Chapter 25
(A/N: Thank you, dearest reviewers, for your opinions on the level of detail in the following chapters. As always, I hope they do not disappoint you! A.S.Leif)
For roughly the entire day after, Harry received strong prickles from his scar. Although he was able to throw off Snape in Occlumency practice, he wasn't sure how fast he'd be able to get Voldemort out.
Tallon kept alert for any major changes in the prickling, trying to detect certain emotions. He thought he sensed anger, or maybe frustration, but the feeling faded before he could be sure.
He mentioned it to Sirius and Remus, both of who looked at each other worriedly. "What?" demanded Harry.
Padfoot took a breath, "Sel and Dung went out on a mission last night; it could be them."
Harry had been debating whether or not to tell them about the emotions, but one look at Remus' paling face convinced him to do so. "It feels like he's angry," said Harry, "So they're probably OK." This only seemed to ease them a little bit.
That evening, the Order held another meeting. Once again they practiced patroni, and finally everyone was able to conjure a solid one, and about two-thirds of them could summon Challengers.
Dumbledore called for everyone's attention near the end of the meeting. "I have received a visit from-" he was cut off as the front doors burst open. A large, black disfigured creature dragged itself inside. The Order members jumped to their feet, wands in hand. Then, Harry lowered his, realizing that it wasn't a creature, but two people, one dragging the other.
Dung struggled to keep Splikvin supported on his shoulder, his face sweating and a long gash on his cheek dripped crimson trails down his face. His robes were tattered on the bottom, and covered in mud. Splikvin herself was soaked, and not just with water. Her head lolled as one leg dragged behind her while Dung kept her going.
"Selena!" Remus and Snape both exclaimed, but there was no humor found in the simultaneous worry.
There was a flurry of movement as the Order rushed to help the two injured members. Dung released his burden with a grateful sigh, and collapsed onto one of the couches as Mrs. Weasley saw to him, her dislike of the back-street-dealer not apparent in the slightest manner. He pulled out his pipe wearily, but fell unconscious before he could light it.
Harry cleared a couch for Splikvin as Ron and Hermione left at a run to fetch Madame Pomfrey. The Defense professor didn't look good. Her face was paler than Snape's, due to the blood loss from the wound in her side, and her leg. From her left knee down, Splikvin's pant leg was torn and bloody. The marks looked like they had been made by the bite of an animal, the gouge across her ribs by claws, big ones too. Harry recognized them as the marks of Razghouls, dark creatures that were a mix of wolf and phantoms. "Ambush," she croaked, "Near the drop-in point."
"Hush," Remus commanded, "You can report later." Harry looked at Dumbledore, how did the enemy know where the drop-in point was? The drop-in point was the area a few miles from here where the Order could apperate to, since there were wards around Headquarters that wouldn't allow such transportation.
The Headmaster's eyes had been grave when he was beginning his announcement, but now they had a deeper sense of gravity in them; it made Harry curious. He stepped aside as Snape came back with a potion in hand: the blood replenishing potion. Snape knelt down by the couch and began to administer it as Ron and Hermione returned with the Nurse. She instantly began to rant at Dumbledore, telling him that he shouldn't give the Order members such dangerous missions.
"It needed to be done Poppy," Dumbledore replied.
She glared, "Sending an envoy to dark creatures? That needs to be done by professionals! They're dangerous!"
"Watch it, Poppy!" snapped Splikvin, jerking into an upright position.
"Sit still," ordered her twin, gently pushing her back down. Harry, Sirius, Hermione, Ron, and practically the rest of the Order were glaring at the matron as well; all except Remus anyways, who brushed the comment aside with a wave of his hand.
"Vill you be alright, Professor?" asked Krum.
She smiled tightly, her face a bit less pale. "No worse than what happened in your third year, Victor." She said; Krum grinned slightly.
After the potion did its work, Madame Pomfrey took over. He healed the cut on Dung's face, along with his sprained ankle. Then she tried to heal Splikvin, but the wounds proved stubborn. "What did this?" the Nurse muttered angrily as the cuts
Splikvin opened her mouth, but coughed. "Razgouls," Harry answered, Splikvin nodded in agreement. Mrs. Weasley shooed the members away from the two injured ones, making them sit elsewhere if they wanted to remain in the room. She'd make a good assistant for Madame Pomfrey, Harry thought wryly as he sank into an armchair.
Though Dung was snoring on his couch, Splikvin refused to fall asleep until she reported. Mme. Pomfrey was equally stubborn in not allowing her to report until the wounds had been fixed. Eventually they were, with a little help from Remus, who knew that werewolf wounds were similar to the ones Razghouls administered. Snape himself sat in a nearby chair, drumming his fingers on the armrests while Draco paced, rubbing his arm while he did so. The Slytherin seemed to be arguing with himself about something, something Harry couldn't name.
"Finally," Splikvin grumbled in Parsletongue as the nurse succeeded in closing the gash on her ribs.
"You should change clothe-" Mme. Pomfrey began.
"Not now, Poppy." Growled Splikvin, panting slightly. She took a breath, and began her report. "We made it to the castle on schedule, no hold ups or major incidents occurred. After I shifted, we were granted a meeting with the elders of the clan."
"Elders of what clan?" inquired Ron, who was shushed by Hermione.
"The Vampires of Feltelone." Splikvin answered, and took another breath to steady herself; Harry supposed that blood-loss had made her dizzy. "We were third in line to be heard, and it went fairly well for the most part. They listened, adjourned for the night to think about it, and granted us a stay in the castle for the day. The following evening, we were summoned back to the council chamber, where we received a reply."
"What was it?" asked Sirius.
"Quiet Black," snapped the Potions Master.
Splikvin gave her brother a meaningful look, and answered. "They agreed, but on certain terms."
"Amnesty?" inquired Fleur.
She smiled slightly. "Not quite, but close. They ask that the Ministry of Magic repeals all acts that confirm vampires as Evil creatures, saying that they prefer the term 'night beings' or 'individuals of a unique bloodline', and all acts which restrict the job opportunities that affect their cousins who do not live with a clan."
Mr. Weasley rubbed the back of his neck. "It might be possible; the 'Evil' term's been under debate for several years, along with the label given werewolves. The job restrictions though, there isn't one that specifically places restrictions on employing vampires and werewolves, it's really the owner of the store or employment…" he trailed off.
Basically, the bosses were too afraid or hateful of 'evil creatures' to hire one; the thought angered Harry beyond belief. He looked at Splikvin, "You said it went fairly well for the most part, what's the other part?"
She smiled grimly. "We have two days to respond. And should we refuse their terms of agreement, they will join Voldemort, who promised them similar things."
The Order fell silent, some of their eyes widening slightly.
"Should've known," muttered Moody as his magical eyes whizzed about.
"I'll see that it's done." Promised Mr. Weasley, "Amelia won't object, I'm certain."
"Thank you Arthur," said Dumbledore, "And thank you, Selena, for bringing us the news."
She nodded, bracing herself as she swayed slightly. "When was the last time you slept?" demanded Madame Pomfrey.
Splikvin raised a tired eyebrow. "I don't recall." This response caused Mme. Pomfrey's eyes to bulge, "What? You don't recall? Selena!" The defense professor merely smirked in reply, before her head dropped and she fell unconscious; thankfully she didn't begin to snore, unlike Dung.
"I think that is enough for the evening, Harry if you have any visions, please do not hesitate to tell me" Dumbledore said, "Tomorrow will be better suited for any more news, however. Safe travels home, for all of you." Thus, the members of the Order of the Phoenix slowly began to leave, with those who were currently staying at Headquarters remaining, along with Dumbledore, Draco, Harry, Sirius, Remus, Snape, Poppy, and the two unconscious members.
As Tallon went into another room and sat down, he found Draco pacing in there already. "What's bothering you?" he asked the Slytherin.
"None of your business," he growled in reply.
Harry was taken slightly aback. "It is if you're acting this weird about it," He retorted.
Draco sneered, "It's not your place to go poking your obnoxious Gryffindor Golden Boy nose around in other peoples' business."
Harry stood up, "What's wrong with you?" he demanded, "Why are you being such a—a git?"
He sneered again, "What's wrong with me? How about what's wrong with the rest of the Order? Merlin forbid if their precious Potter gets ickle ticklings in his scar, but if someone who actually does something gets hurt, who cares?"
Harry blinked, his face a mask of confusion and disbelief; was Draco jealous? "Of course people care!" he exclaimed.
Draco snorted, "Yeah right. They care more about someone who doesn't do a single thing."
"You've got no idea Malfoy!" he spat bitterly.
"Oh really? How are you doing something more important than the rest of us?" demanded Draco, voice rising. "You just sit around letting others do the dirty work fighting the Dark Lord."
"I'M THE ONE WHO HAS TO KILL HIM YOU IDIOT!"
Draco froze, and none of them noticed the others standing in the doorway. Harry cringed, realizing what he'd just said.
"You're lying." The Slytherin said coldly.
"I wish I was," he said bitterly between clenched teeth.
"Prove it then," Draco said heatedly.
"And why should I?" Harry demanded.
"Because you've been hiding that and I want to know if you're telling the truth!"
Harry finally realized the others staring at him; all those who hadn't gone home, besides Dung and Splikvin, were standing there. Only Snape didn't seem surprised at the news.
"Hiding what Harry?" Remus asked softly.
Harry's shoulders slouched. "The prophecy," he answered quietly, "The one Voldemort was after in fifth year. The reason my mum and dad died." He sat back down heavily, staring at the floor as he repeated what it said; silence followed.
"You'll either die, or kill?" Hermione whispered.
Harry nodded, looking up. "I'm sorry I didn't tell any of you, I just didn't want any of you to be distracted by it."
Draco looked away when Harry turned his towards him. "Sorry, about what I said." The Slytherin mumbled, "I suppose it's not entirely true." Though the 'entirely' part stung, Harry accepted it.
"Did anyone know?" asked Sirius.
"Me, Dumbledore…" he paused, glancing at Snape: the potions master's expression made it clear that it was Harry's choice. "And Professor Snape."
Sirius' eyes widened, he spun around to face the head Slytherin. "How did you know?"
Snape smirked, "I was told by Potter."
"What the- why?"
The professor shrugged, an awkward gesture for him, although he was clearly enjoying the surprise and annoyance of Sirius. "He requested to start Occlumency again, I required him to tell me why." Sirius' face was flushed, but thankfully he said nothing more.
"Does Voldemort know?" asked Hermione; several people flinched.
"Not about the last part," Harry murmured.
Ron clapped him on the shoulder, "We'll help ya mate, no physco-maniac is goin' to get the better of you; promise."
Harry smiled at his friend in thanks; he was going to need their help, he knew it.
Harry spent the morning with Alex, telling her what he had told the Order last night. She was silent for a while, thinking about it. Eventually she leaned closer to Harry. "I'll be there," she whispered, "But be careful."
"Only if you do the same," Harry replied, putting an arm around her.
There were several attacks on muggles later that day, but the Ministry got them under control. Mr. Weasley was also able to convince the other Minister to agree to the vampire clan's requests, and thus, a response was sent north to the 'night beings' saying that their wishes had been fulfilled. A messenger of the vampire clan was present at the Order meeting that night; he spoke mainly with Splikvin, who had assumed her vampire animagus form though was forced to remain sitting thanks to Madame Pomfrey, before and until the meeting began.
The vampire thanked the Order graciously, assuring them that, should they ask for it, the clan of Feltelone would answer them in times of need, and fight beside them in the battle against Voldemort. It was a crisp, intelligent speech, but one that Harry had a bit of trouble following. Surprisingly enough, it was Spyridon who told Harry what it meant; apparently he could understand all human speech, but not respond in the same manner.
Once Tylore, the vampire representative, left Headquarters, Dumbledore continued with the news he'd been about to give yesterday. "Now, several weeks ago, Sirius experienced a strange thing." Began the Headmaster. "He felt as if he was coming out of the veil in the Department of Mysteries once more. We surmised that perhaps Voldemort had brought another back through it, bringing them to life once more: this has been deemed true." There were several sharp intakes of breath throughout the room. Dumbledore went on, "However, what is not true is the idea that the person Voldemort brought back was devoted to his side; though he once was, he is no longer." Quite of few members straightened in both curiosity and wariness. "Ladies and gentlemen, he came to me a few days ago, and was tested under Veritaserum; his intentions are pure." Dumbledore checked his watch, "He should be arriving soon from Hogwarts." At that moment, the fireplace roared into green flames, and someone stepped out.
He had black, greasy hair, a hooked nose, and a powerful build. He was dressed in black robes, and his coal black eyes met Dumbledore's. Splikvin and Snape both paled, and Harry clenched the armrests of his chair.
It was Algor Snape.
Coming Up:
An Oh-So-Wonderful Family Reunion
Durmstrang
Then:
Final Plan
(A/N: Heheheheh, I love ending chapters like that. Hope you enjoyed!)
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