.~: By: Moonlight Snitch :~.
.~: Chapter Six – Mysteries :~.
Lupin and Hermione reached the Burrow by late afternoon. They had spent almost all of their time their helping the Weasleys pack and helped put up wards. Lupin didn't want to take any chances and put up almost ever ward he could think of. Mr. Weasley had done the same.
Ron, of course, did pretty much nothing but worry and wonder if Harry was all right. Hermione kept reminding him that Harry was with Sirius by now and Sirius wouldn't let anything happen to him. But this of course didn't help matters at all. It just made things worst. Ron would then start sprouting ides like 'But what if Sirius was seen and the Ministry caught him? What would happen to Harry?' or 'what if Voldemort found them and now Sirius and Harry were both being tortured to death, or worst. What if they were already dead?' the list went on and on.
Finally Hermione just gave up on him all together and started to help Ginny instead. She too was worried about Harry, but tried her best to keep herself occupied and to try and believe Hermione when she said 'I'm sure he's fine.'
"How long do you think we'll all be safe here, Remus." Mrs. Weasley asked, handing him a cup of tea. It was they day after Hermione and Lupin had arrived and the sun was already starting to set.
"I'm not sure, Molly. We'll just have to wait until Dumbledore sends us word to make our way to the castle. The wards we've put up should keep us safe for the time being." Lupin answered, taking a sip of his tea.
"I still can't believe that all of this is happening," Mrs. Weasley sat as she sat down at the table beside Mr. Weasley, cradling her cup of tea in her hands as though trying to keep them warm. "And to think that all of this started with that silly Tournament not even a month ago. Oh, poor Harry. He never deserved to have to go through what he's going through."
Mr. Weasley lifted his head from his paperwork and addressed Lupin. "What I would like to know is why does You-Know-Who want Harry so badly, I mean before Harry caused his downfall. What did Harry ever do? He had only been one year-old. I could understand why he would have been after Lily and James but why Harry?" Mr. Weasley said, trying to put this stupid jigsaw puzzle together.
Lupin placed his cup back on the table and sighed. "To tell you the truth, I have no idea. Only four people I know of know the truth and that Lily, James, Dumbledore, and of course, Voldemort." Both Mr. and Mrs. Weasley shuttered. "And as you know, both Lily and James are dead, so they can't tell us. Only Dumbledore can."
Mrs. Weasley sighed. "Well I just hope Dumbledore knows what he's doing then. Lets hope he has a plan for keeping Harry safe, along with everyone else at the school."
Lupin nodded. Just then they heard a smack against the window. Mr. Weasley got up and walked over to it just Errol fluttered up from the ground outside. Mr. Weasley grabbed the latter Errol was carrying and read the name.
"Speaking of Dumbledore, this is for you Remus." He said, handing Lupin the letter. He ripped it out and read the letter quickly.
"Well," Mrs. Weasley said impatiently. "What does it say?"
Lupin looked up at her. "Dumbledore wants us to come to the castle as soon as possible. It looks like so Death Eaters may be coming our way and it's too risky to travel by portkey or Flew Power. We'll have to travel either by foot, broom, or the car." Lupin answered, setting the letter down.
Mrs. Weasley sighed and stood. 'Well, we better get too it. Arthur, please go call the children. I'll make us all a quick snack to take on the way and then we better be off. We don't want to have any trouble tonight." Both Mr. Weasley and Lupin agreed.
Harry sighed as he walked through the crowed streets of Diagon Alley. He had gotten most of his school supplies already. Now all he need was his new textbooks. Sirius trotted beside him in his dog form, keeping watch. He didn't have a good feeling today. He knew something was going to happen and he wanted to make sure Harry didn't get hurt. He eyed people suspiciously ever time someone came too close to Harry.
They reached Flourish and Blotts and Harry pulled out his booklist once again.
Standard Book of Spells Grade 5 by Bathilda Bagshot Your average guide to Transfiguration by Albus Dumbledore Bubbling Black Cauldron by Stickler Sterling Curses and ancient spells by Romana Dunlovelle Duelling with the best by Ashton Flickwick. Advanced Auror training for the physical and mental mind by James Potter (All Volumes) Advanced Auror Charms and Spells for the charmed child by Godric Gryffindor (All Volumes) Most Fabulous animals of the world by Singapore Nelly Focusing your Inner Eye by Cleo Mashepra Exploration of the Universe by George HoltMr. Potter, please also find the following books for some special training – Albus Dumbledore
1. The Fine Art of Duelling by Sirius Black (All Volumes)
2. Reading the Mind and Future by Atticus Toggart
3. Dark Arts at it's Worst by Rinehart Abell
4. Sword Training for the Worst by Winston Folert (All Volumes)
5. Fighting Dark Creatures by Marius Ghent
6. Advanced training for the mind body and soul by Cleo Mashepra (All Volumes)
Harry started at the paper. All those books. Has Dumbledore gone mad? But that wasn't the only thing on his mind. Some of the Books and their authors were on his mind too. Advanced Auror training for the physical and mental mind by James Potter (All Volumes), The Fine Art of Duelling by Sirius Black (All Volumes). Both his father and Sirius had written books. And not only that, but they had both written them in a full series.
Harry glanced down at Sirius, who was currently moving his head around the store suspiciously. Harry moved to a corner and knelt down by Sirius. Sirius seemed to realize something was up and waited patiently.
Harry held out his book list and pointed. "You never told me you and my dad had written all those books." Sirius looked to where Harry was pointing then shied away sheepishly. Harry smiled. "Promise to tell me later?" Sirius nodded and then went to look for the books.
Harry grabbed one of the carts for the first time ever and started wandering the aisles. He had never had this many books before. Normally he could carry them all, but not now. Not with all the Volumes of books he need to get.
Sirius helped Harry out a lot. He would run ahead to show Harry were the next book was so he wouldn't have to stay very long. Sirius really wanted to get out of there and head of Hogwarts. That uneasy feeling he had had was only growing stronger.
Harry wander up and down the aisles in frustration. He now had all his books except the ones Sirius had written. He couldn't even find one book from his series. 'Figures,' Harry thought. What if they had all been burned or something once Sirius was sent to Azkaban. And it didn't help that he was the only Hogwarts student who needed them.
Finally Harry gave up looking on his own and went up to the front desk. They young lady behind it didn't look much older then Percy with her long blond hair and hazel eyes. "Is there anything I can help you…" She stopped in mid-sentence once she had a good look at Harry. 'Uh oh,' He thought. 'Here it comes.'
"Oh, my goodness. Your Harry Potter." Her eyes were wide with excitement. "Oh, my Mr. Potter. What can I help you with?" She asked cheerfully.
Harry smiled a little. "Umm, yes. I'm looking for a certain series of books for school. My headmaster has asked me to get them but I can't seem to find them anywhere."
She smiled. "Oh, well, what's the name of the series and who was it by?"
Harry hesitated. He knew people didn't like hearing Sirius's name and if he couldn't find the books on his own, then it was a good bet they didn't have them for a reason. "Umm… The series is called 'The Fine Art Of Duelling' by… Sirius Black." The lady stared at him opened mouthed and dropped the quill she was using to write down the title and author.
She couldn't believe her ears. "Wh-hy do you w-wan-t tha-t s-serie-s?" She stuttered.
Harry sighed. This might take a while. "As I said before, my headmaster asked me to get this certain series and I realize who the author is, but I really need to have a copy of the Whole series." He explained. Sirius sort of let out what sounded like humph and gave Harry the look that said 'Even by books were called traitors? That's not fair.' Harry rolled his eyes at him.
"I s-se-ee," She said, still not quite sure of herself. "I d-don't know if we carry that series anymore acutely. Could you just wait here a moment while I go get Mr. Blotts."
Harry nodded and mumbled "sure" as she ran off. Harry sighed and looked down at Sirius, who met his gaze. "I'm sorry this is taking so long." Sirius just nodded. Harry could sort of imagine what must be going through his head. Dumbledore and McGonagall always assigned them the very best books in their department and to have been assigned Sirius' would mean that his were one of the best. But now to know that all his hard work had been in vain made Harry feel sorry for him.
"At least I'll have your books, Snuffles." He said quietly so no one would look at him weird for talking to his dog like his dog was an author. Sirius looked up and him and did them best impression of a smile that a dog could.
"Well, well, well, would you look at that? Scarhead has come to get his spell books with his cute little pet dog. What's the matter Potter? Afraid of getting eaten by a book?" Harry rolled his eyes. 'Great. Just what I need,' He thought. He turned and came face to face with Draco Malfoy; the stuck up Slytherin who made it his business to make sure Harry's life was as miserable as possible.
Harry sighed. "What do you want now Malfoy?" He asked hotly. Sirius started to growl at Malfoy when Harry had said the kid's name. 'So this is the infamous Draco Malfoy,' Sirius thought to himself, though he wasn't too happy about that. If Draco was here then his father was sure to be here too.
Malfoy smiled. Then he noticed all the books Harry had with him. "Well, it looks like that Mudblood is rubbing off on you Potter. You better watch it though. Those books and your dog there won't save you from where the Dark Lord will send you." Malfoy sneered.
Harry could feel Sirius tense up beside him. He knew Sirius wasn't going to stand for this shit and he was really glad he wasn't going to be on the receiving end of his anger. "What would you know about it Malfoy? Is your dad now letting you in on Voldemort's plans or something?" Harry said.
They whole store suddenly went silent to watch, many people gasping when they had heard the Dark Lord's name. Both Harry and Malfoy didn't seem to notice this. Malfoy come closer to Harry. "I don't need to hear what the Dark Lord has planned to know that you won't last 'til the end of the year." People around gasped and Sirius started barking.
Malfoy took a step back from Harry and Sirius moved in between them. Malfoy laughed. "Oh look at that Potter. You have your own personal bodyguard. I'm so scared." He made this fake impression of being terribly frightened and the Slytherins that were their laughed.
Harry stayed as serious as possible. "You should be Malfoy. Padfoot will hurt you if your not careful." But Malfoy didn't listen. He just started laughing.
"Padfoot? Padfoot? What kind of a stupid name is that Potter?" Malfoy asked in between laughs.
Sirius barked louder. Harry didn't know if Sirius was going to be able to restrain himself much longer. Not with the way this conversation was going anyways. "It's a lot better then yours, that for sure." Harry replied.
Malfoy looked back at Harry in anger. "I'd watch it if I were you Potter. The Dark Lord is coming for you and Dumbledore won't be able to save you. You'll die just like your stupid, no good parents did. They deserved what they got. They were nothing more then slimly…" But Malfoy didn't get a chance to finish. Sirius leaped at him, barking loudly. Harry made no move to stop him. Anger was flowing through his veins as well and all he wanted to do was punch Malfoy's face in. But he didn't want to get in trouble, so he let Sirius deal with it.
"Help," Malfoy screamed out as Sirius started to bit and scratch. "He's going to kill me!!!" But no one made a move to help him, but the Slytherins. Everyone there thought he deserved it. He had no right to talk that way about Lily and James Potter. They were very well known and people loved them. They weren't going to let this boy get away from it unpunished.
The Slytherins tries as hard as they could to get the great black dog off of Malfoy, but to no avail. Sirius was just too big and heavy for them to do anything but sit back in shock. Finally Harry thought Malfoy had had enough and tried to call Sirius back and after a while finally managed.
Sirius was still growling fiercely at Malfoy, his snot drenched in blood. Malfoy had cuts all over his body ad his face was covered in it. With the help of the Slytherins Malfoy stood and faced Harry wide eye. "Don't think this is over Potter. That dog of yours won't last long. My father works for the Committee of the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. That dog of yours will not last long when father gets done with him.
He snickered and the Slytherins and he left. People were in shock for a few moments before people finally were able to get back to what they were doing. Harry looked down at Sirius and few ashamed that he had let this happen. Ya, sure Sirius wasn't actually a creature, but if the Committee found him, he be in serious trouble. Now he wasn't safe in either of his forms.
"Now what are you suppose to do?" Harry asked Sirius, who just looked at him. "You better hope Dumbledore can get you out of this."
At that very moment a man in about his mid-thirties came up to Harry. He was short with chocolate brown hair and eyes to match. His green robes swayed behind him slightly as he stepped forward.
"Hello Mr. Potter. My name is Ender Raedin. I'm part of the Committee of the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures." The man said politely.
At this Sirius put his head down in defeat and sat down ashamed beside Harry. Harry sighed. 'We're never going to get out of this.'
The man looked a little shocked. He knelt down next to Sirius and began to pet him. Sirius just moaned. "It's okay boy, I'm not going to do anything. Just wanted to make sure you were friendly and only doing what most dogs would do for their owners." Both Harry and Sirius looked and him puzzled.
"But sir," Harry began. "Aren't you going to take him away from me or something?"
The man stood and laughed. "Oh, no Mr. Potter, don't worry. I've seen this dog before. He was at your parents place. I came to one of their parties you see and I saw this dog running around having fun. I guess that you're his owner now and he did only what normal dogs do. He stood up for you and your parents, so there's really no harm done. I think that little brat deserved it anyways. "Harry laughed.
The man laughed and smiled. "I'll try to sort all this out with the Committee when they get word and if I'm having trouble I'll just go and talk to Dumbledore, so try not to worry about it, okay?"
Harry nodded. "Thanks you, sir."
"No problem Mr. Potter. Well have a nice day. See you later Padfoot." Sirius barked at the man and he was gone.
Harry sighed and lend against the counter. He looked down at Sirius. "You're very lucky you know." Sirius just smiled.
The lady from the counter came back accompany by another man who Harry guessed to be Mr. Blotts. "Mr. Potter, this is Mr. Blotts. I've told him about your little predicament." She said.
Harry just nodded. "Hello, Mr. Blotts."
Mr. Blotts smiled. "Hello Mr. Potter. And may I say that I'm very surprised that you need those books, but don't worry about it. Dumbledore owled me telling me that you'd be need that certain series and I believe we still have a copy of it in the back. Why don't I go get it while Cindery here worries about all your books there." He said cheerfully, eyeing all of Harry's books with amusement.
Harry smiled. "That'd be great."
"Okay then, I'll be right back." And Mr. Blotts hurried off into the back of the store.
Cindery smiled. "Well, now that that's taken care of, why don't we deal with these." Harry started handing her the books and she started calculating the total. When Mr. Blotts came back five minutes later with the books, which were covered in dust, they were still at it.
Mr. Blotts laughed. "You sure have a lot more books then the rest of the students form Hogwarts, hey Mr. Potter." Harry smiled at him.
"Yes, I do. I'm not exactly sure why though." Harry said, handing Cindery the last book. Finally after paying for his books, Harry walked out of Flourish and Blotts. He only had one back but Mr. Blotts had bewitched it so that it held as many books as Harry wanted and was feather light.
Harry then glanced down at his list to see if he had forgotten anything. He now had all of his new books (what a relief), his new robes (his were getting too small again), new potions ingredients, and some new quills and parchment. It seemed all he didn't have was a magical sword, which everyone was now required to have, but Sirius had told him not to worry about getting one because they had one for him already at Hogwarts.
It was then that Harry noticed that there was one more little note form Dumbledore at the bottom of his list. It was as though it had just appeared there cause he hadn't recalled seeing it there before. It read:
Harry,
I also would like you to bring a Phoenix to school with you if you can. It will become very useful to you this school year and it is important that you get one. I know that they are hard to find, but I have a feeling that it won't be too hard for you.
-Albus Dumbledore
Harry was surprised to say the least. At first he thought getting all those extra books was enough, but now Dumbledore also wanted him to get a phoenix. He was pretty sure he was the only one being asked this. The same goes for the extra books.
He shook his head and headed for the Magical Menagerie. He needed to go there anyways to pick up some owl treats for Hedwig. Might as well look there for a phoenix while he was at it, though he doubted he'd find one. He wondered what Uncle Vernon was going to say when he realized that Harry now had to have two birds in the hou…. That's when Harry remembered. Sirius had said he'd never have to go back there again. Was he right? Harry sure hoped so.
He entered the Magical Menagerie only to be greeted by gasps and stares followed by 'look, isn't that Harry Potter.' Others were staring at him weirdly trying to get a glance at his scar, which was currently buried under his bangs.
Harry sighed and walked through the store just looking around. They place was still cover from head to toe with cages with all sorts of creatures in them. Cats, snakes, rats, slugs, worms, snails, spiders (Ron would just love that). Almost any animal Harry could think of could be seen in here.
He stood by the owl treats and pick and a bag with medium sized treats for Hedwig, knowing that she hated some food, yet the big stuff was just way to big for her. He turned around form them when he heard something familiar followed by a scream.
"Aah, get away form me you crazy bird!!!" The man shouted as this huge scarlet Phoenix fought with him. Harry could tell easily who was winning.
"FLAME!!! STOP THAT, PLEASE!!!!! LEAVE THE POOR MAN ALONE!!!!' A store clerk called, trying her best to get the raging Phoenix away form the old man. Finally Flame listened and flew back to her perch.
The store clerk sighed. "I'm so very sorry sir. Flame hasn't ever trusted anyone. The only person I've ever seen her get along with was Albus Dumbledore. He was the one that brought her here you see." She explained to the poor old man.
"That's alright, dear. Animals have never ever really like me much anyways. Excepted my cat that is." He answered then went on his way.
"What exactly is wrong with her?" Harry asked coming to stand beside the store clerk and stared at Flame. Flame stared back with equal interest. She looked so familiar. 'Well of course she is stupid. She must remain you of Fawkes,' He thought. That was right though. Flame did remain him of Fawkes but there was something else there too. Something he couldn't quite put his finger on.
The store clerk jumped slightly when she realized who was talking to her, but answered his question, "Well, I don't really know. Dumbledore didn't exactly say much about her other then that she needed a good home and that she wouldn't leave with anyone she didn't trust. Frankly I don't know why she acts that way. Many fine people have come in here asking about her, but she hasn't trusted anyone of the. It's almost like she waiting for someone or something."
Harry nodded and continued to stare at Flame. He had a huge urge to reach out and touch her, but didn't think he should. She wasn't a trusting phoenix after all, like Fawkes was and Fawkes was the only phoenix Harry had ever had experience with. He had a feeling though that she wouldn't hurt him, but how could he be sure.
Flame continued to watch him and waited. For what Harry didn't now. He watched her curiously. Flame sang out a note and something inside of him felt funny. He had had this feeing before, he knew, but he couldn't remember where.
It happened in slow motion for Harry and everyone present in the store. Harry slow reached out towards Flame as though something inside of him told him to do so. He faintly heard almost everyone in the shop suck in a breath and his hand came in contact with Flame's gleaming scarlet feathers. But nothing happened. Flame seemed to rather be enjoying herself and sang out a note as Harry continued to pet her.
Then, suddenly, Flame spread out her huge scarlet wings and flew from her perch to Harry's shoulder. She rubbed her head against Harry's affectionately. Everyone around the store stared at Harry in amassment. The store clerk had her mouth wide open as she watched.
"Well," she began. "It seems Mr. Potter that you were the one she was waiting for. She really seems to trust you." The store clerk answered, still opened mouthed.
Harry turned to her. "How long as Flame been here?" He asked, still stroking Flame.
"Ummm… I'm not sure. I must have been, what eleven when Dumbledore brought her here so that would make it…. 14 years. No ones ever been able to get near her without getting attacked. You're the first Mr. Potter, well, besides Dumbledore that is."
Harry stared back up at Flame and made up his mind. "I'll buy her. I don't think she would really want to stay here any longer anyways." Harry replied as Flame sang out again, realizing that Harry was going to buy her.
A huge smile spread across the store clerks face. "Alright then, follow me."
Harry followed her up to the counter where he waited while she ran around the store getting things Harry would need to be able to take care a Flame. So Harry waited with Flame on his shoulder. He stroked her absently as he looked out the window and watched the crowded street. He could see Sirius standing guard outside the shop, as he really didn't want to go into a store with a bunch of other animals. They would know he wasn't an animal and make sure a fuss. It was then that Harry realized that there was someone out in the street who was staring right at him.
Harry stiffened and he could faintly hear barking. This wasn't good. He didn't like this. The man or woman was cloaked and their face was cover so Harry couldn't see who it was, but he didn't need to see to know what it was. It was a Death Eater.
"Here we are Mr. Potter. That will be 50 gallons." The store clerk said, putting everything into bags for him.
Harry reached into his moneybag a retrieved 50 gallons as fast as he could. He wanted to get out of there and head for Hogwarts as soon as possible.
She handed him all of his things and gave him Flame's perch for free. Harry walked out of the store carrying all his things with Flame on his shoulder. The Death Eater was still staring at him.
Sirius came up to him and started barking. Harry knew very well that Sirius could smell the Death Eater. "I know Snuffles. I think we better get out of here." They started heading back to the Leaky Cauldron, but the Death Eater was now following them.
Harry gazed back and started to panic. 'Great now what are we going to do?' He asked himself. Harry turned to Sirius. "Snuffles run ahead. Go into the Leaky Cauldron and grab my stuff. I'll meet you there." Sirius seemed hesitant, but ran off towards the Leaky Cauldron.
When Harry looked back again, the Death Eater was still there, coming closer. He started to run as the Death Eater pulled out their wand. "Avada Kedavra!" Harry heard from behind him and ducked out of the way. He felt the curse whiz passed him, just barley missing.
People started screaming and running away in fear. Harry pulled his own wand out and started running as fast as he could towards the Leaky Cauldron again. Flame had long since left his shoulder and now flew beside him.
"Avada Kedavra!!!" Harry dove out of the way again and quickly turned to face the Death Eater. "Stupefy!!!" Harry yelled, then turned and started running again, not waiting to see if the curse had hit it's mark or not.
Harry ran into the Leaky Cauldron to see that Sirius had gotten his trunk and broom and was now barking madly with Harry's invisibility cloak at his feet. Harry got to him quickly, bewitched hit trunk to be feather light, and grabbed his cloak.
Before he could throw it on, he heard it again. 'Avada Kedavra!!!" Harry dodged it again and turned to face the Death Eater.
"You can't get away that easily Potter." Come the harsh voice. Harry finally realized who it was under the cloak.
"Having fun, aren't we Malfoy. Well I'm sorry but play time's over." Harry answered, wondering where this burst of courage had come from.
"Your right Potter, it is. The Dark Lord is waiting for you." Malfoy drawled.
Harry held up his wand. "Well, you can tell Voldemort that if he wants me, he will just have to come get me himself. Expelliarmus!!!" Harry yelled.
Malfoy was ready for it, so it blocked it, but he wasn't prepared for Flame. Flame dived in and burnt Malfoy's cloak. Malfoy screamed. 'Now's your chance Harry.' "Stupefy!!!"
The curse hit it's mark and sent Malfoy flying back hard into a wall. Harry cringed as he heard bones crack form the impact. Everyone in the Leaky Cauldron was all silent and scared.
Sirius barked at him and Flame landed on Harry's shoulder again, after having burnt up parts of Malfoy's body. Harry knew that they didn't have much time so without another word he put the cloak on and He; Sirius, Flame and Harry's trunk all disappeared from view.
Later that evening, Professor Dumbledore stood in the Entrance Hall waiting patiently with Professor McGonagall and a few others. McGonagall paced back and forth while the three others fidgeted nervously. Dumbledore was the all one who appeared to be calm but inside he too was worried.
Finally Dumbledore sighed. "Minerva, I'm sure their fine." He said to her calmly.
McGonagall stopped and started at him. "They should have been here a long time ago, Albus. What if something has happened to them?" She said worryingly, staring out at the open doors.
"They are fine, Minerva. Trust me. They'll be here soon." Dumbledore answered, his eyes sparkling behind his half-moon glasses.
McGonagall nodded and took her place beside Dumbledore, regaining her composure. "I'm sorry Albus, It's just if anything happens to Harry…"
"I know Minerva, but Sirius will get him here safely. Don't worry," He answered, giving her a reassuring glance.
"What exactly are you planning on telling him, Albus?" Abigail asked, her long brown hair swaying in the breeze, which filtered in through the open doors.
"Only what he is ready to hear." He said simply.
"Well let's hope he doesn't find out on his own then." Donavan said.
"Donavan, how can he find out? He'll only find out if we tell him." The last one said.
Donavan looked at him and shook his head. "Did you not hear about everything that has happened to Harry over the last four years here at Hogwarts? You're talking about the boy who, along with his friends, found out about the Philosopher's stone, and saved it. The boy who found his way into the Chamber of Secrets, and saved the whole school from a Basilisk. The boy who found out all about Sirius Black and found out that he was innocent. And then of course, do I really need to remind you of what happened to him last year. You think he won't find out? Ethan, I knew you were crazy, but I didn't think you were stupid."
Abigail sighed. "Please stop bickering. You're both giving me a headache." She said rubbing her temples softly.
That when Dumbledore saw it. There was a small figure moving towards the castle at a great speed. It just appeared out of thin air. As it got closer, Dumbledore could make out the two forms of Sirius Black and Harry Potter. There was a beautiful scarlet phoenix flying right beside them as they came clearer into view.
They got to the front door and dismounted. They both looked worst for wear. Harry looked like he had been through a big fight and Sirius; well, looked worst then usual. Dumbledore smiled down at them.
"Ah, Harry. I'm glad you and Sirius made it here alright." Dumbledore said, slowly descending the stairs.
Harry looked up at him and smiled. "I'm glad we did too Professor," He replied.
"Please, Harry. When were not in school you can cal me Albus." Dumbledore smiled.
At that moment, Flame let out a few notes and soared across the room to land on Dumbledore's shoulder. Dumbledore looked up at her and smiled.
"Ah, Flame. I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever see you again. Though I should have known Harry here would be the one to finally buy you." Dumbledore said, reaching up to stroke Flame.
Harry smiled. "The store keeper told me that Flame didn't seem to trust anyone, but I can't tell you how much of a shock that poor woman got when Flame flew onto my shoulder. I thought she would just die of shock."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes, phoenixes don't trust people easily. They're sort of like wands in a sense. The chose their owners just like wands do. I knew that when I brought Flame there that she wouldn't leave with just anyone. I'm very glad that she has chosen you, Harry." He looked down at Harry, his eyes twinkling.
"Why were you both so late in getting here? You should have gotten here hours ago." McGonagall asked, coming down the stairs.
Both Harry and Sirius sighed at this. Dumbledore noticed and turned to McGonagall. "I think perhaps it's best that we leave that for later Minerva. They are obviously very tried and hungry and I'm sure one of them will be more then willing to tell us about it later." He said. Both Harry and Sirius gave him a look of gratitude while McGonagall juts sort of huffed.
Dumbledore sighed. "Well, before we go to diner, Harry, I'd like to introduce to you three important people who will be helping me keep Hogwarts as safe as possible. Abigail Kovac, Donavan Gallagher, and Ethan Deveraux." He said, gesturing to each as their name was said.
The first thing that Harry noticed about them was that they were all wearing blue and black robes with the golden phoenix emblem on them, just like that man in his dream with Voldemort. The next thing was that they all seemed to be watching his every move as though fascinated with him. He just brushed it off thinking that they must be stunned to finally meet the famous Harry Potter. If only he knew how wrong he was.
"Nice to meet you," Harry answered to them as Flame left Dumbledore's shoulder and flew back to his.
Dumbledore smiled. "Now I think its time for dinner." He said, turning around and heading back up the stairs towards the Great Hall. Everyone soon followed.
Harry entered the Great Hall and saw that they had all of the house tables pushed back against the sidewalls and that the teacher's table was now stationed in the middle of the Hall. Harry sighed to himself as the all took their seats. 'It's good to be home,' he thought.
Long after diner, once Harry had gotten himself set up in Gryffindor tower, Sirius headed off towards Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore had asked to speak with him about the events that had caused them to arrive so late, but Sirius had other things on his mind that he wanted to talk to Dumbledore about. The Dursleys were the most promote one. Another was of course the matter with all of Harry's new course. He knew what Hermione had gone through in her third year and with al the courses Harry was going to be taking this year, it would be so much harder on him now then it was on her then.
He reached the stone gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office and sighed. He didn't know the password. 'Great,' He thought.
"Ummm…. Faber gagsters, Chocolate frogs, Sherbet Lemon, Cherry cluster," He started naming every sweet he could think of. Dumbledore sure did love he's sweets. Finally he named all the sweets he could think of and felt like punch that fucking stone piece of shit. "Will you just move he big hunk of stone!!!" the gargoyle raised an eyebrow to this and stuck its stone tongue out at Sirius.
Sirius kicked it in frustration. "Damit! Now what?" He stood there for a moment trying to think of any more sweets that the password could possible be. He remember Remus telling him about this very tasty Muggle one, now what was it… "Sour patch kids." The gargoyle sprang to life and Sirius sighed. 'Figures,' He thought. He hoped onto the moving staircase and waited 'til he reached the oak door. He knock and heard Dumbledore say, "Come in, Sirius." Sirius opened the door only to be greeted by an amused look on Dumbledore's face and one of his friends laughing in his face.
"Oh, Sirius. That was classic. Albus was beginning to wonder if he should just go let you in." The cloaked figure laughed.
Sirius scowled. "You think it's funny. I've had a bad enough day as it is, I didn't need to stand out there for half an hour playing that stupid game with that lump of stone." This only earned him more laughter.
Sirius sat down in a chair in front of Dumbledore's desk and sighed. "Fine. Laugh all you want. Just wait until that happens to you."
The cloaked figure shook his head. "It won't happen any time soon. I'm stuck in this office remember and I know what the password is if Dumbledore wasn't to change it. Which means if I actually do go out, I can still get back in."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled behind his glasses. "I think that's enough of that for now. We do have more important things to discuss."
Sirius scowled. "Yeah, like those excuse for relatives that Harry has."
The cloaked figure's face filled with anger. "What have the done now?"
Sirius sighed. "It's a long story, but to cut it short, I went to pick up Harry only to find that the Dursleys denied he was there and when I finally did find him, he looked as if he's had better days. Those fucking Dursleys. The beat him. That Uncle of his did it right in front of me too. I think he forgot I was in the room."
Both Dumbledore and the cloaked figure grew serious at hearing this. "Would you please tell us everything that happened Sirius? And don't leave anything out." Dumbledore said, the twinkle long lost from his eyes.
Sirius sighed. "I got there and Harry's Uncle answered the door. After telling them politely that I'd be taking Harry and asked where he was they said he wasn't there. I had then asked where he was and that was when I hear pounding from upstairs. Harry's voice trailed down the stairwell." The Cloaked Figure rolled his eyes.
"Let me guess, you decided to kill them all right there?"
Sirius grinned. "Well, I didn't kill them, I sort of just shock them up a bit. Anyways. When I finally got upstairs, Harry's door was bolted shut with about fifty different locks and he had a little panel on the door for what I guess was used to get him food, though I don't think the fed him much. He was a mess Albus. He was covered in dried blood and cuts of every different shapes and sizes." Sirius felt like punching something.
Dumbledore sighed. 'Then you were attacked by a Death Eater, I'm I correct?"
Sirius nodded. "I got rid of the Death Eater just as Harry's Uncle came into the room. They man looked like he had blown a fuse. He started screaming at Harry, telling him that it was his fault and started to kick and punch him. Harry was throwing up blood by the time I stopped him." Sirius then reached into his robes and pulled out turtle Vernon. "And I've brought that filthy man back here with me." He said placing Vernon on Dumbledore's desk.
The Cloaked figure started at Vernon like he wanted to kill him and in truth he did. Harry was a wonderful kid. Why would anyone want to do such a thing to him, to anyone for that matter? If only looks could kill, Vernon would have been dead long ago.
Dumbledore stared at the turtle and sighed. "I really don't want to know, but how much did this man hurt Harry, before, I mean?"
Sirius sighed. "Harry said they've been hurting him since the beginning of the summer. As soon as they got your letter, the beatings came. He says that they have been blaming the whole think that happened on him and telling him that he deserves to be dead. Harry was almost broken down when I got to him Albus. He believes every word they said now and he has so many marks on his body that I don't think there's one patch on skin on him that hasn't been injured."
Dumbledore's eyes were grave. "Did Harry tell you this willingly?"
Sirius sighed. "I don't think he did. He wouldn't tell me at first but then he got himself all upset and everything just sort of spilled out, though I don't think he meant to say them. But I could tell he knew I would be relaying some of it too you and as long as none of it leaves this room, he'll be fine."
Dumbledore nodded. The cloaked figure sighed and whipped his eyes. "He'll have to have a trial, won't he Albus?" The cloaked figure said.
Dumbledore nodded again. "We'll have to talk to Harry about that first before we decide anything." He sighed. "Now there's another matter we must get too. What happened to you and Harry after you left the Dursleys?"
Sirius sighed and lend back into his chair. " Nothing major happened until we reached London. By then, Death Eaters were hot on our trail. We had a run in with a few just a few blocks away from the Leaky Cauldron. They put Harry and I under the Cruciatus curse, but I was able to shake it off long enough to attack. We then stayed at the Leaky Cauldron for the night. Today started out okay. Harry and I went around Diagon Alley collecting his schools supplies. We had a little trouble in Flourish and Blotts but I really don't feel like getting into that," The Cloaked figure snorted, imagining what Sirius could do in that bookstore. "We then went to get his phoenix,' Dumbledore met his eyes. "I could smell that there was a Death Eater near by and I was right. Harry and I struggled to get back to the Leaky Cauldron and finally did. Harry must have dodged the killing curse about five times or so and we finally found out that the Death Eater was Malfoy. What surprised me the most was how Harry talked and fought Malfoy. He talked back to him with a kind of courage that I've never seen in a fourteen, almost fifteen-year-old boy. And the amount of power that was in his curse. It sent Malfoy flying and I think he broke a few ribs while he was at it. After that we came straight here."
Dumbledore nodded, deep in thought. "It seems that Harry's powers are getting stronger sooner then we thought."
Sirius smiled. "Just like good old James." The Cloaked figure smiled too, remembering.
Dumbledore sighed. "Well, there's not much more we can do able his powers right now."
The cloaked figure shot his head up. "What about Flame though?" Sirius also looked up at their ex-headmaster, waiting for Dumbledore to answer.
Dumbledore sighed. "Flame had always been destined for Harry. You both know that as well as I do. I know that his past history with Flame my not be a happy one, but I will have to tell him all about it. That includes Cyrie and Fawkes."
Both Sirius and the cloaked figure nodded. They didn't really want to talk too much about that. It was a sore subject for all of them. Especially because of James.
Dumbledore sighed. "I believe that's all we need to discuss, unless there is anything else, Sirius?"
Sirius lend forward, resting his arms against his knees. "There's just one more thing." He said.
Dumbledore nodded and Sirius continued. "When we were in Diagon Alley I noticed that you asked Harry to buy extra books for special courses, but with all the books you ask him to get, I feel that maybe it might be too much for him. He'll be taking more courses then Hermione did in her third year, and she had to use a time-turner to get to all of them. She was also worn out a lot from what Harry and Ron have told me and with what Harry has to face through this year, He might just be too worn out to do it."
Dumbledore nodded. "Minerva voiced the same concerns to me when we sat down to go through the course schedules. Don't worry about it Sirius. To make up from all the extra courses, some of the normal course Harry is taking will end earlier. He will be learn more advanced things in his special lessons anyways, so he won't fall behind everyone else. Quite the contrary. I think he will be ahead of them a great deal. He will even find the courses a lot easier and I won't be surprised if he scores higher marks the Ms. Granger."
Sirius chuckled. "Hermione won't like that. And Harry won't be able to explain it to her either. To bad I can't warn him about it."
The cloaked figure laughed. "Oh, poor Harry. I've seen Hermione, well, of what you guys have shown me of her and I hope Harry comes out of that alive."
Sirius smiled. "Oh he will. Even if I have to chain Hermione to the girls dormitory to do it."
Dumbledore smiled. "Well that's settled. Anything else?"
Neither of them moved. Dumbledore smiled at them. "Right then. I have to go have a short talk with Harry. I'll have a house elf bring you some food," he gestured to the cloaked figure, who just nodded. "Sirius, Why don't you go help McGonagall set up a room for Remus and Mr. And Mrs. Weasley."
Sirius nodded and left. The cloaked figure turned to Dumbledore. "Albus, when am I going to be able to meet Harry?"
Dumbledore sighed. "I don't know. Not for a while yet I'm afraid. Harry's been through a lot and getting use to you will be too hard on him at the moment."
The cloaked figure nodded sadly and looked down at the floor. Dumbledore put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You also need time still to adjust to everything. If something happened to you, you could end up right back where you were a few weeks ago." The Cloaked figure just nodded. Dumbledore smiled and made his way out of the office leaving the Cloaked man behind to ponder on his own sad thoughts.
Harry sat quietly by the window in the boys' dormitory with Flame perched on the windowsill in from of him. He noticed that her colours shone more brightly in the moonlight then they did in the daylight.
He sighed and lend back against the wall. So many things had happened n such a short amount of time and it had all started with that dream Harry had had. Harry shivered as he remembered the dream that started it all. The dream with Voldemort.
Harry had a feeling that Voldemort had finally found a way to get to him. The way those Death Eaters had been chanting couldn't have been good. And Voldemort had seen him, talked to him. Maybe it was an ancient spell Voldemort was using or something like that.
And what about these people with the golden phoenix emblem on their robes. Why had been seemed so interested with him? Who were they trying to protect? What did they have to do with anything that evolves Voldemort?
"Harry?" Harry turned to face the door only to see Professor Dumbledore. Harry was a little surprised at first. In al his years at Hogwarts he had never once seen Dumbledore inside Gryffindor Tower. They Harry realized that Dumbledore seemed to fit here. More then he would in any of the other houses. He must have been a Gryffindor.
"Prof…I mean, Albus, what are you doing here?" 'Stupid question,' Harry thought. 'He's the Headmaster. He can be here if he wants too.'
Dumbledore smiled. "I just came to check on you Harry, and to talk to you." He said, as he sat down on the edge of Harry's bed.
Harry sighed. "I'm guessing you wanted to talk with me about my dream"
"Well, yes. But I also came to talk to you about Flame there." He gestured towards the phoenix. Harry sat confused for a moment.
"Why Flame?" He asked.
Dumbledore sighed. "There are things about Flame Harry that you need to know. One of which is why I had brought her to the Magical Menagerie, but first let's talk about that dream of yours. Tell me what happened exactly as you remember it."
Harry nodded. "Well, I was in my room. Just thinking mostly. I noticed I had dropped my Transfiguration book and dropped it. I went to pick it up but then I hear something. It sounded like someone screaming in pain. It was soft at first, but then it got louder. My scar started to hurt and the next thing I knew one side of my room just exploded. Voldemort walked through the hole and looked at me. When our eyes meet, the scene of my bedroom vanished and we were in a dark forest now. Death Eaters who were chanting something I couldn't make out under their breath had surrounded me. Voldemort then said 'Nice of you to join us, Potter.' I then noticed that he was torturing this poor man. He lifted the curse and the man stood. He had a golden phoenix emblem pined to his robes like the people your introduced me to earlier. He seemed afraid when he saw me. I don't know why though. Voldemort then began to ask him questions. He wanted to know. What was it know, he wanted to know… 'Who is the one that the Order protects?' The man still refused to answer, so Voldemort killed him." Harry looked down. He didn't really enjoy watching Voldemort kill people or torture them, but he was always forced to watch, never able to intervene.
Dumbledore sat in thought for a moment, scratching his bread as he thought. Harry watched him, and then voiced the question he had been dying to ask. "Sir, is Voldemort able to get to me now?"
Dumbledore sighed. "I think, Harry, that Voldemort has found away to get to you. I think he achieved this by means of the bond you two share from the curse that failed."
Harry let this sink in before speaking again. "You mean instead of me just seeing what happens, Voldemort can acutely bring me there, in a physical sense."
"Yes, Harry. But only through your dreams, like they did before. But also, since he did not harm you last time, we have no way of knowing if he can harm you or not."
Harry nodded again, starting to understand what he meant. Then something else started to bother him. "Sir, the three people you introduced me too earlier, they have the same emblem on their robes that the man in my dream had. What does it mean?"
"There are many things about that emblem that I'm not allowed to discuss with you at this time Harry. However, I can say that the emblem represents people who are part of an Order called 'The Order of the Phoenix'. One of the Orders main jobs at the moment is to defeat Voldemort."
"But Voldemort's after them. He's trying to discover who they protect, who ever that may be, and try to hurt them."
Dumbledore nodded, "Yes, but don't worry too much about that. The Order will take care of it."
Harry sighed and turned his gaze to Flame. Dumbledore did the same. "What is it about Flame that you wanted me to hear, sir?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore sighed. "I need to tell you about her past, Harry. Though it will be hard for me to do so."
Harry looked at him confused. "Why?"
Dumbledore sighed. "Because Flames mother, Harry, was a phoenix named Cyrie. Her owner was your father, James Potter."
Harry's eyes opened wide. "What?"
Dumbledore smiled. "But what ever happened to Cyrie?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore's face became grave. "She was killed, by Voldemort."
Harry sagged back as the wall. 'Figures,' He thought to himself. Voldemort killed everyone it seemed. It was only a matter of time before someone else he knew died.
"Why?" Harry asked, not sure if he acutely wanted to know.
"Phoenixes protect their owners and families Harry. As long as Cyrie was alive, Voldemort couldn't get anywhere near James, you or Lily. So, he had her killed. That's why you and your parents had to go under the Fidleus charm. It was the only other way we could think of to protect your family. But you know how that turned out."
Harry nodded. Dumbledore continued. "Flame was still too young at the time too be able to protect you and she wasn't ready to have an owner, but we had known right away that her owner would be you, Harry."
Harry met his gaze. "How?"
"Phoenixes births are very rare, Harry. Before Cyrie, Harry, the last-born phoenix had been Fawkes. When Phoenixes are born, they sort are shown a picture from the future of the ones their destined to protect. The phoenix can chose to share this knowledge with someone and that's what Flame did. What we say was a version of the future you, which is what you look like now."
"So you mean when Cyrie was born she was shown a picture of my father. The same goes for Fawkes. He was shown a picture of you." Harry said, piecing things together.
"Well, with Fawkes it was a little different. Fawkes is a very old phoenix Harry. He was first owner by Godric Gryffindor. Then when Godric died, he sort of just flew around the Earth, waiting. You see Harry, phoenixes can live forever, if their not killed. When Godric died, Fawkes was shown a new picture of a future owner. Me."
Harry nodded. "So if Cyrie had lived, but my father had still died, she would have been shown a new picture of a future owner?"
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes Harry." He sighed. "But there is more I must tell you. When Cyrie was killed, I knew Voldemort would go after Flame. So I hid her. There are still a few phoenixes left in the world besides Fawkes and Flame so I knew if I brought her to a shop and told the shop keep not to say where she was from that it would be okay. And it was. Voldemort never found Flame. And now she's old enough to be able to do the job she was meant for. To protect you."
Harry nodded as Flame flew into his lap. He looked down at her and her gaze told him that she would do her job, though he didn't quite know how he felt about being protected by a phoenix.
Dumbledore smiled. "I'd also like to point something out to you Harry." Harry looked up at him. "Fawkes is Flame's father."
"What?" Harry exclaimed. Flame sang out at the sound of her father's name being said. She knew, Harry noticed.
Dumbledore smile grew. Harry sighed. "So what now?" Harry asked, looking at Dumbledore once more.
Dumbledore sighed. "Now, Harry, we will try our best to protect you and defeat Voldemort. But first, I suggest you get some rest. You and Sirius have had a hard few days." And with that, he stood and headed for the door. But then he paused for a moment. He turned back to Harry; who was watching him.
"It's my understanding that you will be needing a magical sword this year for Defence Against the Dark Arts, I'm I correct?" Harry nodded and Dumbledore smiled. "Then here." He pulled a sword out of thin air and handed it to Harry.
Harry grabbed it by the hilt and held it closer. He recognized it immediately. It was the sword he pulled out of the sorting hat in his second year. Godric Gryffindor's sword. Harry looked back up at Dumbledore, puzzled.
"Harry, your magical sword is suppose to be loyal to you and you alone. You should have a sort of bond with it. Godric's sword, Harry, is loyal to you and you're familiar with it. It would only make sense that you use it.' Dumbledore said.
Harry looked back down at the sword. "Thank you, sir."
Dumbledore smiled and said, "Good night, Harry.' With that, he was gone.
Harry walked over to his bed and sat down, still holding the sword. Sirius had said that he would be getting a magical sword at Hogwarts, be he hadn't expected this. This sword had once belonged to Godric Gryffindor and Dumbledore had trusted him enough to give it to him.
He shook his head and laid the sword down in his trunk. It had been a long day and all he wanted to do was sleep. So he quickly changed into his pyjamas and climbed into bed. As soon as his head hit the pillow he was asleep and Flame silently kept watch.
AN: You know the drill. Please review so that I now my story doesn't suck!!! Thanks!!!