Disclaimer

I don't own Harry Potter.

If fact, if you get down to it I probably own very little of the ideas being used in this story. But I am not getting paid for them and have hopefully put them together in a new and interesting way.

Enjoy.

Chapter 12

With all four founders on board Luna and Susan got stuck into the business plan while Harry and Hermione worked on the test version of the linked cabinets. Susan was positive that it would be a desirable product and having it ready for when they actually started their business would help get income rolling in that much quicker.

Hagrid also came through with their mole skin pouches and gave them some good instructions on how they were made; mostly just tying into the magic already present in the magical mole variant.

As for Dumbledore, Harry decided the aging professor was having a temper tantrum. He had continually stated he was too busy and had nothing new for Harry whenever he asked. Their special session had pretty much stopped since Harry got the memory from Professor Slughorn but now they seemed dead in the water. Harry was more than a little worried as to why.

Hermione was rather concerned as well but wasn't going to waste time trying to figure out his thought processes; choosing instead to focus on their own training, studies and projects.

As such it was now late January and they were taking the time to work on their own projects. Harry had some parchments with designs scribbled on them that he was tweaking or annotating as he worked on attaching his mole skin pouch to Nicki's harness. Hermione was inscribing the last runes on to the paired boxes.

"Done." Harry looked the harness over. "That should be perfect. We just need to complete the potions now and I can put them in."

"That's great." Hermione didn't look up. "They should be done in the next few days."

"That's actually something of a relief." Harry admitted as he folded the harness away into his bag to return to Nicki later. "We're nearly in a position to fight back seriously if we have to."

"I know." Hermione dusted of the surface she was working on to inspect her work. "These should be done today too."

"I can't wait." Harry grinned. "They should be a lot of fun."

"I know." Hermione flashed him a quick smile. "If we get this working and all the potions done in the next couple of weeks then we should take some time for fun during the Hogsmeade weekend."

"That sounds like a good idea." Harry nodded. "We get any school stuff out of the way first thing and then just enjoy ourselves. Perhaps a picnic?"

"Might be a little cold but we've got magic, we'll make it work." Hermione agreed. "I'm sure the others would love that too."

"We could get butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks on the way too." Harry grinned.

"Yes. Now shut up and let me finish this so we can go." Hermione teased him. "You work on your modifications. You've already got my thoughts."

"I'm not sure what else to do." Harry admitted. "I need to talk to a proper boat builder about finalising the hull shape and size before I can finalise the interior."

"Then study Runes and Arithmancy more. They will be the basis of pretty much everything we do to it."

"I know." Harry grinned at her, already having pulled one of those books out of his bag.

Hermione saw it and huffed at him before returning to her own work.

!SB!

Their trio of friends had a lot of fun playing with Hermione's linked boxes, passing notes and small items between them. They also though the idea of a picnic on the Hogsmeade weekend was a great idea.

"I was planning on going a bit later." Luna commented. "I could leave after you all and we could test the boxes to make sure they still link over a longer distance with the school's wards in the way."

"That's a good idea." Daphne agreed. "If these work then they will be great for helping up keep in touch. Imagine a box with multiple drawers, each one linking to a similar box."

"Sounds like a muggle post office." Hermione chuckled. "But that would work for letting us all send each other messages. Perhaps even a special tray or slot that will copy the note to all the drawers."

"We are going to do some serious planning over the summer." Daphne stated. "There is so much potential here. I really want to join your company too, I just won't have the time while I get mine one off the ground. At least let me help out for free samples."

"I think we can come to some arrangement." Susan teased.

"Rather Slytherin for a Hufflepuff."

"Just loyal to my future business partners."

"Just make sure I have one of your linked boxes direct to you so we can keep in touch." Daphne insisted.

"Of course." Hermione replied. "You're a friend. Plus you have to keep Harry updated on his investment."

"Although I she has an office with ours then she could deliver those updates in person." Harry noted. "Seriously though, I like having you around so I definitely want a means to keep in touch."

"Thank you." Daphne smiled. "I'd like that too."

!SB!

It was that evening that Neville nervously approached Harry. Harry was reading a book on Arithmancy, specifically looking at how Arithmetic Patterns can boost spells, runic arrays and other abilities.

"Uh, Harry?"

"Hi Neville. What's up?"

"I was hoping you could look at this and tell me what you think." Neville handed a stack of parchments over.

"Sure." Harry marked his place and closed the book. "Ah, this is your proposal. Let's see..."

Neville stood there shuffling nervously as Harry read through the document.

"Well, you've put a lot of thought into this. Can I get Hermione's opinion too?"

"Sure." Neville nodded.

"Thanks. We'll work through this in detail and get back to you." Harry told him. "But it looks promising."

Neville nearly sagged in relief. "Thanks Harry."

Hermione was more than happy to help Harry work through the proposal and the sat at an empty table and got to work.

"Don't you two ever get tired of working?" Ron grumped as he slumped into a chair at the opposite side of the table. "Give school a break for once."

"Actually, very little of the extra work I've been doing has been for school. It's been for my own interests or the future." Harry replied absently.

"Huh?" Ron looked confused. "You're doing that now?"

"Sure. Why not?" Harry shrugged.

"But... It's over a year before we even finish school." Ron pointed out.

"I know. So what? There's nothing wrong with planning ahead." Harry replied. "Besides, most of what I seem to be doing is helping other people start businesses."

"So you're going to use your fame to get other people money?" Ron scoffed.

"No. I examine their business proposal and decide if I want to buy a part of their business to provide them funds to get started." Harry corrected. "I dare say that having me as a part owner will help them but all I'm doing is help them get started."

"So you're just giving your money away? To complete strangers?"

"The correct term is 'Investing'. It's a gamble but that's what these proposals are for; to help reduce the risk by seeing how serious they are and how much thought they've put into it." Harry explained. "If I can help them succeed then everyone wins."

"So you'd give money to just anyone?"

"Not quite." Harry shook his head. "They need to be serious about trying to make their business a success."

"You never made that offer to me." Ron huffed.

"You never had a plan to start a business." Harry countered. "And I didn't know about this sort on thing until Daphne told me about it. But, if you want to start a business, give me a proposal and I'll seriously consider it."

"Did I hear you right?" Lavender interrupted. "You'll consider any business proposal?"

"Consider, yes." Harry nodded at her.

"For any sort of business?" Lavender deliberately popped a shirt button to expose more cleavage as she leant forward. "You're willing to... negotiate?"

"Of course." Harry didn't visibly react to his view of her cleavage down the front of her shirt. "But, based on your current display, it seems we will have to include a few additional items to the list to be negotiated. I'm just not sure we want to be discussing just how much... 'access' you are willing to give me and what it would be worth."

Lavender blushed at straightened. "What happened to you? Last year you'd be all blushing and flustered. Now you're not only totally calm but you're even making me blush."

"Lots happened." Harry stated bluntly, killing that line of conversation.

"Ah..." Lavender was visibly flustered. "Anyway, you'll consider any sort of business?"

"Pretty much. But I expect a serious business proposal. You'll have a lot of things to think about and work out before I can make a decision." Harry suddenly smiled reassuringly. "You've over a year to figure it out. Or longer if necessary. As long as you take it seriously I'll give you all the time you need to get it right."

Lavender nodded thoughtfully and looked over a Parvati.

"I always thought it was a long shot." Parvati commented. "That it'd never happen. Do you really think we can?"

"It is a long shot." Lavender agreed. "But if Harry is willing to gamble on us then I really would like to try and make it work."

"Me too..." Parvati agreed. "Time to get to work."

"Yeah." Lavender grabbed her friend's arm and rushed to their dorm.

"What sort of plan do you think they'll come up with?" Hermione pondered.

"Dunno." Harry shrugged. "But they seem determined. More determined than I've ever seen them. Ever."

"Same here." Hermione agreed. "I guess I'll be getting a lot of questions soon."

"I wouldn't be surprised." Harry grinned at her.

Hermione huffed at him in fake indignation.

"You know," Harry mused, "I get the feeling that I'm going to be getting a lot of business proposals in the near future."

"I guess you'll need to hire me to sanity check them for you then, won't you?" Hermione teased.

"That's actually a good idea. What's your going rate?"

Harry laughed as he had to dodge her irate attempt at punching him in the arm.

!SB!

Harry sighed. Again.

"How did you talk me into this?" Harry grumped as he pulled at his collar.

Luna giggled. "There were so many conversations I think I've forgotten too. I'm pretty sure lots of kissing and fondling will be due afterwards though."

"We could skip the party and get straight to that?" Harry offered.

Harry ducked Hermione swatting at him as the other girls laughed.

"Honestly." Hermione scolded. "Professor Slughorn has been on at us to bring you for months. The least you can do for us is come to one of his parties. He does have some very interesting people show up."

"Why are you so against going to these things anyway?" Daphne asked, amused by his discomfort.

"Because I'm pretty sure no one will give a damn if Harry Potter shows up, they just want to see 'the-boy-who-lived' or 'the-chosen-one' or whatever hyphenated rubbish they're calling me this week." Harry growled.

"Good point." Daphne admitted. "But I have to say that 'we' care that Harry will be attending with us, even if no one else is. Thank you for accompanying us."

"You look very handsome." Susan added.

Harry gave them a nod and managed a small smile as Luna took his arm. "And you all look beautiful."

"Thank you. It's time to go though." Hermione said. "And please just try and make the best of it for us."

"I'll try." Harry gave another sigh.

The left the room they had gathered in and headed down to Slughorn's party. From the firmness of Luna's grip on his arm Harry wasn't sure if she was just excited to attend, or attend with him, or was keeping him from making a last second escape.

Harry didn't even get time to take a deep breath before being led into the room the party was being hosted in.

"Ah, Harry." Professor Slughorn homed in on him immediately. "Wonderful that you were able to come tonight. Let me introduce you to a few people..."

Harry hid a whimper at the sudden onslaught. "Hi Professor. Sorry I've been so busy that I couldn't come until now."

"That's alright, you're here now." The portly professor whisked Harry away from the girls. "Let me introduce you to..."

"Shouldn't we rescue him?" Luna asked.

"Slughorn's not letting him escape for a while yet." Daphne snorted. "We'll let Harry suffer for a bit then go help him."

"He won't thank you." Hermione pointed out.

"Do you honestly think we have any chance for getting him away from the professor anytime in the next hour?" Daphne asked rhetorically. "If we try too soon we'll just make things worse."

"She's right." Susan agreed. "At best all we can do is go with him."

"Well? It's better than standing around here." Hermione stated. "Wait. Where's Luna?"

They looked around in time to see the younger blonde rejoin Harry and hand him a drink.

"It looks like she beat us to it." Susan chuckled. "Come on."

Harry soon found himself surrounded by the four girls for the rest of the night.

!SB!

The following evening Harry was in the library with the four girls who were now his near constant companions and both Hannah and Tracy when they interrupted by Lavender and Parvati.

"Um, sorry to bother you." Lavender hesitantly handed over a scroll of parchment. "I was wondering if you could take a look at this. It's just a rough idea but do you think it might work?"

Harry read the scroll. "I really wouldn't have a clue. Hermione?"

Hermione leant over to read the offered scroll. "A joint beauty salon and store. That's pretty common in the Muggle World. They do tend to stock the products they use to sell to their customers so this joint store/salon idea is a little redundant."

"Well," Parvati spoke up, "I was thinking of sell more than just those products. By working together we can share the load. Being based in Hogsmeade we think our busiest times will be the Hogsmeade weekends. For this sort of thing our initial customer base would be people around our own age but that would grow as new students find out about us and graduating students have families and bring them to us."

"We think this slow growth will better allow us to meet the growing demand." Lavender added.

"There are training courses on this at Muggle tertiary institutes or dedicated Beauty Schools." Hermione mused. "You could get some formal training on some things. There are also a huge range of muggle suppliers of beauty products. "

"Something to look at." Lavender agreed. "This is just a rough idea. If you think it could be something then we know we would have to do all that extra work to make sure we do it properly."

"I dunno." Harry looked around the girls at the table. "Would any of you be interested going to a place like this?"

"I'd give it a try." Tracy admitted.

"I would as well." Daphne agreed. "If you were good enough then making an appointment before a formal event, like a ball, would be good to ensure I am properly presented. I would need to trust you to present me properly though."

"We could do a trial run for free before the event to make sure." Lavender offered.

"That would be enough for me to give you a try." Daphne inclined her head to the Gryffindor girl politely. "I think targeting students is wise though; they would be the most willing to experiment with this and you can advertise your services before you graduate. Whatever you what to say about the Weasley twins, they certainly let everyone know about their business and got people interested in it. That's what you need to do. If you are really serious about this then you need to get your plan sorted and spend the rest of this year and all of next year getting people interested."

Lavender and Parvati looked at each other.

"Thank you. You've all given us some very good advice." Parvati spoke for them both. "We'll think about this very carefully and get back to you."

"You're welcome." Daphne gave her a nod.

After the Gryffindor girls had left Susan cocked her head at the Slytherin girl and asked a question. "Potential customers for your business?"

Daphne snorted involuntarily. "Nice guess."

"You're a Slytherin. You look out for your own self-interest." Susan shrugged.

"True, but that doesn't mean I can't help someone even when my own benefit is minimal or zero." Daphne commented. "It's just less likely. Though Harry's generosity seems to be rubbing off on me; do you think he might be contagious?"

"So I'm some sort of virus now?" Harry sighed. "At least that one is original."

!SB!

"Yay." Luna bounced in her seat next to Harry. "Picnic Day."

"You've been waiting for this since we decided to go, haven't you?" Hermione smiled.

Luna nodded vigorously. "I have. Even if I have to catch you up at lunch-time, it will still be great. Harry can escort me around Hogsmeade afterwards."

"Want him all to yourself?" Susan teased.

"Yup." Luna leant into Harry's side. "You'll have him all morning while I'm meeting with Professor Flitwick."

"Are you all set for that?" Harry asked, trying to change the subject.

"Yes. It's just to discuss a Charms Project so it's not anything that major." Luna replied. "It means we can test your boxes too."

"All set to send a message at 11:30 then." Harry repeated an earlier decision.

"Of course, and I know exactly what I want to say. It'll be a good test, going through the school wards. Just don't start lunch without me."

"We won't." Harry promised with a chuckle. "Speaking of which, I should go and get it. See you all at the carriages?"

Hermione nodded. "Don't let Dobby go too overboard."

Dobby was his usual hyperactive self as he greeted his favourite human and filled the basket with large quantities of food, even with Harry's constant assurances that it was too much. Harry was very glad that the basket was enlarged internally and lightened; there was no way he could pick it up the largess Dobby provided otherwise.

The first thing Hermione did when he re-joined them outside was lift the basket's lid and inspect the contents. Then shut the lid in a very deliberate motion.

"If this is how much you got, even when trying to limit his generosity, then I dread to think how much you would have gotten if you'd let him run wild." Hermione shook her head.

"A full Hogwarts sized feast probably." Harry grinned.

Hermione nodded in agreement with a wiry smile in return. "Well, we won't go hungry."

"For the rest of the year." Harry added.

Hermione laughed and helped him get the basket into the next carriage where they were joined by Susan and Daphne for the trip to the village.

"So, where to first?" Susan asked.

"I need school supplies." Daphne mused, "I've used a lot more than I thought I would. We should go to Honeydukes before lunch too."

"I don't think we'll need anything extra for lunch." Harry commented.

"Perhaps not but we probably won't spend much time in Hogsmeade after lunch while you will be there with Luna. You will want to get your shopping done first so you can carry her bags. We can bring your things back for you." Daphne pointed out.

"Thank you." Harry replied gratefully.

"Do you have drinks in there?" Susan asked.

"Uh..." Harry checked. "No. Sorry..."

"That's good actually." Susan cut him off. "We can get some butter beer from the Three Broomsticks when Luna joins us."

"Oh, nice."

"Can we..." Hermione started to ask.

"Look at the book store?" Harry finished for her.

Hermione swatted at him. "Yes, I know. I like books. So sorry about that."

"It's fine. You can help me see if there are any that would be good for our summer project." Harry replied as he dodged.

"Sure." Hermione nodded.

"There you two go again." Daphne sighed. "You little project that's supposed to be so good and you refuse to share with us."

"But if we tell you then it will ruin the surprise." Harry pointed out.

"Instead you just torment us with the suspense."

"I thought you would appreciate the Slytherin-ness of it."

Daphne huffed at him while Susan giggled and Hermione gently elbowed Harry.

"He got you there." The laughing Hufflepuff finally to say.

"I will accept that as long as their 'big surprise' is worth it." Daphne stated. "If not then payback will be required."

"I don't think you will be disappointed." Harry grinned.

"I had better not be." Daphne replied primly.

They kept up the light, teasing banter all the way to the village where they began visiting all the shops they had agreed on; and any others that caught their fancy as they wandered the main street, whiling away the hours until they were to message Luna and then wait for her to join them.

They were in a clothing shop while an explosion had them staring around in shock. Screams followed and Harry was in the doorway hunting for the source.

"Damn. Death Eaters." Harry snapped.

"We have to get help." Hermione gasped.

"I'll floo Auntie." Susan said. "Someone send a message to Luna, she can raise the alarm at the castle; it's nearly time anyway. You, where's your fireplace?"

The woman behind the counter hesitated a second before pointing. "Back there."

"I'll be right back. Wait for me." Susan dashed for the indicated door.

She was back seconds later. "Help is on the way. What now?"

"We have to get people to safety so the Aurors can fight properly." Harry replied.

"Then lead on. We've got your back." Hermione drew her wand.

"Damn Gryffindor's." Daphne grumbled but she pulled her own wand along with Susan.

The quartet began waving anyone they saw on the street in through the store's door as they tried to evacuate everyone they could before the fighting reached them.

After that Harry was taking point, sending curse after hex as he tried to take down as many Death Eater's as possible with Hermione as his side and Susan and Daphne covering their backs.

!SB!

Luna sat back and organised her parchments. "Phew, that took longer than I expected."

"But it was very enjoyable." Professor Flitwick replied. "You have a fascinating point of view regarding these things; very refreshing."

Luna smiled as she checked the time. "Oh, I need to do something."

Luna tore off clean piece of parchment and scribbled on it before pulling a box out of her bag.

"Huh?" Luna frowned as she opened it and found it wasn't empty. "What's this... Death Eater attack. Send help? Why would Harry or Hermione say that?"

"Miss Lovegood?" Flitwick's expression turned serious.

"Hogsmeade is under attack." Luna realised. "Right now. We have to get help immediately."

"I will alert the Headmaster." Flitwick hurried for his fireplace.

"I have to go help." Luna got up.

"You won't help anyone in that state, nor by running off by yourself. Wait until we have a group together and go with them it will be safer and more effective. Headmaster's Office. Albus, we've jsut received word that there is a Death Eater attack in Hogsmeade. Yes, I'm sure; I don't think either Mr Potter or Ms Granger would joke about that. Alright. Meet you there."

"Well?" Luna demanded.

"Take a deep breath. Getting upset will not help anyone. We are to assemble in the Entrance Hall."

"Then what are we waiting for." Luna was already at the door.

!SB!

Harry watched the third group of students escape through the floo, heading for St Mungo's so their injuries could be treated. When the last had gone they headed back outside. The Aurors had finally arrived and were fighting back, pushing the line of battle back towards the edge of the village so they were in a relatively safe area.

Or not.

Multiple cracks announced the arrival of a dozen Death Eaters. Harry reacted immediately and two were sent flying as he dodged incoming spells but the three girls were not so lucky as and they got a first-hand taste of the Cruciatus Curse, their screams breaking Harry's concentration.

"Drop the wand Potter, or your friends die." A masked Death Eater ordered.

Harry hesitated but they were too far away from anyone else for help to arrive before his friends would be killed. He had no choice but to let his wand fall from his hand.

It was promptly summoned into another Death Eater's hand as the group clustered around them and the tug of a Portkey whisked them away.

!SB!

Luna was very angry, not an emotion she normally felt. She had been forbidden to join the teachers heading down to the village to help fight and been tasked with accounting for all the students returning to the castle. She desperately looked for any sign of her four friends but to no avail. They were not to be seen.

News came in the worst possible way.

Malfoy sauntered up to her. "Don't bother. I saw them get taken to pay the Dark Lord a little visit. One they won't survive. Good riddance I say. And you won't be far behind them."

Luna wished she could blast the smug Slytherin through a wall as he re-joined his jovial friends but knew she was outnumbered. Harry, Hermione, Susan, Daphne, all at the mercy of a merciless evil wizard, she had to fight off tears. Surely there was something she could do to help them. Looking back at Malfoy an idea struck her. It was stupid and risky but it just might provide enough of a distraction for them to escape.

The blonde Ravenclaw turned and ran; not fleeing but with determine purpose. She mentally ran through everything Hermione had told her about the boxes as she climbed the steps towards the seventh floor and prayed to anyone who was listening that she was about to do the right thing.

!SB!

Harry picked himself up off the ground from where the portkey deposited him and looked around. The grounds and manor could have been impressive but there was just something about them that ruined any positive impact.

"Malfoy Manor." Daphne recognised their location.

"I'm not surprised." Harry gave her a nod as the four students were jerked along with their captors. "It's just like them; well-presented but hollow and tacky when you take a second look."

Harry winced as he was struck from behind.

"Shut up and keep moving. The Dark Lord will deal with you soon enough."

"Wow. Lucy Malfoy is just like his son. Always using someone else as a threat." Harry snorted before being struck again from behind.

They were hauled into the Manor building and through the oppressive corridors and into a large Ballroom with a throne at the far end.

An occupied throne.

"Ah. Well done; you finally manage to bring me Potter." The self-styled Dark Lord, Tom Riddle, aka Voldemort greeted them. "Bring them before me."

The quartet of teens were brought before the snake-faced wizard.

"My Lord. Their wands." The Death Eater Harry guessed to be Lucius Malfoy handed the four wands over.

"A nice present." Riddle accepted the wands. "Your arm, Lucius."

Lucius bared his left arm and bit back a hiss as Riddle pressed a finger into the magical tattoo on his arm.

"The faithful will want to witness the destruction of Harry Potter. And his death will herald the beginning of the end of all resistance to our rule." Riddle crowed. "Do you really think you could escape me for long, Harry Potter? No one escapes me; Lord Voldemort always wins."

"Lord Voldemort also sounds like a twit talking about himself in third-person." Harry commented.

"Crucio." Riddle used Harry's own wand against him.

Harry couldn't hold in the scream as the torture curse bit into him.

Riddle released the curse. "We shall see how long you keep you impertinent tongue. You will be begging me long before then end when I, the merciful Lord that I am, grant you the release of death."

Harry wanted to throw out another retort but a mass of Death Eaters began filling into the room. Some looked to be injured and must have come from the fight at Hogsmeade.

"Welcome, my faithful brothers." Riddle greeted them grandiosely. "I bare glad tidings."

Harry muttered something but the lack of sound indicated he had been silenced at some point and he had to suffer a long winded speech as the self-declared dark lord bloviated to the crowd of masked followers.

He didn't bother listening, he cared more for a means to escaping but there was no way he could free himself and not get his three friends killed in the process. He felt his palms literally itch with the desire to draw one of his blades and cut the evil wizard down. But that would cost his friends their lives. Even in the resulting chaos there was no way he could free all three of them and the crowd of Death Eaters would be hard to escape on his own let alone with people to protect.

He would just have to take what came and hope for an opening later. If only he had been alone when they jumped them in Hogsmeade. He would happily have tried to cut down as many as possible before either they fled they got lucky.

And help would be a long time coming, if any came at all. They might not even know they were missing yet, let alone where they were.

Harry gritted his teeth; this was going to hurt. At least Riddle seemed arrogantly overconfident and might just make a mistake. He just needed to spot it and exploit it. At least he could see Nagini behind the throne watching the proceedings; one opening might be all he needed to end the dark bastard. Permanently.

If only he could ensure the girls was survive. Harry silently prayed that he could at least get them out, even if he couldn't save himself.

Then Riddle turned everyone's attention on him.

"Harry Potter. The so called boy-who-lived." Riddle sneered. "His life is now in my hands, to be ended at my whim. But first, he needs to learn just how powerless he is before me."

Harry didn't have any time to do anything before Riddle had flicked the wand in his hand at him. Harry's body jerked as his clothing was torn off him and scattered against the back of the room. The assembled Death Eater's laughed and jeered at his nude form as the wand centred on him,

"Crucio." Riddle enunciated and Harry's senses were engulfed in agony.

Hermione struggled against the restraining hands but all she got was a blow to the back of her head that made her ears ring and knees buckle. She could only watch in total helplessness as her best friend lay naked on the ground screaming while all the Death Eaters laughed and jeered, alternating between praise and encouragement to their master and insults at Harry. The level of depravity this group had sunk to was sickening.

The Dark Lord alternated between long torture sesson and taunting the teen before him taking pleasure at his helplessness.

"Did you really think you could oppose me?" "When Lord Voldemort decides someone much die, then they Die." "No one can escape me." "No one can beat me." "Lord Voldemort's will is absolute."

"Lord Voldemort still sounds like a twit talking about himself." Harry gasped, prompting another round of the Cruciatus Curse.

"Do you really think mocking me is the wise thing to do?" Riddle sneered.

"Sure. You've already lost." Harry croaked out before spitting blood.

"Crucio. It doesn't seem that way to me."

Harry forced himself upright, using the time to get his mind working better. "You go on and on about how great you are, but you are yet to actually prove it. You let your slaves here take all the risk and refuse to face an opponent at full strength if you have any other choice. You and I have never fought at full power. You've only ever done it after I've been worn down by others, and after a torture session is possible. I'm only a student, what's got you so scared of me?"

"I fear no one. I have no reason too; I have already proven my immortality." Riddle retorted.

"They why do you refuse to face me at full power?" Harry managed a grin.

"Crucio!" Riddle snapped. "You forget who you're talking too. I rule here. 'I' decide who lives and dies and 'I' decide how."

Riddle left his throne and sauntered towards to the other captives. "Take Miss Greengrass for example. I had such high hopes for her line, but it seems their line has turned to treason against their own kind. Miss Bones' family has long been so inclined. Perhaps we can ensure their children are more properly educated. Crucio. Crucio. A gentle taste of what awaits you if you don't behave."

Daphne and Susan were left on the floor, quivering uncontrollably after their short exposure to the powerful unforgivable curse.

"And then we have the mudblood who thinks she's a witch. Did you really think you could ever reach our level? Did you ever think you could be our equal?" Riddle sneered. "Let me show you where you belong."

A curse leapt from the wand tip, but it wasn't the Cruciatus Curse he had been using before. This spell melted her clothes and bit into her side, forcing an agonised scream from her throat.

Harry had finally regain enough control of his body to kick out at Riddle's leg, knocking him off balance and ending the curse mere moments after it began.

"YOU DARE STRIKE ME?!" Riddle bellowed and repeated the curse, but targeting Harry this time. The caustic spell lashed over his right side from neck to thigh, catching his arm in the process.

Riddle followed that spell up with many more, inflicting numerous small but painful injuries against the already badly injured flesh. Harry was forced into a ball on his uninjured side in a vain attempt to escape the pain.

"My Lord! My Lord!" A Death Eater burst into the room.

"Crucio!" Riddle cut the Death Eater down for interrupting him. "What do you think you are doing?"

"But, My Lord, your orders." The man gasped from the floor.

"I'm listening." Riddle was not pleased.

"We have word; the Malfoy kid has the cabinet working."

Riddle's face slowly twisted into a please smirk. "Excellent. Rabastan, Rudolphus. Assemble two dozen of the faithful and prepare to leave. I will summon Severus for the latest about Hogwarts and to ensure his assistance as you execute your mission. If you do well, there may be a reward for you." A glance towards the three girls told everyone what the reward was going to be. "If you fail then hope you die in the attempt; far worse will await you here. GO!"

Riddle touched the mark of the nearest Death Eater before grinning at Harry. "So, it seems this day will see the end of both Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore. I will enjoy your despair when I finish you off, the despair on knowing there is absolutely no hope for you anywhere. I will destroy you so completely that even your closet friends will curse that you ever existed. Take them to the cell and chain them to the walls. No one is to touch them without my express permission."

Harry was levitated off the floor and the four prisoners were taken deeper into the manor house and into the basement where a room had been set up to hold captives. There shackles were locked around their wrist and ankles and the room emptied and the door was locked with an ominous clank.

There was a long silence in the room.

"Is everyone okay?" Susan finally broke the silence with a shaky voice.

"I'll live." Daphne groaned. "But that hurt. I can see why it's an Unforgivable. How can anyone enjoy using that on someone?"

"Because they're sick." Hermione hissed in a tightly controlled voice as she struggled with her own pain. "If that's a shining example of being a Pureblood, I'm happier as a mudblood. At least I'm human, unlike those animals."

"Are you okay?" Susan asked.

"No." Hermione replied. "Harry? Harry? Please, Harry, say something."

"I'm here." Harry finally gasped. "I'm sorry."

"Shut up." Hermione ordered. "You didn't do anything wrong. Thank you for distracting him. I'm really sorry you got it so bad though."

"No, I'm sorry I couldn't stop him from hurting all of you." Harry's voice revealed just how much pain he was in.

"Shut up Potter." Daphne snapped. "You did more than anyone else could have. Susan and I only got minor taste compared to the two of you. There is nothing you could have done better. It's a pity he didn't go for your plan."

"Huh?" Susan asked.

"Harry tried to turn it into a one-on-one duel, but He didn't go for it." Daphne explained.

"It might have gotten you three out of here at least." Harry commented.

"Do we have any ideas on getting out of here?" Susan asked.

"We are chained to a wall in the middle of an army of Death Eaters and no one knows where we are. What chance do you think we have?" Daphne snapped. "Unless you have some trick to get us free."

"Harry?" Hermione asked quietly.

"Yeah. They're coming." Harry replied after a moment's concentration.

"Who?" Susan asked in shock. "Who's coming?"

"Friends of mine." Harry replied.

"Thank Merlin." Daphne breathed a sigh of relief.

"Can you still fight?" Hermione asked. "You got hurt really badly."

"You know our preparation. It's still our only chance." Harry grimaced as he shifted causing him many wounds to flare. "I don't have a choice."

"Can I ask one thing?" Daphne spoke up.

"Sure." Hermione was looking for anything to keep her mind off her own injuries.

"That Death Eater that showed up at the end. He said something about Malfoy. Any idea's what that was about? If it was Draco Malfoy are they about to attack Hogwarts?"

"I think so." Hermione replied.

"Ssshhh." Harry hissed.

Hermione clammed up and shook her head at Daphne.

Daphne nodded; they might not be alone as they thought.

Hermione looked over at Harry, distracting herself from her injuries by planning how to treat Harry; his wounds were easily visible on his still naked body as blood ran down his arm, side and leg before joining a slowly growing pool on the floor at his feet.

Daphne had her own method of distracting them. "I know this is inappropriate but I have to say, Harry, you have a nice looking penis."

Harry managed to look up at her in surprise while Susan coughed and choked.

Hermione didn't help. "I've thought so for a while."

"What?" Daphne stared at Hermione. "I thought you two were very much 'not' like that."

"We aren't. But last summer we were in France together. Did you know they have nude beaches there?"

"You went naked in public?"

"No, just in the privacy of the Delacour's house there. Fleur invited us to visit and got us into it. Harry is the only boy to have seen me naked. Well, my Dad has but not for years before I even started at Hogwarts."

"What's it like?" Daphne asked.

"Embarrassing to start off with but actually quite fun and freeing when you get used to it; which only takes an hour when everyone else is already naked." Hermione told her. "Watching Fleur having sex with Harry was more embarrassing actually."

"Not that that stopped you watching." Harry gasped.

"I think Fleur wanted me to watch. I think she was hoping for me to join you both for a threesome."

"That could have been fun." Harry could only summon a half-hearted chuckle.

"Sorry. I'm firmly of the belief that sex should only be between two people. You and Fleur will just have to try seducing me individually."

"Still sounds fun." Harry managed send some semblance of a smile at her. "Do I get to watch?"

"Pervert." Hermione scolded without any heat or anger.

"Like you didn't enjoy watching me and Fleur."

"Well, she is really beautiful." Hermione admitted. "Though so are Susan and Daphne. And Luna."

"Agreed." Harry nodded.

That got the Hufflepuff and Slytherin girls involved and they bantered with each other in a highly risqué fashion while they waited.

!SB!

Nicki hated seeing the torture her master had gone through. Hated It. But it did give her the opportunity to repair the damage she had taken when she had been torn from Harry's body. The damage, while significant, wasn't enough to incapacitate her for any more than the few seconds it took her repair the damage. She also managed to gather the remnants of Harry's clothing before hiding under the invisibility cloak she had folded in way back during the summer.

She tried to leave when Harry floated out but the mass of Death Eaters moving around to prepare for the coming attack on the school made it too risky. She was now left trapped in the Dark Lord's Throne Room while said Dark Lord relaxed in his throne with a pleased expression.

The next time the door opened, hours later, was another opportunity lost as she recognised the person entering the room.

"Ah, Severus, you finally arrived." Riddle greeted him.

"I came as quickly as I could, My Lord." Snape bowed. "There is a lot going on and I was unable to slip away and still maintain my cover."

"What news of Hogwarts and the old fool?"

"The school is in a panic with Potter missing. Dumbledore wanted me to find out if you have him and his friends."

"I do. You can even see him if you want."

"That would be my pleasure. To witness the end of the Potter Line and the death of James potter's son would see me celebrating."

"Good. Now, give me details. Who is at the castle? What are their movements? And I want the password to Dumbledore's office."

"Everlasting Gobstoppers, for some reason. There are a few Aurors but they will be leaving shortly, so it will just be the students and staff. And the students are all in their dorms, or the hospital wing."

"Good. Very good. Potter and his friends are in the cell in the basement. Go and enjoy yourself for a bit before returning to the castle. When I signal you, you will head to the seventh floor and away further instructions."

"Yes, My Lord."

"Dismissed." Riddle waved the Potions Master away. "And do not fail me or your death will be slow and painful."

"Yes, My Lord." Snape repeated and bowed before turning and leaving.

He headed straight down the stairs to the cellar and to the room they had converted into a prison cell.

"Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise." Snape grinned as he studied the damage that had been inflicted on the teen. "Such a fitting punishment."

"Fuck you too." Harry snarled. "Are you just here to gloat of is there an actual reason beyond your own ego."

"Arrogant to the end I see. Typical." Snape sneered. "No, I just came to enjoy your suffering. And add to it."

"Like you could." Harry snorted.

"How's this…" Snape leered. "There will be no escape for you. There is no rescue plan. No one will know you are here and no one will come to help you."

"So, you really were always working for Riddle." Hermione growled.

"On the contrary. This order comes from Albus Dumbledore himself. He already figured out you were here. He wants you dead as much as I and the Dark Lord do. Isn't it funny, you were always destined to die. Perhaps you should have died during one of your little ego trips; it would have been quicker. Now you are going to have a long, slow and painful death. But that just makes it all the sweeter for me. I even get to help it along. You should blame yourself for getting so many other people killed as well though. Like your friends here. I am most disappointed you, Miss Greengrass. I expected better from one of the Noble House of Slytherin."

"You're lying; Professor Dumbledore would never do that." Susan protested.

"Actually, we had come up with that theory already." Harry told her.

"What?!" Susan blurted.

"It's the only thing that made sense given the information we had." Hermione said.

"That bastard." Daphne growled. "How can he preach such high-minded ideals and still act like this."

"Easily. His ego is like Jupiter; Huge and full of hot gas." Hermione told her.

"So, that's it? We have no way out?" Susan looked near tears. "My Aunt would never give up on me."

"Little hard to do anything when she doesn't know where you are." Snape grinned. "And now, I get to add to your suffering."

"What? Going to sing? Or just keep talking?" Harry snorted.

"You…" Snape flushed in anger and pulled his wand.

"Just one last thing." Harry interrupted. "You are actively going to keep us here, aren't you? You won't let us escape?"

"No. You are stuck here and I will make sure of that." Snape raised his wand.

Then Snape's body was flung sideways and blood flew, splattering across the wall.

"Means I don't have to feel guilty about that." Harry finished.

Snape couldn't understand what happened; one second he was about to curse Harry and the next he was on the floor, unable to breath. Then the pain hit and he couldn't even scream. His arms worked but he'd lost his grip on his wand. His legs weren't moving though and he was starting to feel cold. Then he saw the blood. It was his. His blood was literally gushing out of a massive wound in the side of his chest. The flow was slowing though, he realised as darkness fell he knew no more.

"Oh Harry." Nicki, now visible, stood before her master fighting back tears at his injuries.

Āsuhāto was out and cutting the chains that held him. "Stop crying and catch him."

Sutābāsuto was standing by the door and the twins were catching the other captive girls as Soyokaze freed them.

"How did all of you get in here?" Susan asked as she rubbed her wrists.

"Later." Soyokaze ordered. "We have to hurry. It won't be long before someone comes to check on why Snape is taking so long."

Hermione ignored her own wounds as she fell to her knees next to Harry. "Nicki, potions. Now! And his spare wand."

Nicki nodded and pulled out the wand and all the potions they had concealed within the moleskin pouch she carried.

Hermione began using everything she could to help heal Harry and managed to at least close the wounds and get both a Pepper Up potion and Blood Replenishing potion down him to help him get mobile again.

"Thanks." Harry was starting to feel his strength return.

"Here, repair his clothes too." Nicki pushed them at Hermione.

Hermione nodded and a few minutes later Harry was dressed and on his feet once more.

"Susan, grab Snape's wand. Daphne, you'll have to get another one." Harry told them. "We need to leave."

"Ready when you are." Susan said as she hurried to get the fallen wand.

"Same here." Daphne agreed.

"Hermione, have you had your wound treated?"

"Not yet." Hermione admitted.

"Then do it now." Harry glared.

Hermione nodded and did what she could before taking a Pepper Up potion herself. "Ready."

"Okay. Nicki, give me the Luck Potion." Harry accepted the small vial of precious liquid.

"I forgot you had that." Daphne whispered in awe.

"I didn't. It should give us the edge we need." Harry pulled the stopper. "We each take a couple of hours' worth each. Then we go."

"Just enough then." Daphne nodded.

"No, only a third." Harry countered.

"But there are ten people here. You only got one full day, didn't you?"

"Yeah, but only four of us need some." Harry passed the measured amount around and took some himself.

"What about the other six?" Daphne frowned.

Harry mentally tugged the six tsukumogami back to him. "They're with me."

Susan and Daphne started as he was suddenly wearing his long green jacket once more and stowing the familiar swords in its depths.

"Let's go." Harry pulled the twin kodachi and headed out the door.

"Wait; what's the plan?" Hermione asked.

"Kill every Death Eater we can." Harry didn't look back; he didn't need to. Hermione was sure she knew exactly what his expression was, and she was glad she wasn't actually seeing it.

Hermione gripped the spare wand Fleur had acquired for Harry tightly as she felt the euphoria of the potion take the edge off the pain of her injuries and hurried after Harry. "Come on."

Susan and Daphne fell in behind their Gryffindor friends and had to pick up the pace as Harry suddenly shot forward at impossible speeds, lightning coating the twin blades he was wielding.

At the end of the corridor were a pair of Death Eaters lounging around, obviously not expecting any threats. Harry covered the distance to them so quickly that they never had the chance to pull their wands before they were cut down.

Harry waited until the girls caught up and took the dead Death Eater's wands.

"Silence me." Harry told Hermione.

A single spell later and Harry was heading up the stairs. There was a fabric-like ripple and then he vanished.

The door at the top of the stairs swung open. A hand flickered into sight momentarily, indicating a direction.

"Let's given him a few seconds." Hermione suggested. "Daphne, make sure you cover our backs."

Hermione waited until she was sure Harry had enough room to work before heading after him.

Harry carefully moved from room to room and left only corpses behind him. Having five blades, three of which were easy to throw and the other two having ranged attacks made for a great offensive. That he was invisible the whole time gave him the element of surprise and very few Death Eaters managed more than a gurgle as they died. The large manor house they had spread out within mean they were in small groups, ten being the largest, and Harry's fast and precise strikes allowed him to kill several before the rest could react. By the time they did he was already engaging the next lot and the trio of girl were in the doorway casting silent spells at anyone who wasn't Harry, or being cut down by him.

Harry noticed the girls were looking a little green at the carnage. "Focus! You can throw up later when we have time."

The upstairs areas were less populated, obviously for more important Death Eaters or friends of the Malfoy's and they didn't run into anything Harry couldn't handle on his own. Usually in under a second.

"Can we leave now?" Hermione asked as they retraced their steps down the stairs.

"Yes; there's just one place left." Harry growled. "I'm ending this now."

"Harry..." Hermione threw her arms around him. "You had damn well better survive this."

"I've come this far. I'm not planning on dying now." Harry told her.

"You don't want us with you?" Susan asked.

"No. I can fight better on my own; I don't have to worry about cross-fire." Harry told her. "Go! Get out of here!"

"See you back at school." Hermione gave him a firm kiss. "For luck."

Susan and Daphne both kissed him as well. "You can never have too much luck."

Harry watched the three hurry off to escape the manor house then had become a tomb for so many. "Right. Time to end this."

Harry turned and marched off grimly, heading for the last room in the house; the Throne Room and its occupant, one Tom Marvolo Riddle.

!SB!

"In there." Daphne pointed. "I saw a fireplace with a floo powder pot on it. We should be able to go straight to the Three Broomsticks and the n the school."

"Good idea." Susan nodded.

There was a flare and a man fell out. They nearly panicked until it was obvious that he was barely alive.

The man seemed to react to their movements and gasped out his warning. "Tell the Dark Lord. The cabinet exploded. Only the Lestrange's made it through. Don't know what happened to them. Everyone else died."

"Reducto." Hermione ended the man's life. "Harry's trap worked."

"Yes." Susan agreed. "Hopefully they didn't survive at the Hogwarts end too."

"You didn't tell me anything about this." Daphne protested as she reached for the floo powder.

"We didn't know you that well back then." Hermione explained as she took her share. "The Three Broomsticks."

Seconds later the three teens were back in Hogsmeade.

"Let me try my Aunt and then we'll head to the castle." Susan told them.

Seconds later the Hufflepuff girl was vanishing into the arms of her Aunt.

"Are you okay? Any injuries?" Amelia Bones released her niece enough to check her over.

"Just a brief exposure to the Cruciatus Curse." Susan replied. "Hermione and Harry took more damage than I did."

"And where is Harry Potter?" Amelia looked around.

Hermione just looked grim. "He stayed. He's going to kill Voldemort. Or die trying."

Amelia's eyes shot open. "Is he crazy? Facing You-know-who alone? Where is he? Where were you all? What happened?"

"You know about the Death Eater's attack on Hogsmeade?" Susan asked.

"Yes. We responded a quickly as possible but they left not much after we got there."

"We were helping to evacuate the locals and students, and fighting off Death Eaters when we had to..." Susan explained what had happened right up until Snape showed up."

"That is just..." Amelia was lost for words about Snape's revelations. "If that's all true..."

"We know." Hermione agreed. "We had the same thoughts when the theory came up last summer. In any case it was right after that that Harry engineered our escape." Hermione stated.

"And the Death Eaters who were there?"

"Dead." Hermione stated grimly.

"And Harry stayed to fight You-know-who? By himself?"

"There is a Prophecy. Harry doesn't want anyone else to die." Hermione fists clenched painfully as she tried to keep herself under control. "But the way he fights... we would just have gotten in the way."

"Right. Malfoy Manor you said? Wait here." Amelia turned back to the floo.

They watched her vanish back through the floo. She returned a few minutes later with a pair of Aurors. These two will escort you back to the castle and guard you. I need to go. I will be in touch later today."

"Keep Harry safe. Please." Hermione tried not to sound like she was begging.

"I will do my best." Amelia promised before leaving through the floo again.

"Come on. Let's get you three to safety." The lead Auror said.

!SB!

Amelia led the contingent of Aurors onto the grounds of Malfoy Manor. The wards seemed to be in disarray and did nothing to impede their progress.

"Any ideas what happened?" Amelia asked the team checking the wards.

"I have no idea. Something big though." Was the reply.

They carefully breached the manor and scoured the building, finding only corpses in Death Eater robes until they reached the room that had been claimed as the Throne Room.

What they found was worse than all the dead bodies in the rest of the house.