Okay, this is actually more like the prologue to my story, but here we go... and this is my first ever posted fan fiction, please review and give me some pointers... but give me a chance, I write a lot, just not posted. Anyway, this is set after Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, so I guess it's my version of Book 6, but not really...nothing ever surpasses the real stuff by J.K. herself. I'm not quite that intelligent in creating stories, sorry, lol. Anyway, here it is! Hope you enjoy!
1. The Little Stone Shack
It was a stormy summer, perhaps one of the wettest in European history. The rain came down in torrents... it never seemed to end, and to make matters worse, it was usually accompanied by cracks of jagged lightning and enormous claps of thunder. It was no surprise to see the yard in front of the shack abandoned, no one knew to whom it belonged anyway. It just existed, presumably empty, on a small lot in a residential area a few dozen miles outside of London. The town's municipal workers normally at least took the time to mow the lawn in front of the empty structure, but even that remained overgrown and messy at the time, as the weeds grew out, dusting the sidewalk in green, and the grass rose to calf-level. A small trail of stepping stones, barely visible lying underneath the thick foliage, was there to save any potential visitors from being swallowed up by the oversaturated, almost swamp-like mud that was the front yard, though the only people that had ever been seen on the walkway were a few kids looking for a cure for their boredom, but if anyone watched, they would have noticed that all who'd attempted to approach had quickly realized that they were late for dinner.
Beyond its heavy door, the shack appeared as though it was nothing but a cold, empty, stone hallway with no windows, nothing to provide light. However, to those who understood the building's true nature, knew enough that with a quick, whispered incantation and a tap of the floor with the wand, the floor would fold itself down, unveiling a spiraling stone staircase that led into another dark stone room, furnished with just a desk and two large, swiveling armchairs. A single dark-cloaked figure sat behind the dark, rosewood desk inside, facing towards the grey stone wall, rather than looking out in front of the structure towards the area where the stairs unfolded. He rested his elbows on the maroon cushioned arm rests on either side, his fingertips resting upon each other just at his lips. He restlessly began tapping one foot as he finally heard the sound he'd been waiting for in between the booming thunder... the sound of the floor moving, quickly followed by the click-clack of high-heels descending into the room.
"You're late," he hissed, not even bothering to turn around, presumably because he felt himself above his visitor; there was no need for formalities with someone who had so little power. If she knew what was good for her, she would not make him face her.
"Yes, Master, I know. My deepest apologies, sir," came the timid reply from the young woman, who made her way across to the vacant chair at the center of the room. She placed herself carefully into the chair, smoothing out her purple robes. She gazed expectantly at the back of the chair, which reached almost to the tip of the man's hooded head. Her hands were shaking, her nerves were getting the best of her.
"Have they told you why I want you?" the wizard continued, in a deep low voice. He could sense the nervousness. Even better, he thought to himself. They were always easier to persuade this way. Not like she had the choice in the matter anyway, his informants had recommended her for this task, and he wouldn't have taken anything else. She'd do it, or there'd be awful consequences.
"No, my Lord." She bit her lip. That had been a half lie. She'd been partially informed by the wizard who'd brought her, the one who'd told her that this man had insisted on her presence in this building at a precise time, and that she'd be severely punished if she refused.
The man let out an evil cackle. "This task is of the utmost importance. There will be rewards beyond that which you can imagine if you manage to successfully complete it."
"Like what, Master?" She spewed the question out before she could stop herself. Obviously, she was not to be told at the moment, and this was not the time to push her luck with dumb questions.
The figure sneered, lowering his hands to grip the armrests. "Power, you silly girl."
"Of course, my Lord." The young woman did not know, of course, what else was in store for her. She was a bit too young to understand his mind games, his empty promises, his manipulation. She'd learn, of course, but probably not soon enough. But she was precisely what he needed, someone innocent, oblivious, willing to do anything to get herself noticed.
"You will be visiting Hogwarts and retrieving Harry Potter," the man announced bluntly, cackling evilly at the thought. The young woman stared at him, clueless, and he proceeded to describe his ingenious plan. This one was flawless; it was destined to provide him with exactly what he needed. The boy would at last be put into his possession.
The woman hesitated. The wizard sounded convinced that this plan was going to easily work, that she'd be in and out within a relative short time period, but she wasn't so sure, and she definitely did not want to face the consequences if she messed everything up. "I...I...well..." she stammered nervously, staring at the chair.
"You will be going," the wizard informed her firmly. She nearly flew out of her chair as he turned to face her, and she took in the image of his ghastly white, leathery skin, inhaling sharply as his red eyes met hers.
The woman nodded, swallowing hard.
The room was then enveloped in maniacal laughter.
A long way from the shack, sitting alone on a swing in Little Whinging, a teenage boy with messy black hair doubled over in pain, slapping his hand over the searing pain in the lightning shaped scar on his forehead.
Yep, I left you hanging. Bwaha. Anyway, read and review while you wait for the actual story to start, all right? Please and thank you.