to stir.  "Drew, are you alright?" she asked.

            "I'm getting there," he said as he rubbed his head.

            Cadance pulled herself up.  She was still dizzy.  "Peter, let's finish this now," she said.

            "This was a mere snag in our plans," said Peter.  "You will still die."

            "Touching sentiments," she said.  She held her arm out and her sword flew into her outstretched hand.  "Let's do this."

* * *

            "So you came because you thought Cadance was in trouble?" asked McGonagall.

            "Yeah," said Elaine.

            "Wow," said McGonagall.  "Where were you?"

            "Australia," said Morgouse.  "Attending a seminar on Arnookie beasts."

            "Really?" asked McGonagall.  "Was it nice in Australia?"

            "Yeah," said Gwen.  "It was pretty nice."

            "Alright, that's enough," said Voldemort.  "You're my prisoners.  You're not to be talking."

            "Wait wait wait!" exclaimed Cati.  "We are not your prisoners!  We're simply waiting on Cadance and Peter."

            "Hello, this is my fortress," said Voldemort.

            "Hello, this isn't a fortress and it was our castle first," said Cati.

            "Bite me," said Voldemort.

            "Remus, you should work on trying to change into a werewolf at will," said Cati.  "That way when psycho people say 'bite me' to us, you can bite them and they can turn into a werewolf."

            "Do you really want to give Voldemort the power to turn into a full-fledge monster?" asked Remus.

            "Good point," said Cati.

* * *

            Bruised, battered, sore, bleeding, tired; this is the state that Cadance and Pettigrew found themselves after only fifteen minutes of fighting.  "Cadance," said Drew for the millionth time.  "Just stop for a second.  Let me heal you."

            "No," said Cadance as she expertly blocked another of Pettigrew's blows.  "If I turn my back for a second, I'll get a sword run through it."

            And so it continued.  They matched each other; blow for blow and stroke for stroke.  Finally, Pettigrew said, "This is ridiculous.  We need to take a break."

            Cadance nodded then lowered her sword for a second and was about to turn to Drew when he screamed, "Cadance!"  Cadance turned around, but too late.  Pettigrew had taken a knife out of his robes and stabbed her just below her shoulder and to the left of her heart.  She swayed on her feet and then finally fell backwards.  Pettigrew caught her, pulled the knife out of her, and held it to her throat.

            "Let's see you try to heal what's already lost," said Pettigrew. 

            Suddenly, there was a burst of flame in the corner and Fawkes the Phoenix appeared.  He attacked Pettigrew.  Pettigrew threw his hands up in defense and Cadance fell to the floor, as the knife skimmed her neck.  She stuck her leg out and tripped Pettigrew.  Drew knocked him out with the hilt of one of the swords and then magically bound and gagged him, then stuck him in a corner, leaving Fawkes to stand guard.

            Drew then tried to heal Cadance, but her wounds just absolutely refused to heal.  Even Fawkes's tears were no match for the injuries.  "It's alright," said Cadance.  "It doesn't hurt that much and it's not too deep.  I think that because my Animagus form is a Phoenix, it's affected my ability to be healed of non-fatal injuries."

            "Yes, but Cadance, that could turn into a fatal injury if it doesn't get fixed soon," said Drew.

            "And when it does, you'll be able to heal me," said Cadance.  "Drew, I need you to go and try and get more White Lighters to come and help.  Get Elders.  Get Prudence, the Head Elder."

            "Are you sure that that's a good idea?" asked Drew as he helped Cadance to her feet.  "Prudence McGrady hasn't seen her nieces in a long time.  Elaine, Gwen, and Morgouse aren't exactly on the best of terms with her."

            "McGrady," said Cadance thoughtfully.  "Oh my god, you mean they're related?"

            "Yeah," said Drew.  "Where have you been?"

            "But if she's related to them that means that I must be related to her!" exclaimed Cadance.

            "No," said Drew.  "They're related to you on their mom's side and they're related to Prudence on their dad's side.  Hence the same last name."

            "Oh thank God," said Cadance.  "For a second there I thought I was related to an Elder.  Now orb out of here and go get help."

            "Wait," said Drew.  "I'm sensing something weird.  I've sensed it since we got inside the castle.  The balance of power is off."

            "I know," said Cadance.  "It's probably because my Uncle's powers were bound."

            "Well aren't you going to unbind them?" he asked.

            "I've never unbound powers before," said Cadance.

            "Well, your sister unbound them last year," said Drew.  "Us Whitelighters were watching.  You just say the incantation."

            "But I don't know it," said Cadance.

            "You do," said Drew.  "Your powers are a part of you.  Look deep inside you and you'll find it."

            "Drew," said Cadance.  "That was the corniest thing I've ever heard."

            "Corny, yet true," said Drew.

            Cadance sighed and then closed her eyes.  She was silent for several minutes.  Then, words came out of her mouth almost automatically.  "Sdrow esehtyast solsaw tahw eer fot.

            "See, I told you," said Drew.

            "You've gotten wiser since becoming a White Lighter," said Cadance.  "Now go get help."

            Drew handed Cadance her long coat to put on to cover up her injuries that she had received.  He put her hat back on her head and orbed away.

* * *

            The Order of the Phoenix was beginning to get discouraged.  They weren't even standing anymore.  They sat down; completely bored and worried beyond belief.  The younger ones were more scared than the older ones or the crazy ones (i.e. Cati).  Jen, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione were the most scared.  Hermione and Ron were holding each other's hands and Hermione had her head down on Ron's shoulder.  Jen kept talking to Ginny, who (along with Dumbledore) was still standing on the other half of the room with Voldemort and was blindfolded.  The woman who McGonagall injured was sticking remarkably close to Voldemort.

            Suddenly, they heard the sounds of footsteps coming down the hallway.  The already silent hall got even quieter.  Everyone in the Order tensed up as they looked in the direction of the footsteps.  Voldemort's lips curled into a smile as the footsteps grew louder.

            Then, Cadance stepped into the hall.  Voldemort's smile faded and the Order let out a sigh of relief.  "But how is that possible!?" asked Voldemort.  "How did you beat Pettigrew!?"

            "Not easily," said Cadance.

            "Cadance, are you alright?" asked Dumbledore.

            "I'm fine, Uncle Albus.  And you," she said then pointed to Voldemort, "I fought Pettigrew and I beat him.  Now you better release Ginny."  Suddenly, there was a thundering sound as a hundred Death Eaters ran down the stairs.  Where were they before you ask?  I don't know, I'm just the omniscient narrator.  Oh wait, if I'm omniscient, shouldn't I know where they were?  Well, I guess I just didn't care.  Anyway…

            "Oh shit," said Cadance stamping her foot forcefully on the ground then wincing in pain.

            Voldemort laughed evilly, then said, "Alright, listen up!  You're all my prisoners now.  I want Dumbledore, his two nieces, Potter's two little friends, Black, Lupin, Snape's damn niece, and those other Weasleys in the Great Hall where Potter is.  The rest I want in another room with heavy security.  Make sure that dear Minerva doesn't get out again.  And make sure that those three McGradys don't use magic.  If they do then you're all dead, and I don't mean that as a threat; I mean that they'll kill you.  Now let's go!"

            Struggling, biting, kicking, and fighting, they were all led to where they were instructed to be taken.  The first thing Cadance noticed when she was thrown to the floor in the Great Hall with the rest of the hostages was that Harry was bound and gagged to a chair in the corner.  The second thing that she noticed was that all the tables were gone, except one.  The third thing she noticed was that Voldemort had set up a throne where the Head Table used to be.  The Death Eaters were still holding Ginny and Dumbledore a little farther away from the rest of the hostages.  Cadance was feeling winded and sore and dizzy because of her wounds.

            Voldemort walked up and sat on his throne.  "Oh how the mighty have fallen," said Voldemort.  "Take off Dumbledore and the young Weasley's blindfold, but don't release Dumbledore."  The Death Eaters did as they were told.  Cadance tried to avoid her uncle's eye because she knew he'd know about her injuries, despite the fact that her long coat was covering most of them.

            "Tom," said Dumbledore.

            "Dumbledore, I don't want to hear any more of this 'this is between you and me' shit you always try to throw around.  Stop trying to achieve martyrdom and let me kill your friends and family," said Voldemort exasperatedly.

            "You're cocky," said Cadance.

            "You're the one talking back to the Dark Lord and you're calling me cocky?" questioned Voldemort.  "You know, it doesn't have to be this way.  I would be lenient if one of you would just tell me who the heir of Gryffindor is."

            "The heir of Gryffindor is the last descendant of Godric Gryffindor, one of the co-founders of Hogwarts and one of the most powerful wizards of his time," said Cati.  "Boo yeah!"

            "Kill her," said Voldemort.  A Death Eater pulled a knife out of his robes and flung it at Cati.  This turned out to be a mistake on his part.  Cati snatched it out of the air mere inches from her face and flung it back at the Death Eater, causing him to burst into flames and disappear.  This caused a chain reaction.  Several Order members hopped to their feet and pulled out their wands, which the Death Eaters had not bothered to collect since the good guys were so terribly outnumbered.  Cadance and Cati armed themselves with fireballs.  The Death Eaters all whipped their wands out as well.  Nobody moved.  Cadance and Cati looked at each other.  They were trying to mentally come up with a plan and telepathically communicate it, but they were both coming up blank.  All they knew is that they were outnumbered and quite powerless.

            Voldemort steepled his fingers and leaned back on his throne.  "We'll kill you all if someone doesn't tell me who the heir of Gryffindor is.  NOW!"  Suddenly, Harry began struggling in his chair and trying to talk through his gag.  "What is it Potter?  Are you going to tell me what I want to know?"  Harry nodded.  Voldemort snapped his fingers and Harry was no longer bound or gagged.

            "I am the heir of Gryffindor," said Harry boldly.

            "Harry, no," said Cadance under her breath.

            "You?" questioned Voldemort.  "Impossible."

            "It's not," said Harry.  "Only a few people know."

            Cadance and Cati exchanged a glance.  Voldemort noticed it.  He was at Harry's side in a second with his hands around his neck.  Cadance almost let her fireball go, but Voldemort pulled his hands away from Harry's neck.  Clutched in his hand now was…

            "The Crystal of Gryffindor," said Voldemort.  "So it does exist."

            "Harry James, what did I tell you?!" exclaimed Cadance.  "Keep it in a safe place, I said!"

            "Sorry!  Geez!  The next time you give me something to help protect me from crazy descendants of other crazy people, I'll put it in a safe!" exclaimed Harry.

            "You watch your tone of voice with me, Mister," said Cadance shaking her fireball menacingly.

            "Where's the other one, Potter?" interjected Voldemort angrily.

            "The other one?" questioned Harry, looking to Cadance for an answer.  When he didn't get one, he looked to Dumbledore who also looked at Cadance.

             "This Crystal is one of a set of two," said Voldemort.  "Singularly neither one is of any use to me.  I can't use them.  But together their power will make me the most powerful man in the universe!  Not that I'm not already."

            "You're evil," said Cati.

            "The Source of All Evil to be precise," said Voldemort.

            "No," said Cadance.  "The Source of All Evil was vanquished by American Witches around Christmas."

            "And the Underworld was divided.  It was easy to take it over," said Voldemort.

            A smile crossed Cadance's face, but nobody really noticed it.  It faded out, but her eyes still retained a smug look.

            "Now, Potter, where is the other Crystal?" asked Voldemort.

            "I don't know what you're talking about," said Harry.  "I really don't know."

            "Someone here does," said Voldemort.  "I can feel it.  Someone here knows something."

            Bill grabbed Cadance's arm and pulled her closer.  Voldemort saw this and fixed his stare on Cadance.  "Come here, Cadance," he said.

            "No," said Cadance staring back.

            "Cadance, come here," said Voldemort.  Cadance felt willed to move, but she tried to stay put.  Bill tightened his grip on Cadance's arm.

            "Think of something else.  Close your mind," Bill hissed in her ear.  "Stay put.  Don't move.  Don't let him in your head.  Think about Quidditch or Centaurs or something.  Think about Charlie."

            "Cadance," said Voldemort sternly, "Come here."

            Cadance gave in.  Her head was spinning.  Her injuries had taken a toll on her mentally and she couldn't fight Voldemort inside her head.  She walked forward and stopped in front of Voldemort and Harry.

            "You have it, don't you?" asked Voldemort gently.  Cadance didn't answer.

            "Oh no," said Bill.  "I think the truth about the Dumbledores is finally coming out."

***Meanwhile, back in Hogsmeade…***

            "WAHOOOO!"

            "ANOTHER ROUND OF BEERS!"

            "HEY WHAT'S THAT CRAZY GIRL IN NEON ROBES DOING SWINGING ON THAT ROPE?"

            "WHO CARES!  HOW MUCH IS SHE CHARGING… AHHHHHHHHH!"

            "HEY!  SHE KILLED KENNY!"

            "WHAT IS GOING ON IN HERE?"

            "IT'S THE LAST NIGHT WE MAY EVER HAVE TO HAVE FUN!"

            "RIGHT, SO WE'RE GOING TO GET DRUNK!"

            "Why are you screaming?!  Get all these Aurors out of my bar NOW and go and wait for instructions from Cadance!"

***Meanwhile, in the United States in the Oval office…***

"I gotta push the button!  Just one nuclear weapon!  Come on!"

***Meanwhile, in Canada…***

………………

***Meanwhile, in California, USA…***

"And as your Governor I promise to do NOTHING because I am ARNOLD and I'll hire people to do it for me!  In fact, I want to run for President, but I can't because I wasn't born here!  But you're all going to vote for me anyway because I'm a movie star!"

***Meanwhile, in South Fayette, Pennsylvania…***

            "If he can be the Governor of California, then I can be the President of Canada."

            "Do you think the readers notice that you're just trying to keep them in suspense about the truth about Cadance?"

            "Shut up, Amanda."

***Meanwhile, in the Jungle…***

            "Okay, open the first door, Indiana."

            "Okay."

            "Arrrr, mateys.  Throw the scallywags overboard and bring out the rum!"

            "Let's open the second door."

            "IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFTERALL!  IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFTERALL!  IT'S A SMALLWORLD AFTERALL!"

            "AHH!  Close the door, Indy!  Close the door!  Those puppets are frightening!"

            "The statue of Mufasa must be in the next one!"

            "ROAR!"

***Meanwhile, in San Francisco…***

            "WENDY!"

            "Yes, Piper?"

            "THERE'S SOMEONE HERE TO SEE YOU AND HE'S CRAZY LOOKING!"

            "Drew!  How about some coffee!?"

            "No, I'm on a really important mission… maybe just one cup... they really don't have coffee up there, you know… but Cadance would be really mad… we do need your help even though you're not a Whitelighter anymore… but Cadance could wait an extra five minutes… and wow that one girl is hot."

            "Piper?"

            "No, not her.  The other one."

            "Oh that's Phoebe."

            "Yeah, that's her.  She's pretty.  Alright, I'll stay for some coffee.  But after that you need to tell me how to get Prudence to rally the Whitelighters to help Cadance and Cati and the others."

            "Hahahahahahaa, that's a good one."

            "I'm serious."

            "Oh boy.  I'll get Leo."

            "After the coffee."

            "Alright, after the coffee."

 ***Meanwhile, up there with the Whitelighters…***

            "And now, the 1st Annual Whitelighter Karaoke contest!"

            "JAMES NO!"

            "Oh, let him have some fun, Lily."

            "Abby, you don't know what you're asking me to let him do!"

            "At first I was afraid!  I was petrified!"

            "Oh no!  Lily, you were right!  JAMES NO!"

***A Theatre in a Hick-ish town in Pennsylvania***

"And remember to use facial expressions!"

            "If I pass out can I go home?!"

            "NO!"

            "When are we going to see the whale!?"

            "Joe, give it up!  Barnaby and Cornelius NEVER see the whale!"

            "NEW YORK OR BUST BABY!  WE'RE GOING TO SEE THE WHALE!"

***Okay, back to Hogwarts…***

            Voldemort grabbed Cadance's neck and pulled the crystal off her neck.  It was as blue as her eyes and on a chain around her neck.  "How did you get this?" he asked.  "If Potter is the heir of Gryffindor, how did you get this?"

            "Are we related to Harry?!" asked Jen in surprise.

            "No, we're not," said Cadance.  "We're related to…"  She paused.  "We're related to Merlin."  Jen's mouth dropped.

            "Of course," said Voldemort thoughtfully.  "It mostly makes sense.  Explain from the beginning.  How did you get the Crystal?"

            "Jen, I wanted to tell you," said Cadance.  "But it would have been dangerous.  Harry, Ron, Hermione, you remember when I told you about Merlin?  About the child he created of water and sky?  About how it was taken in by Merlin's student, who's line would continue on to Godric Gryffindor?  Well those two crystals were both created by Merlin.  Gryffindor's line and Merlin's line continued on and stayed close in contact.  A relative of ours gave Gryffindor one of the crystals and kept the other for himself.  They came to be known as the Crystal of Gryffindor and the Amulet of Merlin.  Also, there are three rings each set with a blue stone that are connected to the Amulet of Merlin.  They once belonged to Arthur's sisters Morgawse (A/N:  pronounced the same as Morgouse, only spelled differently), Elaine, and Morgana.  Merlin took them back from Arthur's sisters when Morgana turned evil.  Now our cousins, Morgouse, Elaine and Gwen, have them.  They're not related to Merlin.  They're related to us on our mom's side, but we gave them the rings so we could have a connection."

            "I can't believe you didn't tell me," said Jen.

            "I wanted to.  There were many times I almost had to," said Cadance.  "Like when you unbound our powers last March.  You were able to do that because you had the crystal, even if you weren't wearing it.  I put the box somewhere where I hoped you would find it and unbind our powers.  Your ignorance of our heritage would make it impossible for you to get in trouble for it.  And you did it and it probably saved mine and Minerva's lives."

            "You still should have told me sooner," said Jen taking a few steps closer, but not that many because, let's face it, Cadance was standing next to Voldemort and he's a scary SOB.

            "There were so many times I could have.  I was expecting you to ask me about the crystal after you found it; Charlie warned me that you might.  I thought that if you didn't come asking that it obviously wasn't the right time.  And then, when all those Demons were attacking, it was because Charlie and I got married.  Marriage is a powerful enough magic on its own.  It alerted more demons to our presence.  I started wearing the crystal again.  It was kind of like a power kick.  I needed it because of all the Upper-Level Demons.  And as I grew stronger, you grew stronger because of our bond as sisters.  I should have told you then.  And then at Christmas… I was wearing the crystal then.  I should have told you then, when you grew curious about how I was able to vanquish 30 demons without lifting a finger.  It was because I was wearing the Amulet of Merlin and Harry must have been wearing the Crystal of Gryffindor.  That was the ultimate power kick.  Those demons and Death Eaters just dropped like flies.  Jen, you have to understand why I did what I did.  You were safe not knowing.  You were happy not knowing."

            Jen nodded.  Cadance started to take a step forward.  Her legs gave way and she hit the ground.  Without the Amulet of Merlin and its power, her injuries were taking a toll on her.  She was dizzy and her breathing became pained.  Jen tried to dart to her side, but George grabbed her to keep her out of Voldemort's way.  Dumbledore struggled to get to his niece. 

            Voldemort looked at the two crystals in his hands.  He smiled.  "Take Albus and Cadance and lock them in a room somewhere.  Make sure no one else gets a message to him.  I want you to divide up the rest of them and put them in rooms in groups of two or three.  No more than that.   Leave Harry here.  Everyone drop your wand or Harry gets it."

            Everyone did as they were told.  Cadance felt herself being dragged to her feet and dragged out of the Great Hall.  She floated in and out of consciousness.  She winced in pain as she was roughly shoved to the floor somewhere.  She looked up.  Her uncle was at her side.  They were in a small empty classroom, used when Snape felt the dungeons were too cold (i.e. never).

            "Are you alright?" Cadance asked.

            "You're the one who's bleeding and you're asking me if I'm alright?" Dumbledore asked frowning at his niece.  He helped her sit up.

            "So are you okay?" asked Cadance.

            "Far better than you," replied Dumbledore.  "It's too bad he took our wands, or I could fix that up for you."

            "It doesn't matter," said Cadance.  "Fawkes tried and Drew tried."

            "But it didn't work," said Dumbledore.  "And do you know why it didn't work?"

            "We figured it was because my Animagus form is a Phoenix," said Cadance.

            "No," said Dumbledore.  "It was because you were wearing the Amulet of Merlin.  Its power offset Fawkes and Drew."

            "Oh," said Cadance.

            Dumbledore took his niece's hand in his.  "So how are you feeling?  Dizzy?  In pain?"

            "All of the above," said Cadance.  "And there's a ringing in my ears."

            "You're so used to having that amulet on that you're weak now that you don't have it anymore.  And those injuries aren't helping," said Dumbledore.  "But I don't want you to worry.  Everything's going to be okay."

            "I'm glad you're okay," said Cadance.

            "Stop worrying about other people and worry about yourself for once," said Dumbledore.

            "Uncle Albus, I know about the prophecy," said Cadance.

            "I know you do," said Dumbledore.

            "No, I mean, I know about our prophecy," said Cadance.

            "And I said I know," said Dumbledore.  "Don't worry, you're not going to die.  I'm not going to let you."

            "Yes, you are," said Cadance.  "Don't you dare interfere, Uncle Albus.  If this prophecy is meant to come true tonight then it's not going to be because you sacrificed yourself.  I won't let you."

            Dumbledore squeezed her hand, but said nothing.

* * *

            Meanwhile, those who weren't led into the Great Hall were in a large classroom, heavily guarded.  McGonagall paced the floor irritably.  They were all wandless.  News had reached them from the guards that Cadance was down and Voldemort has got what he was looking for.  They weren't quite sure what he was looking for, but that didn't matter.  Snape was sitting on the floor near where she was pacing.  "Minerva, you're making me dizzy," he said.

            "I'm nervous; leave me alone," said McGonagall.

            Suddenly she heard Cati's voice in her head.  Professor?  Professor Dumbledore, can you hear me?

            "Cati, I can hear you," said McGonagall.  "Cati!"

            Everyone looked at her like she was insane except Gwen, Morgouse, and Elaine.  "Cati!" exclaimed Gwen.  "Where is she?"

            "No, no, no," said Professor McGonagall.  "I think she's in my head."

            "I've always told you that you should get you head checked," said Snape.

            "No, Cati's trying to talk to her telepathically!" exclaimed Morgouse.

            "Not me.  Professor Dumbledore!" said McGonagall.

            "Keep it down," said Arabella.  "The guards will hear us."

            "Can you talk telepathically?" asked Mundungus Fletcher.

            "Oh yes," said Elaine.  "Sorcerers and Sorceresses can do it.  Cadance and Cati communicate that way all the time.  It's how they used to talk to each other when they were in separate detentions.  I don't care much for it.  People have been known to intercept conversations."

            "Like I am right now," said McGonagall.

            Meanwhile, Cati continued.  Professor Dumbledore.  Professor Dumbledore, can you hear me?

            "How do I answer her?" asked Professor McGonagall.

            "Think an answer and think really hard about her getting it," said Elaine.

            McGonagall closed her mind and thought a reply.  Cati?  Cati, I can hear you!

            Cati answered her back.  Professor McGonagall!  We've all been separated.  Me, Bill, and Hermione are here.  We think Ron, Ginny, and Fred are in the room next to us.  We're not sure.  We have to get out of here.  Voldemort is the Source of All Evil.  Literally.

            "Cati says that Voldemort was appointed as the Source of All Evil," said McGonagall.  "We have to find a way out of here."

            "There's no hope," said Arabella.

            "Well, excuse me, Miss Pessimistic.  But I believe there is," said Snape.

            "When he believes there's hope, then there really must be some," said Morgouse.  "He's pretty hopeless."

            "20 points from… damn," said Snape.  "Anyway as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, I do believe there is one Order Member present left uncaptured!"

            "Alastor!" exclaimed Minerva.  "Of course!"

* * *

            Constant Vigilance is right.  If Alastor Moody hadn't been vigilant he would have been captured too.  At that very moment he happened to be freeing several Order Members, Cati included.  But where the main action of this story lies just so happens to be with Cadance and Professor Dumbledore right now.  They had only been in their prison about half an hour before three Death Eaters came and dragged them back to the Great Hall.  I say dragged, but they practically carried Cadance as she was still weak.  Voldemort still sat on his throne and Harry had been bound and gagged again.  "We've got quite a few surprises for you," said Voldemort.  He snapped his fingers and one of the Death Eaters threw off his hood.

            "BOB REYNOLDS!" exclaimed Cadance and then she began coughing.

            "What's the matter, Cadance?" questioned Reynolds sadistically.  "Not at all your usual self?"

            "The Head Auror at my command," said Voldemort gleefully.  "It's perfect.  You see, the Heat Auror is second-in-command in so many things; the Wizengamot, the Ministry.  And he practically single-handedly runs the Aurors."

            "We trusted you," said Cadance.

            "That sounds familiar," said Reynolds.  "We trusted you, Cadance.  We're taking you in for trial.  And to think you were raised by your Uncle."

            "You set me up!" exclaimed Cadance breathing heavily.

            "No, you think?" asked Voldemort sarcastically.  "Are you ready for your second surprise?  Reynolds, you and Rosier hold Dumbledore back, but let Cadance go."  They did as they were told.  Cadance fell to her knees.  Cadance tried to get up and move towards her uncle, but Reynolds pointed his wand at her and Rosier pointed his wand at Dumbledore.  Voldemort snapped his fingers again.  Another Death Eater opened the door and stepped aside.  Charlie walked in, his wand outstretched.

            Cadance's eyes grew wide.  "CHARLIE!" she shrieked.  "You're a Death Eater?!"

             "No, you silly girl," said Voldemort.  "But he's here as my special guest.  I kidnapped him sometime after he left here yesterday.  He had barely made it to Hogsmeade.  He's heavily under the Imperius Curse now.  Charlie, be a good minion and kill your wife."

            Cadance forced herself to her feet.  "Charlie, it's me.  Snap out of it!"

            "Crucio," said Charlie.  Cadance screamed and grasped her chest.  Her legs gave way again and she hit the ground again, panting heavily, trying not to scream again.

            "Charlie!" exclaimed Dumbledore.  "Charlie, you can fight this.  I know you can!"

            But Charlie didn't hear him.  He kept his wand pointed at Cadance; a blank look in his eyes.

            "Charlie, you can overcome this!  Look at her!  That's your wife!  You have a future together.  This was not meant to end here!" continued Dumbledore.

            Charlie still didn't even flinch.

            "If you're not going to listen to me, listen to your wife!  Look at her!  Hear her voice!  Listen to what she says!  You have to fight this!" argued Dumbledore.

            "Charlie, please," Cadance begged through gritted teeth.  "I'm your wife.  I love you."

            Charlie lowered his wand and Cadance the Cruciatus curse was lifted.  Cadance took several gasping breaths from the floor.  Charlie blinked a few times and lifted his hand to his head.

            "Oh god," he said and then ran to his wife's side and knelt beside her.  He took her hand.  She moved her head a little, opened her eyes and gave him a feeble smile.  He pulled her into a hug.  She flinched a little and he pulled back.  "What's wrong?" he asked.

            "I'm fine," said Cadance breathlessly.  "Really.  I just need a minute to catch my breath."

            "You're not fine," said Charlie.  "You're hurt."  He pulled her into a gentler hug and kissed the top of her head.  "It's going to be okay.  Don't worry."  Cadance wanted to say so much to him, but she couldn't.  She just nodded and then coughed.  She could taste blood in her mouth.  Charlie's frown deepened.

            Suddenly, strong hand ripped Cadance and Charlie apart.  Two Death Eaters who had been guarding the door pulled Charlie to his feet, confiscated his wand, and held him as he struggled furiously.  Cadance and been grabbed by Voldemort himself.  She hung almost limp in his arms.  "I hate to break up this happy reunion," said Voldemort.  "Well… not really."

            "Tom," said Dumbledore with an air of uncertainty.  "What are you going to do with her?"

            "Voldemort, let my wife go," said Charlie slowly.

            "You know," Voldemort hissed in Cadance's ear.  "I should kill you first.  You've caused me the most problems.  But I want you to see all your friends and family die before you.  I suppose its futile asking you join up with me.  That's too bad, you know.  You could have been great.  I hate to have to kill something so beautiful.  But power has its price."  He ran his finger down Cadance's cheek.

            Cadance mustered up as much energy as she could and gave Voldemort a sharp kick in the shins.  He screamed and dropped her.  From the floor, she pointed her index finger at Harry.  The ropes that bound him suddenly loosened and fell to the floor.  He ripped his gag off.  Then Cadance pointed her finger at Voldemort.  "Do not make me use this," she said.

            Voldemort took a step forward and then suddenly flew against the opposite wall.  Then Cadance pointed her finger at the four Death Eaters holding Charlie and her uncle.  They let go and took a step backwards.  Harry was already helping Cadance to her feet.  Charlie and Dumbledore hurried to her side.  "Harry, do you know where our wands are?" Cadance asked.

            "After Voldemort took them, he gave them to Lucius Malfoy," said Harry.  "He has all the wands."

            "Then let's go," said Cadance.

            "Wait, what should we do with Voldemort?" asked Harry.  Voldemort was beginning to stir.  He had hit his head when he flew against the wall.

            "Leave him," said Cadance.  "You don't have your wand; you can't fight him."

            "But you could!" exclaimed Harry.  "You just pointed your finger at him and he flew up against the wall!"

            "But I'm not meant to fight him," said Cadance as Charlie put his arm around her waist and her uncle put a hand on her shoulder.

            "Then who is?" asked Harry.

            "You are," said Cadance with a small smile and a wink. 

            "What?" asked Harry dumbly.

             "And I'll let you in on a little secret," said Cadance leaning into him.  "I was trying to blow him up.  Let's go."

            They turned towards the doors to the Great Hall, Cadance leaning on Charlie for support.  The doors slammed shut.  They turned around.  Voldemort was on his feet.

            "Cadance," said Dumbledore.  "I have an idea.  Give me your hand.  Charlie, Harry, step backwards."  Cadance shifted her weight from her husband to her uncle and Charlie and Harry stepped backwards.

            "What are you doing?" asked Voldemort.

            "Concentrate, Cadance," said Dumbledore and he squeezed her hand.  Suddenly, a wall of flames burst up right in front of Voldemort.

            "Well I think that's our cue to exit," said Charlie, as he grabbed Cadance and they all sped towards the door.  Bob Reynolds and the three other Death Eaters moved to try to get them, but Dumbledore pointed his finger at them.  Charlie's wand flew towards him and the Death Eaters flew up against the wall.

            They opened the door and the small group ran smack into another small group, consisting of Alastor Moody, Cati, Sirius, Remus, Ron, Ginny, Fred, Hermione, and Bill.  "Whoa!" exclaimed Cati.

            "Run!" exclaimed Charlie. 

            "To the Dungeons!" exclaimed Cati.

* * *

            The small group of 12 people barricaded themselves in Snape's office.  The Death Eaters had no followed, but they were probably reconvening.  Cati was in Snape's private potion stores looking for healing herbs while everyone filled everyone else in with what they knew.

            " They're going to come for us eventually," said Cadance.  "Voldemort won't stand for this."

            "We have to be ready for him when he comes," said Cati.

            Cadance's face broke into a smile.  "And I think I know exactly what to do," she said.

            "Oh no," said Sirius.

            "What is it?" asked Bill.

            "His desire for power will be his downfall," said Cadance.  "Unless I'm much mistaken, and considering that this concerns my area of expertise I highly doubt that, the Source of All Evil must be an Upper-Level Demon."

            "But Voldemort is the Source of All Evil," said Cati.

            "Exactly," said Cadance.  "Voldemort was a Sorcerer.  Sorcerers can turn into Upper-Level Demons since they retain much of the same powers anyway.  But Upper-Level Demons can be vanquished.  Which means that Voldemort is not invincible."

            "But how do we vanquish him?" asked Harry.

            "Not 'we'," said Cadance.  "You."

            "But I can't!" exclaimed Harry.  "I'm just a kid!"

            "You're not a kid," said Cadance.  "You're 17-years-old."

            "I'm not a Sorcerer," said Harry.

            "I know," said Cadance.  "Which is why you're going to need the Crystal of Gryffindor."  She paused.  "And probably your wand.  That might be helpful."

            "But Voldemort has both Crystals!" argued Harry.  "And we don't have our wands!  Look, Cadance, it's not that I'm scared to do this.  I just don't see how I can."

            "How are we going to vanquish Voldemort?" asked Sirius.

            "We're going to need a few things," said Cadance.  "First, we're going to need to get vanquishing potions from my room.  Then we're going to need to get the Book of Light.  It's still in Professor McGonagall's office.  Then we're going to need to break the rest of the Order out with the greatest escape attempt since Sirius broke out of Azkaban or Wendy, Leo, and Cole broke me and Minerva out of Voldemort's lair.  And then we're going to need our wands.  And if we're still alive after all of that, we're going to need a vanquishing spell so Harry can vanquish Voldemort."

            "Well, let's get cracking," said Sirius.  "Cati, have you found those healing herbs yet?"

            "Nope," said Cati.

            "Okay then," said Sirius.

            "Cadance, you're staying here with Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Harry.  Everyone else, let's go," said Sirius.

            Immediately there were protests from all sides.  Cadance, Harry, and Ginny felt that they shouldn't have to stay.  Cadance was still dizzy and weak, however, and she knew her arguments would be in vain.  Charlie and Sirius felt that they should have a plan before they did anything.  Dumbledore stayed silent.

            Arguments continued for two whole minutes, yet nothing was accomplished.  Suddenly white lights swirled in the middle of the room.  Cadance groaned.

            But the Whitelighter who appeared in front of them was not the White Lighter they were expecting.  "Leo!" exclaimed Cati.

            "Hey, it's the dude from the bar," said Bill. 

            "I can't believe you remember that," said Cati.  "You were drunk that one day he came in and we saw him."

            "I can't stay long.  I have a message from Andrew," said Leo.

            "Who?" asked Sirius.

            "Drew," said Cadance.  "Geez, Sirius."

            "Oh that's right.  I almost forgot that Drew wasn't his full name," said Sirius.

            "What's the message?" asked Cadance.

            "He says that he's trying to convince your friends upstairs that helping you would be in everyone's best interest but he's experiencing some minor technical glitches.  He'd appreciate it if you'd send along the people who he referred to as 'the McGrady Ladies' with me to help convincing them because he says that even though they almost never see eye to eye they're the only ones who can con Prudence McGrady into doing anything," said Leo.

            "OH MY GOD!" exclaimed Cati.  "You mean that the Head Elder is related to Cadance's cousins!"

            "Shocking," said Cadance.  "But you can take a message back to Drew.  Tell him that the McGrady Ladies are currently unavailable.  But if you'd like to try back later we're about to go and rescue them.  So if you'd excuse me…"  She started to walk away but Cati grabbed her arm.

            "Hey, can you take care of this?" said Charlie pulling Cadance's coat back to reveal Cadance's injured shoulder.

            "That's gross," said Leo.  "Yeah, I can fix it.  Are you feeling dizzy?  Achy?"

            "No, I'm walking on sunshine over here," said Cadance sarcastically.  "I got stabbed with a frickin' knife!"

            "How about temperamental?  Any attitude problems?" asked Leo.  Cadance glared at him.  Leo rolled his eyes at her.  "Oh alright, alright.  I'll fix it.  But you're still going to feel like shit.  You're just not going to die from it now."  He reached his hand out.  There was a swirl of white lights around the wound and then it closed up.

            "Thank you," said Cadance.  There was an awkward silence as everyone waited for someone else to suggest a plan of action.  This turned out to be a bad thing for everyone because the awkward moment of silence was all Cadance and Cati needed to make up an entirely new plan of attack.   Whoever started the trend of Sorceresses and Sorcerers being able to know what each other is thinking the instant they think it would probably be tarred and feathered should they still be living today just because of some of the crazy things that Cadance and Cati had come up with together.  Some people just don't appreciate their genius.

            Cadance and Cati looked at each other and then broke out into a grin.  Sirius groaned.  "Leo," said Cadance.  "When you see Drew, tell him that he doesn't need the McGrady ladies to convince Prudence McGrady to round up the White Lighters.  Just tell her that Cati and I will be taking matters into our own hands and we'll be using lots of spells and potions that blow up.  If that doesn't get her to round up the cavalry then nothing will."

            Leo sighed and orbed out.  "So what's your plan?" asked Sirius.

            Cadance and Cati glanced at each other and winked.  "You're just going to have to trust us.  Here's the plan.  Hermione, Ron, Harry, and Ginny, we need you to stay here and keep a look out for a while.  Don't leave.  When we bring you your wands, you're going to start patrolling the dungeons, but until then do no leave this room.  No arguments."

            They clearly looked like they wanted to be more involved but they figured that Cadance and Cati had their reasons for what they were doing.  And indeed they did.  They needed to keep Harry close by so they could grab him at a moment's notice to vanquish that damned Dark Lord.

            "Everyone else ready?" asked Cadance.  "Let's do this."

To Be Continued… Still