CHAPTER XI
Letters

Harry coughed. He was lying down on a couch. He blinked and recognized the room he was in immediately as Slughorn's office.

'All right, m'boy?'

Harry looked around. Slughorn had just Rennervated him by the looks of it. Ginny was standing by him, too.

'Did I just kiss Romilda Vane?'

Ginny nodded.

Harry looked back to Slughorn. 'Eugh. How did you know I had drunk love potion?'

'Just things,' Ginny said. 'A Ginny-hunch, really. You've been acting strange for over a week now. Hermione told me you were having breakfast with Vane and her friends the morning you left the Hospital Wing. You didn't tell me you loved me as well when I told you. And I thought I was imagining it, but I noticed your eyes dart in another direction every time you looked at me. Also, you weren't able to deflect my Expelliarmus - that confirmed everything I had been suspecting.'

Harry sat up. 'How did you find me?'

'I followed your trail of blood. That kick of Ron's was really nasty.'

'What did you do to Vane?'

'I had her eyes sprout tentacles. Madam Pomfrey will probably be able to undo it with a simple Finite Incantatem, but first she needs to get a clear aim. And that might take quite a while if the tentacles want to grab her wand.'

Slughorn chuckled.

'Thanks,' Harry muttered. 'You too, Professor. Thank you.'

'It's nothing, m'boy. I'm glad to help.'

'I'm sorry, Ginny.'

'For what?' she asked.

'For kissing another lady. For getting fed love potion by that hag.'

'It's all right, Harry.' She smiled and came to sit beside him. 'Did you figure out what you might have eaten that could have contained love potion?'

Harry shrugged. 'Perhaps I drank something when I was still in the Hospital Wing?'

'If that's the case, I'm going to give Madam Pomfrey an earful about Hospital security! That might as well have been poison!'

'I'm sorry, Ginny. I love you.'

'Forget about it, Harry. I know you do. But now you have to tell me if she's a better kisser than I am.'

Slughorn chuckled again.

'I don't know,' said Harry. 'Kissing her was like ... kissing a stranger … like kissing a girl. I mean, you're glad you're kissing a girl, but you wish it could be someone else. But you, when I kiss you, I can feel it in my toes. It warms up every part of my body. It's like ... I will never have to feel cold again.

'I'm feeling cold now,' Harry said mischievously. Neither Harry nor Ginny heard Slughorn chuckle again.

They kissed and, indeed, every particle in Harry's body warmed up as if a Phoenix's song was resonating in the room.

Slughorn coughed. Harry and Ginny looked at him.

'Oh, don't mind me!' he said. 'I do not wish to hinder young frivolity,' he added with an adoring smile.

'Professor Slughorn,' Harry said as Ginny was kissing the side of his face. 'How come there aren't any more Slug Club parties?'

Slughorn turned red a bit and muttered something about 'not enough time.'

'Oh,' said Harry carefully. Something - perhaps Ginny's presence - was guiding him like he felt guided by the Felix Felicis last time he wanted something from Slughorn. 'I thought it might be because you felt afraid of me.'

'Afraid of you? Surely not.'

'Well, perhaps I chose the wrong phrasing. I just figured that you didn't want me to ask about the Horcruxes again.'

Slughorn didn't like the direction in which the conversation was going.

'I didn't - I told you I know nothing about Horcruxes!'

Harry stared into the man's eyes. 'You already gave me the memory, Professor.'

'I - I did?'

Harry nodded. 'After Aragog's burial.'

Slughorn drew a chair to sit on, and he started rubbing his head.

'You shouldn't be ashamed of yourself, Professor,' said Ginny, finally able to focus on something other than kissing Harry's neck. 'Many people have been tricked by Lord Voldemort, and many more are about to be. You showed real bravery in giving Harry the memory, and the road to redemption lies before your feet. You have nothing to be ashamed of.'

'I ... I gave him ... the information that made him immortal! I told him how he couldn't be killed. It is because of me that this war is raging! People are dying because of me!'

'Professor, that is enough,' said Harry, trying to sound strict. 'He would have found out another way. You were simply the easiest. It is not your fault he wanted to become immortal.'

Slughorn started sobbing. 'It is my fault that he is immortal.'

'Professor, are you willing to help undo the Horcruxes, so I can kill him? I have accepted it as my mission to destroy him, and once the Horcruxes are gone, he can be killed, right?'

Slughorn nodded. 'But my dear boy, you have no idea how well the Horcruxes are protected!'

This was an odd statement. Harry definitely didn't expect that. It sounded almost as if -

'Regulus Black,' Harry said. 'He came to you for help, didn't he?'

Slughorn looked incredulously into Harry's eyes. He nodded slowly.

'This makes sense,' Harry continued. 'I thought Regulus wouldn't have been able to get to the island in the cave alone. Someone had to be with him, at least up until the boat!'

'You went in the cave?' asked Slughorn. 'You figured out where it was, what was in it, and how to get it, all by yourself?'

'Dumbledore helped me. That's where we went the day he died.'

Slughorn fell off his chair. 'My boy, I have thoroughly underestimated you. You are truly the Chosen One.'

'He is,' agreed Ginny.

'Professor Horace Slughorn, are you willing to help me destroy the Horcruxes?'

Slughorn took a deep breath. He was stuttering. 'I w-will do wh-what I can to aid you in your q-q-quest, Chosen One.'

Harry nodded. 'Thank you.'

'We've got four Horcuxes already,' Ginny explained. 'Two are already destroyed. We can't figure out how to destroy the other two.'

Slughorn looked at Ginny. 'He's not taking you with him?'

'I would have her stay behind,' said Harry calmly.

'But I won't leave him,' completed Ginny, a look of mock disgust on her face.

'Hold on to him, Ginny,' said Slughorn. 'Don't you let him go. So you want me to destroy the other two?'

'Yes, if you're willing,' said Harry, 'since I have no clue.'

'I'll need to see them,' he said, 'and even then I don't promise anything.'

Harry looked at Ginny. 'I'll get them,' she said.

Harry looked admiringly at the lovely redhead as she left the office. Only when she'd left did he notice Slughorn was looking at him admiringly.

'You two remind me a lot of your mother and father, Harry. You look a lot like him, and she's got her personality, no doubt about that.'

Harry smiled. 'Tell me. I don't know too much about my own parents.'

Slughorn seemed to like to tell stories. 'Well James was very much taken with Lily, like many students at the time. The thing that made James special was that all the girls fancied him. You're not the first one of your line to be fed love potion, Harry.' He chuckled and then continued. 'James didn't want anyone but Lily Evans; she didn't know it, but she wanted him, too.

'Anyway, Lily only realized that when James started dating someone else. Someone Lily knew by name, but didn't often talk with - Teriana Bellons. Lily became jealous!

'She started going out with James's arch enemy, -'

'SNAPE?'

Slughorn nodded. 'Severus Snape. She figured that nothing could make James more jealous than her dating his arch enemy.' He chuckled again. 'It worked.

'Severus Snape was over the moon, of course. I believe he always nursed a soft spot for Lily, and now he was actually going out with her!

'Teriana felt it was coming, and thought it was for the best when James broke up with her. She was really happy for Lily. Severus, however, was heartbroken. She'd left him for the one person he hated most.'

'Snape loved my mum?'

'Yes. Well, up until the sixth year, Severus couldn't stand Lily, but then she started helping him out at potions. And you know how one thing can lead to another. I think Lily thought of Severus as a friend, but Severus definitely fancied her.'

Harry couldn't believe this news. Snape had loved his mum. 'No wonder he hated me so much; I was the son of the wrong man, in his eyes!'

Slughorn nodded. 'This is getting a little too psychological to me.'

Harry noticed Ginny was curled up beside him on the couch.

'Weren't you going to get the Horcruxes we already have?'

'I'm back already.' She held up a bag.

'Let's see,' said Slughorn.

Ginny removed them one by one from the bag and put them onto Slughorn's desk.

'This ring we know least about,' she explained. Dumbledore found it and destroyed it immediately. We don't know how, but he did say it was heavily protected.

'I have some bad memories with this Diary. I used to write to it as if it were my own. It made me open the Chamber of Secrets in my first year.'

'No!' exclaimed Slughorn.

'It was protected least of all, though,' said Harry.

'Yeah, Harry, you only had to kill a Basilisk and use the fang that stabbed you when you slayed it to make a hole in the book. Not to mention all this after you were able to gain entry to the Chamber of Secrets, a place that only one person alive other than you has been able to find. Stop being modest, for crying out loud!' Harry grinned, and Slughorn chuckled.

'How did you get it?' Harry asked. 'I mean, last time I saw it, I gave it to Lucius Malfoy, wrapped in the sock that set Dobby free.'

'Ron got it. When he heard about the attack on the Malfoy mansion, he went to get it in the night.'

'I ought to thank him,' said Harry.

'This locket,' Ginny continued, but Slughorn cut across her. 'I've seen it before. Regulus came out of the boat to me with it in his hands.'

'Correct,' said Ginny. 'Harry had to go to Azkaban to retrieve it because Mundungus Fletcher had stolen it from the House of Black.

'This cup we also haven't been able to figure out how to destroy.'

Slughorn looked at it. 'Where did you find it?'

'Inside the stomach of a Mexican Massive,' said Ginny simply. 'Harry went to get it.' She looked at him in admiration, but also in disapproval

Slughorn sat back down; his face was getting white. 'You killed a Mexican Massive Dragon?' he whispered.

'Not exactly,' said Harry. 'It's still alive.'

Slughorn became, if possible, even whiter. He took the locket and started fidgeting with it. 'I think the trick is to open it,' he said, 'but I can't figure out how.'

'Harry,' said Ginny, with the air of having another Ginny-hunch. 'How did you get into the Chamber of Secrets?'

'I asked the tap to open up, in parseltongue. Why?'

'Because maybe that's what you have to do to open the locket. Try it.'

Slughorn handed the locket over to Harry.

Harry concentrated hard, and said, quite clearly 'Open.' Only, he heard a hiss escape his mouth.

The locket squeaked and wriggled. Some smoke started coming out of it. It slowly opened. There was a very fancy piece of parchment inside. It was thicker, and it seemed to have been made of another material than ordinary parchment. Tiny rubies encrusted a rectangle around a piece of text.

EPISTULAM DECLARATIO DIGNITATIS CUI HANC INVENIT

To: Whoever finds this message.

You have broken through my defenses and destroyed the Horcrux, congratulations. I thought it was nearly impossible.

From the fact that you wished to destroy this Horcrux, I gather that you wish to kill me, too. I look forward to our meeting as you have proven you are worthy. I always admire those with courage enough to fight me willingly. I always look forward to a good duel.

The point of this message is to invite you to a duel. Yes, that is a challenge. If you send me an owl telling me you found this message, I will know you are worthy.

Good luck,

Lord Voldemort

That was an odd thing for Voldemort to write. Slughorn read the note.

'So this means the Horcrux is destroyed, then?' Ginny asked.

'I dunno. You haven't got the Detector with you, have you?'

'I have,' said Ginny, holding it out. Harry held it close to the locket. It didn't do anything.

'Odd,' said Slughorn. 'I wonder what Tom meant to achieve, writing this.'

Harry wondered. 'It doesn't make any sense,' he said slowly. 'He never expected anyone to even find out about the Horcruxes. Why would he write a message to them?'

'A challenge? It would have made more sense if he put extra protection inside the locket!' Slughorn exclaimed.

Ginny and Slughorn looked puzzled. 'There is something odd going on here,' Ginny said. 'Get rid of the paper, Harry. Burn it.'

'What? Why?'

'Voldemort obviously wanted you to have it, so I think you shouldn't. Burn it!'

Harry trusted this as another Ginny-hunch. He pointed his wand at the piece of parchment. 'Incendio.'

Nothing happened. The little roll didn't burst into flames. Slughorn looked at it.

'Brilliant,' said Harry. He admired Voldemort's genius despite himself. 'Absolutely brilliant.'

Ginny looked at him questioningly. 'Don't you understand?' Harry asked. 'I can't help but have respect for my enemy. The locket was never a Horcrux. It was just to protect the real Horcrux inside - this scroll. Whoever would find the locket would naturally think that is the Horcrux and once they open it, think it would be destroyed. The real Horcrux might be disregarded, but it can't be destroyed. It has to be something valuable. Something someone wouldn't want to destroy, but without making it seem suspicious. A challenge. A declaration of worthiness by Voldemort himself. Many people would be reluctant indeed to let go of this!'

Understanding dawned on the faces of Slughorn and Ginny. 'So how do we destroy it?' Ginny asked.

Slughorn tried his own brand of magic, but nothing seemed to work. He sighed. 'There is a potion. I read about it when I was studying in Bruges. It hasn't got a name, but it is supposed to destroy a soul, as opposed to let it pass on to the afterworld. It is considered even darker magic than Horcruxes.'

'D'you think it could work?'

Slughorn nodded. 'I think it's your best shot. Avada Kedavra would let the bit of soul pass on - not to the afterworld, but back into You-Know-Who's body.'

'Avada Kedavra would destroy the Horcrux?' Harry asked, thinking it unlikely there would be such an easy solution.

Slughorn nodded again. 'Yes, but the piece of soul would go back to his body. I imagine You-Know-Who would feel it if his soul was suddenly twice as big as the day before. Not to mention he could then split it again.'

'I prefer destroying his soul,' Harry said bitterly. 'So can you brew that potion?'

'No, I'm afraid not. I don't know the recipe. And I'm certain I won't be able to find it in the Hogwarts library, nor my own library, for that matter.'

'You will be able to find it, won't you?'

'I could do some research, if you like, but I'm not promising anything. I'm not even certain it isn't just my memory playing tricks on me.'

'I would like you to do research.'

'Well then, I will keep you posted of progress. Mind you, it will probably take a long time. I have several contacts in Knockturn Alley, but the last thing I want is for You-Know-Who to find out what I'm doing or that I'm allied to you.'

Harry nodded. 'I understand. Can I be assured this meeting will stay secret forever?' Harry asked as he made to leave.

'Certainly you can if I can be assured of the same.'

Harry nodded and left the office, Ginny following him.

'Erhm. D'you think it's wise to trust him?'

'Regulus did,' Harry said.

'And look where it got him,' Ginny said. 'He's dead.'

Harry nodded. 'I wonder what the reason was that Voldemort wanted him dead. If he knew Regulus had stolen the Horcrux, he would have searched the House of Black. If he knew he was going to try and steal it, he'd have ordered him killed. That must be it. Voldemort must have known Regulus was going to try and steal it, but he can't ever have known he had succeeded.'

Harry and Ginny held hands as they walked back down to the Cabinet. Ginny said something about wiping out the trail of blood.

They had entered Harry's room when they noticed a note lying on top of the desk. Judging by the less-than-tidy scrawl, it was Ron's.

Dear Harry,

I'm writing this to say goodbye. I've had a big row with Hermione, and I took everything out on you because I thought you were hurting my sister. I'm sorry for that.

Neither of you have done anything to deserve to be stuck with me. I will relieve you of that burden.

I thank you for the friendship you have given me, even though I didn't deserve it.

Ronald

'Oh, no,' whispered Ginny, who was peering over Harry's shoulder. 'The prick. I've got to go to Hermione.' She kissed Harry on the cheek and left.

Harry considered the note. What was Ron thinking?

Harry grabbed a scroll of parchment and wrote.

Dear Percy,

Is Ron bunking with you? He's being thick, and I need to find him.

Apologies for the directness; I am out of inspiration for anything senseless but pleasant to write.

I hope you are well,

Harry

He tied the scroll to Hedwig's leg and sent her off. He watched the bird turn small, smaller until the speck vanished.

Harry remembered his first meeting with Ron. It was little more than six years ago on the Hogwarts Express. Ron came from a wizarding family, and Harry was extremely grateful for that. He had had loads of questions to ask.

Harry remembered the first test of that newly created friendship. Draco Malfoy had entered the compartment and offered Harry his friendship, instead of Ron's. Harry had chosen Ron, even though his trousers were a few inches too short for him, and even though Harry knew Ron didn't have a lot of money.

Harry felt an odd rush of adoration towards Ron's idea to leave behind a note. Even though Ron was being incredibly thick, it gave Harry an odd sense of gratitude. This was a message that intended to comfort Harry should certain events take place.

If Ron had died, Harry would have appreciated a letter from him greatly to comfort him.

Harry's mind turned towards himself. Any day now could be his last. He could imagine his friends appreciating any letters he left behind to be read in the event of his death.

He grabbed a scroll of parchment and started writing as if the quill was deciding what to write, having wanted to write it for a very long time.

Dear Ron,

If you are reading this, that means that I am dead, or as good as, and that you're not.

I think you should know when this was written. I am writing this just after I received a message from you saying you'd had a row with Hermione and didn't consider yourself to be worthy of our friendship. The message said you were leaving.

Let yourself forget that. I know that when you read this, we've made up for that, and many disagreements in my future. I can be sure of that because I know that our friendship is strong and will prevail, like it did, time and again, in the past.

You kicked me hard in the face today; sorry for reminding you. I know you won't accept my 'it's all right, mate', no matter how many times I give it to you. Put in writing, it might mean more. I forgive you for that. Bear in mind that I have lost my temper with you, too, in the past.

I haven't told you, and perhaps I never will. If this is the last chance for me to convey a message, it would be sinful to let it die with me. I have felt as you are feeling when I'm writing this. Many times. I have felt unworthy of your friendship, your goodness, your company.

Ron, you are my brother. You're not just my best friend; you're my family. You're my brother, and you know exactly what I mean by that because you feel the same way.

Listen to Hermione. She makes sense, and you need that.

Do not let your mourning blind you,

Harry.

He paused to look at what he had written. It looked nice. He pointed his wand at it and caused it to fold itself and slide into an envelope labeled, 'In the event of Harry Potter's death, to Ronald Bilius Weasley.'

Harry continued with a letter to Hermione as he felt she deserved one, too.

Dear Hermione,

If you are reading this, that means that I am dead, and you are alive. Please don't cry.

Like with Ron's letter, it I think I should tell you the time when this was written. I am writing this (having finished Ron's letter) after I received a message from him telling me that you two had a row, he felt unworthy of our friendship, and he was leaving.

I also told Ron in his letter that I think you two will be able to overcome any difference because the love that binds you is so strong. Love is powerful and abiding and will guide you through whichever tunnel you must wander.

I have never told you this because Ron warned me not to. He reckoned you'd break my ribs in a tight hug or burst into tears. Hermione, you are my sister. You are not just one of my best friends; you are my family. When I was with you and Ron, I felt something that I never had never known at the Dursleys - home.

At the point of writing this, you haven't told me what the row with Ron was about. I don't know for sure, but if I'm wrong, feel free to ignore the following paragraph.

You are going to be a mother if you're not already by the time you read this letter. I know you, and you are frightened at the prospect. Don't be. I'm confident you're going to be a wonderful mum. Please provide your child with a world of love that was denied me.

You are the voice of reason. Every time I feel like doing something rash, (and you know me) it is your voice that sounds in my head and brings me to reason ... or tries to.

Listen to Ron. He doesn't make any sense sometimes, but that's what you need.

Be brave,

Harry.

He stopped again. He was very pleased with this, too. He placed it in an envelope and labeled it with a slightly different label.

Now comes the hard part, he thought.

He dipped his quill in his ink jar and started writing.

Dear Ginny,

If you are reading this, that means that I am dead, or as good as dead. I'd ask you not to cry, but I'm afraid that's water over the dam.

I want you to know how exceedingly difficult it is for me to write this. I can't bear the thought of leaving you alone forever any more than I can bear the thought of me being without you forever.

I have said it few times in the past, and I will say it few times in the future. Writing it down will make it eternal. I love you. That is not the youthful I-love-you-I-love-you-too kind of rubbish. You are the one for me. I know it.

You gave me someone else's life. I am not Harry Potter when I'm with you. I am happy beyond anything. You make me feel so happy it seems as though it ought to be illegal. When I'm with you, it seems life wants to reward me.

I don't know if it's your shampoo, or not, but you always smell like roses to me. I can tell by the scent of the air whether you're there or not. Amortentia smells like you.

When Sirius died, and I inherited his house, I promised myself never to set foot in it again. Surely, the place could only remind me of Sirius and deepen my grief? The same was true for Dumbledore and the stuff he left to me. I leave all my possessions to you, Ginevra Molly Weasley. You gave me more than all other human beings alive put together. You would do me a disservice not to become the next owner of my property. I trust you have the sense not to discard it.

You have the power to bend me to your will. One subtle smile, and my heart melts like snow on a sunny day. One careful stroke of your hand, and I yearn for more. If it came to pass that I destroyed the Dark Lord, all credit should go to you. It is your power that defeated him in the end, only channeled through one very fortunate boy: me.

I don't know how long I have been able to refuse you. At the time of writing this I am a virgin, but I may soon cave in to temptation. You seem intent to get me laid. I already said you have the power to bend me to your will, like no Imperius Curse can - like no one can.

If it did not come to pass that I defeated the Dark Lord, know this. He is immortal because of the blood that flows through his veins. Even if we managed to destroy all stray pieces of his scattered soul, no force can kill him, but the magic that flows through his veins.

It is my blood that can destroy him. If it is gone, he is truly immortal.

By the time you read this, you might be expecting my child. I don't know whether I will cave in to temptation soon or not. I don't know how long it is going to take for me to die, or if I will die at all. I do not know whether I got you pregnant either. Perhaps you have already given birth. I suppose it sounds like I'm rambling, but there is a reason I mention this.

My offspring has the blood that can destroy the Dark Lord as well. He knows it, and so must you. You have the power to destroy him; never forget that. You must channel it through our child in the end if I am dead. I can only hope you will find the courage to.

Don't hold back. You are more powerful than the Dark Lord - I should know. I'd rather face him twice than make you angry - or sad, for that matter.

Goodbye,

Harry.

A single tear trickled its way down Harry's cheek as he realized exactly how much these three people meant to him.

As soon as Harry finished the letter to Ginny, he put Ron's letter into his cupboard, along with the Horcruxes Ginny had taken out. Hermione had placed a Fidelius Charm on the cupboard, so no one could find it unless Hermione told them where to look.

The letters to Hermione and Ginny he would deliver now.

He walked slowly to their bedroom. When he opened the door, he saw Hermione sitting on her bed, sobbing heavily. Her hands were pressed against her eyes, and she was leaning against Ginny.

Harry wasn't sure whether or not to enter, but Ginny noticed him. She waved her hand for him to enter and sit on Hermione's other side.

As Harry sat down next to Hermione, Ginny noticed the tear that had leaked from his eye.

'Harry, what's wrong?'

'Nothing,' said Harry. His voice was a lot steadier than he expected it to be. 'I've just been writing a few letters, that's all.' He handed the two girls their letters.

Ginny started opening hers. 'No, don't open it! It's a goodbye letter. You shouldn't open it when I'm still alive.'

Ginny looked at Harry and understood.

'Harry, I can't accept this,' Hermione wailed. 'You're not supposed to think that way.'

'Hermione, I would feel a lot better knowing you had those letters. They mean a lot to me.'

Hermione didn't protest, but pulled Harry into a bone crushing hug. Ginny joined in.

'You must promise me you won't open them if I'm still alive,' said Harry.

'All right,' said Ginny, refusing to draw back from the hug.

'If you say so,' said Hermione, also refusing to withdraw.

'We'll get Ron back as soon as we find out where he is. Whatever the row was about, Hermione, I'm sure you'll be able to sort things out.'

'What if we don't? What if - What will happen with - ?'

She pulled Harry into a tighter hug.

'Ron's being thick, Hermione,' said Ginny. 'Of course he doesn't want to abandon you. He just thought that was what you wanted him to do. Thick.'

'I hope you're right,' she mumbled as more tears flowed down her face. 'I hope you're right. I haven't got the strength to face it alone.'

'You're not alone, Hermione,' Harry said. 'Whatever it is, we're with you. We're not going to abandon you, even if Ron manages to. The rest of the Weasleys aren't going to let you stand on your own. And I'm quite sure your parents will be glad to help you. You're not alone.'

Harry felt the air being squeezed out of his lungs. He didn't have the heart to break from the hug in order to breathe.

---

The next morning, Harry received a message from Percy. Hedwig was carrying it.

Dear Harry,

Ron is indeed bunking at my apartment. I've never seen him so depressed. Please come by to talk to him as soon as possible. (I haven't told him you're coming, in case he decides to leave again.)

My address is, in case you don't know, Diagon Alley 51, apartment 206. I will probably be out for work, but you're welcome to come in.

Best Wishes,

Percy Weasley

Harry announced that he was going to get Ron. Hermione and Ginny looked up.

'What if he doesn't want to come?' Hermione asked.

'Then I'll bring him in by force,' Harry replied.

'Someone needs to go with you,' said Mrs Weasley. 'We can't have the head of the Order wandering around on his own.'

'I'll go,' said Bill, 'if that's all right with Harry.'

Harry had Bill put on his Invisibility Cloak as they Apparated in front of Percy's apartment.

Harry knocked on the door.

After a few minutes, footsteps sounded from the other side, and it opened.

'Oh, it's you.' He tried to close the door again, but Harry put his foot in it. Ron abandoned the attempt to close the door and went back to the bed that Percy must have conjured in the lounge. Harry held open the door long enough, he thought, for Bill to enter.

'You don't seem surprised to see me,' said Harry, seating himself in a comfortable armchair next to Ron's bed.

'I saw Hedwig yesterday evening. Percy insisted it wasn't your owl,' Ron said in the gloomiest of voices. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep, ignoring Harry.

'I daresay you know why I'm here?'

'Not really,' Ron mumbled. 'I wish you would go.'

'Why?

'I don't want you to waste your time on me. Gits are not worth that.'

'You're not a git, Ron,' said Harry.

'Yes, I am. I kicked you in the face yesterday. What kind of friend does that?'

'Any brother should have done that, Ron, if he thought I was hurting his sister.'

'Yeah, but I'm the only one thick enough not to trust my best mate.'

Harry saw a chair moving back of its own accord in the kitchen. He also saw a newspaper open up and levitate in mid-air, above the same chair. Ron didn't notice.

'You made a mistake. I forgive you. That's what friends do. Come back with me, and we can forget that little incident.'

'You're too important, Harry. You can't afford mistakes being made around you. Everything depends on your mission, and I don't want to be the one to screw things up. You're better off without me.'

'Don't be thick, Ron.'

'I'm not being thick. And it's not like Hermione wants me anywhere close, anyway.'

'You've had a row, I know. Hermione cried all night after Ginny told her you had left. She wants you back.'

'So she can kill me. And if she doesn't, Mom will or Ginny or Fleur or Tonks, when she next stops by.'

The suspicions in Harry's head grew more pronounced. 'You made a mistake. I know. Hermione needs you. She says she can't face it alone. She wants you to come back!'

'Whatever,' said Ron, turning his back to Harry.

This irritated Harry. 'Ron, you're coming with me whether or not you like it. I promised Hermione I would make sure you came with me, so that's what I'm doing. Now stand up like a man, or I'll stand you up by magic.' Harry drew his wand.

Ron threw his away. 'I'm not going to defend myself, Harry. I don't want to hurt you again. If you get me back to your house, I'll just leave again.'

'Well see about that when the times comes. For now, stand up.' Ron didn't move. Harry jerked his wand, and thought Levicorpus! Ron hung by his ankles above his own bed. Liberacorpus! Ron fell back down in a heap, but didn't move.

'I'm not worth the trouble, Harry. You know you could better spend your time on the Horcruxes.' Harry heard Bill choke on his own saliva.

Harry wondered if he could have the Levicorpus spell suspend Ron by the shoulders, rather than by the ankles. He concentrated carefully on that image. Levicorpus! Indeed, Ron was hanging by his shoulders above the bed. 'Evanesco.' The bed vanished. Liberacorpus! Ron fell onto his feet. He managed to keep standing.

'Let's go,' Harry said to Ron, and loudly enough for Bill to understand.

'No,' said Ron, not meeting Harry's eyes.

Harry looked disappointedly. 'You leave me no choice. Stupefy!'

'What on Earth are you doing?' called a voice from nowhere.

'Get Ron's wand; we're going back to Grimmauld Place.'

Bill shot Harry a disgusted look that Harry didn't see. (He was invisible, after all.) Harry quickly scribbled a quick note of thanks to Percy.

'Ron!' Mrs Weasley's shout came from the kitchen as Harry appeared in the hall. 'What's happened to him?'

'I Stupefied him,' said Harry. 'He didn't want to come.'

'Did he put up a fight?' Ginny asked.

'Not really,' said Bill, folding up the Invisibility Cloak and handing it to Harry. 'He didn't do anything at all.'

'Bill, could I speak to you in private, now?' Harry asked.

'Sure.'

They walked into the neighboring room.

'Did you hear Ron mention something you haven't heard before?'

Bill pondered for a second. 'Horcruxes? But I've heard of those before, though - not in plural, however.'

Harry nodded, his stomach plummeting. 'Where did you hear of them?' asked Harry.

'This tomb somewhere in Cairo ... it had some funny inscriptions on the walls.'

'You know what they do?'

Bill nodded. 'I wish I didn't,' he said with a wry smile.

'I don't want you to repeat that information to another soul. Do you understand?'

Bill looked at him. 'You can modify my memory, if you like, if it's that important.'

'I - what?'

Bill called for his wife, who came into the room. She asked what she had been called in for.

'I've agreed to let Harry modify my memory. After the charm is done, I want you to remind me to read the article.' Fleur agreed without even asking why his memory was being modified. She did cast Harry a suspicious look.

Harry whipped out his wand. It was, of course, a very easy thing to do, and it was only made easier by Bill agreeing to it. 'Obliviate!' Bill's eyes became dilated.

'Hello, Harry.'

'My dear Beel, you must read ze article in ze newspaper!'