Like all first chapters, this one is kind of light on action, but it sets the place and tone. Harry returns to Privet Drive for one last summer. A gift from Hermione. The discovery of a hidden talent.

After a series of strange encounters in and over London, Harry is brought up to date on current events.

Harry looks for some answers in the village where Voldemort destroyed his family. He finds a few, but inevitably, they lead to even more questions. A parting trip to the local library uncovers something quite unexpected...

Bill and Fleur's wedding, with all the hectic preparation that comes with such an event. Fred and George get the best lines, as usual. Tolkien fans will recognize a crossover here--Harry "recites" part of the Lay of Leithian, which can be found in "The Lays of Beleriand" and "The Silmarillion."

Summer's adventures are over. Harry meets the new DADA professor at last., and decides he could have waited a bit longer. A charming encounter with the portrait of the Fat Lady. Hagrid's ambassadorial efforts to the American Giants are presented to the Order of the Phoenix.

The immediate results of Voldemort's attack are observed at Hogwarts and in the Ministry offices. A wee little homage to Marvin the Android / Rimmer the Hologram / all other ubersnide, underappreciated martyrs-in-their-own-mind that pepper the sci-fi / fantasy realm with comic relief. A moment of despair, followed by a moment of The Pear.

Term finally starts up at Hogwarts. The Sorting Hat makes a rather unexpected decision. Quidditch prospects brighten at the discovery of a very old-fashioned wizard. Ron goes from being Fred and George's best guinea pig to Harry's. A visit to Hagrid's cabin leads to an uncomfortable question.

Inconsistencies in Hagrid's memory of Halloween, 1981 are discovered. Going to bed too early means waking up too early. A bit of solo Quidditch practice reveals several new secrets about Harry's new mentor, not the least of which is her fear of flying.

Harry makes a courageous resolve to complete the Prophecy. Fortunately for all, he has an opportunity to rethink his decision. A few surprises in the Forbidden Forest, followed by a most unexpected appointment.

Harry's quest for the mirror takes a few unexpected turns, but nonetheless turns up some interesting information.

Harry's questions about the mirror are finally answered.

Harry and company settle in after the events in the Department of Mysteries. A most unexpected visitor arrives at Grimmauld Place, as does Harry's bodyguard. Lupin tends to some long overdue business.

Viktor makes a poignant observation. Harry takes Ondossi to her first Quidditch match. She doesn't get it. Arthur Weasley makes good on his promise to investigate Sirius's past, with most unexpected results.

The remaining events of November 1 and 2, 1981, are revealed.

The school year wraps up and Harry takes a brief foray across the sea and to new depths of his mind.

Once again, Fate proves to be Harry's enemy.

Summary: Recent events take a heavy toll on Harry.
Nonetheless, a few nagging mysteries get solved.

Legilimency practice with Mr. Malfoy.

The Order recovers from Lupin's furry little problem. Sirius pulls Harry aside for an overdue talk. A step toward reconciliation. The import of Draco's story is realized.

Albus has some explaining to do. A stroke of insight reveals the mole in the Ministry.

Many loose ends suddenly come together, and the Order prepares for the final confrontation.

Summary: As Harry and Ondossi wend their way through the wilderness, the rest of the Order takes on a mission of their own.
Author Notes: This is by far the hardest chapter to write, as I'm not into battle scenes. It's also the longest, and since it's already nearly 10,000 words, it's posted in 2 parts.

Ondossi's darkest secret is revealed at last.

Harry learns that a great many things were not as they seemed.

Harry sets out to right some old wrongs.