Disclaimer: You should have it down by now. JKR owns Harry Potter and Company. Fred Saberhagen owns the Swords. Whatever characters which have virtually no bearing on the plot and appear only randomly are mine.
CHAPTER SEVEN: WOUNDHEALER
It was next day when Harry and Neville departed. Wayfinder had directed them south, so that was the direction they were heading. However, even with two Firebolts, as Taylor had again agreed to let Neville borrow hers, they would only be able to cover limited ground before dark. Using a broomstick as a traveling device for such a distance drew fatigue which Harry had never imagined. The weight of carrying two Swords, one always held out, was also taxing. Neville worried Harry, though, more than the travel. He had a haunted look in his eyes that he had never seen before. It was like a mixture of the white-knuckled terror he had displayed after Barty Crouch in the guise of Alastor Moody had shown them the Cruciatus Curse, and a deep despair that was commonly on his face when he had failed at some endeavor. Harry knew that Neville, despite everything, still wanted to impress everyone and live up to his family's expectations. Living up to the expectations of parents who would never know him was something Harry was familiar with all too well.
It was growing dark about three hours into their journey. With the days growing shorter and the time of their departure, Harry had expected no less. Tomorrow would be grueling, he suspected. He couldn't count on Woundhealer-the other name for the Sword of Mercy Dumbledore had used-to be in Britain. That so many of them had been in England thus far was nothing short of amazing. However, with Townsaver being found in Egypt…Harry didn't even want to think of traveling that far by broomstick, to say nothing of the dangers of being spotter inherent in such a journey. The two of them set down in a small clearing in the woods. Harry lit a small fire, and they set up camp. Dumbledore had provided them with magically condensed food and sleeping bags, so they could hold all they needed in their pockets.
Harry sat thinking to himself about all that had occurred in the past month. That it had all happened in that length of time astounded him. He glanced up at Neville, who was staring into the fire, fingering Coinspinner all the while.
Harry frowned. "Neville, do you ever let that Sword out of your sight? I mean…You always have it with you."
Neville started for a moment, as if he hadn't quite heard Harry. "Oh, well I…" His voice trailed off for a moment. "Well, do you remember exactly what it said about Coinspinner in the Song of Swords?"
Harry thought for a moment. He couldn't quite recall everything. "No, Neville, I don't. I mean, it gives you great luck, doesn't it?"
"Well, yes. But it's all dependent on the flip of a coin, you see? Coinspinner could leave me at any moment, somehow. It said that it would 'slip from him like a snake.' Somehow, it'll leave me eventually. I don't want that to happen."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Well, yes, I can see that. Who would want their Sword to leave them, unless of course they had Soulcutter maybe. But really, Neville, in the end, it's only a Sword. It's a piece of metal that, yes," he said, waving a hand upon seeing Neville's look of umbrage, "it has amazing powers. But that's just it. It has power we can't override. If it leaves you, it'll do that." Harry sighed and stood for a moment, looking up at the night sky, stars shimmering in the dark. "Hagrid once told me something, Neville. 'What's coming will come, and we'll face it when it does.' That's all we can do, Neville."
Neville looked up at him, his face looking hollow. "No, Harry. Maybe for you. You've always been a good, even great wizard. You can do things I could never do. This," he said, hefting Coinspinner, "this is the only thing that's making it so I can come with you on these quests now. Coinspinner's powers, not mine. Without them, I'd be a mindless worshipper of You-Know-Who like the rest of them…" He stopped suddenly then.
Harry had rounded on him, pure fury raging in his eyes. There was something etched in every line of his face that spelled murder. Suddenly, Shieldbreaker began beating its drum, the dull pounding echoing in the intense night.
Neville quaked beneath Harry's gaze. "I'm…s-s-sorry, Harry. I wasn't thinking. You know I didn't mean…"
Harry's dark expression lightened a fraction. "I know Neville. But that doesn't take the pain away." He sank to the ground, his thought miles away resting on a brown haired girl. "You didn't see the way they were. Hermione, she…" His voice cracked, and his body seemed to fold in on itself. Shieldbreaker's beat ceased. "She…was shouting out prayers to Voldermort, asking him to give her the strength to…to kill me." He looked up, his eyes boring into Neville's. "I don't ever want to see her like that again. Or Ron that way. Or anyone. I have to save them, Neville. And I'll do anything to save them. Anything."
Neville looked at Harry. Harry really was special, despite everything he tried to say. Neville didn't think there could possibly be many wizards as determined and brave as Harry Potter.
The next day, the sun was bright in the sky, and the heat from its rays beat down on their backs. After a few hours of travel, the heat, combined with the terrible concentration required to fly a broom over the country while actually scanning the terrain below, forced them to take a break. They landed in a small field, which was thankfully concealed from the surrounding area. Neville groaned, stretching and massaging his muscles. He then noticed that Coinspinner was quivering slightly. It pointed out to his right.
"Harry, I think someone's coming!"
Harry stood quickly, and drew Shieldbreaker. Strangely, its pounding did not begin. This could mean only that the approaching person as yet meant them no harm. Harry frowned. He could see the outline of a man walking towards them from the edge of the field. He appeared to be wearing robes.
"I think he's a wizard."
Neville squinted slightly. "Yeah, it does look that way." He lowered Coinspinner, but did not sheath it. Harry likewise, lowered Shieldbreaker.
The figure approached faster now, and Harry could see that they had pale blond hair. He squinted his eyes, trying to make out the figure. A shock of realization hit him. "No…"
"Surprised to see me, Potter?" It was Draco Malfoy. He stood there with a smug look on his face, carrying a broomstick in his right hand. Harry recalled that he hadn't been present in the Great Hall watching news of the attack on the Ministry.
"What are you doing here, Malfoy?" Harry asked, trying not to sound too poisonous. He hated Malfoy, but there was no reason to suspect anything…yet.
"Why, I'm here to help you, Harry," he answered, with mock surprise. "As you can see, I have my own equipment. When I heard what had happened, I knew I had to help you find Woundhealer."
Harry's eyes narrowed. He doubted Malfoy's word, but he had no evidence this was not the truth. Then he saw it. A black sheath belted at Malfoy's side.
"What's that, Malfoy?" he demanded.
Malfoy looked smug. "I was wondering how long it'd take you to notice, Potter." He set down his broom and drew the sparkling blade. As Harry had suspected, it was one of the Swords. He inspected it as close as he could. He couldn't see a symbol, but they were only on one side. Had Malfoy drawn Soulcutter, the only Sword with no symbol…Well, they'd all be collapsing with apathy. Except for Harry. However, seeing as how to the best of his knowledge, Soulcutter was still at the Ministry, and Malfoy and Neville were showing no ill effects, it must be one of the others.
"Which one is that, then?" Harry asked, managing somehow to keep his voice calm. Neville looked suspicious. Harry surreptitiously waved a nugatory to him.
Malfoy grinned sickeningly. "Why, Potter, you haven't figured it out, yet? It's Doomgiver, Sword of Justice."
Harry's eyes narrowed at that thought. Doomgiver…Which gave "eye for and eye" justice…What could that mean? Would everything he did to the person who held Doomgiver be also done to him? Or something more heinous than that? Either way, it was the only weapon Harry feared might be effective against Shieldbreaker. He had to tread cautiously.
"OK, Malfoy, you can come," Harry said grudgingly, "But I'll be watching you. One toe out of line…"
Malfoy held his hands in defense. "Whoa, calm down there, Potter. I'm only here to help. I want those people to be cured as much as you." He sheathed his Sword and sat down. "So, what's out next move?"
Neville glared at Malfoy. He hadn't forgotten about the constant taunting Malfoy had delivered to him, apparently. Not that Harry faulted him. Neville had suffered much over the years, not all of which was known to the rest of the Hogwarts population.
"Our next move is to rest. Neville and I have been traveling for a long time. But we will find Woundhealer."
"How can you be so sure?" pressed Malfoy.
Harry, still suspicious said only, "We have our ways." He didn't dare let his gaze drift to Wayfinder. Bad enough that Malfoy probably knew about the swords possessed by Harry and Neville. He didn't want him knowing about the precious bounty they carried. Harry had no doubts, that with the powers of and one of these Swords, a single person could command great power.
Later that day, the now trio took off again, still heading south. The fact that they had not been spotted, traveling by day, could probably only be accounted to the luck Coinspinner granted Neville. Wayfinder still lead the way. Harry knew Malfoy would become suspicious, and probably had found the Song of Swords himself. He would figure out that they had Wayfinder as well.
They had traveled for what seemed like hours, with the sun directly overhead beating down on their necks and backs. Holding out Wayfinder at intervals to determine their path further tired Harry. They needed to rest.
Discovering a good secluded wood to temporarily set down, they broke out the rations. Fortunately, it did seem that Malfoy had come prepared with his own supplies; Harry and Neville would not have to share. Their quick meal was virtually silent, and Malfoy sat on an opposite side of the clearing from Harry and Neville. The distrust in all of them was abundantly clear.
Still, they journeyed on together. It never crossed Harry's mind to try and lose Malfoy. For all he knew, Doomgiver could prevent that. So he could only tolerate his presence. As they traveled on, the countryside became more dotted with cities and populated areas. Harry turned to Neville.
"We're getting closer to the south of the island. I hope we find it soon or else we'll have no place to hide!"
Neville nodded. Suddenly, though, the point of Wayfinder pointed straight down. Harry hauled his broom to a stop. "It's right below us," he cried, "follow me down." Harry took off in a slow dive, following Wayfinder's directions all the way down. After a few moments of descent, he arrived at a small wood outside a town. There was a run-down looking small house sitting there. The trio landed.
They all dismounted their brooms and approached the house. Neville, Harry noticed, had drawn Coinspinner. Malfoy had his wand out, with his fingers on Doomgiver's hilt. Harry still held Wayfinder in front of him.
Quite suddenly, the doors burst open, a robed man stepping out, holding a wand. He had prematurely gray hair, and a young face. Harry almost dropped Wayfinder.
"Professor Lupin?" he gasped. It indeed was ex-Professor Remus Lupin. He looked slightly more haggard then when Harry had seen him last at the Ministry, but it definitely was him. Harry had no idea he lived in this area…Then again he had no idea where they were.
"Harry? What are you doing here?" He looked around at the three of them. "And why are they with you? What's happened?"
"Perhaps we'd better come inside and explain, Professor." Lupin nodded and ushered them inside. They all walked slowly in, and Harry glanced about.
He wasn't sure what to expect in Lupin's house, but it resembled the way his office had been. A little messy, with a few Dark Creature cages about. There was a fire in the fireplace, despite the warm day. Harry had learned this was not so unusual in the Wizarding World. He did notice a large black dog sitting on the couch. He smiled.
They all sat around a small table. Harry unbelted his weapons, placing them next to Sirius. He was relieved to be able to get their weight off him. Neville and Malfoy, however, remained armed. Harry pretended not to care.
Lupin set tea in front of all of them before sitting himself. "So, what is it that brings you to my doorstep?" He seemed completely calm.
Harry cleared his throat and began to speak. "Professor, a few days ago, Voldemort launched an attack on Hogwarts. He possessed a very special weapon. Not unlike Soulcutter. I assume Professor Dumbeldore has filled you in on the essentials?" Lupin nodded, and Harry continued. "The Mindsword was what Voldemort carried into his attack. It causes people…Every living being to be under the control of the one who carries it. And now, most of the staff, plus…" His voice trailed off. It was still painful. Every time he thought of Hermione, screaming her animalistic rage at him, he cringed and felt an emptiness. "Plus Ron and Hermione, are under his control. I saw Hermione under it's influence. She…she was rabid. She wanted to kill me. She called out to Voldemort for strength. And now…We have to save them. There's one Sword, called Woundhealer. It can heal any wound. We need it." Harry looked at Lupin, who was gazing at Harry intensely.
"I see Harry. Well, it's getting late now. I suggest that you and your comrades get some food an rest."
"But, Professor!" protested Harry. "Woundhealer is here somewhere. I know, Wayfinder led me here!" He realized suddenly that he had revealed the existence of that Sword to Malfoy. He decided he didn't really care.
Lupin raised an eyebrow. "Well, Harry, we'll deal with that later. Now, get some rest. You've earned it."
Later that night, Neville approached Harry while they were all supposed to be sleeping. "Harry," he whispered, "I don't like this. The Sword has to be here, right?"
Harry thought for a moment. He supposed that Wayfinder didn't necessarily have to lead them to their target, perhaps only to what could help them. It did, after all, "lighten loads." "Well, maybe Neville. Maybe not. It all depends on whether or not we have everything we need to complete this task."
Neville stared at him. "Harry, we have three Swords. That should be power enough! Power enough for anything."
Harry felt that Neville was probably right. But he might not be. Who really knew? Only the Swords, he guessed. He suddenly spotted someone moving. A small light flared on. It was Lupin.
"Harry, you should be sleeping. It's late."
Harry nodded. "I know, Professor," he tried to make an excuse, "but it's so bright; it's a full…" His voice trailed off. It was a full moon. Yet Lupin stood before him, normal as you please. It seemed impossible. There was no cure for werewolfism that he knew of that could cure someone at Lupin's stage. Nothing except…
"You do have Woundhealer."
Lupin stared at him a moment, then nodded. "I didn't know what it was at first. However, Snuffles accidentally nicked himself with it once, and suddenly, the pain from a sprained wrist he had disappeared. And it left no wound. He then experimented, cutting himself lightly at certain points, trying to heal all of his aches and pains. And it all worked. And so, one day, when we got up the courage, I stabbed myself with it." Harry sucked in a breath. Lupin waved a hand. "It didn't hurt at all. In fact, it was rather pleasant. In either case, the next full moon brought no transformation. I am cured, Harry."
Harry could only stare. He sat up then. "Well, if you have it, we have to get back! We have to…"
"Patience, Harry. They will still be there tomorrow. And Woundhealer will have the same effects tomorrow. No matter what the physical or mental damage to a living body, Woundhealer can repair them." Harry could only stare at him. With a healing device this powerful…It could be possible to ease the suffering of hundreds, if not thousands. He glanced at Neville. Neville's parents, driven mad by the Cruciatus Curse, could be cured with Woundhealer. Neville himself seemed to have realized this, and was looking as deep in thought as Harry had ever seen him.
"But, Professor, the quicker we move the more people we can help," noted Harry, "The world could do some good by this Sword."
"I know Harry. But the danger is great. Mr. Malfoy found you, did he not? If he could do so, then anyone could."
Harry's eyes narrowed. He didn't trust Malfoy, but as yet had no evidence to any wrong-doing. But if he waited too long, that sign would be Voldemort bursting through the door. He didn't want to take any chances. But he really had no choice at the moment. He resigned himself to sleeping through the rest of the night.
The next day, he woke fresh and renewed. Harry stood and stretched, surveying the surroundings. Then he froze. The couch, upon which Malfoy had been sleeping, was utterly empty. And there was no trace of Malfoy anywhere. Harry was instantly fully alert. He leapt to his feet, wand out, and shook Neville awake.
"Wha, what is it?"
"It's Malfoy, he's gone. And if my guess is right, he's on his way to warn Voldemort. We have to move fast."
He awoke Lupin, who immediately grasped the urgency of the situation. In minutes, they were packing everything they needed. Harry shunted Neville aside for a moment. "Professor, how are we going to get Sirius out? A dog can't exactly ride a broom, can they?"
Lupin nodded. "No, I don't suppose they could, Harry. We will have to tell Neville." He walked over to Neville. "Sit, down Neville. There's something important that you must know before we leave. And I beg that you will not draw this out with questions, because we simply do not have the time. You must trust that Harry and I are telling you the truth."
Neville nodded. "I understand, Professor. Besides which, Coinspinner can tell me if you're lying or not."
Lupin acknowledged this gravely. "Neville, Sirius Black is innocent."
Neville stared blankly for a moment. His Sword did nothing, not rejecting this claim at all. Neville could only look at Lupin, his eyes wide with disbelief and his jaw sagging in shock. "But, how? I mean-"
"Neville, he is innocent. How is not a matter of importance right now. I tell you this, because Sirius is here in this house, and he is coming back with us. You can tell no one of this, do you understand? The Ministry still believes that he is guilty. Until we can prove otherwise, Sirius's identity must remain a closely guarded secret."
Neville, lacking anything else to do, simply nodded. In an instant, Sirius appeared in the room from a doorway. Neville quaked in slight fear at the sight of this most dreaded of killers. But Sirius did nothing besides pack a small bag.
Soon, they were all ready to move out. They mounted their brooms, Lupin in the lead with Wayfinder, Sirius holding Woundhealer, and sped off towards Hogwarts.
A/N: Thanks to everyone for reviewing and for putting up with my fiendish delays in writing. Sorry this chapter was so boring, I promise the next one will have a bit more excitement. Thanks to: Batgirl, Takeda Lee, Brandie, Dragonlord, XxKkAnGxX, yurimionepotter, Hallie, PR, HermioneGranger 4 ever, Blazefury, Palana, Emma, Catark, and Misstake.
Questions:
Batgirl: He was hearing the Mindsword screaming in his mind. Like he said, a thousand tortured souls. Make of that what you will. Ginny… Well, Ginny just seems to be the one I chose to have know about love and stuff… Someone has to, I mean.
Dragonlord: Shieldbreaker protects from the effects of ANY weapon. Even the mind-altering affects of the Mindsword, as it is a weapon. Theoretically, you could nuke Harry, but if he has Shieldbreaker he'd be fine. Wayfinder has it's own power to find anything, anywhere. Well… I could explain ARDNEH… But that'd ruin it if you wanted to read the Swords Series. Mindsword cannot be repaired. It's shards were vaporized by the blast, but Voldemort was close enough to be hurt by them before they were gone. The Woundhealer thing… Yeah, my bad. Woundhealer is another name of the Sword of Mercy. I had forgotten about that.