29.
The doorbell rang through the Potter Townhouse. Dean looked up from his newspaper and glanced at Sam, who had just poured Dana a cup of tea.
“Are you expecting anyone?” Dean asked with a frown.
Sam shook his head. “No. Tinker would have let me know if there were any visitors.”
Dana looked up from her book curiously. “Should I see who it is?”
“No, kiddo. I’ll handle it.” Dean stood up with a sigh.
He walked to the door and pulled it open. Mad-Eye Moody stood before him, his magical eye constantly turning while his normal eye remained fixed on Dean. His face was stern, as always, and he leaned heavily on his staff.
“Winchester,” Moody grunted. “I’m here on behalf of the Ministry.” Dean raised an eyebrow. “And why exactly?”
Moody grinned briefly. “Floo Network. Albus requested it, and I’m here to make sure it’s done safely.” Dean sighed and held the door open wider. “Come in.”
Moody turned back to Dean. “Where do you want me to set up the connection?”
Dean pointed to the fireplace. “This one seems the most convenient. But let me make one thing clear, Moody: I don’t trust this Floo-business.”
Moody grinned. “Good. No sane man would either.” He walked over to the fireplace and pulled a small bag of Floo powder from his robe. He studied the hearth carefully, his magical eye rolling for any security issues. “The connection to Hogwarts is strictly controlled,” Moody explained as he worked. “No one comes in here without you knowing, Winchester.”
Dean stood with his arms crossed, watching. “I hope so.” Moody drew his staff and whispered a spell. Green flames suddenly shot up in the hearth, dancing without giving off any heat. Dana backed away slightly.
“That’s normal,” Moody said without looking up. “The Floo powder activates the connection.”
Dana watched the green flames, her curiosity stronger than her fear. “So… if I step in there, I’ll get to Hogwarts?”
Moody nodded. “As soon as you say the name out loud and use the powder, yes.”
Dean’s face twisted. “You expect us to travel through a hearth? Seriously?”
“Better than flying on a broom,” Moody grinned.
Sam chuckled. “He has a point.”
Dana turned to Dean. “Can I try?” Dean glanced at Sam, who smiled. “Let her be, Dean. It’s safe.” With a deep sigh, Dean nodded. Moody gave Dana the instructions as the brothers watched. She grabbed a handful of Floo powder from the bag Moody had left behind. She looked at the green flames doubtfully for a moment, then spoke in a clear voice:
“Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore’s Office!”
She threw the powder into the fire and stepped in. For a moment, the green flames were all they could see, until Dana suddenly jumped back out of the fireplace, laughing and with her hair a little messy.
“That was great!” Dean raised an eyebrow at her. “You’re back here. What happened?”
Dana wiped her hands on her skirt. “I saw Dumbledore! He said he was on his way.” Dean grunted. “Of course he is.”
A short time later, the green flames in the fireplace resounded again, and with a graceful movement, Albus Dumbledore stepped out of the fireplace. “Ah, gentlemen,” he said with his usual calm smile. “I see everything is going well.”
Dean rolled his eyes. “Let’s hope it stays that way.”
Albus looked around and saw Moody standing there. “Alastor, thank you for your help.”
Moody nodded briefly. “I’ll stay a little longer. I want to see how they react to your explanation.”
Albus Dumbledore looked around the living room of the Potter Townhouse calmly. His gaze slid over the brothers, who were both looking at him with a mixture of curiosity and distrust. Dana sat next to Sam on the couch, her eyes still glistening from her first Floo trip.
Mad-Eye Moody continued to lean his staff against the wall, his magic eye spinning, while his normal eye remained fixed on Dean. Dumbledore clapped his hands softly. “Good. Now that we’re all together, this seems like an excellent time to discuss a few things.”
Dean raised his eyebrows. “Let’s start with why we’re constantly learning new things about this world that has apparently existed for centuries. What have we missed?”
Dumbledore smiled slightly. “It’s not so much what you’ve missed, Mr. Winchester. It’s what you never needed to know.”
Dean rolled his eyes. “Exactly. Because withholding information always works so well.”
Sam shook his head at Dean. “Let’s just listen.”
Dean sighed and leaned against the wall. “Okay, Professor. What should we look for? And let’s start with those shapeshifters I read about.”
Dumbledore’s smile faded a little. “Ah, you mean animagi.”
Dean’s gaze sharpened. “Is that the same as what we call a shapeshifter?” Dumbledore shook his head. “Not at all. An Animagus is a wizard who can voluntarily transform into a specific animal. It’s a very rare and regulated skill.”
Sam looked up with interest. “How does that work?”
Dumbledore nodded at him. “It takes years of practice and magic. An Animagus retains their human consciousness while transforming into an animal. But it’s not an evil transformation.”
“So, for example, if I see a cat walking around Hogwarts, it could be a wizard?” Dean frowned.
“Correct,” Dumbledore confirmed. “Professor McGonagall, for example, is a registered Animagus and transforms into a cat.”
Dean waved a dismissive gesture. “Wait a minute. So if a cat is walking around the castle, that could be her?”
Dumbledore smiled. “Indeed.” Dean looked at Sam. “And we thought we were seeing strange things.”
Sam turned to Dumbledore. “We’ve heard that you have werewolves too, but they’re different from the monsters we hunt.”
Dumbledore nodded gravely. “That’s right. In our world, a werewolf is someone who transforms into a wolf-like form during the full moon. But with the right tools and magic, they can retain their human consciousness.”
Dean raised his eyebrow. “Human consciousness? So they don’t become bloodthirsty murderers?”
“Not if they take the Wolfsbane Potion,” Dumbledore explained. “It’s a complicated potion, but it allows a werewolf to remain itself during the transformation.” Sam looked genuinely interested. “Do you have many of these werewolves?”
Dumbledore smiled briefly. “There are a few. One of my former students, Remus Lupin, is a werewolf. One of the kindest and most loyal people I know.”
“And yet there are no guarantees.” Dean remained suspicious.
“No magic offers guarantees,” Dumbledore admitted. “But with understanding and precautions, many dangers can be minimized.”
Dana looked at Dumbledore with wide eyes. “And what about the ghosts of Hogwarts? Are they evil?”
Dumbledore smiled softly at her. “Not at all, my dear child. The ghosts of Hogwarts are friendly creatures who choose to remain in the castle.”
Dean’s gaze sharpened. “And they’re not dangerous?”
Dumbledore shook his head. “They’re not evil spirits as you know them. They’re memories of what once was. Sir Nicholas, better known as Nearly Headless Nick, is the ghost of Gryffindor House. He loves to tell stories and helps out where he can.”
Dana looked at Dean, her voice cautious. “So… you don’t have to use salt or silver against them?”
Dean grinned briefly. “Apparently not, kiddo.”
“Okay,” Albus began calmly, “there are a few more things we need to talk about before Dana goes to Hogwarts.”
Dean grunted softly. “Let me guess. More things we don’t know about?”
Albus smiled slightly. “That’s right, Mr. Winchester. And that’s exactly why I’m here.”
Albus sat down quietly and folded his hands together. “Let’s start with the Magical Government, or the Ministry of Magic. They oversee the magical world in Great Britain and are responsible for enforcing our laws.”
Dean raised an eyebrow. “So… sort of like the FBI, but with wands?”
“More like a bureaucratic nightmare.” Moody grinned from his corner.
Sam looked up with interest. “How big is this ministry?”
Albus explained, “The ministry has several departments, like Muggle Affairs, Sports, the Obliviation Squad , and of course the Auror department, which Moody is a part of.”
Dean looked at Moody. “And that makes you… what? Some kind of magical SWAT?”
Moody’s magical eye continued to roll as he answered. “You could say I tracked down and eliminated the most dangerous dark wizards. But as you can see…” He patted his wooden leg and tapped his magical eye, “…that comes at a price.”
Dana looked at Moody curiously. “Was it scary?”
Moody grinned at her. “It was necessary.”
Dean turned back to Albus. “And this Minister of Magic? Can he be trusted?”
Albus remained silent for a moment. “That depends on who you ask. Cornelius Fudge is the Minister at the moment, and while he has good intentions, he is sometimes blind to the dangers that present themselves.”
Sam shared a look with Dean and frowned. “So… he ignores problems?”
Albus nodded. “Exactly.” Dean shook his head. “Great. So even the magical world has politicians who ignore problems.”
“Now for something else,” Albus continued. “Something you should definitely know about, given your background. Magical duels.”
Sam leaned forward. “Duels? Like wand fights?”
“Indeed,” Albus confirmed. “Magical duels are an important way that wizards defend themselves. But there are strict rules and forbidden spells.”
Dean’s gaze sharpened. “Forbidden spells?”
Albus nodded slowly. “There are three Unforgivable Curses. Spells that are forbidden because they cause untold harm.”
Dana looked at him with wide eyes. “What are they?” Albus looked at her for a moment, then explained:
Avada Kedavra – The killing curse. A spell that is instantly lethal and impossible to block.
Crucio – The torture curse, which causes unbearable pain without physical harm.
Imperio – The control curse, which allows you to completely control someone and make them do whatever you want.
Dean’s face froze. “So… you have wizards who can kill, torture, and control people with a simple spell?”
“That’s right,” Albus said, his gaze serious. “And that’s exactly why they’re banned.”
Sam looked doubtful. “And yet there are people who use them?”
Moody stepped forward, his gaze dark. “The Death Eaters. Followers of Voldemort. They use those curses without hesitation.”
Dana shivered and moved a little closer to Sam. “And how can we protect ourselves from them?”
Albus smiled softly at her. "There are ways to protect yourself, my dear child. But the most important thing is to always use your courage and intelligence. Magic is powerful, but it is how you use it that matters."
Dean took a deep breath and slowly walked to the window. He stared out, his face a mixture of anger and frustration. “So we have to send our daughter to a school where people with that kind of magic walk around?” he finally said, his voice tight.
Albus nodded quietly. “Hogwarts is one of the safest places in the magical world. And besides, Mr. Winchester… Dana has you. That’s her greatest protection.”
The air in the room felt heavy. Dean’s face was tense, and even Sam seemed deep in thought. Dana, on the other hand, looked at Albus with wide, curious eyes, as if trying to absorb everything he was saying.
Albus smiled slightly. “Now that we’ve discussed defense, I think it would be wise to discuss magical communication. It can be vital in times of danger.”
Dean raised an eyebrow. “Let me guess. No phones, no emails?”
Albus shook his head. “Not like you’re used to, no. Owl mail is the most common form of communication in the magical world.”
Dana looked up. “Like Hedwig?”
Albus nodded. “Exactly. An owl delivers a letter directly to the recipient, no matter where they are.”
Dean sighed. “Okay, that sounds convenient. But what if we don’t have time to wait for an owl?”
Albus straightened and made a graceful gesture with his wand. “There is a much more direct way of communicating for that.”
Sam looked up with interest. “And that is?”
Albus stepped to the center of the room and raised his wand. “One of the most powerful defensive spells is the Patronus Charm. Not only does it protect against Dementors, but a Patronus can also be used to send messages.”
Dana watched with wide eyes. “A Patronus?”
Albus smiled. “Let me show you.” He closed his eyes for a moment and focused completely on his thoughts. With a smooth movement of his wand, he called out powerfully, “Expecto Patronum!”
A bright, silvery light shot from his wand, and within seconds, a stunningly beautiful phoenix appeared, floating in the air. The Patronus spread a sense of warmth and safety throughout the room.
Dana stared at the phoenix in wonder. “Wow…”
Dean and Sam stared at the phenomenon with wide eyes.
“So… that’s a Patronus?” Sam slowly stood up and walked closer.
Albus nodded. “Exactly. Each Patronus takes on a different form, depending on the person who summons it.” The phoenix spun elegantly in the air and circled Dana a few times, as if inspecting her. Dana held out her hand, but the Patronus dissolved into a silvery mist.
“And what kind of message can such a thing convey?” Dean asked, his curiosity piqued. Albus smiled. “You can give the Patronus a specific message, which it will convey directly to the recipient. It’s a safe and quick way to communicate, especially in dangerous situations.”
Sam looked at the spot where the Patronus had disappeared, fascinated. “Can we learn that too?”
Albus looked at him. “I am sorry, but you do not have a magical core, and without that, it’s not possible.” Dana looked at Dean with wide eyes. “Dad, do you think I could ever make a Patronus?”
Dean crouched down in front of her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I’m sure you can, kiddo. And if you do, I bet it’s something epic.”
Dana beamed with pride. “Maybe a dragon?” Dean grinned. “Yeah, that would suit you.”
Mad-Eye Moody, who had been standing still listening the entire time, stepped forward. “But remember… a Patronus only works if you evoke the right emotions. It requires a strong, positive memory.”
Dean looked at him. “So what, she needs to think of happy moments?” Moody nodded. “Exactly. As hard as that can be in dark times.”
Sam looked at Dana and smiled. “We have plenty of positive memories to work with.” Dana nodded enthusiastically. “Like when I got Hedwig!”
Dean laughed softly. “Or that time you pranked Sam with that squeaky shoe.” Sam rolled his eyes. “Yeah, very funny.”
The mood in the room changed as Albus sat down and placed his hands on his knees. His friendly smile disappeared, replaced by a serious look.
“Now that we’ve discussed protecting Dana,” Albus began slowly, “it’s time you learned more about Voldemort… and why he’s still a danger.”
Dana looked cautiously at Dean, who assumed a tense posture. Sam leaned forward slightly, his gaze focused on Albus.
Dean’s jaw muscles tensed. “Good. Let’s talk about this Voldemort then.”
Albus looked straight at Dean. “Voldemort was born as Tom Marvolo Riddle. He was a brilliant but dangerous young wizard who believed in the supremacy of pure-blood wizards. He was obsessed with power and immortality.” Sam frowned. “Immortality?”
Albus nodded slowly. “He sought ways to overcome death. He did this by dividing his soul into pieces and hiding those pieces in objects known as Horcruxes.” Dana shivered. “Like what was inside me?” Albus looked at her with soft eyes. “Yes. But thanks to the goblins of Gringotts, that part of his soul was destroyed.”
Moody grunted approvingly. “Smart move, if you ask me.”
Dean turned to Moody. “But if Voldemort is gone, why are his followers still a problem?” Moody grinned darkly. “Because they want to bring him back. Death Eaters, as they call themselves, believe that Voldemort was never really dead. They are waiting for the right moment to summon him back.”
“But how can they do that if he’s… gone?” Dana tugged on Sam’s sleeve
Albus sighed deeply. “Voldemort’s soul was fragmented. Even if his body was destroyed, a part of his soul remained. No one knows exactly where he is. But if someone is powerful enough to find him… he might return.”
Dean walked slowly across the room, his hands in his pockets. “So we’re dealing with some kind of magical zombie.” Sam glanced at him. “It’s more serious than that, Dean. This is someone who has terrorized an entire society.”
“Exactly,” Albus confirmed. “Voldemort is responsible for killing hundreds of people, including Lily and James Potter.” Dana looked down at her shoes, her hands clenched in her lap.
Dean turned and looked at Albus sharply. “And why did he try to kill Dana? Why her?” Albus was silent for a moment before answering. “There’s been a lot of speculation about that. Some people believe he was afraid of a prophecy that foretold a child would be born who would defeat him.” Sam frowned. “A prophecy?”
Albus nodded. “But no one knows for sure if that was the reason. What we do know is that Voldemort did everything he could to find that child. And when he discovered it was Dana, he attacked her.” Dana looked up, her eyes wide. “But I was a baby. How could I defeat him?”
Albus smiled sadly. “Your mother, Lily, gave her life to protect you. She used a powerful ancient magic: the magic of sacrifice and love. That protected you from the killing curse.” Dana swallowed. “So that’s why I survived?”
“Yes,” Albus confirmed softly. “Your survival caused Voldemort to lose his body. But his soul… it remained.” Dean clenched his fists. “So we’re dealing with a man who doesn’t die, whose followers still want her, and whose soul has been chopped into pieces?”
Albus nodded calmly. “That sums it up nicely, Mr. Winchester.” Dean shook his head. “And you call this a safe world.” Moody stepped forward. “That’s exactly why I’m here. To make sure no one can harm her.”
Dana looked at Dean and Sam, her eyes full of worry. “Are they going to keep coming? The Death Eaters?”
Dean crouched down in front of her and took her hands. “Listen carefully, kiddo. No matter what happens, Sam and I are here to protect you. No one will touch you.”
Sam nodded in agreement. “We entered into this for a reason. We knew there were dangers, but that only makes us more determined to make sure you are safe.”
Dana smiled weakly. “Thank you.” Dean squeezed her hands gently. “You are a Winchester. And that means you are never alone.”
Moody looked at Albus. “What’s next?” Albus looked at Dana. “Dana will be going to Hogwarts soon. But I suggest we make sure she is as prepared as possible for whatever awaits her.”
Dean nodded slowly. “Agreed. And that means we need to learn too.”
Moody’s magical eye turned to Dean. “That can be arranged.”