144 Discussion of The War

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With Ron gone to Egypt and Harry staying at the Leaky Calderon, I am able to spend most of my time with Auntie and Uncle while sneaking off at night to Darkness Falls. My magical abilities have progressed quite a bit, I am now confident in fighting someone of Snape's caliber to a standstill without using my other powers.

Speaking of Snape, he is returning today, that is why I am currently on the Knight Bus heading to Dumbledore's house. He said he wanted me there to discuss the next school year. I am a bit curious about what he wants to tell me.

As the Knight Bus stopped down the dirt path from Dumbledore's home I quickly wave at Stan before hopping off. On the large sloped hill behind Dumbledore's home, I can see Aria is outside playing with Rainy.

Rainy turns to me and points me out to Aria who is making a flower crown. Even with the large distance between us, I can see the giant smile spread on her face. Sprinting down the hill I see her almost fall and I quickly pull out my wand but Rainy beats me to it. Before her face touches the grass Rainy snaps her fingers and Aria floats a foot into the air slowly spinning as she floats towards me.

I am a bit baffled at the scene but Aria is giggling like it's normal so I smile as well. Aria floats down in front of me holding up the flower crown to me.

"Hello, Big Brother Soren."

I smile as I kneel down a bit, "Hey, Aria, is this crown for me?"

She smirks as she scratches her cheek, "It's for Daddy but you can have it, I'll make another one."

I lower my head like a soldier being knighted as she places the crown on my head. Rainy appears finally gets to us and bows her head to me.

"Good day, Master Black."

As I stand up I give her a smile while ruffling Aria's hair, "Hello, Rainy."

"Here to see Master Dumbledore?"

I nod, "Yes, is he in his study?"

"Yes, please just head inside."

"Thank you, sorry Aria I have to speak to your father."

She puffs her cheeks as she nods, "Okay, I have to make two more crowns anyway. Dad said Uncle Snape is coming to play with me today."

I nearly laugh at the idea of Snape playing in the flowers but manage to hide it behind a smile, "Of course, I'll come to play with you after we have our chat."

"Okay," she says turning to Rainy, "Come on, we have to find lilies, Dad says they are Uncle Snape's favorites."

I wince at her words as I step into her house, 'Oh no, Dumbledore you didn't.' I think to myself as I make my way to his study.

As I am about to knock on the door it swings open and I see Dumbledore in a more casual yet still heavy dark red robe.

He gives me a smile as I enter, "Hello, Soren. What a lovely crown."

I grin "Hello, Headmaster," seeing his raised brows I correct myself, "Dumbledore."

He nods, "I'm sure you would like to know why I asked you to come today."

"I assume it has to do with the upcoming school year."

Letting out a long sigh he nods, "Without the Dark Wizards around I have been pondering what could be used to hone the younger generation. Of course, I mean while keeping them safe. That was when I remembered my conversation with Severus after the Salazar incident."

"You got the information of the cursed vaults from him, didn't you?"

I see where he is going with this, "You want me to tackle the five vaults with them don't you?"

Seeing his nod I continue, "Aren't those vaults meant to kill those who try to open them?"

Dumbledore ponders for a second, "While it may be dangerous the level of the vaults is not something you can't handle."

I am a bit flattered by Dumbledore's high expectations but I am still uncertain, "Do you know the challenges of the vaults?"

Dumbledore nods, "That is why I believe you can succeed, if you need a nudge just come find me."

Letting out a sigh I lean back "Okay, I will do my best."

Dumbledore's eyes flick to the door causing me to turn around. Dumbledore waves his hand and the door slowly swings up revealing Snape wearing unusually black clothes.

"Snazzy getup," I say jokingly at Snape's gaudy appearance.

His usually dull eyes peer at me as he scoffs, "Mr. Black, as… witty as ever."

Dumbledore gestures him in, "Come on in Serverus, tell us what news you have."

Snape's eyes linger on me for a moment before looking back at Dumbledore, "Are you sure? This information may be a bit personal for you."

Before Dumbledore can answer I speak up, "Are you talking about Grindlewald being back?"

For the first time ever I see surprise plastered on Snape's face while Dumbledore is frozen.

"Is that true Severus?" Dumbledore is far more serious than I have ever seen him.

Snape nods his head as he meets Dumbledore's eye, "Not only has he returned but he appears to be in his prime once again, I don't know how, but he has regained his youth."

Dumbledore lowers his head leaning onto his clasped hands, "Continue."

"Gellert Grindlewald has returned, Voldemort's appearance has been restored to what it was twenty years ago, and Salazar is with them as well. At first, I came to believe Voldemort was leading them but it seems to be more of an equals treaty. Grindlewald is in charge of planning, Voldemort leads the Death Eaters, and Salazar creates new spells and potions."

Dumbledore closes his eyes, "We may not even have a foot in this race…"

Snape shakes his head, "Grindlewald has explained his plan to me, we still have time. By Grindlewald plans to take the eastern European countries first slowly moving towards Britain. By his estimation, it will take four years to conquer Europe, ten years for the world."

Dumbledore lets a long sigh, "That is good, but I am confused. I thought Grindlewald had repented on his ways, it appears I was wrong. Why is Voldemort working with others, he has always been too proud to be under anyone."

"I believe they are working under someone far more powerful. Someone who gave Voldemort his body and Grindlewald his youth."

"But who?" I ask leaning back in my chair wondering who could possibly be above three of the most powerful wizards ever.

"I do not know, but I believe we should inform other ministries of their plans so we can gather more forces."

Dumbledore nods at Snape's words, "We must be careful who we tell though. If it turns into an open war far more war will be shed than any of the previous wars."

Seeing our agreement he continues, "Would you be able to go back in?"

Snape's gaze hardens, "Unfortunately, no. I believe Grindlewald was on to me, that is why I returned early."

I shrug, "It's fine, I still have Lucius."

Dumbledore turns to me with wide eyes, "You brought Lucius over?"

I am a bit surprised that he didn't know, I turn to Snape, "You didn't tell him?"

Snape gives me a dull gaze, "I said I would not spread your secrets."

I grin at the dry man, "Yes, Lucius has been working for me since I noticed the sharp rise in Death Eater activity. For some reason, Voldemort has removed him from his inner circle but he still receives orders every so often."

"What did you offer him?" Dumbledore asks leaning back obviously curious.

I give a small smile, "The safety of his family of course."

Dumbledore seems surprised, "And he believed you could make through on your offer? Can you?"

"I have my ways."

Dumbledore nods not pushing anymore into my secrets. He is about to speak but stops as his brows raise towards the door.

Snape and I turn to face it as it slowly swings open revealing Rainy with Aria behind her. Aria is carrying two crowns of flowers just like mine but one is made of primrose and the other is lilies.