A/N: The actual fifth book has finally arrived!

Harry Potter and the Prophecy of the Phoenix- Chapter 11

Harry's eyes blinked open wearily but of their own accord without being startled or forced. Though he felt rested, he felt oddly weak as if someone had siphoned the energy from his body.

It was sorely tempting to close his eyes and fall back into a light slumber, but, instead, he pushed himself into a reclining position and reached for his glasses. It was this dual motion that alerted the pair at his bedside of his change in state.

Hermione cried out his name, sobbing as she pulled him into a crushing embrace.

Taken slightly aback at the severity of her reaction, he had only had a couple of nightmares after all, albeit bad ones, he returned the gesture, rubbing soothing circles on her back in order to calm her.

"It's all right, Hermione. I'm okay."

She released him at his words, still hiccuping and sniffling a bit as she wiped away the stray tears.

"Are you really?" Ron questioned, his eyes roaming critically over his friend.

Harry looked between them, noticing that both appeared to be in need of a decent night's sleep, before asking in his hushed voice that was almost a whisper, "Was it really that bad?"

Before either could answer, Madam Pomfrey was at his bedside as well with a goblet of some smoking potion that did not smell particularly appetizing.

"It's about time you woke up, Mr. Potter. Drink all of this."

Harry looked down at the contents, unable to decide whether the potion was brown or green. It was gurgling slowly, forming bubbles in its thick viscosity and releasing the smoke as each bubble popped.

"What is this?" It was a stalling tactic. He was fairly sure that it would taste as badly as it smelled.

Madam Pomfrey sighed with mock-exasperation. "It's a Strengthening Potion. You did quite a number on yourself, young man. Now, drink up. I don't want to hear any complaints."

Closing his eyes, he swallowed the potion with one swig, managing to bypass most of his taste buds. He could feel the potion continue to bubble inside of him as it made its way to his stomach, and the smoke leaked out from his nose, causing him to sneeze.

Harry could feel a change coming over him, but it felt as if it was more than his physical strength that was being replenished.

Madam Pomfrey waved her wand over him, muttering a charm that he did not recognize.

"You're healing very nicely," she announced proudly.

"That is very good news indeed." Came the distinctive timbre of the headmaster. The smile on his face was genuine, and his eyes seemed as if they were dancing. "Now I hate to intrude, but I need to have some time alone with Harry if you don't mind."

"Just be sure that you don't overdo it," warned Madam Pomfrey sternly. He still needs plenty of rest.

"I'll keep that in mind." Dumbledore promised. As the mediwitch turned and left, he spoke in a softer decibel to Harry's friends, "Go get a decent breakfast. I'll make sure that Madam Pomfrey lets you back in and that she'll be apprised of your plans."

Both nodded, departing with words promising their return, but there was a bit of reluctance in both of them.

"What plans?" Harry queried.

Dumbledore could not suppress the small smile that turned involuntarily on his lips. "I hope that you realize what good friends you have, Harry. It's a rare to find anyone who will fight Madam Pomfrey to remain by her patient for two days and even rarer to actually find anyone with the tenacity to win."

That statement sent Harry's mind awhirl, and he did not even realize that Dumbledore had not actually answered his question. The fact that he had been in the Hospital Wing for two days clashed with the guilt over his hiding such important secrets from his friends this year while they faithfully demonstrated their allegiance.

"Sometimes I don't think I deserve them."

How the words actually took vocal form, Harry would never know. Perhaps they got crossed in the synapses relaying thoughts and vocal statements. Harry's cheeks colored slightly in embarrassment, and he studied his fingers to avoid Dumbledore's gaze.

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, gazing critically at the young wizard in front of him. Observing that Harry was uncomfortable with exploring the comment, Dumbledore decided to bypass the statement for the time being.

"Harry, I've gotten reports from Professor Snape, Sirius, and Remus-"

"Are they all right?" Harry interrupted, not believing that he had forgotten to ask sooner.

"Relax, they're all fine." Seeing that Harry was going to need more of a qualification, he added, " I expect that Sirius and Remus will arrive at Hogwarts before New Years. They had one other short errand to run before arriving. However, it is now safe for them to send and receive communications from owls. I'm sure that you'll want to take advantage of that. Professor Snape suffered no permanent effects from the Cruciatus, but he is rather annoyed that he owes another Potter a life debt."

Harry started in surprise. "What? But I didn't do anything to save his life."

It was amazing, Dumbledore mused to himself, that a boy who had needed to grow up quickly could still be so naive.

"From what I have heard so far, Harry, you provided a distraction that allowed Professor Snape to retain his cover. He is convinced that had he exposed himself, it would have meant certain death instead of the Cruciatus."

"But Voldemort could have killed him for his failure." Harry protested.

Dumbledore smiled again, this time more grandfatherly. "That is true. However, the fact remains that he did not." He held up a hand in anticipation of more protesting. "I'm afraid that life debts depend only upon those who owe it and not upon those to whom it is owed, meaning that if Professor Snape feels as though he owes you a life debt, that life debt exists."

It quite surprised the aged wizard when a devious grin and a mischievous glint overtook Harry's countenance, especially because of his earlier reaction.

"I imagine that Sirius is quite beside himself, owing a life debt to Professor Snape. It serves him right, trying to tell me that his middle name was 'Careful.'"

Dumbledore chuckled, his eyes having a life of their own. "Did he now? If I remember correctly from Mr. Black's attendance here, I believe that his middle name was actually 'Sirius.'"

Harry blinked blankly, "His parents named him Sirius Sirius Black?"

The headmaster did his best to look serious and adopt a professorial tone. "No, Harry. Your godfather so loathed him first name that he went by his middle one. He had it legally changed as soon as he was allowed."

Sensing an opportunity for potential blackmail, Harry had to ask, "Then what was his first name?"

Dumbledore quickly looked around as if he was a teenager about to reveal a huge secret and he did not want anyone to know about it. "I will tell you only if you agree to the condition that you will not under any circumstance tell your godfather that it was I that divulged the information."

"I promise," Harry agreed eagerly,

Dumbledore waited a moment, and Harry was sure that the hesitation was meant to build suspense.

"Archimedes."

Harry could not help but burst into laughter. The name just seemed so stuffy, so wrong when applied to the infamous Marauder.

It was really good to see Harry laugh, and Dumbledore regretted that he was going to have to disturb the lightened mood.

"I'm afraid, Harry that our conversation took quite a detour, and now it's time to put it back on track. As I was saying previously, I have already heard reports from the other three. Nevertheless, I would like to hear your version of the events as well."

Harry spoke of what he had seen in his dreams, and he noticed that his headmaster seemed particularly distressed at the mention of his patroni and his visibility to Snape.

When he was finished, Dumbledore asked quite seriously and almost somberly, "Harry, did Madam Pomfrey tell you what the potion was for?"

"She said it was a Strengthening Potion."

"Indeed, while that information is not incorrect, it is not complete either. When you cast the spell to produce your patroni and held it, you severely depleted your magical reserves. Under most circumstances, the reserves would return to normal after a period of rest. However, you depleted your reserves to the point that there is the possibility of permanent damage. You seem to be responding well to treatments, but you are not to engage in any sort of magical activity until the start of term. Even then, you are to go lightly until Madam Pomfrey says otherwise, and it is likely that you will see a marked decrease in your performance. Your teachers will be informed. Only time will tell if permanent damage has been done."

A look of determination rather than upset took a hold of Harry's features, and his eyes were brighter than they had ever been. "It doesn't matter. I would willingly take the risk again even if it meant permanent loss of all my magic or even my death in order to save them."

Any sign of the earlier naivete was now absent from the young man, and the intensity of his convictions left Dumbledore speechless for a moment and left him battling a sensation of deja vu as well. He could only hope that Harry would not become reckless with his own life, especially as the latter tended to shoulder guilt for circumstances that he could not control.

"Sir?" The silence was a bit unnerving."

"My apologies. I've just never seen you look so much like your mother."

The comparison left Harry warmed by a momentary flush of pleasure. He had been told so many times that he looked just like his father, with the mention of his inheritance of his mother's eyes as an afterthought. It felt good to be compared to something other than as his father's mirror image, except the eyes.

Dumbledore had now recovered enough to don his serious face once again.

"While your attitude is certainly courageous, Harry, make sure that you use careful judgement should such a situation should arise again. Don't try to be the hero needlessly. All of us have our limitations. Now, I must ask your forgiveness and ask that you indulge me in one more question. Has anyone besides Professor Snape ever seen you in a vision?"

He wanted to lie but found that he could not as he muttered in a near whisper, "Yes. Once."

It was not the answer that Dumbledore was expecting. As soon as the answer processed, a look that was almost frightening flashed upon his face. "When did this happen, who saw you, and why was I not informed?"

"My aunt after the last Cruciatus."

Harry had looked away again and felt a concerned hand on his shoulder.

"What did she say to you?" The question was tinged with anger but was not directed at him.

Harry remained silent, unwilling to share her dying condemnation.

Dumbledore turned Harry's face so that the younger wizard met his eyes. There was no warning for what happened as a flash of light momentarily blinded them both.

Petunia's head lolled around on her long neck so that she was looking right at Harry and spoke in a voice so soft and cracked that Harry could barely hear it and Voldemort could not.

"You monster. How can you just sit there and let him do this to us? We're your family."

It did not seem to matter to her that the same so-called family had treated him with nothing more than contempt towards him since the day he had been left on their doorstep.

"I'm sorry." Harry spoke desperately.

It was too late. His aunt had fallen victim to the killing curse.

Harry found himself unable to do anything but sit in shock as Voldemort's laughter rang in his ears.

Nausea burned his stomach and buzzed between his ears. There was no denying that they had lost their lives because of him, and the method of their death only seemed to reinforce the bigotry in which they had engaged throughout the course of their lives. If Harry had not been abnormal, they would still be alive.

The ground suddenly became unstable, and the house fell around him.

Dumbledore jerked away as if he had been burned. What he had just experienced was more than a simple vision or merely seeing through Harry's eyes. He had experienced everything that Harry had as though it was just happening, the helplessness, the guilt, and the pain.

He was feeling more than slightly ill but was more concerned with Harry, whose breathing was heavier and more erratic than it should have been, a reaction of reliving his memory.

"What happened?" Harry questioned breathlessly, his voice quivering just enough for it to be noticeable.

Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak but was hit by a sudden and vicious bout of vertigo. For a brief moment, his surroundings were mottled and dancing around as if to mock him.

"Professor?"

Harry reached out to steady him, thoroughly concerned. Despite the professor's wizened age, Harry had never seen him display such a physical weakness.

"Should I call for Madam Pomfrey?"

"Don't you dare," warned Dumbledore jocularly before waving his wand and muttering the same curse Madam Pomfrey had earlier. He ignored the slight sensation of dizziness as he cast the spell but was pleased to note that what had happened had not impeded Harry's recovery.

Harry fumbled for a moment, deciding whether or not to speak. "Sir, you don't look well."

Dumbledore waved a dismissing hand. "Do not concern yourself with my health, Harry. Right now I'm more concerned about what I saw."

Once again, Harry found himself lowering his gaze.

"Harry, please look at me." The headmaster waited patiently for faded emerald eyes to meet his own. "You do realize that what your aunt said to you was completely inappropriate. You are not a monster, Harry, far from it. You did your best to save them, more than most would have done considering the circumstances."

"I still couldn't save them." He hated the tears pooling in his eyes.

"That's right Harry, you couldn't save them. It wasn't that you wouldn't save them. That's the difference between a victim and a monster. You are not responsible for their deaths. Only Voldemort can take the credit for that."

Though he wanted desperately to accept the professor's words, there was still a part of him that stubbornly held onto the fact that he was the reason that the Dursleys had been targeted in the first place.

"What happened?" Harry asked in a whisper, needing desperately to change the subject and realizing that the question had not been answered the first time.

"For a brief time, Harry, our minds connected. I relived your memory not only with you but as you."

Harry looked stricken, worried that Dumbledore's skin tone was almost that of his beard and worried about what thoughts he had been exposed to.

"It has only happened to me twice before, both with my mentor. Such a connection requires two strong wizards or witches that are willing to make the connection." A flash of irritation flashed across his face, "This should not have been possible, especially in your weakened state."

Welcome to my world. Harry thought with an edge of sarcasm.

"I owe you an apology, Harry. I assure you that it was not my intention to invade your memories."

Before Dumbledore could continue with the explanation, Harry interceded.

"Why should you apologize? It was just as much my fault as it was yours. You said that we both had to be willing to make the connection. It's true that I didn't know that such a connection was possible, but I've wanted to tell you for so long what happened. It's just that I couldn't put it into words. Besides, you seem to have taken the worst of it."

Dumbledore's lips twitched at the corners, "Well, perhaps the next time that you want to show me something, you could ask for the use of a pensieve. It would be a lot better on both of us." As an afterthought, he reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope. "Oh, I almost forgot. This was sent to me with the request that I deliver it."

Harry took the envelope and immediately recognized Sirius's scrawl on the envelope's address.

"I imagine that you'd like to respond right away. After all, some very interesting information has come to light since last you talked."

Harry's face brightened considerably, and a definite glint of mischief was evident in his eyes and mien. He had forgotten for a moment about the ammunition that he had to tease his godfather.

"I will, sir. Thank you."

"Take care of yourself, Harry, and remember what I said earlier about using magic."

Dumbledore pushed himself up, and Harry was alarmed to see him swaying enough for him to put a steadying hand on the nightstand beside Harry's bed.

"Sir-?"

"I'll be fine. I'll check on you later."

Harry wanted to protest that he was not fine at all, but Dumbledore's expression was not one to argue with.

Dumbledore was very much aware that Harry was watching him closely as he walked, a little unsteadily even he had to admit, to find Madam Pomfrey. He had a promise to keep to Harry's pair of friends. He knew that this would require the ingestion of at least one foul tasting potion. He only hoped that she would not insist that he stay in the Hospital Wing. There was too much work to do, despite how he was feeling.

Once Dumbledore was out of sight, Harry tore open the envelope, his mind a bit preoccupied.

Harry,

Are you okay? Dumbledore has assured me that you are, but I would rather hear it from you. Hang on a minute, Moony is pestering me for the quill, and if I don't give it to him now, I think that he's going to burst.

Don't listen to him Harry. You know how he is. I do have a question for you though. Where in the world did you learn how to do a patronus like that? I certainly never taught you that. I've never seen anything like it.

We just wanted to wish you a Happy Christmas and to let you know that we're okay. You'll have to wait for your gift until we arrive. We should be able to see you sometime around New Years. Be careful, Harry.

You're one to talk, Padfoot.

We'll see you soon, Harry. I'm sure Dumbledore has told you that you can write back, so we are anxiously awaiting your response.

Don't be long, Harry. Your godfather is fretting like an overprotective mother, and the pacing is getting on my nerves.

I am not. Do hurry though.

-Sirius and Remus

The smile reappeared to Harry's face as he began to compose his own letter,

Dear Remus and Archimedes,

Remus, I'll talk to you first as my godfather is no doubt ranting and raving about my discovery of his birth name. Believe me when I say that I was just as surprised about my patronus as you. I have not used the spell since the Third Task, and my patronus was completely normal then.

Has Snuffles calmed himself enough to read the letter yet?

I'm fine, and I'm glad that you are okay. As for what happened, let's just say that it was a vivid dream.

We can talk more when I see you next.

-Harry.

Harry placed the letter aside so that Ron and Hermione could take it to the Owlery later and closed his eyes to rest for a moment until the pair returned

"Harry."

His mind recognized that it was Hermione's voice calling to him, and his eyes opened sleepily.

He was unable to suppress a yawn and then smiled sheepishly as he spoke, "I'm sorry. I only meant to rest for a moment."

He pushed himself back up and then gasped in amazement. In the middle of the ward was a large, decorated Christmas tree with piles of presents beneath it.

"We waited to have Christmas with you."

"Thank you."

The words had a choked quality as he found that there was suddenly a lump on his throat. When he had been smaller, Christmas had never been special. It was only an opportunity for the Dursleys to gloat over him, but it had been different when he had come to Hogwarts. When he had thought that he had missed it, he had been sorely disappointed.

Ron tossed a present to him, and by the feel of it, it was his annual Christmas sweater knitted by Mrs. Weasley.

"Maroon, again!" Ron exclaimed as Harry found his green one. Hermione had been included this year with a sweater violet in shade.

"Open yours from me next." Harry instructed.

Hermione squealed with delight when she opened hers, a book with the title, Hogwarts, a Revising History.

Ron stared at it wide-eyed. "What have you done?"

Ignoring Ron, he smiled at Hermione, "This book will automatically update itself every time a new edition is released."

He was sure that he was going to choke to death when Hermione wrapped her arms tightly around him.

"I think that she liked it." Harry wheezed when she released him.

Ron, however, was staring at his present, two white pills, with confusion and a bit of disappointment.

"Those are actually for your brothers," Harry explained. "I call them Fountain Fizzies. When you put them into their drinks, every time they open their mouth to speak, water will come out instead, and when they hold their mouth closed for too long, the water spouts out of their ears. I have also arranged for the Creevey brothers to photograph the occasion. Just let them know when and where."

Ron's grin nearly split his face. After years of falling victim to the twins' practical jokes, it was finally his turn.

"I have just one request," Harry continued. "Try to make sure I'm there to watch, okay? It's my first invention, and I want to see if it works."

"No problem."

The three tore into the rest of their presents eagerly. Harry had gotten a mass of Chocolate Frogs and other such sweets from Ron and a book about Quidditch strategy from Hermione. Ron had gotten a similar book on chess strategy.

Ron's present to Hermione made her blush. It was a pendant made of a small clear crystal on a silver chain.

"It glows to warn you if you are near danger."

Ron looked equally embarrassed as he explained, wondering again exactly why he had bought it. When had had seen it, he knew that he simply had to get it for her.

Hermione slipped it on, thanking him with a hug just as she had thanked Harry, but Harry could not help but think that the nuance was perhaps a but different.

It was much later that Madam Pomfrey kicked Ron and Hermione out, letter to the Marauders in hand, but not before the House elves had surprised them by preparing and bringing up a traditional Christmas dinner for the trio. Harry was almost sure that Dumbledore had arranged it.

Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore had decided that he should take the Dreamless Sleep Potion as long as it was safe to do so. They were afraid that his dreaming of Voldemort could potentially hinder his recovery.

Harry took the potion willingly, looking forward to a sleep without nightmares, real or imagined.

Harry's scar was burning fiercely, and gooseflesh appeared on his arms as he heard the high-pitched laugh that was distinctly Voldemort.

There was a couple holding each other in obvious fear, staring at the man and his serpentine features. The door had obviously been blasted down.

"Who are you?" The man demanded.

Harry reasoned that they had to be muggles if they did not know who the Dark Lord was.

A wail of an infant in a different room pierced the room. The mother obviously wanted to rush to her child but knew that the danger was such that she could not.

"This is going to be fun." Voldemort muttered, pointing his wand at each in succession, speaking the Killing curse.

Both crumpled to the ground, faces paralyzed in an expression of fear.

Voldemort moved to the nursery where the child was still crying, and Harry felt himself being pulled with him.

The baby was no more than four months old and whimpered at the sight of the stranger.

"Please no." Harry whispered, wishing he could help. Dumbledore's order notwithstanding, he would have used magic to save the baby if he could, but he had learned that he could not protect fight the Killing curse in his dreams.

It appeared, however, that Voldemort was not that kind. "Incendia."

The child caught on fire, screaming fiercely as her little body burned until she was no longer able to cry and had joined her parents.

Harry's hand was pressing against his scar as if the pressure could suppress some of the pain.

He had thought that it was over, but Voldemort calmly walked to the next house on the street, placing a silencing charm on the house before blasting down the door.

The pattern continued from house to house, with Voldemort murdering the parents with the Killing curse and killing the children by fire until they finished with the last house on the street.

Harry felt numb, forced to witness death after needless, horrible death. He could barely feel the pain that was still blazing in his scar.

The dream finally ended as Voldemort shot the Dark Mark into the sky and apparated away just as the aurors arrived.

Harry woke up and began to cry without shame.

Some time passed before a gentle hand was placed onto his shoulder, and the headmaster's soft timbre resonated gently only in Harry's hearing range.

"I would have to say that the Dreamless Sleep potion did not work."

"Sir-" Harry choked, unable to continue.

"It's all right, Harry. I saw everything. There's no need to explain though if you want to talk about it, I will be willing to listen."

"You saw? How?"

"Apparently, our connection was not completely severed earlier though it was obviously weaker. I saw with you, not as you. I tried to let you know I was there, but you couldn't see me."

He looked defeated, guilty.

Harry met Dumbledore's blue orbs. Tonight's attacks were different from before, not aimed specifically at Harry nor were they simply isolated incidents.

"It's beginning isn't it."

"Yes, Harry. I'm afraid that it is."

Indeed, the beginning of the end had arrived.

A/N: When I first started this story, I had planned to finish before the release of the fifth book. I had planned not to continue once it was released. However, you guys have been great. As long as you continue to read, I will continue as well. Be aware that the rest of the story is planned, and any similarities to the actual book are mere coincidence.

Now for the reviewers:

…: I know that I take awhile. Sorry. I'm glad that you liked it.

howling wolf: Good. I hope that you like this as well.

stayblue Thank you.

Siri Kat: Shhh… Just wait, it's about to be tricky.

Von: This one does not have as much action, but I hope that you liked it. I haven't described his color as a phoenix? Oh, dear. I'll rectify that hopefully next chapter, and we'll call it a compromise. As for Snape… we'll see where that goes.

Chava: Calculus, yuck. You should like this chapter. It's especially emotional. Calculus is evil… Remember that there is always hope.

Skywalker26: Yes, I'm mean to poor Harry.

KuTiExAzNxAnGeL: Get off your knees. I updated.

Nerwen: Thank you. Continue reading, and I will continue as well.

MJ: Don't worry. Harry will be all right, eventually.

JaimeyKay: Don't worry about it. I know that you don't like the pairings, but maybe that's because pairings are usually thrown at you. Maybe since I'm easing in it will be okay. Sorry, but I promise that the story will be good. Just pretend that the pairings aren't coming. I liked the Snape part as well. I'm so excited about the real book, and no, there is no recording of the Smallville season finale. Grrr…

Sakura Le: He will. See, he had a nice Christmas… until the dream. I'm an evil author.

Lady Reaper of the Shadows: I hope that you like this one as well.

Storyweaver: I know that it's slow. I've been hinting Ron/Hermione. This chapter was a little less subtle. I'm not going to answer the other question… yet. Wait a chapter or two.

Butler Thanks

JerseyGirl03: That question hasn't been answered. You're supposed to be confused. The power question has appeared to have been answered in this chapter. wink

Lily Skylo: Next chapter will mark the return of the infamous Marauders. As you can see, everyone is fine. I'm happy that you're enjoying it.

Moonlight Snitch: Don't spoil the surprise…

ranger Thank you.

lilbaby I'm writing as fast as I can.

crystal wolf: Big trouble coming soon. Visions for lack of a better term.

Jake: Glad that you liked it.

Charma1219: I liked these ending words as well. I'm still enjoying your story. Did I review your last chapter?

athelas Fawkes is not involved in the dreaming. The imagery was used purposefully. We don't know yet whether Harry can be reborn from ashes. Wait till next chapter.

Nightshade: Um, wow. Thank you. The review was more than adequate. It left me speechless. If ever you have constructive criticism, I'm open to it. I hope that you enjoy this chapter as well, and if you ask questions, I won't answer if it will ruin something. Thank you so much. You're on the mailing list.

kateydidnt I was faster. Probably not fast enough.

Arizosa: I'm not telling. Thanks.

shdurraniI can tell that you're old friends. Enjoy the chapter.