Chapter 12: Voldemort's Return

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Harry felt like he was floating. One moment he had been dancing with Ginny, then his scar burned with unbelievable pain, and now he was here in the midst of a dark, fog covered forest. He heard sounds off in the distance and began walking towards them.

A few moments later he walked into a clearing and was met with a terrifying sight. Hundreds of Deatheaters were assembled, facing a tall man with snake-like facial features. Harry gasped as one of the Deatheaters turned towards him. A moment later he relaxed as he realized that he could not been seen. Suddenly Harry understood. He was having a vision.

"Greetings, my loyal servant." Voldemort said. "Tonight is the night we start our campaign to bring down the Ministry and that muggle-loving fool Dumbledore. As we speak, the Dementors of Azkhaban are revolting and freeing my imprisoned followers."

"What of the aurors?" a voice asked. Harry looked and saw Professor Snape.

"Ah, Severus. A good question. Thanks to my newest servant, the aurors will not even be aware there is a problem. That is until we attack their headquarters later tonight." Voldemort answered. "Allow me to introduce to you our newest comrade, Cornelius Fudge."

There were sounds of surprise as the Minister of Magic stepped forward, out of the shadows. Fury welled up inside Harry. Despite Fudge's attempts to discredit him and Dumbledore, he had always viewed the Minister of Magic as a misguided fool, not a cold, calculating Deatheater.

'So that's why he wouldn't listen to us.' Harry thought.

"Before we launch our assault however, there is one more matter to take care of. I have discovered that there is a spy in our midst. This person has been feeding information to the Order of the Phoenix." Voldemort said, drawing his wand. "Did you really think you would escape unnoticed, Severus?" Snape paled. He knew the game was up. as Two Deatheaters grabbed him and threw him forward before Voldemort.

"Go to hell." He muttered. A cruel smile crossed Voldemort's lips.

"You first. Avada Kadvra." A beam of green light lept from Voldemort's wand and struck Snape, who fell to the ground, lifeless. "And now my loyal followers, it is time to attack."

Instantly Harry's vision blurred, to be replaced a short time later by a view of the Ministry. Around him, dozens of Ministry officials were shouting and fighting for their lives as Deatheaters and Dementors attacked. Then just as quickly, the vision dissolved again and was replaced by the scene after scene of attack against other targets.

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Harry bolted up off the floor. Blood was dripping down the side of his face from his scar.

"Harry, are you all right?" Professor Dumbledore asked. Harry saw a crowd gathered around him. Ginny was kneeling next to him, sobbing.

"Azkhaban." Harry gasped. He went on to explain his vision, including the revelation that Fudge was a Deatheater and Snape's execution. Those around him paled slightly at the news.

"Fudge is a Deatheater?" Hermione questioned. Harry nodded.

"This is not good." Dumbledore said, turning to Professor McGonnagall. "We'll divide into two groups. I will take half the Order and go to Azkhaban. We must try and stop as many of the prisoners from being released as possible. You will take the rest and go to the ministry." The members of the Order began to divide into groups. Harry pushed himself off the floor.

"Professor, we're going too." Harry stated. Dumbledore turned and looked at him.

"No Harry, I cannot allow that. You're training is nowhere near complete enough."

"I don't care. I am tired of being relegated to the sidelines. Voldemort and his followers have made my life a living hell. Its time for payback." He stated. The rest of the Marauders gathered around him.

"Harry's right." Ginny said. "Like or not this is our fight just as much, maybe more so than yours. Its time we started contributing." Hermonie, Ron, Fred, George, and Neville nodded in agreement. Dumbledore sighed. He knew they were right.

"Very well. You will go with Professor McGonnagall."

"Voldemort will be at Azkhaban." Harry stated.

"Yes. But you are not yet ready to confront him. And I will not allow you to confront him until you are." Dumbledore replied. He reached into his robes and pulled out a bag. Inside were several phoenix pins. "These are specialized portkeys. Merely state the destination you wish to go to and they will take you there." He handed them to Harry and the rest of the Marauders. Within several minutes all the members of the Order had disappeared.

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When the Marauders and the members of the Order reappeared outside the Ministry of Magic a few moments later, they breathe a sigh of relief. Nothing appeared to have happened yet. Professor McGonnagall immediately started placing her troops for battle.

"You seven must stick together, no matter what happens. If you're cornered, your portkeys will take you back to Hogwarts. You just need to shout 'evacuate.'" She said. Just then several Aurors exited the building. Seeing the group of wizards gathered outside, one of them came over.

"What is going on here?" he demanded.

"I am Professor McGonnagall. These are members of the Order of Phoenix. We have received intelligence that Lord Voldemort's forces are preparing to attack the Ministry." She replied. The man laughed.

"I highly don't that. First of all, everybody knows that Voldemort is dead." The man began.

"He is NOT!" Harry shouted. "He is back. I've seen him."

"And who are you?" the man spat. Harry brushed his hair to the side, revealing his scar.

"Harry Potter! You are under arrest for the murder of Cedric-" but his statement was cut off by the sound of curses being thrown. The trio whirled around. Advancing on the positions of the Order were dozens of Deatheaters.

"Holy shit!" the Auror yelled. The Marauders immediately took cover and began firing curses at the Deatheaters. Harry's hair was singed as a fire curse narrowly missed him. All around, Aurors and Deatheaters were falling, but the forces of light seemed to be gaining the upper hand. He glanced over at Ginny and couldn't help but smile. Even in the midst of a life and death struggle, her face dirtied and body sweating, she was absolutely beautiful.

Then the balanced changed.

They felt their approach first. The ground trembled ferociously. Harry looked up.

"Oh my god." Hermione gasped. Approaching the scene of the battle, their battle clubs destroying buildings as they moved forward, were half a dozen fully grown mountain trolls.

"This is not good." Ron said.