center /center

The sight was errie and it wasn't because the crowd that had gathered was heavily cloaked in the robes of Death Eater and the follower of the fallen French dark lord. No faces were visible. No voice recognizable. The sky glowed an pale green as the symbol of the dark burned in the sky, just inches away from the moon itself.

Luna Lovegood had never witnessed a more horrific sight. She had murdered, maimed and even tortured victims, and this was the first time she had felt real fear. Lucius was as fearsome as Voldemort had ever appeared. His tongue was sharp as his words pierced the bitter cold night in a forgotten language that nobody understood, but everybody listen to.

His words caused the air to quake as the mark rose higher and higher according to his instruction. You could taste the terror in the crowd as Lucius' voice shrieked in demand.

It was something that words could not describe and should not describe.

Luna wanted to shield her eyes, for she knew in a moment the moon would be gone and the mark would sit coldly in its place. This brought more dread than anything she had every known. All she knew was she didn't want that mark to rise any higher.

"Now," Lucius hissed.

The mark reached it's point and the moon ceased to remain. The only thing that remained of the bright yellow orb was the light that it produced, and it only helped to cast the eerie green glow over the crowd and vast stretch of the horizon.

Everyone remained motionless.

"I control the sun and moon…I control the world," Lucius stated as he looked at his guest who stood beside him, the Le Gardien de la Connaissance. The Gardien nodded in a sign of pleasure and extended his hand toward Lucius.

"You hafe discovered the secret of our master."

"Minster or not… we are unstoppable. We control time," Lucius replied.

center /center

"The votes are tallied!" Steppin announced loudly as he ran through Dumbledore manor with a long scroll dragging behind him, "It's official, I just got word!"

Everybody turned quickly towards Harry's former campaign manager. Harry actually felt his heart stop as he prepared to hear his name escape from Steppin's lips. Why else would look so please.

"DUMBLEDORE! By an astonishing majority," Steppin cheered as he grabbed Dumbledore around the neck and pull him into a victory hug..

The room erupted in applauds and cheers. Everybody was congratulating Dumbledore except the one person who everyone thought would.

Harry hadn't moved as he watched in disbelief. As much as he didn't want to be Minister of Magic, he didn't expect to lose either. He was never good at losing. Harry suddenly felt a squeeze on his hand as Cho leaned over and placed a quick kiss on his cheek before rushing off to congratulate Dumbledore.

"Idiot," Noel whispered under her breath as Harry caught her in his side vision. She was rolling her eyes, but not at the crowd, but at the vacant spot Cho had just left.

"Harry, are you alright?"

Harry suddenly startled as turned back to the open spot, which was not reoccupied.

"I'm fine," Harry muttered with a muster fake smile.

Remus gently touch Harry's knee, "I know, you're disappointed—but we both know this is for the best."

Harry nodded as he made a motion to rise.

"You did very well in the elections. I have no doubt that you'll be Minister someday, if you choose to be," Remus offered.

The walk to Dumbledore pained him for an unknown reason with each step.

"Isn't this wonderful!" Cho explained as she grabbed Harry and flung her arms around his neck, "Fudge is out and you don't have to worry about being Minister."

"Yea," Harry agreed as he forced another smile, "Congratulations, professor, or should I say Minister."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, "I dare say neither is a wise title to bare."

"Well, at least things should get back to normal now. You can remove that Umbridge woman from the Academy and place December back in charge," Harry said as he searched for a positive response.

"Actually, Harry, I'm not returning to the Academy," December announced.

Cho looked nervously at Harry, as he accepted the news.

"I'm going to join Dumbledore's staff as his Domestic Defense Advisor," December explained.

Harry swallowed hard, "That's wonderful, I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job."

Dumbledore suddenly turned to Harry and touched his shoulder with his aging hand, "I am too old to be Minister for very much longer. Only another fifty years or so and I'll be in the grave, I dare say. Alas, I must have someone by my side that I can trust. I can think of only two people for that position."

Harry took a deep noticeable breath.

"Harry, are you happy being an Auror? I know I have trouble life since you were a baby. I know I have made you endure hardships and face challenges alone. This is what I 'm offering you as a way of showing what you have endured has not all been in vain, and you have control over your own destiny."

Harry started to answer, but Dumbledore interrupted him.

"Don't answer now-- sleep on it. I find a good night sleep always leads to the right answers."

"No, I know the answer. I'm not leaving the Academy. I chose to be an Auror and I want to finish," Harry said quickly without hesitation.

"But true desire is the right answer in every situation. My offer remains if you choose to change your mind," Dumbledore winked, "December, would you please go to Hogmeade and fetch my brother. Let him know Harry declined the position and I would like him to accept it."

December nodded before disappareting.

Harry turned back to Cho who was no longer smiling.

"Why did you turn the position down?" she whispered.

Harry closed his eyes, "I want to finish what I started. I want to be with you at the Academy."

Cho suddenly bit her lip and turned away from Harry's eyes.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" Harry asked.

Cho reluctantly turned back, "I'm not going back to the Academy. Not after what happened. Plus, December is my mentor. She's offered me a chance to work with her as a Jr. Defense advisor."

Harry smiled, "I think that's wonderful."

"I just can't do it anymore. I've seen too much death to keep trying to fight it. I just want a normal life."

"You have no idea how glad I am you're not going to be out there anymore," Harry said with sincerity.

"I wish I had the same peace of mind," Cho whispered as Harry pulled her into a hug.

Harry gently stroked her back. His eyes met Noel for a brief moment as he noticed her flinch, and his hand stopped.

Cho pulled back and brushed her hand across her face, "Something wrong?" she started to ask as she turned to see what Harry was looking at.

Cho scolded, "I can't stand her, she's a horrid bitter person."

Harry shook his head quickly, "She's not that bad, I think she's just misunderstood."

"Misunderstood?" Cho said in shock, "If you only knew half of what that thing over there had done."

"Cho, calm down," Harry said, taken back by Cho's sudden anger.

Cho clinched her fist, "Go on, be her friend. I wouldn't recommend taking anything she offer to drink or eat." At this, Cho stormed away to go talk to Hermione who was watching with a pitiful expression from just a few steps away.

"What was all that about?" Ron asked as Harry turned to see his long time best mate.

"Women," Harry muttered, "I can't figure them out."

Ron shrugged, "Just smile and agree with everything they say. It's safer that way."

"Who gave you that advice?" Harry asked with a grin.

"My dad," Ron revealed, "Said mum was a fireball when she was younger. Kids mellowed her out. I say if she was any more of a fireball than it would have been dangerous to go around her with a dragon proof suit. I bet Ginny is going to be the same way. Oliver has no idea what he's gotten himself into"

Harry started to laugh when suddenly he noticed the room had grown quite and the adults were chatting.

"This isn't good," Hermione said as she and Cho made their way back over to Ron and Harry.

"What isn't good?" Ron asked with an arched eyebrow.

Hermione 'shhh' him and made a motion to try to listen.

"It's in the sky Dumbledore, Moody reported it over Bristol only minutes ago. It hasn't been seen since….you defeated Grindelwald."

Dumbledore nodded and made a motion towards Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"This isn't good," Hermione repeated.

"What isn't good?" Ron hissed a bit more bitterly.

Hermione tutted, "Don't you know who Grindelwald was?"

"The dark wizard Dumbledore defeated," Harry answered.

"Grindelwald was known to have developed magic to give him control over the sun and moon, some say even time," Hermione explained.

Ron frowned, "How do you always know the answers to everything."

"It's call books, Ronald," Hermione snapped.

Cho giggled slightly before regaining her composure, "I'm going to find out what is going on."

"You don't think someone has figured out a way to control time do you?" Harry asked.

Hermione looked deep in thought for a moment, "Time is dangerous thing. During third year when I had the timeturner… I had to actually sign a waiver stating that if I ever used the time turner illegally my wand would be snapped and I'd be banished. I seriously doubt they'd take those measures on a thirteen year old if it weren't heavily regulated. In order for it to be heavily regulated, it must be possible."

"Harry!"

Harry suddenly popped his head over to Kingsley who was waving him over.

"Weasley, Granger….you two come over here to."

The trio walked over to Kingsley, "We have a bit of a situation. The elections are over, Dumbledore is clearly the winner, but it doesn't official happen until tomorrow during the power passing ceremony. Fudge is still in control."

"What's going on?" Harry asked as he caught sight of Cho chatting with Odin Blackfoot.

"There has been something of a disturbance in Bristol… we don't know if it isolated or not. Moody is on the scene, but we need to send him some back up. It can't officially come from the Ministry. I need you, Weasley and…. LONGBOTTOM, over here."

Neville who was sitting on the couch next to Padma and Dean jumped up and ran over to Kingsley.

"You know plants don't you boy?" Kingsley asked.

Neville nodded, "Right… you, Weasley and Longbottom need to go check it out. If you see the feather pea plant withering, get out of there."

Neville's eyes widened, "The feather pea plant?"

"You know why," Kingsley said vaguely and Neville nodded.

Dean suddenly raised his hand, "I want to go to."

"No, I need some of you guys to stay here in case we need you in other locations," Kingsley explained, "We have to rely on Order members until tomorrow."

Harry was about to say something when Remus interrupted him.

"I want to go in Harry's place."

"Remus, we don't know what affect it will have on you," Kingsley said in a serious tone.

Remus shook his head, "Then send Thomas or Corner."

"What's wrong, why don't you want me to go?" Harry asked looking perplexed.

Remus blinked as he pulled Kingsley off to the side and whispered into his ear.

"Oh ridiculous, I'm not going to make a rash decision on a hunch, Remus," Kingsley snapped.

"It isn't a hunch, Kingsley. I can sense these things," Remus barked.

"I can't take what you can sense. Harry is an Auror and I can't send Weasley and Longbottom without someone who's at least partial trained," Kingley said sharply.

Harry looked at Remus, "I'll be careful."

Remus didn't look relieved by Harry's declaration.

Hermione looked once at Remus then pulled Harry into a hug, "Please don't try to do anything stupid out there."

"Why does everybody thing I'm going to do something stupid?" Harry asked looking insulted.

Hermione merely sighed, before she grabbed Ron and pulled him into a more affectionate embrace, "Don't let anything happen to him, please."

"I won't," Ron promised before give Hermione a quick peck.

Cho was watching Remus with a nervous eye; "If you notice anything strange out there, don't do anything. We should probably just wait until tomorrow before acting."

"Moody is out there, we can't just leave him," Kingsley snapped.

Cho looked at Harry, "Find Moody and get him back here. We need to know what is going on before we get ourselves to entrenched."

Harry nodded before turning to look at Ron and Neville.

With a quick nod the three boys apparated near the wizarding village near Bristol where Moody has moved after his incident during Harry's fourth year.

"Everybody, wands out," Harry instructed and Neville and Ron didn't hesitate to follow.

The air was quiet, and the sky was starless.

"What is that?" Ron asked as he stared where the moon should have been.

Harry's mouth dropped open, "It's the dark mark."

"It can't be?" Ron said in shock, "it's as big as the moon."

"It is the moon," Neville corrected.

Harry shook his head, "We've got to find Moody and get out of here."

Ron and Neville nodded and the three raced towards a small barn looking house with a front yard that looked more like a rigged mine field than a yard.

"How are we supposed to get through this mess?" Ron asked.

Harry raised his wand, " I Diabulous /I "

A hundred sounds of clicking pierced the air and Harry grinned, "These are standard Auror traps, you learn how to disable them as a Rank I."

"Master Moody!" Harry bellowed, he knew Moody well enough to know the Auror traps were just probably a decoy for the real booby traps.

Neville suddenly tugged on Harry's shoulder and pointed to the ground in a nervous stutter; "H..hha…hhaar….harrrrry."

Harry glanced at Neville and followed his finger down to the ground where a wilting plant had shriveled to the ground.

"Bloody hell," Ron swore.

"You two get out of here," Harry ordered before making a sprint towards Moody's house.

Ron shook his head, "Go back to Dumbledore's, get more help," he barked at Neville before following Harry.

A loud explosion knocked both boys off their feet and Harry landed neatly onto of Ron with a thud; "I told you to get out of here."

"So you can go off and get yourself killed?" Ron asked sarcastically.

"MOODY!" Harry yelled as he noticed a green glow coming from inside the house.

"He's dead, Harry, lets get out of here before we join him," Ron pleaded.

Harry shook his head and started towards the house again. Ron sighed, but followed.

Harry had almost made it to the window when another blast threw him back twelve feet.

"You're going to get yourself blown-up!" Ron snapped.

Harry glared, "I have to get inside that house."

"Why?" Ron demanded, "I'd like to know why were going to die at least."

"Because you don't leave an Auror behind!" Harry yelled before making a motion towards the door.

Ron shook his head, "I really hope Moody doesn't have anymore of those bewitched dumpsters around. Dad said they hurt like hell."

Harry kicked the door open and Ron and him quickly dashed inside, slamming the door behind them.

" I Lumos /I ," Harry said as he lit the tip of his wand to get a better look around.

"DOWN!" Ron yelled before tackling Harry to the ground. The killing curse scorched the wall above their heads.

"Thanks," Harry whispered.

Ron grinned, "I promised Hermione I'd save your neck."

"Something isn't right," Harry said quietly, "What was that plant outside?"

"Dunno," Ron admitted, "But is sure scared the bloody hell out of Neville."

"Right, why would that be?" Harry asked, "Neville may not be the bravest bloke, but he normally is together in these situations."

Ron went to stand.

"Don't," Harry commented, "I think the whole point was to get us in this house. Don't be stupid and give them target."

"Lets get out of here, Harry," Ron pleaded.

Harry hesitated but then nodded; "You're right, we aren't going to help anybody dead."

Both boys closed their eyes in concentration, to apparate.

"I can't," Ron said nervously.

Harry took a deep breath, "We're trapped-- somebody must have cursed the house."

Ron muttered under his breath, "Stupid Moody."

Nearly half an hour past and neither had moved. The scorch mark on the wall above Harry's head was enough to remind him of the danger they were in. If one of them made any sudden move, they'd both probably be dead.

"Do you think we'll get out of here alive?" Ron asked after several silent minutes had passed between the two.

Harry shrugged, "If were lucky, Neville will be back with reinforcements."

Ron seemed to think about Harry's reasoning, "We couldn't apparate, what if Neville couldn't either. What if Neville is dead."

"We apparated into the area didn't we? There is no reason to think Neville didn't get out," Harry argued.

Ron blinked, "Did you ever hear a crack sound?"

Harry suddenly froze, "Shit."

"What are you swearing for? I'm the idiot that left him," Ron ranted.

Both boys suddenly stopped talking again. Harry wanted nothing better than to stand and look out the window. One glance would let him know if Neville was alive or dead. One look would tell him if someone was coming to rescue him and Ron.

Ron shook his head, "We can't die tonight."

"Ron, we aren't going to die."

Ron glanced at Harry with a serious expression, "I'm going to ask Hermione to marry me."

"Just decided that did you?" Harry asked, as he tried to hold back his amusement, "Stressful situations are known to cause insanity."

"I've already bought the ring," Ron continued, "About two weeks ago."

"You're serious," Harry suddenly said, as it hit him Ron wasn't joking.

Ron nodded, "Been thinking about it for awhile now… I just didn't want to tell anybody. I really would like to live to at least find out if she'd say yes."

"Of course she'd say yes," Harry smiled.

Ron shrugged, "Perhaps. I'd like to think she would. We've never really talked about anything that serious you know."

"When were you planning…"

Ron shrugged again as he stretched a bit on the floor, "Soon, no so soon…eventually. It wasn't anything that I thought would take place in the near future, mind you. I just figured with Seamus and Ginny… well even you—that I should start planning it or something."

"I'm not getting married," Harry pointed out.

"Not yet, but you and Cho have talked about it. You've had to with it all in the papers. Hermione doesn't know yet, but I started getting paid for my work with the Canons. I think they'll even win a game this year."

In a less dangerous situation, Harry would have laughed at his confessing friend. Somehow the light conversation among friends seemed more like a final confession as the dark mark burned high in the sky outside.

"Ron, you'll be able to ask Hermione to marry you. We're going to be fine," Harry promised.

Ron smiled and nodded, "Think the loons outside are gone yet?"

Harry exhaled, "I don't know."

Ron gave an annoyed grin, "We can't just stay on the floor all night. Let's get to the door and back outside. Maybe we can apparate outside."

Harry nodded against his better judgment. The two slowly started crawling towards the door. Harry carefully pulled it open and the two boys stayed close to the ground as the snuck outside. Without a word exchanged between them they closed their eyes and prepared to escape.

Suddenly the words cracked the air, words, Harry had never heard before.

I " Regreten Sorwin, /I "

Ron's face went blank as a ball of black fog smashed into his back. Harry made a quick grab for his hand and the two disappeared into the night. Harry held on as tightly as possible, concentrating like he never had that he and Ron would arrive at Dumbledore's safely.

Apparating with two people was extremely dangerous and took the keenest amount of concentration. Nasty things had happened to wizards and witches who had failed to reach their destination. Most of the time both parties had to be fully aware and awake for journey to be a success.

Harry landed with a thud, a side effect of over concentration, in the middle on Dumbledore's parlor. Ron's heavy form was on top of him.

A series of screams escaped the room as Harry rolled Ron over onto his back. Ron's face was pasty white and stuck in a terrified expression.

Harry slapped him, "RON!"

"What happened?" December said quickly kneeling beside Harry as Cho tried to hold Hermione back.

"He's fine, it wasn't the killing curse!" Harry screamed as he tried to shake Ron.

December tried to pull Harry into a hug, but he fought her, "He's alive, he's fine."

Ron didn't move.

"I'll be damned," Kingsley swore, "I've seen this before."

December shook her head, "None of us have seen this except…"

Dumbledore nodded, "The reverse patronus—the Sorwin."

"What?" Harry snapped as he fought December to pull Ron's head into his lap.

"Harry you have to let him go," December begged.

Hermione's screams pierced the room as Cho kept her face buried into her shoulder.

"RON!" Hermione wailed, "LET ME GO TO HIM, RON!"

Harry glanced at Hermione then down at Ron's dead blank face.

"He's gone," December urged, "Here give him to me."

"NO!" Harry screamed as he pulled Ron's form close to him, "He can't be dead! He apparated!"

December shook her head, "He was dead the moment the curse hit him."

"What curse, only the killing curse can kill somebody instantly."

"A reverse patrous can also take a wizards life, if it steals his will to live," Dumbledore said softly.

Kinglsey shook his head, "It doesn't exist anymore, Dumbledore. Nobody knows how to cast it."

"I beg to differ, apparently somebody does," Dumbledore pointed out.

"Where is everybody?" Harry asked as tears streamed down his face.

Kingsley looked pitifully at Harry, "Longbottom told us you needed reinforcement. It took a while to get everything organized, but we sent a team out to help you."

"NO!" Harry yelled, "You have to warn them, it's a trap!"

Harry jumped to his feet, and Hermione collapsed to the floor.