I do not own the Harry Potter books and/or movies, or anything else associated with them, except for this story and others I have written and may write in the future.

Thank you so much for the reviews! And yes, there have been other Dark Lords (well, very successful dark wizards, anyway) in the series. Dumbledore defeated one in the past…his name started with a G…

Twinkle, twinkle

Watch your back

What you see

Is what you lack.

SILVERSPIRIT

"Do you realize, Araguta, what I am asking you to do?"

"Y-yes master, I do."

"And you realize that there is no turning back?"

"Y-yes, master."

"Then are you sure of what it is you want?"

"Yes master, I have decided."

"And what is your decision, then?"

"I-I am g-going to serve you, my lord. I w-will stand b-by you for…for…ever…"

"Good…Now give me your left arm."

The tallest hooded figure held out a shaky arm to one of the others, trembling as his sleeve was pulled back. A wand was pointed to a place on his skin, and he felt oddly warm. The sensation was wonderful. He felt as though all of his cares would be taken away forever, and he'd never have to worry again.

But then, the feeling changed. He became hotter and hotter, and suddenly he felt very cold. Too cold. So cold that he thought his skin was burning off, and he didn't want to look.

He thought it would end soon. His master wouldn't hurt him. No, he had been loyal to him for years, and he knew that he was being awarded. He would become the first permanent Death Eater, and he was proud. No one would ever question him again, and he would be guaranteed a spot at the top of the world. And his master wouldn't kill his right hand man…

But even so, the pain was getting worse. But his master would help…Lord Voldemort wouldn't hurt him…

Thousands of birds scattered quickly as a blood-curling scream broke the dawn.

REDFIRE

Amaya tore her eyes away from the board where the Quidditch notice had been posted.

Needed: Seeker, Beater, and Chaser

She could have sworn she had heard a far off voice. It sounded as though someone had yelled, or something, but then, there was a Quidditch practise going on…but still, to hear it from the dungeons?

The witch turned around and headed out of the Slytherin lair. She needed to find Tom and tell him about Quidditch. She wasn't going to let him forget his promise to her, after all.

But she hadn't seen him all weekend! He wasn't avoiding her, that was for sure, but usually they did something together, and she hadn't yet had the chance to ask him about the dark arts. She needed to give him his book back, and she had wanted to see if dark magic was illegal at Hogwarts.

Amaya headed straight outside, knowing that Tom didn't usually waste his mornings in the library, pouring over subjects he knew well, and that he didn't eat breakfast. Chances were, he'd be in the shade of the trees; probably in the Forbidden Forest. Of course, it was forbidden, but it was only one rule, and he hadn't considered the others, anyway.

The sun had just risen, and there was a slight haze over the grounds, that seemed to be lifting as quickly as she had come. It was slightly chilly out, but not enough that one would need a jacket, and Amaya saw that the Forest was as dark as ever. If Tom wasn't in there, he would be in bed, and that was very unlikely.

She made her way into the canopy of trees, knowing full well that, if she were seen, she would be punished in some way. But there was nothing else to do, and she didn't fancy trying out dark magic without Tom's okay. He knew more about it, and she didn't want to get them into trouble if it was illegal.

The witch found a path and began to make her way along it, noticing that there were a few sets of footprints in the mud. They seemed to be in a straight line with the path, not swerving or straying from their place.

A clear scream sounded in the distance, and Amaya began to walk faster. Whatever was happening, it sounded like it hurt. If Tom was in there, she'd want to find him. But, maybe it was just a game. That's what it sounded like, and she wasn't going to nose into her friend's business.

She stopped for a moment, then resumed her walk, but going off the path (making sure, though, to continue in its direction). She walked slower, the branches and roots making sure to trip and block her wherever they had the chance. Soon, voices came into her range of hearing, and she was delighted to hear Tom's, dark and low as usual. He sounded all right.

"I am pleased to see that you all continue to –"

But Amaya didn't hear what his friends continued to do, as a soft cry sounded from one of the bushes. It was odd, and she was sure she had never heard it. It made her feel warmer, lifting her heart a little.

She backed away from the bush a little, and continued to stare.

"Remember to cover your footprints on your journey back." He lowered his voice a bit, "Snaky, snaky…have you been watching our meetings again? Follow them back, and make sure they do as they are told…"

Amaya was torn momentarily between turning to look at the sounds on the path, and guarding the bush.

Suddenly, a paw emerged from the plant, and she jumped back, scared terribly. The cry sounded again, and she tried not to relax. She had to keep her guard up.

The black paw clawed at the ground, and soon a rather beat up dog became fully visible.

"Lhei!"

Amaya's attitude towards the animal quickly changed as she saw who it was. Her dog, who should have been back at her house, was, at that very moment, lying in the Forbidden Forest, miles and miles from where it should have been, in a rather beat up looking manner.

Footsteps broke her thoughts from her pet, and she panicked over a place to hide him.

"Who's there?" she heard Tom's voice, quiet and menacing, and relief washed over her.

"Tom!" she exclaimed, "Lhei's here! He's hurt! Help me! Please!"

There was a rustle of leaves behind her, and her friend kneeled beside her, removing his hood.

"Lhei? Is this your dog? What the hell's he doing at Hogwarts? And what are you doing in here?"

"Finding you! How do we help him?"

Tom put a hand on her shoulder to steady himself (he seemed very tired) and she tried to ignore the heat rising to her face. What was wrong with her? Lhei was hurt!

"Well, he doesn't seem to have any visible wounds. I think he's just tired, maybe -"

But that didn't seem to be the problem, as her dog spontaneously combusted into flames.

Amaya let out a horrified gasp, and Tom's grip tightened slightly on her shoulder. The fire died quickly, but she couldn't see anything through her burning eyes, and she really didn't want to look, anyway.

"Wow." Tom said, and she felt angry with the carelessness of the words, "I didn't know phoenixes could disguise themselves as dogs."

The witch blinked away the blur from her eyes, and looked down at the little black bird in front of her.

"What? Lhei? What happened to him?"

The bird jumped onto her lap, and she recoiled a bit, not completely knowing what to do. Lhei couldn't be a phoenix. He was a dog…

"I'm just as confused as you," Tom said quietly, obviously trying to hide the exhaustion in his voice, "Maybe even more so. I've never seen a black phoenix that is able to turn itself into an animal."

Amaya cautiously picked up the bird, smiling slightly as she did so. His eyes were definitely familiar, and she knew that Lhei was different. Even if she hadn't been expecting this, she had to believe it had happened. Miracles hit at the most unexpected times…

DONTGIVEIN

Dear Diary,

I found Lhei today. He was lying in a bush in the Forbidden Forest. I really wasn't expecting him to be there, never mind what he did! I found out that he's a phoenix…a black one, to be exact, and those have never even been heard of! I'm taking care of him secretly, and only Tom and I know about him. He says I shouldn't tell anyone, because they might make me get rid of him.

Tom was really exhausted when he found me in the Forest. I don't know what he was doing, and I don't want to be nosy, but I can't help feeling curious and worried about him.

I asked him about Quidditch, and he said that we had to train more then ever, and that he was going to ask the captain when the tryouts would be held. He said that we were going to make it, no matter what!

I also asked him about the dark arts. He seemed surprised and reluctant at first, but said that he would lend me some books and maybe let me practise when he found a place, as long as I didn't tell anyone. I won't, of course, and he said he definitely wasn't going to. Apparently, its illegal…

Amaya

PS. I think there's something wrong with me. I keep getting a weird feeling in my stomach.

TOYOURDESIRE

Sorry it took so long to update, but my uncle died, and it's so short because I have to go wrap presents…