The One Who You Fear

Chapter 6: Uncertain Future

Arthur and Molly Weasley were in the kitchen. They were completely still, suspended in a column of purple and black energy. The couple's faces were full of fear (Arthur's arm was still bandaged), and it looked as though they were not conscious of the outside world.

The Weasley children stood around the kitchen in disbelief. They shared each other's shock and tried to comfort one another.

Dumbledore came into the kitchen. "It's going to be all right," he told the children quietly. "Now, I need to speak to Jack alone, please."

The others exchanged awkward glances at each other, but they walked out of the room. Dumbledore looked at the parents somberly. "This is not a merry Christmas. Does this look familiar to you?"

"Yes, but it was not like this. A gargoyle used this magic, not The One Who You Fear, and the fairy he trapped was aware of her surroundings. A secret spell and key opens it. I wouldn't touch it. Your hand will be trapped!"

But Dumbledore ran his hand over the energy. "This must be a different spell then, because I can't get through it. This happened to many other wizards and witches: Alastor Moody, Remus Lupin, Arabella Figg, Mundungus Fletcher, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Nymphadora Tonks, and as I have told you, this couple's two eldest sons Charlie and Bill. We've tried all the magic we could to break this open. Perhaps you can try with your sword."

"I can." Jack drew his sword and slammed it down upon Molly's column. Sparks and black lightning flew everywhere, but other than that nothing happened.

"Well, it was worth a try," Dumbledore shrugged. "Tell me, Jack, do you believe this is the work of the Dark Lord?"

Jack was about to comment when a second from his dream flashed before his eyes. He saw the snake binding the two people. "No," he replied.

Dumbledore looked at him closely. There was something about Dumbledore's gaze that felt peculiar. Jack felt as though Dumbledore was examining his very soul. But then the professor nodded. "Very well. Now, the victims of the attacks all have one thing in common. They were members of an organization. Only a very few have not been attacked. I think it would be good for you to talk to one who has survived. Come here. I will tell you where you can meet him, but it's secret. Listen very carefully, and do not repeat this to anyone." Jack came closer, and Dumbledore whispered in his ear, "The location of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number 12, Grimmauld Place, London."

**************

"My parents were attacked by You-Know-Who!" Ron said as he and his siblings led the way to the secret location. "Hey. Harry and I finally have that in common. He probably won't be too thrilled, thinking I'm playing your game."

"Where is Harry?" Jack asked.

"He's keeping a friend of his some much needed company."

That seemed strange to Jack. Even if the friend really needed company, Ron just went through a tragedy. Shouldn't Harry be here?

"What all did Dumbledore tell you anyway?" Ginny asked.

"You do not want to know," Jack said softly.

"Yes, we do. Come on, tell us."

"I do not believe it was the power of The One Who You Fear."

"Well, what else could it have been?" Ron said.

"It must have been someone who worked for him. Someone who appears harmless but inside is full of deadly poison."

"Why do you say that?" Ginny asked.

"I am . . . not completely sure." That was actually true. Jack wasn't sure why he trusted his dreams. They were only dreams, after all.

"Then why didn't he attack my parents? And why did he keep them alive?"

Jack opened his mouth to say he didn't know, but instead he said, "Because he needs them."

"For what?"

"They have a powerful magic. The One Who You Fear needs them alive so he can take their power." Where was this coming from? There was no indication in his dream of this at all.

"I reckon that makes sense," one of the twins nodded.

"Who do you think it is?" Ron asked.

"Ron, for all we know, Malfoy might have been responsible for what happened to your parents. But he will not talk. I have tried to get an answer out of him with no luck."

"Maybe we should try using a truth potion," Ron said. "Well, we can't make a very strong one, can we? Veritaserum is the strongest there is, and it's monitored by the Ministry."

"Oh, I think we could manage something," the other twin said. "Snape is in the Order after all."

"Well, here's Grimmauld Place," Ron said. "Hey Jack, Dumbledore did tell you, didn't he?"

"Where is it?" Jack asked quietly. "Eleven? Thirteen? Twelve should be in the middle."

"Just think about what Dumbledore told you," Ginny whispered.

Jack closed his eyes and heard Dumbledore whisper that sentence again. All at once, he heard movement. A house appeared out of nowhere, pushing eleven and thirteen out of the way. Jack gaped at the house for a while, then the others urged him in.

The house looked . . . old. It was not quite the kind of old that Jack was used to, but it was old, very musty and dusty. A few cheerful decorations brightened the scenery here and there, but it still looked old.

"Ron! You lot are back?" a scratchy voice called from the back of the hall. The boys went in a little farther and were greeted by a wizard wearing gray robes. He had shoulder-length, messy, black hair and was pale and rather rugged. In fact, if it weren't for the haunting look in his eyes, he did not look unlike Jack.

"Yeah, we're back, and we have company," Ron said.

The young man gave Jack a very large, warm smile. "You must be Jack. I have heard much about you." He extended his hand out to Jack. "I'm Harry's godfather. My name is Sirius."

"Sirius," Jack whispered. "Dog Star, Star of Osiris, leading the weary traveler on his path," he said to himself.

The stranger chuckled. "I see you know your astronomy and constellations too. I'm Sirius Black, not the star." He looked up at Ron and the Weasley kids. "Hey, why don't you all go upstairs? You'll find a surprise Christmas guest waiting for you, and I think you'll want to talk to Harry. I need to talk to Jack for a little while." Ron nodded, and the kids walked up the stairs. "Let's go to the kitchen. Try to be quiet. We don't want to wake her up."

Jack tried to be as quiet as he could, but his sandals were too noisy. A scream filled the hall as a portrait of an ugly hag began shrieking. She looked at Jack for one second, and then she fixed her eyes on Sirius as if she was refusing to look at Jack. "HOW DARE YOU, TRAITOR, SHAME OF MY FLESH? GET IT OUT OF MY HOUSE!"

"Shut up, you hag, shut up!" Sirius yelled. He tried to close the curtains around her, but it was no good. She was still screaming, and the others portraits in the hall were screaming.

Jack, sensing evil, angrily drew his sword. The woman fell silent and looked at the blade fearfully. The other portraits also stopped.

"Wow, that was cold," Sirius said as he pulled the curtains closed. "I didn't think they'd react that way to a Muggle, even if he was wielding a weapon."

"How do you know that I am--?"

"Dumbledore has told me most of what I know about you, how you're a Muggle Japanese warrior called a samurai. What eludes me is how a samurai would end up with a name like 'Jack.' I suppose I can't comment. I don't know enough about your culture. Well, come on." Sirius led him to the kitchen and gave him some Wassail.

"You said you are Harry's godfather?" Jack questioned.

"Yes."

"You are his guardian in place of his parents?"

"Well, not officially. Harry stays with his Muggle aunt and uncle in Surrey. He wants me to take him in once my name is cleared. Until then, it's been mostly a long distance relationship. We write to each other, and sometimes we see each other. We've seen each other a bit more since I got my folks' old place. Harry's told me about you these past few days, and to say the least he hasn't been too thrilled with you."

"I know. He does not like me. I think he also is aware that I am . . . mortal."

"Jack, we're all mortal. The Dark Lord can attest to that. But that's not the problem. I know that Harry has nothing against most Muggles, save for his guardians. Most wizards do not mind. What you need to watch out for are those who do mind, because they can be dangerous."

"They are the Scarred Ones?"

"The what? I don't believe I heard of them."

"Never mind." Jack figured that perhaps they had not formed yet. "Harry told you about that dream some nights ago? Believe me, I thought Harry was in real trouble."

Sirius suddenly spoke in a fierce voice. "Oh, I'm glad you woke him up. Somebody needed to wake him for a long time. Harry told me about his dreams. He's been having the same, reoccurring dream since just before the school year began. In the dream, he'd be reliving an awful memory from last year when the Dark Lord killed one of Harry's own classmates before his eyes. Then the Dark Lord subjects Harry to the worst curses imaginable. It makes Harry's scar on his forehead hurt. When he started having these dreams, he would wake up at this part, and his scar would be hurting in real life. Of course, it concerned me. This kind of thing happened before. Dumbledore feels it happens when the Dark Lord is near or if he is feeling particularly murderous.

"But the memory was soon embellished. The Dark Lord tries to kill Harry the same way he tried to kill Harry fourteen years ago. Yet then, a stranger comes between the two of them and beats the Dark Lord away. He touches Harry's scar, and the pain immediately disappears. He whispers promises that together, he and Harry will destroy the Dark Lord forever. Harry could not tell who this person was at first. For a long time, we thought it was Dumbledore. Then Harry saw him more clearly after they met at the first of the year. It was Undertaker."

"Yes. Can you tell me more about him?"

"I know very little, but I do not trust him." Sirius threw up his arms and said sarcastically, "He's so cool-headed and smooth, like he has all the answers. He's almost like an American politician. You need to understand the Board of Governors to see how shady he really is. A governor must have a student in the school to serve, but Undertaker does not have a student. A governor is usually a respected member of the community, but no one knows Undertaker or where he came from. Well, perhaps the Malfoys do. Apparently he had been sent to tutor young Draco over the summer holiday, but they aren't talking."

"Malfoy? I know a boy named Malfoy."

"That's Draco. His father Lucius used to be a governor as well. He is a strong supporter of the Dark Lord. But back to my point. The Ministry of Magic appointed Undertaker as governor before the school year began. Such an act is unprecedented! It makes no sense. Minister Cornelius Fudge refuses to believe that the Dark Lord was back in power. The only thing I can figure is that he was too charmed to pass Undertaker up. Plus, for a governor, Undertaker has too much power, and his regulations don't even make sense! He restricts the school too much. It's all in the name of protection of course, but how is limiting students to one hour to every activity protecting them? He takes away their only chances to be free at the nearby village. I am actually amazed that he still allows Quidditch, but apparently he loves it. He comes to every game. There's a rumor that he somehow has constant surveillance of the castle, and I don't doubt it. Most of the students and teachers hate him."

"What about that other title of his, High Inquisitor?"

"That was also created by the Ministry for no reason. Originally, it was supposed to be Professor Umbridge alone handling that duty, since she works for the Ministry. Word is Undertaker volunteered the position so that she could concentrate on teaching, but there were certain teachers Umbridge had to evaluate along with him. The Ministry compromised and made her co-High Inquisitor and gave her more privileges. She and Undertaker hardly ever agree with each other when they work together. It's ridiculous.

"But I'm not worried about Umbridge. I do have a feeling, however, that Undertaker is vindictive and dangerous. You see, Dumbledore had his own plans to defeat the Dark Lord. When the Dark Lord arose to power last spring, Dumbledore summoned an elite group of wizards and witches, of which I am a member. We're called the Order of the Phoenix. We are very formidable and are not afraid of the Dark Lord. But ever since Undertaker has come on the scene, the members of this group have been attacked one by one, becoming completely incapacitated. Many of them were very powerful. They should have avoided the attacks. It's a big mystery."

"And you are sure that Undertaker is behind it?"

"I feel strongly confident that he is. We know it's not a member of the Order. That makes another mystery--how does he know about the Order at all? We're a secret organization. We don't talk about being in the Order outside. Dumbledore's the Secret Keeper, so no one can find this place, our headquarters, unless Dumbledore reveals it to the person. Obviously, Dumbledore hasn't talked to the attacker, or I would have been attacked by now."

"Why do you say that?"

"Dumbledore won't let me leave this place because of my past." Sirius muttered. "It's a long story, but it's enough to say that I am charged with crimes of which I am not guilty."

At the sound of that, Jack felt some sympathy. "As am I. Do you have a bounty on your head?"

Sirius nodded his head. "Ten thousand galleons. That's the highest amount of currency in our world. You?"

"Two googolplex."

"Two--what?"

"Two googolplex. As I understand it, it is a large number. I do not know the currency well, but whatever it is, it is enough to make one rich."

"Whoa. What did you do?" Sirius laughed. "It's really hard being cooped up here, though. I'm one of the last members of the Order left. There are some in Hogwarts and a few that are in London. This house has been empty for a very long time, and Umbridge has cut off my communication with Harry. I've been really lonely."

Jack nodded. "I understand. My family, my home, and everything that I love is just beyond my grasp as well."

"Oh, that's right. You're from the past originally. Dumbledore told me how the Dark Lord cast a spell on you to send you to the distant future. I imagine that's about just as bad, if not worse. I'd hate to be in a place where it feels like I could never at least see Harry again. It feels like all my other friends have been torn from me."

Sirius sighed and shook his head. "Anyhow, that's why Dumbledore and I both agree that Undertaker is really working for the Dark Lord. I think that is a major part of why Dumbledore called upon you. The other reason must be because of Harry. He trusts Undertaker too much. It's come to a point that he trusts Undertaker more than he does Dumbledore. That's just too unbelievable. I've tried to advise him to keep his distance from Undertaker, and he yelled at me!"

"So, Undertaker is responsible for Harry's dishonorable behavior."

"Best I could tell, yes. Don't you begin to think he is like this all the time. He is a courageous, sharp lad, just like his father. He has changed. Of course, I tell myself I should have expected this. He is 15 after all, and you know how hormones and emotions are at that age. Still, I feel as though there is something beyond that."

Jack bowed his head. "Thank you, Sirius. You have illuminated my course. Now, I shall not be lost."

Sirius laughed. "We will talk again later."

Jack bade Sirius goodbye and went upstairs. When the samurai was gone, Sirius reached into his pocket and once again read Dumbledore's cryptic instructions:

Sirius,

You may speak to Jack if you wish. Make sure you follow these two conditions:

--Do not mention Voldemort's name, but hide it the way the general wizard public does.

--Do not speak Harry's surname.

Please do not ask me now why I give you these rules, only understand that the samurai would interpret them differently than you would expect.

"But Dumbledore, I want to know!" Sirius thought aloud. "He says I illuminated his path. I hope it's the right one."

**************

The holidays were not very pleasant. Jack did not talk to the Weasleys, Hermione (the special Christmas guest Sirius had mentioned earlier), or Sirius much, and they talked little to him. All they really spoke about was Malfoy and how Jack could get hold of some Veritaserum. Hermione and Ron gave Jack late Christmas presents, but he had little to give them in return, save a cup of tea and a bow of gratitude. Harry refused to even look at him.

The final day of the holidays, Snape came to call, but he only spoke to Harry and Sirius. Jack stood over the banister, but he did not hear a thing. Yet before Snape left Sirius saw Jack up there and put in a plea for some of the potion.

"What for?" Snape asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

"We, er, have a suspect in the attacks against the Order."

"Do you think I would trust you after your outburst? No, Black."

"But--"

"Six o'clock, Monday evening," Snape said sharply to Harry and turned for the door. Sirius, however, pursued the professor.

"Look, like it or not, you're a member of the Order too, and you got to do your part. You're lucky you have been spared. What makes you think that you're not an easy target?"

"It's not going to happen," Snape replied.

"Why, because you're a strong wizard? You know that's not going to help you. I very seriously doubt that being under Hogwarts' roof with Dumbledore's going to save you either, Snivelus." Sirius crossed his arms. "The only other reason I can think is that you might be in on it."

Snape glared. Finally, he pulled out of his robe a small, glass bottle and a tiny cup. He put a drop or two of the potion into the cup. Then he got out his wand. "Aqua," he whispered. A few drops of water dripped from his wand and into the glass. Snape put a lid on the cup and shook it furiously, then handed it to Sirius.

"Now, why did you dilute it?"

"I have offered Harry unnecessary help, and I have given you five minutes to get out a confession. You know I'm hardly ever this charitable. I suggest that you take it." Without another word, he walked out the door.

Sirius went up the stairs and handed Jack the sample. "I'm sorry that git diluted the potion, but it should still work. Just slip it into anything Draco is drinking, and he'll tell you what Undertaker is really up to. You'll only have five minutes, though."

"That is generous enough. I thank you," Jack answered with a bow.

"Jack, I'll help you," Hermione offered. "I have a plan."

"I would appreciate your help," Jack said with a nod.

The next day they took a ride back to Hogwarts on the Knight Bus, and things got back to normal. Monday evening finally came around, the moment Jack was waiting for--the sibyl's reading.

"Tea, my dear?" the sibyl asked softly as he came in.

"Please," Jack said with a bow. She cocked an eyebrow and poured him a cup. "Thank you," Jack said nodding. The tea had leaves floating in it. Jack hadn't seen tea fixed this way in a long time. He often wondered what happened to the tealeaves after it was prepared in Aku's time. The tea was very good, just as he remembered it from the days of his youth. "Thank you for the refreshment," he said upon finishing.

"Wait!" the sibyl said. "Swish the dregs three times and turned the cup upside down on the saucer. Then we shall begin."

Jack wasn't sure about this strange request, but then understood. She probably could read tealeaves. So he did what she asked and handed her the saucer. She sat back down in her seat and lifted the teacup. "Oh no!"'

The sibyl went very pale and started backing away. "I, I should have known. You're going to . . . to--oh dear!"

"What is it?"

"The signs are clear. You are an agent of the Dark One!" She handed him the saucer back. Jack was amazed. It was clearly a representation of Aku. The sibyl collapsed into an armchair. "Take me. Do not prolong the inevitable. I am ready."

"You do not understand. I do not work for him. He is my sworn enemy."

The sibyl looked at the tealeaves once again. "Wait. Yes. I remember. The sign of the Dark One means that a powerful enemy is hunting you. I apologize for overreacting. I should have started with the Crystal Orb. We shall do that now."

Jack was looking forward to this. Perhaps this sibyl could see how he will return to his home, and it would make his journey much easier.

The sibyl pulled out the crystal ball from under the table. "Now, concentrate. Clear your thoughts. Leave your spirit free."

That wasn't too difficult a task. Jack does that in some way every morning. He closed his eyes and breathed slowly. The sibyl grabbed his hands and started chanting quietly. Suddenly, tambourine and chimes hanging from the ceiling started jingling, but there was not a breath of air in the room.

"Good," the sibyl said quietly.

"What is happening?"

"Shh!" the sibyl hissed. "Concentrate!"

Jack tried to concentrate again, but he had to admit he was a little "creeped out." His eyes kept darting to the jangling charms as he wondered what was going on.

"Good. I'm beginning to see something."

Jack leaned over to get a better look at the crystal, but he couldn't see anything. "What is it?"

"It is a dark cloud, an evil presence, ever changing. It is dominating." She answered his unasked question. "Yes, it is the Dark One. But there is something breaking it, like a ray of light. It is long and narrow, like a blade. The light is growing stronger. It just might win."

The sibyl continued to look intently into the crystal. Jack was at a loss. Why was she seeing in symbols? This was not the prediction he was hoping to hear.

"Things are starting to become clearer now. I'm beginning to see people. They're fighting. The good is winning, but just barely. It is, it is--what?!?"

Jack nearly jumped out of his chair. "What is it? What do you see?"

"Nothing, that's what. The vision suddenly stopped. It was as though the spirits just pulled the plug. It's never happened before."

"Is it, I mean am I going to, to . . ."

"I don't know. Let me see your palm."

Jack reluctantly stretched out his right hand. She took it and examined it with her fingers. "You do have a long lifeline. It almost desires for more hand so that it may continue to extend. Hmmm, your hands have seen better days. All these cuts, scars, and scorch marks. But no, you won't die, not anytime soon."

"So, what does this mean?"

"It is hard to say. I won't settle for this! I want to know what this means as much as you do. I can see if there is anything wrong with the orb, and we shall meet again in a couple of days."

So Jack returned to the common room, upset that he did not learn anything. Hermione met him at the fireplace.

"There you are! I've been looking all over for you!" she said breathlessly.

"I told you, tonight would not be good to--"

"I know, but . . . sit down. I need to ask you something."

Jack sat down. Hermione pulled out her wand and whispered something under her breath. Silver sparks flew out of the tip of her wand and settled on her face. "OK. Here's the deal. Do you remember that secret organization I told you about?"

"Yes."

"I understand, you're probably still not interested in participating, but I want to extend an offer to you. Let me tell you more about it. We call ourselves Dumbledore's Army. We have about thirty people, and we are just practicing and learning some of your most common defenses. Like I said before, it's all the kind of stuff that we're supposed to learning in Professor Umbridge's class, stuff beyond just learning the theory. Well, the thing is Harry is our teacher normally, since he's also been against You-Know-Who, but recently Harry's been taking, uh, Remedial Potions with Snape."

"So, that is what Snape is doing."

"Well, yeah. Anyhow, with this and O.W.L.s coming up and all our homework, I'm afraid D.A. would bog Harry down. So, I was thinking that maybe while this is going on you could be like a co-leader. You know, like a substitute, a stand in. I think you could share with us a few secrets about what it's like to face You-Know-Who as well."

"I . . . am flattered, but I fear there is little that I can teach you."

"Come on. I'm sure you know loads of stuff."

"Yes, but it took almost twenty years to learn it. And I can not teach much magic."

"You can face him without magic? Wow, that makes it all the more amazing."

"Let me think about it over the night."

Hermione nodded, and Jack started making his way into the common room. A crowd had gathered, and Jack was fighting his way through. He had heard bits of the reason why. Fred and George had invented some sort of magical toy called the Headless Hat. Jack didn't see what it was until he got to the front of the group. It caused one's head to be invisible. George tried to put one on Jack's head as he was going, but Jack dodged him as he was thinking of Hermione's proposal. He could do this. He taught a wild man and a tribe of frightened snow gorillas defense, in exchange for their knowledge of how to, as they say, "jump good." But this was different. The tribe was protecting themselves from other gorillas, not a shapeshifting wizard. Jack was afraid this would reveal that he was a mortal.

He got in bed hoping that his mysterious dreams would give him some guidance. Just before he fell asleep, he heard strange noises. Harry had fallen upon the floor. Ron screamed Harry's name over and over. Harry began to laugh maniacally, like Aku.

Jack sprang from his bed. "What is going on?"

Harry looked at him, and his eyes flashed. He leapt up and charged for Jack. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Harry screamed. Jack had no choice but to use some of his countermoves against Harry. He did not injure Harry too badly, but it seemed to shock Harry back to his senses.

Ron gaped at Jack. "Man, there's more to you than I know. So, Harry, what was that about?"

"I dunno," he answered quietly. "He's really happy . . . really happy . . . "

"You-Know-Who is?"

"Something good's happened. Something he's been hoping for."

"Then why did you throw a tantrum?"

"I don't know. Somehow, he was really happy, but then I felt really angry that he's happy. I don't know if that's me or . . . someone else. It's weird."

Ron talked to Harry more, and Jack ran down the stairs. "Hermione!"

She turned to him clearly annoyed. "For the last time, it's Her-my-own-ee! When are you going to get my name right?"

"I will do it," Jack said with determination.

"Get my name right?"

"Actually, I mean," Jack lowered his voice, "teach Dumbledore's Army."