A/N: Usual Disclaimers apply- JK owns all this stuff, I'm just using it and the characters for my own personal pleasure and in some cases - torment.
Evil is inherent in all living beings; but it is the good in humans that allow us to challenge it - to overcome it. You above all others Harry were born with so much goodness within you…I daresay that Voldemort knows that now, which is why he fears you more than any other - even more than he feared me - because he doesn't understand it. This means, he doesn't understand you. Albus Dumbledore's Portrait, Hogwarts Headmaster's Office.
Chapter One: Message in a Pensive
"I don't care if it is silly, Ron. She has a right to know - Butterbeer."
Ron sighed as Hermione said the password to the Headmistress' office and reluctantly followed her through the door as the two gargoyles that stood guard over the ancient entrance jumped to life and allowed them passage.
Ron shook his head, "I'm not saying she doesn't have a right to know Hermione - just that you might be taking this a little too far. Don't you reckon you're being a little overdramatic about this?"
He immediately regretted his choice of words as Hermione turned a glare upon him that would have caused Voldemort to turn over in his grave.
"Overdramatic?" She said through clenched teeth as her face turned beet-red. "Ron…you know what we went through the night he - the night Harry died. You remember what it felt like don't you? You remember the coldness that settled over your heart when you saw him disintegrate before our eyes? It's never really gone away, at least not for me."
"Never for you…" Ron mumbled.
Somehow she had ended up directly in front of him - her face barely inches from his own, her eyes filling with tears and her index finger jabbing him hard in the chest, "Don't you dare mock this Ron - you know what he meant to us - to me."
Ron's shoulders sagged in defeat while he rubbed a sore spot on his chest, "I know Hermione…believe me I know." And I will never be enough…not for you.
"You know what exactly Mr. Weasley?" the Headmistress' rough voice caused them both to jump and look at her in surprise.
She raised an eyebrow at her two former students, "Surprised to see me here - In my own office?"
Hermione was the first to recover, "Of course not Professor, we were just discussing something and…"
The aged woman waved her hand, "No need to explain Hermione. As a matter of fact - I have been expecting you."
Hermione's eyes widened, "You have? Why?"
McGonagall smiled at the pair, "Probably for the same reason you are here now. Please sit down both of you."
The Headmistress waved them to a pair of comfortable looking chairs that sat before her large mahogany desk, which was cleaner and more organized then Hermione had ever seen it while it belonged to Dumbledore.
"Would you care for some tea and cookies?" McGonagall asked. "The cookies arrived this morning from your mother Mr. Weasley."
Ron immediately snatched a couple cookies from the plate on the desk and stuffed one completely into his mouth.
Hermione rolled her eyes at him, "Did you even chew that?"
"A bit." Ron replied, not waiting to swallow before he answered.
"Ahem" A throat being cleared turned Hermione's and Ron's head towards the entrance where Remus Lupin stood next to his fiancée Tonks. They were both wearing smiles and holding hands.
"Wotcher Ron, Hermione." Tonks smiled at the two as she pulled Remus further into the office, "You wanted to see us Minerva?"
"Remus, Tonks - please do come in." The Headmistress summoned two more chairs with a wave of her wand, "Yes Tonks - we are just awaiting the arrival of one more person."
"And I have arrived Minerva."
The voice chilled Hermione's blood - a nasal, high-pitched voice that she had to endure for nearly seven years. Before anyone could say anything, Ron was up out of his chair, his wand drawn and pointed at Severus Snape, who stood nonchalantly at the doorway with his trademark greasy hair and condescending sneer plastered on his pasty white face.
"What the bloody hell are you doing here, traitor?!" Ron roared, his wand shaking slightly.
Snape merely raised a sleek eyebrow at him, "I was invited Weasley." Without waiting for any word from the Headmistress, he strode through the office and settled against an adjacent wall. "Put your wand away boy, I am not here to duel you. If I was - you wouldn't have even been given the chance to rise from your chair."
Ron was still shaking in silent rage, and the temperature of the once moderately cool room seemed to drop a couple dozen degrees.
"If you wanted to duel him, I would have killed you before you raised your wand, Snape."
Hermione turned to see that Remus too, had stood from his chair, his sharpened incisors exposed for the former potions master to see that he meant business, Snape swallowed slowly.
Snape cleared his throat, "Be that as it may Remus…I was invited by the Headmistress. Believe me; I don't want to be here anymore than you want me here."
Hermione never moved her eyes from the figure leaning against the wall throughout the conversation - she never thought she would feel such hatred for another living being, let alone someone who despite appearances and attitude was on the same side - worked to achieve the same goals.
Snape turned to face her, his sneer slowly faded as an unusual expression appeared on his face - if she was thinking straight at the moment she might have recognized it for something akin to sympathy, but she wasn't thinking clearly, so she didn't.
"Sit down Remus - Mr. Weasley, please." McGonagall huffed impatiently form her chair, "We do not have the time for this. I have asked you all here for a very important reason."
Hermione reluctantly broke her stare from Snape and faced the Headmistress, "What is it that you needed Professor?"
McGonagall turned her tired eyes to the young witch, "As I said when you entered Hermione, I believe that the reason you and Mr. Weasley are here to see me is the same reason I asked them here."
Remus and Tonks cast curious glances at the two young adults while Snape merely raised an eyebrow.
McGonagall fixed each of them with a cold, hard look. "What is spoken here remains here within this room. Is that understood?"
Everyone nodded while Snape grunted in his corner.
The Headmistress nodded her head in approval. "Good, now…"
She trailed off as she reached into a top drawer of her desk and pulled out a strange looking device and set it on the desk for everyone to see. It resembled a small basin set atop a pedestal. It stood no more than a foot high and was silver in color.
Snape took a step towards the desk, his mouth open in surprise, "Minerva…is that?"
McGonagall nodded, "Yes Severus - it is."
Ron and Hermione exchanged looks, while Remus slumped in his chair and Tonks appeared close to tears.
"What is that Professor?" Hermione asked anxiously.
McGonagall looked sadly at the young witch for a moment before responding, "This Hermione - is a pensive that belonged to Albus Dumbledore."
Ron gaped at the strange object, "But- How…how did you get it? The pensive we saw looked nothing like this one and we saw that one over a year ago when Harry started his quest to find the Horcruxes."
The Headmistress nodded, "You are correct Mr. Weasley- however this pensive arrived only just this morning…and by a very familiar messenger…"
She trailed off as her eyes wandered up to the stairs where a large perch stood isolated from the rest of the room, and atop it sat a very tired looking snowy white owl.
Hermione jumped from her seat, "Hedwig!"
The owl turned her eyes toward the voice and flapped her wings in excitement. Immediately she shot form the perch and glided down to land gently upon Hermione's shoulder.
Hermione smiled at the loyal owl and rubbed her feathered head with a finger, "Oh, it's so good to see you girl. Where have you been all this time?"
Hedwig fixed her with a stare that plainly said if you only knew.
"If we may continue?" McGonagall said in a quiet voice.
Hermione turned red and sat back down, Hedwig still perched upon her shoulder. "Sorry Professor."
"Now then, the note that arrived with the Pensive said to summon you all here before witnessing what it contained. Now that you are all present, I don't think we should wait a moment longer."
With a flick of her wand, the pensive hummed to life -the clear water like substance that filled the basin began to bubble for a few moments before finally a gray mist rose from the bowl and hovered in the air above them.
"My friends…"
There was no mistaking that soft voice…Hermione shivered, it had been over a year since she had heard the former Headmaster's voice, and still it brought her nearly unequalled comfort.
Gradually and methodically the mist began to twirl around the room until it started to take a very familiar shape above them. Gasps were heard from everyone in the room as - standing no more then two feet high and floating above the Headmistress' desk was none other than Albus Dumbledore. He was made entirely of the mist that rose from the basin, but still had that unmistakable twinkle in his eyes.
The Headmistress looked close to tears as Tonks and Remus pushed their chairs closer to the fallen Headmaster. Even Snape's usually present scowl was gone, replaced by a look of shame.
Ron and Hermione just stared at the old wizard in shock.
"My friends…" Dumbledore began, "I hope this message finds you all well and enjoying these days of peace."
Hermione raised an eyebrow curiously at Pensive Dumbledore.
The wizard smiled serenely and his eyes twinkled in amusement, "You are perhaps wondering how I know that there is peace in the land now? Because if there was not - Hedwig would not have delivered this message. If my calculations are correct, it must be no more than a year after Harry defeated Voldemort for the final time."
He paused as if waiting for someone to confirm his theory.
Not seeing anyone else making taking the initiative Hermione spoke up, "Yes sir…it has been just over a year."
Dumbledore nodded, "Good, good. Thank you Miss Granger."
Ron's mouth dropped open and Hermione gasped, "How - what the?"
Pensive-Dumbledore smiled knowingly, "You are perhaps curious as to how I can respond to you - since I am dead? It is quite simple my friends, within this special pensive is a portion of my essence so to speak. It is very strong magic, and I used a great portion of the magic I possessed before I died using it on this pensive. If I ask or am myself asked a direct question that I know the answer to, I will of course respond."
McGonagall shifted nervously in her seat, "Albus…there are many thinks I wish to ask you old friend, but I think for now we should get to the point of this meeting."
The aged wizard turned his eyes to his replacement and nodded, "I quite agree Minerva."
Pensive-Dumbledore began to pace back and forth over the desk, "The reason I have for this meeting is this: A new Dark Lord has risen."
"But…how? When? And who?" Hermione asked as her hands gripped the arms of her chair tightly.
Pensive-Dumbledore frowned, "Very recently I assume Miss Granger - and as to whom…I am afraid I have no idea. It could be any number of Tom Riddle's former Death Eaters, but make no mistake…it is a true Dark Lord that has risen, and he or she should be treated as such."
Even though the former Headmaster was now only a memory contained in a pensive and made of mist and magic, she could tell by his hesitation that he wasn't being entirely truthful in his explanation.
Remus leaned forward a little more, "How do you know that a new dark lord has risen?"
Pensive-Dumbledore looked upon the werewolf a moment before responding, "Because of the charm that I placed upon this pensive before my passing and again afterwards…"
Ron's brow furrowed in confusion, "After…? How, you were dead after…right?"
"That is correct Mr. Weasley - however the charm that was placed upon this particular pensive after my death was not done by me…but by Harry Potter."
Hermione shuddered, "What?"
A sad expression formed upon the face of the old wizard, "Yes - and I had truly hoped that it would never be needed. You see, Harry placed the second charm on the pensive only in the case of his death upon fighting Voldemort."
Pensive-Dumbledore paused for a moment as if to collect himself, "Harry thought that it might be a good idea incase of his death that you be warned if there was ever a threat like Voldemort again. In theory - the charm could only be activated if he was not here…living that is."
Hermione paled, "Incase of his death…Professor did you know that he would die?"
The old Headmaster pursed his lips, "It was a possibility that in order for Harry to defeat Voldemort he would have to make the ultimate sacrifice to achieve victory."
Hermione jumped to her feet so quickly that Hedwig hooted in surprise and flew from her shoulder and back to the perch on the landing.
Her face was red and her hands were clenched into fists, "A possibility!? Did he know? Did Harry know that he was going to die so that we could all live? Did he have any idea what that would do to us?"
The others in the room gasped at the young witch's outburst, but the former Headmaster seemed unaffected by it, "Knowing Harry as I did Miss Granger - I would say yes. Harry more than likely had some idea of what might be required of him."
Hermione was furious - not only at Harry and Dumbledore for not telling her…them what he might have to do, but more so with herself for not seeing it, for not finding some other way for Harry to defeat Voldemort, some way to allow him to be with her now…instead of gone - dead.
She seemed to falter and swayed on her feet, Ron was out of his chair in an instant - his hands on her shoulders to keep her steady and help her back into her seat.
Snape spoke up for the first time, "So would you suggest we do sir?"
Pensive-Dumbledore fixed the former potions master with a hard look, "What is expected of you Severus…reach out to this new Dark Lord. Discover what his intentions are and find the means to bring him down."
Snape's left eye twitched then he nodded briskly, "Of course sir."
"What about the rest of us Albus?" McGonagall asked.
"Recall the Order Minerva- I fear that they will once again be needed. Use Number 12 Grimmuald Place once again as the base of operations."
Remus cleared his throat nervously, "That might be a problem sir - we have not been able to enter the house since the night…since the night Harry died."
Pensive-Dumbledore looked confused for a moment, "I see…well that does change things. Perhaps it would be best to find another location in which to gather the Order."
McGonagall nodded, "I'll get to work on that right away Albus."
"We could always use the Burrow. It is just as protected as the old headquarters was." Ron suggested quietly.
Hermione gave him a half smile, "That's actually not a bad idea Ron."
Ron's chest puffed out with pride at the compliment, "Yeah…good idea too I think."
Remus and Tonks shared a chuckle while Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Actually…" Snape interrupted, "I was able to open Grimmuald Place just yesterday."
"That's not…" Hermione began anxiously.
Snape sneered at her, "Possible. Yes I am aware of that Miss Granger. However- it does not change the fact that I was allowed entrance into the house."
Pensive-Dumbledore cleared his throat, "I wasn't expecting this - it could be rather fortunate…or something else entirely."
Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment, "Perhaps- perhaps this was part of Harry's charm he placed on the pensive. To allow entrance into Grimmuald Place if it were ever needed again."
The others seemed to think this over and all but Snape agreed with them.
"I am not so sure -it doesn't make sense. Something else is going on here."
"Then I suggest you discover what it is Severus. Do what you have to do, what you do the best." The old wizard said sagely before turning to Ron and Hermione. "I would like the two of you to return to Grimmuald Place and try to discover the reasons for it re-opening - as much as I would like to believe in your theory Miss Granger, I am of the mind that Severus is closer to the truth on the subject. Find out why it has suddenly opened its doors again."
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Number 12 Grimmuald Place
He hadn't expected to return here so soon. Of course he hadn't expected a lot of things that happened recently to have occurred at all. But nonetheless - here he was.
The tall, hooded figure stood inside the doorway to the ancient House of Black and was instantly transported back in time. The walls, which were blackened with dust and grime, became white and clean. The eerie silence which permeated throughout the entranceway was replaced by sounds of laughter and muffled chatting.
So many memories…
He heard a bark-like laugh come from the foyer and the part of his mind the wanted these images and sounds to be real begged his legs to carry him to forward towards the sound. The other part of him, the side that carried him from that dead place, from where nightmares and agony ruled - ordered him to ignore it. To get what he came here for and be done with this place…once and for all.
With a sigh, the man stepped through the magical barrier and walked quietly down the hall, ignoring the sounds of laughter and the smell of food being cooked in the kitchen.
Ignore it…you don't need it anymore. You are beyond this, more than this.
His jaw clenched in annoyance at the voice, but he did not stop. His pace became quicker and more determined, until he came to a stop a set of double doors that he had only once before been beyond. He waved his hand and the doors opened with a loud creak.
"Why is the front door opened Ron?"
The man froze in place. That voice. He had heard it so many times, in his dreams, in that place where his nightmares were replayed within his head over and over for untold millennia.
"Hermione look! Tracks - someone has been here!" Another voice responded.
"No Ron- someone is here now…" that voice spoke again and again the sound tore through what was left of his soul like the most powerful shredding curse.
"Oh bloody hell…Who are you!?"
The man turned slowly, the hooded cloak hiding his features from the new arrivals, and faced them. Their wands were out and pointed directly at his heart, but he had no fear - they couldn't harm him. Even if he wanted to be released from this walking curse, to finally have peace - he knew that these two, no matter how powerful they were, would not be able to grant him that one request - if he truly wanted it that is.
"You're a Dark Wizard aren't you? You have no right to be here!" The red-head growled through clenched teeth.
The man merely smirked at them and spoke with a casual voice, "What do you know of Dark Wizards Mr. Weasley?"
Hermione's eyes widened, "You're him aren't you? The new Dark Lord?"
The man cocked his head slightly to the left as if he were appraising them, "Dark Lord? Yes - I suppose I am, Miss Granger."
Much to the hooded man's surprise, Ron waved his wand and a bolt of red light flared from the tip and shot towards him like lightening. As if dismissing a small child the man waved his hand and the red bolt jerked off its path and struck the wall to his left.
The two young wizards gaped at the display of wandless magic as the man smiled, "Tsk Tsk Mr. Weasley. You are not ready to face me quite yet - I rather doubt you will ever be ready."
Ron's face turned red with anger and he began to wave his wand again, but faster then their eyes could follow the man flicked his hand out towards the wizards and both of their wands were sent flying out of reach.
"I expected better Miss Granger…" The man scolded her quietly.
Quickly regaining her composure Hermione took a timid step forward, "What are you doing here?"
The man looked at her for a moment, "Just…remembering. They say that you can never go home again you know? This was my second to last stop - and I just wanted to see if that saying was at all true."
The man touched a finger to his chin thoughtfully, "Of course I never really had a home to speak of…so I really shouldn't be surprised or disappointed that it turned out to be completely false."
Ron's eyebrows rose into his hairline, "What? That made no sense what so ever."
The man laughed bitterly, "Oh it did…you just have to think about it a bit…Ron."
Hermione took another step towards the man and had to pull away from Ron's grip on her arm as he tried to restrain her.
"Who are you…really?" She asked, her eyes were now brimming with tears.
The hooded man had to look away from her eyes when he answered, "I am as you said - the new Dark Lord."
Hermione shook her head sadly, "No - who were you?"
The man flinched as if stung, "No one of consequence…what and who I once was is long gone…Hermione."
Hermione stepped back at the sound of her name, "How do you know our names?"
The man shrugged, "I know everything about you…both of you."
Ron stepped forward and was now beside Hermione, "How did you get in here?"
The man raised his left arm and they caught a glimpse of a shiny black ring on his middle finger, "Who else could open the door- except the owner?"
Hermione didn't even have time to register his response as a bright blue light shot from his outstretched hand and engulfed both her and Ron, and all she saw after that was dancing green eyes and an infectious smile that warmed her soul and finally darkness.
To Be Continued….
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