Harry Potter and the Trail of Stars

CONVERSATIONS

"Harry!" exclaimed Hermione, "How did you know you were prophesizing?"

"Because only people who are true seers know. Trelawney never knew anything because she wasn't a true seer. She was only related by blood, and had little of the real gift," replied Harry.

"How do you know that? Even I didn't know that!" asked Hermione. Harry shrugged.

"Aw...Is poor Athena losing her touch?" came Ron, giving Hermione a smirk, which was returned with a nasty glare.

"Dunno. Must be a seer thing," said Harry. "But I don't remember everything I said. I only know that I was prophesizing."

"I think it was an important prophecy," started Charlie.

"So we have to remember what the prophecy was," continued Ron.

"Yeah, because I've got a feeling it has to do with this war," ended Ginny.

"See? The sentence continuation thing isn't only for twins!" exclaimed Fred.

"Does anyone remember the whole prophecy?" asked Charlie.

"Well, I remember the last part, where he said 'and the end soon comes,'" offered George.

"Wait! Here, Hermione," exclaimed Ginny, as she got out a piece of parchment and a quill.

"Okay. I'll write down whatever we remember," said Hermione, as she wrote 'then end soon comes' at the bottom of the parchment.

"Anybody remember anything else?" asked Charlie.

"The first part. 'After they are found, together all go on a quest," said Ginny, as Hermione recorded it down.

"I remember the part right before 'and the end soon comes.' It's 'But beware, the dark will escape,'" said Ron.

"'Not until the key is found and the lyre unlocked.' I think that may be somewhere in the middle," said Fred.

"Oooh! I think I remember something else. 'Sacrifice, their choice of heart,'" exclaimed Ginny, "I think that was after what Fred remembered."

"What do we have so far?" asked Harry. Hermione looked down at the parchment.

"After they are found, together all go on a quest. Not until the key is found and the lyre unlocked. Sacrifice, their choice of heart. But beware, the dark will escape, and the end soon comes," read Hermione.

"That's shorter than what Harry said," said Charlie, frowning. "What are we missing?"

"'The creature unleashed and the portals will open,'" said two new voices. They looked towards the door, and there was Neville and Luna.

"How long have you been here?" asked Ron.

"We bumped into each other in the hallways after we heard some people running here. And I decided to investigate," said Luna.

"What she said. And I followed. We were here ever since Harry began his prophecy. None of you guys noticed us," said Neville.

"The part we remembered comes right after the first part," said Luna, starting to sound musical again.

"Okay. If all of us remembered right, and if all the positions of these parts are right, then here's the prophecy. 'After they are found, together all go on a quest. Not until the key is found and the lyre unlocked. The creature unleashed and the portals will open. Sacrifice, their choice of heart. But beware, the dark will escape, and the end soon comes," said Hermione.

"Yeah. That was the one," said Ginny.

"It is the right one," said Luna. "And I say we should not reveal it to anyone else yet. We don't know who may be watching."

"Who?" asked Ron.

"Anything. The walls might sometimes grow eyes. Spies. This prophecy is obviously about the war, and it can't fall into the wrong hands, can it?" came Luna.

"No. She's right. I'll keep it with me, but there are no eyes in the walls," said Hermione.

"What do we do with it?" asked Ron.

"Duh, ickle Ronniekins. We show any one of the five leaders!" said George.

"Isn't Dumbledore coming over tonight? He said so early this morning after the meeting," said Fred.

"What's today, the 26^th?" asked Ron.

"The 26^th," agreed Harry.

"Tomorrow's it," said Hermione quietly.

"The Awakening," agreed Charlie.

"Let's go downstairs, shall we? I'm starving," said Ron, as they all nodded, and followed.

"And Harry!" called Fred.

"Would you mind showing us some of your new powers after breakfast?" asked George.

"Harry is going to be needing some breakfast now, and that's where we're all going, and he hasn't got time to show you magic. He's got to do his homework, right Harry?" asked Hermione.

"Oh c'mon, Hermione. He's got a whole month to do his homework. I haven't even started mine yet!" said Ron.

"And it's about time you should!" exclaimed Hermione.

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"So. Now that we're all fed. Tell us Harry. What new magic have you got?" asked Sirius.

"What do you mean? I'm supposed to tell you everything I know?" asked Harry.

"Every single detail!" said Fred.

"And mind you don't leave anything out," added George. There was a small crowd in the kitchen, waiting anxiously for Harry to talk. All the Weasley's were there, except Anna. Neville, Luna, Hermione.

"So, Harry. What about those powers?" asked Sirius, grinning.

"Powers? 'Arry? Oh right. Magus," said Mundungus, entering the kitchen.

"I can't really do those powers yet. Dumbledore has to train me," said Harry.

"I know. Tell us all about them," explained Sirius.

"Yeah. All that stuff Dumbledore said to you this morning when everyone left. That freaked me out," said Ron.

"Okay. I have Mind Speech, as you all know," said Harry.

"Go on," pushed Sirius.

"I'm also the Lord Magus, so I have the Call of the Lord, which means any object near me will have access to intelligence, and they can move, and physically change themselves to suit my needs. So if I'm too tired to reach for that banana over there, the banana will come to me," said Harry.

"So...you can make the banana peel by itself without a wand?" asked Hermione.

"Probably. It fits with the Call," answered Harry.

"What else?" asked Charlie.

"I can probably turn my wand into an Archimage Sceptor," said Harry.

"Archimage?" asked several voices.

"It's another name for the Lord Magus," said Hermione, "The Lord Magus is too much different than the other two Magids, and has more different powers. Harry is an Archimage."

"I can probably easily do Legilimency on you guys," said Harry, waiting for their response. They gasped. "Don't worry, I won't," added Harry. "I'm also a Megacosmagus," said Harry.

"What's that?" asked Ron.

"You can speak to animals!" exclaimed Hermione. "Well...different animals other than snakes," she added. Everyone's eyebrows rose.

"So...can you talk to me in my dog form?" asked Sirius. Harry shrugged.

"What kinds of animals can you talk to?" asked Neville. Harry shrugged again.

"It depends on your level of power and heart," said Hermione. "It's a rare gift, just like how Tonks is a Metamorphmagus. She's not a very powerful Witch, so her skills are limited. And if an ordinary witch or wizard is a Megacosmagus, they won't be able to speak to as many animals as Harry can. Also, if a dark wizard has those powers, he might only be able to speak to a few animals of his choice."

"So. Can Harry speak to every animal there is? Even magical ones?" asked Neville.

"No, to the first question. All power has limitations, of course. That's why there is a Burn Out. As for the second question, there is no real difference between magical creatures and normal creatures. Each animal has a unique feature or gift. The snake may have venomous fangs, but the lion has claws. The Thestrals may be invisible to some people, but the chameleon can camouflage itself from people. Depends on the way you look at it," said Luna. She calmly reached for her glass of water, and began to drink it.

"So. Harry might be able to talk to many kinds of animals then," said Ron, bringing them all out of their daze.

"Can you turn into a dog, Harry?" asked Sirius excitedly.

"No," answered Harry. His Godfather suddenly lost that mischievous spark.

"But I can turn into several," Harry added, and he saw Sirius's eyes light up again.

"So you're like the other lady. What do you mean by that? Do you mean several kinds of dogs? Or several kinds of animals?" asked Fred.

"Several kinds of animals. I might be able to turn into several kinds of dogs. I don't know. Geldrelline told me I was a Miscellanimagus," explained Harry.

"Good Lord! You can turn into a lot more than several animals!" exclaimed Sirius.

"So tell me Harry. Can you turn into a Ferret? Then we could make the real Draco disappear for a while, and place the Ferret right where he usually is, and then the whole school would be in riot!" exclaimed Ron.

"No! We'll get expelled for doing that!" said Hermione.

"Oh. Well, it was good while it lasted. Suits the slimy git," said Ron.

"Anything else?" asked Bill.

"Well, Geldrelline said that I had the Air, Water, and Earth Elemental powers. When I receive my new Magus powers tomorrow, she said I'll receive the Fire Elemental," said Harry.

"You're a multiple Elementalist!" exclaimed Hermione.

"But he doesn't have the full Elementals' powers. No ordinary Wizard or Witch can be a full Elementalist. After he receives the Fire Elemental, his other three Elementals will grow stronger," said Luna, simply, now eating a cookie that Mrs. Weasley had made earlier.

"And how do you know all that?" asked Ron.

"I'm a Ravenclaw, the house of wits and brilliance. Just because Hermione reads and learns a lot, doesn't mean no one else does," said Luna.

"Oh. Ah," replied Ron, not knowing what else to say.

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"Harry! Dumbledore isn't arriving here until after dinner! You've got nothing else to do. You and Ron should start on your homework!" stormed Hermione.

"Relax. We got a whole month to do that," said Ron.

"What if something comes up during that month? Better to do it early than late!" yelled Hermione.

"Did you finish all your homework?" asked Harry.

"No! There's a lot of homework. That's why you're never going to finish it if you start at the last minute!" said Hermione. "Do you even know what homework you have?"

"No," replied Ron and Harry.

"At least Harry had a reason. Did you ever bother to look at the package professor McGonagall handed to us at the last day?" asked Hermione.

"No," replied Ron.

"Well, you should, because not all of it is on Transfiguration," said Hermione.

"Really," said Ron, looking bored.

"There's homework on other different subjects that we haven't taken yet. I think there's going to be new subjects added this year. Did you read in the Daily Prophet that Dumbledore finally got permission from the Ministry to have new classes?" asked Hermione.

"New subjects?" asked Harry.

"Yes new subjects!" answered Hermione.

"About what?" asked Ron and Harry.

"The thing is, it doesn't say. It's probably an introduction to subjects," replied Hermione.

"Oh. Is dinner ready? I'm starving."

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"Ron, look at this!" exclaimed Harry, after he took out Professor McGonagall's package.

"Blimey! That's a whole stackful!" exclaimed Ron, in horror.

"You'd better start now," said Hermione.

"Everyone else got this too?" asked Harry.

"Ginny and Luna both received this. But they don't have to do this homework. They can either do it this summer, or next summer. But they chose to do it this summer. I think we're allowed to pick what year to learn the new subjects, and since we're sixth years, I don't think we have too much of a choice," explained Hermione.

"Animal Totems," read Harry. "Please give five examples and describe in detail what each animal represents."

"Animal Totems? Isn't that what the seat name was going on about?" asked Ron.

"Uh huh. Neville's animal totem is the lion," said Hermione.

"After you have looked up many of the animal totems, please choose the animal totem that you believe best suits you," Harry read on.

"Where do we get all this information," asked Ron.

"That's mainly the reason I haven't been able to do this yet. I think we may need to buy those books," said Hermione.

"Great. More books," said Ron.

"Well, we can do that last. Just do your Transfiguration homework today," said Hermione. "It's on Animagi," she added.

"Wait. How come we're getting homework on it? Doesn't the O.W.L. sort of decide what subjects you're taking this year?" asked Harry.

"Well, yes. It does. Frankly I don't know why. We also have homework from every class," said Hermione. "We usually don't," she added. "It's all with the Transfiguration package."

"Even the elective classes?" asked Ron.

"I don't know. I got homework from all my classes," replied Hermione.

"Well, we don't have homework from Divination," said Harry, after looking through the pile of parchments.

"I thought we were allowed to drop our electives," said Ron.

"Well, it appears there was a change of mind," said Hermione.

"So. We're going to be taking all our main classes for N.E.W.T.s even if we didn't get an O.W.L. for it...and we're still taking our elective classes...except for Divination...and we probably have a couple of new classes this year...hmm...Hermione? Harry and I aren't going to make it through the school year," said Ron, after some thought.

"Whoa, that's bad," said George, coming in the room.

"The worst," agreed Fred.

"Tough luck little bro," said George.

"Thank Merlin we don't have to go back to Hogwarts," said Fred.

"I shudder to think who you'll have your classes with this year. The sixth year's the worst. We got most of our classes with Ravenclaws, and they really made us look bad," said George.

"Of course you'll make it. I don't think the teachers expect us to do that much for one day. I expect classes will be more spread throughout the weeks," said Hermione.

"But still..." came Ron.

"Actually, I think you're better off if you do both Transfiguration and Potions homework today," said Hermione. "You could leave Defense Against the Dark Arts and History of Magic for tomorrow."

"What do we have to do for Defense and History?" asked Harry.

"Well...for Defense Against the Dark Arts, you have to write about the different ways of Dueling methods, including Muggle ways. For History of Magic, you have to read a few chapters of The Great Goblin and Giant Rebellion and how it affects the world today," said Hermione.

"Great...What do we got to do for Potions?" asked Ron.

Hermione opened her mouth, and then hesitated.

"Well?" asked Harry.

"You have to write a three foot long paper on The Draught of Living Death. It's not that hard, don't worry. You also have to write a ten inch long paper on the Occumendis Potion. And...you have to write a paragraph on the potion which Voldemort came back using, the potion that Pettigrew made that night in the graveyard," said Hermione.

"Oh," said Harry. "But no one else but me and the Death Eaters saw it. And I thought Voldemort said it was his invention or something like that."

"There are always new books coming out, Harry," said Hermione. "But that potion is old magic. It's not really common, and Voldemort probably improvised on it too."

"Snape assigned that homework, right?" asked Ron.

"Well, of course," replied Hermione.

"So maybe we won't have to do the homework since he's dead!" declared Ron.

"What a nasty thing to say, Ron. Professor Snape wasn't a bad person. He was on our side, and that's how he died. Have some respect for the dead!" Hermione answered.

"Besides. There's probably going to be a new Potions professor anyway," said Harry.

"And we need a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor," added Hermione.

"Think it's going to be another Ministry official?" asked Ron.

Harry shook his head. "No. It really can't be," said Harry. "I think the Defense Against the Dark Arts homework was assigned by someone else. Umbridge wouldn't exactly teach us Dueling techniques."

"Well, we've got to go, mates. It's near closing time," said Fred, as the twins walked out of the room.

"So how come they're not Apparating anymore?" asked Harry.

"Magic. Anti-Apparation spell by Dumbledore. That's why everyone had to arrive on foot," explained Hermione.

"And what happened to Sirius's mum?" asked Harry.

"We don't know. She sorta lost her touch," said Ron.

"Fine. I see you're stalling to do your homework," said Hermione, giving them both a glare.

"What time is it?" asked Ron. Harry checked his watch.

"Eight," he replied.

"Dumbledore should be arriving soon," said Hermione. "I guess you can do your homework tomorrow."

"Where's Anna? Doesn't she feel left out at all?" asked Harry. "I haven't really seen her except for meals and right before the meeting."

"She does feel left out. But mum is going though desperate measures to make sure she doesn't get involved," said Ron.

"Did you see her often? I mean before now?" asked Harry.

"Course we did. Every summer, and weekends before I started Hogwarts. So it's like we've always lived with her," said Ron.

"That's nice," said Hermione, not paying attention now. She was reading Harry's prophecy again. "Nothing. I absolutely have no idea what this is about! Well of course it's about this war, but I fail to see how the Lyre is part of it. It's an ancient constellation and Greek myth. An instrument, actually. Unless if it's referring to--no...couldn't be...but perhaps..."

Harry and Ron both looked at each other, questioningly.

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The door opened, and Dumbledore and Erupses stepped in, soaked from the rain. Erupses glared at the mansion with loathe and dislike.

"Now, now. We've been over this before. You must act the same towards everyone. You know what is at risk...Evanus," said Dumbledore quickly, before they walked into the circular room, which was deemed, the 'living room,' since it was usually where people sat and chat.

Harry looked up, and nudged Ron and Hermione, who both looked up.

"Nice evening we're having," said Dumbledore merrily. Sirius looked at Erupses.

"Thought you were the Mentor, Dumbledore," said Sirius.

"It was not my choice to come, and I certainly didn't ask for it," said Erupses, looking irritably at Sirius.

"We are all on the same side. I asked Evanus to come. He will help me," said Dumbledore. "So will Gladria, Aberforth, and Minerva. Anyone of us will do. They are all on other business tonight. Harry, tonight, we will go over some facts and basics about your powers," said Dumbledore. At this, everyone's ears perked up, and they watched expectantly.

"Can anyone who does not need to be present, step out of this room? We need peace," snapped Erupses. Harry watched as some people left, muttering angrily.

"That also means the rest of you too," said Erupses, looking at the few people in front of him.

"Please, Professor Dumbledore. We won't make any noise. May we stay?" asked Hermione.

"Certainly. I most certainly did not expect you to leave," said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling. Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna, and Sirius stayed.

"Now. Geldrelline told you some of your current powers. She did not tell you all of it, as she told me this morning," began Dumbledore.

"We feel that you will not need training in your Mind Speech, as you already figured out how to use it," said Erupses. "Now, while I feel it is necessary to teach you how to be invisible without an invisibility cloak, Albus feels that it's necessary for you to train your Call."

"You do not have full control of it. Many of things that you've accomplished with that was an accident, as you know. We want to train you to call on it whenever necessary," said Dumbledore.

At this point, Erupses handed Dumbledore his wand, and gestured for Harry to do the same. They watched as the three wands connected, and melded into a thick long staff, and then with a flash of white, the wand broke apart into the three wands again.

"What was that for?" asked Sirius.

"It's necessary for that to happen. The three wands now share a connection," said Erupses.

"But you're not the Mentor," said Sirius.

"You're right, I'm not," said Erupses.

"My wand already has a connection to the other four leaders. Harry will also have that connection," said Dumbledore.

"What's the connection for?" asked Hermione.

"Is it for the wands to recognize each other? And for the wands to recognize each of the five leaders plus Harry?" asked Luna.

"Yes. It seems we have some competition," replied Dumbledore, chuckling, and looking at Hermione and Luna.

"But what's it for?" asked Ron.

"You won't understand it now," answered Erupses. "Albus, I would like to be out of this place sometimes tonight!" he snapped, glancing at the clock in the room.

"Of course. The Call must be trained. I think tonight should be the basics. Harry, what were you thinking when you were trying to fix your wand?" asked Dumbledore.

"I was just thinking about how I needed my wand and that I couldn't have any other wand," replied Harry.

"And what were you thinking when the door to Trinia's house opened?" asked Dumbledore.

"I guess I was just really exhausted to think. I mean, I think I was talking to myself, asking my arm to raise higher to knock on the door," replied Harry.

"I think by now you know the key ingredient to using the Call?" asked Erupses.

"Desire? But I was still sleeping when the window in my cupboard expanded!" Harry exclaimed.

"That is true. Desire is the ingredient when using your conscious mind," said Dumbledore. "Your subconscious mind is always awake and alert, Harry."

"Everything that Muggle scientists or doctors, or those psychologists may believe about the mind, is irrelevant. Mostly false. When you are awake, mostly your conscious mind takes over. Your subconscious mind stands back and observes, and when it is necessary, it takes over the conscious mind. The subconscious mind reacts faster than the conscious mind. It is also more intelligent and the less used part. Muggles hardly ever use that part of their minds to think and act. Only people who have magic powers use it frequent. When you perform a spell, the subconscious mind takes over to access your magical core. When you were asleep, your subconscious mind took over. It can see what is going on, and that's how it used the Call," said Erupses.

"I believe that is enough about the Call. You are intelligent enough to understand what must be done in order to use the Call. Of course, we will train you, but that is only when you've reached a certain level, where you need help and assistance," said Dumbledore.

"The Call does not require much energy, as it is mostly guided by your everyday needs and thoughts, as Mind Speech," said Erupses.

"Harry. Do you recall your first year, when I told you that I do not require an invisibility cloak to become invisible?" asked Dumbledore.

"Er...Yeah," replied Harry, thinking back to the Mirror of Erised.

"Well? What are your thoughts on that?" asked Erupses.

"I dunno. Not many people can do that. Obviously hard?" suggested Harry.

"No doubt," said Erupses.

"I will give you clues. It is not up to the Mentor to tell the Magid everything or train them on everything. The Magid must figure most things out for themselves. And you've already figured out how to use the Call. A note of warning: Emotions matter. If in an event, like the situations with your Aunt Marge, you become over emotional or angry, the Call can happen accidentally, just Accidental Magic. But unlike it, it will only make accidents that the Call can. For example, the incident with Accidental Magic of a few weeks ago with the Power Cloud, had made a lighting bolt. Not an ordinary one, and we are not sure what it does, since it has only happened to two people in the last century. You will find that the Department of Mysteries is still working on it. The Call affects objects or plants around you. It can move, grow, and physically change its appearance. Accidental Magic on the Call can result in objects near you colliding with other things or people. The person that you may currently be mad with can get seriously injured or shocked," said Dumbledore.

"The first step is controlling your emotions, and we know just how well you control them. Your level of control is very well below exceedingly poor. I have been very well informed of your past...management skills. Any worse, and we would have sent you to a special Emotional Control Skills class at Hogwarts. Commonly known as Anger Management, for Muggles. Believe me, we have those classes at Hogwarts. Lee Jordan had to attend four sessions of those classes ever since he had begun the commenting for Quidditch. He didn't enjoy it very much. And I needlessly point out that no doubt you would not find it entertaining," threatened Erupses. "Use whichever method suits you. I believe your friends might help you with that." Ron gave a small glance at Hermione, who was paying the deepest attention to them, taking in every word. Luna had a look of enchantment on her face, as usual. Neville looked like he wished nothing better then to crawl into a hole and disappear while Erupses was speaking.

"Don't be alarmed. Having trouble controlling anger is common among many people. I would also advise you to not keep your anger bottled up inside you. When you feel the emotion rising, find a way to calm yourself. We do not want anyone outside the Order to find out who the Lord Magus is. No doubt Voldemort is already on the search," said Dumbledore. This had reminded Harry of the dream he had this morning.

"Professor! I just remembered something. This morning I woke up from a dream..." started Harry.

"Yes?" asked Erupses.

"Voldemort is looking for the Lord Lagus. He's getting a lot of his Death Eaters to read every newspaper or magazine for anything that might have to do with Magids. He's getting Bellatrix Lestrange to spy on possible Order Members with an invisibility cloak...and," Harry trailed off, think about what Voldemort was saying before Harry had woken up.

"Keep going," insisted Dumbledore.

"He said something about the Weasleys and how they could have been great, but chose the losing side. He said something about using persuasion...and that some people might change..." said Harry, avoiding looking at Ron.

There was a moment of silence, in which everyone was thinking about those words. Finally, Dumbledore looked up, and spoke.

"No doubt Voldemort wants spies in our inner circle. My guess is that he'll try to use many methods of persuasion to...try to lure the Weasleys to his side..." said Dumbledore, looking at Ron, who was wide-eyed.

"And if that fails...he might resort to...other measures..." said Erupses.

"Has Percy made contact with his family since the Hearing and besides seeing his father at work?" asked Dumbledore.

"No...well...he wrote this letter to me, after he found out that I was made prefect. And he told me to follow his footsteps and to start avoiding you and Harry," said Ron, hesitantly.

"Voldemort has already begun the battle on your family," declared Dumbledore.

They all gasped.

"What-what d'you mean?" asked Harry.

"It has not occurred to me before. He is trying to first...split your family...as you may have noticed since last year," began Dumbledore.

"This is his strategy. Voldemort is no fool. He understands that he has to attack the family's relationship...that is to say...your heart. By luring Percy away from his family...he has tortured your parents' heart. This is how it begins," said Erupses.

"I understand well. He has manipulated Percy Weasley. That letter was no doubt, to steer you away from our side, though Percy does not realize where this is going. Nor does he realize that he is being used by Voldemort, a pawn in his game. I have been Headmaster for many years, and I have come to know each of my students very well, even if they do not know me well. Percy Weasley is ambitious, that is true, but not to the point where he will sell out his family to the dark side. Not to the point where he would betray his family for power. He is, after all, a Weasley. His behavior now...is of some mystery that I must look into soon. His family is at stake. And yes, as Evanus have said, Voldemort is needy of spies in our midst," said Dumbledore. "But please, Ron, don't be too much alarmed. Please inform the rest of your family members what Voldemort is up to, and to tell them to exercise caution, and to spread the word. By next week, I will expect to every member capable of throwing off the Imperious Curse completely. Today is the Wednesday the 26^th. Seven days, I will give them. There will be leaders here everyday. And when any member feels they are ready for this test, they will come to that leader. They will be tested by any one of the five leaders, and rest assured, it will be the strongest we can make it."

"We will tell every member who cannot be easily contacted, by using the ring. Spread the word here. Practice it. I want people who can cast this spell to cast it on the members for them to practice, with the exception of you, Potter," said Erupses.

"During the test, any member who has not successfully thrown off the curse by the time given will suffer my wrath. Yes, Longbottom, that is a threat, which will be carried out by me, personally," snapped Erupses, looking to see if anyone dared look anywhere else. "We understand that the Imperious Curse is illegal, but as far as that is concerned, no one out of the Order will know about it unless if you tell them!"

"Tell them they may wish to take the test anytime as long as there is a leader who has time to give the test. The deadline is a week from today, so I suggest you practice early. It's not an easy curse to throw off," said Dumbledore.

"Is there anything else to inform us?" asked Erupses. Hermione stood up, and walked over to them.

"Professor, Harry...well...I suppose after his...dream, he had a prophecy. His eyes glowed green and he was in a trance. And he spoke these words," said Hermione, handing the piece of parchment over to Dumbledore, who stared at it.

After several minutes, he pocketed it and put it into his cloak pocket.

"We don't understand what the prophecy is about, but we think it's about the war," said Hermione.

"You are correct," said Dumbledore. "Do you understand anything else about it?"

"I'm not sure. But the Lyre. It's not just talking about an ordinary Greek instrument, is it? Or is it something much more than just an instrument? And the Lyra Constellation?" asked Hermione.

"Go on," said Dumbledore.

"Well, I've read this Greek myth. Well, I honestly don't know if myths are truly myths anymore. After finding out about Atlantis...I don't know what's true and what's made up. In the myth, there was something about Zeus picking up the Lyre from a river, and placing it into the heavens to be a constellation. But I've got a feeling that this myth is another cover up for a true event," said Hermione.

"You are on the right track, Hermione," said Dumbledore, giving a hint of a smile. "However, now is not the time. You've heard some of us talk about the Line of Lyre during meetings...and yesterday's meeting. No doubt, this is mainly what this prophecy is about. The time for the true meaning of this prophecy to be revealed to the Order is not now. Next year, perhaps, if everything that was willed to happen has happened. After that, the prophecy will be told."

"Oh. Am I allowed to do research on it?" asked Hermione. Dumbledore smiled.

"You will not need to," replied Dumbledore. Hermione's eyebrows rose and went into deep thought, as she tried to understand what Dumbledore meant. Ron, however, didn't find any of this to be significant, as he exchanged similar glances with Neville. Luna, however, didn't react at all. If anything, she had an even more enchanted look about her, as though she knew everything.

"Now then. Animagition, the art of taking on the form of a creature. Miscellanimagus, a witch or wizard who can turn into several or many types of creatures. Of one animal, there can be many types. Different colored dogs, for example," said Dumbledore, turning to Sirius, who grinned. "An Animagus that can turn into one kind of animal with different features and types of that animal is a Multianimagus. For example, Sirius. He can turn into a large black dog and a small white dog. Some skilled Multianimagi can turn into one animal with three different types of it. Miscellanimagus powers vary with the different level of power of the Wizard. Right now, Harry, if you're well trained, you can probably turn into three types of spiders, three types of dogs, three types of eagles, three types of snakes, and the list goes on. Some...if they're extremely powerful, like you when you receive your new Magus Powers, will be able to turn into any animal they choose. But they have to understand the animal in order to change," said Dumbledore.

"So I-I could turn into any...any animal I want?" asked Harry, shocked.

"There are limits, but unfortunately, there hasn't been enough Magids to know exactly what the limit is. The first Lord Magus, Sirius Dyffinsor, could supposedly turn into any animal he choose, with his main form, the dog. The second Lord Magus, Forcantris, has turned into no less than two hundred animals with different types. He died before we could find out if he could into any animal he wanted," said Dumbledore.

"How did they both die?" asked Hermione.

"Sirius Dyffinsor was below the age of twenty when he was Awakened, at the age of ten. He died when he was eighteen, from the Burn Out. That was during the second war. There was too much to be done, and he could not just let it happen, and so he risked the Burn Out. He died shortly after the Burn Out. Forcantris was Awakened at the age of thirty-tree, during a time of harmony, so there was no real need of his powers, but he died when his friend, the Second Magus has turned on him, and killed him behind his back. The Second Magus is always dark," said Dumbledore.

"What about the other Magids?" asked Harry.

"Duffodil was the first Second Magus. He died by the hand of Haldimir, the first Third Magus. His powers were weak compared to Duffodil, but fortunately, Duffodil was too arrogant and that led to his downfall. Haldimir's death isn't known to us. But he seemed to have disappeared. Historians suggest that Duffodil might have died along with Duffodil, but no one is exactly sure," said Dumbledore.

"What are you going to do with the prophecy?" asked Hermione.

"Safe keep it. It is best that the Ministry does not get hold of this prophecy," answered Dumbledore.

"Animagition. To be the animal, you must know the animal. Not too much, but just know some facts about the animal, and you'll have to know what it looks like," said Erupses, getting back on the topic.

"To be the animal, you must picture yourself as the animal, but it is not as simple as that. Not to discourage anyone, but it took Sirius several years to be able to successfully turn into a dog and back again. Of course...it would have taken them a shorter amount of time if they had been looking in the right books in the beginning. A year and a couple of months were spent looking up information on Animagi. That's the price of being an Animagus without informing us," said Dumbledore, chuckling at Sirius, who's face turned red. "Of course, you and James were both intelligent enough to at last make your transformation without help." Sirius's eyes shone with a bit of pride, once again.

"It was also stupid," added Erupses, "But that is of course, my opinion."

"Sirius will help you with it. As I've said, Harry. It will take you a much less time then Sirius because you'll be receiving the right teaching and the right power. May I suggest you try turning into a dog first? It might take you a week to fully transform. Of course, the first couple of days may be hysterical for the people around you, as you might be walking along with a dog's tail for hours. Or maybe a dog's mouth and teeth. It depends which part you can transform first. And then you'll have to work on changing back to your original self," said Dumbledore.

"Er...Professor? Were you serious about keeping a tail?" asked Harry.

"Certainly he was serious. Transforming part of you into a dog is only one part. Changing back is another part. You can't go walking around with a tail for the rest of your life, can you?" came Sirius.

"Most of the five leaders will be back tomorrow, to witness the Awakening. Expect us around lunchtime," said Dumbledore, turning to leave. "Goodnight to you all. Harry, your training may begin anytime you wish. If you wish to try the transformation tonight, you can. That is not nearly enough magic for you to be Burnt Out."

Dumbledore turned back to look at Erupses. "Evanus? Clear Lake Manor then?" asked Dumbledore. Erupses nodded, as they walked off.

"Well then. That was interesting," said Ron.

"It certainly was," whispered Hermione, who was thinking back to the prophecy.

"D-did Erupses seem to be really mean, or is it just me?" asked Neville.

"Not really. He has a better temper then Snape," replied Ron.

"He doesn't seem to like anybody," commented Sirius. "The only good thing I can say about him is that he's better than Snape. Harry, do you want to start your training?"

"Dunno," replied Harry. "I guess."

"Okay. Dumbledore wants you to try the dog first. And the first step is knowing about dogs."

"I know lots about them. I lived with twenty-seven of them for a couple of weeks," replied Harry.

"Can you picture yourself as a dog?" asked Sirius. Harry thought for a moment, and he started to mentally picture Harry, the dog, and almost burst out in laughter.

"Each form that you take on, has to somehow have one your human features," said Sirius.

"Not your white dog form," said Ron.

"If you had looked closely at it, you would have seen that there was a small black spot on one of its paws. Birthmark. Very ugly," said Sirius.

"So what's going to be Harry's trademark?" asked Ron.

"Has to be something significant. Birthmarks, eye color, marks from glasses, scars. Anything unusual, probably," said Sirius.

"For your sake, Harry, it had better not be your green eye color, or that lightning bolt scar. Voldemort would probably know it's you in an instant," said Hermione.

"Yes. But not all markings appear in the place where it is in your human form. That black spot on the paw of my white dog form is actually a birthmark on the back of my neck. It doesn't necessarily have to be in the same place, though most of the times it is," said Sirius. He looked up at the clock. "An hour till midnight. What do you think, Harry? You want to try it?"

"I suppose," replied Harry.

"Now, I don't want you to be discouraged, Harry. Remember, it took your dad and I years to become Animagi," said Sirius.

"Yes...But Harry...unlike you...will receive proper instruction," said Hermione.

"Okay. Dumbledore expects you to fully transform into a dog within a week. But I find that impossible. Let's just see how far you go tonight," said Sirius.

"Right. Er...what do I have to do?" Harry asked, unable to contain his excitement in becoming a dog...or even part dog.

"You have to imagine yourself as the dog first. As you become more advanced, you won't have to think too much about it. It will become easier to control and manage as you go on. But now, I want you to imagine yourself as a dog. Think about dogs. Pretend you are a dog, because after all, you're going to become one anyway. Try to imagine fur all around you. Try to imagine a tail and paws, and a dog snout. Don't think you are a dog. Know you are a dog," said Sirius. "Understand?"

Harry nodded. He closed his eyes, and pictured a dog, and then pictured himself as a dog. He pictured a tail. And lost himself.

"Now, for the usual witch and wizard, a spell must first be performed to see what animal you are, and with what features. Normally, witches and wizards don't exactly know what they'll become, until the spell is performed. You, on the other hand, is a whole other story. Look! Dumbledore isn't even asking me to tell Harry the first couple of steps before turning into a dog. I don't understand how Harry is going to transform into a dog without first knowing what features his dog form may take. Sure, he can turn into several types...but still...How anyone can transform in a couple of days...when it takes the best witches and wizards months or weeks with proper training...and even if--Am I still being listened too?" asked Sirius, suddenly noticing the silence in the room, and that no one was paying any attention to him...at all.

His attention was caught by a large black dog, exactly as Sirius's black dog form. An exact replica...and then he peered closely at it. Green eyes. Emerald green eyes.

"Er...well done...Ahem...Harry..." said Sirius...after recovering from his shock.

The dog stared back at Sirius, with a curious look in its eyes, and it took one step, and tripped, and stared up at everyone laughing.

"Yes Harry...You're not...familiar with the dog...and I seem to have not told you that you would have to work on getting to know your dog form...and walking in a dog form is different than Human walking. You have...well...four legs now..." Sirius said.

"Harry? You there buddy?" asked Ron. "Can he hear us?"

"Of course he can Ron. Dogs aren't deaf. Sirius could hear you just fine when he was a dog," said Hermione. "I'm not quite sure that he knows how to bark."

"Er...is he going to turn back now?" asked Ron.

"Oh! That's what I left out. It didn't really occur to me that I might have to tell him that...well I didn't expect him to transform...all the way...Harry?" came Sirius. The dog seemed to be chewing its tongue for a while. And then came a small bark. And another. And more louder barks.

"Well, he's worked out how to bark, and...is he trying to talk to us?" asked Hermione. She and Ginny reached out to pet the dog. Neville hesitated...after staring at its sharp teeth...but then decided that Harry was his friend and that he wasn't going to attack him.

"Okay...er...Harry. Just imagine your old Harry self, just like you imagined...that dog," said Sirius. And Harry didn't respond, and barked again.

"What's he saying?" asked Ron. "Does he need water or something?"

"He doesn't seem to be trying to get back into human form," informed Ginny, now watching the dog hop around right in front of them, and barking like mad. And then the dog jumped onto Sirius, and grabbed Sirius's wand with his teeth. Then the dog stopped, and started staring at him.

"Oh this is no good. I don't think he can turn back," said Luna.

"Gee, do you really think so?" asked Ron, in his sarcasm voice.

"Should we...wait?" asked Neville, not taking his eyes off the dog's teeth. And what sharp teeth they were.

"Sirius it's midnight. Harry has to do his homework tomorrow morning before lunch, otherwise he'll never get it done. How do you expect him to do his homework in dog form?" snapped Hermione.

"I...well...you could always do it for him," suggested Sirius.

"That's not fair!" insisted Ron.

"Sirius, just change him back," said Hermione, getting really irritated.

"But how? He's the one transforming," said Sirius.

"You're the one with the spells and the wand!" exclaimed Hermione.

"What do you mean?

"DO WITH HIM WHAT YOU AND PROFESSOR LUPIN DID TO PETTIGREW IN THE SHRIEKING SHACK!" yelled Hermione.

"Oh...right!" exclaimed Sirius, snatching his wand from the dog's mouth. But there was no need. The dog was slowly replaced with Harry, the human.

"Thanks for understanding me so quickly," said Harry, to his Godfather.

"I...well... You turned back in the end! I was...you know...waiting for you to turn back yourself!" Sirius declared. "Excuse me, I have to go feed Buckbeak now." And they watched him run out of sight.

"Next time, Harry, kindly not show us your teeth too much," said Hermione, pointing at Neville.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

"Well, Harry. You've gotten more powerful than you previously were, but you sure haven't gotten smarter," declared Hermione, after reading Harry's essay on the Draught of Living Death. Ron snickered.

"And yours, Ron, wasn't much better. In fact, it was worse!" said Hermione. Harry gave Ron a triumphant look.

"What part did I do wrong? Did you correct it?" asked Ron. Hermione gave him a disgusted look.

"No, I didn't bother correcting it, as correcting your essay would have resulted in me doing the whole essay for you. From what I've read...it seems that you know nothing about the Draught of Living Death," Hermione replied. "Harry, yours is the usual. I suggest you research more on it. Not too bad though. Snape probably would've given you a P," she added. Harry glared at her. "But a different teacher might have given you an A!" she hastily added, not brightening the situation. Ron snorted.

"Well, guess what I found in the Daily Prophet this morning!" exclaimed Hermione, going completely off the subject.

"What?" asked Harry, hesitantly. Ron wasn't paying the slightest attention, and started staring at his Chudley Canon posters.

"It's about the Chudley Canons, Ron," added Hermione. Ron suddenly looked up expectantly.

"Well? Yes?" he asked.

"They got a new Keeper," said Hermione. Ron's eyes widened up.

"Oh no! But their keeper was doing really good!" cried Ron, as though the world was ending.

"Yes well whatever. It seems that their old keeper was somehow involved with some kind of Muggle scandal that was recently found out, and he was fired yesterday. They've replaced him with Oliver Wood," said Hermione.

"Wood?" repeated Harry and Ron.

"Well then. He's my new hero," said Ron, proudly.

"Not such a tragedy anymore, huh?" came Hermione.

"Nope. I'll trust Wood not to let any Quaffles in," replied Ron. "Remind me if I forget. When we get to Diagon Alley, if I forget, remind me to get some new posters. Got to keep up with the times," added Ron. "What! I'm a fan!"

"Yes well. Start your essay again, both of you. I'll be back up in about three hours. This time...read from your books...don't make up facts...And I'll be putting a locking charm on the door, Ron. So remember, the sooner you hand me an acceptable essay, the sooner you'll get to eat. And your mother agrees with me. She says it's the best idea yet. And don't be trying to secretly open the door with your powers, Harry. I've made friends with one of the portraits right outside this room on the wall. Her name's Andromeda. This is for your own good," said Hermione, as she left the room.

"Blackmail, this is. You'd think that Umbridge's evilness has rubbed off on her," muttered Ron, when Hermione was safely from earshot.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

"Crap...Crap...More crap...The crap continues..." muttered Hermione, as she was reading over Ron's essay.

"WHAT? What? I spent three hours of my life on it!" stormed Ron, eyes wide with horror, "and...WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S CRAP?"

"And what a good waste of three hours. I mean it doesn't make sense. Nonsense, all of it," replied Hermione, calmly. "Look over here. Your second sentence of the first paragraph. You didn't even give the correct definition of what the potion is, let alone what it does!"

"And your point?" asked Ron, completely not understanding.

"That was my point!" Hermione replied, exasperated.

"So?" continued Ron, clearly losing the argument...as always...but desperately trying to win.

"So...You're going to get more pieces of parchment, and then you're going to read the books, and afterwards you're going to sit quietly and write your essay. And it had better be good! If it's not acceptable, I'm cutting you off from food," threatened Hermione. Ron looked thunder-struck, as he opened his mouth to speak...but somehow unable to speak.

"It's already ten, Hermione. Almost lunch time," said Harry, trying to save Ron.

"I don't care. He's getting that essay done right if it's the last thing he does! And I'm willing to carry out my threat! You can help, since your essay was somehow acceptable," replied Hermione, slamming the door behind her.

"She's not serious...is she? About cutting me off, I mean."

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

"Well?" asked a cold voice. "Any news?"

"None, my Lord. Nothing. N-no news of the Magid," answered a terrified figure.

"Fools!" hissed the cold voice. "Bella?"

"The usual suspects, but we believe that there are many more in the new one. As of now, we don't know of any more," replied Bellatrix.

"Keep spying. I want spies in every alley," said the cold voice. "Has the Gurb decided?"

"Yes, Master, but half will come with us, and half will not leave. Mostly, they don't feel the need to help anyone. The half Giants seemed to have disappeared from the mountains a few days ago," replied the ex-executioner.

"If what you saw is reliable, then that means there was a meeting very recently, the reason for their departure," said the cold voice, now turning to a smaller figure. "Draco...is it? Your father informs me that you are most eager and delighted to serve me...is this true?"

Draco gave a small nod, and looked to his father.

"I see..." came the cold voice. "Perhaps you are just shy in front of us. I see that Draco is a well brought up boy. Yes, I see that...You know, I will occasionally see part of your memories and thoughts...Legilimens...quite useful...to detect spies...unless of course the spy is a dear old Occlumens...Do you know what I am talking about...Draco?" hissed the cold voice. The younger Malfoy shook his head, curiously at his master.

"Of course...in the sixth year...all the N.E.W.T. potions students will be taught what they are...of course...your new potions master," continued the cold voice.

"New? Did something happen to Snape?" asked Draco, whose favorite teacher always had been Snape.

"Ah yes...you do not know about Snape, the spy...He has most costly paid for his betrayal...Rest assured my loyal Death Eaters...the next spy I find will be given the same fate as dear Severus. Draco, you will be given a most important job. Are you ready to take it?" asked the cold voice.

"Yes Master. What do I have to do?" asked Draco, eagerly, forgetting to be fearful of Voldemort.

"I must say, Lucius...I quite like your son...All of my servants should be eager like this...it would provide less job for me..." hissed Lord Voldemort. "Draco...How do you feel about Harry Potter and his friends? And Dumbledore and all the teachers?"

"Dumbledore is an old crackpot, and the other teachers are fools, especially that half-giant oaf. And the Mudblood that sticks with Potter and Weasley...I was just ever so disappointed when she didn't die during our second year...yeah, I hate them," replied Draco.

"My my, Lucius...What an interesting Death Eater he'll make...but for now...Draco will act as my ears and eyes at Hogwarts. You will spy on Potter and everyone he associates with. Everyone. You will write down everything you see and hear. Is that understood?"

"But won't Potter and the others get suspicious if they see me too much?" asked Draco.

"Use your Slytherin cunning, child," snapped Voldemort, growing impatient. "Now, give me an answer. You will either take the job willingly, or I will force you to take the job."

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

"Harry! HARRY!" snapped a voice, and Harry felt sudden pain to his face. Harry opened his eyes.

"Ow. Quit that."

"Sorry Harry, but you weren't responding," said Hermione. "It's been two hours, and I was just coming up to check on Ron's essay."

"So what was it this time? Nightmare? Vision? Or just a daydream?" asked Ron, his right hand shaking.

This surely wasn't a dream, was it? He hadn't even fallen asleep, but then again, a similar thing happened in Trelawney's class.

"Vision...I think," replied Harry. "Nothing much. Didn't seem like two hours to me. It was a meeting between Voldemort and the Death Eaters...and Draco Malfoy..." Harry paused to see their reactions, but there were none. Instead, their faces shown with belief and expectation.

"Well, it was only to be expected, Harry," said Hermione. "I mean...his father's one of his closer Death Eaters...and naturally, he would want a spy at Hogwarts."

"He's a slimy git, Harry. What else could you expect?" came Ron. "But still...I think we should tell Dumbledore. I mean...we can't exactly just know about him spying on us and not do anything about it?"

"Of course we'll do something about it..." said Hermione, "Anybody can be changed with guide and determination. It might take weeks, months, years...it doesn't matter. I think we can change him!" she suggested brightly. Harry and Ron exchanged looks.

"Hang on. You're going way too far," said Harry.

"A comprise between the worst enemies?" asked Ron.

"It could happen!" insisted Hermione.

"No it can't!" insisted Ron. "C'mon, Harry. Back me up here. I'm not alone in this."

"Er..." Harry started to say...not really knowing what to say.

"People can change. It happens all the time!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Not with Malfoy!"

"Yes, with Malfoy! It's even possible for Voldemort to change!"

"Only with magic for V-V-Vol-d-de-m-mort cause of his half soul! Malfoy's got no reason to be the git he is!"

"Of course there's a reason for why he's a git. There's a reason for everything!"

"Oh no, not this!"

"His dad! Family matters in a child's personality!"

"So? Lucius is a bloody git and so is baby Malfoy!"

"Only because of his father's bad example!"

"They're both gits! Get over it!"

"There's a chance to save Draco! And you're not helping! What you're doing is encouraging it!"

"That's because a Malfoy's a Malfoy!"

"That means nothing! Sirius is a Black, and almost all his relatives came out bad! How do you explain that?"

"Exactly my point! See? How could a good person like Sirius come out of a family so bad? That's bad influence!"

"We're strolling off the topic!"

"And?"

Hermione slammed the door shut, and they heard her heavy footprints all the way down the stairs.

"Well, there she goes. Completely missed my point," Ron said finally, turning back to Harry. "I mean...Did she even make sense to you?"

"Er..."

"Don't tell me you think she's right?"

"She's--"

"You think she's right?"

"She's--"

"She's not right!"

"But--"

"Fine. Everyone, just turn from me! Disagree with everything I say!"

"I--"

"Be that way! I'm going for food. You coming?"

"Um..."

"Okay, I guess you'll be down in five minutes."

"Er...right. Ron--"

"Oh, you think Hermione and I've been arguing too much?"

"Well--"

"I didn't start it!"

"You--"

"You think I started it?"

"That's--"

"She started it! Oh who cares! See you in a bit!"

"What about--"

"I already finished my essay while you were dreaming." And with that, Ron left the room, and stormed down the stairs, leaving Harry completely speechless, wondering how Ron had known his every answer before speaking it out. Come to think of it, it had happened on several occasions last year...just not so obvious as this one.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

One in the afternoon. Six hours after seven. One hour before the Awakening. Harry felt sick.

All those people would be watching him, not to mention counting on him to save the world. He looked around, and there were about forty people in the circular living room, all talking merrily and laughing. Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Erupses seemed to be carrying on a silent conversation. Harry rather thought that Erupses also seemed to be sick, like he was about to vomit. And he seemed to have lost his usual snappish manner. There were many windows in this room, which made it the most comfortable room in the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black...also the most detested room of Kreacher.

There was a redhead walking towards Aberforth. She had long hair. And then Harry realized it was Gladria, in disguise. And then she seemed to looking right at Harry again, and smiled. And then she glanced at the clock. The five leaders looked out the window.

Harry felt a sudden chill.

And then the sky turned black...