Harry Potter and the Oroborus Light by circinusphoenix

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance, Action & Adventure
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 15/12/2006
Last Updated: 05/05/2007
Status: In Progress

Book 7, follows HBP, natural progression to H/Hr. With the events of sixth year behind him,
Harry now faces his greatest challenge. The Dark Lord is gaining power, plunging Britain into
darkness and despair. Harry, with Ron and Hermione, must brave the unknown and find the Horcruxes
of Lord Voldemort before it’s too late. In this, the final book of the HP series, Harry will
discover secrets of himself, his parents, and his friends, while searching for his only hope at
destroying Voldemort: an ancient magic believed lost thousands of years ago. New allies will be
found, new enemies realized, and new love experienced as the fate of the wizarding world is
decided. Ron/Hermione at the beginning, then Harry/Hermione, Ron/Luna, and Neville/Ginny. Keeps Ron
and Ginny in character. *****Chapter 27 - Falling and the Feather - IS ONLINE!




1. The Secret Choice
--------------------



Disclaimer: Harry Potter, and any related material are not mine, and belong to JKR

This story is beta edited by PhoenixFlames, to whom I owe a thousand thanks.

CHAPTER ONE

**The Secret Choice**


The train was boarding. The engine's whistle blew loudly over the quiet platform, warning
that the scarlet train was leaving the station in five minutes.

It was a sunny afternoon, with a few white bulbous clouds littering the sky here and there. People
on the platform, comprised mostly of youths, were slowly entering the train, pulling their trunks
and various cages onto the cars. However one young man was not boarding the train, instead choosing
to observe the activity on the platform while leaning against the wall of the station house.

He watched as two concerned looking girls, named Susan Bones and Lavender Brown, entered the train
on the right while talking. Farther down, a round-faced boy named Neville seemed to be searching
for something. These people were students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the
boy leaning against the station wall was Harry Potter.

Harry was a relatively tall sixteen year old compared to the other students. He had grown over the
past few years, and was looking more like a man than a boy. His jet black hair, which seemed to
have no sense of direction, swayed slightly in the wind as he stood. Harry looked like a normal boy
of his age, with the exception of his intensely green eyes, and his most noticeable feature: a
lightning bolt scar on his forehead. He sighed as the wind gave a light breeze, swaying his black
school robes which over the past year, had become a few inches too short around the ankles.

He knew many of the students entering the train, known as the Hogwarts Express, were worried about
school. Not worried in the sense of homework, but as to whether school would still be opening in
the fall.

Hogwarts just passed through one of its darkest times in history. The headmaster, Albus Dumbledore,
had been murdered by a fellow Professor, Severus Snape. Now that Dumbledore was dead, the wizarding
world was being plunged farther into fear of the darkest wizard in a century, Lord Voldemort.

Harry inclined his head skyward, watching the clouds float overhead as he breathed in the fresh
outside air, trying hard to savor the moment. He knew very well this could be the last time he
would see these students, or Hogwarts again. He decided that he would not return for his seventh
and final year, even if the school opened. He would devote all his time to finding, what he and
Dumbledore has sought to find that fateful night the late headmaster died: the Horcruxes of Lord
Voldemort.

These Horcruxes contained parts of the dark wizard's soul, and needed to be destroyed in order
to defeat him. Harry knew of only one person who could stop Voldemort-himself. It was told in a
prophecy which Harry heard only a year ago from Dumbledore, along with many other things.

The choice to not return to Hogwarts was hard to make, but Harry had to defeat Voldemort as quickly
as possible. The sooner he could destroy him, the sooner the world would be made safe, and normal
again.

Only his best friends knew of his plan, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. They promised to go with
him on his quest and help him. He accepted, however he knew that in the end, it was only himself
who could complete his task. He promised himself to keep both of them as far away from danger as
possible. At the moment, they were fulfilling their prefect duties, and helping students onto the
train.

Harry came back to himself, glanced back down the platform. Susan and Lavender were now on the
train, and Neville found what he was searching for, his pet toad Trevor. It had been found by the
overly large groundskeeper, Hagrid.

As he handed Trevor over to a thankful Neville, Harry noticed Hagrid was crying. Hagrid never
stopped crying after Dumbledore's death, at least from what Harry could tell. Hagrid cared for
Dumbledore very deeply, and his death hit Hagrid very hard. Neville tried to encourage Hagrid to
cheer up, and Harry smiled when Hagrid, though still spilling tears, gave a warm smile, concealed
slightly by his beard.

Once Neville was on the train, Hagrid continued down the side of the platform, making sure students
were on and ready to go. As he approached, he glanced up, noticed Harry, and started to walk over,
taking out his tablecloth size handkerchief, and wiping his eyes.

`Yeh alrigh' Harry?' he croaked, as he came closer, wearing his black moleskin coat, which
he had worn at Dumbledore's funeral. Hagrid, up close, looked very downtrodden, and had what
looked like permanent tear marks on his cheeks. His beard looked mangy and untidy, worst than
usual. His dustbin sized hands were still holding onto his handkerchief--which Harry could see was
due to be changed for a new one.

`I'm alright Hagrid. How are you getting along?' asked Harry. He didn't really know
what to say to Hagrid. He did not know about Harry not returning to the school. Telling him now
would be even worst.

`I'm . . . . I'm OK. `Bin kinda hard lately wit Dumbledore's death an' all. Me
an' Grawpy are gettin' along though. Why aren' yeh on the train yet Harry?' He
looked down the platform, and Harry now noticed there were few students left. Harry picked up his
trunk, and his cage, which housed his snowy owl Hedwig, and moved towards the nearest car, Hagrid
following closely.

Harry could hear quiet sniffles coming from Hagrid, and felt a pang in his chest knowing this might
be his last time talking to him. Everyone, especially Harry, still felt sorrow for the loss of
Dumbledore, his funeral only being that morning. Harry felt even worst now with this parting, and
as he entered the train, with Hagrid helping him with his trunk, he felt he needed to say
something.

`I hope you have an alright summer Hagrid. I'll try to owl you sometime soon,' Harry said
reassuringly. Hagrid smiled, and stepped back from the train. The whistle had just blown again and
Harry to could hear the doors being closed. Hagrid closed the door Harry just entered through, and
Harry moved to the window to say goodbye to Hagrid.

`I'll be alrigh'. You try and keep outta trouble, alrigh'?' He took a look back up
and down the platform and smiled at Harry again, a small tear streaking down his face. He gave
another large sniffle and wiped his nose with his handkerchief. Harry felt his eyes water slightly
at Hagrid looking so downtrodden.

`I'll be fine, don't worry about me,' said Harry as the train gave a sudden jolt, and
began to move. `Tell Grawp I say hi! Bye Hagrid!' he half yelled, as the train started to pick
up speed. He leaned out of the window, and waved at Hagrid. Hagrid waved back, and with one turn of
the tracks, Hagrid and Hogsmede Station were gone.

Harry leaned back in, cheerlessly picked up his trunk and cage, and started looking for a
compartment. As he began looking down the carriage, he started to regret not getting on the train
earlier. Since he was one of the last to board all the compartments were full with chattering
students. He did not want to share a compartment, (as this was not the time for people questioning
him or ogling him like they would an interesting museum piece.

He moved down the carriage. People looked at him from the inside of the compartments, not trying to
hide their pointing fingers and loud whispers. Harry was used to this however he found it hard to
focus on other things. As he entered the third car, he finally found what no doubt had to be, the
last empty compartment on the train. He quickly entered it and put his trunk and Hedwig down. He
locked the compartment door as he wanted to make sure no one would come in. He took out his wand,
and put as many locking spells he knew on the door. He also lowered the blind on the window of the
door, and sat down.

This is what he wanted at the moment; to be isolated in his compartment and his own world. He
looked across to his belongings and his owl. Hedwig looked at him thoughtfully--or what Harry
figured was thoughtful look for an owl--and curled up on her perch, looking of a good nap. His
trunk lay next to her cage, on the chair opposite from Harry.

He looked out the window, and saw the train was passing between mountains and large thickets of
forest. Sunlight came in patches between the trees, and danced on Harry's face. He closed his
eyes, and inhaled the familiar scent of old wood and upholstery that was the Hogwarts Express,
hoping to calm down and clear his mind of the depressing thoughts of the past few days. When he
opened his eyes again, he was relieved to feel more focused, and trying to be more productive he
began to think of his next move.

He knew he would have to return to Number Four Privet Drive, and stay there until his birthday. He
did not want too, however he had no choice. After July 31st however, he needed to plan on were to
go. He would be turning seventeen, which would be his coming of age in the wizarding world. After
this day, he would loose his protection from his home and would be vulnerable to attacks from
Voldemort.

Harry realized that if he wanted to plan what to do after his birthday, he would need to figure
where to live. He knew Godric's Hollow was somewhere he wanted to go, however going there now
would not be wise. He did want to visit there, so he could finally see his parents house, however
he needed somewhere he could stay and hide. Godric's Hollow would not be suitable for either.
He needed somewhere more hospitable.

Grimmauld Place came to mind. He figured since he owned it anyways, he inherited it from his
godfather, it would be a good place to live. He knew it was unsafe, because Snape knew how to find
it however he figured there would be a way to make it safe again.

He then thought of going to The Burrow, where Ron's family lived. The only place he felt more
at home than The Burrow, was Hogwarts. He quickly discarded this idea because of his promise not to
endanger people. He knew going to The Burrow would be a danger to the Weasleys and he could not do
that to them. It would seem he had decided and he would be going to Grimmauld Place after July
31st. The question now was how to make the house safe.

As he started to think someone knocked on the door. Harry didn't feel like visitors and hoped
that no answer would signal to the person not to disturb him. He waited, looking at the door
expecting a voice, but it never came.

Harry went back to his thoughts. He knew Grimmauld Place was protected by a Fidelius Charm, but he
had no idea how it was done. He figured he could ask a professor, or Hermione, and they would know.
Another knock at the door came, this time accompanied by a voice Harry did not want to hear.

`Hello! Harry! It's me, Colin Creevey! I wanted to talk to you. You know, find out what
you're doing during the summer. I thought maybe if I'm around where you live sometime, I
could come visit you!' Colin yelled at the door. He must have thought the door was like those
used for bank vaults.

Harry didn't want to hear this, or have conversation with Colin. His idolization of Harry would
be the worst thing at the moment. He got up, took his wand out of his robes rather forcefully and
thought `Silencio'.

Colin was suddenly put on mute, and Harry put his wand back, throwing himself back on the seat in a
huff. He needed to think and plan things out. He knew he had time at Privet Drive to plan, but he
didn't feel like talking to people at the moment. *Especially* Harry thought, *people
who don't know about the prophecy.*

As Harry put his head against the back of the chair, he let out a long sigh, realizing how tired he
was. The day before, he spent all his time with Ron and Hermione. He thought of it as his last day
of true freedom, and took advantage of it. During the night however, he hadn't gotten any
sleep. He had stayed awake with thoughts of the coming months and of the funeral that morning
running through his head.

He felt he could take advantage of this time and solitude, and try to sleep. He leaned his head
against the corner of the compartment, and closed his eyes.

Harry had only fallen into the nice and dreamy beginnings of sleep when he was disturbed by a
tapping next to his head. He grudgingly opened his eyes, and opened the blinds to find a tawny owl
flying outside, tapping its beak against the window as it tried desperately to keep up with the
train.

Harry opened the window and the owl swooped into the compartment. It landed in the free seat next
to Harry, and dropped a letter. Harry saw Hedwig give the owl a quick glance with her amber eyes
before returning to her slumber. Once Harry picked up the letter, the owl fluttered out, and Harry
closed the window after it. He opened the letter and began to read it. He could tell it was written
quickly, and was on an irregular piece of parchment, however Harry recognized the slanted, stern
writing.

*Mr. Potter,

Please open the door. I understand why you have locked it,
however I have some important matters to discuss with you.

Professor McGonagall*

Harry read it over twice to make sure he was reading it correctly. He knew of only two other times
a staff member had been on the train; in his third year with Professor Lupin, and last year with
Professor Slughorn. He wondered why Professor McGonagall was on the train, especially since after
Dumbledore's death, she was Headmistress.

Harry was caught in a dilemma. Should he open the door or not? Professor McGonagall did not know
about the Prophecy or that he was not planning to return to Hogwarts.

Harry however noticed that she was probably the first person to knock, and could have easily opened
the door herself, and that she sent the owl in hopes he would let her in. Also, he figured she
would be a good person to ask about the charm on Grimmauld Place, since she was in The Order. He
put the letter down, got up, took the charms off, slid the latch, and opened the door.

Professor McGonagall was standing outside the door, arms crossed, looking down the hallway. She was
wearing dark emerald green traveling robes, with her usual witch's hat. She looked rather tired
and drained, but Harry figured this was due to the incidences of the past few days and weeks. She
quickly glanced at Harry and entered his compartment.

Once inside, she quickly closed the door, and performed numerous spells on the door, including the
Silencing Spell Harry already used before. She cleared some space next to Hedwig's cage, sat
down and stroked Hedwig for a moment. Harry sat down cautiously, wondering if he should say
something. He watched her stroke Hedwig, and once she finished, she took off her hat.

`Thank you for allowing me in Potter, however I must remind you that students are not supposed to
do magic on the train' she said firmly. She had her usual stern look on her face and Harry
started to worry he was in trouble for something. However she relaxed after a few moments, placed
her hat down next to her, and looked up at him.

`I am here to find out what you plan to do after your birthday. As Albus,' she stopped for a
moment before continuing in a quieter and calmer voice. `As Albus no doubt told you, you are
protected at Privet Drive until you come of age. Afterwards, the wards no longer function and it
would be best to leave your home.' She waited to for a reaction from Harry, however he already
knew this and was relieved he was not in trouble for using magic on the train.

She surveyed him and continued. `Have you given thought as to were you will go after July 31st
until you come back to Hogwarts on September 1st?' She had now put her hands on her lap and was
looking at Harry intently.

Harry did not want to tell her that he was not returning to Hogwarts. He felt he should instead
focus on the summer and not the fall. `I thought about Grimmauld Place,' he said, looking up at
Professor McGonagall hoping for reassurances that his plan made sense. Harry was relived to see her
smile slightly and continued. `I just don't know if it's safe anymore because of
Snape-' he spat out his former professor's name.

`We thought the same. The house is currently unsafe, however we can recast the Fidelius Charm again
which should make it as unplottable and invisible as before. The charm needs to be performed as
soon as possible. Professor Flitwick has agreed to meet you today to perform the charm. Luckily, he
joined the Order before Dumbledore passed away and was the last to learn its address. Now
Harry,' Harry noticed the use of his first name, `you have to make a very important decision.
You need to choose a secret keeper.'

Of all the things Harry had thought of that day, choosing a secret keeper was not one of them.
Professor McGonagall must have seen the confusion in Harry's face, and continued on.

`The secret keeper must be someone you trust, and would be willing to sacrifice themselves instead
of revealing the secret.' She was looking at Harry now more sympathetically, seeing how making
a choice of such importance was weighing on him at the moment.

Harry did not know who could be his secret keeper. He knew Sirius picked Dumbledore who was, in
Harry's mind, the perfect person to be a secret keeper. He did not know really what a secret
keeper exactly was, or who they should be. He did not know what traits to look for in a person to
pick, so he asked.

`The person must be smart and clever' replied Professor McGonagall calmly. `Picking someone
foolish could have great consequences. They must know how the charm is performed and its powers.
Someone who can learn about the charm, how to make it more powerful and find out its properties.
Lastly, the person must be someone who knows you and why you have this secret. They must understand
how much this secret means to you and you must trust them. Having the person you trust the most as
your secret keeper will make the charm stronger.' She looked down at Hedwig and started to
stroke her again, clearly giving Harry time to think.

Harry was now staring at the floor. He heard everything Professor McGonagall said, however he was
still very confused. He mentally went through people he knew and which made the best candidates for
his secret keeper.

Professor McGonagall was very smart and Harry trusted her, however she did not know Harry that
well, at least outside Hogwarts. He thought of Hagrid, but he was not good with secrets. Harry
found that out in his first year at Hogwarts when Hagrid's secret was about the three headed
dog he had named Fluffy.

Ron knew Harry better than anyone else. Harry trusted him very much, but learning the Fidelius
Charm would not be easy for Ron. Since he was not the most gifted wizard in their year then
he'd have problems with it. Everyone knew Hermione was the best of their year. Then Harry
thought . . . how about Hermione.

She knew Harry just about as well as Ron did. She was very smart, and clever. She was also
sometimes overly rational. Harry remembered the many times when he went against her views and her
rationale ended up being correct. He knew she would understand why he was keeping this secret and
Harry definitely trusted her. She would also be able to learn the charm. Harry could see her
saying, `oh I can't wait. I've read about it but it will be so interesting actually
performing it!' This caused Harry to smile, which was registered with interest by Professor
McGonagall.

`Have you thought of a secret keeper Potter?' she asked curiously. When Harry looked up, he
found she had again stopped stroking Hedwig, who was also looking at Harry and was now sitting back
with her hands on her lap.

Harry nodded, however he suddenly remembered what he had promised to himself about endangering
Hermione and Ron. If he asked Hermione to become his secret keeper then she would be at greater
danger. Harry could think of no one else to be his secret keeper but he wanted Hermione to be
protected. `Is there any way of protecting the secret keeper so they aren't in any danger?'
he asked.

Professor McGonagall shifted in her seat and looked again at Harry. `There are ways such as going
into hiding, or changing their appearance. But you must know Potter, the secret keeper's
identity would only be known to you, and those whom you choose to tell. They would be at no more
risk than anyone else. The only thing you can protect them with is trusting that they will not tell
the wrong person,' she said.

Harry knew Hermione was smart enough not to tell the wrong sort of people about Grimmauld Place. He
would just tell her that if she was unsure of whether a person was trustworthy to simply not tell
them.

`So, have you chosen a secret keeper then Potter?' McGonagall asked again. Harry nodded
confidently and she pulled an envelope out of her inside pocket of her cloak.

`Inside this letter you will find your directions so you will know when and how to get to Grimmauld
Place to meet Professor Flitwick. It will only be you, him, and your secret keeper. You must tell
no one where you are going, who your secret keeper is or what you are doing. You must ask your
secret keeper before you get to Grimmauld Place. If they say yes, then you must tell them were to
be and at what time. If they say no, then you must find someone else before the train arrives in
London, which should be in about three hours. Do you understand?'

Harry nodded and she gave him the envelope. `Once the charm is complete, Professor Flitwick will
know nothing about it. It's a result of the spell, and only you and your secret keeper will
know were the house is.' She picked up her hat again, placed it firmly atop her head and stood
up.

`The advance guard will come and get you at Number Four Privet Drive at 11:45pm on July 30th to
take you to Grimmauld Place. Of course, your secret keeper will have to be there to tell the Order
members where it is later but we will work that out once the charm has been recast. If there are
any problems or worries owl me right away. If you are in imminent danger you are allowed to use
magic.' She unlocked the spells and latch, gave a last smile to Harry and was halfway through
the door when Harry asked a question.

`Professor, did you knock on the door earlier?' he asked humbly. He wanted to know, just
apologize for not answering, however she turned around and smiled.

`No, that was not me, Potter. I asked Miss Granger to find you. When she knocked on this
compartment and received no answer she assumed it was you inside. She told me and I went ahead and
sent the owl.' She smiled again, turned and closed the door.

Harry went ahead and replaced the spells he had originally cast, including the Silencing Spell. He
felt bad that he had not answered the first knock now since he was now going to ask Hermione to be
his secret keeper. He knew that he would have to ask Hermione before the train arrived at Kings
Cross but that was 3 hours away. He was still very tired and decided he would take a quick nap
before searching the train for her.

He leaned back, put his head against the back of the chair and the side of the compartment, and
drifted into much wanted sleep.

Like so many dreams these past days, he found himself on the tallest tower at Hogwarts, just like
the night Dumbledore died. It was night, and as he looked around he noticed he was alone this time.
He looked over the sides and found no movement, not even a wind. The 3/4 moon was high in the sky
and lit up the grounds allowing Harry to see the Forbidden Forest, the Whomping Willow, and the
Lake. He wondered where everyone was when he heard a noise from the stairwell behind him. He went
to the door and looked down, but saw no one. The stairwell was lit with a dim, eerie blue light.
When he turned, he found he had left the tallest tower and was now in a dark room.

He was in the kitchen of The Burrow. He usually found this room to be a pleasant sight, however
this time it was distressing.

No lights were on and it looked deserted. It was night here too and the moonlight was pouring
through the open windows lighting a disturbing scene. The table was set and it seemed the family
had been in the middle of a meal. Food sat half eaten on their plates, which, when Harry touched,
was still warm. The chairs were strung haphazardly around the table. Two chairs were lying sideways
on the floor and one broken in pieces.

Harry yelled for the Weasleys, but no one answered. He feared the worst and ran up the crooked
stairwell. He looked in the rooms, yelling the names of the Weasleys as he went. When he had
reached Ron's room, which was on the top floor, he realized that no one was in the house. He
went to the window in the room, and looked out at the garden.

In the moonlight the garden was clearly visible. Harry saw the various plants and noticed a strange
object that he had never seen before among the plants. In the middle of the garden there was a
wooden log pointed towards the house. This was an odd object in the Weasleys garden and Harry felt
it meant something.

Harry turned away from the window and started back down the stairs. He sensed he needed to find out
why this log was there and figured it would be able to tell him something about where the Weasleys
were. He left through the back door, and when he arrived 10 feet from the log he suddenly stopped
and gasped. The object in the garden was not a wooden log but a huge, black snake.

It was Nagini, Voldemort's pet snake. She hissed at Harry and looked at him with an eerie green
glow emanating from her eyes, which both frightened and puzzled Harry. He had seen the snake in his
dreams before, but the eyes were always piercing black, and never green.

The sight of the snake twisted Harry's stomach more than when he had been inside the house. The
last time he had seen this snake she was trying to kill Mr. Weasley. The fact that she was lying in
the garden of The Burrow now was causing Harry to panic with the idea that Ron's whole family
could be dead.

He looked back at the snake and noticed she had not advanced but merely stared at him, its tongue
slithering in and out of its mouth. Harry tried to talk in Parseltongue to the snake, but she
continued its green gaze. Harry felt a need to go back to the house and try looking for the
Weasleys again. When he turned to go back into the house he looked up and fell backwards in
shock.

Harry realized why the snake's eyes appeared to be green. They were not coloured green, but
were reflecting green.

The Dark Mark was floating over The Burrow.

-->



2. The Fidelius Charm
---------------------



CHAPTER TWO

**The Fidelius Charm**


Harry woke suddenly. He was sweating, the side of his face aching. He remembered his dream, and
it took him a few moments to remember where he was.

Taking in his surroundings, he noticed he was still on the Hogwarts Express. Looking out the
window, and he saw fields and pastures passing along the train. He must have been sleeping for over
two hours, his face aching because he had fallen asleep against the wall of the compartment. They
were still outside London, but it was not far away.

He looked at Hedwig, and saw she was awake, looking at the window eagerly. Harry opened her cage,
and she jumped on his arm. He opened he window, she gave an affectionate nip on his hand and flew
out happily. Harry closed the window, stopping the momentary breeze that filled the compartment,
and sat back down.

The dream sent shivers up his spine. Was he seeing the future? He knew it wasn't the present,
because it was still day, and was surely day at The Burrow. Harry was overcome with worry for Ron
and his family. He forgot about his isolation, and the Fidelius Charm. He had to tell Ron what he
saw. He stood up, stumbling slightly. He was still half asleep, and it took him a few seconds
before he had his bearings. He took the charms off, slid the latch, and opened the door.

The hallway was empty. Harry figured most people were settled down in the compartments, talking to
their friends about their plans for summer. He figured Ron would be patrolling the train, since he
was a prefect, or would have settled into a compartment with Hermione and some other people. He
decided to move towards the back of the train to start his search. As he walked, students did the
usual pointing as he passed. When he reached the end of the 4th car, he ran into someone backing
out of a compartment.

Harry fell backwards, seeing a bushel of brown hair fall in the other direction. When he landed on
the floor, he found it was Hermione who ran into him. She was coming out of a compartment, and had
not seen him there.

`Oh, I'm sorry Harry. Students in that compartment' she pointed to the one she had just
exited, `were playing Blaster Caps. I had to stop them before someone won, because it would have
blown up half the train. Took me over ten minutes, because they kept trying to tell me they
weren't doing anything, when it's clearly obvious they were. Anyways, what are you up
to?' Harry had gotten up, and helped her onto her feet. The students in the compartment where
giggling away. Harry had no idea what Blaster Caps was, but could tell they were playing it. They
had numerous blast marks on their robes and faces, but were still smiling. He looked at Hermione
again, and noticed her scowl at the students.

Hermione, much like Harry, had grown older in the past year. She was looking more like a woman now.
She was shorter than Harry, but at the moment, looked very tall and livid. Her bushy brown hair was
almost electrified by her anger for the students in the compartment, who were still giggling at
them. She grabbed the latch, and closed the door of the compartment rather forcefully. She then
looked back at Harry, and gave a smile telling him it was alright to speak.

`I was trying to find Ron, do you know where he is?' Harry asked. He felt he had to tell Ron
about his dream before he forgot about it.

`He's probably in the prefect car. He takes the front of the train, so he can get back there
quickly. He doesn't like patrolling too much. The Heads told us we had to stay in the prefect
car the whole ride to keep up rotations. That's why we didn't go looking for you'
informed Hermione, as she started up the train again, Harry following.

As they walked, a large splattering sound came from the compartment with the students playing
Blaster Caps. Hermione smiled, and explained. `I put a charm on the caps. Once someone plays one,
instead of exploding, it would cover them all with Feterworm Slime. It's not dangerous, but
smells terrible. That will teach them for trying to play it more.' She smiled wider, and
continued up the train, proud at her victory.

As they moved into the next car, Harry remembered what Professor McGonagall said about asking the
secret keeper. He knew he had to tell Ron about his dream, but asking Hermione needed to be done
before the train got to Kings Cross. As they came closer to Harry's compartment, he decided it
would be best to ask her inside.

`Hermione? Can I talk to you for a moment?' he asked quietly, as he opened the door to the
compartment, and waited for her response. She took one last look up the aisle, nodded, and entered
the compartment. Harry followed through, closed the door, and performed the locking charms like
before, and the Silencing Spell. He sat down in the same seat, and noticed Hermione sat down in the
same place as Professor McGonagall.

`What's going on Harry?' she asked shakily. She looked a little worried, but it could be
expected. Most of the events of the past weeks put people at ill-ease. Harry noticed most people
had worried expressions on their faces these days.

`I talked to Professor McGonagall, and we agreed I would go to Grimmauld Place after my
birthday.' She nodded, and he continued.

`She told me that the Fidelius Charm needs to be recast on the house, and it's being done after
I get off the train today. Professor Flitwick is going to do it, along with me and my secret
keeper.' Harry took a deep breath, and plunged forward. `And . . . and I want you to be my
secret keeper for Grimmauld Place' he finished, looking for her reaction.

Hermione seemed shocked at the question, and shifted in her seat. Harry imagined this is how he
looked to Professor McGonagall earlier. Hermione recovered herself quickly, and looked at
Harry.

`Are you sure Harry? I mean, it would be fascinating to learn how the charm works. I've read
about them, but are you sure you want me to be your secret keeper? Wouldn't you want someone
older, or more experienced?' she said. She looked more concerned now than before he talked, but
was keeping her eyes on Harry.

`I talked it over with McGonagall. She said I need someone smart and clever, who can learn how the
charm is done, and is someone who knows me and I trust. You're the top in our year, and I know
you're very clever,` she blushed and looked at the floor for a second, but then looked
back.

`I knew you would enjoy learning a new charm, and would be good at doing it, since you're
really good at charms work. Finally, you know me better than almost anyone else, and I trust
you' affirmed Harry. He looked at her for a reaction, and was surprised to see she was on the
verge of crying. Harry wondered if he had said something wrong, and moved to the edge of his seat
to apologize. He was shown otherwise when Hermione, in one rather quick motion, moved across the
compartment, and gave Harry an immense hug.

Harry sat wondering if that was a yes, but decided to return the hug in the mean time, hoping she
would say something. She retreated back to her seat, and wiped her eyes.

`Oh Harry, of course I'll be your secret keeper! I'm so glad you trust me with such a
thing. I just wanted to make sure you were sure. I promise I won't let you down!' she
expressed joyfully, giving a small sniff. She leaned over again, this time Harry knowing what to
do, and they shared another hug. They separated, and she smiled back to Harry.

`So when and where is Professor Flitwick meeting us?' she asked, while she wiped her eyes
again.

Harry just realized he forgot open the envelope that Professor McGonagall handed to him. He took it
out of his pocket, opened it, and took out a piece of parchment.

The handwriting was small, and scrolled, however Harry could read it clearly.

*From Kings Cross, go west on Euston Road to Argyle Street.
Go south on Argyle Street to Number 35.
The Princess Hotel, Room 21
Meet me at 3:17pm with your secret keeper. We will Apperate to Grimmauld from there.

Don't forget to have a question to make sure I'm me.

Professor Flitwick*

He handed the letter to Hermione, who read it over. She looked up at Harry, and handed back the
letter.

`What will I tell my parents? And how are you going to get away from your Aunt and Uncle? I
can't imagine they'll like that they have to wait for you.' She looked concerned, more
so for Harry than herself. Harry felt the same way. Being able to get away from his aunt and uncle
would be a difficult feat. Harry could tell she was thinking hard, noticing that she was biting her
lower lip, something he had never really noticed before.

`We could tell them we need to get something for a summer project. I can tell my parents that I
need to go with you, because . . . because we're doing the project together. I'm sure they
will understand, but . . . I don't think that will work for your Aunt and Uncle' she said
fretfully.

Harry had to tell his Uncle to take his things home, but not him. He knew if he told them it was
for school, they would not let him go. He had to think of something that his Uncle would force him
to let Harry go. To allow him no choice but to let him go, or make the alternative worse … then in
dawned on him.

`I can tell them Hagrid's coming to see me at Privet Drive, unless I see him now by myself.
They're terrified of him' he said with a smile. He was sure this would result in Uncle
Vernon saying he could go, since Hagrid would draw too much attention from the neighbors, due to
his immense size. Plus, last time the Dursley's saw Hagrid, he had put a tail on Dudley. The
impact from that still scared the Dursley's, and Harry knew they would not be looking for a
repeat of it.

`That sounds like it will make sense' she agreed, with a returning smile. `What question will
we ask Professor Flitwick? We need a question only he will know the answer too.' She stared out
the window now, and Harry glanced at the floor.

Harry didn't know Professor Flitwick that well, only as a Professor. He was trying to think of
something, when Hermione suddenly opened her eyes wide, and looked at Harry beamily.

`I know a question! We talked about something yesterday that only he would know about. I can ask
him about that. It should be enough' she said, looking gratified that she thought of a question
to ask. Harry nodded, still not knowing a question to ask, and Hermione gave a quick glance to her
watch.

`OK. Well, I'll go back on my rounds. I'll meet you on the platform after we get in,'
she said, as she stood up, and was looking to go.

`No, we can't' stated Harry. He remembered Professor McGonagall telling him to keep things
secret, and meeting up with Hermione on the platform and leaving King's Cross with her would be
too obvious. Hermione turned around, and looked at Harry curiously.

`You can't tell anyone where you're going, or who with, OK? Not even Ron. I'll meet you
outside the station. We have to say goodbye to each other and everything so no one suspects
anything, alright?' said Harry. He hoped she would understand the secrecy needed, and was
confirmed by a nod from her. She made her way towards the exit, but stopped before the door, and
turned back to Harry.

`By the way, why were you looking for Ron?' she inquired.

`It's nothing. If you see him, can you tell him I just wanted to talk to him quickly?' She
nodded, then unlocked the charms, opened the door, and left. Harry looked at his watch, and noticed
it was 2:33pm. The train was less than 30 min away from London.

He looked down, and realized he had not changed yet. He knew he should, since Platform 9 3/4 was
approaching soon, however he felt security knowing he was still wearing his Hogwarts robes. He now
understood that changing into muggle clothes this time would be different. Times before, he
discarded his robes much like rapping paper on Christmas morning. This time however, he felt he was
taking off a part of his being.

He was so used to wearing his black school robes, that the thought of never wearing them again made
him feel an emptiness in his chest. Much to his dismay, he went ahead, and solemnly changed into
muggle clothes, carefully folding up his robes into his trunk, and placing them so they would not
get wrinkled. Once this was done, he took the small bit of time left to think out how he would tell
Uncle Vernon about going to supposedly see Hagrid, and before he knew it, the train was pulling
into Platform 9 3/4.

He was upset that he had not seen Ron before the train reached London, but Hermione had said the
prefects had to stay on rotations. He still wanted to tell Ron about the dream as quickly as
possible, but he was now on a time constraint. He looked again at his watch, and it showed 2:58pm.
He had less than twenty minutes to get to the Princess Hotel. He quickly picked up his trunk the
empty cage, moved along the busy and congested aisle, and off the train.

Once he got on the platform, he saw Hedwig glide towards him. She perched herself on his shoulder,
and gave a pleasant hoot. He put his trunk down, opened her cage, and she moved onto the perch
inside. Harry then picked up his trunk, put it and Hedwig's cage on a trolley, and moved
towards the barrier back to the muggle world.

He ended up going through with Dean Thomas, a fellow Gryffindor in the same year. Harry took one
last look at Platform 9 3/4, and the Hogwarts Express, and stepped through the barrier.

Once on the other side, Harry saw Mrs. Weasley giving her daughter Ginny a hug. Mr. Weasley was
also there, and so was Ron's brother Charlie. Mr. Weasley was wearing a straw hat, a plaid
working shirt with a tie, and ragged overalls that made him looked like a farmer. Charlie was a
little more believable, wearing a simple blue t-shirt and brown cargo pants. He gave Harry a
handshake, as did Mr. Weasley. Mrs. Weasley gave Harry a hug much like the one for Ginny, and a few
moments later, final let go. Ginny continued looking at Harry, a slightly dejected expression on
her face.

`Are you alright dear? Keep in touch with us every week, alright. I talked to Professor McGonagall
at . . . the funeral. Did she talk to you on the train?' she asked hurriedly. She looked rather
worried, and seemed to be thinner than usual in Harry's eyes.

`Yeah, we talked about it. It's all settled' replied Harry. He put a final sounding note to
the sentence, since he noticed the clock the station wall was now reading 3:05pm. He had less that
fifteen minutes to meet Professor Flitwick. He looked over at the gateway to the Platform, and saw
Ron and Hermione approaching. Harry said goodbye to the Weasley's, giving a short wave to
Ginny, and turned quickly towards his best friends.

Ron had also grown over the past year. He was taller than Harry, and had the Weasley trade mark
fire-red hair. He was lanky, skinny, and had many freckles, in true Weasley style. He looked tired
at the moment, and seemed to be dragging his trunk and cage, which housed a very excited and fast
moving blur, which was his owl Pigwigeon. Harry approached them quickly, and stopped their approach
to Ron's family.

`I don't have a lot of time. I have to get going quickly. I'll owl you both later today
when I get home to let you know what's going on, alright?' He tried not to sound rushed,
but Ron knew better. He gave Harry a quizzical look, but nodded none the less. He then looked
around, as if trying to find someone.

`Where's your guard? You'd think after what happened, half the Order would be here'
said Ron, looking back at Harry in wonderment. Harry knew no Order members were there, and if they
were, they would be disguised. He imagined that Professor McGonagall told them to leave Harry
alone, so he could do the Fidelius Charm as quietly as possible.

Harry gave Ron a good quick handshake, and Hermione gave Harry a hug. Ron looked away quickly while
they hugged, and headed towards his family. Harry backed away from the hug, and whispered in
Hermione's ear. `We have to be quick. We have less than fifteen minutes to get to the Princess
Hotel.'

Hermione looked up at Harry, nodded, and started off towards her parents. She turned around, and
waved at Harry. `I'll be waiting for your owl, OK Harry?' Harry nodded, and started off
towards the end of the station, passing by the Weasley's.

`I'll talk to you later Harry!' Ron shouted, as Harry walked towards his Uncle, who was
standing next to the door at the far end of the station. Harry turned, smiled, and continued on.
Ron seemed to be asking his parents why Harry was so quick to leave, but Harry was glad to hear
Mrs. Weasley telling him it was Harry's business.

As Harry approached his Uncle, who seemed his usual grumpy self, Harry noticed he looked to be in a
hurry, tapping his hand on the wall next to him. Harry stopped in front of him, and quickly went
over what he had to say about Hagrid. Uncle Vernon, however, thought Harry was wasting time.

`What do you think you are doing! Get this rubbish into the car. Quickly!' he said, somewhat
pushing Harry out of the station, and towards the car. He saw his horse-faced aunt, Petunia,
sitting in the front seat. Dudley, his ever expanding cousin however, was not in the back. Harry
thought for a moment that maybe the car was too small for him, but decided not to push his luck by
asking. He put his trunk and Hedwig in the back, and closed the door, not entering the car himself.
His Uncle looked up at him, as he was just entering the car, and looked annoyed.

`What are you doing boy! Get in this car, now!' he ranted, looking more enraged by the second.
Harry was getting frustrated, considering he had not even said a word, but felt it was time to tell
his story about Hagrid, and get away to meet Professor Flitwick. He moved over to his Uncle's
side of the car, and crouched down next to the driver side window. His uncle's face seemed to
be going a bright shade of magenta, and was not looking pleased.

`I need to go and see someone. You remember Hagrid, the man who got me for my first year. He wanted
me to come and see him, just down on Argyle Street. He said I could either go there now and meet
him, or he would come later to Privet Drive.' Harry waited a second to let this sink in with
his uncle, and continued. `I figured it would be best if I went and saw him now by myself, so he
doesn't get mad again like last time. You don't have to bring me over there, I can walk. I
just need you to take my things back home. I can get home myself. I'll be back by
tonight.'

Uncle Vernon seemed to be absorbing all the information, and gave a weird look to the dashboard of
his car. His Aunt was looked outraged that Harry had asked such a thing, however Harry knew his
Uncle would not like the idea of Hagrid coming to Privet Drive, after the incident 6 years
ago.

Vernon closed his eyes, and screwed up his face, obviously trying to think of a way out of the
situation. Harry tried hard not to smile, knowing that his Uncle would not be able to find his way
out of it. At last, Uncle Vernon looked up from the dash, opened his eyes, and looked forward. He
had a look of defeat on his face, which caused Harry to work even harder to suppress his
grin.

`You can go and see that beast of a man, Hagrid is it? Know that if he comes even near Privet
Drive,' he was now looking at Harry, wagging a big sausage like finger at him, `I will have him
locked up in a prison, and you along with him for a long time. Got it!'

He looked livid, knowing Harry was getting what he wanted, but that was Harry's plan in the
first place. He gave his uncle a nod, and hurried away from the car before they could take back
anything. Harry wore a big grin on his face knowing he had only been with his Uncle for five
minutes, and already won a battle.

Harry went back to the doors of the station, and looked around for Hermione. He glanced down the
side, and saw her sitting on a bench close to the end of the station wearing simple dark blue pants
and a red shirt. She was holding a small handbag, and was sitting looking at the traffic on the
nearby street. Harry approached, looking back to see his Aunt and Uncle leaving from the station.
His Aunt seemed to be going red in frustration, and Harry could tell she was complaining very
loudly to Vernon about how Harry had gotten off. Harry kept smiling.

`Ready to get going?' he asked Hermione. She turned around, only now noticing Harry was there.
She stood up quickly, nodded.

`What are you so happy about?' she asked. Harry told her about his uncle, and they shared a
good laugh.

`What are the directions again?' She looked around the street, making sure no one they knew
could see them. Harry pulled out the letter, and read it again.

They started walking towards the nearest corner store to ask for directions. They found they had to
go West on Euston Road, which ran in front of King's Cross, then south on Argyle Street to get
to the Princess Hotel. Harry continually checked his watch as they walked, rather quickly. Hermione
kept quiet during the time, seeing that Harry was too concerned with being late for Professor
Flitwick. As Harry's watch passed 3:14pm, they found the entrance to the Hotel.

It was a white building, with an iron rod fence, nestled in a row of house-like dwellings. They
entered through the gate in the fence, and made their way towards the door quickly. A white sign
above the doorway read “The Princess Hotel,” with a silver tiara underneath the title. They reached
the large white door, and entered.

They found an old man at the front counter. He had very little grey hair, and large spectacles,
pushed too close to his eyes. The inside of the building was coloured tan yellow, and seemed to be
old, but nice none the less. The front counter the old man was sitting behind was black, with an
old black marble countertop. They asked the man were room 21 was, but he seemed to have a hearing
problem. Harry had to almost yell at the man to get a response.

`No need to yell, I can hear yeh' the man said gruffly. He took the sheet he was writing on,
and shuffled it into a paper tray. He took off his glasses, showing small, beady brown eyes, and
looked up at Harry and Hermione. He took a few seconds to size up them up, and Harry noticed his
eyes wondered on his scar.

`Room 21 . . . yes, down the hall, last door on the right' he said, pointing down the hallway
next to the office. They said thank you, and headed down the red carpeted hall quickly. Harry
looked at his watch again, Hermione leaning over to see as well. It showed it was 3:16pm. When they
reached the room, marked by a brass 21, Harry gave the door a knock.

`Who is there' came a small voice from inside. Harry looked at Hermione, and answered
back.

`It's me, Harry.' He didn't want to give his last name, incase the person on the other
side was working for Voldemort. Only after thinking this did he realize that it would not matter if
he said his last name, since they all knew how he looked anyways. The small voice inside began to
talk again.

`I have a question for you. What was my obstacle for the Philosopher's Stone?' the small
voice asked. Harry had to stop Hermione from answering, because he knew he would have to answer it.
He thought about it hard. He remembered the night he, Ron, and Hermione went after the Stone.
Fluffy was Hagrid's obstacle, the Mirror was Dumbledore's, the potions were Snape's,
the chess set was McGonagall's, the Devil's Snare was Sprout's, so the flying keys had
to be Flitwick's.

`Your obstacle involved flying keys in a large room. The door into the next chamber was locked, and
the only way of opening it was the catch the old silver coloured key that fit the lock. You
provided brooms for people to fly and catch it' said Harry.

He wanted to make sure he was accurate enough for Flitwick. He hoped it was enough, and was
starting to worry when the small voice was not heard for a few seconds. Then, after what Harry felt
was an eternity, the voice came back.

`That is correct Mr. Potter. The key that fit the lock was silver coloured, and brooms were put in
the room to help catch it. Do you have a question for me?' The voice still sounded small,
however it had a more positive light to it. Harry turned to Hermione, and she came close to his
ear, and whispered her question.

`Ask what spell he told me about the night of Dumbledore's funeral.' She leaned away, gave
Harry a smile, and looked back at the door. Harry cleared his throat, and asked the question,
making sure to switch the “me” in the question to Hermione. The voice was again silent for a
moment, then responded.

`Yes . . . yes, I remember. She was asking about a charm that could slow down a person or object,
in order to either escape or react easier. The charm is called the Momentum Charm. Its incantation
is Arresto Momentum. She tried it out on some pincushions that I threw up in the air in my office,
and seemed to grasp it quite quickly. She is very gifted in charms.' The voice finished, and
Harry looked at Hermione for whether that was the right answer. She smiled, and nodded, showing
Professor Flitwick had answered the question properly, and both waited to see what happened
next.

Harry heard the door unlock, and open slowly. Professor Flitwick move around the doorway, and
beckoned them in.

`Oh, so you have chosen Miss Granger! Very good! I'm sure she will be a great secret
keeper' he squeaked. He was looking from Harry, to Hermione. Hermione blushed not unlike how
she did on the train, and looked around the room. Harry noticed there were 2 bags on the ground
next to the bed in the room. They were both open, with clothes hanging out of them. The clothes
were obviously too big for Professor Flitwick, and he explained.

`This is not my room. Someone of my size and attire would attract too many questions. I simply
Apparated here, and waited for you. Glad to see you were exactly on time. Now' he said, moving
over between Harry and Hermione, who now were looking at Professor Flitwick as he moved.

`We should leave here as soon as possible, to perform the charm. It takes several minutes to
perform, but once it is done, you must both go to your homes with haste. No need to waste time
these days.' He reached up, and grabbed Harry and Hermione's wrists with surprising
strength.

`We will be Apparating to Grimmauld Place. Members of the Order are ready to come if we need them.
Just send up red sparks, and at least ten of them will be there in an instant. I will be guiding
you both to Grimmauld' he finished. He looked from Harry to Hermione, but Hermione looked
confused.

`But Professor, I can Apparate myself.' Professor Flitwick quickly put up his hand to reply to
her.

`Yes yes, I know Miss Granger, however this is a very serious matter we are embarking upon. It is
imperative that we stay together. I know you can Apparate yourself, however I am taking no chances,
as I am sure Mr. Potter wants as well' he said, looking at Harry for reassurance. Before Harry
could say anything however, Hermione looked down at Professor Flitwick, and responded.

`I'm sorry Professor. You're right, it's best not to take chances. We'll stick
together.' She lowered he arm, and Professor Flitwick grabbed hold of her wrist. He looked up
at the both of them again.

`OK, focus now. Grimmauld Place, the front lawn, in front of the doorway.' He held on tightly
to Harry's wrist. Harry was surprised how tough a grip Flitwick had, but continued to focus on
the front lawn of Grimmauld Place. `On the count of 3' Flitwick said.

`One . . . two . . . three!'

Harry felt the expected funneling of Apparating. The blackness was wiping by him very quickly. A
queasy feeling in his stomach began as he continued to be squeezed on all sides. He could feel
Professor Flitwick next to him, moving quite calmly compared to how he was.

Just as his queasy stomach felt it was about to upturn, his feet hit solid ground, and he fell over
onto the parched grass. He looked up, and found Hermione had also fallen over, and Professor
Flitwick was looking around them. Harry looked, and saw that they had reached Grimmauld
Place.

`Sorry about that you two. I'm not too bad side Apparating with one person, but two I'm
still working on. Not to worry, we've reached our destination' said Professor Flitwick,
motioning towards the spot where Grimmaul would be.

Harry got up, helping Hermione in the process, and they looked at the area around them. The street
looked very deserted, with the same old and ill-kept buildings. The weather in this part of London
was different, and more overcast than at King's Cross. As he turned to where Grimmauld Place
was, he saw it was not there. This was normal for the building, since it was unplottable. He,
Hermione, and Professor Flitwick moved farther into the lawn, and the door magically
appeared.

`It will still appear for us, since we already knew the secret. In order to recast the Fidelius
Charm, the house must be temporarily made plotable. There is no need to worry' as he saw a look
of foreboding on Harry's face, `the house will remain safe for the brief time it is plotable. I
need you, Mr. Potter, to stand on the right side of me.'

Harry moved to Professor's Flitwick's right side. Flitwick smiled, and turned to Hermione.
`Now, Miss Granger, you go on my left side,' and she moved. Professor Flitwick swished his
wand, and Twelve Grimmauld Place appeared in front of them.

`Now, Mr. Potter, you need a number for the house. You cannot use Number Twelve again, however
might I suggest a fractional number, much like Platform 9 3/4. Do not make the fraction too large
though, otherwise the house might be too far to the right.' Harry felt Flitwick sounded like
one of those businessmen that came to the door at Privet Drive. Harry's uncle always called
those types of people “timewasters and beggars”.

`How about Twelve and One Third, easy enough to remember, right?' He looked at Hermione for
reassurance, and both she and the Professor nodded. He looked at the house, and moved
forward.

`All right, we have to rename the house before the Fidelius Charm can be done. You must be the one
to do it though Mr. Potter. You must first un-name the house, using the incantation
`Inrenomenos,' followed by the old name of the house. Then, to rename it, use `Nomenos,'
followed by the new name. Understood?' asked Flitwick. Harry nodded, repeating the incantation
over and over again in his head, and moved towards the house, raising his wand.

`Inrenomenos, Twelve Grimmauld Place' he said nervously. His wand spewed an orange mist, which
circled the house, and returned to his wand. He looked at Professor Flitwick to see if that should
happen, and was pleased to see him nodding, and giving Harry notice to continue.

`Nomenos, Twelve and One Third Grimmauld Place!' he said, this time with more vigor. Another
orange mist came out of Harry's wand, circled the house, and returned to his wand. He stepped
back from the house, and turned to Hermione and Professor Flitwick, who were pleased with his
completion of the charm.

`Well done Mr. Potter. Now we are ready to perform the Fidelius Charm, but first, I must tell you
what to say. I will ask what is being put into trust, and you must answer Number Twelve and One
Third Grimmauld Place. I will ask who puts this in trust, and you will answer `I, Harry Potter,
owner of Twelve and One Third Grimmauld Place'. I will ask you who you put this trust with, and
you will reply with Miss Granger's name. Understand?' to which Harry nodded.

`Excellent, now Miss Granger, I will then ask if you will accept this secret in trust, and you will
agree. You must both then hold hands above our wands, and Mr. Potter will say: I trust you with
this secret, you and no other. Miss Granger, you will reply: I shall keep this secret in your
trust. And it will be completed.' He looked at each of them, and they nodded, although Harry
felt a little hesitant, trying to remember all the lines he had to say. The look on Hermione's
face made him think she felt the same. Flitwick seemed not to notice.

`Alright Mr. Potter, Miss Granger. I will begin the charm. Focus on the house, and the importance
of its secrecy. Just answer the questions as I say them. Now, you both must take out your wands,
and point them towards mine.' He took out his wand, and pointed it at the house. Harry and
Hermione both took out their wands, and pointed them at the tip of Professor Flitwick's.
Flitwick took a deep breath, and with his squeaky voice, announced the incantation
confidently.

`Carpio Occulto Fidelius!'

From Professor Flitwick's wand, and bright white glow came, connected to Harry and
Hermione's wands, then surrounded Grimmauld Place in a white haze. Once the entire house was
surrounded, Professor Flitwick smiled at Harry and Hermione, and continued on.

`What is being put into trust?' Flitwick asked calmly, looking at Harry. He responded loudly,
making sure to pronounce each word as fluently as possible.

`Number Twelve and One Third Grimmauld Place.' He looked at the haze around the house, and
noticed it turned a dark grey, like fog. Professor Flitwick carried on.

`Who is putting this in trust?'

Harry replied, again looking at the house. `I, Harry Potter, owner of Number Twelve and One Third
Grimmauld Place.' The haze now turned a lighter shade of grey, close now to the colour clouds
are, as it continued to swirl around the house, quicker after each question.

`To whom do you put this trust with?' Flitwick asked. Harry cleared his throat again, and
responded.

`I put my trust with Hermione Granger.' At this, the grey haze turned to bright silver.
Harry's part of the charm was almost over, now it was Hermione's turn. Harry now noticed
that his wand, and the others as well, were vibrating quite a bit. Not nearly as much as in his 4th
year, when his wand and Voldemort's connected, but still a little. Professor Flitwick now
turned to Hermione.

`To whom accepts this trust?' Harry looked at Hermione, who drawed herself up to full height,
and answered.

`I, Hermione Granger, accept this trust.' The haze now turned bright cyan, and started to swarm
around the three of them, and the house. Professor Flitwick was smiling, motioned them to put their
hands over the wands. Harry slowly put his left hand over the wands, as did Hermione.

They locked hands, and the cyan haze around them condensed to form a single, long string of intense
blue, which Professor Flitwick wrapped part of around their enclosed hands. The strand felt cool on
Harry's hand, closing in tight to his skin, binding his hand with Hermione's. Harry cleared
his throat slightly, again making sure his words where clear.

`I trust you with this secret, you and no other.' Flitwick wound another blue strand around
their hands again, and Hermione responded.

`I shall keep this secret in your trust.' One more strand was wrapped around. The three strands
stayed momentarily, then turned blinding white, and dissolved into their skin quickly, as the haze
around the house evaporated.

Professor Flitwick slowly lowered his wand, and fell over stiff as a board. Harry and Hermione
stood, hands still locked, looking at each other. They quickly unlocked their hands, and rushed to
help Professor Flitwick up. He opened his eyes, and sat up slowly.

`Hello Miss Granger, Mr. Potter. Where am I?' Flitwick asked, sounding groggy. He looked from
Harry to Hermione, with a very confused look.

`You are on Grimmauld Road Professor' Hermione answered. He looked up the street, and his
expression turned to one of understanding. He stood up, and walked towards where Grimmauld Place
stood.

`Strange' he said, walking to the left and the right, `Number Twelve isn't here anymore, I
cannot see the house. Do you know what's happened? What are we doing here?' He looked very
confused now, almost worried. Hermione was the first to speak.

`Professor, what's the last thing you remember?' she asked. Flitwick looked upwards, which
Harry understood as the Professor thinking hard. He started to pace to and fro across the lawn,
then came to a halt about five feet in front of Harry and Hermione.

`The last thing I remember, is coming here with you two. We Apperated, but I can not remember why
we came here. Do you know? There isn't anything wrong with the Order, is there?' He still
looked to them for answers, and seemed desperate to understand the situation. This time, Harry was
the first to speak.

`We came here, because we needed to give you something.' Professor Flitwick was not the only
one giving Harry an odd look. Harry went ahead, and took out a piece of parchment out of his
pocket, and gave it to Hermione. She seemed to suddenly understand what Harry meant, and took out a
small travel quill from her pocket, and wrote a quick sentence. She then folded the parchment, and
gave it to Harry.

*The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix is located at Twelve and One Third Grimmauld
Place.*

Harry nodded his head, and gave the paper to Professor Flitwick. He looked at the parchment, and
his eye's opened wide when he finished reading for the second time. Hermione quickly asked for
the parchment back, and continued to burned it with her wand. Professor Flitwick now turned, and
looked at Grimmauld Place again.

`No wonder I couldn't find it. You two must have renamed and replotted it. Very well done, both
of you!' He turned back to the house, and waited at the door, Harry and Hermione
following.

When they reached the door, both Hermione and Professor Flitwick looked at Harry expectedly, but
Harry did not know what for. Hermione seemed to know what he was thinking, and answered his unasked
question.

`Harry, you have to open the locks. You're the owner now. Only people you say are allowed to
open the locks can.' She pointed to the locks on the door that had no key holes. Harry took it
that he needed to open the locks with his wand, so he went ahead, and moved his wand to the locks.
They gave a few clicks and snaps, and the door opened. They entered the empty house, and closed the
door behind them, making sure to stay quiet as to not wake up Sirius' Mother.

They all proceeded to the kitchen, and sat down. The kitchen was still relatively clean, however
dust had settled on every surface. Harry wiped off the dust on the nearest chair, and sat down.
Hermione, seeing how only one window existed in the room, making it quite dark even during daytime,
lit the candle on the table, and sat down opposite Harry. She gave a quick look to Flitwick, who
was checking around the sink, and checked her watch.

`You know Harry, we can't be long. How do you plan on telling the other members of the
Order?' she asked. Professor Flitwick was getting a glass of water. It seemed the memory charm
that was cast on him caused him to feel rather thirsty.

Harry put no thought of how could he tell the other members of the Order. Going around to each one
of them would take time, and the chances of being seen would be high. The best way would probably
be to tell them all at once. So were could they hold a meeting, where Hermione and Harry could
attend, and it be big enough to hold a fair number of the Order?

`We could tell everyone at The Burrow. Order members know where it is. I just don't know when
or how you and I will get there.' He looked to Hermione for help. She seemed to be thinking as
well, again biting her bottom lip in the process.

`Well, how about at the wedding?' she said, looking over at Professor Flitwick who was draining
his second glass of water. Harry thought about it, and it made sense, since a lot of Order members
would be there anyways. It would be easy to slip a note to someone, as a lot of people would be
there, and it would be hard to notice.

Since Hermione would be the secret keeper, she would just go around, and tell the members. Harry
wondered if this was too late though, considering it was over two weeks away, and asked Professor
Flitwick what he thought.

`Well, I think it would be ok to wait a couple of weeks. The Order is meeting in different places
at the moment anyways, to throw off Death Eaters. It sounds like telling Order members at the
wedding makes the most sense.' He drained his cup, and placed it in the sink, and turned back
to Hermione and Harry.

`Well, I think we should be going now. I'll bring you back to your homes. Come, let's
go' he said, and started towards the door. Hermione put out the small candle on the table, and
followed behind Harry, with Professor Flitwick in the lead. He opened the door, and held it open
for Harry and Hermione. When Flitwick closed the door, it vanished into the ground, and he turned
back to the two students.

`I believe we shall bring Miss Granger home first. Since you know the way' he looked at her,
`you will guide me and Mr. Potter.' He motioned them to grab hold of each other's wrists,
and they did. `On the count of three. One . . . two . . . three!' and with a crack, the three
of them left Twelve and One Third Grimmauld Place.

**Spell / Name meanings -**
**Feterworm** - L. feteo: to have a bad odor / stink, worm: worm (Feterworm = stink worm)
**Arresto Momentum** - Is from the PA movie (Dumbledore uses it)
**Nomenos** - L. nomen: name
**Inrenomenos** - L. in: not/never, re: again, nomenos: name (Inrenomenos = never name
again)
**Carpio** - L. carpo: to hold on to
**Occulto** - L. occulte: in secret
**Fidelius** - L. fidelis: faithful, true, loyal
(Carpio Occulto Fidelius = To hold on to, in secret, faitfully)

-->



3. A Wedding Like No Other
--------------------------



**A/N - With this chapter, I will warn you, it goes against PORTKEY.ORG shipping. It has R/Hr
in it, but that's only to make this story believable with H/Hr. To have H/Hr believable, I
think you have to work through the R/Hr. There won't be any real big scenes between R/Hr
except** **one** **in this chapter. Just a warning, in case I get angry reviews (the story
will turn H/Hr, trust me!)**

CHAPTER THREE

**A Wedding Like No Other**


On Avalon Lane, in the little town of Crewkerne, Somerset, a rather pleasant sized house stood.
Lights were on in the dining room, and the kitchen, where the owners of this house were finishing
their dinner.

In a secluded part of town, the brick house was very clean, with a course emerald lawn, maroon
shingled roof, and a broad beech tree in the front yard. An attractive navy blue blue car stood in
the drive, with a bumper sticker reading `Got Teeth? Thank your Dentist!'

The weather here was warm, with a light breeze swaying the beech tree slightly, as the sun began
its slow crawl towards the horizon to end the day, painting the sky scarlet, gold, and many shades
in between. The backyard of this house, enclosed by a nice wooden fence, was large and spacious.
Two birch trees stood there, one hanging a swing from its lowest branch. The outdoor lights were
off, and no one inside the house had noticed that three people had just appeared out of
nowhere.

Hermione walked to the backdoor of her house, and tapped on the window. A tall chestnut haired man
appeared at the window, smiled cheerfully at Hermione, and opened the door. Harry knew it was
Hermione's dad, however at the moment, he was admiring their backyard.

This is a backyard he wished for on Privet Drive. It seemed Hermione's house was a little
outside whatever town it was in, and had the space to spare. The lawn, the smell in the air telling
Harry it was recently cut, was a calm and quiet ocean of green. The house, which was larger than
Privet Drive by a bedroom or two, Harry also admired. He looked at the deck in the back, then
realized after in his oggling of his surroundings, he was standing alone. Hermione invited
Professor Flitwick in already, and was looking at Harry, edging closer to him, keeping the door
open.

`Aren't you coming in Harry? My parents wanted to say hello' she said. Harry moved onto the
deck, and entered the house, Hermione following.

The inside of the house was just as beautiful as the outside. The door entered into the kitchen,
which had all wood cabinets, with brass handles, and was very clean. He knew Aunt Petunia would
approve, since she almost religiously kept her house clean, especially the kitchen. Harry moved
forward into the dining room, past a nice maple wood table with matching chairs, and into the
sitting room.

Here, Harry found Professor Flitwick sitting, his legs hanging off the edges of a nice leather
chair, talking to Hermione's parents. Harry had seen them at Kings Cross before, however never
really met them. Hermione's father was tall, with chestnut hair, hazel eyes, and nicely white
teeth. He wore thin rimmed glasses, and seemed very relaxed with his cup of tea, while sitting on a
couch next to Mrs. Granger. He was talking to the Professor about how Hermione was doing, while
Mrs. Granger listened.

Hermione looked very much like her mother. She was shorter than Hermione, but had the same brown,
slightly frizzled, but curly hair, and brown eyes. She was listening to Professor Flitwick talk
about Hermione doing excellent in charms, when she looked up and smiled at Harry.

`Hello Harry. Please, come and sit down.' She motioned to a nice armchair near the fireplace,
which stood dormant and the moment, and Harry sat down. Professor Flitwick continued to talk with
Mr. Granger, and Hermione had sat down next to her mother on the couch.

The sitting room was also very amiable to Harry. A painting above the fireplace was of the coast,
with a lighthouse shining its light on the ocean. There was a nice wooden table in the middle of
the room, where 5 cups and a teapot sat. Hermione must have told her parents that she was coming
back later with Harry and Professor Flitwick. Hermione poured some tea for the three of them, while
her mother talked to Harry.

`I can't believe we haven't talked to you before. Hermione has told us a lot about you. She
sent us a note about what happened with Professor Dumbledore. How are you coping? Thank you
dear.' She took the cup of tea that Hermione was offering, and sat back to take a sip, watching
Harry. Harry took his, thanking Hermione, and took a sip.

He could tell Hermione was not too pleased with her mother asking the question, giving Harry a
sorrowful expression. Hermione looked to change the subject, but Harry gave a slight shake of his
head he was sure only she noticed. He felt he needed to be able to speak about this, and not try to
forget it happened. He didn't want to run away from this issue, but face it. He finished his
sip, and only after putting the cup back down, realized that Professor Flitwick and Mr. Granger had
finished their conversation, and were now looking, along with Hermione and Mrs. Granger, at him. He
wished he did not put his cup down.

`I'm doing OK.' He found his mouth had become dry, his mind blank, and the ability to speak
was lost abruptly. He realized it *was* too soon to talk about this, and looked at Hermione
while reaching for his cup of tea again, hoping she would see his wantingness to now change the
subject. She turned quickly to Professor Flitwick, and broke the silence, to the relief of
Harry.

`What do you think will happen to Hogwarts Professor?' she asked. She glanced back at Harry,
giving a small smile, and looked to Professor Flitwick.

`Well, the teachers are unsure at the moment. We must wait for the decision of the governors'
he replied, as he took another sip of his tea, and put down his empty cup.

`Well, thank you very much Brian, and to you Amelia. Mr. Potter and I must be off. I hope to be
seeing you again.' Mr. Granger stood up, as did Professor Flitwick, sliding off the chair
slightly. He shook Mr. Granger's hand, and did the same to Mrs. Granger. Hermione waved
good-bye, and Professor Flitwick motioned Harry back to the backyard.

Harry stood up, with Mrs. Granger and Hermione standing as well, and made his way to the back door.
The Granger's followed him to the back, and he turned back at the doorway. `Thank you for the
tea Mr. and Mrs. Granger' said Harry pleasantly. Hermione smiled at him, and looked to her
parents.

`You're welcome Harry. I'm sure we will be seeing each other again' Mrs. Granger said,
giving Harry a nice light handshake.

`Take care Harry' came from Mr. Granger, as Harry shared a handshake with him as well. He
walked through the doorway onto the deck, and heard the door close behind him. He was not alone on
the deck however, for when he turned to see the Grangers in the window of the door, Hermione was
standing there, turning around from the closed door. Once she saw the look of confusion on
Harry's face, she slouched her shoulders and tilted her head slightly.

`I'm just coming to say goodbye' she put simly. She came to Harry's side, and they
walked towards the underneath of the nearest tree, where Professor Flitwick was waiting.

`Just take care of yourself, alright Harry? If there's any problems, owl someone, OK?' she
said timidly. She was trying to look calm, but Harry knew her well enough to see she was concerned,
much like on the train. They stopped a few metres from Professor Flitwick, so they were out of
earshot.

`Don't worry Hermione. The protection should be alright until my birthday. I'm more worried
about you. If there's any problems, don't try and fight OK? Get your parents, and Apperate
as quickly as possible, OK?' he said. Hermione looked to her house again, stopping on the
kitchen light, and nodded.

`I admit,' she said, `I am concerned about my parents, but Professor McGonagall talked to me on
the train about some things. It should be alright, but don't worry Harry, I'll be careful.
I'll owl you in a few days, alright?' she reassured quietly. Harry agreed, and they slowly
embraced each other in their third hug of the day.

Harry found he liked this hug more than the others. The first one that day was surprising and felt
odd. The second was better because he knew it was coming, but it was brief. This hug however, held
more feeling to him. He never realized how Hermione made him feel more at ease when they hugged. He
could feel her warmth sweep over him, and it filled him with a sense of peace and happiness. Taking
a deep breath, he inhaled a warm scent of honeysuckle from her hair, causing him to feel even more
peaceful and content.

He felt more than alright to stay there, hugging Hermione in her backyard, however he knew he had
to return to Privet Drive. Grudgingly, he let go, and was surprised to feel that Hermione was still
holding on. He moved his arms to try and show that he needed to go, but she did not budge, and in
fact, held on tighter.

`Be careful Harry, please' he heard from his shoulder, were a large amount of brown hair hid
Hermione's face. Harry could tell she was crying. He felt, much like Hermione no doubt did,
that this parting was hard. It reminded him of the last time he saw Sirius, with the same feeling
of foreboding and unknowingness. Harry gave another tight squeeze to Hermione, and gently pried her
arms off, and looked at her face determinately. When he did, he found she had tears flowing down
her cheeks, and her eyes were slightly puffy.

`I'll be fine, and you will be too, alright? Everything will be fine' affirmed Harry. He
hoped it was enough for Hermione at the time, and was glad to see her nodding in agreement. Harry
was as worried and scared of what was to come, but he understood she was looking for reassurance.
Harry knew if he sounded confident in his words, she would feel better. He of course would have
talked to her about it more, however Professor Flitwick was waiting, and not about to do so for a
while.

Hermione leaned over, and gave Harry a kiss on his cheek. He felt himself blush slightly, and
smiled back at Hermione, noticing she too had flushed cheeks, and turned towards Professor
Flitwick. When he reached the underneath of the tree, Harry turned back to see Hermione standing on
the deck, waving goodbye. Professor Flitwick grabbed his wrist calmly, and looked up.

`OK Mr. Potter, now you will guide me. Have you done this before?' Harry did not need reminding
of this, since it was with Dumbledore he had done this last, so he decided to simply nod.

`Very well, on the count of three,' Harry waved back up to Hermione, and she went to the door.
She waited in the doorway, still looking at the two of them.

`One' Harry thought hard of the backyard at Privet Drive. `Two' Harry thought harder,
seeing the backyard in his mind. `Three!' And with a twist of his body, he heard the usual
crack, and felt the usual siphoning feeling of Apparating, Professor Flitwick bumping into him
along the way.

Hermione continued to look at the spot under the tree, arms folding in front of herself, and only
responded a few seconds later after her mother called for her. She wiped her eyes quickly intended
not to show she cried, turned, and closed the door behind her.

*

Harry's two weeks at Privet Drive proved to be very different than his usual summers. Most
times, he would be stuck in his room, or roaming around the neighborhood, with the usual odd
comments from the other residents. This time, he found himself purposely spending a lot of time in
his room, and the backyard.

For the first few days, Harry was very depressed. The loss of Dumbledore shocked him, and until
now, he spent little time to reflect on it. The quick break up with Ginny did not help lift the
weight on his heart. He knew he did it for the best, however he liked what they had, even for the
short amount of time it existed. More than a few times he wished he could be back in the Gryffindor
common room with Ginny, sitting in front of the fire. If he had the real choice, he wouldn't
have given it up.

Now that he was alone, he found himself sleeping almost lethargically, waking up, and simply lying
in bed staring at the ceiling, his mind blank and dreary. He would get up eventually, but only out
of necessity. The reality of never seeing Dumbledore, or having more of those wonderful times with
Ginny came to brunt in his solidarity. The feeling of loneliness was overwhelming, and his mind
didn't even try to feel better. He felt like he deserved this, as if things were too good
before, and now he was paying the price.

After the fourth day, his room in a state of total disorder, he finally decided to focus his
feelings towards something positive. By this time, he started feeling depressed about being
depressed. He felt that if he did something constructive, it would help him get past this feeling
of emptiness, and get his mind off of Dumbledore's death and Ginny. So, he looked around his
room, and tried to find a task to consume his time, and make him overcome his misery.

He decided to read up on defense spells and theory. He had more than enough books to read, and
learning new spells would be helpful for the future. At first, he felt like he was imitating
Hermione, constantly reading in the library. He found he felt better after the first few days,
having a purpose to get up when he woke. It also helped that both Hermione and Ron owled him,
encouraging him to feel better. He did not tell them about what he had been doing, and it made him
feel better that they knew how he felt, without even telling them.

He read in his room, as well as outside, in the backyard, trying to clear his mind and relax while
reading. He did not go out on the street unless he had too, because he knew he would be vulnerable.
He kept his mind on the Horcruxes as well, but spent his time learning extra spells and jinxes,
finding some very interesting and practical.

He kept constant contact with Hermione, Ron, and the Order, which also helped him keep his mind
busy. They agreed to go with Harry after school was done, but found it was safer to stay at their
separate homes for the time being.

Harry went through large amounts of parchment, and more than enough quills keeping contact with
everyone. Hedwig did not mind the first few days, however closer to the end of the two weeks, she
was starting to get noticeably tired of the constant traveling. Ron used Pigwidgeon a lot, and
Hermione was allowed to use a very polite Barn owl from Hogwarts named Capella, to lighten the load
on Hedwig.

Harry also continued to receive copies of the Daily Prophet, to keep notes on any attacks or
killings. It was becoming normal for murders and people to go missing these days. Harry was only
glad to see that none of the people so far were people he knew. Harry's uncle did not like the
constant owls.

His Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia had been oddly silent when Harry arrived home, and went into
their usual ignoring of Harry. They seemed not to mind Harry's seclusion during the first few
days. Dudley, who Harry found out was late coming home from school because of a boxing competition
in which he came in second (`That's my boy!' yelled Vernon when Dudley came in the house
with his trophy). Dudley had become bulkier, if it was possible, but as always, he was still
terrified of Harry.

At the end of supper on his fifth day home, Uncle Vernon turned his chair to Harry as he was
finishing his food, which consisted of mixed vegetables and very little meat, and gave him his
usual grumpy look.

`Is it true what that old bloke, what was his name, Alpus? Anyways, is it true you are leaving on
your birthday?' He tried to pass the question off casually, yet he never asked casual
questions, so Harry knew better. He could picture his Uncle drawing up plans for his room once
Harry was gone, going along the walls with a measuring tape with a large smile on his face, Petunia
in the background dancing with excitement. It angered Harry a little that he called his former
headmaster “that old bloke”, but he knew he had to work on his control on his anger, and
answered.

`Yeah, it's true. I'll be leaving on July 30th. I'm going to a wedding before hand
though, in about 1 1/2 weeks' said Harry. He had not mentioned the wedding to any of them
before now. His Aunt looked at him for a second, then continued with her supper. Uncle Vernon on
the other hand laughed, and took a ldeep drink of his water.

`A wedding? Do your kind do that?' he chuckled. Harry could feel himself getting angry. He
noticed his right hand had started shaking, so he put down his fork, and placed his hand on his
lap, hoping to calm himself down. The way his uncle always thought of wizards as a different
species sometimes made Harry wish to jinx him back to the previous week. He closed his eyes, took a
deep breath, and surprisingly found himself reminded of the night he hugged Hermione. He found his
anger fade away with the pleasant reminder of the memory, and replied.

`Yes, we do that. My friend Ron's brother is getting married, and I was invited. I'll be
gone for 2 days' he explained straightforwardly. He wanted to press the fact that he was going,
because whether they said yes or no, he was be going anyway. He never attended a wizard's
wedding, or even a muggle wedding, and wondered what it was like. Plus, after the talk with
Hermione, he had to make sure the Order members found out the new address for Grimmauld.

He pushed his chair back, put his plate in the sink, and returned to his room, where he left
Advanced Practical Defense Magic, and continued reading on ways of countering Petrificus Totalus
with non-verbal magic.

*

After going over many defence books, and writing down all the information about Tom Riddle and
Horcruxes that Dumbledore showed him during the school year, the day of the wedding finally came.
During the weeks, he never experienced a full night's sleep. Nightmares littered the nights,
full of the deaths of Cedric, Sirius, and Dumbledore, horcrux-like objects floating just out of
reach in perpetual darkness, and empty, ancient looking stone rooms.

Harry found himself eagerly awaiting the day, and merrily woke up early. He gazed out his window to
see a beautifully clear summer day, and noticed Hedwig sitting on the windowsill, an envelope in
her beak. Harry walked over, pat her on the head, and took the letter. She gave an affectionate nip
to his thumb, and went onto her perch in her cage. Harry opened the letter, and found it was from
Ron and Hermione. He guessed she had gone to The Burrow already.

*Dear Harry,

Me, Hermione, and my Dad are coming to get you today at 9am. The wedding isn't until 6pm, but
my Mum wants to make sure everything is ready ahead of time. She's off her knut about this
wedding, but Dad said it's a mum thing. Don't forget to have your dress robes ready. See
you later.

Ron and Hermione*

Harry looked over to his trunk, and laying on top were his dress robes. They were clean, but not
even close to pressed. He tried the night before to press them, though he gave up after making more
creases than before he started. He figured it could be done by magic, but Mrs. Weasley was the one
good at house charms.

He read the clock next to his bed, and noticed it was 8:37am. He got up, had his shower, and
dressed in regular clothes. He headed downstairs, with his dress robes and some extra clothes in
his bag, and his wand in his pocket. He made a final check to make sure he had everything, and sat
down at the kitchen table waiting anxiously. His Uncle, Aunt, and Dudley were still sleeping, since
it was Saturday. They usually got up at 9am, so he was pleased to notice he would not see
them.

He looked at the clock above the stove, and saw it was 8:58am. They would be here in 2 minutes.
Harry figured they would be Apparating that morning. He hoped they wouldn't take Floo Powder,
because of the incident that happened last time, involving four Weasley's completely destroying
the sitting room, and causing Dudley's tongue to lengthen by about four feet. Just as he smiled
remembering Fred and George's laughter afterwards, there was a loud crack in the backyard.
Harry stood up, and moved to the window above the sink.

In the backyard, Mr. Weasley, Ron, and Hermione suddenly appeared, and walked towards the house.
Hermione knocked on the back door, and Harry remembered to ask them questions to make sure they
were who they looked like.

`Harry? Are you in there? We're here to get you for the wedding.' Mr. Weasley was
half-yelling at the closed door, reminding Harry of Colin Creevey on the Hogwarts Express. Harry
went to the window at the door, and looked through. The three on the other side smiled back, and
pointed at the door to open it.

`I have to ask you the questions.' He had made it clear in his letters from the day before that
he would ask each of them one question that only they would know. Mr. Weasley was first, followed
by Ron, and then Hermione.

`Mr. Weasley, what did you warn me about in on Platform 9 3/4 in my third year?' Harry
remembered the rather rushed conversation; Mr. Weasley told Harry not to go looking for Sirius, who
at the time he didn't know was his godfather. Mr. Weasley squinted slightly, and moved closer
to the window.

`I told you not to go looking for Sirius. Right lot it helped, you looked anyways!' he replied.
He smiled, and moved over for Ron to have his question.

`OK Ron, what did you see in the Mirror of Erised?' He remembered this, because it was the
first time he saw his parents, although they were not really there. Ron turned rather red, looked
behind him, moved close to the window, and spoke quietly, hoping his dad and Hermione would not
hear.

`I saw myself as Head Boy, and Quidditch Captain. I had the Quidditch Cup, and the House Cup'
he mumbled. He moved back, and smiled to Harry. Harry smiled back, knowing this was the correct
answer, and now Hermione moved forward.

`Alright Hermione, why did Cho get mad at me on Valentine's Day in Hogsmede during fifth
year?' He remembered this day, because Hermione arranged Rita Skeeter to write about the night
Voldemort came back. He remembered he talked to Hermione about Cho that day.

`Because you're tactless. To be specific, it was because you said you were coming to see me,
which made her upset' she stated matter of factly, looking up, and smiling at Harry. Harry
unlocked the door, and the three of them entered the kitchen.

`All set Harry?' Mr. Weasley asked, looking at his watch, then around the room, no doubt
admiring the objects.

`We can't take too much time. Molly will have my head if I'm not back quickly.' He
turned, and suddenly became transfixed on Aunt Petunia's new blender sitting on the
counter.

`oo!' he said, moving towards it. `This is one of those blunders, right Harry?!' he guessed
excitedly. Harry knew all too well of Mr. Weasley's fascination with muggle objects. He also
knew that they had to get going before waking his aunt and uncle.

`It's a blender Mr. Weasley, but we should get going' said Harry quickly. Mr. Weasley
quickly snapped back to the present, muttered `right, right, right', and made his way back into
the backyard, motioning the rest to join him. Harry picked up his bag, and closed the door behind
him, locking it along the way. The four of them moved to the far side of the yard, and turned
towards each other.

`Alright Harry, we're Apparating back to The Burrow. Just think of the yard in front of the
house. I hope Molly hasn't put the tent up yet, otherwise we might get a little tangled. OK,
grab hold of each other, very good. Now, on the count of three.' He looked at Harry, Ron, and
Hermione, who all nodded at the same time.

`One,' Harry noticed Ron had closed his eyes, and was screwing up his face in deep thought.
Harry smiled, and looked over to Hermione, who was also suppressing her laughter. `Two,' Harry
thought hard of The Burrow, seeing the front lawn in front of the garden. `Three!' With a quick
turn, and with Ron and Hermione bumping into him, he felt the usual siphoning of Apparating. After
only a few seconds, his feet hit hard Earth, and he looked up at the house, which seemed to be held
up by magic.

`Arthur! Arthur, are you back! We need some help with the tables here!' The shout, who Harry
knew came from Mrs. Weasley, originated from a white tent set up next to the house. Mr. Weasley
gave a sigh, waved bye to the three of them, and headed off towards the tent. Ron, Hermione, and
Harry then made their way towards the front door, but where suddenly stopped by a fiery-red haired
girl.

`I wouldn't go in there if I was you,' she said darkly, looking up at the three of them,
her eyes stopping on Harry. Harry looked at her, and controlled his wantingness to hug and kiss her
like he did in the Gryffindor common room only a few months ago.

`Why? We were only gone for a few minutes?' asked Ron, looking thoroughly confused at his
sister Ginny. Ginny smiled at Hary, and looked at Ron.

`The chef's arrived from France, and they are horribly bossy. Can't get a glass of pumpkin
juice without having a meat cleaver being thrown at you' she quipped. Harry looked at the
kitchen window, and noticed mountains of steam, and what looked like smoke, billowing out of the
open windows. Ron seemed agitated with this predicament.

`Well, we need to get inside anyways, before Mom asks us to help with stuff again. Com'on.'
He motioned Harry and Hermione to follow his lead, and he moved to the door. Hermione followed Ron
past Ginny, yet Harry found himself still standing in front of Ginny.

'Coming mate?' asked Ron. Hermione rolled her eyes, and turned to Ron for a moment, before
turning back to Ginny and Harry.

'We'll meet you upstairs, OK Harry?' she stated. Harry was glad she understood, and
nodded. Ron gave Hermione a perplexed look as she shoved him through the doorway. Ginny turned back
and faced Harry. Harry felt very torn, between running away and snogging her right there and
then.

'How are you Harry?' she asked, as she moved towards him, and gave a hug. Harry returned
the hug, and squeezed tightly. He had wanted a hug for a while, and this seemed to do nicely. When
they separated, Ginny moved and gave him a kiss. Harry quickly backed up, making Ginny's
expression change from joyful to confused.

'Harry, I know you want to keep me safe, but isn't it my choice?' she asked, sounding
slightly aggressive. Harry felt this was coming. When he first returned to Privet Drive,
there's nothing he would have wanted more than Ginny to be there with him. Now, after realizing
the tasks ahead of him, he knew Ginny would be at even more danger than he originally
thought.

'Ginny, you can't. It's-'

'Too dangerous? Harry, I can take the risk if I want to! I can take care of myself!' she
stormed. Harry didn't feel like arguing, however he could see Ginny didn't want to go
without one.

'No you can't Ginny. It's just like I told you at the funeral. If Voldemort-'

'I thought you just needed some space for a while, I didn't know you meant permanently! And
what do you mean I can't take care of myself? I can too!'

'No you can't Ginny' Harry put gently. By Ginny's reaction, he didn't put it
gently enough.

'What, you think just because I'm a year younger that I can't fight! Do you think
I'm poor defenseless Ginny?!' Harry couldn't see how she was getting this.

'Gin, that's-'

'You know what Harry, forget about it! I thought you wouldn't be like that, but I guess I
was wrong!' she fumed, turning away and running towards the white tent Mr. Weasley walked into
a few minutes ago. Harry watched her go, wishing this was another dream, however realized it sadly
wasn't, and slowly made his way into the kitchen. When he opened the door, he could hear a
group of men talking very quick French.

Harry walked inside, and found four rather chubby chefs, all in white robes and white chef's
hats, doing various cooking at the counters. It seemed to Harry that they had conjured up a few
extra chopping tables, as well as two extra stove-like areas to cook on. They seemed not to notice
that he entered into the room, and Harry quickly moved to the stairs, and bound up towards
Ron's room. Once there, Harry opened the door to find Ron and Hermione looking out the window,
looking back at Harry with sadened faces. They must have observed the scene between himself and
Ginny. He put his bag down, and found the room in total disarray.

'Are you OK Harry?' Hermione asked. She moved off the windowsill, and looked to sit on
Ron's bed. She gave it a migled look of disgust, and placed herself on the small amount of
space that was clear of clothes.

'I'm OK. I didn't think she'd do that though' he admited. Ron gave a sigh, and
layed down on his bed, disregarding the clothes underneith him.

'Girls, Harry. Sometimes I think it's best not to try and understand what they do' he
said with a touch of wisdom that Harry never thought Ron had. Hermione looked back at Harry, who
was still standing in the doorway.

'Harry, I'm sure Ginny's just trying to cope with not being with you. Your reasons are
sound, but to Ginny it doesn't matter. Don't worry, she'll get over it' Hermione
reassured, giving Harry a comforting smile. Harry gave a small smile back, still not feeling good
about the events that just transpired.

Harry moved towards the window, and looked out on the garden. He saw Charlie Weasley helping his
father with placing chairs on a clear grass strip near the side of the house, with trees branching
over. Harry guessed the wedding was happening outside. Looking out the window reminded him now of
his dream he had a few weeks ago. He remembered seeing the long wooden log which ended up being
Nagini. He still had to tell Ron about it, since he had not managed it yet, but felt now was not
the time.

`Who's all coming today?' he asked Ron, after turning away from the window, and sitting
down on the windowsill. He wanted to get on a different subject than Ginny. After all, this was a
wedding he was going to. He should be happy.

Ron was rummaging through a dresser, evidently looking for something. Harry saw that the inside of
the dresser was in more cluttered than the room. Ron gave a sigh, stopped his pointless search, and
sat down on the side of the bed opposite from Hermione.

`There's loads of people coming, too many dad says. Lots from the Ministry, some of my
brother's friends, and a lot of people from France. Not too sure how many, but there's
enough to say a lot' said Ron cheerlessly. He did not seem too happy about it.

`Like I told you, mum's been raving about everything. Getting us all to help out with things
that don't matter and such.' Hermione turned, and gave him a disappointed look.

`Well, it's important to your mum. Bill's the first one of her kids to get married. She
wants to make sure it's perfect' she emphasized. Harry looked back out the window, and saw
that Mr. Weasley and Charlie finished putting up the chairs. Ron was right, there was a large guest
list, at least two hundred.

`Yeah, well, when I get married, I definitely don't want anything like this. It's all too
much' grumbled Ron, taking a pair of rolled up socks off his bed, and throwing them into the
bottom drawer of the dresser. Hermione turned all the way around this time, and faced Ron.

`So what would you like then? Just to institute the spell, and that's it?' she asked hotly.
Harry didn't know what she meant exactly. He knew in muggle ceremonies, the husband and wife
exchanged rings.

`Well, yeah, basically. None of this preparation or anything. Don't see a point really'
said Ron. Hermione disappointed look continued as she glanced around the room. A few moments of odd
silence passed, with each of them looking around Ron's very messy room.

`What do you mean by “institute the spell”?' asked Harry, finally breaking the stillness.

`Well, wizard weddings are somewhat like muggle weddings' said Hermione. `They have a best man
and bridesmaid, and all the other people. The vows are done the same, except they have the
properties of a spell. When the bride and groom say their vows, it completes the spell, and acts on
the two of them. It's kinda like binding love in a way. It's old magic.' Harry was
interested to see how the spell looked.

`Well, we should get downstairs before mum starts getting mad again' muttered Ron. He got up,
as did Hermione, and the three of them went downstairs, and out into the yard. Harry was glad to
see that Ginny wasn't around. He did not want a a repeat confrontation.

The three spent most of the afternoon helping outside with the decorations. Harry wanted to do
magic, to make the task easier, however decided not too since he was underage. Hermione noticed,
and clarified something for Harry when she asked why he wasn't using magic.

`Harry, you do know you can do magic here?' she asked. Harry knew he could do magic, it was the
fact that he would get in trouble for doing it. He told this to Hermione, and she shook her
head.

`No, you won't get in trouble. Remember Dobby, when you got in trouble before second year? The
Ministry can only detect that magic is being done, but not necessarily by who. They only knew it
was you, because you are the only wizard that lives on Privet Drive. Out here though,' she
pointed to The Burrow, `almost everyone can do magic, so they can't tell the difference between
you doing magic, and say, Mr. Weasley' she said beamily.

Harry had not though about it, but it made sense. He thanked Hermione immensely, and tried a
Wingardium Leviosa charm on a fairy light, hanging it nicely on a tree branch. He finished, and was
delighted to see no owls telling him he had broken the law, and would be banned from Hogwarts. He
smiled at Ron and Hermione, and they continued on.

Ron's brothers Fred and George arrived just after lunch, carrying a suspicious looking package.
When Ron asked what it was, Fred gave a small smirk, and the twins hid it in their old room. Harry
imagined it was a wedding gift, however knowing Fred and George, he knew to stand back when Bill
and Fleur open it. He hoped it was not anything too explosive, literally.

Once the decorations were up, it was late in the day, and was time to change into robes. Harry was
surprised that so many decorations had been put up in the one day, and was again, thoroughly happy
that Hermione told him about using magic, since the job would have taken hours longer without it.
He was also greatful that he had not run into Ginny the rest of the day. He looked around before
going back inside, and took in the sight.

At least a hundred fairy lights hung from various trees that reached above the chairs, lighting the
canopy with a soft amber glow. The aisle was bordered by white trilliums, which lead to a small
white stage at the front of the chairs. There was still sunlight in the sky, coloured a pallid
blue, but when the reception took place, the fairies would be the only light.

He and Ron walked up to Ron's room together. Hermione left earlier to meet up with Ginny to
change, which caused Ron to grumble since they were just in the middle of cleaning the tables, and
he and Harry had to finish themselves. Harry got into the room, and found a new set of pressed
dress robes, which were black like his Hogwarts ones, with a black vest. Ron told him that his mum
must have gone ahead and bought him new robes, since his other set as a little too small now. Once
dressed, he saw Ron also received new robes, which were black with a silver vest.

`Mum had a separate vault with money saved up for things like a wedding, so she got me new robes
too. Not too bad, don't you think?' he said, straightening his tie in the mirror. He turned
to look at his back quickly, smiled up at Harry, and the two nicely dressed gentlement headed
downstairs.

The kitchen was no longer full with fast French speaking chefs, or quick moving chopping blades,
and the table was full of platters and plates of food. Some of it Harry knew was Mrs. Weasley's
cooking, though the bulk of it looked foreign. Ron made to try an interesting looking blue-iced
pastry, when one of the chefs, with dough and chocolate stains on his white apron, came over from
the sitting room yelling `noh-noh-noh!' giving Ron's hands a hard smack with a wooden
spoon. They both quickly moved out the door before the chef could continue, and found themselves in
the midst of a large crowd.

At least a hundred people now stood outside The Burrow, talking amongst each other. All the men
wore black dress robes, and white shirts, while the women, were clothed in robes and dresses of
every colour.

As Harry and Ron moved through the crowd, from the conversations Harry overheard, many were from
the Ministry of Magic. Harry wondered if Ron was going anywhere specifically, but found out when he
almost ran over Hermione, stopping abruptly and bumping into her side. She looked over
disgruntally, and smiled once she realized it was Harry.

`Sorry' apologized Harry She was wearing a pale silver dress that glittered slightly in the
dying sunlight. Harry found it hung off her very well, and was surprised to see that she had quite
a nice figure. Wearing Hogwarts robes all the time seemed to hide her form well. Harry couldn't
help but stare at her for a moment, then snapping out of his daze, and looked to Ginny, who
immediately turned and made her way towards Bill and a few other of the Weasley's. She was
wearing the same colour dress as Hermione, and Harry thought it was weird that they wore the same
dress and either didn't notice or care about it.

`It's alright Harry. I'm surprised you guys could find us, there's so many people here.
Don't worry about Ginny. She's still a bit upset, but it takes a bit of time' said
Hermione. She gave Harry a smile, then started to look around, evidently trying to find someone.
Harry was going to ask who she was looking for, but she answered it just as he opened his mouth. `I
wonder were Fleur is? Her family hasn't shown yet.'

Harry neglected to notice this until now. He figured he would not have seen Fleur, since she would
be getting ready, yet none of the other members of the Delacour family were here, remembering how
they look from fourth year. The lack of French he heard as he and Ron moved through the crowd also
wondered him.

`Dad said they're showing up around 5:45. Said it's a tradition, at least in France, for
the bride's family to show up right before' Ron put simply. He was looking around as well,
Harry noticing he stopped on Hermione more than a few times.

The three of them made their way to the side of the white tent, still set up next to the house,
where Fred, George, Ginny, Charlie, and Bill where talking. Bill looked very nervous, wearing the
same black robes as the rest of them, except his vest was gold coloured. The scaring on his face
still remained, but was less noticeable compared to the night it happened, when he was fighting
Death Eaters at Hogwarts.

`Hey Harry, happy to see you. Thanks for coming' he expressed gladly, giving Harry a handshake.
Harry turned towards the crowd, noticing Mr. Weasley, wearing black dress robes with a silver vest,
had just finished a conversation with some ministry-looking people, and was heading towards the
group. Mrs. Weasley, wearing a light purple dress, was close behind.

`The Delacour's should be here any moment. How about we get everyone seated' he said,
gesturing towards the crowd. Bill nervously nodded his head, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley moved towards
the crowd, clapping their hands and announcing to the guests to sit at the chairs. Harry looked to
the others, so he could sit with them, but they did not move. He asked Hermione and Ron why they
weren't going to get good seats.

`Well, we're in the wedding party. Me, Fred, George, Ginny, and Charlie. We asked Percy, but
the git he didn't send anything back' said Ron. Harry expected Ron to be in the wedding
party, and turned to Hermione.

`She's in the wedding party too mate' explained Ron, motioning to Hermione. Harry now
understood why she and Ginny wore the same dress, and vaguely recalled Fleur talking about having
the bridesmaids in silver dresses a few weeks ago at Hogwarts.

Harry grasped why Ginny would be in the wedding party, since she's Ron's family, but
Hermione did not have any family attachments to Bill or Fleur. He decided for the time, not to ask
why she was in the party, and with a deep breath, trying not to look too upset at his predicament,
he smiled at Hermione and Ron, both of whom seemed sorry for Harry's situation. Harry turned
and moved into the crowd, walking at a more than leisurely pace, and took a seat by himself.

He had not figured earlier in the day that he would be watching the wedding by himself. He spent
more than enough time by himself in his room already, and was looking forward to being with his
friends. The idea of being surrounded by people and still being alone did not look to keep the day
in a good mood, considering so far it wasn't exactly spectacular.

He decided to sit near the back, hoping, on the off chance, no one would notice him, and accept
that he would be by himself. Just as he took his seat, a large amount of pops came from the side of
house, and at least eighty people moved from where the pops came. The Delacours had arrived.

The men wore dark blue robes, with silver vests, while the women, much like the English ones, wore
robes and dresses of every colour. Harry could still easily distinguish the French from English,
with most of the French holding their heads high, and looking somewhat snobbish. The bulk of these
new guests made their way into chairs, while Harry saw Mr. and Mrs. Delacour, who looked much more
warming than some of the other French guests, greeting the Weasley's and Hermione.

Harry looked to the front, and saw a very old wizard in completely white robes move on to the stage
unhurried. Harry knew a minister conducted muggle weddings, and figured this old man was the
equivalent.

As the guests took their seats, he was surprised by a nudge on his shoulder. When he looked,
figuring someone needed to get by, he was surprised to see his old Defense Against the Dark Arts
teacher, Remus Lupin.

`Hello Professor!' exclaimed Harry happily, standing up and shaking his hand enthusiastically.
Lupin looked tired, with bags under his eyes. His face was white, and hair turning ever greyer. He
wore dark grey dress robes, instead of his usual grey and tattered robes. Harry found it made him
look younger than is usual self, even with his tired look.

`Harry, how many times must I tell you, I have not taught you in three years now. Please, call me
Remus' replied Lupin, who took the seat next to Harry, and took a quick glance to the stage at
the front.

`Why are you sitting so far from the front?' he asked. Harry told him about the wedding party,
hoping he did not sound self-centered or selfish. He was glad to see Lupin smile, and look back up
towards the stage.

`Well, I do understand what it means sometimes to be the one left out. Don't let it get to you
Harry, just enjoy the night. Oh, I think it's starting' he said, turning around to look at
the beginning of the aisle.

The sky, by now, turned slightly purple. Large amounts of blue was left in the sky, but it was now
surrendering itself to the sunset. Harry turned to see, like everyone else, who was coming down the
white bordered aisle, just as he fairies started to dance and light up.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, closely followed by Mr. and Mrs. Delacour, walked up the aisle slowly. Harry
saw both Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Delacour crying slightly along the way. When they reached the front,
the men shook hands, and the women shared a hug, still crying. Once they sat down on opposite sides
of the aisle, everyone again turned their eyes towards the back, where Charlie was escorting a
lovely woman, wearing the same pale silver dress as Hermione and Ginny. Harry found the woman
seemed to almost float along the way up the aisle.

Next, was Fred with a petite girl, whom Harry knew to be Fleur's sister Gabrielle. After them,
came George, who was escorting Ginny. George kept speeding up and slowing down along the way, until
Ginny gave him a somewhat concealed kick to the shin, after which George moved at normal pace.
Lastly was Ron, who escorted Hermione. Ron seemed very nervous, and almost tripped twice along the
way. Hermione continued to smile as they reached the front. Bill next came up the aisle.

He looked nervous before, when Harry shook his hand, and it seemed walking up the aisle alone did
not help him much. The expression on Bill's face looked much like what Harry would expect from
a man squaring off against a dragon with no wand. Bill kept his eyes determinately forward, and
made it to the front, where Harry noticed he gave a somewhat obscured sigh of relief. Now only
Fleur was left.

Everyone, in both the audience and wedding party, craned their necks for the last time towards the
back. Fleur was standing on the threshold of the aisle, beaming at the faces of her guests. She
appeared to be radiating beauty from where she stood. She was wearing a pure white gown, and had
her hair put up in innumerable twists, which seemed to twinkle gold in the dying sunlight and fairy
light. She was crowned with a beautiful gold hewn tiara. Harry heard an elderly witch behind him
say `Oh, she looks lovely.' Fleur took a breath, and made her way slowly up the aisle.

Harry now wished he found a chair closer to the stage. The man in white robes was talking, however
Harry could not completely hear. Harry tried straining his ears, though being in the third last
row, he 0would have done better with a set of extendable ears. He hoped the man would have done a
Sonorus Spell, so everyone could hear, but Harry understood that Bill and Fleur would probably not
like someone that loud in front of them. He asked Lupin about what was going on, and was happy to
find out that Lupin had been to a few wizard's weddings before.

`Well, I went to your parents wedding. I was your father's second, after Sirius of course'
he said with a smile. `OK, now they are going ahead with a reading from The Athimus. It's an
old magic book on marriages. I do hope they haven't picked a long passage. I went to one
wedding, the passage took over 4 hours to say. Most people were asleep by time the vows came'
said Lupin. Harry hoped the passage was not that long either, and was glad to see it lasted about
ten minutes. Once this was done, he saw Bill and Fleur turn to each other, and Bill started
talking.

`Now Bill's saying his vows. He read them to Arthur before hand to make sure they were
good' explained Lupin. Harry saw Mrs. Weasley in the front row dabbing her eyes with a
handkerchief from Mr. Weasley. Ron was standing next to his brothers, who were all next to Bill.
Ron was looking around at the guests, and after ten seconds of scanning, moved back to observing
Bill.

Bill finished his vows, and now Fleur started hers. The guests were very quiet during the ceremony.
Harry heard a few sniffs of people crying around him, but otherwise it was completely calm. The sky
above was slowly subduing to the night. The fairies in their cages still floated around, their glow
becoming more and more evident. Once Fleur finished her vows, she and Bill faced the white robed
man.

`Who is that man in the white up there?' Harry asked.

`He's a Cleric. Something like the muggle ones, except with magic. Clerics are quite weird in
their own right. Not a lot of people become them, but they get their work out for sure. His name is
Alcrux. He married Ron's parents, so I can understand why he's doing Bill and Fleur's
wedding' said Lupin.

Alcrux was now pointing his wand above Bill and Fleur's head. A white smoke appeared above the
both of them, and hovered. Acrux motioned them towards each other, and they kissed. As they met
each other, the smoke spiraled around them, and slowly decayed in the air. When it finally
dissolved, and the two separated, and the audience started clapping and cheering joyfully. Harry
understood that the marriage was complete, and clapped as well.

Bill and Fleur turned, and walked back down the aisle beaming, Fleur crying joyful tears. The rest
of the wedding party moved back down the aisle, and the rest of the guests stood up, and moved to
the sides, Harry following Lupin to the side. The guests were now moving towards the back, where
the wedding party stood. Many of the people were greeting the newlyweds. Harry and Lupin moved in
line, and congratulated Bill and Fleur.

`Tank you `Arry' expressed Fleur, with a kiss to his cheek, which seemed to become hot
afterwards. As they moved down, Harry came to Ron and Hermione. Lupin said goodbye, and went to
talk to Mr. Weasley and another member of the Order of the Phoenix, Mad Eye Moody. Harry waved to
Mad Eye, and received a nod. As Harry turned back, he saw Ron was still holding Hermione's arm,
while she talked to Fleur's sister Gabrielle.

`Oh, there you are. Where were you sitting? I was looking around for you, but couldn't find
you' asked Hermione.

`I was farther to the back. I sat with Lupin. You guys looked good' said Harry. Ron laughed and
Hermione looked away for a second.

`Yeah right. You saw, I almost tripped twice. Looked ridiculous' said Ron miserably, looking
thoroughly downcast all of a sudden.

`Well, I didn't notice. Looked very good walking up. You did too' affirmed Harry to
Gabrielle, who smiled.

`Tank you `Arry. Eef you can excoose moi, I must be go-ing' she said, waving as she left
towards her sister, who was now hugging one of her relatives. Ron in the mean time gave an
exceedingly sarcastic laugh, louder than before.

`Didn't notice? Yeah right. I'll be inside' he grumbled, as he let go of Hermione's
arm, and walked towards the house, head hanging low.

`What's got into him?' asked Harry sharply, as Ron walked into the house. Hermione gave a
sigh, and looked back to Harry.

`He's just upset about this whole wedding thing. He's not upset at Bill and Fleur, it's
just . . . well, he's just upset about his lack of experience' she said. Harry didn't
understand what she meant by `lack of experience', and gave her a quizzical look.

`Basically because he hasn't had a lot of experience with girls. He has this notion in his head
that he's never going to find someone. He's been moping like that for a while' said
Hermione. Harry figured he should go and talk some sense into him, but Hermione told him not to at
the moment. `Just let him settle for a little bit, then go up and talk. Maybe in ten minutes or
so.'

Harry decided to follow her advice, and walked around the crowd, while she decided to go and help
Mrs. Weasley with the food in the kitchen. Most people now sat down at tables, placed where the
chairs stood only moments before, getting ready for the wedding feast. A long head table, not
unlike the professor's table at Hogwarts, was placed at the front were the stage was, where
Harry figured Bill and Fleur would sit with their family.

As Harry walked around, he ran into some familiar faces. Several members of the Order where at the
wedding, including Tonks, who's hair was its usual bright pink, and Kingsley Shacklebolt. After
roughly five minutes of walking, he decided to go and see how Ron was doing, with the notion of
telling him the feast was about to start.

He walked through the kitchen, with Mrs. Weasley telling him to be quick, because the food would be
served soon. He asked where Hermione had gone, and was told she went to see how Ron was doing.
Harry wondered why she asked him to wait the extra time, but started up the stairs anyways.

He could here the laughter and talking from outside flood through the windows of the rooms as he
walked upwards. When he got near Ron's room, he slowed, not wanting to barge in on Ron and
Hermione's conversation. When he reached the doorway, he was surprised to hear no voices. He
turned around the doorway, and felt like he had been hit by a Stunning Spell.

Ron was standing in front of the window, and between him and the window stood Hermione. They were
locked together, kissing. Harry turned away quickly, and looked back down the crooked
stairway.

Harry knew Ron liked Hermione, but was not prepared to see them kissing in such a fashion. He
gathered his thoughts quickly, and decided to slowly go back down three or four stairs, trying hard
not to make a sound. He then turned, and stomped hard up the rest of the stairs going up to
Ron's room, hoping it would cause the two of them to disentangle from each other. When he
turned in the doorway for the second time, he was glad to see Ron had moved to sitting on the bed,
with Hermione sitting on the windowsill.

`Hi Harry. Um . . . Ron and I were talking, and he's doing better now, right Ron? Ron!?'
Hermione yelled to Ron, who seemed slightly dazed. He looked up at Hermione with a large, and what
looked like permanent smile, and nodded.

`Yeah . . . yeah, I'm doing great now! Is it time to eat?' he said, looking over to Harry.
Harry nodded yes, and continued to look at the two them.

`Yeah, I was coming to get you' Harry said, looking from Ron to Hermione. Ron nodded, and stood
up. Hermione avoided Harry's glance, and moved from the windowsill. She put her hand to
Ron's arm, and looked at her feet.

`Harry, can I talk to Ron for a moment?' She looked up at Harry for a second, then looked
quickly back to her feet. Harry nodded again, turned, and went back down the stairs.

As he went, he found he could not keep a smile appearing on his face. He knew Ron liked Hermione
for years, and now he finally showed it. As he descended the stairwell, he suddenly thought about
how it would be with them going out. Would they always want to go by themselves places? How would
he fit into it all?

*Don't worry about that now. Be happy for Ron and Hermione.*

Harry felt slightly conflicted, wondering how this would change their friendship. Would he be a
third wheel now? It made him feel worst, knowing that he finished with Ginny to protect her. He
couldn't get involved with someone, and Ron and Hermione could. He wished, like many times
before, the prophecy would have never been made, and he could have a normal life.

As he entered the kitchen, he decided to try and forget it for the time. *You are at a wedding,
you're supposed to be having fun* he continued telling himself. He entered the wedding area
again, and placed a fake smile on his face, noticing the sun had set.

The sky was black, with small specks of light shining from stars. The crescent moon hung close to
the horizon, making it look larger than normal. The fairy lights were now bright, and flooding the
table area with a golden glow. As he made his way through the tables, planning on looking for
Lupin, Mrs. Weasley beckoned him to the head table, where all the Weasley's except Ron where
sitting on Bill's right side. Fleur's family was sitting on her left side.

`Harry, you are sitting here with us. You're family' she said brightly, smiling up at him.
He smiled back, somewhat forgetting his troubles from the stairwell, and sat down next to Fred
close to the end. As he sat down, Mrs. Weasley looked down the table.

`Harry, where's Ron and Hermione?' she asked. Harry did not have to answer though, as Ron
and Hermione came out the door, and took their places at the end of the table. Hermione sat next to
Harry, and Ron next to her with Ginny at the end. Harry was glad in a few ways that Hermione and
Ron sat between himself and Ginny. It seemed Bill had been waiting for them to make his speech. He
stood up, the wedding guests becoming politely quiet.

`I would like to thank you all for coming tonight. Me and Fleur are very honoured to have you here
with us for this wonderful day. Firstly, I would like to thank my father and mother, for their
wonderful guidance and support. Without their love, I would not be the man I am today' he
proclaimed to the crown, with a look to his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were both crying, and
stood up for a hug from Bill. The crowd applauded, as did Harry. Harry knew how well Mr. and Mrs.
Weasley treated himself. He couldn't fathom how it would have been being raised by such
wonderful parents. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley finished the hug, and sat back down. The crowd again went
silent again, as Bill continued.

`I would also like to thank my brothers and sister, who, even when pulling pranks on me' he
zeroed in on Fred and George, who beamed triumphantly, `always helped me, and allowed me to better
understand some of my parents actions, even when I didn't' he said, looking back to the
tables. Another small applause followed this part of his speech, and died down quickly.

`Finally' he announced brightly, `to my new wife Fleur. Who has stood by even after my injuries
from defending Hogwarts. She has helped me recover, and never stopped loving me. I will love her
forever, and always' he finished.

Fleur, crying slightly however still looking beautiful, stood up, and the newlyweds shared a long
kiss. The crowd, as well as Harry, applauded loudly, some roars and cries of happiness popping in
here and there. Harry felt so happy that someone could feel such happiness at the time, when so
many things where looking dark.

Bill sat back down, and as Fleur stood up to begin her speech, a sudden shiver ran down Harry's
spine. At first, he ventured it was due to a gust of wind, yethe noticed the air stood still. Too
still.

He looked to Hermione, and noticed she too was cold, rubbing her arms for warmth. Harry gazed up at
the sky inquisitively, and dread filled his mind. The stars were veiled, and darkness surrounded
the reception. The shiver ran through the guests at the tables like a wave, some standing up,
pulling their wands out. Harry looked to Mr. Weasley, who also stood up. He observed his family,
and said the word Harry knew was coming.

`Dementors'

He looked down to Mrs. Weasley, a horrified expression across her face, and told her hurriedly to
take the family into the house as quickly as possible. She stood up, and moved over to Fred and
George, however panic started to settle in.

The guests at the tables stood up, and were either grouping together trying to stay calm, or
Apparating away as quickly as possible, yelling to each other making sure they had their family
members.

Harry surveyed the area, and found Lupin and at least six other members of the Order of the Phoenix
along the edges of the tables, looking out into the darkness for dementors. Harry saw one Order
member, a tall thin man with brown hair on the far side of the Burrow, shoot a silver eagle out of
his wand at an approaching dementor. The patronus swooped down on the dementor, and flew
away.

People were now running everywhere, as dementors seemed to come from every direction, the coldness
increasing rapidly. Harry, Hermione, and the Weasley's moved closer the house as quickly as
possible, and became separated as people kept running in between them. Harry was knocked over, less
than ten metres from the door, and saw Mrs. Weasley pushing Ginny and Gabrielle into the house. Ron
and Hermione ran over, and helped Harry to his feet.

Harry looked back at the head table, Mr. Weasley shooting a duck shaped patronus at an approaching
dementor, while Bill moved Fleur and her family towards the house. They ran past Harry, Ron, and
Hermione, just as two dementors moved in behind them. Hermione pointed her wand at the nearest one,
and paused for a moment.

`Expecto Patronum!' she yelled, and a silver otter shot out of her wand, and chased after the
first dementor. The second one simply shifted past, and moved towards the three of them. Ron put
his wand up, but fell to his knees before being able to say the charm. Hermione's otter now
vanished, and Hermione herself had also fallen over, breathing heavily, her hands over her ears. As
the dementor approached, its hood centered on Harry.

His mother's screams began to enter his head. He tried hard to block them, but they became
louder and louder. Harry felt his knees hit the ground, as the screams became more intense,
followed by the horrible high toned laugh that filled his nightmares.

Harry felt cold everywhere, and could tell that more than one dementor was closing in. He struggled
to focus his thoughts as hard as he could, but the cold laugh became louder, his body frigid. He
glimpsed Hermione, and remembered them hugging in her backyard. The memory flashed before his eyes,
and he raised his wand.

`EXPECTO PATRONUM!' he yelled.

A great silver object flew out of his wand, and pushed the closest dementor back, making it scuttle
away. It then turned, Harry moving his wand to the right, and pushed, what Harry noticed, were
three other dementors away who were approaching them. As Harry lowered his wand, the object slowed,
and evaporated in front of him. He gathered his thoughts, and looked around.

The dementors were now retreating from what he could see. Silver patronus' were soaring
overhead, and the coldness that filled the area lifted. Most people had Apparated away, and the few
that remained were huddled together in groups surrounded by those that made the patronus'.
Harry glanced to Hermione and Ron, and helped them up to their feet. They seemed disorientated, but
quickly recovered enough to stand up alone.

`Harry, what happened to your patronus?' Hermione asked, in a quiet and shallow voice. The
three moved to the closest table that was not upturned, and sat down. Harry had wondered himself
what was going on. When his patronus came out of his wand, it was not a stag, like it had always
been. He did not have a clear view of it when it charged out, but when it dissolved in front of
him, he could easily see what it was: a phoenix.

`I don't know. Lets get inside the house first' gestured Harry. Hermione and Ron both
nodded, and they slowly moved their way to the house. Mr. Weasley came over frantically, helping
the three into the house, along with Lupin who was nearby. Once they entered, Mrs. Weasley gave all
three of them a huge hug, and sat them down, opening up a huge slab of Honeyduke's
Chocolate.

`Are you three alright?' she quaked, as she handed out the chocolate. Ron nodded, as did
Hermione, who was looking at Harry with worry. Harry was staring at the middle of the table, which
was still strune with plates of wedding food.

Why had his patronus changed? He remembered Tonks' patronus had changed after Sirius died.
Maybe Dumbledore's death had that same affect to Harry as Sirius' death had to her?

`Harry dear, are you alright?' Harry looked up, and found Mrs. Weasley looking at him, with a
worried look much like Hermione. Harry looked earnestly to the doorway, where Lupin was still
standing. Mrs. Weasley called him over, and Harry got up to talk to him, but Mrs. Weasley sat him
back down.

`No, you have to sit dear. That wasn't just one dementor around you three' she said.

`Four actually Molly' elaborated Lupin, with a small grin to Harry. He motioned Harry to the
stairwell, and reassured Mrs. Weasley.

`Don't worry Molly, we're only going over here. He'll be back in a moment.' She
gave a nagging look, with her lips pressed tight, however nodded. Harry stood up, and moved to the
stairwell, and asked about his partronus.

`Yes, well, I thought it might happen. See, Dumbledore's death must have affected you, and
caused your patronus to change. Very interesting that it became a phoenix though' he mulled,
with a look down the stairwell.

`Why is it interesting?' Harry asked.

`Well' Lupin said, with a thoughtful look, `Dumbledore's patronus was a phoenix. If yours
changed to one, then . . . well, there will be more time later to understand it later. We should
all settle down, and make sure everyone's alright, and start cleaning up.' He started down
the stairs, back to the kitchen, and stopped short of the last six stairs.

`By the way Harry, what memory did you choose?' he asked. Harry told him it was of the hug he
shared with Hermione, and Lupin gave Harry a smile.

`Well, I must say, it was a powerful memory to work on all those dementors.' He continued to
smile, but Harry mentioned it only worked on the four around them. Lupin looked to him, and
explained.

`It didn't just work on the ones around you. Other dementors, even on the other side of The
Burrow, saw the phoenix, and scuttled away.' He looked back down the stairs, and went back into
the kitchen.

Harry took another deep breath, and tiredly went back into the kitchen.

**A/N - Some might ask why Harry was so open to Ron and Hermione dating, and it's because
at the moment, feelings for Hermione haven't started to surface exactly. He's still their
friends, and he wants to support them for now.**

**Spell / Name Meanings -**
**Amelia** - A play off of the character Emilia from “A Winter's Tale” by W. Shakespeare. In
the play, she is one of Hermione's ladies-in-waiting (yes, this is the play that Hermione's
name is from). I thought staying with the Shakespeare there would be interesting
**Athimus** - Just a name I made up, no real meaning
**Alcrux** - The end star of the constellation Crux in the southern sky, which is shaped like a
cross (hence the name Crux). The name is meant to have a religious connection.

-->



4. The Silver Locket
--------------------



CHAPTER FOUR

**The Silver Locket**

The remainder of the night at The Burrow was spent awake by everyone. Members of the Order went
through the remaining guests, and found that all of them were alright, with the exception of two
children in need of large amounts of chocolate. The Weasley's, Hermione, and Harry went ahead
with clearing away the tables, cutlery resting unused on them, and chairs.

Harry felt sorry for Bill and Fleur, their wedding feast gone to ruin. The majority of the food
still sat on the kitchen table, and was over the course of the night, eaten by those who helped
clean up. The Delacour's stayed the night, helping as well, with the only exception of Mr.
Delacour. He Apparated back to France shortly after midnight, making sure everyone there was
safe.

When the sun rose in the morning, all the guests had made it safely home. Only the Weasley's,
Delacour's, Harry, Hermione, and Lupin remained at The Burrow, made normal again, tables gone,
the white tent packed up into the Weasley's attic.

Mad-Eye departed once he found everyone was alright, and Tonks and Shacklebolt had to go to the
Ministry to report the attack. Harry felt very tired, and even though he had not asked more about
his patronus to Lupin, he wanted very much to go to sleep.

As Harry drowsily sat down at the kitchen table, which now stood clean of food, he felt the lack of
sleep overpowering him. Just as his head started to droop, his eyes closing slowly, a thump from
the doorway cause him to jerk back awake. Lupin had come in from outside, looked around the room,
and sat across from Harry.

`Harry, I'm surprised. I was expecting you to ask me all night about your patronus, yet
you've barely said anything since the attack. Are you alright?' he asked amiably. Harry
slowly nodded his head as he looked at the grey haired man, feeling himself momentarily falling
asleep each time it inclined downwards. Lupin took out his wand, and conjured two cups of steaming
butterbeer. Harry took a sip of his appreciatively, and looked up.

`I've just been . . . thinking, and I'm tired, that's all' he murmured. It was
true, he had thought quite a bit while helping with the clean up. His mind raced with thoughts
about his patronus, Hermione and Ron, Ginny, and what was to come in the next few months. The
dementor attack reminded Harry of how big a threat Voldemort was. While at Privet Drive, he did not
feel the danger as much, but now understood how the whole wizarding community felt.

`Thinking about what Harry?' Lupin asked. Harry could tell he was trying to fill Sirius'
shoes, being the one Harry asked advice for. He knew Lupin just as long as Sirius, however they had
a different connection. He felt his worries with Hermione and Ron where his own, and asking about
it would not help, as well as his situation with Ginny. He decided to ask about his patronus,
knowing Lupin already planned on telling him about it.

`As I said last night, your patronus changed, probably due to seeing Dumbledore die. I never really
taught you everything about them. They take the shape of something that reflects the caster. Your
patronus was a stag, because you are so much like your father, I mean, you even look like him. You
resembled him so much, that you didn't even know it until Sirius told James' animagus form
was a stag. It works much the same for Hermione. Hers, if I saw correctly, is an otter, which
symbolizes curiosity, grace, and strength in character, all of which Hermione has.

`Now sometimes they change. Since the patronus reflects something of the caster, if the caster is
changed, then it is changed as well. You might have seen that Nymphadora's patronus changed
after Sirius' death. It was, before his death, a leopard, probably showing her cunning and
hidden attributes. After his death, she was very distraught and sad. Since she changed, her
patronus did too. Now she claims it's a Werewolf, but I personally believe it's a large
dog, much like was Sirius was in his animagus form. She believes it's a Werewolf for -- well,
for reasons. For me, I think it changed to a dog, not a Werewolf, because it reflects her feelings
of loss. Your case is different though.'

Lupin looked around the kitchen, evidently seeing if anyone was around to hear. He moved closer to
Harry, the creases on his face more apparent in the angled sunlight. He leaned slightly in on the
table, and spoke in a quieter tone.

`In your case Harry, the death of Dumbledore must have affected you very much. It changed you
enough to make you different than your father. I can understand, since Dumbledore always had a
special place for you in his heart, and I can imagine it worked the other way too.' Harry
nodded, and Lupin continued. `The interesting part comes in figuring out why your patronus changed
specifically to a phoenix.

`You see, Voldemort was always scared to face Dumbledore. He avoided it as much as possible, and
his Death Eaters knew this. The dementors also knew, and that is why they fled last night. They saw
the phoenix, and how powerful it was, and believed Dumbledore was here. They are afraid of him as
much as Voldemort is. Now I have done some thinking myself about why it would change to a phoenix,
and I can only surmise one reason. I think, that it's because you are more like Dumbledore
now.'

Harry wondered if Lupin's butterbeer was spiked. How could Harry be like Dumbledore? Dumbledore
was the greatest wizard in the world, with a plethora of knowledge Harry could never have. Harry
remembered when Dumbledore would walk into a room, and radiate energy and power. Harry could never
have that, and even if he did, not at his age at least. `That's not possible,' said Harry.
`How can I be more like Dumbledore?'

`Well, I think only one big factor comes into play here: Voldemort is scared of you too Harry. He
has tried countless times to kill you, yet you've always managed to escape. You have, whether
you realize it or not, the makings of a great wizard in you. You must of course understand that
Dumbledore was your age at sometime, and was not as great in his younger years. He was able to
perform magic beyond his years, much like you.

`I think it's much the same now as it was with your stag patronus. You didn't realize how
much you were like James until after you found out about his animagus form. This is the same'
expressed Lupin. He looked at Harry for a moment, and stood up.

`You should go and get some sleep. Most of the others have gone for a nap, and you had it worst
than most of them. Go ahead, things will be fine' he reassured.

`Thanks Remus' smiled Harry, as he stood up, and walked towards the staircase. As he bound
upwards, he went over the thoughts in his head.

It did make some sense that his patronus would change after Dumbledore died. It affected him very
profoundly, not having the voice of wisdom there. Harry walked into Ron's room, finding Ron
lying diagonally on his bed, sleeping noisily. The window had been closed and draped, making the
room relatively dark. Next to Ron's bed, a small second bed was there for Harry. Harry, very
unceremoniously, fell onto the bed, and fell asleep instantly.

Harry felt he had been asleep for only a few seconds, when he was woken up by the creak of the door
being opened. Harry stirred slowly, noticing his glasses had slid down his face. He quickly put
them on, and looked to the doorway.

Hermione was there, holding a tray of food. Harry glanced at Ron's bed, and found it was empty.
He looked at the window quickly, and could tell the sun was low on the horizon, telling him it was
late in the day. Hermione walked into the room, putting the tray down on Ron's bed, and went
over to open the drapes slightly. Sunlight poured into the room, and it took Harry a few seconds to
adapt to the light. He sat up, and looked to Hermione who smiled.

`I brought you some food. How are you feeling?' she asked timidly, moving back onto Ron's
bed. Harry turned around groggily on his bed, and faced Hermione, wiping his eyes to see clearly.
She passed the tray to Harry, who glanced at it, putting it down next to him. It seemed to have an
array of food from the previous night that was not eaten. He decided he would eat after Hermione
left.

`I'm alright.'

`Harry, do you have any idea why your patronus changed?' she asked curiously.

`Yeah, I talked to Lupin about it this morning. He said it was because I saw Dumbledore die. Said
something about a patronus reflected the caster, and that I changed. He said that it being a
phoenix might be because I'm . . . well, Lupin said I'm more like Dumbledore, although I
can't see how' said Harry evenly. Hermione nodded.

`I figured as much. I did some reading about patronus', and they sometimes change after having
something big affect you. And I don't know what you're talking about, I can see
resemblances between you and Dumbledore' she articulated confidently. Harry gave her a
quizzical look, and asked what connections.

`Well, you both are skilled wizards, leaders, and, if I might say so, excellent teachers. Look at
the patronus I made. You taught me how to do that. Without the DA, I would not have been able
to.' She smiled, and motioned Harry to eat. She was getting up to leave, when Harry suddenly
blurted out words he instantly regretted.

`I saw you and Ron . . . up here, before the feast' he muttered. Harry hated himself for
asking, and wished he could take it back. This was something between the two of them, and it was
not his place to interfere with it. He was going to apologize, but Hermione stopped in the doorway.
She paused for a moment, sat back down, and was again, avoiding Harry's eyes by looking at her
feet.

'Let me explain' she said quietly.

'Ron and I . . . well, after the funeral, we talked a bit about things, and we have been owling
each other quite a bit. When I got here, he was . . . well, like I said, down and out. I came up
here to tell him to not to get all upset about it, and I don't know. I gave him a hug, and when
I looked up, we ended up kissing. You must have walked in then. I had a feeling you saw something,
because you looked pretty shocked, but I kept quiet. I talked to Ron afterwards, just to tell him
to keep it quiet for the moment, so we could talk about it today.' She finally looked at Harry,
very intently.

`Harry, I want to know if it's OK with you about me and Ron. Please tell me, truthfully, is it
OK?' she asked, giving Harry a hopeful look.

Harry looked at her, weighing his options. He knew it would change how they were friends. He knew
he would probably become a third wheel, but on the other hand, he shouldn't say no just because
of himself. That would be selfish, and this is something both of them want. He decided, and
smiled.

'I have no problems with you and Ron. He's liked you long enough, it's about time the
oaf finally did something about it' he said laughingly. She smiled back, and giggled, something
quite un-Hermione like.

'How are you getting along with Ginny?' she asked, sounding happier with Harry's
response. Harry frowned.

'Well, I'm hoping she'll be OK. She usually bounces back alright, but I can imagine
it'll take time' he replied.

'Don't worry, I'll talk to her. She'll be alright' she sympathized. She stood,
and walked to the door, again motioning Harry to eat. He smiled again, and dove into his
food.

Just as Harry finished his meal, Ron came into the room, and sat down on his bed. He asked Harry
about his patronus as well, and Harry told him a shortened version of the story he told
Hermione.

`Blimey, more like Dumbledore' he said after Harry finished. Harry wasn't feeling like
retelling the exact conversation to Ron, and was more worried about the night before and if
everyone was alright, so he asked.

`Everyone's OK. Mum isn't very happy that the wedding was messed up, but dad was just happy
no one was really hurt. Bill and Fleur went to France with the Delacours once everything was
cleaned up. The garden was messed up a lot last night, but it's back to normal' said Ron
gruffly, as he laid back on his bed.

The mentioning of the garden pushed the last nights events out of Harry's mind, and brought
back the visions from his dream.

`Ron, I had a dream a few weeks ago on the Hogwarts Express. It was of The Burrow. The Dark Mark
was over it, and it was deserted' Harry said quickly. Ron sat up, and looked at Harry, a
contemplative look on his face, his eyes thin with thought.

`Well, no one was there, right?' he asked. Harry nodded, and he continued, sounding elated.
`Well, no worries then. Since you didn't see anyone, then no one was hurt. We must've
gotten all out before anything happened' said Ron coolly.

Harry had not thought of it that way, but he had not mentioned the presents of Nagini at the house,
or the eerie feeling when he was running inside looking for the Weasley's. He mentioned these
both to Ron, his attitude staying the same.

`Don't worry Harry. Tell my dad about it, but I'm not too worried. Seems in the dream we
get out alright. Com'on, lets get downstairs,' he said, motioning to the door. Harry picked
up his food tray, and followed Ron downstairs to the kitchen, where Charlie, Ginny, and Hermione
were sitting at the table. They all seemed rested, but still on edge after the last night's
events.

`I know Ginny, but you won't know until August' said Charlie, looking thoroughly annoyed.
Ginny was sitting opposite him, looking out the window. `Hi Harry, how you feeling?' asked
Charlie, turning towards the stairwell.

`I'm fine. What won't you know until August?' asked Harry. Ginny continued to look out
the window, not responding to Harry.

`Well, Ginny here is worried Hogwarts won't be open in September, but I keep telling her she
won't find out until the letters come, which is in August' said Charlie firmly. Ginny was
looking longingly out the window, no doubt hoping to see an owl flying towards The Burrow. She gave
a sigh, and turned towards Charlie.

`I'm not just waiting for that, my OWL results should be here soon. I know I did awful in
Potions, but I'm hoping for a pass' she said somberly. Harry had almost forgotten that she
had just finished her OWL's and the results came before the usual Hogwarts letters.

`I'm sure they'll come in soon Ginny' said Harry, giving her a quick smile, hoping she
would look at him at least. She gave sigh, and looked back to the window. `Where's your mum and
dad?' Ginny exused herself, and went outside. Charlie now gave a sigh, and answered
Harry.

`Dad's at work, and Mum is outside. She was nice, and didn't ask us to degnome or help with
the garden today' he said nicely. Ron and Harry made their way to the sitting room, where
Hermione joined them.

`Don't fret about Ginny, she'll come around eventually. I'm just worried that we
weren't able to tell any of the Order about the address' she said, looking concerned.

Harry forgot about telling the Order about the new address, and now everyone was gone. He looked
back on the night, and noticed there were few times they could have actually told people anyways;
but the chance of getting that many Order members together again is minimal.

`Well, we can at least tell Ron's family, and I'm sure Remus will be back before we
leave' pointed out Harry. Ron looked puzzled at the conversation, and somewhat annoyed that he
didn't know what they were talking about. Harry saw this, and told Hermione to tell him about
Grimmauld. She took out a quill, and parchment, and wrote down a quick note. She handed the paper
over to Ron, who read it quickly. He looked taken aback as Hermione quickly took the paper back,
and set it on fire.

`You renamed Grimmauld!? But that means . . . wait a minute! Hermione's your secret
keeper!' flabbergasted Ron, as both Harry and Hermione made frantic attempts to keep him quiet.
Harry nodded, putting his finger to his lips, and Ron's mouth opened in shock.

`When did you do that?' mouthed Ron. Harry explained how they went to Grimmauld after getting
off the Hogwarts Express with Professor Flitwick. Ron only closed his mouth a minute or two after
gawking at both Hermione and Harry.

`So that's why you two both left so quickly that day. I was asking Mum about it, but she said
to mind my own business. So how are you going to tell the other Order members?'

`Well, we're going to have to deal with that when it happens. Let me go show you what I've
been studying' said Harry merrily. There was nothing they could do about it now, and Harry
wanted to show them what he was practicing. The three of them got up, went ahead and gave the new
address to Charlie, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley, and walked over to a clear area of grass to practice
spells.

Hermione was surprised to see how easily Harry could do some non-verbal spells, and his new
wandless spell for getting out of Petrificus Totalus. Harry found it worked also on Stunning Spells
too. Once it started to get dark, the three of them returned to the house, where they found Mr.
Weasley returned from work, along with Tonks and Lupin.

`How have you three been doing today?' asked Mr. Weasley as they entered the kitchen. Lupin
smiled when Harry mentioned the spells he learned on his own and were practicing, and they all sat
down at the dinner table to eat. During the dinner, Hermione went ahead and gave Grimmauld's
new address to Mr. Weasley, Lupin, and Tonks.

Once dinner was finished, it was time for Harry to return to Privet Drive. He said goodbye to the
Weasley's, Hermione, and Tonks, and followed Mr. Weasley and Lupin to the lawn in front of The
Burrow, where the three of them Apparated back to Privet Drive. When they arrived in the backyard,
Harry stopped them from entering the house.

`It's best if we talk back here' assured Harry. Lupin and Mr. Weasley nodded in agreement,
and moved away from the door.

`OK, so did Professor McGonagall talk to you about what's planned for your birthday?' asked
Lupin. Harry nodded, and asked who would be his guard.

`Well, me, Mad-Eye, Kingsley, Nymphadora- sorry, Tonks. It'll take a while for me to get used
to that' Lupin commented, smiling at Harry. 'Anyways, we're keeping the guard smaller;
we don't want to attract too much attention. We will be here at quarter to midnight the night
of the 30th.' Mr. Weasley now looked at his watch, and motioned Lupin away from Harry.

`Sorry Harry, but we have to get back. I'll make sure to tell Ron and Hermione to keep the owls
going' said Mr. Weasley. Harry suddenly remembered he had to tell him about his dream, and
waved his hands hoping to stop the two of them from Apparating away. He reached them, and told Mr.
Weasley his concerns. Mr. Weasley looked distressed about the dream.

`OK, thank you for telling me Harry. I'll tell Molly about it, and we will make sure nothing
happens, OK? Alright, now, go ahead inside. Keep the training up, and we'll see you in a few
weeks' he reassured. Harry nodded, and with a quick handshake, Lupin and Mr. Weasley Apparated
away.

Harry took a deep breath, turned, and entered the kitchen. He told his uncle, who was sitting in
the sitting room watching a boxing match with Dudley, that he was home. He received a wave of a
pudgy hand in response, and went ahead to his room, putting away his clothes and planning his next
few weeks.

Meanwhile outside, a small bush next to the fence in the backyard gave a rustle, and a disheveled
rat scurried out. The rat gave a quick glance to the house, and scuttled off through a hole in the
fence.

*

By the morning of July 30th, Harry was more than ready to leave Privet Drive. His aunt and uncle
made a week long joke of the wedding Harry attended. Even though Harry told them it was just like a
normal wedding (although he did not know exactly what a muggle wedding was like, and he neglected
to mention the Dementors), they seemed not to hear. He was glad when they found it less funny, and
finally dropped it.

Harry spent most of his time inside still, trying to go over everything he needed to do over the
next few months. He knew searching for the Horcruxes was top on the list, but getting to Grimmauld
and going to Godric's Hollow was first. Plus, while in he stayed at Privet Drive, he could not
really do any searching or thinking about Horcruxes. He knew he would need to actually go to
different places, and get help from Ron and Hermione.

Hermione and Ron continued to send owls during his last few weeks at Privet Drive. The Order
decided for both Harry's and others safety that Hermione and Ron could not come to Privet
Drive. The biggest concern was if Death Eaters were watching the house for people entering and
leaving. Harry was upset about this decision, however understood the repercussions. If Death Eaters
were watching Number Four, and if Hermione or Ron came here, they could be identified and put at
risk, which is the last thing Harry wanted.

Harry woke, and found July 30th was much like that of the wedding, clear and warm. He got up, and
got ready for the day. He had been cleaning his room up during the past few days, and little was
left to pack. Once he ate breakfast, he made sure everything was packed in his trunk. He wanted to
be ready ahead of time, to make his departure as quick as possible. He neglected to tell his aunt
or uncle about leaving, and planned too at supper time.

As he packed his trunk with the last items from his room, he was reminded of things from his past.
He picked up his photo album that Hagrid gave him as he left in his first year. He opened it, and
his parents waved back. Harry smiled, and put the album carefully in the trunk, on top of his
Hogwarts robes.

Next were the shard remains of his old Nimbus Two-Thousand. He was surprised to find them,
forgetting that he had kept them. He took them, wrapped them in a small bag, and placed them in the
trunk, along with his intact broom--his wonderful Firebolt. Once everything he owned was in his
trunk, which notably still had space, he took it and moved it to the end of his bed. He sat down,
and looked around the room.

He called this his room for 6 years, and was now leaving it forever. He did not like Privet Drive,
with all the bad memories of his childhood. Nevertheless, this room was his sanctuary. Even though
his uncle locked him in here, he was able to do what he wanted within the confines of these walls.
He felt he would miss the room, even though it was originally just a storage room for Dudley's
broken toys.

At supper that night, Harry had no choice but to tell his uncle, aunt, and Dudley that he would be
leaving forever. As Vernon finished telling Harry's aunt about a customer that came in that day
by taking a sip of water, Harry stole the opportunity to tell him.

`I'm leaving tonight, for good' he announced quickly. Vernon spat his water, turning as he
did trying not to get it on the table and instead, pelting Dudley with the full brunt.

He put his empty glass down, and looked at Harry with an almost insane look of happiness on his
face. Petunia, seeming less ebullient for some reason, was listening to Harry carefully, something
she never did. Dudley, in the mean time, was trying to dry himself off.

`Leaving. Leaving! For good? Oh, I've waited for this day!' boasted Vernon, getting up from
the table and reaching to the top of the cabinet behind him, and pulling out a small bottle of
liquor.

He grabbed two small glasses, handed one to Petunia. He poured the amber coloured liquor in the two
glasses, excitedly toasted, and drained his glass, Petunia following suite. They hugged each other,
and sat back down with large smiles on their faces.

`How soon are you gone boy?' he asked, refilling his drink.

`Tonight, just before midnight' responded Harry irritably. He stood up, and moved to the
kitchen with his plate. He did not want to be in the room as they celebrated Harry's coming
departure. He quickly returned to his room, as he heard Uncle Vernon talking about what to do with
Harry's soon to be empty room. Harry entered the room, and was surprised to see a small
creature standing next to his bed.

It was small, with large green eyes, and very bizarre clothes, which included a number of hats, a
red sweater, and an innumerable amount of socks.

`Harry Potter! Dobby has been waiting to see you!' said the house elf excitedly.

`Dobby! What are you doing here? Why have you been waiting to see?' asked Harry, as he sat down
on his bed. Dobby walked quickly to Harry, and looked at him grimly.

`Harry Potter is in danger, and Dobby has come to help in his time of need!' announced Dobby.
Harry understood that he was in danger, he was always in danger now. Why would Dobby come to help
though? He was protected here until midnight, but he was leaving with the guard before hand.

`How am I in danger Dobby?' Harry asked. Dobby looked around the room, and moved closer to
Harry.

`Harry Potter must be careful tonight. Mr. Lupin sent me to bring your trunk to your new home, and
told me to warn you. Be careful and remember your questions Harry Potter!' whispered Dobby
gravely, putting a hand on Harry's trunk and Hedwig's empty cage, and snapping his fingers.
With a crack, Dobby, the trunk, and cage vanished.

Harry was glad he had his wand in his pocket, that he let Hedwig out to hunt, and that he packed
earlier. He understood Dobby's warning, just to make sure Harry had his questions ready for the
guard.

He looked at his watch, and found he had just under three hours left until he was leaving. He did
not know how the guard was getting him to Grimmauld. He remembered last time they came for him, and
the long broom ride it took to get to Grimmauld. They couldn't be taking brooms, because his
had just vanished, along with all his other possessions.

Harry decided to take the time, make sure nothing was left, and try to rest. He did not sleep much
the night before, excited over the last day at the Dursley's. He tried hard to sleep, however
his excitement was tripled now. The idea of finally leaving the Dursley's was something Harry
dreamed and wished for years.

Harry started thinking of how he would celebrate when he arrived at Grimmauld when suddenly, a
knock came at the door. No one ever knocked on Harry's door. Usually, Uncle Vernon would just
unlock the door, and trample in. Harry got up, went to the door, and opened it causiously.

Aunt Petunia was standing outside, looking down the hallway. She looked back at Harry, and he found
she looked sad, or at least what sad might look like on Petunia. He asked what was wrong, and she
motioned Harry down the hallway towards her and Uncle Vernon's room. Harry was hesitant to
follow, but saw a small amount of hope in Aunt Petunia's eyes, and followed her down the
hallway. She opened the door, and he followed.

Their room was about twice the size of Harry's. A queen size bed with white sheets was against
the closest wall in the centre. There was a light wood vanity and armoire located on the other
walls, both of which where spotlessly clean.

As Harry looked around the room, still standing in the doorway, Aunt Petunia was going into the
bottom of the armoire, and retrieved a small cardboard box, placing it on the top of the vanity.
Harry moved slowly to the opposite side of the vanity, looked at Petunia, and was surprised to see
she was crying as she sat down in the seat.

Harry didn't know what to say. He had no idea why she asked him to come into her and Uncle
Vernon's room, let alone why she got this box. It had no marks on the outside, and was closed
by one piece of tape. She took off the tape, still sniffling, and put the box in front of
Harry.

`Open it' she said, taking a tissue out dabbing her eyes. Harry took the box, and slowly lifted
the lid.

The box was empty, at least at first glance. When Harry looked closer, he saw a small circular
locket lying on the bottom. It was silver, with a plain outside, and about the size of a five pence
piece. Harry looked to his aunt, who motioned Harry to open it. Harry opened the locket, and was
surprised to find two faces staring back at him.

There, inside the silver locket, was a picture of Harry's mother Lily on one side, and on the
other, a picture of Harry's father James. Harry stood stunned in his aunt and uncle's
bedroom, while Petunia looked on. The pictures where wizards pictures, so both Lily and James waved
to Harry. Harry was going to ask his aunt about it, when she answered his unasked question.

`It was Lily's. We, sorry, I was told to give it to you when you where old enough. Of course, I
forgot about it until a few days ago. Since you're leaving tonight, I'm giving it to you
now' she finished. She had finished crying, and was now watching Harry sympathetically.

Harry thought about it over in his head how to respond. She kept this in her room all this time,
and never gave it to him. She says she forgot, which could be true, but Harry felt torn between
yelling about keeping the locket from him, and thanking her for giving it to him. He resolved to
thank his aunt. She did keep it all this time, even though she tried as hard as possible to forget
Harry's mother. Also, Harry just noticed, Petunia used his mother's first name just
now.

`Thank you Aunt Petunia' said Harry. She stood up, and quickly motioned Harry to the door. She
checked to make sure no one was around, and Harry returned to his room. Once Harry was inside, he
turned the light on, and examined the locket closer.

It was silver, fairly light in weight, with a silver chain. No marks were present on the outside,
and when Harry opened it again, his parents smiled up at him. He saw the edges of the pictures
where worn, and took them out carefull. Underneath, he was surprised to find a tiny inscribing.

*To my
dearest Lily

All my love
James*


Harry read the inscribing, and realized this locket was his mother's, given to her by his
father. Harry felt a warm feeling in his heart, at the knowledge it was his mother's. He now
had one item of each of his parents; his fathers cloak, and now, his mother's locket. Harry,
sitting in his room, on his bed to which he would never sleep in again, was suddenly overcome with
emotion.

Harry now had no family left. His parents dead before he knew them, his godfather dead for over a
year now, and Harry's last person, Dumbledore, was now gone too. Harry had wished so much over
his lifetime that his parents lived, and that he would have had a normal life. He had no memories
of his parents and up to now, only one thing to connect to them, his father cloak. Now, with his
mother's locket, Harry felt alone, and far away. As memories of times he wished for his mother
and father started pouring into his mind, tears started to fall on his lap as he held his head in
his hands, his right one still holding onto the locket.

Harry tried to calm himself down, and relax. He realized how he never really had a chance to
reflect like this about his life up to now, and decided determinately that this was not the time.
He wiped his eyes, and decided to put the locket on. It did not look as foolish as he thought it
would, it having been for a girl. The locket was small enough to look like a small silver disk.
Harry checked his watch, and saw it was 9:38pm. The guard would be here in almost two hours. Harry
laid down on his bed, and closed his eyes, hoping to sleep, but settled with a rest.

His mind was doing back flips, racing along with so many thoughts. The Horcruxes, Ron and Hermione,
the Order, his parents, Sirius, Dumbledore, and surprisingly, Aunt Petunia, all continued to
surface in his thoughts as he lay in the darken room. Harry tried hard to enjoy the last few hours
in the protected house, his thoughts not allowing it. Harry sat up after what felt like ten
minutes, turned on the light, and looked to his watch. To his surprise, it read 11:29pm. He had
been laying on his bed mulling over his thoughts for almost two hours. Shaking his head to keep
alert, Harry surveyed the room, taking one last glance at his room, and closed the door behind
him.

When he got downstairs, he found, to his surprise and dismay, all the Dursley's up and in the
living room. Watching the late newscast on the television, they looked at him enter and sit down
carefully. The news anchor was reporting on an unexplained car crash just outside Manchester that
killed all the occupants. Harry and the Dursley's now looked at the anchor woman.

`The father of the family driving the car somehow ended up veering off the road, and into a ravine,
where the car sunk quickly. The Boot family of Preston, Lancashire, father Thomas, mother Margaret,
and two sons Alex and Terry, all perished. Driving conditions where normal, and no skid marks were
found on the roadway. Police have released no other information, and are investigating further'
said the anchor. Harry was struck with horror as he listened.

Terry Boot was in Harry's year at Hogwarts, except in Ravenclaw. He remembered when he saw him
get sorted, and in their fifth year, when he asked why Hermione wasn't in Ravenclaw because she
was so smart. He was a muggleborn, so his family knew nothing of magic.

It was not an accident, but a murder. Harry remembered Dumbledore talking about the Riddle murders,
and how odd they were to muggles. This car accident had the same feeling, and Harry knew it was
Voldemort's doing.

Vernon gave a grunt, and changed channels. `News is so depressing these days. What's happening
to this bloody country!' He found a channel that suited him better, which had a show about
vacationing in Italy. His uncle rearranged himself in his seat, and cleared his throat.

`So, you're finally leaving tonight?' he asked, and Harry nodded back to his uncle. To
Harry's disbelief, Vernon did not smile back in his usual victorious mood, but instead, wore an
unhappy frown. Vernon looked to Petunia, who looked sad, then stood up.

`Yes, well, good luck there boy. Make sure not to come back. I'm going to bed' he said
evenly, leaving the room, and thumping up the stairs. Dudley made a grab for the remote control,
and switched the television to one of his newest liked shows. Harry looked to his watch again, and
stood up, seeing that the guard would be here in ten minutes.

As Harry made his way to the kitchen, he was surprised to see Aunt Petunia moving to the kitchen as
well. He entered, and she followed, taking a seat at the table and looking sad and upset. Harry
asked what was wrong, and she looked down at the table and answered.

`I'm . . . I'm sorry Harry. I realize how horrible your uncle and I have been' she
expressed, giving Harry a sorrowful look. Harry was taken aback by this remark, seeing how in years
past she would always try and blame everything on him, and get mad at him so easily.

`I don't understand' he said, `why are you saying this now?'

`Because you're leaving. Last summer, Dumbledore spoke the truth, whether I like it or not. And
as much as I am disgusted by your kind, you are family, so I apologize.' Harry was mystified.
Not only was she apologizing, she knew Dumbledore's name, and, he remembered, what dementors
were. This would be the last time he would see his Aunt, so he had nothing to loose by
asking.

`Aunt Petunia' he started cautiously, `how do you know about Dumbledore and
dementors?'

She took a long breath, and gave a glance towards the living room, where the television was playing
Dudley's program. She motioned Harry to sit down across from her, and he did. Harry so far
figured he was alright, considering she did not start ranting and raving at him.

`I remember when your mother got her letter. Like I told you, Mum and Dad were so proud of her. I
was, of course, disgusted by it at first. A witch, in our family' she said weakly.

Harry leaned towards the table, and listened carefully.

`She went to that awful school, and I continued a normal life. Mum and Dad always told me how much
they wished for me to be a witch too, and it disgusted me they didn't see the truth. I thought
I'd have no choice the day I received my letter.' At this comment, Harry lost control, and
his mouth fell open in shock.

'You received a Hogwarts letter?' Harry asked in surprise. Petunia lowered her head, and
nodded slowly.

'I remember the afternoon the owl came. Luckily, I was in my room, and it came through the
window; scared me half to death. It was an acceptance letter like the one Lily received. I
didn't want to be like Lily though. She always was first for everything, and there I was; the
runner up. I didn't want that in my life, especially as a horrible witch. So, I took the
letter, and burned it in my spiteful, and I'll admit, childish mood. Your grandparents never
suspected, and although they were sad about it, I was not'

`So you can do magic?' Harry asked tentatively.

`No, I've never done magic. I never wanted to' she answered, sighing tiredly. `Truth be
told' she continued, lifting her head and looking at Harry, `as time went on, I became . . .
jealous of Lily and being a witch.'

`Jealous?'

`Your grandparents were always proud of her accomplishments and her talent. The oldest child,
succeeding so well at school, living in a world they could only dream of, the first to marry . . .
I was always second to your mother. I detested her for it, and I started hating myself as well. I
won't lie, sometimes I wondered what would have happened if I had entered your world . .
.'

`But how do you know about Dumbledore, and dementors?' Harry reiterated.

`Lily and James were at your grandparents house just before their wedding, and I was just leaving
from a visit. I used the loo before I left, and overheard them talking about dementor attacks to
your grandparents. They explained what they were, and learned that way.

`The first time I heard from Dumbledore when I burned my letter when I was eleven. He sent me a
letter asking why I did not accept the invitation to Hogwarts, but I did not reply. I was focused
on not being like Lily. After that, I heard nothing from him until the night you showed up on my
doorstep, and he left a note telling me what I had to do for you.'

`I was torn with what to do with you. You were a symbol of everything I hated; Lily, and the
magical world. So, I treated you in a manner befitting that hatred. Dumbledore wrote asking how you
were as you grew up, and I informed him that you were alright. Mrs. Figg helped me with the owls,
so Vernon would not suspect anything; however I disliked having to deal with those wretched
owls.' Harry, at this point, had to interrupt.

`Wait, you knew that Mrs. Figg was a squib?' he asked astonished. Petunia nodded, and Harry
continued. `Is that why you sent me there?'

`At first, when you where younger, it was alright for me to make quick trips there so Dumbledore
would not intrude. Eventually, I decided that it would be easier for Mrs. Figg to do it, so we sent
you there once a year. She would see how you where, and tell Dumbledore. He left me alone, only
until that night dementors came' Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing.

`When the letter came, it was Dumbledore telling me to remember his last note. Mrs. Figg gave it to
me during that summer. It told me to keep you in the house, or you would die at the hands of the
same man that killed your parents.

`At first I kept you safe because I didn't want Dumbledore to interfere with my life; but after
all the hate and anger I put to both you and Lily, I felt this was something I had to do. Lily gave
her life to save you, and I knew what was waiting for you outside this house. I decided after all
those years of being childish with my sibling jealousy and envy over your mother's
accomplishments, to do the right thing for once. I kept you here, to protect you, which was what
Dumbledore first asked of me.' She took a short breath at this point, but continued on.

`It was hard to sell to Vernon, nevertheless he forgot about it with time. Now my task is done, and
you are leaving. Again, I'm sorry for how we have treated you, and please, do not tell Vernon
or Dudley of what I have done' she finished. Harry nodded, and the two stood up. Petunia moved
around to the other side of the table, and looked sadly at Harry.

`Be safe' she said. Harry nodded again, and Petunia did something she never did before. She
gave Harry a hug.

Harry was caught off balance by this mentally. Just hours before, she was toasting to his leaving
the house, and now she was hugging him goodbye. He wondered if he would ever understand such a
bizarre night.

The hug itself was light, however Harry accepted it. To finally see some compassion from Petunia
was a welcome change, even if it was only minutes before he was leaving. Petunia let go, and left
the kitchen, and went upstairs to her and Vernon's room silently. Harry turned, and gave a big
sigh, trying to piece parts of what Petunia said into a picture that would make sense. It would be,
Harry could tell, a big picture.


Just as he was about to take a seat, a knock came at the back door, startling Harry slightly. Harry
moved to the window and looked out, and he was happy to see Lupin, Tonks, Kingsley, and Mad-Eye
waiting for him. The talk with Petunia left him disoriented, totally forgetting the guard. Lupin
waved to Harry, and moved closer to the door.


`OK Harry, here's your question: why were you a little upset at the wedding?' asked Lupin.
Harry remembered and told Lupin it was because he wasn't in the wedding party.

Lupin smiled, `that's right Harry, now ask us our questions quickly' he said, pointing to
his wrist. Harry looked at the clock, and noticed it was already 11:46pm. Harry went ahead and
asked Mad-Eye, Kinglsy, and Tonks their questions. All answered correctly (although Tonks needed to
answer twice to get it correct. Harry attributed it to her nerves). At last came Lupin, with a
simple question Harry knew he would answer correctly.

`Alright Remus, why do you think my patronus changed?' He knew the question was simple, since
they only talked about it a few weeks before.

`Ah yes,' he said, glancing at the others. `If I remember correctly, we agreed it was because
of the stress of the situation. There were a lot dementors there that night, so it must have
changed your patronus for the time. Now Harry, can we get going, it's getting close to
midnight' said Lupin. Harry gave a fake smile, and quickly moved from the window against the
wall, and stared blankly at the table with utter bewilderment.

Lupin gave the wrong answer. Lupin said it was from seeing Dumbledore die, and that he was more
like Dumbledore. Giving Harry the wrong answer meant only one thing: these weren't Lupin and
Order members, they were Death Eaters.

-->



5. New Homes and New Heads
--------------------------



CHAPTER FIVE

**New Homes and New Heads**


Suddenly struck with panic, Harry was at a loss as to what to do. He was only safe in the house
for another five minutes, then the Death Eaters could storm in with no problem.

He had to think quickly. He wished the real Lupin told him of a back up plan, so he wouldn't
feel so helpless. He couldn't take his broom, because it was at Grimmauld, along with
everything else. He had his wand, but he doubted he could take all four Death Eaters on at once.
Harry figured only one solution, to Apparate.

He knew he was underage, but the situation was dire, and he had no other option. As he started to
focus on Grimmauld, the television gave a roar, and Harry remembered the Dursley's were inside.
Even though he was worried about himself, he couldn't abandon them to be killed by Death
Eaters. He decided to Apparate to backyard, hopefully to surprise the Death Eaters outside, then
Apparate quickly to The Burrow to get help. He did not know if he could Apparate inside the house,
so he figured to use the front door. As he started to move forward, the Death Eater Lupin seemed to
start wondering.

`Harry? What's going on? We have to hurry' he said impatiently. Harry made a quick look
outside the kitchen window, and saw the four of them were looking anxiously at the door, taking
glances around the lawn periodically.

`I'll just be a second, I have to get my stuff from my room, then I'll be right down'
falsely assured Harry. The Death Eaters couldn't know about Dobby, since the real Lupin sent
him. He looked out the kitchen window again, and saw the Death Eater Mad-Eye whisper to the fake
Lupin, the fake Lupin shaking his head. Harry quickly made his way to the front of the house, and
looked out the window of the door.

Privet Drive was empty, and Harry quietly opened the door and exited. The instant he was outside,
he closed the door, locked it with his wand, and quickly thought of the backyard and turned,
Apparating with surprising ease. He seemed to have aimed very well. He stood in the shadows of the
trees in the backyard, and none of the Death Eaters noticed him. He slowly pointed his wand at the
fake Lupin.

`STUPEFY!'

The fake Lupin fell over rigid as a board, and the rest of them charged at the shadows, raining
spells in every direction. Harry dodged the first three, thought quickly of the front yard at The
Burrow, and turned, feeling the usual siphoning of Apparating, and hearing the enraged yells of the
Death Eaters as he left.

The second his feat hit the ground, he knew something was wrong. Harry arrived at The Burrow, but
it looked deserted. The windows were dark, and only the sound of the front door swaying eerily on
its hinges filled the air. Harry looked around the house, and found no one. Harry slowly entered
through the kitchen door, and the sight made him cringe with fear.

It was just as his dream. Food sat uneaten on the table, and was still warm like his dream. Harry
looked around, and felt he still had to check the house. As he went up the stairs, he found no one
home, with the house creaked slightly in the darkness. When he reached Ron's room, he hesitated
to look out the window, but moved towards it. He looked out on the garden, and breathed a sigh of
relief seeing no snake. He moved down the stairs, and back out into the lawn, still perplexed on
were the Weasley's were. Just as he exited the kitchen, a noise from the behind made him jump.
He turned around quickly to see men in black cloaks in the doorway.

`He's here!' shouted the taller one, and both shot Stunning Spells at Harry. With his
Quidditch reflexes, Harry was able to dodge them, but one spell from a Death Eater leaning out of
Ron's room knocked Harry over unable to move.

As the two Death Eaters slowly made their way to Harry, shouting others to their position, he
quickly summoned his non verbal spell, and was freed. He was relieved to see he still held his
wand. Harry took no time in thinking quickly of the front lawn of Grimmauld, and made a quick roll
Apparating away.

After the third time Apparating, Harry felt queasy, and still very concerned. He looked up, and was
relieved to see the front of Number Twelve and One Third. He got up from the ground, and ran
quickly to the doorway and entered. Once Harry closed the door behind him, he was surprised to see
the real Lupin coming towards him, along with Mrs. Weasley and Mad-Eye. All looked worried, except
Mad-Eye who wore a disturbing smile.

`Good work Potter! Constant Vigilance!' he barked, giving Harry a gruff pat on the shoulder,
and limping back to the kitchen where he came from. Harry explained the situation that happened at
Privet Drive. Mrs. Weasley quickly went, and got the real Kingsley, Tonks, and Mr. Weasley to go
and see if things at Privet Drive where alright, while Lupin explained why the guard didn't
show up.

`You see Harry, we had a feeling Death Eaters would try to either attack you tonight, or try and
get you, so I sent Dobby to warn you and get your stuff. We had him placed in your backyard to make
sure things were OK. When we would turn up, we would tell him to go back to Hogwarts. So, when
those Death Eaters showed up and didn't get him, Dobby Apparated back here to warn us. We
figured you would stay inside until midnight, and we were just getting ready to leave, since
it's still before midnight. I should have known you wouldn't sit around and wait. How did
you get out?'

Harry told both Lupin and Mrs. Weasley about his trek to The Burrow, and asked why it was
abandoned. Mrs. Weasley smiled, and explained.

`The Order decided that tonight You-Know-Who would probably try and get you. We already had Privet
Drive watched, still there was a chance he might think you were coming to The Burrow.'

'After the dementor attack, it was definitely possible' Lupin added.

'So just in case, we came here. From what you said, we were lucky we did. Once everything is
settled at Privet Drive, we'll have some Order members go to The Burrow' said Mrs. Weasley.
As Lupin, Tonks, Kingsley, and Mr. Weasley were about to leave to check Privet Drive, Harry felt a
wantingness to go with them and make sure the Dursley's were alright.

'Mr. Weasley?' Harry called, making the group turn around.

'What is it Harry? Mr. Wealsey asked.

`I need to go with you. It's my fault Death Eaters were there; I need to make sure they're
alright' he explained. Inwardly, he laughed at his desire to make sure the Dursley's were
safe—considering they never thought that way towards him—but he stopped short remembering Aunt
Petunia protecting Harry by keeping him at Privet Drive. She took risk at doing that, and he owed
both her and the Dursley's the same respect.

Mr. Weasley, turned to Lupin, and looked back at both Harry, and his wife. He must have seen the
determination in Harry's eyes, because he nodded his head, and motioned Harry closer.

`Alright, you're an adult now, so you can choose. Just stay close to one of us please Harry. I
don't know what we might run into, if anything' he said, wiping his brow. Harry agreed, and
smiled when his watch beeped twice, signaling that Harry was now seventeen. He stood forward, and
the group Apparated to Number Four Privet Drive.

His feet landing on the backyard grass, Harry was surprised he was here again; more so that he
wanted to be here. Only a few hours before—one hour actually—he was reveling in the fact that he
would be gone forever. Now, he returned in less than three minutes.

Looking around the dark backyard, the small group advanced slowly towards the back door. Nothing
was moving around the back, and looking in through the windows, Harry found the scene much like he
left it. The television was still blaring some particularly annoying show that was—of course—one of
Dudley's favourites, and most of the lights were off.

`We should check inside, just in case' Lupin stated quietly, Kingsley agreeing. Mr. Weasley
unlocked the back door, and entered the house, followed closely by Lupin, and Harry
afterwards.

The kitchen was dark, but just the same as Harry saw ten minutes prior. It seemed things were
alright, but the group was insistent in checking the entire house. Harry walked in to the sitting
room, and startled Dudley a bit, since he had his wand out.

`What are you doin'? I thought you left already?' he asked shakily, his eyes focused on
Harry's wand tip.

`I did. We needed to come and make sure things were alright.' Harry looked up out the window,
and saw the cool summer night made the window foggy. It felt strange to Harry, because before he
left, there was no fog in the window.

`Yeah well, you made enough noise leaving the first time. Made Mum and Dad wake up, thinking it was
the neighbors fighting again' Dudley remarked, getting back into his show. Harry heard
footsteps coming down the stairs, and found Lupin at the base.

`Looks alright. Death Eaters must have left after you did. Mr. Weasley is getting caught up in
Muggle things, but Kingsley and Tonks are coaxing him down.' Lupin glanced out the front
window, and did a double check at it, wiping some fog away from it.

`Harry . . . how long has this fog been here?' he asked worriedly.

`I dunno . . . couple of minutes. It wasn't here when I left' he explained. Lupin looked at
Harry, and he realized what was going on.

`We need to get the family down here together, so we can protect them better. You stay with the
boy' Lupin instructed hurriedly. Harry nodded, and Lupin bound up the stairwell yelled for the
others. Harry re-entered the sitting room, and Dudley looked scared.

`What is it? What's going—oh com'on! Why does the power need to go off now!' he spat,
smashing the controller to the television, which just turned off. Harry could feel the coolness
fill his chest, and shivered as the all-too familiar feeling entered his soul.

A yell from upstairs snapped Harry's attention, as he heard Lupin's voice shout out his
Patronus, followed by Tonks and Mr. Weasley. The entire house was blanketed by darkness, and Harry
had a hard time even seeing Dudley, who was no more than two feet from him. He lit his wand tip,
and moved it around the room, which was frosting on the surfaces.

`What are you doing? Harry, what are you doing!' Dudley yelled, getting up from his
chair.

`It's dementors, not me. Just stay close, and try to think happy thoughts' he advised. A
loud bang came from the front door, and Dudley whimpered and hunkered down on his seat as a
coldness best associated with a winter storm surged through the sitting room, and cast Harry's
mind into evil and painful thoughts.

Harry tried to remain standing, and moved closer to the front door. The coldness increased
ten-fold, and he tried desperately to maintain focus. In the darkness, he saw the eerie hood of a
dementor enter the house, and he thought back to his hug with Hermione.

`Expecto Patronum!' Harry yelled, casting a white cloud that pushed the dementor back into the
doorway. It came forward again, followed by numerous others, and Harry dropped his wand, and
clutched his head as memories of his parent's death began echoing in his mind.

Soon enough, his mother's screams filled his head as if she was right next to him, and the
coldness seeped through his very veins as he lay on the sitting room floor. The dementors moved
closer to Harry, and stayed away from the shadows were Dudley was sitting.

Opening up his eyes briefly, Harry saw Dudley, and desperately pushed his wand towards him. Harry
could feel the dementors closing in, and with the Order members upstairs, Dudley was his only
hope.

Dudley picked up the wand, and looked petrified at Harry. Harry pushed as hard as he could against
the onslaught of horrible memories, to try and instruct Dudley.

`Think happy . . . Expecto . . . Patronum' he breathed, hoping Dudley could do it. Dudley
looked at the wand horrified, and closed his eyes.

Harry clutched his neck as a dementor's long and cold hands wrapped around his throat. Harry
could feel the dementor's putrid breath on his nose, and hope was gone from his mind.

`Expecto . . . Expecto Patronum!' came from the side of the room, and a large, silvery-white
Grizzly bear came charging through the room. The dementor let go of Harry's neck, and escaped
through the front door along with the others. Harry fell to the floor panting heavily, clutching
his chest as the coldness subdued slightly. He looked over to the other side of the room as the
bear dissolved, and found Dudley looking baffled at the creature.

`Good . . . work' Harry panted, trying to stand up, but failing. Dudley didn't bother
coming to help, but instead fell back into his chair with Harry's wand still pointing outwards
in his right hand. A thunder of footsteps came down the stairwell, and both Lupin and Mr. Weasley
came in and helped Harry up.

`Harry, sweet Merlin, are you alright?' Mr. Weasley asked. Harry nodded, and motioned to
Dudley, who still looked beyond shock and confusion. Lupin let go of Harry—since he could stand
easier now—and tried to talk to Dudley, but was failing.

`What happened with him?' Lupin asked, turning back to Harry. `And why does he have your
wand?'

`He saved me. He made a Patronus' Harry informed. Dudley's stare into empty space finally
ceased, and he slowly turned his head towards Harry.

`A what?' he asked distantly.

`A Patronus. That was what you made. Must have been a good memory' Harry explained. Dudley
slowly nodded, and looked at the group around him.

`My first win at boxing' he said. Mr. Weasley looked to ask a question—more than likely what
boxing was—when both Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon entered the room, and were about to hug Dudley,
when they noticed the wand in his hand.

`Duddykins, why do you have that in your hand?' Petunia asked. Dudley dropped the wand
instantly, and it fell with a clatter on the floor.

`Your son performed the Patronus Charm. You saw the spells we were performing, creating those
silvery creatures; your son did that. Quite a feat from a muggle; you must have some magic in
you' Mr. Weasley declared with a smile. He must have thought the Dursley's would be proud,
but they were far from that.

`My Dudley . . . did . . . *magic*?' Petunia questioned disbelievingly, making it sound
like she was surrounded by police, and being told Dudley robbed a bank. She was looking at Dudley
for an answer, but he was in no condition to respond.

`He did. His Patronus was a Grizzly Bear' Harry explained. Vernon was about to retort, when
Kingsley interrupted him.

`Enough, we need to get Harry back to Grimmauld. We can keep a guard or two to watch the house, but
it should be alright. Should we Obliviate their memories?' he asked to Mr. Weasley.

`After Harry's back to Grimmauld. Remus, can you take him back? Don't worry Harry,
everything will be fine' he reassured. Harry agreed, and bent down to pick up his wand when
Dudley grabbed hold of his arm, and looked at him.

`Thanks . . . for telling me what to do. I didn't want to relive that memory again' he
muttered. Harry picked up his wand, and knelt down close to Dudley. Both Petunia and Vernon were
watching worriedly, as the Order members were working out who would be staying.

`What memory?' Harry asked. He did wonder what was Dudley's worst memory was, considering
he was a bully, and probably had few that a normal person would consider bad.

Dudley moved forward, and shakily whispered into Harry's ear his worst memory, and Harry was
surprised by the answer. Dudley sat back after his admission, and Harry stood up and gave him a
smile.

`Eat some chocolate, and you'll feel fine' he insisted. Dudley nodded, and giving a smile
to Petunia and Vernon, Harry, Lupin, and Tonks moved back into the back yard.

They all quickly Apparated back to Grimmauld, and as Harry was entering the house, he thought about
Dudley's worst memory, which was in fact a memory from his first year at Smeltings.

He explained to Harry, that he, Dudley Dursley, was beaten up by some upper year students. Teasing
and taunting all t he while, they ragged on him, then made him eat raw lunchroom food, and stuck
his head into a toilet. It was, as Harry could tell, a horrible experience for an eleven year old,
but more so for Dudley, since he was always the top bully around. Being put on the bottom rung of
the bullying latter on the first day of school would be a horrible memory for a bully years
later.

Being greeted by a thankful Mrs. Weasley, Lupin and Tonks went back to Privet Drive, and Harry
entered the kitchen; finding Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Mad Eye sitting at the table. Hermione
quickly ran from her chair, and gave Harry an immense hug muttering `thank god, thank god!'
Harry returned the hug, and heard the beeping of his watch. He was now seventeen.

`We were so worried when Dobby came. Are things alright at Privet Drive' breathed Hermione, as
she moved away, allowing Harry to regain his balance, and sitting back down in her chair. Ginny got
up and actually looked at Harry, giving him a very light hug.

'It's good to see you Harry' she put simply, giving him a smile. He thanked her, glad
she was up to talking to him now, and sat down next to Ron, who patted him on the back. Harry went
ahead and told them what happened at Privet Drive, The Burrow, Dudley's Patronus, and the
horrible news about Terry Boot.

`We heard about it in the Evening Prophet. Put the Ministry into chaos. Now all the muggleborn
wizards and witches are worried' said Hermione, showing Harry the paper that had the same
pictures of the car wreck from the newscast. Mrs. Weasley made an impromptu meal for Harry, and he
was just finishing when Lupin and the others returned.

`We checked The Burrow' said Mr. Weasley, giving his wife an affectionate kiss on the cheek and
coming to the table. `Things were messed about a little, but no one was there luckily. It was
fortunate you Apparated so Death Eaters saw you. Chances are, since you Apparated away, they knew
you wouldn't come back. But we should take extra care and wait until tomorrow to go back. And
don't worry about the magic you did tonight Harry, I made a quick trip to the ministry with
Tonks, and we settled everything.'

Now everyone sat around the table. Mrs. Weasley made a few sandwiches for everyone, and brought up
a pitcher of butterbeer. The group went ahead and grabbed a sandwich and glass of butterbeer, and
ate, talking about things going on in the wizarding world.

Harry was glad to hear he would be in no trouble with the ministry, and overwhelmingly happy to be
away from Privet Drive forever now. The fact that this was his house, and his home, was too huge to
comprehend at the moment. He enjoyed the company of his friends and continued to eat.

Harry asked Hermione and Ron when they arrived, and found out they arrived only minutes before
Harry. Just as everyone finished, Lupin, Mad-Eye, Tonks, and Kingsley left for the night. They all
promised Harry to return the next day to celebrate Harry's birthday, in what Tonks said `the
proper manner.' Harry, Hermione, and the Weasley's went ahead to sleep, and Harry relished
in his new surroundings.

By morning, Grimmauld Place was bustling with activity. Mr. Weasley, Harry, Mrs. Weasley, Ron,
Hermione, and Ginny sat at the kitchen table having breakfast planning their day. Mrs. Weasley was
staying at Grimmauld to prepare for the party for Harry to happen later that night, with Ginny
helping. It was going to be a small, with only Order members. Hermione also planned to tell some
members the new address at the same time, which would work nicely.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione planned to go and get Apparation tests done at the Ministry, and were
escorted by Mr. Weasley, since he had to go to work anyways.

The tests took a long time to actually get to. The waiting line was very long, and by time Harry
and Ron got to their tests, it was mid afternoon. The three of them understood that it would take a
long time, since many people where looking to get proper licenses, but they did not expected this
many people. Harry begun to worry if he failed the test, it would make the whole trip a waste of
time. When he entered the testing room, he received a thumbs up from Ron, and a good luck from
Hermione.

The actual test was very simple. Harry had to first see a red X marked on the floor next to an old,
bespectacled examiner. Then he would walk down a few hallways to a second examiner, and Apparate
back to the X. He took careful examination of the X, and went down the hallway. Harry lost track of
how many turns he had made, but came to the second examiner, who was sitting next to another X,
this one blue.

The second examiner, another old man with wild white hair, who looked to have Apparated too many
times, appearing somewhat transparent, motioned Harry to stand on the X. Harry did so, and the old
man flipped a paper on his clipboard.

`Alright Mr. . . . Mr. . . . Potter?' he said while searching for Harry's name on the
sheet. He looked up, his eyes lingering on Harry's forehead, and smiled.

`Alright Mr. Potter, simple enough, just Apparate back to the beginning, on top of the red X.'
Harry concentrated very hard on the red X at the beginning, and hopingly gave a turn. The siphoning
of Apparating funneled around him, and just as his breakfast began to turn, he landed on solid
ground again. He kept himself standing, and was overjoyed to see he was standing directly on the
red X.

`Very well done Mr. Potter, congratulations. Now, let me have a quick look here' said the first
examiner, taking a quick look over Harry to make sure he did not leave any part of himself behind.
He finished his search and found all of Harry had indeed arrived back at the beginning. He smiled
at Harry, and motioned to the doorway. When Harry exited, he could not hold off his grin knowing he
had just passed his Apparating Exam.

`I knew you would do it Harry!' grinned Hermione, as both her and Ron came up and greeted Harry
when he came out. Ron's name was called next, and his smile was instantly upturned to a look of
worry. Harry told him it was going to be fine, and only after a light kiss from Hermione, did he
give a short smile, and entered the testing area.

Less that two minutes later, Ron came out of the room beaming widely, having a skip in his step.
Both Hermione and Harry laughed as he explained how he passed. The three made their way happily out
of the busy corridor, filled with other Apparating hopefuls, and went to the certificates office,
where both Harry and Ron were given a small blue card that said they could Apparate.

Excited to try it out, much like how Harry imagined a muggle is when getting a car license, the
three of them decided to go to Diagon Alley to see Fred and George and tell them about Harry's
party later that night.

Once they finished in Diagon Alley, hearing that the twins were making great business, although
Diagon Alley was more barren than usual, the three Apparated back to Grimmauld Place.

Harry's birthday party was something he could never have dreamed of. Order members such as
Lupin, Tonks, and Mad-Eye came, as well as all the Weasley's, including Bill and Fleur who just
finished their honeymoon, and even some Hogwarts Professors such as Professor McGonagall and
Professor Flitwick came. The night was filled with laughter and joy for Harry's coming of age,
and reminded him of how people were at Bill and Fleur's wedding, before the Dementor attack of
course.

Harry received presents from many people, and they varied in all styles. From the Weasley's, he
received a charms book on cooking and housework, while Hermione got Harry something very practical,
a new traveling cloak. When he opened it, she leaned in closely and whispered `since we'll be
doing a lot of traveling in the next while' with a wink.

After finishing with the gifts, Harry felt a tug on his arm, and looked to see Ginny beckoning him
to a side of the sitting room where everyone was. Harry was worried about another outburst, but
found she looked relaxed, and gave him the idea that it would be OK. He moved over, and they stood
next to the window, a little distance from most other people.

'Harry, I'm sorry about how I acted at the wedding. I told my mum about me and you, and she
said I should try and talk to you about it. I planned to, but when I saw you again . . . I
don't know, I just wanted what we had back so much, that I went to thinking we never broke up.
I shouldn't have yelled at you, I wasn't thinking with my head' she said sadly.

'It's OK Ginny, I know it's tough, but things will be alright' Harry
reassured.

'I know, but still. I mean, you were the first guy I liked, so it's hard.'

'I know, but it'll be alright. And who knows, maybe you'll find a guy even better than
me' Harry suggested, only realizing the second he finished what he was saying. Harry was beside
himself, considering he was basically telling Ginny to try other guys. He found, however, that it
didn't pain him as much as he thought.

'Always the optimist, that's you' she chuckled lightly. Harry laughed, just being glad
that Ginny was no longer upset at him.

'Friends?' she asked, holding out her hand. Harry smiled.

'Always' he responded, opening his arms, and giving her a hug. They stayed there for a few
moments, then let go, smiled again, and returned to the party.

Once the festivities finish, and the guests left, Harry went ahead to sleep. Hermione, Ron, and the
Weasley's decided to stay one more night, since it was already late by time everyone left.
Harry's dreams were filled of events from the night, and hope for the coming months.

In the morning, Harry moved downstairs to find everyone again eating breakfast. Mr. Weasley already
left for work, and Hermione was reading the Morning Prophet, with Ron holding her hand. Harry moved
to the other side of the table, and helped himself to some toast. Ginny was talking to her mother,
sounding very worried.

`Don't worry Ginny, we will see when we go home later today' Mrs. Weasley said
sympathetically, as she took another bite of her breakfast. Ginny continued to look worried, and
Harry asked what was the matter.

`Hogwarts letters. I asked the professors last night about it, and they said they didn't even
know if school was going to be open. The governors are sending the professors notice along with the
students, so I want to know if we have letters waiting at home, but Mum won't let anyone go and
see' said Ginny, giving her Mum a mutinous look.

`I'm sorry Ginny, but Aurors and some people from Misleading Magical Objects Division have to
go and make sure there isn't anything wrong at the house. They assured me they would be done
today, and any post that comes in will be put on the table for us, alright?' said Mrs. Weasley.
Ginny did not look anymore convinced, and got up from the table, put her dishes in the sink, and
sauntered upstairs. Mrs. Weasley reassured Harry that it wasn't him, and walked upstairs too.
She obviously hadn't talked to Ginny about them not going out. Once she left the room, Ron
looked to Harry.

`Are you guys still recovering from that row on the wedding day, `cause you two haven't snogged
or anything since the funeral' asked Ron. Hermione rolled her eyes, and looked at Ron.

'Ron, they broke up! I thought even you would see that!' she expressed. Ron looked back at
Harry.

'When did you two do that?' he asked, sounding slightly agitated.

'At Dumbledore's funeral. And no, before you ask, we're not getting back together.
She's at too much risk if we're going out. We're still friends, but we can't go
out. It's for the best' he said, getting up from the table, and putting his dishes in the
sink, where a bewitched sponge was washing Ginny's dishes. He made a mental note to learn that
spell so he wouldn't have an overflowing sink.

`We understand Harry, but you do realize it's going to take a lot more to get us away from
you' said Hermione, Ron nodding afterwards, however still not looking too happy with the new
revelation.

Harry had wondered what Ron's reaction would be. When he and Ginny started dating, he seemed
happy at the pair, however Harry never considered what would happen if he and Ginny split. Harry
hoped Ron wouldn't hold it up against him for long.

Just as Harry was walking back to the table, four owls came swooping down into the kitchen from the
only open window, located high above the fireplace wall. The four, two barn owls and two horned
owls all carrying envelopes, landed on the kitchen table, and deposited their loads. Once they
dropped their packages, the owls then quickly flew back out the window, leaving Harry, Ron, and
Hermione bewildered.

`What was that all about?' asked Ron, as he looked at one of the envelopes. He turned his head
and called for Ginny, while Hermione examined one of the other letters.

`Harry' she said looking surprised, `this one's for you,' handing the envelope to Harry
as he sat down at the table again. Ginny quickly entered the room, followed closely by Mrs.
Weasley, and asked what was going on.

`Letters' said Ron, as he picked up the other envelope, and found it had his name on it. The
last letter, Hermione picked up and started opening it, being careful not to damage it. Ginny
quickly ran, and stole the letter out of Ron's hand, and very hastily opened it, and let out a
shrill of happiness.

`Yes! Our Hogwarts letters!' She tipped the envelope, and a gold badge fell out. Mrs. Weasley
let out a cry of happiness.

`Oh Ginny! You made Prefect!' she said, dabbing her eyes. Ginny looked at her mother.

'Mum, I was a Prefect last year' she informed.

'I know dear, but I'm so very proud of you. Next year you might even be Head Girl!' she
expressed. Ginny smiled, and Mrs. Weasley gave her daughter a huge hug, which was very happily
returned.

Back at the table, Hermione finished opening her letter and was surprised to find her Hogwarts
letter, a small booklet and a gold badge. Her eyes opened in shock, and she quickly got up, and
started jumping up and down excitedly, saying `Yes! Yes! Yes!.'

`What's got into her?' Ron asked Harry, looking over with his envelope halfway opened.
Hermione stopped jumping for a second to show her Head Girl badge, and Ron quickly got up and gave
her hug. Harry, also halfway into opening his letter, got up and shared in the hug, telling
Hermione congratulations.

Ron hastily sat back down as Hermione started reading her letter, and opened his envelope, and was
happy to see a gold badge come out with his letter as well. When he flipped it over, his face
became puzzled and he slumped on his chair. Hermione, after receiving a hug from Mrs. Weasley,
asked what was wrong.

`I'm still a ruddy prefect' said Ron, showing his gold badge with an engraved P, looking as
if he lost the final of the Quidditch Cup. Hermione looked sorrowfully for him, while Mrs. Weasley
looked saddened.

`I'm sorry dear, I guess they have someone else to be Head Boy. Maybe they didn't want both
Heads to be in the same house' said Mrs. Weasley, trying to console Ron. In the mean time,
Harry had opened his letter, and was shocked at the contents.

Inside Harry's package, was his normal Hogwarts letter, followed by a small booklet, and a
shiny gold badge with the initials HB engraved on it. He could not believe the school would make
him Head Boy, especially since he had not been a prefect. He did not know whether to be happy or
not. He was not going to Hogwarts anyways, so he guessed the school would need to find another one;
so a chance still stood for Ron.

Hermione asked what Harry was thinking about, and he stowed away the badge and booklet in his
pockets, showing only his letter. Hermione smiled, and went back to reading the booklet.

After a few moments, Harry got up, and went to his room quickly to put away the badge and booklet.
He decided to send both back later in the day, making a letter stating he was not coming back. Just
as he took out the badge, and was looking for a place to put it out of eyesight, and knock came at
the door. Harry quickly put the badge back in his pocket, and told the person to come in.

Hermione opened the door, and walked in to Harry's room. It was the master bedroom, since he
was the master of the house now. It was large, bigger than most living rooms in regular house, with
a big four poster bed, a desk, bookshelves, and a nice paneled window. Hermione closed the door
behind her, and Harry motioned for her to sit down, asking what was up.

`I just wanted to ask if things where OK. I mean, are you still planning on not going to
Hogwarts?' she asked tentatively.

`Well, I can't go after the Horcruxes and go to Hogwarts too. I mean, you and Ron can go. I
know you want to finish, and Ron would want to be with you. Besides, he could still end up Head
Boy' said Harry.

`What you mean he could still be Head Boy?' asked Hermione, giving Harry a confused look. Harry
pulled out the shiny Head Boy badge and showed Hermione. She gasped, and gave Harry a quick
hug.

`Oh congratulations Harry. I mean, Ron will be upset, but you deserve Head Boy. I know your parents
would be proud. Do you still plan on not going? I mean, being Head Boy will allow you access to the
entire library, you're allowed to leave Hogwarts when you wish, and Madam Pomfrey will be there
incase you get hurt' she said politely, but promptly. Harry could tell she wanted him to still
go to Hogwarts, even though he could not see it being a possibility. Finding the Horcruxes would
take a lot of time, and would leave little time to be doing classes. This was something that needed
his total attention.

`I know you want me to go back Hermione, but I can't. I have to find the Horcruxes, and I
won't have time for classes' he said, putting the Head Boy badge in a drawer in the
nightstand, along with the booklet. He turned around and sat on the bed to see Hermione still
sitting, looking somewhat dispirited by Harry's response.

`OK Harry, but do think about it please. You need somewhere to keep a base. You could use
Grimmauld, but Hogwarts has more resources. The professors can help you, and the library too.
Besides, I think Dumbledore wanted you to come back for this year, and the school needs you'
she asserted, getting up from the chair.

`I'll see you downstairs. Give it some thought, OK Harry?' she said with a smile, a hint of
hopefulness in her voice. Harry nodded, and before Hermione left the room, Harry stopped her.

'Thanks for talking to Ginny. We're friends now. What did you tell her?' he asked. She
turned and smiled.

'It was nothing Harry. I just told her that she shouldn't cling on to you, and that when
she goes back to Hogwarts, she'll feel better. Being stuck in a house with only your brother
and parents would drive anyone crazy, especially if your brother is Ron' she smirked. They
shared the laugh across the room.

'Just think about it' she added, turning and closing the door behind her.

Harry was sure of himself only one day ago that he would not be going back to Hogwarts; now he
doubted his reasoning. He trusted Hermione's reckoning before with choosing a secret keeper, so
her thoughts now affected Harry a lot.

Finding the Horcruxes was above everything else, nevertheless Hogwarts did offer some aids that
could help Harry. He knew Hermione and Ron would want to go to Hogwarts, and the professors could
help him immensely with spells and such. The library would help, plus Dumbledore's effects
where probably still there, and, Harry just remembered, the late Headmaster's portrait would be
there and could probably help too. Harry just did not want to be bound by the school to do classes
and homework. He decided to sit and read the booklet that came with his letter to see what Head Boy
was to do.

He went ahead and got the booklet, which was stamped with the Hogwarts crest.

**Duties and Responsibilities: Head Boy**

Harry went ahead and moved directly to the section on class participation.

*The Head Boy and Girl are expected to attend all classes, and show an example to the rest of
the students. They may receive exemption from a class or classes from the Headmaster/Headmistress
if needed.*

Harry understood that if he decided to go to Hogwarts, he would have to tell Professor
McGonagall that he would need to miss classes. He would have to tell her anyways, since he would
need to leave the school at certain times, and would need access to the Headmistresses Office.
Harry pondered over this decision, weighing all the options.

After a few minutes, he stood up, put the booklet and letter back in his pocket along with the Head
Boy badge, and went back to the kitchen. When he arrived, he found Ginny, Hermione, and Ron writing
letters quickly. Harry asked what they where doing, and Hermione explained.

`Didn't you read your letter? It says to write an acceptance or rejection letter back to
Hogwarts. They want to know how many students they are going to have' she said, finishing her
letter, and folding it.

'Yeah, and lucky me, I have to still write my OWLs. I have a week, then I go to write them at
the Ministry' Ginny put in, with a hint of unhappiness. Harry felt for her. Having to write
OWLs was tough enough, let alone writing them over a month after classes ended, and in the middle
of the summer.

Ron finished writing his response well, and Ginny stood, and asked if Hedwig could bring the
letters. Harry agreed, and she quickly left the kitchen, and ran up the stairs. Harry moved to the
table, and Hermione asked if he had thought it out.

`Well Harry? I mean, you'll have a lot of access at Hogwarts, and everyone will help you,
especially us. We will go where you go, but Hogwarts looks like the best place' she said, Ron
nodding along the way.

`She's right mate. I mean, I'm sure McGonagall will let you get at anything you need, and
Hermione can get the bloke who's Head Boy to give you some slack. I just hope it's not
Crabbe' said Ron comically, looking to Hermione.

`Yes, well, Harry wouldn't have to worry about the Head Boy if he goes' said Hermione,
motioning Harry to show his badge. Ron gave a puzzled look to Hermione, and looked to Harry, who
reluctantly pulled out the Head Boy badge, and showed Ron.

Harry could tell Ron was wrestling with his emotions. He felt terrible that Ron did not get Head
Boy, remembering what he saw in the Mirror of Erised. The fact that Ron just found out about
himself and Ginny probably made this all the worst. Ron looked at the badge for a second, then gave
a smile Harry knew was forced.

`Well, that settles that. So, are you going to take it?' he asked, still trying to remain
composed. Harry knew it hit Ron hard, but Harry had thought it through enough to answer both Ron
and Hermione.

`Well, I've thought about it, and yes, we're going back to Hogwarts.'

-->



6. Shadows and Stone
--------------------



CHAPTER SIX

**Shadows and Stone**


Footsteps echoed in the rock cut stairwell as two figures walked down. They moved slowly, down
farther into the depths. Water droplets fell from the ceiling as underground waterways passed
above. Farther into the darkness below the two men moved, the lantern held by the taller one
swaying about. As they reached the bottom landing, a wooden door appeared out of the
darkness.

The shorter blonde haired man was shivering in fear as he stared at the door, and glanced quickly
up the stairwell. The tall man knocked heavily on the door, the sound reverberating up the
stairwell. The door creaked open slowly, and the two entered.

`Ah Severus. You finally decided to come. And look, you brought Draco, excellent. The Dark Lord is
eager to see the two of you' smiled a dark haired, hollow faced woman, as the two men entered
the stone antechamber.

Bellatrix lead the way, as Severus and Draco followed across the chamber. Water droplets continued
to fall, echoing in the darkness as the three reached another wooden door, with a silver snake door
knocker. Bellatrix knocked on the door, and it creaked open. Bellatrix smiled evilly, and Serverus
and Draco entered the dark room.

It was high ceiling stone room, with torches, bracketed to the walls, lighting the room dimly. On
the far wall, a wooden chair stood on a raised platform, and as the two men entered the room,
Bellatrix followed behind. A tall man stood from the chair, and with a flick of his hand, closed
and locked the door. Snape looked around the room, and was unhappy to notice it was the only way
out.

`Severus. It's been quite some time. Come, you have many questions to answer' said the man
calmly, as he motioned Snape towards the front of the chair. The man waved his wand, and two chairs
appeared. Draco hesitated to sit, however was pushed by Snape to the right chair. As Snape sat in
the left chair, he made sure to keep his Occlumency strong, just incase. The tall man sat down
quietly, his eyes glaring red in the torchlight.

`But first, let me deal with dear Draco' said Voldemort slowly. With an evil grin, he looked to
Draco. His wand moved slightly, making Draco quiver in fear.

`You failed in your task young Malfoy. Yes, you managed to allow my Death Eaters to enter Hogwarts,
but you were too weak to finish the task. Tell me, why should I let you live?'

Snape knew Draco's chances of living where small. He had failed to kill Dumbledore, and he knew
the Dark Lord wanted to show his unhappiness. He could see Draco sweating as he was no doubt trying
to formulate an answer to an impossible question. Draco looked to the Dark Lord, and responded, his
voice shaky and quiet.

`I know I failed to kill Dumbledore, but he's dead, and isn't that what matters?' said
Draco. Snape knew the answer was not good enough, and was not surprised to see the Dark Lord raise
his wand, Draco shuddering in fear again. Voldemort grinned wider.

`It does matter. I told you to kill him, and you failed. I do not tolerate failure.' He pointed
his wand at Draco's chest.

`Crucio'

Draco fell to the floor screaming in pain. He was twitching and convulsing as the pain moved
through every part of his body, his screams echoing in the large chamber, amplifying the sound.
Just as the pain became almost unbearable, Voldemort raised his wand, and the curse was lifted.
Draco lay silently trembling on the stone floor, breathing heavily. Voldemort stood from his chair,
and moved towards Draco. Snape knew better than to get up, and remained in his seat.

`You, like your father, have failed me. Your father is a fortunate fool, and landed himself in
Azkaban. He will soon he will face me though, and receive his fate.' Voldemort walked around
Draco, who was still lying silently on the stone ground. He continued at a painfully slow pace,
dragging out the punishment.

`You, on the other hand, will wait for death. I want your father to watch you die, to see how his
son is as much of a failure as he is. So for now, you will live. But, do not think I am letting you
live out of mercy' he said darkly. Draco looked up fearfully, to see the Dark Lord point his
wand at Draco again. Snape saw a look of utter horror on Draco's face, as the Dark Lord gave
another evil grin.

`Crucio'

Draco again writhed in pain as the curse spread through his entire body. He felt like it lasted
forever, but the curse was finally lifted, and he stayed lying on the cold floor, more than
believing he was smoldering. Voldemort gave a look of disgust at the heap of a man on the floor,
and motioned to two Death Eaters, who appeared from a dark corner, to come over. They picked
Draco's limp body, and took him from the room, through the door. Voldemort moved into a corner,
and looked back at Snape, who was still sitting on the chair, Occlumency still working hard. The
Dark Lord's eyes, Snape was sure, were glowing red.

`So Severus' said Voldemort, pacing back to the chair slowly, and sitting down, `explain your
actions. It will take much to prove why I should let you live' said the Dark Lord, his long
fingers stretching over the arms of the chair. Snape had thought over this answer for a while, ever
since he took the Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa. He gathered his thoughts, and looked up
confidently to the Dark Lord.

`My Lord, I admit, when you were lost, I believed you to be defeated. I followed your last orders,
and kept my post at Hogwarts. I stayed there, gaining Dumbledore's trust, and learned his
secrets, and those of the Order of the Phoenix. I returned to you three years ago when you came
back, and I have remained a faithful servant, and loyal Death Eater since' he finish. He looked
up to see any reaction, and was worried when the Dark Lord simply continued to stare at him.

`Explain,' said the Dark Lord, `why you felt it should be you to take care of Dumbledore?'
Snape shifted slightly in his seat, and thought through a viable answer. He could hear a shuffle
behind him, near the doorway.

`I felt you had meant me to do it in the end. I saw that Malfoy was unable to complete his task,
and took care of it. I thought you would enjoy knowing the Dumbledore was killed by someone he had
trusted, and felt betrayal before he died' said Snape, hoping for anything but a negative
response. Voldemort pondered this answer for a while, and stood up slowly, moving towards the
greasy haired man.

`Know this Severus. I am pleased that Dumbledore is dead. I would have enjoyed killing him myself,
however I will settle with his death. As for you,' he said, pacing around the dark stone room,
his footsteps echoing into the darkness, `I will let you live. You have outlasted your uses in
Hogwarts, however there are other matters I need attended to' he said, coming back to the
chair. `For now, you may leave. I will call for you when your . . . talents, are needed.'

Snape stood up steadily, bowed to the Dark Lord, and moved to the door. Bellatrix gave him an evil
look, and just as Snape opened the door, Voldemort had one more detail to say.

`And Severus, if you show any disloyalty to me, you will face the same end as Malfoy' revealed
Voldemort. Snape looked back to the door, and exited into the antechamber. Bellatrix was frustrated
at the Dark Lord's decision, and strode from the darkness.

`My Lord, I think you should reconsider. This slime of a man has deceived many, and is still doing
it now' she stormed, moving towards the centre of the room.

`My dear Bellatrix, do you believe I actually trust him? Do you question my power?' stated
Voldemort, giving Bellatrix a malicious look. Bellatrix suddenly realized what she said, and
corrected herself, replying rapidly.

`No my Lord, your power is inexorable, and no one can stand against you. I just wished to post my
concerns to you about Snape.' She hoped her comment had not to enraged the Dark Lord. He took a
deep breath, his eyes flaring red slightly.

`I know your concerns Bellatrix, but they mean little to me. I know full well what Snape's
intentions are, and I plan to use them to my advantage. Now, forget this matter, and bring in
Lesath, I have work for him to do' he finished, motioning Bellatrix to go. She bowed, and left
the room hurriedly.

She returned within minutes with a tall, slender man. Hard to see in the inferior light, the man
had short russet hair, light silver eyes, and wore dark robes. He approached the Dark Lord, and
kneeled before him silently.

`Leave us' addressed Voldemort to Bellatrix. She bowed, and left the stone room, closing the
door behind her.
`Sit' he said, motioning Lesath to the chairs Snape and Malfoy had just vacated. He sat down in
Malfoy's chair, and looked to the snake like man in front of him.

`My Lord, what is it you wish of me?' he asked, his raspy voice subdued.

`Lesath, you are a new Death Eater, and I wish to test your loyalty. I have been told that your
skills are impressive, and I am going to put them to work. Your task is Azkaban.'

*

Snape sat in a room just off the antechamber. It was dark, like everything else down in these
cavernous rooms, but smaller in size, with a bench and small wooden bed in a corner. He could not
wait to leave this place, however he had to stay now, especially after what happened to
Malfoy.

His Occlumency saved him from the Dark Lord's mind, however he knew Malfoy had failed to keep
his. He could tell the Dark Lord knew what was running through Draco's mind while waiting to
kill Dumbledore. Snape knew why Draco had not killed Dumbledore. Now the Dark Lord knew also, and
was going to punish Draco for such thoughts.

Snape had a plan however. He knew it would be difficult, however he needed to succeed, in order to
get his task done. He told Draco nothing of it, incase his small ability to use Occlumency would
not be able to stand against the Dark Lord. He was definitely glad he said nothing now.

The door of the room opened, and Bellatrix entered violently, looking thoroughly angry. She slammed
the door behind her, and faced Snape.

`I know the Dark Lord trusts you, but I never will Snape. You are a deceiver and are working for
the Order of the Phoenix. You may be able to lie your way to the Dark Lord, but I know better. Be
warned, I will be watching you' she snarled, opening the door, and preparing to leave.

`I thought' said Snape calmy, stopping the door from closing, `we discussed this last year, yet
you continue to fester over it. Are you so worried to find out the Dark Lord has other
favourites?' asked Snape. The look of anger on Bellatrix's face turned to rage, and she
moved around the door, brandishing her wand.

`I'm warning you Snape, stay out of my way. I am the Dark Lord's most trusted, most
valuable follower, and I will not let you deceive him for long' she fumed, turning and slamming
the door behind her.

Snape took his head, and buried it in his hands. He was getting tired of playing these games with
both sides. It had caused so much trouble for him, and seemed to have magnified since the Dark Lord
returned. He wished he could announce the side he was truly on, however that would destroy his
purpose. Both sides believed, up to now, that he was working for both, spying for both. It seemed
that caused him little room for pleasantness with either side, however he did have fun using his
intelligence to manipulate people, especially those he disliked.

The past year however had caused more than normal problems for him. Having this project for Draco
caused many of the lines to become blurred, and made people question his loyalties on both sides.
He knew he would face this, but with the death of Dumbledore, it made it obvious to people which
side he was on.

`They have no idea' he thought, as he laid down, and rested on the uncomfortable bed.

*

Meanwhile, back in the chamber, Voldemort was finishing with Lesath. The Death Eater rose, and
bowed to the Dark Lord. `I will not fail you my Lord.'

`You should hope not. Send Bellatrix and Wormtail in' said Voldemort. Lesath gave another deep
bow, and exited the room. The door remained open, and the short round figure of Wormtail came into
the room, lead by Bellatrix. The two of them bowed before the Dark Lord, and sat in the two chairs,
which still remained.

`I have sent Lesath on an important task. Once he has completed it, it will be time to increase our
movements. Terrorizing Britain is becoming less appealing to me, and I have a more important matter
to attend to: Harry Potter' said Voldemort. The two Death Eaters gave looks of disgust at the
name.

`What do you plan to do my Lord?' asked Wormtail. Voldemort gave a harsh, evil laugh. Wormtail
worried, and quivered when the Dark Lord turned towards him, fearing punishment.

`Now Wormtail, you don't seriously expect me to tell an imbecile such as yourself my plans now
do you? I know how poor you are with secrets all to well. No, I brought you in here to give you
tasks. Very simple tasks, but important none the less' said Voldemort.

`Whatever you wish of us, we will follow you' said Bellatrix obediently. She was eager to prove
herself once more as his favourite.

`You will gather information about Potter. Find out where he is living, if he is going to back to
Hogwarts, everything. Do not approach him, or try to capture him, just find out information. I have
already had two attempts to capture the boy foiled by stupidity, and I will not see it done again.
Unless you wish the same fate as those who failed before. Do you understand?' he asked sharply
to Bellatrix and Wormtail.

They both nodded vigorously, and Voldemort motioned them to exit the room. Once they where gone,
the wooden door closing with a thud, Voldemort sat back in his chair. An odd hissing sound filled
the room, and a black snake slithered from the shadows. Voldemort put his hand to its head, and
lightly caressed its skin.

`Soon the Prophecy will be fulfilled, and Harry Potter will be no more' he said victoriously in
parseltongue, the snake hissing in agreement.

**Spell / Name Meanings:**
**Lesath** - A star in the constellation Scorpio, comes from Arabic meaning “sting of a
poisonous animal.” It's thought however this was a mistranslation from the original Greek
meaning “foggy."

-->



7. R.A.B.
---------



CHAPTER SEVEN

**R.A.B.**


Hedwig brought all four acceptance letters to Hogwarts, and returned three days later. The
Weasley's left to The Burrow, as it was cleared by ministry officials, and Hermione went back
to her home on the same day the letters where sent. Order members where moving through Grimmauld
constantly however, so Harry was never really alone in the house. This appeased Harry, considering
the atmosphere Grimmauld gave. He had a strange feeling that the house was watching him wherever he
went, waiting for him to be alone.

Lupin had a few days before going back underground with the werewolves, and spent the time with
Harry, helping him settle in. It took until Hedwig returned to get used to walking quietly up the
hallway, and keeping Mrs. Black from screaming. Lupin, along with Tonks, helped Harry clean up the
house, to make it more hospitable.

Hermione and Ron returned within a few days, to start research for Horcruxes. Harry insisted they
spend more time with their families, however both protested, as Harry expected.

`Harry, we told you we'd help, and the quicker we find the Horcruxes, the better. Best place to
start is in here' gestured Hermione, as the three of them sat in the library. Ron stood up from
his chair, and scanned the stacks of books along the walls with a sullen look.

`I say Hermione checks the books' he said merrily, sitting back down, and smiling at her. She
returned a scolding look to Ron, stood up, and went to the bookshelf looking at the various
bindings.

`Not all of these are applicable. I mean, do you really think we would need to check “Dark
Creatures and How to Capture Them?”' she said, pulling out a few books off one shelf, and
returning to her chair.

`Well, if there a section on snakes, we might need it in the future. But we'll deal with that
when we need to' remarked Harry, standing up, and going to a different bookshelf. Ron gave a
sigh, and sauntered to the far end of the room, and started looking for books.

Harry was surprised at the number of Dark Arts books. He knew the Black family was into that stuff,
but it seemed every book was dark. “Dark Sea Creatures and How to Manipulate Them,” “An Alchemist
Guide to Malevolence,” and “Grimoire Spells for Intermediates.” Harry flipped through them, however
found quickly they dealt with nothing close to Horcruxes. Harry found some books that looked more
promising, such as “Dark Objects, and their Uses,” and sat down in his chair. Ron returned with a
total of two books, and sat down on the chair closest to Hermione. Hermione, Harry saw, gave
Ron's miniscule pile a dismal look, and continued to read.

The three of them spent most of the day in the library in Grimmauld, continuing to look through
books. By time Harry's stomach told him it was supper time, Ron was asleep in his chair, his
first book still on his lap, and Hermione was bleary eyed, finishing what Harry figured was her
15th book. Harry gave Ron a nudge, and stood up, stretching. Looking out the window, he saw the sun
was setting.

Ron gave a sigh, and turned over, so Harry gave him a harder nudge, finally waking him. Harry went
and put back the books he had just checked.

`We can do more tomorrow. Right now, I'm hungry' he said tiredly, turning around from the
bookshelf to see Ron leaning over to Hermione. They shared a quick kiss, and Ron helped Hermione
up. Harry looked away slightly. He was still getting used to seeing his two best friends
kiss.

Hermione gathered her books, and moved to the bookshelf. Once they finished putting their books
away, the three made their way to the kitchen. Harry found bread and sandwich meat that Mrs.
Weasley brought earlier in the week, and they ate their makeshift supper.

`Sorry it's not anything better' said Harry miserably, as he passed a pitcher of water to
Ron.

`Harry, you're on your own, and we both know you haven't had the chance to get food, and
besides, this is more than perfect for supper' said Hermione supportively, taking a drink of
water. Harry smiled, and started his supper. He saw Ron liked it, noticing the speed at which he
was eating. Then again, the amount Ron usually ate made Harry think as long as it didn't kill
him, Ron didn't care too much.

Once they where done eating, Harry used the same spell Mrs. Weasley used, Autopurgo, to clean the
dishes. Once the dishes where put away, the three went to the Drawing Room, and sat down, to relax
a bit.

`We need to plan things out' stated Harry determinately, looking at Ron and Hermione, who
nodded in agreement.

`Looking in the library is a start, but it's going to take more than that. Dumbledore told me
what he thought about the Horcruxes. He figured there are seven of them. I got one of them already,
Riddle's diary, and Dumbledore got one too, the ring' said Harry.

`Well, first of all, did Dumbledore tell you how he destroyed the ring?' asked Hermione.

`No, he just said it took a lot, and that he almost died doing it. Destroying it caused that injury
to his arm' elaborated Harry. Hermione's eyes widened in shock, and her hands covered her
mouth. Ron gave Harry a nervous look.

`It killed his arm? Blimey, do you think the others will do that?' he asked edgily. Harry had
no idea if the others would be like that, or worst, but he had a feeling Voldemort would not make
destroying them simple.

`I don't know. We didn't talk anymore about it really. We left to go and look for the
locket' said Harry, pulling out the gold locket he now always carried around with him. Harry
had told them about the trek, and wished not to remember it. It was such a waste now in Harry's
eyes. Leaving the school, going all that way, Dumbledore going through all that pain, just for this
fake Horcrux. Harry pulled out the paper out of the locket, and put it and the locket on the table
between himself and Ron. Harry stood up, pulling his hands over his face, sighing.

Ron took the paper, and read it over again, while Hermione looked at Harry with concern as he
walked around the dark room. The sun has set, and a fire and two lamps lit the room, bathing it in
an orange glow. Harry walked to the far wall, closed his eyes, and listened to the crackle of the
fireplace.

`We still don't know who R.A.B. is? Or was for that matter?' stated Ron gloomily as he put
the paper down. Harry had not thought of who R.A.B. could be, however he had no were to start
looking. They could be anyone as far as Harry knew. Hermione in the mean time, picked up the
letter, and read it through again herself.

`Well, we do know one thing, he or she was a Death Eater' she declared, putting the paper back
on the table.

`How can you tell that?' asked Ron incredulously, giving Hermione an astounded look. Harry
opened his eyes, and looked back to the two of them.

`Well, the letter is addressed “To the Dark Lord.” Only Death Eaters call him that' she stated
simply, leaning back in her chair. Ron smiled at her, and looked across the room to Harry.

`Well, that shortens the search, now doesn't it. Only need to find a Death Eater named
R.A.B.' said Ron happily. `Still,' he continued, sounding doubtful, `that's still a lot
of people. And I doubt we'll find an index of Death Eater's names in any of these
books' he droned, slouching in the chair with a disheartened look on his face.

Hermione stared blankly at the table, thinking hard, while Harry turned and looked back to the dark
corner, where the tapestry hung.

Harry remembered when Sirius showed him it, and all the Black family tree. The blast mark was still
there, in the place where Sirius' name would be. He looked over, and found his brother Regulus
name. Harry gazed at the name for a while, and didn't notice Ron and Hermione come up
behind.

`Harry?' asked Hermione worriedly, `Harry what is it?'

Harry bent down, and looked closer at the tapestry. Ron looked puzzled, and gave Hermione a
concerned look. Harry ran his hand over the name, and it felt as if a floodgate was opened in his
head.

`Sirius' brother, he was a Death Eater, and his name was Regulus. Regulus Black' said Harry
quietly, his mind still racing.

`Regulus Black. That's R.B.!' said Ron excitedly.

`Harry, did Sirius ever say what Regulus' middle name was?' asked Hermione hurriedly.
Sirius however never did tell him his middle name, and shook his head.

`So how can we find out?' asked Ron. Harry wondered if anyone would actually know Regulus'
middle name. The Weasley's didn't know Sirius or his family, however Lupin did. Asking him
however, was impossible now, since he was with the werewolves. Harry only knew of one who would
possibly know and was alive. He stood up, and turned to face Hermione and Ron.

`I think I know someone who might know' said Harry quickly, walking to the middle of the room,
Hermione and Ron following.

`Kreacher!' shouted Harry, and with a crack, the old and wrinkly house elf appeared in front of
Harry.

`Master has called for Kreacher' said the house elf, bowing so extremely low his snout-like
nose touched the ground. Harry distinctly heard him muttering `half breeds, blood traitors, and
mudbloods in my precious mistress's house.' Kreacher came up, and gave a nasty look to
Hermione.

`Kreacher, do you know what Regulus' middle name was?' asked Harry, giving the elf a
mingled look of disgust. Kreacher glanced around the room, muttering something about `horrible
stench,' and looked back to Harry.

`Master Black was a good master. Never sent Kreacher to work with unworthy elves' he said,
giving the tapestry a hungry look. Harry was getting annoyed.

`Kreacher, you will tell me Regulus' middle name' demanded Harry. Harry remembered that
giving an order to a house elf gave better results.

`Oh, Kreacher was never allowed to know Master Black's full name. Mistress never allowed such
privileges' he said with an evil grin. He started towards the tapestry, when Harry stood in the
way.

`Kreacher, go back to Hogwarts' ordered Harry. Kreacher gave Harry a nasty look, and snapped
his fingers, returning to Hogwarts. Harry sat back down in his chair, Ron and Hermione
following.

`So now what are we supposed to do?' asked Ron, looking downtrodden into the fire. Harry was
wracking his brain, trying to think of anyone else who would know Regulus' middle name.
Kreacher didn't know, Sirius was dead, Lupin was away doing work for the Order, and he doubted
anything in this house would have his middle name on it. Harry wished Mrs. Black had told Kreacher
Regulus' middle name. Harry's mind came to hault, and realized: Mrs. Black would know. He
stood up quickly, and ran from the room. Hermione and Ron gave a startled look to each other, and
followed hastily.

`Harry? Harry! What's wrong?' shouted Hermione, as they ran down the stairwell, catching up
to Harry.

`We have to be quiet,' she wispered, `we'll wake up-`

Mrs. Black's yells and screeches filled the hallway as the three of them skidded to a halt in
front of her portrait, and Harry opened the curtains. She screamed louder now, seeing the people
looking at her.

`Filth! Vermin! You disgust and befoul the house of my father's with your presents!'

Harry took a step forward, and held his head high. `Shut up and answer my question!' he yelled.
The woman gave an appalled look, and looked to start shrieking again, when Harry quickly
spoke.

`Tell me Regulus' middle name, NOW!' yelled Harry, hoping to shock her into answering and
keeping the conversation quick. She still looked mortified with Harry, and started shrieking
anyways.

`How dare you think to yell at me you dirty scum! I do not answer questions of a child of such
disgusting and vile blood!' she finished, turning herself away from the three. Harry glanced to
Ron and Hermione for help, however both where looking bewildered. Harry could think of only one
thing that would work: a threat.

`You will tell me Regulus' middle name, or I will burn down your house' said Harry calmly.
Both Ron and Hermione gave Harry a shocking look, and glanced quickly to the portrait.

`Augustus! Now leave you revolting pieces of filth-!' she roared, as both Ron and Harry pulled
the curtains shut, and Mrs. Black's yells and screeches died behind them. The three of them
moved quietly to the kitchen, and sat around the table.

`Augustus. Regulus Augustus Black. R.A.B. It has to be him' said Harry relieved, moving his
hair out of his eyes. He would have never guessed Sirius' brother was the one to find the
original Horcrux, had it not been for the tapestry.

`Do you think that's why he was killed?' asked Ron.

`Couldn't be. I mean, if that was the case, Voldemort of would have gotten the message in the
fake locket' said Harry, Ron twitching mildly, and Hermione giving an angry sigh.

`Really Ron, are you ever going say his name?' asked Hermione snidely, giving Ron a bitter
look.

`I don't know! It takes some getting used too you know' he said back defiantly. Hermione
looked to Harry, and rolled her eyes.

`Well, anyways, we know Regulus took the real Horcrux. So, now we just need to find out if he
actually destroyed it or not. If he did, then it's one less for us. If not . . . well, then
we'll need to find out where it is' said Hermione matter of factly. Ron nodded in
agreement, as did Harry.

Harry felt too drained however by this time of day to start searching for more information, and
felt they deserved to relax for the night. Searching the library for hours had caused his eyes to
feel crossed, and he knew he could not focus properly on a task that needed his full attention. He
asked if Ron and Hermione wanted to go home for the night, but they both objectioned. Harry was
happy to hear they wanted to stay, even if it was in Grimmauld.

`My mom said since I am of age, I could do what I want. Got excited, then she said don't do
anything stupid. Had to ruin the fun' Ron said moodily. He got up, and moved to the kitchen,
opening up some cupboards, no doubt looking for food.

`We're both staying, if it's alright. Maybe we can take our first night here, and have some
fun' he said hopefully, coming back to the table, finding no food worth eating.

`Of course you can stay, but what do you mean, “have some fun”?' questioned Harry.

`Well, I mean, we can all Apperate now, and we're of age. So, we can go where we want,
anytime' he said beamily.

`So what did you have in mind?' asked Harry, worried about what the response could be. He saw
Hermione looking nervous as well.

`Well, we could go to Three Broomsticks' he said optimistically. Harry was glad Ron kept the
idea out of the extraordinary, like traveling to France. Hermione also thought it was a good
idea.

`That sounds nice. We might see Hagrid there too. It would be nice to see how he and Grawp are
doing' she said. Harry laughed, his voice cracking slightly, since he rarely laughed these
days.

`Yes, I'm sure he'd like to see how his “Hermy” is doing' said Harry, all three of them
laughing now.

`So it's settled' said Harry cheerfully, getting up from his chair, `we'll go to Three
Broomsticks.' Hermione and Ron both stood up, and moved away from the table.

`Great. And I don't care what you say,' Ron said defiantly, looking at Hermione, `I'm
trying some Firewhiskey.'

`I won't stop you, but I'll stick to butterbeers thank you' she said with a smile.
Harry decided to leave a note incase anyone from the Order wondered where they went, and left it in
the kitchen. The three of them got their cloaks, Harry using the new dark green one Hermione just
got him, and exited the house. Harry locked the door, and the three moved into the lawn.

`So, just outside Three Broomsticks right?' asked Ron casually. Both Hermione and Harry nodded,
and Harry began to think hard, picturing the front of Three Broomsticks. He gave a turn, and felt
the tube like siphoning envelope him. He exhaled as he went, and found, to his surprise, it made
the siphoning less intense. His feet hit the hard ground, and he found himself outside Three
Broomsticks alone. He looked around, and about three seconds later, Hermione and Ron Apperated next
to him.

`What took you guys?' he asked jokingly. Hermione gave him a `mind you own business' look,
and the three entered the pub.

Harry expected few people to be here, and was not disappointed. About a dozen wizards and witches
where strune about the pub, talking in small groups. The large form of Hagrid was not visible, and
Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked to one of the many empty tables with a booth, taking a seat. Madame
Rosmerta approached their table with a smile.

`Hello there dears. Surprising to see you here during the summer, but always welcome of course.
What can I get you tonight?' she asked.

`I'll have a butterbeer' said Harry. Hermione got the same, and Ron decided to start with a
butterbeer as well.

`I thought you where going to try firewhiskey?' she asked amusedly.

`Well, I'm not going to start out with one. I mean, I'll be more adventurous later' he
said, as Rosmerta returned with three butterbeers. They took them, and placed them on the
table.

`What should be toast to?' asked Hermione. Harry thought for a moment, and came up with
one.

`To Hogwarts' said Harry, raising his glass. Hermione smiled, and quietly cleared her
throat.

`To the Order' she said, raising her glass as well. The two looked at Ron, who looked to be in
thought, and he raised his glass.

`To the Chudley Cannons' said Ron. They laughed, and toasted. Harry remembered all the times
the three of them came here and enjoyed the atmosphere. It was odd coming here when it wasn't
either windy, or snowing, but it was still nice. It made him feel older, the fact that it was not
full of students from Hogwarts.

`I think this was a good idea' said Hermione happily, taking another sip. `I mean, we do need
to work fast, but we need to take some time for ourselves' she finished.

`Well of course. I mean, when we go back to Hogwarts, we won't have the freedom. Well, at least
I won't' said Ron, looking slightly dejected.

`Oh Ron, you'll have just as much freedom as we will. Just because we're Head's,
doesn't mean we won't be sticking together. Right Harry?' she asked, looking
hopeful.

`Yeah, definitely. Besides, Hogwarts will be different when we go back, so who knows what it will
be like' said Harry. It was true, they had no idea how Hogwarts would be now since Dumbledore
was gone. Plus, Harry doubted Hogsmede trips would be allowed.

`I guess that's true. I hope they still have Quiddich. Even if they're scrimmages, I'll
take it. Without Quiddich, Hogwarts is just. . .' said Ron. Hermione glared at Ron.

`Just what Ron?' she asked, her voice drenched in attitude.

`Well, school. It's no fun with just our classes and homework' he drawled. Harry understood
entirely. Quiddich was something Harry always associated with Hogwarts. Without it, it would be
hard finding some fun between studying. Harry however had no time for fun. He imagined trying to
find the Horcruxes would take a long time, maybe years. Taking time to play Quiddich would
definitely be a waste of time. Just as he began to remember all the tasks ahead of him, putting him
into misery, Hermione nudged him in the shoulder.

`Look who came in' she said, motioning towards the door. Harry looked and smiled, his thoughts
of his impending tasks vanishing, seeing who he once called `their biggest friend'. Ron waved
his hand, and called him over.

`What'er yeh doing here' said Hagrid, sounding more disappointed and upset than happy.
Harry's smile vanished, and he felt bad now, seeing how much in the open they where. It would
be easy for Death Eaters to come and kill them.

`We came to get away from the house, and we hoped to see how you where doing' expressed
Hermione. Harry hoped Hagrid would be cheerier to see them. Granted, he understood if he was still
upset about Dumbledore's death, everyone was, but this was the first time they had seen each
other since Harry boarded the Hogwarts Express. Hagrid surveyed the three of them, and, to the
delight and relief of Harry, his expression relaxed.

`Well, alrigh'. I understand, but yeh shoulda told me yeh were comin'' he said, pulling
up a large chair to the side of the table. Harry glanced around, and found it was the only chair of
such size. Rosmerta must keep it just for Hagrid.

`So did yeh get yer letters?' asked Hagrid, as Rosmerta approached. `Ah, Rosmerta. Mulled Mead
please' he said, leaning back in his chair as it creaked in protest.

`Yes we got them. Sent them all back saying yes. Ginny made Prefect' said Hermione. Harry knew
all too well that she was avoiding the fact that she and himself had been made Head Boy and
Girl.

`And Harry and Hermione are Head Boy and Girl' said Ron. Harry could tell Ron was still very
upset about the situation, and noticed after he said it, how he looked around the pub, obviously
trying to not listen to Hagrid's response.

`Yeh did! That's great!' he boomed, giving both Harry and Hermione a pat on the shoulder,
that made both of them slide off their seats, and half way under the table. They both recovered
their seating, and Harry noticed Hermione glance at Ron remorsefully.

`Ron made Prefect again too' said Hermione enthusiastically. Hagrid turned to Ron, and patted
him on the shoulder too, having the same affect that it had on the others.

`That's great Ron! Now yeh three are at the top. Proud of yeh. Your mum and dad woulda been
proud Harry' he said, as Ron sat back up. Harry was glad that Ron smiled, and he seemed to
awaken from his stupor. Harry believed what Hagrid said about his parents, and thanked him, and
reminded himself mentally to thank Hermione for beleaguering him to go back. Rosmerta returned with
Hagrid's tankard of mead, and headed back to the bar.

`How are Grawp and Whitherwings doing?' Harry asked, feeling better talking about Prefects and
Heads where behind them.

`Buck- I mean, Whitherwings is doin' great. Grawp's gettin' a lot better. Got'em
learnin' poetry!' grinned Hagrid. Ron, who was taking another sip of his butterbeer, choked
on it slightly. Harry turned away to laugh, and Hermione looked baffled at Hagrid.

`You're teaching him poetry?! Oh Hagrid, What in the world made you think that would be
helpful?' pleaded Hermione. Harry smiled, picturing Hagrid standing underneath the sixteen foot
Grawp, teaching him how to read Haiku.

`Well, it'll help him when he's trying to get a mate!' he said credulously, taking a
sip from his tankard.

`How in the world do you plan on finding a mate for him! His kind aren't exactly
everywhere' said Hermione, keeping her voice low so no one outside their table would
hear.

`Well, I'm jus' preparin' him for when he does is all' said Hagrid, taking another
drink.

`So what are yeh up to the rest `o the summer?' he asked, obviously trying to change the
subject.

`Well, we're just enjoying our summer before going back to school' said Harry. The four of
them talked more, about Hogwarts, and what each of them had been doing during the summer. Hagrid
heard about Bill and Fleur's wedding, and felt sorry it happened, and that he was unable to
attend. He said Grawp was `bein' a bit rowdy,' which Harry knew meant he had probably
ripped up a few trees on the grounds.

Hagrid had also rebuilt his hut, since it had been flamed as the Death Eaters escaped last June. As
midnight approached, Harry decided it was time to leave. Hagrid mentioned he had to check on Grawp,
Hermione was falling asleep, and Ron still had not tried firewhiskey. Hagrid left, and as the three
friends left Three Broomsticks, Harry asked if Ron was going to try actually firewhiskey.

`Maybe another time. I'm too tired' he droned, as they moved into the street. Hermione
wiped her eyes, and let out a long sigh.

`Alright, you ready to go back?' she asked tiredly. Harry and Ron nodded. `Well, lets go'
she said.

Harry thought carefully of the lawn of Grimmauld, and Apperated back, remembering to exhale as he
went. The three appeared in front of Grimmauld at the same time, and entered the dark house. Harry
checked the kitchen and saw the note was still on the table, and put it in the rubbish bin.

The three then made their way to their rooms. Ron stopped on his way to his room to say goodnight
to Hermione, and Harry waved goodnight to them, as he walked up the stairwell to his room on the
second floor. Harry entered the dark room, lit some lamps, and sat on his bed.

His first night with Ron and Hermione in his house, and it went great. They found out who R.A.B.
was, and caught up with Hagrid too. Now they just needed to find out if the Horcrux was destroyed
or not. Harry put his pajamas on, extinguished the lamps, and went to sleep.

While Harry and Ron ate breakfast the next morning, Hermione came down late, looking groggy. She
sat down next to Ron, who gave her a kiss on her cheek. Harry wished they wouldn't make a habit
of kissing in front of him all the time. He felt if they kept it up, they would be almost flaunting
something he can't have.

`You alright?' asked Harry, wondering why she was so tired, and getting his mind back on
track.

`I'm fine. Just have to get used to falling asleep later, that's all' she yawned,
getting up and getting some toast, returning shortly after.

They decided for the day, that they would focus on finding out if Regulus had indeed destroyed the
Horcrux or not. Harry knew it would be impossible to tell if he destroyed it or not. For now, their
only solution would be to see if they could find it.

`So where should we start? I mean, it could be anywhere' asked Ron.

`Well, if Regulus was trying to hide from Voldemort, the best place to come would be here' said
Hermione, Harry nodding in agreement.

`Exactly. So, we need to search Grimmauld for the locket' he said determinately. The three of
them spent the day working through the upper levels of the house, however very few items could be
found. A few books, an old broken flask, and some cutlery were all they really found aside from the
furniture. As they entered the drawing room in the afternoon, Hermione looked around with a sullen
face.

`We might run into some problems in here' frowned Hermione. `Don't you remember, we cleaned
up a lot of stuff when we first came here. Sirius threw out a lot of things. Do either of you
remember what he threw out?' she asked.

`A lot' said Ron, looking dismal. Harry tried to remember, however Ron was right. They threw
out dozens of items. Harry was trying to remember the rooms they cleaned, and what was in each of
them. It was hard, considering it was two years ago.

`Well, we did clear a lot out of the library, and here in the drawing room. A lot of things came
out of those cabinets that are empty now' said Hermione, pointing to the large empty cabinets
on the side of the room. Harry tried to remember the things they took out. He remembered a set of
tweezers that crawled up his arm, a music box that made them all drowsy, and . . .

`There was a locket. I remember, we couldn't open it' he exclaimed. Hermione and Ron looked
astounded at Harry.

`I remember that!' boasted Ron. Hermione however looked a little down.

`I remember too, but I also remember Sirius threw it out with the rest of the stuff' she
sighed. Harry knew it was all gone now, and the chances the locket was still in the house was
minimal.

`Well, what about Kreacher? He kept coming into the room trying to knick stuff, maybe he got
it?' Ron interjected. Harry remembered Kreacher coming in every few minutes trying to take
things, and keep them safe, and felt a surge of excitement. Just the night before, Kreacher had
looked at the tapestry eagerly. Harry got up immediately, and went to the bottom cupboard in the
kitchen.

`What are you doing Harry?' asked Hermione, and both she and Ron came behind Harry. Harry
crouched down, and put his hand on the handle.

`Remember on Christmas. You came, and put your present down here, where Kreacher slept. He kept
things he knicked down here' he said, taking a deep breath, and opening the cupboard.

The inside was just as it was Harry remembered, with a boiler taking up most of the space, and
Kreacher's nest-like bed just below, strune with old smelly blankets and rags. Harry also
noticed Hermione's blanket was still in its package, wedged unceremoniously under one of the
pipes. The pictures of the Black family where still in their shattered frames, and in the far back,
various objects and trinkets glinted.

Harry hesitated, and reached into the back, moving some of the coins and objects forward so he
could see. The first ones he saw where old Galleons, and, what heightened Harry's spirits, an
Order of Merlin First Class. This was the same one that they had cleared out of the drawing room on
the day they saw the locket. Harry remembered Sirius telling him his ancestor received it for
giving the Ministry money.

Harry moved the objects aside, and dove his hand into the pile again. He felt a rush of excitement
as he moved another pile of objects to the front again, noticing how many of them felt round. He
looked, and found that all the objects where coins, and his heart fell. He looked into the back of
the cupboard again, and saw a few more glimmering objects. He reached deep into the back, feeling
the back of the cupboard, and grabbed the remaining objects. He pulled them out, and put them on
top of the pile of other coins and objects he had already taken out. He looked, and his heart leapt
in excitement. Both Ron and Hermione bent down, and Harry picked up the object on top of the pile,
holding it up in the light.

Harry was holding a heavy, golden locket. As he moved it on an acute angle, an ornate serpentine S
was imprinted on its face. Hermione let out a gasp, grabbed onto Ron's shoulder as she nearly
fell over, and looked to Harry.

`Slytherin's Mark' she whispered.

Harry had found it. It was what he and Dumbledore had first set out to find, and now it was found.
He could not believe that here, in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place, he held the third Horcrux of
Lord Voldemort: Slytherin's Locket.

-->



8. Where It All Started
-----------------------



CHAPTER EIGHT

**Where it All Started**


The three moved back to the kitchen table, and Harry carefully placed the locket on the surface.
It was dull, aged, but still amazing to see. Over one thousand years old, and still with its
original chain. The three stared at it for what seemed hours before anyone talked.

`I can't believe it was here all this time' breathed Harry. Dumbledore had been looking for
it for what seemed so long, and it ended up being here, in Grimmauld Place. The uselessness of that
journey to the cave seemed total now. There was no chance the locket would have been there. Why
hadn't Dumbledore seen it in Grimmauld?

`Regulus must've stashed it here before he died' said Ron, still gawking at the locket.
Harry of course agreed, since it was obvious. He questioned what caused Regulus to leave Grimmauld,
and ultimately be murdered. Hermione seemed to be wondering the same thing.

`Why would he have left Grimmauld? I mean, if Voldemort- oh come off it Ron!' she said angrily,
giving Ron a slap on his shoulder as he cringed slightly. `If Voldemort knew Regulus stole his
Horcrux, why would he leave?'

Harry couldn't understand it either. The last thing he would have wanted was to go out into the
open. Harry remembered Sirius talking about how Regulus was deep in with the Death Eaters, and how
much he hated him for it. Harry wondered if it might have been Sirius that kicked him out of the
house, but Harry remembered that Sirius left to live with Harry's father when he was young.
Since Regulus was younger, it was doubtful he was a Death Eater by that time.

`Well, lets not worry about how Regulus was killed. More important is that we have a Horcrux'
stated Harry. `Now,' he continued dolefully, `we need to figure out how to destroy
it.'

`I can't imagine that will be an easy feat' Hermione said precariously. Harry thought
finding the Horcruxes would be hard enough, but now realized finding them was the easy part.
Destroying them would prove to be much more difficult.

They decided for the time being, to put the locket up in Harry's room, locked away in his
trunk. Putting it back in Kreacher's cupboard would have worked, since it had been hidden there
for two years, however they figured there was a chance that Kreacher could return and take the
it.

After that day, Harry, Ron, and Hermione spent all their time pouring over books in the library,
and in Harry's room, trying desperately to find information on Horcruxes, and now, how to
destroy them. Before they found the Locket, it was impossible to find any information on Horcruxes
themselves. The information on how to destroy them, was, if possible, even more scarce. After over
one week of non-stop reading, the three were showing visible frustration, especially Ron.

`We're never going to find even a definition of a Horcrux in these ruddy books' moped Ron
heatedly, taking one of his books and unceremoniously lobbing it onto the floor. Harry more than
understood his disappointment in their search. He was still holding out for books at Hogwarts,
however he had hoped to find something here at Grimmauld.

`We can't give up Ron, we just need to keep searching' said Hermione insistently, while
reading `Dark Arts of the 12th Century.' Ron gave her a startling look.

`Hermione, we've been searching for a week! We've looked at all these books, and
there's nothing' he ranted. He stood up quickly, and made his way to the doorway.

`I'm sorry, I need to get away for a bit' he stated, walking out and leaving Hermione and
Harry alone in the library, books strune about everywhere.

`Sorry Harry. He's been a bit frustrated lately' mumbled Hermione, giving Harry a sorrowful
look.

`We all are. Finding that Horcrux so early, and now it's taking a while to figure out how to
destroy it. I mean, it might be years until we find out' said Harry consolingly, as he gathered
some books on one of the tables, and restacking them using his wand. Hermione gave a sigh, and
Harry turned to see her holding her head in her hands.

`Are you alright?' he asked, approaching the side of the chair she sat in, and crouching down.
He placed a comforting hand on her back, and she placed her hand on top, giving him an appreciative
smile. She looked back down at the floor, and the smile was lost.

`I'm fine. I'm just tired, that's all. I think I'll head off to bed' she said,
taking her hand off of Harry's, and putting the books lying on her lap on the nearest table.
Harry stood up, and helped her up. She thanked him, and left for her room.

Harry cleaned a bit of the library up, stacking some of the books, and extinguished the lamps and
fireplace. As he made his way to his room, he heard whispers coming from Ron's room.

`Ron, please, you need to show more support to Harry. I know this is aggravating not finding any
information, but we can't give up. I promise, when we get the chance, we'll go on a date,
alright?' whispered Hermione. There was a pause, then Harry could hear footsteps. Harry moved
quickly, but quietly, up the staircase, and into his room.

He felt bad about eavesdropping on the two of them, but even more so over what they were talking
about. Ron was upset because he wanted a date with Hermione. Harry understood why, since the two of
them really had no alone time. Even at Hogwarts, students could find time to be by themselves. He
decided that the next day, he would tell them to go on a date to wherever they wanted to.

`Besides' he thought to himself, as he climbed into his bed, `there's somewhere I need to
go alone.'

The next morning, the three where sitting in the kitchen eating their breakfast again. Harry
realized that soon he would need to go and get more food, as they where finishing the bread, and
had run out of peanut butter the day before. He told Ron and Hermione his plans to go to the nearby
muggle grocery store, however Ron laughed at the idea.

`Harry, you're a wizard! Didn't you ever wonder where my family got all the food? You
either conjure it, or, better yet, we could go to The Undry! Com'on, I'll show you' he
propounded excitedly. Harry looked to question Ron about it, however Ron was already up at the
fireplace, waiting with the Floo Powder. Harry gave a considering glance, and decided to follow.
The three of them stood at the fireplace, and Ron happily threw the powder into the
fireplace.

`Can't we just Apperate there?' asked Harry.

`No, because we don't know where it is, except Ron' stated Hermione.

`Well, I've never been there, but I know it'll be great. Alright, The Undry, OK? Make sure
you have some money too' said Ron, as he stepped into the emerald flames, and yelled `The
Undry!' A flash of green flames, and he was gone.

Harry was less confident now, knowing that Ron had never really been to The Undry, but they did
need good. He went up to his room, got his money, and came back down to find Hermione waiting for
him. He left a note for the Order, and the two of them Flooed their way to The Undry.

Harry was caught by surprise at the shear size of the place. It was huge, at least ten times bigger
than any muggle grocery store he had been too. It reminded Harry of airplane hangars he saw on
television while Dudley watched a show about airplanes when he was younger. Hermione also seemed to
be astonished by the size of the building. One thing Harry could tell, was that it was underground,
much like the Ministry, making the sight all the more wonderous.

As the three walked from the dozens of fireplaces in an offset room, a large set of open doors led
to a vast hall, full of isles and tellers. The first thing Harry noticed in The Undry, was a huge
cauldron filled with food at the entranceway, which had engravings marked on it.

**The Undry**

*Food for all, to have and to eat
Some of it bland, and some of it sweet
But remember take not, what you do not need
For food shall not be given, to those of greed*

The three of them moved along, and bought the various items they needed. Hermione seemed to go
for more sugar free items, while Ron seemed more than happy to replace them with food that had
ample amounts of sugar.

Harry was surprised by some of the isles he went down or passed by. The most notable ones included
isle 57, which contained live spiders. Harry assumed they were for potions, until an old and rather
ragged looking witch took a small black spider out of a jar, and ate it, making Harry cringe and
look away as he heard the crunching. As they walked up the isle, Harry and Hermione suddenly
noticed that Ron had mysteriously disappeared. Only after searching four isles did they find him.
He told them he got lost. Hermione smirked, knowing full well the reason he left an isle full of
spiders.

Isle 104 was completely dark, almost like night. They decided to skip that isle, when a few dozen
bats surprised them at the entrance. The last isle, isle 304, was filled with many odd looking
meats. Harry looked at one, which resembled steak, however backed away quickly when the `steak'
moved slightly, and gave, what Harry could only call, a yawn.

The three of them left The Undry, with at least three weeks worth of food. They had to shrink it
all in order to get it back in one trip.

`So all wizards and witches get their food there?' asked Harry, as they ate their lunches back
at Grimmauld. Ron was in the middle of eating his chicken, however replied with a full mouth of
food anyways.

`No, there are other places. You know, more local for some people. Best place is The Undry though,
by far. But most people conjure food. Since we don't know how to yet, and the best food is at
The Undry, thought it would make a good reason to go' he finished, swallowing his food.

The three finished lunch, and spent the afternoon hammering over more books in the library. Harry
could see Ron trying to focus more this time, getting through at least three books this time. As
supper neared, he decided to tell them to go on their date. It was hard trying to do it, without
them finding out he was eavesdropping the night before.

`Well, I'm going to have supper, but I need to leave for a while tonight. I've got to go
somewhere, and I've got to go alone. You guys should go and have dinner somewhere or go
out' he said calmly, putting the books he had been searching through away. He had tried to pass
the comment off casually, but it didn't work. Hermione looked up at Harry with an astonished
look.

`Harry, no way. You can't go anywhere alone, especially now. What happens if Death Eaters get
you? And besides, where do you need to go alone?' she asked harshly. Harry knew this would be
coming. He was glad that she and Ron worried about him, but sometimes it was bothersome. He was of
age, and should be able to do what he wants. He sometimes wondered if they thought he would just go
walk up to the Riddle house without a wand, and knock on the door. He was going to retort with an
aggravated response, when an obvious crack could be heard coming from the kitchen.

The three of them immediately looked at the open doorway of the room, not moving a muscle. Hermione
and Ron slowly stood up, pulling out their wands, and carefully placing the books they had on their
laps on the chairs. Harry put his finger to his lips as they looked back at him, and slowly made
his way to the doorway.

There was someone downstairs. They had not moved out of the kitchen yet, but were creating quite a
bit of noise. Harry heard the clinking of cutlery and plates. The three slowly moved out the
doorway, and down the stairwell. As they turned the corner, Harry made a glance inside, just as the
man within the room stood and called out loud.

`Harry! Ron! Hermione!' yelled Lupin. The three outside lowered their wands, looking at each
other with a mixed feeling of relief and embarrassment. They all calmly walked into the kitchen,
letting out a collective sigh of relief.

`There you are. I wondered for a moment-, why do you have your wands out?' Lupin asked
quizzically, as the three sat down at the table across from Lupin.

`Sorry. We heard a crack, and worried it could be someone' said Harry. He placed his wand back
in his pocket, and looked to Ron and Hermione, both looking even more embarrassed that they thought
Lupin might have been a Death Eater.

`Well, there's no need to be that jumpy, especially in here. Don't forget, only people you
tell can get in here. Anyways, how have you been doing?' asked Lupin. Harry looked, and found
Lupin had gotten some food for himself, and was eating at a very fast pace. He had just been with
Werewolves, so of course, he looked terrible. His robes where showing new tears, and the man looked
like he had not slept in years.

`Just cleaning up the house, and doing some research for our summer projects' replied Hermione
simply. Harry was glad she didn't mention the Horcruxes. He still had not told anyone except
Ron and Hermione. Hermione gave a smile to Harry as Lupin attacked his food again, and asked how
Lupin was.

`I've been better, but I'm alright. A little hungry, as you can see. I see you went and got
some food. Have you three ate yet?' he asked, as he filled his mouth with a turkey sandwich.
Ron looked to answer, but Harry cut him off.

`No, we haven't. But, I'm going somewhere tonight, and I thought it would give time for Ron
and Hermione to go out to dinner' he stated. He knew Ron wanted it, and Hermione did too. She
was still however, hesitant to accept the notion.

`Harry, I already told you, you can't go by yourself. We'll go with you. Me and Ron can go
another night' she said. Ron did not look to happy, considering he had wanted to go on a date
with Hermione alone for a while. Harry, on the other hand, found a solution. It was sitting right
in front of him.

`How about if Remus comes with me, if that's alright?' he asked, looking hopeful. Lupin
finished chewing, and nodded.

`Sure Harry. As long as you tell me where, and it's not anywhere odd, we can go. You two should
go, have some fun. There's not much left in the summer, so you should take advantage of it'
he gestured to Ron and Hermione. Ron was pleased, and Hermione gave a smile, but still had concern
on her face.

`Alright, but be careful Harry, please' she insisted. Harry nodded, and got up to get some food
for himself. Ron was already bounding upstairs, getting cloaks just incase it got chilly. The sun
was still hours from setting, but the nights where cool and generally required a coat or cloak. Ron
returned just as Harry finished making himself a turkey sandwich, and sat back down.

`So, where do you want to go?' Ron asked Hermione. Lupin cleared his throat, and turned around
to the fireplace, where the two where standing.

`Might I suggest the Leaf and the Lowell, a very nice spot in Hogsmede at the end of Garden Street.
Small, and quaint, but very good food' he finished. Ron and Hermione thanked Lupin for the
suggestion, and Apperated to Hogsmede.

`So Harry, where is this mysterious place we're going tonight' Lupin asked, as he put both
their dishes in the sink, and bewitched the sponge and cloth to wash them.

`Godric's Hollow.'

*

With a crack, Ron and Hermione appeared in front of Three Broomsticks, much like they did with
Harry a few weeks earlier. The two of them moved up High Street until they reached Garden. It was a
short, tucked away street neither of them had seen before. At the end of it, stood a small, one
storey building.

Hermione agreed with Lupin, it was very quaint. A large window allowed the two to see inside the
restaurant as they walked closer.

There were about a dozen tables inside, with booths arranged along the side walls. The whole dining
area was lit with oil lamps hanging above the tables, allowing for the perfect amount of light. As
the two of them entered, a nice looking woman approached the two of them. She carried her wand,
with a notepad following her.

`Welcome to The Leaf and the Lowell. Table for two? Let me take those' she gestured, flicking
her wand. Their cloaks flew quickly out of Ron's arm, and hung themselves on the coat rack on
the wall next to the door. The lady smiled at the two of them, and motioned Ron and Hermione to
follow her. She lead them to a table near the window, gave another flick, and two wooden chairs,
and two menus appeared.

`My name is Lauren. Just tap the table with your wand when you're ready to order' she
smiled, leaving the two to consider the menu. Ron quickly moved over and pulled out the chair for
Hermione. She laughed a little as she sat down.

`What?' Ron asked oddly, as he took his seat across the table.

`You, pulling out my chair for me. It's sweet, but not a normal Ron thing' she admitted,
giving another smile. Ron smiled as well, and glanced at the menu.

Hermione looked at the menu, and debated the various items. Lupin was right, there was a lot of
good food here. She had just started looking at the appetizers, when she was surprised to see Ron
putting his menu down, and taking out his wand. She hadn't even gotten to the entrees.

`You know what you want already?' she asked disbelievingly.

`Yeah, well, there's only two things I know how to pronounce on the menu anyways. It's
either bread, or Roast Beef and Potatoes' he said giving a smile, trying to sound amusing.
Hermione, on the other hand, was not too excited over his choice.

`Ron, when you go out, you should try something different. We could have Roast Beef back at
Grimmauld anytime. I know a lot of this stuff is foreign, but some of it's very good.' She
picked up her menu, and showed it to Ron.

`See, I had some of these when I was in France. This is Rabbit Sauté Chasseur. It's Rabbit
cooked with white wine. Poulet Creme Fraiche, that's very good. I had it in a breathtaking
restaurant in Lyon. It's chicken in the most wonderful sauce' she finished. She hoped her
enthusiasm would work into Ron, and he would trust her and try something new. She was disappointed
when he leaned back against his chair, and gave a smile Hermione knew meant `thanks, but no.'
She put down her menu, and gave a sigh, just loud enough for Ron to hear.

`Sorry Hermione. I'm sure it all tastes great, but I honestly just want the Roast Beef.
Sorry' he added, as Hermione continued to look upset. He had wanted this date for a while, and
did not want to mess it up. He was going to change his mind, when she flashed a smiled, took out
her wand, and tapped the table. The light above flickered for a moment, and Lauren appeared next to
the table, notepad in tail.

`All set? Excellent, now, what can I get you twos to drink?' she asked cheerfully. Hermione
asked for tried and true pumpkin juice, while Ron went for more simplistic water.

`Would you like to start with appetizers, or right on to the main course?' she asked happily.
Hermione looked to Ron. She knew Ron had, of course, not looked at the appetizers. She was going to
order one, but decided to let Ron decide.

`We'll just have out meals thanks. I'll have the Roast Beef and Potatoes' he said.
Lauren nodded, and turned to Hermione.

`I'll have the Chicken Cordon Bleu please, with mixed vegetables.' Lauren smiled, and
flicked her wand to the notepad. Writing appeared, and the notepad zoomed through a door that,
Hermione thought, must lead to the kitchens. Hermione started to wonder, and as Lauren made two
glasses, and siphoned the water and pumpkin juice into them, she couldn't hold out her
question.

`You don't have house elves working in your kitchen, do you?' she asked, Ron rolling his
eyes and looking out the window in response. Lauren seemed not to mind the question however.

`No. The owner, Mr. Brevamire, doesn't use house elves. He doesn't believe in slavery, so
if he did had house elves here, they'd be paid, and free. None of them want to be free though,
not that I'm complaining. This is a well paying job, and I don't want to loose it. There
you go. I'll be back with you meals in a few minutes' she finished, turning around and
checking on a couple in one of the booths.

Hermione was happy with the answer. She wished more people would be like Mr. Brevamire. Lauren
didn't seem to mind house elves either. Hermione made a mental note to tell more people about
this restaurant.

`How did I know you'd ask about house elves. Why can't you just relax Hermione?' asked
Ron quietly a few moments later. Hermione had wanted this date to go argument free, however that
hope was going down the drain.

`I am relaxed Ron, I just wanted to know, that's all' she said, trying not to show her
growing dismay.

The meal continued much like this, even though neither of them wanted it to. After they started on
their meals, conversation became sporadic, and usually mundane in its topics. Ron mentioned the
weather three times over the course of the meal. Hermione tried to start more interesting topics,
such as subjects they would be taking at Hogwarts this year, however Ron usually ended the
conversations abruptly.

As they left later on that night, the stars glowing in the sky with the 3/4 moon, Hermione was
trying to bring the conversation to a good point, however felt she was fighting a loosing battle.
She was glad to have talking about Hogwarts behind them as they left the restaurant, when Ron
brought up the one topic Hermione had avoided on purpose.

`Well, hopefully when we're back at Hogwarts, we'll have time to spend with each other. I
mean, you'll have all your Head duties, and I'll have Prefect duties. I can't imagine
there will be a lot of time for us' he said with a touch of misery. By this time, Hermione was
ready to go back to her room.

She thought when the three of them went to Three Broomsticks that this issue was resolved, but she
should have known better. She knew Ron was trying to still get reassurance that there would be time
for the two of them. She honestly could not see that happening, just with trying to destroy the
Horcruxes alone. She stopped and turned in front of Ron, trying very hard to make Ron understand
what they had already discussed.

`Ron, lets get back to Grimmauld and we can talk about it. I'm hoping Harry is alright' she
said. Ron nodded, and the two Apperated back to Grimmauld, to find it empty.

*

Harry and Remus finished putting away the dishes, and got their traveling cloaks. Harry left a
note for the Order and Ron and Hermione, letting them know where the two of them went to. He hoped
Ron and Hermione wouldn't be too upset at him going without them.

When Harry told he was going to Godric's Hollow, he expected Lupin to protest, and tell him to
wait until it could be protected well enough. He was surprised when Lupin simply nodded, and sat
back down across the table from Harry, a blank expression on his face.

`I knew this day would come. I know you want to go alone, and you are of age, so I make it up to
you whether I go with you or not' he said thoughtfully.

Harry had planned to go alone, however seeing Lupin made him remember something very important.
Lupin was the last true Marauder left, his father's only real friend still alive. He remembered
Lupin trying to help him after the wedding night, and trying to be there for him. Harry knew going
to Godric's Hollow would maybe be dangerous, and that if anyone had to go with him, Lupin would
be his first choice. Of course, his next choices would be Hermione and Ron.

`Remus, if anyone should go with me, it's you. Do you want to go with me?' asked Harry
consolingly. Lupin smiled at Harry's response.

`Thank you Harry. I haven't been to the Hollow since that night. I think it will do us both
good to go' he said. The two of them got up, and put their cloaks one in silence.

Lupin knew where Godric's Hollow was, so Harry side along Apperated with him. After the usual
siphoning and tube like experience that is Apperating, Harry's feet hit hard ground. As he
looked up, he found himself on a paved road.

The sun was still in the sky, seeming ready to set in the next few hours. The road the two men
stood on was in the country, slow rolling hills all around them. Brush and the several trees
littered both sides of the road. Looking back, Harry could see the paved road stretch into the
distance. He could see it at least a kilometer of the road behind him, before it turned and
vanished.

`It's just up here' motioned Lupin, pointing ahead of the two of them. Harry nodded, and
they started to walk. The road in front began to move upwards on a slow incline. After two minutes
of walking, Harry wondered if they came to the right place.

`Remus, are you sure this is where it is?' Harry asked, trying not to sound worried. Lupin made
a glance behind them, and continued on.

`Yes Harry, don't worry. You father wanted the house to be remote, however settled to having it
on this road. This is Smarts Green. We're just outside North Nibley. It's a small muggle
town, just north of Bristol, I think. You mother, being a muggleborn, wanted their house to be
accessible by car, incase any of her relatives wanted to come. Although, usually it was James and
Lily who went to see her parents' he said, as the road started to level out, and turn angle to
the right. Harry noticed how Lupin only mentioned his mother's parents, and not Petunia.

`So why is it called Godric's Hollow?' asked Harry.

`Well, it's much like Grimmauld Place. The street Grimmauld Place is on isn't called that
to the muggles. For wizards, your parents house is called Godric's Hollow. I'll tell you
another time why it's named that specific name though' said Lupin, giving Harry a
reassuring look.

As the road started to straighten out again, and the trees thinned out, Harry saw it. An old, but
normal looking house. This was it, his first home, where everything started.

It had a small paved drive, cracked at numerous places. The small yard in front was green, but
wild, with bushes and weeds growing here and there. The house itself was not what Harry was
expecting.

It was an old, stony, two storey house. The stone on the outside was almost black due to age and
wear. The dark black shingled roof carried the weight of a few fallen leaves, and the windows were
all covered from the inside by pale white drapes.

Harry stopped a moment to take in the sight of his parents house, and continued to the door. Harry
worried a bit at what could be waiting inside for him. Lupin waited at the door for Harry, and
pulled out his wand.

`Go ahead Harry' he said, motioning Harry to take out his wand. Harry took a guess, and waved
his wand at the locks. They clicked, and the dark wooden door opened.

`How did you know?' asked Harry, as Lupin entered the house, Harry still with his wand pointed
out.

`This house has more connection to you than you know' he smiled, waiting for Harry to enter.
Harry still did not understand, but entered the house none the less.

The house was dark, the curtains not allowing sunlight into the old house. Harry slowly stepped in,
and jumped suddenly when the door slammed shut behind him. He could barely make out Lupin, who was
standing only a few meters in front of him.

`Harry, can you please give some light?' asked Lupin.

`Lumos' said Harry, his wandtip lighting up, bathing the room in white light. Harry looked, and
found the floor was made of wood, creaking slightly with each step. The walls were wood on the
bottom, stone on top, with old paintings hanging here and there. At least an inch of dust was set
on everything, including the floor. Harry quickly looked back at Lupin, to find him looking around
the entry way as well.

`Very good Harry, however can you do that again, except adding the word “domus” to the end?'
inquired Lupin. Harry gave him a peculiar look, but obliged. He lowered his wand, the light dying
out.

`Lumos Domus' articulated Harry. The house immediately lit up. The lamps sparked, and the
window drapes opened up, allowing sunlight to splash into the old house, and sending up huge
amounts of dust in the air. Harry had to put one hand to his eyes to adjust to the light, and
another to his mouth as he coughed, the dust settling back down, almost too quickly.

`Alright. Now, I guess I should show you around' said Lupin uneasily. He turned to his left,
and motioned Harry to follow. Harry looked around the entry quickly, then followed.

They entered a large sitting room, with two red leather couches, and one sitting chair arranged
around a large stone fireplace, sitting on an old maroon decorated rug. The painting above the
fireplace depicted a scene most likely from Scotland, with high rolling hills, and a deep blue loch
in the middle. A desk stood in the far corner, with old rolls of parchment and quills arranged on
top.

`This is the sitting room. Your mother used to do a lot of her work there at that desk' said
Lupin. Harry looked through the room as he walked towards the desk, the floor still creaking
slightly.

`What did my mom and dad do for work?' asked Harry, as he reached the desk. He used a Cleaning
Spell he read in the book from Mrs. Weasley from his birthday, and the dust vanished, leaving the
desk clean and polished.

`You never knew? Well, you father didn't really have to work. His family had more than enough
money, however, as you must know, he was never one to sit down and do nothing. So, after Hogwarts,
he went and became an Auror. I suspect that's where you get your defence skills' explained
Lupin. Harry was speechless. His father, an Auror, something he himself wanted to become.

`Your mother, on the other hand, was very skilled with potions. Our NEWT potions master, Professor
Slughorn, always said she was the best potions student he ever taught. He encouraged her immensely,
and helped her find a position in the ministry, in the Experimental Magic Department.' Lupin
was now looking around the room himself, taking a closer look at the painting on the wall, while
glancing at Harry every few moments.

`She worked in the ministry?' Harry questioned. His full attention was now on Lupin. Why
hadn't he been told about this before?

`Yes actually, and I was very fortunate that she did too. You see' he continued, moving closer
to the desk Harry was standing over, `she was one of the potions masters that created the Wolfsbane
Potion, along with Damocles Belby.' Harry this time fell into the chair behind the desk, a look
of total bewilderment on his face.

`She helped make the Woldsbane Potion?' he said aporetically. He had only heard of the potion a
few times, but he knew it was very difficult to make. It made sense that Lupin was glad she did
this, since it allowed him to maintain some control on full moons.

`Yes, she did. I think James encouraged her to figure out a potion. I was going through some tough
times, and believe me, that potion helped out enormously' he added, as he moved into the next
room. Harry stood up, and walked over through the doorway as well, to find himself in the
kitchen.

`Of course, the kitchen. Your mother was not one for cooking. She did try once, and' he muffled
a laugh, `lets just say it didn't go down that well. James, on the other hand, proved rather
surprisingly, to be a good cook. He always hassled Lily for not being able to chop onions without
crying' grinned Lupin, as they moved through. It was a spacious room, with wood cabinets, and a
wooden island in the middle, probably used for such things as yes, chopping onions. Harry opened
one of the cupboards to find it was full of clean, white plates. He closed it, and followed Lupin
out of the kitchen.

They proceeded to see the dinning room, which had a very large oak table, that could easily sit
twenty people, and the tea room, which looked like it could be very cozy, if not sitting under a
thick layer of dust. By time they reached the front of the house again, the sun had set, and the
oil lamps covered the inside of the house in an orange glow. It was when Lupin turned to go up the
staircase, that Harry stopped for a moment.

`Harry? Are you alright? We don't have to go up there now. We can come back another time'
expressed Lupin worriedly, as he descended the few stairs he climbed back down to Harry, who was
still at the bottom.

Harry's mind was trying to comprehend what he was doing. He hadn't been in this house since
his parents died. The bottom floor was not that worried him when he was walking along the road, it
was what would be waiting for him on the second floor, where his parents actually died, and where
Voldemort once stood, pointing his wand at Harry.

Harry mustered his courage, and started up the stairwell, not even looking at Lupin to give a
response. The old wooden stairwell creaked on every step as he climbed. When he reached the top, he
waited for Lupin, who was a few steps behind.

`Your parents bedroom' put Lupin simply, motioning Harry to the right, where a doorway stood.
Harry entered first, and saw a large bedroom, not much bigger than Aunt Petunia and Uncle
Vernon's room. It had two windows, on the walls to the left, and in front of Harry. The bed sat
on the far wall, next to a wardrobe. Harry walked around the room slowly, and his eyes landed on a
vanity, sitting against the wall close to the door. It had pictures, wizard's pictures, of
people. Harry picked some of them up one at a time, and saw members of the Order, some unknown
people, and lastly, his parents, young and happy, on a beach in the summer, waving back at
him.

Harry was lost in his emotions. There was so much about his parents he did not know. What was this
picture of? How where they so happy? He could imagine them walking around the house, beaming at
each other, and living a happy life.

He had missed this house, even though he had little to no memories of it. Somehow, walking through
it made him realize that much more, how the Dursley's was never his real home. It was
here.

Tears welled him Harry's eyes as he looked at the picture in his hand. Remus had remained
silent for Harry, and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Harry looked to him, and smiled, a
single tear leaking onto his cheek. Harry turned back to the picture, seeing his smiling parents
again, and more tears began to fall. He felt he should restrain himself, however Remus' rubbed
his shoulder in support.

`It's alright to cry Harry. Know that they would be proud of you, both as the man you are, and
the man you will become' he affirmed sincerely, moving to the doorway somberly. Harry wiped his
tears away, pocketed the picture of his parents, and moved back into the hallway.

`Now, you are sure you want to do this Harry?' asked Remus, looking very worried at Harry as
they stood in front of the last room. Harry nodded, looking determinately at the door opposite
them. He slowly walked to the door, and turned the knob.

Harry's bedroom. The walls, the paint now faded to pale blue, had gold stars and moons
plastered all over. A trunk, and dresser stood against one wall, and a rocking chair next to the
other, right next to the window. Harry saw the chair, and could remember his mother sitting in it
with him, rocking him to sleep. It was a memory that he had not had before, yet he could picture
his mother there with him. Harry's eyes became watered again as he moved farther into the room.
No odd marks were in the room, left by the horrible incident that happened so many years ago.
Everything was like it was.

Harry moved closer to the crib, which was in the corner of the room. He looked back to see Lupin
giving a supportive smile from the doorway. Harry was glad he came. He still had many questions
about his parents, however those could wait until they were back at Grimmauld.

When Harry reached the crib, the reality of the situation came to him. This was where his mother
died, where Voldemort tried to kill him, Harry. Harry placed a hand on the crib, and immense pain
shot through his scar, causing him to double over, and fall to the ground.

`Harry!' yelled Lupin, although Harry barely heard him. His mother's screams where ripping
through his mind, and the high toned laugh that followed made his scar burn even more. Harry
grasped his head, trying hard to focus, however was swamped by the tremendous pain. He could feel
Lupin's hands on his shoulders, however the pain coursing through his scar was just too intense
to hear outside his mind. A short, snakelike sentence played in his head.

`Now, young Harry, our souls shall become intertwined.'

And with a final flash of pain, Harry was overcome, and passed out.

**Spell / Name Meanings -**
**The Undry** - From Irish myth, a cauldron that belonged to the god Daghda. The cauldron would
grant food to a man, based on his merit. The idea of a wizard's version of a grocery store I
thought would be neat to name after a mythical cauldron that gave out food.
**Leaf and the Lowell** - No real meaning, just thought it up (though the name Lowell belonged
to two US poets, an astronomer, and a president of Harvard)
**Lauren** - L. laurus: the laurel, bay tree.
**Brevamire** - L. brevis: small, mire: uncommonly (Brevamire = uncommonly small)
(In respect to his views on house elves. He wishes to have them free, which means he is part of an
uncommonly small amount of people).
**Domus** - L. domus: house

-->



9. The Sorting Hat's Last Song
------------------------------



**A/N - Now this chapter has a Sorting Hat song in it, and I'd really appreciate if you
could review, and let me know what you think of the song, and of the story so far. Thank
you!**

**Oh, also, there's a little change of view here at the beginning, but it shouldn't be
too confusing.**

CHAPTER NINE

**The Sorting Hat's Last Song**


Hermione was staring at the note left on the counter of the kitchen. She and Ron had just
returned from their date, and came to see if Harry and Lupin had returned yet. As she read the
letter left by Harry, she couldn't hold in her feeling of mixed anger and anxiety.

`He went to Godric's Hollow!' she proclaimed loudly to herself, Ron coming into the kitchen
a second later.

`What did you say? Are you OK?' he asked worriedly. He didn't hear what she said, but
judging by the expression she wore, it wasn't anything good.

`No, I'm not! Harry went to Godric's Hollow!' she stressed, flashing the letter at him
quickly. She wanted to be there with Harry when he returned, to help him with everything, and to
show how much she was there for him. Ron saw the look on Hermione's face, and tried his best to
reassure her.

`Don't worry Hermione, don't forget, Lupin went with him. Maybe this was something Harry
wanted to do by himself' he said, sounding almost too mature for Ron. Hermione was not going to
give up that easy though.

`I know Ron, but we promised, both of us, that we'd be there when he went back to the Hollow. I
wanted to be there, to show we'd support him.' She was so torn between yelling and crying,
so she settled to pacing around the kitchen, the note still clutched in her right hand, her left
glued to her lip. Ron moved over slowly, stopped her, and she immediately broke down and hugged Ron
as hard as possible. Ron felt uneasy, but tried to console her by patting her back lightly.

`I just hope he's safe' sniffled Hermione. Ron placed a comforting hand on the side of her
head.

`Don't worry, alright? I'm sure-` was all Ron could say, for at that moment, he was cut off
by a loud cracking sound. The two jumped apart, their hands at their wands, and turned towards the
fireplace where the sound emanated.

`Quick, I need your help!' yelled Lupin, with an unconscious Harry on his shoulder. Ron quickly
ran to Lupin's side, and helped him with Harry. Hermione was frozen on the spot. Her face was
one of overwhelming shock. She looked at Harry, and panic overcame her. She quickly ran to help the
three men, as they started to move across the kitchen.

`What happened?' she asked weakly, as they moved the unconscious Harry up into his room. Lupin
did not respond until they laid Harry on the bed, his chest rising and falling at a phenomenally
slow rate.

`We went to Godric's Hollow. Everything was alright, but when he touched his old crib, I
don't know, he just collapsed. He was yelling, and his hands where over his head. Then the pain
I guess became too much, and he passed out. I have to go get a healer. There's a few in the
order, don't move him!' he urged them flatly, Apparating away.

Hermione went over to Harry's bed, and watched him, Ron pulling up two chairs for them to sit
on. Harry's breathing was shallow, and his face was sweaty. Ron put an arm around Hermione, to
try and support her, but it didn't work. Seeing Harry like that could not stop her from crying,
and tears started to rain from her eyes. She turned to Ron, and buried her face in his shoulder.
Ron held her tightly, as he looked at his best friend lying on his bed.

`We shouldn't have gone' squeaked Hermione from Ron's shoulder.

`Harry wanted us to go, probably so he could go alone. And don't blame yourself for this,
alright?' whispered Ron.

`This is exactly why I wanted to go, so nothing bad would happen. Now look!' she sputtered,
taking some of her anger out on Ron. She knew it wasn't his fault, but the way he was talking
was not making her feel any better.

She moved over, and sat on the side of the bed, placing her hand on Harry's. Ron moved his
chair closer, and looked on. He knew Hermione just wanted to make sure Harry was alright. It
wasn't anything else, he told himself.

As Hermione took her hand out of Harry's, and moved it to his forehead, to move some of his
hair out of his eyes, she noticed his scar. She placed her hand on his forehead over his scar, and
closed her eyes, hoping like so many other times, that Harry would be alright.

*

Harry's eyes opened wide, his lungs taking in a large gulp of air, and he grabbed the hand
that rested on his forehead. Hermione shrieked slightly, and nearly fell off the bed in surprise,
but managed to stay on.

`Harry! Harry, are you alright? What happened?' she asked hurriedly. Harry's eyes moved to
Hermione's, and he saw they were filled with panic. He gave her hand a warm rub with his thumb,
and sat up slowly, Ron moving over to help him.

`I'm . . . alright' he managed to say, trying to get his bearings. He saw that he was back
at Grimmauld. Lupin must have brought him back after what happened.

`What happened mate, you don't look so good' indicated Ron, sitting back in his chair.
Harry didn't look good at all. The colour from his face was gone, and he looked as pale as a
ghost. His hair was sweaty, and his hands were shaking.

`I . . . I don't know. I was in my room, at the Hollow. I put a hand on the crib, and I
don't know. My scar, it just . . . burned. More pain than I've ever had before. I heard my
mother screaming, and Voldemort' he breathed. Hermione's face was still looking grave, her
hand behind Harry just incase he fell back. He was swaying slightly, so the chance was high.

`Maybe it was being where your mother died that caused the flash' proposed Hermione. Harry
thought about it, and it made the most sense. Being right at the spot where his mother died would
probably cause his scar to hurt, but to such a degree?

`Yeah, it was probably that' added Ron. Hermione turned her head over, and gave Ron a
sympathetic smile.

Just at that moment, there was the loud crack of Lupin returning, with an older woman with a
handbag, and Mad-Eye Moody. The woman, who Hermione knew to be Freya Aberton, a member of the Order
who worked as a healer at St. Mungo's, quickly moved Ron and Hermione away from Harry, and
started looking over him with her wand. Harry wanted his two friends to stay there, but let the
healer do her thing.

Hermione and Ron moved over to give her some room, and went to Lupin and Mad-Eye. Harry could hear
Hermione and Ron tell Lupin that he had just woken up, and that it was probably caused by a
flashback.

`That's what I figured' Lupin replied, nodding, looking worried. Freya took out a beaker
with an amber substance inside, and gave it to Harry. Harry was unsure as to whether to take it or
not, considering he never met the woman before, however remembered that Hermione must trust her
enough with the secret, so she was alright. He tipped the beaker bottoms up, and gulped down the
viscous apple juice like substance. His vision became hazy, and he quickly faded into sleep.

*

As Harry's head hit the pillow, Freya snapped close her handbag, and walked to the four of
them.

`He's exhausted, but otherwise I think he will be fine. I gave him a sleeping potion for now.
He should be alright in the morning, I can imagine. If there are any more problems, just call. Oh,
and I found this in his pocket' she said, giving a smile to Hermione, and giving her a picture
frame. She Apparated away, and Hermione turned the frame over to see Harry's parents smiling
back, on some far off beach.

`I think it's alright Moody, I'll take care of things from here' said Lupin. Moody
nodded, his electric blue eye swiveling around in every direction as usual, and Apparated away as
well. Hermione smiled at the picture she held, and put it on the nighstand next to Harry. The three
left Harry in his room, resting soundly, and proceeded to the kitchen. Lupin explained what
happened on their trip, in more detail, and then asked about Ron and Hermione's date.

`It went alright' put Ron. Hermione nodded in agreement, and gave a sigh. The night had been
very busy, and she was starting to realize how tired she was. She was a little more relaxed now,
knowing that Harry would be alright. She said goodnight to the two men, and went to bed, still
worked up over the night's events.

The next morning, Hermione woke early. She had a hard night's sleep, filled with nightmares.
She woke numerous times sweating, and having to slow her breathing and try to relax before drifting
back to sleep. When she woke for what must have been the sixth time, the sun was on the verge of
rising. She was not pleased, but resolved to get up, and putting on her house coat, decided to go
downstairs to the kitchen, to wait for Ron to wake up. When she entered the kitchen, she was
surprised to see Harry sitting at the table, facing the fireplace.

`He looks so lonely' thought Hermione. She decided to leave him alone, since he was obviously
in deep thinking, and would want to be alone. She turned, and started out of the kitchen
quietly.

*

`I made toast' said Harry, still facing the fireplace. He heard Hermione come down the
hallway, and could tell she was going to leave. He had been down there for a while, however had
enough of sitting alone, and would enjoy company. Hermione smiled, turned back around, and sat down
next to him. Harry was eating some toast, with peanut butter and jam.

`How are you feeling?' she asked. He looked better than last night. Some colour returned to his
face, and his hands had stopped shaking.

`I'm better. And thank you for last night' expressed Harry, giving Hermione a smile. She
furrowed her brow slightly as she helped herself to some toast.

`Last night? Harry, I didn't do anything' she said, reaching for the jam. Harry passed it
to her, and replied.

`You did. You woke me up' he explained, taking a bite of his toast and smiling.

`Woke you up?' questioned Hermione. Harry nodded, and put his finger up indicating he would
answer after finishing his toast. Hermione let a small smile wipe across her face, remembering Ron
and how he answered with food still in his mouth.

`Yeah. I don't know what was going on before, but I felt your hand on my forehead. It woke me
up, so thank you' he said nicely, taking a drink of pumpkin juice.

`Enough of me, how was your date last night with Ron?' asked Harry, changing the subject. He
knew Hermione would pick up on the change, and he hoped she would allow it and not press the
matter.

`Oh, well, it was alright, I guess' she replied, not sounding too convincing. Harry lowered his
glance at her. He knew she wasn't telling the whole truth. He had wished it went well for them,
but could tell it didn't exactly.

She went on and told Harry about the dinner. She mentioned some encouraging events to take place,
however Harry felt she was still holding back a little. As she finished, Ron came groggily into the
kitchen, slumping himself into a seat across from Harry and Hermione.

`Morning. How you feeling mate?' he asked, as he took the remaining four pieces of toast.

`I'm better, thanks. It was weird. I mean, I was worried if something would happen, but
didn't expect that' responded Harry. He had decided that morning that he would not tell Ron
or Hermione about the sentence Voldemort said yet. He himself was trying to understand it.

Their souls would be intertwined? Dumbledore talked about how Voldemort, by marking Harry, had
given him the powers he would need. He never mentioned anything about their souls. Harry realized
as he was sitting in the kitchen before Hermione came in, that that one sentence would take a while
to fully understand.

`So, how was it? I mean, Godric's Hollow?' asked Hermione hesitantly. Harry knew she had
been aching to ask, and had no problem telling them. After all, they probably wanted to come with
him. He felt they at least deserved an explanation of why he wanted to go alone, and how the Hollow
was.

`First, let me say, I'm sorry. I should have told you where I was going, because I knew that
you both wanted to come' he started. Hermione put her hand out, and shook her head. Harry got
the idea, and stopped.

`Harry, me and Ron aren't upset. We wanted to go, yes, but it was your decision. You had every
right to go there alone. I was just glad Lupin showed up when he did' she added, the other two
agreeing.

`For sure. Lupin asked if I wanted to go alone, but he's my dad's last friend left alive.
He deserved to go as much as I did, so we both went. That, and I didn't know where Godric's
Hollow was anyways' Harry smiled, letting a small laugh escape.

Harry went on, and told them about the Hollow. The paintings, the desk, the bedrooms, and finding
out what his parents did for a living. Hermione didn't seem as surprised about his parents
occupations compared to Ron.

`Well, Slughorn did go on and on about your mother and potions. The Wolfsbane Potion though? I
mean, it is one of the hardest potions in the world to make. To actually create it? She must have
been very skilled' she complimented, as an owl descended through the open window, and landed in
front of her. It held out its leg, and Hermione put a Knut in its pouch. She picked up the Prophet,
and started to read. Ron was still going on about Harry's parents, and sounded very enthused
about Harry's dad's profession, almost more than Harry himself.

`Still though, you dad, an Auror! Think of it, you're following your father's
footsteps!' exclaimed Ron, as he put the plates in the sink, and used the Self Washing Spell on
them. `Anybody we know?' he asked, as he came back to the table. It was almost every morning he
asked Hermione that as she read the paper.

`No, luckily. I haven't seen anyone in here since Terry that we know. Some more people missing
though. There was an Auror raid at some place called Spinner's End just outside London, but
they found no one there' she said miserably. Auror raids where happening more often, but every
time it seemed they found nothing. Meanwhile, more people went missing every day. A few days ago,
the Deputy Head of Administration for the Ministry was found dead, along with his wife and four
children. The Dark Mark was cast over their house.

The three decided that today would be the day to go to Diagon Alley. August had passed quickly, and
the first of September was only two days away. Hermione, surprisingly, had lost track of time, and
the mention of two days until back to school sent her into a ruckus.

`Oh no! I need so many things! I mean, there are our books, quills, parchment, robes, everything!
Com'on!' she insisted, dragging Ron and Harry through the doorway of Flourish and Blotts.
Very few people where on the street, and if they were, they generally stayed in packs, moving from
store to store at top speed. The three friends decided if trouble arose, to Apparate back to
Grimmauld regardless of what happens. They heard from Hagrid and few other Order members that they
had guards on Diagon Alley to protect students, but there was still a high chance of an
attack.

As the day moved on, and they quickly bought what they neeed, Hermione finally loosened her grip on
the other two, literally. Harry was relieved, considering the arm of his shirt had ripped twice
because she pulled too hard.

Coming along the street, they passed by Ollivander's. The store was still closed up, however a
sign posted in the window caught Harry's attention.

A WAND YOU WISH?
GO TO FALBHANAC'S WAND SHOP
LOCATED AT 18B DIAGON ALLEY, NEXT TO OBSCURUS BOOKS

'They found someone to replace Mr. Ollivander?' Hermione questioned, looking at Harry
and Ron.

'I guess' Harry answered. Looking at his watch, he found they had the time, and walked down
towards the wand shop. Passing a few groups of closely knit people, they found the extremely small
shop, which looked about the size of a broom cupboard. There was a small group waiting outside, and
Harry carefully approached the tiny front window.

Looking through the dirty window, Harry could see a tall beefy man standing in the room, rummaging
through a mirad of boxes for a short and scared looking girl, while her mother waited behind her.
The large man seemed jumpy, and sporatic in his pickings for a wand. His white, waving hair jumped
around like a ghostly wildfire as he moved through the boxes, and the mother held her daughter
tighter as the man moved in more haste.

Finally, the large man pulled out a box, and slammed it on the table in front of him. The girl and
woman both jumped, and quickly threw down several Galeons, before grabbing the box, and skurrying
out of the store as quick as possible.

'NEXT PLEAZE! ZEND IN ZEH NEXT CUSTOOMER!' boomed from inside the store, and out the
doorway. The group waiting outside took careful look at each other, and a small boy hopped into the
store with an older man who looked like his father.

The little girl and her mother came out and opened the box quickly to find a dark wooded
wand.

'Who is that man?' Hermione asked, after taking a look inside and seeing the odd man.

'That's Mr. Falbhanac' the little girl said. The mother looked at Harry and the others,
and held her daughter closely as they walked away quickly. Harry looked to Hermione, who gave a
strange quirk of her brow, and Ron moved away from the window.

'That man's mental! He doesn't even tell them what's in the wand, or measure
them!' he said, as the group moved away from the tiny store as the man shouted for the next
customer.

'I hope Mr. Ollivander is alright' Hermione stated, as they moved back up the street. Harry
was looking around carefully for anything odd.

'I'm sure he's alright. Ollivander's strange, but he's not stupid' Ron put
in.

Soon enough, they finished their purchases quickly, and made a brief appearance at Weasley's
Wizard Wheezes. The twins where excited to see them, especially Ron.

`Hey there Harry, Hermione, and oh, who's this one?' propounded George overly
excited.

`He looks kinda ugly, don't you think?' said Fred beamily.

`Almost troll ugly I'd say. That must mean he's our oaf of a brother. What's his name
again?' asked George, turning to Fred, a mock look of confusion on both their faces. Harry and
Hermione smiled at the twins. Ron, on the other hand, was looking quite agitated.

`I think I remember . . . what was it, oh yeah, WON WON!' expelled Fred, throwing his arms into
the air.

`WON WON!' bellowed the two of them together, both with hands flying into the air, and coming
from behind the counter and giving Ron an overly elaborate hug. Harry and Hermione were laughing so
hard, they had to prop themselves on the nearby shelves from falling over. Customers in the store,
a large amount compared to on the street, looked at what the commotion was, and joined the
laughing. Ron wasn't too pleased.

`Geroffme!' he shouted angrily, Harry and Hermione, along with the rest of the store, still
laughing too much to help. The twins finally let go of him, and Ron stomped out of the store,
almost breaking the door on the way out. Harry and Hermione's laughs died down, and they helped
each other to standing position. The twins still looked very pleased with themselves.

`I'd better go calm him down. Meet you outside, alright?' asked Hermione quickly. Harry
nodded, and she rushed out the door, turning left and running pass the window of the shop.

`So Harry, what brings you to our fine establishment?' asked Fred as if nothing happened.
George went back behind the counter, to deal with a customer.

`We just thought we'd see how things are' answered Harry, looking at some of the boxes on
the shelves. He noticed such products as Unbelievable Underpants, Bombastic Bubblegum, Fainting
Fancies, and the well known Nosebleed Nougat.

`Business is going well. Our defence products are selling splendidly. Our shield hats and cloaks
are in full production. We even started on something I think even you might buy, although you
already have one' divulged Fred, moving Harry into the back room of the store. He flicked his
wand, turning on the oil lamp, and picked up a silver coloured cloak.

`Looks nice' Harry complimented. Fred laughed.

`Maybe now, but it looks much better like this' he said, throwing the cloak around him, and
vanishing.

`You're making invisibility cloaks!' smiled Harry, Fred reappearing a second later, two
feet to the right of where he left.

`That's right mate. They are hard to make though. This is the first one that actually works.
Takes a few months to make the material correct. First few we made, we accidentally put both sides
of the cloak in the invisibility potion. Can't seem to find them now' he explained, putting
the cloak back down, silver side up.

Harry said goodbye to Fred and George, and went to find Ron and Hermione. Once he was outside, it
wasn't too hard. The two of them were standing in front of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream
Parlour, which was closed, probably because business was too low. Harry figured as much, wondering
who would go out for icecream now.

As Harry walked towards the two of them, he could hear them bickering. At first he was hesitant to
approach, but if they wanted to fight, they could do it at Grimmauld. Out here on Diagon Alley, it
was not good to linger.

`Oh Ron! It was only a joke!' snapped Hermione. Ron was walking away from her at the time, but
turned around and glared.

`I don't care! I don't like it when they make fun of me! And how did they find out about
what Lav called me?' he fumed. Hermione was about to respond, looking fairly enraged, when
Harry stood between them, facing Ron.

`Look, chill out, alright? We've gotten what we needed here, and we need to head back,
alright?' he finished firmly. Ron looked a little disappointed with himself, and nodded. Harry
turned around to Hermione, still not in the mood to argue. She nodded as well, her eyes not meeting
Harry's.

`Alright, lets go then' expelled Harry flatly. He thought of the kitchen at Grimmauld, and
Apparated away. His feet hit the stone floor a few moments later, quickly followed by Hermione and
Ron. Ron apologized, and they all went up to their rooms, and put their items away in their trunks.
By time they finished, and went back down to the kitchen, it was about time to go to The
Burrow.

Mrs. Weasley had sent an owl a few days before, telling them to come out for supper. Harry was more
than pleased to go back to The Burrow. They Apparated there, and knocked on the door, Mrs. Weasley
talking through it.

`Who's there?' her muffled voice asked.

`It's us Mom, Ron, Hermione, and Harry' answered Ron.

`OK. Ron, what was the first broom you flew on, Hermione, what did we talk about at Harry's
birthday party, and Harry dear, what shape did the boggart take when we cleaned Grimmauld?' she
asked in succession. Ron answered the first correctly, the first broom he flew was an old
Swiftstick. Hermione told her they talked about being a Healer as a career. Harry told the door the
boggart turned into Ron, and the rest of the Weasley's, and himself.

`Mom, why did we never go to the Undry?' asked Ron, with a smirk to Harry.

`Because all the weird ones go there, and there's no need to spend money when we can conjure
food for free' she declared, sounding rather sickened by the idea of going to the Undry. Ron
laughed, and nodded to the other two, telling them that was the correct answer. The door unbolted,
and swung open.

`Sorry you three. You know, have to be safe' she confessed as they entered. She closed the door
quickly, and gave all of them separate hugs. Harry came to expect the bone-crushing hugs now
whenever he came to visit. They all carried on to the sitting room, where Ginny was sitting with
her pygmy puff Arnold.

`Hi guys. It's so good you guys came. I've been going nuts, being the only one here'
she admitted as Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat down. Harry still felt a little odd around Ginny, but
he could tell she was just happy someone around her age was here.

`Hi Ginny, excited to be going back?' asked Hermione.

`Definitely! I've been writing a few people. Luna is coming back. Her dad said it was up to
her. Said he was more worried about some monster or something. Can't remember the name exactly.
She was made a prefect though' she informed them.

The dinner was very nice, and Harry enjoyed his time. He carried on many conversations with Ginny,
and found they where without a hint of worry or concern. She seemed to enjoy just being friends,
and so did Harry. Mr. Weasley joined them just before the meal started. Things at the ministry were
not going well. At least six Aurors had gone missing in the past week, and numerous people where
being screened for the Imperius Curse. The worst news was that guards at Azkaban hadn't been
heard from for the past two days, and a Ministry scout team had been sent to check on them.

On the last day of summer, Harry decided to make sure all the relevant books had been checked in
the library, and his room, and to make sure his things where packed. Slytherin's Locket was
still there, under numerous books, as well as the picture from the Hollow Harry brought with him. A
few Order members, like Tonks, Lupin, Dedalus Diggle, Hestia Jones, and a newer member, Baldric
Branwen, stayed at Grimmauld to escort the three students to Kings Cross in the morning.

Harry liked Baldric. He was a tall, gangly looking man with diminutive brown hair and hazel eyes,
who worked at the ministry in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and was a seventh year
Ravenclaw in Harry's first year. For a while now, he had been getting information to the Order
about crimes happening around Britain, murders and kidnappings mostly.

Just as Harry began thinking of going to sleep that night, Hermione came to see him in the kitchen.
Harry had been talking to Baldric and Tonks about the recent victory for the Falmouth Falcons over
the Appleby Arrows in the British Quidditch League.

`Do you mind if I talk to Harry?' she inquired shakily. Harry turned around, and smiled,
motioning her to sit down next to him. Baldric and Tonks said goodnight, and left them.

`What's up Hermione?' questioned Harry, wondering why she had waited until this late at
night to talk.

`Well, you know, tomorrow on the train, we'll have to tell the prefects what to do and
such' she started. Harry had totally forgotten about being Head Boy. He hadn't even read
the booklet that was sent with his letter. Hermione seemed to notice his dismayed look.

`Don't worry Harry, I'll do most of the talking. If you can say a few words here and there,
that'll be alright. OK?' she said. Harry agreed, thankful she had a better idea of what she
was doing than he did, and the two went to sleep.

In the morning, Harry woke up from yet another nightmare. It was more a dream than nightmare, since
nothing horrible actually happened. He had been having on and off during the summer.

Harry would start in the Department of Mysteries, with Hermione, Luna, and oddly enough, Hagrid.
Harry would open a door, and regardless of which one it was, it would be the room with the veil.
Harry would enter the room, and the door would slam behind him, leaving him by himself.

Harry would walk up to the veil, and start to hear the voices again. The voices where quiet, and he
would move closer. Just as he almost touched the black curtain, a voice would speak louder than the
rest.

`Don't touch the veil' Sirius' voice would calmly say. Harry would jump back, and wake
up every time at that point. He didn't like it, because it left him usually disoriented and
upset he wasn't able to talk back.

As he gathered his bearings, and saw his packed trunk on the floor, he remembered today he would be
returning to Hogwarts. He smiled at the fact that in a few hours, he would be on his way to the
magical school.

He got up, and moved his trunk and Hedwig downstairs. Since they where all of age, they could
simply Apparate to the platform. Lupin and a few other order members insisted on accompanying them
anyways. They grabbed their items, shrunk them to fit in their pockets, and got ready. Harry was
worried about bringing Hedwig, wondering what Apparating would do to her, but figured if he could
survive it alright, she would too. Just end up a little scared maybe.

The group stood in the kitchen, and Apparated to Platform 9 3/4. Once they arrived, Harry checked
on Hedwig. The siphoning seemed to disorient her, and she was squawking and flapping her wings
madly. Harry tried to calm her down, but it wasn't working. He opened up her cage, and she
immediately flew out, her right wing smacking Harry across the face as she took to flight. She
seemed to fly alright, and stopped squawking after a while. He decided to let her fly, and get her
when on the train, hopefully allowing her to vent some anger. Looking back down, Harry snickered at
Hermione's attempts to calm Crookshanks, who was hissing madly, his eyes darting every
direction trying to follow the endless noise on the platform. Ron was already meeting up with his
mother and Ginny, who were farther down the platform.

Harry said goodbye to the guard, and walked down to say goodbye to Mrs. Weasley and Mad-Eye, who
came with her and Ginny. Lupin made Harry promise to owl or use Floo to contact the order incase
anything was wrong, and Mrs. Weasley very much ordered them to come to the Burrow for Christmas,
and to Floo if they had any problems, or talk to Professor McGonagall. Once they where on the
train, Harry felt very odd, as he moved to the front, since he was always one to sit closer to the
back. Still, the fact that only a few months ago, he had been expecting never to be on this steamer
again, he was incredibly happy to be back.

Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny reached the front car, which had two large compartments. The first
was marked “PREFECTS” on the door, the second “HEADS”. Harry went ahead, and put his trunk and
empty cage inside the head's compartment, on the seat to the right.

It was much like the ones in the rest of the train, except that it had a bit more space and a
wooden table in the center, which was bolted to the floor. Hermione followed behind slowly, and put
her trunk and Crookshanks on one of the seats on the left. She plopped herself down next to
Crookshanks' cage, and let him out. He was much more hospitable now, and purred lightly as
Hermione pat him, while she observed the compartment.

`Harry, do you think Ron should stay in here with us?' she asked. Harry had sat down, and was
watching students outside enter the train. It was hard to tell if less people where coming to
Hogwarts, but he hoped most would come back. Hearing Hermione, he pulled his face from the
window.

`Why wouldn't we?' wondered Harry. Ron had always been with them. Now that Ron and Hermione
where sort of going out, it would make sense they would sit together. Harry just hoped they
wouldn't snog or anything in front of him. It still made him a little uncomfortable.

`Well, I mean, he's a prefect, and we're heads. We can't show favouratism' she
explained, looking a little concerned. Harry still couldn't really understand her worry.

`I don't think it matters much Hermione. I mean, everyone knows we're friends. Just as long
as we do our head duties, and he does his prefect duties, there's nothing wrong. Don't
worry about it' he assured. Hermione smiled, and as she put Crookshanks on the seat, the
whistle blew, and doors could be heard closing.

`We should go check with the driver, and get our directions' she proposed. Harry nodded, and
the two of them moved to the hallway, making sure Crookshanks didn't get out of the room.
Prefects where loading into the second compartment, and Harry was glad to see some familiar faces.
Ron had already entered the compartment with Ginny, and was talking with other prefects.

They walked across the walkway, and into the engine room. An old man with a striped conductor's
hat was at the whistle, looking down the train, hanging outside the window. When Harry closed the
door, the man looked in quickly, letting go of the whistle.

`Whos are you?' he asked harshly, coming back into the room.

`I am the Head Boy, and she is the Head Girl. We came for our instructions, and to make sure things
are alright' replied Harry confidently. Hermione looked to Harry and smiled, her glance lasting
a few moments as Harry observed the drivers reaction. The driver loosened his expression, and gave
a smile as well, the creases in his face doubling, giving it a resemblance to melted plastic. Harry
thought he looked better upset.

`Alrigh'. Sorry for bein' so mean. I gotta make sure none `o the other students come up
here yeh know. Ah, here we are' he said, opening up a drawer, and taking out a roll of
parchment, and giving it to Harry.

`We'll be out'n a sec'. Shouldn't have any problems t'day' he indicated.
Harry and Hermione waved goodbye, and went back to their compartment, to read their
instructions.

`That was very mature Harry' complimented Hermione. Harry smiled, and put the parchment roll on
top of the table. The whistle blew a final time, and the train gave a jolt. Harry took out his
wand, and tapped the parchment, which unfolded flat.

Hermione moved over, and sat down next to Harry, and they read the parchment together. Harry more
than once found himself enjoying the honeysuckle scent again, the memory of that summer hug
creeping back into his mind. He shook his head slightly, and focused on the letter. The fact that
Hermione smelled nice never distracted him before. Then again, he never really noticed her scent
before.

He got back to himself, and quickly read the parchment. It was from McGonagall. They finished
reading after a few moments, and made sure they both understood. It basically told them to keep up
the rotations for patrols, to take care of any problems, and make sure nothing happens in general.
Members of the Order and Aurors where on board just incase, but only as a precaution. McGonagall
also said that she wants the heads to hold weekly meetings with Prefects this year to “discuss
issues they wished resolved.” A list of prefects was included, and she told them to make up a
rotation for patrols. It also stated they had to get into robes right away, to “show the proper
example”. Both sighed, but put their robes on, along with their head badges. The letter finished
with McGonagall saying she would be having an important meeting with them after the welcoming
feast.

As Harry put on his robes, his hand rubbed against his mother's locket. He hadn't taken it
off since it was given to him, aside when he had showers. He glanced at it for a moment, then
tucked it inside his shirt. They quickly made a rotation for rounds, putting Ron, Ginny, and
Luna's first to get them out of the way. They finished, and the two heads went to the
prefect's compartment.

As they entered, they found the compartment full of people. Harry could only guess that most of the
prefects had returned, and was happy to see some friendly faces. Ron and Ginny were sitting with
Luna, who still looked as dreamy eyed as ever. She luckily did not have a copy of the Quibbler with
her. Harry looked around quickly, and could see only two Slytherin's, Pansy Parkinson, and
Theodore Nott. Harry was surprised to see him, considering he had named his father as a death
eater. Hermione looked around the room wearing a smile, and took a breath.

`Hello everyone. I'm Hermione Granger, and I'm Head Girl. As everyone knows, this is Harry,
and he is Head Boy. This year at Hogwarts will be hard, not just for us, but for everyone.
Dumbledore isn't there anymore, and less students will be returning because of what's going
on with Voldemort' she said confidently. Everyone in the room shuttered except for Harry and
Hermione. She let them settle down, and continued.

`Me and Harry will be very busy this year, and will rely on you all to help us, the professors, and
Hogwarts. Report to us on any problems you can't deal with. This year, we will be holding
weekly meetings with all the prefects to voice any concerns or problems. Please write down your
names, what house you belong to, and what you want to do for a career on this sheet of parchment
here before you leave. I'm hoping that we can work all together and make this year at Hogwarts
the best it can be.' She put the sheet of blank parchment on the table in the room, along with
a quill, and returned to Harry's side. She smiled at everyone, and looked to Harry, motioning
him to speak. Everyone was very silent, as the train chugged its way along. Harry took a breath,
and tried to figure something to say. He never liked public speaking.

`Err, well, keep a good eye out for anything alright? Any problems, or worries, come to us or your
head of house. That's about it' he finished. Hermione looked a bit disappointed for a
moment, then smiled at everyone, and put up the rotation schedule with a Sticking Charm. As Harry
and Hermione went and said hello to Luna and other prefects they knew, everyone else went to check
their times for patrolling. Ron went ahead and did his patrol for the first twenty minutes, along
with a fifth year Ravenclaw girl. Harry and Hermione meanwhile returned to their compartment. Harry
sat down, and let out a relieved sigh. Hermione, on the other hand, gave him a displeased
look.

`What?' he asked sardonically. She rolled her eyes, and pat Crookshanks, who had just jumped on
her lap.

`”Keep a good eye out”? Harry, com'on, you could have done way better than that' she
replied moodily.

`Well, what did you expect me to say? You said everything that needed to be said' he responded.
It was true, she had said everything that was in the letter for them to say. What else could he say
to a group of people that didn't like him anyways.

`I don't know, you could have maybe encouraged them, or let them know that things will be
alright. Everyone's worried about this year. With Dumbledore gone, and Voldemort on the loose,
the school's in a lot of danger this year' she fretted, looking downcast.

`How could I encourage them Hermione? I know things won't be alright, they're going to get
worst. You know it too. Besides, it wouldn't help them anyways. None of them would believe
me' he said, looking out the window. The train was passing open fields. Harry took a quick
glance at Hermione, and saw a sad look on her face. Her head lowered, taking a look at the purring
ball of ginger cat sitting on her lap.

`It would help me' she whispered. He looked over to see her still looking at Crookshanks.

Harry felt horrible. He moved over, and sat down next to her. Crookshanks gave him a glance, and
moved so he was half on Harry, half on Hermione. Harry pat the cat, and looked down at the side of
Hermione's face. Her hair was covering it, but she moved her hand over to wipe it, Harry knew,
because she was on the verge of crying.

`Hermione' he started gently. She sniffled, and wiped her face again. Harry put his hand on her
cheek, and moved her face so he could see her. Her hair was still in her face, and she moved it
away with her hand. Harry looked her right in the eyes.

`Hermione, I'm sorry. It's like at the beginning of summer, everything will be alright, OK?
I just get flustered sometimes. Don't worry alright, we'll get through it' he finished.
She sniffled lightly, and sighed.

`Harry, please say you'll beat him. I don't want you to die' she breathed, the last
word barely escaping her mouth.

`Hermione, I don't-` he was interrupted. Hermione placed her hand on his shoulder, and looked
at him pleadingly.

`Please Harry' she asked faintly. Harry looked at her, and saw how troubled she was about this.
He knew, like during the summer, she was looking for support.

`I will finish him, and everything will be alright' he said quietly. He rubbed her cheek, and
she smiled, still with tears in her eyes. Harry smiled back, and they gave each other a hug,
Crookshanks jumping off to avoid being squished.

For the second time that day, Harry found himself awash in the Hermione's scent. He embraced
her warmly, and closed his eyes. The smell made his head swim lightly, and he found himself not
minding it one bit. Hermione put her head on his shoulder, and he felt a shiver run through his
chest. He allowed himself to bask in the moment, only to hear the compartment door slide open. He
opened his eyes quickly, to see Ron coming in.

He looked at the two of them, just as they separated hurriedly. Ron stood for a moment, a dazed
look upon his face, looking from Harry to Hermione. Harry was worried that Ron would think
something was going on, and his heart was beating a little faster. He was glad that Ron's face
lightened a bit, and he took a seat across from the two of them

`We finished our rounds. Things are alright. Some fourth years in the third car were playing some
wild games, but I stopped them. Are you guys alright?' he asked, now looking closer at
Hermione. She had wiped her eyes more, but it was clear she had cried. Ron had tried to pet
Crookshanks while talking, but the cat had found himself under the table, not wanting to be
disturbed.

`I'm fine, don't worry' said Hermione tiredly. Harry felt a little odd in the
room.

`I'm going to check on the other prefects. I'll be back in a moment' he declared
quickly, getting up, and leaving before either of them could protest.

Harry went ahead and decided to check the train, for fellow Gryffindors, and to just think, while
giving time to Ron and Hermione. He was liking how he and Hermione were becoming close friends,
being able to help each other out in situations like back in the compartment, but was confused as
to some of the newer things he was feeling. He knew she was important to him. She always was, but
even more so now, being his secret keeper, and of course, as one of his best friends. He liked how
she made him feel at ease, and had a knack for knowing what he was thinking, or what to say. But
why was he noticing how wonderful she felt, or her scent? He though about it for a while, and
concluded it was simply because he had not been as close with Hermione as he was now. It
couldn't be anything else, because she was with Ron, and Harry was happy for the both of
them.

As Harry walked along, he met up with Dean, Seamus, Neville, a few other Gryffindors, and members
of the Order, who where patrolling the train. When he came back and reached the Head compartment,
he decided to knock, so he wouldn't have to see Ron and Hermione snogging. He went inside, to
find Ron just sitting back down on the right side of the compartment, both he and Hermione looking
at ease.

The rest of the journey was much like years before. Harry and Ron played wizard's chess and
Exploding Snap, while Hermione read more on their head duties as well as reviewing some of the
texts. The food trolley came early, which pleased Ron. Luna and Ginny came in and spent some time
with them, enjoying the larger space, and that their patrols were at the beginning of the ride.
After a while, Harry and Hermione went to check with the driver again, and found out they where
only twenty minutes from Hogwarts. They went back to the compartment, and told the others to change
into robes. When the train finally came to a halt, they had arrived at Hogsmede station.

The sun had set a few hours before, and the lights at the station showed the students their way to
the carriages. It was cool, but wearing their cloaks was enough to keep warm. Harry stepped off the
step with his trunk, and Hedwig. She had returned about an hour after leaving Kings Cross. She was
much nicer when she came back, seeming to forgive Harry for the Apparating.

As they departed the train, Harry breathed in the wonderful smell of Hogsmede. Harry couldn't
explain it to anyone if they asked, but he always loved the smell, the sound, and site of the town
and Hogwarts. He looked up, and since he couldn't see stars, he knew an overcast sky hung above
him. Harry walked a little down the platform, and said hi to Hagrid, who was waiting for the first
years. He had a few Aurors with him as well.

`Hiya there Harry! They're here jus' `n case' he motioned at the Aurors. `Now come
along firs' years!' he bellowed, waving his lantern. Harry gave him a wave, and moved to
the carriages. Hermione had made sure the prefects got everyone on, and they started their way to
Hogwarts in the last carriage to leave. Harry ended up sharing it with Hermione, Ron, and
Luna.

`Well, hopefully this year, we won't have any problems with Flying Franbockers. I heard they
had troubles with them in Scotland this year. They do terrible damage to people's toes'
Luna said abstractedly, winding her finger in her hair. Hermione eyes looked up and she sighed, no
doubt realizing that this year would not be without Luna's oddness. Harry shook his head and
stifled his laugh. He knew how much Hermione just wanted to rage on about how something like Flying
Franbockers could never, or will never exist. Ron and Ginny were busy looking out at Hogwarts, as
they starting up the slope towards the castle.

When they exited, they found Professor Sprout and two tall, however very young, Aurors getting
students into the castle with haste. Harry thought the security that he saw so far was a bit
extreme, but followed inside with the other students. As he passed the Aurors, he was surprised to
see them scanning over Harry, watching him as he entered the castle. They went through the Entrance
Hall, and into the Great Hall.

Just as it should be, the Great Hall had thousands of candles suspended above the four house
tables, and the overcast sky mimicked above. Harry, along with Hermione, Ron, and Ginny, who had
met up with them after getting out of the carriage, said goodbye to Luna, and made their way to the
Gryffindor table. Students filed in from the outside, and Harry was glad to see the bulk of
students had returned. The Slytherin table was noticeably thinned, but most other houses where the
same. Gryffindor looked almost identical as the year before.

`Did you see, Pavarti and Padma didn't come back' pointed our Ginny. Harry looked up and
down the table, and found that it was true. Pavarti wasn't there. Lavender was back, however
looked very upset. She must be feeling that way because of Pavarti.

`Well, I can imagine so. Lavender was saying on the train ride back before summer that Pavarti had
to beg her mother to stay for the funeral. Her mother agreed, but picked them up right
afterwards' explained Hermione.

The commotion in the hall dwindled as the professors came in through a side door, and sat down.
Professor McGonagall was sitting in the high-backed golden chair located in the centre, wearing
dark purple, almost black robes, with gold moon crescents and stars lining the bottom. Harry
thought it was nice she tried more Dumbledore-like attire, although he considered it funny that
even with these, the moons and stars where evenly spaced along the bottom of her robes in a single
line. Professor McGonagall was never one for disarray and disorganization.

Filch, Madame Hooch, and Madam Pomfery where on her right along with a few others, while Professor
Sprout, and Professor Trelawney sat to her left with some other older wizards and witches. A middle
aged black haired witch was also present at the staff table, sitting next to Madam Pomfery. Harry
figured she must be a new professor, filling for one that had left. As he looked at the others, he
was surprised to see Professor Slughorn had returned. After Dumbledore's death, he could
imagine that Slughorn would feel safe no were, and still believed that Hogwarts was the safest
place to be, which was probably true.

As Harry continued to observe the staff table, he was reminded how many of the staff he had never
met. Harry always knew there were some professors he would never really know. Although he figured
by the end of this year, Hermione would probably know them all, since she had once taken every
class available.

Hagrid came in from the side, and waved to Harry, who happily waved back. He was almost at his
seat, when another man came through the same door.

A young, auburn haired wizard came through the doorway, and walked along the staff table. He shook
Hagrid's hand as he passed by, and Hagrid seemed very happy to see the man. He continued on,
and took a seat next to Professor Vector. He looked very young, only a couple of years older than
Harry, and wore murky blue robes. The wizard studied the hall with a smile for a moment, glancing
at the four tables, the ceiling, and then started talking to Professor Sprout.

`Do you know who that is?' Harry asked Hermione. She looked up at the man, and shook her
head.

`No. Maybe he's our new Defense teacher, or Transfiguration. He's awfully young though'
she added. Harry was about to agree, when Professor McGonagall stood up, and the hall silenced
quickly.

`The first years will be arriving any moment with Professor Flitwick. Please be encouraging, and
show respect' she stated simply. She sat back down, and the doors to the hall, which had been
shut only moments ago, opened.

Professor Flitwick lead a group of young, nervous looking first years. Harry noticed the frightened
looks on their faces, and remembered being in their shoes. For him, Ron had gotten him worked up
over some horrible task he would have to do to be sorted. Harry also noticed the small number of
them as well of these first years as well. Almost half of what is normal for a year.

As they reached the front, Professor Flitwick placed the three legged stool on which an old and
patched hat stood, in front of the short first years. It seemed he had a fun time trying to balance
the stool without having the hat fall off, considering the stool was almost as tall as he was. The
first years lined up before the staff table, and faced the house tables.

Harry looked at them, and saw how pale they looked, accentuated by the candlelight. Everyone in the
hall was gazing at the old hat sitting in the centre. The hat's brim opened to form something
like a mouth. Harry, like everyone else took a breath, and he was surprised to see the Sorting Hat
do the same, as if it was getting ready for a long melody.

*For a thousand years I've sung,
Always a different song,
But this year will be different,
And requires one that's long.
So please listen closely,
For I hope you always do,
For this year is important,
To the fate of Hogwarts School.
But let us begin at the start,
Of this wonderful school of ours,
To understand its future,
And recognize its deep scars.
For when Hogwarts school was founded,
Over a thousand years ago,
Four wizards stood united,
Under one unwavering goal.
To teach and pass on their learning,
For those of talent and heart,
For at the beginning they all believed,
They could never fall apart.
“We'll teach those who work hard”
Hufflepuff was heard to speak,
“We'll teach those of purest blood”
Slytherin wanted to seek.
“We'll teach those of cleverness”
Ravenclaw came to attest,
“We'll teach those who are bravest”
Gryffindor told the rest.
So Hogwarts School was started,
For years the Founders taught,
But divisions became apparent,
And houses formed and fought.
Slytherin sought to be unsparing,
“Only pure bloods the school should take,”
While the other Founders believed,
That it would be a mistake.
The houses continued to fight,
And friendships began to degrade,
For Slytherin would no budge,
And the others would not be swayed.
Then one day Slytherin left,
And the Founders reduced to three,
But Slytherin could not embark,
Without leaving one last decree.
“A millennia from this day,
My heir shall return to this school,
To cleanse of its impurities,
And leave only those meant to rule.”
And so time has past within these walls,
With Hogwarts safe and sound,
How fast a thousand years can travel,
To find what I have found.
For the year has now arrived,
When Slytherin's heir will return,
But do not worry and do not fret,
For there is one thing left to learn.
Gryffindor left a message too,
Before he passed away,
A message that he told to me,
And now, I will convey.
“When the heir of Slytherin,
Comes to carry out his acts,
Another heir shall stand in his way,
To defend the school from attacks.”
“But how to tell who is your heir,”
I asked the man from wild moor,
“He shall be sorted into my house,
And will have yielded my old sword.”
And this year it shall be,
Heirs of Slytherin and of Gryffindor,
Decide the fate of Hogwarts,
So there is something I must implore.
You all must stand together,
And protect Hogwarts from its foes,
For if there are divisions,
Then Hogwars will come to close.
I tell you this in worry,
For never have I been wrong,
I feel that this may be,
My last and most important song.
But there can be a first time,
When I can be incorrect,
For I am just a thinking cap,
And was not made to be perfect.
But have sung longer than needed,
For I could not go very fast,
Let us begin this years sorting,
And hope it is not the last.*

The last words rang out in the hall, as it lay as quiet as a cemetery. The professors, including
McGonagall, looked petrified at the Sorting Hat, along with the rest of the hall. The Hat simply
closed its brim, and settled. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all turned quickly to Harry. He knew what
they were thinking. His mind, no doubt like the others, was racing faster than a Quidditch
match.

He was the one who used Godric's Sword, when he killed the Basilisk. Slytherin's Heir was
Voldemort. If he was the only one to have used the sword, and only he could destroy Voldemort, like
the prophecy said, then it all fit. Like hearing about his parents from Lupin, he just discovered
something new about himself, probably the most important thing of his life.

Hermione, who was sitting next to him, leaned in close, still looking aghast.

`Harry . . . ` was all she could manage. Harry barely heard her, she was whispering so low. It
didn't matter though, he already knew what she was going to say.

The hat that once suggested he would have done well in Slytherin, had just announced that he, Harry
Potter, was the Heir of Gryffindor, and would decide the fate of Hogwarts this very year.

After a few silent moments in the Great Hall, Professor Flitwick apprehensively cleared his throat,
and told Almeton, William to sit down, and be sorted, his hollow voice ringing in the taciturn
hall.

**Spell / Name Meanings -**
**Falbhanac** - Scottish Gaelic: falbhanach: wanderer (Falbhanac = wanderer)
**Baldric** - From the Germanic elements bald: brave, and ric: power (Baldric = power and
brave)
**Branwen** - Welsh. bran:raven, gwen: fair (Branwen = fair raven)

-->



10. Dumbeldore's Offerings
--------------------------



**A/N - Although some people believe that Head's don't have separate dorms, for my
story, they do (reasons for it are put in the chapter).**

CHAPTER TEN

**Dumbledore's Offerings**


The hall remained quiet as the small number of first years where sorted into their houses. Many
of the first years were hesitant to place the hat on their head, but did so after some
encouragement from Professor Flitwick.

The majority of the students where sorted into Gryffindor, with small amounts going to Ravenclaw
and Hufflepuff. Harry was expecting no one to be sorted into Slytherin, but was surprised when two
were, a short dirty blond haired girl, and a very disgruntled looking boy. Once the sorting was
completed, and the Sorting Hat put away, Professor McGonagall stood up from her chair. The hall
didn't need to quiet, because it had been like that since the Sorting Hat began to sing.

`Let the feast begin' she spoke plainly, waving her wand. Instantly, the house tables became
piled with food, and students started talking loudly about the Sorting Hat's song. Ron, for
what must have been the first time ever, did not jump at the food and start eating like a starving
hyena.

`Harry, did the Hat just say what I think it just said?' he asked shakily.

`I . . . I don't know' answered Harry. The hat's voice was repeating in Harry's
head over and over again, like a broken muggle record player.

`Harry, we need to talk to Dumbledore's portrait, and McGonagall' advised Hermione. Harry
nodded in agreement. The impacts of the song were too important not to go for help. Harry and the
others continued their meal in quietness, while the rest of the hall continued to talk loudly about
the topic. When the deserts finally left the table, leaving them clean and polished, Professor
McGonagall stood again, and the hall fell hushed.

`Welcome to Hogwarts to our new students, and to our old ones, welcome back. Firstly, our
caretaker, Mr. Filch, has added thirty seven new items to the list of forbidden items allowed in
the school, bringing the total to nine-hundred and sixty two. The full list can be viewed in Mr.
Filch's office. He has also reminded me to tell you that no magic is allowed in the hallways or
in between classes.

`Next, our school this year will be under constant guard, care of the Ministry of Magic. Aurors
will be stationed within the school, as well as on the grounds to ensure safety in these troubled
times. Now I have been told that they will not interfere with school activities, or studies. If you
encounter any problems, please contact one of your house prefects, or your Head Boy of Girl'
she stated, looking at Harry and Hermione.

`Finally' she faltered, looking down at the table she stood over for a moment, `in light of the
current situations, and of the events last year, I must implore all of you to work together, and
obey the rules. Quidditch will not be taking place this year, and Hogsmede trips as of this point
are suspended for all students.' She put up one hand, telling students to calm down. Mentioning
no Quidditch or Hogsmede trips caused the hall to moderately burst into noise. The racket died down
quickly, and the hall returned to quiet.

`Now, it is late, Prefects please escort your houses to your dormitories. Everyone have a good
night's sleep, and let's start this year off right' she finished. She sat back down as
the students rose with a clatter, and started their slow saunter out of the Great Hall. Harry and
Hermione said goodbye to Ron and Ginny, and moved to the staff table. They had been told in the
letter to meet with Professor McGonagall, however not where.

`Hello to both of you. If you please, I'll meet you in my office in a few moments. I must tell
you though, I liked the name of Albus' phoenix' she said, getting up from the
headmistresses chair, and leaving out a side doorway, the bulk of the staff following. Hagrid
turned and gave a wave to the two of them, and ducked into the room before the door closed with a
thud. Harry and Hermione made their way out of the empty hall, and up towards the
headmistress's office.

`I hope this won't take too long. I mean, I know it's important, but I'm tired'
yawned Hermione, as they walked up the stairs. Harry was tired too, and was hoping the same, as
they reached the gargoyle in front of the headmistress' office.

`Fawkes' enunciated Harry. The gargoyle sprang to life, and moved out of the way for the two of
them, as they stepped on the ascending spiral staircase. They stood in front of the door with the
griffin door knocker for a moment.

`Should we let ourselves in?' Hermione asked. Harry nodded, and opened the door. When he did,
and entered the room, he saw the last person he wanted to ever see in Hogwarts again.

`You!' Harry snarled as he walked into the office. A squat, mouse haired woman was standing,
looking at some of the portraits. All of them were seeming to be asleep, however Harry noticed many
of them opened an eye or two, and looked at himself and Hermione, before closing them again.
Hermione was just as baffled and angry to see the woman as Harry.

`You horrible woman, what are you doing here?' she demanded. Both Harry and Hermione walked
forwards, and pulled out their wands simultaneously. The woman gave a small laugh, the same one
Harry learned to hate a few years earlier. She turned towards the two advancing students, her toad
like face looking all the more loathsome to Harry, her smirk making him think of some curses he
would use on her.

`Now now, we mustn't be attacking an official from the Ministry of Magic, now should we kids. I
don't think the governors would be happy with that, now would they' Umbridge replied
sweetly, her pouchy eyes looking only at Harry. Harry had enough of this woman in fifth year, and
was not going to stand for anymore of it. He advanced even more, Hermione right next to him, as
they came within feet of the woman. She had started to back up, and bumped into the desk.

`I don't care what the governors think. You will tell me why you are here, or I will have the
pleasure of cursing you out of this office, and out of this school' threatened Harry. Hermione
didn't need to look at Harry to know he was telling the truth. Her wand was pointed right at
the same spot as Harry's, at the frumpy woman's heart.

The gargoyle outside made the sound of moving out of the way for someone, and Harry glanced back.
When he did, Umbridge moved, and when Harry turned around, he found her wand pointing at his chest.
He was surprised, but smiled. This seemed to slightly infuriate their ex-defense professor.

`What's so funny Potter? I could curse you, and have no repercussions, while if you cursed me,
you'd be out of Hogwarts by midnight' she laughed. Hermione took a step forward, her wand
jabbing into Umbridge's rather flaccid neck.

`If you curse Harry, I'll be the repercussion' she growled. Umbridge's eyes looked at
Hermione with fear, realizing how much it could not be a bluff. Harry couldn't help himself
smiling at Umbridge's reaction, and what Hermione said.

The door behind them all opened, and Professor McGonagall came in, stopping after only a few steps,
a look of befuddlement on her face at what she was seeing.

`What's the meaning of this!' she stormed, waving her wand and all three of their's
zooming out of their hands and into hers. Harry and Hermione backed away, and Umbridge let out a
noticeable sigh of relief. Harry now noticed all the portraits were awake, observing the
scene.

`Why, we were just having a nice chat, weren't we kids.' Umbridge looked to Harry and
Hermione, and was met with anger filled stares.

`Be silent Dolores' McGonagall snapped. Umbridge must have realized the position she was in.
She slouched slightly, and took a seat in front of the headmistress's desk. McGonagall moved
briskly around in behind the desk, and sat down. Harry and Hermione slowly took seats on opposite
sides of Umbridge, making sure to keep their distance simply out of anger. Harry felt if she
insulted him even once, he would seriously try to strangle the woman. McGonagall placed the three
wands on the top of her desk, and looked at Umbridge.

`What are you doing here Dolores? I told you I would meet with you tomorrow. Surely you know how to
read a clock' she said assertively. Harry held his laugh in. He knew how much McGonagall
disliked Umbridge, and how she must be enjoying the situation now.

`Yes, well, I took the liberty of coming here tonight, to discuss the patrol routes and rotations.
I had figured it would be your highest priority, and came to visit with you. I trust you don't
mind I let myself into your office' Umbridge replied sweetly. McGonagall did not look too
impressed.

`It is a priority Dolores, and I do mind you coming into my office. Know that I will be changing
the password the moment you leave, which is now. I will meet with you tomorrow, as I told you
before. Good night.' McGonagall waved her wand, and the door to the office opened. Umbridge
stood up, and grabbed her wand. The other three did not stand as she departed, and she quickly
exited the room. McGonagall noticeably relaxed after the door was shut, leaning back in her chair
and taking off her witches hat.

`Why is that old bat here?' Harry asked angrily.

`The Ministry, in its infinite wisdom, put her in charge of the Auror's stationed at Hogwarts.
Of course, I asked them to put me in charge, or anyone else for that matter, however the Ministry
avowed that neither the Aurors, nor Dolores would interfere with school affairs. I highly doubt
that, however I have no need to worry about her. Neither do you two, understood?' Harry and
Hermione both nodded. Harry still knew Umbridge would try to make his time as hard as
possible.

`Now, let me first say congratulations to both of you for making Head Boy and Head Girl. I hope
that you both take the position seriously, and help the professors and staff when needed. You will
both be staying in the Head Dormitories, located in the East Tower' McGonagall informed.
Hermione looked perplexed.

`I thought we stayed in our house dormitories? And the East Tower? I didn't know Hogwarts had
one' attested Hermione, looking a bit sad, realizing she didn't know something about
Hogwarts. McGonagall nodded.

`Well, you see, Head Boy and Girl positions have many duties to attend to. Being in a regular house
dormitory would be too crowded, and you both would need some space. Also, being Heads, you need to
be accessible to all house prefects and professors. If you where in your house dormitories, for
example, a Hufflepuff prefect could not come and see you, because they would be unable to get past
the portrait. And I'm sure you would agree, a Slytherin prefect would definitely not make it
far into the Gryffindor common room before being thrown out.' Harry and Hermione agreed. It
made sense to Harry. He would miss being in a house dormitory with Ron and everyone else, but maybe
being in his own would be nice too.

`And yes, there is an East Tower, although it is quite small. You walk along the corridor on the
fourth floor, going past the library, and down a narrow hallway. At the end of this hallway, there
is the painting of Evander the Enlightened. Simply give your password, and you can enter. Right
now, the password is “Everlasting Magic”, however if you choose to change it, simply tell Evander,
and he will remember, although you would be best to tell me the password as well.' Harry and
Hermione concurred again. He was sure Hermione would think of a good password. He could imagine if
he had to pick one, it would be probably something foolish like “I hate Snape”.

McGonagall got up, and slowly picked up a piece of parchment from a bookcase behind her. The desk,
which in Dumbledore's time had numerous silvery objects, was fairly clean, with some quills, a
stack of parchment, and a bowl of mints. Harry looked up, and only now noticed Dumbledore's
portrait, which was, along with the rest of them on the walls, looking at the three of them.
McGonagall was looking at Dumbledore's portrait, which nodded to her. The portrait Dumbledore
then turned, smiled and winked at Harry, causing Harry to smile back. McGonagall turned around, and
sat down.

`I asked you two here, because of Albus' will. He left it here in the office, and asked that I
read the parts pertaining to you when you returned to Hogwarts' she started, sounding rather
uncertain of herself. Hermione and Harry were both on the edges of their seats, nodding. McGonagall
unfolded the parchment, and read.

`To Harry Potter, I must say that I am sorry for my passing. I know you are hurt by it, however you
will understand why my passing happened the way it did. Keep confidence in yourself, and your
friends. Never give up on your quest, or your love.' McGonagall paused for a moment, then
continued.

`I leave to Harry, my Pensieve. Search my memories Harry, and I shall hope they will aid you in
your journeys. Godric Gryffindor's Sword shall remain to Hogwarts, however Harry will have full
access to it when needed, along with the Sorting Hat. I must also ask the Headmistress if Harry
could have access to her office when required, if he needs to talk to my portrait.' McGonagall
lowered the parchment, and looked at Harry.

`Potter, you have permission to come and talk to Albus' portrait whenever needed. In his note
to me, he made it plainly clear he wanted you to have access.' Harry nodded, and McGonagall
continued.

`To Miss Hermione Granger, I will say that I know you will do great things in the future, as long
as you never give up on life's hard questions. Always look at these questions, and their
answers from different perspectives. Also, listen to your head, as well as your heart, and stay
close to your friends.

`To you, I leave my most cherished books. My personal notebook, with spells that you will not find
in normal charms books. Show this to Harry as well, since he will need them too. The second book is
an old, but unimaginably genius work called “Magic of the Ages.” It says it's written by
Walvane Worcrane, however I have never found that name in any history books, and as far as I know,
it is the only copy of it in existence. Finally, there is a potions book. Keep this book close. It
was written by two people, one of whom is now dead, the other who soon might be, if not
already.

`Please use these books, read them, and make sure they do not fall into the wrong hands.'
McGonagall looked to Hermione. She nodded very quickly, and McGonagall continued.

`Please both know that I am proud of you both, and what you have become, as well as Ronald Weasley.
Harry, your parents would be proud of you, and I am as well. Please do not shut away your friends
in hard times Harry. Embrace them, and find the love you have been without for so long. Remember
Harry, what makes you and Voldemort different, is your love.' McGonagall looked up from the
parchment, and leaned back in her chair.

`Do you both understand what was written?' she asked. Both Harry and Hermione nodded again,
having not spoken since Umbridge was in the office. McGonagall stood up, Harry and Hermione doing
the same, and she moved to the glass cabinet on the side of the office. She opened it, and
extracted the shimmering Pensieve, placing it on the desk. She returned to the cabinet, which
looked very devoid of other items, and retrieved three very old, very tattered looking books,
placing them next the Pensieve.

`Professor, could we possibly talk to Professor Dumbledore's portrait?' asked Harry
hesitantly. She looked to Harry, however didn't need to respond.

`Harry, you don't need to ask Professor McGonagall's permission to talk to me' replied
Dumbledore's portrait nicely.

`Would you like me to leave Potter?' asked McGonagall.

`No, please stay. I just wanted to tell him what the Sorting Hat sung about, and ask him what he
thinks it could mean.' McGonagall nodded, and Harry went ahead and told the portrait about the
song. The heirs, the fate of Hogwarts, the part about wielding the sword and such. When he
finished, the portrait scratched his head, while many of the others on the walls were talking
amongst each other.

`Well Harry, I think it would be obvious then. You are the Heir of Gryffindor. I am not surprised
really' replied Dumbledore.

`But how? I mean, how could I be related to Gryffindor?'

`Well, from your father's side. Your father was a pure blood, and came from a family long known
to be sorted into Gryffindor, and be surrounded by friends who where in the same house, and of
noble heart. Your father was just the same, as are you' answered Dumbledore. Harry still
couldn't understand.

`So, you're saying that my father's side goes all the way back to Gryffindor?' he
asked. Dumbledore nodded his head, and Harry couldn't stop his mouth from opening in awe.

`I'm surprised you didn't make the connection earlier. Your parents lived in Godric's
Hollow. Did you never notice the name?'

`Well, yeah, but I never thought it actually meant Gryffindor' said Harry.

`Yes, it does. The house that originally stood there was Godric's summer house, although it has
been rebuilt over time.' Other portraits were conversing amongst themselves, not really trying
to quiet their whispers.

`But you said you weren't surprised?' asked Harry. Dumbledore nodded again.

`When I found out what happened in the Chamber of Secrets in your second year, and how Fawkes
brought you the Sorting Hat and Godric's Sword, I knew then what you were. The Sorting Hat had
mentioned the Heir of Slytherin, and the Heir of Gryffindor before, the year the Chamber was first
opened. It said then that the Heir of Slytherin could only be stopped by the Heir of Gryffindor.
When you defeated Voldemort in the Chamber with the Hat and the Sword, I knew then you where that
Heir.'

`So, what do I do?' Harry asked, his nervousness slipping slightly into his voice. He felt like
things where going out of control almost. First it was learning of his parents, and now this heir
business, he felt it was becoming too much. Dumbledore, even in portrait form, still had a way of
making things easier though.

`Harry, it means little, other than reinforcing that what we already know. I think you would be
best to focus on your studying, and the tasks set in front of you. I think you would also do best
with a good night's sleep. We can talk more another day' Dumbledore affirmed. Harry still
had many questions, however agreed. He had yawned more than once while being in the office, and
could feel the sleepiness in his body. Professor McGonagall led the two Heads with their
possessions out of the office, both Harry and Hermione waving at Dumbledore's portrait, who
nicely waved back.

`If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. If Dolores causes either of you trouble,
come and see me at once. I know you will both not let me down' she indicated with probably the
warmest smile McGonagall could give. Harry and Hermione both thanked the Professor, and started
their way out when Hermione turned before the door.

`Professor, did you find new professors this year?' she asked. McGonagall sat back down in her
chair, and nodded, looking slightly drained.

`Yes, luckily. You may have seen them at the welcoming feast. The new transfiguration professor
will be Professor Iona Fourmove, lovely girl, with a good talent at transfiguring. Our new defence
against the dark arts professor will be Professor Topher Terrwynebas. He was home schooled in magic
by his father, but is more than qualified. Both are young, and I would ask that you both introduce
yourselves and encourage students to be supportive of them.' Harry and Hermione said goodnight
to the headmistress, and exited the office. As they walked along towards the fourth floor corridor,
they kept quite silent.

Harry liked that Hermione didn't run into conversation about what transpired in
McGonagall's office. His mind was going around in circles fast enough as it was. As they passed
the library, they turned and walked down the narrow hallway, lit dimly by a few lanterns hung from
the ceiling. As they reached the end, they approached a painting of a dashing man in maroon robes,
holding a silver scepter. He was standing in front of a white curtained wall in the painting. He
looked at the two tired students coming towards him, and noticed their badges.

`Ah! The new Head students! Good evening, I am Evander the Enlightened. I hope that I can help you
when needed, and if not, at least be a nice face to see before you go to your dormitories. What are
your names?' he asked. Harry never really gotten used to talking to the paintings, however this
one seemed to have his head on correctly.

`I am Hermione Granger, and this is Harry Potter' stated Hermione, giving another yawn.

`Potter? Oh yes, I remember now. Are you related to James Potter?'

`Yes, he's my father' replied Harry sleepily.

`Really? And your mother?' Evander asked again.

`Lily Evans.'

`Oh, that is splendid! The tradition never dies! How are they now?' he asked
enthusiastically.

`They're dead' Harry replied flatly. He wouldn't have minded talking to Evander a few
hours earlier, however it was late, and they both needed to get up early the next day. Evander
seemed disheartened by the response.

`That is too bad, I'm sorry. I can see you are tired, and rightly so, it's quite late.
Password?' Harry was glad he had gotten the message to finish the conversation.

`Everlasting Magic. And what did you mean, “the tradition never dies”?' asked Hermione.

`Oh, I can't tell you now. But don't worry, you'll figure it out' Evander replied
with a smirk, the painting hinging outwards to show a hole that lead to a common room. Hermione
gave a wondrous look to Harry, and they entered the dormitories.

The circular common room was small, but more than enough space for two people. A fireplace stood
opposite the entrance way, with two comfy armchairs sitting in front of it. A desk sat on the right
side of the room, and a couch and two chairs on the other in front of a few bookshelves. The stone
walls had numerous paintings and portraits of wizards and witches, as well as landscapes. A
painting of Hogwarts stood above the fireplace, although the school had less towers and the
greenhouses did not exist. Harry figured it must have been an earlier Hogwarts.

As the two looked around the common room, Harry noticed two doorways on opposite sides of the room.
Both had stairways in them, which lead to their respective rooms. Harry placed the Pensieve on the
table, and sat down in one of the armchairs by the fire. Hermione put the books on the table as
well, and sat down in the other. The fire crackled quietly as Harry stared into it, Hermione
looking over Harry.

`Are you alright?' she asked softly. Harry moved his glance away from the fire, and towards a
blank space of carpet in front of his feet.

`I don't know. There's so much now. I mean, it's all so confusing. I wish things were
easier' he admitted. Hermione reached over, and placed her hand on top of his. He felt a sense
of relief knowing how Hermione was there for him, even at a time like now. He knew that of all the
things someone could have done at a moment like that, placing her hand on his was all he needed for
a smile to wipe across his face. They stared at the fire for a few moments, before Harry spoke
again.

`Thank you Hermione' he said, looking over at her and giving her hand a light squeeze.

`Anytime' she replied simply, squeezing back, and giving Harry a smile. She slipped her hand
away, said goodnight, and went up the set of right hand stairs towards her room. Harry remained in
his chair for a few minutes longer, before he trudged his way up the left hand stairwell into his
room.

Inside, he found a four poster bed, not unlike those in the regular dormitories. The room itself
was slightly larger, with a curved wall on one side, and flat one on the other. He figured half the
turret was his, the other half was Hermione's. Harry opened up one set of doors, and found a
wardrobe to hang clothes and robes. He moved over, and opened the other door, and found it lead to
a washroom. Again, small, but more than enough space for one person.

Harry put Hedwig's cage up next to the window, and let her out to hunt. He changed in silence,
and opened his trunk, taking out his parents' photo from Godric's Hollow. He placed it on
the nightstand next to his bed, pulled over the covers, and laid down. He looked at the photo, his
parents still looking back at him and waving, and grasped his mother's locket in his hand. He
silently wished for things to be alright, closed his eyes, and fell into much wanted
sleep.

**A/N - Please folks review and let me know what you thin****k about the story. It has over
8****000 reads here on Portkey,** **and few reviews****. Again, please review.**

**Oh, and please do not answer the name meanings in a review. If you have a guess, then keep
it, and let others figure it out on their own rather than being told (it's much more fun that
way!)**


**Spell / Name Meanings -**
**Evander** - Roman form of Greek name Euandros. G. eu: good, aner: man (Evander = good
man)
**Walvane Worcrane** - This name is an anagram of another. I won't be saying what the
original name is now, but you're welcome to guess.
**Iona** - Name of an island off Scotland. The name of the island itself comes from Old Norse,
and is derived from the word ey: island.
**Fourmove** - L. formo: to shape, amoveo: shift (Fourmove = to shape shift) (hence why
she's good at Transfiguration)
**Topher** - Short form of the name Christopher, which is my name (name connection to that
character for me).
**Terrwynebas** - Alas, this is yet another name I will not be saying right now. It is a
combination of two words, however I will help people out those who are eager to know it: neither of
the words are Latin or Greek. Good luck!

-->



11. Professor Terrwynebas
-------------------------



CHAPTER ELEVEN

**Professor Terrwynebas**


When Harry woke in the morning, it took a few moments to remember he was Head Boy. Every time
before, he would be woken by his roommates. Now that he was alone, he woke to complete silence,
with the exception of the odd bird he would hear from the window. He looked at his watch, and was
glad to find he was early for breakfast. He continued to lie in bed for a few minutes, embracing
the silence, and silently praying it wasn't a terrible mistake to return to Hogwarts. After a
few moments of this, he let out an audible sigh, went ahead, got dressed, and proceeded to the
common room. Hermione was already there in her school robes, reading one of Dumbledore's
books.

`Morning' mumbled Harry, as he took a seat in front of the fireplace and yawned. The dying
embers in the fireplace made the odd crackle here and there. From the large undraped window on the
far wall, Harry could tell the day would be cloudless and pristine.

`Morning Harry' Hermione acknowledged, not looking up from the tattered book.

`Couldn't wait, could you?' Harry remarked. Hermione finally tore her gaze from the ancient
book, and smiled.

`Well, I would have started on these last night, but I was too tired. Could barely sleep wondering
what's in them. This one' she held it up, showing Harry an old leather bound notebook, `was
Dumbledore's notebook. You should see it Harry, there's so much stuff in it!'

`Well, maybe you could read more at breakfast, `cause I'm hungry' he mentioned, his stomach
notifying him of its emptiness. Hermione marked her page, and stood up. They exited the Head
dormitories, and made their way to the Great Hall. When they entered, Harry found almost all the
students were looking at newspapers, with fearful looks on their faces. Harry glanced towards the
professor's table, and found the professors doing just the same. Professor McGonagall looked
almost as worried as she was after the Sorting Hat's song the night before. Harry caught sight
of a hand waving, and looked to see Ron beckoning the two towards him. Hermione sat down next to
Ron, and Harry next to Hermione.

`What's everyone looking at?' Harry asked.

`The Prophet. They heard back from Azkaban' informed Ron quickly, handing the two of them a
copy of the Daily Prophet. The front page was covered with pictures. The biggest one, just below
the headline, showed a ghostly looking castle on a small island, the Dark Mark floating above it
menacingly.

**AZKABAN ATTACKED BY HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED**

*Ministry Scout Team finds prison deserted, guards dead*

*Late last night, a scout team sent by the Ministry of Magic to ascertain the situation at
Azkaban Prison, returned with grim news. The prison has been emptied of its occupants, the guards
killed, and the mark of He Who Must Not Be Named set floating above the ancient prison.

`We have no comments at this time, however warn people to follow Ministry guidelines sent out at
the beginning of summer. Those guidelines are again posted in this issue of the Prophet' told
one Ministry official, who after the stunted comment, scurried away rapidly, and had our reporter
expelled from the Ministry offices. The guidelines are located in section G-25.

Some reports pointed towards problems at Azkaban over a fortnight ago. It was supposedly reported
that contact with the prison stopped approximately three weeks ago. The Daily Prophet reported
several muggle ships and sailboats (devices that use the wind to move a boat across water) that
were last sighted in the area of Azkaban had gone missing. Muggle newspapers have reported that the
ships were lost due to a hurricane (although wizards in the Muggle Liaison Office have commented
that hurricanes do not happen in that part of the world).

Now that Azkaban prisoners, some incarcerated for over fifteen years, are free, it is more likely
that the violence seen over the past few months will continue, if not increase. Most of these
prisoners were guilty of heinous crimes, including terrorizing muggles, performing illegal curses,
including the infamous Unforgivable Curses, and murder. The total number of prisoners freed is
estimated at 47.

The Ministry, in a state of utter confusion, did not accept our worry over Azkaban weeks ago, and
we now must fear as to what could be next. We wonder, since the Ministry is obviously incapable of
protecting the public from He Who Must Not Be Named, where can we turn? - Continued in Sections
A-9, 12, 13, 16*

Harry finished reading, and looked at the pictures. Below the article, several other small articles
were dedicated to mentioning some of the crimes of the escapees. Most of the front page was taken
up by pictures of the prisoners, with names and details of how long they were held in Azkaban, and
what for. Harry looked at the various faces, and saw a few he recognized, including Lucius
Malfoy.

`This is horrible' Hermione sighed darkly, Harry nodding in agreement. Voldemort now had all
his old Death Eaters with him, and could imagine that he must feel happy about it.

`Where'd you guys go to last night? You left for that meeting, and didn't come back. I
waited in the common room for hours before I went to bed' commented Ron.

`Well, we had the meeting. Found out that toad Umbridge is back' Harry started. Ron let out a
more than perceptible swear, Hermione elbowing him in response.

`My thoughts exactly. Ministry put her in charge of the Aurors at the school. Anyways, we found out
Heads have their own dormitories, in the East Tower' Harry continued.

`You guys don't stay in Gryffindor Tower?' Ron asked awkwardly. Hermione finally looked
away from the paper, and started getting herself some food.

`No, Professor McGonagall told us Heads have their own dormitories, for a number of different
reasons. I think it'll be a good change, having more space. Don't worry Ron, you can come
anytime, right Harry?' asked Hermione. She and Ron both looked at Harry. Harry wondered why she
would even ask.

`Yeah, of course you can. Password is “Quidditch and Quills”' Harry answered plainly, and
taking a bite of his toast. He and Hermione changed the password that morning. Since Harry
wasn't good at choosing passwords, they decided on something simple, a word that described both
of them. Harry loved quidditch, and Hermione loved quills. So they reasoned, for the time being, to
put them together.

`So did you ask about the song?' Ron asked, sounding a bit more cheerful, and diving into his
mound of scrambled eggs.

`Yeah, Dumbledore's portrait said he expected it. The Hat sang about the Heir of Slytherin and
Gryffindor when the Chamber of Secrets was first opened, which was way back in Hagrid's
time' Harry explained.

`So . . . are you the Heir of Gryffindor?' Ron asked shakily.

`The Hat said I am. Dumbledore's portrait said it's from my Dad's side' said Harry.
Ron whistled in response. Harry understood the reaction. Only seven years ago, Harry was just a
regular muggle, no idea of magic. Now, not only was he a wizard, but a descendant of one of the
most famous wizards to ever live.

The three of them continued on with their breakfast. Harry and Hermione told Ron about their
meeting, and about the gifts from Dumbledore. Harry began to think that Ron wasn't too happy
that he wasn't left anything. The numerous students that came to congratulate Harry and
Hermione for becoming Heads probably did not make it any better. Harry of course felt terrible that
they were doing it in front of Ron, who when someone approached, would suddenly become enthralled
with his empty plate.

Just before breakfast was over, the young looking auburn haired professor whom Harry saw the night
before, came around the Gryffindor table with timetables, while wearing scarlet robes. His hair was
not as tamed as the night before, and seemed slightly lost for direction. Harry could see now, that
he was a little heavy in appearence, with wide set shoulders and a sqaure like frame. He greeted
many of the students with vigor and seemed quite lively. When he arrived at Harry, he stood back
for a moment, and took a moment to look at him. Harry noticed, by surprise, that the professor had
green eyes as well, although dulled compared to his, and slightly inset more.

`Harry Potter, it's nice to meet you. I am Professor Terrwynebas, the school's new Defence
Against the Dark Arts teacher, and Head of Gryffindor House. Congratulations on appointment to Head
Boy. Here is your timetable. I believe we should schedule a meeting. I have some issues I wish to
discuss, if that is alright with you?' he smiled, giving Harry his timetable. Harry told the
young professor that it was alright.

`Great. We can arrange a time after our Defence lesson tomorrow' he said. He then turned to
Hermione and Ron, giving them their timetables.

`Oh, and you must be Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. I've heard much about all of you. I
look forward to seeing you in my class. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more timetables to
hand out and students to meet' he exclaimed, moving over to hand timetables to a few third
years.

As the three of them left the Great Hall minutes later, they started their way to the potions
dungeon. All three of them had double potions in the morning, with transfiguration in the
afternoon. Hermione also had arithmancy in the afternoon, while Ron and Harry had a free
period.

`Well, he seems decent, now doesn't he?' supposed Hermione, commenting on their first
impression of Professor Terrwynebas. Harry just shrugged his shoulders.

`I'll judge that when I see what he's teaching.' The three turned, and started down the
steps towards the old potions classroom.

`I wonder who's teaching potions? I mean, the two new professors McGonagall talked about are
teaching transfiguration and defence. She didn't mention potions' Hermione wondered.

`Maybe Slughorn stuck around' Harry proposed.

`Well, as long as he doesn't do that stupid “Slug Club” thing, I don't mind' Ron
commented.

`Agreed' both Harry and Hermione stated, chuckling slightly. Harry remembered the party he went
to last year, and vowed never to even think of going to another one.

As the three of them descended the stone steps into the bowels of school, approaching the
classroom, they found several students waiting outside the door. When they came closer, they were
surprised this group included some sixth years, including some they knew.

`Ginny?' Ron asked. She was talking to Luna, who was also waiting for the potions class. Ginny
turned around, and greeted the three seventh years.

`Hi there. You guys have potions now too? Weird huh?' Hermione looked confused.

`I wonder why-` she started, however right then, the door to the potions dungeon opened, and a
large belly wearing a dark green waistcoat almost bursting at the buttons preceded the man it was
connected to, who had a shiny bald head, and silvery walrus-like moustache.

`Ah, you're all here! Please, come in, come in!' Professor Slughorn charmed, opening the
door, and moving aside so the students could make their way past and into chairs. As Harry passed
the door, Slughorn made it a point to say hello.

`Harry, my boy, good to see you! Terrible incident with Dumbledore, but we must move on. It is very
good to see you back' he expressed warmly, however still as thunderous as usual. Harry was
taken aback by his last sentence. He sounded genuinely glad to see Harry again, and not for his
fame. Harry gave a curious look to Hermione, who looked just as confused. Harry, Hermione, and Ron
took their seats in the back, along with Ernie Macmillan. Ginny sat with Luna, along with another
two Ravenclaws. Theodore Nott, a girl from Slytherin, and two Hufflepuffs shared the other
table

Harry looked around the dungeon, and found the class was made of sixth and seventh year students.
The same three cauldrons that stood at the beginning of last year's first lesson stood again on
the desks. Harry could smell the scents in the air. The cauldron on their desk, Harry could see,
was full of Polyjuice Potion.

Professor Slughorn made his slow amble up to the front of the class, his round figure obscured
slightly by the vapours in the room.

`Alright, everyone, scales out, potion kits, and Advanced Potion-Making' he directed. Harry
pulled out his new copy of Advance Potion-Making by Libatius Borage, and his scales. As much as the
used copy he had last year helped him, he vowed never to use the book again. He kept it, however
had it locked away in Grimmauld. While the students clamored with their scales and potions kits,
Slughorn moved behind his desk.

`Now, you may be asking why sixth and seventh years are in the same class. Simply put, there
aren't enough of you. The numbers this year are unfortunately lower than normal, so for this
class, we will be covering potions at sixth and seventh year levels. Now don't worry, seventh
years will get more than enough time to work on N.E.W.T. potions' he guaranteed. Hermione let
out a sigh of relief. She became noticeably tense when hearing they would be doing potions from
last year again, no doubt worrying they wouldn't have enough time for N.E.W.T. potions. The
stout figure of Slughorn moved around in front of his desk now, and looked at the students.

`Now, I've placed these potions, like last year for your seventh years, as examples of potions
you should be able to make after your N.E.W.T.s. Only open to sixth years now, can anyone tell me
what this one is?' he asked, pointing towards the table Ginny sat at were the cauldron was
filled with a soft white coloured potion, with steam coming off in swirls. Harry had forgotten at
the time what potion it was called, however remembered the smell. Just as the year before, the
scent of treacle tarts, the wood of a broomstick, and something flowery engulfed his senses.
Something was different though. The flower smell had changed, and smelled sweeter. It was almost
like . . .

`Is it Amortenta?' a Ravenclaw girl asked, who was sitting at Ginny's table, bringing
Harry's mind back to class. That smell couldn't be what he thought it was. Slughorn smiled
slightly at the girl's response.

`Close, it's Amortentia, the most powerful love potion to exist. Now, who can tell me what this
potion is?' he asked, now moving from Ginny's table, onto Harry's. One of the
Hufflepuff girls correctly named the Polyjuice Potion, and Ginny was able to identify Veritaserum,
which sat at the last table.

The rest of the class went without incident. Slughorn moved around as they brewed their Confidence
Concoction. Harry thought it was a pretty simple potion, and made it easily. It ended up looking
close to the sky blue colour it should be at the end, although Hermione's was brewing towards
the correct pallid shade. The potion itself was a lesser version Felix Felicis. It gave the person
confidence to do things they were normally too scared to do. Of course, the potion had bad effects
in some instances, and was brewed to only have effects lasting twenty minutes. As they exited the
dungeon, Professor Slughorn called Harry over to his desk. Hermione and Ron told him they'd
meet him in the Great Hall for lunch.

`Harry my boy, how are you doing?' he asked as he took his seat, the buttons on his waistcoat
begging to be let free. Harry took a seat at one of the tables close to the professor's
desk.

`I'm OK. I didn't expect to see you here this year professor' Harry admitted honestly.
Slughorn gave a trifle of a laugh.

`Neither did I. When Albus passed, I thought I'd be gone faster than a seeker hot on a snitch.
However, during the summer, I realized that returning to Hogwarts would, once again, be the safest
place to be. I'm an old man, I need somewhere were I can stay put. All that running around did
me no good. Plus, Albus asked me before he passed, actually the day it happened, if I would stay at
Hogwarts for this year, promising me he would not bother me anymore. I agreed, and I sadly see he
was correct. I would have rather put up with his bothers than the current situation' he
confessed.

Harry was staggered at his comments. Slughorn was always one for personal gain, and never really
got sentimental, except when drinking too much mulled mead. Slughorn seemed to be in deep thought
for a few moments staring at a wall, before snapping out it, and looked back at Harry, leaning
forward in his chair.

`Now Harry, Albus asked me to help you with some things this year. I know your mother's talents
will be more than enough, however Albus claimed that you may be making potions for an out of school
project, and may need my professional assistance' he proclaimed, straightening his overly-tight
waist coat, looking quite content with himself. Now Harry could see the Slugclub leader coming
through.

`Dumbledore said I'd be making out of class potions? Did he say why?' Harry asked. Slughorn
looked slightly bemused.

`You mean you don't have an out of school project?'

`Err, I do, but . . . never mind. Thank you Professor. If I need your help, I'll let you
know' he assured. Harry got up, and left the dungeon before Slughorn could ask about the so
called “project”, and made his way to the Great Hall. He found it interesting that Dumbledore got
Slughorn to promise to come back the day he died. Moreover, he asked him to help Harry with potions
for some reason. Something told him, as he passed through the Entrance Chamber, that Dumbledore
knew more than he told Harry.

`So what did Slughorn want?' Ron asked, while in between bites of his pasta. Harry gathered
some food on his plate, and started eating before answering Ron.

`Just to tell me he'd help me with any potions I need for outside of class' he answered.
Hermione looked over at Harry.

`Why would you need to make potions outside of class?' she asked, looking over her timetable
again for what Harry thought was the fiftieth time that day.

`That's the thing, he said Dumbledore asked him to stay at Hogwarts, and help me with potions.
He asked him on the day he died too' Harry recounted to Ron and Hermione. Ron continued to eat,
however Hermione looked up from her timetable.

`He asked on the day he died? That's definitely not a coincidence, considering that he left me
a potions book, and told Slughorn that you'd need help on potions from outside of class. Maybe
there's a potion in there I should read about that might help us find the chamber pots' she
deduced.

Hermione decided to start looking at the potions book that night, in hopes of finding something
that could help them find the Horcruxes. Harry was glad that they were getting a good start at
understanding Horcruxes. The only big thing left was learning what the Horcruxes were, and where
they are hidden. They finished lunch, and went ahead to the transfiguration classroom.

Transfiguration class proved to be, well, interesting. Professor Fourmove, however young, was
amazingly gifted with transfiguration. Her shadowy black hair was set framing her face, and her
blue eyes surveyed the class as they sat down. Her charcoal robes where simple, but professor-like
in appearance. She began the class by telling them a bit of her past, and her experience. Harry
found out she had graduated from Hogwarts not too many years before Harry and the others in the
class started. She had been in Ravenclaw, and remembered McGonagall's stern teaching
style.

`Now, I will tell you that I won't be as strict as the Headmistress, however as this year you
will be taking your N.E.W.T.s, I expect you all to try your hardest, and pay attention' she
informed, getting up and pacing around the classroom.

She went on, and told the class the expectations of N.E.W.T. level transfiguration. Harry was
flabbergasted to learn they would have to do human transfiguration, as well as demonstrate the
ability to transfigure magical creatures, such as baby dragons, and nifflers. During the class,
they took notes on human and self transfiguration, and how changing forms can add extra powers to
the person, depending on the animal. As they left, Hermione leaving Harry and Ron and making off
towards the arithmancy classroom, Ron did not sound pleased with the idea of transfiguring baby
dragons.

`It's mad! Can you imagine me trying to turn a dragon like Norbert into a teacup!' he
ranted, as they made their way to the East Tower. Ron still had not seen the Head Dormitories, and
Harry figured to show him now, since they had a free period. They ended up in front Evander not to
long after exiting class. Evander seemed as ebullient as the night before.

`Oh, hello there Harry! Who is this young lad?' he asked, giving Ron a look over.

`This is Ron, my best friend, and Hermione's boyfriend. You'll see him here quite a bit I
can imagine' Harry answered. Evander beamed at Ron.

`Greetings Ron, I am Evander the Enlightened. You say he's dating Hermione?' he asked
Harry, who nodded.

`Ah, well, good for you. Just remember the password, and things will be fine!'

`Quidditch and Quills' Harry told Evander. Evander bowed his head, and the portrait swung open
to reveal a stone passage which Harry and Ron followed. It wasn't a long hallway, only a few
steps. They reached the common room, and sat down in the chairs by the fireplace. Ron was looking
the room over thoroughly.

`Wow, this is nice. You guys are lucky' Ron remarked enviously. Harry wondered if he was going
to relax about Hermione and himself being Heads.

`Com'on, how about a game of wizard's chess?' Harry asked, trying to get Ron off the
topic. Ron looked around a little more, before nodding.

The chess games went well. Ron kept winning, and Harry could see his confidence go up with each
win. He was still trying to beat Ron, and came close sometimes, but chess was never Harry's
game. When it came time to return to the Great Hall for supper, they had played five games, Ron
winning them all. He was gladly out of his funk when he sat down at the Gryffindor table. Hermione
was already there.

`Hey there guys, enjoy your break?' she asked as they sat down, Ron next to her and Harry
opposite both of them. They went ahead, and talked about the prospects of human transfiguration,
and wondering how the DADA class would be, which they had the next day, in the afternoon. They left
the Great Hall, and the three of them went to the Head dorms, where Hermione started reading over
the potions book Dumbledore left, while Harry and Ron looked over Harry's notes on the
Horcruxes.

As it stood right now, Harry had to believe, like Dumbledore did, that there were seven Horcruxes:
the diary, the ring, the locket, Hufflepuff's cup, something of Ravenclaw's or
Gryffindor's, Voldemort's pet snake Nagini, and the living part of the soul. The diary and
ring were both destroyed, and the locket was still secure in Harry's trunk. The cup, Harry had
no idea where to look, and the snake would have to come last before destroying Voldemort himself
probably, since they stayed so close to each other. The last Horcrux, Harry had no clue what it
could be, however the idea Dumbledore suggested with it being an artifact of Ravenclaw or
Gryffindor, sounded to all three of them the best idea for now.

By time they finished pouring over Harry's notes, it was coming close to midnight, and both
Harry and Ron were blurry eyed. Harry wanted to look into the Pensieve, however decided to wait. He
didn't know what memories would be shown to him when he went in, and was weary of what he would
see. As they packed up his notes, Hermione stirred in her chair, and stood up, marking her page in
the thick potions book, and wiping her eyes.

`Who ever wrote this book was very intelligent, although they didn't leave their name. Some of
the potions in here I've never heard of, however I haven't found one that would be good for
finding Horcruxes. I'll keep reading it though Harry' she reassured. Harry had hoped she
would find something that would at least tell him they were getting somewhere with research. They
had spent almost a month going through the books at Grimmauld, only to find nothing. He hoped that
coming back to Hogwarts would jump start the search.

Hermione escorted Ron out of the common room, and Harry put his notes away in a folder. She came
back in a moment later, looking exceptionally tired.

`Well, goodnight Harry' she said drowsily, and started her way up the steps to her room. Harry
took the folder, and put it back in his trunk, and went to bed.

As Harry, Hermione, and Ron entered the defence classroom the next afternoon, Harry was surprised
to see it almost entirely empty. Aside from the desks and seats, nothing else stood in the room,
the walls bare. The black drapes for the windows were drawn open, allowing the afternoon sunlight
to shine into the room.

The three took their seats in the back, and waited for everyone else. Once all the students were
seated, Professor Terrwynebas entered through the door to his office, and came down the stairs. He
stopped behind the desk, and surveyed the class with his green eyes, giving a smile to Harry as he
passed by.

`Hello everyone, welcome to Defence Against the Dark Arts. I am Professor Topher Terrwynebas, and I
will be your teacher this year. You are all expected, by the end of this year, to take your
N.E.W.T.s, and it is my hope that you will all be more than ready for any spell the Ministry wishes
to ask of you' he started, still surveying the class. He walked slowly to the window, and made
a quick glance out, and gave a bleak look at the floor.

`However this year, learning defence spells should not be for a Ministry test, but for your own
safety. As you know, these are hard times, and as much as I know you want to learn defence theory,
this year will be devoted only to practical defence spells. That being said, please everyone stand
up' he addressed. Most in the class were hesitant to stand, however Harry was more than glad to
stand. The prospect of a total practical defence class was what he always wanted. Professor
Terrwynebas smiled again at Harry, however looked over the rest of the class.

`Unless you wish to be crushed by the desks in front of you, I would suggest you all stand up'
he said again, pulling out a bright wooded wand. Students quickly moved out of their chairs as the
desks began to rumble slightly in their places. The moment everyone was standing, the desks zoomed
across the room, and stacked themselves on top of each other on the right side. Everyone stood
oddly spaced in the room, wondering what would come next.

`Excellent. Now, today we will be working on a charm called the Firewall Charm. This charm, when
performed correctly, will create a wall of fire around you. Does anyone know why this could be
beneficial ? Ah, Miss Granger.' Hermione's hand sprung up the second he said “does anyone
know.”

`It can be used to ward off Inferi, and any other animals that live in the dark. Also, it can
sometimes be used to protect against spells' she answered happily.

`Great, ten points to Gryffindor. Now, everyone stand back please, and watch.' Students moved
to the edges of the room, while Professor Terrwynebas moved into the center of the classroom, and
raised his wand.

`Your wand must be pointing upwards, and you must keep it there' he informed. He raised his
wand higher, and took a breath, the class taking additional steps backwards. Harry was flush
against the wall, hoping he would not get singed.

`Ignamoenia! he enunciated. A scarlet and gold ring of fire erupted from his wand and surrounded
the professor, staying fairly close to him. The ban of fire burned for a few seconds, then
dissipated. Harry remembered this spell from the cave he and Dumbledore went into last year.

The class took turns at standing in the middle of the classroom, and trying the spell. Most people
were only able to produce sparks, or a halo of fire above them, but never a full ring of fire
surrounding them. Professor Terrwynebas told them they had to be confident though.

`You must trust yourself, and visualize the ring around you. With your mind, you can make it
larger, or bind it tighter to you. Now, try again' he motioned to Neville, who at first created
a small halo high above his head. Harry could understand why confidence would be a problem. The
idea of surrounding yourself in fire really did not inspire confidence.

The class continued to perform the spell sub par. Hermione had made a fire circle, however it was
still too high above her, but was better than everyone else's. When Professor Terrwynebas
motioned Harry to the center, he smiled again at him.

`OK Harry, now, just visualize the fire around you, protecting you. Trust yourself' he
encouraged. Harry raised his wand, and tried to remember the fire around himself in the cave with
Dumbledore.

`Ignamoenia!' he proclaimed. A massive fireball ejected from his wand, and started circling
fast around him. The flames were close, and Harry tried to control them. Thinking of more space,
the flames moved outwards slightly, and gave Harry some room. Harry was surprised he could do it so
fast, and visualized the empty classroom, the flames extinguishing quickly.

`Very well done Harry! Excellent! Did you all notice how the ring became larger before it went out.
Very well done. I think that will be it for today. Homework, work on this spell, just make sure
you're not too close to anything flammable' he smirked. The class picked up their books,
and started out the door. Harry told Hermione and Ron he'd meet them in the Great Hall for
supper in a moment. They left, and Harry approached the Professor, who was stacking the desks back
to their original positions.

`Ah yes, Harry. Good job on the Firewall. You've seen it done before, haven't you?' he
asked. Harry was surprised.

`I have sir. How did you know?' he asked. The professor laughed as he put the last desk in
place.

`”Sir!” Harry, I'm not much older than you. When we're like this, just the two of us, or
even with your friends Hermione and Ron, please call me Topher. In class, professor, just as a
formality' he consulted. Harry agreed, and Topher continued.

`Now, how did I know? People who have been inside a Firewall can usually create it easier, simply
because they already know what it looks like from the inside. Tell me, who's Firewall were you
in?' he asked. Harry chest ached, remembering the old and weak Dumbledore after drinking the
unknown potion in the cave, warding off the Inferi with his Firewall.

`Professor Dumbledore's' Harry replied quietly. Topher nodded somberly.

`I see. There's no need to explain. Now, let us retired to my office, I have some things I need
to discuss' he said, starting up the stairwell to his office. Harry followed, and
entered.

The office, in which Harry had seen kitten plates, dark detectors, a water tank, and innumerable
pictures of Lockhart, was much like the classroom, empty. A map of Britain stood on one wall, some
dots moving around slowly. A number of bookshelves stood along the walls, and his desk was littered
with photos of family members and stacks of old parchment. He took a seat behind the desk, and
Harry took one of the chairs in front.

`Now Harry, there are a few things I need to know' he began. Harry shifted slightly. So far,
Professor Terrwynebas seemed great in Harry's mind. However, the prospect of questions made
Harry begin to think otherwise.

`I'll be blunt, are you fighting against Voldemort?' he asked intently. Harry was
astounded.

`You say his name' Harry observed.

`Yes. My father told me other wizards were scared of his name, however raised me not to be afraid
of a name. He taught me, and I believe, that a fear of name increases the fear of the person or
thing. Now, Harry, are you?' he posed again. Harry weighed his options. After a few silent
moments, Topher spoke again, knowing that Harry was thinking.

`I know you're wary of whether to tell me or not. That's a good thing, considering the
history of defence professors here. Professor Dumbledore told me about the ones you've had when
I met him last year.' Harry decided to pry father into the professor before answering his
single question.

`You met Dumbledore?' Harry asked.

`Yes. He sent an owl asking if I wanted to take the defence professorship. I had to of course show
what I knew about defence, and Professor Dumbledore told me about past professors. I met Professor
Snape, your defence professor at the time. He seemed quite . . .'

`Revolting' Harry offered tersely. Harry was surprised to see Professor Terrwynebas grin.

`Something like that, yes. Professor Dumbledore told me of your relationship with Snape, or lack
there of. Anyways, back to my question. If it is true, and you are the supposed “Chosen One”, I
would ask nothing more than to help you in your quest. I do not need to know the details, it is up
to you how much you choose to tell.' Harry was still apprehensive, however enjoyed that
Professor Terrwynebas seemed to dislike Snape, and only met him once. For now, he felt he could
maybe tell him a little.

`Yes, I am fighting Voldemort' Harry declared. Professor Terrwynebas smiled.

`Thank you Harry. Now the only other question I have is simple: are you in love with anyone?'
he asked candidly. Harry tilted his head and gave an odd look, and became worried again.

`Why do you ask?'

`I just need to know. You will find out later why, but I pledge to you that what you tell me will
never leave this room' he assured. Harry wondered a little longer, but gave an answer that he
knew couldn't be taken wrongly.

`No' Harry answered. Professor Terrwynebas face was crestfallen for a moment, however he
recovered and smiled at Harry. He stood up, as did Harry, and they moved towards the doorway.

`Now Harry, I wish to make a deal with you. I will help you when you ask of it. If you need help
with spells, defences, anything I know, I will teach you. I wish to help with the fight against
Voldemort. I have, what you could say, a personal interest in seeing him fall. The only thing I can
ask, is to simply help me with my teaching. Being home schooled, I did not have the pleasure of
seeing professors teach, so I might ask for some help, if you are willing.' Professor
Terrwynebas appeared quite honest with his request. It seemed like a good deal for Harry, just as
long as the professor was trustworthy.

`Why do you want Voldemort to die?' Harry asked. Professor Terrwynebas laughed aloud.

`Harry, why does anyone want him to be gone? My reason is the same as anyone else, only a bit
closer to home. There will be another time when I can delve deeper into that. So what do you say,
do we have a deal?' he asked again, offering Harry his hand. Harry waited a moment, and
accepted, shaking his hand with a firm grip.

`Excellent. Now, you should be off to supper. Let us have a meeting . . . say, on Saturday night,
8pm in the classroom. Is that alright with you?' the professor asked.

`Sure, that's fine. Thank you Topher' Harry returned, and just as he was exiting the
classroom, Professor Terrwynebas called him back in.

`Harry, by the way, how was my first lesson?' he asked.

`Excellent' Harry complimented. The professor smiled, and Harry made his way toward the Great
Hall.

Harry's thoughts of Professor Terrwynebas were high now, however he would always be suspicious.
It was just because of the times though. You always had to be suspicious, especially of new people.
Topher however came off to Harry as different from any other Defence professor before. Most of the
other ones were slightly, if not totally insane. Lupin was the only one that had his head on his
shoulders correctly. Topher was still different though, but in a good way as Harry saw it.

Since he was close to Harry's age, Harry felt he could better relate to Topher. He seemed very
interested in fighting Voldemort, and disliked Snape, like Harry did. Plus this “personal
interest”, what was that? Maybe Voldemort killed one of his family members, or a loved one. Or
perhaps he took something from him. And why did he ask if Harry was in love? That could be a bad
thing though, because if Topher was a Death Eater, then he could simply capture that person. Harry
made a mental note to keep the answer to that question, which he still didn't know how to
answer, far away for now. In anycase, as he entered the Great Hall to all the noise of students
eating, he felt this year's Defence class would be his favourite again.

`So, what do you think of Professor Terrwynebas?' Hermione asked as Harry sat down across from
her and Ron. Harry decided for the time being, to stay on the positive side of thinking about
Topher.

`Good. He asked if I was fighting Voldemort' Harry began, Ron doing his usual shudder from
hearing the name. Hermione looked slightly distressed.

`He did? What did you say?' she asked.

`Well, I thought about it. He told me he met Dumbledore last year, and Snape. Didn't like Snape
too much, which is encouraging. He said if I was, that he wanted to help me'

`So did you tell him?' she reiterated.

`Yeah, but no specifics. Once I know him, then maybe I'll tell him more. He did ask if I could
help him with his teaching though. I don't see why, that class was great' Harry boasted,
scooping up a large quantity of mashed potatoes.

`I know! Only practical work! No written homework, and we get to learn how to actually do good
defence spells!' Ron expressed. Just then, Luna Lovegood came dreamily over to the three of
them, a note in her hand.

`Hello Luna, how are you?' Hermione asked politely. Luna was sporting her usual butterbeer cork
necklace, and what Harry could see were tomato earrings. Some Gryffindors sitting by starting
giggling, however stopped immediately after one glare from Harry. Luna seemed not to notice.

`I'm fine. I just wanted to give you this report. Some students were lurking around the seventh
floor cooridor, close to the Room of Requirement. I just thought you should know.' She gave Ron
a long stare, then gave the note to Hermione. She thanked Luna, and read over the note. Luna simply
turned, and slowly waltzed back to the Ravenclaw table.

`We should do something about that. Maybe a sentry or something to guard the Room?' Hermione
supposed. Harry agreed, and scratched his scar. It had been aching slightly over the past hour.
Hermione looked at him for a moment, then continued with her meal, as did Harry.

A few moments later, Harry looked up to see Ron looking at Hermione. She looked up at him, and Ron
leaned in. He tried to give her a kiss, however she turned ever so slightly just as he came close.
He ended up kissing her cheek. When he retracted, Hermione continued to look at her food, while Ron
gave a robbed look at her. Harry looked back to his food, pretending he wasn't there.

`Hermione, what's wrong?' Ron whispered earnestly. Harry glanced up to see Hermione look at
Ron uneasily.

`Can we talk later?' she inquired timidly. Ron nodded, and went back to his food. The two of
them kept quiet the rest of supper, and left before Harry. He decided to go and tell Professor
McGonagall about the seventh floor corridor. She told Harry that two suits of armour would be
placed to guard the hallway just in case, along with a secret sensor. By time he finished with
McGonagall, the Hall was practically empty. Harry left, and made his way up to the fourth floor,
and sauntered down the hallway toward the East Tower.

`Hello Harry! Good to see you. I should warn you, you might reconsider going in there' Evander
suggested warily.

`Why?'

`Well, see for yourself. Password?' Harry said the password, and as the portrait opened, he
could hear Ron and Hermione arguing. He slowly made his way up the hallway, and stayed out of
eyesight from the two of them. Harry didn't like to admit he was eavesdropping, however he
didn't want to barge in on them, or just let them go at each other. His scar continued to ache,
and was starting to sting slightly. It hurt badly to Harry, considering it hadn't hurt since he
went to Godric's Hollow.

`I just don't like it when you do that in public!' Hermione spoke loudly.

`Why not? What's so wrong about people knowing that we are going out?' Ron retorted just as
loud. Harry could hear Hermione sigh loudly.

`There's a difference between people knowing, and showing off! I don't want to parade our
kissing in front of the Great Hall!' Hermione barreled on.

`What, you never want to kiss when there's people around?!' Ron fumed.

`No, it's just . . . I don't know' Hermione sighed.

`What, did you think we would just kiss when we're alone?!' Ron continued to storm. Harry
felt they argued enough, and came around the corner. Both of them were on opposite sides of the
common room, yelling at each other from across the room. Ron was looking at the corner of the
room.

`No, of course not! It's just . . . Harry' Hermione looked over and noticed Harry.

`It's because of Harry?!' Ron continued, turning his head slightly, still oblivious to
Harry.

`No Ron, Harry' she motioned. Ron turned to see Harry standing next to the desk. He was red in
the face, just like Hermione.

`Oh, sorry Harry' Ron mumbled, moving towards one of the chairs.

`It's O-` Harry started, however at that instant, Harry's scar burst into pain. Harry
clutched his scar, and slowly fell to the floor, yelling aloud in agony.

`HARRY!' Hermione cried, as she and Ron ran over to him. Harry could feel Voldemort's
emotions, something he hadn't experienced in a while. Harry rolled on the floor, bumping into
Hermione and Ron as he did.

`Harry, what is it?! Why are you laughing!' Hermione pleaded. Harry only noticed when she
mentioned it, but he was laughing, in a very sinister and crackling fashion.

`It's Voldemort . . . He's happy . . . torturing someone' Harry gasped, as his scar
continued to sting aggressively.

`Who's he torturing?' Ron asked hurriedly. Harry tried to find a face, an image. He could
feel Hermione holding his hand as his other covered his scar as it gave another shot of pain. Harry
could tell through the anguish that Voldemort had just administered another torture curse at a man,
who Harry could now see cloudily in his mind.

`Malfoy.'

**A/N - So what do think of this chapter? You get to meet my OC, Professor Terrwynebas, so what
do you think of him so far? Also, I hope all you Harmony shippers are getting happier with the
R/Hr. You can see it starting to crumble. Please review.**



**Spell / Name Meanings -**
**Ignamoenia** - L. ignis: fire, moenia: walls (Ignamoenia = fire walls)

-->



12. A Father's Fate
-------------------

CHAPTER TWELVE

**A Father's Fate**



Draco sat quietly in the stone room he had been put into. He had no idea how long he had
occupied the dark recess, but could tell it numbered at least a few days. The stuffy, rodent
scented air did not help Draco pass the time easily.

Wormtail checked him a few times, mostly to make sure he was still alive, and if he needed food.
Draco tried to reason with the rat of a man when he came, trying to understand what was going on,
and honestly trying to get himself out of his situation. Wormtail however, was not budging.

‘Wormtail, you have to help me escape’ he repeated as Pettigrew made his daily check on the
ex-Hogwarts student. Wormtail, his stature looking notably hunched, and his eyes dull in their
tiredness, looked away into a corner of the room, assumingly looking for anything out of
place.

‘You failed Draco, and that’s all that matters to the Dark Lord’ he answered, bustling along
through the doorway, and locking the door behind him hurriedly.

Draco hated the situation. He was in a constant panic, worried that the next time Wormtail would
come in, he would take him back to Voldemort. He would be tortured again, or worst. Then there was
his father. Draco couldn’t bare the idea of seeing his father tortured. Worst however, was his
mother. She was alone now, not knowing the fate of either of them. Would Voldemort go after her
next? The anxiety continued to fester in Draco’s mind, making him even more desperate to escape and
try to get help from the one man who saw him.

Meanwhile, in the main chamber, a tall, black robed man entered through the door, and approached
the platform on which a dark figure sat on a high backed chair. In the dim torchlight, the silver
eyes of the man glimmered slightly. He kneeled before the dark figure, and bowed, his black robes
billowing around him on the stone floor.

‘I have completed your task my Lord. Azkaban has been emptied, and your mark placed above as a
symbol of your power. I have brought your prisoners here, as requested’ he attested quietly, his
head still bowed to the floor. The dark figure rose from his chair, and took a step forward, his
red coloured eyes looking at the man before him, and his long fingered hands grasping the sides of
his silk-like midnight robe.

‘Very good Lesath, your skills have come to good use. Turmoil has gripped the wizard world because
of your actions. Rise’ the Dark Lord responded unhurriedly. Lesath stood slowly, his silver eyes
glancing at the face of the Dark Lord. The torchlight in the high ceiling stone room flickered
against the snake-like man’s face, painting it every shade of amber and crimson, the shadows making
him look all the more powerful, and menacing.

‘You may retire for now, but first, bring me Snape, Wormtail, and Bellatrix’ Voldemort ordered
quietly. Lesath bowed once more, and exited the chamber. Moments later, Bellatrix and Wormtail
entered, soon followed by Snape. Bellatrix gave Snape a look of disgust, and all three kneeled
before the Dark Lord.

‘Severus, go and get young Draco. Lucius and his companions have returned, and it is time to show
what happens when someone fails Lord Voldemort’ the Dark Lord hissed. Snape stood quickly, bowed,
and exited the room, his robe billowing behind him as he went.

‘Wormtail, Bellatrix my dear, bring in Lucius and the others’ he stated easily. The two rose
quickly, bowed low, and went to get the prisoners. Voldemort smiled visously as he gazed at the
large black snake slithering into view.

‘Now we shall set the trap’ the Dark Lord hissed in parseltongue.

*

Draco paced his stone cell as he heard sounds echoing from the door. There was movement
occurring somewhere above him, but he couldn’t tell by what. He stood next to the dirty wooden
door, and put his head on the side. Footsteps could be heard, moving quickly, and becoming louder.
Draco had become accustom to hearing Wormtail’s steps, and he moved to the other corner, away from
the small amount of light that was cast by a lantern hanging from the wall next to the door. The
lock slid open noisily, and the door opened.

‘Professor!’ Draco expressed wildly. If anyone here could help him, Snape was that person. Snape
closed the door behind him, and turned back to face Draco. His face was grim, paler than usual. He
placed a long boney finger over his mouth to show Draco to be quiet.

‘The Dark Lord has asked me to come and get you. You father and the others from Azkaban are here,
and will be punished, along with you’ he started, his black eyes boring into Draco. Draco rose, and
came close to Snape.

‘My father, he’s here! Professor, you have to help us!’ Draco pleaded. Snape once again put his
finger to his pursed lips.

‘Be quiet boy. There’s nothing to be done about you or your father. He will be killed, and the fool
deserves it. You, on the other hand, should have completed your task’ he stated. Draco couldn’t
believe he was doing this, especially now.

‘My father is not a fool you slime! And how could I have done it! I never wanted to in the first
place, I was forced!’ Draco retorted ferociously.

‘Shut up boy! A coward as always, like every other Malfoy. You are coming with me.’ Snape moved
forward, and made a grab for Draco’s arm. Draco thrashed his arm away, and moved to the other side
of the cell. Snape was getting agitated.

‘You have a choice Draco. Either I bring you to the Dark Lord, and you come peacefully, or I will
curse you, and you will be levitated to your death’ he sneered. Draco was in a situation that
seemed hopeless to escape. He was being brought to his death. He could feel it, the cold prickling
sensation in his toes and fingertips, knowing what lied outside the door to this cell. The panic
was overwhelming in his head.

‘Please Severus, I beg you, help me!’ he cried, clawing at Snape’s robes. Seeing Snape enter his
cell had brought a glimmer of hope to Draco, in this otherwise gloomy and squalled place. None of
the other Death Eaters would help him, however Snape knew him, and understood his situation. Snape
was loyal to Voldemort though. Draco saw proof of that when he killed Dumbledore, and no doubt
brought him back to Voldemort so he could be punished. He still had to try with Snape, he was
desperate.

Snape ripped his robes out of Draco’s hands, and Draco fell to his knees shedding tears. There was
no escape, he was going to die. Snape looked at the crumbling young man. He grabbed Draco’s left
arm, pulled him to standing, and started towards the door.

‘Please, no! Severus!’ Draco shouted, trying to hold onto the wall of the room, or anything for
that matter. He couldn’t die, not now, not like this. While he inhabited it, he couldn’t stand the
stench, or the enclosure. Now he wanted nothing more than to stay in it.

Snape gave him a tug, and Draco was pulled from the cell, and the door closed as they reached the
platform at the bottom of the stone stairs. Draco was weeping profusely.

Snape continued to remain silent, and moved Draco up the stairwell. Only the sounds of their
footsteps, and Draco’s sobs echoed in the darkness that surrounded the two, until they reached the
antechamber. The door through which they had entered before into the large chamber where Voldemort
resided was open, the flickering of the torches inside projecting the light outwards. Draco looked
at the doorway, and began moving away from it, against Snape’s tugs, trying desperately to move
away from it. Draco knew what awaited him inside the horrible room. Snape gave a hard pull, and
Draco was thrust into the room.

‘Ah, young Draco’ the Dark Lord whispered, as Draco stumbled in. Draco looked around and found
numerous Death Eaters in black cloaks, barely visible in the dim light. They were lined about the
sides of the chamber, the skull like masks floating ominously in the shadows, their forms visible
with the odd flicker from the torches bracketed on the walls. They surrounded a group of men and
women in the center of the room, all dressed in black and white prisoner’s outfits, although in the
torchlight, the white looked tawny. All of them looked drained, and filthy, their uniforms hanging
off them as if they all had lost substantial weight since being issued them. Draco looked at the
group, and felt a pang in his chest. He found his father. He was the only one with blond hair, and
was kneeling directly in front of the Dark Lord.

‘Bring him to me’ Voldemort ordered airily. Draco looked to the voice, and saw the Dark Lord, the
light flickering on his bald head as he stood at the edge of a black stage. Draco felt two hands
grasp his arms, and he was carried in front of the Dark Lord, and thrown to the hard stone floor.
Draco looked up and found his eyes, those menacing, terrifying, bloodstained eyes. The Dark Lord
grinned evilly, his slit-like nostrils flaring, and Draco was thrown into utter terror.

Draco was shaking all over, and could not move, even if he wanted or had too. The chamber was
completely silent, as the Dark Lord moved around behind Draco.

‘You have failed once too many times Lucius. Now, watch as you weak, disgusting, pureblood of a son
pays for your incompetence’ he hissed, turning abruptly, and pointing his wand at Draco’s
back.

‘Crucio!’

Draco immediately fell onto his stomach, and began to roll on the cold stone floor, screaming in
agony. He was writhing in pain, the anguish spreading the entire length of his body, his bones
feeling as if they were being both electrified and crushed at the same time. His back arched as the
pain centered on his spine, and his eyes closed shut, trying to endure the torment. The curse
finally lifted after what felt like an eternity, and Draco fell silent, whimpering on the cold
floor, the sweat that covered his body making him shiver, his eyes shedding tears of both pain and
fear. He could hear the Dark Lord laughing evilly at the scene.

‘You knew what waited for you Lucius. Did you think Azkaban was your savior? No other Death Eater
has failed me so utterly, so completely, so stupidly. Did you think after that disaster in the
Department of Mysteries that I would welcome you back you recreant? Think again’ he hissed angrily.
Draco opened his eyes to see Voldemort aim his wand at his father, the arm of his cloak hanging
loosely. Draco could do nothing as the Dark Lord came before his father, his slitted eyes open
wide, full of malevolence.

‘Crucio!’

Draco could not stand to hear it. His father screamed as he flailed on the hard floor, thrashing
from side to side. The other prisoners did nothing but continue to look downwards and remain
silent, knowing what was in store for themselves. Death Eaters in the shadows were doing the same.
Only the Dark Lord moved or spoke, and he seemed to be enjoying his redemption for the failed
tasks. Draco closed his eyes as he cried even more, hearing his father. As the cries became rasp
and unbearable, Voldemort pulled his wand away, and glanced at the remains of the Death Eater in
front of him. Lucius was left barely moving, clawing the stone slowly, his eyes full of fear and
pain.

Draco could not stand to see his father in such a way. His father had always been prideful in his
composure, never looking down at anyone, especially that filthy house elf that Harry Potter let
free. Always in the best clothes, and the best possessions, that’s what Draco came to expect. It
was part of being a Malfoy. Now, his father, the man he had always aspired to be, was lying
semi-unconscious on this stone floor, in the filth of his prisoner’s uniform, waiting only for the
relief of death to take him.

‘Now Lucius, what should become of your son?’ Voldemort asked painfully slow. Draco looked to his
father, and found only a terrified man, knowing the end was near.

‘My Lord, please, spare my son’ he said quietly, not daring to look up, breathing heavily.
Voldemort turned towards Draco, and pointed his wand again. Draco looked away, expecting another
torture curse. Voldemort moved his wand, and Draco was raised against the wall, and turned towards
his father. He was pinned, not able to move or talk. His feet dangled slightly, as he was raised a
few inches above the floor. Lucius looked to his son in horror, his mouth agape and his face
drained of any colour.

Voldemort grinned wickedly, and turned towards Lucius. Lucius quickly glanced back down at the
stone, but there was no point really. Voldemort inclined his wand downward, and raised it slowly,
Lucius rising with it until he was standing, barely. He swayed heavily, his torn and dirty
prisoner’s uniform. Draco could have never pictured his father looking how he did now. This was
torture enough for him.

The Dark Lord moved back in front of Draco, still facing Lucius. ‘Now, you will pay for your
incompetence’ he hissed, turning and facing Draco.

‘My Lord, please’ Lucius begged. Voldemort inclined his wand at Draco, grinning evilly as he did.
While the wand stayed pointed at his chest, Draco’s head was racing with the reality that his death
was imminent. The Dark Lord then grinned evilly again, and slowly turned towards Lucius. Draco
realized he would not be dying first. His father would be killed.

Draco could do nothing. Voldemort kept his wand pointed at his father forever, delaying, dragging
the torment longer and longer. Lucius stared at the wand, then glanced at Draco, and opened his
mouth to speak once last sentance to his son.

‘Avada Kedavra!’

Draco’s father was enveloped in a green flash of light. Draco tried to scream, but nothing would
come out. All he could do was scream violently in his head, as the light died out, and his father’s
crumpled figure fell lifeless to the stone floor with a disgusting thud. Voldemort looked at the
remains of Lucius with repugnance, and flicked his wand at Draco, making him fall to the floor,
finally being able to scream and cry.

Draco wanted nothing more than to kill Voldemort right then and there. He made him watch his father
plead for his life, beg, and die. Voldemort motioned two Death Eaters from the shadows towards
him.

‘Burn this filth’ he ordered. The two lifted Lucius’ body, and dragged it unceremoniously out the
door. Draco was filled with hate. He didn’t need a wand, he could just strangle him here and now.
Voldemort turned away from Draco, and he took advantage. Draco, not thinking of anything else,
tried quickly to get up and lunge at the Dark Lord. Voldemort, however turned around quickly, just
as Draco started his jump.

‘Crucio!’

Draco was thrown back down to the stone floor, and pain again engulfed his senses. Draco barely had
the energy, and thrashed slowly on the cold floor as the torture curse moved through his body,
Voldemort crackling all the while. It was lifted finally, and Draco was barely awake due to the
pain. He felt someone grab his upper arm, and he blacked out.

*

‘Take him back to his cell’ Voldemort ordered. Snape came forward, and grabbed Draco’s arm, and
dragged him beyond the door. Once they had exited the chamber, Snape levitated him, and moved him
slowly back to his cell. Meanwhile, Voldemort was organizing his prisoners.

‘Take the rest, and put them in separate cells’ he ordered. Death Eaters came in from all sides,
and paired up on each of the prisoners. Once the prisoners were quietly shuffled out of the room,
Bellatrix came quickly towards the stage, Wormtail ambled behind her slowly.

‘My Lord, why did you spare the boy?’ she asked hesitantly. Voldemort took his seat on the stage,
and looked at the two in front of him.

‘I am not finished with young Draco yet. He still has his uses, and I plan on following them to the
end’ he explained to the hollow faced woman, who while Lucius and Draco were being tortured, smiled
viciously, and looked as if Christmas had came early. ‘What have you found about Potter?’

‘My Lord, he has returned to Hogwarts, along with the mudblood and the blood-traitor’ Bellatrix
stated speedily. Voldemort looked to the floor for a moment, thinking.

‘Is that all?’ he asked, sounding disappointed. Bellatrix tried to reassure the Dark Lord.

‘My Lord, we are continuing with our search’ she declared. Voldemort put his hand up, and she went
silent, looking back at the stone floor.

‘You will continue, yes. Young Draco will help you’ he revealed.

‘How my Lord?’ Wormtail sniffled. At that moment, Snape returned from bringing Draco to his cell.
Both Wormtail and Bellatrix turned to see him enter the chamber, and kneel next to them, facing the
Dark Lord.

‘Severus, you will now watch over young Draco. I have other tasks set for Wormtail. Check on him,
and make sure he stays alive. I have more plans for him yet. Leave us’ Voldemort told Snape. Snape
rose, bowed low, and exited the chamber, closing the door behind him.

‘My Lord, why did you leave him to guard Malfoy?’ Bellatrix asked, not being able to hide her anger
at how passive the Dark Lord was being with Snape.

‘My reasons are not your concern’ voiced Voldemort.

‘But my Lord, he will allow him to escape!’ Bellatrix continued. Voldemort rose from his chair, and
Bellatrix instantly lowered herself into a bow. She knew she had gone too far.

‘That is why your task, aside from learning about Potter, is to follow Snape and Draco. When they
flee, they will lead you strait to the tattered remains of the Order of the Pheonix, and Harry
Potter.’

**A/N – Alright folks, this chapter went back to the dark side of the story. So, what did you
think of this “dark” chapter? Did you like some of the plotting and scheming here? Plus the death,
what of that?**

**Please review!**



13. Closing a Door and Opening a Window
---------------------------------------



CHAPTER THIRTEEN

**Closing a Door and Opening a Window**


The pain started to retreat, and Harry came back to his senses. He was still on the floor, and
his body ached. Hermione was there, looking down at him worriedly. Ron came down, and put an arm
behind Harry as he lifted himself slowly from the floor. His head was still throbbing, and as he
came to a sitting position, he became very dizzy, and almost fell over again. Luckily, Ron's
arm was still there, and kept him from hitting the floor again.

`Harry mate, you OK?' asked Ron, Harry seeing the concern on his face. Harry nodded, and Ron
and Hermione helped him slowly to one of the chairs in front of the fire. Once he was placed, Ron
and Hermione took a seat on the rug in front of the fireplace facing Harry.

`What happened?' Hermione quaked, as she sat cross legged on the rug.

`I don't know. I felt Voldemort's emotions again' Harry breathed slowly. His scar
didn't hurt anymore, but his body was still covered in cold sweat, and he was shivering, even
with the fire blazing in the hearth. Hermione noticed, and took a blanket from the other chair and
placed it over him. Harry smiled at her to say thanks, however she still looked distressed.

`I thought Voldemort was using Occlumency?' Hermione commented, looking at Harry and then Ron.
Ron gave her a warm smile, and she lightened a little. Harry could imagine their fight was still
fresh in their minds.

`He wanted me to feel it, I know it' Harry answered. Harry could tell that it was true.
Voldemort kept using Occlumency on Harry since the end of fifth year. Why would he let Harry feel
his emotions now, unless he wanted him to? Especially now, while torturing Malfoy. Ron looked at it
through a different light.

`Well, that's horrible that you felt it, but at least Malfoy's getting what he
deserves' he commented, leaning back and looking at Harry intently. Hermione's brows
lowered, and her eyes snapped over at Ron for the comment.

`Ron, I know Malfoy did some unpleasant things, but no one deserves to be tortured' she stated
assertively. Ron's rolled his eyes, and his mouth let out a bewildered sigh.

`Unpleasant? Hermione, this is Malfoy. If anyone deserves it, he does' he replied. Harry's
head was beginning to ache again, with the prospect of their fighting making a glorious return.
Hermione was about to respond, raising herself off the carpet, when Harry gave a loud, somewhat
angry sigh, and closed his eyes, hoping she would notice. He opened them and looked at Hermione,
who immediately sat back down, and folded her hands in her lap.

`Can you guys stop please? You're making my head hurt again' he said flatly, looking
between the two of them. Both Hermione and Ron appeared displeased with themselves, something that
Harry admittedly wanted them to feel.

`Sorry Harry' Ron muttered, Hermione nodding slowly, staring at the carpet. They sat for a few
moments, the fire crackling slowly. Harry's head wasn't feeling any better however. After a
few more minutes of quiet, Hermione lifted he head, and looked at Harry.

`Harry, what about Professor Terrwynebas?' she asked. Harry raised an eyebrow, looking
doubtfully at her.

`Hermione, I don't think he had anything to do with that vision'

`No, no. You said he wants to help you in anyway, right?' Harry nodded, and she continued.
`Well, maybe he can teach you Occlumency' she proposed.

`Hermione, I just met him. I don't need another person drilling my head like Snape, especially
someone I don't know' Harry exasperated.

`But even you thought Snape was just making it easier for Voldemort. He probably was, but Professor
Terrwynebas could be on our side, and he could help you' she said. Harry could hear the
encouragement in her voice, and noticed the hopefulness in her eyes. Harry smiled, and realized,
like many times before, that she was probably right.

`Alright, I have a meeting with him on Saturday night, I'll ask him then' Harry answered.
She smiled, and Harry decided to go to sleep, standing up. He swayed slightly, and Ron and Hermione
stood quickly to help him.

`I think I'll go to bed' Harry said tiredly. All he wanted now was to fall onto his bed,
and hope that sleeping would allow him to feel better. He made his way slowly to his staircase, and
started up, stopping after a few steps. The sound of footsteps from Hermione and Ron exiting
through the portrait hole could be heard, and the opening of the portrait a few moments later.
Harry made his way back down, to find Hermione taking a seat in front of the fireplace, curling up
with the same blanket Harry just discarded.

`Are you and Ron alright?' Harry asked quietly. Hermione jerked her head around at the sound of
his voice, but her face softened as he came and sat back down in the chair he had only just
vacated.

`I thought you were going to bed?' she asked, yawning in the process, showing her sleepiness.
She looked calmer than she was earlier, the soft glow of the fire shading her face a warm
bronze.

`Well, I thought I'd see if you're alright. That sounded like quite the row when I came
in.' Hermione frowned, and looked into the fire, then Harry.

`It was stupid. Ron thinks that because I don't kiss him all the time like Lavender did, that I
don't like him. I thought he was more mature than this' she ranted.

`More mature than what?' Harry asked. He knew that Ron sometimes showed the maturity level of a
ten year old, but he wondered just how mature she was expecting him to be. She looked back to the
floor for a moment.

`Thinking that all people do when they go out is snog and whatnot. What a load of rubbish. I mean,
you're a guy, what do you think people would do?' she asked, looking at him. Harry felt a
bit uncomfortable answering, but tried to give a good answer none the less.

`Well, for me, just being around the person is enough. I mean, I've only really gone out with
Ginny, but with her, just being around each other was the greatest thing' Harry admitted. It
was true, his time with Ginny was always best when they just did things like sit in the common
room. Of course, at the time snogging was great, but Harry just couldn't get enough of holding
her in his arms, and embracing those moments. Harry expected that with anyone he loved, just being
around them would bring about the best feelings

Hermione smiled at his response. She looked at the arm of her chair for a moment, then back at him
intently. Harry could not stop a pleasant grin from automatically wiping across his face.

`See, that's exactly what I think' she said, glancing at Harry again. She gave a shug, and
her smile went away almost as quickly as it came, as did Harry's. `I don't know, maybe if I
just explain it to Ron, he'll understand. Thanks Harry.' She beamed gently again at Harry,
got up, and gave him a kiss on his cheek. Her hair fell in front of Harry only slightly, but enough
to catch a whiff of honeysuckle. His head was momentarily swimming, however he quickly gasped his
senses, and looked at Hermione, who gave him an odd look.

`No problem. Goodnight' he said briskly.

`Goodnight' she replied, and went up her staircase to her room. Harry stayed in the common room
for a few moments thinking.

It couldn't be what he thought, he couldn't be falling for Hermione. She was dating Ron. It
isn't supposed to be like this. Harry should be happy for them, and he should want to get back
with Ginny. Of course he thought about it, numerous times, however the more he thought of Ginny,
the more he found faults with her. He was fully agreed with himself that Ginny, although as lovely
and great she was, just wasn't the girl for him anymore. She would always be a good friend to
him, no doubts in his mind there, but the idea of dating again didn't exactly make Harry jump
for joy.

Harry tried to reassure himself, he was happy for Ron and Hermione, though not as much as he
thought he'd be. He put up with them dancing around the idea for years, and it was about time
they finally got together.

However the more he saw of them, the more he thought there were some things out of place. Tonight
was a perfect example of it. They always seemed to be arguing. At first, Harry thought they would
work it out of their systems, but tonight was proof that it wasn't going away anytime
soon.

But the question still remained, was he falling for Hermione? Again, he couldn't be, he
shouldn't. She and Ron were dating, and it regardless of how he felt, he had to respect them.
After all, they're his best friends. They even asked his permission, and he gave it. He
couldn't take it back now, just to say “you can't, because I might like Hermione”.

He couldn't even be sure if that was true. Maybe he didn't like Hermione like that. No,
there was no maybe out it, he didn't, he couldn't even if he did. He stopped dating Ginny
because she would be in danger, and dating anyone else would put them in danger too. Harry
didn't have a choice, he couldn't date anyone, especially now. He was convinced, he
didn't like Hermione, he couldn't.

*`Then why did you smell honeysuckle when you sniffed the Amorentia?'* his mind asked.
That scent . . . Harry could not describe how wonderful it smelled, or of how it reminded him of
holding Hermione in her back yard over the summer. It was calming, but electrifying, forceful but
soft, intoxicating but soothing, all at the same time. The number of words Harry could describe
went on like this. He stopped himself however, knowing where that road led.

Harry lowered his head, and didn't bother trying to answer the daunting question, and went to
bed, still thoroughly confused.

*

On Saturday, Harry made his way up to the defence classroom. He spent most of the day in the
library with Ron, Hermione, and Neville, working on their Herbology essay that was set for them on
Friday. Hermione of course finished first, Neville shortly afterwards. Harry and Ron asked Neville
for help, and in turn, they were able to finish early enough to practice the Firewall Charm.
Neville and Ron both showed improvement, and could create a fire ring, however they were still
hesitant to lower it below their head. Hermione, conjuring the Firewall correctly after a few
minutes, decided to return to the common room, to look through the potions book again.

Harry checked his watch, and it showed two minutes to eight o'clock. He knocked on the
classroom door, and Professor Terrwynebas told him to come in. Harry entered, and found the room
lit with a few torches bracketed on the walls. Professor Terrwynebas was sitting at his desk,
leafing through some papers, two candles lit sitting at the corners. He looked up at Harry, and
piled the papers, shoving them into a drawer, leaving the desk clean except for the candles. He
motioned Harry to a chair set in front of the desk, and Harry took a seat.

`Well Harry, how are you tonight?' he asked.

`I'm alright. How are you?'

`Slightly cross-eyed from reading, but good enough' he said, shaking his head from side to side
and giving a light chuckle. He leaned forward and putting his arms on the desk.

`Now, of course I have things I could start teaching you, defence spells, non-lethal curses, and so
forth, however I am going to ask if there is anything you want to learn first. Best to start on
something you want to learn' he stated, leaning back in his chair and surveying Harry.

`There is something' Harry started, glancing at his hands which sat on his lap. He was
twiddling his thumbs, still worried about whether asking for Occlumency lessons would the best
thing to ask for his first lesson. Topher leaned forward again, folding his arms on the desk, and
looking at Harry worriedly.

`What is it Harry?' he asked calmly. Harry looked up, and Topher smiled at him nicely, however
unsymmetrical. When he smiled, only the right side of his mouth would actually incline upwards. The
other half would stay level as usual.

`Can you teach me Occlumency?' Harry finally asked. Harry looked at Topher optimistically,
hoping that he wouldn't laugh or become overly encouraging. He was glad to see him lean back,
look down, and let out a small but understanding laugh. He looked back at Harry, his one sided
smile reaching the other side as well.

`Yes, I can. I understand your concern. You only met me a few days ago, and now you're asking
me to help you defend your mind. Again, Professor Dumbledore told me of your . . . lessons with
Professor Snape. After that, I definitely understand your caution' he expressed. Harry began to
wonder just how much Professor Terrwynebas knew about him.

`So, what we will do, which will hopefully allow you to trust me, is have you learn both
Legilimency and Occlumency' he stated cheerfully. Harry quirked his brow.

`Both?' he asked. Topher nodded enthusiastically.

`Yes. You can't really learn Occlumency without Legilimency. Now, of course, teaching
Legilimency is supposed to be taught only by the Ministry of Magic. It's usually reserved for
Aurors and members of Magical Law Enforcement. So, if you want to learn it, you have to promise to
only use it in proper situations.' His tone changed, and was now straight forward and stern. He
looked at Harry very closely, and Harry nodded.

`I would never use it in a bad way' Harry promised. Topher continued to scan Harry, then
nodded.

`Alright. So, we'll start with Occlumency, defence of the mind from outside forces' Topher
started. He stood from his chair, and motioned Harry to stand as well. Harry did so, and moved
around the desk, where Topher conjured two wooden stools, approximately waist height. Topher and
Harry sat down, facing each other.

`Now, we will start very easily. Rushing Occlumency usually works against the learner. If I was to,
for example, dive into your mind, you would probably become more susceptible to Legilimency' he
informed.

`So Snape was opening my mind more to Voldemort' Harry stated hatefully. He thought it was true
at the time, and now he knew it was. His hate towards Snape increased tenfold, knowing that the
visions he saw two years ago which led to Sirius' death, were helped by Snape.

`It is possible. The fact that you dislike him, and I was told he didn't exactly favour you
either, probably didn't help the situation. However, I must ask you to focus on the now'
Topher replied. Harry shook his head slightly, and tried to relax his mind, and calm down. There
was no point in getting frustrated about Snape now. Topher took a breath, and returned to the
lesson.

`First thing I'll teach you, is to notice when someone's trying to enter your thoughts.
Your best defence is the earliest. If you can stop someone before they get in, then you're
winning before the fight begins, understand?' Harry nodded.

`Good. Now, I will use my wand, but I want you to try not to. You can hold your wand in your hand,
and if you want to stop at anytime, tap the desk, OK?' he asked nicely, motioning to the
professor's desk next to them. Harry nodded, and took out his wand. He was glad Topher was
allowing him to use his wand if needed, and would start off slowly. Topher took out his wand, which
at this distance, was made of a light coloured wood, with inlaid weavings and knots circling
it.

`Professor, what kind of wood is your wand made of?' asked Harry. Topher's eyebrows raised,
and he took a glance of his wand.

`Birch. Not the strongest of woods, but it works beautifully for me. Twelve inches, with griffin
feather.'

`So you didn't get it from Mr. Ollivander' Harry reasoned, since the core wasn't
phoenix feather, unicorn hair, or dragon heartstring. Topher shook his head.

`No, it was made by a wand maker in Ireland. He always inlaid his wands with knots and weaves you
see, that was his tell. Now, are you ready to begin?' he asked. Harry started feeling bad about
all the tangents he was leading Topher down. Harry nodded, and Topher raised his wand at
Harry.

`Now, very easy, just focus on your mind. Picture it as a fortress, with walls and boundaries
surrounding it. You won't let anything get through the walls; you will remain strong and
focused' he instructed. Harry nodded again.

`Legilimens' Topher pronounced quietly.

Harry didn't feel any different. He could see Topher in front of him, looking at him, however
nothing was happening. Harry was about to ask if something was wrong, when he noticed it.

It was like a person pushing on a door very slowly. Something was gradually seeping into his mind.
Harry closed his eyes, and tried to picture the walls, the castle that encased his mind, his
memories, his dreams. The encroaching continued, and Harry tried harder, trying to push back the
oncoming outside force. He felt the outside pushing subside, and it finally stopped. Harry opened
his eyes to see Topher smiling at him.

`Not too bad Harry, for a first try. What'd it feel like?'

`Like something was slowly reaching in, trying to push its way farther. I tried to push back, but
it took a lot of effort' Harry said. He was pleased his head didn't hurt like it did with
every session with Snape.

`Yes, well, I backed out' Topher admitted. Harry's face fell slightly. `I could feel you
pushing, but you weren't doing it hard enough. You need to train your mind, in order to
strengthen it. Right now however, you need to realize that you don't even need to push. Build
walls, so that you never need to. Think of it as someone opening a door. All you have to do, is
make sure the door stays shut, OK?' Harry nodded, and sat up straight.

`Lets try this again. Remember, I am giving you time to prepare, so make it count.
Legilimens.'

Harry immediately started to focus on his own mind, closing his eyes. He felt it as one entity,
having the ability to stand by itself, alone. The tiny feeling started trickling in, and Harry
stood his ground. The encroaching of another person in his head continued, but Harry focused, as
hard as he could, as his mind being one solid block, impenetrable.

The force of the pushing increased, however Harry continued to focus as hard as he could. So far it
was working, and Harry was pleased with himself. The pushing continued, and Harry continued to
focus. Suddenly, Harry heard a tap in the room, and opened his eyes to see what it was.

Immediately, the pushing crashed in on Harry's mind. A tall black haired boy was standing in
the backyard of a fair-sized house, hugging a bushy haired girl. Harry never wanted to leave this
hug, it was so great. He could feel her warmth, and just how much he wanted to never let go, and
never loose such a wonderful person.

Harry realized what was happening, and tapped his wand hard on the desk. The pushing seized
abruptly, and Harry opened his eyes.

He was still on the stool, and could see Topher sitting across from him. Harry could smell burning
wood, and was surprised see the professor's desk, which he just tapped, was in fact, on fire.
Topher quickly turned his wand, and extinguished the flames, Harry helping.

`I'm sorry Topher' Harry professed sadly. The flames were quickly put out, and Harry looked
down at himself. His first lesson and he messed up, setting the professor's desk on fire. Not
exactly the best first impression. Topher, in the mean time, was shaking his head.

`It is alright Harry' he chuckled as he turned back to Harry, `you'd be surprised how many
things I blew up at my house while I was learning.' Harry smiled, and looked up. Topher was
looking up at the ceiling for a moment, then back at him, grinning.

`Now, why'd you loose control? You where doing great, but then it all came down.'

`I heard a tap, or something, and lost my concentration' Harry admitted. Topher took his left
hand, and tapped the side of the stool, making the sound Harry heard. Harry understood.

`The first lesson in Occlumency: no matter what is going on, you must stay focused. Don't get
distracted by outside events. If you let your guard down, you leave your mind vulnerable.'
Topher stood from stool, and Harry did too. He vanished the stools, and put a hand on Harry's
shoulder, leading him towards the doorway.

`What I'd like for you to do is try to work on staying focused. Read something in a busy part
of the school, and try not to look up, and continue reading. Play a chess match and focus on
nothing else, something like that. How about we meet next Saturday, if you'd like?' he
proposed. Harry agreed, and turned and left the room, heading back to the East Tower.

Topher, in the mean time, slowly strolled back to his desk, and slumped down in his chair. He put
his hands behind his head, leaned back, and smiled to himself, letting a few light chuckles escape,
the chair creaking slightly.

`He *is* in love' he said lightheartedly. He leaned forward, pulled out the papers from
the desk again, and continuing his reading, still wearing cheerful smile.

*

The lessons with Topher continued to improve. Harry was very busy, with Head duties and
homework, but he managed time to try and maintain good focusing skills, reading Dumbledore's
notebook in hallways and the Great Hall. As his lessons continued, he became better at keeping
Topher out of his mind. When he did manage to get through though, he still had a hard time pushing
him out. Topher was polite about it, and only made Harry relive the memory of him and Hermione
hugging. Topher asked one lesson who the girl was, but Harry said it was just a friend, and the
young professor did not ask again.

Meanwhile in the school, and outside, things were still not going well. Prefects were constantly
coming to either Harry or Hermione with problems, some as mundane as a spill of pumpkin juice in
the Great Hall, or food in the dormitories.

Hermione continued to read over the potions and spell books from Dumbledore, however she was being
meticulous with all three books, and it was taking sometime to read them all. Harry was still
holding out, however was loosing hope in finding anything in them worthwhile. He wished Dumbledore
left bookmarks or something, which could have made it simpler. The situation was not helped by the
problems Ron and Hermione were still having.

They ended up finishing their argument from the night Harry collapsed. Harry came into the library
one day to find Ron by himself. Ron went on about how Hermione was being confusing about things,
and how he was trying to get her to calm down and relax for at least some time. Of course, Harry
could imagine Hermione was not in the mood to relax. There was a war going on, and the three of
them were in the thick of it. Relaxing, even for a short while, was not high on the list of
priorities, especially Hermione's.

By the end of September, the Pensieve still sat on the desk where Harry left it, untouched. Every
time he passed it in the common room, he felt anxiety in what may sit in the memories. He decided,
for the time, since he was overly busy with Head duties and learning Occlumency, something that
Dumbledore wanted him to learn anyways, that he would leave the Pensieve. He knew he would have to
brave the memories of the former Headmaster someday, but he honestly was not looking forward to
them.

The lesson that Harry was looking forward to with Professor Terrwynebas, was on the fourth of
October. It was this date that they set for starting Legilimency training. Harry wanted to
understand how it felt, and hoped learning it would better allow him to learn Occlumency. As Harry
took his seat on his stool, Topher could see the eagerness in Harry's posture.

`Now I know you are interested in this lesson. That's good. But before you go trying to barge
into my memories, you must understand what you're doing.

`When you use Legilimency, you'll feel your mind branching outwards towards another. It may be
disorientating at first, but you'll get used to it. Once you're in someone else's mind,
it works like the opposite of Occlumency. You have to push hard on the defenses someone puts up.
Try to look deeper into the persons mind, and yes, into their eyes. Eye contact is sometimes a key
to Legilimency. Only pros can perform it without eye contact' Topher stated. Harry was very
eager now to try it out.

`Have you ever been inside a memory?' Topher asked all of a sudden. Harry was confused.

`What do you mean?'

`Well, I mean, have you ever fallen into a Pensieve, with a memory inside it?' he
elaborated.

`Oh, yeah, Professor Dumbledore's' Harry replied.

`Dumbledore's . . . that must have been something. Anyways, when you do get past someone's
defenses, you'll find that the mind looks like a Pensieve, full of shimmering memories. You can
see them, and you chose which one you want to see by pushing your mind toward that memory, kind of
how you would push your head in a memory stored in a Pensieve. Understand?' he asked. He was
very thorough in these lessons with Harry, and always stopped to make sure Harry understood
everything. Sometimes Harry didn't like it, but it had on some occasions allowed for Harry to
ask questions without sounding idiotic.

`Now, at the beginning, you were wary about having me enter your mind. I hope you believe I'm
on your side. But to understand Legilimency, you'll need a memory of mine. I already chose one
for you, and for your first try, I'll have very little defenses for you to get through. When
you enter my mind, you'll find only one memory. Push forward, and enter it like it was in a
Pensieve.' Topher put his wand in his hand, and Harry pointed his wand at Topher. Harry
couldn't believe he was going to do this, actually become a mind reader!

Topher nodded his head, and Harry took a deep breath.

`Legilimens.'

Harry's head swayed a little with the sudden change. His brain felt like it was being extended
past his own head. Harry could imagine a fog, a grey shimmering everywhere. He focused on Topher,
and tried the best at what he should do, and pushed his mind through the fog.

`You're not focusing enough Harry. Your mind is too clouded' Topher said. Harry understood
that it was a literal meaning. `You have to empty your mind, and focus solely on mine' he
encouraged quietly.

Harry tried to ignore everything else, and pushed forward as hard as he could, focused entirely on
Topher, boring into his pale green eyes. With a surprise, the fog Harry imagined began to lower,
and Harry could see a shimmering mirror ahead of him. At least it looked like a mirror.

Harry continued to push forward, his head beginning to ache slightly, and he could feel something
pushing back. He continued to fight, and the image became clearer and clearer, until he could see
it.

It was something like a silver puddle, with people moving inside of it. The puddle was surrounded
by blackness, and Harry focused on the one object imaged in his mind. His eyes were still gazing
into Topher's, however he was too focused on the memory to notice anything outside of it. Harry
pushed forward again, and the memory enveloped him.

A young boy with auburn hair wearing a brown coat and shorts was running down a dirt path towards a
one storey farm house. It was late afternoon, and the sky was overcast, making everything all
shades of grey. The boy continued to run down the path towards the grey, wood paneled house at an
ever increasing speed. Trees wiped by quickly, and the path entered a small field that preceded the
house, when a flash of green light emitted from one of the rooms of the house.

The boy stopped immediately, standing in the center of the path, one hundred meters from the house.
Footsteps could be heard against the wooden floor of the house, and the boy dove into the high
grass as a person in black robes exited the house, two more in the same attire following.

`What will we do now? She did not give us the information' one of them said. Harry could tell
it was a man. The voice sounded familiar. One of the others began to stride away from the
house.

`It doesn't matter Avery. The Dark Lord said to either get her to tell us, or kill her. We have
done it, and that is that' a woman answered. The other two slowly made their way to the woman,
and all three turned back towards the house. The boy in the grass was watching the scene, his face
pale and his green eyes open to their full extent, clearly showing how terrified he was.

`For the Dark Lord' the three said, one of them raising their wand, pointing it above the
house.

`MORSMORDRE!' the female Death Eater bellowed. A vast green ball shot out of her wand, and
erupted in the sky, forming a green skull, a serpent slithering out of its mouth. She slowly
lowered he wand, and the three gazed at the skull for a moment.

`Lets go, before the husband arrives' the woman said. The three then disappeared, the cracks of
their Apparating coming a moment later. The boy stayed low in the grass for a moment, then,
disregarding the green skull above the house, ran for the front door, almost tripping as he vaulted
the front porch. He entered, and turned left into a family room, stumbling slightly because his
feet were moving too fast.

There, in the center of the room, a woman was lying dead. Her shoulder length dark brown hair
partially covered her face, and her lilac and periwinkle summer dress unmarked. The boy fell to his
knees, and began to cry over the still, lifeless woman, his sobs quietly filling the empty
house.

All of a sudden, Harry could feel his mind blanking again, and being pushed outwards by a very
strong force. The boy and the woman slowly decayed into darkness. Harry was pushed out of
Topher's mind, and he almost fell backwards. Topher, luckily, grabbed his arm to prevent it.
Harry pulled himself back to sitting, and Topher stood up, and motioned Harry to sit in front of
his desk.

`I'm so sorry' Harry said, realizing that the boy in the memory was, of course, Professor
Terrwynebas as he took his seat. Topher sat down, and gazed at the desk for a moment.

`That's the memory I chose to show you, so don't be sorry for seeing it. And don't
worry' he added, seeing Harry's expression not changing, `you can ask questions.' Harry
was glad he said it was OK, rather than feeling awkward having to ask.

`Who was the woman?'

`She was my mother. She worked for the Ministry, although I'm not sure where exactly. That day,
I had spent at a friend's, who lived a few minutes walk from my house. I was running back home,
because she was supposed to return from work early to spend some time with me. Of course, as you
saw, when I arrived, she was not alone' he added darkly.

`So your mother was killed by Death Eaters?' Harry said, more than asked. Topher nodded
anyways.

`Yes, and as you can hear, they wanted information from her. I've been trying my whole life to
find out what the information could be, but I haven't found anything. I hope, however, that
shows you one the reasons I want Voldemort to fall' he mentioned. Harry noticed his
wording.

`One of the reasons?'

`There are others of course, but those can wait for another day. Now' he started, changing
subjects back to their lesson, Harry realizing it was his polite manner to say he asked enough
questions. `What did Legilimency feel like?'

`Well, at first, I was dizzy. My mind was all foggy, and I couldn't really think straight'
Harry explained. Topher nodded as he spoke. `Then you told me to focus more, and I tried, and my
mind cleared a bit, and I tried to push forward, and I saw your memory, and continued pushing.'
Topher leaned forward.

`Yes, all very good Harry. When your mind is weary, it will be foggy like it was. When you use
Legilimency, you have to focus right from the beginning. If you don't, you can get lost in the
fog. Your pushing forwards was excellent though. I put up a bit of resistance, and you got through
it nicely' Topher complimented. Just as Topher leaned back in his chair, a knock at the
classroom door came.

`Come in' Topher said loudly, and Hermione entered the room quickly, the old potions book in
her hand. She slowed her pace as she approached the desk.

`I'm sorry Professor- sorry, Topher, for interrupting, but can I talk to Harry, it's
important' she asked sounding winded. Her hair was quite mess, and Harry could tell she must
have ran all the way from the East Tower.

`Don't worry Miss Granger, Harry and I are finished for tonight. Harry, your homework is to
continue with Occlumency training, and start to understand how to clear the fog, OK?' he asked
like so many other times. Harry stood up, nodded, and left to room, Hermione walking briskly in
front of him.

`What is it?' Harry asked anxiously, however only received a shushing motion from Hermione as
they continued their quick pace through the castle. At last, they entered the East Tower, and
Hermione sat at the desk, Harry standing behind her.

`Hermione, what's going on?' Harry asked, starting to worry if something was wrong.
Hermione opened the potions book, and started leafing through the pages.

`I found something Harry, about Horcruxes' she said methodically, as she slowed her search, and
finally pointed to the right hand side of the book, were a page of hand written instructions was
listed, the top in one person's scrolled and even spaced hand writing, the bottom in
another's, more angled and darker printed. The bottom, for some reason, reminded Harry of
something he read before, but he couldn't exactly place it.

`What is it?' Harry asked, pulling up a chair and sitting next to Hermione. Harry only noticed
now that Ron wasn't in the room, which lately, was becoming more the normal.

`A potion. Now, it doesn't actually say it's for Horcruxes, but I'm pretty sure it
is' she explained. Harry furrowed his brow at her.

`Why do you think that?' he asked. She placed her finger at the top of the page, were it had
the title of the so-called potion:

*CASSUS ANIMUS*

Harry still didn't understand. `What does it mean?'

`Well, when I saw the name, I looked it up. “Cassus” means to destroy, which in itself isn't
much help, however “animus” means the soul Harry! This potion is a soul destroying potion!' she
declared joyfully, looking up at Harry brightly.

Harry couldn't believe it, Dumbledore did give them a helping hand. They had a potion that
could destroy a soul, or at least parts of one. Now they could make it, and finally destroy the
Horcrux they found over two months ago. Harry was so cheerful, he leaned over and gave Hermione a
huge hug, which she eagerly embraced and squeezed back.

`This is amazing Hermione! You found exactly what we need!' he expressed, moving back and
beaming at her. She was smiling very brightly, and her cheeks were slightly flushed.

`The only thing is Harry,' she said, not sounding too content, `is that this is a very
difficult potion. They don't even sell some of these ingredients, and some I've never even
heard of. How will we make it?' she asked, now not looking cheerful at all. Harry was hesitant
to say it, but Dumbledore also provided for them there also.

`Remember Dumbledore said that I would need help with a potion from Slughorn. He must have known it
would be this potion' Harry said, sounding more confident. He stood up straight, and grabbed
the potions book. Hermione still was sitting as he turned around in front of the desk, heading
towards the portrait hole.

`Where are you going?' she asked hastily.

`To ask Slughorn' Harry smiled back.

`Now?' she asked, sounding reluctant as she stood and came around the front of the desk.

`Well, what other time would you go. Com'on' he said, waving her to follow. She gave a
sigh, and followed Harry out the portrait hole, and towards Slughorn's office. It was late,
however Harry hoped he would be there, so that Hermione wouldn't berate him for dragging them
all the way to find he wasn't there. They came to his office, and knocked. To the relief of
Harry, muffled footsteps could be heard emanating from the other side of the door. The door opened,
and the large bellied Professor Slughorn stood in the doorway, looking at the two Heads.

`Harry m'boy, what brings you down here at such a time? Oh, Miss Granger too!' he said
jovially, beckoning them into his office. Harry and Hermione sat down in front of his desk, as he
made his slow waddle behind, and sat down in his chair, the buttons on his waist coat again,
begging to be set free.

`I need help for my project. My out of school project' Harry specified. He opened the potions
book to were his thumb had marked the page with the potion, and eyed Hermione. She glanced down at
the potions book, the nodded. Harry handed it slowly to Slughorn, whose sausage like fingers
grabbed it, and he looked at the potion.

`hmmm' he remarked, as he read. Harry and Hermione gave each other a skeptical look, before
Slughorn placed the old book on the desk.

`Well, this is a complicated potion. Must be quite the project you're working on. I must say
though, I'm not surprised you're making it. I am very surprised however that you have this
book. It must be filled with interesting potions, although I wonder why these two worked together.
They didn't exactly get along' he explained. Harry was very confused.

`You know who wrote this book?' Hermione asked. Slughorn looked at the two of them
dumbfounded.

`Well, of course I do. I could never forget the writing of my two best students. I thought
that's why you had it Harry' he said, propping up the book to Harry and Hermione could see
where he was pointing.

`You see, this top set of hand writing is your mother Lily's, and bottom set, is . . . ` he
wavered as he saw the reaction on Harry's face. Harry was still, unable to speak, staring at
the handwriting. Hermione leaned forward in her chair quickly, noticing Harry's expression,
trying to get Professor Slughorn to continue.

`Who's the bottom sets professor?' she asked hurriedly. Slughorn tore his gaze from Harry
and looked directly at Hermione.

`Severus Snape's.'

**Spell / Name Meanings -**
Just for a kicker, thought I'd mention that Topher's wand is made with Birch, because I was
born in January, and that is the wood for that month in the Celtic Tree Calendar (another
connection there). The fact that his core is a griffin feather is important in the future.
**Cassus Animus** - L. casso: to destroy or bring to naught, animus: the soul (Cassus Animus =
to destroy the soul)

-->



14. Phoenicreo
--------------



CHAPTER FOURTEEN

**Phoenicreo**


Harry was in such an odd state from what Professor Slughorn said, he didn't even notice he
and Hermione leaving the Professor's office until they were already on the fourth floor,
passing the library.

Harry couldn't describe the sensation he felt while in Slughorn's office. It wasn't
Dumbledore's potions book, it was his mother's. He held the potions book closely to himself
now as they approached Evander, who as usual, was quite chipper despite the lack of enthusiasm
clearly placed on the two student's faces. Moonlight from the open windows lit the corridor
dimly and allowed Harry to see the painting's face.

`Hello there you two! Oh my, are you alright?' he said, realizing they where not up for a
cheerful conversation.

`We're fine Evander. Broomsticks and Books' Hermione replied shortly. Earlier in the week,
they decided to change the password. They came back to the tower on the Monday earlier that week to
find a second year Hufflepuff already inside. He told the two of them that he was delivering a
message from one of the prefects, however Harry still reamed on him, as well as the prefect. Both
of them told everyone at their first meeting of the year, that prefects should not give out the
East Tower password to regular students. So, they changed it, keeping in fashion with the last one
and naming something each of them loves, and sticking them together. Of course, Harry loved
Quidditch, and with loving Quidditch, comes loving Broomsticks. With Hermione it was much the same
with Quills and Books.

Evander glanced at the two of them looking concerned, then bowed his head. The portrait swung open,
and the two entered quietly. Once in the common room, Harry slumped himself in his seat in front of
the fire, which was crackling quietly, still clutching the potions book close to his chest.
Hermione slowly came from around the side, and knelt next to the chair, looking at Harry. Harry
looked at her, and tried desperately not to let his emotions show. She gave him a warm smile, and
Harry gave a weak grin in response, his eyes overpowering his will, and watering, however not
allowing tears to escape.

This was his mother's potions book. She wrote in it, created potions. Harry wondered if she
ever thought that one day, a potion she started working on would be the one that Harry would use
against Voldemort. The leather notebook was worn, but Harry just couldn't get over the fact
that it was actually his mother's.

He could picture his mother, at Godric's Hollow, sitting at the desk in the sitting room,
parchment and scrolls strune about. A single candle sat on the desk, casting a subtle light, and a
fire burned peacefully in the hearth. She would be sitting proper in the chair, writing in the
notebook he now held so close.

Since the visit to Godric's Hollow, Harry came to treasure the items that once belonged to his
parents. He still wore his mother's locket around his neck all the time, it currently lying
under his Hogwarts uniform. His father's cloak sat in his trunk, always ready for the next
adventure, for it was an invaluable item that helped Harry countless times. Now, he held this book,
his mother's potions notebook. He was learning so much about them in such a short time, and
seeing these possessions and the Hollow allowed him to feel closer to them than any other time he
could remember.

`It's OK Harry' Hermione whispered gently to him, reaching out and placing her hand on
Harry's arm. Her hand was small, and Harry gazed at it for a moment, then looked at Hermione,
who gave him a soft smile and a gentle squeeze on his arm.

Harry looked at her, and found her expression was full of warmth and understanding. Harry knew
Hermione was there for him, even now when he tried desperately to hide his feelings and remain
strong. He knew she was telling him it was OK to let his emotions show. He lowered his glance, and
found his eyes drawn again to the notebook, and Hermione's hand which was still placed on his
forearm.

It was all too much. He kept everything inside of him since Dumbledore's funeral. Of course, he
did have a tough time when he returned to Privet Drive, but he was by himself then, no one saw him.
He felt almost obligated to never show fear or weakness now, especially in front of Ron or
Hermione. But this night, so much occurred, and it seemed that his mind was just too overwhelmed at
keeping it all under control. As he continued to gaze at the book and Hermione's hand, Harry
could not stop a tear from trickling down his cheek, slowly carving a path down his face.

From one tear, many started flowing. He closed his eyes, and began to sob quietly, his free hand
rising to his forehead, trying to hide his tears from Hermione. A part of him was screaming to not
be there in the room. He could feel the wantingness to get up and run as fast as possible, far away
from Hermione and the common room. To be by himself with his pain, and just be alone so no one
could know what he was feeling, or how he was acting. Harry however stayed routed in his seat. He
had run away like that all his life, and for once wanted someone to be there to comfort him.
Staring at Hermione's hand made him realize that she was that someone, a person that could see
Harry at his weakest and help him. Hermione stared for a moment while he cried, then acted.

In one gradual but fluid motion, she reached over, and embraced Harry in comforting hug. Harry let
go of his barriers, his fears, and allowed the pain and worries to make its way out. He slowly let
go of his mother's notebook, which fell steadily onto his lap, and his forehead, and moved his
arms around Hermione's small form, placing the side of his face into her inviting shoulder.
Hermione moved slightly, and sat down on the arm of the couch, still holding onto Harry.

Harry cried quietly, his breaths taken in light gasps, his water logged eyes staring into the tiny
flame incased in the fireplace. So much had built up in Harry's head, and now that he started
crying, everything started pouring out, much like a river breaking free of a dam. The loss of
Dumbledore, the feeling of emptiness, and the worry of what was to come; all sped through
Harry's mind, along with many other things, as his tears streamed down his cheeks and dampened
Hermione's robes.

Hermione said nothing, and simply held Harry there, allowing him to vent and being the literal
shoulder to cry on. As his tears began to slow, Harry let out a sniffle, gave Hermione a
featherlike squeeze, and closed his eyes, mentally thanking her for being there and not judging him
on his actions.

Harry let go, as did Hermione, and he leaned back in the chair, wiping his cheeks clean. Hermione
continued to sit on the arm of the chair for a moment, to allow Harry to recover himself.

Harry felt slightly ashamed with himself now, allowing his emotional barriers down like that in
front of Hermione. He looked up at her and was surprised to see her beaming at him.

`Thank you Harry' she said amiably.

`For what?' Harry asked shakily, wondering why she would thank him after that. She placed her
left hand on Harry's shoulder, and tilted her head downwards at him, looking at him
thoughtfully.

`For opening up. It's not good for you to be bottling up everything like that. And don't
say you haven't been, because I know you have' she explained. Harry smiled back at her for
a moment, then glanced at his hands which he clasped on his lap.

`Thanks for understanding' Harry said quietly, looking up for a moment to see her smile again.
He still didn't feel entirely glad about what he did, but he took solace in the fact that
Hermione was probably right, and that she didn't ask any questions.

Hermione gave Harry's shoulder a squeeze, and stood, moving over and sitting down in the other
chair. She still faced Harry, as he moved his eyes back towards the notebook. He opened the cover,
and began to read through it.

The pages, as Harry flipped through slowly, were full of writing and his mother's work, at
varying angles and sometimes including small diagrams. Potions that Harry couldn't even
pronounce, let alone understand their uses sat within the confines of this little book. In some
places, little descriptions would be scrolled, such as “for shrinking” or “invisibility”. Hermione
continued to look over Harry closely, as he flipped through the pages. At last, he came to the
potion Hermione found earlier that night.

The top section was written by his mother. It ended just under halfway through the ingredients and
directions, then someone else's dark printed writing began. Harry now remembered where he saw
the writing before, in his Advance Potion-Making from the year before, which use to be
Snape's.

`How long will it take to make this?' Harry asked, not looking up from the writing. His voice
was raspy, as it was still recovering from the crying that ceased only a few minutes before.

`Seven weeks' Hermione replied. Harry tore his eyes from the book, and looked at her.

`Seven weeks?'

`Well, the potion says one week for the combined number of pieces a soul is in. Since you said you
think it's in seven pieces, then seven weeks' said Hermione.

`Can you make it?'

`With Professor Slughorn's help, I can imagine so, yes' she reassured. Harry glanced at the
notebook again, closed it, stood, and walked over to Hermione, giving it back.

`How soon can you start?' Harry asked. Hermione accepted the book, and placed it on her lap
gently.

`Tomorrow.'

`Alright, if you can do that, I'll see if I can find out more about that book' Harry said,
starting off towards his room. Hermione turned around in her chair, and gave quizzical look at
Harry's back.

`How will you do that?' she asked. Harry stopped at the foot of the stairs, and looked at
Hermione.

`Somehow I have a feeling the Pensieve will explain a few things' he answered determinately.
Hermione nodded, and turned around in the chair. Harry started up the stairs, but stopped short,
and came back down slowly.

`By the way' he said, Hermione turning back around to see him, `thanks again.'

`Anytime Harry' she replied, smiling again at him. Harry returned the smile, turned, and headed
up the staircase and into bed.

The next day, Harry woke feeling tired. The previous night's events circled his mind all night.
He experienced one of those nights where all he wanted was to fall asleep, however the more he
tried, it never came. He laid in his room for a while in the morning, just staring at the ceiling
of his four poster bed, the room pale and grey in appearance due to the overcast sky visible
through the side of the window.

Harry closed his eyes, and exhaled slowly, allowing his chest to fall and stay empty for a few
moments. He wanted to relax, however it was far from possible. The previous night's venting
helped a bit, he could feel it, but it was more of the unknown of the future that troubled Harry
than the past.

He opened his eyes again, drew a deep breath, and started his day. After showering and getting
dressed, taking his time doing both, he came down to the common room to find Hermione looking over
the potions book at the desk.

Harry paused at the bottom of his stairwell, and observed the scene. Hermione didn't notice
Harry was there, and she continued to look over the notebook, her head inclined downwards showing
the part in her hair. Harry was reminded of his mental picture of his mother at the Hollow writing.
A smile crossed his face, and he took the last step, purposely allowing his foot to make a sound.
She looked up at him, and a smiled grew on her face as well.

`Good morning Harry' she said brightly.

`Morning' he answered. She closed the book, and joined Harry towards the Great Hall. They both
entered to find the house tables slightly less than half full. Sundays normally saw students
entering leisurely, people taking advantage of the extra sleep available. Harry and Hermione both
made their way to the Gryffindor table, and found Ron there talking to both Ginny and Luna, who was
visiting from the Ravenclaw table.

`Morning guys' Harry said, dropping himself next to Luna. Hermione sat herself down next to
Harry, placing the potions book carefully on her lap.

`Find anything yet?' Ron asked, taking a glance at the book on her lap. Hermione tucked herself
closer to the table so the book was not visible.

`Later' Hermione replied, starting to get some toast. Ron stared at her for a moment, then
shrugged his shoulders, and looked to Harry.

`I was thinking of going to see Hagrid today, do you want to come with?' he asked. Harry was
struck with surprise. He hadn't gone to see Hagrid since being back at Hogwarts. He still
planned on going into the Pensieve, however it made sense that he could do that, then visit Hagrid.
Harry just hoped Hagrid would not be upset with the lack of visiting.

`Oh my, we haven't seen him since the start of term. I hope he's doing alright'
Hermione said worriedly, as she spread jam on her toast.

`Definitely, we'll go see him this afternoon. I have to do some homework this morning, but
we'll make the time to see him' Harry stated. They finished their breakfast quickly, Ginny
and Luna talking about something called Tymshire Tizzles as they ate, and started their way back up
to the East Tower before telling Ron about the potions book and the soul destroying potion.

'Honestly, when is that girl going to come back down to Earth?' Hermione expressed as her,
Harry, and Ron walked up the stairs towards the East Tower.

'With Luna, I think you need to question if she was ever on Earth to begin with' Harry
responded with a chuckle. The three friends passed the library, and entered the East Tower.

`Your mother made this?' Ron asked, looking stunned at the text while sitting in the East Tower
common room. Harry nodded, and Ron glanced back at the book.

`Wow. I mean, I wonder why Dumbledore had it, but it's great that we have it now. When are we
getting started on it?' he asked.

`Today. You and Hermione have to go and ask Professor Slughorn for help, since some of the
ingredients are impossible to get' Harry said. Ron looked up from the book.

`Where are you going?'

`Into the Pensieve' said Harry. Ron knew Harry had been worried about going in it. He stood up
from the table, the book in his hand, gave Harry a pat on the back, grinning.

`Well, we'll get going then. Good luck mate' he said. Harry smiled back, and the couple
exited through the portrait hole, leaving Harry alone in the sunlit room. Harry exhaled, and walked
up the stairs to his room silently, coming back with the shimmering basin. He placed the
rune-marked bowl on the table, and looked into it.

He saw himself in the reflection, and wondered which memory would be shown to him first. Had
Dumbledore made a sort of play list that would show him certain memories in order? Harry figured to
test it first, and placed the tip of his wand on the edge of the silver surface.

At once, and image formed in the centre of the bowl. Harry could make out Dumbledore, talking to a
woman in the Headmaster's office. Harry took a deep breath, and plunged his face into the
image.

Harry was falling only for a moment, then his feet hit the stone floor of the Headmaster's
office. It was just as it was the year before, with the portraits hung about the room, the portrait
of Dumbledore not on the wall, since the silver bearded man sat in the high-winged chair behind the
desk. The sight of Dumbledore made Harry feel uneasy, his lack of presence in the current time
becoming painfully obvious to him again. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He was ready to
visit these memories, and see Dumbledore again, even if it was a non-existant version of him. He
still missed the old man terribly, but he had to remember, he was gone.

Harry opened his eyes, and moved around to see the face of the maroon haired woman to whom
Professor Dumbledore was talking to. As her face came into view, Harry's heart skipped a beat
as he noticed her eyes. They were the same he saw in the mirror every day.

`Thank you for seeing me Albus' Lily said kindly. Dumbledore lowered his head in a slow nod,
and looked back at Harry's mother. Harry looked at her, and saw the locket that now hung around
his neck. He grasped the same one that was around his neck, and found himself smiling lightly at
his mother. It looked beautiful on her.

`It was not a problem. How is young Harry doing?' he asked. Harry understood now this must have
taken place after he was born, but before his parents were murdered.

`Harry is doing great. Of course, James has more experience catching a snitch than changing a
diaper, but I'm sure he'll get a hang of it' she chuckled. Dumbledore smiled, and
leaned forward, placing his arms on the desk, the silver objects still littered across its top.
Harry smiled at his mother's comment as well.

`Always a Marauder. Now, what is it you wish to discuss?' Dumbledore asked. Lily moved in her
chair, and sat right on the edge.

`It's about my potion' she said quietly.

`What about it?' the Headmaster asked.

`I'm stuck on one part. I've added the Ridgeback tooth, the third fang-molar for potency,
but I need more background in the dark arts for the next section of the potion' she explained.
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, and placed the tips of his fingers to his chin, his blue eyes
squinting in thought.

`I believe I know someone who could help' he said after a few moments. The memory swirled
around Harry for a moment. He started becoming dizzy, but luckily the room slowed down. As the
memory finally stood still, he found himself still in the Headmaster's office, however now a
third person was in the room, standing close to the side of the Headmaster's desk.

It was Snape. He looked very much as he did in the future, with the exception of fewer lines on his
face, and his skin tone, which was not as pale. His back robe and greasy black hair had not
changed, and his dark eyes still made Harry clench his teeth in anger.

`Lily, you remember Severus?' Dumbledore asked. Lily looked at Snape with a look of mingled
disgust, however nodded after a few moments. Snape in the mean time, glared at Lily, his face
emotionless.

`Yes, however I still do not trust him Albus' she stated openly, her right hand moving slowly
to the pocket on her dark brown cloak. Snape's eyes locked on her hand, however, he looked away
quickly.

`I know you don't, however he can help us in this situation. Severus, I need you to work on
this potion' Dumbledore said, motioning to the potions book which sat on the desk before him.
Snape snatched the book up rudely, and glanced at the half written page.

`What is the purpose of this potion?' he asked, his eyes moving away from the page to
Dumbledore.

`It is a soul destroying potion' Dumbledore answered, making it sound like he was being asked
what flavour tea he wanted. Snape's eyes grew wide for a moment on Dumbledore, then back to the
potion.

`Well, I must point out' Snape said, giving Lily a sinister grin, `that there are already some
mistakes here. However' he continued, now looking back at Dumbledore not reacting to Lily's
astonished look at the comment, `I will look into it.' Dumbledore raised from his seat slowly,
as Lily did quickly, her hand still in her pocket.

`Thank you Severus. If you could please start right away with that' Dumbledore said. Severus
bowed his head slightly, then left the room, again not acknowledging Lily. Once he was out of the
room, and the door closed, Lily turned back to Dumbledore.

`Albus, you must know someone else who could help, anyone but him?' she said, allowing her
dislike for Snape to enter her tone.

`He is best suited for it. Besides, he knows something that will help us. Do not worry Lily' he
said, coming around the desk and placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, her expression however
not changing, `the book will be returned, and it will be you who will brew the potion. I will get
back to you when he is finished. In the mean time, stay hidden, and keep an eye out for
anything.'

`Alright, just keep an eye on him Albus. I know you trust him, however I do not, and that is my
potions book. Oh, before I forget, here, in case you need to contact us' she said, giving
Dumbledore a piece of paper. Dumbledore opened it up, and Harry looked at the rough edged, small
writing.

*James, Lily, and Harry Potter are located at Godric's Hollow*

`I'm going down to Hagrid's Hut to give it to him too, since he's expected for tea
tonight' she said.

`I see . . . well, keep safe' Dumbledore said. Lily smiled, and went to the door. `And
Lily' Dumbledore added, Lily turning back, `Happy Halloween.' Lily smiled, turned, and
exited the room. The room shimmered again, and once it stopped, Harry found Dumbledore sitting in
his chair behind his desk, writing on parchment quietly.

Harry was wondering what would happen, when the flame in the fireplace erupted all of a sudden. It
seemed to Harry that Dumbledore was not expecting someone to Floo in at such a time. Harry was even
more surprised by the face that appeared in the fireplace. It was Hagrid, although he looked
terrible, with soot and ash covering his face.

`Hagrid, what is it?' Dumbledore asked hurriedly, getting up from the chair and crouching down
next to the hearth. Hagrid gave a cough, and turned around for a moment before responding.

`Potters . . . attacked . . . . Lily and James `er . . .'er . . .` he panted, unable to utter
the word. He was winded, as if he just finished a marathon. Dumbledore moved closer to the
fire.

`Harry, is Harry alive?' Dumbledore asked, sounding almost demanding. Hagrid nodded, and
Dumbledore lowered his glance for a moment, and looked slightly relieved at the news.

`Hagrid, take Harry and bring him back to Hogwarts. Keep him safe, make sure Poppy gets a look at
him. This is very important Hagrid' he pressed. Hagrid nodded, and left the flame. Dumbledore
in the mean time, stood, and started off at a very fast pace to the doorway. Harry hurried along
behind him, as he passed through the corridors of the school.

Harry could tell that he was headed towards Professor McGonagall's office. He came to the door,
and knocked. Hurried steps could be heard, and the door opened to show Professor McGonagall. She
looked quite tired, and was in a sleeping-cloak and her hair was down, which made her look even
sleepier.

`Albus, what is the matter?' she asked, sounding and looking worried. Dumbledore did not wait
for an invitation, and entered her office, McGonagall quickly locking the door behind her. Harry
walked in quickly enough to be in the room.

`I have just heard word from Hagrid, Godic's Hollow has been attacked' he stated.
McGonagall placed her hands to her mouth, and walked quickly towards Dumbledore.

`By who? And what of the Potters?' she asked quietly. Dumbledore paced to the window, and
looked out towards the grounds, as Professor McGonagall looked on, still looking terrified by the
news.

`By Lord Voldemort, of that I am certain. Young Harry, Hagrid tells me, is alive, however James and
Lily may be dead. I am worried that Lord Voldemort may still attack. I must travel to Godric's
Hollow right away to understand the situation fully' Dumbledore said, turning around and facing
McGonagall.

`What can I do Albus?' she quaked. Dumbledore started his way out, and turned at the
door.

`You must protect Hogwarts for the time. Hagrid is bringing Harry here for Poppy to see him, and
keep him safe' he answered. McGonagall nodded lightly, and Dumbledore exited the room, Harry
quick to follow.

Dumbledore passed through the Entrance Chamber, and into the grounds. The night was cool, and
overcast, the grass wet with moisture. He reached the gates of the school, and walked out of the
wards. Harry was surrounded by mist for a second, before he found himself in front of a burning
building, Dumbledore next to him.

It was Godric's Hollow, and it was on fire, every room set ablaze, looking like the house would
soon fall into itself. Harry looked up, and saw the menacing Dark Mark floating above the house.
Dumbledore looked around, as did Harry, and found that Hagrid must have already left with
Harry.

`Phoenicreo!' Dumbledore yelled. A red bolt of flame flew from his wand, and erupted in the
middle of the mark. The Dark Mark vanished in a huge mound of fire, which swarmed to form a huge
fiery phoenix, its head inclined upwards and wings spread apart, giving it a look of power and
might. The sight made the hairs on Harry's neck stand up, and gave him goosebumps.

At once, four people Apparated nearby, their wands pointed in different directions. After they all
turned and saw the house, one of the people approached Dumbledore, looking very distressed.

`No . . . NO! Dumbledore, what happened?' the man asked, running to Dumbledore. Harry
recongnized the voice, and moved around to see the man was Remus Lupin. He was quite younger, not
nearly as many grey hairs as he had now, and his face was not as weathered. At the moment however,
he looked horrified at the scene in front of him.

`Voldemort has attacked Godric's Hollow' Dumbledore answered, the evidence for it clearly
visible in front of him. Lupin ran a short distance towards the burning house, the phoenix still
lording over the flames that leaped off the house. He stopped short, and looked back at Dumbledore,
walking quickly.

`Are James and Lily . . . ` he asked, unable to finish.

`They are dead. Harry is alive though. Hagrid saved him, and is keeping him safe' he said. The
other three Order members walked forwards, one wearing a violet top hat, who Harry remembered was
Dedalus Diggle, a stately looking woman Harry noticed as Emmeline Vance, who was now dead in the
future, and Sturgis Podmore. They moved towards the house, and quickly extinguished the flames that
were engulfing the house. Once all the flames were doused, Dumbledore moved to the front door, and
stopped the others from entering.

`I need you to keep an eye for trouble, and obliviate any muggle's memories when they come
near' he ordered. The four looked inside the house for a moment, but nodded none the less.
Lupin looked like he was going to faint, and be sick at the same. Dumbledore tried to give him
confidence.

`It will be alright Remus. They are gone, but their son lives. There will be time to morn their
loss, but it is not now' he said. Remus wiped his watery eyes, gave a sniff, and solemnly
nodded his head. Dumbledore placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, turned, and entered the
house.

The walls, floor, and furniture were black from the fire. As Dumbledore step inwards in the dark
house, Harry's eyes were drawn to a figure at the bottom of the stairs, lying motionless.

It was James, lying face down on the floor. The back of his dark red shirt was covered in ash and
soot. Dumbledore slowly made his way to him, and knelt down, waving his wand over the body.
James' body levitated off the ground, and turned over slowly to reveal his front. Harry's
eyes welled up at the site.

He remembered seeing his father in the Mirror of Erised, looking so proud and lively. His face now
looked lifeless and still, his blue eyes empty of any life and his skin pale. Dumbledore exhaled
slowly, closed James' eyes forever, and placed James' wand on his chest. He flicked his
wand, and Harry's father's body glowed gold for a moment, and the body vanished.

Dumbledore moved up the stairs, his wand still drawn, and moved towards Harry's bedroom, taking
careful steps not to fall down a hole in the floor. A scared and disheveled rat scurried out of the
hallway and down the steps at great speed as Dumbledore made his way towads Harry's room.

When he entered Harry's bedroom, Harry felt his heart fail as his eyes found Lily's body
lying in front of the crib. The crib itself was partially destroyed, and a large blast mark
plastered the wall behind it. Dumbledore made his way slowly to Lily, and crouched down and moved
some hair out of her face, showing her green eyes now pale in comparison to the earlier memory.
Harry was now crying, the sight of his mother like this tearing at his heart. Dumbledore gave what
Harry could only call a sniff, and solemnly performed the same magic on Lily, vanishing her body in
the same fashion. Once her body was gone, Harry stared at the space it just vacated, then wiped his
eyes, as Dumbledore stood, and moved towards the crib.

Dumbledore then moved around the room, and stopped suddenly, his blue eyes stuck squarely on a
section of the floor. There, on the floor not far from where Lily's body was, a white coloured
wand lay on the floor.

Dumbledore very cautiously moved forwards, and performed numerous spells on the wand. Nothing
happened, and he very carefully picked it up.

It was Voldemort's wand. Harry recognized it from the times he met Voldemort before. Dumbledore
looked around the room, then back at the wand. He stared at it for a while, and Harry got the
distinct impression that he was worried about something the wand might tell him. Slowly, Dumbledore
pointed his wand at Voldemort's, and closed his eyes.

`Prior Incantato' he said quietly.

Voldemort's wand spewed a green light, which swarmed around in front of it. Dumbledore's
eyes grew wide, as the green reflected in them. The green light swirled around in a circle for a
moment, then made the distinct shape of a lightning bolt, just like the one on Harry's
head.

Dumbledore grasped his own forehead for a moment, dropping Voldemort's wand in the process. His
eyes squinted for a moment, before growing even larger again.

`No, he couldn't have' he whispered to himself, his expression blank. It made Harry feel
uneasy to see him react in such a manner.

Harry heard a noise coming from outside, and when he turned back, he found Dumbledore already
making his way out of the room, Voldemort's wand still lying on the floor. Harry moved quickly,
and caught up to him just as he exited the house. A few muggles were walking down the road towards
the house, still in their house coats.

`We'll take care of them Albus' Podmore reassured. Dumbledore nodded, and walked back into
the house slowly, Lupin walking up the steps to follow.

`I have already vanished their bodies to where they will be buried. There is something however,
that I wish for you to see' Dumbledore motioned Remus upstairs and he followed. Once they were
in Harry's room, Dumbledore picked up Voldemort's wand, and showed it to Lupin.

`Is that?' Lupin asked, daring not to touch it. Dumbledore nodded.

`This, is the wand of Lord Voldemort. He has been destroyed' Dumbledore said. Lupin stared at
the wand for a moment, then at Dumbledore, looking totally awestruck.

`Destroyed? How?' Lupin asked. Dumbledore paced the room, and stopped, just in front of the
window.

`I believe' he started, himself still looking at the alien wand he held, `he killed James and
Lily, and tried to murder Harry. Lily appears to have died trying to save Harry. That would have
protected Harry with a very old magic . . . ` he trailed off, still pacing. Lupin took a step
forward, his face showing his confusion at the situation.

`Old magic?' he asked. Dumbledore turned and nodded his head.

`Yes, an ancient kind of magic. The protection of love is a powerful thing. When he tried to murder
Harry, the protection must have been enough to backfire the spell' he speculated. Lupin shook
his head, and turned away.

`So Voldemort is dead?' Lupin asked, sounding disbelieving. Dumbledore stopped pacing, and
approached the man.

`You know this is Voldemort's wand. It would only be here if he was gone. . .' Dumbledore
trailed off again. Lupin in the mean time turned in the doorway.

`So what now?' Lupin asked, sounding exhausted. Dumbledore pocketed Yew wand, and placed a hand
on Lupin's shoulder.

`We will tell the world what has happened, and we shall make sure Harry will be safe' he said
solemnly. Lupin wiped a tear again from his eye, and started down the stairwell, Dumbledore
following suite.

Harry suddenly started flying upwards in darkness, until his feet hit the carpeted floor of the
common room. He staggered back a few steps, before regaining his balance. He looked out the window,
and had to adjust his eyes to the sun beaming in through the windows.

Harry quietly walked over, and sat on one of the chairs. He had been in the Pensieve for a while,
and had experienced a number of memories. All of them were from the night his parents died. He
couldn't believe that his mother gave the book to Dumbledore the night she died. He wondered
what this information Snape had that Dumbledore mentioned. Harry also had a wantingness to thank
Hagrid for what he did the night his parents died.

The time in the Pensieve that troubled him the most, aside from seeing his parents as they lay dead
in their own house, was the last spell cast by Voldemort's wand. Harry expected to see the
green light like remembered, however the green forming his lightning bolt was unexpected. That,
with the last words Voldemort said that still echoed in Harry's head, made him feel very
disturbed. There was more to know about his scar than he believed. He looked at his watch, and
noticed how long he actually spent in the Pensieve. It was past two in the afternoon.

Harry quickly snatched up his coat, and bolted out the door, and down the stairwell, making his way
to Hagrid's Hut as fast as possible. He wondered why Hermione and Ron had not come to get him,
however he wondered then, how can you tell someone is in a Pensieve? He didn't bother trying to
understand it, and instead straightened his coat, and knocked on Hagrid's door. Harry heard
some rather heavy steps, followed by the large door creaking open to show the bearded
resident.

`Harry, was beginin' to wonder if yeh forgot me' he boomed, motioning Harry in. Harry
entered, and his brow furrowed as he looked around and found the hut, aside from himself, Hagrid,
and Fang, empty. Harry turned as Hagrid closed the door.

`Have Hermione and Ron come?' Harry asked. Hagrid looked at Harry funnily for a moment, then
moved over to the stove, and put a pot of water on for tea.

`No, they haven't bin here yet. I understand and all, you bein' Head Boy. Yer parents
woulda bin proud of yeh' he expressed warmly. Harry stopped wondering about Hermione and Ron,
and instead smiled at Hagrid's comments.

`Thanks Hagrid. You got your hut rebuilt, looks great' he commented. Harry went ahead and asked
how things were going for Hagrid, and found out his classes were small this year, but the lessons
themselves he was getting used to. They sat and talked for a while about how things where going,
both with the Order, and everything else. Harry then mentioned his excursion to the Pensieve, just
as Hagrid was pouring the tea.

`I saw Dumbledore's memories of the night my parents died' Harry said. Hagrid slipped
slightly with the tea set, however managed to regain his balance. He came, and sat back down across
from Harry.

`I see. How are yeh doin' with that?' he asked quietly, sounding concerned. Harry looked at
the massive man, and remembered seeing him in the memory, protecting him when he was a baby. Harry
smiled.

`Thank you Hagrid for what you did, protecting me like that' he professed to Hagrid. Hagrid
smiled, and Harry could see his eyes watering slightly.

`Well, I could relate to yeh. You were an orphan, yer parents dead like that. I had to make sure
yeh survived ' he voiced, a sniffle escaping. He gave his eyes a wipe, and gave another
sniffle.

`What happened?' Harry asked. Hagrid had a sip of tea, then pat Fang.

'Well, I got to yer parents house, an' it was on fire and such. I went in, found yer mum
and dad . . . dead' he said, as he gave a sniffle, and Harry noticed his eyes beginning to
water at the memories.

'Went to yer crib, an' found yeh there, cryin', but alive. I Flooed Dumbledore, great
man Dumbledore, and he told me to bring yeh back here. Came outta the house, and Sirius was there,
with his motorbike' he said, Harry's heart panging at the mention of his godfather.
'Told 'em what happened, and he said I could take his bike, sayin' "he had ter
find someone". Didn' know at the time what he meant' Hagrid said, staring off for a
moment.

'What happened when you got back to Hogwarts?' Harry asked. Hagrid looked back, and
continued.

'I gotcha back here, an' Poppy hand a look at yer. Other than yer scar, yeh was alright.
After I put yeh down here and yeh fell asleep, Dumbledore sent me an owl tellin' me ter bring
yeh to yer Aunt's house that night. Kept yeh safe here, then brought yeh to Privet Drive, and
we left yeh there. I didn' want teh, but Dumbledore said we had teh' he explained. They
talked a little more of things, and soon enough, Harry was finished his tea, and stood, Hagrid
doing the same.

`Well, it's about supper time, I should go. Thanks again Hagrid' Harry said, while exited
the hut a few moments later. Harry walked to the Entrance Chamber, only to find Hermione standing
next to the door of the Great Hall, looking up the stairwell.

`Hermione, where were you? I thought we were going to Hagrid's? And where's Ron?' Harry
asked as he approached her. She closed the gap half way, and they stood in the middle of the
Entrance Chamber, a few students passing by.

`Ronald is already inside eating. We went ahead and started the potion. Ron wasn't paying
enough attention and almost ruined it, but I was able to fix the problem. The potion has already
started brewing, and is sitting in my room for the time being. It took longer than I initially
thought it would, and by time I was done mixing it, and stirring it the required three hundred and
six times, it was already supper time. Ron came down around the two hundredth stir because he was
hungry' she explained, not sounding that entirely pleased.

`So why are you waiting out here?' Harry questioned.

`Waiting to see where you were. I went to the tower, but you weren't there, so I assumed you
went to Hagrid's' she said, walking slowly towards one of the stairwells. Harry walked
along with her, but stopped as she stepped on the first stair.

`Hermione, I'm kind of hungry, I was going to-“

`Could we eat in the tower? I wanted to ask you about something, if you don't mind' she
inquired. Harry could tell something was troubling her, and nodded, starting up the stairwell as
well. Harry talked about his time with Hagrid, and they entered the East Tower common room
together.

`Dobby? Winky?' Hermione said quietly. Immediately, two cracks resonated in the room, and their
creators appeared in front of the two heads, bowing deeply, their noses almost touching the
carpet.

`Oh, Harry Potter sir! Such an honour to see you alive and well! Miss Granger too! Dobby and Winky
have prepared supper for Hogwart's most excellent Heads!' Dobby expounded happily. He gave
a snap of his fingers, and the study table moved into the center of the common room, and was draped
with a white table cloth, one chair sitting on each side. Harry and Hermione thanked Dobby and
Winky, and took a seat.

`You're looking much better now Winky' Hermione commented. The house-elf, who was actually
looking better than the last time Harry saw her, bowed to the comment. She had finally stopped
crying, and seemed to have lost the habit with the butterbeer. She now wore a light blue dress,
which Harry pictured more on a doll than a house-elf.

`Misses is too kind. I is sorry for my actions before. I was a bad house elf. Now I is all better,
thanks to Dobby' she motioned, Dobby giving her a smile. Hermione and Harry looked at each
other and laughed at the notion of “elf love”, but where happy they were doing well. Dobby snapped
his fingers again, and food appeared on the table. Harry and Hermione thanked Dobby and Winky, and
the two house elves left.

'What happened to S.P.E.W.? I thought you didn't like having house elves do work like
this?' Harry said, putting in a little bit of sarcasm into his voice.

'Dobby and Winky are alright because they're free. Dobby's even getting paid for being
here, so there's no worries' she justified. Harry inwardly laughed, knowing how she was
working around her own principles, just barely.

`So what did you want to talk about?' Harry asked as he started his supper.

`How you are doing' she replied. Harry stopped, and put down his cutlery. He was worried that
since he opened up the night before, that Hermione would always think something was bothering
him.

`I'm fine Hermione, really, I am' he reassured. Hermione shook her head.

`No, I mean, are you alright with the Pensieve? Did you go into it?' she asked hesitantly.
Harry went ahead and told her the memories he experienced, and she seemed to wonder the same things
Harry did, aside from the part about Voldemort's last spell. Harry neglected to tell her about
the green light forming a lightning bolt.

`I wonder how Pettigrew got his wand then? And how the house was rebuilt to how it was?' she
pondered.

`Yes, well, maybe the Pensieve will tell me more next time I go in, or maybe I can just ask
Dumbledore's portrait' Harry commented, as he continued his supper. They continued quietly,
until Hermione put her fork down, and gave a sigh.

`Is there something bothering you?' Harry asked. He felt, especially after the last night's
events, that he should try to be there for Hermione now if she has a problem.

`Just Ron. I've tried to be patient with him, and I've tried numerous times to insinuate
that I want him to act more mature, but I'm finding more and more that we are just too
different' she said quietly. Harry felt like changing subjects. He was never one to like
talking about relationships, and the prospect of discussing Ron and Hermione's didn't
exactly fill him with joy. Still, he was both their friends, and if they needed help, he should
try.

`Sometimes opposites attract' Harry mentioned. She laughed lightly at the comment, however
dropped back into her sad state again quickly.

`An opposite is not what I want I think. I don't know . . . I'll keep trying for the next
little while, but I'm not sure. Sometimes I wonder if I even want to stay together with
him' she said, exposing Harry to her inner thoughts. She snapped out of her stare, and looked
at Harry.

`Please don't tell Ron I said this Harry. It's not that I don't like him, it's just
. . .'

`Complicated?' Harry offered, Hermione nodding, still looking at Harry for a reply to her
request. `Don't worry, I won't tell Ron. I hope things work out though, which ever way they
should' Harry added.

He had to admit, the idea of Hermione and Ron breaking up made him worried more about the
trio's friendship than Ron's feelings. Plus there was a small part of him, the same part
that couldn't get enough of that flowery scent, that was jumping up and down screaming with joy
at the possibility of Ron and Hermione breaking up. Harry mentally beat that part of his brain into
submission however, running through his reasons why he shouldn't feel that way. Hermione seemed
to notice Harry's inner conflict.

`Are you alright Harry?' she asked. Harry came back to reality, and nodded vigorously, probably
too much. Hermione still watched him worriedly as they finished their meal in light
conversation.

Once they finished, Dobby and Winky reappeared, and vanished everything, bidding the two Heads
goodnight. Hermione went ahead and read Dumbledore's notebook, while Harry sat at the desk and
wrote down the things he saw in the memories. He made a note to put down the spell “Phoenicreo”,
and writing about the spell Voldemort's wand performed last. He closed his notebook and placed
the usual wards on it, and locking it with his password. He stretched back, and glanced at his
watch, noticing the time was past 11pm.

`I wonder where Ron is?' Harry asked the Room. Hermione stirred in her seat, and looked
over.

`I don't know. We'll see him tomorrow anyways in class. Are you finished, there was a spell
I wanted to show you here' she mentioned. Harry got up, and walked over to her seat, and leaned
down to look at the notebook.

`It's a spell can dissolves the Dark Mark. Its incantation is-`

`Phoenicreo' Harry finished. She looked up at him stunned.

`Yes, how did you know?'

`Dumbledore used it over the Hollow to disappear the Mark the night my parents died' Harry
explained. She simply nodded, and went back to the book.

`Yes, well, it also calls allies of you to your position. Sort of like the Dark Mark, but more
voluntary' she explained. She looked back up at Harry, and smiled at him. Harry smiled back,
and found himself actually staring at her, becoming slightly lost in her eyes. They looked at each
other for a few moments, before Harry's mind came back to him.

`I should get to bed' he announced quickly, tearing his gaze away, Hermione doing the
same.

`Yes, you're right, so should I. Goodnight Harry' she said quickly, as she took the
notebook, and walked up her set of stairs. Harry grabbed his book, and found the part of him
applauding the notion of Hermione and Ron breaking up doing it a little louder now.

*

On Halloween, Harry woke to a sunny autumn day. Harry always enjoyed the Halloween feast, with
the thousands of jack-o-lanterns in the Great Hall, and the atmosphere of the whole day. He woke
up, and started his day, walking down to the common room to find it empty. Harry assumed Hermione
already made her way to breakfast, and exited alone.

It didn't take long for Harry to find Hermione however. She was in one of the hallways, having
yet another heated discussion with Ron. Harry took notice at the number and volume of these
discussions had increased in the last while.

`No Ron, I just want to have breakfast, and get to class. We have a test, and we can't waste
anytime' she said, sounding thoroughly upset.

`Alright, fine' Ron answered unhappily. Harry came around the corner, and found the two at
least three feet apart from each other.

`Hi guys' Harry said awkwardly. Hermione and Ron said hello quietly, and the three walked to
the Great Hall for breakfast.

The day's lessons went fairly well. The test they had was in Transfiguration, and Harry thought
he did alright. They had to show they could change a Niffler into a stuffed doll. Extra points were
given for the doll's posture, and if the doll wasn't a Niffler itself, or Niffler looking.
Harry made his Niffler, who continually made grabs for his neck because of his mother's locket,
into a decent doll, though its dress was entirely black. Professor Fourmove was pleased none the
less.

When Harry exited, he found Hermione and Ron having yet another row. Harry never saw them have two
in one day, and he could tell this one was more heated than the last.

`It doesn't matter Ron! This is our last year, and every test counts!' Hermione argued. Ron
sighed and rolled his eyes.

`You worry too much about tests, really. You know you got perfect on it anyways' he said. Harry
could tell she was about to start another angry reply, so he stepped in before she could
start.

`Let's go to lunch, alright?' he put in, to break their fight. Hermione lowered he stance,
and walked off towards the Great Hall by herself. Ron and Harry walked together farther
behind.

`She honestly worries too much. I mean, she knows she got perfect' Ron commented. The two of
them made their way to lunch, to find Hermione sitting next to Ginny, making sure not to leave
space for Ron to sit on the same side of the table. As soon as Harry and Ron sat down, Hermione
quickly grabbed up some food, and scuttled away out the door. Ron just shrugged his shoulders, and
started eating.

`Aren't you going to talk to her?' Ginny asked Ron. Harry agreed with Ginny, however Ron
shook his head.

`She'll be fine. Just needs to blow off some steam' he said, as he started at his
Sheppard's pie. Harry knew it was more than just steam to be vented, however decided to let Ron
do what he wished. This was what Hermione wanted to know about, whether Ron would be more grown up
or not in his actions.

Harry didn't see Hermione for the rest of the afternoon. He had different lessons than her, and
during his free period, he didn't find her in the common room, or the library. He settled to
practicing his Occlumency and Legilimency training, and figured he would see her during supper
time.

When Harry entered the Great Hall that night, with the usual yet always imaginative carved pumpkins
hanging in the air above the four tables, the dim light emanating from within each one lighting the
hall, he found neither Ron or Hermione were present. He spent the meal talking to Neville, Ginny,
and the other Gryffindors, however his mind was beginning to worry if something was wrong. After
the deserts were served, and the students made their way to their dormitories, Harry made his
unaccompanied trip back to the East Tower. Just as he turned the corner, he found Evander's
portrait just opening up, and Ron exiting.

Ron was fuming. Harry could see a mix of anger and sadness in his very red face, and tried to ask
what was wrong, but was met with a hand wave that Harry understood to mean back off. Harry watched
his friend pass by, and disappear down the stairwell.

Harry turned slowly back to the end of the hallway, and made his way quietly towards Evander's
portrait, which had closed by itself.

`They had a fight, believe me, I could hear enough of it from out here. Sounded pretty bad too, you
should go and see how Hermione is doing. Password?' Evander asked. Harry gave it, and the
portrait opened. Harry made is way up the passage way, and found the common room lit only by the
fireplace, a sobbing lump lay on the floor in front of it.

As Harry approached slowly, he realized it was Hermione. She was sitting in front of the fire, her
head in her hands, crying profusely. Evander must have been right, the fight must have been huge to
bring Ron to such a level of temperament, and Hermione to this. Harry, very carefully, moved
around, making his steps audible so he would not scare her. Hermione looked up, and Harry's
chest ached at what he saw.

Tears were pouring out of her eyes, and streaming down her cheeks. Her hair was disheveled and her
hands were shaking as she continued to sob. Harry immediately knelt down, gave one look at her, and
wrapped her in a warm hug.

She collapse into Harry, and pressed her arms tightly around him, burying her face into his
shoulder. Harry rubbed her back, and let her cry, much like she had done earlier in the month.
After a few moments, Harry decided to speak.

`Hermione, what happened?' he asked. He felt her grip loosen, and he parted himself from her,
and looked at her. Her cheeks were wet, and her eyes bloodshot from the crying. Harry took out a
handkerchief, and gave it to her to use.

`Ron wanted to have dinner up here' she started, pointing at the table, which Harry only now
noticed was dressed much like before when he and Hermione ate in the common room. `We didn't
talk that much really, just about school. It wasn't that good of a supper' she said. Harry
still didn't understand how it got from there to here.

`But why are you so upset?' he asked. Hermione gave a sniffle, and wiped her eyes again.

`I took the afternoon to figure out what I wanted, and . . . ` she trailed off again, as tears
began to well up in her eyes.

`and?' Harry asked.

`and I don't want Ron. We're just too different, and I just can't see it working out.
We fight too much, surely you noticed that, and we have totally different priorities. So
tonight' she continued, as tears fell from her eyes again, `I broke up with Ron' she
confessed, as she began to cry again. Harry leaned in, and embraced her in another hug, his face
stunned.

He was speechless, at least to some extent. He had a small feeling it would happen, but not this
quickly. From the time he started seeing them in Grimmauld, he felt something was out of place. He
figured to some degree, that it was only a matter of time until they broke up, realizing that they
were too different for each other. Still, a part of him was not ready to have it happen so
quickly.

`Oh Harry, I've messed up so badly' she whimpered. Harry tried to reassure her, however
knew it would be hard to do, at least at this moment.

`You did what you thought was right. You said it yourself, you would give it a little bit of time,
then decide, and that's what you did' he said somberly.

`But now Ron hates me, and I can imagine you do to' she said, as she moved away from the hug.
Harry however moved her so he looked right at her.

`I don't hate you, and Ron doesn't either. He's upset, but he'll get over it'
he said determinately. Hermione, her eyes water logged, still looked upset.

`And you?' she asked. Harry thought for a moment, then answered.

`I'm here for you' he assured warmly. Hermione gave her first smile that night, and they
hugged each other again.

`Thank you Harry' she said from Harry's shoulder. Harry smiled, and gave her a
squeeze.

`Anytime Hermione.'

**Spell / Name Meanings -**
**Phoenicreo** - L. phoenix: phoenix, creo: to create (Phoenicreo = to create a phoenix)

-->



15. The Sixth Horcrux
---------------------



CHAPTER FIFTEEN

**The Sixth Horcrux**


When Harry woke the next morning, his arm was numb and his neck hurt. He and Hermione had fallen
asleep in the common room, and Hermione was leaning against Harry's shoulder, cutting off some
circulation to it. Harry looked down, and was amazed at how peaceful she looked now. Her face was
somber as she slept, and Harry felt he should try not to wake her. He began to move slowly, but
stopped, and wondered why he was trying to leave. It was a Saturday, so there was no rush to be
getting up.

Harry decided to stay there with Hermione, just moving slightly so the feeling in his arm would
come back. He felt the warmth returned to his arm, and was surprised to see that Hermione had
fallen asleep holding his hand. Her hand was small, but fit nicely in Harry's. Harry, being
caught in his daze from waking at the position he found himself in, decided to leave his hand
there, and he closed his eyes, allowing his head to fall back into the arm of the chair behind him
that the two of them were propped up against. He gave a sigh, and found it pleasant to be sitting
on the rug with Hermione. He took another breath, and felt his hand being squeezed gently.

`Hermione?' he asked quietly, looking down to see her stir slightly, and exhale slowly. She
opened her eyes, and looked up at the upside down Harry, giving a smile, and closing her eyes
again, giving Harry's hand another squeeze.

`Thank you Harry' she said, eyes still closed. Harry smiled, and gave her a gentle nudge to get
up, finding part of him protesting against the action. She moved herself off Harry, and got up,
helping Harry to his feet.

`Sorry, I must have hurt your arm' she said, motioning to his left arm. Harry gave it a
stretch, and heard a few cracks here and there.

`No, it's fine. How are you?' Harry asked hesitantly. Hermione sat down in one of the
chairs, and Harry followed suite. The curtains were still drawn, but faint sunlight was creeping
its way in. The fire in the hearth was now reduced to red ambers, which sat and glowed dimly.

`I'm better. I just hope Ron won't hate me now, I never meant to hurt him' she
expressed. Harry understood what she meant. He had to do the same thing with Ginny when he broke up
with her.

The two of them went ahead, and got themselves showered and ready for breakfast. Harry found
himself looking at Hermione, and noticing more and more of those things he should not be seeing,
and kept mentally slapping himself out of it. Hermione was very quiet as they approached the Great
Hall, and Harry tried to encourage her.

`Don't worry. Ron will bounce back. Just give him a little space, that's all' he said.
She stopped, and looked back up the stairwell towards the East Tower longingly.

`Maybe I should just go and have breakfast up in the common room' she suggested, turning around
slightly. He knew this shouldn't be as hard as she was making it. Harry, finding himself
suddenly wanting to, grasped her hand, and turned her around. He found her hand, like it was up in
the common room, was warm and small, and felt nice in his own. Harry's hand lingered in
Hermione's, and he felt a slight rush when Hermione turned around, and squeezed back.

`Uh . . . Just come and have breakfast alright? You're going to see him sooner or later, and
there's no point in avoiding him' Harry explained, laughing inwardly at how much he sounded
like Hermione. Hermione looked down, and nodded slowly. The two moved towards the Great Hall, and
stopped before the doors. Hermione looked over at Harry, and Harry smiled, only then noticing that
he was still holding onto Hermione's hand. She smiled at him, and he quickly, and somewhat
begrudgingly, let go. He couldn't really explain why, but his hand suddenly felt odd, placed
against his side, like it wasn't natural. Meanwhile in his brain, he was beating himself up for
thinking certain thoughts, reminding himself that she just broke up with Ron, and he should not be
thinking of certain things.

When they entered the Great Hall, Harry wasn't surprise to see that Ron was absent. He looked
and saw Hermione relax considerably as she noticed this, and she gave a placid smile, and the two
sat down at the Gryffindor table. Once they were seated, and quietly started getting their
breakfast, Harry began to notice how Hermione spread the jam on her toast. He never noticed before,
but she did even this in a systematic way, moving from one side, and going down in straight lines.
Harry smiled at her methodicalness and finding yet another one of her quirks, however his mind
quickly changed tracks as he looked up towards the entrance. Ginny was coming into the Great Hall
looking very unhappy, her eyes set squarely at Hermione. Hermione gave a sigh as the fire-haired
girl sat down across from her, looking ready for a war of words. Harry had a feeling this would be
bad.

`Is it true, you broke up with Ron?' she asked, sounding angry. Hermione, looking down at her
plate, gave a single nod. Harry felt a pang at seeing Hermione like that, wanting to stand up for
her to Ginny. `Why?' Ginny asked exasperatedly. Hermione shifted in her seat, and looked back
at her plate. Harry relaxed, and remembered that Hermione was more than capable of standing up for
herself.

`We're just too different, and I knew it wouldn't work' Hermione put simply, looking up
tentatively for her reaction. Ginny seemed to be thinking about it for a moment, and Harry noticed
her face relaxed its tension.

`Are you sure?' she asked, this time not sounding as upset, almost understanding.

`Yes Ginny. I'm sorry, but it's just how I feel. How is Ron?' she asked desolately.
Ginny gave her a quiet look over for a moment, before answering. Harry looked around, and found at
least ten people on either side of the group were listening. They noticed Harry's glare, and
immediately went back to their breakfast at a fast pace.

`He's upset, but don't worry Hermione, he'll be alright. I wanted to see you guys stay
together, but I understand. I think I just really wanted you to be my sister sometime in the
future' she admitted, giving a little laugh. Hermione smiled, and looked up at Ginny.

`We are sisters, regardless' said Hermione. Ginny smiled, got up, and they gave each other
reaching hug over the table. Even more people were watching the scene, and as Ginny left, waving
goodbye to Hermione and Harry, people burst into conversation, some not bothering to hide their
pointing fingers. Hermione sat back down, and seemed in a much better mood than before.

After finishing breakfast, Harry debated going to see how Ron was doing. He wondered if just
leaving him alone might be the best course of action, however felt he should go and make sure he
was doing alright. He said good-bye to Hermione as she headed towards the library, and made his way
to Gryffindor Tower.

`Oh, well if it isn't our Head Boy. I must say, I haven't missed your late entries. I do
hope you are treating Evander alright. Password?' the Fat Lady said to Harry. Harry smiled
sarcastically at her comments.

`Together we stand' Harry said to the portrait.

`Indeed we do' the Fat Lady responded, her portrait opening and allowing Harry access to the
Gryffindor common room.

Harry hadn't made a trip here since the beginning of term, and his absence must have been
noticed. Upon entering, people called out his name, and came to welcome him eagerly. Harry said
hello to Neville, Seamus, Dean, and a host of other friends. He still saw some of them in class,
but since he spent a large amount of his time these days either in the library or the East Tower,
he didn't see as much as he would like to. In the frenzy of greeting everyone, Harry noticed
one face he didn't see, Ron's.

`Harry mate, you should go talk to Ron. Since last night he's just been shut up in his bed, all
down and out with the curtains drawn. We were going to talk to him, me and Dean, but he threatened
to hex us, so we left him be' Seamus said, pointing up to Harry's old dormitory. Harry
looked up for a moment at the dormitory door thinking, then turned to Seamus, Dean, and
Ginny.

`You guys up for a game of Quidditch?' he asked all of a sudden. Seamus and Dean looked
confused over the question, however Ginny was beaming at Harry.

`Of course Harry. Only if Ron plays keeper, and I get a chance to whip your butt at catching the
snitch' she added, giving Harry a playful punch in the shoulder. Harry smiled, and looked to
Seamus and Dean, who were also smiling now, knowing the purpose of Harry's question.

`Sure mate! We'll get a few other people to play, upper year students, it'll be fun.
We'll meet you out at the pitch' Seamus said eagerly. Dean nodded, and the two made their
way up to the dormitory, coming back down a moment later with their broomsticks in hand. Students
in the common room wondered what they were doing, and Seamus stopped in the middle of the room, and
stood on one of the chairs so everyone could see and hear him.

`Quidditch scrimmage on the pitch!' he announced. Everyone cheered excitedly, and students
threw down their books and homework. After getting their cloaks, they all moved out of the portrait
hole and towards the Quidditch pitch. Seamus and Dean lead the way, and after everyone left, only
Ginny and Harry were left in the otherwise empty common room.

`Great idea Harry. I hope he comes, I know it'll cheer him up being on the pitch again. He
misses it. Good luck' she said, giving Harry a kiss on the cheek, and exiting with her broom,
running to catch up with everyone else. Harry looked up at the dormitory, and made his way up the
stairs and into the circular room, which now only contained four beds, instead of the usual five.
As Seamus mentioned, only one set of curtains were drawn around one of the beds. Harry silently
walked over, and sat down on one of the beds near the closed drapes.

`Ron?'

`Go away Harry, just leave me alone' the drapes answered angrily.

`Why?' Harry asked assertively. He felt if asking what was wrong wouldn't work, having Ron
explain himself might work instead. It took a few moments before he talked.

`I just . . . Hermione broke up with me' he admitted. The words sounded painful for Ron to
admit, however he did admit them.

`I know, Hermione told me. You just need to relax' Harry tried to encourage. Ron gave a cynical
laugh.

`”Relax?” Harry, I've liked Hermione since third year! We finally start going out, and we break
up after only three months' he said. He was right, Harry knew he liked Hermione since third
year, or at least fourth year. Their little row the night of the Yule Ball made it clear, to Harry
at least, that they liked each other.

`I know something that will make you relax, or at least cheer you up, if you want' Harry
suggested, hoping he would be interested. Ron gave a huff in response.

`Com'on, everyone's waiting for you' Harry baited.

`Why would they be waiting for me?' Ron asked. Harry could tell he was getting interested, and
pressed on.

`Well, you can't very well start a match without a captain, now can you?' Harry baited. He
heard Ron move on the bed, and smiled when he opened the curtains quickly, looking around and
finding Harry sitting on one of the beds. He looked puffy eyed and tired, but he had a light in his
eye that Harry could tell was a small amount of excitement, sitting within the sadness.

`You didn't' Ron said, looking for reassurance.

`Com'on, all of Gryffindor house is waiting for Hogwart's best keeper' said Harry,
getting up and giving his best friend a pat on the back.

`I don't want to play Quidditch' Ron pouted, returning to his depressed state. Harry
laughed, knowing how much he was lying.

`Ron, you live for Quidditch. Just come on, get up and let out some steam, and have fun while doing
it' Harry reassured. He did hope Ron would come. If Ron didn't play, then Harry
wouldn't either, which means the scrimmage would probably not go. Harry looked down, and found
Ron drawing out a long breath, and nodding his head, conceding victory to Harry. Harry even saw a
hint of a smirk.

`I've missed Quidditch' Ron admitted, rubbing his eyes. `Oh, alright, I'll play!'
he expounded all of a sudden. He was still wearing his clothes from the night before, and looked
very sleepy, but he was quickly opening his trunk and pulling out his keeper gloves and broomstick.
He turned around, and Harry laughed at the site.

`Maybe you should take a shower before coming' Harry smirked. Ron's hair was wild looking,
standing up in odd places and giving him the look of a madman, and the clothes he wore were wrinkly
from sitting in the bed. Ron looked down at himself, still holding his broomstick in one and his
gloves in the other, and for the first time gave a little laugh.

`Yeah, I guess I should shouldn't I?' he commented. He threw his broom and gloves on his
bed, and made his way to the showers.

`Just be quick!' Harry yelled, as he made his way back to the Gryffindor common room. He waited
only a few minutes, taking a look out the window to see the people sitting at the pitch. Harry was
surprised at how many people were going out, definitely more than just Gryffindor house. Once Ron
was finished, and dressed for success, the two friends made their way out of the castle.

`Sorry Harry, about earlier. I'm just not feeling that good about Hermione . . . ` he said
trailing off. Harry put his arm on Ron shoulder.

`Don't worry about it OK. Just try to have some fun with this, and feel better' Harry
replied. Ron smiled back, although it was a little weak, and he looked at Harry.

`You're not playing?' he asked.

`Course I am!'

`Then where's your broom?' Ron asked. Harry laughed at himself, and took out his
wand.

`Accio Firebolt!' he pronounced. Ron laughed.

`Could never forget that one.'

`It did save my life' Harry said, as a whistling could be heard, becoming louder. Harry scanned
the sky, and found his broomstick flying towards him at a fantastic velocity. He reached up, and
grabbed it out of the air, and the two made their way to the pitch.

When they entered the pitch, it was to a tumultuous roar from the crowd. A large group of students
stood in the middle of the pitch, many with broomsticks looking eager to play in the little
scrimmage. Ron looked stunned.

`I thought you said it was just Gryffindor house! This is almost the whole school!' he
insisted. Harry laughed, and the two Gryffindors walked up to the crowd, Harry trying to use his
Head Boy power for one of the first times.

`Alright, Ron and I are the captains. We'll pick our teams, and play. Everyone else, sorry,
you'll have to play another time, but you're more than welcome to watch' he declared.
Some students already looked downtrodden at the remark, however most looked even more
excited.

The students spread out, and Harry and Ron picked their teams. Harry ended up with Dean, Colin
Creevey, and a Ravenclaw boy, Stephen Cornfoot as his Chasers, Michael Corner and Andrew Kirke as
his Beaters, and Megan Jones from Hufflepuff as his Keeper. Ron chose Demelza Robins, Seamus, and
Cadwaller from Hufflepuff as his Chasers, Jack Sloper and Lisa Turpin, a member of Ravenclaw, his
Beaters, and of course Ginny his Seeker. Ron and Harry decided to use Gryffindor colours, and
coloured their teams' cloaks to distinguish each others players. Harry's team wore gold,
while Ron's red.

They were about to get going, the rest of the hopefuls making their way up into the stands, when
four tall men came marching onto the field, in the middle of them the short and stout woman Harry
detested so much. She stopped in front of Harry and Ron, and her toad like face gave that smile
Harry wanted so much to hex away.

`Well well, planning a Quidditch match are we? I thought I made myself clear when I banned you
before Potter, but I guess you are still a little slow' Umbridge sneered, giving Harry an evil
smirk. Harry's blood began to boil, however Umbridge didn't bother to notice.

`Now, disband all of you, and get back to the castle. The Headmistress will be interested to hear
how her beloved Head Boy put all these students in danger' she explained gladly. Harry could
feel his hands shaking, but looked around Umbridge's rather square frame and felt worry enter
his mind.

It was Professor McGonagall, along with Madam Hooch and Hagrid, walking down from the castle. From
this distance, Harry was not sure if the Headmistress was upset or not, however as she approached,
Harry's worry increased as he saw her face. It was not happy.

`Potter, what on Earth are you doing?' she asked, not acknowledging Umbridge or her Auror
cronies. Madam Hooch stood farther back, while Hagrid kept close to McGonagall, keeping a close eye
on the Aurors. Umbridge glanced at Hagrid, and took a step back.

`Some students wanted to have a Quidditch scrimmage. I thought that it would umm, erm . . . help
keep students happy, and um . . . school spirit. Some miss having Quidditch' Harry tried to
explain. Professor McGonagall didn't have a chance to respond however, since Umbridge gave a
triumphant laugh the moment Harry finished.

`Do you hear this boy! Non-sense! Everyone, back to your dormitories, and you' she said,
pointing a stubby finger at Harry, `you will come with me.' Harry could see some of the
students looking upset, and start heading back, however Professor McGonagall put her hand on
Harry's shoulder, and stopped him from walking.

`Potter, I came to see what you were doing' she started, Umbridge encouraging students back to
the school. `However' she stated, turning and facing Umbridge, `Thinking it through, I have no
problems with your game. Madam Hooch, are you willing to referee?' she asked. Madam Hooch
nodded happily, and turned to get her broom and the trunk with the balls.

Umbridge was of course, outraged. Harry was beaming, along with everyone else, at the prospect of
finally playing Quidditch after so long. Students that were just a moment ago slumping their way
back to the castle, were climbing the steps up to the stands eagerly.

`You cannot allow this!' Umbridge demanded, striding up and looking at the stern-faced
Headmistress. Harry was worried as to what fallout this could have, the Aurors hands reaching
inside their cloaks. He remembered the last time Professor McGonagall had to face Umbridge with her
Aurors, when she was stunned and had to go to St. Mungo's. Harry however noticed Hagrid take a
step forward, the Aurors eyeing him cautiously.

`I can, and will. You will place your Aurors that you lovingly brought with you around the pitch,
and protect the students. Potter' she turned back to Harry, `next time, tell me in advance of
any plans like this' she stated sharply. Harry nodded quickly, and Professor McGonagall turned
and walked away towards a set of stands, Hagrid giving a quick smile to Harry, before turning and
following McGonagall, giving the Aurors a glare. Umbridge stood in place looking astonished at
McGonagall.

Harry turned back to his team, and began talking strategy, purposely not paying attention to
Umbridge. When he looked up as Madam Hooch placed the trunk in the middle of the field, Umbridge
and her Aurors were disbanding and moving to different exits from the field. Harry couldn't
help but smile at yet another victory over Umbridge.

`As usual, a clean game. Oh how I've missed this' Madam Hooch said excitedly, as she looked
at the teams.

`You're going down Potter!' Ginny yelled at Harry. He looked over, and found Ron smiling
and looking eager at getting up on his broom. The balls were released, and Harry raced after the
golden flicker of light high above him, Ginny right on his tail, as the crowd cheered.

*

The game ended up being a great thing for Ron, and the rest of the school. It was drawn out past
lunch time, and Harry's team looked to be winning. However just as Harry's team advanced to
one hundred and twenty points ahead of Ron's, Ginny made an amazing move for the Golden Snitch,
and caught it right in front of Harry. Harry was trying to catch it, but the look on Ron's face
made him glad Ginny got it before him.

The crowd celebrated loudly as Ginny, Ron, and the rest of his team did a victory lap around the
pitch. By the middle of the match almost all of the school had noticed the scrimmage, and came down
to watch, supporters of Ron's team waving around red banners, Harry's gold. As everyone
started their way back to the castle, Harry caught up with Ron and the rest of his energetic
team.

`Great match Ron!' Harry said. Ron turned, and gave a wide smile and patted Harry on the
back.

`That was great Harry. Exactly what I needed' he expressed. They started back up to the castle,
Harry thanking Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch, when he heard someone calling him over around
the side of one of the stands. He bid farewell to Ron, Ginny, and the others, who were headed to
Gryffindor Tower for a celebratory party, and found Hermione hiding behind the stands. She was
peaking around the side, looking around at the students walking back up to the castle.

`Hermione, what are you doing?' Harry asked.

`Well, it was pretty obvious when your broomstick smashed through one of the windows of the common
room and nearly startled me to death were it was going. I saw everyone here, so I came down and
watched the match. Ginny beat you' she mentioned. Harry looked down and noticed that she
herself had a banner, and scarf on. He made it a point to notice both of them were gold, and part
of his mind was suddenly sidetracked in focusing on that fact. He noticed Hermione looking at him,
and stirred his mind back to reality.

`Yeah, that was quite the roll she made to catch it. Caught me off guard. Anyways, what are you
doing here?' he asked, motioning at the area they were now standing in.

`Well, I saw Ron all happy, and didn't want him to see me' she answered quietly. Harry
rolled his eyes, and sighed.

`Please don't tell me you're going to avoid Ron forever' he questioned. Hermione looked
a little upset at the comment.

`Well, I don't want him getting upset again. He was just so happy' she said. Harry could
see she was getting a little emotional again, and tried to calm her down quickly, giving her
shoulders a little squeeze, finding himself for the second time that day wanting to hold on to
her.

`Don't worry about Ron, alright? He'll get better soon enough. I knew this would get him at
least happy now, but he'll have to deal with seeing you sometime. Besides, it's not right
for you to be feeling terrible all the time either, right?' he asked, looking right at
her.

He knew it would be difficult for the trio's friendship to stay together after something like
this, but he had to try and keep it together. Harry did not want a repeat of what happened in
fourth year. Plus, he knew Hermione deserved better than always feeling terrible about what
happened.

Hermione sniffed, and looked away for a moment, wiping her eyes, however looked back and nodded
solemnly, looking at her feet which suddenly caught all her attention.

`You're right Harry. Sorry' she mumbled, glancing up to meet Harry's eyes once or
twice, still enthralled with her feet, which she was moving around on the dry November grass. Harry
lifted her chin up slowly, and gave her a smile, receiving a small one in return.

`Com'on, lets get some lunch' he stated. Hermione nodded, and the two walked up together to
the castle.

They both ate in the Great Hall, and Harry encouraged Hermione enough to go to Gryffindor Tower for
a few moments. There were enough people in the common room that Hermione was able to sit and talk
to a few people, without having to really see Ron. Harry spent time with Ron, and the two had a
good afternoon. Ron was noticeably happier with Quidditch still running through him. He, Harry,
Seamus, Dean, Neville, and many others talked about their favourite Quidditch teams, and players,
while enjoying the food and drinks some of the upper year students “knicked” from the kitchens.
Harry noticed Ron look over at Hermione a few times, his smile disappearing, however he quickly
snapped back into conversation.

Harry and Hermione both left at the same time, and went back to the East Tower. Harry had his
lesson with Topher that night, and needed to prepare. Hermione was just feeling odd with Ron being
in the room, and wanted to retreat to the peace of the common room, or the library. Harry found his
preparation was not going well, his thoughts moving every direction, from the Horcruxes and
Voldemort, to Ron and Hermione, and all the questions brought up by the memories he saw in the
Pensieve. He felt, by time he started his way to the Great Hall for dinner, that seeing Topher
tonight would be best postponed until next week.

After eating supper, Ron now present in the Great Hall, Hermione sitting farther down the table
with Ginny, Harry made his way to the Defence classroom to let Professor Terrwynebas know. Harry
was glad to hear that Topher was perfectly alright with it, since he had extra marking to be done
anyways, and could use the time. Harry noticed how many of those old scrolls that he had been
reading earlier in the year had made their way back to his desk top.

Harry went back to the East Tower, and again went for the Pensieve. He needed answers. Not just the
questions Hermione brought up, about Voldemort's wand and the Hollow, but he hoped the next set
of memories would tell him where his parents were buried, and more information on that last spell
Voldemort cast. The look that crossed Dumbledore's face when he checked the last spell cast by
Voldemort's wand still made Harry very uneasy.

`I thought you had your lesson with Topher?' Hermione asked, as Harry came back down. He
hadn't noticed her on the way up, and carefully placed the basin on the table, making sure it
was steady before responding.

`I need to get some answers first, and I can't think straight without them' Harry answered.
Hermione put down her notes that she was writing on, and came over and stood next to Harry. She was
in some simple muggle clothes, and Harry had to admit, he definitely noticed the difference to her
usual Hogwarts robes. Hermione had to look at him and half-yell to get his attention.

`Harry! Back on Earth?' she said, giving a smile. Harry came back, and gave a quick smile, and
snapped back to the shimmering bowl on the desk. Hermione gave him another look, and looked to the
bowl as well.

`So, you just put your head in there?' she asked. Harry was reminded now that she never saw the
Pensieve, and for once he was surprised she didn't know everything about it.

`Yeah. You tap the surface, and it shows an image of the memory you're going into. See' he
explained, giving the iridescent silver surface a tap with his wand. The cloudy surface cleared,
and showed a man, who could only be Albus Dumbledore, walking through a narrow corridor.

Hermione looked to Harry, and gave him a gentle pat on his shoulder. `Well, good luck' she
said, backing away. Harry smiled, and looked back to the Pensieve, bending down slowly and allowing
his face to break the cool water-like surface. Harry felt his feet leave the carpet of the common
room, and after a few moments, he landed easily in a small and dark hallway.

Harry immediately had to start running to catch up to Dumbledore. He was walking at a very fast
pace, moving down a series of these dark stone corridors, coloured amber from the lamps hung just
below the ceiling. Harry finally reachedthe former Headmaster, just as he reached a heavy wooden
door. Dumbledore grabbed the old brass doorknob, and pulled.

A tidal wave of noise hit Harry as the door opened fully. Harry looked in, and followed Dumbledore,
finding a massive room, probably half the size of the Great Hall at Hogwarts, full of wizards and
witches, goblins, and other creatures. Many looked old, very old, their grey and white hair
reflecting their ages. All these people were sat along the sides of the walls, much like the room
Harry had his trial in a few years ago, on tiered levels.

Dumbledore conversed with a short, portly man with thinning hair for a moment, before walking up to
a central pedestal, facing a group of almost ancient looking wizards, halfway up the stands,
sitting behind a grand and elegantly decorated desk, all wearing plum coloured robes with an
elaborate silver “W” on the left. Once Dumbledore looked to the crowd, they became silent, Harry
noticing how Dumbledore was reaching into his pocket.

`Albus Dumbledore, you have convened the Wizengamot, the Ministry of Magic High Council, and the
Veneforbis Guard for an emergency meeting. I must say, this better be important' an old, yet
stern looking wizard said, who was sitting in the middle of the Wizengamot table. Harry looked
around, and found another group of wizards, wearing dark blue robes with a very small engraved “V”
on the right side of their chests, sitting just below the Wizengamot. All looked quite mean to
Harry, and definitely meant business. Harry looked to Dumbledore, as the old man cleared his throat
quietly.

`Yes, I have convened you all at this late hour, that I do apologize for, however this news could
not wait. Lord Voldemort' he started, almost everyone shuddering at the name, Harry taking
notice that the men in the dark blue robes did not, `has attacked the house of James and Lily
Potter' he began. A quiet uproar began, Harry hearing some commenting on how this had nothing
to do with them, or how another attack meant nothing important, regardless of who it was. The man
who first talked to Dumbledore tapped his wand, and a loud thud could be heard, reverberating along
the ground. Wizards and witches all now calmed down, while the old wizard looked to speak
again.

`Albus, I know you are the Chief Warlock of this council, but please tell me you asked for this
council to convene for more than just explaining another attack' he began, sounding
disappointed. Harry knew what Dumbledore would do next, and was not let down. Dumbledore slowly
retracted his hand which had been kept in his pocket, and revealed the ivory coloured wand.

`This, is the wand of Lord Voldemort. He attacked Godric's Hollow, to kill the Potters. James
and Lily were found dead, however their son Harry was found alive, Voldemort's wand sitting on
the floor nearby' he explained. He had to raise his voice over the outpour of talking and
conversation. The head wizard again tapped his wand, and the noise subsided. The old wizard stood
up from his chair, and leaned forward, accentuating the bald spot on his head.

`What are you saying Dumbledore?' he asked.

`Lord Voldemort killed Lily, but she was protecting her son Harry, which protected him with her
love. When Voldemort tried to kill Harry, the spell backfired, and consumed him, leaving Harry very
much alive, with only a lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead!' he exasperated. Harry
could understand, it would be a hard thing to explain, let alone believe.

`So you are saying, that You-Know-Who was defeated this night, by a little boy?' the elderly
wizard asked. Many in the room exchanged whispers, but Harry could tell all eyes were now on
Dumbledore.

`Yes! This is the wand of Lord Voldemort; he is dead!' he expelled. There was a brief pause,
when complete silence enveloped the hall, then an overture of cheering ensued. Wizards and witches
on the Wizengamot were clapping hands together, and many others in the hall hugged and cheered
loudly. After discussing quietly with the other members, the head wizard again tapped his wand, the
vibrations pulsing through the ground, and the hall slowly and unhappily came to quietness
again.

`Albus, to prove this, please relinquish the wand to our expert, so he may authenticate it' the
man said. A strange looking man came up from one of the lower levels towards the podium quickly,
Harry smiling as he remembered the eerie moon-like eyes of the man who made his own wand, as well
as the one Dumbledore was now giving to him.

`My word! It's true! This is the wand of He Who Must Not Be Named!' Mr. Ollivander spouted
out happily, after examining the wand for a brief moment. Dumbledore accepted the wand back, and
the hall once more erupted into cheering and excitement. Dumbledore bowed to the Wizengamot, and
left in the midst of the cheering and hooting.

`You-Know-Who dead! - Potter boy defeats You-Know-Who! - Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived! - The Boy
Who Lived!' Harry heard many of the wizards and witches saying on the way out, the named and
titles created that day that still haunted him.

Dumbledore moved quickly out of the hall, and focused squarely on the doorway. He ignored the pats
and cheering, and exited into the corridor. The hallway which stood empty before was now full of
people running to let the world know the news. The memory shimmered, and Harry was transported to a
dark and musty house.

Harry looked around, and knew he was in Grimmauld Place, before it had been cleaned. The floor was
covered in dust, and the heavy drapes were closed shut, letting no room for sunlight to enter.
Dumbledore made his way out of the room, which Harry figured was the library, since he could see
the outline of bookshelves, and the two of them wound their way to the kitchen.

Once Dumbledore entered, members of the Order of the Phoenix were sitting around the table. Harry
recognized Lupin, who was sitting next to a sobbing pile of a man, his head on the table.
Dumbledore paced over to the man, and laid a hand on his back. The man snapped up, and turned
around, Harry feeling an immediate white-hot anger.

It was Pettigrew, his normally watery eyes looking even more so due to his sobbing. Harry knew full
well the reason he was crying was for the fall of Lord Voldemort, and not for Harry's parents.
Harry felt disgusted by this show of fake sorrow, Dumbledore seeming to be fooled by it.

`It will be alright Peter' Dumbledore consoled the rat of a man. He continued to sob, and
nodded. Harry gritted his teeth, and felt like trying to hex the man, even though it was a memory.
Dumbledore turned, and moved to the other side of the table.

`How did Voldemort know where they were?' Lupin asked weakly, tears brimming on his grey eyes.
Harry felt for Remus, having to visit the Hollow so soon after James and Lily died.

`He must have been told the secret' Dumbledore reasoned. Remus' tear filled eyes opened in
shock to the statement, and gazed at Dumbledore, who now stood next to the fireplace, facing the
small group.

`Sirius would never do that to James!' he expounded, getting up from his seat, his dark grey
robes hanging off him unkemptly.

`How else would You-Know-Who know?' Dedalus Diggle asked, who was sitting in a corner of the
kitchen, next to Sturgis Podmore.

Lupin looked astonished, however Harry could see the look of realization coming on his face,
mingled with betrayal and sadness. Remus did not just loose one Marauder tonight, but two. He
slowly sank back into his chair, his utter disbelief clearly present in his posture.

`Are you sure it was even You-Know-Who Albus?' an old, wheezy wizard said from the other side
of the room, his silver hair contrasting greatly with the dim lit room. Harry remembered the man
was part of the Advance Guard that helped him escape the Dursley's.

`Certainly' Dumbledore answered quietly, moving towards the table, and placing the ivory tinted
wand on the table. Many of the Order members moved away from the table once they realized what was
now laying on it.

`My word' one of the men in the room muttered, as everyone slowly moved back to their original
place, gazing at the wand placed on the table. Everyone was quiet, Harry wondering if any of them
were even breathing, when Pettigrew stood his round self up.

`I can't believe Sirius would betray James! I'm going to find him, and show him all
that's left of his master!' Pettigrew yelled out, grabbing the wand, and making for the
doorway. Lupin got up, and made to follow him, but Mad-Eye Moody, who was sitting next to him, laid
a hand on his shoulder.

`Let `em be. The man can't duel worth a knut, and he doesn't know where Sirius is anyways.
He'll be back by the morning' Moody advised. Lupin lowered his head, and nodded, again
slowly taking his seat again.

`What of the boy?' a deep voice asked, who belonged to a tall and slightly beefy man who was
leaning against one of the walls, his brown hair looking like he just got out of bed. Dumbledore
started to pace across the front of the fireplace, and looked like he was on his way out.

`He will be kept somewhere safe, and protected. There is something though . . . I will be back'
he said, moving around and coming next to Lupin, placing a hand on his back.

`Morn for our lost friends, yes, but rejoice in the demise of Lord Voldemort' Dumbledore said.
He gave one more thoughtful look to Lupin, receiving a small smile in reply, and the silver bearded
man walked through doorway, and again the memory shimmered around Harry.

The memory reappeared, and it took Harry a few moments to adjust to the lighting. Dumbledore was
sitting at a desk, a very old desk, sitting in a exceptionally old room from the looks of things.
Thousands of books of all shapes and sizes filled the wall shelves, which stretched into the
darkness above, no ceiling visible. Scrolls and stacks of parchment and various other materials
littered wardrobe and desk tops, except the one Dumbledore sat behind, which was noticeable larger
than all the other desks. Harry looked around, and found the stacks of books and other knick knacks
stood mostly at his eye level, and he could them leaving corridors and pathways leading around the
room in odd directions. Harry couldn't find a doorway, or anyway in or out of the room for that
matter.

Harry moved over to Dumbledore, and found him reading a old, but luckily legible scroll. Even
luckier for Harry, it was written in English. Harry bent lower, and read it quickly.

*The dark act of tearing and splitting ones soul, to prolong and last past ones normal time of
death, is the quest of the wizard who wishes to create a Horcrux. The making of a Horcrux requires
the direct murder of another human being, wizard or muggle, and is considered to most as the
wickedest of magical creations. The act of murder causes the soul of the caster to be torn and
ripped for all eternity. The soul will remain torn within the wizard, never again to be made whole.
It is a mark of the act the wizard has performed, and a constant reminder to them for all their
life.

For a Horcrux to be formed, the wizard must choose an object for their fragment of soul to reside
in, while the other remains within their body. It has been speculated that one could place the torn
piece of soul within another living thing, however it has never been documented, and is not
recommended, as the effects of a fragment of a soul residing within a body that already contains
another soul is unknown.

Once the murder has taken place, the wizard must readily have the object, and cast the Horcrux
Curse. The curse, listed below, requires the naming of the catalyst, the action that will release
the soul held within the object. With this final act, the object would have the torn piece of soul
placed within, thus becoming a Horcrux of that wizard.

The incantation to create the Horcrux is:*

*Evelloanimus Reponointus

Followed by the name of the object*

*Be sure you know the exact name of the object, so the spell will work correctly. Once the
caster has done this, they should feel their life force subside, and may feel light headed, as the
fragment of soul leaves their true body, and enters the Horcrux. The soul fragment, which will
appear as a green cloud, will swirl around the object, and take its form, before inhabiting
it.

Once this is done, the wand will stay focused on the object, unable to move. The curse must be
completed by naming the catalyst. This is done by the incantation:*

*Expedio

Followed by the precise method to release the soul*

*When the soul fragment is released, it will find the nearest living creature, be it human or
otherwise, and will inhabit their body, using its own life force to regain strength, feeding off of
the creature's own soul. Once the Horcrux has acted fully, the creature or human's original
soul will be destroyed, and the fragment soul will inhabit the living form.*

Harry was frantic as he read, the same sentence repeating in his head. He wanted out of this
memory, out of the Pensieve, as fast as possible. It was his luck that the memory shimmered again,
and Harry felt himself lifting upwards, and rising out. His feet hit the solid ground of the common
room, and he recovered his balance, seeing Hermione startled by his sudden return. She was sitting
at the desk, a few small pieces of parchment sitting on the desktop.

`Harry, my goodness, you scared me' she said, Harry regained his composure, and gave her a
quick look. All of a sudden, she looked very concerned, moving around the table quickly.

`Harry, are you alright?'

Harry didn't have time to answer. He was sweating, and panting, but had enough determination
and energy to run. He turned, hearing Hermione calling after him, and bolted out of the common
room, and into the hallway.

He was in a flat sprint, trying as hard as possible to get to the Headmistresses Office as fast as
his legs would bring him. He had to talk to Dumbledore's Portrait. The sentences kept playing
in his head, and his mind bent them into a very dark reality, the memory of Voldemort's last
spell cast at Godric's Hollow playing in his mind, the green lightning bolt boring into his
thoughts.

*`Now, young Harry, our souls shall become intertwined'* in Voldemort's hiss of a
voice.

*`No, he couldn't have'* in Dumbledore's eerie whisper.

*`The soul, which will appear as a green cloud, will swirl around the object, and take its form,
before inhabiting it.'*

Harry ran quicker. Times before, he always found himself right in front of the stone gargoyles
before he knew it. Now it felt like they were purposely hiding on him. He turned what felt like the
twentieth corner, and finally found the stone sentries, standing quiet in the empty hallway.

`Time Turner!' Harry yelled, hoping his volume would make them jump over quicker. The guardians
jumped out of the way, and Harry bound up the moving stairwell, entering through the doorway as
quickly as possible, not bothering to knock.

When he entered, he jogged quickly across the dark office to Dumbledore's portrait, hoping to
see the man there. His heart leapt when he saw the silver beard, and the former Headmaster it was
attached to sleeping in his portrait.

`Professor Dumbledore!' he yelled, trying to wake him. It worked, and he stirred, with almost
all the other portraits as well.

`Ah Harry, I was expecting to see you sometime soon. Good that Minerva didn't hear you yelling
in her office' he noted. Harry turned, and realized Professor McGonagall was not in the office.
He was glad in a sense, since he wanted only to talk to Dumbledore, but would settle with the other
portraits listening in.

`Is it true, about my scar?' Harry asked, getting right to the point. Dumbledore sighed, and
lowered his head. Harry was trembling, in both anger and fright as to what the answer would be,
although he had a feeling it would be the dark answer he already formulated.

`I see you have ventured into my Pensieve' he began, giving another sigh.

`It is Harry. I was not sure, until you started having flashes with it, and it reacted to
Voldemort. Many thought it was just a scar, plain and simple, but none of them read the scroll, to
which I imagine you saw the memory for. I am sorry I did not tell you Harry, however I kept it from
you, much the same reason I kept the prophecy from you' he explained calmly, but sounding
displeased with himself. Harry was too full of anger however, at being left out of yet another
important piece of information. Dumbledore looked for a response, but not receiving one,
continued.

`I felt that if you knew the truth about your scar, you would feel tainted, diseased, and
unnatural. You know yourself who you are, and that your scar does not make you any different a
person' Dumbledore said. He continued to look hopeful at Harry, however Harry was not going to
give in.

Harry was filled with nothing but fury at his former Headmaster. He kept so many secrets from
Harry, and expected Harry to deal with all this at once? Then he had to get himself killed, and
leave Harry all by himself with no one to help him try and not only destroy these unknown objects
hidden who knows were, but defeat the darkest sorcerer in the past half century.

`Harry please' Dumbledore pleaded quietly, the other portraits looking on quietly. Harry
didn't bother looking up. He stood, and walked out of the office to the silence, not one
portrait commenting. Harry walked down the steps, and back into the hallway, not caring how the
portrait Dumbledore felt.

Harry walked along the corridors of the school slowly, and as silently as possible, his hands
balled in fists. He wasn't worried about being noticed, but he felt like being quiet, his mind
at a loss as to the true nature of his scar. He had it all his life, and in the matter of one
night, his thoughts about it completely changed. Dumbledore was right, he was tainted, he was
diseased with it. Harry felt like scratching at it, cutting it out, blasting it off with his wand
right now, as fast as possible.

Harry looked up after a few minutes, and just like not finding the Headmistresses Office soon
enough, he found himself in front of Evander all too quickly.

`Harry, you left in a hurry, are you alright?' he asked. Harry didn't even bother looking
up.

`Just open' he demanded, disregarding the password. He expected Evander to ask for the
password, however the portrait opened, and Harry didn't question it. He entered, and found
Hermione waiting anxiously in the common room, leaning on the desk biting her nails.

`Harry! My goodness, what's wrong?' she asked, coming over, and placing a hand on
Harry's arm. Harry simply stared off at the carpet, and made his way to one of the chairs,
almost robotically. He fell into it, and Hermione knelt down in front of Harry, looking beyond
scared, almost petrified at the blank look on Harry's face.

`Harry, what happened, tell me what is going on' she questioned, sounding concerned but
forceful. Harry placed his hand to his forehead, but instantly removed it, feeling as if he would
be infected by touching his scar. Hermione looked to his forehead.

`Is it your scar, is it burning, what is it Harry!' she demanded, reaching in closer, and
looking straight at Harry, who's head was still hanging. He glanced up, and could not stop his
chest feeling hollow at her look of concern. He looked back down, and tried to tell her, his mind
still dark with the reality.

`My scar . . . `

`Your scar, what Harry?' she asked quickly. Harry took a breath.

`Is a Horcrux.'

**Spell / Name Meanings -**
**Veneforbis Guard** - L. veneficus: magical / wizard's, orbis: circle (Veneforbis Guard =
Wizard's Circle Guard)
**The Horcrux Curse, Evelloanimus Reponointus, and Expedio** - L. evello: to tear out, animus:
the soul, repono: to deposit, intus: within (Evelloanimus Reponointus = to tear out the soul, to
deposit within [name of object])
L. Expedio: to release (how to release it)

-->



16. Cassus Animus
-----------------



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)

-->



17. Christmas Tradition
-----------------------



CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

**Christmas Tradition**


`This is getting out of hand! Look at this' Ron said while looking over the Daily
Prophet.

It was the first week of December, and the ending of November saw Death Eater attacks increase
dramatically, muggle attacks the most. It was rumored among the students that the Ministry was
starting to crumble under the overwhelming pressure. Obliviators worked almost non stop, jumping
from place to place to keep muggles in line, and cover stories in muggle newspapers were becoming
comical. The Daily Prophet had a field day when the Ministry used a sudden forest fire as the cause
for destroying four muggle homes just north of Bury St. Edmunds in East Anglia. No forests grew
within twenty kilometers of the houses, since they were all farms.

The wizarding world was also under immense pressure, even Hogwarts. Within the last few weeks,
Aurors could be found patrolling the corridors more, and Umbridge was beginning to encroach on
students, stopping them in the halls and interrogating them. Professor McGonagall got wind of her
actions quickly, and put an end to it, but everyone was still on edge with the mounting
tension.

`Well, more students won't be coming back after Christmas break then I guess' Harry
responded to the article. A family of half blooded wizards was found murdered in their house the
day before. What separated this from the other families massacred was that the father was an Auror,
and the mother a Ministry official for the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. Both
served for years in the Ministry, and had two daughters, eleven and eight. The Dark Mark was found
over their home, located somewhere in Northampton. It shook many of the families in Britain, and
some students were already gone from Hogwarts, while many others questioned if they would be
returning to the school after the Christmas break.

`I do hope enough students stay. I mean, Hogwarts is still one of the safest places to be. The last
attack to happen even close to the castle was in Banchory over a month ago' Hermione remarked,
taking a bite of her toast. Harry, like so many times lately, found his eyes lingering on Hermione
for a moment, taking careful notice of her appearance. She looked refreshed, energetic and ready
for the day with books in hand, like she did most mornings. He couldn't help but feel more
alive when he saw her, even on mornings when he was extremely tired.

`We have our own things to worry about anyways. Are you two still up to seeing Hagrid today?'
Harry asked. The three of them finally made their way to Hagrid's a few weeks earlier, but it
was a short visit. Hagrid told them the Centaurs were causing some grief for Grawp, so he
couldn't leave him alone as much. They all decided to meet up again later, and Hagrid mentioned
this particular morning being best. It was a Saturday, so time was available for the trio as
well.

Ron, who was taking a drink of his pumpkin juice, put it down and gave a frown. `Sorry Harry.
I'm working on that defence project Professor Terrwynebas set. I have to go and check who
I'm partnered with, so I can get a good start at it. I'm just hoping it's not Nott.
He's such a pompous slug' Ron expressed.

Topher told the sixth and seventh years that the next assignment would be in advanced defence. They
would be paired with someone else in the class, and their project was to find how best the
two's magical abilities could be merged for defensive purposes. Topher at the time still had to
make the pairings, but said they would be done by the Saturday morning.

`I still want to see Hagrid, regardless of who I am partnered with. Even though he might go too
hard on the Mulled Mead sometimes, I feel terrible not seeing him more, especially after what
happened with Dumbledore' Hermione stated. Ron finished his pumpkin juice, and looked to Harry
and Hermione.

`Well if you two go, tell Hagrid I'm sorry I couldn't make it. I need a good mark in
defence, and if I pull this project off, Topher might start liking me.'

`What do you mean start? He does like you' Harry asserted.

`He's stricter on me, like I need to prove something. I asked him why, and he said I need it. A
bunch of rubbish if you ask me, I think he gets off on it' Ron alleged. Hermione rolled her
eyes, but only so that Harry noticed.

The three started their way to the Defence classroom, and met up with Luna and Ginny along the way.
They were wondering themselves who they would get paired with. Topher gave no specifics as to how
he was matching the students. All they knew was that a presentation of each pairs combined magic
was due the last day before Christmas break.

`Hey, maybe we'll be paired up! That'd be fun' Ginny said to Luna, who was, as usual,
floating along the corridors and absently gazing out the windows or around the hallways. Harry
wondered sometimes what went through her mind when she looked like this, which was most of the
time.

`I've been told stories of combined magic, and wonder if Professor Terrwynebas knows about
Letifer Lightning' Luna said distantly.

`Letifer Lightning?' Ginny asked, Hermione rolling her eyes for the second time that morning,
making Harry grin once more. Her eyes set back on Harry, and he suddenly found it hard to do
anything but smile weakly at her.

`It's a deadly lightning that kills people who try to combine magic. It strikes one in every
thirty eight thousand wizards, roughly speaking' Luna explained. Ron stifled his laughter as
they came to the classroom doorway.

` ”Roughly speaking” ' Ron remarked to Harry as they walked through the doorway.

Topher was once again looking over the ancient parchments. His appearance told Harry he found time
to sleep, which Harry was glad to see. Topher quickly flicked his wand, and the parchments rolled
up, and flew into his bottom drawer.

`Here for your pairing I presume?' he asked to the group of five. They all nodded quietly, and
Topher moved to the side of the room, and retrieved a wicker basket; placing it on his desk, and
motioning the group to come closer.

`Rather than pair you myself, and get many complaints, I've placed all your names in this
basket. The basket will pick the pairs, and spit them out. All you have to do is say your name, and
your name, along with your partner's will pop out. So who is up first?' he asked
contentedly. He seemed quite excited about this choosing process.

The five were apprehensive at first, but Ginny stepped forward, and moved in front of the
basket.

`Ginny Weasley' she said to the basket. A small piece of parchment floated out, followed by
another. The two combined into one single piece, and floated onto the desk. Ginny picked it up, and
her shoulders fell.

`I'm with Neville' she frowned looking back at Luna. Luna smiled back, and Ginny walked
back to the group. `Oh well, always up for a challenge' she added lightly.

Neville, in the last few months, improved vastly in defence. He still had some problems, like
everyone else, but he learned quickly. His clumsiness, although still apparent, was diminishing,
and his attitude started showing it. He no longer hunched when walking or kept quiet like years
before; now he walked straight, and spoke clear and confidently. He even helped out students in
lower years with Herbology homework, being that he was at least tied for top with Hermione in that
subject. Harry noticed how students gave him respect now, and he was glad to see it.

`Alright, Ron you're next' Topher said. Ron walked up and said his name, and the same
method of selection occurred once more. Ron shakily took the parchment, and let out a laugh,
turning around looking astounded.

`I'm doing the project with Luna' he revealed. Harry looked over to Luna for a response,
but found none. She just stared at Ron, smiled, one of her hands playing with her blonde
hair.

`Excellent. Now Harry' Topher said, motioning towards the basket. Ron staggered back between
Hermione and Luna, and looked back to Harry. Harry cautiously said his name, and two pieces of
parchment came out, combining into one. Harry bent down and looked at the names, feeling himself
instantly blush.

`Hermione' he stated. He turned, and found Hermione looking relieved, and smiling. Harry walked
back, and pocketed the parchment. He turned back to see Topher smiling with both sides of his
mouth.

`Alright, well, off you go! Harry, a word please' he asked. Hermione told Harry she would wait
outside the classroom, and the rest left, Ron talking to Luna about practicing. Harry walked back
to Topher's desk, and looked at the basket, then Topher.

`Did you do that on purpose?' he questioned discontentedly. Harry admitted he was in love with
Hermione, but he didn't want Topher playing matchmaker.

`Believe me Harry, I didn't. I charmed the basket into pairing people who had some magical
connection. The whole point of this project is to find what that connection is. The basket may have
thought you and Ron could be paired, maybe even you and Luna, but you and Hermione seemed to have
the strongest connection. But I'll say again, I didn't tell it to pair you two
specifically. I am however looking forward to what connection you find.' Harry looked away to
the window to avoid Topher's smile again, knowing he would blush once more.

`You wanted to talk about something?' Harry asked, remembering Hermione was waiting, as was
Hagrid.

`Yes. I was talking to Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore about my lessons, and I found
a problem. Dueling will take too long for me to cover. We have too many important topics to learn,
and I can't cut any of them without leaving serious gaps. I would love to just teach a dueling
outside class, but I don't have the time. I have to continue research, and my own defence
learning. When said I couldn't teach dueling, Dumbledore mentioned you.' Topher took his
seat, leaning back and placing his hands behind his head, and Harry sat down in front of the
desk.

`Harry, a few years ago, you ran a dueling club correct? Now I know you have enough on your plate
as it is, but this is something students need to understand. You know this better than any of them.
Would you be willing to restart this club?'

Harry honestly didn't want to start Dumbledore's Army again. The DA was primarily a way for
Harry to rebel against Umbridge when she took over in fifth year. He wanted others to learn
dueling, and he enjoyed seeing students progress with spells, but it took time to make lessons, and
teach them. In fifth year, Harry had the time to spare, but now, he didn't have enough of it.
Adding more wood to the fire would not help keep it under control.

`Topher, I can't. I have too many things going right now; I don't have the time' Harry
responded regretfully. Topher moved forward in his chair, and took an object out of his dark green
robes. He glanced at it, and then looked at Harry.

`There is a way, you could have the time' he attested softly, taking the object and placing it
on the desk for Harry to see. Harry leaned in, and picked it up carefully, remembering the last
time he saw it; in third year, and around Hermione's neck.

`A Time Turner? But I thought using one was forbidden?'

`Not forbidden, just ill-advised. This Time Turner was Professor Dumbledore's. It belongs to
Hogwarts now, but it's meant for special circumstances. Very special circumstances. If you
agree to teaching, you would be allowed to use this to have the time available. You would only be
allowed to use it for this dueling club, nothing else. Now, Hermione is waiting for you, so if I
could have that please' he said, gesturing to the Time Turner. Harry handed it back, and he
stood up, as did Topher.

`Think about it Harry. The professors are worried about students not coming back after Christmas.
If you announce you're going to be teaching dueling classes in the new year, some might return
for it. Let me know as soon as possible what your answer is' he said. Harry left the room, and
he and Hermione made their way to Hagrid's hut. Harry mentioned Topher's proposal, and
Hermione seemed to agree with him.

`I think it would be a wonderful thing to start the DA again. People need it Harry, more now than
ever. Plus if what the Sorting Hat comes true, students will have to know how to duel in case the
worst should happen' Hermione commented as they trudged through the snow. A path was carved out
of the plain of snow that covered the ground, but it was very narrow, and getting good footing
proved difficult.

A few times Hermione almost fell over, but Harry was quick to grab her. He could feel his insides
shivering when he would have his hands on her sides helping her up. He had been close to Hermione
like this before, but he found himself feeling very nervous now. A few times the thought of just
kissing her crept in, but by time he decided no, she was already walking ahead of him, and he had
to run to catch up.

Once they reached Hagrid's cabin, Harry gave a hollow knock on the door, and the two waited. It
was cold outside, and both Harry and Hermione were keeping their arms close to themselves to
preserve any warmth. Hagrid opened the door, and Harry instantly knew Hagrid was in a good
mood.

`Harry, Hermione! Com'on in!' he boomed to the two of them, wearing an almost idiotic
looking smile. Harry and Hermione exchanged odd looks, but thankfully entered. Once they took their
winter robes, they saw the reason for Hagrid's smile.

`Bonjour Madame Maxime' Hermione charmed to the overly-large woman, who was sitting down at the
table with Hagrid. Both of them were sitting within close distance, but did not seem to be in one
of those lovey-dovey moods, something Harry was thankful for.

`Bonjour Miss Granger, Hagrid was joost telling me about you t-oo. Congratulation in receiving ze
post of `ead boy and girl' Madame Maxine said. Harry looked at Hermione apprehensively.

`You know Hagrid, we can come back another time if you'd like' he started, Hagrid putting
up a waving hand in response.

`No, yeh not be needin' to do that Harry. Olympe here just stopped by for a spot `o tea is all.
Com'n pull up a chair' he said cheerfully. Harry and Hermione took two smaller wooden
chairs from the side, and set them next to the large table. Once they sat down, silence filled the
cabin for a moment, before Madame Maxime stood. Harry wondered if her head would hit the ceiling,
but luckily it didn't.

`Well, I should get goe-ing. I `ave busy-ness to do in `ogsmede. Nice to see you `arry and
`ermione' she expressed. Harry and Hermione waved goodbye, and Hagrid escorted her out the
door. He looked back at Harry and Hermione, and the two gave him a contented smile before he closed
the door. Once Harry heard the doorknob click shut, he turned to Hermione.

`They're definitely still going out' he declared. Hermione smirked as she looked back at
the door.

`Well, I think it's a good thing. I couldn't imagine Hagrid trying with someone else. They
are made for each other.'

`In more ways than one' Harry added. They looked at each other, and burst into chuckles,
knowing full well what Harry meant. Their laughter died down slowly, and silence again filled the
cabin. Harry was looking around the inside of the cabin, however his eyes periodically fell onto
Hermione. Harry smiled a little when he noticed her twiddling her thumbs on her lap. She
couldn't feel nervous too, could she?

`What are you doing for Christmas?' Hermione asked suddenly.

`Well, Ron's not sure if his parents will be staying at the Burrow. The Delacours invited them
to France for Christmas, and Mr. Weasley's just waiting to see if he can make a secure Floo
connected that will work properly. Sounds like they will be going though, so I'll probably be
staying here. What about you?'

`I was planning on spending time with my parents and family, but I'm not sure if it will be
safe. The Order put protection on my family, I asked them to over the summer, but you remember
Remus' last letter. The Order is having a hard time, and they're stretched thin, so I might
stay here. I can see my parents for a few days maybe, but not the whole time. Besides, we should
use the time to research' she said matter of factly.

Mentioning staying at Hogwarts made the inside of Harry's stomach backflip, and sent his mind
into thoughts of walking down deserted and chilly corridors with Hermione, hand in hand, stopping
periodically to kiss, without a care as to if someone would find them.

`I'm sure you'll figure it out' Harry responded, shaking his head back to
reality.

`Have you gotten any gifts yet?'

`No, not really. We haven't been to Hogsmede since the summer. Maybe when students go home
I'll go and get some things. How about you?' Harry asked.

`Well, I have a few things, but I do need to get the bulk of gifts. Maybe if I stay, we can go
together, Ron too' Hermione proposed.

`Sounds good' Harry said, as the door to the cabin opened up again, and Hagrid came barging in
from the cold. He gave his head a shake, causing a cascade of frozen ice and snow to fall.

`Sorry `bout that. Olympe and I haven't seen each other in a while' he explained, striding
over and taking his usually seat, which creaked in protest to the weight being pushed on it.

`You two still seeing each other?' Hermione inquired. Hagrid shifted in his seat, causing it to
creak even more.

`Well . . . I mean . . . I guess so, yeah. Wit' Dumbledore's death and all, we decided ter
take `er easy. I'm hopin' once all this is over wit', me and her can get tergether'
he added sincerely. Harry looked at Hagrid for a moment, and was about to change topics when
Hermione did it for him.

`How are things with Grawp and the Centaurs?' she asked, looking to Harry, who smiled for her
thinking. Harry felt bad for Hagrid and Madame Maxime, but he knew how easily Hagrid could get
emotional over things, and didn't want him to, at least not this visit.

`Grawpy's doin' alright'. The Centaurs are still causin' troubles, but I got'em
in a good spot right now. I'm settin' up his Christmas Tree next week, yer welcome ta join
me if yeh'd like' he invited cheerfully.

`Sorry Hagrid, we have a project for Professor Terrwynebas to do, and need the time' Harry
replied. Hagrid nodded solemnly, but he was looking down again.

`Do you know Professor Terrwynebas Hagrid? You seemed pretty chummy with him at the beginning of
the year' Hermione said.

`Topher? Yeh I know `em. He's a good lad. Both parents dead, and livin' by himself by
eighteen. Dumbledore, good man, gave him the position. He's good at defence against the dark
arts' Hagrid explained. Hermione asked how he knew, and Hagrid seemed to lighten a bit, moving
away from the more depressing topics.

`Met `em last year, when Dumbledore had his meetin' with him. Found out his father, Torrin, was
killed by them dirty rottin' Death Eaters just after You Know Who came back. He ended up
livin' on his own fer a while, but Dumbledore watched'em. He came early in the summer
an' helped me rebuild my hut, while I showed `em around the castle. He's a good lad, and
mighty good at defence. His father was an Auror Trainer.'

`An Auror Trainer? Do they exist?' Harry asked disbelievingly.

`Well, yeh gotta have trainers now don't yeh! `Course he was, one o' the best Dumbledore
told me. He was retired o'course, but he taught Topher a lot. After loos'n his wife, he
wanted Topher ter be ready for anythin'. That's why he home school'd `em. Didn'
want ter take any chances.'

`Wow, I never knew' Hermione whispered. Hagrid got up, and made his way to the stove, and put a
kettle on.

`Yeah, well, don't be tellin' him I told yeh that. I heard from Dumbledore mostly, and a
little from himself. He's very quiet `bout it all, `specially wit' that friend of his'
Hagrid said while looking over the stove.

`What friend?' Harry asked. Hagrid looked down at the kettle, then started shaking his
head.

`I shouldn'a said that. Never you mind `bout that' he instructed, upset at himself for
letting out that information.

Although Harry wanted to know more about this friend, he knew not to push it. Hagrid was already in
a worried state about all the happenings, and with the prospect of Hogwarts closing due to lack of
students. Harry and Hermione stayed with Hagrid for a while, but had to get back to the castle to
do more research.

As they bid farewell to Hagrid, they started their way back up to the castle. It was snowing now,
and the sun had set already, giving the entire scene a wonderful blue hue. The snow, the castle,
the sky; all of it was draped in ever darkening shades of sapphire. Hermione was walking in front
of Harry, and even in the cold of the evening, he could still place the scent of her hair in the
crisp night air.

`I'm famished. I swear, once I get to the castle, I'm going directly to the Great Hall'
Hermione commented as she made her way up the snowy path, her feet crunching all the while.

`I think Ron must be coming off on you' Harry chuckled. Hermione stopped and turned in the
path. She smiled sweetly at him, her hand quietly picking up some snow. Harry knew what was
coming.

In a flash, both of them were pelting snow balls at each other, laughing all the while. The battle
was in full swing, and Harry found himself cheerfully smiling as snow balls whipped by him, while
he darted off the path and into the snowy embankments.

Harry was good at dodging Hermione's poorly aimed snow balls, and soon Hermione was running to
the castle as fast as her feet would take her, Harry following quickly, throwing the odd snow ball
at her back. Harry laughed when one would find its mark, as she would scream and try to run
faster.

Soon after she entered the Entrance Chamber, Harry ran in behind her, and to his surprise, found
the hall empty. Wondering, he turned around, only to get a snow ball square in the face. Hearing a
girlish laugh, he wiped the snow off his face, and found Hermione standing in the doorway in a fit
of laughter, propping herself up against the doorframe. Harry slowly walked over, and she put her
hand up, trying to stop and catch her breath so she could speak.

`Truce?' she gasped, as she slowly came back to normal breathing, and stood up without the aid
of the doorframe. She put her hand out to shake, and Harry took it, smirking all the while, knowing
what lie in his left hand. They let go, and just as Hermione turned to close the doors, Harry took
the small melting piece of ice he was hiding, and slipped it down the back of her shirt.

It was Harry's turn to laugh now, as she erupted into shivers, and gave off a high pitched, but
soft cry, as the ice slowly made it down her back. Her arms immediately shot upwards to her
shoulders, and she slowly turned around, her face shocked and appalled at Harry's action.

`Harry! That's ice cold!' she seethed as she gave another shiver. Harry still was
laughing.

`Way to point out the obvious professor' he chuckled, receiving a slap on the shoulder.

`I'm going to get back at you Harry Potter' she threatened. Harry's laughter subsided,
and he offered his arm. She shook herself for a moment, gave a relaxed smile, and accepting his
arm, the two making their way to the Great Hall.

Many of their fellow sixth and seventh years were talking about the defence project as they ate.
Neville and Ginny were talking to each other about practice times, while Ron mentioned he and Luna
had already ruled out some possibilities for their combined magic.

`Well, it's not our patronus', or disarming. We spent a while just going over some
different spells, and some combined, but nothing really big happened' he commented.

`Were you able to contain yourself while working?' Hermione asked.

`Once we started working, she turned out alright. She stopped all that “crumpled this” and
“girfneimer that.” She's actually pretty likable once she relaxes a little' he said,
getting back to his chicken pie. Ginny whispered something to Hermione, and the two shared a small
fit of giggles.

`What?' Ron asked.

`Do you have a thing for Luna?' she asked, breaking into giggles again. Ron's cheeks turned
rosy, and her giggles increased, and spread to Hermione as well.

`Would you two keep it down!' Ron whispered loudly. Ginny put her hand to her mouth, and
muffled her laughs. It took a bit of effort.

`Since when?' Hermione asked, her laughs able to stop before Ginny's.

`I don't know, just the last few months. Just don't be going and telling her' Ron
requested. Ginny broke into another fit of giggles again, her face growing redder by the second
from the constant laughing. `What?' Ron said, beginning to get upset.

`Ronny and Loony, sittin' in a tree' she started, however not getting any farther from her
and Hermione bursting into laughter again. It took Harry a lot of effort not to laugh as well, but
he was luckily able to keep it to a smile. Ron of course, was not pleased.

For what must have been the first time in his life, Ron left his plate, which still had food on it,
and left without looking back. Ginny's face fell as he got up, and she tried to tell him it was
just joke, but Ron was concentrated too much in getting away from them to hear. Harry decided to
try and go help, telling Hermione he would meet up with her later. Harry walked quickly out, and
found Ron walking towards Gryffindor Tower.

`Hey Ron, relax. They were just joking' Harry assured as he got to his side.

`I know Harry. Ginny just reacted like Fred and George would. I just wish once they wouldn't
laugh at me' he said quietly, slowing his pace as they started down an empty passage.

`They don't laugh at you Ron. Ginny . . . well, you are right, she has spent too much time
around Fred and George, but she's just kidding when she does things like that. I think it's
great you like Luna' Harry voiced. He was, of course, glad for Ron in more than one way. Now
that he admitted he liked someone else, this meant he was over Hermione. At least Harry hoped
that's what it meant.

`Well, thanks Harry. I mean, Luna is a weird one, but I like that about her. A lot of these girls,
they're all the same. Hermione is different, but we didn't work out, which is fine. With
Luna, she is different, and I just don't mean with the-` he turned his index fingers around the
side of his head, making a crazy-like pose. `She's changed a lot since fifth year.'

By this time, the two were walking up to the seventh floor, and to the Fat Lady. Ron gave the
password, and the two entered the empty common room. Everyone was eating supper, so it was not
surprising to find it empty.

Once they sat down, Ron gave a sigh, and looked at the fire with a sullen expression. Harry looked
out the window, watching the white flakes of snow gather on the windowsill.

`Do you think it's ever going to end?' Ron asked.

`What?'

`This war. Lavender left yesterday after those attacks near her family's house, and even Seamus
is talking about leaving. He said there are less attacks in Ireland, so he might be better to go
there. I just get worried about Mum and Dad. Everyone knows we're blood traitors, and you know
as much as I do, that some Death Eaters would love to sack home.' The picture from Harry's
dream of the Dark Mark floated into his mind again, but he pushed it out quickly.

`It'll be over soon Ron. Don't worry about your folks, they'll be fine. Your mum could
take on five Death Eaters, and would still have time to yell at them to tuck in their shirts'
he said, receiving a smile from Ron. Harry looked over to the door, wondering when Hermione and
Ginny would be getting here. Ron looked at Harry, then the door.

`So how was the visit with Hagrid?' he asked, breaking the quietness.

`It was alright. Madame Maxime was there visiting, but she left. Hagrid's doing alright though.
Found out Topher's father was an Auror Trainer.'

`They have those?' Ron asked, Harry grinned.

`Yeah. I think I might ask Topher about it' Harry answered, looking back at the door. Ron
smiled, as he looked at Harry, and how he was drumming his fingers on the couch without
noticing.

`Do you like her mate?' he asked. Harry was still looking at the doorway, and snapped his head
over when he realized Ron said something.

`Sorry, what?' said Harry. Ron chuckled.

`Do you like her?' he asked again. Harry's hand began to drum faster.

`Who?'

`Professor Trelawney. Who do you think! Hermione.' Harry took his drumming hand and clasped it
in his other, to dampen it. It didn't work that well, and he found his hands sweating, knowing
full well that Ron was looking right at him.

`I don't know' Harry answered. He didn't know how Ron would react, and didn't want
to start a fight. Ron smiled again, and looked at Harry thoughtfully.

`Look mate, it's fine if you do. I think it'd be great if you did. I still like Hermione,
but she's a friend. I won't hate you if you like her' he said wisely. Harry lowered his
head and allowed a sigh out. He was extremely glad Ron understood the situation. He had to admit,
he was also surprised by his comments, but they were men now, so being childish about problems
didn't occur as much now.

`I do like her Ron, more than anyone else. I'm sorry' Harry expressed quietly.

`Sorry for what?' Ron asked oddly.

`About Ginny. I said I broke up with her so she'd be safe, and now I have a thing for another
girl.'

`Ginny's fine Harry. Besides, I think she has a thing for a guy' Ron added.

`Who?'

`Heck if I know. She just said some guy she's friends with' he explained. Silence again
filled the common room, and Harry looked up from the carpet.

`So what should I do?' Harry asked. He honestly didn't know. He liked Hermione, but
didn't want to have Ginny mad at him.

`You like her right?' he asked again. Harry nodded, and he continued. `Then go for it mate. If
you're worried about Ginny, then just talk to her. For me, you and Hermione deserve each
other' he approved. Harry was smiling at his comments, on a cloud knowing Ron was alright with
him liking Hermione.

`Thanks Ron' he said. Ron extended his hand, and the two shook on it. Just then, the portrait
hole opened up, and Hermione and Ginny entered.

`About time' Ron said to the two of them, standing up. Ginny walked across the room quickly and
whispered something into Ron's ear. The height difference required Ginny to stand on her
tip-toes, but she got her message through. Ron's expression turned stone cold and pale, and he
looked at Hermione, then Ginny again.

`Oh no' he whimpered, sidestepping Ginny, and running out of the common room frantically. Ginny
burst into laughter, as did Hermione as the portrait closed. Ginny turned and saw Harry's
perplexed look.

`I told him Hermione and I talked to Luna, and we “accidentally” let it slip that he liked her'
she said, laughing again.

`You never even talked to Luna, did you?' Harry asked sarcastically. Ginny continued to laugh,
and shook her head. `You guys are evil' Harry added, laughing himself. He could imagine Ron
trying desperately to explain to Luna the situation. For once he would sound weirder than her.
Ginny took a seat on one of the couches sighing, and Hermione went upstairs to the girl's
dormitory.

`She asked if she could look at one of my spell books for something. She told me Professor
Terrwynebas asked you to start up the DA again.'

`Yeah, I don't know, it's an idea. They don't even know who's coming back after
Christmas' Harry explained, taking a seat next to Ginny on the couch.

`If you're teaching dueling, more people will return than you think. Trust me.' Harry
smiled as his mind returned to Hermione, and he began twiddling his thumbs again. Ginny looked
closely at Harry, then glanced up at the dormitory.

`Just ask her out Harry. She likes you' Ginny said out of the blue. Harry, shocked, looked at
Ginny.

`Gin, we broke up-`

`We broke up because we wanted to. We're friends now Harry, and if you start going out with
Hermione, believe me, I'll be very happy' she maintained. Harry sighed.

`Am I that obvious? Both you and Ron knew.'

`She's not sure about you liking her, but trust me, she likes you Harry. She has for
years.' Harry couldn't believe what Ginny was saying, but had no time to digest it. The
door opened, and Hermione came back down the stairs.

`Thanks Ginny. Should we get going Harry?' she asked, her face bathed in the amber light from
the fire, flickering on her cheeks and intensifying the ripples in her hair. Harry couldn't
help but stare at her, knowing that she liked him. She actually liked him. Harry had been wondering
about it for a few weeks, and now he knew the truth. He nodded, and in the process of standing up,
felt his knees shake. Ginny gave him a smile, and Harry and Hermione left Gryffindor Tower.

*

`Simula Protego!' Ron and Luna yelled together while standing back to back in the last
defence class before Christmas. A blue transparent sphere enveloped the two of them, and Topher
motioned some in the class to try throwing jinxes and spells at the two. Every spell bounced back
from the orb, and Topher clapped, along with most of the class, at their combined magic.

`Excellent! A combined Shielding Charm. Very effective. I wouldn't be surprised if it could
diffuse an Unforgivable Curse or two. Good job to both of you' Topher cheered. Ron and Luna
moved to the side, and gave each other a hug in happiness.

Ron had, the night Ginny tricked him, made an utter fool of himself in front of Luna, but they
started dating. Harry still hadn't come up with the nerve to tell Hermione the truth, but he
was becoming edgy with it all. The time they spent working on their combined magic made Harry feel
great, and when they would connect physically, by either accident or intentional, shivers would run
up his spine and through his chest, making his heart thunder.

`Alright. Ginny and Neville are next. Please take your place, and good luck' Topher encouraged.
The two took their spots, smiled at each other as they turned, and stood back to back. Both raised
their wands, and tapped their feet.

`Simula Aflatus!' they yelled together. Every person in the room, except Ginny and Neville,
were thrown back to the walls of the classroom. People hit the walls, and easily slid down to the
ground. Topher made the walls rubberized for the day's class, knowing some spells would cause
people to hit them. Once he stood up, everyone again was clapping, Ginny and Neville taking a
bow.

`A combined Blasting Curse. Different, but it definitely worked well. Good job. Now, Harry and
Hermione' he said, looking over at Harry and smiling.

The two walked to the middle of the room, and Hermione gave him a warm smile, making his heart
momentarily melt. They stood back to back, and Harry could feel Hermione's hair grazing his
neck like a tiny river of silk. He put up his wand, and could feel Hermione doing the same.

`When you're ready' Topher relayed. Harry nodded, and raised his wand above his head like
they practiced. It took them a few days, but they ended up finding a spell that combined
excellently. Harry put in his mind, the memory of him and Hermione hugging, and took a deep
breath.

`Simula Expecto Patronum!' they both yelled. A blinding white light connected between their
wands, and created a sphere around the two of them, radiating outwards in pulses, filling the
entire room in an alabaster radiance. Everyone had to cover their eyes, and many fell over in the
process.

While the ivory orb encompassed the two of them, Harry felt Hermione's hand reach into his own,
and grip it tightly. Harry squeezed back, and he could see the sphere intensify in its brilliance.
He lowered his wand, and broke the connection. The white shield died out, and the room returned to
normal.

Students in the room stood, and looked awestruck at both Harry and Hermione. Topher stood, helping
Theodore Nott to his feet, and walked to the two Heads.

`That was amazing you two! I've read of Patronus Sphere's before, they are quite rare. Very
well done! Everyone' Topher announced, turning to the class, `excellent job here! Homework for
the holidays: none! Work on your spells and defenses, and I will see you all in the New Year. If
you have any questions, feel free to owl me here, or come talk to me.' The class, happy for
hearing no homework, exited the classroom joyfully. Many of the students said goodbye to Topher,
and wished him a good Christmas. Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny waited behind.

`Bloody hell! That was . . . wow!' Ron expounded, giving Harry a clap on the shoulder. Ginny
came up and smiled at Harry and Hermione. Harry looked down, and found his chest tremble, seeing he
was still holding onto Hermione's hand. Even a small thing like that caused him to feel like
jelly.

Once Topher said goodbye to the last student, he turned and put his hands together. `Harry,
Hermione, that was an amazing piece of magic. Very well done, all of you. Now, have you decided
about running your dueling club Harry?'

`I'll do it. Everyone needs the practice' Harry answered. He knew if the fight was coming
to Hogwarts, students would need to know how to duel. If it had to be him to teach them, so be
it.

`That's great Harry, really. Thank you very much. I'll be announcing it at tonight's
dinner, so students know before leaving on the train tomorrow. Are you staying at Hogwarts or going
somewhere for the break?'

`I'm staying here.'

`I will be as well. If you don't mind, could I talk to Harry alone' he asked the others.
Everyone left the cold classroom, and Harry took his seat in front of Topher's desk.

`Harry, would you like to accompany me on a trip this Sunday? I have a tradition I do every year,
since my father passed away, on December 21st, and I would like for you to come' Topher
requested, sitting down in his chair and looking out at the snow falling outside the windows.

`Where do you go?' Harry asked.

`To my parents' graves. I go and visit them every winter solstice. There is something there I
think you would be interested in seeing' he explained.

`I can go with you, sure.' They agreed on a time and place to meet, and Harry left for
lunch.

*

The morning of the 21st, Harry woke to find a clear blue sky. He was meeting Topher just after
lunch, and planned on making a trip to Hogsmede that morning to get Christmas gifts. Hermione, Ron,
and Luna were going as well, and they planned on keeping their shopping as brief as possible.

They all met in the Entrance Hall, and left together. Harry and Hermione received permission from
Professor McGonagall to allow them to go, provided they had two Aurors with them. At first they
were upset with this predicament, but when they reached the gates of the school, they were happy to
see some familiar faces.

`Tonks! Baldric!' Harry exclaimed to the two Aurors. Tonks was wrapped up in a warm looking
winter cape, while Baldric wore a simple black cloak. Tonks light pink hair clashed violently with
the dark blue shade of her cape.

`Wotcher Harry' Tonks replied, motioning the students to walk ahead.

`I didn't know you were an Auror' Harry commented to Baldric, whose hazel eyes continually
searched the area around them.

`Magical Law Enforcement had me crash trained in basic Auror practices. I'm not an Auror
exactly, but I'll suffice for now' he explained. They walked to Hogsmede easily, and
started their shopping.

Hermione and Luna went with Tonks, while Harry and Ron went with Baldric. It took the guys a few
hours, but they were able to get all their gifts within reasonable time, save one.

Harry couldn't find a gift for Hermione. He wanted to give her something to show his feelings,
but couldn't find a suitable gift. Ron suggested some ideas, but Harry doubted a silver quill
would show his love, or perfume like Ron gave her the year before. It was when they entered Stone
Sapphire Jewelry Shop that Harry figured he found his store.

`This is perfect. I have to find something here' Harry exclaimed as they entered the small
shop, the bell above the door chiming.

Thousands of trinkets and flashy items stood in display cases, all crammed next to each other,
making the tiny shop look even smaller. A short, elderly man with tiny spectacles and wispy white
hair walked through a small passageway in between two display cases, and approached the men.

`Hello there gentlemen. Are you looking for a gift for a loved one? If so, search no further!'
he said jovially. Harry began looking, but found the items either too small, too big, or too much
of something else to be perfect. He started looking over a display, when the shopkeeper looked
closely at Harry.

`Oh, I remember when I sold that' he said, motioning to his locket. Harry reached at it, and
like many times before, shined the exterior of it with his fingers.

`You do?'

`Why yes young sir. Nice chap, bought it for his love. How did you come by it?' the man asked,
rubbing his bushy white mustache.

`It was my father's' Harry responded.

`I see. Well, are you looking for that special gift for someone?' the old man asked. Harry
nodded, and the scruffy man moved closer. `I think I know just the thing you're looking
for.'

The gift Harry was shown was perfect, and he bought it right away. He didn't have to worry
about hiding it, and it made the ideal thing to get for Hermione, especially in these
circumstances.

They met up with the women, their gifts in tow, and they headed back to the castle. Harry
couldn't help but smile at Hermione, knowing the gift he would be giving to her.

Once they entered the castle, they put their items away carefully, and had lunch, Harry leaving
early to meet Professor Terrwynebas just outside his classroom. Topher was set with his black
winter cloak, and the two of them made their way out of the grounds.

`Now Harry, nothing should happen, but if it does, Apparate away as fast as possible. Come back to
Hogsmede. Alright?' he asked. Harry nodded, and the two exited the grounds.

`OK Harry, take my arm. We won't be gone long, but I don't know, you may wish to stay
longer than I. In any case; one, two, three!' With a turn, Harry felt the siphoning envelope
his body, and as soon as it started, the tube like feeling left, and Harry's feet hit snow
covered ground.

The snow was only a few inches thick here, so it wasn't too hard to walk around, compared to
the several feet of snow at Hogwarts. Harry looked around, and found himself in a wooded area,
which stood next to an empty field. It looked familiar to him.

`Where are we?' Harry asked to Topher, who was now walking down a small path in the woods,
moving to a clearing ahead.

`We're just outside North Nibley, near Bristol' he answered, continuing forwards, moving
the odd branch out of the way.

North Nibley . . . Harry remembered that name from somewhere. It was not until they came into a
clearing in the woods that he noticed a familiar looking road running parallel to the path.

`We're near Godric's Hollow!' Harry proclaimed. Topher stood at the beginning of the
clearing, and smiled at Harry.

`Yes we are. My parents are buried here, in this graveyard' he explained, motioning to the area
in front of the two, which Harry now saw was littered with simple tombstones. Some rose taller than
others, but most stood one or two feet, and were made of black or charcoal coloured stone and
granite.

Topher moved around the edge, and walked along until turning, and stepping three steps in, standing
in front of two stones. Harry stood farther back, and watched Topher flick his wand, and place a
white trillium on each of the graves. He stayed knelling, and cleared the names off the tops.

`Harry, you can come closer' he said quietly. Harry slowly made his way over, his feet
crunching on the snow and dead leaves that lay below, and he read the tombstones Topher just
cleared.

Torrin Terrwynebas
1942 - 1995
*Beloved Father, and Teacher*

Eleanor Terrwynebas (Potter)
1948 - 1981
*Mother, Wife, and Friend*

`Potter?' Harry whispered. He looked to Topher, who was nodding as he stood up. `But that
means-`

Topher put up his hand, walked over to another set of tombstones, and wiped the snow off the top
again. Harry stood dumbfounded, and Topher encouraged him over. He and Topher couldn't be
related, could they?

Harry slowly made his way, and Topher pointed to the tombstones he just wiped. Harry leaned in to
read the inscriptions, and his eyes grew wide in astonishment.

James Potter
1958 - 1981
*Marauder Forever, and Everlasting Friend*

Lily Potter (Evans)
1958 - 1981
*Eternally Missed, Mother and Friend*

Harry stared at the stones, unable to comprehend where he was, or what he was looking at. For
the longest time he could remember, he wanted to visit his parents' graves. With so much
happening in the last few months, he forgot of his request to Lupin to see his them. Topher brought
Harry back with a calmly placed hand on his shoulder.

`I thought you'd like to see them' he expressed somberly. Harry looked back at him, and
gave a thankful smile, as tears welled up in his eyes, while his hands continued to lay on his
parents headstones.

Harry felt closer to them now than any other time he could remember. The quietness of the area only
increased the peacefulness Harry was feeling, as he slowly lowered himself, and kneeled down on the
cold ground in between the two graves. Topher, very quietly, walked away and gave Harry and his
parents some time.

`Mom, Dad. I can't believe I've found you' Harry began, talking quietly to the ground.
`There's so much I want to say . . . but I don't have the weeks to say them. I just want to
let you know . . . I'm alright. School's going well, I've some great friends' he
breathed. He could feel the warm tears falling down his cold cheeks, and he lowered his head, and
gave a small laugh. `I'm- I'm in love too Mom and Dad. She's great, and I know
you'd like her. I have my Christmas gift for her, and Dad, I'll try and make you
proud.' Another wave of tears came, and Harry placed his hands on their headstones again.

Somehow, Harry felt his parents were there with him in some respect; that they were always around
him, encouraging him and watching out for him. Harry looked at their grave stones, and felt humbled
by being there, in the cold forest, his legs freezing from laying on the ground.

Harry saw a shadow reappear, and looked up to see Topher coming back slowly.

`I'm sorry Harry, but we need to get back.' Harry looked back at the stones, and nodded,
slowly getting to his feet, and taking a step back.

Topher, seeing the look in Harry's eyes, conjured two white lilies, and gave them to Harry. He
placed each on the stones, and kissed them into place. Harry led the way, and slowly walked back
and onto the path. They walked quietly, until Harry finally asked the question he was going to ask
earlier.

`On your mother's stone, it said “Potter”. Does that mean-?'

`Yes Harry, we're related. My mother's maiden name was Potter, though she was only one of
your father's cousins. That would make me a second cousin of yours I believe.'

`So we're family?' Harry asked. Topher stopped where they first Apparated, and
smiled.

`In a sense. I thought you'd like to see your parents, and hear that, even distantly, you still
have some living family' he maintained. Harry looked back up the path, and back to
Topher.

`Thanks Topher. For everything, really' Harry said. Topher smiled, and placed a hand on
Harry's shoulder.

`Merry Christmas Harry.'

`Merry Christmas.'

*

On Christmas Eve, Harry felt like he was walking on needles. He woke up on the day knowing what
he would be doing that night. He couldn't believe it already arrived. He was worried if his
plan wouldn't work, and would just cause massive destruction; but having Ron and Ginny express
their hopes for Harry, he felt confident things would work alright. Of course, by the way he acted,
it was clear he was scared beyond belief.

At breakfast, he was already sitting down at the table when Hermione came in. Wearing some simple
muggle clothes, Harry literally fell off his chair. He couldn't believe how wonderful she
looked, and internally hated that she had to look so perfect on this day. He knew it would make
things harder on him later that night.

`Oh my, Harry, are you alright?' she asked, reaching over, and helping Harry. He accepted her
hand, and immediately felt his palms sweating. She gave a tug, and he stood up, running into the
table in the process, causing some of the dishes to buckle on the table.

`I'm fine, I'm fine. I . . . um, I have to go and um . . .'

`Help me with a gift' Ron finished. Harry gave Ron a grateful look, and the two left the Great
Hall, which was filled by a few dozen students who stayed at Hogwarts. Once they walked out of the
Hall, they made their way to the East Tower.

`Harry mate, you're a mess. You need to relax' he advised. Harry laughed harshly.

`Relax! It's impossible, you saw how she looked' he stated.

`Look, just be yourself Harry. It's just Hermione.'

`It's not “just Hermione”' Harry commented, as they entered the common room. Harry threw
himself into his seat, and Ron took his normal one from the desk. Harry gave a sigh, and allowed
his body to go limp in an effort to relax.

`This is going to be a long day' said Harry to the fire, rubbing his forehead.

As the day moved on, Harry continually found himself around Hermione. He, Hermione, Ron, Luna, and
Ginny all walked around the grounds, and met up with Hagrid, who was wrapping Grawp's gift.
Hagrid was going to show them it, however Harry protested when he heard the “gift” growl.

Once they finished, all of them returned to the East Tower common room, were Harry and Hermione
invited other upper year students for a get together for Christmas.

The party, though it was a quiet event, went smoothly, and soon everyone was leaving for supper.
Harry and Hermione stayed late, and cleaned up, and just as Hermione was leaving, Harry leaned
against the desk and sighed.

`Harry, aren't you coming for supper?' she asked.

`I'll be down in a minute' he answered shakily. She hesitated for a moment, but nodded, and
left. Harry walked up to his dormitory, and stood in front of the mirror, trying to encourage
himself.

*Come on Potter! You love her, and she loves you! Do it after supper!* He took his
mother's locket, and once more shined it with his hand. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath,
and made his way to the Great Hall.

Once supper was done, Hermione asked if Ron and Luna would be joining them in the Tower, however
Ron said they had to go somewhere. Ginny was meeting up with someone in the Gryffindor common room,
and Harry was left to walk with Hermione back to the common room. As Ron walked away with Luna, he
gave Harry a thumbs up, and Harry felt his anxiety increase tenfold. While they walked to the East
Tower, Harry rather clumsily, Hermione took notice of his nervousness, and tried to calm him
down.

`Harry, are you alright? You've been really nervous looking lately. Is it about the Horcruxes
or Voldemort?' she asked, placing her hand on Harry's forearm. The act, being so simple,
made Harry feel a massive rush of emotion and shivers in his chest.

`Let's go for a walk' Harry stated suddenly with confidence.

`Alright, to where? The Kitchens, Gryffindor Tower?'

`No, outside, around the lake' Harry suggested. Hermione looked at him for a moment, but
nodded. They got their cloaks from the common room, and walked outside onto the dark grounds.

The lights from the castle allowed them to barely see a path carved in the snow that led to the
lake. They walked quietly, and as they moved father away from the castle, they became more
dependant on the moon and starlight to guide them. Soon enough, after a few minutes of walking,
their breaths the only sound breaking the complete silence, they arrived at the edge of the lake.
It was hard to tell where the edge was, since it was covered in ice, but they knew they were close.
They looked around, and cleared off the surface of a sizable rock, and sat down next to each other.
Both just looked around at their surroundings.

The scene was entirely still. The dark hills and mountains that covered the horizon blending into
the dark night sky, while snow and ice coloured the landscape indigo. Looking back, the windows of
Hogwarts contrasted warm yellow against the dark blue that coloured the castle stones. Looking up
at the sky, the stars shown brightly in the cold winter air; the Milky Way streaking across the
vast expanse like a shimmering river running through a dark and empty gorge. Harry breathed in the
cool winter air, the scent of honeysuckle once more making its presences felt, and looked high into
the night sky.

`Remus is transformed' he spoke quietly, the full moon radiating brightly against the darkness.
Harry looked at Hermione, and found she was shivering.

`Are you alright?' he asked worriedly. She shivered again, and Harry wrapped his arms around
her, and she gladly accepted, moving over and sitting on Harry's lap. She placed her head
against Harry's chest, and he looked down at Hermione.

Her hands were shivering, as was most of her body. Her hair, though cold, still gave off a vibrant
smell of honeysuckle, and Harry, trying to get her warm, held her tightly. She placed her hands
against Harry's chest, and she nestled herself right in. Harry, even though cold himself, felt
his insides becoming warmer by the second.

`Do you want to go back to the castle?' Harry asked quietly, looking down at Hermione. She
looked up at him, and Harry became lost in the sight.

They were both very close to each other. Harry's eyes fell right on hers, and he found he
couldn't look anywhere else. Even in the darkness, her eyes held an unbelievable amount of
emotion and warmth. Her face was perfect to Harry, in the most absolute way he could imagine. Her
cheeks, rounded and tinged red from the cold, her nose, the softest and cutest Harry ever dreamed;
her smile, and the wonderful dimples that only came out when she smiled, and her simple yet
completing chin. It all manifested into the girl that Harry gazed at in front of him.

Harry felt his chest melt, feeling Hermione so close and seeing the expression in her face, and her
eyes. He smiled pleasantly at her, and she gave a cozy smile in response, continuing to gaze at
Harry.

`I'm happy where I am thank you' she expressed sweetly. Harry felt his fingers, along with
all his other body parts tingle with her response, and her gaze. Harry gave her a gentle squeeze,
and she pressed against Harry's chest, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply. Harry closed his
eyes as well, and rubbed Hermione's back with his hand. He could barely feel his feet, so he
knew they had to return to the castle. He never wanted to leave this rock, but he didn't want
to freeze to it either.

`Com'on' Harry said softly. Hermione rubbed her head into Harry's shoulder, eyes still
closed, and nodded slowly. She sat up, and slid off Harry. Harry stood up and the two slowly made
their way back to the castle in silence again, this time walking arm in arm.

Every once in a while, Harry would glance at Hermione, and smile at the calm and simple expression
on her face. It felt so wonderful to Harry to have Hermione on his arm, walking along quietly with
no worries.

Once they entered the common room, they both discarded their cloaks, and changed into some more
comfortable clothing. Harry donned a simple pair of blue pants and a green sweater, while Hermione
wore a dark red knit sweater, which hugged to her amazingly in Harry's mind, and a pair of
brown pants.

A tradition for the Heads, as they were told by Evander, was to decorate the Christmas Tree on the
night of Christmas Eve. Harry never really decorated a tree, and was eager to do it, especially
with Hermione. A six foot pine stood to the side of the fireplace, and once they found some objects
to transfigure into ornaments, they began to hang them.

As they levitated them into place, Harry continually found himself staring at Hermione, watching
the twinkling and glow from the ornaments and fire dancing playfully across her face. Hermione
caught his eye sometimes, and gave a laugh when an ornament he was hanging would fall on his
head.

They finished the tree eventually, and both put their gifts underneath, as was the custom. As Harry
placed his last gift under, the two of them sitting in front of the tree on the carpet next to the
fireplace, he felt it was the perfect time, and he could feel his hands and feet trembling with
anticipation.

`Hermione, how would you feel if we exchanged gifts now?' he asked, trying hard to keep the
shakiness out of his voice. Hermione placed her last gift under the tree, and looked to Harry,
tilting her head cutely in mock thinking, and giving a cheerful smile.

`Alright, but you have to open mine first!' she expounded. Harry nodded grinning, and Hermione
bolted up to her room for Harry's gift. Harry stayed in his place, and waited, mentally
encouraging himself. She returned less than a minute later, looking down at Harry with a curious
look, while holding a small wrapped box.

`You were fast' she noted. Harry gave a shrug, and Hermione sat back down in front of Harry,
closer this time than before, and placed the small box in front of him.

`Now it isn't the greatest gift, but I thought you would like it' she confessed. Harry
slowly unwrapped the box, and opened it.

Inside, under a few layers of tissue paper, there was a clay-like bowl, smooth on the inside, and
carved on the outside with runes and symbols that marked the perimeter.

`A Pensieve?' Harry stated. Hermione nodded, and she moved the now empty box away and moved
closer to Harry. He could feel his body radiate in shivers as she came closer.

`I made it. It took a little research, mostly from one of Dumbledore's books, because you
can't make Pensieves out of anything, and they have to be certain dimensions. But I thought,
with all the thoughts in your head, you might do well to have somewhere to, say, clean the
cupboard' she exclaimed. Harry examined the small Pensieve, which was about the size of a small
soul bowl, and looked at the inscriptions.

`What does it say?'

`Around the rim, it says “Herein Lie Memories and Thoughts for None to See”, and on the lower
circle, it says “To Harry Love Hermione”. My name' she pointed out a set of Rune markings, `I
found was quite difficult to translate.' Harry looked at the bowl carefully, Hermione watching
him closely for his reaction, and he grinned in happiness.

`Wow, I mean, this is amazing Hermione. Thank you so much.' She beamed at him heartily, and the
both leaned in and gave each other a hug. They held on for a few moments, and let go, looking back
at each other, still smiling.

`For your gift, I need you to close your eyes' Harry instructed.

`As long as your gift isn't slimy, and moves' Hermione warned, closing her eyes and
grinning. Harry got up, and moved around behind Hermione, next to the tree.

`Harry where are you going?' Hermione asked, eyes still shut. Harry shushed her, and making
sure she wasn't looking, reached around the back of his neck, and took off his mother's
locket. He opened it, reread the inscription, and draped the necklace around her neck. He felt her
quiver as his hand and the metal touched her skin. She opened her eyes, and looked down just as
Harry closed the clasp.

`Oh Harry' she whispered, looking at the silver disk, and glancing over her shoulder at Harry,
who was smiling intensely.

`Open it' Harry said. Hermione, looking down at the locket again, turned it in front of her
face, and opened it. Although it was close to her eyes, she could easily make out the inscription.
Harry smiled again as Hermione gave a sniff, and her eyes began to tear as she read the tiny
inscription.

*To my
dearest Hermione

All my love
Harry*

Harry had the Jeweler re-inscribe the locket. He knew full well why his father got it for his
mother, and felt it was more than fitting to give to Hermione twenty years to the day James gave it
to Lily.

Harry gently placed his hands on her shoulders, and a few tears broke free, and ran down her smooth
cheeks. Harry gave a squeeze to her shoulders, and she sniffled again. He slowly shuffled his way
around, and made it so he was facing Hermione. She was still holding the locket, and cried more as
she looked into Harry's eyes. Harry thought she looked absolutely beautiful. He took a deep
breath, and plunged forward, letting his thoughts pour out through is mouth.

`Hermione, I've known you for so long, and I never want to loose you. When I've fallen, you
picked me up; when I thought of turning away, you pushed me forward. You've always been there
for me, even when I didn't deserve it. I know we have a tough time ahead, and I can't go on
without telling you how much you mean to me' Harry expressed warmly. He couldn't help as
more tears spilled from Hermione's eyes, tears forming in his eyes at his own words.

`You mean so much to me Hermione, you always have. There isn't a day that passes that I'm
not grateful for me and Ron saving you from that Troll in first year. I can't imagine my world
without you, and the truth is' he took a hiccupped breath, as tears streamed down his face, `I
love you Hermione.'

Hermione stopped sniffling, and looked directly into Harry's eyes. Harry found himself lost in
a sea of chestnut, bronze, and chocolate. He felt her eyes penetrating more than just his exterior,
but his soul and his mind. Her features in the waning firelight were, to Harry, beyond
description.

As they looked at each other, they slowly inched closer. Harry's body was so far from tingling,
feeling on the brink of electrocution. As Harry felt Hermione's breath on his face, it send a
tremor down his spine, right to his toes. Harry closed his eyes slowly, and plummeted forward the
seemingly vast space, and their lips connected softly.

At that moment, Harry's mind became nothing; lost to all other things going on in the universe
except this kiss, as his stomach performed summersaults. Hermione's lips, though tinged with
salt from her tears, were exactly as Harry imagined; amazing in their fullness, softness, and every
other aspect, with a hint of strawberries.

Harry wasted no time, and wrapped his arms around Hermione tightly, and she pressed into him,
forcefully pushing her arms around to his back. Harry dared to deepen their kiss, and Hermione
obliged passionately, returning with as much fire into it as Harry was putting in. As they began to
caress each others backs, and Harry began running his hands through her hair, their passion began
to burn like a wildfire.

Allowing the world outside themselves to come back into their minds, they both began to slow their
kiss; winding it down at an infinitely slow pace, letting it gradually turn into a kiss of love and
softness. Harry never wanted the moment to end, but to instead live in it forever. As they slowed
even further, time itself felt like it was standing still, the sound of the fireplace moving
slower, and the firelight no longer flickering. They gradually parted, both keeping their eyes
closed; only to open them a moment later, allowing the silence to fill the room.

The smell of honeysuckle engulfed Harry's senses to the point were he could no longer remember
the smell of anything else. Hermione's body was pushed so firmly against his own; he could feel
all her curves, her warmth, even her heart beat, which soothed him beyond comprehension. He looked
at her, and in her eyes, found affection and desire so immense, he couldn't help but beam at
her. Hermione herself gave a small laugh, and looked deep into Harry's eyes, tears again
starting to form.

`I love you too Harry.' And with that, they then shared their second kiss, sitting on the rug
in front of the Christmas tree, draped in the glow emanating from the hearth.

Meanwhile outside the common room, Evander the Enlightened, who had been watching the corridor
quietly, smiled in his portrait.

**A/N - THERE YOU GO! It took 17 chapters, but H/Hr is now here! Review folks, please! Was it
worth the wait? Did you like how I did it? REVIEW!**



**Spell / Name Meanings:**
**Letifer Lightning** - L. letifer: deadly, mortal (Letifer Lightning = Deadly Lightning)
**Torrin** - Irish Gaelic. torin: chief
**Simula** - L. simul: together
**Aflatus** - L. a-: away, flatus: blast (Aflatus = blast away)
**Eleanor** - Just picked a name really

-->



18. The Escape
--------------



CHAPTER EIGHTTEEN

**The Escape**


Draco was shivering on his dirty and old bed. He was still in his cell, drowning in a deep sense
of hopelessness. He had no idea how much time passed since he first came into this rocky prison,
but he could tell a few months passed. Frost on the ground, and the mist from his breath told him
it was winter. He was lucky that Snape was watching him; casting a Warming Charm on the room once a
day.

At first, after seeing his father die, Draco was a disaster. He didn't eat for days, and
continually cried; to the point his eyes couldn't produce any tears, and his head throbbed
heavily, like it was cleaved in half. Snape said nothing to him when he entered the cell. He simply
came in, dropped some food, and left.

Once he did finish crying, and he started questioning Snape, the pale man stopped entering the
room. He simply slipped his food through the door, and continued not to speak. Draco knew there was
no point in yelling, or pleading; seeing how it didn't work for him before. He simply took the
time, and figured things out for himself.

He knew that Voldemort would eventually kill him. It was only a matter of time. He wondered at
first why he wasn't murdered right away, but he soon realized that keeping him alive, was much
more tormenting. Having to relive his father's death over and over again, just made Draco feel
beyond devastated. He was sure that was what Voldemort wanted. It wasn't enough that he
physically tortured him--he had to also mentally and emotionally torture him too.

After a while, he understood that even if he did somehow get out of his stone cell, he would have
to run. Death Eaters would be on the look for him, and he wouldn't be safe.

One day, as he sat on the cold floor, he remembered the words Albus Dumbledore spoke the last night
he was at Hogwarts. He was already unwilling to carry out Voldemort's task, and
Dumbledore's mutterings carried more meaning than he thought the old man could produce.

He did respect Dumbledore, on some level. He found the old man's easiness to keep calm in harsh
situations something to be revered. Of course, the old windbag was constantly pushing goodness and
togetherness; something that made Draco want to spit to the side in disgust.

But now, in his horrible situation, he could see the meaning of Dumbledore's words. Voldemort
was out for nothing but himself. Draco's father was loyal to the Dark Lord for so long, yet was
killed in the end. All the Death Eaters from Azkaban were more than likely dead, and Draco was set
to suffer in his emotional prison.

Draco thought it out, and figured that if he could get out, he would have to go into hiding, along
with his mother, if she was alive. The Order of the Phoenix would be after him, along with
Voldemort. He was an enemy of both sides; something he hated himself getting into.

As he rolled over on his uncomfortable bed, he found himself, for the first time in ages, hoping
for his mother to be alive. He hadn't seen her since the winter before for Christmas. It was a
horrible affair, with his father still locked in Azkaban. His family lost much respect among the
wizarding elite, and his family's name was beginning to stand for less.

Christmas was a quiet affair—too quiet. Draco couldn't stand how dank and depressing the
mansion felt when he was there. His mother constantly worried over Draco with his task, and he
spent most of this time in his old room, devising how to fix the vanishing cabinet. It was one of
the few times he would be glad to return to Hogwarts.

Since then however, he hadn't seen his mother. He never heard about her, and didn't know if
she was alive. Internally he hoped she was alright. He always knew that his father was the hard
lined one of the two. She didn't deserve to die. As much he hated himself sounding like that
dolt Harry Potter, she was innocent.

He inclined his head, and turned it slightly. He could hear footsteps coming closer. He figured it
was Snape as usual, and put his head back down. The steps stopped outside the door, and the lock
turned. Draco turned around instantly, and stood up.

Snape hadn't come into his cell in months. The door opened, and Draco's face fell.

Wormtail's rat face looked at Draco from the doorway, and he gave a flick of his wand, binding
Draco's hands together.

`What's going on?' Draco asked shakily. Wormtail walked over, and grabbed Draco's
hands, and pushed him out of the cell with his silver hand. Draco asked again what Wormtail was
doing, but he did not respond.

They started up the arched stone stairwell, and Draco definitely knew it was winter. There was snow
on the upper steps, and the air was freezing. Draco was only half way up the flight, and already
shivering. He was still in his raggedy and worn Hogwarts uniform from the summer, so it didn't
provide good warmth.

Draco was pushed once again into the darkened chamber, and hit the floor hard. He was very weak,
and once on the ground, he could only roll over, and look up at the chair where two red eyes looked
at him, covered over with a dark cloak.

`How are you doing Draco?' Voldemort asked in mock politeness. Draco just spat on the ground,
and Voldemort laughed.

`Ah, you think you have no fear now? That you're not afraid to die, and have nothing to loose?
We'll see about that. Crucio!'

Draco's back arched on the floor as the feeling of being electrocuted spread through his body.
He rolled on the floor in agony, while just barely hearing the cold laugh of Voldemort over his own
screams. Voldemort lifted the spell, and Draco finished lying on his side, his cheeks stained with
tears and his whole body shivering and covered in icy sweat.

`You see Draco' Voldemort continued calmly, getting up and walking around the chamber, on the
brink of the shadows, `it's not enough to simply kill you. I realize now that Lucius got off
easy. Disappointment after disappointment, that's all he was.' Draco could do nothing to
reply. He tried to speak, but couldn't make the words sound out.

`And your mother, Narcissa.' Draco looked around for Voldemort, and found the dark figure just
next to him. `She was a coward, like you, and went into hiding. Lovely Bella is looking for her
now, and I expect they will arrive soon. When they do, I'm sure you will have a front row seat
to the show' Voldemort sneered, crackling evilly. Draco, rage stirring in his soul, mustered
the strength to push himself up, and got at least to a kneeling position, looking up at the Dark
Lord.

`Don't you hurt her' Draco threatened. Voldemort smiled, and approached Draco, who lowered
himself slowly.

`I won't hurt her Draco . . . You will' he whispered. His ghostly face made a malevolent
grin, and Draco felt himself standing up, his anger reaching a boiling point. He could feel his
fists, which were still bound, shaking violently.

`Did I say you could stand' Voldemort pointed out, flicking his wand, causing Draco to hit the
stone floor again, his knee caps hitting the surface so hard he heard the crack as they broke.
Draco fell onto his side, and yelled out in pain, while Voldemort casually sat back down in his
chair.

`Snape' he said easily. A figure from the shadows came forward, and the greasy haired man bowed
his head to the Dark Lord.

`Shut him up, and take him back to his cell' Voldemort ordered, as Draco continued to yell out.
Snape turned, cast a Silencing Spell on Draco, flicked his wand, and dragged him by his hands. Once
outside the chamber, he ran his wand over his knees, and fixed them, relieving his pain.

He picked him up off the cold floor, and the two walked back down to Draco's cell. He threw
Draco onto his bed, and looked back up the staircase, before entering the cell, and casting a
Silencing Spell on the room. He turned, and took off the spell on Draco.

`Severus, you have to-`

`Be silent boy. We need to get out of here, soon.'

`Why didn't you try earlier! I've been going through hell the past six months because of
you!' Draco shouted. Snape ran his hand through his greasy looking hair, and leaned against one
of the walls.

`My reasons are my own, so keep your mouth shut. And you know nothing of hell, so don't presume
you do.' He gave a sigh, and looked back up. 'I can tell the Dark Lord is expecting me to
let you go' Snape informed.

`So why now?'

`Because if you torture your mother, and she dies, you will come right after. He knows I will try
and free you before hand, and we will play into his trap, with a twist.'

`Howso?' Draco asked.

`If I free you, I will have to go with you. He is probably expecting us to go to the Order of the
Phoenix, but we won't. I know somewhere else we can go. It's a place he wouldn't dare
return to' Snape said.

`When will we go?'

`Soon. Not now, it would be too early.' He was looking around the room, and checking the door
every few seconds.

`He said Bellatrix is getting my mother! We have to save her' Draco expounded frantically,
getting up from his bed. Snape put up a hand to stop him.

`Worry about yourself. We can't do anything about your mother now. We don't know where she
is.' He lowered his hand, walked to the door. He stopped short, and looked back at Draco, who
was still standing where he left him.

`Tomorrow night . . . Wait to hear the door, pick up your wand, and run.' With that, he turned,
and exited the room without a look back. Draco slowly walked over to his uncomfortable bed, and put
his head in his hands.

One more night, and he would be free. At least that was what Snape said, if he could be trusted. It
could just be another plot by Voldemort--or Snape playing a game on him-- but he needed to take the
chance.

*How could it get worst?* He asked himself, giving a sigh, and lying down to rest.

*

`Is it set?' Voldemort hissed to the tall, russet haired man. He bowed signaling yes, and
his head came back up, his silver eyes penetrating the darkness cast over his face.

`Good. Are you ready Wormtail?' the Dark Lord asked to the watery-eyed man. He came shuffling
up, and nodded, his silver hand glinting in the dim light.

Snape re-entered the chamber, and found four Death Eaters close to Voldemort; who was still sitting
on his throne-like chair. He closed the door quietly, then tried to make his way across the back of
the room in the dark, but of course, he was the one man Voldemort was waiting for.

`Severus. Approach' he said. Snape turned, and presented himself in from of the Dark Lord,
kneeling down, then standing next to the other four; Pettigrew and Lesath on his right, Avery and
Goyle on his left.

`Bella has brought dear Draco's mother. She will be bringing her down soon. Go and fetch
Draco.' Snape kept control of his emotions, and bowed again, leaving the room to get Draco.
Voldemort leaned back in his chair, and smiled evilly.

`Goyle, Avery; go to the entranceway. When Draco and Snape try to escape, try to stun them, but
miss. I need them alive and running. Let them escape, just.' The two men bowed, and left side
by side out the chamber. Wormtail and Lesath moved to be in front of the stage.

`Wormtail, you will wait for Bellatrix, and follow them. If you are an idiot and are seen or
caught--pray they kill you.' Wormtail, worry ever present in his eyes, bowed quickly, and
scurried out of the room, leaving one Death Eater in the dark chamber.

`Lesath. You have proven yourself, and the next task I give you is very important' Voldemort
started. Lesath lowered his head.

`I will do what you wish my Lord.'

`Good. Your task resides in the Department of Mysteries.'

*

Draco was lying awake on his bed in the darkness, a sliver of light coming in under the door. He
was bundled as tightly as could be, since Snape neglected to put a Warming Charm on the room.

He could hear distant footsteps, and it sounded like a few people were moving around. A group must
have returned from a raid. There were groups of Death Eaters that would come and go from the cave
all the time.

He was thinking of his mother, probably hiding in some small away place, trying to keep the world
out. He missed her. It was probably one of the first times in his life he missed her. He did
remember the last time he did; when he was nine years old, away with his father on a trip to see
the dragons in Romania. They were gone for a week, but Draco missed his mother terribly. His father
of course, was displeased with his son missing his mother so much, and after that, Draco tried to
quiet that part of him.

Suddenly, Draco sat up, and his head snapped to the doorway. He could swear he heard the lock
click. It was too early though. Snape said the next night, and he was only there a few minutes
ago.

Getting up hastily, Draco moved through the darkness, making his way in the direction of the
horizontal sliver of light, and got to the door. He tentatively pushed on it, and the door
opened.

Glancing up the stairwell, he found it was empty, a yellow flicker of light at the top lighting the
steady curve of the wall. He looked around the ground, and found his wand sitting on the stone
floor. He picked it up quickly, and just as he stood back up, he heard a scream echo down from
above.

It was a woman's scream, and as the sound moved through him, he swiftly realized why Snape let
him out now.

They had his mother. Draco didn't think they would have found her that quickly, thinking they
had been searching since the summer. But realizing they had her, fear and a sense of boldness
filled Draco.

He vaulted up the stairs as quickly as he could go, turning around the long spiral, and coming to a
small hallway. The woman was still screaming, but the echoes made it impossible to figure where
they were coming from.

A door on the right opened, and Avery came out, wearing his long black cloak, looking about. His
eyes fell on Draco, and his wand came up quickly. Draco, caught off guard, ran up a nearby
stairwell.

`He's escaped!' Avery yelled, as he shot a Stunning Spell at Draco, just missing him and
hitting the wall.

Draco ran up the stairwell, and found himself in yet another antechamber. He looked right, then
left, and started going left, when an arm grabbed him on the right. He turned quickly, and found
Snape with a firm grasp, pulling him in the other direction.

`This way, quickly!' Snape shouted, pushing Draco forward.

`The screaming . . . my mother!' Draco yelled back to Snape as they ran upwards, the sounds of
Death Eaters yelling and coming behind them.

`I don't know where she is. Just run!' Snape replied angrily. Draco came to another
landing, and was pushed towards the left staircase that ran off of it, but stopped as he looked to
the right.

Narcissa and Bellatrix were just starting to move down another adjoining staircase. Draco's
mother was fighting violently with Bellatrix, but she didn't have a wand, so it was in
vain.

`Mum!' Draco yelled, as Snape ran into his shoulder. Narcissa and Bellatrix both turned
around.

`Draco!' she screamed back. Bellatrix shot a spell at her, and she fell to the steps.

`No!' Draco shouted. He was pushed forcefully by Snape up the next staircase, and almost fell
over trying to get to his mother.

`MOVE!' Snape roared. A Death Eater came out of one of the stairwells, and Snape shot a spell
at the man. He became stiff, and fell over with a thud, and Snape again pushed Draco upwards, and
they moved up the stairwell.

Draco continued to protest, and when Snape gave one last push, Draco fell over onto dirt. He looked
up, and found he was in a small cave, the night sky visible through the entrance.

`That was my mother!' Draco screamed at Snape, as tears made their way down his cheeks. Severus
placed a spell on the way they just came, and turned around. Draco looked, and found no entranceway
to be seen; just rock. Snape moved across and grabbed Draco's cloak, and pulled him up.

`If we go back, we die.' he said flatly. He started moving towards the exit, but Draco stayed
in place.

`Draco, if you do not come, you will die.' Draco looked at the rock once more, then turned and
ran out of the fissure.

His feet sinking into the snow, he took a deep breath of he cool winter air. It had been months
since he experienced open air, and the crispness of the air tickled his nose, and froze the tears
on his face.

He looked around, and found they were in a mountainous area, with boulders and rocks strewn about.
Snape was walking around a few of them, farther away from the cave. Draco started off behind,
having to take careful steps. He was still wearing his regular black Hogwarts School shoes, and
they did not fare well on the snowy tops of the rocks.

`Where are you going?' Draco asked, watching his footing, and taking notice of the brilliantly
clear night sky.

`We need to be farther away from the cave. Hurry' he explained, motioning Draco to move faster.
Draco turned around, and could hear noises coming from the cave. He made his way quickly over the
rocks, and met up with Snape a few metres away.

`Drink this, quickly' Snape said, giving him a small silver flask, taking an identical one and
drinking the contents.

`What's in it?'

`Just drink it!' Snape spat, putting the flask back in his robes. Draco emptied the contents,
and only when he came back down, did he look forward, and notice something incredible in the
distance.

`That can't be' he whispered.

`It is. Hold on' Snape said.

A Death Eater came out of the cave, and pointed his wand at the two of them, but they Apparated
away before a spell could be made. The crack of their Apparating sounded in the night, and left the
area once again silent. The Death Eater lowered his wand, and turned around to look at the others
behind him.

`They're away' he said, looking at Bellatrix. She smirked, and turned to the others.

`Good job' she said to the woman next to her.

`It was my pleasure' Narcissa responded simply.

-->



19. The First Loss
------------------



**A/N -** **This chapter has a character death.**

CHAPTER NINETEEN

**The First Loss**


Harry stirred slowly, feeling a tickle on his nose. He scratched it slowly, only to feel the
silky fibers of someone's hair. His hand caressed it slowly, and he smiled warmly when he felt
a set of lips press sweetly against his cheek.

`Morning' Hermione cooed, relaxing her head on Harry's shoulder. Without opening his eyes,
he turned his head slightly, and kissed her forehead slowly. He pulled away, and looked down to
find Hermione resting peacefully on his chest.

They were still in the common room. The night before, they continued their slow drawn out kisses
for a while, and moved off the floor, and onto Harry's chair in front of the Christmas tree. As
night deepened, they relied less on their kissing, and more on just being close to each other.
Hermione sat down on Harry's lap, and the two slowly drifted into sleep; the glow of the
Christmas lights fading in their eyes.

Harry, feeling Hermione's beautiful warmth and sweet scent, gave her a gentle squeeze, and
closed his eyes once more; resting his head against hers.

He could not think of a more peaceful moment in his life. Just the two of them, sitting so tenderly
in front of a soothing hearth, while an audience of Christmas lights sparkled like diamonds in the
night sky. Looking at her pose and face, he realized Hermione never looked so serene. He wanted to
stay in this seat forever, more for her than for himself.

He could feel Hermione dozing back to sleep, as the dark indigo of the sky showing through the side
of a window allowed Harry to know it was early morning. He again closed his eyes, and held Hermione
close. Being caught in the beautiful place between wakefulness and sleep, Hermione breathed deeply,
and cuddled closer to Harry, kissing him gently on his neck, which caused him to shiver with
sudden, but calm lust. He smiled once more, relaxed his head, and fell once more to sleep.

The second time Harry woke, he found dull sunlight tiptoeing around the drapes, and basking the
common room in a light hue of grey. He moved his arms, and was surprised to find Hermione was no
longer on him. Opening his eyes fully, he found her sitting in front of the fireplace, watching the
flames trickle upwards. He moved on the seat, and she turned her head around.

`How long have you been up?' Harry ask groggily, sitting at the edge of his seat, and
stretching out his arms and back. Hermione turned around, and got up.

`Only a few minutes. You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you' she said quietly.
She walked over to Harry, and he stood up slowly. She stopped a few inches away, and draped her
arms around his neck, while he placed his hands on the small of her back.

They shared a slow, and sensual kiss, and hugged each other longingly. Harry just still could not
comprehend what happened. He actually told Hermione everything, and now they were kissing each
other. He couldn't stop a small laugh escape his mouth, and Hermione pulled back and looked at
him oddly.

`What?'

`I guess we're going out?' Harry chuckled softly. Hermione moved her hands to the back of
Harry's head, and pulled him back down. They shared another small kiss, and Harry smiled when
he looked at her.

`Is that a yes?' he smirked.

`That's a yes' she whispered, beaming at him. Harry laughed, and they kissed once more.
Harry was so full of happiness, he picked her up, and slowly revolved on the spot. She squeaked at
first, making Harry smile, then leaned on his chest, allowing her heart to flutter with the
excitement. Harry placed her back down slowly; her tiptoes, then her entire feet touching the
floor, and they once more parted their lips. Harry could get used to kissing Hermione this
much.

`Shall we go to breakfast?' Hermione asked. Harry sighed, kissed her forehead, and
nodded.

They parted, and went to their dormitories to change into different clothes. Harry continued to
smile as memories from the night popped into his mind, and he laughed at how wonderful he felt.
Voldemort could be right next to him, and he wouldn't be bothered.

Harry came down, Hermione coming a moment later, and giving Crookshanks--who was lying sprawled on
the rug in front of the hearth--a lazy pat, they walked out the portrait hole hand in hand. Once
they entered the hallway, they heard a small laugh from behind. Turning around, Harry found Evander
beaming intensely at the two Heads.

`Good morning you too. Merry Christmas' he said joyfully.

`Merry Christmas Evander. Why are you in such a good mood?' Hermone asked. Evander's face
turned slightly pink, and he continued to smile immensely.

`Even though it happens every year, I just can't help but be happy for Hogwart's Heads on
Christmas Eve. So much love in the air, it's wonderful.'

`Every year?' Harry questioned. Hermione looked up at Evander, and had the same expression she
had when she knew the answer to a hard question.

`”The tradition never dies!” That's it!' Evander bowed slowly, and Harry looked at
Hermione. `Every year, the Head Boy and Girl fall in love on Christmas Eve.'

`Quite so Hermione. It's been happening for generations. I felt bad for your friend Ron at the
beginning of the year, because I knew you and him would be breaking up' Evander addressed to
Hermione. `Plus I saw you and Harry, and you looked like you were meant for each other.' He
smiled at the two of them, and Hermione squeezed Harry's hand gently.

`Well, we're off to have breakfast. Thanks Evander' Harry said. Evander waved farewell, and
the two continued along to the Great Hall.

`Do you think it's a spell?' Harry asked, as they started down a chilly and deserted
hallway. Hermione remained silent for a moment, then turned around and faced Harry, pulling him
close, and looking into his eyes deeply. Harry chuckled at the aggressive move. To Harry, Hermione
was never one to show aggression in anything outside Elf-rights or studying.

`I doubt this is a spell' she said quietly, inclining upwards and kissing Harry. They lingered
in the deserted and cold hallway for a moment, then continued on, after Harry's stomach gave a
growl, making Hermione laugh.

Once they entered through the doors, the small amount of people at Gryffindor table burst into
cheers and hollers once they looked at the two for a moment. Harry and Hermione both blushed
intensely, and Harry's eyes immediately fell onto Ron and Ginny. To his relief, both were
clapping and beaming at the two of them. Harry smiled, and the two of them, Hermione's eyes
watering a little, sat down at the table.

`So you finally pulled it off hey Harry' Dean clapped, giving Harry a pat on the back. Harry
smiled, and sat down in front of Ron, and the two men looked at each other for a moment.

`Way to go mate' Ron said with a lighthearted chuckle. He extended his hand, and Harry,
laughing and feeling his eyes water, accepted, and they shared a firm handshake. Harry then started
getting some food, wiping his eyes before tears could form.

`So did you open your gifts?' Ron asked, taking a bite of some toast.

`Actually no, we didn't' Hermione answered.

`Too busy I imagine?' Dean offered, the group breaking into laughter; Harry and Hermione both
ducking their heads and blushing. Everyone continued with breakfast in a lighthearted mood, and
Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, and Ginny came back to the East Tower.

`Thanks for the gift Harry. It's amazing!' Ron expressed happily. Harry got Ron an
invisibility cloak from the twin's shop, since Harry's was too small now to fit over more
than two people.

`So what did Harry get you for Christmas?' Ginny asked Hermione. She pulled out the silver
locket, and showed it to Ginny. Ginny looked in closely, and opened it and read the
inscription.

`Oh, that's so sweet Harry' Ginny said. Harry smiled, and they approached Evander.

`Hello everyone. Merry Christmas! Password?'

`Snitches and studying. We need a new one though' Hermione said, looking over to Harry.

`Um, how about-' Harry leaned over, and whispered into her ear. She smiled when he pulled
away.

`Perfect. It's different than the others, but shouldn't be a problem' Hermione
attested. They looked up, and Evander beamed at them.

`New password will be “traditions and tarts' Harry announced. Evander bowed slowly, and his
portrait swung open. Ron gave Harry an odd look as they all made their way in.

`How is that different?' he asked. Hermione turned and explained.

`Before, all the passwords were just something Harry loved, and something I loved put together.
“Broomsticks and Books”, you know, things like that. “Traditions and tarts” however, are things
both of us like.' Ron nodded, and laughed, thinking only Hermione would put so much thought
into a ruddy password.

Harry and Hermione went ahead, and opened their gifts. Ron gave Harry a very interesting watch.
Much like the clock at the Weasley homestead, this watch had several hands, each having a small
face attached to the end. The place where numbers usually appeared, were instead substituted by
letters.

`What do the letters mean?' Harry asked. Ron took out a folded piece of parchment, and squinted
at the small handwriting.

`Well, it's a lot like the clock at the Burrow. “S” means school, “T” means traveling, “L”
means lost, “MP” still means mortal peril. Here, take a look.'

`Great, there's even a “D”' Harry noticed.

`What does that stand for?' Ron asked.

`Dead.'

`Oh . . . well, I'm sure none of us will be pointing at that anytime soon.' Ron smiled,
looking over to Hermione, Ginny, and Luna, giving a smile. Harry thanked Ron for the gift, asking
him to the side for a moment while Hermione was opening Ginny's gift, Luna looking on.

`Ron, are you sure about me and Hermione?' Harry looked at Ron carefully, and found Ron give a
sigh, and his shoulders lower slightly.

`I'm happy for you two. Really, I am' Ron said.

`You're not saying everything' Harry responded. Ron looked out the window, and sighed
again.

`Sorry, it'll just take some getting used to. Don't worry Harry, I'm happy, I really
am; it just takes some time.' Harry turned to check on the girls, and looked back at Ron.

`It's the same with you and Luna. It's strange seeing you two together, but I'm happy
for you.' Ron turned, and smiled. `We're good?' Harry asked.

`Can you just keep the kissing quiet for a while?' Ron requested quietly.

`No problem' Harry answered. Ron smiled again, and the two returned to the Christmas tree. The
four of them stayed in the common room for a while, and left at noon for lunch. Harry, along with a
reluctant Ron, wore Mrs. Weasley's sweaters. Harry's was dark green, with a gold lion on
the front. Ron, who was expecting a red sweater, was pleased to see it was blue this year, with a
red “R” on it.

At supper that night, while everyone enjoyed the Christmas Feast—Hermione disregarding the work of
the house elves and digging in--Harry noticed someone was missing.

`Where's Topher?' he asked. Hermione and Ron looked up at the staff table, and their faces
became confused.

`I thought he was staying around for Christmas?' Ron asked.

`He did say that' Harry answered. Hermione took another glance up and shrugged.

`I wouldn't worry about it Harry. Maybe he had some work do to.'

Once the feast was finished, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Luna went back to the East Tower common
room, and played Exploding Snap. They invited Ginny, but she was meeting up with a friend to
exchange gifts.

`Who is this guy?' Ron asked angrily. Ginny rolled her eyes.

`I'm not saying. You'll just go and try to scare him away you git.' With that, she
turned, and walked towards Gryffindor Tower.

Harry and Hermione sat closely together, and enjoyed the time with Ron and Luna. Luna left after a
short while, and Ron stayed for a few moments with his best friends.

`I wonder if Mum and Dad are doing alright' Ron pondered, sitting down in one of the
chairs.

`When are they due back?' Hermione asked, who was sitting on the rug in front of the
hearth.

`Tomorrow afternoon. We're supposed to go and see them. Are you guys coming?'

`Sure, if it's alright?' Harry asked.

`Of course it is' Ron answered, giving a stretch. `Well, I should get going. Congrats guys'
he expressed, getting up. Hermione got up, and gave him a hug.

`Thanks Ron. Congratulations to you and Luna too' Ron smiled, and waving to Harry, left the
common room.

Hermione walked over, and sat down in her chair. She looked at Harry, who was sitting in his chair,
and she smiled at him.

'So are you going to see your parents?' Harry asked. She stretched slowly, and nodded in
the process.

'Probably after tomorrow for a few days' she responded. She stood up, and walked over to
Harry. She leaned down and kissed him on the cheek, then stood back up again.

'`Night Harry.'

'Goodnight Hermione.' She ambled her way up to her dormitory. Harry stayed in the common
room for a few moments, then made his own way up to his inviting bed.

The next day, Harry along with Hermione, Ron, and Ginny went to the Burrow to meet up with the rest
of the Weasley family. Bill and Fleur were planning on coming, as well as the twins. Charlie was
too busy with work to come, and Mrs. Weasley once again sent an invitation to Percy, but received
no reply.

Harry and the rest were sent to the Burrow via Floo connection in Professor Fourmove's office,
which was McGonagall's office the previous year. They all arrived safely, and everyone except
the twins were present, and of course Percy.

`How was France?' Ron asked, as his mother gave him a bone-crushing hug.

`Just wonderful. How is school? You don't write nearly as much as I'd like' she
expressed, moving over and giving the same kind of hug to Hermione.

`Hogwarts is doing great. They're worried about how many students aren't returning, but we
won't know until classes start' Hermione answered. Mrs. Weasley then moved to Ginny, and
embraced her.

`Ginny has a boyfriend' Ron interjected. Ginny gave a glare worthy of her mother, and Mrs.
Weasley smiled at her only daughter.

`That's nice to hear Ginny. Who is it?' Ginny whispered into her mother's ear for a
moment, and Mrs. Weasley's face grew a pleasant smile.

`That's wonderful Ginny. And don't worry, not a word' she added, turning and giving Ron
a stern look. Ginny beamed sarcastically to Ron, and he sighed, rolling his eyes.

`How are you Harry?' Mrs. Weasley asked, getting back to the hugs. She hugged Harry tightly,
and he couldn't answer until she retracted.

`I'm fine' Harry answered. She looked him over for a moment, then smiled at him. All of
them then made their way to the kitchen, were supper was being set up. Harry and Hermione brought
up the rear, and just before they sat down, Mrs. Weasley turned and gasped when she saw them.

`Are you two seeing each other?' she breathed. Harry looked over, and realized they were
holding hands. Everyone in the room was looking at the two, and Harry smiled.

`Yeah, we are.' Mrs. Weasley paused for a moment still looking at them, as if checking to see
if it was true; then moved around the table, and hugged both of them tightly.

`Oh, I'm so happy for both of you!' she expounded happily. Arthur, Bill, and Fleur were all
smiling at them, as well as Ron and Ginny. Bill got up, and turned to his father with a triumphant
grin, his fang earring dangling around.

`I believe that's five Galleons dad' he announced happily. Arthur stubbornly reached into
his pocket, and pulled out five gold coins, giving them to his son with an ill look on his
face.

`Thank you!' Bill smiled, putting the coins in the pocket of his black jacket he was wearing.
He sat back down, and noticed the odd looks on everyone's faces.

`I bet dad Harry and Hermione would be together by Christmas' he explained to everyone.
Hermione looked over at him in surprise.

`Of course, you were Head Boy! So who was the Head Girl?' she asked eagerly. Bill shifted in
his seat, and looked to his wife.

`Her name was Leanna. Leanna Lisenox. We started going out in our last year, around Christmas. We
kept seeing each other after Hogwarts, but she died less than a month after being out of
school.'

`Oh, I'm sorry Bill' Hermione said sympathetically. Bill smiled, and gave Fleur a small
squeeze.

`It was a long time ago, and besides; things are great now' he affirmed. Everyone started on
supper, and after twenty minutes or so, a knock came at the front door. Mr. Weasley got up, his
wand in his hand, and yelled through the door.

'Who is it?'

'It's us, Fred and George. Open the bloody door, it's freezing out here!' Fred
answered, though muffled from the door. Mr. Weasley put his head down for a moment in thought, then
looked back at the door.

'What did Harry get Ron for Christmas?' he asked. Ron mentioned Harry's gift to the
family just a few minutes earlier.

'An invisibility cloak, now open the ruddy door!' George answered. Arthur opened the door,
and the twins finally made their way inside, trampling the snow off their feet.

`About time! Why are you late?' Mrs. Weasley questioned sternly. The twins looked at each
other, and then surveyed everyone.

`Sorry Mum. Got caught up at work. Hi guys!' George answered, taking off his coat, and taking a
seat, along with Mr. Weasley. Fred stayed standing, and looked slightly fidgety.

`What's wrong Fred?' Bill asked, putting down his fork down.

`Nothing. Um, Hermione, can I ask you something?' he asked hesitantly.

`Sure, what is it?' she asked. Fred looked at George, then looked back to Hermione.

`Well, it's sort of private. Can I ask you upstairs?' he asked again. Hermione quirked her
brow, but nodded. She stood, and walked up the staircase, Fred in tow. Harry watched them
wondrously, and Ron tapped him on the shoulder.

`Probably about a new product' he reckoned. Harry started back at his chicken, and conversation
continued.

`How is business going George? You must be the only store left open on Diagon Alley' Mr.
Weasley stated. George looked up the staircase, and didn't answer his father.

`George!' Arthur shouted. George's head snapped back, and looked to his father, and moved
his food around on his plate.

`Sorry. Business is booming of course. How is Hogwarts?' he asked, turning to Harry.

`Hogwarts is fine. Professors are worried about how many students are coming back, but it should be
alright. Are you OK?' he asked. George was acting a little odd, and kept looking at the
staircase.

`No, of course, I'm-`

Right then, the door slammed open, and Baldric Branwen came running in. His face looked immensely
determined, and when he observed the scene, his eyes came square on George. George, his face
horrified, threw his chair backwards, and stood, reaching for his wand. Baldric raised his wand
quicker though.

`Stupify!' he yelled. Geroge became rigid, and fell over with a dull thud. Everyone at the
table stood instantly, and looked at Baldric in astonishment, all their wands pointed at the
intruder.

`What are you doing!' Mrs. Weasley roared. Baldric closed the door, through which wind and snow
was blowing in, and turned around.

'Wait! Baldric, what's your favourite Quidditch team?' Harry asked the tall, gangly
looking man. It was a while ago they talked about Quidditch, but Harry remembered.

'The Falmouth Falcons, always and forever' he answered. Harry knew it was correct, because
Baldric told him he always said "always and forever", because he was from Falmouth.
Everyone looked at Harry, and he nodded, signalling it was the correct answer.

`I went to check on the twins, and found them unconscious in the back of their shop. I called Tonks
to the shop, and came here as soon as possible. Where's the imposter Fred?' Baldric asked
quickly. Harry's eyes opened wide, and he frantically bolted towards the stairs, while everyone
yelled at him to wait.

He didn't know what he could walk into, if they were even there. He was so upset with himself
for just letting someone walk in and take Hermione like that. He continued to hope she was still
there, and alright.

He came to the second floor landing, and pushed open Ginny's room to find a bizarre
sight.

Hermione was standing on the side of the room, her wand pointing at another Hermione who was lying
on the floor. When Harry entered the room, the standing Hermione looked up at him and beamed warmly
at him.

`Harry, it wasn't Fred. He brought me up here, and knocked me out. He must have taken Polyjuice
Potion, because when I came to, he, or I should say she, was just about to take my wand, but I
jinxed her just in time' she explained. The Hermione on the floor began to stir, and the
standing Hermione moved forward, her wand pointing right at the other girl's heart.

`Uh . . . Harry! Harry, it's me, Hermione! She's an imposter!' the Hermione on the
floor professed. By now, Ron and Baldric made their way up, and were standing behind Harry
observing the situation.

`How are we going to tell?' Baldric asked. Harry knew of a sure way of knowing, but wasn't
looking forward to doing it.

`Lower your wand' he said to the standing Hermione. She looked at him for a moment, and took a
step forward at the Hermione on the ground.

'She's the imposter!'

'If you're the real Hermione, you'll trust me' Harry said slowly. Hermione still
looked agitated, but lowered her wand. Ron came in, and took her wand, as well as the one on the
floor, and stood back. Harry approached the Hermione on the floor, and knelt down; pointing his
wand at her forehead.

`Legilimens'

Harry concentrated hard, and must have caught her off guard. There were no barriers, and he
immediately found hundreds of memories flashing in his mind. He slowed them down, and found a
silvery memory of two people in a wooded area. He focused more, and plunged into the memory.

Two people were hugging each other in a dark backyard. A black haired boy was breathing deeply,
while a short brown haired girl cried quietly. Harry could see the girl sniffling, and burying her
head in his shoulder.

`Be careful Harry, please' she whispered, her voice that of Hermione's. The boy stroked her
back tenderly, and slowly moved his hands to her face, and moved so they looked at each
other.

`I will be fine, and you will be too, alright? Everything will be fine' the boy affirmed, his
voice that of Harry's. They looked at each other, and Hermione began nodding slowly. She looked
up at him, smiled warmly, and moved in, kissing his cheek sweetly. Harry was blushing when she
retracted, and the memory began to shimmer.

Harry pulled out of the spell, and found himself looking at Hermione on the floor of Ginny's
room. She was smiling at him, and he grinned at her for a moment, then turned to the other
Hermione. The fake Hermione looked at Harry, and lunged at Ron's hand, where he held the
wands.

`Petrificus Totalus!' Harry yelled, but it was too late. The imposter was able to grab his or
her wand, and Apparated before the spell hit. Baldric swore loudly, then came in and looked at
Hermione.

`Are you alright?' he asked. Hermione slowly got up, helped by Harry, and nodded.

`He said they were coming here soon' she explained. Baldric looked at Ron, then Harry, and
stood up.

`We need more Order members here now. I need to go and get them' he stated. He started out the
door, but Harry stopped him.

`Wait. You need to stay with the imposter downstairs. The Order is everywhere; it'll take time
to get people. I'll get them here' he assured. Baldric looked down the stairs, then nodded
assertively to Harry.

`I'll come' Hermione declared.

`Me too' Ron added. The three of them made their way back downstairs, and found Mrs. Weasley,
Bill, Fleur, and Ginny watching the fake George carefully--Bill with his wand trained on the
imposter's chest. Mrs. Weasley was crying, while looking out the darkened window. She saw the
three coming down, and she ran over and hugged Hermione.

`Oh dear, are you alright?'

`I'm fine, thanks to Harry. The imposter Fred said Death Eaters were coming here
soon.'

`Soon! Oh no, we need to Floo the Order now! Arthur went to check the twin's shop' Mrs.
Weasley stammered, walking over to the hearth hurriedly, and getting some Floo Powder. Harry walked
to the door, and looked at the fake and unconscious George on the floor, then to Mrs.
Weasley.

`I'm going to get Order members, don't worry Mrs. Weasley' said Harry. He walked out
before she could ask how or protest, and Ron and Hermione followed. Harry walked a few meters out
from the house, his feet crunching on the ground and the darkness of the night surrounding him and
the others, and turned back. Ron and Hermione stood next to him, and he thought hard of various
Order members. He raised his wand, so it pointed just above The Burrow.

Just as he was about to say his spell, numerous cracks resounded around them in the darkness. They
looked around quickly, and ran as fast as they could to some nearby trees. Green, purple, and red
spells rained down on them as they moved, and when Harry turned around after he reached the cover
of a tree, he could see at six or more black cloaked Death Eaters standing in the garden. At least
three were moving towards them, while the others started towards the house.

'Stupify!' Hermione yelled, hitting one of the approaching Death Eaters. The cloaked figure
fell over, and the other two intensified their assault. Harry needed to call more Order members
here before they entered the house.

'Cover me!' Harry ordered to his friends. Ron, and Hermione moved around, and continued to
shoot Disarming and Stunning Spells, while Harry moved closer to the house. He once again thought
of Order members, and raised his wand quickly.

`Phoenicreo!' he bellowed. A massive fireball erupted from his wand, and exploded above the
house, to show a huge and fire-made phoenix. It spread its wide wings, and inclined its head
upwards, making a shiver run up Harry's spine, while he continued to think of various Order
members. Death Eaters stopped their approach to the doorway, and turned around.

A few apprehensive seconds later, numerous pops occurred around them. Tonks, Moody, Shacklebolt
were present, along with Charlie, Topher, Professor Flitwick, and a few others. Wasting no time,
they began dueling fiercy with the Death Eaters.

Harry moved back to the others, and luckily found them alright--though some of the branches around
them were badly singed. Tonks and Charlie were battling with the nearby Death Eaters, and the three
Hogwarts students came slowly out of the trees, and tried to help.

'Stupify!' Harry yelled at one of the black cloaked figures. The person fell over, and
Tonks, who was dueling with the man, ran over.

'Are you alright? What's happened?' she asked hurriedly.

'The twins were attacked. We don't know if they're alive, but their attackers took
Polyjuice Potion, and came here. We stopped them early enough, but Hermione said one of them
mentioned more Death Eaters coming soon.' Harry looked around, and saw Kingsley get hit in the
leg with a spell. Mad-Eye Moody was nearby, and cast a Disarming Spell on the Death Eater. The
cloaked figure was blown back and hit the ground unconscious.

Another pop came in the midst of the cracks and whips of spells, and Mr. Weasley appeared. He
glanced at the scene for a moment startled, then started helping Topher, who was bleeding badly
from one of his arms.

It must have been obvious to the Death Eaters, as it was to Harry, that they were loosing. Death
Eaters that were not unconscious took one glance around, and Apparated away, while two or three
were left lying on the ground. Some of the Order members made their way to the Hogwarts students,
while others secured the area and went into the house to check inside.

'Are you three alright?' Mr. Weasley asked, his voice sounding winded. Harry and the rest
nodded.

`The twins were brought to St. Mungo's. Fred didn't look too good, but they're safe
now. I need you three and Ginny to go back to Hogwarts, now' he dictated. Harry could see Ron
about to protest, but Hermione cut in first.

`Please Mr. Weasley, can we go to St. Mungo's instead?' Hermione proposed, receiving a grin
from Ron. Mr. Weasley sighed, and nodded.

`Can you go with them Filius?' Arthur asked the short man. He nodded, and walked over to Harry
and Hermione. Ron went and returned with Ginny, telling her where they were going.

They all Apparated to St. Mungo's, and went up to the forth floor where the twins were being
treated. All five of them had to painfully wait in a small waiting room at the end of the hallway.
Ginny was sobbing into Ron's shoulder, and Harry was rubbing Hermione's hand, as she looked
blankly at the floor. All they were told when they came in was that George looked like he would be
alright, but Fred was not doing as well.

`Are you alright?' Harry asked Hermione. She snapped out of her trance, and nodded
lightly.

`I was worried, I'll admit it, but I knew you would catch on.'

`Sorry . . . about using Legilimency' Harry said quietly, looking down at his feet.

`It's fine Harry. Really, it didn't hurt, and I like that memory anyways' she answered,
lifting his head. He smiled, and they gave each other a short kiss. The four of them, along with
Professor Flitwick waited for a while before hearing any news from either The Burrow, or the room
down the hall.

Finally, around one hour later, Tonks, Charlie, and Mr. Weasley came onto the floor. Ginny jumped
out of her chair, and hugged her father like a little girl would hug her daddy. He smiled, and
returned it, and they came to the others.

`Is everyone alright?' Hermione asked. Arthur shook his head.

`Kingsley took a bad jinx to one of his legs, but he's getting checked out. That other fellow,
what's his name, Toper?'

`Topher' Harry offered.

`Yes, he was clipped by an odd curse right after he Apparated. Ripped up his arm pretty bad.
He's downstairs getting checked. Any news on Fred and George?'

`Nothing. They said George was sleeping, and should be fine, but no word on Fred' Ron relayed.
Arthur lowered his head, and placed it in his hands, giving a sigh.

`I told them to close the store, I told them!' he muttered to himself. Ginny came over, and
looked at her father, placing a hand on his back.

`It's not your fault dad.' He nodded, but kept his head on his lap. Just then, Mrs.
Weasley, along with Bill and Fleur came onto the floor, and Arthur gave his wife a hug. She was
still crying, and muttering into her husband's ear.

`Mr. and Mrs. Weasley?' a Healer asked behind them, holding a small white clipboard. They broke
their embrace, and looked at the short man who spoke. Everyone got up, and gathered around to hear
any news.

`George will be alright. He was under a few odd curses, but we managed to clear them up' the
Healer stated. Everyone still stood on their tip-toes to hear the rest.

`And Fred?' Mrs. Weasley asked shakily, tears again brimming on her eyes. The Healer looked
down at his clipboard silently, and Mrs. Weasley began to sob more. Harry's mind was already
formulating what the Healer was going to say.

`I'm sorry, but we couldn't save him' the short man spoke.

Everyone stood motionless for a moment, then Mrs. Weasley howled in pain, and collapsed into her
husband's chest, crying like Harry never saw before. Mr. Weasley's eyes began to brim, and
he started to cry as well.

The entire group slowly looked at each other in shock, and enveloped Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in a
sorrowful hug. Harry--who was at first too stunned to cry--began realizing he would never again see
or talk to Fred ever again.

The group stood there for what felt like an eternity, drowning in their grief for the loss of such
a wonderful person. The twins were no more; it would only be George. Harry felt like the natural
order of the world was broken, and tears formed in his eyes, and he hugged harder, Hermione on his
right, Ron on his left. They both looked at him with tears flowing down their cheeks, and squeezed
his shoulders in support.

It was the first loss for the Weasley family in the Second War, and deep down, below the tears and
sorrow, Harry prayed it would be the only one.

**Spell / Name Meanings:**
**Leanna Lisenox** - Lee (Old Eng. "leah" = meadow) + Anna (Latinate form of Hannah),
Lisen (L. "licens" = free) + ox (L. "ferox" = spirit) (Lisenox = free
spirit)

-->



20. Guardians of Hogwarts
-------------------------



CHAPTER TWENTY

**Guardians of Hogwarts**


The funeral took place two days later. Mrs. Weasley was beyond sad--she was completely
devastated. Mr. Weasley, along with the rest of the family helped in the grieving process, but
everyone had a terrible time.

They stayed in St. Mungo's for that first night, to stay by George. As hard as it was for
everyone, they knew the hardest hit would be George. Waking up to find his brother-his best
friend-his equal, was no more; Harry couldn't comprehend how he would feel.

When George did stir, Mr. Weasley was the one to break the news. Harry could see in George's
face that he knew something was wrong before he was told. He woke up, and looked around to find
Fred, and only found an empty bed next to him.

The family took turns consoling, and just supporting George. Everyone went in one at a time, and
made sure never to leave him alone. As much as he might ask to be left alone, they never did.
George continued to talk about times he and Fred shared, and some of their lesser known pranks that
they accomplished. Harry's time in the room made him miss Fred even more, but also made sure he
would never forget him either.

George was brought home to The Burrow the next day. He stayed in his old room, and Bill and Charlie
cleaned up the store, and closed it up properly for the time. One of George's assistants,
Verity, came and tried to help George. They were close, the family found out, and George seemed to
open up with her.

On the day of the funeral, everyone made their way quietly to a nearby hill not far from The
Burrow. Harry never ventured this way, and when he arrived at the top, he found a small
white-picket fence surrounding a small cemetery. A wide branching Oak tree stood near the middle of
the stones, and provided a skeleton-like canopy; the dark brown contrasting greatly against the
grey sky and ivory snow.

The ceremony was somber and quiet. Mrs. Weasley wept while the Cleric performed the funeral rights.
Mr. Weasley, along with Bill held onto her tightly. George stood like a statue, lost in perpetual
sorrow and grief. Charlie, Ron, Ginny, Harry, and Hermione stood close to George for support. A
cold December wind blew through the group, which also included numerous Order members, Hogwarts
professors, many regulars at the joke shop, and people from George's year at Hogwarts,
including Lee Jordan.

Once the Cleric finished, he gave his wand a slow wave, and the ground covered over the casket. The
Weasley family had a long tradition of burying their relatives in a manner much like that of
muggles. The Cleric then came and handed Mr. and Mrs. Weasley Fred's wand. Mrs. Weasley was too
overwhelmed to accept it, and Mr. Weasley--tears trickling down his cheeks—grasped his son's
wand, and nodded thankfully to the Cleric.

With an immense amount of tears in his eyes, Mr. Weasley looked to his family, and down at his
downcast wife. His waterlogged eyes then moved to the area where Fred was buried. In a horribly
slow and painful move, he took hold of Fred's wand with both of his hands.

The wind died, and everyone was silent. Closing his eyes, and allowing a sob to exit his mouth, Mr.
Weasley--in pure and utter anguish—snapped his late-son's wand. The sound of the snapping wood
echoed across the open plain, and seemed intensified by the lack of wind or even breath from the
mourners.

Mrs. Weasley doubled over in grief as the sound penetrated her soul, and Mr. Weasley held on to her
tightly, the wand fragments now held in his hand firmly. His fingers ran the length of the wood
behind Mrs. Weasley's back, and he cried as a mourning father would for his lost son. People
watching the scene cried for the parents, and Hermione held Harry's arm for support, as she
wiped her tears.

Mr. Weasley recovered himself enough after a few moments, and began helping his wife down the
hill.

Everyone made their way back to The Burrow silently, and sat down to talk with each other quietly.
Most conversation revolved around Fred, and how wonderful a person he was in life. The pranks he
made with George, and the time they went through the halls in Hogwarts with Harry yelling `Make way
for the Heir of Slytherin, seriously evil wizard coming through” in his second year were talked
about, along with many other wonderful memories that—even in the sad atmosphere—made people
smile.

Harry felt it helped George a lot to have so many people there helping him and the family. Although
he never smiled, Harry could tell he was improving, if only slightly. He did worry if George would
ever return to the fun-loving person he used to be, but only time would tell.

Hermione went through the Weasley family, and gave them her sympathies and good-byes. She was
leaving to go and see her own family for a few days. She and Mrs. Weasley held a long and drawn out
hug, and both women cried in each others arms. Hermione then took Harry by the hand, and they
walked outside by themselves.

`I'll be back at Hogwarts in a few days' she said quietly to Harry as they walked into the
snow covered garden. They stopped a few meters from the house, and Hermione turned to face Harry.
She draped her arms around Harry, their coats making the move harder to do than usual, and they
kissed short, but sweetly.

Hermione pulled back, and she glanced up to the hill with the Oak tree. Tears began brimming, as
they had for many people that day, and she hugged Harry tightly.

`Harry I'm so worried' she admitted to Harry's shoulder. Harry squeezed back, and
stroked her rippled and slightly frizzed hair.

`Don't worry Hermione. Just see your parents, and enjoy the time. I'll see you when you
come back alright?' he asked encouragingly. Hermione stayed in the hug, and she nodded. They
parted, and he gave her a kiss. She took a few steps back, and sighed.

She gave a small wave, Harry retuning it, and she Apparated to her home. Harry looked up at the
hill for a moment, the cold December wind nipping at his nose, then returned to The Burrow.

Harry went and sat by Ron in the sitting room. He and Ginny were sitting with Bill and Fleur; all
of whom were quiet. Ron gave Harry a placid smile, and looked back to the fire. Harry looked around
the room, and found George moving towards the small group, facing Harry. Everyone stood up, and
George put a shaky hand on Harry's shoulder. His eyes were bloodshot and tired, and his face
was pale.

`Whatever you need to defeat Voldemort—whatever you want—I'll make it' he asserted. It was
the most confident sentence Harry heard him say since he was released from St. Mungo's.

`Thanks George. We'll get him' Harry answered strongly, placing a hand on George's
shoulder. George's expression turned to one of determination and hardness, and the two hugged
each other tightly. Ron pat his brother's shoulder, and George gave him a shadow of a smile,
and turned to Ginny to hug her. Harry faced Ron with a new found sense of confidence.

`We need to find out what the Order knows about the attack. There had to be a reason behind it'
Harry reasoned. Ron nodded, and the two of them made their way to a group of Order members,
including Tonks, Shacklebolt—who's leg was working fine now--, Lupin, and a few others.

`How are you doing Harry?' Remus asked, looking tired and drained, the creases on his face as
apparent as ever.

`I'm fine. I figured you would still be transformed; that's why I didn't think to call
you to help' Harry responded. He remembered the full moon on Christmas Eve, and knew it took
Remus a few days to recover.

`Yes, I figured as much, thank you. I am sad to hear about Fred, but glad to hear no one else was
hurt seriously. Might I ask where you learned how to perform the Phoenix Fire?'

`Sorry, the what?' Harry asked.

`Phoenix Fire. It's the spell Dumbledore always used to gather Order members when needed. Last
time he used it was the night your parents died' Lupin explained.

`I saw it in his Pensieve, and in a spell book. I thought I'd try it out' Harry answered.
Lupin smiled, and Moody looked surprised. Well, as surprised as a man with one electric blue eye
could look like.

`Try it out? You mean that was your first time doing it Potter?' the ex-Auror asked gruffly.
Harry nodded diminutively, and Moody looked at Lupin.

`The Phoenix Fire is a very hard spell; that's why Dumbledore was the only one to use it. You
must have been very focused to make it work. Well done!' Lupin praised. Harry couldn't help
his cheeks blush a little with the praise, and turned his mind to the reason he came and saw the
group of men.

`Does the Order have any ideas why the attack happened?' he asked.

`So far, we think Voldemort wanted to make an example of Fred and George. They continued on working
like nothing was wrong, and he probably didn't like that. The imposter who was captured was a
younger man; totally devoted to Voldemort. He's in Azkaban now, along with the captured Death
Eaters, but they told the Ministry what their plan was' Remus explained.

`So what was it?' Ron asked.

`They were going to enter The Burrow, and try to learn as much as possible about Hogwarts and, more
specifically, you Harry. One was even supposed to impersonate Hermione if he could. The two would
stay in here with the family until the surprise Death Eater attack. This way, they could either
stay with the family if the attack failed, or turn on the family and surprise them by attacking. It
was lucky Baldric checked on the twins, or it could have been a lot worst.' Remus rubbed his
forehead, and Tonks placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

`Where is Baldric?' Ron asked. Remus looked up, and placed a short smile on his face, trying to
stave off his tiredness.

`He had some business at the Ministry. He'll be around later I'm sure' he
answered.

`How is your leg Kingsley?' Harry asked. The tall man lifted his leg, and stretched it back for
show.

`Good as new. Got hit by three separate spells at once, made for a bad combination' he answered
in his deep voice. Harry looked around for a moment for the other injury from the night, and for
the second time that week, noticed someone missing.

`Was Topher not invited?' Harry inquired. Ron looked around as well, and shrugged his
shoulders.

`He was, but he asked me to give you this' Tonks said, giving Harry a sealed piece of
parchment. Harry ran his wand over the seal, and opened it.

*Dear Harry,

My injury healed, and I am sorry I could not make it to Fred's funeral. I had pressing matters
to attend to regarding my research, of which I would like you to see when you return to
Hogwarts.

Please give my regards to the Weasley family in my absence.

Sincerely,
Topher*

Harry folded up the parchment, and put it in his pocket. When he looked up, he found the group
around him looking at him expectantly.

`He said he was busy doing research' Harry answered, everyone nodding their
understanding.

`You know, I saw him in the Ministry a few days ago' Tonks mentioned.

`In the Ministry?' Ron asked, giving Harry a strange look. Tonks nodded.

`Yeah, making his way to the administration offices on the Level One. I didn't know he was your
DADA professor, otherwise I would have said hello.' Ron again gave a strange look to Harry, and
he understood his meaning.

What was Topher doing in the Ministry for Magic? He never mentioned going there, or needing to go
there. Going back to the message, he mentioned more research. Harry decided for the time, to keep
his ponderings and wonders low, and continue to be with his family.

*

Harry, Ron, and Ginny returned to Hogwarts two days later. The mood in The Burrow remained quiet
and solemn, but Harry could feel the healing process taking place when he left. Mrs. Weasley's
crying was lessened, and George started talking more to everyone, and started spending less time in
his old room.

The entire family, the day Harry returned to Hogwarts, went to the shop, to slowly allow the
healing to continue, and was surprised by an amazing outpour of mourning.

In front of the door, where the closed sign hung, hundreds of flowers were laid on the snow. Deep
pink and white Roses stood out from the rest, all laid in pairs—no singles, and no bunches. Light
purple Statices and various colours of Zinnias made the memorial burst with colour and warmth
against the pale grey of the snow; while mingled within the Roses and colour, the constant blue of
Forget-Me-Not brought the whole scene to completeness.

Littered within the grief-grown flower garden, dozens upon dozens of notes of gratitude and sadness
to both Fred and George were present. Picking a few up, George cried at the wonderful messages of
thanks and encouragement to fight on that was held within the notes. The family left the flowers
be, and everyone returned to The Burrow, were Harry and the others left back to Hogwarts through
the fireplace.

When they arrived, Professor McGonagall gave her sympathies to them all and their family. Harry
told her of Hermione's visit to her parents, and she nicely decided to wait until after she
returned to have a meeting with the two of them about this next month and duties.

Walking through the hallways towards the East Tower, Harry was surprised at the number of students.
Some must have come back earlier, because the number on Christmas was not as high as he was seeing.
Of course it was not near the number in a regular year, or the number before Christmas Holidays,
but it was promising.

Wasting no time, Harry put his items in his dormitory, sent his letter to Hermione using the same
owl she was allowed to use during the past summer, Capella, and made his way to the Defence
classroom.

Harry knocked on the door, and found no sound coming from inside. He looked up and down the
corridor, and finding it empty, tried banging on the door. Finally, after several moments, the door
opened, and Topher peered out.

`Harry! Oh, sorry about that. I didn't know you came back' he said, inviting Harry inside.
Harry entered, and turned when he saw Topher once again sealing the door, and casting a few silent
charms on it.

`How was the service?' he asked, as he moved around, and motioned Harry to sit in front of his
desk, which had a single sheet of very, very old yellowed parchment.

`Quiet, but nice.' Topher sat down, and nodded slowly.

`I am sorry I couldn't be there. After my arm was healed, I needed to come back here right
away.'

`Where were you on Christmas? You weren't in the Great Hall for the feast' Harry inquired.
Topher smiled—with both sides—and leaned back a little.

`Very attentive Harry. I was busy doing my research. I wish I could have done it another day, but I
was allowed an opportunity I couldn't pass. How was your Christmas?' he asked, Harry
knowing he was trying to steer the conversation away from his research.

`It was fine. Why were you in the Ministry for Magic?' Harry let out. Harry was worried if he
was becoming too nosy, but relaxed when Topher again smiled, even larger than before.

`You catch everything, don't you? Yes, I was in the Ministry, on Christmas in fact' he
divulged.

`Doing what, if you don't mind me asking?' Harry, in the few seconds that passed, realized
he should be a little less demanding with the man—who not only just a week earlier showed him his
parents graves—but also was a professor, and on his side.

`I don't mind at all Harry, really. I have a friend, actually one of Dumbledore's friends,
that allowed me access to a very old room. The lack of staff in the Ministry made it easier to do
on Christmas' Topher explained quietly, as if still worried someone could hear, even though he
obviously put a Silencing Charm on the room.

`And old room? Where?' Harry asked, some of his wonder escaping into his voice.

`Have you ever been in the lower levels of the Ministry?'

`Yeah, I was charged with underage wizardry when I was fifteen, and had my trial in Courtroom Ten,
on Level Ten.'

`Along the hallway to the courtroom there are rooms that run off, with large wooden doors.
They're record rooms, where the Ministry stores all its very old parchment records, incase they
need them.' Harry's brow furrowed slightly at the news.

`Why did you need Ministry records?' he asked. Topher stood up beaming again, and pulled out
the parchment roll Harry had seen before, with the snake and figures.

`The magic on this scroll' he explained, pointing to the scroll, `is said to be Egyptian. As I
told you, most—if not all—the remaining scrolls from Egypt are in the Ministry. I know getting
access to those will be impossible, but finding the records of what the Ministry has is different.
I contacted this friend of Dumbledore, and asked him if he could get the records. He did one
better, and was able to allow me access to the rooms. He told the guard it was for a school project
on History of Magic, and that he would supervise.'

`So what did you find?' Topher put away the scroll with the snake, and motioned to the ancient
looking parchment that was on his desk in the first place.

`This scroll here. It's very promising, because it talks about an expedition into a very
ancient, and powerfully magical tomb, and the retrieval of many scrolls and other
artifacts.'

`Why is that so different than any other expedition?' Harry asked, some doubt in his voice.
Topher bent down over the scroll, and pointed at a section that looked to be written in some odd
form of writing and pictures.

`This is what makes this different' Topher remarked.

`What is it?' Harry got up, and moved around to see the parchment correctly.

`The recorder wrote down a part of the hieroglyphics that were found on some of the items recovered
from the tomb' Harry looked at the pictures, and tilted his head.

`But I remember seeing hieroglyphics at the museum when I was a young, and they didn't look
like this' he confessed. Topher simply continued smiling, and nodding.

`Yes, because those were muggle hieroglyphics—these are wizard's' he informed, sounding
neither condescending nor boastful.

`So, have you figured out what is says?' Harry asked hesitantly. Topher shook his head, but
pointed one of his fingers at a prominent symbol.

`No, only this one' he professed. Harry looked down, and found him pointing to a hieroglyph of
something that resembled a stork, followed by a semi-circle and two diagonal lines.

`What does it mean?'

`Have you ever heard of Thoth?' Topher asked somewhat dramatically. Wracking his brain, the
name sounded vaguely familiar to Harry; possibly from History of Magic.

`I think so. Wasn't he a really powerful wizard?' He never liked History of Magic, but he
hoped he was right here. Where was Hermione when he needed her?

`The most powerful wizard to ever live actually. It was written that he could control the sky and
the earth, talk to animals, and perform magic the world has never seen. Muggles thought he was a
God, and wrote him as the God of wisdom, the moon, time, magic, and writing.

`It was believed, by wizard historians, that before Thoth died, he wrote all his knowledge in a
book. It was put in the tomb of a prince, and protected by immortal guards and countless powerful
spells and curses.'

`And you think this record is of an expedition to that tomb?' Harry questioned. Topher motioned
Harry to sit back down, and he did so. Topher then leaned back in his chair, and put his fingers to
his chin.

`That I'm unsure of. I still need to decipher the rest of the scroll. But, I'll tell you
this Harry; the Book of Thoth was believed to have a terrible curse set upon it. Anyone to remove
it from the tomb would suffer a terrible life, and death, if they didn't return it to its
proper place of rest.'

`And?'

`And at the bottom of this scroll, the recorder wrote that all the men on this expedition died
within two months, along with their families. Almost all died very horrifically, I might add; some
by dragons, some by horrible plagues, and so on.' Harry leaned back, and let out an astonished
breath, however was still pessimistic about it all.

`So you think this, what was it, Oroborus thing, is in this book, that you think the Ministry has,
or had?' Harry questioned. Topher chuckled a little, and smiled.

`I know, it sounds like a long shot. The Book of Thoth is just a myth really. Those who believe it
existed, think it was lost thousands of years ago. The magic to defeat Voldemort would definitely
reside in the Book of Thoth however, so I'm going to try. I still need to do more research, and
that's why I came here. With this revelation, I think I'm on the right path. For the time,
let me worry about this, and you worry about your dueling lessons' Topher asserted
calmly.

`Yeah, well, I still need to plan those out' Harry admitted.

`I'd suggest you go and do that then' Topher said easily. Harry smiled, and stood up,
Topher doing the same.

`Oh, and well done with Hermione' he added. Harry's smile increased, and Topher
laughed.

`Thanks for the advice from before by the way' said Harry. Topher came around the desk, and
started to walk Harry out leisurely.

`Not a problem Harry. I could see you needed a little kick in the pants to get moving.' Topher
and Harry bid farewell to each other, and Harry returned to the East Tower. Once he sat down at the
desk, he started planning out his first dueling lesson.

*

`Do you think a lot of people will show up?' Ron asked, as he, Harry, and Hermione moved
through the hallway. It was the first week back, and the school numbers were almost identical to
that from before Christmas. Seamus stayed, and many others that were debating not to before did as
well. Seamus himself said it was because of the dueling lessons. That, and he didn't find the
idea of spending all that time around his grandmother to be too exciting.

`I've had a lot of people ask me about the dueling club, so I can imagine so' Hermione put
in. So far, Harry had many people come and ask him the time and place to go for the meeting. Harry
decided to have the lessons on Wednesday nights, and once more, in the Room of Requirement.

They started up the flight of stairs towards the seventh floor. As they turned the corner, Harry
found a mob of people standing the hallway.

`Bloody hell!' Ron voiced, looking at Harry, his surprise plainly showing on his face. Harry
moved into the throng of people, to where the doorway to the Room of Requirement would be. One
thing he did know; he would need to think of a bigger room.

Ron and Hermione, knowing what to do, cleared some space for Harry to think of the room he needed,
while he paced. Three times he walked across the barrier, and finally a doorway appeared. He walked
over, and opened the door, while the others watched.

Walking in, Harry found the room to be a mixture of the Great Hall, and the library. Although not
as huge as the Great Hall, it was wide and long, and more than large enough for the new members of
the club. Bookshelves lined the stone walls, except for the ends where massive stone-cut fireplaces
stood, and red carpeting filled the floor.

While the mass of students entered the room, Harry walked towards the far end, where a heavy wood
table was sitting, with one blank scroll of parchment, a quill, and a few wooden chairs sitting
around it. Hermione walked up behind Harry, as well as Ron, and both smiled at him.

`This will be perfect' Harry said gazing around the hall, turning around and hearing the door
close shut.

Over a hundred people now stood in the room, all looking squarely at Harry. As if reading his mind,
a small stage appeared in front of him, and he stood on it, so even people in the back could see
him. He cleared his throat, and was once again reminded about how he hated talking in front of a
crowd.

`Hello everyone. This is going to be the dueling club. For starters, I am in charge. If you have a
problem with me, or start trouble, you're out. Next, this is for protection only. Don't use
these spells on friends, or for pranks. You do, and you'll find yourself out of Hogwarts.'
Everyone was listening to Harry carefully, and the air seemed thick with the seriousness of
Harry's claims.

`To start, I need everyone to get in a line, and sign their name on the parchment roll up here.
People who were in the DA, I need you up here first' Harry announced. He came off the stage,
and let out a sigh. Hermione beamed at him, and started getting people in line, while Ron took the
parchment roll, and got it ready for people to sign.

Quickly, old members of the DA came to the front, including Neville, Luna, Ginny, Susan Bones, both
Creevey brothers, Ernie Macmillan, Dean, and Seamus. They all quickly signed their names, and made
their way over to Harry, who was standing away from the crowd of chatting new members.

`Now this is a turn out!' Ernie cheered, the other members agreeing. Harry smiled, and looked
at the old members.

`I'll need you're help guys. Ernie is right, there's a lot of people here, and I
can't teach them all-`

`Harry' Seamus interrupted, `we'll help, don't worry. This isn't for us anymore,
this is for Hogwarts.' The statement shook Harry with its truth, and the other members agreed
with Seamus and his assessment.

`Thanks guys. Today I planned on just trying Disarming Spells; simple and easy, since there are
people from every year. If you guys can just go through and help people out, that'd be
great' said Harry. Everyone nodded, and Harry turned back to see the line halfway done. He went
ahead and sat down next to Ron and Hermione behind the table.

`Harry, this will be great. There are students from every year, and every house. It's exactly
like the Sorting Hat said; “You all must stand together, and protect Hogwarts from its foes”'
Hermione proclaimed.

`Yeah, well I'm just--wait, how in the world did you remember that?' Harry asked
disbelievingly.

`Oh you know, a little Memory Potion here . . .'

`I knew it! You do take that stuff!' Ron expounded, turning to the two of them. Hermione rolled
her eyes, and smirked at Harry. The final students signed their name on the now long list, and
Harry stood once again on the stage, Hermione just off the stage behind him with the scroll.

`Alright, first thing we'll be doing-`

`Is coming up with a name' Hermione insisted. Harry turned around, and she stood up on the
stage next to Harry, and smiled at the crowd.

`I thought we were using “Dumbledore's Army” again?' Ginny asked, who was standing in
front.

`We used Dumbledore's Army, because it was pertinent to the time. Calling the club that now
wouldn't make as much sense. We need a name that reflects what we're doing' Hermione
justified. There was a slight murmur between the students, and Colin Creevey spoke up

`We're defending Hogwarts, and ourselves' he put in. People nodded, and the murmur
continued.

`We're guardians' Luna voiced simply, but loud enough for people to hear. The noise level
lowered, and everyone looked at her.

`Sorry?' Harry asked. Luna approached the stage and explained.

`We're protectors of Hogwarts. That makes us guardians.' The statement sounded good, but
the effect was lessened by Luna playing with her Butterbeer cork necklace, and looking around at
the lantern lights after she was done.

`Guardians of Hogwarts!' a few energetic students shouted together after a second or two.
Everyone clapped in agreement, and Hermione smiled.

`Alright, Guardians of Hogwarts it is' she said, writing the name on the top of the
parchment.

`The Guard for short' Seamus added. The murmur grew again, to one of excitement. Hermione
mouthed sorry, and Harry returned to his lesson.

`To start, I need everyone to pair up. We're going to start with disarming spells.' The
mass of students, moved into pairs, and Harry and his helpers started moving through the crowd
helping students. Harry found that it helped to pair the younger students together, and keep the
older ones with students in their year. In this manner, Harry could get more DA members to help the
younger, less focused students, while the older students progressed easier.

The meeting ended after an hour, and it looked to be doing great. Many of the older students could
perform the charm easily. Some first years were even getting it, but most had some difficulty. As
everyone filed out of the room, talking happily over the lesson and its worth, Harry asked the
older DA members to say back.

`Thanks again guys for all the help. Since the Guard is so large, I'll really need your
help' Harry requested. Everyone looked at each other in thought, and Neville stepped
forward.

`Seamus and Ernie are right; we're doing this for Hogwarts. I'll help as much as I can'
he said confidently. Harry smiled at Neville, and looked to the rest. They all nodded in agreement,
and stepped forward as well.

`We'll help Harry. You helped us, now we'll help you' Ernie said nobly.

`OK. You guys will still be the DA, to make things easy. I doubt you guys still have your Galleons,
right?' Harry asked. At the mention of Galleons, every one of the members reached into their
pockets, and pulled out the fake Galleons that Hermione made two years prior. Harry couldn't
hide the surprise on his face, and it was obvious, since all the DA members chuckled at his
reaction.

`Oh, well . . . in that case, if I need to get a hold of you guys outside lessons, just check the
Galleon' he said. Everyone agreed, and headed out of the room. Ron left with Luna, and left
Harry and Hermione in the cavernous room. As the door closed, Hermione turned to Harry, and beamed
at him as she approached.

`This is wonderful Harry. If we can teach them well enough, they'll have a chance when
Voldemort comes.' She kissed Harry, and he returned it, but stopped it short. He started pacing
around, and Hermione tilted her head in worry.

`Harry, what's the matter?' she asked. Harry sighed, and smiled when she placed a
comforting hand on his shoulder.

`How are we going to find the other Horcruxes?' he questioned. He stepped away, and her hand
fell to her side.

`How many are left?'

`If there are six, with the part in Voldemort, then there's Hufflepuff's Cup, Nagini, and
my . . . my scar.' Harry once again placed his hand to his forehead, and felt a shiver run
through him, as it did when he remembered the deformity. Hermione came around in front of him, and
gently took his hand in hers, and kissed his forehead.

`Then let's focus on the Cup. Have you talked to Dumbledore about it?' Harry shook his
head, and she smiled sweetly at him.

`Well, go talk to him, and we'll get started.' Harry smiled at Hermione, and they left the
room.

The next night, Harry made his way to Professor McGonagall's office. She was inside talking to
Professor Fourmove, and the two graciously left the office so he could talk to Dumbledore's
Portrait by himself.

`Hello Harry. I should start by congratulating you and Miss Granger' he said, smiling
warmly.

`How did you find out?' Harry asked, as he took a seat.

`Being a portrait has its advantages. That, and I know about the tradition.' He smiled again,
and the Head Boy laughed.

`It seemed everyone knew about it but me. Was it you that chose Hermione and I to be Heads?'
Harry asked, wondering if it was Dumbledore that was playing match-maker. Dumbledore shook his
head.

`No. I recommended you two, but the staff selected you. The Governors then approved, and sent the
badges. Don't think it was the tradition that put you two together. I could tell from very
early on that you two would make it together in some manner.' Dumbledore then smiled again, and
fixed his hat.

`So how are your lesson with Topher going?' he asked.

`They're going well. He said we're going to start on more advanced magic now.'

`That's very good Harry. I was told you and Hermione performed a Patronus Sphere. That is a
great feat.'

`Why is it so hard to do? We just did a Patronus at the same time' Harry mentioned.

`It's hard, because not only do the casters have to do the charm at the same time, but also
have to be using the exact same happy thought or memory.'

`Really?' Harry asked. Hermione used the memory of the hug as well? Dumbledore nodded, and
Harry felt his insides warm with the realization.

`I have also heard you started a dueling club to help the students and Topher.'

`Yeah, sort of like the DA in fifth year. It's a lot bigger though, at least a third of the
school.'

`Yes, well, be expecting more Harry. Dark times are approaching, and students need to be prepared
for the worst. Have you named the club?'

`Guardians of Hogwarts. The old DA members are helping me out. We had our first meeting last night,
and it seemed to work well.' Dumbledore nodded, looking off to the side in thought.

`Guardians you say? A better choice of name than I think you know.' Harry's brow furrowed,
and Dumbledore continued.

`I suggest talking to Miss Granger about that. I daresay you have read Hogwarts: A History, but it
will shed some light.' Harry nodded, and made a mental note to ask her once he returned to the
East Tower. `Have you made any way with the Horcruxes?' Dumbledore asked.

`Actually, that's what I came to talk to you about' Harry informed.

`Oh, I see. And what is it you wish to discuss?'

`Well, by my count, there are three Horcruxes left to destroy: Hufflepuff's Cup, Nagini, and my
scar.'

`That sounds correct' Dumbledore affirmed.

`Do you have ideas where Hufflepuff's Cup could be?'

`Ideas? Hundreds of them, however many are outlandish and I know, false. The places I think that
are most plausible, I have already shown you.'

`You have?' Harry questioned. Dumbledore nodded.

`I did, just this past year, in the Pensieve.'

`So showing me those memories wasn't just for the history lesson?' Harry asked, trying not
to sound rude. Dumbledore smiled.

`Not entirely. It is important for you to know Lord Voldemort's history, but yes, there was
this reason as well. Do you remember the places you saw?' Harry stretched his mind, trying to
remember.

`There was: the Orphanage, Hogwarts, the Gaunt House, Riddle's House, the old lady's house,
what was her name?'

`Hepzibah Smith' Dumbledore offered.

`Yeah. You think the Cup could be at one of those places?'

`Not all of them. We can rule out the Gaunt House, because the ring was there. Also, there is
little chance one resides in Hepzibah Smith's home.'

`Why is that sir?'

`Because it is no more. It was destroyed in a very violent fire a few weeks after her death. There
is nothing left of it.' Harry nodded his head, and thought for a moment.

`So we need to go and search Hogwarts, as well as the Riddle House and the Orphanage?'
Dumbledore nodded.

`I would start with the castle. Though I am sure there is nothing here, a Cup could easily be
hidden somewhere.' Harry's memory was still working well however, and he wondered about a
Horcrux being in the castle.

`But how could Voldemort get one in here?' Harry asked.

`Remember, Tom came back to ask for the Defence Against the Dark Arts position. He could have
hidden it then' Dumbledore stated. Harry's face fell into dismay wit the prospect of
searching the entire castle, and Dumbledore seemed to notice.

`I think it may be best to enlist the help of the house elves here. They can search the castle much
more thoroughly than students.' Harry's face lightened with the idea, since it would make
things a great deal better, and would not require him to get on his hands and knees, searching the
dungeons and bowels of the castle for a flimsy cup.

`I'll get started right away' Harry said, getting up.

`Please give my condolences to the Weasley's. Fred will be remembered as one of those wonderful
people, who could always bring a ray of sunshine to a room.'

`It'll be tough, especially for George.' Dumbledore leaned in portrait to face Harry more
seriously.

`Get him to help you Harry. George will be looking for methods of pouring his sorrow and grief out.
If you do not help him focus, he could do something rash, and serious consequences could
arise.' Harry walked to the portrait, so he faced it closely.

`He did offer to help me' Harry mentioned.

`Good, good. Think of items your Guardians or you and your friends could use to fight Death Eaters,
or find the Horcruxes. Get him working, get him motivated, and driven to fight those who took his
brother. He will be better for it in the end.' Harry could see his reasoning, and nodded
confidently. He bid Dumbledore farewell, and went back to the East Tower.

Upon entering, Harry found Hermione sitting at the desk reading a book. She looked up at Harry, and
waved him over quickly.

`What's up?' he asked lightly, leaning down next to her, the perfume of honeysuckle wafting
under his nose.

`The Guardians of Hogwarts existed before' she claimed. Harry looked at her wondrously, and she
nodded, pointing to the text, which Harry saw was Hogwarts: A History.

*After the departure of Salazar Slytherin, the remaining Founders believed that the school could
be threatened by him, or his descendants. There were still many problems in both the muggle world,
and the wizarding worlds at the time. With the beginning of the Wizard's Civil War, the
Founders created Guardians to protect Hogwarts.

The Guardians of Hogwarts stood for almost a century, until the Civil War subsided. By this time,
around the year 1080AD in the Muggle calendar, the Wizarding world was beginning to calm, and
Hogwarts, which had been closed for several years, was reopened. Salazar Slytherin's
whereabouts was unknown; however he was never seen alive again. The Founders, agreeing with each
other that the school was safe, disbanded the Guardians.*

`You see. These Guardians of Hogwarts protected Hogwarts like we will be. We couldn't have
picked a better name' Hermione said happily, giving Harry a nice smile. `Maybe Luna read
Hogwarts: A History, and thought of the name from there' she suggested, looking at Harry for a
response. Harry looked at her and laughed openly.

`No, I think that was just Luna being Luna. Besides, I think you're the only person who has
ever read that book.' Harry smirked at Hermione, and received a smack on his shoulder--with the
aforementioned book—for the comment. Harry held his shoulder, but continued laughing.
Hermione's eyes focused on Harry with a tinge of annoyance.

`What?' she asked, questioning Harry's increased laughter after the swipe at his
shoulder.

`Finally you found a good use for that book' he laughed.

Hermione smacked him in the shoulder again with the book.

**Spell / Name Meanings:**
The flowers placed in front of the twin's shop, and their meanings:
**Forget-Me-Not** - Faithful love; Undying hope; Memories; Do not forget; True love
**Rose (Deep Pink)** - Thank you
**Rose (White)** - Innocence; Purity; Heavenly; Secrecy; Silence; Charm
**Statice** - Sympathy; Rememberance
**Zinnia** - Thoughts of absent friends

**A/N - Hope you all enjoy enjoyed this chapter here. Please review folks!**

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21. Forgotten Magic
-------------------



CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

**Forgotten Magic**


As classes moved into the end of January, they became increasingly difficult. Harry and Ron
tried to keep up with the increasing workload, but realized they had to focus more on the Horcruxes
and Voldemort. Hermione was at first reluctant to wane on her school work, but was eventually
subdued by the other two.

`Hermione, you can't expect to do everything perfect this year in class. We have to work on the
Chamber Pots' Ron maintained, while they were eating lunch. The Great Hall was a buzz that day,
as the second meeting of The Guard was taking place that night.

`I know guys, I know. It's just hard for me to purposely not do homework' Hermione
admitted. Ron stifled his laugh, knowing how easy it would be for him, and Harry spoke up.

`Don't worry Hermione. You'll still have time for homework, it's just we have to work
on bigger things. We have The Guard tonight, and then we need to get moving on the Cup.' He
lowered his voice in the last part, just in case. Hermione nodded, and she held Harry's hand
under the table in thanks for the reassurance.

`Have you talked to Dobby yet?' Ron asked, jumping back into the conversation. Harry asked
Dobby check everywhere in the school for Hufflepuff's Cup. He gave a good description of the
cup, but Harry was worried about Dobby's enthusiasm to help. Knowing him, he might just knick
every cup in the castle to show Harry.

`I haven't heard back yet. I'm sure he'll be done soon' Harry answered. They
finished their lunch, and started their way up to the Charms classroom. They turn down a corridor,
and were stopped in a deserted hallway by a small creature with tennis-ball sized green eyes,
wearing a massive number of both socks, and hats; extending his small height by almost half a
foot.

`Harry Potter sir! Dobby has been a good house elf, and found several cups that match his
description' the house elf stated, bowing low, and looking up and Harry and the others.

`Where did you put them Dobby?' Harry asked.

`Dobby puts them in the Come and Go Room, hidden from others they are' Dobby explained, with a
smile. Harry looked Ron's watch, knowing his only pointed to people's fates, and realized
he did not have the time to check the Room of Requirement and go to Charms.

`I don't have the time to-` he started, but stopped himself. Harry already had to go to the
Room of Requirement to prepare things, and tell the DA what he was planning. This meant he had to
use the Time Turner. He neglected to use it so far, but he desperately wanted to see the Cups Dobby
found.

`What are you thinking Harry?' Hermione questioned. Harry thought for one more moment, and
decided.

`I need to see those Cups, and plan tonight's lesson. I can use the Time Turner to check them
before the DA arrives tonight' he said eagerly. Hermione was the one who used the Time Turner
before, so Harry waited for her reaction, since he was still new to the whole process. She thought
for a moment, then began nodding.

`It sounds good Harry. All you need to do is tell Dobby to meet you outside the Room at a certain
time. Since you'll be in the Room the whole time, you won't have to worry about you running
into yourself' she justified. Harry told Dobby to wait outside the Room of Requirement one hour
before supper.

When Harry arrived in the hallway outside the Room of Requirement just before supper, Ron and
Hermione both stood at the ends, making sure no one would come down. They both nodded to Harry, and
he put the Time Turner chain around his neck. He gave the silver hourglass one inversion, and he
was transported back one hour. The sound and shadows of people walking by began slowing down, and
when everything stopped, the hallway was empty.

`Dobby?' Harry called quietly. The house elf came out from behind the statue of Barnabas the
Barmy, who was trying to teach Trolls ballet, and bowed in front of him.

`Harry Potter is always on time he is!' Dobby complimented. Harry smiled, and Dobby quickly
scurried over to where the doorway would be, and he paced across the entrance five times, until a
large wooden door appeared. Dobby opened the door, reaching up to push the door, and motioned Harry
to follow.

Harry walked in, and found a room that was a mess of old bookshelves, tables, and various other
pieces of furniture and knick knacks. Dobby was making his way through the small passageways, and
stopped once he turned a corner. Harry came around, and his heart fell.

There, sitting on the floor, was a massive pile of cups. Hundreds, maybe even thousands of cups, of
all different sizes and colours sat in a huge pile, which climbed to a height above Dobby's own
head. Dobby looked up at Harry expectantly, a large smile on his face, and Harry sighed.

`Is Harry Potter upset with Dobby?' he asked, sounding already devastated. Not bothering for a
response, the small creature began crying profusely, and right when Harry was about to comfort him,
he began banging his head on a nearby desk top, yelling `Bad Dobby! Bad Dobby!' Harry wrenched
Dobby away from the desk, and held his head so he wouldn't be able to hurt himself
anymore.

`I'm not upset Dobby, really. It's just a big pile, that's all' Harry said calmly,
hoping to get Dobby more relaxed. Harry did bend the truth a little; it wasn't a big pile, it
was a huge pile. Why Dobby would hide something so easily noticeable in a room like this, Harry
didn't know.

Luckily, Dobby calmed down, and straightened his socks.

`I is sorry Harry Potter. I tries to do well in finding his cup. In times of need, Dobby wants to
help Harry Potter.' Harry smiled at Dobby, moved over to the pile, and started going through
them.

Constantly looking at a nearby clock, he had to go through the cups quickly. The only thing he was
looking for was the gold cup, engraved with a golden badger. He had to trudge through many cups, of
all different sizes, shapes, and colours. Dobby stood behind him, and caught the cups he threw
away, knowing they weren't the one he was looking for.

As the pile began to fade, and the stone floor became visible once more, Harry's heart was
feeling a mixture of failure and success. Checking the last tea cup—which was baby blue in colour
with one handle, and a wide brim—he unceremoniously lobbed it in the air behind him, and Dobby
caught it, placing it in another pile, which he had built. Harry then continued to sit on the stone
floor, and sighed loudly.

`Did Harry Potter find his cup?' Dobby asked. Harry debated how to answer, not wanting Dobby to
start banging his head again.

`No, but that's alright Dobby. I don't know where it is, and needed to check here first.
Now, are you sure those are all the cups that you could find that came close to my
description?' Harry asked.

`Yes sir. Dobby collected every cup from the castle that had gold on it, regardless of shape or
placement. Dobby checked from lowest dungeon, and the Odd Rooms, to the highest tower, and brought
them for Harry Potter here!' the house elf explained, not looking too happy. Harry thought he
would start banging his head again, and stood up.

`You did a great job Dobby, really, you did. You helped out tremendously. It's almost five, so
can you do something for me?'

`Anything for Harry Potter!' the house elf squeaked, moving forward and looking right up at
Harry with his tennis ball sized eyes.

`Can you put back all these cups were you found them by six?' he asked. He needed to room clear
by six for The Guard. Dobby luckily bowed, and looked back up at Harry.

`Of course, Dobby can have it cleared in half the time!' he expounded. Harry thanked him again,
and went to the door that lead out into the corridor. He waited for the old and dusty grandfather
clock to strike five, and then opened the door.

When he opened it, he found the hallway empty. Walking out, the door slammed behind him, and Ron
and Hermione came from either ends of the hallway.

`So, did Dobby find it?' Ron asked, as he approached. Harry's stomach gave a rumble, as for
him it was an extra hour of no food, and he started off towards the Great Hall before
answering.

`He found about ten thousand cups, but not one was the one we need' Harry told his two friends,
and they made their way down the stairwells towards the Great Hall.

`Are you sure he checked everywhere?' Hermione asked.

`Pretty sure. Dobby's pretty thorough with things, and I told him this was important.'
Harry's stomach gave another rumble, and he continued on.

`Well, at least we don't have to worry about the cup being in Hogwarts then. That only leaves
the other two places' Hermione said evenly, as the three entered the Great Hall. They all sat
down, and just as they were getting their meals together, Hermione looked up at the head table, and
nearly sprayed Ginny-who was sitting next to her-with pumpkin juice.

`What?' Ron asked. Hermione, still working on her juice, tilted her head towards the head
table. Harry looked, and held him mouth from spitting out his food in laughter, and horror.

Dobby was moving along the head table, placing the cups he “acquired” back to where they belonged.
Professor McGonagall, and most of the other Professors, gave a strange look at the house elf as he
moved down the table. Once he got to the end, he scurried towards Harry. Harry's eyes grew wide
as he noticed Professor McGonagall watching Dobby move down towards Harry. Harry gave Hermione a
nervous glance, and Dobby halted next to Harry.

`Harry Potter sir, Dobby has returned all the cups!' he said happily. Harry quietly thanked the
elf, and Dobby—with a snap of his fingers—vanished. Harry dared a glance to the head table, and
found Professor McGonagall's eyes boring into him. He quickly looked back to his food, and for
the rest of the meal, never looked up from the table.

Once he finished, he quickly got up and went to the Room of Requirement, again avoiding a look at
the head table. So far, he had an easy time keeping the Horcruxes secret from Professor McGonagall,
and he didn't feel breaking that streak. Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Neville all joined him, and
once they reached the seventh floor corridor, they found a few energetic Guard members
waiting.

Harry performed his walk, and the doorway appeared. Opening the room, he found the same room as the
week before. People started filing in, and Harry checked the old clock on the wall. They still had
a few minutes until he would start, so in the mean time, he talked to his DA.

`Tonight we'll finish up with Disarming Charms. Next is the Shield Charm. I want people to know
how to do at least these two before anything else' Harry explained to the small DA, which
filtered in slowly.

Keeping an open door policy, Hermione suggested allowing new members in when they wanted. She and
Ginny stayed at the heavy table with the scroll, signing up any new students. After a few minutes
past, and the hall was getting full, Seamus closed the door with a thud, and returned to the front
with the other DA members.

`Harry, at least fifty new students signed up. This is going great!' Hermione said cheerfully,
giving Harry's arm a squeeze. He smiled brightly at her, and took a step onto the stage.

`Alright everyone, welcome to the second meeting of The Guard. To new members, welcome. Please tell
your friends that they can come out if they'd like, but they'd be best to join now, before
we get too far ahead.

`Tonight we'll be finishing with Disarming Spells, and moving onto the Shield Charm. I need
everyone to pair up again, and we'll continue with Disarming for now. For those who already
know, or want to try, the Shield Charm is “Protego.”'

Harry was about to step off the stage, when a small second year Hufflepuff put up her hand and
spoke.

`Are we going to learn how to do a Patronus?' she asked. A good number of students, mostly the
younger ones, nodded their heads, and looked to Harry.

`Yeah, Professor Terrwynebas is going to teach us, but can we learn it here?' a young Slytherin
asked. Harry's head stuck on him for a moment, realizing only now, that many more Slytherins
were present in The Guard.

`We will be learning them, but not right now. We need to get the basics first' Harry answered.
Many student moaned at this answer, and some even looked angry.

`Can you even cast a Patronus?' a pale faced, short haired Slytherin asked, who looked to be in
his fourth or fifth year. Harry, meeting this question yet again, rolled his eyes, and didn't
even bother answering. Instead he thought of he and Hermione's kiss on Christmas Eve, and
raised his wand.

`Expecto Patronum' he articulated. The bright silver phoenix flew out of his wand, and soared
over the heads of the students. Many of them ducked, a few shrieked, and many awed at the sight.
The phoenix circled back, and dissolved just above Harry, and many of the students, still looking
awed, burst into cheers. Harry blushed slightly, and motioned the DA to start their rounds. The
group hesitated, all of them looking extremely confused at Harry, and slowly moved into the mass of
students, who were eagerly trying their Disarming Spells, with a few Shield Charms popping up here
and there.

As Harry stepped off the stage, Neville came over, his brow lowered in concern.

`What happened to your Patronus Harry? Didn't it use to be a stag?' he asked. He could
understand the DA's odd looks now.

`It changed over the summer. Now it's a phoenix. If you could, can you tell the other DA
members that, so I don't' have a dozen people asking me?' Harry asked. Neville nodded,
and started his way through the students, helping a very short, first year Ravenclaw with his
defenses.

Once the lesson was over, all the older students could perform the Disarming Spell well, as well as
the Shield Charm. Luckily, most of the younger students got the Shield Charm easier than the
Disarming, but it was looking promising. Many of the students talked to the DA members before
leaving about other people joining.

`That went really well, considering the size of the group' Dean asserted, the other DA members
agreeing. They all hung back, to talk to Harry and the others.

`Yeah Harry, The Guard will be the entire school by the end of the month!' Susan Bones
boasted.

`Hopefully it will. If what the Sorting Hat said comes true, everyone will need to know how to
defend themselves' Hermione insisted. The group went silent, and everyone looked at the floor
for a moment, remembering the warning the Hat gave.

`Is You-Know-Who Slytherin's Heir?' Denis Creevey asked quietly. Everyone looked at him for
a moment, then to Harry. Harry looked at everyone, then slowly nodded. He could see their faces
growing immediately worried, and tried to reassure them.

`This is why we're making The Guard. There's probably more Aurors here than at the
Ministry. The professor's are here as well. It's only a precaution that we're training
the Guard.' Harry let the words sink in, and both Colin and Denis Creevey looked at each other,
nodded, then looked at Harry.

`We're not scared Harry. Our uncle was killed two months ago by Death Eaters, and we know the
risks' Colin stated. They both took a step forward and glanced at everyone, before returning to
Harry.

`We'd fight for Hogwarts until the very end' Denis said proudly.

`We'd fight against him until the end' Colin added, sounding just as determined. Harry was
moved by their statements, but didn't want to think of that yet.

`I know guys, but for now, let's not think about “the end”. Invite any students that ask about
our meeting to next week, and we should be working a little more the Shield Charm, then starting on
the Stunning and Revival Spells. Any questions, just come see me, Hermione, or Ron. OK?' Harry
asked the group. They all agreed, and left the room.

`Terrwynebas owes you good Harry. This club is going to be huge! Might be an idea to get some of
the staff to help' Ron pitched in, once it was only him, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Luna.
Harry thought of asking some of the staff, but for the moment, decided not to.

`If the club gets over half the school, then we'll ask. I just don't want the staff
encroaching on my teaching' Harry admitted. He could see probably if Professor McGonagall had
to follow his orders.

`They won't Harry. Oh, speaking of Topher, he wanted to see you after the meeting tonight'
Luna stated.

`You call him Topher?' Harry asked. Luna nodded slowly, like one would if under water.

`He said I could call him Topher. He's a nice professor. He doesn't laugh at me like some
of other ones' Luna responded with her usual oddness. Ginny looked at Ron with a smirk, and he
retorted with a sarcastic grin. Luna noticed neither.

`Alright, I'll go see him then. I'll see you later in the common room' Harry mentioned
to Hermione. She smiled at him sweetly, and he left for Topher's office.

He knocked on the door, and Topher opened it from his desk with his wand.

`Come in Harry. Sorry for the short notice, but I wanted to ask you something' he explained as
Harry sat down in front of his desk, where he was marking some papers, which appeared to be on
boggarts.

`Harry, why did you have that house elf checking every single cup in the castle?' he asked
straightforwardly, still marking his papers and not looking up. Harry couldn't hide his
surprise to the question, and Topher smiled, putting down his quill and looking up, showing he was
not upset about it.

`Professor McGonagall asked me after supper if I knew why the elf took all the cups. I saw him talk
to you afterwards, and thought to ask. She's waiting for me to get back to her, before she asks
you; so if the reason is one you don't want her to know about, you'd be best to tell
me' Topher suggested.

`It's about Voldemort. I can't say much about it, it's a secret' Harry admitted.
Topher nodded, and leaned back in his chair to stretch, his dull grey robes stretching
slightly.

`Is it about the Horcruxes?' Topher asked, as if asking if Harry wanted a cup of tea. Harry
almost fell off his seat.

`What? I mean—How do you-?' Harry stuttered. Topher smiled again, and leaned forward.

`Dumbledore told me a little of your task. I don't know much, and frankly I don't need to.
He said you would tell me if you needed help, but so far I'm guessing it's going alright.
But is this cup searching about it?' Harry still couldn't believe what Topher knew. From
the start, he knew about the Horcruxes, yet never mentioned it.

`Yes, it was about that' Harry finally uttered. Topher nodded in thought, then picked up his
red-marked quill.

`Alright. I'll Professor McGonagall you were searching for a cup you lost, and the house elf
got a little too excited in looking for a cup. Are you still planning on making it to our lesson on
Saturday?' he asked, moving away from the topic of Horcruxes.

`Yeah—how did you know about Horcruxes all this time and not tell me?' Harry asked, his voice
showing some of his discontent. Topher put his quill down again, and sighed.

`Dumbledore told me you'd come to me if you needed help. I still talk to his portrait, and he
could have told me more, but he wanted you to tell me. Realize Harry, I do know a little about a
Horcrux, but nothing about what you're doing, except that it has to do with Voldemort.

`Believe me, if you want my help with it, I'll give it. Of course you'd have to tell me
about everything, but again, I leave that to you. I asked if you're coming on Saturday, because
if you don't mind, I would like Hermione to come as well.' Harry decided to leave the issue
of Horcruxes behind for now.

`Why do you want Hermione to come?' Harry asked. He wasn't upset about it, just
curious.

`As I'm told, she's done very well in History of Magic, and Ancient Runes. I'm going to
be telling you about the scrolls I've been deciphering, and she can more than likely help with
the history' Topher said easily.

`So we're not working on any magic?' Harry questioned, sounding a little upset with a
history lesson.

`You need to know the history of this magic, to know what I'm trying to find. Professor
Dumbledore believed this was the only thing that could help you, so it's important to
know.' Harry still was not too happy, and Topher must have noticed.

`Don't worry Harry, we'll be getting back to spells and Legilimency next week, I
promise' he reassured.

`Alright, I'll ask Hermione' Harry said.

`Good, good. How is the dueling club going?' he asked.

`Really well actually. Almost half the school is in it.'

`That's great to hear, really. Well, I need to get back to grading these papers on boggarts.
I'll see you on Saturday evening' Topher said. Harry left the office, and made his way to
the East Tower. He asked Hermione about the lesson on Saturday, and she seemed very
interested.

`Sure Harry, if you don't mind. I mean, I've read a lot of ancient magic in one of the
books Professor Dumbledore gave to me, so hopefully it will help. Of course I don't know much
of Egyptian hieroglyphs, but still, it will be interesting to learn' she exclaimed, sounding
excited over the lesson. Within five minutes of Harry telling Hermione of the lesson, he found her
sitting down reading books on hieroglyphs.

That Saturday night, they made their way to the defence classroom. They walked slowly along the
cold hallways, while Hermione went on and on about Egyptian items she read of. Harry listened to it
as they walked, but began wanting her to relax about it all.

`Then, when they finished burying him in his tomb, they placed these really old curses on the tomb,
and enchanted guards to-` she was saying. Harry shook his head, and planted a kiss on her lips in
mid-sentence.

She squeaked for a moment, then fell into the kiss easily; allowing her form to relax and move
close to Harry. They kissed for a few moments, and Harry pulled away, looking at Hermione
longingly. She was about to speak—probably to ask a question—when Harry placed his finger on her
moist lips.

`Please, relax' he whispered closely. She gazed at him for a moment, and she smiled warmly. She
nodded slightly, and draped her arms around Harry's neck, and they kissed again.

`It's just really fascinating. Sometimes I just get excited' she confessed, as they
continued on towards the classroom. She blushed a little, and Harry chuckled as they reached the
doorway.

'Now I know to hand you a book to get your excited' Harry noted, looking down and
Hermione.

'Well, it's not the only thing that gets me excited' she replied, giggling again in
that un-Hermione-like fashion. She reached up and gave Harry a quick kiss, they knocked on the
door, and entered.

Topher was going through a number of old parchment scrolls, and arranging them in specific order.
He looked up, seeing the two Heads, and beamed at the two of them.

`Ah, perfect. I hope you are both doing well. Come and sit down' he said, motioning to a set of
chairs in front of his desk. They sat down, and Topher did the same, although the pile of scrolls
hid him slightly.

`Thank you for coming Hermione' Topher started. `I wanted to hear your opinion of this, as well
as any input you may have.'

`Of course Topher, I'll help as much as possible' Hermione reassured, giving Harry a glance
and a smile.

`Good. Tonight, we're going to be talking about the ancient wizard Thoth, his book, and the
tale of Setna. Do you know about any of these things, before I begin?' Topher asked the two of
them. Harry shoook his head, and looked to Hermione. She bit her lip in thought, something Harry
had to admit, he found cute, and she nodded.

`Thoth was an Egyptian God; of magic I believe. He was very powerful, and supposedly wrote all his
secrets in an powerful book called the Book of Thoth, even though it was thought to actually be on
a scroll' she explained. She waited for a response, but got none, and continued.

`It was believed that the scroll was buried with a Prince, and protected by spells and guardians.
That's about all the information I could really find in the short time frame' she finished,
sounding upset with her lack of knowledge on the subject. Topher leaned forward in his chair, and
stood; beginning to pace behind the desk.

`That's all correct Hermione. Believe me, you know more than most people already, so don't
be disheartened. It is forgotten magic, known to very few people' he maintained. She grinned at
this, and Topher continued.

`Yes, it was believed buried with an Egyptian Prince. Most of the names are meaningless to us, but
his name was Nefrekeptah, and he was the son of Amenhotep. He was considered the most powerful
wizard of his time, and it was believed to be because of the Book. As I told Harry, the Book was
believed to house magic the world had never seen. Very ancient and massive magic not meant for
human eyes.' He stopped pacing for a moment, then turned and sat back down, this time on the
side of this desk.

`The story of Setna is usually used as a warning for greed. You see, Setna was a scholar, and a
very powerful wizard, but he was not satisfied with knowing that Nefre- . . . Nefrek- . . . well,
the Prince—who lived centuries before Setna--was more powerful than him. He sought to find the Book
of Thoth, and learn of its secrets.

`He and his brother went to the Prince's tomb, and confronted the guardians, which were called
kas. They are mummified bodies that are forever guarding the tomb. Kas have caused many problems
for wizards in Egypt, because they aren't Inferi, and they're not dead. They're
something different. The only way to keep them from causing trouble, is to leave the tomb
alone.' Harry was surprised to find himself actually interested in hearing about all this, and
the old magic. He glanced at Hermione, and a wide smile wiped across his face, seeing how she was
sitting on the edge of her seat, eating up every word Topher said.

`Setna and his brother however, wanted the Book. They were told the horrible story of the
Prince's life, and how he lost everything in the pursuit of knowledge and power. His son and
wife—which were the kas that guarded the tomb—were dead within hours of his reading the book. He
had the power to restore them to life, but it would not work.

`Setna heard of this story, but was not swayed. The kas realized there was no chance of changing
his mind, and they played an old game, similar to chess, for the book. Setna was loosing, and he
used magic against the kas, stole the book, and left the tomb. The kas yelled to him he would come
back, crawling and begging for forgiveness.' Topher took a breath from the long story, and
shifted in his chair. Hermione was itching to hear more.

`So what happened?' she asked hurriedly.

`What was expected; Setna read the book. His father begged him to return it, but he didn't. One
day, he fell in love with a beautiful woman. Of course he was married, with a child, and he loved
both of them very much. The beautiful woman said he would have to murder them both to have her. He
was so charmed by this woman, magically of course, that he did just that. He murdered his own wife
and child, and returned to the woman. The woman turned into a corpse, and Setna woke up.'

`Woke up? Wait, it was a dream?!' Hermione almost shouted. Harry laughed at how much she was
getting into the story. Topher smiled, and nodded.

`Yes, as the story goes, it was a dream. He went as fast as possible, and found his family alive.
He told his father, and he conceded to return the Book, exactly as the kas said he would; crawling
and begging. The kas accepted the return, but stated that their bodies were buried in different
parts of Egypt. They said that if Setna returned the bodies, and reunited them with the Prince, the
dream would then not come to pass. He did as they asked, and the Book of Thoth was believed to
still be guarded in that tomb, waiting for the rise of the god Osiris.' He sighed after the
long winded story, while Harry quirked his brow in confusion.

`Why is that story important? I mean, we don't even know if the Book exists' he
voiced.

`True, but if it does exist, then the chance of this story being real is high, in which case, who
ever uses the Book must be careful with their loved-ones. In the tale—the wizardsthat used the
Book—all their loved and cherished ones died. If the power to destroy Voldemort is in this book, we
have to be very careful with it.' Topher was looking very hard at the two heads. Harry still
had questions though.

`What does this have to do with love though? Dumbledore always went on and on about how that was my
power.' Topher nodded again.

`You see Harry, the Book of Thoth—as I just said—causes the loved ones of the wizard who uses it to
die. The use of the Book is then driven by that love. If, say, Voldemot was to use the Book, it
wouldn't work, because he has no one he loves. You on the other hand, have many you love, so
the Book would be useful to you.

`What makes it especially driven for you, is the love that is implanted in you by your parents, and
your devotion to those you love. You saw Setna, and the Prince: they let their loved ones die for
power. You are not like that; you do not want power, you want the love. You would be able to use
the Book, and would be driven to return it as Setna did, to keep your loved ones alive!'

Hermione's eyes were blazing in a mixture of hope and realization at Topher's explanation.
This magic, though believed lost thousands of years ago, is exactly what he needed to defeat
Voldemort. The problem of course, was that she was the one he loved the most. If he found the Book
of Thoth, she might die in the process of him using it.

Harry was speechless. He thought when Dumbledore mentioned love being his power, that he would have
a spell or something that would use love, or some projection of his love that would do something;
something that did not sound too believable to Harry.

This magic however, sounded more believable. Granted they didn't know if it existed or not, but
the idea of forcing Voldemort's own spells on himself, and all the while being driven by
Harry's power to love others sounded perfect. It was a power Voldemort would never know,
because he never loved anyone. Harry started smiling as the gears began to click in his head, and
seemed to believe more and more about this theory.

`This sounds great!' Harry expounded, reaching over and holding Hermione's hand, which was
shaking slightly. Harry's face fell when he looked, and she gave a placid smile. Topher seemed
to understand.

`Don't worry Hermione. Remember, Setna keeps his family alive by repaying the kas. Worrying
about curses on the Book should wait until we actually find it' Topher put forth. Hermione bit
her lip again, and nodded.

`But Topher, you said this Book has a lot of magic; how sure are you that it will contain the magic
Harry needs?' she asked seriously. Topher sorted through the parchment rolls, and brought out
the one with the snake in a circle.

`I forgot to show this to you. This is an ancient scroll, explaining very ancient magic from Egypt.
Now, I'm not sure of the runes, but this symbol is-`

`It's an Oroborus Circlet, I've seen it before!' she interrupted, reaching into her
bag, and looking for a notebook. Topher gave a queer look at Harry, and he shrugged his
shoulders.

`Hermione, where did you see it?' Harry asked. Hermione was still looking through, and finally
pulled out the old notebook Dumbledore gave her.

`In here. This is the notebook by that unknown author. I remember seeing this image—the one of a
snake eating its own tail.' She began flipping through the pages, and both Harry and Topher
were waiting on their tip-toes. She finally stopped on a page, and pointed.

`Here' she stated, putting the book on the desk. Harry leaned in, and Topher came around so he
could read it.

*Believed an ancient symbol of magical foundations, the Oroborus Light is believed to be one of
the most powerful incantations in magical theory.

Research done on the spell is limited due to its obscurity, however it is believed by many that
this spell, which is marked in historical documents by a serpent in a circle eating its own tale,
may cause a cascading effect on one's wand.

Depictions of this spell generally show two figures standing on opposite sides of the Oroborus. One
character is usually marked as light, while the other dark. The light character is most often
pictured standing erect and withstanding little torment, while the dark figure is usually
disfigured or—in many cases—dead, with demons circling around it.

This suggests that the spell casts the owner's past spells on themselves. It is debated what
effect this could have, but no records exists of the spell being performed.*

Topher looked at Hermione and Harry, and smiled—with both sides of his mouth.

`This is excellent, really excellent. Do you mind if I look at this for a moment?' Topher
asked, referring to the book. Hermione passed it to him, and he began flipping through it, pacing
around the room, while Harry and Hermione talked quietly.

`Harry, this is wonderful. I mean, I do hope nothing will happen to me or anyone else-`

`It won't, I promise' Harry reassured.

`I know, but think of this! This is exactly what you need to destroy Voldemort! And the best part
is, you wouldn't be killing him!' she said happily, smiling.

`What do you mean, of course I'd have to kill him' Harry stated. Hermione smiled even more,
her cheeks growing red, and she moved closer, and whispered to him.

`No Harry, you wouldn't. This says it uses the person's own spells against them.
Voldemort's probably killed hundreds of people. His own Killing Curses would kill him!' She
was overjoyed by this, and continued to smile immensely at Harry. Harry's brain slowly ingested
the information, and sure enough, he found himself with a smile on his face so large, it actually
hurt his cheeks.

He forgot about Topher in the room, and kissed Hermione passionately with the wonderful news,
feeling totally overjoyed. They however heard someone clear their throat, and they separated
immediately, both blushing intensely.

`Well, I'm glad you two are happy about my research, but I must ask: where did you get this
book again?' he questioned. Harry and Hermione both laughed at his comment.

`Um, Dumbledore' Hermione answered, regaining some of her composure.

`I see, and he said he didn't know who the author was?'

`That's right' Hermione said, though looking at Topher oddly.

`Hmm' Topher replied, walking over to the blackboard, and writing down the author's
name.

Walvane Worcrane

He stood back from the name for a moment, then turned to the Heads; who were both excited, but
wondrous at the Professor's thoughts.

`You know' he said as he started walking around to the other side of the desk, `my father—when
I was young—use to give me word puzzles to do. Simple ones of course at the start, but they got
harder. There was only one kind I never liked. Any guesses?' Harry gave Hermione a weird look,
and was not disappointed, as she gave one back, and she ventured a guess.

`Crosswords?'

`No. Anagrams' he admitted. He walked over to the board, and slowly began writing another name
underneath. Once the first three letters were written, Hermione got up from her seat, and was
shocked.

`How did I not see that?!' she almost shouted at herself, seeing the name. Topher stepped back,
and smiled at the two, handing back the book.

`I think that's enough for tonight. We'll meet up again next week, alright Harry?' he
said with all too much simplicity. Harry nodded and—still filled with happiness—came around and
clapped Topher on the back, thanking him for the hope he was giving Harry. Topher smiled back, and
Harry almost dragged Hermione out of the room, as she was still staring at the two names on the
board.

Walvane Worcrane

Rowena Ravenclaw

**A/N - For those interested in hearing the whole story of Setna and the Book of Thoth, my
reference is from this site:**

http://touregypt.net/godsofegypt/thebookofthoth.htm

**You can also read a little bit of the Book of Thoth on that wonderful creation known as
Wikipedia:**

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_of_Thoth

-->



22. The Riddle and the Orphanage
--------------------------------



CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

**The Riddle and the Orphanage**


`Did you know the note book was Ravenclaw's?' Harry asked Dumbledore's portrait, as
he stood in the Headmistress' Office the following Thursday afternoon. Learning the note book
was Ravenclaw's was important, as it was something of the founders, and therefore, a possible
Horcrux. Dumbledore seemed to be thinking along the same lines as Harry's thoughts.

`I had some idea, yes. Don't worry Harry, it is not a Horcrux. It has not left this office in
at least one hundred and eighty-six years, much longer than Voldemort has been alive' he
reassured. Harry relaxed a bit with this news, but his head was still swimming with all the new
information, with the ancient magic, this book, and the Horcruxes.

`Dobby searched the entire castle, and couldn't find Hufflepuff's Cup' Harry informed.
Dumbledore pondered on this for a moment, then nodded.

`That makes sense in some manners. I never expected Lord Voldemort to place one inside Hogwarts.
It's much too busy, and if he did find a good hiding spot for it, it would have to be good
enough not to be found for thousands of years, rendering it fairly useless.'

`So where should we look next?'

`The Riddle House, and the orphanage. Although much like Hogwarts, I doubt the Horcrux to be in the
Riddle House, it would be best to check just in case. The house and its grounds will probably cause
your scar to burn terribly, so I would advise you to bring companions, and perhaps some of the
Order. I have been discussing with Minerva, and right now it is unclear where Voldemort is exactly,
so be very weary if you venture outside Hogwarts' grounds' he advised. Harry nodded, and
was not exactly happy with the prospect of returning to the Riddle House, where he had his
nightmare of that muggle man being murdered, and then the graveyard next to the house where
Voldemort came back. Those two areas were forever imprinted on his mind.

`Don't worry Harry, just check for the Cup. If it is not there, then do not linger, and come
back to the castle as quickly as possible.'

`When should I go?' Harry asked. He didn't want to make his absence that noticeable.

`I believe this weekend would be best. It is a New Moon, and you would be best hidden from
attackers in case problems should arise. Again, bring help Harry if you go, and be cautious.'
Harry nodded, and decided to change subjects.

`Topher told me about his research, and the Book of Thoth.' Dumbledore smiled, and
nodded.

`And?' the late Headmaster asked, tilting his head forward in his frame.

`And?' Harry wondered.

`What do you think of it?'

`Oh, well, it's um . . . it sounds good, but it's just that . . . we don't know if . .
. `

`If it exists, I know' Dumbledore finished. `Topher will find where the scroll is. Have faith
Harry, he is fighting this war as much as you are.' Mentioning the war again, Harry was
reminded of what Hagrid said about Topher, and a friend.

`Professor, someone told me about Topher having a friend, an odd friend or something' Harry
started, hoping to encourage Dumbledore to go ahead and finish. Unfortunately, Dumbledore
didn't.

`Hagrid let something slip now didn't he? Well, I think you can agree that is not surprising.
However that is something you must ask Topher. I know of this friend, if he would call him a friend
anymore, but it is not my place to tell you. Topher trusts me as I trust him, so I must abide by
that' Dumbledore explained calmly. Harry understood, and decided it was time to leave. He stood
up, and smiled.

`I'll come back here before leaving on Saturday for the House. I'll Floo Remus and a few
others just in case.' The two bid farewell to each other, and Harry returned to the East
Tower.

Harry went and told Hermione of the venture, and she was just as worried as Harry. They went to
Gryffindor Tower, since they had to post a notice on the message board about being in the halls
after hours, and told Ron about the trip. He reacted worst than Hermione.

`This weekend!' he said loudly, Harry and Hermione shushing him. They went into Ron's
dormitory, and locked the door; casting a Silencing Charm on it as well.

`Yes, this weekend. Dumbledore said it's the best time. Besides, we've been stuck in this
castle too long. We need to go searching' Harry assessed.

`Yeah, but going to You-Know-Who's childhood house isn't exactly my idea of a first
trip' Ron admitted nervously.

`Don't worry. We're just searching, and Dumbledore suggested getting some Order members. I
just don't know what excuse I'm going to give them' Harry said.

`Maybe you could ask Topher to help. He was there with the other Order members at The Burrow. Maybe
he could ask them, so it wouldn't be so conspicuous' Hermione suggested.

Harry decided to ask Topher, and telling him a tiny amount about why they were going. He insisted
that Harry didn't have to tell him anything, but Harry felt he had the right to know at least
something. The chance of Death Eaters being there would be high.

`We're going to look for something' Harry declared to Topher, while sitting in his office
on the Thursday afternoon. He had a free period, and asked Topher at breakfast that morning if he
could talk to him.

`Let me guess: a cup, right?' he speculated. Harry nodded, and Topher chuckled.

`Something important about this cup now isn't there? Alright Harry, I'll contact Remus and
Moody. The three of us should be alright. When are you going?'

`On Saturday, after dark. I'm hoping it won't take that long, but it's a big house'
Harry professed with a hint of grimness.

`Don't worry Harry. I'll contact those two, and I'll get them to meet us outside the
gates at seven pm.' Harry left, giving a sigh, and could tell looking around for Horcruxes
would not be an easy task.

On the Saturday, Harry, Hermione, and Ron all finished their supper quickly, and got their cloaks.
Harry and Ron took both of their invisibility cloaks as well, and just as they were exiting the
Entrance Chamber, and starting off towards the gates, Filch yelled from behind them.

`Where are you three going?' he shouted, stomping towards them. Harry sighed, and looked
towards the gate, seeing the Auror guards, along with two other people.

`We're going somewhere. We have permission from Professor McGonagall' Harry responded. They
needed to leave soon, since they were late. Filch however, was uncompromising as usual.

`Permission? We'll see. You're all coming with me to the Headmistresses Office, and
we'll see if you have “permission.”' He sneered, pointing towards the staircase, and
Harry's blood began boiling at how this was working out. Just as he was about to take a step
forward, rescue came.

Professor Terrwynebas came out of the Great Hall, just finishing tying his black traveling cloak
up, and looked up to the odd scene. A few straggling students were watching the three seventh
years, who were still in the doorway, and Filch, who was staring down the students down.

`Com'on, let's get a move on!' Filch stated loudly again. Topher glanced at Harry, and
stepped forward.

`Mr. Filch, don't worry. These three are coming with me to the Forest. Are you three
ready?' he asked, looking at them. They all nodded, and Harry smiled thankfully at Topher. He
smiled back with one side, and looked at Filch, who was still waiting for the students to accompany
him.

`Thank you Mr. Filch, there's no need' Topher said politely. Filch looked livid at the four
of them, and Topher turned and started out before he could do anything. Harry and the rest
didn't hesitate, and followed him outside, and into the grounds.

The frosty early February air bit at Harry's cheeks as the group briskly made their way down
the incline towards the gates. No one talked—as they were all focused on getting their quickly, and
soon enough, they reached the gates. Two black cloaked Aurors stood guard on the inside, and on the
outside stood Remus and Moody.

`Sorry for being late there. Mr. Filch seemed to suddenly gain an interest in Harry's
whereabouts' Topher said to the two men on the other side. They nodded, and the two Aurors
looked at each other questioningly.

`Alright, firstly the questions. Remus, why did you say I was meant to join The Order?' Topher
asked.

`Because of your father, and what happened to him. Dumbledore knew then you would join The Order.
Of course, Voldemort was defeated soon after, but when we started up, he knew you would join'
Remus answered easily.

`And Moody, what'd you tell be about taking the DADA position?' Moody shifted on his leg,
and his electric-blue eye swiveled around behind his head, checking behind them.

`I told yeh it was a good choice, just to focus on practical work. It's more important for them
to learn spells than study history of dementors.' Harry looked to Topher, and he nodded showing
it was the correct answer. Hermione smiled a little, and leaned in towards Harry.

`I just read on the history of dementors' she whispered into Harry's ear, making him smile
at her, and a slight shiver run down his spine from feeling her breath in his ear.

`Alright, you can open the gates' Topher instructed the guards. They looked at each other
again, and stayed in their spots.

`Where are you going? Does Supervisor Umbridge know about this?' one of the men asked. Harry
was wishing he put the invisibility cloak on earlier, so the Aurors wouldn't see them. If it
was only Topher leaving, they would have opened it with no problems.

`We have permission from Professor McGonagall. Plus I am supervising them, and these are the Heads
of the school, and a Prefect. Heads are allowed to leave the school when needed, even in these
times. Now open the gate' Topher demanded, sounding level but with a tinge of force. The guards
looked at each other again, and one of them unlocked the gates.

The four moved out of the protection of Hogwarts, and Remus shook Harry's hand. Only Harry,
Hermione, and Ron knew where they were going, so they all looked at him in wonder.

`Alright Harry, where are we taking our nice stroll?' Remus asked. Harry only noticed now he
had his wand out, along with Moody and Topher.

`We're going to an old manor to find a cup. My scar might burn, and I won't lie, there may
be Death Eaters around, but we need to search the house' Harry explained. Lupin looked worried,
and glanced at Moody and then Topher.

`OK. If there's any trouble, any at all, you are to Apparate back here. No fighting, alright?
If any of us' Topher said, motioning to himself, Moody, and Remus, `gets hurt, don't try to
help, we will be alright.' Harry nodded, knowing the gravity of the situation if Death Eaters
attacked.

`Well, lets get moving, the night's not getting any younger. We'll all side Apparate
together, since you guys are the ones who know where we're going' Remus said, stepping
forward. Hermione looked a little uncertain.

`Um, actually, only Harry knows. But it will still work' she commented quietly. Remus was not
making a happy face over the news, but went ahead and motioned everyone to hold on to each
other.

`Just think of where you're going hard alright Harry?' he told Harry. Harry nodded, and
thought as hard as possible of the lawn in front of the old manor on the hill; next to the cemetery
he would never forget.

`One, two, three-` Remus said, and with a twist, he felt Hermione bumping into him slightly as the
feeling of being passed through a tube engulfed him. The siphoning continued to push against him on
all angles, and just as he felt his head becoming light, his feet his hard dirt road, and the group
arrived at their destination.

The sight made Harry's chest cringe, remembering that horrible night over two years prior. They
landed on the dirt road that passed between the graveyard and the hill that the house stood on—the
darkness of the night intensified by the lack of any lights in the area. The night sky was
sparkling like an ocean of stars; the moon vacant from the sky because of its newness.

Slowly turning his head, he stared at the graveyard, which stood at a slight distance, and his scar
seared as the memory of seeing the form stepping out of the cauldron entered his mind. The images
flashed before his eyes, of Voldemort's first night returned, of being tortured on the cold
grass, and of seeing Cedric fall lifeless to the ground.

`Harry' he heard dimly. His scar gave another burn as the memory continued to play, and he came
back to the dirt road when he felt a hand on his upper arm.

`Harry, are you alright?' Hermione asked, looking out at the graveyard, then at Harry
worriedly. Harry closed his eyes, and tried clearing his mind. Hermione gave his arm a gentle
squeeze in support, and he found himself falling into the memory of them on Christmas. His scar
subdued, and he opened his eyes, and took hold of Hermione's hand, looking back up at the
graveyard.

`This is where Voldemort came back, when Cedric died' he explained. She gazed at the graveyard
again, and Topher brought them back to their task.

`Harry, Hermione, Ron; let's get going. There's a disturbing feeling in the air; we should
be quick' he instructed. Remus and Moody agreed, the latter's electric blue eye swiveling
in every direction, and the group made their way cautiously towards the gate of the property. Ron
made to open it, but Moody pulled him back forcefully before laying a hand on the gate.

`Don't be stupid boy! Ostendo Incantatem' Moody spoke gruffly, his wand pointed towards the
gates. The black old gates seethed and a black, tar-like liquid started seeping down all parts of
it, bubbling. Ron looked horrified at the liquid, and Moody grabbed a twig on the ground, and
pushed against the gate. Once the twig touched the black liquid, it started moving up towards
Moody's hand. Moody dropped the twig instantly, and before it even hit the ground, it was
encompassed in black. Everyone jumped back, and looked at the twig carefully, and just as they
thought it was safe, the twig burst into flame, and vanished after a few seconds. Ron was as pale
as Nearly Headless Nick.

`Thanks' he whimpered. Remus blasted the odd tar covered gates open, and the group carefully
walked onto the pathway that led to the house. Harry walked over the threshold, and felt his scar
hurt again. Some memories from the Pensieve, of the young Tom Riddle came to the front of his mind.
He shook his head, and continued on with the closely packed group towards the derelict manor.

It was old, and very large. It was a country manor, and would have been a beautiful place to live,
perhaps a few decades earlier. Some of the windows where shattered, or boarded up, the roof was
loosing tiles, and ivy remained unchecked against the walls, as it sprawled across its face. It was
damp, and in the earliness of February, the dead trees nearby and brown and dry grass that showed
in the patch-worked snow made the house seem dead in itself; something from the past that should
have been buried long ago.

As they walked up, Remus stopped, and turned towards Harry. `Harry, what's the importance of
this house?'

`Yeah Harry, even I have to ask. This place screams darkness' Topher added. The group was
three-quarters to the house, and stopped, turning towards Harry. He sighed, and decided to just
tell them.

`This is the Riddle House. It's Voldemort's father's old house.' The reaction, was
as Harry expected.

`Voldemort's father! Why in the world do you need to come here!' Remus said, loosing a bit
of his calmness. Moody placed a hand on his forearm to calm him down, but it didn't work that
well.

`We're searching for something really important, and Dumbledore thought it might be here'
Harry answered quietly. The house was so close, and yet they were standing in front of it arguing
about why they were there. Remus was upset, but closed his eyes and took a huge breath.

`Alright, alright. We didn't come all this way to turn around. I want each of you to stick
closely to one of us though, understand? No one goes anywhere alone' he ordered. Everyone
nodded, and they once again moved closer to the front doorway, which was boarded shut. Remus
swished his wand, and the wooden planks flew off and passed over the group.

`Alright. Harry, you'll come with me on the first floor, Ron with Topher on the second,
Hermione with Moody on the third. Take things slow, and we'll meet back up on the ground floor.
Be careful.' Everyone nodded, and Moody once again placed the Revealing Charm on the door, and
nothing appeared to happen at first. Remus waited for a few seconds, and waved his wand to open the
door, but still nothing happened. Topher gave an unhappy sigh, and levitated one of the boards that
were on the door.

`Move' he stated. Remus moved out of the way, and with a flick of his wand, Topher sent the
board crashing into the door, opening it fully. The board hit a wall inside the house with a crack,
and hit the wooden floor loudly. Harry looked at Topher, but he was already making his way
inside.

`We don't have the time. We need to be quick; cautious, but quick. Let's go' he stated,
entering the house with his wand brandished. The three students followed after, and Remus and Moody
followed closely. They walked into a long and wide hallway that had rooms branching off from it on
both sides. The house inside was pitch black, and all six of them had to cast light with their
wands to see.

At least an inch of dust covered every surface, and the floor told Harry no one stepped in the
house in decades. The walls were all covered in red patterned wall paper, faded from all the years.
Victorian-like paintings hung the walls, and walking up to an old cabinet, old black and white
pictures of family sat on top. They all slowly walked farther into the dark and hauntingly-empty
house, and stopped at the stairwell.

`A gold cup with two handles, and a badger right?' Ron asked quietly in the wandlight. Harry
nodded, and Ron looked up at the stairwell, then around the floor they all were on.

`This is going to take some time, more so in the dark' he uttered. Harry forgot to tell them of
one more helper he was planning on asking to come.

`Just wait. Dobby?' he called quietly. A fantastically loud crack occurred near them, and all
three older men turned instantly towards its source, to find a shivering and scared house
elf.

`Please sirs! Don't curse Dobby! Harry Potter called for Dobby's help, and Dobby came with
quick speed!' He crouched low, and only stood up after the three wands pointing at him lowered,
and resumed their cautious scanning of the house.

`Dobby, we're still looking for that cup, we think it's in here. Can you help us search for
it?' he asked. Dobby scurried over quickly, and nodded excitedly.

`Oh yes sirs! I can help find Harry Potter's cup!'

`Good. Start on the top floor, and work down' Harry instructed. Dobby nodded happily, and with
a snap, he disappeared.

Harry, Hermione, and Ron bid each other farewell, and they moved to their floors. Remus and Harry
stayed very close, and moved back up the corridor, and started in the first room.

Checking the old sitting room, Harry had to be very meticulous with his search. So many trinkets
littered every surface, all still covered in massive amounts of dust. Remus kept watch around the
room, and notice Harry's problem.

`Here, move back' he said. He swished his wand, and all the dust vanished from all the
surfaces, including the floor, and Harry thanked Remus. His task was much easier now, since he
could actually see the colour of the items.

Moving along into the dinning room, and found a large hard wood table, with chairs set out.
Eeriness crept through the air, as their wandlight fell on the surface of the table, and Harry
found table setting for three set. Some bowls, and other items for dinner were placed, all full of
decomposing remnants of food. Harry took careful look at all the cups on the table, and he and
Remus were startled by creaking above them, but remembered the others in the house.

The kitchen took a long time, but Harry couldn't find a cup that looked like Hufflepuff's.
Coming back into the hallway, they met up with Hermione and Moody, who couldn't find anything.
Dobby was moving through the second floor, since he finished the third, and he didn't find the
cup either. Moving into the last room, the drawing room, Remus entered first, and stopped in the
doorway stiff.

`What's wrong Remus?' Moody asked, his eye still swiveling in all directions.

`Something terrible happened here' he answered gravely. He moved in slowly, and when Harry
entered, his scar burst into immense pain. He was on his knees before he even remembered where he
was, as his knees sunk through the heavy dust and blew it into his face, making him cough as his
face screwed up in pain.

`Harry, Harry what is it!' Hermione asked frantically, moving over and preventing Harry from
falling over. Remus was already turned around, and trying to get him out of the room. Moody kept
watch, and Topher and Ron came down the stairs quickly.

Harry could hear distant laughing, and the screams of three distinct people, and he tried to use
his Occlumency. Feeling his mind as its own, and focusing once more on some happy memory, the pain
from his scar subsided, and when his memory of the hug from the summer pasted though, the pain
stopped completely.

He opened up his eyes, and found himself kneeling on the dusty floor, with Hermione holding onto
his side. Remus was giving orders to get out of the house as fast as possible.

`That's it, we need to leave now. Ron, come help me with-`

`I'm fine Remus. Someone was murdered in this room, and it just hurt a little. I'm fine,
really' he asserted. Remus was not convinced however.

`I don't care Harry, this is too dangerous. Let's go.' He moved over, and pulled Harry
up, but Harry shrugged him off.

`No, we need to find the cup. Did you have any luck?' Harry asked Ron. Remus stopped his exit,
and stood in the room, still very attentive to any sounds.

Ron shook his head. `No, nothing. Dobby was just finishing, and then coming down here.'

Harry turned, and still holding his Occlumency strong, started looking around the drawing room.
Keeping the cup in this room would make the most sense now to Harry, remembering this is Voldemort.
Hiding it in the room he killed his father in would be expected by Voldemort.

Harry started going over the room closely. Hermione and Ron both entered, and everyone remained
quiet. Over the fireplace, Harry noticed some cups sitting, and his heart leapt when he noticed a
gold, double handled one.

`Ron, Hermione!' he called, as he moved forward, and dusted off the cup with his wand. It was a
gold cup like he was looking for, except the sides were bland; no badger. Hermione cast a Revealing
Charm on the cup, and nothing happened. Harry looked at both of his friends hesitantly, and
carefully picked up the cup.

Topher and Remus were both watching on quietly. Harry looked at the cup, but found it was just a
normal cup. He sighed, and just then a green mist lifted off the cup. Ron was horrified, and
Hermione screamed as the mist rose, but it simply disappeared, and everyone kept still. Harry
looked back at the cup, and found something sitting inside it.

`There's a note' he claimed, pulling out a folded piece of parchment. He carefully
unwrapped it, and moved his wand over so he and the others could read it.

*I know what you seek,
a vessel of old,
brave you must be,
to be looking so bold.

But find it you won't,
within this old shack,
a clue I shall give you,
before oncoming attack.

Hid by the faithful,
and kept by the strong,
orphaned by its keepers,
to where it should not belong.

This ancient doubled chalice,
grazed with the golden brock,
can be found in this place,
in the room, in the chest, with the clock.

So go and find this trinket,
and tempt your precious fate,
for the faithful are now coming,
and will make hard, your easy escape.*

It was at this moment, when the three students read the last line, that they turned to the doorway
of the room, as something began pounding outside the house.

`We need to leave, now!' Remus ordered. Just as Moody walked into the room with the rest of
them, the front door burst open, and flew down the hallway, smashing into the wall Moody was just
standing next to. Topher took to the doorframe, and shot a Stunning Spell down the hallway, as
shouts and orders could be heard outside the house, and down the hall.

`Get everyone back to Hogwarts!' Topher bellowed, as he again threw a spell down the hallway.
Remus told them all to Apparate away, and everyone except for Topher turned on the spot, and
vanished; everyone except Harry.

Harry turned, but just spun out, and fell over. He Apparated many times before, and couldn't
understand. He tried again, but once more, he just continued to twist on the spot. Topher was still
desperately trying to hold off the Death Eaters, and make time to Apparate away himself.

`Harry, what are you doing, get out of here! Stupefy!' he yelled, casting a Death Eater down
the hallway to fall over.

`I don't know, I can't!' Harry responded frantically. The darkness didn't help the
situation, as Topher was only visible when a spell would crash into a nearby wall. He gave off a
volley of several different curses, then slammed the door, and performed numerous silent charms on
it. Pounding on the outside of the door came loudly, but the door stood its ground.

`We need to go, now. Let's go, we'll side Apparate. One, two, three!' he said quickly,
grabbing Harry's arm, and twisting. Harry tried hard to concentrate on staying with Topher, but
neither of them left the room. They both twisted around, and almost fell over.

`They must have cast an Anti-Apparation Charm on the house. We need to get out' he exclaimed.
Harry's mind began to sink as he realized getting out of a room that they purposely locked
themselves in, surrounded by Death Eaters could only lead to capture.

Topher was thinking quickly, glancing out a very small window, when the door began to budge. It was
not being pounded anymore, but instead hit with a Blasting Curse.

`The charms must be failing. Prepare yourself Harry, put your cloak on!' he ordered forcefully.
Harry pocketed the letter and cup, took out his wand, and draped his cloak over him. The door
blasted open, flying off its hinges, and smashing against the fireplace on the other side.
Everything was quiet for a moment, when the outline of a dark cloak entered the room quietly. It
was dark in the far part of the room, and it was hard to tell if anyone was actually there. Topher
stood ready, when a cold voice yelled out.

`Expelliarmus!'

Topher's wand was lifted out of his hand, and flew into the darkness. The room was put into
total blackness for a moment, before a noise of something slamming into the wall came, and a fire
was started in the hearth. A hand came into sight on the far side of the room in the darkness,
holding a dark coloured wand, and it whisked at the door, locking it.

`Ah Toph, I have been waiting for this reunion for a long time' the voice said darkly, still
remaining in the shadows. Topher looked beyond rage.

`Waiting to face me without a wand, right? Just like last time. Never tough enough to face me like
a man' he voiced, drenched in a hatred Harry thought he could never possess. The man in the
shadows laughed, and finally took a step forward into the firelight to reveal his face.

A tall and slender man came into view, wearing the darkest of robes. The hood hung over his face,
and contrasted greatly with his skin, which looked as if it had not seen the light of day for
years. A small portion of the man's brownish-red hair was visible in the front, and his silver
eyes bore into Topher's with a vengeance. Topher stood motionless for the time, but when the
man in the cloak smirked, Topher's hands balled into fists.

`I am facing you equally Toph. Just like your father faced his equal when he died' the man
charmed evily.

`You know nothing of being equal Lesath' Topher responded. He moved his hand over slightly, and
nudged Harry in the shoulder. Seth couldn't see Harry, so he didn't notice the move.

`We'll see. You were dumb enough to try and steal my master's item. Of course, you must
have noticed that you can't Apparate. How easy you forget your father's teachings-`

`Stun him' Topher whispered. Harry shot a Stunning Spell at the Death Eater, and he easily fell
over before he could understand. Topher ran over to the man quickly, and grabbed his wand. Harry
pulled off his cloak, and watched Topher aim at the man.

`Expello Per Sentia' he said aggressively. The man immediately vanished, and Topher turned
around to Harry quickly.

`Where's the cup?' he asked, as shouting was still going on, and the door was once again
being hit with curses. Harry pulled the cup out of his pocket, and Topher hastily took it from his
hand, and threw it across the room.

`What are-`

`Back to Hogwarts. One, two, three!' he yelled, as the door was beginning to break down again.
He grabbed a tight hold of Harry's wrist, and Harry gave a twist, and felt the siphoning
envelope him. Topher was moving along next to him, and they quickly hit the ground outside the
gates of Hogwarts, where Remus, and the others were all standing around worriedly.

`Thank Merlin! What happened?' Remus expounded joyfully, coming over and giving Harry a hug.
Harry accepted it, and comforted his father's old friend, reassuring him he was alright.

`The cup Harry had was cast with a Disapparation Charm. Anyone holding it couldn't Apparate.
When you guys left, he was still there with me. Now, lets get back inside the gates before anything
else happens' Topher informed. They all quickly moved to the gates, and when they opened,
Harry's face fell as he found a not-so welcoming welcome committee there for them, which
consisted of Professor McGonagall, Mr. Filch, and of course, Umbridge.

`Where were you all at this time of night, and . . . wait, is that a scorch mark! What have you
been doing!' Professor McGonagall questioned sternly, noticing a burn on Harry's cloak that
must have come from the fire when he approached Topher. Filch was positively glowing at the scene,
and Umbridge was her usual chipper self, wearing a confident smirk.

`I can explain Professor' Harry started, loosing his confidence in an instant, when the
Professor looked at him. Filch was looking ready to dance with Umbridge he was so happy.

`Shall I get the whips ready Headmistress?' he asked eagerly, rubbing his hands together.
McGonagall stared at Harry and the others for a second, before looking to her side, and remembering
Filch and Umbridge.

`No Mr. Filch, that won't be necessary. You six will come with me to my office, now' she
commanded. The three students started their way up to the castle, and the adults followed. Filch
grumbled his way back to the castle, muttering about students getting away with everything, and
Umbridge stayed at the gates for a moment thinking.

`What yeh thinking about Supervisor?' one of the guards asked. She turned, and looked back up
at the group heading for the castle.

`I think it's time I called in a friend to help with Mr. Potter' she said to herself,
starting her way up to the castle herself.

Harry and the rest made their way into the Headmistress's Office, and immediately knew they
were in for trouble. Professor McGonagall came around her desk, and rather forcefully took her hat
off, and sat in her chair, looking over the Order members, and her students.

`Where were you? And don't tell me you can't tell me' she added. Her voiced told Harry
she was uncompromising with answering, and did so truthfully.

`We went to the Riddle House' he answered.

`Why did you go there, and why did it require your fellow students, a professor, and two Order
members?' she asked exasperatively. Harry looked to Dumbledore's portrait for help, and he
was relieved to see the former Headmaster smiling at him.

`I asked him to Minerva. He has that task I told you about to do, and the Riddle House was a place
he needed to check' Dumbledore put simply. Harry watched McGonagall's reaction carefully,
and breathed a sigh of relief when her shoulders relaxed.

`Alright, but next time tell me where you are going, and when. I don't want Dolores getting
wind of this, and causing unneeded trouble. Now, you three to your dormitories. Remus, Moody, if
you could wait outside for a moment, I need to talk to Topher alone, then you two afterwards.'
Harry and the rest bid McGonagall goodnight, and Harry received a meaningful wink from Topher.
Remus and Moody bid the three of them goodnight, telling them to just Floo if they need help again,
and Harry, Ron, and Hermione started off.

`So what happened when we left? Remus wanted to go back, but Moody kept him with us. You should
have seen it, I thought they were going to duel about it' Ron informed. Harry told them about
the cup, and more particularly, the Death Eater that knew Topher. They all started off towards the
East Tower, when Harry stopped at the base of the staircase.

`What's wrong Harry?' Hermione asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

`Topher wants to talk to me, and I have questions' he said. The wink told Harry he wanted to
speak to him.

`Well, he'll come by this corridor, so you'll see him. At least we know the cup isn't
in the Riddle House' Hermione pointed out with a sigh. `Hey' she added, with some worry,
`did Dobby get out?'

`I don't know. Dobby?' Harry voiced, and with a crack, the many socked house elf appeared
next to them.

`Oh Harry Potter has called on Dobby again! Dobby is ever so lucky!' he squeaked.

`Are you alright? We didn't know what happened to you?' Hermione asked. Dobby looked
horrified at her, then began to sob; his cries echoing in the large hallway. All three tried to
shush him, and succeeded slightly.

`I is sorry miss. Dobby is still trying to get used to being asked if he's is OK' he said,
sniffing loudly. `But Dobby is good. Dobby put charms on the back door, and other door to the
drawing room for his friends.' Dobby smiled up at Harry and the rest, and they smiled
back.

`Thanks Dobby. Why don't you go and get some sleep' Harry suggested. The house elf gladly
accepted, and vanished. It was then that footsteps could be heard, and Topher came around the
corner looking tired.

`Oh, there you are. Thank you for staying up. I thought it would be best if I explained what
happened' he said. Hermione and Ron started up the stairs, but Topher said it was
alright.

`You'll hear it from Harry anyways. Let's go to my office.' The group went to his
office, and lighting a few candles, they all relaxed in the quiet room, and sat down for a moment
or two before going on.

`You see, firstly, as I said, the cup inhibited you from Apparating. When the man said to remember
my father's training, he was talking about foreign objects, and how if something is going
wrong, it's more than likely because of them. I thought it was the Death Eaters casting a charm
on the house, but I was wrong. Harry threw the cup away, and we came back.

`Now, as for the man that came in the room, he is a Death Eater. His name is Lesath, and he . . .
used to be my best friend.'

`Your best friend?' Harry asked in surprise. Topher nodded, and continued.

`Remember the first memory I showed you, about how I was at a friend's house; he was that
friend. We grew up together, and were friends for years. He was home schooled as well, so we got
along great with that. My dad taught him some things on defence, and his mother taught me some
things on potions.

`When we became older, around your ages, he began to change a little. He told me that some of his
uncles and relatives were Death Eaters, but for the longest time he hated them. He wanted nothing
to do with them. He was pretty normal back then; liked Quidditch—pretty good size for a Beater
actually—and he was looking at going into Magical Law Enforcement. We thought we'd be great,
since I was hoping for Auror training.'

`So what happened?' Hermione asked. Topher lowered his head, and sighed.

`Once day, after I hadn't talked to Lesath in a while, he left. Didn't know where he went,
and I was worried. I tried search for him, but couldn't find anything. My father helped, but no
one knew; not even his own mother. We were coming back home for a search outside Thirsk, when we
found him; standing outside our house.

`He changed a lot. Looked like he did tonight; pale, skinny, almost unnatural. He was in a black
cloak, and I assumed the worst; he became one of them. My father took out his wand, and approached
him, but at least ten more black cloaked figures Apparated around us, and both our wands few out of
our hands. He laughed, and told us how wrong we were to fight against Voldemort; how he was the
true leader. He said my father's redemption was impossible, but mine wasn't. I had to watch
as my father was tortured, then murdered by my best friend.'

The three students sat motionless in their seats at the utter disbelief at the memory. Harry
couldn't imagine having to watch someone like Ron or Hermione kill his parents right in front
of him. Hagrid said Topher lost his father, but never mentioned he actually had to watch him die.
It did explain the mystery behind his friend though.

`It was that guy that was there tonight, he murdered your father?' Harry asked, trying to be as
patient as possible. Topher looked at the three of them, then nodded back to Harry.

`Yes, Lesath did that. He's deep in Voldemort's circles now. I wouldn't like anything
more than to kill him, but I know I won't. I could have done that tonight, but I just put him
in a bad spot for the time.'

`Bad spot?' Harry questioned.

`Yeah, it's a spell I'm going to teach you next weekend. It's called the Destination
Charm. You just think of where you want to send someone, and banish them there. It's hard to
do, and it's not polite to do it to friends. But for enemies, it works easy. Like tonight, I
sent him to the middle of the Pacific. He'll get wet, cold, and all that other stuff, which is
good enough for now.' Topher actually smiled this victory in this, and stood up.

`Well, you should all be getting to bed. It's late, and if the Headmistress found you here,
she'd have my head.' They all agreed, and left for their dormitories.

`Well, there's only one more place left to check' said Harry. Ron gave a sigh, and looked
up towards the stairwell that lead to Gryffindor Tower.

`Only one more place, with Death Eater's appearing out of no where, and almost getting killed.
Shouldn't be a problem now should it?' he said with a chuckle. He bid the two Heads
goodnight, and went up to his tower.

With Ron gone, the couple walked slowly back hand in hand, and when they entered their common room,
Hermione held Harry in a tight embrace, clinging on to him like she was the only thing keeping him
there.

`I was so worried tonight. Promise me you'll be more careful when we check the Orphanage?'
she stated. Harry knew it wasn't a question, and nodded, giving her a kiss. They went to their
dormitories, and Harry took the riddle that he found in the cup, and put it in his trunk for safe
keeping.

*

Harry went and talked to Dumbledore's portrait the next day about the whole trip, and
expressed his sorry about the incident that occurred.

`I am sorry to hear it did not go well, but at least we know the cup is not there, and no one was
hurt. This riddle, can you say it to me?' he asked. Harry dictated the riddle back to
Dumbledore, and he nodded after a few moment of stroking his beard.

`And what do you make of it?' he asked Harry. Harry looked at the riddle, and tried to figure
things out. He was never good at riddles.

`Er . . . the cup isn't in the Riddle's House . . . um, it's being guarded . . .
it's were it shouldn't belong . . . and it's in a chest, in a room with a clock. That
could be anywhere though' Harry concluded gloomily. Dumbledore nodded again, but was not
convinced.

`Look at the wording Harry. “Orphaned by its keepers, where it should not belong” . . . `

`What, the Orphanage?' Harry wondered. Dumbledore nodded again, and Harry tilted his head in
confusion.

`We already thought that. Besides, how do we know this is even talking about Hufflepuff's
Cup?' Harry asked

`It says “a vessel”, and “a doubled chalice, grazed with the golden brock.” A brock is a badger, so
I'm sure it's talking about the cup in question.'

`So . . . so when should we go to the Orphanage? Should we wait, or get more Order members this
time?' Harry asked. Dumbledore thought once more, and surprising to Harry, shook his
head.

`No, no more Order members. In fact, only you, Ron, Hermione, and Topher if you wish. Keep it to a
minimum. As for time, I think you should go tonight.'

`Tonight! We just got back last night, and really, we *just* got back.'

`I know Harry, but I have been conversing with my fellow portraits, and they have found that things
are getting worst. St. Mungo's is starting to become over crowded, and soon they won't be
able to keep up. The Auror Department is scattered everywhere, and the Ministry in general is in
chaos. We need to move fast Harry; faster now than ever.' Harry was of course worried on many
fronts about this endeavor, since Professor McGonagall said to tell her when they would be leaving
the grounds, and the idea of telling her the next day of another trip did not bode well in
Harry's mind.

`Professor McGonagall probably won't let us go' Harry mentioned.

`She's already given you permission' Dumbledore asserted, nodding towards her desk, where a
sheet of parchment was sitting, giving he, Hermione, and Ron permission to be escorted by Topher
off the school grounds that night. Harry sighed, realizing he really had no choice in the matter
now when they would be going to the Orphanage. He pocketed the note, and agreed with
Dumbledore.

`Just be careful Harry. Be weary of others, and keep watch of Death Eaters' he advised. Harry
said goodbye, and joined Hermione and the others in the Great Hall for lunch. He got Hermione and
Ron alone in the East Tower, and explained their trip for that night. Hermione protested about
going that night, but Ron surprisingly was for it.

`One of Luna's neighbors was killed on Friday by Death Eaters. Luna's a little shaken, but
alright' he explained, seeing Hermione's response, `but we need to get moving with these
Horcruxes. Are we meeting Remus and Moody again?' Harry lowered his head, and started pacing
around, and Ron grew nervous. `Harry? They are coming, right?'

With a sigh, Harry elaborated. `No, they aren't. It'll be us, and Topher. Dumbledore
thought it would be best if we lessen how many people go. He said it would be less impact, and less
people to worry about.' Ron was not convinced, as was Hermione, but they both nodded.

`We'll be fine guys, don't worry. We'll Apparate back like we did last night if there
are troubles' Harry said, trying to sound encouraging and mask his own discontent. He thought
they would have had at least a few days, maybe a week, or even a month before trying the other
place; not one day.

`When do we leave?' Hermione asked.

`Same time as last night; seven.' They all started off on their homework for their classes,
however Harry found it hard to concentrate. He wrote a few lines in his transfiguration essay, but
did not get close to the foot and a half he planned too. When seven came close, the three once
again donned their cloaks, and quietly exited the Entrance Chamber. Luckily this time, Filch was
not around to bug them.

They reached the gates, where a different set of guards were waiting, along with Topher. He was
talking to them about some matter, and when he saw Harry and the rest, he bid the guards
goodnight.

`Hello everyone. I know you're worried because of Remus and Moody not being here, but don't
worry. Apparate if there is trouble, alright?' Topher encouraged. They all nodded, and the
guards opened the gates. Harry assumed Topher got them to be more accommodating to them tonight.
They all walked out of the grounds, and turned towards each other.

`Alright, everyone hold on to each other. Same as last night; Harry, you know where we're
going?' Topher asked. Harry nodded, and taking hold of Hermione and Ron, he thought hard of the
Orphanage he saw in the Pensieve. They all gave a twist, and Apparated away.

Once their feet hit the ground, they looked around the dark night, and found themselves standing in
front of an old and dilapidated square building, surrounded by high iron railings. Stone stairs
lead up to an old set of grey wooden doors, and an empty courtyard bordered the building. They
looked around the empty darkened street, and slowly started up towards the front steps.

`What is this place?' Topher asked quietly, as they moved forwards.

`This was the orphanage that Voldemort grew up in' Harry answered. Topher looked astonished at
Harry, but kept moving after a second. He wiped the front door, and it revealed an old bronze name
plate.

**Perdita Orphanage**
Founded September 1897

Hermione cast the Revealing Charm on the door, but nothing happened. Topher kept watch of them
from behind, and Ron slowly opened the door.

Once he budged it open, it gave an all-mighty creak, that echoed around the entire neighborhood.
They all cringed with the sound, and Ron forcefully opened the door the rest of the way, hoping to
dampen the impact, but the damage was done.

`Well, if anyone's here, they know we're around' Ron droned. They slowly made their way
in, and lit their wands.

The inside of the orphanage was much like that of the Riddle House: covered in a large amount of
dust, and damp beyond words. The walls were bare, and the white of the drywall was stained grey and
yellow. The wooden floor boards creaked with every step, and the group stopped at the bottom of the
stairs.

`We're looking for a room with a chest, and a clock. Look everywhere, but be careful' Harry
said to Ron and Hermione.

`Hermione, you go with Harry, I'll go with Ron' Topher stipulated. They all nodded, and Ron
and Topher started up the stairs, while Harry and Hermione started moving around the bottom
floor.

As they walked through some of the small office-like rooms, and the common rooms, Harry felt
something was not right in the building. They heard Ron and Topher moving around upstairs, and were
kept on their toes with every creak.

Moving into the kitchen, they continued to check, but Harry was feeling there was no chance it was
on the bottom floor. They didn't find any chests, or even a clock in any of the rooms. As he
finished checking through a cupboard, he turned and found Hermione looking worried at him.

`What's wrong?' Harry asked quickly, moving over and placing a hand on her shoulder.

`There isn't any noise coming from upstairs' she pointed out. Harry listened, and realized
it was true. He hadn't noticed that Ron and Topher's footsteps stopped sometime in the last
while, and fear gripped his mind.

`Let's go check' he told Hermione, taking her hand, and moving around the house, and to the
stairwell. They stopped at the bottom, still straining their ears to hear something, but there was
no sound. They cautiously moved upstairs, and tried as hard as possible to lessen the groans of the
stairs. Once they reached the top, they heard the sound of a chair being moved in a nearby room,
and both of them raised their wands in that direction.

Silence again filled the house, and Harry's mind was thinking the worst; that Death Eater's
had caught Ron and Topher. In a house like this, it would be easy to catch someone off guard. They
slowly moved down the hallway, and stopped when they noticed a small amber light coming from one of
the rooms. Harry looked at Hermione, and she nodded to continue.

They moved down the hallway, pass a few old and moldy smelling bedrooms, and came closer to the lit
room. They were close to it, when a sound of an opening door groaned behind them. They both turned
around fast, but found nothing moving. They moved back towards the stairwell to find the source of
the sound, and stopped when one of the doors moved.

Standing completely still, Harry looked at Hermione, and took one step forward, his wand still
pointed at the doorway.

Suddenly, a blast of red light came from behind them, and hit Hermione square in the back. She
slowly fell over, and Harry panicked.

`Hermione!' he yelled, crouching down and checking Hermione. He pointed his wand, and shot a
Stunning Spell in the direction near the lit room. He saw he missed, but saw the face of his
attacker. His rage boiled to overwhelming levels, and he was about to send a barrage of spells at
the man, when a Stunning Spell hit him from behind, and Harry fell over next to Hermione.

Unable to move—anger swimming through his veins—he watched as the two men he wanted nothing more
than to banish from the Earth walk up from opposite directions.

`Move them into the room with the others' the taller man stated, who came from the lit room.
The other nodded, and levitated Harry and Hermione to the room at the end of the hallway. Looking
around as much as he could, he found Topher and Ron bound and gagged in one corner, next to an old
and heavy looking wooden chest. The light in the room emanated from a small fireplace on the
opposite wall, and the blonde haired man dropped Hermione and Harry down on the floor.

Harry, anger running through him like violent river, summoned his non-verbal spell, and he was
released from the bind, but he found his wand was not in his hand. Anger still hot on his mind, he
resorted to jumping on the nearby younger man.

He was in mid air when the dark haired taller man bound him around the sides with a white chord
that shot out of his wand. Harry fell to the floor hard, and was unable to move.

`I'm going to kill you!' Harry raged at the two men. The younger man in black looked at the
other, and the taller man walked over to Harry.

`I'm sure you want to, but you won't Potter. You will sit there, and listen' the man
answered evenly. Harry was still trying to work against his ropes, but to no avail.

`I'm going to listen to you, you rat! You're a bloody murderer!' Harry yelled back. The
tall man was loosing patience.

`I am not a murder!' he yelled back. Harry laughed sarcastically in response.

`You killed Dumbledore! And you are just as guilty you slime!' he spat at the other man. The
taller man pushed Harry back against the wall, so he was sitting next to Hermione, who was bound by
ropes as well, and gagged like the others.

`I know why you came here Potter' Snape said, changing the conversation.

`Oh do you?'

`Yes, I do. Looking for a cup I imagine. I'm surprised your small mind was able to solve my
riddle.' Harry's mind was twisting in both rage, and hopelessness in the words. If Snape
had the cup, the chances of finding it were gone, let alone destroy it.

`You won't find it here though Potter' he added. Harry's mind was burning with being
told this whole trip was now wasted, and he could have lead all of them to death.

`Then why won't you just kill us?' Harry responded.

`Because that is not my plan. We are enemies of Voldemort, and such, your allies' he divulged,
pointing to Malfoy behind him. The room was silent for a moment, then Harry laughed again.

`Allies? You have to be kidding! I can't believe you, and Dumbledore was a madman to believe
you before!' Snape was getting aggravated by this, and stood forward.

`You want to know why Dumbledore trusted me? I'll show you why!' he yelled, reaching into
his dark robes, and throwing two objects on the dusty floor. They hit with a thud, and skidded
across the floor, so they sat right in front of Harry. He looked at them in shock.

It was a gold cup, with two handles, but broken entirely in half. The gold badger was parted right
down the middle, and Harry's face was shocked as he looked up at Snape.

`You won't find Hufflepuff's Cup, because I destroyed it seventeen years ago!'

**Spell / Name Meanings:**
**Ostendo Incantatem** - L. ostendo: show, incantatem: the art of enchanting (Ostendo Incantatem
= show the enchantment)
**Expello Per Sentia** - L. expello: banish, per: through, sententia: thought (Expello Per
Sentia = banish through thought)
**Perdita** - L. Perditus - lost, name of Hermione's daughter in "A Winter's
Tale"
**Brock** - older term for badger (Old English brocc)

**A/N - Alright, there you go!** **Now com'on folks, and take 5 seconds to review!
It's all I ask!**

-->



23. Snivelling the Cup
----------------------



**A/N - Here you are folks, Chapter 23! You get to hear lots of backstory that goes past just
my story here, and means to explains things from the actual books. We get to hear about why Snape
“killed” Dumbledore, the whole business behind Hufflepuff's Cup, and** **things like that.
Also, at the end, there's a return of a lovely character we all cherish (cough cough). :) Just
remember to review folks!**

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

**Snivelling the Cup**


`I don't believe you' Harry responded, still shocked at the statement. If Snape
destroyed Huffleuff's Cup so long ago, why would Dumbledore send him to find it now? It made no
sense to Harry.

`I can prove it to you' Snape said calmly, looking over to the corner of the room. Draco kept
checking the doorway, and out the window.

`Draco, we are safe here. The Dark Lord would not step inside these walls unless absolutely
needed' reassured Snape.

`I don't care Snape. Even I don't trust you' Draco said, peering around the old and
musty curtains. Snape turned back to Harry and the others, who were still struggling against their
binds.

`If you're on my side, then why did you attack us and tie us up then hey?' Harry
spat.

`Because you're appallingly predictable Potter. I knew you would try to kill me if I didn't
explain my situation first' Snape replied.

`I still want to kill you; you killed Dumbledore!' Harry replied. Snape was getting frustrated
again with the situation.

`He was already dying you stupid boy! He drank a Dolomors Potion. It causes the person to relive
every horrible moment in their life, and then kills them slowly, and painfully. He was begging me
to kill him.' Harry laughed harshly.

`Oh, so now you're a saint? You killed him, and I saw it! You killed him with a Killing
Curse!' Harry almost shouted. He was trying to sit up, but having a terrible time against his
bonds.

`Potter, if we were still at Hogwarts, I'd take points from you for your stupidity! If you saw
me perform the curse, then you would have noticed how Dumbledore rose up in the air; the Killing
Curse doesn't do that! If I hit him with a true Killing Curse, he would have just fallen over.
I said the Killing Curse, but performed a silent Levitation Charm, so he would rise over the edge
of the tower. It was the fall that killed him.'

`I don't believe you. You're a murderer, plain and simple' Harry retorted angrily.
Snape stood for a moment watching Harry, then approached him—his face emotionless as usual.
Hermione and the others wiggled violently to get free, but it was no use. Harry watched the man
come closer, and wished for nothing more than his wand in his hand, so he could kill him. Snape
bent down, and pulled out a pocket watch, and opened it.

Harry wondered what he was doing, but understood when he put the tip of his wand against his
temple. A silver string of water-like material came out, and he cast it into the bottom of the
watch back, which filled it perfectly.

`Let's try this then, and see if you can get it through your dimwitted brain' he said
calmly once again. He moved the watch closer to Harry's face, and Harry tried to squirm away,
but he couldn't move well enough. The tip of his nose touched the silver memory, and Harry was
pulled inside.

Harry's side hit the stone floor hard, as he was still bound in his cords. He glanced around as
best as he could, and found himself in the Headmistress's Office. It was Dumbledore however,
who was sitting behind the desk, with all his silver instruments on the desk in front him. It was
night, and Dumbledore was quietly writing on something. Only the sound of his quill against the
parchment filled the room, until a knock came at the door. Dumbledore called the person to enter,
and Snape came into the dark room. Harry's anger came again to a boiling point, seeing Snape
and Dumbledore in the same room.

`You asked to see me Professor' Snape stated, his black cloak following closely behind him and
blending into the dark corners of the room as he approached. Dumbledore nodded, and motioned Snape
to sit. He did so, and Dumbledore put down his quill with which he was writing.

`Tonight I will be leaving the castle with Mr. Potter to look for the locket. I believe it is in
the cave Regulus told you of.' Snape had no reaction to this news, and Dumbledore continued on.
`Have you learned anything from Mr. Malfoy?”

`Nothing new Professor. He is trying to fix something, but I think he has finished his work. The
Dark Lord has called several followers to him the last few days, so I am concerned something may
occur' Snape mentioned.

`It is possible. With my absence, Voldemort may attack the castle. I have called you here to tell
you that, in the event something may happen, you must ensure Draco's survival. I believe,
knowing Voldemort's past, the locket will be well guarded, and may result in my injury becoming
worst' he explained, gesturing to his blackened arm, that made Harry cringe with remembrance of
the injury.

`What are you saying Professor?' Snape asked.

`If I return, and the infection has spread farther, or the cave's defences were beyond me, I
want you to do what I know Draco is not capable of.' Snape stared at Dumbledore without
blinking, and then leaned in slightly.

`Albus, I can't . . . I can't kill you.'

`You must. If I live, then you and Mr. Malfoy will die. My part in this war is coming to an end, I
can see that much. You do not have to kill me with the Killing Curse. Fake the curse, and let me
fall over the edge of the castle. You will have appeared to kill me, and I will be dead. I do not
want Draco becoming a murderer, because you know just as well as I that he walks far from his
father's path.'

Snape sat in the chair motionless, and Dumbledore let him for a few moments, before inclining his
head, and looking over the edge of his half-moon spectacles. Snape lowered his head, and rubbed his
forehead in frustration.

`I know this is a lot I ask of your Severus. I am sorry, but it is the only way. You would have to
leave with the Death Eaters, but I am sure your Occlumency would keep you safe' Snape looked up
at the old man again, and his eyes—Harry noticed—rested on Dumbledore's blackened arm. He
looked back at Dumbledore, and slowly, with sadness in his face Harry never knew he could express,
nodded.

`Thank you Severus. You have helped both the Order and myself countless times, and I hope you and
Harry will overcome your problems, and work together.' Snape's face changed slightly at the
mentioning of Harry's name, but it was short lived.

`I will try Professor.'

Harry was then pushed outwards, and found himself hitting another stone floor, this time with Snape
in front of him holding the pocket watch. Harry looked at Hermione, and found her eyes looking
worriedly.

`Is that proof enough?' Snape asked snidely, Harry's head snapping back to the greasy
haired man. Harry was still trying to process all the information.

`How do I know that isn't fake?' Harry asked, trying a long shot excuse. Snape sighed with
annoyance.

`Potter, you can't fake a memory, no one can. That is a memory, you just saw me pull it
out!' Harry was still wracking his brain trying to understand.

All this time, it was obvious to Harry that Snape was evil. He constantly ridiculed and harassed
Harry at Hogwarts, and never showed him any respect. He continually told Harry how horrible he
thought James and Sirius were, and he antagonized Sirius in staying in Grimmauld all that time. He
put Harry through all that torment during his Occlumency “lessons,” and last year—Harry just now
remembering—he stunned Professor Flitwick during his escape from Hogwarts.

`Then why did you always treat me like rubbish, and teach me Occlumency wrong? Why did you stun
Professor Flitwick last year? Why . . . Why were you so evil?' Harry questioned. There were so
many questions at Snape's loyalty passing through Harry's mind, it was hard to keep it in
order.

`I treated you like that to maintain my secret. Everyone was to suspect I was a Death Eater, and
still was. Why did I treat you so? Because I did hate your father, and his ill-mannered “friends”.
Lupin I could tolerate, since he normally kept his mouth shut; but the arrogant Black? The idiot
Pettigrew? And Potter, the worst of them all? No, I could never learn to abide their presence. You
are much like your father, and as such, you are arrogant, boastful, and untalented. I despised that
Dumbledore took a liking to you, though I understood his reasonings.

`And I knew you would be terrible with Occlumency. Always too much misplaced anger, and immaturity,
just like your father; you would never succeed. If you wanted to be treated as the “famous Harry
Potter,” then you should be a natural at everything right? I made it my point to show there are
some things you could never learn with all that falsely placed glory.'

Harry was going to respond, but let it slip. He had a feeling he could use his Legilimency later to
his advantage if he needed.

`Stunning Flitwick and being my normal cheerful self was again, part of being the Death Eater.'
Harry laughed again at this.

`So what, it was all just one big act? Is that what I'm supposed to believe? That still
doesn't explain Hufflepuff's Cup, or why we're still tied up on this stinking
floor' Harry commented, trying to still figure a solid question to prove Snape's
allegiance. Harry knew before hand that you could not fake a memory, but he needed to try.

`It was an act Potter, some of it. Hufflepuff's Cup will require another dip into the watch. As
to your restraints, I am willing to let you free, but with no wands. If any of you even twitch, you
will be back in those binds.' Snape motioned Draco to pick up all their wands, and he did so,
stepping back to the far corner of the room. Snape moved over, and with a swish of his wand, their
bonds were lifted. Harry stood up quickly, as did the others, and stayed in place.

Snape took the memory out of the watch lid, and put it back to his temple. He then closed his eyes
for a moment, Draco keeping his own wand trained on the four others in the room, and Snape again
pulled out a memory, and dropped it into the lid of the watch.

Just as he was opened his eyes and looked at Harry, Topher shot out his hand, and his wand soared
out of Draco's shaking hand, and across the room. Snape's eyes snapped to him, and Harry
took action.

`Expelliarmus!' Topher yelled, while Harry gave Snape's leg a kick to disorient him.
Draco's wand, along with the others flew across the room and into Topher's hand, and
Snape's wand flew over as well as he yelled out in pain and clutched his leg. Harry heard a
snap when he hit it, and was inwardly pleased with himself.

`Here' Topher said, lobbing Harry and the other's their wands, and keeping his trained on
Draco. Snape was on one knee, still holding onto his left leg.

Harry took his wand, and pointed it directly at Snape's heart. Only a few minutes ago he wished
for this situation; for him to have his wand, and for Snape to be at the receiving end of it. But
as Snape looked at him, he found his thoughts changed on the situation.

Harry was starting to feel unsure about Snape. Making him see that first memory caused Harry to
question his belief that Snape was entirely evil. He still felt Snape killed Dumbledore, but
Snape's explanation about the Killing Curse was correct; it didn't cause the victim to rise
in the air.

Confusion was gripping Harry, and he felt that this was what Snape wanted; to make Harry question
his intentions, and make him unsure.

Ron moved over to the window Draco just finished looking out of, and looked back to the rest of the
group. `There's no one the-` he started, looking back out. Fear gripped his face, and he leaned
closer to the dirty window pane. `There are Death Eaters here! They're coming into the
building!'

Topher ran to the window, and Hermione kept her wand on Draco. Draco looked petrified, looking from
the window to the door. Any bit of colour from his face disappeared, and he looked like he could
faint at any moment.

`You knew they were coming! You're still a Death Eater!' Harry snarled, moving forward—his
wand jabbing into his Snape's neck. Topher moved away from the window, and came over to
Harry.

`Harry, we need to go. They'll be here any moment.' Topher looked at Snape for a moment,
then back to Harry.

`They didn't come for you Potter, they're here for us. We need to go with you. Give me my
wand, and let's get out' Snape asserted. Harry was not convinced.

`I don't believe you. You stunned us and were waiting for other Death Eaters, that's why
Draco was watching.'

`They killed my father and my mother! They're chasing us!' Draco shouted frantically. The
doors downstairs banged open, and people began to stomp inside, and up the stairs at the end of the
hallway.

Topher still held Draco and Snape's wands, and was hesitantly waiting for Harry to respond. The
pounding footsteps of the Death Eaters in the house were becoming louder, and both Hermione and Ron
came closer waiting for Harry to decide.

`Let's leave them here. Apparate back to Hogwarts' Harry decided. Topher and the others
nodded slowly, while Draco breathed in deeply with the answer and moved into the corner of the room
looking scared beyond words. Snape looked at Harry, and did nothing, then glanced at Topher.

Harry knew this was an act, and that when the Death Eaters would enter the room, Snape would act
calm, and Draco would stop is pathetic dramatics. Harry and the others took a step back, and
thought of the gates of Hogwarts. The pounding steps were approaching the room, and the four gave a
turn, but nothing happened. Topher sighed angrily, and hastily waved his wand at the door, locking
it.

`They cast another Anti-Apparation Charm on the building. We're going to have to fight our way
out.' A loud pounding on the door came, and Harry could hear spells being slammed against the
outside of the door. Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Topher moved in front of the door, ready for who
might come through. Snape moved over, and Draco came and helped him on to his feet.

`We need to get out of the house. Stun, blast, just clear the way and run' Topher directed.
They all nodded, and the door continued to creak as spells blasted its exterior. The spell began to
loose its strength, and the door began to budge. Harry held on to Hermione's hand, looked at
her for support, and looked back just as the door blasted off its hinges and across the room.

`STUPEFY!'

`AFLATUS!'

`CRUCIO!'

All three spells came flying out of wands; the first from Harry, the second from Topher, and the
third from the incoming Death Eater. The Cruciatus Curse flew past all four of them, and the Death
Eater was slammed against the opposite wall of the hallway like a piece of lumber against a house.
More spells were being shot through the doorway though, from the sides by other Death Eaters.

Harry and the others dived to the edges of the room, and Harry found himself next to Topher, while
Ron and Hermione were on the other side of the room. Snape and Draco were a few feet from Harry on
the same side, trying hard to not get hit by spells.

The room was alight by red, blue, and green lights as spells flew from the doorway, as well as from
the sides of the room. There were more Death Eaters though, and Harry found himself Shielding
himself more than throwing offensive spells.

`Protego!' Harry yelled, as a Disarming Spell shot from the doorway. The spell deflected to the
ceiling, and Harry looked back to see a Stunning Spell fly from the doorway, and hit Hermione in
the chest.

`HERMIONE!' Harry yelled, trying to get up and reach her. Topher held him down, and pulled him
back towards the wall, just as a Cruciatus Curse missed him.

`I'm giving Snape and Draco their wands' Topher yelled between spells. Harry was still
keeping an eye on Hermione, who Ron was moving behind him to protect her, and looked back. Not
waiting for a response, Topher took the two wands, and threw them to their owners. Harry looked
back frantically, but found Snape moving closer, and shooting off a Disarming Spell at the doorway,
while Draco cast a Stunning Spell at a Death Eater.

Topher gave Harry a nudge to continue, and the two of them, along with Snape and Draco shot off a
barrage of spells and curses at once, overwhelming the Death Eaters on the other side. Topher moved
closer to the side of the doorway as the others continued, and just as there was a tiny gap in
spells, turned in the doorway, and moved his wand in a massive right to left movement. Spells from
the Death Eaters stopped at once, and the Orphanage went eerily silent. Harry wasted no time, and
rushed over to the other side of the room to see Hermione.

`Hermione, Hermione? Are you alright?' he asked frantically. Ron used a Renneverative Spell to
revive her, and she was slightly groggy. She nodded, and Harry helped her up, along with Ron.

`Thanks Mate, are you alright?' Harry asked Ron, who had a nasty looking cut on his arm. He
nodded, and the three of them turned towards the doorway to see Topher binding the Death Eaters in
the hallway, Draco again looking out the window, and Snape standing in the middle of the room,
fixing his leg that Harry only minutes before kicked.

`Do you believe me now?' Snape asked, a large amount of resentment present in his voice.

`For now. We need to get out of here, fast' Harry responded, making his way to the doorway.
Topher was already down the hallway, calling everyone else to hurry up. The Death Eaters were gone,
and the doors in the hallway were all locked; muffles coming from each of them.

Harry and the rest moved down the hallway quickly, and down the stairwell towards the entranceway.
Exiting through the front doors, they moved out into the bare courtyard as the cool outside air
made Harry shiver slightly. Making their way across, the wind caught up in some of the trees just
outside the yard, and Harry turned to see the trees swaying. They continued on, and stopped just as
they reached the front gates. Topher opened it for everyone, and they made their way across the
street hurriedly. Harry glanced back at the gate just as Topher was turning, when a bolt of red
light hit his back and he fell over.

`Topher!' Harry yelled, running over with Hermione and Ron. Snape followed quickly, and looked
around for the culprit. It didn't take long for Harry to see that it came from a dark-cloaked
figure standing close by. The figure removed its hood, to reveal Bellatrix Lestrange; laughing
evilly at the group in the hollow night.

Hermione reached over and held onto Harry's hand, more than likely to keep him from launching
at the woman who murdered Sirius. It worked, and Harry's mind kept level, and he squeezed her
hand back. Bella looked at Harry and Hermione for a moment with her cold and dark eyes, then her
gaze moved to Snape, who moved in front of them.

`Ah Severus, I knew you would be so foolish. The Dark Lord will be pleased when I drag you before
him. Crucio!'

Her Torture Curse whizzed by Snape, and he took his wand and raised it to respond.

`Sectumsempra!' he expelled. Bellatrix screamed in pain as gashes appeared on her face and
front. A particularly nasty looking gash was right under her left eye, and extended all the way to
her chin. Snape did not bother to wait, and stunned her quickly; silencing her screams, and causing
her to fall over with a thump on the pavement.

`We have to move. Get to the other side of the street' Snape ordered sternly, as Hermione
revived Topher. The group moved over, and kept close watch of the Orphanage. Noise and bangs were
coming from the building, and they quickly moved farther away so they would be able to
Apparate.

`We need to go with you' Snape told Harry and the rest. Harry was hesitant for a moment, but
seeing him injure Bellatrix like that made his case a bit stronger in Harry's mind.

`Alright. Give him the address' Harry told Hermione. She looked at Harry questioningly, just as
another loud bang occurred inside the Orphanage.

`Hermione, give him the bloody address!' Harry restated, some anger encroaching into his voice.
She hastily reached into her pocket, and found a scrap piece of parchment and her traveling quill,
and wrote down a small sentence. She gave it first to Snape, who read quickly, then to Draco—who
was still looking around frantically for Death Eaters. Once he finished, Hermione burned the
parchment, and looked at the rest.

`Topher, Side-Apparate with Draco, I'll Side-Apparate with Snape. Unless you want to get
splinched, I'd suggest going right to Grimmauld' Harry declared. Snape looked to
protest—probably because he thought it was childish—but the Death Eaters from the Orphanage burst
out of the front doors, and began pelting curses at them. Topher quickly moved, and grabbed
Draco's hand, twisting on spot, and disappearing with Draco. Ron and Hermione Apparated away
with speed, and Harry—thinking of Grimmauld's front lawn—looked to turn when Snape grabbed his
arm.

`NOW!' he yelled, and Harry gave a turn, feeling the siphoning envelope him, with Snape bumping
into him along the way.

The group of Death Eaters stopped firing spells, and two walked over to Bellatrix—their steps
sounding in the empty courtyard. Snape's Stunner was just lifting, and she stood up—blood still
trickling down her chin.

`Are you alright Bella?' one of the masked men asked in a hoarse voice. She wiped her brow, and
looked to where Harry and the others just vanished from.

`I'm better than alright. The not only is the mudblood their secret keeper, but she and Potter
are in love. The Dark Lord will be very pleased about this.' She turned, ordered the others
back to the caves—and with an evil grin—Apparated herself.

*

Landing on the parched front lawn, Harry and Snape were right next to the others. The air here
was cold and still; very much like that outside the Orphanage—minus the spells flying through the
air of course. The group quickly entered the house, and Harry made his way to the kitchen to make
sure no Order members were there. He thought he was in luck, seeing very few lamps lit, when he
found Lupin sitting at the table.

`Harry! What are you doing here?' he asked, looking up from the Daily Prophet that he was
reading. Harry, for the first time he could imagine, was upset to see Lupin. It would have made
things easier if no one was around. He would have to explain the whole situation to Lupin before
Snape and Draco could enter the room, otherwise there would be yet another duel.

`I was doing something. Remus, I need to you do something for me, please' he started off,
sounding very cautious like he was approaching a live tiger. Lupin could tell something was
up.

`Harry, is everything alright?'

`Everything is fine, I just need you to do one thing.' Lupin put down his cup, and looked at
Harry in wonder.

`Alright Harry, what is it?' Harry took a deep breath, and approached his father's old
friend.

`I need your wand' Harry articulated. Lupin did look to question his request, but must have
caught the look of hope in Harry's face. He pulled out his wand from his grey robes, and gave
it to Harry.

`Thanks Remus. Now, please, I need you to not go off your rocker over this' Harry began,
walking over to the doorway to where Topher and the rest were waiting.

`Over what?' Lupin asked again, sounding more worried now than before. Not having his wand in
his pocket made him feel exposed, even if he was in a secret house.

Harry gave a deep breath, and opened the door, letting Topher in, followed by Hermione, Ron, Draco,
and finally, Snape.

`Oh, hi there Topher, Hermione . . . Ron, Ron! Malfoy is behi- YOU!' Lupin yelled. He started
off sounding alright, but by the end he was off his seat, automatically reaching for his wand that
Harry luckily got from him before hand. Harry swiftly moved back into the room, and tried to calm
Lupin down.

`Harry, what are you doing! He's a Death Eater, he killed Dumbledore for Merlin's
sake!'

`Remus, REMUS!' Harry yelled, trying to get him to stop. Snape remained quiet, as did Draco—who
was looking at his surroundings in mingled disgust—as they stood on the opposite side of the
table.

`Remus, they're on our side! Dumbledore was already dying from a potion, and knew he was going
to die. He told Snape to levitate him over the edge of the castle' Harry divulged to both Lupin
and the others. Lupin snapped his eyes to Harry, still looking for answers.

`How do you know?' he asked, still sounding frantic, but slightly calmer.

`He showed me a memory of him and Dumbledore before we left Hogwarts the night he died.' Lupin
looked over at Ron and Hermione for help, but they were just as confused as he was. He looked to
Topher, and found he was the calmest of the whole group.

`It's true Remus, Severus is on our side. Dumbledore told me last year why he trusted him, and
showed me the same memory that is locked in Snape's pocket watch that proves his
allegiance' he professed. Lupin was still confused, but Harry was quickly angered by this
information.

`You knew about the cup! Why didn't you tell me! Why did you and Dumbledore lead me on, we
could have been killed!' Harry shouted, side stepping Lupin. Snape remained quiet, and Topher
was taken aback with this outburst.

`I had to stay quiet Harry, Dumbledore made me promise. You have to ask him why, I don't know.
All he said is you would be going to two places: an old manor, and an orphanage. He said I would
have to go with you both times, and that you would be looking for Snape.'

`I wasn't looking for Snape, I was looking for the cup' Harry said confusedly.

`Did you find it?' Lupin asked.

`Here' Snape voiced, speaking for the first time. He pulled out the shards of Hufflepuff's
Cup, and threw them on the table. Lupin looked at Snape with disgust, hesitantly walked to the
table, and looked at the cup for a moment, before finding the halves of the badger.

`Is this?'

`Yes, it's Helga Hufflepuff's mark' Snape answered monotonously. Lupin turned with the
shards still in his hands, and looked at Harry.

`This was the cup you were looking for? Why is it so important?'

`Because . . . well, erm-`

`Because it was a Horcrux' Hermione announced, sounding thoroughly annoyed at Harry dancing
around the subject.

`A what?' Lupin responded, not understanding the gravity her statement.

`A Horcrux; something that contains a piece of someone's soul. It was one of Voldemort's
Horcruxes' she exposed. Lupin reacted in the correct fashion now, and immediately threw the cup
pieces out of his hand, and let them land with a clunk on the table top.

`Voldemort's soul? What- . . . what are you talking about?' he asked, confusion gripping
him entirely.

`It's a long story Remus, and we don't have time. I need to see that memory in Snape's
pocket watch, and we need to get back to Hogwarts before McGonagall comes looking for us' Harry
remarked. Lupin looked back at the cup with worry, but kept quiet, and nodded, sitting back at the
table—though keeping some distance from the cup.

`Sit down, and give me the watch' Harry instructed to Snape. He felt a bit triumphant, being
able to order Snape around, even if they were on the same side. Snape was of course displeased by
the tone, but sat down, and produced the watch. Draco sat down as well, and continued looking
around the room. Topher took a seat across from Draco, and kept his wand out just in case. Harry
moved the watch closer and Hermione and Ron approached him from both sides.

`I want to see this' Hermione stated.

`Yeah, me too mate. If this was what made Dumbledore trust Snape, I want to see it' Ron added.
Harry nodded, and gave Lupin his wand back.

`Keep an eye on them. We'll be back in a second.' Lupin seemed better with his wand in his
hand now, and nodded. Topher did so as well, and Harry opened up the watch, and found the silver
memory still inside. Ron looked at it questioningly.

`Um, Harry . . . how do you-I mean, how do I-`

`Just stick your nose in it, and it'll do the rest' Harry answered. Ron nodded, and Harry
bent over the watch, and entered the memory.

Harry landed in a sitting room—which had the look of a miniature library—and soon Ron and Hermione
landed next to him.

The walls were covered in shelves full of old leather-bound books, of which most appeared
motionless for years. A worn and neglected sofa, a cracked leather armchair and a shaky wooden
table sat under a small flood of amber flicker from an oil lamp hanging above. On the table stood a
small iron cauldron, filled with a black tar-like potion that was steaming a purple mist, which was
fogging the room slowly as it spread outwards, hugging the floor.

`Where are we?' Hermione asked quietly. Harry shrugged his shoulders, and observed the room
carefully.

Harry saw movement in the corner of the room, and found Snape walking from the shadows towards the
cauldron. He came forward quietly, and sprinkled an orange paprika-like substance into it, and the
potion turned even deeper black; absorbing all the light that fell on it from the old and dusty
lamp above. The purple mist intensified, and began filling the air. Luckily, Harry remembered this
was a memory, so he would be saved from smelling the potion.

`That's the Cassus Animus potion' Hermione pointed out. Harry nodded, and all three were
startled by a knock sounding through the room.

Snape's head jerked up from the potion, and faced the door. He moved around the table—his
footsteps creaking the floor below him—and opened the door. He mumbled something to the person
outside, and opened the door fully to reveal Albus Dumbledore standing outside; his silver beard
standing out in the darkness.

Dumbledore entered the room in a grey and dark blue coloured robe, and glanced at the walls, and
the ceiling. Snape closed the door behind him, and turned to see Dumbledore smiling.

`I quite like small houses. You're never too far away from anything, and can get anywhere with
only a few paces.' Snape continued to frown at the old man, and moved closer to the potion,
entering the light.

`This is not a house, this is a slum' Snape pointed out bluntly. Dumbledore continued to glance
around, and his gaze fell eventually found Snape's unhappy look. Dumbledore looked at the
cauldron, and stepped forward.

`Ah, is this the potion?' he asked, trying to forget his attempt at being nice to Snape.

`It is. It's ready to be used.'

`I understand, do you have the item?' Dumbledore asked. Snape moved to the section of the room
farthest from the door, and reached up to one of the many dusty books. It was hard for Harry to see
in the darkness, but Snape pulled down on one of the books, and a section of books on the same
shelf next to it opened up like a cupboard. The books were only an inch deep, and mounted onto a
wooden cabinet door. In the hollow, a single golden object stood in the centre. Snape carefully
reached in, took hold of the object, and moved back into the lamp light, the hidden cupboard door
closing.

The instant the light cast on the item, it was easy for Harry to distinguish it as Hufflepuff's
Cup. Though it was very worn and tarnished—the gold unreflective and dull—the cup was still a
magnificent piece. The handles looked like a set of arms of a plump woman, her hands resting on her
waist in frustration. The golden badger, even though it was not well maintained, stood proud on the
side of the cup.

Snape offered it carefully to Dumbledore, and he took a cautious hold of it. He looked at it
closely. He tilted the cup in the dim light, and with his other hand, moved his half-moon shaped
glasses to take careful examination of the badger.

`Amazing, simply amazing. This cup is over twelve-hundred years old. It is a shame Voldemort had to
pick such an object as a Horcrux' he commented, holding down from his vision, and instead
looking towards the murky potion. He took a few steps forward holding the cup closely, and leaned
over slightly. He quickly pointed his wand at his nose, and sighed in contentment. Snape
approached, and Dumbledore leaned away from the potion.

`Not the most pleasant smell is it?' Dumbledore stated rhetorically. `The cup needs to be put
in the potion. The only question is whether the soul needs to be activated for the potion to
work.' He paced around for a moment, his eyes fixed on the cup in his hands, and turned back to
Snape, still pacing—his robes following behind him and kicking up dust from the floor.

`Hmm . . . How do you think the cup could be activated?' Dumbledore asked, placing said object
on the table next to the potion that would destroy it.

`Since it's a cup, I gather drinking from it would be the most likely method' Snape
answered, the lack of enthusiasm clear. Harry was beginning to notice how he would look out at the
door every once in a while. He wondered if Snape was doing this either because he was worried of
someone entering, or he was expecting someone.

`That sounds correct. Let's try just dropping the cup in first' Dumbledore suggested. Snape
nodded shortly.

Dumbledore took his wand, and levitated the gold cup above the surface of the black potion. He
lowered it slowly, so the potion oozed around it, and let his wand go after the cup filled, and was
lost to sight. The room was dead to sound, and only the small amount of dust in the air moved in
the lamp light. A few seconds past, and the potion continued to stay dormant like a pond, and
Dumbledore took his wand, and lifted the cup out.

`It appears it will need to be activated. I gather the metal of the cup protects it from the
potion. Shall I activate it?' Dumbledore asked, as he tipped the cup allowing the potion to
pour out slowly like molasses. The cup slowly lowered to the table once again, and with a flick,
was clean of any remaining potion.

`I will do it Albus. It will be a testament to my true loyalty, and redemption for what the Dark
Lord did to my friend' he asserted. Dumbledore lowered his head in agreement, and took a step
back.

Snape was apprehensive for a moment, but walked up to the table, and took hold of the cup. It was
going to be a difficult thing to do, and Harry knew it. Snape had to take a drink from the cup, but
at the same time throw it into the potion. It seemed to Harry that the Snape in the memory was
having the same dilemma in his mind, and Dumbledore stepped forward.

`Might I suggest doing this' he offered, levitating the cup into the potion, so it floated on
top. He then gave a swish to the cauldron, and the cup seemed to stop bobbing in the thick potion.
Snape gave a curious look at Dumbledore, and he approached the cauldron with caution. He looked at
the cup, and found it not to be moving, in any direction. Wondering, he gave the cauldron a slight
nudge, and the cup and the potion remained motionless.

`I solidified the potion. This way, you can drink from the cup, and it will be submerged in the
potion' he explained. Snape glanced at Dumbledore and nodded with the realization, and pointed
his wand at the cup. A small jet of water came out, and filled the cup half way. Dumbledore came
closer with his wand out just in case, and Snape picked up the cauldron. It was small, but Harry
could tell it weighed enough from the struggle Snape was having with it. He lifted it up and tilted
it slightly. The potion remained motionless, and the cup stayed in the centre. With one final jerk
of the cauldron, the water came falling out of the cup, and Snape drank the liquid.

As fast as he could, he lowered the cauldron and hastily set it back on the table. A massive roar
filled the little room like that of a tornado, and Dumbledore swished his wand at the potion, and
the cup fell into the darkness of the blackened liquid as it began to bubble violently, and dark
green fumes erupted from its surface. Many of the old books on the walls began falling down and
slamming onto the floor as it seemed the tiny room was being shook by a massive being like someone
would shake a muggle snow globe. Snape moved to the edge of the room, next to where Dumbledore was,
and in the midst of all the noise and chaos, he grabbed his head and hunched over in pain.

`Severus, Severus are you alright?' Dumbledore asked worriedly, as put his hands on Snape's
shoulders trying to steady him.

`The Dark Lord . . . he . . . he knows' Snape stuttered in pain. The cauldron gave a violent
rumble, making the flimsy table it was sitting on almost snap like a twig, and the potion began to
churn and fade into a vile shade of olive. Snape seemed to recover, and slowly stood with
Dumbledore's aid. Dumbledore was still looking at him worriedly, but Snape just nodded, and
they looked back at the potion. As they looked back, the potion seemed to calm instantly, and the
howling and violent rattling of the rooms ceased.

They both stayed back, and watched the potion carefully. Harry remembered what came next, and
covered his ears, Hermione and Ron doing the same. It helped very little though, as a sudden,
piercing scream blasted the entire room, and no doubt half the country. The brownish green surface
of the potion reflected a shadowy face, which looked much like that of the older Tom Riddle, who
was screaming in excruciating pain. The face slowly sank lower until no longer visible, and it,
along with the scream, died away and the potion finally turned a sick, swampy green. Dumbledore and
Snape both approached, and looked in to find the cup, broken exactly in two, floating in the
potion.

Dumbledore waved his wand, and with a heavy clang of metal on metal, the two cup pieces rang
against the bottom of the now empty cauldron. He reached in, and pulled out the two sections.
Examining it carefully, Harry noticed the badger was broken exactly down the middle. Snape was
panting, as if he just ran a marathon, and Dumbledore approaching him with the cup pieces.

`Are you alright?' he asked. Snape took a few breaths, and nodded.

`I am . . . The Dark Lord . . . was inside . . . my head . . . he never has . . . been before'
he panted. Dumbledore moved Snape over, and sat him down in the cracked leather chair.

`I imagine that was the part of his soul. What did it say?'

`It said I was a fool to try and destroy his Horcrux . . . and that nothing could stop him'
Snape responded, still gathering his breath. Dumbledore nodded, and took a seat on the edge of the
couch.

`Meant for those who are weak minded. One needs the mental strength I believe to make the soul stay
in the potion.' Snape nodded, and looked at the shards that Dumbledore put down next to the
empty cauldron.

`You have my trust now Severus Snape' Dumbledore acknowledged, holding out his hand. Snape took
it with a firm grip, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione were pushed out of the memory.

Harry landed back in the kitchen of Grimmauld, and everyone was still sitting down. Harry looked at
Snape, who looked vastly weathered to his younger self in the memory, and sat down. Hermione and
Ron sat down next to him, and they too looked at Snape.

`Do you trust me now?' Snape asked to Harry.

`We'll see, I have questions. When was this?'

`About two months before your parents died.'

`And who was this “friend” of yours?' Snape paused for a moment, breaking his gaze with Harry,
and looked back, his expression changed slightly.

`Regulus Black.'

`You knew Regulus?' Lupin asked. Snape nodded, and continued.

`Of course I knew him, he was a Death Eater. We understood each other. He was from a family that
didn't understand him, and so was I. I helped him move into the deeper circles of the Dark
Lord's service.'

`Why did he die?' Harry asked. Sirius always said he got in too far, and was murdered, but
Harry always wondered why Regulus was killed, and what scared him to want to get out.

`Because he, like me, learned what the Dark Lord was doing. The Dark Lord called a meeting of his
closest and most trustworthy Death Eaters: Bellatrix, Lucius, Rosier, myself, and Regulus. At
first, the Dark Lord was unsure of Regulus, but I swore he was trustworthy. He took us to a distant
cave, and revealed his deepest secret to us.

`He told us of his Horcruxes. At the time, they were hidden, but he wished for a single and trusted
Death Eater to guard each of them. Lucius was given a diary, Rosier a ring, Regulus a locket,
Bellatrix a snake, and myself, a cup. He told each of us where they were, and to check on
them.'

`He just told you? Just like that?' Ron asked sounding astonished.

`He was at the height of his power Mr. Weasley, and quite arrogant. He did not tell us exactly what
the objects were. He said it was important they remain safe, and that they contained the power to
do great, evil deeds. He knew his Horcruxes were safe, but he wanted to make sure. If we all died
trying to get to them, then he would be satisfied. If we didn't, then he'd kill us anyways,
and hide it once again.'

`So what happened?' Hermione asked.

`We left, and when I met up with Regulus, he was petrified beyond words. At first I thought he was
worried over guarding the locket, but he was worried over the locket itself. Coming from such a
notably dark family, he knew what the locket really was, and how evil a Horcrux was.

`He said he didn't want to be a part of the Dark Lord's service anymore; that he wanted
out. I told him he should reconsider, but he wouldn't have it. He said he made a terrible
mistake, and that Sirius was right to discourage him from becoming a Death Eater.'

`So how did he end up dead?' Harry asked again, wanting Snape to get to the point.

`I told him about my work with the Order, and the potion I was making with your mother. At the
time, the potion was brewing, and he told me he would get the locket so it could be destroyed with
the cup, that I found in the muggle Orphanage behind some terrible curses. He left, but never
returned.

`I found out later from Bellatrix that he ended up here, at Grimmauld, and that he professed to his
mother that he was joining the Order of the Phoenix. He said he stole the locket, but she
didn't believe him, nor did anyone else for that matter. She was so disgusted by him—turning
into his brother Sirius—she disowned him, and called Bellatrix to bring him before the Dark Lord. I
had to watch as he was tortured over and over again, until at last put to death. The Dark Lord sent
several Death Eaters to the cave, and none came out, which meant the protection must have been
strong enough.'

`That's how he died?' Lupin asked, his voice croaking from not speaking in a while. Snape
nodded slowly, and took a deep breath.

`It was then that I knew my allegiance to the Order. I felt I had to fight the Dark Lord, not just
because I wanted to, but because I owed it to Regulus. It was because of me that he
died.'

Silence filled the room for a moment as everyone took in Snape's words. Remembering back to the
horrible Occlumency lessons, Harry remembered seeing Snape as a child with his parents yelling, and
how he looked so helpless. Then he remembered those memories from when his father and Sirius
tormented him, and for the first time in Harry's life, he felt bad for Snape, learning now of
how he lost his best friend.

Regardless of how mean he was to everyone, he had a horribly tough life. Always being picked on,
then falling into the ranks of Death Eaters, and having his best friend killed in front of him,
knowing it was his fault. This feeling of sorrow to Snape however was short lived as he once again
returned to his snide self.

`So do you trust me, or are you going to throw us to the Death Eaters?' Snape asked.

`Firstly, you can stop with the attitude, and secondly, I trust you, but what about Draco?'
Harry answered.

`What about me Potter? I hate this as much as you do, but the Dark Lord killed my parents. He made
me watch my father get tortured in front of me' Draco informed grimly to the rest of
them.

`It's true, I was there' Snape reassured.

`So why should we trust you?' Harry asked Draco. Draco was getting noticeably frustrated.

`Because I want him dead! I'm not my father, I don't want to be my father. I looked up to
him all my life, and in the end it was nothing. He was reduced to living in a cell, then being let
free only to be murdered by the man he loved more than his own bloody family. I hate the Dark Lord,
and I hate Bellatrix!' Draco spat.

`Well that's all well and good, but we need proof' Hermione explained.

`I don't have any' Draco responded. Harry was unpleased by this, but Topher rose from his
seat, and smiled.

`I have a solution' he announced, pulling out a piece of parchment, and writing something on
the top.

`Both of you, sign this' he instructed, pushing the parchment and quill towards Draco, who
looked at it oddly.

`What is it?'

`We need proof, this will help' Topher answered, however Draco was still hesitant. `Don't
worry Draco, it won't hurt you, and nothing will happen so long as you remain loyal to the
Order' he explained. Draco carefully picked up the quill, and wrote his name on the parchment.
Snape followed without question, and Topher quickly summoned it back to him, and pocketed it.

`Good, we have insurance, just in case. Now' he said louder, getting up from his chair again,
`we need to return to Hogwarts. Professor McGonagall will be wondering where we all are if we
don't show for breakfast.'

`Breakfast?' Harry questioned. Topher smiled with one side, and motioned to the small window,
through which Harry noticed a dull blue sky peering through.

`It's morning! We have to get back!' Hermione asserted anxiously.

`Alright. Remus, can you put them upstairs, and make sure they stay out of the way?' Harry
asked, getting up from his chair.

`I can, sure. I'm the only one here right now, but Kingsley is supposed to stop by this morning
sometime.' Lupin got up from his seat, and turned to Harry. `Harry, I am a bit nervous having
both of them in here though, with me by myself' he disclosed. Topher came over, and reassured
him though.

`Don't worry Remus. They do anything' he said, brandishing the parchment they just signed,
`and you won't have any troubles.' He looked at Lupin, smiling with both sides, and Lupin
nodded.

`We'll be back soon—and don't think of going anywhere' Harry stated aggressively.

`We're prisoner's Potter, whether we like it or not' Snape remarked bitterly. Harry
smiled at the idea that now Snape was confined to Grimmauld, and turned to Hermione, Ron, and
Topher.

`Let's go, back to the gates' Topher said quickly. Harry thought of the gates, and gave a
turn, Apparating out of Grimmauld.

His feet landing on damp grass, Harry was surprised by how bright it was. The sun hadn't risen
yet, but it was close. The sky was a dark shade of blue, and was on the brink of declaring
day.

The four of them walked up to the gates, and Topher talked to one of the gate keepers. He seemed to
have a difficult time with the man he was talking to, and came walking back in frustration.

`Something wrong?' Ron asked. Topher sighed, and rubbed his forehead.

`The guards I talked to last night I knew. They had no troubles letting us in or out, but they
switched a few hours ago. I didn't think we would be that long, and these new guards are
pompous yaks. They've called Umbridge down.' The mention of Umbridge made Harry's mind
sink. He knew she would have a field day with this, and have a delightful time telling Professor
McGonagall how she found “that Potter boy” outside the castle again all night. Harry worried for
Topher too, because his job could be in jeopardy.

The group stood in the morning chill in quietness, waiting for the plump and exceedingly annoying
woman to come from the castle. Harry saw her walking down, and she seemed to be purposely taking a
long time to get there. By time she did arrive at the gates, the sun was rising and casting morning
rays on the castle.

`Open the gates' she instructed to the keepers. They opened them, and the group entered.
Umbridge's toad-like face grinned at Harry, and she stood in front of the group.

`You three may leave. Professor Terrwynebas, Professor McGonagall would like to speak to you.
Granger and Weasley, Professor Fourmove will be speaking with you, and as for you Potter' she
pointed, with a stubby finger, `you'll be coming with me.'

Harry sighed, and the group sauntered up towards the castle. Umbridge motioned towards the small
chamber located off the Entrance Hall that was usually for the first years before being sorted.
Hermione gave Harry a sorrowful look, and he tried to smile, but there was no use. He was tired,
thoroughly confused over the night's events, and wanted nothing more than to fall asleep on his
bed in the East Tower.

He slouched his way to the door, and looked back to see Umbridge standing closely behind him,
grinning happily, like she just caught a huge fly. Harry sighed, and opened the door, only to find
the second most disgusting person he wanted to see in Hogwarts there, sitting on a chair, with one
sitting in front of her. Her long and painted red fingernails clutched a piece of parchment, along
with a red quill.

`Oh, Harry, so wonderful to see you again' Rita Skeeter said happily, motioning him to sit
down, and giving a large grin to Umbridge, who entered the room and closed the door behind
her.

Harry wondered what else this day would throw at him.

**Spell / Name Meanings:**
**Dolomors Potion** - L. dolor: pain, suffering, mors: death (Dolomors Potion = suffering
death)

-->



24. The Darkness Approaches
---------------------------



**A/N -** **These next few will be getting very complicated, and very interesting I think.
For now, I do hope you enjoy this chapter.** **I'm almost at 400 reviews, so please review!
:)**

**Also,** **thanks to** **hpfan73 for poi****nting out an error in the time-line.
Snape uses the Cassus Animus Potion** **2 months** **or so before James and Lily are killed,
but Lily didn't give her notebook to Dumbledore and Snape until the night they died.**

**An edit will be put** **in soon, having Lily asking about her book and the potion****,
rather than giving it to Dumbledore.** **Dumbledore will say that Snape is** **still going
over the book** **at that moment, but that the potion was finished, and it** **wa****s
successful.** **Snape has to gain Dumbledore's trust before September, because he's
hired at Hogwarts on Sept. 1, 1981, and it was during early** **1981, when Regulus is
killed,** **when Snape approaches Dumbledore to join the Order. James and Lily were in hiding by
this time, so they limited their excursions. Lily's book** **however was unable to be**
**returned to her, because Snape still had it, and was at the time (the night of Oct. 31st)**
**still working on the potion, and other potions in the book****.**

**Of course if any of you have an idea as to how it could be edited, please feel free to
suggest an alternative.**

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

**The Darkness Approaches**


`Alright Harry, if you're unwilling to give me information on your trips out of Hogwarts at
night, I'll just have to report my own theories. Now, what about you and Miss Granger?'
Rita Skeeter asked Harry, after pelting him with questions about the two nights before; Harry not
answering any of them.

`What about her?' Harry asked, sounding aggravated.

`Well, I believe I was right all along wasn't I? You two are an item. Very touching' she
added, scratching down notes on her parchment. The room they were in was small, and Umbridge seemed
to make it smaller with her pacing around Skeeter and Harry, who were sitting in the middle of the
room on the only chairs.

`Things between Hermione and I are none of your business. Besides, I thought you were done with
your writing days' Harry mentioned, his eyes locking onto Umbridge, who continued her slow
encircling, like a vulture waiting for an injured animal to die.

`Oh Harry, my business is a fickle one, and there are always opportunities. My good friend Dolores
told me she could set up an interview with you, and I have several papers already itching to
publish this lovely little chat.'

`I doubt they will when you learn nothing from me' Harry responded. Skeeter laughed harshly at
this, and wrote another comment on her parchment. Umbridge was behind her, and tried to read, but
Skeeter saw her leaning, and clutched the parchment close to her, hiding it from the vulture's
sight. Harry wondered why she would keep secret the notes she was taking on Harry from Umbridge,
but figured it was Skeeter being paranoid over her only break in the last two years since her last
interview with Harry.

`Oh, I'm sure we'll learn plenty from you Harry. We have all the time in the world'
Rita explained happily, looking at Harry with her bug-like eyes peering through her fake jeweled
spectacles.

It was then that a loud knock came at the door to the room. Skeeter clutched to her parchment
dearly with her large, man-like hands, and Umbridge gave a sigh—strutting over to the doorway, and
opening it slowly. She carefully peered out the doorway, but immediately closed it when a spell was
fired at her from someone on the other side, and smashed into the door with a crack. She turned
back to Harry, who was turned in his seat, and she looked completely infuriated.

`This is an imposter! Potter is outside. Leave him, I must catch that boy' Umbridge told
Skeeter. Harry gave a strange look to both Umbridge and Skeeter, but stayed in his seat.

`I'll stay here and watch this one; you bring the boy here' Skeeter told Umbridge. Umbridge
nodded, and opened the heavy wooden door cautiously. Not having any spells cast at her, she swung
it open quickly, and ordered two Aurors passing by to search for Harry. The door closed with a
thud, and to Harry's surprise, Skeeter pointed her wand at the door, and it locked with a
click.

`Hmmm' she said quietly, looking at a patch of stone floor in front of her with a strange
expression. She wrote something short on her parchment, and stood from her chair. She turned, and
began to pace around behind her chair, and looked back at Harry.

`Well then, if you're not Harry Potter, then there is no need for you' she stated in a
rather dark tone compared to her normal, rather annoying one. She pointed her wand at Harry, and he
quickly dove out of the way before the spell she cast hit him, and instead turned the chair he was
sitting on into shards of wood.

`Expelliarmus!' Harry yelled, his wand pointed at Skeeter. She moved out of the way quickly,
and was able to avoid the spell.

Skeeter then turned, and kicked her chair at Harry. Harry dove again to miss getting hit by the
chair, but in his dive, Rita cast her own Disarming Spell, and Harry's wand flew out of his
hand while he was still in mid-flight. Harry hit the stone floor hard, and felt naked without his
wand, as it was now happily in Rita's hand.

`What, did Voldemort get to you?' Harry asked angrily from the floor, looking up at an oddly
emotionless Skeeter.

`Something like that, yes' she answered, as the door began to thud and pound from the outside.
She pointed her wand at Harry's chest, and he desperately tried to think of a way out.

`Ava- . . . Avad- . . . ` Skeeter started, but began to twitching violently. Her wand was still
pointed at Harry, but it seemed like she was struggling somehow to say the curse.

Wasting no time, Harry reached up and stole back his wand. Skeeter was still struggling, and had
closed her eyes like she was fighting some internal battle. Harry backed up, and tried to open the
door, but just as he reached it, it seemed Skeeter finished the battle.

`Ava- . . . Avada . . . Avada Kedavra!' she shouted, the green light flashing towards Harry. He
hastily threw himself to the stone floor, and luckily dodged the Killing Curse as it slammed into
the heavy wooden door. He looked up and found Rita's expression lifeless, and her eyes hazed as
she continued to fire spells at Harry; the pounding on the door becoming more intense.

Harry ran behind a stone pillar that stood in the corner of the room, and quickly reached into his
pocket. He was desperate, and had only one way to escape the room. He would try to fight back, but
Skeeter was firing so many Killing Curses, he would for sure get hit by one if he tried to get into
a good position.

Pulling it out of his pocket, he put the Time Turner around his neck, and just as another Killing
Curse was being fired by Skeeter, and a booming crack came from the door, he flipped the hourglass
once.

The scene around him began to change, and he saw both he and Skeeter dueling, then Umbridge
re-entered, and she was pacing in a circle. Everyone looked shadowy, and before he knew it, Harry
and Umbridge were out of the room, and soon after that, Skeeter was too. The room slowly returned
to normal, and only Harry was inside, still standing behind the pillar.

Harry wasted no time, and ran out of the room towards the Headmistress's Office. Heaving the
password to the stone gargoyles, Harry quickly entered and found the office empty. Fear beginning
to enter Harry's mind, he asked some of the portraits, and learned the Headmistress left to go
and speak to a professor. Which one, they did not know, but Harry ran out and began his early
morning and tired search.

Checking the Charms room and the Astronomy office, Harry found both of them were empty. Time was
running out quickly for Harry, and he needed to hurry. He and the others would be returning to the
castle very soon.

While running to the Potions dungeon, Harry suddenly stopped, and remembered what Umbridge said
when they arrived. He turned around, and made a mad dash to the Transfiguration classroom, where he
finally found Professor McGonagall, talking with Professor Fourmove.

`Potter, What is the matter?' McGonagall asked after Harry ran through the doorway and
approached the two professors, catching his breath from the sprint.

`Where's Umbridge?' Harry asked. Professor McGonagall looked at Professor Fourmove, and
then to Harry.

`She's more than likely looking after her rounds. What is wrong Potter; why did you run here,
and what are you doing up so early in the morning?' Harry looked around, and took a seat at one
of the desks, and the Headmistress and Potions Master came closer.

`Professor Terrwynebas, Ron, Hermione and I are going to be coming back to the castle soon. We had
to make another trip to find . . . something.'

`Going to be coming back? But you're here' Professor Fourmove pointed out. Harry reached
under his collar, and pulled out the Time Turner to show the two Professors. Professor McGonagall
was not impressed.

`Potter, we gave you that Time Tuner under the notion you would be using it only for your lessons,
not to warn us you are coming back from field trip to save you from getting in trouble' she
explained flatly.

`Professor, Umbridge is going to be letting a Death Eater into the castle in the next hour-`

`Stop Potter' McGonagall said abruptly, putting her hand up. `You cannot come back in time to
warn us of things to come.'

`But I know I already did!' Harry avowed.

`And how is this?' McGonagall asked.

`Because Umbridge tells us that you want to see Professor Terrwynebas, and that Professor Fourmove
wants to see Me, Hermione, and Ron. Where you planning on doing that just now?' Harry asked.
McGonagall looked again to Fourmove, but just for a moment.

`No Potter we were not. Who is this Death Eater Umbridge is bringing into the castle?'

`Rita Skeeter. She tried to kill me' Harry divulged. Professor McGonagall was stunned by this
name.

`Skeeter? She could not be a Death Eater; she does not fit the profile. She's much too . . .
selfish. But you say she tries to kill you?' she asked. Harry nodded, and Professor McGonagall
thought for a moment.

`When are you due back?' she asked, Harry taking a glance at the old clock on the left-hand
wall.

`In about ten minutes' Harry realized, hoping the two women would make a decisive choice.

`Alright Potter, we will do this, but there is a lot of explaining to be done once this is all
over. Iona, can you go and inform Dolores about our requests for Professor Terrwynebas and the
students?' The young transfiguration professor agreed, and quickly exited the room. Professor
McGonagall signaled Harry to move as well, and they began their way to her office.

`Was this trip tonight successful?' she asked as they climbed the quiet and empty stone
stairwells, lit with a dampened morning glow from the windows.

`Somewhat. It's hard to explain, and I need to ask Professor Dumbledore's portrait some
questions first if you don't mind' Harry asked, trying to sound as polite as possible,
remembering how he felt manipulated again by Dumbledore.

`Very well Potter, but quickly. I am glad to see you are safe, but I disagree with the time you are
arriving back at the castle. I was told by Professor Dumbledore's portrait that these
excursions were to last no longer than three hours' McGonagall informed as they reached her
office. They entered quietly, and McGonagall let Harry walk in first. He moved right to
Dumbledore's portrait.

`Good morning Harry. I am very glad to see you alive and well. How was your trip last night?'
he asked, like one would ask how a trip to the corner store went.

`You knew about the Cup? It was already gone' Harry said darkly.

`It is gone, yes Harry.'

`Then why in Merlin did you send me out to find something that you know doesn't exist
anymore!' Harry yelled, his hands clenched in fists at his sides. Professor McGonagall looked
to interrupt with her dislike for Harry's tone, but Dumbledore raised his hand to motion it was
alright.

`You needed to find Severus' Dumbledore answered simply. All that did however was enrage Harry
more.

`Oh yes, find Snape. He stunned all of us, and tied us up! I was ready to kill him, and part of me
still wants to!'

`I know Harry, and I am sorry. I did not know how Severus would go about trying to convince you of
his allegiance, but-`

`Why the lie?' Harry interrupted. `Why did you lie to me about the Cup?'

Dumbledore lowered his head, and sighed. `I did not really lie to you Harry. You were still
searching for the Cup, but the shards of it are in Severus' possession. So, to find the Cup,
you needed to find Severus.'

`But why do we need to; the Cup's already destroyed. Snape can go rot as far as I care'
Harry admitted, looking away from Dumbledore's reaction.

`Harry' Dumbledore started, leaning forward in his painting, and lowering his voice to calm
either Harry, himself, or both of them. `Harry, you saw the memory; Severus destroyed a Horcrux. He
was the first to destroy a Horcrux; before me, before you. That is important Harry, because it is
proof of which side Severus is on. He can be difficult sometimes, I know' he continued, as
Harry gave a harsh laugh, `but he has helped me, the Order, and yes Harry, you. He has helped you
more than you know.'

`How? By teaching me Occlumency wrong? By taunting Sirius? By always preaching about how horribly
he thinks my father was?' Harry stated, anger again rising back up in his chest and his
stomach.

`No Harry. For some things, you will have to talk to Severus about, but the Occlumency was partly
my fault. I know he taught you incorrectly, and it was not entirely my idea to do that.'

`What do you mean “entirely”? Did you tell him to teach me wrong; to allow Voldemort to get more
into my head?' Harry ranted at the painting.

`No Harry. I simply asked Severus to find out what you were seeing, and what, if anything, your
visions could be. He found the only way to get the visions to come up, was to make you relive harsh
memories, and get you angry. He only told me after some time, and it was then that I stopped your
lessons. I knew they were doing worst for you than good.'

`You didn't stop them; I did. I looked into his memories, and he threw me out of his
office.'

`Yes Harry, and who do you think told him to leave his memories in a Pensieve like that? Don't
think I forgot a few years ago, when you got curious of my Pensieve' Dumbledore informed
cautiously.

`You mean, you knew I would look into it, and see those memories?' Harry asked in disbelief,
wondering if he was so predictable. Dumbledore nodded, and the vision of Harry as Dumbledore's
puppet began to increase in Harry's mind. Harry was going to respond back angrily, when the
door to the office opened, and Professor Terrwynebas, along with Hermione, Ron, and Professor
Fourmove came inside.

`Harry? How in the blazes did you get up here before us?' Ron asked, looking up at Harry in
wonder.

`I have to go and stop Umbridge' Harry told Professor McGonagall all of a sudden, dropping his
conversation for now with Dumbledore's portrait, and remembering his past self.

`No, I want you to first tell me what happened' she demanded. Harry told her quickly about
going into the side room from the Entrance Chamber, and how Umbridge and Skeeter were there. He
explained about Umbridge answering the door, and mentioning an imposter, then how the problems with
Skeeter start. Professor McGonagall understood it well enough, and was convinced that Harry would
not actually see his past self.

`Well, it sounds clear. Professor Fourmove, go with Potter and bring Dolores up to my office for a
nice chat. Professor Terrwynebas, can you detain Rita once Umbridge is out?' Professor
McGonagall asked. They all nodded, and as they left, Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat.

`Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, can you stay here, I wish to discuss something with you?' he asked.
They both looked at Harry, and he knew full well that Dumbledore wanted to talk about him. Harry
nodded to them with a bit of dislike to Dumbledore's talking behind his back, and they stayed
behind.

Walking down the cool stairwells in the early morning light, Professor Fourmove remained quiet,
along with Harry and Topher. They reached the Entrance Chamber, and Harry led them to the side
chamber. Both the Professors waited around the corner, as Harry walked up, and banged on the
door.

Some shuffled footsteps could be heard, and just as the doorway opened up, and Harry caught
Umbridge's toad-like face, he shot a Blasting Curse at the door, and she quickly closed it.
Harry moved quickly down the hallway, and right on queue, Umbridge opened the door, and took notice
of Harry running away.

`You two` she yelled at two passing Aurors. `Get Potter!' she ordered as she slammed the door
behind her, and began moving her short hoof-like legs down the stone hallway, coming around the
corner to find three wands pointing at her. She stopped abruptly, and the two black cloaked Aurors
bumped into her back. The three of them looked at the two Professors and Harry.

`You will give me your wand. The Headmistress wishes to have a word' Professor Fourmove said
sweetly. Umbridge raised her rather bulbous chin, and the two Aurors behind her moved closer.

`I think not. Potter here is to be questioned, and you have no authority over me Professors'
Umbridge replied, looking at Harry with a sick grin.

`I have no troubles banishing you and your guards to the Forbidden Forest. I'm sure the
centaurs will be thrilled to see you. Isn't that right Firenze?' Topher asked, looking
around the group.

Harry smiled brightly as he saw Umbridge's eyes grow wide as the sound of hooves against stone
could be heard growing louder behind the group. Harry tilted his head around Umbridge's wide
frame, and found the large centaur walking towards the group. The Aurors looked to see him, but
Umbridge tried desparately to maintain herself, and not look at the approaching Divination
Professor.

`Mercury predicted the traveling of people to evil places, and of a sacrifice to be made for those
who venture' he informed the group, coming closer and looking at Harry with his bright blue
eyes. Umbridge, who had begun to shake, looked down to the stone floor, noticed his long shadow
approaching, and burst through the Professors and Harry quickly.

`Alright! I will go to McGonagall's office! Here!' she shouted, throwing her wand back to
Professor Fourmove.

`There's an imposter in that room down the hallway' she explained to the Professors as she
began walking up the stairwell, still not looking back.

`Don't worry, we already know' Topher responded. Professor Fourmove ran to catch up to
Umbridge, and took her up towards the Headmistress' Office, along with the two Aurors. Topher
and Harry bid Firenze goodbye—as he was on his way out towards Hagrid's Hut, and approached the
side chamber door. A crash came from within, and they hurried up.

Trying to open the door, and then using a spell, the door failed to move. `There must be a
Cementing Spell on it. We're just going to have to blast our way through it' Topher said.
They backed up a little, and heard Harry from inside the room.

*`What, did Voldemort get to you?'* the Harry inside the room said. Harry and Topher both
pointed their wands at the door, and began throwing Blasting Curses at it. It looked like the
curses were having some effect; yet when Topher stopped, he walked up and tried to push the door,
but found it to be exactly how it was before.

*`Avada Kedavra!'* came from the other side of the door, and both Harry and Topher stood
back again, and threw Blasting Curses again at the door; at a closer distance and with a quickened
pace. Just as Harry began worrying if the door would actually come down, he saw it creak open after
a barrage, and Topher quickly vaulted into the room—the door making a loud booming sound when it
opened—and Harry followed behind.

Reaching inside, he found the same chair as before in pieces on the floor. The corner of the room
was empty, and Topher bound Rita in cords, and took her wand from her.

`Harry, pick up her notepad please' Topher asked, motioning to the clipboard and the dropped
red quill. Harry took it, and looked at the paper and was surprised.

`It's blank' he exposed, showing it to Topher. Rita laughed harshly again, and looked at
Harry again with a hazy expression.

`The Dark Lord will soon have you in his clutches Potter. You and your Mudblood love will plead for
death before the end' she hissed. Topher tapped her with his wand, and she fell into a deep
sleep.

`Whoops' he said sarcastically, bringing her out of the room. Some early risers came down—or
up—from their dormitories, hearing the sound of the curses. They all had their wands out, and as
Harry looked at the two dozen or so, he was proud to see students from all four houses, and every
one of them were members of the Guard.

`We heard Blasting Curses and assumed the worst' Neville informed, who was still managing with
the arm of his shirt.

`Harry, is that Rita Skeeter?' Ginny asked, who was standing with a few other Gryffindors as
they saw Topher levitate her above the ground. A few more students were arriving with their wands,
and asking others what was happening.

`It is. I'll explain later' Harry said quickly, looking at the group.

`Yes, everyone back to their dormitories, now' Topher ordered. Harry almost forgot he was Head
of Gryffindor house, and all the students hurried quickly back to their dormitories, no doubt to
tell all the rest of the students. Topher gave a flick of his wand, and the three began their way
to the Headmistress' Office.

`Well, there goes any secrecy' Topher admitted as they approached the first staircase.

`Why would she be working for Voldemort?' Harry wondered aloud as they climbed the stairs, and
Topher levitated Rita up.

`She's not working for them on purpose Harry. Did you notice her eyes?'

`I did, they were hazy, and it had me wondering. Was she-`

`Yes, under the Imperious Curse I believe. Was probably ordered to gather information on you, and
try to kill you if possible' Topher suggested. They moved up into the next staircase, and
remained quiet for a while as Rita was slowly levitated in front of them.

`How did you know about Umbridge and the centaurs?' Harry asked as the came closer to the
Headmistress's Office.

`When she came to the castle in August to work out the rounds for her Aurors, Professor McGonagall
told me about her little trip in the Forbidden Forest, and her love for centaurs. Just in case
something like that situation occurred' he explained, a smile wiping across his face, as they
rounded the last corner, and reached the Headmistress' Office. They entered, and brought Rita
in; finding Professor's McGonagall, Fourmove, Slughorn, and Flitwick; Madam Pomfrey, Umbridge,
Hermione, Ron, and the two black cloaked Aurors.

`Was there any trouble? Are you both alright?' Professor McGonagall asked.

`We're fine Professor, although by breakfast every student will know that Rita here is in the
castle. It seems she was under an Imperious Curse. Strange you did not notice her eyes Dolores'
Topher pointed out, everyone focusing on the stout woman.

`She was wearing a cloak when she entered, so students and staff would not wonder. I asked her
about her eyes, but she said it was just a healing spell that was wearing off' Umbridge
justified. Professor McGonagall looked away in disbelieve of Umbridge's stupidity, while both
Madam Pomfrey and Professor Fourmove laughed at it.

`A healing charm? Even I'm no good at Healing, and know that no charm for the eyes has any
lasting external effects' Professor Fourmove exclaimed.

`Why not?' Hermione asked.

`Because it would impede the person's vision' Fourmove answered, Hermione nodding in
understanding.

`That has nothing to do with what's happened. Do we know anything about who could have cursed
Rita, or any information she took?' Professor McGonagall asked, getting the conversation back
on track.

`She asked me where I have been going on my trips outside the castle, and . . . ` Harry hesitated,
glancing at Hermione for a moment. Professor McGonagall was not up for waiting however.

`And Potter?'

`And about me and Hermione' he admitted, looking at Hermione who was nearby. She looked a bit
worried over the news, her brown eyes growing slightly wider, but she stayed collected.

`Don't worry' Harry continued, `I didn't tell her anything, I swear' he reassured
both Professor McGonagall and Hermione. Hermione smiled lightly at Harry, and nodded knowing he was
truthful.

`We believe you Potter. Is this the notepad she wrote on?' Professor McGonagall asked. Harry
nodded, and handed it over. She gave it Professor Flitwick, and he placed it on a chair to look at
it. After waving his wand over it a few times, he scratched his head slightly, and looked at the
notepad again.

`This notepad is connected to another I believe. When someone writes something, it appears on the
other notepad' he explained.

`So someone was getting Rita's notes' Professor Fourmove stated.

`Yes, and you can judge how far away the other notepad is, by how fast the ink disappears' he
pointed out. He took the red quill, and everyone leaned in closely to see him write.

*I have the real Potter. What should I ask?*

The writing evaporated quickly, and before the tiny Charms professor finished the dot on the
question mark, almost all the other writing was gone.

`Is it me, or was that fast?' Ron questioned rhetorically.

`Very fast. The other notepad must be no farther than Hogsmede' Professor Flitwick
maintained.

`Professor Fourmove, contact the Ministry, and let them know about this immediately' Professor
McGonagall stated. The black haired professor nodded, and quickly exited the room.

`Poppy, can you take Rita to the Hospital Wing. I want her isolated, so none of the students see
her' Professor McGonagall maintained. Madam Pomfrey agreed, and levitated Rita out of the
office.

`Professor Slughorn, can you please bring up some Veritaserum for Rita; we need to—`

`There's a response!' Professor Flitwick squeaked, as writing appeared in dark faced
letters.

*Ask Potter if he is searching for something in the Department of Mysteries*

Harry immediately looked at Topher, who wore just as worried a face as Harry did.

`The Department of Mysteries? Harry m'boy, you aren't looking for something down there are
yeh?' Professor Slughorn asked gruffly. The professors, along with all the portraits—who had
been listening to every word—looked at Harry for an answer.

`I . . . I am, I think' he responded, looking to Topher for help.

`We're both looking for something. Something very important, powerful, and dangerous' he
professed.

`And just how are you getting information about the Department of Mysteries?' Umbridge inquired
rudely from her side of the room.

`You let someone who was clearly under an Imperious Curse into the castle, which almost resulted in
a student being killed Dolores. You are in no way justified in asking a question, so stand there
and be silent' Professor McGonagall commanded, Umbridge responding by huffing and turning away
slightly from the group, no one really caring about her performance.

`I have a source inside. Voldemort shouldn't know though, I've only dealt with one man, and
he's trustworthy' Topher explained, everyone except Harry, Hermione, and Ron shivering at
the word Voldemort.

`As I was saying, Professor Slughorn, can you please bring up a bottle of Veritaserum to find out
where Ms. Skeeter has been, so we may know how long she's been under the Curse' Professor
McGonagall asked. Professor Slughorn agreed, and waddled out of the office towards his potion's
room in the depths of the castle.

`Professor Flitwick, can you please find out as much information as possible about that parchment.
Find out where that person is on the other side, and what else they have been asking
about.'

`Are you sure it's best to have him reading it alone? I mean, remember the diary and
Ginny?' Hermione said, looking at Professor McGonagall.

`Do not worry Miss Granger. I will take great care of this parchment, and will be sure not to read
too much into it. Now, if you will excuse me' Flitwick requested, picking up the parchment and
walking out the door.

`Now, Dolores, what to do with you?' Professor McGonagall wondered.

`You can not lock me up; I am the Supervisor of the Auror detail' she announced, trying to
raise herself up to look a measly one and a half centimeters taller. It did not work.

`We will survive, do not worry Dolores. These two Aurors will escort you to the North Tower, where
you will wait until a Ministry official arrives to relieve you' McGonagall said, a bit of what
Harry thought was happiness seeping into her voice.

Umbridge looked at the two Aurors, and was surprised to see them coming next to her, and holding
her arms as they began to walk. The three quietly exited the Headmistress' Office, and
McGonagall put her hand to her forehead, and for the first time Harry could remember; she showed
signs of tiredness. She quietly moved around her desk, and sat down in the high winged chair.

`Potter, did I hear you correctly earlier? Did you go out searching for Severus Snape?'
McGonagall asked to the group in her office, which now consisted of the same one that just returned
to the castle that early morning.

`We didn't go searching for him, but we found him. He's at Grimmauld right now with
Malfoy' Harry informed.

`Malfoy? Draco Malfoy? Both of them at Grimmauld? By heavens Potter, you can't be serious?
Snape killed Professor Dumbledore, and Draco Malfoy set it all up!' McGonagall said loudly, her
eyes wide with a mixture of wonder and anger.

`No Minerva, Severus Snape did not kill me in the way you think' Professor Dumbledore's
portrait announced quietly. Everyone looked at the portrait, as it took a deep breath (although
many would question why it would need to breath), and continued on.

`I drank a potion that night that was killing me. Snape levitated me over the edge, and let me
fall, because I was already dying—quite painfully I might add.'

`Potter, is this true?' McGonagall asked, turning around to face Harry.

`I guess. I didn't know what the potion was, or did. Snape told me the same thing though; that
he levitated him over the edge, and it was Dumbledore's own decision, not his' Harry
admitted, though not too happily.

`Severus said it was a Dolomors Potion' Topher put in. McGonagall's face grew pale
slightly, and she looked gravely at the portrait.

`Oh Albus, is that . . . is that true?' she asked gravely to Dumbledore. He nodded, and she
closed her eyes for a moment before nodding. `I understand. So that means . . .'

`That means' the portrait continued, `that Severus Snape is on our side. I trust Harry here can
confirm his allegiance.' Dumbledore looked at Harry over his half-moon shaped spectacles, and
Harry nodded.

`It's true, Snape's on our side' he admitted despondently.

`But what of Draco? Surely he can not be trusted, after what he did' Professor McGonagall said,
looking at the portrait.

`Young Mr. Malfoy is more of a worry, because I do not know what has happened to him since he left
Hogwarts. Did he tell you anything Harry?'

`He said Voldemort murdered both his parents—his father right in front of him. He said he hates
him' Harry explained.

`Hmm' the portrait responded, thinking for a moment while other portraits in the room conversed
quietly. `Did he say he wanted to help us?'

Harry took a moment to try and remember back, but the morning was turning into a blur fast. He was
quite tired from the lack of sleep.

`He said he wanted Voldemort dead, and Bellatrix' Harry said, remembering Draco's rantings
in Grimmauld.

`Don't worry Professor McGonagall' Topher assured, reaching into his pocket, and pulling
out the piece of parchment he had both Snape and Malfoy sign. `A bit of insurance, just in
case' he explained, putting the parchment on the desktop.

`What is this?' Professor McGonagall asked, picking it up and reading it.

`It's a Bonded Parchment. Both Severus and Draco signed it, swearing allegiance to the Order.
If either of them break it . . . well, let's just say, they won't get that far' Topher
said with a devilish smile.

`Bonded Parchment?' Ron asked, Hermione turning to him quickly.

`It's the spell I put on the sign-up sheet for the DA' she informed quietly.

`Alright' Professor McGonagall said, taking the parchment and putting it in a pocket of her
green robe. `If you three could go to the Great Hall for breakfast, I have some things to discuss
with Professor Terrwynebas here. Please inform the students that Rita is visiting the castle for
Prophet business. You may have the morning off from classes to rest.' Harry protested.

`Professor, I need to talk to Professor Dumbledore's portrait more, there are questions I have
that need-`

`I know Potter, I know' she admitted, holding up a calm hand. `But this is important. Perhaps
Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley can help you' she offered.

`Harry, let's go to breakfast, please' Hermione insisted, holding onto his arm, as both
support, and to keep him from jumping around the Professors, to yell at Dumbledore's
portrait.

`We will talk later Harry, I promise' Dumbledore assured from his portrait, looking at Harry
with his gentle blue eyes. Harry sighed tiredly, and nodded.

`Please report back here at six tonight, after supper. You can discuss more with Professor
Dumbledore then, and we will be having a meeting with some Order members to discuss what is to be
done with Mr. Malfoy and Severus' Professor McGonagall maintained. Harry agreed, and he, along
with Ron and Hermione, left the Headmistress' Office, and began their slow and sleepy walk to
the Great Hall.

`So what did Dumbledore talk to you two about while I was gone?' Harry asked, getting right to
the point.

`He told us about Snape basically, and that we should try to support and help you' Hermione
said calmly, still holding onto his arm.

`Yeah mate, that was about it. He knows you're mad, but he wants you to come back and talk to
him later tonight' Ron put in, Harry looking at his red-haired friend in astonishment.

`Why does he want me to go back? Just to hear more of how I'm his little puppet in his game,
and for me to just get more angry at it all' Harry asked. Hermione stopped Harry in the middle
of the hallway, and looked at him closely.

`Harry, you're not a puppet. He's always felt horrible for keeping things from you, but he
needs you to go back, because you know more than him, and he wants to help you' she explained
to him, trying to maintain a lock on his eyes as they darted around.

`Let's go get some food, and some sleep. I swear, I'm gonna fall over if I don't sit
down' Ron insisted, as he continued down the stairwell. Harry sighed, and Hermione placed her
finger on his chin, raising his head to look at her.

`Ron's right, it's been a long night. Let's get some breakfast, and then we can sleep
alright?' she asked sweetly. Harry looked at her as she was basked in the morning rays of the
sun, and he nodded. She moved closer, and gave him a slow and seemingly time-stopping kiss. For the
moment as they lingered—Harry forgot his earlier problems, and took comfort in Hermione's
ability to calm him in even the tensest moments. His shoulders fell, and he relaxed his arms as
they draped around Hermione's comforting form.

`I'll meet you two in the Great Hall!' Ron shouted from the other end of the hallway, as he
looked back at his two friends, and left. Harry did not bother responding, and instead allowed his
kiss with Hermione to continue quietly in the empty stone hallway; the orange and yellow from the
sun casting down through his closed eyes.

Harry and Hermione slowly parted, and Harry smiled at Hermione, as she moved her arms around his
neck, and began playing with his hair in the back of his head.

`You missed that, didn't you?' she asked playfully. Harry smiled, and gave her a hug,
looking out the window to see the cool morning mist spreading through the Forbidden Forest.
Harry's thoughts turned to the multitude of tasks before him, and worry to Rita Skeeter's
questions about him and the girl he held in his arms.

`Don't worry Harry' Hermione said, as they moved to look at each other again. `You'll
be alright; we're all hear for you' she encouraged. Harry moved a strand of her auburn hair
out of her face, and placed it slowly behind her ear.

`I'm worried about you. If Rita was asking, that means he knows' he admitted.

`Then we'll face him together' she said determinately, but still softly. Harry gave her a
kiss, and the two started their way to the Great Hall hand in hand.

Turning around the corridor, Harry could hear a couple behind a stone pillar making some rather
obvious noise. Taking out his wand, he moved around, and his mouth fell open at the sight.

`Neville!' Harry breathed, as Hermione came around and looked as well. The couple instantly
broke apart, and the other individual was identified.

`Ginny!' Hermione said, sounding and looking astonished. Neville was blushing like a tomato, as
was Ginny, who was still keeping a hold of Neville's hand to keep him from falling over in
embarrassment.

`Don't tell Ron please. For the love of Merlin, don't tell Ron' Ginny pleaded quickly.
Neville was still looking like he just ate something rather distasteful.

`How long have you two-?' Hermione asked.

`A couple of months' Ginny answered. Neville was getting pale, and looked at Harry with immense
worry.

`I'm . . . I'm sorry Harry' he finally voiced.

`Sorry?' Harry asked.

`Because . . . because you . . . and Ginny, last year . . .' he began, as he started to
hyper-ventilate.

`Relax Neville, I think it's great you two' Harry said with a smile, looking at both
Neville and Ginny. Ginny smiled happily at Harry, and gave him a hug.

`Thank you Harry' she whispered in his ear happily. Neville hunched over and slowly regained
his breath, and Ginny moved back over and gave him short kiss.

`Com'on, let's go to breakfast' Harry insisted after a short laugh at it all. Everyone
agreed, and as they started down the stairwell, Ginny asked about Skeeter.

`So what was she doing in the castle, and why did Professor Terrwynebas stun her?'

`If anyone asks, she was here for a Prophet article. Truthfully, she was under an Imperious Curse
to get information on me' Harry explained quietly.

`Are you alright?' Neville asked.

`I'm fine, yeah. But McGonagall is having a meeting tonight with some Order members about it
all. We'll have to see how things are with the fake story at the Guard meeting tomorrow
night.'

As they entered the Great Hall, it seemed the truth was not going to wait until the next night. A
surprisingly large number of students were up early on this Monday morning, and Harry had to
rethink his plan.

`Why was Skeeter here—who was that woman—why was she stunned—`

`Alright! The Guard will meet tonight at eight pm in the Room of Requirement. For those still
wishing to join, find out from other members were it is. We'll explain what happened then'
Harry affirmed. Everyone seemed to accept that, and made their way back to the house tables. Ron
was already diving into his food when Harry and the others sat down, and he gave both Ginny and
Neville an odd look.

`Are you two seeing each other?' he asked, taking careful look at Ginny. Neville dropped his
fork at the question, and on his way to pick it up, banged his head on the table.

`We are, is that a problem?' Ginny asked angrily. Ron was going to respond, when Hermione
interrupted.

`That's great Ginny, and you too Neville.'

`Yeah, that's wonderful guys!' Harry added in, making Ron look at his friends, as they
casually started at their breakfast.

`So Ron, is it a problem?' Ginny asked again, Neville stopping for a moment to wait for his
response. Both Harry and Hermione glanced at Ron, and he gave a sigh.

`No, it's great. Congrats guys' he said with a chuckle, digging into some jam for his
toast. Harry and the others smiled at each other, and broke into laughs when Ron began looking at
them questioningly.

As breakfast continued, the daily owls came swooping into the Great Hall, and the regular Daily
Prophet landed in front of Hermione, carried by a Burrowing Owl. Harry was going to look at it with
her, when another owl found itself in front of Harry.

`Hedwig, what do you have there girl?' he asked, taking a note that was in her beak. The snowy
owl took a few pieces of bacon from Harry's plate as he read, and waited for his
response.

*Dear Harry,

Can you come by the hut tomorrow afternoon? Grawpy and I have a surprise for you!

Hagrid*

`Hagrid asked us to come by his Hut tomorrow' Harry informed Ron and Hermione.

`We have a free period before supper' Hermione answered, looking through the front page of the
Prophet, which was stamped with dangerous and wanted wizards and witches. Harry wrote a reply
telling Hagrid of the time they could be expected, and Hedwig—after a soft pat—flew off and through
to the outside.

`Things are getting worst' Hermione stated, placing the newspaper down on the table. `Over
thirty dead in one night, and five missing. The Ministry is so overrun, they're even having
trouble protecting St. Mungo's, Muggles, and even the Ministry itself.'

`I hope Dad's alright' Ron said with a tinge of fear, looking at Ginny who looked just as
worried.

`It says the Ministry is still safe, but that Ministry officials are so spread out, it wouldn't
take much defeat it' Hermione said, reiterating the newsprint.

Breakfast finished quickly, and still more people came to question Harry about Skeeter. He
continued to explain that he would tell everyone at the Guard meeting that night, and it seemed
most of the students in the castle would be showing up.

The trio bid farewell to the others, and very sluggishly made their way to the towers. Ron asked if
he could sleep in the East Tower, because there would not be any students going through it, and
they let him sleep in the common room. Hermione charmed a make-shift bed for him, and although it
was not a four-poster, he fell asleep almost instantly. Harry and Hermione, both overly tired from
the day before and the night spent away, gave each other a kiss, and slumped their way to their
dormitories. Harry changed slowly, and fell asleep quickly on his bed.

After what felt like a short sleep, filled with odd and yet wonderful dreams of himself and
Hermione, as well as Luna, Draco, and Crookshanks; he woke up to find the room dark. He figured he
closed the drapes before going to sleep, but as he rolled over and looked out, he was surprised to
see that it was in fact dark outside. He smiled as the stars twinkled in the night sky, and
remembered back to his kiss with Hermione that morning, and her insistence in being calm with
Dumbledore.

Sitting up all of a sudden—making his head dizzy for a moment—he looked out the window, and began
panicking; it was already the evening, and he missed his afternoon classes. He hastily got up from
his bed, and frantically searched for his wand. Finding it, he made light, and realized he was
still in his clothes from the day before. He ran to his trunk, and threw on his Hogwarts robes
quickly, making sure his Head Boy badge was on, and vaulted his way down the staircase—still
feeling groggy and knowing his hair looked as messy as ever.

Reaching the common room, he looked and found Hermione sitting at the desk, and Ron still asleep on
the bed in the middle of the room; in between the two chairs and the fire, which was burning
quietly.

`What time is it?' Harry asked quietly, approaching Hermione.

`It's five thirty. Don't worry, I talked to Professor Fourmove about class, and she said it
was alright to miss it' she informed.

`So how long have you been up?' Harry asked, going over to take a look at Ron, who was sprawled
out on the make-shift bed, looking to fall off soon.

`About an hour or so. I went to talk to Professor Fourmove, and just checked about Rita
Skeeter.'

`And?'

`She was under an Imperious Curse, and had been for quite some time. There's no idea who, but
someone very skilled at it. Professor McGonagall said she'd explain more at the meeting
tonight. Don't forget you have a Guard meeting tonight too' Hermione reminded Harry.

Harry quickly planned out his meeting for the Guard, and just as he finished, Ron finally fell out
of the bed, and with a thud, woke up and got ready for supper. The three of them left and quickly
ate supper, and Harry dialed his fake-Galleon to let the DA members know about the meeting tonight.
He confirmed the meeting with members, and the trio left the Great Hall; making their way to the
Headmistress' Office again.

Not seeing much of the day light was effecting Harry's eyes a little, but adjusted and hoped he
could sleep that night so he would not become a day sleeper. Being awake only at night made the
castle feel darker, and less vibrant than usual.

`Stars and Moons' Harry said to the gargoyles, and they jumped out of the way for the three
students. They all entered, finding Professor McGonagall sitting at her desk, with Remus, Tonks,
Mad-Eye, and Baldric.

`Harry, Hermione, Ron; are you alright?' Remus asked, getting up from his chair and looking
over Harry carefully.

`We're fine, just tired a little. We came to talk to Professor Dumbledore' Harry voiced,
hoping to remind Professor McGonagall. Harry did not expect, or really want anyone else in the room
during his conversation, but it seemed he was not that lucky.

`We know Potter. He told me that he wanted us all here for your conversation, in that it dealt with
subjects we should all know about' Professor McGonagall divulged. Harry was not pleased, but
went ahead towards the portrait.

`Where is Professor Terrwynebas?' Hermione asked.

`He will be arriving shortly with someone of importance. Do not worry Miss Granger' Dumbledore
offered, before looking back at Harry.

`Harry, I know you have many questions, and that most revolve around Severus' he started, Harry
staying calm like Hermione asked him to. `I want you to ask me what is on your mind, and I will do
my best to explain everything.' Harry took a deep breath, and tried to forget the extra five
people in the room.

`Why didn't you tell me I was searching for Snape, and not the cup?' he asked calmly,
Hermione smiling at Harry for keeping relaxed.

`Because I knew if you were searching for Severus, you would wish to murder him. Regardless of what
I could say to you, I knew you would not believe he was on our side. I knew it would take seeing
his memories, and his destroying that cup to make you believe.'

`So why did you get me to search the castle, the Riddle House, and the Orphanage if you knew he
would be at the Orphanage? We almost got killed in the House' Harry asked, some heat entering
his voice, but he continued to stay relatively relaxed.

`Part of our plan, in case Severus would have to escape from the Death Eaters and Voldemort, was
for him to hide in two places: the Riddle House, and the Orphanage. Both are heavily entrenched in
Voldemort's mind, and he would not step into those buildings lightly. They already had magical
spells on them, and would be good places for him to hide.

`The problem was, which one was he in? I figured by this time, he would have had to escape
Voldemort, and hopefully Mr. Malfoy with him. So, it took a search of both places to find him.
Searching Hogwarts was honestly just to get you thinking you were looking for the cup. I am sorry,
but I had to deceive you in that way' Dumbledore said, still sounding as calm as he ever
did.

`What about Topher?' Harry asked all of a sudden.

`What about him Harry?'

`How much did you tell him about me? He's still a stranger to me in many ways, yet he knows
more about me than I tell him' Harry stated. He did not like questioning Topher behind his
back, but it was something that troubled him.

`I told Professor Terrwynebas as much as he needed to know. He is a very open individual with the
ones he trusts Harry, so I'm sure you can ask him, and he will tell you whatever you wish to
know. But as for my part, I told him that it was important to continue my research to help you, to
go with you on any trips you may take to find objects called “Horcruxes”, and about your need for
extra lessons on defence—focusing specifically on spells that use love.'

`That's it?' Harry asked.

`Basically, yes. I told him about Snape of course, because I knew on at least one of these trips,
you would be going out to find him, even though you would say you were looking for a cup. Anything
else he knows, it would be from either other staff, or from you directly. Do you still not trust
him?' Dumbledore asked, looking over his half-moon spectacles.

`No, I do, believe me I do. It just bothered me how much he knew about me' Harry
admitted.

`Well, realize that there were things you knew about him before he told you. It works both ways
Harry.' Harry nodded, and Dumbledore decided to change subjects. `So, when is your next meeting
for the Guardians?'

`Tonight, at eight in the Room of Requirement. It looks like the Guard will be over half the
students in the castle' Harry appraised.

`That's wonderful Harry' Remus said, Harry turning and just remembering the others in the
room.

`Yes, we were wondering' Hermione started, looking at Harry, `could some of the staff come and
help students?'

Professor McGonagall pondered for a moment, and nodded. `I believe it is possible, however staff
would be doing it voluntarily. I can not make all the staff help during non-classroom hours, but I
will encourage it entirely.' Harry was happy to hear this, and turned around as a knock came at
the door, and Professors Sprout, Sinistra, Flitwick, Slughorn, and the rest of the staff entered
into the office—Professor Binns floating through the wall. Professor McGonagall took her seat at
her high-winged chair, and the professors conjured their own chairs, and sat around the edges of
the bookshelves in the room. Harry looked at the group, and still found that Professor Terrwynebas
was absent from the office.

`As you all are aware, Rita Skeeter was allowed into Hogwarts early this morning by Dolores
Umbridge. Rita was under an Imperious Curse, and Dolores neglected to notice. Rita attacked Mr.
Potter here, but we were able to subdue her before any injuries took place. Ms. Skeeter was brought
to the Hospital Wing, and is now stable, while Dolores is secure in the North Tower, pending a
replacement from the Ministry.'

`What information were you able to get from the parchment?' Professor Fourmove asked Professor
Flitwick.

`Very little. It seems I do a terrible written impression of Rita, and the other person quickly
stopped writing. They were asking mostly about Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, as well as the Department
of Mysteries, and Hogwarts.'

`What did you find out from the Veritaserum?' Professor McGonagall asked Madam Pomfrey.

`She was under the Imperious Curse for a while; at least a few months. Who knows how much
information she's gathered since then.'

`Who is in charge of the Aurors at the moment?' Professor Sinistra asked, after a few quiet
moments.

`This gentleman here, Baldric Branwen is in charge for the moment. Nymphadora is assisting, but all
seems to be running smoothly. I think the Ministry will not send a replacement quickly, because of
the troubles they are having themselves.'

`Yes, what is the news from the Ministry?' Professor Sprout asked, looking over at Tonks, who
gave a sigh, and turned around in her chair to face everyone.

`In the past two days, there have been nine attempts to storm the Ministry. All have failed, but we
are loosing numbers. The Ministry is calling up trainees to guard the Ministry entrances, however
Death Eaters are not holding anything back. The Minister himself is rumored to be coming here in
the next few weeks, to discuss setting up the Ministry here.' The portraits breathed and
started talking almost as loudly as the professors did.

`You mean, the Ministry is actually going to be overrun?' Professor Slughorn asked
worriedly.

`It's worst than before. You-Know-Who has many more followers, and the Dementors and Giants are
moving through the country side like brushfire. There are even reports of Death Eaters attacked
Dragon keeps in Romania, as well as in Portugal and Sweden' Tonks said dreadfully. Everyone was
deeply quiet with the information, and Hermione held onto Harry's hand shakily. Harry noticed,
and placed his hand on top, trying to calm her.

`So what should we do? We can't continue classes like normal with all this chaos' Madam
Hooch expressed evenly.

`I agree Rolanda, but we must maintain order. The students must be kept in the castle, and classes
must continue. Mr. Potter, along with Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley have started a student defence
organization to train students in the event that the castle is attacked. They have asked if any of
you can, to come and help them with their lessons. The group is rapidly expanding to the entire
school, and they need help.' Hagrid stood up at this, and looked at the other staff.

`I don' know abou' the rest of yeh, but if Hogwarts is attack'd, I want'a make sure
all the students er able to defend themselves. I'll help yeh Harry' he said proudly,
walking over and extending his large hand. Harry stood, and accepted it greatfully.

`I'll help too Potter' Professor Sprout said, offering her hand. Soon, almost all the
professors were offering to help. Professor Trelawney admitted she could not duel at all, and Madam
Pomfrey offered to help train some upper year students in quick healing spells. Madam Pince, the
librarian, agreed to have books on effective defence spells available to the students and staff,
and Professor Binns explained he would talk to the ghosts about helping in some manner.

Harry told all the staff about the meeting that night, and they agreed to come and help out with
the lesson. Talk moved on towards the Order, and news of it was less heartening than the
Ministry.

Numerous Order members had gone missing in the past few weeks, and large portions of England
remained unprotected. Most Order members were centered in London, Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow,
Dublin, and here in Hogsmede; to protect the town, but more so Hogwarts.

Grimmauld became closer to that of a refuge for members, many of whom arrived at the house with
injuries and other sicknesses. Snape and Draco had in the one day since their arrival helped with
injured members, as well as work on potions for healing purposes. Harry was surprised of course to
hear them helping the Order, but tried to remind himself they were on the same side now.

The Order decided for the time to let Draco and Snape continue their work at Grimmauld. It was not
under any attack, and the magic protecting the house was still strong as Order members were inside.
Of course, it was easy to let them stay there, since they could not leave the house, and could not
tell anyone where it was.

As eight approached, Harry reminded Professor McGonagall about the Guard's meeting, and
everyone stood, and made their way to the Room of Requirement. Reaching the staircase, Harry was
shocked by the massive number of people waiting at least two hallways away from the Room.

`This has to be every student in the castle!' Professor Flitwick squeaked from his low vantage
point. Harry glanced around, and smiled brightly at the mix of all four houses, and years of
students that mingled together waiting for the meeting.

`We can't fit everyone into the Room we have, and it'll take at least an hour to get
there' Ron proclaimed.

`Can we do this in the Great Hall Professor?' Hermione asked Professor McGonagall.

`Of course. Filius, can you and Remus clear out the tables for the students?' she asked. Harry
turned, and smiled at Remus, thinking he had left.

`Even though I'm not a Professor, I can still help out!' he said with a smile, leaving to
the Great Hall. Hagrid began bellowing at the students to make their way to the Great Hall, and
soon every student in the castle, along with most of the staff, and a few Order members were
assembled. Harry nervously stood on the platform where the staff table would have sat, and cleared
his throat.

`Welcome to our new members. This is the third meeting of the Guardians of Hogwarts, and we've
decided to move into the Great Hall, because we're the whole school now.' A group of
students began cheering over this, and soon the whole hall was erupting in pride over the unity of
the school. Harry was beaming at the outpour, as was the staff, Ron, and Hermione.

`The Professors and some members of the Order of the Phoenix have offered to help, and will be
moving around with DA members.'

`What happened with Rita Skeeter?' a short second year Ravenclaw asked who was close to the
front. Harry glanced at Professor McGonagall for a moment, and she nodded.

`She was under an Imperious Curse. That makes learning these spells even more important, so please
work hard, and try your best. This is just in case, but it is very important to learn' Harry
advised. He stepped down, and told the DA, and staff that Shield Charms would be the focus tonight,
as well as Disarming, and Blasting Curses. Hermione offered the lead the group to go with Madam
Pomfrey with healing spells, and after a few upper year students and DA members went with her,
Harry began his lesson with the Guard.

Midway through, as spells and Shield Charms appeared throughout the hall, Harry felt someone tug on
his sleeve, and he turned to find Luna smiling at him.

`What's wrong Luna?'

`Topher wanted to see you' she stated, motioning towards the doorway that led to the offset
room where Harry went after his name came out of the Goblet of Fire. Harry told Ron and Professor
McGonagall where he was going, and he quietly entered the side chamber.

Walking down the dark lit steps, Harry came to the base, and found Topher standing towards a side
wall, looking at some of the many old trophies that littered the room from the floor to almost the
ceiling.

`Oh Harry, it's good you have come. Is there anyone else with you?' he asked, sounding
anxious.

`No, I came myself. Topher, what's going on, why are you here?' Harry asked. Topher gave a
flick of his wand, and the door up the stairs clicked. Harry was beginning to get nervous over his
moves.

`I have someone I wish for you to meet, and you must promise me you'll keep his identity a
secret.'

`I promise' Harry affirmed, as the two of them moved across the room quietly in the dim
light.

`I mean it Harry, you can't tell this to anyone; not even Hermione' he stressed.

`I promise Topher. Who am I meeting?' Harry asked, as they came to a pile of trophies covered
by an old and beaten cloth.

`You're meeting me Mr. Potter' an old and raspy voice sounded. The old cloth began to move,
and a man emerged from the other side; an old man Harry did not expect to find in Hogwarts, since
he only ever saw him in his bar in Hogsmede.

`Harry, this is my contact in the Department of Mysteries: Aberforth Dumbledore.'

**A/N - I know this chapter was a bit long, but I hope you liked it! Again, please
review!**

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25. Viktor's Influence
----------------------



**A/N - Here's chapter 25! We get to hear about Aberforth's role in the story, and the
Guard has another meeting, where it seems clear that there may be divisions in their collective
thought. With Aberforth's information, you'll see that Harry is planning a trip . .
.**

**Please review at the end folks!**

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

**Viktor's Influence**


Harry looked at the old and grumpy man in surprise. He remembered seeing him in the Hog's
Head, and thinking he looked like a dodgy version of his brother Albus. He did not have the long
silver beard that Dumbledore had, but rather a smoky, and tattered grey one.

`You're Topher's man in the Department of Mysteries?' Harry asked disbelievingly.

`I am Mr. Potter' Aberforth answered easily, letting down his hood to show a top of grey and
wispy hair.

`But . . . how?' Harry questioned. Aberforth, as Harry knew, was a very shady person.
Dumbledore himself said he did not know much about his dealings, only that he got into trouble for
something involving a goat, of which Harry did not wish to learn about.

Topher smirked, and looked at Aberforth, who nodded his head. `I told you he would be inquisitive.
Harry, you know that Aberforth is a member of the Order?'

`Yes.'

`Well, his job has been a very secretive one. He started this before you were even born, and has
continued on with it.'

`What, trying to find the Book?' Harry asked, Aberforth shushing him for mentioning the Book so
openly, even though it was just the three of them.

`Not exactly. Perhaps it's best if you tell him' Topher suggested to Aberforth. He agreed,
and looked at Harry over his spectacles, which resembled Dumbledore's. They were half-mooned,
but the top of them was not a straight line, but rather curved upwards to make non-congruent
ovals.

`It was decided a while ago that I would research and find out what is hidden in the Ministry for
Magic, particularly in the Department of Mysteries.'

`Why?'

`At the time it was needed to help Albus, since the Guard seemed bent on inaction' Aberforth
informed.

`The Guard?' Harry asked.

`Yes, the Veneforbis Guard. It was, and still is, a very secretive organization that protects the
most powerful and dangerous objects in the wizarding world. About sixty years ago, the rise of
Grindelwald was starting to worry the Guard, and they ordered the closure of the Department of
Mysteries. Grindelwald was interested in an object hidden within the Department and Albus wanted to
find out, but the Guard would not allow him access. So, Albus asked me to try and research on the
Department, so he could understand what Grindelwald was looking for. Fortunately, Grindelwald
became careless, and Albus was able to subdue him.'

`So you've been researching for over fifty years?' Harry questioned, Aberforth shaking his
head.

`No. When Grindelwald was imprisoned, said I could relax on my research. I wished to continue since
I did not get far, but the Guard found out about my research. They dismissed the members I knew and
were getting information from, and made up that story of me and that charmed goat to discredit me
to the public.

`When Voldemort began his rise, Albus was sure he would be inspired by Grindelwald. Grindelwald was
known for being interested in powerful magical objects, and Albus knew Voldemort was much smarter,
and craftier than Grindelwald.

`So, when Albus started the Order of the Phoenix, he asked me to continue my research, working
around the Guard since I was out of favour with them. It was then that I bought my bar, the
Hog's Head.'

`You needed to research the Department of Mysteries, so you bought a bar?' Harry questioned
with a raised eyebrow.

`My short time working with some of the Guards allowed me to see that Unspeakables enjoy certain
places, and the Hog's Head was one of them. A dark, uninviting, and—most importantly—empty bar
is just what the Unspeakables like. Going to a place like Three Broomsticks is great when you can
talk about your work with friends and coworkers, but for Unspeakables, it's the last thing they
want.' Aberforth rearranged his cloak, and continued on, looking at Harry with his chalky blue
eyes.

`So I bought the bar and started working there myself. It allowed me to keep as low a profile as
the Unspeakables themselves. At first, I stayed quiet, and just got used to the usual faces. As
time went, some became more talkative, knowing I was as secluded as they were. I started asking
simple questions, using the excuse of an old and rather disheveled man wishing to know of more
excitement.'

`And this is how you did your research? By asking men at a bar?'

`Yes, and earning their respect. They knew who I was and eventually learned I was a member of the
Order of the Phoenix. Some shunned me away for questioning them, however the better ones understood
the needs of the Order and my research. After Voldemort returned a few years back, Unspeakables
were ordered not to discuss anything to outsiders, but many of my patrons discussed things with me,
knowing my long history.'

`You see Harry' Topher put in, allowing Aberforth a break, `Aberforth has never been in the
Department of Mysteries. Albus kept Aberforth very much in the loop with his research on ancient
magic, and so introduced me to him. I have been making trips to Hogsmede, and Aberforth has been
making inquiries to his patrons on items I ask him to.'

Harry wondered when Topher mentioned a friend in the Department of Mysteries, but he never thought
that it would be Dumbledore's brother.

`You said your contact was actually in the Department' Harry declared.

`Yes, well, it was important that Aberforth's identity remained quiet while he talked to the
Unspeakables. I said he was in the Department of Mysteries, because then if anyone overheard, it
would be almost impossible for them to find out who it was, since Unspeakables are hard to find and
there are a lot of them' Topher explained.

`So . . . what have you found out?' Harry asked, eager to hear.

`Much. The Unspeakables I've talked to say the Ministry is having terrible security issues. The
security guard has had to be replaced sixteen times this month alone.'

`Sixteen times!' Harry repeated.

`I know, the news is not good. The Unspeakables have all but sealed the Department of Mysteries on
worry of Death Eater attacks. They have to undergo dozens of checks by other Unspeakables before
they are allowed to enter the Department, for fear of Death Eater spies or people under the
Imperious Curse. So far, they have caught at least thirty people trying to get in. One got as far
as the Planet Room before they realized he was cursed'

`Why are so many Death Eaters trying to get into the Department of Mysteries?' Harry
asked.

`Well, you remember Rita's notepad?' Topher asked. `When it asked if you were looking for
something in the Department of Mysteries, it confirmed our belief that Voldemort is searching for
something down there; something worth great sacrifice and thus, very powerful.'

`What do you think he's after?' Harry wondered, looking at the two men.

`We are unsure, as are the Unspeakables. Those caught were looking all over the Department, but
they don't know what for' Aberforth explained.

`But what about the Book?' Harry asked, wanting to get to the point.

`Some of the Unspeakables have heard of this book, but none are sure it is in the Ministry. They
know it is not in some rooms, such as the Planet Room, the Hall of Prophecy, and the Veil Room'
Aberforth remarked, Harry's mind cringing at the reminder of the Veil Room, and of Sirius'
death. `The ones who believe it is in the Ministry, think it is in Room Number Nine.'

`Room Number Nine?'

`Yes, it's the only locked door from the circle chamber. The only record of the door ever being
opened was for a member of the Veneforbis Guard at least five hundred years ago.'

`The Department of Mysteries is that old?' Harry asked in surprise, getting a bit off topic. He
could not have thought the Ministry was that old.

`No, not in that way. The level the Department of Mysteries is on was itself an old Veneforbis
keep, where they kept all their secret items such as the Veil of Death, and the Imperium Pillar.
Their name, the Veneforbis Guard, is Latin for “the Wizard's Circle Guard”. It comes from the
actual circle chamber. Each member would stand in front of one of the doors in their meetings. The
man who entered the chamber all those years ago, was the guard who stood in front of the door to
Room Number Nine. His name was Merlin.'

`Merlin!' both Topher and Harry expounded. Harry gave Topher a slight look, realizing Aberforth
must have not told him everything.

`Yes, supposedly. I personally doubt if it was the famous Merlin. The records are sketchy, but it
says he entered the room and exited, but never commented on what was inside or how he
entered'

`But that doesn't tell us if it's the Book of Thoth' Topher pointed out.

`True, but it may suggest it. Merlin may have realized what the Book was, and did not read it for
fear of his loved ones. He wrote in some of his texts that he did lay his eyes on the Book of
Thoth, but turned away from it saying it brought nothing but greed and death.' Aberforth waited
for a moment as there was some movement from the door behind them, and Topher checked before
returning quickly.

`One of the Unspeakables gave me the best lead however on the Book, and it unfortunately leads us
away from the Ministry. He is the Keeper of Scrolls, and told me in his searching he found several
mentions of tombs in Egypt that were tagged for danger. There was one specifically that mentioned a
prince's tomb that was so well protected, they could not enter the outer chamber. The name
wrote on the guard tablets was that of Nefrekeptah.'

`That's the tomb the Book was originally placed in! Did they ever get in?' Topher asked
hastily.

`He didn't know. There was an expedition on record that was able to enter the tomb, and
something was brought back to England, but everyone on the expedition died within three days from
strange illness, unexpected deaths, or horrible magical mishaps.'

`But they brought something back. Is there any other record?' Topher asked.

`No, because all the members of the expedition died so soon. The object that was brought back was
never cataloged, and it seems to have disappeared. The Unspeakable suggested going to Egypt and
checking the tomb itself. They are heavily guarded by curse breakers, but it would be the best way
of finding out if the Book was indeed found, and brought back here.'

Everyone turned quickly and faced the doorway as they heard the door creak open. Aberforth quickly
placed the cloak over his head and turned to once again look like a lump of objects.

Ginny came down quietly, and looked at both Harry and Topher.

`Um Harry, some of the DA members were wondering where you are. Are things alright?' she asked,
looking concerned at Harry.

`Yeah, of course Ginny. I'll be up in a minute' Harry answered. Ginny looked questioningly
at Harry, then Topher, but nodded.

`Alright. We're almost done and the DA members were just waiting for you to dismiss the
Guard.'

`Don't worry Ginny, Harry will be up in a moment, I promise' Topher reassured. Ginny gave
one last look at Harry, and walked back up the stone stairs, and through the doorway again.

`Harry, can you please meet me in my office on Saturday? Aberforth has to speak to some more
contacts before we talk again.' Harry agreed, and just as he began to leave the room Topher
called up to him for one more thing.

`Oh Harry, can you come down and let us know when the Hall is clear, so Aberforth here can leave
without worry?' he asked. Harry again agreed, and he left as Topher began discussing how he and
Aberforth would meet on the Saturday.

`Harry, where have you been? Ron says you were gone almost the whole time' Hermione asked
loudly as Harry entered the Great Hall. Students were still firing spells, and practicing Shield
Charms; making the hall cluttered with noise and flashes of red light. Professors and DA members
were scattered throughout the mass of students, and everyone looked very confident with their
magic.

`I'll tell you later. How have things been going?' Harry asked, looking at a short first
year Ravenclaw boy trying out a Shield Charm. A long blonde haired Hufflepuff fired a Disarming
Spell at him. The Shield Charm put off by the young Ravenclaw held up, and the Disarming Spell shot
off towards the ceiling.

`Things are great Harry. Some of the Slytherins disliked being partnered with Gryffindors, but most
are alright. The group that went with Madam Pomfrey did great. We learned how to conjure
stretchers, seal cuts, and how to mend simple broken bones' Hermione informed as the three of
them leaned in close to hear each other.

`That's great. It's about time to finish though' Harry decided. He walked over to the
front platform, and in the midst of all the spells, few noticed his waiting for everyone. He smiled
at Hermione, and leaned over to whisper to her.

`Watch this. Topher showed me this one' he said to Hermione. She looked worried, but he smiled
again.

`Rutipluvia!' Harry called, and a red string of light spiraled from his wand, and cast across
the clouds above the crowd in the Great Hall. All the spells ceased, and everyone looked up at
Harry, and then to the clouds above as sparkling red raindrops came falling from the ceiling in
slow motion like embers from a campfire. They evaporated before they reached the people below, but
the effect did as Harry wished, and everyone was quiet.

`Alright, this has been a great meeting! We are all done for tonight, but we will be having another
meeting next week' Harry started. A large amount of students began an uproar at the news, and
many of the younger ones came forward with protests.

`No, please Harry! I've never been able to cast a Disarming Spell before tonight!' said one
young Hufflepuff.

`Yeah, and we need to learn to defend ourselves!' a tall Ravenclaw boy said.

Amidst the noise and protests to waiting a week for the next meeting, Harry raised his hands, and
everyone calmly quieted down. Some Slytherins continued to talk, however a stern look from
Professor McGonagall quieted them down instantly.

`We can't meet twice a week, it's too much. We still have classes and homework to be
done' Harry professed to everyone. Students still disliked the decision, and a few DA members
approached.

`Harry, I'm sure some of us are willing to look after another group if they want to practice
extra' Neville advised, other DA members agreeing. Another group came to the front, and Harry
was surprised to see it was made up of other upper year students, including some Slytherins like
Theodore Nott.

`What do you want?' Ron asked heatedly, Luna coming over and holding his hand to cool his
nerves. Nott's eyes narrowed at Ron's question, and looked to Harry.

`Look, if some people want to have another meeting, some of us upper years are willing to help
out' he announced to Harry and the DA. Some members of the DA, Harry included, wondered about
this sudden eagerness to help.

`Why do you want to help? Why should we trust you Slytherins?' Ginny questioned
forcefully.

`Look, we all need to get along' Hermione put in, hoping to remind everyone of the Sorting
Hat's warnings.

`As much as I'd like to disagree with Granger-' Nott responded.

'Her name is Hermione Theodore' Luna stated lightheartedly, Nott giving an angry
sigh.

'As much as I'd like to disagree with *Hermione*' he emphasized, looking at Luna
who had no reaction, `she's right. We don't want Hogwarts to be destroyed, and . . . well,
we don't want to get killed either.'

`Always looking out for yourselves, aren't you Slytherin's' Susan Bones
commented.

`Well if we're dead, it won't help Hogwarts now will it?' Nott retorted angrily.

`Enough!' Harry ordered. Nott lowered himself, and looked back at Harry and the others. `If the
upper year students want to help, I think it's great. Professor' he addressed, looking at
the Headmistress, `is there another night that some of the professors might be willing to come and
help out students?'

`Well Potter, I cannot, but you are welcome to ask the other professors.'

`If you meet on Thursday nights, I can help on that night Potter' Professor Flitwick said,
Harry smiling and nodding happily at the short professor's support.

`I can help yeh too Harry!' Hagrid boomed, scaring some of the younger students around him.
Harry gathered they were still getting used to such a massive man.

`Although it will take away from my marking, I am sure I can spare a few hours to helping the
Guardians' Professor Sinistra commented. Several DA members agreed to come on Thursday nights
as well, and Harry was happy to announce to the waiting Guard that an extra session was to be
started on Thursday. Many of the younger students beamed widely at Harry and his helpers for this,
and just before Harry was about to dismiss the Guard, Hermione asked him to wait for a moment, and
pulled him aside as Neville coordinated the DA, upper years, and staff for Thursday night. Harry
decided to put him in charge of the second session, and Neville proudly took the placement.

`Harry, we need to have some thing to say before everyone leaves. People need to leave here proud
of what they're doing, and feel united. We need a motto or something' she suggested. Harry
believed it was a good idea. He had seen it enough with some Muggle sports teams that a motto, or
war cry can sometimes get people riled up, and proud of being part of a group. He was however, at a
loss for what to say.

`Just pick a simple phrase, like “For Hogwarts” or something like that. Just something to get them
all stirred up about.' Harry nodded, and figured her example was decent enough.

`It's all set Harry. I just need to talk to you about what to cover' Neville explained as
he and Hermione returned to the platform. They agreed to meet in the East Tower before the meeting,
and the students and staff looked at Harry.

`So, there will be an extra session on Thursday. Any questions, just ask a DA member, or the staff,
and please, get your friends to come out. Now before we leave' he continued, looking at
Hermione and blushing slightly at asking the group to do something—that even though he agreed with
a few moments earlier—felt slightly foolish, `we are all going to say the Guard's motto. This
will now be done at the end of every session, on Mondays and Thursdays. Our motto is “For
Hogwarts.”'

There were mixed reactions to the announcement. Some nodded, and agreed with it as a way to build
confidence in the Guard, while others snickered and thought it was rather lame. Harry wanted to see
if it could work though. It was not enough to have everyone here and practicing spells; they had to
actually believe in being one group, and united by one goal.

`So, when I say “For Hogwarts”, I want everyone to say it back.' He waited for a moment,
looking at the staff and DA, who all nodded in encouragement.

`For Hogwarts!' Harry shouted.

`For Hogwarts' came back, but rather subdued. The staff and the DA shouted it, but less than
half the students in the hall replied, and most whispered it. Some began moving towards the
doorway, but a spell shot through the air, over all their heads, and the heavy wooden doors snapped
shut. Everyone turned, and even Harry was flabbergasted to find the spell was cast by Hermione, who
looked thoroughly displeased with everyone.

`I can't believe you all! You all were cheering so much about being here and united, yet you
can't yell it out!' she said loudly to the students. Those who were snickering earlier now
wore long faces and looked at the floor.

`Now, everyone say it! For Hogwarts!' she shouted.

`For Hogwarts' the crowd responded, a little louder than the first time.

`For Hogwarts!' she shouted again, looking at the DA and staff.

`For Hogwarts!' the students answered, again rising in volume, but still not loud enough.
Hermione was seriously getting frustrated.

`FOR HOGWARTS!' she yelled again, Harry and some of the DA helping out.

`FOR HOGWARTS!' the crowd yelled back loudly. Their voices echoed in the Hall for a few
moments, and slowly faded into the silence that followed it. Harry allowed the quietness to linger,
and glanced at Hermione, who still looked upset, and shook her head at Harry in disappointment at
the school.

`We need to stand together like the Sorting Hat said. Hogwarts is safe for now, but there may be a
time when it isn't and we need to fight together to protect this castle. I don't know about
all of you, but I can't imagine a world without Hogwarts; this is our home' Harry spoke,
his voice the only one sounding in the Hall.

`We're learning these spells to help each other, and ourselves; to keep this castle safe, and
keep Hogwarts alive. We are doing this for Hogwarts. For Hogwarts!' he yelled.

`FOR HOGWARTS!' the Guard yelled back, the cheer echoing again in the silence that followed
it.

`See you all next meeting' Harry finished quietly. Professor Flitwick lifted the spell on the
doors and everyone began moving out of the Hall, talking amongst themselves over the meeting, and
the closing comments.

`Well, that was interesting' Ron commented, looking at Hermione and Harry.

'I rather like the motto. Makes me feel like I'm part of a team for once' Luna
expressed dreamily, making Ron smile sheepishly. Hermione let out a huff, and glared at the
students as they left.

`They need to understand what's going on. This isn't just a study group for their Defence
class, this is real stuff' she ranted. Harry put his hand on her shoulder, and she closed her
eyes, sighing.

`We know Hermione. Don't worry, they'll understand soon enough' Harry insisted, giving
her a smile.

`I know they'll understand, I'm just worried it'll be too late' she responded
tiredly.

`Well, we should go. So are you going to tell us where you were Harry?' Ron asked, taking
Luna's hand.

`I was talking to Topher. I actually need to go and talk to him a bit more, but I'll meet you
two up in the Tower and explain, alright?' Ron glanced at Harry for a moment, and agreed. Harry
gave Hermione a quick kiss, advising her to calm down about the whole situation. Harry found
Hermione always worried over problems-whether they be big or small-in a giant way.

Once the three of them left and the Hall was empty, Harry walked over to the side chamber door. He
opened it and found Topher standing halfway up the stairs.

`Is everyone gone?' he asked. Harry nodded, and Topher motioned Aberforth upwards. The grey
lump of cloth began to move, and the old man made his way up the stone cut stairwell.

`Come, I must make a quiet departure' Aberforth quipped to the two of them. Harry and Topher
flanked him as they made their way across the empty Great Hall, but looked up suddenly when the
wooden doors opened, and Colin Creevey entered.

`Harry, I just wanted to—who . . . Harry, who is that?' he questioned, reaching for his wand.
Harry approached quickly, and Aberforth and Topher followed towards the doorway.

`Colin, you need to do one thing for me please' Harry prompted as Colin continued to look at
Topher and Aberforth.

`Isn't that the barkeeper from the Hog's Head?'

`Colin, you need to keep this secret' Harry requested, getting Colin's attention.

`Yes Mr. Creevey, it is of utmost importance you keep this secret' Topher exclaimed, as he and
Aberforth passed by. Topher walked through the doorway first, and waved Aberforth through, so it
was only Harry and Colin left in the Hall.

`Colin, can you-`

`Sure Harry, no problem. I didn't see anyone but you and Professor Terrwynebas. I came to ask
if you wanted help with planning the lessons.'

Harry let out a sigh, and smiled at Colin. `Could you help Neville on the Thursday nights? I think
he'll be alright, but he might need the help.'

`Of course. I'll go and talk to him about it. Thanks Harry.' Harry and Colin left the Great
Hall, and parted ways as Harry began his way to the East Tower. Once he entered, he found Ron and
Hermione standing near the fire. Ron explained that Luna left to Ravenclaw Tower to check on the
students.

`So what happened with Topher?' he asked as Harry came forward.

`Topher's contact in the Department of Mysteries thinks we should look for the Book in
Egypt' Both Harry and Hermione took turns explaining the whole situation with the Book and the
Ministry to Ron the week before, so he was up to date with it all.

`Egypt? Did this contact say somewhere specifically? I mean, if he thinks it could still be in
Egypt, it could be anywhere!' Hermione fretted.

`Well, not anywhere. Probably in the Wizard's Valley' Ron exclaimed, receiving identical
astonished looks from Harry and Hermione.

`How do you-' Hermione started.

`We went to Egypt a few years ago, remember? Bill showed us around. Most of the wizard's tombs
are in the Valley. Right scary most of them are, but it's probably the best place to
start.'

`Is there any way Bill might know about this prince's tomb?' Hermione asked hastily.

`He might, I'm not quite sure.' The trio remained silent for a moment, all three of them in
deep thought over what to do.

If the Book was in Egypt, how were they going to find it, let alone get there? Harry drew blanks on
figuring it all out. Only Ron knew where they were going, and Harry knew he could not Side-Apparate
with both himself and Hermione.

`Could you contact Bill, and ask him?' Hermione inquired, her brow furrowed in calculating
thought.

`I don't know. An owl would probably get intercepted, and Floo is too far. Maybe Professor
McGonagall could help us figure a way to get him?' Ron suggested.

`We should go ask. Even if the tomb is there, how are we going to get to Egypt? We can't
Apparate' Harry stated, looking at a bewildered Ron, and a still calculating Hermione.

`Is the Valley near the Nile?' Hermione asked Ron.

`Yeah, why?'

`I think I know a way to get there. It might require some outside help though' she explained.
The way she expressed it, Harry was unsure what she was thinking of.

`Let's go ask Professor McGonagall' Hermione decided, turning and leading the way to the
doorway.

'Now?' Harry asked. He did want to get going on this, and find the Book, but the last few
days were very trying, and he was not up for asking Professor McGonagall something she would easily
disincline to do.

'Yes now Harry. You need to find this Book, and we can't waste time' Hermione
maintained. Harry decided not to push her since she was already upset with the students, and gave
his dormitory stairs a longing gaze as he passed by towards the doorway.

The group made their way up through the empty and dark passages and staircases, and finally reached
the Headmistress' Office. Giving the password, they entered, and were welcomed in by Professor
McGonagall.

`Well done with your meeting tonight Potter. Although it would have been nice to see you more
involved with your colleagues, Professor Terrwynebas explained you two had a meeting.'

`I am sorry I was detained Professor, but thank you' Harry responded, walking up with Hermione
and Ron to her desk where stacks of parchment and books were piled.

`Now, what was it you wished to discuss?' the Headmistress asked, Harry looking over her
shoulder for a moment to see that Dumbledore had vacated his portrait for the time. Professor
McGonagall noticed his glance, and glanced over her shoulder.

`Albus has a few other portraits he visits now and then. He will return shortly I'm
sure.'

`I see. Professor, we need to get in touch with Ron's brother Bill in Egypt. Do you know of
anyway to reach him?' Harry asked.

`Egypt? Oh my, that is a distance. What is it you need to know?' she asked, looking at the
three of them.

`We just need to ask him one question Professor' Hermione divulged.

`If it is just one question, then the only way we can give him the message is if someone Apparates
there. Perhaps your parents will know the best way to contact him. Come back tomorrow morning, and
we will contact them.'

'Professor this is very important. Could you please help us now?' Harry asked. Professor
McGonagall sized up the three students, and shook her head.

'I understand Potter, but it is late, and it can wait until the morning. Return to my office
tomorrow after breakfast, and we will Floo them' she stated assertively. Harry nodded,
realizing there was no choice, and they left the office. Walking down the empty and dark hallways,
the friends slowly made their way to the dormitories.

'I hope your parents know an easy way of getting hold of Bill' Harry remarked as they
approached the stairwell.

'They should. We'll find out tomorrow anyways. Goodnight guys' Ron gestured, waving to
his friends as he started up towards Gryffindor Tower. Harry turned to Hermione and she smiled
peacefully, the moonlight casting behind her and shining through her hair. Harry moved closer and
gently gave her a hug, which she gladly accepted.

'How is it you always know what to do?' she asked from his shoulder.

'Knowing you for seven years has its advantages' he whispered, his scar burning slightly.
He rubbed his forehead, and Hermione backed up, and looked at him closely.

'Your scar?' she asked, looking at his forehead. He nodded, and she gently moved his head,
and kissed his scar. The burning ceased, and Harry smiled for a moment. Remembering that she is
kissing a Horcrux made his grin disappear. Hermione noticed the change, and she smiled up at
him.

'We will fix it Harry, don't worry' she reassured.

'There's still Nagini, and my scar' Harry reminded quietly, looking away. She took hold
of Harry's head, and made him face her again.

'We will get both of them, and you will live' she maintained strongly. Harry smiled
brightly at her, and moved closer so their foreheads touched, along with their noses.

'Let's just go sleep on this, and we'll pick it up tomorrow. It's been a busy
night.' Hermione nodded slowly, and they shared a slow kiss.

'Get a room!' Ron called from higher up. The two Heads parted laughing, and they made their
way hand in hand to the East Tower, where they said goodnight, and went to sleep.

The next morning, Harry and Hermione met Ron in the Great Hall, and quickly ate their breakfast.
Getting hold of Bill and finding out about the tomb was on all their minds. As they left the Great
Hall, some students were still making their way in, and they made their way to the
Headmistress' Office.

Coming to the door, Harry gave the password, and they entered. Knocking on the inner door,
Professor McGonagall called them in, and they entered to find her sitting at her desk, with the
morning rays shining through the open windows, and giving the office-which looked dark and shadowy
the night before-bright with the yellow sunshine. Harry looked around the Headmistress' desk,
and frowned at seeing Dumbledore still not present in his portrait.

Welcoming the three of them, she got up from her chair, and moved towards the fireplace. She took
some Floo powder, and threw it into the hearth, causing it to erupt in green flames. She knelt
down, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione came over as she put her head into the flames.

`The Burrow!'

The three students could hear her talking to someone, who was more than likely Mrs. Weasley. She
mentioned Bill, and Egypt, and asked some questions about Charlie and George. She thanked Mrs.
Weasley, and pulled back from the fire, and stood up—wiping some of the soot off her dark green
robes, garnered with a splash of red tartan on her shoulder. She seemed to think for a moment
before raising her wand.

`Expecto Patronum' she charmed, and a silver owl flew from her wand. It came swooping back
around, and hovered in front of her flapping its broad wings before flying out the open window. She
took her seat again quietly, and Harry slowly walked back to one of the three seats set in front of
her desk. Seeing the confused look on the three student's faces, she explained her
actions.

`Charlie Weasley is on his way here. He was at the Burrow, and offered to message Bill for you
three. He should be arriving momentarily to the castle. I sent a notice with my Patronus to Baldric
at the front gates to be expecting him.'

`Why is Charlie at home? Shouldn't he be in Romania with the dragons?' Ron asked
worriedly.

`His dragon colony was attacked by Giants, and the keepers had no choice but to abandon their
posts. They left the dragons bound by reinforced magical chains, and quarantined the area, but they
had to leave. Giants don't much care for dragons, so they should leave them alone.'

`But will the chains keep them? I mean it's horrible to cage an animal, but if the dragons ever
escaped-` Hermione expressed nervously.

`I know Miss Granger. The Ministry is trying to work with the Romanian Ministry, however both are
having more troubling matters. Speaking of the Ministry, you should know that the Minister for
Magic will be coming to the castle this Sunday.' Ron asked why, and the Headmistress
sighed.

`The things Tonks mentioned when Rita was captured have been spreading. Many, including myself,
believe the Minister is coming here to prepare the castle for a temporary Ministry.'

`Is it getting that bad?' Hermione asked shakily, Professor McGonagall nodding slowly in
response.

`It seems You-Know-Who is very interested in capturing the Ministry. Spies have been found on every
level, but most are concentrated in the Department of Mysteries. Several of the late Headmasters
have portraits in the Ministry, and have been telling me it is the worse they have ever seen.'
A knock at the outer door made Professor McGonagall get up from her seat, and move around to open
the door, and Hermione leaned over to speak to Harry, Ron doing the same.

`Harry, if the Book isn't in Egypt and the Ministry is overthrown, how will we get to the
Department of Mysteries?' she fretted. Harry had to admit it was a worry, but if Aberforth
believed it might be in Egypt, they had to look for it there.

Professor McGonagall entered a few moments later with Charlie Weasley in tow. He greeted the group,
and maintained he was alright after the Giant attack.

`Giants don't like dragons, especially the fire-breathing ones. We all got out alright, I just
hope the chains hold so none start flying over the Muggles. Now, what has you bringing me all the
way here? Mum was just about to make some of her strawberry tarts' he informed, both Harry and
Ron salivating slightly at the mentioning of Mrs. Weasley's strawberry tarts. Harry missed them
quite a bit.

`We need to ask Bill a question in Egypt, and Professor McGonagall said we could only do it by
Apparation' Hermione professed, as Harry and Ron's minds moved away from Mrs. Weasley's
kitchen and back to the Headmistress' Office.

`Well, it'll be quite the trip, but if you really need it. What's the question?'

`We need to know if he knows where the tomb of . . . what was his name? He was a prince' Harry
recited, trying to remember the prince's name. He remembered it started with an N, but much of
the rest of it was lost to him.

`It was Nefre- . . . Nefrek- . . . oh blast, I forget! Professor Terrwynebas knows it though'
Hermione voiced. Professor McGonagall once again moved to the fire, cast some Floo Powder into it,
and placed her head within the green flames, calling Topher's office. She pulled back in a
moment later, and the fire died out quickly.

`He is on his way up to give you the name' she explained.

`Thanks for doing this Charlie' Harry said as Charlie moved over and leaned on the side of the
desk while everyone waited for Topher's arrival.

`Not a problem Harry. Professor McGonagall told Mum it was important, and I want to help. How are
things going on here?' he asked. Harry and the others gave him a brief explanation of how
things were with classes and the Guard. He was happy to hear that even though the world outside the
castle seemed on the brink of falling, the students were still doing alright, and after a few
minutes Topher arrived, with one of his many rolls of old parchment.

`Hi there Topher, how's it going?' Charlie asked him, giving him a handshake.

`I'm alright Charlie. A bit overworked though. Perhaps when this is all over, I should take a
vacation if the Headmistress allows' he stated, giving Professor McGonagall a smirk.

`So, what's this prince's name?' Charlie questioned.

`Nefrekeptah. Why did you need to know?'

`These three need someone to ask Bill about a tomb or something of that prince' Charlie
explained, motioning to Harry and the others, who looked sheepishly at Topher. Harry did not tell
Topher of his plans to ask Bill.

`I see. If that's the case, you must ask if he knows of a tomb that nothing was taken from, or
only one object. If he finds either, ask him if everyone who entered the tomb died within a week. I
don't know if it would be on record, but it is important.'

`Alright, so the prince's name is Nefrek-, Nefrek-`

`Nefrekeptah' Topher again answered.

`Right, Neh-frek-ep-tah. That's a mouthful. Is that it Harry?' Charlie inquired.

`Yes. How long will it take for you to get back?'

`Oh, a few minutes if I find him fast enough. If he's on patrol, it may take longer, but
let's hope he's off. Alright, well, see you in a bit' he bid, giving a wave of his
hand.

`Travel safe Mr. Weasley' Professor McGonagall said.

`Don't I always?' Charlie answered with a smile at the doorway. He turned, and started off
to the gates, while Topher turned to Harry and the others.

`Professor, could I talk to these three alone?' he asked calmly. Harry began to wonder if he
disliked going around him for this, and the look in Topher's eyes made his palms sweat
slightly.

`Charlie will be a while, so if you could take your conversation to your office or the East Tower,
I have business that needs attending too. I will contact all of you when he returns' she
reassured. The four of them exited the Headmistress' Office, and agreed to go to the East
Tower, since it was closer than the Defence Office.

The three students and Professor remained quiet through the whole journey. Harry looked out the
windows as they passed through a hallway, and looked up at the bright blue morning sky.

The group passed the library, and Evander greeted the Heads and their guests.

`Oh, and new chap, splendid! And your name is?' he asked cheerfully.

`My name is Professor Topher Terrwynebas. I am the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, and
Head of Gryffindor House' Topher informed to the painting, still sounding much calmer than the
stern expression on his face showed.

`Ah, wonderful to meet you Professor. Welcome to the East Tower' Evander articulated happily.
Topher thanked him, and turned to Harry to give the password.

`The Leaky Locket' Harry gave to Evander. He bowed, and the painting swung open.

`That's an odd password' Topher exclaimed as they entered the common room. He looked about,
and seemed to like the room, forgetting his stern attitude for a moment.

`We used to do two separate things we liked, but now we do things be both like: the Leaky Cauldron,
and Hermione's Locket. It was my mother's' Harry clarified. Topher nodded, and after a
few glances of the common room, looked back at Harry.

`Harry, why did you act so rashly? Did you tell them about-`

`No Topher, I didn't tell them about my run in with Colin, because it wasn't that
important' Harry maintained, cutting him off before mentioning Aberforth's name.

`What happened with Colin?' Ron asked.

`Oh nothing, he wanted to help with the extra Guard meeting, so I told him to talk to Neville,
that's it. He came back into the Great Hall after everyone left, and walked in on me and Topher
talking, that's all' Harry justified. Topher lightened a little at Harry's story, but
was still not pleased with his actions.

`Still Harry, you should have waited before going off and contacting someone all the way in Egypt.
It was an idea to check there, not a certainty.'

`I know, but we need to start searching for the Book. The Ministry is doing terribly, and things
are getting worse. Unless you know of another place the Book may be, or another way I can defeat
Voldemort, we need to get started finding it. Besides, the Minister is coming here on Sunday, and
it won't be any easier for us to check once he gets here' Harry ranted. Topher put his hand
up and tried to calm Harry down.

`I know Harry, we need to get moving on this, but we need to plan things out. You did plan a good
thing this morning with getting Charlie to go and ask, but he's at risk Harry. If he gets
caught by Voldemort, he could learn of what we are trying to find.'

`But Voldemort might be after it himself!' Harry said loudly, loosing some of his calmness. So
much had taken place the past day, it was too much to having to keep going with arguing. Hermione
came closer and tenderly placed her hand in his, and he sighed as she squeezed lightly, and placed
her other hand on his back to relax him.

`Voldemort can't use the Book of Thoth, remember? It's driven by the love of others, so he
couldn't use it even if he did find it' Topher stated, loosing most of the agitation in his
voice.

`I know, but he's looking for something in the Department of Mysteries' Harry said
tiredly.

`Alright, say Charlie comes back, and Bill knows of Nefrekeptah's tomb; how do you plan on
getting to Egypt? It's a long ways away.'

Harry sighed at this, and let his head fall to his chest as he leaned against the desk. Topher was
right about taking time to plan things out, because he had no idea how the three of them would get
to Egypt; four if Topher came himself.

`I know a way' Hermione put in, reminding Harry of what she said earlier of outside help.

`How? You can't Apparate, and Flooing will not work. A Portkey is possible, but you would have
to get someone who has been to Egypt to do it. Plus the Portkey Office is closed, and has been for
the past month because of the attacks' Topher said, stressing the lack of options.

`I know, but Ron said the Wizard's Valley, where all the tombs are, is near the Nile. We could
sail there' she proposed. Ron openly laughed at this.

`Sail! Hermione, have you ever been in a Muggle boat? I sure haven't, and can't imagine
going all the way to Egypt on one! It would take years!' he claimed outlandishly.

`No Ron, I don't mean sail in a Muggle sailboat. Remember the Durmstrang ship? It popped out of
the water like a rubber ducky.'

`What's a rubber ducky?' Topher asked, seriously not knowing what a rubber ducky was.

`It's not important, the fact is, we could use that ship, and “sail” there' she exclaimed
cheerfully. Harry was impressed at her thoughtfulness, but not totally convinced.

`Yeah, but Hermione, how are we going to get the ship? I can't imagine Durmstrang would be up
to sharing, especially with things going how they are' he admitted unhappily. Hermione looked
at him grinning; her cheeks blushing slightly.

`What if I told you I've been writing Viktor still?' she inquired, Ron rolling his
eyes.

`You're still writing to that git?' he asked harshly. Her expression became instantly cold,
and she turned to face Ron.

`Yes, I have been. And that "git" has a lot of pull at Durmstrang. I'm sure if I
asked him, he could get the ship here for us to use.'

`Would this ship work Harry?' Topher asked.

Harry thought it over, and even though the ship might not be available for them to use, it was
worth a try. If Bill knew where the tomb was, it would allow them to know for sure if the Book was
there or not. If it was not there, then they would have to assume it was in the Department of
Mysteries. Harry just hoped if they did not find it, some record might exist of where it
went.

`It would, I think. I don't know how it works, but I think it would get us there
quickly.'

`So how are you going to get hold of Viktor? An owl would get intercepted' questioned Ron.
Hermione was silent for a moment, before sighing, and rubbing her forehead.

`I think an owl is the only way. Maybe we can put some protective charms on Hedwig or
something' she offered.

`There are some charms we can place on your owl that should protect her' Topher exclaimed. A
burst of green flames from the fireplace came behind Topher, and the four of them moved closer to
the hearth.

Professor McGonagall's head came into view in the flames. `Charlie Weasley has returned from
his trip. He is waiting here in my office.'

The group left the East Tower, and walked quickly to the Headmistress' Office. Once they made
their way in, they found Charlie wiping off sand from his face and shirt. He was plastered with
desert sand. Harry made a quick glance to Dumbledore's portrait, and was upset to see he still
had not returned.

`Phew! Man, that was one of the two things I didn't miss about Egypt' he confessed, still
wiping off the sand and covering Professor McGonagall's floor in it.

`What things?' Harry asked, smiling at the amount of sand he accumulated. It looked he returned
with half the desert on him.

`The sandstorms, and the scorpions' he declared, looking at the floor and the small bit of
Sahara he was creating in the Headmistress' Office. `Sorry Professor.'

`It is alright. Did you find Bill?' she asked.

`Yes, and to answer your question' he said, turning to Harry, `he does know about your tomb.
It's one of a few that are kept under strict guard. Unfortunately, they call the one you asked
about the “Death Tomb.” Anyone, and everyone who has gone in, has ended up dead in less than two
days.'

`Was there any records of the tomb?' Topher asked hurriedly. Charlie vanished the sand on the
floor, leaving the carpet as it was, and shook his head.

`Bill said he'd check for you guys, but it'd take time. He said to get back to him on
Saturday. Did you want me to come back here to Apparate?'

`We might have the means to go to Egypt, if Professor McGonagall will allow' Hermione
mentioned, everyone looking at the Professor.

`To Egypt! You can't be serious Miss Granger. I disliked you going around England in these
times, but to Egypt . . . I am sorry, but that is too far.' Harry's face fell at this
ruling, as did Ron and Hermione's. Topher did not want to loose that easily though.

`Professor, we need to go. It's very important, it's-`

`For your research, yes, I can imagine so' she stated forcefully. `Topher, I have been very
lenient with Mr. Potter and you, but this is too far. I cannot have my Head Boy and Girl, plus a
Professor and Prefect going all the way to Egypt while we are in the middle of a war, to research
something that I don't even know about!' Even Charlie recoiled at the ferocity of her
explanation.

`But Professor-` Harry began.

`But nothing Potter. It is my duty to keep you students safe, and I would be doing my job poorly if
I let you go.'

`Minerva, if what we're looking for is there, it would change the tide of the war!' Topher
boasted passionately.

`It is not your responsibility to look for objects to help our side; that is for the Ministry and
the Order. And what happens if you do not find it there? Will there be another trip, and another,
and another?' Harry was getting more than disgruntled with this sudden road block, and took
advantage of a new face that came into the room.

`Professor Dumbledore!'

`Hello everyone, I am sorry for my absence. I was detained by the Minister, who seemed quite
disheveled with how things have been going.' Harry wasted no time, and walked right up to his
portrait, hoping to get more support. If Dumbledore supported them, then McGonagall might let them
go. It was a small chance, but he had to try.

`Professor, we think the Book is in Egypt. We need to go there this weekend to look in one of the
tombs' he said rapidly.

`You cannot go to Egypt Potter! It is too dangerous' Professor McGonagall maintained, looking
at Dumbledore for support for her.

He thought for a moment, as everyone was waiting for his response, and nodded. `Professor
McGonagall is correct, it is too dangerous.' The group's faces fell, Harry and Topher's
especially at the comment.

`Unless you can find a way there that is both secretive and safe' he added, the students'
and Topher's faces lighting up again while McGonagall protested the addition.

`But Albus-`

`We do have a way sir!' Harry attested, apologizing silently for interrupting the Headmistress.
Many of the portraits in the office were listening to the conversation, and some looked unhappy at
his act.

`We thought of asking Durmstrang if we could use their ship. I still write to Viktor Krum, and he
has a lot of sway there' Hermione declared. Dumbledore thought for a moment, while some of the
portraits talked amongst themselves. Professor McGonagall remained quiet, and waiting like everyone
else for Dumbledore's reply.

`That ship is very safe. I have been on it only once, and realized I do quite poorly on the water.
It was very well defended though, and is a good manner of transportation for long distances. Tell
me, Everard?' Dumbledore asked, looking up the wall towards a portrait of sallow-faced wizard
with black hair.

`Yes Albus?' he replied in a thick voice, like one sounds after eating too much toffee or
peanut butter.

`Do you still have a portrait in Durmstrang?' he asked, Harry and the rest's faces lighting
up like the morning sun. Albus noticed Harry's beaming smile, and winked at him quickly.

`I do Albus, I do. They did me the great honour of doing so after Hogwarts and Durmstrang agreed to
friendship after over two hundred years of rivalry, not helped by you Fortescue' he commented,
turning to a red-nosed wizard who was just down the wall from him.

`Oh those Durmstrangs had it com'n to themselves' Fortescue responded gruffly.

`Please gentlemen, settle. Can you please go to Durmstrang, and ask for Viktor Krum?'
Dumbledore asked.

`But Professor' Hermione put in, taking a step forward, `I doubt Viktor is there. Wouldn't
he be with his Quidditch Team?' Everard left his painting anyway.

Dumbledore shook his head. `No Miss Granger, the Quidditch League had to cancel this season due to
the war. Ludovectus here has his portrait in the Magical Games Department, and heard all about it.
Mr. Krum, Everard has told us, is now teaching Flying and Magical Transport Technique at Durmstrang
Institute.'

Ron chuckled a bit at the news. `Hey, maybe there is some smarts mixed in with the sawdust' he
joked. Harry turned to Professor McGonagall, chancing his luck again.

`Professor, we have to go. We need to get this Book. It holds the key to destroying Voldemort.
We're only going to check one tomb, and we'll have curse breakers there with us, as well as
Topher, and Bill.'

`And Viktor' Everard added, everyone looking up at him. He smiled widely, and took in a deep
breath. `Professor Krum was there, and I informed him of the Head Student's requests. When I
told him the Heads were Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, he quickly agreed, and asked the
Durmstrang High Master, Vladimir Malislovia.'

'The High Master extends his greetings to the Hogwarts Headmaster and Head Students, and will
gladly help with Hogwarts need by use of his ship. He only asks when you require his fine ship and
crew, so he may send Professor Krum, who has requested command of the ship for this
excursion.'

The spotlight was on Professor McGonagall now, as every portrait and person in the room was looking
for her answer. The pressure to agree was overwhelming, and part of Harry disliked that it had to
be done this way, but they needed to go and find out if the Book of Thoth was in Egypt.

Professor McGonagall slowly moved around her desk, and came to a rest facing Harry and the rest.
She rubbed her forehead, and sighed.

`I can't believe I am doing this' she breathed, looking up at the portrait. `Tell the High
Master I thank him for the use of his ship, and he may send Professor Krum on Saturday
morning.'

**Spell / Name Meanings:**
**Imperium Pillar** - L. imperium: power to command
**Rutipluvia** - L. rutilus: red, pluvia: rain (Rutipluvia = red rain)
**Owl** - symbol for wisdom (as Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom)
**Ludovectus** - L. ludio: player, provectus: old (Ludovectus = old player)
**Vladimir** - Russia/Bulgarian: to rule with greatness

-->



26. The Tomb of the Prince
--------------------------



**A/N - I hope everyone likes this chapter. It has quite the cliffe at the end there, and I
know some people will hate me for it. :)
** **It's great to see so many reading, but please remember to review folks!**

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

**The Tomb of the Prince**


`I'm telling you Ron, I've just been writing to him' Hermione restated to Ron
tiredly as she, Ron, Harry, Professor McGonagall, and various other students and faculty waited on
the shore of the Black Lake Saturday morning. Ron had hounded Hermione about the whole writing
business with Viktor, and she was getting quite annoyed with it all.

`You kept writing to him all this time and didn't tell us?' Ron asked, pushing his
luck.

`Excuse me? I don't need to tell you who I am writing to, now do I?' Hermione snapped back.
Harry had to admit he didn't think she still wrote to Viktor, and he felt odd about it all; but
he did not need this argument.

`Can you two stop it? They'll be here any moment' Harry interrupted. Hermione huffed at
Ron, and he turned back to watching the Black Lake.

`Hey, did Snape or Malfoy ever say where Vol- . . . Voldemort was?' Ron asked. He was still
getting used to saying the Dark Lord's name, but Harry was happy that he was at least saying it
now.

Harry shook his head, and sighed. `No, they can't. Snape tried, but he started having
convulsions. Remus thinks Voldemort put a spell like a Fidelius Charm on the place he is. The only
thing he could say was “near.”'

`Near?' Ron said, looking at Harry questioningly.

`Yeah, that was it. Don't have a clue what it could mean' Harry exclaimed, looking over at
Hermione as she watched the lake with a dull expression.

`Maybe he was saying it was near Grimmauld?' Ron wondered.

`Maybe he meant near Hogwarts' Hermione said quietly, continuing to look at the lake. Harry
felt there was something on her mind other than the impending trip.

`Well, either way, we don't know where Voldemort is. Everyone was excited that they might know,
but that idea flopped pretty quickly' Harry admitted despondently to Ron.

`What about the Order? Do they have any ideas?' Ron inquired.

`No. They've been looking everywhere, but don't really know. They thought he was near
Sheffield, but they couldn't find any trace of him. He's been staying pretty low all this
time, and most of the Order think he's waiting to come out until he attacks the strongest
place' Harry attested.

`What, the Ministry?' Ron asked.

`Hogwarts' Hermione answered bleakly, turning to give Harry a worried expression. Harry moved
closer, and took hold of her hand, trying to give her comfort. He knew just as she did that the
safest place in England would sooner or later probably become the deadliest. If he was waiting for
Hogwarts, when he did act, he would hold nothing back.

Ron talked quietly to Luna for a moment, as Harry spoke to Hermione. `Don't worry Hermione,
things-` he stopped for a moment, as his scar singed. `Things will be alright' he finished,
smiling pleasantly.

`I need to check on my parents. They haven't written back since last week and I'm
worried' Hermione whispered to Harry. He hugged her warmly, and nodded.

`We'll check when we get back tonight' he assured. She looked up at him, her brown eyes
full of worry—with a dwindling amount of hope—and she nodded. Harry leaned down and kissed her
sweetly, and she pressed her hands into his back like she was holding on for dear life.

For a moment, Harry forgot about the other people there and closed his eyes, feeling only Hermione
and the brunt of her concern and inner turmoil through her lips and her hushed breath. He slowly
and unhappily pulled back from Hermione, and looked into her auburn eyes; the reminder of all his
love for her being remembered in that instant on the banks of the Black Lake. He smiled as her eyes
seemed to brighten a little, and the worry faded.

`There's a mast!' Neville exclaimed from behind them, pointing out to the middle of the
lake. Harry dejectedly tore his gaze from Hermione, and looked out over the calm surface of the
water.

In the middle of the lake, there was indeed a mast poking out. Soon enough, the booms and
eventually the hull of a ship sprouted out of the depths, and slowly rocked back and forth
regaining its direction. The sails unfolded and took their shape and as Harry remembered, were
emblazoned with the double-headed eagle.

In the day time, the ship looked much better than at night in the dim moonlight. The hull of the
ship was made from long and heavy wooden beams, and the intricate inlay on the front gave the ship
some majesty to it. It still, to any normal person, looked like it was ready to lie down on the
bottom of the lake for much needed rest, but it floated peacefully and stopped a few hundred feet
away from the shore. A small boat was lowered to the surface of the now calm water, and several
people boarded it, and started across to the waiting group.

The approaching boat had several younger boys in it, all wearing dark red jackets. Harry could
easily make out Viktor Krum standing at the stem of the boat as it moved closer. His thick black
eyebrows were visible from even this distance. He was watching the water carefully, and his
inclined head made his already overly-curved nose look even more arched.

Sloping onto the bank of the lake, Viktor walked out of the boat, and greeted Professor McGonagall.
He gained a few pounds, and his face was a bit fuller, but Harry thought it was a good change. He
looked a bit happier now, although that could be because he was smiling as well. He was never a fan
of smiling last time Harry saw him.

`Hello Professor' he declared, shaking her hand while his students brought the boat farther
onto to shore.

`Hello Professor, and thank you for coming. I trust the journey went smoothly?' she asked
casually.

`It vent good, thank you Headmistress. Ve always get a nice greeting from the squid. Now, vhere are
my passengers?' he asked, looking around. Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Topher all approached,
along with Remus, Tonks and Baldric. Baldric had to place another Auror in charge to coordinate the
Auror patrols, but he managed it. When Remus told him of the trip, he made it his goal to go with
Harry and the others to help out.

`Harry! It is vonderful to see you again' Viktor declared, coming over and patting him on the
shoulder. His extra weight put a bit of power behind his arm, and Harry stumbled from the friendly
greeting.

`Herm-own-ninny, I've missed you' he professed, giving her a hug.

`I missed you too Viktor—Sorry, Professor.'

`Please keep it to Viktor. Even I am getting used to “Professor Krum.”' He admitted, chuckling
a bit.

`Ah, this is your friend Ron, right?' he asked shaking Ron's hand, then turning to meet
Topher and the others.

`He remembers my name!' Ron whispered, causing Harry to roll his eyes.

`So, are ve ready to leave?' Viktor asked as he finished with the pleasantries.

`Yes, I believe we are. Thank you again Professor' Harry said to Professor McGonagall as they
began to enter the boat with the others.

`You must return to the grounds before supper time tonight, all of you. Yes Professor Krum, that
includes you. You and your crew are invited to dine with us in the Great Hall' Professor
McGonagall announced. Viktor bowed his head appreciatively, and entered the boat last.

`If ve are dinning here tonight, ve will definitely return before! My students have never been to
Hogwart's Grand Hall' he smiled. He gave a flick of his wand, and the small boat gave a
jolt; beginning to move across the water at a gradual pace.

Harry did not think the boat would hold so many people, but they all sat comfortably as the
Durmstrang students kept an eye on the water while the boat moved itself. Harry glanced at Ron
about half way to the ship, and could see his face turning green.

`Are you alright Ron?' he asked, Ron shaking his head slowly.

`I don't like boats' was his short reply, looking back at the shore longingly. Hermione
took out her wand and pointed it at his midsection.

`Immotus'

Ron turned around quickly, and stared at Hermione as she smiled and put her wand away.
`Better?'

`Much, thanks' Ron answered. Everyone kept quiet as they moved farther away from the shore. The
group of students and staff on shore watched the boat reach the ship, and started back towards the
castle.

`Up the ladder' Viktor said, motioning to a rope ladder that hung over the side. It was a tough
climb, and Tonks almost fell into the water, but everyone eventually made it to the deck.

The floor planks were worn, but clean of debris. The masts towered over the crew and passengers,
and the flag on the top flapped leisurely in the light wind against the overcast sky. The crew
seemed very accustom to the ship, and immediately began rigging the sails, and tying down ropes to
the cleats on the bulkheads. Viktor, who boarded the ship first, came out from a cabin near the
back, and greeted everyone.

`Velcome to the Dobrynya Nikitich, the finest ship in all of Europe. My crew is ready to cast off,
so can you tell me now vhere are ve going?' Viktor asked, sounding a bit unhappy at being kept
in the dark. Professor McGonagall wanted to tell the Durmstrang High Master where his ship was
going, but Harry and Topher stressed the secrecy of it all.

`The Nile River, in Egypt' Topher answered.

`The Nile! It is a long river, so how do you know vhere you vant to be exactly?' Viktor asked,
his thick eyebrows furrowed as he paced the deck while his students continued their rigging.

`As close to the Wizard's Valley as possible' Hermione specified.

`Ah, that will be easy. Ve vent there last month' Viktor informed cheerfully. Everyone breathed
a sigh of relief, however Hermione's jaw dropped in astonishment.

`Your students go to Egypt!'

`Yes, for both our Magical History and Transportation classes' Viktor remarked, smiling at
Hermione's enthusiasm. Harry frowned a bit at Viktor's glances at Hermione, but it lifted
when Hermione came over and began berating Harry about why Hogwarts did not do a trip like
that.

`I mean, that is such an experience! Actually going to Egypt and learning the history!' she
exclaimed to Harry as they moved into an open area of the deck while Viktor set the helm.

`Been there, done that' Ron yawned as he gave a stretch, and scratched his stomach. `Hey, do
you know exactly how we hold our breath when this ship goes underwater?'

`Dunno' Harry said, as Viktor came back down from the stern of the ship where the wheel
was.

`Ve are set. It is very simple; just hold your breath. Ve will be undervater for only a few
seconds. Just hold on to the ship, and trust me; do not let go. The last student who let go . . .
vell, ve are still looking for him' he informed with a nervous chuckle. The group nodded, and
moved closer to the centre mast as the crew continued to prepare the ship.

`James would have loved this ship I think' Remus offered to the group, staying close to the
mast. Harry smiled at him, and turned when Viktor yelled out to his crew to dive the ship. Harry
could see Viktor taking his wand, and placing the tip on the wheel.

The whole ship began to vibrate intensely, and the crew hurried to batten all the sails. Harry
worried the old ship would fall apart against the increasing shaking, and he became startled when
the floor boards began to rattle.

Suddenly, just as the sails reached the booms and magically tied to them, Harry's stomach—and
the ship's deck—gave out from underneath him, and the ship began to descend rapidly, as if the
water had been removed from underneath it. The feeling reminded him of the one Muggle rollercoaster
he had tried when he was a child, which had just a few too many hills and turns for Harry's
liking.

Harry held on tightly to the centre mast with one arm, while the other was slowly being crushed by
Hermione's monstrously tight grip. He looked at her and laughed at how her expression was a
mixture of fear, and excitement. Harry beamed at her, and luckily took a breath just when the
frozen cold water of the Black Lake stormed the deck of the ship, and plunged the group and the
ship into the depths.

The group of students on the shore watched as the mast disappeared, and they slowly continued their
way back to the castle.

Meanwhile, watching from a nearby mountain-top, a black-haired woman moved a set of odd looking
binoculars away from her face, and smirked. A round, and untidy man came running up quickly from
the beaten path that meandered through the boulders and rocks strewn about.

`Did you see the ship? I wonder where they went to' Wormtail pondered, looking at the calm and
collected woman. She sighed, and leaned against the rock next to her.

`I have a good idea where they are headed' Bellatrix commented, looking at the strange
binoculars. `It's a shame we had to kill one of those blood-traitors who made these; their
listening range is excellent.' She moved off the rock, and Wormtail backed away to let her take
the lead.

`Pity the Mudblood hasn't learned about her parents' she quipped, looking back out towards
the lake. `Come, we must tell the Dark Lord of this new predicament.'

*

Keeping his eyes closed, a roar unlike any he ever heard rushed passed Harry's ears, while
the water surrounded him and the others. The ship continued to fall, and Harry dared not to open
his eyes. Just as his gulp of air began to wane, and the need to air started to scratch at the back
of his throat, the ship gave an almighty push upwards, and began to rise.

The move surprised Harry, and with the jolt, all his remaining air shot out of his mouth. Opening
his eyes, he could see the blueness of the water surrounding everyone as if suspended in time.
Bright sunlight sparkled down through the surface of the water as the ship seemed to rise at an
incredible speed. A few fish zoomed past Harry as his lungs cried for air, and began to burn.

Just as he began to panic for air, his face broke the surface, and he gratefully inhaled warm and
humid air.

As the ship rose out of the water, everyone opened their eyes, and adjusted to the bright sunlight
and colourful wildlife that surrounded them. Water sloshed about on the deck as the ship rocked
angrily as it gained its equilibrium, causing Harry and the others to loose their grip on the
mast.

Viktor's voice rang out, and the Durmstrang students began unfurling the sails, and drying off
the water from themselves, and the deck. Harry and the others slowly stood, and looked about the
ship, and the river they stood on.

They arrived in Egypt. Harry had never been outside England before, and even though a small amount
of vegetation hid the vast expanses of desert, Harry was smiling at his first trip outside his home
country. The green delta, followed by the sandy hills; both overlaid with the perfectly blue sky
gave the sight a simplicity to Harry.

`Velcome to Egypt!' Viktor called, coming down the steps from the bridge and smiling at his
friends. `The Vizard's Valley is over there. Ve should meet with the Gringotts officials
first.'

Harry went ahead and told Viktor about meeting Bill, and that the group going to shore agreed to
meet with Bill rather than go through the officials. Viktor understood the need to keep their trip
quiet, and the crew lowered the small boat onto the surface of the Nile. A few crew members moved
down into the boat, and Harry and the others followed.

Viktor spoke to the remaining crew in Bulgarian, probably leaving orders, and came down the ladder
as well. Tapping his wand, the boat again gave a jolt, and started across the river. Harry
continued to look about, as did Hermione and the others, and he smiled at a Heron flew across the
delta gracefully.

Reaching the shore, the crew jumped out, and levitated the boat onto the bank. Viktor stepped out,
and offered his hand to Hermione. She smiled, and took hold of it as she exited the boat and
stepped on the sandy ground. Harry wondered if he was seeing these simple acts in a blown-up way,
but shook his head, and took his first step onto Egypt.

`So, where are we to meet Bill?' Remus asked, stepping out and helping Tonks.

`He said he'd meet us here' Harry stated, looking back at the ship. The remaining crew were
securing the sails, and lowering a massive iron anchor.

With a loud crack, Harry turned to see the tall and slender form of Bill Weasley come towards the
group. He had discarded some of his grunge-like clothes for lighter garb. He still wore his
dragon-skin boots, and his long ponytail and fanged earring. The scaring on his face still looked
ill, but Harry smiled at Bill's determination to not let it bother him.

`Hey there everybody! Sorry I'm late, had to make sure my shift was covered. How was the
trip?' he asked as he approached and shook everyone's hand.

`The trip was great, thanks to Viktor here' Hermione exclaimed, motioning to Viktor.

`Well I'll be, Viktor Krum! I heard you're teaching at Durmstrang now.'

`I am, thank you' Viktor responded, shaking Bill's hand.

`So, you're the crazy git that wants to go to the Death Tomb?' Bill asked turning the
Harry.

`I think so. Topher thinks what we're looking for might be there.'

`Oh hey Topher, didn't see you there. I trust Ron isn't giving you any troubles?' Bill
asked, making Ron feel humiliated.

`No more than his girlfriend' Topher responded with a smirk, making Ron blush at Bill's
reaction.

`Oh, our Ronny has a girly-friend' Bill chuckled, giving Ron a playful shot to the arm. `Does
Mum know?'

`Yes, she knows! Now can we get going already to this bloody tomb!' Ron ranted, putting
everyone back on track.

`Right, the tomb, it's a bit of a hike, but it shouldn't take long' Bill attested, as
he started off towards a path that led through the wilderness near the delta. The Durmstrang
students stayed with the boat, and Viktor decided to come with the group.

As they walked along, everyone stayed fairly quiet, but Harry felt the need to ask Bill how things
were going.

`Well, they aren't that grand Harry, not at all. I was enjoying that desk job in London, but
they ordered me back here to guard the tombs. Fleur wasn't too happy as you'd expect, but
I've been Apparating back every two weeks or so to see her, Mum, Dad, Charlie and
George.'

`How is George by the way?' Harry asked.

Bill sighed as he moved a branch in the way of the path. `He's alright; about as well as can be
expected. He's been working mad on those things you ask him for, and all the orders he's
been having from people. He's not even charging people anymore, and you should see the people
working for him.'

`He hired more people?'

`No, people volunteered, dozens of them. Of course George had a few Order members go through them,
but they all checked out. He's been so focused on helping people out . . . it's a good
thing though. He needed focus after . . . after Fred' Bill admitted crestfallenly as they came
to a clearing in the trees.

`Alright folks, now to get to the Valley, we need to use these' Bill announced to the group,
flicking his wand at what appeared to be nothing than sand. The sand sifted away, and two large
carpets popped out of the ground and hovered. They were both very inticately woven, with shades of
sky blue, golden yellow, ivory white, sea grass green, and vibrant patches of red.

`Flying carpets!' Tonks expounded joyfully. Bill smiled, and easily slid himself onto the
nearest one. He turned, as everyone still looked at him surprisingly, and he laughed.

`Oh com'on, they don't bite—well, at least these models don't. Just slide on, and hold
onto the edges. Just don't lean too much to the sides' he emphasized.

Viktor gladly slid onto the front of the second one, and everyone found space on the two carpets.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron went with Bill, while Topher, Remus, Tonks, and Baldric went with Viktor.
Both carpets dipped with the new occupants, and everyone made sure to stay in the centre.

`Now, hold on!' Bill said loudly as he pulled on the edge of the carpet, and with a speed
almost equal to Harry's Firebolt, it carried the four of them high over the tree line.

Harry, along with the others held on tightly to the sides, and huddled closely as they soared over
the delta, and out into the desert. The group had to lean forwards to maintain balance, but luckily
no one slipped or moved too abruptly. Hermione held onto Harry tightly, and he smiled at being
reminded of her dislike of flying.

It had been a while since Harry had been flying, and the experience reminded him how he sorely
missed it. The sand dunes and the odd colourful bird or slow moving camel passed beneath them as
they continued along their way under the bright and hot sun. The wind was as dry as the landscape,
but the feeling of it through his hair and across his face made Harry relax a little, even if they
were in grave danger during this trip.

Speeding up, Harry saw Bill smiling as he turned the carpet gently and began towards a winding
valley in the distance, surrounded by rocky outcroppings. Bill changed his grip on the edge of the
carpet ever-so slightly, and it began to descend to the valley floor. Harry could see numerous
people walking around the area, with deep looking caverns cut out of the rock strewn about the
valley. The carpet slowed down as they came close, and stopped—hovering a few inches off the
ground.

`Here we are' Bill announced, as he turned and Harry looked to see Viktor pulling up his carpet
next to theirs. The look on Remus' face made Harry smile.

`Not a fan of carpets?' Harry asked him as they stepped off.

`Even I'm no good at riding a broom, and would prefer it to one of these' he maintained,
Tonks laughing at him.

`Oh they aren't that bad Remus' Baldric put in chuckling.

Leaving the carpets, Bill escorted them along one of the many paths that wound through the valley
between the rock and sandstone. Some of the passer-bys took careful look at Harry and the others,
as they were definitely not dressed for the climate. Harry was already sweating after only two
minutes of walking, considering he was wearing black pants and a black cloak.

Walking around the valley for a few more minutes, they turned a corner and found a rock face with
two English wizards standing guard in front. Both wore sandy-coloured clothes, and had thick
leather belts on. One of them, the taller of the two, put up his hand and the group stopped.

`What is your purpose here?' he asked.

`We come to visit the tomb of Nefrekeptah' Topher explained. The guard looked over the group
slowly with his bright brown eyes, stopping for a moment on Harry.

`There is no tomb here by that name' the guard replied straightly.

`Oh com'on; I work here, and we all know this is the Death Tomb' Bill insisted.

`This is the tomb of Nefrekeptah' Topher maintained.

`You cannot enter the tomb' the guard stated roughly to the group, giving up his short and
pointless fight to prove no tomb existed.

`You don't understand, we need to get inside. It's very important we go inside'
Hermione insisted.

`No, you cannot. No one has entered this tomb in over a century, and we are not about to make an
exception' the guard responded harshly.

`What are we going to do?' Harry asked Topher worriedly.

`I'm not sure Harry. Perhaps we should ask the Gringotts officials' he suggested. Bill
agreed it would be the best option, but before they left the guards halted them.

`Stop! You cannot leave without giving us your names for record' the second, smaller guard
professed loudly. His voice was much more higher pitched than the other's. No one was keen on
giving their names, but did so since the guards would not let them leave otherwise. Both guards
looked at Harry when he gave his name, but they reacted far stranger to Topher's.

`Terrwynebas? Did you say your last name is Terrwynebas' the tall guard asked.

`Yes, I did' Topher answered despondently. Both guards looked at each other surprisingly, and
Harry wondered what was going on.

`If I was to say I have found the ultimate treasure-` the tall guard stated oddly.

`Then I would ask what name you gave to your new child' Topher suddenly spoke back
monotonously. The guards were just as surprised by the response as the rest of the group. The two
guards conversed for a moment while Harry looked at Topher in astonishment.

`How did you-`

`My mother told me that riddle when I was a child' he answered, sounding unsure of what was
going on. The tall guard turned back and approached Topher.

`Please show me your wand' he asked. Topher hesitated for a moment, but handed it over. The
guard ran his own wand from the handle to the tip of Topher's wand. When he finished, strange
contrastive markings appeared within the knots woven into Topher's wand, and the guard looked
surprised at Topher, who looked to have as much understanding about it all as Harry.

`We are allowed to open this tomb to Chamber Members of the Order of the Veneforbis Guard. You may
enter, with three companions only' the guard proclaimed, bowing his head to Topher. Everyone,
even the second guard, was still astonished by this.

`Harry, Hermione, Ron; come with me. Everyone else, we will be back momentarily' Topher
exclaimed briskly before anyone could ask. The tall guard moved back to the stone face, and with
the other, tapped their wand on the rock. Nothing happened, and the four visitors looked at the
tall guard.

`You must complete the stage' he explained to Topher. Topher hesitated for a moment, then
placed the tip of his wand on the rock face. The markings, which shone icy-blue against the birch
wood, appeared again, and a small portal opened into the depths of the valley rock.

Wasting now time, Topher plunged himself into the darkened tunnel, and Harry gave a quick and
worried glance to Hermione and Ron, before running in after him. The remaining two swiftly
followed, as the rest of the group watched in awe.

`Does anyone know what that was about?' Baldric asked as he turned to Bill.

`Something tells me there's more to Topher than we thought' Remus stated, looking at
Tonks.

Meanwhile in the rocky cave, Harry, Ron, and Hermione caught up to Topher, who was waiting a few
feet down.

`Topher, what's going on? How were you able to get us in here?' Harry asked, looking about
the cave. The narrow walls were flat and smoothed, as was the ceiling which stood less than six
feet from the sandy floor. Ron had to bend quite a bit, while Harry and Topher had to hunch
slightly; but for Hermione it was alright.

Topher, who had brightened the tunnel with his wand, looked down the tunnel, and sighed. `If my
mother told me that riddle, and only Veneforbis members can get in here with that riddle-`

`Then your mother was a Guard' Hermione finished, Topher staring at the rock face for a moment
before nodding.

`Maybe that's why she was killed?' Harry suggested. If Topher's mother was killed for
not giving up a secret, it could easily fit she was in the Veneforbis Guard.

`Perhaps. It could explain why my wand can open the cave. She had a Griffin Feather core too. We
have other pressing matters though. We need to be careful in here, so keep your wands out, and
watch your feet—and your heads' he advised. The three students cast Lumos spells to better
light the tunnel, and they began down the tunnel.

Walking down into the depths, Harry saw several scorpions crawling along the sand, startling Ron
due to their resemblance to spiders. They continued for several moments with no troubles until they
came to a fork in the tunnel. Both paths looked identical, and Topher looked down one, and then the
other.

`Which way should we go?' Harry asked the others.

`Whichever way is more north' Topher offered. Hermione smiled at Harry, and motioned him to use
his wand.

`Point me' he said, after placing his wand on his open palm. His wand instantly pointed down
the path to the right, and the others smiled at him.

Moving farther down, they came to part of the tunnel that opened up. Writing appeared on the wall
next to them, like the kind on the scroll Topher had. The wide chamber ahead was wider than the
tunnel before, but perpetually dark. The light from the three wands did not moved into the chambr
ahead at all.

`Find your way through the . . . the netherworld, with the thought-spirit that guides your
path' Topher read from the inlaid writing.

`The netherworld? That sounds encouraging' Ron quipped, keeping close eye on the ground.

`”Thought-spirit that guides your path?”' Hermione reiterated, biting her bottom lip and
thinking. `A Patronus.'

`A Patronus?' Harry asked.

`Yes, they were once called “thought-spirits”. There must be Dementors, or Lethifolds ahead'
she figured. Ron rolled his eyes, and looked at Harry.

`Beautiful. Can't we go anywhere were the passageway is just a passageway?' Harry clapped
him on the shoulder, and nodded understandingly.

`Alright, Patronus it is. Pick a good memory, it may be your last' Topher said in mock
cheerfulness, raising his wand.

Harry thought hard of his waking on Christmas Day, with Hermione nestled so closely to him.
Hermione took hold of his hand, and he smiled at her warmly.

`Christmas morning?' she asked, Harry nodding with a smirk. They both raised their wands down
the darkened tunnel, and smiled at each other.

`Simula Expecto Patronum!' they both yelled. A bright sphere enveloped the two of them, and
brilliant white light expanded into the tunnel ahead in massive pulses.

`Expecto Patronum!' both Topher and Ron yelled. Out of Topher's wand a beautiful alabaster
snowy owl flew out and soared into the tunnel ahead, while Ron's brave terrier leaped out of
his wand and began bounding its way around the chamber. Topher glanced back at his students, and
ran forward into the chamber, jumping from side to side as the floor seemed to reach up at him. Ron
quickly followed, jumping up higher than Harry had ever seen him before as the floor continued to
reach upwards. Harry and Hermione—keeping their wands pointed forwards, followed quickly as Topher
and Ron moved farther down.

It seemed the instant they entered the chamber, their minds turned to dark memories. Topher was
still moving ahead, his owl Patronus flying down at black, rug-like objects that slithered across
the ground, and Ron was moving forward too, but Harry and Hermione were slowing.

Their Patronus Sphere died within moments, and the two of them were plunged into darkness. As
memories of Sirius' death began filling into Harry's mind, he focused as hard as he could
on Hermione's hand, and her presence near him. His Occlumency began forcing the painful memory
out, and as he began feeling a disgusting fur-like creature begin up his leg, he pointed his wand
at the ground.

`Expecto Patronum!' he yelled, and a white phoenix came out, and pounded the black rug-like
creature away. Harry moved his wand towards Hermione, and the phoenix cleared away more of these
creatures as Hermione was continuing to struggle with her memories.

`Legilimens' Harry charmed, pointing his wand at Hermione. He could see the memory of himself
falling off his broomstick; lying in the hospital wing, flashing in front of him. He pulled her out
of those memories, and looked into the memory of Christmas night.

`Com'on Hermione!' he encouraged as he forced the memory in front.

`Expecto Patronum!' she yelled as she squeezed Harry's hand, and her silvery otter blasted
out of her wand, and moved around the two of them with Harry's phoenix.

`Com'on you two! Ron, help them' Topher called from farther down, his owl still circling.
Ron bound back to his friends, and grabbed Harry's arm. Harry started running towards the end
of the chamber with Hermione in tow, while he kept his good memory forward and his Patronus flying
ahead of them with Hermione and Ron's. They reached the end, and as their Patronus'
dissolved, Topher cast light along the tunnel again, and smiled at the three of them.

`Thanks mate' Harry panted.

`Just another walk in the park' he replied happily, smiling at Hermione who was also gaining
her breath. Harry was going to ask why Ron and Topher were not hit with evil memories like him and
Hermione, but Topher moved farther down the tunnel.

`Alright, let's keep going' Topher insisted, moving down. The chamber behind them quieted
instantly, and returned to its peaceful darkness. Ron followed behind Topher with his wand lit, and
Hermione smiled at Harry; giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

`Thanks for the help back there.'

`Not a problem. That was worse than dementors' Harry admitted. He was not looking forward to
the trip back up.

`I know, and Ron and Topher didn't seem affected' Hermione observed.

`Perhaps it's the magic in the cave' Harry offered.

As they descended farther into the cave, the air became thick and dusty, like it had not been
breathed in thousands of years. Moving along a bend in the tunnel, the group stopped as a torch,
bracketed against the side of the wall, erupted into flames as they approached.

`We must be close' Topher whispered, pointing his wand down the passageway as they slowed their
pace. The torches continued to light as they walked, and looking down, Harry saw a strange blue
light emanating at the end.

`Did I mention I'm not a fan of old and creepy tunnels?' Ron mentioned as they moved
towards the blue light and their footsteps sounded in the silent tomb.

`I don't think any of use are fans of this tunnel' Harry admitted.

Moving closer, the four of them stayed together as they reached a stone-cut room at the end of the
long passageway, which contained thousands of pots and statues, most made of either shinning gold
or amber clay. The ceiling rose a few more feet here, and Ron and the others gladly stretched their
backs fully, however not taking deep breaths as the air was tinged with the odor of decayed animals
and death. The blue light came from a tiny blue flame burning above what appeared to be a sandstone
tomb, flanked by two smaller ones.

Moving their wand-light around, they found the walls covered in ancient markings, hieroglyphs, and
strange looking runes. Several large statues—life size—of warriors and guards stood around the
room, protecting the three tombs that lay together. Hermione moved around towards the front again,
and screamed when her wand-light fell upon a dead and rather decayed body.

Harry and Ron immediately jumped, and ran over. The body was an ill shade of grey, and the skin was
gone. The skeleton was about all that remained, along with the tattered remains of the person's
clothes.

Looking to the left, Harry found another body similar to the first, though this one was obviously a
child. Topher came around from behind as his eyes scanned the walls eagerly.

`Alright, we need to look for the Book. It'll be a scroll, not very big, and possibly with a
gold circlet around it' he stated, looking again along the walls, trying to read the writing.
Harry still held on to Hermione, as they turned and looked at the walls as well.

*`You will not find the Book here Harry Potter'* a ghostly voice whispered behind Harry.
Now all four of them screamed as they turned to see the ash coloured skeleton on the right standing
somehow, as well as the other child-sized one on the left. Its eye holes looked right at Harry, and
he felt nothing more than utter terror at the site.

The skeleton's just “looked” at Harry and the others, seeming to wait for a response. `How- . .
. how do you . . . how do you know my name?' Harry asked very carefully. Skeletons were
something they neglected to teach defenses against in class.

`We know the name of all who seek the Book of Thoth' the skeleton answered in its raspy voice,
still looking at the three of them.

`As well as the fate of those who use it' the smaller skeleton added, Ron jumping at the second
voice. This skeleton's voice—though not as aged as the other—still sent shivers down
Harry's spine. The notion of just turning and running back to England seemed very entertaining
at the moment.

`For we are the Kas of Nefrekeptah, his wife and son' the ka of the woman spoke.

`We . . . we need the Book, to defeat an evil wizard' Harry stated shakily. Hermione was still
holding onto Harry's arm tightly, and her eyes continued to dart between the two skeletons. Ron
was holding onto Harry's other arm, and Topher stayed close to the group while still looking
about the chamber.

`Seeking the Book is not the answer to your question Harry Potter' the ka of the woman
asserted. Harry looked at Topher for some help, and he cleared his throat.

`We're looking for the Oroborus Light' Topher professed weakly. The woman ka's skull
snapped towards Topher, and tilted as it examined him while the child ka pointed at him with a bony
finger.

`You do not seek the Oroborus Light Topher Terrwynebas. What you seek will find you soon, and you
will be faced with a choice that leads to the same result' the child ka told Topher
quietly.

`Is the Oroborus Light in the Book of Thoth?' Topher asked, looking down at the child
skeleton.

`All magic is within the Book' the woman ka explained from the other side of the room.

`Is the Oroborus Light what we need to kill Voldemort?' Hermione asked, speaking for the first
time to the kas. The woman ka scanned Hermione, and gazed at her for a moment.

`The love that drives the power' the ka whispered.

`And the one that protects the wielder' the child ka spoke, looking at Ron.

`Can the Oroborus Light help me kill Voldemort?' Harry asked, frustrated without getting a
clear answer.

`You cannot kill Voldemort Harry Potter, and that is not what you seek. The Oroborus Light has only
the power to reflect prior acts.'

`So what is it I seek if not to kill Voldemort?' Harry asked, his tolerance for the skeletal
guards waning.

`To destroy him, wielding the Oroborus Light with the power he knows not' the child ka
responded, looking up at Harry.

`So where is the Book of Thoth?' Harry asked hurriedly, hearing that in fact they were on the
right path.

`Taken by those who should not have. The fates of those terrible, but returned not to where the
scroll should be' the woman ka expressed darkly.

`Where?!' Harry almost yelled at the kas, loosing his patience. His voice echoed up the tunnel,
and Hermione squeezed his hand to try keep him calm.

`You already know Harry Potter. You did not come here to ask where it is. You came here to ask the
results if you use it' the woman ka spoke. Harry turned to Topher, and understood the
wording.

`It's in the Department of Mysteries like Aberforth figured' Harry asserted.

`Aberforth?' Hermione asked.

`Not now, we have to leave, and get back to Hogwarts' Topher declared, however Harry taking a
step forward towards the woman ka.

`So . . . what is the result of me using the Book?' Harry asked shakily. The woman ka turned
its head to its long ago living child, before looking back at Harry.

`What you fear the most, for whether you use the Book or not, the same result will come to
pass' the woman ka spoke darkly. The comment did not boost Harry's confidence at all,
knowing it could mean many things, none of which were good.

`Is there anyway, I can . . . change the result?'

`Only one, and it will lead back to here' the child ka told Harry.

`When?'

`When the world is lost, and the snake is broken' the woman ka spoke. Harry's mind turned
to dark thoughts and unhappy predictions. “When the world is lost” could only be taken in so many
ways, none of which where that bright. Coupled with "the snake is broken" just confused
Harry more.

`Come on Harry, Hermione, Ron; we need to get back to the surface' Topher encouraged.

`Yes, you should; for eight of you set foot on Egypt, but only seven will depart' the woman ka
informed darkly.

`The last will fall to the sand and never rise again' said the child ka.

The group glanced at each other quickly with the warning, bowed to the kas, and turned to head back
up the tunnel when the woman ka spoke once more.

`Know Harry Potter that the sign of the golden feather upon the stone will mark the beginning of
the end.'

Harry stared at the ka for a moment, before turning and running with the rest of the group as fast
as possible back up the tunnel towards the outside. The group quickly moved through the darkened
passageway, and past the chamber filled with the moving floor. Reaching the entranceway again,
Remus, Tonks, Bill, and Baldric all looked worriedly at the group coming out.

`Harry, Topher, Ron, Hermione—is everything O.K.?' Remus asked as he looked at Harry who was
looking about frantically.

`We need to get back to the ship, now!' he stated quickly. Remus looked at Bill, and he lead
the way as the group left the two puzzled guards, and started back towards the carpets.

`What happened Harry?' Tonks asked as they ran.

`Not now, we have to get back!' he maintained, trying to stay with Bill as he reached the
carpets. The guards and other wizards and witches walking about looked at the group with mixed
emotions as they reached the area they first landed in.

`Harry, for the love of Merlin, why are we running?' Baldric asked as he panted.

`They said someone wouldn't make it back to the ship' Hermione answered for Harry.

`Who said?' Remus asked, looking at the group.

`The kas! We need to—` Harry started, but was cut off by a blast that smashed into the sand next to
the group. Everyone fell to the ground as panic broke out, and spells began firing from the
hilltops down on the group.

`Get on! Get on!' Bill yelled out as Remus, Viktor, Tonks, and Baldric tried to fire spells
back and protect the students. Harry moved and helped Hermione and Ron to the carpet, but Ron
slipped on a rock and fell hard on the ground.

`Ron, com'on!' Harry yelled at his friend as he scrambled on the ground. Remus and the
others were still firing spells, but were moving backwards towards the carpets.

As Harry and Hermione reached the carpet with Bill, they shouted at the others to move. Ron got up
from the sandy ground quickly with blood on his chin and started running for the carpet just ahead
of the others, when the hollow face of Bellatrix Lestrange showed itself from around a corner of a
nearby rock wall, and smiled evilly as she held up her wand at the running group.

`Avada Kedavra!'

**Spell / Name Meanings:**
**Immotus** - L. immotus - unmoved
**Dobrynya Nikitich** - In Slavic mythology, dipicted as a dragonslayer who killed Zmey
Gorynych, a green three headed dragon that spit fire. (Source: Wikipedia)

-->



27. Falling and the Feather
---------------------------



**A/N - This chapter . . . like Chater 25, has a lot in it. I am sorry if it sounds rushed, but
it's meant to be. There is a lot of things going on, and the chaos of it all is meant to strike
home.**

**I'm sorry for the wait for this chapter. I'm starting to get close to the end, and I
just finished writing chapter 30 yesterday, so I'm still actually catching up. I just finished
exams yesterday, so that's the reason why the update did not come on time, and I am sorry for
that.****

Please review and let me know if it works alright. Thank you.**

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

**Falling and the Feather**


`NO!' Harry and Hermione screamed, as the green light of the Killing Curse overtook its
prey.

The gleam in his eye told Harry he knew it was coming. A never-ending gaze stuck to Harry and
Hermione, as the green light collapsed against him, and his eyes became dulled, and his expression
lost. His body gave way, and with the remaining momentum, and fell silently to the sandy ground as
the rest of the group turned to see him.

Hermione struggled to get up and run to save him, but Harry pulled her back knowing it was too
late. Viktor Krum was dead.

Remus, Tonks, Baldric, and Topher looked at their fallen friend, and Remus quickly grabbed Tonks
and pulled her to the carpet. Bellatrix moved away from her rocky shield, and Topher looked at the
killer.

With no remorse, or lack of concern for the other Death Eaters on the ledges firing spells at the
Gringotts guards, Topher thrusted his wand out at the pale woman.

`PERSECTUM DEXTRA!' Topher shouted with a rage greater than that Harry remembered he gave to
his old best friend.

The spell shot at Bella's right hand, and she screamed in pain as deep gashes ripped across
it—making her drop her wand. Her face was contorted in horrible pain and anger, and her eyes looked
malevolently at Topher. He wasted no time, as spells and curses fell around his feet, and he
pointed his wand again at Bellatrix, just as she tried reaching for her wand.

`EXPELLO PER HORRESENTIA!' he yelled, Bella just looking up before she vanished with her wand
still laying in the sand covered in blood. Remus and Tonks where still trying to protect Topher—who
was still out in the open—but where having a hard time as the Death Eaters began bombarding the
group.

`Topher! Hurry!' Harry yelled, as curses fell from the hill tops. He snapped out of his angered
trance, quickly whisked his wand over Viktor's body to make it disappear, picked up
Viktor's wand, and ran rapidly to the carpet. Harry turned and moved closer to the centre of
the carpet with Ron and Hermione, while the others hurried to the second carpet. Baldric was taking
the reigns of the other carpet, and once Topher dove on, both carpets rocketed up into the air.
Harry and the others continued to shoot spells at the black cloaked Death Eaters, but stopped after
they were a good distance away.

Landing quickly in the open area of the forest, the group ran as quickly as they could to the boat,
where the crew was still waiting.

`Vere is Professor Krum?' the oldest student asked, whose red tunic had a single black star
over each shoulder. He was looking at the group, but his face stopped on Hermione, would had tears
staining her cheeks as she shakily entered the boat with Harry's help.

`He was killed by Death Eaters, we need to get back to the ship before they get here' Harry
insisted as everyone entered the boat before being invited.

`Killed! Vere is his body?' the student asked, as he motioned the students to set up defensive
stations around the boat.

`Topher vanished it. Get in the boat; we need to get back to Hogwarts!' Ron remarked quickly as
he entered the boat. The student turned towards the forest, and looked back again the group.

`How do ve know he is-' the student asked, cut off by a Stunning Spell hitting one of the
students standing near the edge of the forest. The students hit the ground, and the older one moved
towards his injured comrade.

`Bill get in the boat!' Remus ordered. The students were running to the boat, and getting it
ready as the oldest student helped pull the injured student to safety.

`I can't Remus, I need to help my friends. I'll Apparate back to England if there's
trouble' he maintained. He gave one last glance at the group, and with a crack, he Apparated
away.

Yelling orders in Bulgarian, the boat began to move across the water, while the group caught its
breath. Hermione was still upset about Viktor, and his students were shocked by it.

`I am Borislav, Durmstrang Chief Student. Once back on board, ve vill go back to your school'
he stated, looking over the silent group. Ron was looking blankly at Hermione and Harry as they
moved across the Nile peacefully.

`Here is Professor Krum's wand' Topher spoke quietly, handing over the heavy wand to
Borislav. He took it slowly, and looked at it like a precious gem. The students' heads were
hung in sadness over the loss of their beloved professor.

Once they boarded the ship, Harry looked back and could see smoke billowing from the horizon.
Hermione stood next to him sniffling, and Ron looked out at the water while the crew heard the
news, and solemnly prepared the ship.

`I can't believe he's gone' Hermione whispered, Harry giving her a hug.

`He remembered my name' Rom commented quietly.

`Oh Ron' Hermione whispered, turning and embracing Ron in a hug. Ron looked wondrously at Harry
for a moment, but accepted the hug. Harry in the mean time moved over to Topher, who was standing
near the mast.

`So the Book is in the Ministry' Topher said, noticing Harry's approach.

`It sounds like it. How will we get there?' Harry asked, taking a look back to see Ron and
Hermione talking quietly.

`Well, the Minister is coming tomorrow, so perhaps we can ask him' Topher assumed, speaking
softly. The crew and passengers were so quiet, Harry felt he had gone deaf from the lack of sound.
Even as the crew moved about, Harry could see them taking slow steps, and placing—not
stomping—their feet as they walked. Sound was not warranted with their thoughts.

Borislav came down from the bridge and informed the group the ship was ready. Taking hold of the
mast like before, the group looked as Borislav took the helm and the ship dove under the rippling
water. No orders were yelled, no alert sounded. The crew just looked, and held its breath as the
ship silently slipped beneath the water.

Rising out of the Black Lake, Harry gained his breath again, and held on as the ship regained its
balance—sounding like an angry tree in the wind. Once everything sat relatively still, everyone let
go, and Borislav came back down the stairs, walking heavily as he was a fairly stout man.

`Ve vill anchor the ship, and everyone vill go ashore. I must contact the High Master' he
explained. Topher assured him it would be done, and the crew lowered the first boat, as well as a
second. Setting the anchor over the side and securing the ship, Harry and the others entered their
boat with some students and Borislav, while the rest of the twenty-man crew boarded the other.
Before leaving, two students went ahead and raised a black flag to the top of the mast, and
everyone looked up at it as it slowly flapped in the light wind. With everyone off the ship, the
two boats glided across the calm water towards the shore, no word spoken on either.

Once they arrived on shore, Professor McGonagall came down from the castle, along with a few other
professors and students. Seeing the expression on everyone's faces stopped the Headmistress
from talking, and she observed the group carefully.

`Where is Professor Krum?' she asked, looking at Harry and the others. Other professors, such
as Madam Hooch and Professor Fourmove looked over the group with grim faces, while the mention of
their late professor's name caused the proud sons of Durmstrang to lower their heads and fall
deeper into sadness.

`We were attacked by Death Eaters, and he was killed saving us' Topher finally answered after
several silent moments. The Durmstrang students did not look up, and Professor McGonagall looked to
be caught between two conflicting emotions. Harry guessed they were rage and sadness.

`Who is head student here?' she asked, her momentary lapse in facial expression gone. Borislav
came forward and asked the professor for use of her office to contact the High Master. She agreed,
and ordered everyone into the castle.

`Remus, Tonks, can you please see to it that our guests are given a good meal, and left alone. I do
not want our students gocking over them after what has happened. Borislav can use my office after I
speak with the rest of your group' They both accepted, and moved the students into one of the
old classrooms on the ground floor. They called house elves, and kept the Durmstrang students there
while they sat in silence and disbelief. A regular Hogwarts student would not even know they were
there, except for of course the existence of their ship floating in the Black Lake.

Moving through the staircases and halls, Topher, Baldric, Harry, Ron, and Hermione all moved behind
the quick-paced Headmistress. Professor McGonagall never even told them to follow her, but they
knew better. She walked through the halls and never once looked back, or made a comment. Harry
could not remember her looking like this, and he was very scared what might happen.

Reaching her office, she waved the stone gargoyles off, and entered. Everyone quietly made their
way in, and patiently waited as the Headmistress slowly took her seat, and allowed her head to
lower its gaze at the desktop.

`How?' was all she asked.

`We were looking in a tomb, and when we came out Death Eaters showed up somehow. We don't know
how they knew we were there, but they had the numbers. We were able to get back to the ship, but
Viktor died from a Killing Curse' Topher explained.

`From Bellatrix Lestrange' Hermione added quietly. McGonagall never looked up, or change her
posture, and it made the tips of Harry's fingers twitch with worry. He was waiting for the
dragon to rear its head.

`Were there any more causalities' she asked, sounding like the calm before the raging storm of
a Headmistress' discontent.

`No Headmistress. We were able to vanish Viktor's body, and we managed his wand' Baldric
informed cautiously. McGonagall nodded slowly, and continued looking down at the desk. Harry could
see her breathing was slow, and that she was trying very hard to keep herself collected.

She slowly stood up, and everyone recoiled slightly. She looked up at everyone, and again took a
deep breath. `Harry, you are never again leaving this castle until it either closes or you
graduate.'

`But . . . but Professor-`

`NO BUTS POTTER!' she yelled, everyone stepping back instinctively. Harry knew he should not
have pressed his luck. He woke up the dragon.

`Because of your little escapade, a friend and fellow professor is dead! You have been going on
these trips for Merlin knows what, and I have had it! I do not care if Albus agrees with your
going, you are not! You will stay within this castle, not even in the grounds!' she bellowed.
Harry felt horrible at the realization that she was right, and that Viktor had died because of him,
however Topher did not wish to give up so easily.

`Professor-` he started, being met with a shook finger.

`Oh no Topher, not this time. I have had it with your extra trips, and secret meetings with people.
I am tired of being left in the dark, and expected just to agree with everything! I am putting my
foot down. You, like Potter, are not allowed to leave this castle. If you do, then consider
yourself dismissed!'

Harry and the others all looked at Topher and McGonagall with this threat. Topher was looking at
being fired now for trying to help Harry. Harry felt like he was sinking into the ground with all
the guilt.

`We were looking for the Book of Thoth' Hermione suddenly announced from her side of the room.
Topher looked at her with wide-eyed disbelief, while McGonagall glanced at her before turning away
and sighing angrily.

`”The Book of Thoth?” It does not even exist!' she proclaimed.

`It does, and now we know where it is' Ron put in, although truthfully he had no idea, and
really neither did Harry or Topher.

`No, I just said, you are not leaving the castle, any of you. Baldric, go and work out the new
rotations, since we are getting more Aurors tomorrow' she ordered, flicking her wand and
motioning him to leave. He gave everyone a hopeful look, and exited the tension-filled office.
Topher again tried to reason with McGonagall, but it was not happening.

`Professor please, we need to-`

`You are pushing your luck Professor. Because of you, I now have to inform the High Master of
Durmstrang that one of his best professors has been killed because of some search for an item that
does not even exist. Now, out!'

Topher turned, and exited quickly, with the rest following. Once they were outside the office, they
stopped and let out a collective anger filled sigh.

`I can't believe it! We finally know where it is, and we can't get to it!' Topher
fumed, kicking the wall and hurting his toes in the process.

`Maybe we can ask the Minister tomorrow still?' Harry wondered, Hermione not looking too
optimistic.

`I don't think that will make Professor McGonagall anymore sympathetic to our cause, going
around her back.'

`So what are we supposed to do?' Ron asked the group. Everyone one thought for a moment, before
Topher responded.

`We should wait. I do not care if I loose my position here, as long as we get that scroll. If worst
comes to worst, we'll have to sneak our way out of the castle, and break into the
Ministry.'

`That doesn't sound too promising' Hermione admitted darkly.

`Well, we might not have another choice. It's either that, or wait for Voldemort to come
knocking on Evander's portrait asking for Harry to come out' Topher exclaimed.

It was a horrible situation they were in, and it did not help that news from the wizarding world
was becoming grimmer by he day. Harry learned over the week that the muggle government was having a
horrible time, and there was talk of civil unrest in London and various other cities. Riots in
Paris, Berlin, and Rome were causing chaos in the muggle world. There were even rumors of the
British Parliament falling into disarray, with members missing and others unable to agree on
anything. Blame was being placed primarily on the Muggle Prime Minister, and it looked like
Marshall Law would soon be called.

`I need to go and tell Aberforth about this trip. I'll come see you later on all this. Please
tell the Durmstrang students Viktor's body was vanished to their ship's lower hold'
Topher told the group. They agreed, and he whisked off to his office. The others in the mean time
went down to the ground floor, and checked in with the Durmstrang students.

Walking down to the ground level, Harry found Remus standing outside the door of Classroom Five.
Walking up, the still dirt covered and sweaty students asked how their foreign friends were
doing.

`Well, only Borislav speaks English, so I've been asking him to stay close. They're not too
well though. Borislav said Krum was revered at Durmstrang. You know, a past student who's known
world wide, comes back to teach at the small school he loved.'

`Do you know if they are still staying for dinner?' Hermione asked, looking into the room and
finding the red-suited students quietly talking amongst themselves in Bulgarian, and other
Slavic-sounding languages.

`Borislav went with Tonks to contact the High Master, so I don't know. I can imagine McGonagall
is going crazy enough with the Ministry coming tomorrow, and those attacks in London.'

`Attacks in London?' Ron asked, looking at Harry and Hermione.

`Diagon Alley. It was early this morning too; terrible incident. Death Eaters moved through the
street from Knockturn Alley, and destroyed some of the shops. People were panicked beyond belief,
and the Ministry had a terrible time trying to stop them.'

`Is everything alright now?' Hermione asked worriedly.

`Well, it took forever for the Aurors to show up, but by that time it looked like the Death Eaters
were backing away anyways. They could have easily destroyed most of the Alley, but I think
You-Know-Who just wanted to show he could do it. The Ministry closed all the shops on Diagon Alley,
and the Leaky Cauldron.'

`You can't be serious, it's can't be that bad' Harry remarked disbelievingly. Remus
closed the door quietly that lead into the classroom, and looked at the students seriously.

`It's not that bad Harry, it's worst. Voldemort is attacking Wizards and Muggles, and has
more followers than ever before. Diagon Alley is closed, and the Undry was attacked and reduced to
a hole in the ground just this week. The Order has lost contact with almost a dozen members over
the past two weeks. It's more disturbing than you think' Remus continued, seeing their
reactions to all this news. `Most of the missing members were last seen in Hogsmede.'

`Does the Order have any ideas why?' Harry asked his father's old friend.

`Tonks tells me the Ministry has been observing the area around Hogsmede for a time, and they think
there's something different about this area compared to the rest of Britain.'

`Of course, Hogwarts is here' Ron maintained.

`Perhaps, but the Tonks told me the Ministry thinks . . .' he trailed off.

`Thinks what Remus?' Harry insisted. Remus looked up and down the hallway, and leaned in
closely to the group.

`The Ministry thinks Voldemort might be hiding in the mountains around Hogwarts' he explained
grimly. An ice-like feeling poured down Harry's back, and his chest hollowed at the idea.
Looking at Hermione and Ron, he found equally frightened looks on their faces.

Before they could comment about it, Tonks and Borislav came down the staircase, and looked at the
group. They must have mistaken their expressions for sadness for Viktor, because they approached
without any worry.

`The High Master is of course devastated with the news, and asked the students to return right
away. Borislav will tell the students, and they will depart immediately' Tonks informed the
group as the Chief Student went into the room an announced to his crew the new orders. Remus and
Tonks helped lead the students back to the Lake, while Harry and the others made their way to the
East Tower. They had missed lunch, but even Ron was not hungry after the death of their
friend.

`Oh my, what is the matter?' Evander asked the group.

`One of our friends died this morning' Harry answered sadly. Evander understood the need not to
prod, and opened after the password was given.

Walking inside, they realized the Common Room was not empty. Luna was sitting on one of the chairs
near the bookshelf, while Neville and Ginny where sitting on the couch.

Luna was the first to notice the groups entrance, and she got up quickly and gave Ron a hug—her
blond hair flashing behind her. `What happened Ronald?'

`We . . . we ran into some trouble' Ron answered bleakly.

`No one died, did they?' Neville asked as he and Ginny stood up, and approached the group.
Hermione began to tear at the mention of death, and Harry answered.

`Viktor Krum died while saving us.'

Hermione's tears increase with the voicing of it again, and Ginny moved over and gave her a
sisterly hug. Everyone just stood silently as Hermione's sobs filled the room quietly.

The group moved itself to the sitting area, and Ron and Neville conjured stools. They still needed
to cover chairs in Charms, but stools were much easier anyways.

Hermione slowed her tears as time moved on, and she gained back her confident expression. Of course
Harry knew she was still breaking inside. He wondered why she was so upset, considering they only
went to the Yule Ball together, but not knowing they still wrote to each other meant they had kept
up with each other since then. He was a dear friend to her; a pen pal.

`Did you find what you were looking for?' Neville asked Harry quietly, pulling the attention
away from Hermione, which she wanted.

`Sort of, it's complicated. We think we know where it is, but we can't go outside the
castle.'

`Do you know why? Professor McGonagall just told us at lunch about that. Is there something wrong
in Hogsmede?' Neville questioned, looking at Ron and Harry. Harry wondered for a moment whether
he should answer, but realized there was no point in holding it from Neville. He could be trusted,
as well as everyone else in the room.

`Diagon Alley was attacked this morning, and the Ministry' he breathed for a moment, looking at
his friends, 'thinks Voldemort is near Hogsmede.'

Neville gulped nervously, and his eyes grew to as large as Quaffles. Even Luna, who normally
continued her dream-like gaze, looked scared at the news, and held onto Ron's hand
tighter.

`He's . . . he's near Hogwarts?' Neville stuttered. Harry looked at Ron, and they both
looked at Hermione.

`Near' Hermione voiced, speaking what was sounding through all of their minds.

Just as silence again enveloped the group, the hearth erupted into green flames, and a face they
did not expect to see again that day popped up into the flames.

`I need you Mr. Potter and Miss Granger in my office now' Professor McGonagall ordered from the
hearth. Her head vanished and the flames died before Harry or Hermione could even open their mouths
to respond.

Looking at each other questioningly, Ron insisted they go, and that the rest of them would wait for
them in the East Tower. Harry got up with Hermione, and walked hand in hand out of the Tower, and
towards the Headmistress' Office. Harry wondered what else could go wrong this day.

`Are you alright?' Harry asked as they walked.

`I'm alright Harry. Viktor . . . he will always hold a special place' she admitted, wiping
her eyes.

`You did kiss him in fourth year didn't you?' Harry asked. Hermione smiled for the first
time since the tomb, and Harry squeezed her hand.

`It was terrible. I almost poked his eye out with my nose I was so nervous. Coupled with my bad aim
didn't help' she divulged, letting out a chuckle as some tears escaped her eyes with the
memory. Harry was glad she was at least focusing on the good times.

`We still need to check on my parents' Hermione reminded Harry quietly as she wiped away the
tears. They agreed to ask Professor McGonagall or Remus after whatever the Headmistress wanted to
see them for. Harry figured it was because of the trip.

Walking into her office, they found the Headmistress arguing with the portraits, and not looking an
ounce happier than before.

`There is no other way! The Governors have already approved it, so there is nothing I can do'
she was stating to a portrait of a round man with only a border of white hair around the sides and
back of his head. He looked at Professor McGonagall, and reached his wide stomach with his pudgy
hands.

`Hogwarts is not a safe-house for the Ministry, it is a school. The Governors, even in my time,
were always a source of idiocy' the portrait explained with its jovial sounding voice.
Professor McGonagall turned away from the portraits, and her eyes fell on her two Head
students.

`Good, you are here. You will call a meeting of all the House Prefects, just as soon as we are
finished with the staff meeting.'

`What staff mee-` Harry asked, just as the door opened behind them, and professors began filing in.
Topher was in the group, though he was still not looking too pleased with the morning's
activities.

`The Minister of Magic will be arriving in any moment' Professor McGonagall informed the group
once they were all inside. The professors, along with Harry and Hermione looked flabbergasted at
each other and the Headmistres.

`But, I thought they were coming tomorrow' said Madam Pomfrey.

`They were Poppy, but this early this afternoon the Ministry of Magic was attacked' Professor
McGonagall declared, gasps escaping some of the professor's mouths.

`How severely?' Topher asked with a glazed look on his face.

`The Minister ordered the evacuation and relocation of all Ministry offices and personnel to
Hogwarts.' The professors broke out into discussion and worry over the news.

`What are we to do with the students?' Professor Flitwick asked. Professor McGonagall lowered
her head, and placed her hands on her desk.

`We have no choice but to send them home. Classes cannot continue with such disarray going on, and
if the Ministry is setting up here classes will be impossible.' Harry's hope from the
morning of finding the Book, which died a bit in the tomb, was now plummeting through his heart on
its way to the floor.

`The Ministry can't just barge in here and take over!' Madam Hooch raged, some of the other
professors agreeing.

`The Board of Governors has given the Ministry permission to setting up here, as well as emergency
control over the castle. They have also ordered the closing of the school, and that all students
must be returned home by the end of Monday.' Harry could not believe what was happening.

The Ministry of Magic had fallen. If even the Ministry was running from Voldemort, what could he
do? The Order was crumbling under immense strain, and Hogwarts—Harry's last hope—was now being
closed. He would have to say goodbye to the East Tower, and goodbye to the students, the staff;
everything. His hopes were being destroyed right this moment, and one look at Topher made Harry
realize that his were being crushed too.

Plus there was the Book of Thoth. How could they get to the Department of Mysteries now if
Voldemort controlled the Ministry? Harry's mind was cascading with all the harsh news being
piled on it, and he looked to Hermione who squeezed his hand knowing his thoughts were turning to
hopelessness.

`What must we do Professor?' Professor Sinistra asked once the initial shock was overcome by
the professors.

`I need Heads of House to inform your students of the events taking place and of their return to
home on Monday. All students are forbidden to go on the ground floor, as the Ministry will be
setting up there. The Hospital Wing Poppy, I am sorry to say, will be stationed by St. Mungo's
Healers, and patients. Please make sure everything is in working order for them. The Great Hall
will still be available to us until Monday afternoon, after which it will be set up as extra space
for the Healers.

`To the rest of you, please remain calm, and do not flee the castle. Please help the students, and
help the Heads of House. Have your offices cleared by Monday, so nothing is lost.' Professor
McGonagall looked up and stared around the portraits, who looked at her closely.

`Our Head Boy and Girl' she stated, looking around at them, `will inform the Prefects of this,
and will make sure the Prefects coordinate the students packing.' Harry and Hermione both
nodded solemnly, and gave each other a short, disheartened glance.

`Hagrid, can you please inform Hogsmede Station to prepare the Hogwarts Express for the
students?' McGonagall asked to the large man, who had a tough time entering through the door.
He was sniffling with all the news and with the closing of the castle he called home for over fifty
years.

`Yeah' he answered shortly, wiping his nose on this handkerchief. Professor McGonagall smiled
politely at Hagrid, and nodded her head to her staff.

The staff waited for a moment, then began filing out silently without word from Professor
McGonagall. She turned and glanced at all the portraits on the wall, and looked as if she felt
alone in the office. Once all the staff was gone, and Harry and Hermione started back to the East
Tower, the door to the Headmistress' Office closed with a click of the knob, and she looked up
at the silent and attentive portraits.

`This is the end of Hogwarts. Retreat to your other portraits, and find peace there' she spoke
hauntingly quiet. The portraits all looked at her for a moment, then inclined their heads or bowed
to McGonagall, and every one of them—including Dumbledore—left their frames quietly. Professor
McGonagall was left staring at the empty frames. Breathing a hushed breath, she slowly lowered her
head—placing her face in her hands—as her quiet sobs filled the empty office.

*

`Remus, can you please go and check on them?' Hermione asked fearfully. Hermione and
Harry's first move was not back to the East Tower, but down to the ground floor, where Remus
and Tonks were just returning to the castle after reporting back to Grimmauld Place amd finding out
about the Ministry.

`We'll go check Hermione. Tonks and I will go to make sure they are alright, and come straight
back' he reassured. Harry and Hermione thanked the two Order members, and went back to the East
Tower, where Ron and the others were still waiting.

`So what's happening? Did you get more grief for the trip?' Ron asked as Harry and Hermione
came in and sat down slowly.

`They're closing Hogwarts' Hermione told the group of friends.

`What! Why are they doing that? This is the safest place in all of Britain!' Ginny raged.

`The Ministry of Magic was attacked this afternoon, and everyone was evacuated' Harry explained
slowly.

`You mean . . . it's gone? Voldemort controls the Ministry?' Ron asked with a hollow
voice.

`I'd guess just the building. The Ministry is setting up on the ground floor, so students
aren't allowed there except the Great Hall' Harry informed.

`We need to have a meeting with all the Prefects to coordinate the students, so they are ready to
leave by Monday' Hermione said to the group.

`I'll tell the other Gryffindor Prefects' Ginny declared.

`And I'll get the Ravenclaw Prefects, though they laugh at me when I'm not around' Luna
delightfully added.

Harry and Hermione thanked them, and Neville and Ginny returned to Gryffindor Tower, while Luna
gave Ron a kiss, and started off towards Ravenclaw Tower. Hermione went ahead and sent a note via
Floo to both the Hufflepuff and Slytherin common rooms for Prefects to come to the East
Tower.

`I have to go and check on Dad. If the Ministry was attacked, and he was at work . . .` Ron trailed
off, not wanting to verbalize the dreadful thoughts.

`Go to Professor Fourmove's office. She has a Floo there remember?' Hermione suggested. Ron
agreed going to Professor McGonagall's would not be a good move, and started off to the
Transfiguation professor's office.

Meanwhile, Harry and Hermione both went back to the ground floor, waiting for Remus and Tonks to
return. It seemed the Minister had arrived, as wizards and witches were filing in through the
Entrance Chamber, and into the various classrooms. Aurors, dressed in black robes, where rushing to
and fro as other people levitated stacks of files, or other items through the crowd. The noise
coming from everyone was intense, as some tried to find their colleagues, and others where their
department was being set up. Injured wizards and witches were brought through the crowd and up
towards the Hospital Wing, as Healers followed with medi-kits and other items.

It was hard trying to see if Remus or Tonks had returned yet, and the large moving crowd just made
it worst. Harry and Hermione had to stand right next to the wall in order to not be swept away.
Looking through the throng of people, Harry was surprised to spot a familiar face. Well, at least a
formally familiar face.

`Hermione, look' he said, motioning to a man walking through with the others. He was easy to
spot, as he was the only one with such bright red hair.

`Percy?' Hermione questioned, Harry nodding.

Percy Weasley, a man who once liked Harry, then suddenly changed to hating him, was walking through
with the crowd. He carried several parchment files, as well as other items of lesser importance.
His face was paler than before, and it seemed he had given up his prim and proper appearance, with
his hair reaching his shoulders in stringy bunches, and his suit and cloak dirty and ripped. He was
unshaven as well, and looked as if he had not slept in weeks.

Percy continued through with the crowd with an expressionless face, and turned the corner towards
some of the classrooms. Harry gave Hermione a strange look, and looked out again to find Remus and
Tonks—her pale pink hair, which had replaced her usual bright pink, still easily noticeable in the
crowd—making their way to the Heads quickly.

`Harry, Hermione, we need to talk somewhere' Remus urged. Hermione's face dropped into
panic, and she led the way through the crowd. She pushed, shoved; did everything to move as fast as
possible away from the crowd and noise. Running up to the second floor, she opened up a usually
unused classroom, and Remus closed the door behind him.

`Remus, are my parents . . . are they-` Hermione stuttered, as tears began to threaten again. Harry
came over quickly and held on to her tightly and she squeezed back strongly as they waited for
Remus to answer.

`Your parents are alive' he started, Hermione looking up at the ceiling relaxing, and still
tears falling down her face. Harry breathed a sigh of relief, yet he noticed the ill look on
Remus' face. He looked at Tonks, and continued. `But they were in a car accident'

Hermione's eyes opened wide again, and she looked up at Remus horrified. `An accident? Are they
alright? Are they hurt? Tell me Remus!' she shouted, bursting out of Harry's arms and
approaching the grey haired man. Remus put his hands up, and placed them on her shoulders to try
and calm her.

`Your mother is fine, a broken arm, but nothing serious. Your father, as the Muggle doctors told
us, is paralyzed from his waist down. I'm sorry Hermione' he expressed sincerely as
Hermione heard the news. Remus moved forwards as Hermione began breathing harshly, and gave her a
hug, which she gently accepted as she digested the news.

`Was it Voldemort?' she asked between hiccups.

`We think so; Death Eaters terrorizing Muggles. It seems they did not target them specifically
because they are your parents' Tonks insisted. Hermione nodded, and backed away from
Remus.

`We have Mad-Eye and Baldric there watching their room just in case. Baldric was supposed to stay
here, but with the Ministry showing up, he was no longer needed' Remus explained. Harry moved
forwards, and took Hermione's arm.

`Com'on Hermione, we have that Prefect meeting' he reminded. She nodded, and they both
thanked Remus and Tonks for their trip, and then went back to the East Tower.

The news of Hermione's parents just added to what seemed the most horrible day Harry could
remember. It felt like decades ago he woke up hopeful he would find the Book of Thoth. How could so
many things go wrong in one day?

Reaching the East Tower, they entered to find all the House Prefects there waiting. They worked out
the schedule for organizing the students, and answered questions from the students. Supposedly some
students' parents had already come to get them that day after hearing the news of the Ministry
and Diagon Alley.

The night was a quiet one, with Ron and a few others in the East Tower, talking over what was
happening. Ron was able to Floo the Burrow, and found out his father was able to escape alright,
and that Bill had returned safely. The Burrow had been set up by the Order as a headquarters for
that area of the country. Ron and the others were still very worried over the openness of the
house, since it would not take much to attack it like after Christmas. The Weasleys however would
Apparate to Grimmauld if trouble aroused.

The next day, the mood around the castle was ghostly. Students spent most of their time in their
common rooms, and the hallways were empty. Neville and a few other students asked Harry to have one
last meeting of the Guard, but he declined because there was no purpose. Hogwarts, as of the next
day, would no longer be a school.

It did not help brighten the mood in the castle that Umbridge had been released from her home in
the North Tower. She seemed to be seeking retribution on the staff and students now as she took
control over the Aurors again, and began patrols of the school. She had no problems starting
arguments with professors and students over things, and enjoyed every moment of it.

Hermione and Harry took the day and slowly packed up all their possessions. It felt wrong packing
up robes and books so early in the year, but it had to be done. Packing up his school books, and
his clothes, he smiled when he found the Pensieve Hermione made for him. He had yet to use it, but
planned on making use of it sometime.

Coming down to the common room, Harry sat down in front of the dormant fireplace; Hermione doing
the same a moment later.

`Where are you going to go?' Hermione asked.

Harry sighed, and looked at the fireplace. `Grimmauld Place. I have to keep helping the Order, and
besides; it's my house.'

`I have to see my parents, but I'll be going there too' she professed, smiling at Harry.
`I'm surprised the Minister didn't ask to see you.'

`I'm not complaining. He asked for help from the Order, but even if he did ask me for help, I
wouldn't do it. I have my own things to worry about' Harry admitted. Hermione nodded in
agreement.

`You know, there's still one more Horcrux left' Hermione mentioned cautiously.

`Two. Nagini, and this' Harry answered, pointing to his forehead and lowering his glance to the
carpet.

`How are we going to destroy your scar, and the snake?'

`I don't know Hermione' Harry answered flatly, looking up and putting his hands to his
face. There were still so many things left to do, and even if he succeeded in some of them, he
still had others left. Sometimes Harry felt the world was against him, and not just
Voldemort.

The door to the Tower opened, and Harry turned around annoyed to see who it was. So far, almost
every Prefect had come in with questions, and numerous Aurors had argued with Evander at wanting in
the Tower. Harry's face brightened at least a little at seeing Topher walk up the
hallway.

`Harry, I'm sorry to barge in like this-` he admitted.

`It's fine' Harry answered, getting up from his chair. Topher walked the rest of the way
in, and greeted Hermione.

`I am sorry I did not get back to you sooner, but it was a busy day yesterday. Where are you going
after the train ride tomorrow?' he asked. Harry answered, but Topher said he could not
understand what he was saying. Harry tried again, speaking slowly, but it still seemed not to work.
Only when Hermione came over and gave Topher a piece of parchment, did he understand.

`Ah, a Fidelius Charm. Thank you Hermione. I have a favour to ask of you Harry' Topher
continued, taking the parchment and burning it with his wand. `Can I go with you to this place? We
need to continue with looking for the Book.'

`Topher' Harry started, turning and letting his shoulder drop as reminders of the last two days
filtered through his tired mind. `There's no point. Hogwarts is gone, the Order is almost
destroyed, and the Ministry, it is destroyed. How do you think we can get to the Ministry now, let
alone the Department of Mysteries? There's no point.'

`Harry don't talk like that' Hermione insisted, moving around to Harry. `Even if we have to
leave Hogwarts, we'll keep looking for the Book. We'll find it' she pressed. Harry
looked at Hermione, and at Topher, and paced towards the window. It seemed so long ago he
remembered Hermione telling him about his Firebolt breaking through this window to the Quidditch
Pitch. Looking down, still not having responded to Hermione, his eyes fell upon the white tomb of
Albus Dumbledore.

`I wish he was still here' Harry whispered, feeling Hermione's hand on his back as she
looked out also.

`Alright, we'll work out of Grimmauld Place' Harry answered Topher.

`OK. Hagrid wanted to see you before tomorrow.'

Harry turned away from the window and back towards the professor. `But we aren't allowed on the
grounds.'

`Do you think that matters now? Besides, Professor McGonagall said until you graduate, or the
school closes. Guess what, it's closing' Topher responded dejectly. Harry looked out at the
tomb again, and nodded.

`Alright, we'll go see Hagrid and see how he is doing.'

`Good. I'll be up in my office if you need me. Aberforth is still in Hogsmede, but he'll be
leaving on the train with the students, so he will more than likely join us' Topher assumed. He
said goodbye to the Heads and left the Tower for his office, running into Ron and Luna who where on
their way in.

`Anything new?' Ron asked Harry, coming into the common room.

`No, he just asked to come to Grimmauld to continue the research. We're going to see Hagrid
now, want to come with?'

They agreed, and made their way down the castle to the ground floor, where Ministry officials where
walking around rapidly and paper memos flew through the air. Harry and the others gained permission
to go see Hagrid, and started their way out. The sky was overcast, and it was cool, but warm enough
not to warrant coats. It was already later in the day, and the sky was beginning to shade as sunset
was approaching slowly.

Walking towards Hagrid's small hut, which had smoke billowing from its chimney, Harry turned
abruptly to the right the moment the doors to the Entrance Chamber closed.

`Um Harry?' Ron questioned as they walked quickly to catch up to him. `Where are you
going?'

`I want to go see him' Harry attested.

`Who?' Ron asked, realizing when they came down an incline, and he took notice of the white
tomb.

Harry had neglected coming here the whole year. With Dumbledore's portrait, it felt like he
never really left, and so there was little need to come down here to visit the memorial. Now that
his portrait had left—as Professor McGonagall told him earlier that morning when he requested to
speak to him—Harry could feel that hole in his heart that was from not having Dumbledore
there.

Everyone stayed close to each other as Aurors on patrol stared at them, but Harry took no notice of
them.

Reaching the white stone tomb, Harry slowly approached it, and stood up on the front section, just
before the actual tomb itself.

Harry slowly ran his hand over the coarse stone surface, and could remember the funeral for
Dumbledore. All the sadness, and the hollow feeling in his chest from the loss of the beloved man
entered again in his chest, and he felt himself sway when Hermione came up and looked at the tomb
too, with Ron and Luna following suit.

`I miss him' Harry whispered, Hermione taking his hand.

`We all do Harry. He's still here though, remember? As long as those who are loyal to him are
here at Hogwarts' she reminded him quietly.

'I remember when Dumbledore gave me some candy. He was always a nice man, and believed some of
the stories I told him' Luna added. Harry looked up at her, and smiled warmly at her.

Harry was still very loyal to Dumbledore, even if he held truths from Harry after death. Dumbledore
always looked out for Harry, and helped him in ways he could never thank enough for. He remembered
the morning after waking up from his search for the Philosopher's Stone. Dumbledore was so
comforting to see, and Harry remembered how he just seemed to bring confidence to everyone, even
when close to death last year.

As the thoughts of the late Headmaster poured through his mind, a single tear of sorrow for
Dumbledore's absence fell from his cheek, and landed on the white stone.

Looking at the tomb, a sound—an almost unearthly sound—echoed through the glen. Harry and the
others looked up at the sky, as the sound—a song—reached their ears, and filled their hearts with
hope. The song was beautiful as it moved through the glen and passed through the trees, and over
the Lake, and through the students.

Harry closed his eyes as the song grew in volume, and stirred his desire to fight on and battle
through whatever fate threw at him. The tomb in Egypt, the Ministry falling, the closing of
Hogwarts; they were all meant to destroy his spirit. This song though, it was affecting him.
Reminding him of all those who died before him—his parents, Sirius, and Dumbledore—fighting against
the darkness that spread across the country.

Opening his eyes, he looked at Hermione, and then to Ron, and realized he had to keep fighting—not
for himself—but for his friends, his family, and his love. The song grew louder as its melodic
notes spread across the grounds, and caused the Aurors to even stop their patrols.

Looking at the tomb, Harry found something added to it. Lying flat on the white stone was a
majestically brilliant gold feather. Harry did not know how it got there, as he was too wrapped in
the song that was still echoing around them. Reaching over, he picked it up, and gazed at it.

The feather was beautiful, and sparkled even though the sky was cloudy. It was a long feather, over
a foot, and as he looked it over Harry ran his fingers through the filaments. As his finger ran
through the silk-like strands, a feeling of confidence built inside him like never before, and he
looked at Hermione.

Hermione however was looking at the tomb with wide eyes. `Harry' she whispered, still looking
at the tomb. Harry turned his head, and the source of the song was realized.

Sitting on the white tomb, a vivid scarlet bird glanced at the students. Its stunningly
fire-brazened wing feathers shone bright, and its tail feathers were as golden as the sun. Its gaze
focused on Harry, and Harry looked at the feather quickly, before looking at the others in
surprise.

`Fawkes?'

The phoenix bowed its head to Harry, and continued to look at the students. Harry had no idea what
to do with him, but luckily Fawkes took the next move.

Taking flight in what looked like a blaze of fire, the bird soared over the group, and landed
itself pleasantly on Harry's shoulder, clucking its beak.

`It's great to see you back' Harry said to the bird as he stroked its head, feeling the
heat coming off the bird like warmth from the hearth. Its position on his shoulder gave Harry a
sense of reassurance and strength.

The group moved over to pet the bird, when a massive explosion erupted from the direction of
Hogsmede. Harry and the others turned quickly, Fawkes keeping tight hold on Harry, and they could
see the towering flames coming from the town.

The guards at the gate were running inside, baring them shut and yelling to others as another
thunderous blast came from the town, and sent a huge fireball up into the air. The group of friends
could do nothing but watch in horror as the flames licked the sky, and sent smoke upwards. The
Aurors on patrol where all running back to the castle, while more bound towards the gates to help
secure them. Harry looked at the others, and swallowed deeply.

It took only a few moments before a bright green bolt of light shot up from the ground, and
exploded into a massive skull, with a snake slithering from its mouth over the flames. Even from
this distance, Harry could hear the screams and yells from the town as more blasts occurred.

Looking at the Dark Mark and the flames rising above the town, the eerie voice of the female ka
rung in Harry's head.

*“The sign of the golden feather upon the stone will mark the beginning of the end.”*

Harry looked at the golden feather, and realized what had happened.

`We're not going home' Ron uttered fearfully.

The hope and determination to fight that was only a moment before present in Harry vanished with
his friend's words and the presence of the Dark Mark over Hogsmede. Harry looked at Hermione,
and found just as much worry in her face and eyes, and he felt Fawkes crow softly, giving Harry a
squeeze of his shoulders.

If they were trapped in the castle, and they could not escape, then they had to fight. Just as the
Sorting Hat said in the beginning of the year, the fight was coming to Hogwarts, and Harry had to
fight for his school, his home.

Starting off to the castle with a determination that transferred instantly to his friends, he
looked at Ron seriously. The Aurors and other Ministry personnel were running past frantically,
however Harry's group moved confidently and focused while Fawkes held on to Harry's
shoulder.

`Order the Guardians to meet in the Room of Requirement. If Voldemort is looking for a fight,
we'll give him one he'll never forget.'

**Spell / Name Meanings:**
**Persectum Dextra** - L. perseco: to cut through, dextera: the right hand (Persectum Dextra =
to cut through the right hand)
**Expello Per Horresentia** - L. expello: banish, per: through, horrendus: horrible/dreadful,
sentia: thought (Expello Per Horresentia = Banish through horrible thought) (this is a variant of a
previous spell, Expello Per Sentia)
**Borislav** - Slavic - bor: battle, slav: glory (fame in battle)

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