Hello Allison. Yes, I agree, it's just that we can see they are meant for each other, and they are such a cute couple. It makes it hard for us to wait for them to get old enough. Heartbreaking! Poor Sheamus. Harry shouldn't feel bad. Guys are just slow on the uptake with this sort of thing.
Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next.

Great two posts! I loved how Harry said he was stupid and that also how Seamus took things instead of just blasting harrys head off haha
can't wait for more
!Jesse!

Thanks for your comments everyone! Here is the beginning of Chapter 17. Enjoy!!

We got back to Hogwarts, the nerves and tensions running high for the upcoming O.W.L.s. During break all of us were able to push them out of our minds, but here we were constantly being reminded of how fast they were approaching and just how much we needed to know.

"I give up!" yelled Ron, slamming his down on the table. Several of the other students who had joined us in the library gave him a glaring look.

"Honestly Ronald," Hermione hissed. "Slamming your quill down is not going to make you understand it any better."

"I beg to differ," mumbled Ron as he flipped through his potions text book.

Hermione eyed for a couple of moments before going back to her own book on Ancient Runes. I personally found that class to be the hardest, although why I had so much difficulty with it, I was never quite sure.

Harry was going through his Arithmacy book while I was going through the Herbology text book. Rumor had it that the Herbology O.W.L. was rather difficult if you didn't know what you were doing. So, since I had a least a somewhat sturdy grasp on the other subjects, I figured I would tackle that first.

"I find it absolutely ridiculous that we are expected to actually use magic for our O.W.L.s but can't practice them in class," said Hermione, shaking her head at a girl who was practically falling asleep while trying to read the Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook.

"I know what you mean," I said, feeling bad for the girl.

"And did you see what she had Filch post around the walls while we were on break?"

"No," I said, looking up from my book. Ron and Harry did as well, Harry out of curiosity and Ron thankful for the break.

"Well, the Minster of Magic had appointed her as some type of Educational Ambassador for the Ministry, and I suppose with that position she's allowed to pass these things called Educational Decrees."

"What the bloody hell is that?" asked Ron.

Hermione eyed him for the language before moving on. "They're basically just rules, and believe me, some of them are absolutely ridiculous!"

"Such as?" asked Harry.

"People aren't allowed to travel in groups bigger than four people."

We all stared at one another before simultaneously rolling our eyes. "Well hopefully some extenuating circumstance will cause her to have to leave Hogwarts and never return," I said, flipping the page of my book.

"Me too," said Ron with a grumble.

"I just don't understand how Dumbledore is letting this happen," said Harry.

"I think it's out of his control," I said with a shrug of the shoulder. "Umbridge is pretty much a physical representation of Fudge at Hogwarts. To defy against her would be like defying against Fudge, which definitely won't help our causes of them believing the truth."

Harry shook his head in disbelief. "I'm beginning to wonder if they'll ever come around."

"Well in my opinion we don't need them anyway," said Hermione, giving Harry a tap on his hand.

"Yeah, we do just fine on our own, don't we?" I said with a smile.

"Yep, besides with Dumbledore, how could we ever lose?"

We continued working, well some of us anyway, until we were so hungry that we all decided food was in order. We rounded up our books and headed to the Great Hall to find it was rather crowded.

"Oooh, pudding!" said Ron, reaching for the spoon before he had sat down.

Hermione shook her head in amusement. I saw Seamus a little further down and gave him a little wave. He smiled warmly back and as I shifted my position I saw that Ginny was sitting next to him. She smiled at me while he wasn't paying attention and I gave her a little wink. Looked like things were going well in that department.

I looked up at the staff table to find that most of them were sitting there. Dumbledore was engaged in a conversation with Professor McGonagall while Snape was busy examining something on his plate rather curiously. Hadn't he ever seen chicken before?

"Ugh, I have an occulumency lesson tonight," said Harry once he had observed Snape as well.

"Harry, I know you hate Snape, but you musn't let it get in the way of what you need to learn. It's important that you learn to close your mind!"

"I know Hermione, I know. That doesn't mean I am going to look forward to it."

"I don't blame you. Have grease ball Snape trying to get inside your head. Who would find that pleasant?" said Ron, closing his eyes in bliss at the taste of the pudding.

"Well, if Harry learns to do it correctly, he won't have to worry about things like that," Hermione said, eyeing Harry seriously.

Harry looked up from his plate. "I promise I will try my hardest Hermione."

Hermione let out a little sigh of relief. "Thank you Harry."

Hello Allison. Another great post. I sure don't like Umbridge, but she does cause fasinating writing to occur. What a paranoid toad!: It looks like the calm before the storm. People are working hard on studying for their OWLs. Small talk to keep from going over the edge, and going down to eat. Something is about to happen I think. Why does she always doubt him?

Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next.

............ cool!

that's all to say really

.... ah well i still think they're gonna get married in the end!
I hope you give her a nice dress x
JOKING!
bye x,
JENNIE X

Thanks everyone!!

We mostly just sat there for the rest of the meal, not talking too much since we were all pretty tired and sometimes the quiet is just nice. I was about to take my last swig of juice when Professor McGonagall came up to us.

"Miss Carson, would you mind coming with me?" she asked.

The others looked at her curiously, concerned, and I had to admit I was having a hard time reading her as well. Something was up but I couldn't get a good read on what it was. I gave them all a reassuring look before getting up and following her out of the great hall. I could hear the whispers, both mentally and out loud, of the students as we walked by.

"Is everything alright Professor?" I asked as soon as the great hall doors swung shut behind us.

"Not quite," Professor McGonagall said.

I was practically power walking in order to keep up with her strides. She had done a good job of hiding her concern in front of the other students, but she was not doing a very good job with me.

"Professor...will you please tell me what is going on?" I asked as she led us up the grand staircase. The portraits were all eyeing us curiously, whispering to one another as I passed them. I gave the old man who always nagged Hermione a stern glare as we passed him. He has been trying to whisper something to the girl in the portrait next to him but my cold stare had deterred him.

Once we had reached the third floor, the one that led to Professor Dumbledore's office I knew that something must have been terribly wrong. It wasn't until we were directly outside of the statue that Professor McGonagall stopped to look at me.

"Miss Carson I am going to ask you to remain calm during all of this, you understand?"

"Sure, but what exactly am I remaining calm over?"

Professor McGonagall motioned for the statue to open, which it did, and she led us up the staircase to the wooden door. She knocked once, before pushing it open and motioning that I should go first. I went in, not surprised to see Fudge and Umbridge standing beside Dumbledore who was trying to keep a blank expression.

I could feel the victory streaming off of Umbridge's body and of course the word expelled filled my mind.

Now I knew why Professor McGonagall had wanted me to remain calm.

"Thank you Miss Carson for coming so calmly and without giving anyone any trouble," said Fudge as he went down the three steps in front of Dumbledore's desk to get closer to me. "I am sure Professor McGonagall has filled you in on what is happening?"

I reached out to Professor McGonagall who was mentally sending me signs to say yes.

"Yes, of course," I said, surprising myself at how straight I was capable of keeping my face.

"Given your actions, whether they were intentional or not, although we all know they were, I believe you are far too dangerous to be practicing magic."

I stared at him, not sure what kind of response he had been expecting. Fudge turned and walked towards Dumbledore's bookshelf to examine it.

"I know that phoenix animagi possess skills that are rather frightening, and are more often than not hard to control, but Miss Carson given your magical abilities I believe that you have plenty of control."

I continued to remain silent, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall exchanging looks with one another.

"Both the headmaster and Professor McGonagall had attempted to convince us that pulling you away from magic is a bad idea, but I cannot afford the risk of any more of the lovely teachers here at Hogwarts being hurt. Surely you understand?"

I eyed him again, still keeping my lips firmly pressed together.

Abby? I know you can hear me.

I could tell that it was Dumbledore who was sending me thoughts.

I want you to work your way closer to Fawx, do you understand?

Deciding a subtle sign would seem suspicious I cleared my throat to show I had understood him.

"Please, why don't we all sit down?" said Dumbledore, pulling out his wand and summoning several chairs.

"I don't think that will be necessary Albus," Fudge replied.

"I'll sit down," I said, going over to the chair and sitting in it.

"Still, the disrespect!" said Umbridge, outraged.

"With all due respect Professor Umbridge, since I am being expelled, I don't really give a damn if you find my actions disrespectful or not. Your opinion of me is kind of a moot point from now on, isn't it?"

Umbridge took a step closer to me but Fudge stopped her. "Now now Dolores. No point in doing anything, she is going to Azkaban after all."

I felt like someone had just slammed a brick against my chest. I grabbed onto the handles of the seats so firmly I was afraid they were going to break. I couldn't tell if they could see my surprise at this information, but Dumbledore had placed a hand on my shoulder.

Professor McGonagall glared at them both. "Sending a girl to that fate when she is still learning. Absolutely absurd!"

"Yes, yes, we know your opinion Minerva. Kingsley will be along in a moment to grab her, he is just running a little late."

Abby, I know how you are feeling right now, but I don't want you to try and control it, do you understand?

I moved my shoulder up to show I understood.

Good, now I want you to concentrate very hard and very clearly on what Professor McGonagall has taught you about transforming, do you understand?

I adjusted in my seat a little.

Good. I know you have never transformed, but Fawx is going to help you. On the count of three I am going to have Fawx land on your shoulder. Once he is there completely release all of your power and transform. Fawx will be able to assist. Do you understand

I lifted my shoulder again.

One....two...three!

Fawx flew over and landed directly on my shoulder. I stood up and pushed all of the ice and power that I had from my body.

I could see Fudge and Umbridge getting ready to whip out their wands, but they were in complete awe. Professor McGonagall took a step back, and I closed my eyes, concentrating with all my might.

I could feel Fawx sending more magic through me, and with each ounce I received I felt myself getting stronger and stronger. I looked down and saw that my hand was becoming a wing, not the clear wing I had always gotten with Professor McGonagall, but a full feathered one.

"Stop her!!" yelled Fudge, trying to cover his eyes from the brightness, but he couldn't.

I was completely surrounded in flame, but it didn't burn or hurt. I was transforming...it was working.

I looked out of the flame at Dumbledore and McGonagall who were smiling.

"Thank you," I said to them with a little nod, before I felt the last bit of magic leave me.

Fawx was no longer on my shoulder but flying above me as I flapped my long, feathered wings. I turned and flew out the window, Umbridge and Fudge making a dive for me, but their hands freezing whenever they got too close.

I followed Fawx out of the window and along the side of the castle, moving farther and farther away from it until Hogwarts was just a little blurb in my background. I turned around to look at it, and felt one tear drop as I realized my feathers were a perfect color green, just like Harry's.

LOved the posts Allison I bet kingsley was running late on purpose...go Kingsley! He has always been one of my favorites
hope to see more soon

!Jesse!

Hello Allison. I don't know what to say! I'm completely taken by suprise! Fantastic writing. I surely did love this chapter. You have a very convencing writing style. I can't wait till you post again! But, I feel so sorry for Abby now. Is she to be alone now? I can't believe they had the nerve to even think of sending her to Azkaban! I feel so bad for Harry now also. Now he will feel like he is all alone again. Plus thinking he has lost her once he finally realized he loves her. So sad! I can't wait for your next post. Wonderful work Allison.

I hope she goes to live with Sirius
PS sry that was a very late after thought

!Jesse!

No worries about the late after thought Jesse! I'm glad you guys are enjoying it I do feel bad for Harry...always so alone.

I flew on and on, the woods never ending beneath me until I couldn't do it anymore. I swooped down, Fawx following me, before crashing on the ground, my body changing back to its normal form as I slid across the cold grass. My breathing was quickened and it was so dark outside that I was having a difficult time telling if anyone or anything was around me.

Fawx landed gracefully next to me and laid his beak against my shoulder. I reached a shaky hand up and rested it gently on the top of his head.

"That was tiring," I said to him with a shaky laugh.

Fawx let out a little sing song tune that made me realize he was agreeing with me. It made me laugh out loud for a while, the sound of my laugh echoing off of the trees around me before my laughs started to change into gasps for air, and before I knew the only sound was the sharp intake of breath in between my violent sobs.

I rolled over, the wet grass making the side of my face cold along with my robes. Fawx laid his head against my cheek, a single tear of his meshing with mine.

"What am I going to do?" I said.

Fawx let out a little sing song note again. Keep your head.

I sat up so fast that I took Fawx by surprise. Fawx looked at me, his black eyes soft as he tilted his little red head to the side curiously.

"Did you just talk?" I asked him.

Well of course I can talk.

I stared at him, confused as to how he had just spoken without moving his beak.

"So I can hear your thoughts?" I asked.

His eyes changed slightly, almost to imply that he had just rolled his eyes. You're a phoenix animagi aren't you? As soon as you transform into your animagi form for the first time you gain the ability to communicate with phoenixes.

I stared at him, not sure why I was so taken aback considering I could sense the feelings and thoughts of other animals, but I had not been expecting this. It was all just happening way too fast.

"Have you been waiting?"

Fawx nodded his little head. I have been. Dumbledore told me what you were, so we have both been waiting. We figured it would be coming relatively soon. I could sense it.

I was quiet for a moment, letting it all run through my head and process before I spoke again.

"Can you hear my thoughts?"

Some...the longer you have been able to transform the more I will be able to hear them. I can hear a fair bit though, especially since I helped you transform.

I nodded. "Okay," I said, standing up and brushing the wet grass that had clung to my robes off of me. I had gotten dirt stains across my back and the bottom from the rough skid to stop, but I would worry about that later.

"I am sure Dumbledore is expecting me to go to the Order, so that's where I should go."

Perhaps you should sleep first. It will take a lot of energy for you to transform again, and it might not hurt to wait a little.

"Okay," I said, sitting back down. My butt sank a little as I went into the mud.

Fawx eyed me. You're a strong girl you know? Strong heart. You and Harry will do well together.

I smiled at him warmly. "You think so?"

Fawx took a couple of steps forward and placed his left wing on the top of my hand. I know so. Now, get some rest. I will keep watch.

I smiled at him warmly again, laughing a little that I was having a full-fledged conversation with a bird, and not just any bird, but the kind of bird that I could transform in to. I laid back and closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep much quicker than I had been expecting. I woke up again at the feel of the sun on my cheeks and the sounds of twigs cracking to my right. I opened my eyes, turning my head so I could see what was causing the noise.

I sat up to find Fawx sticking his beak into a twig he had just cracked in half. He emerged with a worm in his mouth before swallowing it in one fowl swoop. I cleared my throat.

Are you rested?

"Enough to go I suppose," I said, standing up and brushing myself off. I looked like crap and I just needed to admit to myself that that wasn't going to change until I got a shower.

Alright. I'll help you again if you need it, but try and give it a go on your own.

Fawx flew up so that he was hovering on my shoulder before landing on it gently. I closed my eyes and tried to envision the same amount of magic and feeling I had when I had transformed before. Once I had it I took a deep breath and pushed it out. Again I burst into flames that didn't hurt, and the next thing I knew I was flapping next to Fawx.

Let's go! he said to me with the same of kind warmness you show to your friend when you've discovered something exciting.

We flew for what seemed like forever until I spotted the same street and road that I knew the Order's headquarters was located. I landed in a nearby bush, making sure that no one had seen me or was around before I transformed back.

"Are you coming with?" I asked.

I'm going to get back to Dumbledore to let him know that you're safe.

"Can he hear your thoughts too?"

No, but we have other means of communicating. He is my master after all.

Thank you I thought to him.

You are welcome dear Abby. Good luck! With that Fawx flew off and was gone. I crossed the street, thinking the address to the headquarters before the familiar door appeared before me. I walked up the steps and turned the knobs.

It looked like this was going to be my new home for a while. But hey, at least Sirius wouldn't have to be an escaped convict alone anymore.

Great story! I love it! I wonder how the order will act...especially her mum...hmmmm
PAMS!!!
*Lauren*

Hello Allison. A very good chapter once again. I love the determination and strength you show Abby having. This is very good writing. I don't think she had such a rough landing because she didn't know how to land. I think she flew long and hard until she just plain didn't have any more in her to continue on. Loved it!
I love the whole talking thing between her and Faux. And you wrote this part so it makes perfect sense. Loved that part. I love Faux
Great post Allison. I hope Dumbledore will find a way to let Harry know she is safe.
I'll be watching for your next post.

Aww, thanks guys! I went back and forth between deciding whether or not I wanted her to be able to communicate with Fawx on a more verbal sense and ended up deciding it was a good idea. Just adds a little something to her abilities.

The entire Order was assembled in the kitchen when I got there. Mrs Weasley had practically sprinted down the hallway, hitting me with so much force that I nearly fell over. Once she was done telling me how glad she was that I was safe and how ridiculous all of this was she let me go into the kitchen where everyone else was waiting.

"Thank heavens you are okay Abby," said Kingsley, giving my shoulder a little squeeze.

"Thank you," I said with a smile. "And thank you for stalling."

Kingsley gave me a little smile. "It was the least that I could do."

I looked around the room, not surprised that Dumbledore wasn't there but very surprised that my mother wasn't.

"Where is my mom?" I asked them.

Everyone got silent, a couple of people shifting in their seats. Instantly my eyes fell on Sirius because I knew out of them all he would not lie or sugar coat it. That's why I liked Sirius so much. He spoke the truth.

"Your mother is not coming Abby," he said, coming around the table and laying his hand on my shoulder.

"Why isn't she coming?" I asked.

Sirius turned me so that I was facing him completely. "We are afraid that your mother is not who we thought she was."

I looked at him, confused as to what he meant. "What do you mean she's not who you thought she was?"

"Here Abby, take a seat," said Lupin, turning a chair around and gently guiding me in to it. Sirius bent down in front of me so that he could see my face clearly.

"Your mother is working for Voldemort."

I stared at him, my body uncertain and confused on how to be responding to this bit of information. My first instinct was to laugh out loud, believing that this was some kind of joke and that at any moment my mother would come out from behind a chair and say, "Just kidding!!"

But she didn't come out and no one's thoughts or moods changed.

"How do you know?" I asked.

Sirius cleared his throat. "We had been suspecting for a bit of time. Your mother has been sneaking around a lot, lying to us as to where she's been. We thought that by bringing you into the Order and showing her just how loyal you are to Harry that she might have come clean about some things, but she didn't."

"What kind of things? What has she been hiding?" I asked, gripping the side of the chair.

"Mostly about what she has been up to. Moody has made sure that she can't disclose anything about our Order's location and such, but we believe she has been passing information to death eaters."

"About what you're trying to protect?" I said.

Sirius nodded. "But why would she do that?"

Sirius rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "We think to protect you."

"Protect me?" I said, exasperated. "Protect me from what?!"

"From the prophecy your mother had of you and Harry. Things are falling in to place much cleaner than she had been expecting. Your mother has given up hope that we will be able to change it without making some kind of a deal with Voldemort."

"But he's VOLDEMORT!" I yelled. "How in the world would anyone expect him to keep his word? Besides, he sees me as a threat doesn't he? There's no way he would let me live!"

"Yes, we know this," said Lupin, "but your mother is driven by fear. She is desperate and after you made it clear to her that you would stand by Harry she saw no other way."

"No other way than to join the other side?"

Lupin and Sirius both fell silent and continued to look at me. The rest of the Order watched me, waiting for me to cry, scream, break something...anything than just sit there.

"You must be hungry dear," said Mrs Weasley coming around the table and smiling at me warmly. "Some soup maybe?"

"Um...sure," I mumbled, not wanting to look at anyone.

"Anyone else? Come on, let's talk about something else!" Mrs. Weasley said motioning with her hands to leave me be. Instantly, as if waiting for the right cue, they all began to talk amongst themselves.

"This is a lot to handle, to say the least," said Sirius, leaning forward so that I was the only one who could hear him. Lupin pulled up a chair besides me before placing a hand on my arm.

"I just don't understand. How could she do this? She knows how much I love Harry."

"Yes, she does," said Sirius. "But she's your mother. She loves you above all else, even Harry."

I left out a pathetic attempt at a laugh.

"What am I going to do? I've been expelled from Hogwarts, I am supposed to be rotting in Azkaban, and my own mother has become a death eater."

Lupin rubbed my arm in sympathy.

"You can stay here with me," said Sirius with a bright smile. "We'll preoccupy ourselves with the never ending cleaning, plus, I know Buckbeak will be fond of having you around."

"Ah...Buckbeck," I said with a little laugh.

"This expulsion and Azakaban business is going to get sorted out Abby. Perhaps not right now, but surely they won't keep you out," said Lupin.

"I hope so," I said, letting out a sigh. "But Harry," I said...

"We'll let him know that you are safe," said Lupin with a reassuring smile.

"He's going to blame himself," I said.

"When doesn't he?" said Lupin.

"Good point," I said.

"He'll be alright," said Sirius to me as Lupin got up to help Molly with the soup.

"But he's all alone now," I said, trying to stop the flow of tears from coming. Sirius wiped one that managed to escape. "I mean, he has Hermione and Ron but you don't realize how much he leans on me."

"He'll manage," said Sirius with a weak smile. "And besides, you two will be back together again before you know it!"

I let out a shaky laugh. "Thank you Sirius," I said.

"Eh...it's nothing."

I leaned forward and pulled him into a hug. My own father might be M.I.A. but at least I had Sirius, and in my opinion, that was plenty enough.

Great post Allison the emotions were spot on - pure shock. Can't wait for more

peace & love
*lauren*

Hello Allison. That was quite the bomb you just dropped. I'm so shocked at the twist the story has taken. So, how long has she been sneaking around? She hasn't always been on the wrong side. Just hen she couldn't persuade Abby to quit the order? Poor Abby must be devistated! I'm so glad Sirius is there for her. Now he won't be so lonely! So now I'm wondering if she still needs more lessons from MacGonagal and if so, will it be Fawx teaching her instead?
Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next.

Thanks guy! It is a bit of a shocker, isn't it? The things people will do for the ones they love...

After eating some soup (which Mrs. Weasley practically forced down my throat) I retired for the night in the same room that Harry and I had slept in. Sirius had been kind enough to replace the sheets while I was eating, almost as if he knew already that that was the room that I wanted to sleep in. I woke the following morning to the sound of a knocking, which was rather persistent, on the wall next to mine. I tried to ignore it, but deciding that it was impossible, I rolled out of bed.

"What in the world," I mumbled to myself as I opened my own bedroom door and went into the adjacent one. Of course...it was Kreacher.

He turned to look at me upon my entrance and I was surprised it wasn't the one of usual loathing that he gave me. I was about to leave him alone when something shiny caught my eye.

"What's that?" I asked, stepping a little to the side so I could get a better look at what he was looking at. I smiled to realize that it was Kreacher's own little hidey hole that he was keeping belongings in.

"Nothing," mumbled Kreacher. "Nothing at all."

I could sense that he thought I was going to try and steal it. "I'm not going to steal it," I replied, pretending that I was offended. "What kind of person do you think I am?"

Kreacher looked somewhat taken aback by my offense. "Well...I guess you can see it. I suppose master won't mind." Kreacher reached in to the wall and pulled out the glinted object that I had caught sight of. My eyes widened as I realized it was a rather intricate locket.

"Wow...that's incredible," I said, bending down next to him so I could have a better look. He handed the locket to me, even though I hadn't asked to hold it.

I turned it over in my hands, running my finger along the S shape on the front of it. "Your master gave this to you?" I asked.

"Yes, yes."

As I was about to ask him more about it I heard Mrs. Weasley calling me from downstairs.

"Abby? Are you up? I thought I heard you?"

"In a second Mrs. Weasley!" I called back. I turned back to face Kreacher who was eyeing me curiously. I took his hand and placed the locket back into his own.

"I'd be careful with that locket if I were you," I whispered. "Seems like the kind of thing that someone would steal."

Mundungus Fletcher, who for reasons unbeknownst to myself, had become a member of the Order. I knew he had a knack for taking valuable things and selling them in Diagon Alley, and this locket definitely seemed like something he was going to try to take from Kreacher if he found it.

"Thank you," said Kreacher as I stood up to go. "You aren't like the others...you're...different." Kreacher cocked his head to the side a little as he stared at me before tucking the locket safely away in his hidey hole.

I gave him a little smile before heading out of the room and down the steps to find Mrs. Weasley talking to Sirius.

"No, you cannot go out!" she yelled.

"Molly...no one would recognize me. I'd be in my animagi form."

"Witches and wizards who are a threat know you are an animagi Sirius!! Do you want to led them straight to us?!" Mrs. Weasley saw me in her peripheral vision and stopped.

"Oh, good morning dear," she said pulling me into a hug.

"Good morning Mrs. Weasley."

"Let's get some breakfast in you!! I'll whip you up some eggs."

I looked at Sirius, who had the face of a child denied an ice cream cone, before being led down the steps into the kitchen. I was about to ask Mrs. Weasley if she had heard anything when I saw that Dumbledore was there.

"Dumbledore?" I said, slightly taken aback by his appearance.

"Hello Abby," said Dumbledore, a small twinkle in his eyes. "Fawx told me that you made it back safely, but I thought it was worth a visit to see for myself."

I took a seat in the chair across from him and smiled grimly.

"I presume they have told you about your mother?"

I nodded. Dumbledore lowered his face slightly so that he could look at me over his glasses. "I am sorry about this Abby. It is worth knowing that we believe she merely acted out of love and not out of any true loyalty to Voldemort."

I cleared my throat. "Yeah, I suppose that's something. Is Harry alright?" I asked.

"Yes, he is alright. We let him and the others know that you are safe and I presume they'll be sending a letter along rather shortly. Might take a bit of time though because Professor Umbridge along with the Ministry is watching the mail lines."

I exhaled deeply. "What a mess."

"Yes, I agree. Now, we must discuss our next course of action."

"Our next course of action?" I asked, perplexed. "I assumed I would just stay here. I mean, I'm wanted to go to Azkaban so I can't exactly just walk around outside."

"No, no, of course not," said Dumbledore with a soft smile. "However, we would like to keep you involved in Order business."

"Oh," I said, giving Mrs. Weasley a nod of thanks as she placed the eggs, toast, and sausage in front of me.

"Are you sure you don't want anything Albus?" Mrs. Weasley asked. Dumbledore eyed my food longingly, before taking a sniff. "Ah...yes, yes, I'll have some if you'd be so kind."

Mrs. Weasley smiled at him warmly before making her way back to the stove.

I took a bit of my toast, thoroughly enjoying it before swallowing and looking back at Dumbledore.

"What kind of Order business?" I asked.

"We would like you to try and figure out what your mother is hiding from us."

I choked on the bit of egg I had been about to swallow. "Me?! But why me?!"

"The death eaters will be least likely to suspect you. Your picture with a wanted sign was posted in the Daily Prophet and throughout Diagon Alley. I am sure they will just be expecting you to hide somewhere."

Dumbledore straightened himself as Mrs. Weasley placed the food down in front of him.

"Ahh, this looks wonderful Molly. Thank you," Dumbledore said, uncertain as to what item he should eat first.

"And how exactly am I going to figure out what she's up to?" I asked curiously.

"With my help and some very strategic following," said Dumbledore.

Great posts allison I love the changing part and the twist with her mum and such
!Jesse!

Hello Allison. I'm somewhat suprised at his letting her see it. Does he sense he can trust her? She's fast becoming a friend to him, and she doesn't even know it. I'm glad he told her that. I can't imagine what she must be going through! It isn't good to turn down breakfast especially if your hungry. Plus, I wonder if maybe he wants to talk with Abby about some things. Ahh! I can't wait to find out what he's got cooking.
Great post Allison. I really am anxious to read more. But, don't let it keep you from your NANO writing.

Thanks for the comments everyone

"What kind of following?" I asked as I took another bite of my eggs.

Dumbledore, who had some yolk dripping in to his beard hastily wiped it away with his napkin before giving me an apologetic look. "We will be following the death eater that I believe your mother has been communicating with."

"Oh," I said, not sure how to respond.

"His name is Yaxley, and he is quite brutal, but I believe he is towards the top of Voldemort's chain of command."

"Yaxley..," I mumbled, knowing that I had heard that name somewhere before. "Weren't there pictures of him in the Daily Prophet?" I asked.

"Wouldn't be surprised. He's well know for his activities in the dark arts."

"Great," I said more to myself than anything else. Sometimes all it took was one crazy evil guy to draw out all the rest into clear view. "So, when do we start?"

"As soon as we are done with our breakfast," said Dumbledore with a gentle smile.

Dumbledore and I finished our breakfasts, offering to clean off our plates but Mrs. Weasley hearing nothing of it, before heading towards the door.

"Now, unfortunately I do not have the invisibility cloak so we will have to be extra careful. Or perhaps..."

Dumbledore turned to face me. I watched him curiously as he waved his right down the middle of my face. He took a step back to admire me, although I hadn't felt anything change, before nodding.

"That should do. Let us be on our way!"

I turned to look at the mirror near me and tried not to panic when I saw my hair was now a bleach blonde color instead of my normal dark brown. Oh dear heavens I certainly hoped this would not be permanent. I looked like a barbie doll...

I followed Dumbledore outside and onto the doorstep where he motioned that I should take hold his arm. I did before I felt myself being pulled into his turn. It was very difficult to breathe as we moved through what felt like a tight rubber tube, and I was very glad when our feet made contact with the pavement. I let out a couple of coughs while trying to manage some more air into my lungs.

"It does take a bit of getting used to," Dumbledore said to me, giving me a little pat on the shoulder. Somehow this apparating had been much worse than the apparating I had done with him before.

"Why was that so different?" I asked him.

"Because you are an animagi that can transform now. It makes your senses and feelings more sensitive than they were before."

Of course...I was beginning to feel like this whole being able to transform thing was going to be more of a hindrance than I help.

I followed Dumbledore down a cobble stone path, looking at the sketchy woods on either side of us, hearing twigs cracking and birds making strange noises.

"Where are we Professor?" I asked.

"The town of Endsberg," said Dumbledore quietly. "I do believe our friend Yaxley is taking up headquarters here, and if I am correct with my information your mother will be here with him."

I felt my heart skip a beat. "My mom?" I said weakly.

"Don't worry Abby. I will be with you the whole time."

I gave him a little nod before he motioned we should lower ourselves. The small house in front of us was the size of a cottage only much more menacing looking. The shutters had been painted a swirl of the silver and green color of the Slytherin house colors, and everything around it was dark and ominous.

Dumbledore and I crept up to one of the windows and bent down, looking over it so nothing could be seen but our eyes. My heart skipped another beat as I saw my mother standing in what I assumed was the living room talking to another man who I gathered was Yaxley.

My mother did not look well. Her face was sunken and her skin was paler than usual. She had a kind of stone like attribute to her stance, and I was beginning to wonder if she was under the imperious curse.

Yaxley on the other hand looked sharp as a tack, and completely ready for whatever was to come. His silver blonde hair with tints of red in it was pulled back into a long braid, and his green eyes were looking around the room curiously.

"I want you to track down where your little girl is hiding, do you understand? She will be safer in our custody than theirs," Yaxley said, his irish accent rather heavy.

"Alright," my mother said with a little nod of the head. "What will we do then?"

"Don't you worry your pretty little head about that. The dark lord has great plans for your daughter Ms. Carson. And I'd go so far as to say she has a very important role."

My mother's eyes looked at him with concern, but I could feel that she wasn't all that concerned. There was a kind of emptiness to her overall state of mind and emotion. What in the world had they done to her? I reached out into Yaxley's mind, trying to get a glimpse of what big plans he had in mind when I felt Dumbledore's hand dig into my sharply.

I turned to look at him but only for a moment because my first thought was to duck.

We had been seen.

hey there
has anyone seen the new Harry Potter Movie? god I really want to go and watch that!
apparently dobby dies but I don't believe them coz he doesn't in the book..... does he...?
ANYWAYS!
love the new chapters! they're so cool! I WANNA BE A PHOENIX ANIMAGI!!!!! SERIOUSLY!
aaah! *breathe* *I am a mango smoothie* LOL
love u,
JENNIE X

Hello Allison. Fantastic writing! Everyday, I look forward to reading a new post from you. Abby is taking this news rather well. Maybe she's reserving judgement on what she's been told till she can see her mom for herself. And she does seem to be under an Imperious Curse or something. It's so sad she is going through so much to keep her daughter safe. But, it could be that she has been captured and is being forced to do their bidding because of the Imperious Curse. AND... what if her father was captured first (because he hasn't been to see her any) and her mom is doing what she is so they don't hurt not only Abby, but her husband as well. Oh well, only you know, so I'll wait and see what wonderful post you have for us next.

My husband took me to see it last Friday afternoon. "apparently dobby dies but I don't believe them coz he doesn't in the book..... does he...?" You haven't read the book? Yes, he does die in the book. I won't say if he does or doesn't in the movie, unless you want me to PM you.

Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next.

Great post Allison...u know they weren't supposed to have been seen...this isn't a good thing uh-oh! Love ur story tho keep posting

Thanks again for the lovely posts everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate it

Luckily for me the spell had missed my face by about three inches, but unluckily for us it had shattered part of the ledge we had been hiding behind. The noise caught Yaxley and my mother's attention, and before I knew it they were peering out over the ledge at us.

"Well, well, if it isn't..." Yaxley started, but was cut off by a horribly aimed spell from a death eater hiding in the shrubs.

The spell hit Yaxley square in the face and with such force that Yaxley went sailing backwards, taking my mother along with him.

"We must be on our way!" said Dumbledore, taking hold of my arm and spinning on the spot.

Once we had landed I had my couple of minutes of coughing and choking for breath before Dumbledore helped me sit down on a little bench. Once I was back to my normal breathing and my face had returned to its usual color I turned to face Dumbledore more clearly.

"So much for going unseen," I said with a wry smile.

"Ah...yes...well I suppose we should have known that people would be hiding in the bushes, but at least none of them recognized who you were."

"How do you know that?" I asked. I had been so taken aback by the whole thing that I barely had the time to sort through my own thoughts let alone someone else's.

"Well I am not too sharp with Occulmency myself, plus I figured you would be more focused on trying to get in your mother and Yaxley's heads than anything else, so I had your back so to speak."

Dumbledore gave me a gentle smile and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Well, thank you Professor, but I'm not quite sure we really got anything useful."

"Ah...but we did. It is pretty apparent that your mother is under the influence of some kind of magic."

"That imperious curse?" I suggested.

"No, no. I don't think so. This looks stronger...no...I imagine it is Voldemort's work but as to what he is doing to her I cannot say."

I stared at Dumbledore, my body going numb at the thought that we might not be able to help her.

"So you think she's there against her will?" I asked.

Dumbledore was quiet, making sure to formulate his thoughts correctly before speaking.

"I think she originally went there on her own will, but I am not sure that she knew what exactly would happen to her once she did. Your mother is not a dumb woman, but I think she may have underestimated the situation going into it."

"I just don't understand!" I said, standing up in frustration. "How could she do this? How could she just leave me here without talking to the Order or acting like a sane person?!"

Dumbledore eyed me sympathetically. "It is strange to see just how far and reckless people are willing to act for the one's they love. You are her life Abby, and to save yours at the price of her own is something she is willing to pay."

"And what good to me is she if she's dead?" I asked.

Dumbledore eyed me, deciding that a response was not really necessary. I collapsed back on the bench and rested my head against the back. Dumbledore was sitting their quietly, watching something across the street when it finally occurred to me that I had no idea where we were.

"Where are we?" I asked, sitting up.

"We are across the street from my old home," he said with a little smile.

I looked around, amazed to see that we were in Godric's Hollow. "You lived in Godric's Hollow?" I asked, amazed.

"Yes, I did, after the incident with my father and those poor muggles."

I had heard about the story, so I decided it was best not to open old wounds. "It's a lovely house," I said with a little smile.

"Ah...it is. My mother was never much for doing yard work or house work for that matter, but it really didn't need it. It has a charm of its own in my opinion."

"I agree," I said, admiring the stone and the little brass fence in the front.

"We'll get this mess sorted out with your mother Abby," Dumbledore said, taking his eyes off of the house to look at me.

"I hope so..." I said, staring at the little walkway. "Do you think something has happened to my father?" I asked.

Dumbledore was silent, his gaze back on the house.

"I think you know the answer to that question Abby."

I closed my eyes and thought back to where we had just come from...the man in the bushes...the man was my father.

Whoa...her dad is a Death Eater? By free will? And not for the same reasons her mum had? That's...unexpected
I loved the posts btw alli
PAMS
!Jesse!

has anyone seen the new Harry Potter Movie? god I really want to go and watch that!
apparently dobby dies but I don't believe them coz he doesn't in the book..... does he...?
My husband took me to see it last Friday afternoon. "apparently dobby dies but I don't believe them coz he doesn't in the book..... does he...?" You haven't read the book? Yes, he does die in the book. I won't say if he does or doesn't in the movie, unless you want me to PM you.


ok then! i've read the book! i mean who hasn't but I must've missed that bit! i'm really sad! I can't wait 'till part 2 though! (IT COMES OUT IN MAY PEEPS!)

cheers x
JENNIE
p.s (to my genious friend!) PAMS PAMS PAMS! want more story!