Hey readers,

I deeply appreciate the fact that you read my work seeing that this is only my first attempt to make a complete fanfiction. Thank you for taking time to read what I have done.

Sana, I highly doubt that I'm the best author in this entire network of other talents. Thanks though for that assessment.

IamSiriusgrl, you've been a very faithful reader as seen in your constant reviews. Thank you for reviewing me all this time.

Ilana Starr, thank you for sticking with reading this fic of mine. As an author, it's a real honor to be read by so many.

And guys, don't worry, I will never abandon this story without finishing it. I am now thinking of making another fic, which I will tell you when we arrive at the last chapter which will happen only a couple of weeks from now. Well, here goes chapter twenty.

CHAPTER 20

TO THE ENEMY'S AID

Dumbledore stood from his long table and walked to his bedroom which was adjacent to the headmaster's office. Harry then crept silently out of his hiding place and went out of the office, stepping on the stone elevator as it descended down. He frantically ran towards the now dark halls towards his bedroom, having millions of questions erupting from his mind. Why was Dumbledore doing this? What did Dumbledore do to Voldemort? Harry ran towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and sprinted to his bedroom. He went to get the Marauder's Map and then went back to the rotating elevator that stood as entrance to Dumbledore's office.

He waited in the dark hallway, not going onto the rotating elevator until he was sure Dumbledore was asleep. He took out the Marauder's Map and checked the location of Dumbledore, who was now in his bedroom but still pacing around. He waited for almost two hours, during that time trying to make sense with everything he had just learned. Nothing was rational. He couldn't think of anything that could explain this secrecy from Dumbledore. Once he was confident that Dumbledore was asleep after checking the map, he went towards the headmaster's office.

The office was dark and silent with only snores from the many portraits resounding in the shadows. Harry then went to the familiar spot on the wall and tapped his wand on it. The wall, as before, opened to the same passage leading to the chamber. He walked silently towards the chamber and found Crouch still bleeding.

"What" whispered Harry. "what do you know about Dumbledore?"

Crouch looked at him with piercing eyes. "A lot of things."

"What do you know that everyone else doesn't then." Asked Harry, slightly annoyed.

"Ah. You went here for that. I cannot tell you."

"You listen to me. You are about to die. Might as well tell me what you know since it would make no difference in death. You will lose nothing telling me. So, once again, what do you know about Dumbledore that is unknown to many?"

"Fine. I will tell you but only if you do something for me."

"What is it?"

"You must release me from the grapples that bind me to this chamber."

Harry was stunned by what Crouch wanted in return. He thought hard if what he will uncover was worth helping Crouch. Then he started thinking why Dumbledore would go to extreme lengths to hide something from anyone, especially Harry. Anything regarding Voldemort concerned him so why would Dumbledore hide it form him?

Harry walked towards Crouch and looked him in the eye.

"How do I release you?" asked Harry.

"Just do as I say" ansered Crouch. "When Dumbledore brought me here, I saw him keep a key to the lock that prevents me from escaping."

"Where is it?"

"It's by Fawkes perch. Tap on it with your wand and say "Fire Mint" and the key will be revealed.

"Fire mint?"

"Yes. I guess Dumbledore is fond of candies, explaining why all the passwords to the headmaster's office are named after sweets."

"Fine. Wait here. I'll get the key."

Harry walked away from Crouch and the chamber and crept silently through the passage. He now was in the office of Dumbledore. He took out his wand and widened his eyes to see through the darkness. Harry walked more, hoping that all the floorboards were secure otherwise they might creak and produce unnecessary sounds. He went passed cabinets containing many devices and was near the long table where beside it stood Fawkes perch. Fawkes was not on his perch as Harry went near it. He walked closer and closer until he stood next to the it. He now pointed his wand and tapped it gently while whispering "Fire mint." Suddenly, the cold steel of the perch glowed red, bright bright red. Harry was puzzled. Was this supposed to happen?

Harry looked around for clues. In the distance, Harry saw something glow read. He went to it, passing the cabinets again and walked towards a small box beside a bookshelf. Red light was emanating through the cracks of the box as Harry held it in his hand. He opened it slowly and as he did, he saw the key he needed.

He held the key, feeling the cold steel of its handle which was shaped like the wings of a phoenix. He immediately went back through the passage that led to Crouch.

"Ah, Potter, I suppose you have the key?" said Crouch.

"Yes I do. Now shut up while I unlock you."

Harry saw the magical lock which was glowing red, much like the perch back at the office of Dumbledore. He went behind Crouch and knelt down. He then started to pick the lock and moments later, succeeded.

"Ah Mr. Potter. Thank you for releasing me."

Before Harry knew it, Crouch raised a wand. The wand looked deadly familiar. Harry frantically searched his pockets. They were empty. Crouch must have picked his pocket and got his wand when he was unlocking the lock.

"Imperio!"

END OF CHAPTER 20