Chapter 10

(Ministry)

Dumbledore screamed as a bloody wound opened up across his chest as Ariana continued to torture him. It seemed to have gone on for hours. She would cut him in multiple places and cause him great pain before he was healed so that she could begin again. Clearly his sister's hatred of him for killing her during his argument with Grindelwald was far greater than he had imagined or believed. He winced as she hit him with a bone breaker that shattered his left knee cap. "Please, no more," he shouted just wanting it all to end for the pain to stop. "Just kill me," he begged.

"No," Harry spat. "No easy death for you old man," Harry responded as he glared at him. "The amount of blood on your hands is to great to be just ignored, betrayal, murder and torture all can be subscribed to you and your plans," he stated. "Your victims cry out for blood and I will grant them their turn with you, by the end you will know the pain and suffering your pride and greed have caused," he finished.

Dumbledore let out a groan at the very idea of being tortured by everyone who had suffered due to his plans. This had never been in his thoughts when he had made many of his plans so many years ago. He had never envisioned such an end, he had believed he had it all worked out and now it was all falling to pieces. "I should have killed you when you were a baby, but I had need of you," Dumbledore spat, angered by his plans failures and unable to hold back any longer.

Lily unleashed a powerful bolt of lightening which caused Dumbledore to shake and spasm in agony and he felt as if his nerves were being fried. Finally Lily stopped the spell and moved back to Harry's side. Her green eyes showed her deep hatred for the man. Harry was not surprised by the man's words. "And with that you prove just how evil you really are," Harry told him with a cold smile as Kingsley, Emmeline, Moody and Tonks looked shell shocked by his admission, even knowing about his true nature. To actually see and hear real proof was truly shocking to them, Fleur's eyes narrowed in anger at his words, while Sirius had to be held back by James's magic as he was enraged to hear such a threat.

"To think I used to respect him so much" Emmeline spat disgusted with her former idol before she turned and buried her head in Sirius's shoulder for comfort. This shocked Sirius out of his rage and he did his best to help her recover her composure, Moody shook his head bitterly as he realised how much the old man had fooled him. How had he not seen the truth? Why had he been fooled so easily for so long?

Tonks was enraged to hear the headmaster state he wished to have killed her almost lover as a child. It ripped away any left over feelings of mercy she had for this to be over quickly. Clearly the old man felt no regret at his actions, he only cared that his plans had been stopped. Kingsley was angered by how much he believed the man had fallen, to see the truth about the old man he had looked up to be confirmed left a very bitter taste in his mouth.

Alice moved to the front as Ariana healed the old man's wounds and then turned and indicated she could have her go. A dark smile graced the spirit's face as her eyes lit up with the same insanity inflicted on her by the Death Eaters so many years ago. Dumbledore had only a second to stare at her in horror before he began screaming as he felt his arm break and his skin begin to boil.

(Riddle Manor)

Godric smiled as he recognised the fake smile Voldemort wore as he tried to keep face in front of his followers. Clearly he did not understand why one of his most loyal followers was suddenly turning on him and doing his very best to anger him beyond reason. It was funny to see the Dark Lord who scared the entire wizarding world face to face. Salazar during his worst days had more presence than this man. Having watched from the after life he knew the only reason Voldemort was so feared was down to his ability to scare people so easily. Had they stood up to him as a united force then he would not have stood a chance.

"So Lucius have you now turned and allied yourself with Dumbledore or have you made an arrangement with Potter?" Voldemort inquired, as he settled back into his seat. "The old man is done for just as much as you are snake lips," Godric answered with a smile. "It's amusing to see you try so hard to look as if you know what is going on, even as you fail to grasp what has happened," he added, knowing he was getting to the Dark Lord as his eyes narrowed and tinged red.

"Master, please let me kill him," Bellatrix pleaded, out raged to see her lord so disrespected, especially in front of the other Death Eaters. "Not yet Bella, clearly Lucius has more to say and a plan in mind," Voldemort responded. "What I wonder is what makes him think he is immune to my power?" he inquired.

Godric couldn't help it and broke out laughing. "Power, what power you worthless half blood?" he shot back. Enjoying the look of rage that covered the Dark Lord's face while the assembled Death Eaters looked stupefied, which made him laugh all the harder. "Your power comes from the fear you inspire and create. You have no idea what true power is and wouldn't know what to do with it, even if you had it," he continued. "The Necromancer will show you what power is. He will educate you and these simpering fools who worship you what to do with true power," he stated coldly. "What will you do when he comes for you Tom?" he demanded to know.

Voldemort couldn't take it anymore as his anger exploded within him and he let out a scream of rage, his wand came up and he unleashed a blasting curse of such power it blew a hole through Malfoy's lower chest, sending blood everywhere as well as bits of bone and the remains of his liver. As he calmed down he was astounded to see Lucius was still alive and moving around as if he had not just been mortally wounded. 'What kind of magic was this?' Voldemort wondered.

"Is that all you can do Tom?" Godric inquired. "Loose your temper like a child and blow a hole through my chest?" he added with a shake of his head as if talking to a three year old. "I'm not impressed," he stated. This caused Bellatrix to let out a scream of rage at the disrespect shown to her lord and she brought her own wand up. She began to fire a series of Crucio's and killing curses at the man. Nearly all of them hit Malfoy, but he remained standing and looked quite bored, much to the shock of many of the Death Eaters. A few of the spells missed and ended up cutting down some of her allies. Finally Voldemort commanded her to stop as he noted the lack of effect and her sloppy aim that had cost him some of his followers.

"That tickled," Godric told him with a smile. "Enjoy what time you have left Tommy boy, because when the Necromancer gets through with you well you'd wish you'd never heard of magic," he finished before he pulled out of Malfoy and showed himself to the assembled hall. "Alas poor Lucius, I knew him well," he said, as Malfoy's body collapsed to the ground. Gasping for breath as blood spurted out of his mouth before he quickly died. "He was loyal you know, to you and the course and you killed him thanks to me possessing him and not once did you suspect the truth," he spat. "What kind of Dark Lord are you?" he inquired before he vanished.

Voldemort let out another cry of rage as he realised he had been played by a mere ghost and in the process he had lost a loyal and useful ally. Someone would pay dearly for this he swore. He glared at the other Death Eaters who stared nervously at him. Bellatrix looked halfway between confused and enraged. What made him pause before he acted was the cryptic comments about a Necromancer Malfoy's possessed form had talked about. Was that how he had remained alive after suffering a killing blow? If it was true then whoever this person was he was a threat that needed to be removed and quickly, even more so than Potter and Dumbledore. He needed information and he needed it now. He took a deep breath to help calm himself before he gave orders.

"Wormtail, go to the Ministry and see if you can find out what is going on and quickly," he finally stated. "Any mentioning of this Necromancer is to be reported. I want to know what else is going on with Potter and Dumbledore as well," he added. "Yes Master," Pettigrew responded and bowed low. "I will not fail you," he added before he turned and ran off to carry out his Master's orders.

"Bellatrix, I want you to prepare this base for an assault," Voldemort said, turning to his favourite. "I believe whoever is behind this will be paying us a visit soon," he explained his reasoning at her questioning gaze. "Once we have dealt with the attack we will find whoever is behind this and make them pay dearly," he spat, before he dismissed the others.

(Ministry)

Harry shook as he felt the strain of keeping Malfoy's body alive. He had taxed his powers quite hard in the last couple of hours and clearly it was beginning to get the better of him. Clearly he still had his limits, he felt a sharp pain shoot through him before he almost fell over had it not been for Fleur and Tonks catching him and helping him sit down. He rubbed his eyes as he felt the pull vanish as Godric released Malfoy from his control.

"What's wrong Harry?" Tonks inquired as she noted the pale look that now covered his face. "I've been pushing myself hard. I need to rest and recover as I am not without my limits as it seems," Harry admitted. "I guess even a Necromancer can get tired," he added with a sarcastic smile. "Everyone has their limits kid," Sirius told him as he also sat down with Emmeline, still using him as a pillow.

Kinglsey and Moody kept an eye on Dumbledore who hung limply on the wall with multiple cuts and bruises all over his body thanks to Alice, Frank and James taking their turns on him. Two rather large wounds covered his left side and his chest. He let out a moan every now and again, but mostly kept silent. He was almost completely broken and knew there was no escape, he was doomed.

"He's right Harry. You should take the next couple of hours to rest and recuperate before we go after Voldemort," Tonks advised him, her worry clear on her face. "I agree with that," Merlin's spirit spoke up. "Taking down Voldemort and all his followers will not be easy and it would be best if you were at the peak of your powers," he added. "He will have more than just human followers. There will be giants, Dementors and other nasty things such as werewolves at his command," he pointed out.

"Luckily the Dementors should not prove to much trouble for you," Lily cut in with a frown at Merlin for his attempt to scare her son. "As the Necromancer you can control and destroy them easily. They are damned souls and thus fall under your command Harry," she informed him. "That is at least comforting to know," Harry responded with a weak smile. "Is this why they tried to kill me each time I have come into contact with them?" he inquired.

"Yes it is," James answered. "They could sense you were a threat to them and tried to kill you. Thankfully you were up to the challenge and dealt with them both times," he continued with a proud smile. "But that does not mean they are not dangerous, be careful when confronting them," he advised. "I understand father," Harry replied with a nod as he finally gave into the urge to let out a yawn.

"Sleep Harry, recover your strength," Lily encouraged him. "We will guard you," she stated with a smile to which he nodded as Fleur conjured him a small cot and he collapsed onto it and quickly curled up and fell asleep as Godric returned.

"Will he be okay?" Emmeline asked. "Yes, once he is at full strength again he will be fine," Lily responded, as she glared at Dumbledore's broken form before moving forward intending to finish him off.

"No, please no more," Dumbledore begged as Lily cast a silencing charm around them so they would not wake Harry up. "Silence old man," Lily spat and with a wave of her hand blasts of magic erupted out of it and engulfed him, causing him to scream out in agony as he jerked and spasmed trying to get away but found there was no escape from the pain.

Tonks watched Harry for a few minutes before she locked eyes with Fleur who had also been watching Harry. She decided it was time to have a long over due discussion with the half Veela. Fleur seemed to have the same idea and they left Harry to his sleep and moved over to a corner of the room away from the others, Fleur dropped her own silencing charm around them before getting down to business.

(Riddle Manor)

Voldemort stared down at the corpse of Malfoy wondering if he knew how he had been tricked into killing him. He wondered if Lucius had suffered during the possession. He finally walked away after giving orders for the body to be turned into an inferi. Lucius could at least make up for his failure in adding one more weapon to his arsenal. He watched as Bellatrix prepared his forces and he wondered who was fool enough to attack him dead on, even if that person was a Necromancer? Returning to his throne room he decided to do some research on Necromancers, even though he knew since there had not been one since Merlin there was bound to be little. He might need any advantage he could get. He knew the legends as well as anyone else, but since there had not been one since Merlin legends could only get one so far.

"Master, the Dementors and giants are now in position and your followers are gearing up as we speak," Bellatrix reported as she returned. "Greyback will return with the werewolves within the hour to aide us," she continued. "We are almost ready for any attack against us," she stated with confidence. "Excellent Bella," Voldemort responded with a pleased nod. "Then we shall wait for our would be attacker. You shall have the honour of being my bodyguard," he stated. "Thank you my lord," Bellatrix said, bowing low with a pleased look on her face.

(Ministry)

Peter was wary as he moved through the empty hallways in his rat animagus form and felt as if the same thing that had happened at Hogwarts had happened here as well. He saw lots of blood and indications of fighting having taken place. The question was who had attacked? Who could have been so bold to take on the Ministry so quickly? He had a sinking feeling in his guts that things were about to go down hill for him and the Death Eaters. He came to a halt as he felt powerful wards fell around him. "Well well Peter, how nice of you to join us," a voice he never believed he would hear again said from behind him.

Peter spun and quickly found himself forced back into his human form as James Potter appeared behind him. He stared in disbelief at the sight before him and then was trying to find some way out. "You can't escape Peter. Your arse belongs to us now," James spat as he stared at the second reason for his and Lily's deaths. "I think Lily would love to see you as would Sirius," he added.

"Mercy," Peter managed to stammer out before he was struck across the face and sent flying into the wards. His body felt electrified as pain flowed up and down before he passed out. James waved his hands and dropped the wards before he levitated Peter's unconscious body back to the others. Entering the room he noted Lily had made a bloody mess of Dumbledore. He looked as if both his arms were broken in multiple places, the same was obviously true of his legs and fingers and toes. His stomach was cut all over and he was bleeding heavily. He could be heard whimpering and moaning. James smirked and had to admit his wife had gotten creative.

"We have a guest," he announced, drawing everyone's attention except for Harry who remained asleep as well as Fleur and Tonks who continued to talk and argue within their silencing charm.

Lily's eyes widened as she noted who her husband had captured and a burning rage reignited in her as she stared at the traitor. Spitting on Dumbledore she left him in agony and moved to confront Pettigrew as did Sirius who could barely believe the rat had been captured at last.

"How did you manage to catch him?" Kingsley asked as he looked at the rat like man. "He was obviously sent here to spy on the Ministry and find out what was going on since Godric used Malfoy as a puppet to wind him up," Merlin concluded.

"Sounds about right," Lily growled. "Wake him, it seems we have one more thing to deal with before we finish the old man," she added. "Easy Lily, first we question him and then we can kill him," Sirius cut in. "He can tell us what kind of defences old snake lips will have guarding him," he pointed out as Lily shot him a glare which made his blood feel like ice and a shiver run down his spine.

"He's right mom," Harry interrupted them having been awoken from his sleep by the increased emotions from Lily. "We need that information," he stated to which Lily reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Very well Harry," Lily agreed and with a snap of her fingers she pinned Peter to the wall next to the beaten, broken and bloody Dumbledore who could barely move his head to see what was going on.

Inside the silencing bubble Tonks stared at Fleur after she had explained how the bond worked and why she had bonded herself to Harry in the first place. She had to admit she understood Fleur's reasons for doing so, but she still felt unsure about the possibility of sharing Harry with her. There was nothing she could do to interfere or break the bond between Harry and Fleur, to do so would kill both of them and that was not something she wanted to do.

"I know this is a lot to handle right now Tonks," Fleur said. "I know you did not expect this to happen and neither did I, but without Harry I would still be a slave to Bill Weasley," she reminded her. "He is unlike any other guy I know and I believe there will not be another like him. He is worth of my love and loyalty and I will help him anyway possible and as I have two life debts owed to him this is the best way I can think of to repay him," she explained. "I will give him the love and trust I know he craves for as long as he needs me. If you decide sharing him is something you can do then I am sure we will become friends," she finished.

Tonks could do nothing but stare at her. Fleur dropped the silencing bubble and rejoined the others. When she noted the figure of Pettigrew hung next to Dumbledore she shook of her personal problems and joined them as well ignoring the inquiring look Harry sent her way for now. She would sort out where she stood with Harry later on, once all of this was over and done with. She needed to sit down and have a heart to heart with Harry.