Disclaimer: JKR owns Harry Potter. Fred Saberhagen owns the Swords. I own a few bit characters plus the overall plot, and the banana I just ate. CHAPTER THREE: FINDING THE WAY
Their classes had begun again. Professor Snape was wary of doing anything to Neville in Potions, as the absolute power of his Sword would likely help him, even though he left it in his trunk. Even if it wouldn't, a fact which Harry had no idea of the truth of, the threat of such was enough for Snape.
"Longbottom! How many times…" Snape's anger tailed off as he remembered the Sword. "Apparently, your extremely good fortune doesn't enter the realm of your classwork. Most a pity. I would look forward to a day when you don't bungle a potion."
"Please, sir," squeaked Neville, "if I could bring-"
"SILENCE!" roared Snape. Dumbledore didn't want anyone else knowing about the Swords. Snape had come dangerously close already. Then again, everyone had noticed Neville's great luck of late, Sword or not.
Harry likewise had left his Sword in his trunk, not just out of respect for the orders of Dumbledore. Harry was honestly frightened of what his Sword might be able to do. Dumbledore had permitted them to examine their Swords in his private study after classes, but they had so far found nothing. Although they had discovered that the Swords seemed unaffected by heat, water, or most of the curses and hexes they knew.
The only other teachers who Dumbledore had filled in on the Swords were Birmingham, who probably would've figured it out eventually, and Hagrid, who Dumbledore trusted above anyone. Although Harry wasn't sure he trusted Hagrid to keep his mouth shut, as he was well-known throughout the school as a good information source if you got him talking, and he had a tendency to talk too much at the local pub, Harry knew he could trust Hagrid with his life, and that was good enough for him.
That evening, they all sat in Dumbledore's study, poring over their Swords. They needed every scrap of information. They had tried everything so far to try and bring something out of them.
Well almost everything. "How could we be so stupid?" said Hermione suddenly. They all looked at her. "Well, we've all been looking for something complex, but what if it isn't? Why don't we try something simple?"
She pulled out her wand and pointed it at her sheath, muttering a Revealer Spell. At first it seemed that nothing would happen, and her face fell. Then, slowly, fine words written in a golden color appeared. It seemed to be some kind of poem. It was in English.
Harry looked at the title. "The Song of Swords," he muttered, scanning down the twelve verses. One fore each Sword of Power…He grinned, then wrapped Hermione in a hug. "You've done it, Hermione! This is what we've been looking for."
He looked at her suddenly. Her face was just inches away from his, her face a bit red, as her eyes suddenly locked on his own. He sheepishly let her go. "This could tell us loads."
They all in turn performed the Revealer on theirs, with the same result. Ron looked at the list intently. The first verse caught his eye. "Well, Neville's been having good luck, right? I'd say his is this Coinspinner, the Sword of Chance."
Hermione nodded, now looking at her copy, and writing it down on parchment. "Yes, that would make sense. All odds suddenly in his favor. Chance pointing always towards him. Coinspinner." She then looked down. "Well, Ron, yours has a sword over a wall, right?"
He looked. That it did. "Yes…"
"So, it's protecting something…perhaps…a town? There's one called Townsaver here. Could that be yours?"
They all agreed that this made sense; though they had only conjecture, it seemed to make sense that the symbols would correlate. Looking again at the list, Harry glanced at Hermione's. An arrow. Pointing… "Hermione, yours has an arrow, pointing for directions, perhaps? So Wayfinder?"
She looked. That did make sense to her. "I suppose so. Well done, Harry."
Ron smirked. "Only figures that you'd get the Sword of Wisdom."
She gave Ron a look. "Oh, quiet you." She stood. "Come on, let's go find Professor Dumbledore. We have to tell him about all this."
"But wait," interrupted Ron, "what about Harry's?"
She looked over the list fast. "Well, his has a hammer. Maybe Stonecutter, see here? "The Sword of Siege struck a hammer's blow." That could also explain the pounding noise. Now, come on!" She ushered them out.
They ran down the stairs. Strangely enough, Professor Dumbledore was waiting for them. "Ah, and how is everything, children?" he asked.
Hermione began to explain everything. Harry, meanwhile, suddenly had a headache. It seemed as if his glasses weren't working right. He got nudged. Neville was apparently having trouble with his Sword. "Neville," said Harry, interrupting Hermione, "what's wrong?"
"I don't know, it's trying to point over there, though." Harry looked. There was nothing significant. He and Neville strode that way a few paces. "Just wait for us a moment," called Harry. But there was nothing. Nothing except…it was directly away from Dumbledore. Whichever move he make…It was trying to lead him away. Harry cautiously clutched the hilt of his Sword and turned back, ready to attack if need be.
Only Dumbledore no longer stood there. In his place was Peter Pettigrew, and he was holding a sword…which looked like their own. "Hermione, Ron, move! That's not Dumbledore!"
Suddenly, Pettigrew had his wand out. Ron's eyes widened, and he tried to draw his sword, but Pettigrew disarmed both of them. He then bound Hermione and Ron, and drew a small watch, speaking to it. "Convey!" Then they vanished.
"Wha-how?" breathed Neville, "I thought Hermione said you couldn't Apparate or Disapparate here."
"A portkey, word-activated, I'm sure of it," said Harry grimly. He looked at their fallen swords. Just then, Professor Dumbledore arrived. Harry was sure it was him this time.
"What has happened?"
Harry explained everything, how they had discovered the Song of Swords, which Swords they had, and then Pettigrew.
Dumbledore nodded. "If what you tell me is true, then I believe he has the Sword you called Sightblinder. Disguising his true appearance." He paused, looking at the fallen Swords. "There is only one thing to do. Someone must take Wayfinder and follow him. If my surmise is correct, it should tell you where to go."
Harry nodded, then knowing what to do, he picked up Wayfinder's sheath. "Professor, if you'll permit me, I'd like to try this task."
Dumbledore sighed. "I knew you would, Harry, but it is very dangerous. Who know what could happen if…"
"I'll go with him then," declared Neville, far more bravely than he had ever sounded, "Hopefully, the luck of Coinspinner should protect us." He looked at Harry.
Harry nodded his head in thanks and turned back to Dumbledore, chin held high. "I'd like to try, Professor. With these Swords, we should be able to do it."
Dumbledore closed his eyes. "Harry if it were anyone else…Alright. I will give you twenty-four hours. No more. I cannot risk you out by yourself any longer than that. At the end of those twenty-four hours, you are to return here."
Harry nodded. "Come on, Neville. We're going to need brooms." He handed Townsaver to Dumbledore and they were off. Harry ran up to the dormitory to get his Firebolt. On his way down, he heard a soft gasp. He turned, startled that anyone else would be here right this instant.
It was Taylor Ward. Her eyes were fixed on his Swords. "What are you doing with those?"
Harry swallowed. "I'm going to try and rescue someone. I needed my broom. Neville and I need to go as fast as we can."
Taylor looked at him. Her eyes beheld a deep wisdom he had not seen before. "It's that girl, Hermione, isn't it?" She didn't wait for an answer, instead sprinting up to her dorm. She came back down an instant later with her own Firebolt. "Here. If you two need to go fast, you'll need another of these."
Neville handled it like it might shatter at any moment. "I…I can't take this."
"Yes you can. Just go. And good luck."
Neville smiled slightly at that, some of his fear forgotten. "Luck's not going to be a problem." Harry clapped his shoulder and they were off.
They reached the courtyard. Harry hefted Wayfinder. "Show me where to find Hermione!" he demanded. The Sword suddenly quivered, and swiveled him around to his right. "How far?" he asked. It was silent. It still only pointed.
"I suppose that'll have to do," said Neville. He climbed aboard Taylor's broom. "Well, come on then. What are you waiting for?"
Harry had never seen this side of Neville before. He jumped onto his broom, grinning, and they set off. Harry had to keep Wayfinder out so it could point them in the right direction, but other than that he was fine. He turned to Neville.
"Since when are you the type to go rushing in?"
"It's this Sword. I guess it gives me confidence I didn't have. All of its powers can take away all my bad aspects. I don't need to be as good at magic as you or Hermione, or even Ron when I have this."
Harry's heart jumped at being compared to Hermione's level of ability. He thought back to what Taylor Ward had said. And his question to the Sword. He was going after Hermione. He wanted to find her more desperately than he did Ron. And he wasn't sure why.
Following the directions of the Sword, Harry and Neville flew for several hours. The skies began to grow very dark, and if they didn't come upon Pettigrew soon, they'd have no chance to find them in time. Suddenly, the tip began to dip of its own accord. They were close.
Harry pulled to a stop. Neville followed suit. "OK, Neville, most likely, we're going to be outnumbered. We move in carefully. If all else fails, hopefully Coinspinner can protect at least you. Here." He handed Neville Wayfinder. "If you are the only one who gets away-"
"Harry, don't talk like that…"
"Listen!" snarled Harry, "This could go bad. If it does, I want you to have Wayfinder so you can lead Dumbledore and the others back. Do you understand?"
Neville nodded. He could see why Harry was a true Gryffindor now. He finally understood. This was Harry at his finest. He wished he could have Harry's courage all the time, not just when he could hide behind the powers of Coinspinner. He followed Harry to the ground. They left their brooms hovering. Harry had his wand out now, but did not light it. Neville had Wayfinder held in front of him, Coinspinner at his belt.
Harry paused, and pushed Neville down. "Shh," he whispered.
Voices were wafting through the trees from nearby. There was a fire in a small clearing. "I still don't understand why you want us." It sounded like Ron.
"It's all too obvious. I had originally planned to get just Potter, but when I saw you all had Swords, I tried to get all four. Unfortunately, Potter somehow recognized me, so I was forced to take you two hostage. He'll be along soon enough, and I can deliver him to my Lord." It sounded like Pettigrew to Harry. So that was his plan, he thought.
"Scared of saying your own master's name, are you?" spat a feminine voice that was clearly Hermione, "and when he hears how you failed to get all our Swords, I'm sure he'll punish you anyways, you foul little man."
There was a loud smack and Hermione shrieked. Blood boiling, Harry risked a glance over the shrub. Pettigrew had just backhanded Hermione's face with his silver hand. She lay sprawled on the ground, clutching her cheek with her bound hands. Ron was spitting with rage, but unable to move as he, too, was bound.
Harry turned to Neville, trying to calm himself. He didn't want to attack while his mind was clouded with anger. "Neville, I'm going to distract him. You go in and untie them. Or cut their bonds if you have too. I won't be able to give you much time." Neville nodded gravely. Harry moved a distance away, then leapt out.
"Hold it there, Pettigrew!" Pettigrew turned, shocked.
"So, here already, are you? This will only make it more interesting." He went for his wand.
"Stupefy!" yelled Harry. Pettigrew managed to catch the red flash on his silver hand. It knocked him over, but he was otherwise unhurt. He bounced back to his feet, wand in hand. Meanwhile, Neville had crept around Ron and Hermione and cut their bonds.
"Expelliarmus!" yelled Pettigrew. Harry's wand shot from his hand.
"Accio wand!" His wand began to return, but before it could, a resounding, yet dull pounding noise echoed through the forest, and Harry's Sword leapt into his hand of its own accord. The pounding continued.
Pettigrew stared. "What?" He raised his wand, but did nothing else, unsure.
Harry himself was amazed, too. He had remembered the pounding, but hadn't expected this. Did all Swords do such a thing? He had never carried one into battle before now.
Neville had Hermione and Ron running now. Pettigrew turned. "Damn you, Potter!" He saw that he had no chance, as the three had their wands out now too. Pettigrew disappeared with a 'pop.' He had Disapparated.
Harry sighed, and the pounding sound dropped down and ceased. He returned the Sword to its sheath and put his wand away. He jogged over to the brooms. The three met him there.
Hermione grabbed Harry into a hug, crying into his chest. "Thank Merlin you found us, Harry. I didn't know what he'd have done if…" She broke off, eyes watered down with tears. Harry held her for a moment, before wiping away some of her tears with his hand and giving her a caring smile. His finger traced a bruise along her face from Pettigrew's blow.
"You OK?"
She nodded, and he let his hand fall away. She swallowed and back away a bit, eyes still locked with his.
Ron tightened his jaw, and gave Harry an arm hug. "Thanks, Harry. Just one thing. How did you find us?"
"I'll explain on the way back. Come on." They hopped on the brooms, Ron with Neville, much to his displeasure, and Hermione with Harry. He could feel her head rest on his shoulder as her arms wrapped themselves tightly about his waist.
Despite his promise, the trip was made in silence. Neville led with Wayfinder held in front of him. They landed at Hogwarts castle just as the sun began to rise. Just before they touched down, Harry heard Hermione whisper in his ear, "Thank you, Harry. Thank you for everything." He felt her kiss him lightly on the cheek. His cheeks felt hot, embarrassed by all her recent showings of affection, and he still had an imprint of warmth on his shoulder, but he shoved that thought away. Waiting for them were Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, and Madame Pomfrey. They all strode forward as Harry and the others landed.
"Well done, Harry," said Dumbledore, eyes twinkling, "It really is amazing what you can do at times."
Harry smiled back. "Thanks, Professor…but I had help." He waved for Neville, who came and stood with him.
Madame Pomfrey interrupted. "I'd like to get this lot to the hospital wing, if I may, Headmaster." Dumbledore nodded and they all strode off.
"So, Harry," interjected Ron, "how did you find us?"
Harry smiled. "Well, there is a reason Hermione's Sword is called Wayfinder. It showed us the way to you." With that thought, they all entered the castle, content for now that they had foiled Voldemort's plans.
A/N: Well, people, here is chapter 3. This is the only one of the first four installments with no cliffhanger…Although if you interpret it a certain way it is… Anyhow, I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter: Babygrrl, Hallie, Catark, Misstake, galahav, Dragonlord, and yurimionepotter.
Babygrrl: Thanks, I know it's really easy to make Ron suck, but I have plans for him. He gets to have some fun. Now Neville…Nobody's done Hero!Neville yet that I can remember…But I will…
Hallie: The H/Hr picks up pretty soon. This is primarily an action/adventure fic, with some romance sprinkled in. Romance is not my forte.
Misstake: I'm sorry, Miss, but I LOVE cliffhangers…It keeps the audience interested, and challenges me to figure out what to do next.
Dragonlord: There is a scheme behind who's getting what. I have it all figured out. And I'm keeping which Sword is which hidden as long as possible. I'm nasty that way. As for the pace, my personal style is characterized my its fast pace, though at times it does slow down a lot. Next chapter will be such an example. But mostly, I keep the story moving very fast. I try to let actions speak for characters rather than omniscient descriptions.
Yurimionepotter: H/Hr is coming…But they have to go through lost of trials and confusion first.