Disclaimer: Its not mine. I have no money, please don't sue me.

Author's note: Thank you all for your continued reviews. I get so happy everytime I see another new review posted. I really appreciate all my repeat reviewers, you're the best. I hope you enjoy this nice long chapter. Please review, comments and constructive criticism are appreciated.

What Dreams May Come

"Bella, come forth…" The sibilant tones hid the fury bubbling beneath the surface of his skin, "What have you to report?" Though he knew the answer.

"My lord…" The twisted woman began fearfully. "They escaped, again. The old fool had safety measures in place."

"Not so much a fool then," He mused aloud, "Though the same cannot be said for you. You have failed me once again. However, I shall give you another chance. Preparations are underway for next week. You shall lead them my deadly beauty. You will not fail me in this. I don't think you'll enjoy the consequences."

"It will not happen again, master." Bella replied arrogantly. "I will crush them, and leave them begging for death."

He felt his lips twitch in amusement. "Correct, it will not happen again. You have tried my patience once too often. I am disappointed in you. Crucio." He spoke the last word without changing his tone, almost as if discussing the weather. Bella sank to the floor gracefully her face contorted in a grimace of pain, her moans almost sensuous in nature. "Severus, my beautiful little snake, come to me."

"Yes my lord," Snape's low tones rumbled low with power. He stepped around the writhing Lestrange with barely disguised contempt. "How may I serve you master?"

"What have you to report?" The pleasant tone hid the rage barely suppressed.

"Master, they have moved the boy and his family to an unexposed location." Snape's face contorted into a genuine look of frustration. "I cannot, however, seem to reveal that location."

"Ahh, Fidelus." He remarked, amused. "Not very creative on Dumbledore's part. It is no matter. He shall bow to me in due course. Yet once again you have failed me. That is very disappointing to me. Your information doesn't seem to be very worthwhile as of late. However, I do need your potions expertise; therefore, I will not end your miserable life on this night."

"Thank you, master, you are merciful." Snape postulated himself before the threatening man.

"Mercy is for fools, Severus. Remember that."

"Yes, my lord." Snape seemed to shrink into himself in fear, knowing what was to come. Behind him, Bella still twitched bonelessly in the after effects of the cruciatus curse.

"Crucio." He whispered the word almost lustfully.

Harry found himself inside Snape feeling that pain, taking it and dimming it. He screamed as the pain washed over his body. He could feel Snape's determination not to give into the excruciating pain. However, anyone under the cruciatus curse couldn't last long without breaking under the pressure that was caused. It slipped into his mind threatening his sanity. He wanted to escape the pain, and at that point Snape and Harry became one. Harry could see into the broken recesses of Snape's mind felt the intense agony the man suffered. He saw the truth and it frightened him.

He awoke screaming, alone in the dark. The memory of the dream washed over him in painful waves. Startled, he kicked the sweat soaked coverlet off his body and scrambled out of bed. He paced back in forth in his room, trying to figure what to do with the information, as his nerves twitched beneath his skin from the painful curse that left lingering effects in his system. Making up his mind, he headed downstairs toward the dining room and the fireplace.

It was Two o'clock in the morning. Harry was a little reluctant to do it, but knew that it was necessary. Steadying himself, he reached into a canister on the top of the mantel and withdrew a handful of powder. Looking into the flames, he took a deep breath and tossed the floo powder into the fire. "Dumbledore's Quarters, Hogwarts."

The sleep crusted face of the old wizard appeared in the flames. He wore a long, tasselled, purple sleeping cap. "Harry," the voice seemed only vaguely surprised. "To what pleasure do I owe this early morning call?"

Harry grimaced and spoke plainly. "You might want to see to your man Snape. It didn't look like he was in that great of a condition when last I saw him."

Dumbledore was now wide awake. "What do you mean, Harry?"

"I just finished a charming little dream, involving torture, plots and Voldemort." Harry sighed and rubbed at his aching scar.

Dumbledore noticed the raw patch of skin and declined to comment disparagingly. "Are you alright? I can get a painkiller from Pomfrey for you if you need it."

"No thank you, sir. I should be fine." Harry smiled wryly. "I believe that Snape shall need your assistance however. I was only able to siphon the curse until I awoke. He will be hurting."

Dumbledore looked at Harry quizzically, "Siphon?"

"Yes," Harry's smile became bitter. "Yet another wonderful gift I have received. It seems that I was taking the brunt of the Cruciatus curse for Snape. He felt enough of it to be in pain, but not the full extent of it." He ran a weary, shaking hand through his hair. "Unfortunately, I awoke before old Tommy boy was done playing."

"I see." Dumbledore tugged at the length of his beard thoughtfully. "Might I talk this over with Snape and Pomfrey, Harry? This could be important."

"On one condition," Harry sighed wearily. "I want to know everything from now on. Starting with the attack that Tommy Boy is planning for next week. It was mentioned in passing tonight during my vision. You owe me that much."

Dumbledore seemed to cringe at the angry undertones to Harry's words. "I agree. I shall meet with you tom- sorry tonight. Funny thing, forgot it was tomorrow."

Harry smiled at the lame joke and bid Dumbledore a good evening. Finally he would learn something. He climbed the stairs and wearily slid into bed, glad that that was done with. It was a concession on his part, yet he felt as if he'd gained a lot. Maybe things would improve. He hoped so. The world would soon need him, and he needed to be prepared.

Hogwarts

Dumbledore hurried down the dungeon steps, his slippers whispering along the stone in light airy sighs. The dungeon seemed almost peaceful in the quiet summer months. It was an odd thing, a tranquil dungeon. Only during summertime when the students were home and the ghosts slept, did these dungeons ever feel this way. Dumbledore fully understood why the Slytherin Head of House sought his solitude here. None of the other staff, aside from the caretaker Filch, ever came into the murky depths unless necessary. Alone with his solitude, Snape could attain that peace and tranquillity he so desperately longed for.

He found Severus quite on accident. Half in the shadows, the death eater clutched his mask spasmodically as his prone body lay semiconscious on the floor. Dumbledore reached down and felt the waves of heat radiating from the younger wizards body. Tutting under his breath, Dumbledore wave his hand over him and levitated him gently off the floor.

Pomfrey wasn't happy with being awoken so late at night, yet once she saw her patient her face went white with horror. "Why didn't he come to me directly?" She demanded in anger. "Is he trying to kill himself?" She peeled the mask out of his hand with a look of disgust on her face.

Dumbledore set Severus on a hospital cot before replying to the bustling healer. "Severus is a stubborn man whom abhors asking for assistance. I believe however, that a part of him would feel justified in a death like this. He is a good man who feels much guilt for all the things that have been forced upon him in this life."

Pomfrey worked over the prone figure, clucking spells under her tongue and pouring potions down the throat of the trembling man. Slowly, Severus's body relaxed under the administration of treatment and soon his unconscious mind slipped into a healthy state of R.E.M. sleep. "The danger is passed now, he will need to stay hear where I can keep an eye on him for a couple days though. I will call you when he awakens."

Dumbledore nodded at the frazzled witch and ran a gnarled finger over Snape's much cooler brow. "Sleep well my son. Heal. I fear things shall get worse before they improve. And for that, I am sorry. If only I could ease your suffering, I would." He sighed wearily, and moved away from the bed. "I shall be in my office if he awakens. Please call me immediately." After acknowledging Pomfrey's nod, he left slowly toward his office, his body stooped with age and fatigue.

"Curly Whirly." He smiled at his own cleverness as the passageway opened. Within his office, Fawkes sat awake upon his perch. "Ahh, Fawkes, you're awake." He smiled at the majestic bird and sank into his plush chair. Fawkes twittered softly in agreement before flying over to sit upon the wizened man's shoulder. "I'm getting old, Fawkes. This war is taking its toll on me; I fear I won't last to the end." Fawkes trilled sadly. "I am making more and more mistakes. But I am only human. Young Potter looks up to me as if I were omnipotent. I cannot know everything," he sighed wearily. "He is so very young and so unprepared for this. I have kept him in the dark for too long. I must rectify that mistake and teach him how the world works in these dark times. He is our only hope, and though he is a remarkable young wizard, I fear it isn't enough." He stroked Fawkes plumage as he sighed wearily.

Fawkes trilled sympathetically. Fear not, old one. The fates are awakening balance.

Dumbledore gazed at Fawkes in amazement. "You have only truly spoken to me when things were at their worst. The last time was before Harry was born. Before that it was before the final battle with Grindelwald. I have missed the sound of your voice, old friend. Yet I must ask this. Is their hope?"

Emrys has carved the tool, in the hand of balance justice shall be born. Nimue will sing the song of the lake and Britain's saviour will be awoken once more. In fire and ice the hero shall be born anew. He shall call down the heavens and their will be peace. The love of many will become the strength of one, and in death, life will be created. Fawkes trilled as he flew to his perch. Emrys has chosen, his heir shall stand as the world falls. If there is to be lasting peace, peace needs to be wrought within the heir. You are but young, but the soul is eternal, and it remembers. Awaken the soul of the heir to its purpose and give life to hope, for faith is powerful magic.

Dumbledore puzzled over the strange message. "I don't know your meaning as of yet old friend." He smiled. "But I thank you. You have given me hope. Perhaps we shall triumph over this darkness.

Fawkes preened upon his perch and fell asleep, leaving a confused but happy wizard to think over his words.

Initiation and Intrigue

Harry awoke tired. He felt as if he hadn't slept at all. Downstairs he could hear his aunt cursing at the archaic stove in the kitchen. Laughing softly, he readied himself to meet the day.

Without the Weasleys the house seemed to become even more oppressive. Harry felt the weight of it settle around his shoulders. Luckily, the house was large enough, that Harry could avoid his relatives for the greater part of the day. He was actually quite proud of his family. They'd only managed to blow up at him a few times throughout the day. Harry believed that once they settled into the routine here, he'd hear about their woes a lot more often.

Dinner came and went and Harry eagerly awaited the arrival of Professor Dumbledore. At around eight that evening, he arrived. As well as most of the order. The Dursleys watched the influx of wizards and witches with visual horror, before seeking refuge in their rooms.

Startled by the impromptu meeting Harry suppressed his anger and headed toward the stairs and his own room. He was startled to find Dumbledore's hand gently restraining him. He looked into the old man's twinkling blue eyes, searching for motives.

"Join us, please." Dumbledore nodded at the rest of the group and stayed back with Harry as the rest of the group headed into the dining room. "I have thought about this long and hard. You need to be informed. The best way that this can be accomplished is to have you join the order. I will not force you to join. This is your own decision to make. You deserve the right to know about the war. You are a very important part."

Harry smiled with respect for the old man. Far from forgiven, yet their relationship was definitely on the mend. "Thank you for offering. I need to know however, if my friends will also be allowed to join?"

Dumbledore paused in thought. "I believe that would probably be wise, after all, I have a feeling that they will also end up involved in a lot of this. We shall ask them after this meeting, provided that we can persuade Molly." His eyes twinkled madly at that thought.

Harry laughed, knowing the tenacious grasp that Mrs. Weasley had on her children. "Understood, sir. I have too much respect for the Weasleys to alienate Mrs. Weasley. I don't like howlers all that much."

Dumbledore laughed and led the way into the room, placing the appropriate spells on the doors as soon as everyone was inside. Across the room Snape glared at Harry with loathing and was the first to vocalize a popular opinion.

"I must protest," Snape growled forcefully. "He is a child and should not be allowed to participate in the planning of a war."

Harry opened his mouth to retort but stopped as Dumbledore laid a hand on his arm.

"Yes Severus." Dumbledore spoke up. "A war. No one in our world will be exempt from this war. Voldemort has taken a personal interest in Harry here. For this fact alone, Harry deserves to be in this room. This war will not be fought by senior wizards alone. It has already reached its hands into the hearts of our children. To end this war we need all the help we can get. That includes the help of a hunted man like Harry, and those close to him. While Voldemort lives, no one is safe. No one is exempt. Those willing to fight on the side of the light shall be acknowledged and if able I will personally invite them. I now officially invite Harry Potter to join the Order of the Phoenix."

Harry calmly stepped forward and gazed deeply into the angry eyes of Severus Snape. "Thank you, Headmaster. I accept."

The meeting began smoothly, if somewhat rapidly. Dumbledore called the meeting to order, and immediately got down to business.

"Misters Weasley, Dumbledore addressed the twins whom sat on either side of Harry, like an honour guard. "What is the situation in Diagon Alley?"

"Security has risen about 300 percent. All businesses with the exception of pubs and rooming houses now have an eight o'clock curfew. Aurors are stationed around all entrances and exits as well as apparition points. Floo's are under regulation by ministry orders and have standing lockdown orders at curfew." The twins spoke seamlessly, one picking up where the other left off. It was the most serious that Harry had ever seen them.

Dumbledore requested reports from the various aurors and ministry officials in the room. Their seemed to be a general increase of security and healthy paranoia everywhere. "Illiana, what have you to report?" Dumbledore inquired.

She came out of the shadows, having been so silent, that Harry hadn't noticed her presence. "The vampires do not wish to take sides at this time. There seemed to be an overwhelming amount of support for our cause, yet tradition dictates uninvolvement. However, though they will not join us at this time, they have given their word not to join Voldemort." She moved back into the shadows and leaned leisurely against the wall.

Snape watched her stealthy movements with his customary sneer on his face. "Thank you for that illuminating report."

Illiana's voice seemed to hiss from the shadows as she replied. "Please. Illuminate as to your report."

Snape seemed to falter for a moment, unused to someone speaking to him like that. "There will be an attack on Hogsmead next week. Bellatrix will be leading a force of dementors into Hogsmead on Wednesday. I don't know what time or exactly what kind of reinforcements or numbers there will be. Bella doesn't trust me with that information." Snape sank back into his chair.

Dumbledore nodded at Both Snape and Illiana and began his recap of the meeting. Aurors were assigned to Hogsmead for the dedicated day, and after various peoples comments on his health, Dumbledore agreed to stay out of the action until absolutely needed.

Despite himself, Harry was impressed with amount of control the Order had. He was actually quite glad to be a part of the Order; he felt that he was finally considered to be a valuable part of the war effort.

As the room emptied, Dumbledore asked that Snape, Illiana and Harry remain. He spoke to Snape about Harry's role in the previous nights activities. Snape's face became grimmer by the moment, until all he could manage was a last scathing look in Harry's direction before he stalked angrily out of the room.

"Well that went well." Harry sighed in exasperation. "Was there anything else you needed my assistance with?"

"Yes, Harry. There is one more thing." Dumbledore's eyes seemed to twinkle a little more. "I need for you to resume your occlumency lessons."

Harry's anger rose inside him before he could stop it. "If you hadn't realised this, sir, Snape and I aren't exactly on pleasant speaking terms."

"Yes Harry, I had realized." Dumbledore smiled benignly. "That is why I have asked my aunt to teach you. She taught me, and I know she will be an excellent teacher for you."

Harry looked sideways at the lithe figure smiling beside him. "Sir, what if I can't learn before the summers end?"

"That won't be a problem." She spoke up mischievously. "I will soon be a regular fixture at your school."

Harry looked at her in confusion as Dumbledore spoke. "Meet your new Defence against the Dark Arts Teacher."

"How did you manage to get Fudge to agree to that?" Harry asked in awe. "He wasn't too keen on a werewolf teaching, yet he'd allow a vampire?"

"As I said before," Illiana smiled. "I am only half vampire. My baser impulses do not rule me as they would one of full blood. This is a documented fact among the ministry."

"Fudge also has his own problems to contend with after the choices he previously made." Dumbledore sighed in disappointment. "He could hardly argue with my choice."

Harry smiled widely. "I accept then. Congratulations on your appointment." He shook Illiana's hand.

"Thank you, Harry," she smiled mysteriously. "Shall we get started then?"