DISCLAIMER : I OWN NOTHING BUT THE PLOT!
Hello readers... I do hope you enjoyed the last chapter!
I am very sorry for the late update…. But I have just found out some horrifying news….
It appears that a close friend/mentor/teacher of mine is suffering from a bad case of cancer. I guess she has kept this information on the down low… so I just recently found out, and that has prevented this chapter from coming out earlier!
'Tis been a tough year for me, well a tough 12 months… with a loss of an uncle and now a dear mentor… but I am going to try and not allow this to delay my chapters, but if they are delayed.. I cannot prevent that… sorry.
Now I understand that some of my readers thought that I was beginning to base my story too much on Harry Potter! That isn't the case, but I wanted to connect to each of the books at least once. So far I have touched books one, four, five {only via mention}, and six.
Though I have made some direct references to GoF… I am only using a major turning point of the series as a similar turning point in this….
For those who do not like this… I am sorry for that, but this is my chosen route, and it gets better….
Please, do not worry, I don't plan on taking away from the originality of this story, for I don't want to go in the same course as the books, nor do I want to BASE the next chapters on the books… I am merely just touching, bringing a little bit of the books into the fanfiction.
To my fellow reviewers.........
--- THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEWS GUYS!!!
NOTE : THIS STORY WAS NOT BASED OFF OF THE CHALLENGE ON PORTKEY! I just wanted to clear that up that this story was written far before that challenge was written, back in March of 2005. I don't know about the similarities or the coincidences, but this story was not based off of the challenge. :P I just wanted to clear that up….
Now on with the story...
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Chapter Twenty-Two : The Dark Lord has Risen!
XXX
"That's… weird." Serenity said. Hermione raised an eyebrow. What? "There seems to be nothing wrong with you at all."
Hermione was taken aback, but didn't have time to ponder on this, as another wave of pain coursed through her. She ducked her head low as Serenity tired to aid her the best she could.
Then suddenly, a spark went off in Hermione's head, as she suddenly knew what was wrong. She quickly shot to her feet, pressing her palm to the wall to steady her swaying body.
"Hermione!"
"I know what it is…" she said softly. "It's Harry… he's in trouble!"
xxx
Harry's back pressed into the cold stone behind him as he stared at the talking bundle of blankets in the traitor's arms. It wriggled as Wormtail carried it frighteningly up to the conjured cauldron as it bubbled and hissed. It was a sickening yellow color and Harry watched in fear and uncertainty as he watched his father's traitorous former friend hold the bundle of blankets high over the cauldron's rim.
His scar still burned unnaturally, as it thrummed painfully against his skull. He could feel his blood pulsing within him, as his head caused a high-pitched sound to go off in his ears. He had never before felt a pain like this… well, never before but once…
Harry tried to turn his head around, trying to take his mind off of the pain, and trying to steal a glance at the other two he had portkeyed over with, but the binds proved too strong, as they held his face forward, restricting his every move. 'I hope they are alright.'
He watched in horror as Wormtail then dropped the bundle into the bubbling cauldron. It continued to hiss, the sound getting louder as Harry could hear the bundle drop to the bottom. Instantly after, the concoction began to change, as it began to bubble excessively, a new swirl of color mixing into it, as the potion changed from a sickly yellow to a dull rust color.
Harry noticed as Wormtail now began to tremble. He looked around for a second as if not sure of what to do next, before he pulled a small dagger from the sleeve of his cloak. Harry's eyes widened as he the traitor began to advance, holding out the slim dagger in his maimed hand. Harry began to struggle, as he watched Wormtail drop to his knee before the prince. Harry began throwing curses to the rat-like man before him as best he could, but without his wand in his hand, it was useless. Where was his wand anyway?
"Oh, just hush up," came Wormtail's squeaky voice. Harry made to retort, but Wormtail hushed him, back-handing him hard, before grabbing Harry's shoulder. Harry's eyes widened as Wormtail grabbed the fabric of his sleeve, tearing it. He then pressed the tip if the dagger into his flesh, earning a blossoming drop of blood to pearl at the wound before trailing freely down his arm. Wormtail pressed a vial to the wound as he collected a few drops of Harry's blood.
Harry continued to struggle as Wormtail corked the vial and stood, a dull pain aching his shoulder.
"You traitorous slime!" Harry yelled. Wormtail didn't seem to care as he turned, unfazed, returning to the bubbling black cauldron. Harry watched, as he prayed for the creature to have died, drowned.
'Please Merlin, let it have drowned!'
"Blood of the enemy, forcibly taken. You will resurrect your foe." Wormtail said.
He watched as Wormtail tipped the vial into the cauldron, and Harry was shocked to see the liquid change from a rust to a now blood red.
What happened next, Harry could not bear to witness, as he watched Wormtail bring the trembling dagger to his wrist.
Harry immediately turned his face as best he could, squeezing his eyes shut tight as her heard Wormtail emit a shrill scream of pain. Following the pain, came his shaky voice.
"Flesh of the servant, willingly given. You will revive your master."
Harry still refused to watch as he heard a loud thunk, followed by a loud billowing sound of steam. Harry's insides were churning; as he could feel what ever it was he had eaten earlier threaten to rise. His body ached from the binds that held him to the stone, cutting into his skin. The cold stone flooring of the hall helped to pain his back as he was uncomfortable pressed against the stone.
He once again tried to turn his head, hoping that this time he could get a good glance at the two behind him. Once again, the binds held him tight. He sighed as he chanced a glance at the writhing figure upon the stony surface. A pool of blood had collected below the traitor as he stumbled to get his wand with his other hand. Trembling horribly, he pointed the wand to the now stump of his arm, muttering a curse to help stop the blood flow. His cries still reverberated off of the stony walls as Harry watched the bubbling, steaming, potion before him with apprehension and fear.
Meanwhile, pressed into a small alcove in the back of the large cold hall, Cho awoke with a start. Her eyes fluttered open as an aching pain traveled throughout her small body. She could feel her body pressed against something soft as she moved. Raising her head slightly, she saw the familiar straight nose and mahogany hair of Hufflepuff's Prince; Cedric Diggory.
Immediately, she scrambled to her knees as she called out his name is a hoarse whisper. She grabbed his shoulders softly as she began to shake him, tears welling in her eyes as she continued, but he still didn't wake.
She then noticed the small dribble of blood that fell from his lips, and the tears fell as she touched his pale face. She pressed her palm to his chest, and then immediately gasped. He was breathing!
Not knowing what to do, she cupped his cheeks in her hands as she pulled his face up slightly, calling out his name some more. Then, a low groan was heard from the prince.
Tears continued to spill as she combed his hair from his face.
"Oh, thank Merlin you are all right," she muttered softly. He managed to smile softly before he tossed his head back softly, pressing it against the cold stone, moaning as a strong wave of pain coursed through him. He could see the growing concern in Cho's eyes as he put a hand to her slender shoulder.
"How… how did..?" started Cho, but she was immediately cut off by a cry of pain, and a loud hiss. Both Cho and Cedric then shot their heads in the direction of the scream and they both froze.
Quite a distance away, a short figure stood crouching before a steaming cauldron. He was clutching his arm in one hand as the area surrounding the steaming cauldron fogged up.
There was also a protruding stone, which stuck up from the stone floor, and it had thick green vines wrapped tightly around it.
Cho squinted her eyes, as she tried her best to make out what it was tied to it, and her eyes widened in shock. From either side, a hand protruded, and she recognized the gold ring of the Royal family of Gryffindor almost immediately.
Clasping her hands above her mouth, she knew exactly who it was tied to the stone before the steaming cauldron. Harry!!
Cedric had been too fixated to have noticed her distress, and was startled as she began to frantically check her cloak and her dress for something. He immediately grabbed her shoulders, wincing almost immediately as a fresh wave of pain swept his body.
"Cho!" he whispered in haste. "Be quiet… don't draw attention to yourself! You don't know what they might do!" Cho looked to him quickly and shrugged his hands off quickly as she continued to search.
"Cedric! You don't understand!" she whispered, "I had something… something I need to give to Harry!"
Upon hearing her say Harry's name, a short-lived wave of jealousy coursed through him as he remembered her love for the Prince. Almost as fast as he had felt it, it washed away, as he knew she wouldn't take that course again… she was his now, and that filled his heart with warmth. He then nodded, as he looked about the foreign hall.
"We must be in Slytherin Castle," he muttered as he took in the grotesque snake-like gargoyles that wrapped around the many columns and balconies that overlooked the hall from above. He shuddered as he shot another uneasy look over to where the steam was still billowing from the cauldron.
'How long was that going to take?' he wondered. 'A while, I hope.'
"Where is it?" hissed the girl beside him. He turned as she finally looked up.
"What is it you are look-"
"Aha!" she whispered as she leapt forward on her knees, seizing the small golden locket that had fallen from Harry's hand once he had portkeyed over. Mindful not to touch the actual locket, Cho gently grasped the golden chain, before plunging it into a velvety blue pouch on her waist.
"Cho, won't you transport back if you touch it?" Cedric asked. Cho shook her head.
"I have bewitched the pouch to block the spell." Cho explained. "As long as it is in this pouch, we won't transport until we take it out." Cedric nodded quickly before turning back to the horrific scene a few ways before them.
They could make out the small figure cowering on the floor, nursing a bloody stump, as he sat within a pool of blood. How he got that way, the two didn't know, and neither wanted to find out as they both wished they could be once again unconscious.
They both knew… this was only the calm before the storm, and if this was calm, they both feared what was coming next!
xxx
Hermione stumbled painfully into her father-in-law's study, Serenity just behind her. He was currently surrounded by a hoard of Aurors as they all discussed military tactics.
It seemed King James was now discussing with Rufus Scrimgeor and the head of Hufflepuff's Unit of Aurors, Jacob Connolly, about sending reinforcements into Slytherin to aid the Aurors.
James still didn't know of the attack but he feared, after the kidnap of Cho Chang, that his Aurors may need backup.
As he discussed this with the two men, Hermione burst into the Office Chambers. James immediately sensed that she was in pain and he quickly made his way over to her.
"Hermione... what in bloody hell-" the King started.
"Harry's in trouble!" she panted. Her eyes were still squinted in pain, and she had fresh tears running down her cheeks. Her wand was grasped tightly in her one hand as she stumbled into him.
King James did his best to keep her standing as she babbled worriedly about Harry.
"Whoa, wait! Hermione, what are you talking about? What do you mean Harry's in trouble?" he asked, half confused and half suspicious. How would she know?
But before she had a chance, almost on queue, a sound was heard coming from James' robe pocket. The entire chamber turned their attention to the voice that was coming from their King.
James looked shocked for a moment before thrusting his hand into his robes.
"Prongs? Prongs! We need back-up!! Send back-up immediately!"
The entire chamber recognized the voice immediately, and Serenity's face paled as she heard the voice of her father booming from the small golden case in his hands. She quickly made her way over to Hermione's side as she stared frighteningly at the case.
James opened the case to reveal a small mirror within it. Upon it was the face of his best friend, Sirius.
"Padfoot?" he asked in confusion. He could faintly hear the commotion in the background as screams and curses flew. James' heart sped up quickly as Hermione gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. "Padfoot, what on earth is going on?"
"We are under attack! James, you must send back-up, our men are being slaughtered out here!"
James paled as he turned to look straight at Sir Jacob. No words were exchanged, as the head of Hufflepuff's Unit of Aurors nodded his head in understanding. He quickly bowed slightly in respect to James.
"We will dispatch right away!" he told the King. James nodded appreciatively.
"Oh, and please, send word to the Longbottom's. Tell Frank and Alice that I am sending them to aid as well. They are some of my best Aurors, have them depart with Hufflepuff."
"Yes Sire." Sir Jacob said, before turning and leaving with a swish of his cloak. Rufus Scrimgeor, too, bowed slightly as he turned to the King.
"And I shall see to it that a legion of my best Aurors is dispatched as soon as possible, Sire." James nodded his appreciation before turning back to the small mirror in his hands.
"Sirius," he called, his voice urgent and forceful, as Remus quickly ran up behind him, peering over his shoulder. "Sirius, where's Harry?
Hermione could feel her heart rate increase to new heights as she awaited the man's answer. The long pause that met their ears was painstakingly torturous, each fearing the worst, but trying their best to pray that they were wrong.
The pain in Hermione's forehead began to intensify as she could barely contain her rapid breathing. James looked to her, worry etched across his tired features, as he silently begged Sirius to answer with good news.
"Harry… Prongs, I don't-"
"Sirius," James cut him off. "Where is Harry? Where is my son?"
xxx
Harry continued to struggle against his bonds as he watched in horror the scene before him. This steam continued to billow upward, and an eerie glow lit the cold hall with a deadly glare.
Turning his head the extent allowed, Harry quickly noticed his discarded wand lying not 10 feet from where he now was bound. 'If only I could get it before anyone sees me…' he thought as he spread his fingers out, preparing to us a summoning spell to get his wand.
But fate wasn't as kind to the Prince as a menacing laugh reverberated off of the stone walls, snapping the Prince's attention back to the bubbling cauldron. Harry squinted through the steam as he tried to locate the body behind the laugh.
Then, Harry's eyes immediately widened in shock and fear as a figure began to stand from within the cauldron. Tall and thin, the misted body shook with evil.
"Robe me."
Immediately, Wormtail scrambled to his feet, as he disappeared into the foggy mist. Harry could make out the faint outline of the two, as the body was dressed.
Then to Harry's utmost surprise, the figure stepped forward, stepping out of the cauldron and in plain sight before Harry.
Harry instantly gasped, as he took in the sight of ghostly pale skin, skeletal body and scarlet slits that shone as his eyes. Harry's scar immediately began to sear as he took in the sight before him. He was now staring into the face of the Wizarding World's most feared enemy ever; Lord Voldemort.
Voldemort then laughed; an evil hollow laugh that chilled Harry to the bone. Harry wanted nothing more than to turn his face from the grotesque figure before him, but found it impossible, no matter how hard he tired.
"Hello Harry," came the cold voice of the man before him. Harry didn't know what to do as he stood stock still against the stone.
Immediately, a bolt of excruciating pain filled his forehead as he strained to keep his eyes open, not wanting to give this monster the advantage of getting to him. Unfortunately, the pain was far too strong for him to ignore, as he let out a low groan.
The figured Lord before him chuckled as he regarded his prisoner. His cold red eyes examined him maliciously as he glared with a look of evil… his aura filling with an unearthly evil.
There was no denying who this monster was as he stood before the Prince. In long dark robes, his tall, thin, snake-like body slithered as it made its way over to the bounded prince. His sneer was icy, and the glint in his eye only meant torture was brewing within his twisted mind. Revenge.
As he got closer, Harry boxed his shoulders, trying to stand his ground, that he wasn't afraid of this monster. This earned an evil chuckle from the figure before him as it advanced.
"Are you afraid of me, Harry?" he asked, his evil slits for eyes glistening blood red. Harry, unsure of how to answer, scoffed.
"Afraid of you? Ha!" he answered. He could hear Wormtail in the background as he gasped, while Voldemort before him looked amused. "I killed you once, I can do it again." Harry sneered.
This earned the Prince another amused expression from the one before him, as he raised his eyebrows and cocked his head to the side.
"Killed me, did you?" he asked. Harry didn't flinch as he stared the creature down. He only narrowed his eyes more, as if confirming the question. "I will admit it, I did miscalculate my attack upon you, but do not think you destroyed me. No," he muttered as he drew closer to Harry. "You may have killed my former body, but my soul did remain, and that is what you should be fearing above all."
His whisper was low and sinister. It sent pain shooting down his spine from his scar as he did this, drawing ever closer to the Prince.
"But I will not give you the chance to do the same, oh no. I am going to make you suffer as you have never suffered before." he sneered. Tracing a cold spindly finger down Harry's cheek. "There is no mother here to protect you this time."
His words inflamed an anger so deep within Harry, he was sure the very bonds keeping him restrained were going to burn. Fire flickered within the Prince's eyes, a deep scarlet and gold that burned with a strength and determination that both amused and annoyed the Dark Lord.
"I am going to destroy you, Voldemort, just you wa-" but before he could finish, Voldemort pointed his fingers to Harry's chest, muttering in a low, amused voice.
"Crucio."
Harry's body immediately began go convulse as tremendous waves of pain coursed throughout his body. The ear-splitting shriek that resonated within his ears only gave reason for his scar to burn more furiously as pain attacked his entire body.
He did everything within his power not to cry out as he battled with the curse. After what seemed like hours to Harry passed, did the pain subside, leaving aches and shoots of pain to remain. Harry panted, as he tried to regain his breath, before shooting a menacing look to the Dark Lord. This only made Voldemort smile as he regarded the Prince.
"Had enough? Don't worry, I am not anywhere near done with you, m'boy." Voldemort spoke softly. His voice held an amused tone to it, as he waited almost two decades to do this. "Before I am through with you, I doubt even your precious wife will even be able to recognize you."
Hearing this, a pained spark shot through Harry's heart as his eyes widened in shock and fear. 'Hermione!'
Harry then threw his gaze over to Wormtail, as a wave of pure and unbridled hatred coursed through him. Of course there were other sources that could have fed Voldemort information concerning his flowering relationship with Hermione, but at the moment, Harry wanted nothing more than to rip into Wormtail, blaming him for all of this!
Harry's eyes narrowed, his head hung low from the earlier Crucio attack, but his eyes burned through his bangs as he looked up at the creature before him once more.
"I will destroy you, Voldemort. Make no doubt about that," he let out in a low, menacing whisper. Voldemort only quirked an eyebrow.
"Is that so?" he asked, his head cocked to the side. Harry's burning gaze pierced through him, hatred and disgust swimming through his Gryffindorian veins. "Wormtail, untie him, and give him his wand."
The short, chunky man that once befriended, and annoyed, the Royal family of Gryffindor, scrambled to his feet as he made haste to follow his new master's orders. As he was told, he pointed his short wand at Harry's chest, muttering a low spell that immediately released the bonds.
Harry could feel the bonds slacken as his slumping body dropped to the floor, making him land on one knee, and Harry was sure he fractured his knee cap on the hard stone. Gasping softly at the feel of free movement, he winced as he arms ached, not only from the curse, but also from the strain he was forced to put on his upper body. His entire body was in excruciating pain.
As he made to get up, he felt something hard hit him in the arm, and he turned his head to see his wand now lying mere inches from his splayed fingers. He looked up at Wormtail, and slightly delighted in the way the traitor squirmed under his intense gaze. He sighed, liking the feel of fear as he grasped his wand harshly.
He pushed himself off of the stone floor as he stood before the snake-like villain before him. Voldemort regarded him with a sour smile, one that held naught but pure desire to torture. This surprisingly didn't bother Harry as he boxed his shoulders once more, standing his ground proudly. He stuck out his chest, proudly thrusting the emblem of Gryffindor out as he gripped his wand.
He wasn't sure what exactly was going to happen as he stared Voldemort in the eye. Voldemort, it seemed, was enjoying this quiet silence, and Harry was sure a flicker of death shot through his blood red eyes.
Voldemort then began to take a few steps to the right, as he began to walk in a circular fashion. Harry began to mimic his actions, as the two rounded the other like a pair of wolves preparing to jump the other when the right time presented itself.
Harry kept a watchful eye upon his enemy as he took in all of his movements. Remus had been sure to teach Harry to recognize different signs of movement, so that he could try and predict the next move. It was a good technique, since Harry wasn't Gryffindor's best occlumens, he would have to make due with what he could.
As Voldemort took another step to the right, Harry noticed his long white fingers flinch as he gripped his wand with a little more strength. Harry immediately acted on reflex as he tightened his own grip on his wand, watching the robed figure as a hawk would watch its prey.
Voldemort then stopped, back in the same spot as he had been when Harry was released form the stone. He sneered, and Harry immediately caught on as Voldemort thrusted his wand into the air, calling out torture curse as Harry retaliated.
Harry immediately leapt to the right as the curse blasted the stone block that was once behind him. Landing on his shoulder to the side, Harry pointed his wand up at Voldemort, screaming out another curse as Voldemort sent a green blaze skimming past his left ear. Thus beginning their duel.
"Corpus Mortificus!"
"Expelliarmus!"
Both dodged the attacks, as Harry scrambled to his feet. He noticed Wormtail had scrambled to the corner, hiding beside the large iron throne as he wept and mumbled about his maimed arm. Wallowing in self-pity, Harry wanted nothing more than to shoot a curse in the traitor's direction, but he kept his sole attention upon the monster before him
Colorful curses went whizzing in every direction as the two battled on, as each continued to call out curses. Neither had landed a single curse, and Harry was beginning to feel tight strains in his arms and legs, as his muscles shook and trembled with his every movement.
Voldemort moved languidly as he avoided the Prince's curses. It was almost as if he were toying with the Prince. Harry's anger bubbled at the thought as he threw himself upon the floor, rolling over to the right once more, as he quickly called out a curse. But to his great surprise, Voldemort was no longer standing where Harry had last seen him. He looked about for a second before a loud pop was heard behind him. Suddenly Harry felt the tip of a wand press into his back, as a low cynical voice whispered out its curse.
"Prorupta audacia."
Harry's eyes widened as he felt the white hot curse burn his back as it exploded behind him, blasting him twenty feet across the stony Hall. Harry allowed a small cry to escape him as he slid stomach down against the stone. His back burned as he could feel his back blistering from the heated curse.
Shaking, Harry struggled to stand, despite the searing pain that spread hotly behind him. Harry picked himself up and stood, his shoulders slumping and his upper torso leaning forward. His breathing was ragged and his scar continued to burn intensively.
Voldemort only smirked in content as he watched the Prince struggle. He truly found no other enjoyment than to see his enemy torture, but this enemy? Nothing could, nor would, ever top what it was he felt at seeing the blood trickle from his torn lip, or the smell of burned flesh upon his back. This truly was all that he was waiting for since Harry deflected that killing curse so many years ago.
He was glad he didn't kill him earlier, for this was far more enjoyable than sudden death. No, this was much better.
He watched as Harry brought the back of his hand up to his lip, wiping away the leaking blood as he didn't once break eye contact with his foe. He noticed the smile upon his features and sneered.
"Enjoying yourself, Riddle?" he asked, referring to the monster's muggle name. Immediately, he received the effect he had wanted, as the smug smile of Lord Voldemort's quickly fell, to be replaced by one of the wickedest sneers Harry had yet to see.
"You'd be wise to watch your words, young Prince. You stand on thin ice as it is." Voldemort retorted. His eyes were as cold as said ice, his thin lips pursed in anger.
Harry suddenly felt a wave of fear and panic spread throughout his body. He didn't understand this as it left as quickly as it had come. 'What? Why did I just-' but whatever it was he was thinking, was suddenly cut off as another curse flew his way.
Cho and Cedric watched in horror as they witnessed the battle unfold before them. Cedric was thankful that he had flown into the alcove that the two were currently lying in, for it was out of the sight of the feuding pair. Right before their line of sight was a massive marble column that obscured them. Cedric could feel as Cho's nails dug into his arm, worry etched all over her delicate face.
Cedric hated that they both were caught in a serious dilemma. Torn between wanting to help and wanting to stay safe, yet both knew that it was not their battle to fight in.
Cho sat in worry and in fear as she watched Harry dodge the attacks, as his burned back pained him. She could tell, for his movements were tentative, as he tried his best to restrict as much of his movements as he could. She wanted to help, and it physically hurt her to sit and watch, unable to help in any way. The only comfort she had at the moment, was to keep the locket safe, and as far away as possible!
She was thoroughly surprised when she found it on the stone floor, forgotten as Wormtail concluded his concoction of revival. If only she could safely … 'Wait….'
"Cedric," she said hastily as she turned to him. He gave her a look that said to keep her voice down before quirking an eyebrow the best he could to answer her.
"What?" he muttered in a low, almost inaudible voice. She turned to him, her eyes serious and determined for a moment, before she began to fiddle around her, gathering up her skirts and standing up slightly. Immediately he went to pull her back down, but she just pulled him up with her, pressing him against the wall of the alcove as she leaned into him.
"Do you remember how Voldemort got to Harry so quickly?" Cedric nodded, though confused as to why she was asking such an odd question.
"Yes, he apparated it seemed." Cho nodded.
"Exactly." Cedric still gave her a quizzical look before realization dawned. "That means,"
"That there aren't any disapparation charms cast," she said as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Time to go."
And with that, Cho closed her eyes as a soft pop was heard. They were gone.
Almost immediately, Voldemort shot his crimson eyes in the direction of the sound, and Harry's heart almost dropped to his knees as he, too, turned to look upon his two friends. Then to his surprise, he noticed the alcove in which they were once in to be empty, and Harry knew then that they had apparated out.
Smiling, he turned to Voldemort who now narrowed his blood red eyes upon Wormtail.
"Wormtail! The locket? Did you secure it?" Voldemort yelled.
Harry noticed Wormtail begin to shake heavily in fear as he scrambled to his feet, stuttering nonsense. Voldemort's cold eyes narrowed further, and looked as if death were swimming throughout them.
Seeing an opportunity, Harry quickly aimed his wand at the Dark Lord.
"Expelliarmus!" he cried as Voldemort's wand flew out of his hand. His eyes widened as Harry was before him in seconds, and he watched in horrified surprise as Harry drew back his fist, before thrusting it forward, as it made contact with the cold snakelike skin of his enemy's cheek.
The pain Harry felt from the impact didn't register, as he watched Voldemort stumble. He then went to do it again, but as his fist got closer, a cold hand grabbed it, mere inches from his face. Voldemort had caught his fist.
"Enough games. You shall die. Now!" and with that he began to squeeze Harry's enclosed fist tighter than Harry would have ever expected. He could almost feel his very bones cracking under pressure as Voldemort continued to squeeze with unnatural force.
Harry refused to drop to his knees, as the pain filled his hand. He didn't know what to do, as pain began to fog his thoughts. All he wanted to do was make it stop, but he refused to surrender. No. He would not surrender to this monster.
As the pain grew, and he could feel his bones giving into the pressure as they began to crack. Suddenly, out of where he knew not, an amazing amount of strength seemed to pass through him as he suddenly ripped his fist from the villain's grasp, leaping back a few feet. Harry stumbled to his feet for a moment, then tested his hand as he tried to open his fist.
Instantly, pain shot through him, and Harry knew his fingers were partially broken. Luckily it had been his left fist, for his wand hand was still workable. He could hear Voldemort's voice in the back ground.
"Accio wand." Harry heard him summon as his wand flew back into his hand. "Now, Harry Potter, you shall die, once and for all."
And with that, his quickly aimed his wand at Harry's chest. Harry's eyes widened.
"Avada Kedevra!" he yelled.
Harry's immediately reacted, as he pointed his wand back to the Dark Lord before him, "Expelliarmus!"
The two spells shot from both wands at amazing speeds as a jet of green blasted from the tip of Voldemort's wand. Blue shot forth from Harry's as the two jets met in mid cast.
Harry's wand shook violently as it heated up exceptionally fast. Harry stood there, shocked and confused, as he realized just what had happened. The two spells and joined in the center, creating a golden stream of light that connected the two wands.
Harry's wand continued to shake as he noticed Voldemort's shock. 'How could this have happened?' he thought as he regarded the connecting light. But suddenly, it began to glow stronger, as the shaking of Harry's wand became almost incontrollable, and he felt that he would burn his hand lest he drop his wand.
But something told Harry at that moment, not to break the connection. This connection may be the only thing that could save him from death.
Bearing through the burning heat, Harry grasped the wand as tight as he could, putting forth all of his strength to keep the golden thread whole. But…
'Now what?'
xxx
Meanwhile, havoc was breaking loose at the Aurors camp out. Death Eaters swarmed the area as they battled on with the Aurors of Gryffindor.
Sirius had come bursting out of the tent that belonged to Harry just moments ago, after contacting with James, asking for more help. But another thing was now weighing on his mind…
'Where is Harry?'
He continued to run throughout the, now battleground, as he searched for his godson. Dodging curses and retaliating a few times, he continued out his search, until he was face-to-face with a smaller cloaked figure.
Stopping, he stood before the figure with an air of arrogance about him. The figure laughed.
"Looking for someone, are we Sirius?" the voice asked. Sirius didn't give the figure the satisfaction of seeing his surprise, but internally, he was shocked.
But instead, he smiled an arrogant smile, as he recognized the voice of his opponent.
"Why, hello Trixy! Fancy meeting you here. How's the family?" he asked. His grin of confidence only angering the figure even more. Then a small white hand extended from the sleeves of the figure's black robes as it made to pull down its hood.
Sirius smiled as he looked into the face of the one before him. Bellatrix Lestrange.
"I've told you before, cousin, never to call me that," she spat, though her evil smile never fading from her features. Sirius only raised an eyebrow.
"And since when did I ever take orders from you?" This made her face contort into a look of fury, before she controlled herself, and smirked once more.
"I'd watch my cockiness, Sirius, if I were you. The Dark Lord does not take kindly to disrespect." Bellatrix spat once more. Sirius regarded her; a now bored expression fell upon his features. Then, as if an afterthought, she added, "What a shame to the name of Black have you become. I would advise to you, dear cousin that you lie before our Dark Lord, and beg his forgiveness whilst you still can. Perhaps our Black name wouldn't be so shameful anymore."
Sirius sneered now, as he quirked an eyebrow. He would see her fury building within her eyes as she spoke, true heartfelt words. Sirius didn't care, she was delusional and a fool.
"The only time I will ever lie before your Lord, is as a corpse!" he retorted. Bellatrix's eyes squinted in anger, before a smirk pulled at her lips.
"So be it then."
And with that, she shot a blazing curse his way. Sirius dodged it easily before shooting back his own curse.
Sirius could vaguely make out the rest of the camp/battle site as he battled his father's niece. Oh how he despised his family.
Spells shot here and there, but everything was moving too quickly for one to truly follow the attacks.
After a good 20 minutes into the duel, Bellatrix managed to trip Sirius, causing him to stumble backwards. Laughing, she quickly held her wand out before her.
"Avada Ked-" she began. Sirius fell, and watched in fear as he heard her choice of curse. But before the words could have left her mouth, and amazing beam of light rammed into her chest, flinging her a good 20 feet behind her. She skidded onto her back as she groaned, unable to move due to the impact of the attack.
Sirius immediately turned to the one who aided him and instantly smiled in shock and relief. Li.
"Li! What are you doing here?" he asked as the elven guardian held a hand out, aiding his King to his feet. Sirius gladly took, but not before noticing the wounds he sported. "Merlin, what is happening to you?"
Li pulled Sirius to his feet and was pleased to notice that his King was in healthy condition before guiding him back into the heavily battling site. Sirius stopped, stopping Li as well.
"Li." Sirius said firmly. Li turned to Sirius.
"Sire, we do not have the time. I have brought aid." Sirius then turned and noticed the deep emerald and golden uniforms of his wife's people's army. He watched for a second as they effectively maneuvered and attacked; their forms of attack quite different from those of the Aurors. "But, please Your Majesty, we must hurry."
And with that, Li grabbed his upper arm as he led Sirius throughout the different tents and campfires, as they avoided dueling Aurors and Death Eaters.
As they reached the edge of the campsite, beside the looming forest, Li then stopped Sirius.
"Li, what is going on?" Sirius asked in an annoyed, confused manner. Li quickly turned to the man beside him, before checking around to make sure they were temporarily safe and alone.
"Sire, I do not believe you heard of the Hufflepuff kidnapping, correct?" at this Sirius's eyes widened.
"No. What happened? Who was kidnapped? When did this hap-" but Sirius's chain of questions was stopped as Li held up a quick hand.
"Please, we do not have much time. All will be answered in due time, but you must know," started Li, "It had been the courtier, Cho Chang, that had been kidnapped." Sirius once again looked shocked at the news.
"Cho Chang?" he repeated. Li nodded.
"Yes, but that is not all. She carried a powerful object within her possession as well."
"A powerful object? What do you mean?"
"I believe she had with her one of the last two rumored Horcruxes left to be destroyed." Li told him. Sirius's widened even more as he took in this information.
"So where is she? How did she get the Horcrux?" Li then shook his head.
"I do not know, but-"
Then as if on queue, a soft pop was heard not too far away from where they were standing. It seemed to have come from within the forest.
Sirius immediately drew his wand as Li prepared himself to battle, but they both quickly stopped, as two figures stumbled out of the forest's edge.
Cho Chang and Cedric Diggory.
Sirius then ran up to the two, as Cho was supporting a limping Cedric against her.
"Oh, thank Merlin," the two heard her mutter as Sirius reached her side.
"Cho? What happened? Are you alright?"
"Yes, yes we are alright, but I believe Cedric here is in horrible pain." Cho said urgently as she looked up at Sirius. Li had quickly made it to Cedric's side and she smiled gratefully as he began to ease her load of the Prince.
"Cho, where is the Horcrux? Do you still have it?" Sirius asked her. Cho nodded quickly, as she pulled the small velvet pouch from her side.
"Yes, thank Merlin that rodent of a man didn't take it," she muttered partially to herself. She didn't notice Sirius's stony expression though.
She watched for a second as Li led Cedric over to a nearby stone to set him upon before moving to heal his seemingly fractured leg. Then she quickly turned to Sirius.
"Sir, quickly, you must send your band of Aurors into the Castle!" Sirius looked at her, and eyebrow rose in both question and worry. But before he had a chance to question her, she continued. "Hurry, Harry's life is in danger!"
Immediately Sirius grabbed her and pulled her to the left, his expression now contorted in deep worry.
"Harry? Where is he?" Cho pointed to the distant Castle and watched as Sirius's face drained of all color.
"He is with Voldemort."
xxx
James raced down the hall, as he swerved the corner leading to the Apparation Chamber. All thought was bent on getting to his son.
Dumbledore and Remus were right beside the King as they too sped along the Gryffindorian Royal corridors. Lily, who had just recently learned off all that was going on, was also speeding behind her husband, worry etched clearly across her delicate features. Hermione and Serenity made up the back of the group, as their elegant skirts swirled and swished around their legs.
Silent tears were painting Hermione's soft cheeks as she was determined to get to her husband. She could feel him, feel his pain, and it scared her. 'How is this possible?' she thought to herself as she continued to run. 'Is this what Queen Lily was talking about when she claimed to have sensed King James?'
Hermione continued to battle with her thoughts as she prayed for Harry's safety, but something dark, something painful told her that Harry was in major trouble. He would have never left the campgrounds without telling Sirius. Never! Something was definitely wrong.
'And about the Hufflepuff kidnapping? How odd is that?'
"So you are positive Hufflepuff has sent out its Aurors?" came Lily's urgent and bothered voice. Hermione heard her father-in-law sigh.
"Yes! Lily, I'm positive!" he told her.
"And what of Ravenclaw? Have you spoken to Richard?" At hearing her father's name, Hermione's head quickly picked up, as she listened closely to the King's answer.
"Yes, Richard has already summoned his armies of Aurors to his palace. Please Lily, trust me, I am doing all that I can." At his answer, Lily's frown deepened.
"I… I do trust you, James." Lily said with a hint of hurt. James sighed as he slowed for a moment, pausing to turn to his wife.
"I'm sorry, Lily." James told her as he pulled her to him. Lily seemed to want to pull back for a second, before giving in to him, as she released a wave of tears as she clutched at his back. Hermione watched the two, and couldn't help but feel a deep pain from watching their exchange.
Suddenly then, a searing shot of pain coursed through her, and she immediately cried out in surprise. Clutching her left hand, she winced as if she had crushed it against something.
"Hermione?" James voice was heard as he watched his daughter-in-law. Hermione looked up at him.
"I… I am alright." Hermione muttered softy. She gripped her hand before releasing her fingers, testing it out. No pain issued anymore, and it confused her. "I am fine, but Sire, we must hurry… I think Harry is in serious trouble."
James nodded and the group was making their way back to the Apparation Chamber. Finally, after what seemed like years to James, they had arrived.
As they rushed in, they were surprised to notice a flurry of red zoom in as well.
"Ginny?" James asked. Ginny looked up at the King. "What are you doing here?"
"Your Majesty, I want to come with you," she said sternly. Immediately James shook his head.
"No."
"But please, Uncle James, I want to help."
"Then help out around the Castle, Merlin knows your brother would love to have you helping out in the hospital wing. Stay here Ginny, you needn't go, it isn't a pleasant sight." James told her, but Ginny was stubborn.
"Sire, with all due respect, regardless of what you say, I will apparate there, be it now or in a few minutes after you, so please… just allow me to come , as it will make it easier on the both of us." At this, Ginny has received grins from both Dumbledore and Serenity.
"Just let her come James, we can use the extra help." Lily added, eager to get to looking for her son. James then sighed.
"Very well," he replied. Ginny smiled as she made to stand before him. Then slowly, one by one, a pop was heard as they each apparated out of sight.
xxx
Draco watched through the hood of his cloak as his men battled on. Everything had been going well, before a surprisingly strong band of fighters arrived. 'Who are they?' he wondered as he crept in the shadows. He watched his men fight, but suddenly, things weren't going as well, now that these new fighters were strong and powerful mentally as well as physically with their magic. They interested him, but he didn't have time to be a spectator as his life was currently on the line.
'If I do not return with a victory, I will surely be killed.' Draco thought in slight panic. Why was he chosen as the head of Voldemort's second battalion of Death Eaters? Secretly, he was scared - scared at the fact that one screw up, no matter how insignificant, could mean his life. There was no room for mercy within the Halls of his Lord, and the Lord himself seemed colder and crueler than he had ever imagined.
Then there was his father. His father who so blatantly accused him of dishonor and embarrassment. He now couldn't help but feel resentment towards the man who had fathered him.
He would allow his son to take on a suicide mission, and not think to blink against it. Did Draco's life mean anything to the man? And if he were to fail tonight, would he truly banish him from the only home he knew of?
As he continued to creep within the shadows, he watched as sweat beaded along his brow, for his men were falling faster than he could believe. Aurors were filling in by the minute, as legions from Ravenclaw and factions from Hufflepuff entered the site.
What was he to do now? Surely, his men wouldn't be able to hold out against the Three Kingdom's best Aurors!
And then, he suddenly heard a series of popping noises coming from within the large scarlet tent mere feet before him. His eyes widened as he watched the King of Gryffindor emerge followed by Dumbledore, Queen Lily, and Remus. Hermione, Serenity, and the youngest Weasley named Ginny quickly hurried out of the tent as well as they followed the King soundly.
Draco knew, if he could get to King James or to Dumbledore even, then his home in Slytherin will remain secure, and his life safe.
But before he had a chance to take any sort of action, the ground beneath his feet began to shudder. The air then filled with a heavy, dense feeling of power, as every magical being in the area could sense the growing amount of power within the air.
This seemed to gather a lot of attention, and almost as if instinctual, everyone's heads turned to the direction of Slytherin's Castle as they somehow knew that that was the origin of the power increase.
'What in bloody hell….What is going on?'
XXX
Ok, here it is...
I am very sorry for the delay for this chapter… but FF.net seems to be having some major technical difficulties, and it is preventing me from posting. So I am sorry, but as soon as FFnet opens, Portkey shall be the only update!
Again, sorry… but I hope you enjoyed!!
I hope you liked this chapter!
Thanks again all!
SM131