A/N: I swear that I am not dead. Though it may seem like it at times. Good news: First, you get a new chapter. Second I am almost done writing Chapter 21. Now bad news, maybe, after chapter 21 there is only one chapter left. After that I am going to write for a while but not create the story until I am about half way done. SO it could take a while. Also for those who love cars and racing, such as fast and the furious, gone in sixty seconds and my new favorite anime Initial D, then I am going to have a fun story using Harry Potter and the above three, well maybe on FF and ID. Also for those wondering I got my pearl job done on my car along with my wing. I am very excited, as it looks awesome. Okay, so thanks for those who reviewed please do so again. See thanks at the bottom. Okay on with the Chapter 20, enjoy, please Review. J
Chapter Twenty: Discoveries
"MALFOY!" Voldemort yelled out.
"Yes my Lord?"
"Has that son of yours learned anything about Potter?"
"Yes my Lord, I received an owl this morning. Apparently, Potter beat the DADA teacher and Dumbledore in a duel."
"Really? Hmm interesting. How did he do it? Dumbledore is the strongest wizard in existence next to me."
"Well, they were only allowed to use certain spells, one of them being ShieldProtg."
"Ah. Well, I know that Dumbledore's is black, as is mine. What color did Potter have?"
"I am sorry my Lord, but my son must have been mistaken. He says that Potter has a multi-colored shield."
"IT'S WHAT?"
"Multi-colored my lord."
"How can this be? It can't be him, can it? Hmm, I wonder if that has anything to do with how he always manages to escape me." Voldemort mused to himself.
Malfoy was looking at his Lord in shock; he had never seen what looked like to be fear in his eyes.
"My Lord?" he asked, but Voldemort ignored him and pointed to another death eater in the circle.
"You work in the ministry's library correct?"
"Yes, my Lord," he answered.
"Good. I want you to find the Potter family records and bring them to me. This has to be solved before I strike him down."
"Yes my Lord. It will be done immediately." And the death eater disapparated.
"Lucius, tell your son to make sure that is really what he saw. Get him to write down the colors."
"It will be done, my Lord."
"Good. Have we heard any news from our spies?"
"Not yet my Lord, but I have learned that they have been found and are in the company of Potter and his friends."
"Excellent, everything is going according to plan. Soon, very soon Potter, I will find the torch and I will destroy you. HAHAHAHAHMWHAAAA." Voldemort laughed into the night and Harry woke in his bed from his scar tingling. The snake that Harry had discovered a few days ago was curled up around his feet, looking at him with a curious look on its features. Harry didn't know why but he didn't trust the snake so he asked Ron and his phoenix, Hope, to look after him just in case the snake tried to do something.
Harry looked at his watch and saw that it was close to five in the morning. So he decided to go and train. He got up and ran to the room of requirement, which he had discovered would turn into a huge field. He was at full strength and was working on controlling the elements. He had to call one of the summons in order to use the elements, but they did not mind, as it was a way to get to know one another. Bahamunt turned out to be the serious one, always watching but not really saying anything. Shiva was shy, while Phoenix was very outspoken. Harry had also discovered that because of Phoenix, he could use their language in everyday affairs, so he got to know Hope better as well. The snake that Harry had found, did not talk much but was nice when it did. Harry had found it in Snape's class when he had potions. While losing points was not cool, the expression on Snape's face when a snake slithered out from under his desk was priceless. Of course, Harry went and freaked out everyone when he started to talk to it. Most people had forgotten that Harry could speak parseltongue, thus Snape thought Harry had planted the snake there on purpose so he took points away for it. Harry had gotten better at controlling his emotions, merely told the snake to wait for him after class and he would take him out of the dungeons.
After Harry was done with his training he decided to go to the founders room. He had been spending more time there recently looking at books and spells, attempting to figure out what Voldemort was looking for. When Harry walked in today with the snake wrapped around his neck, he felt the snake uncoil and slither down. He seemed to look at the torch that was standing in the middle of the room.
"What is this place?" It asked.
"It's a room, that the founders created, but only the heir of one the founders can come through the door."
"Hmmm, interesting. I do not know of these founders, but what is this thing that stands in the middle?"
"That? Well, I don't really know. I have yet to figure it out."
"Oh, well that is a shame. This is a nice room."
"Yes it is. This is where I come to relax and think."
"Always a good idea, I suppose. Well, I shall leave you alone as I am hungry and you probably want to be alone to think."
"Yes, thank you."
The snake slithered out and disappeared down the hall. It slithered to the forbidden forest and transformed back into Fudge.
"I have found it and that fool boy doesn't even know what he has. Master will be most pleased."
He ran out to the apparition point, and disapparated away to Voldemort. Umbridge saw him leave and she decided to go, besides that toad that Longbottom owned was getting very irritating.
Fudge and Umbridge were waiting in the room where tonight's Death Eater meeting would take place. Voldemort had called an emergency meeting and those who did not show would be killed. One by one people apparated until it was full of some 800-death eaters. They stood in a giant circle with important figures standing on the inside. Tonight Fudge was part of the inner circle since he had the necessary information. The doors swung open and one solitary figure walked in. Immediately everyone got down on one knee and bowed. The inner circle went to kiss the hem of Voldemorts robes, but he halted them with a wave of his hand.
"We do not have time for that tonight; no, tonight Fudge has returned with good news and because of it, we must plan. Fudge, please tell us what you have learned."
"Thank you my lord. Well, I followed Potter around for five days and discovered that he trains an awful lot. He would not allow me to go with him, but he gets up very early every day to train. Also on the last day I was there, he went to a room located on the third floor. He went up to a very strange looking statue. It then stood up straight and saluted then moved aside. When we entered there were four sections separated into the founders' separate colors. They came together in the middle and a giant silver torch stood there, unlit. I asked Potter what it was to see if he knew, and he said he had no clue, but I also discovered that he has to be the heir of one of the founders, because only one of the heirs can get inside of the room.
"So the idiot has the torch and doesn't even know it. Interesting that Dumbledore is unaware that it lies underneath his very nose. I have discovered by means of Williams that Potter has to be related to one of the founders."
"How, my Lord?" Malfoy asked.
"Simply because his family tree is not available at the ministry. Meaning that it does not exist. There are several names that were never created in hopes to save their families. Potter, as we have heard has to be related to one of the founders and his name could not be found. So he must have been the heir of Gryffindor, as no Potter has ever gone into another house and no child who is the heir of a founder has gone into another house. The sorting hat won't allow it. But by being the heir of Gryffindor that makes him the heir of Merlin as well. So he is not to be taken lightly anymore.
In order for me to get that torch, we must attack Hogwarts and get it out. I want plenty of time to train so we will not attack for a few months, sometime around February or March. The attack will be small, just enough for a distraction. All I want is enough time to get in, get the torch and leave. When I leave so will you, unless you have gotten Potter or Dumbledore. That will be the second objective, kill them or capture them. Do you all understand?"
"Yes, my Lord!" they all answered.
"Good, now get out of my sight and train. I will not take any failures. We attack in two months."
There was cheering and clapping among the roars of getting to finally attack Hogwarts.
Back at said school, Harry and his friends were all doing well in their classes, and the teachers noticed that they were very rarely out of each others company. Gryffindor had played another game of Quidditch against Ravenclaw and won 270 to 90.
By now everyone was looking forward to the upcoming Christmas break and all of the teachers, save for one, began to lighten the load on the sixth year students. Snape, however, just gave more. It might have been because he was a slimy git or because he didn't think the students needed a break before they officially got a break. Most thought that it was just because he was a slimy git. But one thing was certain, try as he might; he was not able to find one thing wrong with Harry's Potions or his written homework.
The week ended slowly for Harry but it was eventually over and the Weasleys had invited him, Hermione, Sky, and the Grangers over for the holidays. They all accepted and with much anticipation they boarded Hogwarts Express for a well needed vacation. The group had been studying extra hard this year, but Harry was doing double in an attempt to find something that would defeat Voldemort. Unfortunately for him, he had not found anything as of yet. But with Christmas just a few days away, Harry decided to just have some fun and forget about Voldemort.
Christmas came and everyone had a great day. Sky's parents came over as well so everyone was with their family. Harry was feeling a bit out of place as every family had their own traditions for Christmas. With so many different ideas, they just opted to sit in a big circle and just open one present at a time, instead of ripping it all open at once. Afterwards everyone was talking amongst their families but Harry was quiet not wanting to intrude on other peoples time with their family. Just at that time, however, the fire roared to life and out popped Lupin and Dumbledore. They asked if it would be all right if they could join in the fun. They were welcomed with open arms and they sat with Harry. Harry silently thanked them, as they were both as close to father figures that he had available to him. Everyone had a lovely time, and Mrs. Weasley cooked up one heck of a meal. But like all good things, it ended too soon. Before they knew it they were all back at Hogwarts.
January came and went just as fast. Harry, with the help of Hermione discovered what the torch actually was and what it did. They had discovered that Merlin created the torch to help King Arthur battle his enemies. It gave the person who lit it enormous power that none could defeat. The torch could only be put out by the person who lit it, as the person who was using it became so impossible to beat that no one could. So it was kept in secret and only used on the side of good. Should the torch ever fall into the hands of evil, no one would be able to stand up to the evil and defeat it. Harry decided that this is what Voldemort was looking for. So he talked with Dumbledore and they agreed to keep it in the room of the founders as only four living people could get inside. Unfortunately one of the four happened to be Voldemort. But Harry kept the torch in the room and didn't tell anyone anything about it. He also thought that if his new powers were not enough, he might be able to use the torch.
February started and with it came Valentine's Day. Love was in the air and so was a Hogsmede trip. Harry had already asked Hermione so they would be going, and somehow Ron had gotten the nerve to ask Sky, who gladly accepted. It was the 13th, the day before Valentine's Day and Harry was walking around the lake with Hermione when his scar painfully erupted and he collapsed to the ground. The last thing he heard was Voldemort shout out loud and clear, "We attack in two days!!" Then there was nothing.
It was a few hours before Harry woke up again. But when he did, he was in the hospital wing surrounded by Ron, Hermione, Sky, and Dumbledore.
"Welcome back, Harry. Though I hate to rush you but it could be important, so please tell me exactly what happened. Albus said with a small smile.
"Yes sir. Well, Hermione and I were just walking around the lake enjoying each others company and my scar just started to kill. I blacked out and heard Voldemort laugh out that they will attack in two days. But I am sorry I don't know where."
"Hmm, interesting. It seems that Voldemort is getting bored. I will talk to Mr. Weasley and have him beef up security at important places. Think nothing else of it Harry, we are prepared for it. So why don't you rest so you can enjoy Valentine's Day tomorrow."
"Okay, thanks sir."
Dumbledore then told everyone good night and left. Harry was rather tired and so were his friends, so everyone went back to the Gryffindor tower after telling Harry good night. Madame Pompfrey would not allow him to return until tomorrow.
Harry awoke to the sound of a phoenix song and he saw Hope at his bedside singing. Harry trilled out a good morning and they talked back and forth. Harry liked to start his mornings talking with Hope as she was rather sassy and they tended to have a friendly argument, which kept Harry on his toes. It always made Harry feel better after talking with Hope. They were bickering about something unimportant and did not notice Dumbledore walk in. He just stared at Harry and his phoenix. Eventually, though, he cleared his throat and they both stopped.
"Uh, good morning sir, I didn't realize you were there."
"I see, no matter, though you never do cease to amaze me Harry. You not only are talking to your phoenix, but you seemed to be having an argument of some sort."
"Ah yes, about that, well, do you remember those boxes in my vault, the ones surrounding the sphere?"
"Yes, Harry, I do. If memory serves me correctly, they are summons of some sort, yes?"
"Correct. Well I took them home, but before we came to school, I activated them so to speak. And I created the summons. In doing so I picked up some different abilities, such as the ability to speak to Phoenixes."
"Very interesting. What else can you do?"
"Ah sir, where would all the fun be if you knew everything?"
"Indeed, life is a bit boring knowing everything. Will I eventually find out?"
"Yes sir, just over time, as I am still training with them so I might be able to finally defeat Voldemort."
"Very well put, Harry. I come bearing good news as well. You are free to leave and enjoy the day."
"Thanks Professor." He replied with a stupid grin.
Harry got up and left the hospital wing and found Hermione waiting for him outside the wing.
"Hey Mione, you ready?"
"Yep, are you alright?"
"Never better." He replied with another smile.
They walked out of Hogwarts hand in hand on their way to Hogsmeade. They had a good time just enjoying each others company. They had to go back to Hogwarts for dinner all too soon, where they met up with Ron and Sky. Hermione and Sky started to talk about homework so Ron and Harry started on about the upcoming Quidditch match against Hufflepuff. After this game the playoffs would begin. Gryffindor was in first place with two wins and no loses. Slytherin and Ravenclaw were tied with one win and two loses. Leaving Hufflepuff in last place with one win and one loss.
Soon the feast was over and everyone was headed to their common rooms. Harry told the team to go to bed and be up early to test the conditions, and to eat a hearty meal.
"And welcome to another exciting match at Hogwarts. Today is the last game of the regular season pitting Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff. So without further ado here are your Gryffindor and Hufflepuff teams. If you do not know who they are by now, ask someone next to you so they can clobber you over the head. The captains shake hands and Madame Hooch blows the whistle, the game has begun and they're off. Weasley grabs the quaffle, she passes to, hold on a minute, what is Potter doing? He is soaring straight up in the air; he can't have seen the snitch already has he? I think he has, Potter is flying straight for it. The snitch swerves to the left and the Hufflepuff seeker is just now getting up there, the snitch is heading down. Potter follows with McAllen right behind him, but Potter's new broom is no match for a cleansweep, Potter is diving at an incredible speed, only a few meters from the ground and OH, WOW, what a catch by Potter. I can't believe it folks; Potter has caught the golden snitch. Gryffindor wins!!! 150 to 0, what a spectacular play by seeker and Captain Harry Potter, that has to be the fastest catch in Hogwarts history."
The team landed and celebrated, then shook hands with the Hufflepuff team.
"Thanks Potter," Justin said.
"What for?"
"For ending it quick, I don't think anyone really has a chance against your team."
"I don't know about that, but thanks, we might see you in the playoffs, who knows."
"Yeah, well good luck."
"Thanks, you too."
The team headed to their common room where Harry had a team meeting.
"Okay team, great game out there today."
"Game? Who played Harry, all we did was a hover a bit." Ginny shouted out with a laugh. The whole Gryffindor common room laughed as Harry blushed.
"Alright, well I wanted to end it quickly. Also there will not be a big party tonight, as we are all required to go to the Great Hall for dinner this evening."
"Why?" Ginny asked.
"The finals start in three weeks and everyone but us has the same win/loss record. So they are going to announce what is going to happen."
"Oh, well what are we waiting for? Let's go."
"Good idea."
So the whole Gryffindor house headed to the Great Hall and walked in. They arrived just in time, as they sat down, Dumbledore stood up.
"Good evening I only have a few things to say and then we can eat. I would like to congratulate all the Quidditch teams on their excellent season. As you know, this year I have incorporated a playoff finish. We would normally have the first place team go against the fourth place team, and the second place against the third place. However only one of the four teams has a different record. So myself, Madame Hooch and your heads of houses have gotten all the points from the games and have ranked you in this way. In fourth place with 300 points, Hufflepuff. In third place with 650 points, Slytherin. In second place, Gryffindor with 730 points. And in first place, Ravenclaw with 790 points. The first match will take place in three weeks time, with Gryffindor against Slytherin. The first week in April will be Ravenclaw vs. Hufflepuff. The losers from these two matches will face one another the first week in May and the first week in June will be the championship. Also I have spoken with your professors and we have decided that everyone is doing an excellent job with their studies, so I felt that another ball is in order. It shall take place the last week of school. Good luck to the teams, and may the best team win."
And with that he sat down, to much cheering. The Gryffindor table was in shock though. Ron was the first to speak.
"Bloody Hell, it's a conspiracy, I swear, how is it that we ended up in second place? And against the Slytherins again?"
"Easily Ron, we didn't get enough points in our game against Hufflepuff." Harry replied.
"And whose fault is that?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, I know, and I am sorry."
"I am only kidding Harry, besides, I don't know what the big deal is. We have beaten everyone, so we will again. No big deal."
"Yeah Ginny you're right, but I am hungry so can we eat now?"
"Ha, Ron you are always hungry, but let's eat."
Hermione and Sky looked on in a disproving way that Harry and Ron got as much food as their plates could handle and started to eat with much gusto.
"Jeez guys! You act like it's going to disappear."
"Well umm, Sky, it can." Ron replied. The group started to laugh as he spoke because Hermione had pointed her wand at his plate and made the food disappear. Ron choked back a cry of panic when he saw his friends laughing.
"Funny, Hermione, really funny."
The four friends had a good laugh and continued to eat, talking about this and that. Harry's dueling club among them. Harry had started them on physical hand to hand combat. He was hoping to get them using swords and such by the end of the term. But they didn't know that. However, they all agreed that Neville was doing very well in the class, almost the best one. Neville, who was sitting close to the group, heard them and was a turning a good shade of red. He managed to reply with a "thanks guys."
Dinner was almost done and so was dessert. The group was relaxing and talking with fellow Gryffindors about the upcoming Quidditch playoffs, when Harry suddenly clutched his scar in very obvious pain.
"HARRY! What's wrong?"
"It's Voldemort, he's attacking."
"Where?"
"Get Dumbledore."
"No need, I am already here, where is he attacking?"
"He's here, at Hogwarts. He wants the torch."
"Are you sure Harry?"
"Yes sir."
Dumbledore got up and commanded in a loud clear voice,
"All students will have to stay here in the Great Hall. I need all the teachers to follow me, save for Professor Snape and Hagrid who will guard the students."
Professor McGonagall came to Dumbledore's side.
"What is happening Professor Dumbledore?"
"Ah, Professor McGonagall, I am afraid that Voldemort has chosen his next target."
"Where?"
"Here."
"You are not serious, are you?"
"Very much so."
"Albus, you need to warn the students."
"I suppose you are correct." He then spoke to the students again.
"If I could have your attention once more. I am afraid that the reason you are all being detained is because Lord Voldemort has come to attack Hogwarts."
There were screams and gasps throughout the hall. A Ravenclaw student spoke up and asked.
"Why?"
"Well we believe that Voldemort is looking for something that lies in Hogwarts. Only an heir of one of the four founders can get into the room that it presides in. Which is why Voldemort has come. I ask that the DA members and prefects help guard the students. Head boy and Head girl along with the Seventh year students who wish to fight come with me and the professors."
Dumbledore then talked to Harry.
"Harry, is there any way one of your summons can help protect the Hall?"
"Yes sir, I will call Shiva, but I will have to go to the room and protect the torch. If Voldemort should sneak by, we need someone to stop him."
"Very well, be careful Harry."
"Thanks, you be careful as well sir."
Just then another shot of pain coursed through Harry's scar and he heard Voldemort give the command. Dumbledore looked on with a worried expression until Harry seemed to come out of his trance.
"Are you okay Harry?"
"It has begun."
A/N: Okay, so what did you all think? Good? I hope so, so let me know in a nice review. Thanks to those who reviewed chapter 19, here we go.
HarryPassionFan: Thanks, in the next chapter we get to see a little bit about Sky. As you see, Harry does not know that they were there. Just for the record, though it is Albus who is researching, and we won't find out until the next year. Sorry, but thanks glad you like it.
Shinji-Higurashi: Thank you for your review, glad you liked it.
CastusAlbusCor: Thank you glad you liked it.
FalcoX22: Ah, but did I? More explanations in Chapter 21, thanks for reviewing.
The Mystical Elf: Is Harry more powerful?? I don't know, okay yes I do, but I am not telling yet. Thanks for the review, glad you liked it.
Wolfkeeper989: Well thank you very much, I am glad you are enjoying it.
Fallen Angel of Hell: Thanks, glad you liked it, thanks for the review.
Wytil: ARGH I HATE MATH, sorry, but I had to drop Trig, because I would not be able to get a 2.0, I am horrible at math, I have a better imagination, however If possible, should I have a questions in the Fall could I email you? Thanks for the review.
Samantha: Ah, well Harry will find out about the potion, but not for a while, and it will be very interesting on how he does. Glad you liked it. Thanks for the review.
Joulez: Cool, you read this all in one go? Out of curiosity how long did it take you? Thanks for the review, and glad you liked it.
SlytherinPhoenix: You to huh, well you're the second one to do that, how long did it take you? Glad that you like it and thanks for the review.
Mjk306: Thanks, glad you like it.
Cyress: Thanks glad you like it.
TuxedoMac: Math sucks, and my college makes it to where I have to take pre-calculus, just to get a degree in Criminal Justice. Thanks for the review, glad you like it.
Phoenix1687: Thanks, glad you love it. The rest of the story is coming along nicely and I hope to have it out soon. A sequel will happen but not for a while.
AnthonyR: Yep there will be a sequel, thanks for the update about the names, I will change it eventually. Thanks for the review.
Hp3927: Well I hope you liked chapter 20, thanks for the review.
2Crazy: Thanks, glad you like the story, and yes the torch is Green, but as we all know now the new book is titled Half Blood Prince, so no Green Flame torch for us. I am glad you like it.
Elizabeth Patil: It pains me to see that you won't be reading for a while, but I was almost done typing when you reviewed. I am going to email you and let you know that I updated. Yeah the new beaters being twins are unlikely, but Harry was looking for that because they work better as a team. I though that Voldies new plan was pretty good and I am glad you did to. I hope that Sky does not become like that, for that would kind of ruin the story. I added a good part about her in the next chapter and she starts to get into the plot. Let me know how I did, when I post it. Thanks for your review as it was most helpful, and looking forward to more reviews from you.
That's all for know folks, see you again in chapter 21. Please Review.
Lord of Darkness13