Chapter 395: The Final Preparations

Chapter 395: The Final Preparations

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I create.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 395: The Final Preparations

"Come in..."

Harry stepped through the office door after hearing Dumbledore's familiar invitation.

The Headmaster sat behind his desk, as he often did, looking weary and burdened.

"Not going to enjoy the feast?" Dumbledore asked, a faint trace of a smile on his face.

"I'm not hungry... and we need to talk," Harry replied.

Dumbledore nodded. "How are the families holding up?"

Harry shrugged. "They're being patient, given the situation. Have the teachers started asking questions yet?"

"Only Minerva, for now. But having an entire family of redheads vanish is bound to attract attention sooner rather than later," Dumbledore admitted.

"You can always claim ignorance. Let the Ministry of Magic fabricate an explanation...it won't matter anyway," Harry said calmly.

Dumbledore frowned. "She is my friend, Harry, and a member of the Order. I hate having to keep things from her."

"You can tell her everything once it's done. For now..."

"I know. The fewer people involved, the better," Dumbledore sighed, his exhaustion clear. "This will already be a delicate plan to pull off."

"Did you find the man we need?" Harry asked as he took a seat, glancing at the perch where Fawkes rested.

The phoenix let out a soft, melodic cry.

"Hello to you too, Fawkes," Harry greeted before turning back to Dumbledore.

"I'll pass along the message," Dumbledore agreed.

"If there's nothing else to discuss, I'll take my leave," Harry said, heading for the door.

"Aren't you going to eat anything?" Dumbledore asked.

"I'll visit the kitchens later," Harry replied. "For now, I think I'll spend some time in the Room of Requirement and break a few dummies."

After Harry left, Dumbledore turned to Fawkes. "It's going to work...right, Fawkes?"

The phoenix let out a loud, echoing cry.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Meanwhile...at a distant gloomy manor.

"He's waiting for you, and he's not happy," Bellatrix said with a wicked grin.

"I hope you brought him good news, or you may not survive the night."

Snape nodded. "Open the door."

Of course, Voldemort would be in a foul mood. He had been that way since the night of the attacks when he lost many of his most loyal followers.

The worst blow, however, was that he still hadn't uncovered the culprits.

"Severus..." Voldemort's chilling voice greeted him. The Dark Lord was seated on his throne, his skeletal face illuminated in the dim light.

Red eyes, glowing with a terrifying light, fixed on Snape. "What do you have for me? Speak!"

Snape knelt before him, lowering his head. "I have succeeded in my task, my Lord."

"You mean...?" Voldemort's voice quivered with anticipation.

"The liquid curse we prepared for Dumbledore...I've successfully made him drink it. In less than six weeks, the old wizard will completely lose his magic."

Voldemort's lips curled into a ghastly smile, his red eyes blazing with triumph.

"Albus Dumbledore...you are mine now!"

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