Dawn of the Phoenix: Cedric goes to Forks Story and Characters owned by Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling Story Adaptation by Erica K.

Transcription

1 Chapter 105: Seen and Unforeseen Dawn of the Phoenix: Cedric goes to Forks ** EDWARD ** It wasn t easy to catch Dumbledore to give him a report. Despite my initial thoughts that Hermione had Rita Skeeter under control, I had become more and more uneasy about the article. I d diverted some of my attention over the Sunday and Monday following the interview to monitor her thoughts as she wrote and edited her piece. I heard the longing to make additions and amendments to spin the article in a different direction to make her mark once again in the Wizard newspaper world. However, by Monday, when she finished the final edit, she d stayed true to her word and written an honest article on Harry s side of the story. Even so, what would happen now? What would the Ministry do with a story that was an obvious slap in the face of the official message? I d lived in this human world over a century, and was very aware of what governments were capable of in times of crisis. And then there were the disturbing dreams that Harry was having on a regular basis. Each time he ventured down the same long hallway, each time he came closer and closer to the door he desired to open, and each time the voice of his mind became something other. And I worried as to why that was. It was uncomfortable for me in this magical world where the possibilities were endless. I didn t know enough about magic to understand why might be happening and I longed for access to some of the literature I knew was housed at Hogwarts in the library and Dumbledore s private quarters. Surely something there would let me know. After about a week of observation we found that Snape was providing Harry with lessons that were supposed to help him deal with these dreams. It was the same skill that kept some of the adult wizards minds from me. But how could this possibly help him from his own dreams? I felt I was missing some vital piece, and was sure with some discussion with Dumbledore, I could put the pieces together. However, Dumbledore s visits were infrequent and short. He only popped in, asked a few pointed questions and held up his hand in warning when we began to get into the areas that were causing us concern. His constant reminder, Keep Harry alive. That is of utmost importance. The rest, we ll get through in time. Let me know immediately if his life is in danger. I m afraid the rest we ll have to live with. I can t interfere too much But when we asked him why, he only avoided the question and dismissed himself as having to leave almost immediately. I wondered how many others he was trying to visit each night. After the Valentine s Day fiasco, Cho seemed quite out of the picture of Harry s life, much to Alice s chagrin. She fancied they d make a lovely couple and had already begun imagining what a full wizard wedding might look like.

2 He s only fifteen! I hissed at my sister as I watched the dreams pass through her mind, And it s not like you ve seen it happen. Only because it s undecided yet. She elbowed me as we stood surveillance in the forest. It seems very decided at this point. I pointed out. What seems decided? Bella asked. Alice seems to think that Harry and Cho would make a good couple. Do you really think so? Bella frowned, I don t know. I would have thought you d approve. Alice frowned. If that s what they both wanted, then sure it s just that I don t see them together. But Harry s quite taken with her, and she likes Quidditch players and they both play the Seeker position and she s smart and nice Yes, Bella paused. I could see she didn t really want to argue with Alice, but when had Bella ever been one to acquiesce to any of our wishes. but, Harry seems more taken with the idea of Cho with her beauty. What does he really know about her? She is smart and nice, but she s very quiet and so is he. He needs someone a little more outspoken, I think. Maybe they are too alike. Hmmm Alice turned around the idea in her head, You know, maybe you re right. It s so hard when they re so young. It was much easier with you and Edward it was pretty much decided from the beginning. I growled a warning to Alice. I m just saying You two were inevitable. I shook my head and turned my attention back to the task at hand, watching Harry. ** CEDRIC ** After Valentine s Day, it had remained relatively quiet around the house. Neither Lupin or Tonks had come back for a visit, and the rest of the members of the Order were terribly busy. This fact alone made me feel more and more like I should be doing something anything to help, and I ached to use my notebook to discuss the matter with Dumbledore.

3 However, the last few exchanges had seemed hurried and I got the impression that Dumbledore was much too busy to discuss my meager concerns. One thought was that if he d only release me to do something, then perhaps he wouldn t be so busy. I wondered why wouldn t he use me what was the use of my sitting here doing nothing? Was it because I was completely useless? Maybe he d finally realized that I had no real skills and had been basically lucky in the past. Listen, Cedric as hard as it is, you need to keep yourself safe. Our time will come. There is much to be done, but much more is coming. Sirius advised when I blurted out my sense of uselessness one day at the breakfast table. What is with you, I d shot back quite uncharacteristically, I thought you, of all people, would want to go out on Valentines Day, but you chose to stay in. And now, when I discuss wanting to help, you re the one telling me to be patient. You know I don t like being cooped up here any more then you do. He frowned. I would have agreed a couple months ago, but over the time we d been stuck in the house, Sirius had become very comfortable with the idea of staying in I m not sure you do, I heard myself challenge, you seem very comfortable staying around here, out of the way of harm. What happened to you? The scrape of his chair silenced any further accusations as she stood up, glaring at me, anger flashing through his eyes, You ve been here for a few weeks you know nothing of being set aside, cooped up. You haven t seen what I ve seen what they are capable of. His voice had become slightly mad, his expression crazed, And you know nothing of incarceration! His voice dropped to a whisper. I couldn t understand what was wrong with me pushing Sirius like this, almost begging for a fight. But before I knew it I was standing too, and my voice was raised, Just because I wasn t sent to Azkaban, or fought in the first war, doesn t mean I don t know anything. I ve been training all year I m ready to do something! He laughed unkindly, You don t even know what you d do. My heart sunk. He was right, I didn t know what to do. Still I heard myself snap back, Anything would be better then being stuck here with you. In the next moment, Leah and Tanya, recently returned from feeding, were at our sides. I felt Leah s warm hand on my shoulder, her hot breathe against my ear, Listen, Cedric, let s go upstairs. I felt the tension ease out of my shoulders and back as the anger that had so quickly risen, receded. I glanced over at Sirius who was being similarly affected by Tanya. They d

4 already begun walking upstairs. I felt ashamed and confused. What had made me lash out like that? Leah felt me lean forward toward them and tightened the loose grip she had around my bicep. Not now. She whispered. After a minute, we climbed the stairs ourselves, up to the parlor near our room. I don t know I started. Sssh. Leah put a finger on my lips and then replaced it with her own, kissing me deeply passionately in a way that made me wonder why we were in the parlor and not the bedroom. However, after a moment she pulled away, just as my hand had begun the journey up her shirt. I was in a daze, wondering what had just transpired. Now, she said, talk to me. I m not sure if I want to after that She smiled, You needed to relax talk. I debated arguing the point, but I could see from the look in her eyes she wasn t going to give on this. I don t know what happened. One minute we were sitting downstairs eating breakfast, and the next I was furious with him. I sighed, I just need to get out of here for awhile. You ve been penned up for a while now. Leah said, And so has he much longer then you in fact. That s exactly what I was trying to tell him that we needed to get out. But he just wants to stay here now. I don t get it. I felt a twinge of my previous irritation creep back into my voice. So you want to get out Leah led. Yes, I want to help Dumbledore seems to be running himself ragged. He never has time to correspond. He hasn t dropped by since he left us here I just feel like I should be doing something to help. Leah paused for a long time before responding. I glanced up at her face and her brow was furrowed as if she was deep in thought, or perhaps deciding something. Finally she spoke, Cedric, of course you want to help. And Dumbledore wants you to help. That is why he s keeping you safe for now. I know, but still I feel so useless here. I thought Sirius felt the same.

5 He does feel the same. Can you imagine he d feel any different? But he said he didn t want to leave. I suspect that isn t exactly what he said. I thought through the argument, preparing my rebuttal. Instead I realized she was right. He said almost the same thing she did. But how could he accept it so easily, especially when he had such a hard time of it last fall? I think he s having a much easier time in the house with some positive companionship Leah started. We were here last time. I pointed out. Not the entire time And I wasn t really thinking of us. Oh Tanya And maybe now he has a little more at stake. What do you mean? Think about it. What about you how would you feel about heading off into the streets with Death Eaters on the loose, knowing you might not come back to me? Oh, I swallowed, but Tanya and Sirius they re not like us. No, but I think they re a far cry from just friends. That certainly seemed to be true. Despite Sirius assurances that they were not in love, it sure seemed that they meant a great deal to each other. What if we were out and Death Eaters attacked what would I do? Fight back of course. What would Leah do? She d fight too, I realized with a tightening of my stomach. And what if I lost her in the battle what if Sirius lost Tanya It hit me like a bludger. There was more at risk then just our own lives now. I sighed and Leah knew she d finally gotten through. Now that is done, let s continue this discussion in another room. She smiled with one arched eyebrow, and I willingly followed her back to the bedroom. A couple days later, Dumbledore finally arrived at the house, along with Snape and McGonagall.

6 Call the Order, he ordered Sirius, I don t have a lot of time. Within minutes, the first of the Order began to arrive. Kingsley and Tonks arrived one after another. What is the meaning of this? Kingsley inquired of McGonagall as he entered the kitchen. Snape has news. She advised. Lupin arrived next, avoiding the chair beside Tonks, he took a spot at the far end of the table. Arthur and Molly arrived next. A few others straggled in as Dumbledore brought the meeting to order. I don t have much time. Snape brings us some news I think it advisable for a few of us to hear. He gestured toward Severus. Yes Snape puffed himself up, well, it would seem that the Dark Lord has made the connection between the hasty response to Arthur s attack at Christmas and Harry. As I suspected, it didn t take him long to realize there is a connection. I thought you were teaching Harry to protect his mind! Sirius blurted out. I am, Snape barely hissed, I can t help it if your godson is a slow learner. Perhaps it has something to do with the teacher. Sirius shot back. The room grew suddenly quiet as the two wizards glared at each other. Severus Sirius. Dumbledore said sternly and they both broke connection. He continued, Given what we ve learned I feel it important to increase our patrols at the Ministry. Dumbledore perhaps another teacher could take over Harry s lessons. Sirius suggested. If he could be brought here, I could teach him Yes, bring him here Snape drawled, He could learn a lot. Perhaps even how to hide in a hole and never come out. Sirius jumped to his feet, wand at the ready. Don t tempt me. He growled. Go ahead, I would love the opportunity- But we never heard what opportunity he d love because Dumbledore clamped a solid hand on his wand arm. With one look the two men sat back down.

7 While I understand your desire to teach your godson, Sirius, Dumbledore said in a firm steady voice, Severus is the best at Occlumency. He s spent the most time with the Dark Lord and knows what to expect. He is the best option we have for this. It was a concession Dumbledore didn t often give explaining his decision. It hadn t taken me long to realize that to trust Dumbledore meant trusting his orders. Not often did someone dare to question. Of course, Sirius deferred, I didn t mean to question only to offer my services. Certainly, Dumbledore smiled kindly. Now as for rotations He spent the next few moments, organizing the members of the Order into shifts to cover the Ministry offices before he hurried off. ** EDWARD ** The article will be published this Monday, Alice advised. With relief I d seen the finished product in Rita s mind and it was as honest account as Harry could have given. Luna s father excitedly pushed aside some other article on Crumple-Horned Snorkacks and quickly gave Harry the front page. Yes, but how will people react? I worried. Alice was already concentrating on that It s difficult to say. There seems to be so many reactions all I m getting are flickers. But there are some positive flickers in all that. Anything positive is better then what he has now just a load of speculation. Bella suggested. True. And, as Alice predicted the article came out Monday morning. We watched from our usual post in the forest as he received his copy and the first responses. I looked through Harry s eyes as he peered at the March edition of the Quibbler, his own face smiling shyly back from under a large red banner, Harry Potter Speaks Out At Last: The Trust About He Who Must Not be Named and the Night I Saw Him Return. Well, that s clear enough, Jasper mused. Yes, but will people believe it? Bella wondered.

8 He s got a pile of letters from readers, I replied as I watched Harry, Hermione and Ron begin ripping into various envelopes and began repeating what each was reading. This one s from a bloke who thinks you re off your rocker, Ron reported as he glanced over his first letter, Ah well This woman recommends you try a good course of Shock Spells at St. Mungo s, Hermoine frowned Doesn t anyone believe him? Maybe this was a mistake This one looks okay, though, Harry slowly scanned a long letter, unsure if he was reading it correctly. Finally he brightened, Hey, she says she believes, me! This one s in two minds, Fred said as he joined in the review, Says you don t come across as a mad person, but he really doesn t want to believe You-Know-Who s back so he doesn t know what to think now. Blimey, what a waste of parchment. Here s another one you ve convinced, Harry! said Hermione as she ripped through several envelopes. She d quickly tossed the negative ones in search of those that supported her decision to have Harry do the interview. She read excitedly, Having read your side of the story, I am forced to the conclusion that the Daily Prophet has treated you very unfairly little though I want to think that He Who Must Not Be Named has returned, I am forced to accept that you are telling the truth Oh, this is wonderful! Another one who thinks you re barking, Ron added tossing another crumpled up letter away, but this one says you ve got her converted and she now thinks you re a real hero she s put in a photograph, too wow! She s hot! Ron began to fantasize about the girl in the picture as another even more annoying mental voice came into my consciousness. What is going on over there letters he s got letters Minister Fudge will be interested to know what is going on here What is going on here? Umbridge announced her presence as she imagined the very informative review she d provide today and the accompanying step closer she d make in the Ministry. A low growl issued from Jasper as he felt the malice even from our spot in the forest. Why have you got all these letters, Mr. Potter? Is that a crime now? Fred said defiantly, Getting mail? Be careful, Mr. Weasley, or I shall have to put you in detention. Umbridge turned slightly to address him and then returned her attention to Harry. Well, Mr. Potter. Harry briefly considered lying. But what could I possibly say to explain all this? He thought as he looked over the ever growing mountain of letters. Finally he squared up his shoulders and replied, People have written to me because I gave an interview about what happened to me last June.

9 He glanced up at the staff table and if his mind had been quicker he would have seen that Dumbledore had been watching the exchange and noticed the faint twinkle in his eye. As it was, he only thought he might have caught a glance from Dumbledore before turning back to Umbridge, who was growing whiter by the second. An interview? she said weakly, What do you mean? He couldn t possibly what would he say what will Fudge say my letting this happen right under my nose Her dreams of a Deputy appointment began to fade. I mean a reporter asked me questions and I answered them Here. He tossed a copy of the Quibbler to her. Her brief hopes that, perhaps, Harry had towed the party line, the line she d so diligently tried to impress upon him, or at least upon the back of his hand, dashed the moment she read the cover. As she stared down at his bashful face and the large headline, her disappointment turned to fear, and then to anger. How could this boy this brat of a boy ruin all her carefully laid plans. When did you do this? she asked as her face turned a rather unappetizing shade of purple. Last Hogsmeade weekend. Harry replied, a slight lift in his chin. I smiled despite myself at the defiance in his voice. Her anger was boiling to rage. I felt myself leaning forward along with Jasper and Bella. They couldn t see her face, but they could certainly here the tone of her voice and Jasper could feel the fury rolling off her in waves and could anticipate what reaction she might take They prepared to defend him if need be. Alice lifted her hand. It ll be alright. She whispered There will be no more Hogsmeade trips for you, Mr. Potter. She whispered in barely contained rage, How you dare how you could her mind muddled with the flood of emotions. She took a breath and settled herself before continuing. I have tried again and again to teach you not to tell lies. The message, apparently, has still not sunk in. Fifty points from Gryffindor and another week s worth of detentions. She stalked away a mass of anger and fear, coldly calculating how she could possibly keep this from the knowledge of Ministry Fudge. Unfortunately for her, it was too late. He was waiting in her frame the moment she stepped into her office. Can you please explain, He began fiercely, why I ve received hundreds, ney, thousands of owls today from witches and wizards across the country and abroad demanding an explanation for what happened last fall? Can you tell me how we are going to contain this outrage? Can you explain how this could happen, UNDER YOUR VERY NOSE!

10 He didn t give her time to respond, and simply left with the barked order. YOU GET THIS UNDER CONTROL NOW! and huffed out of the frame. She stood for a moment, her mouth agape, unsure what to do, preparing to fall apart. Instead, with a huff, she sat down and penned a new order. Any student found in possession of the magazine The Quibbler will be expelled. The above is in accordance with Educational Decree Number Twenty-seven. And with a flourish she signed the bottom and quickly rushed off to have it posted through out the castle. She really is an idiot, isn t she? Alice smirked. Why? Bella asked. Because, now everyone is going to have to read what is in that magazine. I can already see it every student at Hogwarts will have read it before the day is out. Jasper shook his head, amused, Of course he chuckled lightly. It was a pale victory of sorts. Harry was up for another round of detentions, with Umbridge trying to find some new form of torture to bend his will. But the harder she tried, the more Harry defied her, along with the rest of the school who were, more and more, coming to Harry s side. The problem was that she was now considering a new avenue for her investigations and I feared what lengths she might actually stoop to in her quest to pave her way to the top. What s troubling you? Bella asked as her fingers smoothed my brow. Alice and Jasper had headed home for the night. Alice had foreseen no interruptions in our surveillance. However, she had seen a few glimpses of what was happening back in Forks and she wanted to be somewhere she could use a phone and call home to check on Carlisle and Esme. Umbridge. I replied with a heavy sigh. It would seem she s only made things worse for herself. Bella replied, I don t see how she can climb out of this hole. I shook my head, It s not that. I m afraid what she might do in an attempt to dig herself out. She s like a cornered animal she is so close to the Minister s office she can taste it and she doesn t want to give that up. But surely Fudge won t forgive her this blunder Bella supposed.

11 He will if he gets what he wants. She raised an eyebrow, doubting Umbridge s potential for success. I know, she s not exactly intelligent or talented, but Bella she s willing to do anything anything at all. I ve not been in many minds like hers. She has no loyalties but to herself. Even Aro has some standards You can t possibly be saying she s worse then Aro. We re only lucky she has no real strengths But surely she has some limitations. She d kill if it came to it. Bella gasped, she wouldn t would she? She hasn t because it wouldn t be helpful but that doesn t mean she won t. She has several other devices at her disposal to try before it gets that far but she would if she has to. How does someone get like that? I don t want to know. I frowned I d seen many dark minds, but hers was among the worst. Harry had gone to bed and we were just about to return to the cabin ourselves when his dreams caught my attention once more. He was standing in a dark, curtained room lit by a single branch of candles. His hands were clenched on the back of a chair in front of him. They were long-fingered and white as though they had not seen sunlight for years and looked like large, pale spiders against the dark velvet of the chair. Beyond the chair, in a pool of light cast upon the floor by the candles, knelt a man in black robes. I have been badly advised, it seems, Harry said, though his voice was now that other voice one that was high, breathy, and currently cold and angry. Master, I crave your pardon, croaked a man kneeling on the floor. The back of his head glimmered in the candlelight. He was trembling in fear.

12 I do not blame you, Rookwood, Harry said in his cold, cruel voice. He relinquished his grip on the chair and walked around it closer to the man, who cowered even more as he approached. Finally he stood directly behind the man in the darkness, looking down from a much greater height then Harry possessed. You are sure of your facts, Rookwood? Harry asked. Yes, My Lord, yes I used to work in the Department after after all Avery told me Bode would be able to remove it. Harry said without emotion. Bode could never have taken it, Master Bode would have knowne he could not undoubtedly, that is why he fought so hard against Malfoy s Imperius Curse Stand up, Rookwood, whispered Harry. The kneeling man almost fell over in his haste to obey. His face was pockmarked; the scars were thrown into relief by the candlelight. He remained a little stooped when standing, as though halfway through a bow, and he darted terrified looks up at Harry s face. You have done well to tell me this, Harry said, Very well I have wasted months on fruitless schemes, it seems but no matter we begin again, from now. You have Lord Voldemort s gratitude, Rookwood My Lord yes, My Lord, gasped Rookwood, his voice hoarse with relief. I shall need your help. I shall need all the information you can give me. Of course, My Lord, of course anything Very well you may go. Send Avry to me. Rookwood scurried backwards, bowing, and disappeared through a door. Left alone in the dark room, Harry turned towards the wall. A cracked, age-spotted mirror hung on the wall in the shadows. Harry moved towards it. His reflection grew larger and clearer in the darkness a face whiter than a skull red eyes with slits for pupils NOOOOOO! I was suddenly staring up into a pair frantic golden eyes. Edward, Edward what is going on what s wrong?

13 I couldn t shake it. I could still see them the white face, the red eyes of my would be murderer. I d only seem him through the imperfect eyes of Harry but the malice, the thirst that couldn t be forgotten, especially not with my perfect vampire memory. I was at a loss for words. Edward, please you re worrying me. What s wrong? I realized I d stopped breathing, stopped moving just stopped, and fallen back onto the forest floor like a stone like I d been struck again by the killing curse. I purposely blinked and took a breath. Bella visibly relaxed. What is going on, Edward? Why did you yell? You and Harry at the same time I did I yell? I don t know, Bella. I suppose I was caught off guard. It was Lord Voldemort He s here? No he s Harry I ve got to get back talk to Alice Dumbledore. I mumbled as I picked myself up and started for the tree. To her credit, Bella waited until we were back at the cabin before pressing for more information. I recounted the experience for the rest of the family. Did you say Bode? Jasper asked. As in the man who was killed at St. Mungo s Yes, they bewitched him to move something from the Ministry offices. I replied. What do you suppose happens when you force someone, under a spell, to do something they can t do? Alice asked weakly. I expect they go mad. Rosalie replied. Of course and if they happen to get better. Jasper added, They run the risk of exposing your entire operation. But what are they after? Emmett asked. Alice paused to consider while I searched the memories I d been able to read. It was frustrating not having complete access to the thoughts of the wizards. So much could be gained. I can t see for sure, Alice sighed, It s something to help them with the war, but what, I can t see It s hidden. A weapon? Jasper asked.

14 Must be, Alice shrugged. Bella had been watching me closely, not saying anything. She d noticed I d not completed my story, not quite gotten to the end. Edward tell them the rest What oh OH! Alice s eyes grew big as she saw the story unfold. What? Emmett exclaimed with exasperation. Harry is Voldemort? Alice exclaimed, But that can t be. You saw him return it s not the case. Unless something else is going on. I replied, wondering what it could be. We need to talk to Dumbledore! But then I was reminded, Alice had left to make a call. What did you find out? I asked Alice. Not much but Esme and Carlisle are heading here the visitor has been back and Demetri with them. He ll know we aren t there. I m sure he knew before he went. Why didn t you see them coming? I asked. Guess. She rolled her eyes and I saw it in her memory. Seth is coming too? Yes, I guess Dumbledore has been to visit them several times. He decided it was for the best. They should be here in a little over a week. They re taking a few back roads to get here, to try and avoid any Death Eater involvement. I was glad to hear of my family reuniting, and pleased to have Seth coming as well. Though young, I d always appreciated his purity of thought and purpose. However there were too many unanswered questions too many uncertainties and why was Dumbledore avoiding us?