Knocking On Heaven's Gate

**********

Monday, December 18, 2000

If he was at all shocked over what had just happened, he didn't show it. Relieved, maybe, but not shocked.

Stepping over the body, he knelt down and picked up his wand, which had been dropped in the blast. He stood up, took out a cigarette, and lit it. He watched the smoke play in the wind for a few moments before turning to speak.

With a thin smile on his face, he walked towards the entrance of the alley, and said to the woman standing there, “Well, I can't say I'm not surprised to see you here. How'd you find me?"

She shrugged. "I asked around. They thought you might have come looking for him.”

“It figures.” He paused, looking again at the limp body. "So….what do you want to do now?"

The woman couldn't believe he had just said that. “Do now? Obviously, we report back in. If it wasn't for me, you could have been killed, in case that slipped your attention.”

“Well, with this crazed lunatic running around and waving his wand everywhere, you could have been killed too….Good job, by the way.”

“Thanks,” she said sarcastically, “I try.” Her hands resting on her hips, she added, “Although I don't know if I'm too keen on using that curse again. He may be our enemy but he is…well, was, smart. He could have done something to you. I'd rather not spend my days babysitting you, you know. I'm much happier doing research.”

When he didn't respond, she pulled at his arm. “Are you ready? We need to leave before someone finds us.”

He felt her tugging. “Impatient?” He grinned. He dropped his cigarette on the ground and put it out with the toe of his boot.

She frowned. “No. It's just that you know he'll be wanting a report on this.”

“What's to report? He's dead.”

**********

Thursday, December 14, 2000

Harry sighed as Cornelius Fudge's voice droned on and on from where his head was floating in the fireplace.

“And further more, we already have enough competent men on the job. If you would like to help, you can certainly reapply for the job, but until then, as you are no longer in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, we do not need any outside help. Thank you.” Blip. Fudge disappeared.

But as quickly as Fudge had left, Sirius's head emerged.

“You might as well save your breath,” Ginny said before Sirius could start talking. Ginny was sitting next to the fireplace in a large, plush green armchair, hunched over a magazine. “Fudge just finished with him.” Harry threw her a dirty look, and she quickly busied herself with reading the latest issue of Witch Weekly.

Sirius let out a frustrated sigh and ran his hands through his dark hair. "Why do you insist on pulling these kinds of stunts?"

Harry rolled his eyes and paced around in front of his fireplace. "They aren't stunts Sirius. I'm doing this because I have to."

"Have to what? Get killed before you're twenty-five?"

"At least I caught them! That's--"

"At least?! What if you hadn't caught them? What if they got to you before you got them? What about that? You are going to killed one of these days if you aren't careful, Harry."

The combination of the light from the window behind Harry and the fire threw strange shadows on his face. He looked worn out and his cheeks seemed thinner than usual. Though he'd insist he was fine, he obviously was not. The strain of the job was beginning to show, and everyone was worried. He had long since remembered to clean up after himself, and yet when Ginny would, he never commented, much less give signs that he noticed. And just the other day, Hermione had to remind him that Ron was out of the country.

He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "We might all get killed if someone doesn't do something about this. You, more than anyone, should know how badly the Ministry is handling this. Fudge still insists that Voldemort is dead when at the same time, wizards and witches from Muggle families are being tortured and killed. Something needs to be done, and so I'm doing it."

Sirius, knowing Harry wouldn't relent, decided to back off for the moment. "Was Draco there?" He asked in a softer tone.

Harry knelt down in front of the fireplace to release some of the pressure from his legs. "Yeah. His guy was the one who told us….”

**********

December 1999

"Harry?" Hermione entered Harry's living room. He was sitting at his desk writing on some parchment with Ron next to him on a stool, eagerly trying to tempt Harry into playing some chess. A little Christmas tree was sitting in the corner of the room, and Allie Baba's "I'll Be Your Genie for the Holidays" was playing on the Wizarding Wireless in the background. "There's someone here who wants to talk to you." She came over and stood at his side, placing her arm around his shoulder.

"Oh, hey." Harry smiled when he saw her and gave Hermione a quick peck on the cheek. "Can it wait? I've got to send this owl off to Dumbledore before tonight."

“And play chess,” Ron nodded.

Hermione's brow furrowed and she bit her lip. "I really think you should talk to him."

"Oh, all right. Bring him in." Harry stood up from behind his desk and stretched his arms and legs. He was just about to sit back down again when the visitor entered the room.

It was Draco Malfoy.

Harry was so shocked to see him that when he sat down, he missed the chair. Draco didn't bother to hide his smirk.

"Er...,” Harry scrambled back in his chair and straightened his glasses. “Well, I can't say I'm not surprised to see you here. What do you want?"

“Can't an old schoolmate come by to say hello? I was rather hoping we could reminisce about the good old days.” Draco casually remarked, tracing his finger over the edge of Harry's desk.

“The only good days for us,” said Ron, “were when you weren't around to annoy us!” His face contorted in anger as he tried to step past Hermione.

“Ron!” Hermione warned him. She grabbed his arm just in case he tried to tackle Draco.

Draco rolled his eyes. “Look Potter, I realize that I wasn't the nicest person to you when we were at Hogwarts. I'm still not that nice. But that doesn't mean I have to join the bandwagon and become a Death Eater. You and I may have our problems, but contrary to popular belief, I don't want to kill any of you." He glanced at Ron. “Much.”

Harry was confused. What was Malfoy trying to pull? Harry stood up again and interrupted him. "I'm not sure I understand what you want here."

Draco looked annoyed and then seemed to size Harry up. "Fine." He crossed his arms. "I want to help,” he waved his hand vaguely, “you and Dumbledore and all them."

Harry thought that that was what Malfoy would say but to still hear him say it was stunning. Harry eyed Draco. "Why?"

Ron broke loose from Hermione's grip. “He doesn't want to help. He's just here on Daddy's orders. When would a Malfoy ever stoop to helping us?” He rolled his eyes.

Draco's head whipped around to glare at Ron. “Look here, Weasley, at least I'm trying to be civil. You, on the other hand, are one snide remark away from getting a good swift kick in the-”

“Draco!” Hermione cautioned. She walked over to him and placed her hands on his arm. She looked him straight in the eyes. “Just do it like we rehearsed.”

Ron snorted. “Oh, that's rich. Malfoy was nervous and had to practice his lines.”

“Wait.” Harry turned quickly to Hermione, his forehead wrinkled in bewilderment. “You knew about this?”

“He came to me first because he wasn't sure how you'd take the news.” Hermione's looks and voice softened. “He really does want to help, Harry.”

Draco nodded. “I know things. Things they don't want people to know. I know people that have been on the inside. We can help you Potter.”

**********

“….since someone *else* wouldn't say,” Harry finished, looking pointedly at Sirius.

“Right,” said Sirius mockingly, “ Hey Harry, there are some guys that want to kill you over in that pub. Fancy you can take `em?” His expression turned sour. “I'm just trying to look out for you Harry. What you're doing is dangerous, going after supposed Death Eaters and beating them up. Why don't you take Ginny along next time while you're at it, or Hermione, for that matter.”

Harry sulked. “At least we turned them in.”

“Listen, I have to get back to work. If Cable finds me talking to you, I'm out of here. He's been looking to get rid of me for a while now.” Sirius growled. His boss had made it known quite a few times that he didn't trust him and that anything little infraction would get him sacked. He looked up at Harry. “Promise me you won't do this again. It's not safe.”

“I'm sorry, Sirius,” and Harry did look very sorry, “but unless the Ministry takes responsibility, this is up to me.” He walked out of the room.

Ginny looked up from her seat. Sirius looked just as worn out as Harry.

He sighed. “He'd be a lot better off going back to the Ministry. There, he could at least get back up.” He shook his head. “I have to go. Nice seeing you, Ginny.”

“Bye,” she waved. Pop. He was gone.

Harry walked back into the room, now holding a glass of water. He resettled himself at his desk and began staring out the window. He had been doing that a lot lately, and Ginny wondered briefly what he thought about. His expression was always blank except for that tiny crease between his eyebrows. For all she knew, he could be meditating on the mysteries of the world or figuring out what to eat for dinner.

Ginny put her magazine down on her chair, intent on discussing things with Harry. She made sure to leave the magazine cover side up, remembering the last time she had made the mistake of putting it cover side down. The witch on the front had shaken her wand at Ginny so hard that tiny sparks flew from its end and had then acted out some of the many curses she would send to Ginny if she ever did that again. Ginny then stood up and walked over to Harry.

Biting her lip and fidgeting with her fingers, she spoke. “Harry, maybe you should listen to Sirius. He's just trying to look out for you. And who knows? Maybe there are some other people in the Auror department that feel the same way as you.”

Harry took a deep breath. “Maybe. Although, in my experience, people would rather live in their own worlds where everything is fine than face the harsh reality that's waiting for them.” He shook his head and turned to look at Ginny, who detected a hint of sadness in his eyes. “We forget all too soon the things we thought we could never forget.”

Ginny blinked. Sometimes it was hard to talk to Harry when he got like this. She tried a different approach. “Isn't Hermione supposed to come over for lunch?” She said lightly, looking at the clock on the mantle, which read 12:45.

Harry's face brightened a little. “Yeah, she had a class at eleven but she should be done soon. She said she'd bring some food from the kitchens for us.”

"Food the house elves made?" Ginny looked surprised.

"Yeah," Harry laughed, "Now that they're getting paid, I don't think she feels as bad about eating their food. Besides, now that she works at Hogwarts, she doesn't really have a choice."

"It's so great that you're right down the road from her," said Ginny.

Harry nodded. "I was really lucky that this place here in Hogsmeade opened up for me to let."

It wasn't too long before Hermione did arrive, bringing with her a Carry-All Cauldron ("It expands to fit your appetite!") and protesting Harry's latest stunt. When Hermione had entered, an unexpected gush of wind flew through the door and doused their fire. Ginny went to relight it as Hermione headed straight for Harry.

"Harry, what were you thinking?" Hermione exclaimed. "Of all the irrational things to do! There is always a better, more logical way to settle these situations."

"Like reasoning with them?" Harry quipped.

"Like going to the Ministry, finding someone who will listen to you, and going after them then."

"Asking the Ministry to help didn't work then and it's certainly not working now. Fudge refused to believe Voldemort had come back, remember? Then, when he attacked and I "killed" Voldemort, Fudge thought that was the end of it. Everybody did. I can assure you, he is not planning on going after Phantom Evil Wizard Guy any time soon. They've made that perfectly clear." Harry looked agitated.

Hermione sighed. "Harry," she said, taking his hands, "I just want you to be safe. I don't want to see you get hurt again and I don't like seeing you suffer now."

"I'm just trying to pick up where Dumbledore left off," he answered.

**********

April 20, 2000

Spring had finally settled in for good at Hogwarts, and the students were flocking outside any chance they got. A light and soothing breeze danced among the trees, and the plants in the greenhouses were singing with happiness (some of them literally). Fuchsia, scarlet, gold, saffron, peach, sapphire, lime--vivid and vibrant colors filled their surroundings everywhere, and everyone was happy. Little did they know, however, that a dark shadow would cross their paths late that muggy April evening.

Professor Dumbledore had just been settling in for the night when he heard a knock on his door. A few minutes later found him lying back down on the floor, dead.

The next morning, when he didn't show up for breakfast, Professor McGonagall went searching and by noon, everyone knew. Students and professors alike were questioned but no one had seen anything. It was like a ghost had crept in and left as soon as the job was done. The ghosts of Hogwarts had been interrogated as well, but it was no use. The ghosts were respectful of the Headmaster and had always left his quarters alone, including Peeves.

The wizarding world mourned in union and declared April 21 a day of grieving. A statue was erected outside the Great Hall and everybody came, including Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

Hermione and Ron sensed a change in Harry after that. It was obvious that he had been deeply affected by his mentor's death, but it had also brought on a renewed sense of vigor in capturing Death Eaters and going after Voldemort. It had also caused him to quit his job as Auror after believing that the Ministry had not done a sufficient job on the investigation of Dumbledore's death. Even when he was their employee, they wouldn't let him help or listen to anything he had to say. Harry secretly thought this was partly due to the fact that he was Harry Potter, and if anything had happened to him, the Ministry would be held responsible. He didn't see the point of being careful though when the only way to get anywhere was to take risks.

Harry had been right next to Dumbledore in their long fight against the evil wizard and he didn't want it to end after all they had been through.

Draco was only too glad to help, not being an Auror himself, but Hermione, Ron, and Ginny had different opinions. As much as they disliked the Ministry's way of handling things in the past, they thought that at least there, Harry was surrounded by other competent workers. And as much as Draco had assisted Harry, there were strength in numbers. In addition, if he wouldn't go back to the Ministry, then he should at least call back the “old crowd.” Harry dismissed that idea immediately, however, not wanting to involve them again. This time, it was his turn to protect them.

The Ministry was never able to find out who killed Dumbledore, but Harry knew. He knew that Voldemort had done it. No one else would have even dared. The only problem, then, was how in the world had Voldemort gotten inside Hogwarts without anyone noticing?

**********

"Oh honestly, Harry," said Hermione, "we just want you to be safe. You could at least let Ron and I help in case something goes wrong."

"No, absolutely not." Harry took a step back from Hermione. "I'm not putting you in the way of danger. Not any of the people I care about."

Hermione grinned. "So that must mean you don't care about Draco. Ron would at least agree with you there." She leaned in towards Harry. "You know I'm not going to give up on this, right? None of us will."

Harry looked amused. "And I'm only going to keep telling you no." He smiled, took her chin in his hand, and brought her mouth to his. They kissed, and Harry could instantly smell her subtle yet wonderful rose perfume. He always loved it when she wore that perfume because she was wearing it when they had first kissed back in their sixth year at Hogwarts. Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry's waist, and as she did so, they heard a muffled "Blast!" come from Ginny's direction. Harry could feel Hermione smile against his lips. They both turned to see their friend kneeling in front of the fire, waving her wand emphatically at the logs.

"Ginny, what are you trying to do?" Hermione asked.

Looking aggravated, Ginny blew some hair out of her face. "The logs went out and I've been trying to light them, but my wand doesn't seem to be working." She turned to the logs to demonstrate. "Incendio!" A few stray sparks but nothing else. "Incendio!" Nothing. She turned back to Harry and Hermione. "See?"

"You know, Ginny," said Harry teasingly, "they say the definition of insanity is repeating the same behavior over and over again but expecting different results."

Ginny narrowed her eyes and laughed. Standing up and wiping the dust off her pants, she then sighed as she looked longingly at the fireplace. "I need a new wand," she moaned.

"I can set up a heating charm in here if you like, Ginny," Hermione offered.

"Really?" Ginny's eyes brightened immediately. "That would be great. I don't know why I get so cold."

"It's probably from those new shirts and skirts you've been wearing," said Harry. "Besides, I thought this was my place."

Ginny sniffed. "One must sacrifice a lot to look this good." She grinned wickedly. "And anyways, I'm on vacation from University and Ron's not home yet. What else am I supposed to do?”

Hermione laughed. "Can you wait until Saturday? I have to help Professor McGonagall set up some of the Christmas decorations tomorrow."

The three of them unpacked the cauldron the house elves had given to Hermione and enjoyed a lunch of ham and roast beef sandwiches, Yorkshire pudding, tea, and pumpkin juice. As Ginny was just polishing off her second ham sandwich, she remembered something.

“Oh!" Ginny jumped out of her seat, almost upsetting the pumpkin juice, and danced over to Harry's desk where she had dropped her bag earlier. She rummaged through her bag and, looking triumphant, pulled out a folded piece of parchment. "I almost forgot that Ron had sent us an owl this morning!" Harry and Hermione crowded around Ginny and they read the note together.

Dear Everyone, ("He only did that so he didn't have to write a different letter for everybody," Harry smiled.)

Hello! I hope everything's going well. I wish I were back there with you. These conferences are so bloody boring. Dad says it's good experience to attend these, but I don't see how. All they do is yell at each other. Mum says hello and hopes all of you are all right. Charlie came up to see us yesterday and is planning on staying with us until the end of the week. He bought everyone gifts, including a dragon tooth necklace for you, Ginny.

Hermione, you should visit here one day. Bucharest has one of the biggest libraries I've ever seen. And Harry, they've got great fields here for flying. You'd love to practice Quidditch here.

We should be back in a few days so I'll be able to see you all for Christmas. See you then!

Ron

"So those conferences are still going on?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah," said Ginny, "those men keep denying that they were smuggling carpets into England from Saudi Arabia where they made them. Dad, Ron, and a few other men from the Ministry went down there to sort things out, but it just seems like the members of the government there in Romania don't seem to want to listen."

"I bet Ron's having a ton of fun," said Harry.

Ginny laughed. "Yeah, but he doesn't actually seem to mind working for Dad. I don't think he'll want to do it forever, but for now, it gives him something to do. Better than spending several more years at a boring university, as he says." She shrugged. "I don't know what I want to do; that's why I'm going there."

"And Ron Does know what he wants to do?" Harry asked.

"Secretly, I think he's still holding out for a position on a Quidditch team," Ginny smiled.

"Well," Hermione said, looking at her watch, "I should be getting back to Hogwarts. I have another Muggle Studies class this afternoon and besides helping with the Christmas decorations tomorrow, I promised Professor Lupin I'd lend a hand in his research so I have to prepare for that as well." Hermione gathered up her things and hugged Ginny. "I'll see you Saturday for that Heating Charm."

Ginny grinned. "Thanks a lot, Hermione."

Harry walked Hermione back to Hogwarts, the two of them discussing Hermione's job. "So how have things been going so far?" Harry asked her.

"I think I'm doing fine," she said, nodding. "It took me some time to adjust to teaching life, but we're all doing fine. The students are responding really well. I'm so glad that they're enjoying Muggle Studies. I was a bit hesitant that they would still have the War on their minds and not want to take this class."

"You shouldn't worry, Hermione. Most of the students were on our side, remember? Only a few families had members that were Death Eaters and they either left Hogwarts or supported us." As they walked past the main gate, Harry looked at Hermione. "Besides, you are a wonderful teacher. It's no wonder that Dumbledore wanting you teaching here right away." He grinned. "How does it feel to be Hogwarts' youngest teacher?"

Hermione laughed. "A bit daunting, really. However, those classes I took last year at the Wizarding University of Britain helped immensely. Although I still call everyone 'Professor' even though they've said I can now call them by their first names."

They reached the doors to Hogwarts and entered the building. Hermione turned serious and looked into Harry's eyes. "Harry, please, next time tell me if you're planning on doing anything, all right? I don't want to wake up one morning and see the whole world mourning your death." She paused. "Please?"

Harry sighed. "I'll see you Saturday, Hermione."

Hermione shook her head as she watched Harry walk out of the two huge doors.

**********

Making up a history.
It's nothing from the life you lead
but man, will they buy all your lines

**********

The young man stood at the doorway, awaiting his invitation inside to his master's room. On the opposite wall there was a large red chair seated in front of a fireplace. The fire was blazing orange, red, and yellow shadows all about the room and felt warm and somewhat comforting, but still the man did not enter. It was a game their master played. One was not allowed to enter the room until their master gave them permission, even if one was the master's second in command.

Suddenly an arm moved over the side of the chair. “I've been thinking.” The man in the chair spoke finally and flicked his wrist to indicate `Enter.' His voice was slimy and scraped at the inside of the young man's ears. He did not flinch, however. He had long realized that one became used to the master's ways or else. “I have made a decision regarding that matter we discussed previously.”

“Yes sir.”

“Weighing into fact their vulnerabilities, their closeness to our target, and the effect their absence would leave, I believe the one I chose will do.” A long snake curled its way out from under the chair and laid its head upon the man's hand. It hissed contentedly as the man stroked its chin absently.

The young man shifted uncomfortably. The room was beginning to stifle under the heat of the fire. "Yes sir," he answered.

Suddenly, the other man swooped up out of his chair and faced the younger man, casting long shadows around the room from blocking the fire. He lowered his head, making his snake-like features even more sinister, and his red eyes glowed. "Are you ready to begin the next phase of our plans?"

"Of course, Master." The young man straightened his back and squared his shoulders. His Master should already know how fierce his loyalties are, and couldn't help but feel a little annoyed. "In fact," he continued arrogantly, "I've been waiting for this."

Voldemort chuckled. "Of course." He began to pace in front of his young protégé. "I must reiterate: this new plan will erase everything you have accomplished so far. Once you do this, you can never go back. And if the plan is terminated or if you are discovered, you will never come back."

"I am ready Master. I am prepared to do anything you ask in order to help further our cause." He smirked. "I have been waiting for this for a very long time."

"Good." Voldemort's mouth twisted and curled into what should have been a smile, but made his face look even more unnatural and demon-like. "Good," he repeated. "You know what you must do. I want you to bring me.....Hermione Granger!

The man bowed, smiled just as maliciously as Voldemort, and said, "With pleasure."

There is a pleasure in being mad which none but madmen know.--Dryden

**********

Author's Note 2: Hey! Hope you've liked what you've read so far. This is my first real fic so bear with me. :) Anyways, I've got some more disclaimers to add here since it would have taken up too much room at the top. First, the quote "We forget all too soon the things we thought we could never forget" (said by Harry) was really said by Joan Didion. The lyrics "Making up a history/It's nothing from the life you lead/but man, will they buy all your lines" is from the song "The Swiss Army Romance" by Dashboard Confessional (who are totally awesome, by the way *g*)

The chapter title "A Bird in a Gilded Cage" is a line from a poem featured in the manga Clover by CLAMP. There are a total of 4 chapters in this fic and each title comes from a line in that poem. The subtitle "Ballad of Fallen Angels" is a title of an episode of Cowboy Bebop, a Japanese anime, originally created by Hajime Yadate and produced by Sunrise, Inc. (Each subtitle will also come from somewhere in the Cowboy Bebop universe.) Cowboy Bebop incidentally (which totally rules) was what gave me the idea for this fic. If you are a fan of that show, you might be able to pair a Cowboy Bebop character to an HP character--meaning in what roles each play. I also plan on using several ideas from that anime (but with a twist) so if you have seen the show, you might also be able to spot those. :)

***Also, back onto the chapter titles again, each title refers to a specific HP character. The title and the subtitle also don't refer to the same person so see if you can guess who this chapter's titles refer to. :)