Harry Potter and the Black Grimoire

Monday morning dawned cold and gray as Harry and the rest of his dorm mates awoke. Harry pulled the drapery on his four-poster aside and grabbed his glasses from the bedside table. He quickly showered in the boys' bathroom and got himself dressed for the school day ahead. He quickly piled all of his books in his bag and dashed downstairs into the common room.

Not many people were up yet, Hermione being one of the them. Since he had time to spare, he decided to go up and wait outside the girls' dorms for her. He ran up the stairs on the left side of the room and leaned against the wall near the door to the fifth-year dorm. He had only been there a few moments when the door opened and Parvati and Lavender came out, still trying to fix their hair. They caught sight of him waiting there.

"Hi Harry! Waiting for Hermione then?" Parvati asked.

"Yes, I am."

"Awwwwww. That's so sweet! I wish my boyfriend would do that for me!"

"Lavender." Parvati said, moving along. "You're boyfriend is in Ravenclaw."

"Oh yeah!"

They broke into fits of giggling that Harry could only roll his eyes over. Figuring that it would only be Maddie and Hermione left in the room, Harry stuck his head in the door and peeked inside.

"Harry!" Hermione squealed, spotting him. "Come on in!"

It was the first time Harry had ever been in the girl's dorm, even considering that he and Hermione had been a couple for almost a month now. It was very lavish and much more decorated than the boys' dorm. The beds were the same, but there were more decorations on the wall, including some large posters of a particularly handsome wizard name Johnny Blast whom Harry assumed was some sort of actor or singer in the wizard world. He figured the two beds that had them were Parvati and Lavender's. There was also ornate drapery on the windows, complete with frills that rivaled Ron's old dress robes. The doors and windows were accented with gold and the walls were a deep purplish-red color. Their dorm definitely made the boys' dorm look drab. But then again, Harry didn't think the guys would like frills and purple walls.

After Harry had entered the room and closed the door behind him Hermione sprinted over to him and wrapped him in a tight hug.

"Good morning!" she said to him.

"It is now," he replied, kissing her on the lips.

They stayed wrapped up in each other's arms for a moment while Maddie took the hint and decided to make use of the empty bathroom. Finally Harry broke the kiss and looked around the room again.

"This is some dorm you girls got here."

"Really? I think it's pretty dull actually. Why? Yours isn't as nice?"

"Not nearly!"

Harry let go of Hermione's waist and walked over to her bed and sat down. He assumed it was her bed because it was the one with the most books piled around it.

"Nice bed too. Quite comfortable."

"You like it?"

"I sure do. Maybe we should make use of it sometime huh?"

"Harry, you cheeky devil!" Hermione said, throwing herself onto him.

They both laughed and rolled around a bit before starting another heavy snogging.

"You know you two are just too damn cute for your own good, you know that?" Maddie said from the doorway of the bathroom. She had just emerged from the room and stood in the doorway with a smile on her face and her arms crossed.

"We know!" they replied in unison.

They all laughed a bit while Harry and Hermione got up and straightened up their clothes.

"Maddie, Ron said he'd be down in a bit. He's waiting for Dean to get out of the shower.

"Ok. I hope he hurries."

Together the three left the room and went down the stairs. Ron was just coming down the stairs on the right side of the room while Harry, Hermione and Maddie were coming down the others. They met up with him and went out of the portrait whole together.

Entering the Great Hall they could see that the sky outside was most definitely dreary as the ceiling was a cold gray color. The four sat down at the end of the Gryffindor table and began to eat their food. They were all conversing about Ginny's performance at the tryouts the past Saturday when a beating of wings suddenly came from the rafters. The owls began swooping down and weaving in and out of each other, dropping letters and packages to their recipients. Harry spotted his snowy owl Hedwig and held out his hand to catch the letter that she dropped. He opened it while she sat on the table and pecked at his toast.

Harry,

I'd like for us to meet in my office Wednesday of this week after dinner. Sirius and Remus will be there as well. I want to discuss with you the things we talked about in our last meeting. And bring Ron and Hermione as well. Have a good day of classes!

--Dumbledore

Harry nudged Hermione and handed the letter to her while Ron read it over her shoulder. Ron looked quite excited when he was finished reading it.

"Awesome! Maybe we're gonna be sworn into the--" Ron stopped short, glancing at Maddie.

"Don't worry guys, I know all about the Order, my mum told me everything. She's going up for membership as well."

"Great! Then we don't have to hide it from you anymore!" Ron said.

"Well that makes me feel a lot better," Harry said.

After that, they all got to talk freely about the Order and what they expected for the meeting on Wednesday night. Maddie seemed to be just as interested in it even though she herself wouldn't be going.

Soon the morning bell rang and the four got up and walked out of the hall and into the entrance hall. They made their way out of the giant wooden doors and headed for the greenhouses.

A thick mist rolled across the damp grass as the students crossed the field. The more they walked the more wet the bottom of their robes got from the low mist. It was indeed a very dreary day.

When they got to the greenhouses and went inside they found Professor Sprout bustling about, placing chairs around a very odd shaped tree in the center of the greenhouse. It caught everybody's attention as they entered the damp and steamy space. The four took chairs next to each other and soon the other Gryffindors and the Hufflepuffs were seated as well. Professor Sprout stood near the tree, ready to start her lesson.

"Good morning class! As I'm sure you all are wondering by now what this particular tree is, I'll get right down to it.

"This tree is called the Barnacle Tree and happens to be one of my most favorite in all of Herbology. The tree has been around for eons but was mostly taken notice of in the early Middle Ages. Witches and wizards had known about it for ages, but the Muggle world also began questioning it and its existence was soon backed by many Muggle individuals of great respect whom had claimed to have seen it. Soon enough however, Muggle scientists claimed that there was not enough evidence or people that had seen it to verify its existence, so it became known as a myth.

"The tree only grows in certain places and under the right conditions which is why it isn't widely known. It is very rare and we are truly lucky to have one to study.

"As you may have noticed, at the end of the tree's branches are large shell-looking pods, hence the name Barnacle Tree."

"What are the things sticking out of them?"

"I'm getting to that Justin," Professor Sprout replied. "The tree can only exist in certain conditions, as I said. It mainly grows on certain islands around Europe, mostly near the coastlines and near lakes. It juts out of the water so when the pods open, the creatures inside can have a safe landing. You see, once the pods open, beautiful swans emerge from them. That is what you see hanging from them. The legs. The swans will hang there until fully developed and then they drop into the water where they swim off and start their adult lives. They're very beautiful birds. I just love it when they emerge! It truly is a site to see!"

Professor Sprout definitely wasn't lying when she said the tree was one of her favorites. She could barely speak about it because she was so excited.

"The tree is useful to us for a couple of reasons. The swans, not being much like normal swans, are the first reason. Many witches and wizards like to keep them as pets because they are very loyal and it is seen as a good luck charm if you keep one since they are so rare. They are also very good dark magic protectors and will warn their owners if any dark witches are in the area.

"Secondly, the membrane on the inside of the pods is very useful in potion making. It is the main ingredient in Veritaserum, the powerful truth potion. Since there isn't very much Barnacle Pod Resin to go around, the potion is very difficult to make.

"For the next couple of months we're going to be caring for the plant until the pods are opened and the swans are fully matured. By that time I will have had it removed and transplanted by the lake where the swans can hatch. Then you will be studying the swans in your Care of Magical Creatures class! It all works out so well!"

The plant was indeed very interesting to most in the class and they couldn't wait to see the pods open and the swans emerge.

For the rest of the period, Professor Sprout went over certain tips on how to care for the tree and what not to do around it. They had been taking notes for awhile when the bell rang and they made their way to the rest of their classes for the day.

The prospect of meeting with Sirius, Remus and Dumbledore did both good and bad for Harry, Ron and Hermione. All three of them were extremely excited by the thought and couldn't help speculating what they thought they would talk about on Wednesday night for the next two days.

This simple fact was also what made the downfall. Of course, as everybody has experienced, when you most want something is when it always seems to take forever to arrive. The three could barely contend with their anticipation until Wednesday night, even though it was only two days away.

But finally, after what seemed like forever to the three, Wednesday night did come.

After dinner on that day, the three said that they would see Maddie later and walked to Dumbledore's office. Neither Ron nor Hermione had ever been there before so Harry had to lead the way.

They walked through the nearly empty halls until they came upon the stone gargoyle that acted as the doorway to Dumbledore's office. Harry stopped and Ron and Hermione did the same behind him.

"This is it?" Ron asked. "Cool door."

"Just wait until you see the inside," Harry replied. "It's great."

It was then that Harry realized they hadn't given them a password. He tried the old one in hopes that it would still be in use.

"Wiggle wisps," he stated to the gargoyle.

The stone statue quickly slid out of the way in front of their relieved faces. Harry led the way inside and they all got in-line on the stairs going up. Soon they stood on the doorstep to Dumbledore's office and Harry knocked.

"Come in!" a voice shouted from within.

Harry pushed open the door and led the way inside to the circular room. Dumbledore was there sitting behind his desk, smiling behind his half-moon spectacles. Sirius and Remus were sitting in the two leather chairs in front of him. They all smiled and welcomed the three in.

"Sit please!" Dumbledore said, motioning towards the couch. "And welcome to my humble abode, Mrs. Granger and Mr. Weasley! It surprises me very much that you have not seen my office before, considering how many times Harry has been here."

Hermione and Ron didn't say anything, just smiled, nodded and sat down on the leather sofa. They were too interested in the room to really pay attention to anything else. Harry watched them as they looked about, staring at things on the walls.

"The Sorting Hat!" Ron said, spotting it behind Dumbledore. "I still love that thing you know."

"I'm sure you do Ron!" Sirius said, smiling.

"You see, I have no idea what you guys are talking about! I miss everything!" Lupin said, frowning with mock disappointment.

The group sat there for awhile while Ron and Hermione got re-acquainted with Sirius and Remus and asked their various questions about the artifacts contained in the office.

"Now," Dumbledore said, turning more serious, "We have a few things to discuss. Namely the Initiation Ceremony and when we will be actually going into the chamber."

Harry and his friends nodded in understanding.

Dumbledore spoke again.

"As you know by now, when you tried on Harry's chain it meant that you were worthy of joining the Order. I would like you to know that you are very fortunate because not just anybody is deemed worthy. The key's power realized that you were though and that us something to feel proud about.

"But to get down to business, the ceremony will take place on the Saturday before Halloween in the room here at Hogwarts that is reserved for these types of things. It will be held at seven o'clock in the evening and you will be required to attend. The rest of the members and those going up for initiation will also be there. As Madeline may have told you, that includes Professor Radford."

Harry could've sworn he saw Sirius smile slightly. He also noticed a certain twinkle in his eye that he hadn't seen before.

"Professor, is Snape going to be there?" Harry asked.

"We don't know yet Harry. But whether he's there or not, his situation will be one of the topics we discuss as a group," Sirius said.

"Also we will talk about and formulate a plan for going into the chamber," Remus added.

"Where exactly is the chamber?" Hermione asked. "And why do you need to make a plan? Is it dangerous?"

Dumbledore smiled at her obvious concern for Harry's safety.

"Don't worry Hermione, Harry will be fine."

She didn't reply but instead blushed a bright shade of red and smiled sheepishly at how obvious her intentions were with the question.

"The reason we have to formulate a plan, Hermione, is because going into the chamber is no easy task. We can't just walk up to the door, open it and go in. It's a bit more complicated then that," Remus said.

"We have to perform a spell and Harry has to learn it since he will be the most important wizard there for the opening."

"The main door can also only be opened on the new moon, so we have to coordinate it to the lunar calendar. Professor Trelawney will be helping us with that," said Dumbledore.

"Where exactly is the entrance to the chambers?" Ron asked. "Is it hidden?"

"Very much so, Mr. Weasley. It is hidden by a special charm, much like the Fidelius Charm. Like Harry has told you, only individuals of the same blood as the Founders can open it. Or find it for that matter."

"So you don't even know where it is?" Hermione asked.

"We think we know the general area. A few days before the opening we will go out with Harry and scout the area where we believe it is located. He, unlike all of us, should see something that we don't. Then we will see exactly where it is."

"So this is definitely more complicated than I thought," Harry said.

"You didn't expect it to be easy did you?" Sirius asked.

"Now, on a general note, I know you are all going to be nervous about the actual initiation ceremony. You'll be thinking what to do, what not to do and worrying whether you really are doing the right thing," Dumbledore said.

"We just wanted to let you know," Remus added, "that there really is nothing to worry about. No matter how much older or wiser you may think us and the rest to be, we are all equals within the Order. Dumbledore is no more important than you, Ron. There is nothing to worry about. Everybody knows that you are younger and less experienced at these things than the rest of the members."

"Just remember," Sirius continued, "You will be amongst the purest witches and wizards of the times. Every one of us is there to accomplish a single goal, nothing more. You will not be judged, no matter what you do."

The words of reassurance to the three definitely was doing its job. The nervousness that they had been feeling while they were talking about it earlier had started to subside with every reassurance made by Remus, Sirius and Dumbledore. Harry was beginning to feel that this was actually something he could withstand going through. His nervous fear was quickly turning into a feeling of excited anticipation.

"So you're not going to tell us exactly what the initiation will be?" asked Ron.

"Of course not!" Remus said.

"What would be the fun in that?" Sirius added.

Everyone laughed at these very typical answers.

"Well," Dumbledore said, standing up, "I hope we've been a help to you all tonight and please, don't go spending the next weeks nervously waiting in fear for the Initiation. We don't want anything interfering with your studies!"

"We won't Professor," Hermione said.

"Good. Well then, you all best be off to Gryffindor tower, it is quite late."

With that, everyone stood up and with a nod and smile to each other, the three youths left the office.

****

Slowly, the thin man made his way up the spiral staircase. He held onto the stone walls for balance. Up and up he went, all the way to the top. The Dark Lord finally came to the end of the steps and went out onto the battlements of the tower. He was at the highest point in the entire manor, a good seven or eight stories above the ground below.

A dark cloud was moving slowly across the bright outline of the crescent moon. It caused the moonlight to flicker and fade, sending odd shadows off here and there. A large bird flew across the horizon.

Despite the howling wind, Lord Voldemort removed his hood and let down his hair. He loved the feeling of the fast moving air whipping through his unobstructed hair, blowing it into his face. It was freedom to him.

The Dark Lord walked over to the edge and sat down, peering over the side. It was quite late and most of the lights in the town below were out. A few lonely lights speckled the view from the tower like small lightening bugs.

This was the dark wizard's most favorite spot and he often came up to the tower to escape the hustle and bustle of his everyday life. No one bothered him up here, so he could be alone to think about things quietly. Tonight he was doing just that.

He had many things to think about. His life's work, his entire plan, was coming to order. The last detail had just been worked out that night. It seemed like all preparations had been taken; all minute details worked out. He was very pleased. Soon he would have it. The book. The Black Grimoire. The artifact he had read about since his childhood. The book he had sought since his initiation into the wizarding world. His almighty power and immortality were held back now by nothing more than time. Soon he would have it all.

Lord Voldemort smiled as he watched another light go out in the village.

"Soon they will all go out," he said to himself menacingly.

Another cloud rolled across the moon. The Dark Lord's face was shrouded in darkness.

A knock came from the other side of the tower door. It opened slowly and a short, balding man stepped out.

"Excuse me your Darkness, Sir."

"What is Wormtail?" Voldemort asked, dully.

"I am just here to tell you, Sir, that he has been caught. A group of hunters you sent out found him in hiding earlier. They captured him and brought him back here. He is being held in dungeons... Sir."

"Very well Wormtail. Now leave me."

"Yes, Master."

The door closed again as quickly as it had been opened. Lord Voldemort got to his feet and looked back over the edge one last time. He smiled wickedly.

"Now we will see what happens when a Death Eater turns his back on the Dark Lord."

Lord Voldemort opened the door and was gone.