Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter; it was created by the brilliant Jo Rowling. There are passages in this chapter taken and slightly altered from the book HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - Chapters: 14 The Thief +15 The Goblin's Revenge
_______________________________________________________________________________
"Harry, you do realize that this 'saving people thing' you seem to be having must stop immediately!" Remus held back a slight snigger, biting the sides of his cheek while he stared from his late friend's son rolling his eyes sadistically at his Godfather who was still having minor problems trying to regain his discomposure. For the past hour Harry enlightened his father's two best friends of the events that occurred during his first two years of attendance at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. To say that the two of them took it badly would be a colossal understatement. Remus on one hand held his anxiety and concerns with the ideal manner of keeping every trace of emotion inside, not losing his temper once during Harry's account. Sirius on the other hand was difficult to begin with. Harry had to stop at least thirty times before he even began talking about his second year due to Sirius' outburst of shock and his poor attempts keeping his temper in line.
Harry sighed, "Well since I'm the Chosen One and all...you know the one to defeat the Dark Lord for once and for all...shouldn't I have a 'saving people' kind of trait?" Sirius eyes narrowed in resentment,
"That's not something to take so lightly, Harry. I can't believe it...what was Dumbledore thinking keeping Nicholas Flammel's philosopher's stone within the walls of Hogwarts? And trolls and three-headed dogs on top of that? What is he crazy..."
"Sirius," Remus said crossly, "be a little more courteous won't you? Albus is dead. It's as if you think he intended on things to happen the way they did to single-handily put Harry's life in danger. I know you're not happy with what Harry's just told us..."
"Happy, did you say happy Remus? Of course I'm not bloody happy! I can't even count the amount of times Harry's life has been in jeopardy!"
"Sirius, what does it matter now when I'm fine now? Couldn't we say the same thing about everything that's happened in the past then?!"
"That's different Harry," Sirius said raising his hand to prevent Harry from springing up from his bed and tally further injuries to his already battered body. "You faced a troll at the age of eleven...you faced a Basilisk...I mean, a real Basilisk and were nearly killed by its venom if Fawkes' hadn't arrived in time. Though what you did was very noble Harry, it wasn't necessary. You were just a child. You shouldn't have had to face those kinds of things...and don't even get me started on your living circumstances with those smutty Muggles." Remus let out a low groan as he rubbed his temple gently, shaking his head.
"Not this again, Sirius...we've already been through this." Sirius glared at Remus in disbelief,
"Not this again, Sirius? My Godson...James and Lily's son was living in a bloody cupboard for eleven years!" Sirius fumed as his body shook in pure wrath, twisting his hands with lust for revenge as he recalled Harry's first mention about living with his muggle relatives.
""Your bedroom was a cupboard?" Sirius asked in a voice that clearly showed his anger was rising swiftly, almost at its peak.
"Erm, yeah..." said Harry in a small voice, shifting uncomfortably while averting his gaze from the two Marauders.
"A cupboard? A cupboard?" Sirius muttered furiously. Remus put a consoling hand on his friend's shoulder,
"Easy there, Padfoot." He turned to look at Harry who was still avoiding their looks, "Keep going Harry," Sirius shook his head as he returned his full attention to his godson.
"Well, Vernon didn't really want me to discover the letter revealing my being a wizard and..."
"I can't believe you went on with eleven years of your life thinking that you were a muggle....AND on top of that thinking your parents died in a car crash! A car crash killing Lily and James Potter?!"
"Sirius, at this rate we'll never make it to King's Cross let alone Harry's second year." Remus said in a soft tone, "I know this is difficult for you to hear, but you're the one that forced Harry to recount his first two years at Hogwarts...let me remind you also we're keeping Harry from getting some well deserved rest." Sirius let out a reluctant sigh,
"Sorry, Harry...go on." Harry too heaved a loud sigh before continuing,
"We ended up leaving Privet Drive for this hut on a sea rock because Vernon thought that if we could 'shake them off' they would stop sending the letters. At midnight, Hagrid showed up and gave me my Hogwarts letter in person...he also threatened Vernon..."
"Serves him right...brainless git." Harry smiled in surprise, hearing that last remark by his former Professor rather than his already shaken with ferocity Godfather. Sirius who was looking at his hands that were shaking in agitation snapped his head at Harry's direction after having an impulsive revelation.
"Harry, he didn't ever..." Harry looked at his Godfather uncertainly and then at Remus who looked quickly from his friend to Harry with a sombre expression. Remus gave Harry a sad smile, knowing exactly what Sirius was about to enquire to his Godson.
"He didn't ever hit you, did he?"
At the sudden silence that consumed the room, Sirius let out a verse of profanity as he abruptly stood up and walked over to where his Godson lay. Harry immediately began shaking his head,
"No, no Sirius...your question just took me by surprise. He never actually hit me or anything...I mean he was sometimes rough handling me and pushed me around once and a while, but he never did raise his hand at me."
Remus reprieved a loud sigh in relief at Harry's words, Sirius however was still shaking his head in anger,
"That still doesn't excuse anything...I'm so sorry, Harry. You shouldn't have had...."
"Sirius, I'm fine. It doesn't matter...if you can't handle this, I think it might be a bad idea to fill you in with what's coming up. Maybe we should just call it a night and..."
"Nice try, Harry. Go on..."
"Sirius, you're doing it again." Sirius shook his head hastily at Remus' words before looking up to meet his irritated expression. "You're drifting out again while seething interiorly. Stop it." Sirius' eyes narrowed in aggravation before he let out a sigh in defeat. He simultaneously glanced at his Godson who was staring back at him with weary and indignant eyes. Sirius moved from the foot of the bed to Harry's side, putting his arm around him gently.
"I'm sorry, Harry."
"It's really okay, Sirius. I'd be foolish to think if you reacted any differently. I know you just want what's best for me, but please take in consideration that it did happen a long time ago and I'm fine now. What's done is done; we can't always dwell in the past." Sirius snorted, turning his head to his friend's direction while fervently rolling his eyes,
"I think you've had too much of an influence on him, Moony. That's your type of saying." Remus chuckled,
"And what's wrong with a little bit of my influence on him, Padfoot? It helps balance out the traits he's inherited from you and Prongs." Harry joined in on the laughter when his insides throbbed to some extent, resulting Sirius to jump in surprise at his Godson's abrupt wince and groan in pain.
"Are you all right?" Sirius asked in small tone, gently holding him in place.
"Harry needs his rest, Sirius. I told you it was not the time for storytelling, but you just had to insist..."
"Sod off, Moony." Sirius said glaring at him mockingly before turning his attention once again back upon Harry, "He's right though...sorry, I should have been more selfless. You need your rest. We'll talk more in the morning." Harry gave his Godfather a meaningful look but before he said anything the chair that Remus stood up from made a slight noise as the wood of the chair slid across the floor.
"Well, good night Harry. Be sure to get some rest, and don't forget about the flask of Andromeda's remedy if you feel any pain." Remus made way to the door, until he stopped and half turned around,
"Don't stay up too late, Sirius...Harry will need his rest. Oh and," He turned around fully to face his old friend, "I think I might stop by the cottage tomorrow morning." Sirius raised an eyebrow,
"What for?" Remus rubbed his eyes before answering,
"Dora wanted me to check the barrier around the cottage. She said there was a glitch in defence last week, and got worried that whatever caused it might have destabilized the blockade." Sirius nodded hastily,
"Of course, I understand...wonder what caused the glitch. I thought Andromeda's pure blood status would cease any problems from any blokes from the Ministry for the both of them. You don't think it has to do with the Muggleborn Commission or anything do you?"
"That's the least of my worries, Sirius." Sirius nodded solemnly at Remus' grave tone. He should have been sharper with his thinking. Death Eaters or even Voldemort are bigger threats than any Ministry representatives any day.
"Anyways... see you in the morning."With that, Remus departed the room without delay. His footsteps could be heard coming afar, until the sound of a door closing congested everything around them. Sirius was still looking at the spot where his friend once stood a moment ago, as he too got up on his feet.
"Sirius,"
Sirius turned and looked down at Harry who seemed slightly tense before locking eyes with his Godfather. "Can you... if its okay, do you think that you can sleep here tonight?" He closed his eyes tightly, not wanting to see his Godfather's expression to his pitiable request. What was he thinking? What is he five years old? 'You're bloody seventeen years old!' his conscience blared at him. He opened his eyes at Sirius' gentle squeeze on his shoulder. He was smiling at him sympathetically, not giving him a look of horror at his frail appeal.
"Sure Harry, Padfoot will stay with you tonight." With a slight pop Sirius turned into a hefty black dog, which was staring at him intently with fierce grey eyes. He gently licked the side of Harry's face retorting Harry to express amusement with a slight snigger whilst rolling his eyes, grumbling in slight annoyance,
"Ugh, Sirius!"
Sirius licked his cheek again before he jumped to the foot of the bed, carefully adjusting himself in a resting position around Harry's legs. Harry smiled faintly before he closed his eyes, and rested his head against his pillow. Sleep quickly followed. Sirius looked up from the foot of the bed at the sound of heavy breathing coming from Harry's end. Sirius whined noiselessly to himself as he lowered his head back down, worrying on endlessly for his Godson's wellbeing.
"Can you... if its okay, do you think that you can sleep here tonight?"
Sirius let out another soft whine. He only hoped that Harry didn't think that he Sirius thought his request displayed any traces of weakness. Sirius knew that Harry was still in anguish over the affects of the acid Umbridge has inserted him with. It must have really played a toll on Harry's mind. He never doubted Harry's high tolerance for pain or his strength but he knew his Godson was in distress and is keeping certain emotions locked up. Certain emotions that he should reveal and share with a certain Sirius Black who's had twelve years of experience with that kind of torment. He gently shut his eyes and was overwhelmed of how quickly sleep took consumption.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Remus however wasn't as fortunate as Harry and Sirius when it came to sleeping. He was laying wide awake in bed, mauling over thoughts after thoughts in his mind. "That's it," he said quietly to himself as he hastily twisted off the bed and got on his feet in a manner of seconds. He briefly looked at his watch and sighed. It was already four hours past midnight. He had planned to leave for his cottage around eight o'clock. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.
On his feet, Remus briefly adjusted his robes and headed towards the door. As he cautiously twisted the door handle, he tried his best to make swift but quiet movements across the hallway. Remus decided to check up on Harry, and see how he was managing. He couldn't help but fret about the boy he's grown to be so fond of. Ever since Harry woke up from Umbridge's insertion, Remus couldn't help but ignore the dimness that reflected from Harry's once lively filled green eyes. He knew Harry had an incredible strength, and could handle just about anything...but he shouldn't have to.
"He's only a child," Remus said silently to himself as he stood at the door frame of Sirius' room that was currently being occupied by the prominent Harry Potter. Remus ever so gently curved the door handle and lightly took a step forward only to halt in surprise at once. Harry was deeply asleep; his mouth was slightly open as he took deep and heavy breaths. At his feet was a big black dog that was sleeping on his back. His tail, along with one of his legs was hanging off the bed as his head lay upon Harry's legs. Remus' eyes were slightly glazed over with immense glee as he watched the two of them sleep, shaking his head while chuckling inaudibly at his friend's sleeping position. He beamed at them one last time before he quietly retreated from the room, and gently closed the door.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sirius was in the kitchen as old friends reunited in his embittered childhood bedroom. Joyous shouts from Ron and Hermione's woke up a very worn-out werewolf who only just fell into slumber. After Hermione and Ron exchanged their fears and uncertainties about Harry's wellbeing, Harry filled them in with everything that occurred last night when they were sleeping. He started from his account about the Ministry, Tonks telling Remus about her parents and mysteries about the Gryffindor sword to his discussion with Sirius and Remus about visiting Godric's Hollow. Consequential to his finish, Ron told everything he knew about their fairly successful mission at the Ministry, to their return back to Headquarters. Hermione then conveyed details of Sirius' screaming for Remus as they entered Grimmauld Place, the appearances Nymphadora and Andromeda Tonks to Sirius and Remus' excursion to Hogsmeade. With a large amount of effort, Remus hauled himself down to the kitchen hoping that Kreacher was remarkable enough to have a pitcher full of fresh, hot coffee ready at his presence. He smiled in delight as the distinctive whiff of coffee filled his nasal system.
"Did you sleep at all last night?" Sirius said at the sight of his friend, who hurried over to pour himself a cup of coffee. "No offense, but you look awful." As soon as Remus gulped down a quarter of the coffee in his cup, he smiled at Sirius disdainfully,
"Your feedback is always appreciated, Padfoot."
Sirius smiled widely at Remus' sarcastic tone before he parked himself upon the counter, facing Remus who poured himself another cup of coffee.
"Your high tolerance to hot temperature never ceases to amaze me, Moony. That coffee is scorching! How can you gulp it down like that?" Remus just shook his head in amusement at his friend's repartee remark. As soon as he finished his second round of coffee, he speedily glanced at his watch and groaned,
"Oh no, it's already quarter to nine...I promised Dora that I would be there for eight, latest eight thirty. She's going to wring my neck." Sirius notorious bark of laughter filled the kitchen,
"I'd hurry then, Moony...we Blacks have our tempers. Don't be too late or I'll worry." Remus rolled his eyes,
"Yes dear."
Sirius walked with him to the front door and waited for him to Apparate out of clear sight. Before he went to check up on Harry he quickly glanced outside the window and cursed underneath his breath at the sight of three hooded figures, sitting across from the street.
"Don't they have anything better to do?" Sirius asked himself as he was nearly halfway up the staircase. As he approached the door, he smiled at the sound of his Godson's muffled laughter.
"Hermione, you didn't have to smack me." Ron said with vast irritation. Harry shook his head with amusement at his friends, and then abruptly looked up to see his Godfather grinning at the three of them from the door.
"Did Remus leave already?" Sirius nodded at Harry,
"Yes and he's late apparently. Poor bloke," Sirius said shaking his head with a small smile, "Tonks is going to murder him."
"Especially since she's all hormonal and stuff, being pregnant and all." Ron said casually, avoiding Hermione's gaze, which was one of vehemence.
"Oh damn,"
Harry who began sniggering again at his friends, stopped abruptly at his Godfather's sudden exclamation. "What's wrong?"
"I forgot to tell Remus to get my wand, it's at his cottage." Sirius said bitterly, feeling utterly exposed without his wand.
"Well, you know where Remus' cottage is don't you?"
"Yes...why do you ask Harry?" Sirius eyes narrowed in indecision.
"Why don't you just Apparate there and back. When will be the next time Remus pays a visit to the cottage?" Sirius bit his lip down in consideration.
"I don't know..." He quickly looked down back at Harry, "I can't leave you three here alone." Harry burrowed his eyebrows.
"And why not? We were by ourselves before we brought you back from the Chamber, Sirius? We were going to do this entire mission without any help! Besides," He said giving Sirius an expressive look, "we made a deal that you'd stop this excessive protectiveness of yours if I don't put any strain on myself."
Sirius still gave him an uncertain look before he lowered his slightly tense shoulders and sighed, "Oh, all right. I guess you're right I suppose. I'll be right back." He gave Harry one last look before heading down the stairs. Harry turned to Ron and Hermione, having felt their eyes on him.
"I'm really okay guys." Hermione gave him a small smile,
"You scared us, Harry. It's just one thing after another...all these complications. We have to get a move on! How are we going to destroy the locket, or any other Horcrux without the sword of Gryffindor? I've been trying to decipher secret meanings in the Tales of Beedle the Bard but I'm getting nowhere! And with you hurt..."
"I'm fine, Hermione."
"Quit saying that!"
Both Harry and Hermione were taken aback at Ron's sudden outburst, as he sprung on his feet staring at Harry in disbelief. "You're not fine, Harry. We're all not fine! We're doing the impossible here, without any leads!"
"Ron, calm down...you're..."
"I need some air." He strode across the room; Harry noticed a shimmering object around his neck before he firmly closed the door from behind him. Hermione gave a helpless look at Harry before exhaling stridently,
"He hasn't been himself lately." Harry, who was still staring at the door, ignored what she said completely before asking,
"Was that the locket Ron was wearing around his neck?"
Hermione nodded, "He's obsessed with the idea that we're going to lose it. He somehow feels responsible for it."
Harry grimaced, "Well he shouldn't...go find him will you?"
Hermione nodded again as she stood up and left Harry alone in Sirius' room. She had figured Ron went down to the kitchen, but she stopped in the main hallway when she saw the light coming from outside, beyond the open door. Ron was standing on the only step he could to conceal himself and also the whereabouts of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place from any unwanted intruders.
"Ron, what are you doing?!"
Ron jumped in surprise, letting out a exclaim in horror as he lost his balance and tumbled down a few too many steps in clear prospect.
"RON!" Hermione shouted as she saw red streams of light shoot pass Ron's head. Hermione flew up the stairs and bumped into a panic stricken Harry, who had his wand at hand and was already halfway down the stairs.
"What's going on?" Harry shouted in alarm. Hermione grabbed his arms firmly, ignoring his winces,
"Harry, go help Ron...I have to get my bag! Hurry!"
Harry stumbled down the remaining stairs as he ran towards the front door. Ron rolled to his side, as another spell nearly hit him. He was surrounded.
"Stupefy!" Harry shouted. One of the Death Eaters dropped in surprise on the floor, grabbing the attentions of his fellow comrades. One of the Death Eaters' mouth dropped open,
"It's him! It's Potter, stun him!"
"Expelliarmus!"
Ron who had finally managed to get on his feet, with balance on his side shouted at he ran in front of Harry trying to block his view. Harry staggered on his feet as his limbs throbbed with pain. He was still too weak for all of these unwanted clashes. "Harry!" He whipped around as soon as Hermione collided with him, grabbing his arm and lunging towards Ron. Darkness swallowed them along with the sensation of compressing bands...but something was not right. Hermione's hand seemed to be sliding out of Harry's grip. He began having problems breathing; he couldn't see anything except for Ron's arms around his waist. And then, finally he saw the door of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. Before he could draw a breath there was a sudden scream and a flash of bright blue light and then everything around them went black.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
"There's nothing to worry about, Dora. I can't find anything wrong with the barrier. Sudden glitches aren't uncommon. It could have been set off because someone was within close proximity."
Tonks looked unconvinced at her husband, but then simultaneously half raised her shoulders as Remus enveloped her into a hug, "You're safe...I won't let anything happen to you, I promise."
"Erm, Moony...not to ruin this private moment between husband and wife, I really think we should be getting back. I don't like the idea of leaving them all by themselves." Remus rolled his eyes but before he said anything his wife spoke first,
"Cousin, they went off to do this secret mission by themselves in the first place. WITHOUT any help if I might add. You're not giving them enough credit."
"She's right, Padfoot...but you're right too," he said turning to his wife, whose arms were wrapped around his waist, "we should be getting back." He gave her a quick peck on the lips before turning to Sirius who was examining his wand. Remus raised his eyebrow, "Is there something wrong with it?"
Sirius hastily shook his head, "Nope," he grinned, "just missed it, that's all." Remus rolled his eyes again, with a slight chuckle. They were in the back field of the Lupin's cottage. Tonks decided to walk them near Apparition quarters, Remus however refused to let her actually go beyond the barrier's might. She stopped momentarily as Remus and Sirius swept across the borders and turned to wave at her.
"Together then?" Remus asked Sirius who nodded briefly as he locked arms with him.
Crack
Having years of experience with Apparition, the swirling sensation that came along with the ride didn't even bother the two Marauders anymore. They couldn't even feel it. As soon as their feet hit the pavement, Sirius slightly lost his balanced. He launched himself on his friend's back who grunted in infuriation as Sirius regained it. "Oh Padfoot, what am I going to do with you."
"Remus,"
But before Remus could enquire he gasped as he blankly starred at the front door that was half off its hinges, widely open. He side glanced at Sirius who looked aghast.
"Harry," he mumbled softly. They both without hesitation holstered their wands, not knowing what to expect. Sirius looked over his shoulders and held his breath at the sight of the empty street. The hooded figures that had once stood across the street were nowhere to be seen. Sirius had to shake his head to get images of Harry, Ron and Hermione being tortured by Death Eaters out of his mind. They entered the main hallway cautiously, listening intently for any sudden movements. At the sound of the creaks coming beyond the upper levels, Remus grabbed Sirius' wrist as he made motion to climb the stairs.
"Easy, Sirius...it sounded like whoever's upstairs is making their way down here." He looked to the left side of the banister, "You stay behind that, I'll be right here," Remus said pointing to the right side of the staircase. Sirius held his breath as he heard murmured voices along with soft thuds coming down the stairs,
"Where did they disappear off too? It was him right? It was Potter."
Sirius' heart quickened in beats at the mention of his Godson's name.
"What are we going to say to him? There's nothing here worthy enough to bring to him...he's not going to be happy."
The three Death Eaters that Sirius saw through the window this morning were now in plain sight, standing within the walls of the former Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. Remus saw Sirius searching for his gaze for approval to strike. Remus nodded, distinguishing Sirius' enquiry.
"STUPEFY!"
All three Death Eaters fell to the floor motionless.
"That should be all of them...there weren't any other Death Eaters this morning apart from the three of them." Sirius nodded at Remus as he tried to maintain control of his heart rate. His attempts were futile as he flew up the stairs in frenzy.
"HARRY! Ron, Hermione!"
He ran in the room where the three Gryffindors inhabited earlier this morning before he left, but was struck with excruciating disappointment. He whipped around at the noise Remus made with his presence. "They're gone, Remus. They're not here...what the bloody hell happened here? How did this place end up getting compromised?"
Remus' eyes widened at Sirius' comment, "Sirius, we can't stay here. The Fidelius Charm has been breached. This place is no longer hidden. Whatever happened they must know that the protection of Grimmauld Place has been infringed. They won't come back here. We have to get a move on."
"But to where, Remus? How are we going to find them...Harry's hurt, I can't just..."
"Godric's Hollow."
Sirius gasped, "You think they've gone there?'
Remus nodded fervently, "Yes, if they haven't yet they will eventually. We'll Apparate there and lie low, keeping a look out for them." Sirius put his hand against his forehead, shaking his head rapidly in disbelief. Remus approached him and placed his hand on his shoulder,
"It's going to be okay, Padfoot. Their smart kids, they'll look after themselves. Dumbledore wouldn't have entrusted them with this mission if he didn't think they couldn't handle it on their own."
"It's not like Harry had much of a choice," Sirius said harshly, "he's the Chosen One."
"Come on Sirius," Remus squeezed his shoulder, "Let's go."
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Harry finally opened his eyes and was overwhelmed by colors by gold and green. He had no recollection whatsoever of the events that had just happened; he only knew that he was lying on something uncomfortable, with what seemed to be poky objects sticking in his back. He squinted as the sunlight slightly burned his eyes; he blinked and then realized an object near his face had begun twitching. He immediately pushed himself up and recognized the object to be that of his friend's Ronald Weasley's foot. Hastily looking around his eyes spotted Hermione, and saw that they were lying on a forest floor. Thoughts of the Forbidden Forest, to Sirius entered his mind but deteriorated instantly at the sight of Ron's body. Ron gave a low groan and Harry started crawling to him. Blood drenched the whole of Ron's left side. His face was drained with a dreary lifeless color of pallid.
"What's happened to him?"
"Splinched," said Hermione, she was already fumbling things out of her bag and busy with Ron's sleeve where the blood was the most significant. She pulled out a small bottle labelled Essence of Dittany, as Ron let out another wail at the sight of his bare upper arm, with great chunk of flesh missing.
"He's fainted." Hermione said as she poured three drops of the potion on the bleeding wound. Within seconds the wound now looked several days old, with new skin stretched over it.
"He's lost a lot of blood," Hermione said faintly, looking quite pale herself.
"Hermione," Harry said pulling Hermione's gaze away from Ron's tattered body. "Grimmauld Place...what's going to happen if..."
"Harry, I don't think we're going to be able to go back there. When I went after Ron, he was outside on the only hidden step. I startled him and he lost his balance, and tumbled down the steps...in plain sight of the Death Eaters. Since Dumbledore died, we're Secret Keepers...the door was open when Ron lost his balance so I don't know if they were in on the secret but as we Disapparated, Yaxley caught hold of me, and I couldn't get rid of him and he was holding on when we went back within the border of the Fidelius Charm's protection... he already saw the inside of the main hall from the open door, so he slackened his grip and I managed to shake him off."
Harry looked horrified. It took several minutes for him to find his voice,
"Hermione, but then...hang on, then has Grimmauld Place been compromised?"
Hermione's eyes sparkled with unshed tears, "We've given him the secret, haven't we?" Harry remained silent. He knew she was right.
"I'm so sorry, Harry..."
Harry raised his hand to silence her, "It's not your fault...wait, Sirius! Remus! What if the Death Eaters get them? They won't be expecting them? They don't know that the Fidelius Charm's protection has been breached." Hermione looked at him with wide eyes as he slowly tried to get up on his feet. Unsuccessfully, he swayed and fell rigidly on his back, crying out in pain.
"Harry, are you all right? Here..." She gave him a vial containing some of Andromeda Tonks' homemade brewed remedy. As soon as the vial's contents were emptied, Ron groaned softly.
"How are you feeling?" Hermione said inaudibly.
"Lousy..." Ron said, looking around him, "Where are we?"
"In the woods where they held the Quidditch World Cup. I wanted some place enclosed," Hermione added at Harry's and Ron's baffled expressions.
"Do you reckon we should move on?" Ron asked Harry who was stilling thinking about Sirius and Remus.
"I don't know..." Harry frowned at Ron's slight groan of annoyance but paid it no more needed attention as Hermione immediately sprung on her feet.
"Where are you going?" asked Harry.
"If we're staying, we should put some protective enchantments around the place," she replied, raising her wand.
"But we're not...we're going to Godric's Hollow." Both Ron and Hermione stared at him in scepticism.
"What?" Harry asked, slightly taken aback. "We were going to go there anyways...I told you that Sirius, Remus and I were talking about it last night. Now that I think about it," Harry said turning to Hermione, "Since we had this conversation last night, maybe Sirius and Remus will go there, thinking that we'll end up going there sooner or later. What do you think Hermione?"
Hermione gave him a significant look before answering, "You're right...and actually, I was thinking apart from you wanting to go there and Sirius and Remus will most likely end up there...it all makes sense."
"What does?" Harry was at a lost. He glanced at Ron who seemed to be incensed.
"Well the sword, Harry! Dumbledore must have known you'd want to go back there, and I mean, Godric's Hollow is Godric's Gryffindor's birthplace! Don't you think Dumbledore wouldn't have expected you to make the connection? Remember Muriel, Ron's aunt at the Wedding...she said that Bathilda Bagshot still lives in Godric's Hollow...what if Dumbledore entrusted her with the sword!"
"Yeah he might have! It does make sense...Dumbledore probably thought Vol-"
"Don't say his name!" Ron hissed. Harry and Hermione gave each other uncertain looks which apparently caused Ron to be filled with more anger, "Oh remembered me, have you? You two carry on. Don't let me spoil your fun. Just call him You-Know-Who from now on."
"Fear of a name..." began Harry.
"Shut up! In case you haven't noticed mate the people calling him by his name usually doesn't do them any good in the end. Just – just show You-Know-Who some respect?
"What did you say...respect?" Harry said in a very anger filled controlled voice, resembling that of his Godfather's. "What's your problem?"
Ron shook his head, "There's no problem."
"Enough with the bullshit, you've obviously got a problem so why don't you spit it out." Harry said aggressively.
"It's not like I'm having the time of my life here! With my arm all mangled up after being splinched! I just hoped, you know, after we've been running around a few weeks we'd at least achieved something!"
"Ron, what are you saying? We've brought Sirius back, we've gotten the locket, we're going to Godric's Hollow because the Gryffindor sword might be there giving us a chance to destroy one of the..."
"Yeah, one of the horcruxes! It's been nearly two months since we've been on the run and we've only managed to get one Horcrux! And the only reason we're going to Godric's Hollow, is because Master Harry..."
"I'm sorry...Master Harry?" Harry said, his temper rising.
"Yes, Master Harry only wants to go there hoping to be reunited with his precious Godfather, about the only thing he cares about..."
"Ron! Sirius has been presumed dead for nearly two years! You know better than most people what Sirius means to Harry after all he's been through!" Hermione had tears streaming down her face as she yelled at Ron.
"So," Harry said, managing his temper to its limit so he could find his voice again, "what part of it isn't living up to your expectations? Did you expect that we'd be finding a Horcrux every other day?"
"We thought you knew what you were doing!" shouted Ron, attempting to stand up. Harry's entire body shook with a new rage. Ron's words had pierced right through Harry in an unexpected fashion.
"Sorry to let you down! I've been straight with you from the start! I told you everything Dumbledore told me!"
Hermione gasped as she watched the locket around Ron's neck, dangle with a slight grace. "Take off the locket, Ron. You wouldn't be talking like this if you hadn't been wearing it for days now."
"You said it too, Hermione!" Ron shouted pointing his finger at Hermione, whose heart froze at his tone,
"You said you were disappointed and that you hoped he had a bit more to go on."
"Harry, I didn't mean it like that..."
"Don't lie!!" Ron bellowed.
"Why are you still here then? Leave then...what good are you anyways. Just causing needless pain and I can testify to that. Weren't you the one that nearly killed me with the Cruciatus Curse!?"
Ron stared at him blankly as if he received a huge blow to the face. Hermione gasped,
"Harry, you can't say that! You asked him to, you made him swear! And besides, if he hadn't Sirius would still be stuck in that limbo."
Harry bit down his tongue. He knew Hermione was right, he knew he was shouting meaningless and unjust words at Ron. He just wanted to pierce him like Ron had done to him earlier.
"Maybe I will go home then. It's all right with you two isn't it; with your family safely out of the way...I have to worry every single second about my family. You take everything so lightly, Harry. You didn't even care about the Death Eaters teaching at Hogwarts knowing that Ginny's going there!"
"My parents are dead!" Harry bellowed, "The closest thing I have to family is Sirius and even Remus and they're in the same situation as we are if you haven't even noticed! If it wasn't for you acting irrationally back at Grimmauld Place, we'd still have a safe house. But no, you had to go outside, lose your balance and reveal the secret to them. Now thanks to you it's compromised and you've sent Sirius and Remus back to a house full of Death Eaters...who's in serious danger now? Your family or mine?! My parents are dead, don't you forget that!"
"Mine could be going the same way!" Ron yelled back. Harry raised his eyebrows,
"Then go. Go back to them." Harry and Ron glared at each other. Harry felt a deadly hatred towards him; something had indeed broken between them.
"Leave the Horcrux," Harry said bitterly. Ron yanked the chain from over his head and tossed it to Harry's feet. He then turned to Hermione,
"What are you doing? Are you staying, or what?"
"I..." She looked torn in two halves. "I'm staying. We'd said we'd help and..."
"I get it, you choose him then...I've known all a long."
"Ron please don't leave...you're hurt. You're in no fit condition to..." But before she even took one step forward he Disaparated on spot. Hermione fell onto her knees in anguish. Harry gave her a moment or two to herself, to gather her discomposure before he hobbled to where she now stood and put his arm around her.
"I'm sorry, Hermione."
She shook her head, "It's not your fault, Harry." She turned to face him, "Are you okay? How are you feeling?"
Harry grinned reluctantly, "Could be better...come on, let's go. Do you have everything?" She showed him her hand bag that she clutched firmly in her right hand. Harry nodded,
"I just hope Sirius and Remus are there..."
Crack
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Hey!
So sorry for the delay of this chapter. I've been extremely busy lately and on top of that really sick! So I barely managed this chapter at all this week....how I did it was quite the miracle. I know that I mentioned that there would be related events to Dumbledore and Godric's Hollow in this Chapter...but I've decided to leave that for the next Chapter. They were briefly mentioned in this Chapter but I think this Chapter had way too much going for it anyways. Thanks again! I appreciate your patience and adore my regular reviewers!
Take care, and don't end up sick like me!
Love always,
xoxo