I do not own Bleach or Harry Potter the both belong respectively to Tite Kubo and J.R. Rowling
Previously: "The Heart of Hogwarts: the castle's keystone through its connection to the ley lines it locates and identifies every witch and wizard born in Britain. I destroy this stone and the backlash will surge through the lines destroying the wards hiding the magical world."
"So that's how you plan to do it" said Harry, his grip tightening on Nakatsukasa. "I can't let you do this."
"Well then Harry" Lorene said sadly, forming blades on her hands. "It really is a shame. I had hoped you'd see things from my perspective."
"I do. That's why I have to be the one to stop you." Harry said determinedly. There was no time for anymore second guessing this battle would determine everything. Lorene could tell that Harry was resolved to see this through but then again so was she.
"So be it Harry Potter. Your death will herald the end of the wizarding world."
Now: Harry and Lorene met in deadly clash of blades, their energy surging outwards heating the air as they began the battle for the fate of the wizarding world. As they were locked in their struggle Harry's caught by surprise as he's sideswiped by a pillar of rock sending him flying.
Regaining his footing Harry isn't surprised to see the rock pillar is being controlled by Lorene's threads. Sensing her spiritual pressure, Harry quickly rolls to the side as Lorene appears behind him attempting to land a kick to the head. Evading the attack, the substitute reaper counters with a swing of his sword, making a small cut on the Fullbringer's arm as she dodged with the bringer light technique.
Appearing on top of the pillar, Lorene smirked as she looked down at the young reaper much to Harry's annoyance.
"I think you've forgotten this castle belongs to me now." With a twitch of her finger, Lorene's strings cut the pillar into pieces and sent them flying towards Harry at high speed. Not fazed by the display, Harry releases his Ain-Soph-Aur destroying the stones but losing sight of Lorene in smoke.
"Is that what you call controlling the castle?" Harry taunted, hoping to draw the woman out. His ploy works just a little too well as razor wire burst from the ground, cutting into his flesh as they wrapped themselves around his limbs binding his movements.
"I told you Harry, this castle is mine" Lorene smirked, appearing in a burst of speed. "Now you can watch as I put an end to all the lies."
Harry struggled against his bindings as Lorene turned to face Hogwarts' heart, the treads reforming a deadly blade around her hand. Unwilling to watch quietly Harry released as much spirit energy as he could into breaking his ties but it seemed Lorene wasn't bluffing about increasing her powers, the threads were too strong.
"Ain-Soph-Aur!" realizing he wasn't going to be able break free of the threads by brute force, Harry aims the powerful attack at the ground, the force of which blows away the base of his bindings freeing himself.
Turning to see the now free Soul Reaper, Lorene brings her blade up in time to block Harry's zanpakutō as he flash steps in front of her. As the combatants' spiritual pressures rose their battle reached a higher level as they moved around the field at unimaginably high speeds.
Harry staggers back as Lorene lands a painful kick to his head. Keeping up the pressure the Fullbringer follows up with a knee to the gut. As Harry gasps for breath, Lorene's strings wrap around him and fling him painfully into the ground.
As the dust cleared, Harry was still standing, his body surrounded by a crimson aura, slightly out of breath but still good to fight.
"So you created a shield with your spirit energy to reduce the impact, smart" Lorene smirked. That smirk fell as she quickly brought her blade up to block Harry's sword. But it turns out it was Harry's turn to smirk as his zanpakutō began to crackle with energy.
"Ain-Soph-Aur!" released at close range, Lorene had no way to defend as she took the full force of the powerful energy wave.
As the smoke cleared Lorene was revealed to not have taken as much damage as Harry would've liked. Her body glowing just the same as Harry's was moments ago, making it clear that she'd used the same defense technique.
"Not a bad trick Harry, this defense of yours" Lorene complimented. Using her bringer light, she appeared back on the ground. "But it seems to limit how much damage you can do. I hope this doesn't mean you've been going easy on me."
"How's this for easy?!" Harry growled in frustration, flash stepping into front of the woman once again clashing blades. The young substitute was quickly made to regret this move as the blade around Lorene's open hand unraveled as her strings began to feed themselves into the ground. Before he could even question what was going on, he was sent flying as he knocked aside by…. Hagrid?!
"Hagrid?" Harry questioned, not believing the half giant would actually attack him of his own free will. The half giant didn't say anything as he drew and aimed his umbrella at Harry. "Hagrid, what're you doing?"
Hagrid didn't respond to Harry's cries as he fired a bolt of magical energy at the Soul Reaper. Keeping a tight grip on his sword, Harry fires his Ain-Soph-Aur resulting a powerful explosion as it collides with Hagrid's magical blast.
Hagrid watched as the smoke began to clear, waiting for Harry's next move.
"Bakudō #1: Sai!" Harry's kidō was quick to take effect as Hagrid's arms were bound behind his back before falling to the ground. Flash stepping to his friend's side, Harry was shocked to see Hagrid fade out of existence, reminding him of Room of Requirement's ability to create anything or anyone in this case.
Now, where'd she go? Harry wondered as he tried to sense Lorene's spiritual pressure. He didn't have to search long as the Fullbringer's threads burst from the ground piercing Harry's shoulders. A moment later Lorene appeared out of thin air, holding Harry's invisibility cloak.
"I have to admit; the cloak is fun" she smirked. "You know; I just don't understand you Harry. You had the cloak, you could've struck me down before Dumbledore's wand let me know you were there. So why not do it? Why try so hard to save such a horrible man?"
"I don't want to have to kill you" said Harry, gritting his teeth against the pain as Lorene's threads continued to pierce his body. "And Dumbledore is a great man."
Lorene just shook her head as if she was pitying the boy. "It's sad that you truly believe that. Let me show you the kind of man Dumbledore is." Harry watched as the forms of Dumbledore, a child Lorene, and a woman that he could only assume was her mother appeared behind the Fullbringer. "That woman was my mother. I was eight years old when that old man took her away."
Flashback:
Amelia Ravencroft was a loving mother, her daughter Lorene was her entire world. It may have been just the two of them but they were happy with their lives. But sadly those happy days weren't meant to last as Amelia's past had finally caught up with her.
The mother and daughter were just finishing dinner when there was a knock on the door to their flat. Unfortunately, who was waiting on the other side of that door was far from a welcomed guest.
"What are you doing here?" Amelia demanded, surprising her daughter with her tone. Lorene had always been told to be taught to be kind and respectful when talking to people; that her mother would chose to act so harshly towards someone made her curious. What she found though was more than a little confusing as her mother was glaring at an old man dressed in strange robes that made him look like a wizard from her story books.
"Now my dear, is there a need to be so hostile?" asked the old man.
"Yes. Now what are you doing here, Dumbledore?" Instead of answering the old man had the audacity to invite himself into her home and sat down on her couch, like he owned the place. It took everything Amelia had not to slap him but she knew just what Dumbledore was capable of.
"I need your help, Amelia" the woman's eyes just narrowed at the familiarity Dumbledore chose to address her with.
"And why would the great Albus Dumbledore need my help? In fact, how did you even find me?"
"It wasn't an easy task I assure you. Your talent for wards hasn't diminished even after all this time. It was just good fortune that one of my associates happened to see you on the street."
"So you had your people looking for me." Amelia said disdainfully. "So why come looking for me?"
"I need your help in setting up a ward" Dumbledore raised his hand anticipating the woman's interruption. "Yes I know I have knowledge and skill in wards but I'm afraid I'm looking for something a bit unique."
"And why should I help you? I told you before I want nothing to do with your Order."
"Amelia, I understand your feelings about the…."
"Let me just stop you there, Dumbledore. You don't understand and that's the problem. No one in the wizarding world wants to understand the problem. And then they complain and act surprised when some other Dark Lord shows up."
"My dear, given time I'm sure the wizarding world will truly change for the better. All I'm asking is for your help."
"And I'm telling you I'm done. I don't care what happens to the magical world anymore I've lost enough of my life to you bigots. Now get out!" To Amelia's growing frustration, Dumbledore simply stayed put, his gaze focusing in on a little girl peeking into the room.
"I assume that's your daughter" said Dumbledore, a plan already forming in his mind.
"Stay away from her Dumbledore" Amelia growled, before turning to face her daughter. "Lorene go to bed, love."
As Lorene ran to her room, the headmaster got his first real look at the girl and noted the strong family resemblance. He also took note of the fact the girls name didn't appear in the book of potential students at Hogwarts, meaning Lorene was a muggle.
"She is a beautiful child; Amelia you must be proud. May I ask about her father?"
"No you may not. Now I won't tell you again, leave my home now!"
"Very, well" As Dumbledore stood to leave, he paused by the front door and gave Amelia a piercing gaze. "I did note the impressive protective wards you weaved into her clothing. I assume this means you've been keeping apprised of what's been happening in the wizarding world."
Amelia's silence told him everything.
"You are right to be cautious, given the current state of affairs anything could happen."
"Was that a threat?" Amelia growled, but Dumbledore continued to keep his grandfatherly façade.
"No I just worry for you and your child's safety." Taking out his wand, Dumbledore conjured a small crystal and handed it to Amelia. "Why don't you hold on to that in case you change your mind or need a bit of assistance?"
A few days later the news reported a destroyed bridge not far from Amelia and Lorene's home. Whether or not Dumbledore staged the attack or if it was truly Death Eater activity she couldn't be sure. All Amelia knew was it wasn't safe in their town any longer, she had no choice and called Dumbledore.
The headmaster arrived promptly and made it clear that Lorene would be kept safe provided, Amelia did what Dumbledore needed. It wasn't what she wanted but Amelia would do anything to keep her daughter safe. So with a tearful promise to return Amelia left with Dumbledore, as the headmaster made arrangements for Lorene's care.
Flashback End:
The specters then faded away as Lorene fished out an old piece of parchment from her pocket.
"My mother never made it home to me. And your dear headmaster just had me shipped off to the nearest orphanage with nothing but this note as an explanation" Lorene said scornfully, holding the note up so Harry could read it.
It is with a heavy heart I inform you of your mother's passing. But take heart in knowing she died for the greater good.
Harry couldn't believe it; he'd always thought so highly of the headmaster. To find out that Dumbledore could be so manipulative shattered his view of the old man.
"You truly are a fool" Lorene sighed, with a flick of her wrist her threads released Harry as he was thrown brutally across the battle field, landing on his back gasping for breath. "Do you honestly think my mother was the only one Dumbledore has ever used."
In a flash, Lorene was on Harry before he even had time to get on his feet. Grabbing him by the collar, Lorene subjected Harry to barrage of fast devastating punches, releasing him only to land a brutal kick to the gut bringing the boy to his knees as he coughed up blood.
Sighing as the boy tried to push himself off the ground, Lorene stomped her foot into his back, digging Harry's face further into the dirt.
"It's sad really. You came here feeling so determined and yet you don't have the strength to follow through."
Is this really all I've got? Harry thought miserably. I came all this way but in the end I still hesitated.
Taking her foot of the boy's back, Lorene dragged Harry to his feet by the scruff of his neck. Looking into the boy's eyes she could see his despair but Harry had made his choice and now Lorene was going to make him pay for it. Binding the boy in her threads Lorene positioned Harry between herself and Hogwarts' heart intending to crush the last bit of fight in the substitute reaper's spirit.
"Like I said Harry, my mother's not the only one that bastard Dumbledore has manipulated. In fact, he's been playing games with your life for quite a while."
At Lorene's command the castle projected the images of Snape in a dark room kneeling before who Harry recognized as Voldemort.
Flashback:
"My Lord, I have news to report" Snape said dutifully, keeping his head low. With a gesture Voldemort permitted his follower to continue. "There is a prophecy my Lord. A seer gave it to Dumbledore at his brother's bar."
Snape then presented a glass orb filled with smoke to the Dark Lord. As Voldemort accepted the orb an ethereal voice echoed around the room.
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches… Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…."
Flashback End:
"It doesn't take a genius to figure out what happened next" said Lorene, as the figures of Voldemort and Snape faded away. "Voldemort decided you fit the bill and went after your family. Afterwards Dumbledore defended the man and told the courts that Snape was acting as his spy. So Snape goes free and Dumbledore sets him up with a teaching job."
Harry was just stunned by how much Dumbledore had hidden from him. He wanted to deny it but something inside told him everything Lorene had shown him was true. Lorene, me; how many people's lives has Dumbledore messed with? He let Snape a Death Eater teach. Snape sent Voldemort after my family and Dumbledore saved him.
Lorene could see the pain on Harry's face but she held no sympathy for the boy. Harry had made his choice of his own free will and she was too close to her goal to try and convince him to join her. With Harry in position Lorene weaved her threads into a large spear intending to finish both Harry and Hogwarts together.
For his part Harry wasn't sure what to think. Since he first entered the magical world Dumbledore had been held as the epitome of what it meant to be a wizard. And now Lorene has taken that image and shattered it. If Dumbledore, the leader of the light was so manipulative and cruel then what did that say for the rest of the wizarding world?
As Harry continued to fall into turmoil a voice echoed inside his mind.
Help me…please…help me, Harry Potter. Before Harry could question the identity of the mysterious voice his mind was assaulted by images of wizarding history. He saw the best and absolute worst of wizards and with each scene came overwhelming feelings. Harry then realized these weren't just random images but memories; memories of love and loss and birth and death and joy and sorrow. And that's when he knew these memories were those carved into Hogwarts' soul. For all the darkness that plagued the wizarding world there was just as much light Even while under the control of Lorene's Fullbring the old castle still had it in her to try and resist even if all she could do was beg for Harry's help.
But there's nothing I can do, Lorene's too powerful Harry thought miserably.
"You'd win if you'd stop holding back" the familiar voice of Nakatsukasa argued. "You aren't fighting at your full strength."
"But I'm doing everything I can. I know I want to stop her."
Harry couldn't believe that Nakatsukasa was questioning his resolve, when he had come all this way to fight.
"You lack the will to see it through. You are like an eagle without wings. You have the desire but lack the will to see it through" said the zanpakutō. "You can't afford to fight halfheartedly."
"But I'm not…"
"Don't try to lie to me Harry" Nakatsukasa interrupted. "While the Fullbringer is powerful, it does not help that you are hesitant to finish the fight. If you want to protect anything you must be willing to fight with everything. This is the path that you chose and you must dedicate yourself to it."
"You're right" Harry admitted. He wanted to defeat Lorene without killing her and in doing so he limited his power and now he was moments away from being killed and having the wizarding world exposed. If Harry wanted to win he couldn't afford to hold himself back any longer.
Turning his attention to the outside world Harry released all the spirit energy he had left, the force of his spiritual pressure breaking his bindings. Landing on his feet, Harry prepared to make a final stand against Lorene.
"Sorry but I've found my resolve" the Substitute Soul Reaper declared, his eyes glowing with power as he focused the last of his power. "I will stop you."
"So you're done playing around" said Lorene, responding in kind to Harry's release of spirit energy. "Even if you do win, you know the wizards will turn on you again. They already have before, remember the Chamber of Secrets."
"You're right, they might turn on me again." Harry agreed. "But I'll survive with the help of my friends."
"With your injuries you won't be able to last much longer. We must end this in one single blow" Nakatsukasa advised her master.
The earth trembled as Harry and Lorene prepared to bring their battle to a close. As if following a silent countdown, the two charged each other simultaneously meeting an explosive release of power accompanied by a blinding light.
Once the dust cleared Harry and Lorene were left leaning on each other as their respective weapons were run through the other's gut. Completely drained of her strength Lorene fell back from Harry as he managed to catch himself on his zanpakutō
"So…this…is…how…it…ends" Lorene said weakly, struggling to find breath.
"It didn't have to be like this" said Harry, leaning on his sword for support.
"Yes…it did" the Fullbringer argued, a strangely peaceful smile on her face. "It…had…to…be…you."
"Because I can understand you?" the boy guessed.
"Yes…and…because…my…mother's… wards…..protected….you." At least now I see you really are something special. Lorene thought to herself feeling content as the last breath of life left her body.
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