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Chapter 15: The Traitors Veil

Harry found himself sitting in front of Dumbledore's desk, waiting for him to return to the room, which he promised he would do right before bringing Harry into it. Where Dumbledore going on the ship at this late hour was a mystery too Harry. As far as he was concerned, there were no other adults on the ship but Dumbledore, and definitely no teachers. But Harry's question was immediately answered as Dumbledore opened the cabin door and strode into the room, with a tired-eyed looking Fawkes clinging onto his shoulder.

"He was staying with all the other owls in a makeshift owlery, but I feel that Fawkes presence is needed at this time," said Dumbledore wearily, sitting down into a cushioned chair with an uncharacteristic thump.

Harry felt a little confused. The only time he had seen Fawkes needed in Dumbledore's office was when he needed a warning as to whether Umbridge was coming. Seeing an opportunity to speak, he seized it.

"Professor, are there Ministry people on the ship?" he asked cautiously, not trying to sound too nosy.

"Oh yes Harry," said Dumbledore weakly, attempting to put some vigor back into his voice, and failing. "An interruption by Percy Weasley could mean more than you could ever imagine. Fawkes is needed for the same thing as with Professor Umbridge. I want him to send us a warning as well as for Percy if there is any student that is out of bed. Harry became less tense. It was just a disciplinary issue and a lookout for Perfect Percy. "I know what you're thinking Harry, but that is not why Fawkes is patrolling the corridors."

Harry looked crestfallen, knowing that the reason was one of much larger significance, and had something to do with him.

"The reason is because of the news of the traitor that I received from you in my dreams," said Dumbledore. "Now, I could block them out with Occlumency, but I had decided against it. But I have already spoken to you of the dreams Harry, what I now need to explain to you is the letter."

Harry looked at Dumbledore with wonder and waited for him to continue. Dumbledore pulled out a large piece of parchment, which Harry recognized as the letter from Voldemort.

Dear Mr. Potter,

I write to you today knowing that it will be sometime before this letter reaches you. But that is of no concern to me, for I have enchanted the text to only appear on the night that I am about to tell you of. Dumbledore may not have informed you, but you will be leaving from the S.S. Hogwarts on the second day of term towards Beuxbatons Academy in France. What he does not know however, is that this very same night, three of my Death Eaters will come with a mission to attack you and kill you, on my orders of course. I would also like to inform you that, if you live to see it, there is a traitor inside of Hogwarts. I think Dumbledore already knows of this. But I shall make it a little more interesting, by narrowing down the suspects for you. The traitor lies in the group you call the D.A. Oh yes Potter, you don't have to believe me, but I tell you for sure that I speak the truth.

Until death makes us part,

Lord Voldemort

What perplexed Harry the most about this letter, was the fact that he believed ever word Voldemort said. What's more, he had a suspicion that there was a student that had been passing information to Voldemort for a while. Malfoy. But Malfoy wasn't in the D.A., so it couldn't be him. He wished it could be Zacharias Smith, but Hufflepuff's are renown for their loyalty. That Marietta girl had already betrayed them once, could it be her? But Marietta was kicked out of the D.A. immediately after the incident. Plus she had told the Ministry, not Lord Voldemort.

"Harry,' started Dumbledore. "I have to ask you a favor. I must ask you not to speak of this to Ron or Hermione. I've asked the Prophet to say the deaths of the Death Eaters happened at the Ministry, so you won't be involved. With a traitor in the D.A., I ask you to be as cautious as possible. I also told you that Voldemort had possession of the Ink of Nalbun. The Ink of Nalbun is ancient ink that was used by Magic Pharaohs. They would smother their prisoners in it, and then put them in a life-threatening situation. If those people used magic against their opponents, but only their opponents, they would die. This is what Riddle did to Bellatrix Wormtail and Sturgis, although I am sure he didn't say what it was he was putting on them. But even more powerful than this, is the Quill of Nalbun. This Quill that I speak of is no ordinary writing utensil. It allows the possessor to return the dead to living form, yet having them in total obedience to your command!"

Harry nodded, looking at Dumbledore, who seemed slightly angry.

"I think that the reason Percy Weasley is with us is so he can attempt to steal the Quill from VilliVif School in Egypt. But I also think that the traitor will also try and take the Quill."

Dumbledore looked at Harry now, and seemed pleased. He th spoke saying, "I know how good you are Harry, and I need you to tell me if you see anything suspicious going on with a student or with Percy. That will be all"

Harry nodded silently and made to leave the room, but Dumbledore stopped him.

"Oh and Harry...be careful."

-Another tricky title, I was sorta goin for the veil being the mask of the traitor, cuz they don't know who it is. But by being able to narrow down the suspects, they can at least know that the traitor is hiding at Hogwarts, "masking his true purposes." Lol plze read and review.