The Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Part 20

A Crisis of Soul

Harry sat scanning the students pretending to concentrate on her meal but her scar continued to burn. She knew Voldemort was planning something terrible. However, there was nothing she could do. Everyone around her was enjoying the feast, yet her heart was heavy and every nerve in her body was on alert. Yet, all she could do was await the inevitable, which was why she was trying to occupy her mind by watching what was taking place within the Great Hall.

Scanning the Gryffindor table, she noted that Ginny Weasley was talking with her boyfriend, Draco Malfoy. The young Auror had stopped by her seat while making his rounds, much to the chagrin of her brother Ron. He was glaring at Draco from across the room, but the two young lovers were ignoring him. Ginny was beaming up at Draco, who had just told her a joke, and his smirk was unmistakable. Colin Creevy had just snapped their picture while his brother looked on.

The Hufflepuff Quidditch team was plotting strategies, using the floating pumpkins as hoops. Every now and again, a piece of candy would sail into the mouth of one of the jack-o-lanterns, scoring a goal.

Meanwhile, Mariah Flint was creating a scene over on the Slytherin table. The Parkinson twins had struck again, pranking her with one of the Weasley twins Furry Fingered Foulies. She had reached into the candy bucket for a treat and the odd creature had begun crawling up her hand. Mariah had been taken by surprise, threatening to hex the two boys. Professor Snape had stopped her with his proverbial glare.

Harry's lips were pursed in a wry smile as her gaze drifted over to the Ravenclaw table. Luna Lovegood was staring up at the enchanted ceiling with a vacant expression, her brow furrowed into an intense frown. Harry's stomach tightened as a shiver of fear ran down her spine. The burning in her scar had become a dull throb, sharp pains coursing through it, as Luna rose from her seat. Looking straight at Harry, she proceeded up the aisle towards the staff table. Their eyes were locked. Harry was vaguely aware that Dumbledore was watching intently while pretending to eat his pumpkin pasty.

Sirius had put his arm around her waist and she realized that Remus heightened senses recognized that something was not quite right. Farther down the table, Severus was watching stiffly, muscles taught, like a cat getting ready to spring.

Luna stopped in front of Harry. Her gaze was unblinking, breath coming in short gasps. She appeared to be in a trance and her jaw was working furiously to form her words. Her ethereal voice came out in a hollow rasp.

"The Lord of Darkness shall cast his charm of revenge this night in the tongue of the snake. The Great Prince of the Forest will arise with the Red Flower as the Army of the Watching Huntress falls to the Circle of the Skull. In the shadow of the place of the great sleep the Phoenix shall curse the darkness as the Serpent War begins..."

Tiberius watched as the Dark Lord's evil eyes roamed over the assembled members of the inner circle after Voldemort had pulled the tarp from the pallet. Two figures lay there, both bound, yet unmoving, clothes in rags. Tiberius held his breath, careful to keep his mind occluded. If the Dark Lord even suspected he was a spy Tiberius knew his life would be forfeit. Yet, he had to stop this atrocity, but had no idea how he could summon help. He swiftly mulled over the possibilities in his mind, discounting them. There had to be something he could do. He only half heard the Dark Lord as he proclaimed the downfall of Harry Potter, describing how this would keep her at bay until he could make an example of her. Cheers rose up around him, and Tiberius added his voice to the assembled group so as not to arouse suspicion. The Dark Lord smiled coldly, turning to look at Lucius. It was then that Tiberius saw his opportunity. A watcher elf was cleverly hidden in the trees at the edge of the clearing. Tiberius recognized her as the one Harry and Phaedra had told him about. The elf had known Harry's parents, helping to rescue the two girls last Christmas during their kidnapping and subsequent escape from Voldemort. Focusing his attention on the spot where he knew she was observing, he sent her a swift message. 'Summon Dumbledore, get help.' Tiberius knew that watcher elves were highly telepathic, and while the Dark Lord could see into his mind with Legilimency, he had no actual telepathic ability.

Voldemort had turned his attention back to the assembled inner circle, and walked around them, studying each one intently. He stopped when he reached Tiberius.

"Ah...my faithful servant, Tiberius. You have proven your worth to me. Therefore, you shall be rewarded. When I waken the sleepers, it will be you who will deliver the Cruciatus, to assure me of your continued allegiance. They will remain as my hostages and we will use them for our amusement.

Tiberius knelt before his master. "My Lord, it would be my utmost pleasure to aid you in your humiliation and destruction of Harry Potter," he responded, keeping his eyes locked with Voldemort's. "She has made a blood traitor of my nephew and he has become a sniveling weakling." Tiberius made sure to let Voldemort see the image he had planted in his mind of Severus laughing and smiling at Harry.

"Then come, we shall begin. The ritual will take but a few minutes." Voldemort led Tiberius to where the two figures were lying, eyes closed in repose. He then turned to his followers and raised his arms to begin the ritual. As he did so, there came a great clatter among the trees, interrupting him, and the group in the clearing was surrounded by approximately fifty watcher elves, armed for battle...

Luna had collapsed in a faint as soon as her message had been delivered to Harry and the staff immediately moved to help her. Madam Pomfrey had them bring her into the anteroom while Professor McGonagall calmed the students down telling them Luna would be fine. Harry was shaking with the pain in her scar, her face ghostly white, but she followed the group into the anteroom.

"What the hell was that all about?" Sirius questioned. "She made absolutely no sense."

"I believe Miss Lovegood has uttered another prophecy," Dumbledore stated quietly as Madam Pomfrey worked on the stricken girl.

"No..." Harry managed to whisper. "It was no prophecy. She had a vision."

"Humph," Snape snorted with a sneer, "she was talking in riddles."

"Headmaster...I...I think I know...what she was telling me." Harry was shaking so violently the she had to sit down, and Madam Pomfrey looked up at her with concern.

"Miss Potter, do you require some assistance?" the nurse asked worriedly.

Harry ignored her and looked at Dumbledore. "We have to stop them...we have...to go...now!"

"Child, what is it that you believe she was telling you?"

"Yes, Princess, she made absolutely no sense. Something about a prince and a red flower. All I can ascertain is that she may have been speaking about the Deatheaters," Remus added with concern.

Harry nodded vigorously, her color starting to return as Luna moaned and opened her eyes.
"What am I doing here?" Luna asked sitting up. "I was at the feast. Did something happen?"

"You fainted dear. Are you feeling better?" Madam Pomfrey queried.

"Yes. Why did I faint?"

"You apparently had some kind of vision," Dumbledore soothed.

"Really? That's interesting," the Ravenclaw remarked with fascination. "What..."

"Headmaster! We have to go! We have to stop him!" Harry interrupted sharply, her voice rising. "You don't understand. It's happening now!" she exclaimed as her scar seared with intense pain.

"Now, Harry, calm down. We will get to the bottom of this." Sirius moved to put his arm around her, but she shook him off angrily.

"I told you I know what is happening. Please listen to me. We have to go and stop Voldemort!"

"And where, pray tell, do you expect to find him?" Snape sneered.

"Luna told us where if you had only listened," Harry yelled, running from the anteroom. "We don't have much time. He's in the forest clearing below the cemetery..."

The Watcher elves had taken the Deatheaters by surprise but they recovered swiftly, drawing their wands. Voldemort glared over at their leader, furious that they had interrupted them. A petite lavender haired elf stepped forward in defiance, no fear reflected in her eyes.

"I am Artemis, the commander of this army. We are here to tell you to stop this vile action at once or face the consequences."

"You dare to try and order me? I am the greatest wizard in the world. You and your pitiful army are no match for my Deatheaters." Voldemort stared down at her, his slits for nostrils flaring angrily.

"Dumbledore is the greatest wizard in the world and Harry Potter has power that even he cannot match," she told him defiantly, "and as for my army, do not underestimate our strength. We demand that you return the sleepers to their rightful place immediately."

Voldemort laughed icily, red eyes scanning the forest. "Dumbledore is an old fool and Potter will die at my hands. She allows her emotions to cloud her judgment. She is weak and has only escaped me by pure luck. However, that is about to change."

"She has powers you will never know," Artemis replied coldly. "That is why she has succeeded in defying all your efforts to destroy her."

"Then perhaps I should allow you to live long enough to see her undoing. I have no intention of meeting your demands. If you think you can take the sleepers, as you call them, go ahead," he sneered. "I warn you that I will not give up my prize easily."

"My Lord," Lucius Malfoy addressed him, submissively, lowering his eyes. "Forgive my interruption. These elves are beneath us. Why not just kill them and be done with it? "

"You, Lucius Malfoy," Artemis interjected before Voldemort could answer, "are an arrogant fool. You have followed this one blindly, devoting yourself to darkness. You have shamed the name of Malfoy with your attitudes and beliefs."

"Ah...I see you know my favored Lieutenant's name, despite his mask," Voldemort leered, "and how is that may I ask?"

"We know all of your names, Tom Riddle," Artemis said using Voldemort's given name to annoy him. "Many of us have watched you all grow up in the shadow of the castle."

"Tom Riddle no longer exists. I am Lord Voldemort and you are a bigger fool than I had thought. By admitting you know the identities of my loyal followers you and your army have signed your death warrants."

"Your ego has gone to your head, Tom. You are an abomination to both your people and all that is natural in the world."

"Artemis, you have begun to bore me with your righteousness," Voldemort ridiculed with disdain, looking around the circle. The Deatheaters stood ready to defend their master. "I have work to do." He turned back to the couple on the palate. "Kill them!" Voldemort bellowed with a hollow laugh.

The Deatheaters sprang into action at his command, curses flying. Artemis leaped aside sharply, blocking the Avadra Kedavra Lucius had directed at her heart, countering with a wave of blue light. He was sent flying backwards, landing in a thistle bush, stunned.

"Thera, quickly... free the sleepers," Artemis yelled to another elf with pink hair. The elf jumped onto the pallet, cutting the magical cords with a powerful blast of white light, before being hit with a killing curse by Bellatrix. The elves were fighting furiously, and two other Deatheaters were stunned, but the magic and weapons of the elves was no match for the power and swiftness of the dark wizards. Their numbers were quickly being diminished while Voldemort chanted his evil spell in Parseltongue ignoring the carnage around him.

Tiberius had been forced to fight along with the others but was deliberately missing the elves or stunning them. He had to make it look like he was supporting the Dark Lord at all costs. Gradually he worked his way towards Artemis, making eye contact, sending her another mental message. 'Did you send for Dumbledore?'

Artemis nodded. 'This will help to keep you from being discovered, Tiberius," she responded mentally before stunning him with a blast of blue light. He fell backwards into the trees, losing his mask. His last thought before losing consciousness was that the elves really did know all of their identities...

Harry was running through the Great Hall, her protectors following in pursuit, the aurors moving to assist with what ever was going on. Dumbledore's voice boomed from behind her, his anger apparent.

"Harry, stay where you are!"

She froze instantly as all heads turned to see what the commotion was all about, students standing up to get a better view. Simultaneously, the doors to the Great Hall were flung open. A small figure with turquoise hair stumbled in, collapsing into Harry's arms. It was a watcher elf. He was out of breath, bleeding heavily from an array of wounds. Several students screamed and Dumbledore took immediate action.

"Silence!" he ordered firmly. "All Prefects are to escort the students back to their common rooms immediately. You will await further instructions from your Heads of House."

The students obeyed without question swiftly following the Prefects from the hall. Harry gently carried the elf over to the nearest empty bench, transfiguring it to a small bed, before carefully laying him down.

"Thank...you...," he moaned in pain. "I...seek...Harry...Potter...and the...wise one." He breathed heavily as Madam Pomfrey came running over to assist Harry, who had begun to assess his injuries. She realized he was bleeding internally.

"I am Harry Potter," she told him gently. "Professor Dumbledore is here too."

"Can you tell us what happened, Mercurio?" Dumbledore asked, smoothing the soft hair from the elf's forehead, while the nurse examined his injuries.

"The forest...the Evil Lord...in the...clearing. I...was...injured trying...to...come...for help."

"Try to lie still," Madam Pomfrey stated, running her wand over his tiny body.

"You...must...stop him. Unspeakable...act...Harry...," he gasped grabbing her hand. "He...means...to..."he never finished his sentence. Gasping and spitting up blood, Mercurio's chest gave a violent shudder, and he breathed no more.

"Albus, I'm sorry," Madam Pomfrey sighed, "There was nothing I could do. His injuries were too serious.

Dumbledore nodded, looking down at Harry. She was shaking, but whether it was with anger or pain over the death of the elf, he was not certain. He suspected it was a bit of both.

"Harry, what is Voldemort up to?" Dumbledore queried, blue eyes meeting her green ones. Harry didn't respond verbally, but allowed the Headmaster to probe her mind using Legilimency. Her heart was racing and a look of extreme sorrow mixed with fury flashed over his features. "Aurors, we must go immediately, we may yet have time to stop them!" Dumbledore headed towards the front entrance of the castle. The others hurrying to catch up with him. Professor McGonagall and Hermione followed in their wake, the other teachers remaining behind to see to the students.

"Sirius," Harry called, "transform. We can get there faster in our animagus forms." Harry did not wait for his reply.

Transforming into her phoenix she flew over their heads and out the front doors. Sirius did the same, the large black dog anxious to see what was happening. He was determined to keep Harry out of danger. Reaching the front gates, Dumbledore turned to the others.

"Minerva, I want you to wait here. If we fail to return within a timely manner secure the school and notify the Ministry."

"Albus, what is going on? What did you see in Harry's mind?"

"I would rather not say what she believes. If it is true the situation is critical," he replied. "Kingsley, take Draco and bring up the rear. It is likely that Lucius is there with Voldemort. Ron, you stay with Severus and me, Remus you go with Tonks and the other two aurors. Hermione I want you to stay with Professor McGonagall. Find the members of the D.A. Ginny Weasley has been running the club since Harry graduated. Have them patrol the halls with the teachers and Prefects. The rest of us will apparate to the clearing below the cemetery on the count of three. Are you all ready?"

"Yes," they responded in unison.

"Very well, One...two...three..." they disapparated leaving Minerva McGonagall and Hermione Granger to walk back up to the castle. Minerva's heart was racing with worry, Luna's words running through her mind. Hermione's face was grave. She was terrified that she would lose the two people she cared about most in the world...

Harry flew through the trees faster than she had ever flown before. She had to stop Voldemort before he completed his evil deed. 'Please let me be wrong about Luna's vision,' she worried to herself. 'This can't happen.' She flew up above the trees, her keen phoenix eyes spotting the fire below. A fierce battle was going on and she could discern the figure of Padfoot heading right towards it. She had to stop him before he was killed! Diving down into the trees, she let out a shrill call, landing in front of him. They both transformed.

"The battle is still going on," she panted. "You were heading right into it. We have to walk from here or they will spot us."

"Where are they? I can smell the smoke from a fire."

"Just up ahead. Stay to the trees."

"Harry I want you to wait here. I will go and scout out the area for the others."

"No! There isn't time. He is almost finished the spell." She winced at the pain racing through her scar. "He's happy. Oh god, I think we're too late," she muttered moving through the forest, tears stinging her eyes...

Voldemort laughed wickedly. He had done it! They were moving slowly and the man opened his eyes in confusion.

"What...where?" He looked around sitting up. The woman beside him moaned softly and he reached out for her.

"You belong to me now," the Dark Lord grinned, red eyes aglow with delight.

"Voldemort!" the man gasped just as the woman opened her eyes.

"Yes indeed you foolish man. You will help to ensure my supreme victory." Voldemort smiled pointing his wand at the woman as she sat up and looked around in horror. "Crucio!" He hit her directly in the stomach..

The woman screamed in pain, Voldemort laughing wildly.

"Let her go you bastard!"

"Perhaps you would like some of the same?" He directed his wand at the man, his smile growing wider.

"Noooo!" his companion screamed. She leaped up and trying to tackle him

He fell backwards as she landed heavily and he flung her away with inhuman strength. The man who had been sitting on the pallet stood up. He was horrified by the carnage around him. Watcher elves were battling the Deatheaters and he was surrounded by the dead and dying. He reached into his tattered robes but he had no wand.

"Run...get away while you can," one of the elves yelled to him. He wasn't sure but he thought it was Artemis. "Go quickly! I will cover you. Help is on the way!"

He grabbed his companion dragging her to her feet and whispered something in her ear as they started to run towards the edge of the forest.

"So...you're still alive!" Voldemort screamed pointing his wand. "I have been hindered by your interference for the last time. Avadra Kedavra!" A stream of green light shot from his wand directly towards the elf.

Artemis dodged swiftly and the curse flew through the air hitting Lucius, who fell over, stunned. He too, was immune to its effects, as was his master. Shaking his head, he recovered swiftly, laughing at the futility of the elves...

Harry and Sirius were on the edge of the clearing, looking around at the devastation that Voldemort had wrought. At least forty elves lay dead or injured. A moment later Dumbledore and the others appeared and started firing hexes at the eight Deatheaters who remained standing. Out of the corner of her eye, Harry saw a large stag run into the trees, a woman straddling his back.

"Dumbledore," Voldemort hissed, "you cannot stop me now."

"Don't be so sure Tom. You may be immune to the killing curse, but not any of the others. Your body still can feel pain and be stopped," he stated. Confidently aiming his wand he shouted, "Stupefy!"

Voldemort evaded the curse swiftly. "Avadra Kedavra!" he screamed spinning on his heels only to find Dumbledore was no longer there. "Where are you old man?"

"I'm right behind you, Tom." Dumbledore's voice came from over his shoulder.

Voldemort reacted swiftly. He spun around intending to use physical force to topple Dumbledore in an effort to bring him to his knees but once again, he was not there. A piercing screech echoed through the air as Fawkes appeared in a shower of sparks, flying towards him, claws at the ready. Harry had seen him going to help the Headmaster; transforming, she dove into the foray, following Fawkes. She had been too late to stop Voldemort's plan but maybe she could capture or injure him somehow.

"Potter!" Severus yelled running through the onslaught of hexes. "Stay back!"

"Now I have you both! You will die together traitor!" Voldemort immediately sent a volley of curses through the air but Severus had been prepared for the killing curse and dove to the ground as it sailed over his head. Harry merely flew above them.

"Give it up, Tom," Dumbledore's calm voice echoed through the meadow. "You will never win."

"You can't kill me, Dumbledore, but rest assured I will have my revenge. Potter will watch as you die at my hands along with her friends. She will be unable to stop me now!" He laughed coldly and pointed his wand into the air disapparating. The remaining Deatheaters realized their master had gone followed suit.

"Help the injured," Dumbledore instructed as Tiberius came forward. He had recovered a few moments before and apparated back into the clearing as soon as the Deatheaters had disappeared. He had to protect his cover. Two of the Aurors stationed at the school were not members of the Order and didn't know he was a spy.

"Uncle, I was concerned," Severus looked the elder Snape in the eyes.

"I have only just returned," he answered aloud so the others would think he had not been present. "I saw the wand flashes from the path and came to investigate." He would give his report at the meeting of the Order but had to be certain there were still no Deatheaters lurking about who might overhear. 'I was stunned by Artemis and lying just inside the forest. She is aware I am Dumbledore's spy and stunned me to protect my cover,' Tiberius explained mentally.

"I am glad to see you have made it safely back from your journey," Severus replied aloud, nodding his understanding.

"I must speak with the Headmaster immediately."

"I will see you shortly in my office, Tiberius," Dumbledore said over his shoulder. "I am concerned about what may have happened here."

"Didn't you see them, Headmaster?" Harry asked looking over towards the forest where the stag had disappeared.

"See who, Harry? I was busy with Tom from the time I apparated into the meadow."

"Sirius, did you see them?"

"Harry, I was trying to keep up with you and keep you out of harms way. What do you think you saw?"

Harry just looked around in dismay. Did she really see the stag? Could she possibly be wrong in her assumption regarding the meaning of Luna's vision?

"Princess, what did you see?" Remus asked gently.

"I don't think you will believe me," she sighed. "Maybe it was my imagination."

"No, Little One. Your eyes did not deceive you," Artemis quiet voice remarked. She walked over to stand beside Dumbledore. "I was unable to stop him."

"Where did they go?"

"They are safe and hiding by the lake."

"Who's safe?" Severus questioned, arching his brow.

"I have to go to them. This is my fault. Merlin, I swear by my blood to do all that's good and right. By the powers of all the ancient gods I will stop the Dark Lord even if it means my own death!" Harry cursed into the darkness. Taking out the small knife she always carried in her pocket, she sliced her palm, dripping the blood into the ground. As soon as she did, a rumble of thunder filled the air followed by a flash of lightening, yet the sky was clear. Her protectors looked on in dismay. Turning towards the edge of the forest, she began to walk slowly, accepting the inevitable.

"Harry, where are you going? You shouldn't go into the forest by yourself." Sirius stopped in front of her, hands on his hips.

"Ask Dumbledore. He knows what the vision meant. I have to go."

"I think you three should go with her." Dumbledore waved his hands at the three protectors. "I will expect you all back at the castle shortly. I see the elves are being cared for by their brethren. Artemis would you like to join me up at the castle?"

"I must attend to my people but if you need me send word. I will come as soon as I can. The house elves will know how to find me."

"Understood." The old man nodded.

"Little One, I will go and tell them help is coming," she said sadly, disappearing with a pop.

"Come on, we have to get to the lake. They will be cold." Harry's voice cracked but she refused to cry.

The little group lit their wands against the darkness of the forest and walked towards the far end of the lake on the edge of Hogwarts land. It was a cold moonless night and Harry felt the chill deep within her soul.

"Harry, who is waiting for you at the lake?" Severus tried again to get her to talk.

"My worst nightmare since this whole business started," she snorted, anger at Voldemort welling up inside of her. 'What am I going to do? This nightmare can't really be happening. Why can't I just wake up?' she thought anxiously.

Nearing the lake, she saw three figures through the trees. It was too dark to determine who they were but Harry instinctively knew one of them was Artemis. The elf pointed in Harry's direction and disappeared.

"Was that Artemis?" Remus whispered. He somehow thought he shouldn't speak loudly. Harry merely nodded. Stopping, she looked at the outlines of two people sitting on an old tree trunk.

"Come on, Harry," Sirius called moving forward to come around where the two people were sitting. A moment later, he dropped his wand, his mouth hanging open in shock. Remus ran over to see what was wrong, his eyes wide. His werewolf senses screaming at him that this was impossible.

"Hello, Padfoot. It's good to see you again. You too Moony."

"James...Lily?" Sirius whispered. "Is it really you?"

"It's them," Harry answered softly. "This is what Voldemort was doing. It is his way of controlling me." Severus inhaled sharply as he came up beside her to face the two figures.

"Hello, Severus." Lily smiled wanly, turning her emerald green eyes on Harry.

"Prongs, I can't believe it." Sirius moved forward swiftly grabbing his friend in a bear hug. The two men were smiling at one another, thumping each other on the back. Remus cautiously moved to join them, tears in his eyes.

Harry did not move. Severus put his arm around her shoulders as she and Lily continued to stare at one another. Lily spoke first.

"I thought you pretty that last night, when James found you on our doorstep," she remarked, remembering the night of her death. The night Harry had been sent back through time. "If you hadn't kept to the shadows I would have recognized you immediately. You're the image of your father except you have my eyes."

Harry merely nodded, continuing to stare at her mother as the men calmed down and looked over towards her.

"Harry?" James Potter questioned as she stepped further out of the shadows, a look of consternation on his face.

"How much do you remember?" Harry asked looking from one to the other.

"We...uh...we know we died," James replied nervously.

"Anything else?"

"Harry, we were in a peaceful place, if that's what you're asking."

"Harry," Lily's soft voice interceded, "we know we aren't supposed to be here. I don't know how Voldemort did it but it had to be some very dark magic."

"It was Necromancy," Severus answered.

"Snape, you are looking well."

"Potter, for a dead man you are too," he sneered.

"Severus we are aware of what has happened since we died. Well...most of it anyway. Right now, everything seems a bit jumbled and confused. We were unaware that Voldemort was still alive. I thought Harry had killed him that day in Grimmauld Place."

"I did. He came back. His followers used the same dark magic on him and Lucius Malfoy that he used tonight. He is in effect immortal, as are you." Harry looked from one to the other of her parents.

"I see...is there a reversal spell?" Lily asked wide-eyed.

"It is being translated," Severus answered quietly.

"Translated?" James looked at Severus.

"Yes, Potter. It is an ancient text and must be preformed by a Parselmouth."

"I see..." James furrowed his brow in concentration. "Harry...are you..."

"A Parselmouth?" she interrupted his thoughts.

"Yes, I can't seem to remember. Damn, it's all mixed up. I know I made peace with Severus though. I meant what I said that night." James extended his hand and Severus took it reluctantly.

"Harry, are you a Parselmouth? We have watched you grow up but your father is right. Everything we knew is fading."

"Yes, I can speak Parseltongue."

"Well then, as soon as you have the spell you can send Voldemort back to what ever Hell he came from," James spat.

"It isn't quite that simple. The counter spell must be done in his presence under the full moon."

"Then we'll help you to stop him!"

"I can't."

"Of course you can, Harry," Sirius spoke up. "You're the most powerful witch of the age."

"And Voldemort has done what he does best. He has played on my weakness," she shuddered. Lily got up to put her arms around her but Harry pulled back before she could. "Don't touch me! You can't get close."

"Princess, what are you doing? These are your parents."

"My parents died seventeen years ago tonight!"

"Harry! Don't talk to James and Lily like that!" Sirius yelled angrily.

"You don't understand. They're Voldemort's insurance. In order to send him back to whatever pit his soul crawled out of I have to send them back too! I can't allow them to get close to me." Her eyes met her mother's.

"Harry, are you sure?" Sirius paced, running his fingers through his thick hair. "I mean, James and Lily...they sent me back." He looked at James for confirmation.

"I can remember...you fell...through the veil," James muttered uncertainly.

"Yes...can you remember anything else?"

"I think I can," Lily responded. "You were stunned...but your soul...it was still within your...body."

"Lily, that's right. We told him to apparate before he passed through into the other realm!" James beamed excitedly. "He wasn't really dead."

"You sent me back to be with Harry," Sirius smiled.

Harry closed her eyes in pain. She had to make them understand that this was different. Her parents no longer belonged in the world of the living. They had been yanked from the afterlife to satisfy the ambitions of a dark wizard. Lily saw the pain on her daughter's face.

"James, Harry is right. We don't belong here. If Voldemort is to be stopped..."

"I understand, Lil."

"James, Harry is your daughter," Remus spoke up suddenly, "she will do what is right as opposed to what is easy."

James looked at Harry, studying her intently. She was standing with her chin set and her green eyes had a look of sad determination in them. He cocked his head, nodding, giving her a proud smile.

"Stopping Voldemort is the most important thing. Even if it means we will be returned to the afterlife. Your mother and I will know that you did it for all the right reasons. We were proud of you before. Don't let us down. Fight him...destroy him...we will help any way we can. In the end, we will still be with you. We always have been."

"I will meet you all back at the castle," Harry told them as she pulled off her cloak. "I'm sure Dumbledore is anxious for news."

"Princess, put your cloak back on. It's freezing out tonight."

"Yes, Remus, I am aware of that," she replied. With one swift motion, she placed her cloak over her mother's shoulders to conceal the rags that had once been her burial robes. Harry then transformed without another word, flying off in the direction of the school. She never saw the smile on her father's face as he looked down at her mother.

"She truly is our daughter." Lily beamed back up at her husband.

"I know," James replied hugging his wife.

"Here Potter, take my cloak. My robes are made of wool. It wouldn't do to walk into the castle half-naked. Your bodies may have been magically preserved but your clothes certainly weren't," Severus smirked, tossing the cloak over to him. 'Damn, after what he did to me I should let him go naked, but Harry would be too upset,' he mused as they started the long walk around the lake...

Harry reached the castle and flew directly up to the windows of Dumbledore's office. He was seated at his desk. Kingsley and Tonks were also there along with Ron, Hermione, Draco, Arsinoe Darkmoon and Minerva McGonagall. Tiberius Snape had just stepped onto the moving stairs, leaving the office. He had spoken to Dumbledore in private before the others had arrived. Harry tapped softly on the glass to alert them to her presence. Hermione dashed over and opened the window. Harry flew in and transformed. She went directly over to Fawkes and stroked his head while he filled the air with Phoenix song.

"Harry, what is going on? Professor Dumbledore said you would tell us everything as soon as you got here," Hermione questioned, dismayed by Harry's withdrawn countenance.

"I see Arsinoe is here. I suppose that is because of what has occurred."

"Yes, Child, I thought she should be aware of what you will now have to face."

"I understand," Harry answered avoiding Dumbledore's blue eyes. "How is the translation coming?"

"We have about half," Arsinoe replied. It is tricky and painstaking work."

"Keep at it. Hermione is great for details and research as I'm sure you have found out."

"Harry, you haven't answered Hermione's question. What actually went on out there mate? The goblet started to smoke, but it didn't burn so I couldn't see."

"Something unspeakable happened tonight, Ron. I watched my worst fears become reality." Harry finally raised her eyes to meet Dumbledore's. "I guess what they say is true about being careful what you wish for..."

"Child, even I would not have believed that Voldemort would stoop so low as to do what he did tonight."

"Will you all stop talking around us and tell us what is going on!" Tonks exclaimed. Dumbledore looked over at her sudden outburst. "Uh...sorry Professor, I just want to know what happened and why. We all do."

"It's okay Tonks," Harry remarked allowing her gaze to drift around the small group assembled in the office. Any other day she would have been amused by Tonk's bizarre shade of orange hair. "Headmaster, I need to sit down. They'll be here in a little while."

"I apologize, Harry. I should have offered you a seat as soon as you came in." Dumbledore promptly conjured her a soft comfortable chair and she curled up with a grateful smile.

"Who will be here, Harry?" McGonagall asked her in her crisp brogue.

"Draco, did you see your father tonight?" Harry looked at Draco, pointedly ignoring McGonagall's question.

"He fired off a Cruciatus curse at me but I was able to shield it. The bloody bastard probably wanted to make me suffer before he killed me. Why?"

"You know that the spell to send Voldemort back will do the same to him don't you?"

"Yeah, and good riddance, I say."

"Harry, please tell us what is going on!" Hermione begged impatiently. "Where are your protectors? Did something happen to them?"

"No, Mione. I told you they went with Harry into the forest."

"Something could have happened while they were in there, Ron. Why did Harry fly back alone?"

"Oi, Mione, if something had happened to them Harry would have said something right away. Isn't that so mate?"

"Ron's right. They're all fine. A bit shocked but dealing quite well actually."

"Then for Merlin's sake tell everyone what happened. Why did you go into the forest in the first place? What happened that the watcher elves were fighting with You-Know-Who?" Tonks demanded exasperated.

"Go ahead, Child. It is better if they are told before the others arrive."

"You're right, Headmaster, as usual." Harry stared off into the fire for a few minutes as Fawkes began to sing quietly from his perch. Taking a deep breath, she looked at the group of anxious faces. "Voldemort was practicing Necromancy again tonight. That's what Luna's vision was."

"What did Luna tell you? I was at the other end of the table talking with Hermione and we didn't hear it," Arsinoe remarked quietly.

"Nor did the Aurors. We were all circulating through out the Great Hall," Shacklebolt said from his seat in the corner.

Dumbledore quickly brought them up to speed. Harry could see Hermione's mind working and Ron's look of utter disgust. Arsinoe seemed intrigued but the others just looked confused.

"What kind of nonsense was that?" Ron shook his head.

"I think I understand some of it, Ron, " Hermione speculated. "We already know that You-Know- Who was in the forest clearing just below the cemetery. Therefore, that would be the shadow of the place of great sleep, and the language of the snake is Parseltongue. There was also a battle fought there with the watcher elves army."

"Very good, Hermione," Dumbledore commented. "Can you understand any of the rest?"

"Well...Harry did you utter any kind of curse tonight? I think you are the Phoenix."

"I made a blood oath tonight to all the ancient gods of goodness stop Voldemort even if it costs me my life."

"Bloody Hell, Harry! What could have been so terrible for you to swear such a thing?" Ron jumped up from his seat and started pacing as Professor McGonagall and the others gasped. Each knew that such an oath was deemed irrevocable.

"Do your protectors know of this, Harry," Tonks questioned.

"They heard me but it wouldn't have made any difference. I have bound myself to the prophecy now whatever the outcome."

Hermione looked as if she were going to cry. Ron's features alternated from anger to worry as he glanced at his friend. McGonagall's stern features were drawn into a tight mask and Arsinoe had a slight smile on the edge of her lips. Tonks and Kingsley exchanged nervous glances. Dumbledore's blue eyes reflected his love and pride. Oddly enough, Kingsley broke the silence.

"Miss Granger, is there anything else you can add?" He looked at Hermione with interest.

"Um...I...I'm not certain. The watching huntress must have something to do with the elves and the Circle of the Skull must be Voldemort's inner circle."

"You always were smart Hermione." Harry managed a weak smile at her friend. "The watching huntress is Artemis. Do you remember your Muggle mythology?"

"Of course! Luna was talking about Artemis. Artemis and Diana were the same deity but one was Greek and the other Roman. They were considered the goddesses of the moon. The watcher elves worship the moon," she answered excitedly.

"But what about this business of a red flower and the Great Prince of the Forest?" Tonks wondered aloud, looking at Hermione.

"That one has me stumped," Hermione confessed.

"Oh, Hermione, you can do better than that. Think about fairy tales. Who was the Great Prince of the Forest?" Harry watched her friend closely. "Then put that answer together with the red flower."

"Hmm..." Hermione's face set into deep concentration and everyone could see her going through various things in her mind. All of a sudden her eyes widened in understanding. "Harry...he didn't ...he couldn't!" she choked on the words.

"Mione, what are you getting off about?" Ron demanded. "If you know something just spit it out."

"Oh, Ron...it's just too terrible. It's a wonder that Harry isn't a basket case over this."

"Over what, Hermione?" Ron shook his head growing flustered by Hermione's dismay and Harry's silence.

"It's just that if what I think has happened...Oh Merlin, Harry I'm so sorry. This is just too awful."

"Miss Granger perhaps if you could fill the rest of us in?" Professor McGonagall queried forcefully.

"It's all right, Hermione. Go ahead and explain the rest of the vision. I just don't have the heart to do it," Harry said sadly. "Then they'll understand what exactly is going on."

"Are you sure, Harry?" Hermione asked studying her friend closely for any sign of emotion.

"I'm sure."

"Well then...The Great Prince of the Forest comes from a Muggle fairy tale called Bambi."

"What!" Tonks inhaled sharply. "My dad told me that story when I was little. The Great Prince...he was a stag!"

"A stag? What on earth would a stag have to do with Harry..." Ron began and then looked at Harry in shock. "Harry, your Patronus is a stag. Wasn't that your dad's animagus form?"

"Yeah."

"That means the red flower..."McGonagall looked up sharply. "Harry are you telling us that the Dark Lord has actually committed another act of Necromancy...that he...raised your...parents?"

Harry hung her head, unable to look at the horror and shock she knew was reflected on their faces. She could feel their emotions. Hermione was angry with Voldemort. Tonks was amazed and shocked. Professor McGonagall was sad, while Kingsley astounded. Arsinoe seemed to be accepting and understood what this would mean to Harry. It was Ron's feelings that troubled Harry. He seemed genuinely happy and Harry looked up at him in confusion.

"Harry, this is a good thing,. You will get to know your Mum and Dad. It's the one thing you've always wanted. You have your family back!"

Harry had begun to shake at his words. It was the one thing she could not allow herself to do. If she did...

"Ron, how can you be so thick?" Hermione shouted.

"Calm yourself, Miss Granger. Your fiancé's heart is in the right place. He merely doesn't understand," Dumbledore counseled.

"What don't I understand?"

"Ron," Arsinoe spoke seriously, "the spell that Harry must use to stop the Dark Lord and send his soul back will have the same effect on both Mr. Malfoy and her parents."

"You mean..."

"Yes, Ron. To finally do away with Voldemort I must also do away with my parents. He brought them back because he knew that it would kill me to do so. The longer it takes to learn the spell the more chance he has of me refusing to perform it. I can't get close..." Harry's voice trailed off.

"But Harry, maybe there is another way. Maybe they will be able to stay." Ron looked at Dumbledore hopefully.

"I'm afraid not, Mr. Weasley. They are just like Voldemort and Lucius Malfoy. There bodies work because their souls were returned, but they are no longer mortal."

"Harry...mate...I"

"It's okay, Ron. I swore a blood oath tonight and I intend to follow it through," Harry remarked, her shoulders sagging, green eyes reflecting her turmoil. "They are on the way here right now. Sirius and Remus are escorting them with Severus."

"Harry, how did my cousin, Sirius, and Remus take this?" Tonks asked.

"Sirius was delighted at first. He was so happy to see my dad again. Remus was a bit more cautious but I could tell that he has glad."

"What did Professor Snape do?" Ron grinned.

"He said hello to my mother and shook hands and made peace with my father."

"How did you feel, Harry?" Dumbledore looked at her, blue eyes intently studying her reaction.

"I told them just what I told you. They understood, I think. They offered to help us fight Voldemort. They're very confused right now. Headmaster, I hear them coming up the stairs...I need to not be here when they arrive. I...would you send for Molly Weasley for me?" The edge in Harry's voice was unmistakable. She was holding on by a thread.

"Harry it will do no good to avoid them. We need to make some decisions right away. I have summoned the other members of the Order and we will have an emergency meeting tonight in the Room of Requirement. You will have to be there. I will see to it that Molly is told of your desire to speak with her."

"Yes, Sir."

"In the meantime I think the rest of you should attend to your duties until the meeting starts. I have scheduled it for eleven, which is in another hour," Dumbledore advised them as the door opened and five figures stepped in.

All eyes were on the man and woman who were standing looking about them uncertainly, unsure of what to expect. James Potter looked over to where Dumbledore was rising from his desk.

"Hello, Professor Dumbledore. It is nice to see you again."

"I had not planned on our next meeting to be on this plane of existence but it is good to see you again too," Dumbledore greeted him, blue eyes twinkling. "Please come and sit down. I am sure this whole experience is as unsettling for you as it is us." He conjured some more chairs and they joined the group.

"Thank you, Albus," Lily replied. He still had the effect of putting her at ease.

"I should introduce you to the others here. I know you know Minerva, and the young woman in the back of the room is Arsinoe Darkmoon." The two women nodded, Minerva wiping a tear from her eye.

"I recognize Kingsley," James nodded in greeting, "but who is this pretty witch with the bright orange hair?"

"As if you can't guess James Potter," Tonks grinned. Sirius snickered in amusement.

"Nymphadora, is it really you?" Lily asked studying her. "You were just a little girl the last time I saw you."

"Lily, please don't use that accursed name. It's Tonks now."

"I think it is a nice name," Lily retorted with a chuckle.

"Thank god Sirius named me Harry," Harry muttered under her breath but her mother heard her.

"I'll have you know we both named you Harry."

"Yeah, I heard. I was named for some old bald news stand wizard."

"Well you did look kind of like him." Lily smiled at the memory.

"I'll have to remember that one, Potter," Draco snickered.

"Shut up, Malfoy, or you'll be on the wrong end of a very nasty hex. I seem to recall you looked rather nice as a ferret." Harry glared. She was in no mood for Draco's wise remarks.

"Malfoy?" James Potter looked at the young Auror closely. "Are you related to Lucius Malfoy? I seem to remember that he had a son the same year as Harry was born."

"Unfortunately, Sir, he is my father. These days I prefer to deny there was ever any relationship. My cousin Sirius or my godfather, Severus, can fill you in," Draco replied offering his hand. "It's nice to meet you."

"I see you are in training to be an Auror," James remarked.

"Yes, it seemed the best choice under the circumstances," Draco shrugged.

"Excuse me, Mr. Potter, but I'm Hermione Granger, and this is my fiancé, Ron Weasley, she interrupted waving her hand towards Ron. "We're friends of Harry's."

"Ah...Sirius and Remus told us about the two of you on our way up to the castle. Seems you three are quite the mischief makers."

"James, if anyone created mischief while in Hogwarts it was the Marauders," Lily admonished. "Miss Granger, we're very happy to meet you, and you too Mr. Weasley."

"Call me Ron," he said offering his hand to Mr. Potter. "As for who could create mischief, you've never met my brothers, Fred and George."

"Are you related to Arthur Weasley or Bill? Bill was behind us in school, but I think he was a first year when we were in our seventh. I remember he had red hair."

"He's my father and Bill is my oldest brother. I have five of them and a younger sister, Ginny, who is a seventh year."

"I knew your father from the Ministry. Everybody liked him."

"The Weasley's have always considered Harry a part of their family," Hermione interjected trying to sound casual while she studied the Potters carefully. "Molly was Harry's surrogate mother."

James Potter smiled benignly, but Lily looked uncomfortable. Ron looked at Hermione with a silent glare. He had seen the sad look in Lily Potter's eyes.

"Ahem," Dumbledore cleared his throat to relieve the sudden tension, "I believe you all have duties to attend to. I will expect you at the Room of Requirement in an hour for the meeting. "Minerva, if you would stay for a moment, I have need of your services."

"Of course, Albus," McGonagall answered. "You know I will be happy to help."

"Harry, I would also request that you stay too," Dumbledore said as Harry started to follow Ron and Hermione from the office.

She shrugged her acquiescence while giving her friends a look that said it was okay to go without her and resumed her seat.

"Now that we are all here let me just say that this situation poses a number of problems. First off, we will have to find a secure place for the Potters. While you will both be relatively save here at Hogwarts temporarily I think we should look for some sort of long term solution."

"I agree, Albus. I would offer Grimmauld Place but it was destroyed following Harry's last battle with Voldemort," Sirius told him thoughtfully.

"How long are we talking about?" Remus questioned.

"I can't answer that Remus. The situation with Voldemort could take days or months."

"Headmaster, my town home in London is empty at the moment," Severus suggested quietly. He knew that his offering assistance to Harry's parents would go a long way with her feelings towards him. He also wanted to get them out of Hogwarts as fast as possible. Even though James had made peace with him, he still didn't fully trust his old rival.

"I shall consider it, Severus."

"Are there any other suggestions?"

"What about the Shrieking Shack?" Remus offered. "It could certainly be made habitable and no one ever goes near it. It will also provide James and Lily with easy access to the school without being seen."

"Hmm...It may work, but it will take quite a bit of work. I know you and Sirius would like to be close to James and Lily, despite the circumstances."

"Headmaster, I may have a solution, but I would prefer to discuss it with you in private." Harry looked at Dumbledore with a half smile.

Her eyes were glittering with anticipation at the idea she had formed in the back of her mind. The headmaster studied her shrewdly, blue eyes meeting hers, attempting to enter her mind unsuccessfully. Harry had anticipated his using Legilimency and put up all her blocks, closing her mind.

"Very well, Child. I will listen to what you have to say in a few moments. In the meantime, we need to get your parents settled for the night and into some proper clothes. I am sure they would like to freshen up before the Order meets. Minerva if you could find something for Lily to wear I would be most appreciative. Sirius, if you could find some clothes for James, I am certain he would be more than grateful. They can stay in the guest quarters off the third floor tower."

"Right," Sirius grinned. "Come on James, lets get you fitted out in something more substantial than those rags you have on while Minerva takes care of Lily. I'm sure we can all find something appropriate."

"I will see you all at the meeting then," Dumbledore nodded, "and James, I expect you and Lily too. You are still members despite the situation and since the meeting will involve your return I feel you should both attend."

"We'll be there," James agreed for them both. Taking his wife's arm, they all left Harry to speak in private with Dumbledore.

"Now, Harry, I know you are more than a bit distraught by this entire situation but I expect you to do your best to deal with what has happened," the old man counseled. "It has been a terrible shock for all of us."

"Headmaster, no one seems to understand what this means to me. In order to defeat Voldemort I have to kill my own parents."

"Child, we both know that they died seventeen years ago. It is just as difficult for them as it is for you. I could sense your mother's worry that you are trying to avoid them."

"I am," Harry said bluntly. "If I get close to them I know I will fail. Headmaster, this is killing me. All my life I have wanted to know my parents. The only time I ever spent with them other than my infancy was the night Voldemort sent me back in time so he could kill me along with them."

"I know, Child, but they love you very much. At least try to get to know them even if it is from a distance. You will be the better off for it. I know that when the time comes you will do the proper thing. I think they know it too."

"I'll think about it," she sighed. "I really do need to talk with Molly. I think she will understand how I feel inside. She really has been like a mother to me."

"I know. She will be here shortly for the meeting. I didn't say so before but I have already sent word to her to speak to you in your rooms before we start."

"Do any of the Order members know what has happened?"

"I told Arthur and Alastor. I did ask them not to say anything although Arthur did say he wanted to warn Molly."

"At least she knows why I need so badly to speak with her."

"I understand," Dumbledore smiled benignly. "Now I would like to know about this idea you have for your parents' safety."

"It is quite good actually." She grinned mischievously. "Have you set up the wards yet at our new headquarters on Privet Drive?"

"I have started. However, your aunt and uncle will not be leaving for another two weeks yet. It seems your cousin had to attend a two-month training program and your uncle's new position does not start until the fifteenth of November."

"All the better, I can't think of a less likely place for Voldemort to look for them. They can help to protect my relatives at the same time. I know you have been having the house watched and I am sure that my mother would like to see her sister."

"Harry, do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice."

"I think Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon need to be taught a little lesson. Besides," she added before he could interrupt, "they really do need the protection. Even after all the mean things they did to me I still don't want to see them killed."

"Do your parents know how you were treated?"

"They said they can remember some things and that they were always close by but they are confused and are starting to forget. I think that may be why they were not sure who Ron's family was and were asking Draco about Lucius. They also didn't seem to know Hermione at all," she considered contemplatively. "My dad did say they were in a peaceful place though. So maybe even though they were watching out for me they didn't keep track of everything."

"They may also be unsure of letting you know how much they are actually aware of. I'm sure it must have been painful for them knowing how much you had to face without them," he told her gently. "As for your suggestion, don't you think it is more than a bit of spite on your part? You have admittedly said how poorly you were treated."

"Guilty," Harry smirked, "but you have to admit it would be the perfect place."

"Unfortunately you are right. It would be beneficial to the Order, at least until we can get the Shrieking Shack into habitable shape."

"So you are going to take Remus suggestion. Is that wise? I think it will not be good for Sirius and Remus to be so close to my dad. I can also sense Severus is more than a little uncomfortable."

"Severus feelings are understandable. As for the other two, I know it will be as hard for them as it is for you, perhaps even harder. At the same time it may help all of you to accept their loss later on."

"Maybe," Harry frowned. "I only know that somewhere deep inside I don't want to do what I know I have to," Harry lowered her eyes. "Professor Dumbledore...I'm afraid...I...Oh, Merlin, I don't know how to explain what I'm feeling."

"Child, no one expects you to do the impossible. I am sure James and Lily would not want to remain here if it means Voldemort will be victorious," he said gently.

"I know, they already told me that but what if I fail and Voldemort kills me?" she asked fearfully. "Then they will be his slaves forever."

"Harry, I promise you that if that should ever happen I will find a way to free their souls."

"But what if you get killed too? Then who will help them?"

"Arsinoe's people. They will find a way. If it makes you feel better I will speak to her tonight and see that her grandfather is made aware of the situation."

"If you think it will help then do it."

"Very well as long as you promise not to think about losing to Tom Riddle," he said firmly. "I have confidence in your abilities. You are already as powerful as me even if you don't realize it."

"I'll take you word on that one," she answered skeptically. "Now what about my suggestion?"

"Very well, even if you do want to get even with your aunt and uncle it is a good idea. However, it will only be until the repairs on the Shrieking Shack are completed."

"Thanks," Harry beamed up at the old man. His mouth was set in a firm line but his blue eyes were twinkling."

"Now off with you. I know you want to see Molly before the rest of the Order arrives, but remember what I told you. Your parents love you and you should get to know them while you have the chance."

"I'll remember," she promised stepping onto the moving stairs.

Dumbledore sat and watched her as she disappeared then sank back in his chair. 'What more can happen to my poor Little Phoenix,' he thought sadly. 'She does not deserve this heartache. Tom, you despicable bastard, I swear to Merlin that you will pay for what you have done. I will do everything in my power to see that Harry returns you to whatever Hell you came from. I will not rest until the world is rid of your evil influence.' He then rested his head in his hands contemplating how the members of the Order would take this horrific set back. He was only grateful that the Deatheaters who had been killed had all been cremated. At least Voldemort could not resurrect any more of his other followers.

20