It took two weeks before they finally got word back from Viktor Krum. In that time, The Order was scouting for locations in which they could set up the perfect ambushes, far from muggles and would givem the greatest advantages. Everyone who was staying at the Flamel house was training to fight, or in the case of anyone under sixteen, Learning how to help Molly Weasley with any wounded they might have when it was over.
From sun up until sun down, Everyone was training or planning for what they all hoped would be a serious turning point in the war. Yet the mood wasn't grim, or even tense. In fact, there was a growing excitement in the air. Nearly every night, everyone gathered around a lengthen table to share supper and just talk about anything. It was a true communal experience in many ways. Everyone helped everyone else, all of them working for a common goal. Voldemort's fall. Hermione commented one night that she was sure that it would be here that a new stronger and better government would be born.
after nearly two solid weeks on non stop preparation, Mad-Eye Moody felt that it was time for everyone to take a break, and so he convinced Amelia Bones to order a day of rest. It was on this morning that Harry rose earlier than he had been. Despite the fact he was still recovering, he had taken part in all the training he could. He was often sent back to bed by someone, but as he got stronger, and was forced to retire a little later each day.
Harry awoke just as the sun was rising over the eastern seaside, feeling Daphne's soft breath on his neck, where she had snuggled closer to him the night before. He smiled, and softly stroked her bare arm, loving the soft purr she made at his touch. As gently as he could, he slipped out from her embrace and snatched up a pair of shorts to cover himself.
He was a bit surprised that he was awake at all at this hour, as the night before, Daphne had broached the subject of their hurried lovemaking. She had expressed concern that they weren't truly enjoying the experience each time because they were preoccupied by the war or something else. So Harry decided he would rather not talk about it, and spent the next five hours showing her that nothing else in the world mattered more to him than her happiness. He felt he could have gone a bit longer, but apparently, Daphne just couldn't keep up. Of course she blamed it on the fact that she had been training harder than he had been, to which he pointed out he was always sent back to rest.
Still, in the end, Nothing felt better to have the woman he loved fall asleep wrapped in his arms. As he looked at her, clutching the sheets where he had been a moment before, looking so utterly at peace, Harry was reminded once again why he was fighting at all when it would have been so much easier to run away. He could easily take Daphne and run far away, but he would be robbing others of moments like this, and Harry was positive that every single being deserved the happiness he was feeling right then.
A light tapping on the bedroom window broke him from his moment of reflection, and he saw a very large barn owl staring at him with a large envelope. Harry softly opened the window and allowed the owl to come inside. He took the envelope and the owl left immediately, not even waiting for a treat or water. Harry slipped his fingers under the seal and took out the folded parchment.
Harry,
I have been wondering when you would write me again. I would have written myself, but you must have been hidden quite well. My owl could not locate you. Please do not expect your owl back for a few days. She was quite tired when she reached me. I am guessing she has not bee out for a while. Do not fear, she is being taken very good care of.
Much has happened since I last wrote you. As promised, I have been trying to recruit people to your cause, as my government did not wish to get involved. Much has changed. First off, and I still can not believe it, I have raised an army, and it is well supplied. I must admit, I did not do this on my own. I was unaware of how well you are known in my country and in areas surrounding. We are all awaiting word to come and join you. I received the message galleon, and keep it with me at all times. You only need send us a location.
Now for the best part. It seems that things between your "new government" and the governments of several countries are not well. From what I have gathered, war has been threatened on several occasions. This Dark Lord is promising that soon he will begin launching campaigns against other countries. I have it on very good authority that Bulgaria is now willing to lend you resources, though it would be in secret, unless war is actually declared. The International confederation of Wizards is most anxious to avoid war. I am hoping you understand my meaning.
Please send word soon. Your army (ha ha) is most anxious for this threat to be dealt with.
Ever your friend,
Viktor.
"OH HELL YEAH!" Harry shouted gleefully, startling Daphne awake. She nearly tumbled off their bed as Harry leapt onto it to kiss her deeply, before tearing out of their bedroom shouting for everyone to awaken.
Sirius was the first to make it to the sitting room, followed closely by Neville. One by one more and more residents finally appeared, all bleary eyed and confused.
"Harry, for Merlin's sake, we were supposed to be allowed to sleep in." Tracey bellowed over the cacophony of voices. Harry noted that she and Susan were standing quite close, and the memory of what Daphne had told him popped into his head. He was a bit confused at why they wished to keep it a secret, but knew it was their business.
"What's in your hand, Harry?" Neville asked, and Harry smiled, holding up the letter.
"I just got this a few minutes ago." He said loudly, causing everyone else to quiet. "Two weeks ago, we were struggling to figure out how to make our plans work. Our wish is to cripple…" Harry grimaced as he hated using this nomenclature for their enemy. "You-Know-Who's forces in one fell swoop. Our problem was a lack of manpower, as many former members of the Order no longer wish to fight. We bear those people no ill will. Many of them, as well as some of you here still have family inside Hogwarts. That problem has been effectively solved. We have an army. This is including help from Bulgaria's government and the International Confederation of Wizards. We've but to send the word."
There was a long pause of silence as Harry's words sank in. Harry simply watched, waiting for the outburst he knew was coming. Sure enough, the entire house exploded in cheers. Hugs, Handshakes and back pats were the order of the day as relief washed over every single person.
"What's our next step?" Someone asked and Amelia answered, calming the room with waves of her hands.
"First, I think it's critical we get all these people here to us. It will make things much easier if we're all in one place. Owls can be intercepted and things might get confused. This way, We'll be able to solve problems quickly. We'll need tents."
"I'm on it." Mad-Eye Moody shouted, and tapped Fred and George Weasley to follow him out of the house.
"Harry, did Viktor say how many people were coming?" Amelia asked. Harry shook his head sadly, but Amelia didn't let that deteriorate her good mood.
"Well, I guess we'll find out when they all arrive. Go ahead and signal Viktor that they should start coming right away. Tonks, Remus, We'll need to get plenty of food."
"Dobby can help with that." Harry remarked, and Amelia nodded and smiled her thanks. She began organizing groups for jobs in preparation of the new arrivals.
Sirius went over to Harry who offered the secret Galleon. As Sirius was Secret Keeper, only he could give out the location of the Flamel House. Amelia began ordering people to various places to prepare for arrivals, while she sent others to set up food for everyone.
It was six hours later before the first group arrived. The wards flared, and Sirius along with a few others ran out of the house, heading for the Portkey arrival spot on the north end of the beach. Harry wanted to go with Sirius, but as they were not yet sure of what they were getting, and a bit of suspicion and worry had managed to grow regarding the trust worthiness of Viktor Krum, it was decided he should remain close to the floo and an emergency portkey should they be betrayed.
Sirius returned fifteen minutes later along with a tall smiling figure Harry had not seen in far to long.
"Harry!" Viktor grinned as he clasped Harry's arm and pulled him into a friendly embrace. Viktor was just as imposing a figure as he'd always been, though Harry was sure he was more muscular now. He'd grown a thin, well trimmed beard, and allowed his hair to grow out a bit. He was flanked with several other imposing Bulgarians that Harry felt he should know.
"Viktor, it's truly good to see you again. Thank you, for everything you've done for us."
"Think nothing of it. If one Dark Lord is allowed to rise, we all will be made to suffer in time. Many of my old school friends, as well as nearly everyone on my team were willing to help. We also found quite a bit of help within our ministry, and that was before the change of heart. I actually had to turn people away as they were to young or... to old to fight. By the way, I have a gift for you."
Viktor turned and a tall boy, that Harry thought he recognized as being a Durmstrang student that had been at Hogwarts during the tournament stepped forward carrying a very familiar and rather upset looking owl.
"I do not thinks she cares much for portkeys, eh?" The boys said, handing over Hedwig to Harry, who affectionately stroked her breast feathers and allowed the bird to nip his ear in welcome.
"It's very good to see you girl. I'm so very proud of you."
Hedwig puffed herself up and hooted with pride, before turning to Viktor and narrowing her eyes at him.
"She deserves many treats for her courage." Viktor said. "And even more for having the indignity of being forced to travel by portkey."
Hedwig lessened her glare and took off for a rest somewhere in the house.
"Viktor, Let me make introductions." Harry grinned, clasping the Bulgarian's arm again. The next six hours came with many more surprises. Viktor had not been joking in his letter. While Bulgarians made up the bulk of the over two hundred people who congregated on the island, there were also, Austrian, Albanian, Spanish, and French Aurors and hit wizards. This was made quite apparent when Fleur Delacour, Bill Weasley's fiancé shrieked with joy when two men appeared along with Bill and Arthur Weasley.
"PAPA!" She leapt into the first man's arms and was twirled around shrieking in French. A little while later, when Fleur had managed to calm down, she introduced her father, Sebastian Delacour and his lifelong friend, Laurent Beauton.
"Ah, Monsieur Potter, Eet has been quite a long time since ze tournament, no. Eet is with great 'onor that I am too inform you of ze ICW's wish to zee zis … er, how you zay, problem? Dealt with all haste. We 'ave brought no less zan twenty 'it wizards from Spain, France and of course Italy. The Italians or, if I may be so 'umble for my own nation, ze best. Use them wisely."
"Mister Delacour, I will never be able to express my sincerest gratitude to you or the ICW or any one of these people enough." Harry said, giving a bow. Sebastian and Laurent both bowed in return. Amelia stepped up, and it became clear that she was familiar with Sebastian Delacour.
"I can't believe this." Amelia shouted. "You volunteered for this?"
She began leading them away, but not before Harry heard Sebastian say that there were rumors that she was not only alive, but leading the resistance alongside Harry.
"I'm just going to go get acquainted with our new guest." Sirius said, giving Harry a pat on the shoulder, and walking quickly to catch up to Amelia and her friends.
"Jealousy doesn't suit him at all." Daphne smiled as she sidled up next to Harry who was standing on the porch watching people coming and going. Many of the new comers were seeking out prime locations for their tents, while others were introducing themselves to members of the order, or fellow foreigner. Harry was surprised at the amount of camaraderie that was already happening, not to mention how quickly they had managed to get organized. Harry had already learned that they were making up squads, and putting together a sort of staff so that they wouldn't have to try and speak to everyone at once.
"I can't believe this is all happening." Daphne sighed, hugging her boyfriend, who smiled, and kissed her cheek lightly. "If this works, the war could be over before Christmas."
"Christmas?" Harry asked, appalled by her suggestion. "Baby, I plan on ending this before the new school term begins."
"That's optimistic." Daphne smiled, liking Harry's enthusiasm.
"We have two horcruxes left. With the sheer amount of support we have, we can double what we had initially planned. All that would be left is to storm the castle and end his life."
"Do you really expect him to stay there after he loses his army?"
"I've already thought of that." Harry smiled. He kissed her once more and turned to head back into the house. Daphne stood there for a moment, trying to figure out what Harry was talking about. It suddenly occurred to her that he had more plans brewing. Plans he hadn't told her about.
"Harry Potter you get back here this instant!"
"I want you to reconsider." Hermione said softly as she sat next to Neville on the shore. The sun had only just fallen below the horizon, leaving the sky tinged crimson. Neville was staring serenely at the beauty of the sunset, reflecting on all he'd done in the last two years, not the least of which was making Hermione Granger fall in love with him. He smiled softly and took her slender hand in his and raised it to his lips, placing a long sweet kiss on her palm.
"It's suicide, Neville, and I won't let you do it." She said firmly, her voice wavering a bit. He could tell she was trying to appear stern, but he knew what she was feeling, because he was feeling it too.
"We've been over this, sweetheart." He smiled gently, turning to look at her. His heart skipped at the grave look of her beautiful face. "Sacrifices need to be made. This is mine."
"there are other ways." Hermione argued. "He'll probably be among all those Death Eaters we lure out."
"You know as well as I do that there's no guarantee of that." Neville said flatly, squeezing her hand comfortingly.
"I don't want you to go. Not alone. Not this way." Hermione said, her stern exterior crumbling away.
""I don't want to go either. But I've thought a lot about this, and I talked with Harry and we think…"
"You talked with Harry?" Hermione shouted, pulling away from her boyfriend. "You talked to Harry about this and you two decided that this was the best course of action? I can't believe you two!" She stammered, getting to her feet to head back to the house. Neville was on his feet and ran to stop her.
"I talked to you first, Hermione. I didn't do this behind your back, if that's what you're thinking."
"Yes, and as I recall, I told you back then there had to be a better way." Hermione struggled out of his grasp, anger clear on her face. "I thought we had an agreement, Neville. I thought I meant more to you."
"Agreement? What agreement?" Neville looked puzzled. Hermione's mouth opened in horror and she began to cry in earnest.
"Us, Neville. You and me. How can you have forgotten, you asked me just over there." She pointed toward a group of trees. Neville stared at her, his face still puzzled and then it hit him all at once. He had all but forgotten, and now he felt ashamed of himself. He head sagged and Hermione came forward grabbing the front of his shirt, forcing him to look her in the eye.
"You asked me to marry you right over there." She said through her tears. "You said that you wanted to be with me for the rest of your life. To be my husband."
Her voice was fading as her sorrow overpowered her. She fell into his chest and he wrapped his arms around her and held her as tightly as he could.
"I'm so sorry, Hermione." He said over and over again. "I meant every word of it then, and I still feel that way right now. You are my whole reason for living and fighting. Every morning I wake up and see you curled in that tight little ball, I can't help but smile at how lucky I have been. But all of that changes nothing, and deep down you know that I'm right for once. It has to happen this way. It's the only way to ensure Harry gets that horcrux and that You-Know-Who is finished."
"Then why do you need to go alone?" Hermione tried. "He won't be alone. You know he won't."
"Yes he will." Neville said softly. Hermione slipped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her. Neville's heart hurt as he held onto to the slender girl he loved so deeply. "He's bound by the laws of the Ancient and Noble houses."
They fell silent as Hermione let her tears stop on their own, Neville just holding her. She couldn't help but feel love for the man who held her. He was selfless and humble. He lived for her every moment of everyday. As much as she hated it, she could not fault him for wanting to carry out this task, not just for Harry and the rest of the world. Not just for his parents. Not even for her, the woman he loved with his entire being. He needed to do this. For himself.
That didn't mean she had to like it at all.
Finally she began to pull away from him so that she could look him in the eyes. It hurt her very deeply to see the sorrow for what he was about to do in his eyes. She could tell that he was upset only that he was disappointing her.
"I love you." She said, her had cupping his cheek. Neville leaned into her touch and sighed. "I want you to know just how much you mean to me."
"Hermione, I've never once doubted your feelings for me. I've only doubt my worthiness of you."
"Well then I want to alleviate any lingering doubts you have before you go. Because I want you to come back to me. I want you at my side until we're very old, and have great, great, great, great grandchildren. So, tonight. I want you to take me to bed, and I want you to make love to me until I pass out."
Neville smiled and pulled Hermione to him, kissing her soundly, his fingers threading into her hair as he pressed her even closer, before sweeping her up into his arms and carrying her back to the house, to their bedroom where he tore off every stitch of clothing on her slim body and devoured her for hours.
Neville did not sleep that night. In fact, he stayed awake and watched Hermione sleep, stroking her hair and committing her image to memory. At half past four, he slipped out of bed, dressed, grabbed his wand and slipped out of their bedroom.
He had expected to slip away unnoticed but he was very shocked to find Harry awaiting him in the kitchen.
"I thought I might have been staying awake for no reason. I actually hoped she might have been able to talk you out of it." Harry said in a near whisper. Neville sighed, and took a seat across from his friend.
"Harry, I want you to know that you've been the best friend I…"
"Stop it. We're not doing this." Harry said, holding up his hand in protest. "We're not saying goodbye today Neville. I refuse to do it. Which is why I want you to take this."
Harry slid something across the table into Neville's hands. Neville took the item and his eyes went wide with awe. Harry was giving him the sword that Sirius had gifted to him. Neville was truly grateful, but shook his head, attempting to give the sword back to its owner.
"Don't." Harry said. "I want you to take it and drive it right into LeStrange's heart. This isn't me doubting your abilities, or thinking you're not going to make it back. This is me telling you, Neville Longbottom, to end the LeStrange Line for all they've don to your family, to my family, and to every other wizarding family. This is me telling you to not mess around, or drag this out. You go and you end this thing as quickly as possible and you come back here and you marry Hermione and you get on with the life that is rightfully yours, do you understand me?"
Neville just stared into the burning emerald eyes of his friend and nodded slowly. They rose from the table together, and Harry went to the fireplace with Neville, giving his friend a tight embrace before offering him the floo powder.
"I'll see you this afternoon." Neville smiled gently. "And you'd better have good news to report."
"If you're not back by the time Sirius and I are, we're coming for you."
Neville nodded and stepped into the fireplace. He dropped the handful of sparkling dust and said, "Longbottom Manor." In a flash of green flames, Neville Longbottom was gone. On his way to meet his destiny.
Sirius was the first to step out of the Floo, followed a moment later by Harry. The first thing they noticed was the stench of decay.
"I thought so." Sirius said as he opened the little pantry door where Kreacher's nest was hidden. There on a pile of very dirty blankets, surrounded by trinkets from all over the house, lay Kreacher, stone dead, and decomposing.
"Check out what he was hoarding, maybe he's got it." Harry suggested, trying not to vomit from the smell. Sirius gingerly pulled out the blanket with Kreacher's corpse and began sorting through all the heirlooms. There were fine silver goblets with the Black family crest, a jeweled box, a pearl necklace, that Sirius refused to touch with his hands, at least ten different women's shoes which Sirius was certain had belong to his mother, and a broken music box.
"No locket." Sirius gasped, still trying to keep from gagging. "Before we leave, remind me turn burn him."
"So I guess we just do this the old fashioned way." Harry shrugged, and headed out of the kitchen followed closely by Sirius.
"We can start in Reg's room, then spread out." Sirius said, heading up the stairs to the third floor. "When are you going to tell me?"
"Tell you what?" Harry asked, looking confused.
"Where Neville went." Sirius looked over his shoulder. "I'm not an idiot, Harry. I could tell something was going on with him and Hermione yesterday, and whenever I saw you and Neville look at each other, you both seemed to tense up. Then there's the fact that you were up extremely early this morning, and let's not forget the concerto Hermione performed for all of us last night. I swear for being so bright, she can be quite forgetful. It isn't that hard to remember silencing charms."
Harry snickered a little. "When this is over, Daphne's going to give her no end of grief for that. While we were still at Dumbledore's house, we were beginning to think they were forgetting them on purpose, just so we'd know when they were together."
"I'm happy for you." Sirius said as he reached the third floor. "For all of you. It's truly a gift to find someone you care for, and have them reciprocate those feelings. And if Neville comes back, I plan on giving those to a whole world of shit. So are you going to tell me?"
Harry sighed and followed Sirius to the end of the hall and into a very ordered bedroom.
"Your brother was kind of a neat freak, wasn't he?" Harry said looking around.
"No, he was just Kreacher's favorite. Given the layer of dust, I'd say that elf's been dead a few months. Now spill it boy."
"Alright, alright." Harry said, shaking his head at his godfather and turning to look through the desk. "Right after we saw Mrs. Longbottom, Neville got the idea to challenge LeStrange to a duel. Given what we learned about the vaults and all and the fact that the last horcrux is in there, Neville felt we need to get access to that vault."
"Obviously." Sirius shrugged, emptying out the wardrobe.
"So, he got in touch with Gringott's and with their help, wrote up a challenge contract. He invoked a lot of traditions, stuff I've never even heard of, and can't really remember, but all to ensure that it was just he and Lestrange. He kept it quiet because he knew that the more people knew, he'd have that many more people trying to stop him. Daphne doesn't even know."
"So why'd he tell you?" Sirius turned to look at his godson, who turned and leaned against the desk he'd been searching.
"Because he's sure he's not going to survive. His plan is to kill LeStrange, but he's sure it's going to cost his life to achieve that. So, he put an addendum in place. If both Neville and LeStrange die. Both Vaults fall to House Potter. He made sure I'd be able to get in and get the last Horcrux."
Sirius looked as if someone had just run up and smacked him in the face with a raw fish. There was a long silence as the two men stared at each other before Sirius found his voice again. This war is costing far too much. We haven't even reached the apex and too many people, good people are dying."
"I'm afraid for him. But I have faith in him as well. In a way, I think he's been preparing himself for this all along." Harry admitted. "To be honest, no matter what happens, I'm afraid for Hermione. She's so strong normally. She loves him so much, I just don't want anything bad to happen to him, for her sake."
Sirius nodded sadly. "I wish you guys had told me before this. I feel like I've let you all down somehow. In fact, all that time you guys were missing, I was constantly second guessing all I'd done. I felt like I failed you all."
"how the hell did you come to that conclusion?" Harry wondered.
"Guilt and self pity. Amelia constantly reminded me that I'd done a very good job preparing you lot."
"You love her, don't you?" Harry asked. Sirius sputtered for a moment before sighing and nodding his head.
"Come on, let's find this thing and get back. We still have loads to accomplish."
Harry took a few moments to center himself. He hadn't done this since that night at the cave, and was worried that he wouldn't be able to do it again. Then again, there was the chance the horcrux wasn't even here. That perhaps Sirius' brother had in fact managed to destroy it.
When he opened his eyes again, he allowed his magic to reach out. He was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of residual magic within the house. He now understood why Dumbledore had taken him out of Hogwarts to train. Though he had managed to seek out that tiara in the Room of Requirement. He just had to filter out anything that didn't feel familiar to him.
Harry began to wander about the house with Sirius on his heels. In each room he was searching out the familiar disgusting feel that Lord Voldemort's dark magic filled him with. Twice he felt that he was close, but in those rooms, Harry and his godfather found nothing.
Still they continued. Harry was determined to find some sign of the Horcrux, though with each room, the chances of finding the damned thing decreased significantly. It was in the attic when Harry's shoulder's sagged in defeat.
"I don't think it's here." Harry sighed.
"It was a shot." Sirius said, patting his shoulder.
"What could he have done with it?" Harry asked, turning to follow his godfather back to the kitchen.
"Maybe he destroyed it." Sirius said flatly.
"That's a big maybe, Sirius, and I just don't feel like taking that chance."
"I know Harry, I know."
They entered the kitchen once again when Harry was suddenly hit with a wave of nausea. This time, it wasn't from the stench of Kreacher rotting corpse.
"Sirius, It's here. It's in here somewhere." Harry had to grab the door frame to keep from falling over. "And it's strong. Stronger than any of the others. I think it was on of his first ones."
"Where?" Sirius asked, looking all over as if the Horcrux was going to jump out and wave at them. Harry rushed forward, going to his hands and knees and squirming into Kreacher's hidey-hole. It was quite dark, so Harry brought up his wand, lighting it so he could see.
It was much smaller than the cupboard he had once lived in, and far more disgusting. There was a stench of urine mixed with decay, and Harry dry heaved for a minute. He moved the wand all around in every corner, searching for the horcrux he was sure was hidden somewhere in this tiny little pantry.
Yet there was nothing. It was empty save for some maggots that had likely been feasting of Kreacher. Frustrated, Harry shouted and pounded his left fist into the wall.
And that's when it happened.
Harry never would have seen the little hole, it had been covered so well. But Harry's fist broken through the thin stone that hid the little pocket inside the wall. Gently, removing his hand, Harry aimed his lit wand into the hole, and there, laying on a dirty handkerchief was the locket that had once belonged to Salazar Slytherin. Harry reached up, and started to grasp the locket when it suddenly shivered.
Harry drew his hand back, startled by the bizarre behavior of the seemingly innocuous object.
"It's afraid." Harry said to himself. "It knows it's in danger."
"Harry?" Sirius called.
"I found it." Harry said, once again reaching up to take the locket. His fingers clasped the chain and slowly he freed the locket from it's prison, before slithering out of Kreacher's pantry.
"He'd hidden it in the wall." Harry said as he stood up and set the locket on the table.
"Rather unimpressive looking, isn't it?' Sirius commented.
"That's the beauty of these things. No one would ever suspect that something so sinister was inside."
"So how do we destroy it?" Sirius asked.
"With this." Harry smiled, pulling the Sword of Gryffindor out of a small pouch he'd had in his pocket. When Sirius looked like he was about to inquire, Harry simply smiled and said. "Hermione."
"Ah." Sirius nodded his understanding. "Shall we get on with it?"
"Hold the chain. It knows it's in danger." Harry said heaving the sword over his head. Sirius grabbed the chain, attempting to keep his hands out of the way. Harry brought the sword down, and just as he was about to cleave the horcrux, it skittered out of the way.
"You're joking." Sirius remarked, letting go of the chain and shaking his hand like it had just been dipped in something truly foul.
"We'll be at this all damned day." Harry groaned. He rook a step back to try and think of something. He stared at the locket for several moment before his gaze locked onto the serpent S on the front.
"I have an idea." Harry said, handing the sword to Sirius. "I'm going to open it. When I do, stab it."
"Ok." Sirius shrugged. He readied himself, aiming the point of the sword right over the locket.
Harry stared at the locket, and took a deep breath before hissing in Parseltongue. At once the locket popped open, and Harry and Sirius found themselves staring at a pair of sinister red eyes.
Sirius didn't hesitate. He slammed the sword right through the locket and through the table before the cursed thing could try and escape again. There was a blast wave that knocked both men away and an unearthly scream echoed throughout the Black house. Harry's head knocked into a large cabinet and several plates fell, smashing on the floor and his head.
Sirius was a bit luckier, his back taking most of the abuse as he slammed into the wall.
From the hall, Mrs. Black's shrieks echoed those of the horcrux. Sirius ignored the portrait as he got to his feet to check on his godson, who was rubbing his bleeding head and slowly sitting up.
"Did we do it?" Sirius asked, helping Harry to stand.
Harry looked at the smoldering locket and sighed.
"Yeah. It's destroyed." Harry smiled. Sirius sighed as well, before reaching over and tugging the sword of Gryffindor out of the table. The locket fell onto the floor with a light clatter, and Harry went around to collect it.
"Why are you taking it?" Sirius asked.
"I want to give it back to You-Know-Who. I think he'll appreciate it." Harry smiled wickedly.
"Are you sure about that?" Sirius chuckled.
"Let's get out of here." Harry said looking around the kitchen and lingering on Kreacher's body.
"Sure thing. Let me just do one thing." Sirius grinned, walking out to where the portrait of his mother was shrieking like the damned. Harry followed, his curiosity growing with every step.
"Betrayer! Shame of my loins!"
"Goodbye mother." Sirius laughed, aiming his wand. "Incendio."
The portrait burst into flames. Sirius threw his head back laughing as he stepped back and watched the maniacal portrait burn.
"I think you have a few issues to work out." Harry said as Sirius grabbed him by the shoulder and began leading him back to the kitchen and the floo.
"Like you could resist doing something similar if it were a picture of the Dursleys." Sirius remarked. Harry stared at Sirius a moment before relenting, causing Sirius to laugh even harder.
"Wait, should we just leave with a fire burning like that?"
"Don't worry. The wards will keep any damage inside the house. The muggles are safe."
"bit irresponsible, isn't I?"
"Harry, I could, I would tear this place down to the foundations. I will be very happy to never set foot in this hell so long as I live. Now, if you don't mind, I'd really like to go home now."
Harry nodded, and as Sirius set Kreacher's corpse aflame, they stepped into the fireplace and activated the floo back to Flamel house.
Sirius was extremely happy that he would never see that house again. Nothing he had ever felt was as liberating as staring his mother in they eye and lighting her on fire. Though his real mother wasn't nearly as nice as the portrait, it had still been freeing. For the rest of his life, whenever he would think about his last act, he would fall into fits of crazed laughter that would sometimes worry friends and family.