Chapter 2: Heart of the Night
Concentrating on the thoughts in his mind, Dumbledore walked a familiar path within the Forbidden Forest. He knew the situation that Harry was in posed a great danger to everyone. With Harry being so confused and volatile, he had to approach this with the greatest care that he possibly could. Surely, he of all people should have seen the radical changes that were occurring within Harry. Alas, however, he had barely the time to see much of anything, as he had been so busy traveling back and forth from Hogwarts to the Ministry of Magic in London. It seemed every effort to convince the Ministry of Voldemort's return fell upon deaf ears. He knew that in order to fight this war that all would have to unite to stand a chance. In a sense, Dumbledore knew that he had failed himself and Harry. By not being there when Harry needed him the most. Now it appeared that Voldemort was ever so close to gaining a major achievement with his dark plans. He had to thwart these plans, for if he failed tonight, darkness will surely be one-step closer to ruling the wizarding world. All of this flashed thru the great wizard's mind as he walked down the path. Seconds felt like minutes, minutes seemed like hours. The wizard's instincts told him he was on the right path. Very soon he came upon a fork in the path. Stopping at this Dumbledore listened closely. Many different sounds came to him from the depths of the forest. Most of them he knew very well, so fear did not enter his mind. However, there were a few new sounds. With these sounds reaching him, he smiled a bit. Then one particular sound came to his ears. A sound that he had been expecting to hear. Quickly he looked to his right beyond the maze of trees and undergrowth.
"Ah, of course." "I should have remembered." said the aged wizard.
He then set off on a walk to his right that would take him deep into the heart of the black forest. What slight moonlight that was able to shine thru, sneaked its way between the trees. Soon though it was blotted out, as the forest grew thicker and even blacker. The trees became the height of giants and towered over everything. Dumbledore knew he was getting close and continued. His every thought set on determination to reach Harry before it was too late.
The headmaster's instincts were soon proved correct as he came upon a cave. The great wizard knew a cave all too well. Barely visibly burned into the rock above the entrance was the symbol of a serpent. Quickly the sands of time rushed back some 50 years ago to a much younger Albus Dumbledore and to a seventeen-year-old student named Tom Riddle. He had known that Tom was sneaking out of the castle at night and coming to this place to meet with fellow students; his future Death Eaters. Being the great wizard that he is today, the then intelligent professor could not bring himself to accuse and report Tom Riddle for doing this. For when questioned about the young wizard's actions, the response would always be the same. No harm was being done. This much was true. For the true harm was still off in the future. Only the seeds were being planted right here now. For, like Harry, Tom Riddle would not be detained by rules or regulations. Both were too powerful and destined for history.
Upon entering the cave, the air was damp and heavy. In the darkness, Dumbledore could hear sobs and burst of anger echoing from a distance ahead.
"Lumos."
With this command, the headmaster's wand emitted a low glow that filled a small, circular room. Dumbledore paused as he entered the room and stood there looking at Harry. The young wizard was crouched against the far wall of the room. He was still sobbing slightly and muttering uncontrollable anger under his breath. Reacting quickly, Harry looked up and pulled his wand out; ever so ready to send a spell flying into Dumbledore. With eyes blazing forth a green fire within them, Harry's mouth formed a sneer of pure evil.
"Get out!" he screamed to Dumbledore.
"Harry." calmly spoken by Dumbledore.
The headmaster took a step forward while saying this. In reaction, Harry took a step back towards a rock formation at the back of the room.
"Don't take another step!" "I will kill you!" sneered Harry.
"Nonsense, Harry." as he took another step in Harry's direction.
A bolt of red light soared out of Harry's wand and scorched the earth a mere, few inches in front of Dumbledore. Unphased by these actions, Dumbledore continued to speak in a low and calm tone.
"Harry, I can help you. I am so sorry for not being there earlier to help, but I am here now. It isn't too late. Please, just lower your wand and come back with me."
"Never!" "I'll never go back to that castle again." Harry said angrily.
"Harry we all care for you. i do know for a fact that Mr. Weasley deeply cares for your well being."
"Liar!" Harry yelled as another bolt of red blazed forth and left a burnt scorch mark on the cave wall to Dumbledore's side.
Harry stood to his feet. His wand now aimed precisely at Dumbledore's chest.
"Next time I will not miss." Harry said.
An evil smile broke across Harry's face that sent a chill to the headmaster's heart. He knew this look on Harry's face was the same exact as Tom Riddle's arrogant sneer 50 years ago. Pushing aside the past, Dumbledore spoke.
"Please Harry, we can overcome this and purge Voldemort from your mind. All of your friends are so terribly worried about you."
Upon hearing, this Harry turned his back to Dumbledore and stared at the cave wall in front of him. By the glow from Dumbledore's wand, Harry could see a spider stalking a fly that had become entangled in the sticky webbing. A low chuckle escaped from Harry as he watched this scene unfold; totally ignoring the wizard's pleas behind him.
A hissing, snake-like voice arose within Harry's lungs as he slowly turned his head and looked at Dumbledore over his shoulder.
"Friends, I have no friends, foolish old man!" said the Parselmouth voice.
With this being, said Harry wheeled about as another red flash exploded from his wand. Dumbledore, sensing this, conjured a shield charm to block the curse with ease.
" No Harry, you will not kill me or anyone tonight. I know the hurt and injuries that have been caused are not your fault. Not all of this is of your doing. I know deep inside there is the true Harry Potter. The true Gryffindor. You have to learn to fight this but you can only win this battle if you come with me. Please, come with me!"
The wise wizard extends his hand and holds it in midair for Harry.
Shocked and bewildered by these actions, Harry is speechless. He looks down at the rubble of rock on the ground and then looks back to the pearl blue eyes of his headmaster. They are full of determination as they are dead-set and locked onto Harry's face.
"Oh professor!" Harry cries. "It is so difficult to do. So hard to think right."
"I know Harry, I do know. Trust me it is the right decision. Come let us go and leave this place of dark powers and history."
Succumbing to these words, Harry lowers his wand and starts to walk towards Dumbledore. After taking a few steps in silence Harry stops and looks across the room to Dumbledore. With his green eyes ablaze again, Harry speaks very strongly.
"No one will die tonight...except me!"
Harry places his wand to his neck as Dumbledore looks on in horror and shock.
"Avada-"
"Expelliarmus!"
The words echoed throughout the cave.
Blinded by a great flash of white light, Harry is thrown backwards against the cave wall; rendering him totally unconscious. Dumbledore walks over and kneels beside his pupil. Blood starts to trickle down Harry's head and onto the side of his face. The headmaster places his hand on the young wizard's forehead and whispers.
"I am so sorry, Harry. You know that I would never harm you."
Accessing his situation, he carefully scoops up Harry and carries him out of the cave in his arms. Meanwhile Harry plummets away into a cold darkened state. Somehow, his mind is consciously aware of the visions of his past. It is the last thing he remembers before waking up in the hospital wing at Hogwarts.
