Hello Allison. Another great post. I sit here long after I read your chapter, just thinking about what is going on, and what will happen, and when, and then it hits me, that this is only the fifth year. Abby doesn't know how long she has to wait till Harry kills Voldemort. That has got to be overwhelming! And he could try to get Abby any time! I don't know how her knowing all this if she will be able to act normal. Your story is very intense, and I hope you stay in the mood to keep posting. I'll be watching for your next.Hope it's real soon!

Thanks Connie Abby does have quite the burden to bear, doesn't she?

I had stayed in Dumbledore's office for about ten minutes, no one speaking or even moving. We were statues, stuck in this moment that we knew would change our lives forever. After a while I couldn't take it anymore, so I got up and left, closing the door quietly behind me.

The future was a tricky business, and sometimes I wished people didn't have the ability to see into it. I wished we could all just remain in ignorant bliss, no knowledge of what the future could hold or what the actual consequences of our big decisions would be. It makes us timid, afraid to choose the way we want to because that may just be the decision that makes the prophecy come true. Or is it all just a hit or miss? Are they inevitable? Trapping us in a predetermined path, and prophecies being some twisted game to make us think we actually have a say in our lives.

The walk back to the corridor was slow. I didn't know how I was going to face them. I didn't know how I was going to keep this from them. Should I keep it from them? That since I was sixth months old I was destined to die for a boy I hadn't even met yet? The boy who I loved deeper than anyone I knew?

Emotionally I couldn't handle this. I couldn't handle knowing just enough to make me tentative, uncertain as to what the right plan of action was. How was I going to handle this?

I rounded a corner only to find myself smacking straight into Professor Umbridge.

"Do watch where you are going Miss Carson," said said to me in that sickeningly sweet tone of hers. Of course, I would bump in to her right at this moment.

"Sorry Professor," I mumbled, not sounding sincere at all, before going to move around her. She side stepped to block my path.

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear you," she said, an attempt at a look of innocence on her face.

I stared at her. "Actually I know you heard, so if you don't mind I'm a little busy."

She raised her eyebrows at me. "Miss Carson have you learned nothing from our detention exercise the other evening?" Instinctively I felt the freshly scarred over skin on my hand tingle. I was going to kill her.

Deciding not to answer I went to move around her again, but instead she side stepped again, blocking off my path.

"I asked you a question," Umbridge said, losing all trace of mock kindness in her voice.

"Well I don't have an answer for you, so move!"

Umbridge looked as if I had slapped her in the face. "Detention tomorrow evening. Perhaps more lines will get the message across," she hissed at me.

I went to move but she continued to block my path. She wanted me to respond to her original question, I could pick the thought straight from her brain, but I didn't want to. Of all the things going through my life right now, she was the icing on the cake.

"Professor Umbridge I am going to ask you kindly, one more time to move or so help me I will make you move!"

Umbridge opened her mouth to say something in outrage but she couldn't. No voice was coming out. She reached up and grabbed her throat, unable to take in a breath or make any sound come out. I stared at her, confused as to what was happening.

Umbridge stumbled sideways, falling into the wall, her hand still pressed to her neck, her face getting white like she had just passed out and woken up. As I stared at her, no idea as to what was happening or what to do, I noticed that her hand was starting to turn blue, the same color one gets when they have been out in the snow too long.

As I looked closer I realized that her neck was literally freezing. Little icicle marks, like the ones cars or houses get on their windows, were forming along her neck and around the spot where her hand was. She was freezing from the inside out.

"Miss Carson, what is going on?"

I turned to see Professor McGonagall walking briskly towards me, stopping when she saw Professor Umbridge.

"Professor, I don't know what is happening..."

Professor McGonagall bent in to look at Umbridge's neck before turning to look at me, her eyes wide.

"Abby, go to my office and wait there while I take Professor Umbridge to the hospital."

Professor McGonagall wrapped her arm around Umbridge's shoulder and led her off, mumbling spells that I assumed were trying to stop whatever was happening to her neck.

Had I done that? How could I have done that? I knew Harry had blown up his like a balloon in a fit of rage our third year, but making someone basically freeze to death...from the inside out?

I stood there in the dead hallway, confused and lost beyond belief, before I crumpled to the floor and quietly sobbed.

Hello Allison. great post! My goodnes, how do you come up with this brilliant stuff. I just knew the toadwoman was going to be in the passageway. She is much too evil for her own good. I'm anxious to find out if she decides to tell the others. Oh my! What is happening to the toadwoman!?!?!?!?!??!? Abby shouldn't have been disrespectful to her, but, I know she would have kept on goading her to make her get fired up. Well she did. But did Abby cause that to happen to her? Poor Abby! Oh dear, dear, dear! I hope Harry comes looking for her and saves her.
Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next.

I laid there, curled up in a ball for what seemed like a very long time. It wasn't until I felt Professor McGonagall's hand on my back that I could stop.

"Come on dear," she said, sliding her arms strategically under my body so that she could help me up. "This is no place for you to be right now."

We walked down the hallway at a comfortable pace, Professor McGonagall rubbing my back soothingly, until we reached her office where she set me down in the chair across from her desk. I thought she was going to sit behind it but instead she pulled another chair up next to me, and put her hand gently on my shoulder.

"Professor Umbridge is going to be fine," she said.

"How did I do that?" I asked her quietly.

"Well, I hadn't expected to be getting to this aspect of your gift until much later on when I thought you were about to shift for the first time, but I guess we better discuss it now." Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "What makes Phoenix animagis so strong is their ability to channel the elements. They are so pure that they themselves can hone in on the elements, which are also pure in nature. Does that make sense?"

I nodded.

"Because of your gift of telepathy and also your ability to feel the feelings of those around you, it makes you have to be slightly more in check with your emotions than most."

I stared at her. "What do you mean?"

"You're cold aren't you Miss Carson? Freezing even? I could barely touch your skin one the way here because it is so cold."

I looked down and realized that my hands were the exact same color as Professor Umbridge's neck and face had been.

"But I feel fine," I said, not feeling cold at all, but actually quite comfortable.

"Of course you do. You can channel the elements. Naturally it makes you a much better survivor than the rest of us. There is a reason why people always talk about how difficult it is to kill a Phoenix animagi outside of the killing curse. Your body is perfect at adapting to its surroundings."

"But how did I do that to her?" I asked, still not understanding.

"Even though I wasn't there I am sure that Professor Umbridge was bothering you, or perhaps making you angry in some way?"

I nodded my head.

Professor McGonagall left out an annoyed sigh. "That woman. Anyway, when you are emotional it is harder for you to stay out of peoples thoughts and emotions I am sure. So, what I believe happened, is that you were naturally on the colder side because your mood was not so great, and then with Professor Umbridge making you angry, you transferred that coldness you were feeling onto her."

"So I basically made her as cold as I was," I said after a moments pause.

"Yes. I figured this would happen eventually but not this soon in your transforming process. So, Professor Dumbledore and I will handle the situation with Umbridge and make sure you are not expelled for it, but in the meantime Abby I ask that you try to be aware of how much you let your mental guard down. The more it is down the easier it is for you to slip into someone's mind and possibly cause harm. Do you understand?"

"Yes Professor," I said, letting out a sigh of my own. She nodded firmly.

"May I ask what got you so upset?"

I looked up at her. "I found out about the prophecy my mother had."

Professor McGonagall was dead silent, her entire face falling. "I am so sorry dear. I assume you were just coming from talking to Dumbledore about it?"

I nodded.

"Well Miss Carson you have two options here. You can admit defeat and choose to let it get you down, or you can firmly decide right now that you are not going to let some prophecy determine how you live your life."

I looked up at her. "I can not even begin to imagine how this news must be affecting you, but I ask you Miss Carson to not give up hope. Things have a funny way of working themselves out in the end, and you are far too strong of a person mentally and emotionally to make this prophecy mean the end."

"Okay Professor McGonagall," I said, feeling somewhat better already.

"Good. Now go on back to your common room. I'll be in touch once we determine the proper course of action on how to handle this situation with Umbridge."

I got out of the chair and started to head towards the door, stopping once I had my hand on the handle.

"Could I be expelled?" I asked, turning around to face her.

"No, Miss Carson. People make mistakes. Besides, you weren't planning to harm Professor Umbridge nor did you have previous knowledge that she would be stalking you to Dumbledore's office, which we all know she was."

I left out a tiny laugh and somewhat smiled.

"She really is an evil toad, isn't she?" I said.

"Yes, I nice chilled toad if I do say so myself," replied Professor McGonagall, taking a seat behind her desk.

I turned around and left, the silent laughs from Professor McGonagall making me smile and genuinely laugh too.

Hello Allison. This chapter I read just 4 hours after you posted and, I couldn't think what to say. I'm sure you get tired of me telling you that you are brilliand, and I love the story, and I can't wait to read the next post.... all of which is true, but I want to tell you something new. The thing is... how do you top brilliant? I keep reading it and trying to pick out parts I can highlight and sayI loved this, or this was so cool, but, I honestly would be highlighting the whole post. But, here goes for a try. I LOVE this bit of brilliance: This next part is WAY super cool! (or should I say cold) I love Professor McGonagall! She's so brillient, and she is human also.
Great post Allison! I'll be waiting for your next post. Keep up those creative juices!

Aww Connie you're making me tear up!

By the time I had made it back to the common room everyone was already in bed and sleeping. I snuck into the girl's dormitory, pulling the curtain closed, and collapsing on my bed. I ended up drifting off to sleep fully clothed.

"Where have you been?" came Hermione's voice on the other side of the curtain, ripping it open impatiently.

I opened one of my eyes, closing it again at the image of the sun coming through the window, nearly blinding me.

"Ahh, Hermione," I said, rolling over.

"We were so worried about you last night. Then you just come back in and go to bed without a word?! What happened?"

Hermione plopped down on my bed after opening my curtains the rest of the way. Guess I wasn't sleeping anymore. I pushed myself up so that I was resting my weight on my arms which were pushed out behind me.

"Well, when we were at our meeting spot for you know yesterday, I just remembered something from when I was younger."

"And..." said Hermione when I didn't continue.

"It was just a rough memory is all and I wanted to talk to Dumbledore about it."

Hermione was eyeing me in that way of hers. "Well, what was the memory?"

I sighed. "Listen Hermione, I really don't want to go into it right now. Besides I need to shower and change my clothes before class."

Hermione stood up. "Alright, but don't assume you're getting out of telling me. Whatever it is I am here for you. Remember that."

"I do Hermione, I do."

I quickly collected some fresh clothes and headed to the showers, taking a bit longer than I had meant to, before hurrying downstairs to the common room where Ron, Hermione, and Harry were waiting for me.

"Bloody hell. What happened to you last night?" asked Ron as we exited the portrait hole.

"Oh, nothing. Just needed to talk to Dumbledore about something."

"What did you need to talk to him about?" asked Harry, instantly assuming it had something to do with Voldemort. Well...it did have something to do with Voldemort but not in the way he was thinking.

"Nothing that important," I said, practically speed walking to breakfast. I couldn't handle all their poking and prodding. After the meeting with McGonagall last night and my long nights sleep I had pretty much emotionally removed myself from the situation. I wanted to forget about the memory, not analyze it in intense detail the way I knew they all would want to if I told them.

"Secrets are no fun unless they're shared with everyone," said Fred coming up from behind me and wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

"Bloody hell, where did you two come from?" asked Ron, apparently just as startled by George suddenly walking next to him as I was to having Fred's arm around my shoulder.

"Oh you know, places," said Fred mischievously.

"Are you two still testing out your products on students?" asked Hermione, eyeing them both sternly.

"No, we aren't kidnapping the students and holding them hostage so we can try our products. They are all willing volunteers," said George with a 100 watt smile at Hermione. She didn't seem convinced.

"So, what are you two doing here if you're so busy?" asked Ron.

"We're here to congratulate Abby on landing Umbridge in the hospital wing last night," said Fred, giving me a squeeze.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione all stopped instantaneously.

"YOU DID WHAT?" asked Ron so loudly that a couple students near by turned to look at him.

I glared at Fred. "You hadn't told them yet?" said George with raised eyebrows.

"It was an accident, and how in the world did you two find out?"

"Oh, we heard Dumbledore and McGonagall talking about it outside her office. Looks like they've been arguing with Umbridge and the minister all night to make sure you aren't expelled," said Fred, eyeing me like I was a god.

"Expelled? Abby what did you do?" asked Hermione, panic starting to creep into her voice.

"Listen, I wasn't in a great mood when I left Dumbledore's office last night, and ended up bumping into Professor Umbridge on my way back to the common room. As you know she enjoys flustering people, so by accident, my temper got the best of me, and I might have used a bit of magic on her."

"You cast a spell on a teacher?" said Hermione, her eyes going wide.

"No, no, it wasn't like that at all!" I said, turning and starting to walk back towards the great hall.

"Well what was it like then?" asked Hermione, refusing to stop nagging until she got an answer. Fred and George continued to follow us, listening intently.

Stopping again I swung around and faced all of them. "It was basically the same thing as what Harry did to his aunt Marge our third year."

"You blew up Umbridge?" said Harry, amused at what that must have looked like.

"No, I didn't blow her up. I kind of made her freeze," I said, going quiet towards the end.

"What do you mean, made her freeze?" asked Hermione, eyeing me curiously.

I was about to answer her when I felt Umbridge come up from behind me. Everyone's eyes had gotten wide, even Fred and George's who rarely got phased by these sort of things.

I turned around and looked at her; her neck wrapped with some kind of heating bad along with her right hand. Her face still wasn't entirely back to its normal color. I heard Hermione let out a little gasp behind me. Umbridge really did look like a walking icicle.

"Good day Miss Carson," Umbridge said, the words pouring through her mouth like poisoned sugar. "I'd like to see you in my office. We have some things to discuss."

I was about to object when I saw Dumbledore and McGonagall come around the corner, frazzled that she had gotten to me first.

"Come along Miss Carson," Professor McGonagall said, hurrying around Umbridge and wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

Harry's heart had picked up at the sight of Dumbledore, who merely nodded at Harry, before following McGonagall, me, and the toad down the hallway. What had I done?

Hello Allison. You just keep putting up these fantastic chapters. I don't know how you do it. I love how Abby's mind is able to turn on the instant she awakens. But you can tell she'd still loved to have slept some more. Poor Harry. He's always trying to figure everything out. Well, I can't blame him, his life does depend on it. Poor Harry. I really don't think his plan was right on for Harry. It seems like if yu alienate someone yu know is depending on you, it would hurt them terribly to ignore them.
Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next.

Professor Umbridge was secretly fuming inside that McGonagall and Dumbledore had shown up before she had had a chance to handle me herself in private. I on the other hand felt much better sandwiched between Dumbledore and McGonagall, who still had her steady arm around my shoulder. There was so much anger from all three of them that I was having a hard time not wanting to go and punch a wall myself!

We walked in complete silence until we got to the statue in front of Dumbledore's office, the portrait swinging open instantly upon his approach, and headed up the winding steps that were becoming all too familiar to me. Was it normal for one student to spend so much time in the Headmaster's office in one year? It hadn't even gotten to winter break yet!

Dumbledore pushed open the wooden door leading to his office, and stepped aside, letting all of us come through, before closing it swiftly behind Umbridge. To my surprise Snape was there, lurking in the corner and staring at the Minister with intense loathing; I was not surprised to see the Minister.

"Dumbledore, is this Miss Carson?" Fudge asked, eyeing me with a peculiar look. Fudge didn't know what to make of me, and to be honest he was a bit frightened of me. After all what witch could make someone freeze from the inside out without the use of a wand? And a fifth year at that.

"This is her Minister, yes."

Fudge came down the three steps leading up to Dumbledore's desk and stared at me. I wasn't sure if he was expecting me to cower and run for the door, actually I figured that was what he was expecting since surprise hit his mood when I didn't even flinch at his invasion of my personal space.

"Are you aware of what you have done?" he asked me.

"Of course she is aware Minister," McGonagall said, trying to restrain an eye roll, "but obviously she didn't do it on purpose!"

"I believe I was asking the girl Minerva," the Minister said, eyeing her sternly. Professor McGonagall bit her tongue. "Now, I am going to ask you again. Are you aware of what you've done?"

"Yes Minister," I said, staying completely monotone.

"And you realize that by assaulting a teacher, that gives me grounds to have you expelled and your wand taken away from you, correct?"

"Yes Minister," I said again, keeping the same tone.

Fudge stepped back a second. "So, Professor Umbridge has offered us an account of what happened last night, but by procedure we are required to have records of what happened from both parties. If you will, have a seat."

Fudge pointed to the seat that had been strategically positioned across from a woman whom until now I hadn't paid much attention to. She was short and had glasses that made her eyes look like they belonged to a fly, and was wearing a puke colored green and yellow suit. Steadily I walked over and sat down in the seat, staring at the woman.

"Please make a note Josephine that this is Abby Carson, a fifth year Gryffindor student at Hogwarts' testimony on the events that happened between her and Professor Dolores Umbridge last night, November 16th."

I watched Josephine type every single word that Fudge said into her magical type writer that appeared to have no paper in it, but the words were magically appearing on a scroll that seemed to be translucent.

"Now, Miss Carson please answer my questions to the best of your knowledge," said Fudge, sitting down on a chair Professor Dumbledore brought over to him. Dumbledore took a seat beside me, but slightly behind, beside Professor McGonagall who was so nervous she was having a hard time sitting still. Snape was still lurking in the corner, observing me closely.

"Now, please tell me what you were doing before you ran in to Professor Umbridge," Fudge said, leaning forward slightly in his chair.

"I was walking back from Professor Dumbledore's office," I said plainly, after reading from Dumbledore's mind that it was okay for me to tell them I was here.

"And what were you doing in Professor Dumbledore's office?" Fudge asked.

"We were merely discussing how my courses were going this year," I said with a shrug.

"Your courses? You didn't discuss anything else?"

"No, just my courses."

Fudge stared at me for a couple of moments, Josephine eyeing Fudge with her hands poised to type. "Very well," said Fudge, not convinced we were only talking about my classes.

"So after you were done talking to Professor Dumbledore what did you do?" asked Fudge, leaning forward even more.

"I left and started heading back towards the Gryffindor Common Room. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going, and I ran into Professor Umbridge who was coming around the corner the same time I was."

"And what did you do after you ran into Professor Umbridge?" asked Fudge.

"I apologized, and tried to walk around her."

"Then..." said Fudge encouraging me along.

"Professor Umbridge said that she hadn't hear what I said, but I knew she had, so I tried to go around her again, but she side stepped and blocked my way."

"And why didn't you just repeat what you had said?" asked Fudge.

"I don't know...didn't feel the need to?"

"Hmm...please make a note Josephine that Miss Carson attended detention with Professor Umbridge after showing a lack of respect for her superiors earlier this term. Please continue Miss Carson."

"Professor Umbridge asked me if I remembered my detention with her. I ignored it and merely asked her to move again. She refused to move until I answered her question, so I told her to move or I would make her move."

"When you said you would make her move had you intended to cause her physical harm?" Fudge asked.

"Obviously not. I was in a bad mood and I just wanted to go back to my common room. Professor Umbridge was prohibiting me from doing that."

"But you did threaten her, yes?"

"Yes," I said, the tension in the room building.

"Then what happened?"

I left out a sigh. "I don't know exactly. Professor Umbridge went to make a retort back to my comment and all of the sudden she couldn't speak. She put her hand to her throat and stumbled backwards against the wall."

"You made her neck start to freeze, correct?"

"Yes, but that hadn't been my intention. I didn't realize what I was doing."

"But hadn't you just threatened Professor Umbridge moments before?" said Fudge.

"Minister, is this a testimony or an interrogation?" asked Snape, pushing himself off the wall so that he was in the full light. "That question seemed to have an accusatory air to it," said Snape, emphasizing that last couple of words.

Fudge stared at him for a couple of moments. "Please disregard the last question," Fudge mumbled to Josephine, who did some complicated hand movement to erase Fudge's question.

"Please explain how you didn't realize what you were doing," Fudge said, still eyeing Snape curiously.

"I didn't realize what I was doing. I was annoyed she wasn't moving, but the threat had been empty. I've never done anything like that before. I was very confused on what was happening."

"So, what did you do after Professor Umbridge's neck started to freeze?" asked Fudge, returning his stare to me.

"Nothing. I was about to go for help when Professor McGonagall appeared. She took Professor Umbridge to the Hospital Wing while I went to her office." I decided to leave out my mental breakdown in the hallway.

"Please note the end of Miss Carson's testimony Josephine." Josephine did so before packing up her recording device and leaving the room. I assumed she was heading back to the ministry. Before she did so, she handed Professor Fudge a copy of the testimony which he tucked away in his bag that he had been carrying with him.

"Now Miss Carson, Professor Umbridge has informed me that you are a Phoenix animagi; is this correct?"

"Yes, it is," I said.

Fudge's face went white and a wicked looking smile appeared on Umbridge's face.

Hello Allison. You certainly are keeping me on the edge of my seat. Oh my goodness! What is going to happen to Abby?!

I'm glad Snape is there. And he isn't very happy. That was smart. Nobody could say that he was trying to inluence her answers. But they can't expell her because of something she was born with!?!?!!?!?!?!?
Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next.

"When did you realize that you were a phoenix animagi?" Fudge asked, eyeing me like I was a ticking bomb that was about to explode.

"Probably when I was around six or seven. My mother is one as well."

"Is she registered within the Ministry?"

"Yes," I said, not sure why they were making such a big deal about this.

"And what precautions have you taken to control your...abilities?" Fudge asked, sitting back a bit in his chair. I assumed he was trying to discreetly move away from me incase I did explode.

"I'm not sure I'm following what you mean by precautions?" I said, turning to look at Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore for assistance.

"As Professor Umbridge is aware Abby was taking Transfiguration with the year above her. However Professor Umbridge and yourself found it necessary to keep her with her year, so we have moved her down as you asked," said Dumbledore, eyeing Fudge.

"Well having her be in a harder level Transfiguration class hardly seems like a precaution," said Fudge with a little scoff.

"Because of Abby's transformation occurring around this age, as it does with all phoenix animagi, I felt that by having her a level up she could be more prepared and knowledge about the process of transformation," said McGonagall, annoyed that she had to defend herself.

Fudge eyed them both for a couple of moments before shifting his gaze back on me. "And what abilities do you possess Miss Carson?"

"I don't believe that's any of your business," I said, eyeing him. He was no longer concerned with the incident between me and Umbridge. He was solely trying to figure out what I was capable of and whether or not I was a threat to be dealt with. Clearly the man was delusional about Dumbledore trying to use students to rise against the ministry. What a loon.

"How dare you speak to the Minister like that," Professor Umbridge said, mock offense seeping through her entire body. "Minister, this is the exact kind of thing I was telling you about. She has no respect for elders."

"That is hardly a reason to expel the girl," said Snape, glaring at Umbridge. Snape sticking up for me...that was a new one. "If I may Minister, I believe what Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore are trying to say is that they have been trying to ease Miss Carson into the power that comes with being a phoenix animagi. However, Professor Umbridge and you have taken it upon yourselves to stop the precautionary measures they have been taking."

"What are you implying Professor Snape? That Dolores and I are the cause of what happened for her?" Fudge asked, anger coming through his whole body.

"I am merely saying that with phoenix animagis there is a bit of an adjustment period, as with all hormonal teenagers in the magical world. I do not think we should penalize Miss Carson with expulsion when it is obvious that she did not intentionally turn Miss Umbridge into an icicle. The girl is merely coming into her gifts and it is natural for them to be revealed in times of strong emotion."

Umbridge and Fudge stared at Professor Snape, who seemed rather bored that it was taking them so long to figure out what he was trying to say.

"Well, we will be taking her testimony back to the Ministry and will be discussing it with the discipline board. In the mean time I don't believe that Miss Carson should be attending her classes."

"Not attend her classes?" Professor McGonagall said, getting out of her chair.

"Minister, I must object to suspending Miss Carson from her studies. After all only one class requires the use of magic against another person and that is Defense Against the Dark Arts, which as you know is taught by Professor Umbridge. Also I have heard that they are not using wands in that class anyway," said Dumbledore, looking at Fudge in a way that threatened him to change his mind or else.

"Far enough," said Fudge, angry at Dumbledore being right. Fudge looked at me as I got out of my chair.

"In the mean time I suggest some form of punishment be taken against Miss Carson for her actions."

"Oh, I have something that should suffice," said Umbridge, eyeing me wickedly.

I stared at her. "Since she falls under my House I believe I should be the one to administer punishment. Besides, given the situation, perhaps it would be better to keep moments where you and Miss Carson are alone together to a minimum," said Professor McGonagall, wrapping her arm around my shoulder.

"I believe that your liking of her will prevent you from giving her a proper punishment," said Umbridge, taking a step forward.

"I will hold her detentions," said Snape just as Fudge was about to step in. "In fact I have some work that needs to be done in the Potions laboratory tonight. I will expect you there at 7:00 Miss Carson, and do not be tardy."

With that Snape swept past the Minister and left, leaving no further room for discussion.

"Will that be all Minister?" asked Dumbledore, opening the door for him, which Fudge knew meant it was time for him to leave.

"Yes I believe so. I will let you know as soon as the board makes a decision on the matter. Good day," Fudge said, rudely bumping into Dumbledore on the way out. Umbridge followed eyeing me like a fly that had slipped out of her tongue's reach.

Once the door was closed I rolled my eyes and slammed my body back into the chair.

"They can't expel me Professor, can they?" I asked Dumbledore, once Umbridge's thoughts were a mere whisper in my mind.

"I won't let that happen Abby. Don't worry."

Hello Allison. You sure have been keeping me sitting on the edge of my seat lately. It is such a good thing Snape was there. I'm sure Dumbledore could have handled the situation, but why should he have to be the one to save everyone all the time.
I hope you know you havespoiled me so badly! I check everyday to see if you've posted. If you go now for very long I might go into a fit of temper tamtrums. My husband might send me to the mental hospital. Teasing of course. No fits I promise. I'm happy you can post so often, but I will understand if something comes up and you can't post like you have been. But until tat happens, I'm so thrilled to get your posts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was wondering when he would ask that! And I'm glad Abby told him what she did. I mean what else is there to say when someone is being so nosey!? This ^ was my favorite part of the post. Oh but the toad will be breathing down her neck, so hard now.
I bet everyone (her friends) is beside themselves wondering what is going on. Especially Harry.
Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next.

Well I am glad that you are enjoying it so much Connie, but don't send yourself to the mental hospital from fits! I'm not sure if I'll get around to updating tomorrow due to my class schedule, so I am updating again right now. Enjoy!

After leaving Dumbledore's office I practically sprinted back to the common room, knowing that Ron, Hermione, and Harry were probably freaking about what was going on. Once I got in I explained to them (in great depth because Hermione would accept no less) everything that had happened. Ron called Umbridge and Fudge some words too harsh to repeat, and Hermione rambled about how they couldn't expel me over an honest mistake. Harry had remained rather quiet, eyeing me in a sort of way that made me feel uneasy. He felt bad that he had been nagging me when clearly there was something else going on with me. He felt his problems were less important than mine. He had no idea just how connected they were.

I wanted to stay and discuss with them longer but the day had flown, especially since we still had a History of Magic class, then dinner, then I had to go to detention with Snape.

They wanted to talk more about it at dinner but I didn't feel comfortable, especially with Umbridge eyeing me the way she was. She was going to be an even bigger problem than I had imagined.

Once I was done with my pumpkin juice I got up and headed towards the dungeons. When Professor Snape said he had work to be done in the potion's laboratory, I didn't have the slightest idea what he meant. To be quite honest I wasn't really looking forward to an evening alone with Snape.

When I approached the wooden doors I knocked, entering upon Snape's, "Come in," which was spoken in his usually bored tone. I closed the door behind me and eyed him.

"Tonight you will be helping me clean out jars whose content has expired. I haven't gotten around to it, so you'll be doing the task for me. They are line along the shelfs on that wall," Professor Snape said, pointing towards the wall for me. "You can either stay until they are all complete or we can do two hours an evening until you are finished. Whichever you prefer."

I raised my eyebrows slightly. Snape giving me an option on how to serve my detention.

"I'll finish them all tonight," I said, heading over to the shelves. One night alone with Snape to pester me was enough.

"Miss Carson, for my own reference, did you intentionally mean to do what you did to Professor Umbridge?"

"No, it was an honest mistake," I said pulling down the first jar. Professor Snape had set up a bucket of water and suds, a sponge floating on the top of it. Next to that was another bucket where I could rinse the jars, a third bucket where I could put the clean jars when I was done with them, and a fourth empty bucket where I could pour the expired contents.

I twisted off the cap to the first jar and coughed at the horrible smell that came from it. Hastily I poured the contents into the empty bucket before practically throwing it into the water and suds bucket. Imagine rotten eggs times ten.

"Bad batch of flubberworm mucous," Professor Snape said, leaning over to eye the contents in the bucket. Did the smell not bother him at all?

At that moment I was wishing I had a clothes pin or something to plug my nose so the stench couldn't make its way into my body. I didn't even want to speak for fear the horrible smell would become a taste upon my tongue.

"Miss Carson, what had you really gone to discuss with the Headmaster before your incident with Umbridge?"

I looked up at him. Did he think because he had spoken up for me earlier that he could now have his own personal interrogation with me?

"What I said at the testimony was the truth. I merely went to discuss my classes with him."

Snape lowered himself so that he was practically sitting on the ground with me, his eyes staring intently at the side of my face.

"Your courses. You see, I beg to differ that that was the nature of your visit. It takes a lot of emotion to channel the elements the way you did. Water is perhaps the most difficult element, but to channel it in ice form. That takes a lot of anger."

I turned to stare at him, surprised by how close he was, but not letting it show on my face.

"It's O.W.L.s year Professor. We are all a little stressed."

"Hmm," Snape said, a small smirk coming across his face. "And you are such a dedicated student that you let yourself get so worked up over your grades. Please Miss Carson, do you mistake me for a baboon?"

I cleared my throat. "If I had been talking to Dumbledore about something else, which I'm not saying I was, I don't really think it is any of your business. What happens between Dumbledore and me is between Dumbledore and me."

Snape raised his eyebrows. "Well Umbridge is right on one thing. You surely don't know when to bite your tongue," Snape said, emphasizing the last couple of words in that way of his.

"I speak the truth, as harsh as it may be. Besides, why are you so concerned with my well being anyway?"

Snape was silent for a couple of moments, numerous thoughts running through his head so quickly it was hard to decipher them. "I find it fascinating the abilities that Phoenix animagis possess and I would like to figure out what exactly it is that makes you tick. Or should I say makes those powers of yours reveal themselves."

I stared at him for a couple of moments before thoroughly scrubbing the jar, rinsing it, and putting it in the bin. Apparently Snape had bewitched the final bin because as soon as I put the clean jar in it became dry.

"Well I am not really interested in exploring it, thank you very much," I said, pulling down another jar.

"You aren't. Not even the slightest? Not even if you could channel it for good?"

"That's different," I said. "And Professor McGonagall will be the one to teach me how to use my abilities correctly," I said, smacking the jar so all its contents fell into the bucket. Thank heavens this one didn't smell nearly as bad as the rotten flubberworm mucous.

"And you think she will be able to teach you everything?"

"She will teach me as much as she knows, I am sure," I said, scrubbing the jar.

Snape moved so close that I could practically feel his breath on my neck. "It frustrates me how your mind is closed off even though I am one of the best at Occulmency. How is it that you can invade other minds so easily and yet I cannot even catch a glimpse of yours?"

His closeness was making me nervous, and to my surprise I actually noticed my hands starting to turn a light shade of blue.

"And why are you capable of seeing into my future and yet I cannot even see into it myself?"

"I don't know. Lucky I guess," I said quietly.

Professor Snape looked down at my hands which I had shoved into the water to rinse the jar.

"Quite chilly in here, isn't it?" Snape asked, before getting up and walking back to his desk.

He was pushing my buttons. He wanted to see me use my new gift.

NEW READER

I love your story and the Phoenix animagi thing...it takes a lot of creativity and imagination to come up with something likethat and like this story. It's intense and very intriguing along with many other things. Can't wait to read more

!Jesse!

Hello Allison. Another outstanding chapter. If you can't post another chapter anytime, it's ok. I understand real life takes presidence over SS, so take care of yourself and yur obligations. I'm happy you can prioritse school, life, family, friends, and SS. Ah, Allison, that's so sad! Harry won't share with her anymore about his problems. What is he doing???????????????? It's none of his buisness! I know Snape is one of the good guys, but, I still think he has his own agenda, and Abby would fit right in there with them very nicely. What is it with those professors thinking they can invade people's space?!??!!??! But I love it that he can't break through her shield. He better watch out or he might get to experience them first hand. I'm sure though she is being very careful and alert to herself now. Lucky for him.
Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next.

Ooh a new reader Glad that you are enjoying it Jesse!
And as usual, thanks for all of your lovely compliments Connie. They mean a lot!

The rest of the detention went forever, and after what seemed like the hundredth jar of gunk I was ready to be done. I still had about a hundred more to go and I refused to come back again tomorrow...my nose was finally starting to block out the horrendous smell that was coming from the various jars.

"Are you ready to be done for the evening?" Professor Snape asked, eyeing the clock on the wall. He kept it positioned in such a way that none of the students in class could see what time it was without physically turning around, making it difficult for the students to sneak a peek at the time without him noticing.

"I'm going to finish tonight," I said, plopping the newly cleaned jar into the appropriate bucket.

Snape raised his eyebrows at me. "Very well. I will be in my office if there is any issues."

I merely nodded my head in acknowledgement of his words and he swiftly went into his office, his cloak the last thing I saw before the door closed. Oh how I wished I could just use scourgify to hurry this whole process up, but that would be cheating.

About another hour and half later I only had a couple of jars done. I quickly cleaned them all off and let out a sigh. Oh thank heavens I was done. I looked at the clock and saw that I had been there for four hours. Snape really did need to learn to stay on top of these things...or perhaps he did it solely for the purpose of using it as a form of detention for bad students.

I got up, my back cracking in protest of straightening out after being hunched over for so long, and knocked on Snape's door.

"Yes?" he called out.

I pushed it open far enough so that he could see me. "I am done with the jars professor," I said, barely able to see him because the room was so dark. "Is there anything else?"

"No, that shall be all Miss Carson. You may leave."

I nodded and pulled the door closed before practically sprinting out of the room. His thoughts had been unsettling, as they usually were, but the fact was he had spent the entire four hours trying to figure out how to penetrate my mind. It was kind of scary to think how determined he was to try and get inside my head. To be honest, there really wasn't much in there...other than what he could get from penetrating the minds of the students around me.

I figured he was mostly determined to figure out what I had been discussing with Dumbledore, but the funny thing was I assumed he already knew. Or did Dumbledore keep that information from him? I knew how wholeheartedly Dumbledore trusted Snape, but he had never seen what I had. He didn't know that Snape would be responsible for his demise.

I was still trying to figure out the circumstances that led up to his death, but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't find out any more information on the vision. How annoying my gift could be.

By the time I made it back to the common room my head was about ready to hit the pillow, but of course I knew Ron, Harry, and Hermione would want to discuss the day's happenings further. Lucky me.

"Abby, you look exhausted," said Hermione, looking up from what appeared to be a coin and eyeing me sympathetically.

"It has been a long day," I said, laying my head down on the table. "What are you working on?" I asked, my voice mumbled from my arm slightly covering my mouth.

Hermione cleared her voice before leaning in a bit. I lifted my head up far enough so that my eyes were looking out over my arm. "This is going to be our device to let the members of our DADA group know when our meetings are." Hermione had that look of proudness about her that she always got when she made some great feat.

"Excellent Hermione," I said with a smile. "When is our first meeting going to be?"

"Tomorrow evening. We figure during the day is too risky. Besides there's another trip to Hogsmeade this weekend, so we figure most students will be going there."

"Less of a chance of them being on the seventh floor. That's good Hermione."

Hermione nodded. "We better get you up to bed. You look like you could sleep for a lifetime."

"Believe me Hermione...I could."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I slept most of the day away, which was fine because after all, it was a weekend. I moved about my process of getting ready for the day (or evening really I should say) at my own leisurely pace, not being pestered or bothered by Hermione or anyone to move quicker. I supposed this was probably how life should be...unfortunately for me, it was not the case.

I looked at the clock, my stomach grumbling at the lack of food. No wonder...it was three o'clock already. I headed down the steps and into the common room, where Seamus with sitting and reading a book for Ancient Runes. He looked up upon my arrival.

"Abby, where have you been? It's been ages it seems like," Seamus said with a laugh.

I sat down in the chair next to him. "Sleeping mostly. I was exhausted," I said with a small smile.

"I heard about all the stuff that happened with Umbridge. You're not going to get expelled, are you?"

"No, I don't think Dumbledore is going to let that happen. It was an accident after all."

"Well, no one blames you for doing it. She's an evil witch that woman. Everyone agrees...in fact you've earned yourself a little fan club." Seamus tilted his head towards a group of first years who were eyeing me with awe.

"Oh...great," I said, not so sure how I felt about having a following. "Are you excited for the first...you know tonight?"

"Definitely," said Seamus, closing his Ancient Runes book. "It's going to be great. I imagine Harry will be great at leading this whole thing. After all he does have the most experience against the dark arts."

I nodded. "That he does."

We were both quiet for a moment, me looking out at the snow covered grounds and smiling. I wished I could just stay in that moment, where everything was simple and uncomplicated, but I knew I couldn't. Generally in life we rarely get what we really desire...we usually get the opposite.

Seamus was kind enough to go and get something to eat with me in the Great Hall, before walking around outside the grounds with me to enjoy the snow and the general atmosphere of Hogwarts in this weather. The time went by quickly before we headed back up to the castle and headed towards the seventh floor corridor.

We were careful to make sure no one followed us before doing what we needed to do to get into the Room of Requirements. The room was practically full with everyone already. Hermione was taping the list of members to a small mirror that had been set up in the corner of the room, and Harry was talking to Cho Chang, whose nervousness I could feel all the way over here.

Ron was hanging out with Fred and George, who were showing them one of their new products.

"Oh good, you're here!" Hermione said, spotting Seamus and me. "I think we're just about ready to start. I am so excited!"

I smiled at Hermione before looking at Harry who rolled his eyes. We both laughed quietly.

"Alright everyone, let's get started," said Harry, and everyone in the room fell silent.

Hello Allison. I am sooooooo happy you was able to post again. I was in Abby withdrawl and it wasn't pretty. Now I can go start supper, and not burn it wondering when you're going to post again. You have me spoiled, thank you very much. And all the other readers also I'm sure.
Either she was very slow, or you meant she only had a couple of jars left to do. Oh poor Abby! I know how she feels! I don't know, I bet Harry asked them not to hound her about it. He was feeling awful for her before. I wish Abby could let Harry know Cho isn't right for him. But I know he has to find out for himself.
Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next.

Don't burn your dinner on account of Abby, Connie! I think the loads of posts I have been giving is because I am that kind of writer that writes a ton in a short period of time and then fizzles out. Let's hope I can keep it up though

I'll try and update again this weekend

yay! im back lolz!
hugz 2 u 2 my lil' genious buddy! gr8 story so far! i cnt believe dat i missed so much! soweeee!
PAMS! i honestly cnt wait for more!
luv,
JENNIE XXXXX =P

Thanks for the compliments Jennie Sorry that I didn't get around to updating this weekend like I thought I would. My schedule turned out to be busier than I had been expecting But here is an update now. Enjoy!

The anticipation and excitement coursing through everyone was difficult to manage. I was as excited as they were, but to be honest my mind was on other things. Not to mention I wished there was some way that we could get rid of those wooden dummies, but they were there to help, and it would have been rude for me to try and get rid of them because of my emotional problems.

"Okay, so I know this is a pretty basic spell, but it has saved me a lot in the past and I think it is really important to know. The spell is Expelliarmus," Harry said.

"But that's soo easy," mumbled some Hufflepuff kid who I recognized but couldn't put a name to.

"Shut off," said Ron grumpily at the kid, mad that he was already questioning Harry and they hadn't even done anything yet.

"It may be," said Harry, eyeing the kid, "but it saved my life against Voldemort so I reckon it's worth knowing, thank you very much."

That got the kid quiet. Harry looked at me and I nodded at him encouragingly. Despite this being Ron and Hermione's idea he was looking to me for encouragement.

"So, I figure the best way to do this is for me to demonstrate with one of the dummies, and then you guys can practice on one another, each person taking turns."

Harry went over to one of the dummies and wheeled it over, positioning it so that it was directly across from him. Naturally, everyone moved so that they could have a better look at what he was doing. Neville, who by far was the most worried and anxious of them all, took as close a position to Harry as was possible without invading his space.

"So," Harry said, once he was ready, "Expelliarmus is the most effective the simpler you go about doing it. You don't want to brandish your wand too much, or make it more complicated then it is. Here we go."

Harry pointed his wand at the dummy, who now had a wand in its grasp, and with a definite flick and the yell of Expelliarmus, the wand flew and was out of the dummy's hand.

Everyone clapped appreciatively. "Okay, so now that I've demonstrated go on and partner up. I'll be walking around to help people that are struggling or have any questions."

Excitedly everyone paired off with one another, immediately pulling out their wands and saying the incantations. More people than not weren't able to get the wands out of their partner's hand on the first try. I smirked to find that the kid who complained about it being easy was in fact the one having the most difficulty with it. Harry just shook his head at me before muttering some words of encouragement to the kid. I had to admit, the kid did look thoroughly embarrassed.

We had landed with an even number, but since Harry was walking around helping people, I didn't have a partner. I really didn't mind though. With my new found ability my desire to practice magic was on the lower side. The last thing I wanted to do was turn someone's hand into ice when I actually just meant to knock their wand out of it.

"Sorry that you don't have a partner," Harry said, coming to stand next to me.

"It's alright," I said with a shrug. "You really are doing a great job with all of this Harry."

"You think?"

"Definitely," I said with a smile.

Harry and I were silent for a little while, watching everyone practice, the occasional cheer when someone did it successfully.

"Are you alright?" Harry asked, quietly so only I could hear.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Why do you ask?" I asked, slightly taken off guard.

"It's just, I understand how frightening it is to hurt someone in such a way when you didn't really mean to. As much as I despise my Aunt Marge I certainly hadn't meant to make her a human balloon."

I chuckled. "It's alright. Umbridge has always hated me, so really, no love loss there."

Harry nodded in understanding. "Do they know why it happened?" Harry asked. "Dumbledore and McGonagall I mean."

I let out a deep exhale. "Apparently phoenixes are so pure that people who can transform into them are capable of channeling the elements."

"Wow," Harry said after a couple of seconds. "So you could freeze something without using a wand?"

"Apparently," I said, with the attempt at a nonchalant shrug.

"Must be kind of frightening."

I turned to look at him. "Everything about my abilities are frightening. My ability to know everything that people are thinking, now being able to channel the elements, and my occasional glimpses into the future. If I had the choice I'd get rid of all of them."

"But they make you who you are," said Harry.

"But they define me. All these people in my life want me to use my gifts for their own advantages."

"I know how that feels," Harry said.

I knew he did. We lived these lives that were basically predetermined for us. We tried to make our own decisions but ultimately they always came back to what other people wanted from us or what other people expected from us. Harry and I were trapped in a twisted merry-go-round of a life, and all either of us wanted was to break free. All we wanted was to live in peace.

Without knowing or meaning to my eyes had started to water. Harry turned me around and aimed me toward the little notice board so that no one would see, and if anyone did they would think we were just discussing what was on the board.

"Abby?" Harry asked.

I looked up, the tears starting to flow from my eyes.

"What's wrong...besides the obvious. Something happened the other day, when we were in here."

I nodded.

"Did you remember something or see something?"

I nodded again.

"Can you tell me?" Harry asked.

I looked at him, into those green eyes that I so often found myself getting lost in. Harry and I were one of the same. We were given this mission to accomplish very well knowing that it could possibly kill us, but it was all for the greater good right?

"It was about Voldemort," I said.

Harry stepped closer. "You saw him?"

"No, I remembered a conversation between my mother and grandmother about Voldemort."

"What did they say?" Harry asked, trying to not push too hard but dying to know all the same.

"He's going to kill me Harry."

Harry was silent for what seemed like hours, but I knew it was only a matter of seconds.

"Kill you, but we don't know that for sure. I mean, the future is always changing. You've said that."

"I have, but I don't know that I can change this one."

"But..."

I turned and put my hands on Harry's shoulders. I wasn't going to lie to him. I wasn't going to leave him to face all of this feeling confused and left out of the circle. Harry deserved to know.

"I'm going to die for you Harry so that when the time comes you can do what you need to do."

Hello Allison. Hope you had a great weekend, an thanks for coming back. I had things to say as I read through this, but when I got to the end, I forgot everything. That's an awful burden for them to bare. I feel sorry for them. Oh but wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, I just had a brilliant idea, but I won't say anything. I can't wait for the next post. Wonderful writing Allison. I'll be watching for your next post.

OMG!!! Oh, I hope this doesn't damage their friendship at all abd I hope he dumps Chang and goes with Abby and....yes I know I sound a bit like a girl but I was raised by my mother and surrounded by my 6 sisters and only 2 brothers all my life, can u blame me if I sound like them sometimes? Anyways great post I can't wait for more! Literally I think I might camp out here...*sets up tent and fire, starts to roast marshmallows* Yum! Anyways...PAnotherAmazingPVeryS!!!

!Jesse!

Aww, thanks for the comments Connie and Jesse! Glad that you guys are enjoying it so much

Harry was silent, staring into my eyes with a kind of frantic confusion which slowly shifted to anger before finishing with fury.

"That is not going to happen Abby!" Harry said, loud enough that one or two of the kids near by turned to look at me.

"Keep your voice down Harry," I said, smiling at the kids before turning back to him. A weird kind of calmness had overcome me since I had finally told him.

"I am not going to let him kill you Abby. We'll find another way...we won't let him win. You can't let him win like that!"

I nodded my head. "I am not giving up Harry, I am just saying if the time comes and that's what needs to be done, then I am going to do it. Period."

Harry glared at me. "That time will not come Abby. I am not going to allow you to die for me."

"It's not just for you Harry, it's for everyone. It's for this world that would turn to nothing but pain and torture with Voldemort ruling it. I can't let that happen."

Harry fell silent again, a rush of thoughts swimming through his brain. Hermione and Ron had caught on to us talking about something important and were now staring at us intently. I smiled at them, giving them a small wave that nothing important was going on. They didn't look convinced.

"Abby," Harry said, looking at me pleadingly.

"I know," I said, giving him a gentle tap on the shoulder. We couldn't do this right now in front of all these people. This was clearly my fault for letting this conversation get so far with so many peoples eyes and ears in the room.

"Let's talk about it later," I said with a smile.

"Okay," Harry said, turning back to the group of students that were looking at us expectantly.

"Let's just call it a day for now, and we'll meet again later this week. Be sure to pay attention to your coins for the time and date. Great job everyone!" Harry said, doing his best to muster a positive smile and tone. While everyone wasn't so sure they all said goodbye to Harry and thanked them for the great lesson.

Everyone was leaving except for Ron, Hermione, and Seamus who was standing by the corner, concerned about me. Harry looked at me, but I just motioned for him to go on ahead with Ron and Hermione since I didn't get the impression that Seamus was going to leave without me telling him what was wrong. Reluctantly Harry went over to Ron and Hermione and just motioned that they should go through.

Once the doors were closed behind them Seamus came closer and turned me so I was looking at him.

"Are you alright Abby? You seem upset about something...did Harry hurt you?"

"No, no, not at all!" I said, not wanting Seamus to think Harry was the cause of my downtrodden mood. "It's complicated."

"Well...can you talk to me about it?" Seamus asked, rubbing the side of my arm with his hand. I had folded my arms across my chest without even realizing it, but now that he was rubbing my arm soothingly I felt them relax.

"Not really...it's just...I don't know," I said, shaking my head, my eyes falling on those god forsaken dummies.

Angrily I ripped my wand out of my holster and pointed them at one of them shouting, "REDUCTO!"

I had been expecting for the dummy to merely turn to a pile of black dust, but it didn't. Instead the dummy began to freeze, working from the bottom all the way up until it hit the top. Seamus was staring at it in awe.

"Abby...how did you do that?" Seamus asked, having been expecting the same result as I had.

"I don't know. My magic is confused," I said, moving towards the dummy. Once I got to it I reached out and touched it on the chest, the color of the ice the same as my hands, the coolness feeling the same temperature as my skin. I held it there for a while before winding my fist back and punching it forcefully, the dummy shattering to a crumpled heap of ice on the floor.

I looked at my fist, expecting there to be cuts or something on my knuckles, but there weren't. I thought that punching it would have made me feel better but it didn't. It didn't change what had happened and it didn't change what could potentially be happening. Harry and I were stuck, both of us wanting to fight something that seemed so inevitable but at the same time knowing that in the end the matter was probably out of both of our hands.

Seamus came over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. I closed my eyes at the feel of his touch and let him turn me so I was facing him.

"Abby?" he whispered, leaning his forehead in so that it was resting against my own.

I moved my head so that it was lying in the crook of his neck and he wrapped his arms around me. I just let him hold me for what seemed like forever, but he didn't care. In his arms I was safe. In his arms things were normal. In his arms I could just be a teenage girl.

Hello Allison. What a fantastic chapter! I love reading this ff. Although, I pretty much hold my breath while I'm doing it. I feel so bad for them. Harry, and Abby that is. I have a theory. Shall I PM you with it? I love trying to figure things out what is going to happen. Are we going to get to listen in on this conversation when they have it? Hope so.
Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next.

You can surely pm me your theory Connie! Of course I can't divulge whether it's accurate or not but Sorry that I had to make that post so short but I wanted to wrap up that chapter and that was the best way to do it.

Much to Ron and Hermione's protest, or perhaps I should say Hermione's protesting that usually required dragging Ron in to it, Harry and I weren't telling them what happened at the meeting. We had both decided that there was no need to bring them in to this either. After all two people stressing over it was enough...besides...I had other things at the moment to worry about. Like my magic.

For the whole week none of my spells had been working the way that they were supposed to. In an attempt to help a plant grow in Herbology I ended up freezing its leaves off, and in charms my attempt to try Incendio ended up doing nothing. Both Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick told me that it was alright, and that perhaps I just needed to take a break. That was not the answer that I had been looking for.

After forcefully slamming shut my potions textbook in frustration at the week's events I decided to go and visit Professor McGonagall who I was sure could help me with my problem. Harry, Ron, and Hermione wished me their bests and off I went to her office.

Nearly Headless Nick passed me on the way and smiled politely but kept his distance. Ultimately I was becoming the school freak that everyone was afraid to be near for fear that if they made me upset in the slightest, they would be turned into a human icicle. Of course my close friends told them to "shut off" as Ron would say, and I was pleased to find that Seamus had no problem holding my hand as we walked around the grounds. At least some people weren't scared of me.

I walked up to Professor McGonagall's office and knocked lightly on her door. She opened it so quickly that I had been wondering if she had been standing just on the other side...waiting.

"Miss Carson. I was wondering when you would come to see me," she said, looking up and down the hallways.

I looked too although I could tell from my special gift that the hallway was completely empty.

"Come in, come in," she said, ushering me inside and closing the door behind me. I was somewhat startled to find that Professor Flitwick, Sprout, Snape, and Lupin were standing in the room. Wait...Lupin?!

"Um...Professor Lupin?" I said, somewhat perplexed.

"Hello Abby," he said with that gentle and understanding smile of his. Professor Lupin was and probably always would be my favorite Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

"Please Miss Carson, if you'd take a seat," Professor McGonagall said before I could get my next sentence out. I moved or should I say was pushed in to the chair by Professor McGonagall who had made a circle with several of the chairs in her office. Everyone took their seats, Professor Lupin sitting on the right side of me, giving me an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

"Professor can you please tell me what is going on?" I asked.

"All of us have noticed that you have been having some..." Professor McGonagall paused for a moment. "Technical difficulties with your magic this week. I presumed you were going to come and see me soon so I thought it might be helpful to have some other professors who you know and trust come to assist as well."

I nodded, taken aback that I seemed to predictable to all of them.

"And what exactly are we going to do Professor?" I asked.

"We are going to figure out a way to stop your Phoenix animagi abilities from coming through with your other magic."

"Good," I said with a smile. "People will stop thinking with one look I can turn them into an icicle then."

They all let out a little chuckle except Snape who looked at me with longing. He was still determined to figure out how my ability worked and he figured this was the perfect opportunity to be here. I didn't want him here and I didn't feel comfortable with me being his living and breathing specimen.

"Well, first things first. We figured you should try a simple spell like Lumos, and then we can move on to some more challenging ones," said McGonagall with a smile.

"Alright," I said, removing my wand from my robe pocket. I had to admit I felt a little nervous casting magic in front of almost all of my professors.

Lupin adjusted in his seat and leaned forward a little bit, giving me an encouraging nod. Snape looked on excitedly.

"Lumos," I said, giving my wand the appropriate flick. To no surprise to myself instead of a ball of light glowing at the end of my light I had a round ball made of ice.

Professor McGonagall eyed it curiously, while Professor Sprout and Flitwick shook their heads somewhat confusedly.

"Professor I don't understand!" I said, instinctively looking towards Lupin who always seemed to know the right thing to do or say in these kinds of situations.

"I know Abby. We aren't a hundred precent sure what is causing it to come through, but we all think that you need to clear your mind. Whatever tension or anxiety that you are feeling when you are casting your spells is causing the animagi powers to come through. So, close your eyes, clear your head, then give it another go."

Professor Lupin took out his own wand and vanished the ball of ice on the end of my wand. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, trying to push all the thoughts about Harry and Voldemort out of my mind. After a couple of moments I was ready to give it another go.

"Lumos," I said, flicking my wand. I smiled as a glow emitted from my wand rather than ice.

"It worked!" I said, smiling at Professor Lupin who let out a little chuckle and nodded encouragingly.

"Yes, it did didn't it," said Lupin.

"Well done Miss Carson," Professor McGonagall said, smiling at the other three. They all seemed so happy for me...well...except for Snape who looked angry that I could conquer the gift so easily.

"I have classes to attend to," Snape said, standing up and exiting the room. I eyed Professor Lupin who shook his head gently. We all knew how he felt about Snape.

"I think if you just keep practicing clearing your head before you cast spells you should be alright Miss Carson," Professor Flitwick said with a smile.

"Thank you, all of you," I said. "I know this must be hard."

"No no dear, it's not hard for us. We just want to help the best we can. After all these animagi gifts can be a difficult thing to tackle," said Professor Sprout leaning over and tapping my knee gently.

They were all so thoughtful and considerate. I was so glad to see that I could control it, but I knew that casting magic was never going to be the same. It was something I would always have to do, and in a time of stress would I be able to do it?

"Why don't you keep practicing Miss Carson, and Professor Lupin can stay here and help. We have some things to attend to," said Professor McGonagall standing up, followed by Professor Sprout and Flitwick.

They all left and closed the door behind them. I let out a sigh and smiled at Professor Lupin.

"So I guess McGonagall got rid of the listening device in her?" I said with a little laugh.

"Yes, with the help of the other Professors," said Lupin, turning his chair so he was more faced towards me.

"How are you holding up Abby?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I've been better."

Lupin nodded. "These gifts aren't easy and I wish I could say you are facing the hardest parts now, but you aren't. The really test your character and most witches and wizards that are given these gifts can't handle it. That's why most of them went insane or even killed themselves."

"Makes my chances look kind of bleak huh?"

"No, no," said Lupin, leaning forward. "Look at your mother. She conquered it, and I believe that you can do the same. With the support you have from not only the professors but your friends, you can do it. I have no doubts in my mind that that won't happen to you."

I smiled. "Thanks Professor Lupin."

He nodded his head. "You know nothing is set in stone."

"I know."

"So you know that what your mother saw has just as much a chance of not coming true as it does coming true, right?"

I nodded quietly.

"Did you tell Harry?"

"Yes, I couldn't keep that from him."

"We weren't expecting you to. Besides the prophecy is something You-Know-Who is already aware of, so there's no worry about him pulling that information from Harry's mind."

"He had a right to know Professor."

"I agree that he did. And I think it was best that he heard it from you and not one of us." Lupin paused for a moment. "How did he take it?"

"He was confused, then he got angry. He's refusing to let me die for him, but I explained it would for something greater than him or me."

Lupin nodded. "As morbid as this may sound I imagine more than one of us will be gone by the time all of this is said and done. As with any war of this magnitude, deaths happen."

"My mother...she is going to fight?"

"Of course," said Lupin. "She'll fight with you until the end."

"She's there when I die?"

Lupin exhaled slowly. "In her vision she was standing next to you, yes."

I shook my head in disgust. No mother should have to go through seeing their child die.

"Professor Lupin?"

"Yes Abby?"

"Do you think that he can be stopped?"

"Yes I do," Lupin said confidently.

I nodded. "And we think that Harry has to be the one to do it?"

"Well, if you go by the prophecy, which we know You-Know-Who is, then yes."

I nodded.

"Why do you ask?"

"It's just a hell of a burden to bear on your own, don't you think?"

Lupin reached out and put his hand on my shoulder. "But he's not alone."

"I know he's not. He has all of us."

Lupin nodded. "And most importantly Abby, he has you."

hey genious friend! xxx
great work on the chapters! gud stuff... it must be awful to be abby right now! id luv to av er gifts but...... argggggh pressure!
PAMS and BUMPS!
luv ya,
JENNIE XXXXXX