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The fan fic is now complete

PART 1

Alright then enough boring announcements. Let the story begin !

Chapter1
Sirius Black Screamed with pain as the cruciatus curse hit him, he writhe and shrieked in agony until the curse was finally lifted.
“ You know what I want” hissed a high cold voice
“ Yes I know, and you wont get it!” snarled Sirius in between deep breaths.
“I’m not asking for much” whispered Voldemort slowly in a low deadly voice. Give me the location of the girl Hermione Granger. She lives with her filthy muggle parents I believe ? Give me her address, they are certain matters I wish to discuss with her.”
“ You fool” whispered Sirius, “ Do I look like that piece of filth Wormtail? Kill me. You wont get her address from me”
“Such loyalty to a mudblood is admirable from somebody who’s Dumbledore close supporter. But be reasonable now Black. The girl means nothing to you. I’m not asking for Harry Potter am I?”
“You won’t be able to harm Harry anyway!” spat Sirius. “You know that.”
“No I admit I won’t be able to. Not now anyway. I have my plans for the boy but I won’t spoil the surprise. Now give me the address of that foolish mudblood girl or die a slow painful death. You know what happened to Frank and Alice Longbottom I believe? You wouldn’t want to meet the same fate would you Black?”
“ I don’t know her address!”
“Liar!” roared Voldemort
“Kill me. I won’t let you attack an innocent girl. Kill me”
“Really now Black think of how upset little Harry will be if I killed his dear god father, surely you should be worrying about him more than that foolish little mudblood”
“Stop calling her a mudblood!” spat Black. “And if you were to kill her Harry would be just as upset!”
“Oh who says I want to kill her ? I have other uses for the girl Black. Now give me her address! Crucio!”
Sirius screamed and screamed until his throat would tear with but the pain stopped.
A distraction had arrived in the form of Lucius Malfoy.
“My Lord” said Lucius “your faithful servant at Hogwarts has tracked down the girl’s address. We wont need any information from this vermin” he whispered pointing at Sirius.
“Kill me” croaked Sirius “Leave Harry and Hermione alone”
“Touching” sneered Voldemort. “ I will kill you. But first let me tell you how I plan to kill Harry as well, so that you can die with knowledge of how much of a useless godfather you were. Once I get the girl I will place her under the Imperius curse. Then I will use her to bring Harry to me. I will place one of Harry’s closest friends under my control. And once the time is right I will kill both of them, and if possible the other boy Ron too.”
Sirius moaned softly
“Now good bye Sirius Black,I have no further use for you. Consider yourself lucky I'm giving you a pain free death Ava da kedavra!”
There was a flash of Green light and Sirius sunk to the ground dead.



Chapter 2
Hermione kissed her parents good night. Her father was watching the news and her mother was sitting on a chair reading a book. “Your going to sleep so early honey?” asked Ms Granger
“yeah mom I’m really tired, and sleepy”
“sweet dreams dear” said Ms Granger as she kissed her daughter on her forehead
“Night dad” said Hermione
“Night Hermione, sweet dreams”
Hermione walked up the stair and pushed open the door of her bedroom and entered. Someone was already waiting for her inside
She would have screamed but a hand clasped her mouth. She saw a flash of red light and she was unconscious. Slowly her abductors smuggled out through her window and placed her on a broom and flew of in the silent of the night. The Grangers downstairs didn’t hear a thing. The following morning when they found their daughter missing they rushed to the Police Station, with a sinking feel in his stomach Mr Granger knew the police would be totally unable to help them.

In the meantime several miles away Harry looked up from his magazine as he saw his Owl Hedwig at the window. Finally she’s got Sirius’s reply he though as he crossed across his room and let her in. “What took you so long ?” he asked in a irritable way. He took the letter from Hedwig’s beak and tore it open. “What’s this!” he exclaimed in surprise. “It’s the same letter I sent him, where’s his reply?” he turned to face Hedwig for an explanation. Hedwig shook her head slightly. It was obvious she meant she couldn’t find him. “ You couldn’t find him ? how’s that possible you’ve delivered letters to him last year haven’t year haven’t you?”
Harry began to feel a little worried now. Hedwig had never failed to find a person before. Could Sirius have been caught ? It would be in the papers then he thought. The ministry would make sure everyone knew Sirius had been caught he thought. He went and sat down on his bed tired and confused. Maybe Sirius doesn’t want any owls coming after himself. Maybe he’s hidden himself so Hedwig can’t find him. Trying to comfort himself that Sirius couldn’t have been caught or he would know about it he went down for Lunch.
A few days later however another letter delivered by a barn owl heightened Harry’s worries not just about Sirius but also about another close friend of his. As he tore open the letter he recognized the handwriting at once. It was Dumbledore’s.

Harry it read
I am coming to collect you from Privet Drive tomorrow. In the meantime stay in Privet Drive. Do not Venture out of the house. Very troubling events have just occurred. Sirius and your dear Friend Ms Granger have both been missing since the past few days. I shall come and pick you up from Privet Drive tomorrow.

Love From
Professor Dumbledore

Harry felt his insides churn uncomfortably. Sirius and Hermione missing ? What was going on ? Sick with worry he decided to go for a walk before he remembered Dumbledore’s request to stay in the house. Should I contact Ron ? He thought. Eventually he decided against it. He didn’t want to send Hedwig out of the house either. I’ll just have to wait for Dumbledore he thought, wondering how he would get through the next few hours.



Hermione opened her eyes slowly, but as she did, she wished she hadn’t. She screamed loudly. Voldemort was standing in front of her with a horribly evil expression on his face. “ Look what we have here” he whispered his voice full of contempt. “ A little mudblood”
Hermione was sick with fear
“ Let me go” she screamed
“Dear me” whispered Voldemort “ Has Dumbledore never taught you to speak to your elders with respect?”
He will kill me thought Hermione desperately. She realized she was powerless to do anything except wait for her death.
“Ms Granger I have brought you here for a reason” said Voldemort drawing his wand fom his outer robe pocket. “You will do my bidding and bring Harry Potter to me”
“ Despite her fear Hermione found the strength to shout “Never!”
“Now now Ms Granger” do be sensible think of your poor muggle parents who must be sick with worry about you Imagine how miserable they’d be if I killed you.”
“ I won’t bring Harry to you”
“ Oh Ms Granger I’m afraid you will. You will be doing exactly what I want you to do for the next few days in fact” and with a laugh that made the hair on the back of Hermione’s neck rise Voldemort pointed his wand at her and hissed “Imperio”





Chapter 3
Harry looked down at Dumbledore’s most recent letter in his hand. It read

Harry
Meet me at the entrance to your house at 11 o clock at night.

Professor Dumbledore

Harry looked around for Dumbledore, and finally saw him. A tall figure covered in a hood. He walked upto Harry.
“ Harry are you alright?” asked Dumbledore’s kind voice.
“Yeah I’m fine” muttered Harry. He was glad to hear Dumbledore’s voice
Dumbledore leant down to leave a letter at the doorstep. “It’s a letter explaining that you’re with me for your Uncle and Aunt”
Harry nodded
“ Professor what about Sirius and-“
“Not now Harry, my priority is to get you to safety as soon as possible. Your friend Mr Weasley will also meet you at Hogwarts”
“We’re going to Hogwarts?” asked Harry rather surprised
“Yes Harry both you and Ron are in danger and you both would be safest there”
After sometime Dumbledore gripped Harry’s arm and side along apparated with him to outside the gates of Hogwarts. Then he took him into the castle and to his office where he asked him to sit
A few minutes later he entered again followed by Professor McGonagall and a very bewildered looking Ron.
“ Harry!” exclaimed Ron in surprise, “I’ve been so worried, they can’t find Hermione and-“
“Please sit down both of you” said Dumbledore in his usual slow and calm voice
“It seems that both Sirius and Hermione have in some fashion been abducted. Naturally I realize that this news will make both of you extremely worried and anxious. Please have faith. We will do our best to find them”
Ron looked white faced and scared, but Harry fired up angrily
“Oh yeah, and whose we?”
“Myself and some other wizards who have my trust”
“Oh yeah” snarled Harry, “ What about the ministry ? Isn’t it their job anyway?”
“Harry you know the ministry is not as of this moment accepting the fact that Voldemort has returned. They would not risk their resources to rescue people from a person whom they believe to be dead. They won’t even bother about Sirius as I’m sure you realize”
Harry said nothing. Arguing he knew was pointless.
“Now I believe both of you are currently in danger. It is therefore my desire that you both stay in Hogwarts even though School doesn’t start for another 2 weeks. Your dormitories are ready for you I believe”
Quietly Harry and Ron walked up to their dormitories and collapsed in their beds. Finally Ron asked Harry
“Harry, Hermione and Sirius will be ok right ? I mean nothing could happen to them could it ?”
This was obviously a very stupid question to ask, Harry obviously could not guarantee their safety, yet Harry didn’t see the question as stupid at all. On the contrary he seemed to take strength in the question. “Yeah, I’m sure they’ll be fine” He wished he could believe that
Finally as they rolled over to sleep they didn’t say anything more to each other. Harry wondered silently what more the war with Voldemort was going to cost him

Far away from Hogwarts in a small dingy room Voldemort turned around to face his Death Eaters. When he spoke, he spoke slowly his voice filled with soft but powerful contempt
“The girl has proven herself adept at resisting the Imperius curse. If we don’t shatter her defenses we won’t be able to use her to get to Potter”
“It is a mater of time my Lord. Soon she will grow weaker and then she will be at her disposal” Said Lucius in a cold voice
“My Lord if I may speak” said Serverus Snape
“It is in my experience that victims of the Imperius curse only grow stronger with time. Their ability to resist the spell grows stronger not weaker as they spend more time under the curse”
“So what are you suggesting?” asked Voldemort
“You know my meaning my lord. In Hogwarts I’m as close to the boy as I can get. It won’t be difficult for me to bring him to you”
“Right under Dumbledore’s nose?” hissed Snape
“Yes my lord. It would be highly effective. I would just have to summon Potter to my office, and order him to pass me a cauldron when the cauldron’s actually a portkey. It would work very smoothly my lord”
Voldemort was silent
“What do you say my lord?”
“Let me be frank with you Snape. After you practically obstructed me from stealing the Philosopher’s stone I’m not inclined to trust you limitlessly”
Snape flinched
“We have discussed the matter my lord. I have already explained to you that I had no idea that you were in league with Quirell. I only saw a foolish and greedy man trying to steal the stone, so I tried to stop him.”
Voldemort was silent again
“Furthermore my lord this is my chance to prove my loyalty to you”
“You will lose Dumbledore’s trust” remarked Voldemort
“That is inevitably going to happen in someway or the other. What better way to lose his trust by finally bringing Harry Potter defenseless to you?”
After a long pause Voldemort remarked. “Very well it seems I have wasted months on a fruitless scheme but Snape you will bring Potter to me. Do not fail me on this or you will suffer my displeasure.” He turned around to Lucius. “Bring that girl to me. She will suffer my wrath for this failure”
Lucius dragged Hermione into the room. Hermione realized that the imperius curse had been lifted of her.
“Ah my dear girl” hissed Voldemort turning around to face her. Your defiance has forced me to alter my plans. However you shall me punished for this. I showed mercy to that fool Black and killed him painlessly, but you my dear will have to suffer before I kill you”
Hermione reeled under the shock that Sirius was now dead. She couldn’t bear to think what effect that would have on Harry. A few seconds later as she was hit by the cruciatus curse she couldn’t think anyway. The pain was strong enough to drive all thoughts from her mind. The pain seemed to continue for eternity, she was still screaming but she was unsure of whether she was making any sound or not. Finally after what seemed to be a lifetime of pain there was mercifully, darkness.
Voldemort stared down at her lifeless body and hissed dangerously in a low undetone “I will find you potter, and when I do I will find a way to give you an even more painful death than this”

Chapter 4


Harry and Ron spent the next few days roaming around the castle aimlessly. They both seemed to have reached an unspoken mutual agreement not to discuss Hermione and Sirius’s disappearance. They both knew that if they were to talk about it they wouldn’t be able to deal with their worries. They spent their time talking about quidditch and other pointless activities instead. Yet their was an unnatural amount of time that they spent completely silent, when each were lost in their own thoughts. Then one day Mrs Weasley and Lupin came to Hogwarts. Both of them spoke to Dumbledore after which they came to meet Harry and Ron. Upon seeing them Mrs Weasley flung her arms around both of them.
“How have you both been?” she exclaimed
“We’re ok mum”
“Don’t be silly ofcourse your not!” snapped Ms Weasley.
“ Oh I wish I could so something for Hermione” she said sadly.
“Arthur and I have met her parents, they’re both terribly frightened . Oh dear what a terrible thing to happen to a 15 year old girl”
Harry and Ron were both silent
“And Sirius too” she added Harry and Ron looked up in surprise. No one was supposed to know about Sirius.
“It’s ok I know about his being innocent Dumbledore told me. I knew him at Hogwarts. Not well ofcourse he was several years younger than me. But I still knew him. I always thought he couldn’t have been guilty”
Again there was silence
“Now both of you listen to me” said Ms Weasley
“I know both of you are extremely worried but on no accounts are either of you supposed to go hunting for Hermione or Sirius. Dumbledore is doing everything he can to bring them both back to safety, but you both need to care of yourselves as well. Dumbledore has brought you both here for a reason. And that is to keep you both safe. It would be a poor way to repay him by venturing out in search for Hermione. Besides Hermione would never want either of you to risk your lives as it is.”
Ron and Harry nodded in agreement
“Pray for Hermione” said Ms Weasley. I’m sure she will be safe.”
Harry personally wished however he could do more to help Hermione than simply pray for her.
After Mrs Weasley, Lupin met both of them.
“Both of you take good care of yourselves”
He said. “Be alert at all times. Like Hermione and Sirius both of you are also in danger. Harry Keep you invisibility cloak with you at all times, and both of you always stick together. Even after school starts”

Cornelius Fudge was not happy. In the past few days visits from Dumbledore were no longer as welcome as they used to be at one point. “What do you want now Dumbledore?” he snapped when Dumbledore entered
“My instinct tells me you already know what I’m here for Cornelius” said Dumbledore serenely
“Yes I do, and I know that it’s for your infuriating attempts to convince me you know who has returned”
“Well , Recent events only strengthen my claim of Voldemort’s return. A girl has disappeared. Several wizards have been found murdered in their homes. Surely you must see reason now.”
“I see no evidence” snapped Fudge stubbornly
“It’s true that some unfortunate events have occurred, as for the muggle born girl disappearing that is most regrettable of course my sympathies to her with her parents but in no way does it show you know who maybe responsible”
“On the contrary my dear Cornelius if you were to analyze the situation in a less biased manner you would find it does rather directly imply voldemort’s involvement”
“Enough of this, Dumbledore do you take me for a fool?”
“Forgive me for being so blatantly explicit Cornelius but yes you do seem to be behaving in a foolish manner”
“Silence, I am the minister of magic! I will not be spoken to in this fashion!”
“As Minister of Magic, Cornelius you have certain responsibilities I believe to safe guard the members of the wizarding community. By associating yourself with the likes of people such as Lucius Malfoy you are not sending out a very good message”
“Lucius has never had anything to do with these matters. Might I remind you Albus that he was acquitted all those years back. He is innocent and is now a generous contributor to excellent causes as I’ve already told you before”
“Cornelius you are either extremely naive, or you are simply to arrogant to accept the truth. You know Malfoy only makes these generous donations to ensure that his voice is something that people listen to. He is using you. And voldemort is using him. You are virtually doing Voldemorts bidding by listening to people like Mallfoy!”
Fudge retorted furiously
“And now you want me to do your bidding is that it Dumbledore? I will not listen to your madness. I’m sorry I ever considered you to be a wise man to whom I could turn for advice. You are clearly nothing more than a power hungry man who is now trying to weaken my administration by perpetuating such baseless rumors. Now please leave my office. I do not wish to have you removed by force”
Dumbledore got up to leave.
“If I was power hungry Fudge I would have accepted the position of minister when it was offered to me. I would not be taking all the effort to discredit you and seize power now. One day you will come to your senses, hopefully it will not be too late already then, good day”
Fudge was still fuming after Dumbledore left. Despite his strong denial of believing a word of what Dumbledore had said, deep down inside him he knew that Dumbledore was probably right. The thought frightened him terribly.


In the same dingy room, Voldemort was seated is his chair seemingly deep in thought. He had summoned Lucius Malfoy to his room who was kneeling down before him, waiting for his master to speak. Finally Voldemort started talking.
“You are very close to the minister of magic I believe Lucius?”
Malfoy sighed inwardly, he had been expecting this for the past few days.
“Yes master, I meet him on almost a daily basis”
“Does he trust you?”
“He thinks he does” said Lucius smiling slightly
“Good. I think it is time that we did something very dramatic don’t you agree Lucius?”
Lucius didn’t say anything
“I think it is time to do something that will shake the foundation of the wizarding community.”
“You want me to place Fudge under the Imperius curse? Is that it master?”
“No no. That is not a wise idea. Fudge could not have been minister of magic if he was not a fairly powerful wizard himself. Personally I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t resist the spell even more effectively than that mudblood girl. Furthermore the minister of magic is often in contact with Dumbledore. If Fudge was doing our bidding, I’m sure Dumbledore would grow suspicious. The plan would fail”
“What is that you desire then My lord?” asked Lucius
A malignant grin was now unfolding on Voldemort’s lips
“I want you to kill Cornelius Fudge”
For a second Malfoy was too surprised to speak
“You want me to kill the minister of magic?”
“Yes”
“But is that wise my lord?”
“Oh more than wise Lucius. Inspiring infact.”
“It is highly dangerous my lord. And there will be no doubt that you are behind the murder. As of now nobody wants to believe you have returned to power, despite the increasing number of wizarding murders, Fudge’s murder would make it impossible for people to believe otherwise. The fact that the ministry is not currently trying to stop you is one of our greatest advantages as of now”
“That maybe true Lucius, yet the wizarding community must know I have returned eventually. What better way to make them aware of this than by killing the minister of magic?”
Malfoy was silent
‘Soon Snape will bring me Harry Potter. And soon you will kill Fudge. Together these murders will strike fear right in the heart of the wizarding community. The murders of the minister of magic and the boy who lived is bound to create quite an impact. Even if Fudge is busy trying to tell everyone that poor Harry is a liar. After all if the Minister of magic and Harry Potter are not safe from me, then who is?”
Malfoy remained silent
“By killing Fudge we will decapitate the ministry. By killing their leader we will leave them in disarray, and the wizarding community will panic limitlessly. We will truly succeed in spreading fear and terror amongst people. Kill Fudge Lucius, and the wizarding community will come crashing down, like a pack of cards”

Chapter 5
The weeks continued to pass by until Hogwarts was officially opened again. The start of the term feast was to be held as usual. Harry and Ron made their way down to the Great Hall and took their seats and watched as all the other students began to steadily fill in. Harry glanced up at the teacher’s table and his mouth fell in open surprise. Seated at the table in the place of the Defense against the Dark arts teacher was none other than Mrs Weasley.
“Ron!” exclaimed Harry with surprise and excitement.
“Your mom is our new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher!”
“No, it’s not possible” muttered Ron…” I mean she’s never mentioned it to us before!”
When everyone was finally seated ( alot of people were constantly throwing glances at Harry which Harry had by now grown accustomed to ignoring ) Dumbledore stood up to speak
He didn’t look his normal self at all thought Harry. Rather than the warm welcoming expression which he usually had while welcoming the students back he now looked old, grave and tired
“ Welcome students” started Dumbledore
“It gives me immense pleasure, to welcome our new Defence against the Dark arts teacher, Molly Weasley!”
Harry joined in the applause clapping louder than anyone else, looking up at Mrs Wealsey with a renewed respect, but Ron was simply staring at her with his mouth open. The other Weasley children were equally surprised. Fred and George were staring at each other with a completely blank expression, Ginny to was looking completely astounded, missing Dean Thomas’s attempts to catch her eye .
Mrs Weasley gave a slight bow to Dumbledore in acknowledgement of his introduction. Harry scanned the rest of the teacher table, McGonagall was smiling very approvingly at Mrs Weasley, and Hagrid, Flitwick and the other teachers were also politely smiling in a welcoming manner. So Hagrid was back from wherever Dumbledore had sent him thought Harry. Only Snape was looking menacing as usual. His lip was curling as he stared at Mrs Weasley with a familiar expression of contempt. Harry looked around the rest of the of the Great Hall. Most of the students were clapping politely. Only Draco Malfoy was staring at her with a horrible smirk on his face, not joining in the applause. Harry felt a strong sense of hatred rising in his chest. If either Snape or Malfoy did anything to give Mrs Weasley a hard time he knew he would never forgive them.
As the applause died away Dumbledore continued “ The usual notices this year are ofcourse that the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds to students, and use of magic in the corridor is strictly forbidden. I wish to make another important announcement. Fifth years would have noticed that nobody this year has received a prefect badge.” Harry looked up in surprise, he had forgotten that prefects were chosen in the fifth year. “This is not a mistake. No prefects have been chosen this year deliberately. I have my own reasons for making this decision, and I must ask you not to question it. Now you may all enjoy your feast!”
As the golden plates began to fill with food Ron spoke “ It must be because Hermione’s not here” he said. “She would be an ideal choice for prefect Dumbledore may not have wanted to choose anyone else-“
“maybe” said Harry uncomfortably. The talk turned to Hermione as their other classmates who had heard the news of her disappearance began to discuss the matter
“What do you think has happened to her” asked Seamus in a worried voice
“She’ll be ok wont she ?” asked Neville looking scared..
“I really hope she’s not in serious danger, I mean Hermione’s not the type to run away from home is she?” asked Dean in a low worried voice. Harry and Ron remained silent. Apart from worrying about Hermione and Sirius himself, Harry was also very worried about how Ron would take the news if something happened to Hermione.
As they finished the feast and headed towards the common room Harry and Ron were stopped by a highly unpleasant sight. Draco Malfoy and his cronies Crabbe and Goyle blocking their way grinning maliciously.
“Worried about your mudblood friend are you” asked Malfoy
“Shove of Malfoy” snarled Harry
“Oh look at this boys!, Potty’s getting cranky isn’t he?” said Malfoy ina horribly oily voice.
“I said get lost” snapped Harry
“get lost? Like your mudblood friend you mean? I doubt you’ll ever find her again you know. I think her irritated voice may have permanently been silenced at last”
“What’s going on here” came Mrs Weasley’s voice from around the corner ,Draco’s smirk grew even wider on seeing her, but he was obviously not stupid enough to insult a teacher
“Nothing, professor” said Malfoy “I was just asking Ron and Harry about there summer, you know” and smirking terribly he walked of followed by Crabbe and Goyle.
“Mom” said Ron speaking after a long time
“Why didn’t you tell me your joining Hogwarts?”
“It wasn’t confirmed until yesterday Ron dear, I spoke to Albus about it when I first came to meet you two all those weeks back. I was getting bored at home you know, as all of you are either in school or at work , so I decided to take up a job”
“I should have known” muttered Ron, you were always telling us how you got top grades on your Defence OWLs and NEWTs.”
“Now both of you get of to bed, come on no roaming around the corridors, I’m your professor now” she said smiling at them and walking off. But their encounter with Malfoy had left Harry if possible even more worried. Malfoy’s father was a death eater after all, and he may well know what could have happened to Hermione


The next morning they had Potions followed by Defence of the Dark Arts. With the usual feeling of glumness that accompanied any potions class they walked down to the dungeons. Before the class started Snape was already at his table, deep in thought. He remembered his promise to the dark lord. It was terribly dangerous, but he had to do what he had promised. It would be even more dangerous to go back on his word to the dark lord now. And this was his chance to not just to prove his loyalty, but also for him to settle a score with an old enemy. By delivering Harry Potter to the Dark Lord he would finally have his revenge against James Potter. for the humiliation he had subjected Snape to all those years back. Snape looked up as the students began to walk into the class room.
“Settle down” he said icily
When the class was settled he started talking in his cold voice that lacked any emotion
“Now as all of you know this is your OWL year. I expect the hardest amount of work from each of you no matter how moronic you maybe. Should any student fail to meet the expectations I have from my students, I will personally do everything within my power to make life as miserable as possible for that student. Now open your textbooks and read the chapter on the energizing solution. I shall expect a sample potion of the same from each of you by the end of the class”
As the students set to work, Snape realized he wouldn’t be around when the students gave their OWLs anyway

Next they made their way to the Defence Against the dark Arts to find Mrs Weasley seated waiting for them to enter. Harry was keen to start their first class with Mrs Weasley but Ron was looking rather apprehensive.
“Good Morning all of you” said Ms Weasley smiling at them “Now I know this subject has been a bit of a problem for all you because of the constant changes that occurred. I also realize this is your OWL year, which means all of you need to be very very well prepared in this subject. I have discussed this matter with Dumbledore, and we’ve agreed to train you this year with the exams in mind ensuring all of you are as well prepared for your exams as you can be”
Harry looked around his classmates. All of them seemed to be looking at Ms Weasley with interested and polite expressions. Through her opening speech Harry was able to summarize that Ms Weasley would be sweet but would also be a strict disciplinarian and would be serious about her work. Like Professor Mcgonagall.
“Today we shall begin studying the shield charm protego, it is a highly useful defensive spell, that successfully blocks all hexes and jinxes and even a few curses. Open to chapter 1 of your textbooks and read up about the shield charm. After you are sure you have studied the theory hard enough, raise your hands and as I call you, you may come up and attempt to demonstrate the spell to the rest of the class”
Ron’s hand was in the air
“Yes Ron?”
“I have a question, can I call you mum or do I need to call you professor?”
Harry laughed with everyone else, and as the class proceeded he realized it would have been one of the best Defense against the Dark Arts classes they had ever had if Hermione had been with them.


Chapter 6
After Hogwarts had started Harry found himself caught up in the usual flow of classes and quidditch ( under the captainship of Angelina Johnson ) he realized he had less time to worry about Sirius and Hermione. Yet their absence was like a horrible hole in his life. Everyday when he woke up he sensed a mixtue of hope that there maybe some good news to hear that day and a sense of dread that there maybe some bad news. Finally at the end of the day when there was no new development he felt an odd sense of both disappointment and relief. Everyday he thoroughly scanned The Daily Prophet for any fresh developments, but it was obvious that even if odd things were happening Fudge was ensuring that they were hushed up. Harry felt a sense of anger when he thought of how Fudge was blatantly denying Voldemort’s return and telling the world that he Harry was a liar. Why he thought hotly would I lie about the return of a man who took my parents from me, and has now taken my godfather and best friend from me. As he thought this his stomach gave another unpleasant jolt at the thought of their disappearance. As he looked around the Great Hall and saw his fellow students enjoying their breakfast and chatting animatedly with each other, he wished he could have as carefree a life as them

Miles away from Hogwarts in his same dingy room, Voldemort looked down at Lucius and Snape both of whom he had summoned to his room, and began to speak in his high cold voice.
“Severus, as Lucius may have already told you I have decided to kill the minister of magic. Lucius ofcourse being his regular visitor is in a perfect position to kill him. However your orders to bring me Harry Potter must wait until Lucius’s assignment has been successfully completed.”
“I understand your meaning my lord, but if I may dare to say I do not understand your rationale behind this plan. If we were to kill both the minister and Potter together it would create quite an impact!”
“No Severus” replied Voldemort. “You see as of this moment the wizarding community thinks of poor Harry as an arrogant and attention seeking liar. I wish to kill him when he is popular again. The murder of Cornelius Fudge will make it plain that dear Harry was infact not lying about my return. Resulting in a spike of his popularity, when I kill him then people will start to truly panic”
Lucius Malfoy spoke “To kill Fudge will take careful planning my lord”
“Yes it will. Tell me when next are you meeting him?”
“Tomorrow evening my lord”
“Good, kill him then. The meetings you have with him are private I believe”
“Yes My Lord, strictly private. Fudge would not want others to know what are some of the, ah causes I donate to”
“Good. Do you have an invisibility cloak?”
“Yes My Lord, I do”
“Good. When you meet Fudge, kill him. Then use your invisibility cloak to escape uncaught. Now there will be no doubt you are the murderer so naturally you will need to come into hiding here with me. Bring Narcissa with you as well.”
“As you wish my lord”
“Oh and Lucius when you kill Fudge ensure you kill him in a fashion that people wont forget easily”
A twisted and evil smile began to take shape on Voldemort’s face. “His murder must make a statement. It’s time people were reminded just how cruel I am”

The following evening when Lucius Malfoy entered the Ministry of Magic, he was terribly tense. He tried his best to look normal, but he was sure his expression would give away his inner tension. He stopped to greet some of the people he knew, and as he proceeded to Fudge’s office e was struck with the thought that this may well be the last time he was going to be in the ministry. He would be spending the rest of his life on the run from the ministry, if he succeeded in doing what he had come to do. He walked up to Fudge’s office on the upper level. Where he met his secretary Sophie. Sophie was a young and attractive looking witch. Despite his current state of nerves he was able to appreciate Fudge’s decision to keep Sophie as his secretary.
“Good evening Sophie” said Malfoy in what he hoped was a perfectly normal voice.
“ Oh. Hi Mr Malfoy, I’ll just check if the minister is ready to see you”
She returned a few minutes later saying, “The minister is waiting for you Mr Malfoy”
Lucius held is breath as he stepped forward into Fudge’s room.


“Ah Lucius” said Fudge looking up as Malfoy entered the room. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you”
“Really minister?”
“Oh yes there are certain matters I wish to discuss with you”
“And they are?”
“The recent donations you have made to St Mungos has enabled them to open up two new wards. However they are in need of some more funds to hire more healers to keep those wards running.”
“Certainly Fudge. I shall do the necessary. In the meantime there is something else I wish to tell you”
“Ofcourse Lucius go ahead, I’m all ears”
Lucius Malfoy rose to his feet slowly and steadily drew his wand out of his pocket
“I wanted to tell you, you’re the most idiotic moron I have ever seen, to trust me so greatly, and your idiocy is going to cost you your life. Good bye”
Fudge’s eye widened in shock, but before he could do or say anything Malfoy raised his wand and snarled “Ava da ke davra”
There was a flash of green light and the minister of magic was dead.
Slowly Lucius lowered his trembling and hand, and glanced at the door to ensure that no one had heard what he had just done. Then he conjured two long ropes and lifted up Fudge’s body. He tied the each rope to one of is writs and then elevated Fudge’s body towards the ceiling, and tied the other ends of the ropes to on the stand that held a candle that was attached to the ceiling leaving Fudge’s body hanging from the ceiling. He slipped in a tiny envelope into Fudge’s pocket. Then crouched down and whispered “Mosmorde”. A beam of light shot out of the end of his wand and formed the dark mark behind Fudge’s suspended body.
Still breathing as softly as he could he knew it was now time to run. He had done what he had intended to do. His took out the invisibility cloak from his pocket and threw it over himself. He knew he couldn’t escape from the door from which he had entered the office because Sophie would notice if the door opened, but conveniently there was a back door in Fudge’s office for him to enter from if he wanted to avoid having to confront reporters before entering his office. There would be no one outside that door. He slipped out quietly through the back door and sneaked his way out of the ministry. As soon as he had left the ministry area he dissaparated.
Sophie was beginning to wonder why Fudge was taking so long with Malfoy. He had another appointment that evening with Rufus Scrimgeour the head of the Auror office. Fudge was already late for that appointment and Sophie knew that Scrimegeour was not a man who liked to be kept waiting. Even if it was by the Minister of Magic. She knocked softly on Fudge’s door. And when she tried the knocking the third time and still got no response, she gently pushed the door open and step into the office. When she saw Fudge’s body hanging from the ceiling with the dark mark floating behind him she started screaming. A few minutes later when Rufus Scrimgeour came running down to see what the problem was, she was still screaming.

Chapter 7
The next day at breakfast Harry rolled open his copy of The Daily Prophet. On seeing the first page he shouted with surprise and his hand knocked over a cup of tea causing a lot of boiling tea to fall on Ron’s lap. “Ow!” shouted Ron
“Forget the tea see this!” snapped Harry grabbing Ron’s head and making him see the paper. Ron gasped in surprise. It Read

-Minster of Magic Brutally Murdered in his Office
In one of the most horrible events in magical history Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge was found murdered in his office yesterday. He was killed by Lucius Malfoy who was believed to be a respectable citizen until this murder. It is obvious that Malfoy was operating under You know who’s orders said Rufus Scrimgeour head of the Auror office who was one of the first people to turn up at the scene of the crime. In a grotesque way to inform the wizarding community that he has returned to power, he had Lucius Malfoy leave a note in Fudge’s pocket that read. I have not returned to power. Run and hide before I kill you . –Lord V*****t ( name blanked out to protect the sensitivity of our readers )
This chilling development has left the ministry of magic in a horribly disorganized mess and state of panic. Alarm and panic amongst the wizarding community is bound to rise after this incident. In the meantime Lucius Malfoy and his wife have both disappeared and gone into hiding. Their son Draco Malfoy 15 is studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore blatantly denied reporters permission to interview Draco. In the meantime Albus Dumbledore who has in the past insisted that you know who has returned despite Fudge’s denial simply stated. I had warned Cornelius that his narrow mindedness could result in certain dangers. I am deeply saddened by this news. Despite my differences with Cornelius I always knew he was a very good man. I cannot express enough grief due this loss

“Fudge was murdered” whispered Ron in disbelief. Harry didn’t know what to think. Over the past few days he had felt a great deal of animosity for Fudge, but he had never expected something like this to happen. He was surprised to find how upset he was because of this news. Professor McGonagall came up behind both of them and said, the headmaster wants to see both of you now. Go to his office, the password is Mars bars.
On entering Dumbledore’s office they found him seated at his table, looking older and wearier than ever. “Ah Harry, Ron please sit down”
“As you both undeniably know the minister was murdered in his office. I must impose upon both of you the importance of taking extreme care of yourselves and even your classmates. Please refrain from roaming through corridors at night. A dark age has begun. We must protect ourselves if we are to truly fight evil.”
“Professor is there any news about” started Ron but Dumbledore cut him off
“I’m truly very sorry to say that despite my very best efforts I do not know anymore about the disappearance of Hermione and Sirius than you do. I am truly very sorry about that”
Harry and Ron left Dumbledore’s office both looking very grim. “So what do you reckon?” asked Ron finally. “You know who’s come out in the open now. What’s the point of staying in Hogwarts like good little children? I know that’s what Dumbledore and mum keep telling us to do. But really they’ve got Hermione and I’m not going to rest until I rescue her!”
After a pause Harry said “I know Ron. But what’s the point in leaving the castle and putting ourselves at risk? I mean if Dumbledore cant find them, how can we?”
Ron was silent. Although he didn’t want to admit it he knew Harry was right.

Snape was in deep thought. So he thought, Fudge is dead. Lucius has succeeded. Now it’s my turn he thought. What have I got myself into ? he thought. By betraying Dumbledore in this fashion I’m almost spelling doom for myself. Snape was amongst the few people who had faced Dumbledore’s wrath many years back. He knew how powerful and dangerous an enemy the old man could be. Then his thoughts went back to Voldemort. He thought with a shudder what the dark lord would do to him if he were to back down on his word now. Apart from Potter he was to try to ensure that Ron Weasley could also be transported to Voldemort if possible. Voldemort wanted to make an example of what happened to those who were close to Potter. Snape felt a chill creep down his spine as he realized what a dangerous and ruthless game he was currently involved in. It was a game where he couldn’t afford to spend to much time thinking. He had to do what was right. Silently he cursed Wormtail for brining the dark lord back to power. When the dark lord had been weak he had been able to live a comfortable life at Hogwarts. He didn’t need to worry about who he was betraying as long as he was safe. Now with the dark lord’s return he was being forced to choose sides, and while his loyalties lay with the Dark lord. Dumbledore had kept a close eye on him and to betray Dumbledore’s trust was truly dangerous. Yet he reminded himself he had vowed to take his revenge against James Potter for what he had done to him all those years back. The humiliation to which he subjected him. The pain he had put him through. He remembered that the reason he had ever turned to the dark lord in the first place had been because of James Potter. I was never a bad man all those years back thought Snape. James Potter made me a bad man. Soon I will have my revenge he thought. But what of Ron Weasley he thought. He did not deserve to die. He had no old scores with Ron Weasley. Why put his life at risk too? He thought. He is an innocent bystander. Yes and sometimes innocent bystanders become casualties Snape reminded himself. Like I had been a bystander and then a casualty all those years back. He got up and walked up to his window and stared down at the quiddich pitch below. He thought of the casualties after the dark lords return to power. First there was Diggory, then Black, then Granger then Fudge. And Soon to be added to the list were Potter and Weasley. Snape could feel his heart racing. My time is coming he thought

END OF PART 1
With chapter 7 now published Part 1 of my story has now been finished! What was it that James did to Snape that forced him to join the Death Eater ? Will Snape deliver Harry and Ron to Voldemort ? Who else will die in this ruthless battle ? How will Ron and Harry React when they find out what has happened to Sirius and Hermione? And finally will they be able to destroy Voldemort ? Find out as I write Part 2 of this Story.

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Finally Chapter 8 is now Ready and available!!. A big Thank you to Padfoot, Prongs and Moony for having Betaed my work!

PART2

Chapter 8

Albus Dumbledore was extremely worried. Times were growing steadily darker, and he felt powerless to do anything to bring matters back in his control. Although he hadn’t yet told Harry and Ron, he was almost sure that Hermione and Sirius had been killed. Either that, or they were going to be used as pawns in a larger game planned out by Voldemort. The fact that he really had no idea what to expect infuriated him, and made him feel helpless, something he had never felt before. He realized that Voldemort was truly winning. But there was something else that worried him even more, and that was Severus Snape. For many years he had implicitly trusted Snape, and never once had he questioned Snape’s intentions. Yet, recent developments were forcing him to reconsider the previous trust he had placed in Snape. After all, thought Dumbledore, how was it possible that Snape did not anything about Hermione and Sirius, as he claimed? Could he be deliberately hiding something from me? Thought Dumbledore. After all he hated Sirius in school, and hated him even more when James did what he did to Severus. Could he be deliberately letting his personal spite come in the way of his judgment? Could he be trying to get his revenge against Sirius by deliberately leaving him in Voldemort’s grip? And if Snape genuinely didn’t know anything then that thought too was highly worrying, because it probably implied that Voldemort no longer trusted him implicitly. Dumbledore sighed to himself, and looked up at all the teachers he had called to his office, and said;
“I trust all of you to be as cooperative and helpful as possible in these sad times. There can be no doubt that Voldemort may consider an attack on Hogwarts. I trust all of you to do your best to ensure the safety and security of every single one of the students.”
Professor Mcgonagall spoke
“Of course Albus, you can depend on us.”
Dumbledore looked at Snape, and said softly, “I hope I can.”
As the teachers began to leave, Dumbledore called out “Severus I’d like a word with you please”
Snape stayed back, his expression, unfathomable.
“Yes headmaster?”
“Severus, it pains me to do this but I must ask you a very grave question.”
Snape remained silent.
“Severus I must ask you frankly. Where do your loyalties lie?”
Snape was stunned for a few seconds.
“Why headmaster, with you of course, haven’t I proved that to you years ago?”
“What you may have proved to me may have been a mere deception.” said Dumbledore in an uncharacteristically cold voice.
After a few seconds Snape spoke.
“Headmaster, I assure that I will not lie to you. My loyalties have always been with you. Haven’t I provided with you with valuable information of the Dark Lord’s activities?”
“Yes, it does seem so Severus. Yet why then, have you no information on what has happened to Sirius or Hermione?”
Snapes lip curled.
“I’ve already told you headmaster, there are several assignments on which the Dark Lord prefers to operate alone. I know nothing about Black or Granger’s fate.” lied Snape, praying that Dumbledore wouldn’t realize.
Dumbledore gave Snape his penetrating gaze, using leglimency to the best of his capacity, to find the truth in Snape’s mind. It didn’t work. He would just have to accept Snape’s word on it for the moment. But he resolved to keep a very close eye on Snape henceforth.
“Very well Severus, you may go.”
Snape breathed a sigh of relief as he left the room.
Dumbledore walked over to his fireplace, and threw a handful of floo powder into it. It was clear that Snape was hiding something from him, why else would he work so hard to use occlumency against Dumbledore’s penetration? It was true that Dumbledore could not invade Snape’s mind when he was using Occlumency, but he could recognize the fact that Snape was resisting his attempts to invade his mind. Dumbledore was determined to find out what Snape was hiding from him and, fortunately, he knew just the person who could help him.
In the meantime, Harry had become an instant celebrity. The looks of disbelief and disgust that he had now grown accustomed too, were now replaced by looks of admiration and respect. People now knew that he had not been lying about Voldemort’s return, and their respect for Harry only rose steadily. The press to, of course, were extremely interested in talking to him, and he was grateful to Dumbledore for holding them back. He didn’t feel great at all, on the contrary he only felt more worried about Hermione and Sirius. The whole school was now fairly worried about Hermione. Many people knew her as a good friend of Harry Potter and an excellent student, and her disappearance caused both worry and an increased sense of sympathy for Harry. Ron too, was getting a fair deal of attention as everyone knew he was very close to Harry. The only thing that made Harry feel slightly happy in the next few days, was when Ms Weasley stopped Harry and Ron in the corridor and gave them some excellent news. Arthur Weasley had been offered the post of Minister of Magic. The next day The Daily Prophet carried the headlines that he had accepted.

Arthus Weasley is the New Minister of Magic!
In a surprise move last night, the Ministry of Magic declared Arthur Weasley, of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department, the new Minister of Magic following Cornelius Fudge’s tragic murder. Weasley used to work in a fairly low level department until this decision. Explaining their decision, Scrimgeour told reporters that Weasley had been selected for this post because he was very close to Dumbledore, and the ministry was now keen on having a candidate who respected Dumbledore rather than one who opposed and tried to discredit him. Furthermore, Weasley’s experience in his previous department makes him the ideal person to involve himself in ensuring the safety of muggles in such dark times. Perkins, who worked with Weasley in his previous department, told reporters that Weasley was a great administrator and a fantastic person. ‘I’m sure he’ll be an outstanding minister’ stated Amelia Bones, who has known Weasley for several years. Arthur Weasley was unavailable for comment
“Wow,” whispered Harry. “Ron this is great!”
Ron was speechless. “I really can’t believe this,” he whispered softly. “I mean, dad’s always been the underpaid type of guy, him as minister. It’s unbelievable!”
Following this announcement, Ron became as much of a celebrity as Harry, as did the remaining Weasley children. Everybody was keen to know more about the new minister’s kids. Even Malfoy seemed shocked.
He cornered Harry and Ron one day and hissed maliciously.
“Lets see how long you father lives now Weasley. Pray he doesn’t meet a sticky end like Fudge.”
“No Malfoy,” snarled Ron. “You pray my father doesn’t find your father. Because believe me, when he does, your father will wish he was never born. Now get out of my way.”
The look on Malfoy’s face was murderous as he whispered in a low voice.
“You watch out Weasley. You watch out for yourself and your whole family.”
“No Malfoy, now it’s you whose going to have to watch out.” hissed Ron, as he walked up to Malfoy and shoved him violently out of his way



I wonder who it is who's help Dumbledore will take...?

Chapter 9
Rita Skeeter stared in disbelief at Albus Dumbledore, who only a few moments ago, had come climbing out of her fireplace.
“Good evening Rita.” said Albus politely, bowing slightly.
Rita was too shocked to speak.
“You’re undeniably wondering why I’m here.” said Dumbledore calmly.
“Yeah.” muttered Rita, “Why are you here?”
“Allow me to explain. Now, shortly before the end of last year Ms Granger came to me with some very interesting information. She told me you were in fact an unregistered animagus.”
“What?” snapped Rita, “What does that foolish girl know, can’t even look after herself, seems to have disappeared of all the things.”
Dumbledore winced at this casual mention of Hermione’s disappearance, but chose not to make an issue of it.
“Well, I take it from your reaction, that she was right.”
Rita was silent.
“Now Rita, I’m going to lay out a proposal for you.”
“What?” asked Rita.
“I need your help for a highly difficult and dangerous job.”
“What?” asked Rita again.
“I want you to spy on Severus Snape.”
“Why?”
“I believe he is betraying me, and possibility putting the lives of several innocent people at risk. I believe he may be serving Voldemort rather than serving me.”
“So you’re asking me to spy on a possible spy of You-Know-Who?”
Dumbledore smiled faintly.
“Why yes, Ms Skeeter, that is in fact, what I’m asking of you.”
“And how,” asked Rita with scathing sarcasm “Do you expect me to do that?”
“Why, by using your wonderful disguise of course. You transform into a beetle and sit on Severus’s back. When he disapparates and meets Voldemort, you will automatically be taken along. You hear all that takes place between them, and come back and report to me.”
“What’s in it for me?” said Rita at once.
Dumbledore looked mildly surprised, “Why haven’t you realized yet? You do this and I shall refrain from telling authorities what you are.”
Rita fumed for a few seconds before finally muttering, “Okay, I’ll do it. I guess I really don’t have a choice anyway.”
Dumbledore smiled at her.
“No,” he said gently “I’m afraid you truly don’t have much of a choice.”

Rita looked around the Hogwarts castle as she made her way silently to Snape’s dungeon. She transformed into a beetle and waited outside patiently for him to come out. Finally he did and Rita buzzed across and sat on his shoulder, where she was sure he couldn’t feel her. She clung on to him as tightly as she could in a beetle’s body, or she knew she would be left behind when he disapparated. Finally, when Snape stepped outside the boundaries of Hogwarts and disapparated, she could feel her excitement rising.
They were now in some dingy room, and she realized Snape was bending. She tried and crawled into his hair. She could not afford to be seen.
Rita heard a high cold voice speak. With a jolt of shock she realized that she was hearing the voice of the Dark Lord himself!
“So Severus,” the Dark Lord said “Are you prepared to give me what you promised?”
“Yes My Lord.”
“Are you sure Severus?”
“I have already made my promise, My Lord.”
“Very well then. Next Friday I shall expect you to ensure that I receive both Harry Potter and his friend Ron Weasley. I’m very keen to get the Weasley boy as well, especially since his father was appointed minister.”
Snape was silent for a moment, then he said.
“Very well My Lord, I shall summon Potter and Weasley to my office, and I shall find a way to ensure that they both touch a portkey that transports them directly to you.”
“Excellent Severus. I must say, Portkeys have come of immense help in bringing Harry Potter to me. I trust you know better than to fail me Severus?”
“I am as ever, entirely loyal to you, My Lord, but it seems Dumbledore has begun to suspect me. He was asking me several uncomfortable questions the other day.”
Voldemort spoke softly.
“I trust you will not shift loyalties in the face of his uncomfortable questioning Severus?”
“No, My Lord, you know I could never do that. I have lied to Dumbledore many years back. He never knew that I was secretly doing all I could to ensure that you tracked down the Potters. He never realized that I convinced Black to make Petegrew Secret keeper at the last minute. I lied to Black and told him it was a matter of hours before you would catch up with him, so the only way too keep the Potters safe, was by making Petegrew secret keeper. I could never risk allowing Dumbledore finding the truth about the role I played in the murders of James and Lily Potter. And, in any case My Lord, as I told you many years back, I have sworn to take my revenge against James Potter. Only when you kill Harry Potter will my revenge be complete. My loyalties shall never shift, My Lord. I assure you that.”
“Very well Severus, it’s Tuesday today, bring me Harry Potter and his pathetic little friend on Friday, and I shall reward you. You will no longer need to live in the dangerously close vicinity of Dumbledore. Succeed once more Snape, and I will reward and protect you. Fail me, and I will kill you. Remember Snape, this Friday.”
With that, the Dark Lord left the room and Snape apparated back to the castle. Rita could not remember how she got off of Snape’s back, or where she transformed back to her human form. She simply rushed to Dumbledore’s office and, upon entering his room, she found him seated comfortably at his desk.
“Well Rita,” he asked serenely, as though he were asking her about the weather, “Have you discovered anything interesting?”
“Yeah,” said Rita talking really fast. “I’ve found out something that should really interest you.”
She sat down and begun to tell Dumbledore everything that she heard. Dumbledore listened steadily, his expression growing increasingly dangerous with every passing moment.


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Alright so after a bit of a delay chapter 10 is finally here!! Enjoy

Chapter 10

Snape rose to his feet as he heard somebody knock on his door. He walked over and opened the door. It was Dumbledore.
“Why headmaster,” said Snape in surprise, “Please come in.”
Dumbledore walked in his room without a word.
“What brings you-“ Snape started but stopped. Dumbledore had his wand drawn and was pointing it straight at Snape’s chest.
“Headmaster, what?” asked Snape with fear and confusion in his voice.
“You know perfectly what Severus,” said Dumbledore in a would be calm voice. “You have shamelessly betrayed me Severus.”
“I-, you’re wrong Dumbledore I’d never betray you!”
”Isn’t that the same thing you’ve told Voldemort?”
“Well yes but that’s because he must trust me if I am to be a useful spy for you.”
“Liar.” said Dumbledore calmly. “I trust you won’t deny the role you played in the murders of James and Lily Potter? Do you deny that Peter Petegrew was made a Secret keeper because of you?”
Snape felt panic rising through his chest. How much did Dumbledore know? Did he have any evidence? How would he, Snape, escape Dumbledore’s grip? He knew better than to try and duel Dumbledore.
There was a bang and a flash of light. Snape felt himself being thrown against the wall. He looked up helplessly as ropes began to bind his hands and legs. Dumbledore was looking down at him with an expression of disgust that seemed to create an aura of power around him.
“Tell me Severus, have you been entirely honest with me?”
Snape could not bring himself to say no.
“What has happened of Sirius and Hermione?” asked Dumbledore coldly. “And don’t feign ignorance this time.”
“They’re dead.” sighed Snape.
Dumbledore almost screamed in anger. He couldn’t recall ever feeling this angry in his life.
“Tell me everything Severus. Right from the beginning. Don’t even think about lying to me, or I will ensure you suffer the consequences for the same.”
Snape sighed as he collected his thoughts and started to talk. He began to tell Dumbledore everything.
“I was, as you know, half-blood. My mother’s name was Eileen Prince, and my father’s name was Tobias Snape. My father was a drunkard. Initially my father was a good man. He had a muggle business of his own, but one year after their marriage, his business went bankrupt and he had to shut it down. That was where all the trouble started from. My father went into a serious phase of depression, and then he began to become dependent on my mother. He became a drunkard, and began to live off the wizarding gold my mother worked so hard to earn. Unfortunately, my mother never managed to earn too much and she grew furious with my father for wasting away her money on things such as alcohol. This, in turn, angered my father. I remember them shouting at each other, right since when I was a young boy. Then I came to Hogwarts where I was always hated and mistreated by James Potter and his gang. And while I would suffer humiliation in school, the relation between my parents only deteriorated until it reached the point when my father would physically begin to hurt my mother. She endured this and never told me about his physical abuse. She maintained that she loved him despite the bitterness that had crept into their relationship. Then one day, many years after I had already left Hogwarts, I walked into the room just as my father began to hit my mother. A hatred stronger than anything I had ever felt before in my life erupted in me. Before I knew what I was doing I pulled out my wand and killed my father with the Avada Kedavra curse. As you know, that at the time, James Potter was an auror. He was placed in charge of the investigation of my father’s murder, as it was immediately identified as a wizard murder. It only took Potter one visit to the crime scene to suspect me, after which, he found my wand was the guilty wand that had performed the curse. He immediately arrested me and claimed I was a Death Eater who had killed his muggle father on the Dark Lord’s orders. In reality, I was no Death Eater, and my father’s murder had nothing to do with his being a muggle. Potter hated me anyway and simply framed me as a Death Eater. Before I knew what was going on, I was being taken off to Azkaban. At the end of my trial however, as you know, I lost control and somehow managed to escape. Even I don’t know how I escaped. I went underground. I hated James Potter more than ever before. I was determined to take my revenge against him. I had heard the Dark Lord was hunting for him and his family. I’d heard that the Dark Lord was hunting for the Potters because he had destroyed something very precious to him. I learned later on that they had destroyed one of his Horcruxes. I was determined to take my revenge against Potter for what he had done to me. For the humiliation he had subjected me too. So I began to try and find the Dark Lord to join his ranks. I knew Lucius Malfoy, so this was not very difficult. He introduced me to the Dark Lord, and I officially became a Death Eater. Then the Dark Lord gave me fresh orders. He told me I was to come straight to you, and say I had always been a Death Eater. I was to say that I had always hated muggles and after becoming a Death Eater, I got the strength to start killing muggles with my father being first on the list. I was to tell you that I repented for my actions and that I was now willing to serve you as a spy against the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord knew that you had a weakness for forgiving people and giving them a second chance, so he instructed me to exploit the fact. Ever since then, I’ve actually been serving as a spy against you, for the Dark Lord. It was I who passed on valuable information to the Dark Lord about the whereabouts of the Potters. It was I who convinced Sirius Black to make Petegrew secret keeper at the last moment, and although Black hated me deeply he would never want the Potters to be in danger. I lied to him and said that it wouldn’t be long before Voldemort would find him, and when he did he would have his own ways of extracting what information he wanted from Black. I told Black that Voldemort would never suspect that Petegrew may have been used as a secret keeper when I knew that Petegrew was already working for Voldemort. I suppose you could say I virtually killed the Potters and I never felt a drop of regret. I only felt proud to be responsible for the murder of the man who had humiliated me so deeply. Then, as you know, the Dark Lord lost his powers, and I continued to work for you. Everyone thought Black was the culprit. Only Black knew that Petegrew was the true culprit, and he knew nobody would believe him. But Black also knew that I had convinced him to make Petegrew secret keeper. He may have suspected me, I don’t know if he ever told you anything about it. But I was worried. What if he realized that I was, in many ways, responsible for the murder of the Potters? As long as he was in Azkaban I felt safe, but when he escaped I felt my fears rising again. That is why I was so angry when he escaped again in Potter’s third year, because I feared he may realize the truth and tell you about it. For some reason, I was lucky. Black never seemed to suspect me. He accepted your word that I was on the right side, although he hated me deeply. Then the Dark Lord returned and I returned to him. He wanted to capture Hermione Granger and place her under the Imperius curse so he could use her to take Potter to him. But I couldn’t find her address. So I provided him with Black’s whereabouts instead. I knew that Black had Grangers address so he could write to her incase of an emergency if he couldn’t contact you, Potter or Weasley. The capture of Black would also result in his murder, and finally, I would be relieved of the tension that someone may realize my true colours. Black did not cooperate. He did not betray Granger’s address, so I did everything I could to find it myself. Finally I told Professor Mcgonagall that I needed to send a letter to the Slytherin quidditch captain and I had forgotten his address so I would need to check the student records. At that time, I secretly found Grangers address and sent it to the Dark Lord. Having no further use of Black, the Dark Lord killed him. But Granger resisted the Imperius curse, so he killed her too. Now he has ordered me to bring Potter and his friend Ron to him. I know I have lied to you, and that I have betrayed you, but believe me, I never wanted to join the Dark Lord. Circumstances forced me into joining him. And once I joined I could not turn back. He would kill me.”
Finally Snape stopped speaking. It was the most he had ever spoken in his life.
“And did you not realize Severus, that I would kill you if you betrayed me? Or did you consider me to be an old fool?”
“Please…forgive me” whispered Snape. “I will do anything you ask of me. Show me mercy once more. Please.”
Dumbledore stared at Snape for a long time. Finally he said. “I will give you one more chance Severus. Not out of mercy, but out of need. I see a way to finally kill Lord Voldemort, and you will help me. If you dare betray me again…” he left the words hanging in mid air. He flicked his wand and the ropes binding Snape disappeared. “Follow me Severus.” said Dumbledore and he walked out of Snape’s office.

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Chapter 11

Arthur Weasley went straight to his wife’s office upon reaching Hogwarts. It was a long time since he had seen his wife after taking up his new job as Minister of Magic. He instructed the aurors accompanying him to inform Dumbledore that he had arrived at the castle just as Dumbledore had requested. As soon as Molly Weasley let him into her office, she threw her arms around him and pulled him into a long hug.
“Oh Arthur, It’s been so long!” she said.
“I know, Molly dear, both of us have new jobs that tend to take up a lot of our time now. If Dumbledore hadn’t called all of us for this meeting who knows when we’d have had a chance to meet!”
“I know.”
“How is everyone? I mean the children?”
“Everyone’s terribly worried about Hermione.” replied Mrs. Weasley.
“Even Fred and George have been rather subdued. Oh Arthur, I’m so worried about Hermione too. What could have happened to her?”
The smile slid of Mr. Weasley’s face. “I don’t know Molly dear, we’re no closer to finding her than we are to finding You-Know-Who himself. I met Hermione’s parents the other day, poor things are sick with worry.”
Mrs. Weasley nodded.
“I know it must be terrible for them. I wish I could do something.”
Mr. Weasley was silent for along time. Finally he said,
“Well, we better go to the staff room, that’s where Dumbledore’s called us hasn’t he?”
“Yes, let’s go.”


“Harry, dad’s here” said Ron. Both of them were in the Gryffindor common room. “Dumbledore’s having a meeting down in the staff room. Whatever it is that they’re discussing, it’s obviously important. Do you think we should try and find out what’s going on?”
“But how?” asked Harry glumly.
“Lets use your cloak, we can hide in the wardrobe in the staff room. We did that before remember?”
After a pause Harry said. “Alright let’s do it.”


Down in the staff room, Dumbledore had assembled a rather large variety of people. Apart from the Hogwarts teachers, Remus Lupin, and Arthur Weasley were also present. There were also a few more wizards who were highly trained Aurors. After everyone had been seated, Dumbledore started to speak.
“My friends, we are facing some very grave times. I am sorry to inform all of you that Hermione and Sirius have been killed.”
Harry and Ron both jerked uncomfortably.
Most of the teachers went pale. Mrs. Weasley started sobbing quietly.
“Now,” said Dumbledore in a stronger voice. “Severus has told me he knows of Lord Voldemorts whereabouts. The Dark Lord had instructed him to take Harry and Ron to him by using a portkey. He was supposed to do this on Friday. Instead of taking Harry and Ron however, he will take me, and whoever else is willing to accompany me. We will finally have a chance to directly engage in a combat with Voldemort and his followers. It is an invaluable chance to finally destroy Voldemort. There are many deaths to be avenged. I would appreciate if any of you would be interested in joining me. However, this is a very dangerous game. Please think over the matter.”
“We’re with you Albus” said McGonagall simply.
“Not so fast Minerva.” said Dumbledore calmly.
“There’s nothing to think over!” said Mrs. Weasley fiercely. “He killed an innocent girl amongst hundreds of other innocent people. I will not let go of this chance to make him repent.”
“Molly, I understand Hermione’s death has deeply upset you. Especially since you’ve had her over in your house and treated her as your own daughter for so many years now. But such a decision should not be taken hastily. Joining me would involve putting your life at risk.”
There was a silence. Following which, Professor Flitwick squeaked, “I am coming with you Albus, I have decided.”
Everyone agreed that they would accompany Dumbledore. Nobody felt any fear for their own lives. Killing Voldemort was a cause worth dying for. Snape, of course had no choice, and didn’t say anything.

Harry couldn’t remember how he and Ron managed to leave the staff room, nor could he remember their walk back to the common room. Ron said something about going for a bath and disappeared. He looked pale, and barely seemed to have the strength to talk. Harry went straight to his dormitory and took out the album containing photos of his parents and their friends that Hagrid had given him. For a long time he stared at the photo of his parents wedding with Sirius standing with them, as his father’s best man. He lost track of time as he stared at the picture. Next, he took out a picture he had of himself, Ron and Hermione beaming out of he frame. It had been taken at the quidditch world cup the previous year. He felt at a complete loss. He didn’t know what to say or think. Then for the first time in many years, Harry broke down and cried.

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Chapter 12 part I

The days passed until finally the fateful Friday arrived. Everyone had gathered in the Potions classroom. Harry and Ron were also there. They had insisted on accompanying Dumbledore for the final battle. Nobody, not even Ms Weasley had objected. Everyone understood that Harry and Ron would rather die than live with the knowledge that they had missed a chance to destroy the monster who killed the people closest to them. In the centre of the classroom lay a trunk that had been converted into a portkey. Dumbledore signaled for everyone to gather around the trunk. Then he began to speak.
“My friends, we are about to enter one of the greatest and most dangerous battles ever fought in Wizarding history. We are about to launch a battle against pure evil it’s self. The situation is more perilous that you can possibly presume, it is near inevitable that some of us may not return. Despite this knowledge, all of you have seen fit to proceed. For this I honour all of you.”
There was complete silence.
“Today is a historic day not just for wizardkind, but for mankind as a whole. Today we will unite against our common enemy. We must now forget our old wounds (he shot a glance at Snape) and overcome our old differences. We as civilized beings are entitled to a peaceful and happy life. We deserve to have those whom we love by our sides. This fundamental right of ours is being snatched from us. Our right to live it’s self has been violated. We have been attacked. However we shall not coward down. We will not allow evil to threaten our way of existence. We shall fight. We shall fight until we win or we shall perish in our efforts. We will unite and demonstrate a strength that will enable us to face our worst fears. We shall ensure the enemy regrets ever being our enemy. We shall not surrender to the darkness that engulfs us, but we shall fight just as a candle fights to kill darkness. Hermione and Sirius were honorable and loyal people. Despite the dangers that they were faced with, they fought to the last minute to defy the wishes of Lord Voldemort. We shall honour their bravery by swearing to ensure that their deaths have not been without reason. We shall root out and destroy evil today. Today we will fight a battle where the line between black and white is clearer than it has ever been. May we be successful. May our determination to fight for what is right be stronger than our fear of the immediate dangers that we face. Now, my friends, let us proceed.”
Everyone bent lower and gripped the trunk. Harry felt a jerk at his navel, he was flying in the air….finally all of them fell, and hit the ground. Harry looked up. They were surrounded by Lord Voldemort and his closest followers. Despite this however, the expression on Voldemort’s evil and twisted face was not one of sadistic happiness, but was of shock and even fear. Snape was the first to stand up. “Hello master,” he said. “The headmaster here couldn’t resist the chance to meet you. I hope you don’t mind my bringing him along.” Then Snape began to laugh. He looked like a madman as he laughed. Harry was shocked, he couldn’t remember ever seeing Snape ever laugh before.
“Severus,” hissed Voldemort in a dangerous voice. “You dared to betray me?”
Snape stopped laughing.
“Why yes master, I’ve dared to betray you. I’m glad you’ve understood that.”
Dumbledore had now risen to his feet, and so did everyone else.
”Touching,” whispered Voldemort.
“You’re going to fight us are you Dumbledore?”
“Yes Tom,” said Dumbledore simply. “We are going to fight you.”
And thus the battle began.


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Chapter 12 Part II

Flashes of red and green flew in every direction. They were screams of pain, agony and even ecstasy. Harry ran and tried to find a place to hide. They were in an exceptionally large hall. There weren’t too many places to hide. Harry ducked under behind a wall and Ron sat next to him. Their coming had probably been a mistake. They realized neither of them were even close to being powerful enough to survive in a battle of this sort. Far ahead, Lucius Malfoy and Mr. Weasley were engaged in a furious duel. They were a large number of masked Death Eaters who were throwing curses at Dumbledore and his army. Dumbledore himself was engaged in a duel with Voldemort.
“You can’t kill me Dumbledore” spat Voldemort. “I am immortal.”
“You were immortal Tom,” said Dumbledore calmly. “Both of your Horcruxes were destroyed. The one that Lily Potter destroyed so many years back, that made you so keen to hunt her down in the first place, and your second horcrux, your diary was also destroyed.”
“That’s a lie!” snarled Voldemort. “My diary is with Lucius. He told me so.”
“Lucius lied to you Tom. I assure you, your diary has been destroyed.”
Voldemort was furious.
“NO!!!” He shouted. “Lucius would not dare lie to me!!!”
He shot a jet of green light at Dumbledore, that Dumbledore dodged.
“LUCIUS!!!” screamed Voldemort. “SHOW YOURSELF!”
Lucius who was battling Arthur looked up in shock.
Voldemort summoned his strength and threw a spell at Dumbledore that blasted him off his feet and threw him some ten feet back.
“No!” gasped Harry.
Dumbledore was unconscious.
Voldemort turned around and faced Lucius who had just deflected a stunner shot at him by Mr. Weasley. Voldemort raised his wand and sent a jet of green light straight at Lucius. Unfortunately it missed, and hit Mr. Weasley straight in the chest.
“NO!” screamed Ron in horror running forward. But Harry pulled him back. “No, you’ll get yourself killed.” he snarled. “Stay here.”
Lucius looked a Voldemort and gulped. Mr. Weasley lay dead at his feet.
“You lied to me.” whispered Voldemort.
“Where is my DIARY?”
“Master-I’m so sorry.”
Lucius didn’t say anymore. He was hit by a jet of green light shot at him by Voldemort.
Mrs. Weasley was fighting at the other side of the wall and hadn’t seen Mr. Weasley die-yet. And Dumbledore still lay unconscious. Severus Snape came running out from nowhere and grabbed Dumbledore’s unconscious body and dragged him behind a wall just as Voldemort turned around.
“Enervate” whispered Snape pointing his wand at Dumbledore, both of whom were now hidden behind a wall with Voldemort on the other side. Dumbledore regained his consciousness. In a minute he surmised the entire situation. He and Snape were hidden behind this wall, and Voldemort stood immediately behind the wall. If either of them showed themselves, Voldemort would instantaneously kill them.
“Are you hiding from me now Dumbledore?” asked Voldemort in a dangerously mocking voice. “So scared of me are you?”
“Dumbledore,” whispered Snape.
“I will show myself, and distract him. This will give you the advantage of a split second. Kill him then.”
“But Severus-he’ll kill you.”
Snape gritted his teeth.
“I know that. I have no choice. Perhaps it is time for me to die now. I’ve lied and betrayed you shamelessly in the past. I’ve used you. Now it’s time for me to pay the consequences of my actions.”
Dumbledore said nothing.
“Remember Dumbledore, you will need to act fast.”
Dumbledore simply said, “Thank you Severus.” Snape was sure he saw a tear glisten behind those half moon glasses.
Snape stood up and looked beyond the wall straight at Voldemort.
Voldemort acted instantaneously sending a jet of green light straight at Snape’s chest. A split second later, Dumbledore rose and sent a jet of green light at Voldemort’s chest. Both the curses found their targets. Snape and Voldemort both crumpled to the ground. Dead.
Seeing Voldemort fall made most of the Death Eaters turn around and panic. Many of them tried to escape. Harry and Ron both showed themselves and sent stunners at every Death Eater they could see. Many Death Eaters were captured, but many managed to disapperate, and escape.
It didn’t matter, Voldemort was dead. But to Ron, Voldemort’s death had no meaning whatsoever, his father was dead. Finally Mrs. Weasley saw Mr. Weasley’s body spread lifelessly across the floor. She kneeled down slowly and took his glasses off his face, and kissed him on the forehead. Ron came down and sat next to her. They both stared down at the lifeless body of the man who had they had both loved so deeply, and who had loved them so deeply in return, trying to absorb the horrifying truth that he would never talk to them again. Harry wasn’t sure how it happened, but a minute later both mother and son were sobbing uncontrollably in each other’s arms.
Harry looked around the battle scene in disbelief. He could not believe that Voldemort had finally been destroyed. But at what cost he asked himself. For Voldemort’s death had forced Harry to suffer even more losses. Sirius, Hermione and now Mr. Weasley. As he stared at the dead body of Voldemort, he felt a strong regret that he couldn’t bring him back to life, and give him a more painful death. Finally Harry saw Snape’s body. Harry didn’t quite know what to think of Snape anymore. He hated him deeply for what he had done to his parents. Yet he couldn’t help but feel a bit of pity for him as well. After all, if his own father hadn’t made such a hasty and biased judgment of branding Snape as a Death Eater, all of this would never have happened. And finally, hadn’t Snape made the ultimate sacrifice of his own life to destroy Voldemort? As he continued to stare at Snape’s lifeless body, he felt for the first time, a small amount of admiration for the man who lay dead in front of him.


Epilogue

Soon news of Voldemort’s defeat was known to the wizarding community. Large celebrations and parties were held across different parts of the wizarding world. Many meetings in memory of those who had been killed were also held. Harry had attended Mr. Weasley’s, Hermione’s and Sirius’s joint funeral. Harry remembered those days as some of the worst days of his life. Hermione’s parents were also present at the funeral, both sobbing uncontrollably . So were all the Weasleys’. Harry didn’t feel like they had won at all. To him the losses were far greater than the winning. It took him several years to get over his grief. Finally as he graduated from Hogwarts he went on to play Quiddich for the Chudley Canons as a seeker, and became one of the most successful seekers ever. He married Ginny a few years later, and they had 3 children, two sons named Sirius and Arthur, and one daughter named Hermione.
Ron never married. A few years after leaving he wrote a book about his entire experience which instantly became a bestseller bringing him fame and money, neither of which excited him any more. Fred and George both established, and ran, their joke shop successfully, and Percy went on to become the next Minister of Magic in a few years time. As for Dumbledore, he continued as Headmaster of Hogwarts for several more years before finally retiring and living a quiet and peaceful life which, according to him, was every old man’s right. Peace had been restored to the Wizarding community, but of course it had come at a price. And that price had left Harry and Ron broken forever.