The Raven's Call

Coming to Terms

"Wha- What are you doing down here?"
I stutter out.

"Blimey Atti, you've cloned yourself!"
Alex exclaims, shocked.

Stella giggles again, taking a step forward with her hand extended.
"I'm Stella. Stella Grey."
She introduces herself.

"Merlin's Beard!"
Asteria exclaims happily.
"You're a twin too?"

"Uh.. Surprise?"
I say with a half shrug and an awkward smile.

"You must be Asteria! I recognise your voice."
Stella proclaims.
"And that must make you Alex."
She says, turning to face him.

I explain to them what had happened in the past few months since the beginning of school, about The Undercroft, about Stella and about me becoming an Animagus.
The whole story.

***

That night I'm awoken by footsteps entering The Undercroft.
Yes, I've started sleeping down here.
"Atticus. My office. Now."
Dumbledore announces before rushing back up the stairs.

Oh shit, what's going on?

I grab my dressing gown and throw the tiny Stella-Bandit into my pocket before racing to meet with Dumbledore.
I see Ron, Fred, George and Ginny standing in their pyjamas next to the fireplace, while Harry and Professor McGonagall stand before Dumbledore.

"What's going on?"
I whisper to Fred.
"Harry's had a dream that Dad was attacked."
Fred whispered back, his voice a little shaky.

"In the dream, were you standing next to the victim? Or looking down at the scene?"
He asks Harry, being turned away from us all.

"Neither. It was like I.."
Harry's voice trails off.
"Professor, will you please just tell me what's happening?"

"Everhardt, Arthur's on guard duty tonight."
Dumbledore spoke to one of his portraits.
"Make sure he's found by the right people."

"Sir-"
Harry pleads before being interrupted once more.

"Phineas, you must go to your portrait at Grimmauld Place. Tell them Arthur Weasley is gravely injured and his children will be arriving soon by portkey."

"They've got him, Albus."
Everhardt called from his portrait.
"It was close, but they think he'll make it. What's more, the Dark Lord failed to acquire it."

"Ah, thank goodness."
Dumbledore sighs.

"Look at me!"
Harry shouts, startling us all. He looks freaked out.
"What's happening to me..?"
He asks, panting.

Snape and Asteria then enter the room, Asteria quickly running to George's side.
"You wished to see me, headmaster?"

"Severus, I'm afraid we can't wait. Not even till the morning. Otherwise, we'll all be vulnerable."

Snape nods, grabbing Harry by the arm before dragging him out the door.