The Phoenix and the Serpent

The Dark Lord has conquered death, but Dumbledore's plan may yet gain a bloodless victory. Joined by a pair of unlikely bodyguard, Harry journeys out of the safety of Hogwarts to find the one thing that may defeat Voldemort. But can he succeed if the journey should take him through the darkest part of his soul?

The first of bodyguard retinue is made known, even as Harry himself readies for his departure. But already he meets his first obstacle on his quest: parting with his friends.

CHP III: Harry takes one last, longing look at his home before he begins his journey. They say one can only truly appreciate something when it is already gone. If true, then he would glad for these few quiet moments to calm his heart.

A look back into Harry's fourth year, where he finds a little solace in the company of the youngest Weasley.

Even as Harry leaves the sanctuary of Hogwarts on a mission of his own, the members of the revived Order of the Phoenix come together to determine the best course of action to pursue. Yet their plans are met by some unexpected--and shocking--news.

For it is not only the Order of the Phoenix that is mobilizing for war--Lord Voldermort, too, consolidates his forces.

And as their quest is about to begin, the second half of Harry's bodyguard retinue makes his bizarre appearance. With friends like these...

Harry and company arrive at the town of Hillsdale in search of the Crystal Cage, only to find something else in its coilig mist--something sinister, something hungry.

As his bodyguards cast about for his trail, Harry faces the Crystal Cage's fearsome guardian. But how can one defeat what has itself defeated death?

As Ginny waits for Harry's return to Hogwarts she deals with the sorrow of remembered happiness, and finds an unexpected resolution on her own.

Where the fate of others crosses those of our heroes', even as an early winter sets in on Britain. Sirius, Remus, and Lionel fight to protect Harry--or at least buy him time.

Harry wakes from a disease-induced slumber, only to find more trouble hounding him: Voldemort has caught his scent.

Gallowbraid makes his move. Harry's chances of returning to Hogwarts become even bleaker as the Black Barrier falls over all of Britain.

Harry's absence from Hogwarts sets other things into motion. Ginny, Sirius, Remus and Gallowbraid are caught up in the storm of events, and a chase begins.

A trap is set and sprung--but who is the hunter and the hunted? Harry and Moody must survive a deadly game of subterfuge against the Death Eaters.

Danny engages the Death Eaters to rescue Harry and his godfather. The dust clears, and a life is taken.

Harry's prolonged absence only makes Ginny more despondent, but she discovers that sometimes comfort can be found in the oddest of people. Or in this case, non-people.

A little downtime hiding in the forest gives Harry an opportunity to get to know the men guarding his life, and finds he has more in common with them than he first thought.

Harry witnesses a duel like no other, and his life depends on the outcome; Danny vs. Magnus!

Safety is within sight, but Harry must first contend with Voldemort's mightiest assassin. The shadow of the Doom Hound falls upon the trio.

"...It's twilight time, out of the mist your voice is calling, 'Tis twilight time.' When purple-coloured curtains mark the end of day, I hear you my dear, at twilight time." -- The Platters

Harry, Moody and Danny make final preparations for their return to Hogwarts. There is time for one last toast before a final farewell.