Chapter 50: Forbidding Miracle
But later that night, just as he got back from having to listen to Umbridge pointing out how all these Educational Degrees will better benefit the school—a conversation that ended with him longing to curse her until her face was unrecognizable. If her idea on making the school better is using torture as punishment, then he didn't want to know how low she would sink. However, he did get the first shred of good news he had for a long time.
"I think that they finally found a place to hold those Defense lessons," Everard informed him gleefully, rubbing his hands together enthusiastically. "I overheard it in the Gryffindor common room."
"Oh?" Albus asked excitedly. "And where is that?"
"Well, that nutty house-elf Dobby let slip about the Room of Requirements to Potter," he told him at once. "He was bringing back his owl and asked Potter if he was having nightmares because he was muttering in his sleep. He sorta fell asleep in the common room while he was doing homework. Anyway, Dobby asked if there was anything that he could do to help him, and Harry asked if he knew a place where they could hold Defense lessons and Dobby came out and told him about it."
"I see," Albus said, his heart feeling a little lighter at the thought that the students weren't going to be taking Umbridge's corrupted ways without a fight. The last thing that they needed was for the students to become nothing more than mindless sheep to rule over.
He had grown quite fond of the little elf and glad that he was able to help the students out.
"That's it?!" Dilys demanded briskly. "You mean to tell me that all you have to say to that is 'I see'? What about all the trouble that they're going to get in if they're caught?"
"School rules wise, they're not doing anything wrong," he said smiling. "It's perfectly acceptable to hold a club with a teacher's permission. And they have my full approval even if I haven't told them. But, personally, I agree that it would be best if they don't get caught. And the Room of Requirements is safest place… it's there if you are in great need of it… well, they certainly need it now."
"Harry said something I didn't really get," Everard then went on. "Harry asked something about the room and chamber pots…?"
Albus blinked in confusion for a moment before he realized what he was saying. He burst out laughing, knowing full well where he got that idea.
"I see," he smiled as they looked at him in bewilderment. "It's a bit of a private joke I'm afraid. But no matter, did they mention anything else?"
"Just-just that Dobby offered to take Harry there right now…?" he said, still looking at him puzzled, wondering what the joke was.
Albus raised his eyebrows. "Please tell me that Harry didn't go?" he asked, dreading the worse.
"No," he answered. "He just asked Dobby how to get into the room and he went to bed after that.
He sighed in relief, glad for that. If Harry had been caught now, then he would've been in more trouble than ever—especially if Umbridge ever found out about the room. It looks like Harry is finally learning some patience.
*Days later*
After that interesting bit of information, he always made sure to have at least a couple portraits keep an eye on the seventh floor until, one night, he heard about an unusual number of students going up there and disappearing.
"So tonight is the first meeting?" he asked with anticipation. "How many have showed up?"
"Looks like everyone who came that day in the Hog's Head," Dexter explained. "Kinda lost count. But it doesn't look like anyone went and blabbed to Umbridge about it… not yet."
"Yes," Albus nodded. "That is something I'm glad for. How does it appear to be going along so far?"
"Last I saw, the trio were looking over some kind of map," Everard explained. Albus vaguely recalled how Barty Crouch mentioned a certain map last year, and wondered if it was the same one. "And then they found the door. But you know that we can't go in there and see what's happening though, there aren't any paintings in that room; but I did see them all go in."
"Good," Albus said nodding. "Just keep watch on the door and let me know when they leave."
"They are doing things right don't you think?" Dexter smirked. "Very sneaky this whole thing."
Albus smiled back. "Let's hope they can keep it up."
*Later*
Albus had lookouts all evening, wanting to know when the students were done and heading back up to their dorms. It was starting to get late, and he was worried that they might have forgotten about the time. But just when it was starting to get late, Dexter came back.
"Yeah, it's over," he informed him. "And let me tell you that they all left looking proud of themselves. They came out in pairs so I don't think that they'll cause too much notice."
"And it's just before curfew as well," Albus nodded in relief, checking his watch. "That's good. Hopefully, Umbridge won't notice anything unusual."
"Also, I think it was a success," Dexter informed him. "I heard Granger talking about it… she and Weasley were arguing about disarming each other all the way back to the common room."
Albus smiled. Yes, he always knew that Harry had what it took to be a natural leader and teacher. All he needed was a little extra push here… he knew now that it was a good idea to have him teach.
"That's good to hear," he answered. "I'm interested to see what they have in plan next?"
"You know?" Armando laughed, "If they're enjoying it, and learning something useful, then maybe you should have Potter take over the teaching from Umbridge."
Albus laughed with him as Phineas snorted. "Well, maybe in a few years. Though that is something to consider later on for him."
*Weeks later*
For the last few weeks he had been keeping a very close watch on the students and their little meetings, wondering just how they were going. From the reports that he had been getting from the rest of his portraits, they always left that room looking perfectly happy… as a matter of fact, it reminded him a little of how they acted whenever they left Remus's classroom.
He could only wish that everything else in the castle was going as smoothly.
Issues between Gryffindor and Slytherin had always been hostile, but with Umbridge here, those feelings have seemed to have increased.
Umbridge seemed to be going out of her way to make things as miserable as possible for the other three Houses—especially for Gryffindor, seen when she had refused to allow the Gryffindor Quidditch team to practice until he—himself—had pressed the matter.
Everyone was taking sides and it was starting to shape up to be a brutal game this time around… just as bad as it had been two years ago to decide who would win the cup between the two teams.
It was bitter cold the day of the game, but he hadn't been able to go due to his increasing work. But he went down to the breakfast table early that morning, hoping that the thrill of competition would lift everyone's spirits. He especially loved the lion-head hat that he spotted Luna Lovegood wearing and was almost tempted to get one himself.
However, there was something that bothered him as he headed up to his office again. When he passed the Slytherins, they were all wearing a crown-shaped badge.
Weasley Is Our King
With an unpleasant feeling that this could mean nothing good, he headed upstairs, trying not to think about it.
He had been able to focus only on getting his work done for only a short while. But, all-too-soon, he could hear the shouts coming from the field outside his window. He could hear the shouts, cheers, and jeers echoing through the grounds loudly along with the commentary.
Soon, the singing came.
"WEASLEY WAS BORN IN A BIN, HE ALWAYS LETS THE QUAFFLE IN…"
He couldn't believe that Umbridge and Severus were allowing this. He got up and opened the window to hear and see what was going on. "- and Gryffindor back in possession and it's Katie Bell tanking up the pitch -" cried Lee Jordon's voice. But it was difficult to hear anything through the singing.
"WEASLEY WILL MAKE SURE WE WIN WEASLEY IS OUR KING…"
He watched as the teams were blurs on the field, but the Slytherins kept singing louder and louder.
"WEASLEY IS OUR KING, WEASLEY IS OUR KING…"
"WEASLEY WAS BORN IN A BIN…"
This went on for some time and just when Albus was about to slam the window shut, he heard Lee shouting out that the Gryffindor Seeker had caught the Snitch. Sighing in frustration, but glad that it was over, he shut the windows and went back to his desk.
Just how far were things going to go before they got completely out of hand? This treatment of the Houses—this anger that Hogwarts shared was only going to tear everyone apart. He didn't want to think anymore… he felt as if someone had taken a mallet and was now smashing the inside of his head.
It only got worse that night when Minerva came up to talk to him.
"Banned!" she shouted furiously. "That horrible old toad has banned Potter and the Weasley twins from playing Quidditch again! Now we have no Seeker and no Beaters!"
"What happened?" he asked wearily.
"Apparent Malfoy provoked them," she said in outrage. "He was angry that they won and, I don't know what he said, but Potter and George Weasley attacked him. I was handling it, I was going to give them detention, but that old toad was there and she has a new degree…"
"Another one?" he interrupted, putting his hand up to his eyes, wishing that he could just start this year over.
"Yes," she said furiously. "It's obvious that she's favoring the Slytherins! She's furious with me for pushing that the Gryffindor team be re-formed and she now has the power to strip pupils of privileges!"
"Oh, no," he hissed. "And we both know that she's going to be enjoying that! It's only going to be a matter of time before she takes away everything and end up making the student's lives here miserable."
"I think that it's a little late for that," she barked. "What are we going to do? As much as it pains me to have them off the team, this is an even bigger problem! If Umbridge can control all punishments then…?"
"I don't know," he sighed, now feeling sick to the stomach at the thought of how much Umbridge was getting away with. "I just hope that the jinxed job gets rid of her as soon as possible."
"If you want I think that I can speed that along," Minerva suddenly spoke up, a definite hopeful tone in her voice as she fingered her wand gently.
He let out a rather high laugh and told her that if Umbridge became anymore powerful then he might have to take her up on that offer. Even after she had finally left, he stayed up late into the night, a million thoughts and feelings going through his mind, but constantly slipping through his fingers like water… slipping away before he could pin them down with words.
It wasn't until he was starting to doze off at his desk did get some bit of good news.
Hagrid had finally come back.
*The Next Day*
The sun was hardly up by the time that Albus was already waiting up and waiting for his old friend to arrive.
A few minutes later, there was a loud, but familiar, knock on the door. Smiling, he called, "Come in."
Hagrid came limping into the room, and Albus felt his smile fade off his face at once. "Hagrid," he said in concern, standing up.
Hagrid's hair was matted with congealed blood and his left eye had been reduced to a puffy slit amid a mass of purple and black bruising. There were many cuts on his face and hands, and he was moving gingerly, and he couldn't help but wonder if there were some broken ribs.
"Professor Dumbledore, sir," he said, a wide smile on his face, despite all of this. "It's good ter see you again after all this, sir."
"Good morning, Hagrid," he said, frowning a little, slowly sitting down carefully. "But what happened to you, Hagrid? I'm guessing the giants weren't feeling very appreciative of all your hard work?"
"It's nothin', sir," he answered at once. "I just ran inter some trouble on my way back. It's nothin'."
Albus gave him a stern look, but knew better than to ask. "I see…" was all he could say. "Well, I heard a great deal from Madame Maxime…"
"Oh," Hagrid said, looking up in pleasure. "And how is she?"
"Very well," he assured him, forcing a smile—feeling the muscles in his face working hard. With all this chaos happening, smiling was becoming a rarer and rarer thing. "She returned to her school just before it started so I don't think that anyone noticed anything strange. She told me a little about your trip, but I would like to hear your side of the story as well. How did it go? I know that it didn't go as well as we had hoped…?"
"It was a hard trip," he sighed, and Albus felt concern as one of the cuts started bleeding again.
"Hagrid," he said worriedly, "If you wanted to go to Madam Pomfrey then…?"
"It's nothin', sir," he repeated again. "Really."
Albus didn't believe him but could see that he didn't want to talk about it. So instead he asked, "Now, what can you tell me?"
"Well, we didn't have ter much trouble finding them," Hagrid said. "Bigger than I though' they'd be."
"You don't say?" Albus asked, a smile playing on his mouth.
"Yeah, it was jus' the pair of us. An' I'll tell yeh this, she's not afraid of roughin' it, Olympe. She never complained once."
Albus chuckled. "Yes," he said. "She may enjoy the finer things in life, but she's also a very strong-willed person. Fearless I would say…"
"We chanced a bit o' magic after we got into the mountains an' it wasn' a bad journey from there. Ran inter a couple o' mad trolls and then there was this vampire…"
He went on with the story of their journey north and how they finally found the giants.
"Sounds like there's hardly any left," Albus sighed when Hagrid went into details about how few giants were left.
"Yeah," he muttered unhappily. "A few more years and I doub' they'll be any o' them left."
Albus felt a great deal of sadness. After all, it was this ridiculous prejudice that was causing them to stand on the brink of extinction.
"We found the Gurg like you told us, sir," he went on. "And we gave them the gifts."
"I take that they liked what we gave them?" Albus asked hopefully.
"Oh, yeah," he nodded at once. "They were all impressed. It all went down a storm once they understood that we weren' going to hurt them. We took our time like you said."
Hagrid continued but what he heard only got worse and worse.
"So…" Albus said softly, turning to look out the window at the snow falling. "The Death Eaters are already making their move."
"Yes," Hagrid said grimly. "I'm sorry professor Dumbledore, sir. We tried our bes' bu'…"
Albus shook his head. "No," he answered softly. "You did well, Hagrid. I'm only sorry that you got hurt in the process."
"I'll be fine," Hagrid said, holding a massive hand up to block out the bleeding under one eye. "It's nothin' tha' I can' handle."
"And I can't say that I'm completely surprised to hear about the Death Eaters," Albus finished grimly. "After all, Voldemort—" Hagrid flinched, "—can be very persuasive when he wants to be. And the giants have been persecuted by wizards for generations so now they don't trust us at all."
He gave Hagrid a sad look. "Yes," he answered grimly. "My hopes for the giants joining our side were never high. But why are you back so late?"
"It's nothin' you need to be concerned about, professor," he said quickly.
Albus highly doubted that. If he hasn't been attacked then why on earth is he in the condition that he is in then? He gave Hagrid a searching look, wondering what on earth he was trying to hide from him. He could only hope was that he hasn't got another dragon hidden somewhere.
"What's with this Umbridge woman doin' here?" he suddenly asked.
"Ah," he spoke up softly. "So you already know about her?"
"She came down ter me hut last night jus' after I got back," he said at once, sounding frustrated.
"I don't know if you remember, but she was once a student here. Her name is Dolores Umbridge," Albus said, feeling as if her name was poison on his tongue. "However, you should hear some of the names that the rest of the school is calling her."
"Dolores Umbridge?" Hagrid said, sounding thoroughly confused. "So she does work for Fudge?"
"Yes," Albus answered bitterly. "But now Fudge has forced her onto us. Inspecting the staff and if there's anyone she doesn't like, she will force them out. Sybill is already walking on thin ice."
He hesitated and then asked Hagrid, "What about your classes Hagrid? Do you already have them planned out or…?"
Knowing Hagrid, the creatures that he had in store will probably be nothing that Umbridge would approve of. Yet, he was also aware that if he sticks to safe and harmless animals, they will probably say that he isn't teaching them to a satisfactory level. If anything it is better that he teaches as much as he can, in hopes that he can have an impact before he leaves, which is unfortunately almost a certainty.
"Oh, don' you worry abou' that, I've got a great load o' lessons planned," said Hagrid enthusiastically. And then he went on and on about all the creatures in the forest and his lesson plans.
Albus wasn't sure about that, but they walked down to the great hall for breakfast for breakfast, pretending to feel a happiness that seemed to have left him.
*A couple days later*
With concern for Hagrid, he awaited for some portraits to report to him on what they overheard this day.
"Well, I overheard her trying to come up with some ways to make Hagrid look bad," Everard said in disgust. "I watched her making a list on her clipboard as she headed outside. And if she's hold true to them, she'd been interrupting his classes and talking to Hagrid like he didn't understand English."
Albus could only shake his head. "For goodness sake… he isn't stupid, she is probably just doing it so that she has something bad to write on her little clipboard. Do you find out what his lesson was about today?"
"Thestrals," he answered. "Overheard some Gryffindors talking about them."
"And that is a very good subject," Albus nodded approvingly. "And advanced for fifth years. Not that it will mean much to Umbridge. Isn't she aware that she is only meant to be observing the classes, not disrupting them?"
"I guess not," he answered with a shrug.
He tried not to think about how bad things were getting, and instead, tried to focus only on the fact that the holidays were coming. Christmas was slowly coming onto the castle, yet he couldn't help but feel an odd since of foreboding. He was glad the almost all the students were going home to their families this year… less for him to worry about. He also happened to get a personal letter from Molly, asking if it would be alright for Harry to come to The Burrow for the holidays.
He had a feeling that Harry desperately needed a break from the castle and personally agreed, though he had a feeling that Sirius wouldn't be so happy about that.
"So tonight was the last meeting before the holidays?" Albus asked Dexter.
"They just finished," he smirked.
Albus noticed his good mood and had to ask, "Is there something wrong?"
"No," he grinned. "Nothing wrong."
Realizing that he was missing something, he asked, "What's so funny?"
He suddenly burst out laughing, and now Albus was sure that something was up. Suddenly smiling, he waited and then Dexter laughed, "I heard that the boy finally kissed a girl. You know that lovely Miss Chang girl?"
Albus blinked before he also started to laugh. "I see… that is a nice change to hear. I had a feeling that he had liked her for a long time."
"Where you spying on them?" Dilys asked, frowning a little at Dexter.
"Not quite," he smirked. "I just overheard Potter telling his friends back in the common room. I couldn't help but overhear."
Albus laughed, his heart feeling a little lighter. "Ah…" he said fondly. "Young love…"
"What?" Dilys called with a smirk. "And we don't even get to hear about it? What a rip off! I think I would've enjoyed hearing that."
"But now that I think of it…" Everard smirked, "He doesn't sound like the kind of guy who has too much experience with girls. Especially, since he's fifteen and he still hasn't gone out on a date yet."
"Well, he's been having a rough time since he got here," Albus said grimly. "And of course, Miss Chang must be having a difficult time as well. Especially after what happened last year…"
"Right," Phineas yawned. "Wasn't she that Diggory kid's girlfriend? Wonder what she feels about going out with the brat who saw him killed?"
"Phineas?" Albus called in warning. "I don't want to hear another word about that. "This must be awkward for them both. However, that's none of our business now is it?"
"Oh, let's just forget about it for now?" Armando asked wheezy. "It's the last night before the holidays right? Let's not have to think about work for now how about it?"
"Why don't we have a good party to celebrate the break from that toad?!" Everard declared. "I think we can all use one after listening to all the problems this year!"
"I have to work though," Albus reminded them, gesturing to the papers in front of him. "Though I agree that it does sound like a wonderful idea."
"Well, we can party while you work," several of them called out. He laughed and, for some reason, he forgot all about paperwork.
*Late that night*
It was just a shame that the good mood didn't last long. It was some time after midnight when he got the knock on the door. Bewildered, he looked up and his paintings, who were all making as much noise as they could, all fell quiet and pretended to be sleeping.
Using a little wandless magic, he caused the door to open, and he was surprised to see that it was Minerva there in her nightdress.
"Oh, it's you, Professor McGonagall… and… ah," he stopped when he saw who was with her. Harry and Ron were there… but he could tell right away that something was wrong. Harry was a pale as a sheet, dripping in sweat like he had been running for miles, and there was a wild haunted look in his eyes… a panicked look that couldn't have meant anything good.
He quickly looked back to Minerva before Harry noticed that he was looking at him.
"Professor Dumbledore," she said uncertainly, as if unsure of how to explain what was going on. "Potter has had a… well, a nightmare. He says…"
"It wasn't a nightmare," Harry suddenly interrupted at once.
Minerva frowned a little as she turned to look at Harry, but she didn't reprimand him—which surprised him. Instead, she said, "Very well, then, Potter, you tell the Headmaster about it."
Still looking pale, and shaking a little, Harry stepped forward, but Albus merely glanced down at his own interlocked fingers, determined not to look up.
"I… well, I was asleep…" said Harry at once. "But it wasn't an ordinary dream… it was real… I saw it happen…" He heard Harry taking a deep breath, "Ron's dad - Mr. Weasley - has been attacked by a giant snake."
The words seemed to just echo in the air—however, inside Dumbledore's heart it felt as if it was being ripped in two. He didn't dare so much as glance at him as he leaned back, trying not to let the panic take over. He had to make sure of this…
He then asked Harry very quietly, his gaze up on the ceiling, how he had witness this.
"Well… I don't know," said Harry, now sounding angry, "Inside my head, I suppose -"
"You misunderstand me," Albus said, suddenly surprised at his calmness. He frowned for a second, trying to figure out how to put it into words. "I mean… can you remember — er - where you were positioned as you watched this attack happen? Were you perhaps standing beside the victim, or else looking down on the scene from above?"
He could feel Harry's eyes on him. There was silence before the boy said quietly, "I was the snake… I saw it all from the snake's point of view."
Albus knew that his worst fears where here. He always knew that Harry had a connection to Voldemort—but if he saw it from Voldemort's perspective than it is more likely to have been a real occurrence than just a nightmare. He then said in a sharper tone, "Is Arthur seriously injured?"
"Yes," said Harry harshly.
Then there wasn't any time to waste. He stood up, so suddenly, that they all jumped in surprise. But he ignored them all before he turned to his portraits. "Everard? And you too, Dilys!"
They're eyes were open at once and gazed down at him eagerly.
"You were listening?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Everard nodded just as Dilys said, "Naturally."
"The man has red hair and glasses," he informed them both, knowing that they were in a race against time. If the snake was Nagini, then the injuries that she could've dealt would've been severe. Unless it was already… he shook his head, trying not to think of that and instead told Everard to raise the alarm and make sure that he was found by people who they could trust and know would help.
He watched until they left before he moved towards Fawkes.
"Everard and Dilys were two of Hogwarts's most celebrated Heads," he stated almost mechanically to the rest of the room. "Their renown is such that both have portraits hanging in other important wizarding institutions. As they are free to move between their own portraits, they can tell us what may be happening elsewhere…"
"But Mr. Weasley could be anywhere!" Harry cried out at once.
Oh, he already knew where Arthur was, it was his turn to stand guard tonight… there was only one place he could be. Pretending not to have heard him, he said, "Please sit down, all three of you. Everard and Dilys may not be back for several minutes. Professor McGonagall, if you could draw up extra chairs."
As Minerva did what he asked, he ran a single finger down Fawkes's feathers and the phoenix woke up at once, staring up at him, ready for action.
He then said quietly to his friend, "We will need… a warning."
Fawkes blinked once in understanding before he disappeared in a flash of fire.
He could feel Harry's eyes on the back of his head, but he didn't pay attention. Somehow Harry can see into the Dark Lord's mind, so what would happen if the Dark Lord found out and tried to do the reverse and see into Harry's mind, or perhaps somehow use him to get to himself? He wasn't going to risk it.
He then went to pick up a silver instrument from one of the many shelves and carried it over so that he could see if his theory was correct. This particular object was used to show him his thoughts in a more physical form. Simply by tapping it with his wand, he watched as the little puffs of green smoke were created. He watched closely, trying to think hard of what he needed to see.
It was only a few seconds before he watched as the smoke thicken and turn into the shape of a snake head, it's mouth wide, revealing fangs.
'Of course, it follows… I don't like this. He will have realized then… Harry…' he thought to himself apprehensively. The snake represented Voldemort… the snake was searching for something. But he wasn't the snake who attacked Arthur… it was Nagini—Voldemort was possessing her. But how? He no longer should have that ability once he got his body back. That snake wasn't normal… "Naturally, naturally… but in essence divided?"
He watched as the smoke began to shift and split into two snakes instead…
He bit back a miserable sigh as he tapped it again and watched as the snakes disappeared. As he put it back, he became lost in thought again. Voldemort and Nagini were connected somehow but in what way? He knew that Tom could speak Parseltongue, but he seemed to have more control over her than usual…
"Dumbledore!"
Albus glanced up to see Everard, panting for breath and mopping his brow. "What news?" he asked urgently.
"I yelled until someone came running," he explained, looking uneasy, "said I'd heard something moving downstairs - they weren't sure whether to believe me but went down to check - you know there are no portraits down there to watch from. Anyway, they carried him up a few minutes later. He doesn't look good, he's covered in blood, I ran along to Elfrida Cragg's portrait to get a good view as they left -"
So it was true. Arthur was in great danger…
"Good," he said just as Ron was staring from him to the painting and back again with a terrified look. "I take it Dilys will have seen him arrive, then -"
That was when Dilys came running back, coughing for breath, and told them that Arthur was now at St. Mungo's.
'At least they have found him before it was too late,' he thought. 'Hopefully that means that there's still time.'
"Thank you," he said gratefully, now turning to Minerva and telling her to bring the other Weasley children here. They had to get these kids out of here now before attention was brought to them. And especially if Umbridge found out…
"And Dumbledore - what about Molly?" Minerva asked just as she reached the door.
Albus told her that Fawkes would let her know after he kept looking out for someone else coming to the office. However, he had a feeling that she might already know that something was wrong if she was still up and watching that clock of hers. He knew that she had a habit of staying up late and watching it whenever Arthur or Bill were keeping watch on the Hall of Prophecy.
Once she nodded and left, he went looking for an object to use for a Portkey. Once he found an old kettle, he cast his spell to take them to Grimmauld Place. Not only was it the safe place for them at the moment, but he knew that Sirius would be more than happy to have the house full again.
He then looked over to Phineas and called his name loudly. When he pretended to ignore him, the others were all looking over at him with annoyance and also began to call him awake.
Finally, Phineas—the drama queen he always was—jerked up and asked in an uncharacteristically polite tone, "Did someone call?"
"I need you to visit your other portrait again, Phineas," he said, hoping that Phineas wouldn't make things difficult like he always did. "I've got another message."
"Visit my other portrait?" said Phineas in a reedy voice, giving a long, fake yawn and his eyes looking around at them all. "Oh, no, Dumbledore, I am too tired tonight."
That was when the others all started shouting at him.
"Insubordination, sir! Dereliction of duty!"
"We are honor-bound to give service to the present Headmaster of Hogwarts!"
"Shame on you, Phineas!"
"Shall I persuade him, Dumbledore?"
Phineas merely rolled his eyes and gave a long-suffering voice, "Oh, very well, though he may well have destroyed my picture by now, he's done away with most of the family -"
"Sirius knows not to destroy your portrait," Albus stated, though he knew that if he had the chance, then Sirius would've destroyed it long ago. "You are to give him the message that Arthur Weasley has been gravely injured and that his wife, children and Harry Potter will be arriving at his house shortly. Do you understand?"
Phineas yawned and repeated, "Arthur Weasley, injured, wife and children and Harry Potter coming to stay. Yes, yes… very well."
Just as he huffed out of his portrait, Minerva came in leading the other Weasley children—all of them in their pajamas and looking scared.
Ginny Weasley turned immediately to Harry and asked, "Harry - what's going on? Professor McGonagall says you saw Dad get hurt -"
He turned to her and said, "Your father has been injured in the course of his work for the Order of the Phoenix. He has been taken to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. I am sending you back to Sirius's house, which is much more convenient for the hospital than The Burrow. You will meet your mother there."
He knew that the most important thing to do right now was to get them out of here before Umbridge came.
"How're we going?" asked Fred Weasley, looking shaken. "Floo powder?"
"No," Albus answered him, "Floo powder is not safe at the moment, the Network is being watched. You will be taking a Portkey." He nodded his head over to the kettle that was waiting for them. "We are just waiting for Phineas Nigellus to report back… I want to be sure that the coast is clear before sending you -"
But at that moment, there was a familiar flash of flame followed by the single golden feather. He caught the feather, knowing that they were almost out of time.
He muttered softly to himself, "It is Fawkes's warning…" he then glanced up at Minerva, "Professor Umbridge must know you're out of your beds… Minerva, go and head her off - tell her any story -"
Minerva didn't need to be told twice as she turned and almost ran from the room.
Everything seemed to be happening at once. For no sooner had she left, Phineas's usual bored voice spoke out from behind him, "He says he'll be delighted. My great-great-grandson has always had an odd taste in house-guests."
Not a moment too soon, Albus then called for Harry and the Weasleys to come take the Portkey before anything else happened.
As they gathered around him, he asked if they had used a Portkey before, when they nodded, they each reached out to touch the kettle.
"Good. On the count of three, then… one… two…"
It happened in a fraction of a second: in the minuscule pause before he could say three. He felt Harry looking up at him, and he suddenly looked from the kettle, directly into Harry's face. It was the first time that he looked at him directly in months… he could see the scared, confused look in his eyes.
But then the vivid green flashed and for a brief second he could've sworn that they looked red… a flash of hatred was seen there. Realizing what was happening, he said, "… three."
He stood there, even after they left. His expression was completely blank, hiding all emotion from everyone else. Even after Minerva and Umbridge both came into his office, Umbridge demanding to know what was happening. He couldn't say anything at first… fear clutching at his entire being.
*Early the next day*
The rest of that night had passed almost painfully. With Dilys keeping an eye on what was happening at St. Mungo's, he worked hard trying to come up with excuses for Umbridge to where the five students went, and to the Ministry on why Arthur was where he was when he was attacked.
Fawkes had sent Molly a warning, but she had to wait until the hospital contacted her as to not cause any suspicion, before she went running off to her husband's side. She sent to him a message saying that he was still alive, but he could see the tear-stained paper and felt guilty for having Arthur go through all this.
It was hours later when he got the good news. That Arthur had pulled through and should make a full recovery. Feeling relieved, he decided to pay Molly a visit and went over to Grimmauld Place.
Molly had answered the door, tears of happiness in her eyes as she let him in.
"I can't stay long, Molly," he informed her, glancing anxiously at the door to the kitchen. "Where is everyone?"
"Sirius is in here," she said leading the way, "And the children are all in bed. It was a big scare for everyone. They're sleeping now…"
Glad that he wouldn't have to face any of them, he nodded his head politely to Sirius, slightly concerned at the woe begotten look he had. Like he had developed the habit of drinking regularly. But he didn't say a word about that as he turned to Molly, who was still talking and cleaning up the table.
"They were all up all night worrying," Molly said, "I sent them all off to bed, we'll all go visit Arthur later once they wake up. Oh, I can't tell you how scared I was when I was told, I didn't know how I was able to sit there and wait for St. Mungo's to send word. I wanted to rush in there as soon as you told me. Thank goodness for the Healers. They said that he lost a lot of blood, but that he was found early enough to prevent any lasting harm. Yes, they all said that he should make a full recovery."
"That's good to hear, Molly," he said sincerely. "I am glad to know. But tell me, did Arthur say anything to you on what happened.?"
"He said that he dozed off while he was standing guard," she said, wiping her eyes. "When he woke up, there was that giant snake! He panicked and tried to attack it, and that's when it bit him."
"Nagini," Albus nodded with a frown. "Yes, I had a feeling that's the case."
"But Dumbledore," she said turning to him. "How was Harry able to see it? Your message said…?"
"Dumbledore," Sirius interrupted, frowning suddenly, turning to look at him with a deadly serious look in his eyes. "That's something I'd like to know too. What is happening to my godson? He told me what he saw last night… but what he said doesn't make any sense!"
"I know," Albus said, turning to look away. "It's what I've been afraid of."
"What?" she croaked out.
He sighed as he looked back to her. "Harry and Voldemort—" she flinched, "Are connected. Up until now, Voldemort hadn't been aware of this connection."
"What do you mean 'up until now'?" Sirius barked. "You mean he knows now?"
Albus gave them both a sad look. "Listen to me," he said softly. "Ever since the summer before last, Harry started having these dreams. But, as far as I'm aware of, this is only the third time that it happened. But the thing is, these dreams aren't really dreams. They're flashes of being inside Voldemort's mind. While quite strange, these dreams appear to be what I shall call "Connection Dreams" because they are the result of a telepathic link between Harry and Voldemort. Harry had a vision in which Voldemort had possessed his pet snake, Nagini, and used her to break into the Ministry of Magic. And because of that, Harry was able to see what was happening last night."
"But why is that?" Molly demanded.
He ran his hand through his white hair. "As a result of Voldemort's attack Harry when he was an infant, the cursed scar flares up at odd times, and Harry awakes from certain dreams in great pain. The scar is a connection to Lord Voldemort, which gives Harry access to Voldemorts feelings and emotions and ultimately his thoughts and activities while awake and especially while sleeping."
"But why is that?" Sirius demanded.
But Albus couldn't answer. Sirius looked devastated. It was what they had all feared; that Harry's mind was in danger from Voldemort's influence. Molly stared at him miserably, but Albus could only shake his head. "Only theories… nothing more than that."
He turned to leave, but then Sirius said, "What Harry said… he said that for a second he wanted to attack you?"
Albus didn't look at him, but he stopped to listen.
"He said that just before they left by Portkey, Harry felt like the snake again and his scar hurt when he looked at you. He said that he was close to attacking you," Sirius said fearfully. "What is this about? What does this mean?"
Albus didn't move. 'Harry…' he thought anxiously. His eyes glanced up to the ceiling, trying to work out exactly what was going on inside his Harry's head; knowing that the boy must be upset about this. He wouldn't at all have been surprise if Harry was sitting awake right now and wondering what was happening to him.
"I see," he said softly.
"That's all you've got to say to me?" Sirius demanded angrily. "Give me some straight answers for once. I want to know what's wrong with my godson?"
"I'm afraid that I can't do that, Sirius," he answered, his voice empty of all emotions. "For I don't know myself."
He then left after that, but he knew that his worst fears were correct. From what Sirius said, it only confirmed what he knew. Voldemort realized that there was a connection between them, and perhaps was now trying to use it.
"I know," he told himself. The snow was thick and deep as he took a long walk across the Hogwarts grounds and around the lake—his thoughts a million miles away from here.
'We both know what you have done to yourself in order to be immortal, Tom,' he thought, as if hoping that Tom could actually hear him. 'Even if we are able to kill you, we couldn't hurt you as much as you have hurt yourself. You may have your body back, but unless you make amends, you will never be able to save your soul.'
He stopped and stared out at the frozen lake. "You're such a fool, Tom," he whispered, his breath become a soft mist in the air and he watched the wind blow it away. Tom may believe himself as a God… he knows how to make a person suffer and break them. He uses this to his every advantage… he's about the furthest thing from a God… more like the devil.
Feeling ashamed of his own thoughts, he decided that he would finish up his work in his office and leave the castle for a few days to get out of his head, and get more work done for the Order. But for now, he just wanted to sleep.
Almost dragging his exhausted body up the stairs and to his office, Dilys was already there waiting to give him a message.
"They just walked in," she confirmed for him. "They went to go visit Arthur and they all arrived safely. I just thought that you'd like to know?"
"That is good to hear," he said softly. "And I'm equally glad to hear that Arthur is doing alright. Let me know when they leave. Oh… by the way, is there any news on Boldrick Bode?"
She shook her head sadly. "I'm afraid that he's going to be in there for awhile yet, he's still in bad shape."
"I'm not surprised," he said grimly. He knew the cost of touching a prophecy…
He rubbed his exhausted eyes. He had been trying so hard to avoid the boy at all costs. But when they took the Portkey, for that moment, he could've sworn that he saw Tom looking at him. What Sirius said only confirmed what he had feared. Voldemort is now aware that he can use Harry. There was no other choice, he had to do his best to sever all ties with him as well as making sure that the boy learns methods to block his mind.
He glanced over to Phineas and said, "When Harry get's back to Grimmauld Place, I'd like you to pass on a message to him."
"What?" he called grumpily. "First I'm passing on messages to my worthless great-great-grandson, but now to that brat?"
Albus gave him a stern look. "It is important," he said firmly. If Albus knew Harry as well as he thought he did, then he could guess what Harry would do if he suspected something like this.
"I want you to tell him to 'Stay where you are'," he answered.
Phineas threw him a filthy look but was curious enough to ask, "You think that he's going to go somewhere?"
"I can guess what's going on inside his mind," Albus confirmed. "I want you to make sure that he stays at Grimmauld Place."
Phineas looked irritated, but he left.
"Why are you concerned that he might be going somewhere?" Armando's voice asked. "Surely he knows that it's too dangerous for him to leave?"
"To be honest, I'm not sure that he does," Albus answered vaguely. "He is almost as reckless as his godfather. And if he thinks that Voldemort is possessing him, then he wouldn't want to be around the others."
"He's worried that they'll do something?" he asked concerned.
"No," Albus said, turning to look at him, "Quite the opposite."
It was a short time later when Phineas returned.
"Potter has a message for you as well," Phineas called with a smirk. "He says 'thanks for nothing'!"
Albus wasn't surprised at this surge of anger. He knew that Harry must be furious with him.
"Do I want to know?" he asked Phineas as the other portraits let out cries of anger.
"Well, he looked ready to leave," he said with a long yawn. "He was halfway to the door when I arrived. I gave the message and he looked ready to kill you."
"It seems that we are about to witness a display of his temper," he said grimly.
"It seems that Harry really needs to talk to you Dumbledore," commented Dilys worriedly, "I hope that whatever reason you have for ignoring one of your students like this is a good one."
"I don't like doing this to him either," he said. "But I don't have a choice in the matter. What happened last night proved to me that me being around him is dangerous to him. My very presence is going to do much more harm than good. Especially now that Voldemort knows about the connection."
"I know that I say this a lot, but I've always hated brats," Phineas went on loudly. "Young people show absolutely no respect to their betters. You think that the kid would show a little more gratitude to all you do. But no, nothing."
"Enough Phineas, please," he sighed. "I'm exhausted and have a headache now. Listening to you complain isn't helping."
Phineas spluttered and was about to snap back at him, but Albus was in no mood. "I finished all the work I needed to, so I'm going to bed. After that, I'll be leaving the castle for probably most of the holidays. Thankfully, all the students have left the castle, along with most of the staff… it was sad being in this almost empty castle… but he had more important things to worry about.
He sighed, thinking longingly of his soft bed waiting for him. But before he left the room, his thoughts went back to Harry. He felt sympathy for him… possessed or not doesn't matter, those visions must be as terrifying as anything and he couldn't blame Harry for being scared of them—nor furious with him.
"Phineas, just keep an eye on Harry for me," he said tiredly. "I don't want him thinking for a second that he should leave that house."
And he left after that, not even caring about the loud complaints from the Slytherin Headmaster.
