Hey! It's me again! Man, my A/N's must really annoy ye, they all start with ' HEY! '. Anyway, I hope you all liked the last chappie, let me tell you, it is NOT easy writing about a duel with Voldemort! Fun? Yes! But easy? NO! You can't have it unrealistic...he's just a hard character, that's all!

Anyway, I hope I've fed you enough battles for a while at least! THREE MAJOR ONES in the last two chappies should be enough, anyway! Unless you all are violent, bloodthirsty cretins, that is! OKKKKK, I realise that I did indeed use some stuff from the books, that there were a few similarities to certain events i.e. three spells meeting and glowing white, like ' Priori Incantatem ' in the fourth book, but I forfeit all ownership of those as they belong to the one, the only, LEGEND: Joanne Kathleen Rowling. I salute you! Okkk, faithful reviewers ( You know who you are! ) I reeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy need some ideas for what the Marauders will do to Bellatrix when they use the PolyJuice Potion, so please HELP me! As you already know, I SUCK at pranks! Now, I've kept you long enough ( sighs fakely ) so READ REVIEW AND ENJOY!!!!!!! : D .



Whew! My A/N is 210 words long!



Dumbledore sighed deeply, stroking his silvery beard, which was tucked, at the moment, into the belt of his deep midnight blue robes. He stood and gazed out the window, at the red ball of fire that was the sun. The sky was lit with slivers of red and orange, interspersed with blue. He sighed again, then turned and fixed an uncomfortable James and a confused Lily with a piercing stare.



'' Lily...James,'' he began softly, his frosty white eyebrows shrouding his troubled blue eyes.



A/N: Okkk, I just said ' blue ' about three times! Well, hey, it is one of my favourite colours...hmmm. Wait, actually, it isn't, I prefer red, black and white! Oh well...on we go....



'' What you witnessed tonight was the forging of a bond...a bond of magic, between yourselves and Voldemort...''
Lily looked horrified and James wore a similar expression of disgust. Dumbledore sighed deeply, for the third time that night.



'' Let me explain...in the time that Hogwarts was first established, when Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor presided as equal principals of magic, a clan of Sages, or philosophers, made themselves known. This brood of sorcerers and sorceresses were very powerful and quite...unorthodox. They did not follow the rules set down by the House Heads...instead, they lived their own way, breeding magic and delving into the very heart of the ancient magic that existed at the time, for millions of years. ''

'' One of these Sages, Arabella Amory, freed a Dark Spirit from its dwelling. A breath-taking war took place over the following fifty years. But, alas, only Salazar Slytherin himself possessed the knowledge needed to defeat this devil. And Salazar, angered that the other Heads would not acquiesce to his authority and only permit those of ' pure blood ' to enter Hogwarts, unleashed a second devil of similar origins, refusing to divulge the secrets of their demise. He and Arabella Amory conspired together to dominate the magical world, as it was only they who could control the foul beasts. Eventually, through means of a potent magic, Godric Gryffindor forced Salazar and Arabella to seal their minions in ' The Cavern Of Illusion ' , a sacred abode of ice and fire. But Arabella and Salazar, as revenge, forged an oath, a powerful pact that, whenever two Sages, whose lives were somehow interconnected, passed through Hogwarts, they would be destined to carry on the tradition and would lead the spirits of ice and fire to victory. Hogwarts had only ever had four such witches and wizards pass through its halls. One was Tom Riddle. Another was Xylia Rana. Both were Slytherins. And the next two to grace my presence are the two of you. The signs are unmistakeable – ''



Dumbledore raised his hand to silence the indignant protests of Lily and James. He surveyed them sadly.
'' This does not mean you are evil...contrary to popular opinion, among the few who know of Sages, many of them were noble people working against evil and its corruptions. Indeed, the infamous Circe was a Sage, as was Merlin. The world is not divided into black and white...there are many grey areas, too. Undoubtedly, the two of you are as dissimilar to Xylia and Tom as dark is to day,''



'' But...but, Dumbledore, professor...who are Tom Riddle and Xylia Rana...? And what do they have to do with Voldemort? '' Lily asked, frowning. James was rigid in his chair, eyes wide.



'' Tom Riddle...'' James said slowly. '' I've heard that name...'' '' Tom Riddle was a person whose identity is now severely obscured...very few know that Tom Riddle left Hogwarts years ago, already having strayed deeply into the zenith of the Dark Arts. He left Hogwarts to become Lord Voldemort. '' Dumbledore answered, his eyes solemn. '' And Xylia, though before the rise of Voldemort, was no less powerful. Indeed, she was one of the most potent beings of magic ever to have lived. She was banished years past, by a mystery man...''

Dumbledore trailed off meaningfully, and though he did not even imply it, somehow, Lily felt that Dumbledore himself had had a role to play in her banishment. She was not wrong.
'' But...how do you know for sure that we're Sages? '' James questioned, biting his lip and rubbing a weary hand across his dirt- streaked brow.



Dumbledore smiled sorrowfully. '' There is no doubt in my mind...there are certain characteristics one can detect. Though many see me as far removed from the goings on of the school, I know a lot more than you might presume. I have been noticing some...ahh, similarities between the two of you since September...as well as the defining symptoms of Sages. But it was tonight...your struggle with Lord Voldemort...that is what clinched it. ''



'' But what does it mean? '' Lily asked urgently, needing as much information as possible. '' Being a Sage, I mean...''



'' A true Sage, Miss Evans, can perform wandless magic. Sages are exceptionally rare and bear many potent powers. Some, for example, may shapeshift, at will. Rather like a morphmagus, but with stronger, more complex forms. Others are accomplished Occlumens and Legilimens without effort. Meaning, of course, they can close their minds to external penetration and can fathom lies and deceit in people. There are numerous powers associated with Sages, too many to count. Each Sage is unique, with unique magical powers. They often make astounding witches and wizards. And, often, their Sage powers do not awaken until stirred by a greater power. ''



The two sat stunned in their seats, letting the idea sink in. Dumbledore stood and wandered over to the window again, looking out on the last rim of orange sun against the inky horizon. It was a long time before anyone spoke. Night crept upon them, strips of shadow stealing along the floor of the office.



'' Sir, professor...you said that the powers sometimes don't awaken unless stirred by a greater power. What do you mean? '' James ventured finally. Dumbledore sighed a fourth time –



A/N: Okkk, I know he sighs a lot!



as though contemplating his reply.
'' It was clear to me before tonight's events that your powers would be born soon. When and why, I do not know. But, I believe, that your encounter with Voldemort tonight, a fellow Sage, may have somehow triggered your magic to rear, ultimately. Incidentally, it was your rendezvous with him tonight that fabricated a link between the three of you. ''
Lily and James sat still, revolted. '' This is magic at its deepest and most profound. ''



( Deja-vu, I know! )



'' No-one and nothing can break this bond. When your wands ignited and your spells merged, the powers of the Ancient Forces bound you all together, connected somehow through your Sage abilities. I do not know why. But your destinies are intertwined in some way. ''



The office lapsed into silence again, ruptured only by Fawkes ruffling his outstretched wings from his perch. James let his gaze fall on the magnificent bird...then he remembered.
'' Professor, when our spells mingled, there was a huge explosion. And a golden feather burst out of nowhere. And we heard a voice, telling us to take it. When we did, we were brought here,''



Dumbledore beamed, his eyes beginning their customary twinkling. '' Yes, that was Fawkes' feather,'' he responded, his eyes travelling the length of James' stare. '' It is thanks to your good friend Master Black that I was alerted to the danger you were in. As you know, your fellow dance committee members were also in Hogsmeade tonight. Sirius and Bailey, who seemed to be under the misconception that they were paired together...''



James flushed, remembering how he and Padfoot had altered the couples. Dumbledore smiled indulgently, amused.



'' Had finished purchasing supplies and were searching for the two of you, to walk back to the castle, when they happened upon Bellatrix Black, Severus Snape and Rodolphus Lestrange reviving themselves from...spells that had, apparently, rendered them immobile. When Sirius interrogated his cousin, she revealed that you had battled with them and some others. And that Lord Voldemort was avenging the attacks upon his servants at that moment. Indeed, she appeared to think it hilarious. ''



Dumbledore's eyes dulled distastefully.

'' Sirius owled me from the post office. Bailey, Octavian Rilson and Amanda Prescott stood guard over Bellatrix and Severus. Unfortunately, Lestrange Disapparated. Thankfully, Miss Black and Master Snape are unable to do so just yet. I arrived as soon as I could and Severus and Bellatrix confessed everything, under duress. They are now being tended to in the Hospital Wing. Luckily, I was able to discern where Voldemort had taken you, due to a powerful magic, and though I was prohibited from entering his domain because of barriers Voldemort constructed, Fawkes was able to penetrate his defences. The feather was a portkey. And it was my voice that you heard,''



James and Lily reverted into silence again, dumbfounded. It had been a set-up. It had been too well planned, over meticulous...they had been lured into a trap, that could have resulted in their deaths. They had not defeated the Death Eaters...it had been too easy...a few well-aimed spells...it had all been staged, a real enough fight so that they wouldn't be suspicious of their victory. This had been Bellatrix's surprise.



'' Professor...you said that Salazar and Arabella sealed a pact...that whenever two Sages whose lives were interconnected crossed paths in Hogwarts, that they would be fated to lead the spirits of ice and fire to triumph. Er...? ''



But Dumbledore seemed to comprehend what Lily was trying to say perfectly. '' The spirits were destroyed by Xylia, Mistress of Despair. She vanquished them...well, no-one knows why...she was a dark Sage and they existed to do her bidding...'' he said heavily. '' I cannot guess at her reasons for killing them. But there are no more left. They are now extinct,''
James creased his brow in consternation, thinking.

' Whose lives are interconnected...destined to cross paths...the bond means your lives are intertwined... '



'' Sir, does all this mean that Lily and me are part of each-others futures? And Voldemort's too? ''



'' Lily and I, James,'' Dumbledore corrected softly, smiling. Then his expression sobered once again. '' Yes, indeed. It does. ''



'' And, professor...what sort of powers do we have? '' Lily asked hastily.

'' Your powers will develop over time. At the moment, I could not say. However, I have something of even greater bearing upon both your futures to ask of you. You may refuse...it is a heavy burden...and of course, I would understand your decline entirely. But I must ask it of you. The two of you are the next Sages in just under thirty years. Before that, there had not been a Sage for several hundred years. Due to your bond with Voldemort, and the fact that all of you are Sages, Voldemort may wish to use this against you. If, however, you were trained in the arts and crafts of Sages, your powers would be an invaluable asset to the Light Side in the war that is to come. That is, you would be a weapon, against Voldemort''



Dumbledore paused, his eyes searching Lily and James in earnest. '' It would be a great risk to both your lives...I will give you some time to think it over...take as long as you need. You may discuss it together, it might help you to reach a conclusion. But, I am sure you are exhausted...and in need of Madam Pomfrey's excellent care...''



He led them out of his office, down the staircase and past the gargoyle, along winding and twisting passages bracketed with flaming torches. The Hospital Wing was almost silent, relieved only by the rustle of Madam Pomfrey's robes as she tended to her patients. Bellatrix Black and Severus Snape occupied two beds, asleep. Even while in a state of slumber, Bellatrix managed to look insolent, condescending and sneering, her thick, shining black hair spread about her face.



Alice McKinnon was also asleep, occuping a third gurney.

'' Professor, what will happen to Black and Snape? '' asked James impulsively as Dumbledore turned to leave.



'' They will be tried by the Court of Magical Law in the Ministry. Goodnight,'' said Dumbledore grimly, before striding out the door, the darkness of the corridor engulfing his tall form.



'' Come now...sleep,'' instructed Madam Pomfrey, hustling them into two vacant beds and gently hacking at a block of chocolate which she divided between them.



Lily and James lay silent in the dark, neither one speaking, the secrets that had been revealed weighing harshly on their minds.



I'M FINISHED! YES! MY HAND HURTS, SO MY A/N WILL BE SHORT! 2357 WORDS! 7 PAGES! TTU NEXT TIME, MY HAND IS KILLING ME! SEE YA! OH AND REVIEW!!!!! PPPPPPPPPPPPPLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE??????