Phoenix of Legend
Disclaimer: All characters and subject matter appearing herein are the copyrighted © creations of J. K. Rowling and Warner Bros., and are borrowed for the purposes of this fan fiction. No money in any form was earned in its production. Professor Ivy Bellenmore, Xion and Corandell belong to me. If you wish to use any of them, please ask.
Wytil: Oops? Why oops?
Claudia: Sorry about that, Fanfiction.net can take up to 24 hrs to upload new stuff. If you type in / or ? at the end of the address it will force Fanfiction.net to retrieve the information, however it doesn't always work. But worth a shot! Glade you like my story and again, sorry for any inconveniences.
ChristinaLupin01442: Hope your back feels better!
Bandit: Love dragons, just had to bring back Norbert for old time's sake. Good, I didn't want Xion and Corandell to be too confusing. Bellenmore is unusual true, but her hurting Harry? Well, not fatally anyway. (Evil laugh!) As for Bellenmore working for Voldie, won't say yes, won't say no. You'll have to read to find out.
KazaniroYanachi: Thanks for your praise it brightened up my day!
*** Sorry for taking so long but with my biology mid term to study for, multiple tests, homework, projects and cleaning the house, it didn't leave me much time for anything else. Add to that that I had to keep rewriting some parts, it makes for a long wait. I have no social life anymore! Again, sorry for the wait! ***
~ ~ PHOENIX SPEECH
" " HUMAN SPEECH
^^ ^^ PARSELTONGUE
' ' THOUGHTS
Chapter 11 - Morning Light, Midnight Fright
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On a chilly November morning the sun shown brightly over the horizon. Its first few rays lit up the fifth year boy's dormitory in Gryffindor Tower. All over the great castle students and teachers alike were roused from their peaceful slumber to begin a brand new day. One such student rose from his sleep well rested and ready to exact his revenge on one particular redhead.
Climbing to his clawed feet Harry got dressed for the day's events as the redhead in question slept on. Harry grabbed his wand and quietly crept towards Ron's bed, making sure not to make a sound. Looking towards the open window facing the lake, a malicious grin spread across his face. With a quietly muttered 'Accio' and a quick flick of his wrist, water was sent hurtling towards the still sleeping boy.
"Oye! That's cold!" A very wet Ron Weasley sat up shivering in his bed and turned to face his best friend who was at the moment laughing at the shocked expression on his face.
"What was that for Harry?"
"Something called payback! I thought I should repay you for the wake up call that you gave me. A pillow is not the best thing to have thrown at you in the morning. I know from experience!" Harry ducked as one of Ron's wet pillows came flying towards his head. "Not a morning person, are you Ron?"
Harry had just enough time to duck Ron's second pillow before it made a resounding splat against the wall. Taking that as his cue to leave, Harry made a mad dash for the door. Before going down the stairs, Harry called out to Ron.
"See you on the Quidditch pitch!"
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"Welcome students and teachers to this years opening match of Slytherin verses Gryffindor! This promises to be an interesting game as Gryffindor's new keeper is put to the test! Looks like the game is about to start!" The Gryffindor team was the first to enter the pitch as Lee Jordan announced the team's names. "And it's Spinnet, Bell, and Johnson closely followed by Weasley, Weasley, Weasley and Potter! I don't believe it! Potter's riding on new keeper, Ron Weasley's broom."
The Gryffindors, and some Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws all applauded as the team settled in the middle of the pitch. To a great round of applause from the Slytherins and some Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, the Slytherin team made its way to the middle of the pitch to face their long-time rivals. Madam Hooch arrived with the Quidditch case and broom in hand as she stood before both teams.
"Captains, shake hands!" Malfoy and Angelina came forward and shook hands, each trying to make the other cringe in pain before letting go. "I want a nice clean game!" Madam Hooch sent a meaningful gaze to the Slytherins before opening the Quidditch case and realising the Bludgers and Snitch. Mounting her broom she then released the Quaffle and blew a shill note on her whistle, signalling the start of the game.
"Good luck mate!" Said Ron.
"You too Ron. Don't let those Slytherins distract you." Spreading his wings, Harry took off from his perch on Ron's broom. Before the game could really get started, Snape called for a time out.
"Madam Hooch! I demand that Potter be removed from the game this instant!"
"And why Severus would I do that? For heavens sake, the game's only just begun! The boy has done nothing wrong."
"Potter should not be aloud to participate without a broom! Brooms are required to play the game, so an automatic forfeit is necessary from Gryffindor." A smug smile appeared on his face at the thought of Gryffindor loosing.
"My dear Professor Snape! While it is true that you play the game on broom there are however, no such rules that state a person cannot play the game using self means of flight."
(AN: I have no idea if this is true or not! If it isn't, it will be in my story.)
"Yes, true but. . . "
"But nothing! Let me ref this game or SLYTHERIN will forfeit the match!"
With that said a slightly sulking Snape made his way back to the stands. Blowing her whistle, the game continued and before long the score was 20-10 Gryffindor.
"Gryffindor's in possession of the Quaffle. Look at those girls fly! Katie takes the ball and. . . HEY!" Katie was sandwiched between two Slytherin chasers as a Bludger impacted with her left shoulder, courtesy of Goyle. The third Slytherin chaser took the dropped Quaffle. "That's a bloody frigg'n fowl!"
"Jordan! Must you curse?"
"Sorry Professor McGonagall. And Slytherin scores, 20-20." Slytherin cheers filled the air at their team's score.
"After that open and revolting bit of cheating - "
"Jordan!" Growled Professor McGonagall.
"All right, all right. Slytherin nearly kills chaser Katie Bell of Gryffindor so a penalty shot is taken by Angelina Johnson who puts it in, no problem."
Way up above them, Harry was gliding over the game, squinting his raptor like eyes for any sign of the Snitch. He found it a bit tiring to be flying for so long, but he wouldn't give up. Malfoy was not going to win this game.
"Quaffle in Gryffindor possession. Come on Alicia - nice swerve round Montague and - look out! Close one Alicia - score! And Alicia Spinnet of Gryffindor scores, 40-20." Cried out Lee Jordan as he made a rude gesture towards the Slytherins without drawing the wrath of McGonagall.
Alicia punched the air as she soared round the end of the pitch to the cheers of Gryffindor. Warrington of Slytherin took this opportunity to make a fast breakaway.
"Slytherin in possession as Warrington tears up the pitch as he heads strait for the Gryffindor goal posts! Come on girls, do something, anything!" WHAM! "Finally what were you guys doing, taking a nap!? Warrington gets hit by one of the two Bludgers sent his way by the Weasley twins. Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor takes the Quaffle and no, Slytherin in possession - no! - Gryffindor back in possession! Katie Bell of Gryffindor with the Quaffle, she's streaking up the pitch - OUCH! THAT WAS DELIBERATE!"
Katie Bell was nearly thrown from her broom as new Slytherin chaser Blaise Zabini went smashing into her. Harry meanwhile was having troubles of his own. Malfoy would not let him be. No matter how many dives he took or how fast he flew, Malfoy managed to stay on his tail.
"Give it up Potter! You can't win - oh look we just scored again. It looks like Weasley does make a great keeper. Come on Weasley, keep those misses coming!"
"Knock it off Malfoy. I don't have time - " WHOOSH. A Bludger had narrowly missed both boys' heads. Fred Weasley quickly followed it.
"All right there Harry?" Fred called out as he positioned himself to hit the Bludger.
"Just fine!"
"Good, now if you'll excuse me - " WHOOSH. "Come on. Yes!"
"Slytherin in possession, Blaise Zabini's really moving - " WHAM! "Nice Bludger work by Fred Weasley! Or is that George? Zabini drops the Quaffle! It's caught by - Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor! No, keeper Bletchley blocks her shot. Slytherin is back in possession. Yes! Ron Weasley has blocked the Quaffle!"
Harry felt a huge jolt of excitement. Not only had his friend stopped the goal, but he had also seen the snitch at long last! It was hovering 10 feet from the ground near the Gryffindor goal posts. Looking around he saw that Malfoy was still following him. This gave him an idea. Gaining a bit more altitude, Harry folded his wings up against his body and with a piercing screech plummeted towards the earth away from the snitch. Malfoy eagerly followed thinking he had spotted the snitch. The ground was fast approaching; people and objects were nothing more than blur's in the background as Harry and Draco raced.
'Come on Malfoy, just a little bit more' Thought Harry.
30 feet - 25 feet - 20 feet - 15 feet - 10 feet! If he was going to pull out of his dive it had to be now! Straining his muscles Harry opened his wings at 5 feet, his chest scrapping against the ground, wings straining for altitude. Malfoy was not so lucky as he made a sickening impact with the ground.
Flapping his wings Harry managed to get enough altitude to change course and chase after the snitch. WHOOSH. A Bludger had nearly impacted with his head as he made a quick swerve to the left. The snitch was hovering a little off from the goal posts now, making Harry's task a little easier. With a final burst of speed, Harry closed the gape between him and the snitch.
Rising up into the air, clawed hand above his head, the golden snitch was beating its wings hopelessly against his talons. Harry soared above the crowd as it exploded in cheers before landing near the rest of the team.
"Great catch Harry!" Shouted George as he patted Harry on the back.
"Yeah, you nearly gave Katie a heart attack!" Joked his brother.
"Do you two ever grow up?" Asked Katie. Both brothers looked at each other before speaking in a serious tone.
"Nope."
"Don't plan to either." That was all they could take before bursting out laughing.
"Katie how's the shoulder?" Asked Alicia.
"A little sore. I think I'll go see Madam Pomfrey." She replied.
Smiling, the battered and bruised victors left the pitch to get cleaned and patched up before heading to lunch in the Great Hall.
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It was just after lunch that Harry remembered what Corandell had told him to do. It was time for a visit with Dumbledore. Gathering his courage he made his way to the head table and stood before the aged wizard. Dumbledore raised his gaze to the young man before him, the ever-present twinkle in his eyes.
"Yes Mr. Potter, what can I do for you?"
"Sir, I need to learn Occulmency." At those words, the twinkle left the aged wizard's eyes.
"Perhaps we should take this to my office." Dumbledore replied.
Rising to his feet, Dumbledore beckoned towards Snape who rose to his feet and followed them up to Dumbledore's office. It wasn't long before they reached the gargoyle guarding the entrance to his office. With a quick muttered "Lemon Drops" the three climbed up to the Headmaster's office. Fawks emitted a low trill as the aged Headmaster sat behind his desk.
"Now Harry, why would you need to learn that?"
"It's Voldemort Sir. He's - "
"Say no more Harry. Voldemort's been known to possess the ability of Legimens." Interrupted Dumbledore. He then turned to look at the potions professor.
(AN: Legimens, is that spelled right? Let me know, I don't have my copy of the book right now, I let my cousin borrow it.)
"Professor Snape will help you fight intrusions into your mind Harry."
"Sir with all due respect, I have no time for this!" Exclaimed Professor Snape as he sent a glare towards Harry.
"Severus, you are the only one qualified to teach him Occulmency. Voldemort must not be aloud in Harry's mind! Now I ask you for my sake, teach the boy."
"Very. . . well, Headmaster. Potter, you will meet me in my classroom every Friday night after supper for your lessons! Do NOT be late!" With a swirl of his cloak Professor Snape left the Headmaster's office.
"That went well." At the disbelieving look on Harry's face the Headmaster elaborated. "He didn't curse you, belittle you, didn't yell - well maybe he did yell a little. It doesn't matter now."
"Thank you Sir for your help."
"Of course Harry, now if I'm not mistaken, you should join your friends in the Great Hall if you wish to go to Hogsmead." With a nod, Harry left the office, leaving Dumbledore to contemplate the new situation.
'It would seem you have made your move Tom. Where will you strike next?'
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It was late in the evening when the trio returned from Hogsmead. Their trip had gone fairly well, taking into account a small run in with Malfoy and the Weasley twins running around. All in all, it was a pleasurable evening with a stash of candy to last for months courtesy of Ron and new reference books thanks to Hermione.
Currently the Great Hall was filled with after supper conversations, mainly the twins as the center of attention for their prankful day. A certain Professor was gleefully overlooking the Hall savouring their ignorant unsuspecting faces. She was going to have some fun tonight! Rising, she softly called out 'Sonorus' before speaking.
"Students can I have your attention please." The Hall grew quiet. "Thank you. Now students, I hope you have all been studying." Groans were her only response, making her grin. "As I have said before, one will be given before the Christmas Holidays and as they are approaching I see no reason not to start them now. I will be starting with the seventh years followed by the fifth years as we head into December."
Taking a deep breath, the Professor continued.
"A list will be posted on my office door after supper this evening. Starting tomorrow I will begin the evaluations. During the day of your evaluation, you will be excused from all of your classes. You are to report at my office at the designated time, tardiness will not be tolerated. Should you fail to do so, an automatic zero will be accorded to you."
Professor Ivy Bellenmore had a huge grin on her face that would make the Cheshire Cat proud.
"I would just like to wish each of you good luck. Now I think it is time for all of you to get some sleep."
The Hall was full of whispers as the students got up and headed for their dormitories.
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Famed Muggle archaeologist Michael Edwards had recently returned home from his expedition to Egypt. He was presently sitting at his desk in his study. His team had uncovered an ancient temple. After months of strange, but minor accidents they were finally able to gain entry into the temple, but not without a casualty. One of the digging team's workers was killed when one of the pillars collapsed on top of him. Many quit after that saying there was an ancient curse on the temple.
'Curse, yeah right! I didn't get to be one of the best archaeologist by believing in curses.'
One thing that continued to puzzle him were the weird hieroglyphs that adorned the temple walls, it was like nothing he had ever seen before. As the workers would pass them, they seemed to glow. What was more confusing was the message that was written.
It spoke of an ancient evil that dwelled within the temple walls. With the aid of another, the evil would plunge the world into everlasting darkness. However, all they found in the center chamber were the remains of a mummified body. The thumb was all that remained intact.
"Daddy, are you coming to eat?" A child's voice startled Michael out of his musings.
"What? Oh, sorry sweetie I'll be right down." He replied. As he got up to follow his daughter a loud blast was heard as his wife's screams reached them before everything was quiet once again.
"Mommy? Daddy why did mommy scream?" The girl was tugging at her father's shirt. "We have to see if she's alright!"
Before he could stop her she ran out the door as masked men came up the stairs. One of the men took out a strange stick and pointed it at her daughter. The child went limp in the man's arms as the masked men made their way to where Michael Edwards was standing in the doorway.
"Please, let her go. What do you want?" He asked as the one holding her daughter took out a knife and kept it close to her throat.
With his child's life on the line, he could not risk attacking these men. And what of his wife? Was she all right? Was she even alive? As mind came to wild conclusions a snake like being entered the room. He turned his crimson eyes on Michael as he spoke.
"Give me the artefact and I will let the child go. Failure to comply will result in her death."
"What?"
"The mummified thumb Muggle! Give me the sorcerer's Thumb now or risk losing your daughter." Going towards a wall he removed a painting to reveal a safe behind it. Opening it, he quickly removed the artefact and handed it to one of the men.
"You have what you came for, now let her go!"
"As you wish." Voldemort motioned towards his servant.
"Enervate!" The Death Eater tossed the now awake child towards her father.
"You have been most helpful Muggle, the Dark Lord thanks you. And for that only one of you will die tonight, now choose." Hissed Voldemort.
"Is this some kind of sick joke!?" Michael exclaimed as he held his daughter.
"Wrong answer, but what can you expect from a lowly Muggle." A chorus of laughs was his answer. "Since you did not choose you both die! Avada Kadavra!" Green light filled the room as Michael fell to the floor lifeless.
"NO! Daddy, please get up! Please daddy, you have to wake up. Mommy's downstairs, please daddy get up."
"Your turn child. The Dark Lord will take pity on you, as your father has been most helpful. Avada Kadavra!" The child screamed until the end as the green light washed over her body. She too fell lifeless to the floor.
Harry woke up with a start, his scar burning as the last cries of the child drifted away in the early morning rays of the sun. For the first time in as long as he could remember, Harry shed a tear for the family that he could not save.
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Author's note: This chapter is set closer to the end of November. Still no snow on the ground, but it's really cold. Things are going to start picking up from now on, so tell me if I go to fast. My evil little muse decided that Katie Bell would get hurt in this chapter. Bludger to the shoulder, ouch! Who will be next! (Evil laugh!) And that part at the end was a last minuet thing. I don't like killing, but it's Voldie were talking about.
Voldie's not sitting on the sidelines anymore! What does he want with that thumb? Who will be the first vict - cough - um, participant, yeah that's it, participant in Bellenmore's trial? Well, that was my ranting for the month, don't forget to read and review!
Griff_Star2000
Disclaimer: All characters and subject matter appearing herein are the copyrighted © creations of J. K. Rowling and Warner Bros., and are borrowed for the purposes of this fan fiction. No money in any form was earned in its production. Professor Ivy Bellenmore, Xion and Corandell belong to me. If you wish to use any of them, please ask.
Wytil: Oops? Why oops?
Claudia: Sorry about that, Fanfiction.net can take up to 24 hrs to upload new stuff. If you type in / or ? at the end of the address it will force Fanfiction.net to retrieve the information, however it doesn't always work. But worth a shot! Glade you like my story and again, sorry for any inconveniences.
ChristinaLupin01442: Hope your back feels better!
Bandit: Love dragons, just had to bring back Norbert for old time's sake. Good, I didn't want Xion and Corandell to be too confusing. Bellenmore is unusual true, but her hurting Harry? Well, not fatally anyway. (Evil laugh!) As for Bellenmore working for Voldie, won't say yes, won't say no. You'll have to read to find out.
KazaniroYanachi: Thanks for your praise it brightened up my day!
*** Sorry for taking so long but with my biology mid term to study for, multiple tests, homework, projects and cleaning the house, it didn't leave me much time for anything else. Add to that that I had to keep rewriting some parts, it makes for a long wait. I have no social life anymore! Again, sorry for the wait! ***
~ ~ PHOENIX SPEECH
" " HUMAN SPEECH
^^ ^^ PARSELTONGUE
' ' THOUGHTS
Chapter 11 - Morning Light, Midnight Fright
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On a chilly November morning the sun shown brightly over the horizon. Its first few rays lit up the fifth year boy's dormitory in Gryffindor Tower. All over the great castle students and teachers alike were roused from their peaceful slumber to begin a brand new day. One such student rose from his sleep well rested and ready to exact his revenge on one particular redhead.
Climbing to his clawed feet Harry got dressed for the day's events as the redhead in question slept on. Harry grabbed his wand and quietly crept towards Ron's bed, making sure not to make a sound. Looking towards the open window facing the lake, a malicious grin spread across his face. With a quietly muttered 'Accio' and a quick flick of his wrist, water was sent hurtling towards the still sleeping boy.
"Oye! That's cold!" A very wet Ron Weasley sat up shivering in his bed and turned to face his best friend who was at the moment laughing at the shocked expression on his face.
"What was that for Harry?"
"Something called payback! I thought I should repay you for the wake up call that you gave me. A pillow is not the best thing to have thrown at you in the morning. I know from experience!" Harry ducked as one of Ron's wet pillows came flying towards his head. "Not a morning person, are you Ron?"
Harry had just enough time to duck Ron's second pillow before it made a resounding splat against the wall. Taking that as his cue to leave, Harry made a mad dash for the door. Before going down the stairs, Harry called out to Ron.
"See you on the Quidditch pitch!"
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"Welcome students and teachers to this years opening match of Slytherin verses Gryffindor! This promises to be an interesting game as Gryffindor's new keeper is put to the test! Looks like the game is about to start!" The Gryffindor team was the first to enter the pitch as Lee Jordan announced the team's names. "And it's Spinnet, Bell, and Johnson closely followed by Weasley, Weasley, Weasley and Potter! I don't believe it! Potter's riding on new keeper, Ron Weasley's broom."
The Gryffindors, and some Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws all applauded as the team settled in the middle of the pitch. To a great round of applause from the Slytherins and some Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, the Slytherin team made its way to the middle of the pitch to face their long-time rivals. Madam Hooch arrived with the Quidditch case and broom in hand as she stood before both teams.
"Captains, shake hands!" Malfoy and Angelina came forward and shook hands, each trying to make the other cringe in pain before letting go. "I want a nice clean game!" Madam Hooch sent a meaningful gaze to the Slytherins before opening the Quidditch case and realising the Bludgers and Snitch. Mounting her broom she then released the Quaffle and blew a shill note on her whistle, signalling the start of the game.
"Good luck mate!" Said Ron.
"You too Ron. Don't let those Slytherins distract you." Spreading his wings, Harry took off from his perch on Ron's broom. Before the game could really get started, Snape called for a time out.
"Madam Hooch! I demand that Potter be removed from the game this instant!"
"And why Severus would I do that? For heavens sake, the game's only just begun! The boy has done nothing wrong."
"Potter should not be aloud to participate without a broom! Brooms are required to play the game, so an automatic forfeit is necessary from Gryffindor." A smug smile appeared on his face at the thought of Gryffindor loosing.
"My dear Professor Snape! While it is true that you play the game on broom there are however, no such rules that state a person cannot play the game using self means of flight."
(AN: I have no idea if this is true or not! If it isn't, it will be in my story.)
"Yes, true but. . . "
"But nothing! Let me ref this game or SLYTHERIN will forfeit the match!"
With that said a slightly sulking Snape made his way back to the stands. Blowing her whistle, the game continued and before long the score was 20-10 Gryffindor.
"Gryffindor's in possession of the Quaffle. Look at those girls fly! Katie takes the ball and. . . HEY!" Katie was sandwiched between two Slytherin chasers as a Bludger impacted with her left shoulder, courtesy of Goyle. The third Slytherin chaser took the dropped Quaffle. "That's a bloody frigg'n fowl!"
"Jordan! Must you curse?"
"Sorry Professor McGonagall. And Slytherin scores, 20-20." Slytherin cheers filled the air at their team's score.
"After that open and revolting bit of cheating - "
"Jordan!" Growled Professor McGonagall.
"All right, all right. Slytherin nearly kills chaser Katie Bell of Gryffindor so a penalty shot is taken by Angelina Johnson who puts it in, no problem."
Way up above them, Harry was gliding over the game, squinting his raptor like eyes for any sign of the Snitch. He found it a bit tiring to be flying for so long, but he wouldn't give up. Malfoy was not going to win this game.
"Quaffle in Gryffindor possession. Come on Alicia - nice swerve round Montague and - look out! Close one Alicia - score! And Alicia Spinnet of Gryffindor scores, 40-20." Cried out Lee Jordan as he made a rude gesture towards the Slytherins without drawing the wrath of McGonagall.
Alicia punched the air as she soared round the end of the pitch to the cheers of Gryffindor. Warrington of Slytherin took this opportunity to make a fast breakaway.
"Slytherin in possession as Warrington tears up the pitch as he heads strait for the Gryffindor goal posts! Come on girls, do something, anything!" WHAM! "Finally what were you guys doing, taking a nap!? Warrington gets hit by one of the two Bludgers sent his way by the Weasley twins. Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor takes the Quaffle and no, Slytherin in possession - no! - Gryffindor back in possession! Katie Bell of Gryffindor with the Quaffle, she's streaking up the pitch - OUCH! THAT WAS DELIBERATE!"
Katie Bell was nearly thrown from her broom as new Slytherin chaser Blaise Zabini went smashing into her. Harry meanwhile was having troubles of his own. Malfoy would not let him be. No matter how many dives he took or how fast he flew, Malfoy managed to stay on his tail.
"Give it up Potter! You can't win - oh look we just scored again. It looks like Weasley does make a great keeper. Come on Weasley, keep those misses coming!"
"Knock it off Malfoy. I don't have time - " WHOOSH. A Bludger had narrowly missed both boys' heads. Fred Weasley quickly followed it.
"All right there Harry?" Fred called out as he positioned himself to hit the Bludger.
"Just fine!"
"Good, now if you'll excuse me - " WHOOSH. "Come on. Yes!"
"Slytherin in possession, Blaise Zabini's really moving - " WHAM! "Nice Bludger work by Fred Weasley! Or is that George? Zabini drops the Quaffle! It's caught by - Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor! No, keeper Bletchley blocks her shot. Slytherin is back in possession. Yes! Ron Weasley has blocked the Quaffle!"
Harry felt a huge jolt of excitement. Not only had his friend stopped the goal, but he had also seen the snitch at long last! It was hovering 10 feet from the ground near the Gryffindor goal posts. Looking around he saw that Malfoy was still following him. This gave him an idea. Gaining a bit more altitude, Harry folded his wings up against his body and with a piercing screech plummeted towards the earth away from the snitch. Malfoy eagerly followed thinking he had spotted the snitch. The ground was fast approaching; people and objects were nothing more than blur's in the background as Harry and Draco raced.
'Come on Malfoy, just a little bit more' Thought Harry.
30 feet - 25 feet - 20 feet - 15 feet - 10 feet! If he was going to pull out of his dive it had to be now! Straining his muscles Harry opened his wings at 5 feet, his chest scrapping against the ground, wings straining for altitude. Malfoy was not so lucky as he made a sickening impact with the ground.
Flapping his wings Harry managed to get enough altitude to change course and chase after the snitch. WHOOSH. A Bludger had nearly impacted with his head as he made a quick swerve to the left. The snitch was hovering a little off from the goal posts now, making Harry's task a little easier. With a final burst of speed, Harry closed the gape between him and the snitch.
Rising up into the air, clawed hand above his head, the golden snitch was beating its wings hopelessly against his talons. Harry soared above the crowd as it exploded in cheers before landing near the rest of the team.
"Great catch Harry!" Shouted George as he patted Harry on the back.
"Yeah, you nearly gave Katie a heart attack!" Joked his brother.
"Do you two ever grow up?" Asked Katie. Both brothers looked at each other before speaking in a serious tone.
"Nope."
"Don't plan to either." That was all they could take before bursting out laughing.
"Katie how's the shoulder?" Asked Alicia.
"A little sore. I think I'll go see Madam Pomfrey." She replied.
Smiling, the battered and bruised victors left the pitch to get cleaned and patched up before heading to lunch in the Great Hall.
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It was just after lunch that Harry remembered what Corandell had told him to do. It was time for a visit with Dumbledore. Gathering his courage he made his way to the head table and stood before the aged wizard. Dumbledore raised his gaze to the young man before him, the ever-present twinkle in his eyes.
"Yes Mr. Potter, what can I do for you?"
"Sir, I need to learn Occulmency." At those words, the twinkle left the aged wizard's eyes.
"Perhaps we should take this to my office." Dumbledore replied.
Rising to his feet, Dumbledore beckoned towards Snape who rose to his feet and followed them up to Dumbledore's office. It wasn't long before they reached the gargoyle guarding the entrance to his office. With a quick muttered "Lemon Drops" the three climbed up to the Headmaster's office. Fawks emitted a low trill as the aged Headmaster sat behind his desk.
"Now Harry, why would you need to learn that?"
"It's Voldemort Sir. He's - "
"Say no more Harry. Voldemort's been known to possess the ability of Legimens." Interrupted Dumbledore. He then turned to look at the potions professor.
(AN: Legimens, is that spelled right? Let me know, I don't have my copy of the book right now, I let my cousin borrow it.)
"Professor Snape will help you fight intrusions into your mind Harry."
"Sir with all due respect, I have no time for this!" Exclaimed Professor Snape as he sent a glare towards Harry.
"Severus, you are the only one qualified to teach him Occulmency. Voldemort must not be aloud in Harry's mind! Now I ask you for my sake, teach the boy."
"Very. . . well, Headmaster. Potter, you will meet me in my classroom every Friday night after supper for your lessons! Do NOT be late!" With a swirl of his cloak Professor Snape left the Headmaster's office.
"That went well." At the disbelieving look on Harry's face the Headmaster elaborated. "He didn't curse you, belittle you, didn't yell - well maybe he did yell a little. It doesn't matter now."
"Thank you Sir for your help."
"Of course Harry, now if I'm not mistaken, you should join your friends in the Great Hall if you wish to go to Hogsmead." With a nod, Harry left the office, leaving Dumbledore to contemplate the new situation.
'It would seem you have made your move Tom. Where will you strike next?'
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It was late in the evening when the trio returned from Hogsmead. Their trip had gone fairly well, taking into account a small run in with Malfoy and the Weasley twins running around. All in all, it was a pleasurable evening with a stash of candy to last for months courtesy of Ron and new reference books thanks to Hermione.
Currently the Great Hall was filled with after supper conversations, mainly the twins as the center of attention for their prankful day. A certain Professor was gleefully overlooking the Hall savouring their ignorant unsuspecting faces. She was going to have some fun tonight! Rising, she softly called out 'Sonorus' before speaking.
"Students can I have your attention please." The Hall grew quiet. "Thank you. Now students, I hope you have all been studying." Groans were her only response, making her grin. "As I have said before, one will be given before the Christmas Holidays and as they are approaching I see no reason not to start them now. I will be starting with the seventh years followed by the fifth years as we head into December."
Taking a deep breath, the Professor continued.
"A list will be posted on my office door after supper this evening. Starting tomorrow I will begin the evaluations. During the day of your evaluation, you will be excused from all of your classes. You are to report at my office at the designated time, tardiness will not be tolerated. Should you fail to do so, an automatic zero will be accorded to you."
Professor Ivy Bellenmore had a huge grin on her face that would make the Cheshire Cat proud.
"I would just like to wish each of you good luck. Now I think it is time for all of you to get some sleep."
The Hall was full of whispers as the students got up and headed for their dormitories.
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Famed Muggle archaeologist Michael Edwards had recently returned home from his expedition to Egypt. He was presently sitting at his desk in his study. His team had uncovered an ancient temple. After months of strange, but minor accidents they were finally able to gain entry into the temple, but not without a casualty. One of the digging team's workers was killed when one of the pillars collapsed on top of him. Many quit after that saying there was an ancient curse on the temple.
'Curse, yeah right! I didn't get to be one of the best archaeologist by believing in curses.'
One thing that continued to puzzle him were the weird hieroglyphs that adorned the temple walls, it was like nothing he had ever seen before. As the workers would pass them, they seemed to glow. What was more confusing was the message that was written.
It spoke of an ancient evil that dwelled within the temple walls. With the aid of another, the evil would plunge the world into everlasting darkness. However, all they found in the center chamber were the remains of a mummified body. The thumb was all that remained intact.
"Daddy, are you coming to eat?" A child's voice startled Michael out of his musings.
"What? Oh, sorry sweetie I'll be right down." He replied. As he got up to follow his daughter a loud blast was heard as his wife's screams reached them before everything was quiet once again.
"Mommy? Daddy why did mommy scream?" The girl was tugging at her father's shirt. "We have to see if she's alright!"
Before he could stop her she ran out the door as masked men came up the stairs. One of the men took out a strange stick and pointed it at her daughter. The child went limp in the man's arms as the masked men made their way to where Michael Edwards was standing in the doorway.
"Please, let her go. What do you want?" He asked as the one holding her daughter took out a knife and kept it close to her throat.
With his child's life on the line, he could not risk attacking these men. And what of his wife? Was she all right? Was she even alive? As mind came to wild conclusions a snake like being entered the room. He turned his crimson eyes on Michael as he spoke.
"Give me the artefact and I will let the child go. Failure to comply will result in her death."
"What?"
"The mummified thumb Muggle! Give me the sorcerer's Thumb now or risk losing your daughter." Going towards a wall he removed a painting to reveal a safe behind it. Opening it, he quickly removed the artefact and handed it to one of the men.
"You have what you came for, now let her go!"
"As you wish." Voldemort motioned towards his servant.
"Enervate!" The Death Eater tossed the now awake child towards her father.
"You have been most helpful Muggle, the Dark Lord thanks you. And for that only one of you will die tonight, now choose." Hissed Voldemort.
"Is this some kind of sick joke!?" Michael exclaimed as he held his daughter.
"Wrong answer, but what can you expect from a lowly Muggle." A chorus of laughs was his answer. "Since you did not choose you both die! Avada Kadavra!" Green light filled the room as Michael fell to the floor lifeless.
"NO! Daddy, please get up! Please daddy, you have to wake up. Mommy's downstairs, please daddy get up."
"Your turn child. The Dark Lord will take pity on you, as your father has been most helpful. Avada Kadavra!" The child screamed until the end as the green light washed over her body. She too fell lifeless to the floor.
Harry woke up with a start, his scar burning as the last cries of the child drifted away in the early morning rays of the sun. For the first time in as long as he could remember, Harry shed a tear for the family that he could not save.
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Author's note: This chapter is set closer to the end of November. Still no snow on the ground, but it's really cold. Things are going to start picking up from now on, so tell me if I go to fast. My evil little muse decided that Katie Bell would get hurt in this chapter. Bludger to the shoulder, ouch! Who will be next! (Evil laugh!) And that part at the end was a last minuet thing. I don't like killing, but it's Voldie were talking about.
Voldie's not sitting on the sidelines anymore! What does he want with that thumb? Who will be the first vict - cough - um, participant, yeah that's it, participant in Bellenmore's trial? Well, that was my ranting for the month, don't forget to read and review!
Griff_Star2000