Harry Potter and Mystery's Daughter

The fire blazed and shot out golden tongues of flames at the man in the chair. He flicked his hand and the flames changed into fiery waves that ran up the old wooden legs of the chair. They washed over the man's feet and his hands, but he smiled into the darkness. He couldn't feel the inferno on his body...he was above that. A short man approached from behind, licking his dry lips nervously and rubbing his hands together anxiously.

"M-master?"

"Wormtail..." Voldemort's reply was soft, a bare hiss that licked Peter's ears. Peter flinched and eyed Voldemort's hands wearily, which were resting on the arms of the chair. Voldemort sensed Peter's apprehension and twiddled his fingers slightly, marveling at the way Peter stepped back, jumping in his state.

"Do you have news for me, or will you just stand there?"

Peter licked his lips again and wiped his hands on his robes.

"Lu-Lucius Malfoy is coming my Lord."

"Ah Lucius! I must tell you Wormtail, that I haven't heard from my dear friend in a long while. It seems he's been avoiding me all summer. Do you know why?"

"No Master, I have no idea..."
"It's because the fool doesn't believe me strong enough to unveil himself- his true self to the world. So he hides, for he thinks I don't know, he doesn't want to have suspicion placed on him. But I know, Lord Voldemort knows all."

Wormtail shrunk, afraid of his master's wrath.

"Oh...I didn't know my Lord."

"I know Wormtail, you never do."

Two knocks sounded at the door and Peter scampered towards them, grateful for an interruption. He opened the faded wooden door and saw Lucius standing in the hallway, holding his staff tightly. He looked a littler nervous but washed the emotion away when he saw who opened the door.

"Wormtail," he snarled, "is my master-"

"I am here Lucius."

"My Lord..."

Lucius stepped into the room and took off his silky cloak and stretched his hand out to give it to Wormtail, who eagerly reached his hands out to take it. Lucius took a look at his filthy, stubby left hand and swiftly placed it in the slim, silver hand that fitted his body. His upper lip curled at the tiny man next to him and swiveled around to face the back of Voldemort's chair. He walked over to the side and bent on his knee, kissing Voldemort's robe hem. He straightened up and looked Voldemort in the eye. Voldemort moved his right hand to Lucius' forehead, touching the palm to the crown of his head. His hand moved lightly down Lucius' face and suddenly gripped his throat, not strangling him, but there to instill the fear it needed.

"You have been scarce this summer, Lucius".

Lucius froze, any sort of excuse dying in his throat.

"No words for me Lucius? How strange..."

Voldemort relaxed his grip of Lucius' throat and slowly dropped his hand back to the armchair.

"My Lord- I"

"Yes?..."

"I was...afraid-"

"Afraid Lucius? Of what? Certainly not me...I assured you my confidence in June. Perhaps of that silly society? It occurs to me that it means more to you, as does your position. Maybe your status means more than just a guise..."
"Never my Lord! I simply did not want to endanger my family before you made a move".

"Ah Lucius, while a empathetic man may have pulled off that excuse, I know your son is nothing more to you than a tool of Darkness, and Narcissa...if you two shared a love beyond that of the Death Eaters, your Lord would be very surprised".

Lucius said nothing, but his mouth moved slightly, in a contemptuous nature. His eyes were sulky, as things were clearly not going his way. Voldemort smiled, amused with Lucius' disappointment.

"Come now, Lucius. Do you have news for your master?"

Lucius stood up, and Voldemort looked up at him, surprised at his confidence and arrogance.

"Dumbledore," he spat, "has been removed. His position at the school has been suspended indefinitely for the time being. Minerva McGonagall has been set temporarily. But she will never stay...our foothold on Hogwarts is growing stronger."

Voldemort looked at him pleased.
"And what of Fudge?"

'That fool...he has no idea what he is dealing with. He answers to my commands and my will...he is at your disposal."

"Well done Lucius. I hadn't the idea you could muster up this much leadership. You will make sure that fool does not intervene with my plans. Speaking of which...how are the preparations for the plan? I do not want them disturbed and I do not want them known".

"And what of the Potter boy?"

Voldemort's eyes narrowed and his lip curled maliciously.

"Keep him away. Use that son of yours wisely once...Instead of focusing on those damn broomsticks, work on this problem."

"But Master- if the Potter boy-"
"If that boy intervenes, take him as well! I do not care if he is harmed. I would prefer him...unspoiled, but if he must come to me in pieces so be it. I want him to suffer! I want his limbs ripped from him one by one, until nothing but that noble heart of his remains. I want to take him and darken his soul...I want him to pay!"

Lucius stepped back, startled as Voldemort snarled and clenched his fists. His red eyes darkened and flashed, and the room seemed to grow smaller, the shadows intensifying and the light scampering away. Voldemort stood up and the flame, which had been snaking back and forth seductively, whipped back, running from the radiance of power before it. Wormtail gave a shudder and involuntarily turned into a rat, squeaking about on the floor.

"You see Lucius, that boy has escaped me four times. That damn Black has been brought back to him and Dumbledore is trying to reestablish the Order. I will be damned if the Resistance gains as much power as last time. The Potter's have been nothing but trouble for me and if I can't retain them on the Dark Side, then may they rot in hell. The father was untouchable, he couldn't have lived, but we could have gotten the mother. Oh Lily how we could have used you...and there was another like her. I made sure of that. I will get the power I deserve...the power I have worked for. I will see to that".

Voldemort seemed to mask his emotions once again. He tries so hard to escape being human and expects me to do the same. He seemed to lose it a little there...but Lord Voldemort could never disgrace himself so to be like us mortals, Lucius thought sardonically.

"Yes Master. I will get the girl...she has no chance."

"And if Potter tries to save her..."
"I know how to take care of both."

"Now leave me Lucius...you have your tasks set out in front of you. Do not stray from them and do not resist my service...you cannot hide from me so do not try".

Lucius nodded once and bowed. He walked out of the room, never turning his back and snatching out his hand for his cloak that had fallen on the floor in Wormtail's haste to escape the Dark Lord.

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Harry woke the next morning to a brilliant ray of sunshine on his face.

"Mmph". He turned away from sun and lay on his stomach, his arm thrown over his face

"Good morning Harry."

Harry jumped and fell off the bed in his haste to entangled himself from the sheets. He looked up sheepishly at Sirius who looked back at him, a look of mirth on his face.

"Good morning Sirius...how long have you been standing there?"

"Oh just for a bit...you sleep in even longer than your father."

Harry grinned at Sirius and suddenly touched his hair.

"Sign gone?"

Sirius laughed at him and nodded. Harry let out a sigh of relief and suddenly cringed as he realized the green celebration had still been present the previous night, during all the drama.

"Sirius...are you ok?"

Sirius' face hardened and Harry immediately regretted asking the question.

"I'm fine Harry...lets go have breakfast."

"What time is it?"

"2:30".

Sirius walked out of the room, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter at the incredulous look on Harry's face. You couldn't surprise him with new threats from Voldemortbut tell him the time, and the look on Harry's face was priceless. Harry heaved himself from the floor and threw the sheets onto the bed. He straightened out the slightly big gray shirt Remus had given him and threw on some pants. He walked out into the kitchen and for once, the mirror stayed silent. Remus lifted his eyes in surprise as Harry walked in.

"Good afternoon sleepyhead. Someone was tired..."

Harry grinned again, a dull red rising in his cheeks.

"I wasn't even that tired. I had no idea..."

Remus waved away his apology and gave him a smile. Sirius walked out, moving eggs around in a pan. He dumped them on a plate and banished the pan back with Remus' wand. Remus gave him a patronizing look and Sirius flung it off.

"Hey I don't have my own".

Remus sighed at him and turned to Harry who shoved his eggs down.

"So what do you want to do with the remainder of your day? I was thinking we could go into Diagon Alley if you wanted."

Harry nodded his agreement and told Remus and Sirius he was going to shower. Harry could tell there was still tension there, though something had happened between the previous night and the afternoon. He wondered again about his two mentors while he showered and pulled on some fresh pants and a sweater. He walked out into the living room, a half hour after he left and he saw Remus running around, doing last minute tasks before they left. His wand was outstretched and he was busy moving things and cleaning. Sirius was sitting on the couch, looking down at his hands, which struck Harry as odd. Remus looked up at Harry and smiled, putting his wand away in his robe. He stepped towards him and asked, "ready to go then Harry?"

Sirius looked up at them.

"What time will you be back?"

Remus looked at him, somewhat hopefully, and answered. "In about two hours if the lines are short."

"I'll try to fix some sort of dinner...if you want you can just bring something back or-"

"Anything will be fine Sirius. Are you sure you don't want to come?"

"It's better if I stay out of public."

Remus nodded sullenly and Harry stepped towards them and the Floo jar on that mantel.

"Are you sure Sirius? It wouldn't be a problem...ok then". Harry saw Sirius' curt shake of his head and he starting walking out of the room.

"Do you have enough money Harry? Do you need my key?"

"I'm fine Sirius, I have my money".

Sirius nodded once and walked out of the room. Remus sighed again and he gave a small smile in Harry's direction that didn't quite reach his eyes. He clapped his hands and walked over to the fireplace.

"Harry what are you doing?"

"Getting the Floo- wait..."

Remus grinned at the look of dawning realization on Harry's face and offered out his arm again. Harry took it embarrassed, the remains of Floo powder still on his hand. It reminded Remus of the time James had passed his Apparation exam and to fool them, had taken a pinch of Floo powder very seriously and instead of throwing it in the fireplace, threw it in the air and danced around as the powder settled on the ground and in his hair. James started a Floo fight and minutes later, they all looked like they had aged 30 years.

A second later they were inside the Leaky Cauldron and Harry stepped away from Remus, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling pub. Tom caught his eye and waved at him, his toothless grin leering out of the darkness near the bar. Harry returned the gesture and turned back to Remus. They left wordlessly to the back of the inn. Harry saw very little had changed; the trash can was still there but there was a new addition of a faded poster. It said: The Three Stooges; Not Just a Muggle Act! Catch them on the Wizarding Wireless Net Mondays at 7:30! Harry looked at the poster in amusement and pointed it out to Remus.

"The Three Stooges are wizards?"

"Well the original ones were...the show in the wizarding world is very popular, especially with the children. The curses and hexes flying back and forth...it's really something for people like Fred and George. And the tradition of practical jokes still endures here...honestly there are some things that no matter how hard we try, makes us just the same as Muggles."

Remus took out his wand and opened the archway into Diagon Alley. Harry felt weird going without Ron and Hermione, but he and Remus had fun. The first went to Gringotts where Harry made a quick withdrawal from his account. They stopped first at Flourish and Blotts and it suddenly occurred to Harry that he didn't have his school letter.

"Um Remus? I don't have my letter..."

Remus waved it and made a face.
"It came to us the day you arrived...honestly sometimes you and father are so alike. He never checked the mail. Sometimes bills were such a problem with your parents, not because they couldn't afford it, but because James never bothered to "see" them. Of course, that could have been on purpose..."

Harry grinned and quickly turned to a display on Quintapeds, washing down the feelings of remorse and guilt that were starting to make there way up. Remus bit his lip and caught the attention of an assistant. Twenty minutes later, they were out the door with new books for Harry. They stopped next to get new potions supplies and then on to buy more quills and ink. They stopped in Eyelops Emporium to buy a new cage for Hedwig, who seemed to outgrow her last one. Harry bought a new one with gold wiring that held food dishes that automatically refilled themselves with food that Hedwig would be in the mood for. It also held a place for any dead rodents she brought back from her flying excursions. Remus suggested Quality Quidditch Supplies and Harry gladly obliged. There wasn't a new broom out, though there were several advances to add to the Firebolt. Harry bought new polish that would increase the aerodynamics of the broom as well as new gloves especially made for a Seeker. As they were walking out, Harry started counting his money and realized he had more than was necessary.

"Hey Remus? I think I took out too much money...I won't need all of this in Hogsmede. I guess I thought things would be more expensive."

"Keep it Harry...you never know when you'll need money. But now that you mention Gringotts, there's something I want to go back for."

Harry looked at him questioningly but Remus wouldn't say what he needed. Ten minutes later, they were hurtling down the track towards Remus' vault. Harry noticed, as they were slowing down, that these vaults had a less complicated door to unlock, which must have made them cheaper. The goblin unlocked the door and gave Remus an insolent stare as he went to sit back in the cart. Remus quickly went in and came back, holding a long, thin box. Harry stared at it as they closed the door and started on the journey back up.

"That isn't a gun is it Remus?"

Remus shot a stare at Harry and slowly his head. Harry waved away the oncoming question, feeling stupid. As soon as they were back in the dying light of the day, Harry bombarded Remus with questions. Remus smiled and shook his head. Harry, feeling disappointed, started walking back to the Leaky Cauldron. As they passed the entrance to Knockturn Alley, Harry looked down the narrow passage way, remembering his encounter with the inhabitants there 3 years ago. As he stared down, he saw Lucius Malfoy enter a shop. Harry suspected it was the same one as three years ago, he couldn't remember the name now. He kept walking, glad Malfoy was coming in and not out, otherwise he could have been seen. Remus caught up with him looking questioningly but Harry just shook his head. They got back into the Leaky Cauldron where Remus asked for a private parlor. Tom obliged graciously and brought them tea and butterbeer.

"So Harry, I'm guessing you want to know what's in the box".

Harry nodded eagerly and Remus reached into one of the bags and brought it out. It was faded but the brown on it reminded Harry of Ollivander's boxes. There was a deep blue ribbon tied around it and Remus fingered it quietly.

"It's Sirius' wand."

Harry's head shot up at Remus and he looked at him, full of surprise.

"They kept it? I mean, they didn't snap it in half? When you get expelled from Hogwarts-"

Remus cut him off.

"Normally they do. However, they had just sentenced Sirius to a life sentence with no chance of parole. I think it was Arthur's doing...before I sent him. He felt bad for me, as most who didn't hate me for who I am, did. He gave me this, the ribbon from Molly and a note attached to make sure to come to supper on Sunday. Which of course I did after I sent Arthur..."

Remus' voice died off and his eyes trailed down again to look at the box. Harry just stared.

"Sirius has been rather lonely without this. He escaped two years ago and he's done next to no magic. This morning was really one of the first times he used a spell...and plus now he likes having the ability to do things with his hands, he didn't get that in Azkaban. I would have gotten it sooner but he only arrived a month before you did and we really didn't think. He needs something...I think it would really cheer him up".

Harry nodded, a lump in his throat, which he washed down with a gulp of butterbeer. Remus still held the box and then set it on the table to drink some tea. They finished their drinks in silence and paid. They gathered their belongings and got set to Apparate.

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Hermione reached home and immediately sank to bed. She didn't bother changing and she threw her bag onto the neat dresser near the foot of her bed. She felt herself falling into the comforting darkness of sleep and she quickly threw the covers over her. She didn't want to think about what had happened. Harry...hearing him say all that was so surreal. She had always thought he fought to stay alive...and maybe part of him did but it was gone now. He merely fought now because he was supposed to. She felt her heart go out to him, in a way she knew she could never tell him. She would always share a love for both of her best friends but at least one of them wasn't on the receiving end of curses and pain. Every time Harry got taken away from her to go fight something, a part of her went with him and could only return when he came back. And Ron was always there, always holding her hands or arms or just her while the both of them waited. It didn't matter if Harry was playing Quidditch or was running from Voldemort in graveyards...he was always separated from everyone else in the smallest of things because of a scar. Because of who he was. Hermione had no idea of the toll it took on Harry; she couldn't even begin to fathom it. She felt a tear slide down her cheek as she thought of him. He always saved her and Ron, they were always on the sidelines while he went out to perform some duty or another. She couldn't stand having that be routine, having that be the norm. She felt, in a strange twisted manner, that her attraction to Ron was only because of all the times they had to spend alone together, while Harry was in the hospital wing or off fighting. Ron...Hermione's heart lightened at the thought of him. He was so perfect. She loved watching him, her fascination with him always growing. He was such a great guy...she knew most girls with crushes said that about their guys, but it was actually true. He was the hero he didn't want to be. He always helped...even if his suggestions were wrong, his accusations false. His convictions were true and sometimes he was so noble and brave. And other times...Hermione grinned into the darkness, marveling at how much of a little boy Ron could be sometimes. Always getting worked up when someone insulted his family and their financial situation. Money and appearance was such a concern to him, and to some, it might seem petty. But to Hermione it was perfect...it made him perfect. He could be jealous of Harry's fame and fortune, he could wish to be him, and all of those intimate desires just made him who he was. His eagerness to escape his life always made Hermione laugh with delight. He was so adorable, always so tiny. And yet...he played such an important role to everyone. He was needed by his family, by his friends. Hermione had seen Harry the previous year when Ron stopped talking to him. He thought she didn't notice, but she did. She saw how he was when it was just the two of them. He was bored...he needed something in his life only Ron could provide. The laughter that made Hermione's heart swell and forget about the troubles they lived with, could only result from Ron. Ron sometimes made the Harry that was so dear to her. Hermione knew if Harry was taken away from her, not to return again, she would be devastated. She would never be the same without Harry, he was so important to her. But if Ron was ever taken away...if her Ron was ever taken away. Her world would be shattered, she would never know joy or love again. She wouldn't be able to look at Harry the same again, knowing he would feel responsible somehow. He would be broken, never able to function, never able to be fixed. But Hermione would cease to exist. A fear that had always clutched at her heart rose, growing in levels that Hermione had yet to feel. Ron always felt expendable but she knew he made the trio. Ron and Harry, Ron and Hermione were always fine by themselves, but put Harry and Hermione together without Ron, and the world was wrong. Hermione drifted off into sleep, uneasy with fear. As she fell asleep, she started to dream and no matter what she did, she couldn't escape it.

She stood by a cliff...a high cliff that overlooked a magnificent ocean, breaking violently, the whitecaps running over each other. The air tasted of salt and her hair blew about her in a wild and crazy manner...so inappropriate for today. She turned and walked over to the solemn and black group. Molly Weasley sat in black robes, unable to speak or cry. Arthur sat next to her, talking quietly to her, his hands running over her folded ones in her lap. Ginny sat next to her father, wracked with sobs, unable to be comforted. Hermione felt the vague grabs of anxiousness at her heart and she quickened her pace over. Fred and George sat behind their parents, neither of them speaking, their heads turned away. Percy was nowhere to be seen. Charlie was standing by the tree next to the group of chairs, a willow. He leaned against the tree, his eyes shut and his hands supporting the small of his back. Bill was standing by the gravestone, staring at it solemnly and every so often, he would glance down at the black haired boy next to him. The boy was rocking back and forth, hugging his knees. Hermione walked past him and he looked up at her, his eyes stained with red, and his face dirty with tears. Hermione felt nothing but contempt for this boy, although a part of her, the one who was currently sleeping back in her room, didn't understand why. The boy's eyes, those green eyes, bored into her and implored her to listen.

"Please...Hermione...please bring him back. I didn't mean to, please."

Hermione ignored him and kept walking towards the gravestone. She stopped and knelt before it, placing the rose she hadn't even known she had on top. She looked at the ground and then back up at the stone to finally read what it said.

Ronald Weasley

1980- 1999

Beloved Son, Loyal Friend, Loving Husband, Proud Father

Husband? Hermione looked at her left hand and saw a beautiful ring on her ring finger. It was made of white gold and had a simple diamond in the middle. Hermione felt her heart drop and her breath stop. She stood up shaking. She and Ron were...married. She closed her eyes and smiled, a feeling of joy and love like none she had felt raced through her veins, making her blood boil. But the feeling ended when she remember her husband wasn't standing next to her, but lay 6 feet beneath her. She felt the cold fist of reality punch through her stomach as she looked again at the stone. Father? Hermione looked around her wildly but could see no child running around.

"You're expecting".

Hermione closed her eyes again, but not from joy. Her heart shriveled up and died, or so it felt like that.

"How long?"

Harry's voice sounded deep, but weak with agony and guilt. As much as she hated him right now, she needed to know.

"You're only a month along. Ron found out two weeks ago...he died five days ago. But up until then, he was so proud. He couldn't wait. It was the icing to the cake of his perfect life. I remember him telling me how lucky he felt. Great job, wonderful wife, and he was about to become the father to most beautiful baby in the world."

Hermione nodded mutely, imagining that conversation. She smiled as the wind took her hair again and breathed in deeply. Her child would be beautiful because it was Ron's. But suddenly Hermione's face hardened and she turned around to finally face Harry.

"But Ron's never going to see his child. Because of you."

Harry nodded, his face sagging, and his green eyes fading to a dull glimmer.

"Because of who you are. Because he was your friend and stayed loyal to you. Because he helped you fight your battle, and your battle alone. Ron is dead because you let him die...to get to Voldemort. You let your best friend die, you sacrificed him!"

Harry looked away but Hermione brought his face back with her hand and Harry looked at her. She let her hand fall and gently hit the side of her body. They stood there, staring at each other and Hermione felt nothing but hatred towards the boy she once thought her protector and savior. A poison took over her, one that made her want to gather up all the strength she could and scream, scream until the world ended. Scream until Harry was blown away and no one was left, so she could finally grieve alone for her Ron. Finally Harry muttered something and Hermione raised her eyebrows.

"What did you say?"

"Don't be frightened, but you need to wake up. You need to see, to go back."

Hermione shook her head slightly in disbelief, her mouth slightly open with confusion. Harry looked at her seriously, and took a hold of her shoulders.

He kept his face down but brought it inches near her own. He looked up, those green eyes boring into her soft brown ones. She could only stare and she could feel her hear racing. Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but what, she would never know, because right then Harry kissed her. Not just gentle...a full blown, passionate, leaving nothing out kiss. Hermione tried to pull back, remembering that she was kissing her husband's murderer but she could only sink in to it. Just as she started to react, Harry pulled away. He glanced at her once before painfully gripping her shoulders. .

"WAKE UP!"

Hermione jumped and so did the one sleeping. She sat up quickly, breathing sharply. She switched on her light and read the time of the clock next to her. 4:58. Something caught her eye and Hermione glanced at the photograph next to her bed. It was of her, Ron, and Harry sometime during fourth year. It must have been spring because they were sitting out by the lake underneath a tree. Hermione loved this picture. Harry was sitting up against the tree and Hermione had her head resting on his outstretched legs. Ron lay on his stomach and was currently tickling Hermione. She was laughing and shrieking (though no one could hear it) with delight was thrashing her arms about wildly. Except that Harry had a hold of them and was grinning mischievously. Hermione picked up the picture and snuggled deep into her pillows looking at it. She looked at it for hours it seemed and it was true. When she finally looked up, she saw it was 9:23. With a shock, she tumbled out of bed, still thinking about her dream.

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Harry and Remus Apparated home and found Sirius sitting on the couch opposite Dumbledore. Harry dropped his bag in surprise as Dumbledore sprang up from the chair. Harry wasn't just surprised to see him in their house, but just to see him. He looked...old. Lines had worked their way across Albus' face and created a spidery web of age. They looked like the finally belonged there, whereas before, Harry always thought the wrinkles and lines looked wrong on his headmaster's face. Suddenly Harry was once again aware that Albus wasn't like Sirius or Remus...while he held answers and wisdom, he had reached the age most wizards dreamed of. The age where one could settle down with his galleons and build a nice house, connected to the Floo Network, with a Quidditch Pitch in the backyard. But no, Albus was still working, he was still fighting...Harry felt a new found respect for him suddenly, he still wasn't sure of the reason.

"Harry! Remus! So glad to see you...I hope I wasn't interrupting anything."

Remus hastily shook his head and put down his bags, stretching out his hand to shake Albus'.

"No of course not Headmaster. Harry and I were just doing some shopping for school...better to get it out of the way."

Albus nodded, his eyes sparkling.

"And young Harry...I trust you're enjoying your summer...now".

Harry laughed and nodded. He went to shake Albus' hand and then sat on the couch next to Sirius. Remus disappeared in to the kitchen and reappeared moments later with a tray of tea. Harry took a cup, wondering about the sudden appearance of his headmaster. They sat in silence for a few minutes, occasionally stirring their tea, or setting down their spoons on the worn, wooden table. Finally, Albus cleared his throat.

"Harry, have you read the Daily Prophet?"

Harry straightened at being questioned and shook his head, a questioning look on his face. Albus sighed and muttered, "I guess this is the way I would have preferred you find out anyways".

Harry opened his mouth to ask a question but Albus quickly spoke over him, skipping the question they all knew Harry would ask.
"The reason I ask Harry, is because something happened between Minister Fudge and myself. I was at his office, you see, to talk to him about Voldemort's return and he thought it prudent to...to suspend my position at the school."

Harry's eyes widened, and his glasses slipped down his nose.

"But...wait-" he sputtered, "they can't! Why!"

Albus' face fell at Harry's response and he put down his cup of tea, and folded his hands back on his lap.

"Before you were born Harry, in the days when Voldemort's reign of terror seemed ever growing, a new resistance group was formed. It was called the Order of the Phoenix. It consisted of many different types of people...aurors, unspeakables, law enforcement officers, professors, unemployed or retired Ministry workers, and a handful of people from various departments. Your father was in this group, as was Remus and Sirius".

Harry shot a look at Sirius who sat, holed up in the corner of the couch. Remus was looking intently at Albus.

"We fought for years, losing people to Voldemort, but all the while gaining information that helped save hundreds of lives. By the time you were born, we were the main group that fought against Voldemort, and we gained much support from the Wizarding community. This past week, I tried to get Fudge to transfer the task of dealing with Voldemort right now to the Order. Over the summer, Remus has helped to organize many of the members to their old positions...unfortunately, we can't seem to get started. If we have no support from the Ministry, I fear that we will encounter more obstacles than is necessary. Fudge thought me incompetent to handle the school when I was so focused on the Order. I suspect that Fudge however, is being manipulated by Voldemort. Someone has him under their wing and is controlling his actions...not through Imperious, we've already experienced something like that from Voldemort, and he wouldn't do it again. I suspect there is a movement against Hogwarts and the first step was to remove me as Headmaster".

"But Professor, if the Order was reestablished, then would you have a chance of regaining position of headmaster?"

Albus looked sharply at Harry and took another sigh before replying.

"Harry, I know you don't the reason for the title of the Order. The reason is because I was the leader of this group...I am an animagus. A phoenix. You must understand my curious affinity with the bird and no one except the Order members know of my identity. However, I won't gain much support as people will learn that I have been suspended from Hogwarts...if I have no support, I have no hope of reestablishing the Order. And without having the Order behind me, I wont be able to fight for my position as headmaster."

"Are you Fawkes? I mean- is Fawkes"

Albus smiled and replied.

"I am not Fawkes, however, he has been my close comrade. In the Chamber of Secrets I was watching...I sent Fawkes when you called for him".

Harry was sitting in shock, still not expecting this answer from Dumbledore. Suddenly he remembered something Hagrid had said right before he was taken to Azkaban. He looked up in worry and alarm and Albus started at his sudden change in behavior.

"But Professor! Without you, there will be an attack on the school within days of it starting!"

Albus looked away, not wanting the conversation to come to this. Remus and Sirius suddenly shifted uncomfortably in their seats and Harry looked suspiciously at all three of them.

"Professor? What's wrong?" Harry's throat went dry and his stomach suddenly felt queasy. Attacks...

"There hasn't been an attack has there?"

Albus looked back at him slowly and nodded miserably. The twinkle in his eyes had gone out and the normally intense blue that stared back at Harry was dulled and dim.

"Who?" Harry's question wasn't above a whisper, as his heart clung to his throat.

Albus cleared his throat, clearly not wanting to deliver the news.

"Seamus Finnigan".

Harry shut his eyes and looked away, taking deep breathes before he could continue. Sirius made a move to comfort him, but Harry moved away instinctually and Albus put up his hand to stop the two other adults from progressing with other movements. Harry opened his eyes but didn't face his headmaster.

"Is he ok?"

"He's dead".

Sirius ran his hands through his hair in a defeatist gesture and Remus sat still. Albus watched Harry intently but the boy wouldn't move. He had jumped slightly when Albus broke the news but he still didn't look back at him. His green eyes were staring at something only he could see and he lifted them as something occurred to him.

"Just Seamus?"

"His family...his parents and two younger sisters".

Harry nodded twice and, without moving his head, got up and walked out to the backyard.