Dark Days Pass But Are Never Forgotten

by: LogicalRaven

Hey everyone… bad news. I have to make a change of plans due to circumstances beyond my control, I just hope you all can forgive me for breaking my vow. No, I'm not abandoning the story, however… my writing is going to become more spaces. Instead of a weekly update, expect a more bi-weekly update. Meaning I'll update every other week. I just can't keep up the pace and write the story if I'm rushing. I just took a new job, and I'm also offering my assistance to something that is going to take place on this site in December, so it is impossible for me to write as much as I had been in the past.
I'm also eating my words. There is much left to tell in this tale, but I do fear it will end before Rowlings releases HBP, but don't worry about the ending just yet. I also wanted to clear up that Harry IS NOT getting married! Remember that. Other than that…I hope you all enjoy this chapter. I may have the next chapter out next week, but no promises. I will have it out as soon as it finished, but I need the two week time line for my own sanity.
If you want to be added to the e-mail notification: if you are already added and haven't been getting updates, let me know. I'm redoing my main list. Again, thanks to all of you who have been following this story!

Read and Review
Nothing is my own!

Change in Order


December stormed through the halls of the Ministry of Magic after her equal Kingsley Shacklebolt. He wasn't exactly thrilled about the Minster's course of action either, but Kingsley had always been one to blend in and follow orders, even orders he didn't necessarily agree with. He found it easier to fight the system with his feelings still inside, as he had done with the Sirius Black situation.

"There isn't anything I can do," Kingsley said sharply, as December nagged at his heels.

"Nothing you can do? How about not agreeing for a start. Is he insane? Doesn't he realize that we don't have enough Aurors to cover that type of detail? We aren't bodyguards; we're dark wizard fighters, and that woman! I won't tolerate her! We can't do our job if that…"

"That idiot is our superior and until he decides to relinquish the power he's just invoked, we can't afford to question him," Kingsley snapped. "Keep your head O'Riley, you know what's at stake."

December grabbed Kingsley's arm sharply. "I will not tolerate that woman in my Academy."

Kingsley sighed. "You're the one who surrendered your post. What did you expect Fudge to do?"

"She isn't one of us; she knows nothing about our codes. I won't tolerate it, Kingsley, I won't," December said sternly." Fudge listens to you; talk to him."

"Don't you think I've tried? I remember what Umbridge did at Hogwarts, but Fudge has a certain fondness to her. The Minister is paranoid, and he's willing to turn on anyone who questions his orders."

"That woman hates Harry," December snapped. "I can't afford to lose anymore good Aurors."

"She doesn't have complete power, not yet," Kingsley reminded.

December scowled. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that you shouldn't make the same mistakes Dumbledore made at Hogwarts. Kiss up to her a bit…earn her trust…"

"She was going to use an unforgivable on a student. I will do no such thing," December hissed in disgust.

"December, don't do anything stupid. We've already lost Moody; we can't afford to lose you as well," Kingsley warned.

December slammed her fist against the wall and let out a frustrated sound. "Don't let this happen Kingsley; she's isn't qualified! Don't we have any choice in the matter?"

"December," Kingsley said in a soft tone.

"What if I relinquish Cho as my student? The election is over; I'm no longer Dumbledore's campaign manager—I won't surrender my position," December proclaimed.

"You've already surrendered your position!" Kingsley snapped suddenly. "There is nothing we can do, nothing! Do you honestly think Fudge is going to allow you to resume your position after you tried to overthrow him in the election?"

December froze. "I can't work with that woman; I won't last."

"Hem, hem," said a falsely sweet voice from behind the two arguing Aurors.

December cringed, as she turned to face a woman she had grown to hate over her career. Kingsley locked eyes with December and gave her a pleading look.

"I don't think I've had the privilege of ever meeting you before. December O'Riley, correct?" Dolores Umbridge asked, as he looked up with her chubby face and suspicious eyes.

"Dolores, this is December O'Riley," Kingsley Shacklebolt said patiently, as December put on a fake smile and turned around.

"I believe you tried to oppose my anti-werewolf legislation awhile back," Umbridge said, as she gave December the twice over.

"Well, not all of us believe that werewolves are horrid monsters who, what was is you said, 'ask for the curse that haunted them.' I merely thought the policy was uncalled for and a little bigotry," December said quickly, not taking her eyes off the pudgy woman.

"Unfortunately, we all don't have the same opinions," Umbridge said sweetly. "I hope you don't mind me making some changes around the Academy. Minister Fudge seems to think that our Aurors aren't being trained properly."

December glanced at Kingsley. "Our teaching methods have worked for centuries. I'm sure once you have an opportunity to inspect our facilities and methods, then you'll see that no changes need to be made."

Umbridge shook her head and smiled. "I highly doubt that Miss O'Riley. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I'd like a copy of Potter, Corner, O'Riley, and Miss Bone's files. I hear they had a bit of a disciplinary issue not long ago."

"Actually that situation is already resolved," December stated firmly. "If you would excuse me, I believe my student is waiting for me back at the Academy."

"Ah yes, Miss Chang is it?" Umbridge continued. "I'd like a copy of her file as well; you'll have them all on my desk by tomorrow I trust."

December turned around. "I don't think you heard me, Ms. Umbridge. That situation has been resolved, and you shouldn't concern yourself with the details of it. I'm sure you'll find plenty of other reasons to have Harry Potter removed from training, after all I hear you predicted the Ministry would never accept him as a candidate to begin with. Good day."

"I'd watch my back if I were you O'Riley. Those who hold power aren't pleased with your loyalties," Umbridge said bitterly.

December paused for a moment as she willed herself not to pull her wand out on the foul excuse for a woman behind her. Finally, her feet began moving again, and she tried not to imagine how much hell the Academy was about to suffer.



The music was loud, and the atmosphere was light. Padma smiled with a raised eyebrow as her sister danced freely around the bar, flirting with delight.

"Come on Padma," Parvati called, but Padma declined her offer and turned back to her butterbeer.

"Parvati is a good dancer," Neville offered shyly, as he spoke for the first time in several minutes.

Padma nodded. "It doesn't hurt that she has no shame."

The Weasley twins' 'tune box' had become the hit of Hogsmeade, even though their business was in Diagon Alley, rumor was they were looking for an opportunity to open a second establishment, since business was so good.

"Oh, I love this one," Padma said lightly, as the 'tune box' started up the melody to a famous Weird Sister's song. Suddenly Padma cringed as the singer, a drunken hag, started her rendition. "Well, I use to like this song."

"Are you going to sing one?" Neville asked, as Padma laughed.

"I take that as a no?" Dean asked, suddenly appearing behind them with a drink in his hand.

Padma grinned. "Yes, that is a no."

Dean smiled mischievously. "I bought you a drink."

"I already have one," Padma said, showing him her mug of butterbeer.

Dean quickly replaced the mug with his glass. "I do believe you're a bit old for butterbeer."

"I'm quite content with my butterbeer," Padma argued, as she made a reach to remove it from Dean's hand.

"I believe there are a few Hogwarts students who have snuck out of the castle for the night. I think they'd appreciate a butterbeer. Drink up," Dean said heartily, as he walked off.

Padma narrowed his eyes. "Honestly, is that all they think about?"

"What?"

"Getting drunk and shagging," Padma said flatly, causing
Neville to suddenly blush.

Padma reached out and touched Neville's arm. "I didn't mean you."

"Oh," Neville said quietly, as he turned up his own mug of mulled mead.

Padma slowly moved her hand and began to examine the glass of purple liquid. "What is this stuff?"

"Purple Pumple Kiss," Neville responded without thinking. "Er, Justin drinks them sometimes."

"Right," Padma grinned, as she sat the glass back on the table and looked towards the door. "Oh look, Harry and Cho are here!"

Neville turned his head to the door and raised his arm to wave his housemate and friend over. Harry responded quickly and waved back as he and Cho made their way through the crowd. Both looked rather tired, and there was an unspoken tension between them.

"How are the two of you?" Padma greeted, as she gave Cho a quick hug.

"Good. That noise is awful," Cho said loudly, as she pointed over to the 'tune box.'

Padma nodded. "Couldn't agree more with you."

Cho took a seat next to Padma and Harry leaned over and whispered something into Cho's ear.

"Just a tonic water, my stomach doesn't feel so well," Cho responded, as Harry made his way over towards the bar.
The music continued to blare as the bar continued in all its glory.

"Everybody, lets give this fine old hag a hand for a wonderful performance!" Fred Weasley announced loudly. "Now, put your hands together for the vocal performance of my favorite Quidditch player, Angelina Johnson!"

The pub let out a few hoots and hollers as Angelina Johnson took the microphone and started singing a song that Padma didn't recognize.

"She's got a lovely voice," Cho commented around the time Harry arrived back with the drinks.

Harry grinned as he pulled up his own chair and placed an arm around the back of Cho's. "I never even knew she could sing."

Cho swallowed hard as she swallowed her entire drink in one gulp. Padma watched her curiously, wondering what was going on that was causing Cho to behave so curiously. Harry looked like he was wondering something similar.

"I'm going to visit the loo, if you'll excuse me," Cho finally said, as Angelina's song ended.

Padma took the opportunity to follow Cho's suite, and left the boys alone to entertain themselves for a while, which she was sure they would do.

"Cho, wait up," Padma called, as she caught Cho before she entered the bathroom. "Are you okay?"

Cho forced a smile. "I'm fine. I just don't feel so well, almost like something isn't right."

"Right with what?" Padma asked, as she followed Cho into the lavatory.

Cho frowned slightly. "It's actually hard to explain, and here isn't really the place."

Padma bit her lip and made a quick decision. "Lets go outside, you really look like you need to talk."

Cho nodded as a tear rolled down her cheek. The two girls moved against the wall towards the open door and emerged into the cool crisp winter air. The snow was falling softly as it draped everything it touched.

Padma turned back towards Cho and saw her face stained by tears, much like it had the months that followed Cedric's death.

"What's wrong?" Padma asked, pulling Cho into her shoulder.
Cho shook her head. "I don't know, I just feel so sad. I have ever since…"

"Since?" Padma pushed. "You can tell me, I won't tell anyone."

Cho shook her head. "No, really…I can't."

"You'll feel better getting it off your chest, I promise, Ravenclaw's word," Padma pleaded.

Cho muffled her sobs and shook her head. "You swear you won't think less of me?"

Padma gasped and pulled back with her hands over her mouth. "You and Harry? You didn't?"

Cho nodded swiftly. "I should be happy, shouldn't I?"
Padma grinned and then looked and Cho. "I suppose you should be. Unless…he didn't force you or anything?"

"No," Cho said quickly. "I told you it's difficult to explain."

"What's difficult?" Padma asked, looking thoroughly confused.
On one hand Cho seemed to love Harry, and looked as if she wanted to be happy, yet on the other, she seemed thoroughly miserable.

Cho suddenly broke down again. "I don't know what's wrong with me? Look, I'm a wreck."

"Did the two of you have another row over it—I mean afterwards?" Padma asked.

"No, it was perfect. It was more than perfect," Cho reflected. "But when I woke up afterwards, I felt this emptiness inside of me. I feel like part of me had died."

"That doesn't make any sense," Padma pointed out. "Have you told Harry yet?"

"Of course I haven't," Cho said suddenly, looking horrified at the prospect. "You should have seen the look on his face; he was so happy."

"Well, he isn't an idiot. He probably thinks he has done something wrong," Padma pointed out.

Cho head fell into her hands. "What's wrong with me? It is almost like my emotions aren't my own anymore." She took a seat on the curb besides the pub and hunched over.

"Cho, what's wrong?" Padma asked quickly, as she placed her hand on Cho's forehead. "Good Merlin, you're burning up."

"Am I?" Cho asked, trying to shake her feelings. "I don't feel feverish."

"You're as white as a sheet!" Padma said quickly, as Cho lifted her head.

Cho blinked. "I think I'm about to faint."

No sooner did the words come out of Cho's mouth, did she fall limp with a soft thud. Padma actually screamed slightly and jumped back.

Padma turned to a couple entering into the bar. "Go get Harry Potter. He's in there!"

The couple looked a bit confused as they entered the bar, but a moment later, Harry and Neville came out and rushed to Padma's frantic side.

"What happened?" Harry asked, as she lifted Cho's head off the ground.

"I don't know. One second we were talking and then she just fainted," Padma said weakly.

"She's burning up," Harry commented, as he pushed her hair from her face.

"We need to get her to the hospital," Padma suggested.
Harry nodded quickly as he lifted Cho off the ground. "I can't apparate with her; we have to go on foot."

"The castle, we can go to the castle!" Neville suggested.
Harry looked up the street that led out of Hogsmeade and thought about Neville's suggestion for only a second before racing off.

"Harry, we aren't students anymore; we're supposed to go to St. Mungo's," Padma pointed out, as she and Neville rushed to catch up.

Harry ignored her as the road started uphill and led them up to the castle.

"Harry," Padma wailed. "We aren't…"

"Madame Pomfrey won't care," Harry snapped, as they reached the side entrance and pushed open the castle door.
Hogwarts was a place you couldn't forget, and Harry took the southbound staircase up to the hospital wing like it was yesterday.

"What are you doing here?"

Harry stopped suddenly, realizing what a fierce head girl
Ginny Weasley truly was.

"No time, Gin," Harry said curtly, as he brushed past her. This only caused Ginny to run after them with a confused look.

"It's Cho; she just passed out on the street," Padma said between strides, hoping to answer Ginny's puzzlement.

"Where were you at?" Ginny asked, rushing to keep up with Harry's pace. The boy was fast.

"The Three Broomsticks," Harry snapped over his shoulder.
Ginny glanced at Cho's unconscious form. "Maybe she just had a bit too much to drink."

"She didn't have anything to drink," Padma answered, hoping Harry's temper wasn't about to rise. She really didn't like the tone of his voice when he spoke last.

Harry burst through the doors of the Hospital wing and set Cho down on the first bed he came too, ignoring the look of curiosity on the faces of a few hospitalized students.

"Where is Madame Pomfrey?" Harry asked Ginny.
Ginny raised her eyebrows and then looked at one of the students for an answer.

"She went to go see Professor McGonagall," the young student answered, and it was enough for Harry.

"Harry," Ginny said, as she started after him, but suddenly stopped as Madame Pomfrey had returned from her visit with the Headmistress.

"Mr. Potter, what a pleasant surprise. I thought I had fixed you up for the final time."

"Hello, Madame Pomfrey, actually this was the closest place to go. It's Cho Chang…" Harry started.

"Fallen off her broomstick again? Or perhaps had another round with a Dementor."

"It's nothing like that," Ginny interrupted, "She just passed out."

"She feels hot to the touch," Harry added, eyeing Ginny.

Madame Pomfrey pushed passed them and started tending to Cho. "Good Merlin, she is burning up. Out, all of you can wait in the corridor."

Madame Pomfrey was always good at pushing the students away from a situation. Harry started to object, but Neville placed and arm on his shoulder and shook his head. Even Neville knew it was worthless to present a case to Madame Pomfrey. The old nurse wouldn't budge.

Harry's back found a wall as soon as the four entered the corridor and allowed it to carry him down to the floor. "She was fine before we left."

"I'm sure she'll be alright," Padma offered, as Neville gave her a nervous glance.

Harry looked up at his former Head partner with confused eyes. "What happened? You were with her?"

"I don't really know. We were just outside talking and she said she didn't feel well," Padma explained.

"Why did the two of you go outside?" Harry asked, and

Padma lowered her head and mumbled something under her breath.

Ginny smirked, but Neville and Harry didn't seem to catch it.
"What did you say?" Harry demanded.

"She said she doesn't think this is the appropriate place to discuss what happened between the two of you tonight,"

Ginny said suddenly, suppressing her giggles.
Harry's eyes widen; then he shook his head, "She told you?"

"Not really," Padma admitted. "I mostly guessed. I am a former Ravenclaw after all."

"What did Cho tell you? What happened between Harry and Cho tonight?" Neville asked, still confused to what everybody was carrying on about.

Harry suddenly found his feet again and without another word tore off down the corridor. He vaguely heard Ginny call out his name, but he didn't pay it much mind. For some odd reason he found the situation outside the hospital wing too much to deal with.

He walked blindly through Hogwarts until he arrived at a familiar classroom from his past. It had been the defense room that had given him his best and worst memories at Hogwarts, and eventually lead him to the path he now walked.

"Harry, what in Merlin's name are you doing here?" Remus Lupin asked, as Harry collapsed into a nearby desk upon barging into the classroom.

"Fancied a chat," Harry replied flatly, as Remus emerged from the upper office.

"Fancied a chat, aye? Well, come on up, I was just fixing myself a cup of tea," Remus shrugged.

Harry reluctantly followed, only to crumple into the couch situated in front of the fireplace in the office.

Remus eyed him momentarily before he spoke. "I might ask why you're back at Hogwarts."

"Cho," Harry muttered miserably. "She collapsed at the Three Broomsticks."

"Is she alright?" Remus asked.

Harry shrugged. "Dunno, Madame Pomfrey is working on her right now."

"Is Poppy aware of Cho's condition?" Remus asked suddenly, and Harry's blank expression seemed to be enough answer for him.

Remus grabbed the pot of floo powder off his mantel and stuck his head into the fireplace, only to emerge a few minutes later.

"Is she alright?" Harry asked, as Remus walked back to his desk.

"She'll be fine. Poppy thinks it might have been a reaction to the potion she's been taking…" Remus trailed off, and then looked at Harry nervously "Most likely due to a change in her situation."

Harry turned his head away, hoping Remus wasn't about to guess as cleverly as Padma Patil has already done. By now, Neville Longbottom probably already had the riddle figured out.

"Harry, is there something you want to talk about?" Remus asked with a tightened voice.

Harry shook his head, "Not really, I'm just growing a bit tired of all of this."

Remus sighed, though it lacked relief. "Do you like milk in your tea?"

Harry gave a barely audible 'no'.

"I'm actually a very good listener…" Remus rambled. "I was young myself once. Young and in love—I know what kind of pressure a young man is required to face."

"I'm fine," Harry snapped, as he began to sense another fatherly talk coming from the old werewolf.

"When James first came to me with a similar situation with Lily," Remus continued, causing Harry to flinch.

"Honestly, I don't want to hear stories about me being conceived," Harry protested with horror.

Remus flustered. "I was merely pointing out that what you're feeling is normal."

"So it's normal for the girl to pass out afterwards?" Harry finally barked in frustration.

Remus flushed as his suspicions were answered. "It all depends Harry… every situation is different."

Harry made a skeptical sound and then made a motion to stand.

"Listen, it really isn't any of my business—I know Sirius would have been better at talking to you about this sort of thing, but…" Remus sighed. "I don't mean to fumble this all up, please don't leave."

"I just need some air," Harry lied.

"Do you love her?" Remus asked suddenly, causing Harry to freeze.

"Of course I do."

"Then it doesn't really matter than does it," Remus replied. "I imagine any man would do the same if he'd been placed in your position. Nothing seems to happen normally for you, does it?"

"No, it doesn't," Harry answered flatly.

Remus handed Harry and cup of tea and offered a friendly smile. "Please, sit and chat a spell with me. I don't entertain many visitors nowadays."

Harry reluctantly returned to the couch where he sipped his tea slowly and then coughed.

"I'm not the best tea maker," Remus confessed, as his heart felt a slight sting as he remembered his final conversation with December.

Harry grimaced. "It isn't too bad."

"Don't lie, December usually swears I'm trying to poison her," Remus joked.

Harry smiled briefly. "So the two of you keep close contact?"

"We did," Remus said swiftly before taking a long drink of his own.

"Did?"

Remus shook his head casually. "Sometimes old friends don't see eye to eye on things—it will work its way out."

"So the two of you had row?" Harry deduced.
Remus nodded. "We were overdue a good one. December is exceptionally good at holding a grudge."

"So is her niece," Harry commented bitterly.

Remus looked alarmed, and then his face hid what he was feeling from Harry. "Do you know Noel all that well?"

"Suppose you could say that, though I'd rather not admit I have anything do to with her," Harry confessed. "She's awful! Nobody can stand the girl. She's spatty and bitter and can't say a kind word about anything—forget kind, she isn't even capable of saying anything humane."

"So you don't have much contact with her I'm assuming," Remus continued offhandedly.

Harry snorted. "I couldn't be so fortunate. She's staying in a spare bedroom at Grimmuald Place—it's been a miracle the guys haven't hexed her hair to fall out…not that she wouldn't retaliate mind you. It would be a bloody mess."

"Why is she at Grimmuald?" Remus demanded urgently, losing the calm demeanor he had been so desperately trying to attain.

"I would tell you to ask Master O'Riley, but since the two of you are quarrelling," Harry started.

"December put you up to it? After everything we discussed she still…" Remus ranted, as Harry caught a glimpse of his temper for the first time. "I can't believe she could be so careless, so blind! After everything that has happened, she should know better than to trust a person of Noel's moral standing!"

"Are you referring to her stance on werewolves?" Harry asked, looking slightly amused.

"No, I'm talking about her giving you a binding potion and leaving you for dead!" Remus blurted out in anger, realizing his mistake instantly.

The amused expression disappeared instantly from Harry face, and was replaced by one of rage. "What?"

"Nothing, Harry, forget I said anything," Remus rushed.

"You said she gave me a biding potion, when?" Harry demanded.

Remus shrugged off the question. "It's just a theory December had; there really isn't any proof to it."

"Are you saying Noel attacked me in the Academy?" Harry said, suddenly on his feet. "Tell me Remus!"

Remus conceded. "It's highly possible, but it's just a theory. It's the reason December and I had a difference of opinion."

"Why hasn't December turned her in?" Harry insisted.

"Because Noel is December's only niece, and she feels like she owes her something," Remus replied, as he watched Harry.

"Owes it to her?" Harry said, looking disgusted. "Owes it to her? What about what she owes to me and the safety of the rest of the trainees?"

"December can be bull strong about situations like these. She doesn't like her authority questioned, she never has," Remus warned. "She thinks Noel did it because she loves you or something insane like that."

"Loves me?" Harry laughed, "The girl hates me!"

Remus face suddenly dropped as Harry's word rang through his head. "Why would you think that, Harry?"

"Oh let me think—the fact she insists that I ask for all the fame that is passed my way. She takes every statement I make towards her as a personal knock and a reason to fire a word attack…I can think of a million reasons. It's always 'You're so thick, Potter, can't think of anybody but yourself' or 'Potter, I swear you are a daft as that wall over there, don't you ever use your head?'"

The color drained out of Remus' face as Harry ranted.

"Clearly Master O'Riley must be delusional. It's more likely Noel wants to toss me off the top of the Ministry of Magic then love me," Harry finished, as he caught sight of Remus.

Remus flinched. "Right, well—I think it best we keep this between ourselves. I'm sure December is looking into it. I'll check with her and owl you what I find out."

"Is something the matter?" Harry asked.

Remus forced a grin. "No, I just think it best you return to the hospital wing. I'm sure Madame Pomfrey is eager to inform you of Cho's situation."

Harry nodded and reluctantly left, feeling even more confused than he did when he had arrived.



Remus Lupin stared blankly at the door that Harry had just left through with an odd sensation of de ja vu. Somehow Harry's words had sounded so familiar, yet so distant from his forgotten past. It took him several minutes before he was able to process a thought again, and he set aside his cold tea.

Now wasn't the time to worry about Harry's words. There was a meeting that he was asked to attend, and the hour was drawing near. A short floo later, Remus found himself in the main room of Dumbledore Manor, surrounded by familiar faces.

"Remus, old man, good to see you again," said Chester Hart, and last edition member to the recently disassembled Order of the Phoenix.

Remus nodded as he scanned the room. He wasn't positive who had been invited to this meeting and who hadn't, but he suspected December would have been.

The Weasley's were there, and distinct among the group due to their bright red hair. It startled Remus for a moment when he realized Ron was now with his family on this evening.
"Arthur, how have you guys been?" Remus greeted before he turned to Molly to receive a hug.

"Oh we're fine, dear," Molly replied. "A little anxious to see what is going on with this meeting."

"Have you seen December?" Remus asked.

"No, I haven't… in fact, I haven't seen any of the Aurors," Arthur replied. "But it may be too risky to have any of them with Umbridge at the Academy now."

"What?" Remus asked.

"Haven't you heard? Fudge appointed Umbridge to
December's former position," Arthur explained. "I swear Fudge gets more ignorant each day. I told Molly I'm thinking of resigning."

Remus shook his head. "I had no idea, but I do see an Auror."
Alastor Moody stood smirking; his magical eye was spinning around the room as if it were searching for something.

"Professor Lupin," Hermione said, as she suddenly appeared at Ron's side.

"Hermione," Remus said, still feeling slightly more surprised. "Who else has Dumbledore included?"

"Dean Thomas," Ron replied. "McGonagall told us about it."
Remus nodded as Moody whistled loudly to signal the start to the meeting.

"Shut up, all of yeh," Hagrid bellowed, as the group slowly started to turn their attention to Moody.

"Thanks Hagrid," Moody croaked. "This meeting of the Order of the Phoenix is now in session. Sorry about the lack of adequate seating, but we can't be too careful. Transfiguring that many chairs might draw unwanted attention."
"Thank you, Alastor," Dumbledore acknowledged. "Now, I suspect many of you are wondering why I have summoned you all here. Firstly, I'd like to dispel a certain rumor that has been floating around. Voldemort has not returned. Not in the way where we'd know him as himself."

"What does that mean?" Ron hissed, causing Hermione to elbow him in the side.

"As many of you are aware, Harry Potter destroyed Voldemort with the Allotimious Amora Kedavra spell. What many of you may not realize is what this spell actually did. We in the wizarding world always assumed that Harry Potter was left unharmed the day Voldemort met his end at Godric Hollow. Many of you may remember the talent Lily Potter held in charm work. It is my belief that Lily made a wizarding bond with Voldemort before she found her own end. This deal was the reason Harry did not die that evening. For reasons beyond my knowledge, part of Voldemort was transferred into Harry that day."

There was a swift murmur in the crowd, but Dumbledore quickly held up his hands. "However, the day Harry defeated Voldemort for a second time he used an ancient spell which caused this part of Voldemort, his soul for a lack of better words, to finally pass. Without a soul, the memory of Voldemort could not exist and merely turned to dust. So, as you can see, there is no way Voldemort could return."
"But," Dumbledore said suddenly, there was always a 'but', "Our dark nemesis took an extra step to ensure his deadly work was finished. This new adversity is calling himself the Dragon Lord, and he is attempting to do something Voldemort was unable to do himself, bring the Le Gardien del la Connaissance to his cause. Fudge will not listen to me and has given me no other option. This new rising must be contained before a treaty is signed between the two."

"Our French contact is calling the new rising lord, Le seigneur de Lumière et de Mauvaise Foi or Lord Mauvaise Foi," Moody croaked. "I'll give two guess who that would be."

Remus squinted his eyes, knowing his French was a bit rusty, but Hermione gasped and whispered "Lucius Malfoy" under her breath.

"The Lord of Light and Bad Faith," Dumbledore translated.
"It can't be Lucius Malfoy, can it? Isn't he dead?" Hermione asked out loud.

"Ah, but how do we really know, he's dead?" Dumbledore asked suddenly.

"His body, we've seen his body, Dumbledore. I work at St. Mungo's, I was there when the corpse came in," called a Healer in the back of the room.

Dumbledore laughed with amusement. "Anyone can borrow another's body."



Next Update: 11-07-04