A/N: Chapter 23 as
promised. It's just over 9000 words, but it ends OotP (hallelujah).
I'm not entirely pleased with the chapter (not that I ever am). The action scenes were difficult to write,
but after giving it a once over, it's not as bad as I thought (this
chapter, like the previous, has only been looked one time so expect
some errors – tried to correct the obvious).
There's something else I wanted to say, but I can't remember what it was. Ah yes: I have no idea where the scene with the Sorting Hat came from...it just happened.
Well...Fanfiction seems to be having problems with this chapter. I'll try reposting the chapter and hoping for the best.
Without further ado: Enjoy!
Chapter 23: The Second War Begins
If Umbridge had been hoping that things would calm down after the twins left, she was wrong. Now, in addition to the seeming ever-present poltergeist, about half the population of Hogwarts was vying for the title left vacant by Fred and George: Troublemakers-in-Chief. Harry and Ginny made good use of the products the twins had left, but for the most part concentrated on their studies. It was safer that way.
While the professors were piling on the homework for O.W.L.s, Hermione's study habits (and consequently their study habits) had risen to new, unparalleled levels. Harry had never missed Quidditch as much as he did now. As Ginny and Ron were both at practice three times a week (Angelina was running the team ragged), he spent a great deal of time in the library with Hermione. Hermione was great, but if she made him recite another potion recipe he might have to kill her.
Harry could not figure out how Ron was doing it though. Not only was he on the Quidditch team, however dismally he played, but he was also still helping Hermione with her potion. Hermione also still refused to allow him to skive off any of his animagus training sessions. He was making progress, but it was still slow. Luckily, Quidditch was over. Gryffindor had won the Cup, but barely. If Ginny had not been on the team with her Firebolt, Harry thought it would have turned out differently. Especially since their beaters were horrible and Ron had only showed his potential during the last match.
Harry sighed and pushed back from the table at the thought of the match he did not get to watch.
Why? Why did Hagrid have to bring his brother with him? he asked rhetorically to Ginny. Hagrid had shown him and Hermione Grawp during the match when everyone had been preoccupied. Hagrid was worried that Umbridge was going to fire him; he seemed resigned to that fact, but wanted someone to take care of Grawp.
You mean his little brother? Ginny replied sarcastically. He's Hagrid! What else do you expect? He means well and you never know, maybe Grawp will learn to be good.
…
Okay, maybe not, Ginny conceded.
The weekend before O.W.L.s started Hermione convinced them to quiz each other. With O.W.L.s started the next day Hermione had become frantic and had even allowed Ron the time off from animagus training to focus on his studies (Ron used the time for sleeping and eating).
The study session did not go well. The only positive aspect was that they had chosen to do it in the Room of Requirement rather than the common room. After they had quizzed Hermione in Charms, she only missed two questions, she had questioned Ginny and then Harry. When neither of them missed a question, Hermione had grown infuriated, "ARE YOU TWO SHARING ANSWERS?"
Harry and Ginny had looked at each other. Harry answered, "Hard not to."
"OH! This is SO UNFAIR! Well since you two don't need to study - RON! Let's go to the library." Ron had cast a terrified look over his shoulder as he trudged past them to follow Hermione.
Ginny and Harry waited in the silence before Ginny said, "I really could have used a review of Ancient Runes."
Harry nodded and then contributed, "Astronomy and Herbology too."
"We could study Herbology with Neville," suggested Ginny. They immediately left the room to search for Neville.
Besides the nerves, O.W.L.s turned out to be fairly simple. Although, Harry had to admit the toughest for him were still ahead (Astronomy and Ancient Runes). Herbology, after studying an afternoon with Neville, went smoother than he expected and he was confident he had passed it. Potions had gone remarkably well. It helped not to have Snape looking over his shoulder.
It was obvious that Hermione was still a little miffed about their ability to share answers (not that it helped on the practical) when she had caught Ginny asking him if he was sure about one of the questions on the written portion of the Transfiguration exam.
Astronomy…well I've got the moon's position, remarked Harry as he scratched it on the parchment.
It's hard to miss, noted Ginny. I've got Mars…
Harry had just finished writing Mars' position when movement on the grounds below caught his attention. Several people were advancing on Hagrid's hut. He only recognized one of them - the toad-like woman in the rear of the group.
This can't be good… Harry's hand unconsciously dipped to his wand and he fingered it as he watched them knock on Hagrid's door.
"Calm down!" Wheezed the old man who had given Harry extra points on his DADA exam for producing a corporeal patronus. Harry watched horrified as spell after spell was fired at Hagrid. Luckily, the spells did not seem to be having much of an effect on the half-giant, aside from making him very angry.
Harry had never seen Hagrid angry and he never wanted to again. When one of the Aurors stunned Fang, Hagrid had grabbed him and thrown the man a good twenty feet. He had not got up.
"That is ENOUGH! How dare you!" came a Scottish accented voice. Harry breathed a sigh of relief. McGonagall would put a stop to this.
When four stunners hit her in the chest, Harry was not the only one who cried out.
"YOU!" came Hagrid's booming voice, without any of its usual cheer and innocence. It was the only word he said as he grabbed the closest two offending wizards and then brought them together, hard. Umbridge was still standing, firing spells at the half-giant, but Hagrid paid no attention as he bent down. He first checked on McGonagall, evidently making sure she was still breathing, and then picked up Fang, slinging the unconscious dog around his neck before jogging off.
The resulting uproar did not end until well into the next morning. Harry did not get to bed until four that morning and slept until lunch. History of Magic was that afternoon and it was his last exam.
Harry leaned back in his chair. He had been done with his History of Magic essays (or at least the four of the five that he knew) now for ten minutes. He looked over towards Ginny. She was already asleep. He was getting drowsy as well and was thankful he did not have to stay awake; Ginny had a knack for remembering Goblin names – she said that they were funny. Allowing his eyes to close, Harry quickly fell asleep.
Voldemort was more than angry, he was infuriated. The entire year he had been trying to get the prophecy and nothing had worked. For the past month he had had his most intelligent Death Eaters trying to find a way to remove the prophecy without him or Potter physically doing it and they had produced nothing!
Voldemort looked around, but saw nothing. He was fuming. "Lucius!" he called out.
"Ye-yes, my lord," said the man to Voldemort's right.
"Do you have anything to report?"
He could see Lucius' eyes dart side-to-side in panic through the mask's eyeholes, "No, my lord." The man now seemed resigned to being tortured. "No one can remove the prophecy. Rockwood says that the shelves are heavily charmed."
Voldemort smiled maliciously, "Then bring me the entire shelf!" It was not a yell, but every Death Eater heard the command.
"Aaagh," Harry woke with a start, both of his hands clutching his scar.
Ginny was next to him in a flash, her eyes blinking the sleep out of them. The old examiner, Tofty, hobbled over to him, "Are you all right, my boy?"
"I just need some air," Harry choked out.
"I'll take him outside," volunteered Ginny.
"Are you sure? You can't come back in if you leave. You still have some time to double-check your answers," he asked kindly
"It's alright – we're both done," said Ginny as she led Harry out the doors.
Voldemort? she asked.
Yeah, he's going after the prophecy – they're going to take the entire shelf to him, explained Harry.
Is that possible?
I don't know…maybe Hermione –
"Harry! Mate, are you all right?" asked Ron as he and Hermione emerged through the doors.
"Let's talk somewhere else," Ginny said.
They were soon outside in the sun under a tree with the lake visible in the distance.
"What happened?" asked Hermione.
"Death Eaters are going to the Ministry to steal…er…something," Harry finished lamely. He had not told Ron or Hermione about the prophecy.
"Something?" asked a suspicious Hermione. Both he and Ginny silently groaned; Hermione could be very tenacious.
"Harry! Is everything all right?" asked Neville jogging up to them.
Harry did not answer in his frustration, but said to no one in particular, "Who do I tell? I can't tell Snape – there's no one…"
"What's the matter, Potter? Does your head hurt?" drawled Malfoy, strutting toward the five of them.
The Slytherin never even took two steps. A strange, neon blue light struck him and he immediately fell to the ground…sleeping. The five Gryffindors gawked at the sight and then looked for the spell's caster.
Luna Lovegood walked serenely toward them. She stuck her wand in her hair and smiled dreamily at them.
"Luna, did you…" began Ginny.
"Did you hex Malfoy?" asked Ron with an awed tone.
Luna looked down at Malfoy, who was now snoring, "No, Ronald. I did not hex him."
"What did you do?" asked Hermione.
"I cursed him," replied Luna flatly.
Harry gave both Luna and Neville a calculating look. Ginny, explain it to them – I'm going to Grimmauld Place!
Harry transformed and less than a second later disappeared in a ball of fire.
"Did Harry just…" Neville said and then shook his head. Seeing that Harry was still gone, he started again, "Did Harry just turn into a phoenix?"
"Yes, and you need to keep it a secret!" answered Ginny.
Harry flamed into Grimmauld Place and gave a loud trill before changing into himself, "SIRIUS! REMUS! ANYONE!" he yelled.
The house was eerily silent.
The silence was broken by a small pop that announced Kreacher's arrival. Harry stared at the house elf suspiciously. He had never actually seen Kreacher ever do magic. "Kreacher where's Sirius?"
Kreacher frowned, "Master is not here."
"Where is he?" asked Harry annoyed. He looked around the living room and felt another of his hopes fade. On the coffee table was Sirius' mirror.
"Not here," replied Kreacher with a mutinous tone.
"Tell me where he is!" commanded Harry, though he was surprised by even the marginally civil tone Kreacher was using.
"Master is not here. Kreacher does not know where Master is. Master left with the werewolf," Harry blinked in surprise. He had not expected Kreacher to actually tell him anything.
"Is there anyone else here?" asked Harry with little hope.
Kreacher shook his head side-to-side making his ears flop.
"Thanks," Harry said before rapidly transforming and flaming to the next location where Order members might be: the Burrow.
He knew immediately that there was no one at the Burrow when he flamed in, but he still yelled a couple times before flaming back to Hogwarts.
"I couldn't find anyone – I checked headquarters and the Burrow!" complained Harry.
"You have to tell Snape," said Hermione.
"Tell him what?" asked a confused Neville.
"I'm not telling him anything," asserted Harry. Dumbledore might trust Snape, but he and Ginny did not.
"There has got to be someone else!" added Ginny as she wracked her mind for another possibility.
Crookshanks chose that time to run by chasing a small animal.
"I've got it!" announced Harry. "Mrs. Figg!"
"Of course! She'll probably know how to contact Dumbledore," Ginny said.
Harry smiled, transformed quickly, and flamed to Wisteria Walk. Several cats and more than a few kneazles greeted him. He knocked on Mrs. Figg's door and hoped she was home.
The door opened and revealed the batty Mrs. Figg, "Harry? What are you doing here?"
"I need to contact Professor Dumbledore!" Harry said in a whisper; now that he was back in the Muggle world he felt very exposed.
Mrs. Figg must have felt similarly, "Come in, come in, dear. Sit – would you care for a cup of tea?"
"No, I need to speak to Dumbledore!" said Harry again.
"I can try to contact him, but there's no set procedure when your not here," explained a contrite Mrs. Figg. "What do you need to tell him?"
Harry suddenly realized he did not know if Mrs. Figg was part of the Order. He knew Dumbledore had given her the job of watching over him – he assumed she was, but…did she know about the prophecy?
"Are you part of the Order?" he asked bluntly.
Mrs. Figg smiled, "Of course – I've been a member of the Order of the Phoenix since before you were born. Now, tell me what's wrong."
"Voldemort has sent his Death Eaters to the Ministry! They found a way to remove it without Voldemort going himself!" said Harry.
Mrs. Figg's eyes widened and she paled. Harry did not know if it was because of the implications of what he had said or because of him saying "Voldemort."
"I'll contact the Order – oh I hope someone's at Headquarters." Harry tried to protest that there was no one at Headquarters except a crazy house elf, but she waved him off. "Get yourself back to Hogwarts. I'll handle this – do you need to use the floo?" Harry simply transformed and flamed back to Hogwarts leaving behind a momentarily stunned Mrs. Figg.
"Did you find her?" asked Hermione.
"He did, but she's just going to contact Headquarters," Ginny answered for Harry.
"I'm going to flame to the Ministry – I've wasted enough time," Harry said with finality.
"Harry, I'm not sure that's a good idea," said Ron. "You can't go alone!"
"I'm coming with you," asserted Neville. Harry looked at him in surprise, "If it's something against V-Vo-Vol-Voldemort – I'm in."
"I want to come too," Luna chorused.
"No! I'll just flame over, grab the prophecy, and leave!" said Harry with finality.
"What prophecy?" said four voices at once.
Percy Weasley shifted the papers on his desk so that they were neat. He checked all his drawers to make sure everything was in its place. He smiled sadly as he looked at a set of sealed envelopes. Soon, he told himself. I'll be able to tell them soon…and if I do it in letter I probably won't get hexed on sight.
It was unheard of for the Ministry to close in the afternoon, but those were Fudge's orders. He would have to contact Dumbledore when he got back to his flat. He had seen Lucius in Fudge's office not too long before he announced the half-day. Dumbledore would want to know that.
He walked slowly down the hallway, which was already dark. Percy guessed he was one of the last to leave. Just as he entered the Atrium from a side door, he saw several figures in dark robes heading toward the elevator. Percy froze: Death Eaters were in the Ministry! He quickly moved toward the corridor leading toward the elevator. It created a bottleneck and he would be able to hold them off till help arrived if he used the wall for cover.
It was not until he was in position that he realized he needed to call for help for help to come. He looked at the elevator and tried to think what to do – he could not allow them to leave. He knew the Order was guarding something in the Department of Mysteries and ever since the Bode incident he suspected it was a prophecy. Percy furrowed his brow. Death Eaters could not remove any prophecy. They could only be removed by the people the prophecy mentioned – the shelves ensured that. Conceivably you could destroy the shelf, but that would also destroy the prophecy the person was after. You simply could not get around the protection the shelf provided. The shelf…
The hairs on the back of Percy's neck stood up and chills went down his spine. The shelves…they were going to steal the entire damn shelf! But they would not be able to fit that into the visitor's elevator or one of the floos…
Please no, Percy thought in prayer. If they could not get the shelf out of the Ministry then they had to have a way to get the prophecy out of the Ministry, which meant only one thing to Percy: You-Know-Who.
Percy closed his eyes and slowly stood. He had to get a message to Dumbledore. Trying to act natural, he turned away from the elevator and began walking back in the direction of his office. He had not gone two feet when a high-pitched voice interrupted his progress.
"Leaving so soon, Mr. Weasley," You-Know-Who was standing in the shadows before him.
Swallowing and licking his lips, Percy considered his options. He could not get to the elevator, his office, or the floos. Nor could he apparate. If he had been only been closer to the Atrium's center he could have, but here he was well within the wards. Your dead, his logical mind informed him.
Lifting his head in a defiant gesture, Percy gave the creature a smile. Now that he knew what was coming, he was no longer scared – he knew what he had to do: Dumbledore had to know. Percy raised his wand quickly and cried, "EXPECTO PATRONUM"
Voldemort was quick and had cast the killing curse as Percy's patronus was forming. Percy flew backwards into the wall, sliding down to eventually lie prone on the floor. He never got to see the look of surprise and horror on Voldemort's face as the silver peacock raced past the Dark Lord.
Harry transformed back into himself and looked around. He was a row off and stealthily made his way towards the proper shelf. Arguing voices made him stop and then slowly peak around the corner.
A dozen Death Eaters were standing around the shelf.
"This thing is heavy," complained one.
"This is stupid," said a feminine voice that made Harry shiver. "Mobilitabla" The shelf immediately rose. The Death Eaters then began filing towards the door, the shelf trailing behind them.
Taking a deep breath, Harry withdrew his wand. It was now or never. He silently intoned, Accio Prophecy, hoping that he would not have to say the spell aloud.
The orb on the shelf wobbled and then flew towards him. Harry caught it deftly in his left hand. He smiled; he might be able to get away without the Death Eaters even knowing he was here – would Voldemort ever be irate.
"Potter," said a drawl remarkably like Malfoy's. Harry paled as he looked up.
"Accio prophecy!" cried the female Death Eater, while another Death Eater sent a cutting spell at him.
"Protego," said Harry as he tried to dodge in the cramped space. The shield spell stopped the Summoning Charm and forced the Cutting Curse to rebound. The errant curse hit the shelf behind him causing it to collapse toward him. Harry dove past it, rolling back into a standing position. The shelf crashed and several transparent forms rose from the wreckage, all trying to speak at the same time. Harry was about to transform when he realized he did not have the prophecy.
"Has the wittle little baby Potty lost his toywoy?" asked the female Death Eater in a baby voice.
Harry did not bother to banter, his wand was not raised, but his left hand was. He hoped he did not look like an idiot, "Expelliarmus!" A red light shot out of his hand, hitting the very surprised Death Eater who had been waving her wand about as she talked. Both wand and prophecy shot into the air. He did not give the others time to react as he blindly shot a Cutting Curse toward the group forcing several to raise shield charms, while the others dove out of the way.
"Accio Prophecy," the orb began moving toward him, but stop as several other Summoning Charms began pulling on it. Six Death Eaters had their wands pointed at the prophecy, while the other six were flanking him.
I don't have time for this, Harry thought desperately. "ACCIO PROPHECY!" He yelled. The orb began to fly toward him, but again several of the Death Eaters tried to summon it. This time, however, the orb did not stop, but went careening in a different direction altogether. All the Death Eaters followed its progress with their eyes, forgetting to move or pay attention to Harry.
Forget it, Harry! Just get…Ginny's voice cut off in his head. One of the Death Eaters shot a violet colored spell at Harry and again he tried to roll out of the way. Like before, the spell hit a shelf causing the prophecies to fall to the floor, breaking.
Harry did not know if Ginny had stopped talking or if hitting his head as he dodged the spell had something to do with it. He was now running toward where he thought his prophecy had rolled to.
"Stupefy" cried a Death Eater behind him, sending a red light past his head. Harry swiftly ducked behind the next row.
Harry darted out from behind the shelf and sent his own stunning spell at his pursuers.
"Diffindo!" this time the spell grazed Harry's shoulder.
"Impedimenta." Harry sent the curse toward the approaching Death Eaters, slowing them down in the narrow corridor.
"Reducto!" the spell hit the top of the shelf he was hiding behind, showing him in debris.
Harry immediately moved deeper into the row for more cover – the last spell had not come from in front of him, but from behind. The Death Eaters had flanked him. Harry looked around desperately for the prophecy, but could not see it.
"Accio prophecy!" Harry smiled as the small orb flew through the air toward him and then stopped. He decided that he did not need to get the prophecy, only stop the Death Eaters from obtaining it. "Destarro," Harry said, pronouncing the Banishing Charm. The combined power of the Death Eater's Summoning Charm and Harry's Banishing Charm sent the prophecy toward the Death Eaters at a reckless speed. It flew past the summoning Death Eater and impacted against the wall.
"NOOOO!" several voices called out.
Harry ran away from the commotion, hoping to find a place out of sight before transforming. He did not want Voldemort to find out about his animagus form.
"Potter! Where are you?" yelled one frustrated Death Eater. Harry thought he recognized Lucius Malfoy's voice. Harry did not respond, but transformed into a phoenix and flamed back to Hogwarts.
Ginny had been so worried about what Harry was doing that she had not even noticed Umbridge and the rest of the Inquisitorial Squad appear. The five of them had been quickly disarmed and Umbridge had had them frog marched to her office. She was pacing before them.
"Where is Harry Potter? Do you know where Albus Dumbledore is?" Umbridge demanded. No one answered. Umbridge peered at each of the five, but stopped when she got to Luna. "Why don't you tell me where Potter is?"
Luna blinked her large, protuberant eyes at Umbridge and then said casually, as if observing the weather, "Did you know nargles have infested your hair?"
Umbridge's eyes narrowed at the girl, obviously trying to figure out if Luna was being insolent or if she was crazy. Eventually, Umbridge must have decided on the latter because she turned on the rest of them, "Where is Potter?"
"Like we would ever tell you!" grumbled Ron, who was being held firmly by Crabbe.
"Oh, but I think you will!" Umbridge opened a draw in her desk and removed a vial of clear liquid.
Ginny caught Hermione's eye and knew that the smart witch was thinking the same thing: Veritaserum.
"Force their mouths open," commanded Umbridge. Neville, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all fought to keep their mouths closed. Luna, however, did not.
A slightly worried look crossed Umbridge's face as she dropped a few drops of the liquid into Luna's open mouth. Luna showed no signs of the being drugged, but then Ginny was not sure what Luna would look like drugged.
"Where is Harry Potter?" repeated Umbridge.
"Didn't you already ask me that question?" responded Luna with her own question.
Umbridge sighed and then moved toward Ginny. Ginny followed the toad's progress with her eyes and when she thought she was close enough pushed hard with her feet driving her shoulders into the large girl holding her.
Ginny use the older girl's mass to then propel herself forward. Umbridge was not expecting the sudden attack and did not move quickly enough. Ginny's head knocked the vial out of her hand and the vial broke on the floor.
"You stupid girl!" cried Umbridge. "Fine! I didn't want to do this, but I don't see any other way now. "I'm sure Fudge will understand – the Cruciatus Curse is clearly justified." Umbridge raised her wand and pointed it at Ginny.
"NO! Wait – I'll tell you," pleaded Hermione her face frantic.
Ginny considered herself a good actress, but compared to the performance Hermione had just put on made her look like an amateur. She had no idea what Hermione was planning, but knowing Hermione it was going to be good – she never did anything half-way. It was a few minutes after Hermione and Ron had left leading Umbridge into the Forbidden Forest that Ginny regained her senses.
The four Slytherins that were still holding them captive had just finished tying their hands behind their backs and Ginny was desperately trying to figure out how to escape. She tried to remain calm, but it was becoming difficult. She did not know what Hermione had planned and Harry needed help – the stubborn boy refused to leave the Ministry without the prophecy, which meant she had to find a way to get free. The binds on her hands made transforming a bad idea and her wand was sitting on Umbridge's desk.
Ginny looked at the Slytherins out of the corner of her eye; the four were huddled around the still sleeping Malfoy trying different spells and counter-curses to wake him up. Ginny briefly noted that she would have to ask Luna about the spell.
If only…well if Harry can cast a spell wandlessly…
"Diffindo" she said quietly. The cord binding her hands fell to the floor, severed.
Ginny held her breath, waiting for any of the Slytherins to react, but they did not hear her. Stealthily, she stood and carefully walked to Umbridge's desk retrieving hers, Neville's, and Luna's wands. The four Slytherins never knew what hit them.
"Hurry! We need to…" Ginny trailed off as Harry flamed into the room. He had unconsciously homed in on Ginny's location. "Harry! You look awful," she said as she practically threw herself at him.
Harry stumbled backwards under the onslaught, but hugged Ginny back. Ginny pushed away from him, holding his shoulders, and looked at him critically, examining him head-to-toe. After a few seconds and making him turn around to inspect his rear, Ginny slapped him in the back of the head, "Why didn't you just leave? That stupid prophecy doesn't mean a thing if you get yourself killed! What…"
"Where's Ron and Hermione?" interrupted Harry.
"They – oh no! They went into the Forest with Umbridge!" Ginny said as she grabbed Harry's hand, leading him out, Luna and Neville on their heels.
They stopped running after exiting through the main doors. "Which way?" asked Neville, scrutinizing the Forbidden Forest with fear.
"Right there," came Luna's calm voice from behind them, for once not dreamy.
"What?" Ginny asked turning to face Luna. Luna did not verbally respond, but raised her hand and pointed.
Hermione and Ron were running full tilt out of the Forbidden Forest. Harry and Ginny led the way to them, meeting them halfway.
"What happened?" asked Harry.
"Hermione's…plan…worked…too…well," puffed Ron as he took a breath between each word. "She…tricked…Umbridge…Centaurs…offended…angry…then…then…Grawp!"
"What?" Neville asked his face a mask of confusion.
"Ronald said that Hermione tricked Umbridge into going into the Forbidden Forest where the Centaurs were offended by her presence and behavior. Then when the centaurs became angry at them, Grawp – who's Grawp? – intervened allowing them to escape," explained Luna as if it had been perfectly clear.
Five heads turned in unison to stare at Luna.
Sirius Black apparated into the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic with the other members of the Order of the Phoenix that could be contacted on short notice. Arabella Figg had flooed Dedalus Diggle after finding Headquarters empty; the excitable wizard had then had contacted all the other members of the Order he could.
"They'll be in the Department of Mysteries," noted Shacklebolt. "Let's go," commanded the auror.
They had just reached the hallway to the elevator when Remus, who was in the lead, stopped. He was kneeling over something and then said in a tight voice, "It's Percy – he's dead."
"He must of tried to stop him on his own – no time now, move!" ordered Mad-eye, which was shortly followed by the sound of his peg leg on the hard floor. "Remember, press yourselves against the sides of the elevator – the might be waiting for us."
The elevator doors opened slowly and with a loud "ding," but there was no attack and the eight Order members fanned out.
"Stay together! They have to come back this way if they want out of the Ministry," said Shacklebolt's calm voice.
"Well defend the…"
Several shouts of "STUPIFY" interrupted the attempted order. Dedalus Diggle fell immediately, stunned on the floor. The others dove for what cover there was and the battle started.
The Death Eaters used their numbers to their advantage. Shacklebolt, Moody, Tonks, Lupin, and Sirius all had to duel two opponents.
"Ha!" came Tonks' victorious cry as one of the Death Eaters collapsed.
Curses, hexes, and jinxes rang out and different colored lights crisscrossed the area. Soon, Moody was done and Shacklebolt had taken up his opponents after dispatching his own. Tonks, too, was incapacitated by Bellatrix. Sirius had taken her position opposite his cousin.
Sirius' wand was a blur as he used a shield charm and then sent a curse. Bellatrix was getting frustrated. "Crucio," she yelled.
Sirius dodged to the left and grinned at her. "Is that the best you have, Cousin?" he taunted. Bellatrix redoubled her efforts.
"AAHHH," screamed Emmeline Vance after a cutting curse cut deeply into her left thigh. "IMPEDIMENTA! STUPEFY!" she cried in response, sending the Death Eater careening across the floor.
Sirius had been distracted by Emmeline's cry of pain and Bellatrix had taken advantage of it, "STUPEFY!" He dodged again, but was not fast enough to raise a shield against the purple spell Bellatrix followed up with. Sirius flew backwards from the spells impacted, hitting his head hard on the wall.
Dumbledore apparated into the Atrium with barely a pop. His eyes roamed the empty room until they settled on something in the distance. Percy, he thought. Dumbledore did not move from the room's center. He knew Voldemort had to be nearby. By now there would be no doubt that Voldermot knew that either he or Harry had to remove the prophecy and Harry was safe at Hogwarts.
Slowly circling, Dumbledore examined every dark corner the Atrium provided.
"Hello, Tom," Dumbledore said as he drew his wand.
"Dumbledore," came the hissing voice of Lord Voldemort. "Avada Kedavra!"
Dumbledore disappeared with a swish of his cloak and then reappeared several steps away. The spell missed Dumbledore and hit the Statue of Magical Brethren, shattering the Witch, Wizard, and the Centaur's head. With a wave of his wand, the remaining pieces of the statue animated. The goblin, house elf, and centaur's body began circling the two wizards.
Voldemort issued a high-pitched laugh. "This is the best you can do? I expected more from you," Voldemort said, although he was keeping an eye on the roving statues.
One of Dumbledore's eyebrows raised, "Give up now, Tom, you cannot win."
Perhaps it was the use of his childhood name, but the statement enraged Voldemort, "AVADA KEDAVRA!" he yelled sending a green light flying from his wand tip. It never reached Dumbledore, as the centaur had darted out from its circular patrol to block the spell. "You will run out of guardians soon, old man."
"It was foolish of you to come here tonight, Tom. The Aurors are on their way—"
"By which time you will be dead and I gone!" responded Voldemort and he sent another Killing Curse at Dumbledore. It missed and hit the guard's desk, disintegrating it.
Dumbledore moved quickly and a deep purple light emanated from his wand. Voldemort's eyes widened in surprise and he conjured a large silver shield to block the spell. The force of the spell caused a loud gonglike sound as it impacted the shield. Voldemort stumbled backwards from the spell's strength.
"You do not seek to kill me? Above it, are you Dumbledore?" taunted Voldemort.
Dumbledore's face took on a pitying gaze, "There are other ways to destroy a man, Tom; you know that." Dumbledore continued calmly walking toward Voldemort, the house elf and goblin still circling.
Voldemort growled in immediate response and then blasted the goblin statue as it neared him and then raised his shield, expecting an attack. "There is nothing worse than death."
"You are wrong Tom, very wrong," Dumbledore said as he drew he wand back and brandishing it like a whip. A red flame wrapped itself around Voldemort, forcing the Dark Lord to drop the shield with a clatter.
"Quit calling me by that name!" answered Voldemort angrily still struggling against the flaming bond. He managed to flick his wand and the whip of flame transformed into a large snake that bared its fangs and dove at Dumbledore.
Dumbledore stepped backwards and performed a complicated wave of his wand causing the snake into the air. As it started to fall back to the floor, the snake disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Voldemort raised his wand to take advantage of Dumbledore's distraction when a voice rent through the air, "Master! He destroyed it!" Bellatrix Lestrange stopped moving when she saw that Dumbledore was there. Uncertainty and then a predatory gleam lit her eyes, "Two on one."
Green fires exploded in the grates surrounding the Atrium. Voldemort cringed, "Another time Dumbledore. Come Bella." The Dark Lord apparated, followed quickly by Bellatrix.
After several serious faced men had emerged from the grates with drawn wands, another man with a large, green bowler hat came tumbling out of the nearest grate. "Dum-Dumbledore? What-what's the meaning of this?"
Cornelius Fudge quailed as Dumbledore turned his gaze upon him.
They were helping Ron and Hermione back to the castle when a cold voice stopped their progress.
"Potter and…company," Snape said as he approached them, robes billowing behind him. "Report to the Headmaster's office immediately – the password is 'Cockroach Cluster.'"
Harry eyed the Potions professor warily. Snape looked livid and he was rubbing his left forearm.
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir," answered a still breathless Hermione from her race out of the Forest.
Snape scowled, "Longbottom, Lovegood – take Weasley and Granger to the Hospital Wing." Ron looked like he wanted to protest, but a swift elbow in the ribs from Hermione silenced him. Snape stalked off.
"Overgrown bat," mumbled Ron.
"Ron, you shouldn't--" began Hermione.
"And why not, Hermione! Snape's only unhappy because one of us isn't dead or dreadfully wounded," rebutted Ron.
"We'll see you in a bit," Harry said as he grabbed Ginny's hand and began walking to the Headmaster's office.
When they entered the Headmaster's office, they found it empty. They looked at each other, unsure of what to do before shrugging and sitting in the empty chairs in front of Dumbledore's large desk.
After ten minutes of silence, Harry finally got up the nerve to ask a question at the portraits, which were pretending to be asleep, "Where's Dumbledore?" he asked addressing them. The former Headmaster's continued snoozing. Their only response was even louder snores; although a few did open one eye or peak through their hands at him. Harry sighed in exasperation.
"We know you're awake! Quit faking!" commanded Ginny. A few portraits stopped pretending to sleep and sat up straight, slight blushes at being caught. "Now, where is Dumbledore?"
"We only answer to the Headmaster," answered a nasal voice of Phineas Nigellus.
"In other words, we don't know," quipped a witch.
"We really aren't supposed to talk to anyone, but the Headmaster, you know," worried another wizard whose hat was sitting crookedly on his head.
"None of that nonsense!" commanded a formidable looking witch, who was shaking a wand that look more like a club than a wand at the other portrait. "We all know who these two are!"
"Yes, yes. Precious Potter and Potter," said Phineas sarcastically, "the two wonder children. How dare they come in here and demand things out of us! They show no respect! Why in my day-" Phineas stopped talking to watch the witch with the large wand. She was now shaking her wand at him and he was eyeing it with look of apprehension. Harry guessed that the Headmasters and Headmistresses must be able to move between portraits.
"Yes, they are a wonder," said another portrait Harry had never noticed before. It was behind the desk and looked to be very, very old. There were only three other portraits near it. The portrait's tone had none of the sarcasm that Phineas' voice had held. "Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter, come closer. I would like a better look at you two."
Harry felt incredibly nervous. Something about the portraits voice bespoke of great age and wisdom. He felt like he was approaching royalty. The other portraits had also grown conspiculously quiet.
The portrait surveyed him with a critical eye before looking at Ginny. "The rumors just might be true. It would be horribly poetic too," said the aged man who looked a bit like an old lion with his hair sticking out all over the place. "What do you think, old friend? Dumbledore has been terribly cagey about it."
Another portrait with a green background, but built in the same type of frame, answered, "Yes, he does have some of the traits. The hair – always uncontrollable. Then there is the girl – Dumbledore did slip up that once about his father and mother. 'Potters and redheads! What a magnificient combination!' that's what he said."
Harry and Ginny shifted uncomfortable. "I do believe it is so. What do the ladies think?"
Harry's eyes shifted to the other two portraits. Harry, I think I know who these people are…
Yeah, me too, Harry said a little breathlessly.
"They are cute together. Bondings are so rare nowadays. It's a shame. We are simply going to have to have a long discussion one day – I'm very curious about your bond. The last pair I talked to was the Flamels, but they had ages to develop their bond. Albus says yours developed when you first met! How fascinating!" The old witch reminded Harry of Mrs. Weasley – she radiated kindness and acceptance.
"Yes, yes, but what do you think, Helga?" asked the portrait with the green background with obvious vexation.
"I do see your point – his hair is rather unruly," Harry was sure the witch would have tried to flatten it if she had been able. "And his face does have some recognizable features." She pursed her lips as she surveyed him, "Do you have knobbly knees?"
Harry blinked at the question and nodded. The witch grinned, "Well, I suppose it could be a coincidence, but I doubt it."
"So much time has passed that it could be a coincidence and rumors are only rumors after all," said the fourth witch, who had remained quiet up until now. "But there are far better clues than his appearance. Tell me, Mr. Potter, is it true that you were able to wield that sword?" She nodded her head stately toward Gryffindor's sword.
"Yes, ma'am," answered Harry. The witch reminded him of McGonagall.
"But the Sorting Hat tried to put you into Slytherin?" asked the witch. Harry nodded.
"That may only be because of the scar my fool of a descendent left," interjected the portrait with the green background. There was no longer any doubt in Harry and Ginny's minds as to who these portraits were.
"Why don't we settle this then?" said the first portrait.
"How do you suggest going about that?" asked the kindly witch.
"Why the Sorting Hat of course! It will tell us where he belongs – we just have to tell it to look deeper," the wizard answered and slapped his hands together in anticipation.
"It would be nice to know if one of us has a descendent left," said the wizard Harry was pretty sure was Salazar.
"You do have a descendent," answered the witch who had to be Rowena Ravenclaw.
Salazar harrumphed, "A man with only half a soul is not something I would call a descendent."
"Enough of this! Harry, put on the hat!" said the probable Godric Gryffindor. When Harry did not immediately move, the man gestured for him to.
I did not expect this…
Who knew the Hogwarts Founders were on the wall behind Dumbledore's desk? asked Ginny.
Why are they so insistent about this? asked Harry as he gently lifted the Sorting Hat off its shelf.
Who knows! Ginny cast a look at the four portraits who were watching Harry with rapt attention. They reminded Ginny of her brothers when a bet was about to be decided…Maybe they've made a bet.
Harry was about to put the hat on his head when a large ball of fire emerged from no where. Dumbledore and Fawkes had arrived. Harry froze, still holding the hat a few centimeters from his head.
Dumbledore surveyed Harry and then Ginny before eyeing the portraits; most of which had gone back to pretending to being asleep. He raised an eyebrow at the portraits and then said to Harry and Ginny, "Have the portraits being talking to you?"
Harry thought it was strange that the first thing Dumbledore asked after being away for nearly the entire term was to question him about if the portraits talk to him. "Er…Yes, sir." Many of the portraits looked embarrassed and chastised.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, "Even these four?" Dumbledore gestured toward the four portraits in the back of the room, which were looking defiantly back at him. Nothing in their demeanor held a hint of embarrassment.
"Yes, sir," answered Harry again.
"They can be most interesting when they choose to speak, but they rarely do," Dumbledore said as he moved to Fawkes' perch and let the phoenix hop onto it.
Ginny case a look behind her to see the portrait she thought was Godric motioning for her to pull the hat down onto Harry's head. Helga was nodding her head in agreement. Salazar somehow managed to give a bored smile of encouragement. However, Rowena rolled her eyes at the other portraits antics.
"Why don't you try the Hat on, Harry? They do seem to want you to," Dumbledore's beard twitched as he smiled.
Harry lowered the Sorting Hat onto his head and waited.
"It has been a long time, Mr. Potter. I see, I'm supposed to look 'deeper.' Well let's have a look." A minute passed and nothing happened. Harry was getting a little imapatient when the Hat broke into his thoughts, "Don't get impatient – I'm looking 'deeper'," there was an unmistakable smugness in the voice. "You don't think just anyone could do this, do you?"
Another minute passed and still there was no response from the Hat. Harry looked at Dumbledore for guidance.
"Patience, Harry. It is no small matter to sort out a thousand years of lineage," Dumbledore said.
"Hmmmm….yes…there it is. It is difficult to tell for sure though. The soul bond does confuse matters, but yes there is little doubt. I can see it in your very essence. Mr. Potter, tell them yes."
Harry took off the Sorting Hat and put it on the shelf before turning back to Dumbledore. "It said 'Yes.'"
Dumbledore nodded and then said, "Tell them, Harry."
Feeling a little childish at forgetting the Founders behind him, Harry turned, "Erm…the Hat said to tell you 'Yes.'"
"Ha! I told you my line would outlast all of yours!" yelled a jubilant Godric Gryffindor.
"Hush, Godric. There is no need to gloat," responded a scowling Rowena.
"What about Riddle?" asked Helga, "Technically, he is still an heir of Salazar here."
"Barely an heir he is. He's only got half a soul left at most!" retorted Slytherin.
Godric raised an eyebrow and then said seriously, "Then you do not condone his activities?"
Harry looked back at Dumbledore, who was paying attention to the conversation with a great deal of interest.
Salazar Slytherin sighed and bowed his head dramatically, "We've had this discussion before. YES! I was deluded. YES! I was foolish. YES! I put a basilisk under the school YES! I've changed my bloody mind! But I still think…" The last few words were unintelligible.
"You still think what?" prodded Helga.
"I still think it's best for us to keep to ourselves. Consorting with muggles only leads to trouble. Muggleborns may not deserve death, but there should be a better hierarchy to our society," Salazar said defensively.
"Perhaps in another thousand years we will be able to change this notion as well," responded Rowena. With that statement all the portraits except Gryffindor's went static appearing to be normal, non-magical pictures.
"Welcome to the family, my boy," Gryffindor said before he too went static.
"Sit down, we have several matters to discuss," Dumbledore said as he moved to his own chair.
When the three of them had seated Dumbledore began, "First, Harry, I would suggest that neither of you tell anyone about what you have just learned here." They both nodded. "Even without the Prophecy, its revelation alone would force more responsibility on you than you could ever want."
"Does Voldemort know?" asked Harry.
What are you thinking? queried Ginny.
Maybe it wasn't just because I was the half-blood that He went after me.
"No, at least not for certain. Alas," Dumbledore said with a hint of sadness, "there have long been rumors that the Potters were related to Gryffindor. Tom Riddle would certainly have come across these. It probably did play a part in his choice to attack you first rather than the Longbottoms.
"I'm afraid there are more current matters to discuss, however," something in Dumbledore's voice worried Harry. "There was a fight at the Ministry. Mrs. Figg was able to deliver your message and a group from the Order went to the Ministry. There have been some casualties." Harry reached over a grabbed Ginny's hand. She squeezed it. "The order had a spy within the Ministry." He cast a look at Ginny and Harry felt fear and dread permeate her. "I received an urgent message from him, but by the time I arrived I was too late. Percy was already dead."
Ginny closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears. Harry stood, they embraced, and Ginny stopped trying to fight the tears
"Alastor, Tonks, and Sirius were all injured and have been moved to St. Mungos. I'm afraid that while the Ministry has now been cured of disbelief, they still believe that Sirius is a criminal despite my best efforts. They have placed him under arrest; he's under armed guard." Dumbledore gazed at the couple sadly, wishing he had better news. "Harry, I have to ask. Were you the one who destroyed the Prophecy?"
"Yes, sir. I don't think anyone saw me transform though," defended Harry, hoping that the Headmaster was not angry with him. "Is Sirius all right?"
"Sirius is fine. He had a rather nasty head injury, but the healers at St. Mungos have it under control and I'll deal with the Ministry." Dumbledore cocked his head slightly, "You battled twelve Death Eaters alone? Impressive, Harry. Very impressive. They will not underestimate you again, which leads us to the next problem." Dumbledore shift uncomfortably in his seat. He knew that now was not a good time to broach the issue, especially after just informing them of Percy's death, but there simply was not time to put it off. "Harry, I need you to go back to the Dursleys for a little while this summer."
Harry held Ginny tighter and looked at Dumbledore like he'd lost his mind. Ginny stopped crying, but did not move. "But the wards—"
"The wards are weak, but amazingly still there. I have been doing some research and I believe I have found a way for you to recharge them after a full forty-eight hours." Seeing Harry preparing another protest, Dumbledore quickly continued, "I know you don't want to go back and I would normally allow you to stay at Grimmauld Place, but there's something…" Dumbledore stopped talking and seemed to be trying to find the words.
It was then that Harry remembered the sneakoscope, "Untrustworthy?"
"Indeed. I believe I have found a way to place Potter Manor under a strong Fidelius Charm, but it will take time to prepare."
"I'm staying with him," came Ginny's muffled voice.
Dumbledore frowned, "That would not be wise – the wards are incredibly weak. Having anyone other than Harry within them would make Privet Drive easier to find. I promise, no more than forty-eight hours. Now, I must take my leave of you. It seems I have a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor to rescue."
Dumbledore massaged his temples as he watched the students boarding the carriages. It had been a trying few days. Fudge was trying to make amends for his past failure, but it was not going to help him. Dumbledore guessed that a vote of no confidence would occur soon. Political hopefuls were already being vetted. Right now, the most likely candidate was Amelia Bones. That was at least a good piece of news. Amelia would be fair, but strong.
He had promised Harry forty-eight hours at most at the Dursleys and Dumbledore intended to keep the promise. The modified Fidelius Charm was almost completed. Dumbledore guessed the calculations should not take another four feet of parchment. Normally, casting the charm over a property as large as Potter Manor would cause the secret keeper to lose his or her mind, but Harry and Ginny's bonding allowed for another solution: two secret keepers with one spell.
Besides, he was sure that the Weasley's would want Harry at the funeral. Percy's death had hit Molly and Arthur hard. Neither had known that Percy had been a spy for the Order; Dumbledore was regretting not telling them now, but at the time it had seemed wise not to. He had not thought that Arthur would be able to act the same way at the Ministry if he had known.
A knock at the door interrupted Dumbledore's thoughts on the Charm, "Enter. Ah Severus, how are you?"
Severus did not look well, "The Dark Lord is furious. He's demanding to know how Potter managed to elude his Death Eaters."
"That must perplex him," noted Dumbledore calmly.
Snape scowled, "Yes, I think he's planning something big soon. My guess is that Azkaban will soon be empty."
Dumbledore steepled his fingers and gazed thoughtfully out the window, "Tell Voldemort that you know how Harry escaped." He could almost hear Severus' jaw drop. Dumbledore was loath to allow Voldemort to know Harry's secret, but Voldemort was not dumb. He knew there were strong apparition and portkey wards surrounding the Ministry. There were few things that could move through them at will. Indeed, flame travel seemed the most likely.
"And how did Potter," Snape spat the name, "manage to elude twelve Death Eaters?"
"Harry is an animagus," Dumbledore said as he turned around. He wanted to see Severus' face.
Snape looked like he was sucking on something sour. "An animagus? Just like his arrogant father. But how does that help him? The only thing that could possibly bypass the Ministry's wards…No. Not possible."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. The Potions Master was brilliant, if a tad biased against Harry. "Harry's animagus form is a phoenix."
Snape's eyes bulged, "That's not possible." Dumbledore did not respond, but waited for Severus' mind to process the information. The Potions Master sighed in resignation, "But it would explain a lot." His eyes narrowed and he gave Dumbledore a calculating stare, "You want me tell the Dark Lord this?"
"Yes, Voldemort is smart enough to realize Harry had to bypass the wards somehow and there are precious few ways to do that and leave them intact. Indeed, the only quick way is flame travel. We are telling him nothing he won't already suspect and we insure your place in his inner circle."
"The Dark Lord will not like it," Snape seemed to be talking to himself. "He might think this is 'The Power he Knows not.'"
"I don't believe so. Tom Riddle succeeded in becoming an animagus before he left Hogwarts. The boy was always gifted and his form reflected it." Snape gave him a puzzled look. "Come Severus, it is very poetic," noted Dumbledore echoing Godric Gryffindor's words to Harry.
"I do not understand," Snape responded flatly.
"Have you never seen him transform? I suppose it would not be wise to. I wonder…perhaps," Snape shifted, irritated, as the Headmaster began speaking to himself. "Ah, yes, sorry. Just entertaining a thought. Tom Riddle was able to transform into a basilisk. Harry is not the first magical animagus."
"Why has he not used the form? It would be a perfect terror weapon," retorted Snape. The Dark Lord had never shown any indication of being an animagus.
Dumbledore again assumed a thoughtful pose, "I said Tom Riddle was an animagus. With the myriad of transformations he has done to himself, perhaps Lord Voldemort is not."
Snape nodded, not truly understanding, and left Dumbledore. Dumbledore watched Snape leave before sitting down in his chair. He did not envy Severus' job, but it was a critical one.
Peering out the window, he allowed himself to get lost in his own thoughts before being interrupted by a long trill from Fawkes. Dumbledore smiled sadly at the phoenix. "It has begun again, old friend. The Second War against Voldemort has begun."