Harry, Ron and Hermione sat in polished oak armchairs in Dumbledore's office where they had been summoned. None of them knew why they were there and all three shifted uneasily in their seats, not knowing if the news presented to them would be good or bad.
Dumbledore entered, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting," he said, "but I stopped to receive some information one of our informants just delivered." He went to sit down behind his desk.
Dumbledore looked tired and worn, they knew that the war was sucking the energy out of his aging frame. Upon his entry there was no offer of a lemon drop or sherbet, neither could they detect the familiar twinkle in his blue eyes. Ever since fifth year Dumbledore had told Harry (and therefore Hermione and Ron) everything there was to know about the war and the Order of the Phoenix. It seemed that he blamed himself for the loss of Sirius and in turn the pain Harry felt at his death. In trying to protect Harry he had inadvertently taken away the closest thing he had to a parent. This meant that the golden trio were now completely aware of the situation of the war. It was a `cold war' as Hermione had labelled it, Harry had agreed but Ron hadn't understood. It didn't matter; the fact was that Voldemort, despite the arrest of many of his leading death eaters, was gathering power and many new recruits, all of them young, ambitious and impressionable and no one in the Order had more than a vague idea of his plans.
After a short silence Dumbledore spoke to them, "I've been considering whether to release a confidential piece of information to you," he paused again "I have decided that it would be appropriate for you to know. But you must understand that you are being told in confidence and that this must not be repeated to anyone under any circumstance."
At the nod of their heads Dumbledore went on, "Very well then, I will need you to sign this sheet of paper; this is too important a matter to leave to mere trust."
He handed them a piece of paper and when they had all signed their names he began his explanation. "As you all know Voldemort has been gathering power in the past few years. However, some of the Order's researchers have stumbled across some very good news. We've found a way to kill him."
"Really?!" said Harry.
"That's wonderful!" cheered Hermione as Ron let out a whoop.
But Dumbledore raised a hand. "Although there is reason to celebrate it's not as easy as it seems. The weapon is foolproof - "
"Then what's the problem?" asked Ron, his confusion evident on his face, "if it's foolproof then we're saved aren't we?"
"Unfortunately Mr. Weasley, it's not that simple. The weapon is a dagger" he explained, "that will kill any being alive. But the weapon must be wielded by a human hand and must impale the heart of the victim."
"Professor," said Harry, "do you mean that this weapon will kill Voldemort, but someone has to physically get to him and stab him through the heart?"
"Yes, Harry, I do and that is where the limitations of the weapon lie. It's going to be extremely difficult to approach Voldemort, we can't use a levitation spell because someone needs to be holding the weapon when it's used and Voldemort is a formidable legilimens, meaning that it would be difficult to get one of our spies close enough to stab him."
No one spoke, they all understood now. They had finally found a weapon that would bypass Voldemort's extensive protection spells and they couldn't use it, at least not yet. Dumbledore watched as their faces returned to their original sombre state after the initial elation wore off.
"You are referring to the Knife of Power, right Professor?" Hermione asked, displaying her impressive bank of knowledge.
"Yes, I am" he answered.
"But I thought that that was considered a legend." Hermione said confused.
"We all thought it was but it's been found. I can't tell you where it's being kept but we now know that it's real."
"How did you find it?" asked Harry.
"Quite by accident. It was sitting in a muggle museum posing as an ancient artefact. Someone tried to steal it and used it to stab a security guard and some . . . unusual things happened. It was then handed to the Order - "
There was a knock at the door and Dumbledore asked Professor McGonagall to step inside his office.
"Albus, I must speak to you, immediately" she said, slightly breathless. Dumbledore asked them to leave, telling them that they would know as soon as anything new cropped up. They left, leaving their two teachers to talk.
, ,. .- -* *` `*~-. ., ,. .- -* *` `*~-. ., ,. .- -* *` `*~-. ., ,
Lord Voldemort and his death eaters were gathered in another rundown building. They were still on the run from the Ministry and the Order but the sense of their growing power was palpable and they fed off of it.
"What news do we have?" their Lord asked, "Hengeman, speak."
A figure stepped forward, "My Lord, Hogwarts is more vulnerable by the day; we have a great number of spies in place as students and of course some teachers. The ministry itself is weakening and the Order of the Phoenix has failed to gather many new recruits, it seems they will only acquire some students that are graduating this year such as the Potter boy."
"I already knew all of the information you gave me Hengeman, do you have nothing new to tell me?" Voldemort asked calmly.
"No sir, but - "
"Crucio." Voldemort waved his wand and Hengeman collapsed onto the floor, screaming and writhing in pain. A smile appeared on Voldemort's thin lips before he released Hengeman from his punishment and addressed the rest of his subjects. "Does anyone else have anything to say?"
"My lord," said another of the figures in the circle.
"Ah, Miss Zabini, step forward."
Blaise did so. "As you asked, my Lord, I have been observing Draco Malfoy and have come to give my report."
"Very good, at least one of my subjects has been performing her duties," he said, the strange smile once again gracing his ugly face. "Have you discovered where he is spending most of his time?"
"Yes sir, he's been spending an inordinate amount of time with Virginia Weasley, Arthur Weasley's youngest child and a sixth year Gryffindor. I have reason to believe that he has become romantically involved with her."
Voldemort considered this for a moment. "I had my doubts that he would become one of us after his father was imprisoned. I didn't, however, think that he would go so far as to join our enemy."
"He hasn't, my Lord. It seems that the only thing that ties him to Potter and Dumbledore is the Weasley girl. I think we can win him over to our side."
"He would be valuable to us. I could add him to the few who have intelligence here. And if he is as attached to the Weasley as you imply it should be relatively easy to win him over. A few well placed threats and he could be ours. Do you agree, Hughes?"
"Of course, my Lord," said the large bulk to Voldemort's left.
"You have done well, Miss Zabini and now you may leave. If there are any further tasks for you to complete I will summon you."
Blaise nodded and dissapparated to Hogsmeade.
"Hughes," said Voldemort, "since you were liked the idea so much you can take charge of this new project. I need you to let young Mister Malfoy know that he should join our side. I want you to inform him that Miss Weasley's safety may be affected if he does not comply. Feel free to carry out any threats you make."
"Yes, my Lord."
Voldemort turned to the rest of the death eaters and signalled for them to leave and they all dissapparated, leaving Voldemort with only Wormtail to discuss his new plans with.
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A/N: Sorry id Dumbledore is a bit out of character, I had a bit of trouble writing him. I hope you liked the chapter, please leave a review.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything associated with him. I own the plot though, hopefully.