Author's Note: Okay, this idea has been nagging at me so long that I've practically written the story in my mind, now all I have to do is write it down. Usually I start stories without having a plot and they fizzle and die. Fear not! I already have a written outline for this plot, and it will not die. It may not be the longest story in the history of existence(did that make sense?) but it will be quite a good length. Please read and review for me, as without the encouragement I usually don't continue my stories. I simply fizzle out. And while I enjoy encouraging, "That was great!" reviews, if you have an idea you'd like to see in this story, or any helpful hints on grammar or other issues PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know. Also note that I am a student in MEDICAL SCHOOL, so I will update when I can, but studying takes precedence. Okay? Thank you and please review!
Dear Professor McGonagall,
My dearest hope is that you are doing well, and that the school is thriving under your influence, much the same as it did when Albus Dumbledore was the esteemed Headmaster. If you'll notice, I've left you a gift, if you will. I discovered a way to unlock its gates, but as I lack the room to house the inhabitants that will undoubtedly follow, I've sent it to you. Do me a favor, and hide it from the Ministry of Magic. While I know that Arthur Weasley would not likely keep you from using it, there are others that will use it for their own gain, and there are those that do not need to rise from the dead.
Let me explain to you the history behind the gift I've left you. In the Department of Mysteries is a veil known as the Gateway of the Dead. Of course, that is easily explainable. However, this golden veil that you see before you is known as the Gateway of the Living. Long ago, in the lands of Egypt, before even the founders were thought of or conceived, a ruler called upon wizards and witches alike to create a veil that would allow instant death for criminals; be they thieves, murderers, or the like. No decent witch or wizard of that age would take up the task to create such a thing, especially with the knowledge that this certain ruler would use the veil for his own gain, so the ruler began to exterminate thieves and even civillians in rather tragic ways.
One wizard, a brilliant man by the name of of Nur-Rahl, couldn't bear the suffering that was placed on the peoples of his land, so he went to the ruler and agreed to build the Gateway of the Dead. Yet because Nur-Rahl knew that the ruler was corrupt, he secretly constructed the veil's counterpart, the Gateway of Life. You see, the Gateway of Life is said to bring back those from the dead who were wrongfully murdered, or who truly had something in life that they desired to complete. The former does not pose a problem, but the latter might if it were to reach the wrong hands. Voldemort would love to bring back some of his followers to help him along.
And so, to make a long story short, here before you stands the Gateway of Life. Nur-Rahl created a safe-lock on this veil, to keep the ruler from using it, but he wrote down the instructions to unlocking the veil within a journal that was passed down by his descendants. In fact, I learned of this veil by accidentally acquainting myself with one of his descendants. Upon much deliberation, and hearing my own story, he gave the journal to me with the stipulation that I return it one day, and sent me on a quest to find this veil. Why me? His family had long lost the knowledge of its location, but with the reality that I could set some things right for a few people very precious to me, I was determined to find it. Three years later, I did.
So please, I know it goes against everything you truly believe in, but I do think that the veil can be used to replinish your dwindling ranks. Especially since Harry Potter is nowhere to be found. Do not write back and ask me who I am, or where I've gained my knowledge. You can use the gift imparted to you, or you can perish before your hero can save you. Either way, it is your decision.
My regards,
A friend.
Minerva wearily rested a hand against her forehead as she reread the letter for the seventh time. A few days ago, a large and rather imposing hawk had managed to make its way into her office. At first glance, she had thought that the hawk belonged to Voldemort or one of his servants, as it did have a rather imposing look about it. Having cast several spells on the letter before opening it, she had finally surmised that it was not hexed, spelled, charmed, or enchanted in any way. In fact, she had called an Order meeting after having received the letter, and having read its contents the Order decided that they would test the veil to see if it worked. They would call one member missing from their ranks, and see if he returned from the other side. If it was so, then they would begin to do as the letter suggested, replinishing their ranks with those that they knew would return or have a reason to return.
It seemed harsh, and almost cruel to do so, especially since most of them didn't know they were coming back in the middle of a war, but the Light was losing and the world was perishing day by day. Harry Potter had mysteriously disappeared, and even though more and more Death Eaters went missing every time there was an attack, no one could explain where they had vanished to. Most surmised it was a coincidence and simply a blessing, Minerva believed that it was Harry, striking out on his own to finally do what no one would allow him to do while he remained under Hogwarts protections.
Though he had seemingly accepted the help of his friends to gather the Horcruxes, he had vanished within the next few days, leaving only a note to say that he was sorry but that there were some things that he needed to do alone. That had been two years ago. Two long years of fighting, death, murder, despair, pain, and defeat. Small victories were won, but by large they were defeated. They had lost so many...the most heart breaking being Remus Lupin. He had come to fight with an abandon, feeling alone in the world despite his relationship with one Nymphadora Tonks. Fighting so wrecklessly was out of character for Remus, but when he'd finally realized that he was the last left out of all his friends and family, he had gone down in a 'blaze of glory' so to speak and taken out half a rank of Death Eaters before his death.
Minerva stood, and delicately placed her hat on her head. Today was the first day that the Order had decided to test the veil since its arrival nearly two weeks ago. After much debate and deliberation, they decided that morals would have to be set to the side for the greater good, and hope that others would forgive them in the end; whether it be for bringing them into a war during the midst of their second chance, or whether it was for bringing them back at all.
As she made her way down the long corridors of Hogwarts, she realized how empty it was without children running amuck. The castle had been empty for two years, and if the children of wizarding Britain were taught, they were taught at home, or sent far, far away for their magical training. Those that did not have to stay in Britain fled, and those brave enough to fight joined either Voldemort, or came to live in the castle with the Order of the Phoenix.
Unfortunately, most that chose to fight chose Voldemort over the Order. Because of the scheming of ministry politics, and the numerous scandals that were growing, most decided that the Order was the enemy. Most were throwing their lots with their pocket books. Things had become so bad that even the goblins had begun casting their lots in with the wizards. Luckily, they had cast their lots with the Order, and were providing means for the Order to stay heavily stocked and secured within the walls of Hogwarts. While Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade stayed open to the public, the cheer had left those places long ago. Most shops were boarded up, and those that weren't now had heavy security. Everyone was scared, and any that could afford it had wards or Fidelius Charms placed on their homes. Hiding, away from the world.
Minerva saw the logic in that and had to agree that if she were in their positions, she would be hiding as well, but as Albus was not here to handle the affairs normally handled, it was her job to do so. At least, it was if the veil didn't work. In fact, their first returnee was to be, hopefully, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore himself. A powerful wizard in his own right, devious minded as any Slytherin, and someone that they needed if they were to win this war. While Minerva had not always agreed with how Dumbledore had handled things, she did have to admit that during times such as these, Dumbledore was the 'best man for the job'.
Quietly, Minerva made her way to the third floor corridor and opened the door. Stepping in, she smiled slightly at the weary faces that she saw around her. Heads of red proclaimed that the Weasleys were all accounted for and present, as well as Hermione Granger and Alastor Moody. Only a few Order members were present today, so that in the event that this didn't work, the entire Order wouldn't panic. Hopefully, their 'friend' knew what he was talking about when he'd sent this veil to them.
Minerva turned to look at Alastor. "Is everyone ready?"
Alastor nodded, and their was a general movement of heads nodding their consent. Moving forward, Minerva surveyed the veil. It was a tall golden arch, with a thin curtain that was as long as the arch itself. It was almost seemingly transparent as light poured through it and out into the chamber, lighting up the dreary walls and warming the faces of those that were anxiously watching. After a moment, Minerva stepped up and placed a hand on the side of the arch.
"Audite mihi quod respondeo ut vox ut ego imperium. Pario Albus Dumbledore, ut nos may plango haud magis, quod ut quod eram infectus may exsisto universa. Albus Dumbledore, adveho!"
Suddenly, the veil shuddered, groaning under the weight of the command. It had been thousands of years since it had been commanded to obey and perform its task and its awakening was slow. As the floor of the room shook, the curtain was pried away by a less-weathered hand - for it had been moreso in life - and someone walked forth from out of the veil. Minerva moved back with a sudden lurch as the floor rumbled beneath her, only to reach out and grasp for anything that would keep her standing.
Quickly, a hand caught her own and she heard a voice that brought tears to her eyes. "Careful, my dear Minerva, lest you find yourself staring up at a rather boring ceiling, for I've yet to have art placed upon this particular ceiling."
As she was directed back to her feet, she stared at the hand for a long moment, before she slowly brought her gaze to stare unflinchingly at the twinkling blue eyes behind half-moon spectacles. "Oh," she said softly, as if hardly believing her eyes. Standing before her, his hand clasping hers, was Albus Dumbledore, and he was looking no worse for the wear. In fact, he looked as he did when he was merely the Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts, when his hair had just turned gray and white. It was this face that she had glanced upon as a student at Hogwarts, and it was this face that she saw now.
Silence fell over the room for a long moment, and it seemed as if no one could believe what they saw. After a moment more, Minerva reached out her free hand to lay it against Albus' cheek. "Albus...?"
He chuckled. "Quite. I see no one else here by that name, unless..."
He turned to look at those assembled. "I have a long lost relative within the Weasley clan?"
After his comment, the room broke out into cheers, and everyone rushed forward to greet the Headmaster, as if they were afraid he would vanish in moments. After many hugs, tearful welcomes, and general shouting and happiness, Dumbledore stepped back to glance at the veil, the bright red robes he was wearing rustling as he did so. If possible, the twinkling in his eyes became greater, and he turned his attention back to McGonagall.
"So, Harry received my belated note, did he and found Nur-Rahl's descendant, I see."
Minerva blinked, the note she had received having been placed in her pocket before she went to the third floor corridor. Slowly, she unfolded it and handed it to Albus. After reading it, he looked back up at Minerva with a worried expression. Hesitating only a moment, Minerva finally said-
"Albus, Harry Potter's been missing for two years. If what you say is true...did he send this here?"
Albus brow furrowed.
"I believe he must have, for only he and I knew of it. I addressed a letter to him upon the eve before my death and had it delivered to Harry by belated owl post. I was quite sure that I would not make it past the next day, and wanted the boy to know that there was hope."
He glanced back down at the letter, then glanced back up, a determined look replacing his normally cheerful one.
"Minerva, we must find Mr. Potter, and quickly. I shall need to know what I have missed..."
Minerva frowned delicately, attempting to phrase a question in her mind before she asked it. After her face had contorted several different times, Albus smiled pleasant and folded the letter, placing it in his own pocket for later scrutiny. "My dear, you look as though you've swallowed a lemon. Voice your question, and I will attempt to answer it to the best of my ability."
A long moment later, Minerva finally voiced her question. "Do you, in any way, resent that we have brought you back to the Realm of the Living."
Dumbledore looked surprised for a moment - for this was a question he had not expected - before his expression was replaced with one of amusement. "My dear, no one should resent life. Whether it be the first time around, or the fiftieth, I shall always be grateful for the chances I am given."
Minerva smiled at that comment. "It is good to have you back Albus."
"It is good to be back," came the reply, blue eyes twinkling. "Now come, we have much to do, and little time to do it in. Let us call the Order together to discuss what will be happening in the days to come, and then we must find Mr. Potter. We must find him at all costs."
Musssst you alwaysss do that, Massster?
"Do what?" came the groggy voice from underneath the red blanket.
That funny ssssound, asss if you were ssssucking sssomething down your throat.
A snort of amusement was heard before the blanket was lifted and a green eye peered out at the creature. The snake had slanted his head in such a way that its black eye was staring at the green orb that was peering at him. The snake was a deep ebony color, glints of charcoal grey scales appearing when it moved, but currently it was content to stare at its master. While the snake generally preferred sweltering temperatures, he was quite content with the large rock in his habitat area that heated as needed, and cooled when necessary.
"It'ss called sssnoring, Ptah," came the reply with a groan. "It feelsss like it'ss early." As if to verify this statement, the young man glanced across the room to the curtained window. "Light'sss barely sssspilling through the windowsss. Why did you wake me up ssso early?"
The snake bobbed its head back and forth before coiling into a more comfortable position and giving out a small, hissed sigh. "It wassss that abomination again, Masssster. He came russshing in at midnight, and wanted to wake you. I convinced him otherwissse, but he sssaysss he will wait no longer. He sssaysss he'sss carrying a very important messssage Massster."
The young man growned and sat up suddenly, the mattress shifting much to Ptah's chagrin. As the mattress dipped with the man's weight, Ptah became uncoiled and slid in an unseemly matter towards the center of the bed. With a hiss, and unbelievable speed, the snake raced its way to the pillow and coiled up beside it.
Warning would be nice, Massster...
The man chuckled and stretched slightly, the few scars on his back and chest pulling at he did so. Black hair fell to his shoulders, messy and rampant because of his constant thrashing in his sleep. Green eyes peered blearily at his surroundings, and one hand reached out blindly to grasp thin, silver spectacles and place them delicately on his face. A grunted spell later he was dressed, his hair clasped back before he turned to look at the clock. He groaned at the six a. m. that was plastered on the clock's face and rose to his feet.
"Next time, you'll do better to keep that abominable bird away then, won't you?"
With a smirk at Ptah's angry hiss, he moved from his bedroom into the living area of his apartment, his grey robes rustling softly, the only noise in an otherwise silent apartment. Slowly, he moved to a perch in a corner of the room, and gave a slight smile to its occupant. Sitting atop the gold perch was a phoenix of majestic beauty. Unlike its red or white counterparts, the phoenix was a mix and motley of black and midnight blue. A storm phoenix and not one that usually tied itself to one master. However, Niyat wasn't your normal phoenix. The first of his kind to speak to a human, Praevon had decided to become Harry's phoenix because, as he put it, "Harry Potter cannot seem to take care of himself without injuring himself without due cause, therefore, I will take care of him."
"Couldn't this have waited until morning, Niyat?"
The phoenix ruffled his feathers and trilled a tremulous note, bright spots of energy dancing across his wings one moment, and gone the next.
Well, I suppose it could have, Harry, but I received it from another of my kind...in a general sense. Does the name Fawkes ring a bell?
Harry practically snatched the letter from Niyat's talons, and with trembling fingers proceeded to open it. Niyat gave such a look that Harry could almost swear he was smirking. He had not only made Ptah seethingly angry, but addled Harry right out of his good manners and speech. Niyat's work was done for the day, or night, as far as he was concerned.
As Harry opened the letter, his eyes dropped to the signature and before he could truly read the letter he began to laugh. Yet, this laugh was full of more laughter, light, and joy than either Niyat or Ptah had seen in ages. Usually, Harry was extremely serious, or brooding, as he went about his daily work of spying, fighting, or seeking out Horcruxes and Death Eaters. He would normally wake screaming, in pain or from having a particularly vicious nightmare. Yet, laughter was hardly ever heard, beyond snorts of amusement or a chuckle or two. This sound from Harry was amazing to Niyat, and he trilled several ringing notes in appreciation.
Finally, Harry got control of himself enough to read the contents of the letter:
Dear Harry,
My dear boy, I do hope this letter finds you well. First, let me apologize for the state that I left you in when last we saw each other. What happened was unexpected to you, I know, and for that please forgive me. Also note that you should not blame Severus, as we reached an agreement that my death was immenent. Yes, Harry, imminent. The first Horcrux that I destroyed leaked a poison into my system for which we could find no cure, and upon hearing of Severus's inescapable Unbreakable Vow, we concocted a plan to keep him in favor with Lord Voldemort.
Currently, Minerva has told me that he is on the run, spotted a few times by the Order and has been fleeing for his life. I have instructed all attacks to cease against him, and I do hope that you would heed this wish as well. That being said, it has come to my attention that you have struck out on your own in this endeavour, and while I applaud you the marvelous work you've obviously been doing, I also implore you to return to Britain, and to Hogwarts. You are needed desperately in this hour, Harry. Not because of your fame, no, for that would do little good in the world in which we are living now, but because of your skill, information, and the light of hope you would provide for many.
Also, I congratulate you on finding Nur-Rahl's descendant and acquiring the veil. I knew you to be quite capable of this task, my boy, and so I left it to you. Currently, we have decided upon using the veil to bring forth many that have fought for the Order before, including but not limited to, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and James and Lily Potter. If you do not come to stay, at least come to welcome them back into the world, and lay rest some of your demons Harry. I would like to see you again as well, my boy.
Whatever your wish, please let me know. I believe your phoenix, Niyat did he say it was? Would be willing to deliver your response.
Sincerely, and with utmost hope,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster of Hogwarts
Commander of the Order of the Phoenix
After reading the contents of the letter, Harry turned back to Niyat and smiled. For years the Order had been begging him to return, but he'd always sworn he would only return once the veil was put to use. Seeing as he no longer had an excuse to stay away, he moved away to pen a response to Dumbledore. He stared at the use of Albus' name, realizing that he'd long ago began to call him such without truly realizing it. Finally, he glanced over his letter and decided it was sufficient. Handing it to Niyat, the phoenix disappeared with a spark.
Albus Dumbledore was currently setting up his office once more, especially since Minerva had saved most of his effects. It was with a cheerful heart and an even more joyful smile that she removed her things from the Headmaster's office and occupied her old space once more. While Minerva was capable and able of leadership, she did not enjoy being the one that everyone looked to for answers, since she often found herself incapable of supplying one. Albus, however, did not suffer such difficulties and so, after a hard day's work, he was settled back into what the rest of the Order deemed as 'his rightful place'.
With a smile, Albus settled into his chair, content to go over the paper work and missions logs Minerva had left for him to read so that he could catch up on what was currently happening in the world. One could not prepare battle strategies and plans without first knowing what the enemy had been up to. He was in the midst of nearing the middle of the pile when a bright spark and a gust of wind caused his papers to go flying. Pulling out his wand - which Minerva had also kindly retrieved for him - he flicked it in the direction of the falling pile, causing it to stop mid-fall and suddenly pile itself back into its correct place.
Albus turned to see a black and midnight blue phoenix sitting alongside his own Fawkes, a mischievious gleam in its eye as it reached out a talon towards the Headmaster. Albus smiled and took the letter, nodding at the phoenix.
"Hello again, Niyat," he said, his eyes sparkling. "I see you've brought me quite a prompt reply. Let's see what it says, shall we?"
Finally, he opened the letter and read, and only when it reached the end did he smile brilliantly and stand to go and find Minerva, the letter left open on his desk for all the world to read.
Dear Albus,
Upon receiving your letter, and after short deliberation, I will heed all of your requests. Expect me in a week, and yes, I have much news for you as well.
And...Albus...it is good to hear from you, again.
Sincerely,
Harry Potter
See to the left? Please leave a contribution in da' little box. Thank you. :) Also note that the Latin used in this chapter was done via a free translator on the net, so I'm sorry if it isn't grammatically correct. Do forgive. :)