CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Cassus Animus
`Harry, what's the matter? Your defenses are not very strong tonight' Topher said, as he and Harry sat in the Defence classroom the Saturday after finding out about his scar. Hermione had once again been cautious, but a definite friend for Harry that night. She tried to help Harry with the reality of it all, but Harry just couldn't get out of his mindset. Harry kept to himself for most of the week, trying harder than ever in his life to cover his scar with his hair. Of course, it never worked.
Sometimes he would forget about his scar, but those moments were short in existance. A fragment of Voldemort's soul was on his forehead. Just the thought of it made him feel repulsive. He found, now that he was looking, so many people looked at his scar, he wondered if some of them knew. Sometimes he felt like retreating to his room, so no one could see him and his deformity. Before it was a nuisance that people would stare at it, now he felt people were just reminding him that he was tainted by it. Even Hermione and Ron looked at him differently, or at least he thought they did. He noticed the times their eyes would linger on his forehead for a moment, only to snap back too quickly.
`It's nothing, really' Harry answered dismissively. Topher tried, and succeeded three times getting into Harry's mind tonight, each time replaying the memory of him and Hermione hugging at the beginning of the summer.
`Harry, you're not a good liar. It's obvious something is troubling you.' Harry wanted to have this lesson, since he missed the last one, but knew he wouldn't get through it without saying something was bothering him.
`Well . . . my friends Ron and Hermione broke up.' It was true, and it did bother him, though it wasn't the biggest thing on his mind. Topher leaned back in his chair, and placed the tips of his fingers on his chin, looking at Harry thoughtfully.
'I see. And how does that make you feel?'
Harry thought about it and was surprised, in that he couldn't really answer the question, not in one sentence. He dwelled on his scar so much the last while, he hadn't really thought about their break up. He was still very worried at how Ron and Hermione's friendship would be, both to each other and himself. He wished they could be alright with each other, but he knew it wouldn't be the same as before. Now that he looked back at the week, they did seem to be getting along better, though keeping some distance, both talkatively and physically.
And of course, there was happiness that they broke up. He had that feeling when they started going out it wouldn't work, and he agreed with Hermione, they were opposites. He felt shameful feeling happy at their break up though, knowing the real reason why.
He was happy because of these unforeseen feelings for Hermione. Harry just couldn't help noticing things about her now, and it made him feel uneasy and jittery when near her. He broke up with Ginny to not put her in danger, and now was falling for his best friend. Worst of it was he didn't know what he would do. So far, he hoped it was a phase, and he would eventually be able to look at Hermione normally again.
But even in these lessons, he found himself starting to enjoy when Topher would break through his defenses, and replay that memory of him and Hermione hugging from the summer. It reminded him of that wonderful feeling he got when holding Hermione, and she doing the same to him, her warmth sweeping over him. The familiar yet intoxicating aroma of honeysuckle, which he noticed more and more in the common room, along with the cool summer night air with be reminded, and he could feel his heart wane with the memory.
`Well, I'm worried about our friendship. Otherwise, I'm alright' Harry answered, getting back to Topher's question. Many times this week Harry was caught off guard as his mind wandered, brought back only by someone yelling loudly or giving him a poke.
Harry hoped Toper would accept the answer, and not push farther on the topic. He knew Topher was trying to be a friend about everything, but Harry still had his reservations, something that even Topher said was a good thing for him to have.
`OK. Do you want to skip tonight's lesson, if it's bothering you?' Topher asked concerningly.
`No, no, I'm alright, really. I'll try to focus more' said Harry, shifting on his chair. He knew it was times like these, when he had a lot on his mind that he needed to defend it the most. Topher looked Harry over for a moment, before giving a one-sided smile and a brief nod.
`Alright Harry. We'll see how you do' he said, getting up and motioning Harry over to where he conjured the usual two stools. Harry took his seat, and Topher took his, giving a sigh as he sat, rubbing his eyes.
`Are you alright Topher?' Harry asked. The Defence professor looked exhausted, the shadows under his eyes giving it away easily. His hair was very messy, though not as bad as Harry's, and his posture was not its usual. Harry found when Topher was in class or elsewhere, he always carried himself straight, and proud. He never slouched, and even when walking, took determined steps, never dragging his feet. He had an air of dignity, a strong stance that gave the impression of a proud person, quite befitting the Head of Gryffindor House. Tonight, his shoulders were hutched, if only slightly, and he moved a little slower than normal.
`Yes, just a tad tired. I've been spending the last few nights doing some research, and it's kept me up late. I'm just in need of a day off really. Thank you for the concern though Harry' he expressed tiredly. He trained his wand at Harry, and sat more erect.
`Now, because I can tell you have a lot on your mind, we'll work on controlling emotions, and keeping focus. You've been progressing very well since we started, but as you know, you won't always have someone trying to get in your mind in an empty room with nothing else going on. In the next while, we'll be moving away from simple defence, and into more difficult situations. Alright?'
Harry was concerned with the prospect of having harder lessons of course, but he needed the practice if he wanted to keep Voldemort out of his head. Harry nodded, and Topher did the same back.
`Legilimens'
Harry focused more, trying to keep other thoughts out, and he was gladly able to fend off Topher's attempts twice. Harry felt his confidence increasing, being that he was getting back in the hang of things.
`Very good Harry. Now, we'll try something different. Remember, focus, and control your emotions' he advised. Harry quirked his brow for a moment, but nodded. He wondered what Topher was going to do. Maybe try harder, or focus on another memory other than him and Hermione's hug.
`Legilimens'
Harry immediately felt the affect of Topher trying to enter his mind. Harry blocked it well, and was keeping control. Topher gave a smirk, and Harry felt a little tingle of worry at what the professor was up to.
`You like Hermione' Topher said plainly.
`What!' Harry yelled, but it was too late. His defenses came crashing down worst than a house of cards, and soon Harry was once again plunged into the memory of him and Hermione hugging. Harry, for only the second time since their lessons began, tapped the professor's desk, and the memory vanished.
`What was that about?' Harry shouted, as he stood up and looked at Topher fiercely. Topher stood, and calmly put his hand on Harry's wand, which had automatically risen right to the professor's face without Harry really realizing.
`Harry, first calm down, and lower your wand. Please, take a seat, so I can explain' he said carefully. Harry glared at the man for a brief moment, then trudged over and took his seat. Topher let out a sigh as he vanished the stools, and slowly took his seat.
`The hardest thing to learn with Occlumency is controlling your emotions. The greatest ones can, at will, turn stone cold emotionally. Now, you're learning, but we must start somewhere. I took advantage of you haning a lot on your mind, meaning you were probably not too happy. Anger is the hardest emotion to control, because you can easily loose yourself in it. And of course, anger is the worst thing to feel when someone is trying to enter your mind, because it makes it easier.' Harry was still boring his eyes at Topher, very displeased at his actions. Topher waited for some type of response, but not receiving one, moved onwards.
`I'm sorry I had to get you upset, but it's something you must learn. You have to control your emotions. The other person, especially if it's Voldemort, will try very hard to get you angry, and you can't allow them to. Still' he continued, now tilting back in his chair, his voice becoming a little lighter, `I am surprised that comment got you upset.'
`Why?' Harry snapped, finally saying something aside from yelling.
`Well, I'm not blind Harry. You and Hermione have been friends for a long time, and she is very pretty, if you don't mind me saying. I've seen you two in class and elsewhere in my travels learning the castle, and you seem to get along very well.'
`That's because we're friends' Harry said flatly. His mind was playing enough tricks on him about Hermione, he didn't need Topher doing it too.
`I know, but still, it isn't all that implausible that you would like her in a certain sense' Topher stated. Harry huffed, and looked away at the floor, his mind just going in circles over the whole issue. He was starting to get a headache from all the things in his head. Topher leaned in, placing his elbows on his desk.
`Well, I do know one thing. There are only two reasons why you would get upset about the comment I made: either you really don't like her in that fashion, and it got you upset because that feeling for Hermione doesn't exist, or you really do like her' he reasoned. Harry looked up, and found Topher looking at him intently.
`How would me liking her make me mad?' Harry asked, trying to give the impression he didn't like Hermione.
`Well, you said she and Ron just broke up. Since you're a friend, you'd feel sad for them. If you liked her as more than a friend, then you'd also feel glad about their break. I can imagine feeling both sad for them, but happy for yourself would make you feel upset and selfish. Me saying you like Hermione would therefore, make you feel mad' he explained.
`Yeah, well, I don't have those feelings' Harry answered.
`I told you, you're not a good liar' Topher said, smiling slightly. Harry was getting aggravated.
`Why does it matter to you?' Harry asked determinately. This was the thing Harry wondered about. Topher's intentions were still very much unknown, despite the fact that he said he wanted to help Harry. He hit a hard spot with Harry tonight, and Harry was beginning to think Topher's intentions were not what he thought them to be.
`It matters to me, because I want to help Harry. I told you, I'll try to help you whether it's learning spells, Occlumency, or anything else for that matter. These problems are affecting your mind's defenses, and you (and me if you'll allow) need to work them out so nothing happens. Plus, yes, there are other reasons, but you must trust me when I say, you will learn of those later.' Harry still wasn't convinced, and if anything was more determined to say nothing.
`So how does saying whether I have feelings for Hermione or not solve anything?' Harry asked.
`It'll solve a lot of things, and clear your mind. You have to understand, out of all the memories you have, the one you want to relive the most is the one were you are hugging Hermione. There is something about that memory itself that makes you want to relive it the most. You may think I chose that one, but you are wrong; you did.'
`I didn't choose it' Harry said disbelievingly. How could he choose it; he already knew the caster chose the memory, not the receiver. Topher shook his head.
`No, you did. When I got through in the beginning, there were many memories to choose from, however as time went on, that memory became stronger than the others. Tonight, for example, that memory stood in the way of all the others, so I had to enter it. It was as if you wanted me to enter it, and no other one' Topher clarified. Harry was caught off guard about this, but pressed forward.
`How do I know you're not lying' he said. Topher chuckled at this, and leaned back again, his charcoal robes falling over the sides of the chair slightly.
`Oh, always on guard, very good Harry. Never let it down, not even with me. I want you to learn that first and foremost; never tell anything to anyone unless you're positively sure they can be trusted' he said, now standing up and moving around to the back of his chair, as he began pacing back and forth slowly.
`This is however, something that we have to overcome. So far, yes, aside from one memory, you have no clue what side I am on. I've said I'm on yours, but that doesn't mean much. People can say anything. I've let it linger far too long, and for that I'm sorry.' He continued to pace, then came to a stop, and looked at Harry for a moment. `I've been thinking, and I have a proposition for you' he said airily, turning to face Harry who was still sitting.
`You want to know about me, and I want to know about you, but we want to keep the questions close, and only between the two of us. I know you want to know my allegiance, and why I am asking about certain things. I only wish to know about what I ask. So, for the next week, I want you to think about it, and get back to me on Friday as to if you are willing to swap questions. And before you ask, yes, there is a way to make sure I am telling the truth, without having to resort to Veritaserum. This way is safe, and no harm would come to either of us as long as we speak truthfully' he reassured.
`How is that?' Harry asked. Topher sat back down quickly, and leaned over the desk so he was close to Harry, the amber light from the candles that sat on the desk making Topher's earlier pale and dreary eyes appear bright green, and full of life.
`Have you ever heard of an Unbreakable Vow?'
*
`He wants to do an Unbreakable Vow with you?' Ron asked, and he, Harry, and Hermione sat in the East Tower common room on the Sunday afternoon. Harry had told them about Topher's idea, but nothing else. They asked how his lesson went, and he said fine, leaving out the prodding at Harry's feelings.
`I don't know, this could be a bad thing' Hermione expressed worriedly while sitting in her chair in front of the fire which was burning quietly. It was mid November now, and the weather had gotten colder, so the fire was almost always going. `I mean, he probably is on our side, but still, an Unbreakable Vow is not something to toy around with.'
`Well, he told me that the questions he would be asking were not out of line, but if they were, the caster would break the Vow' Harry explained. Harry already had a good idea as to Topher's questions, and he was worried as to how to answer them, knowing he didn't even know the answers himself.
`Well, did he say anything about the questions you can ask him?' asked Hermione.
`No, not really. He suggested asking if he was loyal to Hogwarts and our side, and why he will be asking the questions he's asking. He said there is a reason, but that I couldn't know right now.' Hermione gave a sigh, and her brow lowered slightly in thought. She was biting her bottom lip absently, something that made Harry smile for a moment.
`That is interesting. Well, he is right, aside from using Veritaserum, an Unbreakable Vow would make sure he was telling the truth, or that he wouldn't do anything other than what he says. Of course, you'd have to tell the truth as well, so make sure the caster is someone you trust' Hermione advised. Ron, who was sitting on the chair from the desk, which he moved to sit with the other two chairs around the fireplace, nodded.
`Yeah mate. Hey, how about McGonagall? I can imagine she wouldn't let Topher step over the line without a smack.' Harry already thought of Professor McGonagall, and was actually going to ask if she made the most sense.
`Well, I have a week to figure it all out. He asked me to get back to him in Friday's lesson.' Ron shifted in his chair at the mention of lessons.
`Oh, by the way, did you guys finish the Potions essay that's due on Tuesday? I mean, three feet on the Head Shrinking Potion. No one with any size head could write that much on it!'
`I have four and a half feet on it already' Hermione remarked to the fire, turning to give Ron a playful smile. Ron retorted with a sarcastic grin, and Harry was pleased to see them getting along better.
`Speaking of potions, how is our little cauldron doing?' asked Harry, referring to the Horcrux potion. Hermione looked at her watch.
`It should be ready by Wednesday. I'm still really worried about how it could go, but we need to try. Do you think we should tell McGonagall? I mean, what happens if something goes wrong?'
`We'll just have to make sure nothing goes wrong then, now won't we?' Harry stated assertively. Ron got up, and put his chair back to the desk.
`I have to go finish this. Professor Fourmove is pretty strict with essays. If you're going by the library Hermione, if you wanted-`
`Yes, I'll come by and help Ron. I need to write this week's schedule for Prefect rounds, but I should be down in a little. Besides, I have some reading to do in the library anyways' Hermione said, as she gave a stretch in her chair.
`Now there's a surprise' Ron huffed only to Harry, as he walked down the corridor and out of the East Tower.
`You guys seem to be doing alright' Harry commented.
`Yes, well, we are doing much better. Thank you again for your help. You know Ron better than me in some senses, and just letting him come around was best. Of course, with his potions essay I couldn't not help him, considering if you want to go anywhere from here, you have to pass the library' she added with a smile. She got up, and made her way to the desk, where she kept the old charms book Dumbledore gave to her along with the Prefect schedules. She unlocked the dozen or so protective charms on the drawer, and took it out the parchment rolls for the schedules, glancing back to see Harry still staring into the hearth in thought.
`Are you going to talk to Dumbledore's portrait about your scar?' she asked carefully. Harry stirred from his thought, which was focused more on Topher's question and his feelings towards the other person in the room, and allowed his head to fall.
His scar. Again, he was reminded of it. He hadn't been to the Headmistresses office since the week before, and he did not put a thought as to when he would return there. Hermione seemed to know what was going on in Harry's head.
`You need to go and talk to him Harry. He must have put a large amount of thought into it. Plus, you can ask him about Topher's proposal about the Unbreakable Vow, and if he knows about the Cassus Animus' she suggested, moving back to her chair.
`How do I know he's not holding other secrets from me?' Harry asked, to Hermione and himself.
`Dumbledore had his reasons, but just ask him. He's not a bad man Harry. Go talk to him' she advised. Harry sighed, and again realized Hermione was right. He couldn't avoid Dumbledore forever. He bid Hermione farewell, and went to the Headmistresses Office. Professor McGonagall was there, but she was just leaving as Harry entered.
Grey daylight was bathing the room in monochrome colours. Harry looked across the room, and found Dumbledore's portrait looking at him directly. Harry approached quietly, the other portraits in the room sitting silent as the Head Boy came to Dumbledore's portrait. Dumbledore gave Harry a placid smile, and Harry felt even worst about his last "conversation" with his former Headmaster.
`I was worried you would never come back Harry' Dumbledore said.
`I'm sorry sir, I shouldn't have gotten so mad at you' Harry expressed solemnly.
`No Harry, I am sorry. Once again, kept something from you that I shouldn't have, and made the same mistake twice. From now on, there will be no secrets, agreed?' Harry nodded, and found himself more relaxed. Dumbledore, living or in portrait form, always had a way of making Harry feel calm, even after a bad conversation.
`So, I gather you're here for more of an explanation?' Dumbledore asked, Harry nodding.
`Well, years before you were born I had strong evidence that Voldemort created Horcruxes. It was a growing concern of course, since his power was rising quickly at the time. When I heard of your parents from Hagrid, I went to Godric's Hollow, and found them, along with Voldemort's wand, and I checked its last spell. I thought at first it was a Killing Curse that he tried on you, but as you saw, it was not a green light, but a green cloud, which coalesced into the shape of your scar. Once I saw that, I realized what actually happened. He did not try to kill you, but to mark you with a Horcrux.'
`Why did he do it though?' Harry asked.
`Remember Harry, Voldemort wanted his Horcruxes to be worthy, things of prominence and importance. He knew you had a power to defeat him from the prophecy, and in that, he found you worthy. He knew you would become a powerful wizard, and I think he wanted to remind you of him' Dumbledore explained.
`Remind me?'
`Think of it, every single time you look in a mirror, you look at your scar. It has made you famous. People hear your name, and always know about your scar. No matter how powerful you would become as a wizard, he believed you would always have that scar, reminding you that no matter how strong you became, you would never be as powerful as him. That, and the irony of having a Horcrux on the one person who could defeat him I believe would be very appeasing to Voldemort.'
`So how do I get rid of it? Harry asked.
`That was something I worked on for many years. Minerva suggested I remove the scar, but I knew that could activate the Horcrux. You can't use the potion, because that would require putting your head in it, which would surely cause you to die. I believed myself close to a solution, but the events of last year caused me to abandon my search for the time. I had to, in the end, give my research to another. He is making progress, but it is taking a lot of work.'
Who is it?'
`Professor Terrwynebas. I knew his father well, and I watched Topher grow up little by little. Loosing his mother in such a way was hard on him, and then his father just as he was coming of age. He has had a tough life, and I know he would want to help you.' Harry was stunned by this realization.
`Is that why he's been reading those old scrolls? He said he was doing research, but why didn't he tell me it was about me?' Harry asked.
`He probably has his reasons. I told him to be cautious with you, since I knew you would be apprehensive with a new professor wanting to help you so much.'
`He asked me to take an Unforgivable Vow with him' Harry exposed. Dumbledore moved in his portrait for a moment, but nodded thoughtfully.
`Well, it is up to you Harry. If you desire my advice, then it would simply be to trust your instincts. I gave Topher a very important assignment, which ties greatly to destroying the Horcruxes, and to you.' Harry understood, and now hearing about Topher's assignment, felt himself leaning towards accepting the Unbreakable Vow, if only slightly.
`We found the potion by the way, in my mother's potion's book. It's almost ready to try' said Harry.
`That's very good Harry. Now all you need is to find one of the Horcruxes to use it with. Have you found any leads?' Dumbledore asked. Harry tilted his head in wonder for a moment, but remembered he never told Dumbledore about the locket. Harry explained how the locket from the cave was a fake, and how he found out the identity of R.A.B. as well as finding the Horcrux in Grimmauld Place. At first Dumbledore didn't seem too surprised, but by the end he was excited and proud for Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
`That is excellent Harry! I could tell when I grasped the locket from the basin that it was a fake. That must be the reason why Regulus was killed. He must have been put in charge of the locket, like Lucius Malfoy and the Diary, and was intending on destroying it. He must have been killed before he could, but hiding it in Grimmauld Place was brilliant of him to do. I am slightly amazed that I did not notice it at Grimmauld Place, but you say it was in Kreacher's cupboard? That may explain it. I was never fond of that house, and by no means spent much time in it, let alone searching it. I can imagine it was not an exciting task.' Harry laughed, knowing full well it was quite the opposite of exciting.
`Is there anything we should know about the potion before using it?' Harry asked, getting back on topic.
`Don't put your hand, or any other part of your body in it for one thing' Dumbledore said.
`Is that what happened to you?'
`Yes, and it was foolish, but needed. Since the Horcrux was in a ring, I gathered wearing the ring would release it. You can't just put the Horcrux in the potion, you have to put it in, and release it. I put the ring on, and the Horcrux activated. I had to dip my hand in, however the soul was aggressive, and moved to my forearm. I had to put up to my elbow in the potion for the soul to loose its power. It was a painful experience I would hope you not to endure.'
`So how do you think the locket is activated?'
`More than likely in the same fashion as the ring. You must have found it with its chain correct?' he asked. Harry nodded. `Then you must have to put the locket on for it to open. It's our luck that no one did put it on while it resided at Grimmauld.'
The door to the office opened, and Professor McGonagall came back inside with some scrolls of parchment in her hands, and a distraught look on her face.
`Potter, I must ask if you could continue this conversation another time. I have something important to talk to Professor Dumbledore' she stated to Harry. Harry bid farewell to Dumbledore and McGonagall, left the office, and headed back to the East Tower, noticing as he passed the library Hermione helping a confused looking Ron. Harry walked up to his dormitory, and opened up his trunk, reaching deep until he felt the cold metal of the locket. He took it out, and observed it carefully.
`In three days . . .'
Three days however proved to be a long time. With a prefects meeting on the Monday night, and their potions essays due on Tuesday, Wednesday seemed like it never wanted to come. When it did finally arrive, the day dragged on forever to Harry as he kept waiting anxiously for the night to come.
Finally when supper came, Harry devoured his meal, and bound his way up to the East Tower quickly. Unfortunately, he ran into Professor Trelawney along the way. She seemed like the year before, or any time for that matter, walking aimlessly through the castle picking out cards in a deck. Of course, Harry tried to dart down another hallway, but her magnified eyes found Harry all too easily in the empty corridor.
`Oh my dear boy, you are troubled I see. The Inner-eye can look deeper than the normal, sometimes a trouble for those gifted like I' she said. Harry could see the stairs to the library and East Tower. He knew getting away from Professor Trelawney would not prove easy, with her ramblings. She was already shuffling through her cards worriedly. Harry felt like the stairs were tormenting him, being so close yet so far away.
`I see most horrible times ahead for you my dear. Evil creeps at the seams, and be weary of those around you. Those seeming untrusting may not be so. I see you are searching . . . for shadows I believe. This quest has a murky ending, but it will come to pass sooner than you believe, and are prepared for' she expressed overly-elaborately. She took her deck of cards, and shuffled them once more, Harry trying to side step her but was unable to, as she moved closer and mimicked his steps. She flamboyantly took a card out of the deck, and shivered at it. Harry had no doubt it foretold death in his future.
`The hanged man,' she whispered hauntingly. `Abandonment. Sacrifice. I see a difficult decision approaching . . .' Harry actually looked at the card, showing a man hanging upside down from his feet scratching it head, and laughed inwardly. The hair of the man looked much like his own.
`Sorry Professor, I have to go' Harry finally got in, as he side stepped his way past the Professor. Just as Harry walked past, she grabbed his wrist, and took a card from under her many shawls.
`Keep this person close' she said wildly, sticking the card in Harry's other hand. She immediately turned and walked away, looking in odd directions and muttering to herself. Harry stood wonder-some for a moment, then continued on his way to the East Tower, sticking the card in his pocket without looking at it. Probably another death card he thought as he climbed the stairs.
Once he entered the common room, he found Hermione already there with the cauldron, the entire room filled with a dull purple fog. The cauldron was smaller than he imagined it would be, almost the size of a muggle basketball. But when he thought of it, the Horcruxes weren't that big really, aside from Voldemort's snake.
As Harry continued inwards, the smell of rotten vegetables mixed with sour milk hit him like a tidal wave. He staggered back when he inhaled, feeling his rushed supper come up on him with a pungency. Hermione looked over, and saw Harry's reaction to the smell.
`Nulfragus' she charmed. Immediately Harry's sense of smell was gone, and he could breath without his food churning. Harry thanked Hermione, and moved over to the simmering cauldron next to Ron, who was watching the thick black liquid apprehensively.
`I have a bad feeling about this' Ron said dreadfully, looking up at Harry.
`We'll take it slow. If there are any problems, we'll get Professor McGonagall or Madam Pompfrey. Is it ready?' Harry asked, unable to keep the shakiness out of the last sentence. Hermione stirred the tar-like potion, nodded apprehensively, and Harry made his way around the room. `I'll go get the Horcrux.'
Harry walked up to his dormitory, and found the locket in the bottom of his trunk where he left it. He looked at the ornate serpentine S imprinted on its face, and bound his way back down to the common room. Both Ron and Hermione were standing a few feet away from the potion waiting for Harry.
`So do we just throw it in and duck?' Ron asked.
`No. Dumbledore told me we have to activate it.' Harry moved closer to the liquid, and could feel his hands tingling with worry.
`How do you think it's activated? We couldn't open it before remember' Hermione said, looking worriedly at the locket in Harry's hand.
`Dumbledore thinks you need to have it around your neck to open it.' Harry took the chain, and started pulling it over his head.
`Harry no! I'll do it' Ron said. Harry shook his head, and placed the chain over his head, and around his neck.
`No Ron. Even you said I was best at defence, and I you need to know how to do Occlumency for this' Harry said firmly. Harry was bending the truth a little, but he didn't want anything to happen to Ron. A lot of things could go wrong, and Harry couldn't start to explain how he would feel if Ron was hurt, or worst. This was Harry's job; Ron and Hermione, he promised himself, would come as far from harm as possible.
Ron looked to Hermione for support, but found none. Hermione merely glanced at Harry, and nodded. Harry was glad she didn't try to convince him not to. Harry moved closer to the cauldron, and Ron and Hermione stood on the other side facing him.
`I'll need you to open it once it's under' Harry requested. Hermione nodded, her eyes wide with worry, and her brow contorted oddly, showing her fear. Harry gave her a warm smile, telling her it would be alright. She grinned back weakly, and Harry looked to the tar coloured potion. He gradually leaned over, allowing the locket to dangle over the surface, and slowly lowered himself until the locket was fully immersed and no longer visible. The potion continued to sit still, and Harry looked up to Hermione again, who had her wand pointing to were the locket would be.
`Patefacio'
A roar, much like that of wind barreling its way through a wind tunnel filled the entire common room. The potion was bubbling violently, and dark green fumes were erupting off its surface. Harry felt the locket tug itself downward, pulling Harry's face closer to the surface. Harry wildly reached out, and both Hermione and Ron grabbed his arms to help support him. The locket continued to weigh heavier, as the potion bubbled even more, and began turning violet.
The chain started turning black close to the potion's surface as if corroding, and the blackness slowly slithered its way up towards Harry. Harry began panicing, as the locket continued to weight him down, the chain digging into his neck painfully. He could hear Voldemort's evil laugh enter his mind, followed by his snake like voice, and he closed his eyes to keep control.
`You try and destroy my Horcrux? You will learn that no one can stop Lord Voldemort' the voice seethed. Harry could feel the chain begin to shake, and Voldemort's voice began speaking again in Harry's head, all the while his scar flaring up in pain. Ron made a quick move and held Harry's shoulders so his head wouldn't fall into the cauldron, but it was hard. The locket was pulling Harry into the portion with a force neither of them could equal. Hermione saw the anguish on Harry's face as it moved closer to the surface, took her wand, and cut the chain before the blackness reached his neck. Voldemort's voice immediately stopped as the chain fell entirely into the potion, and Harry flew backwards several steps with fright, along with Ron and Hermione.
Harry tried steadying himself, and succeeded slightly, giving Ron and Hermione, who still look concerned, and nod towards the cauldron, his scar still searing. The three quickly went back to the potion, and found it churning and turning a horrible greenish-brown. It continued for a moment, before calming instantly. The howling sound stopped, and Harry looked apprehensively at Ron and Hermione.
They looked back at the potion, and just as they leaned, a piercing scream hit the three of them as they covered their ears, Harry only covering one as his other hand was drawn to his scar. The potion's surface shimmered, and began reflecting a shadowy face. Harry looked, and found the face of Tom Riddle from the memories he saw last year, yelling out in what had to be horrible pain. The face slowly dissolved away, along with the scream, and the potion slowly turned putrid green. Once it settled, the face and the scream gone, the locket floated to the top, along with the broken chain. The three friends stood for a few moments just staring at the cauldron, the mist breaking up in the room, and Harry looked to Ron and then Hermione.
`Thanks for keeping me here' he said. Hermione looked at Harry, tears in her eyes, and she hugged him ferociously. Harry, the elation of surviving what happened, and once more finding himself hugging Hermione, returned the hug heartily. He closed his eyes, and the soft flowery honeysuckle once again filled his head. Harry didn't care about his earlier thoughts from the week, or how his sense of smell came back, and he inhaled the scent of her hair deeply. His hands wrapped around her waist, and found himself smiling at the multitude of sensations he was feeling, which was causing his chest to flutter.
He felt Hermione easing, and he reluctantly let go. She smiled up at him with bleary eyes, and she gave a glance at Ron. Harry turned, and found Ron with a small grin on his face. Harry stood in front of him, and the two embraced in a brotherly hug. They held it for a moment, before breaking smiling at each other. Ron and Hermione looked at each other, laughed lightly, and embraced as friends. Harry watched and was glad to see them back to normal. They let go, and the three looked back at the cauldron. Hermione vanished the now worthless potion, leaving the open locket and broken chain. Harry picked it up, and looked at it thinking.
`What should we do with it?' Ron asked. Harry grasped his hand around it, and decided.
`Keep it. In the end, Voldemort might like to know what's happen to his precious trinkets' Harry said. A mischievous smile grew on Ron's face, and Harry found himself bouncing back upstairs with the now useless locket. Harry placed it back in his trunk, and upon closing it, couldn't help himself laughing with contentment at what happened.
They destroyed a Horcrux. They were actually succeeding. Best of all, no one was hurt. They found a Horcrux, a way to destroy it, they made the potion, and pulled it off without trouble. Harry stood up, and found himself so full of energy and happiness that he jumped up in the air with glee. He fell onto his bed, and placed his hands on his face laughing. His mind was already looking ahead to his next task.
He took his hands and placed them behind his head while he stared at the ceiling of his four poster smiling happily. He laughed, as he took the playing card that Professor Trelawney gave him out, knowing already which card she gave him even though not looking at it.
This last moment with Hermione made Harry realize the truth to Topher's question. He knew the answer. He laughed at Trelawney's advice to "keep this person close". He definately planned to do that now. He put the card above him, and flipped it over to show the face: the queen of hearts.
*
Harry thought over the next days, and decided to go through with the Unbreakable Vow. Hermione and Ron helped him research it, and pick out questions to ask. Topher said he would keep his questions clean, but said nothing about Harry's. He picked three things to get reassurance or answers too, and was able to get Professor McGonagall to meet him and Topher the Saturday night.
`An Unbreakable Vow! Potter, are you sure?' Professor McGonagall asked on the Saturday night in the defence classroom. They kept it there so that there would be no problems. Plus, after the vow was complete, they would discuss the answers between each other.
`I'm sure Professor. This is just a way to make sure we answer each other's questions truthfully' Harry reassured. Topher nodded.
`Yes Professor, that's it. You have permission to break the Vow if any of my questions are out of line. Only mine. Harry can ask anything he wants. Two Vows for Harry, Three for me, that's it.' McGonagall looked to Harry again, and he smiled to tell her it was alright. She nodded slowly, and the two men placed their arms on Topher's desk, locking them together. Harry was first to speak.
`Will you Topher, tell me truthfully if you are loyal to Hogwarts and myself, before leaving this classroom?'
`I will' he answered, a sting of flame coming out of Professor McGonagall's wand and placing around their arms. It felt warm to Harry's skin, like the electric blanket Dudley had that Harry was never allowed to use.
`Will you Harry, tell me truthfully if you are fighting Voldemort before leaving this classroom?'
`I will' Harry responded, and another thread of fire burst from Professor McGonagall's wand, and wrapped itself around their arms, creating a crossing weave of fire.
`Will you Topher, tell me truthfully why you are asking these questions tonight, before leaving this classroom?'
`I will.' Again, another band of flame wrapped around their arms. The strings of fire didn't bind closely to Harry's arm, but kept his hand locked with Topher's. Topher's last question was next, and he knew Professor McGonagall would think of breaking the Vow with it.
`Will you Harry, tell me truthfully if you are in love with Hermione Granger, before leaving this classroom?' Professor McGonagall looked wildly at Topher, then Harry.
`Do you want me to break it Harry?' she asked, himself taking notice of his first name. He shook his head, and looked back at Topher.
`I will.' With that, yet another cord of flame wrapped around their arms. Harry could barely see his arm now, it encased in so many strings. Harry had only his last question to ask, then he could get his answers.
`Will you Topher, tell me truthfully why I should trust you, before leaving this classroom?' Harry found it surprising that Topher smiled at this, but nodded.
`I will.' The final chord of fire spewed out of Professor McGonagall's wand, and overlaid the other strings. Professor McGonagall moved her wand, and placed it on Harry and Topher's hands.
`Solfragis Perletum.' The fire that incaspulated their arms slowly dissolved into their skins. It did not hurt Harry, but it was on the brink of hot. Once the fire was gone, Harry and Topher let go and bid Professor McGonagall farewell. Once she was gone, Topher locked the door to the classroom, gave a swish of his wand, and came back to sit down. He was smiling, and Harry was a little too, finally glad he would know the truth.
`Now Harry, realize that we must tell the truth. If one of us doesn't, it'll be obvious when that person walks out of the room and dies. Don't be worried' he said quietly as Harry's face probably showed his sudden concern. He knew he would tell the truth, but he worried if he made a mistake and didn't. `Just tell the truth as you know it, and it'll be fine.' Harry took a breath, and calmed.
`O.K. I'll go first to easy you a little. So, firstly yes, I am loyal to Hogwarts, and to you Harry. From the time I arrived here in September, I have always been loyal to you and Hogwarts, and all those opposed to Lord Voldemort.' Harry smiled, however feeling a little upset that he didn't just trust Topher. Then again, the scene from last week's lesson made him remember why he was being cautious.
`You're next question' Topher said, scratching his chin trying to remember, `was why I am asking these questions to you tonight. The answer, for the first, is because I want to know for sure you are fighting Voldemort. You say you are, but I want to confident that it is true. The second question . . . is because Dumbledore asked me to find out' he explained. Harry's mouth could not stop from falling open.
`Dumbledore told you to ask me about Hermione?' Harry replied in disbelief.
`Well, not specifically Hermione, but yes, he did. He said your fate would reside with your love; and who you loved would become very important this year. I asked you right away to see if there was already a lady in your life, but you said no. I realized afterwards I came on too strong, but when I found that memory of you and Hermione hugging, I could tell there was something about that girl. When I saw you two around the castle, I knew then you were in love, even if not admitting it. With asking you now, it makes it much easier since if it true, we can move onto more difficult training and away from Occlumency and Legilimency for a time. If not, well, then it is no concern for us now.'
`Why would the person I love be important? Does it have anything to do with your research?' Harry asked.
`Yes, in a sense. Who you love gives you focus, and power. You've already been using it with Occlumency. That memory of you and Hermione, it was forcing itself in front of other memories. It's something I've heard about in texts, but never experienced. It is a remarkable feat to accomplish, and you did it with ease, focusing your mind and getting lost in that memory. Other powers and focus can come, and that's part of my research.' He opened his bottom drawer of his desk, and pulled out the old parchment rolls, laying one out to show Harry. It was written in runes and other strange writings.
`This ties in with your last question, why should you trust me. You should, because of the help I have given you, and what I've been doing to aid you without your knowledge. These are very old texts, some dating back to Egypt. Dumbledore said having love in your case is very old magic, so I've had to research far back. I've had no luck really, except a small bit on this page here' he said, pointing to a corner with characters surrounding a gold snake eating its own tail, a stick figure man on the right surrounded by black demon like creatures, and another stick figure man surrounded by outlined demons.
`What is it?' Harry asked wondrously.
`I'm not sure. The runes are very ancient, but from what I've deciphered, it tells of a magic that uses the love of one person to save them, while the hate of another destroy them. I've looked up more of the symbols, but they have many odd meanings. This figure in the middle though' he said, pointing to the snake, `is an Oroborus.'
`A what?' Harry inquired.
`An Oroborus. A snake eating its own tail. It's symbolized throughout history as the cyclic nature of the world, both in the magical and muggle world. How everything comes back to itself in the end. What I think it means' he continued, moving his eyes away from the parchment and to Harry, `is that this magic is connected somehow to how a person has been in the past. Sort of like the past catches up to them. The dark figure' he explained, pointing to the stick man surrounded by the black demons, `I believe is an evil man. The demons are black and menacing, and the pose of the man suggests pain. The other figure however has light demons, and he stands erect. This magic may use the actions of the man against him. If this is the case, this is what you need to fight Voldemort. All the deaths he's caused would be forced back on him, and he would surely perish. You on the other hand, have never killed anyone, and have acted only out of defence and love. You would live' he finished.
`Is there anything else?' Harry asked. Topher sighed, and rolled up the parchment again, putting it back in the bottom drawer.
`Sadly no. I have to go and find more scrolls and check, but they are hard to find. This magic is ancient, very ancient. The scroll I showed you is from Rome, around 300 A.D. It tells of a tail from ancient Egypt about this magic, but even it is incomplete and shotty in detail. Most surviving scrolls from ancient Egypt are now in the Ministry of Magic, and are impossible to get to. But now that you know my allegiance, why I asked these questions, and my research, you believe I'm on your side and you can trust me?' Topher asked. Harry took his seat, amazed at how much Topher had been researching and helping Harry without his knowledge.
`I do, and I'm sorry I didn't earlier' Harry said.
`I told you Harry, never let your guard down. But thank you. Now, I've answered your questions, so it's your turn. Are you fighting Voldemort?'
`Yes, in as many ways as I can' Harry affirmed. He knew the next question was coming, and he could feel his chest shivering answering it.
`Excellent. Now Harry, be honest; are you in love with Hermione?'
Harry thought back to that summer night, so long ago now, and the feeling that spread through him. He remembered her at the Bill and Fleur's wedding, and in that amazing dress. Seeing her in the Head's compartment on the Express, and feeling so right sitting next to her, and all the times in the common room they spent together swept through his mind. Lastly the hug he shared only three days earlier, and how he never wanted to leave it, and all the times in years before he spent with Hermione.
He knew the answer, and there was no doubt or hesitation in his response.
`Yes.'
Spell / Name Meanings:
Nulfragus - L. nul: no, fragro: to smell (Nulfragus - no smell)
Patefacio - L. patefacio - to open (Patefacio = to open)
The Unbreakable Vow Spell, Solfragis Perletum - L. fragilis: fragile / breakable, solus: only / alone,
per: by, letum: death (Solfragis Perletum - only breakable by death)
-->