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Author: vegasdude555 Story: Harry Potter and the Tear of the Phoenix Rating: Teens Status: WIP Warning: Implied violence Reviews: 10 Words: 34,404
Harry was more than worn out. As he walked from the outer limits of the wards that covered the Burrow a million things kept running through his head since he had left the ministry. The bodies of the three women with the lightning bolt wounds kept on being replaced by the bodies of Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. He knew he shouldn’t dwell on thoughts like that, but always thought of the worst-case scenario in a situation like this anyway. Knowing that they had played a major role in the war against Voldemort and were trustworthy, and even though Crew was still hesitant to letting too many people know the details, Kingsley had agreed that Harry could share the information he had just learned with the Weasleys. However, after much consideration Harry decided to wait till after Christmas to tell them. It was very rare that all the family was together and he didn’t want to spoil the reunion for Mrs. Weasley. This would also give him a small amount of time to run the few details through his head and try to gather a better perspective on this case. The wizard or witch that had broken into the house was no amateur. Harry had learn from his training that the easiest way to tell if the suspect was a talented witch or wizard was by the magical trace they left at the home. The more magic that was used the more likely the suspect was an ordinary person because they had to use much more difficult spells to break wards and enter; the least amount of magic that could be traced usually meant that the suspect was a talented wizard or witch, which meant that the wards were hardly a struggle for them to get pass. From the information he had the only magical trace that had been discovered were the killing curse and the torture curse, and the only reason they were found was because it was Dark magic which not only told Harry they were dealing with a powerful murderer but also someone that was no novice with magic that needs extreme hatred. These details did little to help him though. It seemed that, no matter how the case was looked at, it always came to the same dead end: Winston Benson. It was obvious that whatever this man had been working on in the Department of Mysteries was very important to the person who had murdered his family. The peculiar thing was how the Dark wizard had learned what Winston had been working on. The only people that ever know what is being developed or studied in the Department of Mysteries were its employees, the Heads of major departments on a need-to-know basis, and of course the Minister of Magic. This meant that either there was a mole in the Ministry leaking information to the outside or that the person who had broken into the Bensons' house worked at the Ministry. It seemed to Harry that it was more likely that someone had let information leak – rather than an extremely Dark wizard working at the Ministry – because of the clean up that Kingsley had done. The detail that confused Harry more than any other was why the suspect was trying to get his attention. He was also not the only one fazed by this: Crew and Kingsley didn’t get the point either, seeing how Harry did not hold any government title and was not even a qualified Auror yet. Kingsley only thought was that the murder saw Harry as his biggest threat and wanted him to know that there was someone out there that wanted him dead. Harry could only think of one person that might have an insight of why the murderer had defiled the victims' bodies: Dumbledore. He decided that he would make sure to take time to visit Hogwarts and talk to the portrait of his old Headmaster. He had promised the Headmistress that he would go have a meeting with her before the school break ended, so he would be killing to birds with one stone. It was that last thought that snapped Harry back into reality. He realized that he had stopped at the Burrow's back door and had been lost in thought for the last ten minutes. There was no point going over that case until he had more answers and he decided to rejoin the holiday celebration. Opening the back door, he stepped into the kitchen, where all the Weasleys, Mrs. Tonks with Teddy, and Hermione were sitting at the dinner table, enjoying some tea and Mrs. Weasley's famous Christmas pudding. “Harry, I was beginning to worry,” said the matriarch while he closed the door. “What did Kingsley want that couldn’t wait?” asked Ron before Harry could respond to back to Mrs. Weasley. Harry knew that eventually they would learn the truth but he still didn’t feel like it was the right time to hear about such a terrible tragedy. “Oh, he just wanted to know if I’d help back up a new decree he and Crew are working on,” answered Harry while taking a seat next to Ginny, who was feeding Teddy. Harry knew that would be the most believable excuse; ever since Kingsley had been elected Minister three years ago he had asked Harry to help support any laws or decrees that would help clean the wizarding community of any hatred or Dark practices. It had become quite a common occurrence for Harry to meet with him and give his advise on new laws. “What’s this new decree about, Harry?” asked Hermione. Harry was prepared for this question: Hermione was always curious about anything that was to help improve their society. Harry couldn’t help but feel bad every time she asked what new law they were working on because he knew that deep down she was hoping for a law to free house-elves no matter how many times Ron told her that it would be a long time before the wizarding world would be ready for a change like that. “You know just another boring one that makes sure no Department gets to much power,” responded Harry hoping that would be enough to stop any further questions. “That’s enough about the ministry,” interrupted Mrs. Weasley before Hermione could question him any further which was a good thing because Harry didn’t think his excuse would hold. “I think it’s wonderful that Kingsley asks for your opinion Harry, but at the moment we have other things to focus on. Have you and Ginny decided on a date yet?” “Jeez Mum, they just barely got engaged. You think you could give them some time to get used to the idea?” said Ron while shaking his head. “They have been together for three years, Ronald!” replied Hermione in a voice that sounded very much like Professor McGonagall. “I think they have had plenty of time to get used to the idea of being together.” Harry and Ginny just laughed while Ron shook his head and muttered an apology to his mother. “I talked to Harry about it earlier today, Mum, before he left for the Ministry, and we decided that September 1st seems like an appropriate date,” answered Ginny while burrowing into the side of her future husband as he wrapped his arm around her. “But that won’t work, dear,” Mrs. Weasley said in panicked voice. Ginny looked like she was about to argue with her mother but Mrs. Weasley continued before she could say anything. “It’s not that I think there is anything wrong with the date it’s just that is a very busy day for all of your guests. Think about it: some of your friends will be going back to school while other guests will be busy taking their kids to the train station.” Harry hadn’t thought of that. The more he thought of it the more sense it made that it was a very inconvenient day for a wedding. He turned to look at Ginny to say that her mum had a good point but instantly knew better when he saw the face she was making. It was one of fierce determination and he knew that if he didn’t choose his next words carefully he would be in a world of trouble. He decided to play it safe. “What do you think, Gin?” he asked in a very neutral voice. “Well I think that makes the date even better. You see, Mum, as soon as it gets out that Harry and I are getting married the media are going to swarm us. By having it on such a busy day we might be able to throw them off,” answered Ginny in a calm but commanding voice. “That is good thinking Ginny, but what about the rest of your guests?” said her mother. “Mum, I don’t want a big wedding. I just want the family there and close friends. Everyone else is just going to have to come to terms with not being invited to the wedding,” replied Ginny. “That is if it’s okay with you, Harry?” Harry, who knew that it was never smart to disagree with Ginny, just said, “Whatever you want, Gin.” Which must have been the right answer because she just smiled and snuggled in even closer to him. “Fine, September 1st it is,” agreed Mrs. Weasley while yawning behind her hand. “But I’m afraid that it is starting to get awfully late and everyone should be getting to bed, we can continue with making plans tomorrow.” Harry just nodded his head till he remembered that he was planning on visiting Hogwarts the next day to try to get some deeper perspective on the Benson case, and also to find out what the Headmistress wanted to talk to him about before the holiday ended. “Actually Mrs. Weasley, I promised McGonagall that I’d meet with her tomorrow morning and I’m not sure when I’ll be done with that,” he said while waving goodbye to the departing guests. “That’s fine Harry. Ginny and I’ll just get started and she can catch you up,” replied Mrs. Weasley while hugging her sons goodbye. Harry just smile and nodded, then gave Ginny a quick kiss goodnight and walked out with Ron, preparing to Apparate home. ~*~ “Take a seat, Potter,” said Professor McGonagall as Harry steadied himself from his trip through the Floo. “I trust that your holidays were pleasant.” “Yeah, they were brilliant,” replied Harry while dusting himself off before he took his seat. “I hope I didn’t come at a bad time.” He noticed that the Headmistress had barely taken her eyes off the parchments that were on her desk. “No, of course not. Just looking at some applications the board has sent me to replace Professor Flitwick,” stated his former Professor while filing the parchment in her desk. Harry’s surprise must have shown on his face because she continued before he could ask her why they were replacing him. “There’s nothing to be alarmed about I assure you. Professor Flitwick feels it is time to retire; he has taught at this school for many years and simply feels in need of some rest.” Still shocked by the news, Harry really couldn’t think of anything to say; it was hard to imagine Hogwarts without him. “Oh, I understand.” “Anyways Potter, to business. I have asked you here for a reason. As I’m sure you know, we currently have Auror Richards teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts,” she said. “I also believe you know that he took a high priority mission for the Ministry during the holidays and because of unforeseen circumstances he won’t be back for the start of the new term.” Truth to the matter Harry didn’t know that Dustin Richards had taken a mission during the holiday. It was a common misconception that happened to him a lot: people always assumed that he knew the most inner workings of the Ministry – especially of the Auror department – because of who he was, but truly Harry was treated just like any other Auror in training, like a school boy who would do what he was told till he became certified. “Actually Professor, I was unaware of Auror Richards being on a mission. They don’t tell us trainees very much about missions in progress.” “Ah I see, no matter. What I was getting to Potter, is that we are currently in need for someone to teach defense until Professor Richards returns,” finished the Headmistress. Confused on why she would tell him this, Harry tried to help her as much as he could. “Well, I know a few people in the Auror department that I think could give you a hand especially now that the trainees are about to take their final exams. If you like I could speak to Auror Crew for you?” he responded, hoping that would help. “You misunderstood me, Mr. Potter. I want you to teach the class,” replied McGonagall while looking over her glasses. “You can’t be serious, Professor. There has to be tons of people more qualified than me. Plus I still have to study for my Auror exams,” stated Harry in complete shock. “I’m quite serious. I have already spoken with the Minister and Auror Crew and they both agree that you are up to the task. As far as your exams go they fall on a weekend and both the Minister and your instructors agreed they’d give you an extension seeing how the Ministry is the reason our current Professor is unavailable,” said the Headmistress in a tone that made Harry feel like he was back in his first year at Hogwarts. “I’m truly flattered Professor, but honestly there has to be someone more suited for the job. I couldn’t have been your first choice?” answered Harry still in shock. “I believe you are up for the task and you have proven that you are qualified time again. You were top of your class in defense while at school, you have faced more evils than most of our previous teachers, you are a Tri-Wizard Tournament Champion, you have taught students before in the subject in a group called Dumbledore’s Army – of which every member received a passing O.W.L., I’ve have been told by the Minister himself that you are currently at the top in all of your classes for Auror training and if you keep going the way you are that you will find yourself with Crew's job in a matter of years, and you also defeated Lord Voldemort, not to mention you are currently the youngest wizard ever to be nominated for an Order of Merlin.” She stopped to watch Harry try to argue against her but no words were coming out so she continued, “I have plenty of more accomplishments I could list but it is a waste of time. I have spoken with the Board and the staff and they all agree you will do fine. I will have Professor Richards's lesson plans sent to you with a copy of the text before the end of the week, I’ll be expecting you on the first day of the new term,” finished the Headmistress. Harry just sat there and stared at her with his mouth slightly open. He had a million things he wanted to say to protest against this but none of them could seem to find their way to his mouth. Finally the Headmistress looked up from a new parchment she had started looking at and spoke again. “That’s all Mr. Potter, you may leave if you want,” she said going back to her reading. Still shocked by what had just happened, Harry finally found his voice but decided it would be pointless to argue with her about the job, as he could tell she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. “Professor, I was wondering if I could have a moment with Professor Dumbledore before I left. There are some things I’d like to discuss with him,” he asked. “Very well, Mr. Potter. I have some errands that I need to run anyways. Feel free to use the Floo when you have finished,” replied the Headmistress while standing from her seat and walking to the door. “And Mr. Potter, now that you are part of the staff please refer to me as Minerva or Headmistress.” And on the final note she left. ~*~ Harry just stared at the door still trying to work out everything that had just happened. Not only was he now a teacher but he had been told to call one of the sternest women he has ever met by her first name. It was almost too much to fathom. Harry was quickly brought out of his thoughts by a soft chuckle coming from the portrait behind the desk which was now next to the newest addition of deceased Headmasters and Headmistresses, Severus Snape; however, the chuckle was coming from a man in dark midnight blue dress robes, sparkling blue eyes, who had a bear and mustache that matched the color of his long snow-white hair, which was mostly covered by a hat that he had seen the man wear so many times. “She is a hard woman to deny, Harry. I don’t think there was any way you were going to leave this office without doing what she asked,” said the warm friendly voice of Albus Dumbledore. “Did you have anything do with that?” asked Harry, looking at the knowing face of his old Headmaster. “I may have mentioned your name,” replied Dumbledore with his familiar twinkle. “ I myself can not think of a man more qualified for the job.” There was a snort that came immediately after his last statement; Harry guessed it came from the portrait of his old Potions Master. “I hear there are other congratulations in order other than for your recent job offer?” Harry rose from his seat and stepped in front of the portrait to better see the Headmaster. “Yes, Sir, there are,” he replied, thinking of his recent engagement to Ginny. “I’m very happy for you, Harry. I don’t think I know anyone who deserves to be happy more than you,” said Dumbledore with a smile. “In fact, Sir, I should thank you. Without the stone you gave Mrs. Shortboard I think I’d still be looking for a proper ring,” said Harry, wondering if anyone had told him that the jewel in Ginny’s ring had came from his phoenix Fawkes. It was apparent that no one had told Dumbledore this news because his faced had turn from happy smile to one filled with complete joy. “There isn’t a couple I can think of that deserves that ring more. I’m glad Tweak saved it for the right couple as I had asked.” “So do I, Professor.” “Anyways Harry, you said you wanted to discuss something with me and I guess that it isn’t about your recent engagement,” stated Dumbledore in a curious voice. Harry then relayed everything he had been told by Kingsley and Crew and everything he had read and learned from the case file. When he finished he sat there in silence while Dumbledore paced from one side of his portrait to the other. “What are you thinking, Sir?” asked Harry. “The first thing I find curious, Harry, is that the Benson girls even were at the house,” said Dumbledore without taking a pause from his pacing. “If anyone was to notice that Winston was missing it would have been his family, and in which case when they realized he was late the first place they would have gone is to the Ministry to let the proper authorities know or to see if he was simply working late.” “What are you getting at, Sir?” “Well if they had no reason to think Winston wasn't working late, I hardly doubt they would have stayed at their home where they would have been in danger. The Ministry would have put them in protective custody. This leads me to several conclusions. My first one is that all of the Bensons we’re being held captive and then killed in the same day.” “Why would they take time to capture them to kill them the same day anyway? Wouldn’t it have been easier to just kill them rather than catch them?” asked Harry, confused. “I believe, Harry, they would have done it this way to make sure nothing unpredictable happened while they were trying get what they wanted from the Bensons. By moving them they had them in their element where they could make sure things went their way. Another reason I believe they took them was to be able to hold something over Winston’s head to make it easier for him to tell his captor or captors what they wanted to know. The fact that they killed them is unfortunate but it also tells that they didn’t get what they wanted,” said Dumbledore in a firm voice while taking a seat in the chair in his portrait. “Or it means they got what they wanted, and they just no longer had any use to them.” “It is a possibility Harry, but I doubt it. If that were the case then I believe Winston would have been among those bodies and I doubt they would have left them in a place where they would be found. I think that, due to the fact that Winston wasn’t with them, we can say he is alive for the time being. The reason I believe they would have put their bodies back in their home is because they want the Ministry to know that they have Winston, as another way to let them know that they haven’t heard the last of this rogue.” “Why wouldn’t they have just put the bodies somewhere else, Sir, someplace where they were less likely to be caught?” responded Harry, hanging on all of the words Dumbledore was saying. “One, because they wanted the bodies found in a certain time frame; they were aware that someone would check on them the next day seeing how Winston Benson holds such an important job. Two, because it is another message; these persons believe they are more clever than the Ministry. They obviously don’t think that the Ministry is very likely to catch them or find out who they are until they reveal themselves.” “That would explain also how they were able to get through the house wards so easily; if they had any of the Bensons they would have known how to get pass them. It also explains why the bodies were found where they were. I couldn’t understand why they would hide in a bedroom rather than use the Floo or Apparate,” said Harry, thinking of all the new possibilities Dumbledore had laid out for him. “That only leaves a couple of things left: what is it Winston Benson knows that is so important, and why would they carve my scar on the foreheads of the bodies?” “Alas, this is where we venture even further into the world of guessing and speculation. As for what Winston Benson knows and is working on I can only guess that it holds either some kind of power or knowledge that the killer wants or it is something he can use to gather followers; either one would be devastating. The scars on the bodies though make me think that they want you to know they are not scared of you. I think they realize that as soon as this story reaches the Daily Prophet the public will be in a minor state of fear and will try to find something or someone to protect them. By putting the scars on the bodies they are pushing the public to choose you over the Ministry to solve the problem of this new threat,” answered Dumbledore in a collected voice. “Why would they want them to pick me over the Ministry?” “I can only guess, Harry. Possibly because they think if they can let it appear like your problem, the Ministry and the public more likely will make it your responsibility to finish them. If that is the case then I think it would be safe to believe these persons believe you are not up to the task of defeating them. Another reason could be because they want the media’s attention and unfortunately the media loves you and they know that this story will be picked up if it has any connection to you. Another one still could be that they want you to feel responsible for these deaths and your morale and spirits to be down,” finished Dumbledore in a voice full of sorrow. “Which one of those reasons do you think it is, Sir?” “Honestly, I’d say it’s all three, Harry. Which also leads me to the conclusion that these persons know you. That they know you will feel like it is your problem to solve even though it is not. They seem to know your level of skill with magic as well, and that you will take the blame for the death of people that you had no power to save.” Harry was convinced that Dumbledore was right. These persons seemed to know him well, or at least understand the way he thought. He knew it was stupid to take blame for the deaths of the Bensons but part of him did feel slightly responsible. He knew it wasn't his duty to try to capture or kill these Dark wizards but he already felt like he had heard another prophecy proclaiming him the chosen one once again. But he did know that these men were not stupid to not fear him: Harry knew he was a powerful wizard, very skilled in defense and duels, but also that he wasn’t the greatest or most powerful wizard alive like so many people believed. “I think you’re right, Professor. I think these persons do know me. That explains why they don’t believe that tripe the Prophet prints about me being the greatest wizard alive,” replied Harry, shaking his head, thinking of the nonsense people said. “I think these persons understand you to an extent, but don’t truly know you, because if they did I think they’d know that ‘tripe’ the Prophet has printed is one the most truthful things they ever did,” stated Dumbledore in a firm voice. “It is tripe! I’m not that great or powerful. I’ve gotten lucky more times than I can count, Sir. I’ve had help with everything I’ve ever done. I’m nowhere as powerful as Tom Riddle was, or even half as great as you, Sir,” said Harry, confused on how someone as intelligent as Dumbledore could believe the Prophet. “That is where you're wrong, Harry,” Dumbledore said while standing from his seat.” Tom Riddle’s power fell to yours. He didn’t die because of others; he died because you made it so. His lust for power and control could never win over your heart, and in the end that is what made you more powerful than Tom Riddle. It is never the power of someone’s magic or knowledge of spells that makes a wizard powerful and great but the strength of their character. You Harry, have proven a much greater and more powerful wizard than Tom Riddle and myself. With that Harry I bid you farewell. I’ll see you at the start of term.” Harry knew from all of the meetings he had had with this man from the past that there was no reason to protest or ask any more questions. He had been dismissed, which meant that he had been told all that he was suppose to know at the time. Even in death Dumbledore still had not changed. “See you at the start of the term, Professor. Thanks for your help,” finished Harry as he walked to the fireplace. He grabbed some powder and threw it into the fireplace while saying “The Burrow” then stepped in the familiar green flames, starting his dizzy trip while still going through all of the new insight he had learned. It was obvious what was the next thing to learn: what Winston Benson knew.
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