-Chapter One-

A Twist in Fate

A slight twist in fate could alter everything; from a simple choice of yes or no could lead to a life-changing option of kill or be killed. Yes, a twist in fate could change the very path that ultimately leads us to our demise or our happily ever after. In this story, we start with a very handsome seventh year Hufflepuff -who went by the name of Cedric Diggory and his fellow Hogwarts champion, a bespectacled and raven haired boy-who-lived, Harry Potter. And we all know the ending of this story. A sad ending it is, with Cedric dead and Harry emotionally scarred.

But what if, Voldermort's motives weren't so direct? What if he had spared Cedric and decided to not let Harry loose from the tomb to duel him? What if Voldermort was not so blinded by his need of redeeming himself, instead, he was willing to let his plans prove to the magical world of his wrath? What if Voldemort did something so cruel to the boy-who-lived, something so nasty that no one could believe he could ever manage? Now how would this story differ?

Our story begins when our two Hogwarts champion had finally reached the plinth where the Triwizard Cup stood gleaming in its golden glory, after defeating the giant spider together. It was young Harry Potter who made the choice, one where he will regret moments later.

'Both of us,' Harry said.

'What?'

'We'll take it at the same time. It's still a Hogwarts victory. We'll tie for it.'

Cedric stared at Harry. He unfolded his arm. 'You-your sure?'

'Yeah' said Harry. 'Yeah… we've helped each other out, haven't we? We both got here. Let's just take it together.'

For a moment, Cedric looked as thought he couldn't believe his ears, then his face split in a grin.

'You're on.' He said. 'Come here.'

He grabbed Harry's arm below the shoulder, and helped Harry limp towards the plinth where the Cup stood. When they had reached it, they both held out a hand over one of the Cups gleaming handles.

'On three, right?' said Harry. 'One – two – three-'

He and Cedric both grasped a handle.

Instantly, Cedric felt a jerk somewhere behind his navel. His feet had left the ground. He could not unclench the hand holding the Triwizard Cup; it was pulling him onwards, in a howl of wind and swirling color, Harry at his side.

Cedric felt his feet slam into the ground; his leg gave way and he fell forwards; his hands let go of the Triwizard cup at last. Cedric stumbled and fell to the wet, muddy grounds.

'Where are we?' Harry said.

Cedric shook his head roughly as he struggled to see through his slightly blurred vision. When he had finally gained focus of his surroundings, he gotten up and pulled Harry to his feet. They glanced through the unfamiliar setting that now surrounds them.

They had left the Hogwarts grounds completely; they had obviously travelled miles –perhaps hundreds of miles- for even the mountains surrounding the castle were gone. They were standing instead in a dark and overgrown graveyard; the black outline of a small church was visible beyond a large yew tree to their right. A hill rose above them to their left. Cedric could just make out the outline of a fine old house on the hillside.

Cedric looked down at the Triwizard Cup and then up at Harry.

'Did anyone tell you the Cup was a Portkey?' he asked.

'Nope,' said Harry. He was looking around the graveyard. It was completely silent, and slightly eerie. 'Is this supposed to be part of the task?'

'I dunno,' said Cedric. He felt nervous and thought that it had shown in his voice too. 'Wands out, d'you reckon?'

'Yeah,' said Harry, looking glad that Cedric had made the suggestion.

They pulled out their wands. Both boys kept looking around them. They had, yet again, the strange feeling that they were being watched.

'Someone's coming,' Harry said suddenly, making Cedric jump a little.

Squinting tensely through the darkness, they watched the figure drawing nearer, walking steadily towards them between the graves. Cedric couldn't make out a face; but from the way it was walking, and holding its arms, he could tell that it was carrying something. Whoever they were, they were short, and wearing a hooded cloak pulled up over their heads to obscure their face. And –several paces nearer, the space between them looked like a baby… or was it merely a bundle of robes?

Cedric saw at the edge of his eyes –too intrigued to look away from the approaching figure- that Harry lowered his wand slightly, and glanced sideways at Cedric. Cedric shot him a quizzical look. They both turned back to watch the approaching figure.

It stopped beside a towering marble headstone, only six feet from them. For a second, Harry and Cedric and the short figure simply looked at each other.

And then, without warning, Harry fell to his knees, he let his wands slip from his fingers as he put his hands over his face. He screamed in agony while clutching his scar, his face contorted to a painful grimace.

'Harry!' Cedric panicked when he saw Harry on the ground. 'What's happening?' But Harry appeared to be oblivious to Cedric's concerned calls; he was too lost in his world of pain. Cedric was at a lost of what to do.

From far away, Cedric heard a high, cold voice say, 'Handle the spare.'

A swishing noise and a second voice, which screeched the words to the night: 'Incarcerous!'

Cedric felt ropes magically appear from behind him and snaked around his whole body with a loud 'whoosh', constricting him in tight knots. Cedric could hardly breathe as he toppled side wards on his arm to the hard ground.

'HARRY! RUN!' Cedric shouted when he saw the cloaked man approached Harry.

The short man in the cloak had put down his bundle, lit his wand, and was dragging Harry towards the marble headstone. Cedric was helpless when he watched Harry being slammed against it.

The cloaked man was now conjuring tight cords around Harry, tying him from neck to ankles to the headstone. Cedric could hear shallow, fast breathing from the depths of the hood. Harry had struggled; Cedric winced when the man hit Harry.

'You!' Harry gasped when he looked into the hood of the man. It seemed as though Harry knew the man as his pale, clammy face broke into a terrified expression.

'LET HIM GO!' Cedric shouted while trying to wriggle out of the ropes. The man turned to the bundle he had left on the ground.

'A-are y-you sure you don't want me to… kill him, master?' Cedric felt the color drain from his face. He kept his mouth jammed shut and his muscles stiffened. He was sure the man in the cloak was referring to him.

'You are wasting my time Wormtail. I will deal with him later!' The cold voice said in a raspy whisper; annoyance and impatience thick in its tone. Wormtail quickly nodded towards the bundle; then without another word, and he hurried away.

But Cedric's problems were far from over.

Cedric felt the hair at the back of his neck rise when he heard the slithering of a snake moving through the grass. He turned…

A gigantic snake was eyeing him, only inches away. Cedric forced a gulp down his throat as he turned to Harry –trying desperately to ignore the snake, frantically searched his mind for a way to get him and Harry out. But the giant snake seemed to be drawn to him and slithered around him, making it hard for him to wrap his mind around the situation.

Wormtail's fast, wheezy breathing was growing louder again. Cedric turned to the edge of the forest where Wormtail was pushing something big. It sounded as though he was forcing something heavy across the ground. Then he came back within Cedric's range of vision, and Cedric saw him pushing a stone cauldron to the foot of the grave. It was full of what seemed to be water –Cedric could hear it slopping around- and it was larger than any cauldron Cedric had ever used; a great stone belly large enough for a full grown man to sit in.

The thing inside the bundle of robes on the ground was stirring more persistently, as though it was trying to free itself. Now Wormtail was busying himself at the bottom of the cauldron with a wand. Suddenly there were crackling flames beneath it. The large snake slithered away into the darkness. Cedric's whole form loosened considerably, but he knew that the danger was far from over.

The liquid in the cauldron seemed to heat very fast. The surface began to not only bubble, but also send out fiery sparks, as though it was on fire. Cedric could feel the heat radiating from it where he was lying, beads of sweat rolling from his forehead. Steam was also thickening, blurring the outline of Wormtail who was tending the fire. Cedric coughed from the steam as he struggled to roll away from the cauldron. The movements beneath the cloak became more agitated. And Cedric heard the high, cold voice again.

'Hurry!'

The whole surface of the water was alight with sparks now. It might have been encrusted with diamonds.

'CEDRIC! GET THE PORTKEY AND GET OUT OF HERE!' Harry screamed, sounding desperate as he continued his struggle to escape. Wormtail turned slightly to Cedric, as if to check if he was still tied up. He was satisfied to see the Hufflepuff was still immobilized on the ground. Wormtail then resumed tending the fire under the cauldron.

Cedric turned to the Portkey lying on his right; it was only a few feet away from him. If only he could reach it….

'I am not leaving without you.' Cedric said firmly as he continued to squirm in the knots of ropes. He looked at Harry; his expression was filled with agitation and aghast as he kicked with vigor. But Harry's legs did not leave the tomb stone even an inch, he was that tightly tied.

'THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE NOBLE CEDRIC! YOU WILL DIE!' Harry screamed with frustration. Wormtail seemed oblivious to Harry's cries as he concentrated on the cauldron, he did not even bother looking up. Cedric stubbornly ignored the Harry's words as he tried to untie the knots non-verbally, with his wand tightly gripped in his hands. Cedric could feel his heart lighten considerably when he felt the ropes around him loosened. But Wormtail's words had made him stop in his tracks. His voice shook as he recited,

'Bone of the father, unknowingly given, you will renew your son!'

Cedric watched wide eyed as the surface of the grave at Harry's feet cracked. Cedric absent-mindedly pushed himself out of the ropes as he watched a fine trickle of dust rose into the air from beneath a horrified Harry at Wormtail's command, and fell softly to the cauldron. The diamond surface of the water broke and hissed; it sent sparks in all directions, and turned a vivid, poisonous-looking blue.

'RUN!' Harry tried to yell again. But Cedric got to his feet as he put a finger to his lips, gesturing Harry to keep quiet. Wormtail was now too focused on the potion to realize that Cedric was free of the ropes. Cedric quickly cast a disillusionment charm on himself, just in case. He thought.

Wormtail was now whimpering. He pulled a long, thin, shining silver dagger from inside his robes. His voice broke into petrified sobs. Cedric swiftly but soundlessly ran to Harry. But he could not help but watch the quivering man; he had quickly learned to regret his move.

'Flesh – of the servant – w-willingly given – you will- revive- your master.'

He stretched his right hand out in front of him – the hand with only four fingers, much to Cedric's surprise. He gripped the dagger very tightly in his left hand, and swung it upwards.

Cedric quickly realized what Wormtail was doing and turned away. He ran behind the tomb where Harry was tied. But he could not ignore the piercing scream that shook the night. Cedric shuddered as he fumbled through the knots, trying to get Harry loose.

'Don't worry Harry. I will get you free.' Cedric whispered to a cringing Harry, Wormtail's screams were still sounding through the silent night.

'Diffindo!' Cedric whispered urgently. A ray of bright blue light shot from Cedric's wand to the tightly constricted knots. But much to Cedric's dismay, the spell seemed to have dissolved into the ropes. The spell did not work.

'What the hell?' Cedric said to himself unbelievingly.

'You… get… out… of… here NOW!' Harry forced the angry but terrified words through trembling lips with his eyes closed. Cedric ignored him as he continued to try spell after spell.

'Confringo! Incendio! Reducto!' Cedric whispered; frustration colored his tone. But alas, every spell was no different than the first; the ropes remained intact, with not even an ounce of damage.

Cedric was so occupied with the ropes he did not realize Wormtail standing in front of Harry. His watery eyes locked onto Harry, he didn't even seem to notice Cedric standing behind the tomb.

'B-blood of the enemy …forcibly taken …you will …resurrect your foe.' Cedric was too panicked to think of a spell to blast the rope apart. Cedric's clumsy mouth slid through a couple of useless spells, it was like seven years of magical education had disappeared from him. A small whimper escaped from Harry's pair of lips, which made Cedric panic even more.

But something interrupted Cedric's troubles; a loud sloshing sound came from the cauldron, which made Cedric turn to it with curiosity alight in his gray eyes. Cedric's eyes shot wide open with fear when he saw a man rising from the now crimson fluid that filled the cauldron. No… it can't be…. Him. Cedric fell short of breath as he watched the scene unravel before him. He was too stunned to even utter a single word. His lips began to dry and his hands sweating. His whole body was petrified with fear.

'Robe me.' The cold voice rang, no longer weak. The figure stood out of the cauldron and idly made his way, staring at Harry. Cedric couldn't even wrap his mind around it, it just couldn't be…. He was supposed to be dead…. People don't just rise from the dead! But then, the evidence stood so clearly before him…

Lord Voldemort had risen again.

*

Ron and Hermione were sitting expectantly on the raised seats amongst the restless crowd, all waiting for the Triwizard Champion to emerge from the maze.

Hermione kept her eyes locked intently upon the grassy maze presented on Hogwart's Quidditch field. Little figures were making their rounds around the enormous maze to make sure that everything was going smoothly. The bright red stars on the back of their cloaks were visible even to Hermione who was sitting quite a distant from the maze.

Hermione could vaguely make out Madame Maxime, Kakaroff, and Professor Dumbledore, Ludo Bagman and Fudge sitting under the small tent set up for the judges, they looked like they were in a middle of an intense conversation. None of them even spared a glance towards the maze. The rest of the crowd was just buzzing with the excitement, but it had slowly dulled down as the time began slowly stretching to twilight.

Though everything seemed perfectly fine, Hermione just couldn't shake the peculiar feeling that something was wrong…

'I just wish Harry would hurry up and get the cup already!' Ron exclaimed, as he peered into his binoculars and stared at the exit of the maze. It was being guarded by a sinister looking Mad-eye Moody with his prominent grizzly red hair. Hermione bit her bottom lip nervously; she turned to the sun that was disappearing into the outlines of the mountains beyond the horizon. Should the task take this long?

'Not if Cedric gets to it first!' Justin interrupted happily; the 'support Cedric' badge gleaming under the radiant light of the setting sun. Ron threw him an agitated look as he put his pair of binoculars down and began engaging in a heated debate.

Hermione eyed the binoculars apprehensively. Finally making her decision, Hermione reached for the binoculars and peered right through it.

The enlarged image of the scene was clear, it had made Hermione feel like she was right there in the field. But she couldn't see beyond the bushes that barricaded the insides of the maze. Hermione directed the binoculars to one of the openings of the maze. She felt the heat began rising in her cheeks as she saw the flurried scene before her. Hermione's heart sank….

Professor McGonagall was levitating two bodies; Fluer Delacour of the Beauxbaton Academy and Viktor Krum of Dumstrang. Both were unconscious, and Hermione hesitated to think that they looked very pale… almost…dead.

Hermione's eyes followed Professor McGonagall and the two levitated champions to the tent, where Madame Pomfrey quickly took over. Madame Pomfrey's eyes shot wide open when she saw Professor McGonagall and yelled something Hermione couldn't hear, but Hermione could tell that Madame Pomfrey wasn't pleased.

Hermione quickly put the binoculars down and tugged Ron by his robes.

'Ron, I'd reckon we should go down and check it out.' Hermione said through trembling lips as she forced the words out.

'Wha-why?' Ron asked, pulling himself away from the conversation with Justin. Hermione pointed where the two unconscious champions were, Ron's eyes shot wide open. Justin had stopped abruptly and gawked at the tent. Hermione felt the whole crowd tensed up when they had slowly realized what had happened. The flurry of buzzing intensified.

'Let's go,' Hermione urged Ron. Both made their way down the raised platform of seats and down to the field. Hermione could feel eyes lingered on them as they made their way down the field. On the way down, Hermione kept whispering to herself, Harry will be fine, Harry will be fine… Her breath fell short when they had reached the Quidditch grounds.

The moist grass brushed lightly across their robes as the two walked towards the large blue tent where a frowning Madame Pomfrey tended to Viktor and Fluer. Hermione saw a slightly flushed McGonagall conversing with Moody outside the tent.

'-you seriously think I am going to let my students fend for themselves in there? God knows what those things could do to them!' McGonagall called out. Her lips were thinning as well as her nostrils were flaring. She shot prolonged cold glares at the Auror, looking very displeased with him. But Moody merely let out a bark like laughter.

'They are just unconscious Minerva!' Moody said; his lips curling to an odd sinister-looking grin, as if the situation amused him.

Hermione looked away uncomfortably when she felt the unnerving gaze of the electric blue eyes fall upon her. Moody gave Ron and Hermione a suspicious glance. He then stalked off with his wooden leg.

'But Alastor! They could die.' McGonagall called after Moody. She placed her right hand on his shoulders, a look of concern colored her expression. Hermione whimpered slightly at her professor's harsh words.

'That is what the Triwizard tournament is for eh, Minerva?' Moody ended with a nasty glint shinning in his one beady eye, and his electric blue eye rolling backwards. Moody then left with a sardonic smile. A moment of silence passed as Professor McGonagall stared at Moody who was stalking away, as if unable to believe what he had just said.

'P-professor?' Hermione piped up anxiously, looking up at the shock-stricken Professor. Professor McGonagall snapped up at the call of Hermione's voice and shot her a stern glare.

'Yes Granger?' Professor McGonagall asked tersely; anger lingered in her words, as though Hermione was the one who stopped her to enter the maze and retrieve her students.

'Professor, what is happening?' Hermione heard Ron ask, sounding slightly worried as he eyed the two unconscious forms in the tent. McGonagall pursed her lips; she studied the two students standing in front of her.

A moment of silence lingered.

'Professor?' Hermione asked once again, when the professor failed to reply. Professor McGonagall snapped out of her reverie once again.

'I am sorry Granger, Weasley. I cannot tell you what is happening. I, myself am at a lost-'

'There are no… death eaters around, are there Professor?' Ron cut through as he eyed the maze. He had jumped to conclusions, Hermione thought.

Professor McGonagall stared at Ron with surprised eyes, 'No of course not! Why would you …' the professor's voice trailed off as she took a glance at Moody. Her face paled instantly as her hand shot up to cover her mouth. She staggered a little as she breathed,

'Alastor.' Without another word, McGonagall ran towards the sheltered booth where the judges were. And it looked like she was heading for Professor Dumbledore. She quickly bent down and whispered urgently to the headmaster's ears. Dumbledore's lips curled to a frown as he looked thoughtful.

Ron and Hermione shot each other quizzical looks. Hermione stared at Professor Dumbledore who was now getting up from his seat, looking very unpleased by what Professor McGonagall was telling him. Fudge, Madame Maxime and Kakaroff shared equally horrified looks. Bagman on the other hand looked …distracted.

'Do you think Moody is…?' Ron asked softly.

Hermione shook her head. She was trying to hold her tears back as she turned to Ron.

'If Moody was a Death Eater, which means Harry is in trouble.' Hermione concluded on a darker note. Her lips paled considerably on that thought. The two waited for a moment for Professor Dumbledore to return, anxiously preparing themselves.

About half an hour later, both of them saw Dumbledore standing just beyond the exit of the maze and quickly made their way there too. Moody was no where to be seen.

Professor Dumbledore was surrounded by ministry wizards and Aurors. He wore a serious expression as he listened intently to the conversation. This went against all what Hermione believed in: intruding in on a conversation. But she just couldn't comprehend with the growing concern for her friend's life.

'Professor Dumbledore!' Hermione called to her headmaster. Dumbledore turned to the young witch with an unusual somber look in his eyes.

'Yes, Miss Granger?' Dumbledore replied politely. The other wizards shot dirty looks at Hermione for interrupting their conversation, but Hermione quickly ignored them.

'Where is Ha-' But before Hermione could finish her sentence, a sharp cry was heard from the maze. It had sent a flock of lingering birds flying a mock across the crimson tainted sky.

The whole field fell deadly silent.

What was going on?

After a moment, a panicked whisper began to break out from the crowd. The buzzing resembled very much like a swarm of angry bees. Professor Dumbledore entered the maze without another word despite the protests from the ministry wizards.

'First Moody and now this? Fudge was wrong on all accords by restarting this stupid tournament!' One of the ministry wizards called out angrily as he angrily threw his wizard hat down. Hermione quickly ran to Ron, her heart thumping heavily.

'What do you think happened?' Hermione asked anxiously. Her face was nothing short of concerned and worried; she was on the verge of tears. Ron's lips were tight as he forced a stiff shrug. He eyed the exit hesitantly.

He walked towards the exit with long strides. All the grown wizards that surrounded the field looked at him with shocked and disapproving expressions.

'Where do you think you are going boy?' One of the rather burly Aurors stood in Ron's way with his arms folded, his face contorted to an angry scowl. Hermione ran to his side.

'Nothing, sorry sir.' Hermione quickly apologized as she pulled Ron aside before he had any chance of speaking. By this point, Ron was fuming.

'What the bloody hell was that for?' Ron shouted angrily. 'I am going in.' Hermione struggled to stop Ron. She was holding him tightly by the elbows, but Ron was much stronger than her. But thankfully, Bill had arrived just in time.

'What's going on Ron?' Bill asked urgently. His blazing black eyes burning with worry. His long hair tied back to a loose pony tail, showing his fanged earring. Behind Bill, Hermione could see the other Weasleys making their way here too.

'Who was that?' Charlie asked sharply. His mildly scarred form turned towards the maze.

As if on cue, Dumbledore came out of the maze with an unconscious Cedric in his arms. A simultaneous sharp intake of breath could be heard from the crowd. The crowd broke into a crazed frenzy. Distant cries were heard from the crowd. Hermione could make out a swarm of her classmates standing up in their seats, struggling to see what had happened.

'Oh… my… god…' Hermione breathed. Her eyes were wide and filled with tears. She and the Weasleys all made their way to the crowd that now surrounded Dumbledore. Amongst them was a frantic Amos Diggory.

'THAT'S MY SON CEDRIC!' Amos cried. He tried to dig his way through the crowd and to the unconscious Cedric. Dumbledore whispered something to Bagman before passing Cedric carefully to Madame Pomfrey. Madame Pomfrey looked –to say the least- ready to faint as she received yet another patient from the tournament.

With a flick of her wand, Madame Pomfrey then quickly levitated the three unconscious champions back to the castle. And they had left behind the commotion which was surely nothing good to help their current condition. Amos could be seen frantically clambering after the nurse, into the castle.

Dumbledore then entered the maze again, ignoring all the millions of questions shot at him. The ominous bowler hat was seen from amidst the crowd. Hermione managed to catch a glimpse of her headmaster; she saw the blazing blue eyes that sent chills crawling down her spine.

'I'm sorry… there seems to be some technical difficulties. I now officially announced that this tournament an end.' Bagman said to the crowd after casting the Sonorous spell.

'WHAT ABOUT HARRY?' Hermione shouted angrily. Fred and George held Hermione tightly by her arms to stop her from running into the maze. They looked troubled by the news too and were struggling to stop themselves from going into the maze themselves too.

'Let me go, Fred! George!' Hermione begged.

'Hermione, there is nothing you can do…' George began shakily, but was promptly cut off by Hermione.

'No, you don't understand! Harry needs us!' Hermione said desperately. She tried to pull her arms from the tight grips. Ron was being held back by Bill and Charlie, he was trying to kick and punch his way out. The attempts grew more desperate as the field cleared, and they were closing the maze off with magical bounds.

'NO! HARRY IS STILL IN THERE!' Hermione gasped; tears were brimming out of her eyes and her heart raced like never before. She was on the verge of loosing her self-control.

'Leave it to the adults, Ron, Hermione. There is nothing you can do.' Hermione heard a familiar voice whispered in her ear, but couldn't really place whose voice it had belonged to.

'Stupefy!'

And those were the last words Hermione had heard before she was engulfed by a sea of darkness. She fell limp in the twin's arms.

*

Hermione's eyes opened to a commotion filled Great Hall. She found herself leaning against the Gryfinddor table in the Great Hall. She was sitting next to a stirring Ron and the other Weasleys. People surrounding them were shooting repeated worried looks at them.

She had noticed Seamus and Dean staring at her with their mouths open. She shied away from the stares as she looked at the other direction.

Every house table was filled with restless students. Hermione noticed a few students were rushing to send an owl. The front table where the professors usually sat seemed oddly empty. Hermione searched and searched… but the Hogwarts professors were no where to be seen.

Hermione could not find Kakaroff and Bagman anywhere either.

Only Madame Maxime alone tried to get the anxious crowd of students to settle. She looked so lost in her large form. A frown etched on her pompous features as she shakily waved her wand around, in a desperate attempt to get the other frantic students to settle. But only the Beauxbaton students had complied with her requests, barely. The other Hogwarts and Dumstrang students ran amuck in the Great Hall, panic filled their faces.

'Pleez, sit down! Sett'le down pleez!' Madame Maxime cried; pleading slightly as her voice shook terribly. Her French accent was prominent even through the chaos.

'Are you okay, dear?' Mrs. Weasley asked as she stroked Hermione's hair. Hermione struggled to push herself from her table. Her head was throbbing. She had her puffy red eyes shut tightly. Her cheeks felt oddly stiff from the tear stains.

Hermione let out a sigh and gave up. She slumped and leaned against the table. She couldn't quiet remember what she was crying about. What exactly had happened?

'Don't worry Hermione, Harry will be alright.' Charlie who was sitting in front of her said softly. He reached out and patted her back softly as he kept a watchful eye around the hall.

Hermione felt the lump at the back of her throat threatened to pour out as the images of what had happened rushed through her mind, haunting her. She inhaled a large gust of cold air which stung her throat. Both her hands were over her ears, trying to block the noise out. This is not happening. She thought desperately. This was just a dream, a nasty dream. And when I wake up later, Harry will be safe in his dorm, asleep. Hermione choked between her strangled sobs.

Hermione felt a hand rubbing circles behind her back, and a voice whispered in her ear.

'Everything will be alright dear.' Mrs. Weasley said comfortingly. Hermione had her head raised, her eyes met with a wearied out Mrs. Weasley. Mrs. Weasley looked a mess and was pretty red in her face too.

'Ve are leaving!' Hermione heard one of the Dumstrang students cried across the hall. Despite her throbbing head, she turned towards the Slytherin table where the Dumstrangs sat. Most of them looked terrified, some looked outraged. But most of them were readying themselves to leave. The Slytherin looked indifferent as they went about their business, oblivious to the chaotic scene.

'Vat about Krum?' One of the rather burly looking ones standing at the end of the Slytherin table slammed the table as he stood up and protested. A couple of the others too nodded in agreement.

'He is one of us! Ve cannot leave 'im!' He cried loudly; his thick eye brows were tightly knitted together. By this time, the whole hall had quiet down to watch the argument that went on between the two Dumstrang students. Madame Maxime looked exhausted but relieved that the students had settled down a bit, despite the brawl.

'Ve can pick 'im up later! Ve cannot stay!' This had earned the several angry outbursts from the Dumstrang crowd.

'Ve can not leave 'im!'

'Ve vill just be like Kakaroff! Abandoning 'im like that!'

'Ve do not leave.' A low gruff voice said with finality. Hermione's eyes darted to the source of the voice; her eyes fell upon a small but rather though looking boy. He was rather fair. His black hair was spiked and his brows, tight knit and his pale blue eyes glaring at the boy who made the suggestion of leaving.

The boy faltered under the penetrating glare of the slight student as he sat limply to his seat, wearing an unsatisfied scowl.

But another Dumstrang student, this time a girl with long plaited blonde hair stood up to the slight and stern form of the boy. She started conversing in rapid Bulgarian; her voice was as shrill as a banshee. Her roundish face slowly growing red as her voice gradually rose.

'He-who-must-not-be-name is back, Stefan! And you vant us to risk our lives by staying 'ere?' The girl shouted incredulously. Everyone looked stunned by what the girl had shouted. Panic and fear washed all over the occupants of the hall. But Stefan seemed oblivious to the panic it had caused as he studied the girl carefully through his intertwined fingers.

'And your point is, Gabriele?' Stefan asked firmly. He sounded agitated by the girl as he glared at her. Gabriele stood flabbergasted by what Stefan had said; her mouth was hanging.

'As the 'ead boy of Dumstrang, I stand in for Kakaroff. And my vords are final, ve stay.' Stefan ordered. Gabriele flustered under Stephan's stern orders as she stormed out of the hall, with a couple of her friends rushing to comfort her.

Hermione turned to Ron who was expressionless. Mrs. Weasley whimpered slightly, her hands covered her mouth.

'That's a horrible thing to say!' Mrs. Weasley breathed, shaking her head. Her eyes were wide with disbelief. Fear etched in her warm brown pupils. Tears blurred Hermione's vision. She tried repeatedly to blink them away. Was this why Harry didn't return? Hermione thought fearfully. The bile at the bottom of her stomach threatened to spill out.

'WHERE IS DUMBLEDORE?'

The hall didn't even have time to settle from the latest brawl between the Dumstrang students; then in came Fudge, booming with anger. His bowler hat obscuring half of his aged but red face, his moustache looked a mess as a few white whiskers were sticking out in weird angles. He was accompanied by an army of Aurors as he stormed in the great hall.

A couple of angry glares followed the infamous Minister as he marched towards the middle of the hall. He removed his bowler hat –revealing a head of graying hair- and threw a careful glance across the hall, searching for the headmaster.

'WHERE IS HE?' Fudge yelled once again. But everyone chose to ignore the Minister; no one was in the mood to entertain the Minister and his senseless acts. Fudge looked perplexed and fumed when he was being ignored –something he was not accustomed to, being Minister of Magic and all. He searched the hall once again, and rested his eyes on the Gryfinddor table, where the Weasleys sat.

'You bunch! Right there!' Fudge shouted while pointing a finger at the Weasleys, wearing a rude tone. Hermione looked agitated as she gingerly pulled herself up from the table. She glared at the minister. Her head throbbing, but she let no pain leak into her expression. Fudge scrunched his nose, like he smelt something bad.

'Where is Dumbledore?' Fudge asked threateningly. The whole hall now diverted their attention to the Weasleys. At the corner of her eyes, Hermione saw Mrs. Weasley shift uneasily in her seat.

'What do you mean, Minister? We don't know where Dumbledore is.' Bill said sternly, getting up.

'Don't lie to me!' Fudge sneered, 'I know you-'

'What is all the commotion, Cornelius?' Everyone shifted their gaze to the large entrance door of the hall, where a somber looking Dumbledore stood. Dumbledore walked towards the minister with a frown. He gestured the minister and his Aurors towards the teacher's table.

'What is happening, Albus?' Fudge demanded; looking apprehensive in his uncomfortable situation. But he had not lost a fraction of his gusto moments before. He threw his chest out as he tried to even the large height difference between him and the towering headmaster.

Dumbledore's frown deepened. He said something to Fudge softly, Hermione couldn't make out what they were speaking even with perked ears. The minister and the Aurors tailed Dumbledore to the teacher's table, in front of the hall.

'I am sorry for the unfortunate delay, everyone.' Dumbledore said in an unusually serious tone. His blue twinkling eyes no longer shone the enthusiastic glint that everyone was all too familiar with. 'I am afraid that our professors won't be able to join us, they have errands to tend to.'

Hermione adjusted herself shakily and gave the headmaster undivided attention, hoping dearly for news about Harry. Hermione began gnawing on her bottom lip nervously, until it turned to a bright shade of pink.

'As you all may have known, there were series of unfortunate events that went on during the third task. All of which are considered to be in serious circumstances, but let me assure all of you that we are trying our best to solve them.' Dumbledore paused for a moment as a flurry scandalized whispers rang through the hall. Madame Maxime –Hermione had notice- was sitting with her students in the Ravenclaw students, instead of her usual seat in the teacher's table. She looked exhausted; her large frame slumped against the table, forgetting to maintain her dignified demeanor.

Dumbledore spoke in a voice louder than the buzz that rang through the hall.

'Both the Dumstrang and the Beauxbaton Champion, Mister Viktor Krum and Miss Delacour Fluer are in fine conditions. But I do apologize to the respected schools for the unfortunate occurrence that had befallen upon them. Madame Pomfrey, our school nurse is tending to them as we speak.' The two schools did not care to hide their distaste for what had happened and scowled despite Dumbledore's words. Hermione idly wondered where Kakaroff was, he would have thrown a fit.

'As for the Hogwart Champions,' Dumbledore paused again. The hall fell deadly silent. He closed his eyes and heaved a heavy sigh. He spoke with his eyes lightly closed. 'Mister Cedric Diggory had suffered a much more severe injury. He is still currently unconscious. But fret not, as Madame Pomfrey had predicted that he will come around soon.' An angry buzz sounded from where the Hufflepuffs sat.

'What about Harry Potter?' Lee shouted. Everyone nodded and turned to the headmaster, waiting for an explanation. Dumbledore opened his eyes and –for the first time ever- looked troubled.

'As for the matter of Mister Harry Potter, I trust all of you in this hall to be able to take the answer I am about to give you in an appropriate manner.' Dumbledore looked towards the crowd for a nod of agreement. Hermione nodded vigorously.

'Voldemort is back.' The whole hall seemed to be held in a temporary state of shock, unable to register Dumbledore's words. Then an angry flurry broke out, mixed with both fear and aghast. In the background of all the scandalized chatters and panic, Hermione heard Fudge yell at Dumbledore.

'What do you mean he is back, Dumbledore?' Fudge spat incredulously. Dumbledore ignored him and turned to the crowd. He raised his hand, requesting for some silence and permission to speak.

'Please, refrain yourselves from panicking, at least until I have thoroughly explained what happened.' Dumbledore said lightly. Everyone turned to Dumbledore, uncertainty, panic and discomfort colored their faces.

'Unfortunately, a spy amongst us had turned the cup into a portkey. Both Hogwarts champions had reached the cup at the same time, and were teleported to the place where it had happened. Voldemort was resurrected by a dark magic -a feat that cannot be accomplished without the help of one of his Death Eaters.' The tension cut thick in the hall. Everyone was close to an emotional breakdown. Hermione felt rolls of tears spilling out of her eyes, she was trembling.

No….no….NO! Hermione thought.

'Harry Potter was unable to escape. But he had saved Mister Cedric Diggory by summoning the Port Key to Cedric Diggory. He had made a noble sacrifice. And now, we do not know the whereabouts or the current condition of Mister Harry Potter.'

'Let me impress the gravity of this matter. Lord Voldemort is not someone to be taken lightly with. He chose the path to use his magic granted upon him for great evil. This is a time where we all stand as one, regardless of anything. And I thank the two schools for staying for the time being.' Dumbledore's eyes glinted towards Stefan, the head boy of Dumstrang. Stephan gave Dumbledore a small but stern nod.

'Hogwarts will be closed as of tomorrow. A train will arrive in the morning to send all you home. Please pack your things tonight. And stay safe during the break. This is a bleak time; take care of yourselves and those who you hold dear.' Dumbledore warned gravely. The hall rang with piercing silence; no one knew what to do of the situation.

'Let us all have a moment of silence, and pray for the safety of Mister Harry Potter. The Champion of Hogwarts. He who had courage beyond any of us. The one who rose above us all. The boy-who-lived.'

Hermione couldn't take it anymore. She rushed towards the grand entrance of the great hall, her face buried in her hands. Her breath was caught between strangled sobs.

She ran… and ran… and ran…

*

'Hermione?' A voice called her name. She ignored it and covered her head under the pillow. She couldn't breathe, but she couldn't care less. The pain that was manifesting in her was going to eat away her heart until she suffocates anyways.

'Hermione, honey…' The voice grew more concern as it approached her. Her tear stained pillow was pried gently away from her. Hermione cringed from the bright light in her dorm, her puffy red eyes squinted. She saw a blurred version of Mrs. Weasley sitting by her bed; she looked forlorn.

Hermione turned away from Mrs. Weasley. She rubbed her eyes, and stared out to the moon outside encased by the window sill. A painful pang hit her heart, 'He is gone isn't he?' Hermione said softly, her whole frame trembling. She hugged her legs, not even bothering to wipe away her pouring tears.

'We don't know that…' Mrs. Weasley said shakily. Even she sounded uncertain. Hermione held her legs tighter; her nails were digging into her flesh. She clenched her jaw. She was caught in her most vulnerable moment; she had left all of her self control in the hall.

'How could he not be.' Hermione said; sounding strained under the suppressed anger. 'He is…. He…. He is that VILE CREATURE! Voldemort!' Mrs. Weasley flinched. But Hermione went on. Her tone rising.

'I SWEAR! I WILL KILL HIM! IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO! HE KILLED HARRY! I WILL KILL HIM!' Hermione shrieked. Her eyes were shut tight as she screamed her lungs out. Mrs. Weasley was shedding silent tears. Mrs. Weasley pursed her lips as she said, shaking.

'Hermione, breaking down like this won't do anyone any good. Harry would not have wanted his friends to go through all of this.' Mrs. Weasley whimpered at Harry's name. She stared uncertainly at the brown haired Gryfinddor.

'Here.' Mrs. Weasley said with a sigh. She decided that she couldn't do anything to the delusional Hermione. She gave Hermione a light pat on the back and gave her a note. Mrs. Weasley rushed out of the room, stifled sobs could be heard.

The note left on her bed was from Ron. The words were cramped and rushed. The words were etched roughly on the paper.

Hermione, you are coming with me tomorrow.

I sent an owl to your parents that you are staying over with friends during the summer.

I will explain to you everything tomorrow, once you have calmed down.

I am sorry if you don't want to come.

But I am not telling this to Sirius alone.

*

Breakfast in the great hall the next day was a stressful affair. The Beauxbaton delegates were assembling in the great hall, with their trunks by their side. A tired looking Fluer was sitting down, her friends surrounded her. The Dumstrangs were taking their breakfast reluctantly. They only stayed on Stefan's orders. Every single one of them wore a nasty scowl. Viktor was sitting next to Stefan; his surly face bore a very solemn look.

Cedric on the other hand, had only waken from his short coma this morning and was now still in the hospital wing.

Hermione had no appetite. She was playing with her food absent mindedly. Her head still throbbing terribly from all the crying the night before, her eyes were swollen and red. Ron was sitting by her side, along with his whole family.

'Hermione, are you sure you are okay?' Ron asked again for the fourth consecutive time this morning. Hermione grunted agitatedly. She continued to pick on her porridge.

About ten minutes had passed, and an awkward silence filled the air.

'Hermione?'

'I am fine, Ron. Just… stop it!' Hermione said agitatedly. She said those words a little louder than she intended. Her voice rang throughout the hall. Every head in the hall turned to the bushy haired girl. But much to Hermione's dismay, it wasn't Ron who had called her. Ron stared incredulously at her, his mouth hanging.

She turned to the beautiful girl standing next to her. It was Fluer who had spoken, with Viktor by her side.

'I am terribly sorry for 'Arry. 'Eef there ees anything we can do. Pleez, don't hesitate to send us an owl.' Fluer said softly.

'What's it to you? Isn't he just another competitor to you? Don't give us false pity Fluer, we don't need it.' Hermione snapped. Ron nudged her gruffly, he eyed her pointedly.

'No… Hermione. 'Arry have saved my sister, and I stand by my wordz. I owe 'im. 'e ess a good friend, you were lucky to 'ave 'im' Fluer said. Sincerity burned in her words.

'e vas a good competitor Her-mi-on.' Viktor said gruffly. 'I respect 'im. All three of us vere no where compared to him. And now that he is gone, ve vill never forget him.' Viktor regretfully said.

Hermione stubbornly turned away from the two, though her expression softened. She bit her bottom lip.

'Ron? Hermione?' Seamus called nervously, while eyeing the two intimidating champions that stood by the Gryfinddor table. Hermione looked up, staring at a nervous Seamus.

'Dumbledore wants to see you two. Now, before we leave. He is in his office.' Seamus blurted out nervously, and then quickly rushed to his usual seat next to Dean, still looking at Fluer and Viktor.

'Right. Come on Hermione.' Ron said nervously while getting up. He pulled Hermione and bid goodbyes to the two champions. Once out of the hall, Ron stared angrily at Hermione.

'What was that all about Hermione?' Ron shouted. Hermione stubbornly kept her eyes locked onto the ground.

'Hermione!' Ron gruffly shook her. 'I know loosing Harry is hard, do you think it is easy for me? No. It isn't! He was like my brother! But just because you-know-who got him, doesn't mean he is dead!' Ron called. Hermione snapped up angrily.

'Stop giving me false hopes Ron! I know he is dead! He is dead. HE IS DEAD!' Hermione shouted defiantly; trying to hold back her tears. Ron looked at Hermione as if he did not know who she was. It was so unlike her to loose control in public like this.

'He is not! Hermione! He is NOT!' Ron said angrily, his fists shook stiffly by his side. His ears were growing red with anger; blending with his bright red hair.

'Then why is everyone speaking like he is Ron? He is dead and you know it!'

'Everyone else is just stupid! Harry is tougher than that and you know that! He met him bucket loads of times and he survived! And this time won't be any DIFFERENT!' Ron yelled.

'RON!' Hermione screamed, with her fists tightly clenched. 'In case you did not notice,' every word was dripping with anger. 'Harry is not with us right now. This is not like the other times when he escaped. He was left with no other way out!'

'Mister Weasley, Miss Granger.' The polite voice of the headmaster interrupted the argument. Both Gryfinddors turned to see their headmaster, Professor Dumbledore standing expectantly by the Gargoyle statue that guarded the entrance to his office.

'I-I am s-sorry professor. I-I-I am sorry you had to see that.' Hermione mumbled while rubbing her right eye. She nervously gripped her robes with her other hand, twisting and fumbling with it.

Dumbledore merely nodded and gestured towards entrance.

'Sherbet Lemon,'

At the command of the headmaster's words, the gargoyles sprang to life and jumped aside, revealing the revolving staircase to the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore stepped inside the staircase and waited for the two to join him.

Hermione bit her bottom lip and headed towards the staircase. She could roughly guess the motive of the headmaster's request to meet them, and she was now filled with dread and burning hunger…

*

The strange silver instruments sat on the side of the headmaster's table. The wall was covered by sleeping portraits of past headmasters of Hogwarts. Thousands of books displayed in rows of book selves filled the room. A brilliant looking phoenix was sitting at its golden perch, staring wide eyed at the new visitors.

Ron was both captivated and fearful of the mystical bird staring at them. Hermione on the other hand had of course, read all about Phoenixes and was not at all interested enough to pull her away from the matter at hand.

'I am sure both of you are aware of my motives of calling you two here?' Dumbledore asked gravely as he studied the two from his study table. Hermione and Ron were sitting uncomfortably in their seats in front of the headmaster's table, intimidated by their surroundings.

Silence confirmed the headmaster's question. He proceeded to his conversation with the two Gryfinddors without hesitation.

'Regarding yesterday's events.' Dumbledore sighed. He slumped down his seat a little; he looked at Ron and Hermione through his intertwined fingers. 'It was avoidable, I am sorry to say.' The legendary wizard said in a somewhat regretful tone.

'It was me to blame.' Hermione and Ron stared suspiciously at their headmaster, not understanding what he meant. Dumbledore closed his eyes and continued with a small pause.

'There was an imposter amongst us and I failed to realize it. Barty Crouch Jr. had disguised himself as Professor Moody and turned the cup into a portkey.'

Hermione looked scandalized; she felt anger bubble in her veins. She kept her jaw jammed shut from all the suppressed anger, in fear of saying something rash in her anguishing anger. She had wished dearly to just run out of the office to rip whoever this Barty person into pieces.

'The person in question is being sentenced to the Dementor's kiss as we speak.' Dumbledore added, giving Hermione an eerie feeling that he was using Legimens. Dumbledore wore a tone of disgust, and it had forced Hermione to remember a little known fact that the headmaster had a common dislike towards the Dementors.

'Do you have any news of the whereabouts of Harry?' Ron asked slowly.

'I managed to extract a little information from Mr. Diggory before he fell into his temporary coma. It seemed as though they were teleported to a small village called Little Hangleton, the place where Lord Voldermort's father was buried.' Ron flinched a little at the name but recovered quickly.

'As we speak, the order members are exerting all their efforts to finding Harry.' Ron nodded in acknowledgement but Hermione starred blankly at the professor.

'I am sorry, Miss Granger. I forgot you were not informed of the order.' Dumbledore apologized.

'The Order of Phoenix is a secret order formed by me a long time ago in motive to take down Voldermort. It was dissolved the moment Voldermort was temporarily defeated fourteen years ago. But it was called back to order the yesterday night, when Voldermort had revived.'

'So, it's true then. He is back.' Ron said timidly.

'Yes Mister Weasley. Unfortunately, he was resurrected by one of his Death Eaters. One whom you two may be familiar with -Wormtail.' This time, both Hermione and Ron burst out in anger and snapped up immediately. Hermione and Ron both simultaneously stood up as a knee jerk reaction and stared wildly at their headmaster.

'THAT LITTLE RAT?!' Hermione cried. Tears were overflowing again.

'How could he- why did he? He was a Gryfinddor!?' Ron exclaimed.

'Yes, it is painful to see a Hogwarts student go wrong.' Dumbledore said quietly. Ron and Hermione gained control of themselves a moment later and resumed their seats, but they were both fuming with anger.

'It seemed as though Wormtail had used an ancient magic which involved extracting blood from Harry.' Hermione growled at this. 'This was a smart move. The magic which once repelled any danger that came close to Harry that ran through his veins now ran through Voldermort's too. Voldermort now share the same protection.'

'I assure both of you, that I will exert all my energy to find and save Harry.' Dumbledore said reassuringly. But his expression was nothing short of grave and miserable. Every single line in his aged face was visible; he looked tired and forlorn, making him look older than ever.

'I want to help.' Hermione said, sounding determined. She adjusted herself so she was sitting up straight. She stared right at her headmaster. She didn't even flinch once when the penetrating stare came her way from Dumbledore. Dumbledore sighed and looked as though he had expected this coming.

'I am sorry Miss Granger,' said Dumbledore. 'There is no way I could allow you to help.'

'Then if so, why are you telling us all these? If you "can't allow" us to help?' Hermione snapped all of a sudden, caught by a moment's of rash anger. Dumbledore merely brushed away the rude tone and went on explaining.

'You as Harry's close friends deserve to know.' Dumbledore said with finality. But Hermione caught something in his tone that made her feel like he was trying to send a hint to them. She just couldn't figure out what.

He then got up and smoothed his robes with both hands. He looked up and inhaled a deep breath.

'You should go now,' he said while looking at his wrist watch. 'I think you would want to see your friends off before they head for the train?' Dumbledore asked lightly with a smile, though the smile did not reach his troubled eyes.

Hermione and Ron both shared confused looks.

'What do you mean, Professor?' Ron asked.

Dumbledore studied them for a minute before replying.

'You two are following me to the Order's Headquarters -along with the other Weasleys of course. We are using the floo network in my office.' Dumbledore said while gesturing towards his fireplace.

The Grimmauld Place held a cold quietness and abandonment. The smell of dusty furniture and neglect filled the air. Piles of dust collected every inch of the house, including the nooks and cranny of the shriveled up heads of the past house elves that had serviced the Noble House of Black.

The only place that had showed signs of someone living there was one of the rooms that belonged to a man named Sirius Black. The said man was sitting in the far corner of his room and was leaning back on his chair and resting his leg on his study table, dwelled deep in thought.

Traces of his good looks still etched in his tired features –it obvious that those years in Azkaban had taken its toll on him. His light gray eyes were locked onto the water stained, white wash of his room. His long, messy black hair falling back gracefully, his tattered clothing hung from his skinny but muscled body.

Copies of daily prophet was scattered everywhere on the ground. A large hippogriff that went by the name of Buckbeak was sleeping soundly in a corner, near the door. There were dried blood stains on the floor that surrounded the creature, the only traces of his last meals.

Sirius stared blankly at the wall and was trying to decide what to do with his day today. Remus and the others had a sudden strange urge to avoid him the night before, when they were perfectly fine to laze around his house days before. He sighed; you can never get them when you need them. He thought simply.

The sun had risen hours ago. And Sirius had already gotten his breakfast and fed Buckbeak. He wasn't quiet in the mood to bathe nor clean the house like Molly asked of him too. Things like those seemed to remedial to him. Him and the house were going to get dirty again anyways, so why bother?

Besides, if anyone, it was that stupid house elf, Kreacher the one who should do the cleaning. Sirius rolled his eyes at the thought of that disgusting excuse of an elf. Sirius sighed and decided he was going to write to Harry. And ask him how the third task went.

He got up and searched for his quill. But then a loud crackle of fire came from afar –Sirius' eyes lit up with excitement. Finally, company! Sirius thought happily as he raced downstairs, ignoring the senseless shrieking of his mother's portrait.

'Useless son! You broke my heart and ran off to join the mudbloods! I gave you everything you ever wanted-'

'Oh just snuff it and stay quiet won't you?' Sirius exclaimed as he pulled the curtains over the portrait, muffling the cries of his mother. Sirius felt his heart race when he heard the familiar voices of Ron and Hermione. This meant that Harry is here too! Great, I can hear how the third task went, first hand!

'How are we going to tell him?' Sirius heard Hermione ask Ron nervously. Sirius narrowed his eyes and entered the living room; his eyes were invited by a large group of the Weasleys crowding the room and a tall Dumbledore standing by them. All were wearing somber expressions.

'Tell me what?' Sirius asked suspiciously. Hermione jumped involuntarily and turned nervously to Sirius.

'Er- erm.. er… Nice to see you Sirius.' Hermione mumbled nervously. Sirius noticed that her eyes were red and puffy; questions began to crowd his mind. He slowly walked towards the crowd with an apprehensive heart.

'Tell me what?' Sirius repeated.

Ron nudged Hermione and Hermione's eyes darted towards Dumbledore. Dumbledore shook his head with his eyes closed; he went and took his seat in one of the dusty couch. Hermione sighed and turned to the twins and Ginny. Fred, George and Ginny all darted to the kitchen along with Bill, Charlie and Molly. Hermione half exclaimed when she and Ron were left alone.

'There is something we need to tell you Sirius…' Ron began. But Sirius cut him off.

'Where is Harry?' Sirius realized who was missing. He felt his heart began to sink as he jumped to worst assumptions. He mentally slapped himself and thought that he was overreacting. But he wasn't so sure of himself when he saw the expressions on Ron and Hermione darkened.

'Where is Harry?' Sirius repeated again when the two failed to answer him. Hermione began to stutter.

'Harry… er… the third task… He …er…' Tears were filling her eyes as she struggled to explain. Sirius grew impatient but dared not snap at the tearing girl.

'Harry did not return from the third task.' Ron blurted out. Sirius peered at Ron with his gray eyes.

'I do not understand you Ron. The third task is a maze isn't it? In the Quidditch field. Did he get lost or something?' Sirius asked slowly. His heart racing as he waited for the pending answer to his godson's fate.

Ron and Hermione stared pleadingly at their headmaster for help. Dumbledore stood up and placed a hand on Sirius' shoulder. He wore an expression of pity and sorrow which Sirius found immensely irritating.

'Voldemort had gotten to him. I am sorry Sirius.' Dumbledore said softly. Sirius pushed Dumbledore's hand away and stared absurdly at them. He shook his head vigorously.

'Stop joking,' Sirius warned. But when no smile broke into their faces, Sirius began to panic. 'STOP THIS!' Sirius screamed. Kreacher ran down with tiny scattered foot steps to watch the on-going commotion.

'This is not happening. How can this happen?' Sirius rambled as his hands shot up to grip his hair. He took a few steps back from Ron, Hermione and Dumbledore.

'Sirius…' Hermione pleaded as she reached out to Sirius. Sirius on the other hand stared at her frantically.

'Why are we standing here if Voldemort,' Sirius said the name like it was a swear word. 'had gotten Harry?' Sirius yelled. His face was growing steadily red from the anger. He glared angrily at the three.

'The order members are looking for him.' Ron said nervously, hoping that it will offer some sort of comfort to Sirius. But it only fueled his anger. He snapped up and headed for the door.

'Where are you going Sirius?' Hermione asked panicked. She, Ron and Dumbledore followed Sirius to the door, all wearing concerned expressions. Sirius stared at them with eyes as dark as the bags underneath them.

'I am going out to find Harry.' With that, Sirius transformed into his large animagus dog form and lunged out of the Grimmauld's place and into the cold morning. He heard Hermione and Ron call after him, but he ignored him. He was fuming with both grief and anger, pumped with adrenaline as he ran in lightning speed.

I lost James and Lily to that bastard; I am not going to loose Harry to him too! He snarled as he leaped across the bridge.

Night loomed, the street lights were lit. A defeated and forlorn Sirius Black was escorted back to the Grimmauld's Place by the headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. Albus eyed his student with concern as Sirius' every step was unsteady and looked close to collapsing.

Albus tried to place a comforting hand on his shoulder, and also to make sure he doesn't stumble in his steps and fall. But Sirius gruffly pushed his hands away. 'Don't,' his hoarse voice rang as he continued his steps. He hadn't even bothered sparing Albus a look as they entered the headquarters of the Order.

Albus heaved a deep sigh. He just had to keep a close eye on the boy and let him be.

Though no one knew it, but the person who had suffered the most due to Harry's kidnapping was the legendary headmaster himself. Albus gave an inward sigh at the thought of the boy whom he had taken in as his own grandson being in the hands of the Dark Lord.

Unsettling –to say the very least.

Albus gazed upon Sirius' broken form as both of them made their way to the meeting room, waiting for the Order meeting to start. In a way, Albus envied Sirius. Albus did not have the luxury of letting his grief out. No, he was who everyone looked up upon. Him breaking down because of this -was just undone. Albus just let the pain and grief manifest within him, that was all he could spare for himself.

Albus was obsessed with searching for the whereabouts of Harry ever since he got wind of him being missing. Even with so many Order members and ministry Aurors on high alert searching for him, Albus would not rest himself until Harry was found.

Albus couldn't shake the feeling of anguishing guilt that this whole thing was his fault. He let Harry enter the Triwizard Championship. Harry was kidnapped under his care. Harry had trusted him to keep him safe….

'Albus?' A deep voice interrupted Albus' train of thoughts. Albus looked up to see a concerned looking Kingsley staring right at him. It seemed as though all the Order members have already filled the room and waiting anxiously for the meeting to start. Most of them looked exhausted from the search. Albus felt yet another pang of guilt struck him.

'I'm sorry everyone,' Albus got up. 'No word of the whereabouts of Harry was heard. Another search will commence as of now. We will split into shifts so we wouldn't over exert ourselves.' Albus nodded understandingly towards Tonks who was dozing off.

'Arthur, Molly, Mundungus, Bill, Charlie, Kingsley, Tonks, Remus, Thompson and Dedalus, you all can cover the morning shift. Most of you work in the Ministry but seeing as they have put everything on hold to search for Harry, I don't see this as a problem,' said Albus.

Albus continued to split everyone into searching teams. But when he was done, Sirius stood up, his face red and jaws clenched. His gray eyes were blazing with intense anger.

'What about me?' Sirius demanded as he slammed the table, startling Tonks.

'W-where's the fire?' Tonks asked stupidly.

Albus turned to Sirius as calmly as he could manage. He politely replied.

'Sirius, you are in no condition to join the search party. You are still wanted by the ministry. And with so many Aurors out there on high alert, you stand a very good chance of getting caught.'

Sirius snorted.

'I don't care, I want in! You seriously bloody think I will sit back when Harry is out there?' Sirius yelled frantically, not bothering to soften his tone with his headmaster.

'No, I suppose not.' Albus replied after a moment of thought. 'But this is not an argument Sirius, do you think that Harry would like it very much if he were to be found but you were captured?' Albus said slowly. Everyone turned to stare wide eyed at Albus, who was normally patient and polite. Albus closed his eyes lightly as he felt his usually patient self loosing his grip. He had enough to deal with the guilt of loosing Harry; he was not ready to have the burden of getting Sirius caught too.

Sirius opened his mouth to argue, but snapped it shut immediately. There was nothing he could say. He slumped down his chair, defeated. Albus nodded slightly.

'May we prepare for the worst, and hope for the best.' With that, Albus dismissed the meeting. He craned his neck towards Sirius and mumbled,

'And please Sirius my boy; sneaking out of here won't do you any good.' Sirius stared bewilderedly at the aged old wizard and stormed out of the room, angry that the headmaster had thwarted his plan. Sirius was cursing loudly all the way to his room.

Albus, however did not chuckle like he usually would. He remained seated in his chair as he watched the room slowly emptying of its occupants.

Albus watched the flurry of people rushing out of the room, panic and fear colored their expressions.

Albus sighed.

And so the war has begun.