Hello Allison. Oh my goodness! OK First of all... Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving to you also. My family had a great time. Onto the story! Good for them! But that DE, how could he miss so badly? I mean he wasd just right there! He will be in so much trouble. That was just too cute! But, it happened so fast, how could she have time toi get into anybodies head? Awe! He is so sweet. I love how kind he can be. He really does love his students. I've been wondering the same thing! I wonder if he must have been captured also!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great post Allison. I'll be watching for my next notice.

Thanks again for the comments everyone

I had been sitting and staring at the wall for so long that I hadn't even noticed when Sirius had entered the room. My mind was off in other places, trying desperately to piece together how quickly everything was falling to shambles, and how quickly my family was switching sides so to speak. It had been weeks since the incident at Yaxley's house, and I hadn't been outside since. I felt like a caged owl and completely useless. I guessed I was getting a true taste of Sirius' world.

Dumbledore had been removed from the Headmaster's position after Umbridge and her worthless goons discovering our secret Defense Against the Dark Arts meetings. Looking back, I wished we hadn't decided that Dumbledore's Army was the perfect name for it. Dumbledore had agreed with Fudge's outrageous claims that he was building up an army to take down the ministry, and when Fudge came to grab him to send him to Azkaban Dumbledore escaped with a little help from Fawx.

He came around every now and then to get food, but he was usually out doing who knows what. He kept telling me he'd explain but after the fifth or sixth time I'd stopped believing him.

"Abby?" Sirius said with a gentle smile.

I pulled my gaze away from the wall to look at him. "Oh, sorry Sirius, I was just...zoning."

"I don't blame you for being in your own thoughts, especially with everything that is going on." Sirius sat down on the bed next to me. "How are you holding up?"

"I wish I could just get my parents in front of me so I could sort through their minds and understand what is going on," I said, setting down the item I had been dusting next to me.

"That would definitely simplify things," said Sirius with a little chuckle.

"It's just so frustrating not understanding why they're doing what they're doing."

"Welcome to our world," said Sirius with a little chuckle. "Even with the assistance of occulmency, which is a difficult thing in itself to master, we can't get inside other people's heads the way you can. Besides, people can always control what they think and not always how they feel, so you are blessed with never being surprised."

"But I am surprised right now," I said.

Sirius nodded. "You're parents will come around, once they realize that they aren't going about it the right way."

"I think it might be too late for that," I said with a little sigh. "Something is wrong with my mother, and my own father is casting spells at me."

"He missed, didn't he?" asked Sirius. "Perhaps he missed on purpose."

I sat up a little bit. "Do you think he's on the inside...like Snape...so that he can get information?"

"Well, not by the Order's orders, but he might be acting on his own accord. Or perhaps he went in to protect your mother and provide some back up."

"Great job he's doing," I said with a little scoff.

"May I ask why you don't like your father?"

I got up off the bed and went over to a little China doll I had found while rummaging through some old boxes.

"I haven't always liked the things I have heard going through my father's mind," I said with a little shrug.

"Like what things?" asked Sirius.

"My father doesn't like me very much. He doesn't like all the power that I possess and doesn't like how independent I can be. He thinks I should only do things if he says they're okay."

I picked up the china doll and rubbed the smooth glass beneath my fingers. "Basically he wants me to be his servant."

Sirius was quiet for a couple of moments. "And you're sure that's what he means?"

I let out a little laugh. "Believe me Sirius, my father could never hide his thoughts around me and to be quite honest he never tried. I hope he has more love for my mother than he does for me."

Sirius came over and put his hand on my shoulder. "I know what it feels like to not be loved by family."

"I turned that switch off about caring what he thought of me a long time ago," I said, gripping the china doll a little tighter.

"I did too, but even after all these years it still hurts...just a little."

He gave my shoulder another squeeze before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. I looked down to see the little china doll was now completely covered in ice. In a fit of frustration I threw the doll against the wall, it shattering into a million little pieces upon contact. Some were ceramic, some were ice, and some were a weird combination of both.

I closed my eyes, forcing myself to not come unglued especially now. Especially when I needed to keep myself together and I needed to be a stable support system for Harry. I couldn't afford to think of everything that was happening at once for fear that I would begin to lose my sanity...

I bent down and began to brush up all the little pieces of the china doll, wondering if I would be able to fix it or not. I didn't think that Sirius had even noticed it and a part of me wondered if it belonged to Bellatrix. I chuckled at the thought...Bellatrix playing with dolls? Now there was something I would like to see.

I was almost done cleaning up when I feel backwards in pain. My hand instinctively went up and grabbed hold of my forehead which felt like it was being split in two. I opened my eyes to find I was no longer in the comforts of the Order's headquarters, but instead was lying on the ground of a cold, dark room.

I looked up to see that there were thousands of shelves that seemed never ending no matter which direction you looked, that were glowing a soft blue color. I turned to look at one near me and saw a tiny little label with a number on it. As I was about to mumble the words out loud to myself my attention was drawn to a man on his knees a couple of feet in front of me.

To my utter horror I saw that it was Sirius, whose face was cringing in pain from the spell coming from a wand. I followed the wand to its owner and felt myself stumbling backwards slightly as I realized it was Voldemort.

"Bring it to me," said Voldemort with a deep chuckle. "Bring it to me!!"

"Never!" yelled Sirius at him before screaming out in pain again. I was about to pull out my own wand when I was jerked back from the scene and in the original headquarters room.

"Abby?" asked Sirius, his hand tightly gripping my shoulder.

"Sirius?" I said, reaching up to feel his hand with my own.

Sirius' brows were furrowed and he was looking at me with concern.

"There's something horribly wrong," I said, sitting up. "We've got to find Harry!"

Hello Allison. Tremendous writing. Things are really intensifying and I keep wishing there was more to read. I can't figure out Abby's dad yet. I'd love to think that he is really under cover working for the ministry or something, but, I just don't know. And the way she has him figured makes me wonder about him even more. But then, children usually do misunderstand their parents a lot of the time. I can't wait to see what you have for us in your next post. I'll be watching!

Thanks Connie! I'm glad you are enjoying it

Sirius took my hand and helped me up off the ground before following me down the stairs. Just as we had reached the bottom of the steps we saw Snape who had come bursting into the house with a purpose.

"We need to get to the Department of Mysteries," said Snape in his usual drawl, eyeing us both curiously.

"Yeah, yeah, three steps ahead of you Snivellus," said Sirius, opening the door and hollering down the steps to the others.

"I have alerted Kingsley and he is notifying the others," said Snape, choosing to ignore Sirius's name calling.

"So, how are we doing this?" I asked Sirius as Mr. Weasley appeared at the door leading to the kitchen. Tonks and Lupin were right behind him, both with their wands out. Tonks had a rather excited look on her face while Lupin was looking rather grim and tired.

"You are staying here," said Mrs. Weasley, pushing her way past Mr. Weasley to give me a stern look.

"No, I am not!" I said, pulling out my own wand.

"You are wanted by the ministry and are underage! There is no way that you are going. You can let the others handle this," said Mrs. Weasley, making a move to take my wand from me.

"I appreciate everything you've done for me Mrs. Weasley, but this is important and I have to go!"

"She is a member of the Order Molly," said Sirius, giving me a little head nod that he had my back.

"This is not up to you!" barked Mrs. Weasley.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley, but it's not up to you either."

I took a step back from them all and closed my eyes.

"No!" Mrs. Weasley yelled, but it was too late. I had already transformed into my animagi form and was heading towards the door.

Sirius had quickly moved while the flames had enclosed me and ripped open the door. I flew out, my wand gripped firmly in my talons and headed towards the ministry. I wasn't entirely sure where I was going but somehow I had managed to get to the familiar looking telephone booth that Mr. Weasley had shown me once.

I flew into it, transforming back into my human self as the doors closed behind me. I eagerly fumbled around, trying to remember how to go down, until I finally did something right and found myself shooting downwards. I stepped out to find myself in the main ministry lobby. I had never been inside it before and found myself slightly amazed by the huge gold statues of several different animals followed by the huge banners of Fudge's face.

I closed my eyes, trying to remember where Harry had said he had seen the door from his dreams....where had it been again? Oh, downstairs...it was definitely downstairs.

I ran, the sound of my feet hitting the floor echoing off of the walls until I made it into one of the elevators.

"Please state your desired location," a woman's voice said out loud.

"The Department of Mysteries!" I yelled.

"Hang on," the woman said, and the elevator jerked forward before dropping for a couple of minutes, shooting to the right then the left several times, before finally stopping. The gates opened and I stepped out.

"Have a nice evening," the woman said after I had stepped up before the gates slammed closed again and the elevator was off.

I started walking forwards towards the doors, my wand held out in front of me. I reached out with my mind, wondering if there were any death eaters that had stayed close to the exit but didn't hear anyone. I turned the knob and pushed the door open.

I took one step, expecting there to be ground beneath me but to my surprise there wasn't. I fell, sliding along the wall before landing on the ground with a thud. I hastily picked up my wand that had flown out of my hand upon impact and looked around. I seemed to be on a circular floor with doors all around me.

I walked towards the middle, trying to figure out which one was the right one to walk through when I caught the drift of a thought with my mind. It was Harry's voice...

Sprinting towards the door I heard it from I ripped open the handle to find myself face to face with a death eater. Lucky for me he was more surprised to see me than I was to see him. Deciding that I didn't have enough time to cast a spell I winded my fist back and clocked him in the face. The death eater stumbled backwards, tripping and landing flat on his back.

"Petrificus Totalus!" I said, pointing my wand at him before he had a chance to get back up.

I looked up, worried that my encounter had drawn the attention of other death eaters, but luckily for me it hadn't. I hurried along down the corridor, my wand pointed out in front of me until I saw a small opening at the end. I slowed down, closing my eyes to reach out with my mind. It was Harry and the others.

Deciding that I would be quicker in my animagi form I transformed, walking along the wall before peeking my head out to see what the situation looked like. The death eaters were in a circle, each of them holding on to what I assumed were my friends. Bellatrix was closest to me, her eyes on Neville with a longing look. I had never met someone whose thoughts were so dark and purely evil. She had no love of any kind except for torture and Lord Voldemort.

Harry was standing in the middle, next to some kind of veil thing that was giving off enough light that everyone could see each other clearly. I could hear whispers coming from it but they weren't voices that I recognized. Harry had something in his hand and somehow I knew it was the prophecy that Voldemort had been looking for. Lucius Malfoy, his face and white hair recognizable even from this distance was slowly approaching Harry with his hand extended.

I jumped as I felt a hand on my feathers but calmed instantly when I saw that it was Sirius. The others had caught up to me, all except for Snape who was no where to be found.

Sirius bent down so he could whisper to me.

"On the count of three dear we're going to go in and get them. I want you to go straight to Harry, do you understand?"

I nodded my head.

"Oh, and nice color feathers by the way," said Sirius with his little smirk.

I smiled, the expression coming through my eyes, before we both shifted our focus back to Harry and the others.

"One...two...THREE!"

ALLISON NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! You can't leave us like this! Think Connie... Ok this can't be where she saves Harry. According to her moms prophecy, she saves him from Voldemort. But then, you've thrown us curve balls before, so I'm back to telling you you can't leave us like this! Please? Allison, this was a brilliant post. I will point out one tiny little thing you might want to correct. I'm sure it was Snape that came bursting in the house, yes? Poor Molly. She just has the worst time trying to keep these kids safe doesn't she. She is the best mom there is. In fiction that is.
Allison. You've written a spectacular chapter, and I do hope you can write more soon. REALLY SOON. I'll be watching for my notice.

Great post Allison! But a cliffhanger? Noooo!!!! Those are the worst! Can't wait for ur update
!Jesse!

thanks guys for the comments and sorry for leaving you with a cliffhanger, but you know how these things go. I like to keep you on the edge of your seats

As soon as the last e sound left Sirius's lips I took flight, zooming overhead of the death eaters, who were utterly confused, before landing right smack in front of Harry, the flames enclosing me as I transformed back into my human form.

Lucius Malfoy stared at me, his eyes wide in amazement. "How did you..." he started.

The other members of the Order had landed, sending the death eaters back away enough that they could huddle my friends in the middle of all of them. Sirius had come over to Harry and me, and motioned for us to back up.

I reached back with my hands, putting them on either side of Harry so that if any spells came at him from the front they would hit me instead. Sirius had stepped in front of Lucius whose face had changed from confusion to disgust.

"Get away from my godson," Sirius said with a smirk before punching Lucius square in the face.

Harry let out a little laugh as Lucius tumbled backwards. I hadn't noticed during my flight that Harry had given Lucius the prophecy, but it had obviously happened because as Lucius fell the ball flew out of his hands, landing with a miniature crack as it shattered to pieces.

"Well, I imagine he isn't going to be too happy with you," said Sirius as the little clouds that had filled the prophecy vanished.

"Why you little!" We turned to find Bellatrix raising her wand and throwing a spell at Sirius who deflected it with ease.

Bellatrix's actions had served as the same purpose as a director's cry to start filming. All at once my friends, along with the order members, began to cast spells at the death eaters. I was gripping my own wand, and took a hold of Harry's arm with the other.

"We have to get you out of here!" I said, pulling Harry along, but we were immediately interrupted by one of the death eaters that still had his mask on.

A duel instantly pursued, me casting numerous defensive spells while trying to keep Harry behind my back. Another death eater had come to join in, forcing me to let Harry go so that he could fight. The death eater that I was fighting against was casting numerous spells, mostly crucio as well as some other spells that I was sure were meant to cause me great harm. I ducked to dodge one spell, it merely hitting the top of my head, before standing up and pointing my wand at the man.

Without any words or thoughts a huge rush of ice emitted from the end of my wand, turning the once death eater in to an ice statue. The death eater that had been fighting Harry stopped, absolutely perplexed at what had just happened to his friend before turning to look at me.

"How did you..." he started, but before he could finish Harry had hit him square in the face with a stunning jinx.

Harry turned to look at me, a mixture of confusion and amazement. "How did you do that?" he asked, not able to get a response because Lucius was back up and fighting.

He attempted to hit Harry with a spell, but Sirius blocked it, before joining Harry and I.

"Sorry to interrupt," said Sirius, casting a spell to block Lucius's.

Harry and I didn't even have time to react before two more death eaters had appeared on either side of Lucius, ready to help. The three of us were dueling, helping one another deflect shots as well as cast them. We moved in such perfect harmony that it felt more like we were members of an orchestra, our conductor summoning to us from above the various moves and positions we should move our instruments, or should I say wands.

I had cast a well placed spell, sending the death eater I had been dueling flying backwards with a spot of crystal ice marking exactly where my spell had hit him in the chest. Sirius had turned to say something to me but suddenly his thoughts were completely gone. It was as if someone had removed him from the room without me knowing.

I quickly turned to look at him, finding him to have a strange and amused expression on his face. I looked where he was looking and saw Bellatrix, standing at the entrance where we had come from. I turned back to look at Sirius who had stumbled back a couple of steps. I reached my hand out to grab him, but it was too late. He had fallen backwards into the veil that I now understood held the voices of those who had died.

Sirius was dead...gone...and my body was completely numb. Harry was standing next to me, Lupin holding him around the waist as he bellowed out NO, the tears starting to drip from his eyes.

I swung back around to look at Bellatrix, whose eyes looked solemn for a brief moment, before turning back into their usual cold stare with her evil chuckle following it.

"I KILLED SIRIUS BLACK!!" she bellowed out with an evil cackle, before turning and running through the door.

Harry had managed to break free of Lupin's grasp and was running towards her.

"HARRY NO!" I yelled out, instantly running after him, and narrowly missing Lupin grabbing hold of my arm.

I pumped my arms and legs as fast as I could, desperate to keep up with Harry who had no idea that Voldemort was now in the Ministry. I kept running and running, stopping only when I had reached the main lobby of the ministry. Harry had pulled out his wand and casted crucio at Bellatrix who was now on the floor.

I stood back, uncertain what to do or say because despite my better instincts I knew where Harry was coming from, and I wanted to see her hurt for what she had done. I was about to move forward towards Harry when I saw him.

He came out of nowhere, appearing slowly like dust particles only revealed once the sunlight hits them. Bellatrix let out a little chuckle upon his arrival, scooting back as she did.

"You have to mean it Harry," whispered Voldemort, moving closer to Harry.

"GET AWAY FROM HIM!" I yelled, taking several steps forward.

Voldemort turned, as did Harry, at the sound of my voice. Voldemort looked surprised to see me at first, but the effect wore off quickly.

"I have to admit, I didn't expect you to be here," Voldemort said with a little chuckle. "I'm surprised you came knowing your fate."

I glared at him. "What have you done to my mother?" I barked.

Voldemort let out a cool laugh. "Done to her? I've done nothing to her child. She came to me willingly, seeing the errors in her ways by following Dumbledore. I figured it would only be a matter of time before she joined our side. Of course, it was a little touch and go there as to whether or not she would be willing to choose her husband over her daughter, but after your little conversation she was convinced."

"You're lying," I said to him, my face remaining calm and collected.

"Oh, am I?" said Voldemort, moving so that we were now face to face. "And what makes you think that?" he asked.

I looked into his eyes, his red slitted eyes, and let out a scoff. "You think you're so powerful and so great, but you're really just weak. You're pathetic, and in the end you will be the one that loses, not Harry."

Voldemort stared at me, amazed at my audacity. "Foolish girl. Surely you don't think that you can change what your mother has seen."

I moved closer so that there was virtually no space between us. "Watch me."

Voldemort's mouth curved into a little smirk. "Shame to see someone with so much confidence die for such a pointless cause."

Voldemort had been moving my wand, but unfortunately for him, his thoughts were not closed off to me. I had moved quicker, silently casting that same spell that had frozen the death eater earlier.

Voldemort stumbled backwards, his wand hand frozen from my spell, before letting out an evil growl. I took advantage of the distraction to move myself next to Harry. Bellatrix had disappeared at some point, although why I wasn't quite sure.

In anger and frustration Voldemort smashed his frozen hand against the golden statue, the ice shattering off of it, before swinging around to face Harry and me.

"Your mother told me you were strong and that you possessed some special gifts, but believe me girl, they won't be good enough!"

"Actually Tom, they just very well may be."

All three of us turned simultaneously to find Dumbledore walking out of one of the floo network fireplaces, his wand at the ready.

Hello Allison. That was a fantastic post. I always look forward to your posts. I hate it that Sirius died. I knew it was coming but still, it's so sad! I loved how Abby sent the ice crystal charm and froze the Death Eater. That was awesome. And I love that you let Harry fight Belletrix. I love Abby, but Harry would have been angry at her for stepping in. He already can't stand that she is s'pose to die for his life. I hope that Dumbledore saves Abby's parents. OH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's what I wanted to ask you about! Voldemort is so evil! Will we get to learn more about this real shortly?
Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next post.

Great posts Allison I can't believe I missed SO much! I love it! Ur such an amazing author can't wait for more
*lauren*

Thanks for the lovely comments! I am glad that you are enjoying it I plan to have another update either tomorrow or Saturday (sorry for not being able to post one sooner). To hold you over I figured I'd post a signature I made for the sequel, and yes, there will be a sequel I'm calling it The Phoenix, the original name for this story that I ended up changing, and it will follow the four into their sixth year at Hogwarts. I hope you guys will be interested in following it as well!

That's awesome alli when r u starting the sequel up?

Hello Allison. Happy to hear about the sequel, and you better know I'll be following it!

Thanks Sarah and Connie! I'll be starting it up relatively soon after I finish with this story. Since I am up and am not quite capable of falling asleep I am going to update now haha. Enjoy!

"I was wondering if you would show up old man," said Voldemort with a wicked little smile.

"I couldn't deny reuniting with an old student Tom," said Dumbledore, positioning himself so that he was in front of Harry and me.

"You know that you are no longer good enough to beat me, don't you Albus?"

"I have a few tricks up my sleeve still Tom," said Dumbledore, a different kind of twinkle appearing in his eyes.

I had started to move Harry and me back in case Dumbledore needed more room to do what he needed to do. I had a feeling that the two were going to start dueling at any moment and it certainly wouldn't help Dumbledore's cause if we were standing in his way.

"Well, if you insist. I'll enjoy beating you." Before Dumbledore even had a chance to respond Voldemort had raised his wand and shot a spell at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore smacked the spell away with one wave of his wand. Voldemort looked angry but not completely surprised. With another attempt Voldemort sent a shot of black smoke at Dumbledore, the front of it in the shape of a rather large serpent. Dumbledore moved his wand in a circle above his head, blocking back the serpent's bites with flames. I pushed Harry and me back further, the heat of Dumbledore's flames hitting us in the face and knocking the breath out of both of us.

"Move back farther!" Dumbledore barked at us over his shoulder.

After a couple of moments that seemed to last an eternity Dumbledore's flames had managed to send the serpent back reeling. Voldemort raised his wand again, then time shooting out his own version of flames that collided with Dumbledore's. Dumbledore gave his wand another wave, a spare flame coming rather close to Harry's pant leg, before being blocked back with a fresh burst of water emitting from Dumbledore's wand.

Harry and I were watching in amazement as the flames and water collided with one another, smacking each other in such a way that it looked like the spells were having a sword fight with one another. Voldemort was getting annoyed at the pace this duel was moving, and quickly flicked his wand towards the thousands of glass windows behind him while Dumbledore's water seemed to be retreating a little.

"Duck!!" I yelled, pulling Harry down with me as a thousands broken shards of glass came flying at the three of us.

Dumbledore swiftly flicked his wand again, instantly turning the glass into grains of sand as they came within three feet of him. A couple of them were missed, one of which cut me across the cheek.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked me, reaching his hand up to touch my cheek.

"I'll be alright," I said, pulling Harry up off of his feet.

Voldemort was fuming, angered that Dumbledore was capable of finding so many solutions to his more complicated spells. Taking a deep breath Voldemort raised his wand to strike again.

"We can do this all day if you'd like Tom," said Dumbledore, repositioning himself so that he remained in front of Harry and me.

"I know we can old man, but let's be honest, I will last longer than you."

"You forgot Tom that not all dark magic is as powerful as good magic," said Dumbledore, moving in sync with Voldemort as he paced back and forth, keeping his eyes on the three of us.

I had shoved Harry behind me, still keeping my wand elevated in front of me incase I needed to use it.

"Ahh old man, you continue to underestimate me."

Dumbledore stood there eyeing Voldemort curiously before he completely disappeared. We all looked around and I could tell that Voldemort hadn't really left. I was about to share this information with Dumbledore when I felt Harry jerk behind me. I swung around quickly, falling to my knees just moments after Harry had collapsed on the floor.

"Harry?!" I said, reaching out to touch him, but not sure what to do.

Harry let out a grunt of pain, his body wriggling and tensing as the pain shot through him. I closed my eyes, reaching in to his mind, and to my horror found that Voldemort was there completely. I could sense him weaving his way in and out of Harry's thoughts, pulling images of me, his friends, and even Sirius to the surface. With each shot Voldemort changed it, morphing it so that it was a scene that illustrated pain. Hermione, dead on the ground. Me getting hit with a spell.

"You will lose Harry," said Voldemort, using Harry's mouth and body to speak.

The others who had been fighting near the veil had arrived behind us, them stopping as soon as they saw Harry and me on the ground. Dumbledore stepped back and put his hand on Hermione who was about to run over.

Harry squirmed again as Voldemort's cackle filled the air, again coming from Harry's mouth.

"Harry," I said, reaching out and touching touching his arm with my hand. His body instantly stopped moving upon my touch.

He turned his head upwards so that his eyes could look at me, but his eyes were different. A perfect red and yellow circle had appeared around his normal green eyes, reflecting all the pain you are feeling.

"You aren't like him Harry. I know he wants you to think he is. He wants you to think he is, but you aren't. It's your choices Harry, you're choices to choose friends and love over immortality. It's the fact that you have something worth fighting for that makes you different Harry."

Harry looked at me. "She's lying Harry, you are just like me," said Voldemort.

Harry grunted again.

"Harry," I said, squeezing his hand firmly in my own.

"You are wrong," came Harry's struggling voice. I looked into his eyes, trying to send my strength to him. "I'm nothing like you. I have people who care about me and love me, and you...you have nothing. You don't have friends or people who care, and the truth is that I pity you Voldemort. I pity the fact that you will never have anything that I have. You will never know love."

I watched as Harry's eyes went back to their normal color. He was staring at me, his breathing slowing, when I felt Voldemort there. I turned to look up at him.

"You are a fool Harry Potter, and you will lose everything." He turned his face so that he could look at me after taking Harry in for a moment. "And you are an evil bigger fool for you will lose even more than him."

I stared up at him, taking in his slitted eyes, when a series of popping sounds came from behind me. Voldemort looked over at Fudge who was striding towards us, stopping instantly as he spotted Voldemort. I kept my eyes on Voldemort who vanished instantly.

"Oh no, he's back!" came Fudge's voice, but I could have cared less.

Harry began to sat up, with my help, keeping his eyes on me the entire time. I put my hands on either side of his face, leaning my forehead forward so that it was resting against his. Harry reached up and placed one of his hands on my cheek, while wrapping the other arm around my waist.

I pressed my lips against his, not caring at the number of people that were standing around us, or the photographer who was quickly trying to get his camera to work. After a moment we disengaged our lips and Harry pulled me into a hug. He held me and I held him, both of us paying attention to nothing but the feeling of one another in each others arms, as the sounds of flashes of light surrounded us.

We were alive....for now.

Hello Allison. I knew this would be good, and I wasn't disappointed. His overconfidence has always been his downfall. Did he forget who he was fighting?!?!?!?!?!? Of course Dumbledore put up solutions, he's brilliant! Oh my! If it isn't the bumbling fool!
Great post Allison. I can't wait to read the next post.

Thanks Connie I am glad you weren't disappointed with it!

I had been sitting there, staring at the wall for so long that I had lost track of time. The cool cement against my back had a calming affect but it also brought to my attention just how tired I was. I had brought my knees up to my chest, the desire to blend in with the wall strong.

Harry was inside Dumbledore's office, talking to him about things which was great. I was glad that they were finally going to start communicating about what had happened this whole year and hopefully clear up some confusion. I was more concerned about the visit from Fudge and the pit in my stomach that kept growing larger and larger every time I thought the word Sirius in my head. I was still numb, not sure how to respond to the whole situation. It just seemed crazy to me that in such a brief moment he was gone from our lives forever.

Naturally the press had been all over Harry and I at the Ministry, Dumbledore doing the best that he could to keep us shielded from them. Fudge had spotted me, his mouth opening and closing several times as reporters asked him if I was still going to be taken to Azkaban after what I had done at the Ministry that evening. Dumbledore had gently encouraged Fudge to say that we would discuss the issue later as well as his return to Headmaster of Hogwarts.

Well...the latter had been accomplished, just not the first one...yet.

I could hear footsteps down at the end of the hallway, causing me to pull myself out of my zoning. I sat up a little bit, not that it would make too much of a difference because I was sure that Fudge would have his decision made before he even got here.

Fudge came around the corner, looking at a piece of paper, and had nearly reached the statue in front of Dumbledore's office by the time he noticed my presence. He looked down at me, jumping slightly, before taking a couple of steps back. He cleared his throat nervously before attempting a smile at me.

"Oh, sorry Miss Carson, I barely even noticed you there."

"It's alright Minister," I said with my own, tired smile.

I had expected Fudge to merely proceed on his way to talk to Dumbledore, but even telepaths are capable of being surprised. He took a couple of steps towards me before sitting down on the ground next to me. I shifted myself slightly so that he had room.

"Miss Carson I do believe that I owe you an apology."

I raised my eyebrows at him. "Really?" I said, the words slipping out by accident.

Fudge gave a tiny little smile although it was quite strained.

"Yes, really. I believe I have made a terrible mistake expelling you."

I was quiet for a moment, letting his thoughts swim around in my head before responding. I finally found the one that I had been looking for.

"Well, I am glad that you think it is a mistake. Does that mean I will be able to return to Hogwarts?" I said.

"Yes, yes, and I have asked that you be allowed to take your O.W.L.s before you leave for the summer."

I nodded my head. "Thank you."

Fudge was about to respond but the statue had started to shift, before Harry and Dumbledore walked through the open space. They turned to look at me, Harry still furious with the minister for everything, and Dumbledore merely stared, his expression relatively blank.

"Hello Albus," said Fudge, bracing himself on the wall so that he could stand up. I got up in one fowl swoop, before taking a couple of steps so that I was next to Harry. He reached out his right hand and took mine into it, before giving it a little squeeze.

"Hello Minister," said Dumbledore.

"I was just discussing with Miss Carson here her return to Hogwarts next term and the arrangement we need to make so that she can take her O.W.L.s."

"Ah...yes. Why don't you two go and get some rest while the Minister and I discuss the specifics," said Dumbledore, giving us both a little nod. Dumbledore gently nudged the minister through the open space, turning back to give us both a little wink, before the statue closed behind him.

Harry and I stood there for a moment just staring at the statue.

"How did it go?" I asked.

"Really really well," said Harry with a little smile.

"I'm so glad," I said, returning the smile before starting to lead us down the hallway. Harry released my hand so that he could wrap his arm around my shoulder. I tucked myself into him, wrapping my own arm around his waist.

"Do you think he could come back as a ghost?" asked Harry.

I felt the familiar gut feeling in my stomach grow a little bigger. "I think he'd want to move on. Experience what comes next to the fullest, you know?"

Harry nodded, his eyes starting to well slightly with tears. I stopped and leaded him over to a little stone bench in front of a huge window. He sat down willing and as soon as I was situated laid his head in the crook of my neck. I wrapped my arm around his shoulder, rubbing his back absentmindedly, while rocking back and forth slowly.

"I'm sorry," Harry mumbled.

"Don't be sorry to be human," I said quietly.

He released himself so that he could look into my eyes. "I don't know what I would do without you Abby."

I smiled. "And you'll never have to."

"But..." Harry started, but stopped as soon as my finger tips made contact with his lips.

"We have enough on our plates at the moment. Let's not discuss that."

Harry gave a little chuckle. "Fair enough. I'm glad that Fudge is letting you back into the school."

I rolled my eyes. "It's only because he feels that my magic and abnormal qualities will be useful against Voldemort. I believe he wants me to join the ministry and protect him." I ended with a little scoff.

"The nerve," said Harry.

"I agree, but let him think what he wants. As long as I get to come back to Hogwarts, that is good enough for me."

Harry leaned in to my cheek a little kiss. Instinctively, and perhaps strangely given the situation, I felt my cheeks start to flush. Harry moved back a little, a smile on his face.

"Am I making you blush?" he asked, trying to hide his pride.

"Oh, shush!" I said, giving him a little push as my cheeks become even redder.

Harry pulled me closer to him before giving my cheek another kiss, before slowly moving to my lips, which he kissed for a good while. Kissing Harry was near to perfection for me. Our lips moved in perfect sync, almost as if each knew what the other wanted to do and was able to act accordingly. I could have gone on all day, but my stomach made a soft grumbling sound. How romantic.

Harry pulled his lips away to look at me. "Are you hungry?" Harry asked with a little laugh.

"Yeah, just a bit," I said, giving my stomach a little rub with my hand.

"Well let's fix that," said Harry, removing the hand from my stomach to take into his own. I was about to stand up when he stopped me.

"What?" I said, instantly concerned that something was wrong.

"Your eyes," said Harry, leading his hand up to my cheek so that he could hold my face still.

"What about them?" I instantly said, concerned and self conscious.

"They've got little specks of green in them...the same color green as my eyes," said Harry, staring at my eyes closely.

"Is that a bad thing?" I said, the nervousness creeping into my stomach.

Harry let out a little chuckle. "No, not at all. It's just another reason as to why I find you beautiful."

Hello Allison. I was so glad too! I didn't like Dumbledore leaving Harry in the dark all year long. At least Harry had Abby to help him along. Or maybe she just didn't care what was on his mind, and didn't try to get in. How good of him considering that he didn't give her anytime to study like everyone else. I agree! Too cute! And I bet Abby wasn't the least little bit uncomfortable with him being so close.
Great post Allison. I'll be watching for your next.

Great post Allison can't waitto read more
!Jesse!

Chapter Twenty: Part Two

Thanks for the comments guys Sadly, although perhaps not too sadly, this will be the final post for this story. I hope that with this conclusion you will all feel satisfied and perhaps even a bit excited for the sequel. I have greatly enjoyed all of your willingness to read this story as well as take the time to comment on each post. Thank you so much and enjoy! If you would like for me to inform you when I am going to start writing the sequel let me know, or just look out for The Phoenix Sa13+.

Trying to prevent my cheeks from possibly turning any redder I pulled Harry up off of the bench and we began our walk to the Great Hall. I stopped when the thought suddenly occurred to me.

"Where is Umbridge?" I asked, turning to look at Harry.

"In St. Mungo's the last I heard," said Harry with a little shrug.

"St. Mungo's?" I said, my eyebrows raising up in curiosity. "How did that happen?"

Harry filled me in one the whole incident with Umbridge and leading her out to Grawp, Hagrid's giant brother (and yes I mean literally a giant) named Grawp who Harry could have sworn he had mentioned to me before. He told me about the puking pastilles that Ron used to help them escape and the message he had delivered to Snape which I already knew about.

"So, eventually we made it to the Ministry by flying the thestrals and well, you know what happens after that," Harry concluded.

I nodded my head, still slightly dazed that I had obviously missed so much. Our walk that should have taken five minutes ended up taking twenty, me stopping to raise my eyebrows at Harry. By the time we had made it to the Great Hall almost the entire room was completely full. Harry and I hurried over, taking seats across from Ron and Hermione.

I smiled at them warmly, looking up and down the table to see who was around us. I smiled to see Ginny next to Seamus whose arm was wrapped comfortably around her waist. I gave her a couple of eyebrow raises and instinctively she blushed before giving me a "don't you dare" look.

As I continued my scan of the table it occurred to me that two very important red heads were missing.

"Where are Fred and George?" I asked.

"You mean you didn't tell her Harry?" said Hermione, raising her eyebrows in disbelief.

"Ah, sorry Abby, it's just hard remembering what you were here for and what you missed."

"Uh-huh," I said, giving him a little stare. "So...what happened?"

"Well, you see Fred and George decided that they've never really been suited for the academic world," said Ron with a little smile.

"So they concocted all these fireworks that they set off while we were taking our O.W.L.s and the one turned into this rather large dragon," said Hermione, trying to hold back the laugher, "that basically chased Umbridge out of the room."

"It was bloody brilliant!" said Ron in appreciation. "Then they flew off on their brooms and last time I checked they're back at home."

"Wow," I said in amazement. "I wish I could have seen it, although, I wonder why your mom didn't say anything to me."

"Probably because Harry..." but Hermione stopped dead in her tracks.

"It's okay Hermione," said Harry with a weak attempt at a smile. The pit in my stomach grew a little bit larger but I held back the tears.

Almost as if someone had expected the tension filled moment that just overcame all of us the food magically appeared.

"Ahh...great!" said Ron, instantly reaching out to pull food onto his plate. All of us began chuckling as Ron gave us his "what did I do?" look. We all sat there munching on food, engaging in some small talk as well as talking to our other fellow Gryffindors. Luna even came over from the Ravenclaw table to talk to us for a while.

"How are you Luna?" I said, scooting myself over so that she could slid in next to me. Since our DA meetings we had become rather proud to have Luna as our friend...she really was a great one if you could take her weird tendencies for what they were.

"I am doing very well although it seems that some people have taken some of my things and hid them throughout the castle."

"That's horrible," said Hermione, anger starting to build up inside her.

"Ah, I imagine it's all in good fun," said Luna with a little shrug. "Besides, things always have a way of turning up when you least expect them to." In the moment Luna reached under the table and pulled out her pair of radish earrings. Our mouths all fell open slightly.

"Have a nice break everyone," said Luna with a smile before getting back up and heading back to the Ravenclaw table.

We all continued to be silent for a couple of moments before I gave a little smile and the shake of my head.

"Absolutely bonkers that one but bloody brilliant," said Ron before taking a bite out of his chicken wing.

"Yeah, she is," said Harry with a little smile. Harry gave a little wave and we all turned to see that Hagrid had arrived. We all waved, Hagrid giving Harry and I a knowing smile causing my cheeks to turn almost as red as Ron's hair.

Ron was about to say something but Dumbledore had stood up and knocked on the side of his glass.

"If I may have your attention momentarily," said Dumbledore with a gentle smile.

Everyone in the Great Hall silenced immediately, everyone curious as to what Dumbledore was going to say. The Daily Prophet had run an article that very morning telling everyone that the Ministry had been wrong and that Voldemort had indeed returned. The front picture on the newspaper was Dumbledore, with his arm wrapped around Harry’s shoulder on one side, and me gripping onto Harry’s hand on the other, my wand still out. I remember looking at the picture by myself and thinking how different I looked. I was no longer the little child that people always seemed to view me as. I was different…older somehow. My face looked like parents’ faces after a long day of work and my eyes no longer had they light glow that they normally did to them. I looked weary, cautious, and almost anticipatory, and as the Daily Prophet made an effort to mention on several different accounts, my hand never left Harry’s.

“I hope that all of you are enjoying the fine food before you. I do not wish to bring down the joyous mood that naturally comes with the end of work and classes, but I find this matter is much too important to not discuss. As you all know I am sure it is indeed true that Lord Voldemort has returned.”

Quiet whispers went throughout the room and Dumbledore waited for them to finish before he continued.

“I must warn you that times will become progressively difficult as Lord Voldemort gains followers and I must ask you to prepare yourself for these dark times that lie ahead of us. We have already lost so much, and perhaps one of our greatest losses is Sirius Black. While the Ministry has construed Sirius as being an enemy to wizarding kind, he was in fact a hero and a brave man that fought fiercely for just causes, and more importantly for the ones he loved. For those of you who did not know him personally know that we suffered a great loss, and let us hope that whatever world he has now entered will bring him more peace than this one.”

With that Dumbledore gave a little nod before resuming to his seat, and turning to take to Professor McGonagall. I turned to look back at everyone to find tears had welled and spilled over in Hermione’s eyes, Ron was rubbing her back solemnly, and Harry had tightened his grip on my hand.

Perhaps when one reads about the great wars of men and women they get a vision of glory and fame. They get a vision of good triumphing over evil with one man stepping atop a great hill to proclaim that his people are free. And perhaps while the end result does bring great happiness to the people, perhaps it is too often overlooked the ugliness that comes with war. Perhaps in all the glory we forget to see that with this victory came a lot of loss, and sometimes these losses cannot easily be forgotten.

As we sat there, finishing our last meal at Hogwarts and concluding our fifth year at Hogwarts the thoughts were bouncing from person to person as to what would happen next. Most wanted to remain in ignorant bliss while others were petrified as to how to act. As I sat there staring at my three friends I knew we would be the ones that would see it to the end. I knew that we would be the ones that would have to knock Voldemort down, but try as I might I couldn’t push the thought from my head as to what we would have to do and at what cost? How many people would have to die?

I returned Harry’s tightened grip and relished the moment, because in the end who knew whether either of us would be around to replicate this moment.

Great post Allison so sad!
Would it be possible if u were to PM me when ur next story is up?
I can't wait to read it
!Jesse!

Hello Allison. Yes please. I would love to know when you get, 'The Phoenix Sa-13+' ff up. Allison, you've done a great job on writing your story. I loved it all, and many, many times I sat on the edge of my seat in wonder reading through the posts. This is a very good place to leave the story for now, and I look forward to reading where you pick it up from. Do you have any of your outline written, or rough draft? I am anxious to read more of this story.

This bit was my favorite part of the post: And this part is written brilliantly! Was it in the book, or the movie? I can't remember? But, I love it anyway.

I'll miss coming here and reading this ff, and look forward to your next. I'm sure it will be at least as good as this one was, and possibly even better.

Aww thanks for the comments guys!! I'll be sure to pm you both when I write the first post for the next ff.

Connie- That last bit you quoted wasn't from the book or movie, I just came up with it myself

I am VERY late on commenting on this; but it is AMAZING! (I'm not just saying that because my name is Abby....)

I loved it! It was great, I stayed up like ALL night to watch it.