Equal Nemesis

Diclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and related indicia which JKR, her publishers and WB has total right to. I am simply exploring the ideas of my fave author and nothing more. No profit is being made so bloody hell don’t sue me!

Summary: The days darken hastily under the terror of Voldemort's rising, and his race for immortality begins. Harry struggles to remain his enemy's equal, in power and strength when a new prophecy is born. But with so much time lost in suffering, Harry will need to depend upon those who will help him and at the same time help the others himself. Set in 7th year amidst political upheaval and battles, and discovering new secrets, Harry will learn that the bonds of love and friendship will outweigh all costs. The last fic in the Love On Risky Ground trilogy.

Author notes: IMPORTANT!
Equal Nemesis is the last fic of my trilogy. If you have not read the previous fics then
the background info is in the Post Author Notes. If you want you can read the previous fics:

Love On Risky Ground

http://www.schnoogle.com/authorLinks/TeaWithVoldy/Love_On_Risky_Ground/

The Serpent’s Thirst

http://www.schnoogle.com/authorLinks/TeaWithVoldy/The_Serpents_Thirst/

Equal Nemesis is also at FA.org.

http://www.schnoogle.com/authorLinks/TeaWithVoldy/Equal_Nemesis/

Fics are a bit A.U, but mostly is in OOTP Canon:

I'd like to thank my betareaders: Spookykats, Auror_Lib, Romulus Lupin, Liwy and Mirie. I also dedicate this fic to LariaA and fionnabair and DOME 36 because you guys have helped me out so much.

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Equal Nemesis

Chapter 1

Summertime Bliss.

"... The struggle begins ... the Dark Lord's terror darkens and his forces will grow greatly in number ... the Marked One must continue to rise with him, but challenges await them both. The black serpent becomes more powerful than ever before, and he will create ripples of evil, far-reaching and echoing onward ... his equal must defy him when the smoke arises or be lost, and all hope will die with him, and the Dark Lord's evil reign, steadfast, becomes immortal ... the Dark Lord's terror rises and his forces strengthen ... though he will be blind ... the struggle begins ..."

Silence fell in the darkness like a sinister wraith, bringing with it a sense of despair. Minerva McGonagall stared at Sibyl Trelawney with her white lips crushed into a thin line. Blood drained from her wrinkled face upon hearing the words from the entranced Divination Professor, yet she was stunned; the Divination Professor spoke in a voice foreign of her usual mistiness, and the Deputy Headmistress wondered what to think of it.

Urgently, Minerva rushed to the armchair where the other woman was slumped limply. She had seen Sibyl's eyes roll up into her head as she had rasped the words, but now she was asleep and peaceful, like nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

Hoping it was a delusion caused by the stuffy room, Minerva frantically looked around. The air in the round tower Professor Trelawney called home was terribly hot, and the strong scent of incense was burning Minerva's windpipe and nostrils. Like Minerva, many of the Hogwarts teachers had returned from the summer holidays early to prepare for the new school year ahead. She had only gone up to the tower to say good morning to her colleague, keeping this visit for last, since the stairs up to the tower were punishing. Not only that, but secretly, the general atmosphere of the room -- and the woman -- irritated her.

Yet, when Minerva had gone up, this ... this was unexpected to say the least! Being quite prudent when it came to the subject of Divination, she wasn't sure if she should scoff at the little prediction or allow the terror buried in her heart to break free, and believe her colleague.

Minerva shook her head. Misgivings or not, she had to tell Dumbledore. She hoped the prediction was not a real prophecy, like those that Albus Dumbledore had explained Sibyl had given in the recent past concerning Harry Potter.

"Sibyl ..." she started, tapping the woman lightly on her cheek. The Divination professor did not stir, though Minerva was sure she was alive by her ragged breathing.

"Oh for goodness' sake, wake up," she snapped, her voice trembling underneath her harshness.

Minerva snorted in frustration, scanning the room for a portrait where the subject was neither asleep nor otherwise occupied. She spotted a small, incredibly dirty painting of a witch seated at a table with a crystal ball. The subject, a petite witch, wasn't paying any attention to the ball, instead she was drinking what was probably her umpteenth glass of sherry. Minerva inhaled deeply - of the poor lot on offer, she was the best, and only candidate.

Minerva hurried to the painting, waking the witch out of her sherry-pickled thoughts. "Fetch me the Headmaster. Tell him to come up to the North Tower as quickly as possible," Minerva ordered, her hand firmly pressed on her chest.

Although she had obviously heard the request, the witch in the portrait looked up drearily, shaking suddenly with a violent hiccup. The silken red bandanna draped loosely around her head fell off.

"Why yes, Professor Mc-hic-Gonagall. I shall -hic- fetch the Headmaster," she managed to answer. The witch had a smooth, misty voice that was just as irritating as that of Trelawney. She set off at a little limp, a glass of sherry waving in her hand and spilling its contents everywhere as she stumbled along.

Minerva spun around, seeing Sibyl had awakened.

"What- what happened?" Professor Trelawney asked softly, rubbing her forehead lightly. "Oh, hello Minerva," she said quietly, but a little stiffly when she noticed a pale Professor McGonagall standing over her.

Minerva folded her arms, sighing. "That's what I would like to know as well, Sibyl - what happened?"

***

In the Order of the Phoenix Headquarters, and his new home, Harry was sitting in the living room lost in thought. Hermione had been away for nearly two months, having gone on holiday with her parents, travelling France and Egypt, but would return only in a few days. Fred and George had gone to Australia in the hopes of expanding their Weasley Wizard Wheezes franchise. The atmosphere at Black Manor had dimmed drastically because the twins weren't there, leaving a quiet void.

Not that Harry was really complaining. He was having a ball with Ron and Ginny; playing Quidditch in the woods. Talking about old memories and figuring out new pranks to test on Dung. Sometimes Sirius and Tonks joined in those little jokes, which would cause Dung to yell across the house, then collapse in fits of wheezy laughter. But on this peculiar summer's day, the house was even more depressing. Perhaps Harry was missing Hermione too much or it was too hot ... or maybe, it was the emergency meeting that all Order members had to attend to.

Harry sighed, remembering the last day of term for sixth year... the last time he had seen Hermione.

He sat by the windowsill of his compartment, and his temple rested on the cool window. Harry felt a little sick as he watched the scenery fly by in a blur. A second later, though, he smiled to himself, happy that at least he would be going to a home he truly belonged to, and happy to have two wonderful best friends by his side.

The Hogwarts Express compartment was filled with his friends; Ginny, talking with Luna as they shared an upside-down Quibbler between themselves and discussed the answers to the month's quiz; Ron and Parvati were playing chess; Neville, trying to save the train seat and his grown Mimbulus Mimbletonia from Buster's mischievous claws. The other cats were relaxing all over the place and Pig hooted hyperactively in his cage, Neville's toad sitting on the top of it. And then there was Hermione.

"What are you smiling about?" Harry asked, locking eyes with his girlfriend.

Hermione leaned her head gently on his shoulder and sighed contentedly. "I was just thinking - about that little place on your property, you know the one we explored at Christmas ..."

"Aha, and you -- want to explore it again with me?" Harry raised his eyebrows, grinning.

"Well, yes. Though, I think we might have to compete for space with Sirius and Potions Mistress Snape."

Harry widened his eyes. "Ugh! Please, Hermione! I had the worst image..." Harry shivered and shook his head to clear away the disturbing vision of Sirius embracing Snape's sister.

Hermione smiled at his overreaction, and then looked out the window. "I'll miss you," she said softly.

"Me too. I have no idea how I'll survive," Harry chortled, lightly kissing Hermione on her forehead.

Hermione closed her eyes at his touch. "My parents have decided that after France, we'll visit Egypt." Hermione smiled. "The thought of Egypt really pulled my strings. I can't wait to go! I've always wanted to go there."

"I hope you'll have a great time, just please ... do not bring me back another Sneakoscope."

Hermione giggled and tried to tuck several long strands of Harry's hair behind his ear, but they eventually sprung back up.

"I'll write every day..."

"Me too," Harry whispered, feeling the train slow down sharply. A clink of chessmen breaking made Harry divert his eyes away from Hermione to Ron, who had an expression of horror on his face.

"I've won ... how unusual," Parvati announced to the entire cabin. Harry was forced between giving Ron -- who always won at chess -- a sympathetic look or to just laugh in his face.

Luna blinked above her Quibbler and caught Neville's eye, making him blush heavily. This distracted him from Buster who then suddenly scratched his hand.

"Well ..." Ron said, "my mind was elsewhere."

Parvati rolled her eyes, and Hermione reddened a little. "That's what they all say," Hermione said out loud, and grinned Ron's way.

"Ha ... ha, ha, ha," Ron replied scathingly, pulling himself up as the train finally halted, swiping the chessboard and broken figures away with a wave of his wand.

Mrs. and Mr. Weasley, Remus, and Sirius stood near the barrier chatting with the Grangers and Tonks. Harry stretched his arms up, observing their surroundings - smoke clouded the platform and happy parents stood with spread arms, waiting for the opportunity to hug their children.

Their belongings at their feet, Hermione lightly pecked Harry on the cheek. "I'll miss you so much."

"I know. I wish I could have a snog," Harry whispered.

"We can't. My parents are watching. It'll be ... awkward." Hermione smiled. She turned to Ron who was grinning behind, watching Parvati blow a kiss toward him as she walked off with her parents. "Goodbye Ron."

"Hermione, have a spiffing time overseas and don't get lost in the pyramids," Ron said, pointing his finger at her nose.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not that dull. And don't you forget to study hard for your Apparation tests ... the both of you," she pouted. Harry sensed she was feeling a little envious that she'd have to wait awhile before she could do her test, and use magic outside of school.

Harry and Ron looked at each other ... study without Hermione's help? Unthinkable.

"Hermione, please don't leave us..." Ron cringed.

Harry smiled at his memory and thought about the summer so far. The holidays, up 'til that point, had gone rather smoothly. No major catastrophes had presented themselves, considering what had occurred the summer before. And the one before that, for that matter. The only problem Harry had faced was a sprained wrist, suffered after being kicked out of his own bathroom, when he had upset its rather touchy sensibilities, the result of Sirius attempting to fix a leak and his wand backfiring. The misdirected magic had given the bathroom a sensitive mind when it came to people throwing clothes all over the place, forgetting to put the toilet seat down or whatever else it deemed offensive.

But Harry's injury had been fixed in a tick and he proceeded to kick the bathroom door. He was lucky to escape that time without receiving more injuries!

As the summer went on, there were the Apparation tests, Ron reasoning that he'd wait until Harry's birthday, so they could study together. It was pretty intense learning, they soon found out. Apparation wasn't as easy as Harry thought it would be, and Ron kept cursing Hermione for going off on holiday and leaving them without any know-it-all to help them.

Studying for Apparation reminded Harry of Muggles preparing for their driving license. First they had to learn the theory side of it and the different techniques before they were actually permitted to test the theories they had so faithfully studied.

Harry was surprised to discover that there wasn't really a spell to cast with Apparation. It was similar to the strategy of producing a Patronus, Harry thought. However, instead of finding a happy memory and concentrating on that, Apparaters simply thought about the location they wanted to Apparate to, and with a click and twirl of the body, the Apparation should work.

Prior to Harry and Ron's tests at the Apparation Testing Centre on Level Six at the Ministry of Magic, Fred and George tried to scare them off by relating all the horrible splinchings they had heard about. Harry thought they sounded more like urban legends and tried not to think about it as the examination approached.

The boys had been astonished when they passed their first test so easily. The instructor told them both to Apparate to a marked location where another instructor would mark their test. Harry did it very well -- landing on the red X laid out on the ground like he was supposed to. Ron landed just a little off, but it was still a pass worthy of flying colours.

They had celebrated that night. Mrs. Weasley had cooked all their favourites, and the house had warmed considerably with happiness and pride. But, beneath the short-lived euphoria of Harry and Ron passing their test, there were the meetings, which all Order members had been required to attend to.

Things were far from smooth for the Order Of The Phoenix. They were taking part in several investigations concerning deaths all over Britain, caused by the Death Eaters in Voldemort's league. The Dark Lord's wizard forces were becoming bolder and stories of people being killed -- especially Muggle-borns -- were appearing in the Daily Prophet everyday. Sirius kept saying, (and was repeatedly scolded by Mrs Weasley for saying such things in front of the children) that any day now, Voldemort was going to murder someone significant from the Ministry. Even though there was no conclusive evidence for this, Sirius had had the same intuition before Voldemort's defeat sixteen years ago and many important people had apparently died then.

"Like who?" Ron had quizzed one time. "Did the Minister of Magic die?"

"No, though there was a plot to kill the Minister. Several Wizengamot judges, the Undersecretary and three Unspeakables, including -- ouch, Moony?"

Remus had gone out of his way to accidentally step on Sirius' foot, preventing his best friend from saying anymore. "Oops, my mistake!" he had replied with a warning scowl.

Harry and Ron had looked on suspiciously, but had to be satisfied with the answer they were given. If what Sirius said had happened, there was no doubt it would happen again.

The Order was too busy spying and investigating against Voldemort that Harry, Ron, and Ginny hadn't gone to Diagon Alley yet. For Harry to venture into Diagon Alley, he needed more than Sirius tagging along, and Harry feared he might not be allowed to go there at all.

Harry sometimes walked throughout the house, passing the basement during the heat of the day, unable to sit still for long. He couldn't really tell what was happening with the Order of The Phoenix, because he, Hermione, and the younger Weasleys were still not part of the Order, and the charms around the basement meant it was immune to the Extendable Ears. Harry sometimes wished his dormant abilities would awaken, just so he could at least know.

Recognising the danger involved, Harry might discover the secrets of the Order kept, but Voldemort could too. Though the Dark Lord couldn't discover the whereabouts of people and places under the Fidelius Charm, he could still know-- sense what the Order was talking about, regardless of how they tried to shield themselves; with his new power, nothing was impenetrable. This was an aspect Dumbledore had discovered after talking to Mrs O'Connor, and as a result, he had created a new spell of the Fidelius Charm, called the Fuzzling Charm. The new spell was placed around the house and property, and caused their true conversations to be twisted around in the ears of any eavesdropper. The spell would make the Order appear that were talking about the weather or some other dull conversation, when they were in fact, indeed planning an important mission.

They could only hope it would confuse Voldemort and deny him of information, despite his new power, as Mrs. O'Connor suggested. She'd been such a help, especially considering her husband's demise. Mrs. O'Connor's husband, Declan, was the Freiceadan Le Fios; the guardian of Harry's inheritance. He had died after being tortured for the secret that only Harry had honour to. But Voldemort had learned of the secret, chasing it and that which it had protected for so long. Despite the Order's best efforts, Voldemort had found what he wanted-- The Water of Knowledge, leaving Harry in the predicament to drink of it, and allow Neville to take it as well.

Unfortunately, as with Neville, the water had not taken effect quickly enough in Harry. Just as Dumbledore had thought. Harry often wondered if Voldemort was getting used to his new abilities and shuddered at the thought.

Harry shook his head, distracting his thoughts about the summer and crossed from the living room to the kitchen. The entire Order was attending an emergency meeting, and there was nothing for Harry, Ron and Ginny to do. Ron had been fed up by midday and decided to tend to Fred and George's request to gather some new prank item ingredients from out in the woods. Harry had decided to stay in the house, and Ron had wandered off tailed by Lilac, Harry's cat. Ginny sat in her room writing a letter to Dean Thomas, telling him about the new owl she had received from her parents for her exceptional ten OWLs, She'd needed a new one regardless, since Errol had died, but Benson was certainly a beauty.

Despite the appearance of normality, at least for a household within the wizarding world, the fact remained that Voldemort was now a part of their daily lives. Finding out secrets the Order kept was not really that particularly interesting anymore, but rather daunting. Most of the time they kept their noses out of it.

Harry sat down at the kitchen table, wishing Hermione would come back from her holidays with her parents, even though she was going to return in two days' time.

He crossed his arms and blew his fringe away from his eyes. It was utterly quiet, except for the annoying ticking from the clock behind him and the occasional crying from Mrs. O'Connor's baby, Brian, upstairs, who was quickly calmed down, presumably by Epona, the house-elf.

Harry began tapping his fingers on the wooden table in irritation. Hot and flustered, he thought about Apparating into the backyard to find out what Ron was up to, hoping against hope his best friend hadn't gotten lost with Lilac.

And then Harry heard a sharp little knock on the front door.

"MASTER ... AN UGLY, FAT HAG IS AT THE DOOR!" The Purple Hanging Ruby resounded.

Created by the Weasley Twins, the tiny purple doll that hung on the front door handle was a work of genius, and really a kind of blessing. Most people who dared knock on the front door were usually extremely surprised when the doll yelled obscenities about them. But the doll did have its uses, beyond the bonus of some interesting entertainment, allowing the occupants of the house vague, if rude, descriptions of the person, letting them figure out if they were recognisable or strangers they should be cautious with. There really was no need to, since Black Manor was secretly hidden. However, Professor Dumbledore had insisted, also casting a charm to ensure the Purple Ruby doll was able to tell them if the person was a Polyjuice charlatan.

Harry poked his head out into the gloomy hall. On Mad-Eye Moody's paranoid insistence, Harry was to never open the front door to anyone -- ever -- or even look in the eyehole, just in case someone tried to curse him through it. Harry hesitated, waiting for someone to come up from the basement. But no one came, and when the knock continued, he made sure he had a secure grip on his wand and neared the door.

"Any other descriptions you can give me?" Harry asked The Purple Hanging Ruby, which hung still on the door handle. At the same time, he remembered Moody's advice: never take a look out from a window, just in case they might be waiting to curse you. Harry wondered if he should stop listening to the old Auror in case he too, started to drink out of a hipflask.

The still doll seemingly came to life again, and opened her mouth wide. "SHE'S A FRIZZY LITTLE TWIT, SIR! SEEN HER BEFORE, MASTER!" she yelled again, her voice more hoarse than before. Harry raised an eyebrow, before suddenly, guiltily, he thought of Hermione.

At the thought of Hermione, Harry threw all caution to the wind and opened the door to find his musings had been correct.

Despite the anticipation of her appearance, Hermione surprised him, immediately shrieking and wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, yelling words that Harry couldn't make out since she had just about made him deaf in both ears.

"What? Hermione calm down--" Harry tried to say over her happy yells, but he couldn't stop smiling when he felt her touch again. She didn't release him, embracing him tightly, as if unable to let go, and Harry was glad she didn't. He had missed her too much for it to end.

"I'M HEAD GIRL!!!" he finally heard through the garbled, but jubilant shouts.

Harry stared with wide, yet happy eyes, and a buzz circled his mind. He had kind of expected she would be chosen as Head Girl. After all, she hadn't shut up about it in her letters, wondering who were going to be the chosen students. Even Ron had talked about it over the last couple of days, after their Hogwarts letters had come with their new schoolbook lists. Harry sensed his best friend was a little disappointed, just as he was that one of them hadn't been chosen as Head Boy, and they wondered who had been selected.

"That's fantastic, Hermione! I'm so glad it's you. Then again, was there any doubt you would be Head Girl?" Harry said. Hermione rolled her eyes. "But why are you back so early from Egypt? Not that I'm complaining." Harry beamed as Hermione placed some of her belongings on the floor.

"Oh, I couldn't wait to get back. I wanted to surprise you with the news and everything." She smiled, gave him a quick kiss and turned back to her parents who were waving back from their car, happily gathering the rest of Hermione's things.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Granger. How was your holiday?" Harry asked as Hermione's parents walked to the house.

"Oh it was great. Hermione showed us a lot of stuff we never knew existed in Egypt." Mrs. Granger babbled on, with Hermione nodding by Harry's side.

Mr. Granger placed his daughter's trunk inside the doorway. Crookshanks and Persia, (Crookshank's mate) who had both trailed behind, jumped on top of the trunk and sat down, their tails swishing side to side.

"Yeah ... and the belly dancers were quite nice."

"Oh shut up, Jack," Mrs. Granger said, slapping her husband's shoulder, laughing.

"So, how are you, Harry?" Mr. Granger asked, changing the subject.

"I'm all right, but I'm a lot better now that Hermione's here," Harry chortled. "Are you going to come inside?"

"We'd love to, but we've got to get back home. We've got a lot of messages to sort through at the dentist surgery," Mrs. Granger answered. Hermione pouted slightly in disappointment. Her parents were, of course, not members of the Order but they were nonetheless friendly with all of them, but Harry knew she wanted to include them in her wizarding life, now more than ever.

After saying their farewells, Hermione's parents left. Harry closed the front door and felt Hermione's hands touch his shoulders. He wheeled around, meeting his girlfriend's bright eyes.

"I've gotten plenty of presents for you all. I missed you and everyone so much!" Hermione kissed Harry softly again, and he sighed happily. It felt so good to be in her arms once more.

"So, where's Ron and Ginny?" Hermione broke away from Harry, though she held his hand as they walked further into the house, halting by the stairs. Her face was a bronzed colour and her cheeks glowed with vitality. Harry couldn't stop marvelling at her. But there was something else about her that made her different ... More changed, even. The months he hadn't seen her had altered her in his eyes. Hermione seemed more slender, yet more ... elegant and mature. She was nearly all grown up and this shocked Harry.

Harry realised he hadn't answered Hermione's question. "Ron? Ron is collecting some ingredients for the twins. You know, all that C trade stuff out in the woods?" Harry whispered with a flick of his eyebrows.

Hermione's smile faded a little. "Oh ... typical, really."

"While Ginny's writing a letter to Dean."

"And everyone else?"

"Everyone's in a meeting for the Order. Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall came in a few hours ago. Seemed like there was something bad in the air," Harry replied, his brow furrowed in bewilderment. Hermione was about to reply when someone else interrupted.

"Harry, who is it?" Ginny asked from the top of the stairs, two red-braided pigtails dropping over the railing. Harry could see his house-elf peeking out from behind Ginny's knee. "Hello Hermione, good to have another girl in the house," she said, grinning excitedly. "I would've come down earlier, but the bathroom decided to lock me in."

"And good news! Hermione's also the new Head Girl," Harry said, pointing his thumb at Hermione before she could break the news.

Ginny was thrilled. "Brilliant! I thought they'd choose you," Ginny said. "Oh! And guess what? I got ten OWLs!"

The girls were so delighted that their voices echoed loudly throughout the house, which was bound to send someone out of the basement. Harry imagined Sirius running out, demanding to know where the Death Eater was. Overreacting to the simplest sounds had become common in their tense world, even though the house was tightly secured under the protection of the Fidelius Charm and other spells.

"Keep your voices down," Harry cautioned. "The meeting is still going on."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Well, I for one don't want You-Know-Who spoiling my fun every single second, Harry."

Harry reflected on Ginny's point for a moment. "Good for you, Ginny! But could we just go outside and talk out in the woods, please?" Harry pleaded. He felt Hermione's hold tighten.

A door closed in the house and Harry saw Sirius approach them. "What on earth is going on here?" Sirius demanded. His hair masked his eyes as he stood with crossed arms in the middle of the hallway. "You startled Molly with all your yelling!"

"Sorry, Sirius," Harry smiled reproachfully, Hermione blushed a little as she pressed against Harry's side. "Hermione was made Head Girl, and all hell broke loose."

"Oh, hello Hermione. Weren't you supposed to be back in another two days?" Sirius asked with great surprise. Harry knew that his godfather was being cautious with Hermione's sudden appearance.

"I know, I know..." Hermione beamed, launching into the same explanation she told Harry.

Sirius smiled. "Congratulations, Hermione, for becoming Head Girl. That'll be cause for another celebration, don't you think so, Harry?" Sirius said proudly. Harry grinned. "I've got to pop myself back down there. Epona will fix your bed up, Hermione. Please make yourself at home. Oh, and like Christmas, be careful with the bathroom - it's not wise to hurt its feelings," he added with a little wink.

"Sirius, before you go, we're going to go into the woods and meet up with Ron," Harry said. Sirius nodded in approval before Disapparating.

"Does the pretty Miss want something to eat?" Epona asked brightly from between the wooden bars of the railing, her blue eyes shining expectantly. Harry and Hermione looked up.

Being the way she was with the rights of house-elves, Hermione frowned. "That's all right Epona, I'm not hungry, and I'll fix myself up in Ginny's room."

Epona's ears dropped a little. "Oh no, but I likes to do it, Miss." And she bowed, hurrying off to tend to the bed before Hermione could protest further.

"I swear, when I finish Hogwarts, I'm going to start a SPEW campaign," Hermione said determinedly.

Harry sighed, but didn't want to spoil the happy mood, and whisked Hermione out to see Ron.

Ginny was trailing behind cheerfully when she remembered she still had to finish off her letter, and fleeted back toward the house. "Wait for me. I'll bring down some sandwiches for lunch," she yelled, running back. Harry and Hermione continued their walk into the woods, following the path of lanterns to the special little magical patch they knew of.

It was their second time travelling in this part of the forest. The scenery had changed drastically from the forlorn wintry gloom of Christmas, and was now a summery haven, filled with vivid green plants, animals and pellucid, soft scented blossoms.

Hermione sighed happily and squeezed Harry's hand a little tighter and Harry grinned. It felt good to be back, healthy and happy to start afresh for the New Year. Harry glowed, feeling more cheer than he had for the entire summer.

Light sieved in delicate rays above their heads and butterflies fluttered past. Harry couldn't talk; his throat was tight. It was a moment to cherish, and he hoped he would never forget it, looking into her brown, sparkling eyes.

"So, how have you really been?" Hermione finally spoke. Harry bowed his head down, ripping his gaze away from her eyes.

"Fine ... I missed you heaps," he added.

Hermione giggled. "I was thrilled when you both passed your Apparation tests," she said, flicking her frizzy hair back over her shoulder.

Harry snorted, pulling away a branch that was obstructing their path. "I think getting a drivers license is much easier than getting an Apparation pass."

"Oh, but I can't wait nonetheless to do my test." Hermione grinned, then said, "can I borrow your Apparation Manual so I can study for the Christmas holidays? I'll be able to use magic by then."

"Sure you can, since mine's still intact. Ron had disfigured, ripped and mangled his out of frustration."

Hermione glared at him, like she couldn't believe anyone would destroy a book. "I suppose he wouldn't have done that if I was helping the both of you study," she replied. Harry tried not to laugh.

Hermione sighed and changed the subject after a moment's peace. "How is your ... um ... are you new abilities working or--?"

"Dormant still," Harry replied, feeling his heart constrict. "The same with Neville." His eyes scanned the drying litter on the ground. Harry didn't feel any different since he had drank The Water of Knowledge ... not really, considering he had achieved only average results in many subjects in his exams, except for Defence Against the Dark Arts, the only subject he excelled in. On the other hand, Hermione had gotten received top grades. He didn't feel like he had all the knowledge of the world in his possession, and Neville felt the same way.

"Oh, but ... Voldemort?" Hermione teetered, biting her lip.

Harry inhaled deeply. "Dumbledore guesses that it's working for him, but it's still at its early stages. The thing is, Voldemort is so much more experienced and powerful." Harry looked up. "Dumbledore says because my mind is at rest -- what were his exact words? - Oh, because this is summer, my brain is accumulating fluff, therefore nothing is working until I start stimulating my brain with heavy learning ..."

Hermione smiled lightly, and Harry felt her arm slithering along his back and she rested her hand at his side, so she could be closer to him. Leaning comfortably on his shoulder, Harry realised she was observing his features. He knew he was a little taller than her now, their height difference more apparent since he was not living with the Dursleys, and had enjoyed a good summer. His hair, however, was as wild as ever. Though his face had remained the same since Hermione last saw him, his eyes were a little sunken from a lack of sleep, cheeks pale. Harry turned his face away.

But Hermione stopped him in his tracks and faced him. Harry blinked, as Hermione's hand touched his cheek serenely and she swung forwards, her lips falling upon his own.

It sent a tingle of love vibrating through both of them.

But something always had to ruin the moment, and this time it was Lilac, meowing at the top of her lungs as she tried to hold onto a high branch of a nearby tree. Hermione looked up, pulling her lips away from Harry's, her eyes widening fearfully.

"Oh, Harry - Lilac!" She pointed behind him quickly. Harry turned around in confusion and saw the white feline dangling off a branch.

With Quidditch reflexes kicking in, Harry pulled apart from Hermione, catching the cat before she fell to the ground. He tried to restrain her, Lilac's claws instantly digging painfully into his shoulder. Ignoring the pain and struggling to shift the cat into a right position, Harry couldn't breathe, because Lilac's fur was suffocating him. "Lilac -- stop it," he managed to say through the haze of white.

Lilac calmed down suddenly at his request, lying in his arms and staring at Harry while she licked her pink nose. Hermione laughed, walking over to Harry, and began scratching behind Lilac's ears.

"What were you doing? Were you spying on us?" Harry scolded the cat. Lilac's purple eyes reflected the soft sunlight, seemingly uninterested in what Harry had to say.

"She's too curious," Hermione answered on the cat's behalf, "I'm also curious to see what Ron is up to," she added, shooting Harry a meaningful look.

Harry grimaced at the cat and let her go. He turned around, and just as Lilac disappeared into the trees, he saw Ginny running towards them.

"I'm back ... and ... I've ... got ... our lunch," she huffed, out of breath, showing Harry the picnic basket she was holding.

"Excellent. I am so hungry," Hermione said, before continuing walking.

Harry took the heavy basket from Ginny, because she looked as if she was about to collapse from a lack of oxygen, and they followed Hermione into the magical patch. Ron was at the far end, seated on a tree trunk shaped as a bench. He sat sprawled in peace, trying to catch as much warm sunlight as he could.

"Hey Ron, guess who's back?" Harry called out loud.

Ron opened his eyes and gaped when he saw Hermione waving back. He smiled brightly. "You're early," he said getting up, trying to wipe his dirty hands on the back of his worn jeans. "Missed us too much, did you? How was Egypt?"

"Oh, it was wonderful!" Hermione replied, her hands in the air when Ron approached, his gangly figure towering above her, Harry and Ginny. "It was just as I imagined, and even better! Goblins were a little cunning in the pyramids, but that was my only complaint."

"They're such tricky blighters when they find some old tomb," Ron agreed. "Me and George were almost cursed by some when we stumbled across a tomb being investigated. We just got lost - I swear we weren't doing anything that would've gone against their wishes."

Harry watched the interchange a little jealously. "Okay, you're making me wish I had gone to Egypt now, even though the goblins are a little sly."

Hermione grinned. "You'll go some day too. Besides, I've got tons of books and photos to show you all."

Ron cringed his long freckled nose. "Photos are fine, Hermione, but if it requires me to read something, I won't be bothered then." Ginny was appalled by her brother's statement.

"Just like you to act sarcastically, Ronald Weasley," Hermione replied with a little huff. "But if you're getting the right ingredients for Fred and George, you'll either need the Herbology textbook to know what you're doing, or you actually managed to keep the information in that thick skull of yours, and applied it." Ron gaped at Hermione, a little stunned by her words.

Harry looked between them, taken aback. "Ouch, Ron!"

"Remind me never to insult her ever again," Ron whispered when Ginny and Hermione walked over to the bench to seat themselves.

Harry laughed. "That won't happen Ron - you're bound to crack again."

"And guess what Ron?" Hermione called out, revealing the news that she was Head Girl.

Ron smiled a little. "Oh no! Dumbledore has really gone off his rocker this time."

______________________________________________________________

Author notes: The Serpent's thirst: Harry, Ron and Hermione had patched up their turbulent relationship from the summer before sixth year. Things were going smoothly in their new school year until Voldemort had a plan to drink the water from An Tobar Le Fios, which gave the drinker knowledge. To Harry's horror Voldemort had gotten what he wanted. But help stop the Dark Side from victory, Neville and Harry also drank the water.

Harry does not live with the Dursleys anymore, but lives with Sirius at Black Manor, which also is the new OOTP Headquarters.

Sirius is Defence teacher, and Severus Snape is dead.

New Characters which were introduced in the sequel, THE SERPENT'S THIRST:

Morganna Snape: After Severus Snape died in Love On Risky Ground, his half sister Morganna becomes the new Potions Mistress. She and Sirius (who is DADA teacher) became a couple, when their hatred subsided.

Horatio Talden: a new Death Eater. Horatio and Morganna Snape were once together, but he will never give her up!

Declan O’Connor: is Harry’s guardian of An Tobar Le Fios: the Well of Knowledge. Declan, an Irish fashion promoter for Gladrags Wizardwear was kidnapped, tortured for the information and killed.

His widowed wife, Niamh O’Connor and baby Brian, live at Harry’s manor.

Lilac: is one of Crookshanks' and his mate, Persia’s offspring. After Hedwig died in the first fic, Harry kept Lilac.

Crookshanks found Persia while Harry and Hermione were in hiding, in Love On Risky Ground

Florence Dursley: is Harry’s baby cousin, who Harry discovers is a witch and must protect in case the Dursleys neglect her like they did with him. Petunia Dursley had gotten pregnant during the summer before sixth year, but Harry hadn't known

Equal Nemesis

Chapter 2

Around The Phoenix’s Table.

If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.

--Oscar Wilde

___________________________

It was ten in the morning and already the day had reached a temperature way above average for England, even in summer. Harry and Ron sat down on the living room couch, waiting for Hermione to show them her holiday photos. The room was cooler than other parts of the house, and Ginny wisely sat near the window, catching the breeze as she stared out into the picturesque garden, lost in her thoughts.

Harry wondered vaguely if she was thinking about Dean Thomas, her boyfriend. To his knowledge, she was content in their relationship, and it was blossoming beyond the point of frilly little kisses and blushing moments. Harry remembered one moment when he and Ron had walked past the snogging couple in a dark corner at Hogwarts. Ron had nearly had a heart seizure at the sight of his little sister and Dean huddled together. Once Ron regained control, he had yelled at Ginny that he never did that with Parvati, and their mother wouldn’t have approved of it. Ginny had replied by sending them off with Bat Bogey Curses whizzing past their heads.

Harry blew away his fringe, and wiped the sweat from his face. The frustrating stillness was only punctured by Epona, who merrily hummed her favourite childhood song as she cleaned the room. The house-elf produced an extra distraction from the boiling air that suffocated them. Otherwise, it was bound to drive anyone mad if they stood still long enough.

Ron shifted in his seat, sighing, crossing his arms when they saw Hermione finally enter the room with Lilac, carrying a load of books and photos from her trip. Lilac waddled behind her with her tail in the air, and immediately laid down by Harry’s feet, purring happily.

Hermione grinned and breathed loudly as she sat down in between them; unaware that Ron’s eyes were preying on her every move. She handed Harry a thick wad of photos in a loving gesture and practically threw a pack at Ron, without looking at him.

Harry wasn’t sure whether he should laugh or keep his mouth shut. He was certain that the very hot weather was playing havoc on peoples’ minds, more so than usual. He hated the little squabbles between Ron and Hermione, and had learned it was futile to attempt to make peace a long time ago.

Only the night beforehand, Ron and Hermione had had an argument about the things Fred and George wanted from the woods. Hermione was convinced they’d land themselves in trouble when she discovered some items Ron had gathered, such as the Red Curdle Shrub, whose dark red bulb killed by curdling a person’s blood.

She had also found a seemingly harmless pink pod from the Wizard Trap Weed. Hermione learned that, when the pods exploded, they were capable of leaving a three-metre crack on the ground. These items were completely illegal, and Ron, knowing what they were, had placed them in the basket nonetheless.

Ron had simply waved her off - after all, the twins knew what they were doing. However, Hermione had threatened to tell Mrs. Weasley, and Ron had turned so red with anger, Harry swore he saw smoke coming out of his ears.

Harry smiled, knowing that Hermione would never tell Ron’s mother.

"Oooo, photos!" Ginny said, snapping out of her thoughts. She wrenched herself from the window seat and sat down on the arm of the couch next to her brother, eagerly anticipating the pictures.

Ron pulled out the first photo in his pack and blinked at it. "Muggle pictures?" he said. "They’re fascinating, but the stillness -- I don’t know, it doesn’t really do the people in the photos justice," Ron added. Ron moved his head from side to side, scrutinising the photograph. Ginny rolled her eyes, waiting for her brother to pass her the photo.

"Sometimes stills can be lovely. You’re just not used to them," Hermione replied, watching Harry gaze at a happy snapshot of her and her parents.

Harry barely paid attention to his friends, absorbed by the smiling face of his girlfriend in the picture. Her eyes were bright with happiness as she stood in front of the towering ancient sphinx with her mother by her side. It was a total contrast to the pale face which haunted him in dreams and memories. Hermione had nearly drowned in sixth year, after they had jumped into a stream to escape Death Eaters and a deadly mist produced by a mushroom. Harry thought the happy face in the photo hid Hermione’s past and her troubles well.

Fifty cheerful photos later, another argument between his best friends raged ...

"Are you saying ... that I’m annoying?" Ron demanded, Hermione’s holiday snapshots lay forgotten on his lap. Ginny was becoming more and more impatient as his pace at looking through them lagged even further.

Harry looked up and saw Hermione gaping at the redhead. Her face was crimson and sweaty from the heat ... or was it that her anger was causing her to blush?

"Ron, pass the bloody photo!" Ginny lost her patience, exasperated at last, but at the same time wanting to break the tension. "And yes, you are annoying at times - but you are much less irritating than Percy, mind you."

Harry chuckled loudly. Percy had been forgiven for his attitude back in fifth year, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were happy that he had once again come back into their loving relationship. Still, Percy’s siblings had some reservations about how he had dealt with Harry and Dumbledore, as well as his pompous style whenever he had important business. Percy was still reluctant to pay any notice to the Order, but the Minister sometimes asked him if he would kindly send them a message, and he would trudge into the house, his chin held high, delivering the letter.

Harry stopped thinking about Percy when he received another photo from Hermione, this time a picture of her father trying to belly dance, with the help of a pink and gold-veiled belly dancer.

"I showed your mother my photos this morning, Ginny," Hermione started, trying to ignore Ron. "She was so inspired she gave me some photo albums of Ron as a baby and a child."

Ginny suddenly grinned evilly and Ron sat frozen, wide-eyed. "Mum-- she-she didn’t ... she wouldn’t?"

"Oh yes, she did, after I specifically asked to see yours," Hermione replied, placing her hands on top of the leather bound album, and dusted what little dust Mrs. Weasley had been unable to get off. Harry could see Hermione was glad when she saw Ron cringe in horror. Though, Harry knew her real reason to dig up the old pictures was not out of spite. It was an innocent curiosity to see Ron’s life before she and Harry had entered it, especially since she had been more intimately involved with him at one stage.

Ginny chuckled, patting her brother’s shoulder. Ron shot her of a look of pure wrath, but Ginny wasn’t perturbed by the scorn and continued smiling.

"I couldn’t resist a peek, and I have to say you were just the most adorable little thing..." Hermione added in a high-pitched voice. She suddenly leaned over to a scowling Ronald Weasley and tapped his long freckly nose, making him blush in anger. He jerked his face away. "I especially like the photo when Fred and George decided to put a giant rubber spider on your head."

"You poor, poor thing." Ginny laughed. "Come on, Hermione, stop torturing my brother with this awfully long wait."

Ron whimpered like he was suffering through some terrifying pain, and failed to move in his seat.

"I’ve always wanted to see your baby photos." Harry beamed, readjusting his glasses. "Do you have a photo with you wearing a frilly bonnet that made you look like a girl? I know, because I’ve seen Dudley in one of those."

"Hermione I swear if you- if you show Harry --"

"You’ll what?" Hermione beseeched with her chin held high. Ron never answered. She yanked out the dusty leather bound photo album, filled with the highlights of Ron’s life.

"Ginny, it’s not funny!" Ron poked her angrily, when she couldn’t stop laughing. Ginny wasn’t able to contain her laughter and as a measure of safety, moved to an empty armchair next to Harry, with Lilac following her.

"Ron, you should be at least grateful you do have photos after you were one," Harry said, his head slightly bowed. "I mean, the Dursleys didn’t bother sparing me a shot for me. Their house is full of Dudley-filled photo frames. And if you ever sit in their living room, you get this prickly feeling that someone is watching you ... but it’s just Dudley’s photos staring back."

Ron snorted, beginning to cheer up. "Scary!"

"By the way, Harry, any news on Florence?" Hermione asked sombrely, the mention of the Dursleys bringing up some old worries about Harry’s baby cousin.

Harry shrugged, feeling his chest tighten. "I’ve asked Remus and Sirius over and over again. They keep saying that she is perfectly all right. I’ve got my suspicions that Mrs. Figg is watching over her, making sure. But..."

He just hoped that his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon had no idea that their little baby girl was a witch. She was born a couple of days after Christmas in sixth year, and Harry had experienced several dreams about a strange toddler, leading him to wonder if his new cousin could be magical. Upon their return to Hogwarts, he and Ron had gone in search for the Hogwarts Registry of Magical Children and had both nearly been expelled for it, but it had confirmed Harry’s beliefs. Florence was, indeed, a witch.

Hermione carefully opened the album. In sudden desperation, Ron’s wand swooped out. "Accio album!" he shouted so quickly that the book shot out of Hermione’s hands without giving her any chance to catch it in midair.

"RON! THAT’S NOT FAIR!!!" Ginny and Hermione yelled in unison.

"Harry, get it off him," Hermione pleaded as Ron bolted out of the living room with the offending object in his hand.

Harry doubled up laughing and walked out from the living room to find Ron. He found Epona giggling at the end of the hallway, pointing into the dining room. Harry smiled and turned towards the dining room where he found Ron being reprimanded by his mother. Harry quickly halted and listened to Mrs. Weasley speak.

"--How many times must I tell you to keep quiet? Every time you make too much noise it disrupts our train of thought," she scolded. Ron crinkled his forehead, watching his mother mutely.

"Mum, we were just mucking abo-"

"Keep your voice down. We’re having another important meeting. People are dying, for goodness’ sake! And all you four are mucking about." Mrs. Weasley reddened, her words bitter and unjustly harsh, which was highly unusual for her. Harry could tell that she was not in her normal, motherly mode.

Mrs. Weasley straightened, suddenly realising the effect of her words on her youngest son, who was staring back in shock, and her chest heaved.

"Mum-" Ron started, moving a step back, where he hit the wall. Harry hid in the shadows, behind a large potted palm that was waving and coiling its leaves as if it was merely flexing its many fingers.

"I’m sorry," she sighed, her voice trembling. Her hands shook as she rubbed her forehead. "I-I didn’t get much sleep last night, and I’ve been so worried…"

"Mum it’s ok - we’ll keep quiet," Ron said softly, still unable to move. "You’ve got a lot on your hands and I don’t want to make it any more difficult for you."

Mrs. Weasley smiled a little and turned to head back towards the basement. "Do you understand now, why I don’t want you, Ginny and the twins to join the Order?" she asked, with a sideways glance.

Ron didn’t answer for a long moment. Harry felt the corridor fill with uneasiness, especially since Phineas Nigellus, whose portrait had been relocated and hung just above Ron’s head, had his brow furrowed and continuously tapped a finger at his chin in thought as he listened.

Ron inhaled deeply. "Mum, I think that’s my choice to make. I’m as much a part of it as Harry is - as anyone here is. And I won’t leave him to face it alone - you can’t stop me," he added as Mrs. Weasley opened her mouth to retort. "I understand how you feel about this, but in the end it’s for me to decide."

Harry felt immensely proud of what Ron had said. It was a mark of how, even though they had had tragic disagreements in the past, Ron had overcome all that, and they had all grown even closer. Harry crept a little further back behind the plant and waited for the conversation to end.

Mrs. Weasley closed her eyes once more, trying to prevent herself from crying – attempting to keep her emotions within her heart. "Now, go - go outside and try to be quiet. And make sure you all have lunch."

"We will, mum." Ron smiled half-heartedly, his fingers fumbling over the forgotten photo album in his hands.

"And take Brian for a walk! The child is too cooped up." Mrs. Weasley sighed, her eyes moving towards the stairs, where the child was sleeping on the second floor.

"Are you sure about that? I mean, Ginny and Hermione won’t leave the poor kid alone. Every time they see him - it’s just horrible," Ron chortled.

Harry laughed silently and decided to head back quietly without confronting Ron. Harry thought it would’ve been a little too awkward to suddenly spring out on his best friend. Ron would’ve guessed that he had heard.

Hermione and Ginny looked up from viewing some more holiday photographs and saw Harry entering the room a minute later.

"Did you find Ron? Did you get the photo album back?" Hermione asked and pouted when Ron set foot in the room immediately after. His arms were wrapped carefully around a bubbly baby boy.

Brian bounced up and down in Ron’s arms, his big blue eyes blinking at Ginny, who he spotted even from across the room. She had become his favourite friend over the summer holidays, and he smiled every time he saw her; but cried each time she left him.

Harry idly wondered if Florence did the same.

Brian’s black hair and perfectly round red cheeks highlighted the child’s aura of innocence. He was clearly completely unaware of his father’s death at the hands of torturers only months before. Brian had never seen his father, having been born after he was captured. Although this spared him any painful memories, in a way, Harry felt pity for Brian, because the boy would never have any memory of his father.

Ron raised an eyebrow. "What?" he said, grinning. Hermione and Ginny crossed their arms, their eyes simultaneously narrowing. Ron winced. "Look, I hid it, and I’ve created a diversion ... come on, playing with Brian is so much more fun than looking at my old photos. Besides, Mum wants us to take him for a walk."

"Very clever Ron, but you haven’t heard the last of it yet!" Ginny said with determination. She got up and began playing peek-a-boo with the squealing nine month old. "An-wose-da-cu-ba-ba?" Ginny kept asking the giggling child.

Ron opened his mouth to protest at his sister’s abominable behaviour every time she was near the baby. "You know, if you actually talk more clearly, he may be able to understand you," Ron commented sarcastically.

And Hermione was, if possible, even worse than Ginny. "A peeka-peek-abee," she cooed, pinching his cheeks.

If Brian only understood, Harry thought, he’d probably run a hundred miles at the annoying noises the girls were making at the sight of him. However, Brian seemed to be quite comfortable in his state of incomprehension, enjoying the attention being lavished upon him.

"All this attention may make him vain ..." Harry said out loud. "C’mon! That’s the future guardian of my inheritance – I won’t be able to look at him without thinking of ‘Peek-a-boo!’"

***

Mrs. Weasley clicked the basement door shut behind her and slowly walked down the steep stairs to the main room. There was a soft babble of talk, and she could smell the horrible tobacco Dung was smoking in his ancient pipe as he chatted with Bill and Charlie. The light from a magically in-built window to one side of the basement, put in specifically to create a more comfortable and work-friendly atmosphere, reached the last few stairs, guiding her into the room.

Sirius leaned back on the hind legs of his chair, his hands clasped behind his head. Morganna Snape sat beside him, staring into space, while Remus rested opposite his best friend, reading a Muggle newspaper and marking anything suspicious which could benefit the Order with a self-inking quill.

Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Mad-Eye Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Tonks were hunched together at one end of the room, talking about Ministry issues concerning the Aurors and what they were investigating. Arthur was at work, leading a raid on a group of young wizards who were making illegal enchantments on Muggle objects, then selling them off through some Muggle contraption called the Internet.

Niamh O’Connor sat talking with her new friends, Hestia Jones and Emmaline Vance, still forlorn in appearance and mood since her husband’s death.

Sirius looked up and grinned when he saw Molly. "How are they?"

"They’re fine," Molly breathed, looking round for a seat. "They’ve taken Brian for a walk, Niamh." The woman smiled, nodding with a sniff.

The table was filled with sprawled parchment and books on history and Defence Against the Dark Arts, as well as detailed studies of each of the Death Eaters. Deep, long gouges littered the timber of the table, as well on the walls -- scars left from Remus’ transfigured state as a werewolf.

"Well, where were we?" Dumbledore said, seating himself at the table and motioning for everyone else to follow suit.

"We were talking about my godson and Neville Longbottom," Sirius replied, leaning forward again, resting his arms on the table. Remus turned towards Dumbledore, folding the newspaper up.

"Ah, of course. As I was saying before the girls happily interrupted us," Dumbledore’s moustache quivered a little. "Voldemort still does not, and will not, know that they have taken the water themselves. Thus, we have an advantage, simply because Neville is continuously safe at his grandmother’s and Voldemort will not try to get rid of him. I also advise that the children do not enter Diagon Alley at this time - Death Eaters are on the lookout to weaken the Order’s unity, and they may find it useful to kidnap one of them."

"Oh, no!" Molly wailed.

Dumbledore smiled benignly. "They will be fine, Molly – we just need to be particularly careful," he reassured her. "And we must all be present when we send them off to Hogwarts. Once they’re on the train, everything will be all right. The train is very secure, of course."

There was a pause, where Dumbledore gazed at the faces each in turn, blinking, waiting for his next words. "The prophecy--"

"How can we be sure Voldemort hasn’t found out about the third prophecy before its known fact was put under Fidelius?" Remus asked gravely.

"There is no evidence that Voldemort knows, and there is no evidence that he is planning to kill Harry just yet. Voldemort is preoccupied with other things for now, although, it seems his obsession on finding out the contents of the first prophecy has been rekindled ever since he vaguely found out Harry knows it." Dumbledore sighed. Days after Harry had returned from Ireland, the Order learnt that Voldemort had tried to penetrate Harry’s mind, finding out the boy knew about the prophecy’s contents. Fortunately Voldemort was unable to know more of it, but they knew Voldemort would continue to devise new ways to access it.

"I’m disappointed to say this, but I have to add that the Dark Forces seem to have increased their secrecy, and most efficiently," Moody grunted, his magical eye swivelling to see what was outside the window.

"Aye," Mundungus agreed as he puffed his pipe. He specialised in asking questions of people in his own criminal underworld, and knowing the secret places where outcasts were, and who continued to work a life of misdeeds. Having his own underdog status allowed Mundungus to manipulate and bribe other witches and wizards for information that might be useful to the Order. However, lately he had noticed an increased reluctance to give information, even though many were tempted to take the bribe. Mundungus saw the fear in their eyes-- "I think, meself, that You-Know-Who’s minions may be forcibly stoppin’ me informants from speakin’ for fear of their lives. After all, nobody wants ter stir trouble with the big bad wolf."

Dumbledore stared quietly, his long fingers curling the end of his long white beard. "Yes. And, unfortunately Voldemort is starting to understand his new powers - more quickly than Harry and Neville," he concluded slowly. "Which leaves us in a predicament."

The other members of the Order exchange quizzical looks as Dumbledore continued.

"While he will start to know what he’ll need to realise his ambitions, we can’t stop him gaining whatever that is without Neville and Harry’s help. As Voldemort’s power increases, he’ll know that the Fidelius and Fuzzle Charms have kept him from knowing our secrets, which means he’ll be able to do the same to us."

"Why don’t we just put the knowledge of the charms under secret? It’s working isn’t it, we can stop Voldemort from knowing everything we do," Remus suggested.

Dumbledore smiled again at Remus’ proposition. "That is what I thought of first, except there is a downside to the charm. The more we use the Fidelius Charm, the more it burdens our hearts, to the point where it can no longer sustain life," he said gravely. "I am already Secret Keeper for many things. So now, I ask in good faith, who is willing to volunteer?"

Sirius put his hand up, as well as Remus, and most of the Order who were present.

"Right. Now that the Secret Keeper issue has been sorted, what news has been gathered on the Death Eaters. Kingsley?" Dumbledore said.

Kingsley stoically met Sirius’ gaze. "We’ve found a little bit of information concerning your cousin, Bellatrix," he said slowly. "She died."

"Ha ... and good riddance, I say! One down, 127 Death Eaters to go," Sirius said, counting off fingers. The Order knew for a fact that the Dark Lord had recruited many new Death Eaters to train, and his circle continued to grow as his manipulation and propaganda spread, although the Order was doing their best to prevent it.

Deep wrinkles appeared on Remus’ forehead and begged a question Sirius wondered about, but didn’t really care for at the same time. "How did she die?"

"Ahh, she died a slow death! She never recovered from the Vein Cutting Curse which was meant for Harry in Ireland," Tonks spoke up through a mouthful of bubble gum.

They all knew Bellatrix had been one of Voldemort’s most prized Death Eaters, but her death was not going to hinder the Dark Lord’s cause.

"In that case we must keep a closer eye on Lucius Malfoy," Dumbledore replied, scribbling down some more notes. "The late Bellatrix’s sister, Narcissa, may coax her husband into doing something drastic, I fear."

After a brief pause, which gave time for the members to write notes and reflect on the issues they had discussed, Dumbledore inhaled deeply and continued.

"Another issue is whether or not we should tell Harry. Sirius, since you are still his guardian, what do you say? I have, in the past, kept things from him - and it was a mistake."

Sirius stared, taken aback for a moment. Sighing, he ran his hands though his hair. "Look, he’s of age - we should tell him when school starts."

Dumbledore closed his eyes for a moment in silence. "We’ll speak to him the second day back in my office, Sirius."

Molly’s eyes trailed around the table. The news of the third prophecy made her heart ache for Harry. She pushed away her thoughts, rubbed her tired eyes and looked around.

Tonks was tapping the table with the tips of her fingers, blowing out a huge bubble. Her hair was a vivid green which made Molly’s eyes hurt, and Charlie watched her for a while, absent-mindedly stroking the feathers of a spare quill.

"Albus, what did the prophecy mean when it stated that Harry must defeat Voldemort when the smoke arises?" Professor McGonagall asked. "I’m just troubled by that line."

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. "I’m not sure, I’m afraid. It could mean a scene of a large battle or a scene of destruction." But even Dumbledore wasn’t convinced, nor were Sirius, Remus and Morganna. "Nevertheless, I’m sure Harry will reach his full potential, when his time comes."